Objective To observe the effectiveness of the combination of dynamic and static stabil ity in the treatment of old knee medial collateral l igament injury. Methods Between March 2004 and June 2008, 26 cases of old knee medial collateral l igament injury were treated, including 19 males and 7 females with a mean age of 38 years (range, 21-48 years). Injury was caused by traffic accident in 6 cases, by sprains in 12 cases, by fall ing from height in 8 cases. The location was left knee in 15 cases and right knee in 11 cases. Of them, 24 patients showed the positive result of knee valgus test, 2 cases showed sl ightly relaxed knee tendon. The knee X-ray films of valgus stress position showed that the medial joint space differences between both knees were 3-5 mm in 2 cases and 5-12 mm in 24 cases. The injuries included avulsion of the medial femoral condyle starting point in 19 cases, central laceration in 6 cases, and tibial point laceration concomitant meniscus injury in 1 case. The time from injury to hospital ization was 3-14 months (mean, 6.4 months). Gracil is muscle was used to repair knee medial collateral l igament and the sartorius muscle transfer to reconstruct the medial rotation of knee stabil ity function. Results All incisions healed by first intention. No joint infection, deep vein thrombosis, or other postoperative compl ications occurred. Twentysix cases were followed up 12-58 months with an average of 30 months. The results of knee valgus stress test were negative with no joint tenderness. At 3 months after operation, the knee X-ray films of valgus stress position showed the medial joint space differences between both knees were less than 1 mm. According to the modified Lysholm-Scale score, the results were excellent in 18 cases, good in 7 cases, and fair in 1 case with an excellent and good rate of 96% at last follow-up. Conclusion A combination of dynamic and static stabil ity in repairing old knee medial collateral l igament injury is easy-to-operate and has the advantages to perform the operation in the same incision, so it can avoid the shortcomings of single repair method and achieve better effectiveness.
Objective To investigate whether or not posterolateral rotatory instabil ity of the elbow is due to type-I and type-II coronoid process fracture together with anterior bundle of medial collateral l igament (AMCL) injury so as to provide a theoretic basis for its cl inical treatment. Methods Ten fresh-frozen upper extremities were collected from cadavera which was donated voluntarily with no evidence of fracture, dislocation, osteoarthritis, mechanical injury of the surrounding l igament and joint capsule. They included 9 males and 1 female with an average age of 25.1 years (range, 19-40 years), including 3 cases at left sides and 7 cases at right sides. All specimens were transected at the upper midhumeral and carpal levels preserving the distal radioulnar joints to get the bone-l igament specimens. An axial load of 100 N compressing the elbow joint was appl ied along the shaft of the forearm in the sagittal plane through the biomechanical study system. The load-displacement plot was measured and analyzed at elbow flexion of 90, 60, and 45° and under four conditions (intact elbow, type-I coronoid process fracture, type-I coronoid process fracture with AMCL deficient, and type-II coronoid process fractures with AMCL deficient). Results The posterior displacements were maximum at 90° elbow flexion. Hence, the results at 90° elbow flexion were analyzed: under condition of intact elbows, the posterior displacement was the smallest (2.17 ± 0.42) mm and the posterolateral rotatory stabil ity was the greatest; under condition of type-I coronoid process fracture, the posterior displacement was (2.20 ± 0.41) mm, showing no significant difference compared with that of the intact elbow (P gt; 0.05); under condition of type-I coronoid process fracture with AMCL deficient, the posterior displacement was (2.31 ± 0.34) mm, showing no significant difference compared with that of intact elbow (P gt; 0.05); and under condition of type-II coronoid process fracture with AMCL deficient, the posterior displacement was (2.65 ± 0.38) mm, showing a significant difference compared with that of intact elbow (P lt; 0.05). There was no macroscopic ulnohumeral dislocation or radial head dislocation during the experiment. Conclusion An simple type-I coronoid process fracture or with AMCL deficient would not cause posterolateral rotatory instabil ity of elbow and may not need to be repaired. But type-II coronoid process fractures with AMCL deficient can cause posterolateral rotatory instabil ity of elbow, so the coronoid process and the AMCL should be repaired or reconstructed to restore posterolateral rotatory stabil ity as well as valgus stabil ity.
