Young Bok Jung

Medial collateral ligament injuries of the knee: ultrasonographic findings.

The aims of our study were (1) to describe the ultrasonographic findings of the injured medial collateral ligament of the knee and (2) to assess the usefulness of ultrasonography in both evaluating the presence and location of the medial collateral ligament injuries and predicting the prognoses for the patients. The study group consisted of 16 patients with the clinical diagnosis of medial collateral ligament injury. We also examined 20 knee joints in 10 volunteers who had no history of injury to the knee. To predict prognoses, we divided the patients into two groups on the basis of the location of medial collateral ligament injuries. A thickened and heterogeneously hypoechoic appearance of the medial collateral ligament was considered abnormal. The normal medial collateral ligament was a thin and moderately homogeneous hypoechoic band with an average thickness of 4.3 mm (range, 3.3 to 5.6 mm) at the femoral attachment and of 2.3 mm (range, 1.3 to 3.2 mm) at the tibial attachment. All injured medial collateral ligament structures were thickened and heterogeneously hypoechoic. According to the criteria for grading of medial collateral ligament injury with stress view, 10 patients had grade III medial collateral ligament tears, three had grade II tears, and none had grade I injuries. In 15 (94%) of 19 knees, a correct diagnosis could be made with ultrasonography. Ultrasonography is useful in evaluating isolated medial collateral ligament injuries and in predicting patient outcome on the basis of the location of the medial collateral ligament injuries.

Revision Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using a Modified Tibial-inlay Double-bundle Technique

BACKGROUND Revision of an unsuccessful posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction is a complicated clinical procedure with an outcome that may be less satisfactory than that after a typical primary PCL reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reasons for failure of primary PCL reconstructions and to determine the clinical outcomes of revision PCL reconstruction after a minimum of two years of follow-up. METHODS Twenty-eight revision PCL reconstructions were performed by a single surgeon. Four cases that involved diverse operative procedures and two cases with a duration of follow-up of less than twenty-four months were excluded; the outcomes of the remaining twenty-two reconstructions were analyzed at the time of the latest follow-up (at least twenty-four months postoperatively). A technique involving a double femoral tunnel, a modified tibial inlay, and Achilles tendon allograft was used in all twenty-two of these revision reconstructions. Seventeen patients (77%) underwent concomitant reconstruction of posterolateral corner structures. Knee stability was measured with use of posterior stress radiography as well as with a maximum manual displacement test utilizing a KT1000 arthrometer. The subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and objective Orthopädische Arbeitsgruppe Knie (OAK) scoring systems were used to evaluate the clinical outcome. RESULTS Nine (41%) of the primary PCL reconstructions most likely failed because of a single factor and thirteen (59%) most likely failed because of multiple factors. The most common probable causes of failure were posterolateral rotatory instability (seventeen knees, 77%) and improper graft tunnel placement (nine knees, 41%). Side-to-side differences during posterior stress radiography improved from 9.9 ± 2.8 mm preoperatively to 2.8 ± 1.8 mm at the time of the latest follow-up (p < 0.001). The subjective and objective clinical scores at the latest follow-up evaluation were significantly better than the preoperative scores (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Arthroscopic revision PCL reconstruction with use of the modified tibial-inlay double-bundle technique improved knee stability, as measured with posterior stress radiography and clinically, and outcomes. Associated posterolateral rotatory instability should be surgically corrected during PCL reconstruction to prevent graft failure resulting from abnormal opening of the lateral aspect of the tibiofemoral joint.

Transtibial double bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using TransFix tibial fixation

Previous transtibial double bundle posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction methods have several problems in graft length and tibial fixation. We introduce new surgical method that is less restrictive by graft length and is more stable with single tibial fixation. After diagnostic arthroscopy, we prepare the graft, ream the tibial tunnel, and perform the procedure for TransFix tibial fixation. Femoral 2 tunnel is made and graft is passed via anteromedial (AM) portal. Tibial fixation is done and femoral 2 graft is fixed sequentially at each knee position. TransFix tibial single fixation method in double bundle PCL reconstruction provides more stable fixation, more free graft selection, and prevents graft damage by passing the graft via AM portal.

