Aims. Graft infection following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) may lead to septic arthritis requiring multiple irrigation and debridement procedures, staged revision operations, and prolonged courses of antibiotics. To our knowledge, there are no previous studies reporting on how gentamicin pre-soaking of hamstring grafts influences infection rates following ACLR. We set out to examine this in our study accordingly. Methods. This retrospective study included 2,000 patients (1,156 males and 844 females) who underwent primary ACLR with hamstring autografts between 2007 to 2017. This included 1,063 patients who received pre-soaked saline hamstring grafts for ACLR followed by 937 patients who received pre-soaked gentamicin hamstring grafts for ACLR. All operative procedures were completed by a single surgeon using a standardized surgical technique. Medical notes were reviewed and data relating to the following outcomes recorded: postoperative infection, clinical progress, causative organisms, management received, and outcomes. Results. Superficial wound infection developed in 14 patients (1.31 %) receiving pre-saline soaked hamstring grafts compared to 13 patients (1.38 %) receiving pre-gentamicin soaked hamstring grafts, and this finding was not statistically significant (p = 0.692). All superficial wound infections were treated with oral antibiotics with no further complications. There were no recorded cases of septic arthritis in patients receiving pre-gentamicin soaked grafts compared to nine patients (0.85%) receiving pre-saline soaked grafts, which was statistically significant (p = 0.004). Conclusion. Pre-soaking hamstring autographs in gentamicin does not affect superficial infection rates but does reduce deep intra-articular infection rates compared to pre-soaking hamstring grafts in saline alone. These findings suggest that pre-soaking hamstring autografts in gentamicin provides an effective surgical technique for reducing intra-articular infection rates following ACLR. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(1):66–71

Tunnel enlargement after AC reconstruction with a hamstring autograft has been noticed mainly the first 3–6 months postoperatively. Its etiology involves biomechanical and biological factors. The aggressive rehabilitation program is another etiological factor. The aim of this study is to investigate the tunnel enlargement after ACL reconstruction with a Hamstring autograft by the aid of CT-scan. We investigate the tunnel diameter in a series of 25 consecutive patients who operated with a Hamstring autograft 3 months postoperatively. The mean age of the patients was 23.6 years old (18–35). The same femoral fixation system (XObutton) and the same tibial fixation system (bioabsorbable screw) were used in all the patients. All the follow the same rehabilitation program, partial weight bearing from the 1st postoperative day, brace for 3–5 weeks and return to sports activities in 6 months. In 2 patients a meniscal suture was performed and in 3 patients a partial meniscectomy was performed. All patients had excellent clinical result which was demonstrated by the physical examination and by the KT-1000 results. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS system. We noticed a tunnel enlargement in the majority of the patients, but this was not statistical significant (P< 0.01). Tunnel enlargement after ACL reconstruction with a hamstring autograft has been noticed the first postoperative months, especially with the use of suspensor fixation systems. However in our study the tunnel enlargement is not correlated with a poor clinical outcome

The purpose of our study is to determine if hamstring autograft size can be predicted preoperatively. We will define a relationship between patient body size (BMI, height, and weight) and harvested graft size, as well as define a relationship between the preoperative MRI cross-sectional area (CSA) of hamstring tendons and harvested graft size. This information will be useful as a tool for preoperative planning in graft choice selection. The pre-operative MRIs of one hundred and four patients (62M, 42F) who underwent ACL reconstruction using hamstring autografts were analyzed. Cross-sectional area (CSA) of the ST and G was measured on a single axial MRI image at the level of the knee joint. Combined CSA of both tendons was then compared to the diameter of the four-strand hamstring autograft measured intra-operatively. Patient BMI, height and weight was also compared to intraoperative hamstring autograft size. Linear regression analysis was then performed to define the relationship and predictive value of body size on graft diameter. Mean graft size was 7.4mm (range 6 – 9). Average graft size for men and women, 7.6mm and 7.1mm, respectively. Predicting graft size from BMI: r= 0.29, R2= 0.08. Predicting graft size from height: r= 0.52, R2= 0.27. Predicting graft size from weight: r= 0.5, R2= 0.25. On preoperative MRI, the mean CSA of ST and G was 9.8mm2 (range 5.4 – 17.7) and 4.5mm2 (range 1.8 – 9.4) respectively, with a total CSA of 14.3mm2 (range 8.4 – 25). If the total CSA was greater than 12mm2, a graft of 7.0mm or greater could be predicted 93% of the time, with sensitivity and specificity, 78% and 76%, respectively, and a LR of 3.25. Body size is a poor predictor of hamstring graft size in ACL reconstruction, and therefore a large patient does not always provide a large graft from harvested hamstring tendons. MRI assessment of hamstring tendons can be a useful tool for preoperative planning, providing a strong predictive value of graft size from a simple calculation

