Bioscrew fixation of patellar tendon autografts.

Biodegradable interference screw fixation was studied using patellar tendon autografts in a randomized, prospective multicenter comparison of the PLLA Bioscrew and a metal interference screw. sixty-eight of 114 (60%) patients (34 Bioscrew and 34 metal screw) enrolled were available for follow up an average of 35 months after surgery (range 24-65). There were 42 males and 26 females with an average age of 29 years (16-50). Tourniquet times and associated surgical findings were similar for the two groups. Postoperative KT, Tegner, and Lysholm scores were not statistically different between the two groups. Average follow up KT maximum manual side-to-side difference was 0.9 mm for Bioscrews and 1.4 mm for metal screws. Postoperative Lachman and pivot shift testing were equivalent for the two groups. Other than six of the 7 mm Bioscrews breaking during insertion in the femoral tunnel, there were no problems related to the PLLA implants. No statistical difference was found between the Bioscrew and the metal screw groups, and there were no osteolytic or other reactive bone changes observed associated with the PLLA Bioscrew. These data indicate that the PLLA Bioscrew functions reliably as an interference fixation screw for patellar tendon autografts.

The incidence of deep venous thrombosis after arthroscopic knee surgery.

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 2050 arthroscopic knee surgeries performed at The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital from January 1993 to December 1994. The number of clinically detected deep venous thromboses, with confirmation by duplex ultrasonography, was determined. Prospectively, preoperative and postoperative duplex ultrasonographic images were completed on 239 patients divided into 2 groups: those undergoing nonligament, intraarticular arthroscopic surgery (N = 131) and those undergoing arthroscopically assisted ligament surgery and extraarticular or osteotomy surgery (N = 108). For the retrospective study, the incidence of deep venous thrombosis was 0.24%. Prospectively, seven total deep venous thromboses were identified (rate, 2.9%), with five being identified within 8 days of surgery in asymptomatic patients (rate, 2.1%). There were no statistically significant associations or correlations between the development of deep venous thrombosis and patient personal data or surgical variables, respectively. The difference in the rate of deep venous thrombosis between the two prospective groups was not statistically significant; however, patients who had more invasive surgery tended to be at higher risk for developing deep venous thrombosis. A cost-benefit analysis did not support the routine use of duplex ultrasonography to detect deep venous thrombosis in patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery.

Bioabsorbable interference screws for graft fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

The central one third of the patellar tendon autograft is popular because the bone-tendon-bone (BTB) construct provides several graft fixation options, robust graft incorporation, and a mechanically sufficient substitute. Interference screw fixation is one method used to secure the graft. Bioabsorbable interference screws may offer advantages over metal interference screws. Bioabsorbable screws are made from poly L-lactic acid (PLLA) and are absorbed by the body. This prospective, randomized study compared the safety and efficacy of the PLLA screw with that of the metal cannulated interference screw for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. There were 204 patients randomly assigned to the Bioscrew (Linvatec, Largo, FL) (n = 103) or the metal interference screw (n = 101) groups at four sites. The mean age was 30 years. There were 66 women and 138 men. Mean follow-up was 30 months for Bioscrews and 28 months for metal screws; the average follow-up interval was 2.4 years. The Lysholm mean scores at 4 years for the 32 patients seen at this interval were 95.0 and 97.2 for the Bioscrew and metal screw group, respectively. Ligament laxity comparisons made with an instrumented arthrometer at manual maximum force resulted in side-to-side mean score differences of B = 1.8mm and M = 1.6mm. The Tegner activity level score means were B = 6.1 and M = 5.8. Other variables examined included pain, thigh size, meniscal tests, Lachman's test, range of motion, anterior drawer, pivot shift, patellofemoral crepitus and tenderness, and joint effusion. None of these variables showed a statistically significant difference between groups. No radiographic evidence of osteolytic change or bone resorption around the Bioscrews was observed. There were no complications related to loss of fixation, toxicity, allergenicity, or other evidence of osteolytic or inflammatory reaction. In every assessment between groups there was no difference found. There were 12 PLLA screws that broke during insertion without any adverse effects. The PLLA headless cannulated interference fit screws produce equal results to similarly designed metal screws.

