Search

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has substantially altered the delivery of healthcare for providers and their patients. Patients have been reticent to seek care for many diseases and injuries including concussion due to fears of potential exposure to COVID-19. Moreover, because of social distancing recommendations and stay-at-home orders, patient screening, evaluation, and delivery of care have become less efficient or impossible to perform via in-person clinic visits. Consequently, there was a sudden need to shift healthcare delivery from primarily in-person visits to telehealth. This sudden shift in healthcare delivery brings with it both challenges and opportunities for clinical concussion care. This article is designed to discuss these challenges and opportunities and provide an experiential-based framework for providing concussion care via telehealth. We first provide an overview of a clinical concussion model utilized at concussion specialty clinics from 3 geographically disparate healthcare systems for in-person service delivery prior to COVID-19. We then discuss the creation of new clinical workflows to facilitate the continued provision of concussion specialty care using telehealth. Finally, we examine lessons learned during this healthcare delivery shift including limitations and potential barriers for telehealth for concussion care, as well as opportunities for expansion of concussion care in rural and underserved areas. We also discuss the need to empirically evaluate the comparative efficacy of telehealth and in-person concussion care moving forward.

Purpose Compare side-to-side differences for knee kinematics between anatomic single-bundle (SB) and anatomic double-bundle (DB) ACLR during downhill running at 6 and 24 months post ACLR using high-accuracy dynamic stereo X-ray imaging. It was hypothesized that anatomic DB ACLR would better restore tibio-femoral kinematics compared to SB ACLR, based on comparison to the contralateral, uninjured knee. Methods Active individuals between 14 and 50 years of age that presented within 12 months of injury were eligible to participate. Individuals with prior injury or surgery of either knee, greater than a grade 1 concomitant knee ligament injury, or ACL insertion sites less than 14 mm or greater than 18 mm were excluded. Subjects were randomized to undergo SB or DB ACLR with a 10 mm-wide quadriceps tendon autograft harvested with a patellar bone block and were followed for 24 months. Dynamic knee function was assessed during treadmill downhill running using a dynamic stereo X-ray tracking system at 6 and 24 months after surgery. Three-dimensional tibio-femoral kinematics were calculated and compared between limbs (ACLR and uninjured contralateral) at each time point. Results Fifty-seven subjects were randomized (29 DB) and 2-year follow-up was attained from 51 (89.5%). No significant differences were found between SB and DB anatomic ACLR for any of the primary kinematic variables. Conclusions Contrary to the study hypothesis, double-bundle reconstruction did not show superior kinematic outcomes compared to the single-bundle ACLR. While neither procedure fully restored normal knee kinematics, both anatomic reconstructions were similarly effective for restoring near-normal dynamic knee function. The findings of this study indicate both SB and DB techniques can be used for patients with average size ACL insertion sites. Level of evidence Level I

Blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy is being used more frequently for rehabilitation from orthopedic injuries. Several physiologic mechanisms of action, at local and systemic levels, have been proposed. Numerous studies have investigated the effects of BFR training in healthy athletes; however, limited clinical data exist supporting the use of BFR after surgery. Given that BFR training may facilitate muscle development using low-load resistance exercises, it offers a unique advantage for the post-surgical patient who cannot tolerate traditional high resistance training. [ Orthopedics . 2021;44(6):e694–e698.]

Purpose Compare clinical outcomes of anatomic single-bundle (SB) to anatomic double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). It was hypothesized that anatomic DB ACLR would result in better International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (IKDC-SKF) scores and reduced anterior and rotatory laxity compared to SB ACLR. Methods Active individuals between 14 and 50 years of age that presented within 12 months of injury were eligible to participate. Individuals with prior injury or surgery of either knee, greater than a grade 1 concomitant knee ligament injury, or ACL insertion sites less than 14 mm or greater than 18 mm were excluded. Subjects were randomized to undergo SB or DB ACLR with a 10 mm-wide quadriceps tendon autograft harvested with a patellar bone block and were followed for 24 months. The primary outcome measures included the IKDC-SKF and KT-1000 (side to side difference) and pivot shift tests. Other secondary outcomes included measures of sports activity and participation, range of motion (ROM) and re-injury. Results Enrollment in the study was suspended due to patellar fractures related to harvest of the patellar bone plug. At that time, 57 subjects had been randomized (29 DB) and two-year follow-up was attained from 51 (89.5%). At 24-month follow-up there were no between-group differences detected for the primary outcomes. Twenty-one (77.8%) DB’s and 20 (83.3%) SB’s reported returning to pre-injury sports 2 years after surgery (n.s) Three subjects (2 DB’s, 5.3% of total) sustained a graft rupture and 5 individuals (4 SB’s, 8.8% of total) had a subsequent meniscus injury. Conclusions Due to the early termination of the study, there were no detectable differences in clinical outcome between anatomic SB and DB ACLR when performed with a quadriceps tendon autograft with a bone block in individuals with ACL insertion sites that range from 14 to 18 mm. Level of Evidence Level 2

