Aseptically Processed Allograft Implantation: A Safe Strategy for Knee Ligament Reconstructions.

Postoperative infections after allograft implantation is a major concern in knee ligament reconstructions considering the theoretical risk of disease transmission and its potential severity. Here, we aimed to evaluate the postoperative infection rate after knee ligament reconstructions using aseptically processed allografts, and provide an overview of the allografts use in an academic tertiary hospital. A retrospective study was performed evaluating patients who underwent knee ligament reconstructions using aseptically processed allografts, including primary and revision surgeries, from 2005 to 2018. Demographic data, including the type of knee injury and trauma energy, and postoperative data were collected focusing on postoperative infections. Regarding these infected cases, further analyses were performed considering the presenting signs and symptoms, the isolated microorganism identified in culture, the time between graft implantation and diagnosis of infection (defined as acute, subacute, and late), and the need for graft removal. A total of 180 cases of ligament reconstructions were included. The mean follow-up was 8.2 (range: 2.1-15.6) years and the mean age at surgery was 34.1 (± 11.1) years. A total of 262 allografts were implanted in those 180 cases, 93 (35.5%) as bone plug allografts and 169 (64.5%) as soft tissue allografts. Common surgical indications included multiligament reconstruction (57.2%) and primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (15%). Seven cases (3.9%) presented postoperative infections. Knee pain (100%) and swelling (100%) were the most prevalent symptoms. Two cases (28.6%) presented sinus tract. Allografts were removed in two cases, the same cases that presented draining sinus (p = 0.04). High-energy trauma was the only statistically associated factor for infection (p = 0.04). No significant association between infection and the type of allograft (p > 0.99) or sex (p = 0.35) were observed. Four cases (57.1%) had monomicrobial staphylococcal infections. Based on that, the allograft-related infection rate was 1.7% (the remaining three infected cases). Nonirradiated, aseptically processed allografts have a low postoperative infection rate in knee ligament reconstructions, being a safe alternative for surgeries that require additional source, increased variety, and quantity of grafts.

Quadriceps Tendon Lengthening for Obligatory (Habitual) Patellar Dislocation in Flexion.

Obligatory patella dislocation in flexion is an uncommon form of patellar instability, where the patella is located in extension and dislocates with every episode of knee flexion. This results in dramatically altered patellofemoral kinematics and can be extremely debilitating due to extensor strength deficits and lack of knee confidence in flexion. Concomitant pathology, which is often seen, includes a tight lateral retinaculum and a shortened extensor mechanism. Lengthening the extensor mechanism is a critical part of successful patellar stabilization, and has not been well-reported. Herein, we present a technique of quadriceps lengthening for the treatment of obligatory patellar dislocation.

Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy With Distalization Is a Safe and Effective Procedure for Patients With Patella Alta and Patellar Instability.

BACKGROUND: Tibial tubercle osteotomy with concomitant distalization for the treatment of patellar instability remains controversial, as it may cause anterior knee pain and chondral degeneration. PURPOSE: To evaluate radiographic, clinical, and functional outcomes in patients who had patellar instability with patella alta and underwent tibial tubercle osteotomy with distalization (TTO-d) as well as medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Included in this study were 25 patients (31 cases) (mean age at surgery, 28.7 years; range, 14-33 years) with patellar instability and patella alta who underwent TTO-d with minimum 1-year follow-up. The Caton-Deschamps index (CDI), tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, and amount of distalization were assessed. Clinical and functional variables included J-sign, anterior knee pain, apprehension test, Tegner activity level, and Kujala score. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 2.62 years. The mean TT-TG was 16.15 mm (range, 7-24 mm); the mean CDI changed from 1.37 (1.25-1.7) preoperatively to 1.02 (0.9-1.12) postoperatively (P = .001); and the mean amount of tibial tubercle distalization was 8.80 mm (range, 4-16 mm). Lateral release (22 cases; 71.0%), medialization of tibial tubercle (17 cases; 54.8%), and autologous chondrocyte implantation (4 cases; 12.9%) were other associated procedures. The J-sign improved in 30 cases (96.8%; P = .001), and there was a complete resolution of anterior knee pain in 22 cases (71.0%; P = .001). An exploratory analysis showed that patellar cartilage defect severity was correlated with persistent pain (P = .005). The apprehension test became negative in all cases (P = .001). The median Kujala score increased from 52 to 77 (P = .001), and the median Tegner activity level improved from 3 to 4 (P = .001). No cases of osteotomy nonunion were reported. One case (3.2%) of patellar instability recurrence and 3 cases (6.5%) with painful hardware were observed. CONCLUSION: TTO-d resulted in good radiographic, clinical, and functional outcomes providing proper patellar stability to patients with patella alta. TTO-d appears to be a safe and efficient procedure with low complication rates, providing an additional tool for the personalized treatment of patellar instability.

