The anterolateral ligament (ALL) is considered as an important stabilizer of the knee joint. This ligament prevents anterolateral subluxation of the proximal tibia on the femur when the knee is flexed and internally rotated. Injury of the ALL was not investigated in patients with knee dislocation. The aim of the current research is to study the prevalence and characteristics of ALL injury in dislocated knees. A retrospective review of charts and radiological images was done for patients who underwent multiligamentous knee reconstruction surgery for knee dislocation in our institution from May 2008 to December 2016. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to describe the ALL injury. The association of ALL injury with other variables related to the injury and the patient's background features was examined. Forty-eight patients (49 knees) were included. The mean age of the patients was 32.3 ± 10.6 years. High energy trauma was the mechanism of dislocation in 28 (57.1%) knees. Thirty-one knees (63.3%) were classified as knee dislocation (KD) type IV. Forty-five (91.8%) knees had a complete ALL injury and three (6.1%) knees had incomplete ALL injury. Forty (81.6%) knees had a complete ALL injury at the proximal fibres of the ALL, while 23 (46.9%) knees had complete distal ALL injury. None of the 46 (93.9%) knees with lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury had normal proximal ALL fibres (p = 0.012). Injury to the distal fibres of the ALL, as well as overall ALL injury, were not associated with any other variables (p >0.05). Moreover, all patients with associated tibial plateau fractures (9, 18.4%) had abnormality of the proximal fibres of the ALL (p = 0.033). High grade ALL injury is highly prevalent among dislocated knees. The outcomes of reconstructing the ALL in multiligamentous knee reconstruction surgery should be investigated in future studies

The anterolateral MIS-THA approach can be divided into the Modified Watson-Jones approach (MWJ) performed in the lateral position and the Anterolateral Supine method (ALS) performed in the supine position. Femoral preparation is flexible in stem selection in the MWJ method. On the other hand, the ALS method is more stable for placement on the acetabular implant. Now we introduce novel anterolateral MIS approach named AL60, it makes use of the merits of both MWJ and ALS methods. Technique. The patient is fixed at 30 degrees on the dorsal side from lateral position. That is 60 degrees on the half side from the horizontal plane, and the platform of the operating table is removed just as in the MWJ method. During surgery, the pelvis is fixed by the posterior support, and the stability of the pelvis is very good. Also, if the inclination is accurate at 30 degrees, by holding the holder parallel to the operating table when inserting the cup, the cup is theoretically inserted at Anatomical anteversion 30 degrees. The intraoperative field of view is also visible to the assistant due to the semi-lateral position. Femoral preparation is easier than the MWJ method because the affected limbs have fallen to the dorsal side already. Discussion. Since March 2017 to the end of August 2018, the AL60 method was used for 207 primary THA. There were no dislocations or fractures and any other complications. Full weight bearing was possible from the next day. The AL60 method has stability of the ALS method for acetabular preparation and the operability of the MWJ method for femoral preparation. Therefore, it can be said that new AL60 approach method makes use of the merits of both MWJ and ALS methods

Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanical effect of the anterolateral ligament (ALL), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), or both ALL and ACL on kinematics under dynamic loading conditions using dynamic simulation subject-specific knee models. Methods. Five subject-specific musculoskeletal models were validated with computationally predicted muscle activation, electromyography data, and previous experimental data to analyze effects of the ALL and ACL on knee kinematics under gait and squat loading conditions. Results. Anterior translation (AT) significantly increased with deficiency of the ACL, ALL, or both structures under gait cycle loading. Internal rotation (IR) significantly increased with deficiency of both the ACL and ALL under gait and squat loading conditions. However, the deficiency of ALL was not significant in the increase of AT, but it was significant in the increase of IR under the squat loading condition. Conclusion. The results of this study confirm that the ALL is an important lateral knee structure for knee joint stability. The ALL is a secondary stabilizer relative to the ACL under simulated gait and squat loading conditions. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2019;8:509–517

