Lateral Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction With a Hamstring Allograft

Background: Medial patellar instability is rare but may occur after lateral retinacular release. The lateral patellofemoral ligament is a significant stabilizer for medial and lateral patellar displacement, and soft tissue–based reconstruction may restore its stabilizing effect. Indications: Lateral patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (LPFLR) is indicated for patellar instability failing exhaustive nonoperative measures. Technique Description: Diagnostic arthroscopy for medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) status, patellar tracking, chondral status, and postoperative changes of lateral retinacular release is conducted. A 5-cm incision is made between the midpoint of the patella and the lateral epicondyle, or a single midline incision can be used if performing a concomitant MPFL reconstruction. Dissection is carried down to the lateral retinaculum and capsule, and two 1-cm incisions are made at the distal and proximal patella through the patellar and quadriceps tendon, respectively. The lateral epicondyle is then directly palpated, and two 1-cm incisions are made directly anterior and posterior to the epicondyle into the iliotibial band in full extension. A hamstring allograft is then shuttled in a V-shaped configuration from the quadriceps tendon through the iliotibial band and finally to the patellar tendon. Excess graft is trimmed and doubled over proximally and distally to replicate the normal (or contralateral) 0° to 15° of patellar eversion. Trial resting length and tension is set with temporary sutures through the proximal and distal doubled graft in full extension. The knee is taken through full range of motion to ensure there is no graft tightening in flexion or loosening in full extension. Eversion and patellar translation are then examined. Heavy nonabsorbable sutures are used to set length of the doubled allograft proximally and distally. Results: Case series of LPFLR have demonstrated significant improvements in patients’ pain, Lysholm score and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and kinesiophobia with no instability events and normal range of motion at short-term follow-up. Discussion/Conclusion: Medial patellar instability can occur following lateral retinacular release and patients experiencing instability despite nonoperative treatment are likely to benefit from a soft tissue–based LPFLR. Although other nongraft-based techniques may confer similar outcomes, the authors find it more reliable to perform a lateral reconstruction as described.

Arthroscopic Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Insertion Reconstruction and Plication for Medial Patellar Retinaculum Using Suture Anchor in First Acute Patellar Dislocation

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of arthroscopic medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) insertion reconstruction and plication for medial patellar retinaculum using suture anchor combined with lateral retinacular release in first acute patellar dislocation (APD) with MPFL insertion injury in adolescents.Methods: A prospective study was performed between January 2016 and July 2019. The series included 61 cases of adolescent patients with first APD. There were 7 males and 54 females with an average age of 15.5 years (10 to 22). All cases were treated with arthroscopic suture anchor plication for medial patellar retinaculum combined with lateral retinacular release. Congruence angle (CA), lateral patellar angle (LPA), and patellar tilt angle (PTA) are measured by CT scan between last follow-up and preoperative. In addition, the patients were evaluated with the Lysholm and Kujala scores.Results: The average follow-up time was 40.9 months (24-60 months). All 61 knees showed excellent or good results postoperatively. The Lysholm score increased significantly from 58.6±8.1 to 91.9±5.0 at the last follow-up postoperatively (P<0.001 ). The Kujala scores increased significantly from 60.4±7.3 to 88.9±4.8 at the last follow-up postoperatively (P < 0.001). CA in 0° extension position was improved significantly from 19.8±2.1° preoperatively to -6.7±1.7° at the last follow-up (P<0.001), LPA was increased from -7.4±2.2° to 5.7±1.8° (P<0.001), and PTA was increased from 23.8±2.9° to 12.3 ±2.3° (P<0.001). The postoperative mean Lysholm and Kujala scores were 91.9 (81–100) and 88.9 (79–100), respectively.Conclusions: When the first APD occurs associated with the MPFL avulsed from the patella, the presented technique could not only reattach MPFL at the patellar border but also strengthen the medial patellar retinaculum. This anatomical repair technique can significantly improve the stability of the patella and has the advantage of being less invasive by the full-arthroscopic approach.

