Effect of fatigue on tibial rotation after single- and double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a 3-dimensional kinematic and kinetic matched-group analysis

Is the Rotatory Knee Stability Immediately Decreased Following a Competitive Soccer Match?

Fatigue induced by soccer playing increases physical efforts, which might alter the transverse knee stability, a known factor that promotes knee injuries, particularly anterior cruciate ligament injury. Thereby, primarily, we aimed to determine whether rotatory knee stability decreases immediately following a competitive soccer match in amateur players. Furthermore, we assessed the role of the preferred and non-preferred limbs to kick a ball in rotatory knee stability and the correlation between performance parameters and rotatory knee stability. We hypothesized that the knee stability decreases immediately after a competitive soccer match in amateur players. Eight healthy amateur soccer players (aged 27.2 ± 4.7 years and with body mass index of 23.8 ± 1.2 kg m−2) were included immediately before and after a competitive soccer match. The rotatory knee stability was assessed in the preferred and non-preferred limbs through the acceleration and jerk of the pivot shift maneuver and by the internal knee rotation of a pivoting landing task. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA for factors time (before and after the soccer match) and limb (preferred and non-preferred) and multiple comparisons were performed using α = 5%. There was a statistical significance for the main factor time in the acceleration (5.04 vs. 6.90 ms−2, Δ = 1.86 ms−2, p = 0.020, η2 = 0.331) and jerk (18.46 vs. 32.10 ms−2, Δ = 13.64 ms−2, p = 0.004, η2 = 0.456) of the pivot shift maneuver. Rotatory stability decreases following a competitive soccer match in amateur soccer players under fatigue. Both the acceleration and jerk during the pivot shift maneuver is increased without significant internal knee rotation changes during the pivoting landing task.

Arthroscopic reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligaments with allograft: single-tunnel single-bundle versus single-tunnel double-bundle techniques

Purpose

To compare the clinical results of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the single-tunnel single-bundle (STSB) technique versus the single-tunnel double-bundle (STDB) technique.

Methods

This was a retrospective, single-center, single-surgeon study based on data collected from March 2012 to June 2013. According to our inclusion/exclusion criteria, a total of 78 patients (64 males, 14 females; mean age, 25.1 years) who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with anterior tibialis tendon allografts through either the STSB technique (36 cases) or the STDB technique (42 cases) in our department were recruited. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm, and Tegner scores were used to evaluate the subjective function of the knee joint during the postoperative follow-up. The Lachman test and pivot shift test were used to objectively assess the stability of the knee.

Results

The average follow-up duration was 24.9 ± 1.8 months in the STSB group and 24.6 ± 1.7 months in the STDB group (P > 0.05). Patients in both groups recovered to the preoperative sports level with few complications. The postoperative Lysholm score (86.1 ± 7.5 vs. 47.7 ± 9.0 in the STSB group; 87.0 ± 7.1 vs. 48.2 ± 8.3 in the STDB group), IKDC score (87.8 ± 7.2 vs. 49.3 ± 6.1 in the STSB group; 88.7 ± 6.6 vs. 49.8 ± 6.3 in the STDB group), Tegner score (6.5 ± 1.3 vs. 2.5 ± 1.3 in the STSB group; 6.6 ± 1.2 vs. 2.6 ± 1.2 in the STDB group), Lachman test positive rate (8.3% vs. 89.9% in the STSB group; 7.1% vs. 85.7% in the STDB group), and pivot shift test positive rate (27.8% vs. 63.9% in the STSB group; 7.1% vs. 69.0% in the STDB group) were significantly improved compared to the preoperative status in both groups (P < 0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups at the final follow-up (P > 0.05), except for the pivot shift test positive rate in the STDB group versus the STSB group (7.1% vs. 27.8%, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The STDB technique achieved a satisfactory clinical outcome with better rotational stability compared to the traditional STSB technique and therefore provided an effective option for ACL reconstruction.

Level of evidence

Case series, Level IV.