Aims. The aim of this randomized trial was to compare the functional outcome of two different surgical approaches to the hip in patients with a femoral neck fracture treated with a hemiarthroplasty. Patients and Methods. A total of 150 patients who were treated between February 2014 and July 2017 were included. Patients were allocated to undergo hemiarthroplasty using either an anterolateral or a direct lateral approach, and were followed for 12 months. The mean age of the patients was 81 years (69 to 90), and 109 were women (73%). Functional outcome measures, assessed by a physiotherapist blinded to allocation, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected postoperatively at three and 12 months. Results. A total of 11 patients in the direct lateral group had a positive Trendelenburg test at one year compared with one patient in the anterolateral group (11/55 (20%) vs 1/55 (1.8%), relative risk (RR) 11.1; p = 0.004). Patients with a positive Trendelenburg test reported significantly worse Hip Disability Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (HOOS) compared with patients with a negative Trendelenburg test. Further outcome measures showed few statistically significant differences between the groups. Conclusion. The direct lateral approach in patients with a femoral neck fracture appears to be associated with more positive Trendelenburg tests than the anterolateral approach, indicating a poor clinical outcome. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:793–799

Injection or aspiration of the ankle may be performed through either an anteromedial or an anterolateral approach for diagnostic or therapeutic reasons. We evaluated the success of an intra-articular puncture in relation to its site in 76 ankles from 38 cadavers. Two orthopaedic surgical trainees each injected methylene blue dye into 18 of 38 ankles through an anterolateral approach and into 20 of 38 through an anteromedial. An arthrotomy was then performed to confirm the placement of the dye within the joint. Of the anteromedial injections 31 of 40 (77.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 64.6 to 90.4) were successful as were 31 of 36 (86.1%, 95% CI 74.8 to 97.4) anterolateral injections. In total 62 of 76 (81.6%, 95% CI 72.9 to 90.3) of the injections were intra-articular with a trend towards greater accuracy with the anterolateral approach, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.25). In the case of trainee A, 16 of 20 anteromedial injections and 14 of 18 anterolateral punctures were intra-articular. Trainee B made successful intra-articular punctures in 15 of 20 anteromedial and 17 of 18 anterolateral approaches. There was no significant difference between them (p = 0.5 and p = 0.16 for the anteromedial and anterolateral approaches, respectively). These results were similar to those of other reported studies. Unintended peri-articular injection can cause complications and an unsuccessful aspiration can delay diagnosis. Placement of the needle may be aided by the use of ultrasonographic scanning or fluoroscopy which may be required in certain instances

The aim of the study is to investigate the biomechanical effects on the pelvis of the anterolateral and posterolateral approaches at the time of hip arthroplasty. In particular the study investigates the change in stress distribution, and the change in muscle recruitment pattern following surgery. The study uses an advanced finite element model of the pelvis, in which the role of muscles and ligaments in determining the stress distribution in the pelvis is included. The model is altered for the posterolateral approach by excision of the external rotators. Different levels of gluteal damage for the anterolateral approach are modelled by excising in turn the anterior third, half, and two-thirds of the gluteus medius and minimus. Although attempt is generally made to repair gluteal damage at the time of surgery, it is clear the muscle volume will be compromised immediately after surgery. In support of previous clinical studies indicating an increased risk of limp, and pelvic tilt following the anterolateral approach, significant differences were found in the muscle recruitment pattern following the anterolateral, compared to the posterolateral approach. During single leg stance and walking force transfer to the iliacus and pectineus was observed. Required levels of muscle force, to maintain coronal balance, following the anterolateral approach were found to be close to maximum sustainable levels. In addition significant alteration to the pelvic stress distribution was found following the anterolateral approach. The effects of increasing gluteal damage for the anterolateral approach were progressive, and became more pronounced when more than fifty percent of the gluteus medius and minimus were damaged. Increases in stresses around the acetabulum were observed for the posterolateral, compared to the anterolateral approach. Thus, based on a biomechanical evaluation, the anterolateral approach presents increased risk of limp, and pelvic tilt, in comparison to the posterolateral approach

