ObjectiveTo compare the early effectiveness of minimally invasive open reduction and internal fixation via posterior median approach versus arthroscopic double-tunnel suture fixation in treatment of tibial avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).MethodsA clinical data of 31 patients with the tibial avulsion fracture of the PCL and met the criteria between January 2015 and January 2019 was retrospectively analyzed. Nineteen patients (group A) were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with cannulated screw via posterior median approach. The other 12 patients (group B) were treated with arthroscopic double-tunnel suture fixation technique. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) in the gender, age, side of effected limb, the injury cause, the time from injury to operation, the combined meniscus injury, Meyers & McKeever classification and preoperative Lysholm score, Tegner score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and the difference of tibial posterior displacement between bilateral knees. The operation time, postoperative complications, fracture healing, and the difference of tibial posterior displacement between bilateral knees, Lysholm score, Tegner score, and IKDC score were recorded.ResultsGroup B spent significantly longer operation time than group A (t=7.347, P=0.000). No postoperative complication occurred in group B, and 1 patient in group A had a screw breakage. All patients were followed up 6-36 months (mean, 22 months). X-ray films showed that all fractures healed at 3 months after operation. At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in the patients with normal knee range of motion between the two groups (P=0.510). At last follow-up, the difference of tibial posterior displacement between bilateral knees, Lysholm score, Tegner score, and IKDC score in the two groups were superior to those before operation (P<0.05); while there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05).ConclusionFor the tibial avulsion fracture of PCL, the minimally invasive open reduction and internal fixation and arthroscopic double-tunnel suture fixation can obtain similar early effectiveness. However, arthroscopic surgery has the advantages of being able to simultaneously deal with intra-articular combined injuries, avoiding internal fixator complications, and eliminating the need for secondary operation.
Objective To analyze the effectiveness of minimally invasive safe approach of the knee joint in the treatment of avulsion fractures of the tibial insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Methods The clinical data of 26 patients with avulsion fractures of tibial insertion of PCL treated with open reduction and internal fixation via minimally invasive safe approach of the knee joint between February 2019 and March 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 18 males and 8 females with an average age of 45.5 years (range, 33-58 years). The causes of injury were traffic accident in 14 cases, falling from height in 7 cases, and sports injury in 5 cases. There were 15 cases of left knee and 11 cases of right knee. The preoperative Lysholm score of knee joint was 34.4±7.3 and the flexion range of motion of knee joint was (69±12)°. According to Meyers classification, there were 8 cases of type Ⅱ and 18 cases of type Ⅲ. The time from injury to operation ranged from 1 to 5 days, with an average of 2 days. ResultsThe operation time was 40-70 minutes, with an average of 55 minutes; the intraoperative blood loss was 10-30 mL, with an average of 15 mL. Delayed incision healing occurred in 1 case after operation, and the incision healed after conservative treatment, and the incisions of the other patients all healed by first intention. Postoperative X-ray films showed satisfactory fracture reduction. All 26 patients were followed up 3-30 months, with an average of 22 months. No complication such as neurovascular injury, infection, and knee extension disorder occurred after operation. X-ray films at 3 months after operation showed that all fractures healed without displacement of the fracture ends; the posterior drawer test was negative. At last follow-up, the flexion range of motion of knee joint was (120±9)°, the Lysholm score was 90.7±3.8, which were significantly improved when compared with those before operation (t=16.376, P<0.001; t=47.665, P<0.001). Conclusion The minimally invasive safe approach of the knee joint for the treatment of PCL tibial insertion avulsion fractures is easy to operate, with minimal surgical trauma, safe and reliable approach, and satisfactory recovery of knee joint function after operation.
