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Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is caused by platelet-activating IgG antibodies that recognize platelet factor 4 (PF4) bound to heparin. Immunogenicity of heparins differs in that unfractionated heparin (UFH) induces more anti–PF4/heparin antibodies than low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and UFH also causes more HIT. Fondaparinux, a synthetic anticoagulant modeled after the antithrombin-binding pentasaccharide, is believed to be nonimmunogenic. We tested 2726 patients for anti–PF4/heparin antibodies after they were randomized to receive antithrombotic prophylaxis with fondaparinux or LMWH (enoxaparin) following hip or knee surgery. We also evaluated in vitro cross-reactivity of the IgG antibodies generated against PF4 in the presence of UFH, LMWH, danaparoid, or fondaparinux. We found that anti–PF4/heparin antibodies were generated at similar frequencies in patients treated with fondaparinux or enoxaparin. Although antibodies reacted equally well in vitro against PF4/UFH and PF4/LMWH, and sometimes weakly against PF4/danaparoid, none reacted against PF4/fondaparinux, including even those sera obtained from patients who formed antibodies during fondaparinux treatment. At high concentrations, however, fondaparinux inhibited binding of HIT antibodies to PF4/polysaccharide, indicating that PF4/fondaparinux interactions occur. No patient developed HIT. We conclude that despite similar immunogenicity of fondaparinux and LMWH, PF4/fondaparinux, but not PF4/LMWH, is recognized poorly by the antibodies generated, suggesting that the risk of HIT with fondaparinux likely is very low. more...

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is caused by platelet-activating IgG antibodies that recognize platelet factor 4 (PF4) bound to heparin. Immunogenicity of heparins differs in that unfractionated heparin (UFH) induces more anti–PF4/heparin antibodies than low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and UFH also causes more HIT. Fondaparinux, a synthetic anticoagulant modeled after the antithrombin-binding pentasaccharide, is believed to be nonimmunogenic. We tested 2726 patients for anti–PF4/heparin antibodies after they were randomized to receive antithrombotic prophylaxis with fondaparinux or LMWH (enoxaparin) following hip or knee surgery. We also evaluated in vitro cross-reactivity of the IgG antibodies generated against PF4 in the presence of UFH, LMWH, danaparoid, or fondaparinux. We found that anti–PF4/heparin antibodies were generated at similar frequencies in patients treated with fondaparinux or enoxaparin. Although antibodies reacted equally well in vitro against PF4/UFH and PF4/LMWH, and sometimes weakly against PF4/danaparoid, none reacted against PF4/fondaparinux, including even those sera obtained from patients who formed antibodies during fondaparinux treatment. At high concentrations, however, fondaparinux inhibited binding of HIT antibodies to PF4/polysaccharide, indicating that PF4/fondaparinux interactions occur. No patient developed HIT. We conclude that despite similar immunogenicity of fondaparinux and LMWH, PF4/fondaparinux, but not PF4/LMWH, is recognized poorly by the antibodies generated, suggesting that the risk of HIT with fondaparinux likely is very low. more...

Dabigatran etexilate is an oral low‐molecular‐weight direct thrombin inhibitor. Following oral administration, dabigatran etexilate is rapidly converted to its active form, dabigatran. The authors investigated the absorption, distribution, and elimination of a single 150‐mg dose capsule formulation of dabigatran etexilate in healthy volunteers and patients undergoing total hip replacement. In an open‐label, 3‐way crossover study, dabigatran etexilate was administered to 18 male volunteers in the fasted state, after administration of food and with coadministration of the proton pump inhibitor, pantoprazole. In a subsequent multicenter, open‐label study, 59 patients received a single dose of dabigatran etexilate, administered 1 to 3 hours following total hip replacement. In healthy volunteers, food had no effect on the extent of absorption of dabigatran etexilate, although there was reduced interindividual variability for dabigatran maximum plasma concentration and AUC0‐∞. A decrease in the mean dabigatran AUC0‐∞(904 to 705 ng•h/mL) occurred with coadministration of pantoprazole. In patients undergoing total hip replacement, immediate onset of absorption was seen with the maximum plasma concentration of dabigatran occurring after 6 hours. The AUC0–24of dabigatran was 88% of the steady‐state AUC using a preliminary tablet formulation and 106% of that seen in the healthy volunteer study. Compared with healthy volunteers, the postoperative profile was flattened with delayed peak concentrations. In summary, administration of the dabigatran etexilate capsule with food has no effect on the extent of dabigatran absorption, with a moderate decrease when coadministered with pantoprazole. Adequate plasma concentrations of dabigatran were seen with early postoperative administration of the dabigatran etexilate capsule. These pharmacokinetic characteristics confirm the suitability of this oral solid dosage form for use in future clinical trials. more...

