Introduction. Chronic ruptures of the quadriceps tendon after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are rare but are a devastating complication. The objective of this study was to validate the use of fresh frozen total fresh quadriceps tendon allografts for quadriceps tendon reconstruction. The hypothesis of this work was that the graft was functional in more than 67% of cases, a higher percentage than the results of conventional treatments. Material – methods. We designed a continuous monocentric retrospective study of all patients operated on between 2009 and 2017 for a chronic rupture of the quadriceps tendon after TKA by quadriceps allograft reconstruction. The usual demographic and perioperative data and the rehabilitation protocols followed were collected. Initial and final radiographs were analyzed to measure patellar height variation. The main criterion was the possibility of achieving an active extension of the knee with a quadriceps contraction force greater than or equal to 3/5 or the possibility of lifting the heel off the ground in a sitting position. Results. 29 patients with 33 allografts were included; 3 iterative allografts were performed on ruptures of the initial transplant and 1 patient was grafted on both sides in one step. There were 21 women and 8 men with a mean age of 73 years, and a mean body mass index of 33 kg/m. 2. Ruptures occurred in 22 cases after chronic periprosthetic infection. Walking was allowed immediately in 29 cases, but free mobilization was delayed in 29 cases. Complications affected 22 cases, but the majority of complications were not related to allograft use (including infectious failures and periprosthetic fractures). After a mean follow-up of 52 months, 28 allografts were still in place, and 22 allografts were considered functional. The active quadriceps extension force was rated on average at 3.5/5. The average pre/post-operative patellar height differential was +2 mm. Discussion. This continuous series of 33 allografts is in line with recent publications on the subject. It confirms their negative impact on the functional outcome of the TKA. The complication rate is high but the specific complication rate is not prohibitive. Two thirds of transplants are functional in the long term. Early rehabilitation procedures can be used in these difficult patients with encouraging results. The management of chronic ruptures of the quadriceps tendon after TKA by quadriceps allograft must be part of the current therapeutic options

Introduction. Growing evidence in the literature suggests better clinical and functional outcomes and lower re-rupture rates with repair compared to non-operative treatment of ruptured Achilles tendon. There are however, concerns of wound infection, nerve injury and scar tenderness with the standard open and percutaneous techniques of repair. We aim to evaluate clinical and functional outcomes and complications in patients treated with minimally invasive Achillon device. Materials and Methods. Prospectively collected clinical data was reviewed of all consecutive patients who underwent repair of the ruptured Achilles tendon using the Achillon device. Patients were contacted using a postal questionnaire for assessment of their functional status using the validated Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) and compared with their uninjured side. The outcomes were compared to the published results. Results. We present patient demographics; and clinical and functional outcomes of 140 consecutive patients who underwent repair of ruptured Achilles tendon using the minimally invasive technique between June 2007 to August 2010. Our complication rate was of two-three percent each of proximal DVT, scar sensitivity, superficial wound infection and no re-rupture after a minimum of 6 months. There was no case of nerve injury leading to permanent neurological deficit. Discussion. This study demonstrates good clinical and functional outcomes from using the Achillon device in repair of ruptured Achilles tendon with a low complication rate comparable to other published series. We recommend Achillon device as a safe minimally invasive technique for repair of the ruptured Achilles tendon

Isolated rupture of short head of biceps is a rare injury. There have been no published reports of rupture at the musculotendinous junction. We report two cases of complete rupture of the musculotendinous junction of the short head of biceps in young males both occurring during water skiing. Two males sustained water skiing injuries where the handle was forced against the flexor region of the arm. Whilst trying to adduct and flex the extended arm, they both sustained complete musculotendinous ruptured of their short head of biceps. Both underwent pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging and one underwent isokinetic strength testing of elbow flexion and supination. Surgical repair was performed using absorbable sutures. One patient had the short head muscle belly flipped distally to lie in a subcutaneous plane in front of the elbow. Post-operative management included cast immobilisation for three weeks then gentle range of motion exercises. Both patients recovered their full range of motion in the arm. There were no complications. Post-operative strength testing was performed and will be presented. This is a unique series of complete musculotendinous rupture of the short head of biceps. The mechanism of injury was resisted adduction and flexion against the towrope handle with the arm in extension. These ruptures occurred in high impact high velocity accidents. Surgical repair lead to an excellent outcome