The anterolateral ligament (ALL) has been recently recognized as a distinct stabilizer for internal rotation in the ACL-deficient knee and it has been hypothesized that ALL reconstruction may play an important role in improving anterolateral instability following ACL reconstruction. Both the gracilis tendon (GT) and a portion of the iliotibial band (ITB) have been suggested as graft materials for ALL reconstruction, however, there is an ongoing debate concerning whether GT or ITB are appropriate grafting materials. Furthermore, there is limited knowledge in how the mechanical properties of these potential grafts compare to the native ALL. Consequently, the aim of this study was to characterize the elastic (Young's modulus and failure load) and viscoelastic (dynamic and static creep) mechanical properties of the ALL and compare these results with the characteristics of the grafting materials (GT and ITB), in order to provide guidance to clinicians with respect to graft material choice. Fourteen fresh-frozen cadaveric knees (85.2±12.2 yr) were obtained. The ALL, ITB, and the distal (GTD) and proximal gracilis tendons (GTP) (bisected at mid portion) were harvested from each donor and tested with a dynamic material testing frame. Prior to testing, the cross-sectional area of each tissue was measured using a casting method and the force required to achieve a min-max stress (1.2–12 MPa) for the testing protocol was calculated (preconditioning (20 cycles, 3–6 MPa), sinusoidal cycle (200 cycles, 1.2–12 MPa), dwell at constant load (100 s, 12 MPa), and load to failure (3%/s)). Kruskall-Wallis tests were used to compare all tissue groups (p<0.05). The Young's modulus of both ALL (181.3±63.9 MPa) and ITB (357.6±94.4 MPa) are significantly lower than GTD (835.4±146.5 MPa) and GTP (725.6±227.1 MPa). In contrast, the failure load of ALL (124.5±40.9 N) was comparable with GTD (452.7±119.3 N) and GTP (433±133.7 N), however, significantly lower than ITB (909.6±194.7 N). Dynamic creep of the ALL (0.5±0.3 mm) and ITB (0.7±0.2 mm) were similar (p>0.05) whereas the GTD (0.26±0.06 mm) and GTP (0.28±0.1 mm) were significantly lower. Static creep progression of the ALL (1.09±0.4 %) was highest across all tissues, while GTD (0.24±0.05 %) and GTP (0.25±0.0.04 %) were lowest and comparable with ITB (0.3±0.07 %) creep progression. Since grafts from the ITB, GTD and GTP were comparable to the ALL only for certain mechanical properties, there was no clear preference for using one over another for ALL reconstruction. Therefore, further studies should be performed in order to evaluate which parameters play a vital role to determine the optimum grafting choice

There have been differing descriptions of the anterolateral structures of the knee, and not all have been named or described clearly. The aim of this study was to provide a clear anatomical interpretation of these structures. We dissected 40 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees to view the relevant anatomy and identified a consistent structure in 33 knees (83%); we termed this the anterolateral ligament of the knee. This structure passes antero-distally from an attachment proximal and posterior to the lateral femoral epicondyle to the margin of the lateral tibial plateau, approximately midway between Gerdy’s tubercle and the head of the fibula. The ligament is superficial to the lateral (fibular) collateral ligament proximally, from which it is distinct, and separate from the capsule of the knee. In the eight knees in which it was measured, we observed that the ligament was isometric from 0° to 60° of flexion of the knee, then slackened when the knee flexed further to 90° and was lengthened by imposing tibial internal rotation. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:325–31

Background. The anatomy of the human body has been studied for centuries. Despite this, recent articles have announced the presence of a new knee ligament- the anterolateral ligament. It has been the subject of much discussion and media commentary. Previous anatomical studies indicate its presence, and describe its location, origin, course and insertion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the best and most commonly used investigation to assess the ligamentous structure of the knee. To date, most MRI knee reports make no mention of the anterolateral ligament. The aim of this study was to assess for the presence of the anterolateral ligament using MRI, and to describe the structure if visualised. Methods. All right knee MRIs performed on a Siemens Magnetom Espree 1.5 Tesla scanner in Merlin Park Hospital over a 4 year period were retrospectively analysed. Patients born before 1970, or with reported abnormalities were excluded. The normal MRIs were then analysed by a consultant radiologist specialising in musculoskeletal imaging. Measurements on origin, insertion, course and length were noted. Results. 942 right knee MRIs were performed in the time period. 62 were classed as normal, and within the specified age range. 10 were randomly sampled. Of these the ligament was visible on all 10 MRIs, best viewed in the coronal plane. The average length (visible in 8/10) was 28.88mm +/− 5.14mm. The origin (visible in all 10) was 2.25mm +/− 0.39mm. The insertion (visible in 9/10) was 1.93mm +/− 0.424. The mid thickness was 1.87mm +/− 0.2mm. Conclusions. This study indicates that the ALL is a discrete, visible structure on MRI. This furthers the evidence of the presence of the ALL and also provides information that may be beneficial in future studies, and assessment of knee injuries. Level of evidence. 4

