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The menisci have a poor intrinsic healing capability. Biological augmentation is used to promote meniscal healing in conjunction with suture techniques as the result of their poor healing rate. A fibrin clot (FC) is a well-known treatment option for meniscal injuries that are difficult to heal. Several methods for delivering FCs to target sites have been reported; however, all available methods have drawbacks such as unstable delivery, low maneuverability, and/or clot sizes that are too large. We use a dedicated device to efficiently deliver FCs of a suitable size for the tear. In this method, an FC formed to a size of 5 mm is stored and delivered in a thin syringe with a built-in plunger. This method enables an accurate delivery of a suitably sized FC to the desired location and fixes FCs to the tear site when used in combination with conventional suture methods. In this report, we will succinctly describe how to make and deliver an FC using the aforementioned device with a step-by-step instructional technique and an illustrative video.

A large posterior tibial slope (PTS) has been widely recognized as a potential risk factor in loosening and retear after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Anterior closed-wedge osteotomy is an effective surgical approach to mitigate this risk factor but presents several disadvantages. We describe in this Technical Note an original PTS correction technique called the posterior open-wedge osteotomy. The posterior surface of the proximal tibia is exposed, and 2 K-wires are inserted anteroposteriorly as osteotomy guides, and one wire is inserted mediolaterally as a hinge blocker. The osteotomy is performed from the posterior side and advanced to the anterior side using a single-bladed reciprocating saw. The slope is corrected by opening the osteotomy plane posteriorly with a spreader. The correction is maintained by inserting the harvested fibula fragments into the open space, and the fixation is completed with a locking plate to ensure firm fixation and allow early rehabilitation. This procedure can be an effective solution for patients with various risk factors for retear of the anterior cruciate ligament graft, including abnormal PTS.

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene sutures are used for repair and reconstruction of extra-articular ligaments in the knee, elbow, and ankle joints. In recent years, the use of these sutures has become popular in a suture augmentation technique and has been applied for use in the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, which is an intra-articular ligament. Although several surgical techniques have been described in Technical Notes, all reports have been for single-bundle reconstruction, and none have applied the technique to double-bundle reconstruction. This Technical Note provides a detailed description of an anatomical double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction combined with the suture augmentation technique.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine 1) the degree and frequency of laterality in posterior tibial slope (PTS) with control and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury groups and 2) the laterality of PTS between sides of injury and dominant legs in patients with primary ACL injuries. Methods A total of 187 consecutive patients with clinically diagnosed noncontact ACL injuries and an age‐ and sex‐matched 1:1 control group were identified. PTS was measured using three different methods (aPTS = anterior PTS, mPTS = middle PTS, pPTS = posterior PTS) on a lateral knee radiograph. PTS of the left and right sides were compared between the patients in the control and ACL‐injured groups, and between the injured and non‐injured and dominant and non‐dominant legs among the patients in the ACL‐injured group. The patients with a difference in PTS of ≥ 3° in mPTS were selected. The percentages were compared between left and right between and among both groups, and between the injured and non‐injured, and non‐dominant and dominant leg, for the ACL group. Multiple regression analysis was performed to analyze the factors influencing the degree of mPTS. Results Both control (Right vs Left: aPTS; 9.0 ± 2.5 vs 10.5 ± 3.0, mPTS; 6.6 ± 2.3 vs 8.1 ± 2.7, pPTS; 4.0 ± 2.4 vs 5.6 ± 2.8, respectively, p

Purpose: The aim of this study was to verify the effects of a new remnant augmentation technique with anatomical double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction for postoperative clinical scores, anterior stability and frequency of complications compared to remnant removal and cases with remnant defects. Methods: The 105 patients who underwent anatomical double-bundle ACL reconstruction were divided into three groups. If the remnant was a Crain I-III type, remnant-preserving bone tunnel creation was attempted. After the creation of the bone tunnel, good continuity was maintained in 34 patients (preserved group). Due to lost continuity, the remnant was resected in 26 patients (resected group). No identifiable remnant continuity remained (Crain IV) in 45 patients (absent group). The Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity scale, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, anterior stability measured using the KT-1000 arthrometer at 2 years postoperatively, and frequency of complications were compared among the three groups. Univariate and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to clarify the factors affecting postoperative anterior stability. Results: The Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity scale, IKDC subjective score, and frequency of complications were not significantly different among the groups. The mean side-to-side difference of anterior stability was significantly better in the preserved group (0.3 ± 1.6 mm) compared to the resected group (1.6 ± 2.3 mm, p = 0.003) and absent group (1.6 mm ± 1.7, p = 0.009). The multiple linear regression analysis showed remnant preservation significantly related to postoperative anterior stability. Conclusion: Although there were no differences in clinical scores, the ACL reconstruction with new preservation technique showed good anterior stability and no difference in the frequency of complications.

