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Analysis of meniscal and chondral lesions accompanying anterior cruciate ligament tears: relationship with age, time from injury, and level of sport

The purposes of this multi-center study were: (a) to document the location and type of meniscal and chondral lesions that accompany anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, and (b) to test for possible relationships between these lesions and patient age, time from initial injury (TFI), and sports level (i.e., recreation, amateur, professional, and national). The cases of 764 patients with ACL tears who underwent arthroscopy for the first time were retrospectively analyzed. The group included 684 males and 80 females of mean age 27 years (range 14–59 years). The mean TFI was 19.8 months (range 0.2–360 months). Eighty-seven percent of the group engaged in regular sporting activity. Thirty-seven percent had medial meniscal tears, 16% had lateral meniscal tears, and 20% had tears of both menisci. The most common tear types were longitudinal tears in the posterior and middle horns of both menisci. Tears of the lateral meniscus were more centrally located than those of the medial meniscus. Incomplete tears and radial tears were significantly more common in the lateral meniscus. Nineteen percent of the knees had one or more chondral lesions. Sixty percent of the chondral lesions were located in the medial tibio-femoral compartment. Patient age was statistically associated with presence of a medial meniscal tear, presence of a grade 3 or 4 chondral lesion, and presence of a complex tear of the medial meniscus. Sports level was not statistically related to any of the parameters studied. The odds of having a medial meniscal tear at 2 to 5 years TFI were 2.2 times higher than the odds in the first year post-injury, and the odds at >5 years were 5.9 times higher than at 0 to 12 months TFI. The frequency of lateral meniscal tear remained fairly constant at 2 years TFI. The odds of having a grade 3 or 4 chondral lesion were 2.7 times greater at 2 to 5 years TFI than they were at 1 year post-injury, and these odds increased to 4.7 when patients at >5 years TFI were compared to those in the 2 to 5 years category. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that TFI and age were equally important predictors of lateral meniscal tears and of grade 3 or 4 chondral lesions; however, TFI was the better predictor of medial meniscal tear.

Bone bruises detected by magnetic resonance imaging following lateral ankle sprains

Abstract Although bone bruises have been well described in the knee joint, little is known about their presence in the ankle joint. The present study attempted to document the association of bone bruises with lateral ankle sprains. Magnetic resonance (MR) images were obtained from 60 consecutive patients with lateral ankle sprains between April 1994 and June 1995. There were 29 men and 31 women, aged on average 25 years (range 12–68 years). All of the patients presented within 3 weeks of the sprain. MRI examinations were done within 3 weeks of the injury in 15, after 3–6 weeks in 21, and after 6–8 weeks in 24 cases. There were 28 first-time sprains, while 32 patients had suffered one or more sprains before the most recent one. Plain radiographs showed no evidence of osseous abnormality. Following the conventional MRI examination, magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) was done by injecting 2 mM of gadolinium diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA) into the joint under fluoroscopic control, and the same images were obtained again to search for ligamentous lesions. A total of 11 bone bruises were detected in 10 ankles. In this group of patients, there were 5 men and 5 women aged on average 27 years (range 12–50 years). Four MRI examinations were done within 3 weeks, while six were done 3–6 weeks after the injury. One ankle which had suffered one previous sprain and complete ruptures of anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) had two lesions (talus and navicula). In another recurrent case with complete ATFL and CFL ruptures, the lesion was found in the calcaneus. The remaining eight lesions were in the talus in eight ankles. The ligamentous lesions in these ankles included three complete ATFL and CFL ruptures, and four isolated ATFL ruptures; in one ankle there were no ligamentous lesions. The location of talar bruises was medial in six and lateral in three ankles. The incidence of bone bruises associated with isolated ATFL lesions was 16% (4/25). With combined ATFL and CFL lesions the incidence was 50% (5/10). The incidence of ankles with bone bruises and first-time and recurrent sprains was 7% (2/28) and 25% (8/32), respectively. The occurrence of bone bruises should be kept in mind following ankle sprains. Their clinical significance in the long term remains to be determined.

Bilateral Discoid Medial Menisci

SUMMARY This article adds 2 more cases of bilateral discoid medial menisci to the previously reported 9 cases. The radiographs of the first case revealed bilateral cupping of the medial tibial plateaus and a small lytic lesion of the left distal medial femoral metaphysis. Beside the posteriorly unstable incomplete type discoid medial meniscus, the left knee had several associated arthroscopic findings: depression of the medial tibial plateau with exposed subchondral bone, anomalous insertion of the anterior horn of the discoid meniscus to the anterior cruciate ligament, a pathological medial plica, and longitudinal deep fissures in the trochlea. The second case was a complete type with peripheral horizontal cleavage tears. Following arthroscopic surgery, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the contralateral knees were obtained in both cases to search for bilaterality. MRI revealed discoid medial menisci in the unoperated knees as well. The short-term results of arthroscopic meniscectomy may not be as satisfactory as those reported for normal menisci.