How Isometric Are the Anatomic Femoral Tunnel and the Anterior Tibial Tunnel for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the isometry of an anatomic femoral tunnel and anterior tibial tunnel positions. METHODS Tibial tunnels were made at 2 different locations in 10 cadaveric knees: the conventional tunnel and a more anterior position. Three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) scanning was then performed at 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120°. After removal of the anterior cruciate ligament from its femoral attachment, the 2 different femoral tunnels were marked at (1) the vertical femoral tunnel point and (2) the anatomic femoral tunnel point. After scans were repeated for coordinate transformation, the change in length between the tunnels was calculated with imaging software (OsiriX, version 3.2; Apple, Cupertino, CA) and the center of rotation for the femoral tunnels was calculated with a least squares fitting algorithm. RESULTS The conventional tibial tunnel-vertical femoral tunnel combination showed the least excursion as knee flexion angle changed. The vertical femoral tunnel combination groups showed a trend toward increasing length as the knee flexion angle increased. In contrast, the anatomic femoral tunnel combination groups displayed a trend toward decreased length with increasing knee flexion. At less than 30° of flexion, the tibial anterior-anatomic femoral tunnel showed the least excursion. CONCLUSIONS The anatomic femoral tunnel was nonisometric, and the differences in isometry for each tunnel type were explained primarily by differences in relations between the centers of rotation of tunnels and tunnel position. When a femoral anatomic tunnel is chosen for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, the anterior tibial tunnel offers greater isometric benefits than the conventional tibial tunnel, especially in near full extension. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The distance between anatomic femoral and tibial tunnels is greatest in full extension and decreases with flexion. This would result in graft laxity. The surgeon should give consideration to a more anterior tibial tunnel position, which shows less excursion in early flexion.

Double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using two different suspensory femoral fixation: a technical note

We describe a novel double-bundle reconstruction method for ACL deficient knee. Grafts are tibialis allograft for AMB (anteromedial bundle) and semitendinosus autograft for PLB (posterolateral bundle). Femoral fixations are done by Bio-TransFix for AMB and EndoButton for PLB. Tibial fixations are done by Bio-interference screw for AMB at 60–70° knee flexion and secure the PLB and remnant AMB graft simultaneously onto anteromedial aspect of tibia at 10–20° knee flexion with spiked washer and screw. With our technique, graft lengths are not restricted and we provide strong femoral and tibial fixation if it is compared with previous techniques.

Anomalous insertion of the medial menisci

Many types of meniscal anomalies have been reported. The authors encountered two cases of anomalous insertion of the anterior horn of the medial menisci to the lateral femoral condyle, which ran up along the course of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), but was independent of the ACL. These anomalies were noted during arthroscopic examination and surgery of the ipsilateral knee for a torn discoid meniscus and a patellar fracture. A 34-year-old woman had a horizontal tear of the lateral discoid meniscus. We performed arthroscopic partial meniscectomy of the inner torn portion of the lateral discoid meniscus and contoured it to resemble a normal meniscus. An anomalous insertion of the medial meniscus was found on examination of the joint during surgery. A 32-year-old man had a patellar fracture and we performed reduction under arthroscopy and internal fixation with cannulated screws. The same anomalous insertion of the medial meniscus was also found on examination of the joint during surgery. We report the cases with a review of the literature.

Correction of bony genu recurvatum combined with ligamentous instability of the knee: three case reports

We report our experiences for treating the bony genu recurvatum combined with ligamentous instability that needed both osteotomy and ligament reconstruction in three cases. The bony component was corrected according to normal tibial slope, patellar height and limb length. After the osteotomy, we reevaluated the instability of the knee and performed ligament reconstruction if the patients had ligamentous instability even though the osteotomy was done.

