Leonardo Addêo Ramos

Anatomic Relation Between the Posterior Cruciate Ligament and the Joint Capsule

PURPOSE The aim of this anatomic study on cadavers was to determine the anatomic relation between the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and the posterior joint capsule attachment. METHODS Thirty knees were dissected by means of a posterior approach to the knee. The presence of the posterior popliteal ligament and Wrisberg meniscofemoral ligament was observed and a U-shaped capsulotomy was performed while preserving the distal insertion of the ligament. After detaching the PCL and determining its area on the tibia, we determined its geometric center and posterior margin and measured the distances between the tibial insertion of the capsule and these points. RESULTS The distance between the center of the PCL and the posterior capsule was 10.3 mm, and the distance between the posterior margin of the PCL and the capsule was 1.7 mm. The posterior popliteal ligament was easy to see in all the specimens, measuring around 42 mm in length. The Wrisberg meniscofemoral ligament was seen in 12 specimens. CONCLUSIONS We can conclude that the distances from the center of the tibial insertion and the margin of the PCL to the joint capsule were 10.3 mm and 1.7 mm, respectively, thus enabling greater knowledge of the anatomy of the posterior compartment of the knee. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Our findings provide anatomic data that increase the safety and knowledge regarding the surgical procedures related to the PCL, because we have supplied information that can contribute to obtaining the best arthroscopic view of this area, thus decreasing the risk of vascular and nerve damage.

Prevalence of Pain on Palpation of the Inferior Pole of the Patella Among Patients with Complaints of knee Pain

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE Patellar tendinopathy is a common condition in sports. It may occur at any location of the patellar tendon, but the most commonly affected area is the inferior pole of the patella. Among various diagnostic tests, the one most used is palpation of the inferior pole of the patella. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of pain complaints among individuals with pathological knee conditions and to evaluate palpation of the inferior pole of the patella as a diagnostic test for patellar tendinopathy. METHODS Palpation of the patellar tendon was performed on 318 individuals who presented with knee-related complaints. Palpation was performed with the individual in the supine position and the knee extended. The age, gender, physical activity and labor activity of each individual were recorded at the time the symptoms appeared; the diagnosis was also recorded. RESULTS Of the total number of individuals evaluated, 124 (39%) felt pain on palpation of the inferior pole of the patella. Of these, only 40 (32.3%) received a diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy. We did not observe any difference with respect to gender and age distribution. When evaluating daily physical activity levels, however, we observed that individuals with pain on palpation of the inferior pole of the patella experienced more intense physical activity. CONCLUSIONS Palpation of the inferior pole of the patella is a diagnostic procedure with high sensitivity and moderate specificity for diagnosing patellar tendinopathy, especially among individuals who perform activities with high functional demands.

An Anatomic Study of the Posterior Septum of the Knee

PURPOSE To evaluate the posterior septum of the knee and determine the presence of a safe zone that could be removed, without significant damage to blood vessels and nerves. METHODS Nineteen fresh unpaired adult human cadaveric knees, with no macroscopic degenerative or traumatic changes, were used in this study. Microscopic evaluation was performed by analysis of H&E, CD-34, and S-100 staining. RESULTS The posterior septum of the knee is rich in type II and type IV mechanoreceptors and blood vessels. The superior half has a greater number of blood vessels (21.52 ± 6.36 v 12.05 ± 4.1, P < .001), higher-caliber vessels (2.2 ± 0.89 μm v 1.41 ± 0.45 μm, P < .006), and a greater number of mechanoreceptors per field (type II, 1.8 ± 1.8 v 0.42 ± 1, P = .04; type IV, 22.6 ± 14 v 14.5 ± 9.4, P = .04) than the inferior half of the septum. CONCLUSIONS This study has shown that the posterior septum of the knee is highly vascularized and has a great number of type II and IV mechanoreceptors. The presence of these structures is significantly higher in the superior half of the septum. CLINICAL RELEVANCE If debridement of the posterior septum is necessary, it should be done at the inferior aspect so that a greater number of blood vessels and mechanoreceptors can be preserved.

Surgical treatment for muscle injuries

Muscle injury causes functional impairment. The healing process takes time and fibrotic tissue can result. Recurrence and delayed recovery remain as unsolved problems. Surgical intervention can be a feasible alternative to avoid early and late complications associated with complete muscle tear in attempt to improve functional results. This article hopes to provide an update about surgical treatments for muscle tears in different scenarios.

