2018 International Olympic Committee Consensus Statement on Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management of Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

Knowledge and awareness of anterior cruciate ligament injury among Turkish professional athletes: an online survey

The purpose of this study was to assess the awareness and knowledge of professional team sport athletes about ACL injuries, injury prevention programs, and the return to sports after ACL injuries. A total of 419 athletes representing soccer, basketball, volleyball and handball sports were included in the study. We utilized a 15-item self-report survey to assess the awareness of athletes about ACL injury, ACL injury prevention program, and return to sport after ACL injuries. Male and soccer players participated in prevention programs more than female athletes (p = 0.001). Participation in prevention programs was significantly higher in the ≥ 18 years old group than in the < 18 years old group (p = 0.040). Participants who were informed about ACL injuries were 8.4 times more likely to participate in the ACL injuries prevention program than others (OR: 8.38, 95% CI: 3.823-18.376, p < 0.001). The majority of participants believed that return to sport after ACL injury takes 6 months and 81.4% of them thought that it is not possible to do sport without an ACL. This study revealed that the awareness and performance of ACL prevention training programs among professional team sport athletes were insufficient. The athletes' knowledge regarding return to sports after ACL injuries was also inadequate. Improving athletes' knowledge of ACL injuries may lead to increased participation in ACL injury prevention programs. Thus, the provision of tailored educational interventions to athletes could potentially enhance their awareness and understanding of ACL injuries, consequently contributing towards the prevention of such injuries.

What impact have the IOC medical consensus statements made on athlete health? A survey of medical commissions from National Olympic/Paralympic Committees and International Sports Federations

Background

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Medical and Scientific Commission has supported collating and sharing evidence globally by developing sports medicine consensus statements ('Statements''). Publishing the Statements requires substantial resources that must be balanced by use and impact on policy and practice. This study aimed to gain a better understanding of awareness and uptake of the Statements globally through a survey of the National Olympic Committees (NOC), National Paralympic Committees (NPC) and International Federations (IF).

Method

A cross-sectional survey of medical commission representatives from NOCs/NPCs/IFs. A structured questionnaire was distributed through the IOC head office, informed by prior research. Questions comprised a mix of closed and open-text responses with results presented descriptively by organisation type and total.

Results

55 responses were included: 29 (52%) from NOC/NPC representatives (response rate 14%) and 26 (47%) from IF representatives (response rate 63%). All Statements had been used by at least one respondent, with the Statement addressing concussion ranked highest (used by 33/55). The main barriers to use were financial limitations (n=21), club/sport culture and behaviours (n=19) and lack of understanding from coaches/team sport personnel (n=19). Participants believed the Statements were a successful strategy for improving athlete health (n=39/51 agree or strongly agree).

Conclusion

There was clear support for the continued development of sports medicine guidance, including in the format of these Statements. To ensure Statements lead to demonstrable health benefits for athletes, input from athletes, coaches and supporting staff is needed, as well as clearer identification of the purpose and audience of each topic developed.

The Significance of Selecting an Appropriate Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (PROM): A Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Specific Paediatric International Documentation Committee Subjective (Pedi-IKDC) Knee Form

INTRODUCTION

The selection of an appropriate PROM is a crucial aspect in assessing outcomes. Questionnaires that have not been designed or validated for a paediatric population are routinely used. Using a questionnaire requires translation, cultural adaptation, and testing the psychometric properties of the translated questionnaire. There is no applicable questionnaire in our country for children with knee-specific conditions in sports orthopaedics. Therefore, this study aims to translate, culturally adapt, and assess the psychometric properties of the Paediatric IKDC (Pedi-IKDC) questionnaire within the Lithuanian paediatric population.

METHODS

The translation was conducted in accordance with international standards. Patients aged 11-17 years with various knee disorders participated in three surveys and completed the Pedi-IKDC, Lysholm, and PedsQL questionnaires. Interviews with patients following the translation process, in addition to floor and ceiling effects, were used to assess content validity. Cronbach alpha (α) statistics and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were applied to measure internal consistency and reproducibility, respectively. The standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest detectable change (SDC) were calculated to assess reliability. Pearson correlations were calculated between Pedi-IKDC and Lysholm PedsQL scores to determine criteria validity. The effect size (ES) and standardised response mean (SRM) were calculated to assess the responsiveness to change.

