Juan Pablo Zicaro

Patellofemoral arthritis treated with resurfacing implant: Clinical outcome and complications at a minimum two-year follow-up

BACKGROUND This study evaluated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of a series of patients treated with an anatomic inlay resurfacing implant, with a minimum two-year follow-up. METHODS Fifteen patients underwent patellofemoral-resurfacing procedures using a HemiCAP Wave Patellofemoral Inlay Resurfacing implant from 2010 to 2013. Clinical outcomes included: Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Lysholm score, Knee Society Score (KSS), and evaluation of Kujala, and Hospital for Special Surgery Patellofemoral score (HSS-PF). The postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS Nineteen knees were evaluated; the average follow-up was 35.2months. Fourteen were women, with an average age of 54years. The pre-operative/postoperative clinical results presented a significant improvement: VAS 8/2.5, Lysholm 31.9/85.8, KSS 39.8/82.5, Kujala 32.1/79.3 and Hospital for Special Surgery Patellofemoral score (HSS-PF) 15.9/90.6. A total of 87% of patients were either satisfied or very satisfied with the overall outcome. There were no radiographic signs of loosening. Seven postoperative complications were recorded: two presented ongoing knee pain, one postoperative stiffness, one patellar bounce due to maltracking, two ilio-tibial band syndrome, and one tibial anterior tuberosity osteotomy nonunion. Two patients underwent a total knee arthroplasty conversion and were considered a failure. None of these complications were implant related. CONCLUSIONS Patellofemoral inlay resurfacing for isolated patellofemoral arthritis was an effective and safe procedure with high levels of patient satisfaction. No mechanical implant failure was seen at a minimum two-year follow-up. This implant design appeared to be an alternative to the traditional patellofemoral prostheses. Concomitant osteochondral lesions, patellofemoral dysplasia or patellar maltracking might be poor prognostic factors for this type of implant.

Retorno al deporte posterior a una reconstrucción simultánea de ligamento cruzado anterior y ligamento colateral medial de grado III en periodo subagudo

RESUMEN Introducción: las lesiones asociadas del ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) y del ligamento colateral medial (LCM) corresponden al 20% de la lesiones ligamentosas de la rodilla. El tratamiento conservador del LCM y la reconstrucción quirúrgica del LCA son generalmente recomendados. En deportistas, el tratamiento conservador del LCM puede conducir a inestabilidad medial crónica. El manejo óptimo de deportistas con lesiones combinadas de LCA-LCM continúa siendo controvertido. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar los resultados funcionales y el nivel deportivo alcanzado en el postoperatorio de una serie de pacientes tratados con reconstrucción simultanea de LCA y LCM con un seguimiento mínimo de 2 años. Material y métodos: un total de 20 atletas con reconstrucciones agudas simultáneas de LCA y LCM de grado III fueron tratados entre marzo de 2006 y enero de 2014. El tiempo mínimo de seguimiento fue de 24 meses. Se evaluaron los resultados funcionales subjetivos (International Knee Documentation Committee –IKDC–, Lysholm), rango de movilidad, estabilidad anteromedial y rotacional (Lachmann, pivot shift, estrés valgo). Se registró la capacidad de retorno al deporte (Tegner) y el nivel alcanzado. ABSTRACT Return to sports after sub-acute simultaneous reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament injury and grade III medial collateral ligament injury

Osteochondral Defects of the Knee treated with Mosaicplasty. Results at Eight Years of Follow-Up

Objectives: There are several surgical options described for osteochondral defects of the knee depending on the size, location and condition of subchondral bone. The main indication for a mosaicplasty procedure is a less than 4 cm2 femoral condyle lesion. The purpose of this study was to analyze a series of patients treated with mosaicplasty with average eight years of follow-up. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated sixty-two patients with osteochondral defects of the knee who underwent a mosaicplasty between 2001 and 2014 with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Patients were evaluated using the Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee Score (IKDC) and Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic scale. Results: The mean Lysholm score was 80.1 and IKDC was 66.7. Forty-two patients had isolated mosaicplasty and 20 patients presented an associated surgical procedure (osteotomy, ACL reconstruction, meniscectomy). There were no significant differences between the Lysholm and IKDC scores in these two groups. Conclusion: We consider that mosaicplasty is a satisfactory procedure with good functional results in patients with focal articular cartilage lesions of the knee.

