Eighteen- to twenty-five-year follow-up after acute partial anterior cruciate ligament rupture

Consensus Delphi study on guidelines for the assessment of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in children

Background: Knee examination guidelines in minors are intended to aid decision-making in the management of knee instability. Clinical question: A Delphi study was conducted with a formal consensus process using a validated methodology with sufficient scientific evidence. A group consensus meeting was held to develop recommendations and practical guidelines for use in the assessment of instability injuries in children. Key findings: there is a lack of evidence to analyse anterior cruciate ligament injuries in children and their subsequent surgical management if necessary. Diagnostic guidelines and clinical assessment of the patient based on a thorough examination of the knee are performed and a guide to anterior cruciate ligament exploration in children is developed. Clinical application: In the absence of a strong evidence base, these established guidelines are intended to assist in that decision-making process to help the clinician decide on the most optimal treatment with the aim of benefiting the patient as much as possible. Following this expert consensus, surgical treatment is advised when the patient has a subjective sensation of instability accompanied by a pivot shift test ++, and may include an anterior drawer test + and a Lachman test +. If these conditions are not present, the conservative approach should be chosen, as the anatomical and functional development of children, together with a physiotherapy programme, may improve the evolution of the injury.

Anterior cruciate ligament assessment using arthrometry and stress imaging

Arthrometry and stress imaging are useful clinical tools for the objective assessment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) integrity. They are most frequently used for the diagnosis of a complete ACL tear when other workup is equivocal, in conjunction with history and clinical exam findings. Other applications include the diagnosis of partial ACL tears, injury prognosis, and post-operative monitoring. However, further studies are needed to validate these uses. Many different devices and techniques exist for objective examination, which have been compared in recent literature. Reliability and validity measures of these methods vary, and often depend upon examiner familiarity and skill. The KT series of devices is the current gold standard for arthrometry, although the newer robotic GNRB device shows promising early results. Newer methods of data interpretation have been developed for stress imaging, and portable technology may impact this field further.

Failure modes and fracture toughness in partially torn ligaments and tendons

Ligaments and tendons are commonly torn during injury, yet the likelihood that untreated initial tears could lead to further tearing or even full rupture has proven challenging to predict. In this work, porcine Achilles tendon and human anterior longitudinal ligament samples were tested using both standard fracture toughness methods and complex loading conditions. Failure modes for each of 14 distinct testing cases were evaluated using a total of 131 soft tissue tests. Results showed that these soft tissues were able to completely resist any further crack propagation of an initial tear, regardless of fiber orientation or applied loading condition. Consequently, the major concern for patients with tendon or ligament tears is likely not reduction in ultimate tissue strength due to stress risers at the tip of the tear, but rather a question of whether or not the remaining cross-section is large enough to support the anticipated loading.

Does ACL reconstruction alter natural history?: A systematic literature review of long-term outcomes

BACKGROUND

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury can lead to tibiofemoral instability, decreased functional outcomes, and degenerative joint disease. It is unknown whether ACL reconstruction alters this progression at long-term follow-up.

METHODS

A systematic literature review of the long-term results (minimum follow-up, more than ten years) after operative intra-articular reconstruction of ACL injuries and after nonoperative management was performed to compare (1) knee stability on physical examination, (2) functional and patient-based outcomes, (3) the need for further surgical intervention, and (4) radiographic outcomes. After application of selection criteria, forty patient cohorts with a mean of 13.9 ± 3.1 years of postoperative follow-up were identified. Twenty-seven cohorts containing 1585 patients had undergone reconstruction, and thirteen containing 685 patients had been treated nonoperatively.

RESULTS

Comparison of operative and nonoperative cohorts revealed no significant differences in age, sex, body mass index, or rate of initial meniscal injury (p > 0.05 for all). Operative cohorts had significantly less need for further surgery (12.4% compared with 24.9% for nonoperative, p = 0.0176), less need for subsequent meniscal surgery (13.9% compared with 29.4%, p = 0.0017), and less decline in the Tegner score (-1.9 compared with -3.1, p = 0.0215). A difference in pivot-shift test results was observed (25.5% pivot-positive compared with 46.6% for nonoperative) but did not reach significance (p = 0.09). No significant differences were seen in outcome scores (Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC], or final Tegner scores) or the rate of radiographically evident degenerative joint disease (p > 0.05 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

At a mean of 13.9 ± 3.1 years after injury, the patients who underwent ACL reconstruction had fewer subsequent meniscal injuries, less need for further surgery, and significantly greater improvement in activity level as measured with the Tegner score. There were no significant differences in the Lysholm score, IKDC score, or development of radiographically evident osteoarthritis.

Partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament: diagnostic performance of isotropic three-dimensional fast spin echo (3D-FSE-Cube) MRI

PURPOSE

To compare the performance of 3D-FSE-Cube MRI to arthroscopy, the reference test for the diagnosis of partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed including all patients who underwent surgery for an ACL tear in our Sports Surgery Unit from January 2008 to December 2009. All patients underwent a preoperative MRI, conventional 2D or 3D-Cube. The diagnosis of a partial tear was based on the appearance of the ligament bundles and signal quality on MRI, and on the continuity of the fibers on arthroscopy and the quality of the remaining ligament. Sixty-four of the 312 included patients underwent MRI 3D-Cube and 248 conventional 2D-MRI. The series included 82 women and 223 men, mean age 33.3 ± 19.6 years. Arthroscopy did not reveal any normal ACL, 247/312 (79.2 %) complete tears, and 65/312 (20.8 %) partial tears, with 50/65 (76.9 %) involving the anteromedial bundle and 15/65 (23.1 %) the posterolateral.

RESULTS

The results of MRI 3D-Cube were as follows: sensitivity 95 % CI = 62.5 ± 23.7 %, specificity 95 % CI = 93.7 ± 6.9 %, likelihood ratio LR(+) = 9.9, LR(-) = 0.4 and accuracy 85.9 %. Results of conventional 2D-MRI were as follows: sensitivity 95 % CI = 10.2 ± 8.5 %, specificity 95 % CI = 96.5 ± 2.5 %, LR(+) = 2.9, LR(-) = 0.9 and accuracy 79.4 %. The diagnostic performance of MRI 3D-Cube was better than conventional 2D-MRI.

CONCLUSION

The diagnostic performance of MRI 3D-Cube in partial ACL tears was good and significantly better than conventional 2D-MRI. The likelihood of having a positive test was 9.9 times higher in a patient with a partial tear. A negative result did not exclude this diagnosis.

MR imaging of intra- and periarticular soft tissues and subchondral bone in knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the knee has to be considered a disease of the whole joint. Magnetic resonance imaging allows superior assessment of all joint tissues that may be involved in the disease process, such as the subchondral bone, synovium, ligaments, and periarticular soft tissues. Reliable MR imaging-based scoring systems are available to assess and quantify these structures and associated pathology. Cross-sectional and longitudinal evaluation has enabled us to understand their relevance in explaining pain and structural progression.

Anterior cruciate ligament graft reconstruction: clinical, technical, and imaging overview

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most frequently torn ligaments of the knee. With more than 100,000 ACL reconstructions performed yearly in the United States, evaluation of ACL grafts with magnetic resonance imaging is a common occurrence in daily clinical practice. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions vary from single bundle, double bundle, selective bundle, and physeal-sparing techniques. Complications of ACL graft reconstructions include graft tears, graft laxity, arthrofibrosis, and hardware failure or migration. This article offers a comprehensive review of ACL reconstruction for the consulting radiologist.

Postoperative Imaging of the Knee

The knee is a frequently injured joint and, thus, a common focus of operative intervention. As operative techniques and imaging modalities evolve, radiologists must be aware of the expected postoperative appearance after knee surgeries that are performed commonly and also must be comfortable recognizing complications encountered commonly in the immediate and delayed postoperative period. Drawing on the large amount of attention this subject has received of late in the radiologic and orthopedic literature, this article reviews the knee surgeries performed most commonly and the expected normal and most frequently encountered abnormal postoperative imaging findings with an emphasis on MR imaging.

