The impact of early weight-bearing on results following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures are common injuries that typically affect young, physically active individuals and may require surgical reconstruction. Studies have shown that the long time success of ACL reconstruction depends on the surgical technique and the postoperative rehabilitation strategy. However, there is still no consensus on the content of rehabilitation programs. Hence, additional research is required to elucidate the significance of early weight-bearing in the rehabilitation process following ACL reconstruction. The aim of this article is to examine the impact of weight-bearing on the clinical results of ACL reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patient records who had undergone arthroscopic reconstruction using a semitendinosus-gracilis tendon graft for anterior cruciate ligament rupture between January 2018 and December 2020. The study included the data of 110 patients. The patients were split into two groups: Group 1 underwent early weight-bearing, while Group 2 followed a non-weight-bearing regimen for three weeks. We assessed the patients using the anterior drawer test, Lachman test, range of motion, Lysholm knee scale, Cincinnati scale, Tegner scale, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) form and clinical records. Analytical tests were conducted to compare the results. RESULTS: The complication rates did not show a significant difference between the groups. Group 1 had higher frequencies of positive anterior drawer and Lachman tests. The Lysholm and Cincinnati knee scores of patients in Group 1 were notably lower than those of patients in Group 2. Additionally, the Tegner activity scores and IKDC scores of patients in Group 1 were also meaningfully lower than those of patients in Group 2. In Group 1 patients, there was no notable relationship observed between body mass index (BMI) and the results of the anterior drawer test (ADT) or Lachman test. However, patients with a BMI of 25 or higher in Group 1 showed a decrease in postoperative IKDC scores. In Group 2 patients, no significant relationship was identified between BMI and either the ADT or the Lachman test outcome. CONCLUSION: Based on current literature and current rehabilitation guidelines following ACL reconstruction, the decision to initiate early weight-bearing is based on a limited number of studies with low levels of evidence. In our study, we found that patients who followed a non-weight-bearing regimen for 3 weeks after surgery had better mid-term results than those who were allowed to bear weight early. It appears that further prospective studies on this topic are needed to update rehabilitation guidelines in the next.

Functional and clinical outcome of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with peroneus longus autograft and correlation with MRI after 3 years.

Introduction: Autograft options for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction over the years have gone from bone-patellar tendon-bone to hamstring to peroneus longus tendon. Considering the drawbacks of other autografts, we analyse peroneus longus autograft holistically as a viable alternative. Materials and methods: This was a prospective study of 113 patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with peroneus longus autograft between January 2017 and November 2018 for isolated, full-thickness ACL tears. Functional analysis was done using the Tegner-Lysholm score pre-operatively, at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years postoperatively. At terminal follow-up, stability was checked clinically by Lachman test, residual morbidity of donor site was assessed using foot and ankle disability index, and radiographic correlation was done with magnetic resonance imaging. Results: The mean diameter of the graft after tripling was 9 ± 0.71 mm and the average length before tripling was found to be 27.07 ± 2.76 cms. At terminal follow-up, 101 patients showed excellent, while 12 patients showed good outcomes. The mean foot and ankle disability index was 94.8 ± 3. 90.27% of patients had no laxity on clinical examination, and magnetic resonance imaging of all the patients at terminal follow-up showed good graft uptake. Conclusions: Peroneus longus autograft shows intraoperative consistency and gives excellent functional outcome, clinical stability, and no donor site morbidity even three years postoperatively.

Rehabilitation protocols following rotator cuff repair: a meta-analysis of current evidence.

