Principles for optimizing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction outcomes in elite athletes: a review of current techniques.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are one of the most common sport-related injuries and occur in greater than 3% of athletes in a four-year window of sports participation. Non-contact injuries are the most common mechanism for ACL injury in elite-level athletes, especially with increased valgus and external rotation of the knee when loading eccentrically in flexion. Because of the immense toll these injuries and their recovery take on athletes especially, optimal treatment has been a subject of great interest for some time. Many ACL reconstruction (ACLR) and repair techniques have been implemented and improved in the last two decades, leading to many surgical options for this type of injury. The surgical approach to high-level athletes in particular requires additional attention that may not be necessary in the general population. Important considerations for optimizing ACL treatment in high-level athletes include choosing repair vs. reconstruction, surgical techniques, choice of auto- or allograft, and associated concomitant procedures including other injuries or reinforcing techniques as well as attention to rehabilitation. Here, we discuss a range of surgical techniques from repair to reconstruction, and compare and contrast various reconstructive and reinforcing techniques as well as associated surgical pearls and pitfalls. Good outcomes for athletes suffering from ACL injury are attainable with proper treatment including the principles discussed herein.

Femur Length is Correlated with Isometric Quadriceps Strength in Post-Operative Patients.

BACKGROUND: Few existing studies have examined the relationship between lower extremity bone length and quadriceps strength. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate the relationship between lower extremity, tibia and femur lengths, and isometric quadriceps strength in patients undergoing knee surgery. The null hypothesis was that there would be no correlation between lower extremity length and isometric quadriceps strength. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Patients with full-length weightbearing radiographs that underwent isometric quadriceps strength testing after knee surgery were included. Using full-length weightbearing radiographs, limb length was measured from the ASIS to the medial malleolus; femur length was measured from the center of the femoral head to the joint line; tibia length was measured from the center of the plateau to the center of the plafond. Isometric quadriceps strength was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to report the correlation between radiographic limb length measurements. A Bonferroni correction was utilized to reduce the probability of a Type 1 error. RESULTS: Forty patients (26 males, 14 females) with an average age of 25.8 years were included. The average limb, femur, and tibia lengths were not significantly different between operative and non-operative limbs (p>0.05). At an average of 5.8±2.5 months postoperatively, the peak torque (156.6 vs. 225.1 Nm), average peak torque (151.6 vs. 216.7 Nm), and peak torque to bodyweight (2.01 vs 2.89 Nm/Kg) were significantly greater in the non-surgical limb (p<0.01). Among ligament reconstructions there was a significant negative correlation between both limb length and strength deficit (r= -0.47, p=0.03) and femur length and strength deficit (r= -0.51, p=0.02). The average strength deficit was 29.6% among the entire study population; the average strength deficit was 37.7% among knee ligament reconstructions. For the non-surgical limb, femur length was significantly correlated with peak torque (r = 0.43, p = 0.048). CONCLUSION: Femur length was significantly correlated with the isometric quadriceps peak torque for non-surgical limbs. Additionally, femur length and limb length were found to be negatively correlated with quadriceps strength deficit among ligament reconstruction patients. A combination of morphological features and objective performance metrics should be considered when developing individualized rehabilitation and strength programs.

Editorial Commentary: Blood Flow Restriction Therapy Continues to Prove Effective.

Blood flow restriction (BFR) training continues to look promising to try and maintain muscle mass or to rebuild muscle mass and strength after injury or surgery. Because additional potential benefits include pain control, increased gene expression (leading to atrophy reduction), and muscle excitation, our use of the modality favors earlier over middle- or late-phase postoperative use. We initiate BFR therapy 2-14 days postoperatively, often with reduced cuff pressure in the first several sessions before increasing to the recommended therapeutic occlusion level. We have observed the greatest benefit for individuals who are non-weight-bearing for 6 to 8 weeks and who may have more postoperative restrictions due to the nature of the surgery. Compared with the opposite thigh, we have seen instances in which quadriceps girth has been preserved, although not increased, following the non-weight-bearing period. Ideally, we use 1 to 3 low-load resistance training exercises per session at least 2 times per week for 6 weeks. We also employ BFR following osteotomy or any procedure where bone drilling is used, as researchers have observed improved bone health. Additional benefits relevant to the early postoperative phase, such as effusion and pain reduction, have not been clearly established. Anecdotally, we have seen effusion levels temporarily increase during treatment but then resolve to baseline within 30 to 60 minutes of tourniquet deflation. Further high-level research is necessary to objectively validate BFR use and which patients may best benefit from it.

Medial Patellofemoral Reconstruction Using Quadriceps Tendon Autograft, Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy, and Sulcus-Deepening Trochleoplasty for Patellar Instability.

