Optimizing pain management in elderly patients post-knee surgery:A novel collaborative strategy

Total knee replacement,a common surgery among the elderly primarily necessitated by osteoarthritis,replaces the damaged knee joint with an artificial one.Given the aging population and the increasing prevalence of such surgeries,the article highlights the critical need for effective postoperative care strategies.This editorial provides an overview of rehabilitation care for pain in elderly knee replacement patients,emphasizing the importance of a multimodal approach to postoperative recovery.Furthermore,the article advocates for a patient-centered,comprehensive rehabilitation regimen that enhances recovery and quality of life in elderly patients undergoing knee replacement surgery.

Mid-term outcomes of microfragmented adipose tissue plus arthroscopic surgery for knee osteoarthritis:A randomized,activecontrol,multicenter clinical trial

BACKGROUND Osteoarthritis(OA)is the most prevalent form of degenerative whole-joint disease.Before the final option of knee replacement,arthroscopic surgery was the most widely used joint-preserving surgical treatment.Emerging regenerative therapies,such as those involving platelet-rich plasma,mesenchymal stem cells,and microfragmented adipose tissue(MFAT),have been pushed to the forefront of treatment to prevent the progression of OA.Currently,MFAT has been successfully applied to treat different types of orthopedic diseases.AIM To assess the efficacy and safety of MFAT with arthroscopic surgery in patients with knee OA(KOA).METHODS A randomized,multicenter study was conducted between June 2017 and November 2022 in 10 hospitals in Zhejiang,China.Overall,302 patients diagnosed with KOA(Kellgren-Lawrence grades 2-3)were randomized to the MFAT group(n=151,were administered MFAT following arthroscopic surgery),or the control group(n=151,were administered hyaluronic acid following arthroscopic surgery).The study outcomes were changes in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC)score,the visual analog scale(VAS)score,the Lequesne index score,the Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score(WORMS),and safety over a 24-mo period from baseline.RESULTS The changes in the WOMAC score(including the three subscale scores),VAS pain score,and Lequesne index score at the 24-mo mark were significantly different in the MFAT and control groups,as well as when comparing values at the posttreatment visit and those at baseline(P<0.001).The MFAT group consistently demonstrated significant decreases in the WOMAC pain scores and VAS scores at all follow-ups compared to the control group(P<0.05).Furthermore,the WOMAC stiffness score,WOMAC function score,and Lequesne index score differed significantly between the groups at 12 and 24 mo(P<0.05).However,no signicant between-group differences were observed in the WORMS at 24 mo(P=0.367).No serious adverse events occurred in both groups.CONCLUSION The MFAT injection combined with arthroscopic surgery treatment group showed better mid-term clinical outcomes compared to the control group,suggesting its efficacy as a therapeutic approach for patients with KOA.

Progress in The Application of Nursing Care Based on ERAS Concept after Thoracolumbar Fracture Surgery

Thoracic spine fracture is a common orthopedic injury that is usually caused by external forces acting directly on or transmitted to the thoracic spine through other parts of the spine.Thoracic spine fractures can be divided into two types:stable and unstable.An unstable fracture means that the relationship between the vertebral bodies is no longer stable,which may cause serious consequences such as spinal compression,nerve root compression,or spinal cord injury.Surgical treatment is often needed for patients with unstable fractures,nerve root compression,or spinal cord injury to restore stability and function to the thoracic spine.The probability of complications after thoracolumbar fracture surgery is high,which affects the outcome of surgical treatment.To improve postoperative rehabilitation outcomes,this article analyzed the value of nursing care based on the enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS)concept for patients undergoing thoracolumbar fracture surgery.

