Return to Sports After High Tibial Osteotomy Using the Opening Wedge Technique.

Objective The present paper evaluates the resuming of physical activities by young, active patients who practiced some sport modality and underwent a high tibial osteotomy (HTO) using the opening wedge technique. Methods A total of 12 patients submitted to HTO using the opening wedge technique were prospectively analyzed. All patients were not playing sports at that time. Pre- and postoperative Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, visual analog scale for pain and performance level were compared. The average follow-up time was of 12 months. Results One patient resumed sporting activities at a performance level significantly lower compared to the preoperative level, while eight patients returned at a slightly below level, two returned at the same level and one patient returned at a higher level in comparison with the preoperative period. Conclusion For isolated medial osteoarthrosis treatment, HTO using the opening wedge technique has favorable clinical and functional results, allowing patients to resume their sporting activities.

Return to Sports After High Tibial Osteotomy Using the Opening Wedge Technique / Retorno ao esporte após osteotomia tibial alta com método de cunha de abertura

Abstract Objective The present paper evaluates the resuming of physical activities by young, active patients who practiced some sport modality and underwent a high tibial osteotomy (HTO) using the opening wedge technique. Methods A total of 12 patients submitted to HTO using the opening wedge technique were prospectively analyzed. All patients were not playing sports at that time. Pre- and postoperative Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, visual analog scale for pain and performance level were compared. The average follow-up time was of 12 months. Results One patient resumed sporting activities at a performance level significantly lower compared to the preoperative level, while eight patients returned at a slightly below level, two returned at the same level and one patient returned at a higher level in comparison with the preoperative period. Conclusion For isolated medial osteoarthrosis treatment, HTO using the opening wedge technique has favorable clinical and functional results, allowing patients to resume their sporting activities.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o retorno ao esporte em pacientes jovens e ativos praticantes de alguma modalidade esportiva submetidos a osteotomia tibial alta (OTA) com o método de cunha de abertura. Métodos Foram analisados prospectivamente 12 pacientes submetidos ao procedimento de OTA utilizando-se método de cunha de abertura. Todos os pacientes estavam afastados do esporte. Foram utilizados os escores Lysholm, questionário International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC, na sigla em inglês), escala analógica de dor e nível de retorno em comparação ao período pré-operatório. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 12 meses. Resultados Um paciente retornou ao esporte em nível muito abaixo do pré-operatório, oito pacientes retornaram em nível pouco abaixo, dois pacientes retornaram no mesmo nível e um paciente retornou em nível acima. Conclusão A OTA com uso do método de cunha de adição como forma de tratamento para osteoartrose medial isolada demonstra resultados clínicos e funcionais favoráveis e permite o retorno ao esporte.

Bicruciate lesion biomechanics, Part 2-treatment using a simultaneous tensioning protocol: ACL fixation first is better than PCL fixation first to restore tibiofemoral orientation.

PURPOSE: An uncommon technique for bicruciate ligament reconstruction involving simultaneous tensioning of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) grafts with ACL graft fixation first has been pointed out as superior to the "gold-standard" PCL graft fixation first. The purpose of this study was to compare tibiofemoral biomechanics between ACL fixation first and PCL fixation first in a simultaneous tensioning protocol for bicruciate ligament reconstruction. METHODS: 12 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees (six matched pairs) were tested using a custom testing system. Neutral tibial position representing tibiofemoral orientation, anterior-posterior (AP) tibial translation, varus-valgus laxity, and internal-external rotation were measured using a Microscribe 3DLX at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion. The following knee conditions were evaluated: intact, bicruciate deficient and following bicruciate reconstruction. A simultaneous tensioning protocol was used for bicruciate reconstruction and PCL fixation first was compared to ACL fixation first. PCL graft fixation was always performed at 90° of flexion and ACL graft fixation was always performed at full extension. RESULTS: ACL fixation first achieved a tibiofemoral orientation closer to the intact knee than PCL fixation first at 90° flexion (1.8 ± 1.6 mm versus 6.1 ± 3.2 mm, p = 0.016). PCL fixation first had a larger decrease in AP translation than ACL fixation first at 30° flexion (64.6 ± 3.5% vs. 58.3 ± 2.4%, p = 0.01). No significant differences were found for varus/valgus, external-internal rotation decrements after bicruciate reconstruction nor for AP translation, varus/valgus and internal/external rotation increase after bicruciate lesion comparing ACL fixation first to PCL fixation first. CONCLUSION: Bicruciate ligament reconstruction using a simultaneous tensioning protocol with ACL fixation first resulted in a closer to normal tibiofemoral orientation. This study will help guide surgeons in decision making for the graft tensioning protocol and fixation sequence in a bicruciate ligament reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V therapeutic study.

