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PURPOSE National registry data have established Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) functional recovery target values for adults after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, the specificity of these target values for young athletes after ACL reconstruction is unclear. The purpose of this analysis was to (1) derive age- and activity-relevant KOOS functional recovery target values from uninjured young athlete data and (2) determine clinical measures at the time of RTS clearance associated with meeting the newly-derived functional recovery target values in young athletes following ACLR. METHODS Two hundred and twenty-two young athletes (56 uninjured controls, 17.2 ± 2.4 years, 73% female; 166 after ACL reconstruction, 16.9 ± 2.2 years, 68% female) were included in this cross-sectional analysis from a larger cohort study. Uninjured control participants completed the KOOS, and functional recovery target values were defined as the lower bound of the 95% confidence interval for KOOS subscales. ACL reconstruction participants completed testing within 4 weeks of return-to-sport clearance, including the KOOS, single-leg hop tests, and isometric quadriceps strength. In ACL reconstruction participants, logistic regression was used to determine predictors of meeting all KOOS functional recovery target values (primary outcome) among demographic/injury, hop, and strength data (α ≤ 0.05). RESULTS KOOS functional recovery target values for each subscale from uninjured athlete data were: Pain ≥ 94, Symptoms ≥ 92, Activities of Daily Living ≥ 97, Sport ≥ 92, and Quality-of-Life ≥ 92. At the time of return-to-sport clearance, ACL reconstruction participants met the KOOS functional recovery targets in the following proportions: Pain, 63%; Symptoms, 42%; Activities of Daily Living, 80%; Sport, 45%; Quality-of-Life, 24%; overall functional recovery (met all subscale targets), 17%. In ACL reconstruction participants, significant predictors of overall functional recovery (primary outcome) were: younger age, hamstring graft, pediatric ACL reconstruction, quadriceps strength limb-symmetry index > 90%, single-hop limb-symmetry index > 90%, and crossover-hop limb-symmetry index > 90%. CONCLUSIONS KOOS functional recovery target values derived from uninjured young athletes were higher than those previously reported. Small proportions of young athletes following recent RTS clearance after ACLR met these newly-derived functional recovery target values, and factors associated with meeting functional recovery target values included younger age, hamstring autograft and pediatric ACLR, and having > 90% LSI for quadriceps strength and single-leg hop tests. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I.

Purpose To quantify the effect on strength of semitendinosus (ST) graft harvest by comparing isokinetic and isometric muscle strength. Methods A cohort of 140 patients underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) and were randomized to ipsilateral or contralateral ST graft harvest. Isokinetic and isometric muscle strength testing using a dynamometer were collected for the operated and non-operated leg. Patients were assessed pre-surgery and at 6, 12 and 24 months after reconstruction. Results ST graft harvest reduced isokinetic flexion muscle strength for 6 months. At 12 months follow up there was no significant difference between the two groups and they were all stronger than pre-injury. No other significant differences were found in any primary or secondary outcome measurements. Conclusion Solitary ST graft harvest does not appear to result in a permanent reduced isometric or isokinetic quadriceps muscle strength on the side where the graft is harvested. A reduction in hamstring muscle strength of less than 10% can be seen at short-term follow-up with full recovery by 12 months. Most patients report little or no donor site pain. Given these findings, ST autograft is an alternative graft choice that could be used for various reconstructions in terms of donor site morbidity. Level of evidence Level II.

Purpose To compare muscle strength and patient reported outcomes following ACLR using a semitendinosus (ST) graft from the ipsilateral (IL) leg compared to a graft from the contralateral (CL) leg. Methods One-hundred and forty patients with an ACL injury were randomized to IL or CL ACLR. Patients were assessed at 6, 12 and 24 months with isokinetic and isometric muscle strength measured using Biodex. Patient-reported outcomes and manual stability measurements were also recorded. Results Patient-related outcomes improved over time for both groups with no significant differences between groups at any time point. No differences between groups in objective knee assessment scores or rerupture rates were found. The IL group was significantly weaker in knee flexion strength at all time points compared to the CL group, additionally the IL group did not recover flexor strength within 2 years. Conclusion This study demonstrated that utilizing an ST graft harvested from the uninjured limb for ACLR facilitates early isokinetic and isometric strength recovery, with no significant adverse outcomes demonstrated in other measurements and therefore be performed to reduce the risk of long-term strength deficits in the injured leg Level of evidence II.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of meniscal repair on OA in the knee joint and patient-related outcomes. Methods Three-hundred and sixteen meniscal repairs performed between 1999 and 2011 were analysed. Patient-related outcome measures were assessed through mailed questionnaires including KOOS, Lysholm score and Tegner activity level. Patients answering the questionnaires were encouraged to perform a radiographic evaluation with Rosenberg views, assessed according to Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) classification. The primary endpoint was to determine the effect of meniscal repair on the development of radiographic OA defined as a KL grade 2 or more. Results Mean follow-up time was 9.3 years (SD 3.6), 162 (51%) patients answered the questionnaires, and 86 patients completed the X-ray. The odds ratio for OA with a failed meniscus repair was 5.1 (p = 0.007) adjusted for gender and age at time of follow-up. KOOS showed a clinically important difference in the sport and recreation subscale (p = 0.041). Conclusions There was an increased risk for OA in the affected compartment with a failed meniscus fixation. This supports the fact that the meniscus is an important protector of the cartilage in the knee. The meniscus injury affects the long-term health-related quality of life according to KOOS and in light of this study we recommend repair of a torn meniscus whenever possible. Level of evidence III.