Patellar management during total knee arthroplasty: a review

The optimal management of the patella during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains controversial and surgeons tend to approach the patella with one of three general mindsets: always resurface the patella, never resurface the patella, or selectively resurface the patella based on specific patient or patellar criteria. Studies comparing resurfacing and non-resurfacing of the patella during TKA have reported inconsistent and contradictory findings. When resurfacing the patella is chosen, there are a number of available patellar component designs, materials, and techniques for cutting and fixation. When patellar non-resurfacing is chosen, several alternatives are available, including patellar denervation, lateral retinacular release, and patelloplasty. Surgeons may choose to perform any of these alone, or together in some combination. Prospective randomized studies are needed to better understand which patellar management techniques contribute to superior postoperative outcomes. Until then, this remains a controversial topic, and options for patellar management will need to be weighed on an individual basis per patient. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:861-871. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200156

Trends in Lateral Retinacular Release from 2010 to 2017

Historically, lateral retinacular release (LRR) procedures have been utilized in the treatment of a variety of patellofemoral disorders, including lateral patellar instability. However, in the past decade, there has been an increasing awareness of the importance of the lateral stabilizers in patellar stability, as well as the complications of LRR, such as recurrent medial patellar instability. The purpose of this study was to investigate current trends in LRR procedures from 2010 through 2017 using a large national database. The American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was queried for arthroscopic LRR procedures (the Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] code, 29873) from 2010 to 2017. The number and incidence of lateral release procedures, both isolated and nonisolated, were analyzed and separated into cohorts for analysis. Age and gender of the LRR cohort was investigated and compared with all other orthopaedic procedures during the same time period in the NSQIP database. In addition, concomitant procedures and associated International Classification of Disease-9th Revision (ICD-9) and ICD-10th Revision (ICD-10) codes were analyzed over time and between LRR groups. From 2010 to 2017, 3,117 arthroscopic LRRs were performed. The incidence for LRR was 481.9 per 100,000 orthopaedic surgeries in 2010 and significantly decreased to 186.9 per 100,000 orthopaedic surgeries in 2017 (p < 0.01). LRR was more commonly performed in females (66%) and 58% of patients were under 44 years of age. In addition, LRR was most commonly performed with a concomitant meniscectomy (36%), synovectomy (19%), or microfracture (13%), and for a diagnosis of pain (22%). The overall incidence of LRR procedures significantly decreased from 2010 to 2017. LRRs were more commonly performed in younger, female patients for a diagnosis of pain with the most common concomitant procedure being meniscectomy, synovectomy, or microfracture.

Outcome of Midvastus versus Subvastus Approach in Single Stage Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

Objective: To compare midvastus and subvastus approach regarding operative parameters(lateral retinacular release, operative time, neurovascular injury) and outcome (Knee Society Score, Straight Leg Raise) at 12 weeks in single stage bilateral total knee arthroplasty. Study Design: Randomized clinical trial study Place and Duration of Study: Institute of Orthopaedic Surgery and South City Hospital Karachi from 1st January 2016 to 31st December 2018. Methodology: Fifty two patients of both genders ofmore than 50 years with osteoarthritis grade III or IV and bony changes confirmed by AP and lateral radiographs of knee were included. Patients with previous knee surgeries including high tibial osteotomy, deformities >20°(on mechanical axis), any neuromuscular problem and BMI ≥30 were excluded. Final assessment was done at 12 weeks. Isometric quadriceps strength was assessed by holding of contraction in seconds during the lifting (10cm above the plinth) phase of SLR (patient lying supine).Knee score (preoperative and final follow-up) was performed by Knee Society Score. Results: Thirty five were females and 21 males with mean age 65.3 years (50-78 years). Mean body mass index was 27.8 Kg/m2 (26.4-29.9). In midvastus TKR, the mean operative time was 61.7 minutes (range 52-70) whereas the same was 68.3 minutes (range 58-74) in subvastus TKR with p value 0.002. Rate of lateral retinacular release (LLR) was significantly (p=0.011) different between the midvastus TKR 5 (8.9%) and subvastus TKR 11 (19.6%). Neither group had neurovascular injury or early infection of the knee. Active SLR in subvastus group was achieved in shorter time (mean 3.1 days) as compared to midvastus group (mean 4.7 days). There was no difference (p=0.173) in isometric quadriceps strength at 12 weeks between subvastus TKR (mean 18 seconds) and midvastus TKR (mean 17 seconds). Knee society pain and functional scores were comparable between the two approaches at final follow up. Conclusion: Subvastus exposure has advantage of achieving active straight leg raise earlier while midvastus has lower frequency of lateral retinacular release. No difference in hospital stay and postoperative pain scores. Both subvastus and midvastus approaches are safe and offer comparable Knee Society Score outcomes. Keywords: Midvastus, Subvastus, Total knee arthroplasty, Knee Society Score, Straight leg raise

