[Mid-term results of Wallaby I posterior cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty: a prospective study of the first 425 cases]. / Résultats à moyen terme de la prothèse totale du genou Wallaby I conservant le ligament croisé postérieur: à propos des 425 premiers cas suivis prospectivement.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Posterior Wallaby I is a fixed polyethylene tibial plateau prosthesis enabling preservation of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Its asymmetrical and divergent femoral condyles articulate with also asymmetrical tibial plateaus. The purpose of this prospective study was to analyze outcome of the first 425 Wallaby I prosthesis of the Guepar group implanted for first-intention treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: These 425 prostheses were implanted from December 1992 to February 1995 by senior and junior surgeons. Mean patient age at implantation was 70.5 years. 91% had primary or secondary osteoarthritis and only 8.9% had inflammatory rheumatoid disease. The mean preoperative IKS score was 25.34 points and the IKS function score was 29.04. 10.35% of knees were aligned normally (mechanical axis between 2 degrees varus and 3 degrees valgus) according to the IKS criteria (Ewald), 24% presented valgus > or = 4 degrees and 65.6% varus > or = 3 degrees. All tibial and patellar components (except one) were cemented, 5.8% of the femoral pieces were inserted without cement. All but 11 patellae were resurfaced. Clinical outcome was assessed with the IKS score and radiological outcome with the IKS criteria. The patella was considered to be tilted when the alpha angle was > 5 degrees and dislocated when the AA' distance was > 5 mm. The chi-square test was used for comparison of quantitative variables (significance set at 0.05). RESULTS: Early postoperative complications were rare: two infections cured with debridement-lavage and antibiotics without removal of the prosthesis, one peronal nerve palsy which regressed partially, ten late unions without clinical consequence (particularly in the inflammatory rheumatoid patients). Twenty-six prostheses were followed less than one year (eight patients died and eighteen were lost to follow-up) and 84 less than five years (27 patients died and 57 lost to follow-up before five years). 315 prostheses were followed for more than five years (5-9 years) with a mean follow-up of 6.3 years. Among the 399 prostheses followed for one year or more, we noted: four infections including three requiring change of the prosthesis (one cured by arthroscopic lavage), two aseptic loosenings which were revised (one global one tibial), one tibial loosening and three patellar loosenings which were not revised, and two femoral ossifications limiting joint motion but improved by arthrolysis and resection of the ossifications. Three patients experienced anterior pain requiring secondary patellar resurfacing in two and section of the lateral patellar wing in one. Ninteen patellar fractures (4.7%) were noted, including 17 with no significant functional impact which were not revised. The mean IKS knee score among prostheses followed for five years was 90.5 points, with mean motion 110.5 degrees. Mean IKS function score was 61.63 points. 72.9% of the knees were aligned, 22.2% in varus and 4.9% in valgus. The mechanical axis of 94.3% of the knees was between 5 degrees varus and 5 degrees valgus. Prosthesis survival at eight years (Kaplan-Meier method) was 97.7% considering all reasons for prosthesis removal and 98.5% for removal for aseptic loosening. CONCLUSION: This prospective multicentric study demonstrated that the results obtained with the Wallaby I prosthesis are as good as those obtained with other prostheses sparing the PCL and published in the literature. Preservation of the PCL enables better knee stability, correct motion (110.5 degrees in our series) with almost no radiological wear of the tibial polyethylene at eight years. The only worrisome complication is patellar fracture.

Hybrid alumina total hip arthroplasty using a press-fit metal-backed socket in patients younger than 55 years. A six- to 11-year evaluation.

