[Magnetic resonance imaging of the knee joint : What does the orthopedic surgeon expect from the radiologist?] / Magnetresonanztomographie des Kniegelenks : Was erwartet der Kliniker vom Radiologen?

Magnet resonance imaging (MRI) offers a precise visualization of structural changes with high sensitivity and specificity. However, not all these soft tissue damages or bony lesions are clinically relevant or require treatment. Therefore, it is important to provide the radiologist with a specific clinical request when asking for an MRI examination of the knee. In this article, all important anatomical structures of the knee joint will be addressed with emphasis on the relevant questions for the radiologist. Based on the clinical examination, the MRI provides information about the damage of anatomical structures. This information is of utmost importance for therapeutic decision-making in order to allow an adequate and personalized treatment of patients.

The arthroscopic treatment of anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss shows similar clinical results after Latarjet procedure and iliac crest autograft transfer.

PURPOSE: Recurrent anterior shoulder instability caused by critical bone loss of the glenoid is a challenging condition for shoulder surgeons. The purpose of this prospective multicenter trial was to compare the arthroscopic transfer of the coracoid process (Latarjet procedure) with the arthroscopic reconstruction of the glenoid using iliac crest autografts. METHODS: A prospective multi-center trial was performed in nine orthopaedic centres in Austria, Germany and Switzerland between July 2015 and August 2021. Patients were prospectively enrolled and received either an arthroscopic Latarjet procedure or an arthroscopic iliac crest graft transfer. Standardized follow-up after 6 months and mimimum 24 months included range of motion, Western Ontario stability index (WOSI), Rowe score and subjective shoulder value (SSV). All complications were recorded. RESULTS: 177 patients (group Latarjet procedure: n = 110, group iliac crest graft: n = 67) were included in the study. WOSI (n.s.), SSV (n.s.) and Rowe score (n.s.) showed no difference at final follow-up. 10 complications were seen in group Latarjet procedure and 5 in group iliac crest graft; the frequency of complications did not differ between the two groups (n.s.). CONCLUSION: The arthrosopic Latarjet procedure and arthroscopic iliac crest graft transfer lead to comparable results regarding clinical scores, frequency of recurrent dislocations and complication rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Results of Arthroscopic Revision Rotator Cuff Repair for Failed Open or Arthroscopic Repair: A Prospective Multicenter Study on 100 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Retears after rotator cuff repair (RCR) have been associated with poor clinical results. Meaningful data regarding the role of arthroscopic revision RCR are sparse thus far. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: To investigate results after arthroscopic revision RCR. We hypothesized that (1) arthroscopic revision RCR would lead to improved outcomes, (2) the clinical results would be dependent on tendon integrity and (3) tear pattern, tendon involvement, and repair technique would influence clinical and structural results. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence 4. METHODS: During a 40-month period, 100 patients who underwent arthroscopic revision RCR were prospectively enrolled in this multicenter study. Outcomes were evaluated preoperatively, at 6 months (6M), and at 24 months (24M) using the Constant score (CS), the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), and the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV). Tendon integrity at 2 years was analyzed using magnetic resonance imaging. A total of 13 patients (13%) were lost to follow-up, and 14 patients (14%) had a symptomatic retear before the 24M follow-up. RESULTS: All clinical scores improved significantly during the study period (CS: preoperative, 44 ± 16; 6M, 58 ± 22; 24M, 69 ± 19 points; OSS: preoperative, 27 ± 8; 6M, 36 ± 11; 24M, 40 ± 9 points; SSV: preoperative, 43% ± 18%; 6M, 66% ± 24%; 24M, 75% ± 22%) (P < .01). At 2 years, a retear rate of 51.8% (43/83) and a surgical revision rate of 12.6% (11/87) were observed. Mean full-thickness tear size decreased from 5.00 ± 1.61 cm2 to 3.25 ± 1.92 cm2 (P = .041). Although the Sugaya score improved from 4.5 ± 0.9 to 3.7 ± 1.4 (P = .043), tendon integrity did not correlate with better outcome scores. Previous open RCR, involvement of the subscapularis, chondral lesions of Outerbridge grade ≥2, and medial cuff failure were correlated with poorer SSV scores at 2 years (P≤ .047). Patients with traumatic retears had better CS and OSS scores at 2 years (P≤ .039). CONCLUSION: Although arthroscopic revision RCR improved shoulder function, retears were frequent but usually smaller. Patients with retears, however, did not necessarily have poorer shoulder function. Patient satisfaction at 2 years was lower when primary open RCR was performed, when a subscapularis tear or osteoarthritis was present, and when the rotator cuff retear was located at the musculotendinous junction. Patients with traumatic retears showed better functional improvement after revision.