PurposeTo compare acute ACL reconstruction (ACLR) within 8 days of injury with delayed reconstruction after normalized range of motion (ROM), 6–10 weeks after injury. It was hypothesized that acute ACL reconstruction with modern techniques is safe and can be beneficial in terms of patient-reported outcomes and range of motion.MethodsThe effect of acute and delayed ACLR was randomized studied on 70 patients with high recreational activity level, Tegner level 6 or more, between 2006 and 2013. Patient-reported outcomes, objective IKDC, KOOS, and manual stability measurements were documented during the 24-month follow-up period.ResultsThe acute ACLR group did not result in increased stiffness and showed superior outcome regarding strength and how the patient felt their knee functioning at 24 months. In addition, the acute group was not inferior to the delayed group in any assessment. Regarding patient-related outcomes in KOOS, both groups showed significant improvements in all subscales, but no difference was found between the groups. Functional return (FR) rate was almost double compared to the Swedish knee ligament register and treatment failure (TF) rate was reduced by half, no significant difference between the groups. No difference regarding cyclops removal, re-injury of ACL or meniscus was found between the two surgical timing groups.ConclusionAcute ACLR within 8 days of injury does not appear to adversely affect ROM or result in increased stiffness in the knee joint and was not inferior to the delayed group in any assessment when compared to delayed surgery.Level of evidenceI.

National registry data have established Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) functional recovery target values for adults after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, the specificity of these target values for young athletes after ACL reconstruction is unclear. The purpose of this analysis was to (1) derive age- and activity-relevant KOOS functional recovery target values from uninjured young athlete data and (2) determine clinical measures at the time of RTS clearance associated with meeting the newly-derived functional recovery target values in young athletes following ACLR.Two hundred and twenty-two young athletes (56 uninjured controls, 17.2 ± 2.4 years, 73% female; 166 after ACL reconstruction, 16.9 ± 2.2 years, 68% female) were included in this cross-sectional analysis from a larger cohort study. Uninjured control participants completed the KOOS, and functional recovery target values were defined as the lower bound of the 95% confidence interval for KOOS subscales. ACL reconstruction participants completed testing within 4 weeks of return-to-sport clearance, including the KOOS, single-leg hop tests, and isometric quadriceps strength. In ACL reconstruction participants, logistic regression was used to determine predictors of meeting all KOOS functional recovery target values (primary outcome) among demographic/injury, hop, and strength data (α ≤ 0.05).KOOS functional recovery target values for each subscale from uninjured athlete data were: Pain ≥ 94, Symptoms ≥ 92, Activities of Daily Living ≥ 97, Sport ≥ 92, and Quality-of-Life ≥ 92. At the time of return-to-sport clearance, ACL reconstruction participants met the KOOS functional recovery targets in the following proportions: Pain, 63%; Symptoms, 42%; Activities of Daily Living, 80%; Sport, 45%; Quality-of-Life, 24%; overall functional recovery (met all subscale targets), 17%. In ACL reconstruction participants, significant predictors of overall functional recovery (primary outcome) were: younger age, hamstring graft, pediatric ACL reconstruction, quadriceps strength limb-symmetry index 90%, single-hop limb-symmetry index 90%, and crossover-hop limb-symmetry index 90%.KOOS functional recovery target values derived from uninjured young athletes were higher than those previously reported. Small proportions of young athletes following recent RTS clearance after ACLR met these newly-derived functional recovery target values, and factors associated with meeting functional recovery target values included younger age, hamstring autograft and pediatric ACLR, and having 90% LSI for quadriceps strength and single-leg hop tests.I.

To quantify the effect on strength of semitendinosus (ST) graft harvest by comparing isokinetic and isometric muscle strength.A cohort of 140 patients underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) and were randomized to ipsilateral or contralateral ST graft harvest. Isokinetic and isometric muscle strength testing using a dynamometer were collected for the operated and non-operated leg. Patients were assessed pre-surgery and at 6, 12 and 24 months after reconstruction.ST graft harvest reduced isokinetic flexion muscle strength for 6 months. At 12 months follow up there was no significant difference between the two groups and they were all stronger than pre-injury. No other significant differences were found in any primary or secondary outcome measurements.Solitary ST graft harvest does not appear to result in a permanent reduced isometric or isokinetic quadriceps muscle strength on the side where the graft is harvested. A reduction in hamstring muscle strength of less than 10% can be seen at short-term follow-up with full recovery by 12 months. Most patients report little or no donor site pain. Given these findings, ST autograft is an alternative graft choice that could be used for various reconstructions in terms of donor site morbidity.Level II.