Is an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction outcome age dependent?

Treatment of a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in older patients must be considered in relation to healing delays, rehabilitation difficulties, stiffness, arthritis, and actual athletic demands. This study compares ACL reconstructions in patients 40-years old and older with those under 40-years old and contrasts these to published nonoperative data in the 40 and older patient. Patients undergoing ACL reconstruction between 1992 and 1994 were preoperatively and postoperatively assessed with Lysholm, Tegner, KT, radiographic, and clinical examinations. They were divided into two groups: those 40 years and older (group 1) and those 39 years and younger (group 2). Group 1 had 33 patients with an average age of 44 years (range, 40 to 52 years). Radiographic Fairbank changes were absent. Group 2 had 170 patients with an average age of 27 years (range, 16 to 39 years). Group 1 preoperative instability and intake data were not statistically different from those of group 2. Average follow-up was 21 months for both groups. Both groups showed significant improvement in all parameters at 12- and 24-month follow-up examinations. Lysholm scores, Tegner scores, average KT manual maximum side-to-side differences, Lachman tests, and pivot shift testing were not statistically different in either group. Using Lysholm criteria, in group 1, 89% had excellent/good results, and 11% fair/poor results. This was not statistically different from group 2, which showed 91% excellent/good results and 9% fair/poor results at 24-month follow-up examination. For this age group, nonoperative treatment reports indicate 57% excellent/good results and 43% fair/poor results. The outcomes between these groups are the same and fail to establish the age of 40 years as a barrier to successful ACL reconstruction.

Why grafts fail.

Significant advances in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructive surgery have been made in the past decade and, as a result, the number of anterior cruciate ligament reconstructive procedures being done have increased. Unfortunately, graft failure continues to occur and has resulted in an emphasis on revision surgery. Successful anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is dependent on a number of factors including: patient selection, surgical technique, postoperative rehabilitation, and associated secondary restraint ligamentous instability. A particular emphasis both in scientific and clinical research has been placed on surgical technique. Errors in graft selection, tunnel placement, tensioning, or fixation methods chosen may lead to graft failure. Improper postoperative rehabilitation may lead to graft failure; however, current protocols seem to minimize its occurrence. Finally, failure to recognize or treat a significant secondary restraint instability can place excessive stress on the anterior cruciate ligament graft which may lead to failure. Care must be taken at every step of the process to ensure graft failure does not occur, because revision anterior cruciate ligament surgery results are not as predictable as primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

A biomechanical and clinical evaluation of a patellofemoral knee brace.

A clinical and biomechanical evaluation of a patellofemoral knee brace was conducted to determine subjectively and objectively if the brace was effective in controlling knee motion and relieving patellofemoral pain symptoms. The subjective results indicated that the patellofemoral brace was able to significantly improve the level of perceived knee stability and decrease the level of pain experienced by all the subjects during their daily living and athletic activities. The objective results showed that the patellofemoral brace had no effect on knee flexion angle during gait or level walking, stair ascent, or stair descent for 2 groups of subjects (patellofemoral patients and controls). Joint pain and stability are affected by factors other than knee flexion angle.

Preliminary results of an absorbable interference screw.

A randomized, prospective multicenter comparison was done of a bioabsorbable interference screw (Bioscrew; Linvatec Corp, Largo, FL) made from poly L-lactic acid and a metal interference screw produced by the same company. Assignment was randomized by sealed envelopes. A total of 110 patients underwent arthroscopic patellar tendon autografts. A minimum 12 months follow-up is available on 85 patients (mean 19 months, range 12 to 33) including 42 with Bioscrews and 43 with metal screws. There were 56 male and 29 female patients. The average age was 29 years (16 to 50 years). Tourniquet times and associated surgical findings were similar for the two groups. Postoperative Tegner and Lysholm scores were not statistically different between the two groups. KT tests at 1 year showed an average 20-lb laxity of 1.8 mm for the Bioscrew and 1.2 mm for the metal screw groups. The average 1-year KT maximum manual side-to-side difference was 1.6 mm for Bioscrews and 1.6 mm for metal screws. A pivot shift was absent in 83% of Bioscrews and 90% of metal screws at follow-up. Six of 85 Bioscrews inserted (7%) broke on insertion (all were 7-mm diameter screws at the femoral site). No additional fixation was required in four cases. In two, the broken screw was replaced. No lytic bone changes or tunnel widening were found with any Bioscrew. One metal screw had tibial tunnel widening. No statistical difference was found between the Bioscrew and the metal screw groups. Short-term data support the conclusion that the Bioscrew is a reasonable alternative to metal interference screws.

