Aims. The optimal procedure for the treatment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of anterior cervical ossified posterior longitudinal ligament en bloc resection (ACOE) with posterior laminectomy and fusion with bone graft and internal fixation (PTLF) for the surgical management of patients with this condition. Methods. Between July 2017 and July 2019, 40 patients with cervical OPLL were equally randomized to undergo surgery with an ACOE or a PTLF. The clinical and radiological results were compared between the two groups. Results. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and recovery rate in the ACOE group were significantly higher than those in the PTLF group during two years postoperatively, provided that the canal occupying ratio (COR) was > 50%, or the K-line was negative. There was no significant difference in JOA scores and rate of recovery between the two groups in those in whom the COR was < 50%, or the K-line was positive. There was no significant difference in the Cobb angle between C2 and C7, sagittal vertical axis, cervical range of motion (ROM), and complications between the two groups. Conclusion. Compared with PTLF, ACOE is a preferred surgical approach for the surgical management of patients with cervical OPLL in that it offers a better therapeutic outcome when the COR is > 50%, or the K-line is negative, and it also preserves better cervical curvature and sagittal balance. The prognosis of ACOE is similar to that of PTLE when the COR is < 50%, or the K-line is positive. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(4):412–421

Aims. The purpose of this study is to determine an individual’s age-specific prevalence of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) after cruciate ligament surgery, and to identify clinical and genetic risk factors associated with undergoing TKA. Methods. This study was a retrospective case-control study using the UK Biobank to identify individuals reporting a history of cruciate ligament surgery. Data from verbal history and procedural codes recorded through the NHS were used to identify instances of TKA. Patient clinical and genetic data were used to identify risk factors for progression from cruciate ligament surgery to TKA. Individuals without a history of cruciate ligament reconstruction were used for comparison. Results. A total of 2,576 individuals with a history of cruciate ligament surgery were identified, with 290 (11.25%) undergoing TKA. In patients with prior cruciate ligament surgery, prevalence of TKA was 0.75% at age 45 years, 9.10% at age 65 years, and 20.43% at age 80 years. Patients with prior cruciate ligament surgery were 4.6 times more likely to have undergone TKA by age 55 years than individuals without prior cruciate ligament surgery. In the cruciate ligament surgery cohort, BMI > 30 kg/m. 2. (odds ratio (OR) 4.01 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.74 to 5.87)), a job that always involved heavy manual or physical labour (OR 2.72 (95% CI 1.57 to 4.71)), or a job that always involved walking and standing (OR 2.58 (95% CI 1.58 to 4.20)) were associated with greater TKA odds. No single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was associated with risk of TKA following cruciate ligament surgery. Conclusion. Patients with a history of prior cruciate ligament surgery have substantially higher risk of TKA and undergo arthroplasty at a relatively younger age than individuals without a history of prior cruciate ligament surgery. Physically demanding work and obesity were associated with higher odds of TKA after cruciate ligament surgery, but no SNP was associated with risk of TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3):249–255

Aims

A conventional arthroscopic capsuloligamentous repair is a reliable surgical solution in most patients with scapholunate instability. However, this repair does not seem to be sufficient for more advanced injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional results of a wide arthroscopic dorsal capsuloligamentous repair (WADCLR) in the management of severe scapholunate instability.

Aims

Acute and chronic injuries of the interosseus membrane can result in longitudinal instability of the forearm. Reconstruction of the central band of the interosseus membrane can help to restore biomechanical stability. Different methods have been used to reconstruct the central band, including tendon grafts, bone-ligament-bone grafts, and synthetic grafts. This Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, and Long-term (IDEAL) phase 1 study aims to review the clinical results of reconstruction using a synthetic braided cross-linked graft secured at either end with an Endobutton to restore the force balance between the bones of the forearm.

Aims. The aim of this study is to provide a detailed description of cases combining bridging patch repair with artificial ligament “internal brace” reinforcement to treat irreparable massive rotator cuff tears, and report the preliminary results. Methods. This is a retrospective review of patients with irreparable massive rotator cuff tears undergoing fascia lata autograft bridging repair with artificial ligament “internal brace” reinforcement technique between January 2017 and May 2018. Inclusion criteria were: patients treated arthroscopically for an incompletely reparable massive rotator cuff tear (dimension > 5 cm or two tendons fully torn), stage 0 to 4 supraspinatus fatty degeneration on MRI according to the Goutallier grading system, and an intact or reparable infraspinatus and/or subscapularis tendon of radiological classification Hamada 0 to 4. The surgical technique comprised two components: first, superior capsular reconstruction using an artificial ligament as an “internal brace” protective device for a fascia lata patch. The second was fascia lata autograft bridging repair for the torn supraspinatus. In all, 26 patients with a mean age 63.4 years (SD 6.2) were included. Results. All patients underwent more than two years of follow-up (mean 33.5 months (24 to 45)). All clinical scores were also improved at two-year follow-up (mean visual analogue scale 0.7 (SD 0.5) vs 6.1 (SD 1.2); p < 0.001; mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score 93.5 (SD 5.3) vs 42.5 (SD 10.8); p < 0.001; mean University of California, Los Angeles score, 31.7 (SD 3.7) vs 12.0 (SD 3.1); p < 0.001; and mean Constant-Murley score 88.7 (SD 3.5) vs 43.3 (SD 10.9); p < 0.001), and 24 of 26 fascia lata grafts were fully healed on MRI (92%). One patient had haematoma formation at the harvesting side of the fascia lata at two days postoperatively. Conclusion. The fascia lata autograft bridging repair combined with artificial ligament internal brace reinforcement technique achieved good functional outcomes, with a high rate of graft healing at two-year follow-up. Although the short-term results are promising, further studies with a greater number of patients would provide clearer results. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(10):1619–1626

Aims. The ideal management of acute syndesmotic injuries in elite athletes is controversial. Among several treatment methods used to stabilize the syndesmosis and facilitate healing of the ligaments, the use of suture tape (InternalBrace) has previously been described. The purpose of this study was to analyze the functional outcome, including American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, knee-to-wall measurements, and the time to return to play in days, of unstable syndesmotic injuries treated with the use of the InternalBrace in elite athletes. Methods. Data on a consecutive group of elite athletes who underwent isolated reconstruction of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament using the InternalBrace were collected prospectively. Our patient group consisted of 19 elite male athletes with a mean age of 24.5 years (17 to 52). Isolated injuries were seen in 12 patients while associated injuries were found in seven patients (fibular fracture, medial malleolus fracture, anterior talofibular ligament rupture, and posterior malleolus fracture). All patients had a minimum follow-up period of 17 months (mean 27 months (17 to 35)). Results. All patients returned to their pre-injury level of sports activities. One patient developed a delayed union of the medial malleolus. The mean return to play was 62 days (49 to 84) for isolated injuries, while the patients with concomitant injuries returned to play in a mean of 104 days (56 to 196). The AOFAS score returned to 100 postoperatively in all patients. Knee-to-wall measurements were the same as the contralateral side in 18 patients, while one patient lacked 2 cm compared to the contralateral side. Conclusion. This study suggests the use of the InternalBrace in the management of unstable syndesmotic injuries offers an alternative method of stabilization, with good short-term results, including early return to sports in elite athletes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(1):68–75

Aims. The purpose was to evaluate early clinical, patient-reported, and radiological outcomes of the scapholunate ligament 360° tenodesis (SL 360) technique for treatment of scapholunate (SL) instability. Methods. We studied the results of nine patients (eight males and one female with a mean age of 44.7 years (26 to 55)) who underwent the SL 360 procedure for reducible SL instability between January 2016 and June 2019, and who were identified from retrospective review of electronic medical records. Final follow-up of any kind was a mean of 33.7 months (12.0 to 51.3). Clinical, radiological, and patient-reported outcome data included visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), Mayo Wrist Score (MWS), and Patient-Rated Wrist Examination (PRWE). Means were analyzed using paired t-test. Results. Before surgery, patients with SL instability were significantly impaired with respect to wrist flexion, extension, and grip strength (mean flexion, 51° (20° to 85°) vs 73° (45° to 90°); mean extension, 46° (15° to 70°) vs 66° (45° to 80°); mean grip strength, 25 kg (20 to 31) vs 50 kg (35 to 68) compared to the unaffected side). The mean SL gap (4.9 mm (2.3 to 7.3) vs 2.1 mm (1.6 to 2.9)) and mean SL angle (71° (59° to 105°) vs 50° (38° to 64°) were also significantly greater in the affected wrist. At final follow-up, there was mean improvement regarding clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes comparing preoperative to final postoperative values for the VAS for pain scale, QuickDASH, MWS, PRWE, and SL gap and SL angle. Conclusion. In our small series, the SL 360 procedure for reducible SL instability has favourable early clinical, patient-reported, and radiological outcomes at a mean of 33.7 months (12.0 to 51.3). The suture tape and tendon construct confers robust stability, permitting earlier mobilization without the inherent disadvantages of Kirschner wire stabilization. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(5):939–945

Aims. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with a highly congruent condylar-stabilized (CS) articulation may be advantageous due to increased stability versus cruciate-retaining (CR) designs, while mitigating the limitations of a posterior-stabilized construct. The aim was to assess ten-year implant survival and functional outcomes of a cemented single-radius TKA with a CS insert, performed without posterior cruciate ligament sacrifice. Methods. This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing TKA at a specialist centre in the UK between November 2010 and December 2012. Data were collected using a bespoke electronic database and cross-referenced with national arthroplasty audit data, with variables including: preoperative characteristics, intraoperative factors, complications, and mortality status. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected by a specialist research team at ten years post-surgery. There were 536 TKAs, of which 308/536 (57.5%) were in female patients. The mean age was 69.0 years (95% CI 45.0 to 88.0), the mean BMI was 32.2 kg/m. 2. (95% CI 18.9 to 50.2), and 387/536 (72.2%) survived to ten years. There were four revisions (0.7%): two deep infections (requiring debridement and implant retention), one aseptic loosening, and one haemosiderosis. Results. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated no difference in implant survival according to sex, age, or obesity status. Ten-year PROMs were available for 196/387 (50.6%) surviving patients and were excellent: mean Oxford Knee Score 34.4 (95% CI 32.7 to 36.1); mean Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) 51.2 (95% CI 16.1 to 86.3); mean EuroQol five-dimension five-level questionnaire score 69.9 (95% CI 46.8 to 93.0); 141/196 (71.9%) achieved the 22-point FJS patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS); and 156/196 (79.6%) were “very satisfied or satisfied”. Conclusion. This is the only large study reporting ten-year implant survival and functional outcomes of TKA using a cemented single-radius design and with a CS tibial bearing construct. The findings of excellent implant survival, safety, and functional outcomes indicate that this combination is a safe and effective option in routine TKA. Further investigation of this single-radius design TKA with CS tibial bearings with well-matched patient study groups will allow further insight into the performance of these implants. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(8):808–816

