Objective To analyze the effect of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retaining or not on knee-joint proprioception by comparing the proprioceptive difference between PCL retaining and no PCL retaining in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods Between June 2009 and June 2010, 38 osteoarthritis patients meeting the inclusion criteria were divided into PCL retaining group (group A, n=19) and PCL-substituting group (group B, n=19) according to the random number table. There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, the range of motion of the knee between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The effectiveness and the knee-joint proprioception were separately assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score and the passive angle reproduction test (30, 60, and 90° of knee flexion) preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. Results All incisons healed by first intention, without complications of infection, fracture, and deep vein thrombosis of lower limb. The patients were followed up 12-17 months (mean, 14.1 months). The knee function after operation was obviously improved when compared with preoperative one; significant differences were observed in the WOMAC scores and the results of passive angle reproduction test between at preoperation and at 12 months after operation (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference was found between group A and group B (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Whether PCL retaining or not in TKA both can improve knee-joint proprioception, and no obvious difference between them.
Objective To compare the intraoperative effects of computer navigation-assisted versus simple arthroscopic reconstruction of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tibial tunnel. Methods The clinical data of 73 patients with PCL tears who were admitted between June 2021 and June 2022 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analysed, of whom 34 cases underwent PCL tibial tunnel reconstruction with navigation-assisted arthroscopy (navigation group) and 39 cases underwent PCL tibial tunnel reconstruction with arthroscopy alone (control group). There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups, including gender, age, body mass index, side of injury, time from injury to surgery, preoperative posterior drawer test, knee range of motion (ROM), Tegner score, Lysholm score, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score between the two groups (P>0.05). The perioperative indicators (operation time and number of guide wire drillings) were recorded and compared between the two groups. The angle between the graft and the tibial tunnel and the exit positions of the tibial tunnel in the coronal, sagittal, and transverse planes respectively were measured on MRI at 1 day after operation. The knee ROM, Tegner score, Lysholm score, and IKDC score were evaluated before operation and at last follow-up. Results The operation time in the navigation group was shorter than that in the control group, and the number of intraoperative guide wire drillings was less than that in the control group, the differences were significant (P<0.05). Patients in both groups were followed up 12-17 months, with an average of 12.8 months. There was no perioperative complications such as vascular and nerve damage, deep venous thrombosis and infection of lower extremity. During the follow-up, there was no re-injuries in either group and no revision was required. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the exit positions of the tibial tunnel in the coronal, sagittal, and transverse planes between the two groups (P>0.05), but the angle between the graft and the tibial tunnel was significantly greater in the navigation group than in the control group (P<0.05). At last follow-up, 30, 3, 1 and 0 cases were rated as negative, 1+, 2+, and 3+ of posterior drawer test in the navigation group and 33, 5, 1, and 0 cases in the control group, respectively, which significantly improved when compared with the preoperative values (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). At last follow-up, ROM, Tegner score, Lysholm score, and IKDC score of the knee joint significantly improved in both groups when compared with preoperative values (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the difference in preoperative and postoperative indicators between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionComputer-navigated arthroscopic PCL tibial tunnel reconstruction can quickly and accurately prepare tunnels with good location and orientation, with postoperative functional scores comparable to arthroscopic PCL tibial tunnel reconstruction alone.
