Femoral fixation of hamstring tendon grafts in ACL reconstructions: the 2-year follow-up results of a prospective randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: Hamstring tendon grafts are commonly used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions. A number of fixation devices are available; however, several have limited clinical support. To our knowledge, no randomized controlled study comparing the EZLoc and the Bone Mulch Screw for femoral fixation in ACL reconstruction exists. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the results following the use of these two femoral fixation devices. Time in surgery for the two methods was also to be compared. METHODS: A total of 110 patients between 18 and 45 years old at two orthopaedic departments, A (n = 55) and B (n = 55), were randomized to ACL reconstruction with femoral fixation of the hamstring graft with either the EZLoc or the Bone Mulch Screw. Surgical time was measured for each group. The patients were evaluated after 6 weeks and 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. The clinical examination included range of motion, evaluation of intraarticular swelling, tenderness at the lateral femoral condyle, the Lachman test, the Pivot shift test and the KT-1000 arthrometer. In addition, the visual analogue scale score for pain, the Tegner activity score, the Lysholm functional score and the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score were recorded. Knee extension and flexion muscle strength were also measured with a Biodex. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in any of the parameters mentioned above at the 2-year follow-up evaluation. Three patients in each group underwent revision ACL reconstruction during the study. More than 95% of the knees in both groups were found to be stable. Good to excellent results were found for all selected knee scores in both groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in any of the muscle strength parameters. Time in surgery was statistically significantly shorter in the EZLoc group compared with the Bone Mulch group. CONCLUSION: There were no statistically significant differences in clinical findings, knee scores or in muscle strength between the EZLoc group and the Bone Mulch group at the 2-year follow-up evaluation. Time in surgery was statistically significantly shorter for patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with hamstring grafts when the EZLoc femoral fixation device was used. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Inferior results after revision ACL reconstructions: a comparison with primary ACL reconstructions.

PURPOSE: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures are common, especially among young athletes, and such injuries may have considerable impact on both sport careers and everyday life. ACL reconstructions are successful for most patients, but some suffer from persistent giving-way symptoms and/or re-ruptures requiring revision surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results after revision ACL reconstructions and compare them with the results in a control group consisting of primary ACL reconstructions. METHODS: This retrospective study included 56 patients undergoing revision ACL reconstruction and 52 patients receiving primary ACL reconstructions. The follow-up evaluation included clinical examination, instrumented laxity testing, testing of muscle strength, Tegner activity score, Lysholm score, Knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) and radiological grading of osteoarthritis. RESULTS: The median time from the last ACL reconstruction to follow-up was 90 months in the revision ACL reconstruction group and 96 months in the primary ACL reconstruction group. The revision group had significantly inferior KOOS and Lysholm scores compared with the primary group. Patients in the revision group also showed greater laxity measured with the pivot shift test, a larger reduction in the Tegner activity score, reduced muscle strength in the injured knee, and more severe radiological osteoarthritis; however, no difference in anterior-posterior translation was found. CONCLUSION: Inferior results were found on several of the testing parameters in the revision group compared with the primary group. Patients should receive this information prior to revision ACL reconstructions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

[Surgical treatment of Morton's neuroma]. / Operativ behandling av Mortons nevrom.

BACKGROUND: We have resected the nerve when surgery is indicated for Morton's neuroma and wanted to compare our results with results reported after decompression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 33 patients with 37 operated feet filled in a questionnaire 17 (8-27) months after surgery. They were asked to indicate their pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS: 0 = no pain, 100 = worst imaginable pain). RESULTS: Patients' mean age was 44 (17-76) at the time of operation. The average VAS score for pain was 81 (35-100) before operation and 7 (0-52) at review. 28 said the pain had disappeared (VAS 0). CONCLUSION: Three quarters of our patients had no pain at review. This is comparable to reported results after decompression.