Can the prognostic score proposed by Elliot serve as an educational tool to shorten the time to surgery for hip fractures in geriatric patients?

INTRODUCTION: Hip fractures require surgical treatment within 48hours to decrease the risk of postoperative complications. Elliott proposed a prognostic score to identify which patients should be prioritized for surgery. This study was designed to answer the following questions: 1- Does using this score shorten the time to surgery? 2- Does shortening the time to surgery reduce mortality at 6 months and 1 year? 3- What factors delay the surgical procedure? We hypothesized that using this score as an educational tool would reduce the time to surgery in patients over 75 years of age who have a hip fracture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This single-center study involved two populations: 244 patients were included prospectively who had the score applied with the aim of optimizing the time to surgery; 476 patients were included from a historical cohort to serve as a reference group. RESULTS: The mean time to surgery was 2.5 days±1.9 [95% CI: 2.41-2.77] and the median was 2 days (minimum 0, maximum 18 days) in the reference group; the mean was 1.4 days±1.0 [95% CI: 1.46-1.67] and the median was 1 day (min. 0, max 6 days) in the prospective cohort, which was a significant reduction (p<0.001). At 6 months, the mortality rate was 22.5% in the reference population and 23% in the prospective cohort. At 1 year, the mortality rate was 47% and 46%, respectively, with no significant difference. Surgical delays were attributed to lack of OR availability, management of anticoagulants, request for cardiac ultrasound and administrative reasons. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Elliot's prognostic at-risk score for hip fracture can shorten the time to surgery when used an educational tool to raise the medical staff's awareness of the benefits of rapid surgical care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; retrospective study without control group.

An MRI study of typical anatomical variants of the anterior communicating artery complex.

PURPOSE: This magnetic resonance imaging study examined the most frequent anatomical variants of the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) complex of the cerebral arterial circle, and aimed to determine whether they were associated with ACoA complex aneurysm. METHODS: The study enrolled 669 patients. Using three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography, 617 patients were classified into the following groups based on the anatomical variation in the ACoA complex: no ACoA complex anomaly; ACoA complex aneurysm; and vascular anomaly distant from the cerebral arterial circle. RESULTS: Of the 617 classified subjects, the classical anatomical description applied to 48.73% in the no ACoA complex anomaly group and 37.5% in the ACoA complex aneurysm group. One variant (left anterior cerebral artery segment A1 hypoplasia) was significantly more frequent in the ACoA complex aneurysm group. There was no sex difference in the prevalence of any variant. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical variants of the ACoA complex of the cerebral arterial circle were found in almost half of the subjects. One variant seemed to be associated with a higher likelihood of an aneurysm, but causality could not be inferred.

Factors influencing the mid-term radiological and functional outcomes of 41 post-fracture bipolar radial head arthroplasty cases at a mean follow-up of 87 months.

INTRODUCTION: When treating comminuted radial head fractures that cannot be adequately fixed, the next option is arthroplasty (radial head replacement). We hypothesized that the radiological and functional outcomes of bipolar mobile cup radial head arthroplasty is not influenced by the length of follow-up but instead by the correct positioning of the implant intraoperatively and by the presence of associated bone or ligament injuries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between May 1998 and December 2016, 82 cases of radial head arthroplasty were performed at our hospital. The mean age of patients at the time of arthroplasty was 53 years (22-81). Ligament or bone injuries complicated the radial head fractures in 70% of patients. RESULTS: For the final assessment, 41 patients were reviewed and included in the statistical analysis with a mean of 82 months (12-228). The mean MEPS at the final assessment was 88.7 (61-100). There were 23 excellent, 9 good, 9 average and 0 poor results. The average DASH score was 18.7 (0-55). The average VAS for pain was 1.0 (0-5). Five patients (12%) required surgical revision, including one implant change. Our statistical analysis found no relationship between follow-up time and functional outcomes. The appearance of periprosthetic radiolucent lines was not affected by the length of follow-up. Associated bone or ligament injuries significantly increased the probability of periprosthetic radiolucent lines, humeroulnar joint degeneration and decentering of the implanted cup. Radiological evidence of a suspended implant was associated with significantly worse functional outcomes. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the long-term stability of the clinical outcomes of radial head arthroplasty. There was no relationship between worsening radiological appearance of the implant and the clinical outcomes. It is critical that this implant not be oversized or suspended, as this can trigger premature capitellar erosion and painful stiffness of the operated elbow. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; systematic retrospective analysis.