Aims. Options for the treatment of intra-articular ligament injuries are limited, and insufficient ligament reconstruction can cause painful joint instability, loss of function, and progressive development of degenerative arthritis. This study aimed to assess the capability of a biologically enhanced matrix material for ligament reconstruction to withstand tensile forces within the joint and enhance ligament regeneration needed to regain joint function. Materials and Methods. A total of 18 New Zealand rabbits underwent bilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by autograft, FiberTape, or FiberTape-augmented autograft. Primary outcomes were biomechanical assessment (n = 17), microCT (µCT) assessment (n = 12), histological evaluation (n = 12), and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis (n = 6). Results. At eight weeks, FiberTape alone or FiberTape-augmented autograft demonstrated increased biomechanical stability compared with autograft regarding ultimate load to failure (p = 0.035), elongation (p = 0.006), and energy absorption (p = 0.022). FiberTape-grafted samples also demonstrated increased bone mineral density in the bone tunnel (p = 0.039). Histological evaluation showed integration of all grafts in the bone tunnels by new bone formation, and limited signs of inflammation overall. A lack of prolonged inflammation in all samples was confirmed by quantification of inflammation biomarkers. However, no regeneration of ligament-like tissue was observed along the suture tape materials. Except for one autograft failure, no adverse events were detected. Conclusion. Our results indicate that FiberTape increases the biomechanical performance of intra-articular ligament reconstructions in a verified rabbit model at eight weeks. Within this period, FiberTape did not adversely affect bone tunnel healing or invoke a prolonged elevation in inflammation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1238–1247

Aims. A significant percentage of patients remain dissatisfied after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to determine whether the sequential addition of accelerometer-based navigation for femoral component preparation and sensor-guided ligament balancing improved complication rates, radiological alignment, or patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) compared with a historical control group using conventional instrumentation. Methods. This retrospective cohort study included 371 TKAs performed by a single surgeon sequentially. A historical control group, with the use of intramedullary guides for distal femoral resection and surgeon-guided ligament balancing, was compared with a group using accelerometer-based navigation for distal femoral resection and surgeon-guided balancing (group 1), and one using navigated femoral resection and sensor-guided balancing (group 2). Primary outcome measures were Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome (KOOS) scores measured preoperatively and at six weeks and 12 months postoperatively. The position of the components and the mechanical axis of the limb were measured postoperatively. The postoperative range of motion (ROM), haematocrit change, and complications were also recorded. Results. There were 194 patients in the control group, 103 in group 1, and 74 in group 2. There were no significant differences in baseline demographics between the groups. Patients in group 2 had significantly higher baseline mental health subscores than control and group 1 patients (53.2 vs 50.2 vs 50.2, p = 0.041). There were no significant differences in any PROMs at six weeks or 12 months postoperatively (p > 0.05). There was no difference in the rate of manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA), complication rates, postoperative ROM, or blood loss. There were fewer mechanical axis outliers in groups 1 and 2 (25.2%, 14.9% respectively) versus control (28.4%), but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.10). Conclusion. The sequential addition of navigation of the distal femoral cut and sensor-guided ligament balancing did not improve short-term PROMs, radiological outcomes, or complication rates compared with conventional techniques. The costs of these added technologies may not be justified. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6 Supple A):24–30

We reviewed retrospectively 490 patellar ligament reconstructions for cruciate ligament injuries performed from 1980 to 1990. There were six cases of patellar splitting and three displaced patellar fractures in donor knees. The fissure fractures all occurred during the removal of the patellar bone block. The displaced fractures were sustained during early rehabilitation, and in two of the three patients, involved the normal contralateral knee. The major reasons for this complication were imprecise saw cuts, spreading osteotomies, and the use of a too large patellar bone block. When a trapezoidal bone block is used to self-lock in the femoral tunnel, this should preferably be taken from the tibia. Special care is needed in rehabilitation when the graft has been taken from the contralateral knee

Aims. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the long-term clinical, radiological, functional, and quality of life (QoL)-related outcome of patients treated with the synthetic Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System (LARS) device for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Methods. A total of 41 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with the LARS device (mean age 39.8 years (SD 12.1 ); 32% females (n = 13)) were prospectively included between August 2001 and March 2005. MRI scans and radiographs were performed at a median follow-up of 2.0 years (interquartile range (IQR) 1.3 to 3.0; n = 40) and 12.8 years (IQR 12.1 to 13.8; n = 22). Functional and QoL-related outcome was assessed in 29 patients at a median follow-up of 12.8 years (IQR 12.0 to 14.0) and clinically reconfirmed at latest median follow-up of 16.5 years (IQR 15.5 to 17.9). International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Tegner scores were obtained pre- and postoperatively, and Lysholm score postoperatively only. At latest follow-up, range of motion, knee stability tests, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and IKDC scores were ascertained. Complications and reoperations during follow-up were documented. Results. Cumulative complication rate was 66% (n = 27), with 11 developing within one year from surgery and 16 after one year (including five patients with both early and late complications). Ten graft failures (24%) and eight cases of reactive synovitis were observed (20%). All 11 patients with early complications and ten with late complications underwent reoperation (including five with another surgical procedure for early complications), amounting to a cumulative reoperation rate of 51% (n = 21). Revision ACL reconstruction was performed in one patient (2.4%). Median IKDC at latest follow-up was 89.7 (IQR 78.2 to 93.1), being significantly worse in the event of previous complications. Lachman test was positive in 56% (n = 15) of reconstructed knees. All norm-based SF-36 items were at or above median at latest follow-up, and did not differ depending on development of complications. Conclusion. Despite good functional and QoL-related results in the long term, the cumulative complication rate of 66%, including graft failures and reactive synovitis, has to be viewed with great concern. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(2):242–248

There have been differing descriptions of the anterolateral structures of the knee, and not all have been named or described clearly. The aim of this study was to provide a clear anatomical interpretation of these structures. We dissected 40 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees to view the relevant anatomy and identified a consistent structure in 33 knees (83%); we termed this the anterolateral ligament of the knee. This structure passes antero-distally from an attachment proximal and posterior to the lateral femoral epicondyle to the margin of the lateral tibial plateau, approximately midway between Gerdy’s tubercle and the head of the fibula. The ligament is superficial to the lateral (fibular) collateral ligament proximally, from which it is distinct, and separate from the capsule of the knee. In the eight knees in which it was measured, we observed that the ligament was isometric from 0° to 60° of flexion of the knee, then slackened when the knee flexed further to 90° and was lengthened by imposing tibial internal rotation. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:325–31

Aims. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) resection on flexion-extension gaps, mediolateral soft-tissue laxity, fixed flexion deformity (FFD), and limb alignment during posterior-stabilized (PS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Patients and Methods. This prospective study included 110 patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee undergoing primary robot-assisted PS TKA. All operations were performed by a single surgeon using a standard medial parapatellar approach. Optical motion capture technology with fixed femoral and tibial registration pins was used to assess gaps before and after PCL resection in extension and 90° knee flexion. Measurements were made after excision of the anterior cruciate ligament and prior to bone resection. There were 54 men (49.1%) and 56 women (50.9%) with a mean age of 68 years (. sd. 6.2) at the time of surgery. The mean preoperative hip-knee-ankle deformity was 4.1° varus (. sd. 3.4). Results. PCL resection increased the mean flexion gap significantly more than the extension gap in the medial (2.4 mm (. sd. 1.5) vs 1.3 mm (. sd. 1.0); p < 0.001) and lateral (3.3 mm (. sd. 1.6) vs 1.2 mm (. sd. 0.9); p < 0.01) compartments. The mean gap differences after PCL resection created significant mediolateral laxity in flexion (gap difference: 1.1 mm (. sd. 2.5); p < 0.001) but not in extension (gap difference: 0.1 mm (. sd. 2.1); p = 0.51). PCL resection significantly improved the mean FFD (6.3° (. sd. 4.4) preoperatively vs 3.1° (. sd. 1.5) postoperatively; p < 0.001). There was a strong positive correlation between the preoperative FFD and change in FFD following PCL resection (Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.81; p < 0.001). PCL resection did not significantly affect limb alignment (mean change in alignment: 0.2° valgus (. sd. 1.2); p = 0.60). Conclusion. PCL resection creates flexion-extension mismatch by increasing the flexion gap more than the extension gap. The increase in the lateral flexion gap is greater than the increase in the medial flexion gap, which creates mediolateral laxity in flexion. Improvements in FFD following PCL resection are dependent on the degree of deformity before PCL resection. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1230–1237

Aims. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships between the degree of injury to the medial and lateral collateral ligaments (MCL and LCL) and associated fractures in patients with a posterolateral dislocation of the elbow, using CT and MRI. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 64 patients who presented between March 2009 and March 2018 with a posterolateral dislocation of the elbow and who underwent CT and MRI. CT revealed fractures of the radial head, coronoid process, and medial and lateral humeral epicondyles. MRI was used to identify contusion of the bone and collateral ligament injuries by tear, partial or complete tear. Results. A total of 54 patients had a fracture; some had more than one. Radial head fractures were found in 25 patients and coronoid fractures in 42. Lateral and medial humeral epicondylar fractures were found in eight and six patients, respectively. Contusion of the capitellum was found in 43 patients and rupture of the LCL was seen in all patients (partial in eight and complete in 56), there was complete rupture of the MCL in 37 patients, partial rupture in 19 and eight had no evidence of rupture. The LCL tear did not significantly correlate with the presence of fracture, but the MCL rupture was complete in patients with a radial head fracture (p = 0.047) and there was significantly increased association in those without a coronoid fracture (p = 0.015). Conclusion. In posterolateral dislocation of the elbow, LCL ruptures are mostly complete, while the MCL exhibits various degrees of injury, which are significantly associated with the associated fractures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(2):227–231

The meniscofemoral ligaments were studied in 84 fresh-frozen knees from 49 cadavers. Combined anterior and posterior approaches were used to identify the ligaments. In total, 78 specimens (93%) contained at least one meniscofemoral ligament. The anterior meniscofemoral ligament (aMFL) was present in 62 specimens (74%), and the posterior meniscofemoral ligament (pMFL) in 58 (69%). The 42 specimens (50%) in which both ligaments were present were from a significantly younger population than that with one MFL or none (p < 0.05). Several anatomical variations were identified, including oblique fibres of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), which were seen in 16 specimens (19%). These were termed the ‘false pMFL’. The high incidence of MFLs and their anatomical variations should be borne in mind during arthroscopic and radiological examination of the PCL. It is important to recognise the oblique fibres of the PCL on MRI in order to avoid wrongly identifying them as either a pMFL or a tear of the lateral meniscus. The increased incidence of MFLs in younger donors suggests that they degenerate with age