Objectives: Total hip arthroplasty by minimal invasive anterolateral exposure is a technique which causes minimal damage on skin, muscles and bone and lead to early recovery. Current study compared the clinical and radiological results of total hip arthroplaties performed with two different exposure- minimal invasive anterolateral (MIA) and standard anterolateral exposure (SA). Methods: Several parameters of total hip arthroplasty patients managed with two different exposures between 2005 and 2008 were evaluated retrospectively from medical records. First group was consisted of total hip arthroplasty patients managed with SA exposure. 26 hip of 25 patients were operated in this cohort. Mean age, follow up and body mass index was 57±12.45 year, 25.23±8.71 months and 32.52±5.77 respectively. Second group was consisted of total hip arthroplasty patients managed with MIA exposure.15 patients were operated in this cohort. Mean age, follow up and body mass index was 68.93±5.51year, 26.07±7.21 months and 28.69±2.72 respectively. Intraoperative, postoperative, total blood loss, operation time, blood transfusions, length of hospital stay were evaluated. Preoperative; postoperative 1,6,12,24 th hours VAS scores and Harris Hip Score (HHS) in preoperative; postoperative 1,6,12 th months and last controls were evaluated. Femoral component position (varus or valgus), inclination of acetabular component and signs of loosening were evaluated from the last follow up radiographies. Results: Intraoperative, postoperative, total blood loss, blood transfusions, length of hospital stay were significantly reduced in MIA group as compared to SA group (p< 0.05). Average operation times were not different (p=0.259). Improving in VAS scores and HHS was significantly better in MIA group (p< 0.001). Postoperative SF-36 scores were significantly higher in both groups as compared to preoperative scores (p< 0.05). No sign of looseing, osteolysis, superficial or deep wound infection were detected in both groups. Conclusion: Total hip arthroplasty by MIA exposure reduces length of hospital stay, leads to better pain control and rehabilitation in early period, causes less blood loss and leads to significant improvement in SF 36 scores. We suggest that after completion of learning curve, total hip arthroplasty by MIA exposure can be performed more effectively and with less complication

Injury to the anterolateral ligament (ALL) has been reported to contribute to high-grade anterolateral laxity following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Failure to address ALL injury has been suggested as a cause of persistent rotational laxity following ACL reconstruction. However, lateral meniscus posterior root (LMPR) tears have also has been shown to cause increased internal rotation and anterior translation of the knee. Due to the anatomic relationship of the ALL and the lateral meniscus, we hypothesise that the ALL and lateral meniscus work synergistically, and that a tear to the LMPR will have the same effect on anterolateral laxity as an ALL tear in the ACL deficient knee. Sixteen fresh frozen cadaveric knee specimens were potted into a hip simulator(femur) and a six degree-of-freedom load cell (tibia). Two rigid optical trackers were inserted into the proximal femur and distal tibia, allowing for the motion of the tibia with respect to the femur to be tracked during biomechanical tests. A series of points on the femur and tibia were digitised to create bone coordinate systems that were used to calculate the kinematic variables. Biomechanical testing involved applying a 5Nm internal rotation moment to the tibia while the knee was in full extension and tested sequentially in the following three conditions: i) ACLintact; ii) Partial ACL injury (ACLam) – anteromedial bundle sectioned; iii) Full ACL injury (ACLfull). The specimens were then randomised to either have the ALL sectioned first (ALLsec) followed by the LMPRsec or vice versa. Internal rotation and anterior translation of the tibia with respect to the femur were calculated. A mixed two-way (serial sectioning by ALL section order) repeated measures ANOVA (alpha = 0.05). Compared to the ACLintact condition, internal rotation was found to be 1.78° (p=0.06), 3.74° (p=0.001), and 3.84° (p=0.001) greater following ACLfull, LMPRsec and ALLsec respectively. LMPRsec and the ALLsec resulted in approximately 20 of additional internal rotation (p=0.004 and p=0.01, respectively) compared with the ACL deficient knee (ACLfull). No difference was observed between the ALL and LMPR sectioned states, or whether the ALL was sectioned before or after the LMPR (p=0.160). A trend of increasing anterior translation was observed when the 5Nm internal rotation moment was applied up until the ACL was fully sectioned; however, these differences were not significant (p=0.070). The ALL and LMPR seem to have a synergistic relationship in aiding the ACL in controlling anterolateral rotational laxity. High-grade anterolateral laxity following ACL injury may be attributed to injuries of the ALL and/or the LMPR. We suggest that the lateral meniscus should be thought of as part of the anterolateral capsulomeniscal complex (i.e., LM, ITB, and ALL) that acts as a stabiliser of anterolateral rotation in conjunction with the ACL