Background. Conservative treatment of acute AT ruptures with functional rehabilitation has demonstrated superior results with equal reported re-rupture rates but without the added complications of surgical treatment. There is no consensus on the duration and method of treatment using functional rehabilitation regimes. The purpose of this paper is to define our treatment regime, the Leicester Achilles Management Protocol (LAMP), supported with patient reported outcomes and objective measures of assessment. Methods. All patients with an acute achilles tendon rupture were treated with the same non-operative LAMP functional rehabilitation regime in a VACOped boot for 8 weeks. 12 months post rupture ATRS scores and objective measures of calf muscle girth and heel raise height were obtained and analysed. Venous thromboembolic rates and rates of re-rupture were recorded. Results. 442 patients were treated with this regime between February 2011 and December 2015. The incidence of a thromboembolic event was 5.9% and a re-rupture rate of 2%. The ATRS score at 12 months was available in 200 patients. Objective measures were available in 50 patients. The average age was 50 years (range 21–82). The average ATRS score was 75.3 (SD 22, 95% CI 72.2 – 78.4) at an average follow up of 25 months post injury. Men had better ATRS than women (P< 0.05). The calf muscle girth and heel raise height were significantly different from the uninjured side. However, these did not correlate with the ATRS (P>0.05). Conclusions. The LAMP is a simple effective regime which is very easy to adopt and involves a VACOped boot for 8 weeks. Compared to other studies, the overall time in the boot is less with similar patient reported outcomes. Implications. Simple non-operative functional rehabilitation regime that can be applied to ALL patients with acute achilles tendon ruptures

Ochronosis, the musculoskeletal manifestation of alkaptonuria, is known to lead to degenerative changes of the spine and weight-bearing joints. Symptoms related to degeneration of tendons or ligaments with spontaneous ruptures have not previously been reported. Three patients are described with four spontaneous ruptures of either the patellar tendon or tendo Achillis as the first symptom of alkaptonuria

This is largest collection of outcomes of distal biceps reconstruction in the literature. 8 subjects prospectively measured pre and post reconstruction Strength deficit in patients with chronic tendon deficit is described. To describe outcomes for 53 chronic distal biceps reconstructions with tendon graft. Clinical outcomes as well as strength and endurance in supination and flexion are reported. To examine eight patients measured pre- and post-reconstruction. To identify deficit in supination and flexion in chronic reconstruction. 53 reconstructions of chronic distal biceps with tendon graft were carried out between 1999 and 2015. 26 subjects agreed to undergo strength testing after minimum one year follow up. Eight subjects were tested both before and after reconstruction. Primary outcomes were strength in elbow flexion and forearm supination. Strength testing of supination and flexion included maximum isokinetic power and endurance performed on a Biodex. Clinical outcomes measures included pre-operative retraction severity, surgical fixation technique, postoperative contour, range of motion, subjective satisfaction, SF-12, DASH, MAYO elbow score, ASES and pain VAS Non-parametric data was reported as median (interquartile range), while normally-distributed data was reported as mean with 95% Confidence Limits. Hypothesis testing was performed according to two-tailed, paired t-tests. Median time from index rupture to reconstructions 9.5 (range 3–108) months. Strength measurements were completed at a median follow-up time of 29 (range 12–137) months on 26 subjects. The proportion of patients that achieved 90% strength of the contralateral limb post-reconstruction was 65% (17/26) for peak supination torque, and 62% (16/26) for peak flexion torque. Supination and flexion endurance was 90% of the contralateral arm in 81% (21/26) and 65% (17/26) of subjects, respectively. Ten subjects (39%) achieved 90% strength of the contralateral arm on at least four of five strength tests. Eight of the 26 patients were evaluated pre- and post-surgery. As compared to the contralateral limb, chronic distal biceps rupture was found to have a mean [95%CI] deficit in peak supination torque of 31.0 [21.0, 42.9]% (p=0.002). Mean deficit in peak flexion torque of 34.2 [23.1, 45.4]% (p <0.001). Reconstruction resulted in an increase in peak supination torque of 33.5 [8.7, 58.3]% (p=0.0162), increase in peak flexion torque of 35.0 [6.4, 63.6]% (p=0.023), increase in isometric strength of 57.6 [36.1, 79.1]% (p<0.001), increase in supination endurance of 0.6 [-22.2, 23.4]% (p=0.668), and a decrease in flexion endurance of 4.8 [-23.3, 13.7](p=0.478). Ninety-six percent of the patients (25/26) were satisfied, or very satisfied with the overall outcome of the surgery, while median Mayo score post-reconstruction was 100 (range: 55–100). Chronic distal biceps tendon rupture results in less supination loss and greater flexion loss than previously reported. Reconstruction with tendon graft results in a significant, but incomplete recovery of peak supination and flexion torque, but no significant change in endurance. Clinical patient satisfaction with surgical outcomes is high