Between 1990 and 1992, we implanted 71 hybrid alumina-on-alumina hip arthroplasties in 62 consecutive patients under the age of 55 years, with a mean age of 46 years at surgery. There were 56 primary and 15 secondary procedures. The prostheses involved a cemented titanium alloy stem, a 32 mm alumina head, and a press-fit metal-backed socket with an alumina insert. Three patients (four hips) died from unrelated causes. Four hips had revision surgery for either deep infection, unexplained persistent pain, fracture of the alumina head, or aseptic loosening of the socket. The nine-year survival rate was 93.7% with revision for any cause as the end-point and 98.4% with revision for aseptic loosening as the end-point. The outcome in the surviving patients (50 patients, 57 hips) with a minimum five-year follow-up (mean eight years) was excellent in 47 hips (82.5%), very good in eight (14%), good in one and fair in one. A thin, partial, lucent line, mainly in zone III was present in 38% of the sockets and one socket had a complete lucency less than 1 mm thick. One stem had isolated femoral osteolysis. There was no detectable component migration nor acetabular osteolysis. This hybrid arthroplasty gave satisfactory medium-term results in active patients. The press-fit metal-backed socket appeared to have reliable fixation in alumina-on-alumina hip arthroplasty. The excellent results using cemented fixation of the stem may be related to the low production of wear debris.

[Arthroscopic release for knee joint stiffness after total knee arthroplasty]. / Arthrolyse arthroscopique du genou pour raideur après prothèse totale.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Overall, the results of total knee replacement surgery are quite excellent, both with regard to pain and range of motion. Pain relief is obtained in more than 95% of the cases and more than 90% of the patients are able to bend their knee over 90 degrees. Nevertheless, in a small number of cases, stiffness can be an impairment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1992 and 1998, six arthroscopic releases were performed on six patients who had undergone total knee replacement. The six patients suffered from unacceptable stiffness. The average age of the patients was 68.5 years, and the time elapsed from implantation to arthroscopy averaged 24 months (6 months to 6 years). Average follow-up was 19 months (6 to 96 months). The six stiff knees were treated with arthroscopic debridement of fibrous tissue around the patella and quadriceps tendon (to improve extension) and by arthroscopic division of the medial and lateral retinacula (to address flexion). A gentle manipulation was carried out following lysis of adhesions, using a slight pressure on the tubercle to avoid fractures and disruptions of the extensor mechanisms. Postoperatively, immediate physical therapy was performed including continuous passive motion and active muscular contraction. Early weight bearing was allowed. RESULTS: The average flexion contracture decreased from 9 degrees prior to arthroscopy to 2.5 degrees at last follow-up. Average flexion increased from 70 to 100 degrees. Maximal improvement was obtained at three months. DISCUSSION: Results were found to be quite good, with a final knee score of 93 and a function score of 92 (following International Knee Society scoring). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic release following total knee replacement complicated by joint stiffness provides a satisfactory increase in range of motion.

Hydroxyapatite-coated versus grit-blasted femoral stems. a prospective, randomised study using EBRA-FCA.

We have carried out a prospective, randomised study designed to compare the long-term stability of the stem of cementless femoral implants with differing surface configurations. A total of 50 hips (46 patients) was randomised into two groups, according to whether the medullary stem had been grit blasted (GB) or coated with hydroxyapatite (HA). Both femoral prostheses were of the same geometrical design. We used Ein Bild Roentgen Analyse femoral component analysis (EBRA-FCA) to assess the stability of the stem. The mean follow-up was for 8.66 years. The mean migration of the stem was 1.26 mm in the HA group compared with 2.57 mm in the GB group (Mann-Whitney U test, p = 0.04). A mixed model ANOVA showed that the development of subsidence was statistically different in the two groups during the first 24 months. After this subsidence increased in both groups with no difference between them. Our results indicate that, with the same design of stem, HA coating enhanced the stability of the femoral stem when compared with GB stems.

Press-fit metal-backed alumina sockets: a minimum 5-year followup study.

