Purpose
Posterior tibial slope (PTS) represents an important risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft failure, as seen in clinical studies. An anterior closing wedge osteotomy for slope ...reduction was performed to investigate the effect on ACL-graft forces and femoro-tibial kinematics in an ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed knee in a biomechanical setup.
Methods
Ten cadaveric knees with a relatively high native slope (mean ± SD): (slope 10° ± 1.4°, age 48.2 years ± 5.8) were selected based on prior CT measurements. A 10° anterior closing-wedge osteotomy was fixed with an external fixator in the ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed knee (quadruple Semi-T/Gracilis-allograft). Each condition was randomly tested with both the native tibial slope and the post-osteotomy reduced slope. Axial loads (200 N, 400 N), anterior tibial draw (134 N), and combined loads were applied to the tibia while mounted on a free moving and rotating X–Y table. Throughout testing, 3D motion tracking captured anterior tibial translation (ATT) and internal tibial rotation (ITR). Change of forces on the reconstructed ACL-graft (via an attached load-cell) were recorded, as well.
Results
ATT was significantly decreased after slope reduction in the ACL-deficient knee by 4.3 mm ± 3.6 (
p
< 0.001) at 200 N and 6.2 mm ± 4.3 (
p
< 0.001) at 400N of axial load. An increase of ITR of 2.3° ±2.8 (
p
< 0.001) at 200 N and by 4.0° ±4.1 (
p
< 0.001) at 400 N was observed after the osteotomy. In the ACL-reconstructed knee, ACL-graft forces decreased after slope reduction osteotomy by a mean of 14.7 N ± 9.8 (
p
< 0.001) at 200 N and 33.8 N ± 16.3 (
p
< 0.001) at 400N axial load, which equaled a relative decrease by a mean of 17.0% (SD ± 9.8%), and 33.1% (SD ± 18.1%), respectively. ATT and ITR were not significantly changed in the ACL-reconstructed knee. Testing of a tibial anterior drawing force in the ACL-deficient knee led to a significantly increased ATT by 2.7 mm ± 3.6 (
p
< 0.001) after the osteotomy. The ACL-reconstructed knee did not show a significant change (n.s.) in ATT after the osteotomy. However, ACL-graft forces detected a significant increase by 13.0 N ± 8.3 (
p
< 0.001) after the osteotomy with a tibial anterior drawer force, whereas the additional axial loading reduced this difference due to the osteotomy (5.3 N ± 12.6 (n.s.)).
Conclusions
Slope-reducing osteotomy decreased anterior tibial translation in the ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed knee under axial load, while internal rotation of the tibia increased in the ACL-deficient status after osteotomy. Especially in ACL revision surgery, the osteotomy protects the reconstructed ACL with significantly lower forces on the graft under axial load.
Background:
The synergistic effect of the acromioclavicular (AC) capsule and coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments on AC joint stability has gained recent recognition for its importance. Biomechanical and ...clinical studies have shown the benefit of combined reconstruction with multiple variations of surgical techniques for AC capsule augmentation. The ideal configuration remains unknown for such capsular repair aimed at achieving optimal stability with anatomic reconstruction.
Hypothesis:
Primary AC joint stability can be restored by AC capsule augmentation, while position of the additional suture construct is critical. It was hypothesized that techniques that reconstruct the anterior capsular structures would restore native stability against rotations and translations.
Study Design:
Controlled laboratory study.
Methods:
Thirty fresh-frozen human cadaveric shoulders were used. Each sample was tested in the native state and served as its own control. After complete capsulotomy, 1 of 5 AC capsular repair configurations was performed: anterior, superior, posterior, O-frame, and X-frame. After testing of the AC capsular repair configurations, the tests were repeated after dissection of the CC ligaments and after CC ligament reconstruction with a suture button system. AC joint stability was immediately tested after each step under rotation and horizontal translation. To accomplish this, the AC joints were anatomically positioned on a custom fixture linked to a servohydraulic testing system. A 3-dimensional optical measuring system was used to evaluate the 3-dimensional joint motion. Clavicle posterior translation in relation to the acromion, rotation around the long axis of the clavicle, and displacement of the lateral clavicle in relation to the center of rotation were measured. The torques and forces required to rotate and translate the clavicle were recorded.
