Analysis of Load Transmission in Intact and ACL-Deficient Knee Joints Under Drawer at Different Flexion Angles

Author(s):  
K. E. Moglo ◽  
A. Shirazi-Adl

Adequate understanding of functional biomechanics of human knee joints is critical in assessment and improvement of current prevention, evaluation and treatment procedures of the joint disorders and injuries. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) normal function, injury, diagnostic and replacement have remained controversial despite the very high incidence of ACL rupture and replacement as well as considerable research efforts reported in this field. Similar situation holds true with regard to the other components of the joint such as menisci. Our earlier model studies have demonstrated coupling between the ACL and medial meniscus at full extension under horizontal forces suggesting a greater mechanical importance for the medial meniscus following an ACL transection [1]. The current model study, as a continuation of our earlier works [1,2], aimed to investigate the detailed passive response of the fully unconstrained intact and ACL-deficient tibiofemoral joints under up to 100N posterior femoral force at different flexion angles varying from 0° to 90°.

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (11) ◽  
pp. 1128-1132
Author(s):  
Kun-Hui Chen ◽  
En-Rung Chiang ◽  
Hsin-Yi Wang ◽  
Hsiao-Li Ma

AbstractThe incidence of meniscal tear was reported to increase with the delay of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The tear may occur concurrently with the ACL injury or after the ACL injury. Few studies had focused on the patients whose meniscus is intact during ACL injury. We determined the correlation between timing of surgery and incidence of meniscal tears in ACL-deficient knees with initially intact meniscus. We retrospectively reviewed 387 patients who had undergone primary ACLR. Time of initial ACL injury, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination, and surgery was recorded. The MRI was reviewed by experienced radiologic and orthopaedic doctors. Intraoperative arthroscopic images were also obtained and reviewed. The type of tear noted during surgery was classified according to the modification of International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine classification of meniscal tears. Patients were divided into early (surgery within 12 months from injury) and late surgery group (surgery at more than 12 months from injury). There were 216 patients with intact medial meniscus and 257 patients with intact lateral meniscus on the postinjury MRI study. The incidence of medial meniscus tear (MMT) was significantly higher than lateral meniscus tear (LMT) during the ACLR (33.8 vs. 19.8%, p < 0.001). The incidence of MMT is higher in late group than in early group (53.7 vs. 29.1%, p = 0.004, odds ratio= 2.815). The incidence of LMT is mildly higher in late group but without statistics significance (23.8 vs. 18.6%, p = 0.364). In both MMT and LMT, the most common injury pattern observed was a longitudinal tear. The incidence of each type is not different between early and late group. For patients without concurrent meniscal injuries with the ACL tear, the incidence of MMT significantly increased if ACLR was performed more than 12 months after injury. The medial meniscus was more prone to injury than the lateral meniscus in chronic ACL-deficient knee. ACLR should be performed earlier to reduce the risk of meniscal tears for patients without initially concurrent meniscal tear.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 18-25
Author(s):  
Amit Joshi ◽  
Nagmani Singh ◽  
Bibek Basukala ◽  
Rohit Bista ◽  
Navin Tripathi ◽  
...  

Objectives: This prospective case–control study was conducted with primary aim to compare the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the detection of meniscal tear in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient and ACL-intact groups. The secondary aim was to identify if the sensitivity and accuracy differ if the MRI is older than 3 months from the time of surgery. Materials and Methods: There were 255 patients enrolled into this study out of which 207 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Among 207, 138 underwent surgery within 1 month of MRI, 30 had 1–3 months delay, and 39 cases underwent surgery more than 3 months after their MRI. Among 167 patients who underwent surgery within 3 months of MRI, 97 had ACL tear and 71 had intact ACL. Results: The overall sensitivity for lateral meniscus tear (68.2%) is significantly lower than the medial meniscus tear (92.9%). The sensitivity of MRI for medial meniscus tear in ACL-deficient knee is lower than ACL-intact knees (90% vs. 96.2%, P = 0.3). Similarly, the sensitivity is significantly lesser for lateral meniscus tear in ACL-deficient knee compared to ACL-intact knee (50% vs. 83.3%, P = 0.009). The sensitivity of MRI for both the lateral and medial meniscus tear decreased if the MRI performed 3 months before the surgery. Conclusion: Patients with ACL-deficient knee have to be counseled for intraoperative detection of lateral meniscus tear as the sensitivity of MRI for lateral meniscus tear in ACL-deficient group is low. Similarly, if the MRI is more than 3 months old from the time of surgery, we recommend to repeat the MRI as the sensitivity decreases significantly.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967121S0010
Author(s):  
Brett Heldt ◽  
Elsayed Attia ◽  
Raymond Guo ◽  
Indranil Kushare ◽  
Theodore Shybut