RESULTS

Cronbach's alpha (α) was 0.91 for the total score, 0.75 for symptoms, and 0.92 for the sport/function component. The ICC for overall scores was 0.98, with each question ranging from 0.87 to 0.98. The SEM was 2.97, and the SDC was 8.23. Lysholm and PedsQL physical functioning domain scores had moderate correlations (0.8 > r > 0.5), and the overall PedsQL score had a weak correlation (0.5 > r > 0.2) to the Pedi-IKDC score. The floor and ceiling effects were 3.3% and 1.6%, respectively. The SRM was 1.72 and the ES was 1.98.

CONCLUSIONS

The Lithuanian Pedi-IKDC version is an appropriate evaluation instrument for assessing outcomes in children with knee disorders. All of the psychometric features produced acceptable results.

Are we levelling the playing field? A qualitative case study of the awareness, uptake and relevance of the IOC consensus statements in two countries

OBJECTIVES

Research evidence is commonly compiled into expert-informed consensus guidelines intended to consolidate and distribute sports medicine knowledge. Between 2003 and 2018, 27 International Olympic Committee (IOC) consensus statements were produced. This study explored the policy and practice impact of the IOC Statements on athlete health and medical team management in two economically and contextually diverse countries.

METHODS

A qualitative case study design was adopted. Fourteen face-to-face interviews were conducted with purposively selected interviewees, seven participants from Australia (higher economic equality) and seven from South Africa (lower economic equality), representing their national medical commissions (doctors and physiotherapists of Olympic, Paralympic and Youth teams). A framework method was used to analyse interview transcripts and identify key themes.

RESULTS

Differences across resource settings were found, particularly in the perceived usefulness of the IOC Statements and their accessibility. Both settings were unsure about the purpose of the IOC Statements and their intended audience. However, both valued the existence of evidence-informed guidelines. In the Australian setting, there was less reliance on the resources developed by the IOC, preferring to use locally contextualised documents that are readily available.

CONCLUSION

The IOC Statements are valuable evidence-informed resources that support translation of knowledge into clinical sports medicine practice. However, to be fully effective, they must be perceived as useful and relevant and should reach their target audiences with ready access. This study showed different contexts require different resources, levels of support and dissemination approaches. Future development and dissemination of IOC Statements should consider the perspectives and the diversity of contexts they are intended for.

Growth progression of anterior cruciate ligament bone grafts in a pediatric population: magnetic resonance imaging analysis

BACKGROUND

In children, the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures and reconstructions has significantly risen. Unfortunately, re-rupture rates following surgery are substantially higher in children than adults. Previous research suggests that smaller graft diameters are predictive of re-rupture.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the growth progression of the ACL bone graft, specifically in terms of width and length, within the intra-articular portion and tunnels, using successive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The hypothesis was that the ACL grafts would undergo thinning during growth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cohort comprised 100 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction. Among them, 37 patients with significant residual growth were selected for analysis. Of these, 4 patients experienced graft rupture, 5 had "over-the-top" techniques, 12 had missing MRI scans and 5 were lost to follow-up. Each included patient underwent two MRI scans; the analyses of which were conducted in a double-masked manner.

RESULTS

A total of 13 knees (and patients) were analyzed, with a mean ± SD (range) delay of residual growth between the two MRI scans of 3.3 + / - 1.4 (1.2-5.2) years. The graft exhibited elongation, thinning and eventual integration with the surrounding bone in the tunnels. Within the intra-articular portion, the mean [95% CI] increase in graft size between the two MRI scans was 30.8% in length and 14.8% in width. The width/length ratio in the intra-articular part was 20.4% on the first MRI and 20.8% on the second MRI. Since this difference in the ratio (+ 0.4%) was not statistically significant (P=0.425), our results indicate that the grafts remained stable in terms of proportions without thinning or thickening. Therefore, the initial hypothesis was validated for the tunnel portion but not the intra-articular portion of the grafts.

CONCLUSION

In children with open physes, ACL grafts demonstrate smooth growth progression in all dimensions. However, this finding does not fully explain the high rate of re-rupture observed in children. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying factors contributing to re-rupture in this population.

Pedi-IKDC exhibits questionable measurement properties in a cohort of pediatric patients with ACL rupture

BACKGROUND

Pedi-IKDC is commonly used to evaluate anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency in children. However, its construct validity has not been thoroughly assessed. The aim was to examine the measurement properties of the Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee (Pedi-IKDC) by modern test theory (MTT) models, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and item response theory (IRT).

