Azhar M. Merican

Biomechanical Comparison of Anatomic Double-Bundle, Anatomic Single-Bundle, and Nonanatomic Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions:

Background: Although both anatomic double-bundle and single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction procedures are in use, it remains controversial whether the anatomic double-bundle procedure is biomechanically superior. Hypothesis: The anatomic double-bundle procedure would be better than both laterally placed anatomic and nonanatomic transtibial single-bundle procedures at restoring to normal the tibial anterior translation, internal rotation, and pivot-shift instability. It was also hypothesized that tibial internal rotation would be closer to normal after laterally placed anatomic single-bundle reconstruction than after the nonanatomic reconstruction. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Eight cadaveric knees were mounted in a 6 degrees of freedom rig and tested using the following loading conditions: 90-N anterior and posterior tibial forces, 5-N·m internal and external tibial rotation torques, and a simulated pivot-shift test. Tibiofemoral kinematics during the flexion-extension cycle were recorded with an optical tracking system for (1) intact, (2) anterior cruciate ligament–deficient knee, (3) anatomic double-bundle reconstruction, (4) nonanatomic single-bundle reconstruction, and (5) laterally placed single-bundle reconstruction. Results: Rotational laxity with internal tibial torque and anterior laxity in the simulated pivot shift were significantly less in the double-bundle reconstruction and laterally placed single-bundle reconstruction compared with the nonanatomic single-bundle reconstruction. There were no significant differences between the 3 procedures when anterior and posterior tibial translation forces and external rotation torques were applied. In addition, there were no significant differences between the double-bundle reconstruction and laterally placed single-bundle reconstruction. Conclusion: The postoperative rotational and pivot-shift laxity after anatomic double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was significantly better than that after nonanatomic single-bundle reconstruction. However, there were no significant differences between the double-bundle reconstruction and laterally placed single-bundle reconstruction. Clinical Relevance: This work suggests that a single-bundle reconstruction may be better able to control both knee laxity and pivot-shift instability if the femoral tunnel is moved to a more lateral position and that then the double-bundle reconstruction may not offer significant further advantages.

Iliotibial band tension affects patellofemoral and tibiofemoral kinematics

The iliotibial band (ITB) has an important role in knee mechanics and tightness can cause patellofemoral maltracking. This study investigated the effects of increasing ITB tension on knee kinematics. Nine fresh-frozen cadaveric knees had the components of the quadriceps loaded with 175 N. A Polaris optical tracking system was used to acquire joint kinematics during extension from 100 degrees to 0 degrees flexion. This was repeated after the following ITB loads: 30, 60 and 90 N. There was no change with 30 N load for patellar translation. On average, at 60 and 90 N, the patella translated laterally by 0.8 and 1.4mm in the mid flexion range compared to the ITB unloaded condition. The patella became more laterally tilted with increasing ITB loads by 0.7 degrees, 1.2 degrees and 1.5 degrees for 30, 60 and 90 N, respectively. There were comparable increases in patellar lateral rotation (distal patella moves laterally) towards the end of the flexion cycle. Increased external rotation of the tibia occurred from early flexion onwards and was maximal between 60 degrees and 75 degrees flexion. The increase was 5.2 degrees, 9.5 degrees and 13 degrees in this range for 30, 60 and 90 N, respectively. Increased tibial abduction with ITB loads was not observed. The combination of increased patellar lateral translation and tilt suggests increased lateral cartilage pressure. Additionally, the increased tibial external rotation would increase the Q angle. The clinical consequences and their relationship to lateral retinacular releases may be examined, now that the effects of a tight ITB are known.

Biomechanical comparisons of knee stability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction between 2 clinically available transtibial procedures anatomic double bundle versus single bundle

Background: Several trials have compared the clinical results between anatomic double-bundle and single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction procedures. However, it remains controversial whether the anatomic double-bundle procedure is superior to the single-bundle procedure. Hypothesis: The anatomic double-bundle procedure will be better than the single-bundle procedure at resisting anterior laxity, internal rotation laxity, and pivot-shift instability. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Eight cadaveric knees were tested in a 6 degrees of freedom rig using the following loading conditions: 90-N anterior tibialforce, 5-N·m internal and external tibial torques, and a simulated pivot-shift test. Tibiofemoral kinematics during the flexion-extension cycle were recorded with an optical tracking system for (1) intact, (2) anterior cruciate ligament–deficient knee, (3) anatomic double-bundle reconstruction, and (4) single-bundle reconstruction placed at 11 o’clock in the intercondylar notch. Results: There were significant reductions of anterior laxity of 3.5 mm at 20° of flexion, internal rotational laxity of 2.5° at 20° of flexion, and anterior translations (2 mm) and internal rotations (5°) in the simulated pivot-shift test in the double-bundle reconstruction com-pared with the single-bundle reconstruction. There were no significant differences between the 2 procedures for external rotation laxity. Conclusion: The postoperative anterior translation and internal rotation stability after anatomic double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were significantly better than after single-bundle reconstruction, in both static tests and the pivot shift. Clinical Relevance: Unlike previous laboratory studies, this work used clinical arthroscopic methods for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and found that the anatomic reconstruction was superior to a single graft placed at 11 o’clock.

