Iterative Rupture of the Patellar Tendon: A Case Report of an Original Technique for Revision Reconstruction Using an Adjustable Loop and an Artificial Ligament.

Chronic rupture of the patellar tendon is a severe injury that leads to dramatic functional consequences including lack of extension and walking difficulty. Surgery is the gold standard to treat this type of injury, but revision reconstructions are problematic because an ipsilateral graft was often harvested for the initial surgery. Because fibrotic tissues on the patellar tendon need to be debrided, another graft must be added to reinforce the tendon. We reported the case of a former semiprofessional handball player, a 29-year-old man who presented an iterative rupture with the fracture of the transverse patellar tunnel 6 months after reconstruction using a semitendinosus graft and suture repair. We performed revision reconstruction surgery using an artificial ligament placed between the extensor mechanism and the tibia for extra-articular reinforcement to maintain extensor mechanism continuity. Two adjustable loops were also used to repair the patellar tendon tear. At 2-year follow-up, the patient was able to resume the practice of handball at a competitive level with good clinical and functional results. This technique can therefore be used as a salvage procedure for chronic iterative rupture of the patellar tendon.

Short-term complications in intra- and extra-articular anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Comparison with the literature on isolated intra-articular reconstruction. A multicenter study by the French Arthroscopy Society.

INTRODUCTION: Lateral tenodesis (LT) is performed to limit the risk of iterative tear following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in at-risk patients. By adding an extra procedure to isolated ACL graft, LT reconstruction increases operating time and may complicate postoperative course. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the rate of early complications. The study hypothesis was that associating ALL reconstruction to ACL reconstruction does not increase the complications rate found with isolated ACL reconstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective multicenter study included 392 patients: 70% male; mean age, 29.9 years; treated by associated ACL and LT reconstruction. All adverse events were inventoried. RESULTS: Mean hospital stay was 2 days, with 46% day-surgery. Walking was resumed at a mean 27 days, with an advantage for patients treated by the hamstring technique. The early postoperative complications rate was 12%, with 1.7% specifically implicating LT reconstruction: pain, hematoma, stiffness in flexion and extension, and infection. There was a 5% rate of surgical revision during the first year, predominantly comprising arthrolysis for extension deficit. The 1-year recurrence rate was 2.8%. DISCUSSION: The complications rate for combined intra- and extra-articular reconstruction was no higher than for isolated intra-articular ACL reconstruction, with no increase in infection or stiffness rates. The rate of complications specific to ALL reconstruction was low, at 1.7%, and mainly involved fixation error causing lateral soft-tissue impingement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, prospective multicenter study.

Midterm results of combined intra- and extra-articular ACL reconstruction compared to historical ACL reconstruction data. Multicenter study of the French Arthroscopy Society.

INTRODUCTION: During anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction procedures, anterolateral reconstruction (ALR) can also be performed to improve the knee's rotational stability. However, the effectiveness of this supplemental technique and its impact on the risk of retears and on the onset of secondary degenerative changesare controversial. HYPOTHESIS: ALR improves control over the pivot shift, reduces the retear risk and delays the appearance of secondary degenerative lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical examination, knee laxity measurements and X-ray evaluations were done in 478 patients with more than 3years' follow-up after combined ACL and ALR from 11 participating hospitals. The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 28years. Eighty-eight percent of the patients participated in pivot sports and 45% were competitive athletes. The findings of this study were compared to historical isolated ACL reconstruction data. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 6.8years. No detectable pivot shift was found in 83% of patients, while 12.8% of patient had a smooth glide. The side-to-side difference in anteroposterior knee laxity with maximum manual force was less than 3mm in 66% of patients and less than 5mm in 95%. The retear rate was 5.4%, with half of these patients undergoing revision ACL surgery. Secondary meniscus damage requiring surgery occurred in 6.3% of patients; the radiological osteoarthritis rate was 17.5%. DISCUSSION: When compared to historical ACL reconstruction data, combined intra- and extra-articular reconstruction does not increase the complication rate. At a mean follow-up of 6.8years, it provides better control over the pivot shift along with a low retear rate and low occurrence of secondary meniscus injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, multicenter study.

Combined intra- and extra-articular grafting for revision ACL reconstruction: A multicentre study by the French Arthroscopy Society (SFA).