Common injuries of the shoulder. Diagnosis and treatment.

Shoulder pain is often the presenting complaint of patients seeing their primary care physicians. Overuse and traumatic injuries make up most of the causes. A physical examination with minimal diagnostic tests can lead to the correct diagnosis in most cases. Most conditions can be treated conservatively (nonsurgically). Appropriate referral to a specialist depends on the severity of the initial injury or the patient's lack of response to conservative treatment (or both). We discuss common injuries of the shoulder, emphasizing a practical diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

Anatomic reconstruction of posterior cruciate ligament using autogenous semitendinosus tendons.

An isolated posterior cruciate ligament injury is a difficult clinical and surgical problem. Most authors agree that multidirectional rotatory instability of a knee resulting from either medial or lateral ligamentous laxity in combination with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury requires surgical stabilization. However, indications for surgical reconstruction of an isolated posterior cruciate ligament injury still remain controversial. This lack of agreement over the surgical indications for this injury appears to stem from a lack of clear understanding of the natural course of PCL-deficient knee, and current limitations in surgical technique to reproduce posterior stability in a predictable fashion.

Reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament with allograft.

PCL reconstruction is often a necessary procedure to regain functional knee stability. The procedures used are not able to precisely recreate normal anatomy but are able to provide functional stability to posteriorly destabilized knees when properly performed. Our arthroscopic-assisted procedure limits the soft tissue dissection required and enables the best possible visualization for accurate graft placement. This limits scarring and maximizes the ability of the surgeon to provide posterior knee stability. Allograft tissue, when used as an ACL substitute, was initially believed to be as good as autogenous tissue. It is now believed to be inferior because of slower healing and a tendency to attenuate. PCL allograft reconstructions have not been adequately studied to determine if this same tendency of graft attenuation occurs. In many knees, however, adequate autogenous tissue may not be available, and the only chance to regain stability requires using an allograft. It is in these circumstances that the authors recommend allograft reconstructions.

Infrapatellar contracture syndrome. Diagnosis, treatment, and long-term followup.

Infrapatellar contracture syndrome is an uncommon but recalcitrant cause of reduced range of motion after knee surgery or injury. The results and conclusions presented here are based on a retrospective clinical study evaluating the long-term outcome in 75 patients who developed infrapatellar contracture syndrome. These 75 patients (76 knees) were evaluated at an average followup of 53 months after the index (inciting) procedure or injury. Comparing subgroups within the study population, factors that correlated with poorer results or more severe infrapatellar contracture syndrome were found to be acute anterior cruciate ligament repair or reconstruction, the use of patellar tendon autograft for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, nonisometric graft placement, multiple surgical procedures, use of closed manipulation, and the development of patella infera. We concluded that appropriate procedures can substantially increase the range of motion in patients with infrapatellar contracture syndrome. However, residual functional morbidity persists in many patients, and the outcome, as determined by subjective knee function scores, is only fair. The natural history of an anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee appears to be more benign than the natural history of a knee that develops infrapatellar contracture syndrome.

The acromion-splitting approach for large and massive rotator cuff tears.

A retrospective review of 42 patients in whom a rotator cuff injury was diagnosed and who subsequently underwent surgery with the superior acromion-spitting approach technique was conducted. The average size of the tear was 4.2 cm with an average tear retraction of 4.1 cm. Thirty-seven (38 shoulders) of the 42 patients underwent a physical examination, interview, and radiographs at an average followup of 33.4 months (range, 15 to 66). Using the University of California, Los Angeles Shoulder Rating Scale, 27 shoulders were graded as excellent or good, and 11 shoulders were graded as fair or poor. Radiographic examination demonstrated bony union in 29 shoulders. The remaining 9 shoulders had evidence of fibrous union that could be characterized as clinically asymptomatic. Twenty patients had computed tomography scans that demonstrated decompression where the bony or fibrous union had occurred. In addition, some increased decompression in several patients with fibrous union indicated that the anterior acromion sought its appropriate level. Based on the results of this study, the acromion-splitting approach, used as an extension of the miniapproach for rotator cuff tears, can be successfully used when a large or massive rotator cuff tear is identified.