Factors associated with subsequent surgery after septic arthritis of the knee in children

BACKGROUND Septic arthritis of the knee in children is a challenging problem.Surgical debridement is an established treatment,but there is a paucity of literature on long-term prognosis.AIM To determine the rates and factors associated with return to surgery(RTS)and readmission after index surgical debridement for septic arthritis of the knee in children.METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study that utilizes data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project(HCUP).We included patients between ages 0 to 18 years that underwent surgical debridement for septic arthritis of the knee between 2005 and 2017.Demographic data included age,gender,race,hospital type and insurance type.Clinical data including index admission length of stay(LOS)and Charlson Comorbidity Index(CCI)were available from the HCUP database.Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data and univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.RESULTS Nine-hundred thirty-two cases of pediatric septic knee were included.This cohort was 62.3%male,with mean age of 9.0(±6.1)years.Approximately 46%of patients were white and approximately half had Medicaid insurance.Thirty-six patients(3.6%)required RTS at a minimum of 2 year after index surgery,and 172 patients(18.5%)were readmitted at any point.The mean readmission LOS was 11.6(±11.3)d.Higher CCI was associated with RTS(P=0.041).There were no significant associations in age,gender,race,insurance type,or type of hospital to which patients presented.Multivariate analysis showed that both increased CCI(P=0.008)and shorter LOS(P=0.019)were predictive of RTS.CONCLUSION Septic arthritis of the knee is an important condition in children.The CCI was associated with RTS at a minimum of 2 years after index procedure.No association was found with age,gender,race,insurance type,or hospital type.Shorter LOS and CCI were associated with RTS in multivariate analysis.Overall,risk of subsequent surgery and readmission after pediatric septic knee arthritis is low,and CCI and shorter LOS are predictive of RTS.

TINAVI robot-assisted one-stage anteroposterior surgery in lateral position for severe thoracolumbar fracture dislocation:A case report

BACKGROUND The combined anterior/posterior approach appears to be capable of reconstructing spinal stability,correcting thoracolumbar deformity,and promoting neural recovery in severe thoracolumbar fracture dislocation.However,this type of operation requires changing the body position during the procedure,resulting in a lengthy operation time.As a universal surgical robot,TINAVI robot has achieved good surgical results in clinical surgery.But to our knowledge,no reports describing TINAVI robot-assisted single lateral position anteroposterior surgery for thoracolumbar fracture dislocation.CASE SUMMARY We describe a case of a 16-year-old female patient with severe thoracolumbar fracture and dislocation underwent surgery assisted by the TINAVI robot.A onestage combined anterior and posterior operation was performed on a severe thoracolumbar fracture dislocation using the TINAVI robot,and the operation was completed in right lateral position.CONCLUSION The TINAVI robot-assisted one-stage anterior and posterior surgery in right lateral position for severe thoracolumbar fracture and dislocation is both safe and effective.

Safety and outcomes of hip and knee replacement surgery in liver transplant recipients

BACKGROUND Liver transplant(LT)is becoming increasingly common with improved life expectancy.Joint replacement is usually a safe procedure;however,its safety in LT recipients remains understudied.AIM To evaluate the mortality,outcome,and 90-d readmission rate in LT patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgery.METHODS Patients with history of LT who underwent hip and knee replacement surgery between 2016 and 2019 were identified using the National Readmission Database.RESULTS A total of 5046119 hip and knee replacement surgeries were identified.3219 patients had prior LT.Mean age of patients with no history of LT was 67.51[95%confidence interval(CI):67.44-67.58],while it was 64.05(95%CI:63.55-64.54)in patients with LT.Patients with history of LT were more likely to have prolonged length of hospital stay(17.1%vs 8.4%,P<0.001).The mortality rate for patients with no history of LT was 0.22%,while it was 0.24%for patients with LT(P=0.792).Patients with history of LT were more likely to have re-admissions within 90 d of initial hospitalization:11.4%as compared to 6.2%in patients without history of LT(P<0.001).The mortality rate between both groups during readmission was not statistically different(1.9%vs 2%,P=0.871)respectively.CONCLUSION Hip and knee replacements in patients with history of LT are not associated with increased mortality;increased readmissions were more frequent in this cohort of patients.Chronic kidney disease and congestive heart failure appear to predict higher risk of readmission.

