Lars Ejerhed

Patellar tendon or semitendinosus tendon autografts for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction? A prospective randomized study with a two-year follow-up.

Background The aim of the study was to compare the results after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using central-third bone—patellar tendon—bone (BTB) autografts and triple/quadruple semitendinosus (ST) autografts. Hypothesis In the long-term, ACL reconstruction using BTB autografts will render more donor-site problems than ST autografts. Study Design Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods A randomized series of 71 patients (22 women and 49 men) with a unilateral ACL rupture who underwent reconstructive surgery were included in the study. The BTB graft was used in 34 patients (BTB group) and the ST-tendon graft was used in 37 patients (ST group). The patients were examined a median of 86 months (range, 68 to 114 months) after the reconstruction. Results Sixty-eight of 71 patients (96%) were examined at follow-up. The clinical assessments at follow-up revealed no significant differences between the BTB group and the ST group in terms of the Lysholm score, Tegner activity level, International Knee Documentation Committee evaluation system, 1-legged hop test, KT-1000 arthrometer laxity measurements, manual Lachman test, and range of motion. A significant improvement was seen in both groups compared with the preoperative values in terms of most clinical assessments. Donor-site morbidity in the form of knee-walking ability, kneeling ability, and area of disturbed anterior knee sensitivity revealed no significant differences between the groups. Conclusion Seven years after ACL reconstruction, the subjective and objective outcomes were similar after using the central-third BTB autograft and triple/quadruple ST autograft. Furthermore, no difference in terms of donor-site morbidity was found between the 2 groups.

Comparison of open and arthroscopic stabilization for recurrent shoulder dislocation in patients with a Bankart lesion.

We performed a prospective study of 117 patients (119 shoulders) with symptomatic, recurrent anterior post-traumatic shoulder instability to compare open versus arthroscopic reconstruction. Arthroscopic reconstructions (N = 66) were performed using bioabsorbable tacks (Suretac fixators), whereas open reconstructions (N = 53) were performed with suture anchors. All of the patients had a Bankart lesion. Independent observers examined 108 of the 119 shoulders (91%) at a median follow-up period of 28 months (range, 24 to 63) for the arthroscopic group and 36 months (range, 24 to 63) for the open group. The recurrence rate, including both dislocations and subluxations, was 9 of 60 (15%) in the arthroscopic group, compared with 5 of 48 (10%) in the open group. At follow-up, the Rowe score was 93 points (range, 39 to 100) and the Constant score was 91 points (range, 56 to 100) in the arthroscopic group, compared with 89 points (range, 53 to 100 and 57 to 100 for the Rowe and Constant scores, respectively) for both scores in the open group. The only significant difference was in external rotation in abduction, which was 90° (range, 50° to 135°) in the arthroscopic group and 80° (range, 25° to 115°) in the open group. Both methods produced stable and well-functioning shoulders in the majority of patients.

Osteoarthritic Changes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone or Hamstring Tendon Autografts: A Retrospective, 7-Year Radiographic and Clinical Follow-up Study

PURPOSE This study was undertaken to evaluate the long-term radiographic appearance and clinical outcome after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction by use of either bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) or hamstring tendon (HT) autografts and to evaluate how associated meniscal injuries affect the prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS ACL reconstruction was performed in 124 consecutive patients. Of these patients, 113 (91%) (72 BPTB and 41 HT) returned for a follow-up examination at a median of 86 months (range, 67 to 111 months) after reconstruction. The patients underwent standard weight-bearing radiographic examinations and clinical evaluation. RESULTS The radiographic assessments showed no significant differences between the graft types in terms of OA classified according to the Ahlbäck and Fairbank rating systems. Overall, 23% of the patients had degenerative changes according to the Ahlbäck system, and 74% had degenerative changes according to the Fairbank system. Associated meniscal injuries increased the prevalence of OA. Clinically, no significant differences were found between the graft types in terms of the Tegner activity test, 1-leg hop test, International Knee Documentation Committee evaluation system, disturbed area of sensitivity, manual Lachman test, KT-1000 laxity test (MEDmetric, San Diego, CA), and knee-walking test. The Lysholm score (P = .02) and knee-walking ability (P = .02) were significantly better in the HT group. CONCLUSIONS At a median of 7 years after ACL reconstruction with either BPTB or HT autografts, the prevalence of OA as seen on standard weight-bearing radiographs and the clinical outcome were comparable. The presence of meniscal injuries increased the prevalence of OA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III, therapeutic, retrospective comparative study.

