BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the effects of single semitendinosus tendon (ST) harvesting for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction by comparing outcomes of single ST and semitendinosus-gracilis tendon (ST-G) harvesting. METHODS: ACL reconstruction with ST-G harvesting (D group, n = 60) or single ST harvesting (S group, n = 60) were included according to inclusion criteria. Subjective assessments included subjective International Knee Documentation Committee score, Lysholm score, and Tegner activity scale score. Objective assessments included isokinetic strength and functional tests. These tests were completed at 36 months of follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and second-look arthroscopy findings were evaluated. In the S group, regeneration properties were assessed by serial ultrasonography (US). RESULTS: The S group showed significantly less deep flexor strength deficit than the D group (p < 0.001). Deep flexor power deficits showed significant correlation with the shift of musculotendinous junction of the ST. There was significant difference in the cocontraction test between the groups (p = 0.012), and the S group tended to show better results in other functional tests at the last follow-up. There were no significant differences in graft tension and synovial coverage on second-look arthroscopy between the groups. In the S group, the regeneration rates assessed by US at the joint line and distal insertion were 81.7% and 80%, respectively at 6 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The S group showed significantly less deficit in deep flexor strength and tended to show better clinical results at the last follow-up than the D group. In the S group, more than 80% showed good regeneration at the 6-month follow-up. Hence, single ST harvesting is effective in minimizing flexor weakness and functional deficits and shows great potential for regeneration.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament ; Arthroscopy ; Follow-Up Studies ; Joints ; Knee ; Lysholm Knee Score ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Regeneration ; Tendons ; Transplants ; Ultrasonography

Background: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction is commonly performed to restore knee kinematics and halt the progression of osteoarthritis. A primary variable that could infl uence the outcome of ACL reconstruction is the tension applied to the graft at the time of fi xation. If the tension is too great, an abnormal compressive force could potentially develop across the tibiofemoral joint, hindering knee motion, and subjecting the articular surfaces to increased stress. If the tension in the graft is too low, the graft will not be effective in restoring normal kinematics. The Tegner Lysholm Knee Scale is a functional scoring for patients with ligamentous injuries. It is a patient-reported measure of knee function and is important for comprehensive assessment conditions in both the clinical and research context. Our objective was to compare which tension technique (15 lbs graft tension using a Mitek Tensioner™ vs maximal sustained two-hand technique) would yield better functional outcome at 6 months and 12 months postoperatively using the Tegner Lysholm Knee Scale. Methods : Twenty-nine patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital Private Division were randomly divided equally into two groups (group A or group B). During tibial fi xation, group A would receive 15 lbs graft tension using a Mitek Tensioner and group B would receive graft tension using the maximal sustained two-handed pull technique. The patients underwent a standard rehabilitation protocol at an institution of their choice and a Lysholm Scoring Scale and Tegner activity scale were self-administered at 6 months and 12 months after the surgery in order to assess their functional outcome. Results : The results showed that the functional outcome scores of group A were higher than group B. The yielded p-value was 0.10 (6 months), 0.07 (12 months) for group A and 0.27 (6 months), 0.46 (12 months) for group B. The results showed no suffi cient evidence of a signifi cant difference between the effects of arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with 15 lbs weight using a Mitek Tensioner (group A) and graft tension using the maximal sustained two-handed pull technique (group B) in the knee functional outcome of patients at 6 months and 12 months postoperatively Conclusion The functional outcome scores of patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using different graft tension did not show signifi cant results. Further re-evaluation of patients’ functional outcome score is necessary after 12 months postoperatively. The desired tensioning technique of the ACL surgeon would be at his/her convenience knowing beforehand the pros and cons of each technique.
Lysholm Knee Score ; Tibia

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and unicompartmental arthroplasty (UKA) in advanced medial compartment arthritis accompanied by kissing lesions in relatively young patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients were divided into the HTO (n=23) and UKA (n=22) groups. Clinically, we evaluated the Lysholm knee scoring scale, visual analogue scale, Hospital for Special Surgery, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index scores preoperatively, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, and at the final follow-up. Radiographically, we measured the femoral-tibial angle and mechanical axis deviation preoperatively and at the final follow-up. RESULTS: All clinical outcomes gradually improved in both groups from the postoperative period to the final follow-up. At the final follow-up, all clinical outcomes were slightly better in the UKA group than in the HTO group; however, differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: HTO is comparable to UKA in terms of clinical outcomes. Thus, the results of this study suggest that HTO might be a good alternative treatment to UKA for medial unicompartmental arthritis accompanied by kissing lesions in relatively young patients.
Arthritis ; Arthroplasty ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Knee ; Lysholm Knee Score ; Ontario ; Osteoarthritis ; Osteotomy ; Postoperative Period

