Tendon Allograft for Repair of the Medial Collateral Ligament of the Knee: A Case Report

In the rare cases with serious damage of the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) of the knee requiring surgical treatment, ligament remnants may be inadequate for a good repair. In such cases, reconstruction should be performed and technical options may be limited. We used an Achilles tendon allograft and applied it using the Pulvertaft weave technique for tendon repair. We found no previous reports of allograft application for MCL repair though the technique has been extensively used for Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction.

Light and electron microscopic study of the medial collateral ligament epiligament tissue in human knees

AIM To examine the normal morphology of the epiligament tissue of the knee medial collateral ligament(MCL) in humans. METHODS Several samples of the mid-substance of the MCL of the knee joint from 7 fresh human cadavers(3 females and 4 males) were taken. Examination of the epiligament tissue was conducted by light microscopy and photomicrography on semi-thin sections of formalin fixed paraffin-embedded blocks that were routinely stained with haematoxylin and eosin, Mallory stain and Van Gieson's stain. Electron microscopy of the epiligament tissue was performed on ultra-thin sections incubated in 1% osmium tetroxide and contrasted with 2.5% uranyl acetate, lead nitrate, and sodium citrate.RESULTS The current light microscopic study demonstrated that the epiligament of the MCL consisted of fibroblasts, fibrocytes, adipocytes, neuro-vascular bundles and numerous multidirectional collagen fibers. In contrast, the ligament body was poorly vascularised, composed of hypo-cellular fascicles which were formed of longitudinal groups of collagen fibers. Moreover, most of the vessels of the epiligament-ligament complex were situated in the epiligament tissue. The electron microscopic study revealed fibroblasts with various shapes in the epiligament substance. All of them had the ultrastructural characteristics of active cells with large nuclei, well developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, multiple ribosomes, poorly developed Golgi apparatus, elliptical mitochondria and oval lysosomes. The electron microscopy also confirmed the presence of adipocytes, mast cells, myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers and chaotically oriented collagen fibers.CONCLUSION Significant differences exist between the normal structure of the ligament and the epiligament whose morphology and function is to be studied further.

The Extension Rate of the Medial Collateral Ligament of the Knee Joint during the Valgus Stress Test: Two Case Reports

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of measuring the length of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) to compare the MCL burden when the knee joint is placed under valgus stress in the open and closed and closed kinetic chain. Two examiners conducted the examination. The MCL length was measured using ultrasonography. Two subjects were measured in unload bearing and load-bearing positions, with and without valgus stress test at the knee joint extension and 30° flexion, under eight different measurement conditions. The MCL of the subject was delineated in the longitudinal direction using an ultrasound system. The attachment points of the medial femoral and tibial condyle of the MCL were identified, and the ligament length was measured. The MCL rate before and after the valgus stress test in the loading and unloading positions was calculated. The MCL length increased by an average of 8.9% when the external stress test was performed in the non-weight bearing and knee extension positions and by an average of 17.0% when external stress was applied in the non-weight bearing and knee flexion positions. The MCL length increased by an average of 12.2% when the external stress test was performed in the load-bearing and knee extension positions and an average of 8.9% when the valgus stress test was applied in load-bearing and knee flexion positions. In conclusion, the effect of valgus stress on the MCL differs between load-bearing and non-load-bearing positions. It is considered that the dynamic stabilization mechanism works in the knee joint flexion position in the load position and works simultaneously as the static stabilization mechanism, which limits the knee joint valgus and reduces the extension rate of MCL. Therefore, this study reconsiders the shifting of traditional therapy from open kinetic chain to close kinetic chain.

Anatomical Reconsideration of the Lateral Collateral Ligament in the Human Knee: Anatomical Observation and Literature Review

In the published literature as well as in the most commonly used textbooks, the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is described as having 1 attachment at the lateral epicondyle of the femur and another at the head of the fibula. In this article, we reconsider the attachments, the length of the LCL, and the tissues surrounding the LCL by presenting our anatomical observations and by reviewing the literature. Our results have shown that the LCL is not only attached to the lower part of the lateral epicondyle of the femur, but also extends to the upper part of the lateral epicondyle. The attachment of the LCL on the fibula is enclosed by 2 insertion points of the biceps femoris tendon. The average length of the LCL in 71 knees was 51.4 mm. There is an “incomplete gap” on the LCL that is interrupted under the tendon of the biceps femoris.

