Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of arthroscopic debridement and release for post-traumatic arthritis of subtalar joint. Methods Between January 2011 and December 2014, 14 cases of post-traumatic arthritis of the subtalar joint underwent arthroscopic debridement and release, and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were male, aged 42 years on average (range, 32-62 years). Calcaneus fracture was caused by falling from height; 8 cases received conservative treatment and the other 6 cases received open reduction and internal fixation. The mean interval from injury to operation was 3.4 years (range, 2-7 years). The arthroscopic debridement and release were performed through lateral portals. The injury degree of articular cartilage was classified as grade 3 in 4 cases and grade 4 in 10 cases based on Outerbridge rating. The degree of pain was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) and the function of joint was assessed by the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle Hindfoot Scale. Results All incisions healed by first intention and no complication occurred. The follow-up time was 18 months. Pain was relieved obviously; VAS was significantly decreased to postoperative 3.8±0.9 at 18 months from preoperative 7.7±1.2 (t=9.728,P=0.000), and AOFAS Ankle Hindfoot Scale was significantly increased to postoperative 59.1±8.8 from preoperative 37.6±8.2 (t=6.688,P=0.000). During follow-up, no patient was given arthrodesis and no worsened sign was found on the postoperative CT and MRI. Conclusion Arthroscopic debridement and release for post-traumatic arthritis of the subtalar joint can relieve clinical symptoms and delay subtalar arthrodesis.
Objective To explore the effect of arthroscopy in diagnosis and treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of elbow joint in adolescent. Methods From May 2003 to February 2006, 11 patients with osteochondritis dissecans of elbowjoint were diagnosed and treated with arthroscopy. There were 6 males and 5 females, aging from 13 to 19 years. The left joints were involved in 4 cases and right joints in 7 cases. Seven patients had obvious history of injury. The interval of injury and operation was from 7 months to 12 years. The score of VAS was 80±10, the range of flexion and extend of joint 80±10°, the range of rotation of joint 100±5° preoperatively. The brachial plexus anesthesia, the elbow hung to traction, soft spot, interna and extrapathway were given to explore and debride elbow joint and remove corpus liberum. Results All patients recovered daily life and work 7 to 12 dayspostoperatively. There were no complications of blood vessel and nerve injuries. Eleven cases were followed up for 6 to 18 months (mean 12-5 months). The results wereexcellent in 7 and good in 4 according to HSS scoring system. At the final followup, the score of VAS was 32±15, showing statistically significant difference when compared with preoperation (Plt;0.05). The range of flexion and extend of joint was 110±10°，the range of rotation of joint was 120±5° postoperatively, showing statistically significant differences when compared with preoperation (Plt;0.05). Conclusion The elbow arthroscopy might be a reliable methodto diagnose and treat osteochondritis dissecans of elbow joint in adolescent with minor trauma，quick recovery，significant improving function and less complications.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction via transtibial (TT) and transportal (TP) techniques after 10 years follow-up. Methods A clinical data of 103 patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with a single bundle of autologous hamstring tendon between March 2006 and March 2009 was retrospectively analyzed, among which 57 patients were reconstructed with TT technique (TT group) and 46 patients were reconstructed with TP technique (TP group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, interval between injury and operation, preoperative pivot shift test, preoperative International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, and KT-2000 side-to-side difference (SSD) between the two groups (P>0.05). At 10 years after operation, Lachman test was used to evaluate the forward joint stability and pivot shift test to evaluate the rotational stability of the knee; KT-2000 SSD was used to measure tibial anterior displacement; IKDC score and Lysholm score were used to evaluate knee function; MRI examination was performed to observe graft healing and measure coronal inclination angles of the tibia and femoral tunnels. The rate of return to sports was also calculated. Results The incisions healed by first intention in the two groups, and no early complication occurred after operation. All patients were followed up 10-13 years, with an average of 11.5 years. During the follow-up period, there was no limitation of knee extension and flexion, no discomfort of donor site or graft failure in either group. MRI examination showed that the graft healed well. The IKDC score, Lysholm score, and KT-2000 SSD in the two groups were significantly improved after 10 years (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the two groups at 10 years after operation (P>0.05). There were significant differences in coronal inclination angles of femoral tunnel and tibial tunnel between the two groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in Lachman test and pivot shift test between the two groups (P>0.05). The rate of return to sports of patients was 61.40% (35/57) in TT group and 63.04% (29/46) in TP group, showing no significant difference between the two groups (χ2=0.29, P=0.87). Conclusion TT and TP techniques can both achieve good effectiveness in ACL reconstruction.