Two hundred thirty-four consecutive alumina-on-alumina hip replacements using a press-fit metal-backed socket, performed on 214 patients (98 women, 116 men) have been reviewed. These included 201 primary procedures and 33 revision procedures. The median age of the patients at the time of surgery was 62 years (range, 21-83 years). Fourteen patients (16 hips) died from unrelated causes. Eleven patients (11 hips) underwent a total hip arthroplasty revision for recurrent dislocation (one hip), deep infection (two hips), fracture of alumina femoral head (one hip), persistent hip pain (one hip) and aseptic loosening (six hips). The survival rate after 9 years was 93.4% when revision of the prosthesis was considered the end point, and 97.4% if revision of the prosthesis for aseptic loosening was considered the end point. Results were assessed in the surviving patients with a minimal 5-year followup (170 patients, 184 hips). At the median followup of 7.8 years, the average Merle d'Aubigné and Postel score had improved from 11.9- to 17.7. Results were graded as excellent in 148 hips (80.5%), very good in 31 hips (17%), good in two hips (1%), and fair in three hips (1.5%). Radiologic data were documented for 134 patients (143 hips). Three sockets (2%) had a complete and nonprogressive radiolucent line less than 1-mm thick, one stem (0.7%) had lucencies involving five zones, and two stems (1.4%) had isolated femoral osteolysis. Neither component migration nor acetabular osteolysis were detected. A press-fit metal-backed socket may offer a good solution for alumina socket fixation when combined with a careful surgical technique of implantation.

[Bilateral total hip prosthesis in osteopetrosis. Apropos of a case. Review of the literature]. / Prothèse totale de hanche bilatérale dans l'ostéopétrose. A propos d'un cas. Revue de la littérature.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The authors report an original case of Albers-Schönberg's disease and describe its surgical treatment. MATERIAL: Comparison between roentgenogram of the pelvis at the age of 9 and 46 years showed the original evolution of coxa vara in a case of osteopetrosis. A 46 year old male had severe pain and instability in both hips related to numerous problems consisting of: 1) on the right side: subtrochanteric femoral non-union after repeated fractures, head and neck femoral disappearance associated to dislocation. 2) on the left side: acetabular dysplasia, osteoarthritis and subtrochanteric femoral fracture that had fusionned. Total hip arthroplasty was performed on both hips. RESULT: Clinical result was good in both hips (PMA score = 6-6-4) at the latest follow-up (four years on the left side and three years and four months on the right side). The surgical procedures were difficult because of the hardness and brittle character of the bony substance and because of non unions and deformities. Special care was required to avoid shattering femoral diaphysis and false routes during creation of a new medullary canal. CONCLUSION: Total hip prosthesis represents a functionnal salvage procedure in patients with Albers-Schönberg's disease.

Total knee replacement after failed tibial osteotomy: results of a matched-pair study.

Sixty-three total knee replacements were performed after a failed tibial osteotomy. The goal of this study was to compare the perioperative problems and the outcome of this group of patients (study group) to a group of patients with primary arthroplasties matched for age, gender, length of follow-up, weight, and preoperative Charnley class. Operative problems were more frequently encountered in the study group, with 7 tibial tubercle elevations and 15 lateral retinaculum releases needed, whereas lateral retinaculum release was necessary for only 1 knee in the control group. Outcome was assessed using both the International Knee Society (IKS) scoring system and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score. The follow-up period averaged 4.6 years. The IKS score of the control group was significantly higher, averaging 80.9 +/- 13.8, whereas it was 74.4 +/- 14.8 for the study group (P = .0001). Among the parameters included in the knee score, only pain was significantly different with the control group (P = .03). The IKS function score and the HSS score were not statistically different. Conversion of a failed tibial osteotomy is a technically demanding procedure. Careful preoperative planning is needed. Results, especially on pain, appeared to be inferior to those for primary arthroplasties.

Femoral head osteonecrosis after bone marrow transplantation.

