ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of the posterior-posterior triangulation technique for arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction by comparing with the anteroposterior approach.MethodsRetrospective analysis was performed on 40 patients who underwent arthroscopic PCL reconstruction between February 2016 and February 2020. The PCLs were reconstructed via anteroposterior approach in 20 patients (anteroposterior approach group) and posterior-posterior triangulation technique in 20 patients (posterior-posterior triangulation technique group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, injury side, disease duration, preoperative International Knee Documentary Committee (IKDC) score, and Lysholm score between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, surgical complications, and postoperative posterior drawer test, Lysholm score, and IKDC score were recorded and compared between the two groups.ResultsThe operation time was (65.25±10.05) minutes in the anteroposterior approach group and (56.15±8.15) minutes in the posterior-posterior triangulation technique group, and the difference was significant (t=3.145, P=0.003). All incisions healed by first intention, and there was no complication such as vascular and nerve injuries or infection. Patients were followed up (27.05±11.95) months in the anteroposterior approach group and (21.40±7.82) months in the posterior-posterior triangulation technique group, with no significant difference (t=1.770, P=0.085). At last follow-up, the posterior drawer tests were positive in 4 cases (3 cases of stageⅠand 1 case of stage Ⅱ) of the anteroposterior approach group and in 1 case (stageⅠ) of the posterior-posterior triangulation technique group, showing no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.342). At last follow-up, Lysholm score and IKDC score in both groups were significantly higher than those before operation (P<0.05). The above functional scores in the posterior-posterior triangulation technique group were significantly higher than those in the anteroposterior approach group (P<0.05). Imaging reexamination showed that the position, shape, and tension of the grafts were well in both groups, and the grafts were covered with the synovium in the posterior-posterior triangulation technique group, the meniscofemoral ligaments were well preserved. There was no re-rupture of the reconstructed ligament during follow-up.ConclusionCompared to the anteroposterior approach, the posterior-posterior triangulation technique provides a clearer view under arthroscopy, no blind spot, sufficient operating space, and relative safety. Moreover, it is easier to retain the remnant and the meniscofemoral ligaments, and can obtain good short-term effectiveness.
Objective To investigate the feasibility of establishing an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction model using hamstring tendon autograft in cynomolgus monkeys. Methods Twelve healthy adult male cynomolgus monkeys, weighing 8-13 kg, were randomly divided into two groups (n=6). In the experimental group, the ACL reconstruction model of the right lower limb was prepared by using a single bundle of hamstring tendon, and the ACL of the right lower limb was only cut off in the control group. The survival of animals in the two groups was observed after operation. Before operation and at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation, the knee range of motion, thigh circumference, and calf circumference of the two groups were measured; the anterior tibial translation D-value (ATTD) was measured by Ligs joint ligament digital body examination instrument under the loads of 13-20 N, respectively. At the same time, the experimental group underwent MRI examination to observe the graft morphology and the signal/ noise quotient (SNQ) was caculated. Results All animals survived to the end of the experiment. In the experimental group, the knee range of motion, thigh circumference, and calf circumference decreased first and then gradually increased after operation; the above indexes were significantly lower at 3 and 6 months after operation than before operation (P<0.05), and no significant difference was found between pre-operation and 12 months after operation (P>0.05). In the control group, there was no significant change in knee range of motion after operation, showing no significant difference between pre- and post-operation (P>0.05), but the thigh circumference and calf circumference gradually significantly decreased with time (P<0.05), and the difference was significant when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). At 6 and 12 months after operation, the thigh circumference and calf circumference were significantly larger in the experimental group than in the control group (P<0.05). At 3 and 6 months after operation, the knee range of motion was significantly smaller in the experimental group than in the control group (P<0.05). Under the loading condition of 13-20 N, the ATTD in the experimental group increased first and then decreased after operation; and the ATTD significantly increased at 3, 6 months after operation when compared with the value before operation (P<0.05). But there was no significant difference between the pre-operation and 12 months after operation (P>0.05). There was no significant change in ATTD in the control group at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation (P>0.05), and which were significantly higher than those before operation (P<0.05). At each time point after operation, the ATTD was significantly smaller in the experimental group than in the control group under the same load (P<0.05). The MRI examination of the experimental group showed that the ACL boundary gradually became clear after reconstruction and was covered by the synovial membrane. The SNQ at each time point after operation was significantly higher than that before operation, but gradually decreased with time, and the differences between time points were significant (P<0.05). Conclusion The ACL reconstruction model in cynomolgus monkey with autogenous hamstring tendon transplantation was successfully established.