Sonographic Measurement of Dynamic Horizontal Instability in Acromioclavicular Joint Instability: Description of a Simple Technique and Correlation to Radiographic Parameters.

OBJECTIVE: Dynamic horizontal instability is considered to be the main reason for poor outcome after treatment for acromioclavicular (AC) joint instability. In this study, we describe a simple technique to quantify this pathology via sonography. METHODS: Thirty-six shoulders from 18 patients with ac joint instabilities were examined using modified Alexander views and a standardized sonographic examination. On the Alexander views, overlap of acromion and clavicle (OLAC), glenoid center to posterior clavicle distance (GCPC), and lateral extension (LE) were measured. Afterwards, the results were analyzed and compared with sonography. Posterior translation of the clavicle and the difference of translation between healthy and injured shoulder were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 39 ± 14 years (range 19-61 years). We included 4 (22%) Rockwood type 3, 1 (6%) Rockwood type 4, and 13 (72%) Rockwood type 5 lesions. Four (22%) patients were female and 14 (78%) male patients. Posterior clavicle translation of the injured shoulder correlated strongly between OLAC and sonography (r = -0.514, P = .029), and the difference of translation between healthy and injured shoulder correlated very strongly between LE and sonography (r = 0.737, P < .001). CONCLUSION: The sonographic measurement technique for horizontal instability presented in this work could help detect horizontal instabilities. While the observation of dynamic horizontal displacement is a strength of this technique, measurements are hindered in cases of high coracoclavicular distances. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective cohort study.

The lack of retropatellar resurfacing at index surgery is significantly associated with failure in patients following patellofemoral inlay arthroplasty: a multi-center study of more than 260 patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with a minimum 2-year follow-up following contemporary patellofemoral inlay arthroplasty (PFIA) and to identify potential risk factors for failure in a multi-center study. METHODS: All patients who underwent implantation of PFIA between 09/2009 and 11/2016 at 11 specialized orthopedic referral centers were enrolled in the study and were evaluated retrospectively at a minimum 2-year follow-up. Clinical outcomes included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the Tegner Scale, the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, and subjective patient satisfaction. Pre- and perioperative risk factors were compared among failures and non-failures to determine potential risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 263 patients (85% follow-up rate) could be enrolled. The mean age at the time of index surgery was 49 ± 12 years with a mean postoperative follow-up of 45 ± 18 months. The overall failure rate was 11% (28 patients), of which 18% (5 patients) were patients with patella resurfacing at index surgery and 82% (23 patients) were patients without initial patella resurfacing. At final follow-up, 93% of the patients who did not fail were satisfied with the procedure with a mean transformed WOMAC Score of 84.5 ± 14.5 points, a mean KOOS Score of 73.3 ± 17.1 points, a mean Tegner Score of 3.4 ± 1.4 points and a mean VAS pain of 2.4 ± 2.0 points. An increased BMI was significantly correlated with a worse postoperative outcome. Concomitant procedures addressing patellofemoral instability or malalignment, the lack of patellofemoral resurfacing at the index surgery and a high BMI were significantly correlated with failure in our patient cohort. CONCLUSION: Patellofemoral inlay arthroplasty shows high patient satisfaction with good functional outcomes at short-term follow-up and thus can be considered a viable treatment option in young patients suffering from isolated patellofemoral arthritis. Patellar resurfacing at index surgery is recommended to decrease the risk of failure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective case series, Level IV.