BACKGROUND: A careful analysis of the reasons for ACL reconstruction failure is essential to selection of the optimal surgical revision technique designed to ensure good rotational stability and to minimise the risk of re-rupture. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate anterolateral ligament (ALL) stabilisation during revision ACL reconstruction. HYPOTHESIS: ALL stabilisation during revision ACL reconstruction provides good rotational stability without increasing the risk of complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This multicentre study included 349 patients, 151 retrospectively and 198 prospectively. There were 283 males and 66 females. Inclusion criteria were an indication for revision ACL reconstruction surgery with combined intra-articular reconstruction and ALL stabilisation after failed autograft ACL reconstruction, and intact PCL. Exclusion criteria were primary ACL reconstruction and concomitant peripheral medial and/or lateral lesions. Each patient underwent a clinical and radiographic evaluation before and after revision surgery. Before revision surgery, the mean IKDC score was 56.5±15.5 and 96% of patients were IKDC C or D. RESULTS: Rates were 5.0% for early and 10.5% for late postoperative complications. Lachmann's test had a hard stop at last follow-up in 97% of patients. The pivot-shift test was positive in 1% of patients. The mean subjective IKDC score was 84.5±13.0 and 86.5% of patients were IKDC A or B. The proportions of patients with radiographic knee osteoarthritis at last follow-up was unchanged for the lateral tibio-femoral and patello-femoral compartments but increased by 9.7% to 21.2% for the medial tibio-femoral compartment. The re-rupture rate was 1.2% and the further surgical revision rate was 5.4%. CONCLUSION: Anterior laxity at last follow-up was consistent with previous studies of revision ACL reconstruction. However, rotational stability and the re-rupture risk were improved. ALL stabilisation is among the techniques that deserve consideration as part of the therapeutic options for revision ACL reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective and prospective cohort study.

French prospective multicenter comparative assessment of ambulatory surgery feasibility in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: The main objective of this multicenter study was to assess the feasibility of ambulatory surgery in France in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions for any technique or graft used (hamstring, patellar tendon, fascia lata). We hypothesized that a dedicated organization would guarantee the patient's safety. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multicenter, non-randomized, prospective, comparative study, conducted within the SFA symposium was conducted between January 2014 and March 2015, included all the patients operated on for arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using different surgical techniques. The outpatient group (OP) included patients eligible for day surgery who provided informed consent; the conventional hospitalization group (CH) comprised patients declined for outpatient surgery for organizational reasons. The main outcome was failure of the admission mode defined by hospitalization of a patient undergoing outpatient surgery or rehospitalization within the 1st week after discharge. The secondary outcomes were assessment of pain and postoperative complications. A total of 1076 patients were studied with 680 in the OP group and 396 in the CH group. The mean age was 30years±9years. In the CH group, the mean hospital stay was 2.7±0.8days. RESULTS: Twenty-three OP patients were hospitalized or rehospitalized (3.4%). Thirty-six (5.2%) early postoperative complications were noted in the OP group and 17 (4.3%) in the CH group (non-significant difference). Mean postoperative pain on D0-D4 and satisfaction were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION: This prospective multicenter study observed no serious incidents. In a selected population, the risks are comparable to those of conventional hospitalization. Outpatient ACL surgery is therefore feasible in France in 2016. LEVEL OF PROOF: III: case-control study.

Pain after out-patient vs. in-patient ACL reconstruction: French prospective study of 1076 patients.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair is increasingly performed on an out-patient basis. In France, however, concern about post-operative pain remains a strong barrier to out-patient ACL repair. The primary objective of this study was to compare post-operative pain after ACL repair as out-patient versus in-patient surgery. The secondary objectives were to assess the time-course of post-operative pain and to identify factors associated with pain intensity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A multicentre, prospective, comparative, non-randomised study was conducted in France for the French Society for Arthroscopy (SFA) symposium. Patients who underwent primary ACL repair between January 2014 and March 2015 were included if they were eligible for out-patient surgery. The choice between out-patient and in-patient surgery was based on organisational and logistical considerations. Pain intensity was self-evaluated by the patients using a visual analogue scale (VAS), pre-operatively then in the evening after surgery, during the night after surgery, and 1, 3, and 5 days after surgery. The patients performed the evaluations at home using websurvey.fr® software. Demographic data, the characteristics of the surgical procedure, and the IKDC and Lysholm scores before and after surgery were collected. RESULTS: Of the 1076 patients included in the study, 680 had out-patient surgery and 396 in-patient surgery. Mean age was 30±9 years. The two groups were comparable at baseline. Pain intensity was not significantly different between the two groups at any of the measurement time points. Pain intensity showed a peak on post-operative day 1 that was similar in the two groups. The initial post-operative pain intensity score predicted subsequent pain intensity: patients with VAS scores <2 on the day of surgery also had low pain scores after surgery. In both groups, factors associated with greater pain intensity were age <25 years, high pre-operative pain score, and surgery performed after noon. Neither surgical technique nor concomitant lesions and methods used to treat them were associated with pain intensity. Risk factors for severe post-operative pain (VAS score >7) in the out-patient group were younger age, female gender, pre-operative VAS score >3, and tourniquet time >50minutes. CONCLUSION: Pain intensity is similar after out-patient and in-patient ACL repair. Concern about pain should not be a barrier to performing ACL repair on an out-patient basis. Our data on the time-course of the pain and factors associated with greater pain intensity should prove useful for improving patient management after ACL repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control study.

Partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament.

Partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears were first described nearly fifty years ago but the optimal treatment for these injuries continues to be a subject of considerable debate. A question remains whether it is advantageous to preserve the ACL remnant and augment it with a graft, or to debride it and proceed with a standard ACL reconstruction unhindered by remnant fibers in the notch. Clinical outcomes of bundle preserving surgery are promising. An increasingly large body of scientific evidence suggests that augmenting the intact bundle is beneficial in terms of vascularity, proprioception and kinematics. With this knowledge, a number of surgeons have developed techniques to augment the intact bundle of the ACL in partial tears and to biologically enhance standard reconstruction techniques by preserving the ACL remnant. Correct tunnel placement is critical for achieving successful short and long-term outcomes after ACL reconstruction. However, published studies have several limitations including a limited number of patients and lack of control groups for direct comparison of outcomes. Concerns continue to exist with respect to an increased risk of impingement following augmentation, responsible of cyclops syndrome. The objective of this article was to outline the diagnostic approach, describe a reproducible and simple surgical procedure that allows correct femoral tunnel placement without the need for aggressive notch debridement and report the clinical outcome of partial ACL reconstruction.

Comparative reproducibility of TELOS™ and GNRB® for instrumental measurement of anterior tibial translation in normal knees.

BACKGROUND: TELOS™ is among the reference tools for the instrumental measurement of anterior tibial translation during the initial work-up and follow-up of patients with injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). GRNB(®) is a non-irradiating but recently developed tool for which only limited data are available. HYPOTHESIS: The GRNB(®) offers better reproducibility than TELOS™ for measuring anterior tibial translation without rotation in normal knees. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated instrumental laxity measurements in normal knees. Data were available for 60 TELOS™ measurements (9kg load) and 57 GNRB(®) measurements (89N and 134N loads). For each instrument, we compared the absolute variation in anterior tibial translation between two measurements performed 6 months apart. For each GNRB(®) measurement, patellar pressure was recorded. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between mean (± SD) variations in translation between the two instruments. A greater than 2.5mm variation between the two measurements was significantly more common with TELOS™ than with GRNB(®) (P<0.05, Chi(2) test). GRNB(®) translation values did not correlate with patellar pressure. DISCUSSION: The GNRB(®) device offers greater reproducibility than TELOS™ when used to quantitate anterior tibial translation. The limited sample size may have prevented the detection of a significant difference between mean values. In addition, disadvantages of the TELOS™ include radiation exposure of the patient, operator-dependency of measurements made on the radiographs, and absence of a biofeedback system to limit hamstring contraction. GNRB(®) does have hamstring contraction biofeedback control but uses another parameter, namely, patellar pressure, for which the optimal value is unknown. Quadriceps and hamstring co-contraction induced by excessive patellar pressure may influence anterior tibial translation. The optimal patellar pressure value needs to be determined.

Natural history of partial anterior cruciate ligament tears: a systematic literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is frequent, and indications for surgery may be raised by a diagnostic aspect associating slight laxity with no clear pivot-shift. Unlike that of complete ACL tear, the natural history of partial tear remains controversial. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A systematic literature review searched for referenced publications on the natural history of partial ACL tear. Twelve specific articles were retrieved. Initial diagnosis was systematically confirmed on arthroscopy, without ACL surgery. The following criteria were analyzed: firstly, preoperative: confirmation of inclusion criteria, preoperative clinical data, follow-up, arthroscopic lesion assessment, Lachman test, Pivot shift test, hemarthrosis, associated lesions and secondly, follow-up: Lachman test, Pivot shift test, revision surgery, functional clinical scores, pain, sport and return to sport, meniscal events. RESULTS: Preoperatively, Lachman tests were positive (soft or delayed) in a mean 49.7% of cases (range, 0-100%); pivot shift test was systematically negative. At a mean 5.2 years' follow-up, Lachman test was "positive" in 47.6% of cases (range, 38-59%), with positive pivot shift test in 26.3% (range, 5-51%). 54.3% patients reported pain (range, 36-64%), and mean Lysholm score was 88.4 (17-100%). Fifty-two percent (21-60%) of patients resumed sport at their previous level. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The natural history of non-operated partial ACL tear is good over the medium term, especially if patients limit their sports activities. The greater the functional instability, the more frequent is residual pain. Laxity, although not quantified, seems to progress with time, with a positive pivot shift test emerging in a quarter of cases. Functional management may be recommended in non-athletic patients without meniscal lesion, but surgical treatment may be recommended in other patients. Indications for ACL reconstruction are thus the same in partial as in complete tear.