Recurrent patellar dislocations have been correlated with an elevated risk of further patellar dislocations, often requiring surgical treatment. Risk factors include medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) tears, patella alta, trochlear dysplasia, and an increased tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance. Surgical management must be based on a patient's unique joint pathoanatomy and may require MPFL reconstruction with tibial tubercle osteotomy or trochleoplasty either alone or in combination. This article discusses our preferred technique for surgical treatment of recurrent patellar instability with MPFL reconstruction using a quadriceps tendon autograft, an open trochleoplasty, and a tibial tubercle osteotomy for patients with patella alta, trochlear dysplasia, and an increased tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance.

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Using a Quadriceps Tendon Autograft in a Patient with Open Physes.

Recurrent patellar dislocations are correlated with an elevated risk for further patellar dislocations. Chronic patellar instability is a disabling issue for some patients and may require surgical intervention for proper treatment. Risk factors for recurrent dislocations include medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) tears, patella alta, trochlear dysplasia, and increased tibial tubercle to trochlear groove distance. Surgical management must be based on a patient's unique joint pathoanatomy and typically requires medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction, with or without accompanying procedures such as tibial tubercle osteotomy or sulcus-deepening trochleoplasty. Chronic patellar instability in minors with open growth plates, requires alternative MPFL reconstruction techniques to prevent physeal injury, because of the close proximity of the femoral physis to the MPFL insertion. This article discusses the authors' preferred technique for surgical treatment of recurrent patellar instability with a medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using a quadriceps tendon autograft.

Multiple Ligament Knee Reconstructions.

Patients with multiligament knee injuries require a thorough examination (Lachman, posterior-drawer, varus, valgus, and rotational testing). Diagnoses are confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging as well as stress radiographs (posterior, varus, and valgus) when indicated. Multiple systematic reviews have reported that early (<3 weeks after injury) single-stage surgery and early knee motion improves patient-reported outcomes. Anatomic-based reconstructions of the torn primary static stabilizers and repair of the capsular structures and any tendinous avulsions are performed in a single-stage. Open anteromedial or posterolateral incisions are preferentially performed first to identify the torn structures and to prepare the posterolateral corner (PLC) and medial knee reconstruction tunnels. Next, arthroscopy allows preparation of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and double-bundle (DB) posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tunnels. Careful attention to tunnel trajectory minimizes the risk for convergence. Meniscal tears are preferentially repaired (root and ramp tears are commonly seen in this patient group). Graft passage is performed after all tunnels are reamed. The graft tensioning and fixation sequence is as follows: anterolateral bundle of the PCL to restore the central pivot, posteromedial bundle of the PCL, ACL, PLC (including fibular [lateral] collateral ligament), and posteromedial corner (including medial collateral ligament). Graft integrity and full knee range of motion should be verified before closure. Physical therapy commences on postoperative day 1 with immediate knee motion (flexion from 0°-90°; prone for DB-PCL reconstruction) and quadriceps activation. Patients are nonweightbearing for 6 weeks. Patients with ACL-based reconstructions wear an immobilizer for 6 weeks then transition to a hinged ACL brace. Patients with PCL-based reconstructions transition into a dynamic PCL brace once swelling subsides and wear it routinely for 6 months. Functional testing and stress radiography are performed to validate return to sports.

Peripheral Stabilization Suture to Address Meniscal Extrusion in a Revision Meniscal Root Repair: Surgical Technique and Rehabilitation Protocol.

Meniscal root tears are an increasingly recognized condition. These tears can cause the meniscus to become extruded outside the joint, which can diminish the biomechanical functionality of the meniscus. Anatomic repair of the meniscal root has previously been described, but this surgical procedure may not adequately address severe extrusion of the meniscal tissue. Additionally, when a primary anatomic repair fails, meniscal extrusion can increase, which can possibly accelerate joint degeneration if untreated. Therefore, the purpose of this Technical Note is to describe our surgical technique for revision medial meniscal root repair with a peripheral stabilization suture to address medial meniscal root tears with severe meniscal extrusion.

Current concepts in the recognition and treatment of posterolateral corner injuries of the knee.

SYNOPSIS: Injuries to the posterolateral corner of the knee pose a significant challenge to sports medicine team members due to their complex nature. Identifying posterolateral corner injuries is paramount to determining proper surgical management of the injured athlete, with the goal of preventing chronic pain, instability, and/or surgical failure. Postoperative rehabilitation is based on the specific structural involvement and surgical procedures. A firm understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of the structures of the posterolateral corner is essential for successful rehabilitation outcomes. Emphasis is placed on protection of the healing surgical repair/reconstruction, with gradual restoration of range of motion, strength, proprioception, and dynamic function of the knee. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the anatomy, biomechanics, and mechanism of injury for posterolateral corner injuries, with a review of clinical examination techniques for identifying these injuries. Furthermore, a review of current surgical management and postoperative guidelines is provided. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnosis/therapy, level 5.