Recurrent patellofemoral instability is a disabling condition and can be associated with a variety of anatomic factors. Management of recurrent patellar instability remains challenging and it is imperative to have a comprehensive knowledge of the anatomy and biomechanics of the patellofemoral joint. A detailed history and thorough clinical examination are key to formulating an appropriate management plan. Trochlear dysplasia, patella alta, an increased tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance, and soft tissue abnormalities are all anatomical factors that should be considered when treating a patient with recurrent patellar instability. Surgical treatment is based on the underlying anatomical pathology with an aim to restore normal patellofemoral kinematics. This chapter will focus on the treatment options and outcomes of recurrent patellar instability.

Objectives: Jones’ fractures, 5th metatarsal metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction fractures, are a debilitating injury for the elite athlete, particularly in cutting/pivoting sports. These injuries are usually managed surgically due to the high rate of nonunion and re-fracture. Despite primary screw fixation, delayed union and nonunion are not uncommon. Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), an autologous source of hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells, has been used to augment healing due to the poor healing potential in the watershed region. We hypothesize that open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) augmented with BMAC will improve patient-reported outcome measures following Jones’ fractures in athletes. Methods: This study was a prospectively collected and maintained review of elite athletes that underwent intramedullary screw fixation augmented with BMAC for Jones’ fractures at an academic medical institution. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively to assess differences in patient reported outcomes including VAS, PROMIS, FAAM, SF-12 scores, return to play, and complications. Student’s t test was used in statistical comparison of the preoperative and postoperative outcome scores. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 41 elite athletes were treated with ORIF with BMAC for a Jones fracture with a mean age of 25.59 years (range 19-42). There were 26 (63%) males and 15 females included in the study. Type of athlete ranged across the following sport activities: football, basketball, soccer, volleyball. Of note, patients had significantly improved with lower visual analog score for pain (mean Δ3.56, p= 0.001), higher FAAM scores (mean Δ 43.6, p< 0.001), and PASS scores (increased from 11% to 85%, p< 0.001) at 6 months. Additionally, patients showed improvement in SF12, PROMIS10, and FAAM scores at 12 months, although this was not statistically significant due to insufficient follow up at this time. The average numbers of days lost to competition was 131 days. All patients that have returned to elite competitive sport activity report minimal to no pain. Conclusion: Intramedullary screw fixation of Jones’ fractures with BMAC results in optimal surgical outcomes in the elite athlete. The use of patient reported outcomes continues to be a focus of quality measures and should guide clinical decision making for surgical intervention, return to play, and to assess impact of treatment. A higher powered and long-term study with validated patient-reported outcomes is needed to confirm our observations.

The medial collateral ligament is the most commonly injured ligament in the knee. High-grade medial collateral injuries are associated with injuries to the posteromedial structures of the knee. Chronic medial-sided instability is rare due to the intrinsic capacity of the medial ligamentous structures to heal. However, when combined with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency, significant anterior, valgus, and rotatory laxity of the knee occurs. In this review, we discuss the important biomechanical, clinical, and surgical considerations in the management of chronic combined anterior cruciate ligament, medial, and posteromedial instability of the knee.