The Achilles tendon is the strongest and largest tendon in the body. Rupture of this tendon usually occurs in the third and fourth decade and can be significantly debilitating. Repair of neglected ruptures of Achilles tendon pose a challenge to the orthopaedic surgeon due to the retraction and atrophy of the ends of the tendon. Various surgical procedures have been described which include VY plasty, fascia lata, peroneus brevis, plantaris tendon, flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis longus, allograft, and synthetic materials. We carried out a prospective study to compare the results of peroneus brevis transfer with flexor hallucis longus transfer in the management of neglected ruptures of Achilles tendon. Forty-seven patients who had neglected ruptures of Achilles tendon were included in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups; the first group underwent peroneus brevis transfer (24 patients) and the second group had flexor hallucis longus transfer (23 patients). Patients were assessed using the Quigley's scoring system. We conclude that Flexor hallucis longus transfer is better than peroneus brevis transfer as it is a long, durable tendon which is much stronger when compared to other tendon transfers. Flexor hallucis longus acts in the same axis as the Achilles tendon, is in the same gait phase and is in close proximity, making harvesting of the tendon easy

Background. Patellar ligament rupture is an uncommon but devastating complication of total knee arthroplasty. Many predisposing factors may lead to rupture of the ligament during or shortly after surgery. The most common predisposing factor is extensive release of the ligament to improve exposure in difficult cases or revisions. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to show the outcome of new technique for repair of overstretched patellar ligament during total knee arthroplasty. Patients and method. This is retrospective case series study for fourteen patients who had over stretched patellar ligament during difficult total knee arthroplasty. Ten patients had less than 50% partial injury of patellar ligament while four patients had more than 50% injury for the patellar ligament. four anteroposterior drill holes arranged in two rows were done from the tibial tuberosity to the medullary canal at the site of tibial component stem. No. 5 Ethibond sutures were passed in form of two loops that encircle the patellar ligament like a sleeve and left untied. The cemented tibial component was inserted then the suture loops were tied from distal to proximal while the knee in 90 degree flexion so as the ligament was anchored to the bone. Results. The mean follow up of these cases was 38± 2.6 STD months. Active extension to -5 degrees was achieved by all patients while the mean flexion range was 100± 4.8 STD. None of the patients had delayed rupture of the patellar ligament during follow up. Conclusion. The technique described was effective to regain normal extensor mechanism function after partial injury of the patellar ligament during TKA. It can be used as a prophylactic method against delayed rupture of the ligament when the ligament is overstretched during difficult cases of TKA

The incidence of rupture of an Achilles tendon constitutes 0,01–0,02%. The infection of the Achilles tendon after operativ repair is a very rare but severe complication. In this study we examined the functional outcome after radical debridement of the Achilles tendon. From 2009 to 2014 we treated 26 patients (22 male, 4 female) with an infection oft he Achilles tendon. In 24 cases the infection was caused after suture of the tendon, in 2 cases the infection was caused by an open injury. The average age was 46,8 (21 to 75). The number of operations the patient had to undergo before admitted to our hospital was 23, in average (with an range from 0 to 9 operations). We performed a radical debridement and the insertion of a local antibiotic carrier. In all cases an at least subtotal resection of the Achilles tendon was necessary. In 10 cases we found Staphylococcus aureus, in 4 cases atleast 2 different types of bacteria. In 2 cases we detected E.coli, in 1 case Enterococcus faecalis and 1 case Bacteroides fragiles. In 6 cases we didn´t succeed in identifying a bacteria despite of a hisological report describing a severe infection. In all cases we achieved a long-lasting stop of the infection. We succeed in 22 cases with just one operation. In 2 cases we had to perform several surgeries(3 Operations and 7 operations) due to extended soft tissue damage of the lower leg and the necessity of a free flap. 22 patients are mobilized in normal shoes, 2 in orthopedic shoes. Because of the building of scartissue we didn´t find a serious impairment of the function despite a subtotal resection of the tendon. The plantar flexion was possible against resistance with reduced strength. Further operative measure such as replacement with other tendons were not required. In order o obtain a durable stop of the infection it is decisive to operate radical. All infected tissue has to be removed. Even a subtotal resection of the Achilles tendon leads to0 a satisfactory functional outcome