ObjectiveTo compare the clinical efficacy between deep medial collateral ligament (dMCL) repair and conservative treatment for complete MCL rupture. MethodsBetween August 2009 and December 2013, 36 patients with grade 3 MCL rupture underwent superior MCL (sMCL) reconstruction with tibial Inlay technique. Of 36 cases, 19 received dMCL repair (repair group), and 17 received conservative treatment (conservation group) after sMCL reconstruction. There was no significant difference in gender, age, knee sides, type of injury, disease duration and preoperative medial joint opening, knee Lysholm scores, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score between 2 groups (P > 0.05). The Lysholm and IKDC scores, medial joint opening, range of motion (ROM), visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, and complications were used to assess the knee joint function. ResultsAll patients achieved primary incision healing without acute postoperative complications of incision infection and deep vein thrombosis in the lower limb. The patients were followed up 28-65 months (mean, 46.3 months) in the repair group, and 26-69 months (mean, 45.9 months) in the conservation group. No knee stiffness, vascular or nerve injury, and knee joint infection occurred in 2 groups. All the patients recovered medial stability at 2 years postoperatively. At 2 years after operation, no significant difference was shown in knee ROM between 2 groups (t=0.26, P=0.80); the VAS score of the repair group was significantly lower than that of the conservation group (t=5.22, P=0.00); medial joint opening, IKDC score, and Lysholm score were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones in 2 groups (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was found between 2 groups (P>0.05). ConclusionWhether or not additional dMCL repair is performed can recover medial stability after sMCL reconstruction. However, the additional dMCL repair is better in relieving medial knee pain than the conservative treatment.
Objective To summarize the research progress in posteromedial rotatory instability (PMRI) of the elbow joint. Methods The recent researches about the management of PMRI of the elbow joint from the aspects of pathological anatomy, biomechanics, diagnosis, and therapy were analyzed and summarized. Results The most important factors related to PMRI of the elbow joint are lateral collateral ligament complex (LCLC) lesion, posterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament complex (MCLC) lesion, and anteromedial coronoid fracture. Clinical physical examination include varus and valgus stress test of the elbow joint. X-ray examination, computed tomography, particularly three-dimensional reconstruction, are particularly useful to diagnose the fracture. Also MRI, arthroscopy, and dynamic ultrasound can assistantly evaluate the affiliated injury of the parenchyma. It is important to repair and reconstruct LCLC and MCLC and fix coronoid process fracture for recovering stability of the elbow joint. There are such ways to repair ligament injury as in situ repairation and functional reconstruction, which include direct suturation, borehole repairation, wire anchor repairation, and transplantation repairation etc. The methods for fixation of coronal fracture include screw fixation, plate fixation, unabsorbable suture fixation, and arthroscopy technology. Conclusion It is crucial that recovering the stability of the elbow joint and early functional exercise for the treatment of PMRI. Individual treatment is favorable to protect soft tissue, reduce surgical complications, and improve the functional recovery and the quality of life.
Three-dimensional finite element model of elbow was established to study the effect of medial collateral ligament (MCL) in maintaining the stability of elbow joint. In the present study a three-dimensional geometric model of elbow joint was established by reverse engineering method based on the computed tomography (CT) image of healthy human elbow. In the finite element pre-processing software, the ligament and articular cartilage were constructed according to the anatomical structure, and the materials and contacts properties were given to the model. In the neutral forearm rotation position and 0° flexion angle, by comparing the simulation data of the elbow joint with the experimental data, the validity of the model is verified. The stress value and stress distribution of medial collateral ligaments were calculated at the flexion angles of elbow position in 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 105°, 120°, 135°, respectively. The result shows that when the elbow joint loaded at different flexion angles, the anterior bundle has the largest stress, followed by the posterior bundle, transverse bundle has the least, and the stress value of transverse bundle is trending to 0. Therefore, the anterior bundle plays leading role in maintaining the stability of the elbow, the posterior bundle plays supplementary role, and the transverse bundle does little. Furthermore, the present study will provide theoretical basis for clinical recognizing and therapy of elbow instability caused by medial collateral ligament injury.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopic GraftLink technique reconstruction combined with suture anchor fixation in treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture and medial collateral ligament (MCL) grade Ⅲ injury.MethodsBetween June 2015 and February 2018, 28 patients with ACL rupture and MCL grade Ⅲ injury were treated. Arthroscopic GraftLink technique was used to reconstruct ACL with autologous peroneus longus tendon (PLT), and suture anchor fixation was used to repair MCL. There were 22 males and 6 females, aged 21-47 years, with an average age of 30.4 years. The cause of injury included traffic accident in 18 cases, falling from height in 7 cases, and sports injury in 3 cases. The time from injury to admission was 1-2 weeks, with an average of 1.3 weeks. The preoperative Lysholm score of knee joint was 46.8±3.0 and the International Knee Documentation Commission (IKDC) score was 49.2±2.7. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score of ankle joint was 98.29±0.72. Both Lachman test and valgus stress test were positive. There were 8 cases of meniscus injury and 2 cases of cartilage injury.ResultsThe operation time ranged from 55 to 90 minutes, with an average of 72.5 minutes. All incisions healed by first intention after operation, and no complications related to operation occurred. All patients were followed up 6-38 months, with an average of 20.7 months. At 3 months after operation, the range of motion of the knee joint was 116- 132°, with an average of 122°. Lachman test showed that the anterior translation more than 5 mm in 2 cases, and the others were negative; while the valgus stress test showed that all patients were positive. At 6 months after operation, the Lysholm score and IKDC score of knee joint were 90.2±1.8 and 93.5±2.3, respectively, which were significantly higher than preoperative scores (t=31.60, P=0.00; t=29.91, P=0.01); AOFAS score of ankle joint was 97.86±0.68, with no significant difference compared with preoperative score (t=2.89, P=0.08). KT-1000 test showed that the difference of anterior relaxation between bilateral knee joints was less than 2 mm in 25 cases and 3 to 5 mm in 3 cases.ConclusionThe method of ACL reconstruction via arthroscopic GraftLink technique with PLT and MCL repair via suture anchor fixation has the advantages of less knee injury and faster recovery, and there is no significant impact on ankle function after tendon removal.