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff tears are a common shoulder pathology with an increasing incidence. The optimum post-operative rehab protocol remains unclear and can consist of either conservative rehabilitation or more aggressive early range-of-motion. Multiple studies have assessed these treatment protocols. This meta-analysis aims to compare post-operative clinical outcomes following either conservative or aggressive rehabilitation post rotator cuff repair. METHODS: A systematic electronic literature search was undertaken using a number of databases. Eligible studies included randomized control trials published between January 2013 and April 2019 in English with patients having had received rotator cuff repair. Post-operative clinical outcomes considered included shoulder range-of-motion, overall function status (Costant-Murley score) and rates of rotator-cuff re-tear. Studies were evaluated for methodological quality in accordance with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Summarized pooled statistics were calculated using Review Manager (v5.3) software. RESULTS: A total of six randomized controlled trials were included. Standardized mean difference (SMD) in shoulder flexion, abduction and external rotation was not statistically significant at either 6 or 12 months post rotator cuff repair. Functional assessment suggests a slight benefit in Constant-Murley Score (SMD = 1.77; 95% CI -3.93, 7.47) in aggressive treatment groups with no significant risk increase for cuff re-tear (RR = 1.22; 95% CI 0.60, 2.47). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests there is no clear benefit of either rehabilitation protocol when considering range-of-motion, with a possible benefit in functional outcome at the cost of increased re-tear risk post aggressive rehabilitation. Both protocols have been shown to offer safe reproducible short- and long-term outcomes.

Does radiological evaluation of endobutton positioning in the sagittal plane affect clinical functional results in single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction?

INTRODUCTION: Sports injuries are increasing today due to the increased interest in sports. The most common injured knee ligament is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in sport injuries. Accordingly, surgical treatment of the ACL is performed frequently. In this study, it was aimed to retrospectively evaluate whether the location of an endobutton on lateral knee radiography was effective on knee functional scores in patients who underwent ACL reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred thirty patients who underwent ACL reconstruction between January 2015 and February 2019 were identified. The patients were divided into three groups according to the location of the endobutton on lateral radiographs taken in the postoperative period. Group 1 patients were classified as anterior, group 2 as middle, and group 3 as posterior according to the location of the endobutton. Functional scoring, physical examination tests, comparative thigh diameter measurements, and single-leg hop tests were compared between the groups. It was evaluated as to whether there was a statistically significant difference between the groups. RESULTS: There were 38 patients in group 1, 63 patients in group 2, and 29 patients in group 3. The mean age was 29.1 in group 1, 29.1 in group 2, and 29.7 in group 3. The mean follow-up period of the patients was 18.4 months in group 1, 19.1 months in group 2, and 21.4 months in group 3. The average Lysholm score was 92.9 in group 1, 93.3 in group 2, and 91.7 in group 3. The mean modified Cincinnati scores were 27.0, 27.1, and 26.6, respectively, in the groups. The mean IKDC score of the subjective knee assessments was 92.5, 92.8, and 91, respectively, according to the groups. The average thigh atrophy value was 1 cm, 1 cm, and 1.2 cm, respectively, in the groups. In the single-leg hop test, 34 patients in group 1 jump to over 85% of the distance compared with the intact side, while 58 patients in group 2, and 23 patients in group 3 were successfully able to jump this distance. The effect of the placement of the endobutton in the anterior, middle or posterior was not statistically significant on functional scores and physical examination results. In patients with endobuttons in the middle, functional scores were found better than in those with anterior or posterior placement. CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant differences were found in clinical functional results when comparing patients' endobutton location on femur. For this reason, surgical time should not be extended using unnecessary extra effort to change the orientation of the exit hole during surgery.

Is Cyclic Exercise Performed before Tibial Fixation Effective on Grafts during Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction?