Introduction. In order to prepare hamstring autograft, suture fixation to the tendon is required to secure and handle the tendon during harvest and preparation. We use a simple, grasping suture which doesn't require suture of the tendon, thus saving time and avoiding violation of the graft itself. We present this technique, with results of mechanical testing compared to a standard whip suture, traditionally used to handle hamstring autograft. Methods and materials. Twelve uniform ovine flexor tendons were prepared. A number two braided polyester suture was used in all cases. Six tendons were prepared with a standard, non-locking whip-suture, maintaining uniformity of suture bite and working length between samples. Six tendons were prepared with the utility suture, also taking care to maintain uniformity. The suture was applied by tying the thread around the tendon with a single-throw granny knot then symmetrically wrapping the suture ends from proximal to distal and securing with another single throw, allowing compression of the tendon with longitudinal tension on the suture. All the samples were tested to failure in uniaxial tension in a materials testing machine. Peak load values and load/displacement curves were acquired and results analysed with a two-sample T-test assuming significance at P<0.05. Results. Modes of failure between the groups, as characterised by the load/displacement curves were quite distinct. Peak load to failure was lower in the utility suture group but all failures occurred when the suture snapped. Thus the peak load to failure of the suture/tendon construct exceeded the breaking strain of the suture material. Conclusion. The grasping utility suture described here is sufficiently strong to harvest and handle hamstring autograft without passing a needle through the graft, saving time and avoiding violation of the graft itself. The lower loads at failure, despite failure occurring due to suture snapping, may reflect differing knot orientation between groups

Abstract. Background. The gold standard treatment for Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury is reconstruction (ACL-R). Graft failure is the concern and ensuring a durable initial graft with rapid integration is crucial. Graft augmentation with implantable devices (internal brace reinforcement) is a technique purported to reduce the risk of rupture and hasten recovery. We aim to compare the short-term outcome of ACL-R using augmented hamstring tendon autografts (internally braced with neoligament) and non-augmented hamstring autografts. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study comparing augmented and non-augmented ACL-R. All procedures were performed in a single centre using the same technique. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS] was used to assess patient-reported outcomes. Results. There were 70 patients in the augmented and 111 patients in the control group. Mean graft diameter in the augmented group was 8.82mm versus 8.44mm in the non-augmented. Six strand graft was achievable in 73.5% of the augmented group compared to 33% in the non-augmented group. Two graft failures were reported in the non-augmented group and none in the augmented group. Patient satisfaction rates were higher in the augmented group. There was a statistically insignificant improvement in the postoperative KOOS in the augmented group compared to the non-augmented group (p 0.6). Irrespective of augmentation status, no correlation was found between the functional score and age, or femoral tunnel width. Conclusion. Augmented ACL-R may achieve superior graft diameters, lower failure rates and better patient reported outcomes when compared to nonaugmented ACL-R. Prospective trials are needed to examine this further

