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Purpose: The importance of meniscus integrity in the prevention of early osteoarthritis is well known, and preservation is accepted as the primary goal. The purpose of the ESSKA (European Society for Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy) European consensus on traumatic meniscus tears was to provide recommendations for the treatment of meniscus tears based on both scientific evidence and the clinical experience of knee experts., Methods: Three groups of surgeons and scientists elaborated and ratified the so-called formal consensus process to define the recommendations for the management of traumatic meniscus tears. A traumatic meniscus tear was defined as a tear with an acute onset of symptoms caused by a sufficient trauma. The expert groups included a steering group of eight European surgeons and scientists, a rating group of another nineteen European surgeons, and a peer review group. The steering group prepared twenty-seven question and answer sets based on the scientific literature. The quality of the answers received grades of A (a high level of scientific support), B (scientific presumption), C (a low level of scientific support) or D (expert opinion). These question and answer sets were then submitted to and evaluated by the rating group. All answers were scored from 1 (= totally inappropriate) to 9 (= totally appropriate) points. Thereafter, the comments of the members of the rating group were incorporated by the steering group and the consensus was submitted to the rating group a second time. Once a general consensus was reached between the steering and rating groups, the finalized question and answer sets were submitted for final review by the peer review group composed of representatives of the ESSKA-affiliated national societies. Eighteen representatives replied., Results: The review of the literature revealed a rather low scientific quality of studies examining the treatment of traumatic meniscus tears. Of the 27 questions, only one question received a grade of A (a high level of scientific support), and another received a grade of B (scientific presumption). The remaining questions received grades of C and D. The mean rating of all questions by the rating group was 8.2 (95% confidence interval 8.1-8.4). A general agreement that MRI should be performed on a systematic basis was not achieved. However, MRI was recommended when arthroscopy would be considered to identify concomitant pathologies. In this case, the indication for MRI should be determined by a musculoskeletal specialist. Based on our data, stable left in situ lateral meniscus tears appear to show a better prognosis than medial tears. When repair is required, surgery should be performed as early as possible. Evidence that biological enhancement such as needling or the application of platelet-rich plasma would improve healing was not identified. Preservation of the meniscus should be considered as the first line of treatment because of an inferior clinical and radiological long-term outcome after partial meniscectomy compared to meniscus repair., Discussion: The consensus was generated to present the best possible recommendations for the treatment of traumatic meniscus tears and provides some groundwork for a clinical decision-making process regarding the treatment of meniscus tears. Preservation of the meniscus should be the first line of treatment when possible, because the clinical and radiological long-term outcomes are worse after partial meniscectomy than after meniscus preservation. The consensus clearly states that numerous meniscus tears that were considered irreparable should be repaired, e.g., older tears, tears in obese patients, long tears, etc. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a technically demanding enterprise. Management of widened or previously malpositioned tunnels is challenging and often requires innovative approaches. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the function and clinical results of revision single-stage ACL surgery using an anterolateral tibial tunnel (ALTT). A consecutive series of knees with arthroscopic ACL revision surgery were analyzed prospectively between April 2012 and September 2015. Among the 93 patients presented with revision ACL reconstruction, 25 patients met the study inclusion criteria for the ALTT technique and were followed up for a minimum of 2 years (range: 24-51 months). The clinical results were evaluated by means of the Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and Tegner activity level scale, and the knee stability was assessed by the Lachman test, pivot shift test, and anterior drawer test. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the index knee before the surgery and 2 years after revision surgery was assessed. The mean IKDC subjective score, mean Tegner activity level scale, and mean Lysholm score significantly improved in all study participants. This study showed that ACL revision surgery with ALTT can reliably restore stability and provide fair functional outcomes in patients with ACL retear. One could expect acceptable lateral tibial tunnel length compared with medial tibial tunnel in classic ACL revision, intact bony surround, and good graft fixation. This technique is clinically relevant in that making an anterolateral tunnel in one-stage ACL revision surgery had a good subjective result with low complication rate in midterm follow-up., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)