Objective To investigate the short-term effectiveness of one-stage anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and posterolateral complex (PLC) reconstruction combined with medial collateral ligament repair for KD-Ⅳ knee dislocation. Methods Between January 2018 and June 2020, 9 patients with KD-Ⅳ knee dislocation were treated. Of 9 cases, 7 were male and 2 were female with an average age of 32.3 years (range, 23-43 years). The knee dislocation was caused by falling from height in 6 cases and traffic accident in 3 cases. The injury located at left knee in 2 cases and right knee in 7 cases. The time from injury to operation was 14-24 days, with an average of 19 days. The preoperative International Knee Joint Documentation Committee (IKDC) score was 45.6±4.2, Lysholm score was 42.4±7.0, and the knee joint active flexion range of motion was (75.2±12.3)°. The posterior drawer test, pivot-shift test, Dial test, and 0° valgus stress test were all positive. Under arthroscopy, PCL was reconstructed with the autologous tendons, ACL with allogeneic Achilles tendon, PLC with the allogeneic anterior tibial tendon by Larson enhanced reconstruction method, and MCL was repaired with anchor or simple suture. Results The operation time was 2-3 hours (mean, 2.5 hours). All incisions healed by first intention after operation. All patients were followed up12-25 months (mean, 16.1 months). After operation, 2 cases developed knee flexion disorder and pain, and 1 case had knee joint stiffness. At last follow-up, the IKDC score was 76.9±7.4, the Lysholm score was 81.6±6.4, and the knee active flexion range of motion was (122.9±7.2)°, all of which significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05). During follow-up, there was no failure of the grafts. At last follow-up, there were significant differences in the posterior drawer test, pivot-shift test, Dial test, and 0° valgus stress test between pre- and post-operation (P<0.05). The imaging review showed that the positions of the bone tunnels were satisfactory, the reconstructed ACL, PCL, and PLC structures were continuous, and MCL insertions were restored. Conclusion One-stage ACL, PCL, and PLC reconstruction combined with MCL repair to treat KD-Ⅳ knee dislocation can effectively restore knee joint stability, improve joint laxity, and improve joint movement.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of arthroscopic one-stage reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) with LARS artificial ligament and autogenous hamstring tendon, respectively.MethodsA retrospective study was performed on 23 patients with ACL and PCL injuries, who were treated with one-stage reconstruction, between June 2013 and June 2017. The ACL and PCL were reconstructed with LARS artificial ligament in 11 patients (artificial ligament group) and autogenous hamstring tendon in 12 patients (autogenous tendon group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, side of injury, cause of injury, time from injury to operation, and preoperative Lysholm score and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, the time of recovery of daily activities and preoperative exercise level, the occurrence of surgical-related complications, Lysholm score, IKDC score, and the results of knee stability assessment were recorded and compared between the two groups.ResultsThe operation time and the time of recovery of daily activities and preoperative exercise level were significantly shorter in artificial ligament group than in autogenous tendon group (P<0.05). All incisions healed primarily. In autogenous tendon group, the common fibular nerve injury occurred in 1 case and intermuscular vein thrombosis occurred in 1 case. No complication occurred in the remaining patients of the two groups. All the patients were followed up 24-54 months (mean, 36.4 months). At last follow-up, the Lysholm score and IKDC score of the two groups were significantly higher than preoperative scores (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The varus and valgus stress tests of the two groups were negative. There was no significant difference in anterior drawer test, posterior drawer test, and Lachman test between the two groups (P>0.05).ConclusionThe effectiveness of arthroscopic one-stage reconstruction of ACL and PCL with LARS artificial ligament or autogenous hamstring tendon was similar. The knee function and stability recover well. But the patients with LARS artificial ligament reconstruction can resume daily activities and return to exercise earlier.
