Aims

Implantation of ultra-purified alginate (UPAL) gel is safe and effective in animal osteochondral defect models. This study aimed to examine the applicability of UPAL gel implantation to acellular therapy in humans with cartilage injury.

Purpose. Investigate the functional outcome of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) surgery for patella instability. Compare functional outcome of direct MPFL repair and reconstruction using hamstring graft. Methods. All patients that underwent MPFL surgery for patella instability between 2007-2010 were retrospectively identified from operative records. Patients were divided based on whether they underwent direct repair of MPFL, or reconstruction using hamstring graft. The Kujala scoring questionnaire for patellofemoral disorders (max score 100) was used to assess their functional outcome following surgery. Results. 33 patients were identified, 11 were not suitable for inclusion in the study. The remaining 22 patients had a total of 25 operations for patella stabilisation (3 bilateral). Average age of patient at time of surgery was 21 (15-33), 15 male and 7 female. 17 had direct repair of MPFL, 8 had reconstruction using hamstring graft. Of the 8 reconstructions 6 were primary procedures and 2 were for failed direct repair due to further traumatic injury. Mean follow-up period was 17 months (6-43). Mean Kujala score overall 91.6, mean score for reconstruction group 93.2, direct repair score 90.7. Total number of further patella dislocations in the repair group was 1/17 (5.9%). No patients in the reconstruction group reported any further patella dislocations following their surgery. Conclusion. Both direct repair and reconstruction of MPFL for patella instability demonstrate high functional outcome at short/mid-term follow up. Our high success rate in direct MPFL repair, good functional outcome and low re-dislocation rate is better than that quoted in the current literature

Purpose. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between generalised ligament laxity and requirement for revision ACL reconstruction. Materials and methods. 126 patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction were included in the study along with 35 patients undergoing revision ACL surgery. 62 patients without any knee ligament injury formed an age and sex matched the control group. The Beighton score was used to quantify the ligamentous laxity in all cases with a score more than 4 classified as having generalised ligamentous laxity. The revision ACL patients were evaluated to identify technical errors at the time of the primary procedure or subsequent traumatic injury that could have contributed to primary graft failure. Results. The primary ACL surgery group was associated with an increased generalised ligamentous laxity compared to the control group and this was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Similarly the revision surgery group was also associated with increased generalised ligamentous laxity compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The revision ACL surgery group was also associated with increased generalised ligamentous laxity when compared to the primary ACL surgery group but this did not quite achieve statistical significance (p = 0.058). There was a subgroup within the revision cohort, who had a failure of the original surgery due to biological failure of the primary graft. The incidence of generalised ligament laxity in this group was significantly higher than the primary surgery group (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The findings of the study suggest a clear relationship between generalised ligamentous laxity and ACL injury. The study also highlights a link between generalised ligamentous laxity and requirement for revision ACL surgery. Based on the results of our study we feel that in the presence of GLL an autogenous graft may not be the best mode of reconstruction for either primary of revision ACL reconstruction. A case could be made for preferring allografts over autografts for these patients to reduce the rate of graft failure. Further prospective studies comparing allograft and autorgraft failure rates in patients undergoing primary and revision ACL are required to confirm our observations

Isolated patellofemoral arthritis is a common condition and there are varying opinions on the most effective treatments. Non-operative and operative treatments have failed to demonstrate effective long-term treatment for those in an advanced stage of the condition. Newer designs and increased technology in patellofemoral replacement (PFR) have produced more consistent outcomes. This has led to a renewed enthusiasm for this procedure. Newer PFR prostheses have addressed the patellar maltracking issues plaguing some of the older designs. Short-term results with contemporary prostheses and new technology are described here.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B, Supple A:124–8.

Between 1987 and 2006 we performed a modified Thompson’s quadricepsplasty on 40 fracture-related stiff knees and followed the patients for a mean of 7.9 years (2 to 11.1). The factors affecting the final gain of movement were investigated. A total of 15 knees required lengthening of the rectus femoris. The mean flexion gain was 70.2° (42.3° to 112.5°). According to Judet’s criteria, the results were excellent in 30 knees, good in seven, and fair in three. The range of movement which was achieved intra-operatively was related to the gain of knee flexion on univariate analysis. Five patients had complications: deep infection in one, recurrent patellar dislocation in one, and rupture of the extensor mechanism in three. This modified technique gives satisfactory results. Achieving maximum knee flexion intra-operatively seems to be the most important factor in enhancing the outcome in patients with stiffness of the knee following fracture.