Methods of reducing the "killer turn" effect in the posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction / 中华骨科杂志

The reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) through the tibial tunnel is the most commonly used reconstruction technique after ligament injury.However, when the graft passes through the tibial tunnel back to the medial condyle of the femur, a sharp angle is formed at the proximal end of the tibia, called the "killer turn". The existence of the "killer turn" can lead to graft wear and expansion of adjacent tibial tunnel after PCL reconstruction, affecting the stability of the posterior knee joint after operation and even leading to the failure of operation. There are several techniques, such as modifified tibial tunnel technique which the proximal exit of tibial tunnel is located in the inferior and lateral aspect of the PCL tibial anatomic insertion site, increasing the angle between the tibial tunnel and the tibial plateau, creating a tibial tunnel from the anterior lateral side of the tibia, remnant preserving as soft tissue cushion, and inlay and onlay techniques for reconstructing PCL without using tibial tunnel reconstruction, can reduce the "killer turn" effect. The above 6 techniques, theoretically, can effectively reduce or eliminate the "killer turn" effect and improve the posterior stability of the knee joint after PCL reconstruction, so as to improve the clinical efficacy of PCL reconstruction. But, the number of cases using these techniques is relatively small, and their effectiveness, reliability, and advantages and disadvantages for patients still need more clinical practice to further explore and verify.

Causes analysis and coping strategies of posterior laxity after posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction / 中华骨科杂志

It is difficult to maintain the initial posterior stability of the knee after posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Residual posterior knee laxity after operation is a problem of PCL reconstruction. It not only results in abnormal kinematics of the knee, but also leads to secondary meniscus injury and cartilage degeneration of the affected knee, and eventually leads to knee osteoarthritis, which may especially happen with persistent and severe posterior laxity. The main reasons of residual posterior knee laxity after PCL reconstruction are: improper treatment of the posterolateral corner injury, poor positioning of the femoral tunnel, small tibial slope, and unreasonable postoperative rehabilitation. There are some concepts and technologies, such as using artificial ligaments, tibial tunnel fixation with suspensory device or suspensory device combined with interference screws, enlargement of graft diameter, all-inside reconstruction combined suture augmentation, slow and gradual postoperative rehabilitation, which can eliminate or reduce the postoperative residual laxity, in order to improve clinical outcomes after PCL reconstruction. For the patients with flat tibial slopes, double-bundle PCL reconstruction and concurrent slope-increasing tibial osteotomy is suggested. It can reduce the risk of posterior laxity and improve the stability of the knee after operation.