Elective shoulder surgery during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Germany: the patients' perspective.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impeded the treatment of elective shoulder patients all over the world. Owing to the constraints in personnel and operation theater capacities, many patients who should undergo planned surgeries could not receive medical care. In our study, we examined the status quo of elective shoulder arthroscopy during the pandemic in Germany. METHODS: Using a nonprofit database, 40 shoulder units that performed the most arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs in Germany in 2018 were identified. Following a standardized protocol, the web pages of these units were screened, and their strategy for elective procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic was analyzed. Special emphasis was put on the use of new digital technologies. RESULTS: At the time of the study, no unit had stopped scheduling appointments for elective shoulder patients because of the pandemic. Almost all units (97.5%) offered explicit information about COVID-19 and their strategies toward it. The possibilities of visiting patients in shoulder units varied owing to local restrictions. Two units (5%) offered digital consultations. CONCLUSION: At the time of the study, elective shoulder procedures could be planned and carried out at the largest centers in Germany. Local restrictions had a great influence on the organization of the procedure and hospital stay during the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital consultations were not available in every unit.

Planning Results for High Tibial Osteotomies in Degenerative Varus Osteoarthritis Using Standing and Supine Whole Leg Radiographs.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we hypothesized that standing and supine X-rays lead to different preoperative planning results. METHODS: The present study included 168 pictures from 81 patients who were treated surgically with high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for varus deformity between January 2017 and February 2018. Each patient underwent whole leg X-ray examinations in both standing and supine position. On both images, the following parameters were measured: degree of axis deviation (DAD), mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA), width of medial (MJS) and lateral joint space (LJS), and the correction angle (CA). The results were correlated with the patients' age and body mass index (BMI). To analyze intra-observer reliability, the same researcher, blinded to the previous measurements, remeasured all X-rays from 10 patients 8 weeks after the initial measurements were carried out. RESULTS: While mLDFA (P = 0.075), mMPTA (P = 0.435), and MJS (P = 0.119) did not show any differences between the two modalities, LJS (P = 0.016) and DAD (P < 0.001) differed significantly, leading to different correction angles (P < 0.001). The mean difference of the CA was 1.7° ± 2.2° (range, -2.6° to-15.4°). In 14 legs (17%), the standing X-ray led to a correction angle that was at least 3° larger than the calculation revealed in the supine X-ray; in 4 legs (5%), it was at least 5° larger. Increased BMI (r = 0.191, P = 0.088) and older age (r = 0.057 , P = 0.605) did not show relevant correlation with DAD differences. However, more severe varus malalignment in the supine radiograph did correlate moderately with differences of correction angles between supine and weight-bearing radiographs (r = 0.414, P < 0.001). The analysis of the intra-rater reliability revealed mediocre to excellent intercorrelation coefficients between the measurements of the observer. CONCLUSION: The use of supine and standing X-ray images leads to different planning results when performing high tibial osteotomies for varus gonarthrosis. To avoid potential overcorrection, surgeons might consider increased lateral joint spaces on standing radiographs in osteoarthritic knees with varus deviation.

All-arthroscopic glenoid reconstruction by iliac crest bone graft transfer does not affect structural integrity and 3-dimensional volume of the subscapularis muscle.

AIM: The subscapularis muscle is an important active stabilizer of the glenohumeral joint. For this radiological study, we investigated if its radiological integrity is affected after arthroscopic glenoid reconstruction. In the technique used, an autologous iliac crest graft is transported through the rotator interval, and the graft is fixed via an antero-inferior portal with compression screws. METHODS: 3 women and 6 men (mean age 31 ± 9 years, min 21, max 46 years) who had a preoperative glenoid deficit of 23% ± 6% (min 13%, max 29%) were included. In a follow-up after an interval of 34 months (min 19, max 50), MRI scans were performed on both shoulders. With ITK-SNAP, a 3D reconstruction software, the volume of the subscapularis muscle in the injured and contralateral shoulder was measured. In addition, signal intensity ratios (PSI) (infraspinatus muscle / cranial subscapularis muscle and infraspinatus muscle / caudal subscapularis muscle) were analyzed and the width of the cranial and caudal portions as well as the length of the subscapularis muscle in the parasagittal plane were determined. RESULTS: The 3D volume showed no difference between operated and healthy shoulders (p = 0.07), neither did PSI ratios (infraspinatus muscle / cranial subscapularis muscle: p = 1.00, infraspinatus muscle / caudal subscapularis muscle: p = 1.00). In the parasagittal plane, length (p = 0.09) and cranial width (p = 0.23) did not differ. However, the width of the lower muscle was increased in injured shoulders (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: In this cohort, no relevant volume loss could be found after arthroscopic glenoid reconstruction. However, a greater width of the lower muscle portion could be identified in the parasagittal plane as a possible indication of scarring.