Results:
In terms of translational testing, after the complete capsulotomy, a significant reduction of resistance force was found across all groups, with a mean 13% to 20% remaining (P < .05). All AC suture augmentations were able to significantly increase the average resistance force as compared with the native (P = .01) against posterior translation. Subsequent cutting of the CC ligaments did not result in a significant change in any of the groups (P = .23). The synergistic effect of AC capsule augmentation and CC ligament reconstruction could be demonstrated without exception. In terms of rotational testing, the complete capsulotomy resulted in a significant reduction of resistance torque in all groups (P < .05), with a remaining torque ranging between 2% and 11% across the groups. However, all AC suture constructs significantly increased the resistance torque as compared with the capsulotomy (P = .01). The subsequent cutting of the CC ligaments resulted in a significant change in 2 of the 5 groups (O-frame, P = .01; X-frame, P = .02) and an overall remaining torque reduction ranging from 3% and 42%. The combined reconstruction of the AC capsule and CC ligaments achieved the highest percentage of regained resistance torque but remained significantly weaker than the native specimen (P = .01).
Conclusion:
Native translational stability could be restored by the addition of AC capsule augmentation, while partial rotational instability remained. The tested constructs revealed no significant individual differences.
Clinical Relevance:
Combined stabilization of the AC capsule and CC ligaments demonstrated the greatest capacity to restore the native stability against translational and rotational loads, with the specific configuration of the AC capsule repair to be chosen according to the personal preferences of the surgeon.
To biomechanically compare the effect of superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) using a 3- and 6-mm thick acellular dermal allograft for the treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears.
Eight ...fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were tested using a dynamic shoulder model. Maximum abduction angle (MAA), glenohumeral superior translation (ghST), subacromial peak contact pressure (sPCP), and cumulative deltoid force (cDF) were compared among 4 conditions: (1) intact shoulder, (2) simulated irreparable rotator cuff tear (RCT), (3) SCR using a 3-mm-thick acellular dermal allograft, (4) SCR using a 6-mm-thick acellular dermal allograft.
Compared with the intact state, simulated irreparable RCTs significantly decreased MAA (P < .001), while significantly increasing ghST (P = .001), sPCP (P < .001), and cDF (P < .001). SCR with a 3-mm-thick graft significantly increased MAA (P = .01) and decreased ghST (P = .01) compared with the RCT state, however, showed similar sPCP and cDF. Compared with the torn state, SCR with a 6-mm-thick graft significantly increased MAA (P < .001) and significantly decreased ghST (P < .001), sPCP (P < .001), and cDF (P = .001). Using a 6-mm-thick graft demonstrated similar MAA, ghST, sPCP, and cDF compared with the intact state. When comparing the 3-mm to the 6-mm thick graft, significant differences were found in ghST (P = .03), sPCP (P < .001), and cDF (P = .02).
SCR with a 6-mm-thick acellular dermal allograft better restored normal glenohumeral joint position and forces compared with a 3-mm-thick graft for the treatment of irreparable RCTs.
Graft thickness may affect the clinical success following SCR with commercially available dermal allografts. Using a thicker (>3 mm) graft was able to biomechanically better restore native glenohumeral joint properties.
Purpose
To investigate the stabilizing effect of a lateral meniscus posterior root repair in an ACL and root deficient knee.
Methods
The hypothesis of the current study was that a sequential ...transection of the posterior root and the meniscofemoral ligaments in an ACL-deficient knee increases rotational instability, and conversely, a repair of the meniscus root reduces the internal tibial rotation. Therefore, eight human knee joints were tested in a robotic setup (5 N m internal torque, 50 N m anterior translation load). Five conditions were tested: intact, ACL cut, ACL cut + lateral meniscus posterior root tear (LMRT), ACL cut + LMRT + transection of the MFL and ACL cut + lateral meniscus root repair. The angles of internal tibial rotation as well as anterior tibial translation were recorded.
Results
Transection of the lateral meniscus posterior root increased the internal tibial instability as compared to the ACL-insufficient state. A significant increase was detected in 60° and 90° of flextion. Sectioning of the meniscofemoral ligament further destabilized the knees significantly at all flexion angles as compared to the ACL-deficient state. Even in 30°, 60° and 90° a significant difference was detected as compared to the isolated root tear. A tibial fixation of the lateral meniscus root reduced the internal tibial rotation in all flexion angles and led to a significant decrease of internal tibial rotation in 30° and 90° as compared to the transection of the root and the MFL. The anterior tibial translation was increased in all conditions as compared to the native state.