Follow-up of Posttraumatic Ligamentous and Meniscal Knee Lesions Detected at MR Imaging: Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To perform a systematic review of the literature regarding the natural course of ligamentous and meniscal knee lesions detected at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The MEDLINE database was searched from January 1966 to February 2003. Studies were included if all of the following criteria were met: patients had collateral ligament, cruciate ligament, or meniscal lesions; MR imaging was performed in all patients; study included a group and/or subgroup of patients who underwent conservative treatment during follow-up; patients returned to the clinic for follow-up and clinical data or MR imaging outcomes were noted; and article was written in English, Dutch, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Swedish, Danish, or Norwegian. The quality of each study was assessed by using a standardized criteria set, and kappa statistics were used to grade the level of agreement between the two reviewers. Studies with quality scores of 8 or more were designated as high quality. Results were compared with regard to study design and quality scores.

RESULTS

The literature search identified 649 articles, and 11 studies (five on posterior cruciate ligament [PCL] injuries, five on anterior cruciate ligament [ACL] injuries, and one on meniscal injuries) met the inclusion criteria. No studies on the follow-up of collateral ligament injuries were identified. Four studies were of high quality, and the kappa value for quality items was 0.80. Between 77% and 93% of the partial or complete PCL ruptures regained continuity. In cases of partial or total ACL rupture, repair of continuity was also possible. A possible association between MR imaging continuity and clinical stability was identified.

CONCLUSION

The ACL and PCL can regain continuity after partial or complete rupture. On the basis of this review, no conclusions can be drawn about the natural course of meniscal or collateral ligament injury seen at MR imaging.

Long-term failure of thermal shrinkage for laxity of the anterior cruciate ligament

BACKGROUND

Appropriate treatment for anterior cruciate ligament laxity, owing to partial tears of the native ligament or lax reconstruction, is unclear. Studies suggest that a significant percentage of these untreated tears may progress to complete tears or the patient may develop additional injuries to the meniscus or articular cartilage. Shrinkage of the ligament or graft using thermal energy has been proposed as a solution for this problem.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term results using thermal energy to shrink laxity of the anterior cruciate ligament.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Nineteen patients with partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (n = 14) or stretched anterior cruciate ligament grafts (n = 5) underwent thermal shrinkage treatment. Fourteen were available for follow-up at 1 and 5 years. At 1 year, there were 12 partial tears and 2 grafts available for evaluation. At 5 years, there were 10 partial tears and 4 grafts. Preoperative, postoperative, and intraoperative stability testing was performed using the KT-1000 arthrometer. Clinical results were evaluated using the Cincinnati and Lysholm scoring systems.

RESULTS

Intraoperative shrinkage averaged 2.12 mm (17%, P < .0001). At 1 year, 12 of the 14 patients remained stable (86%) with a negative Lachman test result and mean KT-1000 arthrometer maximum side-to-side score of 1.29 mm (P < .001). The 2 failed shrinkages were partial tears of the native anterior cruciate ligament. For these 12 patients, Cincinnati scores improved from 53 to 89 (P < .0001), and Lysholm scores improved from 55 to 89 (P < .0003). At 5-year follow-up, 11 of 13 patients had gone on to complete failure (85%, P < .002; 8/9 partial tears and 3/4 grafts).

CONCLUSION

Thermal shrinkage provides short-term benefit in the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament laxity but leads to catastrophic failure in the majority of patients at long-term follow-up. We can no longer recommend this procedure for the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament laxity.

Long-term follow-up after primary repair of the anterior cruciate ligament: clinical and radiological evaluation 15-23 years postoperatively

INTRODUCTION

We have previously reported results after 2-5 and 5-10 years follow-up of repair of acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures by suturing. Reports of results after more than 10 years are rare.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 140 patients were operated on in the period 1975-1983 (age range 13-71 years, median 28 years) by the modified Palmer technique. Only 2 meniscus resections and 4 meniscectomies were performed at the primary operation; while 28 menisci were sutured. At follow-up,12 patients were dead. Eighteen patients (13%) underwent repeat operations for secondary instability. Of the remaining 110 patients, 81 appeared for follow-up.