PURPOSE: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one of the most common injuries that occur in the knee, and ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is commonly performed for preventing aggravation of degenerative changes and restoring of knee stability in young, athletic patients. This metaanalysis has a purpose of evaluating the clinical and arthrometrical outcomes of ACLR in a group of middle age patients (40 years and older) and comparing with patients under 40 years of age. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and SCOPUS electronic databases were searched for relevant articles comparing the outcomes of ACLR between younger and older than 40 years of age until December 2016. Data searching, extraction, analysis, and quality assessment were performed based on the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. Clinical outcomes were evaluated and compared between groups. The results were presented as mean difference for continuous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals whereas risk ratio for binary outcomes. RESULTS: Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. Based on International Knee Documentation Committee classification, side-to-side difference, Tegner activity score, Lysholm knee score, there were no significant clinical and mechanical differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis confirmed that after ACLR, middle age (>40 years) and young age (<40 years) patients did not present with significant difference in clinical and arthrometric results.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament ; Classification ; Cooperative Behavior ; Humans ; Knee ; Lysholm Knee Score ; Middle Aged ; Odds Ratio ; Sports

BACKGROUND: Mucoid degeneration of the anterior cruciate ligament is a rare pathological entity. Several authors have identified this condition, described their experiences, and suggested their own guidelines for management. The aim of this study was to detail the clinical, radiological, arthroscopic, and pathological findings of mucoid degeneration of the anterior cruciate ligament and report the clinical outcomes following arthroscopic treatment. METHODS: A historical cohort of patients who underwent arthroscopic total or partial excision of the anterior cruciate ligament due to mucoid degeneration between 2011 and 2014 were reviewed. The minimum follow-up was 3 years. Demographic, radiological, and histological findings, type of surgery, and clinical pre- and postoperative data were analyzed. The visual analogue scale score, the International Knee Documentation Committee score, and the Tegner Lysholm Knee Score were collected preoperatively, postoperatively, and during the follow-up period. RESULTS: Seventeen females (67%) and eight males (33%) were included in the final analysis. The mean age at the time of surgery was 57 years (range, 31 to 78 years). Partial resection of the anterior cruciate ligament was done in seven cases and a complete resection in 18 cases. No reconstruction was performed at the same time. A positive Lachman test and a negative pivot shift were noted after surgery in all cases. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was required in only one young patient due to disabling instability. At last follow-up, the mean visual analogue scale score, International Knee Documentation Committee score, and Tegner Lysholm Knee score improved (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides further evidence that arthroscopic total or partial excision of anterior cruciate ligament is a safe and effective treatment for mucoid degeneration of the anterior cruciate ligament, improving patient satisfaction and function without causing clinical instability in daily activities. However, young patients should be forewarned about the risk of instability, and an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction could be necessary.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament* ; Arthroscopy ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Knee ; Lysholm Knee Score ; Male ; Patient Satisfaction

BACKGROUND: We aimed to examine the factors that influence synovialization of the grafted tendon after double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction based on second-look arthroscopic findings. METHODS: Out of 205 knees that were treated between August 2008 and May 2016 with double-bundle ACL reconstruction using bio-absorbable cross-pins and Endobuttons for femoral tunnel fixation, we enrolled 65 knees (64 patients) that underwent second-look arthroscopy with hardware removal at 1 year postoperatively. Measured clinical outcomes included the Lysholm score and Tegner activity score that were evaluated preoperatively and during the final follow-up. We analyzed the relationship between synovial coverage and patient age, length of the preserved remnant tissue on the tibial side, type of bundle (anteromedial or posterolateral), type of graft (autograft or allograft), and time from injury to surgery. RESULTS: The area of synovial coverage showed a significant statistical correlation with patient age and the length of the preserved remnant tissue on the tibial side. The average synovial coverage was significantly better for the anteromedial bundle than for the posterolateral bundle, better for the autograft than for the allograft reconstruction, and better when treated in the acute stage than in the chronic stage. However, synovialization of grafted tendon did not correlate to clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: While we were able to identify several factors influencing synovialization of the grafted tendon after double-bundle ACL reconstruction, including patient age, length of preserved remnant tissue of the torn ACL, type of bundle, type of graft, and time from injury to surgery, we found no evidence that increased synovialization improves clinical outcomes at 1 year postoperatively.
Allografts ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction* ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament* ; Arthroscopy ; Autografts ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Knee ; Lysholm Knee Score ; Tendons* ; Transplants*