Impact of orthogeriatric management on the average length of stay of patients aged over seventy five years admitted to hospital after hip fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Hip fracture is a frequent and serious condition in the elderly. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to answer the following questions: (1) Could treatment in an orthogeriatric unit help to reduce the average length of stay for patients aged over 75 years admitted to hospital for the treatment of a hip fracture?; and (2) Could such treatment influence the post-operative outcomes of patients with hip fracture? METHODS AND MATERIALS: Our study included 534 patients admitted to hospital between January 2017 and December 2018 for surgical treatment of a hip fracture. We compared 246 patients who received traditional orthopaedic care with 288 patients treated in an orthogeriatric unit. RESULTS: Our cohort included 410 women (77%). The average age was 87.5 ± six years, and 366 patients (68%) were living at home prior to the fracture. A statistically significant difference in median length of stay (from 10 to 9 days) was observed between patients who did and did not receive orthogeriatric unit treatment (groups 1 and 2; 95% CI: 0.64; 2.59; p = 0.001). There was no difference in pre-operative delay, intra-hospital mortality rate, place of recovery, rate of institutionalisation after six months, or the number of new fractures at 6 months between the groups. The mortality rate after six months was 23.6% and 21.3% in groups 1 and 2, respectively; the difference was not significant. DISCUSSION: Orthogeriatric unit treatment reduced the median length of stay by one day, in line with most previous studies. According to Pablos-Hernandez et al., multifaceted orthogeriatric treatment is most effective. In our study, only 38% of the patients received surgical treatment within 48 hours, where early surgery is key for reducing the length of hospital stay. The intrahospital mortality rate was 2.6%, which is comparable to literature data. The discharge rate did not differ by orthogeriatric treatment status, which is also consistent with previous findings (e.g. Gregersen et al.). Lastly, the mortality rate after six months was slightly reduced by orthogeriatric care. In line with this, Boddaert et al. reported a difference in mortality rate after six months between groups who did and did not receive orthogeriatric treatment (15% vs. 24%).

Correlations of the rectus abdominis muscle anatomy with anthropometric measurements.

PURPOSE: The anterior abdominal muscle wall has a strong aesthetic connotation, primarily because of the classical anatomical description of the rectus abdominis muscle in the collective consciousness. However, the morphological reality of the general population considerably deviates from this description. Therefore, we investigated the anthropometric characteristics correlated with the anatomy of the rectus abdominis muscle. METHODS: We performed a computed tomography scan anatomical study of recti abdominis muscles in 86 patients with no history of abdominal surgery. We noted the transverse and anteroposterior measurements of the rectus abdominis muscle, the transverse measurement of the linea alba, and the cutaneous and muscular abdominal perimeters. We compared these morphological elements with anthropometric data (sex, age, weight, height, and body mass index [BMI]). RESULTS: BMI was positively correlated with cutaneous abdominal perimeter (r = 0.89, p < 0.001) and muscular abdominal perimeter (r = 0.7, p < 0.001). The correlation of BMI with cutaneous abdominal perimeter was not influenced by sex (r = 0.90 and r = 0.89 in men and women, respectively). The correlation of BMI with muscular abdominal perimeter was greater in men than in women (r = 0.80 vs. r = 0.75). The muscular abdominal perimeter was more strongly correlated with the transverse measurement of the rectus abdominis muscle in men than in women (r = 0.75 vs. r = 0.59). The muscular abdominal perimeter was more strongly correlated with the linea alba in women than in men (r = 0.51 vs. r = 0.31). CONCLUSION: The anatomy of the anterior abdominal wall correlated with anthropometric data, including BMI. Rectus abdominis muscles and linea alba structures differed between men and women.

Orthogeriatric assessment of patients over 75 years of age with a proximal femur fracture: Predictors of 6-month mortality.

