Chian Her Lee

Osteochondral autografts for osteochondritis dissecans of the talus.

Eighteen symptomatic advanced-stage osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the talus (Berndt and Harty stages III 7 and IV 11) in 17 patients were treated with multiple autogenous osteochondral cylindrical grafts. The mean time of follow-up was 36 months (range, 25–49). The average age at surgery was 22.7 years (range, 19–34). The mean size of defect of OCD was 13.6 mm × 7.2 mm. Two or three osteochondral grafts (6 or 7 mm in diameter and 15–20 mm in length) were harvested from the superomedial margin of the ipsilateral knee. A partial osteotomy of the medial malleolus or osteotomy of the distal lateral tibia was performed for all cases. Being evaluated by the Freiburg ankle score, 16 of 18 ankles (88.8%) had excellent and two (11.8%) had good results. “Second-look” arthroscopy of 16 ankles revealed consistency of the osteochondral grafts and congruity between grafts and native cartilage in 14 (87.5%), and a softening or fissuring of the osteochondral graft in two. Our results showed that this procedure provided an effective treatment for a symptomatic advanced-stage OCD of the talus.

Functional outcomes of surgical reconstruction for posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow

BACKGROUND The disruption or insufficiency of lateral ligament complex including lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) leads to posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI). An accurate clinical staging is quite useful in predicting the prognosis. The purpose of our study is to review our experience with surgical reconstruction for PLRI of the elbow and to investigate the relationship between the clinical stage of elbow instability and the functional outcomes of PLRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with PLRI of the elbow determined by fluoroscopic stress view under anaesthesia underwent surgical reconstruction of the LUCL with autogenous tendon graft. RESULTS Thirteen of the fourteen patients (93%) were subjectively satisfied with the outcome of the surgery. The mean follow-up was 49 months (range: 24-72). The results were better in patients with stage 1 or 2 instability (group I) compared to those with stage 3 instability (group II). CONCLUSIONS Reconstruction of the LUCL using an autogenous tendon graft is an effective method for patients with PLRI of elbow. Since better results were obtained in patients with stage 1 or 2 instability rather than stage 3, accurate clinical staging determined by fluoroscopic stress view under anaesthesia is important before surgery for appropriate treatment and prediction of functional outcomes.

Arthroscopic Elimination of Monosodium Urate Deposition of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Reduces the Recurrence of Gout

PURPOSE To determine if the arthroscopic removal of gouty crystal deposits from the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint will reduce the recurrence rate and improve foot function compared to medical treatment alone. METHODS Twenty-eight male patients with hyperuricemia (>7.0 mg/dL) and repeated attacks of gouty arthritis of the first MTP joint were included in this study. Arthroscopic intervention of the first MTP joint was performed on 15 patients (group 1), while the other 13 patients were treated with medication alone (group 2). The follow-up period (mean +/- standard deviation) was 3.9 +/- 1.1 years in group 1 and 2.4 +/- 0.3 years in group 2. RESULTS After treatment, both groups showed a significant improvement in the number of acute attacks of gouty arthritis and in their functional scores on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale. On both measures, the results for group 1 were significantly better than those for group 2. CONCLUSIONS Arthroscopic removal of gouty crystals from the first MTP joint can reduce the rate of acute repeated attacks of gouty arthritis and increase foot and ankle function.

Corrective-elongation osteotomy without bone graft for old ankle fracture with residual diastasis.

The main principle for treatment of ankle fractures is anatomic reduction until bony union is achieved. Old fractures of the ankle with residual diastasis, however, may cause persistent pain, joint effusion, and range-of-motion limitation, and make eventual ankle arthrodesis inevitable. Restoration of the integrity of the ankle mortise is the determining factor for successful repair of this type of ankle fracture. Old ankle fracture, where malunion has already occurred, is a great challenge for the orthopedic surgeon. Twelve such patients were treated by means of reconstructive corrective-elongation osteotomy without bone graft at the authors’ institution from 1997 to 1999. These patients had persistent symptoms and radiographic evidence of a fibula that had healed in a shortened, rotated position, resulting in widening of the ankle mortise. The average time interval between injury and reconstructive operation was 18 months. At follow-up, which averaged 34 months, greatly improved ambulation and level of joint function was noted for all patients, and follow-up x-ray confirmed good ankle mortise geometry. The short-term results for these patients were good, with further follow-up planned to determine efficacy long term. In conclusion, reconstructive corrective-elongation osteotomy is a worthwhile procedure for old ankle fracture with malunion, and it can also postpone degenerative change in the ankle joint.