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological results of 2 different tibial fixations performed using bioabsorbable screws with added hydroxyapatite (HA) and pure poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) screws in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: A total of 394 patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction between March 2009 and June 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Of those, 172 patients who took the radiological and clinical evaluations at more than 2 years after surgery were enrolled and divided into 2 groups: PLLA group (n = 86) and PLLA-HA group (n = 86). Both groups were assessed by means of the Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee score, and Tegner activity score. Stability was evaluated using the KT-2000 arthrometer. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to evaluate tibial tunnel widening, screw resorption, osteoingeration, and foreign body reactions. RESULTS: The PLLA-HA group showed significant reduction in the extent of tibial tunnel widening and foreign body reactions and significant increase in screw resorption compared to the pure PLLA group (p < 0.001 for both). In contrast, postoperative Lysholm score, Tegner activity score, IKDC score, and side-to-side difference on the KT-2000 arthrometer showed no significant differences between groups (p = 0.478, p = 0.906, p = 0.362, and p = 0.078, respectively). The PLLA group showed more significant widening in the proximal tibial tunnel than the PLLA-HA group (p = 0.001). In the correlation analysis, proximal tibial tunnel widening revealed a positive correlation with knee laxity (r = 0.866) and a negative correlation with Lysholm score (r = −0.753) (p < 0.01 for both). CONCLUSIONS: The HA added PLLA screws would be advantageous for tibial graft fixation by reducing tibial tunnel widening, improving osteointegration, and lowering foreign body reactions. Even though no clinically significant differences were noted between the pure PLLA group and PLLA-HA group, widening of the proximal area of the tibial tunnel showed a tendency to increase knee laxity measured using the KT-2000 arthrometer.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ; Durapatite ; Foreign Bodies ; Humans ; Knee ; Lysholm Knee Score ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Retrospective Studies ; Transplants

PURPOSE: High Outerbridge grade lesions of the articular cartilage have been associated with poor outcomes of high tibial osteotomy (HTO). However, there has been no report on the efficacy of HTO in the presence of kissing lesions. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes of HTO between kissing lesion and non-kissing lesion groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis and varus deformity treated with HTO between 2007 and 2012, 21 cases with kissing lesions and 22 cases without kissing lesions were selected. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Lysholm knee scoring scale score, visual analogue scale score, Hospital for Special Surgery score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities score, and Tegner activity score. Radiographic outcomes were assessed using the femoral-tibial angle, mechanical axis deviation, medial proximal tibial angle, posterior tibial slope angle, and joint space width. RESULTS: Clinical outcomes were improved in both groups from the postoperative assessment to the final follow-up, which showed no statistically significant difference between groups at the final follow-up. No statistically significant differences were observed with regard to radiographic assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Since both groups showed favorable short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes, HTO might be an alternative treatment option for degenerative osteoarthritis with kissing lesions in relatively young patients.
Cartilage, Articular ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Joints ; Knee ; Lysholm Knee Score ; Ontario ; Osteoarthritis ; Osteotomy

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the demographics, clinical features, and outcomes of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) for isolated medial meniscus horizontal cleavage tears (MMHCTs) in patients under 45 years of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 98 patients (100 knees) under 45 years who underwent APM for MMHCTs. Clinical outcomes were assessed using International Knee Document Committee (IKDC) subjective core, Tegner activity scale, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, and a question on the symptom relief. RESULTS: 79% were male and 70% had no trauma. The mean symptom duration was 10 months. At arthroscopy, a flap tear was identified in 75%. At a mean of 19-month follow-up, the IKDC subjective score, Tegner activity scale, and VAS pain score were significantly improved compared to the preoperative values (p=0.025, p=0.043, and p=0.032, respectively). While 85% were free of symptoms, 15% had persistent pain. No significant differences in outcomes were observed based on the tear type and the presence of flap tears. No progression or development of radiographic degenerative changes was observed in all knees. CONCLUSIONS: Demographics of MMHCTs under age 45 showed a male dominance and higher frequency of non-traumatic tears. APM was beneficial to symptomatic HCTs in this cohort during the short-term follow-up. Type of HCTs and combined flap tears did not affect clinical outcomes.
Arthroscopy ; Cohort Studies ; Demography ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Knee ; Lysholm Knee Score ; Male ; Menisci, Tibial ; Retrospective Studies ; Tears ; Visual Analog Scale

PURPOSE: To evaluate the radiologic and functional outcomes of medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) combined with arthroscopic procedure in patients with medial osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 1996 to March 2010, 26 patients (32 knees) who underwent medial open wedge osteotomy and arthroscopic operation for medial osteoarthritis were retrospectively reviewed. Measurements included hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle, femorotibial angle, medial proximal tibial angle, posterior tibial slope angle, and Kellgren-Lawrence grade. Clinical evaluation was performed using Lysholm knee scoring scale and knee and function score of the American Knee Society. RESULTS: Differences between the mean preoperative and postoperative measurements were significant in all angles including the HKA angle (−5.7° and +5.5°), femorotibial angle (−1.9° and +9.8°), and medial proximal tibial angle (82.9° and 90.5°) (p<0.05). Mean Lysholm knee scoring scale was 63.6 preoperatively and 88.7 at the last follow-up, mean Knee Society knee score was 61.2 and 86.6, and mean function score was 59.3 and 87.2, respectively. All differences were significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Medial open wedge HTO in combination with arthroscopic procedure is an effective treatment method for medial osteoarthritis to treat varus deformity and an intra-articular lesion.
Arthroscopy ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Knee ; Lysholm Knee Score ; Methods ; Osteoarthritis ; Osteotomy ; Retrospective Studies