A Comparison of Quadriceps Tendon Autograft With Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Autograft and Hamstring Tendon Autograft for Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Quantitative Synthesis.

OBJECTIVE: There is growing enthusiasm for the increased use of quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft for primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The purpose of this analysis was to synthesize and quantitatively assess the available evidence comparing QT autograft with hamstring tendon (HT) and bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autografts, regarding functional outcomes, knee stability, anterior knee pain, and revision rates. DATA SOURCES: A search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for eligible studies up to May 2018 was conducted. Two reviewers selected studies based on inclusion criteria and assessed methodological quality. Outcomes analyzed were anterior knee pain, graft failure rates, knee stability, functional outcomes, and adverse events. Pooled analyses were performed for continuous and dichotomous variables where appropriate. MAIN RESULTS: Ten studies (1 randomized trial and 9 nonrandomized cohorts) met our inclusion criteria, which included 1398 patients. The analysis showed no statistical difference in anterior knee pain when comparing QT and HT autografts, but a significant difference between QT and BPTB autografts [odds ratio, 0.15 (95% confidence interval, 0.08-0.27); P < 0.001]. There were no differences between all 3 autografts in revision rates, knee stability, and patient-reported functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Quadriceps tendon autograft is a suitable graft alternative for primary ACLR, as it achieves good clinical outcomes with a low incidence of anterior knee pain. Given the limited quality of the included studies, there is a need for a well-designed multicenter randomized control trial comparing QT autograft with other primary ACL autografts to confirm our findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV systematic review.

Arthroscopically assisted quadriceps double-bundle tibial inlay posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: An analysis of techniques and a safe operative approach to the popliteal fossa.

The arthroscopically assisted posterior cruciate ligament tibial inlay technique, frequently used in athletic individuals and in revision cases, requires a thorough and comprehensive understanding of posterior knee anatomy. Importantly, variations in the posterior vascular anatomy may be encountered. A safe and methodical posteromedial approach in a layered fashion to achieve proper and safe tibial inlay graft placement and fixation is described. The authors advocate use of a double-bundle quadriceps tendon autograft. Graft position of the double strands, fixation, and tensioning issues are presented.

Treatment of bipolar depression: current status, continued challenges, and the STEP-BD approach.

Even though at least 10% (if not 20%) of those who experience a first lifetime episode of depression will subsequently develop bipolar disorder, the alliance of academic and industry research agendas that leads to developing and testing new antidepressants has failed to produce a sufficient knowledge base. It is therefore impossible to apply a truly empirical approach to guide the treatment of people with bipolar depression. Consequently, there are holes in contemporary evidenced-based practice guidelines large enough to drive a truck through; furthermore, there are some recommendations that have no factual basis other than expert opinion. However, with new research emerging on lamotrigine and olanzapine, in addition to the pending results of larger studies supported by the National Institute of Mental Health and the Stanley Foundation, there is evidence that some progress is being made.