Correlation of Hamstring Tendon Size in Pre-Operative MRI Measurement with Intra-Operative Graft Size in Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction

Background: The size of Hamstring autograft of less than 8.0 mm in ACL re-construction is one of the key factors that may contribute to the failure of the graft. In this study, we are going to assess the correlation of pre-operative MRI measurement of Hamstring tendons with the intra-operative ACL graft. Thus, it may help surgeons to anticipate the needs for graft augmentation should the final graft size be smaller than expected. Methods: We retrospectively re-viewed 41 cases of ACL reconstructions in which MRI were done pre-operatively, in Hospital Pakar Sultanah Fatimah (HPSF), Muar between January 2019 until December 2022. MRI measurements of Hamstring tendon (semitendinosus: ST, and gracilis) were done by a radiologist, and the in-tra-operative notes were reviewed for the final graft size. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship between graft size and tendon cross-sectional area. The intraclass correlation (ICC) by using two-way mixed model with type consistency, the reliability based on average measure was 0.41 (95% CI: ?0.10, 0.69). A p-value < 0.05 was considered sig-nificant. Results: Of 105 patients with primary ACL reconstruction done be-tween January 2019 to December 2022, only 41 patients were included in this study. There was fair correlation (p = 0.048) between pre-operative MRI measurement and the graft diameter intra-operatively. The mean of 17.0 mm of combined diameter of ST and gracilis tendon in MRI may results in graft diameter of 8.3 mm. There was also positive correlation between patients’ height and the intra-operative graft size. Conclusion: These results showed good correlation between pre-operative MRI measurement of Hamstring ten-don size with the intra-operative graft size, hence it is a reliable tool to predict the Hamstring autograft size in ACL reconstruction.

Arthroscopic Reconstruction of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament with a Ligament-advanced Reinforcement System and Hamstring Tendon Autograft:A Retrospective Study

Objective:Both ligament-advanced reinforcement system(LARS)and hamstring tendon autograft can serve as grafts for posterior cruciate ligament(PCL)reconstruction.However,few studies have compared the effectiveness of these two approaches.This study therefore aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of arthroscopic reconstruction of the PCL using either the LARS or hamstring tendon autograft.Methods:A total of 36 patients who underwent PCL reconstruction were retrospectively analyzed.Within this cohort,15 patients received a reconstruction using the LARS(LARS group)and 21 using the hamstring tendon autograft(HT group).Results:The pre-and post-operative subjective scores and knee stability were evaluated and the patients were followed up for a period of 2 to 10.5 years(4.11±2.0 years on average).The last follow-up showed that functional scores and knee stability were significantly improved in both groups(P<0.05).Six months after operation,Lysholm scores and IKDC subjective scores were higher in the LARS group than in the HT group(P<0.05).Nonetheless,the last follow-up showed no significant differences in the functional scores or the posterior drawer test between the two groups(P>0.05).In the LARS and HT groups,12 and 9 patients,respectively exhibited KT1000 values<3 mm,with the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).In the HT group,the diameter of the four-strand hamstring tendon was positively correlated with height(P<0.05),which was 7.37±0.52 mm in males and 6.50±0.77 mm in females(P<0.05).Conclusion:Both LARS and hamstring tendon approaches achieved good efficacy for PCL reconstruction,but patients in the LARS group exhibited faster functional recovery and better knee stability in the long term.LARS is especially suitable for those who hope to resume activities as early as possible.

Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Using Hamstring Tendon Graft With Different Methods:a Biomechanical Study

Objective To measure the tensile strength of the normal medial patellofemoral ligament(MPFL),and evaluate the biomechanics of different fixation methods of the hamstring tendon graft on the patella.Methods Eight fresh cadaver knees were prepared by isolating the patella,leaving only the MPFL as its attachment to the medial condyle of femur.The MPFL was reconstructed by three different methods:four-suture fixation,anchors-single suture fixation,and anchors-double suture fixation.The tensile strength and the elongation of the normal MPFL and the tendon grafts were measured.Results The tensile strength of the four-suture fixation group(234.86±49.02 N)was stronger than that of the normal MPFL(146.91±25.30 N,P=0.0014)and the anchors-single suture group(159.17±49.07N,P=0.0077),while weaker than that of the anchors-double suture group(314.74±78.46 N,P=0.0052)Conclusions With regard to the tensile strength,the four-suture fixation method is reliable for clinical use.Compared with the anchor-suture method,the four-suture fixation method which has no specific implants is more economical,convenient and efficient.

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.

Comparative study of the clinical efficacy of all-inside and traditional techniques in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

BACKGROUND Many studies have focused on the femoral tunnel technique and fixation method,but few studies have involved the tibial tunnel technique and fixation method.The all-inside technique is one of the new techniques that has been described in recent years.All-inside anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)reconstruction is based on a tibial socket instead of a full tunnel.This method has many potential advantages.AIM To compare clinical outcomes of knee ACL autograft reconstruction using allinside quadrupled semitendinosus(AIST)and traditional hamstring tendon(TBT)techniques.METHODS From January 2017 to October 2019,the clinical data of 80 patients with ACL reconstruction were retrospectively analyzed,including 67 males and 13 females.The patients had an average age of 24.3±3.1 years(age range:18-33 years).The AIST technique was used in 42 patients and the TBT technique was used in 38 patients.The time between operation and injury,operative duration,postoperative visual analogue scale(VAS)score and knee functional recovery were recorded and compared between the two groups.The International Knee Documentation Committee(IKDC)and Lysholm scoring system were used to comprehensively evaluate clinical efficacy.RESULTS Eighty patients were followed for 24-36 mo,with an average follow-up duration of 27.5±1.8 mo.There were no significant differences in the time between surgery and injury,operative duration,IKDC and Lysholm scores of the affected knee at the last follow-up evaluation between the two groups.There were significant differences in VAS scores 1 d,3 d,7 d,2 wk and 1 mo after surgery(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in VAS score at 3 mo,6 mo and 1 year after operation.CONCLUSION The efficacy of the AIST ACL reconstruction technique was comparable to the TBT technique,but the postoperative pain was less with the AIST technique.Thus,the AIST technique is an ideal treatment choice for ACL reconstruction.

Does age, time since injury and meniscal injury affect short term functional outcomes in arthroscopic single bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction？

Purpose： We conducted this study to correlate the short term clinical outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament （ACL） reconstruction with patients＇ age, time since injury and associated meniscal injury. Methods： A total of 43 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction between October 2013 and February 2015 were taken for the study. Preoperative demographic data, clinical scores （Lysholm, IKDC） were recorded for each patient. Time since injury and associated meniscal injuries were recorded. Then a standardized surgical technique was used for each graft type. They were followed up for 6 months and the Lysholm and IKDC scores were evaluated. Results： Only 33 patients completed 6 months follow-up at the end of this study. Twenty-four patients （72.7%） were in the age group of 18-30 years. Nine patients belonged to age group 30-50 years （27.3%）. The p value for differences in Lysholm scores between the two age groups was not significant （0.339）. The p value for differences in IKDC scores between the two age groups was not significant either （0.138）. The mean Lysholm scores were 93.86 ± 3.024 for the group who presented 〈6 months post-injury, 92 ± 5.494 for the group who presented between 6 months and 1 year and 94.64±3.104 for the group who pre- sented after 1 year; whereas the mean IKDC scores were 92.43 ± 0.793, 90.64 ± 6.598 and 90.89 ± 2.113 respectively. The correlation of outcomes with meniscal injury had no statistical significance. Conclusion： Based on our study, we conclude that age, time since injury and associated meniscal injury does not affect short term functional outcome in ACL reconstruction.