OBJECTIVES: The necessity of cyclic exercise to pre-stretch the autograft before tibial fixation during ACL reconstruction is unknown. In this study, we evaluated whether there was a statistically significant difference between the results of patients who underwent cyclic exercise by way of physical examinations, knee joint stability tests, and functional evaluation tests, compared with the patients who underwent ACL reconstructions with or without cyclic exercise. METHODS: Between March 2016 and May 2018, 59 patients with at least eight months' follow-up of an ACL reconstruction were identified. Thirty patients (Group 1) who underwent cyclic exercise before tibial fixation and 29 patients (Group 2) who did not undergo cyclic exercise were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients in Group 1 and Group 2 was 25.9 (range, 18-36) years and 25.2 (range, 18-35) years, respectively. The mean follow-up period in Group 1 was 14.6 (range, 8-22) months and 13.5 months in Group 2 (range, 8-21 months).The mean Lysholm scores of Group 1 and 2 were 95.1 (range, 83-100) and 87.1 (range, 78-100), respectively. The modified Cincinnati scores of Groups 1 and 2 were 28.7 (range, 24-30) and 26.2 (range, 21-30). The mean IKDC subjective knee evaluation scores in Groups 1 and 2 were 91.9 (range, 83-100) and 86.7 (range, 75-100). The mean thigh atrophy was 1.5 cm in Group 1 and 2.5 cm in Group 2. In Group 1, 23 patients jumped 85% of the distance compared with the intact side in the single-legged hop test, and 12 patients in Group 2 were able to hop this distance successfully.Group 1 had statistically significantly better results in Lysholm activity scores, modified Cincinnati scores, IKDC subjective knee assessment scores, two-time IKDC activity scale results, comparison of thigh diameters, and single-legged hop tests (p<0.05). No significant difference was found in other examinations and tests. CONCLUSION: Cyclic exercise during the operation had a positive effect on functional scores. We believe that cyclic exercise should be added to the operative procedure.

Single-Bundle Versus Double-Bundle Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Comparison of Long-Term Functional Outcomes.

Objective To compare long-term functional results of ACL reconstruction with a single bundle (SB) and double bundle (DB). Methods Sixty patients who underwent ACL reconstructions from January 2007 to December 2008 were retrospectively evaluated (30 SB and 30 DB ACL reconstructions). Clinical and functional outcomes were measured pre- and postoperatively in terms of anterior drawer test, Lachman's test, pivot shift test, KT1000 side-to-side difference, range of motion, International Knee Documentation Committee Scoring, Lysholm knee scoring scale (LKS), and Tegner activity level scale. The period of follow-up was 10 years. Results Clinical outcome measured showed that anterior drawer test result were equally normal for both groups (93.3%; p > 0.995); however, the Lachman test was 76.7% in the DB group and 56.7% in the SB group (p > 0.100), the pivot shift was 83% in the DB group and 50% in the SB group (p < 0.001), and KT1000 was 76.7% in the DB group and 56.7% in the SB group (p > 0.100). Regarding the functional outcome, it favored the DB group of patients, with the LKS being statistically significant (p < 0.007) and the Tegner activity level scale p-value being <0.001 Conclusions DB ACL reconstruction produces better rotational stability and gives superior functional outcome in terms of return to pre-injury activity level in comparison to SB reconstruction. DB ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendon autograft produces better functional results at 10 years follow-up.

Outcomes and function of conoid ligament on the basis of postoperative radiographic findings of arthroscopic stabilization for the distal clavicle fractures.

PURPOSE: Distal clavicle fractures are divided into three types according to Neer's classification. These fractures are usually treated with a sling to immobilize the upper extremity, however, the treatment of type 2 fractures remain controversial. We focused on the anatomical basis of these fractures in which disruptions in the conoid ligament led to the distraction between the two bony fragments. In this study, we report an arthroscopic procedure for conoid ligament reconstruction and its therapeutic outcomes, and discuss the function of the reconstructed conoid ligament. HYPOTHESIS: Arthroscopic conoid ligament reconstruction alone is sufficient to retain the posteriorly displaced proximal fragment of the clavicle in its reduced position. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study were conducted on 18 patients with type 2 distal clavicle fractures. Arthroscopic techniques were performed with the patients in the beach chair position. Dacron artificial ligament® was used to reconstruct the conoid ligament, and the internal bone fixation materials included an EndoButton® on the coracoid process side and a screw with a spiked washer on the clavicle side. Preoperative assessment was performed via plain radiography or three-dimensional computed tomography to evaluate the displacement of the proximal fragment. Although the displacement was superoposterior in all the cases, the acromioclavicular joint was maintained. The mean duration of postoperative follow-up was 2 years and 5 months. RESULT: There were no injury-related complications during the surgery and bony union was achieved within 3 months after surgery. Evaluation using 3DCT also showed that the preoperative superoposterior displacement of the proximal fragment of the clavicle was immediately reduced postoperatively, and this reduced position was maintained until the final follow-up examination. CONCLUSIONS: We achieved good results by indirectly reducing fractures of the distal clavicle with conoid ligament damage using the minimally invasive surgical technique of arthroscopic conoid ligament reconstruction. Anatomical reconstruction of the conoid ligament might stabilize not only the superior displacement of the displaced proximal fragment of the clavicle but also its posterior displacement. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with no comparison study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4, retrospective cohort study.