Isolated Arthroscopic Lateral Retinacular Release for Lateral Patellar Compression Syndrome

Introduction: Evidence concerning the role of isolated lateral retinacular release (LRR) for lateral patellar compression syndrome (LPCS) dates back at least three decades. Appropriate indications, execution and outcomes still remain unclear and controversial. The present investigation analyzed the midterm result of isolated and arthroscopic LRR for LPCS in a cohort of patients who underwent such procedure at our institution. Material and methods: Patients undergoing isolated arthroscopic LRR for LPCS were identified retrospectively from our electronic database. All procedures were performed by two experienced surgeons. Patients with bony and/or soft tissues abnormalities, patellofemoral instability, moderate to severe chondral damage were not included. Patients with previous surgeries were not included, as were those who underwent combined interventions. Clinical scores and complications were recorded. Results: 31 patients were recruited in the present investigation. The mean follow-up was 86.0 ± 22.8 months. The mean age of the patients at the index operation was 34.2 ± 13.1 years. A total 55% (17 of 31) were women, and 58% (18 of 31) had involved the right knee. The mean hospitalization length was 3.5 ± 1.4 days. At a mean follow-up of 86.0 ± 22.8 months, the numeric rating scale (NRS) was 1.2 ± 0.8, the Kujala score was 91.3 ± 11.3, the Lysholm score was 93.1 ± 15.0, and the Tegner score was 5.0 ± 1.8. At the latest follow-up, 9 of 31 (29.0%) of patients experienced compilations. One patient (3.2%) had a post-operative hemarthrosis which was managed conservatively. Six patients (19.4%) reported a persistent sensation of instability, without signs of patellar dislocation or subluxation. One patient underwent an arthroscopic meniscectomy, and another patient an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Conclusion: isolated arthroscopic lateral retinacular release for lateral patellar compression syndrome is feasible and effective, achieving satisfying results at more than seven years following the procedure.

Arthroscopic lateral retinacular release improves patello-femoral and femoro-tibial kinematics in patients with isolated lateral retinacular tightness

Purpose Arthroscopic lateral retinacular release (LRR) has long been considered the gold standard for the treatment for anterior knee pain caused by lateral retinacular tightness (LRT). However, one-third of patients experience continuous pain postoperatively, which is thought to be related to persistent maltracking of the patella and altered femoro-tibial kinematics. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to simultaneously assess femoro-tibial and patello-femoral kinematics and identify the influence of arthroscopic LRR. Methods Sixteen healthy volunteers and 12 patients with unilateral, isolated LRT were prospectively included. Open MRI scans with and without isometric quadriceps contraction were performed in 0°, 30° and 90° of knee flexion preoperatively and at 12 months after surgery. Patellar shift, tilt angle, patello-femoral contact area and magnitude of femoro-tibial rotation were calculated by digital image processing. Results Postoperatively, patellar shift was significantly reduced at 90° of knee flexion compared to preoperative values. The postoperative patellar tilt angle was found to be significantly smaller at 30° of knee flexion compared to that preoperatively. Isometric muscle contractions did not considerably influence patellar shift or tilt in either group. The patello-femoral contact area increased after LRR over the full range of motion (ROM), with significant changes at 0° and 90°. Regarding femoro-tibial kinematics, significantly increased femoral internal rotation at 0° was observed in the patient group preoperatively, whereas the magnitude of rotation at 90° of knee flexion was comparable to that of healthy individuals. The pathologically increased femoral internal rotation at 30° without muscular activity could be significantly decreased by LRR. With isometric quadriceps contraction no considerable improvement of femoral internal rotation could be achieved by LRR at 30° of knee flexion. Conclusions Patello-femoral and femoro-tibial joint kinematics could be improved, making LRR a viable surgical option in carefully selected patients with isolated LRT. However, pathologically increased femoral internal rotation during early knee flexion remained unaffected by LRR and thus potentially accounts for persistent pain. Level of evidence II.