Current concept in rotational laxity control and evaluation in ACL reconstruction.

Rotation combined with translation; compose the three-dimensional motion of the knee subluxation in anterior cruciate ligament deficient knee. The worldwide scientists were focused initially on the translation part of this complex 3D motion, but since the beginning of the century there was a large interest on knee rotational laxity study. Lot of paper reported new devices and results with an explosion since the beginning of the decade. The purpose of this review is to provide an extensive critical analysis of the literature and clarify the knowledge on this topic. We will start with a dismemberment of different rotational laxities reported: the rotation coupled with translation in 2D tests such as Lachman test and anterior drawer test; the rotational envelope considering the maximum internal external rotation; and the "active rotation" occurring in 3D Pivot-shift (PS) test. Then we will analyze the knee kinematics and the role of different anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) bundle on rotation. A review of different mechanical and radiological devices used to assess the different rotations on ACL deficient knees will be presented. Two groups will be analyzed, dynamic and static conditions of tests. Navigation will be described precisely; it was the starter of this recent interest in rotation studies. Opto electronic and electromagnetic navigation systems will be presented and analyzed. We will conclude with the last generation of rotational laxity assessment devices, using accelerometers, which are very promising.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in partial tear: selective anteromedial bundle reconstruction conserving the posterolateral remnant versus single-bundle anatomic ACL reconstruction: preliminary 1-year results of a prospective randomized study.

INTRODUCTION: Partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are frequent. Conserving ACL remnants is central to the concept of anatomic, biomechanical and biological reconstruction. The interest of such conservation remains theoretical. The present hypothesis was that selective anteromedial (AM) bundle reconstruction is preferable to the standard single-bundle reconstruction in partial ACL tear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter prospective randomized study recruited 54 partial ACL tears operated on either by selective AM bundle reconstruction (Group 1, n=29) or by standard anatomic single-bundle reconstruction (Group 2, n=25). All patients were clinically assessed on subjective and objective IKDC, Lysholm and KOOS scores, with a minimum 12 months' follow-up. Comparative pre- to postoperative anterior laxity was measured on the Rolimeter(®) device, with statistical analysis of results. RESULTS: There were no significant preoperative differences between the two groups. All patients were followed-up at 6 months and 1 year. Mean subjective IKDC scores for groups 1 and 2 respectively were 55.8 and 56.8 preoperatively versus 86.2 and 85.7 at 1 year; Lysholm scores were 69.9 and 71.1 versus 90.9 and 91.8. These inter-group differences were non-significant. Differential laxity for groups 1 and 2 respectively was 5.0mm (range, 2-10) and 5.1mm (2-12) preoperatively (P=0.73), versus 1.2mm and 1.9 mm postoperatively (P=0.03). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In partial ACL tear, selective AM bundle reconstruction conserving the posterolateral bundle remnant provides clinical results comparable to the standard single-bundle technique, with better control of anterior laxity. Longer follow-up, however, will be needed to compare evolution in anterior and rotational laxity and in subjective results over time.

Partial ACL reconstruction with preservation of the posterolateral bundle.

INTRODUCTION: Over the past decade, our understanding of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has evolved considerably. Based on this knowledge, ACL reconstruction techniques have changed and selective reconstruction procedures have been developed for partial tears. Our hypothesis was that stability and function can be restored to the knee with selective bundle reconstruction of partial ACL tears and preservation of the residual fibers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a multicenter retrospective study of 168 partial reconstructions of the anteromedial (AM) bundle of the ACL with preservation of the posterolateral (PL) bundle. All patients underwent a clinical evaluation based on the objective and subjective IKDC scores and the Lysholm score after a mean follow-up of 26 months (12-59 months). Preoperative and postoperative instrumental measurement of knee laxity was performed by arthrometer and/or by (Telos(®)) stress radiography. Statistical analysis and comparison was performed between pre- and postoperative results. RESULTS: The preoperative and postoperative subjective IKDC scores were 63.7 and 90.5 at the final follow-up respectively (P<0.001). The preoperative and postoperative Lysholm scores were 80 and 95.5 respectively (P<0.001). Preoperatively, most patients were classified C on the objective IKDC score. At the final follow-up 92% of the patients were classified A or B (P<0.001). Differential preoperative laxity was 5.5mm (range: 0-14 mm) and 1.1mm (range: 0-4mm) at the final follow-up (P<0.00001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that selective reconstruction of the AM bundle of the ACL with preservation of the PL bundle restores stability and function to the knee. Special attention should be paid to the size of the graft used to avoid excess tissue in the intercondylar notch.