Objective To compare the reliability and validity of the Korean range of motion standard protocol (KRSP) for measuring joint range of motion (ROM) with those of the conventional ROM measurement using a goniometer. Methods We conducted a randomized controlled trial involving 91 healthy elderly individuals. We compared two strategies of measuring joint ROM to evaluate the reliability and validity of each standardized protocol: first, the KRSP based on the Chungnam National University guidelines and second, handheld goniometric measurement. In the first strategy, 3 examiners (1 rehabilitation doctor, 1 physical therapist, and 1 physical therapy student) independently measured joint ROM in 46 randomly selected subjects; in the second strategy, another 3 examiners (1 rehabilitation doctor, 1 physical therapist, and 1 physical therapy student) measured joint ROM in 45 randomly selected subjects. The reliability of each protocol was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC(2,1), and root mean square error (RMSE). Results Both protocols showed good to excellent intra-rater reliability. With goniometer use, the inter-rater reliability was low—ICC(2,1), 95% confidence interval ranged from 0.643 (0.486–0.783) to -0.078 (-0.296–0.494)— and RMSE was high. With the KRSP, the inter-rater reliability ranged from 0.846 (0.686–0.931) to 0.986 (0.972–0.994) and RMSE was low. Conclusion ROM measurements using the KRSP showed excellent reliability. These results indicate that this protocol can be the reference standard for measuring ROM in clinical settings as an alternative to goniometers.

Introduction The mortality of femoral neck fracture (FNF) is high and every effort should be made to identify and manage any possible risk factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether on-admission hemoglobin (Hb) level, C-reactive protein (CRP), and serum creatinine were associated with 2-year mortality after FNF. Patients and Methods In this retrospective observational cohort study, we considered for inclusion all displaced FNF patients 65 years and above treated with hemi-arthroplasty between February 2011 and May 2015. We documented the age, sex, cognitive status, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification. The Hb level, CRP, and serum creatinine were measured. The medical records were followed up for 2 years. We fitted different crude and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models to examine whether Hb level 20 mg/L, and serum creatinine >100 μmol/L were associated with the 2-year mortality, adjusted for age, sex, and ASA class. Results A total of 290 patients [208 females (72%), mean age 84 years] were included in the study. More than 50% of patients had impaired cognition and ASA class 3–4. Of the 290 patients, 38.3% ( n = 111) had died within 2 years after surgery. Mortality among males was 46.3% ( n = 38) while mortality among females was 35,1% ( n = 73), p = 0.07. We found that on-admission Hb level 20 mg/L and serum creatinine >100 μmol/L were not associated with 2-year mortality ( p = 0.89 and p = 0.31, respectively). Conclusion On-admission Hb level 20 mg/L and serum creatinine >100 μmol/L, was associated with 2-year mortality. These results can help healthcare providers identify high-risk FNF patients who probably would benefit from optimized perioperative medical management.

Purpose To compare the total number of sick-leave days caused by the knee injury from the day of injury and over the first year between acute (within 8 days) and delayed (6–10 weeks) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and also assess other clinical outcomes during this period. Methods Seventy patients with an acute ACL injury and Tegner level of 6 or more were randomized to acute (within 8 days) or delayed (after 6–10 weeks) ACLR. Patient-reported outcomes; objective IKDC and manual stability measurements were assessed at 6 and 12 months. With data from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan) information about the number of sick-leave days due to the knee injury over the following 12 months was collected and compared between the two groups. Results Seventy-one percent received compensation for sick leave (26 in the acute versus 23 in the delayed group). The mean number of sick-leave days for the acute group was significantly lower (M = 56.9, SD = 36.4) compared to the delayed group (M = 88.5, SD = 50.2), p

Purpose The management of posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries has significantly evolved over the past 2 decades. The purpose of this study was to determine the current worldview of key concepts on the diagnosis, treatment strategy, and rehabilitation for patients presenting with PLC injuries. Methods A 12-question multiple-choice online survey was designed to address key questions in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of PLC injuries. The survey was distributed to the most important international sports medicine societies worldwide. Clinical agreement was defined as > 80% of agreement in responses and general agreement was defined as > 60% of agreement in responses. Results 975 surgeons completed the survey with 49% from Europe, 21% from North America, 12% from Latin America, 12% from Asia, and smaller percentages from Africa and Oceania. Less than 14% of respondents manage more than ten PCL injuries yearly. Clinical agreement of > 80% was only evident in the use of MRI in the diagnosis of PLC injury. Responses for surgical treatment were split between isometric fibular-based reconstruction techniques and anatomically based fibular and tibial-based reconstructions. A general agreement of > 60% was present for the use of a post-operative brace in the early rehabilitation. Conclusion In the global surgical community, there remains a significant variability in the diagnosis, treatment, and postoperative management of PLC injuries. The number of PLC injuries treated yearly by most surgeons remains low. As global clinical consensus for PLC remains elusive, societies will need to play an important role in the dissemination of evidence-based practices for PLC injuries.

Meniscal injuries are common in patients with varus or valgus malalignment, but consensus is lacking as to when surgery should address the meniscal injury only and when it should be combined with an osteotomy. Several factors need to be evaluated to provide the most appropriate treatment in each case. Here we highlight the most relevant literature on the subject and suggest a rationale for surgical treatment.