Patellar Tendon Versus Hamstring Tendon Autografts for Reconstructing the Anterior Cruciate Ligament A Meta-Analysis Based on Individual Patient Data

Background The best means of ensuring knee stability after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains a core debate in sports medicine. Hypothesis There is no difference between ACL reconstruction with patellar tendon or hamstring tendon autografts with regard to postoperative knee laxity and instability. Study Design Meta-analysis of individual patient data. Methods Pooled analysis of individual patient data from 6 published randomized clinical trials included 423 patients with symptomatic unilateral anterior cruciate ligament injury randomly assigned to reconstruction with patellar tendon or hamstring tendon autograft. Knee instability, defined as a positive pivot-shift test result, was the primary outcome, and knee laxity, defined as a positive Lachman test result, was the secondary outcome. Odds ratios were computed before and after adjustment for potential confounders and trial effect. Regression analyses were performed to look for effects of covariates on outcomes, and mixed-effects models were used to account for a trial effect. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore the effects of missing data and excluding each trial. Results Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patellar tendon autograft was significantly associated with a decreased risk of a positive pivot-shift test result (adjusted odds ratio, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.24–0.86; P = .016). The risk of having a positive Lachman test result was not significantly different between the 2 groups. The estimated treatment effect was not substantially changed by differences in handling missing data or exclusion of any of the trials. A positive pivot-shift test result was more common in female (P = .003) and younger patients (P = .017). Conclusion Postoperative knee instability was less common after ACL reconstruction with patellar tendon autograft than with hamstring tendon autograft.

Comparison of Traditional and Subcutaneous Patellar Tendon Harvest A Prospective Study of Donor Site-Related Problems After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Different Graft Harvesting Techniques

Our goal was to compare the results after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using either the traditional one-incision or the subcutaneous two-incision technique to harvest the central third of the patellar tendon, particularly concerning disturbances in anterior knee sensitivity and the patients ability to walk on his or her knees. One surgeon performed anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction on 124 patients with unilateral ruptures and no history of previous incisions in the anterior knee region. The traditional one-incision graft harvesting technique was used in 58 patients and the subcutaneous two-incision technique was used in 66 patients. At 2 years, the International Knee Documentation Committee classification, Lysholm score, arthrometry side-to-side difference, and single-legged hop test showed no significant differences between groups. The area of insensitivity was a median of 24 cm2 in the traditional harvest group and 0 cm2 in the subcutaneous harvest group. The patients with subcutaneous harvest had a tendency toward fewer problems during walking on their knees than did the patients with traditional harvest. Our conclusion is that the subcutaneous two-incision graft harvesting technique caused less disturbance in anterior knee sensitivity and a tendency of less discomfort during walking on ones knees than the traditional one-incision technique.

Arthroscopic and open shoulder stabilization using absorbable implants. A clinical and radiographic comparison of two methods.

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic results in patients with recurrent unidirectional, post-traumatic shoulder instability (dislocations/subluxations). All the patients had a Bankart lesion and underwent reconstruction using either an open or an arthroscopic technique and absorbable implants. Thirty-three consecutive patients (36 shoulders) were operated on by one surgeon. Group A comprised 18 shoulders which underwent an open Bankart reconstruction using absorbable 3.7-mm TAG suture anchors. Group B comprised 18 shoulders which underwent a combination of an intra- and extra-articular arthroscopic stabilization using 8-mm Suretac fixators. The median number of dislocations before the reconstruction was 5 (0–45) in group A and 4 (0–30) in group B (NS). The follow-up examination was performed by an independent observer after a median of 31 (range 25–38) months in group A and 28 (range 18–46) months in group B (NS). An independent radiologist without any knowledge of the surgical procedure evaluated all the radiographs. There were no re-dislocations in either group. In group A, the Rowe and Constant scores were 86 (range 61–98) and 89 (range 73–99), respectively. The corresponding values in group B were 92 (range 83– 98; P = 0.05) and 96 (range 75– 100; NS). The external rotation in abduction was 65° (range 20°–90°) in group A and 83° (range 65°–105°) in group B (P = 0.0017). The radiographs revealed that 10/18 (56%) in group A and 4/18 (23%) in group B had visible drill-holes or cystic formations in conjunction with the drill-holes (P = 0.002). In this study the open procedure resulted in a restriction in external rotation more frequently than the arthroscopic procedure. The radiographs revealed visible drill-holes or cystic formations in conjunction with the drill-holes more frequently when TAG suture anchors were used than when Suretac fixators were used. The radiographic changes did, not appear to affect the clinical outcome, however.

A prospective comparison of bone-patellar tendon-bone and hamstring grafts for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in female patients.

The aim of the study is to compare the results after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using central-third, bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB group) (n=28) and four-strand semitendinosus/gracilis (ST/G group) (n=31) autografts in female patients. The type of study was non-randomised prospective consecutive series. A consecutive series of 61 female patients, all with unilateral ACL ruptures, was included in the study. In both groups, interference screw fixation of the graft was used at both ends, and 59/61 (97%) of the patients returned for the follow-up examination after a period of 26 (23–31) months. The pre-operative assessments in both groups were similar in terms of the Lysholm score, KT−1000 measurements, one-leg-hop test, and knee-walking test. At the 2-year follow-up, the knee-walking test was significantly worse in the BTB group than in the ST/G group (P=0.003). Furthermore, the knee-walking test was significantly worse at follow-up than pre-operatively in the BTB group (P<0.005). The corresponding finding was not made in the ST/G group. A reduction in knee laxity compared with the pre-operative assessments was found in both groups. No significant difference in the post-operative knee laxity measurement was found between the groups. A significant increase in activity level and subjective scores was found in both groups compared with pre-operative values, without any significant differences between the groups. Two years after ACL reconstruction, the groups displayed no significant differences in terms of functional outcome and knee laxity. However, the use of ST/G autografts rendered significantly less discomfort during the knee-walking test than the use of BTB autografts.

