To evaluate the clinical outcome of arthroscopic treatment of ACL with an Achilles tendon allograft in patient with acute rupture.

22 patients, between 2003 and 2006, with acute rupture of ACL, were treated with an Achilles tendon allograft. The mean age was 26 years. Patients were evaluated before and after surgery and at the latest follow-up with Noulis-Lahmann test and Pivot shift test. We also used IKDC score, Lysholm score and one leg stance test and functional reach test. Patients were also evaluated with Cybex II + and with plain radiographies.

The mean follow-up time was 3.5 years. 90% of the patients had a negative pivot shift test and 95% of the patients had a score at Noulis-Lahmann test +1. The mean value of IKDC score was 88 (62–100) and the mean time of Lysholm score was 91 (75–100). Until the latest follow-up there were no clinical sighs of inflammation or graft rejection. Radiologic evaluation revealed no sign of tunnel enlargement.

We believe that the use of a fresh-frozen allograft in the treatment of acute ACL ruptures is an effective procedure for the restoration of ligamentous stability of the knee.

Aims: The topographical measurement and representation of the ACL insertion on the tibial plateau, based on a greek population sample. Methods: Fourty eight tibial plateaus were explanted during TKA surgery in 33 female and 15 male patients (average age of 71.2 yrs) suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. By means of a calliper, measurements were conducted in order to determine the dimensions shown. Data were used for a topographical representation.

Conclusions: To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first such anthropometric study on a greek population and its results provide a confirmation on the relatively wide base of ACL insertion on the tibial plateau. The biomechanical performance of this natural configuration for a full range of motion, is possibly not sufficiently reproduced by conventional ACL reconstruction techniques using just one bundle.

Aims: The experimental application and biomechanical evaluation of a double – bundle ACL reconstructive technique(Ä plasty)

Methods: The reported technique suggests use of a pair of grafts, with common origin and different insertions. Experimental surgery was conducted on 25 porcine knee joints, divided as follows: Group A of 15 joints for the reported technique and group B of 10 joints for a single – bundle technique. Group A was divided in subgroups A1, A2 and A3, depending on different distances between insertion points. For surgery and testing a device was designed, with adaptors serving specimen alignment adjustments. A dial gauge was used for monitoring displacements caused by simulated drawer tests. Tests were carried out at knee flexion angles of 30, 60 and 90 degrees and with the natural ACL intact, ruptured and reconstructed. Measurements of Knee laxity were recorded

Results: In the intact condition, no statistical difference was found between specimens used to compare the two techniques (p-value equals 0,905). Overall, the double – bundle technique provided significantly lower laxity values, than the one – bundle technique (2.0 plus/minus 0.6 mm and 3.4 plus/minus 0.9 mm, respectively, with p – value less than 0.001). Laxity values obtained with the double – bundle technique were significantly lower, when adopting a large distance between insertions (p – value equals 0.016).

Conclusions: As the two techniques were compared on a uniform specimen population, results of in vitro biomechanical testing advocate that the reported double- bundle technique offered ACL reconstructions of superior stability. This is a promising technique which is deserved biggest study in vivo.

Aims: The topographical measurement and representation of the ACL insertion on the tibial plateau, based on a greek population sample.

Methods: Fourty eight tibial plateaus were explanted during TKA surgery in 33 female and 15 male patients (average age of 71.2 yrs) suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. By means of a calliper, measurements were conducted in order to determine the dimensions shown. Data were used for a topographical representation.

Conclusions: To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first such anthropometric study on a greek population and its results provide a confirmation on the relatively wide base of ACL insertion on the tibial plateau. The biomechanical performance of this natural configuration for a full range of motion, is possibly not sufficiently reproduced by conventional ACL reconstruction techniques using just one bundle.

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to present a new surgical method for the reconstruction of the recurrent sprain of the ankle.

Material – Methods: From 1980 until 1997, 17 patients 3 females and 14 males, average age 25.53 (19 – 44) underwent surgery suffering recurrent sprain of the ankle. In 11 patients the right ankle was involved and in 6 patients the left ankle. The cause of the injury was: athletic activities in 9 cases, weekend activities in 7 cases and daily activities in 1 case.

The patients were suffering from ankle instability 4–15 years prior the operation. All the patients underwent reconstructive surgery of the anterolateral elements (capsule and ligaments) according to senior author’s method. This included shortening of the anterolateral elements, capsule and ligaments, overlaping the anterolateral part over the anterolateral one in such a way, that the anterior drawer and varus tests were negative with the patient under anaesthesia.

Results: The follow up is 2–12 years. A patient underwent for a second time surgery, because of a new injury. In 2 patients early signs of ankle osteoarthritis. In the rest of them, restoration of the function of the ankle joint was excellent, obtaining full activities 3 months postperatively.

Conclusion: This surgical method for the reconstruction of the recurrent sprain of the ankle is considered satisfactory and when indicated allows young patients and athletes to participate in a rather short period of time, in their previous level of activities.