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Danish Medical Journal Jun 2024In orthopaedics, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions are among the most common surgical interventions. Two methods are preferably used: autografts from the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
In orthopaedics, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions are among the most common surgical interventions. Two methods are preferably used: autografts from the hamstring tendon (HT) or patella tendon (PT). The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare these two methods when returning to sports.
METHODS
Eleven studies were included based on a literature search conducted in PubMed. The primary outcome was return to preinjury sport level in athletes. Post-operative results such as the Lysholm score, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, the Tegner Activity Score and KT-1000 arthrometry and autograft re-rupture rates were analysed as secondary outcomes.
RESULTS
The analysis showed no significant difference in return to preinjury sports level at a two-year follow-up between patients operated with hamstring or patella autograft. Considering the secondary outcomes, no significant differences were recorded in Lysholm score, IKDC score or re-rupture rate. The Tegner Activity Scale demonstrated a significantly higher activity level in the PT group than in the HT group (OR 0.79, p = 0.003). At the two-year follow-up, the KT-1000 arthrometer analysis also showed a significant difference in laxity, which was higher for the HT autografts (OR -0.31, p = 0.02).
CONCLUSION
This study showed no significant differences between hamstring and patella autografts. Even so, the choice of method when operated for ACL rupture remains crucial for the individual and should be a weighted decision made jointly by the patient and the physician.
Topics: Humans; Return to Sport; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Hamstring Tendons; Patellar Ligament; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Autografts; Transplantation, Autologous; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38903025
DOI: 10.61409/A09230599 -
World Neurosurgery: X Jul 2024A wide variety of materials are used for lumbar interbody fusion, but there is no unified consensus on the superiority of one material over another. The aim of this... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
A wide variety of materials are used for lumbar interbody fusion, but there is no unified consensus on the superiority of one material over another. The aim of this systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) is to compare and rank the various TLIF interbody materials based on fusion rates.
METHODS
We queried PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus from inception until August 2023, in which 2135 studies were identified. Inclusion criteria were applied based on the PRISMA guidelines. The fusion assessment employed the Bridwell's criteria with a length of follow-up of at least 12 months. The NMA was conducted to compare multiple approaches from multiple studies using the frequentist framework with STATA16.
RESULTS
In total, 13 TLIF studies involving 1919 patients with 1981 lumbar interbody levels fulfilled our eligibility criteria. Seven different cage materials were utilized: polyetheretherketone (PEEK, as the reference), allograft, autograft, PEEK with titanium coating (TiPEEK), titanium, carbon/carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and 3D-printed titanium. The average patient age was 60.9 ( = 7.5) years old. When compared to PEEK, the other six materials did not have a significantly different rate of lumbar fusion. However, the SUCRA number of the 3D-printed titanium, TiPEEK, Ti, allograft, autograft, CFRP, and PEEK were 0.8, 0.6, 0.5, 0.5, 0.4, 0.4, and 0.3 consecutively.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on a network meta-analysis within the confines of our clinical study, 3D-printed titanium interbody cage may promote the highest success rate of fusion while PEEK may be the material with the least success rate of fusion in TLIF.
PubMed: 38884030
DOI: 10.1016/j.wnsx.2024.100392 -
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine Jun 2024Several approaches to surgical techniques and graft types exist in posterolateral corner (PLC) reconstruction. The literature lacks knowledge regarding outcomes after... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Several approaches to surgical techniques and graft types exist in posterolateral corner (PLC) reconstruction. The literature lacks knowledge regarding outcomes after autograft versus allograft reconstruction for PLC injuries.
PURPOSE
To comprehensively review the current literature on PLC reconstruction and compare outcomes between autograft and allograft tissues.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.
METHODS
The PubMed and Scopus online databases were searched with the terms "PLC,""posterolateral knee,""posterolateral corner," and "reconstruction" in varying combinations. Patient characteristics, graft type, graft failure, surgical techniques, functional outcome scores, and varus laxity on stress radiographs were reviewed and compared between PLC reconstruction with autografts versus allografts.
RESULTS
Included were 22 studies comprising 33 cohorts: 16 autografts (n = 280 knees) and 17 allografts (336 knees). There were 69 isolated PLC reconstructions (58 allografts and 11 autografts) and 493 multiligament reconstructions (269 autografts and 224 allografts). There was no difference in the mean patient age (30.5 vs 33.5 years, respectively; = .11) or mean follow-up (39.5 vs 37.7 months, respectively; = .68) between the autograft and allograft groups. There was no evidence to suggest a difference in graft failures between graft types (pooled mean autograft vs allograft: 0.44 vs 0.41 failures; = .95). There was a significant difference in the mean postoperative Lysholm scores for autografts versus allografts (89.6 vs 85.5, respectively; = .04). There was no difference between the cohorts in preoperative or postoperative International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores or postoperative varus laxity.