Soft tissue fixation to bone. A biomechanical analysis of spiked washers.

The initial fixation strengths of two spiked-washer designs were evaluated using human femurs and fascia lata tissue. Fascia lata was attached to the femur using the fixation devices, and then each femur-washer-fascia lata complex was loaded in tension to failure. Load-elongation curves were recorded, the initial failure load, initial failure displacement, stiffness, ultimate load, and ultimate displacement were determined for each test, and failure modes were recorded. Results indicated that the 6-spike design provided superior initial fixation strength in the 19-mm diameter size. This washer design was then compared with two commercially available fixation devices: the spiked AO washer and soft tissue fixation plate. Fixation provided by the prototypal washer design was not different in most instances from that provided by the AO fixation devices. Based on these results, important design characteristics for soft tissue spiked washers are identified and discussed.

Anterior labrum reconstruction with mini-capsular shift procedure.

An anterior labrum reconstruction and mini-capsular shift (ARMS) procedure was performed in 64 patients (69 shoulders) with traumatic anterior or anterior-inferior glenohumeral instability between 1984 and 1990. Sixty-three of the sixty-nine stabilizations were performed for recurrent dislocation and six were performed for recurrent subluxation. Eighty-eight percent of the patients (61 shoulders) were available for clinical follow-up at an average of 36 months (range 28-78). There were 44 males and 12 females with an average age of 28 years (range 15-46). Excellent range of motion was recorded at follow-up for the operated shoulder with an average of 180 degrees of forward elevation, 72 degrees of external rotation with the arm at the side, 92 degrees of external rotation with the arm in the 90 degree abducted position and 90 degrees of internal rotation with the arm in the 90 degree abducted position. The range of motion of the normal shoulder was 180 degrees, 76 degrees, 101 degrees and 94 degrees respectively. Utilizing the rating scale from the American Shoulder and Elbow Society, pain improved from 3.1 to 4.4, stability improved from 1.1 to 4.5, and function improved from 2.5 to 3.8 on the average. Subjective rating revealed 95% of the patients to be satisfied with the operative procedure. According to the criteria of Rowe et al, 90% of the results were good or excellent. Five patients (8%) suffered a recurrent dislocation at an average of 32 months after the surgery. Four resulted from significant trauma (6%). One patient (2%) complained of a single episode of subluxation during early recovery. Two patients required shoulder manipulations to improve motion. No other complications occurred. The patients reviewed in this study were actively involved in sports. The majority of pre- and postoperative Tegner ratings exceeded 7.0.

Arthroscopically enhanced "miniapproach" to rotator cuff repair.

The results of rotator cuff repair through a lateral deltoid splitting approach combined with arthroscopic subacromial decompression are presented in 18 patients with an average followup of 46 months. Sixteen patients (88%) scored good or excellent on the University of California at Los Angeles shoulder rating scale. Pain scores improved from an average of 1.6 to 7.6. Function scores improved from 2.5 to 8.4. Two patients had poor results; both had workers' compensation cases pending. One patient with a poor result had 2 complications: superficial infection and failure of repair that required reoperation. No other complications were encountered. Seventeen patients (94%) were satisfied with their results. This surgical technique, when used for patients with chronic impingement and rotator cuff tear, provides acceptable clinical results with minimal morbidity.