The primary purpose of this study was to assess whether patients presenting with clinical graft laxity following primary anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using hamstring autograft reported a significant difference in disease-specific quality-of-life (QOL) as measured by the ACL-QOL questionnaire. Clinical ACL graft laxity was assessed in a cohort of 1134/1436 (79%) of eligible patients using the Lachman and Pivot-shift tests pre-operatively and at 12- and 24-months following ACL reconstruction. Post-operative ACL laxity was assessed by an orthopaedic surgeon and a physical therapist who were blinded to each other's examination. If there was a discrepancy between the clinical examination findings from these two assessors, then a third impartial examiner assessed the patient to ensure a grading consensus was reached. Patients completed the ACL-QOL questionnaire pre-operatively, and 12- and 24-months post-operatively. Descriptive statistics were used to assess patient demographics, rate of post-operative ACL graft laxity, surgical failures, and ACL-QOL scores. A Spearman rho correlation coefficient was utilised to assess the relationships between ACL-QOL scores and the Lachman and Pivot-shift tests at 24-months post-operative. An independent t-test was used to determine if there were differences in the ACL-QOL scores of subjects who sustained a graft failure compared to the intact graft group. ACL-QOL scores and post-operative laxity were assessed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). There were 70 graft failures (6.17%) in the 1134 patients assessed at 24-months. A total of 226 patients (19.9%) demonstrated 24-months post-operative ACL graft laxity. An isolated positive Lachman test was assessed in 146 patients (12.9%), an isolated positive Pivot-shift test was apparent in 14 patients (1.2%), and combined positive Lachman and Pivot-shift tests were assessed in 66 patients (5.8%) at 24-months post-operative. There was a statistically significant relationship between 24-month post-operative graft laxity and ACL-QOL scores (p < 0.001). Specifically, there was a significant correlation between the ACL-QOL and the Lachman test (rho = −0.20, p < 0.001) as well as the Pivot-shift test (rho = −0.22, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the scores collected from the graft failure group prior to failure occurring (mean = 74.38, SD = 18.61), and the intact graft group (mean = 73.97, SD = 21.51). At 24-months post-operative, the one-way ANOVA demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the ACL-QOL scores of the no laxity group (mean = 79.1, SD = 16.9) and the combined positive Lachman and Pivot-shift group (mean = 68.5, SD = 22.9), (p = 0, mean difference = 10.6). Two-years post ACL reconstruction, 19.9% of patients presented with clinical graft laxity. Post-operative graft laxity was significantly correlated with lower ACL-QOL scores. The difference in ACL-QOL scores for patients with an isolated positive Lachman or Pivot-shift test did not meet the threshold of a clinically meaningful difference. Patients with clinical laxity on both the Lachman and Pivot-shift tests demonstrated the lowest patient-reported ACL-QOL scores, and these results exceeded the minimal clinically important difference

AIMS. The aim of this study was to assess the knee function after MPFL reconstruction with single hamstring autograft. METHODS-RESULTS. In this case series 68 patients (69 knees) were treated in total. Clinical and radiological evidence of patellar instability and MPFL rupture or deficiency was documented prior to surgery. The MPFL was reconstructed with semitendinosus autograft. The free end of the graft was rerouted through the most distal part of the medial intermuscular septum proximally to the adductor tubercle, to the superomedial border of the patella, where it was fixed, whereas its distal insertion to the tibia was preserved. Knee function was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively with the use of Kujala, Tegner, Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores. There were 46 male and 22 female patients with an average age of 25.8 years (median age 23) ranging from 11 to 54 years. The mean follow-up was 19.6 months (range 6-54 months). Ten of the patients had findings of femoral trochlear dysplasia. All knee functional scores significantly improved postoperatively. Kujala score improved from 56 to 84, Tegner score improved from 2 to 6, IKDC score improved from 48 to 75 and Lysholm score improved from 53 to 80. One of the patients required revision of the MPFL reconstruction following traumatic redislocation of the patella. CONCLUSIONS. Rerouting of the semitendinosus tendon for the reconstruction of the MPFL is an effective method for the treatment of patellofemoral instability with very good to excellent functional results

The aim of the study was to assess the knee function after MPFL reconstruction with single hamstring autograft. In this case series 86 patients (87 knees) were treated in total, from July 2002 till December 2008. Clinical and radiological evidence of patellar instability and MPFL rupture or deficiency were documented prior to surgery. The MPFL was reconstructed with semitendinosus autograft. The tibial insertion of the graft was retained whereas its free end was rerouted through the most distal part of the medial intermuscular septum, to the supero-medial border of the patella, where it was fixed. Knee function was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively with the use of Kujala, Tegner, Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores. There were 60 male and 26 female patients with an average age of 29.73 years (median age 28) and range 16–54 years. The mean follow-up was 22.4 months (range 6–78 months). All knee functional scores significantly improved postoperatively. Kujala score improved from 61.3 to 84.8, Tegner score improved from 3 to 5.3, IKDC score improved from 52.4 to 73.8 and Lysholm score improved from 58 to 76.5. The comparison was made between the preoperative and the postoperative values at two years after surgery or at the last follow up, if it was shorter than two years. All scores showed significant improvement after the third postoperative month. One of the patients required revision of the MPFL reconstruction following traumatic redislocation of the patella. Rerouting of the semitendinosus tendon for the reconstruction of the MPFL is an effective method for the treatment of patellofemoral instability. Significant functional improvement is achieved between the third and sixth postoperative months