Objective To assess the feasibility, safety, and validity of the TC-Dynamic posterior stabilized prosthesis implanted in the total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods Twelve knees of 10 patients (the TC-Dynamic group) were followed up, who had been implanted with the TC-Dynamic posterior stabilized prosthesis from September 2003 to March 2004. Preoperative KSS knee scores were 16.08±11.58, function scores 13.75±19.79, and the range of motion (ROM) of the knee 75.00±26.46°. Meanwhile, 50 knees of 30 patients (the Scorpio group) werefollowed up, who had undergone TKA with the Scorpio posterior stabilized prosthesis.Preoperative KSS knee scores were 19.48±967, function scores 3.16±19.82,andthe ROM of the knee 80.80±22.82°. The anteroposterior and lateral X-ray filmsof each knee were examined before and after operation. The statistical Z-test was used to analyze the differences between the 2 groups in the improvement of the KSS knee scores, function scores, and ROM after operation. Results The average of the 130 days’ follow-up revealed that the patients implanted with the TC-Dynamic prosthesis had an excellent result. In the TC-Dynamic group, the KSS knee scores were 88.83±4.04 with improved scores of 72.75±14.47 compared with those before operation; function scores were 79.17±5.15 with improved scores of 65.42±19.47; the ROM of the knee was 107.92±11.57° with increased degrees of 32.92±32.22°.Meanwhile, in the Scorpio group, the KSS knee scores were 85.68±7.36 with improved scores of 66.20±10.44 compared with those before operation; function scores were 71.40±12.70 with improved scores of 68.24±25.35; the ROM of the knee was 109.20±11.13° withincreaseddegrees of 28.40±26.41°.There was no significant difference in the improvement of the KSS knee scores, function scores, and ROM after operation between the 2 groups （Pgt;0.01）. All the X-ray films of the knees implanted with both the Scorpio prosthesis and the TC-Dynamic prosthesis were analyzed.No malalignment or lucent line with the prosthesis was seen in all these X-ray films. Conclusion The short-term follow-up indicates that the patients implanted with the TC-Dynamic prosthesis have an excellent result. The TC-Dynamic prosthesis with a scientific and proper design is more suitable for the Chinese. However, the long-term outcome of the patients implanted with the TC-Dynamic prosthesis should be observed in a larger number of TKA operations. The basic surgical principles, including excision of both the cruciate ligaments and correction of thebone deformity with the proper balancing of the soft tissues in flexion and extension, are still crucial to successful TKA and to the longterm high survivalrate of the knee prosthesis.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction with remnant preservation and autogenous quadrupled hamstring tendons under arthroscopy. Methods Between October 2007 and August 2012, 32 patients with PCL rupture were treated and followed up for more than 1 year. There were 24 males and 8 females, aged 20-53 years (mean, 35.6 years). The causes of injury included traffic accident injury in 21 cases, sports injury in 8 cases, and falling injury from height in 3 cases. The disease duration ranged 1 week to 2 years (median, 6.3 weeks). Nine patients had simple PCL rupture, 23 patients complicated by ligament injury, including 10 cases of anterior cruciate ligament rupture, 11 cases of posterolateral corner injury, and 2 cases of posteromedial corner injury. Preoperative Lysholm score was 53.8 ± 7.1. According to the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) rating criteria, 10 cases were classified as grade C and 22 cases as grade D. PCL was reconstructed with autogenous quadrupled hamstring tendons, the tendons were fixed with EndoButton at the femoral side and with interference screw at the tibial side; floats of stump were cleaned up, and the structural stability and continuity ligament remnants were preserved. Results Primary healing was obtained in all incisions; no early complication occurred after operation. Thirty-two patients were followed up 23.4 months on average (range, 12-36 months). All patients had no symptom of knee instability; the results of tibia sags sign, posterior drawer test, and Lachman test were negative. At last follow-up, the knee range of motion (ROM) returned to normal in all cases. The Lysholm score was 92.3 ± 2.0, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score (t= — 34.32, P=0.00). According to the IKDC rating criteria, 26 cases were classified as grade A and 6 cases as grade B at last follow-up, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative grade (Z= — 5.57, P=0.00). Conclusion Arthroscopic single-bundle reconstruction of PCL with remnant preservation and quadrupled hamstring tendons has advantages of minimal trauma, simple operation, and good knee function recovery.
ObjectiveTo conclude the effectiveness of arthroscopy combined with Burks and SchaVer's approach in the treatment of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion fractures in a floppy lateral position. MethodsBetween May 2010 and March 2014, 21 patients with PCL avulsion fractures were treated. There were 13 males and 8 females, aged 21 to 62 years (mean, 39.1 years). The causes included traffic accident injury in 10 cases, sports injury in 5 cases, and falling injury from height in 6 cases. The time from injury to hospital was 1-6 days (mean, 2.5 days). The results of posterior drawer test were all positive, and the results of anterior drawer test and lateral stress test were all negative. The Lysholm score was 28.0±5.5 before operation. And the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (IKDC) score was 46.2±7.6 before operation. According to Meyer standards for fractures classification, 11 cases were rated as type II and 10 cases as type III. Arthroscopy was used to inspect and treat the intra-articular lesions, then avulsion fracture was fixed by Burks and SchaVer's approach in lateral position. Postoperative functional exercises were performed. ResultsPrimary healing of incision was obtained, without nerve and vascular injury or joint infection. All patients were followed up 18-36 months (mean, 27.2 months). The X-ray films of the knee joint showed good fractures reduction and healing at 3 months after operation. The results of posterior drawer test and reverse Lachman test were negative. The knee range of motion was recovered to normal level. At last follow-up, the Lysholm score of the knee joint was significantly improved to 90.9±1.4 from preoperative one (t=54.584, P=0.000), and the IKDC score was significantly increased to 90.5±5.3 from preoperative one (t=15.638, P=0.000), including 19 cases of grade A and 2 cases of grade B. ConclusionA combination of arthroscopy and Burks and SchaVer's approach for the treatment of PCL avulsion fractures in a floppy lateral position has the advantages of minimal invasion and safe approach, short operative time, and early postoperative rehabilitation exercises, so it can provide satisfactory function recovery of the knee joint.