Relationship Between the Middle Genicular Artery and the Posterior Structures of the Knee: A Cadaveric Study

Background: The middle genicular artery (MGA) is responsible for the blood supply to the cruciate ligaments and synovial tissue. Traumatic sports injuries and surgical procedures (open and arthroscopic) can cause vascular damage. Little attention has been devoted to establish safe parameters for the MGA. Purpose: To investigate the anatomy of the MGA and its relation to the posterior structures of the knees, mainly the posterior capsule and femoral condyles, and to establish safe parameters to avoid harming the MGA. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Dissection of the MGA was performed in 16 fresh, unpaired adult human cadaveric knees with no macroscopic degenerative or traumatic changes and no previous surgeries. The specimens were meticulously evaluated with emphasis on preservation of the MGA. The distances from the MGA to the medial and lateral femoral condyles were measured. The Mann-Whitney test was used for statistical analysis. Results: In all specimens, the MGA emerged from the anterior aspect of the popliteal artery, distal to the superior genicular arteries, and had a short distal trajectory toward the posterior capsule where it entered proximal to the oblique popliteal ligament. The artery lay in the midportion between the condyles. The distance between the posterior aspect of the tibia and the point of entry of the MGA into the posterior joint capsule was 23.8 ± 7.3 mm (range, 14.72-35.68 mm). There was no correlation between an individual’s height and the distance of the entrance point of the MGA into the posterior joint capsule to the posterior superior corner of the tibia. Conclusion: The middle genicular artery lies in the midportion between the medial and lateral femoral condyles. Clinical Relevance: This knowledge is important for the preservation of the blood supply during posterior knee surgical procedures and to settle a secure distance between the posterior aspect of the tibia and the MGA input. This could decrease and prevent iatrogenic vascular injury risk to the MGA.

Posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by means of tibial tunnel: anatomical study on cadavers for tunnel positioning

Objective to determine the reference points for the exit of the tibial guidewire in relation to the posterior cortical bone of the tibia. Methods sixteen knees from fresh cadavers were used for this study. Using a viewing device and a guide marked out in millimeters, three guidewires were passed through the tibia at 0, 10 and 15 mm distally in relation to the posterior crest of the tibia. Dissections were performed and the region of the center of the tibial insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) was determined in each knee. The distances between the center of the tibial insertion of the PCL and the posterior tibial border (CB) and between the center of the tibial insertion of the PCL and wires 1, 2 and 3 (CW1, CW2 and CW3) were measured. Results in the dissected knees, we found the center of the tibial insertion of the PCL at 1.09 ± 0.06 cm from the posterior tibial border. The distances between the wires 1, 2 and 3 and the center of the tibial insertion of the PCL were respectively 1.01 ± 0.08, 0.09 ± 0.05 and 0.5 ± 0.05 cm. Conclusion the guidewire exit point 10 mm distal in relation to the posterior crest of the tibia was the best position for attempting to reproduce the anatomical center of the PCL.

Treatment of Muscle Injury

Muscle injuries are one of the most frequent lesions in sports. They can be treated conservatively or operatively. Return to play should be based on the patient’s ability to stretch the injured muscle as much as the contralateral healthy muscle, pain-free use of the injured muscle in sports-specific movements (mainly in eccentric exercise), comparable strength between injured and healthy muscles and functional tests. Strategies can be adopted to minimize the recurrence rate and to enhance performance. Novel gene and cell therapies including stem cell therapy are emerging but need more research before they are ready for routine clinical use.

Epidemiology and Clinical Features of Muscle Injuries

Muscle injuries are extremely frequent in professional and amateur sports. Muscle strains, particularly of the hamstrings, are the most frequent injuries in football (soccer) and Australian football. Muscle injuries can be classified in relation to the time of absence into minor, moderate or SEVERE. One of the main problems in muscle injuries is the recurrence rate and this is especially common in the hamstrings group. The clinical presentation of muscle injuries is highly variable and depends on many factors related the mechanism, intensity and type of trauma. Understanding the injury as well as its cause is crucial for the development of specific treatment and prevention strategies.

Lipossarcoma de joelho em um atleta de tênis: relato de caso

Lipossarcoma is an uncommon malignant tumor. It originates in the mesenchymal cells, and is the most common of the soft tissue sarcomas. The authors report a case of a 40 year-old male tennis player with lipossarcoma in the posterior right knee and distal thigh region.

LIPOSARCOMA OF THE KNEE IN A TENNIS PLAyER: CASE REPORT

Liposarcoma is an uncommon malignant tumor. It originates in the mesenchymal cells, and is the most common of the soft tissue sarcomas. The authors report a case of a 40 year-old male tennis player with liposarcoma in the posterior right knee and distal thigh region.