Post traumatic myositisossificans is a benign condition of heterotropic ossification of unknown aetiology which typically is related to trauma from a single blow or repeated episodes of microtrauma. We describe an unusual case of myositis ossificans which developed as a complication at the donor site for hamstring autologous graft used in open anterior and posterior cruciate repair and posterolateral corner reconstruction in a 15 year old girl. Case report: A 15 year old girl sustained a closed traumatic dislocation of her left knee when she fell from a trampoline. She underwent emergency manipulation under anaesthetic and closed reduction followed by MRI scan which showed a complete disruption of the lateral collateral ligament complex, posterolateral corner injury, complete tears of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments and a partial tear of the medial collateral ligament. 13 days later she had an open reconstruction of her anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments with allograft and a repair of popliteus and lateral structures with Larson reinforcement with controlateral hamstring autologous graft. Eight months following open reconstruction the patient represented to her primary care practitioner with a painful lump in the postero-medial controlateral right thigh. MRI study showed that there was a lobulated hypervascular appearance with a thin enhancing rim of low signal on all sequences indicating calcification. An xray revealed a calcified mass consistent with the diagnosis of myositis ossificans. Discussion and conclusion: To date we have found no reported cases of myositis ossificans occurring as a result of surgery to harvest hamstring autograft in the setting of ligament reconstruction about the knee. We believe that this is an unusual complication of the donor site which needs awareness amongst clinicians involved in primary and revision cruciate ligament reconstruction. We suggest that a management strategy of surveillance for this lesion is appropriate and excision biopsy should be reserved for specific indications such as malignant features on imaging or mass effect

Aims

MRI has been suggested as an objective method of assessing anterior crucate ligament (ACL) graft “ligamentization” after reconstruction. It has been proposed that the MRI appearances could be used as an indicator of graft maturity and used as part of a return-to-sport assessment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between MRI graft signal and postoperative functional scores, anterior knee laxity, and patient age at operation.

Purpose: This study sought to examine return to sports in athletes younger than 25 following ACL reconstruction with either patellar tendon (PT) or hamstring (HS) autografts using a matched-pairs case-control experimental design. Method: Twenty-three matched pairs were obtained based on gender (56.5% Female), age (18.3±2.5yrs PT vs.17.6±2.6 HS), and length of follow-up (4.7±2.1yrs PT vs. 4.2±1.6 HS). All patients reported participating in very strenuous (soccer, basketball etc.) or strenuous (skiing, tennis etc.) sporting activity 4–7 times/ week prior to their knee injury. Outcomes other than return to play included the IKDC, SAS, ADLS, SF-36, knee range of motion, laxity, and hop/jump testing. Results: Most patients in both groups were able to participate in very strenuous or strenuous sporting activity at follow-up [18 (78.3%) PT vs. 19 (82.6%) HS]. However, only 13 (56.5%) of the patellar tendon subjects and 10 (43.5%) of the hamstrings patients were able to return to pre-injury activity levels in terms of frequency and type of sport (p=.63). Hamstrings patients showed higher ADLS (p< .01) and SAS (p< .01) scores and better restoration of extension (p< 0.05). Conclusion: While autograft and allograft patellar tendon ACL reconstruction exhibit similar clinical outcomes in high-demand individuals, autogenous hamstring grafts may lead to better subjective outcomes in young patients who participate in very strenuous levels of activity. Both graft options only allowed approximately half of the injured athletes to return to their previous level of sporting activity