Introduction: The anterior and anterolateral approach to the hip traditionally are well described exposures in primary hip arthroplasty with fewer dislocations than the posterior approach. A very debilitating complication associated with the anterolateral approach however is the persistent limp and positive Trendelenburg sign. We discuss our results with respect to abductor function and morphological integrity seen on MRI when using an approach in which we preserve the majority of gluteus medius. Methods: We carried out a prospective study of thirty-nine consecutive total hip replacements performed through a gluteus medius sparing anterolateral approach. The same hip surgeon performed all these between April and October 2004. Gait analysis and Trendelenburg tests were evaluated during clinical follow-up at six weeks and three months. Coronal STIR and T1 weighted MRI sequences of the abductors were performed between four and six weeks and the findings were agreed by the consensus of two radiologists. Results: At three-month follow-up all thirty-nine patients tested Trendelenburg negative. Post-operative radiographs showed satisfactory femoral and acetabular component position. MRI findings showed the gluteus medius tendon to be intact with no shortening on T1. Artefacts were found to be less marked in the higher field strength magnet but more apparent in the STIR weighted sequences. Discussion: We have tried to incorporate the advantages of reduced dislocation rate of the anterolateral approach, whilst avoiding violation of the abductors. The clinical result and radiographic findings we have presented suggest that the described exposure is an effective and safe method of approaching the hip, with minimal disruption of the abductor mechanism. In addition to maintaining the reduced dislocation rate associated with the standard anterolateral approach. Intact abductor function allows for rapid rehabilitation

Background. Return to sports after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is multifactorial and rotational stability is one of the main concerns. Anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) has been recommended to enhance rotational stability. Purpose. To assess the effect of ALLR on return to sports. Study Design. Retrospective comparative cohort study;. Level of evidence: III. Methods. A total of 68 patients who underwent ACLR after acute ACL injury between 2015 and 2018 with a follow-up of at least 24 months were enrolled in the study. Patients with isolated ACLR (group ALL(-), n=41) were compared to patients with ACLR+ALLR (group ALL(+), n=27) in regard to subjective knee assessment via Tegner activity scale, Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scale, Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) form and Lysholm score. All tests were performed before the surgery, at 6 months and 24 months postoperatively. Results. Mean follow-up was 29.7±2.9 months for group ALL(-) and 31.6±3.0 for ALL(+) (p=0.587). Tegner, ACL-RSI and IKDC scores at last follow-up were significantly better in ALL(+) compared to ALL(-). There were no significant differences in isokinetic extensor strength and single-leg hop test results between the groups. 40 (97.6%) patients in ALL(-) and 27 (100%) in ALL(+) had a grade 2 or 3 pivot shift (p=0.812) preoperatively. Postoperatively, 28 (68.3%) patients in ALL(-) and 25 (92.6%) patients in ALL(+) had a negative pivot shift (p<0.001). 2 (5.9%) patients in ALL(-) and 1 (3.7%) patient in ALL(+) needed ACLR revision due to traumatic re-injury (p=0.165). There was no significant difference in the rate of return to any sports activity (87.8% in ALL(-) vs 88.9% in ALL(+); p=0.532), but ALL(+) showed a higher rate of return to the same level of sports activity (55.6%) than group ALL(-) (31.7%) (p=0.012). Conclusion. ACLR combined with ALLR provided a significantly higher rate of return to the same level sports activity than ACLR alone, probably due to enhanced rotational stability

