A growing number of knee cartilage repair studies continue to be published, employing both traditional and also novel and emerging surgical methods. Marrow stimulation, osteochondral transplantation, ...and autologous chondrocyte implantation via varied surgical techniques and delivery methods exist, as well as isolated, or concomitant, realignment procedures. However, while some value exists in small clinical cohorts (prospective and retrospective), we still lack high-quality comparative studies that better direct us toward the ideal cartilage repair treatment, specific to each individual patient situation including chondral defect (size, location, shape, etc.), the local environment (early degenerative knee changes, concomitant pathology), the surrounding environment (including individual physical conditioning and lower-limb alignment), and of course the patient’s tolerance to the pathology and individual physical demands. How do we sort this out? High-quality, and hopefully prospective and randomized, clinical trials are required.
Background:
Autograft choice in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) remains controversial, with increasing interest in the usage of quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft versus traditional ...hamstring tendon (HT) use. The current study undertakes an in-depth review and comparison of the clinical and functional outcomes of QT and HT autografts in ACLR.
Hypothesis:
The QT autograft is equivalent to the HT autograft and there will be little or no significant difference in the outcomes between these 2 autografts.
Study Design:
Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4.
Methods:
The PUBMED, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL databases were systematically searched from their inception until November 2020. All observational studies comparing ACLR QT and HT autografts were assessed for their methodological quality. Patient outcomes were compared according to patient-reported outcome measures (International Knee Documentation Committee IKDC, Cincinnati, Lysholm, Tegner, and visual analog scale VAS measures), knee extensor and flexor torque limb symmetry indices (LSIs), hamstring to quadriceps (H/Q) ratios, functional hop capacity, knee laxity, ipsilateral graft failure, and contralateral injury.
Results:
A total of 20 observational studies comprising 28,621 patients (QT = 2550; HT = 26,071) were included in the quantitative meta-analysis. In comparison with patients who received an HT autograft, those who received a QT autograft had similar postoperative Lysholm (mean difference MD, 0.67; P = .630), IKDC (MD, 0.48; P = .480), VAS pain (MD, 0.04; P = .710), and Cincinnati (MD, -0.85; P = .660) scores; LSI for knee flexor strength (MD, 6.06; P = .120); H/Q ratio (MD, 3.22; P = .160); hop test LSI (MD, -1.62; P = .230); pivot-shift test grade 0 (odds ratio OR, 0.80; P = .180); Lachman test grade 0 (OR, 2.38; P = .320), side-to-side laxity (MD, 0.09; P = .650); incidence of graft failure (OR, 1.07; P = .830) or contralateral knee injury (OR, 1.22; P = .610); and Tegner scores (MD, 0.11; P = .060). HT autografts were associated with a higher (better) side-to-side LSI for knee extensor strength (MD, -6.31; P = .0002).
Conclusion:
In this meta-analysis, the use of the QT autograft was equivalent to the HT autograft in ACLR, with comparable graft failure and clinical and functional outcomes observed. However, HT autografts were associated with better LSI knee extensor strength.
Background:
Numerous graft options are available when undertaking anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR), although a lack of high-quality evidence exists comparing quadriceps (QT) and ...hamstring (HT) autografts.
Purpose:
To investigate patient outcomes in patients undergoing HT versus QT ACLR.
Study Design:
Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.
Methods:
After recruitment and randomization, 112 patients (HT = 55; QT = 57) underwent ACLR. Patients were assessed pre- and postoperatively (6 weeks and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months), with a range of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), graft laxity (KT-1000 arthrometer; primary outcome variable), active knee flexion and extension range of motion (ROM), peak isokinetic knee extensor and flexor strength, and a 6-hop performance battery. Limb symmetry indices (LSIs) were calculated for strength and hop measures. Secondary procedures, ACL retears, and contralateral ACL tears were reported.
Results:
All PROMs and knee ROM measures significantly improved (P < .0001), and no other group differences (P > .05) were observed—apart from the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) score, which was significantly better in the HT group at 3 (P = .008), 6 (P = .010), and 12 (P = .014) months. No significant changes were observed in side-to-side laxity from 6 to 24 months (P = .105), and no group differences were observed (P = .487) at 6 (HT mean, 1.2; QT mean, 1.3), 12 (HT mean, 1.1; QT mean, 1.3), and 24 (HT mean, 1.1; QT mean, 1.2) months. While the HT group demonstrated significantly greater (P < .05) quadriceps strength LSIs at 6 and 12 months, the QT group showed significantly greater (P < .05) hamstring strength LSIs at 6, 12, and 24 months. The HT group showed significantly greater (P < .05) LSIs for the single horizontal (6 months), lateral (6 and 12 months), and medial (6 months) hop tests for distance. Up until 24 months, 1 patient (QT at 22 months) had a retear, with 2 contralateral ACL tears (QT at 19 months; HT at 23 months). Secondary procedures included 5 in the HT group (manipulation under anesthesia, notch debridement, meniscal repair, and knee arthroscopy for scar tissue) and 6 in the QT group (notch debridement, meniscal repair, knee arthroscopy for scar tissue, tibial tubercle transfer, and osteochondral autologous transplantation).
