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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.

To evaluate the profile of blood loss and blood transfusions after the introduction of Tranexamic acid (TXA) in a tertiary university hospital in Brazil.173 patients were retrospectively divided into two groups: the ones who received TXA and the control group. Hemoglobin levels (Hb), drain output, transfusion rates, and thromboembolic events were measured.Among the patients included in this study, 82 cases received TXA. Blood transfusion occurred in 3 cases of the TXA group (3.7%), and in 27 control group cases (29.7%; p0.001). The average Hb decrease was 2.7 g/dl (± 1.39) and the median drain output was 270 mL in the TXA group. In the control group, the values were 3.41 g/dl (± 1.34; p0.001) and 460 mL (p0.001), respectively. Thromboembolic events occurred in 2 TXA group cases (2.4%) and in 3 control group cases (3.3%; p0.999).TXA was effective in reducing blood transfusion rates, Hb decrease, and drain output on the 1st postoperative day without increasing thromboembolic events.Avaliar o perfil de perda sanguínea e hemotransfusões após a introdução da prática do uso de ácido tranexâmico (ATX) em um serviço terciário universitário brasileiro.173 pacientes foram separados retrospectivamente em dois grupos: uso do ATX e controle. Foram analisados valores da hemoglobina (Hb), débito do dreno, necessidade transfusional e complicações tromboembólicas.Dentre os pacientes admitidos no estudo, 82 fizeram uso do ATX. Hemotransfusão ocorreu em 3 casos do grupo ATX (3,7%) e em 27 controles (29,7%, p0,001). A queda de Hb teve média de 2,7 g/dl (± 1,39) e o débito do dreno, mediana de 270 ml no grupo ATX. No grupo controle, os valores foram de 3,41 g/dl (± 1,34; p0.001) e de 460 ml (p0.001), respectivamente. Eventos tromboembólicos ocorreram em 2 casos (2,4%) no grupo ATX e em 3 no controle (3,3%, p0.999).o uso do ATX foi efetivo em reduzir hemotransfusões, queda de Hb e débito drenado no 1° dia pós-operatório, sem aumentar eventos tromboembólicos. Nível de evidência III, Estudo retrospectivo comparativo.

To compare the failure rate in patients who underwent revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction alone or associated with an extra-articular procedure. Secondary objectives were to compare ACL laxity, patient-reported outcome measures, and complication rates in these patients and, subsequently, to compare the outcomes of patients who underwent revision ACL reconstruction associated with anatomical anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction or lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET).This was a retrospective comparative study. Patients were classified into 2 groups, according to whether (group 2) or not (group 1) an extra-articular reconstruction was performed. Patients who underwent an extra-articular procedure were further divided into ALL reconstruction (group 2A) and LET (group 2B). Baseline demographic variables, operative data and postoperative data were evaluated.The groups with (86 patients) and without (88 patients) an associated extra-articular reconstruction had similar preoperative data. Group 2 had a lower failure rate (4.6% vs 14.7%; P = .038), better KT-1000, better pivot-shift, and better Lysholm. There was no difference regarding complications, except more lateral pain in group 2. Regarding the groups who underwent ALL reconstruction (41 patients) and LET (46 patients), group 2A showed better Lysholm scores. Both groups had similar failure rates and complications.Patients who underwent revision ACL reconstruction with a laterally based augmentation procedure had a lower failure rate than patients who underwent isolated revision ACL reconstruction. KT-1000 and pivot-shift examination were also significantly better when a lateral augmentation was performed. Complications were similar except for an increase in lateral pain in the augmented group. No clinically important differences were found when comparing the LET group to the ALL group other than a statistical improvement in the Lysholm functional scale, likely not clinically meaningful, favoring the ALL group and an increased duration of post-operative lateral pain in the LET group.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.

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

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.

