Objective To compare the single femoral tunnel split-double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction with the singlebundle PCL reconstruction and to discuss the advantages of the modified reconstruction method. Methods Fourteen donated fresh-frozen human knee specimens were biomechanically tested, which included knee specimens from 12 males and 2 females, and their ages ranged from 20 to 31 years. The specimen length of the femur and the tibia was 20 cm. The tibial posterior translation and the PCL strains were first measured when PCL was in an intact state (the intact group, n=14). Then, PCL was cut (the cut group, n=14). The posterior translation was measured when a posterior load was applied. After that, the specimens were randomly divided into twogroups: the single-bundle group (n=7) and the double-bundle group (n=7). When the posterior load was applied to the tibia, the bundle strain and the tibial posterior translation were measured with the knees flexed at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120°, respectively. Results While a 100 N posterior force was applied, the posterior tibial displacement of the intact PCL knee ranged from 1.97±0.29 mm to 2.60±0.23 mm at the different knee flexion angles. In the PCL-cutstate, the tibial displacement increased significantly from 11.27±1.06 mm to14.94±0.67 mm (P＜0.05). After the singlebundle reconstruction, the posterior tibial translation ranged from 1.99±0.19 mm to 2.72±0.38 mm at the different knee flexion angles. In the split-double-bundle reconstruction, the posterior tibial translations ranged from 2.27±0.32 mm to 3.05±0.44 mm. The graft of the single-bundle reconstruction was tensioned from 0° to 120°, and the tibial displacement increased significantly at 90° compared with that at theother angles(P＜0.05). In the doublebundle reconstruction, the anterolateral bundle and the posteromedial bundle were tensioned in a reciprocal fashion, and the tibial displacement had no significant difference at the five kinds of the flexion angles. ConclusionThe single femoral tunnel split-double-bundle PCL reconstruction canrestore the posterior tibial displacement at different flexion angles, and the tibial displacement in the single-bundle PCL reconstruction knee can be increased when the knee flexion is at 90°. In the double-bundle reconstruction, the graftcan be tensioned in a reciprocal fashion and the biomechanical features can be nearer to those of the normal PCL bundles.
Objective To observe the posterior condylar offset (PCO) changes and anteroposterior femorotibial translation, to investigate the influence of them on the maximum knee range of flexion (ROF) in patients with posterior cruciatesacrificingself al ignment bearing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods The cl inical data were analyzed retrospectively from 40 patients (40 knees) undergoing primary unilateral TC-PLUSTM SB posterior cruciate-sacrificing self al ignment andbearing TKA for osteoarthritis between January 2007 and June 2009. There were 18 males and 22 females with an average age of 70.6 years (range, 56-87 years). The disease duration was 5-14 years (mean, 9.1 years). The locations were the left side in 11 cases and the right side in 29 cases. Preoperative knee society score (KSS) and ROF were 48.0 ± 5.5 and (77.9 ± 9.0)°, respectively. The X-ray films were taken to measure PCO and anteroposterior femorotibial translation. Multi ple regression analysis was performed based on both the anteroposterior femorotibial translation and PCO changes as the independent variable, and maximum knee flexion as the dependent variable. Results All incisions healed by first intention. The patients were followed up 12-19 months (mean, 14.7 months). At last follow-up, there were significant differences in the KSS (91.9 ± 3.7, t=— 77.600, P=0.000), the ROF [(102.0 ± 9.3)°, t=— 23.105, P=0.000] when compared with preoperative values. Significant difference was observed in PCO (t=3.565, P=0.001) between before operation [(31.6 ± 5.5) mm] and at last follow-up [(30.6 ± 5.9) mm]. At ast follow-up, the anteroposterior femorotibial translation was (— 1.2 ± 2.1) mm (95%CI: — 1.9 mm to — 0.6 mm); femoral roll forward occurred in 27 cases (67.5%), no roll in 1 case (2.5%), and femoral roll back in 12 cases (30.0%). By multiple regression analysis (Stepwise method), the regression equation was establ ished (R=0.785, R2=0.617, F=61.128, P=0.000). Anteroposterior femorotibial translation could be introducted into the equation (t=7.818, P=0.000), but PCO changes were removed from the equation (t=1.471, P=0.150). Regression equation was y=25.587+2.349x. Conclusion Kinematics after TC-PLUSTM SB posterior cruciate-sacrificing self al ignment bearing TKA with posterior cruciate l igament-sacrificing show mostly roll forwardof the femur relative to the tibia, which have a negative effect on postoperative range of motion. There is no correlation between PCO changes and postoperative change in ROF in TC-PLUSTM SB posterior cruciate-sacrificing self al ignment bearing TKA.