Background: Acute anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) rupture is associated with a significant incidence of concomitant meniscal and chondral injuries. However, to our knowledge, the incidence of these concomitant injuries in skeletally immature(SI) versus skeletally mature(SM) patients has not been directly compared. SI patients are a unique subset of ACL patients because surgical considerations are different, and subsequent re-tear rates are high. However, it is unclear if the rates and types of meniscal and chondral injuries differ. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare associated meniscal and chondral injury patterns between SI and SM patients under age 21, treated with ACL reconstruction for an acute ACL tear. We hypothesized that no significant differences would be seen. Methods: We performed a single-center retrospective review of primary ACL reconstructions performed from January 2012 to April 2020. Patients were stratified by skeletal maturity status based on a review of records and imaging. Demographic data was recorded, including age, sex, and BMI. Associated intra-articular meniscal injury, including laterality, location, configuration, and treatment were determined. Articular cartilage injury location, grade, and treatments were determined. Revision rates, non-ACL reoperation rates, and time to surgery were also compared between the two groups. Results: 785 SM and 208 SI patients met inclusion criteria. Mean BMI and mean age were significantly different between groups. Meniscal tear rates were significantly greater in SM versus SI patients in medial meniscus tears(P<.001), medial posterior horn tears(P=.001), medial longitudinal tears configuration(P=.007), lateral Radial configuration(P=.002), and lateral complex tears(P=.011). Medial repairs(P<.001) and lateral partial meniscectomies(P=.004) were more likely in the SM group. There was a significantly greater number of chondral injuries in the SM versus SI groups in the Lateral(p=.007) and medial compartments(P<.001). SM patients had a significantly increased number of outerbridge grade 1 and 2 in the Lateral(P<.001) and Medial Compartments(P=.013). ACL revisions(P=.019) and Non-ACL reoperations(P=.002) were significantly greater in the SI patients compared to SM. No other significant differences were noted. Conclusion: SM ACL injured patients have a significantly higher rate of medial meniscus tears and medial longitudinal configurations treated with repair, and a significantly higher rate of radial and/or complex lateral meniscus tears treated with partial meniscectomy compared to the SI group. We also found a significantly higher rate of both medial and lateral compartment chondral injuries, mainly grades 1 and 2, in SM compared to SI patients. Conversely, SI ACL reconstruction patients had higher revision and subsequent non-ACL surgery rates.


2021 ◽  
pp. 155633162199200
Author(s):  
Ravi Gupta ◽  
Anil Kapoor ◽  
Sourabh Khatri ◽  
Dinesh Sandal ◽  
Gladson David Masih

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)–deficient knee is seen in approximately 50% of affected patients. Possible causes include biochemical or biomechanical changes. Purpose: We sought to study the correlation between inflammatory cytokines and chondral damage in ACL-deficient knees. Methods: Seventy-six male patients who underwent ACL reconstruction were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Synovial fluid was aspirated before surgery and analyzed for levels of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1 (IL-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). At the time of ACL reconstruction, the severity of chondral damage was documented as described by the Outerbridge classification. Results: Patients with grade 2 or higher chondral damage were observed to have elevated IL-6 levels when compared to patients who had no chondral damage. Interleukin-6 levels had no correlation with the duration of injury. Conclusion: Elevated levels of IL-6 in synovial fluid were associated with chondral damage in ACL-deficient knees. Further study is warranted to determine whether inflammatory cytokines contribute to the development of OA of the knee after ACL injury.


2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (11) ◽  
pp. 1079-1083
Author(s):  
Courtney E. Gray ◽  
Chris Hummel ◽  
Todd Lazenby

Background:  A collegiate women's soccer player sustained an isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear and expressed a desire to continue her season without surgical intervention. Design:  Case report. Intervention(s):  Using the results of a randomized controlled trial and published clinical guidelines, the clinicians classified the patient as an ACL-deficient coper. The patient completed her soccer season without incident, consistent with the findings of the established clinical guidelines. However, 6 months later, she sustained a meniscal tear, which was not unexpected given that 22% of ACL-deficient copers in the randomized controlled trial incurred a meniscal tear within 24 months of ACL injury. Conclusion:  The external evidence was helpful in making informed clinical decisions regarding patient care.