ObjectiveTo study the effectiveness of internal tension-relieving technique for arthroscopic assisted anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. MethodsBetween March 2011 and September 2014, 51 cases of complete ACL rupture were randomly divided into 2 groups. Arthroscopic assisted single-bundle ACL reconstruction combined with internal tension-relieving technique was performed in 26 cases (group A), arthroscopic assisted single-bundle ACL reconstruction in 25 cases (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, injured side, body mass index, Outerbridge classification of articular cartilage injury, disease duration, and the preoperative International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, and KT-1000 test value between 2 groups (P>0.05). At 3, 6, and 12 months after operation, the KT-1000 was used to measure the anterior stability, and IKDC and Lysholm scores to evaluate the function of knee joint. ResultsHealing of incision by first intention was obtained in all patients of 2 groups, without complications of infection, deep vein thrombosis of lower extremity, and blood vessels and nerves injury. The patients were followed up 12 months after operation. All patients received second microscopic examination. The reconstructed ACL had good continuity and good coverage of synovial tissue. There was no re-rupture in any cases. The range of motion of the knee joint was close to normal. The MRI showed good healing of the ligament and the bone tunnel at 12 months after operation. KT-1000 test value, IKDC score, and Lysholm score at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found among different time points after operation (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in IKDC score and Lysholm score between 2 groups at 3 and 12 months (P>0.05); but IKDC score and Lysholm score of group A were significantly higher than those of group B (P<0.05) at 6 months. At diffenent time points after operation, the KT-1000 test values of group A were significantly lower than those of group B (P<0.05) except the value at 3 months (P>0.05). ConclusionFor patients with ACL rupture, using internal tension-relieving technique can effectively alleviate tension force of reconstructed ligament, which is beneficial to the healing of reconstructed ligament and early rehabilitation of the knee joint.
Objective To evaluate the clinical diagnostic value of knee MRI at 90° flexed position for Ramp lesions of medial meniscus. Methods A total of 228 patients with knee pain as the main complaint who were admitted between September 2021 and September 2023 was selected as the research subjects, of which 51 patients met the selection criteria and were enrolled in the study. There were 31 males and 20 females with an average age of 38.6 years (range, 15-67 years). Body mass index was 17.2-28.7 kg/m2 (mean, 23.9 kg/m2). There were 25 cases of left knee and 36 cases of right knee. The time from injury to admission was 0.1-14.3 weeks (mean, 2.1 weeks). Preoperative knee MRI at fully extended position (knee extension position) and 90° flexed position (knee flexion position) were performed to determine the presence of irregular signs at the posterior edge of the medial meniscus, and PHMM fluid high signal [i.e. complete fluid filling between the posterior horn of the medial meniscus (PHMM) and the capsule margin]. Findings obtained under arthroscopy served as the “gold standard” to analyze the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of MRI at knee extension and flexion positions for the two specific signs of Ramp lesion.Results Twenty-one patients (41.2%) were diagnosed with Ramp lesions by using arthroscopy, including 1 case of Thaunat type Ⅰ, 2 cases of type Ⅱ, 6 cases of type Ⅲ, 7 cases of type Ⅳ, and 5 cases of type Ⅴ. The positive rates of irregular signs at the posterior edge of the medial meniscus on MRI at knee extension and flexion positions were significantly different from the diagnosis of Ramp injury under arthroscopy (P<0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of MRI in the diagnosis of irregular signs were 76.1%, 