Current concept of partial anterior cruciate ligament ruptures.

A partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament is a frequent pattern of ACL injury, observed in 10 to 27% of isolated ACL lesions. There are three reasons to preserve these remnants: biomechanical, vascular and proprioceptive advantages for the patient. Good quality fibers work as graft protection during the healing process. Periligamentous and endoligamentous vessels present into the native ACL tissue may enhance the vascularization of the ACL augmentation. Mechanoreceptors still remaining in the residual ACL fibers may have proprioceptive function. Definition is controversial, based on anatomy, on clinical examination, on instrumental laxity assessment or on MRI findings. Continuous remnant ACL fibers bridging the femur and tibia, from native femoral ACL footprint to native tibial ACL footprint seem to be a good definition. Diagnostic is suspected by accumulation of arguments brought by a thorough clinical examination, precise MRI analysis and examination under anesthesia. But the final diagnostic needs an arthroscopic evaluation to confirm the presence of fibers in good position and to validate its good mechanical properties. The treatment of ACL partial tear is a demanding surgery; difficulties to visualize the graft insertion site, especially on the femoral side, require a perfect knowledge of the normal anatomy of the native ACL footprint. Adapted portals, perfect controls of the tunnel drilling process, intercondylar notch space management are the keys of success. The pivot shift test under anesthesia, a hard stop Lachman test, MRI findings, level and type of sport, arthroscopic aspects of the remnants and its mechanical properties, allow the surgeon decide between non operative treatment, ACL augmentation or standard ACL reconstruction.

An arthroscopic technique to treat the iliotibial band syndrome.

Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is an overuse injury mainly affecting runners. The initial treatment is conservative. Only, in recalcitrant cases surgery is indicated. Several open techniques have been described. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of a standardized arthroscopic technique for treatment of a resistant ITBS. Thirty-six athletes with a resistant ITBS were treated with a standardized arthroscopic technique, limited to the resection of lateral synovial recess. Thirty-three patients were available for follow-up (mean 2 years 4 months). Thirty-two patients (34 knees) had good or excellent results. All patients went back to sports after 3 months. In two patients a meniscal lesion was found, which required treatment. One patient with only a fair result had associated cartilage lesions of the femoral condyle. Our results show that arthroscopic treatment of resistant ITBS is a valid option with a consistently good outcome. In addition, this arthroscopic approach allows excluding or treating other intra-articular pathology.

[Clinical, radiological and arthroscopic analysis of the ACL tear. A prospective study of 418 cases]. / Analyses clinique, radiologique et arthroscopique de la rupture du LCA. Etude prospective de 418 cas.

This prospective multicentric study concerns 418 anterior cruciate ligament tears. It correlates the arthroscopic data's and the clinical and radiological data's. Four types of anterior cruciate ligament tears were identified. Complete tears, postero lateral bundle preserved, healing on the posterior cruciate ligament and healing in the notch. The statistical correlations had shown a highest laxity in the complete tear group with a highest rate of soft Lachman and gross pivot shift, a highest incidence of medial meniscus tears was also noted and a longer delay between injury and surgery, 24 months for the complete tear group and seven months for the postero lateral bundle group. The mean medial compartment laxity, side to side, in the postero lateral bundle group was 4.93 mm and 7.93 mm in the complete tear group. These data could help the surgeon in his surgical planning especially in case of partial tears.

[The effect of the posterolateral bundle in the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction]. / Le comportement du faisceau postérolatéral dans les reconstructions anatomiques du ligament croisé antérieur.

The use of new technology in 3D laxity analysis in torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee has recently improve the ability to assess the effect of reconstruction on laxity control. The aim of this study was to compare, in anatomic ACL reconstruction, the effect of each bundle, posterolateral (PL) and anteromedial (AM) on the residual laxity intraoperatively. We used an optoelectronic navigation system to measure the translation and the rotation during anterior drawer test, Lachman test and pivot shift test. Twenty-two patients were assessed with two protocols, group I with PL bundle reconstruction following the AM bundle reconstruction and group II with a reverse program. Addition of PL bundle has significantly improved the translation and rotation laxity control during the Lachman and pivot shift test, when the AM bundle was more important in the translation control during the anterior drawer test. Anatomic double bundle reconstruction improves the control of laxity intraoperatively.