We describe the clinical outcome of a technique of surgical augmentation of chronic massive tears of the rotator cuff using a polyester ligament (Dacron) in 21 symptomatic patients (14 men, seven women) with a mean age of 66.5 years (55.0 to 85.0). All patients had MRI and arthroscopic evidence of chronic massive tears. The clinical outcome was assessed using the Constant and Murley and patient satisfaction scores at a mean follow-up of 36 months (30 to 46). The polyester ligament (500 mm × 10 mm) was passed into the joint via the portal of Neviaser, medial to the tear through healthy cuff. The two ends of the ligament holding the cuff were passed through tunnels made in the proximal humerus at the footprint of the insertion of the cuff. The ligament was tied with a triple knot over the humeral cortex. All the patients remained free from pain (p < 0.001) with improvement in function (p < 0.001) and range of movement (p < 0.001). The mean pre-operative and post-operative Constant scores were 46.7 (39.0 to 61.0) and 85.4 (52.0 to 96.0), respectively (p < 0.001). The mean patient satisfaction score was 90%. There were two failures, one due to a ruptured ligament after one year and the other due to deep-seated infection. The MR scan at the final follow-up confirmed intact and thickened bands in 15 of 17 patients. This technique of augmentation gives consistent relief from pain with improved shoulder movement in patients with symptomatic massive tears of the rotator cuff

We designed an experimental study to prove the existence of the popliteofibular ligament (PFL) and to define its role in providing static stability of the knee. We also examined the contribution of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). We found this ligament to be present in all eight human cadaver knees examined. These specimens were mounted on a specially designed rig and subjected to posterior, varus and external rotational forces. We used the technique of selective sectioning of ligaments and measured the displacement with a constant force applied, before and after its division. We recorded the displacement in primary posterior translation, coupled external rotation, primary varus angulation and primary external rotation. Statistical analysis using the standard error of the mean by plotting 95% confidence intervals, was used to evaluate the results. The PFL had a significant role in preventing excessive posterior translation and varus angulation, and in restricting excessive primary and coupled external rotation. Isolated section of the belly of popliteus did not cause significant posterolateral instability of the knee. The LCL was also seen to act as a primary restraint against varus angulation and secondary restraint against external rotation and posterior displacement. Our findings showed that in knees with isolated disruption of the PFL stability was restored when it was reconstructed. However in knees in which the LCL was also disrupted, isolated reconstruction of the PFL did not restore stability

Contracture of the collateral ligaments is considered to be an important factor in post-traumatic stiffness of the elbow. We reviewed the results of isolated release of the medial collateral ligament in a series of 14 patients with post-traumatic loss of elbow flexion treated between 1998 and 2002. There were nine women and five men with a mean age of 45 years (17 to 76). They were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 25 months (9 to 48). The operation was performed through a longitudinal posteromedial incision centred over the ulnar nerve. After decompression of the ulnar nerve, release of the medial collateral ligament was done sequentially starting with the posterior bundle and the transverse component of the ligament, with measurement of the arc of movement after each step. If full flexion was not achieved the posterior half of the anterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament was released. At the latest follow-up, the mean flexion of the elbow improved significantly from 96° (85° to 115°) pre-operatively to 130° (110° to 150°) at final follow-up (p = 0.001). The mean extension improved significantly from 43° (5° to 90°) pre-operatively to 22° (5° to 40°) at final follow-up (p = 0.003). There was a significant improvement in the functional outcome. The mean Broberg and Morrey score increased from a mean of 54 points (29.5 to 85) pre-operatively to 87 points (57 to 99) at final follow-up (p < 0.001). All the patients had normal elbow stability. Our results indicate that partial surgical release of the medial collateral ligament is associated with improved range of movement of the elbow in patients with post-traumatic stiffness, but was less effective in controlling pain

We carried out a prospective study of 71 patients who had undergone reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament with the ABC scaffold. Their mean age was 28 years (18 to 50). All had either sub-acute or chronic traumatic deficiency of the ligament. The mean period of follow-up was five years (four to seven). Assessment included the use of the International Knee Documentation Committee score, the modified Lysholm score, the Tegner Activity score, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome score and measurement with the KT-1000 arthrometer. Two patients had mild recurrent synovitis. There were no infections and no failures of the ligament. During the period of study, two patients sustained a traumatic fracture of a femoral condyle. The implants retained their integrity in both cases. All patients returned to their previous or enhanced levels of daily activity by three months after operation and 56 (79%) achieved their pre-injury level of sporting activity by six months. The patients who were competing in National level sports returned to play at one level less after operation than before. The Lysholm score showed that 58% of the patients (41) were excellent, 34% (24) good, and 8% (6) fair, with a mean post-operative score of 93. According to the International Knee Documentation Committee score, 35% of knees (25) were ‘normal’, 52% (37) ‘nearly normal’ and 13% (9) ‘abnormal’. Complete satisfaction was noted in 90% of patients (64). The development of osteoarthritis and the management of anterior cruciate deficiency associated with laxity of the medial collateral ligament remains uncertain. Our results indicate that in the medium-term, the ABC ligament scaffold is suitable and effective when early and safe return to unrestricted activities is demanded. We acknowledge the current general hostility towards reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament with artificial materials following reports of early failure and chronic synovitis associatiated with the production of particulate debris. We did not encounter these problems

Ensuring the accuracy of the intra-operative orientation of the acetabular component during a total hip replacement can be difficult. In this paper we introduce a reproducible technique using the transverse acetabular ligament to determine the anteversion of the acetabular component. We have found that this ligament can be identified in virtually every hip undergoing primary surgery. We describe an intra-operative grading system for the appearance of the ligament. This technique has been used in 1000 consecutive cases. During a minimum follow-up of eight months the dislocation rate was 0.6%. This confirms our hypothesis that the transverse acetabular ligament can be used to determine the position of the acetabular component. The method has been used in both conventional and minimally-invasive approaches

The requirement for release of collateral ligaments to achieve a stable, balanced total knee replacement has been reported to arise in about 50% to 100% of procedures. This wide range reflects a lack of standardised quantitative indicators to determine the necessity for a release. Using recent advances in computerised navigation, we describe two navigational predictors which provide quantitative measures that can be used to identify the need for release. The first was the ability to restore the mechanical axis before any bone resection was performed and the second was the discrepancy in the measured medial and lateral joint spaces after the tibial osteotomy, but before any femoral resection. These predictors showed a significant association with the need for collateral ligament release (p < 0.001). The first predictor using the knee stress test in extension showed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 98% and the second, the difference between medial and lateral gaps in millimetres, a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 95%. The use of the two navigational predictors meant that only ten of the 93 patients required collateral ligament release to achieve a stable, neutral knee

We treated 43 acute tears of the calcaneofibular ligament by operation in 43 patients after subtalar arthrography. There were 22 men and 21 women with a mean age of 22.3 years (14 to 61). Anteroposterior (AP), lateral and oblique views were obtained with the foot in 45° of internal rotation and the ankle in the neutral position. Any communication or leakage to the ankle, tendon sheaths, subcutaneous tissue and sinus tarsi was recorded. We examined an oblique view of the microrecess along the interosseous ligament and an AP view of the lateral recess just under the distal end of the fibula. We also studied a control group of 27 patients with isolated injuries of the anterior talofibular ligament without rupture of the calcaneofibular ligament. The findings in the two groups were significantly different when examined for leakage to the ankle (p = 0.0002), to the peroneal tendon sheaths (p = 0.0347) and to the subcutaneous tissue (p = 0.0222), absence of the microrecess (p = 0.0055) and presence of the lateral recess (p = 0.0012). Many ankle sprains which involve tearing of the calcaneofibular ligament are accompanied by injuries of the subtalar joint. Combined injuries of the anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament, and isolated injury of the anterior talofibular ligament should be differentiated

The palmar ligaments of the wrist were dissected in 15 adult cadaver wrists and demonstrated by MRI in three. Ten fetal wrists (10 to 19 weeks' gestation) were studied in histological sections. The palmar scaphotriquetral ligament was found in them all. Its attachment to the triquetrum is substantial but that to the scaphoid is thin and fan-shaped, its fibres interdigitating with those of the radioscaphocapitate ligament. The contribution of the ligament to carpal stability has yet to be studied, but it may help to support the head of the capitate when the wrist is dorsiflexed

We present the operative technique and clinical results of concomitant reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the posterior oblique ligament for medial instability of the knee using autogenous semitendinosus tendon with preservation of the tibial attachment. The semitendinosus tendon graft between the screw on the medial epicondyle and the tibial attachment of the graft was overlapped by the MCL, while the graft between the screw and the insertion of the direct head of the semimembranosus tendon was overlapped by the central arm of the posterior oblique ligament. Assessment was by stress radiograph and the Lysholm knee scoring scale. After a mean follow-up of 52.6 months (25 to 92), the medial joint opening of the knee was within 2 mm in 22 of 24 patients. The mean Lysholm score was 91.9 (80 to 100). Concomitant reconstruction of the MCL and posterior oblique ligament using autogenous semitendinosus tendon provides a good solution to medial instability

In this in vitro study of the hip joint we examined which soft tissues act as primary and secondary passive rotational restraints when the hip joint is functionally loaded. A total of nine cadaveric left hips were mounted in a testing rig that allowed the application of forces, torques and rotations in all six degrees of freedom. The hip was rotated throughout a complete range of movement (ROM) and the contributions of the iliofemoral (medial and lateral arms), pubofemoral and ischiofemoral ligaments and the ligamentum teres to rotational restraint was determined by resecting a ligament and measuring the reduced torque required to achieve the same angular position as before resection. The contribution from the acetabular labrum was also measured. Each of the capsular ligaments acted as the primary hip rotation restraint somewhere within the complete ROM, and the ligamentum teres acted as a secondary restraint in high flexion, adduction and external rotation. The iliofemoral lateral arm and the ischiofemoral ligaments were primary restraints in two-thirds of the positions tested. Appreciation of the importance of these structures in preventing excessive hip rotation and subsequent impingement/instability may be relevant for surgeons undertaking both hip joint preserving surgery and hip arthroplasty. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:484–91