Purpose: A degenerative meniscus lesion is a slowly developing process typically involving a horizontal cleavage in a middle-aged or older person. When the knee is symptomatic, arthroscopic partial meniscectomy has been practised for a long time with many case series reporting improved patient outcomes. Since 2002, several randomised clinical trials demonstrated no additional benefit of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy compared to non-operative treatment, sham surgery or sham arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. These results introduced controversy in the medical community and made clinical decision-making challenging in the daily clinical practice. To facilitate the clinical decision-making process, a consensus was developed. This initiative was endorsed by ESSKA., Methods: A degenerative meniscus lesion was defined as a lesion occurring without any history of significant acute trauma in a patient older than 35 years. Congenital lesions, traumatic meniscus tears and degenerative lesions occurring in young patients, especially in athletes, were excluded. The project followed the so-called formal consensus process, involving a steering group, a rating group and a peer-review group. A total of 84 surgeons and scientists from 22 European countries were included in the process. Twenty questions, their associated answers and an algorithm based on extensive literature review and clinical expertise, were proposed. Each question and answer set was graded according to the scientific level of the corresponding literature., Results: The main finding was that arthroscopic partial meniscectomy should not be proposed as a first line of treatment for degenerative meniscus lesions. Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy should only be considered after a proper standardised clinical and radiological evaluation and when the response to non-operative management has not been satisfactory. Magnetic resonance imaging of the knee is typically not indicated in the first-line work-up, but knee radiography should be used as an imaging tool to support a diagnosis of osteoarthritis or to detect certain rare pathologies, such as tumours or fractures of the knee., Discussion: The present work offers a clear framework for the management of degenerative meniscus lesions, with the aim to balance information extracted from the scientific evidence and clinical expertise. Because of biases and weaknesses of the current literature and lack of definition of important criteria such as mechanical symptoms, it cannot be considered as an exact treatment algorithm. It summarises the results of the "ESSKA Meniscus Consensus Project" ( http://www.esska.org/education/projects ) and is the first official European consensus on this topic. The consensus may be updated and refined as more high-quality evidence emerges., Level of Evidence: I.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and describe the clinical results and outcomes of a novel method for all-inside suture repair of medial meniscus ramp lesions through posteromedial and posterolateral transseptal portals during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Further, this investigation compared the posterolateral view to the notch view for diagnosis and repair., Methods: Between 2011 and 2014, 166 patients had ramp lesions concomitantly with ACL injury; 128 patients (107 men and 21 women) were enrolled in the study after qualification. All patients underwent repair of the posterior horn ramp lesion of the medial meniscus, using a suture hook device with PDS No. 1 through a posteromedial portal while viewing from the posterolateral transseptal portal during ACL reconstruction, with a minimum of a 2-year follow-up., Results: Patients were followed up for a minimum of 2 years (range 24-47 months). Their average Lysholm score increased from 61.7 ± 3.2 preoperatively to 87.8 ± 3.9 at last follow-up (p < 0.001). Moreover, their average IKDC scores also improved from 53.6 ± 2.1 (pre-op) to 82.1 ± 3.5 (at last follow-up) (p < 0.001). The peroneal nerve and the popliteal neurovascular bundle were not damaged in any of the patients., Conclusion: This study provides evidence that the posterolateral transseptal technique protects neurovascular structures. This technique may be used safely and easily for repair of the posterior horn ramp lesion of the medial meniscus during ACL reconstruction., Level of Evidence: IV.

