Preoperative Meniscal Extrusion Predicts Unsatisfactory Clinical Outcomes and Progression of Osteoarthritis after Isolated Partial Medial Meniscectomy: A 5-Year Follow-Up Study.

The objective of this study was to examine the association between preoperative meniscal extrusion of patients undergoing partial medial meniscectomy with clinical outcomes and progression of osteoarthritis and to determine the extent of meniscal extrusion associated with unsatisfactory clinical outcomes and progression of osteoarthritis. Ninety-five patients who underwent partial medial meniscectomy with a minimum follow-up of 5 years were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative meniscal extrusion was evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging. Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively with Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective scores for clinical outcomes and with IKDC radiographic scale for osteoarthritis. An ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) was used to analyze the variations in meniscal extrusion and the clinical and radiological outcomes. A regression analysis was performed to identify factors that affect preoperative medial meniscus extrusion and that influence results after partial meniscectomy. An optimal cutoff value for meniscal extrusion associated with unsatisfactory clinical outcomes and progression of osteoarthritis was established. Significance was set at p < 0.05. The mean ± SD preoperative and postoperative Lysholm scores were 59.6 ± 15.5 versus 83.8 ± 13.1 (p < 0.001) and the mean preoperative and postoperative IKDC subjective scores were 59.4 ± 16.8 versus 82.0 ± 15.8 (p < 0.001). Meniscal extrusion greater than 2.2 mm (sensitivity, 84%; specificity, 81%) and 2.8 mm (sensitivity, 73%; specificity, 85%) was associated with unsatisfactory (poor/fair) Lysholm and IKDC subjective scores, respectively. The progression of osteoarthritis, characterized as a change of at least one category on the IKDC radiographic scale, occurred when meniscal extrusion was greater than 2.2 mm (sensitivity, 63%; specificity, 75%). Patients with higher body mass index (BMI) had significantly greater meniscal extrusion that patients with normal BMI (p < 0.001). The medial meniscus was more extruded in patients with horizontal and root tears. In conclusion, patients with preoperative meniscal extrusion of 2.2 mm or greater had unsatisfactory clinical outcomes and progression of osteoarthritis after partial medial meniscectomy at a minimum of 5 years follow-up. Higher BMI and horizontal and root tears were associated with greater preoperative meniscal extrusion.

Larger Chondral Lesions Treated with Collagen Membrane - Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrogenesis - Show Larger Increase in Clinical Scores.

Objective To evaluate clinically and radiologically the results of the treatment of chondral lesions using collagen membrane - autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC). Methods This is a series of observational cases, in which 15 patients undergoing AMIC were analyzed. The clinical evaluation was made by comparing the Lysholm and International Knee Document Commitee (IKDC) scores in the pre- and postoperative period of 12 months, and radiological evaluation using the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score in the same postoperative period. Results The mean age of the patients was 39.2 years old, and the mean size of the chondral lesions was 1.55cm 2 . There was a significant improvement in clinical scores, with a mean increase of 24.6 points on Lysholm and of 24.3 on IKDC after 12 months. In the radiological evaluation, MOCART had a mean of 65 points. It was observed that the larger the size of the lesion, the greater the improvement in scores. Conclusion Evaluating subjective clinical scores, the treatment of chondral lesions with the collagen membrane showed good results, as well as the evaluation of MOCART, with greater benefit in larger lesions.

Larger Chondral Lesions Treated with Collagen Membrane - Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrogenesis - Show Larger Increase in Clinical Scores / Lesões condrais maiores tratadas com uso de membrana de colágeno - condrogênese autóloga induzida por matriz - apresentam maior aumento nos escores clínicos

