Objective To investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopic medial retinaculum plication (MRP) for acute patellar dislocation (APD) in adolescents. Methods Between March 2007 and June 2011, 24 adolescent patients suffering from APD were treated by arthroscopic MRP. There were 14 males and 10 females, aged 8-18 years (mean, 12.7 years). The location was the left knee in 16 cases and the right knee in 8 cases. Injury was caused by sports in 19 cases, by traffic accident in 4 cases, and by heavy bruising in 1 case. The duration from injury to operation was 3 to 21 days with an average of 7.8 days. The results of floating patella test and dislocation apprehension test were both positive. MRI examination showed the arthroedema in all cases; associated injuries included medial retinaculum injury in 20 cases, medial patellar injury in 8 cases, and meniscus tear in 5 cases. Results All incisions healed by first intention without complication of infection or neurovascular injury. All the patients were followed up 12-36 months (mean, 14.6 months). Only 2 patients suffered from patellar re-dislocation at 4 months and 6 months after operation respectively. The knee joint activity returned to normal at 12 months. The Lysholm, Kujala, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores at 3 and 12 months after operation were significantly higher than those before operation (P lt; 0.05), and the scores at 12 months were significantly higher than those at 3 months (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Treatment of APD with arthroscopic MRP has the advantages of minor trauma and good knee functional improvement. The technique can decrease incidence of patellar re-dislocation in adolescent.
Objective To evaluate the influence of patellar replacement on total knee arthroplasty by comparing with non pattelar replacement. Methods Between September 2010 and November 2010, 63 patients (63 knees) with osteoarthritis who met the selection criteria and underwent total knee arthroplasty, were randomly divided into 2 groups: patellar replacement in 32 cases (replacement group), non patellar replacement in 31 cases (non pattelar replacement group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, osteoarthritis grading, the clinical and functional scores of American Knee Society Score (KSS), the patellar tilt angle, tibiofemoral angle, and patellar ligament ratio between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05), they were comparable. After 6 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months of operation, clinical and imaging evaluation methods were used to assessment the effectiveness. Results Primary healing of incision was obtained in all patients of 2 groups. Deep venous thrombosis occurred in 6 cases of replacement group and in 8 cases of non pattelar replacement group. All patients were followed up 12 months. The postoperative incidence of anterior knee pain in replacement group was significantly lower than that in non pattelar replacement group (P lt; 0.05) at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation. No significant difference was found in the postoperative KSS clinical score between 2 groups at each time point (P gt; 0.05). The joint function score of the replacement group was significantly higher than that of the non pattelar replacement group at the other time point (P lt; 0.05) except the score at 6 weeks and 3 months. Significant difference was found in the patella score between 2 groups at 12 months (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference at the other time points (P gt; 0.05). X-ray film showed no patellar fracture and dislocation, or loosening and breakage of internal fixation. At 12 months after operation, the tibiofemoral angle, the patellar ligament ratio, and the patellar tilt angle showed no significant difference between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Patella replacement can improve knee function score and the patella score, and reduce the incidence of postoperative anterior knee pain.
Objective To evaluate the influence of patellar non-resurfacing on the effectiveness after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods Between April 2008 and April 2011, 163 patients with degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee underwent TKA without patellar resurfacing, and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. There were 65 males and 98 females, with a mean age of 63 years (range, 54-78 years). According to Outerbridge classification for cartilage degeneration, 22 cases were classified as grade I, 38 cases as grade II, 64 cases as grade III, and 39 cases as grade IV. There was no significant difference in gender, age, and sides among patients at 4 grades (P gt; 0.05). The intraoperative tourniquet-using time and postoperative complications were recorded; the knee society score (KSS), patella score (PS), patients’ satisfaction, and anterior knee pain [using visual analogue scale (VAS)] were used to evaluate the knee function. X-ray films were routinely taken to observe the position of the prosthesis and the patella. Results The mean tourniquet-using time was 125 minutes (range, 90-150 minutes). All incisions obtained healing by first intention, and no early postoperative complication occurred. All patients were followed up 2-5 years (mean, 3.6 years). The KSS and PS scores were significantly improved at 6 months and last follow-up when compared with preoperative scores (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference between at 6 months and last follow-up (P gt; 0.05). Significant differences in KSS and PS scores were found among patients with different grades of cartilage degeneration at preoperation (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference at last follow-up (P gt; 0.05). At last follow-up, 7 patients experienced anterior knee pain (mild pain in 5, moderate pain in 2). The results of satisfaction were very satisfied in 90 cases, satisfied in 66 cases, not certain in 5 cases, and not satisfied in 2 cases. No significant difference was found in satisfaction and anterior knee pain among patients with different grades of cartilage degeneration (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Patellar non-resurfacing has no effect on the effectiveness after TKA.