Objectives: A randomized clinical trial was conducted to compare knee kinematics during gait and running 24 months after ACL reconstruction, using either single-bundle (SB) or double-bundle (DB) quadriceps tendon grafts. We hypothesized that DB reconstruction would better restore kinematics than SB reconstruction, in comparison to the uninjured, contralateral knee. Methods: Subjects were between 14 and 50 years of age, participated in at least 100 hours of Level 1 or 2 sports activities and presented within 12 months of injury to both bundles of the ACL (with or without meniscal injury). Exclusion criteria included prior injury or surgery of the ipsilateral or contralateral knee or greater than a grade 1 concomitant knee ligament injury. Subjects were randomized to undergo SB or DB ACL reconstruction with a 10 mm quadriceps tendon autograft harvested with a patellar bone block. A single, anatomically placed femoral tunnel was used for all cases. For DB ACL reconstruction, the soft tissue portion of the graft was split and passed through two anatomically placed tibial tunnels. Biplane radiographic images were acquired 24 months after surgery while subjects performed downhill running on a treadmill (3.0 m/s, 10 degree slope, 150 images/s) and level gait (1.3 m/s, 100 images/s). Subject specific bone models were generated from computed tomography images and matched to the biplane radiographs using a previously validated model-based tracking process to determine tibiofemoral kinematics. Rotations of the tibia relative to the femur were calculated using the rotational component of the Joint Coordinate System originally described by Grood and Suntay. Displacements of the tibia relative to the femur were expressed in an orthogonal anatomical coordinate system fixed to the tibia. Primary outcome variables were based on previous findings of abnormalities in knee kinematics after ACL injury/reconstruction, and included peak knee external rotation, adduction and anterior translation during heelstrike to mid-stance. Three trials were collected for each limb and each task, and averaged for statistical analysis. Differences between SB and DB kinematics were determined using Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests, with significance level p < 0.05. Results: No significant differences were found in any of the primary kinematic variables between single and double bundle anatomic ACL reconstruction (Table). Differences between reconstructed and contralateral (uninjured) limbs were small, averaging less than 2 degrees in rotation and 2 mm in translation. Rotational differences were smaller during gait than during downhill running. Conclusion: Conclusions: Contrary to the study hypothesis, DB reconstruction was not found to be superior to SB reconstruction. While some abnormalities remained (particularly during the more stressful downhill running evaluation), both anatomical reconstructions were equally effective at restoring normal knee kinematics. kinematic differences between limbs (affected-contralateral) during gait and downhill running Single Bundle Single Bundle Single Bundle Double Bundle Double Bundle Double Bundle N Mean Std Dev N Mean Std Dev Wilcoxon p Running Peak Knee Adduction 25 -0.23 1.12 21 -0.21 1.16 0.71 Running Peak External Rotation 25 -1.56 4.04 21 -0.17 3.12 0.20 Running Peak Anterior Translation 25 0.57 2.62 21 2.02 2.75 0.13 Gait Peak Knee Adduction 26 -0.06 1.19 21 -0.05 1.11 0.83 Gait Peak External Rotation 26 -0.44 4.34 21 -0.11 3.55 0.77 Gait Peak Anterior Translation 26 0.83 2.97 21 2.00 2.56 0.20

CASE A 15-year-old high-level gymnast sustained a hyperextension knee injury and was diagnosed with a lateral meniscus tear on advanced imaging. During arthroscopy, a redundant meniscus was encountered overlying an otherwise normal, intact lateral meniscus, consistent with a double-layer lateral meniscus. The redundant meniscus was resected, and the patient was able to return to gymnastics at her previous high level of competition. CONCLUSIONS Abnormalities of the lateral meniscus may be poorly characterized or undetected on preoperative imaging studies. When the decision is made to proceed with surgery, a vigilant diagnostic arthroscopic examination can facilitate the detection and treatment of unanticipated pathology.