© 2020, European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery, Arthroscopy (ESSKA). Purpose: To establish recommendations for diagnosis, classification, treatment, and rehabilitation of posteromedial corner (PMC) knee injuries using a modified Delphi technique. Methods: A list of statements concerning the diagnosis, classification, treatment and rehabilitation of PMC injuries was created by a working group of four individuals. Using a modified Delphi technique, a group of 35 surgeons with expertise in PMC injuries was surveyed, on three occasions, to establish consensus on the inclusion or exclusion of each statement. Experts were encouraged to propose further suggestions or modifications following each round. Pre-defined criteria were used to refine item lists after each survey. The final document included statements reaching consensus in round three. Results: Thirty-five experts had a 100% response rate for all three rounds. A total of 53 items achieved over 75% consensus. The overall rate of consensus was 82.8%. Statements pertaining to PMC reconstruction and those regarding the treatment of combined cruciate and PMC injuries reached 100% consensus. Consensus was reached for 85.7% of the statements on anatomy of the PMC, 90% for those relating to diagnosis, 70% relating to classification, 64.3% relating to the treatment of isolated PMC injuries, and 83.3% relating to rehabilitation after PMC reconstruction. Conclusion: A modified Delphi technique was applied to generate an expert consensus statement concerning the diagnosis, classification, treatment, and rehabilitation practices for PMC injuries of the knee with high levels of expert agreement. Though the majority of statements pertaining to anatomy, diagnosis, and rehabilitation reached consensus, there remains inconsistency as to the optimal approach to treating isolated PMC injuries. Additionally, there is a need for improved PMC injury classification. Level of evidence: Level V.

As an Orthopaedic Sport Medicine surgeon, I worry that the Swedish health care system is too focused on effectivity and cost oriented, to make room for education and evolution of new treatment options, in this short essay I will present why. Swedish health care often gets praise for its quality and cost-effectiveness. In Sweden there is a strong dominance for tax financed health care. The Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions have published reports of the quality and effectiveness of the health care provided in the different regions in Sweden compared with other countries and health care systems since 2005. In these publications Sweden is often among the top countries in the world according to the assessed indexes. So, what is there to worry about?

© 2018, European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery, Arthroscopy (ESSKA). Purpose: To develop a statement on the diagnosis, classification, treatment, and rehabilitation concepts of posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries of the knee using a modified Delphi technique. Methods: A working group of three individuals generated a list of statements relating to the diagnosis, classification, treatment, and rehabilitation of PLC injuries to form the basis of an initial survey for rating by an international group of experts. The PLC expert group (composed of 27 experts throughout the world) was surveyed on three occasions to establish consensus on the inclusion/exclusion of each item. In addition to rating agreement, experts were invited to propose further items for inclusion or to suggest modifications of existing items at each round. Pre-defined criteria were used to refine item lists after each survey. Statements reaching consensus in round three were included within the final consensus document. Results: Twenty-seven experts (100% response rate) completed three rounds of surveys. After three rounds, 29 items achieved consensus with over 75% agreement and less than 5% disagreement. Consensus was reached in 92% of the statements relating to diagnosis of PLC injuries, 100% relating to classification, 70% relating to treatment and in 88% of items relating to rehabilitation statements, with an overall consensus of 81%. Conclusions: This study has established a consensus statement relating to the diagnosis, classification, treatment, and rehabilitation of PLC injuries. Further research is needed to develop updated classification systems, and better understand the role of non-invasive and minimally invasive approaches along with standardized rehabilitation protocols. Level of evidence: Consensus of expert opinion, Level V.

To compare acute ACL reconstruction (ACLR) within 8 days of injury with delayed reconstruction after normalized range of motion (ROM), 6-10 weeks after injury. It was hypothesized that acute ACL reconstruction with modern techniques is safe and can be beneficial in terms of patient-reported outcomes and range of motion.The effect of acute and delayed ACLR was randomized studied on 70 patients with high recreational activity level, Tegner level 6 or more, between 2006 and 2013. Patient-reported outcomes, objective IKDC, KOOS, and manual stability measurements were documented during the 24-month follow-up period.The acute ACLR group did not result in increased stiffness and showed superior outcome regarding strength and how the patient felt their knee functioning at 24 months. In addition, the acute group was not inferior to the delayed group in any assessment. Regarding patient-related outcomes in KOOS, both groups showed significant improvements in all subscales, but no difference was found between the groups. Functional return (FR) rate was almost double compared to the Swedish knee ligament register and treatment failure (TF) rate was reduced by half, no significant difference between the groups. No difference regarding cyclops removal, re-injury of ACL or meniscus was found between the two surgical timing groups.Acute ACLR within 8 days of injury does not appear to adversely affect ROM or result in increased stiffness in the knee joint and was not inferior to the delayed group in any assessment when compared to delayed surgery.I.