Conclusion
A lateral meniscus root repair can reduce internal tibial rotation in the ACL-deficient knee. To check the condition of the lateral posterior meniscus root attachment is clinical relevant as a lateral meniscus root repair might improve rotational stability.
Purpose
Several anatomic risk factors associated with patellofemoral disorders have been described. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between bony parameters commonly used to ...analyze and define patellofemoral malalignment.
Methods
Patients with patellofemoral disorders presenting between 2016 and 2018 who underwent a standardized radiographic workup including conventional radiographs, weight bearing full-leg radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee, and torsional analysis using hip–knee–ankle MRI were initially included. Patients with a history of lower extremity fracture and a history of surgical procedures affecting bony alignment or partial/total arthroplasty were subsequently excluded. Radiographs and MRI of all included patients were analyzed by four independent observers. Parameters of interest were: femoral torsion, tibial torsion, trochlear dysplasia, tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove (TT–TG) distance, and frontal mechanical axis. All parameters were compared between patients with low grade and high grade trochlear dysplasia as well as between female and male patients. Correlation of continuous variables was assessed with the Pearson correlation coefficient. A binary logistic regression model was used for the calculation of odds ratio between different parameters. Interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to determine the interobserver reproducibility.
Results
A total of 151 patients could be included for detailed analysis. Group comparison revealed that patients with high grade trochlear dysplasia showed significantly higher values for femoral torsion (low grade: 9.8° ± 11.0°, high grade: 16.8° ± 11.5°;
p
< 0.001) and significantly higher values for TT–TG distance (low grade: 19.0 mm ± 5.0 mm, high grade: 21.9 mm ± 5.4 mm;
p
= 0.002). No significant difference was found for age, tibial torsion, and frontal mechanical axis. With regard to gender, female patients had higher values for femoral torsion (female: 15.6° ± 11.3°, male: 11.0° ± 12.7°;
p
= 0.044). The correlation analysis found significant correlation between femoral torsion and tibial torsion (
r
= 0.244,
p
= 0.003), femoral torsion and TT–TG distance (
r
= 0.328,
p
< 0.001), femoral torsion and frontal mechanical axis (
r
= 0.291,
p
< 0.001), and tibial torsion and TT–TG distance (
r
= 0.182,
p
= 0.026).
Conclusion
Bony malalignment in patients with patellofemoral disorder is a complex problem given the significant correlation between femoral and tibial torsion, trochlear dysplasia, TT–TG distance, and frontal mechanical axis. Advanced imaging to analyze rotational and frontal plane alignment is recommended in patients with trochlear dysplasia and/or increased TT–TG on standard radiographs and knee MRI. Understanding of the bony pathology in patellofemoral disorders is key to improve the therapeutic and surgical decision.
Level of evidence
III, retrospective cohort study.
Purpose
Increased femoral antetorsion influences patellofemoral joint kinematics. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical outcome after derotational osteotomies and ...combined procedures in patients with patellofemoral instability.
Methods
All patients with derotational osteotomies and combined procedures in patients with patellofemoral instability and increased femoral antetorsion performed between 2007 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Exclusion criteria were open growth plates, posttraumatic deformities, and a follow-up period less than 12 months. Simple radiography and magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate cartilage lesions, trochlear dysplasia, tubercle distance, and osseous malalignment as frontal axis and torsion were performed on every patient. Patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, the subjective IKDC evaluation form, the Lysholm score, and the Tegner activity score.
Results
Out of 222 femoral osteotomies, a total of 42 patients (44 knees) met the inclusion criteria. Mean preoperative femoral antetorsion of 31° (SD ± 9°) and mean valgus malalignment of 1° (SD ± 3°) were observed. An intended derotation of 12° (SD ± 5°) was set overall. The additional procedures included correction of valgus in 50% (
n
= 22), MPFL reconstruction in 64% (
n
= 28), patellofemoral arthroplasty in 18% (
n
= 8), trochleoplasty in 14% (
n
= 6), tibial tubercle transfer in 14% (
n
= 6). During the mean follow-up period of 44 months (SD ± 27, range 12–88), a total of five patients were lost to follow-up, resulting in a follow-up rate of 89% (
n
= 39). A significant pain relief from VAS 4 (SD ± 3) to VAS 2 (SD ± 2) (
p
= 0.006) as well as improved scores, WOMAC: from 80 (SD ± 14) to 88 (SD ± 16) (
p
= 0.007), Lysholm: from 46 (SD ± 21) to 71 (SD ± 24) (
p
< 0.001), IKDC: from 54 (SD ± 13) to 65 (SD ± 17) (
p
< 0.001), were observed postoperatively. During the follow-up period, no patellar re-dislocation was observed.
