Abstract. Introduction. We present a case series of patients that underwent knee ligament reconstruction with graft reinforcement using FibreTape (Arthrex), a 2mm wide non-biodegradable polyethylene tape. Outcomes and safety of this novel technique are reported. Methods. Data were collected from a prospectively maintained database from 03/2011 to 11/2019. All skeletally mature patients that underwent reinforced knee ligament reconstruction surgery at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital were included. The cohort was interrogated for outcomes including failure, complications, and subjective patient reported outcomes at 6,12 and 24 months postoperatively. Results. 438 patients were eligible. The mean age was 33.4 years and 68% of them were males. This included 171 ACL reconstructions, 96 ACL with anterolatreal ligament reconstructions, 59 bicruciate reconstructions, 30 ACL with posterolateral corner, 49 posterior cruciate ligament with one other ligament and 33 other ligament reconstruction. Allograft was used for 125 patients. 338 cases related to primary reconstruction. The overall complication rate was 5.3%, with a 2.1% re-rupture rate. There were 9 patients with a re-rupture and 5 of them had undergone multiligament reconstruction. We found a statistically significant improvement in all subjective scoring indices post-operatively up to 2 years. There were no complications directly related to the use of ligament reinforcement. Conclusion. Graft reinforcement is a safe option in the management of knee ligament injuries. Encouraging results were observed in patient reported outcomes. Reinforcement is technically reproducible and may represent an answer for graft failure rates, especially in multiligament reconstructions. Further application and evaluation is necessary to confirm its benefit

Purpose of Study. 1- To introduce a new graft technique for ACL reconstruction using the patellar tendon with its attachment on the tibial tuberosity as bone-tendon (B PT) auto graft sparing the patella. 2-To assess the above described technique prospectively in a group of patients with ACL deficient knees. Type of study. Prospective case series of a newly describedACL graft technique. Material and methods. 44 patients with ACL deficient knee (with no other ligament injuries) were recruited to have ACL reconstruction using the above mentioned graft technique, there was 39 males and 5 females, average age at the index surgery was 24,4 year (range 20-40), the average time from injury to operation was 4 months (range 1 week to 1 year), the average follow up period was 30 months (ranged 24-35), there was 19 patients with isolated ACL injury and 25 with associated intra articular pathology including 22 meniscal tear, 8 with articular cartilage injury (3 of them associated with the meniscal tears). Those injuries were treated with meniscal repair (12 cases), partial menisectomy (10 cases), debridement and shaving +/− micro fracture technique for the articular cartilage injuries. Results. at the final follow up all patients were satisfied with their knees, the IKDC improved from 68 +- 2.8(pre-op) to 92 +- 2.7 (CI-95%), and Lysholm score from 65 +- 3.2 to 93 +- 3(CI-95%) at the final visit. Anterior knee pain was reported in 4 patients (9%) on moderate to strenuous activities. 7 patients (16%) could not return to their pre-injury activity level. The mean difference in KT-1000 measurement was 2 +- 0.8. Conclusion. our technique is effective with compatible results with other ACL graft's technique with less complications rate when compared with PBTB auto graft, it avoids the remote incidence of patellar fractures, and reducing the incidence of anterior knee pain

Abstract. Purpose. Since arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) started, the use of peroneus longus grafts for primary ACL reconstruction (ACLR) was never thought of as there is very scant literature on it. So, our study aims to compare the functional outcome and complications in patients with ACL injury managed by ACLR with peroneus longus tendon (PLT) and hamstring tendons (HT) respectively. Materials and Methods. Patients with 16–50 years of either gender presenting with symptomatic ACL deficiency were admitted for arthroscopic single bundle ACLR and allocated into two groups (PLT and HT) operated and observed. Functional scores (IKDC and Lysholm score), clinical knee evaluation, donor site morbidity (AOFAS score) and thigh circumference were recorded preoperatively and at six months, one year post-operatively. The same post-op rehabilitation protocol was followed in both groups. Results. 194 patients (hamstring n=96, peroneus n=98) met the inclusion criteria. There were no significant differences between the pre-op, six months post-op and one-year postoperative score between the hamstring and peroneus longus groups in the IKDC (p=0.356) and Lysholm knee score (p=0.289). The mean for the AOFAS was 99.05±3.56 and 99.80±0.70 in the PLT and HT group respectively showing no statistical difference, with a significant improvement in thigh muscle wasting among the PLT group at final follow-up (p<0.001). Conclusion. We observed similar knee stability, functional outcome and no obvious donor site morbidity among both groups and recommend that a PL graft may be a safe, effective, and viable option for arthroscopic single bundle ACL reconstruction