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common and debilitating knee injuries in professional athletes with an incidence in females up to eight-times higher than their male counterparts. ACL injuries can be career-threatening and are associated with increased risk of developing knee osteoarthritis in future life. The increased risk of ACL injury in females has been attributed to various anatomical, developmental, neuromuscular, and hormonal factors. Anatomical and hormonal factors have been identified and investigated as significant contributors including osseous anatomy, ligament laxity, and hamstring muscular recruitment. Postural stability and impact absorption are associated with the stabilizing effort and stress on the ACL during sport activity, increasing the risk of noncontact pivot injury. Female patients have smaller diameter hamstring autografts than males, which may predispose to increased risk of re-rupture following ACL reconstruction and to an increased risk of chondral and meniscal injuries. The addition of an extra-articular tenodesis can reduce the risk of failure; therefore, it should routinely be considered in young elite athletes. Prevention programs target key aspects of training including plyometrics, strengthening, balance, endurance and stability, and neuromuscular training, reducing the risk of ACL injuries in female athletes by up to 90%. Sex disparities in access to training facilities may also play an important role in the risk of ACL injuries between males and females. Similarly, football boots, pitches quality, and football size and weight should be considered and tailored around females’ characteristics. Finally, high levels of personal and sport-related stress have been shown to increase the risk of ACL injury which may be related to alterations in attention and coordination, together with increased muscular tension, and compromise the return to sport after ACL injury. Further investigations are still necessary to better understand and address the risk factors involved in ACL injuries in female athletes. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(2):94–100

Aims: The purpose of the study was to assess the mid-term knee functional results after Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL) reconstruction with single semitendinosus autograft in patients with patellofemoral instability.

Methods and Results: Knee function was assessed in 45 patients (46 knees) who underwent MPFL reconstruction with semitendinosus autograft. The tibial insertion of the semitendinosus was preserved whereas the free end, after stripping of the tendon from the musculo-tendinus junction was rerouted through the most distal part of the medial intermuscular septum proximally to the adductor tubercle, to the superomedial border of the patella, where it was fixed. Clinical and radiological evidence of patellar instability and MPFL rupture or deficiency was documented prior to surgery. Knee function was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively with the use of Kujala, Tegner, Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores. There were 34 male and 11 female patients with an average age of 32.5 years, ranging from 17 to 60 years. The minimum follow up was 2 years with an average of 33.5 months (range 24–54 months). Fourteen patients (30%) presented a degree of patellofemoral dysplasia. All knee functional scores significantly improved postoperatively. Kujala score improved from 57.7 to 77.1, Tegner score improved from 3.06 to 5.26, IKDC score improved from 51.2 to 75.44 and Lysholm score improved from 58.7 to 79.3. One of the patients required revision of the MPFL reconstruction due to traumatic redislocation of the patella.

Conclusions: At a midterm follow-up, reconstruction of the MPFL with rerouting of the semitendinosus tendon is an effective method with improved function in all patients. Maximum improvement was achieved within the first six postoperative months. Heterogeneity of our population may have affected some of our results.

Background

Injury to the ACL is a significant problem and can cause further damage to the internal structures of the knee. ACL injury is associated with injuries to other structures in the knee such as the meniscus and chondral cartilage. Such intra articular injuries pre-dispose the knee to develop arthritis. This injury is usually seen in young and active people usually related to sporting injuries. There is a paucity of literature on the influence of anthropometric features on the hamstring graft obtained in ACL reconstruction, although there are studies on the sex based differences affecting the hamstring graft. This study was undertaken to assess the influence of anthropometric measurements on the graft thickness obtained at ACL reconstruction surgery within the UK population.

We describe a new method for reconstructing the patellar tendon following combined injury to the patellar tendon and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Combined injuries to the patellar tendon and the ACL represent a rare and potentially serious injury pattern. The injury to the patellar tendon can often go undiagnosed at primary presentation. Reconstructive options for the patellar tendon are described but can be technically difficult, particularly if ipsilateral hamstring has been used for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Evidence suggests combined injuries generally lead to poor long term outcome.