Evaluation of Tunnel Position of Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction Using 3-Dimensional Computed Tomogram

PURPOSE To evaluate the isometry of different tunnel positions in posterolateral corner (PLC) reconstruction using 3-dimensional computed tomography. METHODS In 10 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees, fibular tunnels were made from the anterodistal surface of the fibular neck to the posteroproximal fibular tip. Tibial tunnels were made from just medial to the Gerdy tubercle to a point 1 to 1.5 cm medial to the proximal tibiofibular joint. Femoral condyles were marked at 3 different locations: (1) epicondyle, (2) 5 mm distal-anterior to the epicondyle, and (3) 18 mm distal-anterior to the epicondyle. All specimens were scanned by computed tomography at different ranges of motion. Relative length changes between the tunnels were calculated by use of medical imaging software, and the center of rotation (COR) of each distal tunnel was obtained by use of a least-squares circle-fitting algorithm. RESULTS The anterior fibular tunnel to lateral epicondyle and the posterior fibular or posterior tibial tunnel to 5 mm distal-anterior to the lateral epicondyle showed the best results in terms of isometry. The COR of the posterior fibular tunnel is distal and anterior to the epicondyle, whereas the COR of the posterior tibial tunnel is distal and slightly posterior to the epicondyle (8.4 mm away from the epicondyle, with a -8.4° angle along the longitudinal axis of the femur). The COR of the anterior fibular tunnel is located posterior and distal to the epicondyle. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to our hypothesis, the distal tunnels for PLC reconstruction each have different isometric points. The isometric point of the posterior fibular tunnel is distal and anterior to the epicondyle, whereas the isometric points of the posterior tibial and anterior fibular tunnels are distal and posterior to the epicondyle. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The isometric pattern of each tunnel combination should be considered in PLC reconstruction; currently, popliteus tendon reconstruction is non-isometric.

Effects of a Posterior Cruciate Ligament Resection on the Flexion-Extension Gap in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Purpose : To assess the effects of a posterior cruciate ligament resection on the tibiofemoral joint gap in total knee arthroplasty. Materials and Methods : The effect of a PCL resection on the tibiofemoral joint gap was analyzed prospectively in 58 patients (69 knees) who had undergone TKA between May 2003 and April 2006. The knee was exposed using a modified subvastus approach. The medial soft tissue was released and a tibial cutting was made first. The tibial insertion of a PCL was protected during the tibial resection by inserting a thin osteotome in front of the posterior spine. An extension and flexion gap were measured using a balancer/tensor device (Stryker Howmedica OsteonicsⓇ, Allendale, NJ, USA) under manual maximal stress before and after the PCL resection. The change of the joint line and the posterior inclination on preoperative and postoperative lateral roentgenograms was also assessed. Results : After the PCL resection, the flexion gap and extension gap increased by an average of 3.6±1.5 mm and 2.0±1.0 mm, respectively. Although the PCL resection resulted in an increasing a flexion gap and extension gap, the increase in the flexion gap was larger than that of the extension gap by 1.6 mm. Conclusion : A PCL resection resulted in an increase in the flexion and extension gaps by 3.6 mm and 2.0 mm, respectively. Therefore, a PCL resection would be a good alternative method for controlling the flexion-extension gap in TKA.

A Comparison of Fibular Head Tunnel and Tibial Tunnel in the Reconstruction of a Posterolateral Instability of the Knee

Purpose : This study compared the surgical results of various posterolateral corner sling methods performed through either the fibula head tunnel or tibia tunnel in patients with chronic PLRI (PosteroLateral Rotatory Instability). Materials and Methods : Between January 1999 and October 2003, 20 and 19 patients who had undergone surgery for PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) tensioning and an ALB (anterolateral bundle) reconstruction through the fibula head tunnel or tibia tunnel, respectively and were followed up more than 1 year were enrolled in this study. Results : The fibular head tunnel was found to be superior compared with the tibia tunnel method in terms of the operation time (36.5±7.5 versus 68.4±12.8) (p＜0.0001), rotational stability (p=0.0018) and IKDC objective score (p＜0.0001). In the fibula head tunnel group, 85% of patients had an equal to normal or tighter than normal rotational stability in the tibial tunnel group with 63% having an equal to normal or tighter than normal side at the last evaluation. In the IKDC objective score, 85% of patients in the fibula head tunnel group had a rating B or higher at the last evaluation compared with 79% in the tibial tunnel group (p＜0.0001). However there were no significant differences in anteroposterior stability and OAK score. Conclusion : The modified posterolateral corner sling through the fibula head tunnel produces better results in terms of a posterolateral rotational stability of grade II chronic PLRL in a combined PCL injury than that using the tibia tunnel method.