ObjectiveTo study the effect of arthroscopic intercondylar fossa angioplasty on the ability of neuromuscular control of the knee joint in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MethodsBetween June 2012 and March 2013, 20 elderly patients with KOA and in accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria underwent arthroscopic intercondylar fossa angioplasty (operation group), and 20 healthy elderly people served as control group. There was no significant difference in age, height, weight, and body mass index between 2 groups (P>0.05). The proprioception capability (using passive regeneration test at measurement angles of 15, 30, and 60°) and quadriceps mobilization [including maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), central activation ratio (CAR), and activation deficit (AD)] were measured to avaluate the neuromuscular control of the knee;the Lysholm score was used to evaluate knee function. The above indexes were measured to assess the knee neuromuscular control and recovery of joint function in patients of operation group at 3, 6, and 9 months after operation. ResultsCompared with the control group, MVC, CAR, and Lysholm scores were significantly decreased, and the AD and passive knee angle difference were significantly increased in operation group (P<0.05) before operation. With the time after operation, the Lysholm score, CAR, and MVC increased gradually, and the AD and the passive knee angle difference decreased gradually. There was no significant difference in the indexes between 2 groups at 9 months after operation (P>0.05). ConclusionArthroscopic intercondylar fossa angioplasty can relieve ACL pressure, abrasion, and impact, which will recover the ability of neuromuscular control, increase proprioception and quadriceps mobilization capacity, and improve the joint function.
ObjectiveTo explore the association of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) degeneration with intercondylar notch impingement and the medial meniscus tear in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MethodsBetween July 2014 and February 2016, 55 KOA patients (55 knees) with ACL degeneration (degeneration group) and 55 KOA patients (55 knees) without ACL degeneration (control group) were included in the study. No significant difference was found in gender, age, body mass index, and side between 2 groups (P > 0.05). The notch width index was measured on preoperative MRI to evaluate whether the intercondylar notch was narrow. The location of the medial and lateral meniscus tear and osteophyte of the ACL tibial insertion were observed under arthroscopy, and the incidences of the meniscus tear and osteophyte were calculated. ResultsThere was no significant difference in anterior horn and body tear of the medial meniscus and in anterior horn, body, posterior horn, and root tear of the lateral meniscus (P > 0.05). Significant difference was found in the posterior horn and root tear of the medial meniscus, osteophyte of the ACL tibial insertion, narrow intercondylar notch, and the notch width index between 2 groups (P < 0.05). The incidence of root tear of the medial meniscus was 53.8% (7/13) in 13 knees with osteophyte of the ACL tibial insertion and was 16.5% (16/97) in 97 knees without osteophyte, showing significant difference (χ2=9.671, P=0.002). ConclusionThere is a strong association of ACL degeneration with posterior horn and root tear of the medial meniscus and intercondylar notch impingement in KOA. And the high incidence of root tear of the medial meniscus in knee is correlated with osteophyte of the ACL tibial insertion.