METHODS

The cohort consisted of all children and adolescents in Denmark (n = 535, age 9-16) treated with physeal-sparing ACL reconstruction 2011-2020. Patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) data were collected before surgery and at 1 year follow-up. Structural validity of Pedi-IKDC was assessed with MTT models. Reliability was reported as McDonalds coefficient omega. Responsiveness was evaluated with standardized response means.

RESULTS

Sufficient PROM data were available for 372 patients. The original unidimensional construct did not fit CFA model expectations neither before surgery (χ2  = 462.0, df = 163, p < 0.0001; RMSEA: 0.109, CFI: 0.910, TFI: 0.895) nor at follow-up. Neither did a two-factor CFA model with "Symptoms" and "Sports activities" as individual subscales (χ2  = 455.6, df = 162, p < 0.0001) nor a bifactor model (χ2  = 338.9, df = 143, p < 0.0001), although fit indices improved with the latter (RMSEA: 0.094, CFI: 0.941, TFI: 0.922). The IRT models confirmed this pattern. The scale was responsive (SRM 1.66 (95% CI: 1.46-1.88)). Coefficient omega values were 0.866 before surgery and 0.919 at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The Pedi-IKDC exhibited inadequate structural validity. Neither the original construct, a two-factor model, nor bifactor models fitted data well. We advise that data obtained by Pedi-IKDC are interpreted with caution.

No correlation between performance tests, clinical measurements and data from patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) in children reconstructed for anterior cruciate ligament injury

PURPOSE

To investigate if patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), functional tests and clinical measures correlate well in children after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). It was hypothesized that these outcomes correlate, so it is sufficient to report only one of them.

METHODS

A consecutive group of children (< 16 years old) who had an ACL reconstruction, were prospectively followed and assessed after 1-year with Pedi-IKDC and KOOS-Child, instrumented laxity measurement, range of motion, extension strength and four performance tests. Relations between the different outcomes were calculated by partial correlation coefficient analysis, controlling for gender, age, height, and weight.

RESULTS

Outcomes were available for 141 of 163 children. There were only few positive and weak correlations between performance tests and PROM scores and between clinical measurements and PROM scores. There were weak to strong correlations between the scores from Pedi-IKDC and the scores from each of the five domains of KOOS-Child and a weak to moderate correlation between the different domains of KOOS-Child. Similar correlations were found between the different performance tests.

CONCLUSION

For children who had their ACL reconstructed there was no clinically important correlation between scores obtained by PROMs, a battery of functional performance tests and instrumented laxity of the knee at 1-year follow-up. This is an argument for always to include and report all three types of outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Evidence for isokinetic and functional testing in return to sport decisions following ACL surgery

The rupture and reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee are associated with an increased risk of functional instability, a reduction in sports performance, and a higher risk of future additional injuries. Competitive athletes who participate in sports that require pivoting, cutting, and jumping are at particularly high risk for ACL rupture. The return to sport progression continuum after surgery includes sports-specific rehabilitation, evaluation of strength and function, gradual participation in exercise training with progressively challenging activities in the field of play, participation in sports at a lower level, and finally a return to preinjury-level sports competition. This narrative review evaluates the evidence that supports the use of quadriceps and hamstrings isokinetic strength testing and sports-specific functional skills assessments to evaluate progress with rehabilitation after ACL surgery. Strength evaluations, hop tests, agility tests, and the limb symmetry index are described, as well as the associations of quadriceps and hamstrings muscle strength and functional test results with successful return to sports and the risk of ACL graft rupture and contralateral knee injuries. Suggestions for future research directions are presented including the importance of presurgery testing, standardization of test batteries, and comparison of test results with normative data.

The Natural History of Medial Meniscal Tears in the ACL Deficient and ACL Reconstructed Rat Knee

OBJECTIVE

The process of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury-induced meniscal tear formation is not fully understood. Clinical studies have shown that ACL reconstruction (ACLR) reduces the development of secondary meniscal tears, but it is difficult to gain insight into the protective effects of ACLR from clinical studies alone. Using rat ACL transection (ACLT) and ACLR models, we aimed to reveal (1) the formation process of meniscal tears secondary to ACLT and (2) the protective effects of ACLR on secondary meniscal tears.