Recent studies on the detailed anatomy of the medial patellar stabilizer have revealed that the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) not only attaches to the patella but also has fibers that attach to the quadriceps muscle, known as the medial quadriceps tendon femoral ligament (MQTFL). Reconstruction of the medial stabilizer for patellar dislocation that includes both the MPFL and MQTFL may achieve better anatomical and physiological correction. In this Technical Note, we will describe a simultaneous reconstruction technique of the MPFL and MQTFL for patellar dislocation using an artificial ligament.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of double level osteotomy (DLO), a combination of a lateral closed distal femoral osteotomy (LCWDFO) and medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO), on patellar height and patellofemoral alignment as compared to those of isolated MOWHTO. Methods: Twenty-six consecutive knees in 26 patients who underwent DLO (DLO group) constituted the study population. For comparative purpose, a control cohort (N: 26) matched for age, sex, and body mass index with the study group were selected from the patients who underwent isolated MOWHTO with an opening gap of more than 10 mm during the same period (MOWHTO group). Patellar height and patellofemoral alignment were assessed on radiographs preoperatively and at 2 years after surgery. For the patellar height, following parameters were measured on a lateral radiograph: Modified Insall-Salvati Index (mISI), modified Caton–Deschamps Index (mCDI), and modified Blackburne-Peel Index (mBPI). In the assessment of patellofemoral alignment, lateral patellar tilt (LPT) and lateral patellar shift (LPS) were measured on a skyline view. The measured values were statistically compared using the Student’s t-test. Results: In the DLO group, the patellar height measured by mCDI and mPBPI significantly decreased after surgery. As regards the patellofemoral alignment, LPT significantly decreased with no significant postoperative change detected for LPS. When the amounts of postoperative changes in radiological indices were compared between the DLO and isolated MOWHTO groups, no significant differences were detected for all parameters. Conclusion: DLO induced reduction in patellar height and decreased lateral patellar tilt. Those changes in patellar position and orientation were similarly observed in isolated MOWHTO knees. Although DLO is specifically indicated for knees with severe varus deformity, the two surgical options for correction of varus knee deformity exerted similar influences on patellofemoral biomechanics.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the postoperative change in patellar position after medial closed distal femoral osteotomy (DFO) performed for valgus osteoarthritic knees. Methods The study included 21 consecutive knees in 20 patients undergoing DFO. A minimum of 2-year follow-up data was obtained for all subjects with a mean follow-up period of 42 months (range 31–59 months). The patellar position was evaluated on plain radiographs preoperatively, 1-year postoperatively, and 2-year postoperatively. For patellar height, the modified Insall–Salvati Index (mISI), modified Caton–Deschamps Index (mCDI) and modified Blackburne–Peel Index (mBPI) were measured on the standing lateral radiographs. Patellofemoral alignment on the axial plane was assessed on skyline views with 30° flexion based on the measurements for lateral patellar tilt (LPT) and lateral patellar shift (LPS). Measured values at pre- and postoperative phases were statistically compared using a two-way analysis of variance. Results All indices including mISI, mCDI, mBPI, LPT and LPS showed no statistically significant postoperative changes. Conclusion Medial closed-wedge DFO performed for valgus osteoarthritic knees did not significantly influence patellofemoral alignment either on the sagittal or axial plane. Therefore, to highlight the clinical relevance of our findings, medial closed-wedge DFO for the valgus knee does not adversely affect the patellofemoral joint. Level of evidence Level IV, case series.