Ongoing MRI remodeling 3-7 years after collagen meniscus implantation in stable knees.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological 3-7 years outcomes of patients who underwent collagen meniscus implantation in stable or stabilized knees. It was the hypothesis that using the collagen meniscus (CMI) good clinical 3-7 years outcomes with low pain levels are achieved. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients (male:female = 30:9, mean age 34 ± 10 years) underwent arthroscopic CMI after subtotal medial (n = 32) or lateral meniscectomy (n = 7). A 7-mm CMI was performed due to prophylactic (n = 25) or therapeutic indication (n = 14). IKDC score, Tegner score preinjury, preoperatively and at follow-up, Lysholm score and visual analogue scale for pain and satisfaction (follow-up rate 90%) were assessed. MRI scans were analyzed according to the Genovese criteria (n = 19). Implant failure was defined as infection or mechanical failure of the device. The minimum follow-up time was 36 months (range 36-84 months). RESULTS: The mean VAS satisfaction preoperatively and at follow-up was 4.0 ± 0 and 1.6 ± 1.0. The mean VAS pain was 4.3 ± 3.2 preoperatively and at last follow-up 2.1 ± 1.7. The median Tegner score preinjury was 7 (range 3-10), it decreased preoperatively to median 3.5 (range 1-8) and nearly reached the preinjury level at last follow-up 6 (range 3-10). The mean Lysholm score before surgery was 66 ± 20 and 91 ± 8 at last follow-up. Seven patients (38.9%) had a normal total IKDC score (A), 10 patients were nearly normal (B) and 1 patient slightly abnormal (C). In MRI the CMI was entirely resorbed in 4 patients (21%) and partially resorbed in 15 (79%). In 4 patients (21%) the CMI was isointense, in 14 (74%) slightly hyperintense and in 1 (5%) highly hyperintense. Ten patients (53%) showed marked signs of bone marrow edema. In 13 patients (68%) an extrusion of the meniscus > 3 mm at last follow-up was found. CONCLUSIONS: Meniscal substitution with the CMI showed good to excellent clinical 3-7 results. The CMI shows an ongoing remodelling with decreased signal intensity and decreased size. However, as meniscus extrusion remained at the same level and bone marrow edema decreased from 1 year to longer term follow-up, it appears that the remodeling comes to an end at about 5 years after CMI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

The biomechanical strength of a hardware-free femoral press-fit method for ACL bone-tendon-bone graft fixation.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to investigate graft slippage and ultimate load to failure of a femoral press-fit fixation technique for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: Nine fresh-frozen knees were used. Standardized harvesting of the B-PT-B graft was performed. The femora were cemented into steel rods, and a tunnel was drilled outside-in into the native ACL footprint and expanded using a manual mill bit. The femoral bone block was fixed press-fit. To pull the free end of the graft, it was fixed to a mechanical testing machine using a deep-freezing technique. A motion capture system was used to assess three-dimensional micro-motion. After preconditioning of the graft, 1000 cycles of tensile loading were applied. Finally, an ultimate load to failure test was performed. Graft slippage in mm ultimate load to failure as well as type of failure was noted. RESULTS: In six of the nine measured specimens, a typical pattern of graft slippage was observed during cyclic loading. For technical reasons, the results of three knees had to be discarded. 78.6 % of total graft slippage occurred in the first 100 cycles. Once the block had settled, graft slippage converged to zero, highlighting the importance of initial preconditioning of the graft in the clinical setting. Graft slippage after 1000 cycles varied around 3.4 ± 3.2 mm (R = 1.3-9.8 mm) between the specimens. Ultimate loading (n = 9) revealed two characteristic patterns of failure. In four knees, the tendon ruptured, while in five knees the bone block was pulled out of the femoral tunnel. The median ultimate load to failure was 852 N (R = 448-1349 N). CONCLUSION: The implant-free femoral press-fit fixation provided adequate primary stability with ultimate load to failure pull forces at least equal to published results for interference screws; hence, its clinical application is shown to be safe.