Functional double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendon autografts with preserved insertions is an effective treatment for tibiofemoral instability

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to introduce a modified anatomical anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using functional double bundles (F-DBACLR), which achieved sequential tensioning at all flexion angles postoperatively, and compare its clinical outcomes with the anatomical single-bundle technique (A-SBACLR).

METHODS

A total of 156 patients with an ACL injury underwent ACLR (A-SB group, n = 78; F-DB group, n = 78). All operations were performed by anatomically identifying the ACL footprints and fixing the graft at a pre-determined degree of knee flexion. Two observers blinded to the patient identities examined the patients preoperatively and during follow-up (median 28.2 months; range 26-31 months). Multiple subjective and objective clinical evaluation tests and assessment of clinical outcomes concerning the translational and rotational stability of the knee including the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaire, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Tegner Activity Scale, KT-1000 laxity measurements, Lachman test and pivot-shift test were performed preoperatively and postoperatively.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, no differences were found between the two groups. During the 2-year observation period, patients in the F-DB group revealed better clinical outcomes in terms of the Tegner Activity Scale Score, IKDC, KOOS and Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale. Similar results were shown in regard to the translational stability in both groups, while the F-DB group had more rotational stability at 2 years of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical outcomes indicated that F-DBACLR is clinically practicable and advantageous in the treatment of the ACL-deficient knee.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Return to play following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: incorporating fatigue into a return to play functional battery. Part A: treadmill running

Background

The risk of reinjury and other sequelae following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) remains high. Lack of knowledge regarding factors contributing to these risks limits our ability to develop sensitive return to play (RTP) tests. Using a running task, we evaluate whether fatigue induces alterations in foot progression angle (FPA), a proposed biomechanical risk factor and could be used to enhance RTP test sensitivity.

Method

Transverse plane foot kinematics (FPA) were assessed for 18 post-ACLR subjects during a treadmill running task, before and after a generalised lower limb fatigue protocol. Subject’s contralateral limbs were used as a control group.

Results

A small but significant difference between FPA for ACLR and contralateral limbs was observed before but not after fatigue. When confounding variables were considered, there was a significant difference in FPA change between ACLR and contralateral limbs from the prefatigue to postfatigue state.

Conclusions

Following ACLR athletes may develop a knee-protective movement strategy that delays the progression of osteoarthritis in the ACL-injured knee. This may, however, increase the risk of ACL reinjury. Following the onset of fatigue this proposed movement strategy, and thus osteoarthritis protection, is lost.

Effects of fatigue on lower limb, pelvis and trunk kinematics and lower limb muscle activity during single-leg landing after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

PURPOSE

Because there are no studies that have evaluated the effects of fatigue on the kinematics of the trunk and pelvis or on muscle activation in subjects with ACL reconstruction, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fatigue on the lower limb, pelvis and trunk kinematics and lower limb muscle activation in subjects with ACL reconstruction during a single-leg landing compared to a healthy control group.

METHODS

The participants included 20 subjects with ACL reconstruction (ACL reconstruction group-ACLRG) and 20 healthy subjects (control group-CG) who were aged between 18 and 35 years. Kinematic and electromyographic analyses were performed during a single-leg landing before and after fatigue. The fatigue protocol included a series of 10 squats, two vertical jumps, and 20 steps.

RESULTS

The effects of fatigue were increased peak trunk flexion and increased activation of the vastus lateralis, biceps femoris (BF) and gluteus maximus (GMax) during the landing phase.

CONCLUSION

After the fatigue protocol, an increase in peak trunk flexion and activation of the GMax and BF were observed, most likely as a strategy to reduce the load on the ACL. ACL injury prevention programs should include strength and endurance exercises for the hip and trunk extensor muscles so that they can efficiently control trunk flexion during landing.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prospective comparative study, Level II.

Knee kinematics and kinetics are associated with early patellofemoral osteoarthritis following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

OBJECTIVE

Patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) commonly occurs following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Our study aimed to compare knee kinematics and kinetics during a hop-landing task between individuals with and without early PFOA post-ACLR.