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) remnant preservation techniques have been recently introduced for covering the graft with remnant to improve the clinical results of ACL reconstruction. Several theoretical advantages exist for this technique; however, clinical results remain inconsistent and controversial. We have focused on the biomechanical function of the remnant and have been performing a new remnant-preserving reconstruction procedure that augments the graft with residual remnant. Preserving the structure and continuity of good-quality remnants may help maintain the early postoperative stress on the tendon graft, thereby providing a positive effect on remodeling. Although our concept is significantly different from previously reported remnant preservation techniques and has several pitfalls, the surgical technique that we outline in this report is simple and does not require specialized equipment. The procedure will also work more advantageously in preserving the residual mechanoreceptors in the remnant. We believe that this method can be a procedure with better results for patients with remnants that are in good condition.

Case. We report a rare case of prefemoral fat pad impingement syndrome that was caused by a hyperplasia of the normal suprapatellar fat pad. Pain and catching were observed in the proximal-lateral patellofemoral joint, and MRI imaging confirmed a hyperplasic mass in the same area. Although conservative treatment showed no signs of improvement, symptoms improved after an arthroscopic excision of the mass. Conclusion. Prefemoral fat pad impingement syndrome is related to patellar motion and should be considered as one of the underlying causes of anterior knee pain (AKP). Surgeons should recognize that a small hyperplasia composed of normal adipose tissue can cause AKP.

Because various biomechanical studies and clinical results have shown the effectiveness of an anatomical approach for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, this approach has become gradually commonplace to improve postoperative performance. Standard tunnel positioning methods with accuracy, reproducibility, and adaptability to varied concepts are essential for the success of anatomical ACL reconstruction. However, there were no standard tibial tunnel positioning methods to satisfy these conditions. This technical note reports our tibial tunnel positioning technique using bony and/or anatomical landmarks for anatomical ACL reconstruction.

Background: The tibial tubercle deviation associated with recurrent patellar dislocation (RPD) has not been studied sufficiently. New methods of evaluation were used to verify the extent of tubercle deviation in a group with patellar dislocation compared with that in a control group, the frequency of patients who demonstrated a cutoff value indicating that tubercle transfer was warranted on the basis of the control group distribution, and the validity of these methods of evaluation for diagnosing RPD.Methods: Sixty-six patients with a history of patellar dislocation (single in 19 [SPD group] and recurrent in 47 [RPD group]) and 66 age and sex-matched controls were analyzed with the use of computed tomography (CT). The tibial tubercle-posterior cruciate ligament (TT-PCL) distance, TT-PCL ratio, and tibial tubercle lateralization (TTL) in the SPD and RPD groups were compared with those in the control group. Cutoff values to warrant 10 mm of transfer were based on either the minimum or -2SD (2 standard deviations below the mean) value in the control group, and the prevalences of patients in the RPD group with measurements above these cutoff values were calculated. The area under the curve (AUC) in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the effectiveness of the measurements as predictors of RPD.Results: The mean TT-PCL distance, TT-PCL ratio, and TTL were all significantly greater in the RPD group than in the control group. The numbers of patients in the RPD group who satisfied the cutoff criteria when they were based on the minimum TT-PCL distance, TT-PCL ratio, and TTL in the control group were 11 (23%), 7 (15%), and 6 (13%), respectively. When the cutoff values were based on the -2SD values in the control group, the numbers of patients were 8 (17%), 6 (13%), and 0, respectively. The AUC of the ROC curve for TT-PCL distance, TT-PCL ratio, and TTL was 0.66, 0.72, and 0.72, respectively.Conclusions: The extent of TTL in the RPD group was not substantial, and the percentages of patients for whom 10 mm of medial transfer was indicated were small.Level Of Evidence: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The acetabular fossa is thought to be located in the center of the acetabulum, and acetabular reaming in total hip arthroplasty is conventionally