RESULTS

Only 6 secondary meniscus resections were performed, all in the group of 18 patients operated on again for instability. No secondary meniscus surgery was performed on the 81 patients who appeared for follow-up. The median Lysholm score was 88, and 58 of the 81 patients (71%) classified their total knee function as good or excellent. By KT-1000 testing, 33 (41%) patients had less than 3 mm anterior instability, 29 (36%) had 3-5 mm instability, and 17 (21%) had more than 5 mm. With 18 patients from the total of 128 living patients re-operated for instability, we estimate the rate of total failure of stability as 27%. Radiological osteoarthritis grade C was present in 8 operated and 2 control knees, while only 1 operated knee revealed osteoarthritis grade D. Thirty-four operated and 20 control knees had grade B. Osteoarthritis was correlated to more advanced age at injury, while correlation to function could not be proven. Radiographs were obtained of 61 patients at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Some 50% of patients had stable or slightly unstable knees, and 40% good or excellent function according to the Lysholm score. Re-operation for instability was more frequent in younger patients, while ostearthritis was more frequent in older patients. The rate of meniscus resection or extirpation was low. Open repair by suture is no longer recommended. Further research is indicated on the possible use of refixation of the ruptured ACL by arthroscopy.

MR Imaging Evaluation of the Postoperative Knee

The increased number of patients undergoing arthroscopy or surgery of the knee for sports medicine injuries is leading to increased numbers of patients who require imaging after surgery because of failure to improve, recurrent symptoms, or new injury. As in preoperative patients, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is the most valuable imaging method for postoperative evaluation of the knee. Surgical changes increase the difficulty of diagnosis of abnormalities in the knee with MR imaging. MR arthrography with direct intraarticular injection of contrast material can help improve evaluation of the postoperative meniscus and possibly help improve evaluation of anterior cruciate ligament grafts in patients after surgery. Recognition of the normal postoperative MR imaging appearance of the structures in the knee and of abnormalities is essential to accurate MR imaging evaluation of these patients.

Partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

The functional outcome after partial anterior cruciate ligament tears in children and adolescents treated without reconstruction has not been established.

HYPOTHESIS

Nonreconstructive management of partial anterior cruciate ligament tears can be effective in certain pediatric patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

METHODS

We studied 45 skeletally mature and immature patients 17 years of age or less who had an acute hemarthrosis, magnetic resonance imaging signal changes, grade A or B Lachman and pivot shift result, and an arthroscopically documented partial anterior cruciate ligament tears. All patients were treated without reconstruction, underwent a structured rehabilitation program, and were followed up for a minimum of 2 years.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients (31%) underwent subsequent reconstruction. Significant associations with subsequent reconstruction included tears that were greater than 50%, predominantly posterolateral tears, a grade B pivot shift test result, and older chronologic and skeletal age. Among patients who did not require reconstruction, those with tears that were greater than 50% or predominantly posterolateral had significantly lower Lysholm, satisfaction, and Cincinnati Knee Scale scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonreconstructive management is recommended for partial anterior cruciate ligament tears in children and adolescents 14 years of skeletal age or younger with normal or near-normal Lachman and pivot shift results. Reconstruction is recommended in older athletes or in those with greater than 50% or predominantly posterolateral tears.

Mucoid degeneration of the anterior cruciate ligament

A case of intraligamentous mucoid degeneration of the anteromedial band of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is presented. The patient had knee pain without clinical or diagnostic evidence of instability. Isolated debridement of the anteromedial band resulted in immediate pain relief with rapid return to athletic activities without instability. We present this case to demonstrate the presence of intraligamentous mucoid degeneration in the ACL as a source of knee pain without instability. Partial ACL debridement did not preclude adequate knee stability.

Eighteen- to twenty-four-year follow-up after complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament

A unilateral, complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament was diagnosed in 60 consecutive patients by arthroscopy within 1 week of trauma. Most ruptured ligaments were treated by acute nonaugmented repair immediately after the arthroscopy. Fifty-five and 56 patients were reevaluated after 12 years and 20 years, respectively. Twenty-five patients (45%) had at least one reoperation during the follow-up period of 20 years, primarily for meniscal problems. Seven patients (13%) had repeat anterior cruciate ligament surgery. The overall Lysholm knee function score remained at a median of 90 points from 12 to 20 years, but patients had decreased their sporting activities from team sports at full rehabilitation to physical fitness activities at the late follow-up. Patients who had repeat surgery had a worse knee function score, were less satisfied with their knees, and also had to change activities and change work more often than patients without reoperation. The majority of patients had, at both follow-up periods, unstable knees. At 20 years, weightbearing radiographs showed slight-to-moderate changes equivalent to osteoarthrosis in 84% (47) of patients and a 32% increase in osteoarthrosis since the 12-year evaluation.