DESIGN

ACLT surgery alone or with ACLR was performed on the knees of rats. Histomorphological and histopathological changes were examined in the posteromedial region of the meniscus in intact rats and in rats that received ACLT or ACLR up to 12 weeks postsurgery. In addition, anterior-posterior joint laxity was measured using the universal testing machine to evaluate the effects of ACLT and ACLR on joint laxity.

RESULTS

AAnterior-posterior laxity was significantly increased by ACLT compared to the intact knee. This ACLT-induced joint laxity was partially but significantly reduced by ACLR. Meniscal proliferation and hyaline cartilage-like tissue formation were detected in the medial meniscus at 4 weeks post-ACLT. At 12 weeks post-ACLT, hyaline cartilage-like tissue was replaced by ossicles and meniscal tears were observed. These ACLT-induced abnormalities were attenuated by ACLR.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that ACLT-induced joint laxity induces secondary medial meniscal tears through meniscal proliferation and ossicle formation via endochondral ossification. Joint re-stabilization by ACLR suppresses meniscal proliferation and ossicle formation and consequently prevents secondary meniscal tears.

Femoral and Tibial Bony Risk Factors for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Are Present in More Than 50% of Healthy Individuals

BACKGROUND

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are multifactorial events that may be influenced by morphometric parameters. Associations between primary ACL injuries or graft ruptures and both femoral and tibial bony risk factors have been well described in the literature.

PURPOSE

To determine values of femoral and tibial bony morphology that have been associated with ACL injuries in a reference population. Further, to define interindividual variations according to participant demographics and to identify the proportion of participants presenting at least 1 morphological ACL injury risk factor.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Computed tomography scans of 382 healthy participants were examined. The following bony ACL risk factors were analyzed: notch width index (NWI), lateral femoral condylar index (LFCI), medial posterior plateau tibial angle (MPPTA), and lateral posterior plateau tibial angle (LPPTA). The proportion of this healthy population presenting with at least 1 pathological ACL injury risk factor was determined. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to determine the influence of demographic characteristics.

RESULTS

According to published thresholds for ACL bony risk factors, 12% of the examined knees exhibited an intercondylar notch width <18.9 mm, 25% had NWI <0.292, 62% exhibited LFCI <0.67, 54% had MPPTA <83.6°, and 15% had LPPTA <81.6°. Only 14.4% of participants exhibited no ACL bony risk factors, whereas 84.5% had between 2 and 4 bony risk factors and 1.1% had all bony risk factors. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that only the intercondylar notch width (P < .0001) was an independent predictor according to both sex and ethnicity; the LFCI (P = .012) and MMPTA (P = .02) were independent predictors according to ethnicity.

CONCLUSION

The precise definition of bony anatomic risk factors for ACL injury remains unclear. Based on published thresholds, 15% to 62% of this reference population would have been considered as being at risk. Large cohort analyses are required to confirm the validity of previously described morphological risk factors and to define which participants may be at risk of primary ACL injury and reinjury after surgical reconstruction.

Iliotibial Band Autograft Provides the Fastest Recovery of Knee Extensor Mechanism Function in Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Iliotibial band autograft is an increasingly popular option for pediatric anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The purpose of this study was to compare recovery of knee extensor mechanism function among pediatric patients who underwent ACLR using iliotibial band (IT), hamstring tendon (HT), quadriceps tendon (QT), and patellar tendon (PT) autografts. One hundred forty-five pediatric athletes (76 female; age 15.0, range 7–21 years) with recent (3–18 months) unilateral ACLR performed drop-jump landing and 45° cutting with 3D motion capture. Knee extensor mechanism function (maximum knee flexion angle, maximum internal knee extensor moment, energy absorption at knee) during the loading phase (foot contact to peak knee flexion) was compared among graft types (20 IT, 29 HT, 39 QT, 57 PT) and sides (ACLR or contralateral) using linear mixed models with sex, age, and time since surgery as covariates. Overall, knee flexion was significantly lower on the operated vs. contralateral side for HT, QT, and PT during both tasks (p < 0.03). All graft types exhibited lower knee extensor moments and energy absorption on the operated side during both movements (p ≤ 0.001). Kinetic asymmetry was significantly lower for IT compared with QT and PT during both movements (p ≤ 0.005), and similar patterns were observed for HT vs. QT and PT (p ≤ 0.07). Asymmetry was similar between IT and HT and between QT and PT. This study found that knee extensor mechanism function recovers fastest in pediatric ACLR patients with IT autografts, followed by HT, in comparison to QT and PT, suggesting that IT is a viable option for returning young athletes to play after ACLR.