Comparison between Single- and Multi-Radius Prostheses Used in Modified Kinematically Aligned Cruciate-Retaining Total Knee Arthroplasty

Kinematically aligned total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has gained interest for achieving more favorable clinical outcomes than mechanically aligned TKA. The present study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of kinematically aligned TKAs using single-radius (SR) or multi-radius (MR) prostheses. Sixty modified kinematically aligned cruciate-retaining TKAs (30 SR and 30 MR type prostheses) were performed in patients with varus-type osteoarthritis using a navigation system. Intraoperative and postoperative patellar tracking were compared between the two groups. Trochlea shape was also compared between the prostheses and preoperative native anatomy using three-dimensional simulation software. Total 2 years postoperatively, the range of motion and 2011 Knee Society Scores (KSS) were compared between the two groups. There were no differences in patellar maltracking including patellar lateral shift and tilt between the two groups; however, the ratio of intraoperative lateral retinacular release for adjusting patellar tracking was significantly higher in the MR group than in the SR group. Lateral and medial facet heights in both prostheses were understuffed compared with native knee anatomy, while the deepest point of the trochlear groove was significantly more medial in the MR group. The postoperative clinical outcomes showed no significant differences between the two groups. In conclusion, modified kinematically aligned TKAs using a SR or MR prosthesis showed no significant differences in clinical outcomes or patellar tracking when appropriate lateral retinacular release was performed.

Lateral retinacular release combined with MPFL reconstruction for patellofemoral instability: a systematic review

Introduction The role of the lateral retinaculum in patellofemoral instability is still debated. Lateral retinacular release (LRR), has been extensively performed in combination with different surgical procedures, including reconstruction of medio-patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). Despite controversial indications, the results from these studies seem promising. The present study conducts a systematic review about current biomechanical and clinical evidence concerning the role of LRR in combination with MPFL reconstruction. We performed a comprehensive literature research, comparing the outcomes of MPFL reconstruction with and without LRR. Materials and methods This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The literature search was performed in August 2020. All articles describing the outcome of isolated MPFL reconstruction alone or in combination with a LRR in patients with recurrent patellofemoral instability were considered for inclusion. Only articles reporting data on patients with a minimum of 12-month follow-up were included. Only articles reporting quantitative data under the outcomes of interest were included. Results A total of 63 articles were eligible for this systematic review, including 2131 knees. The mean follow-up was 40.87 ± 24.1 months. All scores of interests improved in favour of the combined group: Kujala + 3.8% (P = 0.01), Lysholm + 4.2% (P = 0.004), Tegner + 0.8 points (P = 0.04), IKDC + 9.8% (P = 0.02). The ROM was comparable between the two groups (P = 0.4). Similarity was found in terms of positivity to the apprehension test (P = 0.05), rate of complications (P = 0.1), re-dislocations (P = 0.8), and revision surgeries (P = 0.1). Conclusion There is no evidence that adding a lateral release impacts positively on the outcome of MPFL reconstruction. Level of evidence: IV, Systematic review