Clinical outcome of arthroscopic anatomic single bundle reconstruction of posterior cruciate ligament assisted by internal tension relieving technique combined with rapid rehabilitation in the treatment of posterior cruciate ligament rupture / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To compare the clinical efficacies between arthroscopic anatomic single bundle reconstruction of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) assisted by internal tension relieving technique combined with rapid rehabilitation and anatomic single bundle reconstruction combined with conventional rehabilitation in the treatment of PCL rupture.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was used to analyze the clinical data of 88 patients with PCL rupture admitted to First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from September 2016 to September 2020. The patients included 65 males and 23 females, aged 18-55 years [(39.3±10.8)years]. Forty-four patients underwent arthroscopic anatomic single bundle reconstruction of PCL assisted by internal tension relieving technique combined with rapid rehabilitation therapy (tension-relieving group), and 44 patients underwent arthroscopic routine anatomic single bundle reconstruction of PCL combined with conventional rehabilitation (traditional group). The two groups were compared before and at 3, 12, and 24 months after surgery regarding the following items: International Knee Literature Committee (IKDC) score, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, Lysholm score, knee motion cycle (maximum stride length, minimum stride length, and stride frequency) and 6 kinematic indicators (angle of forward and back extension, angle of internal and external rotation, angle of internal and external rotation, up and down displacement, internal and external displacement, and forward and back displacement). The Marburger arthroscopy score (MAS) and Professor Ao Yingfang′s improved score by secondary arthroscopy were compared between the two groups at 12 months after surgery. The perioperative complications were observed.Results:All patients were followed for 24-36 months [(25.5±6.3)months]. In tension-relieving group and the traditional group, the values of IKDC score were (71.8±9.8)points and (68.5±6.5)points at 3 months after surgery, (87.6±6.0)points and (87.6±5.5)points at 12 months after surgery, and (95.5±3.1)points and (92.8±11.6)points at 24 months after surgery, respectively. The values were gradually increased, significantly higher than those before surgery [(48.1±16.9)points and (47.1±15.0)points] (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups at each time point (all P>0.05). In tension-relieving group and the traditional group, the values of HSS score were (74.2±6.2)points and (68.4±9.5)points at 3 months after surgery, (91.9±5.4)points and (88.4±4.7)points at 12 months after surgery, and (97.1±2.0)points and (96.2±2.8)points at 24 months after surgery, respectively. The values of HSS score gradually increased, significantly higher than those before surgery [(57.5±17.7)points and (56.8±14.3)points] (all P<0.05). At 3 and 12 months after surgery, the values of HSS score in the tension-relieving group were significantly higher than those in the traditional group (all P<0.05), but others were not significantly different between the two groups (all P>0.05). In tension-relieving group and the traditional group, the values of Lysholm score were (74.2±14.9)points and (70.3±7.5)points at 3 months after surgery, (90.9±6.1)points and (88.7±4.7)points at 12 months after surgery, and (96.9±3.0)points and (96.3±2.8)points at 24 months after surgery, respectively. The values of Lysholm score were gradually increased, significantly higher than those before operation [(48.7±20.7)points and (48.2±19.9)points] (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups at any time points (all P>0.05). At 3, 12, and 24 months after surgery, the motion cycle (maximum stride length, minimum stride length and stride frequency) and 6 kinematic indicators (angle of forward bending and backward extension, angle of internal and external rotation, angle of internal and external rotation, internal and external displacement, up and down displacement, and forward and backward displacement) of knee joint were significantly improved in both groups compared with those before surgery (all P<0.05). At 3, 12, and 24 months after surgery, the forward and backward displacement in the tension-relieving group was significantly decreased than that in the traditional group (all P<0.05), but others were not significantly different between the two groups (all P>0.05). The MAS was rated as excellent to good in 14 patients and fair to poor in 2, with the excellent and good rate of 87.5% (14/16) in the tension-relieving group, while the score was rated as excellent to good in 11 patients and fair to poor in 3, with the excellent and good rate of 78.6% (11/14) in the traditional group ( P>0.05). The Professor Ao Yingfang′s improved score was (10.6±1.5)points in the tension-relieving group, markedly higher than that in the traditional group [(9.6±2.3)points] ( P<0.05). No perioperative complications were observed. Conclusion:Compared with anatomic single bundle reconstruction combined with conventional rehabilitation, arthroscopic anatomic single bundle reconstruction of PCL assisted by internal tension relieving technique combined with rapid rehabilitation have higher subjective function score, better anteroposteric stability during knee movement, and better results of secondary microscopy.

Posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: are the results similar to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction? / Reconstrução do ligamento cruzado posterior: os resultados são similares à reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior?