The Achilles tendon is the most commonly ruptured tendon in the body and yet its management remains controversial due to potential surgical complications. We believe that primary repair using LARS ligament augmentation, combined with early mobilisation will significantly reduce all these potential problems and lead to improved functional outcomes. Nine patients with acute Achilles tendon ruptures underwent primary repair using augmentation with a Ligament Augmentation and Reconstruction System (LARS) ligament. Day one postoperatively each patient was started on active range of motion exercises. Clinical parameters, isokinetic strength and outcome measurements (The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) was utilised to assess pain and function, Tegner score to evaluate activity) were evaluated at an average follow-up of 17 months. Complications, if any, were also recorded. There were no re-ruptures and all patients returned to normal work (average time 9.2 weeks) and all but one returned to their previous level of recreational sporting activity (average time 20.8 weeks). The postoperative performance testing showed positive results with the mean decrease in calf circumference of affected leg was 1.0 cm (range, −0.5 to 2.0), and every patient was able to perform at least one heel-raise with the mean heel raise difference being −3.8 repetitions (range, −1 to −10 reps) when compared to the other leg. In terms of functional outcomes, all patients reported very good results. The mean AOFAS score postoperatively was 83.4% (range, 74% to 100%) and the mean LEFS score was 82.5% (range, 45 to 100%). The mean preoperative Tegner score was 4.75 (range, 2 to 8) and the postoperative score was 3.75 (range, 2 to 7). The results of our preliminary clinical series indicate that LARS ligament repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures provides a reliable and effective technique for repair. It eliminates the need for graft harvesting, it decreases postoperative complications, but most importantly, patients have improved functional outcomes

Rupture of the pectoralis major (PM) tendon is a rare yet severe injury. Several techniques have been described for PM fixation including a transosseus technique, when cortical buttons are placed at the superior, middle and inferior PM tendon insertion positions. The concern with this technique is the risk that bicortical drilling poses to the axillary nerve as it courses posteriorly to the humerus. This cadaveric study investigates the proximity of the posterior branch of the axillary nerve to the drill positions for transosseus PM tendon repair. Drills were placed through the humerus at the superior, middle and inferior insertions of the PM tendon and the distance between these positions and the axillary nerve, which had previously been marked, was measured using computed tomography (CT) imaging. This investigation demonstrates that the superior border of PM tendon insertion is the fixation position that poses the highest risk of damage to the axillary nerve. Caution should be used when performing bicortical drilling during cortical button PM tendon repair, especially when drilling at the superior border of the PM insertion. We describe ‘safe’ and ‘danger’ zones for transosseus drilling of the humerus reflecting the risk posed to the axillary nerve

CLS Spotorno expansion acetabular cup is in use since 1984 for uncemented Metal-Polyethylene (PE) total hip arthroplasties (THA). Metal-PE articulations are notoriously known to wear and lead to failure of THA. However, catastrophic breakage of expansion acetabular cup is rare. Our 74-year-old male who was diagnosed with bilateral osteonecrosis of femoral head, underwent bilateral THA using CLS Spotorno metal expansion acetabular cups (Protek, AG, Bern) in 1991. He had irregular follow-up since then. In 2005, he presented with right hip pain and inability to walk without support. Anteroposterior (AP) hip radiographs established the diagnosis of catastrophic failure of right THA secondary to severe liner wear and acetabular osteolysis. Patient chose to postpone the revision surgery and opted for wheel chair ambulation. He presented 4 years later, when the right hip pain became unbearable. Anteroposterior as well as lateral hip radiographs showed worsening of cup breakage with superolateral migration of metal femoral head. Pelvic CT scans confirmed severe acetabular osteolysis in DeLee and Charnley's Zone 1, 2 & 3 with secondary loss of bony support to the expansion cup [Fig. 1]. A revision THA was strongly advised. However, patient sought for a pain-free rather than a fully ambulatory right hip and decided against a second THA. We performed resection arthroplasty of right hip with bone cement loading, respecting patient's decision. Intra-operatively, the metal femoral head was lying in the huge osteolytic defect in the roof of acetabulum. The 3 cranial wings of metal expansion shell were broken with corresponding wear of the cranial pole of polyethylene liner [Fig. 2]. We were able to gratify patient's expectations and patient is able to ambulate with the aid of one crutch at latest follow-up. However, it is clearly evident that a timely and regular follow-up would have identified the initial PE wear and secondary osteolysis. Additionally, it can avoid extensive procedures like a revision THA or resection arthroplasty by allowing simple procedures like modular PE liner and the femoral head exchange. A comprehensive review of literature for catastrophic acetabular component breakage revealed 10 such cases, although with different cup designs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of CLS expansion cup breakage for metal-PE articulation. Majority of these cases have a presence of extensive liner wear and pelvic osteolysis along with a post-operative irregular follow up. This case stresses on importance of regular follow-up even after many years of index THA to identify early PE wear and prevent secondary catastrophic complications.