2006 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
RK Kundra ◽  
JD Moorehead ◽  
N Barton-Hanson ◽  
SC Montgomery

INTRODUCTION The Lachman test is commonly performed as part of the routine assessment of patients with suspected anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency. A major drawback is its reliance on the clinician's subjective judgement of movement. The aim of this study was to quantify Lachman movement using a magnetic tracking device thereby providing a more accurate objective measure of movement. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ten patients aged 21–51 years were assessed as having unilateral ACL deficiency with conventional clinical tests. These patients were then re-assessed using a Polhemus Fastrak™ magnetic tracking device. RESULTS The mean anterior tibial displacement was 5.6 mm (SD = 2.5) for the normal knees and 10.2 mm (SD = 4.2) for the ACL-deficient knees. This gave an 82% increase in anterior tibial displacement for the ACL deficient knees. This was shown to be highly significant with P = 0.005. CONCLUSIONS The magnetic tracking system offers an objective quantification of displacements during the Lachman test. It is convenient, non-invasive and comfortable for the patient and is, therefore, ideally suited for use as an investigative tool.


2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 96-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Grant Sutter ◽  
Betty Liu ◽  
Gangadhar M. Utturkar ◽  
Margaret R. Widmyer ◽  
Charles E. Spritzer ◽  
...  

Background: Changes in knee kinematics after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury may alter loading of the cartilage and thus affect its homeostasis, potentially leading to the development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis. However, there are limited in vivo data to characterize local changes in cartilage thickness and strain in response to dynamic activity among patients with ACL deficiency. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to compare in vivo tibiofemoral cartilage thickness and cartilage strain resulting from dynamic activity between ACL-deficient and intact contralateral knees. It was hypothesized that ACL-deficient knees would show localized reductions in cartilage thickness and elevated cartilage strains. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Magnetic resonance images were obtained before and after single-legged hopping on injured and uninjured knees among 8 patients with unilateral ACL rupture. Three-dimensional models of the bones and articular surfaces were created from the pre- and postactivity scans. The pre- and postactivity models were registered to each other, and cartilage strain (defined as the normalized difference in cartilage thickness pre- and postactivity) was calculated in regions across the tibial plateau, femoral condyles, and femoral cartilage adjacent to the medial intercondylar notch. These measurements were compared between ACL-deficient and intact knees. Differences in cartilage thickness and strain between knees were tested with multiple analysis of variance models with alpha set at P < .05. Results: Compressive strain in the intercondylar notch was elevated in the ACL-deficient knee relative to the uninjured knee. Furthermore, cartilage in the intercondylar notch and adjacent medial tibia was significantly thinner before activity in the ACL-deficient knee versus the intact knee. In these 2 regions, thinning was significantly influenced by time since injury, with patients with more chronic ACL deficiency (>1 year since injury) experiencing greater thinning. Conclusion: Among patients with ACL deficiency, the medial femoral condyle adjacent to the intercondylar notch in the ACL-deficient knee exhibited elevated cartilage strain and loss of cartilage thickness, particularly with longer time from injury. It is hypothesized that these changes may be related to posttraumatic osteoarthritis development. Clinical Relevance: This study suggests that altered mechanical loading is related to localized cartilage thinning after ACL injury.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967120S0028
Author(s):  
Lindsay M. Schlichte ◽  
Peter D. Fabricant ◽  
Christine Goodbody ◽  
Daniel W. Green