DESIGN

Forty-five individuals (mean ± SD 26 ± 5 years) 1-2 years post-ACLR underwent 3T isotropic MRI scans and 3D biomechanical assessment of a standardised forward hop task. Knee kinematics (initial contact, peak, excursion) in all three planes and sagittal plane kinetics (peak) were compared between 15 participants with early PFOA (MRI-defined patellofemoral cartilage lesion) and 30 participants with no PFOA (absence of patellofemoral cartilage lesion on MRI) using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), adjusted for age, BMI, sex and the presence of early tibiofemoral OA.

RESULTS

Compared to participants without PFOA, those with early PFOA exhibited smaller peak knee flexion angles (mean difference, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -5.2°, -9.9 to -0.4; P = 0.035) and moments (-4.2 Nm/kg.m, -7.8 to -0.6; P = 0.024), and greater knee internal rotation excursion (5.3°, 2.0 to 8.6; P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with early PFOA within the first 2-years following ACLR exhibit distinct kinematic and kinetic features during a high-load landing task. These findings provide new information regarding common post-ACLR biomechanical patterns and PFOA. Since management strategies, such as altering knee load, are more effective during the early stages of disease, this knowledge will help to inform clinical management of early PFOA post-ACLR.

A systematic review of single- versus double-bundle ACL reconstruction using the anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction scoring checklist

PURPOSE

The aim of this systematic review was to apply the anatomic ACL reconstruction scoring checklist (AARSC) and to evaluate the degree to which clinical studies comparing single-bundle (SB) and double-bundle (DB) ACL reconstructions are anatomic.

METHODS

A systematic electronic search was performed using the databases PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE and Cochrane Library. Studies published from January 1995 to January 2014 comparing SB and DB ACL reconstructions with clinical outcome measurements were included. The items from the AARSC were recorded for both the SB and DB groups in each study.

RESULTS

Eight-thousand nine-hundred and ninety-four studies were analysed, 77 were included. Randomized clinical trials (29; 38%) and prospective comparative studies (29; 38%) were the most frequent study type. Most studies were published in 2011 (19; 25%). The most commonly reported items for both SB and DB groups were as follows: graft type (152; 99%), femoral and tibial fixation method (149; 97% respectively), knee flexion angle during graft tensioning (124; 8%) and placement of the tibial tunnel at the ACL insertion site (101; 66%). The highest level of documentation used for ACL tunnel position for both groups was often one dimensional, e.g. drawing, operative notes or o'clock reference. The DB reconstruction was in general more thoroughly reported. The means for the AARSC were 6.9 ± 2.8 for the SB group and 8.3 ± 2.8 for the DB group. Both means were below a proposed required minimum score of 10 for anatomic ACL reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

There was substantial underreporting of surgical data for both the SB and DB groups in clinical studies. This underreporting creates difficulties when analysing, comparing and pooling results of scientific studies on this subject.

Single- vs. double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a new aspect of knee assessment during activities involving dynamic knee rotation

Few studies have compared single-bundle (SB) and double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in the knee joint during activities involving change-of-direction maneuvers and knee rotation. This study examined whether the type of ACLR contributes to postphysiotherapy outcomes, with an emphasis on knee function assessment during activities involving dynamic knee rotation. Fifteen male patients after SB ACLR and 15 male patients after DB ACLR took part in the same physiotherapy program. Twenty-four weeks after ACLR, both groups underwent anterior laxity measurement, pivot shift tests, range of movement and joint circumference measurements, subjective assessment of pain and stability levels in the knee joint, peak torque measurement of the muscles rotating the tibia toward the femur, and a run test with maximal speed and change-of-direction maneuvers. Comparative analysis did not show any differences between the results of anterior tibial translation, pivot shift test, range of movement and joint circumference, and subjective assessment of pain and knee joint stability levels. No differences were noted between the groups in peak torque values obtained from the muscles responsible for internal and external tibial rotation or results of the run test. The data obtained from this study can be used by research teams to monitor and compare the effectiveness of various study protocols involving surgical and physiotherapy treatment. The data are especially useful when combined with the clinical assessment of patients who would like to return to sport.