Abstract Objective To evaluate clinically and radiologically the results of the treatment of chondral lesions using collagen membrane - autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC). Methods This is a series of observational cases, in which 15 patients undergoing AMIC were analyzed. The clinical evaluation was made by comparing the Lysholm and International Knee Document Commitee (IKDC) scores in the pre- and postoperative period of 12 months, and radiological evaluation using the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score in the same postoperative period. Results The mean age of the patients was 39.2 years old, and the mean size of the chondral lesions was 1.55cm2. There was a significant improvement in clinical scores, with a mean increase of 24.6 points on Lysholm and of 24.3 on IKDC after 12 months. In the radiological evaluation, MOCART had a mean of 65 points. It was observed that the larger the size of the lesion, the greater the improvement in scores. Conclusion Evaluating subjective clinical scores, the treatment of chondral lesions with the collagen membrane showed good results, as well as the evaluation of MOCART, with greater benefit in larger lesions.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar clínica e radiologicamente os resultados do tratamento das lesões condrais com a membrana de colágeno - condrogênese autóloga induzida por matriz. Métodos Trata-se de uma série de casos observacional, na qual foram analisados 15 pacientes submetidos a condrogênese autóloga induzida por matriz. A avaliação clínica foi feita comparando os escores de Lysholm e International Knee Document Commitee (IKDC, na sigla em inglês) no pré- e pós-operatório de 12 meses, e avaliação radiológica através do escore de Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART, na sigla em inglês) no mesmo período de pós-operatório. Resultados A média de idade dos pacientes foi 39,2 anos, e a média do tamanho das lesões condrais foi de 1,55cm2. Houve uma melhora significativa nos escores clínicos, com média de aumento de 24,6 pontos no Lysholm e de 24,3 no IKDC, após 12 meses. Na avaliação radiológica, o MOCART teve média de 65 pontos. Observou-se que quanto maior o tamanho da lesão, maior foi a melhora nos escores. Conclusão Avaliando escores clínicos subjetivos, o tratamento das lesões condrais com a membrana de colágeno mostrou bons resultados, assim como a avaliação de MOCART, com maior benefício em lesões maiores.

Comparative Study of the Function and Quality of Life of Patients Submitted to Total Knee Arthroplasty with Fixed and Mobile Tibial Platforms.

Objective To compare the function and quality of life of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with fixed tibial platform and mobile tibial platform. Methods We evaluated 240 patients with knee osteoarthritis, randomized into two groups - Group A consisted of 120 patients who underwent TKA with fixed tibial platform, and the B group, consisting of 120 patients who underwent mobile platform arthroplasty. Patients were accessed according to the function and quality of life by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and pain scores by visual analog scale (VAS) of pain, preoperatively and at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 4 years and 8 years of surgery. Results Regarding the various domains of the SF-36, we observed that the average behavior of functional capacity scores, physical aspects, pain and emotional aspects in the patient groups were statistically different during follow-up. The other domains of quality of life showed no mean differences. Regarding the pain assessed by VAS and WOMAC pain scores, we can see that it showed a mean change in follow-up in both patient groups. However, at 2 years of follow-up, they were statistically worse in group A, equaling group B in the other moments. Conclusion After 2 years of follow-up, we observed that pain scores and VAS were lower in the fixed platform group. However, these differences did not remain in the mid-term, suggesting that the mobile tibial platform arthroplasty has a short-term advantage, and may help in the rehabilitation process.

Medial Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy Decreases Medial Meniscal Extrusion and Improves Clinical Outcomes and Return to Activity.

BACKGROUND: Medial meniscal extrusion (MME) is defined as displacement of the meniscus that extends beyond the tibial margin. Knee varus malalignment increases MME. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to quantify MME before and after medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and to correlate the reduction of MME with clinical outcomes and return to activity. It was hypothesized that MME would decrease after HTO and that patients with lower MME after surgery would have improved clinical outcomes and return to activity at short-term follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: This study included 66 patients who underwent HTO to correct the anatomic axis with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. MME was measured using magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively and 6 weeks after surgery (study protocol). Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively with the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, and Tegner score. RESULTS: The mean ± SD preoperative and postoperative MME values were 3.9 ± 0.6 mm and 0.9 ± 0.5 mm, respectively. At 2 years after surgery, KOOS, pain VAS, and Tegner scores were higher than those found preoperatively (P < .001). Patients with less than 1.5 mm of MME after surgery had better clinical outcomes and return to activity compared with patients who had MME of 1.5 mm or more (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Medial opening wedge HTO decreased MME after 6 weeks and improved clinical outcomes and return to activity at a minimum 2-year follow-up. Additionally, patients with postoperative MME of less than 1.5 mm had better clinical outcomes and return to activity compared with patients who had postoperative MME of 1.5 mm or more.

Higher Axial Tibiofemoral Rotation and Functional Outcomes with Mobile-Bearing Compared with Fixed-Bearing Total Knee Arthroplasty at 1- but Not at 2-Year Follow-Up-A Randomized Clinical Trial.

