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The American Journal of Sports Medicine Jul 2024Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) is a well-established surgical procedure, but it may not always restore complete rotational knee stability.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Combining an Anterolateral Complex Procedure With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Reduces the Graft Reinjury Rate and Improves Clinical Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
BACKGROUND
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) is a well-established surgical procedure, but it may not always restore complete rotational knee stability. Interest is increasing in anterolateral complex (ALC) procedures, lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) and anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR), in association with ACLR to overcome this problem. The better ALC procedure, LET or ALLR, remains controversial to date.
PURPOSE
To analyze the patient-reported outcome measures and ACL reinjury rate after ACLR with an ALC procedure compared with after isolated ACLR, as well as to analyze the clinical results and graft failure rate of the LET group versus the ALLR group.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 2.
METHODS
A PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) flowchart was used to conduct a comprehensive search of 5 databases: Scopus, MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Only randomized controlled trials were included. Eligible articles were classified according to the levels of evidence of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. A methodological quality assessment of randomized controlled trials was performed using the Risk of Bias 2 tool. The present systematic review and meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO.
RESULTS
A total of 14 clinical trials were included in the final analysis, with 1830 patients. Isolated ACLR or a combined procedure with LET or ALLR was performed, with several characteristics described, including the surgical technique, additional torn knee structures and their management, graft failure, complications, clinical outcomes, clinical and instrumental examinations to assess knee stability, and postoperative protocols. Regarding clinical outcomes, pivot-shift tests and reduced graft failure, a significant difference was found in the superiority of the combined ACLR associated with the ALC procedure compared with an isolated ACLR ( < .05). No statistically significant difference was found between the 2 ALC procedures.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis reported on the importance of combined ACLR and ALC procedures in patients with a high-grade rotational laxity, as both procedures, LET or ALLR, without superiority of one over the other, are associated with improved pivot-shift tests, patient-reported outcome measures, and reduced graft failure rates.
Topics: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Humans; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Reinjuries; Tenodesis; Patient Reported Outcome Measures
PubMed: 38353002
DOI: 10.1177/03635465231198494 -
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology,... Feb 2023Given the paucity of literature on the re-revision of ACL, the current study was undertaken. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesise and qualitatively... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Given the paucity of literature on the re-revision of ACL, the current study was undertaken. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesise and qualitatively assess the currently available evidence in the literature regarding the re-revision of ACL reconstruction (rrACLR).
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted based on the PRISMA guidelines. The following search terms were used in the title, abstract and keywords fields: "ACL" or "anterior cruciate ligament" AND "revision" or "multiple" or "repeat". The outcome data extracted from the studies were the Lysholm score, Subjective IKDC, Marx Score, Tegner, Marx Score, KOOS score, radiological changes and the rate of return to sports. Complications, failures and/or revision surgery were also analysed.
RESULTS
The cohort consisted of 295 patients [191 (64.7%) men and 104 (35.3%) women] with a mean age of 29.9 ± 2.8 years (range 14-58 years) from 10 studies. The mean postoperative follow-up (reported in all studies except one) was 66.9 ± 44.7 months (range 13-230.4 months). Associated injuries were 103 (34.9%) medial meniscus tears, 57 (19.3%) lateral meniscus tears, 14 (4.7%) combined medial plus lateral meniscus tears, 11 (3.7%) meniscal tears (not specified), 252 (85.4%) cartilage lesions, 6 (2.0%) medial collateral ligament injury and 2 (0.7%) lateral collateral ligament injuries. In 47 (15.9%) patients an extra-articular plasty was performed for the anterolateral ligament. In all studies that reported pre- and post-operative IKDC (subjective and objective) and Lysholm score, there was a significant improvement compared to the pre-operative value (p < 0.05). At the final follow-up, laxity measured with KT-1000 was found to be 2.2 ± 0.6 mm. 31 (10.5%) out of 295 patients returned to their pre-injury activity level. A total of 19 (6.4%) re-ruptures were found, while only 4 (1.4%) complications (all minors) were reported, out of which 2 (0.7%) were superficial infections, 1 (0.3%) cyclops lesion and 1 (0.3%) flexion loss.
CONCLUSION
Multiple revisions of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction allow acceptable clinical results and a good degree of knee stability with a low rate of subsequent new re-ruptures but the possibility of regaining pre-injury sports activity is poor; whenever possible, it is preferred to revise the ligament in one stage. This surgery remains a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons and many doubts persist regarding the ideal grafts, additional extra-articular procedures and techniques to use.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
IV.