60.0%, 66.7%, 57.1%, and 78.3% respectively at knee extension position, and 85.7%, 73.3%, 78.4%, 69.2%, and 88.0% respectively at knee flexion position. The positive rates of PHMM fluid high signal on MRI at knee extension and flexion positions were significantly different from the diagnosis of Ramp injury under arthroscopy (P<0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of MRI in diagnosing PHMM fluid high signal were 38.1%, 100%, 74.5%, 100%, and 69.8% respectively at knee extension position, and 85.7%, 100%, 94.1%, 100%, and 90.9% respectively at knee flexion position. ConclusionKnee MRI at 90° flexed position improves the diagnostic performance of the detection of medial meniscal Ramp lesions compared with MRI at fully extended position.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical results of arthroscopic treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tibial eminence avulsion fractures in adolescents with epiphyseal unclosure. MethodsBetween January 2011 and October 2013, 35 knees with ACL tibial eminence avulsion fractures (35 patients with epiphyseal unclosure) were arthroscopically treated with suture fixation. There were 25 males and 10 females, aged 8-16 years (mean, 14.7 years). The causes included sports injury in 24 cases, traffic accident injury in 9 cases, and daily life injury in 2 cases. According to Meyers-McKeever classification criteria, there were 27 cases of type Ⅱ and 8 cases of type Ⅲ. Five cases had meniscus injury. The preoperative the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score was 48.7±3.2, and Lysholm score was 51.2±4.5. The time from injury to operation was 2-16 days (mean, 5 days). ResultsPrimary healing of incision was obtained in all patients. The mean follow-up time was 22.4 months (range, 12-32 months). Anatomical reduction was achieved in 28 cases and satisfactory reduction in 7 cases. X-ray films showed all fractures healing at last follow-up. There was no limb shortening deformity, varus knee, or valgus knee. Lachman test results were all negative. The other knees had normal range of motion except 1 knee with limited flexion, whose range of motion returned to 0-120° after treatment. At last follow-up, the IKDC score was significantly improved to 93.2±4.1 (t=-53.442, P=0.000), and the Lysholm score was significantly increased to 96.2±2.5 (t=-56.242, P=0.000). ConclusionThe arthroscopic fixation technique has satisfactory results for the reduction and fixation of ACL tibial eminence avulsion fracture in the adolescents with epiphyseal unclosure because of little trauma and quick recovery.
Objective To evaluate the analgesic effect of intra-articular ropivacaine with lidocaine. Methods A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted. Ninety patients receiving selective knee arthroscopy were randomized into three groups of 30 patients. At the end of the operation, before the release of the tourniquet, an intra-articular injection was administered to each patient through arthroscope, in accordance with their random allocation: 0.9% normal saline (normal saline group); 100 mg ropivacaine (ropivacaine alone group) and 100 mg ropivacaine and 100 mg 2% lidocaine (ropivacaine with lidocaine group). Pain intensity was assessed after the operation using the 100-mm visual-analog scale (VAS), and the amount of supplemental analgesics used within the following 24 hours were recorded. Results The VAS scores of 2 hours postoperatively at rest, and 1, 2, 4, and 8 hours postoperatively at motion, were significantly higher in the normal saline group than in ropivacaine alone group (Plt;0.05). The VAS scores 0.5, 1 and 2 hours postoperatively at rest, and at the awaking moment, 0.5, 1, 4, 8, and 24 hours postoperatively at motion, were significantly higher in the normal saline group than in ropivacaine with lidocaine group (Plt;0.05). Conclusion Intra-articular ropivacaine can reduce a patient’s pain after operation. The combination of lidocaine with intra-articular ropivacaine can reduce the patient’s pain severity immediately after the operation and achieve an early analgesic effect.
