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To compare clinical and functional outcomes of patients after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using quadriceps tendon- (QT-A) and hamstring tendon (HT-A) autograft with a minimum follow-up (FU) of 5 years.Between 2010 - 2014, all patients undergoing ACLR (QT: 119, HT: 511) were recorded in a prospectively administered database. All patients with primary, isolated QT-A ACLR and without any concomitant injuries or high grade of osteoarthritis were extracted from the database and matched to patients treated with HT-A. Re-rupture rates, anterior-posterior (ap) knee laxity, single-leg-hop test (SLHT) performance, distal thigh circumference (DTC) and patient reported outcome measurements (PROMs) were recorded. Between-group comparisons were performed using chi-square-, independent-samples T- or Mann-Whitney-U tests.45 QT-A patients were matched to 45 HT-A patients (n=90). The mean FU was 78.9±13.6 months. 18 patients (20.0%/QT: N=8, 17.8%; HT: n=10, 22.2%; p=.60) sustained a graft rupture and 17 subjects (18.9%/QT: n=9, 20.0%; HT: n=8, 17.8%; p= .79) suffered a contralateral ACL injury. In high active patients (Tegner-activity-level≥7) the rerupture rate increased to 37.5% (HT-A) and 22.2% (QT-A; p=.32). No statistical between-group differences were found in ap knee laxity side-to-side (SSD) measurements (QT-A: 1.9±1.2mm, HT-A: 2.1±1.5mm; p=.60), subjective IKDC- (QT: 93.8±6.8, HT: 91.2±7.8, p=.17), Lysholm- (QT: 91.9±7.2, HT: 91.5±9.7, p=.75) or any of the five subscales of the KOOS score (all p.05). Furthermore, Tegner-activity-level (QT: 6(1.5), HT: 6(2), p=.62), VAS for pain (QT: 0.5±0.9, HT: 0.6±1.0, p=.64), Shelbourne-Trumper-Score (QT: 96.5±5.6, HT: 95.2±8.2, p=.50), Patient-and-Observer-Scar-Assessment-Scale (POSAS) (QT: 9.4±3.2, HT: 10.7± 4.9, p=.24), SSD-DTC (QT: 0.5±0.5, HT: 0.5±0.6, p=.97), return to sports rates (QT-A: 82.1%, HT-A: 86.7%) and SLHT (QT: 95.9±3.8%, HT-A: 93.7±7.0%) did not differ between groups. Donor site morbidity (HT-A n=14, 46.7%; QT-A n=3, 11.5%; p=.008) was significantly lower in the QT-A group. Five patients (11.1%) of the HT-group and three patients (6.7%) in the QT-group required revision surgery (p= .29).Patient-reported outcome measures, knee laxity, functional testing results and re-rupture rates are similar between patients treated with QT- and HT-autografts. However, patients with QT-autograft have smaller tibial skin incisions and lower postoperative donor site morbidity.

The ideal graft for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) continues to be debated. Although first described in 1984, use of the quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft has only recently gained popularity. The biomechanical properties of the QT autograft are favourable compared to bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) and doubled hamstring (HS) grafts with a higher load to failure and a modulus of elasticity that more closely approximates the native anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The QT graft can be harvested with or without a bone plug, as either a full thickness or a partial thickness graft, and even through minimally invasive techniques. The surgeon must be aware of potential harvest risks including patellar fracture or a graft that is of insufficient length. Numerous short-term studies have shown comparable results when compared to BPTB or hamstring HS autografts with similar graft failure rates, patient-reported outcomes. A major advantage of QT ACLR is reduced donor site morbidity compared to BPTB. However, some persistent quadriceps weakness after QT ACLR has also been reported. The current literature shows that use of the QT autograft for ACLR provides equivalent clinical results compared to other autografts with less donor site morbidity. However, future studies with longer follow-up and higher level of evidence are needed to identify specific populations where the QT may have additional advantage.