ObjectiveTo investigate the short-term effectiveness of arthroscopic single bundle four-strand reconstruction using autologous semitendinosus tendon and anterior half of peroneus longus tendon for posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries.MethodsA clinical data of 30 patients with PCL injury, who were admitted between December 2015 and September 2018 and met the selection criteria, was retrospectively analyzed. All patients were treated with arthroscopic single bundle four-strand reconstruction using autologous semitendinosus tendon and anterior half of peroneus longus tendon and TightRope technique. Among them, 19 were male and 11 were female, aged 17-48 years (mean, 28.2 years). The PCL injury was caused by traffic accident in 8 cases, sport in 14 cases, falling and bruising by a heavy objective in 5 cases, and other injuries in 3 cases. The interval between injury and operation was 10-90 days (mean, 39.3 days). The PCL injury was rated as grade Ⅱ in 6 cases and grade Ⅲ in 24 cases. The posterior drawer test was positive in 26 cases and the inverse Lachman test was positive in 24 cases. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score was 61.37±8.49, and the objective IKDC ligament grading was near normal in 2 cases, abnormal in 8 cases, and significantly abnormal in 20 cases. The modified Lysholm knee score was 62.20±5.67. The knee range of motion (ROM) was (101.83±8.15) °.ResultsThe operative time ranged from 70 to 110 minutes (mean, 79.7 minutes). All incisions healed by first intetion. All patients were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 19.0 months). There were 3 cases of deep vein thrombosis in the lower extremity after operation, and 1 case of approximately 10° limitation of knee extension. At last follow-up, the posterior drawer test was positive in 2 cases and the inverse Lachman test was positive in 1 case, with significant differences compared with the preoperative period (χ2=38.571, P=0.000; χ2=36.274, P=0.000). The IKDC score was 84.67±3.67, and the objective IKDC ligament grading was normal in 16 cases, nearly normal in 10 cases, abnormal in 3 cases, and significantly abnormal in 1 case; the modified Lysholm knee score was 90.37±4.49; all of the above indexes were significantly better than preoperative ones, and the differences were significant (t=−12.387, P=0.000; Z=−2.810, P=0.005; t=−22.865, P=0.000). Knee ROM was (88.33±9.86)° at 1 month after operation and reached (113.33±13.48)° at last follow-up, showing significant differences between pre- and post-operation (P<0.05). MRI re-examination showed that the form and position of reconstructed PCL were satisfactory.ConclusionIt can obtain good short-term effectiveness for PCL injuries by arthroscopic single bundle four-strand reconstruction using autologous semitendinosus tendon and anterior half of peroneus longus tendon, which has the advantages of reliable surgical approach, safe operation, and precise effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo summarize the research progress of killer turn in posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction.MethodsThe literature related to the killer turn in PCL reconstruction in recent years was searched and summarized.ResultsThe recent studies show that the killer turn is considered to be the most critical cause of graft relaxation after PCL reconstruction. In clinic, this effect can be reduced by changing the fixation mode of bone tunnel, changing the orientation of bone tunnel, squeezing screw fixation, retaining the remnant, and grinding the bone at the exit of bone tunnel. But there is still a lack of long-term follow-up.ConclusionThere are still a lot of controversies on the improved strategies of the killer turn. More detailed basic researches focusing on biomechanics to further explore the mechanism of the reconstructed graft abrasion are needed.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of arthroscopic reconstruction of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) with embedded “tibial tendon bolt” fixation. MethodsThe clinical data of 32 patients who underwent arthroscopic reconstruction of PCL using embedded “tibial tendon bolt” fixation through the tibial “8”-shaped tunnel between February 2012 and April 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 23 males and 9 females, aged 15-57 years (mean, 39.9 years). The causes included traffic accident injury in 12 cases and sports injury in 20 cases. The clinical manifestations were swelling of knee joint, tenderness of knee joint space, and (+) Ⅲ degree in posterior drawer test; McMurry test (+) in 13 cases, valgus stress test (+) in 8 cases, Lachman test (+) in 9 cases, and Dial test (+) in 2 cases. The preoperative Lysholm score was 18.8±10.9, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score was 18.0±15.2, and the detection value of