Background: An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury greatly increases the risk for premature knee osteoarthritis (OA). Improved diagnosis and staging of early disease are needed to develop strategies to delay or prevent disabling OA. Purpose: Novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ultrashort echo time (UTE)–T2* mapping was evaluated against clinical metrics of cartilage health in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies of human participants before and after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) to show reversible deep subsurface cartilage and meniscus matrix changes. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis/prognosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Forty-two participants (31 undergoing anatomic ACLR; 11 uninjured) underwent 3-T MRI inclusive of a sequence capturing short and ultrashort T2 signals. An arthroscopic examination of the medial meniscus was performed, and modified Outerbridge grades were assigned to the central and posterior medial femoral condyle (cMFC and pMFC, respectively) of ACL-reconstructed patients. Two years after ACLR, 16 patients underwent the same 3-T MRI. UTE-T2* maps were generated for the posterior medial meniscus (pMM), cMFC, pMFC, and medial tibial plateau (MTP). Cross-sectional evaluations of UTE-T2* and arthroscopic data along with longitudinal analyses of UTE-T2* changes were performed. Results: Arthroscopic grades showed that 74% (23/31) of ACL-reconstructed patients had intact cMFC cartilage (Outerbridge grade 0 and 1) and that 90% (28/31) were Outerbridge grade 0 to 2. UTE-T2* values in deep cMFC and pMFC cartilage varied significantly with injury status and arthroscopic grade (Outerbridge grade 0-2: n = 39; P = .03 and .04, respectively). Pairwise comparisons showed UTE-T2* differences between uninjured controls (n = 11) and patients with arthroscopic Outerbridge grade 0 for the cMFC (n = 12; P = .01) and arthroscopic Outerbridge grade 1 for the pMFC (n = 11; P = .01) only and not individually between arthroscopic Outerbridge grade 0, 1, and 2 of ACL-reconstructed patients ( P > .05). Before ACLR, UTE-T2* values of deep cMFC and pMFC cartilage of ACL-reconstructed patients were a respective 43% and 46% higher than those of uninjured controls (14.1 ± 5.5 vs 9.9 ± 2.3 milliseconds [cMFC] and 17.4 ± 7.0 vs 11.9 ± 2.4 milliseconds [pMFC], respectively; P = .02 for both). In longitudinal analyses, preoperative elevations in UTE-T2* values in deep pMFC cartilage and the pMM in those with clinically intact menisci decreased to levels similar to those in uninjured controls ( P = .02 and .005, respectively), suggestive of healing. No decrease in UTE-T2* values for the MFC and new elevation in UTE-T2* values for the submeniscus MTP were observed in those with meniscus tears. Conclusion: This study shows that novel UTE-T2* mapping demonstrates changes in cartilage deep tissue health according to joint injury status as well as a potential for articular cartilage and menisci to heal deep tissue injuries. Further clinical studies of UTE-T2* mapping are needed to determine if it can be used to identify joints at risk for rapid degeneration and to monitor effects of new treatments to delay or prevent the development of OA.

Background: The quadriceps tendon is a versatile graft option, and the clinical implications of a quadriceps tendon harvest need to be further defined. Purpose: To review surgical considerations for the safe harvest of a quadriceps tendon autograft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, with a focus on the risk of patellar fractures. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A series of 57 patients underwent ACL reconstruction with a quadriceps tendon autograft with a patellar bone block from March 2011 to December 2012 at a single institution. Patients who sustained a patellar fracture were identified. The clinical course for each patient was reviewed with International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee form scores through 2-year follow-up. Results: The incidence of patellar fractures was 3.5% intraoperatively and 8.8% at 2 years. This included 2 intraoperative fractures, 1 fracture during strength testing, and 2 occult fractures detected on computed tomography (CT) performed 6 months postoperatively for research purposes in asymptomatic participants. For the 5 patients with a patellar fracture with 24-month follow-up, the IKDC scores were 91.95, 91.95, 100.00, 100.00, and 64.37. Conclusion: Careful consideration of the quadriceps tendon and patellar anatomy is needed to safely harvest the bone plug from the superior pole of the patella. The consequences of a quadriceps tendon autograft harvest, specifically with regard to the risks associated with fractures of the patella during the harvest, demand full consideration. Postoperative imaging with CT may identify abnormalities in patients who are otherwise asymptomatic.

A good anterior cruciate ligament injury-prevention program should: ➤ Incorporate feedback on technique ➤ Be performed throughout the year ➤ Focus on flexibility, strengthening, and plyometrics. Language: en

The use of orthobiologics in shoulder surgery is one of the largest areas of growth in the orthopaedic surgery product market. Bone products can fill voids, enhance healing, and provide support. Soft tissue products include scaffolds and products that augment the cell based and factor based healing response. This article focuses on scaffolds and biological augmentations. In the scaffold section, engineered products as well as solutions that use natural tissue will be discussed. In the biological augmentation sections, we will concentrate on products that enhance osteoinduction, angiogenesis, and the cellular response. Scaffolds can augment the mechanical properties of repaired tendons and especially so when the scaffold is constructed from poly-glycolic acid and poly-l-lactic acid. The original polymer material, poly-tetra-fluoro-ethylene, seems to be too mechanically weak for use in the shoulder; the same is true for chitin. Porcine small intestinal submucosa, while once promising, has been exposed as a poor material for scaffold development. Dermal matrix has many questions remaining before its use can be supported. As the field of polymer based molecular delivery continues to develop, we expect the synthetic polymers to continue to dominate the discussion. Many molecular therapies show promise for changing the way the shoulder heals and altering the mechanical properties of the repaired shoulder. Bone morphogenic proteins have shown an ability to affect the formation of the bone-tissue interface. Platelet-rich-plasma and fibrin clots both are promising inductors of angiogenesis, as are low intensity pulsed ultrasound and shock wave therapy. Finally, muscle and bone derived stem cells may potentially have a positive effect on the healing process.

