Single Femoral Tunnel for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Graft and Lemaire's Extra-Articular Tenodesis as a Good Alternative for Combined Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Anterolateral Ligament Revision Surgeries.

The literature has shown a significant decrease in failure rates when the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction was associated with an extra-articular reinforcement technique such as the anterolateral ligament (ALL) or the iliotibial band tenodesis (ITBT) using the modified Lemaire technique. As much as there is a progressive decrease in the failure rates of ACL reconstructions when the ALL reconstruction technique is associated, there are still and will be cases that will result in graft rupture. These cases will require more alternatives for revision, which are always challenging for the surgeon, where the lateral approaches represent complicating factors, especially because of the distortion of the lateral anatomy (by the previous approach for ALL reconstruction), previous reconstruction tunnels, and the presence of fixation materials. We present here a safe technique that offers great stability to the fixation of the graft and is easy to perform, using a single tunnel for the passage of the ACL and ITBT grafts, allowing a single fixation for both. In this way, we performed a lower-cost surgery, with a lower risk of lateral condyle fracture and tunnel confluence. This technique is indicated to be used in cases of revision after failure of combined ACL reconstruction with ALL.

Meniscal Root Repair Alone or Combined with Different Procedures After at Least 6 Months of Follow-Up: A Series of Cases.

Purpose: To analyze clinical and functional outcomes of patients submitted to posterior meniscal root repair of the medial or lateral meniscus in different settings, with at least 6 months of follow-up. Patients and Methods: Retrospective multicentric study assessing epidemiological characteristics and clinical-functional results of 22 patients who underwent meniscal root reinsertion (MRR) by transtibial technique. This study addressed different settings: isolated medial root repair, medial root repair associated with high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and lateral root repair associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Results: Twelve patients had an isolated tear of the posterior root of the medial meniscus and underwent MRR alone. Six patients had a varus axis >5°, undergoing MRR in addition to HTO in the same surgical procedure. Four patients underwent repair of the posterior root of the lateral meniscus associated with simultaneous reconstruction of the ACL. The main results of the study were observed in the improvement of the IKDC score from 27.7% preoperatively to 69.8% in the postoperative period (p < 0.0001) and the Lysholm score of 44.4 points preoperatively to 88.4 points in the postoperative period (p < 0.0001). Significant clinical and subjective improvements were also reported. Conclusion: Medial meniscal root repair, associated or not with valgus tibial osteotomy (when indicated) and lateral meniscal root repair associated with ACL reconstruction, improved clinical, functional, and subjective results of the patients presented in this case series in the short term.

Ramp Lesions: An Unrecognized Posteromedial Instability?

Meniscal ramp lesions occur much more frequently than was previously considered, and particularly so in ACL-injured knees. The historically high rate of missed diagnoses is a result of unfamiliarity with this injury pattern within the orthopedic community, and also the difficulty in diagnosis. A systematic exploration of the posteromedial compartment of the knee is mandatory to reliably identify ramp lesions. Failure to recognize and repair these injuries is associated with persistent anterior and posteromedial instability. Understanding their nature, biomechanics, and epidemiology is essential in allowing orthopedic surgeons to suspect their presence and adequately treat these lesions.

Surgical Technique for Chronic Proximal Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper's Knee).

Chronic proximal patellar tendinopathy is a challenging condition for its troublesome management in the active patient and difficulty in defining the failure of conservative treatment to indicate surgery. Usually, patients with chronic proximal patellar tendinopathy have already tried several physiotherapeutic modalities and are away from their preferred physical activities for variable periods. The current literature presents some open and even arthroscopic options for treating recalcitrant patellar tendinopathy using a variable magnitude of resources and costs. The purpose of this article was to depict a very simple and inexpensive surgical option for treating this condition, which can be applied worldwide.

Dynamic leg length asymmetry during gait is not a valid method for estimating mild anatomic leg length discrepancy.

