Search

PURPOSE: To report the arthroscopic treatment results of a degenerative medial meniscus tear with a displaced flap into the meniscotibial recess, tibial peripheral reactive bone edema, and focal knee medial pain. As a secondary objective, we propose to identify possible factors associated with a good or poor prognosis of the surgical treatment of this lesion. METHODS: From 2012 to 2018, patients who had this specific meniscus pathology and underwent arthroscopic surgical treatment were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) classification greater than 2 were excluded. KL classification, the presence of an Outerbridge grade III/V chondral lesion of the medial compartment, limb alignment, body mass index, and smoking were evaluated. The subjective outcomes included the International Knee Documentation Committee score, improvement in the pain reported by patients, and the Global Perceived Effect (GPE) scale score. RESULTS: A total of 69 patients were evaluated. The mean age was 58.6 ± 7.1 years. The follow-up time was 48.7 ± 20.8 months. Fifty-five (79.7%) patients reported pain improvement. The postoperative International Knee Documentation Committee was 62.6 ± 15.4, and the mean GPE was 2.3 ± 2.6. Fourteen patients (20.3%) showed no improvement in pain, and 7 patients (10.2%) presented complications. Groups that improved (GPE > 0) and did not improve (GPE < 0) did not present differences regarding age, sex, follow-up time, chondral lesions, or body mass index. Patients without improvement had a greater incidence of smoking (P = .001), varus alignment (P = .008), and more advanced KL classification (P < .001). In the multivariate analysis based on the GPE score, KL classification (P = .038) and smoking (P = .003) were significant. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic surgical treatment of degenerative medial meniscal tears with a meniscal flap displaced into the meniscotibial recess and adjacent focal bone edema in the tibia shows good results in approximately 80% of cases. Smoking and KL grade 2 were factors associated with poor prognosis of surgical treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV (case series).

Purpose To compare the functional outcomes, knee stability, failure rate and complication rates of combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction with hamstrings grafts between acute and chronic cases. Methods Consecutive patients who underwent combined ACL and ALL reconstruction with hamstrings grafts were evaluated. Patients operated on less than 8 weeks after injury were allocated to group 1, and the others were allocated to group 2. Demographic data, knee stability, and functional outcomes of the 2 groups were evaluated. Results Thirty-four patients in the acute group and 96 in the chronic group were evaluated. The follow-up time was similar between the groups (28.7 ± 5.2 [24-43] months vs 29.4 ± 7.2 [24-58] months; P = 0.696). No differences were found between the groups in age, sex, trauma mechanism, presence of knee hyperextension, graft diameter, and meniscal injuries. There was no difference between the groups in the postoperative KT-1000 and in the pre- or postoperative pivot shift. The preoperative KT-1000 was higher in group 2 (7.9 ± 1.1 vs 7.4 ± 1.2; P = 0.031). There were no differences in the International Knee Documentation Committee or Lysholm. Three (2.3%) patients developed failure, 1 (2.9%) in group 1 and 2 (2.1%) in group 2. The total complication rate was 10% and did not differ between the groups. Conclusions Combined ACL and ALL reconstruction has similar outcomes in patients undergoing surgery in the acute and chronic phases. Patients with chronic injury have similar knee stability, functional scores, and failure rates as acute-injury patients, and patients with acute injury have no more complications than chronic patients. Level of Evidence Level III, retrospective comparative therapeutic trial.

Background: The degree of knee hyperextension in isolation has not been studied in detail as a risk factor that could lead to increased looseness or graft failure after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Purpose: To analyze whether more than 5° of passive knee hyperextension is associated with worse functional outcomes and greater risk of graft failure after primary ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A cohort of patients who had primary ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon autografts was divided into 2 groups based on passive contralateral knee hyperextension greater than 5° (hyperextension group) and less than 5° (control group) of hyperextension. Groups were matched by age, sex, and associated meniscal tears. The following data were collected and compared between the groups: patient data (age and sex), time from injury to surgery, passive knee hyperextension, KT-1000 arthrometer laxity, pivot shift, associated meniscal injury and treatment (meniscectomy or repair), contralateral knee ligament injury, intra-articular graft size, follow-up time, occurrence of graft failure, and postoperative Lysholm knee scale and International Knee Documentation Committee subjective form scores. Results: Data from 358 patients initially included in the study were analyzed; 22 were excluded because the time from injury to surgery was greater than 24 months, and 22 were lost to follow-up. From the cohort of 314 patients, 102 had more than 5° of knee hyperextension. A control group of the same size (n = 102) was selected by matching among the other 212 patients. Significant differences in the incidence of graft failure (14.7% vs 2.9%; P = .005) and Lysholm knee scale score (86.4 ± 9.8 vs 89.6 ± 6.1; P = .018) were found between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Patients with more than 5° of contralateral knee hyperextension submitted to single-bundle ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendons have a higher failure rate than patients with less than 5° of knee hyperextension.