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to determine the clinical outcomes following isolated lateral meniscal allograft transplantation. Methods: Thirty-two patients were retrospectively reviewed following isolated lateral meniscal allograft transplantation. Twenty-five were available for subjective follow-up, and 17 were available for a complete physical examination and postoperative radiographs. The average duration of follow-up was 3.3 years (range, 2 to 6 years), and the average age of the subjects was 30 years (range, 19 to 45 years). In all, 17 patients had bony fixation and 8 had suture fixation of the anterior and posterior horns of the meniscal allograft. Results: Ninety-six percent of patients believed that their overall function and activity level were improved following surgery. Short Form-36 (SF-36) physical and mental component summary scores for these subjects were higher than age- and sex-matched scores from the US population. Joint space narrowing of the transplanted lateral compartments was not significantly different when compared with the joint space narrowing of the lateral compartment of the contralateral knee. In addition, preoperative and postoperative radiographic joint space measurements of the involved lateral compartment were significantly associated with subjective assessment, symptoms, sports activity score, Lysholm score, and final International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) rating at latest follow-up. Finally, patients fixed with the bony technique had significantly better range of motion, according to IKDC criteria at latest follow-up, compared with the suture fixation group. Conclusions: Our results suggest that isolated meniscal allograft transplantation can be a beneficial procedure in properly selected symptomatic patients with a lateral meniscus–deficient knee. The data also suggest that earlier meniscal transplantation, before the onset of significant joint space narrowing, may result in improved outcomes. Finally, bony fixation may have a significant advantage over suture fixation, particularly with regard to knee range of motion. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Background Single-injection femoral nerve block analgesia and spinal anesthesia have been associated with fewer postoperative nursing interventions and successful same-day discharge after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. In the current study, the authors prospectively determined the effect of continuous femoral nerve block on a numeric rating scale (NRS) of pain intensity with movement for 7 postoperative days. Methods Patients undergoing this surgery with no history of previous invasive surgery on the same knee were recruited for this study. After standardized spinal anesthesia, intravenous sedation, and perioperative multimodal analgesia, patients received a femoral nerve catheter with (1) saline bolus (30 ml) plus saline infusion (270 ml at 5 ml/h, placebo group); (2) levobupivacaine (0.25%) bolus with saline infusion (group I), or (3) levobupivacaine (0.25%) bolus and infusion (group II). Patients were surveyed preoperatively and on postoperative days 1-4 and 7 to determine NRS scores (scale 0-10). Results Data from 233 participants were analyzed. On days 1-2, 50% of placebo patients had NRS scores of 5 or above, whereas among group II patients, only 25% had scores of 5 or above (P < 0.001). In regression models for NRS scores during days 1-4, group II was the only factor predicting lower pain scores (odds ratios, 0.3-0.5; P = 0.001-0.03). Overall, patients with preoperative NRS scores greater than 2 were likely to report higher NRS scores during days 1-7 (odds ratios, 3.3-5.2; P < 0.001). Conclusions Femoral nerve block catheters reliably keep NRS scores below the moderate-to-severe pain threshold for the first 4 days after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes after arthroscopic single-bundle posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction in patients with isolated grade III PCL injuries. Type of Study: Retrospective review. Methods: Twenty-one patients who underwent an isolated arthroscopic single-bundle PCL reconstruction for the treatment of a grade III PCL injury between 1989 and 1998 were included in the study. There were 15 male and 6 female patients with an average age of 38 years (range, 20 to 62 years). The length of follow-up was 5.9 years (range, 2.6 to 11 years), and the average time from injury to surgery was 4.5 years (median, 1.3 years; range, 2 weeks to 25 years). All patients completed a subjective evaluation and 14 patients returned for a physical examination and radiographs. One patient underwent an acute reconstruction ( 3 months) reconstruction. The anterolateral bundle of the PCL was reconstructed using an Achilles tendon allograft passed through femoral and tibial bone tunnels. Results: The overall average Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADLS), Sports Activities Scale (SAS), and SF-36 scores were 79.3, 71.6, and 98 points, respectively. There was a significant difference identified when the ADLS (91.3 v 75.6) and the SAS (90.4 v 65.8) scores of the subacute/acute group were compared with those of the chronic reconstruction group. Using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective assessment, 57% of the patients had normal/near normal knee function, and 62% had a normal/near normal activity level. The average extension and flexion losses were 1° and 5°, respectively. Instrumented laxity examination revealed that 62% had less than a 3-mm and 31% had a 3- to 5-mm side-to-side difference in corrected posterior displacement. Radiographs at follow-up showed that 75% had normal/near normal findings according to IKDC guidelines. Conclusions: The clinical outcomes after arthroscopic single-bundle PCL reconstruction in this study produced a satisfactory return of function and improvement in symptoms. All patients in this study had improved laxity of at least 1 grade. When compared with chronic reconstructions, acute reconstructions had statistically significant better ADLS and SAS scores. Level of Evidence: IV, case series.