Articular cartilage has little regenerative capacity. Recently, genetic lineage tracing experiments have revealed chondrocyte progenitors at the articular surface. We further characterized these progenitors by using in vivo genetic approaches. Histone H2B–green fluorescent protein retention revealed that superficial cells divide more slowly than underlying articular chondrocytes. Clonal genetic tracing combined with immunohistochemistry revealed that superficial cells renew their number by symmetric division, express mesenchymal stem cell markers, and generate chondrocytes via both asymmetric and symmetric differentiation. Quantitative analysis of cellular kinetics, in combination with phosphotungstic acid–enhanced micro–computed tomography, showed that superficial cells generate chondrocytes and contribute to the growth and reshaping of articular cartilage. Furthermore, we found that cartilage renewal occurs as the progeny of superficial cells fully replace fetal chondrocytes during early postnatal life. Thus, superficial cells are self-renewing progenitors that are capable of maintaining their own population and fulfilling criteria of unipotent adult stem cells. Furthermore, the progeny of these cells reconstitute adult articular cartilage de novo, entirely substituting fetal chondrocytes.—Li, L., Newton, P. T., Bouderlique, T., Sejnohova, M., Zikmund, T., Kozhemyakina, E., Xie, M., Krivanek, J., Kaiser, J., Qian, H., Dyachuk, V., Lassar, A. B., Warman, M. L., Barenius, B., Adameyko, I., Chagin, A. S. Superficial cells are self-renewing chondrocyte progenitors, which form the articular cartilage in juvenile mice.

Glucocorticoids are reported to improve postoperative analgesia. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether a preoperative, single dose of betamethasone could reduce pain after ambulatory arthroscopic knee surgery. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial including patients scheduled for knee arthroscopy. The intervention was an intravenous injection of betamethasone 8 mg or placebo. The primary outcome was pain day 1 evaluated by a verbal descriptor scale (VDS). In total, 74 patients (betamethasone = 34; placebo = 40) were randomized. One patient in each group was excluded from analysis. During activity day 1 following surgery, the proportion with no or minor pain was significantly (p = 0.030) higher in the betamethasone group (22 of 33; 67 %) compared with the placebo group (17 of 39; 44 %). At rest, the corresponding figures were 26 of 33 (79 %) for betamethasone and 24 of 39 (62 %) for placebo (p = 0.062). After 3 months of follow-up, no patient receiving betamethasone experienced adverse events while six receiving placebo did (postoperative nausea and vomiting in five and delayed wound healing in one). An analgesic benefit was seen day 1 following surgery. This indicates that betamethasone has a place in ambulatory arthroscopic knee surgery. https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ (identifier 2009-014717-27).

Background: Meniscal surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures performed by orthopaedic surgeons. Over the past decade, awareness has increased regarding the importance of meniscal preservation to prevent the development of osteoarthritis in the knee joint. Removal of meniscal tissue can lead to a high risk of cartilage degeneration, and moreover, meniscus-preserving surgery rather than meniscal resection is likely to have better long-term outcomes. Success rates after meniscal repair range from 60% to 95%, but many reports are based on a small number of patients. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to review all meniscal repairs and potential predictors for failure during a 12-year period. We hypothesized that meniscal anchors, lateral repairs, and repairs made in conjunction with an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) would have fewer failures than meniscal arrows, medial repairs, and isolated repairs. We also hypothesized that younger patients and acute tears would be associated with fewer failures. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This study was a dual-center, retrospective analysis on consecutive meniscal repairs. The surgical protocols were reviewed, including type of tear, location, associated injury to the knee, and surgery. The study endpoint was failure of repair, defined as a need for reoperation and secondary partial or total meniscal resection, within 3 years. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to assess repair survival, with multivariate Cox regression to adjust for confounders. Results: A total of 954 meniscal repairs were performed on 918 patients (536 male patients [58%]; 382 female patients [42%]) with a mean age of 26 years (range, 12-60 years). The failure rate for the entire cohort was 22.5%. Bioabsorbable arrows had significantly more failures than all-inside sutures with anchors (hazard ratio [HR], 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.5; P = .002). Medial meniscal repairs had a higher failure rate than lateral meniscal repairs (HR, 3.7; 95% CI, 2.3-6.0; P < .001). Simultaneous ACLR resulted in less failure than when no simultaneous ACLR was performed (HR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-0.9; P = .009). Age at repair and acuity of tear did not affect the outcome ( P = .6 and .07, respectively). Conclusion: The failure rate after meniscal repair was significantly higher on the medial side, especially when using arrows. Meniscal repairs performed concomitantly with an ACLR result in fewer reoperations.