The purpose of this study was to test the validity of dynamic leg length discrepancy (DLLD) during gait as a radiation-free screening method for measuring anatomic leg length discrepancy (ALLD). Thirty-three subjects with mild leg length discrepancy walked along a walkway and the dynamic leg length discrepancy (DLLD) was calculated using a motion analysis system. Pearson correlation and paired Student t-tests were applied to calculate the correlation and compare the differences between DLLD and ALLD (α = 0.05). The results of our study showed DLLD is not a valid method to predict ALLD in subjects with mild limb discrepancy.

Medial Opening Wedge Proximal Tibial Osteotomy.

Genu varus malalignment can lead to medial compartment overload and progression of ipsilateral compartment osteoarthritis. To slow this process, a medial opening wedge proximal tibial osteotomy (PTO) can be performed. This type of PTO is indicated in patients with genu varus malalignment and isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee, prior to or concurrent with medial compartment cartilage procedures or meniscal transplants, chronic posterolateral corner deficiency, or chronic anterior cruciate ligament deficiency. When treating ligamentous instability, a PTO can be performed in isolation, with simultaneous ligament reconstruction, or as a staged procedure with the osteotomy first, followed by ligament reconstruction if instability persists. Failure to address malalignment in cases of concurrent ligament reconstruction leads to increased stress on the graft and potential graft failure. One distinct advantage of this procedure is the ability to correct deformities in the sagittal and coronal planes. The purpose of this article was to describe our technique used to perform a medial opening wedge PTO.

Anterolateral Biplanar Proximal Tibial Opening-Wedge Osteotomy.

Proximal tibial anterolateral opening-wedge osteotomies have been reported to achieve successful biplanar lower-extremity realignment. Indications for a proximal tibial anterolateral osteotomy include symptomatic genu recurvatum with genu valgus alignment, usually in patients with a flat sagittal-plane tibial slope. The biplanar approach is able to simultaneously address both components of a patient's malalignment with a single procedure. The correction amount is verified with spacers and intraoperative imaging, while correction of the patient's heel height is simultaneously measured. A plate is secured into the osteotomy site, and the site is filled with bone allograft. The anterolateral tibial osteotomy has been reported to be an effective surgical procedure for correcting concomitant genu recurvatum and genu valgus malalignment.

Anatomic Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction.

Posterolateral corner injuries represent a complex injury pattern, with damage to important coronal and rotatory stabilizers of the knee. These lesions commonly occur in association with other ligament injuries, making decisions regarding treatment challenging. Grade III posterolateral corner injuries result in significant instability and have poor outcomes when treated nonoperatively. As a result, reconstruction is advocated. A thorough knowledge of the anatomy is essential for surgical treatment of this pathology. The following technical note provides a diagnostic approach, postoperative management, and details of a technique for anatomic reconstruction of the 3 main static stabilizers of the posterolateral corner of the knee.

Superficial Medial Collateral Ligament of the Knee: Anatomic Augmentation With Semitendinosus and Gracilis Tendon Autografts.

The superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) and associated knee structures are the most commonly injured structures of the knee. Most isolated sMCL tears are treated nonoperatively. Several studies have described different algorithms for treatment of sMCL lesions, as well as different types of techniques, both in the acute and in chronic settings. The purpose of this article was to detail our anatomic sMCL augmentation technique using semitendinosus and gracilis tendon autografts.

