Stuart, Michael J.

Abstract Injuries to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and posteromedial corner can occur in isolation or in the setting of multiligamentous knee injuries. Reconstruction of the MCL and posteromedial corner is indicated in the setting of a multiligamentous knee injury. Isolated cases failing nonoperative treatment may also undergo surgical treatment. Our preferred technique for anatomic medial‐sided knee reconstruction is an open anatomic MCL reconstruction using an Achilles tendon allograft along with direct repair of all associated medial and posteromedial structures. Technique Video video See video under supplementary data.

Abstract Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries account for nearly 20% of knee ligament injuries. PCL injuries can occur in isolation or, more commonly, in the setting of multiligamentous knee injuries. Isolated PCL disruptions are commonly treated nonoperatively; however, symptomatic grade III injuries, as well as PCL injuries found in multiligamentous injuries, are frequently treated surgically. Several reconstructive techniques exist for the treatment of PCL deficiency without a clear optimal approach. We describe our preferred operative technique to reconstruct the PCL using an all‐inside arthroscopic approach with a quadrupled tibialis anterior or peroneus longus allograft with both tibial and femoral suspensory fixation. Technique Video video See video under supplementary data.

Background: Patients with patellar instability and a tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance ≥20 mm may be candidates for distal tubercle realignment surgery. Although this variable has proven valuable in predicting recurrent dislocations, it is not individualized to patient size, bony structure, or patellofemoral mechanics. Purpose: To develop a patellar instability ratio (PIR) that predicts the risk of recurrent instability based on the TT-TG distance to patient-specific anatomy. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: On magnetic resonance imaging scans of 59 knees with patellar instability, the TT-TG distance, tibial tubercle–posterior cruciate ligament (TT-PCL) distance, sagittal patellar length (PL), sagittal trochlear length (TL), axial patellar width (PW), and axial trochlear width (TW) were calculated by 2 observers in a blinded and randomized fashion. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those with a single dislocation and those with multiple (≥2) dislocations. The ability of the TT-TG and TT-PCL distances as well as the 8 different ratios to predict recurrent instability was assessed by calculating odds ratios (ORs), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for each measure. Results: Twelve knees (20%) experienced a single dislocation, while 47 (80%) sustained multiple dislocations. A TT-TG distance ≥20 mm was predictive of recurrent instability, with a sensitivity, specificity, and PPV of 21%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. The OR for TT-TG ≥20 mm was 5.38 ( P = .29), while the highest ORs for recurrent instability were noted for a TT-TG/PW ≥0.4 (OR, 7.37; P = .02) and a TT-TG/TW ≥0.5 (OR, 8.88; P = .04). The sensitivity, specificity, and PPV of a TT-TG/PW ≥0.4 were 62%, 83%, and 94%, respectively, while those of a TT-TG/TW ≥0.5 were 45%, 92%, and 95%, respectively. Conclusion: Two novel PIRs (TT-TG/TW and TT-TG/PW) were identified and found to more effectively predict recurrent instability than the TT-TG distance alone. Each ratio takes into account patient-specific anatomy and can be measured in an accurate and reliable fashion by clinicians. These PIRs are a step toward overcoming some of the limitations of using the TT-TG distance in isolation. Further investigation into the clinical applications and utility of the TT-TG/TW is warranted.

