OBJECTIVE: To observe the strength of thigh muscles after reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament by autogenous bone-patellar tendon-bone graft. METHODS: Twenty-three patients, 9 males and 14 females, were followed up one year after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament with autogenous bone-patellar tendon-bone graft. Through arthroscope, no intra-articular derangement was found. The strengths of isometric and isotonic contractions of the quadri ceps and the hamstrings muscles of the affected and contralateral thighs were recorded. RESULTS: The donor side for autogenous bone-patellar tendon-bone graft showed significant decrease (P lt; 0.01), but no effect on that of the hamstrings muscle(P gt; 0.05). CONCLUSION: To reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament, harvest of the bone-patellar tendon-bone graft as a reparative material may markedly lower the strength of the quadriceps femoris muscle.
Objective To investigate the outcomes of arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation of tibial eminence avulsion fracture using absorbable double suture anchors. Methods Between February 2007 and August 2009, 18 patients with tibial eminence avulsion fracture were treated with arthroscopic reduction and fixation using absorbable doublensuture anchors. There were 12 males and 6 females with an average age of 30.6 years (range, 17-48 years). The disease causes were traffic accident injury in 4 cases, sport injury in 8 cases, and fall ing from height injury in 6 cases; the locations were left side in 7 cases and right side in 11 cases. The results of the anterior drawer test and Lachman test were positive. According to Meyers-McKeever classification, 10 cases were rated as type II, 7 as type III, and 1 as type IV fractures. The time from injury to treatment was 6-20 days (mean, 10.2 days). Results Incision healed primarily. All the patients were followed up 29.1 months (range, 13-43 months). The X-ray films showed good reduction of fracture immediately after operation and fracture heal ing at 3 months. At the last follow-up, the range of motion of knee was 0-130°. The results of Lachman test and anterior drawer test were negative in 18 cases and 16 cases, repectively; and the results of anterior drawer test were weakly positive in 2 cases. The mean Lysholm score was significantly improved from 53.9 ± 6.7 preoperatively to 91.6 ± 4.2 postoperatively (t=22.100, P=0.000). The Inter national knee Documentation Commitee (IKDC) 2000 subject score improved from 58.1 ± 3.7 preoperatively to 92.8 ± 5.9 postoperatively (t=20.700, P=0.000). Conclusion Arthroscopic treatment using absorbable double suture anchors for tibial eminence avulsion fracture can provide satisfactory reduction, stable fixation, and good heal ing of the avulsed fragment, which is a minimally-invasive, simple, and effective treatment for patients with tibial eminence avulsion fracture.
Objective The tendon-bone heal ing is the key point to ensure the success of the anterior cruciate l igament (ACL) reconstruction. To observe the histological change in the tendon-bone heal ing after ACL reconstruction by different concentrations of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined with deproteinized bone (DPB) of calf as bone tunnel infill ing and to investigate the active effect of the complex on tendon-bone heal ing and to define the optimal concentration of PRP. Methods Eight mL blood was drawn from central artery of New Zealand rabbit ears; PRP was prepared by Landesbergmethod, and l iquid supernatant was used as thinner to prepare different concentrations of PRP (30%, 60%, and 100%). Fresh osteoepiphysis spongy bone was harvested from lower end of femur of newborn calf to prepare DPB by way of 30% H2O2 and ether alternating soaking for 24 hours continuous 6 times. DPB was soaked in different concentrations of PRP and mixed with activator to prepare the PRP/DPB complex. A total of 54 New Zealand white rabbits, aging 8-12 months, weighing (2.5 ± 0.4) kg, were divided randomly into 3 groups: group A (30%PRP/DPB complex, n=18), group B (60%PRP/DPB complex, n=18), and group C (100%PRP/DPB complex, n=18). The legs of the rabbits were randomly divided into experimental side and the control side; ACL was reconstructed by semitendinosus and PRP/DPB complex in bone tunnel in the experimental side, and only by semitendinosus in the control side. The general conditions of the rabbits were observed postoperatively and HE staining was used to observe the tendon-bone heal ing, then I-IV levels of semi-quantitative analysis of the tendon-bone heal ing were evaluated according to Demirag standard at 3, 6, and 12 weeks. Results General observation: Synovial fluid sl ightly increased in the specimens and no bony tissue was found in inner of femoral tunnel at 3 weeks; there was no synovial fluid in all the specimens and scar tissue was discovered in inner of femoral tunnel at 6 weeks; and there was no synovial fluid and the tendons became tighter with fibrous tissue at 12 weeks. Histological observation: New granulation tissue formed in the tendon-bone interface of group A experimental sides at 3 weeks; there was various widths of Sharpey type textile fiber in the tendon-bone interface at 6 weeks; Sharpey type textile fiber arranged regularly, which formed an irregular and blur “tidal l ine” at 12 weeks. Group B experimental sides were better than any other group at 3, 6, and 12 weeks; chondrocyte-l ike arranged regularly in the tendonboneinterface at 3 weeks; the number of chondrocyte-l ike per unit area was more than that of the other groups at 6 weeks;and chondrocyte-l ike prol iferated and matured in the tendon-bone interface, Sharpey type textile fiber became tighter andordered. Group C experimental sides were similar to both sides of group A at 3 weeks, however, the prol iferation of relatively mature dense connective tissue was worse than that of other groups at 6 and 12 weeks. According to Demirag grading, there were significant differences in tendon-bone heal ing between the experimental sides and the control sides of group B at 3 and 6 weeks, and between group B experimental sides and group C experimental sides at 12 weeks (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The mixture of PRP/PRP has good biocompatibil ity and bone induction, so it can enhance tendon-bone heal ing after ACL reconstruction when the concentration of PRP is 60%.
