Accumulation of irrigation fluid in the calf as a complication during high tibial osteotomy combined with simultaneous arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The Effect of Lower Limb Position on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction on Uncommon Complications after Surgery

Background

To reduce the complications of orthopedic surgery, the desire for less invasive procedures, such as, knee arthroscopy to repair the anterior cruciate ligament, has increased. There are, currently, two common positions for limbs that are used during surgery depending on the surgeon's experience. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the effect of limb position on complications after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery.

Materials and Methods

From April 2016 to July 2020 at our orthopedic-sports trauma center, 688 patients between the ages of 18 and 50 with anterior cruciate ligament rupture underwent reconstruction surgery with a hamstring graft. Patients were divided into two groups in terms of limb position at the time of surgery. For three months, patients were evaluated for surgical complications, basic demographic information, and information during surgery.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic information, side of injury, preparation time, tourniquet time, operation time, and duration of hospitalization. At quarterly follow-up, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of postoperative complications (P = 0.976).

Conclusions

There is no difference between compartment syndrome and deep vein thrombosis in different situations, therefore, the surgeon should operate in any position he is skilled in. Also, surgeons should always pay special attention to these complications and provide necessary training to patients in order to prevent them.

Complications of surgical reconstruction of multiligament injuries of the knee joint: diagnosis, prevention and treatment

The main complications of surgical reconstruction of multiligament injuries of the knee joint are residual or recurrent instability, arthrofibrosis, popliteal artery injury, common peroneal nerve injury, compartment syndrome, fluid extravasation, symptomatic heterotopic ossification, wound problems and infection, deep venous thrombosis, and revision surgery.

Careful surgical planning and execution of the primary surgical reconstruction of multiligament injuries of the knee joint can minimize the risk of the aforementioned complications.

Careful postoperative follow-up is required to detect complications. Early recognition and prompt treatment are of paramount importance.

To obtain good results in the revision surgery of failed multiligamentary knee reconstructions, it is crucial to perform a thorough and exhaustive evaluation to detect all the causes of failure.

Addressing all associated injuries during revision surgery will lead to the best possible subjective and objective results, although functional outcomes are often modest.

However, advanced age and high-energy injuries have been associated with the poorest functional outcomes after revision surgery of failed multiligament injuries of the knee joint.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:973-981. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.210057

Fluid Extravasation Related to Hip Arthroscopy: A Prospective Computed Tomography-Based Study

Background:

Complications related to hip arthroscopy are rare, with a current rate of <2%. Some complications are related to fluid extravasation, which has been associated with life-threatening conditions such as abdominal compartment syndrome, cardiopulmonary arrest, hypothermia, and atelectasis.

Purpose:

To identify risk factors for fluid volume extravasation in hip arthroscopy and to determine the relationship between anatomical location on computed tomography (CT) and extravasated volume.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

We performed a prospective cohort study of 40 consecutive arthroscopies for femoroacetabular impingement. Patient demographics and procedures performed (ie, acetabuloplasty and its size, femoral osteoplasty, and psoas tenotomy) were recorded. The extravasated volume was estimated by the difference between the infused volume and the intraoperatively collected volume. Within 12 hours after the procedure, the pelvis was scanned by CT. We created a 3-stage radiological classification based on progressive involvement of anatomical structures attributed to liquid extravasation. Statistical analyses were performed with a 95% CI and a significance level of 5%.

Results:

No relevant clinical symptoms related to fluid extravasation were recorded. The mean extravasated volume was 3.06 L at a rate of 1.05 L/h, corresponding to nearly 10% of the infused volume. There was a trend toward greater extravasated volume with longer operative time and longer time in the peripheral compartment (without axial traction); however, there was no statistical significance. The anatomical classification on CT imaging was directly related to the extravasated volume and compromised the thigh, gluteus, and retroperitoneum and intraperitoneal spaces. There was a 6-fold greater probability of female patients having an advanced stage extravasation on CT classification.

Conclusion:

In our series, 10% of the infused volume was extravasated in uncomplicated hip arthroscopy. Risk factors for extravasation were related to operative time, particularly during peripheral compartment intervention (ie, without traction). The anatomical classification proposed in this study reflects the progressive involvement of the thigh, gluteus, iliopsoas, and retroperitoneal and intraperitoneal spaces after increase in extravasated volume. Compared with males, females were associated with more severe anatomical compromise for the same extravasated volume.

Adverse event rates and classifications in medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy

BACKGROUND

Previously reported complications in medial opening wedge (MOW) high tibial osteotomy (HTO) vary considerably in both rate and severity.