Objective: To analyse the distances between the femoral insertions of the popliteus tendon (PT) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) through dissections of cadaveric specimens in a mixed population. Methods: Fresh cadavers were dissected, and the anthropometric data of all specimens were recorded. The distances from the origin of the PT to the LCL in the femoral region and the diameter of each structure were measured using a digital calliper. Results: In total, 11 unpaired knees were dissected, eight men and three women, with an average age of 71.5 ± 15.2 years, weight of 57.2 ± 15.6 kg, and a mean height of 170.5 ± 8.2 cm. The distance from the center of the femoral footprint of the LCL to the PT was 10.0 ± 2.4 mm. The distances between the edges closest to each other and those more distant from each other were 3.1 ± 1.1 mm and 16.3 ± 2.4 mm, respectively. Conclusion: The distance between the midpoints of the PT and the LCL in our mixed population is smaller than the distances often reported in the literature. PLC reconstruction with separate tunnels for the LCL and PT may not be technically possible for individuals of any population. Level of Evidence III, Diagnostic studies. RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar as distâncias entre as inserções femorais do tendão poplíteo (TP) e o ligamento colateral lateral (LCL) através de dissecções de espécimes cadavéricos em uma população miscigenada. Métodos: Cadáveres frescos foram dissecados. Foram registrados dados antropométricos e foi avaliada a distância da origem do TP e do LCL na região femoral com auxílio de paquímetro digital. Foi também avaliado o diâmetro do footprint femoral do TP e do LCL. Resultados: Foram dissecados 11 joelhos não pareados, 8 homens e 3 mulheres com uma idade média de 71,5 ± 15,2 anos, pesando em média 57,2 ± 15,6 kgs e com altura de 170,5 ± 8,2 cm. A distância do centro do footprint femoral do LCL e do TP foi de 10,0 ± 2,4 mm. As distâncias das bordas mais próximas entre si e das mais distantes entre si foram de 3,1 ± 1,1 mm e 16,3 ± 2,4 mm, respectivamente. Conclusão: A distância entre o ponto central do TP e do LCL em nossa população mais miscigenada demonstrou um valor absoluto menor do que é, frequentemente, relatado na literatura. Uma reconstrução ligamentar do CPL com túneis separados para o LCL e o TP pode não ser tecnicamente possível para indivíduos de qualquer população. Nível de Evidência III, Estudos diagnósticos.

The objective of this study is to report the functional outcomes, complications, and reconstruction failure rate of patients undergoing posterolateral complex reconstruction with a single femoral tunnel technique. Patients with posterolateral complex injuries associated with injury of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), or both undergoing surgical treatment with the single femoral tunnel technique were included in the study. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm's scales were evaluated, in addition to age, gender, time between trauma and surgery, trauma type, range of motion (ROM) restrictions, peroneal nerve injury, and reconstruction failure. Sixty-six patients were included. Eighteen underwent ACL and posterolateral complex (PLC) reconstruction (group 1), 24 underwent ACL, PCL, and PLC reconstruction (group 2), and 24 underwent PCL and PLC reconstruction (group 3). The mean follow-up was 63 months. The subjective IKDC was 83.7 ± 14.6 for group 1, 74.3 ± 12.6 for group 2, and 66.3 ± 16.0 for group 3 (p