Rupture of a ligament usually occurs along a definite line, but is associated with considerable intrinsic damage to the remote parts of the ligament. In spite of this, healing occurs by regeneration of regular collagen to form a new ligament with good tensile strength, provided the ends of the torn ligament are in reasonable apposition, and provided the blood supply is adequate. When lateral instability of the knee after a recent injury suggests that a collateral ligament has been ruptured, wide displacement of the torn ends should be suspected. Accurate replacement can be guaranteed only by surgical intervention; operative repair therefore seems to be justifiable on anatomical grounds. If operation is contemplated it should be undertaken within the first week after injury when it is easy to achieve accurate repair, which later becomes impossible because of shrinkage and friability of the tissue. In order to preserve blood supply, the areolar covering should be disturbed as little as possible, and the least possible amount of fine suture material should be used to anchor the torn ends in position. Nevertheless when the tear involves the upper attachment, ischaemia of the damaged ligament may prevent normal healing, whatever the treatment adopted

The healing of anterior cruciate ligaments reconstructed with the Leeds-Keio artificial ligament was observed by arthroscopy in 42 knees and biopsy in 19 knees at intervals from 3 to 24 months after implantation. By three months the implant was covered with immature new tissue, and a dense vascular network crossed its surface. At 12 months a new ligament had developed and matured, looking like the natural one in most cases. Histology at this stage showed abundant collagenous fibres running parallel and longitudinally, while the synovial membrane showed no more than very slight inflammatory changes. By 18 to 24 months, the new ligament often had the arthroscopic appearance of a normal anterior cruciate ligament. These results suggest that this scaffold type of artificial ligament is effective for cruciate reconstruction, giving satisfactory healing without significant complications

Chronic ankle instability after ligamentous injuries has been attributed to loss of proprioception, but there has been no previous study of the mechanoreceptors in human ligaments at this joint. We have examined the ligaments from five cadaver ankles for mechanoreceptors and classified them into the four types described by Wyke and Freeman in their study of feline ligaments. Type-II receptors, thought to provide the sensation of the beginning of joint motion, and type-III receptors, thought to be activated at the extremes of movement, were the most common. Our findings provide some neuroanatomical data to validate further research into the use of proprioceptive training after ligamentous injuries about the ankle

Seven men with a mean age of 63.9 years (59 to 67) developed dysphagia because of oesophageal compression with ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament (OALL) and radiculomyelopathy due to associated stenosis of the cervical spine. The diagnosis of OALL was made by plain lateral radiography and classified into three types; segmental, continuous and mixed. Five patients had associated OALL in the thoracic and lumbar spine without ossification of the ligamentum flavum. All underwent removal of the OALL and six had simultaneous decompression by removal of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament or a bony spur. All had improvement of their dysphagia. Because symptomatic OALL may be associated with spinal stenosis, precise neurological examination is critical. A simultaneous microsurgical operation for patients with OALL and spinal stenosis gives good results without serious complications

We report the results of a prospective randomised trial which assessed the role of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) following total knee replacement (Genesis I; Smith and Nephew, Memphis, Tennessee). Over a four-year period, 211 patients underwent total knee replacement by the senior author (TJW). They were randomised at surgery to have the PCL either retained, excised or substituted with a posterior stabilised insert. If it was not possible to retain the ligament due to soft-tissue imbalance, it was released from its tibial insertion until suitable tension was obtained. This created a fourth group, those who were intended preoperatively to have the ligament retained, but in whom it was partially released as a result of findings at the time of surgery. All patients were evaluated using the Knee Society rating system (adapted from Insall). A total of 188 patients (212 knees) was available for follow-up at a mean of 3.5 years after surgery. Preoperatively, there was a varus deformity in 191 knees (90%) and a valgus deformity in 21 (10%). There were no statistical differences in the knee or function scores or the range of movement between the excised, retained and substituted groups. There were, however, significantly worse knee and function scores in the group in whom the PCL was released (p = 0.002)

1. The pathological anatomy of total rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpo-phalangeal joint of the thumb has been studied at operation in thirty-nine patients. 2. It has been found that the ligament, when ruptured distally (the most usual type) is often displaced so that the ulnar expansion of the dorsal aponeurosis–here referred to as the adductor aponeurosis–becomes interposed between the ruptured end of the ligament and the site of its attachment on the phalanx; the ligament gets folded over to a greater or lesser extent and the ruptured end sticks out beyond the proximal edge of the adductor aponeurosis. Such displacement of the ligament with interposition of the adductor aponeurosis was found in twenty-five of the thirty-nine cases. The ligament may also be displaced without the adductor aponeurosis being interposed (with a gap between the ruptured end and the site of itsattachment on the phalanx). 3. Variations in the pathological anatomy are illustrated by more detailed descriptions of nine cases. In one of these the adductor aponeurosis had got caught between the two surfaces of the joint, and in another the adductor aponeurosis was found ruptured as well as the ulnar collateral ligament. 4. On the basis of dissection studies on forty-two fresh post-mortem specimens, a rational explanation is given of the pathological anatomy. 5. The results of the present investigation on clinical and anatomical material provide a strong argument in favour of operative treatment for total rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpo-phalangeal joint of the thumb. 6. Aspects of diagnosis and operative technique are discussed

We have studied the mechanosensitive afferent units in the lateral ligament of the ankle of the cat, with reference to the causes of lateral instability after injury, using electrophysiological recording from the lumbar dorsal rootlets. We identified 30 mechanosensitive units in the lateral ligament; 28 (93%) were located near the attachment to the fibula and calcaneus, which included both low-threshold group-II units and low- and high-threshold group-III units. Our results indicate that there are both proprioceptors and nociceptors in the lateral ligament of the cat ankle, and confirm that afferent fibres from the lateral ligament may contribute to the stability of the joint by regulation of position and movement

We used high-resolution ultrasonography to image the ulnar collateral ligament in 39 patients who had sustained recent injuries of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb. All the patients were subsequently operated on and the lesions of the ligament were recorded. In 36 patients the preoperative ultrasonographic diagnosis was correct. Five of these showed no rupture of the ligament. In the other 31, ultrasonography correctly distinguished between rupture in situ (15) and rupture with dislocation of the ligament (16). Misdiagnosis by ultrasonography in three cases was due to delay of the investigation (three weeks after injury) in one, to technical error in one and to misinterpretation of the image in one

Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate two hypotheses. First, that disruption of posterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament (PMCL) has to occur for the elbow to subluxate in cases of posteromedial rotatory instability (PMRI) and second, that ulnohumeral contact pressures increase after disruption of the PMCL. Materials and Methods. Six human cadaveric elbows were prepared on a custom-designed apparatus which allowed muscle loading and passive elbow motion under gravitational varus. Joint contact pressures were measured sequentially in the intact elbow (INTACT), followed by an anteromedial subtype two coronoid fracture (COR), a lateral collateral ligament (LCL) tear (COR + LCL), and a PMCL tear (COR + LCL + PMCL). Results. There was no subluxation or joint incongruity in the INTACT, COR, and COR + LCL specimens. All specimens in the COR + LCL + PMCL group subluxated under gravity-varus loads. The mean articular contact pressure of the COR + LCL group was significantly higher than those in the INTACT and the COR groups. The mean articular contact pressure of the COR + LCL + PMCL group was significantly higher than that of the INTACT group, but not higher than that of the COR + LCL group. Conclusion. In the presence of an anteromedial fracture and disruption of the LCL, the posterior bundle of the MCL has to be disrupted for gross subluxation of the elbow to occur. However, elevated joint contact pressures are seen after an anteromedial fracture and LCL disruption even in the absence of such subluxation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1060–5

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) was imaged by MRI throughout flexion in neutral tibial rotation in six cadaver knees, which were also dissected, and in 20 unloaded and 13 loaded living (squatting) knees. The appearance of the ligament was the same in all three groups. In extension the ligament is curved concave-forwards. It is straight, fully out-to-length and approaching vertical from 60° to 120°, and curves convex-forwards over the roof of the intercondylar notch in full flexion. Throughout flexion the length of the ligament does not change, but the separations of its attachments do. We conclude that the PCL is not loaded in the unloaded cadaver knee and therefore, since its appearance in all three groups is the same, that it is also unloaded in the living knee during flexion. The posterior fibres may be an exception in hyperextension, probably being loaded either because of posterior femoral lift-off or because of the forward curvature of the PCL. These conclusions relate only to everyday life: none may be drawn with regard to more strenuous activities such as sport or in trauma

Surgical treatment for traumatic, anterior glenohumeral instability requires repair of the anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament, usually at the site of glenoid insertion, often combined with capsuloligamentous plication. In this study, we determined the mechanical properties of this ligament and the precise anatomy of its insertion into the glenoid in fresh-frozen glenohumeral joints of cadavers. Strength was measured by tensile testing of the glenoid-soft-tissue-humerus (G-ST-H) complex. Two other specimens of the complex were frozen in the position of apprehension, serially sectioned perpendicular to the plane containing the anterior and posterior rims of the glenoid, and stained with Toluidine Blue. On tensile testing, eight G-ST-H complexes failed at the site of the glenoid insertion, representing a Bankart lesion, two at the insertion into the humerus, and two at the midsubstance. For those which failed at the glenoid attachment the mean yield load was 491.0 N and the mean ultimate load, 585.0 N. At the glenoid region, stress at yield was 7.8 ± 1.3 MPa and stress at failure, 9.2 ± 1.5 MPa. The permanent deformation, defined as the difference between yield and ultimate deformation, was only 2.3 ± 0.8 mm. The strain at yield was 13.0 ± 0.7% and at failure, 15.4 ± 1.2%; therefore permanent strain was only 2.4 ± 1.1%. Histological examination showed that there were two attachments of the anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament at the site of the glenoid insertion. In one, poorly organised collagen fibres inserted into the labrum. In the other, dense collagen fibres were attached to the front of the neck of the glenoid

The stress-tenogram is a radiological technique for the investigation of injuries to the lateral ligament of the ankle, and combines the information previously provided by inversion and anterior stress radiographs, and the peroneal tenogram. It is designed to differentiate between stable and unstable ankles, and between isolated ruptures of the anterior talofibular ligament and combined tears of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments. A high degree of diagnostic accuracy has been confirmed at operative repair in a group of thirty-two patients

Serial sections, in the frontal plane, of 12 human fetuses showed that the iliolumbar ligament was always present at the gestational age of 11 to 15 weeks; in younger specimens, it could not be identified. The ligament develops during the prenatal period and is not formed by metaplasia of the quadratus lumborum muscle during the second decade of life

We have tested the hypothesis that the meniscofemoral ligaments make a significant contribution to resisting anteroposterior and rotatory laxity of the posterior-cruciate-ligament-deficient knee. Eight cadaver human knees were tested for anteroposterior and rotatory laxity in a materials-testing machine. The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) was then divided, followed by division of the meniscofemoral ligaments (MFLs). Laxity results were obtained for intact, PCL-deficient, and PCL-MFL-deficient knees. Division of the MFLs in the PCL-deficient knee increased posterior laxity between 15° and 90° of flexion. Force-displacement measurements showed that the MFLs contributed 28% to the total force resisting posterior drawer at 90° of flexion in the intact knee, and 70.1% in the PCL-deficient knee. There was no effect on rotatory laxity. This is the first study which shows a function for the MFLs as secondary restraints to posterior tibial translation. The integrity of these structures should be assessed during both imaging and arthroscopic studies of PCL-injured knees since this may affect the diagnosis and management of such injuries