Tendon injuries after distal radius fractures Introduction: Tendon injuries after distal radius fractures are a well-documented complication that can occur in fractures managed both operatively and non-operatively. The extensor tendons, in particular the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon, can be damaged and present late after initial management in a cast, or by long prominent screws that penetrate the dorsal cortex and cause attrition. Similarly, a prominent or distally placed volar plate can damage the flexor pollicis longus tendon (FPL). The aim of our study was to evaluate the incidence of tendon injuries associated with distal radius fractures. We conducted a single centre prospective observational study. Patients aged 18–99 who presented with a distal radius fracture between May 2018 to April 2020 were enrolled and followed-up for 24 months. Tendon injuries in the group were prospectively evaluated. Results: 199 patients with distal radius fractures were enrolled. 119 fractures (59.8%) had fixation and 80 (40.2%) were managed incast. In the non-operative group, 2 (2.5%) had EPL ruptures at approximately 4 weeks post injury. There were no extensor tendon ruptures in the operative group. In the operative group, there were 6 (5%) patients that required removal of metalware for FPL irritation. At the time of operation, there were no tendon ruptures noted. Within the operative group we evaluated plate prominence using a previously described classification (Soong et al.). 5 of the 6 patients (83%) with FPL irritation had Grade 3 prominence. The incidence of both flexor and extensor tendon injury in our cohort was 4%, extensor tendon rupture was 1% and flexor tendon rupture was avoided by early metalware removal. This study demonstrates tendon injuries are not uncommon after distal radius fractures, and close examination and follow-up are necessary to prevent eventual rupture. Plate prominence at the time of fixation should be minimised to reduce the risk of rupture

Australian Football (AF) is a popular sport in Australia, with females now representing one-third of participants. Despite this, the injury profiles of females versus males in largely unknown. The current study investigated fractures, dislocations and tendon ruptures in females versus males presenting to emergency departments (ED) with an AF injury. All patients, regardless of age, presenting to one of 10 EDs in Victoria, Australia, with an AF injury were included. Data were prospectively collected over a 10-month period, coinciding with a complete AF season. Data were extracted from patient medical records regarding injury-type, body-part injured and treatments required. Female and male data were compared with chi-squared tests. Of the 1635 patients presenting with an AF injury, 595 (36.0%) had a fracture, dislocation or tendon rupture, of whom 85 (14.3%) were female and the average age was 20.5 years (SD 8.0). Fractures accounted for most injuries (n=478, 80.3% of patients had a fracture), followed by dislocations (n=118, 19.8%) and tendon ruptures (n=14, 2.4%). Upper limb fractures were more common than lower limb fractures (71.1% v 11.5% of fractures). Females were more likely to fracture their hands or fingers than males (45.7% v 34.3%). Males were more likely to fracture ribs (5.4% v 0%). Most fractures (91.2%) were managed in the ED, with the remainder being admitted for surgery (GAMP/ORIF). Males were more likely to be admitted for surgery than females (11.2% v 5.9%). Regarding dislocations (n=118), females were more likely to dislocate the patella (36.8% v 8.1% of dislocations). Only males sustained a tendon rupture (n=14): finger extensor or flexor (57.1%), achilles tendon (28.6%) and patella tendon (14.3%). Orthopaedic AF injuries are common presentations to EDs in Victoria, though few require specialist orthopaedic intervention. Injury profiles differed between genders suggesting that gender specific injury prevention and management might be required