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament, Medial Patellotibial Ligament, and Medial Patellomeniscal Ligament: Anatomic, Histologic, Radiographic, and Biomechanical Study.

PURPOSE: To describe the anatomy (quantitative macroscopic and histologic), radiographic parameters of the insertions, and biomechanical characteristics of the medial ligamentous restrictors of the patella (medial patellofemoral ligament [MPFL], medial patellotibial ligament [MPTL], and medial patellomeniscal ligament [MPML]) in cadaveric knees. Because the MPTL and the MPML are not as well known as the MPFL, they were the focus of this study. METHODS: MPFLs, MPTLs, and MPMLs from 9 knees were dissected. Histologic evaluations were conducted. Length, width, and insertion relations with anatomic references were determined. Metallic spheres were introduced into the insertion points of each ligament, and anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were taken. The distances of the insertions from the baselines were measured on radiographs. Tensile tests of the ligaments were performed. RESULTS: All the samples showed dense connective tissue characteristic of ligaments. The MPTL was inserted into the proximal tibia (13.7 mm distal to the joint line) and in the distal end of the patella (3.6 mm proximal to the distal border). The MPTL had a length of 36.4 mm and a width of 7.1 mm. The MPML was inserted into the medial meniscus and distally in the patella (5.7 mm proximal to the distal border). Per radiography, on the anteroposterior view, the tibial insertion of the MPTL was 9.4 mm distal to the joint line and in line with the medial border of the medial spine. On the lateral view, the patellar insertions of the MPTL and MPML were 4.8 and 6.6 mm proximal to its distal border, respectively. The MPTL was stiffer than the MPFL (17.0 N/mm vs 8.0 N/mm, P = .024) and showed less deformation in the maximum tensile strength (8.6 mm vs 19.3 mm, P = .005). CONCLUSIONS: The MPTL inserts into the proximal tibia and into the distal pole of the patella. The MPML inserts into the medial meniscus and into the distal pole of the patella. They present with identifiable anatomic and radiographic parameters. Grafts commonly used for ligament reconstructions should be adequate for reconstruction of the MPTL. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The study contributes to the anatomic, radiographic, and biomechanical knowledge of the MPTL to improve the outcomes of its reconstruction.

Why are bone and soft tissue measurements of the TT-TG distance on MRI different in patients with patellar instability?