Arthroscopically Assisted Cannulated Screw Fixation for Treating Type III Tibial Intercondylar Eminence Fractures: A Short-Term Retrospective Controlled Study

Background: This study presents the clinical results from 22 children who underwent minimally invasive arthroscopically assisted screw fixation for the treatment of intercondylar eminence fractures. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 22 children (aged 7.5 to 13.5 years) with type III tibial intercondylar eminence fractures who were treated in our department from March 2007 to September 2019. According to the type of operation, the patients were divided into two groups: group A (n = 12) received arthroscopically assisted cannulated screw fixation, and group B (n = 10) received open reduction and cannulated screw internal fixation. Radiography scans, Lysholm scores, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) 2,000 subjective scores, Tegner scores, range of motion (ROM) of the knee, the anterior drawer test (ADT), the Lachman test, and the pivot-shift test were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy. Results: All 22 children were evaluated over a 12 to 58 month follow-up period (mean: 27.5 months). At the final exam, group A was significantly superior to group B in Lysholm scores (93.33 ± 3.55 vs. 86.20 ± 4.52), IKDC scores (92.06 ± 3.55 vs. 86.07 ± 5.81), and Tegner scores (7.75 ± 0.87 vs. 6.40 ± 0.52) and presented shorter operative times (25.42 ± 3.97 vs. 35.00 ± 5.27). The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). All the incisions healed primarily. No complications, such as fracture fragment displacement, delayed epiphyseal growth, or knee joint dysfunction, were observed. The drawer test, Lachman test, and pivot-shift test were negative for all patients. Conclusions: Arthroscopically assisted cannulated screw fixation is effective and safe for the treatment of tibial intercondylar eminence fractures, providing excellent stability and quick recovery of joint function.

Do knee abduction kinematics and kinetics predict future anterior cruciate ligament injury risk? A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies

BACKGROUND

To systematically review the association between knee abduction kinematics and kinetics during weight-bearing activities at baseline and the risk of future anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

METHODS

Systematic review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA guidelines. A search in the databases MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL, EMBASE and Scopus was performed. Inclusion criteria were prospective studies including people of any age, assessing baseline knee abduction kinematics and/or kinetics during any weight-bearing activity for the lower extremity in individuals sustaining a future ACL injury and in those who did not.

RESULTS

Nine articles were included in this review. Neither 3D knee abduction angle at initial contact (Mean diff: -1.68, 95%CI: - 4.49 to 1.14, ACL injury n = 66, controls n = 1369), peak 3D knee abduction angle (Mean diff: -2.17, 95%CI: - 7.22 to 2.89, ACL injury n = 25, controls n = 563), 2D peak knee abduction angle (Mean diff: -3.25, 95%CI: - 9.86 to 3.36, ACL injury n = 8, controls n = 302), 2D medial knee displacement (cm; Mean diff:: -0.19, 95%CI: - 0,96 to 0.38, ACL injury n = 72, controls n = 967) or peak knee abduction moment (Mean diff:-10.61, 95%CI: - 26.73 to 5.50, ACL injury n = 54, controls n = 1330) predicted future ACL injury.

CONCLUSION

Contrary to clinical opinion, our findings indicate that knee abduction kinematics and kinetics during weight-bearing activities may not be risk factors for future ACL injury. Knee abduction of greater magnitude than that observed in the included studies as well as factors other than knee abduction angle or moment, as possible screening measures for knee injury risk should be evaluated in future studies.

Females Have Earlier Muscle Strength and Functional Recovery After Bridge-Enhanced Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair

Background: While a sex effect on outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery has been previously documented, less is known following bridge-enhanced ACL repair (BEAR). We hypothesized that female sex would have significantly worse early functional outcomes and higher retear rates following primary repair of the ACL enhanced with a tissue-engineered scaffold. Methods: Sixty-five patients (28 males and 37 females), age 14-35 with a complete ACL tear underwent primary repair of the ACL enhanced with a tissue-engineered scaffold (bridge-enhanced ACL repair) within 45 days of injury. International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome (KOOS) scores, as well as instrumented anteroposterior (AP) laxity through KT-1000 testing and functional outcome measures were obtained at time points up to 2 years postoperatively and compared between males and females using mixed model repeated measures analyses and chi square tests. Results: There was no significant sex difference on the postoperative IKDC Subjective Score at 3, 6, 12, or 24 months or any of the five KOOS scores at 12 and 24 months. Instrumented AP laxity testing demonstrated mean (standard deviation) side-to-side differences that were similar in the two sexes at 2 years; 1.7 (2.7) mm and 1.5 (3.7) mm in females and males, respectively, p = 0.72. At 6 months postoperatively, males had a larger deficit in hamstring strength on the operated leg (14.0% vs. 1.7%; p = 0.03) and a larger deficit in quadriceps strength on the operated leg (11.3% vs. 2.0%; p = 0.004); however, no sex difference was noted at 12 or 24 months. Females demonstrated superior single leg hop testing at 6 and 12 months ([91.3% vs. 78.1%, p = 0.001], [96.9% vs. 87.0%, p = 0.01] respectively). There were no significant sex differences on ipsilateral (males; 14.3% vs. females; 13.9%, p = 1.00) or contralateral (males; 3.6% vs. females; 2.8%, p = 1.00) ACL reinjury rates. Conclusions: Female subjects had better hamstring and quadriceps strength indices at 6 months than males as well as better hop test results at the 6 and 12-month time period. Despite this, there was no significant sex difference on patient-reported outcomes and objective AP laxity testing at time points up to 2 years postoperatively. Impact statement This is the first study comparing sex specific outcomes following the bridge-enhanced ACL repair technique (BEAR). The results of this study suggest that females have earlier recovery of both muscle strength and functional outcomes compared to their male counterparts. This is an important finding when considering future modifications to postoperative care and rehabilitation in females and males following this tissue-engineered BEAR technique.

Evidence too weak to guide surgical treatment decisions for anterior cruciate ligament injury: a systematic review of the risk of new meniscal tears after anterior cruciate ligament injury

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the risk of new meniscal tears after treatment for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, in children and adults with and without ACL reconstruction.

DESIGN

Prognosis systematic review (PROSPERO registration number CRD42016036788).

METHODS

We searched Embase, Ovid Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, PEDro and Google Scholar from inception to 3rd May 2018. Eligible articles included patients with ACL injury (diagnosis confirmed by MRI and/or diagnostic arthroscopy), reported the number of meniscal tears at the time of ACL injury diagnosis/start of treatment and reported the number of new meniscal tears that subsequently occurred. Articles with fewer than 20 patients at follow-up, and articles limited to ACL revision surgery or multi-ligament knee injuries were excluded. Two independent reviewers screened articles, assessed eligibility, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. We judged the certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) working group methodology.

RESULTS

Of 75 studies included in the systematic review, 54 studies with 9624 patients and 501 new meniscal tears were appropriate for quantitative analysis. Heterogeneity precluded data pooling. The risk of new meniscal tears was 0%-21% when follow-up was <2 years, 0%-29% when follow-up was 2 to 5 years, 5%-52% when follow-up was 5 to 10 years and 4%-31% when follow-up was longer than 10 years. The proportion of studies with high risk of selection, misclassification and detection bias was 84%, 69% and 68%, respectively. Certainty of evidence was very low.

CONCLUSION

New meniscal tears occurred in 0%-52% of patients between 4 months and 20 years (mean 4.9±4.4 years) following treatment for ACL injury. The certainty of evidence was too low to guide surgical treatment decisions. This review cannot conclude that the incidence of new meniscal tears is lower if ACL injury is treated with surgery compared with treatment with rehabilitation only.

Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reruptures Are Related to Lower Functional Scores at the Time of Return to Activity: A Prospective, Midterm Follow-up Study

Background:

Skeletally immature patients show a higher rate of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reruptures. A better understanding of the risk factors for an ACL rerupture in this population is critical.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The objective of this study was to analyze preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative characteristics of pediatric patients undergoing ACL reconstruction and determine the relationship of these factors with an ACL rerupture. It was hypothesized that patients with worse activity scores and knee function at the time of return to activity would have a higher rate of ACL reruptures at midterm follow-up. Additionally, it was hypothesized that most ACL reruptures would occur before age 20 years in the study population.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 65 skeletally immature patients (age <16 years) with ACL ruptures underwent reconstruction with a quadruple hamstring tendon graft between 2002 and 2016. Of these patients, 52 were available for the study. Patient characteristics, surgical details, Tegner and Lysholm scores, and ACL reconstruction outcomes were recorded. Patients were analyzed and compared according to ACL rerupture occurrence.