KT-1000 was (14.34±2.73) mm. The time from injury to operation was 8-225 days, with a median of 11 days. Results All 32 patients were followed up 25-36 months, with an average of 26.4 months. The patients had no tenderness of joint space, and the McMurry tests were all (−). At last follow-up, the Lysholm score and IKDC score were 90.2±2.4 and 87.2±6.2, respectively, which were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (t=−38.400, P<0.001; t=−27.190, P<0.001). The results of posterior drawer test were (−) in 21 cases, (+) Ⅰ degree in 9 cases, and (+) Ⅱ degree in 2 cases. At 1 and 2 years after operation, the detection value of KT-1000 were (5.56±2.28) mm and (5.87±1.78) mm, respectively, which were significantly improved when compared with preoperative values (P<0.05). ConclusionThe application of arthroscopic reconstruction of PCL using embedded “tibial tendon bolt” fixation through the tibial “8”-shaped tunnel is an effective, simple, and safe surgical procedure.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of partial versus intact posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)-retaining in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with cruciate-retaining (CR) prosthesis.MethodsA total of 200 patients with osteoarthritis, who met the selection criteria and proposed unilateral TKA with CR prosthesis, were included in the study and randomly assigned into two groups (n=100). The patients were treated with intact retention of the double bundles of PCL in intact group and with partial resection of the anterior lateral bundle of PCL and the anterior bone island at the time of intraoperative tibial osteotomy in partial group. Patients with lost follow-up and re-fracture were excluded, and 84 cases in partial group and 88 cases in intact group were included in the final study. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) in terms of gender, age, body mass index, course and grade of osteoarthritis, preoperative varus deformity of knee joint, flexion contracture, range of motion, clinical and functional scores of Knee Society Score (KSS). The operation time, wound drainage volume during 24 hours after operation, visual analogue scale (VAS) score at 24 hours after operation, range of motion of knee joint, clinical and functional scores of KSS, and the anteroposterior displacement of knee joint at 30° and 90° flexion positions were compared between the two groups.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the two groups in operation time, wound drainage volume during 24 hours after operation, and VAS score at 24 hours after operation (P>0.05). Patients in both groups were followed up after operation. The follow-up time was 25-40 months (mean, 30.2 months) in intact group and 24-40 months (mean, 31.8 months) in partial group. There was no significant difference in the range of motion and clinical scores of KSS between the two groups at 6, 12, and 24 months after operation (P>0.05). The functional scores of KSS were significantly higher in intact group than in partial group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the anteroposterior displacement of knee joints at 30° flexion position at 6, 12, and 24 months after operation (P>0.05). When the knee was at 90° flexion position, there was no significant difference between the two groups at 6 and 12 months after operation (P>0.05), but the intact group was significantly smaller than partial group at 24 months after operation (P<0.05). Postoperative incision continued exudation in 4 patients (2 cases of partial group and 2 cases of intact group), and incision debridement in 2 patients (1 case of partial group and 1 case of intact group). No prosthesis loosening, excessive wear, or dislocation of gasket was found during follow-up.ConclusionThe double bundle of PCL plays an equally important role in maintaining the stability of the knee joint, and the integrity of PCL should be kept as much as possible when TKA is performed with CR prosthesis.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of one-stage posterior medial corner (PMC) repair or reconstruction combined with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction in treating KD-ⅢM dislocation. Methods The clinical data of 15 patients with knee KD-ⅢM dislocation who met the selection criteria between January 2016 and July 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 9 males and 6 females, aged 22-61 years (mean, 40.3 years). Injuries were caused by violence of flexion, valgus, and external rotation, including 10 cases of traffic accident injuries, 3 cases of crush injuries, 1 case of winch injury, and 1 case of explosion injury. The time from injury to operation ranged from 3 days to 6 months, with an average of 18.5 days. PMC repair combined with PCL+ACL reconstruction was performed in 10 cases in acute stage (within 3 weeks after