Aims. Metaphyseal cones with cemented stems are frequently used in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, if the diaphysis has been previously violated, the resultant sclerotic canal can impair cemented stem fixation, which is vital for bone ingrowth into the cone, and long-term fixation. We report the outcomes of our solution to this problem, in which impaction grafting and a cemented stem in the diaphysis is combined with an uncemented metaphyseal cone, for revision TKA in patients with severely compromised bone. Methods. A metaphyseal cone was combined with diaphyseal impaction grafting and cemented stems for 35 revision TKAs. There were two patients with follow-up of less than two years who were excluded, leaving 33 procedures in 32 patients in the study. The mean age of the patients at the time of revision TKA was 67 years (32 to 87); 20 (60%) were male. Patients had undergone a mean of four (1 to 13) previous knee arthroplasty procedures. The indications for revision were aseptic loosening (80%) and two-stage reimplantation for prosthetic joint infection (PJI; 20%). The mean follow-up was four years (2 to 11). Results. Survival free from revision of the cone/impaction grafting construct due to aseptic loosening was 100% at five years. Survival free from any revision of the construct and free from any reoperation were 92% and 73% at five years, respectively. A total of six patients (six TKAs, 17%) required a further revision, four for infection or wound issues, and two for periprosthetic fracture. Radiologically, one unrevised TKA had evidence of loosening which was asymptomatic. In all unrevised TKAs the impacted diaphyseal bone graft appeared to be incorporated radiologically. Conclusion. When presented with a sclerotic diaphysis and substantial metaphyseal bone loss, this technique combining diaphyseal impaction grafting with a metaphyseal cone provided near universal success in relation to implant fixation. Moreover, radiographs revealed incorporation of the bone graft and biological fixation of the cone. While long-term follow-up will be important, this technique provides an excellent option for the management of complex revision TKAs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6 Supple A):116–122

Aims. Our aim was to perform a meta-analysis of the outcomes of revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, comparing the use of different types of graft. Materials and Methods. A search was performed of Medline and Pubmed using the terms “Anterior Cruciate Ligament” and “ACL” combined with “revision”, “re-operation” and “failure”. Only studies that reported the outcome at a minimum follow-up of two years were included. Two authors reviewed the papers, and outcomes were subdivided into autograft and allograft. Autograft was subdivided into hamstring (HS) and bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB). Subjective and objective outcome measures were analysed and odds ratios with confidence intervals were calculated. Results. A total of 32 studies met the inclusion criteria. Five studies used HS autografts, eight reported using BPTB autografts, two used quadriceps tendon autografts and eight used various types. Seven studies reported using allografts, while the two remaining used both BPTB autografts and allografts. Overall, 1192 patients with a mean age of 28.7 years (22.5 to 39) and a mean follow-up of 5.4 years (2.0 to 9.6) were treated with autografts, while 269 patients with a mean age of 28.4 years (25 to 34.6) and a mean follow-up of 4.0 years (2.3 to 6.0) were treated with allografts. Regarding allografts, irradiation with 2.5 mrad was used in two studies while the graft was not irradiated in the seven remaining studies. Reconstructions following the use of autografts had better outcomes than those using allograft with respect to laxity, measured by KT-1000/2000 (MEDmetric Corporation) and the rates of complications and re-operations. Those following the use of allografts had better mean Lysholm and Tegner activity scores compared with autografts. If irradiated allografts were excluded from the analysis, outcomes no longer differed between the use of autografts and allografts. Comparing the types of autograft, all outcomes were similar except for HS grafts which had better International Knee Documentation Committee scores compared with BPTB grafts. Conclusion. Autografts had better outcomes than allografts in revision ACL reconstruction, with lower post-operative laxity and rates of complications and re-operations. However, after excluding irradiated allografts, outcomes were similar between autografts and allografts. Overall, the choice of graft at revision ACL reconstruction should be on an individual basis considering, for instance, the preferred technique of the surgeon, whether a combined reconstruction is required, the type of graft that was previously used, whether the tunnels are enlarged and the availability of allograft. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:714–23