Total knee arthroplasty and fractures of the tibial plateau

Tibial plateau fractures are common injuries that occur in a bimodal age distribution. While there are various treatment options for displaced tibial plateau fractures, the standard of care is open reduction and internal fixation(ORIF). In physiologically young patients with higher demand and better bone quality, ORIF is the preferred method of treating these fractures. However, future total knee arthroplasty(TKA) is a consideration in these patients as post-traumatic osteoarthritis is a common long-term complication of tibial plateau fractures. In older, lower demand patients, ORIF is potentially less favorable for a variety of reasons, namely fixation failure and the need for delayed weight bearing. In some of these patients, TKA can be considered as primary mode of treatment. This paper will review the literature surrounding TKA as both primary treatment and as a salvage measure in patients with fractures of the tibial plateau. The outcomes, complications, techniques and surgical challenges are also discussed.

Three-dimensional(3D) Printing Technology Assisted by Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pubic Rami Fractures

The feasibility of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology cgmbined with minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of pubic rami fractures was explored.From August 2015 to October 2017,a series of 30 patients who underwent surgical stabilization of their anterior pelvic ring (all utilizing the 3D printing technology)by one surgeon at a single hospital were studied.The minimally invasive incisions were made through anterior inferior cilia spine and pubic nodule.Data collected included the operative duration,the blood loss,the damage of the important tissue,the biographic union and therecovery of the function after the operation.Measurements on inlet and outlet pelvic cardiograph were made immediately post-operation and at all follow-up clinic visits.The scores of reduction and function were measured during follow-up.Results showed that the wounds of 30 patients were healed in the first stage,and there was no injury of important structures such as blood vessels and nerves.According to the Matta criteria,excellent effectiveness was obtained in 22 cases and good in 8 cases.According to the functional evaluation criteria of Majeed,excellent effectiveness was obtained in 21 cases and good in 9 cases.It was suggested that the 3D printing technology assisted by minimally invasive surgery can better evaluate the pelvic fracture before operation,which was helpful in plate modeling, and can shorten surgery duration and reduce intraoperative blood loss and complications. The positioning accuracy was improved,and better surgical result was finally achieved.

Treatment of periprosthetic knee infection and coexistent periprosthetic fracture:A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Periprosthetic joint infection(PJI) and periprosthetic fracture(PPF) are among the most serious complications following total knee arthroplasty. Herein, we present one patient with these two complications with details on the characteristics, treatment strategy, and outcome.CASE SUMMARY A 69-year-old female patient who suffered from PJI and PPF following total knee arthroplasty was treated by a two-stage revision surgery. After thorough foreign material removal and debridement, we used a plate that was covered with antibiotic-loaded bone cement to link with a hand-made cement spacer to occupy the joint space and fix the fracture. Although the infection was cured, the fracture did not heal and caused bone defect due to the long interval between debridement and revision. In the revision surgery, a cemented stem and cortical allogenic splints were used to reconstruct the fracture and bone defect. At the final followup 27 mo after revision, the patient was satisfied with postoperative knee functions with satisfactory range of motion(104°) and Hospital for Special Surgery knee score(82 points). The radiographs showed no loosening of the prosthesis and that the bone grafts healed well with the femur.CONCLUSION Our two-stage revision surgery has proved to be successful and may be considered in other patients with PJI and PPF.