Anatomic considerations for arthroscopic glenoid reconstruction using iliac crest grafts: a radiologic study.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic glenoid reconstruction using autografts is an advanced procedure that requires experience and preparation. Knowledge about anatomic pitfalls is therefore important to establish well-positioned portals and prevent neurovascular damage. METHODS: We included 43 computed tomography scans from 43 patients. The distance between the tip of the coracoid process and a perpendicular line representing the anteroinferior glenoid was measured. From these results an anteroinferior working portal was designed, and the angulation needed for screw insertion to fixate a hypothetical graft was measured. In a second step, 9 patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging scans 34 ± 10 months after glenoid reconstruction, and the distance between the screw approach path and the neurovascular bundle was measured. RESULTS: In the analyzed scans, average defect size was 23%, and the coracoid process to the anteroinferior glenoid distance was 32 ± 7 mm. We thus hypothesized that a corridor 20 to 30 mm inferior to the coracoid process would be the ideal position for a working portal. Through this portal, 85% of screws could be applied with 0° to 30° angulation. When the postoperative scans were analyzed, the distance from the neurovascular bundle showed an average of 26 ± 6 mm for the superior screw and 21 ± 5 mm for the inferior screw. CONCLUSIONS: The ideal distance between the coracoid process and an anteroinferior working portal is 32 mm. Having established the portal, instruments should not be inserted pointing in a medial direction of the coracoid process due to the proximity of the neurovascular bundle.

Mid-term clinical results of an arthroscopic glenoid rim reconstruction technique for recurrent anterior shoulder instability.

INTRODUCTION: Glenoid bone loss in recurrent anterior instability of the shoulder needs to be addressed to restore joint stability. Over the last years, several arthroscopic methods have been described to treat this condition. However, no clinical mid-term results have been presented for arthroscopic iliac crest bone grafting procedures. METHODS: We included 32 patients with significant glenoid bone loss and repetitive dislocations of the shoulder who were treated in our shoulder unit with a previously described all-arthroscopic reconstruction technique. All patients filled out a questionnaire evaluating repetitive dislocations, consumption of pain medicine, Constant Score (CS, adapted to age and gender), activities of daily living (ADL), visual analogue scale for pain (VAS) as well as the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI). Additionally, all complications were recorded. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 42 months, three traumatic dislocations had been observed. With an ADL of 25 points (95% CI 24-27), a WOSI of 71% (95% CI 65-76) and CS of 87 points (95% CI 82-92), our patients showed good functional results. The VAS result for pain was 2.1 (95% CI 1.5-2.6). No patient reported the regular usage of pain medicine related to the shoulder instability at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: The all-arthroscopic glenoid reconstruction using iliac crest grafts shows good functional results with a recurrence rate of 9%. At final follow-up 42 months after surgery, our patients showed low pain levels and acceptable complications.

Bone grafts used for arthroscopic glenoid reconstruction restore the native glenoid anatomy.

PURPOSE: Recurrent anterior instability of the glenohumeral joint is a demanding condition, especially in cases of glenoid bone loss. Various treatment options have been described, such as arthroscopic grafting techniques and the Latarjet procedure. In this study, the degree to which an arthroscopically applied iliac crest graft restores the glenoid anatomy was evalutated. METHODS: Nine patients (three women and six men) with an average age of 31 ± 9 years (21-46 years) who were treated with an arthroscopic iliac crest graft technique were included in this study. After a mean follow up of 34 ± 10 months (19-50 months) after the procedure, MRI scans of both shoulders were performed and the glenoid width, Glenoid Index (GI), Pixel Signal intensity (PSI), thickness of the tissue covering the articular aspect of the graft, inclination, version, concavity and balance stability angle were measured. RESULTS: All scans showed the cultivation of tissue on the graft, which visually resembled the cartilage of the native ipsilateral glenoid. Additionally, reshaping of the graft to repair the glenoid configuration could be observed. Glenoid width (p = 0.022) and GI (p < 0.001) increased significantly through surgery. The tissue examined on the graft showed a significant pixel intensity gap (p = 0.017) but comparable thickness (n.s.) in relation to native cartilage. The remaining parameters did not differ significantly between both shoulders. CONCLUSION: In the cohort presented, iliac crest grafts were able to restore the glenoid configuration, and the glenoid was re-shaped to its native contour. Additionally, cartilage-like scar tissue with similar thickness as healthy cartilage was formed on the articular side of the graft. These results suggest that glenoid reconstruction is not only important for prevention of recurrence, but also for restoration of the native glenoid anatomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective cohort study.

