ObjectiveTo observe the effect of preserving tibial residual fibers on the expressions of ligament remodeling related genes in rabbit anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction model. MethodsSixty healthy adult New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups:normal control group (group A, n=6) , sham-operation group (group B, n=18) , non tibial remnant preserved group (group C, n=18) , and tibial remnant preserved group (group D, n=18) . At 2, 6, and 12 weeks after operation, the ligament tissue was harvested to detect the mRNA expressions of collagen type 1A1(COL1A1) , collagen type 3A1(COL3A1) , transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), growth-associated protein 43(GAP-43) , and neurotrophin 3(NT-3) by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. ResultsAt each time point, there was no significant difference in the mRNA expressions of COL1A1, COL3A1, VEGF, and NT-3 between group A and group B (P>0.05) . In group D, the mRNA expressions of COL1A1, COL3A1, TGF-β1, and GAP-43 significantly increased when compared with those of group C at 6 weeks after operation (P＜0.05) ; an increased level of VEGF mRNA was also detected in the group D at 12 weeks after operation (P＜0.05) ; and an increased level of NT-3 mRNA was also observed in group D at 2 and 12 weeks after operation (P＜0.05) . ConclusionThere is a time-dependent manner of angiogenesis-promoting, repair-related, and nerve-related gene expressions after ACL reconstruction with preserving tibial residual fibers during the process of ligamentization. Furthermore, the remnant preservation in ACL reconstruction can promote the expressions of related genes in some time points.
ObjectiveTo compare the incidence of chondral injury using Rigidfix femoral fixation device via the anteromedial approach and the tibial tunnel approach during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. MethodsEighteen adult cadaver knees were divided randomly into 2 groups, 9 knees in each group. Femoral tunnel drilling and cross-pin guide insertions were performed using the Rigidfix femoral fixation device through the anteromedial approach (group A) and the tibial tunnel approach (group B). ACL reconstruction simulation was performed at 0, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 70, 80, and 90°in the horizontal position. The correlation between incidence of chondral injury and slope angles was analyzed, and then the incidence was compared between the 2 groups. ResultsThe correlation analysis indicated that the chondral injury incidence increased with the increasing of the slope angle (r=0.611, P=0.000; r=0.852, P=0.000). The incidence of chondral injury was 69.1% (56/81) and 48.1% (39/81) in groups A and B respectively, showing significant difference (χ2=7.356, P=0.007). The sublevel analysis showed that the chondral injury incidence of group A (36.1%, 13/36) was significantly higher than that of group B (0) at 0-30°(χ2=15.864, P=0.000), but no significant difference was found between group A (95.6%, 43/45) and group B (86.7%, 39/45) at 45-90°(P=0.267). ConclusionIt has more risk of chondral injury to use Rigidfix femoral fixation device via the anteromedial approach than the tibial tunnel approach to reconstruct ACL.
Objective To compare the recovery of proprioception between autograft and allograft for anterior cruciate l igament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods Between January 2008 and January 2010, 40 patients underwent ACL reconstruction with autologous tendon (autograft group, n=20) and allogeneic tendon (allograft group, n=20). No significant difference was found in gender, age, disease duration, and function scores between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). All the patients underwent the ACL reconstruction with single-bundle technique. The knee range of motion (ROM), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and Lysholm score were measured after operation. The proprioception was assessedby the joint position sense (JPS) at 3 and 12 months postoperatively. The normal knee was used as control. Results Thepatients of 2 groups achieved heal ing of incision by first intention without compl ication of infection or haemarthrosis. Allpatients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 13.5 months). There were significant differences in knee ROM, IKDC score, and Lysholm score between preoperation and 12 months postoperatively in 2 groups (P lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in JPS 30°, JPS 60°, and JPS 90° between affected knees and normal knees in autograft group at 3 months postoperatively (P gt; 0.05). No significant difference was found in JPS 30° between affected knees and normal knees in allograft group at 3 months postoperatively (P gt; 0.05); but significant differences were found in JPS 60° and JPS 90° between affected knees and normal knees in allograft group at 3 months postoperatively (P lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in JPS 30°, JPS 60°, and JPS 90° between affected knees and normal knees in 2 groups at 12 months postoperatively (P gt; 0.05). Significant differences were also found in JPS 60° and JPS 90° between affected knees of 2 groups (P lt; 0.05) at 3 months postoperatively, whereas no significant difference was found in JPS 30° between affected knees of 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). No significant difference was found in JPS 30°, JPS 60°, and JPS 90° between affected knees of 2 groups at 12 months postoperatively (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Autologous andACL reconstruction is better than allogeneic ACL reconstruction in the recovery of proprioception at early time after surgery.