Developing an enhanced recovery after surgery program for oncology patients who undergo hip or knee reconstruction surgery

Enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS)protocols are applied in orthopedic surgery and are intended to reduce perioperative stress by implementing combined evidence-based practices with the cooperation of various health professionals as an interdisciplinary team.ERAS pathways include pre-operative patient counselling,regional anesthesia and analgesia techniques,post-operative pain management,early mobilization and early feeding.Studies have shown improvement in the recovery of patients who followed an ERAS program after hip or knee arthroplasty,compared with those who followed a traditional care approach.ERAS protocols reduce post-operative stress,contribute to rapid recovery,shorten length of stay(LOS)without increasing the complications or readmissions,improve patient satisfaction and decrease the hospital costs.We suggest that the ERAS pathway could reduce the LOS in hospital for patients undergoing total hip replacement or total knee replacement.These programs require good organization and handling by the multidisciplinary team.ERAS programs increase patient's satisfaction due to their active participation which they experience as personalized treatment.The aim of the study was to develop an ERAS protocol for oncology patients who undergo bone reconstruction surgeries using massive endoprosthesis,with a view to improving the surgical outcomes.

Knee locking caused by osteochondroma of the proximal tibia adjacent to the pes anserinus:A case report

BACKGROUND Osteochondroma is one of the most common benign bone tumors,and it may cause bone and joint deformities and limited range of motion of an adjacent joint.The pes anserinus region is one of the most frequent sites of osteochondroma,but knee locking caused by osteochondromas in the pes anserinus region is extremely rare.CASE SUMMARY We describe a 13-year-old Japanese girl’s extra-articular knee locking that occurred when the semitendinosus tendon got caught in osteochondroma that had developed in the pes anserinus region.The osteochondroma was surgically resected.The postoperative outcome has been excellent,with no recurrence of knee locking or tumor one-year post-surgery.CONCLUSION When a young person develops knee locking,the possibility of extra-articular as well as intra-articular locking should be considered.Osteochondroma,one of the causes of extra-articular locking,can be treated with surgery with good postoperative results.

Surgical Treatment of Olecranon Fractures Using a Medartis Screw-Locked H-Shaped Plate (Medartis Trilock Olecrane Plate) at the Moulins Yzeure Hospital Center (France)

Introduction: Olecranon fractures represent approximately 10% of upper limb fractures, orthopedic treatment is often doomed to failure and surgical treatment consists of fixing the fracture sites. Patients and Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 130 patients, 90 men and 40 women, aged on average 48.7 ± 11.9 years (30 to 65) treated between 2018 and 2020 in the Orthopedics and trauma department at the Moulins-Yzeure hospital center, for olecranon fracture using the Medartis H-locked plate. The study aimed to evaluate the results of this surgical method, particularly with regard to postoperative complications. Results: Among the 130 patients, there were 90 men and 40 women, with an average age of 48.7 ± 11.9 years (30 to 65). 50% of all patients were aged over 51 years. The plate used was standard, the same for the 130 patients with the same operating technique. The left side was more affected at 53.8%, the dominant side was less affected at 46%;the majority of patients had been temporarily immobilized with a posterior cast splint before surgery. The average time between trauma and operation was 9 days with a minimum time of 1 day and a maximum of 30 days. At a maximum follow-up of 2 years postoperatively, all patients reported satisfactory results with a return to their previous activities within 60 days after surgery. Conclusion: Medartis H-locked plate osteosynthesis is a reliable solution for the surgical treatment of olecranon fractures.

Therapeutic Strategies and Evolution in the Short Term: Fractures by Firearms in Civilian Practice about 35 Operated Lesions

Fracture by firearms is a surgical emergency. The aim of our study was to report our experience in the management of open fractures by firearms and monitoring with a decline of 6 months the lesions observed in peacetime. This retrospective study over 3 years (January 2007-November 2010), supplemented by a prospective (December 2010-November 2011) is based on an analysis of operative reports and clinical records of patients admitted to the Yaoundé Central Hospital. 29 cases were selected, including 35 lesions were observed. Our series consists of 27 men and 2 women, mean age 30 years. 40% of our patients were initially supported (debridement) before the 6th hour and 51.42% between the 6th and 24th hours. In terms of internal fixation, these figures were 66% between the 25th and 96th hours. The type of material was used as the external fixate (64.9%). Conversion processing by the establishment of an internal hardware, after 3 - 6 weeks and control NFS (numeration of blood count or blood count), VS (rate of sedimentation), CRP (C reactive protein). Unfortunately this has been possible only in two cases because of financial means. In 40% of cases, surgical outcome was simple, and complications to a type of osteomyelitis, shortening, suppuration in 42.7% of cases.