We report a new surgical technique of open carpal tunnel release with subneural reconstruction of the transverse carpal ligament and compare this with isolated open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release. Between December 2007 and October 2011, 213 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (70 male, 143 female; mean age 45.6 years; 29 to 67) were recruited from three different centres and were randomly allocated to three groups: group A, open carpal tunnel release with subneural reconstruction of the transverse carpal ligament (n = 68); group B, isolated open carpal tunnel release (n = 92); and group C, endoscopic carpal tunnel release (n = 53). At a mean final follow-up of 24 months (22 to 26), we found no significant difference between the groups in terms of severity of symptoms or lateral grip strength. Compared with groups B and C, group A had significantly better functional status, cylindrical grip strength and pinch grip strength. There were significant differences in Michigan Hand Outcome scores between groups A and B, A and C, and B and C. Group A had the best functional status, cylindrical grip strength, pinch grip strength and Michigan Hand Outcome score. Subneural reconstruction of the transverse carpal ligament during carpal tunnel decompression maximises hand strength by stabilising the transverse carpal arch. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:221–8

We have undertaken a randomized clinical trial comparing two methods of reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament in patients with chronic instability. We used an ipsilateral bone-patellar-tendon-bone autograft in 27 patients and the Ligament Advancement Reinforcement System (LARS) artificial ligament in 26. Assessment before and at two, six, 12 and 24 months after surgery, included the history, physical examination, a modified International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, the Tegner score, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and instrumented laxity testing. There were no cases of reactive synovitis or of infection of the knee, and there was no difference regarding the failure rate between the two groups. The IKDC showed no significant differences between the two groups at any stage of the follow-up. The KOOS evaluation showed consistently better results in all subscales for the LARS group during the first year of follow-up. After 24 months these differences were no longer evident. Instrument-tested laxity was greater in the LARS group at all stages of follow-up, but the differences were not significant at 24 months. Our findings suggest that at follow-up at 24 months the LARS ligament seems to be a satisfactory treatment option, especially when an early return to high levels of activity is demanded

We randomised 50 patients with ankle fractures of Weber types B and C and a ruptured deltoid ligament treated by open reduction and internal fixation to two treatment groups to examine the influence of the repair of a ruptured deltoid ligament. No differences were found except for a longer duration of surgery in the repair group. Our findings suggest that a ruptured deltoid ligament can be left unexplored without any effect either on early mobilisation or on the long-term result

Our purpose was to determine whether continuous passive motion enhanced the quality of knee ligament reconstruction using carbon fibre. In 46 rabbits the medial collateral ligaments were excised and replaced with carbon fibre prostheses. The animals were treated postoperatively by either continuous passive motion, cast immobilisation or cage activity, termed intermittent active motion. At six weeks, the ligaments were compared histologically and biomechanically with normal (control) medial collateral ligaments and with sham-operated controls. The ligaments treated with continuous passive motion were superior to those in the other two treatment groups. There were no ligament failures in any of the groups. This study suggests that continuous passive motion, initiated immediately postoperatively, enhances the biomechanical properties of carbon fibre ligament replacement of the medial collateral ligament while preventing the harmful effects of joint immobilisation

In 30 rabbits, the medial meniscus was used to replace the anterior or posterior cruciate ligament. The changes that took place were followed in histological sections, obtained both from the area of insertion into bone and from the intra-articular part of the graft. There was a gradual differentiation to chondroid tissue, with subsequent calcific deposition and no appearance of normal ligamentous tissue. The strength of the graft after 52 weeks was only one-quarter of that of the normal ligament. Our results do not justify the use of the meniscus to replace a torn cruciate ligament

We have examined the relationship between the size of the flexion gap and the anterior translation of the tibia in flexion during implantation of a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)-retaining BalanSys total knee replacement (TKR). In 91 knees, the flexion gap and anterior tibial translation were measured intra-operatively using a custom-made, flexible tensor-spacer device. The results showed that for each increase of 1 mm in the flexion gap in the tensed knee a mean anterior tibial translation of 1.25 mm (SD 0.79, 95% confidence interval 1.13 to 1.37) was produced. When implanting a PCL-retaining TKR the surgeon should be aware that the tibiofemoral contact point is related to the choice of thickness of the polyethylene insert. An additional thickness of polyethylene insert of 2 mm results in an approximate increase in tibial anterior translation of 2.5 mm while the flexed knee is distracted with a force of between 100 N and 200 N

We report a retrospective analysis of the results of combined arthroscopically-assisted posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and open reconstruction of the posterolateral corner in 19 patients with chronic (three or more months) symptomatic instability and pain in the knee. All the operations were performed between 1996 and 2003 and all the patients were assessed pre- and post-operatively by physical examination and by applying three different ligament rating scores. All also had weight-bearing radiographs, MR scans and an examination under anaesthesia and arthroscopy pre-operatively. The posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed using an arthroscopically-assisted single anterolateral bundle technique and the posterolateral corner structures were reconstructed using an open Larson type of tenodesis. The mean follow up was 66.8 months (24 to 110). Pre-operatively, all the patients had a grade III posterior sag according to Clancy and demonstrated more than 20° of external rotation compared with the opposite normal knee on the Dial test. Post-operatively, seven patients (37%) had no residual posterior sag, 11 (58%) had a grade I posterior sag and one (5%) had a grade II posterior sag. In five patients (26%) there was persistent minimal posterolateral laxity. The Lysholm score improved from a mean of 41.2 (28 to 53) to 76.5 (57 to 100) (p = 0.0001) and the Tegner score from a mean of 2.6 (1 to 4) to 6.4 (4 to 9) (p = 0.0001). We conclude that while a combined reconstruction of chronic posterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral corner instability improves the function of the knee, it does not restore complete stability

The LockDown device (previously called Surgilig) is a braided polyester mesh which is mostly used to reconstruct the dislocated acromioclavicular joint. More than 11 000 have been implanted worldwide. Little is known about the tissue reaction to the device nor to its wear products when implanted in an extra-articular site in humans. This is of importance as an adverse immunological reaction could result in osteolysis or damage to the local tissues, thereby affecting the longevity of the implant. We analysed the histology of five LockDown implants retrieved from five patients over the last seven years by one of the senior authors. Routine analysis was carried out in all five cases and immunohistochemistry in one. The LockDown device acts as a scaffold for connective tissue which forms an investing fibrous pseudoligament. The immunological response at the histological level seems favourable with a limited histiocytic and giant cell response to micron-sized wear particles. The connective tissue envelope around the implant is less organised than a native ligament. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:83–8

After a severe ankle sprain the incidence of residual complaints, particularly on the medial side of the joint, is high. We studied a consecutive series of 30 patients who had operative repair of acute ruptures of lateral ligaments. During operation, arthroscopy revealed a fresh injury to the articular cartilage in 20 ankles, in 19 at the tip and/or anterior distal part of the medial malleolus as well as on the opposite medial facet of the talus. In six patients, a loose piece of articular cartilage was found. We conclude that in patients with a rupture of one or more of the lateral ankle ligaments after an inversion injury, an impingement occurs between the medial malleolus and the medial facet of the talus. Patients with a lesion of the lateral ankle ligament caused by a high-velocity injury (a faulty landing during jumping or running) had a higher incidence of macroscopic cartilage damage (p < 0.01), medially-located pressure pain (p = 0.06) and medially-located complaints at one-year follow-up (p = 0.02) than those with a low-velocity injury (a stumble)

The significance of the posterior cruciate ligament in the stability of the knee was investigated in dogs and it was compared with that of the anterior cruciate ligament by studying the changes produced in the knee after transection of either ligament. Osteophyte formation and changes in articular cartilage were less prominent after division of the posterior cruciate ligament. A complete longitudinal tear of the medial meniscus was found in eight out of the 10 dogs who had undergone section of the anterior cruciate but in none of the 10 with section of the posterior cruciate. It appears that, in dogs at least, the posterior cruciate ligament is less important than the anterior in the stability of the knee

Techniques for the selective cutting of ligaments in cadaver knees defined the static contributions of the posterolateral structures to external rotation, varus rotation and posterior tibial translation from 0° to 120° of flexion under defined loading conditions. Sectioning of the popliteofibular ligament (PFL) (group 1) produced no significant changes in the limits of the knee movement studied. Sectioning of the PFL and the popliteus tendon (femoral attachment, group 2) produced an increase of only 5° to 6° in external rotation from flexion of 30° to 120° (p < 0.001). Even when other ligaments were sectioned first (group 3), the maximum effect of the PFL was negligible. Our findings show that the popliteus muscle-tendon-ligament complex, lateral collateral ligament, and posterolateral capsular structures function as a unit. No individual structure alone is the primary restraint for the movements studied. Operative reconstruction should address all of the posterolateral structures, since restoration of only a portion may result in residual instability

The management of traumatic dislocation of the knee in 40 patients (41 knees) with a mean age of 26.3 years is described. They were treated by primary repair and reconstruction with autologous grafting of the anterior (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligaments (PCL) and repair injuries to the collateral ligament and soft-tissue. The ACL and PCL were reconstructed using the patellar tendon and the gracilis and semitendinosus tendons, respectively. Early mobilisation using a continuous-passive-movement machine and active exercises was started on the second day after operation. At a mean follow-up of 39 months no patient reported ‘giving way’ and all except one had good range of movement. Of the 41 knees, 21 were rated as excellent, 15 good, four fair and one poor. Early reconstruction of the cruciate ligaments and primary repair of the collateral ligaments followed by an aggressive rehabilitation programme are recommended for these young, active patients

In order to determine whether an allogeneic tendon could be used to replace an extra-articular ligament, the right medial collateral ligament from 11 adult dogs was replaced with a fresh-frozen allogeneic patellar tendon. At each of 3, 6, 15, 30 and 52 weeks postoperatively, one dog was killed for micro-angiographical and histological studies; at 52 weeks the remaining six dogs were killed for tensile testing. Micro-angiograms showed that the allogeneic tendon was revascularised with infiltration of the mesenchymal cells from the surrounding tissues and both ends of the graft. Histologically, the alignment of the fibroblasts and collagen bundles became more regular over time, without any immunological rejection. A biomechanical study performed at 52 weeks found no significant difference in stiffness or ultimate load between normal and reconstructed ligaments. Fresh-frozen allogeneic tendons are therefore considered useful for extra-articular ligament reconstruction