Purpose: Determining the etiology of persistent groin pain after hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) can be very challenging, even for the experienced surgeon. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the use of hip arthroscopy as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the painful hip following resurfacing arthroplasty., Methods: In the present paper, the indications for arthroscopy and the arthroscopic findings in 15 patients with persistent and incapacitating groin pain following HRA are described. In all patients, nonsurgical diagnostic investigations such as ultrasound and radiography, blood sample analysis, and technetium and leukocyte-labeled scanning were inconclusive so that a definite diagnosis could not be established., Results: In seven patients, synovial biopsies were taken arthroscopically to rule out metal sensitivity, low-grade infection, or excessive metal wear. A definite diagnosis from histological evaluation could be made in 5 out of the 7 patients. Five patients were clinical suspicious of iliopsoas tendinitis. Diagnostic arthroscopy and histological analysis of the synovial samples provided an alternative diagnosis in 2 out of the 5 patients. Three patients underwent femoral osteoplasty for impingement due to reduced anterior femoral offset with subsequent symptom relief., Conclusion: Hip arthroscopy after HRA is a valuable diagnostic alternative to open procedures in case of persistent groin pain, when noninvasive investigations fail to explain the symptoms. Multiple tissue samples should always be taken for histological examination and culture, as they are crucial in the final identification of the origin of the complaints.

Purpose: Posterior shoulder instability has been difficult to diagnose and even more challenging to manage. However, it is being diagnosed and treated more frequently, particularly after sports injuries. The purpose of this article is to review literature concerning the management of these pathologies., Methods: A literature review was carried out in the main medical databases to evaluate the several studies concerning the open and arthroscopic treatment of posterior shoulder instability., Results: Because of better awareness of the pathology, better technical investigations, and a better understanding of shoulder biomechanics, more and more mechanical factors that can cause posterior instability have been described. Structural abnormalities can be divided into bony abnormalities and soft-tissue abnormalities. Each group can also be divided into abnormalities caused by trauma (macro- or microtrauma) or congenital. These abnormalities can be treated with non-anatomic and anatomic stability procedures. During the last decades, the latter have been described more frequently, most of them arthroscopically., Conclusion: For surgical treatment to be successful, the instability must be attributable to mechanical factors that can be modified by surgery. Because of better knowledge of the pathology, a more specific surgery can be performed. This lesion-specific surgery has improved clinical results compared to non-anatomic stability procedures, particularly when that surgery has been performed arthroscopically.

We retrospectively reviewed the long-term clinical outcome of unilateral arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) allograft reconstruction. From October 1995 to December 1997, 64 arthroscopic ACL reconstructions were performed. Multiligamentous knee injuries and ACL injuries in polytrauma patients were excluded and out of the remaining 60 patients 55 were available for follow-up. Three patients had suffered a rerupture caused by major trauma. One patient had a rerupture without significant trauma and one failure was caused by deep infection. These five patients were revised. Fifty patients (36 males, 14 females) were included in the final follow-up. At the time of evaluation, the mean duration of follow-up was 10 years and 6 months. All patients were examined by an independent examiner. Seven patients had an extension lag (<5 degrees) and all patients had a knee flexion of at least 120 degrees, with a mean flexion of 135 +/- 5 degrees compared to 135 +/- 8 degrees. At the time of follow-up, the median IKDC score was 97 (74-100). The Lysholm scoring scale had a median value of 95 (76-100). The median sports level on the Tegner scale was 6 (4-9). The one-leg-hop test showed a mean value of 95 +/- 5%. One patient did not perform the one-leg-hop test because of recent surgery to the Achilles tendon. In conclusion, the tibialis anterior or tibialis posterior tendon allograft ACL reconstruction produced good clinical results in the majority of patients at long-term follow-up.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of viscosupplementation with hylan G-F 20 in patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis (OA) presenting with persistent knee pain 4-12 weeks after arthroscopic meniscectomy. A prospective, multi-centre, open study was carried out in patients with pain due to OA of the knee, not resolved by simple analgesics, 4-12 weeks after undergoing arthroscopic meniscectomy. To be eligible, patients had to score > or =50 mm and < or =90 mm on both walking pain and patient global assessment visual analogue scales (VAS; 0-100 mm) at baseline and be radiologically diagnosed pre-operatively with OA grade I or II on the Kellgren-Lawrence scale, with <50% joint space narrowing. Patients received three intra-articular, 2 ml injections of hylan G-F 20 in the target knee with an interval of 1 week between injections, and were followed for 52 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline in the walking pain VAS score at 26 weeks. Secondary outcome measures were the walking pain VAS scores at all other time points, the WOMAC Index at all time points, and patient and physician global assessment at all time points. The safety of the treatment was assessed using adverse event (AE) reports. A total of 62 patients (mean age 55.4 years, 52% male) were enrolled. The mean walking pain VAS score decreased by 36.8 mm from baseline at 26 weeks (P < 0.0001), and also showed statistically significant decreases (P < 0.0001) at all other time points. The change in WOMAC total and subscale scores from baseline were statistically significant (P < 0.0001) at all time points, as were the decreases in the physician and patient global assessment VAS scores. There were 18 target knee AEs (mostly pain and/or swelling and/or effusion) in 12 patients (19%) considered to be at least possibly related to treatment. The majority of these (78%) were mild or moderate in intensity. One patient (1.6%) experienced a serious adverse event (synovitis) in the target knee that was considered possibly related to study treatment. Hylan G-F 20 provides effective pain relief and improves stiffness and physical function in patients with mild to moderate OA presenting with persistent osteoarthritic pain 4-12 weeks after arthroscopic meniscectomy. Symptomatic efficacy was maximised at 12 weeks and maintained at 26 and 52 weeks. The type (pain and/or swelling and/or effusion) and the intensity (mostly mild/moderate) of AEs reported in this study are similar to those reported in other trials in different patient populations, but the incidence was higher (19%). The risk/benefit of hylan G-F 20 in this particular population of patients is favourable.