Time of surgery and surgeon level in supracondylar humerus fractures in pediatric patients:A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Supracondylar humerus fractures account for more than 60%of all elbow fractures and about 1/5 of all pediatric fractures.Unfortunately,these fractures can be associated with risk of complications including neurovascular injuries,malunions and limb deformities.Controversy exists regarding the effect of time of surgical intervention and/or level of surgeon performing the surgery on outcome of these fractures.AIM To determine whether time of surgical intervention and/or surgeon level influence the outcomes of surgically managed pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures.METHODS We retrospectively studied 155 pediatric patients presenting with a supracondylar humerus fracture in a level 1 trauma center from January 2006 to December 2019.The data extracted included demographic data,fracture characteristics,surgical data,and follow-up outcomes.The collected data was analyzed and P values of<0.05 were considered statistically significant.RESULTS Of the cohort,11%of patients had documented post-operative complications,of which the majority occurred in surgeries performed after day time working hours and in fractures requiring open reduction.While the lowest complication rate was found in surgeries performed by pediatric orthopaedic surgeons,this did not reach statistical significance.CONCLUSION In pediatric patients undergoing surgery for supracondylar fractures,we found a higher complication rate when surgeries were not performed during working hours.Surgeon level and training had no significant effect on the risk of post-operative complications.

Full-endoscopic spine surgery treatment of lumbar foraminal stenosis after osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures:A case report

BACKGROUND Few reports have described lumbar foraminal stenosis-induced radiculopathy after treatment by full-endoscopic spine surgery(FESS)combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP)in patients with vertebral compression fractures.We herein report such a case,including the patient’s treatment process and doctor’s surgical experience.CASE SUMMARY A 79-year-old man presented with symptoms of radiculopathy after sustaining L4 vertebral compression fractures.Imaging and physical examination revealed L4 vertebral compression fractures combined with L3/4 Lumbar foraminal stenosis(LFS).The patient’s symptoms were low back pain with pain in the lateral left leg.Although many reports have described radiculopathy induced by osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures,the use of FESS combined with PVP has rarely been reported.This case report indicates that the combination of FESS and PVP is a safe and effective approach for the treatment of LFS-induced radiculopathy after vertebral compression fractures.This minimally invasive technique has great potential to replace traditional lumbar fixation and decompression surgery.Thus,we suggest the continued accumulation of similar cases to discuss the wider application of FESS.CONCLUSION For patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture(OVCF)and LFS,PVP and FESS can be used to restore the vertebral height and reduce the pressure around the intervertebral foramen.Additionally,the combination of FESS and PVP can treat the pain or numbness of the low back and lower limbs and allow for recovery in a short time with excellent postoperative effects.In general,FESS is a good treatment for radiculopathy caused by foraminal stenosis after OVCF.

Machine learning applications for the prediction of extended length of stay in geriatric hip fracture patients