Objective To assess the feasibility, safety, and validity of the TC-Dynamic posterior stabilized prosthesis implanted in the total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods Twelve knees of 10 patients (the TC-Dynamic group) were followed up, who had been implanted with the TC-Dynamic posterior stabilized prosthesis from September 2003 to March 2004. Preoperative KSS knee scores were 16.08±11.58, function scores 13.75±19.79, and the range of motion (ROM) of the knee 75.00±26.46°. Meanwhile, 50 knees of 30 patients (the Scorpio group) werefollowed up, who had undergone TKA with the Scorpio posterior stabilized prosthesis.Preoperative KSS knee scores were 19.48±967, function scores 3.16±19.82,andthe ROM of the knee 80.80±22.82°. The anteroposterior and lateral X-ray filmsof each knee were examined before and after operation. The statistical Z-test was used to analyze the differences between the 2 groups in the improvement of the KSS knee scores, function scores, and ROM after operation. Results The average of the 130 days’ follow-up revealed that the patients implanted with the TC-Dynamic prosthesis had an excellent result. In the TC-Dynamic group, the KSS knee scores were 88.83±4.04 with improved scores of 72.75±14.47 compared with those before operation; function scores were 79.17±5.15 with improved scores of 65.42±19.47; the ROM of the knee was 107.92±11.57° with increased degrees of 32.92±32.22°.Meanwhile, in the Scorpio group, the KSS knee scores were 85.68±7.36 with improved scores of 66.20±10.44 compared with those before operation; function scores were 71.40±12.70 with improved scores of 68.24±25.35; the ROM of the knee was 109.20±11.13° withincreaseddegrees of 28.40±26.41°.There was no significant difference in the improvement of the KSS knee scores, function scores, and ROM after operation between the 2 groups （Pgt;0.01）. All the X-ray films of the knees implanted with both the Scorpio prosthesis and the TC-Dynamic prosthesis were analyzed.No malalignment or lucent line with the prosthesis was seen in all these X-ray films. Conclusion The short-term follow-up indicates that the patients implanted with the TC-Dynamic prosthesis have an excellent result. The TC-Dynamic prosthesis with a scientific and proper design is more suitable for the Chinese. However, the long-term outcome of the patients implanted with the TC-Dynamic prosthesis should be observed in a larger number of TKA operations. The basic surgical principles, including excision of both the cruciate ligaments and correction of thebone deformity with the proper balancing of the soft tissues in flexion and extension, are still crucial to successful TKA and to the longterm high survivalrate of the knee prosthesis.
ObjectiveTo introduce the arthroscopic single bundle posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction using hamstring tendons through posterior trans-septum portal approach with preservation of the remnant PCL fibers, and to evaluate the clinical results. MethodsBetween June 2010 and April 2014, 57 patients with PCL rupture were treated with arthroscopic single bundle PCL reconstruction using hamstring tendons through posterior trans-septum portal approach with preservation of the remnant PCL fibers. There were 41 males and 16 females, aged 19-42 years (mean, 27.7 years). All the patients had history of injury. The results of posterior drawer test were positive, including 9 cases of grade Ⅱ and 48 cases of grade Ⅲ. The disease duration ranged from 2 weeks to 25 months (mean, 13 months). The Lysholm score and the range of motion of knee joint were used to evaluate the knee function. ResultsThe operation performed smoothly, and no complications of blood vessel and nerve injuries and infection occurred. Primary healing was obtained in all incisions; no early complication occurred after operation. The patients were followed up 16.6 months on average (range, 12-20 months). At last follow-up, the knee range of motion returned to normal in all cases (120-130° in flexion). MRI at last follow-up showed good continuity of the PCL graft and complete healing of the remnant PCL tissues between the femoral and tibial attachments. The Lysholm score was significantly improved when compared with preoperative score (t=-27.429, P=0.000). ConclusionArthroscopic single bundle PCL reconstruction using hamstring tendons through posterior trans-septum portal approach with preservation of the remnant PCL fibers has the advantages of firm fixation, simple operation, and good knee function recovery.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of arthroscopic suture and absorbable screw double fixation for both anterior and posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fractures of tibial insertions. MethodsBetween June 2006 and September 2013, 8 patients with anterior and posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fractures of the tibial eminence underwent arthroscopic treatment with suture and absorbable screw double fixation. There were 5 males and 3 females, with a mean age of 28.9 years (range, 18-43 years). The causes of injury included traffic accident in 5 cases and falling from height in 3 cases. The time from injury to operation was 3-10 days (mean, 6.2 days). The Lysholm knee score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and Tegner rating scales were used to evaluated the knee function. ResultsPrimary healing of incision was obtained, without infection or deep vein thrombosis. The mean follow-up period was 42.4 months (range, 24 to 65 months). At 3 months after operation, X-ray films showed good reduction and healing of fracture. The anterior and posterior drawer tests were negative. The knee range of motion was normal (0-125°), and it recovered to preoperative level in 7 cases. The IKDC score, Tegner score, and Lysholm score were significantly improved to 90.4±5.2, 7.5±1.6, and 89.2±3.5 from preoperative 52.1±3.3, 3.3±1.0, and 51.9±3.5 respectively (t=-38.680, P=0.000; t=-39.520, P=0.000; t=-41.150, P=0.000). ConclusionA combined injury of anterior and posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fractures of tibial insertions is rare. Arthroscopic treatment with suture and absorbable screw double fixation is a useful technique to restore tibial avulsion injuries with well-documented radiographic healing, good clinical outcomes, and low complication rates.