PURPOSE

(1) To determine the rates of adverse events in MOW HTO classified into different grades of severity based on the treatments required and (2) to compare patient-reported outcomes between the different adverse event classifications.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

All patients receiving MOW HTO at a single medical center from 2005 to 2009 were included. Internal fixation was used in all cases, with either a nonlocking (Puddu) or locking (Tomofix) plate. Patients were evaluated at 2, 6, and 12 weeks; 6 and 12 months; and annually thereafter. Types of potential surgical and postoperative adverse events, categorized into 3 classes of severity based on the subsequent treatments, were defined a priori. Medical records and radiographs were then reviewed by an independent observer. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were compared in subgroups of patients based on the categories of adverse events observed.

RESULTS

A total of 323 consecutive procedures (242 males) were evaluated (age, mean ± standard deviation, 46 ± 9 years; body mass index, mean ± standard deviation, 30 ± 5 kg/m(2)). Adverse events requiring no additional treatment (class 1) were undisplaced lateral cortical breaches (20%), displaced (>2 mm) lateral hinge fracture (6%), delayed wound healing (6%), undisplaced lateral tibial plateau fracture (3%), hematoma (3%), and increased tibial slope ≥10° (1%). Adverse events requiring additional or extended nonoperative management (class 2) were delayed union (12%), cellulitis (10%), limited hardware failure (1 broken screw; 4%), postoperative stiffness (1%), deep vein thrombosis (1%), and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type 1 (1%). Adverse events requiring additional or revision surgery and/or long-term medical care (class 3) were aseptic nonunion (3%), deep infection (2%), CRPS type 2 (1%), and severe hardware failure with loss of correction (1%). Additional surgery rate was 3%. Class 1 and 2 adverse events did not affect patient-reported outcomes at 6, 12, or 24 months postoperatively. Patients with class 3 adverse events had significantly lower total WOMAC scores at 6 months but not at 12 or 24 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

The most common adverse event in MOW HTO requiring extended nonoperative treatment (class 2) is delayed union (12%). The rate of severe adverse events requiring additional surgery and/or long-term medical care (class 3) is low (7%).

Massive Proximal Extravasation as a Complication during Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Extra-articular extravasation of irrigation fluid is relatively common around entry incisions and is usually limited to the subcutaneous tissue. Very rarely, extravasation occurs above the knee, in the thigh and even up into the pelvis. We are reporting the second case of irrigation fluid extravasation during a knee arthroscopy, which spread up to the thigh, groin and perineum during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, whilst the tourniquet was inflated. In our case, we think that the extravasation was caused by a fault in the pressure sensor due to the fact that the reservoir was over-filled. The irrigation pressure was therefore too high, and the irrigation fluid was able to diffuse, despite the presence of a pneumatic tourniquet, up past the thigh.

Is there a role for high tibial osteotomies in the athlete?

Context:

The use of high tibial osteotomies (HTOs) in elite and professional athletes has been slow to gain acceptance by both the athlete and the surgeon because it is generally thought that return to competitive sports will be unlikely. Conversely, HTOs have been used extensively and effectively in managing degenerative knee arthrosis in the less active recreational patient with varus deformity who wishes to maintain activity and delay the need for knee arthroplasty. Unfortunately, situations arise where elite athletes develop debilitating pain secondary to malalignment that prevents them from participation, at which time corrective osteotomy may be indicated. Return to sport is not necessarily the goal of osteotomy surgery, but success with correction may allow the athlete to return to high-level activity. Return to elite competition is not the singular goal of HTO in the athlete; however, if the surgery is successful, then consideration can be given to return to play.

Evidence Acquisition:

Despite an extensive literature on return to elite competition after many orthopaedic procedures, there are relatively few data following osteotomies.

Results:

With expanded indications, osteotomies have become increasingly popular in young patients with malalignment and arthrosis. In addition to addressing malalignment and degenerative processes, HTO can be used in elite athletes in combination with knee reconstructive procedures to address articular defects, meniscal deficiency, and instability, thereby optimizing knee function.

Conclusion:

When performed with the proper indications in competitive athletes, HTO can result in unloading of joint resurfacing procedures, pain reduction, increased functional stability, and restored joint mechanics. Furthermore, as performed in select elite athletes, HTO realignment may not only result in return to play but also improve function and possibly prolong competition at a high level.

