Ramp lesions are meniscocapsular or meniscosynovial tears associated with chronic ACL injury and are postulated to occur because of disruption of meniscotibial ligament. Various techniques have been described in literature for their diagnosis and repair. Each of the described techniques have had some concerns. The authors, hereby, describe a novel technique for RAMP repair. Patient is positioned supine with the knee at 90 degrees with a side support. Standard arthroscopic portals are established. Ramp lesions are visualised through a trans-notch approach and probed simultaneously using an 18-guage needle posteromedialy. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed a posteromedial (PM) portal is established. The edges of the tear are freshened from the PM portal using a shaver or rasp. Knee Scorpion device (Arthrex) is then introduced through the PM which is loaded with No. 0 Fibrewire (Arthrex) in its lower jaw. The Scorpion device is deployed on the capsular side first, avoiding injury to the posterior structures and the suture loop is retrieved. Scorpion is loaded again with the other strand and is passed through the meniscal edge. A sliding knot is used. Ramp lesion is re-probed after tying a sliding knot for requirement of another suture. This technique provides us with an improved visualisation and diagnosis, better quality of debridement and complete closure of the ramp lesion using a simple suture device. In our experience this is a safe, successful and easily reproducible technique.Abstract
Our Technique
Optimal management of acute patellar dislocation is still a topic of debate. Although, conventionally it has been managed by non-operative measures, recent literature recommends operative treatment to prevent re-dislocations. Our study recommends that results of non-operative measures comparable to that of operative management. Our study is the retrospective with 46 consecutive patients (47 knees) of first time patellar dislocation managed between 2012 and 2014. The study methodology highlighted upon the etiology, mechanism of injury and other characteristics of first time dislocations and also analysed outcomes of conservative management including re-dislocation rates. The duration of follow up ranged from 1 to 4 years. Average age at first-time dislocation was 23 years (Range 10–62 years). Male:Female ratio was 30:17. Twisting injury was the commonest cause. 1 patient required open reduction but all others relocated spontaneously or had successful closed reduction. Medial Patello-Femoral Ligament injury was frequent associated feature. 11 knees Conservative management of primary patellar dislocation is successful in majority of patients. Surgery should be reserved for the carefully selected patients with specific indications.
Meniscus deficiency leads to the development of early arthritis. Total knee replacement may be the only available treatment option in certain situations. However it is generally best avoided in young patients. We hypothesized that a combination of the two procedures, Allograft Meniscal Transplantation (AMT) and Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) would be a solution to treat bone-on-bone arthritis in meniscal deficient knees and postpone the need for a total knee replacement (TKR). 12 consecutive patients who underwent both ACI and AMT between 1998 and 2005 were followed up prospectively. The patients were assessed by a self-assessed Lysholm score prior to the procedure and yearly thereafter. All operations were performed by the senior author (JBR). ACI procedure was performed according to the standard technique. Frozen meniscal allograft with bone plugs at either ends secured by sutures in the bone tunnels. Post operatively all patients underwent a strict Oscell Rehabilitation protocol. A repeat procedure or progression to a TKR was taken as a failure.Introduction
Materials/Methods
Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) is frequently used to treat chondral defects in the knee with a good long-term outcome. This is contraindicatd in meniscal deficient knees. Allogenic Menicsal Transplantation (AMT) has been shown to give good symptomatic relief in meniscus deficient knees. However this is contraindicated in advanced cartilage degeneration. We hypothesized that combination of these two might be a solution for bone-on-bone arthritis in young individuals. We studied a consecutive series of 12 patients who underwent combined ACI and AMT between 1998 and 2005. Pre operative and post operative comparisons of lysholm scores were recorded. Magnetic Resonance Imaging was performed to assess the integration ACI & AMT. Arthroscopy was performed at one year for assessment and obtain biopsy for histological examination.Background
Methods
Hip resurfacing has resurged in the last decade due to a renewed interest in metal on metal bearing. One of the proposed advantages is ease of revision of the femoral component. Short term functional results after femoral revision are similar to those after conventional total hip replacement. Survival and function after revision of the acetabular component only or of both components have not been reported. We aimed to assess hip function and implant survival after revision of the acetabular component for failed Birmingham hip resurfacing (BHR). The Oswestry Outcome Centre collected data prospectively on 5000 patients who underwent hip resurfacing between 1997 and 2002. Of these, 182 hips were revised: 42% had revision of the femoral component only, 8% revision of the acetabular component only, and 50% revision of both components. This study analyzed patients who had revision of the acetabular component, either in isolation or in combination with the femoral component.Background
Methods