STUDY REGISTRATION
PROSPERO-CRD42022352164 ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ ).
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Middle Aged; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Anterior Cruciate Ligament; Knee Joint; Knee Injuries; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Reoperation; Follow-Up Studies
PubMed: 36224291
DOI: 10.1007/s00167-022-07197-8 -
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology,... Dec 2023Stress radiographs are an easily accessible, cost-effective tool in the evaluation of acute and chronic ligament knee injuries. Stress radiographs provide an objective,... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Stress radiographs are an easily accessible, cost-effective tool in the evaluation of acute and chronic ligament knee injuries. Stress radiographs provide an objective, quantifiable, and functional assessment of the injured ligament and can be a useful adjunct when planning surgical management and to objectively assess postoperative outcomes. This study aimed to review the literature reporting on stress radiographic techniques in evaluating knee ligament injury and instability and propose thresholds for interpreting stress radiography techniques.
METHODS
The following three databases, OVID MEDLINE, the EMBASE library, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, were systematically searched on January 23, 2023, for studies published from January 1970 to January 2023. The search extended to the reference lists of all relevant studies and orthopedic journals. Included studies were those that described a stress technique for the diagnosis of knee ligament injury; studies that reported a description or comparison of the accuracy and/or reliability of one or several stress radiography techniques, or studies that reported a comparison with alternative diagnostic modalities.
RESULTS
Sixteen stress radiography techniques were reported for assessing the ACL with stress applied in the anterior plane, 10 techniques for assessing the PCL with stress applied in the posterior plane, 3 techniques for valgus stress, and 4 techniques for varus stress. The Telos device was the most commonly used stress device in the ACL and PCL studies. There was no consensus on the accuracy and reliability of stress radiography techniques for the diagnosis of any knee ligament injury. Stress radiography techniques were compared with alternative diagnostic techniques including instrumented arthrometry, MRI, and physical examination in 18 studies, with variability in the advantages and disadvantages of stress radiography techniques and alternatives. Analysis of results pooled from different studies demonstrated average delta gapping in knees with a completely injured ligament compared to the normal contralateral knee as per the following: for the ACL 4.9 ± 1.4 mm; PCL 8.1 ± 2.5 mm; MCL 2.3 ± 0.05 mm; and the FCL 3.4 ± 0.2 mm.
CONCLUSION
Despite heterogeneity in the available literature with regard to stress examination techniques and device utilization, the data support that stress radiography techniques were accurate and reliable when compared to numerous alternatives in the diagnosis of acute and chronic knee ligament injuries. The present study also provides average increased ipsilateral compartment gapping/translation for specific knee ligament injuries based on the best available data. These values provide a reference standard for the interpretation of stress radiography techniques, help to guide surgical decision-making, and provide benchmark values for future investigations.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
III.
Topics: Humans; Reproducibility of Results; Knee Joint; Radiography; Knee Injuries; Posterior Cruciate Ligament; Ligaments; Soft Tissue Injuries; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Joint Instability
PubMed: 37923947
DOI: 10.1007/s00167-023-07617-3 -
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma... Sep 2023The meniscotibial ligament (MTL) limits extrusion of the medial meniscus (MM). While meniscal extrusion may be detrimental to knee joint biomechanics, the role of the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
The meniscotibial ligament (MTL) limits extrusion of the medial meniscus (MM). While meniscal extrusion may be detrimental to knee joint biomechanics, the role of the MTL in meniscal extrusion is debatable. We sought to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the role of the MTL and surgical techniques for MTL repair.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines we searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase for: (("Meniscotibial") OR ("Coronary") OR ("Ramp")) AND ("Extrusion"). After screening and applying eligibility criteria, data were extracted for MTL pathology types ("traumatic" ruptures or "induced" injuries) and meniscal extrusion. A meta-analysis evaluated the mean difference of extrusion between "intact" MTLs (native or repaired) and "injured" MTLs (induced or traumatic). We further performed a subgroup analysis between traumatic and induced MTL lesions.
