Armin Runer

The anterolateral ligament of the knee: A dissection study

BACKGROUND Recent studies have described the presence of the anterolateral ligament (ALL). However, there is still no consensus regarding the anatomy of this structure with the topic controversially discussed. The aim of this study was to provide an anatomical description of the ligamentous structures on the anterolateral side of the knee with special emphasis on the ALL. METHODS Forty-four human cadaveric knees were dissected to reveal the ALL and other significant structures in the anterolateral compartment of the knee joint. The ALL was defined as a firm structure running in an oblique direction from the lateral femoral epicondyle to a bony insertion at the anterolateral tibia. RESULTS The ALL was identified in 45.5% (n=20) of the dissected knee joints. The structure originates together with the fibular collateral ligament (45%) or just posterior and proximal to it (55%). The ligament has an extra-capsular, anteroinferior, oblique course to the anterolateral tibia with a bony insertion between Gerdys tubercle and the fibular head. The ALL had its greatest extend at 60° of knee flexion and maximal internal rotation. CONCLUSION The ALL is a firm ligamentous structure in the anterolateral part of the knee present in 45.5% of the cases. Given the course and characteristics of this structure, a function in providing rotational stability by preventing internal rotation of the knee is likely. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The ALL might be an important stabilizer in the knee and may play a significant role in preventing excessive internal tibial rotation and subluxation of the knee joint.

Extension deficit after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Is arthroscopic posterior release a safe and effective procedure?

BACKGROUND Postoperative extension deficits following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction can cause major limitation during daily life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of an all-arthroscopic approach and posterior capsule release for the treatment of persistent knee extension deficits following ACL reconstruction. METHODS Between 2009 and 2013 a total of 10 patients with knee flexion contractures after ACL reconstruction were assessed following an all-arthroscopic approach and posterior capsulotomy. The clinical outcomes were reviewed using the range of motion (ROM), Tegner Activity Level, Lysholm score and visual analogue pain scale (VAS). RESULTS Four women and six men with a median age of 34years (range: 17 to 49years) were included in the study. The median follow-up period was 25months (range: 14 to 69months). The median preoperative extension deficit was 15° (range: 10 to 20°) compared to the normal contralateral knee. Postoperatively at final follow-up the median extension deficit was one degree (range: 0 to five degrees) (P<0.01). The median preoperative Lysholm score improved from 52 (range: 32 to 67) to 92 (range: 84 to 100) postoperatively (P<0.01), while the median Tegner Activity Level improved from three (range: two to six) to six (range: three to seven) respectively (P<0.02). The median VAS status for pain decreased from five (range: one to 10) to one (range: 0 to three) (P<0.01). No complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS Arthroscopic posterior capsulotomy is a safe and effective additional procedure in the treatment of persistent knee extension deficits following ACL reconstruction with excellent results regarding ROM and subjective outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV.

Anatomical MCL reconstruction following TKA

Adequate ligament balancing has a tremendous impact on successful total knee arthroplasty. In case of instability, severely disabling symptoms require revision surgery. Here we present a case of early total knee arthroplasty failure due to secondary valgus laxity, which was successfully treated with medial collateral ligament (MCL) reconstruction. For anatomical MCL reconstruction, a flattened semitendinosus autograft was used to reconstruct the superficial medial collateral and the posterior oblique ligament.

A prospective analysis of injury rates, patterns and causes in Cliff and Splash Diving

INTRODUCTION Information about injuries and its differences in Cliff Diving (CD) and Splash Diving (SD) are unknown. It was the aim to analyse (1) injury rates, patterns and causes; (2) differences (in injuries) between both disciplines; and to (3) identify targets for future injury prevention interventions. METHODS From April to November 2013, 81 cliff and 51 splash divers were prospectively surveyed with an encrypted, monthly e-mail-based questionnaire. RESULTS During a total of 7857h diving with an average diving height of 13 (±7)m, an overall injury rate of 7.9 injuries/1000h of sport exposure was reported. Cliff divers most commonly suffered from injuries of the foot and ankle (18%; n=24) and neck and cervical spine (14%; n=19). In SD, the lower limb (52%; n=43) and lower back (23%; n=19) were most frequently involved. In 79% (n=49) of the cases, the injury happened while entering the water. Cliff divers were in 52% (n=15) of the injuries in a feet-first and in 14% (n=4) in a head-first position. Splash divers were in 45% (n=9) of the injuries in a back- or buttocks-first position. Most of the injuries were bruises (47%; n=104) and muscle strains (13%; n=28). The injury risk during practice was significantly higher than in competition (11.3 vs. 4.5 injuries/1000h; OR 2.5; p=0.001). The injury risk of experts (15.4/1000h exposure) was significantly higher than in professionals (6.3/1000h exposure; OR 2.4; 95% CI, 3.3-1.9; p<0.001), although the average diving height was significantly higher in professionals (19m±8 vs. 12m±6; p<0.001). Significantly more professionals performed dryland training compared to experts (p=0.006). CONCLUSION Most of the injuries are related to the water entry. The entry position plays a key role in injury patterns with pursuant differences comparing CD with SD. Although most of the injuries involved soft-tissue only, severe injuries have been reported. Targets for future injury prevention strategies include protection for the increased impaction at entry; adaption of the diving conditions in practice to those in competition; dryland training courses; and instruction of non-professional divers to teach appropriate diving techniques.

[Injuries in Freestyle Motocross (FMX): A Retrospective Study].

INTRODUCTION Freestyle Motocross (FMX) is an emerging extreme sport in which motocross riders perform risky jumps and tricks, which are graded by judges for their degree of difficulty, originality, and style. To this date, injury, patterns and causes in Freestyle Motocross have not been determined. METHODS Over the time period from January 2006 to December 2012, 19 professional FMX riders of an internationally active FMX team were retrospectively surveyed by means of a questionnaire and questionnaire-based interviews regarding injuries sustained during training, shows, or competition. The questionnaire collected information regarding injury type, circumstances, causes, and treatment. In addition, general information was obtained on body dimensions, experience, training, and equipment used. RESULTS A total of 54 accidents resulting in 78 severe injuries were registered. The most common types of injuries were fractures (66.6 %), ligament ruptures (7.7 %), and contusions (6.4 %). Most frequently affected body regions were foot/ankle (20.5 %), shoulder (12.8 %), and back (10.3 %). The Backflip was the trick during which most of the injuries occurred (35.2 %). Incorrect execution of jumps (25.9 %) was the leading cause of accidents. CONCLUSION Based on our data, FMX is a high-risk sport. To avoid injuries, ramps, motorcycles, and equipment should be in the best possible shape and the athletes themselves in good physical and mental condition. Attendance of medical staff during FMX activity is advised at all time.