A description of a procedure to stabilize symptomatic complete discoid menisci with medium term results. Children with mechanical symptoms of lateral meniscal instability were assessed by MRI scan. In those with a lateral discoid meniscus an arthroscopic examination was performed to identify the presence of tears and confirm the radiological diagnosis. No incomplete or Wrisberg variant types were encountered. An antero-lateral arthrotomy was performed. The anterior horn of the meniscus was mobilized and traction sutures inserted. Flexion and extension of the knee whilst traction was applied led to delivery of the anterior horn into the wound. After confirmation of position with image intensifier a groove was fashioned in the anterior aspect of the cartilaginous portion of the proximal tibial epiphysis. Typically three titanium bone anchors with non absorbable sutures were placed in the base of the groove. The anterior horn of the meniscus was drawn into the groove and anchored with sutures. Active range of motion exercises were encouraged but a canvas knee immobilizer was employed whilst walking for the first six weeks. Four boys and three girls underwent meniscopexy performed at a mean age of 9.4 years (range 5.7 to 12.4 years). Follow up was at a mean of 4.9 years. At last follow up no patient reported symptoms of locking or pain. No patient has required revision surgery but one girl had a subsequent meniscopexy procedure on the opposite knee. Five of the children have had Lysholm scores performed at last follow up averaging 93.5 (80 to 100 points).Purpose of Study
Methods and Results
The mechanical disadvantage and detrimental effect to articular cartilage following meniscectomy has been well documented in the literature. Meniscal repair in the avascular (white on white zone) is controversial and would be deemed inappropriate by many. Prospective data collection on all meniscal repairs between 1999 and 2008. 423 patients underwent meniscal repair at our unit during this time. We identified 88 patients who underwent a meniscal repair of a non peripheral tear (white on white zone) where there was no co-existent ACL injury or instability. There were 74 males and 14 females with a mean age of 26 years (13-54). There were 50 medial meniscal tears and 38 lateral tears, all in the non peripheral area of the meniscus. The criterion for failure was any reoperation on the same meniscus requiring excision or re fixation.Background
Methods
Avascular meniscal tears can be repaired with good clinical outcomes. The mechanical disadvantage and detrimental effect to articular cartilage following meniscectomy has been well documented in the literature. Meniscal repair in the avascular (white on white zone) is controversial and would be deemed inappropriate by many.Hypothesis
Background
Radiofrequency thermal shrinkage of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) laxity or partial injury is a relatively recent treatment. Studies have shown varied results with this technique but have had small study numbers and mixtures of both primary and reconstructed ACLs. We present our series of 109 patients. Between 1999 and 2008 our department performed radiofrequency thermal tightening on 109 patients with partial native ACL injury or ACL laxity. Fifty three patients completed both pre and post-operative evaluations at a mean follow-up of 20.5 months. Evaluation consisted of visual analogue pain scores, Tegner activity and Lysholm scoring. From the 110 patients that underwent thermal shrinkage for ACL instability 21 (19%) went on to require full ACL reconstruction. The decision to convert to full ACL reconstruction was made at a mean of 13 months (sd=12) following thermal shrinkage surgery. Comparing those who required ACL reconstruction with those who did not, we found those requiring reconstruction to be significantly younger. Mean = 25yrs vs. 31.5yrs. (p≤ 0.002) Fifty three patients completed both pre and post-operative evaluations at a mean follow-up of 20.5 months. Following treatment there was a significant improvement in mean Lysholm scores from 64.4 to 79.5 (p<
8.42x10-7) and pain scores 3.7 to 2.0 (p<
3.06x10-6); however there was a reduction in patients’ activity levels as assessed by Tegner score, from 6.65 to 6.0 (p<
0.019). Comparing those who required ACL reconstruction with those who did not, we found those requiring reconstruction to be have higher pre-operative level of activity (mean Tegner score = 7.3 vs. 6.5. (p<
0.047)). Radiofrequency thermal shrinkage of anterior cruciate ligament significantly improves knee function but may not be appropriate for younger patients or patients with high activity levels.
The St Leger total knee replacement is a bicondylar prosthesis developed as a cheaper alternative to other similar implants of its time. Between October 1993 and June 1999, 144 St Leger total knee replacements were implanted in 114 patients. The aim of this study was to clinically and radiologically assess these patients after a mean follow up of 10.22 years. Between February and July 2007 ninety-one patients recalled for clinical evaluation (using functional and objective Knee Society Scores) and radiological assessment (using the Knee Society Scoring System). 11 patients had died and 12 were lost to follow up or were medically unfit to attend evaluation. Of the ninety-one patients recalled, 18 had had their prostheses revised (19 knees). 63% of prostheses had survived 10 years or more. Of the patients with St Leger knees in situ (99 knees) the American Knee Scores showed 78% poor, 10% fair, 6% good and 6% excellent results. Radiological assessment identified 12 arthroplasties that had failed (5 femoral components, 5 tibial components and 4 patellae,) 58 that needed close follow up (18 femoral components, 31 tibial components and 38 patellae) and 29 that were well fixed. A best-case Kaplan-Meier cumulative survivorship was 87% at 10 years. (Worst-case was 71% at 10 years) These 10 year results showed that the St Leger total knee prosthesis did not perform as well as other bicondylar prostheses of the same generation and had a higher revision rate. Despite favourable published mid-term results, the long-term results for the St Leger total knee replacement have shown it to be unreliable and not worth the initial financial saving.