The ideal graft for use in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction should have structural and biomechanical properties similar to those of the native ligament, permit secure fixation and rapid biologic incorporation, and limit donor site morbidity. Many options have been clinically successful, but the ideal graft remains controversial. Graft choice depends on surgeon experience and preference, tissue availability, patient activity level, comorbidities, prior surgery, and patient preference. Patellar tendon autograft, the most widely used graft source, appears to be associated with an increased incidence of anterior knee pain compared with hamstring autograft. Use of hamstring autograft is increasing. Quadriceps tendon autograft is less popular but has shown excellent clinical results with low morbidity. Improved sterilization techniques have led to increased safety and availability of allograft, although allografts have a slower rate of incorporation than do most types of autograft. No graft has clearly been shown to provide a faster return to play. However, in general, patellar tendon autografts are preferable for high-performance athletes, and hamstring autografts and allografts have some relative advantages for lower-demand individuals. No current indications exist for synthetic ligaments.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures are some of the most common knee injuries seen by sports medicine physicians. However, given the complex anatomy and function of the ACL, reconstruction of this ligament is anything but straightforward. The last decade has seen much advancement in ACL reconstruction, with an improved knowledge of the biology and biomechanics of graft incorporation, new choices for graft material and graft fixation devices, and more accelerated rehabilitation protocols. Although there are numerous studies in the literature on ACL reconstruction, there is yet to be a consensus among surgeons on the "best" graft choice and the "optimal" fixation device. This is generally attributed to the small sample size in most studies, which prohibits a definite conclusion of superiority of one technique over another. Additionally, it is difficult to directly compare the results from one study to another because there is tremendous heterogeneity between studies. This review is intended to examine the anatomy, biomechanics, surgical considerations, and clinical outcomes after ACL reconstruction that have been highlighted in the literature during the past 10 years.

The assessment of a patient with a multiple-ligament-injured knee requires a careful history and clinical evaluation. Missed concomitant ligament disruptions in the setting of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear can increase the failure rate of the ACL graft. Additionally, unrecognized and/or untreated posterolateral corner (PLC) or medial-sided knee injuries can lead to chronic disability. A thorough history and physical examination, combined with proper imaging studies, can facilitate an accurate diagnosis. These complex injuries require a systematic approach for treatment. Acute grade one or two medial collateral ligament (MCL) tears in the setting of an ACL tear can often be treated with bracing of the MCL, depending on the location, followed by ACL reconstruction. Combined ACL and PLC injuries are best treated acutely with ACL reconstruction and primary repair of the posterolateral knee injuries. However, the vascular status, soft tissue swelling, and medical comorbidities must be taken into account when determining the optimal time for surgical intervention. Chronic ACL and PLC tears are best treated with anatomic ACL and PLC reconstructions.

A multitude of graft options exist including both allograft and autograft sources for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. With recent concerns regarding the early graft failure and cost-effectiveness of allograft sources, more attention has been directed toward autograft options. However, autograft harvest has been associated with specific morbidity that can result in suboptimal outcomes. The quadriceps tendon is an excellent biomechanical and biologic option.