Jae-Hyuk Yang

Clinical Results of Single-Tunnel Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction Using Autogenous Semitendinosus Tendon

Background Over 60 repair/reconstruction techniques have been described for the treatment of coracoclavicular (CC) ligament injuries. Purpose To report the functional and radiological outcomes of single-tunnel CC ligament reconstruction using autogenous semitendinosus tendon. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Between August 2005 and January 2008, a total of 21 patients, 16 patients (14 men, 2 women) with a Rockwood type IV, type V, or a chronic type III acromioclavicular (AC) dislocation and 5 patients (4 men, 1 woman) with a painful nonunited distal clavicle fracture with CC separation, underwent CC reconstructive surgery using a semitendinosus autograft. All 21 patients were followed up clinically and radiographically. The mean follow-up was 33 months (range, 18-47), and the mean patient age was 39.8 years (range, 18-70). Chronic type III AC dislocations and nonunited distal clavicle fractures with CC separation were scored using preoperative AC scoring (AC Joint Separation Questionnaire). Constant, University of California—Los Angeles (UCLA), and AC scores were evaluated for all patients at final follow-up. Results At the final follow-up, 10 patients achieved an “excellent” result and 11 a “good” result according to the AC scoring scheme. Mean final Constant and UCLA scores were 84.7 (range, 67-94) and 30.0 (range, 23-35), respectively. In the anteroposterior (AP) plane, 17 (81%) of the 21 patients maintained complete reduction, and 1 of the remaining 4, a manual laborer, had complete reduction loss. Of the 17 patients with an axillary view at final follow-up, 1 patient (5.9%) showed partial subluxation, although no subluxation was observed in the AP radiograph. The other 16 patients (94.1%) had a complete reduction state in axillary view. Conclusion Single-tunnel CC reconstruction with an autogenous hamstring tendon graft after a mean follow-up of 33 months (range, 18-47) appears to be a satisfactory means of treating acute Rockwood type IV, V, chronic type III, and painful nonunited distal clavicle fractures with CC separation.

Posterior Multilevel Vertebral Osteotomy for Correction of Severe and Rigid Neuromuscular Scoliosis: A Preliminary Study

Study Design. Prospective study. Objective. To determine the effectiveness and correction with posterior multilevel vertebral osteotomy in severe and rigid curves without anterior release. Summary of Background Data. For the correction of severe and rigid scoliotic curve, anterior-posterior combined or posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) procedures are used. Anterior procedure might compromise pulmonary functions, and PVCR might carry risk of neurologic injuries. Therefore, authors developed a new technique, which reduces both. Methods. Thirteen neuromuscular patients (7 cerebral palsy, 2 Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and 4 spinal muscular atrophy) who had rigid curve >100° were prospectively selected. All were operated with posterior-only approach using pedicle screw construct. To achieve desired correction, posterior multilevel vertebral osteotomies were performed at 3 to 5 levels (apex, and 1–2 levels above and below apex) through partial laminotomy sites connecting from concave to convex side, just above the pedicle; and repeated cantilever manipulation was applied over temporary short-segment fixation, above and below the apex, on convex side. On concave side, rod was assembled with screws and rod-derotation maneuver was performed. Finally, short-segment fixation on convex side was replaced with full-length construct. Intraoperative MEP monitoring was applied in all. Results. Mean age was 21 years and average follow-up was 25 months. Average preoperative flexibility was 20.3% (24.1°). Average Cobb’s angle, pelvic obliquity, and apical rotation were 118.2°, 16.7°, and 57° preoperatively, respectively, and 48.8°, 8°, and 43° after surgery showing significant correction of 59.4%, 46.1%, and 24.5%. Average number of osteotomy level was 4.2 and average blood loss was 3356 ± 884 mL. Mean operation time was 330 ± 46 minutes. None of the patient required postoperative ventilator support or displayed any signs of neurologic or vascular injuries during or after the operation. Conclusion. This technique should be recommended because (1) it provides release of anterior column without anterior approach and (2) our results supports its superiority as a technique.

Second-Look Arthroscopic Assessment of Arthroscopic Single-Bundle Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Comparison of Mixed Graft Versus Achilles Tendon Allograft

