Riccardo Gomes Gobbi

Anatomy and Histology of the Knee Anterolateral Ligament

Background: Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common procedures in orthopaedic surgery. However, even with advances in surgical techniques and implants, some patients still have residual anterolateral rotatory laxity after reconstruction. A thorough study of the anatomy of the anterolateral region of the knee is needed. Purpose: To study the anterolateral region and determine the measurements and points of attachments of the anterolateral ligament (ALL). Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Dissections of the anterolateral structures of the knee were performed in 20 human cadavers. After isolating the ALL, its length, thickness, width, and points of attachments were determined. The femoral attachment of the ALL was based on the anterior-posterior and proximal-distal distances from the attachment of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). The tibial attachment point was based on the distance from the Gerdy tubercle to the fibular head and the distance from the lateral tibial plateau. The ligaments from the first 10 dissections were sent for histological analysis. Results: The ALL was found in all 20 knees. The femoral attachment of the ALL at the lateral epicondyle averaged 3.5 mm distal and 2.2 mm anterior to the attachment of the LCL. Two distal attachments were observed: one inserts into the lateral meniscus, the other between the Gerdy tubercle and the fibular head, approximately 4.4 mm distal to the tibial articular cartilage. The mean measurements for the ligament were 37.3 mm (length), 7.4 mm (width), and 2.7 mm (thickness). The histological analysis of the ligaments revealed dense connective tissue. Conclusion: The ALL is consistently present in the anterolateral region of the knee. Its attachment to the femur is anterior and distal to the attachment of the LCL. Moving distally, it bifurcates at close to half of its length. The ALL features 2 distal attachments, one at the lateral meniscus and the other between the Gerdy tubercle and the fibular head. Clinical Relevance: The ALL may be important in maintaining normal rotatory limits of knee motion; ALL rupture could be responsible for rotatory laxity after isolated intra-articular reconstruction of the ACL.

Radiographic Landmarks for Locating the Femoral Origin and Tibial Insertion of the Knee Anterolateral Ligament

Background: Recent anatomic studies have confirmed the presence of a true ligament structure, the anterolateral ligament (ALL), in the anterolateral region of the knee. This structure is involved in the rotatory instability of the knee and might explain why some isolated reconstructions of the anterior cruciate ligament result in a residual pivot shift. Therefore, when considering the least invasive method for reconstruction of this structure, it is important to identify the corresponding bony landmarks on radiographic images. Purpose: To establish radiographic femoral and tibial landmarks for the ALL in frontal and lateral views. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Ten unpaired cadaver knees were dissected. The attachments of the ALL were isolated and its anatomic parameters were quantified. Its origin and insertion were marked with a 2-mm-diameter metallic sphere, and radiographs were taken from frontal and lateral views. The obtained images were analyzed and the ALL parameters established. Results: The origin of the ALL in the lateral view was found at a point an average ± SD of 47.5% ± 4.3% from the anterior edge of the femoral condyle and about 3.7 ± 1.1 mm below the Blumensaat line. In the frontal view, the origin was about 15.8 ± 1.9 mm from the distal condyle line. The ALL insertion was an average of 53.2% ± 5.8% from the anterior edge of the lateral tibial plateau in the lateral view and 7.0 ± 0.5 mm below the lateral tibial plateau in the frontal view. In anatomic dissections, the origin of the ALL was 1.9 ± 1.4 mm anterior and 4.1 ± 1.1 mm distal to the lateral collateral ligament, and the insertion was 4.4 ± 0.8 mm below the lateral tibial plateau cartilage. Conclusion: The ALL origin on an absolute lateral radiograph of the knee is approximately 47% of the anterior-posterior size of the condyle and 3.7 mm caudal to the Blumensaat line. In a frontal radiograph, the ALL is 15.8 mm from the posterior bicondyle line. The ALL insertion is approximately 53.2% of the anterior-posterior size of the plateau in the lateral view and 7.0 mm below the articular line in the frontal view. Clinical Relevance: Knowledge of the anatomic landmarks of the ALL on radiography will permit minimally invasive surgical reconstruction with lower morbidity.

Combined Intra- and Extra-articular Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament: The Reconstruction of the Knee Anterolateral Ligament

We present a new technique for the combined intra- and extra-articular reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. Intra-articular reconstruction is performed in an outside-in manner according to the precepts of the anatomic femoral tunnel technique. Extra-articular reconstruction is performed with the gracilis tendon while respecting the anatomic parameters of the origin and insertion points and the path described for the knee anterolateral ligament.