We describe a case of a 26 year old male who presented with a reconstructed ACL and a patellar tendon deficient knee. Diagnosis was confirmed on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Ipsilateral hamstrings had been used as donor for ACL reconstruction. An Achilles tendon allograft with distal bone block was used in combination with contralateral semitendinosus and gracilis autograft to reconstruct the three bundles of the patellar tendon. The patient experienced no postoperative complications and was followed up radiologically and clinically. Computer Topography imaging performed at 6 months post-operatively showed union of the bony Achilles tendon block. MRI performed 1 year post-operatively showed good incorporation of the tendinous grafts and no evidence of degeneration or tearing. Oxford knee score at 6 months post-operatively was 31/48. One year post-operatively full pre-injury activity level had been achieved.

We believe this method to provide adequate strength and integrity, enabling early rehabilitation following this rare injury. It has also been shown to give a good functional outcome.

Bioabsorbable screws for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) have been shown to be associated with femoral tunnel widening and cyst formation.

To compare a poly-L-lactide–hydroxyapatite screw (PLLA-HA) with a titanium screw with respect to clinical and radiological outcomes over a 5 year period.

40 patients were equally randomized into 2 groups (PLLA-HA vs titanium) and ACLR performed with a 4 strand hamstring graft with femoral tunnel drilling via the anteromedial portal. Evaluation at 2 and 5 years was performed using the International Knee Documentation Committee assessment (IKDC), Lysholm knee score, KT 1000 arthrometer, single-legged hop test. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate tunnel and screw volume, ossification around the screws, graft integration and cyst formation.

There was no difference in any clinical outcome measure at 2 or 5 years between the 2 groups. At 2 years, the PLLA-HA femoral tunnel was significantly smaller than the titanium screw tunnel (p=0.015) and at 5 years, there was no difference. At 2 years the femoral PLLA-HA screw was a mean 76% of its original volume and by 5 years, 36%. At 2 years the tibial PLLA-HA screw mean volume was 68% of its original volume and by 5 years, 46%. At 5 years, 88% of femoral tunnels and 56% of tibial tunnels demonstrated a significant ossification response. There was no increase in cyst formation in the PLLA-HA group and no screw breakages.

The PLLA-HA screw provides adequate aperture fixation in ACLR with excellent functional outcomes. It was not associated with femoral tunnel widening or increased cyst formation when compared with the titanium screw. The resorbtion characteristics appear favourable and the hydroxyapatite component of the screw may stimulate osteoconduction, contributing to these results. The PLLA-HA screw is a good alternative to a titanium screw in ACLR, which may aid revision procedures and allow for imaging without artifact.

The aim of this study was to determine Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) graft and contralateral ACL (CACL) survival in patients who have undergone ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with hamstring autograft following netball injuries, and determine factors associated with repeat ACL injury and return to netball. From a prospectively collected database, a consecutive series of 332 female netballers who underwent primary ACLRs using hamstring autografts were identified. Subjects were surveyed at a minimum of five years following reconstruction, including details of further ACL injuries to either knee, return to netball or other sports and psychological readiness with the ACL-RSI score. 264 participants (80%) were reviewed at the mean follow up of 9 years (60-180 months). There were 12 ACL graft ruptures (5%) and 35 contralateral ACL ruptures (13%). ACL graft survival was 97% and 97%, 96% at 2, 5 and 7 years respectively. CACL survival was 99%, 94%, and 90% at 2, 5 and 7 years respectively. The 7-year ACL graft survival was 97% in those 25 or more and 93% in those under 25 years (p=0.126). The 7-year CACL survival was 93% in those 25 or more and 85% in those under 25 years (HR 2.6, 95%CI 1.3-5.0, p=0.007). A family history of ACL injury was reported by 32% of participants. A return to netball was reported by 61% of participants. The mean ACL-RSI score was 65 in those who returned to netball and 37 in those who did not (p=0.001). ACLR with hamstring autografts is a reliable procedure for netballers with a survival rate of 96% at 7 years, allowing 63% of participants to return to netball. A successful return to sport was associated with greater psychological readiness. CACL injury occurred with more than double the frequency of ACL graft rupture and was increased by 2.6x in those <25 years