Objective To summarize the evaluation methods of return to sports (RTS) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in recent years, in order to provide reference for clinical practice. Methods The literature related to the RTS after ACLR was searched from CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, and Foreign Medical Information Resources Retrieval Platform (FMRS) databases. The retrieval range was from 2010 to 2023, and 66 papers were finally included for review. The relevant literature was summarized and analyzed from the aspects of RTS time, objective evaluation indicators, and psychological evaluation. Results RTS is the common desire of patients with ACL injury and doctors, as well as the initial intention of selecting surgery. A reasonable and perfect evaluation method of RTS can not only help patients recover to preoperative exercise level, but also protect patients from re-injury. At present, the main criterion for clinical judgement of RTS is time. It is basically agreed that RTS after 9 months can reduce the re-injury. In addition to time, it is also necessary to test the lower limb muscle strength, jumping, balance, and other aspects of the patient, comprehensively assess the degree of functional recovery and determine the different time of RTS according to the type of exercise. Psychological assessment plays an important role in RTS and has a good clinical predictive effect. ConclusionRTS is one of the research hotspots after ACLR. At present, there are many related evaluation methods, which need to be further optimized by more research to build a comprehensive and standardized evaluation system.
ObjectiveTo compare the strength difference between the interfacial screw and the interfacial screw combined with bone tunnel crossing technology to fix the tibial end of ligament during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction through the biomechanical test.MethodsTwenty fresh frozen pig tibia were randomly divided into two groups (n=10) to prepare ACL reconstruction models. The graft tendons in the experimental group were fixed with interfacial screw combined with bone tunnel crossing technology, and the graft tendons in the control group were fixed with interfacial screw. The two groups of specimens were fixed in the high-frequency dynamic mechanics test system M-3000, and the length change (displacement), ultimate load, and stiffness of graft tendons were measured through the reciprocating test and load-failure test.ResultsThe results of reciprocating test showed that the displacement of the experimental group was (3.06±0.58) mm, and that of the control group was (2.82±0.46) mm, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (t=0.641, P=0.529). The load-failure test results showed that the stiffness of the experimental group and the control group were (95.39±13.63) and (91.38±14.28) N/mm, respectively, with no significant difference (t=1.021, P=0.321). The ultimate load of the experimental group was (743.15±173.96) N, which was significantly higher than that of the control group (574.70±74.43) N (t=2.648, P=0.016).ConclusionIn ACL reconstruction, the fixation strength of tibial end with interface screw combined with bone tunnel crossing technology is obviously better than that of interface screw alone.
Revision of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is more challenging than primary ACL reconstruction and often yields less favorable outcomes. The European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy (ESSKA) has established a consensus regarding preoperative diagnosis, assessment, and selection criteria for ACL revision surgery. This consensus addresses 18 key issues that are most pertinent to clinical practice, providing guiding recommendations aimed at improving the prognosis of ACL revisions.
Objective To evaluate the feasibility of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with 6 strands of hamstring tendons enveloped by periosteum. Methods Between April 2008 and April 2009, 34 patients with ACL injury were treated, ACL of whom was reconstructed with 6 strands of hamstring tendons enveloping of periosteum and double Rigidfix fixation. There were 30 males and 4 females, aged 19-54 years with an average of 29.4 years. The causes of injury included sport in 19 cases, traffic accident in 8 cases, falling from height in 5 cases, and other in 2 cases. The locations were left knee in 19 cases and right knee in 15 cases. The disease duration was 3 weeks to 18 months (median, 9.4 months). The results of Lachman test and anterior drawer test were positive. The Lysholm knee score was 61.5 ± 3.6. MRI examination revealed ACL rupture in 26 cases and ACL injury in 8 cases. Results All incisions healed by first intention, and no early complication occurred. Twenty-eight cases were followed up 12-32 months (mean, 16.1 months). The result of Lachman test was negative at 12 months after operation; in all patients, knee extension reached 0°, and flexion reached 120-150° (mean, 132.5°). The AP and lateral X-ray films and MRI showed no bone tunnel expansion. At last follow-up the therapeutic effect evaluation was excellent in 25 cases, good in 1 case, and fair in 2 cases; the excellent and good rate was 92.9%. The postoperative Lysholm score was 91.0 ± 3.2, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score (t=32.78, P=0.00). Conclusion Six strands of hamstring tendons can ensure sufficient tensile strength, and use of the double Rigidfix absorbable screw makes fixation more reliable. Facing outside suture of periosteal flap can promote tendon-bone healing, so it is a good method of ACL reconstruction.
