Search

Background: Injury to the ipsilateral graft used for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or a new injury to the contralateral ACL is a devastating outcome following successful ACL reconstruction, rehabilitation, and return to sport. Little evidence exists regarding the intermediate to long-term risk of these events.Methods: The present study is a systematic review of Level-I and II prospective studies that evaluated the rate of rupture of the ACL graft and the ACL in the contralateral knee following a primary ACL reconstruction with use of a mini-open or arthroscopic bone-tendon-bone or hamstring autograft after a minimum duration of follow-up of five years.Results: Six studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The ipsilateral ACL graft rupture rate ranged from 1.8% to 10.4%, with a pooled percentage of 5.8%. The contralateral injury rate ranged from 8.2% to 16.0%, with a pooled percentage of 11.8%.Conclusions: This systematic review demonstrates that the risk of ACL tear in the contralateral knee (11.8%) is double the risk of ACL graft rupture in the ipsilateral knee (5.8%). Additional studies must be performed to determine predictors for these injuries and to improve our ability to avoid this devastating outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The risk of tear of the intact anterior cruciate ligament in the contralateral knee after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction of the opposite knee and the incidence of rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament graft during the first 2 years after surgery have not been extensively studied in a prospective manner. Clinicians have hypothesized that the opposite normal knee is at equal or increased risk compared with the risk of anterior cruciate ligament graft rupture in the operated knee. HYPOTHESIS: The risk of anterior cruciate ligament graft rupture and contralateral normal knee anterior cruciate ligament rupture at 2-year follow-up is equal. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: The Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcome Network (MOON) database of a prospective longitudinal cohort of anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions was used to determine the number of anterior cruciate ligament graft ruptures and tears of the intact anterior cruciate ligament in the contralateral knee at 2-year follow-up. Two-year follow-up consisted of a phone interview and review of operative reports. RESULTS: Two-year data were obtained for 235 of 273 patients (86%). There were 14 ligament disruptions. Of these, 7 were tears of the intact anterior cruciate ligament in the contralateral knee (3.0%) and 7 were anterior cruciate ligament graft failures (3.0%). CONCLUSION: The contralateral normal knee anterior cruciate ligament is at a similar risk of anterior cruciate ligament tear (3.0%) as the anterior cruciate ligament graft after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (3.0%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bracing after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction for rehabilitation and functional return to activities has been a common practice. Clinicians have believed braces improve the outcome of ACL reconstruction by improving extension, decreasing pain and graft strain, and providing protection from excessive force. However, we hypothesized the use of these braces could not be rationalized by evidence of improved outcome including measurements of pain, range of motion, graft stability, or protection from injury. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been performed to address these issues. This study represents a systematic review of the Level I evidence (12 RCTs) to determine if appropriate evidence exists to support brace use. We found no evidence that pain, range of motion, graft stability, or protection from subsequent injury were affected by brace use, thus supporting our hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied five fresh-frozen lower extremity cadaveric specimens to assess the effect of knee effusions on KT-1000 arthrometry. Part 1 consisted of serial 10-ml injections (up to 100 ml) of saline into each knee and measurements of midpatellar knee circumference and anterior displacement using the KT-1000 arthrometer at 67, 89, and 134 N after each 10-ml increment. Part 2 consisted of evacuation of the saline and transection of the anterior cruciate ligament through a 2-cm medial parapatellar arthrotomy. Each knee again underwent the part 1 protocol. Sequential injections in parts 1 and 2 showed incremental increases in knee circumference and KT-1000 arthrometer measurements for all three force levels. A 3-mm increase in anterior translation compared with the value at 0-ml injection was obtained by the 70-ml injection point in both groups. At the 70-ml injection point, the patella was ballottable, thereby affecting anterior measurements-despite posterior force on the patella sensor pad-because of the KT-1000 arthrometer reference level at midpatella. This increase in KT-1000 arthrometer readings could erroneously imply anterior cruciate ligament disruption in the clinical situation of right-to-left comparison. We conclude that clinicians using the KT-1000 arthrometer should aspirate knees that have effusions and a ballottable patella to minimize false-positive readings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The meniscal flounce sign is a fold in the free, nonanchored inner edge of the medial meniscus that can be noted during routine arthroscopy of the knee. HYPOTHESIS: The meniscal flounce sign can be a significant indicator of the presence or absence of medial meniscus injury. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: One hundred sixty-eight patients were prospectively evaluated at the time of the arthroscopy for the presence or absence of the arthroscopic meniscal flounce sign. These results were then correlated with the presence of medial meniscus tears. RESULTS: The presence of the meniscal flounce sign has a positive predictive value of a normal meniscus of 0.97 (63/65). The absence of the meniscal flounce sign has a positive predictive value of an abnormal meniscus of 0.98 (101/103). Specificity is 98%, and sensitivity is 97%. CONCLUSION: The absence of the arthroscopic meniscal flounce sign is a sensitive and specific predictor of the presence of medial meniscus tears that should alert the surgeon to probe carefully for an occult medial meniscus tear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Meniscal repair offers the potential to avoid the long-term articular cartilage deterioration that has been shown to result after meniscectomy. Failure of the meniscal repair can occur several years postoperatively. Limited evidence on the long-term outcomes of meniscal repair exists.Methods: We performed a systematic review of studies reporting the outcomes of meniscal repair at a minimum of five years postoperatively. Pooling of data and meta-analysis with a random-effects model were performed to evaluate the results.Results: Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled rate of meniscal repair failure (reoperation or clinical failure) was 23.1% (131 of 566). The pooled rate of failure varied from 20.2% to 24.3% depending on the status of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the meniscus repaired, and the technique utilized. The rate of failure was similar for the medial and the lateral meniscus as well as for patients with an intact and a reconstructed ACL.Conclusions: A systematic review of the outcomes of meniscal repair at greater than five years postoperatively demonstrated very similar rates of meniscal failure (22.3% to 24.3%) for all techniques investigated. The outcomes of meniscal repair at greater than five years postoperatively have not yet been reported for modern all-inside repair devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rigorous rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is necessary for a successful surgical outcome. A large number of clinical trials continue to assess aspects of this rehabilitation process. Prior systematic reviews evaluated fifty-four Level-I and II clinical trials published through 2005.Methods: Eighty-five articles from 2006 to 2010 were identified utilizing multiple search engines. Twenty-nine Level-I or II studies met inclusion criteria and were evaluated with use of the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) criteria. Topics included in this review are postoperative bracing, accelerated strengthening, home-based rehabilitation, proprioception and neuromuscular training, and six miscellaneous topics investigated in single trials.Results: Bracing following ACL reconstruction remains neither necessary nor beneficial and adds to the cost of the procedure. Early return to sports needs further research. Home-based rehabilitation can be successful. Although neuromuscular interventions are not likely to be harmful to patients, they are also not likely to yield large improvements in outcomes or help patients return to sports faster. Thus, they should not be performed to the exclusion of strengthening and range-of-motion exercises. Vibration training may lead to faster and more complete proprioceptive recovery but further evidence is needed.Conclusions: Several new modalities for rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction may be helpful but should not be performed to the exclusion of range-of-motion, strengthening, and functional exercises. Accelerated rehabilitation does not appear to be harmful but further investigation of rehabilitation timing is warranted.Level Of Evidence: Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: The Bernese periacetabular osteotomy is commonly used to treat symptomatic acetabular dysplasia. Although periacetabular osteotomy is becoming a more common surgical intervention to relieve pain and improve function, the strength of clinical evidence to support this procedure for these goals is not well defined in the literature. We therefore performed a systematic review of the literature to define the level of evidence for periacetabular osteotomy, to determine deformity correction, clinical results, and to determine complications associated with the