ObjectiveTo study the results of high tibia osteotomy (HTO) combined with posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction for osteoarthritis (OA) of the medial compartment with PCL injury. MethodsBetween March 2008 and June 2014, 11 patients with OA of the medial compartment and PCL injury underwent HTO combined with PCL reconstruction. There were 5 males and 6 females, aged 43-55 years (mean, 50.3 years). All patients had a trauma history, and the duration of injury was 3-5 years (mean, 3.7 years). At preoperation, Hospital for special surgery (HSS) score was 54.73±8.60, Lysholm score was 56.91±4.51, KT-1000 test was (5.71±1.13) mm, and knee range of motion (ROM) was (125.21±4.77)°. The preoperative femoral tibia angle (FTA) and posterior slope angle (PSA) of the tibia plateau were (184.82±2.40)° and (7.18±1.17)° on the X-ray film. ResultsIncisional fat liquefaction occurred in 1 case, and wound healed after dressing change; primary healing of wound was obtained in the other cases. All 11 cases were followed up 12-28 months (mean, 17 months). Bone union was observed at osteotomy site within 6 months, without delayed union or nonunion. After operation, genu varus deformity was corrected with different degrees; the stability of knees was improved in all patients; and the pain of medial knee was released significantly. At 12 months after operation, the FTA was significantly reduced to (176.64±1.96)°; at last follow-up, the HSS score was significantly increased to 88.27±4.76, KT- 1000 test was significantly reduced to (3.18±0.87) mm, and Lyholm score was significantly increased to 86.45±2.34, all showing significant differences when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05). At last follow-up, the knee ROM was (124.63±2.98)° and the PSA was (7.91±1.30)°, showing no significant difference when compared with preoperative ones (P>0.05). ConclusionThe PSA will not be changed when a combination of HTO and PCL reconstruction is used to treat OA of the medial compartment with PCL injury if the right osteotomy site and reasonable bone graft are selected. The short-term effectiveness is good because of good recovery of the lower extremity force line and knee stability, but the long-term effectiveness remains to be further followed up.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the effectiveness of double-bundle versus single-bundle for arthroscopic transtibial reconstruction of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). MethodsWe searched PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMbase, VIP and WanFang Data to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of PCL reconstruction treated with double-bundle versus single-bundle arthroscopic transtibial technique. Two reviewers screened literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data and assessed the methodological quality of included studies, and then meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.3 software. ResultsA total of 4 RCTs involving 186 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that double-bundle was superior to single-bundle in Lysholm score (MD=2.17, 95%CI 0.29 to 4.05, P=0.02), Tegner score (MD=0.62, 95%CI 0.09 to 1.16, P=0.02), IKDC objective score (A:RR=1.57, 95%CI 1.09 to 2.26, P=0.02; A+B:RR=1.15, 95%CI 1.01 to 1.32, P=0.04). However, there was no significant difference in the KT-1000 posterior between both groups (MD=-0.65, 95%CI -3.29 to 1.99, P=0.63). ConclusionThe current evidence shows that the double bundle arthroscopic transtibial is superior to the single bundle PCL reconstruction. Due to the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high quality studies with large sample-size are needed to validate the conclusion.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of open reduction of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion fracture at tibial insertion of knee joint with absorbable screws fixation and absorbable screw combined with suture anchor fixation. Methods The clinical data of 26 patients with PCL avulsion fracture at tibial insertion who met the selection criteria between March 2015 and October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 14 patients were fixed with simple absorbable screw (group A), and 12 patients were fixed with absorbable screw combined with suture anchors (group B). All patients were confirmed by X-ray film, CT, or MRI preoperatively, and got positive results in preoperative posterior drawer tests. There was no significant difference in gender, age, side of affected limb, time from injury to operation, comorbidities, and preoperative Meyers & McKeever classification, Lysholm score, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time and postoperative complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. At last follow-up, Lysholm score and IKDC score were used to evaluate the improvement of knee function. ResultsThere was no significant difference in operation time between the two groups (P>0.05). All incisions healed by first intention, and no complication such as vascular and nerve injury or venous thrombosis occurred. All 26 patients were followed up 9-89 months, with an average of 55.3 months. The follow-up time of group A and group B was (55.7±23.2) and (56.8±29.3) months, respectively, with no significant difference (t=−0.106, P=0.916). Radiographs showed bone healing in both groups at 3 months after operation, and no complication such as infection and traumatic arthritis occurred. At last follow-up, the posterior drawer test was negative in both groups, and the Lysholm score and IKDC score significantly improved when compared with the pre-operative values (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the improvement value between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionFor PCL avulsion fracture at tibial insertion of the knee joint, the open reduction and absorbable screw combined with suture anchor fixation can achieve reliable fracture reduction and fixation, which is conducive to the early rehabilitation and functional exercise, and the postoperative functional recovery of the knee joint is satisfactory.