PURPOSE: To determine whether the tibial tuberosity-to-trochlear groove distance (TT-TG) and patellar tendon-to-trochlear groove distance (PT-TG) are equal, whether the bony and cartilaginous points coincide in the trochlea, and whether the insertion of the PT coincides with the most anterior point of the TT in patients with patellar instability. METHODS: Fifty-three MRI scans of patients with patellar instability were examined. TT-TG and PT-TG were measured by three examiners in 31 knees. Additionally, the bone-cartilage distance in the trochlea [trochlear cartilage to trochlear bone (TC-TB)] and the distance between the mid-point of the PT insertion and the most anterior point of the TT (PT-TT) were measured by one examiner. The intraclass correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the reliability of the measurements between the three examiners. The relationships between the measurements were determined, the means of the measurements were calculated, and the correlations between PT-TG and TT-TG, PT-TT, and TC-TB were assessed. RESULTS: The ICC was above 0.8. PT-TG was 3.7 mm greater than TT-TG. The TC and TB coincided in 73 % of cases, and the mean TC-TB was 0.3 mm. The PT was lateral to the TT in 94 % of the cases, and the mean PT-TT was 3.4 mm. The Pearson's correlation coefficients between PT-TG and TT-TG, PT-TT, and TC-TB were 0.946, 0.679, and 0.199, respectively. CONCLUSION: TT-TG underestimated PT-TG, primarily due to the lateralization of the PT insertion relative to the most anterior point of the TT. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: our study shows that in patients with patellar instability, there are differences in the absolute values of TT-TG and PT-TG, as previously reported for patients without patellar instability. Hence, normal cut-off values based on case-control studies of TT-TG cannot be equivalently used when measuring PT-TG to indicate TT medialization in patients with patellar instability. It is also important to note that the clinical outcomes cannot be directly compared between patients evaluated using TT-TG versus PT-TG measurements. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Patellar tracking after isolated medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction: dynamic evaluation using computed tomography.

PURPOSE: Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction offers good clinical results with a very low rate of instability recurrence. However, its in vivo effect on patellar tracking is not clearly known. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of MPFL reconstruction on patellar tracking using dynamic 320-detector-row CT. METHODS: Ten patients with patellofemoral instability referred to isolated MPFL reconstruction surgery were selected and subjected to dynamic CT before and ≥6 months after surgery. Patellar tilt angles and shift distance were analysed using computer software specifically designed for this purpose. Kujala and Tegner scores were applied, and the radiation of the CTs was recorded. Two protocols for imaging acquisition were compared: a tube potential of 80 kV and 50 mA versus a tube potential of 120 kV and 100 mA, both with a slice thickness of 0.5 mm and an acquisition duration of 10 s. RESULTS: There were no changes in patellar tracking after MPFL reconstruction. There was no instability relapse. Clinical scores improved from a mean of 51.9 (±15.6)-74.2 (±20.9) on the Kujala scale (p = 0.011) and from a median of 2 (range 0-4) to 4 (range 1-6) on the Tegner scale (p = 0.017). The imaging protocols produced a dose-length product (DLP) of 254 versus 1617 mGycm and a radiation effective estimated dose of 0.2 versus 1.3 mSv, respectively. Both protocols allowed the analysis of the studied parameters without loss of precision. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of the MPFL produced no improvement in patellar tilt or shift in the population studied. The low-radiation protocol was equally effective in measuring changes in patellar tracking and is recommended. Although the procedure successfully stabilized the patella, knee surgeons should not expect patellar shift and tilt correction when performing isolated patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in patients with recurrent patellar instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

The Effect of Mechanical Varus on Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Lateral Collateral Ligament Stress: Finite Element Analyses.

The current study analyzed changes in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and lateral collateral ligament stress as a result of mechanical varus. In an exploratory pilot study, progressive mechanical varus was introduced to a male finite element model of the lower limb at different knee flexion angles. Nine situations were analyzed (combinations of 0°, 30°, and 60° knee flexion and 0°, 5°, and 10° varus). The ACL stress was measured via changes in section force, von Mises stress, and fiber stress. Lateral collateral ligament stress was measured via changes in section force. For all 3 measures of the ACL, maximum stress values were found in extension, stress decreased with flexion, and the effect of varus introduction was most significant at 30° flexion. With 60° flexion, varus introduction produced a decrease in section force and von Mises stress and a small increase in fiber stress. In all situations and stress measures except fiber stress at 60° flexion, stress was concentrated at the posterolateral bundle. For the lateral collateral ligament, the introduction of 5° and 10° varus caused an increase in section force at all degrees of flexion. Stress in the ligament decreased with flexion. Mechanical varus of less than 10° was responsible for increased ACL stress, particularly at 0° and 30° knee flexion, and for increased lateral collateral ligament stress at all degrees of flexion. Stress was mostly concentrated on the posterolateral bundle of the ACL. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(4):e729-e736.].