Conclusion
Combined derotational osteotomy is a suitable treatment for patellar instability due to torsional malformity, as it leads to a significant reduction of pain, and a significant increase of knee function with good-to- excellent results in the short-term follow-up.
Level of evidence
IV.
Background:
The acromioclavicular (AC) capsule is an important stabilizer against horizontal translation and also contributes to the strut function of the clavicle, which guides rotation of the ...scapula. To best reproduce the biomechanical properties and the complex 3-dimensional (3D) guidance of the AC joint, detailed knowledge of the contribution of each of the distinctive capsular structures is needed.
Purpose/Hypothesis:
To perform a detailed biomechanical evaluation of the specific capsular structures of the AC joint and their contribution to translational and rotational stability. The hypothesis was that successive cutting of each quadrant of the AC capsule would result in increased instability and increased amplitude of the clavicle’s motion in relation to the acromion.
Study Design:
Controlled laboratory study.
Methods:
Thirty-two fresh-frozen human cadaveric shoulders were used. Each scapula was fixed to a swivel fixture of a servohydraulic materials testing system. The AC capsule was dissected in serial steps with immediate rotational and horizontal testing after each cut. A 3D optical measuring system was used to evaluate 3D movement. Posterior translation, rotation, and displacement of the lateral clavicle in relation to the center of rotation were measured. Torques and axial forces required to rotate and translate the clavicle were recorded.
Results:
When posterior translational force was applied, all specimens with a completely cut AC capsule demonstrated a significant loss of resistance force against the translational motion when compared with the native state (P < .05). The resistance force against posterior translation was reduced to less than 27% of the native state for all specimens. Sequential cutting of the AC capsule resulted in a significant reduction of resistance torque against anterior rotation for all specimens with less than 22% of resistance force compared with the native state. Cutting 50% of the capsule reduced the resistance torque for all segments and all testing modalities (posterior translation as well as anterior and posterior rotation) significantly compared with the native state (P < .05). Cutting the entire AC capsule resulted in a significant increase in motion within the joint as a sign of decentering of the AC joint when torque was applied. All groups demonstrated a significant increase of motion in all directions when the AC capsule was cut by 50%.
Conclusion:
Cutting the entire capsule (with intact coracoclavicular CC ligaments) reduced the resistance force to less than 25% compared with the native state during translational testing and less than 10% compared with the native state during rotational testing. However, the anterior segments of the capsule provided the greatest stability under rotational loading. Second, the amplitude of the joint’s motion significantly increased under rotational stress, indicating increased amplitude of the clavicle’s motion in relation to the acromion when the ligamentous structures of the AC capsule are dissected.
Clinical Relevance:
To best restore stability to the AC joint, the relevance and function of each section of the circumferential AC capsule need to be understood. Our findings support the synergistic contribution of the CC ligaments and AC capsular structures to AC joint stability. This synergy supports the need to address both structures to achieve anatomic reconstruction.
Purpose
Lateral distal femoral osteotomies (DFO) have recently been performed more frequently. In addition to realignment for varus and valgus deformity, the indication was extended with the ...introduction of torsional osteotomies in patellofemoral instability. The purpose of this study was to assess the general and technical risk factors for nonunion in lateral opening, closing and torsional DFO.
Methods
A total of 150 lateral DFO 98 opening wedge (LOWDFO) and 52 closing wedge (LCWDFO) were analyzed in regard to potential risk factors for nonunion until plate removal. Nonunion was defined as failure of osseous consolidation according to clinical and radiological evaluation.
Results
In LOWDFO, the nonunion rate was 2%, in LCWDFO the rate was higher with 9.6%. Nicotine abuse (
p
= 0.009) and a higher body mass index (
p
= 0.003) were significant risk factors. Patient’s age and gender, the wedge height, hinge fractures, monoplanar versus biplanar osteotomy as well as additional torsional osteotomies were not significant in regard of nonunion.
