Patellofemoral MRI Alterations Following Single Bundle ACL Reconstruction with Hamstring Autografts Are Associated with Quadriceps Femoris Atrophy

High incidence of patellofemoral pain and patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis was found following anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)reconstruction.The unstability of patellofemoral joint might be an important contribution factor.This study was designed to define the relationship between the unstability of patellofemoral joint and quadriceps femoris atrophy.Twenty patients underwent MRI scan before ACL reconstruction and every two weeks after surgery,until 12 weeks.The merchant’s patellar congruence angle,lateral inclination angle,and quadriceps femoris muscle cross-sectional area were measured and the relationship between the changes of angles and the ratio of quadriceps femoris atrophy was studied by multiple regression analysis.Significant quadriceps femoris atrophy was observed after ACL reconstruction during the follow-up period of 12 weeks.The merchant’s patellar congruence angle and lateral inclination angle significantly changed after surgery.The alterations of the merchant’s patellar congruence angle were significantly correlated with the atrophy ratio of vastus medialis(coefficient=-5.76)and vastus lateralis(coefficient=8.35)during the follow-up period of 12 weeks.The alterations of lateral inclination angle were significantly correlated with the atrophy ratio of vastus medialis(coefficient=20.62),vastus lateralis(coefficient=-11.38)and rectus femoris(coefficient=-0.469)during the follow-up period 12 weeks.To sum up,ACL reconstruction can alleviate the dysfunction of patellofemoral joint to a certain extent.But,the unbalanced atrophy of quadriceps femoris once again destroyed the stability of patellofemoral joint following the operation,which might be one cause of patellofemoral joint pain and early onset of osteoarthritis after ACL reconstruction.So,rehabilitation training that focuses on quadriceps femoris especially the vastus medialis shortly following operation is suggested.

Forearm compartment syndrome due to acquired hemophilia that required massive blood transfusions after fasciotomy:A case report

BACKGROUND Acquired hemophilia is rare.In some cases,the bleeding in muscle causes compartment syndrome.However,it is not clear whether fasciotomy should be performed for the compartment syndrome caused by acquired hemophilia because of the risk of bleeding and the unknown functional results.CASE SUMMARY A 75-year-old woman was admitted with severe pain of the right forearm with no preceding traumatic event.The right forearm was obviously swollen,and stretch pain was observed.Subcutaneous hematomas were suspected in various parts of the body.Compartment pressure was 110 mmHg on the volar side.Activated partial thromboplastin time(aPTT)was prolonged to 54.9 s.Fasciotomy was performed,and hematoma was observed in the volar compartment.Postoperative laboratory examinations revealed a low level of factor Ⅷ(FⅧ)activity(12.5%)and a high level of FⅧ inhibitor(15.2 bethesda units/mL).Acquired hemophilia A was diagnosed.Though recombinant clotting factors were administered,transfusion of red blood cells reached 46 units(140 mL/unit).Hemostasis was achieved 9 d after fasciotomy.The total cost of the clotting factor concentrates administered reached 28834600 yen.With prednisolone,FⅧ activity and aPTT recovered gradually.Final function of the hand was good in the index finger and excellent in the others.CONCLUSION Fasciotomy resulted in good function of the hand in a case of non-traumatic compartment syndrome caused by acquired hemophilia,but life-threatening bleeding occurred,and the cost of clotting factor treatment was high.Preparation of sufficient blood transfusion,preoperative administration of recombinant activated clotting factor Ⅶ,and prompt fasciotomy could be ideal for such cases.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Microsurgical Reconstruction for Pelvic Tumor Focusing on Spinal Deformity and Quality of Life

Background: To provide patients with a superior quality of life (QOL) after their pelvic tumor resection, ensuring the stability of the trunk as well as satisfactory lower extremity function is important. Although microsurgical reconstructions for the pelvic ring and hip are used clinically, the details of postoperative long-term spinal deformity and QOL remain unclear. Methods: The patients were 66- and 43-year-old men and a 43-year-old woman. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 134 months. The surgical procedures performed on these patients were: pelvic ring reconstruction using a double-barreled free vascularized fibular graft (FVFG) in Patient 1;simultaneous pelvic ring reconstruction using FVFG and hip arthrodesis in Patient 2;and latissimus dorsi free flap without pelvic ring reconstruction in Patient 3. As indicators of spinal deformity, we measured the Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis angle, lumbar lordosis angle, pelvic angle on the sagittal plane, and sagittal plane balance using whole spine radiography. To assess the patients’ QOL, we examined the International Society of Limb Salvage (ISOLS) score, the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ), activities of daily living (ADL) satisfaction using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and the SF-36. Results: Spinal alignment in the frontal plane worsened in order from Patient 1 to 3. Spinal alignment and pelvic tilt in the sagittal plane were at appropriate levels in Patients 1 and 2. The trunk tilt in the sagittal plane was at an appropriate level only in Patient 1. In the QOL assessment, the function of the affected limb worsened in order from Patient 1 to 3. RDQ scores were lower than the national norm in Patients 2 and 3. With respect to ADL satisfaction and the SF-36, Patient 3 had a markedly low VAS, physical functioning, role-physical, and role-emotional scores. Conclusion: In the long-term clinical course after pelvic tumor resection, in order to obtain satisfactory spinal alignment and QOL, pelvic ring reconstruction and hip arthrodesis are important.

Changes in Attitudes toward Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Treatment

As the environment surrounding healthcare continues to evolve, there is a need to revise outcome assessment criteria. A shift is being demanded in diagnosis and treatment outcome assessment practices from objective to subjective assessment and from evaluation by doctors to assessment that is based on the patient’s own perspective. Therefore, lumbar diseases must now be assessed from multiple perspectives. Some major indices for evaluation are pain and numbness, functional status, general health status, disability, and patient satisfaction. An effective assessment method for lumbar spinal stenos is that examines symptoms, quality of life, and healthcare economics as key assessment factor is reviewed.

MRI Observations of Patellar Tendon Length Change after ACL Reconstruction with Hamstring Autografts

The post-operative patellar tendon length was studied to evaluate the possible tendon length change after anterior cruciate ligament（ACL） reconstruction with hamstring autografts. The Insall-Salvati index, modified Insall-Salvati index, curved modified Insall-Salvati index and Caton-Deschamps index were observed by MRI during a follow-up period of 12 weeks on 20 ACL reconstructed knees. The results showed no patellar baja or alta pre-existed on those ACL injured patients. After a follow-up period of 12 weeks, no patellar tendon length change was observed. It is suggested that the change of patella was not the primary reason that may contribute to the premature patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis after ACL reconstruction.