injury), including 3 cases of irreducible dislocation. PMC+PCL+ACL reconstruction was performed in 5 cases with chronic dislocation. Before operation and at last follow-up, the knee joint function was evaluated by Lysholm score and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) 2000 score. KT-3000 was used to evaluate the forward stability of the knee (calculated the difference of tibial anterior displacement of both knees), the X-ray films of the stress position of the knee joint was used to evaluate the valgus of the knee (calculated the difference of medial joint space width of both knees) and the backward stability (calculated the difference of tibial posterior displacement of both knees), and the internal and external rotation stability was evaluated by knee flexion 30° tibial external rotation and knee flexion 90° tibial internal rotation tests (calculated the difference of tibial internal rotation and the difference of tibial external rotation of both knees). Results The operation time was 120-240 minutes, with an average of 186.5 minutes. Patients were followed up 24-48 months, with an average of 27.4 months. There was no complication such as infection, deep vein thrombosis, vascular injury, or heterotopic ossification. At last follow-up, the Lysholm score, IKDC2000 score, the difference of tibial anterior displacement of both knees, the difference of medial joint space width of both knees, the difference of tibial posterior displacement of both knees, the difference of tibial internal rotation and the difference of tibial external rotation of both knees significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05). According to the IKDC2000 valgus stability grading standard, there were 3 cases of grade C and 12 cases of grade D before operation, and 10 cases of grade A and 5 cases of grade B at last follow-up, which was significantly improved when compared with that before operation (Z=−4.930, P=0.000). At last follow-up, the pivot shift tests of 15 patients were negative. The anterior and posterior drawer tests of 10 patients were negative, 5 patients had mild instability, both the anterior and posterior drawer tests were positive. ConclusionKD-ⅢM dislocation of the knee joint can lead to the posterior medial and anterior instability. Acute dislocation combined with “dimple sign” requires surgical reduction as soon as possible to repair PMC and reconstruct PCL and ACL. In chronic patients, PMC is difficult to repair, it is recommended to reconstruct PMC, PCL, and ACL at one stage to improve knee joint stability. The early and middle effectiveness are satisfactory.
Objective To explore the effectiveness of arthroscopic binding fixation using suture through single bone tunnel for posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tibial insertion fractures in adults. Methods Between October 2019 and October 2021, 16 patients with PCL tibial insertion fractures were treated with arthroscopic binding fixation using suture through single bone tunnel. There were 11 males and 5 females with an average age of 41.1 years (range, 26-58 years). The fractures were caused by traffic accident in 12 cases and sports in 4 cases. The time from injury to operation ranged from 2 to 10 days with an average of 6.0 days. The fractures were classified as Meyers-McKeever type Ⅱ in 4 cases and type Ⅲ in 9 cases, and Zaricznyi type Ⅳ in 3 cases. There were 2 cases of grade Ⅰ, 7 cases of grade Ⅱ, and 7 cases of grade Ⅲ in the posterior drawer test. There were 3 cases combined with lateral collateral ligament injury and 2 cases with meniscus injury. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and knee range of motion were used to evaluate knee joint function. The posterior drawer test and knee stability tester (Kneelax 3) were used to evaluate knee joint stability. The X-ray films were used to evaluate fracture reduction and healing. Results All incisions healed by first intention after operation. There was no incision infection, popliteal neurovascular injury, or deep venous thrombosis of lower limbs. All patients were followed up 6-12 months, with an average of 10 months. X-ray films at 6 months after operation showed the fractures obtained bone union. There were 11 cases of grade 0, 4 cases of gradeⅠ, and 1 case of grade Ⅱin posterior drawer test, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative results (Z=23.167, P<0.001). The VAS score, Lysholm score, IKDC score, knee range of motion, and the results of Kneelax3 examination all significantly improved when compared with preoperative results (P<0.05). Conclusion For adult patients with PCL tibial insertion fractures, the arthroscopic binding fixation using suture through single bone tunnel has the advantages of minimal trauma, good fracture reduction, reliable fixation, and fewer complications. The patient’s knee joint function recovers well.