Conclusions
Lateral DFO have a low rate of complications and nonunion. Smoking and obesity were significantly associated with the risk of nonunion. Hinge fractures, monoplanar technique or complete bone cuts of the opposite hinge in torsional osteotomies did not negatively influence the nonunion rate in DFO.
Level of evidence
Level IV.
Background:
Correction of high posterior tibial slope is an important treatment option for revision of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) failure as seen in clinical and biomechanical studies. In cases ...with moderate to severe medial compartment arthritis, an additional varus correction osteotomy may be added to improve alignment.
Purpose:
To investigate the influence of coronal and sagittal correction high tibial osteotomy in ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed knees on knee kinematics and ACL graft load.
Study Design:
Controlled laboratory study.
Methods:
Ten cadaveric knees were selected according to previous computed tomography measurements with increased native slope and slight varus tibial alignment (mean ± SD): slope, 9.9°± 1.4°; medial proximal tibia angle, 86.5°± 2.1°; age, 47.7 ± 5.8 years. A 10° anterior closing-wedge osteotomy, as well as an additional 5° of simulated varus correction osteotomy, were created and fixed using an external fixator. Four alignment conditions—native, varus correction, slope correction, and combined varus and slope correction—were randomly tested in 2 states: ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed. Compressive axial loads were applied to the tibia while mounted on a free-moving X-Y table and free-rotating tibia in a knee testing fixture. Three-dimensional motion tracking captured anterior tibial translation (ATT) and internal tibial rotation. Change of tensile forces on the reconstructed ACL graft were recorded.
Results:
In the ACL-deficient knee, an isolated varus correction led to a significant increase of ATT by 4.3 ± 4.0 mm (P = .04). Isolated slope reduction resulted in the greatest decrease of ATT by 6.2 ± 4.3 mm (P < .001). In the ACL-reconstructed knee, ATT showed comparable changes, while combined varus and slope correction led to lower ATT by 3.7 ± 2.6 mm (P = .01) than ATT in the native alignment. Internal tibial rotation was not significantly altered by varus correction but significantly increased after isolated slope correction by 4.0°± 4.1° (P < .01). Each isolated or combined osteotomy showed decreased forces on the graft as compared with the native state. The combined varus and slope osteotomy led to a mean decrease of ACL graft force by 33% at 200 N and by 58% at 400 N as compared with the native condition (P < .001).
Conclusion:
A combined varus and slope correction led to a relevant decrease of ATT in the ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed cadaveric knee. ACL graft forces were significantly decreased after combined varus and slope correction. Thus, our biomechanical findings support the treatment goal of a perpendicular-aligned tibial plateau for ACL insufficiencies, especially in cases of revision surgery.
Clinical Relevance:
This study shows the beneficial knee kinematics and reduced forces on the ACL graft after combined varus and slope correction.
Purpose
Posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) of the elbow occurs from an insufficient lateral collateral ligament complex (LCLC). For subacute LCLC injuries, lateral ulnar collateral ligament ...(LUCL) internal bracing rather than reconstruction may be a viable option. The purpose of the study was to compare the stabilizing effects of LUCL internal bracing to triceps tendon graft reconstruction in simulated PLRI.
Methods
Sixteen cadaveric elbows were assigned for either LUCL internal bracing (
n
= 8) or reconstruction with triceps tendon graft (
n
= 8). Specimen were mounted and a valgus rotational torque was applied to the ulna to test posterolateral rotatory stability. Posterolateral rotation was measured at 0°, 30°, 60°, 90° and 120° of elbow flexion. Cyclic loading was performed for 1000 cycles at 90° of elbow flexion. Three conditions were compared in each specimen: intact elbow, LUCL and radial collateral ligament (RCL) transected, and then either LUCL internal bracing or reconstruction with triceps tendon graft.
Results
Transection of the LUCL and RCL significantly increased posterolateral rotation in all degrees of elbow flexion compared to the intact condition (
P
< 0.05). Both LUCL internal bracing and reconstruction restored posterolateral rotatory stability to the native state between 0° and 120° of elbow flexion, with no significant difference in improvement between groups. Similarly, LUCL internal bracing and reconstruction groups showed no significant difference in posterolateral rotation compared to the intact condition during cyclic loading.
Conclusions
At time zero, both LUCL internal bracing and reconstruction with triceps tendon graft restored posterolateral rotatory stability. As such, this study supports the use of internal bracing as an adjunct to primary ligament repair in subacute PLRI.