Aims. To examine the rates of hamstring graft salvage with arthroscopic debridement of infected anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction as reported in the literature and discuss functional outcomes. Materials and Methods. A search was performed without language restriction on PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid, CINAHL and Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases from their inception to April 2015. We identified 147 infected hamstring grafts across 16 included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to estimate the overall graft salvage rate, incorporating two different definitions of graft salvage. Results. The graft salvage rate was 86% (95% confidence intervals (CI) 73% to 93%; heterogeneity: tau. 2. = 1.047, I. 2. = 40.51%, Q = 25.2, df = 15, p < 0.001), excluding ACL re-ruptures. Including re-ruptures as failures, the graft salvage rate was 85% (95% CI 76% to 91%; heterogeneity: tau. 2.  = 0.099, I. 2. = 8.15%, Q = 14.15, df = 13, p = 0.36). Conclusions. Arthroscopic debridement combined with antibiotic treatment can lead to successful eradication of infection and graft salvage, with satisfactory functional outcomes in many cases of septic arthritis following ACL reconstruction. Persistent infection despite repeat arthroscopic debridements requires graft removal with the intention of revision ACL surgery at a later stage. Take home message: Arthroscopic debridement combined with antibiotic therapy is an appropriate initial approach in most cases of septic arthritis following ACL reconstruction, achieving graft salvage rates of about 85%. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:608–15

Abstract. Objectives. To determine the effectiveness of LIA compared to ACB in providing pain relief and reducing opiates usage in hamstring graft ACL reconstructions. Materials and Methods. In a consecutive series of hamstring graft ACL reconstructions, patients received three different regional and/or anaesthetic techniques for pain relief. Three groups were studied: group 1: general anaesthetic (GA)+ ACB (n=38); group 2: GA + ACB + LIA (n=31) and group 3: GA+LIA (n=36). ACB was given under ultrasound guidance. LIA involved infiltration at skin incision site, capsule, periosteum and in the hamstring harvest tunnel. Analgesic medications were similar between the three groups as per standard multimodal analgesia (MMA). Patients were similar in demographics distribution and surgical technique. The postoperative pain and total morphine requirements were evaluated and recorded. The postoperative pain was assessed using the visual analogue scores (VAS) at 0hrs, 2hrs, 4hrs, weight bearing (WB) and discharge (DC). Results. There was no statistically significant difference in opiates intake amongst the three groups. When comparing VAS scores; there were no statistical difference between the groups at any of the time intervals that VAS was measured. However, the GA+LIA group hospital's LOS (m=2.31hrs, SD=0.75) was almost half that of GA+ACB group (m=4.24hrs, SD=1.08); (conditions t(72)=8.88; p=0.000). There was no statistical significance in the incidence of adverse effects amongst the groups. Conclusion. The LIA technique provided equally good pain relief following hamstring graft ACL reconstructions when compared to ACB, while allowing for earlier rehabilitation, mobilisation and discharge

The potential harm to the growth plate following reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament in skeletally-immature patients is well documented, but we are not aware of literature on the subject of the fate of the graft itself. We have reviewed five adolescent males who underwent reconstruction of the ligament with four-strand hamstring grafts using MR images taken at a mean of 34.6 months (18 to 58) from the time of operation. The changes in dimension of the graft were measured and compared with those taken at the original operation. No growth arrest was seen on radiological or clinical measurement of leg-length discrepancy, nor was there any soft-tissue contracture. All the patients regained their pre-injury level of activity, including elite-level sport in three. The patients grew by a mean of 17.3 cm (14 to 24). The diameter of the grafts did not change despite large increases in length (mean 42%; 33% to 57%). Most of the gain in length was on the femoral side. Large changes in the length of the grafts were seen. There is a considerable increase in the size of the graft, so some neogenesis must occur; the graft must grow

