POSTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION: ARE THE RESULTS SIMILAR TO ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION?

Objective

To report and compare the results of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions.

Methods

In total, 42 patients were retrospectively evaluated, 20 with isolated PCL injuries (group 1) and 22 with isolated ACL ones (group 2) who were subjected to arthroscopic ligament reconstruction with autologous grafts and followed up for at least two years. To evaluate the results in group 1, objective IKDC and Lysholm scores, posterior drawer tests, and evaluations by a KT-1000 arthrometer were used, whereas for group 2, subjective IKDC and Lysholm score and the Lachman test were employed. To compare groups, objective IKDC and Lysholm scores and assessment via a KT-1000 arthrometer were considered.

Results

Intragroup analysis showed improved results for all variables (p < 0.001) in both groups. Comparisons between groups showed a significant difference in objective IKDC scores (p < 0.001), but no such disparities for Lysholm ones (p = 0.052), clinical tests (p = 0.058) or evaluation by KT-1000 (p = 0.129).

Conclusion

Treatment restored knee stability and function in both groups. Comparisons between groups showed that PCL reconstructions had inferior results than ACL ones according to patients' objective IKDC scores. Level of Evidence II, Retrospective Study.

S. AUREUS IS ASSOCIATED WITH A GREATER NEED FOR REOPERATION IN SEPTIC ARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE

Objective

To determine the frequency of reoperations in the treatment of adult patients diagnosed with septic arthritis of the knee, the average number of debridements needed to control the infection, the mortality rate, and to assess factors associated with a greater need for reoperation and mortality.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study evaluating 38 adult patients diagnosed with septic arthritis who underwent arthrotomy via a medial parapatellar approach for joint cleaning and debridement. Demographic, clinical, surgical, and microbiological variables of the cases were analyzed by review of medical records. Tests for equality of two proportions, chi-square, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed, defining a significance level at 0.05, with 95% confidence interval.

Results

A total of 50% of the cases underwent reoperation, with an average number of required debridement of 2.02 and a mortality rate of 10.5%. Patients with infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus were more likely to need a reoperation compared to patients with positive cultures for other agents (OR 6.0).

Conclusion

In 50% of cases, an average of 2.02 debridements were necessary and the mortality rate was 10.5%. Staphylococcus aureus infection is associated with a 6 times greater chance of additional surgeries. / Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.