To document and assess the available evidence regarding single bundle, hamstrings autograft preparation techniques for Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and provide graft preparation options for different clinical scenarios. Three online databases (Embase, PubMed and Ovid [MEDLINE]) were searched from database inception until April 10, 2021. The inclusion criteria were English language studies, human studies, and operative technique studies for single bundle hamstrings autograft preparation for ACLR. Descriptive characteristics, the number of tendons, number of strands, tendon length, graft length and graft diameter were recorded. The methodological quality was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) instrument and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system for non-randomized and randomized studies, respectively. The initial search yielded 5485 studies, 32 met the inclusion criteria. The mean MINORS score across all nonrandomized studies was 8.2 (standard deviation, SD 6.6) indicating an overall low quality of evidence. The mean MINORS score for comparative studies was 17.4 (SD 3.2) indicating a fair quality of evidence. The GRADE assessment for risk of bias in the randomized study included was low. There were 2138 knees in 1881 participants, including 1296 (78.1%) males and 363 (21.9%) females recorded. The mean age was 30.3 years. The mean follow-up time was 43.9 months when reported (range 16-55 months). Eleven studies utilized the semitendinosus tendon alone, while 21 studies used both semitendinosus and gracilis tendons. There were 82 (3.8%) two-strand grafts, 158 (7.4%) three-strand grafts, 1044 (48.8%) four-strand grafts, 546 (25.5%) five-strand grafts, and 308 (14.4%) six-strand grafts included. Overall, 372 (19.7%) participants had a single-tendon ACLR compared to 1509 (80.2%) participants who had a two-tendon ACLR. The mean graft diameter was 9.4mm when reported. The minimum semitendinosus and gracilis tendon lengths necessary ranged from 210-280mm and 160-280mm respectively. The minimum graft length necessary ranged from 63-120mm except for an all-epiphyseal graft in the paediatric population that required a minimum length of 50mm. The minimum femoral, tibial, and intra-articular graft length ranged from 15-25mm, 15-35mm and 20-30mm respectively. Thirteen studies detailed intra-operative strategies to increase graft size such as adding an extra strand or altering the tibial and/or femoral fixation strategies to shorten and widen the graft. Two studies reported ACL reinjury or graft failure rate. One study found no difference in the re-injury rate between four-, five- and six-strand grafts (p = 0.06) and the other found no difference in the failure rate between four- and five- strand grafts (p = 0.55). There was no difference in the post-operative Lysholm score in 3 studies that compared four- and five-strand ACLR. One of the five studies that compared post-operative IKDC scores between graft types found a difference between two- and three- strand grafts, favoring three-strand grafts. There are many single bundle hamstrings autograft preparation techniques for ACLR that have been used successfully with minimal differences in clinical outcomes. There are different configurations that may be utilized interchangeably depending on the number, size and length of tendons harvested to obtain an adequate graft diameter and successful ACLR

Aims. Our purpose was to describe an unusual series of 21 patients with fungal osteomyelitis after an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R). Methods. We present a case-series of consecutive patients treated at our institution due to a severe fungal osteomyelitis after an arthroscopic ACL-R from November 2005 to March 2015. Patients were referred to our institution from different areas of our country. We evaluated the amount of bone resection required, type of final reconstructive procedure performed, and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) functional score. Results. A total of 21 consecutive patients were included in the study; 19 were male with median age of 28 years (IQR 25 to 32). All ACL-R were performed with hamstrings autografts with different fixation techniques. An oncological-type debridement was needed to control persistent infection symptoms. There were no recurrences of fungal infection after median of four surgical debridements (IQR 3 to 6). Five patients underwent an extensive curettage due to the presence of large cavitary lesions and were reconstructed with hemicylindrical intercalary allografts (HIAs), preserving the epiphysis. An open surgical debridement was performed resecting the affected epiphysis in 15 patients, with a median bone loss of 11 cm (IQR 11.5 to 15.6). From these 15 cases, eight patients were reconstructed with allograft prosthesis composites (APC); six with tumour-type prosthesis (TTP) and one required a femoral TTP in combination with a tibial APC. One underwent an above-the-knee amputation. The median MSTS functional score was 20 points at a median of seven years (IQR 5 to 9) of follow-up. Conclusion. This study suggests that mucormycosis infection after an ACL-R is a serious complication. Diagnosis is usually delayed until major bone destructive lesions are present. This may originate additional massive reconstructive surgeries with severe functional limitations for the patients. Level of evidence: IV. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;2(1):3–8