Background: Pre- and post-operative standing hip to ankle radiography is critical for monitoring potential post-operative growth arrest and resultant length and angular deformities after pediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. During acquisition of pre-operative standing alignment radiographs, it is possible that patients are lacking full extension, not weight bearing comfortably, or leaning resulting in inaccurate measurements. Purpose: This study aims to assess both pre- and post-operative radiographic measurements to assess if the standing pre-operative x-ray is a accurate and reliable source for baseline measurements. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected pre-operative and first post-operative full-length hip-to-ankle radiographs in a cohort of skeletally immature athletes who presented with an acute ACL injury and underwent subsequent surgical reconstruction. Initially, leg length discrepancy for 25 patients was measured by 3 orthopedic surgeons (top of femoral head to center of tibial plafond). The intraclass correlation was almost perfect (ICC (2,1) = .996) therefore, 1 surgeon measured the remaining 94 radiographs. Measurements for both the injured and uninjured legs were obtained for comparison and surgeons were blinded to the injured side. Results: A total of 119 pediatric patients (mean age 13.4, range 7-14 years) were included (83 males and 36 females). Patient were categorized as either having ≥5mm, ≥10mm, or ≥15mm LLD on pre-operative standing x-ray. Sixty-two patients (52%) were found to have a pre-operative LLD ≥ 5mm. Forty-one (66%) of these patients tore their ACL on the limb measuring shorter. At 6 month post-operative standing x-ray, 35 patients (56%) resolved to ≤5mm LLD. Eighteen patients had a pre-operative LLD of ≥ 10mm. At 6 month post-operative standing x-ray, 13 (72%) patients resolved to ≤5mm LLD. Five patients had a pre-operative LLD of ≥ 15mm. At 6 month post-operative standing x-ray, 4 (80%) resolved ≤5mm. All patients with a pre-operative LLD of ≥ 13mm had sustained an ACL injury on the limb measuring shorter Conclusion: Of the pediatric ACL patients initially presenting with a pre-operative LLD of ≥ 10mm, 72% demonstrated apparent correction of their LLD on their 6 month standing x-ray. This high rate of LLD pre-operatively but not post operatively calls into question the accuracy of pre-operative standing alignment radiographs for patients after an ACL tear. Surgeons and radiology technicians should be aware of injured patients potentially lacking full extension, leaning, or not weight bearing comfortably, and should consider delaying preoperative radiographic length and alignment analysis until after the patient is able to fully straighten the injured knee and weight bear comfortably.


2002 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 537-540 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon L. Hame ◽  
Daniel A. Oakes ◽  
Keith L. Markolf

Background The anterior cruciate ligament has been shown to be particularly susceptible to injury during alpine skiing. Tibial torque is an important injury mechanism, especially when applied to a fully extended or fully flexed knee. Purpose We wanted to record the forces generated in the anterior cruciate ligament with application of tibial torque to cadaveric knees in different positions. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Thirty-seven fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were instrumented with a tibial load cell that measured resultant force in the anterior cruciate ligament while internal and external tibial torques were applied to the tibia at full extension, 90° of flexion, full flexion, and forced hyperflexion. Results At each knee flexion position, mean force generated by 10 N·m of internal tibial torque was significantly higher than the mean generated by 10 N·m of external tibial torque. Mean forces generated by tibial torque at 90° of flexion were relatively low. During flexion-extension without tibial torque applied mean forces were highest (193 N) when the knee was hyperflexed. Conclusions Application of internal tibial torque to a fully extended or fully flexed knee represents the most dangerous loading condition for injury from twisting falls during skiing. Clinical Relevance Understanding of the mechanisms of falls can be used to design better equipment and to better prevent or treat injury.


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sang-Gyun Kim ◽  
Soo-Hyun Kim ◽  
Jung-Heum Baek ◽  
Jae-Gyoon Kim ◽  
Ki-Mo Jang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) group recently reported that medial meniscus (MM) repairs are associated with more frequent re-operations when compared to lateral meniscus (LM) repairs. The purpose of this study was to compare the meniscal healing and the incidence of subsequent re-operation of medial and lateral meniscal tears that occurred concurrently with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent second-look arthroscopy after primary ACL reconstruction (ACLR) between June 2005 to December 2016. The healing of meniscal tears following repair or left in situ, and re-tear following partial meniscectomy, were evaluated via second-look arthroscopy and compared between medial and lateral meniscus. Moreover, the incidence of subsequent meniscal re-operation after the index ACLR were investigated and compared between medial and lateral meniscus. Subsequent meniscal re-operation was performed in cases of the following three symptomatic meniscus tears: re-tears at the meniscectomy site; new tears; and failed healing of repaired or left in situ meniscus. Results There were 148 meniscal tears in 121 patients at index ACLR. There were 62 MM tears, 38 LM tears, and 24 bilateral meniscus tears. At second-look arthroscopy, the “successful healing” rate for tears following repair was higher in LM tears (91.2%) compared to MM tears (80.0%), although it was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the healing of left in situ tears or re-tear of meniscectomy site between medial and lateral meniscus. Patients with MM tears combined with ACL injuries had a higher incidence of subsequent meniscal re-operation compared to patients with LM tears (25.6% vs 16.1%, p = 0.025). Conclusions There was a trend for the successful healing rate to be higher in LM repairs than MM repairs. Subsequent meniscal re-operations after ACLR were more frequent in patients with medial meniscal tears concurrently with ACL injuries in comparison to patients with lateral meniscal tears. Level of study Level IV, retrospective case series.


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