Does anterolateral ligament rupture affect functional outcomes in patients who underwent an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction?

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that the anterolateral ligament contributes to knee stability. This study aims to compare the results of postoperative physical examinations, knee joint stability tests, and functional assessment tests of patients with intact anterolateral (AL) ligaments and patients with ruptured anterolateral (AL) ligaments. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This study consisted of 101 patients, with at least a 12-month follow-up period, who underwent an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction between 2010 and 2016, and whose AL ligaments were evaluated by the radiologist with the preoperative and postoperative magnetic resonance images (MRI). Of these patients, 41 had intact AL ligament (Group 1) in MRI and other 60 had ruptured AL ligament (Group 2). Groups were compared according to postoperative physical examinations, knee joint stability tests, and functional assessment tests. RESULTS: The average Lysholm score of Group 1 was 94.9 (range: 81-100), and the score of Group 2 was 87.2 (range: 74-100). The modified Cincinnati score of Group 1 was 28.7 (24-30), while the score of Group 2 was 25.6 (21-30). The average IKDC subjective knee evaluation score of Group 1 was 91.9 (range: 83-100), and the score of Group 2 was 86.6 (range: 75-100). The average thigh atrophy value was 1.5 centimeters (cm) in Group 1 and 2.4 cm in Group 2. Thirty-three patients in Group 1 were able to jump over 85% of the distance in single-legged hop test compared to the intact side, while 16 patients in Group 2 were able to jump over this distance successfully. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the Lysholm activity scoring results, the Modified Cincinnati scoring results, IKDC subjective knee evaluation results, two-cycle IKDC activity scale results, comparison of thigh diameters and the single-legged hop tests of two groups showed a statistically significant difference, and the results of the patients with intact AL ligaments who underwent an ACL reconstruction were found to be better (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found in other examinations and tests. CONCLUSION: Since the rupture of the AL ligament has negative effects on functional outcomes, we think that the reconstruction of the AL ligament in the same session with the ACL reconstruction or later will have a positive effect on functional outcomes.

All-inside arthroscopic allograft reconstruction of the anterior talo-fibular ligament using an accesory transfibular portal.

BACKGROUND: Anatomic graft reconstruction of the anterior talo-fibular ligament is an alternative for patients who are bad candidates for standard procedures such as a Broström-Gould reconstruction (high-demand athletes, obesity, hyperlaxity or collagen disorders, capsular insufficiency or talar avulsions). The purpose of this study is to describe an all-inside arthroscopic technique for ATFL reconstruction, and the results in a series of patients with chronic ankle instability. METHODS: We reviewed patients with chronic ATFL ruptures treated with an all-inside arthroscopic allograft reconstruction of the ATFL, with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Twenty-two patients with lateral ankle instability were included. Mean follow-up was 34±2.5 months. RESULTS: The mean AOFAS score improved from 62.3±6.7 points preoperatively to 97.2±3.2 points at final follow-up. Three patients suffered complications: one case each of ankle rigidity, superficial peroneal nerve injury and fibular fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic ATFL injuries are amenable to all-inside arthroscopic allograft reconstruction fixed with tenodesis screws. This procedure simplifies other reported techniques in that it facilitates identification and bone tunnel placement of the talar ATFL insertion.