Bicruciate lesion biomechanics, Part 1-Diagnosis: translations over 15 mm at 90° of knee flexion are indicative of a complete tear.

PURPOSE: Understanding the pathomechanics of a bicruciate injury (BI) is critical for its correct diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this biomechanical study aims to quantify the effects of sequential sectioning of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) bundles on knee laxity. METHODS: Twelve cadaveric knees (six matched pairs) were used. Knee laxity measurements consisted of neutral tibial position, anterior-posterior translation, internal-external rotation, and varus-valgus angulation in different conditions: intact, ACL cut, incomplete BI (divided into two groups: anterolateral (AL) bundle intact or posteromedial (PM) bundle intact) and complete bicruciate tear. Data were collected using a Microscribe system at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion. RESULTS: In comparison to the intact knees, incomplete BI and complete BI showed a significant increase of total antero-posterior tibial translation. The largest significant increase was observed at 90° of flexion after a complete bicruciate resection (p < 0.001). A threshold difference greater than 15 mm from the intact could be used to identify a complete BI from an incomplete BI evaluating the total antero-posterior translation at 90°. All sectioned states had significant increases compared with the intact condition in internal-external rotation and varus-valgus stability at all tested flexion angles. CONCLUSION: Both incomplete and complete BI led to an important AP translation instability at all angles; however, full extension was the most stable position at all injured models. Total antero-posterior translation at 90° of knee flexion over 15 mm, in comparison to the intact condition, was indicative of a complete BI. Since the appropriate assessment of a combined ACL and PCL lesion remains a challenge, this study intends to assist its diagnosis. As BI's main antero-posterior instability occurred at 90°, a total antero-posterior drawer test is proposed to evaluate BI in the clinical setting. Total antero-posterior translation at 90° > 15 mm, in comparison to the intact condition or the contra-lateral non-injured knee, can be used to identify a complete from an incomplete BI.

Anterolateral ligament anatomy: a comparative anatomical study.

PURPOSE: Some anatomical studies have indicated that the anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee is distinct ligamentous structure in humans. The purpose of this study is to compare the lateral anatomy of the knee among human and various animal specimens. METHODS: Fifty-eight fresh-frozen knee specimens, from 24 different animal species, were used for this anatomical study. The same researchers dissected all the specimens in this study, and dissections were performed in a careful and standardized manner. RESULTS: An ALL was not found in any of the 58 knees dissected. Another interesting finding in this study is that some primate species (the prosimians: the red and black and white lemurs) have two LCLs. CONCLUSION: The clinical relevance of this study is the lack of isolation of the ALL as a unique structure in animal species. Therefore, precaution is recommended before assessing the need for surgery to reconstruct the ALL as a singular ligament.

Relationship Between the Middle Genicular Artery and the Posterior Structures of the Knee: A Cadaveric Study.

BACKGROUND: The middle genicular artery (MGA) is responsible for the blood supply to the cruciate ligaments and synovial tissue. Traumatic sports injuries and surgical procedures (open and arthroscopic) can cause vascular damage. Little attention has been devoted to establish safe parameters for the MGA. PURPOSE: To investigate the anatomy of the MGA and its relation to the posterior structures of the knees, mainly the posterior capsule and femoral condyles, and to establish safe parameters to avoid harming the MGA. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study. METHODS: Dissection of the MGA was performed in 16 fresh, unpaired adult human cadaveric knees with no macroscopic degenerative or traumatic changes and no previous surgeries. The specimens were meticulously evaluated with emphasis on preservation of the MGA. The distances from the MGA to the medial and lateral femoral condyles were measured. The Mann-Whitney test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In all specimens, the MGA emerged from the anterior aspect of the popliteal artery, distal to the superior genicular arteries, and had a short distal trajectory toward the posterior capsule where it entered proximal to the oblique popliteal ligament. The artery lay in the midportion between the condyles. The distance between the posterior aspect of the tibia and the point of entry of the MGA into the posterior joint capsule was 23.8 ± 7.3 mm (range, 14.72-35.68 mm). There was no correlation between an individual's height and the distance of the entrance point of the MGA into the posterior joint capsule to the posterior superior corner of the tibia. CONCLUSION: The middle genicular artery lies in the midportion between the medial and lateral femoral condyles. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This knowledge is important for the preservation of the blood supply during posterior knee surgical procedures and to settle a secure distance between the posterior aspect of the tibia and the MGA input. This could decrease and prevent iatrogenic vascular injury risk to the MGA.