Surgical treatment of patellar instability: clinical and radiological outcome after medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction and tibial tuberosity medialisation.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse clinical and radiological outcome after medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) and tibial tuberosity medialisation (TTM) in patients with recurrent patellar instability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients were included between 2008 and 2012. According to defined criteria such as tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TTTG) distance, hyperpression on the lateral patella facet and lateral retropatellar cartilage damage either MPFLR (group A) or TTM (group B) was performed: 18 patients underwent TTM, the other 17 patients underwent MPFLR. At a mean of 25.4 ± 9.7 (group A) and 35.2 ± 17.6 months (group B) patients were clinically and radiologically reviewed. Validated knee scores such as Kujala, Lysholm and Tegner score were evaluated. RESULTS: In both groups one patient reported of a non-traumatic patellar redislocation. Patients who underwent MPFLR (group A) had less pain postoperatively during activity according to the Visual Analogue Scale (group A: 2.0 ± 2.1 points, group B: 3.9 ± 2.3 points). Retropatellar cartilage damage increased in group B from grade 1 (range: 1-3) preoperatively to grade 2 (range 1-3) postoperatively (p > 0.05). All other clinically evaluated items, as well as the applied knee scoring systems, indicated no significant difference (p > 0.05) and displayed good to excellent results. CONCLUSIONS: MPFLR and TTM leed to good clinical results despite its own indications. For this reason-in selected cases-TTM may still be a suitable procedure for surgical treatment of patellar instability. However, patients treated by TTM (group B) revealed an increased retropatellar cartilage damage as well as significantly more pain during activity.

Mapping of glenoid bone loss in recurrent anterior shoulder instability: is there a particular deficit pattern?

BACKGROUND: Glenoid bone loss in recurrent anterior shoulder instability is a challenging problem for shoulder surgeons, and knowledge about the anatomy of glenoid deficits is scarce. In this study, we tried to evaluate the pattern of this pathology. METHODS: Our analysis included 44 shoulders from 44 patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability accompanied by a clinically relevant glenoid bone loss. The defect size, the localization of the inferior defect edge, and the defect angle were measured, and osseous landmarks were identified. An en face view on 2-dimensional computed tomography scans of each patient was fitted onto a template to create a deficit map for small (<23%) and large (>23%) defects. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 9 women and 35 men with a mean age of 33 ± 11 years at the date of the scan. The defect size and localization of the inferior defect edge showed significant differences between both groups, indicating a more posterior position of larger defects. The defect angle, however, showed no significant difference between small and large defects. Both groups showed a vertical defect pattern. CONCLUSION: The osseous glenoid deficit in recurrent anterior shoulder instability shows a vertical pattern with no remarkable differences between small and large defects. This finding can influence biomechanical models as well as surgical reconstruction.

A simplified arthroscopic bone graft transfer technique in chronic glenoid bone deficiency.

In severe shoulder instability, chronic glenoid bone deficiency is a challenge for arthroscopic shoulder surgeons. This paper presents a new all-arthroscopic technique of iliac crest bone graft transfer for those patients. Transportation through the rotator interval and repositioning into the glenoid defect is achieved by use of a tracking suture, while fixation of the graft is performed by biodegradable or titanium double-helix screws. Overall, the feasibility and reproducibility of this new reconstruction technique in recreating the bony and soft tissue anatomy of the antero-inferior glenoid could be demonstrated. So far, preliminary outcomes of 24 patients operated on using this technique are promising. Level of evidence Case series with no comparison group, Level IV.