Fondaparinux (Arixtra, Sanofi-Synthelabo, Paris, France) is a pentasaccharide that selectively inhibits factor Xa; it is the first of a new class of synthetic antithrombotic agents. Fondaparinux has a linear pharmacokinetic profile allowing once-daily subcutaneous administration. Absence of metabolism, complete bioavailability, and lack of nonspecific binding in plasma contribute to the predictability of its effect. Fondaparinux has been approved for use in the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism following orthopedic surgery. In this setting, it was found to reduce VTE risk by more than 50 in comparison with the low molecular weight heparin enoxaparin, with an incidence of clinically important bleeding not significantly different from that of standard low molecular weight heparin regimens. Furthermore, 4 weeks of prophylaxis with fondaparinux after hip fracture surgery was shown to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism by 96 compared with 1-week prophylaxis. Finally, the efficacy and safety of fondaparinux in the treatment of venous thromboembolism and acute coronary syndromes appears promising. more...

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a life-threatening complication following orthopedic surgery. Selective factor Xa inhibition is a new antithrombotic approach designed to avoid difficulties associated with heparins and other current anticoagulants. Several antifactor Xa compounds are in early investigation, but fondaparinux (Arixtra; NV Organon, Oss, The Netherlands; Sanofi-Synthelabo, Paris, France) is the first and most advanced compound in the development of a new class of synthetic antithrombotic agents—the selective factor Xa inhibitors. Fondaparinux has a highly favorable pharmacokinetic profile; four large phase 3 trials comparing subcutaneous fondaparinux 2.5 mg once daily with the low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) enoxaparin in doses approved by regulatory bodies showed that fondaparinux reduced the overall risk of VTE in major orthopedic surgery by > 50 without increasing clinically relevant bleeding. Fondaparinux also appears to be a very promising candidate for the treatment of patients with existing VTE. more...

Abstract: The objective of this study was to compare the function and activity level in patients with anterior cruciate ligament injuries, who participated in competitive sports (Tegner activity level ≥ 7) and underwent a reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, either subacute (2–12 weeks, group I) or late (12–24 months, group II) after the injury. The patients in group I (n = 97) were comparable with those in group II (n = 103) in terms of gender, age, pre-injury activity level, and the reconstruction technique. At the final follow-up (2–5.5 years after the operation), the Lysholm score, the IKDC evaluation system and the one-leg-hop test revealed no differences between the groups. There were also no differences between the groups in terms of the patients’ subjective evaluation or expectations. The Tegner activity level at follow-up was 8 (range 2–10) in group I and 6 (range 2–9) in group II (P = 0.0001). The same thing was found in terms of the desired Tegner activity level, which was 9 (range 4–9) in group I and 7 (range 3–10) in group II (P = 0.0002). The KT-1000 laxity meter revealed a total side-to-side difference of 1.5 mm (–3.5–8.5) in group I and 1.5 mm (–3.5–7) in group II (NS). Associated meniscal surgery between the index injury and the reconstruction, or during the reconstruction, was performed in 37/97 (38%) of the patients in group I and 59/103 (57%) of the patients in group II (P < 0.01). This study revealed that competitive athletes who underwent reconstruction at a subacute stage after the anterior cruciate ligament injury had a higher activity level 2–5.5 years after the index operation, as well as a higher desired level of activity compared to athletes who had the reconstruction delayed by 12–24 months. Furthermore, meniscal injuries were significantly more frequent if the reconstruction was delayed. more...

Abstract: This study included 527 patients (178 female and 349 male) with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft and interference screw fixation. The follow-up examination was performed by independent observers at a median of 38 (21–68) months after the index operation. At the follow-up, the Lysholm score was 86 (14–100) points, the Lysholm instability subscore was 22 (0–25) points and the Lysholm pain subscore was 19 (0–25) points. The Tegner activity level was 6 (1–10). The one-leg-hop test was 91 (0–167)% of the non-injured knee. The difference in the anterior side-to-side laxity as measured with the KT-1000 arthrometer at 89 Newton (N) was 1.5 (–5–13) mm and the total KT-1000 side-to-side difference at 89 N was 2 (–7–11) mm. Using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) evaluation system, 177 (33.6%) patients were classified as normal (group A), 211 (40%) as nearly normal (group B), 109 (20.7%) as abnormal (group C) and 30 (5.7%) as severely abnormal (group D). The highest correlation coefficients were recorded between the IKDC evaluation system and the Lysholm score (ρ = 0.66), the patients’ subjective evaluation (ρ = 0.53), the Tegner activity level (ρ = 0.34), all the laxity tests (ρ≥ 0.34) and the one-leg-hop test (ρ = 0.28). The resumption of sporting activities and work as evaluated by the Tegner activity level correlated with the patients’ subjective evaluation (ρ = 0.34) but did not correlate with the laxity tests, i.e., the manual Lachman test (ρ = –0.06) and the total and anterior KT-1000 tests (ρ = –0.06). Furthermore, none of the laxity tests correlated with the functional tests or the patients’ subjective evaluation. We conclude that the IKDC evaluation system is a reliable and useful tool for evaluating the post-operative outcome after an ACL reconstruction. more...