Thirty-five patients with bilateral osteonecrosis of the femoral head after bone marrow transplantation were reviewed retrospectively. The median age at the time of transplantation was 26 years. The first symptoms occurred within 2 years of transplantation. At presentation, 18 of the patients reported pain in both hips, 17 had symmetric radiographic lesions, and 39 of the hips had collapsed. Medical treatment was indicated initially. At the final examination before surgery (median, 3.5 years), 31 patients had bilateral hip pain, 22 patients had symmetric radiographic lesions, and 56 of the hips had collapsed. Fifty-seven of the hips required surgery, including one open drainage, four core decompressions, six cup arthroplasties, and 46 primary total hip replacements. Six hips (four core decompressions; two cups) later underwent total hip replacement revision, and a deep infection developed in one. By considering the requirement of a total hip replacement as a failure of conservative treatment, the rate of survival of the femoral head was 30% 5 years after the transplant. There was no significant difference between the Ficat grades, except for Grade 0, which showed a higher survival rate. The study of the specific features of the osteonecrosis may lead to the recommendation of primary total hip arthroplasty after failure of the medical treatment.

Ceramic-ceramic and metal-polyethylene total hip replacements: comparison of pseudomembranes after loosening.

We made a semiquantitative study of the comparative histology of pseudomembranes from 12 loose cemented ceramic-ceramic and 18 metal-polyethylene total hip replacements. We found no significant difference in cellular reaction between the two groups, but there was a major difference in the origin of the particulate debris. In the metal-polyethylene group, polyethylene of articular origin was predominant, while in the ceramic-ceramic group the cellular reaction appeared to be a response to zirconia ceramic particles used to opacify cement used for fixation. Isolation and characterisation of the debris showed that the zirconia particles formed the greatest proportion (76%) in ceramic-ceramic hips, while alumina debris of articular origin formed only 12%. Our study has indicated that aseptic loosening of ceramic cups is not due to a response to debris generated at the articular interface, but to mechanical factors which lead to fragmentation of the cement.

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head after allogenic bone-marrow transplantation. A retrospective study of 27 consecutive THAs with a minimal two-year follow-up.

After an allogenic bone-marrow transplant, avascular necrosis of the femoral head may affect young adults, producing destructive lesions which require hip replacement. We have reviewed 27 consecutive such total hip arthroplasties (THA) at a minimal follow-up of two years. Of these, 20 were primary operations for Ficat (1985) stage-III and stage-IV lesions, and seven were revisions after the failure of previous surgery. The median age at operation was 30 years (17.5 to 44). The prostheses had a cemented, collared titanium-alloy stem, an alumina-alumina joint, and a press-fit socket. Seven had a titanium-alloy metal back and 20 had all-alumina cups of which six had to be cemented. At an average follow-up of five years, no patient had been lost to follow-up. One had died from septicaemia after two years and another with chronic graft-versus-host disease developed a deep infection 2.5 years postoperatively and had a successful revision. There were no revisions for aseptic loosening. The clinical results on the Merle d'Aubigné++ and Postel (1954) scale were very good or excellent in 23 hips (88%), good in one and fair in two. Ten hips showed incomplete acetabular radiolucencies less than 1 mm thick, but there were no radiolucent lines around the stems. We conclude that for these difficult patients THA with ceramic joints and careful technique provides the best short- and medium-term option after the failure of medical treatment.

Tibial tunnel enlargement after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by autogenous bone-patellar tendon-bone graft.

