Limb asymmetries persist 6 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction according to the results of a jump test battery.

Objectives: Test batteries used to assess a patient's return-to-sports (RTS) following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are currently undergoing continual development, although no consensus exist on tests to be administered to athletes before allowing return to play. A simple standardized jump test battery was developed to objectively evaluate knee function following ACLR, thereby aiding in RTS decision-making. Methods: Thirty-three patients who underwent ACLR were prospectively assessed pre-operatively, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Knee function was assessed using a device for optical detection using a test battery consisting of three jump tests: monopodalic countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump, and monopodalic side-hop. Limb symmetry index (LSI) was reported for all tests at all time points. LSI ≥90% was defined as RTS criteria. Results: At 12-month evaluation, mean LSI significantly improved compared to 6-month follow up (p < 0.01), and also compared to baseline (p < 0.01), reporting a mean value of 92.6% for CMJ, 90.6 for drop jump and 96.9% for side hop test. Most patients fulfilled the RTS criteria 12 months after surgery (LSI ≥90%). The percentages of patients demonstrating LSI ≥90% at 6 months was 7/33 (21.2%) for CMJ, 12/33 (36.4%) for drop jump, and 11/33 (33.3%) for side-hop test. One year after surgery, percentages grew up to 66.6% (22/33), 63.6% (21/33), and 81.8% (27/33) respectively. Conclusion: Six months after ACLR, knee functional performance was unsatisfactory in most patients, whereas a significantly higher percentage of patients met RTS criteria 1 year after surgery. The results of the jump test battery proposed in this study support the idea that timing for resumption of cutting and pivoting sports should be delayed later than 6 months, as still limb asymmetries persist at this time point.

Unicompartmental knee replacement combined with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction provides comparable results to total knee replacement with no increased risk of complications.

INTRODUCTION: There is controversy about the management of unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis (OA) in young, active patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insufficiency. This study compares the subjective, radiological, and functional results of total knee replacement (TKR) vs. combined medial unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) with ACL reconstruction. METHOD: Twelve patients suffering from medial OA and ACL deficiency with varus knee deformity and/or tibial slope <10° and absence of patellofemoral-related problems were eligible for combined UKR and ACL reconstruction (Group A). Twenty-six patients matched for age, male/female ratio and body mass index who received TKR in the same time frame were included as a control group (Group B). Oxford Knee Score (OKS), WOMAC index of osteoarthritis, Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and routine X-rays were used for assessment. RESULTS: Ten years after surgery, the mean overall KOOS score, OKS, WOMAC index increased from preoperatively, showing a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). In terms of KOOS, OKS, or WOMAC scores at the most recent follow-up, there was no discernible difference between the groups (p = n.s.). Three years following surgery, one female patient in group A received revision TKR due to the lateral compartment's osteoarthritis developing and the patient's pain persisting. Concerning radiographic assessment, at the most recent follow-up (average 7.9 years in group A and 8.8 years in group B), there were no radiographic indications of implant loosening or proof of pathologic radiolucent lines. CONCLUSIONS: UKR combined with ACL restoration offers clinical and radiographic outcomes comparable to TKR 10 years following surgery with no elevated risk of complications.

One-stage anterior cruciate ligament revision surgery after primary failed double-bundle reconstruction: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) revision surgery after failed double-bundle (DB) reconstruction is a challenging procedure. This study aimed to systematically review the research on ACL revision surgery following failed DB reconstruction, providing an overview on indications, surgical techniques, clinical outcomes and potential pitfalls occurring while performing this therapeutic approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature published from exception to February 2023 was searched in the Pubmed/MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL databases. Studies in English reporting on patients who underwent ACL revision surgery after prior failed DB reconstruction were considered. Review articles and expert opinion or editorial pieces were excluded. Outcomes of interest included indications and pre-operative planning, surgical technique and associated procedures, type of revision surgery (either one- or two-stage), graft choice, clinical and functional outcomes, rate of complications, failure rate. RESULTS: Overall, 4 studies met all the inclusion criteria for this review. All were published between 2007 and 2020. The search resulted in two retrospective comparative studies, one case series, and one case report. Average follow-up periods ranged from 24 to 45 months. From these studies, 66 patients (66 knees) were identified. One-stage revision surgery was performed in 64 on 66 patients (97%) with pathologic laxity following DB ACL reconstruction. Most frequently reported outcome was Lysholm score in five studies: average postoperative Lysholm score ranged from 90.5 to 91.0 while Tegner activity level ranged from 5.6 to 7.0. In 4 patients (6%) re-revision surgery was performed due to graft re-rupture. CONCLUSIONS: One-stage ACL revision surgery following DB ACL reconstruction appears feasible providing satisfying outcomes and limited complications. The literature on this subject is limited and further comparative studies reporting long-term outcomes are needed, as high-level studies on this topic are still lacking.