Tradução e validação da escala Knee Society Score: KSS para a Língua Portuguesa

Objective: To translate, culturally adapt and validate the “Knee Society Score” (KSS) for the Portuguese language and determine its measurement properties, reproducibility and validity. Method: We analyzed 70 patients of both sexes, aged ages between 55 and 85 years, in a crosssectional clinical trial, with diagnosis of primary osteoarthritis, undergoing total knee arthroplasty surgery. We assessed the patients with the English version of the KSS questionnaire and after 30 minutes with the Portuguese version of the KSS questionnaire, done by a different evaluator. All the patients were assessed preoperatively, and again at three, and six months postoperatively. Results: There was no statistical difference, using Cronbach’s alpha index and the Bland-Altman graphical analysis, for the knee score during the preoperative period (p = 1), and at three months (p = 0.991) and six months postoperatively (p = 0.985). There was no statistical difference for knee function score for all three periods (p = 1.0). Conclusion: The Brazilian version of the Knee Society Score is easy to apply, as well providing as a valid and reliable instrument for measuring the knee score and function of Brazilian patients undergoing TKA. Level of Evidence: Level I - Diagnostic Studies— Investigating a Diagnostic Test - Testing of previously developed diagnostic criteria on consecutive patients (with universally applied ‘gold’ reference standard).

Simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and computer-assisted open-wedge high tibial osteotomy: a report of eight cases.

Eight patients, aged 37-50 years, with chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency, medial compartment osteoarthritis and varus deformity underwent simultaneous arthroscopic ACL reconstruction and open-wedge high tibial osteotomy controlled by a computer navigation system. Despite preoperative planning, the surgeon may need to choose a different osteotomy site during the procedure, invalidating the previous plans. The intraoperative wire control for osteotomies is not precise. The navigation system can help obtain precise alignment during high tibial osteotomy. The average preoperative mechanical axis was 7.5 of varum (sd±1.17°), the average postoperative axis was 1.2° of valgus (sd±1.04°) (p<0.01), and the average correction of the mechanical axis was 8.7° (sd±0.76°). The site of the osteotomy was 3.9 cm (3.5-4.8 cm, sd±0.35 mm) from the articular line, with an inclination of 27.9° (24-35, sd±4.8). The simultaneous use of these procedures allowed proper correction of the knee axis during the surgery. The surgery can be performed concomitantly with ACL reconstruction.

Anatomical study on the anterolateral ligament of the knee

Objective Describe the knee anterolateral ligament (ALL) and establish its anatomical marks of origin and insertion. Methods Dissection of the anterolateral aspect of the knee was performed in six cadavers. After isolation of the ALL, its lenght, width and thickness were measured as its places of origin and insertion. The ALL origin was documented in relation to the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) origin and the insertion was documented in relation to the Gerdy tubercle, fibullar head and lateral meniscus. After the first two dissections, the ligament was removed and sent to histologycal analysis. Results The ALL was clearly identified in all knees. Its origin in the lateral epycondile was on average 0.5 mm distal and 2.5 mm anterior to the LCL. In the tibia, two insertions were observed, one in the lateral meniscus and another in the proximal tibia, about 4.5 mm distal to the articular cartilage, between the Gerdy tubercle and the fibullar head. The average measures obtained were: 35.1 mm lenght, 6.8 mm width and 2.6 mm thickness. In the ligament histological analysis, dense connective tissue was observed. Conclusion The ALL is a constant structure in the knee anterolateral region. Its origin is anterior and distal to the LCL origin. In the tibia, it has two insertions, one in the lateral meniscus and another in the proximal tibia between the Gerdy tubercle and the fibullar head.

Judet Quadricepsplasty in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Knee Rigidity: Long-Term Outcomes of 45 Cases.