Anatomic Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction of the Knee Leads to Overconstraint at Any Fixation Angle.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are one of the most common injuries among athletes. However, the ability to fully restore rotational stability with ACL reconstruction (ACLR) remains a challenge, as evidenced by the persistence of rotational instability in up to 25% of patients after surgery. Advocacy for reconstruction of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) is rapidly increasing because some biomechanical studies have reported that the ALL is a significant contributor to internal rotational stability of the knee. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of ALL reconstruction (ALLR) graft fixation angle on knee joint kinematics in the clinically relevant setting of a concomitant ACLR and to determine the optimal ALLR graft fixation angle. It was hypothesized that all fixation angles would significantly reduce rotational laxity compared with the sectioned ALL state. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Ten nonpaired fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees underwent a full kinematic assessment in each of the following states: (1) intact; (2) anatomic single-bundle (SB) ACLR with intact ALL; (3) anatomic SB ACLR with sectioned ALL; (4) anatomic SB ACLR with 7 anatomic ALLR states using graft fixation angles of 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90°; and (5) sectioned ACL and ALL. Internal rotation during a 5-N·m internal rotation torque and anterior translation during an 88-N anterior load were recorded at 15° flexion intervals between 0° and 120°. Axial plane translation and internal rotation during a simulated pivot-shift test (combined 5-N·m internal rotation and 10-N·m valgus torques) were recorded between 0° and 60°. Kinematic changes were measured and compared with the intact state for all reconstructed and sectioned states. RESULTS: Anatomic ALLR at all graft fixation angles significantly overconstrained internal rotation of the knee joint beyond 30° of flexion and at 45° and 60° during the pivot-shift test. Furthermore, there were no significant knee kinematic differences between any tested graft fixation angles during anterior drawer, pivot-shift, and internal rotation tests. CONCLUSION: Anatomic ALLR in conjunction with an ACLR significantly reduced rotatory laxity of the knee beyond 30° of knee flexion. However, ALLR, regardless of fixation angle, resulted in significant overconstraint of the knee. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: ALLR at any fixation angle overconstrained native joint kinematics and should be performed with careful consideration. Further investigation into the application and target population for ALLR is strongly recommended.

Lateral Meniscal Allograft Transplantation: The Bone Trough Technique.

The lateral meniscus plays a critical role in the stability and health of the knee. Treating patients who have undergone a total lateral meniscectomy or functional equivalent is challenging, especially young and active patients. Current literature regarding meniscal tears supports that repair should be the first surgical option. Moreover, it is recommended to preserve as much meniscal tissue as possible. In cases in which a total or functional meniscectomy is a pre-existing condition, a lateral meniscal allograft transplantation is a possible option. The purpose of this surgical technique description was to detail the method of lateral meniscal allograft transplantation using a bone trough.

Anatomic Fibular Collateral Ligament Reconstruction.

Fibular collateral ligament (FCL) injuries can lead to varus instability of the knee, causing a varus thrust gait and resulting in increased forces on the medial compartment of the knee. In the long term, this can result in meniscal injuries and medial compartment osteoarthritis. Varus instability is also reported to increase forces on the cruciate ligaments, which can lead to overload and failure of these reconstructions in cases of nonrecognized combined injuries. Historically, both repair and reconstruction have been used for grade III injuries to the FCL. However, repair has been reported to lead to a higher reoperation rate. The hereby presented reconstruction technique is used for FCL injuries that do not involve other structures of the posterolateral corner, but can be used in combination with other knee ligament reconstructions including the posterior cruciate ligament, anterior cruciate ligament, and medial collateral ligament. The purpose of this surgical technique article was to describe the biomechanically validated anatomic reconstruction of the FCL using a semitendinosus graft.

Fresh Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation for Treatment of Articular Cartilage Defects of the Knee.

Articular cartilage damage of the knee can cause severe morbidity. Owing to its avascular nature, articular cartilage has limited potential for self-healing and increased propensity to progress to osteoarthritis. Treatment of large, full-thickness cartilage defects is still a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons but has recently achieved high success rates with the use of osteochondral allografts. This article details our technique of osteochondral allograft transplantation for the treatment of articular cartilage defects of the knee.

Inside-Out Meniscal Repair: Medial and Lateral Approach.