The objective of this study was to determine in vivo knee kinematics and clinical outcomes of patients who underwent fixed- and mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at 1- and 2-year follow-up. This prospective double-blinded randomized controlled trial was performed from November 2011 to December 2012. A total of 64 patients were randomized to fixed- and mobile-bearing TKA groups (32 patients in each group). All patients were evaluated with the following: three-dimensional in vivo knee kinematics analysis during gait, stepping up and stepping down stair steps, and getting up from and sitting on a chair; and knee range of motion and patient-reported outcome measures (Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living Scale [KOS-ADLS] and pain visual analog scale [VAS]) at 1- and 2-year follow-up. Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, and percentages) were calculated for all variables. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to test if variables were normally distributed. A Student's t-test was used to compare continuous variables between patients in the two groups. The chi-square test was used to compare the groups with respect to categorical variables. The α level for statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The mean axial tibiofemoral rotation in patients who underwent mobile-bearing TKA was significantly higher during gait (13.3 vs. 10.7), stepping up (12.8 vs. 10) stair steps, and getting up (16.1 vs. 12.1) from a chair compared with fixed-bearing TKA patients at 1-year follow-up (p < 0.05). KOS-ADLS function score was significantly higher in the mobile-bearing compared with the fixed-bearing TKA group (32 vs. 27.7) at 1-year follow-up (p < 0.05). No significant difference in kinematics and clinical outcomes between fixed- and mobile-bearing TKA groups was observed at 2-year follow-up (p > 0.05). Based on the results of this study, mobile-bearing TKA allowed a higher degree of rotation when walking, stepping up stair steps, and standing up from a chair, and had higher functional outcomes compared with fixed-bearing TKA at 1-year follow-up. However, no difference in in vivo kinematics or in clinical outcomes was observed between fixed- and mobile-bearing prostheses at 2-year follow-up.

Surgical treatment of chondral knee defects using a collagen membrane - autologus matrix-induced chondrogenesis / Tratamento cirúrgico das lesões condrais do joelho com o uso da membrana de colágeno - condrogênese autóloga induzida por matriz

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the clinical and functional results of patients diagnosed with full-thickness chondral defects on symptomatic knees who underwent a biological repair technique using autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis. Methods: Seven patients who underwent surgical treatment due to chondral lesions in the knee by autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis were evaluated. The Lysholm, Kujala and visual analog scale of pain questionnaires were applied before and 12 months after the surgery. Nuclear magnetic resonance images were evaluated 12 months after surgery according to MOCART (magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue) cartilage repair tissue score. Results: Of the seven patients evaluated, three presented defects classified as grade III and four as grade IV according to the International Cartilage Repair Society classification. Chondral defects were located in the medial femoral condyle (n = 2), patella (n = 2), and trochlea (n = 3). The mean age of the patients (six men and one woman) was 37.2 years (24-54 years). The mean chondral defect size was 2.11 cm2 (1.0-4.6 cm2). After 12 months, post-operative nuclear magnetic resonance showed resurfacing of the lesion site with scar tissue less thick than normal cartilage in all patients. The mean MOCART score was 66.42 points. A significant decrease in pain and an improvement in the Lysholm and Kujala scores were observed. Conclusion: The use of the collagen I/III porcine membrane was favorable for the treatment of chondral and osteochondral lesions of the knee when assessing the results using the VAS, Lysholm, and Kujala scores 1 year after surgery, as well as when assessing the magnetic resonance image of the lesion 6 months after surgery.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar os resultados clínicos e funcionais dos pacientes com diagnóstico de lesões condrais de espessura total em joelhos sintomáticos submetidos a um método de reparação biológica por meio da técnica de condrogênese autóloga induzida por matriz. Métodos: Foram avaliados sete pacientes submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico devido a lesões condrais no joelho pela técnica de condrogênese autóloga induzida por matriz. Foram usados os questionários Lysholm e Kujala e a escala visual analógica da dor antes e após um ano de cirurgia. As imagens de ressonância nuclear magnética foram avaliadas após 12 meses de acordo com os critérios de reparo cartilaginoso de Mocart (magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue). Resultados: Dos sete pacientes avaliados, três apresentavam defeitos classificados como grau III e quatro como grau IV, de acordo com a classificação da International Cartilage Repair Society. Os defeitos condrais estavam no côndilo femoral medial (n = 2), na patela (n = 2) e na tróclea (n = 3). A média de idade dos sete pacientes (seis homens e uma mulher) foi de 37,2 anos (24 a 54). O tamanho médio dos defeitos condrais foi de 2,11 cm2 (1,0 a 4,6 cm2). Após 12 meses, a ressonância nuclear magnética pós-operatória mostrou preenchimento do local da lesão com tecido cicatricial menos espesso do que a cartilagem normal em todos os pacientes. O valor médio do questionário de Mocart após 12 meses foi de 66,42 pontos. Observou-se diminuição importante na dor e melhoria da avaliação dos questionários de Lysholm e Kujala. Conclusão: O uso da membrana de colágeno I/III de origem porcina se mostrou favorável no tratamento de lesões condrais e osteocondrais do joelho quando se avaliaram os resultados obtidos com a escala visual analógica da dor e o questionário de Lysholme Kujala um ano após a cirurgia, bem como quando se avaliou a imagem da lesão na ressonância magnética seis meses após a cirurgia.