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of open reduction of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion fracture at tibial insertion of knee joint with absorbable screws fixation and absorbable screw combined with suture anchor fixation. Methods The clinical data of 26 patients with PCL avulsion fracture at tibial insertion who met the selection criteria between March 2015 and October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 14 patients were fixed with simple absorbable screw (group A), and 12 patients were fixed with absorbable screw combined with suture anchors (group B). All patients were confirmed by X-ray film, CT, or MRI preoperatively, and got positive results in preoperative posterior drawer tests. There was no significant difference in gender, age, side of affected limb, time from injury to operation, comorbidities, and preoperative Meyers & McKeever classification, Lysholm score, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time and postoperative complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. At last follow-up, Lysholm score and IKDC score were used to evaluate the improvement of knee function. ResultsThere was no significant difference in operation time between the two groups (P>0.05). All incisions healed by first intention, and no complication such as vascular and nerve injury or venous thrombosis occurred. All 26 patients were followed up 9-89 months, with an average of 55.3 months. The follow-up time of group A and group B was (55.7±23.2) and (56.8±29.3) months, respectively, with no significant difference (t=−0.106, P=0.916). Radiographs showed bone healing in both groups at 3 months after operation, and no complication such as infection and traumatic arthritis occurred. At last follow-up, the posterior drawer test was negative in both groups, and the Lysholm score and IKDC score significantly improved when compared with the pre-operative values (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the improvement value between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionFor PCL avulsion fracture at tibial insertion of the knee joint, the open reduction and absorbable screw combined with suture anchor fixation can achieve reliable fracture reduction and fixation, which is conducive to the early rehabilitation and functional exercise, and the postoperative functional recovery of the knee joint is satisfactory.
Objective To compare the intraoperative effects of computer navigation-assisted versus simple arthroscopic reconstruction of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tibial tunnel. Methods The clinical data of 73 patients with PCL tears who were admitted between June 2021 and June 2022 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analysed, of whom 34 cases underwent PCL tibial tunnel reconstruction with navigation-assisted arthroscopy (navigation group) and 39 cases underwent PCL tibial tunnel reconstruction with arthroscopy alone (control group). There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups, including gender, age, body mass index, side of injury, time from injury to surgery, preoperative posterior drawer test, knee range of motion (ROM), Tegner score, Lysholm score, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score between the two groups (P>0.05). The perioperative indicators (operation time and number of guide wire drillings) were recorded and compared between the two groups. The angle between the graft and the tibial tunnel and the exit positions of the tibial tunnel in the coronal, sagittal, and transverse planes respectively were measured on MRI at 1 day after operation. The knee ROM, Tegner score, Lysholm score, and IKDC score were evaluated before operation and at last follow-up. Results The operation time in the navigation group was shorter than that in the control group, and the number of intraoperative guide wire drillings was less than that in the control group, the differences were significant (P<0.05). Patients in both groups were followed up 12-17 months, with an average of 12.8 months. There was no perioperative complications such as vascular and nerve damage, deep venous thrombosis and infection of lower extremity. During the follow-up, there was no re-injuries in either group and no revision was required. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the exit positions of the tibial tunnel in the coronal, sagittal, and transverse planes between the two groups (P>0.05), but the angle between the graft and the tibial tunnel was significantly greater in the navigation group than in the control group (P<0.05). At last follow-up, 30, 3, 1 and 0 cases were rated as negative, 1+, 2+, and 3+ of posterior drawer test in the navigation group and 33, 5, 1, and 0 cases in the control group, respectively, which significantly improved when compared with the preoperative values (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). At last follow-up, ROM, Tegner score, Lysholm score, and IKDC score of the knee joint significantly improved in both groups when compared with preoperative values (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the difference in preoperative and postoperative indicators between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionComputer-navigated arthroscopic PCL tibial tunnel reconstruction can quickly and accurately prepare tunnels with good location and orientation, with postoperative functional scores comparable to arthroscopic PCL tibial tunnel reconstruction alone.