Conclusion:
Apart from the ACL-RSI, the 2 autograft groups compared well for PROMs, knee ROM, and laxity. However, greater hamstring strength LSIs were observed for the QT cohort, with greater quadriceps strength (and hop test) LSIs in the HT cohort. The longer-term review will continue to evaluate return to sports and later-stage reinjury between the 2 graft constructs.
Registration:
ACTRN12618001520224p (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry).
Background:
While midterm outcomes after matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) are encouraging, the procedure permits an arthroscopic approach that may reduce the morbidity of ...arthrotomy and permit accelerated rehabilitation.
Hypothesis:
A significant improvement in clinical and radiological outcomes after arthroscopic MACI will exist through to 5 years after surgery.
Study Design:
Case series; Level of evidence, 4.
Methods:
We prospectively evaluated the first 31 patients (15 male, 16 female) who underwent MACI via arthroscopic surgery to address symptomatic tibiofemoral chondral lesions. MACI was followed by a structured rehabilitation program in all patients. Clinical scores were administered preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months as well as 1, 2, and 5 years after surgery. These included the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm knee scale (LKS), Tegner activity scale (TAS), visual analog scale for pain, Short Form–36 Health Survey (SF-36), active knee motion, and 6-minute walk test. Isokinetic dynamometry was used to assess peak knee extension and flexion strength and limb symmetry indices (LSIs) between the operated and nonoperated limbs. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at 3 months and at 1, 2, and 5 years postoperatively to evaluate graft repair as well as calculate the MRI composite score.
Results:
There was a significant improvement (P < .05) in all KOOS subscale scores, LKS and TAS scores, the SF-36 physical component score, pain frequency and severity, active knee flexion and extension, and 6-minute walk distance. Isokinetic knee extension strength significantly improved, and all knee extension and flexion LSIs were above 90% (apart from peak knee extension strength at 1 year). At 5 years, 93% of patients were satisfied with MACI to relieve their pain, 90% were satisfied with improving their ability to undertake daily activities, and 80% were satisfied with the improvement in participating in sport. Graft infill (P = .033) and the MRI composite score (P = .028) significantly improved over time, with 90% of patients demonstrating good to excellent tissue infill at 5 years. There were 2 graft failures at 5 years after surgery.
Conclusion:
The arthroscopically performed MACI technique demonstrated good clinical and radiological outcomes up to 5 years, with high levels of patient satisfaction.
Abstract Purpose To investigate sex‐based recovery differences in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with a hamstring (HT) or quadriceps (QT) tendon autograft. ...Methods This study included 97 patients, including 50 females (HT = 25, QT = 25) and 47 males (HT = 24, QT = 23), assessed presurgery and at 12‐ and 24‐month postoperatively via surveys, laxity, isokinetic knee extensor and flexor torque and a 6‐hop performance battery. Limb symmetry indices (LSIs) were calculated. Outcomes were compared between males and females, as well as within each graft type. Results Males reported significantly higher Tegner scores at 12 ( p = 0.029) and 24 ( p = 0.031) months, Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport after Injury scores at 12 ( p = 0.009) and 24 ( p = 0.010) months, and a significantly higher lateral hop LSI at 12 ( p = 0.045) months, knee extensor torque LSI at 12 ( p = 0.020) months, and knee flexor torque LSI at 12 ( p = 0.001) and 24 ( p = 0.039) months. Females undergoing ACLR with a QT (vs. HT) graft demonstrated a lower knee extensor torque LSI at 12 ( p = 0.006) months, a lower lateral hop LSI at 12 ( p = 0.038) months, and a lower medial hop LSI at 12 ( p = 0.042) months. Conclusions Females reported less activity and psychological readiness, as well as strength symmetry. Furthermore, the recovery of quadriceps strength and hop symmetry was delayed in females (vs. males) undergoing ACLR with a QT graft. A better understanding of these differences will assist in counselling on expectations, determining the most appropriate graft construct and permitting more targeted rehabilitation. Level of Evidence Level IV.