Drop Jump Performance Improves One Year Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Sportsmen Irrespectively of Psychological Patient Reported Outcomes.

Our study aims to prospectively report the functional outcomes of 31 sportsmen following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, up to 12 months after surgery, with regards to subjective tests and drop jump performance, and to investigate the correlations between these variables, to be used for determining the return to sports after ACL reconstruction. Lysholm score, Tegner activity level, and the ACL-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scale were evaluated preoperatively, at 6 months, and at 12 months after surgery. Drop vertical jump was recorded using an infrared optical acquisition system. Lysholm and ACL-RSI scores significantly improved at the 12-month follow-up compared to the baseline and 6-month evaluations (p < 0.001). Concerning Tegner activity level, no statistically significant differences were reported between pre- and post-operative status (p = 0.179). Drop jump limb symmetry index significantly improved at 12 months, with the mean value improving from 76.6% (SD: 32,4) pre-operatively to 90.2% (SD: 14.7; p < 0.001) at follow-up. Scarce positive correlation was reported between the ability to perform drop jumps and activity level in athletes one year after ACL reconstruction. In addition, subjective knee score and psychological readiness were not related to jumping performance.

Shift to low-impact sports and recreational activities following total knee replacement.

BACKGROUND: A growing number of physically active patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR) desires to resume their preoperative activity levels and to be able to engage in sports after surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess the sporting and physical activities of patients who had undergone TKR. It was hypothesized that the majority of patients treated by TKR would have been able to return to amateur sports and recreational activity . METHODS: Ninety-seven patients who underwent TKR between 2014 and 2016, were retrospectively reviewed. Mean age was 70.1 years (range 64-83). Average follow-up time was 4.2 years (SD: 1.7). Assessment included Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Tegner activity level. Sporting and physical activities of all patients were reported. Wilcoxon's signed ranks test was used for comparison between pre-operative and follow-up data. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Both KOOS score and IKDC significantly improved after surgery (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were reported concerning Tegner activity level before and after surgery (p = n.s.). After surgery, a total number of 52 patients (53.6%) successfully returned to sporting and recreational activities, such as cycling, hiking, dancing and swimming. A return to activity rate of 81% of patients practicing sport before surgery was reported. CONCLUSIONS: TKR provides a high rate of return to sport postoperatively and confirms improved subjective results and reduced pain compared to preoperative status. However, most patients returned to low-impact activities, while a significant decrease was reported for mid- and high-impact sports.

Restoring rotational stability following anterior cruciate ligament surgery: single-bundle reconstruction combined with lateral extra-articular tenodesis versus double-bundle reconstruction.

Aim: To compare the outcomes of patients who underwent single-bundle (SB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction combined with lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) with the outcomes of those who underwent double-bundle (DB) ACL reconstruction. Methods: 16 patients who underwent ACL hamstring SB reconstruction combined with LET (Coker-Arnold modification of the MacIntosh procedure) were retrospectively compared with 20 patients who underwent hamstring DB reconstruction at an average follow-up of 6.2 years. Assessment included Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee scores, objective examination and instrumented laxity test. Results: No complications were reported. Mean Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee scores significantly increased from preoperatively (p < 0.05). No differences were reported between the two groups with regard to point scales, anterior tibial translation and pivot-shift test (p = not significant). Conclusions: Both DB ACL reconstruction and combined LET and autologous hamstring SB ACL reconstruction are effective at providing satisfying functional outcomes and restoring rotational stability.

Does the Association of Microfractures for the Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus Affect the Outcome Following Arthroscopic Treatment for Chronic Ankle Instability?

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to retrospectively compare the outcomes of patients who underwent arthroscopic thermal capsular shrinkage with those who underwent both arthroscopic thermal capsular shrinkage and arthroscopic osteochondral lesion (OCL) treatment with microfractures. Our hypothesis was that the simultaneous treatment does not negatively affect the outcome of the combined surgical procedure by influencing the postoperative rehabilitation protocol and does not significantly differ from capsular shrinkage alone in terms of subjective and objective outcomes. METHODS: Seventy-six patients with chronic ankle instability were treated at our department from 2004 to 2012 and reviewed retrospectively. Forty-two patients underwent arthroscopic thermal-assisted capsular shrinkage (group A), and 34 patients underwent combined arthroscopic capsular shrinkage and microfractures for OCL lesions of the talus (group B). All patients underwent a four-step surgical procedure including synovectomy, debridement, capsular shrinkage, and bracing and nonweightbearing for 21 days. In patients with OCL lesions, microfractures of the OCL were associated. Clinical assessment included objective examination, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle and hindfoot scoring system, Karlsson-Peterson score, Tegner activity level, and Sefton articular stability scale. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 6 years (range, 2-9 years). The median postoperative visual analogue scale score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score, and Tegner score were improved from the preoperative level for both groups (P < .001). No significant difference was found between the two groups for the subjective scores and satisfaction rate (P = not significant). Similarly, no significant difference regarding the incidence of range-of-motion restriction was reported between the two groups (P = not significant). CONCLUSIONS: The association of microfractures for the treatment of osteochondral lesions does not affect the outcome following arthroscopic treatment for chronic ankle instability up to 6 years from surgery.