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the lever sign test in patients with and without chronic Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries in an outpatient setting and the inter-examiner agreement of surgeons with different levels of experience. Methods: 72 consecutive patients with a history of previous knee sprains were included. The Lachman, anterior drawer, and Lever Sign tests were performed for all subjects in a randomized order by three blinded raters with different levels of experience. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and inter-rater agreement were estimated for all tests. Results: Among the 72 patients, the prevalence of ACL injuries was 54%. The lever test showed sensitivity of 64.1% (95% CI 0.47-0.78) and specificity of 100% (95% CI 0.87-1.00) for the senior examiner. For the less experienced examiner the sensitivity was 51.8% and the specificity was 93.7%. Positive predictive values (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were 100% and 70.2%, respectively. Conclusion: Lever Sign test shows to be a maneuver of easy execution, with 100% specificity and 100% PPV. Moderate agreement between experienced examiners and low agreement among experienced and inexperienced examiners was found. This test may play a role as an auxiliary maneuver. Level of Evidence I, Diagnostic Studies - Investigating a Diagnostic Test. RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a sensibilidade e a especificidade do teste da alavanca em pacientes ambulatoriais com e sem lesões crônicas do LCA e a concordância entre examinadores com diferentes níveis de experiência. Métodos: Setenta e dois pacientes consecutivos com histórico de entorse de joelho foram incluídos. O teste de lachman, gaveta anterior e teste de alavanca foram realizados para todos os indivíduos em ordem randomizada por 3 examinadores cegados com diferentes níveis de experiência. Sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo, valor preditivo negativo e concordância interavaliadores foram calculados para todos os testes. Resultados: Entre os 72 pacientes, a prevalência de lesões do LCA foi de 54%. O teste da alavanca mostrou sensibilidade de 64,1% (IC95% 0,47-0,78) e especificidade de 100% (IC95% 0,87-1,00) para o examinador sênior. Para o examinador menos experiente, a sensibilidade foi de 51,8% e a especificidade, de 93,7%. Valores preditivos positivos (VPP) e valores preditivos negativos (VPN) foram de 100% e 70,2%, respectivamente. Conclusão: O teste da alavanca mostra ser uma manobra de fácil execução, com 100% de especificidade e 100% de PPV. Foi encontrada concordância moderada entre examinadores experientes e baixa concordância entre examinadores experientes e inexperientes. Este teste pode desempenhar um papel como uma manobra adjuvante. Nível de Evidência I, Estudos Diagnósticos - Investigação de um Exame para Diagnóstico.

Objectives To compare the clinical outcomes of isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with combined reconstruction of the ACL and anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee. Methods A search was conducted on the PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases, in line with the PRISMA protocol. The indexation terms used were “anterior cruciate ligament” OR “acl” AND “anterolateral ligament” AND “reconstruction.” Articles that compared patients submitted to combined ACL and ALL reconstruction with those submitted to isolated reconstruction of the ACL, with levels of evidence I, II, and III, were included. Studies with follow-up of less than 2 years and articles that did not use “anatomical” techniques for ALL reconstruction, such as extraarticular tenodesis, were excluded. A meta-analysis with R software was conducted, with a random effects model, presented as risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD), with a 95% confidence level (CI) and statistically significant at p Results Ten articles were selected, with a total of 1495 patients, most of whom were men, of whom 674 submitted to ACL and ALL reconstruction and 821 to isolated ACL reconstruction. Combined ACL and ALL reconstruction exhibited a statistically significant advantage in residual pivot shift (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.24–0.47, I2 = 0%, p I2 = 0%, p I2 = 21%, p I2 = 73%, p Conclusions Combined ACL and ALL reconstruction obtained better postoperative clinical outcomes when compared with isolated ACL reconstruction, especially in reducing residual pivot shift and rerupture rate.

Background: Combined reconstruction of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has shown excellent results. It could potentially reduce graft failure and improve outcomes in high-risk patients. There are several surgical techniques described. Hamstrings are the most frequently used graft for ALL reconstruction. The distal portion of the iliotibial band is used for the modified Lemaire procedure. Indications: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions associated with the following risk factors: pivoting sports, high-demand athletes, high-grade pivot-shift, chronic ACL injury, lateral femoral condyle notch, Segond fractures, young patients (7 mm. Technique Description: Semitendinosus and gracilis tendons are harvested and their extremities are prepared with continuous suture. The semitendinosus graft is folded in 3 parts leaving the ends of the graft internalized. The triple semitendinosus will be the main component of the ACL and the single gracilis will be used for both ACL and ALL. Anterolateral ligament anatomical landmarks are proximal and posterior to the lateral epicondyle in the femur, and in the mid distance from the fibular head and the Gerdy tubercle in the tibia. The ALL is fixed in knee extension with interference screws. This video also includes a brief demonstration of graft preparation for the modified Lemaire procedure. Results: Results from our group using this technique have shown excellent clinical outcomes, minimal complications, and low failure rates in high-risk populations. This graft preparation shows excellent diameter and length for combined ACL and ALL reconstruction. Conclusion: This technique is easy to perform, with minimal complications, and should be considered in high-risk patients undergoing ACL reconstruction.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of knee osteoarthritis, failure rate of reconstruction, and clinical outcomes of patients with chronic multiligament knee injuries subjected to surgical treatment. Sixty-two patients with chronic knee dislocation subjected to multiligament reconstruction between April 2008 and July 2016 were evaluated, with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were performed in the pre- and last postoperative evaluation; the progression of degenerative changes according to the Kellgren-Lawrence classification (KL) was assessed. The Schenck classification, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), time between injury and surgery, type of postoperative rehabilitation protocol (brace vs. external fixator), and physical examination for ligament instability were also evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed, p