Most injuries to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) heal well after conservative treatment. We have identified a subgroup of injuries to the deep portion of the MCL which is refractory to conservative treatment and causes persistant symptoms. They usually occur in high-level football players and may require surgical repair. We describe a consecutive series of 17 men with a mean age of 29 years (18 to 44) who were all engaged in high levels of sport. Following a minor injury to the MCL there was persistent tenderness at the site of the proximal attachment of the deep MCL. It could be precipitated by rapid external rotation at the knee by clinical testing or during sport. The mean time from injury to presentation was 23.6 weeks (10 to 79) and none of the patients had responded to conservative treatment. The surgical finding was a failure of healing of a tear of the deep MCL at its femoral origin which could be repaired. After a period of postoperative protective bracing and subsequent rehabilitation the outcome was good. All the patients returned to their sports and remained asymptomatic at a mean of 48 weeks (28 to 60) post-operatively. Recognition of this subgroup is important since the clinical features, the course of recovery and surgical requirement differ from those of most injuries to the MCL

1. The results of three forms of treatment (mobilisation, immobilisation for six weeks, and suture with immobilisation for six weeks) for ruptures of the lateral ligament of the ankle have been compared in previously uninjured asymptomatic patients. 2. Only suture and immobilisation ensured final mechanical stability of the ankle as assessed by stress radiography. Unstable ankles were found after both mobilisation and immobilisation, but in these groups no ankle finally displayed more than 8 degrees of relative talar tilt. 3. The mean duration of disability in patients who finally became symptom-free was: after mobilisation, twelve weeks; after immobilisation, twenty-two weeks; and after suture and immobilisation, twenty-six weeks. 4. One year after injury 58 per cent of patients treated by mobilisation, 53 per cent of patients treated by immobilisation, but only 25 per cent of patients treated by suture and immobilisation, had become perfectly symptom-free. 5. For these reasons, and because simple sprains are satisfactorily treated by mobilisation, it is suggested that mobilisation may be the treatment of choice for most, perhaps all, ruptures of the lateral ligament of the ankle

The development of the iliolumbar ligament and its anatomy and histology were studied in cadavers from the newborn to the ninth decade. The structure was entirely muscular in the newborn and became ligamentous only from the second decade, being formed by metaplasia from fibres of the quadratus lumborum muscle. By the third decade, the definitive ligament was well formed; degenerative changes were noted in older specimens. The iliolumbar ligament may have an important role in maintaining lumbosacral stability in patients with lumbar disc degeneration, degenerative spondylolisthesis and pelvic obliquity secondary to neuromuscular scoliosis

A case of "clicking elbow" is described in which at operation the clicking appeared to be due to a"bucket handle" type of lesion of the annular ligament. Excision of the separated part of the ligament abolished the clicking

We investigated the role of a functional brace worn for four months in the treatment of patients with an acute isolated tear of the posterior cruciate ligament to determine whether reduction of the posterior tibial translation during the healing period would give an improved final position of the tibia. The initial and follow-up stability was tested by Rolimeter arthrometry and radiography. The clinical outcome was evaluated using the Lysholm score, the Tegner score and the International Knee Documentation Committee scoring system at follow-up at one and two years. In all, 21 patients were studied, 21 of whom had completed one-year and 17 a two-year follow-up. The initial mean posterior sag (Rolimeter measurement) of 7.1 mm (5 to 10) was significantly reduced after 12 months to a mean of 2.3 mm (0 to 6, p < 0.001) and to a mean of 3.2 mm (2 to 7, p = 0.001) after 24 months. Radiological measurement gave similar results. The mean pre-injury Lysholm score was normal at 98 (95 to 100). At follow-up, a slight decrease in the mean values was observed to 94.0 (79 to 100, p = 0.001) at one year and 94.0 (88 to 100, p = 0.027, at two years). We concluded that the posterior cruciate ligament has an intrinsic healing capacity and, if the posteriorly translated tibia is reduced to a physiological position, it can heal with less attentuation. The applied treatment produces a good to excellent functional result

We performed a retrospective study to assess the long-term outcome of non-augmented anatomical direct repair of the lateral ankle ligaments, as originally described by Duquennoy et al, for the treatment of chronic lateral instability of the ankle. This procedure aims to restore stability by the re-insertion and tightening of the original talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments without division of the ligament. We examined the outcome in terms of the post-operative quality of life, the function of the joint and the development of osteoarthritis. Between 1985 and 2002, 23 patients (11 males, 12 females) with a mean age of 32 years (15 to 58) who had undergone this procedure completed the Short-Form 36 assessment of quality of life and the Olerud and Molander Ankle score for the subjective evaluation of symptoms. Clinical re-evaluation, including examination of the ankle and the completion of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society questionnaire was performed on 21 patients after a mean follow-up of 13 years (3 to 22.2). At the final follow-up radiographs of both ankles were taken to assess the development of osteoarthritis. The mean total Short-Form 36 and Olerud and Molander Ankle scores in 23 patients at final follow-up were 79.6 points (37 to 100) and 81.6 points (40 to 100), respectively. The mean total post-operative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score in 21 patients was 89.7 points (72 to 100). We found a significant post-operative reduction in talar tilt and anterior drawer sign (chi-squared test, p < 0.001). The functional outcome of the procedure was excellent in ten patients (48%), good in seven (33%) and fair in four (19%). The results in terms of ankle function and stability did not deteriorate with time and there was little restriction in movement. This procedure is simple and effective with a very low rate of complications

One hundred patients with acute ruptures of the lateral ligaments of the ankle were randomly allocated either to conservative treatment in a plaster cast or to operative repair. With the aid of stress tenography, the extent of the injury was established. There were 30 patients with isolated anterior talofibular ruptures and 20 with additional calcaneofibular ligament ruptures in each treatment group. Operative repair was associated with a higher incidence of complications in the first weeks, and slightly delayed the patients' return to work. At an independent two-year review there was no evidence that operative repair offered improved symptomatic or functional benefit

Fresh frozen allogeneic tendon was used to reconstruct the lateral ligaments in 17 ankles. Two or more years later, 13 returned for follow-up examination. The mean age at operation was 23 years (range 15 to 39); the interval between injury and operation varied from six months to 20 years. There were no infections and no immunological rejections, and according to Sefton's criteria, nine patients were excellent and four good. No patient complained of instability of the ankle and stress radiography confirmed this improvement. Allograft reconstruction of the lateral ligaments of the ankle is a new method of treatment which restores stability without sacrificing normal tendons

We describe a new method for the reconstruction of ruptures of the patellar ligament or the quadriceps tendon, using the flexible open-weave polyester Leeds-Keio prosthetic ligament. Of 25 operations performed since 1985, we were able to review 18 patients (19 knees) with a mean follow-up of 3.5 years (3 to 6.5). No patient had required immobilisation of the knee after operation and the average period to return to normal activities without a walking aid was 10.5 weeks. The average range of motion was 146 degrees, and four patients could squat fully in the Japanese style. There was an extension lag (< 10 degrees) in only four patients; eight patients had some patellar crepitus which was mildly painful in three. There were no cases of infection, persistent joint effusion or rerupture of the extensor apparatus

A total of 22 patients with a tibial avulsion fracture involving the insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) with grade II or III posterior laxity were reduced and fixed arthroscopically using routine anterior and double posteromedial portals. A double-strand Ethibond suture was inserted into the joint and wrapped around the PCL from anterior to posterior to secure the ligament above the avulsed bony fragment. Two tibial bone tunnels were created using the PCL reconstruction guide, aiming at the medial and lateral borders of the tibial bed. The ends of the suture were pulled out through the bone tunnels and tied over the tibial cortex between the openings of the tunnels to reduce and secure the bony fragment. Satisfactory reduction of the fracture was checked arthroscopically and radiographically. The patients were followed-up for a mean of 24.5 months (19 to 28). Bone union occurred six weeks post-operatively. At final follow-up, all patients had a negative posterior drawer test and a full range of movement. KT-1000 arthrometer examination showed that the mean post-operative side-to-side difference improved from 10.9 mm (standard deviation (. sd. ) 0.7) pre-operatively to 1.5 mm (. sd. 0.6) (p = 0.001). The mean Tegner and the International Knee Documentation Committee scores improved significantly (p = 0.001). The mean Lysholm score at final follow-up was 92.0 (85 to 96). We conclude that this technique is convenient, reliable and minimally invasive and successfully restores the stability and function of the knee. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1220–5

Aims. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the intermediate-term outcomes after revision anatomical ankle ligament reconstruction augmented with suture tape for a failed modified Broström procedure. Patients and Methods. A total of 30 patients with persistent instability of the ankle after a Broström procedure underwent revision augmented with suture tape. Of these, 24 patients who were followed up for more than two years were included in the study. There were 13 men and 11 women. Their mean age was 31.8 years (23 to 44). The mean follow-up was 38.5 months (24 to 56) The clinical outcome was assessed using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) score. The stability of the ankle was assessed using stress radiographs. Results. The mean FAOS and FAAM scores improved significantly to 87.5 (73 to 94) and 85.1 (70 to 95) points at final follow-up, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean angle of talar tilt and anterior talar translation improved significantly to 2.8° (0° to 6°) and 4.1 mm (2 to 7) at final follow-up, respectively (p < 0.001). Side to side comparison in stress radiographs at final follow-up showed no significant difference. The revision failed in one patient who underwent a further revision using allograft tendon. Conclusion. The revision modified Broström procedure augmented with suture tape is an effective form of treatment for recurrent instability of the ankle following a failed Broström procedure. This technique provides reliable stability and satisfactory clinical outcomes at intermediate-term follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1183–9

We studied 23 patients with spondylolysis of the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5) and 20 with spondylolytic spondylolisthesis at this level. All were more than 40 years of age. The transverse processes at L5 were significantly wider in the former group than in the latter. We also dissected 56 cadavers to study the morphological relationship between the transverse process of L5 and the iliolumbar ligament, and found that the wider transverse process is associated with increased width of the posterior band of the iliolumbar ligament. If a patient with pars defects has wide transverse processes at L5, the lumbosacral junction may be stabilised by wide posterior bands of the iliolumbar ligament and the fifth lumbar vertebra by the ligament, preventing anterior displacement

Chronic instability of the ankle is frequently due to disruption of the fibres of the anterior talofibular ligament and the anterolateral capsule. This allows momentary subluxations at the ankle joint; the talus tilts into an abnormal varus position and rotates forwards and inwards about a vertical axis which passes through the medial malleolus. The use of a free tendon graft to reconstruct the anterior talofibular ligament restores the stability of the ankle without restricting movement at the subtalar level