The distal fascicle of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament as a cause of anterolateral ankle impingement: Results of arthroscopic resection

We arthroscopically resected the impinged distal fascicle of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AIT-FL) in 21 patients (mean age 31 (11-68) years, 14 women) with chronic ankle pain after an ankle sprain. Clinical tests revealed moderate laxity in 2 and severe laxity in another 2, the remaining 17 ankles showing only mild laxity. During arthroscopy, an impinging distal fascicle of the AITFL was found in all cases. Following anterolateral synovectomy, the fascicle was excised. At the follow-up after mean 3 (2-4) years, good-to-excellent results were obtained in 17 patients. 19 patients were satisfied with the procedure and 17 patients returned to their previous level of activity. 2 patients who had mild laxity were graded as poor because of neuromas of the terminal branches of the superficial peroneal nerve. These patients became asymptomatic after an injection of steroids.

Intraarticular fibroma of the tendon sheath of the knee

Fibroma of the tendon sheath is an uncommon soft-tissue tumor. Intraarticular localization has not been previously reported. The patient presented with unexplained recurrent swelling of the knee not associated with recent trauma. The soft-tissue tumor was identified by magnetic resonance imaging. Arthroscopy confirmed the diagnosis. Arthrotomy was performed because of the large size of the lesion.

Intra-articular hemangioma of the knee with meniscal and bony attachment

A hemangioma in the knee joint of a 37-year-old woman was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging. The case presented with pain and a tender localized swelling lateral to the patellar tendon. Arthroscopy verified the diagnosis but did not allow visualization of the full extent of the tumor. After arthroscopic subtotal excision of the associated hypertrophic medial plica, a miniarthrotomy was done. The tumor was attached to the periphery of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus, to the anterior tibial plateau, and to the fat pad. It seemed to take its origin from the venous plexus just below the anterior lip of the central tibial plateau. The patient was asymptomatic 9 months after surgery. In hemangiomas not amenable to arthroscopic surgery, open excision through miniarthrotomy ensures complete removal without prolonging recovery.

Proprioception of the knee joint in patellofemoral pain syndrome

OBJECTIVES The importance of proprioception in the etiology, treatment, and prevention of sports injuries and joint diseases has become increasingly clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate knee proprioception in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). METHODS The study included 28 patients (18 females, 10 males; mean age 28 years; range 16 to 48 years) with a clinical diagnosis of unilateral PFPS and 27 normal volunteers (13 females, 14 males; mean age 26 years; range 19 to 32 years) without any complaint related to the knee. The mean duration of complaints was 35.8 weeks (range 2 weeks to 3 years). In both patient and control groups, proprioception of the knee was measured by means of active joint position sense at four different target angles (15 degrees , 30 degrees , 45 degrees , 60 degrees ) with the use of a digital goniometer and the results were compared. RESULTS Proprioceptive errors were greater at all target angles in the affected knees compared to those measured in the contralateral knees and both knees of the controls. Differences between affected knees and contralateral knees ranged from 1.01+/-0.25 degrees to 1.65+/-0.43 degrees and were significant at three target angles (15 degrees , 30 degrees , 60 degrees ; p<0.05). Comparisons between the affected knees and both knees of the controls also showed significant differences at all target angles ranging from 2.48+/-0.92 degrees to 3.87+/-2.46 degrees (p<0.001). Errors obtained in the normal knees of the patients were also significantly greater compared to those seen in both knees of the controls, exceeding 2.7 degrees at some target angles (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Our results show that patients with PFPS have impaired proprioception in the affected knee accompanied by significant losses in the proprioception of the contralateral normal knee. Based on these findings, proprioceptive rehabilitation techniques should be incorporated into the treatment of PFPS.

Clinical and functional outcomes and proprioception after a modified accelerated rehabilitation program following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patellar tendon autograft