Objectives: It has been long known that removal of the meniscus can lead to degenerative changes, and preserving surgery rather than meniscal resection is likely to have better long-term outcomes. Success rates after meniscal repair ranges from 60- 95%, but with most studies having small number of patients. The purpose of this study was to review all meniscal repairs, and potential predictors for failure, during a 12-year period. Methods: A dual center retrospective analysis was performed on two consecutive cohorts of meniscal repairs, during the period 1999-2011 and 1999-2010 respectively. Data from surgical protocols and follow up charts were reviewed including type of tear, location, associated injury to the knee, and surgery. Study endpoint was failure of repair, which was defined as a need for reoperation and secondary partial or total meniscal resection, within 3 years. Kaplan-Meier was used to assess repair device survival. Results were expressed as hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and were adjusted for confounding factors using cox regression. results: 954 meniscal repairs were performed on 918 patients (n = 536 males [58%] and 382 females [42%]) with a mean age of 23 years (12-60). 64% underwent medial meniscal repair and 36% underwent lateral meniscal repair. 4% were repaired both medially and laterally. 75% of the repairs were performed using meniscal sutures (predominantly Fast-Fix), and 25% of the meniscal tears were repaired using bioabsorbable arrows (Biofix). The median time from injury to surgery was 23 days (0-360). The reoperation rate in the whole cohort was 29%. 35% of the medial meniscal repairs failed and 17% failures were noted on the lateral side. Repair with bioabsorbable arrows on the medial meniscus resulted in reoperation in 44% of the cases, whereas the reoperation rate for meniscal sutures was 32% on the medial side. On the lateral side 18% failures were noticed when using arrows, and 17% when sutures were used. 62% of the patients had a simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. When medial meniscal repair was preformed with simultaneous ACL-reconstruction 26% of the meniscal repairs failed, when no simultaneous ACL- reconstruction was performed 37% of the meniscal repairs failed and with no associated ACL-injury 41% of the meniscal repairs failed. Analyzing failure in a multivariate cox regression, adjusted according to age, gender, meniscus, ACL-pathology and days- to-surgery, revealed a higher failure rate for medial meniscal repairs (HR 3.006 [2.074-4.355; p = 0.000). Bioabsorbable arrows had significantly more failures than meniscal sutures (HR 1.656 [1.207-2.273]; p = 0.002). With reference to no ACL injury, meniscal repairs performed with a simultaneous ACL-reconstruction resulted in less failure than when no simultaneous ACL-reconstruction was performed (HR 0.605 [0.413-0.885]; p = 0.010). Conclusion: The failure rate was significantly higher on the medial side, especially when using Biofix-arrows. Patients who underwent a simultaneous ACL-reconstruction had a significantly better healing than conservatively treated ACL-ruptures, and patients with no ACL-injury. Age and days-to-surgery were not significant factors for failure.

Objectives: Acute ACLR has been avoided since the 1990’s due to reports of postoperative stiffness. But are these risks still valid with modern arthroscopic techniques? The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to assess the impact of the time between injury and reconstruction on the outcome after ACLR. Our hypothesis was that acute ACLR with semitendinosus graft can be performed safely. Methods: The primary endpoint was ROM at three months after surgery. A power calculation revealed the need for 64 patients to detect a ROM difference of 5 degrees between the groups (5% significance level). 70 patients with a high recreational activity level (Tegner ≥6) who presented with an acute ACL injury were randomized to an acute reconstruction within 8 days from the injury or delayed reconstruction (after normalized ROM) 6-10 weeks after the injury. Fixation was with Endobutton in femur and a metallic interference screw in tibia. The rehabilitation was performed at the same physiotherapy center for all patients. Follow up assessment was performed by a physiotherapist not involved with the rehabilitation. The follow up at 24 months included ROM, Lachman, instrumented laxity with Rolimeter, pivot shift, one leg hop index, Biodex, IKDC, KOOS, Lysholm and Tegner Activity level, and a VAS question regarding knee function and the knee function’s effect on activity level. Results: Seventy percent of the patients were males, mean age at the time of surgery was 27 years (18 -41) and the median pre-injury Tegner level was 9 (6-10) with no differences between the groups. 64 (91%) patients were assessed at three months with no difference according to the primary endpoint. Median Tegner level was restored to pre-injury levels in both groups after one year, and did not change between one and two years. 63 (90%) patients were available for the 2-year follow up. There was one graft rupture and one contralateral ACL injury in both groups. There was additional surgery in 15% of the acute patients and in 31% in the delayed (n.s.). The mean instrumented laxity was 1.8 mm in the acute and 2.0 in the delayed group. There were no positive pivot shift in the acute group and 6 patients with grade 1 or not possible to perform in the delayed group (p=0.039). IKDC revealed no significant differences between the groups. Lysholm score was 87 in both groups. KOOS values showed no significant difference between the groups. VAS response to the question “How is your knee working on a scale from 0-100? (100 = best)” was 81 in the acute and 71 in the delayed group (p=0.1) and “How does your knee affect your activity level? (100 = no affection)” the mean score was 75 in the acute and 67 in the delayed group (p=0.3). Functional strength (one leg hop index >90%) was 85% in the acute and 67% in the delayed group (n.s). Conclusion: We found no increased risk of arthrofibrosis after acute ACLR. Good results can be achieved at two years regardless of ROM and swelling in the acute stage.