The objective of this study was to compare the function and activity level in patients with anterior cruciate ligament injuries, who participated in competitive sports (Tegner activity level = 7) and underwent a reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, either subacute (2–12 weeks, group I) or late (12–24 months, group II) after the injury. The patients in group I (n= 97) were comparable with those in group II (n= 103) in terms of gender, age, pre-injury activity level, and the reconstruction technique. At the final follow-up (2–5.5 years after the operation), the Lysholm score, the IKDC evaluation system and the one-leg-hop test revealed no differences between the groups. There were also no differences between the groups in terms of the patients’ subjective evaluation or expectations. The Tegner activity level at follow-up was 8 (range 2–10) in group I and 6 (range 2–9) in group II (P= 0.0001). The same thing was found in terms of the desired Tegner activity level, which was 9 (range 4–9) in group I and 7 (range 3–10) in group II (P= 0.0002). The KT-1000 laxity meter revealed a total side-to-side difference of 1.5 mm (–3.5–8.5) in group I and 1.5 mm (–3.5–7) in group II (NS). Associated meniscal surgery between the index injury and the reconstruction, or during the reconstruction, was performed in 37/97 (38%) of the patients in group I and 59/103 (57%) of the patients in group II (P< 0.01). This study revealed that competitive athletes who underwent reconstruction at a subacute stage after the anterior cruciate ligament injury had a higher activity level 2–5.5 years after the index operation, as well as a higher desired level of activity compared to athletes who had the reconstruction delayed by 12–24 months. Furthermore, meniscal injuries were significantly more frequent if the reconstruction was delayed. more...

This study included 527 patients (178 female and 349 male) with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft and interference screw fixation. The follow-up examination was performed by independent observers at a median of 38 (21–68) months after the index operation. At the follow-up, the Lysholm score was 86 (14–100) points, the Lysholm instability subscore was 22 (0–25) points and the Lysholm pain subscore was 19 (0–25) points. The Tegner activity level was 6 (1–10). The one-leg-hop test was 91 (0–167)% of the non-injured knee. The difference in the anterior side-to-side laxity as measured with the KT-1000 arthrometer at 89 Newton (N) was 1.5 (–5–13) mm and the total KT-1000 side-to-side difference at 89 N was 2 (–7–11) mm. Using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) evaluation system, 177 (33.6%) patients were classified as normal (group A), 211 (40%) as nearly normal (group B), 109 (20.7%) as abnormal (group C) and 30 (5.7%) as severely abnormal (group D). The highest correlation coefficients were recorded between the IKDC evaluation system and the Lysholm score (? = 0.66), the patients’ subjective evaluation (? = 0.53), the Tegner activity level (? = 0.34), all the laxity tests (?= 0.34) and the one-leg-hop test (? = 0.28). The resumption of sporting activities and work as evaluated by the Tegner activity level correlated with the patients’ subjective evaluation (? = 0.34) but did not correlate with the laxity tests, i.e., the manual Lachman test (? = –0.06) and the total and anterior KT-1000 tests (? = –0.06). Furthermore, none of the laxity tests correlated with the functional tests or the patients’ subjective evaluation. We conclude that the IKDC evaluation system is a reliable and useful tool for evaluating the post-operative outcome after an ACL reconstruction. more...

The aim of this prospective study was to follow the development of repair tissue in the donor-site area using serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation and to assess whether the MRI findings were correlated with donor-site morbidity. Thirty-seven consecutive patients with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament injuries undergoing elective reconstruction of the ligament were included in the study. They were aged 27 (range 14–50) years. The graft was harvested through two 25-mm vertical incisions with the aim of protecting the infrapatellar nerve and sparing the paratenon. The tendon defect was left open. The patients underwent MRI evaluation at 6 weeks, 6 months and 27 months postoperatively. A final clinical follow-up was made 25 (range 23–29) months postoperatively. MRI demonstrated that the donor-site gap, i.e. the area corresponding to a pathological non-tendinous-like tissue signal, was 9 (range 4–18) mm at 6 weeks, 5 (range 2–14) mm at 6 months and 2 (range 0–5) mm at 27 months. The size of the donor-site gap had significantly decreased at 6 months compared with 6 weeks (P= 0.0001), as well as at 27 months compared with 6 months (P= 0.0001). We conclude that the patellar tendon at the donor site healed gradually, as expressed by a decrease in the area of non-tendinous-like tissue signal on the serial MRI evaluations. more...