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes and proprioceptive function in patients who received a modified accelerated rehabilitation program after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with a patellar tendon (PT) graft. METHODS The study included 38 patients (33 men, 5 women; mean age 27.6 ± 6.4 years; range 18 to 45 years) who underwent ACL reconstruction with a PT graft and participated in a modified accelerated rehabilitation program. Only six patients were athletes. Isokinetic strengths of concentric knee extension and flexion were measured with the Cybex isokinetic dynamometer, and static balance was tested with the Sport-KAT device. For proprioceptive assessment, active repositioning was measured at knee flexions of 40°, 20°, and 5° with an isokinetic dynamometer. Activity levels and subjective functional results were evaluated with the Tegner activity scale and Lysholm knee score, respectively. For objective functional testing, single leg hop, triple leg hop, and one-legged crossover hop tests were used. Knee stability was assessed with the Lachman test and anterior drawer test and knee range of motion was measured. The mean follow-up period was 16.2 ± 9.8 months. RESULTS There was no graft failure during the follow-up. Twenty patients (52.6%) had hypoesthesia at the donor site and 15 patients (39.5%) had anterior knee pain. Before surgery, all the patients had positive results in the Lachman and anterior drawer tests. After surgery, the Lachman test was negative in 32 patients (84.2%), while six patients (15.8%) had grade 1 laxity. The mean Lysholm knee score showed a significant increase postoperatively (p<0.001). The mean preoperative and postoperative Tegner activity scores were not significantly different (p>0.05). There were no significant differences in the range of motion between operated and uninjured extremities (p>0.05). The two extremities were similar in proprioception and balance (p>0.05). Isokinetic quadriceps muscle strength was significantly decreased in the operated extremity only in extension at 60°/sec angular velocity (p<0.05). Other muscle strength measurements were similar in both extremities. The ratios of flexion/extension muscle strength were significantly greater in the involved extremity at all angular velocities (p<0.05). The mean performance scores of three functional tests were more than 85% of the uninvolved extremity. All the patients returned to preinjury daily activities or sports activities in 6 to 12 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION We had satisfactory clinical, proprioceptive, and functional results in achieving dynamic and static stability of the knee with the modified accelerated rehabilitation program after ACL reconstruction with a PT graft.

Kinematic and dynamic axial computed tomography of the patello-femoral joint in patients with anterior knee pain.

Thirty-eight knees of 26 patients with anterior knee pain (12 bilateral) were included in the study. There were 22 women and 4 men, and their average age was 29 years. Axial computed tomography (CT) examination of both knees were done at 0°, 10°, 20°, 30°, 40° and 60° of flexion with and without muscle contraction. Images were always taken at the mid-patellar level. Patellar tilt angle (PTA), congruence angle (CA) and sulcus angle (SA) were measured at each knee position. Normal values were also obtained from 14 healthy volunteers (28 knees). Thus, the types of patello-femoral incongruence were determined at each knee position: 1, tilt+lateralisation (TL: 12 knees); 2, lateralisation (L: 4 knees); 3, medialisation (M: 5 knees); 4, lateral to medial instability (LM: 1 knee); 5, tilt (T: 1 knee). Fifteen knees were classified as normal. When the groups were analysed separately, in the TL group the T or L component would have been missed in nine cases if the images were taken only at 30° or only in the first 30° of flexion. In the L group two patellae were reduced at 30°. In three knees in the M group, medialisation began at 10°, 20° and 30°. One patella was reduced at 40°. In the LM case, the patella was lateralised at 0°, 10°, 20° and medialised at 30° and 40°. In the T case, the patella was tilted only at 20°, 40° and 60°. This study showed that axial images taken only at 30° will miss important information. Imaging in the first 30° of flexion will not reveal the correct type of instability, either. Serial imaging over a wider range of flexion is necessary for the correct diagnosis. Determination of the type of incongruence at different knee positions is a new concept. With this methodology, the presence of medial and lateral to medial instabilities is verified. Hence, the classification systems including only lateral instability should be questioned.

Kinematic and dynamic axial computerized tomography of the normal patellofemoral joint

Fourteen normal volunteers with no history suggesting previous or current knee pathology underwent axial computed tomographic examination of the patellofemoral joint. There were 11 men and 3 women, whose ages ranged from 10 to 46 years (average 25 years). Axial images were obtained at 0°, 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, and 60° flexion both with and without contraction of the thigh muscles. Thus, 12 images were obtained for each individual. The CT scanner was focused at the midpatellar level prior to each image. Three measurements were made on 24 knees for each individual: congruence angle (CA), patellar tilt angle (PTA), and sulcus angle (SA). PTA increased slightly from 0° to 20°, and decreased slightly with more flexion (not significant, NS). The lower limit of PTA was usually 9°–10°: it was not lower than 7° in any knee position. Muscle contraction increased PTA slightly at each degree of flexion (NS). Mean CA was +18.3° (SD 20.8°) at 0°, which means that normal individuals may have CAs as high as +39° at full extension. There was a gradual decrease in CAs with knee flexion. The mean values became negative between 20° and 60° flexion. Contraction of the thigh muscles caused lateralisation of the patella except at 30° and 40° flexion. This lateral pull was statistically significant at full extension (P<0.01) and at 10° flexion (P<0.05). The SA decreased gradually as the flexion of the knee increased. Angles at 0°, 10°, and 20° flexion were significantly higher than those at 40° and 60° flexion (P<0.05). This study shows that CA, PTA and SA change depending on the degree of flexion of the knee, and that these angles show wide variations in the normal population. One should not rely on axial images taken at full extension, as this may erroneously lead to a diagnosis of subluxation in a normally tracking patella. The values obtained in this study may provide a basis for determining the type of patellar instability at different knee positions, and thus give a better profile or patellar tracking. This is a new concept. Besides, comparison of dynamic values obtained in this study with the ones in abnormal patellofemoral joints may also reveal useful information.