To fix the ligaments, tendons or other transplantation materials by passing through bone channels was commonly used and a relialde method in the reconstruction of joint stability. Usually an additional incision was necessary on the side of the outlet of the bone channel, that the screws, plates or U-shaped staple could be applied. An instrument was designed that the steel miniplate could be fixed to the bone by noninvasive method. This technique was applied in 20 cases in which anterior cruciate ligament in 14, posterior cruciate ligament in 4, and collateral ligaments in 2 with carbon fibers. The result was successful in all patients. It was shown that it gave simple manipulation, reliable fixation and no need to have an additional incision, and it could lessen patients’ suffering and lead to satisfactory clinical result.
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of hyaluronic acid (HA) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the proliferation of the cells from medial collateral ligament (MCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) cells. METHODS: The MCL cells and ACL cells of mature New Zealand white rabbit were cultured, while HA, bFGF or HA and bFGF were added to the cell culture media, the cellular proliferation was assayed by MTT method. RESULTS: HA only had no effect on the preoliferation of ACL cells, but had a small stimulatory effect on the proliferation of MCL cells. The addition of 1 ng/ml bFGF enhanced the proliferation of both MCL and ACL cells significantly, and this enhancement was maximal in the concentration of 50 ng/ml. However, the enhancement of proliferation of MCL and ACL cells could be achieved when the combination of HA in concentration of 100 micrograms/ml and bFGF in concentration of 100 ng/ml. CONCLUSION: It is evident that bFGF can enhance the proliferation of the ligament cells. HA can maintain the normal growth of ACL cells with no effect on the proliferation of the cells, while HA has a small stimulatory effect on the proliferation of MCL cells. However, when bFGF is coordinated with HA, more improvement of cellular proliferation can be achieved. HA can be used as a potential carrier for bFGF to enhance the healing of ligamentous tissue injuries.
Objective To evaluate the clinical results of bioabsorbable interference screw in knee ligament reconstruction. Methods From April 2002 to August 2004, 39 patients with knee ligament injury were treated, including 33 males and6 females with a median age of 25 years (15 to 65 years). The involved ligament included 29 anterior cruciate ligament of knee(ACL), 6 posterior cruciate ligament of knee(PCL)，4 combined ACL and PCL, 3 medial collateral or lateral collateral ligaments of knee point and 1 posterolateral complex injury of knee. All of patients underwent anatomic ligament reconstructions under arthroscopy or open surgery by autografts and fixation with bioabsorbable interference screw. Results All 34 patients were followed up 6 to 28 months (mean 13.7months). The patients were evaluated by Lysholm knee functional scales, the knee scores were 43.6±13.4 before operation and 85.4±16.3 after operation, showing significant difference (Plt;0.05). There was no limitation of rangeof motion and loosening of the screw. However, one case suffered from infection, and 3 cases suffered from effusion and synovitis after surgery and recovered after management. Conclusion Bioabsorbable interference screw fixation is a reliable method in knee ligament reconstruction and is effective to restore knee joint stability.
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of preserving tibial residual fibers on the expressions of ligament remodeling related genes in rabbit anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction model. MethodsSixty healthy adult New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups:normal control group (group A, n=6) , sham-operation group (group B, n=18) , non tibial remnant preserved group (group C, n=18) , and tibial remnant preserved group (group D, n=18) . At 2, 6, and 12 weeks after operation, the ligament tissue was harvested to detect the mRNA expressions of collagen type 1A1(COL1A1) , collagen type 3A1(COL3A1) , transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), growth-associated protein 43(GAP-43) , and neurotrophin 3(NT-3) by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. ResultsAt each time point, there was no significant difference in the mRNA expressions of COL1A1, COL3A1, VEGF, and NT-3 between group A and group B (P>0.05) . In group D, the mRNA expressions of COL1A1, COL3A1, TGF-β1, and GAP-43 significantly increased when compared with those of group C at 6 weeks after operation (P＜0.05) ; an increased level of VEGF mRNA was also detected in the group D at 12 weeks after operation (P＜0.05) ; and an increased level of NT-3 mRNA was also observed in group D at 2 and 12 weeks after operation (P＜0.05) . ConclusionThere is a time-dependent manner of angiogenesis-promoting, repair-related, and nerve-related gene expressions after ACL reconstruction with preserving tibial residual fibers during the process of ligamentization. Furthermore, the remnant preservation in ACL reconstruction can promote the expressions of related genes in some time points.