Detailed analysis of patients with bilateral anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

To better understand anatomic and other possible predisposing factors for anterior cruciate ligament injuries, we retrospectively studied 31 patients with noncontact, bilateral injuries of this ligament. The 31 patients were carefully matched by age, sex, height, weight, and activity level with 23 control subjects who had no history of knee injury. All 54 subjects underwent a full clinical knee examination, joint hypermobility tests, a hamstring tightness assessment, a computerized tomography scan analysis, and a plain view radiographic analysis, and were asked to provide a complete immediate-family history of knee ligament injury. In addition, the 31 patients in the experimental group underwent a KT-1000 arthrometer knee laxity examination and were also asked to provide an injury profile, including mechanism of injury, treatment received for each injury, and the time interval between injuries. Measurements obtained from the computerized tomography scan analysis demonstrated a significantly wider lateral femoral condyle in the experimental group compared with the control group, indicating that certain anatomic factors may predispose people to anterior cruciate ligament injury. A significant difference was also found in the incidence rate of anterior cruciate ligament injury in the family history of the experimental group compared with the control group, indicating a possible congenital aspect of this injury.

Anterior and anterior-inferior shoulder instability: Treatment by glenoid labrum reconstruction and a modified capsular shift procedure.

An anterior glenoid labrum reconstruction in conjunction with a modified anterior-inferior capsular shift is described and was performed in 64 patients (69 shoulders) with traumatic anterior or anterior-inferior glenohumeral instability. Sixty-three operations were performed for recurrent dislocation and six for recurrent subluxation. The patients in this study were extremely active in sports, with the majority of Tegner ratings exceeding 7.0. Fifty-six patients with 61 operated shoulders were available for clinical follow-up at an average of 36 months (range 28 to 78 months). With rating scales from the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, pain improved from an average of 3.1 to an average of 4.4, stability improved from 1.1 to 4.5, and function improved from 2.5 to 3.8. Postoperative average ranges of motion were 180° of forward elevation, 72° of external rotation with the arm at the side, 92° of external rotation with the arm at 90° of abduction, and 90° of internal rotation with the arm at 90° of abduction. Ninety-five percent of the patients were satisfied with the procedure. Five patients suffered a recurrent dislocation, four from significant trauma. One additional patient experienced an episode of subluxation early in the recovery period. According to the criteria of Rowe, 90% had excellent or good results.

Complications of patellofemoral joint surgery.

The goal of patellofemoral surgery, as is true in any surgical procedure, is the maximum benefit with the least morbidity. It is imperative that the surgeon be aware of the potential complications of operating on the patellofemoral joint. It was with this goal in mind that this review was undertaken. Complications specific to surgical therapy for LPCS, malalignment, degenerative arthritis, and trauma were covered. Procedure-specific complications were discussed, as well as IPCS and reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Recommendations on how to avoid these complications were made. Specific treatment recommendations, where appropriate, were also put forth.

The GORE-TEX anterior cruciate ligament prosthesis. A long-term followup.

The GORE-TEX anterior cruciate ligament prosthesis has been implanted in 268 patients at our institution since April of 1984. Follow-up for this study was available on 70% of these patients (188). Eighty-one percent (152) of these had the ligament for chronic injuries, 14% (26) for acute, and 5% (10) for subacute injuries. The patient population had an average age of 27.6 years (SD = 8.4) and a Tegner activity score of 6.05 (SD = 1.53). Prior procedures had been performed on 56% (105) of the patients. Concomitant procedures were performed in 73% (137) and included iliotibial band tenodesis, partial meniscectomy, posterior oblique ligament advancement, or meniscal repair. Followup averaged 48 months (range, 24 to 68). Evaluation included a questionnaire, physical examination, radiographs, KT-1000 arthrometer testing, and an activity score. Results were graded as excellent, good, fair, and poor. Acceptable results (good and excellent) were obtained in 83 patients (44%). Fifty-eight patients (32%) were rated excellent and 25 (13%) were rated good. Unacceptable results (fair and poor) were obtained in 105 patients (56%). Twenty-five patients (13%) were rated fair and 80 (42%) were rated poor. Subjective improvement was indicated by 166 patients (88%). Activity levels postoperatively as rated by the Tegner Scale improved in 2 (1%), remained the same in 167 (89%), and decreased in 19 patients (10%). Effusions occurred in 63 patients (34%) and caused an unacceptable result in 22 (12%). Rupture occurred in 23 patients (12%). Loosening greater than 3 mm occurred in 64 patients (34%) and led to unacceptable results in 37 (20%). Infection occurred in 5 patients (2.7%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)