ABSTRACT Objective: To report and compare the results of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions. Methods: In total, 42 patients were retrospectively evaluated, 20 with isolated PCL injuries (group 1) and 22 with isolated ACL ones (group 2) who were subjected to arthroscopic ligament reconstruction with autologous grafts and followed up for at least two years. To evaluate the results in group 1, objective IKDC and Lysholm scores, posterior drawer tests, and evaluations by a KT-1000 arthrometer were used, whereas for group 2, subjective IKDC and Lysholm score and the Lachman test were employed. To compare groups, objective IKDC and Lysholm scores and assessment via a KT-1000 arthrometer were considered. Results: Intragroup analysis showed improved results for all variables (p < 0.001) in both groups. Comparisons between groups showed a significant difference in objective IKDC scores (p < 0.001), but no such disparities for Lysholm ones (p = 0.052), clinical tests (p = 0.058) or evaluation by KT-1000 (p = 0.129). Conclusion: Treatment restored knee stability and function in both groups. Comparisons between groups showed that PCL reconstructions had inferior results than ACL ones according to patients' objective IKDC scores. Level of Evidence II, Retrospective Study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Reportar e comparar os resultados da reconstrução do ligamento cruzado posterior (LCP) e do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA). Métodos: Foram avaliados retrospectivamente 42 pacientes: 20 com lesão isolada do LCP (grupo 1) e 22 com lesão isolada do LCA (grupo 2), submetidos à reconstrução ligamentar artroscópica com enxertos autólogos e acompanhados por pelo menos dois anos. Para avaliação dos resultados no grupo 1, foram utilizados o escore do International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) objetivo, escore de Lysholm, teste da gaveta posterior e avaliação pelo artrômetro KT-1000; e, para o grupo 2, foram utilizados o IKDC subjetivo, escore Lysholm e teste de Lachman. Para comparação entre os grupos, foram considerados o IKDC objetivo, escore Lysholm e avaliação pelo artrômetro KT-1000. Resultados: Ambos os grupos demonstraram melhora dos resultados na análise intragrupo em todas as variáveis (p < 0,001). Na comparação intergrupos, observou-se diferença significativa no IKDC objetivo (p < 0,001), não sendo observada diferença no escore Lysholm (p = 0,052), nos testes clínicos (p = 0,058) ou na avaliação pelo KT-1000 (p = 0,129). Conclusão: A estabilidade e função do joelho foram restauradas em ambos os grupos. Na comparação intergrupos, a reconstrução do LCP apresentou resultados inferiores à reconstrução do LCA no critério IKDC objetivo. Nível de Evidência II, Estudo Retrospectivo.

Short-term effect of double bundle reconstruction of posterior cruciate ligament with total internal short tendon technique / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the method and curative effect of double bundle reconstruction of posterior cruciate ligament with total internal short tendon technique.@*METHODS@#From October 2010 to June 2018, 50 patients with simple posterior cruciate ligament rupture were admitted, including 35 males and 15 females, ranging in age from 20 to 45 years old, 16 with acute injury and 34 with old injury. The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) was reconstructed by double bundle technique with the whole internal short tendon. The two ends of the transplanted ligament were fixed by titanium plate suspended with adjustable loop. The Lysholm knee score and IKDC score were used to evaluate the clinical effects.@*RESULTS@#All the 50 patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 6 to 60 months, with a mean of (28.84±9.52) months. At the latest follow up, the knee joint activity returned to normal range. The median value of Lysholm knee score was 54 before operation and 100 after operation. According to the IKDC score, there were 0 case of grade A, 0 case of grade B, 20 cases of grade C and 30 cases of grade D before operation;29 cases of grade A, 19 cases of grade B, 1 case of grade C and 1 case of grade D after operation;the difference was statistically significant (<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Arthroscopic double bundle reconstruction of posterior cruciate ligament with short internal tendon is safe and reliable, with less tendon transplantation, more stable fixation, and more bone reserve, which is beneficial for healing and renovation. The short term effect is positive.

Thick Graft Versus Double-Bundle Technique on Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Experimental Biomechanical Study with Cadavers / Enxerto espesso versus técnica de duplo feixe na reconstrução do ligamento cruzado posterior: Estudo experimental biomecânico com cadáveres