The aim of the study was to assess knee function after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and to analyse complications impeding rehabilitation, additional surgery until the final follow-up, as well as residual patellofemoral pain and donor-site problems. Between 1991 and 1994, 635 patients were operated on using patellar tendon autografts and interference screw fixation. Of these, 604 (95.1%) patients (403 male and 201 female) were re-examined by independent observers at the final follow-up 38 (range 21–68) months post-operatively. The Lysholm score was 85 (range 14–100) points and the Tegner activity level was 6 (range 1–10). Using the IKDC score, 206 patients (34.1%) were classified as normal, 244 (40.4%) as nearly normal, 122 (20.2%) as abnormal and 32 (5.3%) as severely abnormal. In patients with an uninjured contralateral knee (n= 527), the KT-1000 revealed a total side-to-side difference of 1.5 (range –7–11) mm, and 384/527 (72.9%) had a side-to-side difference of = 3 mm. The one-leg-hop test was 95% (range 0%–167%). One or more complications impeding rehabilitation were recorded in 184/604 patients (30.5%). The most common was an extension deficit (> 5°), in 81 patients (13.4%). During the period until the final follow-up, 196 re-operations were performed in 161/604 (26.7%) patients. More than one re-operation was required in 27 patients. Shaving and anterior scar resection due to extension deficit were the most common procedures performed (on 65 occasions). Moderate to severe subjective anterior knee pain related to activity, walking up and down stairs, and sitting with the knee flexed was found in 203/604 patients (33.6%). The median loss of anterior knee sensitivity was 16 (range 0–288) cm2. Patients with a full range of motion had less anterior knee pain than patients with isolated flexion or extension deficits, or combined flexion and extension deficits (P< 0.05, P= 0.08 and P< 0.001, respectively). Patients with a full range of motion had less anterior knee pain than patients with extension deficits (with and without flexion deficits) (P< 0.001). Patients with a full range of motion and a minimal loss (= 4 cm2) of anterior knee sensitivity had significantly (P< 0.01) less subjective anterior knee pain than patients who did not fulfil these criteria. A considerable number of complications hindering the rehabilitation and conditions requiring additional surgery until the final follow-up were recorded. Anterior knee pain and problems with knee-walking were correlated with the loss of range of motion and anterior knee sensitivity. more...

The aim of the study was to determine the effect on long-term survival of the location of DVT in relation to age groups and side of operation. 1310 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and who participated in one of 7 randomized, prospective clinical trials with thromboprophylaxis were included in this analysis. A trend analysis showed that the incidence of proximal and distal DVT increased significantly with age (p<0.05). In patients older than 64 years of age the relative risk of death was non-significantly higher when proximal DVT was present compared to patients without DVT and the relative risk of death was non-significantly higher in patients older than 74 years of age when distal thrombi was present compared to patients without DVT. The test for trend showed an increase with age in the incidence of both ipsi- and contralateral DVT; the increase was significant in patients with contralateral DVT (p<0.05). The relative risk of death was higher (of borderline significance) in patients older than 74 years of age with contralateral DVT.In conclusion, the pattern of location of asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis changes with increasing age. The location of asymptomatic and treated DVT has no significant influence on long-term survival. more...

Injuries of the ankle comprise a large percentage of all trauma, especially among individuals active in sports. The lateral ligaments are most often injured, and the recommended treatment is nonsurgical, with functional treatment, early mobilization, and a supervised rehabilitation program. Braces and ankle tape are both effective in preventing ankle injuries, although the issue of external support remains unclear. Longterm results after conservative treatment are satisfactory, although some patients have residual symptoms. Degenerative changes of the ankle joint are uncommon after ankle ligament injuries. Among patients for whom reconstructive procedures are indicated, anatomic reconstruction is recommended. The modified Broström reconstruction provides greater mechanical support than the WatsonJones and the ChrismanSnook tenodeses. Among patients in whom anatomical reconstruction cannot be performed, or has failed, the ChrismanSnook reconstruction is recommended. Ankle arthroscopy is a costeffective procedure to use when treating patients with persistent symptoms after ligament injuries, eg, anterolateral ankle impingement, or osteochondral lesions. It can be performed as an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia. The longterm results are satisfactory in approximately three of four patients and the morbidity is minimal. Further studies on subtalar instability, the effects of rehabilitation, and postoperative care including early range of motion training after reconstructive surgery still are needed. more...

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a soluble receptor for the Osteoprotegerin-Ligand (OPGL) which is expressed on osteoblasts and mediates the signal for osteoclast differentiation. In the present study we demonstrate that OPG mRNA levels in MG-63 cells are increased in a dose-dependent manner after 8 h of treatment with IL-1α (338±53% over control at 25 U/ml). Interleukin-6 (IL-6), under similar culture conditions, does not affect OPG mRNA levels. Time-course studies show that IL-1α (25 U/ml) causes a transient increase of OPG mRNA levels in MG-63 cells, peaking after 4 h of treatment. An increase of the OPG transcript occurs in hOB cells at 0,5 h which is still present after 24 h of IL-1α treatment. In MG-63 cells neither basal- nor IL-1α-induced OPG mRNA levels are altered by the translational inhibitor cycloheximide. These results suggest that expression of OPG in osteoblasts may be regulated by IL-1α. more...