ObjectiveTo investigate effect of posterior oblique ligament (POL) repair on the rotational stability of the knee joint for the medial collateral ligament (MCL) combined with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures.MethodsThe clinical data of 50 patients (50 knees) with grade-3 MCL-ACL combined injuries who met the selection criteria between January 2013 and December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. All ACLs were reconstructed with autogenous tendon and the superficial and deep layers of MCLs were sutured; then, POLs were also sutured in 25 patients of repair group and only received conservation treatment postoperatively in 25 patients of conservation group. There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, and preoperative KT-1000 measuring, medial joint space opening, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and knee range of motion between the two groups (P>0.05).ResultsAll incisions of the two groups healed by first intention, no surgical related complications occurred. All patients were followed up, with follow-up time of 28-56 months (mean, 38.1 months) in repair group and 26-55 months (mean, 29.1 months) in conservation group. At last follow-up, the IKDC score, VAS score, KT-1000 measuring, medial joint space opening, and knee range of motion significantly improved in the two groups when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05); but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The Slocum test showed that there was no instability of the anterior medial rotation in the two groups.ConclusionThe POL repair can’t obtain more medial stability after ACL reconstruction and MCL repair (superficial and deep layers) for patients who have MCL-ACL combined injuries.
ObjectiveTo evaluate and compare knee joint stability of grade Ⅲ medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury treated by single-bundle and anatomical double-bundle reconstruction methods, thus providing biomechanical basis for clinical treatment.MethodsNine fresh cadaver specimens of normal human knee joints were randomly divided into 3 groups on average. In intact MCL group: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was detached and reconstructed with single-bundle techniques, and the MCL was intact. In single-bundle and double-bundle reconstruction groups, the superficial MCL (sMCL), posterior oblique ligament (POL), and ACL were all detached to manufacturing grade Ⅲ MCL injury models. After single-bundle reconstruction of ACL, the sMCL single-bundle reconstruction and anatomical double-bundle reconstruction of sMCL and POL were performed, respectively. Biomechanical evaluation indexes included anterior tibial translation (ATT), internal rotation (IR), valgus rotation (VAL), and stresses of MCL and ACL under internal rotation and valgus torques at different ranges of motion of the knee joint.ResultsThere was no significant difference in ATT at full extension and flexion of 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90° between groups (P>0.05). At full extension and flexion of 15°, the IR and VAL were significantly higher in single-bundle reconstruction group than in double-bundle reconstruction group and intact MCL group (P<0.05). At flexion of 30°, the VAL was significantly higher in single-bundle reconstruction group than in double-bundle reconstruction group and intact MCL group (P<0.05). While there was no significant difference between double-bundle reconstruction group and intact MCL group (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the stresses of MCL and ACL between groups under the internal rotation and valgus torques at all positions (P>0.05).ConclusionMCL anatomical double-bundle reconstruction can acquire better valgus and rotational stability of the knee joint compared with single-bundle reconstruction.
ObjectiveTo summarize the prevention and treatment of iatrogenic medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsThe relevant literature about iatrogenic MCL injuries in TKA was summarized, and the symptoms, causes, preventions, and treatments were analyzed.ResultsPreventions on the iatrogenic MCL injuries in TKA is significantly promoted. With the occurrence of MCL injuries, the femoral avulsion can be fixed with the screw and washer or the suture anchors; the tibial avulsion can be treated with the suture anchors fixation, bone staples fixation, or conservative treatment; the mid-substance laceration can be repaired directly; the autologous quadriceps tendon, semitendinosus tendon, or artificial ligament can be used for the patients with poor tissue conditions or obvious residual gap between the ligament ends; the use of implant with greater constraint can be the last alternative method.ConclusionNo consensus has been reached to the management of iatrogenic MCL injuries in TKA. Different solutions and strategies can be integrated and adopted flexibly by surgeons according to the specific situation.
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.