ObjectiveTo conclude the effectiveness of arthroscopy combined with Burks and SchaVer's approach in the treatment of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion fractures in a floppy lateral position. MethodsBetween May 2010 and March 2014, 21 patients with PCL avulsion fractures were treated. There were 13 males and 8 females, aged 21 to 62 years (mean, 39.1 years). The causes included traffic accident injury in 10 cases, sports injury in 5 cases, and falling injury from height in 6 cases. The time from injury to hospital was 1-6 days (mean, 2.5 days). The results of posterior drawer test were all positive, and the results of anterior drawer test and lateral stress test were all negative. The Lysholm score was 28.0±5.5 before operation. And the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (IKDC) score was 46.2±7.6 before operation. According to Meyer standards for fractures classification, 11 cases were rated as type II and 10 cases as type III. Arthroscopy was used to inspect and treat the intra-articular lesions, then avulsion fracture was fixed by Burks and SchaVer's approach in lateral position. Postoperative functional exercises were performed. ResultsPrimary healing of incision was obtained, without nerve and vascular injury or joint infection. All patients were followed up 18-36 months (mean, 27.2 months). The X-ray films of the knee joint showed good fractures reduction and healing at 3 months after operation. The results of posterior drawer test and reverse Lachman test were negative. The knee range of motion was recovered to normal level. At last follow-up, the Lysholm score of the knee joint was significantly improved to 90.9±1.4 from preoperative one (t=54.584, P=0.000), and the IKDC score was significantly increased to 90.5±5.3 from preoperative one (t=15.638, P=0.000), including 19 cases of grade A and 2 cases of grade B. ConclusionA combination of arthroscopy and Burks and SchaVer's approach for the treatment of PCL avulsion fractures in a floppy lateral position has the advantages of minimal invasion and safe approach, short operative time, and early postoperative rehabilitation exercises, so it can provide satisfactory function recovery of the knee joint.
Objective To compare the effectiveness between lower tibial tunnel placement combined with internal tension relieving suture and simple lower tibial tunnel placement for posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. MethodsThe clinical data of 83 patients with simple PCL injury who met the selection criteria between January 2014 and February 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 44 patients underwent PCL reconstruction through lower tibial tunnel placement combined with internal tension relieving suture (tension relieving suture group), and 39 patients underwent PCL reconstruction through simple lower tibial tunnel placement (control group). Baseline characteristics, including gender, age, body mass index, side of injury, cause of injury, preoperative side-to-side difference (SSD) in posterior tibial translation, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, knee range of motion (ROM), Tegner score, Lysholm score, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores (including symptom, daily activities, and knee function scores) were compared between the two groups, showing no significant difference (P>0.05). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded and compared between the two groups. The effectiveness was evaluated by Lysholm score, IKDC scores, Tegner score, VAS score, knee ROM, SSD in posterior tibial translation before operation and at last follow-up, the patient satisfaction at last follow-up, and the postoperative graft recovery was evaluated by MRI. ResultsThere was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 12-60 months, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Postoperative MRI showed that the graft was in good condition, and the reconstructed PCL graft had good signal, continuity, and tension. During the follow-up, there was no complication such as re-rupture or donor site discomfort in both groups. At last follow-up, the Lysholm score, IKDC scores, Tegner score, VAS score, knee ROM, and SSD in posterior tibial translation significantly improved in both groups when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). The changes of Lysholm score, Tegner score, IKDC knee symptom score, and SSD in posterior tibial translation between pre- and post-operation were significantly superior in the tension relieving suture group compared to the control group (P<0.05). However, no significant difference was found between the two groups in the changes of VAS score, knee ROM, IKDC daily activities score or knee function score between pre- and post-operation, and the satisfaction score (P>0.05). ConclusionLower tibial tunnel placement combined with internal tension relieving suture PCL reconstruction represents a more effective surgical approach for improving postoperative laxity of PCL and knee function recovery comparing to simple lower tibial tunnel placement PCL reconstruction.
OBJECTIVE To measure the isometric point of the attachment site in femur during the reconstruction of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). METHODS Seven fresh knee specimens from cadavers were adopted in this experiment. The anterior, posterior, proximal, distal and central points of the PCL’s femoral attachment site were respectively anchored to the middle of the PCL’s tibial attachment site by the trial isometer wires. The length changes of the intra-articular part of the wires were recorded while the knee was flexed from 0 degree to 120 degrees by a continuous passive motion(CPM) machine. RESULTS The maximal length changes in every points were compared. It showed that the length change in anterior point was the biggest, the distal point was less than that of anterior point, and the proximal point was the least. There was significant difference between proximal and posterior points, but no significant difference between proximal and central points, neither between central and posterior points. All of the maximal length changes of proximal, central and posterior points were not greater than 2 mm. CONCLUSION The femoral tunnel for the PCL reconstruction should be located at the proximal point, which is the middle point of upper edge of femoral attachment site. The selected point for femoral tunnel also may be moved slightly in the direction to central or posterior points according to the needs of operation.