This retrospective study was designed to evaluate changes in the diameter of the tibial tunnel over time following the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with a bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft in 44 patients. The changes in the geometry of the bone tunnels were measured radiographically during the immediate postoperative period and at time intervals between 3 and 36 months after surgery. The dimensions at 1 year were correlated with the 1-year clinical results. The distance between the sclerotic margins of the tibial tunnel was measured at the distal tunnel exit on the medial tibial cortex, in the middle of the tunnel, and proximally at the level of the joint line. The dimensions were calculated by using a magnification factor determined by reference to the interference screw of known diameter located within the tunnel. The position of the centre of the tibial tunnel with regard to Blumensaat's line was also measured. The average tunnel diameter at the proximal tibial exit increased from 12 +/- 1.9 mm (mean +/- standard deviation) postoperatively to 14 +/- 2.2 mm at 3 months. The average proximal tunnel diameter did not significantly change from 3 months to 2 years, and then decreased to 13 +/- 2.4 mm at 3 years. At 1 year, most of the patterns of osteolysis were of the cone type (57%), followed by the cavity type (40%) and line type (3%). The degree of osteolysis was not related to the tibial tunnel position with respect to Blumensaat's line. There was no correlation between the changes in tunnel diameter and either the IKDC score or the residual joint laxity measured by a KT-100 arthrometer. The aetiology of tunnel enlargement is currently unknown. Possible factors responsible for bone resorption include micromotion of the graft relative to the tunnel wall, leading to an inflammatory response in the tunnel, or stress shielding of the tunnel wall proximal to the interference screw.

[Synovial chondromatosis and chondrosarcoma. A study of the relationship between these two diseases]. / Chondromatose synoviale et chondrosarcome. Etude des rapports entre les deux affections.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This retrospective study concerns six patients in whom chondrosarcoma was suspected to develop in synovial chondromatosis. We discuss for these cases different diagnosis. The authors expose the clinical signs and radiological aspects which suggest malignant transformation. We report the indispensable criteria for established diagnosis of malignant transformation of synovial chondromatosis and appropriated forms of therapeutic management were suggested. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients, 3 males and 3 females from 36 to 58 years of age were included in this study. Three patients presented 6 months, 3 years and 25 years history of synovial chondromatosis of the knee joint. When the malignant transformation appeared, a surgical biopsy was performed and the pathologist diagnosed a chondrosarcoma in all cases. For the other three patients, the chondrosarcoma and synovial chondromatosis were diagnosed at the same time. The localization was shoulder, hip and knee. A surgical biopsy was performed and the pathologist diagnosed chondrosarcoma. Synovial chondromatosis was diagnosed by histologic examination of the resection or amputation specimen. TREATMENT AND RESULTS: Four patients had thigh amputation, one patient had "en bloc resection" of the hip-joint and the last patient had resection of the shoulder joint. In all cases, the histologic examination diagnosed chondrosarcoma and synovial chondromatosis. All patients were free of disease. DISCUSSION: The malignant transformation of synovial chondromatosis is rare but this diagnosis must be established to perform appropriate treatment. Other possible diagnosis are: low grade synovial chondrosarcoma initially diagnosed as a synovial chondromatosis. Bertoni believes that all cases of malignant transformation of synovial chondromatosis are initially low grade chondrosarcoma. We believe that his criteria are too strict for diagnosed chondrosarcoma. coexistence of synovial chondromatosis and synovial chondrosarcoma. These 2 diagnosis are extremely rare and their coexistence are unlikely. secondary synovial chondromatosis developed into chondrosarcoma. We don't have histologic criteria to confirm this diagnosis in all our cases. The symptoms that should suggest a malignant transformation of synovial chondromatosis were: rapid late deterioration of clinical conditions, bone invasion diagnosed by X-ray films and medullar invasion discovered by MRI. According to us, the indispensable criteria to diagnose malignant transformation were: 1.) histologic diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis established before diagnosis of chondrosarcoma, 2.) histologic diagnosis of chondrosarcoma on the same anatomic site as the synovial chondromatosis, 3.) diagnosis of chondrosarcoma and synovial chondromatosis on the same resection specimen. Only the three first cases were in accordance with these criteria. The treatment must be a "en bloc resection" of the joint or an amputation. CONCLUSION: Malignant transformation is rare, but this diagnosis should be established to perform adequate treatment. This diagnosis should be suspected when a rapid deterioration of the clinical status appeared and when bone involvement was detected by MRI. However, the danger still lies in the misinterpretation of the synovial chondromatosis as chondrosarcoma. This diagnosis can be made with clinical, radiological and pathological criteria. The treatment must be a wide resection or an amputation.