Conversion of failed femoral components of total hip resurfacing to conventional hip replacement is reportedly a straightforward procedure. There is little published to qualify this and what is available suffers from small study numbers and various combinations pre and post-operative implants. Between 1997 and 2002, the Oswestry Outcome Centre prospectively collected data on 5000 Birmingham Hip Resurfacings (BHRs) performed by 141 surgeons, at 87 hospitals. To date 4526 have survived, 135 died and 165 are lost to follow-up. 174 have been revised, of which 60 were failures of the femoral component. We reviewed modes of failure and post-revision clinical outcomes in this sub-group. Isolated femoral component failure accounted for 60 hips (1.2%). 28 femoral neck fractures, 14 femoral head collapses, 13 femoral component loosenings, 3 avascular necroses (AVN), 1 femoral loosening followed by fracture and 1 dislocation. Mean time to revision surgery was 2.6 years (1.8 years for neck fracture; 3.4 years femoral loosening, head collapse and AVN). All acetabular components were left in situ. At revision surgery 25 cemented, 25 uncemented and 10 unknown femoral prostheses were used with 56 BHR modular heads, 2 custom-made Exeter heads and 2 Thrust Plate heads. 47 patients completed outcome scores post-revision surgery. Median modified Harris Hip Score was 82 (IQ range=63–93) and Merle d’Aubigne score was 14 (IQ= 9.5–15) at a mean follow up of 3.9 years post-revision. The 4526 surviving resurfacings had a median hip score of 96 (IQ=87–100) p≤4.558x10-8 and median Merle score of 17 (IQ=14–18) p≤1.827x10-7. Mean 7.0 years follow up. There was no difference in outcomes between cemented and un-cemented revision components nor were there differences between fractured neck of femur and femoral loosening, head collapse or AVN. Following revision of the femoral component to a conventional hip replacement, function is significantly worse than surviving resurfacings.
174 have been revised, of which 60 were failures of the femoral component. We reviewed modes of failure and post-revision clinical outcomes in this sub-group.
All acetabular components were left in situ. At revision surgery 25 cemented, 25 uncemented and 10 unknown femoral prostheses were used with 56 BHR modular heads, 2 custom-made Exeter heads and 2 Thrust Plate heads. 47 patients completed outcome scores post-revision surgery. Median modified Harris Hip Score was 82 (IQ range=63–93) and Merle d’Aubigne score was 14 (IQ= 9.5–15) at a mean follow up of 3.9years post-revision. The 4526 surviving resurfacings had a median hip score of 96 (IQ=87–100) p≥4.558x10-8 and median Merle score of 17 (IQ=14–18) p≥1.827x10-7. Mean 7.0 years follow up. There was no difference in outcomes between cemented and uncemented revision components nor were there differences between fractured neck of femur and femoral loosening, head collapse or AVN.
Elevated plasma levels of D-dimer have been found to be a useful screening tool in the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the general population. In the post operative setting however their role is less clear. The majority of NHS trusts use D-dimer as a prerequisite test prior to radiological imaging to diagnose DVT.
Plasma D-dimer levels were measured pre operatively and on post operative days 1, 3, 5, and 7 in 78 patients undergoing primary total hip or knee arthroplasty. On day 7 patients underwent bilateral duplex ultrasound scanning in order to confirm the absence of DVT. All patients wore pneumatic foot pumps for DVT prophylaxis. Chemical thromboprophylaxis was not used.
Comparing D-dimer levels between hip and knee arthroplasty we found that both groups displayed the same trend in post operative D-dimer levels; however levels were significantly higher following knee replacement. We compared D-dimer levels of these patients with a second group of 43 patients who had a confirmed DVT following hip or knee arthroplasty. The mean D-dimer level in this group was 2.20 (sd=0.98 or range 0.80 – 4.46). This group was subdivided into two groups, those with D-dimer samples before day 8 and those after. We found a significant difference between the groups (p=0.01). Mean <
day 8 = 2.70. Mean ³ day 7 = 1.97. The group of patients with Confirmed DVT before day 8 were compared with those free of clot. There was no significant difference found between the D-dimer levels of the two groups. (p=0.37).