Background: Isolated reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) does not reestablish the normal knee biomechanics in cases of associated injuries to the anterolateral structures. Studies evaluating the potential clinical effect of anterolateral ligament (ALL) injury on the treatment of ACL injuries are necessary to validate the findings of biomechanical studies. Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes and failure rate of ACL reconstruction in patients with and without ALL injury diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A prospective cohort of patients with acute ACL injury was divided into 2 groups based on the presence (ALL group) or absence (no-ALL group) of ALL injury on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans. Both groups underwent anatomic reconstruction of the ACL with autologous hamstring tendon grafts. The Lysholm and subjective IKDC scores (International Knee Documentation Committee), KT-1000 arthrometer and pivot-shift test results, reconstruction failure rate, incidence of contralateral ACL injury, presence of associated meniscal injury, and presence of knee hyperextension were evaluated. Results: A total of 182 patients were evaluated. Postoperative mean ± SD follow-up was 33.6 ± 7.1 and 36.1 ± 8.1 months for the ALL and no-ALL groups, respectively. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of age, sex, knee hyperextension, duration of injury before reconstruction, follow-up time, or associated meniscal injuries. In the preoperative evaluation, the pivot-shift grade was similar, and the ALL group had worse KT-1000 arthrometer values (7.9 ± 1.2 mm vs 7.2 ± 1.1 mm; P < .001). In the postoperative evaluation, patients in the no-ALL group had a lower reconstruction failure rate (10.2% vs 1.4%; P = .029) and better clinical outcomes according to the IKDC subjective (85.5 ± 10.7 vs 89.1 ± 6.6; P = .035) and Lysholm scores (85.9 ± 10.1 vs 92.0 ± 6.3; P < .001). There was no postoperative difference in the KT-1000 or pivot-shift results. Conclusion: Combined ACL and ALL injuries were associated with significantly less favorable outcomes than were isolated ACL injuries at a minimum follow-up of 2 years after ACL reconstruction. Patients with concomitant ALL injury showed a higher rerupture rate and worse functional scores.

Improved understanding and treatment of posterior medial and lateral meniscus root tears have attracted increasing interest. These lesions significantly compromise meniscal function, which can result in an outcome resembling total meniscectomy, and are also a potential cause of knee instability. Despite facilitating repair procedures and reducing the operative time for these lesions, all-inside meniscal repair devices are not available in all circumstances or registered for use in all countries worldwide. Furthermore, all-inside arthroscopic devices can be expensive. Therefore, low-cost alternatives for the treatment of these lesions must be identified. We present 2 efficient and safe techniques: an outside-in technique for repairing medial meniscus root tears and a technique using a simple needle inserted through the transtibial tunnel for lateral meniscal root repairs, neither of which requires the use of specific instruments, thus enabling appropriate treatment of posterior medial and lateral meniscus root tears.