A Biomechanical Comparison of All-Inside Meniscus Repair Techniques

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the biomechanical characteristics of six all-inside meniscal single suture repair techniques using a porcine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Peripheral longitudinal tears were created in freshly isolated porcine menisci. Tears were repaired using the single vertical technique with six different repair complexes including those involving sutures (#2 FiberWire, #2 Ethibone, flexible anchors (Fast-Fix, RapidLoc), and rigid anchors (Meniscal-Dart, BioStinger). Displacement, ultimate failure strength, stiffness, and site of failure were measured using a Materials Testing System machine. An initial 2 N preload was applied, followed by loading between 5 and 20 N for 300 cycles. Failure strength was determined lastly by increasing tension at a rate of 5 mm/min until failure. RESULTS Failure strength was highest in the #2 FiberWire group (175.6 N). This was significantly higher than in all other groups (P < 0.05). The second highest failure load was evident in the #2 Ethibone group (113.8 N). This was significantly higher than in all other groups bar the #2 FiberWire group (P < 0.05). Stiffness was also significantly higher in the #2 FiberWire group compared with all other groups (8.5 N/mm, P < 0.05). There were no between-group differences in displacement. When grouped by repair technique, failure load was significantly higher, and displacement was significantly lower, in suture compared with both flexible and rigid anchor repaired menisci (P < 0.01 for all comparisons). Although stiffness was also higher in the suture group, there were no significant between-group differences detected. CONCLUSIONS Suture techniques exhibited biomechanical superiority over biodegradable flexible and rigid anchor devices for meniscus repair.

Combined Proximal and Distal Realignment Procedures to Treat the Habitual Dislocation of the Patella in Adults

Background Habitual dislocation of the patella (HDP) is a rare condition. Many surgical procedures using proximal realignment have been reported to treat HDP in children, with around 80% satisfactory results. However, few articles have addressed the treatment of HDP associated with high-grade patellofemoral chondromalacia in adults. Hypothesis A combination of proximal and distal realignment procedures of the patella will reduce pain and increase function in adult patients with HDP. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Twelve patients with 13 symptomatic cases of HDP of the knee underwent surgical treatment that included lateral release, medial retinaculum advancement, and the anteromedial tibial tubercle transfer procedure. The average period between dislocation and surgery was 10.8 years. One patient had an additional procedure, an open-wedge varus corrective osteotomy of the distal femur, because of a 20° valgus deformity of the knee. The patellofemoral morphology study included routine and Merchant views of the knee and a computed tomography scan at full extension and at 30° flexion of the knee, before the operation and at follow-up. Any associated intra-articular pathologic findings during the surgical procedure were addressed. Patellofemoral function was evaluated with the Kujala functional score before surgery and at the time of the final follow-up. Results Chondromalacia of the patella over the medial facet and central ridge was grade III in 8 knees and grade IV in 5 knees. Corresponding chondral erosion of the lateral femoral condyle was noted in every knee. All patients were followed for an average period of 67.3 months (range, 25-103 months). The average preoperative Kujala functional score was 43.9 and the average postoperative score was 88.9 (P < .05). Radiographically, there was a statistically significant improvement in the congruence angle from 62.1° ± 15.0° preoperatively to —2.7° ± 9.8° postoperatively (P < .01) and in the lateral patellofemoral angle from —40.2° ± 9.3° preoperatively to 1.4° ± 7.0° postoperatively (P < .01). No patient has reported an episode of patellar dislocation after the surgical procedures. Conclusion Combined proximal and distal realignments of the patella effectively treat HDP in adults with associated high-grade patellofemoral chondromalacia.

Treatment of septic knee arthritis: Comparison of arthroscopic debridement alone or combined with continuous closed irrigation-suction system

BACKGROUND Arthroscopic debridement has been widely adapted as initial treatment for septic knee arthritis. Although isolated cases of arthroscopic debridement combined with irrigation-suction systems have been reported, a comparison of two techniques has not been performed, to our knowledge. The purpose of this study was to compare the two methods of treatment. METHODS From January 1996 to December 2008, 39 patients with 39 septic knee arthritis treated in our institution were retrospectively analyzed. Nineteen knees were initially treated with arthroscopic debridement alone (group I), and 20 knees were initially treated with arthroscopic debridement combined with continuous closed irrigation-suction system (group II). The clinical presentation, laboratory and microbiologic findings, hospital course, and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS The mean delay between the onset of the symptoms and treatment had a significant effect on the clinical outcomes. When the comparison included all the patients in the series, no significant difference between the two groups was found with regard to the number of operation procedures required or the length of the hospital stay. However, when the comparison was separated from the initial stage of infection, it was found that in stage II infection, patients had fewer reoperations and in stages II and III infection, a shorter hospital stay in group II than in group I (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the functional results between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS The early diagnosis and aggressive initiation of treatment carried the success of therapy in septic knee arthritis. Arthroscopic debridement combined with continuous closed irrigation-suction system is an effective treatment for patients with septic knee arthritis; these patients had fewer operations and a shorter hospital stay than did patients who had received arthroscopic debridement alone.

Anatomic reconstruction of neglected Achilles tendon rupture with autogenous peroneal longus tendon by EndoButton fixation.

