Remnant preservation with tensioning can improve the clinical outcome after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Background Many studies exist about remnant preservation in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, concern remains for development of a cyclops lesion during remnant preservation. To prevent this, a tensioning method has been suggested. Current study evaluated the clinical and radiologic results of remnant preservation in ACL reconstruction with tensioning compared to classical ACL reconstruction. Methods From January 2016 to June 2017, ACL reconstruction patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 2 years postoperatively were enrolled. For comparison, all participants were divided in two groups: remnant preservation with tensioning (group R) and controls (group C). Clinically, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm scores, and incidence of symptomatic cyclops lesions were evaluated. Radiologically, signal-to-noise quotient (SNQ) and size of the synovium on MRI as well as anterior instability in Telos stress radiographs were evaluated. Results A total of 64 patients were enrolled (42 in group R and 22 in group C). The IKDC score in group R (70) was better than that in group C (62; p < 0.05). One patient in group R had a cyclops lesion with clinical symptoms and arthroscopic excision was recommended. Radiologically, the SNQ, synovium area, and anterior instability on Telos radiography showed no difference between the two groups. Conclusion Remnant preservation with tensioning is a good option for ACL reconstruction without the development of a cyclops lesion.

Analysis of intercondylar notch size and shape in patients with cyclops syndrome after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Background Cyclops lesion is the second most common cause of extension loss after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. This study focused on the correlation between the anatomy of the intercondylar notch and the incidence of cyclops lesion. To determine whether the size and shape of the intercondylar notch are related to cyclops lesion formation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction according to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Methods One hundred twenty-five (125) patients were retrospectively evaluated. The notch width index (NWI) and notch shape index (NSI) were measured based on coronal and axial MRI sections in patients diagnosed with cyclops syndrome (n = 25), diagnosed with complete anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears (n = 50), and without cyclops lesions or ACL ruptures (n = 50). Results Imaging analysis results showed that the cyclops and ACL groups had lower mean NWI and NSI values than the control group. Significant between-group differences were found in NSI (p = 0.0140) based on coronal cross-sections and in NWI (p = 0.0026) and NSI (p < 0.0001) based on axial sections. Conclusions The geometry of the intercondylar notch was found to be associated with the risk of cyclops lesion formation and ACL rupture.

Graft Failure, Revision ACLR, and Reoperation Rates After ACLR With Quadriceps Tendon Versus Hamstring Tendon Autografts: A Registry Study With Review of 475 Patients

Background: It has been indicated that anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with a quadriceps tendon (QT) graft has a higher risk of revision compared with ACLR performed with a hamstring tendon (HT) graft. Purpose/Hypothesis: To investigate whether ACLR with QT graft had a higher risk of graft failure, revision ACLR, or reoperation compared with HT graft in a high-volume center. We hypothesized that there would be no between-group differences. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This was a registry study with review of medical records. Our study cohort consisted of patients who underwent primary ACLR with either QT or HT graft performed at Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre between January 2015 and December 2018. The cohort was identified from the Danish Knee Ligament Reconstruction Registry and linked to the Danish National Patient Registry to identify all hospital contacts after ACLR. The outcome variables were graft failure (rerupture or >3-mm side-to-side difference in anteroposterior [AP] laxity), revision ACLR, reoperation due to cyclops lesion, reoperation due to meniscal injury, and reoperation due to any reason. AP laxity and pivot shift were assessed at 1 year. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to evaluate the rates of events at 2 years, and comparison was performed with Cox regression analysis. Results: A total of 475 patients (252 HT, 223 QT) were included. The rate of graft failure at 2 years was 9.4% for the QT group and 11.1% for the HT group ( P = .46). For the QT and HT groups, respectively, the rate of revision ACLR was 2.3% and 1.6% ( P = .60), the rate of reoperation due to cyclops lesion was 5.0% and 2.4% ( P = .13), and the rate of reoperation due to meniscal injury was 4.3% and 7.1% ( P = .16). The rate of reoperation due to any reason was 20.5% and 23.6% ( P = .37). At 1-year follow-up, AP laxity was 1.4 mm for QT and 1.5 mm for HT ( P = .51), and the proportion of patients with a positive pivot shift was 29-30% for both groups. Conclusion: QT and HT grafts yielded similar rates of graft failure, revision ACLR, and reoperation at 2 years of follow-up after ACLR. Graft failure was found in 9% to 11% of patients. Patients with QT ACLR showed a non–statistically significant trend of higher risk for reoperation due to cyclops lesion, and those with HT showed a non–statistically significant trend of higher risk for reoperation due to meniscal injury.