Abstract Objective To evaluate the biomechanical effect of graft thickness compared with the double-bundle technique on posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction in human cadaveric knees. Methods A total of 9 human cadaveric knees were tested in 5 conditions: intact knee (INT); single-bundle reconstruction with a 10-mm quadriceps tendon (SB); double-bundle reconstruction with a 10 mm-quadriceps tendon for the anterolateral bundle and a 7-mm doubled semitendinosus tendon for the posteromedial bundle (DB); single-bundle reconstruction with a 10-mm quadriceps tendon plus a 7-mm doubled semitendinosus tendon (SBT); and PCL-deficient (NoPCL). The posterior tibial translation (PTT) was measured in response to a 134-N posterior tibial load at 0º, 30º, 60º e 90º of knee flexion. Results The PTT values of the DB and SBT techniques were always significantly lower (better stability) than those of the SB technique. The PTT values of the SBT technique were significantly lower than those of the DB technique at 60º (p = 0.005) and 90º (p = 0.001). Conclusions Graft enlargement improves knee stability in isolated PCL reconstructions, whereas the graft division in the two-bundle technique worsens this stability at 60º and 90º of knee flexion. The findings of the present study suggest that knee stability in PCL reconstructions may be improved with the use of thicker grafts in the SB technique rather than performing the DB technique.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o efeito biomecânico da espessura do enxerto em comparação com a técnica do duplo feixe na reconstrução do ligamento cruzado posterior (LCP) em joelhos de cadáveres humanos. Métodos Um total de 9 joelhos de cadáveres humanos foram testados em 5 condições: joelho intacto (INT); reconstrução com um único feixe com tendão de quadríceps de 10 mm (Rec 1); reconstrução com duplo feixe com um tendão de quadríceps de 10 mm para o feixe anterolateral e um tendão duplo do semitendíneo de 7 mm para o feixe póstero-medial (Rec 2); reconstrução com um único feixe mais espesso, usando um tendão de quadríceps de 10 mm mais o tendão duplo do semitendíneo de 7 mm (Rec M); e joelho com lesão isolada do LCP (Lesionado). O limite do deslocamento posterior da tíbia (LDPT) foi medido em resposta a uma carga tibial posterior de 134 N a 0º, 30º, 60º e 90º de flexão do joelho. Resultados O LDPT das técnicas Rec 2 e Rec M foi sempre significativamente menor (melhor estabilidade) do que o LDPT da Rec 1. O LDPT da Rec M foi significativamente menor do que o LDPT da Rec 2 a 60º (p = 0,005) e a 90º (p = 0,001). Conclusões O aumento da espessura do enxerto na reconstrução das lesões isoladas do LCP melhora significativamente a estabilidade, enquanto a divisão do enxerto para reconstruir os dois feixes piora a estabilidade da reconstrução a 60º e 90º de flexão do joelho. As descobertas do presente estudo sugerem que a estabilidade da reconstrução do LCP pode ser melhorada com o uso de enxertos mais espessos em uma técnica de feixe único, em lugar da reconstrução de duplo feixe.

Heterotopic Bone Formation in Patient who Underwent a Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction using the Inlay Method and Posterolateral Corner Sling with a Tibia Tunnel: A Case Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

We describe a case of posterolateral capsular heterotopic ossification requiring a surgical excision after a PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament) reconstruction using the modified inlay method and PLCS (posterolateral corner sling) with a tibia tunnel. A 21-year-old female patient had suffered a blunt proximal tibial direct trauma 6 months earlier. She did not experience limb ischemia or a pulse deficit before she visited our out patient clinic. She had not suffered any trauma in other sites, and showed a range of motion of 0 to 30degrees at 4 months after surgery. There was no specific finding on the X-ray images. Arthroscopic adhesiolysis was performed and her range of motion increased to 0 to 120degrees. However, 6 months after the initial operation, she showed ankylosis and heterotopic ossification at the posterior aspect, which was surgically removed at 12 months postoperatively. After the second surgery, there was no recurrence and she showed a 0 to 140degrees range of motion at postoperative 42 months.