Arthroscopic Removal of a Polyethylene Glenoid Component in Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

We present a technique for arthroscopic glenoid removal in a case of glenoid loosening after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The presented technique is technically feasible and may be useful if 1-stage surgery with glenoid reimplantation is not indicated. To exclude low-grade infection, the presented technique allows for an intraoperative infection workup such as intraoperative cultures. However, glenoid loosening in TSA is a well-known problem and has been described before. The advantages of the presented technique include minimally invasive surgery, decreased pain, preservation of the subscapularis tendon, and assurance of exclusion of low-grade infection before reimplantation of a new glenoid implant. In this case a 73-year-old patient was treated with a TSA for severe osteoarthritis of the right shoulder in April 2014. Because of persistent anterior shoulder pain postoperatively, radiographic evaluation was performed and showed signs of glenoid loosening 6 months after surgery without any clinical signs of infection. To exclude low-grade infection, arthroscopy of the right shoulder was performed. Arthroscopy showed a totally loosened glenoid component leading to arthroscopic glenoid removal by use of a special forceps.

Improved outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadrupled hamstring autografts and additional bone plug augmentation at five year follow-up.

PURPOSE: Hybrid fixation has been proposed to improve outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions. This study evaluated midterm outcomes after transfemoral graft fixation using either a conventional or a modified technique using additional bone plug augmentation (BPA) of the femoral tunnel aperture. METHODS: Seventy-one consecutive patients undergoing ACL reconstruction using a quadrupled hamstring autograft with transfemoral graft fixation and tibial interference screw fixation were included. Of these, 56 patients could be followed up 61 months (range 52-69 months) after ACL reconstruction both clinically and by magnetic resonance imaging (group A, conventional technique, n = 34; group B, modified technique, n = 22). Anteroposterior (AP) laxity measurements and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm and Tegner activity scoring were performed, while imaging included assessment of bone tunnel diameters, graft condition and graft filling at the femoral bone tunnel aperture. RESULTS: Patients with additional BPA had a significantly higher degree of graft filling at the femoral bone tunnel aperture (p = .0135) and 'healthier' grafts (p = .0495). They also tended to display less AP laxity difference in terms of mean differences and total patient numbers. Lysholm, IKDC and Tegner activity index scores and bone tunnel diameters were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Additional BPA is an easy-to-perform, cheap and safe manoeuvre, which has the capacity to improve morphological and clinical outcomes at five year follow-up. However, femoral tunnel widening is unaffected by additional BPA.

High incidence of tunnel widening after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with transtibial femoral tunnel placement.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the incidence, amount, morphology and clinical significance of bone tunnel widening (TW) at a mean 5-year period after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with a transtibial drilling technique. METHODS: Fifty-nine patients undergoing primary ACLR using quadrupled hamstring autografts, biodegradable transfemoral pins for femoral-sided and 2-mm oversized interference screws for tibial-sided graft fixation were followed up at a mean 61 months postoperatively. Patients were examined clinically and by MRI. Tunnel cross-sectional areas (CSA) were related to drill diameters, which were significantly correlated with radiographic tunnel sizes. Tunnel morphologies were assessed and their positions determined using an anatomical coordinate system. RESULTS: CSA had more than doubled in all segments measured (p < 0.0001) except at the femoral notch level. Greatest CSA increases were found at the femoral graft suspension point (122 %) and at the central tibial tunnel segment (134 %). 54 (92) and 56 (95 %) patients had significant TW, i.e., CSA increase of more than 50 %, in at least one tunnel segment femorally and tibially. Four different tunnel morphologies were observed, of which the linear type was most often encountered on either side. Mean side-to-side difference in anterior-posterior laxity was 1.0 ± 1.4 mm, while Lysholm, IKDC and Tegner activity scores were 90 ± 12, 84 ± 15 and 4 (1-9); clinical outcomes were not found to be correlated with tunnel sizes and morphologies as were tunnel positions and tunnel sizes. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that considerable TW occurs in virtually all patients in the mid term after ACLR using a transtibial drilling technique with 'high' femoral tunnel positions. Yet, neither amount nor morphology or tunnel position does affect knee stability or function.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using biodegradable transfemoral fixation at 5-year follow-up: clinical and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation.