Background Wound healing complications are causal factors of prosthesis infection and poor postoperative evolution of patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) can be an option to minimize these complications. The aim of this study is to compare the complications of patients undergoing TKA who used a portable NPWT device in the immediate postoperative period with those of a control group. Methods A total of 296 patients were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups: those who used NPWT for seven days in the postoperative period (Group 1 – prospective evaluated) and those who used conventional dressings (Group 2 – historical control group). Epidemiological data, comorbidities, local parameters related to the surgical wound and complications were evaluated. Results The groups did not differ in regard to sex, age and clinical comorbidities. Overall, 153 (51.7%) patients had at least one risk factor for wound complications. Patients who used NPWT had a lower rate of complications (28.5% vs. 45.7%, p = 0.001) and a lower rate of reintervention in the operating room (2% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.001). Patients in group 1 had a lower incidence of hyperaemia (14.7% vs. 40.2%, p = 0.01), skin necrosis (2.1% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.04) and wound dehiscence (3.1% vs 10.1%, p = 0.03). The use of NPWT was a protective factor for the presence of complications, with an odds ratio of 0.36 (95% CI 0.206–0.629). Conclusion The number of complications related to the wound after TKA is high; however, most of them are minor and have no impact on the treatment and clinical evolution of patients. The use of NPWT decreased the number of surgical wound complications, especially hyperaemia, dehiscence and necrosis, and reduced the need for reintervention.

With the increasing number of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedures being performed annually, the burden of revision surgery is also expected to increase. Addressing bone loss during revision TKA is a considerable challenge that requires proper preoperative evaluation and surgical planning. In addition to an assessment of femoral and tibial bone loss, a systematic approach to the management of bone loss associated with TKA includes careful implant selection, adherence to the general principles of revision TKA, and an understanding of the available reconstruction options. These options include cement with screws, morcellized allograft, bulk structural allograft, modular wedges, block augments, porous metal cones or sleeves, and megaprostheses.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o uso da tecnica de subcondroplastia no tratamento das lesoes medulares osseas em serie inicial de cinco casos. Metodos O estudo incluiu pacientes entre 40 e 75 anos, com dor em joelho com pelo menos seis meses de duracao, associada a ressonância magnetica com lesao hipercaptante em ponderacao de T2 na tibia ou no femur. Os pacientes foram avaliados segundo a escala visual analogica de dor (EVA) e pelo Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), uma semana antes da cirurgia e uma, tres, seis, 12 e 24 semanas apos. A subcondroplastia foi feita com tecnica desenvolvida para o preenchimento, guiado por radioscopia, da area de lesao ossea medular, com o uso de substituto osseo em pasta a base de fosfato de calcio. Resultados O preenchimento foi feito com sucesso em todos os casos, quatro no condilo femoral medial e um no planalto tibial medial. A avaliacao pelo KOOS apresentou uma media pre‐operatoria de 38,44 pontos e 62,7, 58,08, 57,92, 63,34 e 71,26 pontos com uma, tres, seis, 12 e 24 semanas apos a cirurgia, respectivamente. Na avaliacao pela EVA, a media foi de 7,8 pontos no pre‐operatorio e 2,8, 3, 2,8, 1,8 e 0,6 pontos nos mesmos periodos. Todos os pacientes conseguiram deambular, sem apoio adicional, ja no primeiro dia apos o procedimento. Um paciente apresentou minimo extravasamento de enxerto para partes moles, causou dor local que se resolveu completamente apos uma semana. Conclusao A tecnica de subcondroplastia desenvolvida proporcionou melhorias significativas nos parâmetros de dor e capacidade funcional na avaliacao de curto prazo.

Objective: To present an experience with negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the treatment of surgical wounds in patients treated for infections after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with or without dehiscence and prophylaxis in wounds considered at risk of healing problems. Methods: We prospectively evaluated patients with TKA infection with or without surgical wound dehiscence and patients with risk factors for infection or surgical wound complications treated with Pico(r) device for NPWT in addition to standard treatment of infection or dehiscence in our institution. We considered as an initial favorable outcome the resolution of the infectious process and the closure of the surgical wound dehiscences in the treated cases and the good progression of the wound without complicating events in the prophylactic cases. Results: We evaluated 10 patients who used Pico(r) in our service. All patients had a favorable outcome according to established criteria. No complications were identified regarding the use of the NPWT device. The mean follow-up of the patients after the use of the device was 10.5 months. Conclusion: The NPWT can be safely used in wound infections and complications following TKA with promising results. Long-term randomized prospective studies should be conducted to prove its effectiveness. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series. RESUMO Objetivo: Apresentar uma experiência com a terapia com pressão negativa (TPN) no tratamento das feridas cirúrgicas de pacientes tratados por infecções em artroplastias totais do joelho (ATJ) associadas ou não à deiscência e como profilaxia nas feridas consideradas em risco de problemas de cicatrização. Métodos: Foram avaliados prospectivamente pacientes que apresentavam infecção de ATJ associada ou não à deiscência de ferida operatória e pacientes com fatores de riscos de infecção ou complicações de ferida cirúrgica tratados com dispositivo PICO(r) para TPN além do tratamento padrão da infecção ou deiscência em nossa instituição. Consideramos como desfecho favorável inicial a resolução do processo de infecção e o fechamento das deiscências de ferida operatória nos casos de tratamento e a boa evolução da ferida operatória, sem eventos complicadores, nos casos profiláticos. Resultados: Foram avaliados 10 pacientes que usaram PICO(r) em nosso serviço. Todos os pacientes apresentaram desfecho favorável de acordo com os critérios estabelecidos. Não foram identificadas quaisquer complicações com relação ao uso do dispositivo de TPN. A média de seguimento dos pacientes após o uso do dispositivo foi de 10 meses e meio. Conclusão: A TPN pode ser usada em complicações de ferida e infecção depois de ATJ de maneira segura e com resultados promissores. Estudos prospectivos randomizados prolongados devem ser realizados para comprovar sua eficácia. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos.