Objective To investigate the operative method and cl inical results of arthroscopic assisted treatment of shoulder dislocation combined with fracture of greater tuberosity of humerus. Methods From February 2006 to June 2008,12 cases of shoulder dislocation (6 left, 6 right) combined with greater tuberosity fractures were treated. There were 4 males and 8 females with an average of 58.5 years (range 34-79 years). Eleven cases fall down and one was crushed. The time from injury to hospital averaged 2.1 hours (range 30 minutes-24 hours). X-ray films revealed greater tuberosity fractures with average 5.8 mm (range 5-12 mm) displacement, and MRI showed Bankart lesion in 2 cases. Arthroscopic examination taken 3-14 days after reduction revealed 3 cases of Bankart lesion and 1 case of SLAP lesion. Three cases of great tuberosity fractures were fixed with canulated screws, 2 cases with absorbable screws, 7 cases with titanium suture anchor. Three cases were repaired under arthroscopy, and 9 cases were repaired under arthroscopic assistance mini-incision. Results All the incisions were healed at first intention without infection. All patients were followed up for 6-32 months (average 16 months). The shoulder joints were fixed stably without redislocation. Six months after operation, there were 3 cases with mild l imitation of abduction and 1 case with pain in flexion related with impingement. The X-ray films showed all fractures healed 2-6 months after operation (average 3.2 months). The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and University of Cal ifornia at Los Angeles scores were 16.03 ± 1.03 and 32.65 ± 4.83, respectively. Eight cases were excellent, 3 were good, 1 were fair and the excellent and good rate was 91.7%. Conclusion For shoulder dislocation combined with fracture of greater tuberosity of humerus, the treatment by shoulder arthroscopy is a safe and mini-invasive operative method with comprehensively accurate intraoperation diagnosis, satisfying therapeutic effect, good functional recovery, as well as obvious rel ief of pain.
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.
Objective To investigate the method and the effectiveness of arthroscopy and/or arthrotomy combinedwith postoperative radiotherapy for diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) of the knee. Methods BetweenSeptember 2000 and August 2010, 97 patients with diffuse PVNS of the knee were treated. There were 38 males and 59 femaleswith a median age of 33 years (range, 8-75 years). The disease duration ranged from 1 week to 30 years, including 52 left kneesand 45 right knees. There were 10 recurrent cases. The extention and flexion of the knee joint were (1.9 ± 2.3)° and (122.9 ± 5.6)°,respectively; the Lysholm score was 43.2 ± 6.7; and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score was53.2 ± 5.7, preoperatively. According to the scope and degree of the knee joint lesions, simultaneous anterior and posteriorsynovectomy was performed under arthroscopy in 82 cases, synovectomy under arthroscopy and removal of posterior extraarticularlesion by arthrotomy in 3 cases, synovectomy and the soft tissue lesions resection under arthroscopy in 9 cases, andstaging resection and bone graft in 3 cases. After operation, 76 patients received postoperative radiotherapy. Results Poplitealartery was injuryed in 1 case and the branch of popl iteal veins were injuryed in 3 cases during operation. Intra-articularhemorrhage occurred in 1 case at 3 days after operation. The other patients achieved heal ing of incision by first intentionwithout nerve damage and other complications. All patients were followed up 1 year and 3 months to 11 years and 2 months(median, 61 months) postoperatively. During follow-up, 89 cases had no relapse. At 15 months after operation, the extentionand flexion of the knee joint were (0.2 ± 1.3)° and (135.9 ± 6.6)°, respectively; the Lysholm score was 89.8 ± 5.8; and the IKDCscore was 87.8 ± 5.8. All indexes were significantly improved when compared with the preoperative ones (P lt; 0.05). At 6 monthsto 8 years postoperatively, 8 cases had occurrence, and they had sl ight limitation of the range of motion but had no pain andswelling of the knees after reoperation. Conclusion According to the scope and degree of the knee joint lesions, arthroscopyand/or arthrotomy combined with postoperative radiotherapy should be chosen for diffuse PVNS of the knee so as to obtain good effectiveness. Radiotherapy and enough total radiation dose are important factors to insure no recurrence.