Acquired flatfoot deformity after injury is usually due to partial or complete tearing of the tendon of tibialis posterior, with secondary failure of the other structures which maintain the medial longitudinal arch. We describe a patient in whom the rupture of the plantar calcaneonavicular (spring) ligament resulted in a clinical picture similar to that of rupture of the tendon of tibialis posterior. Operative repair of the ligament and transfer of the tendon of flexor digitorum gave an excellent result at four years with the patient returning to full sporting activities

A computer-based model of the knee was used to study forces in the cruciate ligaments induced by co-contraction of the extensor and flexor muscles, in the absence of external loads. Ligament forces are required whenever the components of the muscle forces parallel to the tibial plateau do not balance. When the extending effect of quadriceps exactly balances the flexing effect of hamstrings, the horizontal components of the two muscle forces also balance only at the critical flexion angle of 22 degrees. The calculations show that co-contraction of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles loads the anterior cruciate ligament from full extension to 22 degrees of flexion and loads the posterior cruciate at higher flexion angles. In these two regions of flexion, the forward pull of the patellar tendon on the tibia is, respectively, greater than or less than the backward pull of hamstrings. Simultaneous quadriceps and gastrocnemius contraction loads the anterior cruciate over the entire flexion range. Simultaneous contraction of all three muscle groups can unload the cruciate ligaments entirely at flexion angles above 22 degrees. These results may help the design of rational regimes of rehabilitation after ligament injury or repair

An operation using either the medial or the lateral meniscus to effect the late repair of torn cruciate ligaments is described. Forty-three patients under fifty years of age who were unable to return to their work because of severe joint laxity have been treated in this way and reviewed after one to thirty years. Sagittal stability was measured by a special apparatus, and a comparison was made between normal knees and affected knees before and after operation. The review of forty-five knees showed normal stability in thirty-one, slight instability in twelve and no improvement in two. Forty-one patients had returned to their former work: twenty-two complained of instability when tired; all had pain-free joints. The use of a meniscus for the reconstruction of either cruciate ligament is considered to be simple, safe and effective

We report 18 cases of pain and tenderness in the mid-part of the patellar ligament in athletes. The condition may be disabling, but it responds to surgery. Ultrasound and CT scans were positive in all 17 confirmed cases, but ultrasound gave a better distinction between the cysts, granulation tissue, metaplasia, mucoid degeneration and congenital defects found at operation

Orientation of the native acetabular plane as defined by the transverse acetabular ligament (TAL) and the posterior labrum was measured intra-operatively using computer-assisted navigation in 39 hips. In order to assess the influence of alignment on impingement, the range of movement was calculated for that defined by the TAL and the posterior labrum and compared with a standard acetabular component position (abduction 45°/anteversion 15°). With respect to the registration of the plane defined by the TAL and the posterior labrum, there was moderate interobserver agreement (r = 0.64, p < 0.001) and intra-observer reproducibility (r = 0.73, p < 0.001). The mean acetabular component orientation achieved was abduction of 41° (32° to 51°) and anteversion of 18° (−1° to 36°). With respect to the Lewinnek safe zone (abduction 40° ±10°, anteversion 15° ±10°), 35 of the 39 acetabular components were within this zone. However, there was no improvement in the range of movement (p = 0.94) and no significant difference in impingement (p = 0.085). Alignment of the acetabular component with the TAL and the posterior labrum might reduce the variability of acetabular component placement in total hip replacement. However, there is only a moderate interobserver agreement and intra-observer reliability in the alignment of the acetabular component using the TAL and the posterior labrum. No reduction in impingement was found when the acetabular component was aligned with the TAL and the posterior labrum, compared with a standard acetabular component position

1. Forty-two previously asymptomatic patients presenting with a recent rupture of the lateral ligament of the ankle, and twenty similar patients with a simple sprain of this ligament, have been followed for one year. The physical and radiological findings upon the completion of treatment have been related to functional instability of the foot one year later. 2. Persistent mechanical varus instability of the talus in the ankle mortise was a possible cause of functional instability one year after injury in four (or perhaps six) patients. 3. Adhesion formation was a possible cause of functional instability in one patient. 4. Seventeen patients finally displayed no clinical or radiological abnormality after injury, but noted functional instability of the foot one year later. 5. It is concluded that the pathological process which is usually responsible for functional instability of the foot after a lateral ligament injury is at present unknown

We have studied the kinematics of the knee in the sagittal plane, using a four-bar linkage as model, and assuming that a "neutral fibre" in each ligament remains isometric throughout flexion. We devised a computer program to calculate the distance separating any pair of points, one on each bone, for various cruciate attachments at various angles of flexion. The parameters for the linkage in four cadaveric knees were obtained by marking the centre of attachment of the cruciate ligaments with tacks and taking lateral radiographs. The movements of the bones were then calculated, in the computer model, for various attachments of "replacement" ligament fibres, the distance between the attachment sites being plotted against the angle of flexion. It was then possible to define zones around the isometric attachment points within which changes in length would be predictable. Our results show that the position of the femoral sites of attachment of both anterior and posterior cruciate replacement was more critical than that of the tibial attachments

Achieving deep flexion after total knee replacement remains a challenge. In this study we compared the soft-tissue tension and tibiofemoral force in a mobile-bearing posterior cruciate ligament-sacrificing total knee replacement, using equal flexion and extension gaps, and with the gaps increased by 2 mm each. The tests were conducted during passive movement in five cadaver knees, and measurements of strain were made simultaneously in the collateral ligaments. The tibiofemoral force was measured using a customised mini-force plate in the tibial tray. Measurements of collateral ligament strain were not very sensitive to changes in the gap ratio, but tibiofemoral force measurements were. Tibiofemoral force was decreased by a mean of 40% (. sd. 10.7) after 90° of knee flexion when the flexion gap was increased by 2 mm. Increasing the extension gap by 2 mm affected the force only in full extension. Because increasing the range of flexion after total knee replacement beyond 110° is a widely-held goal, small increases in the flexion gap warrant further investigation

A 35-year-old man was seen with pain in the back of the knee. MRI showed a mass in the anterior cruciate ligament. Biopsy indicated mucoid degeneration. Arthroscopic resection of the ligament was carried out, with relief of symptoms

We present a case of disruption of the posterolateral corner of the knee with avulsion of the tendon of biceps femoris. Repair and reconstruction included an allogenic tendon graft to replace the posterior cruciate ligament. Surgery was followed by a complete common peroneal nerve palsy. Revision surgery revealed that the nerve had been displaced anteriorly by avulsion of the biceps tendon and the tendon graft encircled it. Release of the nerve restored normal function at five months

1. Seventeen cases of knee injury are described in which the predominant lesion was rupture of the posterior cruciate ligament. Seven were treated conservatively and ten by surgical repair. 2. Most cases occurred in motor cyclists. 3. The extent of the rupture should be determined by examination under anaesthesia. 4. Early surgical repair is indicated for complete rupture. 5. An effective method of repair is described

We set up a trial to test whether the KT1000 arthrometer would give consistent measurements of anteroposterior laxity when used by the same and different examiners on the knees of the same subjects on the same day. The results showed substantial inter- and intra-examiner variation in the measurements both of absolute displacement in single knees and of side-to-side differences between pairs of knees. This casts doubt on the reliability of the instrument when used to compare the results of different techniques for reconstructing injured cruciate ligaments

We have assessed the biomechanical properties of a 'double-bundle' prosthetic ligament replacing the anterior cruciate in cadaver knees. We compared the results with those of single bundle 'over-the-top' and 'through-the-condyle' techniques, performing anterior drawer tests at 20 degrees and 90 degrees knee flexion. The over-the-top reconstruction gave better anteroposterior stability at 20 degrees, while the through-the-condyle repair was more stable at 90 degrees. The double-bundle reconstruction gave practically normal anterior stability at both 20 degrees and 90 degrees

We dissected 60 shoulders to demonstrate the anatomy of the coracohumeral ligament. The role of this structure in clinical problems of the shoulder is discussed

1. A case of disruption of patellar ligament is described. 2. An association with previous steroid infiltration is present in this case

We treated 39 knees with chronic deficiency of the anterior cruciate ligament by reconstruction using the ABC carbon and polyester prosthetic ligament; 31 (79.5%) were reviewed at an average follow-up of 34 months. There had been four complete failures requiring revision. The remaining 27 were studied in detail. On the Lysholm rating, only 11 knees (41%) had good results with a score of over 76. The mean anterior drawer movement was reduced from 7.6 mm before operation to 5.8 mm at review. The mean difference from the opposite uninjured knee was 3.9 mm before operation, 1 mm (in 21 patients) at mean follow-up of 7.4 months and 2.5 mm (in 27 patients) at 34 months, indicating progressive loss of effect. In our opinion the results are unsatisfactory: we do not recommend the use of this prosthetic ligament

We studied the stabilising effect of prosthetic replacement of the radial head and repair of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) after excision of the radial head and section of the MCL in five cadaver elbows. Division of the MCL increased valgus angulation (mean 3.9 ± 1.5°) and internal rotatory laxity (mean 5.3 ± 2.0°). Subsequent excision of the radial head allowed additional valgus (mean 11.1 ± 7.3°) and internal rotatory laxity (mean 5.7 ± 3.9°). Isolated replacement of the radial head reduced valgus laxity to the level before excision of the head, while internal rotatory laxity was still greater (2.8 ± 2.1°). Isolated repair of the MCL corrected internal rotatory laxity, but a slight increase in valgus laxity remained (mean 0.7 ± 0.6°). Combined replacement of the head and repair of the MCL restored stability completely. We conclude that the radial head is a constraint secondary to the MCL for both valgus displacement and internal rotation. Isolated repair of the ligament is superior to isolated prosthetic replacement and may be sufficient to restore valgus and internal rotatory stability after excision of the radial head in MCL-deficient elbows

We studied 57 patients with isolated lunotriquetral injuries treated by arthrodesis, direct ligament repair, or ligament reconstruction. The outcomes were compared by using written questionnaires, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, range of movement, strength, morbidity and rates of reoperation. Isolated lunotriquetral injury was confirmed by arthroscopy or arthrotomy. The mean age of the patients was 30.7 years (15.4 to 53.7) and the injuries were subacute or chronic in 98.2%. Eight patients underwent lunotriquetral reconstruction using a distally-based strip of the tendon of extensor carpi ulnaris, 27 had lunotriquetral repair and 22 had lunotriquetral arthrodesis. The mean follow-up was 9.5 years (2 to 22). The probability of remaining free from complications at five years was 68.6% for reconstruction, 13.5% for repair, and less than 1% for arthrodesis. Of the lunotriquetral arthrodeses, 40.9% developed nonunion and 22.7% developed ulnocarpal impaction. The probability of not requiring further surgery at five years was 68.6% for reconstruction, 23.3% for repair and 21.8% for arthrodesis. The DASH scores for each group were not significantly different. Objective improvements in strength and movement, subjective indicators of pain relief and satisfaction were significantly higher in the lunotriquetral repair and reconstruction groups than in those undergoing arthrodesis

Ten cases of complete rupture of the collateral ligaments of the metacarpophalangeal finger joints are reported. The nature of this injury, the pre-operative morbidity and the intra-operative pathology are analysed. In all cases surgery was performed with satisfactory results. Operation is indicated for joint stability, grip and pinch strength, pain control and early functional recovery

1. Two cases of deposition of calcium in the medial ligament of the knee are described. Pain was a prominent feature in both. 2. A review of the literature suggests this is an uncommon condition. 3. The condition closely resembles supraspinatus calcification, and the etiology is probably similar. 4. Both cases were treated by operation, with complete relief of symptoms

Carbon fibre appears to induce the formation of tendon in both animals and humans. Experiments have been conducted in sheep in which new anterior cruciate ligaments have been induced in response to the implantation of filamentous carbon fibre. Long-term studies indicate that the carbon fibre slowly breaks up at the site of implantation and later begins to appear in the regional lymph nodes.