Abstract: The objective of this study was to assess knee function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction focusing on residual donor-site problems. Ninety consecutive patients with chronic unilateral anterior cruciate ligament rupture were operated on by the same surgeon using patellar tendon autografts, the all-inside arthroscopic technique, and interference screw fixation. At the follow-up examination 24 (range 22– 32) months after the index operation, the median total anterior-posterior KT-1000 side-to-side difference was 2.5 (–7 to 11) mm. The median Lysholm score was 86 (range 37–100) points and the median Tegner activity level was 6 (range 1–9). Using the IKDC evaluation system, 62 of 90 (69%) were classified as normal or nearly normal. The median one-leg-hop quotient was 93 (range 0– 167)% of the uninjured leg. Of 90 patients, 44 (49%) had minor or no discomfort when asked to walk on their knees (kneewalkers) and 46 of 90 (51%) patients had severe problems or found it impossible to perform the test (non-kneewalkers). The ‘kneewalkers’ had a median loss of anterior knee sensitivity of 10 (range 0–120) cm2. The corresponding value for the ‘non-kneewalkers’ was 25 (range 0–200) cm2 (P = 0.0001). Palpatory donor-site tenderness was registered in 19 of 44 (43%) of the ‘kneewalkers’ and 37 of 46 (80%) of the ‘non-kneewalkers’ (P < 0.001). Full hyperextension was not regained by 9 of 44 (20%) of the ‘kneewalkers’ and 19 of 46 (41%) of the ‘non-kneewalkers’ (P < 0.05). Additional surgery during the follow-up period was required by 6 of 44 (14%) of the ‘kneewalkers’ and 19 of 46 (41%) of the ‘non-kneewalkers’ (P < 0.01). Magnetic resonance imaging focusing on the donor site was performed on 31 randomly selected patients and revealed no difference between the ‘kneewalkers’ and the ‘non-kneewalkers’ in terms of patellar tendon width, thickness, length, and residual donor-site gap size. The kneewalking test was found to be a functional and reliable test for detecting donor-site morbidity. It appears that donor-site morbidity was related to problems requiring additional surgery during the follow-up period, such as extension deficit and pain near the metal implant on the tibial side, as well as the loss of anterior knee sensitivity. It appears to be important to attempt to preserve the sensitivity in the operated area during surgery and to regain full hyperextension in the post-operative period to minimize donor-site morbidity. more...

Abstract: The aim of the study was to assess knee function after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and to analyse complications impeding rehabilitation, additional surgery until the final follow-up, as well as residual patellofemoral pain and donor-site problems. Between 1991 and 1994, 635 patients were operated on using patellar tendon autografts and interference screw fixation. Of these, 604 (95.1%) patients (403 male and 201 female) were re-examined by independent observers at the final follow-up 38 (range 21–68) months post-operatively. The Lysholm score was 85 (range 14–100) points and the Tegner activity level was 6 (range 1–10). Using the IKDC score, 206 patients (34.1%) were classified as normal, 244 (40.4%) as nearly normal, 122 (20.2%) as abnormal and 32 (5.3%) as severely abnormal. In patients with an uninjured contralateral knee (n = 527), the KT-1000 revealed a total side-to-side difference of 1.5 (range –7–11) mm, and 384/527 (72.9%) had a side-to-side difference of ≤ 3 mm. The one-leg-hop test was 95% (range 0%–167%). One or more complications impeding rehabilitation were recorded in 184/604 patients (30.5%). The most common was an extension deficit (> 5°), in 81 patients (13.4%). During the period until the final follow-up, 196 re-operations were performed in 161/604 (26.7%) patients. More than one re-operation was required in 27 patients. Shaving and anterior scar resection due to extension deficit were the most common procedures performed (on 65 occasions). Moderate to severe subjective anterior knee pain related to activity, walking up and down stairs, and sitting with the knee flexed was found in 203/604 patients (33.6%). The median loss of anterior knee sensitivity was 16 (range 0–288) cm2. Patients with a full range of motion had less anterior knee pain than patients with isolated flexion or extension deficits, or combined flexion and extension deficits (P < 0.05, P = 0.08 and P < 0.001, respectively). Patients with a full range of motion had less anterior knee pain than patients with extension deficits (with and without flexion deficits) (P < 0.001). Patients with a full range of motion and a minimal loss (≤ 4 cm2) of anterior knee sensitivity had significantly (P < 0.01) less subjective anterior knee pain than patients who did not fulfil these criteria. A considerable number of complications hindering the rehabilitation and conditions requiring additional surgery until the final follow-up were recorded. Anterior knee pain and problems with knee-walking were correlated with the loss of range of motion and anterior knee sensitivity. more...