One-year clinical and MR imaging outcome after partial meniscal replacement in stabilized knees using a collagen meniscus implant.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes after medial/lateral collagen meniscus substitution (CMI) at 12 months postoperatively. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients (m:f = 47:20, mean age 36 ± 10 years) underwent arthroscopic CMI after previous subtotal medial (n = 55) or lateral meniscectomy (n = 12) due to persistent joint line pain (n = 25) or to prophylactic reasons (n = 42). Clinical follow-up consisted of IKDC score, Tegner score, Lysholm score, and visual analog scale for pain and satisfaction (preinjury, preoperatively, and 12 months postoperatively; follow-up rate 90 %). MRI scans were analyzed according to the Genovese criteria. RESULTS: Nineteen patients (29 %) showed a normal (A), 35 nearly normal (B), 5 abnormal (C), and 1 patient severely abnormal total IKDC score (D). The median Tegner preinjury score was 7 (range 2-10) and at follow-up 6 (range 2-10). The mean Lysholm score before surgery was 68 ± 20 and 93 ± 9 at follow-up. Preoperatively, the mean VAS pain was 4.4 ± 3.1 and 2.0 ± 1.0 at follow-up. Clinical failure of the CMI occurred in 3 patients (n = 1 infection, n = 1 failure of the implant, n = 1 chronic synovitis). On MRI, the CMI was completely resorbed in 3 patients (5 %), partially resorbed in 55 (92 %), and entirely preserved in 3 (5 %) patients. In 5 patients (8 %) the CMI was isointense, in 54 (90 %) slightly and 1 (2 %) highly hyperintense. 43 (72 %) patients showed an extrusion of the CMI implant of more than 3 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Significant pain relief and functional improvement throughout all scores at 1 year was noted. The CMI undergoes significant remodeling, degradation, resorption, and extrusion in most of the patients. No difference in outcomes between the medial and lateral CMI was observed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective therapeutic study, Level IV.

Double-network acrylamide hydrogel compositions adapted to achieve cartilage-like dynamic stiffness.

Since articular cartilage has a limited potential for spontaneous healing, various techniques are employed to repair cartilage lesions. Acrylate-based double-network (DN) hydrogels containing ~90% water have shown promising properties as repair materials for skeletal system soft tissues. Although their mechanical properties approach those of native cartilage, the critical factor-stiffness-of DN-gels does not equal the stiffness of articular cartilage. This study investigated whether revised PAMPS/PAAm compositions with lower water content result in stiffness parameters closer to cartilage. DN-gels containing 61, 86 and 90% water were evaluated using two non-destructive, mm-scale indentation test modes: fast-impact (FI) and slow-sinusoidal (SS) deformation. Deformation resistance (dynamic modulus) and energy handling (loss angle) were determined. The dynamic modulus increased with decreasing water content in both testing modes. In the 61% water DN-gel, the modulus resembled that of cartilage (FI-mode: DN-gel = 12, cartilage = 17; SS-mode: DN-gel = 4, cartilage = 1.7 MPa). Loss angle increased with decreasing water content in fast-impact, but not in slow-sinusoidal deformation. However, loss angle was still much lower than cartilage (FI: DN-gel = 5, cartilage = 11; SS: DN-gel = 10, cartilage = 32°), indicating somewhat less ability to dissipate energy. Overall, results show that it is possible to adapt DN-gel composition to produce dynamic stiffness properties close to normal articular cartilage.

A comparison of healthy human and swine articular cartilage dynamic indentation mechanics.

Articular cartilage is a multicomponent, poroviscoelastic tissue with nonlinear mechanical properties vital to its function. A consequent goal of repair or replacement of injured cartilage is to achieve mechanical properties in the repair tissue similar to healthy native cartilage. Since fresh healthy human articular cartilage (HC) is not readily available, we tested whether swine cartilage (SC) could serve as a suitable substitute for mechanical comparisons. To a first approximation, cartilage tissue and surgical substitutes can be evaluated mechanically as viscoelastic materials. Stiffness measurements (dynamic modulus, loss angle) are vital to function and are also a non-destructive means of evaluation. Since viscoelastic material stiffness is strongly strain rate dependent, stiffness was tested under different loading conditions related to function. Stiffness of healthy HC and SC specimens was determined and compared using two non-destructive, mm-scale indentation test modes: fast impact and slow sinusoidal deformation. Deformation resistance (dynamic modulus) and energy handling (loss angle) were determined. For equivalent anatomic locations, there was no difference in dynamic modulus. However, the HC loss angle was ~35% lower in fast impact and ~12% higher in slow sinusoidal mode. Differences seem attributable to age (young SC, older HC) but also to species anatomy and biology. Test mode-related differences in human-swine loss angle support use of multiple function-related test modes. Keeping loss angle differences in mind, swine specimens could serve as a standard of comparison for mechanical evaluation of e.g. engineered cartilage or synthetic repair materials.

Abnormal landing strategies after ACL reconstruction.