Objectives: Patients with patellar instability and tibial tubercle to trochlear groove (TT-TG) distances ≥ 20 mm are often considered to have pathologic lateralization of the tibial tubercle (TT) relative to the femoral trochlea and may be candidates for TT realignment surgery. Although this variable has proven valuable in predicting risk of recurrent dislocations, the measure is limited in that it is not individualized to the patient and does not consider patient size, bony morphology, or patellofemoral mechanics. The purpose of this study was to develop a Patellar Instability Ratio (PIR) that predicts the risk of recurrent instability based on the TT-TG distance relative to patient specific anatomy. Methods: Fifty-nine patients with a clinical diagnosis of patellar instability were included in the study. A number of measures were calculated on MRI by two observers (one staff orthopedic surgeon and one senior resident) in a blinded and randomized fashion. Variables analyzed included: TT-TG, tibial tubercle to posterior cruciate ligament distance (TT-PCL), sagittal patellar length (PL), sagittal trochlear length (TL), axial patellar width (PW), axial trochlear width (TW), sagittal patellofemoral engagement (SPE; SPE=TL/PL) and axial patellofemoral engagement (APE; APE=PW/TW). Patients were divided into two groups: those with ≤ 1 dislocation and those with ≥ 2 dislocations. Using these groups, the ability of TT-TG, TT-PCL, and 12 different ratios with cut-off values to predict recurrent instability was assessed by calculating odds ratios (OR), C-statistics, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for each of the ratios. P values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Mean follow up was 6.6 years. Twelve patients (20%) did not experience recurrent instability while 47 (80%) sustained two or more dislocations during the study period. Pathologic TT-TG (≥ 20 mm) was predictive of recurrent instability with an OR of 5.38 (p=0.29). The highest OR's for recurrent instability were noted for TT-TG/PW ≥ 0.40 (OR > 7.37, p=0.02) and TT-TG/TW ≥ 0.5 (OR 8.88, p=0.04)(Table 1). PW was defined as the largest medial to lateral width of the articular surface of the patella. TW is defined as the largest articular width of the trochlea that is articulating with the patella and can be conceptualized as the “jump distance” that must be overcome for the patella to dislocate. The sensitivity and specificity of TT-TG/PW ratio ≥ 0.40 was 61% and 83% and that of TT-TG/TW ≥ 0.50 was 59% and 92%, respectively. PPV for TT-TG/PW ≥ 0.40 was 94% while that of TT-TG/TW ≥ 0.49 was 97%. Conclusion: Two distinct PIR (TT-TG/PW and TT-TG/TW) have been identified that predict recurrent patellar instability more accurately than TT-TG ≥ 20 mm with PPV's ≥ 94% and OR's > 7 for both measures. These ratios take into consideration the TT-TG relative to patient specific size and anatomy. Further research is needed to determine if patients with increased PIR benefit from TT osteotomy.

Objectives: Female athletes are an at-risk population for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, with rates of injury significantly higher than the general population. Few studies have reported on a second ACL injury for female athletes. The purpose of this study was to (1) report the rate of subsequent ACL injury (ACL graft rupture or contralateral ACL tear) in competitive female soccer players, (2) compare these rates to those of other female athletes of similar competitive level, and (3) determine risk factors for second ACL injury in this athletic population. Methods: The medical record at our institution was reviewed for patients treated with primary ACL reconstruction between 1998 and 2013. Female patients injured during a competitive athletic event were included for further review, and followed for an average of 7.1 years postoperatively (range 1.0 - 17.7 years). Chi-square analysis was used to compare rate of graft rupture and contralateral ACL injury based on pre-operative Tegner score, graft type, and injury side for soccer players vs. other female athletes. Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare rate of subsequent ACL injury to patient age. Results: 337 patients met our inclusion/exclusion criteria (90 soccer players; 247 non-soccer playing athletes) with a mean age of 24.0 years. Of the 337 athletes, 6 were injured during professional competition, 43 were injured during collegiate athletics, 184 during high school play, and 136 during recreational athletics. No patient demographical differences were found at baseline between the soccer group and non-soccer group, including Tegner scores. Overall, 21 soccer players (23.3%) sustained a second ACL injury compared to 21 (8.5%) non-soccer athletes (P < 0.001). Soccer players had significantly more graft ruptures (10.0% vs. 2.0%, P = 0.003) and more contralateral ACL tears (13.3% vs. 6.5%, P = 0.04). Risk factors for ACL graft tear included young age (mean 16.0 vs 24.3 years; P < 0.0001) and higher Tegner Activity Level scores (mean 8.1 vs. 7.4, P = 0.049), but were not risk factors for contralateral ACL injury. Graft selection and injury side showed no statistical significance on graft rupture or contralateral injury. Conclusion: Female soccer players treated with ACL reconstruction had an increased rate of second ACL injury, including graft tear and contralateral ACL injury, compared to a similar group of non-soccer female athletes (23.3% vs. 8.5%, P < 0.001). In addition, young age and higher activity level were risk factors for graft rupture in this population.