Objective: To describe the first series of cases of autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) in collagen membrane performed in Brazil. Methods: ACI was performed in 12 knees of 11 patients, aged 32.1 ± 10.9 years, with 5.3 ± 2.6 cm2 full-thickness knee cartilage lesions, with a six-month minimum follow-up. Two surgical procedures were performed: arthroscopic cartilage biopsy for isolation and expansion of chondrocytes, which were seeded onto collagen membrane and implanted in the lesion site; the characterization of cultured cells and implant was performed using immunofluorescence for type II collagen (COL2) for cell viability and electron microscopy of the implant. Clinical safety, KOOS and IKDC scores and magnetic resonance imaging were evaluated. We used repeated-measures ANOVA and post-hoc comparisons at α = 5%. Results: COL2 was identified in the cellular cytoplasm, cell viability was higher than 95% and adequate distribution and cell adhesion were found in the membrane. The median follow-up was 10.9 months (7 to 19). We had two cases of arthrofibrosis, one of graft hypertrophy and one of superficial infection as complications, but none compromising clinical improvement. KOOS and IKDC ranged from 71.2 ± 11.44 and 50.72 ± 14.10, in preoperative period, to 85.0 ± 4.4 and 70.5 ± 8.0, at 6 months (p = 0.007 and 0.005). MRI showed regenerated tissue compatible with hyaline cartilage. Conclusion: ACI in collagen membrane was feasible and safe in a short-term follow-up, presenting regenerated formation visualized by magnetic resonance imaging and improved clinical function. Level of evidence IV, Case series. RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever a primeira série de casos de transplante autólogo de condrócitos (TAC) em membrana de colágeno realizada no Brasil. Métodos: Doze joelhos de onze pacientes, com idade de 32,1 ± 10,9 anos, com lesões de cartilagem de espessura total do joelho de tamanho de 5,3 ± 2,6 cm 2 foram submetidos ao TAC, com seguimento mínimo de seis meses. Realizamos dois procedimentos cirúrgicos: biópsia artroscópica de cartilagem para isolamento e expansão de condrócitos, que foram semeados em uma membrana de colágeno implantada no leito da lesão. Foi realizada caracterização com imunofluorescência para colágeno tipo II (COL2) de células cultivadas e implantes, viabilidade celular e microscopia eletrônica no implante. Foram avaliados a segurança clínica, os escores funcionais KOOS e IKDC e a ressonância magnética. Utilizamos teste ANOVA para medidas repetidas, com comparações post-hoc, α = 5%. Resultados: COL2 foi identificado no citoplasma da célula, viabilidade celular foi superior a 95% e houve distribuição adequada e adesão celular na membrana. O seguimento mediano foi de 10,9 meses (7 a 19). Como complicações, ocorreram dois casos de artrofibrose, um de hipertrofia do enxerto e um de infecção superficial, nenhum deles havendo comprometimento da melhora clínica. Escalas KOOS e IKDC passaram de 71,2 ± 11,44 e 50,72 ± 14,10, no pré-operatório, para 85,0 ± 4,4 e 70,5 ± 8,0, aos 6 meses (p = 0,007 e 0,005). Ressonância magnética mostrou tecido regenerado compatível com cartilagem hialina. Conclusão: TAC em membrana de colágeno foi viável e seguro em seguimento de curto prazo, apresentando formação de regenerado visualizado através de imagens de ressonância magnética e melhora de função clínica. Nível de evidência IV, Série de casos.

Purpose To compare functional outcomes, residual instability, and rupture rates in patients with ligamentous hyperlaxity undergoing isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction or combined ACL and anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction. Methods Two groups of patients were evaluated and compared retrospectively. Both groups consisted of patients with ACL injuries and associated ligamentous hyperlaxity, defined based on the modified Beighton scale with a minimum score of 5. Group 1 patients underwent anatomical ACL reconstruction, and group 2 patients underwent anatomical ACL reconstruction combined with ALL reconstruction. Group 1 consisted of historical controls. The presence of associated meniscal injury, subjective International Knee Documentation Committee and Lysholm functional scores, KT-1000 measurements, the presence of a residual pivot-shift, and the graft rupture rate were evaluated. The study was performed at University of Sao Paulo in Brazil. Results Ninety patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with ligamentous hyperlaxity were evaluated. The mean follow up was 29.6 ± 6.2 months for group 1 and 28.1 ± 4.2 months for group 2 (P = .51). No significant differences were found between the groups regarding Beighton scale, gender, the duration of injury before reconstruction, follow-up time, preoperative instability, or associated meniscal injuries. The mean age was 29.9 ± 8.1 years in group 1 and 27.0 ± 9.1 years in group 2 (P = .017). In the final evaluation, group 2 patients showed better anteroposterior clinical stability as evaluated by KT-1000 arthrometry (P = .02), better rotational stability as evaluated by the pivot-shift test (P = .03) and a lower reconstruction failure rate (21.7% [group 1] vs 3.3% [group 2]; P = .03). Clinical evaluations of postoperative functional scales showed no differences between the 2 groups (P = .27 for International Knee Documentation Committee; P = .41 for Lysholm). Conclusions Combined ACL and ALL reconstruction in patients with ligamentous hyperlaxity resulted in a lower failure rate and improved knee stability parameters compared to isolated ACL reconstruction. No differences were found in the functional scales. Level of evidence Level III, case control study.