The aim of the study was to determine the long-term survival in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty in relation to type of perioperatively administered thromboprophylaxis. Patients from seven randomized controlled trials of the effect of thromboprophylaxis on development of early thromboembolic complications after total hip arthroplasty were included in a follow-up analysis with death as the end-point. There was no difference in survival between groups receiving active thromboprophylaxis, but there was a general trend towards a better survival in the 3 placebo groups compared with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), (RR: 1.53; C.I.: 1.04–2.25). There was a significant excess of cardiovascular deaths in the LMWH groups (RR: 2.48; CI: 1.45–4.24). Long-term prospective studies should be performed to assess the long-term effect of various thromboprophylactic regimens on morbidity and mortality after total hip arthoplasty. more...

Abstract: The aim of this prospective study was to follow the development of repair tissue in the donor-site area using serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation and to assess whether the MRI findings were correlated with donor-site morbidity. Thirty-seven consecutive patients with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament injuries undergoing elective reconstruction of the ligament were included in the study. They were aged 27 (range 14–50) years. The graft was harvested through two 25-mm vertical incisions with the aim of protecting the infrapatellar nerve and sparing the paratenon. The tendon defect was left open. The patients underwent MRI evaluation at 6 weeks, 6 months and 27 months postoperatively. A final clinical follow-up was made 25 (range 23–29) months postoperatively. MRI demonstrated that the donor-site gap, i.e. the area corresponding to a pathological non-tendinous-like tissue signal, was 9 (range 4–18) mm at 6 weeks, 5 (range 2–14) mm at 6 months and 2 (range 0–5) mm at 27 months. The size of the donor-site gap had significantly decreased at 6 months compared with 6 weeks (P = 0.0001), as well as at 27 months compared with 6 months (P = 0.0001). We conclude that the patellar tendon at the donor site healed gradually, as expressed by a decrease in the area of non-tendinous-like tissue signal on the serial MRI evaluations. more...

Although ligament injuries to the ankle are among the most frequent injuries to the lower extremity, there is a lack of well-controlled, prospective, randomized studies, especially relating to the effect of various treatment alternatives. Functional treatment appears to be the most valid choice, mainly because of medical and economic factors. It should be remembered, however, that approximately 10 of patients suffer from late symptoms of pain, swelling, and giving-way in both the short and long term. Late reconstruction of the lateral ligaments produces consistently satisfactory results, but the final outcome varies depending on the procedure that has been chosen. Anatomic reconstructions, using the remnants of the injured ligaments, appear to give the best results, but they cannot be used for all patients with chronic instability. New methods for nonanatomic reconstruction have evolved, rerouting tendons to a more optimal orientation of the fibers. Measurements of subtalar joint instability reveal a wide range of motion between the calcaneus and talus in both asymptomatic and symptomatic feet, but a new method of stress radiography using maximal dorsiflexion in a supinated ankle position appears to be useful. Satisfactory results can be obtained in patients with symptomatic subtalar instability by reconstructing the interosseus talocalcaneal ligament. more...

Abstract: The most common graft in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery involves using the central one-third of the patellar tendon. Knowledge concerning the postoperative disability after harvesting the patellar tendon is, however, limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact patellar tendon suture and bone grafting of the patellar bone defect might have in terms of functional outcome and patellofemoral pain after harvesting the bone-tendon-bone graft, compared with leaving the harvested site non-sutured and non-grafted. Sixty patients, scheduled for arthroscopically assisted ACL reconstruction, were randomly allocated to two groups. In group I, suture of the patellar tendon and bone grafting of the patellar defect were performed. In group II, the tendon gap and the patellar defect were left open. Preoperatively, there was no significant difference between the groups when comparing objective knee stability, as measured with a KT-1000 laxity meter, Lysholm score, Tegner activity level, IKDC score, or patellofemoral pain score. Both groups had a significantly improved Lysholm score at the 2-year follow-up, without any difference between them. Tegner's activity level was significantly lower at follow-up, compared with the pre-injury level in both groups. The patellofemoral pain score improved significantly after the reconstruction, without any difference between the groups. Ultrasonography did not reveal any difference between the groups in terms of healing of the tendon gap. This study revealed no differences in donor site morbidity, functional outcome, patellofemoral pain score or knee joint stability between the two treatment groups. The conclusion is that suture of the patellar tendon and bone grafting of the patellar defect do not improve the functional results or reduce donor site morbidity after arthroscopically assisted ACL. more...