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of reconstructing medial patellofemoral l igament with hamstring tendon autografts for the treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation under arthroscopy. Methods Between January 2005 and January 2010, 22 cases of recurrent patellar dislocation were treated by lateral retinacular release and reconstructionof the medial patellofemoral ligament with hamstring tendon autografts under arthroscopy. There were 5 males and 17 females, aged 15-19 years (mean, 17.3 years). The average number of dislocation was 4 (range, 3-8). The main cl inical symptoms were pain and swell ing of knee joint, weakness in the leg, and limited range of motion (ROM). The patellar tilt test, pressing pain of patellofemoral ligament insertion, and apprehension sign showed positive results. According to International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scoring criteria, the subjective IKDC score was 36.7 ± 4.7, and the Lysholm score was 69.3 ± 3.8. X-ray films showed that the patella inclined outwards. Results All incisions healed by first intention. Twenty-two cases were followed up 18-49 months (mean, 34 months). Pain and swelling of knee joint and weakness were improved obviously. No recurrence was found during follow-up. The ROM of knee in flexion and extension was improved when compared with preoperative ROM. The subjective IKDC score was 92.4 ± 5.3 and the Lysholm knee score was 91.7 ± 5.2, showing significant differences when compared with preoperative scores (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament with hamstring tendon autografts under arthroscopy is an effective method to treat recurrent patellar dislocation.
Objective To evaluate an improving operative procedure and the cl inical results of arthroscopically assisted treatment for acute patellar dislocation. Methods Between April 2006 and March 2009, 22 patients (25 knees) with primary acute complete dislocation of the patella underwent an improving arthroscopic operation, release of lateral retinaculum and suture of medial capsule and retinaculum structure. There were 5 males and 17 females with an average age of 23.6 years (range, 14-34 years). Three patients had bilateral procedure. Eleven left knees and 14 right knees were involved. The disease duration was 1-10 days with an average of 5.9 days. All patients had lateral dislocation; of them, 14 patients showed reduction without treatment, and 8 patients showed dislocation at admission and were given close manipulative reduction. The results were positive for apprehension test in all patients with the l imitation of passive motion and for Ballottable Patella Sign in 15 cases. Lysholm score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and Insall scale were adopted to evaluate the effect. Results All incisions healed by first intention. All the patients were followed up 12-36 months (17 months on average). During the first 3 months after operation, sunken skin in the puncture point medial to the patella was observed in 12 knees; 10 knees suffered pain of the soft tissue lateral to the patella; 15 knees felt tense in the soft tissue medial to the patella, however, all these problems disappeared or recovered gradually after rehabil itation and conservative treatment. No recurrence of dislocation was observed during the follow-up. Lysholm score was significantly improved from preoperative 67.3 ± 5.7 to postoperative 96.6 ± 4.5 (t=3.241, P=0.003) and VAS score from 6.5 ± 0.5 to 1.8 ± 0.4 (t=2.154, P=0.040). According to Insall scale, the results were excellent in 18 knees, good in 5 knees, and fair in 2 knees at 1 year after operation with an excellent and good rate of 92%. Conclusion The improving procedure of arthroscopically assisted treatment for acute patellar dislocation is a minimally invasive operation and has a number of benefits. Its short-term cl inical outcome was satisfactory.
Objective To investigate the management of extention apparatus and cl inical results of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) of osteoarthritis. Methods Between June 2007 and June 2009, 386 patients (460 knees) with osteoarthritis received TKA, including 216 left knees and 244 right knees. There were 125 males (145 knees) and 261 females (315 knees) with an average age of 60.3 years (range, 58-85 years). The disease duration was 4-12 years (mean, 6.7 years). The X-ray films and CT scanning showed that all patients had femur-tibia joint degeneration and osteophyte formation at the edgeof joint. According to modified Burnett patellar resurfacing indication, whether or not to replace the patellar was determined, and the patellar track was determined by combining no thumb test and towel clamp traction test. Patella resurfacing was performed in 53 cases (56 knees, resurfacing group), no patella resurfacing in 333 cases (404 knees, non-resurfacing group), and lateral retinacular releasing 68 cases (72 knees). The postoperative imaging and knee society score (KSS), patellofemoral compl ications were analyzed. Results All wounds healed by first intention. All the patients were followed up 1-3 years (mean, 26 months). Deep infection occurred in 3 cases (1 case of resurfacing group and 2 cases of non-resurfacing group) at 3-7 months and they were cured after two-stage reversion. Patellofemoral compl ications occurred in 2 cases of resurfacing group (2/56, 3.57%) and in 9 cases of non-resurfacing group (9/404, 2.23%), showing no significant difference (χ2=0.38, P=0.54). There were significant differences in KSS and visual analogue scale (VAS) at 2 and 3 year after operation when compared with before operation (P lt; 0.05). No significant difference in KSS and VAS of resurfacing group and non-resurfacing group were observed at 3 years after operation (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion It is benefit for selective patellar resurfacing and the patellar tract improvement to select patellar resurfacing indication according to the multi-factor assessment and to determine the patellar tract by combining no thumb test and towel clamp traction test, which can reduce the patellofemoral compl ication rate after TKA.