Between 1993 and 1994, 891 patients underwent primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A total of 48 patients had undergone bilateral ACL reconstruction and 42 were available for review. These patients were matched to a unilateral ACL reconstruction control group for gender, age, sport of primary injury, meniscal status and graft type. At 15-year follow-up a telephone interview with patients in both groups was performed. The incidence of further ACL injury was identified through structured questions and the two groups were compared for the variables of graft rupture or further ACL injury, family history of ACL injury, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score and activity level. There were 28 male and 14 female patients with a mean age of 25 years (13 to 42) at the time of first ACL injury. Subsequent further ACL injury was identified in ten patients (24%) in the bilateral ACL reconstruction study group and in nine patients (21%) in the unilateral ACL reconstruction control group (p = 0.794). The mean time from bilateral ACL reconstruction to further ACL injury was 54 months (6 to 103). There was no significant difference between the bilateral ACL reconstruction study group and the matched unilateral ACL reconstruction control group in incidence of further ACL injury (p = 0.794), family history of ACL injury (p = 0.595), IKDC activity level (p = 0.514), or IKDC subjective score (p = 0.824). After bilateral ACL reconstruction the incidence of graft rupture and subjective outcomes were equivalent to that after unilateral ACL reconstructions. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:798–802

We present the results in 12 patients of arthrodesis of the knee using a vascularised fibular graft after resection of a malignant bone tumour. At a mean follow-up of 95 months (60 to 178) all patients were free from disease although 11 had had at least one complication, with stress fracture of the graft in five patients, nonunion in two and deep infection requiring above-knee amputation in one. Despite the high rate of complications, satisfactory results can be obtained using this technique. Careful preoperative counselling is required

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to assess radiologically the absorption of a poly L-lactide bioabsorbable interference screw used in anterior ligament reconstruction. Methods. A case series of ten sequential patients undergoing anterior ligament reconstruction with a four-strand hamstrings technique were assessed with MRI scans at one, two, four, seven and ten years postoperatively. The scans were reported by an independent radiologist, with respect to resorption of the screw and post resorption changes in the bone. Fixation of the graft in ACL surgery is varied from metal interference screw, resorbable screws made of PLLA, and staple fixation. The advantage of resorbable screws allow imaging of the knee postoperatively, and the perceive benefit of screw resorption and replacement with host bone. Results. No resorption had occurred after 4 years in any of the patients. By seven years screw absorption was complete in seven patients and progressive in three. Five patients displayed new bone formation within the tibial tunnel. Of the five patients with no demonstrable new bone formation, a fluid collection was present within the tibial tunnel. In one of these patients, MRI revealed formation of a ganglion beyond the limit of the tunnel. We will present the final data after ten years. Conclusions. This study has shown that the bioabsorbable screws take longer to resorb than initial in vitro data. It is unclear as to whether any ganglion formation is related to the resorption, or the presence of the hamstring graft in the tunnel. The theoretical advantages of bio-absorbable screws must be weighed against these findings

A total of 218 patients with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament deficiency were randomly assigned to one of four groups. In group A an anatomical double bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed; group B were treated by a single bundle using an Endobutton for femoral fixation; in group C by a single bundle using RigidFix cross pins for femoral fixation; and in group D by a single bundle using a bioabsorbable TransFix II screw for femoral fixation. For tibial fixation a bioabsorbable Intrafix interference screw was used for all the groups and the graft was fashioned from the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons in all patients. In all, 18 patients were lost to follow-up. The remaining 200 were subjected to a clinical evaluation, with assessment of the anterior drawer, Lachman’s and the pivot-shift tests, and KT-1000 arthrometer measurement. They also completed the International Knee Documentation Committee, Lysholm knee and Tegner activity scores. At a mean of 29 months (25 to 38) follow-up there were no significant differences concerning time between injury and range of movement and Lysholm knee scores among the four groups. However, the double bundle method showed significantly better results for the pivot-shift test (p = 0.002). The KT 1000 measurements showed a mean difference between the reconstructed knee and the patients’ normal knee of 1.4 mm in the double bundle group and 2.4 mm in the single bundle group; which was statistically significant. The Lachman and anterior drawer tests also showed superior results for the double bundle method. The International Knee Documentation Committee scale showed no significant difference among the groups (p < 0.001). On clinical evaluation the double bundle group showed less laxity than the single bundle groups. However, regardless of the technique, all knees were improved by anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction compared with their pre-operative status