The objective was to analyze muscle activity and movement patterns during landing of a single leg hop for distance after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Nine (six males, three females) ACL-reconstructed patients 6 months after surgery and 11 (eight males, three females) healthy control subjects performed the hop task. Electromyographic signals from lower limb muscles were analyzed to determine onset time before landing. Biomechanical data were collected using an Optotrak Motion Analysis System and force plate. Matlab was used to calculate kinetics and joint kinematics. Side-to-side differences in ACL-reconstructed patients and healthy subjects as well as differences between the patients and control group were analyzed. In ACL-reconstructed limbs, significantly earlier onset times were found for all muscles, except vastus medialis, compared with the uninvolved side. The involved limbs had significantly reduced knee flexion during the take-off and increased plantarflexion at initial contact. The knee extension moment was significantly lower in the involved limb. In the control group, significantly earlier onset times were found for the semitendinosus, vastus lateralis and medial gastrocnemius of the non-dominant side compared with the dominant side. Muscle onset times are earlier and movement patterns are altered in the involved limb 6 months after ACL reconstruction.

[Mountain biking. Cool way to enjoy nature with side effects]. / Mountainbiken. Cooler Naturgenuss mit Nebenwirkungen.

Mountain biking grew from a trend to a serious branch of sport. This article presents the different subspecialties within the sport, the injury rates and the types of injuries among high-class and recreational bikers. The experiences made during several years as a team physician of top athletes as well as the statistics from the Swiss accident insurance company SUVA are the basis for the data presented. The issue of mountain bike-related concussions is particularly discussed since this type of injury is a point of increasing concern in the recent sports traumatology literature.

Twist and its effect on ACL graft forces.

Graft tension is a controversial topic in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. Evidence suggests a narrow range of graft tensions, which allow the graft to remodel to a stable and mature neoligament. In previous cadaver experiments, we showed that twisting the graft could modulate the graft forces. In this study we hypothesized that the same phenomena would be found in patients, and that twisting the graft intraoperatively can reduce peak forces in the graft. The effects of twist on graft forces in bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts were measured during anterior cruciate ligament surgery on 15 consecutive patients using a custom-made tension-measurement device. Variations in surgical procedure that could potentially affect the graft force patterns were quantified. Graft force as a function of knee-flexion angle was measured with the graft in the neutral, untwisted position and repeated with the tibial bone block rotated externally or internally by 180 degrees. In eight of the 15 knees, external twisting of the graft reduced the maximal graft force to 50%. However, in five knees the forces in extension increased by twisting to a maximum of 300%. Of the surgical variables, only the femoral tunnel position appeared to have a consistent effect on the graft force pattern. Due to the unpredictable effect of graft twisting, a general recommendation on whether the graft should be twisted, and if so, in which direction, cannot be given. Intraoperatively, graft twisting may however be considered in every individual knee to modulate the graft force as a function of flexion angle.

Single-incision technique misses the anatomical femoral anterior cruciate ligament insertion: a cadaver study.

We examined the arthroscopic appearance of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) attachment site on the femur in five fresh-frozen cadaver knees. First, the ACL was cut out, leaving a footprint of ligament-fibers with a length of 2 mm intact. The ACL was consistently found to insert on the lateral wall of the notch. No fibers were found to attach high in the roof of the notch at the 12 o'clock position. Secondly, we tried to reach the anatomical attachment site with a femoral aiming guide through a correctly placed tibial tunnel. This proved to be impossible. The closest position that could be reached was at the margin of the anatomical attachment site. Investigation of the distal femur after complete dissection confirmed these arthroscopic findings. Femoral aiming devices for use through the tibial tunnel aim for an isometric placement of the femoral tunnel, they do not aim for an anatomical position of the graft.

Symptomatic ring-shaped lateral meniscus.

Abnormalities of the lateral meniscus in humans are a long-known fact. Three different types of discoid menisci are described in Watanabe's atlas, being considered as congenital malformations. For the second time in the literature, a fourth ring-shaped type of discoid lateral meniscus was described as an incidental finding in this Journal by Monllau et al. in 1998. The present case is the first description of a symptomatic, ring-shaped lateral meniscus with a concomitant, recurrent cyst at the lateral aspect of a child's knee.

[Lateral approach to the knee combined with an osteotomy of the tibial tuberosity. Its use for total knee replacement]. / Lateraler Zugang zum Kniegelenk mit Osteotomie der Tuberositas tibiae.

OBJECTIVES: Simple standard approach to the knee for implantation of a total knee prosthesis. INDICATIONS: Insertion of a total knee prosthesis. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Existing scars from medial or median approaches to the knee. The distance between old scar and planned incision should never be less than 5 cm. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Lateral parapatellar approach with judicious detachment of the iliotibial tract from Gerdy's tubercle. Opening of the compartment of tibialis anterior muscle. Mobilization of the patellar ligament together with Hoffa's fat pad in a medial direction. Osteotomy of the tibial tuberosity. Retraction of the distal part of the quadriceps, the patella, the patellar ligament and the tibial tuberosity medially, taking care not to detach the soft tissue from the medial side of the tuberosity. After insertion of the components refixation of the tibial tuberosity with two 3.5-mm cortical screws using the lag screw principle. POSTOPERATIVE CARE: Unrestricted functional treatment possible starting day 1. RESULTS: Since 1990 we implanted 702 tokal knee prostheses using the described approach. In 99% of the patients the osteotomy consolidated during the first 3 months without formation of a callus. Complications attributable to the osteotomy of the tuberosity were encountered in 7 patients (1%).