Purpose
To investigate strength and functional symmetry during common tests in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), and its association with post-operative rehabilitation.
...Methods
At a median 11.0 months post-surgery (range 10–14), 111 ACLR patients were assessed. A rehabilitation grading tool was employed to evaluate the duration and supervision of rehabilitation, as well as whether structured jumping, landing and agility exercises were undertaken. Patients completed the Noyes Activity Score (NSARS), maximal isokinetic knee extensor and flexor strength assessment, and a 4-hop test battery. Limb Symmetry Indices (LSIs) were calculated, presented for the entire group and also stratified by activity level. ANOVA evaluated differences between the operated and unaffected limbs across all tests. Correlations were undertaken to assess the relationship between post-operative rehabilitation and objective test LSIs.
Results
The unaffected limb was significantly better (
p
< 0.0001) than the operated limb for all tests. Only 52–61 patients
(
47–55%) demonstrated LSIs ≥ 90% for each of the hop tests. Only 34 (30.6%) and 61 (55.0%) patients were ≥ 90% LSI for peak quadriceps and hamstring strength, respectively. Specifically in patients actively participating in jumping, pivoting, cutting, twisting and/or turning sports, 21 patients (36.8%) still demonstrated an LSI < 90% for the single hop for distance, with 37 patients (65.0%) at < 90% for peak knee extension strength. Rehabilitation was significantly associated with the LSIs for all tests.
Conclusion
Rehabilitation was significantly correlated with limb symmetry, and lower limb symmetry was below recommended criterion for many community-level ACLR patients, including those already engaging in riskier activities. It is clear that many patients are not undertaking the rehabilitation required to address post-operative strength and functional deficits, and are being cleared to return to sport (or are returning on their own accord) without appropriate evaluation and further guidance.
Level of evidence
IV.
Purpose
To investigate the clinical outcome, level of patient satisfaction, re-injury and re-operation rates of patients 7–10 years after augmented hip abductor tendon repair.
Methods
Between October ...2012 and May 2015, 146 patients were referred to the senior author with symptomatic hip abductor tendon tears, of which 110 (101 female, 92%) were included in the current study and underwent hip abductor tendon repair augmented with LARS. Patients had a mean age of 63.2 years (range 43–82), body mass index of 27.8 (range 20.0–40.2) and duration of symptoms of 3.6 years (range 6 months–18 years). Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were evaluated pre-operatively and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months, as well as 7–10 years post-operatively, including the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), a Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAS) evaluating the frequency (VAS-F) and severity (VAS-S) of hip pain, and patient satisfaction. Adverse events, surgical failures, revisions and subsequent treatments on the ipsilateral hip were reported.
Results
A significant improvement (
p
< 0.05) was observed for all PROMs and, while a mean deterioration was observed for all PROMs from 24 months to final review (7–10 years), these were not significant (n.s.). In the 90 patients retained and assessed at final review, 93% were satisfied with their hip pain relief and 89% with their ability to participate in recreational activities. Overall, 9 (of 110, 8.2%) surgical failures were observed over the 7–10-year follow-up period.
Conclusions
Good clinical scores, a high level of patient satisfaction and an acceptable re-injury rate were observed at 7–10 years after augmented hip abductor tendon repair, demonstrating satisfactory repair longevity.
Level of evidence
IV.
Background:
Matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) has demonstrated encouraging midterm clinical outcomes, although published studies presenting longer-term clinical and ...radiological outcomes, across varied tibiofemoral and patellofemoral graft locations, are scarce.
Purpose:
To present the clinical and radiological outcomes a minimum of 10 years after surgery in a consecutive series of patients who underwent MACI in the tibiofemoral or patellofemoral knee joint. Secondly, to investigate any association between outcomes and patient characteristics, graft parameters, and injury and surgery history.
Study Design:
Case series; Level of evidence, 4.
Methods:
Overall, 87 patients (99 grafts: 57 medial femoral condyle, 24 lateral femoral condyle, 11 trochlea, 7 patella) were prospectively evaluated clinically and with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before surgery and at 2, 5, and minimum 10 years after MACI (mean, 13.1 years; range, 10.5-16 years). Patients were evaluated with a range of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), including the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and patient satisfaction. The 6-minute walk test, active knee range of motion, and peak isokinetic knee extensor and flexor strength were assessed. Limb symmetry indices (LSIs) were calculated for strength measures. MRI was undertaken to evaluate the repair tissue, and an MRI composite score was calculated.