ResumoAs reconstruções ligamentares do joelho são procedimentos ortopédicos frequentes. As fixações dos enxertos são mais comumente feitas com parafusos de interferência, metálicos ou absorvíveis. Em estudo recente, somente dez relatos sobre migração de parafusos foram encontrados; somente um deles não estava relacionado ao ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) e a maioria estava relacionada a parafusos de poly‐L‐lactic acid (PLLA). Apenas um caso da literatura reportou migração de parafuso em reconstruções do canto posterolateral, essa para a região intra‐articular. Neste artigo, os autores relatam um caso de migração extra‐articular e transcutânea de um parafuso de interferência de poly L,D‐lactide (PDLLA) após a reconstrução do tendão poplíteo. Além de ser o primeiro caso de reconstrução do tendão do poplíteo com migração extra‐articular do parafuso, não foram encontrados na literatura relatos de migração de parafusos de PDLLA.AbstractKnee ligament reconstructions are commonly performed orthopedic procedures. Graft fixation is generally performed with metal or absorbable interference screws. In a recent study, only ten reports of screw migration were retrieved; of these, only one was not related to the anterior cruciate ligament, and the majority was related to the use of poly‐L‐lactic acid (PLLA) screws. Only one case retrieved in the literature reported screw migration in reconstructions of the posterolateral corner, and that was to the intra‐articular region. In the present article, the authors report a case of extra‐articular and transcutaneous migration of a poly‐L/D‐lactide (PDLLA) interference screw following popliteal tendon reconstruction. Besides being the first case of popliteal tendon migration with extra‐articular screw migration, no reports of PDLLA screw migration were retrieved in the literature.

