Anterior tibial translation (ATT) is assessed in the acutely injured knee to investigate for ligamentous injury and rotational laxity. Specifically, there is a growing recognition of the significance of anterior medial rotary laxity (AMRI) as a crucial element in assessing knee stability. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are often accompanied with medial collateral ligament (MCL) damage. It has been suggested that Deep MCL (dMCL) fibres are a primary restraint in rotational displacement. This research aims to quantify the difference in rotational laxity of patients with ACL and MCL injuries to deem if the Feagin-Thomas test can robustly capture metrics of AMRI. 2. AMRI was assessed using the Feagin-Thomas test in 7 isolated ACL (iACL) injured participants, 3 combined ACL and superficial fibre MCL (sMCL) injuries, 5 combined ACL and deep fibre MCL injuries, and 21 healthy controls. Displacement values were recorded using an optical motion capture (OMC) system and bespoke processing pipeline which map and model the knee's anterior displacement values relative to the medial compartment. Since absolute values (mm) of rotational laxity vary dependant on the person, values were recorded as a proportion of the rotational laxity obtained from the subject's contralateral leg. Values were compared between each patient group using an ANOVA test and Tukey's honesty significant difference post hoc test. 3.Introduction
Methods
The assessment of the accuracy of reduction of the ankle syndesmosis has traditionally been made using plain radiographic measurements. Recent studies have shown that computerized tomography (CT) scan is more sensitive than radiographs in detecting diastasis. The ethos has now therefore shifted towards CT scan assessment of the syndesmosis. There is however no validated method to scan the syndesmosis and measure it on the CT scans. This exposes the patient to significant radiation risk and also to anxiety from inappropriate interpretation from these scans. The objectives of this research project are to investigate the current practice of CT scanning the syndesmosis at a University Hospital and to devise a new CT protocol to reduce radiation exposure to patients and to assist surgeons in interpreting the observations. Research Ethics Committee approval was obtained. Current practice was evaluated. A new 5 cut CT protocol was devised. Starting at the level of the distal tibial plafond, 5 cuts were made proximally 0.5 cm apart. Accuracy of the syndesmosis reduction was assessed just above the distal tibial plafond. Both the injured and the normal sides were scanned 12 weeks post surgery. The normal side served as a control.Introduction
Methods