INTRODUCTION: Proximal femur fractures are common and dangerous in older adults, given the high short-term mortality rate. While surgical treatment is vital, medical orthogeriatric care may reduce the 6-month mortality rate; however, this has not been determined on a broad scale in France. This led us to conduct a retrospective study to answer the following questions: (1) Does delayed surgical treatment impact the 6-month mortality rate? (2) Are there correctable medical factors that impact the 6-month mortality? HYPOTHESIS: Delayed surgical treatment is not an isolated risk factor for higher 6-month mortality after proximal femur fracture. METHODS: We included all patients 75 years or older who had suffered a proximal femur fracture requiring surgical treatment. This allowed us to analyze the medical records of 476 patients retrospectively. We documented their comorbidities and pre-, intra- and postoperative characteristics. A univariate then multivariate analysis was done to identify risk factors for mortality at 6 months. RESULTS: In the univariate analysis, time to surgery of more than 48hours increased the risk of dying at 6 months by 1.5 fold (Odds ratio (OR)=1.57/95% CI: 1-2.48/p=0.04). However, this risk factor was not significant in the multivariate analysis since it is not an independent risk factor. In the multivariate analysis, anticoagulants (OR=2/95% CI: 1.13-3.50/p=0.02), dementia (OR=2.2/95% CI: 1.32-3.59/p=0.002), peripheral artery disease (OR=2.9/95% CI: 1.10-7.70/p=0.03), 2-point drop in hemoglobin count from preoperative to postoperative (OR=1.9/95% CI: 1.05-3.12/p=0.04), male sex (OR=1.82/95% CI: 1.05-3.12/p=0.04), age above 85 years (OR=5.26/95% CI: 1.49-5.26/p=0.002) and Charlson comorbidity index≥7 (OR=2.13/95% CI: 1.29-3.52/p=0.003) were statistically associated with mortality at 6 months. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Our study found that the patients most at risk for dying within 6 months of a hip fracture were males, older than 85 and have associated medical conditions (Charlson index≥7). Prior anticoagulant treatment increases the time to surgery in our study and therefore increases the risk of these patients dying within 6 months. Treatment of these at-risk patients should ensure that their underlying medical conditions are not made worse, while providing treatment within 48hours. Patients taking anticoagulants must be monitored carefully to ensure surgical treatment is not delayed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study without control group.

The human costal cartilage: Anatomical and radiological study of macro-vascularization and micro-vascularization and its clinical relevance regarding vascularized chondrocostal free flap surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Cartilage repair usually involves in non-vascularized osteochondral or chondral grafts with some drawbacks potentially linked to the lack of vascular supply in those grafts. The aim of this study was to describe a surgical approach for harvesting a vascularized chondrocostal graft, to study the vascular supply to the perichondrium and finally to describe the perichondrium micro-vascularization in order to know how such grafts could be used in cartilage repair surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We harvested and studied 18 costal cartilages harvested from 12 fresh anatomical subjects. The anatomic pieces were injected with a radio-opaque tracer, analyzed macroscopically, then a plain X-rays and CT scan analysis with three-dimensional rendering was performed in order to evaluate the characteristics of the different patterns of their vascularization. RESULTS: The surgical approach to harvest a vascularized 5th chondrocostal graft is explained in detail. All of the cartilages were vascularized by the internal thoracic artery and harvested with a pedicle of an average length of 34mm and diameter of 2.14mm. In all specimens, perichondrium vascularization arises from both superior and inferior intercostal branches. Anastomoses between inferior and superior intercostal branches are always found in all specimens at the level of the epichondrium. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomic approach for harvesting a vascularized chondrocostal graft is simple and only slightly differs from the approach described for harvesting a non-vascularized chondrocostal graft. The vascular supply to the perichondrium of such a vascularized chondrocostal graft is sustained by the internal thoracic vessels which have a sufficient diameter and length to allow easy micro-anastomosis. The organization of the micro-vasculature within the perichondrium allows the graft to be tailored to a large cartilage defects and also to small bipolar cartilage defects.

Analysis of the effects of arthrodesis of the hallux metatarsophalangeal joint on gait cycle: results of a GAITRite® treadmill test.