CONCLUSION
Our review and meta-analysis indicated no significant differences in graft failure rates or objective outcomes after PLC reconstruction based on graft type alone. There was a significant difference in postoperative Lysholm scores in favor of the autograft group and no significant difference in IKDC subjective scores.
PubMed: 38840793
DOI: 10.1177/23259671241247542 -
Journal of Orthopaedics Oct 2024Hypermobility describes the movement of joints beyond normal limits. Whether hypermobility predisposes to patellar instability is yet to be established. We aimed to... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Hypermobility describes the movement of joints beyond normal limits. Whether hypermobility predisposes to patellar instability is yet to be established. We aimed to determine if joint hypermobility leads to an increased risk of patellar instability, and to evaluate outcomes of treatment for patellar instability in those who exhibit hypermobility.
METHODS
Published and unpublished literature databases were searched to September 7, 2023. Studies comparing prevalence of patellar dislocation/differences in treatment outcomes in patients with and without hypermobility were included.
RESULTS
We identified 18 eligible studies (4,391 patients). The evidence was low in quality. A case series on 82 patients found that there was a relationship between generalised joint laxity and patellar instability. This was corroborated by a study comparing 104 patients with patellar dislocation to 110 patients without. Prevalence of generalised joint laxity was six time higher in the former (64.4% vs 10.9%, p < 0.001).Five studies found surgical intervention aimed at correcting patellar dislocation in patients with idiopathic hypermobility led to satisfactory outcomes. There was conflicting evidence regarding if hypermobile patients have worse outcomes than non-hypermobile patients following medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) in two studies. In addition, this procedure had a 19.1% failure rate in patients with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), with hypermobility associated with a higher failure rate (p = 0.03). One study showed the type of graft used made no difference in outcome scores or re-dislocation rates (p > 0.5). Another study had 7/31 (22.6%) autografts which failed, compared to 2/16 allografts (12.5%) (p = 0.69).
CONCLUSION
Joint hypermobility is a risk factor for patellar instability. Identification of at-risk groups may aid prevention of dislocations and allow for appropriate treatment. Patients with EDS experience poor outcomes following patellar stabilization surgery, with post-operative monitoring required.
PubMed: 38784948
DOI: 10.1016/j.jor.2024.05.009 -
European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery... May 2024The hamstring tendon (HT) autograft is currently the most widely utilised autograft option for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, recent studies...
Comparative effectiveness of peroneus longus tendon (PLT) autografts versus hamstring tendon (HT) autografts in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a comprehensive systematic review and meta analysis.
The hamstring tendon (HT) autograft is currently the most widely utilised autograft option for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, recent studies endorse the peroneus longus tendon (PLT) autograft as a viable alternative. To evaluate this, we systematically reviewed randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the efficacy of PLT against HT autografts. Our search encompassed Cochrane, Embase, OVID, PubMed, and Scopus databases for RCTs comparing outcomes of PLT and HT autografts in ACL reconstruction. Primary outcomes included Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, while secondary outcomes involved American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, graft diameters and donor-site complications. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 (Cochrane Collaboration) and heterogeneity was assessed with I statistics. 683 patients from 6 RCTs were included, with 338 (49.5%) patients treated with PLT autografts. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 30 months. Despite lower preoperative Lysholm scores in the PLT group, no significant differences were observed at 6 and 12 months. Although preoperative and 6-month IKDC scores were lower in the PLT group, no significant differences were found at 12 and 24 months. AOFAS scores showed no significant preoperative difference, but slightly lower scores were noted in the PLT group at 12 or 24 months. There was no significant difference in graft diameter, while donor-site complications were fewer in the PLT group. In summary, the PLT autograft is a promising and non-inferior alternative to the HT autograft, demonstrating equivalent outcomes in patient-reported knee and ankle metrics, comparable graft diameters and fewer donor-site complications.
PubMed: 38755499
DOI: 10.1007/s00590-024-03984-w -
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine May 2024The timing of return to work (RTW) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) is a less studied milestone compared with return to sports. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The timing of return to work (RTW) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) is a less studied milestone compared with return to sports.
PURPOSE
To systematically review the rate and postoperative timing of RTW after ACLR.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.
METHODS
This study was conducted in accordance with the 2020 PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Ovid databases for clinical studies reporting RTW after ACLR, and 806 studies were identified in August 2022. A quality assessment was performed using the Methodological Index of Nonrandomized Studies (MINORS) grading system. The following data were extracted from studies: study characteristics, cohort demographics, ACLR technique, concomitant meniscal and/or cartilage procedures, preoperative patient-reported outcomes, rates of RTW, and days required for RTW after ACLR.