Surgical treatment of chondral knee defects using a collagen membrane - autologus matrix-induced chondrogenesis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical and functional results of patients diagnosed with full-thickness chondral defects on symptomatic knees who underwent a biological repair technique using autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis. METHODS: Seven patients who underwent surgical treatment due to chondral lesions in the knee by autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis were evaluated. The Lysholm, Kujala and visual analog scale of pain questionnaires were applied before and 12 months after the surgery. Nuclear magnetic resonance images were evaluated 12 months after surgery according to MOCART (magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue) cartilage repair tissue score. RESULTS: Of the seven patients evaluated, three presented defects classified as grade III and four as grade IV according to the International Cartilage Repair Society classification. Chondral defects were located in the medial femoral condyle (n = 2), patella (n = 2), and trochlea (n = 3). The mean age of the patients (six men and one woman) was 37.2 years (24-54 years). The mean chondral defect size was 2.11 cm2 (1.0-4.6 cm2). After 12 months, post-operative nuclear magnetic resonance showed resurfacing of the lesion site with scar tissue less thick than normal cartilage in all patients. The mean MOCART score was 66.42 points. A significant decrease in pain and an improvement in the Lysholm and Kujala scores were observed. CONCLUSION: The use of the collagen I/III porcine membrane was favorable for the treatment of chondral and osteochondral lesions of the knee when assessing the results using the VAS, Lysholm, and Kujala scores 1 year after surgery, as well as when assessing the magnetic resonance image of the lesion 6 months after surgery.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar os resultados clínicos e funcionais dos pacientes com diagnóstico de lesões condrais de espessura total em joelhos sintomáticos submetidos a um método de reparação biológica por meio da técnica de condrogênese autóloga induzida por matriz. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados sete pacientes submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico devido a lesões condrais no joelho pela técnica de condrogênese autóloga induzida por matriz. Foram usados os questionários Lysholm e Kujala e a escala visual analógica da dor antes e após um ano de cirurgia. As imagens de ressonância nuclear magnética foram avaliadas após 12 meses de acordo com os critérios de reparo cartilaginoso de Mocart (magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue). RESULTADOS: Dos sete pacientes avaliados, três apresentavam defeitos classificados como grau III e quatro como grau IV, de acordo com a classificação da International Cartilage Repair Society. Os defeitos condrais estavam no côndilo femoral medial (n = 2), na patela (n = 2) e na tróclea (n = 3). A média de idade dos sete pacientes (seis homens e uma mulher) foi de 37,2 anos (24 a 54). O tamanho médio dos defeitos condrais foi de 2,11 cm2 (1,0 a 4,6 cm2). Após 12 meses, a ressonância nuclear magnética pós-operatória mostrou preenchimento do local da lesão com tecido cicatricial menos espesso do que a cartilagem normal em todos os pacientes. O valor médio do questionário de Mocart após 12 meses foi de 66,42 pontos. Observou-se diminuição importante na dor e melhoria da avaliação dos questionários de Lysholm e Kujala. CONCLUSÃO: O uso da membrana de colágeno I/III de origem porcina se mostrou favorável no tratamento de lesões condrais e osteocondrais do joelho quando se avaliaram os resultados obtidos com a escala visual analógica da dor e o questionário de Lysholme Kujala um ano após a cirurgia, bem como quando se avaliou a imagem da lesão na ressonância magnética seis meses após a cirurgia.

Hydrogel implant is as effective as osteochondral autologous transplantation for treating focal cartilage knee injury in 24 months.

PURPOSE: The treatment approach for a patient with knee joint focal cartilage lesion is a difficult decision. To date, there has been no randomized clinical trial involving Hydrogel (Cartiva™). This study evaluated and compared the results of a hydrogel implant (Cartiva™) with autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) for treating knee joint focal cartilage lesions. METHODS: Thirty-eight symptomatic patients, with a focal cartilage lesion of Outerbridge grades III or IV, were randomized into one of two groups according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Group I underwent AOT, and Group II was treated with a Hydrogel implant. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and again postoperatively at 6, 12, and 24 months using the subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS Pain), Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADLS) and Lysholm score. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvements from baseline (pre-surgery) to post-surgery (6, 12, and 24 months; p < 0.05), but there was no difference between the groups. Regarding complications, prolonged pain was observed in four patients (10.5%), two from each group, with a regression of symptoms within 1 year. CONCLUSION: The Hydrogel implant showed similar efficiency as the autologous osteochondral graft for treating knee joint focal cartilage lesions. Both techniques showed satisfactory results compared to preoperative status. The Hydrogel implant was safe and effective, and it provided good stability and joint function at 2-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