Aim. To assess the ten year subjective knee function and activity level following four-strand semitendinosis and gracilis (STG) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Methods. 86 patients underwent anterior cruciate reconstruction by two knee surgeons in the year 1999. 80 patients meet the inclusion criteria of STG reconstruction by a standard operative technique. Patient evaluation was by completion of a Lysholm Knee Score and Tegner Activity Level Scale at a minimum of ten years from reconstructive surgery. This was by initial postal questionnaire and subsequent telephone follow-up. Results. 80 patients underwent anterior cruciate reconstruction with average age 30.9 years +/− 8.8 (15 to 58 years). There was a 77.5% (62 patients) response at ten years to the questionnaire. The mean Lysholm Knee Score at ten years was 78.4 +/− 12.8 (39 to 90). The mean activity level had decreased from 8.3 to 5.3 at ten years according to the Tegner Activity Scale. 11 patients required medial and lateral partial menisectomies at the time of original reconstruction. This group of patients had a Lysholm Knee Score of 67.6 +/− 19.1 and Tegner Activity Scale of 3.9 at ten years following reconstruction. 17 of the 80 patients (21.25%) required re-operation because of further knee symptoms, with 4 patients requiring revision of the anterior cruciate following re-rupture. Conclusion. Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with four-strand STG hamstring graft provides a reliable method of restoring knee function with a 5% revision rate for re-rupture at ten years. Combined partial medial and lateral menisectomy at the time of the initial reconstruction is a poor prognostic indicator for function at ten years

Aims. There is limited information on outcomes of revision ACL reconstruction (rACLR) in soccer (association football) athletes, particularly on return to sport and the rate of additional knee surgery. The purpose of this study was to report return to soccer after rACLR, and to test the hypothesis that patient sex and graft choice are associated with return to play and the likelihood of future knee surgery in soccer players undergoing rACLR. Methods. Soccer athletes enrolled in a prospective multicentre cohort were contacted to collect ancillary data on their participation in soccer and their return to play following rACLR. Information regarding if and when they returned to play and their current playing status was recorded. If they were not currently playing soccer, they were asked the primary reason they stopped playing. Information on any subsequent knee surgery following their index rACLR was also collected. Player demographic data and graft choice were collected from their baseline enrolment data at rACLR. Results. Soccer-specific follow-up was collected on 76% (33 male, 39 female) of 95 soccer athletes. Subsequent surgery information was collected on 95% (44 male, 46 female). Overall, 63% of athletes returned to soccer a mean 9.6 months (SD 5.8) after index revision surgery but participation in soccer decreased to 19% at a mean of 6.4 years (SD 1.3) after surgery. There was no significant association of patient sex or graft choice with return to play, time of return to play, or long-term return to play. Females were more likely than males to have subsequent knee surgery following rACLR (20% (9/46) vs 5% (2/44); p = 0.050). The rate of recurrent graft tear (5.6%; 5/90) was similar between males and females. Conclusion. Approximately two-thirds of soccer players return to sport after rACLR, but the rate of participation drops significantly over time. Neither patient sex nor graft choice at the time of rACLR were associated with return to play. Female soccer players face a higher risk for additional knee surgery after rACLR than male soccer players. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(12):1043–1048