PURPOSE: Biodegradable transfemoral graft fixation devices used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have recently been reported to precociously lose structural integrity. METHODS: This study investigated outcomes after ACL reconstruction using hamstring grafts and biodegradable transfemoral fixation at 5-year follow-up. The condition of both graft and fixation device was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and related to clinical outcomes. In total, 85 patients on whom index ACL reconstructive surgery by means of a quadrupled semitendinosus-gracilis graft and biodegradable transfemoral fixation was performed were included in the study. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients could be assessed by clinical and MRI examinations at a mean follow-up of 61 months (range, 52-69 months). Completely intact pins were found in 17 patients (29%), intact pins with delicate areas of resorption in 8 patients (14%), pin deformation in 5 patients (8%), pin fracture in 22 patients (37%) and pin migration in 3 patients (5%). In 40 patients (68%), pins had undergone degradation at the graft suspension point. Hamstring graft integrity and signal intensity scores were found to be significantly higher in patients with deformed, broken or dislocated pins as compared to patients with fully or mainly intact pins. Clinically, the mean side-to-side difference in anterior-posterior-laxity was 1.1 ± 1.6 mm, while Lysholm, IKDC and Tegner scores were 89 ± 11, 84 ± 14 and 4 (1-9). No statistically significant correlation was found between pin condition and clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: Biodegradable fixation pins lose structural integrity in a way that suggests continuous loading of the pin/graft construct, thereby questioning osseous incorporation of the graft. This situation is clinically relevant in terms of improved graft condition. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective case series, Level III.

Surgical treatment of isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis.

UNLABELLED: Isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis in the healthy middle-aged population is a challenging problem. Fifty-one knees in 50 patients with isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis were treated by partial lateral facetectomy, lateral release, and medialization of the tibial tubercle. The minimum followup was 7 months (mean, 20.2 months; range, 7-32 months). Preoperative radiographs showed Ahlbäck Grades III and IV lateral patellofemoral joint space narrowing. The mean age of the patients was 60.1 years (range, 46-81 years). The subjective outcome was based on the WOMAC and the McCarroll score. Posteroanterior flexion weightbearing views, lateral views, and 45 degrees axial views were taken. According to the WOMAC score, the scores improved considerably by 2.34 points with respect to pain and by 1.63 points with respect to function. The Insall-Salvati index decreased considerably but still remained in the physiologic range. The majority of these patients experienced improvement in their patellofemoral symptoms. However, the clinical outcome was not better in comparison to other surgical procedures. After the short followup, we would not recommend combined lateral facetectomy, lateral release, and medialization of the tibial tubercle until longer results are available. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV Therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Arthroscopic labrum reconstruction with capsular shift in anterior shoulder instability: improved midterm results by using a standardized suprabicipital camera position.

PURPOSE: To investigate the midterm results of a standardized arthroscopic technique for labrum reconstruction by using a third suprabicipital portal for better visualization of the anterior glenoid rim. METHODS: Thirty-three of 36 patients treated for recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation were followed up by telephone and/or in clinical examinations. The average age of the patients (12 women and 21 men) at the time of surgery was 25.2 years, with a mean follow-up of 35 months. On average, 7.8 dislocations occurred between the first dislocation and the stabilization procedure (mean, 45.4 months). RESULTS: Two patients suffered again from redislocations (recurrence rate 6.1%), and 3 patients had 1 or 2 subluxations (9.1%) at the time of follow-up. In the Rowe score, the patients reached 77.5 points on average; 81.8% of the patients returned to sports and leisure activities as in the time before the first dislocation, and 18.2% (6 patients) did not. Limitations for external rotation were 7.8 degrees on average postoperatively. No statistical correlation between the number of preoperative dislocations and the level of the postoperative Rowe score was found. CONCLUSIONS: The arthroscopic labrum reconstruction with capsular shift using the 3-portal technique combined with a standardized suprabicipital camera position revealed a recurrence rate and midterm results that were close to results achieved after open procedures. The failure rate, according to the number of dislocations, was 6.1% based on the patient's satisfaction of 12.1%. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.