No difference between fixed- and mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty in activities of daily living and pain: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Until now, there are no definitive conclusions regarding functional differences related to middle- and long-term everyday activities and patient pain following implantation of mobile- and fixed-platform tibial prostheses. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are middle-term differences in knee function and pain in patients undergoing fixed- and mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Eligible patients were randomized into two groups: the first group received TKA implantation with a fixed tibial platform (group A); the second group received TKA with a mobile tibial platform (group B). Patients were followed up (2 years), and their symptoms and limitations in daily living activities were evaluated using the Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADLS), in addition to pain evaluation assessed using the pain visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in function and symptoms in the ADLS and VAS between the study groups. CONCLUSION: The type of platform used in TKA (fixed vs. mobile) does not change the symptoms, function or pain of patients 2 years post-surgery. Although mobile TKAs may have better short-term results, at medium- and long-term follow-up they do not present important clinical differences compared with fixed-platform TKAs. This information is important so that surgeons can choose the most suitable implant for each patient. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Randomized clinical trial, Level I.

Intraarticular hamstring graft diameter decreases with continuing knee growth after ACL reconstruction with open physes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the graft diameter size after one-year follow-up or more of patients Tanner II, III, and IV who were submitted to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. METHODS: Ten patients [five males (mean age: 14.4 years) and five females (mean age: 13.6 years)] with open physis and anterior cruciate ligament tear were submitted to transphyseal anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadruple hamstrings graft. During the procedure, graft and tunnel size were recorded. After last clinical follow-up (range 1-11 years), an MRI study was requested and their measurements near the tibial tunnel were compared with the graft diameter measured and used during primary procedure. RESULTS: Four patients had Tanner stage II, four patients Tanner stage III, and two Tanner IV. There were statistically significant decreases in the quadruple hamstrings graft diameter size (average of 25.3%). Mean size at time of surgery was 7.9 mm (±0.87), and mean size measured at different points of follow-up evaluation was 5.9 mm (±0.65). CONCLUSION: Diameter size of hamstring graft in skeletally immature patients is smaller in most cases. If there is a decrease in the diameter of the graft along postoperative time, the risk of a re-rupture is theoretically further increased. Quadruple hamstring graft decreases a mean 25.3% in diameter from time of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery until reassessment period in skeletally immature patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

A prospective double blinded randomized study of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstrings tendon and spinal anesthesia with or without femoral nerve block.

BACKGROUND: Current literature supports the thought that anesthesia and analgesia administered perioperatively for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have a great influence on time to effective rehabilitation during the first week after hospital discharge. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to answer the research question is there a difference in clinical outcomes between the use of a femoral nerve block with spinal anesthesia versus spinal analgesia alone for people undergoing ACL reconstruction? METHODS: ACL reconstruction with spinal anesthesia and patient sedation (Group one); and spinal anesthesia with patient sedation and an additional femoral nerve block (Group two). Patients were re-evaluated for pain, range of motion (ROM), active contraction of the quadriceps, and a Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scoring scale. RESULTS: Spinal anesthesia with a femoral nerve block demonstrates pain relief 6h after surgery (VAS 0.37; p=0.007). From the third (VAS=4.56; p=0.028) to the seventh (VAS=2.87; p=0.05) days after surgery, this same nerve blockage delivered higher pain scores. Patients had a similar progressive improvement on knee joint range of motion with or without femoral nerve block (p<0.002). Group one and two had 23.75 and 24.29° 6h after surgery and 87.81 and 85.36° of knee flexion after 48h post op. CONCLUSION: Spinal anesthesia associated with a femoral nerve block had no additional benefits on pain control after the third postoperative day. There were no differences between groups concerning ability for knee flexion and to complete daily activities during postoperative period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Randomized Clinical Trial Level I.