Objective To compare the single femoral tunnel split-double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction with the singlebundle PCL reconstruction and to discuss the advantages of the modified reconstruction method. Methods Fourteen donated fresh-frozen human knee specimens were biomechanically tested, which included knee specimens from 12 males and 2 females, and their ages ranged from 20 to 31 years. The specimen length of the femur and the tibia was 20 cm. The tibial posterior translation and the PCL strains were first measured when PCL was in an intact state (the intact group, n=14). Then, PCL was cut (the cut group, n=14). The posterior translation was measured when a posterior load was applied. After that, the specimens were randomly divided into twogroups: the single-bundle group (n=7) and the double-bundle group (n=7). When the posterior load was applied to the tibia, the bundle strain and the tibial posterior translation were measured with the knees flexed at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120°, respectively. Results While a 100 N posterior force was applied, the posterior tibial displacement of the intact PCL knee ranged from 1.97±0.29 mm to 2.60±0.23 mm at the different knee flexion angles. In the PCL-cutstate, the tibial displacement increased significantly from 11.27±1.06 mm to14.94±0.67 mm (P＜0.05). After the singlebundle reconstruction, the posterior tibial translation ranged from 1.99±0.19 mm to 2.72±0.38 mm at the different knee flexion angles. In the split-double-bundle reconstruction, the posterior tibial translations ranged from 2.27±0.32 mm to 3.05±0.44 mm. The graft of the single-bundle reconstruction was tensioned from 0° to 120°, and the tibial displacement increased significantly at 90° compared with that at theother angles(P＜0.05). In the doublebundle reconstruction, the anterolateral bundle and the posteromedial bundle were tensioned in a reciprocal fashion, and the tibial displacement had no significant difference at the five kinds of the flexion angles. ConclusionThe single femoral tunnel split-double-bundle PCL reconstruction canrestore the posterior tibial displacement at different flexion angles, and the tibial displacement in the single-bundle PCL reconstruction knee can be increased when the knee flexion is at 90°. In the double-bundle reconstruction, the graftcan be tensioned in a reciprocal fashion and the biomechanical features can be nearer to those of the normal PCL bundles.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopically assisted treatment of acute tibial insertion avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) via posteromedial incision. Methods Between January 2010 and January 2012, 22 patients with acute tibial insertion avulsion of the PCL underwent arthroscopic reduction and fixation via posteromedial incision. There were 14 males and 8 females with an average age of 32 years (range, 18-48 years). The injury causes included traffic accident injury in 14 cases, sport injury in 4 cases, and falling injury in 4 cases. The disease duration ranged from 7 to 16 days (mean, 10 days). Of 22 patient, 14 had simple PCL injury, 6 had PCL injury with meniscus injury, and 2 with cartilage injury. The results of posterior drawer test were positive in all patients. The preoperative Lysholm score was 51.1 ± 3.4. Results All incisions healed by first intention without infection, deep venous thrombosis of lower limbs, or vessel and nerve injuries. All patients were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 18.4 months). X-ray films showed that all fractures healed with the healing time of 2-4 months (mean, 3 months). The Lysholm score was improved to 96.0 ± 2.2 at 6 months after operation, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score (t=43.020, P=0.000). Conclusion Arthroscopically assisted treatment of acute tibial insertion avulsion fracture of the PCL via posteromedial incision is a safe, easy, and effective method.