Cyclops Lesions of the Knee: A Narrative Review of the Literature

Cyclops lesion is a known complication of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Although the incidence of cyclops lesion appears to be decreasing, it remains an important cause of restriction of extension after ACLR. We reviewed the available literature regarding the cyclops lesion and syndrome and cyclops-like lesions to analyze available evidence on cyclops lesions and variants of cyclops lesions. A keyword search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE, Ovid Medline, and Ovid journals provided 47 relevant articles in the English literature, which were used to create this review. We classified cyclops lesions based on clinical presentation, pathology, and location. Risk factors, management options, tips to reduce the condition, and controversies related to the condition have been discussed. Female sex, greater graft volume, bony avulsion injuries, excessively anterior tibial tunnel, double-bundle ACLR, and bicruciate-retaining arthroplasty appear to predispose patients to cyclops lesions. Cyclops syndrome is a cyclops lesion that causes a loss of terminal extension. Arthroscopic debridement is an effective treatment for cyclops syndrome, whereas cyclops lesions are usually managed conservatively. It is important to distinguish between cyclops lesion and cyclops syndrome, as management differs based on symptoms. Cyclops lesion is diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging. The management of choice for symptomatic lesions is surgical excision. Outcomes after excision are very good, and recurrence is rare.

Stiff Knee After Ligament Reconstruction

Stiff knee is a difficult complication after surgery and ligament injury. There are many reasons which cause stiff knees and we should undestand them for the best treatment and prevention. Here we present cases of stiff knees after multiligament injury. They were indicated operations by ligament reconstruction or avulsion reattachment. After that, the stiff knees recurred although the patients also had 5 - 6 months of rehabilitation. Via arthroscopy, we found a scar tissue in the suprapatellar compartment, a fiber around the patella, an adhension femur - tibia at the notch, a scar tissue at the notch, and a cyclops lesion. We used the shaver and cautery to cut the fibrous tissue and release the patella and ligaments at the notch. Then, manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) was indicated. After all, the patients had the combined spinal and epidural anaesthesia (CSE) for 5 days. It is a better way to reduce pain and let the patients exercise earlier.

A Simple Method to Reduce the Incidence of Cyclops Lesion after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of debridement in and around the bone tunnels on the prevalence of cyclops lesion (CL), after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with hamstring grafts. Our hypothesis was that bone tunnel debridement during ACLR would reduce the prevalence of CL. Methods for debridement in and around the bone tunnels after tunnel drilling were standardized and applied to 38 knees undergoing double-bundle ACLR between 2011 and 2014, Group A (debridement group). Group B (nondebridement group) included 56 knees in which bone tunnel debridement was not performed. Postoperative MRI was performed to evaluate the presence of CL and the following three criteria: (1) the intercondylar site of CL (grade 1–3), depending on its anterior extent along the femoral condyle; (2) posterior bowing of the ACL graft; and (3) the positional relationship between the frontmost fiber of ACL graft and Blumensaat's line. If CL caused loss of extension or pain or discomfort during knee extension, it was defined as symptomatic CL (SCL). CL was detected in 8 cases (21.1%) in Group A and 26 cases (46.4%) in Group B. The prevalence of CL was significantly lower in Group A than in Group B (p = 0.010), and the risk ratio of CL was 0.31 (95% confidence interval: 0.12–0.79). Furthermore, 10 patients in Group B had SCL, compared with none in Group A (p = 0.004). In Group A, the intercondylar site of CL was grade 1 in all cases, while in Group B, the CL grades were 1 (n = 17), 2 (n = 7), 3 (n = 2) (p = 0.008). There were no cases of posterior bowing of the ACL in Group A, but six cases in Group B (p = 0.023). Debridement in and around the bone tunnel is a simple and effective method of preventing CL and SCL after ACLR. The level of evidence for the study is 3.