RESULTS
A total of 13 studies met inclusion criteria, totaling 1791 patients (86.4% male). Wide variability was observed in the methodological quality of the assessed studies (MINORS score range, 8-17). Hamstring tendon (HT) autograft was used in 76.8% (n = 1377; mean age, 30.5 years old), allograft in 17.1% (n = 308; mean age, 33.1 years old), the ligament advanced reinforcement system in 2.5% (n = 46; mean age, 33.2 years old), bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft in 2% (n = 36; mean age, 28.5 years old), and quadriceps tendon autograft in 1.3% (n = 24; mean age, 24.1 years old). Among the included patients, 99.1% (n = 1781) reported successful RTW after surgery. The mean time to RTW was 84.2 days (range, 31.4-107.1 days) for HT and 69.5 days (range, 49-56.6 days) for allograft.
CONCLUSION
While data regarding work intensity before and after ACL injury were absent, our study results suggested that patients most often RTW within 90 days of surgery. Patients with allograft ACLR may RTW earlier than patients undergoing ACLR with HT autograft.
PubMed: 38745916
DOI: 10.1177/23259671241249086 -
Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and... Apr 2024To review the literature reporting on complications and failure rates after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in patients ≥40 years. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To review the literature reporting on complications and failure rates after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in patients ≥40 years.
METHODS
This was a secondary analysis from a prior systematic review of the MEDLINE, CINAHL, SportDiscus, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases on studies evaluating clinical outcomes in ACLR patients ≥40 years. Studies were included based on the following criteria: English-language studies reporting on postoperative complications and/or ACLR failure rates in patients ≥40 years. Case reports, technical notes, studies with duplicate reporting of patient cohorts, or studies using publicly available registry data were excluded. ACLR failure definitions, failure rates, graft rupture rates, revision ACLR and non-ACLR revision rates, and complication rates were recorded.
RESULTS
Twenty-one studies were included following full-text review. Autografts were used in 89.0% of cases. Definitions for ACLR failure varied, ranging from (1) revision ACLR, (2) graft rupture, (3) clinical examination of increased knee laxity, and (4) postoperative arthrofibrosis requiring an additional surgery. The median ACLR failure rate was 5.0% (range, 0%-12.1%) among the 9 studies reporting this outcome, with only 4 of the studies providing explicit definitions of failure. The median ACLR revision surgery, graft rupture, and non-ACLR revision surgery rates were 0% (range, 0%-7.7%), 2.7% (range, 0%-9.1%), and 7.2% (range 0%-34.4%), respectively. Commonly reported complications included pain (range, 0%-14.0%), stiffness (range, 0%-12.7%), hematoma (range, 2.5%-8.8%), neurovascular (range, 0%-41.7%), and undefined (range, 0%-13.8%).
CONCLUSIONS
ACLR in patients over 40 years old shows low failure rates.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level IV, systematic review of Level II-IV studies.
PubMed: 38706974
DOI: 10.1016/j.asmr.2024.100899 -
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology,... Jun 2024To evaluate the utility of semitendinosus tendon (ST) and gracilis tendon (GT) cross-sectional area (CSA) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and anthropometric...
Tendon cross-sectional area on magnetic resonance imaging and anthropometric characteristics can be used to predict insufficient four-strand hamstring autograft diameter in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review.
PURPOSE
To evaluate the utility of semitendinosus tendon (ST) and gracilis tendon (GT) cross-sectional area (CSA) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and anthropometric characteristics in preoperative estimation of graft diameter in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with four-strand hamstring autografts.
METHODS
Three databases were searched on 29 August 2023. The authors adhered to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and R-AMSTAR (Revised Assessment of Multiple Systematic Review) guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Data on demographics, anthropometric characteristics, imaging techniques, tendon CSA, correlation coefficients, sensitivities, specificities, regression models and cutoffs for predicting intraoperative graft diameters above 8 mm were recorded.
RESULTS
Forty-six studies comprising 4140 patients were included. Twelve of 19 (63.2%) studies reporting on ST + GT CSA found a moderate to very high correlation with intraoperative graft diameter. Five of 10 (50%) and one of seven (14.3%) studies reporting on ST CSA and GT CSA, respectively, found a moderate to high correlation with intraoperative graft diameter. Cutoffs of ST + GT CSA for predicting graft diameters above 8 mm ranged from 15.8 to 31.2 mm. Nine of 35 (25.7%) studies that reported on height found a moderate to very high correlation with graft diameter. Seven of 33 (21.2%) studies reporting on weight found a moderate correlation with graft diameter.