RESULTS
This systematic review included six studies, which all evaluated MM extrusion. There were 74 knees with induced MTL injuries and 19 knees with traumatic MTL ruptures. Study designs were heterogenic and utilized three types of MTL repair procedures. The meta-analysis included 18 human knees and revealed that sectioning the MTL created a 2.92 mm [- 0.18 to 6.03] MM extrusion, while MTL repair decreased MM extrusion by - 2.11 mm [- 3.03 to - 1.21].
CONCLUSIONS
MTL injury may result in approximately 3 mm of MM extrusion, while repair of the MTL can decrease extrusion by 2 mm. Several novel surgical techniques exist to repair the MTL. However, studies reporting clinical outcomes of these various procedures are scarce.
Topics: Humans; Tibial Meniscus Injuries; Knee Joint; Menisci, Tibial; Meniscus; Ligaments, Articular; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
PubMed: 37266692
DOI: 10.1007/s00402-023-04934-7 -
Orthopaedic Surgery Nov 2023The optimal surgical intervention for lateral patellar instability remains a topic of controversy despite satisfactory clinical outcomes and low re-dislocation rates... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The optimal surgical intervention for lateral patellar instability remains a topic of controversy despite satisfactory clinical outcomes and low re-dislocation rates reported in numerous studies following medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) with and without tibial tubercle transfer (TTT). The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the hypothesis that combining MPFLR with TTT provides reduced complication rates and improved clinical outcomes to isolated MPFLR in patients with lateral patellar instability. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative trials involving MPFLR with and without TTT, sourcing data from PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science. The primary clinical outcomes analyzed included the Kujala score, the Lysholm score, complication rates, and the Caton-Deschamps index (CDI). Random or fixed effects were used for the meta-analysis. Postoperatively, there were no significant differences observed in the Kujala and Lysholm scores between MPFLR and MPFLR + TTT (p = 0.053). At the final follow-up, the CDI had decreased 0.015 (95% CI -0.044, 0.013; p = 0.289) points in the MPFLR group, with no statistical significance. In contrast, the MPFLR + TTT group demonstrated a significant decrease of 0.207 (95% CI -0.240, -0.174; p = 0.000) points in CDI. Notably, the complication rate was higher in the MPFLR + TTT group compared to the MPFLR-only group (RR = 2.472; 95% CI 1.638, 3.731; p = 0.000). Both MPFLR and MPFLR + TTT procedures yield significant improvements in the Kujala and Lysholm scores. However, the MPFLR + TTT approach results in an apparent improvement in CDI and corrects patellar maltracking, particularly in cases involving high tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) (>20 mm) or patella alta (CDI > 1.2), while MPFLR alone cannot. It is essential to consider the higher complication rate of MPFLR + TTT, which suggests that MPFLR alone may be sufficient for patients without high TT-TG or patella alta.
Topics: Humans; Joint Instability; Patellar Dislocation; Patellofemoral Joint; Knee Joint; Ligaments, Articular; Tibia; Patella; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37688429
DOI: 10.1111/os.13870 -
Journal of Biomechanics Apr 2021Lisfranc injuries are challenging to treat and can have a detrimental effect on active individuals. Over the past decade researchers have investigated methods for the... (Review)
Review
Lisfranc injuries are challenging to treat and can have a detrimental effect on active individuals. Over the past decade researchers have investigated methods for the reconstruction of the Lisfranc ligamentous complex (LLC) to preserve its functional stability and mobility. To aid in this innovation, this study presents the current understanding of the anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of the LLC through a systematic review. Three medical databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Embase) were searched from inception through July 2019. Original studies investigating the anatomy and/or biomechanical properties of the LLC were considered for inclusion. Data recorded from each study included: number of cadavers, number of feet, gender, laterality, age, type of specimen, measurement methods, reported ligamentous bundles, ligament origins and insertions, geometric characteristics, and biomechanical properties of the LLC. The Quality Appraisal for Cadaveric Studies (QUACS) scale was used to assess the methodologic quality of included articles. Eight cadaveric studies investigating the LLC were included out of 1204 screened articles. Most articles described the LLC as three distinct structures: the dorsal- (DLL), interosseous- (ILL), and plantar- (PLL) Lisfranc Ligaments. The ILL had the largest thickness and insertional area of osseous attachment. Biomechanically, the ILL also had the highest stiffness and resistance to load prior to failure when loaded parallel to its fiber orientation. Current knowledge of the anatomical and biomechanical properties of the LLC are presented and highlight its significant role of stabilizing the tarsometatarsal articulation. Appreciating the biomechanical characteristics of the ILL may improve clinical insight in managing LLC injuries.