Autograft versus allograft tenodesis for chronic ankle instability: a single-center retrospective comparative study.

Aim: To compare the outcomes of patients who underwent autograft tenodesis with those who underwent allograft tenodesis for the treatment of chronic mechanical ankle instability. Patients & methods: Ten patients who underwent allograft lateral tenodesis were compared with 15 patients who underwent lateral tenodesis using a split peroneus brevis tendon. Patients were followed up after an average time of 10.5 years. Results: No statistically significant differences concerning American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society and Karlsson-Peterson scores were reported (p = n.s.). A reduced average radiographic anterior talar translation was observed in the autograft group compared with the allograft group (1.4 and 4.0 mm respectively, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Both surgical techniques significantly improved subjective and objective outcomes in patients suffering from chronic ankle instability compared with pre-operatory status. Autograft stabilization provided reduced post-operative anterior talar translation compared with allograft tenodesis.

A four-step approach improves long-term functional outcomes in patients suffering from chronic ankle instability: a retrospective study with a follow-up of 7-16 years.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to assess the long-term outcomes of the treatment of chronic ankle instability (CAI) with a four-step protocol. METHODS: Fifty-four patients with isolated anterior talo-fibular ligament (ATFL) lesion suffering from CAI who underwent surgical treatment between 2000 and 2009 were assessed. All the patients underwent a four-step protocol including synovectomy, debridement of ATFL lesion borders, capsular shrinkage, and 21-day immobilization and nonweightbearing. Median age at surgery was 31.6 years (18-48). Patients were examined preoperatively and at follow-up. Clinical assessment included the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot scoring system, Karlsson-Peterson score, Tegner activity level, and objective examination comprehending range of motion (ROM) and manual laxity tests. RESULTS: AOFAS (preoperative, 64.8; postoperative, 92.4; p < 0.001) and Karlsson-Peterson score (preoperative, 62.5; postoperative, 88.8; p < 0.001) significantly improved after a median 11 years follow-up (7-16 years). Similarly median Tegner activity level significantly increased at follow-up compared to pre-operatory status (6.0 and 4.0 respectively, p < 0.001). Objective examination documented a statistically significant improvement in terms of ankle stability compared to pre-operative manual laxity tests, with negative anterior drawer test observed in 48 (88.9%) patients (p < 0.001). Sagittal ROM was full in 50 patients (92%). Nine patients had subsequent ankle sprains (15.6%), two patients required further surgery, while seven were treated conservatively. No major complications were reported. CONCLUSION: Satisfying subjective and objective clinical outcomes in selected patients with isolated ATFL lesion suffering from CAI were reported with a treatment protocol including arthroscopic synovectomy, debridement of ATFL remnants, capsular shrinkage, and immobilization. These findings are of clinical relevance because they provide a suitable minimally invasive method for the treatment of mild to moderate ankle instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

One-stage revision surgery provides infection eradication and satisfying outcomes for infected knee arthroplasty in selected patients.

OBJECTIVES: We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the outcomes of one-stage revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in terms of eradication of the infection, improvement of pain, and knee function. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2016, 20 patients underwent one-stage revision TKA for the treatment of a prosthetic joint infection (PJI). Inclusion criteria were: patients nonimmunocompromised with minimal or moderate bone loss, known organisms with known sensitivity. Assessment included clinical signs of infection eradication, range of motion, Knee Society clinical rating score, visual analog scale pain score, and radiographic assessment. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 6.2 years (range, 2-10 years), none of the patients had signs suggesting recurrent infection. Follow-up examination showed significant improvement of all variables compared to preoperative values (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: One-stage revision surgery provides infection eradication and satisfying subjective functional outcomes for infected knee arthroplasty in selected patients. EXPERT OPINION: One-stage revision knee arthroplasty is a valuable resource to approach PJIs in selected patients whose infecting micro-organism and sensitivity are determined before surgery. In order to succeed strict inclusion criteria should be applied, as only non-immunocompromised patients with healthy soft tissues with minimal or moderate bone loss are eligible for this procedure.

Unicompartmental Knee Replacement Combined to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Midterm Results.