Posttraumatic incarceration of medial collateral ligament into knee joint with anterior cruciate ligament injury

Medial collateral ligament of the knee is an important coronal stabiliser and often injured in isolation or as combination of injuries. The article reports a case of incarcerated medial collateral ligament （MCL） injury in combination with anterior cruciate ligament （ACL） injury in 20 year old male who presented to us 4 weeks after injury. Clinical examination and MRI was correlated to complete ACL tear with torn distal MCL and incarceration into the joint. Patient was taken up for ACL hamstring graft reconstruction with mini-arthrotomy and repair of the torn MCL. Patient was followed up with dedicated rehabilitation protocol with good functional results. At one year follow-up, patient exhibited full range of motion with negative Lachman, Pivot shift and valgus stress tests. This article highlights the rare pattern of MCL tear and also reviews the literature on this pattern of injury.

Differential expression of related molecules after acute injury of rabbits'anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament

The drastic difference in healing capacity between the anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament injuries is still largely unexplained.So,studying the molecular expression after anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament injury could be a new direction to explain such differences.In this study,eighteen male 3-month-old New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into six groups by injury modeling to study the molecular expression after anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament injury.The expression of molecular genes and proteins was examined using reverse transcriptase chain reaction and Western blotting.Marked differences were found in the postinjury changes in gene levels and proteins in the anterior cruciate ligament compared to the medial collateral ligament.The results show that there were drastic differences in angiogenesis,collagen and matrix metalloproteinases after anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament injury.It can be found that the repair ability of the anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament after injury may be related to the differences in molecular expression.

Unhappy triad of the knee:What are the current concepts and opinions?

The association between injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament,medial collateral ligament,and medial meniscus(MM)has been known to orthopedic surgeons since 1936;O’Donoghue first used the term"unhappy triad"of the knee to describe this condition in 1950.Later studies revealed that involvement of the lateral meniscus is more common than MM in these cases,leading to a change in the definition.Recent studies have revealed that this triad may be primarily linked to knee anterolateral complex injuries.Although there is not a definite management protocol for this triad,we try to mention the most recent concepts about it in addition to expert opinions.

Posterolateral dislocation of the knee:Recognizing an uncommon entity

Posterolateral dislocations of the knee are rare injuries.Early recognition and emergent open reduction is crucial.A 48-year-old Caucasian male presented with right knee pain and limb swelling 3 d after sustaining a twisting injury in the bathroom.Examination revealed the pathognomonic anteromedial "pucker" sign.Anklebrachial indices were greater than 1.0 and symmetrical.Radiographs showed a posterolateral dislocation of the right knee.He underwent emergency open reduction without an attempt at closed reduction.Attempts at closed reduction of posterolateral dislocations of the knee are usually impossible because of incarceration of medial soft tissue in the intercondylar notch and may only to delay surgical management and increase the risk of skin necrosis.Magnetic resonance imaging is not crucial in the preoperative period and can lead to delays of up to 24 h.Instead,open reduction should be performed once vascular compromise is excluded.

Understanding the medial ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow: Review of native ligament anatomy and function

The medial ulnar collateral ligament complex of the elbow, which is comprised of the anterior bundle [AB, more formally referred to as the medial ulnar collateral ligament(MUCL)], posterior(PB), and transverse ligament, is commonly injured in overhead throwing athletes. Attenuation or rupture of the ligament results in valgus instability with variable clinical presentations. The AB or MUCL is the strongest component of the ligamentous complex and the primary restraint to valgus stress. It is also composed of two separate bands(anterior and posterior) that provide reciprocal function with the anterior band tight in extension, and the posterior band tight in flexion. In individuals who fail co-mprehensive non-operative treatment, surgical repair or reconstruction of the MUCL is commonly required to restore elbow function and stability. A comprehensive understanding of the anatomy and biomechanical properties of the MUCL is imperative to optimize reconstructive efforts, and to enhance clinical and radiographic outcomes. Our understanding of the native anatomy and biomechanics of the MUCL has evolved over time. The precise locations of the origin and insertion footprint centers guide surgeons in proper graft placement with relation to bony anatomic landmarks. In recent studies, the ulnar insertion of the MUCL is described as larger than previously thought, with the center of the footprint at varying distances relative to the ulnar ridge, joint line, or sublime tubercle. The purpose of this review is to consolidate and summarize the existing literature regarding the native anatomy, biomechanical, and clinical significance of the entire medial ulnar collateral ligament complex, including the MUCL(AB), PB, and transverse ligament.