Background: Although controversy continues over the choice of graft tissue, including autografts, allografts, and synthetic ligaments, for posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction, the use of a mixed graft consisting of a hamstring (semitendinosus and gracilis) autograft plus tibialis anterior allograft tendon has not been studied in detail. Hypothesis: Outcomes of PCL reconstructions performed with a mixed graft would be superior to those using solely an Achilles tendon allograft in terms of functional knee scores, posterior stability, and the graft appearance. Study design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Fifty-eight patients who underwent isolated single-bundle PCL reconstruction using an arthroscopic trans-septal portal with remnant preservation technique were evaluated. They were divided into group A (mixed tendon; n = 30) and group B (Achilles tendon; n = 28). Knee function was evaluated using the Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity score, and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) grading scale. Anteroposterior stability was measured using the Telos stress view. Twenty patients (66.7%) from group A and 21 patients (75.0%) from group B underwent hardware removal and a second-look arthroscopic examination. Results: The Lysholm knee scores in groups A and B increased from a respective average of 43 and 50 preoperatively to 90 and 88 at follow-up. The IKDC grade and Tegner activity scores were also significantly improved in both groups. Stability was improved in both groups, with an average posterior laxity of 3.0 mm (group A) and 3.3 mm (group B) at follow-up (P > .05). However, there were 4 intraoperative complications in group B: 2 bone fractures and 2 graft pullouts during precyclic tensioning. Second-look arthroscopy revealed a partial tear in 8 cases (40%) from group A and 15 cases (71.4%) from group B (P = .03). All of the partial tears were located in the femoral aperture area. Complete synovial coverage was demonstrated in 10 patients (50%) from group A and 5 patients (23.8%) from group B (P = .04). However, clinical outcomes and stability were not affected by the arthroscopic graft appearance. Conclusion: Satisfactory results were obtained for groups A and B in patients who underwent reconstruction for isolated PCL injury. However, 4 intraoperative complications (14.3%) were encountered with use of the Achilles tendon allograft (group B), with a relative higher rate of partial tear and less synovialization in the femoral aperture area.

Is Radiographic Measurement of Bony Landmarks Reliable for Lateral Meniscal Sizing

Background: The accuracy of meniscal measurement methods is still in debate. Hypothesis: The authors’ protocol for radiologic measurements will provide reproducible bony landmarks, and this measurement method of the lateral tibial plateau will correlate with the actual anatomic value. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Twenty-five samples of fresh lateral meniscus with attached proximal tibia were obtained during total knee arthroplasty. Each sample was obtained without damage to the meniscus and bony attachment sites. The inclusion criterion was mild to moderate osteoarthritis in patients with mechanical axis deviation of less than 15°. Knees with lateral compartment osteoarthritic change or injured or degenerated menisci were excluded. For the lateral tibial plateau length measurements, the radiographic beam was angled 10° caudally at neutral rotation, which allowed differentiation of the lateral plateau cortical margins from the medial plateau. The transition points were identified and used for length measurement. The values of length were then compared with the conventional Pollard method and the anatomic values. The width measurement was done according to Pollard’s protocol. For each knee, the percentage deviation from the anatomic dimension was recorded. Intraobserver error and interobserver error were calculated. Results: The deviation of the authors’ radiographic length measurements from anatomic dimensions was 1.4 ± 1.1 mm. The deviation of Pollard’s radiographic length measurements was 4.1 ± 2.0 mm. With respect to accuracy—which represents the frequency of measurements that fall within 10% of measurements—the accuracy of authors’ length was 98%, whereas for Pollard’s method it was 40%. There was a good correlation between anatomic meniscal dimensions and each radiologic plateau dimensions for lateral meniscal width (R 2 = .790) and the authors’ lateral meniscal length (R 2 = .823) and fair correlation for Pollard’s lateral meniscal length (R 2 = .660). The reliability of each radiologic measurement showed good reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients, .823 to .973). The authors tried to determine the best-fit equation for predicting meniscal size from Pollard’s method of bone size, as follows: anatomic length = 0.52 × plateau length (according to Pollard’s method) + 5.2, not as Pollard suggested (0.7 × Pollard’s plateau length). Based on this equation—namely, the modified Pollard method—the percentage difference decreased, and the accuracy increased to 92%. Conclusion: Lateral meniscal length dimension can be accurately predicted from the authors’ radiographic tibial plateau measurements. Clinical Relevance: This study may provide valuable information in preoperative sizing of lateral meniscus in meniscal allograft transplantation.

Percutaneous Screw Fixation of Acetabular Fractures: Applicability of Hip Arthroscopy

Percutaneous screw fixation of the anterior column of the acetabulum has been a challenging task because of its unique anatomy and a risk of intra-articular penetration. Evidence is lacking for any tools to provide visual scrutiny of fracture reduction and intra-articular screw penetration. We report 2 cases of fracture of the acetabulum that developed in young female athletes, in which the anterior column was fixed with a percutaneous screw by use of hip arthroscopy as an assisting tool for intra-articular observation. In our experience this method was found to be promising in terms of anatomic reduction of the fracture site, avoiding articular penetration during screw insertion, with additional advantages of joint debridement, lavage, and reduction in radiation exposure.

The effect of biplane medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy on patellofemoral joint indices

PURPOSE This study was designed to examine the effect of biplane medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) on patellofemoral indices and posterior tibial slope. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty-two knees (61 patients) underwent biplane MOWHTO for unicompartmental osteoarthritis of the knee. Patellar indices were measured by radiographic assessment postoperatively. The Merchants views were used for patellar tilt and shift while standing lateral view radiographs were used for the patellar height analysis using the modified Blackburne-peel ratio (mBP). The patients were divided into two groups according to the change between the pre- and postoperative mechanical axis. Group A constituted the correction angle of equal more than 10°, and group B of less than 10°. RESULTS Group A demonstrated a significant change of mechanical axis and the tibial slope. Patellar indices including the patellar tilt, shift, and mBP did not show significant difference. Group B demonstrated the statistical significant difference in only the mechanical axis deviation. Patellar indices including the patellar tilt, shift, and mBP as well as the tibia slope did not show significant difference. When evaluated as a whole group, the mean shift in weight bearing line, patellar height (mBP), and tibial slope from preoperative to postoperative value was statistically significant. However, the patellar tilt and shift were not changed significantly. CONCLUSIONS After biplane MOWHTO, patellar tilt and shift do not significantly change when measured on static mode supine X-ray. However, patella was lowered and tibia slope increased after MOWHTO. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II.