Objective The anterior cruciate l igament (ACL) is the important stable structure of the knee. To evaluate the method and outcome of bone-ACL-bone (B-ACL-B) allograft under arthroscope in reconstruction of ACL. Methods Between October 2007 and February 2010, arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with deep-freezing B-ACL-B allograft was performed on 22 patients with ACL ruptures. There were 15 males and 7 females with an average age of 27.6 years (range, 19-55 years). The causes of ACL rupture were sport trauma in 12 cases, fall ing injury in 1 case, heavy crush in 2 cases, and traffic accident in 7 cases. The locations were the left knee in 14 cases and the right knee in 8 cases. The disease durationwas 7 days to 12 months (median, 65 days). Nineteen patients showed the positive results of anterior drawer test and pivot shift test, and 21 patients showed the positive results of Lachman test. According to International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) criteria, there were 5 abnormal and 17 severely abnormal. The subjective IKDC score was 49.6 ± 6.9. The Lysholm score was 48.5 ± 5.3. The Tegner scale scores were 6.8 ± 1.2 before injury and 2.1 ± 0.5 before operation. The MRI showed the ACL injuries in 18 of 20 patients. Results The mean operative time was 75 minutes (range, 65-85 minutes); the mean blood loss was 110 mL (range, 80-150 mL). All incisions healed by first intention. No immunologic rejection and deep vein thrombosis of lower l imbs occurred. All patients were followed up 7-34 months (mean, 18 months). At last follow-up, the flexion of the knee ranged from 125 to 135° (mean, 130.5°). Two patients showed the positive results of anterior drawer test, 1 patient showed the positive result of pivot shift test, and 3 patients showed the positive results of Lachman test. According to the IKDC criteria, 10 patients rated as normal, 11 patients as nearly normal, 1 patient as abnormal. The subjective IKDC score was 90.0 ± 5.8, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative one (t=4.653, P=0.021). The Lysholm score was 91.6 ± 7.1, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative one (t=4.231, P=0.028). The Tegner scale score was 6.1 ± 1.5, showing no significant difference when compared with one before injury (t=1.321, P=0.070) and showing significant difference when compared preoperative one (t=3.815, P=0.033). The arthroscopic examination showed no rupture of grafts in 19 patients, 17 grafts showed normal tension, and 2 showed sl ight relaxation at 6 months after operation. Conclusion Reconstruction of the ACL with B-ACL-B allograft under arthroscope is a safe and effective method, which can anatomically reconstruct ACL and obtain a good recovery of the knee function after operation.
ObjectiveTo solve the fixation problem between ligament grafts and host bones in ligament reconstruction surgery by using ligament-bone composite scaffolds to repair the ligaments, to explore the fabrication method for ligament-bone composite scaffolds based on three-dimensional (3-D) printing technique, and to investigate their mechanical and biological properties in animal experiments. MethodsThe model of bone scaffolds was designed using CAD software, and the corresponding negative mould was created by boolean operation. 3-D printing techinique was employed to fabricate resin mold. Ceramic bone scaffolds were obtained by casting the ceramic slurry in the resin mould and sintering the dried ceramics-resin composites. Ligament scaffolds were obtained by weaving degummed silk fibers, and then assembled with bone scaffolds and bone anchors. The resultant ligament-bone composite scaffolds were implanted into 10 porcine left anterior cruciate ligament rupture models at the age of 4 months. Mechanical testing and histological examination were performed at 3 months postoperatively, and natural anterior cruciate ligaments of the right sides served as control. ResultsBiomechanical testing showed that the natural anterior cruciate ligament of control group can withstand maximum tensile force of (1 384±181) N and dynamic creep of (0.74±0.21) mm, while the regenerated ligament-bone scaffolds of experimental group can withstand maximum tensile force of (370±103) N and dynamic creep of (1.48±0.49) mm, showing significant differences (t=11.617,P=0.000; t=-2.991,P=0.020). In experimental group, histological examination showed that new bone formed in bone scaffolds. A hierarchical transition structure regenerated between ligament-bone scaffolds and the host bones, which was similar to the structural organizations of natural ligament-bone interface. ConclusionLigament-bone composite scaffolds based on 3-D printing technique facilitates the regeneration of biomimetic ligament-bone interface. It is expected to achieve physical fixation between ligament grafts and host bone.