Stress changes of lateral collateral ligament at different knee flexion with or without displaced movements： a 3- dimensional finite element analysis

目的将创造膝系带并且到压力在不同的膝屈曲侧面的并行的系带(LCL ) 改变与或没有代替的运动的分析的有限元素模型调节的 3-dimensional。four-major-ligament 从一个成年人包含了膝标本的方法死于颅骨损害为与精确预先标记的可检测的系带插入脚印，地点和取向扫描的 CT 作好准备。扫描图象的 CT 与 3-dimensional 重建技术被变换成膝的一个 3-dimensional 模型并且由 ANSYS 的软件转变了成有限元素模型。模型用另外的科学家获得的试验性、数字的结果被验证。在五个不同的膝屈曲角度的 LCL

Biologic characteristics of fibroblast cells cultured from the knee ligaments

To culture fibroblast cells from th e knee ligaments and to study the biological characteristics of these cells. Methods: Cells of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the medial collateral ligament (MCL) from New Zealand white rabbit were cultured in vitro. Cellular growth and expression of the collagen were analyzed. Moreover, a n in vitro wound closure model was established and the healing of the ACL and th e MCL cells was compared. Results: Maximal growth for all these cells were obtained with Dulbeccos modified Eagles medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, b ut RPMI 1640 and Hams F12 media were not suitable to maintain these cells. Mor p hology of both ACL and MCL cells from New Zealand white rabbit was alike in vitr o, but the MCL cells grew faster than the ACL cells. Both cell types produced si milar amount of collagen in culture, but the ratio of collage type Ⅰ to type Ⅲ produced by ACL cells was higher than that produced by MCL cells. Wound closure assay showed that at 36 hours after injury, cell free zones created in the ACL cultures were occupied partially by the ACL cells; in contrast, the wounded zon e in the MCL cultures was almost completely covered by the cells.Conclusions: Although the ACL cells and the MCL cells from New Zealand white rabbit show similar appearance in morphology in culture, the cellu lar growth and the biochemical synthesis of collagen as well as the healing in v itro were significantly different. These differences in intrinsic properties of the two types of cells in vitro might contribute to the differential healing pot entials of these ligaments in vivo.

不同屈曲角度时内侧髌股韧带重建的有限元分析

背景:内侧髌股韧带重建是目前治疗髌骨外侧脱位最常用的方法,最终目的是将髌骨调整到正常的解剖位置,恢复髌骨轨迹,目前内侧髌股韧带重建的主要核心问题在于其股骨端固定点的选取上。目的:运用有限元方法分析膝关节不同屈曲角度时重建内侧髌股韧带对髌骨的限制作用,模拟不同股骨端固定点重建内侧髌股韧带对髌骨的限制作用,为内侧髌股韧带重建时股骨端固定点的选取提供帮助。方法:依据提取的膝关节CT与MRI数据建立包含骨骼及软组织的膝关节有限元模型,在模拟膝关节30°与60°屈曲角度时,选取不同的股骨端固定点构建内侧髌股韧带,比较不同点位时髌股关节间接触应力与接触面积,以及对髌骨横向约束力的大小。对不同屈曲角度时相同股骨端固定点所构建的内侧髌股韧带等长性进行验证,以研究各种内侧髌股韧带重建位置的效果。结果与结论:①建立了30°与60°屈曲角度时膝关节的三维有限元模型,构建了不同股骨端固定点的内侧髌股韧带,不同屈曲角度时相同股骨端位置构建的内侧髌股韧带具有可用的等长性;②对髌骨向外侧施加位移后,在横向方向上,不同股骨端固定点构建的内侧髌股韧带对髌骨产生了不同的横向约束力,在前端10 mm处时横向约束力最大,近端5 mm时横向约束力最小;而在纵向方向上,髌骨软骨上应力集中点位置与大小大致相同,且接触压力变化不大,但髌骨软骨与股骨软骨的接触面积相差较为明显,在前端10 mm时接触面积最大,近端5 mm时接触面积最小;③马鞍区中心点构建的内侧髌股韧带对髌骨的横向限制良好,而在纵向限制上不会对髌骨造成过度约束,可以达到对髌骨良好的限制作用。