In Vivo Gap Analysis in Various Knee Flexion Angles During Navigation-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty

Achieving rectangular flexion and extension gaps is important during gap balancing technique in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, assessment of gaps throughout the range of knee motion is obscure. One hundred knees operated by TKA using a navigation-assisted gap balancing technique were evaluated. Intraoperatively, after achieving rectangular flexion and extension gaps, mediolateral gaps in each flexion angle (0°, 45°, 90°, 120°) were recorded. Patients were divided into 4 groups; Group I: no gap difference (n = 64), Group II: lax in midflexion (n = 20), Group III: lax in deep flexion (n = 8) and Group IV: lax in both midflexion and deep flexion (n = 8). This study demonstrated that significant proportion (36%) of TKA cases had laxity in midflexion (45°) even when rectangular extension (0°)-flexion (90°) gap was achieved.

Importance of Independent Measurement of Width and Length of Lateral Meniscus During Preoperative Sizing for Meniscal Allograft Transplantation

Background: Successful meniscus transplantation depends on an accurate sizing of the meniscal allograft. Although accurate sizing of the meniscal allograft is crucial during meniscus transplantation, the accuracy of meniscal measurement methods is still in debate. Purpose: This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between the width and length of the lateral meniscus. These anatomic dimensions were also evaluated in the context of the patient’s height, weight, gender, and body mass index (BMI). Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Ninety-one samples of fresh lateral meniscus were obtained during total knee arthroplasty. The samples were obtained carefully without injuring the meniscus itself and the bony attachment sites. For each lateral meniscus, the anatomic dimensions (width [LMW] and length [LML]) were recorded. The height, weight, gender, and BMI of the patients were also recorded. The Pearson correlation and multivariate and linear regression analysis were applied for each variable. The accuracy was defined as those measures that fell within 10% of the original size. A P value ≤ .05 was considered significant. Results: The mean LMW was 30.7 mm (standard deviation [SD] = 3.5) and 27.0 mm (SD = 2.6) for men and women, respectively. The mean LML was 33.7 mm (SD = 4.3) and 30.8 mm (SD = 2.6) for men and women, respectively. Thirty-nine samples (42.5%) showed LMW measurements within a 10% difference of LML, whereas 50 samples (55%) showed an LMW greater than a 10% difference of LML. Although there were correlations between LML with LMW in men and correlations between weight and LMW with LML in women, the accuracy for the derived linear regression formulas was 3%, 9%, and 12%, respectively. Conclusion: The length cannot be predicted accurately from the width of the lateral meniscus. The height, weight, gender, and BMI failed to estimate the dimensions of the lateral meniscus. Therefore, it is essential to measure the width and length separately and match it with the allograft with other size measuring methods. Clinical Relevance: This study emphasizes the importance of measuring the width and length of the lateral meniscus independently during preoperative sizing for a meniscal allograft transplantation procedure. The height, weight, gender, and body mass index may not be reliable parameters for estimating the size of the meniscus.

Hybrid component fixation in total knee arthroplasty: minimum of 10-year follow-up study.

Hybrid total knee arthroplasty (TKA) (uncemented femur with cemented tibia and patella) was introduced in the late 1980s to gain the theoretical advantage of durable cementless femoral fixation while avoiding the problems noted with cementless tibial fixation. From December 1992 to July 2000, 215 patients (235 knees) who underwent hybrid TKA were enrolled in this study. Five types of prosthesis (AGC, Maxim, LCS-M, LCS-APG, and Scorpio) were used. Revision rate for aseptic loosening was 16 (6.8%) of 235 knees. At 10 and 15 years, survivorship with tibial or femoral revision as the end point was 0.95 and 0.92, respectively. Hybrid TKA provides durable fixation with clinical and radiographic performance at minimum 10 years comparable with cemented series.

A validation study for estimation of femoral anteversion using the posterior lesser trochanter line: an analysis of computed tomography measurement.

The aim of this study was to introduce a simple and reliable intraoperative reference guide to reproduce the normal femoral anteversion during total hip arthroplasty (THA). We hypothesized that the posterior lesser trochanter line (PLTL) could be a useful guide for estimating femoral anteversion during THA. We conducted a study of 56 men (112 hips) to evaluate the relationship between the PLTL and the femoral anteversion using computed tomography scans. The mean femoral anteversion was 9.0° ± 8.1° (range, -16.2° to 32.9°). The PLTL angle correlated (r(2) = 0.12, P < 0.05) with the femoral anteversion. We found a constant relationship between the PLTL and femoral anteversion, and the PLTL may be used as a guide for estimating the femoral stem anteversion during femoral stem fixation.