[Experimental capsulo-ligamentar lesions of the knee during passive hyperextension. Biomechanical aspects. A lesional evaluation and consequences]. / Lésions expérimentales capsulo-ligamentaires du genou en hyperextension passive. Aspects biomécaniques. Bilan lésionnel et conséquences.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Passive hyperextension is a rare mechanism of injury of knee ligaments in clinical practice. The lesions are often complex and no consensus exists about their sequence. Our purpose was to study the mechanical behavior and the anatomical lesions of the knee following passive hyperextension until rupture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 12 pairs of fresh human cadaveric knees were tested after resection of soft tissue except for the ligaments and the Popliteus muscle. Some of them had specific ligaments sections (PCL or posterior capsule). We used a "four point bending" model at a constant rate (V = 3 10E-4 m/s) and measured failure torque and bending stiffness of the knee. Results were expressed as percent of the response of the normal contra lateral knee. RESULTS: A wide range of absolute data was noted and correlated to the age and bone quality. Bony avulsion was constant. The posterior capsule was the first structure injured at an average of 23 degrees of recurvatum, followed by the posterolateral ligament. The PCL was the ultimate structure to fail at its femoral attachment, preceding complete dislocation of the knee. No ruptures of the ACL and medial collateral ligament were noted. After section of the posterior capsule, the stiffness of the knee decreased 40 to 80 percent compared to the normal opposite knee, whereas the isolated section of the PCL had no significant effect. DISCUSSION: The method used in this study appears reliable. "The four point bending" is a reproducible model and the use of paired specimens allows a quantitative approach. The use of elderly specimens at a low strain rate in this experiment remains a questionable point. Passive hyperextension is characterized by automatic external rotation resulting in asymmetrical posterior lesions and tears of the PCL at its femoral attachment. On the contrary, active hyperextension of the knee can produce ACL injury by anterior translation of the tibia under the femur consecutive to Quadriceps femoris contraction. CONCLUSION: Our experimental model is an effective and reproducible method to create passive hyperextension of the knee. The first structure to fail is the posterior capsule followed by the posterolateral ligament. The PCL is the ultimate structure to fail and no ACL rupture has been noted before dislocation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: if passive hyperextension mechanism is suspected, isolated posterior capsule lesion may occur and should be repaired. On the contrary, PCL tear should never be isolated and always associated with peripheral ligament injuries.

Alumina-alumina hip replacement in patients younger than 50 years old.

From April 1977 to December 1990, 131 total hip arthroplasties were performed on 113 patients younger than 50 years of age (median, 41 years); 64 were men and 49 women. The majority were active people. Sixty-six hips had no previous operations, and 33 had at least one previous arthroplasty. The femoral component was a cemented collared titanium alloy stem, and alumina socket was cemented for 99 hips and press-fit for 32. The mean follow-up period was five years, with 32 hips followed for more than ten years. Revision arthroplasty was considered as a failure. Survivorship analysis depicted a 97.5% rate of survival at five years, an 89.4% rate at ten years, and an 86.2% at 11 years. Nine revisions were performed: one experienced a femoral head rupture after three years, one had bipolar loosening, one experienced femoral cystic formation, and six were revised for acetabular cup loosening, all from the cemented group. Two revisions occurred on the same patient. No stem revision was necessary before ten years. Only one of these revisions was required in patients aged 40 or younger (64 patients). Alumina-alumina friction is an extremely interesting phenomenon in young patients, and could be related to the low wear debris production.

[Radiologic and MRI evaluation of intra-articular ligamentoplasty using a patellar tendon. Correlations with anatomical results]. / Evaluation radiologique et IRM des ligamentoplasties intra-articulaires utilisant le tendon rotulien. Corrélations avec les résultats anatomiques.