Preservation of meniscal tissue has been proven to be the best approach in most cases of meniscal tears. Currently available techniques for treating a peripheral meniscal tear include inside-out, outside-in, and all-inside techniques. Each of these techniques present potential advantages and disadvantages. Despite technologic advances in all-inside devices, because of implant-related complications, cost concerns, and device availability, the inside-out technique is still the preferred method among many surgeons. Although the inside-out repair technique is considered more technically demanding and requires additional incisions, it has several advantages such as the possibility for an increased number of sutures, creating a stronger construct, and greater versatility in their placement. This article describes the inside-out meniscal repair technique with its corresponding posterolateral and posteromedial surgical approaches.

Patellofemoral Joint Reconstruction for Patellar Instability: Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction, Trochleoplasty, and Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy.

Recurrent patellar instability can be very debilitating and may require surgical intervention. A thorough workup must be completed in this subset of patients. Risk factors for recurrent instability include patella alta, trochlear dysplasia, an increased tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance, and insufficiencies in the medial retinacular structures. Necessary treatment of these risk factors, once identified, should be addressed surgically. Patellofemoral reconstruction must be individually tailored to each patient's anatomy and may necessitate medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction, tibial tubercle osteotomy, or trochleoplasty in any combination or as a standalone procedure. This article details our technique for surgical treatment of recurrent patellar instability with a medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction, an open trochleoplasty, and a tibial tubercle osteotomy for patients with severe trochlear dysplasia, an increased tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance, or patella alta.

Medial Meniscal Allograft Transplantation: The Bone Plug Technique.

The medial meniscus is crucial for knee homeostasis. Treating patients who have undergone a subtotal or total meniscectomy, or equivalent irreparable tear pattern, can be extremely challenging, especially in young, active patients. The importance of meniscal preservation has been reported by several authors. Meniscal repair is now widely accepted as the first surgical option for treating medial meniscal tears. Moreover, current guidelines recommend preserving as much meniscal tissue as possible. Treating a symptomatic medial meniscectomized knee is challenging because of limited surgical options. In this context, medial meniscal allograft transplantation arises as the preferred procedure. The purpose of this article was to detail the arthroscopic medial meniscal allograft transplantation technique with the use of 2 bone plugs.

Concentrated Bone Marrow Aspirate for the Treatment of Chondral Injuries and Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Systematic Review of Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) has emerged as a novel treatment for pathology of the knee. Despite containing a limited number of stem cells, BMAC serves as a source of growth factors that are thought to play an important role as a result of their anabolic and anti-inflammatory effects. To our knowledge, there is no systematic review regarding the outcomes of bone marrow aspirate concentrate used for the treatment of chondral defects and osteoarthritis of the knee. PURPOSE: To perform a systematic review on the outcomes of bone marrow aspirate concentrate for the treatment of chondral defects and osteoarthritis of the knee. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed using the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and MEDLINE from 1980 to present. Inclusion criteria were as follows: use of BMAC for treatment of chondral defects and osteoarthritis of the knee, English language, and human studies. We excluded cadaveric studies, animal studies, basic science articles, editorial articles, surveys, and studies that did not include the knee. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, studies were evaluated for efficacy and safety of BMAC for treatment of articular cartilage knee pathologies. RESULTS: Eleven studies were considered. Of these, 5 were prospective studies, 1 was a retrospective study, 2 were case series, and 3 were case reports. Three comparative studies (2 with level 2 evidence, 1 with level 3 evidence) were found in our search; none of them were randomized. Three studies investigated the clinical efficacy of BMAC in the treatment of osteoarthritis, and 8 studies evaluated the efficacy of BMAC on focal cartilage injuries. All 3 studies regarding osteoarthritis and all 8 studies regarding focal chondral defects reported good to excellent overall outcomes with the use of BMAC. CONCLUSION: Although a growing interest for biological alternatives of treating knee pathology has been observed in the past few years, there still remains a paucity of high-quality studies. The studies included in this systematic review reported varying degrees of beneficial results with the use of BMAC with and without an additional procedure for the treatment of chondral defects and early stages of osteoarthritis. Most articles present the use of BMAC as a safe procedure and report good results.