Purpose. Minimally invasive anterolateral approach (ALA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) has gained popularity in recent years as better postoperative functional recovery and lower risk of postoperative dislocation are claimed. However, difficulties for femur exposure and intraoperative complications during femoral canal preparation and component placement have been reported. This study analyzes the anatomical factors likely to be related with intraoperative complications and the difficulties of access noted by the surgeons through a modified minimally invasive ALA. The aim is to define the profile for patient at risk of intraoperative complications during minimally invasive ALA. Methods. We retrospectively included 310 consecutive patients (100 males, 210 females) who had primary unilateral THA using the same technique in all cases. The approach was performed between the tensor fascia lata and the gluteus medius and minimus, without incising or detaching muscles and tendons. Posterior translation was combined to external rotation for proximal femur exposure (Fig. 1). All patients were reviewed clinically and radiologically. For the radiological evaluation, all patients underwent pre- and postoperative standing and sitting full-body EOS acquisitions. Pelvic [Sacral slope, Pelvic incidence (PI), Anterior pelvic plane angle] and femoral parameters were measured preoperatively. We assessed all intraoperative and postoperative complications for femoral preparation and implantation. Intraoperative complications included the femoral fractures and difficulties for femoral exposure (limitations for exposure and lateralization of the proximal femur). The patients were divided into two groups: patients with or without intraoperative complications. Results. Ten patients (3.2%) had intraoperative femoral fractures (greater trochanter: 2 cases, calcar: 8 cases). Five fractures required additional wiring. Difficult access to proximal femur was reported in the operative records for 10 other patients (3.2%). There was no difference in diagnosis, age, sex, BMI between the patients with or without intraoperative complications. No significant group differences were found for surgical time, and blood loss. Patients with intraoperative complication, presented a significantly lower pelvic incidence than patients without intraoperative complications (mean PI: 39.4° vs 56.9°, p<0.001). The relative risk of intraoperative complications in patients with low PI (PI<45°) was more than thirteen times (relative risk; 13.3, 95% CI= 8.2 to 21.5. p<0.001) the risk for patients with normal and high PI (PI>45°). Conclusions. Anterolateral approach for THA implantation in lateral decubitus is reported to have anatomical and functional advantages. Nevertheless, the exposure of the femur remains a limitation. This study highlights a significant increased risk in case of low PI less than 45°. This specific anatomical pattern reduces the local working space as the possibility for posterior translation and elevation of the proximal femur is less on a narrow pelvis. This limitation is due to the length and the orientation of the hip abductor and short external rotator muscles related to the relative positions of iliac wing and greater trochanter (Fig. 2). This study points out the importance of pelvic incidence for the detection of anatomically less favourable patients for THA implantation using ALA. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly

The anterolateral surgical exposure to the distal tibia for pilon fractures has become more popular. One of the potential benefits over the commonly used anteromedial approach is a reduction in wound complications due to the improved soft tissue coverage of the anterolateral tibia. Minimal data exists regarding the rate of complications with the anterolateral approach. The purpose of this study was to evaluate wound complications in the early postoperative period associated with the use of the anterolateral approach for pilon fractures. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted to identify all operatively treated pilon fractures at our university level 1 trauma center from September 2005 through July 2007. Sixty-eight pilon fractures were identified. All patients were treated with a staged protocol utilizing immediate external fixation followed by delayed open reduction and internal fixation based upon the condition of the soft tissue envelope. Patients who had an anterolateral surgical approach were identified and their medical records were reviewed for the first six weeks postoperatively to determine the rate of wound complications. The endpoint of six weeks was chosen to identify complications related to the surgical exposure alone. Results: Thirty-six of the sixty-eight patients with pilon fractures had an anterolateral surgical exposure. One additional patient had an anterolateral incision performed for revision of a previously treated pilon fracture. 97% of these fractures were AO/OTA 43-C (three C1, nine C2, and twenty-three C3). The median time delay to definitive fixation was 19 days (10–38 days). Sixteen (44.4%) of the fractures were open, ten of which were Gustilo type III (five IIIA, four IIIB, and one IIIC). Eight of the thirty-seven patients had wound complications related to the anterolateral incision within the first six weeks of definitive fixation. Six patients (16%) had minor complications which were successfully treated with dressing changes and oral antibiotics, and two (5%) had major complications, with evidence of deep wound infection that required formal irrigation and debridement. Conclusion: In a case series with a high rate of complex open pilon fractures, open reduction and internal fixation utilizing an anterolateral approach provided good exposure of the distal tibia with a low incidence of early wound complications. Significance: Pilon fractures, especially high energy complex open ones, have a high risk of wound complications. Avoiding complications is the key in managing high energy pilon fractures. This case series provides evidence that the anterolateral approach has a low rate of wound complications in the most complex pilon fractures