Purpose To compare acute ACL reconstruction (ACLR) within 8 days of injury with delayed reconstruction after normalized range of motion (ROM), 6–10 weeks after injury. It was hypothesized that acute ACL reconstruction with modern techniques is safe and can be beneficial in terms of patient-reported outcomes and range of motion. Methods Sample size calculation indicated 64 patients would be required to find a 5° difference in ROM at 3 months. Seventy patients with high recreational activity level, Tegner level 6 or more, were randomized to acute (within 8 days) or delayed (6–10 weeks) ACLR between 2006 and 2013. During the first 3 months following surgery patients were contacted weekly by SMS and asked ‘How is your knee functioning?’, with answers given on a Visual-Analog Scale (0–10). ROM was assessed after 3 months by the rehab physiotherapist. Patient-reported outcomes, objective IKDC and manual stability measurements were collected by an independent physiotherapist not involved in the rehab at the 6-month follow-up. Results At 3-month follow-up, 91% of the patients were assessed with no significant differences in flexion, extension or total ROM demonstrated between groups. At the 6-month follow-up, the acute group had significantly less muscle atrophy of the thigh muscle compared to the contralateral leg. Furthermore, a significantly higher proportion of patients in the acute group passed or were close to passing the one leg hop test (47 versus 21%, p = 0.009). No difference was found between the groups in the other clinical assessments. Additionally, no significant difference between the groups was found in terms of associated injuries. Conclusion Acute ACLR within 8 days of injury does not appear to adversely affect ROM or result in increased stiffness in the knee joint when compared to delayed surgery. Level of evidence II.

To restore functional stability of the knee joint and to prevent secondary injuries to the cartilage and menisci are the main goals of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Functional stability can be assessed by health-related quality of life questionnaires, but characterising differences between a satisfactory and non-satisfactory result can be challenging.The aim of this study based on the Swedish National Knee Ligament Register was to find predictors for a satisfactory result defined as functional recovery (FR) or a non-satisfactory result defined as treatment failure (TF), with special emphasis on waiting time before surgery and additional injuries. FR was defined as a Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) above: 90 for Pain, 84 for Symptoms, 91 for ADL, 80 for Sport/Rec and 81 for quality of life (QoL). TF was defined as a KOOS, QoL44.A complete KOOS was available for 41.4 % of a cohort of 8,584 patients 2 years after the ACL reconstruction. Of all patients, 19.7 % were FR and 28.9 % were TF. Male gender was a predictor for FR. Previous surgery of the menisci and a patella graft was predictors for TF and negative predictors for FR. A medial meniscus suture or resection at the time of reconstruction was a predictor for TF. Waiting time was a predictor for medial meniscus and cartilage injury at the time of reconstruction.Functional recovery after an ACL reconstruction can be achieved; gender and additional injuries are important predictors for a functional recovery. To time surgery early, that is, before recurring giving ways has occurred is essential to decrease additional injuries and increase the chance of functional recovery.

Objectives: Clinical practice has been to avoid acute ACL reconstruction due to the risk of complications, especially arthrofibrosis. Thus, a general rule has been to wait with reconstruction until he knee is “calm” which usually means 4-8 weeks following injury. Furthermore there is often also a prolonged waiting time due to operating space and other logistic factors. Since most of the patients undergoing ACL reconstruction are of working age, there is a potentially large socio-economic loss due to the fact that many of these patients are unable to work from the time of injury to the time of reconstruction. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the total number of sick leave days caused by the knee injury from the day of injury and over the first year between sub acute and delayed reconstruction. Methods: 70 patients with high recreational activity level, Tegner level of 6 or more, who presented with an acute ACL injury were randomized to acute reconstruction within 8 days from the injury or delayed reconstruction 6-10 weeks post injury. Four surgeons performed the ACL reconstructions with quadrupled semitendinosus tendon grafts. Patients were assessed at 6,12 and 24 months and these follow ups included Biodex strength test, Lachman, Rolimeter, pivot shift, one leg hop, IKDC, KOOS, Lysholm and Tegner activity level. With data from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan) information about the number of sick leave days from the day of the knee injury and over the following twelve months was collected. The data was recalled based on diagnostic numbers related to the specific knee-injury and compared between the two groups. Results: Seventy percent of the patients were males, mean age at the time of inclusion was 27 years (18 -41) and the pre-injury median Tegner level was 9 (5-10), with no differences between the groups. 15/70 patients were students without registered compensation for sick leave, 5 in the acute and 10 in the delayed group. 4 patients in the acute group and 1 in the delayed group were neither students nor registered for any compensation for sick leave from work. One patient from the delayed group resigned from the study before surgery. The remaining 49 patients, 26 patients in the acute and 23 in the delayed group received compensation for sick leave due to the injury. The number of sick leave days for the acute group was significantly lower, mean 57 (median 53) days compared to the delayed group, mean 99 (median 66) days (pConclusion: Acute ACL reconstruction seems to significantly reduce socio economic costs (compensation for sick leave) compared to delayed reconstruction. From a nation based perspective this could have major implications in health care spending.