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 80% of patients are satisfied with the outcome of arthrodesis of the hallux metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The hypothesis of this study was that MTP arthrodesis does not influence the walking cycle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of MTP arthrodesis on gait cycle and to measure the functional outcome of MTP arthrodesis after a minimum of two year follow-up. METHOD: This was an observational prospective cohort study performed at a single centre that included 26 patients (32 ft) who underwent unilateral or bilateral MTP arthrodesis during the period 2004-2014. An X-ray assessment based on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was performed pre-operatively and at the last follow-up (average follow-up duration 8.3 years). The walking cycle was analysed at the final follow-up using a GAITRite® treadmill test. RESULTS: Twenty unilateral and six bilateral MTP arthrodeses were included in this study. The average age of the patients was 70 years. No significant difference was found in the walking cycle between the operated and non-operated sides for unilaterally MTP arthrodesis. However, we observed a non-significant increase in the percentage of contact time after MTP arthrodesis (65% on the operated side vs. 63% on the non-operated side). We also observed a significant decrease in the average walking rate, and a decrease in walking speed, in cases of bilateral MTP arthrodesis compared with normal walking cycle data from a laboratory study. CONCLUSIONS: MTP joint arthrodesis does not appear to have any effect on the walking cycle, but reduced patient pain and increased the walking distance. The patients reported satisfaction with the surgical outcomes and would recommend it to a relative with the same pathology.

Lower-limb Flip-Flap: A simple reliable modification of adipofascial flap for extensive tibial crest cutaneous defect.

INTRODUCTION: Large cutaneous defects exposing the whole tibial crest are difficult to cover and are conventionally best treated with free flaps. This article describes a technical modification of the adipofascial flap in this indication. METHODS: The "flip-flap" is vascularized by the posterior tibial artery perforators harvested on the medial aspect of the leg. The hypodermal and fascial tissue is de-epidermized and elevated from the posterior midline up to the medial edge of the soleus muscle, then folded over the exposed tibial crest like a page of a book. RESULTS: A 27×6cm effect was successfully covered on a 72 year-old patient with vascular status precluding free flap. The flap healed by day 21. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: This technical modification is simple and allows coverage of large tibial crest skin defect when a free flap is not possible.

Treatment of cephalotuberosity fractures in elderly patients treated by reverse shoulder prosthesis: a study of functional results in relation to deltoid tension.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of proximal humerus fractures is a therapeutic challenge in the elderly as the functional demands of these patients are high. We postulated that there may be a relationship between functional results and deltoid tension when these fractures are treated with a reverse prosthesis. This study was performed to determine the optimal tension of the deltoid. The primary outcome was the constant score in relation to humeral length at the final follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our retrospective cohort consisted of 45 patients treated with a reverse fracture prosthesis during the period from January 2010 to July 2017. The fractures were all classified as Neer III or IV, 91% of our patients were women and the average age was 82 years. RESULTS: Constant score and antepulsion were improved with humeral elongation between 10 and 25 mm (p < 0.02 and p < 0.05, respectively). External rotation was improved with humeral elongation (p < 0.03). CONCLUSION: Tuberosity reinsertion improves mobility in patients treated surgically for a reverse fracture prosthesis. The recovery of anatomical retroversion seems of fundamental importance, and we confirmed that deltoid tension that must also be taken into account to improve functional results of reverse shoulder prosthesis on fracture. The ideal humeral elongation seems to be between 10 and 25 mm, in relation to the contralateral side, to obtain better functional results.

Joint line level in revision total knee replacement: assessment and functional results with an average of seven years follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: It has been shown that the distance between the joint line (JL) and the fibular head is constant in both knees in a given individual. We analysed the influence of the JL level difference between the revised knee and the native knee from the functional outcomes after TKR revision. METHODS: This multicentre study assessed retrospectively a consecutive series of 177 revised total knee replacements. Patients with contralateral knees that had undergone previous major surgery or trauma were excluded. The JL level difference between both knees was measured on Knee's AP standing X-rays and compared to the KSS Knee and Function scores at the final follow-up. RESULTS: Eighty-five cases were analysed at a mean of seven years follow-up. There was a significant increase in KSS Knee and Function scores after surgery. The average elevation of the JL was 2.2 mm (s.d. 2.66 mm) compared with the healthy contralateral knee. When the JL was elevated more than 4 mm this correlated with a decreased KSS Function score and decreased post-operative knee flexion. CONCLUSIONS: Poorer functional results are significantly associated with an elevation in the JL compared to the contralateral healthy knee. In those patients with a suitable contralateral knee the JL level to restore can be assessed by the distance between the femoral condyle and the apex of the fibular head of the contralateral knee.