Experiments have been performed on rabbits and sheep which demonstrate that pure carbon, in a flexible and filamentous form of great strength, can be used successfully to induce the formation of new tendons. A concept fundamentally different from that underlying the use of other artificial tendon replacements is involved, in which rapidly developing tendon-like tissue is induced to form around the implant. This gradually takes over the function of the implant. The early results in rabbits and the late results in sheep suggest that filamentous carbon may have a place in the replacement of the calcaneal tendon and the collateral ligaments of the knee

Ligamentous instability of the ankle joint can be confirmed by radiographs taken in two planes. The place of the anteroposterior varus stress view is established, but the lateral view which shows anterior subluxation of the talus is frequently omitted. The anatomical significance of the two stress views has been determined by dividing different components of the lateral ligament of 20 cadaveric ankles and noting the subluxation that resulted from these procedures. A clinical assessment was then made of 54 ankles (46 patients) with radiological evidence of instability when subjected to varus and anterior stress. Anterior subluxation was found to be considerably more common than varus tilt, and it is therefore suggested that the lateral stress view should be an essential part of the investigation of the unstable ankle

We report four children aged two to nine years with traumatic tears of the transverse ligament of the atlas and atlanto-axial subluxation. This is extremely rare in this age group since trauma usually causes a skeletal rather than a ligamentous injury. The injuries resulted from falls or motor vehicle accidents, with considerable delay in diagnosis. Flexion radiographs showed atlas-dens intervals (ADI) of 6, 7, 8 and 13 mm; all four patients were treated by posterior fusion at C1-C2 after the failure of conservative treatment. In one child with quadriparesis and a fixed ADI of 13 mm, transoral anterior resection of the odontoid was performed before the fusion. Diagnosis of this traumatic lesion requires a high level of suspicion. Conservative treatment is likely to fail; surgical stabilisation is indicated

This study aimed to compare the holding strength of various commercially-available anchorage devices for artificial ligaments, so that surgeons might make a reasoned choice. Tensile tests to failure were performed on screws, bollards, toggles and staples which had been implanted into cadaveric bones. The holding strength of all devices correlated significantly with the local thickness of cortical bone, so it is recommended that anchorages should be placed away from the joint line, into diaphyseal bone if possible. A new trans-cortical grommet was developed which, when used around an AO screw, had significantly greater holding strength than the other devices

In a prospective seven-year study, we treated 32 patients with partial ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) verified by arthroscopy. Twelve knees (38%) progressed to complete ACL deficiency with positive pivot shift tests and increased anteroposterior translation on tests with the KT-1000 arthrometer. Patients with partial ACL tears frequently had limitation for strenuous sports, while those developing ACL deficiency had additional functional limitations involving recreational activities. Three factors were statistically significant in predicting which partial tears would develop complete ACL deficiency: the amount of ligament tearing--one-fourth tears infrequently progressed, one-half tears progressed in 50% and three-fourth tears in 86%; a subtle increase in initial anterior translation; and the occurrence of a subsequent re-injury with giving-way

We report 14 cases of symptomatic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) diagnosed in non-oriental men between 1978 and 1985. All 14 patients had incomplete spinal cord syndromes due to OPLL in the cervical spine and had been referred undiagnosed from other institutions. Twelve had severe myelopathy and seven were wheelchair-bound before OPLL was diagnosed, while six patients had had operations elsewhere for their neurological dysfunction. There was a close association between OPLL and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (Forestier's disease) on plain radiographs, seven patients having both disorders. Enhanced CT scans proved to be the best diagnostic method for the localisation of cord compression, and magnetic resonance imaging, used on four recent cases, provided the best visualisation of the extent of involvement in the sagittal plane. We aim to heighten awareness of OPLL in non-orientals, in whom the clinical features, histological characteristics, and radiographic patterns are very similar to those of oriental patients

Consecutive patients with a confirmed rupture of at least one of the lateral ligaments of the ankle were randomly assigned to receive either operative or functional treatment. They were evaluated at a median of 8 years (6 to 11). In total, 370 patients were included. Follow-up was available for 317 (86%). Fewer patients allocated to operative treatment reported residual pain compared with those who had been allocated to functional treatment (16% versus 25%, RR 0.64, CI 041 to 1.0). Fewer surgically-treated patients reported symptoms of giving way (20% versus 32%, RR 0.62, CI 0.42 to 0.92) and recurrent sprains (22% versus 34%, RR 0.66, CI 0.45 to 0.94). The anterior drawer test was less frequently positive in surgically-treated patients (30% versus 54%, RR 0.54, CI 0.41 to 0.72). The median Povacz score was significantly higher in the operative group (26 versus 22, p < 0.001). Compared with functional treatment, operative treatment gives a better long-term outcome in terms of residual pain, recurrent sprains and stability

Seven subjects with normal joints were tested for active and passive position sense of ankle inversion, peroneal reflex reaction time to sudden ankle inversion, and postural stability during single-leg stance. The tests were performed before and after regional block of the ankle and foot with local anaesthetic. Passive position sense, assessed with the muscles relaxed, was greatly impaired by anaesthesia but active position sense, with the calf muscles activated, was preserved, and the peroneal reaction time to sudden ankle inversion was not altered. The magnitude of postural sway during single-leg stance was also unchanged by anaesthesia of the ankle and foot. The results suggest that the afferent input from intact lateral ankle ligaments is important in sensing correct placement of the foot at heel-strike, but that this input can be replaced by afferent information from active calf muscles. Afferent input from these muscles seems also to be responsible for dynamic ankle protection against sudden ankle inversion and is adequate to allow stable single-leg stance

We analysed the long-term results with a mean follow-up of 10.2 years, of 66 total knee replacements in 42 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In all cases the posterior cruciate ligament was retained. There were only three complications (4.5%). Revision surgery was necessary in five knees (7.6%), including one (1.5%) with infection. At the final follow-up, 75.8% of knees were rated excellent clinically. Only 15% had an excellent function score. The survival rate of the implant was 90.7% at 19 years. The clinical, radiological and survivorship analysis shows that the posterior-cruciate-retaining knee arthroplasty performs well in rheumatoid arthritis

Aims

There is a lack of long-term data for minimally invasive acromioclavicular (AC) joint repair. Furthermore, it is not clear if good early clinical results can be maintained over time. The purpose of this study was to report long-term results of minimally invasive AC joint reconstruction (MINAR) and compare it to corresponding short-term data.

We assessed arthroscopically 22 young athletes with an isolated acute posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury. Four had significant damage to the articular cartilage of the medial femorotibial compartment and were advised not to resume sports. Three underwent PCL reconstruction because of a reparable meniscal tear or instability. The other 15 were treated conservatively and resumed sport. At an average follow-up of 51 months, one had developed arthritic symptoms due to newly-developed severe chondral damage to the medial femoral condyle, but none of the other 14 had developed arthritic symptoms and most remained athletically active. Severe chondral damage should be seen at an early arthroscopy. Knees with an isolated injury to the PCL with concomitant articular damage may be successfully managed by conservative treatment

We studied retrospectively a consecutive series of 547 shoulders in 529 patients undergoing operation for instability. In 41, the cause of instability was considered to be lateral avulsion of the capsule, including the inferior glenohumeral ligament, from the neck of the humerus, the HAGL lesion. In 35, the lesion was found at first exploration, whereas in six it was noted at revision of a previous failed procedure. In both groups, the patients were older on average than those with instability from other causes. Of the primary cases, in 33 (94.3%) the cause of the first dislocation was a violent injury; six (17.4%) had evidence of damage to the rotator cuff and/or the subscapularis. Only four (11.4%) had a Bankart lesion. In patients undergoing a primary operation in whom the cause of the first dislocation was a violent injury, who did not have a Bankart lesion and had no suggestion of multidirectional laxity, the incidence of HAGL was 39%

In this retrospective study, we assessed the outcome in 99 patients who underwent reconstruction of the lateral ligaments of the ankle for chronic anterolateral instability with a minimum follow-up of 15 years. Two techniques were compared: 54 patients had an anatomical reconstruction (AR group) and 45 had an Evans tenodesis (ET group). They were followed up for 19.9 ± 3.6 years and 21.8 ± 4.6 years, respectively. During follow-up, seven patients in the AR group and 17 in the ET group required a further operation (p = 0.004). At follow-up, significantly more patients (n = 15) in the ET group had limited dorsiflexion than in the AR group (n = 6, p = 0.007) and 18 in the ET group had a positive anterior drawer test compared with seven in the AR group (p = 0002). In the ET group 27 had tenderness on palpation of the ankle compared with 15 in the AR group (p = 0.001). Stress radiographs showed ligamentous laxity significantly more often in the ET group (n = 30) than in the AR group (n = 13, p < 0.001). The mean values for talar tilt and anterior talar translation were significantly higher in the ET group than in the AR group (p < 0.001, p = 0.007, respectively). There were degenerative changes on standard radiographs in 32 patients in the AR group and 35 in the ET group (p = 0.05). Four patients in the ET group had developed severe osteoarthritis compared with none in the AR group (p = 0.025). Assessment of functional stability revealed a mean Karlsson score of 83.7 ± 10.4 points in the AR group and 67.0 ± 15.8 points in the ET group (p < 0.001). According to the Good rating system, 43 patients in the AR group had good or excellent results compared with 15 in the ET group (p < 0.001). Compared with anatomical reconstruction, the Evans tenodesis does not prevent laxity in a large number of patients. Long-standing ligamentous laxity leads to degenerative change in the ankle, resulting in chronic pain, limited dorsiflexion and further operations. The functional result deteriorates more rapidly after the Evans tenodesis than after anatomical reconstruction