Objective To investigate the effect of the anterior cruciate l igament (ACL) rupture on the biomechanics of the lateral collateral l igament (LCL). Methods The specimens in this experiment were knee joints from 6 normal fresh adult male cadavers which was donated voluntarily, aged of 26-35 years with an average of 31.4 years. The knee joints were dissymmetry with 3 in left and right sides respectively. At first, all the 6 specimens lying on the self-made movement tooting, whose LCL straining were measured by strain gauges at different angles (0, 30, 60 and 90°) under axial loads of 400 N by e-testing machine for simulation of the normal knee joint force, were regarded as the intact ACL group. Then, the ACL in all 6 specimens were cut off completely as the deficiency group and did the same step. Results The strain of the LCL were as follows at 0, 30, 60 and 90°: (0.00 ± 1.63), (—17.2 ± 8.57), (—24.00 ± 4.80) and (26.50 ± 4.65) με in intact ACL group; (0.75 ± 8.22), (— 52.75 ± 3.33), (24.30 ± 4.99) and (26.30 ± 4.27) με in deficiency group. There was no significant difference at 0° and 90° flexion (P gt; 0.05), but significant difference at 30° and 60° flexion (P lt; 0.05) between the two groups. Conclusion The rupture of the ACL has significantly effect on the strain of the LCL which suffering abnormal load in the state at 30° and 60° flexion. At 30° flexion the relaxation of the LCL increased, which means the possibil ity of the injury of the LCL is rare; and at 60° flexion the LCL become very tense and thereby at the high risk of instabil ity.
ObjectiveTo assess the mid-term effectiveness of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) revision and to analyze the relevant factors that may affect the surgical outcomes.MethodsThe clinical data of 24 patients who underwent ACL revision surgery between April 2009 and July 2018 and were followed up for more than 2 years were retrospectively analyzed. There were 20 males and 4 females with a median age of 30 years [interquartile distance (IQR) was (25, 36) years]. The median body mass index was 24.45 kg/m2 and IQR was (22.93, 25.93) kg/m2. The median time between ACL revision and reconstruction was 41 months and IQR was (15, 85) months. The direct cause of the failure of reconstruction surgery included 14 cases of trauma, 8 cases of no obvious cause, and 2 cases of infection. During the revision operation, 14 patients had a poor bone tunnel position, all of which were drilled with new tunnels, the remaining 10 patients were freshly modified on the basis of the original bone tunnel. Seventeen patients used autogenous tendon revision, 7 patients used LARS ligament; 16 patients had cartilage injury. The Lysholm score, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and the Tegner sports rating score were used for functional evaluation before operation, at 1 year after operation, and at last follow-up. The Likert satisfaction score was recorded at last follow-up.ResultsPatients were followed up with a median time of 47 months and IQR was (32, 61) months. The Lysholm score, IKDC score, and Tegner sports rating score were significantly improved at 1 year after operation and at last follow-up when compared with preoperative scores (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between at last follow-up and at 1 year after operation (P>0.05). At last follow-up, the median Likert satisfaction score was 4.0 and IQR was (3.0, 4.5). According to the presence or absence of cartilage damage and the type of graft, the above scores at last follow-up were compared between the groups, and the differences were not significant (P>0.05). At last follow-up, 2 patients had graft fractures due to trauma again, and autogenous iliac bones were taken to fill the bone tunnel, and the second stage was revised; the rest of the patients recovered satisfactorily.ConclusionWith preoperative identification of the cause of ACL reconstruction failure, the stability and function of knee joint can be significantly improved by selecting appropriate bone tunnels and grafts during the revision and by active rehabilitation exercises.
Objective To investigate the effect of lower limb rehabilitation robot combined with virtual reality training on walking ability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Methods Patients after ACLR treated in the Rehabilitation Medical Center of the Second Hospital of Jiaxing between May 2019 and July 2021 were selected. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. The patients with conventional ACLR rehabilitation training + lower limb rehabilitation robot combined with virtual reality training were used as the treatment group, and only the patients with conventional ACLR rehabilitation training were used as the control group. The rehabilitation training lasted for 8 weeks. After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, the two groups were evaluated by Lysholm knee score scale (LKSS), Holden walking score and Gait watch gait analysis. Results A total of 40 patients were included, with 20 patients in each group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in LKSS score, Holden walking score and Gait watch gait analysis dynamic data at 4 weeks of treatment (P>0.05). After 8 weeks of treatment, the LKSS score [(77.74±5.53) vs. (69.53±5.26) points], Holden walking score [(4.79±0.34) vs. (4.45±0.39) points] and Gait watch gait analysis dynamic data [step size: (78.35±2.43) vs. (73.64±3.35) cm, step frequency: (115.10±4.49) vs. (107.71±5.14) step/min, step speed: (108.63±8.55) vs. (96.78±8.47) cm/s] of the treatment group were better than those of the control group (P<0.05), The above indexes of the two groups were improved compared with those at 4 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion Lower limb rehabilitation robot combined with virtual reality training can effectively improve walking ability after ACLR.