procedure. Thirteen studies met our inclusion criteria. Eleven studies were Level IV, one was Level III, and one was Level II. Radiographic deformity correction was consistent and improvement in hip function was noted in all studies. Most studies did not correlate radiographic and clinic outcomes. Clinical failures were commonly associated with moderate to severe preoperative osteoarthritis and conversion to THA was reported in 0% to 17% of cases. Major complications were noted in 6% to 37% of the procedures. These data indicate periacetabular osteotomy provides pain relief and improved hip function in most patients over short- to midterm followup. The current evidence is primarily Level IV.Level Of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Six classification systems have been proposed for describing rotator cuff tears designed to help understand their natural history and make treatment decisions. PURPOSE: To assess the interobserver variation for these classification systems and identify the method with the best interobserver agreement. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Six rotator cuff tear classification systems were identified in a literature search. The components of these systems included partial-thickness rotator cuff tears and classification by size, shape, configuration, number of tendons involved, and by extent, topography, and nature of the biceps. Twelve fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons who each perform at least 30 rotator cuff repairs per year reviewed arthroscopy videos from 30 patients with a random assortment of rotator cuff tears and classified them by the 6 classification systems. Interobserver variation was determined by a kappa analysis. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement was high when distinguishing between full-thickness and partial-thickness tears (0.95, kappa = 0.85). The investigators agreed on the side (articular vs bursal) of involvement for partial-thickness tears (observed agreement 0.92, kappa = 0.85) but could not agree when classifying the depth of the partial-thickness tear (observed agreement 0.49, kappa = 0.19). The best agreement for full-thickness tears was seen when the tear was classified by topography (degree of retraction) in the frontal plane (observed agreement 0.70, kappa = 0.54). CONCLUSION: With the exception of distinguishing partial-thickness from full-thickness rotator cuff tears and identifying the side (articular vs bursal) of involvement with partial-thickness tears, currently described rotator cuff classification systems have little interobserver agreement among experienced shoulder surgeons. Researchers should consider describing full-thickness rotator cuff tears by topography (degree of retraction) in the frontal plane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We are not aware of any previous studies in which independent measurements of function with validated outcome questionnaires such as the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and the International Knee Documentation Committee score were evaluated five years after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. We hypothesized that patient demographics, mechanism of injury, and intra-articular injuries and their treatment are factors associated with function five years after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament.Methods: A consecutive series of unilateral, arthroscopically assisted primary reconstructions of the anterior cruciate ligament performed by one surgeon using a patellar tendon graft was evaluated. Data on patient demographics, injury variables, and intra-articular lesions noted at the time of surgery were collected prospectively. Multivariable regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of outcomes as measured with five questionnaires.Results: Sixty-nine percent (217) of 314 knees with a reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament were followed for an average of 5.4 years. The average age at the time of the operation was twenty-seven years. Independent predictors of a worse outcome, which was measured with the overall Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, the International Knee Documentation Committee score, the Lysholm score, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score, included the patient's recollection of hearing or feeling a pop at the time of the injury, a weight gain of >15 lb (6.8 kg), and no change in educational level since the surgery. There was a lack of association between the outcome and either the occurrence or the form of treatment of a meniscal tear or chondromalacia of the articular cartilage.Conclusions: To our knowledge, we performed the first prospective cohort study to evaluate the prognosis following reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament by identifying significant associations between multiple variables and clinical outcomes as measured with validated questionnaires. The clinician can counsel patients about the intermediate-term functional outcomes of reconstructions of the anterior cruciate ligament on the basis of these findings. Suggestions regarding weight control and future education may improve intermediate-term outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies have questioned the utility of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of pediatric knee disorders because of the morphologic changes during growth and the low accuracy of the formal interpretation of the magnetic resonance imaging scan by a radiologist. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to report the accuracy of formal interpretations of magnetic resonance imaging scans of the knee in children and adolescent patients by a radiologist, and (2) to determine the benefit, if any, of a personal review of the magnetic resonance imaging scan of the knee by the orthopaedic surgeon, as a routine part of the diagnostic evaluation.Methods: A three-year prospective study of all patients who underwent knee arthroscopy performed by a single surgeon, at two children's hospitals, was completed. The analysis focused on the six most common diagnoses: anterior cruciate ligament tear, lateral meniscal tear, medial meniscal tear, osteochondritis dissecans, discoid lateral meniscus, and osteochondral fracture. The preoperative diagnosis of the surgeon was determined by integrating the history and the findings on the clinical examination, plain radiographs, and magnetic resonance imaging scans (including the radiologist's interpretation).Results: Ninety-six patients with ninety-six abnormal knees were included. The mean age was 14.6 years at the time of surgery. Relative to operative findings, kappa values for the formal interpretations of the magnetic resonance imaging scans by a radiologist were 0.78 for an anterior cruciate ligament tear, 0.76 for a medial meniscal tear, 0.71 for a lateral meniscal tear, 0.70 for osteochondritis dissecans, 0.46 for discoid lateral meniscus, and 0.65 for osteochondral fracture. Relative to operative findings, kappa values for the preoperative diagnoses by the surgeon were 1.00 for an anterior cruciate ligament tear, 0.90 for a medial meniscal tear, 0.92 for a lateral meniscal tear, 0.93 for osteochondritis dissecans, 1.00 for discoid lateral meniscus, and 0.90 for osteochondral fracture. The preoperative diagnosis by the surgeon was better (p < 0.05) than the formal interpretation of the magnetic resonance imaging scans by the radiologist with respect to an anterior cruciate ligament tear, lateral meniscal tear, osteochondritis dissecans, and discoid lateral meniscus.Conclusions: Integration of patient information with an orthopaedic surgeon's review of the magnetic resonance imaging scan of the knee in children and adolescent patients improves the identification of pathological disorders in four of the six categories evaluated. This study questions the necessity for and appropriateness of a routine interpretation of a magnetic resonance imaging scan of the knee in children and adolescents by a radiologist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There has been limited acceptance of shoulder ultrasonography by orthopaedic surgeons in the United States. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the diagnostic performance of high-resolution ultrasonography compared with arthroscopic examination for the detection and characterization of rotator cuff tears.Methods: One hundred consecutive shoulders in ninety-eight patients with shoulder pain who had undergone preoperative ultrasonography and subsequent arthroscopy were identified. The arthroscopic diagnosis was a full-thickness rotator cuff tear in sixty-five shoulders, a partial-thickness tear in fifteen, rotator cuff tendinitis in twelve, frozen shoulder in four, arthrosis of the acromioclavicular joint in two, and a superior labral tear and calcific bursitis in one shoulder each. All ultrasonographic reports were reviewed for the presence or absence of a rotator cuff tear and a biceps tendon rupture or dislocation. All arthroscopic examinations were performed according to a standardized operative procedure. The size and extent of the tear and the status of the biceps tendon were recorded for all shoulders. The findings on ultrasonography and arthroscopy then were compared for each parameter.Results: Ultrasonography correctly identified all sixty-five full-thickness rotator cuff tears (a sensitivity of 100 percent). There were seventeen true-negative and three false-positive ultrasonograms (a specificity of 85 percent). The overall accuracy was 96 percent. The size of the tear on transverse measurement was correctly predicted in 86 percent of the shoulders with a full-thickness tear. Ultrasonography detected a tear in ten of fifteen shoulders with a partial-thickness tear that was diagnosed on arthroscopy. Five of six dislocations and seven of eleven ruptures of the biceps tendon were identified correctly.Conclusions: Ultrasonography was highly accurate for detecting full-thickness rotator cuff tears, characterizing their extent, and visualizing dislocations of the biceps tendon. It was less sensitive for detecting partial-thickness rotator cuff tears and ruptures of the biceps tendon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]