A study was conducted to retrospectively evaluate the outcomes of combined medial unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The hypothesis was that this procedure would lead to satisfying results in patients affected by medial osteoarthritis and ACL insufficiency. Fourteen patients with ACL deficiency and concomitant medial compartment symptomatic osteoarthritis were treated from 2006 to 2010. Twelve of them were followed-up for an average time of 7.8 year (range: 6-10 years). Assessment included Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome score (KOOS), Oxford Knee score (OKS), American Knee Society scores (AKSS), Western Ontario and McMaster (WOMAC) index of osteoarthritis, Tegner's activity level, objective examination including instrumented laxity test with KT-1000 arthrometer, and standard X-rays. KOOS score, OKS, WOMAC index, and the AKSS improved significantly at follow-up (p < 0.001). There was no clinical evidence of instability in any of the knees as evaluated with clinical and instrumented laxity testing (p < 0.001). No pathologic radiolucent lines were observed around the components. In one patient, a total knee prosthesis was implanted due to the progression of signs of osteoarthritis in the lateral compartment 3 years after primary surgery. UKR combined with ACL reconstruction is an effective therapeutic option for the treatment of combined medial unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis and ACL deficiency and confirms subjective and objective clinical improvement up to 8 years after surgery. This study reflects level IV evidence.

Two-stage revision shoulder prosthesis vs. permanent articulating antibiotic spacer in the treatment of periprosthetic shoulder infections.

INTRODUCTION: Periprosthetic shoulder infections (PSIs) represent a serious complication following shoulder arthroplasty. No consensus exists regarding the optimal option. We conducted a retrospective case-control study to compare the outcomes of 2-stage revision shoulder arthroplasty and those of definitive articulating antibiotic spacer implantation with regards to eradication of the infection, improvement of pain and shoulder function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients treated for an infected shoulder arthroplasty were retrospectively reviewed after a mean follow-up of 8 years (range, 2-10 years). Nineteen underwent definitive articulating antibiotic spacer implantation and 11 underwent 2-stage revision arthroplasty. Mean age at surgery was 68.8 years. Assessment included Constant-Murley score, visual analog scale pain score, objective examination, patient subjective satisfaction score as well as standard radiographs. RESULTS: At the most recent follow-up, none of the patients had clinical or radiographic signs suggesting recurrent infection. Most patients reported satisfying subjective and objective outcomes. Follow-up examination showed significant improvement of all variables compared to preoperative values (p<0.001). Radiographs did not show progressive radiolucent lines or change in the position of the functional spacer. No statistically significant differences were reported between the two groups concerning Constant-Murley and VAS scores, while average forward flexion and abduction were significantly higher in patients undergoing 2-stage revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Both surgical procedures provided infection eradication and satisfying subjective functional outcomes. Functional results were superior in patients treated with revision shoulder prosthesis, although a higher rate of complication was reported in this cohort of patients, thus suggesting the use of permanent spacer in high-risk or low-demanding elderly patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, Retrospective case-control study.

Management of periprosthetic shoulder infections with the use of a permanent articulating antibiotic spacer.

INTRODUCTION: Management of periprosthetic shoulder infections (PSIs) still remains challenging. We conducted a retrospective case study to assess the outcomes of definitive articulating antibiotic spacer implantation in a cohort of elderly, low-demanding patients. We hypothesized that in patients with low functional demands seeking pain relief with chronic PSIs, treatment with a definitive articulating antibiotic spacer would lead to satisfying results concerning eradication of the infection, improvement of pain, and improving shoulder function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 19 patients underwent definitive articulating antibiotic spacer implantation for the treatment of an infected shoulder arthroplasty. Mean age at surgery was 70.2 years. Patients were assessed pre-operatively with functional assessment including Constant-Murley score, and objective examination comprehending ROM, visual analog scale pain score, and patient subjective satisfaction (excellent, good, satisfied, or unsatisfied) score. Radiographs were taken to examine signs of loosening, and change in implant positioning. RESULTS: At the most recent follow-up, none of the patients had clinical or radiographic signs suggesting recurrent infection. Most patients reported satisfying subjective and objective outcomes. Follow-up examination showed significant improvement of all variables compared to pre-operative values (p < 0.001). Radiographs did not show progressive radiolucent lines or change in the position of the functional spacer. In one case, glenoid osteolysis was reported, which did not affect the clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In selected elderly patients with low functional demands seeking pain relief with infected shoulder arthroplasty, definitive management with a cement spacer is a viable treatment option that helps in eradicating shoulder infection and brings satisfying subjective and objective outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series, Level IV.

Criticality of kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty.

Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally invasive techniques to treat vertebral compression fractures, now considered as implying relative risks and being equally effective. A few considerations must anyway be made due to some unresolved problems.