Surgical treatment for muscle injuries.

Muscle injury causes functional impairment. The healing process takes time and fibrotic tissue can result. Recurrence and delayed recovery remain as unsolved problems. Surgical intervention can be a feasible alternative to avoid early and late complications associated with complete muscle tear in attempt to improve functional results. This article hopes to provide an update about surgical treatments for muscle tears in different scenarios.

Influence of body mass index in revision total knee arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: : To evaluate the influence of the body mass index (BMI) on the functional assessment of patients who underwent revision total knee arthroplasty (RTKA). METHODS: : Thirty patients who un-derwent RTKA between January 2008 and January 2012 were retrospectively assessed using the WOMAC questionnaire. The patients were divided into three groups according to the BMI ca-tegories defined by the World Health Organization (WHO): Group I with normal BMI (18-24.9 Kg/m(2)), with eight patients; Group II, overweight (BMI 25-29.9 Kg/m(2)), with 15 patients, and Group III obesity with BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m(2), with seven patients. The post-ope-rative function scores obtained through the WOMAC questionnaire were compared with the BMI of each group. The statistical analysis between BMI and WOMAC scores was performed with the Spe-arman correlation test. RESULTS: : The average functional WOMAC score for individuals in Group I was 16.7; in Group II it was 47.7; and in Group III it was 69.9, with a statistically significant differen-ce between groups I, II and III (p< 0.0001). CONCLUSION: : Patients with BMI > 25 Kg/m(2) had a worse functional evaluation through WOMAC scores when compared to patients with normal BMI after RTKA. Level of Evidence III, Tranversal Retrospective Study.

Common injuries in athletes' knee: experience of a specialized center.

OBJECTIVE: The present cross-sectional study aims to identify the most common knee injuries in athletes cared at a Specialized Outpatient Clinics. METHOD: Analysis of patients cared at the Knee Outpatient Clinics of a Sports Trauma Center, divided by gender, age and diagnosed injury. RESULTS: Initially 440 patients were divided into 33 types of sports; after excluding the less statistically significant practices, nine sports remained. The most frequently performed sports were football with almost 50% of total patients presenting anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, and road runs with great frequency of meniscal injury. There was no correlation of the disorder with the type of sports performed but a correlation was found with patient's age/gender. CONCLUSION: The complete ACL rupture was the most common injury found in football, basketball and volleyball players, followed by meniscal injury in street runners.

Return to sport after surgical treatment for pubalgia among professional soccer players.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the return to sport after surgical treatment for pubalgia among 30 professional soccer players and describe the surgical technique used. METHOD: this case series was evaluated by means of a questionnaire and physical examination on 30 male professional soccer players of mean age 24.4 years (range: 18-30). The mean duration of the symptoms was 18.6 months (range: 13-28). The diagnosis was made through clinical investigation, special maneuvers and complementary examinations, by the same examiner. All the patients underwent surgical treatment after conservative treatment failed; all procedures were performed by the same surgeon using the same technique. Nonparametric comparisons were made to investigate the time taken to recover after the surgery, for the patients to return to their sport. RESULTS: five patients evolved with hematoma, with the need to remove the stitches three weeks after the operation because of a small dehiscence at the site of the operative wound. The wound healed completely in all these cases by five weeks after the surgery. Four patients presented dysuria in the first week, but improved in the second postoperative week. The mean time taken to return to training was around eight weeks (range: seven-nine). All the players returned to competitive soccer practice within 16 weeks. When asked about their degree of satisfaction after the operation (satisfied or dissatisfied), taking into consideration their return to the sport, there was 100% satisfaction, and they returned to professional practice at the same competitive level as before the injury. This degree of satisfaction continued to the last assessment, which was made after 36 months of postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSION: the surgical technique presented in this case series, with trapezoidal resection of the pubic symphysis in association with bilateral partial tenotomy of the long adductor, was a fast and effective procedure with a low rate of postoperative complications. It was shown to be an excellent treatment option for refractory cases, with a return to sports activity among professional soccer players.