Hemiarthroplasty for Complex Distal Radius Fractures in Elderly Patients.

Background In elderly patients, distal radius fractures frequently occur in osteoporotic bone and may be nonreconstructable. It is our hypothesis that a hemiarthroplasty replacment of the articular surface can provide satisfactory results in terms of range of motion, pain, and function for immediate salvage of a fracture that is not amenable to internal fixation. Methods Between July 2009 and January 2012, eight elderly patients were treated with insertion of a Sophia distal radius implant (Biotech, Paris, France). Inclusion criteria consisted of an isolated AO type C2 distal radius fracture in patients over 70 years old. All patients were reviewed by an independent surgeon. Results The mean follow-up was 25 months (range, 17-36 months). Mean wrist range of motion (ROM) was 45° (40-50°) of flexion, 44° (40-50°) of extension, and a mean pronation-supination arc of 160°. Mean grip force was 18 kgf. The mean QuickDASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) was 18.2/100 (6.82-29.55), and the mean visual analog scale (VAS) was 2.33 (0-4). X-ray images did not demonstrate implant loosening or ulnar translation of the carpus. Conclusions The Sophia hemiarthroplasty provided rapid recovery of independence in elderly patients with a nonreconstructable comminuted distal radius fracture.

Reconstruction of the Lateral Ligaments of the Ankle Using a Periosteal Flap in Children and Teenagers: A Midterm Follow-up Survey.

BACKGROUND: The rate of chronic lateral ankle instability has increased in children and teenagers. However, studies concerning its management within this population are rare. Current repair techniques involve use of the peroneus brevis tendon. Herein, we have described and evaluated a method utilizing a regional periosteal flap for reconstructing the lateral ligaments of the ankle. METHODS: We conducted a single-center, retrospective study over a 4-year period. For functional assessment, we used the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score as well as Gould's criteria. For radiologic assessment, we calculated the tibiotalar tilt and anterior translation of the talus. RESULTS: A total of 14 children were included in this study. The mean age of patients was 12.7 years old, and the mean follow-up was 3.1 years. The mean AOFAS score evolved from 61 points (before surgery) to 95 points after surgery (P<0.001). The Gould classification revealed 11 excellent, 2 good, 1 average, and no bad outcomes. Further, surgical intervention led to evolution of the tibiotalar tilt from 14 to 4 degrees (P<0.001), whereas the anterior translation of the talus went from 11 to 2 mm (P<0.001). The mean skeletal age was 12.5 years. No case of epiphysiodesis of the lateral malleolus or heterotopic bone was found. It appears that nonanatomic reconstruction involving the peroneus brevis can be avoided in young patients. Because of the frequent impossibility of ligament suturing within this population, we have developed a reconstruction technique involving the use of a regional periosteal flap. Notably, in the case of recurrence, the patients' peroneus brevis tendons remain intact for future procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Repair involving the periosteal flap yields good clinical and radiologic results. Our preliminary findings are encouraging and suggest that this technique should be evaluated in a larger patient population with long-term follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: Retrospective study.

Anatomical study of the clavicle: endomedullary morphology.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of clavicle fractures remains controversial. The objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of clavicular intramedullary fixation by nailing through an anatomic study combined with CT scan studies. METHODS: For the anatomic study, 20 clavicles of donated bodies to science (10 men, 10 women, 10 right, 10 left) were used. We measured the length of the clavicle, lateral epiphysis diameter, mean diaphysis diameter, medial epiphysis diameter, lateral width, lateral radius of curvature, medial width and medial radius of curvature. Intramedullary cavity diameter (anteroposterior and superoinferior) and calibration were measured by CT scan study on 20 clavicles. RESULTS: Average length was 152 mm for men and 140 mm for women. The anteroposterior curvature was most pronounced. The medullary canal had a gradually decreasing size from the distal portion to the middle segment, but never disappeared. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of morphological data can clarify the specifications of an intramedullary nail: flexibility of the nail to match clavicle curvature and a locking system to ensure primary stability. Intramedullary fixation by nailing in displaced fractures of the middle portion of the clavicle is a minimally invasive surgical technique, with excellent functional and cosmetic results.

Are gender-specific femoral implants for total knee arthroplasty necessary?