Background: Posttraumatic knee stiffness is a very debilitating condition. Judets quadricepsplasty technique has been used for more than 50 years. However, few reports of quadricepsplasty results exist in the literature. Methods: We report the results of 45 cases of posttraumatic arthrofibrosis of the knee treated with Judets quadricepsplasty. The results of the procedure were analyzed by measuring the degrees of flexion of the operated knees at different time points (before, immediately after, and late postoperatively). Results: The degree of flexion increased from 33.6 degrees (range, 5–80 degrees) preoperatively to 105 degrees (range, 45–160 degrees) immediately after surgery, followed by a slight fall in the range of motion (ROM) in the late postoperative period, which reached an average of 84.8 degrees. There was no significant correlation between knee strength and the patients gender, but there was a slight trend of lower strength with age. Although Judets quadricepsplasty technique dates from more than 50 years ago, it still provides good outcomes in the treatment of rigid knees of various etiologies. In general, all cases showed the same pattern of a small decrease in the ROM in the late postoperative period. Conclusion: Judets quadricepsplasty can increase the ROM of rigid knees. The ROM obtained with the surgery persists long term.

Combined Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament With Quadricipital Tendon and the Medial Patellotibial Ligament With Patellar Tendon

Although the medial patellotibial ligament (MPTL) has been neglected regarding its function in patellar stability, recently, its importance in terminal extension and during flexion has been recognized. Indications for reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament combined with the MPTL are extension subluxation, flexion instability, children with anatomic risk factors for patellar instability, and knee hyperextension associated with generalized laxity. We describe a combined reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament with quadricipital tendon and reconstruction of the MPTL with patellar tendon autografts.

Reconstruction of medial patellofemoral ligament using quadriceps tendon combined with reconstruction of medial patellotibial ligament using patellar tendon: initial experience

Objective To describe a surgical technique for anatomical reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament using the quadriceps tendon, combined with reconstruction of the medial patellotibial ligament using the patellar tendon; and to present the initial results from a case series. Method The proposed technique was used on a series of cases of patients with diagnoses of patellofemoral instability and indications for surgical treatment, who were attended by the Knee Group of HC-IOT, University of São Paulo. The following were evaluated before and after the operation: range of motion (ROM), apprehension test, lateral translation test, patellar inclination test, inverted J sign, subluxation upon extension, pain from compression of the patella and pain from contraction of the quadriceps. After the operation, the patients were asked whether any new episode of dislocation had occurred, what their degree of satisfaction with the surgery was (on a scale from 0 to 10) and whether they would be prepared to go through this operation again. Results Seven knees were operated, in seven patients, with a mean follow-up of 5.46 months (±2.07). Four patients who presented apprehension before the operation did not show this after the operation. The lateral translation test became normal for all the patients, while the patellar inclination test remained positive for two patients. The patients with an inverted J sign continued to be positive for this sign. Five patients were positive for subluxation upon extension before the operation, but all patients were negative for this after the operation. None of the patients presented any new episode of dislocation of the patella. All of them stated that they were satisfied: five gave a satisfaction score of 9 and two, a score of 10. All of them said that they would undergo the operation again. Only one patient presented a postoperative complication: dehiscence of the wound. Conclusion Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament using the quadriceps tendon, combined with reconstruction of the medial patellotibial ligament using the patellar tendon, was technically safe and presented good objective and subjective clinical results in this case series with a short follow-up.

Development of a Fresh Osteochondral Allograft Program Outside North America

Objective To standardize and to develop a fresh osteochondral allograft protocol of procurement, processing and surgical utilization in Brazil. This study describes the steps recommended to make fresh osteochondral allografts a viable treatment option in a country without previous fresh allograft availability. Design The process involves regulatory process modification, developing and establishing procurement, and processing and surgical protocols. Results Legislation: Fresh osteochondral allografts were not feasible in Brazil until 2009 because the law prohibited preservation of fresh grafts at tissue banks. We approved an amendment that made it legal to preserve fresh grafts for 30 days from 2°C to 6°C in tissue banks. Procurement: We changed the protocol of procurement to decrease tissue contamination. All tissues were procured in an operating room. Processing: Processing of the grafts took place within 12 hours of tissue recovery. A serum-free culture media with antibiotics was developed to store the grafts. Surgeries: We have performed 8 fresh osteochondral allografts on 8 knees obtaining grafts from 5 donors. Mean preoperative International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score was 31.99 ± 13.4, improving to 81.26 ± 14.7 at an average of 24 months’ follow-up. Preoperative Knee Injury and Oseoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) score was 46.8 ± 20.9 and rose to 85.24 ± 13.9 after 24 months. Mean preoperative Merle D’Aubigne-Postel score was 8.75 ± 2.25 rising to 16.1 ± 2.59 at 24 months’ follow-up. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first report of fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation in South America. We believe that this experience may be of value for physicians in countries that are trying to establish an osteochondral allograft transplant program.