[Patellar substitution in total knee prosthesis--is it important?]. / Patellaersatz bei Knietotalendoprothesen--notwendig?

As shown in long term follow-up studies of Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), the femoropatellar joint is an important problem. We report our experience over the past seven years not having resurfaced the patella at the primary TKA at all. Between 1990 and 1997 more than 700 consecutive TKA with the De Puy New Jersey LCS prosthesis were performed. A standardised lateral approach with osteotomy of the tibial tuberosity was used. The patella was redressed, either denervated or left untouched. In no case a primary patellar resurfacing was performed. X-rays of the patello-femoral joint showed a remodelling of the patella over the years, nicely matching the condylar design of the femoral prosthesis. Using a blood-supply-preserving approach and a biomechanically adequate implant, TKA without patellar replacement gives excellent long-term results.

Short-term in vivo stability of endothelial-lined polyester elastomer and polytetrafluoroethylene grafts.

A fibronectin substrate will significantly enhance the strength of endothelial cell attachment on grafts constructed of polyester elastomer (PE) and polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE). This experiment was undertaken to determine the short-term in vivo stability of endothelium on these fibronectin coated surfaces. Eight mongrel dogs underwent bilateral carotid artery replacement with both graft materials. All grafts were inoculated with 2,000 cells/mm2 using cultured autogenous venous endothelium labelled with Indium-111-oxine. The Indium-111 label in the grafts was measured immediately prior to implantation, after 1 hour of in vivo perfusion, and at explantation after 24 hours. The percentage of inoculated cells attached to the grafts before perfusion was similar for both materials, 93.3 +/- 3.0% versus 92.2 +/- 7.2%, for PE and e-PTFE respectively. All grafts were patent at one hour after implantation. PE grafts were found to have 93.8 +/- 3.9% of the attached cells present at one hour while e-PTFE grafts had only 54.5 +/- 10.8% remaining, p less than .001. After 24 hours, 5/8 (62.5%) e-PTFE grafts and 2/8 (25.0%) PE grafts remained patent, p = .13. Of the patent grafts however, endothelial cell retention was still superior on the PE grafts with 78.0 +/- 0.6% of the attached cells remaining compared to only 24.5 +/- 6.1% on e-PTFE, p less than .001. Occluded PE grafts had fewer cells remaining at 24 hours than patent ones, 78.0 +/- 0.6% versus 31.1 +/- 32.8%, respectively, p = .13. Histologically, patent PE grafts demonstrated nearly confluent endothelial monolayers while e-PTFE had patches of endothelial cells surrounded by a platelet-fibrin carpet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Enhanced strength of endothelial attachment on polyester elastomer and polytetrafluoroethylene graft surfaces with fibronectin substrate.

Successful development of a vascular prosthesis lined with endothelium may depend on the ability of the attached cells to resist shear forces after implantation. The purpose of this article is to describe a model for measurement of endothelial detachment caused by shear stress and to identify biomaterials that resist loss of attached cells as a result of shear stress. With human umbilical venous endothelium labeled with indium 111-oxine, cellular attachment to uncoated and fibronectin-coated polyester elastomer and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) graft surfaces was quantified after an 18-hour incubation. PTFE grafts prepared by immediate seeding were also studied. The relative strength of endothelial attachment was determined by the percentage of the original inoculum remaining after the seeded graft surfaces were subjected to a physiologic shear stress of 15 dynes/cm2 during in vitro perfusion. In polyester elastomer grafts, fibronectin did not significantly increase initial attachment but did increase the percentage of inoculum remaining after perfusion (92.1% vs. 39.74%, p = 0.001). A similar relationship existed between fibronectin-coated e-PTFE and immediately seeded e-PTFE preparations with 61.6% and 25.8%, respectively, of the inoculum remaining after perfusion (p = 0.001). Furthermore, the percentage of inoculum retained on fibronectin-coated polyester elastomer was significantly greater than on fibronectin-coated e-PTFE (p = 0.001). In comparing uncoated grafts, polyester elastomer had 39.7% of the inoculum retained after perfusion whereas only 1.8% was remaining on the e-PTFE grafts (p = 0.0001). We conclude that polyester elastomer permits better endothelial cell attachment than e-PTFE and that fibronectin coating enhances the strength of attachment to both graft materials.