ObjectiveTo clarify the intervention guidance of return to sports WeChat applet and evaluate the rehabilitation effectiveness after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. MethodsBetween September 2020 and September 2022, 80 patients who met the selection criteria and underwent ACL anatomical single bundle reconstruction were selected as the research objects. According to the double-blind random method, they were divided into the applet group and the regular group, with 40 cases in each group. Patients in the applet group were rehabilitated under the guidance of the return to sports WeChat applet, and the patients were asked to perform the test once a month after operation, including patients’ subjective scores [Tegner score, knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, American Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score], psychological assessment [ACL recovery sports injury scale (ACL-RSI) score], jumping test, balance test, bending angle test. Patients in the regular group were followed up by doctors and nurses regularly by telephone every month. All the patients were reexamined at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after operation, and the range of motion of the knee joint with 6 degrees of freedom (flexion and extension angle, varus and valgus angle, internal and external rotation angle, anteroposterior displacement, superior and inferior displacement, and internal and external displacement) recorded by Opti_Knee three-dimensional knee joint motion measurement gait analysis system was observed. The anterior tibial translation difference (ATTD) was measured by Ligs knee measuring instrument when a forward thrust of 120 N was applied to the posterior part of the proximal tibia. Tegner score, IKDC score, KOOS score (including KOOS-Pain score, KOOS-Symptoms score, KOOS-Activities of daily living score, KOOS-Sport score, and KOOS-Quality of life score), HSS score, ACL-RSI score, jumping ability, balance ability, patients’ satisfaction with the rehabilitation process, and ACL healing grading according to ACL continuity and signal intensity shown by MRI. Results There were significant differences in various indicators between different time points after operation in the two groups (P<0.05). At 3 months after operation, except that the ACL-RSI score of the applet group was significantly higher than that of the regular group (P<0.05), there was no significant difference in the other indicators between the two groups (P>0.05). At 6 months after operation, the ACL-RSI score, IKDC score, Tegner score, KOOS scores of different items, HSS score, balance and jumping ability of the applet group were significantly higher than those of the regular group (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in the other indicators between the two groups (P>0.05). At 9 months after operation, there was no significant difference in all indicators between the two groups (P>0.05). At 12 months after operation, 27 cases (67.5%) in the applet group and 21 cases (52.5%) in the regular group returned to sport, with a significant difference of the return to sports incidence between the two groups [RR(95%CI)=1.50 (1.00, 2.25), P=0.049]. In the applet group, 27 cases were very satisfied with the rehabilitation process, 10 cases were satisfied, 2 cases were basically satisfied, and 1 case was not satisfied, while 19, 13, 5, and 3 cases in the regular group, respectively. The satisfaction degree of the applet group was significantly better than that of the regular group (P=0.049). MRI examination of the two groups showed that the ACL was continuous without secondary rupture or necrosis. The ACL healing grade of the applet group was 31 cases of grade 1 and 9 cases of grade 2, and that of the regular group was 28 cases of grade 1 and 12 cases of grade 2, there was no significant difference in ACL healing grade between the two groups (P=0.449). ConclusionThe application of return to sports WeChat applet in the rehabilitation of patients after ACL reconstruction can significantly reduce the fear of return to sports and improve the rate of return to sports. The return to sports WeChat applet is convenient to operate, with high utilization rate and high patient compliance, which significantly improves the satisfaction.