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a standard postoperative rehabilitation knee brace on function, stability and postoperative complications at the 2-year follow-up after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructive surgery. Seventy-eight consecutive patients with a unilateral chronic ACL rupture reconstructed by the same surgeon using the endoscopic “all-inside” technique, patellar tendon autograft and interference screw fixation were included in the study. The rehabilitation followed a standard protocol. Group A included 39 patients who were supplied postoperatively with a knee brace for 4 (range 3–6) weeks. Group B included 39 patients for whom a brace was not used. The median age was 27 (range 16–48) years in group A and 26 (range 14–51) years in group B. The median time period between the injury and the index operation was 24 (range 3–150) months in group A and 18 (range 3–360) months in group B. All 78 patients were re-examined by two independent observers after a median follow-up period of 25 (range 23–28) months in group A and 24 (range 22– 27) months in group B. The median KT-1000 total side-to-side difference between the reconstructed and the uninjured knees at 89 N was 3 (range –5.5–11) mm in group A and 3 (range –7–10) mm in group B (NS). When the anterior translation was tested separately at 89 N, the corresponding values were 3 (range –4–13) mm in group A and 3 (range –5–10) mm in group B (NS). The median one-leg hop quotient was 95% (range 50%–167%) of the uninjured leg in group A and 92% (range 64%–119%) in group B (NS). The median Lysholm score was 89 (range 39–100) points in group A and 85 (range 37–100) points in group B (NS). In group A, 27/39 (69%) patients and in group B 21/39 (54%) patients were classified as excellent or good (NS). The median Tegner activity level was 7 (range 3–9) in group A and 6 (range 3–9) in group B (NS). Using the IKDC scale, 27/39 (69%) in group A and 24/39 (62%) in group B were classified as normal or nearly normal (NS). The median sick leave in group A was 62 (range 0–357) days and 59 (range 0–243) days in group B (NS). No serious complications occurred during the first 6 postoperative weeks. Two serious complications were, however, registered after the 6th postoperative week. One patient in group A sustained a rupture of the reconstructed ACL 8 weeks postoperatively (3 weeks after removing the brace), and one patient in group B sustained an undislocated patellar fracture during the 7th postoperative week after a fall. This study indicates that the use of a postoperative rehabilitation brace after an arthroscopic ACL reconstruction did not appear to influence either objective stability or subjective function by the 2-year follow-up. more...

The most common graft in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery involves using the central one-third of the patellar tendon. Knowledge concerning the postoperative disability after harvesting the patellar tendon is, however, limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact patellar tendon suture and bone grafting of the patellar bone defect might have in terms of functional outcome and patellofemoral pain after harvesting the bone-tendon-bone graft, compared with leaving the harvested site non-sutured and non-grafted. Sixty patients, scheduled for arthroscopically assisted ACL reconstruction, were randomly allocated to two groups. In group I, suture of the patellar tendon and bone grafting of the patellar defect were performed. In group II, the tendon gap and the patellar defect were left open. Preoperatively, there was no significant difference between the groups when comparing objective knee stability, as measured with a KT-1000 laxity meter, Lysholm score, Tegner activity level, IKDC score, or patellofemoral pain score. Both groups had a significantly improved Lysholm score at the 2-year follow-up, without any difference between them. Tegner's activity level was significantly lower at follow-up, compared with the pre-injury level in both groups. The patellofemoral pain score improved significantly after the reconstruction, without any difference between the groups. Ultrasonography did not reveal any difference between the groups in terms of healing of the tendon gap. This study revealed no differences in donor site morbidity, functional outcome, patellofemoral pain score or knee joint stability between the two treatment groups. The conclusion is that suture of the patellar tendon and bone grafting of the patellar defect do not improve the functional results or reduce donor site morbidity after arthroscopically assisted ACL. more...