Patellar Tendon-Trochlear Groove Angle Measurement: A New Method for Patellofemoral Rotational Analyses.

BACKGROUND: The tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) is used as the gold standard for patellofemoral malalignment. PURPOSE: To assess 3 patellar tendon-trochlear groove (PT-TG) angle measurement techniques and the PT-TG distance measurement (tendinous cartilaginous TT-TG) as predictors of patellar instability. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Three PT-TG angle measurements and the PT-TG distance were measured in 82 participants with patellar instability and 100 controls using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Measurement landmarks were the line tangent to the posterior femoral condyles, the deepest point of the trochlea, the transepicondylar line, and the patellar tendon center. All measurements were recorded once by 1 examiner, and the measurements were recorded twice by 2 examiners in a random group of 100 knees. Mean values and standard deviations (SDs) were obtained. Normality cutoff values were defined as 2 and 3 SDs above the mean in the control group. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio (LR+) were calculated. Inter- and intrarater reliability were assessed based on the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The measurements from the patellar instability and control groups, respectively, for angle 1 (16.4° and 8.4°), angle 2 (31° and 15.6°), angle 3 (30.8° and 15.7°), PT-TG distance (14.5 and 8.4 mm), and patellar tilt (21.1° and 7.5°) were significantly different (P < .05). The angle measurements showed greater sensitivity, specificity, and LR+ than the PT-TG distance. Inter- and intrarater ICC values were >0.95 for all measurements. CONCLUSION: The PT-TG angle and the PT-TG distance are reliable and are different between the patellar instability and control groups. PT-TG angles are more closely associated with patellar instability than PT-TG distance. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: PT-TG angle measurements show high reliability and association with patellar instability and can aid in the assessment of extensor mechanism malalignment. A more sensitive and specific evaluation of extensor mechanism malalignment can improve patient care by preventing both redislocation and abnormal tracking of overlooked malalignment and complications of unnecessary tibial tuberosity medialization.

Revision of total knee arthroplasty in a patient with contralateral transfemoral amputation: case report.

BACKGROUND: Knee arthroplasty is an efficient solution for osteoarthrosis in amputees. However, because of overload on the implant, it is apparently more subject to failure than in the non-amputated population. The aim of this case report is to show a failure of primary total knee arthroplasty contralateral to transfemoral amputation that required revision involving a tissue bank because of severely compromised knee bone. Surgical strategies, rehabilitation, and postoperative care for the operated limb and the contralateral prosthesis were demonstrated. CASE DESCRIPTION AND METHODS: A 60-year-old patient with early failure of total knee arthroplasty contralateral to transfemoral amputation underwent arthroplasty revision in which a graft from a tissue bank was used. After the revision, prosthesis length adjustment and exercise therapy were fundamental to the rehabilitation. FINDINGS AND OUTCOMES: The patient progressed well after the revision of the arthroplasty, with increases on the Knee Society Score and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scales. CONCLUSION: Knee arthroplasty in amputees should be planned differently to that of the general population. For the procedure to be successful, there should be greater attention to implant stability, equalization of leg length, and a postoperative regimen including muscle strengthening and range of motion exercises to achieve the required knee flexion. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This case report is important because it presents a challenging case of a unilateral transfemoral amputee with failed arthroplasty over the years in the contralateral limb. To our knowledge, such a case has not been described in the scientific literature. It would be helpful for surgeons and rehabilitation professionals to chart out a treatment protocol and also to prevent premature failure of the joint.