ACL Revision: Clinical Evaluation, Magnetic Resonance and Return to Sports one Year after Surgery

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a series of patients one year after an ACL revision with clinical evaluation and MRI, to consider their condition before returning to sports activities. Methods: A descriptive, prospective and longitudinal study was performed. A series of patients who underwent an ACL revision between March 2014 and March 2015 were evaluated after one year post surgery. They were evaluated using the Lysholm score, IKDC, Tegner, artrometry and MRI (3.0 t). A signal pattern and osteointegration was determined in the MRI. Graft signal intensity of the ACL graft using the signal/noise quotient value (SNQ) was also determined to evaluate the ligamentatization process state. Results: A total of 18 male patients were evaluated with a mean age of 31 years old.Average scores were: Lysholm 88 points, IKDC 80 points, Pre-surgical Tegner 9 points and postoperative 4 points. Artrhometry (KT1000) at 20 newtons showed a side to side difference of less than 3 mm in 88%. Only 44% of patients returned to their previous sport activity one year after revision.The MRI showed a heterogeneous signal in neoligaments in 34% of patients. SNQ showed graft integration in only 28%. Synovial fluid was found in bone-graft interphase in 44% of tunnels, inferring partial osteointegration. The heterogeneous signal was present in 50% of patients who did not return to the previous sport level activity. (Fisher statistics: p = 0.043) There were no meaningful differences in patients with auto or allografts. Conclusion: Although the clinical evaluation was satisfactory, only 44% of patients returned to the previous level of sport activity one year after the ACL surgery. The ligamentatization process was found in 28% of knees evaluated with MRI one year later. Partial osteointegration is inferred in 44%. Results showed a meaningful relation between the signal of neoligaments in the MRI and the return to sport activity in said series of patients. MRI is a useful tool to consider the return to sports one year after the ACL revision.

Autologous Collagen-Induced Chondrogenesis Technique for Knee Chondral Lesions

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to evaluate a series of patients with osteochondral lesions who underwent a microfractures treatment and autologous collagen-induced chondrogenesis technique (ACIC). Methods: Microfracture treatment and ACIC was performed in eight patients with grade IV cartilage lesion of more than 3 cm2 long. Two patients were discarded due to short follow-up. Four women and two men were evaluated with 50 year-old mean age. The average follow-up was 12.5 months. An associated valgus osteotomy was performed in two patients. Patients were evaluated using the Lysholm score and IKDC. Radiographs were evaluated and a Magnetic Resonance (MRI) was performed in 3 patients. Results: Six patients were evaluated with a 1 B, 2 C and 3 D arthrosis grade according to IKDC classification. Atelocollagen was placed in the medial femoral condyle in four patients (2 associated to tibial valgus osteotomy), in the trochlea in one patient and in both in one patient. Pre and post operative average score IKDC was 38/58 and Lysholm 34/89. One case of postoperative artrofibrosis was registered which was mobilized under anesthesia with satisfactory results. The MRI showed signal with coverage of the chondral defect in more than 70%. There were no cases of infection or reactive synovitis. Conclusion: Atelocollagen combined with microfractures improved the clinical conditions in patients with articular cartilage lesions of the knee. It is necessary more patients and longer follow-up to verify this data.

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction: Clinical Outcomes at a Minimum Three-Year Follow-up