Between 1985 and 1995, 45 patients underwent closed meniscus repair. There were 30 men and 15 women with a mean age of 32.5 years. In 23 patients, the anterior cruciate ligament was intact (group 1) whereas it was deficient in 22 patients (group 2). All patients were managed with the same postoperative program of partial weight bearing, immediate motion and rehabilitation of the knee. Five patients had a failed meniscal repair and underwent a repeat arthroscopy and a partial meniscectomy. These patients were considered as failures and excluded from the final scoring. After a mean follow-up of more than 9 years, all patients were subjected to a clinical examination using the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee rating system. Seven patients in group 2 had episodes of frequent giving way and had their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructed 6 and 7 years after the initial meniscus repair. None of the other patients had any clinical symptoms or signs of a meniscal tear. In group 1, 20 patients and in group 2, 14 patients, all had a satisfactory knee score. Even though the failure rate of meniscus repair may be greater in an unstable knee, it is concluded that meniscal repair is not contraindicated in a knee with a deficient ACL.

A retrospective study evaluated meniscal suturing using an inside-out technique vs. an all-inside technique (Biofix meniscus Arrow). Fifty-five knees in 55 patients who underwent closed meniscus repair between 1985 and 1995 were divided in two groups: 20 managed by an inside-out technique; and 35 managed by an all-inside technique. All patients underwent the same postoperative program of partial weight bearing, immediate motion, and rehabilitation of the knee. They were subjected to a clinical examination using Hospital for Special Surgery knee rating system. The mean follow-up was 13 years, 2 months (11 years, 11 months-15 years, 4 months) in the inside-out group and 6 years, 5 months (6 years-6 years 10 months) in the Biofix Arrow group. Sixteen patients also had an anterior cruciate ligament injury, of which six were repaired at the time of meniscus repair and one 6 years after meniscal repair. Thirty-nine patients had an excellent or good result (87% satisfactory outcome), three had a fair result, and three had a poor result. Meniscal suturing thus provides good clinical long-term results. The advantages of an all-inside technique include short operating time, superfluous capsular exposure, easier technique, and potentially lower risk of neurovascular lesions, especially when posterior horns are involved.