Single-Bundle Versus Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Comparative 2-Year Follow-up

PURPOSE

To compare anatomic single-bundle (SB) versus double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and to determine possible differences in clinical outcomes.

METHODS

In this prospective randomized study, 64 patients were divided into 2 equal groups. Anatomic SB and DB ACL reconstructions were performed using hamstring tendons. A follow-up examination 2 years after surgery comprised International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) 2000 assessment, Laxitester (ORTEMA Sport Protection, Markgröningen, Germany) measurement of anteroposterior translation regarding rotational stability, and radiographic evaluation. Statistical analysis and power calculation were performed (P < .05).

RESULTS

We examined 62 patients at a mean of 26 months (range, 23.3 to 32.7 months) after surgery. IKDC subjective and objective scores showed no significant differences when both groups were compared. The Laxitester measurements showed no significant differences regarding anteroposterior translation in the neutral position, internal rotation, and external rotation. However, there was a significant improvement in rotational laxity in external rotation in the DB group (P = .02). No differences were seen between the groups regarding osteoarthritic changes and tunnel widening.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no differences in IKDC subjective and objective scores between patients who underwent anatomic SB ACL reconstruction and those who underwent anatomic DB ACL reconstruction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial.

Dynamic Effect of Quadriceps Muscle Activation on Anterior Tibial Translation After Single-Bundle and Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

PURPOSE

To examine differences in anterior tibial translation in 3 groups: single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-reconstructed, double-bundle ACL-reconstructed, and ACL-intact knees under gradual dynamic quadriceps muscle activation.

METHODS

Thirty male patients underwent successful single-bundle (n = 15) and double-bundle (n = 15) ACL reconstructions; 15 healthy controls were included in the study. Anterior tibial translation was assessed at 30° of knee flexion in the resting position (0% quadriceps activation) and under 50% and 100% of maximum quadriceps concentric contraction using an isokinetic dynamometer with the KT-2000 arthrometer securely attached to the participants' knees.

RESULTS

The 2 ACL-reconstructed groups were similar regarding International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Score (KOOS), Tegner, and Lysholm scores and preliminary isokinetic evaluation (P = .38). Quadriceps activation significantly affected anterior tibial translation (P = .001, α = 0.98). In all 3 study groups, anterior tibial translation was significantly higher under 100% quadriceps activation compared with 0% contraction (P = .01) and 50% quadriceps activation (P = .047). There were no between-group differences in anterior tibial translation with 0%, 50%, or 100% quadriceps activation (P = .46).

CONCLUSIONS

Under quadriceps muscle activation, anteroposterior knee laxity in ACL-intact and ACL-reconstructed knees is gradually increased. Single-bundle and double-bundle ACL-reconstructed knees show a similar increase in anterior tibial translation under gradual quadriceps contraction. When comparing different ACL reconstruction techniques in the experimental setting, dynamic, in addition to static, testing is advised to reach a comprehensive assessment of anteroposterior knee stability.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Kinematics of Rotation in Joints of the Lower Limbs and Pelvis during Gait: Early Results-SB ACLR Approach versus DB ACLR Approach

It is difficult to find publications comparing rotation kinematics in large joints of the lower limbs and pelvis during gait in patients after single-bundle (SB) reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACLR) with double-bundle (DB) ACLR of the knee. The aim of this study was to compare rotation kinematics in ankle, knee, and hip joints and the pelvis during gait in the 14th week after SB and DB ACLR. The subjects were males after SB (n = 10) and DB (n = 13) ACLR and a control group (n = 15). The values of kinematic parameters were recorded during internal (IR) and external (ER) rotation in the joints during gait using the BTS SMART. The SB ACLR group obtained significantly higher values of ER in the involved knee comparing to DB ACLR and controls and excessive IR in the hip comparing to controls. In the DB ACLR group, excessive ER was noted in the involved leg's foot. Comparing with the DB ACLR and control groups, SB ACLR subjects had more substantial disorders of rotation kinematics in the lower limb joints. However, in both ACLR groups, 14 weeks of postoperative physiotherapy were not enough to fully restore rotation kinematics in joints of the lower limbs during gait.