Abstract. Introduction. MRI has been increasingly used as an outcome measure and proxy for healing and integration after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Despite this, it has not yet been established what a steady state graft MRI appearance is. Methodology. MRI and clinical outcome measures were prospectively taken at 1 and minimum 2 years after hamstring autograft ACLR. MRI graft signal was measured using novel reconstructions both parallel and perpendicular to the graft, with lower signal indicative of better healing and expressed as the signal intensity ratio (SIR), and tunnel apertures analysed. Results. Forty-two patients were included. A proximal graft SIR of 1.9 at 1 year gave a sensitivity of 96% to remain unchanged. High SIR at 1 year, saw a significant reduction after 2 years (p=0.026), also correlated with a significant reduction in aperture area (tibial -6.9mm2, p< 0.001, femoral -13.5mm2, p< 0.001). Mean Tegner activity score was 6 [5-10] with a third of patients scoring either a 9 or 10. Overall, PROMs and knee laxity was not affected by MRI appearance. Conclusion. A proximal graft SIR under 2 at 1 year is a sensitive indicator for a stable graft signal, implying healing. For those that do have high signal at 1 year, a significant reduction is seen in the second year, indicative of ongoing healing. A reduction in tunnel aperture area correlates with a reduction in graft SIR suggesting this could also be a useful measure of graft integration

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. Methods. A consecutive cohort of 149 patients who had undergone semitendinosus autograft ACL reconstruction, using femoral and tibial adjustable loop fixations, were evaluated retrospectively postoperatively at two years. All underwent MRI analysis of the ACL graft, performed using signal-to-noise quotient (SNQ) and the Howell score. Functional outcome scores (Lysholm, Tegner, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective, and IKDC objective) were obtained and all patients underwent instrumented side-to-side anterior laxity differential laxity testing. Results. Two-year postoperative mean outcome scores were: Tegner 6.5 (2 to 10); Lysholm 89.8 (SD 10.4; 52 to 100); and IKDC subjective 86.8 (SD 11.8; 51 to 100). The objective IKDC score was 86% A (128 patients), 13% B (19 patients), and 1% C (two patients). Mean side-to-side anterior laxity difference (134 N force) was 0.6 mm (SD 1.8; -4.1 to 5.6). Mean graft SNQ was 2.0 (SD 3.5; -14 to 17). Graft Howell scores were I (61%, 91 patients), II (25%, 37 patients), III (13%, 19 patients), and IV (1%, two patients). There was no correlation between either Howell score or SNQ with instrumented anterior or Lysholm, Tegner, and IKDC scores, nor was any correlation found between patient age and ACL graft SNQ or Howell score. Conclusion. The two-year postoperative MRI appearances of four-strand, semitendinosus ACL autografts (as measured by SNQ and Howell score) do not appear to have a relationship with postoperative functional scores, instrumented anterior laxity, or patient age at surgery. Other tools for analysis of graft maturity should be developed. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(8):569–575

Aims. The aim of this study was to establish consensus statements on medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction, anteromedialization tibial tubercle osteotomy, trochleoplasty, and rehabilitation and return to sporting activity in patients with patellar instability, using the modified Delphi process. Methods. This was the second part of a study dealing with these aspects of management in these patients. As in part I, a total of 60 surgeons from 11 countries contributed to the development of consensus statements based on their expertise in this area. They were assigned to one of seven working groups defined by subtopics of interest. Consensus was defined as achieving between 80% and 89% agreement, strong consensus was defined as between 90% and 99% agreement, and 100% agreement was considered unanimous. Results. Of 41 questions and statements on patellar instability, none achieved unanimous consensus, 19 achieved strong consensus, 15 achieved consensus, and seven did not achieve consensus. Conclusion. Most statements reached some degree of consensus, without any achieving unanimous consensus. There was no consensus on the use of anchors in MPFL reconstruction, and the order of fixation of the graft (patella first versus femur first). There was also no consensus on the indications for trochleoplasty or its effect on the viability of the cartilage after elevation of the osteochondral flap. There was also no consensus on postoperative immobilization or weightbearing, or whether paediatric patients should avoid an early return to sport. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(12):1265–1270