Objective To summarize the evaluation methods of return to sports (RTS) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in recent years, in order to provide reference for clinical practice. Methods The literature related to the RTS after ACLR was searched from CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, and Foreign Medical Information Resources Retrieval Platform (FMRS) databases. The retrieval range was from 2010 to 2023, and 66 papers were finally included for review. The relevant literature was summarized and analyzed from the aspects of RTS time, objective evaluation indicators, and psychological evaluation. Results RTS is the common desire of patients with ACL injury and doctors, as well as the initial intention of selecting surgery. A reasonable and perfect evaluation method of RTS can not only help patients recover to preoperative exercise level, but also protect patients from re-injury. At present, the main criterion for clinical judgement of RTS is time. It is basically agreed that RTS after 9 months can reduce the re-injury. In addition to time, it is also necessary to test the lower limb muscle strength, jumping, balance, and other aspects of the patient, comprehensively assess the degree of functional recovery and determine the different time of RTS according to the type of exercise. Psychological assessment plays an important role in RTS and has a good clinical predictive effect. ConclusionRTS is one of the research hotspots after ACLR. At present, there are many related evaluation methods, which need to be further optimized by more research to build a comprehensive and standardized evaluation system.
Objective To explore the clinical significance of systemic rehabilitation training on knee functional recovery after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods Patients who underwent arthroscopic knee ACL reconstruction and met the inclusion criteria were included from January 2015 to October 2016. A 4-phase, 16-week systemic rehabilitation training was given individually according to surgical conditions, sports and other factors. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), knee range of motion (ROM), knee circumference, and 10-meter walking time were measured before surgery, and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. At the same time, the function and stability of the knee joint were graded by Lysholm score, Holden walking score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and KT-1000 test. The postoperative one-year scores were compared with the other side, and the patient satisfaction was evaluated one year after surgery. Results All patients were followed up for at least one year. The VAS pain score, ROM, knee circumference, 10-meter walking time, Lysholm score, Holden score, IKDC score, and KT-1000 of all patients were significantly better than their preoperative levels (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in joint function from the contralateral side (P>0.05). No serious complications such as infection occurred. Conclusion Systemic rehabilitation exercises can help patients with well-restored knee joint function after ACL reconstruction.
ObjectivesTo systematically review the efficacy of exercise therapy on functional and activity recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL).MethodsPubMed, EMbase, WanFang Data and CNKI databases were electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the efficacy of exercise therapy on functional and activity recovery after ACL from inception to May 2019. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies, then, meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.3 software.ResultsA total of 11 RCTs involving 602 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that: 1 week (MD=3.07, 95%CI 1.37 to 4.77, P=0.000 4) and 3 weeks (MD=4.53, 95%CI 2.34 to 6.71, P<0.000 1) conventional exercise training rehabilitation effects were better than natural recovery under orthopedic routine care in promoting knee joint function recovery. The recovery effects of over 6 months neuromuscular training was significantly increased compared with conventional rehabilitation (MD=11.48, 95%CI 8.25 to 14.71, P<0.000 01). In addition, there was significant difference between open and closed chain exercise rehabilitation after more than 6 months rehabilitation training (MD=6.77, 95%CI 0.86 to 12.68, P=0.02).ConclusionsThe current evidence shows that over 6 months neuromuscular training significantly enhance the recovery of motor function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. According to different reconstruction methods, individualized rehabilitation program is developed to maximize the recovery of knee joint function. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high quality studies are needed to verify above conclusions.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of portable bracket of lower limb in the reconstruction of anterior cruciate l igament (ACL) by the long fibular muscle tendon under arthroscopy. Methods Between March 2008 and September 2010, 22 patients with ACL injury were treated. The limb position was maintained by portable bracket of lower limb and ACL was reconstructed with the long fibular muscle tendon under arthroscopy. There were 15 males and 7 females with an average age of 33.8 years (range, 19-64 years). The causes of ACL injury were traffic accident injury in 14 cases, sport trauma in 5 cases, and fall ing injury in 3 cases. The locations were the left knee in 10 cases and the right knee in12 cases, including 12 fresh injuries and 10 old injuries. Of 22 patients, 17 had positive anterior drawer test, 19 had positive pivot shift test, and 20 had positive Lachman test. According to International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) criteria, there were 6 abnormal and 16 severely abnormal. The subjective IKDC score was 57.64 ± 6.11. The Lysholm score was 55.45 ± 4.37. Results All incisions healed by first intention, and no complication was found. All patients were followed up 9-38 months (mean, 15 months). At last follow-up, the flexion of the knee ranged from 120 to 135° (mean, 127°). One patient had positive anterior drawer test, 1 patient had positive pivot shift test, and 2 patients had positive Lachman test. No ligament loosening and breakage occurred. According to the IKDC criteria, 10 patients rated as normal, 11 patients as nearly normal, and 1 patient as abnormal. The subjective IKDC score was 90.44 ± 6.11, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative one (t=4.653, P=0.021). The Lysholm score was 90.12 ± 5.78, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative one (t=4.231, P=0.028). Conclusion Portable bracket of lower limb in the reconstruction of ACL has the advantages of saving manpower and easy operation. The long fibular muscle tendon is enough long and b to reconstruct the ACL, which can increase the contact surface between the tendon and bone and is beneficial to tendon-bone heal ing.