Autologous osteochondral transplantation for treating patellar chondral injuries: evaluation, treatment, and outcomes of a two-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: The patella is the largest human sesamoid bone and often sustains chondral injury. There is no consensus on how to treat a full-thickness, symptomatic articular cartilage injury of the patella. We analyzed the clinical and functional outcomes of patients with symptomatic full-thickness patellar chondral lesions treated with autologous osteochondral transplantation and evaluated osteochondral autograft bone-plug integration through magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS: In this prospective study, thirty-three patients with a symptomatic full-thickness patellar chondral injury surgically treated with autologous osteochondral transplantation were evaluated before and after surgical treatment with a minimum two-year follow-up using the Lysholm, Kujala, and Fulkerson questionnaires and the Short Form-36 health survey score. Magnetic resonance images were made at six and twelve months postoperatively and studies were performed to analyze the osteochondral autograft bone-plug integration. RESULTS: All thirty-three patients showed a significant improvement in functional scores two years after surgery. The average Lysholm scores were 57.27 points preoperatively and 80.76 points at two years postoperatively, the average Kujala scores were 54.76 points preoperatively and 75.18 points at two years postoperatively, and the Fulkerson average scores were 54.24 points preoperatively and 80.42 points at two years postoperatively. The Short Form-36 life quality score improved significantly. Two years after surgery, all magnetic resonance images showed full bone-plug integration into the patella. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous osteochondral transplantation is a successful technique to surgically treat symptomatic full-thickness patellar articular cartilage injuries smaller than 2.5 cm in diameter. Patients had a significant improvement in clinical scores. Bone-plug integration and surface alignment were demonstrated in all patients two years after surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

WITHDRAWN: Interventions for treating posterior cruciate ligament injuries of the knee in adults.

BACKGROUND: Injuries of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) of the knee frequently occur in automobile accidents and sports injuries, although they are less frequent overall than injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Some patients show significant symptoms and subsequent articular deterioration, while others are essentially asymptomatic, maintaining habitual function. Management of PCL injuries remains controversial and prognosis can vary widely. Interventions extend from non-operative (conservative) procedures to reconstruction of the PCL, in the hope that the surgical procedure may have a positive effect in the reduction/prevention of future osteoarthritic changes in the knee. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness and safety of surgical and conservative interventions for PCL injuries in adults. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (April 2004), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 1, 2004), MEDLINE via PubMed (1966 to April 2004), EMBASE (1966 to April 2004), CINAHL (1982 to April 2004), LILACS (1982 to April 2004), SportsDiscus (1975 to April 2004), and reference lists of articles. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized or quasi-randomized clinical trials comparing various methods of operative and conservative interventions, and comparisons with each other for the treatment of PCL injuries. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: References found with the search strategy were evaluated independently by two review authors. MAIN RESULTS: No randomized or quasi-randomized controlled studies meeting the selection criteria were identified. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Future research should include randomized controlled trials of acute isolated PCL injuries, or PCL injuries when combined with other ligament injuries of the knee, treated operatively and conservatively. Adequate numbers of patients and an objective methodology for patient evaluation must be used in future studies of these interventions to determine the long-term results.

OSTEOCHONDRAL AUTOLOGOUS TRANSPLANTATION FOR TREATING CHONDRAL LESIONS IN THE PATELLA.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to assess the clinical and functional evolution of patients with total-thickness symptomatic cartilaginous injury of the patellar joint surface, treated by means of osteochondral autologous transplantation. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted from June 2008 to March 2011 and involved 17 patients. The specific questionnaires of Lysholm, Kujala and Fulkerson were completed preoperatively and one year postoperatively in order to assess the affected knee, and SF-36 was used to assess these patients' general quality of life. The nonparametric paired Wilcoxon test was used for statistical analysis on the pre and postoperative questionnaires. The data were analyzed using the SPSS for Windows software, version 16.0, and a significance level of 5% was used. RESULTS: The Lysholm preoperative and postoperative average scores were 54.59 and 75.76 points (p < 0.05). The Fulkerson pre and postoperative average scores were 52.53 and 78.41 points (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We believe that autologous osteochondral transplantation is a good treatment method for total-thickness symptomatic chondral lesions of the joint surface of the patella.

Transplante osteocondral autólogo no tratamento de lesões condrais na patela / Osteochondral autologous transplantation for treating chondral lesions in the patella