膝关节镜辅助下内侧髌股韧带重建与开放性内侧支持带紧缩治疗青少年复发性髌骨脱位疗效及并发症分析

目的观察膝关节镜辅助下内侧髌股韧带(MPFL)重建与开放性内侧支持带紧缩治疗青少年复发性髌骨脱位疗效及分析并发症。方法回顾性分析2020年9月—2022年1月我院收治的复发性髌骨脱位的58例患者。根据治疗方式分为支持带紧缩组(n=31)和韧带重建组(n=27),支持带紧缩组行开放性内侧支持带紧缩术,韧带重建组行膝关节镜辅助下MPFL重建术。分析比较两组患者髌骨恐惧试验、影像学检查结果[髌骨移动度及髌骨外侧角、髌骨适合角、髌骨倾斜角]、疼痛情况[视觉疼痛评分(VAS)]及膝关节功能评分[Lysholm膝关节功能评分量表评分(LKSS)]、[Kujala髌股关节功能评分(KPS)]及并发症。结果治疗后,两组髌骨移动度及髌骨外侧角、髌骨适合角、髌骨倾斜角均有所降低,且韧带重建组均小于支持带紧缩组(P<0.05);术后末次随访,韧带重建组髌骨恐惧试验均为阴性,支持带紧缩组阳性率9.68%,两组阳性率比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);治疗后3 d,两组VAS评分均有所升高,但韧带重建组低于支持带紧缩组(P<0.05);治疗后,两组LKSS评分和KPS评分均有所增加,且韧带重建组评分均高于支持带紧缩组(P<0.05);治疗后,韧带重建组并发症发生率7.41%低于支持带紧缩组29.03%(P<0.05)。结论膝关节镜辅助下内侧MPFL韧带重建治疗青少年复发性髌骨脱位具有良好的治疗效果,能够促进膝关节功能恢复,降低术后疼痛度,减少并发症发生率。

内侧副韧带不同程度损伤时膝关节的应力变化

背景:膝关节内侧副韧带损伤易导致继发性的半月板及软骨损伤,长期慢性损害会引起骨关节炎的发生。目前,关于内侧副韧带断裂所致半月板及关节软骨损伤的力学研究较少。目的:探讨膝关节内侧副韧带不同程度损伤对膝关节半月板及软骨生物力学的影响。方法:选择一名健康志愿者行膝关节CT和MRI检查,获取其影像资料,将扫描数据依次导入Mimics、Geomagic及Solidworks软件,经配准融合后建立正常膝关节三维模型,并在此基础上模拟出膝关节内侧副韧带不同程度损伤的模型,共分为4组,包括:①内侧副韧带完整;②内侧副韧带深层断裂;③内侧副韧带浅层断裂;④内侧副韧带完全断裂。最后导入Ansys软件,对膝关节施加3种模式载荷:①股骨顶端施加10 N·m外翻力矩;②股骨顶端施加4 N·m内旋力矩;③股骨顶端施加4 N·m外旋力矩。分析4组模型在不同载荷下对膝关节生物力学的影响。结果与结论:①在膝关节伸直位,对膝关节施加10N·m外翻力矩时,内侧副韧带不同程度损伤后外侧半月板总体应力均增加,关节软骨应力变化不明显,并且当内侧副韧带浅层出现断裂后外侧半月板应力峰值明显增大;②在膝关节伸直位,对膝关节施加4 N·m内旋力矩时,内侧副韧带不同程度损伤后内外侧半月板总体应力均增加,当内侧副韧带浅层出现断裂时半月板应力峰值从内侧半月板前角转移至外侧半月板前角;③在膝关节伸直位,对膝关节施加4 N·m外旋力矩,内侧副韧带不同程度损伤后外侧半月板应力峰值较内侧半月板增加更明显,关节软骨应力变化较小;④结果表明,膝关节处于伸直状态下,膝关节内侧副韧带浅层断裂继发半月板损伤的风险远大于内侧副韧带深层断裂,而外侧半月板较内侧半月板更易受到损伤;内侧副韧带浅层和深层对膝关节的旋转稳定性均有重要作用。

Pie-crusting技术在膝关节内侧间室松解中的应用

先天发育因素及膝关节退变等原因常导致膝关节内侧间室狭窄。狭窄的内侧间室又增加了内侧半月板后角的损伤几率。当患者出现此处受损时选择关节镜手术切掉或缝合损伤的半月板后角是当下普遍认为疗效较好的治疗方式。但当进行内侧间室的手术操作时,常因为内侧间室狭窄导致视野受限及手术操作空间狭小,以至于在手术过程中难以对半月板进行手术操作甚至手术失败。国内外学者通过对膝关节解剖发现,可以对膝关节内侧的一系列韧带进行松解,扩大膝关节内侧间室,以达到关节镜下直视进行手术操作。这种松解操作既可以避免因视野丢失导致的误伤,又可以扩大间室方便手术器械的进入。这一类膝关节内侧韧带的松解技术被统称为Pie-crusting技术。借助该种技术可以便捷高效地进行膝关节内侧半月板的关节镜手术操作,节省手术时间,减少术中损伤的风险。因此许多国内外学者对这项技术感兴趣并深入研究。