OBJETIVO: avaliar o retorno ao esporte após tratamento cirúrgico da pubeíte em 30 jogadores de futebol profissional e descrever a técnica cirúrgica empregada. MÉTODO: série de casos por meio de questionário e exame físico em 30 jogadores de futebol profissional. Atletas masculinos, com idade média de 24,4 anos (18 a 30). A duração média dos sintomas foi de 18,6 meses (13 a 28). O diagnóstico foi feito por meio de investigação clínica, manobras especiais e exames complementares por um mesmo examinador. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico após falha do tratamento conservador, pelo mesmo cirurgião e com a mesma técnica. A comparação não paramétrica foi efetuada para investigar o tempo de recuperação após a cirurgia para retorno ao esporte. RESULTADOS: cinco pacientes evoluíram com hematoma e foi necessária a retirada dos pontos com três semanas por causa de pequena deiscência no local da ferida operatória. Houve cicatrização completa da ferida em todos esses casos após cinco semanas. Quatro pacientes apresentaram disúria na primeira semana, porém melhoraram na segunda semana pós-operatória. O tempo médio para retorno aos treinos ocorreu em torno de oito semanas (sete a nove). Todos os atletas retornaram à prática de futebol competitivo em até 16 semanas. Quando interrogados sobre o grau de satisfação no pós-operatório (satisfeito ou insatisfeito), levando em consideração o retorno ao esporte, houve 100% de satisfação e retorno à prática profissional no mesmo nível competitivo prévio à lesão. Esse grau de satisfação persistiu até a última avaliação após 36 meses de seguimento pós-operatório. CONCLUSÃO: a técnica cirúrgica apresentada nesta série de casos com ressecção trapezoidal da sínfise púbica associada a tenotomia parcial bilateral do adutor longo é um procedimento rápido, efetivo e com baixo índice de complicações pós-operatórias. Revela-se uma excelente opção de tratamento para os casos refratários e retorno à atividade esportiva em jogadores de futebol profissional.

BILATERAL OSTEOCHONDRITIS DISSECANS OF THE KNEE IN A BASKETBALL PLAYER: CASE REPORT.

The authors report a case of bilateral osteochondritis dissecans in a 17-year-old basketball player who was diagnosed and treated as shown in the literature.

LIPOSARCOMA OF THE KNEE IN A TENNIS PLAYER: CASE REPORT.

Liposarcoma is an uncommon malignant tumor. It originates in the mesenchymal cells, and is the most common of the soft tissue sarcomas. The authors report a case of a 40 year-old male tennis player with liposarcoma in the posterior right knee and distal thigh region.

SUPRA AND INTRACONDYLAR OPEN FRACTURE OF THE FEMUR IN A MOTOCROSS ATHLETE: CASE REPORT.

The authors report the case of a patient (amateur motocross competitor) who suffered a fall during a motocross competition resulting in a supra and intracondylar open fracture in the right femur.

SYNOVIAL CHONDROMATOSIS OF THE KNEE: CASE REPORT.

The authors report the case of a patient with synovial osteochondromatosis of the knee, who had previously been a soccer player.

LEG'S COMPARTMENT SYNDROME AFTER RECONSTRUCTION OF THE ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT: CASE REPORT.

The authors report a case of a patient that was submitted to a surgery of reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament and collateral medial ligament repair of the left knee that complicated to a compartment syndrome.

Anatomic relation between the posterior cruciate ligament and the joint capsule.

PURPOSE: The aim of this anatomic study on cadavers was to determine the anatomic relation between the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and the posterior joint capsule attachment. METHODS: Thirty knees were dissected by means of a posterior approach to the knee. The presence of the posterior popliteal ligament and Wrisberg meniscofemoral ligament was observed and a U-shaped capsulotomy was performed while preserving the distal insertion of the ligament. After detaching the PCL and determining its area on the tibia, we determined its geometric center and posterior margin and measured the distances between the tibial insertion of the capsule and these points. RESULTS: The distance between the center of the PCL and the posterior capsule was 10.3 mm, and the distance between the posterior margin of the PCL and the capsule was 1.7 mm. The posterior popliteal ligament was easy to see in all the specimens, measuring around 42 mm in length. The Wrisberg meniscofemoral ligament was seen in 12 specimens. CONCLUSIONS: We can conclude that the distances from the center of the tibial insertion and the margin of the PCL to the joint capsule were 10.3 mm and 1.7 mm, respectively, thus enabling greater knowledge of the anatomy of the posterior compartment of the knee. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our findings provide anatomic data that increase the safety and knowledge regarding the surgical procedures related to the PCL, because we have supplied information that can contribute to obtaining the best arthroscopic view of this area, thus decreasing the risk of vascular and nerve damage.