INTRODUÇÃO: O edema medular ósseo pode ser encontrado em diversas doenças do joelho e existe ainda grande controvérsia quanto à sua classificação e nomenclatura na literatura, principalmente, em vista dos estudos mais recentes, a partir do ano de 2000, quando a repercussão clínica de tais alterações de imagens de ressonância magnética começaram a ser melhor avaliadas. Estudos demonstraram a correlação do edema ósseo com a dor e a progressão da osteoartrite. Um novo método cirúrgico desenvolvido para o tratamento dessas lesões é denominado subcondroplastia e consiste na injeção de substituto ósseo pastoso no local do edema medular ósseo. O objetivo do presente trabalho é avaliar a técnica de subcondroplastia no Brasil quanto a sua aplicabilidade e os resultados no tratamento do edema medular ósseo. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos pacientes com idade entre 40 e 85 anos, com dor no joelho há pelo menos 6 meses, associada à ressonância magnética com lesão de hipersinal em ponderação de T2 na tíbia ou fêmur. Os pacientes foram avaliados segundo a escala visual analógica de dor e pela escala de KOOS, IKDC subjetivo e SF36, uma semana antes da cirurgia e com 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 e 48 semanas após. Também foi realizada avaliação por imagem do joelho afetado com radiografia e ressonância magnética, sendo tais exames realizados no pré-operatório e após 48 semanas da cirurgia. A subcondroplastia foi realizada com técnica desenvolvida para o preenchimento da área de lesão óssea medular, guiada por fluoroscopia, com substituto ósseo em pasta à base de fosfato de cálcio. RESULTADOS: O preenchimento foi realizado com sucesso em 20 joelhos, sendo 11 lesões no côndilo femoral medial e 12 no planalto tibial medial. A avaliação pela escala de KOOS apresentou uma melhora significativa durante o seguimento na avaliação de sintomas (p < 0,001), dor (p < 0,001), função diária (p < 0,001), função esportiva (p=0,006) e qualidade de vida (p < 0,001). As avaliações pelas escalas do IKDC subjetivo (p < 0,001) e dor pela EVA (p < 0,001) também apresentaram melhora significativa. Na avaliação da qualidade de vida pela escala SF-36, os critérios de capacidade funcional (p < 0,001), aspectos físicos (p < 0,001), estado geral de saúde (p=0,015), vitalidade (p=0,017), aspectos sociais (p < 0,003), aspectos emocionais (p < 0,001) e saúde mental (p=0,019) apresentaram melhora significativa e apenas o critério de dor (p=0,398) não obteve melhora significativa. A escala radiográfica de Kellgren-Lawrence ao final do seguimento foi significativamente pior que a pontuação pré-operatória (p=0,025). Doze ressonâncias magnéticas realizadas após 48 semanas de seguimento foram avaliadas, com seis pacientes apresentando redução do edema. A impacção estava pior em 5 joelhos, não houve alteração em 6 joelhos e em apenas 1 houve redução da impacção. Todos os pacientes conseguiram deambular, sem apoio adicional, já no primeiro dia após o procedimento. Como complicações, dois pacientes apresentaram extravasamento de enxerto para partes moles. CONCLUSÃO: A técnica de subcondroplastia é segura, apresenta melhora rápida e sustentada de dor e desempenho funcional dos pacientes em um seguimento de 48 semanas INTRODUCTION: Bone marrow edema can be found in several pathologies of the knee and there is still great controversy regarding classification and nomenclature in the literature, especially in view of the most recent studies since the year 2000, when the clinical repercussion of such magnetic resonance imaging began to be better evaluated. Studies have shown the correlation of bone edema with pain and osteoarthritis progression. A new surgical method developed for the treatment of these lesions is called subchondroplasty and consists of the injection of a paste substitute at the site of bone marrow edema. The aim of the present study was the development of the subchondroplasty technique in Brazil to evaluate its applicability and results in the treatment of bone marrow edema. METHODS: We included patients aged 40 to 85 years, with pain in the knee for at least 6 months, associated with increased uptake MRI lesion on T2 weighting in the tibia or femur. The patients were evaluated according to the visual analogue pain scale and the KOOS, subjective IKDC and SF36 scales one week before surgery and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 weeks after surgery. We also performed image evaluation of the affected knee with radiography and MRI, which were performed preoperatively and after 48 weeks of surgery. The subchondroplasty was performed using a technique developed to fill the area of bone marrow lesion, guided by fluoroscopy, with a bone substitute in a paste based on calcium phosphate. RESULTS: The filling was successfully performed on 20 knees, with 11 lesions on the medial femoral condyle and 12 on the medial tibial plateau. The KOOS score showed a significant improvement during the evaluation of symptoms (p < 0.001), pain (p < 0.001), daily function (p < 0.001), sports function (p=0.006) and quality of life (p < 0.001). Evaluations by the subjective IKDC scales (p < 0.001) and pain by the VAS (p < 0.001) also showed significant improvement. In the evaluation of the SF-36 quality of life the criteria of functional capacity (p

OBJECTIVE: Tranexamic acid (TXA) and the hemostatic agent Floseal® have already been used to minimize bleeding during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized study of 90 patients with indications for TKA. Following inclusion, the participants were randomly allocated in blocks to the following 3 groups: control, Floseal® and TXA. Bleeding parameters, including decreases in hemoglobin (Hb), drain output, number of blood transfusions and complications, were assessed. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02152917. RESULTS: The mean decrease in Hb was highest in the control group (4.81±1.09 g/dL), followed by the Floseal® (3.5±1.03 g/dL) and TXA (3.03±1.2 g/dL) groups. The Floseal® and TXA groups did not differ, and both performed better than the control group. The mean total drain output was 901.3±695.7 mL in the control group, 546.5±543.5 mL in the TXA group and 331.2±278.7 mL in the Floseal® group. Both TXA and Floseal® had significantly less output than the control group, and Floseal® had significantly less output than TXA. The number of blood transfusions was very small in all 3 groups. CONCLUSION: The use of TXA or Floseal® was associated with less blood loss than that of the control group among patients undergoing primary TKA, as measured both directly (intraoperative bleeding + drainage) and on the basis of a decrease in Hb, without differences in the rate of complications. TXA and Floseal® showed similar decreases in Hb and total measured blood loss, but the drain output was smaller in the Floseal® group.

