EVALUATION OF VOLUME AND STRENGTH OF THE QUADRICEPS MUSCLE BEFORE AND AFTER ANTERIOR CRUCIATED LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY / AVALIAÇÃO DO VOLUME E FORÇA DO MÚSCULO QUADRÍCEPS ANTES E APÓS OPERAÇÃO DE RECONSTRUÇÃO DO LIGAMENTO CRUZADO ANTERIOR

Introduction: The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the main ligaments of the knee, often more susceptible to injuries due to its central position and its vital role in stabilizing this joint. The strength of the quadriceps plays a crucial role, with impact absorption function, helping to reduce load. Objective: To evaluate the volume and strength of the quadriceps muscle before and after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee, their correlation and which variables predict pre- and postoperative muscle strength. Method: Prospective cohort of 37 patients evaluated preoperatively and 4 months after the operation, using magnetic resonance imaging and isokinetic dynamometry. The measurements of the limb undergoing the operation were compared to the contralateral limb as a control. Result: The volume of the quadriceps muscle was 65.2+13.4cm3 before and 63.4+15.9 cm3 after, significantly lower in the control at both moments, with a reduction of 3.0cm3 (4.1%) in the pre and 7.8 cm3 post (12.0%). Muscle strength was 105.5+29.9N/m before and 100.9+28.6N/m after, significantly lower in the operated limb (126.4+28.2N/m and 129.6+27.6N /m, p<0.001). This reduction was similar in the 2 evaluation moments, on average of 17.5N/m (16.3%) in the pre and 22.8N/m (22.5%) in the post. The loss of strength was greater than the loss of muscle volume, with muscle volume and time of anterior cruciate ligament injury being the main determinants of muscle strength in the pre-op. The strength in the post was mainly determined by that in the pre. Conclusion: The loss of muscle strength was 4 times greater than the loss of volume pre-operatively and 2 times greater post-operatively, indicating the beginning of recovery 4 months post-operatively.

Introdução: O ligamento cruzado anterior é um dos principais ligamentos do joelho, frequentemente mais suscetível às lesões devido à sua posição central e seu papel vital na estabilização desta articulação. A força do quadríceps desempenha papel crucial, com função de absorção de impacto, auxiliando na redução de carga. Objetivo: Avaliar o volume e a força do músculo quadríceps antes e após a reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho, sua correlação e quais as variáveis preditivas da força muscular pré e pós-operatória. Método: Coorte prospectiva de 37 pacientes avaliados no pré-operatório e com 4 meses após a operação, por meio de ressonância magnética e dinamometria isocinética. As medidas do membro submetido à operação foram comparadas ao membro contralateral como controle. Resultado: O volume do músculo quadríceps foi de 65,2+13,4cm3 antes e de 63,4+15,9 cm3 após, significativamente menor no controle nos 2 momentos, com redução de 3,0cm3 (4,1%) no pré e 7,8 cm3 no pós (12,0%). A força muscular foi de 105,5+29,9N/m antes e de 100,9+28,6N/m após, significativamente menor no membro operado (126,4+28,2N/m e 129,6+27,6N/m, p<0,001). Esta redução foi semelhante nos 2 momentos de avaliação, em média de 17,5N/m (16,3%) no pré e de 22,8N/m (22,5%) no pós. A perda de força foi maior que a perda de volume muscular, sendo que o volume muscular e o tempo da lesão do ligamento cruzado anterior foram os principais determinantes da força muscular no pré. A força no pós foi determinada principalmente pela do pré. Conclusão: A perda de força muscular foi 4 vezes maior que a perda de volume no pré e 2 vezes maior no pós, indicando início da recuperação com 4 meses no pós-operatório.

Three-dimensional reconstruction with dual-source computed tomography for evaluating graft deformation and bone tunnel position following reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament.

OBJECTIVE: Considering the limitations of MRI and X-ray and few studies on the use of dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are limited, this study explored the clinical application of DSCT for three-dimensional reconstruction of graft deformation and bone tunnel position images following ACL reconstruction. METHODS: The data of 123 patients who underwent single-bundle ACL reconstruction under arthroscopy from January 2017 to October 2021 were retrieved. Two weeks after surgery, DSCT was used to assess graft deformation and tunnel widening. Based on the positions of ACL graft deformation and bone tunnel, the patients were divided into a collision group (n = 35), posterior group (n = 37) and satisfactory group (n = 51). The groups were compared in terms of the relative position of the central point of the femoral tunnel (FX, FY) and tibial tunnel (TX, TY), the straight-line distances of the grafts (L), the sagittal plane angle (∠α), and the coronal plane angle (∠ß) between the two bone tunnels. RESULTS: Tx, Ty, ∠α and âˆ ß were significantly different among the three groups, while no difference in Fx, Fy and L were observed. Tx, Ty and ∠α were identified as independent risk factors for collisions between the graft and intercondylar notch. Ty and ∠α were independent risk factors for posterior deviation of tibial tunnel position. CONCLUSION: DSCT demonstrated promising clinical applicability to evaluate graft deformation and bone tunnel position after reconstruction of ACL and could guide preoperative positioning and postoperative evaluation.

Positioning of the femoral tunnel in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: functional anatomical reconstruction.