Combined Reconstruction of Posterior Cruciate Ligament and Posterolateral Rotatory Instability with Fresh-frozen Achilles Tendon Allograft

PURPOSE: We analyzed the clinical and radiologic results after arthroscopic reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral rotatory instability using fresh frozen Achilles tendon allograft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine patients (10 cases) were evaluated. Male was 8 and female 1. Mean age was 38.4 years (23~59) and interval after trauma was 12.4 months (3~25 mo). Mean follow-up period was 14 months (12~21 mo). Posterior cruciate ligament was reconstructed with arthroscopic transtibial, single bundle technique and posterolateral rotatory instability with figure of "8" method using fibular tunnel. Clinical evaluation was done using posterior drawer test, posterolateral drawer test, varus stress test, prone external rotation (dial) test and range of motion. Functional evaluation was done by Lysholm knee score and Tegner activity scale. RESULTS: 90% of cases showed improvement to grade I by posterior drawer and to normal by posterolateral drawer, varus stress and dial test. One case showed flexion limitation more than 10degrees compared to opposite knee. Lysholm knee score and Tegner activity scale have been improved from mean 48.5 and 2.1 preoperatively to mean 80.2 and 4.5 postoperatively (p<0.05). Posterior drawer stress radiographs showed the improvement from mean 17 mm to 4.2 mm(p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Successful results were obtained by combined reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral rotatory instability with fresh frozen Achilles allograft.

Arthoroscopic PCL reconstruction using a Quandrupled Hamstring tendon and Endobutton

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the postoperative success and stability of arthro-scopically assisted posterior cruciate ligament(PCL) reconstructions using quadrupled semitendinosus/ gracilis autograft and Endobutton. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 17 patients(18 knees) with a mean age of 34 years were available for a mean follow up time of 21 months, The functional results were evaluated according to the Lysholm knee score and the overall results by Clancy. The postoperative posterior laxity was measured with difference of posterior translation between the injured and the uninjured knee. RESULT: The Lysholm preoperative mean value was 56.2 points and the postoperative mean value was 85.6 points. Postoperative mean side to side difference of the posterior translation was 5.2mm. There were 78% of the patients above the good grade rating according to overall results of Clancy. CONCLUSION: In patients with PCL rupture, the overall reu1ts and the1igamentovs stability for the quadrupled semitendinosus/gracilis graft reconstruction with Endobutton fixation were acceptable. We consider that the PCL reconstruction using the quadrupled autagenous hamstring tendon graft with Endobutton fixation showed good results. However, more long-term follow up is needed.

Arthroscopic Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Two Graft Tendons by Combined Femoral Dual Tunnel and Modified Tibial Inlay Method

From July 1997, Authors have reconstructed the posterior cruciate ligament(PCL) deficient knees with two graft tendons; an autogenous bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) and a semitendinosus tendon. At Femoral side, the two graft tendons were fixed through the two tunnels which were made at the site of foot print of PCL. The original site of anterolateral bundle of the PCL was reconstructe(I with the autogenous BPTB and the original site of posteromedial bundle with the semitendinosus tendon. At tibial side, the two graft tendons were fixed by modified inlay technique; the BPTB was fixed with a cancellous screw and the semitendinosus tendon with staples. Seven cases were followed up more than six months and authors evaluated the results with the KT-1000TM arthrometer and the posterior stress radiographs by Telos stress dcvice and compared the resu]t of injured knee with the uninjured side of each patient. The results of manual maximal displacement test with arthrometer were less than 4 mm in six patients and 8 rnm in one patient at last follow up. The average distance of posterior displacement on stress radiographs was 10.3 mm preoperatively and 2.7 mm at final follow up period. Six of the seven patients had a good stability on posterior stress radiographs compared with the uninjured side. One patient had posterior knee insta- bility on stress radiographs due to loosening of the grafted tendon and retightening of the grafted tendon was performed through the posterior approach to the proximal tibia. The original idea of femoral dual tunnel method in PCL reconstructiori is to reconstruct the PCL more anatomically and the modified tibial inlay technique can solve the problern of graft tendon abrasion at the posterior opening of the tibial tunnel in transtibial tunnel method and retightening of the loose grafted tendon is simple than the other methods of PCL reconstruction. Authors expect that this combined femoral dual tun- nel and modified tibial inlay method may improve the quality of the outcome of the arthroscopic PCL reconstruction.