Results:

Of the 52 patients, 18 (34.6%) experienced an ACL rerupture after reconstruction. The majority of reruptures (77.8%) occurred before age 20 years. There were 2 patients who sustained ACL reruptures during the rehabilitation period before they returned to activity. The majority of reruptures occurred after 12 months (83.2%), with 66.6% occurring after 24 months. Upon returning to activity between 6 and 9 months postoperatively, patients who ended up with intact ACL grafts reported 69% higher mean Tegner scores (P = .006) and 64% higher mean Lysholm scores than patients who sustained ACL reruptures (P < .001). Within the limits of this study, we could identify no statistical relationship between the rate of ACL reruptures and different sport types, surgical techniques, or associated injuries (P > .05).

Conclusion:

Skeletally immature patients who underwent ACL reconstruction and sustained ACL reruptures had lower Tegner and Lysholm scores upon returning to activity than patients without ACL reruptures. In addition, most ACL reruptures occurred in patients younger than 20 years (77.8%) and after 24 months postoperatively (66.6%).

Arthroscopic meniscal surgery: a national society treatment guideline and consensus statement

AIMS

The aim of the British Association for Surgery of the Knee (BASK) Meniscal Consensus Project was to develop an evidence-based treatment guideline for patients with meniscal lesions of the knee.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A formal consensus process was undertaken applying nominal group, Delphi, and appropriateness methods. Consensus was first reached on the terminology relating to the definition, investigation, and classification of meniscal lesions. A series of simulated clinical scenarios was then created and the appropriateness of arthroscopic meniscal surgery or nonoperative treatment in each scenario was rated by the group. The process was informed throughout by the latest published, and previously unpublished, clinical and epidemiological evidence. Scenarios were then grouped together based upon the similarity of clinical features and ratings to form the guideline for treatment. Feedback on the draft guideline was sought from the entire membership of BASK before final revisions and approval by the consensus group.

RESULTS

A total of 45 simulated clinical scenarios were refined to five common clinical presentations and six corresponding treatment recommendations. The final guideline stratifies patients based upon a new, standardized classification of symptoms, signs, radiological findings, duration of symptoms, and previous treatment.

CONCLUSION

The 2018 BASK Arthroscopic Meniscal Surgery Treatment Guidance will facilitate the consistent identification and treatment of patients with meniscal lesions. It is hoped that this guidance will be adopted nationally by surgeons and help inform healthcare commissioning guidance. Validation in clinical practice is now required and several areas of uncertainty in relation to treatment should be a priority for future high-quality prospective studies. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:652-659.

Knee Pathology in Young Adults After Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Prospective Case Series of 47 Patients With a Mean 9.5-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND

The rate of secondary knee injuries after pediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is uncertain, and previous studies are limited because of poor methodology.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the incidence of new meniscal injuries since the initial diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of young adults who sustained a pediatric ACL injury. In addition, to evaluate meniscal and cartilage injuries in the index knee and contralateral knee injuries on MRI at final follow-up (9.5 years). Furthermore, to assess leg length and alignment based on long-leg radiographs.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Study population at final follow-up included 47 young adults who sustained a pediatric ACL injury before age 13 years. They were followed prospectively since the time of injury for a mean 9.5 years at final follow-up. Imaging included diagnostic MRI of the index knee and 3.0-T MRI of both knees at 1-, 2-, and 9.5-year follow-up, in addition to long-leg radiographs at final follow-up. Forty-three patients underwent active rehabilitation without ACL reconstruction initially; 4 were treated with initial ACL reconstruction. At final follow-up, 27 (57%) had undergone ACL reconstruction.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients had meniscal tears in the index knee at final follow-up (prevalence, 30%). The majority of these were in the same location as previously repaired tears (n = 9). Between diagnostic MRI and final follow-up, 16 patients had sustained new meniscal tears to a healthy meniscus (incidence, 34%). At final follow-up, meniscal injuries recorded at baseline or during follow-up were no longer visible and appeared healed in 17 patients (20 tears). MRI at final follow-up showed cartilage injuries in the index knee of 13 patients (28%) and contralateral injuries in 8 patients (meniscus, n = 2; cartilage, n = 5; subchondral fracture, n = 1). Two patients had a leg-length difference >15 mm, and 3 had side-to-side difference in knee alignment >5°.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of new meniscal tears after pediatric ACL injury was 34% during a mean follow-up period of 9.5 years. At final follow-up, 27 patients (57%) had normal menisci, and none had developed knee osteoarthritis. Primary active rehabilitation, close follow-up, and delayed surgery if needed may be a viable and safe treatment option for some pediatric ACL injuries.