Objective To explore the effectiveness of arthroscopic medial retinaculum pl ication (MRP) for recurrent patellar dislocation in adolescents. Methods Between March 2000 and October 2007, 30 adolescent patients with recurrent patellar dislocation underwent arthroscopic MRP, and 28 of them (12 left knees and 16 right knees) completed thefinal follow-up and were enrolled. There were 5 males and 23 females with an average age of 14.7 years (range, 12-19 years). The dislocation duration was 4 to 39 months with an average of 18.8 months. All patients experienced 2-4 episodes of dislocation. Before operation, all the patients showed positive apprehension test; the degree of lateral patellar translation was (2.9 ± 0.7)° and there was no hardness termination in lateral translation. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm, Kujala, and Tegner scores were 47.7 ± 3.7, 52.6 ± 4.9, 66.7 ± 5.9, and 3.1 ± 1.3, respectively. All patients underwent arthroscopic MRP procedure. Results All incisions healed by first intention without compl ication. All the patients were followed up 2-7 years (4.8 years on average). During the follow-up, more and more patients showed positive apprehension test, and at 24 months of follow-up, 12 patients showed positive apprehension test; less and less patients had hardness termination in lateral translation, only 3 patients at 24 months of follow-up; the degree of lateral patellar translation increased, (2.3 ± 1.1)° at 24 months of follow-up. There were significant differences in positive apprehension test and hardness termination between preoperation and 24 months of follow-up (P lt; 0.05). Moreover, 6 patients suffered from redislocation, and 23 patients experienced patella instabil ity. The IKDC, Lysholm, Kujala, and Tegner scores at 24 months of follow-up were 62.5 ± 6.2, 70.7 ± 5.1, 76.6 ± 4.8, and 3.9 ± 0.7, respectively, showing significant differences when compared with preoperative scores (P lt; 0.05). CT examination showed that the congruence angle, lateral patellar angle, and patellar tilt angle were recovered to normal level after operation immediately, however, the final patellar position at 24 months of follow-up was not significantly betterthan that before surgery (P gt; 0.05). There was significant difference in the lateral patellar displacement between preoperation and 24 months of follow-up (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Arthroscopic MRP is not rel iable for maintaining the corrected position of the patella for recurrent patellar dislocation in adolescents, though functional improvements are significant.
Objective To investigate the procedure and effectiveness of medial patellofemoral l igament (MPFL) reconstruction for the treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation. Methods Between June 2005 and September 2007, 29 patients with recurrent patellar dislocation underwent MPFL reconstruction with allograft semitendinosus or allograft anterior tibial is tendon. There were 6 males and 23 females with an average age of 20.3 years (range, 13-45 years). The patients sufferedfrom 2-10 times patellar dislocation preoperatively. The average time between last dislocation and surgery was 43.9 months (range, 1-144 months). CT scan was performed to measure the tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance (TT-TG). The femoral tunnel was made at the origin of MPFL insertion, just inferior to the medial epicondyle. The double L-shape patellar tunnels were made on the medial rim of patella with 4.5 mm in diameter. The loop side of the graft was fixed with a bioabsorbable interference screw in the femoral tunnel both ends of the graft. For the TT-TG was more than 20 mm, a modified Elmsl ie-Trillat osteotomy was performed to correct the distal al ignment of patella. The arthroscopic examination was also performed for loosebody and lateral retinacular release. Results Twenty-seven patients were followed up 45.5 months on average (range, 40-67 months). No recurrent dislocation or subdislocation occurred. All the patients showed negative apprehension test at 0° and 30° flexions of knee. The range of motion of knee restored normal 1 year after operation. The Kujala score was improved from 72.03 ± 17.38 preoperatively to 94.10 ± 7.59 postoperatively, and Lysholm score was improved from 72.65 ± 14.70 to 95.44 ± 6.25, both showing significant differences (P lt; 0.05). The Tegner score was decreased from 5.25 ± 1.83 preoperatively to 4.33 ± 1.00 postoperatively, showing no significant difference (t=1.302, P=0.213). In patients whose TT-TG was more than 20 mm, TTTG was decreased from (23.38 ± 3.70) mm to (16.88 ± 5.92) mm at last follow-up, showing significant difference (t=2.822,P=0.026). Conclusion The technique of MPFL reconstruction is an effective surgical procedure for the treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation, which can improve the patella stabil ity and knee function.