Background To report the functional outcomes and complications from reconstructing the knee posterolateral complex (PLC), associated with one-stage opening-wedge tibial valgus osteotomy, and discuss the technical feasibility of this procedure. Methods Five patients with chronic PLC injuries and varus deviation of the mechanical axis, associated with central pivot injuries or not, underwent medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy combined with PLC reconstruction. The lateral collateral ligament, popliteal tendon, and popliteofibular ligament were reconstructed using a single femoral tunnel. Patients were assessed on physical examination, range-of-motion and functional scales, and radiographs. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome score (KOOS) were determined. Results Five patients were evaluated: four presented with central pivot injury, and one had an isolated PLC injury. The mean time between injury and surgery was 40 ± 6.5 months (± is indicating standard deviation value). Four patients had minimal residual instability on physical examination, with a lateral opening at varus stress of ± 3 + at 30° flexion. The means of the IKDC score, Lysholm score, and KOOS were 67.8 ± 9.2, 83.0 ± 9.3, and 79.2 ± 5.9, respectively. All patients showed satisfactory consolidation of osteotomy in 2.6 ± 0.9 months. Conclusions The results of this series indicate that one-stage PLC ligament reconstruction associated with medial opening-wedge valgus osteotomy is feasible and shows satisfactory functional results with a low rate of complications. A one-stage procedure might be indicated for young patients with high functionality and more pronounced posterolateral instabilities.

To evaluate the results of combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction in patients with chronic ACL injury. It was hypothesized that patients who underwent combined ACL and ALL reconstruction would exhibit less residual laxity and better clinical outcomes. Two groups of patients were evaluated and compared retrospectively. Both groups consisted only of patients with chronic (more than 12 months) ACL injuries. Patients in group 1 underwent anatomical intra-articular reconstruction of the ACL and patients in group 2 underwent anatomic intra-articular ACL reconstruction combined with ALL reconstruction. The presence of associated meniscal injury, the subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm functional outcome scores in the postoperative period, KT-1000 evaluation, the presence of residual pivot shift and graft rupture rate were evaluated. One hundred and one patients who underwent reconstruction of chronic ACL injuries were evaluated. The median follow-up was 26 (24–29) months for group 1 and 25 (24–28) months for group 2. There were no significant differences between groups regarding gender, age, duration of injury until reconstruction, follow-up time or presence of associated meniscal injuries in the preoperative period. Regarding functional outcome scores, patients in group 2 presented better results on both the IKDC (p = 0.0013) and the Lysholm (p

McDonald et al . (1), identified patients treated for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury from their institutional registry. Measurements to determine anterior tibial translation were performed, as described and validated by Iwaki et al . (2,3), determining the subluxation in the medial and lateral compartments.

Background: The patellar tendon has limited ability to heal after harvesting its central third. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) could improve patellar tendon healing.Hypothesis: Adding PRP to the patellar tendon harvest site would improve donor site healing and improve clinical outcome at 6 months after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with a patellar tendon graft.Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.Methods: Twenty-seven patients were randomly divided to receive (n = 12) or not receive (n = 15) PRP in the patellar tendon harvest site during ACL reconstruction. The primary outcome was magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of patellar tendon healing (gap area) after 6 months. Secondary outcomes were questionnaires and isokinetic testing of ACL reconstruction with a patellar tendon graft comparing both groups.Results: Patellar tendon gap area was significantly smaller in the PRP group (4.9 ± 5.3 mm2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-8.8) than in the control group (9.4 ± 4.4 mm2; 95% CI, 6.6-12.2; P = .046). Visual analog scale score for pain was lower in the PRP group immediately postoperatively (3.8 ± 1.0; 95% CI, 3.18-4.49) than in the control group (5.1 ± 1.4; 95% CI, 4.24-5.90; P = .02). There were no differences after 6 months in questionnaire and isokinetic testing results comparing both groups.Conclusion: We showed that PRP had a positive effect on patellar tendon harvest site healing on MRI after 6 months and also reduced pain in the immediate postoperative period. Questionnaire and isokinetic testing results were not different between the groups at 6 months.