Abstract. Objectives. This study aims to evaluate the functional outcomes of early weight-bearing in a functional orthosis for conservatively managed, complete AT ruptures. Also we tried to evaluate the patient reported outcome with this form of treatment. Design. In this prospective study, we have analysed data from 41 patients with ultrasound diagnosed compete AT ruptures, with a gap of less than 5 cm. Every patient was treated in a functional weight-bearing orthosis (VACOped®) for 8 weeks with early weight-bearing following a specific treatment protocol, followed by rehabilitation with a trained physiotherapist. Methods. Patients were followed up with foot and ankle trained physiotherapist for at least 1 year post-injury. At final follow up, the followings were measured: calf girth, single-leg heel raise height and repetitions. Furthermore, ATRS score and a patient feedback were taken on this final visit. Result. The mean ATRS score was 82.1, with a re-rupture rate of only 2% as compared to 5% in normal orthosis. The average calf bulk difference was 1.6 cm, the average heel raise height difference was 1.8cm and a heel raise repetition difference of 6. There was a statistically significant correlation between ATRS score and calf muscle girth (p=0.02). However, there was no significant correlation between ATRS and heel raise height or heel raise repetitions. Conclusion. Early weight-bearing in a functional orthosis provides excellent functional outcomes for conservatively managed, complete AT ruptures, and is associated with very low re-rupture rates. A multidisciplinary approach with a guided rehabilitation programme is essential for optimising functional outcome

The Adams-Berger reconstruction is an effective technique for treating distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability. Graft preparation techniques vary amongst surgeons with insufficient evidence to support one technique over another. Our study evaluated the biomechanical properties of four graft preparation techniques. Extensor tendons were harvested from fresh frozen porcine trotters obtained from a local butcher shop and prepared in one of three configurations (n=5 per group): tendon only; tendon prepared with non-locking, running suture (2-0 FiberLoop, Arthrex, Naples, FL) spaced at 6 mm intervals; and tendon prepared with suture spaced at 12 mm intervals. A fourth configuration of suture alone was also tested. Tendons were allocated in a manner to ensure comparable average diameters amongst groups. Biomechanical testing occurred using custom jigs simulating radial and ulnar tunnels attached to a Bose Electroforce 3510 mechanical testing machine (TA Instruments). After being woven through the jigs, all tendons were sutured end-to-end with 2-0 PROLENE suture (Ethicon). Tendons then underwent a staircase cyclic loading protocol (5-25 Newtons [N] at 1 hertz [Hz] for 1000 cycles, then 5-50 N at 1 Hz for 1000 cycles, then 5-75 N at 1 Hz for 1000 cycles) until graft failure; if samples did not fail during the protocol, they were then loaded to failure. Samples were visually inspected for mode of failure after the protocol. A one-way analysis of variance was used to compare average tendon diameter; post-hac Tuhey tests were used to compare elongation and elongation rate. Survival to cyclic loading was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves with log rank. Statistical significance was set at a = 0.05. The average tendon diameter of each group was not statistically different [4.17 mm (tendon only), 4.33 mm (FiberLoop spaced 6 mm), and 4.30 mm (FiberLoop spaced 12 mm)]. The average survival of tendon augmented with FiberLoop was significantly higher than tendon only, and all groups had significantly improved survival compared to suture only. There was no difference in survival between FiberLoop spaced 6 mm and 12 mm. Elongation was significantly lower with suture compared to tendon augmented with FiberLoop spaced 6 mm. Elongation rate was significantly lower with suture compared to all groups. Modes of failure included rupture of the tendon, suture, or both at the simulated bone and suture and/or tendon interface, and elongation of the entire construct without rupture. In this biomechanical study, augmentation of porcine tendons with FiberLoop suture spaced at either 6 or 12 mm for DRUJ reconstruction significantly increased survival to a staircase cyclic loading protocol, as suture material was significantly stiffer than any of the tendon graft configurations