Background:The reported prevalence of radiological osteoarthritis (OA) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction varies from 10% to 90%.Purpose/Hypothesis:To report the prevalence of OA after ACL reconstruction and to compare the OA prevalence between quadrupled semitendinosus tendon (ST) and bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) grafts. The hypothesis was that there would be no difference in OA prevalence between the graft types. The secondary aim was to study whether patient characteristics and additional injuries were associated with long-term outcomes.Study Design:Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.Methods:Radiological examination results, Tegner activity levels, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) values were determined in 135 (82%) of 164 patients at a mean of 14 years after ACL reconstruction randomized to an ST or a BPTB graft. Osteoarthritis was defined according to a consensus by at least 2 of 3 radiologists of Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥2. Using regression analysis, graft type, sex, age, overweight, time between injury and reconstruction, additional meniscus injury, and a number of other variables were assessed as risk factors for OA 14 years after ACL reconstruction.Results:Osteoarthritis of the medial compartment was most frequent, with 57% of OA cases in the ACL-reconstructed knee and 18% of OA cases in the contralateral knee ( P < .001). There was no difference between the graft types: 49% of OA of the medial compartment for BPTB grafts and 65% for ST grafts ( P = .073). The KOOS results were lower for patients with OA in all subscales, indicating that OA was symptomatic. No difference in the KOOS between the graft types was found. Meniscus resection was a strong risk factor for OA of the medial compartment (odds ratio, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.4-9.3) in the multivariable logistic regression analysis.Conclusion:A 3-fold increased prevalence of OA was found after an ACL injury treated with reconstruction compared with the contralateral healthy knee. No differences in the prevalence of OA between the BPTB and quadrupled ST reconstructions were found. An initial meniscus resection was a strong risk factor for OA; the time between injury and reconstruction was not.

Hamstring tendon grafts are a popular choice for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Typical morbidity reported after hamstring tendon harvest is muscle weakness in flexion, and whilst still a matter for debate, this morbidity may be greater if the gracilis tendon is harvested in addition to the semitendinosus. This study sought to comprehensively compare the outcome of ACL reconstructions in which the semitendinosus was harvested alone (ST group) or with the gracilis (ST/G group).Twenty patients (ten ST, ten ST/G) were assessed with a variety of measures that included subjective scores, function, strength and tibial rotation as measured by gait analysis during a pivoting task.Results showed that the graft diameter was significantly larger in the ST group, but there were no other differences between the groups for any other outcome measure.Harvesting the gracilis in addition to semitendinosus does not appear to affect either the outcome or graft-related morbidity after hamstring ACL reconstruction.

Background: Randomized controlled trials after anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions with long-term follow-up including assessment of health-related quality of life are rare.Purpose: To compare clinical outcome and health-related quality of life 8 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using 2 types of graft.Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.Methods: Long-term follow-up of 164 patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury randomized to arthroscopic reconstruction with a quadrupled semitendinosus graft or a bone–patellar tendon–bone graft was undertaken. After a mean 8 years, 153 patients were available for follow-up, including instrumented laxity, 1-legged hop test, a knee-walking test, and assessment with International Knee Documentation Committee, Lysholm, Tegner, and patellofemoral pain score. Health-related quality of life was assessed with Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and Short Form–36.Results: Patients in both graft groups retained the same stability, knee function, and health-related quality of life. The patellofemoral pain score was similar for both groups; the bone–patellar tendon–bone group had more donor site morbidity from kneeling and knee walking. In the bone–patellar tendon–bone group, 19 patients had no kneeling problems, 23 slight problems, 31 moderate problems, and 5 unable to kneel. Corresponding figures for the semitendinosus group were 25, 32, 16, and 2 ( P < .001). Patients with early reconstructions (Conclusion: In the long term, the semitendinosus graft provided similar stability, knee function, and health-related quality of life but with less kneeling morbidity than did the bone–patellar tendon–bone graft.

Objectives: Historically acute ACL reconstruction has been avoided due to reports of early rehabilitation problems with stiffness. Are these reports still valid today with modern arthroscopic techniques? Methods: 70 patients with a high recreational activity level (Tegner ≥6) who presented with a acute ACL injury were randomized to an acute reconstruction within 8 days from the injury or delayed reconstruction after 6-10 weeks. Four surgeons performed the ACL reconstructions with quadrupled semitendinosus tendon grafts and endobutton and metallic interference screw fixation. The rehabilitation training was performed at the same physiotherapy center for all patients. The follow up at 6 and 24 months included ROM, Lachman, Rolimeter, pivot shift, one leg hop, IKDC, KOOS, Lysholm and Tegner activity level. Results: There were no differences between the groups in ROM, IKDC, activity level or laxity at 6 months. Four patients had a combined extension and flexion deficit of more than 15 degrees, two from each group. In the acute group 79% had an objective IKDC grade A or B compared with 73% in the delayed group. The one leg hop index above 90% was found in 50% in the acute group and 24% in the delayed group (p=0.04). Functional data for the 2-year follow up are not available at the time of abstract writing. The median activity level according to Tegner was restored to pre-injury levels in both groups after one year, and was stationary at 2 years. The visual analogue scale (VAS) response to the question “How is your knee working on a scale from 0-100? (100 = best)” revealed 81 in the acute and 71 in the delayed group (p=0.1). To the question “How does your knee affect your activity level on a scale from 0-100? (100 = no affection)” the mean score was 75 in the acute group and 67 in the delayed group (p=0.3). At one and two years the KOOS was statistically similar between the groups but with slightly higher subscale “Sport and recreation” scores, 85 in the acute group at 2 years compared to 78 in the delayed group (p=0.2). At the meeting preliminary results regarding functional tests and additional procedures for the groups will be presented. Conclusion: No negative effects of an acute ACL reconstruction were found at 6 months follow up. Preliminary 2 year results point in the same direction. Acute reconstruction of the ACL seems to be safe and a potential benefit might be decreased loss of muscle function. Further analysis of the 2 year results is needed before final conclusions can be drawn.