CONCLUSION
Of the MRI parameters assessed, ST + GT CSA was the most reliable predictor of graft diameter. However, cutoffs, sensitivities, and specificities for predicting diameters above 8 mm were highly variable. Anthropometric characteristics in general were less predictive of graft diameter than MRI parameters. This information can be used by clinicians to predict patients at risk for ACLR failure due to insufficient graft size.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level IV.
Topics: Humans; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Hamstring Tendons; Autografts; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Anthropometry; Tendons; Transplantation, Autologous
PubMed: 38643396
DOI: 10.1002/ksa.12179 -
Journal of ISAKOS : Joint Disorders &... Apr 2024Anterolateral augmentation during primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) may lower rates of ACL graft failure. However, differences in costs... (Review)
Review
IMPORTANCE
Anterolateral augmentation during primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) may lower rates of ACL graft failure. However, differences in costs between two techniques, lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) and anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR), are unclear.
OBJECTIVE
To perform a systematic review and subsequent cost-effectiveness analysis comparing LET versus ALLR in the setting of primary ACLR. The hypothesis was that LET is more cost-effective than ALLR.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
A systematic review was conducted on studies in which patients underwent primary ACLR with a concomitant LET or ALLR with minimum 24 months follow-up published between January 2013 and July 2023. Primary outcomes included ACL graft failure rates and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Survey-Quality of Life (KOOS-QoL) subscale scores, which were used to determine health utilities measured by quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained. A decision tree model with one-way and two-way sensitivity analyses compared the cost of primary ACLR with a concomitant LET, independent autograft ALLR, or independent allograft ALLR. Costs were estimated using a combination of QALYs, institution prices, literature references, and a survey sent to 49 internationally recognized high-volume knee surgeons.
FINDINGS
A total of 2505 knees undergoing primary ACLR with concomitant LET (n=1162) or ALLR (n=1343) were identified from 22 studies. There were 77 total ACL graft failures with comparable failure rates between patients receiving LET versus ALLR (2.9% vs. 3.2%, P=0.690). The average QALYs gained was slightly higher for those who received LET (0.77) compared to ALLR (0.75). Survey results revealed a 5 minute longer median self-reported operative time for ALLR (20 min) than LET (15 min). The estimated costs for LET, autograft ALLR, and allograft ALLR were $1,015, $1,295, and $3,068, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Anterolateral augmentation during primary ACLR with LET is more cost-effective than independent autograft and allograft ALLR given the lower costs and comparable clinical outcomes. Surgeons may utilize this information when determining the optimal approach to anterolateral augmentation during primary ACLR, although differences in preferred technique and health care systems may influence operative efficiency and material costs.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Systematic review; Level of evidence, IV.
PubMed: 38604570
DOI: 10.1016/j.jisako.2024.04.004 -
JBJS Reviews Apr 2024The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most commonly injured ligament in the knee. ACL reconstruction (ACLR) proves the standard for treating this injury. However,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most commonly injured ligament in the knee. ACL reconstruction (ACLR) proves the standard for treating this injury. However, graft choice and method of fixation remain a heavily debated topic. This study investigates the following: bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) vs. hamstring tendon (HT) autograft, single-bundle vs. double-bundle hamstring graft, and metal vs. bioabsorbable screws in ACLR.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed on PubMed and Google Scholar according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Data were collected on patient demographics, complications, and functionality scores including International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scores. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted with Review Manager. Outcome measurements were determined using forest plots with significant differences considered p < 0.05.
RESULTS
Twenty-five studies were included, accounting for 2,170 patients. No statistically significant difference was appreciated when comparing BPTB to hamstring autografts. Patients who received a double bundle HT autograft exhibited significantly superior outcomes in terms of revision (p = 0.05), failure (p = 0.002), normal pivot shift tests (p = 0.04), and normal IKDC (p = 0.008). When comparing screw types, bioabsorbable screws had a greater Lysholm score (p = 0.01) and lower failure rates for copolymer screws (p = 0.03).
CONCLUSION
Overall, the data collected suggested that BPTB and HT autografts display similar postoperative results. However, if an HT autograft is used, the data suggest a double-bundle graft improves both functionality and decreases the possible complications. Finally, bioabsorbable screws prove superior to metal screws when looking at both functionality and failure rates. Further research into the superior graft type is still needed.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Topics: Humans; Tendons; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Knee Joint; Anterior Cruciate Ligament; Patellar Ligament
PubMed: 38574182
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.RVW.23.00222