Background: The anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee has recently been described in detail. Most studies of the ALL have been conducted in adults; therefore, little is known about the anatomy and histology of the ALL in younger patients, and nothing is known about the fetal presence of the ALL. Purpose: To evaluate the ALL in human fetuses to determine its presence or absence and to describe its microscopic anatomy and histological features compared with the findings of studies conducted in adults. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Twenty human fetal cadaveric specimens were used. The mean age of the fetuses was 28.64 ± 3.20 weeks. The ALL was dissected in the anterolateral region of the knee, and its anatomic parameters, including its origin, insertion, and path in relation to known adjacent anatomic landmarks, in addition to its length, width, and thickness over the path toward the tibia, were measured. After dissection, the ALL was removed en bloc with a portion of the lateral meniscus for histological analysis of 4-μm sections, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemical staining for type I collagen. Results: The ALL was located in all dissected knees. Its origin was located at a mean distance of 1.87 mm from the origin of the lateral collateral ligament, with variations from the center of the lateral epicondyle to posterior and proximal to it, and it exhibited an anterior-inferior path toward the tibia, an insertion in the lateral meniscus approximately 2.08 mm anterior to the popliteal tendon, and another insertion in the tibia between the Gerdy tubercle and the fibular head at 2.46 mm below the articular cartilage. The histological sections of the ALL showed well-organized, dense collagenous tissue fibers with elongated fibroblasts (mean, 1631 fibroblasts/mm2) and a predominance of type I collagen. Conclusion: The ALL is present during fetal development, with anatomic and histological features similar to those of the adult ALL. Clinical Relevance: The findings of this study help to better understand the ALL’s anatomy and histology from the fetal period to adulthood. The study presents the existence of the ALL since fetal development, emphasizes the characterization of the ALL, and brings important information to future pediatric ALL lesion studies.

Chronic lateral dislocation of the patella is a rare condition and acquired causes are usually secondary to knee trauma. The neglected chronic dislocation leads to progressive genu valgum and external tibial torsion deformities with subsequent gonarthrosis, which becomes painful and debilitating. There is no consensus regarding treatment of these patients, but total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a useful therapy in cases of painful symptomatic gonarthrosis. Few reports have shown that subvastus approach and lateral release may be a valid option for TKA, since it allows the correction of valgus deformity and patellar tracking without interrupting vascular blood supply of patella. This article reports a case of TKA and extensor mechanism realignment without patellar resurfacing in a patient with genu valgum and chronic post-traumatic patellar dislocation with satisfactory results after two years of follow-up.

ResumoA luxação crônica da patela é uma patologia rara e o trauma sua principal causa adquirida. Quando negligenciada, leva ao geno valgo progressivo, à torção externa da tíbia e à subsequente artrose debilitante. Não existe consenso na literatura com relação ao tratamento desses pacientes, porém a artroplastia total de joelho (ATJ) tem se mostrado um procedimento eficaz em casos de gonartrose sintomática dolorosa. Poucos relatos mostraram que a via subvasto associada à liberação lateral é uma opção válida para ATJ, já que permite a correção de deformidades em valgo e da boa excursão patelar, sem interrupção do suprimento sanguíneo. Relatamos um caso de uma paciente com geno valgo e luxação crônica pós‐traumática de patela submetida a ATJ associada ao realinhamento do mecanismo extensor, com resultados satisfatórios persistentes após seguimento de dois anos.AbstractChronic lateral dislocation of the patella is a rare condition and acquired causes are usually secondary to knee trauma. The neglected chronic dislocation leads to progressive genu valgum and external tibial torsion deformities with subsequent gonarthrosis, which becomes painful and debilitating. There is no consensus regarding treatment of these patients, but total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a useful therapy in cases of painful symptomatic gonarthrosis. Few reports have shown that subvastus approach and lateral release may be a valid option for TKA, since it allows the correction of valgus deformity and patellar tracking without interrupting vascular blood supply of patella. This article reports a case of TKA and extensor mechanism realignment without patellar resurfacing in a patient with genu valgum and chronic post‐traumatic patellar dislocation with satisfactory results after two years of follow‐up.