Revisiting the Open Bankart Experience A Four- to Nine-Year Follow-up

Background The open Bankart technique for posttraumatic recurrent anterior instability has become the procedure of choice for patients who do not respond to nonoperative treatment. Hypothesis The open Bankart procedure renders stable and well-functioning shoulders in the long term in a large proportion of patients. Study Design Retrospective follow-up study with independent reexaminers. Methods Fifty-four patients (54 shoulders) with symptomatic, posttraumatic, recurrent anterior shoulder instability underwent an open Bankart reconstruction procedure with suture anchors. All of the patients had a Bankart lesion. Forty-seven patients (87%) were reexamined by independent observers at a mean follow-up period of 69 months (range, 48 to 114). Results The recurrence rate, including both dislocations and subluxations, was 17% (8 of 47). The median Rowe score was 90 points (range, 24 to 100) at the follow-up, and the median Constant score was 88.5 points (range, 41 to 100). External rotation in abduction was a median of 90° (range, 25° to 125°) in the involved shoulders, as compared with 97.5° (80° to 125°) in the noninjured shoulders (P < 0.0001). Conclusions We conclude that, in the long term, the open Bankart procedure resulted in an unexpectedly high number of patients with failure in terms of stability. These results emphasize the importance of performing long-term follow-up studies after surgical reconstruction for unidirectional, posttraumatic, anterior shoulder instability using any type of technique.

A Long-Term, Prospective, Randomized Study Comparing Biodegradable and Metal Interference Screws in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery Radiographic Results and Clinical Outcome

Background: During the past decade, the use of biodegradable implants in anterior cruciate ligament surgery has increased. Hypothesis: Poly-L-lactide acid (PLLA) interference screws would render the same clinical results but greater tunnel enlargement than metal screws 8 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendon (semitendinosus/gracilis) autografts. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A randomized series of 77 patients, all with a unilateral anterior cruciate ligament rupture, were divided into 2 groups (PLLA and metal). In both groups, hamstring tendon autografts were used with interference screw fixation at both ends and the patients were examined with standard radiographs, Tegner activity level, Lysholm knee score, single-legged hop test, early C-reactive protein response, and KT-1000 arthrometer knee laxity measurements. Results: The preoperative assessments in both groups were similar in terms of gender, clinical tests, and the time from injury to surgery. The patients returned for a radiographic and clinical examination a mean of 96 months (range, 78-120 months) after the index operation. The PLLA group displayed significantly larger bone tunnels on the radiographs than the metal group on the femoral side (mean, 11.4 mm [range, 0-17.8 mm] vs 8.0 mm [range, 0-16.3 mm]; P < .005) but not on the tibial side (mean, 10.7 mm [range, 7.8-14.1 mm] vs 10.5 mm [range, 0-20.3 mm]; difference not significant). At follow-up, no significant differences were found between the PLLA and metal groups in terms of knee laxity measurements (median, 1.0 mm [range, –2.0-4.0 mm] vs 1.0 mm [range, –3.0-6.5 mm]), Tegner activity level (median, 7 [range,3-9] vs 6 [range, 2-9]), or the Lysholm knee score (median, 90 points [range, 51-100] vs 89 points [range, 53-100]). The C-reactive protein values did not differ significantly between the 2 groups except for an increase in the PLLA group compared with the metal group at day 1 postoperatively—23 mg/L (range, <6-55) vs 9 mg/L (range, <6-55) (P < .001). Conclusion: There were significantly larger radiographically visible bone tunnels on the femoral side but not on the tibial side in the PLLA group compared with the metal group 8 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendon autografts. This finding did not correlate with inferior clinical results. Because of the results in the present study, the authors have discontinued the use of PLLA interference screws.

Does the Patellar Tendon Normalize After Harvesting Its Central Third? A Prospective Long-Term MRI Study

Background The central third of the patellar tendon is the most frequently used autograft for ACL reconstruction. Hypothesis The patellar tendon at the donor site would look normal as seen on MRI 6 years after harvesting its central third. Methods Nineteen consecutive patients were included in the study. MRI examinations of the donor site were performed at 6 (5 to 10) weeks, 6 (6 to 8) months, 27 (24 to 29) months, and 71 (68 to 73) months postoperatively. The contralateral normal side was examined only on the first occasion. Results The size of the donor-site gap decreased significantly (P = 0.0001) between 6 weeks and 6 years. In most patients, a thinning of the central part of the patellar tendon was still found at 6 years. The thickness of the peripheral patellar tendon was increased, compared with the contralateral healthy side, until 2 years (P = 0.003). On all occasions, the width was increased compared with the contralateral side (P< 0.015). Conclusion Prospective MRI examinations revealed that the patellar tendon at the donor site had not normalized 6 years after harvesting its central third. The reharvesting of the patellar tendon can therefore not be recommended.