Abstract. Introduction. Previous research has shown that, notwithstanding ligament healing, properly selected MCL reconstruction can restore normal knee stability after MCL rupture. The hypothesis of this work was that it is possible to restore knee stability (particularly valgus and AMRI) with simplified and/or less-invasive MCL reconstruction methods. Methods. Nine unpaired human knees were cleaned of skin and fat, then digitization screws and optical trackers were attached to the femur and tibia. A Polaris stereo camera measured knee kinematics across 0. o. -100. o. flexion when the knee was unloaded then with 90N anterior-posterior force, 9Nm varus-valgus moment, 5Nm internal-external rotation, and external+anterior (AMRI) loading. The test was conducted for the following knee conditions: intact, injured: transected superficial and deep MCL (sMCL and dMCL), and five reconstructions: (long sMCL, long sMCL+dMCL, dMCL, short sMCL+dMCL, short sMCL), all based on the medial epicondyle isometric point and using 8mm tape as a graft, with long sMCL 60mm below the joint line (anatomical), short sMCL 30mm, dMCL 10mm (anatomical). Results. No significant changes were found in anterior or posterior translation, or varus at any stage. MCL deficiency caused increased valgus, external rotation and AMRI instabilities. All reconstructions restored valgus stability. The isolated long sMCL allowed residual external rotation and AMRI instability, while the short sMCL did stabilise AMRI. Both 2-strand reconstructions (dMCL+sMCL) restored stability. Conclusion. All tested techniques, except long sMCL, restored valgus and AMRI stability of the knee. The single femoral tunnel is satisfactory for both the dMCL and sMCL grafts

Abstract. Introduction. Anterolateral procedures can reduce the risk of re-rupture after ACL reconstruction in high risk patients however, this effectiveness has never been evaluated in elite athletes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of lateral extra-articular tenodesis in reducing revision rates in ACL reconstructions in elite athletes. Methodology. A consecutive cohort of elite athletes between 2005 and 2018 undergoing ACLR reconstruction with or without modified Lemaire lateral extra-articular tenodesis were analysed. A minimum of 2 years of follow-up was required. The association between the use of LET and ACL graft failure was evaluated with univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Results. 455 elite athletes (83% male; 22.5±4.7 years) underwent primary ACL reconstruction with (n=117) or without (n=338) a LET procedure. Overall, 36 athletes (7.9%) experienced ACL graft failure including 32 (9.5%) reconstructions without a LET and 4 (3.4%) with a LET. Utilization of LET during primary ACL reconstruction reduced the risk of graft failure by 2.8 times with 16.5 athletes needing to be treated with LET to prevent a single ACL graft failure. Multivariate models showed that LET significantly reduced the risk of graft rupture (RR=0.325; p=.029) as compared to ACL reconstruction alone after controlling for age at ACL reconstruction and gender. Including graft type in the model did not significantly change the risk profile. Conclusion. The addition of LET in elite athletes undergoing primary ACL reconstruction reduced the risk of undergoing revision by 2.8 times

Abstract. Introduction. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) can be performed with a number of different autografts including all soft tissue quadriceps autograft. (QT). QT has several advantages including decreased donor site morbidity, reduced anterior knee pain and comparable revision rates compared to other autografts. The primary aim of this review was to assess all complications of QT in adult population. Methodology. A systematic review of the literature was conducted on in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines using the online databases Medline and EMBASE. Clinical studies or reporting on soft tissue QT were included and appraised using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) tool. Results. Twelve studies were eligible, giving a total of 774 cases of QT ACLR. The mean age ranged from 18 to 45 years. The mean follow-up ranged from 12 to 55.6 months. Nine studies report on patients’ functional outcomes with mean IKDC score was 90.9 ±22.6 and Lysholm score of 88.6 ±6.5. Seven studies reported on complications which was overall 12.3% including 4.1% for graft site morbidity. Infection was reported in 0.4% of the patients. Seven studies reported on failure rate which was reported in 5.3%. Re-operation rate for any reason was 3.2 %. Conclusion. All soft tissue QT for ACLR has a low complication rate and revision rate. There is less graft site morbidity