The objective of this study was to assess knee function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction focusing on residual donor-site problems. Ninety consecutive patients with chronic unilateral anterior cruciate ligament rupture were operated on by the same surgeon using patellar tendon autografts, the all-inside arthroscopic technique, and interference screw fixation. At the follow-up examination 24 (range 22– 32) months after the index operation, the median total anterior-posterior KT-1000 side-to-side difference was 2.5 (–7 to 11) mm. The median Lysholm score was 86 (range 37–100) points and the median Tegner activity level was 6 (range 1–9). Using the IKDC evaluation system, 62 of 90 (69%) were classified as normal or nearly normal. The median one-leg-hop quotient was 93 (range 0– 167)% of the uninjured leg. Of 90 patients, 44 (49%) had minor or no discomfort when asked to walk on their knees (kneewalkers) and 46 of 90 (51%) patients had severe problems or found it impossible to perform the test (non-kneewalkers). The ‘kneewalkers’ had a median loss of anterior knee sensitivity of 10 (range 0–120) cm2. The corresponding value for the ‘non-kneewalkers’ was 25 (range 0–200) cm2(P= 0.0001). Palpatory donor-site tenderness was registered in 19 of 44 (43%) of the ‘kneewalkers’ and 37 of 46 (80%) of the ‘non-kneewalkers’ (P< 0.001). Full hyperextension was not regained by 9 of 44 (20%) of the ‘kneewalkers’ and 19 of 46 (41%) of the ‘non-kneewalkers’ (P< 0.05). Additional surgery during the follow-up period was required by 6 of 44 (14%) of the ‘kneewalkers’ and 19 of 46 (41%) of the ‘non-kneewalkers’ (P< 0.01). Magnetic resonance imaging focusing on the donor site was performed on 31 randomly selected patients and revealed no difference between the ‘kneewalkers’ and the ‘non-kneewalkers’ in terms of patellar tendon width, thickness, length, and residual donor-site gap size. The kneewalking test was found to be a functional and reliable test for detecting donor-site morbidity. It appears that donor-site morbidity was related to problems requiring additional surgery during the follow-up period, such as extension deficit and pain near the metal implant on the tibial side, as well as the loss of anterior knee sensitivity. It appears to be important to attempt to preserve the sensitivity in the operated area during surgery and to regain full hyperextension in the post-operative period to minimize donor-site morbidity. more...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a standard postoperative rehabilitation knee brace on function, stability and postoperative complications at the 2-year follow-up after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructive surgery. Seventy-eight consecutive patients with a unilateral chronic ACL rupture reconstructed by the same surgeon using the endoscopic “all-inside” technique, patellar tendon autograft and interference screw fixation were included in the study. The rehabilitation followed a standard protocol. Group A included 39 patients who were supplied postoperatively with a knee brace for 4 (range 3–6) weeks. Group B included 39 patients for whom a brace was not used. The median age was 27 (range 16–48) years in group A and 26 (range 14–51) years in group B. The median time period between the injury and the index operation was 24 (range 3–150) months in group A and 18 (range 3–360) months in group B. All 78 patients were re-examined by two independent observers after a median follow-up period of 25 (range 23–28) months in group A and 24 (range 22– 27) months in group B. The median KT-1000 total side-to-side difference between the reconstructed and the uninjured knees at 89 N was 3 (range –5.5–11) mm in group A and 3 (range –7–10) mm in group B (NS). When the anterior translation was tested separately at 89 N, the corresponding values were 3 (range –4–13) mm in group A and 3 (range –5–10) mm in group B (NS). The median one-leg hop quotient was 95% (range 50%–167%) of the uninjured leg in group A and 92% (range 64%–119%) in group B (NS). The median Lysholm score was 89 (range 39–100) points in group A and 85 (range 37–100) points in group B (NS). In group A, 27/39 (69%) patients and in group B 21/39 (54%) patients were classified as excellent or good (NS). The median Tegner activity level was 7 (range 3–9) in group A and 6 (range 3–9) in group B (NS). Using the IKDC scale, 27/39 (69%) in group A and 24/39 (62%) in group B were classified as normal or nearly normal (NS). The median sick leave in group A was 62 (range 0–357) days and 59 (range 0–243) days in group B (NS). No serious complications occurred during the first 6 postoperative weeks. Two serious complications were, however, registered after the 6th postoperative week. One patient in group A sustained a rupture of the reconstructed ACL 8 weeks postoperatively (3 weeks after removing the brace), and one patient in group B sustained an undislocated patellar fracture during the 7th postoperative week after a fall. This study indicates that the use of a postoperative rehabilitation brace after an arthroscopic ACL reconstruction did not appear to influence either objective stability or subjective function by the 2-year follow-up. more...

Recombinant hirudin has been found to be immunogenic in patients treated with lepirudin following heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). We assessed the incidence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antihirudin antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 112 patients enrolled in a dose-finding study with desirudin. Patients received desirudin subcutaneously following orthopedic hip surgery at 10 mg twice a day (n = 17), 15 mg twice a day (n = 75), and 20 mg twice a day (n = 20). Of 112 patients, 11 (9.8%) developed antihirudin antibodies independently of the dose. The rate of immunization did not differ from that observed in HIT patients treated with lepirudin (P= .113). Plasma concentrations of desirudin did not differ between antihirudin antibody–positive and –negative patients. Antihirudin antibodies had no impact on incidences of deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism, allergic reactions, and hemorrhage. However, the total number of immunized patients observed was low and so infrequent (but severe) effects of antihirudin antibodies cannot be excluded. more...

Recombinant hirudin has been found to be immunogenic in patients treated with lepirudin following heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). We assessed the incidence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antihirudin antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 112 patients enrolled in a dose-finding study with desirudin. Patients received desirudin subcutaneously following orthopedic hip surgery at 10 mg twice a day (n = 17), 15 mg twice a day (n = 75), and 20 mg twice a day (n = 20). Of 112 patients, 11 (9.8%) developed antihirudin antibodies independently of the dose. The rate of immunization did not differ from that observed in HIT patients treated with lepirudin (P = .113). Plasma concentrations of desirudin did not differ between antihirudin antibody–positive and –negative patients. Antihirudin antibodies had no impact on incidences of deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism, allergic reactions, and hemorrhage. However, the total number of immunized patients observed was low and so infrequent (but severe) effects of antihirudin antibodies cannot be excluded. more...