Objective To investigate the cl inical outcome of treating dorsal wrist gangl ion with an improved surgical strategy by excising the gangl ion completely along their stalk and repairing the dorsal carpal l igaments under brachial anesthesia. Methods From March 2005 to January 2007, 34 patients with dorsal wrist gangl ion were treated and studied retrospectively. There were 14 males and 20 females, aged 25-65 years (43 years on average). The left sides were involved in 22 cases and right sides in 12 cases. Thirteen cases of relapse received excision for 1 to 4 times under local anesthesia, with amean period of 17 months (14 days to 7 years) from excision to recurrence. Twenty-one patients were first attack cases with a mean period of 11 months (15 days to 8 years) from diagnosis to excision. The size of the gangl ion ranged from 1.5 cm × 1.2 cm to 4.5 cm × 4.0 cm. Now, each surgical process was performed under brachial anesthesia, and a pneumathode tourniquet was used. In 6 patients, the stalks of gangl ion did not invade the carpal l igaments, and gangl ion was removed completely without immobil ization after operation. In 28 patients, the stalks of gangl ion invaded the carpal l igaments, gangl ion was excised completely along its stalk to the dorsal carpal structure; the l igaments were sutured directly in 16 cases and were repaired with adjacent tissue such as the wall of sheathing canal of extensor tendon in 12 cases. The wrists were immobil ised for 3 weeks. Results Primary wound heal ing was achieved in all incisions. All patients were followed up for 26-36 months with an average of 31.5 months. Only 2 cases (5.9%) recurred. The range of motion of the wrist remained normal and the symptom of the dorsal wrist was rel ieved sl ightly. Patients’ satisfaction score ranged from 60 to 100, with an average of 83.8. Conclusion The gangl ion should be excised completely together with defect repair of dorsal carpal l igament under brachial anesthesia and the wrist immobil ised for 3 weeks, the recurrence rate will be reduced greatly.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction between the ligament advanced reinforcement system (LARS) and bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autograft. MethodsBetween July 2007 and July 2011, 50 cases (50 knees) of ACL injury were treated with LARS in 24 cases (LARS group) and with BPTB in 26 cases (BPTB group), respectively. There was no significant difference in age, gender, time from injury to surgery, and injury reason between BPTB group and LARS group (P gt; 0.05). The postoperative rehabilitation protocol was performed in 2 groups. ResultsAll incisions healed at the first stage. All patients were followed up 2-3 years. The results of Lachman test, anterior drawer test, and pivot shift test were negative. Screw loosening in femur and tibia occurred in 1 case of each group respectively, anterior knee pain in 2 cases of BPTB group and in 1 case of LARS group. The Lysholm and Tegner scores were significantly higher in LARS group than in BPTB group at 2 and 6 months after operation (P lt; 0.05); but no significant difference was found between 2 groups at 12 and 24 months (P gt; 0.05). The IKDC scores showed no significant difference between 2 groups at different time points after operation (P gt; 0.05). During follow up, KT-1000 arthrometer and knee stability showed significant differences in antedisplacements of the tibia between 2 groups at all time points after operation (P lt; 0.05). ConclusionLARS has less trauma and earlier functional recovery than BPTB autograft for ACL reconstruction, but the long-term effectiveness is similar.
Objective To investigate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis (DILC) procedure for chronic static scapholunate dissociation. Methods Between January 2008 and January 2011, 12 patients with chronic static scapholunate dissociation were treated with DILC. Of 12 cases, 10 were male and 2 were female with an average age of 42 years (range, 20-66 years). All injuries were caused by falling. The interval from injury to surgery was 3-19 months (mean, 8 months). Physical examination at admission showed wrist tenderness and limited range of motion (ROM). Radiological examination showed that scapholunate gap was greater than 3 mm on posteroanterior view, and scapholunate angle more than 60° on the lateral view. Before operation, the grip strength was (25.4±8.2) kg; the wrist ROM was (56.7±11.5)° in flexion and (52.0±15.2)° in extension; visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 6.3±1.4; and disabilities of arm, shoulder & hand (DASH) score was 39.5±7.4. According to Garcia-Elias staging criteria, all cases were rated as stage 4, indicating that the scapholunate interosseous ligament was completely injured and reduction could easily be obtained. Eight patients had wrist instability. Results Primary healing of incision was achieved, no complication was found. All patients were followed up 13-34 months (mean, 15.9 months). During surgery, all deformities were corrected completely, but 7 patients (58%) recurred at 1 month after Kirschner wire removal. Compared with preoperative ones, the scapholunate gap, scapholunate angle, radiolunate angle, lunocapitate angle, and wrist height ratio at 1 month after Kirschner wire removal and last follow-up showed no significant difference (P > 0.05); the wrist flexion and extension ROM were significantly decreaed to (46.8±7.2)° and (42.0±9.0)° at last follow-up (P < 0.05); the grip strength was significantly increased to (32.7±9.6) kg at last follow-up (P < 0.05); VAS score and DASH score were improved to 1.7±1.0 and 8.1±8.7 (P < 0.05). Conclusion Carpal collapse will recur in short time after DILC. DILC is not the best way to treat chronic static scapholunate dissociation.
The surgical installation accuracy of the components in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is an important factor affecting the joint function and the implant life. Taking the ratio of the medial-lateral position of the femoral component relative to the tibial insert (a/A) as a parameter, and considering nine installation conditions of the femoral component, this study established the musculoskeletal multibody dynamics models of UKA to simulate the patients’ walking gait, and investigated the influences of the medial-lateral installation positions of the femoral component in UKA on the contact force, joint motion and ligament force of the knee joint. The results showed that, with the increase of a/A ratio, the medial contact force of the UKA implant was decreased and the lateral contact force of the cartilage was increased; the varus rotation, external rotation and posterior translation of the knee joint were increased; and the anterior cruciate ligament force, posterior cruciate ligament force and medial collateral ligament force were decreased. The medial-lateral installation positions of the femoral component in UKA had little effect on knee flexion-extension movement and lateral collateral ligament force. When the a/A ratio was less than or equalled to 0.375, the femoral component collided with the tibia. In order to prevent the overload on the medial implant and lateral cartilage, the excessive ligament force, and the collision between the femoral component and the tibia, it is suggested that the a/A ratio should be controlled within the range of 0.427−0.688 when the femoral component is installed in UKA. This study provides a reference for the accurate installation of the femoral component in UKA.