Anatomy of the lateral retinaculum of the knee

Anatomical descriptions of the lateral retinaculum have been published, but the attachments, name or even existence of its tissue bands and layers are ill-defined. We have examined 35 specimens of the knee. The deep fascia is the most superficial layer and the joint capsule is the deepest. The intermediate layer is the most substantial and consists of derivatives of the iliotibial band and the quadriceps aponeurosis. The longitudinal fibres of the iliotibial band merge with those of the quadriceps aponeurosis adjacent to the patella. These longitudinal fibres are reinforced by superficial arciform fibres and on the deep aspect by transverse fibres of the iliotibial band. The latter are dense and provide attachment of the iliotibial band to the patella and the tendon of vastus lateralis obliquus. Our study identifies two important new findings which are a constant connection of the deep fascia to the quadriceps tendon superior and lateral to the patella, and, a connection of the deeper transverse fibres to the tendon of vastus lateralis obliquus.

The geometry of the trochlear groove.

BackgroundIn the natural and prosthetic knees the position, shape, and orientation of the trochlea groove are three of the key determinants of function and dysfunction, yet the rules governing these three features remain elusive.Questions/PurposeThe aim was to define the three-dimensional geometry of the femoral trochlea and its relation to the tibiofemoral joint in terms of angles and distances.MethodsForty CT scans of femurs of healthy patients were analyzed using custom-designed imaging software. After aligning the femur using various axes, the locations and orientations of the groove and the trochlear axis were examined in relation to the conventional axes of the femur.ResultsThe trochlear groove was circular and positioned laterally in relation to the mechanical, anatomic, and transcondylar axes of the femur; it was not aligned with any of these axes. We have defined the trochlear axis as a line joining the centers of two spheres fitted to the trochlear surfaces lateral and medial to the trochlear groove. When viewed after aligning the femur to this new axis, the trochlear groove appeared more linear than when other methods of orientation were used.ConclusionsOur study shows the importance of reliable femoral orientation when reporting the shape of the trochlear groove.

Effect of Growth Differentiation Factor 5 on the Proliferation and Tenogenic Differentiation Potential of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells in vitro

The use of growth differentiation factor 5 (GDF-5) in damaged tendons has been shown to improve tendon repair. It has been hypothesized that further improvements may be achieved when GDF-5 is used to promote cell proliferation and induce tenogenic differentiation in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). However, the optimal conditions required to produce these effects on hMSCs have not been demonstrated in previous studies. A study to determine cell proliferation and tenogenic differentiation in hMSCs exposed to different concentrations of GDF-5 (0, 5, 25, 50, 100 and 500 ng/ml) was thus conducted. No significant changes were observed in the cell proliferation rate in hMSCs treated at different concentrations of GDF-5. GDF-5 appeared to induce tenogenic differentiation at 100 ng/ml, as reflected by (1) a significant increase in total collagen expression, similar to that of the primary native human tenocyte culture; (2) a significant upregulation in candidate tenogenic marker gene expression, i.e. scleraxis, tenascin-C and type-I collagen; (3) the ratio of type-I collagen to type-III collagen expression was elevated to levels similar to that of human tenocyte cultures, and (4) a significant downregulation of the non-tenogenic marker genes runt-related transcription factor 2 and sex determining region Y (SRY)-box 9 at day 7 of GDF-5 induction, further excluding hMSC differentiation into other lineages. In conclusion, GDF-5 does not alter the proliferation rates of hMSCs, but, instead, induces an optimal tenogenic differentiation response at 100 ng/ml.

The effect on patellofemoral joint stability of selective cutting of lateral retinacular and capsular structures.