OBJETIVO: O objetivo primário deste estudo é avaliar a evolução clínica e funcional dos pacientes com lesão cartilaginosa de espessura total, sintomática da superfície articular da patela tratados com transplante osteocondral autólogo. MÉTODOS: Este estudo prospectivo envolveu 17 pacientes, sendo realizado no período de junho de 2008 a março de 2011. Foram preenchidos no pré-operatório e com um ano de pós-operatório, os questionários específicos de Lysholm, Kujala e Fulkerson para avaliação do joelho acometido e o SF-36 para avaliação da qualidade de vida geral dos pacientes. Foi utilizado o teste não paramétrico pareado de Wilcoxon na análise estatística dos valores pré e pós-operatórios dos questionários e os dados foram analisados no programa SPSS for Windows versão 16.0 e uma significância de 5% foi adotada. RESULTADOS: O Lysholm pré e pós-operatório médio foi de 54,59 e 75,76 pontos (p < 0,05). A pontuação do Fulkerson pré e pós-operatório médio foi de 52,53 e 78,41 pontos (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÕES: Consideramos o transplante osteocondral autólogo um bom método de tratamento para as lesões condrais de espessura total sintomáticas da superfície articular da patela.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to assess the clinical and functional evolution of patients with total-thickness symptomatic cartilaginous injury of the patellar joint surface, treated by means of osteochondral autologous transplantation. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted from June 2008 to March 2011 and involved 17 patients. The specific questionnaires of Lysholm, Kujala and Fulkerson were completed preoperatively and one year postoperatively in order to assess the affected knee, and SF-36 was used to assess these patients' general quality of life. The nonparametric paired Wilcoxon test was used for statistical analysis on the pre and postoperative questionnaires. The data were analyzed using the SPSS for Windows software, version 16.0, and a significance level of 5% was used. RESULTS: The Lysholm preoperative and postoperative average scores were 54.59 and 75.76 points (p < 0.05). The Fulkerson pre and postoperative average scores were 52.53 and 78.41 points (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We believe that autologous osteochondral transplantation is a good treatment method for total-thickness symptomatic chondral lesions of the joint surface of the patella.

Inclinação tibial posterior como fator de risco para lesões dos ligamentos cruzados anterior e posterior do joelho / Tibial slope as a risk factor for injury of anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments of the knee

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a influência da inclinação posterior da tíbia proximal na incidência de lesões dos ligamentos cruzados anterior e posterior do joelho. Métodos: Foram avaliadas, retrospectivamente, as radiografias pré-operatórias na incidência em perfil com filme longo de joelho de 30 pacientes consecutivos submetidos a reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior e 30 pacientes submetidos a reconstrução do ligamento cruzado posterior. Para comparação de variáveis categóricas entre os grupos foi utilizado o teste não paramétrico de Quiquadrado de Pearson. Foi assumido valor de a=5% como estatisticamente significante. Resultados: Dos indivíduos com inclinação tibial, £ 4,75% pertenciam ao grupo dos pacientes com lesão do LCP e 71,4% dos indivíduos com inclinação tibial ³ 10 pertenciam ao grupo de pacientes com lesão do LCA. Conclusão: Em indivíduos com valores intermediários de inclinação tibial posterior (5 a 9 graus) parece não haver a influência desta variável nas lesões ligamentares estudadas. Já nos extremos parece haver uma relação, no entanto estudos com maior número de pacientes seriam necessários para confirmar esta hipótese.

Transplante osteocondral autólogo no tratamento de lesões osteocondrais em atletas / Osteochondral autograft transplantation for the treatment of osteochondral defects in athletes

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o resultado clínico da técnica de transplante osteocondral autólogo (TOA) para tratamento das lesões osteocondrais do joelho de atletas. MÉTODOS: Em um seguimento médio de 52 meses (30 a 82 meses), 19 pacientes foram avaliados pré e pós-operatoriamente pelos protocolos do IKDC subjetivo, Cincinnati modificado e nível de retorno aos esportes. O prognóstico conforme idade, tempo de sintomatologia, presença de lesões associadas e local da lesão também foi avaliado. RESULTADOS: O valor de IKDC foi de 64,6 + 6,8 no pré-operatório e de 81,8 + 20,1 no pós-operatório. O Cincinnati modificado foi de 5,3 + 0,8 no pré-operatório e de 7,5 + 1,7 no pós-operatório. 53 por cento dos pacientes retornaram aos esportes no nível anterior à lesão, 29 por cento em nível inferior e 17 por cento abandonaram a prática esportiva regular. Os melhores resultados clínicos foram observados em pacientes menores de 35 anos, com menos de um ano de sintomas, com lesões nos côndilos femorais e sem lesões menisco ligamentares associadas. Resultados piores foram observados nas lesões da tróclea quando comparados aos dos côndilos femorais. CONCLUSÃO: Joelhos submetidos ao TOA têm uma melhora subjetiva significativa após a cirurgia. O retorno ao esporte ocorre em um grupo específico de pacientes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical outcomes of the osteochondral autologous transplantation technique for treatment of osteochondral defects of the knee in athletes. METHODS: For an average follow-up period of 52 months (30 to 82 months), 19 patients were evaluated pre and post-operatively by using subjective IKDC scores, modified Cincinnati Scores, and rate of return to sports activities. Prognosis according to age, duration of symptoms and location of the lesion was also evaluated. RESULTS: Subjective IKDC scores were 64.6 + 6.8 pre-operatively and 81.8 + 20.1 post-operatively. Modified Cincinnati score was 5.3 + 0.8 pre-operatively and 7.5 + 1.7 post-operatively. Fifty-three percent of the patients returned to pre-operative level of sports activity, 29 percent returned to a lower level, and 17 percent did not return to sports. Better results were observed in patients younger than 35 years, with less than one year of symptoms, in patients with femoral condyle defects and without concomitant meniscus or ACL tear. Throclear lesions had inferior results to condylar defects. CONCLUSION: Osteochondral autologous transplantation promoted a subjective improvement of the knee in athletes. Return to sports activity occurred in a specific group of patients.