performed in the center of the fossa. However, the actual location of the fossa and the influence that hypoplasia or deformity may have on the position of the fossa are unknown. We hypothesized that the fossa is located in the center of the acetabulum, regardless of hypoplasia or deformity.Methods: Fifty patients with normal hips (normal hip group), 50 patients with dysplasia who underwent rotational acetabular osteotomy (dysplastic hip group), and 46 patients with osteoarthritis who underwent total hip arthroplasty (osteoarthritic hip group) were evaluated by computed tomography (CT) imaging. On the horizontal plane that passes through the center of the femoral head, the center line of the acetabulum was defined as the perpendicular bisector of the anterior and posterior rims of the acetabulum. The angle and distance of the center of the acetabular fossa in relation to the center line of the acetabulum were evaluated; furthermore, the center position of the fossa from the anterior margin of the acetabulum was calculated as a ratio relative to acetabular size. A 1-way analysis of variance was performed to compare measurements among the 3 groups.Results: The center of the acetabular fossa was positioned anteriorly to the center line of the acetabulum in all 3 groups. The mean center angle of the acetabular fossa was 14.0° ± 3.8°, 15.2° ± 5.6°, and 14.9° ± 5.5° in the normal, dysplastic, and osteoarthritic hip groups, respectively (p = 0.33). The mean center distance of the acetabular fossa was 5.6 ± 1.8, 5.8 ± 2.3, and 6.1 ± 2.2 mm, respectively (p = 0.55). The mean center position of the acetabular fossa was 38.8% ± 3.3%, 38.5% ± 4.2%, and 38.3% ± 3.9%, respectively (p = 0.71).Conclusions: The center of the acetabular fossa is positioned anteriorly to the center of the acetabulum, and the positioning is affected by neither dysplasia nor osteoarthritis. The preconception that the center of the acetabulum corresponds to the center of the acetabular fossa may risk eccentric reaming, possibly damaging the anterior wall.Level Of Evidence: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance is used as an indicator for medial tibial tubercle transfer; however, to our knowledge, no studies have verified whether this distance is strongly affected by tubercle lateralization at the proximal part of the tibia. We hypothesized that the tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance is mainly affected by tibial tubercle lateralization at the proximal part of the tibia. Methods: Forty-four patients with a history of patellar dislocation and forty-four age and sex-matched controls were analyzed with use of computed tomography. The tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance, tibial tubercle lateralization, trochlear groove medialization, and knee rotation were measured and were compared between the patellar dislocation group and the control group. The association between the tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance and three other parameters was calculated with use of the Pearson correlation coefficient and partial correlation analysis. Results: There were significant differences in the tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance (p < 0.001) and knee rotation (p < 0.001), but there was no difference in the tibial tubercle lateralization (p = 0.13) and trochlear groovemedialization (p = 0.08) between the patellar dislocation group and the control group. The tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance had no linear correlation with tubercle lateralization (r = 0.21) or groove medialization (r = 20.15); however, knee rotation had a good positive correlation in the patellar dislocation group (r = 0.62). After adjusting for the remaining parameters, knee rotation strongly correlated with the tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance (r = 0.69, p < 0.001), whereas tubercle lateralization showed moderate significant correlations in the patellar dislocation group (r = 0.42; p = 0.005). Conclusions: Because the tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance is affected more by knee rotation than by tubercle malposition, its use as an indicator for tibial tubercle transfer may not be appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case: Wereport a case of recurrent acute arthritis and restricted range of motion in the knee joint, withmagnetic resonance imaging subsequently detecting a nodular lesion within the lateral