Arthroscopic Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction for Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate mid- and long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes of arthroscopic coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction (ACCLR) with an artificial ligament for acute dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ). METHODS: Twelve male patients (average age at the time of surgery: 40.8 years, range: 21-64 years) underwent ACCLR with an artificial ligament for acute dislocation of the ACJ type III or type V according to the Rockwood classification. Arthroscopic surgery was performed with the patient under general anesthesia and interscalene brachial plexus block in the beach-chair position. Reduction of the ACJ was performed manually or using an elevator under control of an imaging intensifier. The ACJ was fixed temporarily with a Kirschner wire. Bone tunnels of the coracoid process and clavicle were made with a cannulated drill. An artificial ligament was pulled out through the bone tunnels and fixed on the upper surface of the clavicle with a staple and interference screw, and on the undersurface of the coracoid process with an Endobutton. The shoulder was immobilized with a shoulder brace for 4 weeks postoperatively, and rehabilitation was started in the first postoperative week. The Japan Shoulder Society Acromioclavicular Joint Function Assessment (JSS-ACJ) score was used for evaluation of clinical outcomes, and plain radiographs were performed after a minimum follow-up period of 5 years postoperatively. RESULTS: The average follow-up period after surgery was 106.3 months (range: 62-128 months). The average postoperative JSS-ACJ score was 97.2 points (range: 92-100). The seven patients who had been playing sports before injury all returned to their pre-injury level. No patients complained of pain or shoulder dysfunction in daily activities, work, or sports. There were no complications such as neurovascular injuries during surgery, infection, or foreign body reaction from the artificial ligament. Radiographs at the final follow-up showed subluxation of the ACJ and non-symptomatic osteoarthritic changes of the ACJ in two patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: ACCLR for acute dislocation of the ACJ is a useful surgical procedure that gives satisfactory clinical and radiologic outcomes on mid- and long-term follow-up. ACCLR can stabilize vertical instability of the ACJ. If instability in the horizontal direction remains, repair or reconstruction of the acromioclavicular ligament should be added to prevent osteoarthritic changes of the ACJ.

Arthroscopic reconstruction for unstable scaphoid non-union. / Reconstrucción artroscópica de la seudoartrosis inestable del escafoides carpiano.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of arthroscopic reconstruction for the treatment of unstable scaphoid non-union with cancellous bone autograft. METHODS: 13 patients were treated with a mean age of 26 (18-45) years. The average time from injury until surgery was 14 (6-48) months. Preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiological parameters were evaluated. Mean follow-up was 16.8 (12-36) months. RESULTS: Consolidation was achieved in all cases at 7 (4-10 weeks), no patient had complications or reoperations. Range of motion, pain, functional assessment (DASH questionnaire) and radiological measurements improved compared to preoperative measurements. The average range of flexion improved: flexion 71.9° (55°-80°) to 81.7° (55°-90°), extension 66.3° (30°-80°) to 84.4° (70° -90°), ulnar deviation 21.5 (10°-25°) to 25.5° (20°-45°) and radial deviation 11.9° (5°-25°) to 13.3° (10th-20th). Pain (VAS 0-10) improved from 6.8 (4-10) to 0.7 (0-3). DASH functional scale improved from 36 (12-78) to 8 (0-10). The Scapho-Lunate Angle improved from 67.7° (62°-88°) to 47° (32°-55°), and the Radio-Lunate Angle improved from 30.8° (10° -45°) to 4(0°-10°). CONCLUSION: Treatment of unstable scaphoid non-union with cancellous bone graft assisted by arthroscopy presents good clinical results with a short period of consolidation and recovery.