Patient selection for lateral retinacular release (LRR) and its efficacy are controversial. Iatrogenic medial subluxation can occur with inappropriate LRR. The aim of this study was to determine the reduction in patellofemoral stability with progressively more extensive LRR. The force required to displace the patella 10mm medially and laterally in nine cadaveric knees was measured with and without loading of the quadriceps and iliotibial band. The knee was tested intact, then after progressive release beginning proximal to the patella (PR), the mid-level between the proximal and distal limit of the patella (MR) where the fibres are more transverse, then distally till Gerdys tubercle (DR) and finally the joint capsule (CR). Both medial and lateral stability decreased with progressive releases, larger for the medial. The MR caused a significant reduction of lateral stability between 30 degrees and 90 degrees of knee flexion. There was an 8% reduction in medial stability at 0 degrees flexion with a complete LRR (DR). A comparable reduction in medial stability in the loaded knee at 20 degrees and 30 degrees flexion was obtained with MR alone, with no further reduction after DR. A capsular release caused a further reduction in medial stability at 0 degrees and 20 degrees and this was marked in the unloaded knee. In extension, the main lateral restraint was the joint capsule. At 30 degrees flexion, the transverse fibres were the main contributor to the lateral restraint.

Patellofemoral joint kinematics: the circular path of the patella around the trochlear axis.

Differing descriptions of patellar motion relative to the femur have resulted from previous studies. We hypothesized that patellar kinematics would correlate to the trochlear geometry and that differing descriptions could be reconciled by accounting for differing alignments of measurement axes. Seven normal fresh‐frozen knees were CT scanned, and their kinematics with quadriceps loading was measured by an optical tracker system. Kinematics was calculated in relation to the femoral epicondylar, anatomic, and mechanical axes. A novel trochlear axis was defined, between the centers of spheres best fitted to the medial and lateral trochlear articular surfaces. The path of the center of the patella was circular and uniplanar (root‐mean‐square error 0.3 mm) above 16 ± 3° (mean ± SD) knee flexion. In the coronal plane, this circle was aligned 6 ± 2° from the femoral anatomical axis, close to the mechanical axis alignment. It was 91 ± 3° from the epicondylar axis, and 88 ± 3° from the trochlear axis. In the transverse plane it was 91 ± 3° and 88 ± 3° from the epicondylar and trochlear axes, respectively. Manipulation of the data to different axis alignments showed that differing previously published data could be reconciled. The circular path of patellar motion around the trochlea, aligned with the mechanical axis of the leg, is easily visualized and understood.

The structural properties of the lateral retinaculum and capsular complex of the knee

Although lateral retinacular releases are not uncommon, there is very little scientific knowledge about the properties of these tissues, on which to base a rationale for the surgery. We hypothesised that we could identify specific tissue bands and measure their structural properties. Eight fresh-frozen knees were dissected, and the lateral soft tissues prepared into three distinct structures: a broad tissue band linking the iliotibial band (ITB) to the patella, and two capsular ligaments: patellofemoral and patellomeniscal. These were individually tensile tested to failure by gripping the patella in a vice jaw and the soft tissues in a freezing clamp. Results: the ITB–patellar band was strongest, at a mean of 582 N, and stiffest, at 97 N/mm. The patellofemoral ligament failed at 172 N with 16 N/mm stiffness; the patellomeniscal ligament failed at 85 N, with 13 N/mm stiffness. These structural properties suggest that most of the load in-vivo is transmitted to the patella by the transverse fibres that originate from the ITB.

Length change patterns of the extensor retinaculum and the effect of total knee replacement.

Patellofemoral dysfunction following total knee replacement (TKR) is a significant clinical problem, but little information exists on the mechanics of the patellofemoral retinacula or the effects of TKR on these structures. We hypothesized that TKR would cause significant elongation of the retinacula. Retinacular length changes were measured by threading sutures along the retinacula, fixing the sutures to the patella and the iliotibial band (ITB), and attaching the femoral ends to displacement transducers. The intact knee was flexed‐extended while the quadriceps and ITB were tensed and the retinacular length change patterns were recorded. The measurements were repeated post‐TKR. The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) was close to isometric, stretching 2 mm in terminal knee extension, whereas the lateral retinaculum slackened 8 mm from 110° to 0° flexion. TKR did not cause significant elongation of either of the retinacula, the largest change being 3 mm elongation of the MPFL around 40°, which stretched the MPFL by 1.4 mm above its maximum natural length. Thus, this work did not support the hypothesis that TKR causes significant elongation of the retinacula sufficient to affect knee function.