体外冲击波疗法联合传统治疗在膝内侧副韧带陈旧性损伤中的应用

目的:比较体外冲击波疗法(extracorporeal shockwave therapy,ESWT)联合传统治疗和单纯传统治疗对膝内侧副韧带陈旧性损伤患者的效果。方法:回顾性分析2019年11月—2022年1月在珠海市第五人民医院治疗的85例膝内侧副韧带陈旧性损伤患者,根据治疗方案不同分组,其中对照组41例予以传统治疗,治疗组44例予以ESWT联合传统治疗。评估患者治疗前、治疗后和随访时的疼痛视觉模拟评分法(visual analog scale,VAS)评分、膝关节活动度、Lysholm膝关节评分和疗效。结果:在治疗后及随访时,两组患者在VAS评分、膝关节活动度、Lysholm膝关节评分方面均较治疗前有改善(P<0.05)。治疗组各项指标的改善效果明显优于对照组(P<0.05)。对照组临床治疗总有效率达46.34%,治疗组总有效率达95.45%,治疗组的总有效率显著高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:ESWT联合传统治疗能明显缓解膝内侧副韧带陈旧性损伤患者膝关节疼痛,改善膝关节功能,疗效优于单纯传统治疗。

膝关节内侧副韧带损伤的研究进展

膝关节内侧副韧带(MCL)是膝关节内侧的主要静态稳定器,为膝关节抵抗外翻、旋转力提供重要支撑。MCL在膝关节运动中最常受伤,损伤可导致膝关节内侧不稳定,严重者最终可能引起继发性骨关节炎,对患者预后产生不良影响。该文就MCL的解剖、功能、损伤分级、诊断和治疗方面进行综述,旨在为临床诊断和治疗MCL提供参考。

关节镜下松解深层内侧副韧带联合HTO治疗对膝内侧间室骨关节炎患者膝关节活动情况的影响研究

目的 分析关节镜下松解深层内侧副韧带联合胫骨高位截骨术(High Tibial Osteotomy, HTO)治疗对膝内侧间室骨关节炎患者膝关节活动情况的影响。方法 回顾性选取京山市人民医院于2021年5月—2023年5月收治的106例膝内侧间室骨关节炎患者的临床资料,依治疗方式不同分为研究组(关节镜下松解深层内侧副韧带联合胫骨高位截骨术)和对照组(关节镜下松解浅层内侧副韧带联合胫骨高位截骨术),各53例。对比两组临床疗效、膝关节功能评分及并发症发生情况。结果 研究组治疗总有效率高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。术后1、3个月,研究组膝关节功能评分为(62.66±1.32)分、(82.65±2.31)分,高于对照组的(59.76±2.13)分、(76.54±3.11)分,差异有统计学意义(t=8.425、11.482,P均<0.05)。两组并发症发生率对比,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 针对膝内侧间室骨关节炎患者,于HTO术中增加关节镜下松解深层内侧副韧带,可改善膝关节功能,疗效更佳。

自拟舒筋活血汤联合关节腔内注射玻璃酸钠、强化康复训练治疗膝关节内侧副韧带损伤的效果观察

目的:探讨自拟舒筋活血汤联合关节腔内注射玻璃酸钠、强化康复训练治疗膝关节内侧副韧带损伤的效果。方法:选取2016年6月—2019年6月首都医科大学北京安贞医院收治的72例膝关节内侧副韧带损伤患者作为研究对象,采用随机数字表法分为对照组与观察组,各36例。对照组实施关节腔内注射玻璃酸钠联合强化康复训练,观察组在对照组基础上给予自拟舒筋活血汤治疗。比较两组膝关节疼痛程度与膝关节功能。结果:治疗前,两组视觉模拟评分法(VAS)评分比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);治疗后3个月,两组VAS评分低于治疗前,且观察组低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗前,两组Lysholm膝关节功能评分比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);治疗后3个月,两组Lysholm膝关节功能评分高于治疗前,且观察组高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:自拟舒筋活血汤联合关节腔内注射玻璃酸钠、强化康复训练治疗膝关节内侧副韧带损伤的效果显著,可缓解患者疼痛,增强膝关节功能。