Topics: Biomechanical Phenomena; Biophysics; Cadaver; Foot Joints; Humans; Ligaments, Articular
PubMed: 33639336
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2021.110287 -
Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation... Nov 2022Functional rating scales allow clinicians to document and quantify alterations and progression of recovery processes. There is neither awareness of numerous knee scales... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Functional rating scales allow clinicians to document and quantify alterations and progression of recovery processes. There is neither awareness of numerous knee scales nor are they easy to find or compare to select the most suitable.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to compile validated knee functional rating tools and analyze the methodological quality of their validation studies. Also, we aimed to provide an operational document of the outcome measures addressing descriptions of parameters, implementations, instructions, interpretations and languages, to identify the most appropriate for future interventions.
METHODS
A systematic review involved a search of PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus, and Dialnet databases from inception through September 2020. The main inclusion criteria were available functional rating scales/questionnaires/indexes for knees and validation studies. Methodological quality was analyzed with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) and COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments Risk of Bias (COSMIN-RB).
RESULTS
We selected 73 studies. The studies investigated 41 knee rating tools (general, 46%, and specific, 54%) and 71 validations, including 29,742 individuals with knee disorders. QUADAS-2 obtained the best results in patient selection and index test (applicability section). COSMIN-RB showed the highest quality in construct validity (most analyzed metric property). The specific tools were mainly designed for prosthesis and patellofemoral and anterior cruciate ligament injuries. More considered issues were specific function (93%), especially gait, pain/sensitivity (81%), and physical activity/sports (56%).
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
We conducted a necessary, useful, unlimited-by-time and feasible compilation of validated tools for assessing knee functional recovery. The methodological quality of the validations was limited. The best validations were for the Copenhagen Knee Range of Motion Scale in osteoarthritis and arthroplasties, Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living and Lysholm Knee Score for general knee disorders and the Tegner Activity Score for anterior cruciate ligament injuries. The operational document for the scales provides necessary data to identify the most appropriate.
Topics: Humans; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Activities of Daily Living; Knee Joint; Range of Motion, Articular; Outcome Assessment, Health Care
PubMed: 34808424
DOI: 10.1016/j.rehab.2021.101608 -
Foot & Ankle International Oct 2021Chronic ankle instability is a common condition that can be treated with lateral ankle ligament repair. These procedures have a reported success rate greater than 85% in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Chronic ankle instability is a common condition that can be treated with lateral ankle ligament repair. These procedures have a reported success rate greater than 85% in the literature, but little has been reported about the differences in postoperative outcomes between males and females. The purpose of this study was to evaluate sex-specific outcomes following lateral ankle ligament repair.
METHODS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria to search for articles on electronic databases and included studies in which study participants underwent primary lateral ligament repair and sex-specific outcomes were evaluated. Functional postoperative outcomes for males and females were recorded and statistically analyzed.
RESULTS
Out of 2768 studies, 7 (0.25%) met inclusion criteria and were analyzed in this review. These studies included 618 patients (402 males [65%] and 216 females [35%]) who underwent primary lateral ligament repair for ankle instability. Karlsson score ( = .1582) and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score ( = .1586) analyses found no statistically significant difference between males and females. Postoperative success rate-defined as a "good" or "excellent" Karlsson score (>81)-was not found to be significantly different between males and females ( = .9374).
CONCLUSION
There was no difference in postoperative mean Karlsson scores, AOFAS scores, or success rates between males and females who underwent primary lateral ankle ligament repair.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level IV, therapeutic.
Topics: Ankle; Ankle Injuries; Ankle Joint; Female; Humans; Joint Instability; Lateral Ligament, Ankle; Male
PubMed: 34024152
DOI: 10.1177/10711007211004191 -
Arthroscopy : the Journal of... Oct 2023To compare patient-reported outcomes and complications in patients with medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries undergoing repair versus reconstruction with a minimum... (Review)
Review
Medial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction and Repair Show Similar Improvement in Outcome Scores, But Repair Shows Higher Rates of Knee Stiffness and Failure: A Systematic Review.