Purpose To (1) determine the incidence of symptomatic venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) after knee arthroscopy and arthroscopy‐assisted procedures at a single institution and (2) determine associated risk factors for VTEs in these patients. Methods The records of patients who underwent knee arthroscopy at a single institution between 1988 and 2008 were reviewed. Chemoprophylaxis was not routinely used. Confirmed VTEs occurring within 4 weeks after the index arthroscopy procedure were included. A 2:1 matched control group was generated to include patients in whom knee arthroscopy was performed by the same surgeon either on the same day or immediately before each case resulting in a VTE. Preoperative and perioperative data were collected with respect to demographic data, medical history, medications, and surgical and anesthesia data. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results During the study period, 12,595 patients underwent knee arthroscopy. Among these patients, 43 cases of VTEs (35 deep venous thromboses [DVTs], 5 pulmonary embolisms [PEs], and 3 DVTs that progressed to PEs) occurred, resulting in an incidence of 0.30% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22% to 0.41%) for DVT, 0.06% (95% CI, 0.03% to 0.12%) for PE, and 0.34% (95% CI, 0.25% to 0.46%) for VTEs overall. Factors associated with an elevated risk of symptomatic postoperative VTEs included a history of malignancy ( P = .01; odds ratio [OR], 6.3), a history of VTEs ( P = .02; OR, 5.2), or the presence of more than 2 classic risk factors for VTEs ( P = .01; OR, 13.6). Conclusions In this study, symptomatic VTEs were rare and occurred infrequently, with an incidence of 0.34% (95% CI, 0.25% to 0.46%), after knee arthroscopy and arthroscopy‐assisted cases in the absence of routine chemoprophylaxis. Patients with a history of VTEs, a history of malignancy, or 2 or more classic risk factors are at increased risk of VTEs after knee arthroscopy, and chemoprophylaxis should be considered in these select patients. Level of Evidence Level III, case‐control study.

Background: Multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs) can also involve the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), but there is a paucity of information regarding prevalence and relevance of MPFL involvement in this setting. Purpose: (1) To identify the prevalence of MPFL injury in MLKIs, (2) to determine whether an MPFL tear results in symptomatic patellar instability, and (3) to report clinical and functional outcomes of patients with and without MPFL tears after MLKI surgical reconstruction. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The records of all patients who underwent surgical reconstruction of MLKI (defined as a grade 3 injury of ≥2 ligaments) at a single institution from 2007 to 2010 were reviewed. Age, sex, knee dislocation classification (according to Schenck), and MRI findings were documented. All preoperative MRI scans were reviewed by an experienced musculoskeletal radiologist to determine the presence or absence of MPFL involvement. If an MPFL tear was present, its anatomic location and severity as well as the presence of patellar or lateral femoral condyle bone bruises were documented. Inclusion criteria included (1) MLKI treated at a single institution, (2) presence of MPFL tear on preoperative MRI, and (3) minimum 2-year clinical follow-up. Patellar instability symptoms were assessed with the Kujala Knee Questionnaire. Functional outcomes were measured using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score. IKDC scores were compared between patients who sustained MLKIs with and without MPFL tears. There were 21 patients in each group. Results: Over the 4-year study period, 30 of 51 patients (59%) treated surgically for a MLKI had MRI evidence of an MPFL tear. Nine were lost to follow-up, leaving 21 patients for review. There were 13 complete (62%), 5 high-grade partial (24%), and 3 partial (14%) MPFL tears. Sixteen of 21 tears (76%) occurred at the proximal third, with the remainder exhibiting diffuse signal abnormality consistent with tearing throughout the length of the MPFL. The superficial medial collateral ligament was involved in all patients. In no case was the MPFL repaired or reconstructed. At mean follow-up of 3.6 years (range, 2.0-5.7 years), only 1 of 21 patients (5%) complained of patellofemoral instability symptoms whereas 20 of 21 patients (95%) did not experience patellar subluxation or dislocation. No significant difference was found when IKDC scores were compared between patients with and without an MPFL tear (mean ± SD, 65.5 ± 22.9 vs 79.4 ± 16.1; P = .07). Conclusion: MPFL tears occur frequently in patients with MLKI but rarely cause instability. In the majority of cases, MPFL tears do not need to be addressed at the time of surgery.