Results:
All PROMs significantly improved (P < .05) over the pre- to postoperative period. Apart from KOOS Sport (P = .018) and the LSI for peak isokinetic knee extensor strength (P = .005), which significantly improved, no significant change (P > .05) was observed from 2 years after surgery to final follow-up (range, 10.5-16 years) in all other PROMs, 6-minute walk distance, active knee range of motion, and the LSI for peak isokinetic knee flexor strength. At final follow-up, while the mean LSIs for peak isokinetic knee flexor and extensor strength were 96.9% and 95.7%, respectively, 74.7% of patients were satisfied with their ability to participate in sports, and 88.5% were satisfied overall. A nonsignificant decline was observed for tissue infill (P = .211) and the MRI composite score (P = .099) from 2 years to final review. At final MRI review, 9 grafts (9.1%) had failed. While no significant association (P > .05) was observed between clinical or MRI-based outcomes and patient demographics (age, body weight, body mass index), defect size, or the duration of preoperative symptoms, the number of previous surgical procedures was significantly and negatively associated with KOOS Symptoms (P = .015), KOOS Sport (P = .011), and the degree of tissue infill (P = .045).
Conclusion:
MACI provided high levels of satisfaction and adequate graft survivorship as visualized on MRI at 10.5 to 16 years after surgery.
Hop performance and isokinetic knee extensor strength (IKES) asymmetry are associated with re-injury after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). This study investigated deficits after ...ACLR, and which hop tests are most correlated with IKES and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).
50 patients were assessed 9–12 months after ACLR using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and ACL Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scores. Peak IKES and eight hop tests were assessed: single (SHD), triple (THD) and triple crossover (TCHD) hop for distance, 6 m timed hop (6MTH), single medial (MHD) and single lateral (LHD) hop for distance, single countermovement jump (SLCMJ) and timed speedy hop (SHT). The percentage of patients with limb symmetry indices (LSIs) < 90% was reported. Pearson’s correlations investigated the correlation between PROMs, IKES and hop LSIs.
The majority (80%) of patients had IKES LSIs < 90%. While 12–14% of patients demonstrated LSIs < 90% for the SHD, 6MTH, THD and TCHD, 52–80% demonstrated LSIs < 90% for the other hop tests. The IKES LSI was significantly different (p < 0.05) from all hop LSIs, besides the SLCMJ (p = 0.638). Large correlations were only observed between the IKES LSI and the SLCMJ (r = 0.82), MHD (r = 0.71) and LHD (r = 0.53). The SLCMJ, MHD and IKES LSIs demonstrated the largest significant correlations with the IKDC (r = 0.51–0.53) and ACL-RSI (r = 0.38–0.40).
Hop tests such as the MHD and SLCMJ may present a more practical alternative to quantifying peak IKES, especially in the absence of more sophisticated testing equipment. While not surrogates as such, these selective hop measures may better inform the clinician as to whether significant underlying quadriceps deficits are still present throughout the post-operative rehabilitation period.
To investigate the association between active knee flexion at initial (1-2 wk) and final (7 wk) outpatient visits after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and to develop a guide for the expected ...progression of knee flexion in the subacute postoperative phase.
Prospective case series.
Rehabilitation clinic.
Consecutive sample of patients (N=108) who underwent TKA between December 2007 and August 2012.
TKA followed by a standardized, 5-week outpatient rehabilitation program (2 sessions per week) immediately after hospital discharge.
Active knee flexion was recorded on the patient's first outpatient visit (1-2 wk) and then biweekly throughout the patient's 5-week outpatient rehabilitation program.
Active knee flexion at initial (1-2 wk) and final (7 wk) outpatient visits were significantly correlated (r=.86, P<.001). Mean active knee flexion significantly improved (P<.001) across all patients from 90.4° at initial outpatient visit to 110° at final outpatient visit. At 7 weeks postsurgery, a value of 100° was determined as the cut-off point for an acceptable active knee flexion, which corresponded with 80° of active knee flexion at initial outpatient presentation at 1 to 2 weeks.
Active knee flexion at the initial outpatient visit exhibits a strong correlation with knee flexion at 7 weeks after TKA. These knee flexion guidelines may allow for the provision of individualized rehabilitation, allow practitioners to provide patients with realistic goals of progression throughout the subacute phase, and allow the early identification of patients at risk for poor long-term outcomes who may benefit from further intensive care or other early intervention.
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