PURPOSE
To compare patient-reported outcomes and complications in patients with medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries undergoing repair versus reconstruction with a minimum 2-year follow-up.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Embase-computerized databases from database inception to November 2022, according to the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies evaluating clinical outcomes and complications at a minimum of 2 years following MCL repair versus reconstruction were included. Study quality was assessed using the MINORS criteria.
RESULTS
A total of 18 studies published from 1997 to 2022, consisting of 503 patients were identified. Twelve studies (n = 308 patients; mean age: 32.6 years) reported outcomes following MCL reconstruction, and 8 studies (n = 195 patients; mean age: 28.5 years) reported results following MCL repair. Postoperative International Knee Documentation Committee, Lysholm, and Tegner scores ranged from 67.6 to 91, 75.8 to 94.8, and 4.4 to 8, respectively, in the MCL reconstruction group, compared to 73 to 91, 75.1 to 98.5, and 5.2 to 10, respectively, in the MCL repair group. Knee stiffness was the most commonly reported complication following MCL repair (range: 0% - 50%) and reconstruction (range: 0% - 26.7%). Failures occurred in 0% to 14.6% of patients following reconstruction versus 0% to 35.1% of patients undergoing MCL repair. Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) for postoperative arthrofibrosis (range: 0% - 12.2%) and surgical debridement for arthrofibrosis (range: 0% - 20%) were the most commonly reported reoperations in the MCL reconstruction and repair groups, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
MCL reconstruction versus repair both demonstrate improved International Knee Documentation Committee, Lysholm, and Tegner scores. MCL repair demonstrates higher rates of postoperative knee stiffness and failure at a minimum 2-year follow-up.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level IV, systematic review of Level III and IV studies.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Knee Injuries; Medial Collateral Ligament, Knee; Treatment Outcome; Knee Joint; Joint Instability; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
PubMed: 36898592
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2023.03.002 -
Tranexamic Acid in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.The American Journal of Sports Medicine Dec 2021Hemarthrosis after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction procedures can delay rehabilitation and have toxic effects on the cartilage and synovium. Tranexamic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Hemarthrosis after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction procedures can delay rehabilitation and have toxic effects on the cartilage and synovium. Tranexamic acid is widely used in adult reconstruction procedures; however, its use in ACL reconstruction is a novel topic of study.
PURPOSE
To analyze the available literature on hemarthrosis, pain, functional outcomes, and complications after administration of tranexamic acid in ACL reconstruction procedures.
STUDY DESIGN
Meta-analysis.
METHODS
A literature search was performed to retrieve randomized controlled trials examining the use of tranexamic acid at the time of ACL reconstruction procedures. The studied outcomes included postoperative joint drain output, hemarthrosis grade, visual analog scale scores for pain, range of motion, Lysholm score, postoperative rates of deep venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. Outcomes were pooled to perform a meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Five prospective randomized controlled trials met inclusion criteria for analysis. Four studies administered intravenous tranexamic acid in bolus or infusion form before ACL reconstruction, while 2 studies administered tranexamic acid via intra-articular injection. Specifically, tranexamic acid was administered intravenously (preoperative 15-mg/kg bolus 10 minutes before tourniquet inflation with or without 10 mg/kg/h for 3 hours postoperatively) or intra-articularly (10 mL [100 mg/mL] intraoperatively), and 1 study consisted of tranexamic acid administration in combined intravenous and intra-articular forms (15-mg/kg bolus 10 minutes before tourniquet inflation and intra-articular 3 g 10 minutes before tourniquet deflation). Tranexamic acid use in ACL reconstruction cases resulted in a mean reduction of 61.5 mL in postoperative drain output at 24 hours (95% CI, -95.51 to -27.46; = .0004), lower hemarthrosis grade ( < .00001), improved Lysholm scores, and reduction in visual analog scale scores for pain (-1.96 points; 95% CI, -2.19 to -1.73; < .00001) extending to postoperative week 6. Range of motion was improved in the immediate postoperative period, and the need for joint aspiration within 2 weeks was reduced ( < .001). There was no difference in venous thromboembolic event rate between the experimental and control groups.
CONCLUSION
The use of intravenous tranexamic acid in ACL reconstruction surgery results in reduced joint drain output and hemarthrosis and improved pain scores and range of motion in the initial postoperative period without increased complications or thromboembolic events.
Topics: Adult; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Hemarthrosis; Humans; Prospective Studies; Range of Motion, Articular; Tranexamic Acid; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33630652
DOI: 10.1177/0363546521988943