The aim of this study was to review and update the literature in regard to the anatomy of the femoral origin of the ACL, the concept of the double band and its respective mechanical functions, and the concept of direct and indirect fibres in the ACL insertion. These topics will be used to help determine which might be the best place to position the femoral tunnel and how this should be achieved, based on the idea of functional positioning, that is, where the most important ACL fibres in terms of knee stability are positioned. Low positioning of the femoral tunnel, reproducing more of the posterolateral band, and positioning the tunnel away from the lateral intercondylar ridge, that is, in the indirect fibres, would theoretically rebuild a ligament that is less effective in relation to knee stability. The techniques described to determine the femoral tunnel's centre point all involve some degree of subjectivity; the point is defined manually and depends on the surgeon's expertise. The centre of the ACL insertion in the femur should be used as a parameter. Once the centre of the ligament in its footprint is marked, the centre of the tunnel must be defined, drawing the marking toward the intercondylar ridge and anteromedial band. This will allow the femoral tunnel to occupy the region containing the most important original ACL fibres in terms of this ligament's function.

Comparison of grafts for anatomical reconstruction of the ACL: patellar versus semitendinosus/gracilis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the functional results from surgical treatment for anatomical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with a single band, using two types of autologous grafts. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients who underwent anatomical reconstruction of the ACL by means of the Chambat technique were evaluated prospectively. They were divided into two groups: A, with 14 patients, using grafts from flexor tendons; and B, with 13 patients, using grafts from the patellar tendon. In both groups, fixation was performed using an absorbable interference screw. RESULTS: Based on the Lysholm score, group A presented a mean score of 71.6 in the first month, while B presented 75. At the end of the sixth month, both groups presented 96.6. Evaluation of the total IKDC showed that in the first month, the majority of the patients, both in group A (85.7%) and in group B (76.9%), presented a knee assessment that was close to normal. In the sixth month, 92.9% of group A had normal presentations, and 100% of group B. CONCLUSION: According to the Lysholm functional evaluation and the IKDC subjective assessment, there was no statistically significant difference in the results between the groups, and the results were better in the sixth month.

OBJETIVO: Comparar o resultado funcional do tratamento cirúrgico da reconstrução anatômica do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) com banda única com o uso de dois tipos de enxerto autólogos. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados prospectivamente 27 pacientes, submetidos à reconstrução anatômica do LCA pela técnica de Chambat, divididos em dois grupos: A, com 14 e uso como enxerto dos tendões flexores; e B, com 13 e uso como enxerto do tendão patelar. Em ambos os grupos foi feita fixação com parafuso de interferência absorvível. RESULTADOS: Com base no escore de Lysholm, o grupo A apresentou pontuação média de 71,6 no primeiro mês, enquanto o B apresentou 75. Já no fim do sexto mês ambos apresentaram 96,6. A avaliação do IKDC total mostrou que no primeiro mês a maioria dos pacientes, tanto no grupo A (85,7%) no grupo B (76,9%), apresentava uma avaliação do joelho próximo do normal e no sexto mês o grupo A apresentou 92,9% como normal e o grupo B, 100%. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados, segundo avaliação funcional de Lysholm e subjetiva do IKDC, não apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os grupos e foram melhores no sexto mês.

Comparison of grafts for anatomical reconstruction of the ACL: patellar versus semitendinosus/gracilis / Comparação dos enxertos para reconstrução anatômica do LCA: patelar versus semitendíneo/grácil

To compare the functional results from surgical treatment for anatomical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with a single band, using two types of autologous grafts. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients who underwent anatomical reconstruction of the ACL by means of the Chambat technique were evaluated prospectively. They were divided into two groups: A, with 14 patients, using grafts from flexor tendons; and B, with 13 patients, using grafts from the patellar tendon. In both groups, fixation was performed using an absorbable interference screw. RESULTS: Based on the Lysholm score, group A presented a mean score of 71.6 in the first month, while B presented 75. At the end of the sixth month, both groups presented 96.6. Evaluation of the total IKDC showed that in the first month, the majority of the patients, both in group A (85.7%) and in group B (76.9%), presented a knee assessment that was close to normal. In the sixth month, 92.9% of group A had normal presentations, and 100% of group B. CONCLUSION: According to the Lysholm functional evaluation and the IKDC subjective assessment, there was no statistically significant difference in the results between the groups, and the results were better in the sixth month...

Comparar o resultado funcional do tratamento cirúrgico da reconstrução anatômica do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) com banda única com o uso de dois tipos de enxerto autólogos. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados prospectivamente 27 pacientes, submetidos à reconstrução anatômica do LCA pela técnica de Chambat, divididos em dois grupos: A, com 14 e uso como enxerto dos tendões flexores; e B, com 13 e uso como enxerto do tendão patelar. Em ambos os grupos foi feita fixação com parafuso de interferência absorvível. RESULTADOS: Com base no escore de Lysholm, o grupo A apresentou pontuação média de 71,6 no primeiro mês, enquanto o B apresentou 75. Já no fim do sexto mês ambos apresentaram 96,6. A avaliação do IKDC total mostrou que no primeiro mês a maioria dos pacientes, tanto no grupo A (85,7%) no grupo B (76,9%), apresentava uma avaliação do joelho próximo do normal e no sexto mês o grupo A apresentou 92,9% como normal e o grupo B, 100%. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados, segundo avaliação funcional de Lysholm e subjetiva do IKDC, não apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os grupos e foram melhores no sexto mês...