BACKGROUND Geriatric hip fractures are one of the most common fractures in elderly individuals,and prolonged hospital stays increase the risk of death and complications.Machine learning(ML)has become prevalent in clinical data processing and predictive models.This study aims to develop ML models for predicting extended length of stay(eLOS)among geriatric patients with hip fractures and to identify the associated risk factors.AIM To develop ML models for predicting the eLOS among geriatric patients with hip fractures,identify associated risk factors,and compare the performance of each model.METHODS A retrospective study was conducted at a single orthopaedic trauma centre,enrolling all patients who underwent hip fracture surgery between January 2018 and December 2022.The study collected various patient characteristics,encompassing demographic data,general health status,injury-related data,laboratory examinations,surgery-related data,and length of stay.Features that exhibited significant differences in univariate analysis were integrated into the ML model establishment and subsequently cross-verified.The study compared the performance of the ML models and determined the risk factors for eLOS.RESULTS The study included 763 patients,with 380 experiencing eLOS.Among the models,the decision tree,random forest,and extreme Gradient Boosting models demonstrated the most robust performance.Notably,the artificial neural network model also exhibited impressive results.After cross-validation,the support vector machine and logistic regression models demonstrated superior performance.Predictors for eLOS included delayed surgery,D-dimer level,American Society of Anaesthesiologists(ASA)classification,type of surgery,and sex.CONCLUSION ML proved to be highly accurate in predicting the eLOS for geriatric patients with hip fractures.The identified key risk factors were delayed surgery,D-dimer level,ASA classification,type of surgery,and sex.This valuable information can aid clinicians in allocating resources more efficiently to meet patient demand effectively.

Two surgical pathways for isolated hip fractures:A comparative study

BACKGROUND Hip fractures(HF)are common among the aging population,and surgery within 48 h is recommended.Patients can be hospitalized for surgery through different pathways,either trauma or medicine admitting services.AIM To compare management and outcomes among patients admitted through the trauma pathway(TP)vs medical pathway(MP).METHODS This Institutional Review Board-approved retrospective study included 2094 patients with proximal femur fractures(AO/Orthopedic Trauma Association Type 31)who underwent surgery at a level 1 trauma center between 2016-2021.There were 69 patients admitted through the TP and 2025 admitted through the MP.To ensure comparability between groups,66 of the 2025 MP patients were propensity matched to 66 TP patients by age,sex,HF type,HF surgery,and American Society of Anesthesiology score.The statistical analyses included multivariable analysis,group characteristics,and bivariate correlation comparisons with theχ^(2)test and t-test.RESULTS After propensity matching,the mean age in both groups was 75-years-old,62%of both groups were females,the main HF type was intertrochanteric(TP 52%vs MP 62%),open reduction internal fixation was the most common surgery(TP 68%vs MP 71%),and the mean American Society of Anesthesiology score was 2.8 for TP and 2.7 for MP.The majority of patients in TP and MP(71%vs 74%)were geriatric(≥65-years-old).Falls were the main mechanism of injury in both groups(77%vs 97%,P=0.001).There were no significant differences in pre-surgery anticoagulation use(49%vs 41%),admission day of the week,or insurance status.The incidence of comorbidities was equal(94%for both)with cardiac comorbidities being dominant in both groups(71%vs 73%).The number of preoperative consultations was similar for TP and MP,with the most common consultation being cardiology in both(44%and 36%).HF displacement occurred more among TP patients(76%vs 39%,P=0.000).Time to surgery was not statistically different(23 h in both),but length of surgery was significantly longer for TP(59 min vs 41 min,P=0.000).Intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were not statistically different(5 d vs 8 d and 6 d for both).There were no statistical differences in discharge disposition and mortality(3%vs 0%).CONCLUSION There were no differences in outcomes of surgeries between admission through TP vs MP.The focus should be on the patient’s health condition and on prompt surgical intervention.

