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

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

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

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.

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

Four en-bloc resections for malignant tumours of the hip, the peri-acetabular region and the iliac wing were reconstructed using an irradiated hemipelvic allograft together with a total hip prosthesis. Technical aspects include the use of an anterior Enneking approach which excises the previous biopsy site, division and re-attachment of the iliac crest and fixation of the prosthesis using a modified acetabular cup and three polypropylene artificial ligaments to increase the stability of the joint. Weight-bearing was allowed at three months. The oncological and clinical results were satisfactory after a mean follow-up of 19 months, with walking distances of 500 metres to two kilometres without pain

We studied changes in patellar tendon length after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament using either the medial third of the patellar tendon as a graft (n = 40) or a Leeds-Keio artificial ligament (n = 40). Both types of ligament replacement had been supplemented with a MacIntosh extra-articular lateral substitution. The mean change in length in the tendon graft group was 6% (SD 5.39); in the Leeds-Keio group it was 2.4% (SD 4.93). The change in length was significant in both groups, but shortening was more frequent and more severe in the tendon graft group. There was shortening of 10% or more in 25% of knees after patellar tendon graft and 7.5% after use of a Leeds-Keio prosthesis

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of application of a 3D-printed megaprosthesis with hemiarthroplasty design for defects of the distal humerus or proximal ulna following tumour resection.

Aims

The success of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) depends on osseointegration at the graft-tunnel interface and intra-articular ligamentization. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review of clinical and preclinical studies that evaluated biological augmentation of graft healing in ACLR.

Dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint is a relatively common injury and a number of surgical interventions have been described for its treatment. Recently, a synthetic ligament device has become available and been successfully used, however, like other non-native solutions, a compromise must be reached when choosing non-anatomical locations for their placement. This cadaveric study aimed to assess the effect of different clavicular anchorage points for the Lockdown device on the reduction of acromioclavicular joint dislocations, and suggest an optimal location. We also assessed whether further stability is provided using a coracoacromial ligament transfer (a modified Neviaser technique). The acromioclavicular joint was exposed on seven fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders. The joint was reconstructed using the Lockdown implant using four different clavicular anchorage points and reduction was measured. The coracoacromial ligament was then transferred to the lateral end of the clavicle, and the joint re-assessed. If the Lockdown ligament was secured at the level of the conoid tubercle, the acromioclavicular joint could be reduced anatomically in all cases. If placed medial or 2 cm lateral, the joint was irreducible. If the Lockdown was placed 1 cm lateral to the conoid tubercle, the joint could be reduced with difficulty in four cases. Correct placement of the Lockdown device is crucial to allow anatomical joint reduction. Even when the Lockdown was placed over the conoid tubercle, anterior clavicle displacement remained but this could be controlled using a coracoacromial ligament transfer.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1657–61.

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.

The aim of this study was to analyse the gait pattern, muscle force and functional outcome of patients who had undergone replacement of the proximal tibia for tumour and alloplastic reconstruction of the extensor mechanism using the patellar-loop technique.

Between February 1998 and December 2009, we carried out wide local excision of a primary sarcoma of the proximal tibia, proximal tibial replacement and reconstruction of the extensor mechanism using the patellar-loop technique in 18 patients. Of these, nine were available for evaluation after a mean of 11.6 years (0.5 to 21.6). The strength of the knee extensors was measured using an Isobex machine and gait analysis was undertaken in our gait assessment laboratory. Functional outcome was assessed using the American Knee Society (AKS) and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scores.

The gait pattern of the patients differed in ground contact time, flexion heel strike, maximal flexion loading response and total sagittal plane excursion. The mean maximum active flexion was 91° (30° to 110°). The overall mean extensor lag was 1° (0° to 5°). The mean extensor muscle strength was 25.8% (8.3% to 90.3%) of that in the non-operated leg (p < 0.001). The mean functional scores were 68.7% (43.4% to 83.3%) (MSTS) and 71.1 (30 to 90) (AKS functional score).

In summary, the results show that reconstruction of the extensor mechanism using this technique gives good biomechanical and functional results. The patients’ gait pattern is close to normal, except for a somewhat stiff knee gait pattern. The strength of the extensor mechanism is reduced, but sufficient for walking.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1063–9.

We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of 33 consecutive patients who had undergone an extra-articular, total or partial scapulectomy for a malignant tumour of the shoulder girdle between 1 July 2001 and 30 September 2013. Of these, 26 had tumours which originated in the scapula or the adjacent soft tissue and underwent a classic Tikhoff–Linberg procedure, while seven with tumours arising from the proximal humerus were treated with a modified Tikhoff-Linberg operation. We used a Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System for soft-tissue reconstruction in nine patients, but not in the other 24.

The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score (MSTS) was 17.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) 15.9 to 19.4); 17.6 (95% CI 15.5 to 19.6) after the classic Tikhoff–Linberg procedure and 18.1 (95% CI 13.8 to 22.3) after the modified Tikhoff–Linberg procedure. Patients who had undergone a LARS soft-tissue reconstruction had a mean score of 18.6 (95% (CI) 13.9 to 22.4) compared with 17.2 (95% CI 15.5 to 19.0) for those who did not.

The Tikhoff–Linberg procedure is a useful method for wide resection of a malignant tumour of the shoulder girdle which helps to preserve hand and elbow function. The method of soft-tissue reconstruction has no effect on functional outcome.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:684–90.

In the UK we have many surgeon inventors – surgeons who innovate and create new ways of doing things, who invent operations, who design new instruments to facilitate surgery or design new implants for using in patients. However truly successful surgeon inventors are a rare breed and they need to develop additional knowledge and skills during their career in order to push forward their devices and innovations. This article reviews my own experiences as a surgeon inventor and the highs and lows over the whole of my surgical career.