Partial Transphyseal Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Clinical, Functional, and Radiographic Outcomes

BACKGROUND

With a steadily increasing rate of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and reconstruction in the pediatric population, disagreement remains regarding the optimal reconstruction technique for patients with ACL injury and ≥2 years of growth remaining.

PURPOSE

This study aims to quantify the incidence of linear and angular growth disturbance of adolescents undergoing partial transphyseal ACL reconstruction (ACLR) while assessing graft failure rates, reoperation rates, and functional outcomes in the population.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing partial transphyseal ACLR by 2 surgeons were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographic outcomes, including bilateral limb length, mechanical axis deviation (MAD), mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (MLDFA), and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), were measured on long standing anterior-posterior view radiographs postoperatively. Growth disturbance was defined as ≥1-cm leg length discrepancy, ≥1-cm difference in MAD, or 5° difference in MLDFA or MPTA as compared with the nonoperative side and as MAD, MLDFA, or MPTA outside the established range of reference values. Clinical outcomes, including graft failure and reoperation, were recorded at each follow-up visit. Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee (Pedi-IKDC) scores were collected electronically after last follow-up.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients (mean ± SD age, 12.3 ± 0.9 years; 79.2% male) with a mean follow-up of 31.5 ± 17.1 months met inclusion criteria for the study. Overall postoperative growth disturbance incidence was 16.7% (4 of 24), but the incidence of growth disturbance was 66.7% (2 of 3) for those patients with >5 years of growth remaining. Seven patients (29.2%) required reoperation, most frequently for hardware removal. Two patients (8.3%) had graft failure with subsequent revision ACL reconstruction. One patient underwent bilateral medial distal femur hemiepiphysiodesis for genu valgum that was present before ACLR, but no other patients required guided growth procedures. In the subset of patients who completed a Pedi-IKDC questionnaire, the mean score was 94.8 ± 5.3.

CONCLUSION

Overall, partial transphyseal ACLR has good functional outcomes and graft failure and reoperation rates, comparable with those seen with transphyseal and all-epiphyseal techniques. While postoperative growth disturbance occurred in 16.7% of the cohort, the severity was mild and well tolerated without necessitating secondary procedures. There is a high rate of growth disturbance of patients with >5 years of growth remaining (66.7%). Partial transphyseal ACLR represents a valid recommendation for adolescent patients with ACL injury and ≤5 years of growth remaining.

Return to Sport and Reoperation Rates in Patients Under the Age of 20 After Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Risk Profile Comparing 3 Patient Groups Predicated Upon Skeletal Age

BACKGROUND

With sports specialization and level of competition on the rise, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in athletes under the age of 20 has increased significantly in recent years. Reports have demonstrated that the revision ACLR rate is higher and return to sport (RTS) rate is lower in this population.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the 2-year clinical outcomes of 3 cohorts of primary ACLR in pediatric and adolescent athletes under the age of 20 based on skeletal age with a focus on RTS and the incidence of second surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

This is a prospective evaluation of 324 athletes younger than 20 years of age who underwent ACLR with minimum 2-year follow-up. The surgical technique was selected predicated on skeletal age, which includes the all-epiphyseal technique with hamstring autograft in the youngest cohort in elementary and middle school (group 1), the partial transphyseal and complete transphyseal with hamstring autograft performed for athletes in the middle cohort (group 2), and bone-tendon-bone autograft in the skeletally mature high school athletes (group 3).

RESULTS

The mean chronological age of the entire cohort was 15 years (range, 8-19 years) with 55% males. The 3 cohorts included 49 patients (15%) in group 1 (mean age, 12 years), 66 (20%) in group 2 (mean age, 14.3 years), and 209 (65%) in group 3 (mean age, 16.2 years). Group 2 athletes had a significantly higher revision ACLR rate (20%) compared with group 1 (6%; P = .039) and group 3 (6%; P = .001). Similarly, group 2 athletes had significantly lower RTS rates (85%) compared with group 1 (100%) and group 3 (94%).

CONCLUSION

The rate of revision ACLR was significantly higher and the RTS rates significantly lower in group 2 compared with groups 1 and 3. This age-related risk profile may be used to counsel athletes and parents preoperatively regarding the expectations of surgery with respect to revision ACLR and RTS rates.