Objective To investigate the treatment and effectiveness of inferior polar comminuted fractures of patella and patellar tendon injury. Methods Between January 2003 and December 2008, 5 patients with inferior polar comminuted fractures of patella and patellar tendon injury were treated with Nitinol Patellar Concentrator and fascia lata allograft. There were 3 males and 2 females with a mean age of 33.7 years (range, 20-48 years). The interval of injury and operation was 1-5 days. Fracture degree: 3 cases had 3 fractures of patella, 2 cases had 4 fractures; patellar tendon injury degree: 3cases had horizontal rupture of middle l igament, 1 case had obl ique rupture of tibial tubercle, and 1 case had longitudinal partial rupture. Results Heal ing of incision by first intention was achieved in all patients, and no compl ication of infection or deep venous thrombosis occurred. The X-ray films at 2 days after surgery showed that patella recovered to normal height, which meaned ratio of patella height to patellar tendon length recovered to 1 : 1. Five cases were followed up 18 months on average (range, 10-22 months). At 3-12 weeks after surgery, the knee function of the injury side almost reached that of the normal side in 4 patients, and the knee range of motion was about 100° in 1 patient. The fracture heal ing time was 3-5 months. At 12-15 months after surgery, patella holder was taken out and no lost of reduction or refracture occurred. During follow-up, there was no fracture displacement, loosening and breakage of implant, or rerupture of patellar tendon. According to ZHANG Chuncai’ s criterion for knee joint function, the results were excellent in 3 cases, good in 1 cases, and fair in 1 case with an excellent and good rate of 80%. According to XU Shaoting’s criterion for knee joint function, the results were excellent in 2 cases, good in 2 cases, and fair in 1 case with an excellent and good rate of 80%. Conclusion Nitinol Patellar Concentrator and fascia lata allograft is a new method to treat inferior polar comminuted fractures of patella and patellar tendon injury, and it can ensure the knee joint stabil ity in early motion after surgery.
Objective To investigate the cl inical therapeutic results of allograft tendon for anatomical reconstruction of medial patellofemoral l igament (MPFL) in patellar dislocations. Methods From September 2005 to June 2008, 20 patientswith patellar dislocation underwent MPFL reconstructions. There were 4 males and 16 females, aged 13 to 31 years (19 years on average). Patellar dislocations occurred in 7 left and 13 right knees, including 6 cases of acute dislocation and 14 cases of recurrent dislocation. The disease course was 1 day to 2 years. The frequency of dislocation was 1-6 (4 on average). Affected knee joint showed pain, swell ing and patellar instabil ity; the range of action for patella obviously increased. The X-ray films showed patellar dislocation or medial margin avulsion fracture. The preoperative Q angle was (15 ± 3)°, the congruence angle was (10 ± 11)°. Reconstruction was performed via allograft tendon. Allograft tendon was anchored to the superomedial pole of the patella by two bone anchors, and the other end was fixed at the natural MPFL insertion site near the medial femoral condyle with an interference screw in a bone tunnel. All patients were evaluated postoperatively; Kujala patellofemoral scores, objective knee function, compl ications, and reoperations were assessed. Results Primary heal ing was achieved in 18 cases and secondary heal ing in 2 cases. No infection or necrosis and absorption of grafts was observed. All patients were followed up for an average of 25.6 months (range, 6-34 months) postoperatively. At last follow-up, other patients had no pain, swell ing and patellar instabil ity except 1 case; neither patella redislocation nor fracture occurred. The X-ray films showed good position of anchors and tunnel 6 months after operation, and the congruence angle was (3 ± 8)°, showed statistically significant difference when compared with preoperation (P lt; 0.05). The postoperative Q angle was (15 ± 2)°, the Kujala knee function score improvedsignificantly from 60.8 ± 7.2 to 83.4 ± 8.0 at last follow-up, showing statistically significant difference (P lt; 0.05). According to Insall et al. for function, the results were excellent in 12 cases, good in 6 cases, and fair in 2 cases, the excellent and good rate was 90%. Conclusion MPFL reconstruction improves cl inical symptoms. Anatomical MPFL reconstruction is effective for patellar dislocation, and it offer good recovery of the pre-morbid patella mechanics. There would be l ittle bone loss when tendon is fixed by anchors, and there would be less patellar fracture than bone tunnel technique. The bone anchors also provide firm fixation. Allograft can avoid the graft harvest site morbidity, but it increases the cost of the surgery.