Arthroscopic reduction and fixation of large solitary and multifragmented anterior glenoid rim fractures.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment of large anterior glenoid rim fractures is still a matter of debate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of an arthroscopic reduction and fixation of acute displaced large solitary or multifragmented anterior glenoid rim fractures using anchors or bioabsorbable compression screws. METHODS: Twenty-three consecutive patients (7 women, 16 men; mean age, 47.9 [15-74] years) were treated. The patients were followed up clinically (range of motion, instability testing, and shoulder outcome scores) and with conventional radiographs (true anterior-posterior, axillary, and Bernageau views). RESULTS: With a minimum follow-up of 24 months, 21 patients could be evaluated. The average Constant score was 84.5 points, the Rowe score was 90.8 points, the Melbourne Instability Shoulder Score was 96.2 points, the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index was 89.2%, and the subjective shoulder value averaged 92.1%. No patient had suffered recurrent instability. The radiologic evaluation revealed signs of osteoarthritis in 7 cases, which was pre-existing in 1 patient. Patients with osteoarthritis were on average 10 years older at the time of surgery compared with patients without osteoarthritis. A postoperative step-off of the glenoid was detected in 7 cases and averaged 2 (1-3) mm. We could not find a correlation between the step-off and the presence of osteoarthritis. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic reconstruction of acute large solitary and multifragmented fractures of the glenoid rim shows good and excellent clinical results. In the majority of cases, an anatomic reduction and healing of the glenoid fracture can be achieved. The rate of osteoarthritis needs further investigation.

Evaluation and comparison of clinical results of femoral fixation devices in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Several femoral fixation devices are available for hamstring tendon autograft in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, but the best technique is debatable. PURPOSE: We hypothesised that different suspensory femoral fixation techniques have no superiority over each other. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical results of different suspensory femoral fixation devices in arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: This was a Level III, retrospective, comparative study. METHODS: A total of 100 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction in a single institution with a mean follow-up time of 40 months (12-67 months) were divided into three groups according to femoral fixation devices as 'Endobutton' (n=34), 'Transfix' (n=35) and 'Aperfix' (n=31). The length of painful period after surgery, time to return to work and sporting activities, final range of motion, anterior drawer and Lachman tests, knee instability symptoms, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee evaluation score, Short Form 36 (SF-36) score, Lysholm knee score and Tegner point of the patients were evaluated and compared between groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups. All techniques led to significant recovery in knee instability tests and symptoms. CONCLUSION: In this study, the clinical results of different suspensory femoral fixation techniques were found to be similar. We believe that different femoral fixation techniques have no effect on clinical results provided that the technique is correctly applied. The surgeon must choose a technique appropriate to his or her experience.

Return to sports after ACL reconstruction: a new functional test protocol.

BACKGROUND: In literature, there are lack of studies proposing clear and rationally designed test battery to be performed after an ACL reconstruction. METHODS: From 2006 to 2015, 80 football players were subjected, after ACL reconstruction, to a newly conceived test battery analyzing: Isometric and isokinetic force productionThe different phases during the jumpThe correct control of the landing phase after jumpThe control of valgus during landing after jump and cutting movements. RESULTS: The isokinetic and isometric test do not show any significant relationship with the another test. The laboratory test as well the field test showed them a significant correlation. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that a normal force production during the laboratory does not guarantee an equally satisfactory production of force during the field test. STUDY DESIGN: Case series (Level III).

Bilateral Medial Tibial Plateau Fracture after Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Tibial plateau fractures after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are rare, and only isolated cases have been reported. The authors describe a case of bilateral medial tibial plateau fracture following a minor motorcycle accident in a patient who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction in the past. Two years and four months before the accident, the patient underwent an arthroscopically assisted ACL reconstruction using double-bundle technique on his left knee at a hospital. He had the same surgery using single-bundle technique on his right knee about eight months ago at another hospital. The fractures in his both involved knees occurred through the tibial tunnel and required open reduction with internal fixation. At three weeks after fixation, a second-look arthroscopy revealed intact ACLs in both knees. At five months follow-up, he was able to walk without instability on physical examination. Follow-up radiographs of the patient showed callus formations with healed fractures.