Objectives: Recurrent patellofemoral dislocation is usually a multifactorial pathology. Different surgical techniques have been described according to the etiology of dislocation. In absence of a severe malalignment or an anatomical patellofemoral dysplasia, reconstruction of Medial Patello-femoral Ligament (MPFL) can restore the normal tracking of the patella, avoiding lateral excursion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical results and complications in patients who underwent a MPFL reconstruction. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 19 patients who underwent an anatomic MPFL reconstruction using autologous semitendinosus graft between 2007 and 2012. Exclusion criteria were patients with less than three years of follow-up and those with an associated procedure such as distal realignment or trochleoplasty. Clinical outcomes were measured using Kujala score and return to sport rate. We registered the postoperative complications and recurrence rate. Results: Nine patients were men and 10 women with a mean age of 25 years. Average follow-up was 5.8 years. Nine patients (47.4%) returned to their previous sport level, 8 (42.1%) changed to another sport or decreased their level and 2 (10.5%) were unable to practice any sports at all. Kujala score improvement was from 62.8 preoperative to 88.8 postoperative. One patient decreased the Kujala score. Eighty-nine percent of patients were satisfied with their outcome. One patient had a patellar fracture and four developed an arthrofibrosis and required mobilization under anesthesia. No recurrences were registered. Conclusion: Isolated MPFL reconstruction for recurrent patellofemoral dislocation is an effective alternative in absence of severe malalignment or anatomical dysplasia. Although no recurrences where registered at minimum 3-year follow-up, almost half of the patients were not able to return to their previous sport level.

Lower limb fractures associated with multiligament knee injury

Objectives: Knee ligament injuries related to lower limb fractures are common and frequently unnoticed. Management of acute polytrauma is usually focused in the bone lesion and a complete physical examination might be really difficult. The purpose of this study was to analyze a series of patients who suffered multiligament knee injuries associated to a lower limb fracture. Hypothesis: The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during the initial management can lead to an early diagnosis of ligament injuries. Methods: A retrospective search was conducted from our hospital´s electronic database. We evaluated the initial diagnosis and acute surgical treatment, and management and functional outcomes after the ligament lesion was diagnosed. Results: Seven patients who presented a knee multiligament injury associated with a lower limb fracture were evaluated. The average age was 29 years. Primary diagnoses were: four tibial plateau fractures; one open fracture-dislocation of the knee; one open leg fracture and ipsilateral hip dislocation; and one bifocal femur fracture. Only three patients had an MRI during the initial management of trauma. Six out of seven patients had to be operated on for the multiligament knee injury. The period between the resolution of the fracture and the ligamentous repair was from 3 to 24 months. Conclusion: Poor functional outcomes are reported in patients with multiligament knee injuries associated with high-energy lower limb fractures. We consider an MRI during the initial management can lead to better outcomes. A trauma surgeon working alongside an arthroscopic surgeon might optimize the results for these lesions.

Single-Stage Reconstruction of Both Cruciate Ligaments

Objectives: Isolated Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL), or central pivot lesions are rare. These are frequently associated with collateral ligaments injuries. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate clinical and functional outcomes of 4 patients with acute ACL and PCL injury who underwent a simultaneous single-stage arthroscopic reconstruction. Methods: The inclusion criteria were patients with isolated ACL and PCL injuries, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. We evaluated the type of graft used, the surgical technique and postoperative complications. The scales used for clinical evaluation were the Knee Society Score (KSS), IKDC, Lysholm and Tegner. Knee stability was assessed using the KT-1000 arthrometer. Results: Three men and one woman, with an average age of 48 years (45 to 56 years) were evaluated. Three presented a sport injury and one a car accident. Mean follow-up was 8 years. In all patients allograft was used for ligament reconstruction. Average postoperative results were: KSS 74-82, Lysholm 76, IKDC 63 and Tegner 6. KT-1000 arthrometer showed an average difference of 4mm compared to the contralateral knee. One patient underwent reintervention due to meniscal injury. Conclusion: ACL and PCL simultaneous single-stage reconstruction is a really demanding surgery. We achieved good results using allograft for both ligaments reconstruction. No clinical or functional postoperative complications were recorded.