Transphyseal anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients with open physes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of transphyseal anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in patients with open physes. METHODS: Transphyseal ACL reconstruction was performed in 26 patients with open tibial and femoral physes (physis >2 mm) by use of autogenous quadrupled hamstrings as grafts. Meniscal tearing was found in 65.3% of the patients. Partial chondral defect injury on the medial femoral condyle was found 6 months after injury in only 2 patients (7.69% of all patients). The mean follow-up period was 45 +/- 18.3 months. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by use of the International Knee Documentation Committee score and Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, and the anteroposterior stability was objectively measured by use of KT-1000 arthrometer (MEDmetric, San Diego, CA). Possible length and angular discrepancies were observed by conventional radiography in a long film and scanograms of the lower limbs. RESULTS: The mean length discrepancy between the operated lower limb and the contralateral limb was 1.2 +/- 3.2 mm (range, -7 to 7 mm). The mean angular deviation difference between the lower limbs was 0.46 degrees +/- 1.1 degrees . New traumatic injuries developed in 3 patients, in whom surgical revision was performed; 1 patient underwent a late meniscectomy. The mean difference in KT-1000 measurement was 2.0 +/- 1.0 mm. The mean subjective International Knee Documentation Committee score was 91.5 +/- 5.7, and the mean score on the modified Lysholm scale was 93.5 +/- 4. Of the patients, 3 (11.2% of all patients) could not return to the same level of physical activity as before injury. CONCLUSIONS: ACL reconstruction by use of the transphyseal technique in an immature skeleton with a hamstring autograft, with careful attention being paid to the technique, resulted in good clinical outcomes and no growth abnormalities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Tratamento da instabilidade femoropatelar crônica pela reconstrução do ligamento femoropatelar medial / Treatment of the chronic patellofemoral instability with the medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction

Hipótese: Reconstrução do ligamento patelofemoral medial restaura a estabilidade, promove retorno funcional e alívio da dor em pacientes com instabilidade patelar lateral crônica. Design do estudo: Série de casos nível 4 de evidência. Métodos: Vinte e um pacientes com instabilidade lateral crônica foram tratados com reconstrução do ligamento patelofemoral medial usando enxerto do semitendíneo. Todos os pacientes foram avaliados pré-operatoriamente e pós-operatoriamente com questionários de Kujala, Fulkerson, Lysholm, nível de atividade de Tegner e através da Escala Analógica de Dor por um período mínimo de 24 meses. Resultados: Vinte e um pacientes foram avaliados por um período médio de 66,5 meses (variando de 24-130 meses) após a cirurgia. O questionário de Kujala mudou de 55,7 para 82,3, o de Fulkerson mudou de 60,6 para 91,2, o de Lysholm variou de 53,5 para 85,6, a escala de atividade de Tegner variou de 3,5 para 7,1 e a Escala Analógica Visual de Dor variou de 7,4 no pré-operatório para 3,0 na última avaliação. Todos mostraram diferenças estatisticamente significantes (P <.001). Nenhuma diferença estatisticamente significante foi encontrada nas avaliações pós-operatoria dos questionários de Kujala, Lysholm, Fulkerson, Tegner e Escala Analógica Visual de Dor. Existiram 66,59%, 71,42% e 71,41% de bons e excelentes resultados baseados nos questionários de Kujala, Lysholm e Fulkerson, respectivamente. Nenhuma luxação recorrente ocorreu e todos os 21 pacientes estavam satisfeitos com o tratamento cirúrgico. Conclusão: A reconstrução do ligamento patelofemoral medial prove excelente alívio da dor e retorno funcional em pacientes com instabilidade patelar crônica.