Objective To evaluate the tendon regeneration after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with semitendinosus tendon and gracilis tendon autografts by MRI. Methods Between September 2007 and September 2009, 52 patients undergoing ACL reconstructions with semitendinosus tendon and gracilis tendon autografts were enrolled. There were 29 males and 23 females with an average age of 31.6 years (range, 19-42 years). The left knees were involved in 34 cases and the right knees in 18 cases. The injury was caused by traffic accident in 11 cases, by sports in 38 cases, by heavy pound injury in 2 cases, and by other in 1 case. The time between injury and operation was 6 days to 31 months (median, 11.4 months). Joint pain occurred in 19 cases, joint instability in 28 cases, and joint swelling in 5 cases. The physical examination on admission showed thigh amyotrophy in 7 cases (thigh circumference side-to-side difference gt; 1 cm) and limitation of joint motion in 2 cases. The results of floating patella test, Lachman test, pivot shift test, and anterior drawer test were positive in 5, 51, 49, and 52 cases, respectively. The range of motion of knee was (127.77 ± 5.73)°, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score was 49.50 ± 4.08, and Lysholm score was 52.40 ± 3.45. Of the patients, 23 were accompanied with medial meniscus tear, 6 with lateral meniscus tear, 2 with plica synovialis, and 1 with loose body. Results All incisions healed by first intention. All the patients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 14.9 months). At 12 months postoperatively, the results of Lachman test and pivot shift test were positive in 1 case, respectively; the results of anterior drawer test were negative in 52 cases. The range of motion of knee was (131.91 ± 1.81)°, Lysholm score was 94.98 ± 2.77, IKDC score was 93.65 ± 2.42; and there were significant differences when compared with the preoperative ones (P lt; 0.05). At 12 months postoperatively, at 90° resisted flexion of the knee, a very distinct fibrous band could be identified on the posteromedial aspect of the knee in 39 cases. MRI showed that both semitendinosus tendon and gracilis tendon regeneration in 10 cases, only semitendinosus tendon regeneration in 29 cases, only gracilis tendon regeneration in 2 cases, and no tendon regeneration in 11 cases. The regeneration rate of the semitendinosus tendon was 75.0% (39/52); the regeneration rate of the gracilis tendon was 23.1% (12/52); and the regeneration rate of the semitendinosus tendon and gracilis tendon was 78.8% (41/52). Conclusion MRI results suggest that some of the semitendinosus tendon and gracilis tendon could regenerate after harvested for ACL reconstruction.
ObjectiveTo study the analgesia and rehabilitation effect of femoral nerve block after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). MethodsDuring June to September 2014, 62 patients who were scheduled to undergo ACLR were randomly divided into two groups:femoral nerve block group (n=31) and control group (n=31). All the patients were given celecoxib 200 mg (twice per day) three days before surgery. Patients in the femoral nerve block group were given a single-injection femoral nerve block (SFNB) half an hour before surgery (ropivacaine 0.75%, 30 mL), Both of the two groups underwent ice therapy after surgery. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, knee joint range of motion, the muscle strength of quadriceps femoris, the side effects, complications and infection rate were recorded after the operation. ResultsThe VAS scores were significantly lower in the femoral nerve block group within 2 hours to 7 days after surgery (P<0.05), and the use of morphine was less than the control group in all the time points with statistical significance (P<0.05). The muscle strength of quadriceps femoris was significantly weaker in the femoral nerve block group than the control group in the first 12 hours (P<0.05). The side effects and infection rate between the two group had no significant difference (P>0.05). ConclusionThe femoral nerve block in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction before surgery has a good effect on postoperative analgesia and rehabilitation, which is worth popularizing and applying.