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.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a surgical technique for anatomical reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament using the quadriceps tendon, combined with reconstruction of the medial patellotibial ligament using the patellar tendon; and to present the initial results from a case series. METHOD: The proposed technique was used on a series of cases of patients with diagnoses of patellofemoral instability and indications for surgical treatment, who were attended by the Knee Group of HC-IOT, University of São Paulo. The following were evaluated before and after the operation: range of motion (ROM), apprehension test, lateral translation test, patellar inclination test, inverted J sign, subluxation upon extension, pain from compression of the patella and pain from contraction of the quadriceps. After the operation, the patients were asked whether any new episode of dislocation had occurred, what their degree of satisfaction with the surgery was (on a scale from 0 to 10) and whether they would be prepared to go through this operation again. RESULTS: Seven knees were operated, in seven patients, with a mean follow-up of 5.46 months (±2.07). Four patients who presented apprehension before the operation did not show this after the operation. The lateral translation test became normal for all the patients, while the patellar inclination test remained positive for two patients. The patients with an inverted J sign continued to be positive for this sign. Five patients were positive for subluxation upon extension before the operation, but all patients were negative for this after the operation. None of the patients presented any new episode of dislocation of the patella. All of them stated that they were satisfied: five gave a satisfaction score of 9 and two, a score of 10. All of them said that they would undergo the operation again. Only one patient presented a postoperative complication: dehiscence of the wound. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament using the quadriceps tendon, combined with reconstruction of the medial patellotibial ligament using the patellar tendon, was technically safe and presented good objective and subjective clinical results in this case series with a short follow-up. RESUMO OBJETIVO: Descrever técnica cirúrgica de reconstrução anatômica do LPFM com tendão quadricipital combinada com a reconstrução do LPTM com tendão patelar e apresentar os resultados iniciais em uma série de casos. MÉTODO: Foi aplicada a técnica proposta em uma série de casos de pacientes do Grupo de Joelho do HC-IOT diagnosticados com instabilidade patelofemoral e com indicação de tratamento cirúrgico. No pré e pós-operatório foram avaliados: amplitude de movimento (ADM), teste da apreensão, teste da translação lateral, teste da inclinação patelar, sinal do J invertido, subluxação em extensão, dor a compressão da patela e dor a contração do quadríceps. No pós-operatório também foi perguntado aos pacientes se houve novo episódio de luxação, qual o grau de satisfação com a cirurgia (escala de zero a 10) e se passariam pela cirurgia novamente. RESULTADOS: Foram operados sete joelhos em sete pacientes e a média de seguimento foi de 5,46 meses (±2,07). Tivemos quatro pacientes com apreensão no pré-operatório que não tinham apreensão no pós-operatório. O teste de translação lateral foi normalizado em todos os pacientes enquanto o teste da inclinação patelar permaneceu positivo em dois pacientes. Os pacientes com J invertido permaneceram com o sinal positivo. A subluxação em extensão, presente no pré-operatório em cinco pacientes, foi negativa em todos no pós-operatório. Nenhum paciente apresentou novo episódio de luxação da patela. Todos responderam estar satisfeitos. Cinco pacientes referiram satisfação 9 e dois referiram 10. Todas passariam novamente pela cirurgia. Apenas uma paciente apresentou complicação pós-operatória, deiscência de ferida. CONCLUSÃO: A reconstrução combinada do LPFM com tendão quadricipital com a reconstrução do LPTM com tendão patelar é tecnicamente segura e apresentou bons resultados clínicos objetivos e subjetivos nesta série de caso de curto seguimento.

To assess whether the use of an articulated external fixator provides improvements in the mobility, stability and subjective function of patients undergoing ligament reconstruction. Thirty-three patients with sub-acute and chronic knee dislocation were subjected to multi-ligament reconstruction surgery. These patients were randomly allocated to two groups for immobilization after reconstruction: group 0—control (18 patients), with rigid knee bracing, and group 1—articulated external fixator (15 patients). The stability of the reconstructed ligaments was assessed after at least 14 months (26.6-month average) postoperatively by physical examination. Deficit of extension and flexion was measured in relation to the unaffected contralateral knee, and the Lysholm knee scoring scale questionnaire was applied. There was no difference in the assessment of joint stability between the groups. In group 1, patients showed less flexion deficit (4.8° ± 5.4° vs. 18.2° ± 14.8°, p