Novel computer-assisted method for revision arthroplasty of the knee

AIM: To introduce the navigation system of software and instruments designed specifically for revision total knee arthroplasty(TKA).METHODS: We present an imageless navigation system for revision TKA,with optical point and tracker identification to assess kinematic and anatomical landmarks.The system automatically positions the cutting guides with a motorized cutting unit.The cutting unit is placed on the distal femur with a femoral clamp and acts as a rigid body and the base for all femoral cuts.The surgical technique for using the navigation system for revision TKA is based on the technique used in primary TKA.However,there are some important differences.The most notable are:(1) differences in estimation of the position of the primary implant relative to the bone and the mechanical axes;(2) the specific possibilities the revision navigation software offers in terms of optimal joint level positioning; and(3) the suggested "best fit" position,in which the clock position,stem position and offset,femoral component size,and mediolateral position of the femoral component are taken into account to find the optimal femoral component position.We assessed the surgical technique,and accompanying software procedural steps,of the system,identifying any advantages or disadvantages that they present.RESULTS: The system aims to visualize critical steps of the procedure and is intended as a tool to support the surgeon in surgical decision-making.Combining a computer-assisted cutting device with navigation makes it possible to carry out precise cuts without pinning.Furthermore,the femoral clamp provides a stable fixation mechanism for the motorized cutting unit.A stable clamp is paramount in the presence of periarticular bony defects.The system allows the position of the primary implant relative to the bone and mechanical axes to be estimated,at which point any malalignments can be corrected.It also offers an optimal joint level position for implantation,and suggests a "best fit" position,in which the clock position,stem position and offset,femoral component size,and mediolateral position of the femoral component are considered.The surgeon can therefore make decisions intraoperatively to maximise alignment and,hence,outcomes.Based on the intraoperative findings of joint stability,the surgeon can modify the preoperative plan and switch from a constrained condylar system to a hinged version,or vice versa.CONCLUSION: The system is flexible and easy to learn and allows improvements in workflow during TKA.

“Meniscal” scar as a landmark for the joint line in revision total knee replacement

AIM To determine whether tissue identified at the joint line was actually remnant "meniscal" scar tissue or not. METHODS Nine patients undergoing revision knee surgery following informed consent had meniscal scar tissue sent to the histology department for analyses. All revisions were performed where joint line had been raised or lowered at earlier surgery. Although preoperative radiographic evaluations suggested that the joint line had been altered, intraoperatively there was scar tissue at the level of the recreated joint line. This scar tissue has traditionally been described as meniscal scar, and to identify the origins of this tissue, samples were sent for histological analyses. The tissue samples were stored in formalin, and embedded and sectioned before undergoing histochemical staining. All samples underwent macroscopic and microscopic examination by a histopathologist who was blind to the study aims. The specific features that were examined included tissue organisation, surface and central composition, cellular distribution including histiocytes, nuclear ratio and vasculature. Atypical and malignant features, inflammation and degeneration were specifically looked for. A statistical review of the study was performed by a biomedical statistician.RESULTS The histological findings for the nine patients showingthe macroscopic and microscopic findings, and the conclusion are outlined in a Table. The histological analyses were reviewed to determine whether the tissue samples were likely to be meniscal scar tissue. The response was yes(2, 22%), no(6, 67%) and maybe(1,11%) based on the conclusions. The results were "yes"when on macroscopy, firm cream tissue was identified.In these two "yes" samples, microscopic analyses showed organised fibrous tissue with focal degenerative areas with laminated pattern associated with histiocytes peripherally but no inflammation. The "no" samples were assessed macroscopically and microscopically and were deemed to have appearances representing fibrous synovial tissue and features in keeping with degenerate scar tissue or connective tissue. One sample was indeterminate and microscopically contained fibrocollagenous tissue with synovial hyperplasia. It also contained some degenerate hyalinised tissue that may represent cartilage, but the appearances were not specific. CONCLUSION Based on our pilot study, we recommend reliance on a number of markers to identify the joint line as outlined above, and to exercise caution in using the "meniscal"scar.

Lateral femoral tunnel preparation and graft fixation for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction–A discussion

This article provides a discussion and commentary around the recent advances in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction(ACLR),with a focus on the aspects of lateral femoral tunnel preparation and graft fixation techniques.The paper explores and comments on a recently published review by Dai et al,titled"Research progress on preparation of lateral femoral tunnel and graft fixation in ACLR",while providing insight into its relevance within the field of ACLR,and recommendations for future research.