INTRODUCTION: the purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the graft positioning on the clinical outcome and MRI signal of the graft as well, following ACL reconstruction using the central one-third of the patellar tendon. MATERIAL AND METHODS: twenty one patients having a chronic anterior instability sustained a modified Marshall-Mac Intosh procedure, while 15 having a subacute torn ACL had an ACL reconstruction using a free bone-patellar tendon-bone graft. The patients were retrospectively reviewed with a 1.8 year average follow-up (1-3 years). The clinical result was evaluated through the comparative range of motion, the residual laxity as measured with the KT 1000 arthrometer, and the pivot shift test. The roentgenographic analysis was performed from AP and ML views, made first on one-leg standing with the knee at 30 degrees of flexion, and then in "zero" extension with active quadriceps contraction. Lines were drawn to visualise the location of the tibial and femoral tunnels in relation to the tibial plateaus and the roof of the intercondylar notch represented by the Blumensaat line. The analysis of the AP IRM views of the graft allowed to discriminate between homogeneous and heterogeneous graft signals. RESULTS: on lateral roentgenograms of normal knees it was found that the Blumensaat line crossed the surface of the medial tibial plateau at its anterior third, at 30 +/- 9 per cent (20-40 per cent range), demonstrating the variability of the intercondylar roof inclination. The range of motion was normal in 22 patients (group 1), 8 patients had a flexion deficit (group II), and 6 exhibited an extension deficit (group III). The residual laxity was similar in each group (p > 0.05). When comparing group III to group I, patients from group III had a tibial tunnel significantly more anterior with regard to the Blumensaat line (p < 0.02). In group III, all patients exhibited an heterogeneous MRI graft signal (p < 0.05), and the angle between the intraarticular part of the graft and the tibial tunnel was higher (p < 0.001). These findings were not observed in group II where the location only of the femoral tunnel seemed to influence the flexion deficit (p > 0.05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: this study demonstrated that the location of the tibial tunnel with regard to the roof of the intercondylar notch, when the knee is in "zero" extension, was the most relevant parameter controlling the extension deficit resulting from a graft impingement. No relation was found between the tibial tunnel location with regard to the tibial plateaus and the mobility deficit. Graft impingement also was always associated with an heterogenous graft MRI signal. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: when reconstructing the ACL care must be taken when inserting the K-wire aimed to guide the tibial drill, to obtain a proper position with regard to the roof of the intercondylar notch. The K-wire location must be checked in "zero" extension. Intra-operative X-rays may help.

Roentgenographic and magnetic resonance imaging of anterior cruciate reconstruction using a patellar tendon graft--correlations with physical findings.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the graft positioning on the clinical outcome and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal of the graft following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the central one-third of the patellar tendon. Twenty-two patients with a chronic anterior instability underwent a modified Marshall-MacIntosh procedure, while 27 with a subacute torn ACL had an ACL reconstruction using a free bone-patellar tendon-bone graft. The patients were retrospectively reviewed with a 1.8-year average follow-up (1-3 years). The clinical result was evaluated through the comparative range of motion and the residual laxity as measured with the KT 1,000 arthrometer. The roentgenographic analysis was performed from anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) views, made first on one-leg standing with the knee at 30 degrees of flexion, and secondly at "zero" extension with active quadriceps contraction. Lines were drawn to visualise the location of the tibial and femoral tunnels in relation to the tibial plateaus and the intercondylar roof represented by Blumensaat's line. The analysis of the lateral MRI views of the graft allowed discrimination between homogenous and heterogenous graft signals. On lateral roentgenograms of normal knees, it was found that Blumensaat's line crossed the surface of the medial tibial plateau at 30% +/- 9% of its sagittal width (20%-40% range), demonstrating the variability of intercondylar roof inclination. The range of motion was normal in 34 patients (group I), 9 patients had a flexion deficit (group II), and 6 exhibited an extension deficit (group III). The residual laxity was similar in each group (P > 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)