Purpose of the Study: A prospective study was set up to evaluate meniscal suturing using an inside-out technique., Materials and Methods: Of an initial group of 20 patients who underwent closed meniscus repair between 1985 and 1988 using an inside-out technique, 13 were studied. All patients were subjected to a clinical examination and an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) investigation. The findings were compared with those of their previous follow-up examination (1994). The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee rating system was used. The study included 7 men and 6 women, ranging in age from 29 years to 50 years (mean age: 35 years 6 months). The mean follow-up was 13 years 2 months (11 years 11 months-15 years 4 months). Six left and 7 right knees were involved. Seven patients also had an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury of which one was repaired 6 years after meniscal repair., Results: All patients obtained an HSS score of more than 75%. In all patients the site of the previous suture was still visible on MRI mainly by small metal artefacts in the meniscus. Patients with an unrepaired ACL lesion had an early onset of arthrosis and cartilage degeneration., Conclusion: Meniscal suturing gives good clinical long-term results. Magnetic resonance imaging, however, showed signs of mucoid degeneration or scar tissue in 46% of the patients.

Pseudoaneurysm formation is a rare complication after knee arthroscopy. Most pseudoaneurysms complicating knee arthroscopy develop on the popliteal and geniculate arteries. We report a case of a pseudoaneurysm developed on an arterial branch to the medial gastrocnemius muscle, as a complication of an arthroscopic meniscectomy in a 66-year-old patient. The patient was treated successfully by resection of the pseudoaneurysm and ligation of the injured artery.

A prospective study was set up to evaluate meniscal suturing using an inside-out technique. Of an initial group of 20 patients who underwent closed meniscus repair between 1985 and 1988 using an inside-out technique, 13 were studied. All patients were subjected to a clinical examination and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) investigation. The findings were compared with those of their previous follow-up examination (1994). The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee rating system (R.G. Stone et al. Athroscopy 1990; 73-78) was used. The study included seven men and six women, ranging in age from 29 years to 50 years (mean age: 35 years 6 months). The mean follow-up was 13 years 2 months (11 years 11 months-15 years 4 months). Six left and seven right knees were involved. Seven patients also had an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury of which one was repaired 6 years after meniscal repair. All patients obtained an HSS score of more than 75%. In all patients, the site of the previous suture was still visible on MRI mainly by small metal artefacts in the meniscus. Patients with an unrepaired ACL lesion had an early onset of arthrosis and cartilage degeneration. Meniscal suturing gives good clinical long-term results. Magnetic resonance imaging, however, showed signs of mucoid degeneration or scar tissue in 46% of the patients., (Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science B.V.)

A case of pigmented villonodular synovitis of the hip is presented. The delay between the onset of symptoms and the histopathologic confirmation of this condition generally accounts for the massive local bone invasion, frequently necessitating a total hip arthroplasty. Earlier diagnosis through arthroscopy and subsequent chemical synoviorthesis might reduce the need for more aggressive surgery and improve the prognosis of this rare condition.

Modern individuals with a long and healthy life expectancy perform more and more physical activities both in daily life and in sport. This demanding life-style forces the surgeon to perform less radical surgery for meniscal ruptures, thus avoiding the early degenerative changes which frequently occur in totally or partially meniscectomized knees. When repair is possible, meniscal suture must be considered. Various arthroscopic techniques of meniscus suturing have been reported. "Inside-out," "outside-in," and more recently "all-inside" techniques can be used. Complications include saphenous and peroneal nerve damage and vascular lesions. The Biofix arrow fixation technique, which is an all-inside procedure, is easier and in our hands less time-consuming than other arthroscopic suturing techniques. Postoperatively, partial weight bearing is prescribed for 3 weeks. Progressive return to sport activity is allowed after 3 months. Twenty-five patients (26 meniscal repairs) with a mean age of 31.6 years (13-57) were reviewed. Follow-up averaged 16.7 months (12-22). The evaluation was based on the modified Marshall knee score. Three patients had an extra-articular reconstruction for anterior cruciate ligament deficiency, and five had an arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with a ligament allograft. The results were excellent or good in 22 patients (88% "satisfactory" outcome). Three patients had poor results. One patient with a new trauma presented a lateral meniscal lesion associated with an ACL rupture. The Biofix arrow fixation technique allows safe fixation of meniscal ruptures, specifically of posterior horn lesions where injury of neurovascular structures is not uncommon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]