There is increasing evidence that patients with ACL reconstruction using ipsilateral graft harvest are at greater risk of rupture (12.5%) on their contralateral compared to their surgical side (7.9%). The purpose of this study is to re-evaluate patients from a previous study comparing ipsi- versus contralateral graft harvest to compare ACL rupture rate at a minimum 10 year follow-up. An attempt to contact all participants from a previously published study was made to invite them to return for a follow-up. The assessment included an International Knee Documentation Committee Knee Clinical Assessment (IKDC), isokinetic concentric knee flexion and extension strength testing, as well as the ACL-Quality of life (ACL-QOL). A chart review was conducted to identify or confirm subsequent ipsi- or contralateral knee surgeries. In patients with ipsilateral graft, 3/34 (8.8%) re-ruptured and 3/34 (8.8%) had contralateral rupture. In the contralateral group, 1/28 (3.6%) re-ruptured and 2/28 (7.1%) had contralateral rupture. The relative risk (RR) of re-rupture with ipsilateral graft was 2.47 compared to using the contralateral site (p=0.42). RR of rupture on the contralateral side when ipsilateral graft was used was 1.23 compared to the alternate approach. Current contact information was unavailable for 21 patients. Of the 47 remaining, 37 were consented (79%). No difference in the ACL-QOL between groups (ipsilateral 68.4±24.4, contralateral 80.1±16.0, p=0.17) was observed. There were no differences in knee flexion strength between groups (peak torque flexion affected leg: ipsilateral 77.8nm/kg±27.4, contralateral: 90.0 nm/kg±35.1; p=0.32; Unaffected leg: ipsilateral: 83.3 nm/kg±30.2 contralateral 81.7 nm/kg±24.4; p= 0.89). This study suggests that using the contralateral hamstring in ACL rupture is not associated with an increase in ACL rupture on either side. The risk of ACL injury was low in all limbs; therefore, a larger study would be required to definitively state that graft side had no impact

Cementless fixation is an alternative to cemented unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR), with several advantages over cementation. This study reports on the 15-year survival and 10-year clinical outcomes of the cementless Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement (OUKR). This prospective study describes the clinical outcomes and survival of first 693 consecutive cementless medial OUKRs implanted in New Zealand. The sixteen-year survival was 89.2%, with forty-six knees being revised. The commonest reason for revision was progression of arthritis, which occurred in twenty-three knees, followed by primary dislocation of the bearing, which occurred in nine knees. There were two bearing dislocations secondary to trauma and a ruptured ACL, and two tibial plateau fractures. There were four revisions for polyethylene wear. There were four revisions for aseptic tibial loosening, and one revision for impingement secondary to overhang of the tibial component. There was only one revision for deep infection and one revision where the indication was not stated. The mean OKS improved from 23.3 (7.4 SD) to 40.59 (SD 6.8) at a mean follow-up of sixteen years. In conclusion, the cementless OUKR is a safe and reproducible procedure with excellent sixteen-year survival and clinical outcomes

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

There is no consensus for the appropriate surgical management of chronic ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries of the thumb. A systematic review of Pubmed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and ePub Ahead of Print was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting of Items in Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and formal protocol registered with PROSPERO. Two authors collated data from 10 studies that met strict inclusion criteria, using various surgical techniques in 131 thumbs. Results were heterogenous and metanalysis of results not possible. These data were, therefore, qualitatively assessed and synthesised. Bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. Direct repair, reconstruction with free tendon or bone-tissue-bone grafts and arthrodesis all demonstrated favourable outcomes with Patient Reported Outcome Measures. Direct repair can be safely performed more than two months following injury, with a positive mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score of 13.5 despite evidence of radiographic osteoarthritis. Arthrodesis should be considered in heavy manual laborers or those at risk of osteoarthritis as it provides significant reduction in pain (Mean Visual Analogue Score of 1.2) when compared to other methods. Free tendon grafting has been criticised for failure rates and poor functional grip strength, however collated analysis of 97 patients found a single graft rupture and mean grip strength of 97% (of the contralateral thumb). Bone-tissue-bone grafting was the least effective method across all outcome measures. Studies included were at high risk of bias, however, it can be concluded that delayed direct repair can be performed safely, while arthrodesis may benefit certain patient subgroups. New findings suggest poor efficacy of bone-tissue-bone grafts, but that free tendon grafting with palmaris longus are in fact safe with good restoration of grip strength. The optimal graft and configuration are yet to be determined for reconstructive methods