We treated 52 patients with impingement of the anterolateral soft tissues of the ankle by arthroscopic debridement. All had a history of single or multiple inversion injuries, without instability. One half had negative stress radiographs (stable group), while the others were positive (unstable group). Their mean age was 31 years and there were 35 men and 17 women. The results were assessed at a mean follow-up of 30 months. Three patients (6%) had a fair result, while 49 (94%) had an excellent or good outcome. No difference was found in the final results between the two groups (p > 0.05). We conclude that anterolateral impingement of the ankle should be considered in a patient with chronic anterolateral pain after an injury, regardless of the stability of the ankle

In 12 patients, we measured the oxygen concentration in the femoral head-neck junction during hip resurfacing through the anterolateral approach. This was compared with previous measurements made for the posterior approach. For the anterolateral approach, the oxygen concentration was found to be highly dependent upon the position of the leg, which was adjusted during surgery to provide exposure to the acetabulum and femoral head. Gross external rotation of the hip gave a significant decrease in oxygenation of the femoral head. Straightening the limb led to recovery in oxygen concentration, indicating that the blood supply was maintained. The oxygen concentration at the end of the procedure was not significantly different from that at the start. The anterolateral approach appears to produce less disruption to the blood flow in the femoral head-neck junction than the posterior approach for patients undergoing hip resurfacing. This may be reflected subsequently in a lower incidence of fracture of the femoral neck and avascular necrosis

Fifty patients who underwent a MacIntosh repair for anterolateral instability of the knee have been reviewed after a mean follow-up of two and a quarter years. The repair abolished a positive anterolateral jerk test in 42 out of 50 knees and at the time of review 37 patients (74 per cent) were involved in some form of active sport, having regained functional and clinical stability. The MacIntosh repair is described in detail and the importance of excluding meniscal lesions as the main cause of instability is emphasised

Aims

The current evidence comparing the two most common approaches for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA), the deltopectoral and anterosuperior approach, is limited. This study aims to compare the rate of loosening, instability, and implant survival between the two approaches for rTSA using data from the Dutch National Arthroplasty Registry with a minimum follow-up of five years.

Background. Cartilage lesions in chronic lateral ligament deficiency are common with the incidence rates mentioned in the previous literature up to 30%. However, other intra-articular pathologies in the unstable ankle have received little attention. Anterolateral impingement associated with synovitis and scarring is a less recognised feature in the treatment of chronic instability. The aim of our study was to ascertain the incidence of chondral and anterolateral impingement lesions in the symptomatic lateral ligament complex deficiency. Methods. We performed a retrospective study of all consecutive patients who underwent modified Brostrom repair for symptomatic recurrent instability of the ankle. All patients underwent a MRI scan prior to surgery. Arthroscopy was performed in all the patients before lateral ligament reconstruction. Seventy seven patients with 78 ankles were included in the study. Patients who had previous ankle surgery or inflammatory arthropathy were excluded. Data was obtained from clinical and radiological records. Arthroscopic findings were recorded in detail during the surgery. Results. The mean age was 29.8 years (Range 18.2–58 yrs). There were 44 females and 34 males in the study. The incidence of chondral lesions were 11.5% (9 out of 78 ankles). The commonest site for chondral defect was the anteromedial talar dome. The incidence of anterolateral impingement which required arthroscopic debridement was 48.7 %(38 ankles). A further 10 ankles revealed non-specific synovitis and scarring which was debrided. The sensitivity and specificity of the MRI scans in the assessment of chondral lesions is 91% and 100%. Conclusion. The incidence of chondral lesions in chronic ankle instability is lower than previously published literature. However, soft tissue impingement lesions have a much higher incidence and require debridement. Arthroscopic examination and debridement of impingement prior to lateral ligament reconstruction of the ankle is quintessential in the management of chronic anterolateral instability