[Acute compartment syndrome of the lower leg due to knee arthroscopy]

This case report describes an acute postoperative compartment syndrome of the lower leg following simple arthroscopy of the knee. The diagnostics as well as the time course of further therapeutic procedures are considered critically. Furthermore, the surgical workflow is analyzed for possible reasons. Retrospectively, an accumulation of irrigation fluid passing through a popliteal cyst into the superficial flexor compartment must be suspected. In summary, even with an optimal perioperative management the subsequent compartment syndrome due to knee arthroscopy cannot be avoided with any certainty. However, immediate causal therapy lies in the urgent dermatofasciotomy to prevent irreversible neuromuscular damage.

The design and use of animal models for translational research in bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

This review provides an overview of animal models for the evaluation, comparison, and systematic optimization of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine strategies related to bone tissue. This review includes an overview of major factors that influence the rational design and selection of an animal model. A comparison is provided of the 10 mammalian species that are most commonly used in bone research, and existing guidelines and standards are discussed. This review also identifies gaps in the availability of animal models: (1) the need for assessment of the predictive value of preclinical models for relative clinical efficacy, (2) the need for models that more effectively mimic the wound healing environment and mass transport conditions in the most challenging clinical settings (e.g., bone repair involving large bone and soft tissue defects and sites of prior surgery), and (3) the need for models that allow more effective measurement and detection of cell trafficking events and ultimate cell fate during the processes of bone modeling, remodeling, and regeneration. The ongoing need for both continued innovation and refinement in animal model systems, and the need and value of more effective standardization are reinforced.

Closing wedge osteotomy of the tibia and the femur in the treatment of gonarthrosis

New developments in osteotomy techniques and methods of fixation have caused a renewed interest in closing wedge osteotomies of the tibia and femur in the treatment of gonarthrosis. The rationale, definition and techniques of closing wedge tibial and femoral osteotomies in the treatment of gonarthrosis are discussed. The principal indications include unicompartmental medial and much less so, varus knee gonarthrosis and unicompartmental lateral or valgus knee gonarthrosis with a well-maintained range of motion in patients who are physiologically young. Newer techniques have provided more rigid fixation and improved accuracy of correction.

Complications of closing wedge high tibial osteotomy

Closing wedge high tibial osteotomy is a common, effective and well-established procedure to treat unicompartment osteoarthrosis of the knee. It is, however, not without its complications. This article will discuss some of these complications and present an overview of the current literature. It will examine current thoughts on aetiology, techniques to try to avoid, and methods of treatment of these complications.

Osteotomy for the Early Varus Arthritic Knee

High tibial osteotomy is a well-established procedure for the management of medial compartment arthritis that is currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity. A number of techniques have been described, with the ultimate goal of obtaining appropriate alignment to provide pain relief and functional improvement over a long-term period. Appropriate patient selection and careful surgical technique is necessary to achieve these goals with a minimal risk of complication. Newer technology such as computer navigation promises to improve the overall accuracy of the procedure. The need for alignment correction in combination with ligament reconstruction and chondral resurfacing surgery will increase the indications for this procedure. This article discusses the techniques available for high tibial osteotomy, the results and relative advantages of each, and the appropriate surgical technique to achieve optimal results while minimizing complications.

Complications in the Treatment of Medial and Lateral Sided Injuries of the Knee Joint

Complications may result from nonoperative and surgical management of medial or lateral sided knee injuries. Because these injuries are often associated with injury to the medial or lateral meniscus and the anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL and PCL, respectively), injury to these structures will also be considered. We group these complications in 3 categories: (1) complications associated with either operative or nonoperative management, (2) intraoperative complications, and (3) postoperative complications. Greater understanding of complications of medial and lateral knee ligament injuries may result in improved clinical outcomes.

High tibial osteotomy

High tibial osteotomy is effective for managing a variety of knee conditions, including gonarthrosis with varus or valgus malalignment, osteochondritis dissecans, osteonecrosis, posterolateral instability, and chondral resurfacing. The fundamental goals of the procedure are to unload diseased articular surfaces and to correct angular deformity at the tibiofemoral articulation. Although the clinical success of total knee arthroplasty has resulted in fewer high tibial osteotomies being done during the past decade, the procedure remains useful in appropriately selected patients with unicompartmental knee disease. Renewed interest in high tibial osteotomy has occurred for a number of reasons. These include the prevalence of physiologically young active patients presenting with medial compartment osteoarthritis; the advent of new techniques for performing the procedure (ie, improved instrumentation and fixation plates for medial opening wedge osteotomy, dynamic external fixation for medial opening wedge osteotomy, and improved instrumentation for lateral closing wedge osteotomy); and the need to concomitantly correct malalignment when performing chondral resurfacing procedures (ie, autologous chondrocyte transplantation, mosaicplasty, and microfracture).