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of gender on epiphyseal morphology and using this information to determine if an implant product line with a single width provides sufficient bone coverage for the entire population of knees being replaced. Morphology of the distal femoral epiphysis from 420 continuous knees was acquired with a surgical navigation system during primary TKA. A three-dimensional model of the distal femur was generated and used to determine the anterioposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) dimensions on 19 different virtual knee sections. Female knees had smaller AP and ML dimensions than male knees. The ML width of the distal femoral epiphysis was associated with femur length, not gender. Measurements derived from surgical navigation confirm that distal femoral epiphysis dimensions are related to femur length only independently of gender.

Long-term follow-up of lateral reconstruction with extensor retinaculum flap for chronic ankle instability.

BACKGROUND: Chronic instability is a common complication of lateral ankle sprains. Furthermore, patients often have unrecognized associated lesions affecting the ankle and subtalar joints. Many stabilizing surgical techniques have been described, each with variable results. This article reports the long-term results of ligamentous retensioning combined with reinforcement using an extensor retinaculum flap. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective, multicenter study. One hundred fifty cases were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 11 years. Functional results were assessed using the Karlsson score. Pre- and postoperative radiological assessment employed stress x-rays to measure varus tilt and anterior drawer and the Van Dijk classification to grade osteoarthrosis. The Stata 10 program was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A thorough preoperative workup identified ligamentous lesions of the subtalar joint in 30% of cases. At review, 93% of patients were satisfied. Residual instability was present in only 4.8%. Radiographic analysis of both ankles revealed a differential in varus tilt of only 0.12° and in anterior drawer of 0.17~mm. There was no deterioration of the articular surfaces after 11 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: To the authors' knowledge, this is the largest series reported with such a follow-up. This technique addressed both lateral ankle and subtalar instability without sacrificing the peroneal tendons. It protected against progression of posttraumatic arthrosis and provided superior results to other reported techniques in terms of patient satisfaction and residual instability.

Scorpio single radius total knee arthroplasty. A minimal five-year follow-up multicentric study.

PURPOSE: Our goal was to evaluate the five-year follow-up results of the Scorpio single radius total knee arthroplasty. METHOD: We performed a retrospective study based upon a multicentre database to evaluate the minimum five-year follow-up clinical and radiological results of 747 patients (831 knees) who underwent primary Scorpio single radius total knee arthroplasty. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 71.9 years. At a minimal five-year follow-up, 141 patients were lost to follow-up, 83 patients had died, eight patients had undergone revision of a component, and the remaining 589 patients (602 knees) had a complete clinical and radiological evaluation after a median of six years (range, 5-8). The mean clinical component of the knee score was 92.2 points, and the mean functional component of the knee score was 76.9 points. At last follow-up, 530 of the 602 knees were rated as excellent or good. Only four knees developed patellar complications requiring revision. The survival rate at six years was 95.2% ± 1.9% and 98.3% ± 0.6 with revision for any reason and revision for mechanical failure as the end point, respectively. CONCLUSION: This medium-term study indicates favourable clinical and radiological results for this single flexion-extension radius design arthroplasty, with a low complication rate on the patellar side.

The anterior intermeniscal ligament of the knee: an anatomic and MR study.

BACKGROUND: The purposes of this study were to identify the presence of the anterior intermeniscal ligament of the knee (AIL), to study its attachment patterns and relationships to other anatomic structures within the knee and to evaluate the potential association of its rupture with other pathology of the knee. METHODS: Ten human cadaver knees were dissected excluding knees with surgical scars. Fifty-one MR examinations were performed in symptomatic patients. Arthroscopic observations were carried out on ten patients. RESULTS: AIL was found in nine dissected knees with type I insertion in six cases, type II insertion in three cases. The average length was 31.2 mm (25-45 mm). The average distance between AIL and insertion of the anterior cruciate ligament was 12 mm (11-15 mm). Concerning MR study, AIL was found in 34 cases (82.9%). Four (9.75%) ruptures of the AIL were encountered. Where AIL was intact, 14 patients presented meniscal lesions (46.6%). Where AIL was ruptured, three patients presented meniscal lesions (75%). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates through anatomical and MR studies that AIL is present in more than 80% of the cases with predominant type I insertion. The association of meniscal and AIL lesions was highlighted demonstrating that AIL is not only an anatomical point of interest but also a clinical and surgical reality.