(1) To evaluate the reliability of 9 commonly used quantitative parameters of the trochlear morphology on computed tomography (CT) and (2) to analyze for differences in the reliability regarding patient subgroups (patellofemoral instability [PFI] vs non-PFI).A retrospective analysis of lower-limb CT scans performed between August 1996 and February 2013 was performed. The CT scans of all patients with PFI and 30 randomly selected cases without a history of PFI (non-PFI) were included. The following measurements were performed on 1 proximal axial CT slice at the entrance of the trochlear groove and 1 slice 5 mm further distal: relative medial, central, and lateral trochlear height; trochlear depth; relative transverse trochlear shift; trochlear facet asymmetry; sulcus angle; and medial and lateral trochlear slope. Four investigators performed the measurements independently, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated for the entire study group, as well as for the PFI and non-PFI groups separately.In total, 66 cases (36 PFI cases) were included in the study. We found almost perfect inter-rater and intrarater agreement for the trochlear height on both axial CT slices (ICC, 0.831-0.977). For the other measurements, we found only fair reliability (ICC0.4) on the proximal CT slice, whereas on the distal CT slice, at least moderate reliability (ICC0.4) was observed. ICCs were lower for many parameters in the PFI group. Angular values were less reliable than linear values. In particular, measurements involving the medial facet (i.e., sulcus angle, medial trochlear slope, and trochlear facet asymmetry) were less reliable.When interpreting quantitative parameters defining the trochlear morphology, one must taken into account the considerably lower reliability of angular parameters such as the commonly used sulcus angle compared with linear measurements. Radiologic measurements are less reliable in cases of PFI than in subjects without instability.Level III, retrospective case-control study.

Postoperative extension deficits following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction can cause major limitation during daily life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of an all-arthroscopic approach and posterior capsule release for the treatment of persistent knee extension deficits following ACL reconstruction.Between 2009 and 2013 a total of 10 patients with knee flexion contractures after ACL reconstruction were assessed following an all-arthroscopic approach and posterior capsulotomy. The clinical outcomes were reviewed using the range of motion (ROM), Tegner Activity Level, Lysholm score and visual analogue pain scale (VAS).Four women and six men with a median age of 34years (range: 17 to 49years) were included in the study. The median follow-up period was 25months (range: 14 to 69months). The median preoperative extension deficit was 15° (range: 10 to 20°) compared to the normal contralateral knee. Postoperatively at final follow-up the median extension deficit was one degree (range: 0 to five degrees) (P0.01). The median preoperative Lysholm score improved from 52 (range: 32 to 67) to 92 (range: 84 to 100) postoperatively (P0.01), while the median Tegner Activity Level improved from three (range: two to six) to six (range: three to seven) respectively (P0.02). The median VAS status for pain decreased from five (range: one to 10) to one (range: 0 to three) (P0.01). No complications were observed.Arthroscopic posterior capsulotomy is a safe and effective additional procedure in the treatment of persistent knee extension deficits following ACL reconstruction with excellent results regarding ROM and subjective outcomes.Level IV.

Adequate ligament balancing has a tremendous impact on successful total knee arthroplasty. In case of instability, severely disabling symptoms require revision surgery. Here we present a case of early total knee arthroplasty failure due to secondary valgus laxity, which was successfully treated with medial collateral ligament (MCL) reconstruction. For anatomical MCL reconstruction, a flattened semitendinosus autograft was used to reconstruct the superficial medial collateral and the posterior oblique ligament.

Background Recent studies have described the presence of the anterolateral ligament (ALL). However, there is still no consensus regarding the anatomy of this structure with the topic controversially discussed. The aim of this study was to provide an anatomical description of the ligamentous structures on the anterolateral side of the knee with special emphasis on the ALL. Methods Forty-four human cadaveric knees were dissected to reveal the ALL and other significant structures in the anterolateral compartment of the knee joint. The ALL was defined as a firm structure running in an oblique direction from the lateral femoral epicondyle to a bony insertion at the anterolateral tibia. Results The ALL was identified in 45.5% (n = 20) of the dissected knee joints. The structure originates together with the fibular collateral ligament (45%) or just posterior and proximal to it (55%). The ligament has an extra-capsular, anteroinferior, oblique course to the anterolateral tibia with a bony insertion between Gerdy's tubercle and the fibular head. The ALL had its greatest extend at 60° of knee flexion and maximal internal rotation. Conclusion The ALL is a firm ligamentous structure in the anterolateral part of the knee present in 45.5% of the cases. Given the course and characteristics of this structure, a function in providing rotational stability by preventing internal rotation of the knee is likely. Clinical relevance The ALL might be an important stabilizer in the knee and may play a significant role in preventing excessive internal tibial rotation and subluxation of the knee joint.