Return to Sports after Acute Simultaneous Reconstruction of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury and Grade III Medial Collateral Ligament Injury

Objectives: Combined Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury and Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) injury account for 20% of knee ligament lesions. Conservative treatment of MCL and surgical ACL reconstruction are generally recommended. Significant medial instability after non-surgical management of MCL can lead to ACL reconstruction failure. The optimal management for athletes with combined ACL-MCL injuries remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to analyze the functional and clinical evolution of patients who underwent combined ACL-MCL surgery and their return-to-sport level with minimum 2-years follow-up. Methods: A total of 20 athletes with acute simultaneous ACL/Grade III MCL reconstructions were treated between March 2006 and January 2014. The minimum follow-up time was 24 months. Subjective functional results (IKDC, Lysholm), range of motion, anterior-medial and rotational stability (Lachmann, Pivot Shift, valgus stress) were evaluated. The ability to return to sport (Tegner) and the level achieved was recorded. Results: All patients significantly improved functional scores and stability tests. The mean subjective IKDC score improved from 37.7 ± 12.9 (range 21-69) preoperatively to 88.21 ± 4.47 (range 80-96) postoperatively (P <0.05). The average Lysholm score was 40.44 ± 10.58 (range 27-65) preoperatively and 90.83 ± 3.38 (range 84-95) postoperatively (P <0.05). Valgus and sagittal laxity was not observed (IKDC A 92% B 8%) at final follow-up. All patients had normal/nearly normal (IKDC A or B) mobility. All patients returned to sports; 90% reached the level they had prior to the ligamentous injury. Of all competitive athletes, 66% achieved the same level of sport. Conclusion: In athletes with acute ACL-Grade III MCL lesions, an early simultaneous reconstruction can significantly improve the medial and sagittal stability of the knee. This procedure resulted in excellent functional outcomes, with return to the same level of sports in the majority of patients at short-term follow-up.

Pretibial Cyst Formation after ACL Reconstruction. A series of 14 cases with different etiologies

Objectives: Among complications following an ACL reconstruction, the formation of a pre-tibial cyst in the site of the tibial tunnel is rare and might happen even years after surgery. The purpose of this study was to analyze 14 patients with pretibial cyst after ACL reconstruction. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated patients between 2008 and 2016. The inclusion criteria were patients who underwent an ACL reconstruction, and developed an extra-articular cyst at the tibial tunnel level. For recurrence evaluation, patients with less than one-year follow-up were excluded. A pre and postoperative clinical and radiological evaluation was performed. We analyzed the graft selection and surgical technique for ACL reconstruction, the time between primary surgery and onset of symptoms, and the clinical presentation. A pre and postoperative radiological evaluation was performed for every patient. Surgical technique for cyst excision, histological analysis and culture results were also analyzed. The recurrence rate was evaluated at final follow-up. Results: Nine patients were male, with an average age of 38 years. The average follow-up was of 35 months. All ACL reconstructions were performed using hamstrings graft and a trans-tibial technique. Tibial fixation was performed with a biodegradable screw in 9 patients, three of them associated with the use of a staple. In four patients hamstrings tibial insertion was left in situ with an open stripper and fixed in the tibia using non-absorbable Ethibond 2 sutures. The average time between primary ACL surgery and onset of the cyst was 29 months. All patients presented a palpable tumor at proximal tibia and a stable knee. The cyst size varied between 1 and 3 cm. In all cases, Rx and MRI showed a widening of the tibial tunnel, though no articular communication could be confirmed. The arthroscopic evaluation revealed no graft loosening. All cysts were approached through the previous tibial incision and staples or screws where removed. In all cases curettage of the tibial tunnel walls was performed, filling the space with cancellous bone in 7 of them (5 obtained from proximal tibia and 2 from the lateral femur condyle). Pathological anatomy reported 14 synovial cysts, 5 associated with remaining suture. No infection was informed. At final follow-up, 13 out of 14 patients returned to normal activities with no pain or recurrence. One patient required three open surgeries to achieve definitive treatment using bone allograft chips to fill the tibial tunnel. Despite the tunnel widening, no graft loosening was observed. Conclusion: Although most authors attempt to define an etiology for this complication, there is not enough evidence to support a unique conclusion. It has been traditionally associated with a foreign-body reaction. Though we believe the etiology to be multifactorial, cysts can be defined as communicating or non-communicating. If patients present with an onset of pain, surgical resection is indicated. When no articular communication is suspected, cyst resection and hardware removal might be sufficient. Otherwise, treatment must include debridement, hardware removal and local bone grafting. In case of a recurrence, aggressive curettage and extensive bone grafting is recommended. None of the patients revealed signs of instability.