Bilateral Medial Tibial Plateau Fracture after Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Tibial plateau fractures after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are rare, and only isolated cases have been reported. The authors describe a case of bilateral medial tibial plateau fracture following a minor motorcycle accident in a patient who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction in the past. Two years and four months before the accident, the patient underwent an arthroscopically assisted ACL reconstruction using double-bundle technique on his left knee at a hospital. He had the same surgery using single-bundle technique on his right knee about eight months ago at another hospital. The fractures in his both involved knees occurred through the tibial tunnel and required open reduction with internal fixation. At three weeks after fixation, a second-look arthroscopy revealed intact ACLs in both knees. At five months follow-up, he was able to walk without instability on physical examination. Follow-up radiographs of the patient showed callus formations with healed fractures.

Popliteal pseudoaneurysm after arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

This report presents the case of a 30-year-old motocross (BMX) cyclist with a third-degree posterior cruciate ligament rupture. The technique used for reconstruction was the transtibial single-bundle autologous hamstring technique. Unfortunately, the procedure was complicated by a popliteal pseudoaneurysm, which was located in line with the tibial canal. The pseudoaneurysm was treated with an end-to-end anastomosis and the patient recovered without further complaints. In this case, the popliteal artery was damaged most probably by the edge of the reamer or the guide wire during removal. Vascular complications can be limb- and life-threatening. This case report aims to increase the awareness of this serious complication with a review of the literature.

Long-term successful arthroscopic repair of large and massive rotator cuff tears with a functional and degradable reinforcement device.

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff repair is a procedure with varying outcomes, and there has been subsequent interest in devices that reinforce the repair and enhance structural and functional outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine these outcomes for arthroscopic repair of large and massive rotator cuff tears augmented with a synthetic absorbable mesh designed specifically for reinforcement of tendon repair by imaging and clinical assessments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive arthroscopic repairs were performed on 18 patients with large to massive rotator cuff tears by use of a poly-l-lactic acid synthetic patch as a reinforcement device and fixation with 4 sutures. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at 6 months, 12 months, and a mean of 42 months after surgery by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score to evaluate clinical performance and at 12 months by ultrasound to assess structural repair. RESULTS: Ultrasound showed that 15 of 18 patients had intact rotator cuff repair at 12 months; at 42 months, an additional patient had a failed repair. Patients showed improvement in the ASES shoulder score from 25 preoperatively to 71 at 12 months and 70 at 42 months after surgery. Patients with intact rotator cuff (n = 14) at 42 months had an ASES shoulder score of 82. DISCUSSION: The poly-l-lactic acid bioabsorbable patch designed specifically to reinforce the surgical repair of tendons supported successful repair of large to massive rotator cuff tears in 83% of patients at 12 months after surgery and 78% of patients at 42 months after surgery, with substantial functional improvement.

All arthroscopic stabilization of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation with fiberwire and endobutton system.

INTRODUCTION: acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation is common in athletes and in contact sports and about 9% of shoulder injuries involves this joint. The majority of these AC lesions can be successfully treated conservatively but high grade dislocation and some cases of type III dislocation need a surgical treatment. Many different operative techniques have been described over the years. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of arthroscopic stabilization of AC joint dislocation with TightRope® system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: nineteen patients with acute AC dislocation were treated by arthroscopic fixation with TightRope® system. Any associated lesions were repaired. All patients were assessed before surgery (T0), at 3 months (T1), at 6 months (T2) and at 1 year after the surgery (T3) using a visual analogic scale (VAS) and Constant-Murley Score (CMS). All patients were evaluated with X-ray. RESULTS: six AC-joint dislocations involved the right shoulder and thirteen the left shoulder. Ten were type III dislocation, three were type IV and six were type V dislocation. We found a statistically significant reduction of pain (p< 0.01) at T1 compared to the pretreatment scores. The CMS measures showed an improvement between T1, T2 and T3, but the difference was statistically significant only between T1 and T3 (p= 0.017). The postoperative X-Ray of the shoulder showed a good reduction of the AC joint dislocation. We had 1 case of recurrence and 2 cases of loss of intraoperative reduction. CONCLUSION: arthroscopic technique for acute AC joint dislocations with the use of the TightRope® device is minimally invasive and it allows an anatomic restoration of the joint. It is a safe and effective procedure ensuring stable AC joint reconstruction and good cosmetic results.