The aim of this study is to characterize in detail the meniscal insertion of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee, establishing parameters regarding the circumference of the lateral meniscus and the popliteal muscle tendon (PMT) groove in addition to its histological analysis. A total of 33 knees of cadavers were dissected. The ALL and the lateral meniscus were removed en bloc. After removal of the anatomical specimen, the meniscus circumference, the ALL insertion points on the external surface of the lateral meniscus, and the PMT groove were measured. Eight menisci were subjected to histological analysis. The ALL was found in all dissections performed. The ALL insertion occurred macroscopically in the transition between the anterior horn and the lateral meniscus body, specifically beginning at 36.0 % and ending at 41.9 % of the meniscal circumference, occupying a mean area of 5.6 mm. The distance between the end of the ALL meniscal insertion and the beginning of the PMT groove averaged 12.9 mm. In the histological evaluation, in longitudinal sections, we observed dense collagen fibers of the ligament inserting on the external surface of the meniscus. It is possible to observe a spreading of collagen fibers at the moment of meniscal insertion. The ALL meniscal insertion was found in all dissected specimens, beginning with approximately 36 % of the meniscal outer diameter, 12.9 mm anterior to the beginning of the PMT groove. The histological analysis confirmed the presence of true ligamentous tissue in the dissected specimens.

We present a new technique for the combined intra- and extra-articular reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. Intra-articular reconstruction is performed in an outside-in manner according to the precepts of the anatomic femoral tunnel technique. Extra-articular reconstruction is performed with the gracilis tendon while respecting the anatomic parameters of the origin and insertion points and the path described for the knee anterolateral ligament.

ResumoObjetivoAvaliar a presença do ligamento anterolateral (LAL) do joelho em exames de ressonância magnética (RM).MétodosForam avaliadas 33 RM de joelho de pacientes feitas por indicações não relacionadas a instabilidade ligamentar ou trauma. Foram obtidas imagens no plano sagital ponderadas em T1 e imagens nos planos axial, sagital e coronal ponderadas em T2 com saturação de gordura. As imagens foram avaliadas por dois radiologistas experientes em patologias musculoesqueléticas. Na avaliação da visualização, dividimos a análise do ligamento em três porções: origem femoral até o seu ponto de bifurcação, da bifurcação até a inserção meniscal e da bifurcação até a inserção tibial. Considerou‐se com variável categórica dicotômica (sim ou não) a capacidade de visualizar o ligamento em cada uma das porções e no seu todo.ResultadosO LAL foi visualizado com característica de sinal semelhante às demais estruturas ligamentares do joelho, com hipossinal em T2 com saturação de gordura. O principal plano em que o ligamento foi identificado foi o coronal. Alguma porção do ligamento foi visualizada com clareza em 27 (81,8%) joelhos. A porção meniscal ficou evidente em 25 (75,7%) dos joelhos, a porção femoral em 23 (69,6%) e a tibial em 13 (39,3%). As três porções foram visualizadas em conjunto em 11 (33,3%) joelhos.ConclusãoO ligamento anterolateral do joelho é mais bem visualizado em sequências no plano coronal. O ligamento foi caracterizado por completo em 33,3% dos casos. A porção meniscal foi a mais facilmente identificada e a tibial a menos encontrada.AbstractObjectiveTo evaluated the presence of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations.MethodsThirty‐three MRI examinations on patients’ knees that were done because of indications unrelated to ligament instability or trauma were evaluated. T1‐weighted images in the sagittal plane and T2‐weighted images with fat saturation in the axial, sagittal and coronal planes were obtained. The images were evaluated by two radiologists with experience of musculoskeletal pathological conditions. In assessing ligament visibility, we divided the analysis into three portions of the ligament: from its origin in the femur to its point of bifurcation; from the bifurcation to the meniscal insertion; and from the bifurcation to the tibial insertion. The capacity to view the ligament in each of its portions and overall was taken to be a dichotomous categorical variable (yes or no).ResultsThe ALL was viewed with signal characteristics similar to those of the other ligament structures of the knee, with T2 hyposignal with fat saturation. The main plane in which the ligament was viewed was the coronal plane. Some portion of the ligament was viewed clearly in 27 knees (81.8%). The meniscal portion was evident in 25 knees (75.7%), the femoral portion in 23 (69.6%) and the tibial portion in 13 (39.3%). The three portions were viewed together in 11 knees (33.3%).ConclusionThe anterolateral ligament of the knee is best viewed in sequences in the coronal plane. The ligament was completely characterized in 33.3% of the cases. The meniscal portion was the part most easily identified and the tibial portion was the part least encountered.