meniscus. Knee arthroscopy and histology revealed that the lesion was intrameniscal gouty tophi. After arthroscopic synovectomy and excision of the tophi, the symptoms resolved and the patient remained symptom-free at two years of follow-up. Conclusion: Surgeons should be aware of the presence of such pathology and consider arthroscopic surgery if the mechanical symptoms persist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case: We report a rare case of early postoperative migration of an EndoButton following anatomic double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with use of the EndoButton for femoral fixation. Although secure fixation of the EndoButton was confirmed during the operation, one-week postoperative radiographs revealed an intratunnel displacement of the posterolateral EndoButton. We performed a reoperation and refixed the EndoButton to the surface of the femoral cortex; we also hooked and tied both ends of the sutures to make a knot in order to prevent remigration. Conclusion: Orthopaedic surgeons should be aware that EndoButton displacement and migration could arise at an early postoperative stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to investigate effects of heat on the bone-inducing activity of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP)-2. rhBMP-2 samples were heated at 50, 70, 90, or 100°C for 15min, or 1, 2, 4, or 8h, or autoclaved at 120°C for 15min. The bone-inducing activity of the rhBMP-2 before and after heating was assayed in in vivo and in vitro systems. For the in vivo assay, 5µg rhBMP-2 samples were impregnated into porous collagen disks (6mm in diameter, 1mm thickness), freeze dried, and implanted into the back muscles of ddY mice. Three weeks later, the implant was harvested from the host and examined for ectopic new bone tissue by radiography. The new bone mass was quantified by single-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The in vitro activity of the rhBMP-2 was assayed by adding the BMP sample at a concentration of 100ng/ml to cultures of MC3T3-E1 cells. After 48h, the alkaline phosphatase activity was measured. After heating at 50° or 70°C, no significant reduction in bone-inducing activity was noted in either in vivo or in vitro assay systems unless the protein was exposed to sustained heat at 70°C for 8h, based on in vitro assay data. However, heating above 90°C and for longer periods led to a decrease in the biological activity of the rhBMP-2 in a time- and temperature-dependent manner. rhBMP-2 was rendered inactive when exposed to temperatures at or in excess of 120°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate whether microbubble‐enhanced ultrasound (US) treatment promotes the delivery of methotrexate (MTX) into synovial cells and the enhanced antiinflammatory effects of intraarticular MTX therapy in a rabbit arthritis model. Arthritis was induced in both knees of 53 rabbits by immunization with ovalbumin. MTX including a microbubble agent was then injected into the left and right knee joints, and the right knees were exposed to US (MTX+/US+ group), while the left knees were not (MTX+/US− group). The knee joints were evaluated histologically in 7 rabbits at 5 time points up to day 56. Quantitative gene expression of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in synovial tissue was measured on days 7 and 28. Eight rabbits were used for the measurement of MTX concentration in synovial tissue 12 hours after treatment. To evaluate the effect of microbubble‐enhanced US treatment in the absence of MTX, only the microbubble agent was injected into the left and right knee joints of 10 rabbits with or without US exposure, and these animals were evaluated histologically on days 7 and 28.The MTX concentration in synovial tissue was significantly higher in the MTX+/US+ group than in the MTX+/US− group. Synovial inflammation was less prominent in the MTX+/US+ group compared with the MTX+/US− group, judging from the results of the histologic evaluation and the gene expression levels of IL‐1β in synovial tissue. It also appeared that microbubble‐enhanced US exposure itself did not affect inflammation.Microbubble‐enhanced US exposure promoted the uptake of MTX into synovial cells, which resulted in enhancement of the antiinflammatory effects of the intraarticular MTX injection. These results suggest that application of this technique may have clinical benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]