BACKGROUND Neglected or chronic rupture of the Achilles tendon usually needs a reconstruction procedure. Many graft sources have been reported for this procedure, such as a proximal V-Y gastrocnemius tendon flap, flexor hallucis longus tendon, fascia lata, plantaris tendon, synthetic materials, and peroneus brevis. However, how to fix the graft at the calcaneal site remains controversial. METHODS An alternative technique to anatomically reconstruct the Achilles tendon using an autogenous peroneal longus tendon with EndoButton-CL fixation at the calcaneal site for treatment of a patient who had a chronic neglected rupture of the Achilles tendon is described. RESULTS The patient was allowed to begin gentle exercise, such as swimming and cycling 12 weeks after surgery, and encouraged to augment rehabilitation of hindfoot eversion and ankle plantar flexion. The ankle plantar flexion and hindfoot eversion strength was not reduced after active rehabilitation in 2.5 years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Our technique reuses two small central incisions, thus, preserving skin integrity as much as possible to reduce wound breakdown or infection. The management of chronic or neglected Achilles tendon rupture by autogenous peroneal longus tendon with EndoButton-CL fixation at the calcaneal site is an anatomic and safe, but technically demanding technique.

Mechanical comparison of biodegradable femoral fixation devices for hamstring tendon graft - A biomechanical study in a porcine model

BACKGROUND Initial fixation strength is critical for the early post-operative rehabilitation of patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. However, even the best femoral fixation devices remain controversial. We compared the biomechanical characteristics of tendon grafts fixed by different biodegradable femoral fixation devices following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. METHODS The Bio-TransFix, Rigidfix, Bioscrew with EndoPearl augmentation and Bioscrew devices were used to fix porcine flexor digitorum profundus tendon grafts in 32 porcine femora. Displacement of each tendon graft was evaluated after cyclic loading testing. Stiffness, ultimate failure load and failure mode of these fixation devices were measured with load-to-failure testing. FINDINGS The displacement of the femur-graft-cement complex in response to cyclic loading was lower (P<0.05) for the Bio-TransFix than the Rigidfix, Bioscrew with EndoPearl augmentation, and Bioscrew groups. The fixation stiffness values of the Rigidfix and the Bioscrew were significantly greater (P<0.05) than that of the Bio-TransFix. The ultimate failure load was significantly greater for the Bio-TransFix and the Rigidfix than the Bioscrew with EndoPearl augmentation or the Bioscrew (P<0.05). INTERPRETATION The Bio-TransFix provided the least graft displacement under cyclic loading. However, this device gave less stability. The Rigidfix device provided better stability and stiffness of the tendon graft among those fixation devices that showed no significant differences in graft displacement under cyclic loading. However, no single fixation device provided less displacement along with a larger failure load and stiffness in this study.

Comparison of Different Sizes of Bioabsorbable Interference Screws for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Bioabsorbable Bead Augmentation in a Porcine Model

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to compare the initial fixation strength of tendon grafts between different sizes of bioabsorbable interference screws (BioScrew; Linvatec, Largo, FL) with bioabsorbable bead (EndoPearl; Linvatec) augmentation through biomechanical analysis of a porcine femoral bone model. METHODS Forty pairs of porcine femurs and porcine flexor digitorum profundus tendons were divided into control and study groups. In the control group 8 x 30-mm BioScrews alone (n = 10) were inserted, whereas different sizes of BioScrews, measuring 7 x 30 mm (n = 10), 8 x 30 mm (n = 10), and 9 x 30 mm (n = 10), with 8-mm EndoPearl augmentation were inserted individually for fixation of tendon grafts in the study groups. All specimens were cyclically loaded with axial forces between 50 and 250 N at 1 Hz for 3,000 cycles and then incrementally loaded to failure at a rate of 150 mm/min. RESULTS BioScrews with EndoPearl augmentation had a significantly higher failure load than BioScrews alone (8-mm BioScrew alone v 8-mm BioScrew and EndoPearl, P < .05). There were no significant differences in the ultimate failure load (8 mm v 7 mm and 9 mm, P = .201 and P = .871, respectively), stiffness (8 mm v 7 mm and 9 mm, P = .789 and P = .823, respectively), displacement (8 mm v 7 mm and 9 mm, P = .695 and P = .781, respectively), and bone mineral density (P = .728 for all comparisons) except insertion torque (8 mm v 7 mm and 9 mm, P = .045 and P = .518, respectively) between study groups. Less tendon laceration by the screw thread was noted in the group in which smaller-sized BioScrews were used. CONCLUSIONS When EndoPearl augmentation was used, smaller-sized BioScrews (BioScrew size 1 mm smaller than bone tunnel) offered equivalent graft fixation strength to BioScrews of similar or larger sizes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Smaller-sized BioScrews can be chosen if EndoPearl augmentation has been used, and EndoPearl augmentation may reduce the risk of tendon rupture while BioScrews are inserted.