Objective To evaluate an improving operative procedure and the cl inical results of arthroscopically assisted treatment for acute patellar dislocation. Methods Between April 2006 and March 2009, 22 patients (25 knees) with primary acute complete dislocation of the patella underwent an improving arthroscopic operation, release of lateral retinaculum and suture of medial capsule and retinaculum structure. There were 5 males and 17 females with an average age of 23.6 years (range, 14-34 years). Three patients had bilateral procedure. Eleven left knees and 14 right knees were involved. The disease duration was 1-10 days with an average of 5.9 days. All patients had lateral dislocation; of them, 14 patients showed reduction without treatment, and 8 patients showed dislocation at admission and were given close manipulative reduction. The results were positive for apprehension test in all patients with the l imitation of passive motion and for Ballottable Patella Sign in 15 cases. Lysholm score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and Insall scale were adopted to evaluate the effect. Results All incisions healed by first intention. All the patients were followed up 12-36 months (17 months on average). During the first 3 months after operation, sunken skin in the puncture point medial to the patella was observed in 12 knees; 10 knees suffered pain of the soft tissue lateral to the patella; 15 knees felt tense in the soft tissue medial to the patella, however, all these problems disappeared or recovered gradually after rehabil itation and conservative treatment. No recurrence of dislocation was observed during the follow-up. Lysholm score was significantly improved from preoperative 67.3 ± 5.7 to postoperative 96.6 ± 4.5 (t=3.241, P=0.003) and VAS score from 6.5 ± 0.5 to 1.8 ± 0.4 (t=2.154, P=0.040). According to Insall scale, the results were excellent in 18 knees, good in 5 knees, and fair in 2 knees at 1 year after operation with an excellent and good rate of 92%. Conclusion The improving procedure of arthroscopically assisted treatment for acute patellar dislocation is a minimally invasive operation and has a number of benefits. Its short-term cl inical outcome was satisfactory.
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical effects of combined operation involving tibial tubercle distalization for the recurrent patellar dislocation with patella alta.MethodsBetween April 2010 and May 2016, 14 cases of recurrent patellar dislocation with patella alta were treated with combined operation involving tibial tubercle distalization. There were 5 males and 9 females with an average age of 18.5 years (range, 13-26 years). The left knee was involved in 9 cases and the right knee in 5 cases. The patella had dislocated 3.3 times on average (range, 2-5 times). The interval between the first dislocation and admission was 19.7 months on average (range, 4-60 months), and the main symptoms were knee pain and limited knee movement. Preoperative X-ray films, CT, and MRI examinations of knee joint showed that the epiphyseal plate closed in all patients. Of all patients, 3 patients had avulsion fracture of the inner edge of patella, and 2 patients had free body in articular cavity. The tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, patellar-trochlear-groove distance, Caton-Deschamps index, knee range of motion (ROM), Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Kujala score, and Tegner score were compared pre- and post-operation.ResultsAll patients had primary wound healing. All patients were followed up 24-72 months with an average of 34.6 months. X-ray film and CT examination showed that the patellar dislocation was corrected and the osteotomy of the tibial tubercle healed with an average healing time of 3.8 months (range, 3-5 month). At 1 day and 1 year after operation, the TT-TG distance, patellar-trochlear-groove distance, and Caton-Deschamps index showed significant differences when compared with preoperative values (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between 1 day and 1 year after operation (P>0.05). At the 1 year and 2 years after operation, the knee ROM, Lysholm score, IKDC score, Kujala score, and Tegner score showed significant differences when compared with preoperative values (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the 1 year and 2 years after operation (P>0.05).Conclusion Combined operation involving tibial tubercle distalization is a safe and reliable method, which has satisfactory short-term effectiveness for the recurrent patellar dislocation with patella alta.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of reconstructing medial patellofemoral l igament with hamstring tendon autografts for the treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation under arthroscopy. Methods Between January 2005 and January 2010, 22 cases of recurrent patellar dislocation were treated by lateral retinacular release and reconstructionof the medial patellofemoral ligament with hamstring tendon autografts under arthroscopy. There were 5 males and 17 females, aged 15-19 years (mean, 17.3 years). The average number of dislocation was 4 (range, 3-8). The main cl inical symptoms were pain and swell ing of knee joint, weakness in the leg, and limited range of motion (ROM). The patellar tilt test, pressing pain of patellofemoral ligament insertion, and apprehension sign showed positive results. According to International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scoring criteria, the subjective IKDC score was 36.7 ± 4.7, and the Lysholm score was 69.3 ± 3.8. X-ray films showed that the patella inclined outwards. Results All incisions healed by first intention. Twenty-two cases were followed up 18-49 months (mean, 34 months). Pain and swelling of knee joint and weakness were improved obviously. No recurrence was found during follow-up. The ROM of knee in flexion and extension was improved when compared with preoperative ROM. The subjective IKDC score was 92.4 ± 5.3 and the Lysholm knee score was 91.7 ± 5.2, showing significant differences when compared with preoperative scores (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament with hamstring tendon autografts under arthroscopy is an effective method to treat recurrent patellar dislocation.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the operability and effectiveness of a self-developed patellar bone canal locator (hereinafter referred to as “locator”) in the reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). Methods A total of 38 patients with recurrent patellar dislocation who met the selection criteria admitted between January 2022 and December 2022 were randomly divided into study group (the patellar canal was established with a locator during MPFL reconstruction) and control group (no locator was used in MPFL reconstruction), with 19 cases in each group. There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups (P>0.05), such as gender, age, body mass index, disease duration, patella Wiberg classification, constituent ratio of cartilage injury, Caton index, tibia tubercle-trochlear groove, and preoperative Lysholm score, Kujal score, Tegner score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and so on. The Lysholm score, Kujal score, Tegner score, and VAS score were used to evaluate knee joint function before operation and at 3 days,1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after operation. The ideal prepatellar cortical thickness and canal length were measured before operation, and the actual prepatellar cortical thickness and canal length after operation were also measured, and D1 (the distance between the ideal entrance and the actual entrance), D2 (the ideal canal length minus the actual canal length), D3 (the ideal prepatellar cortical thickness minus the actual prepatellar cortical thickness) were calculated.ResultsPatients in both groups were followed up 6-8 months (mean, 6.7 months). The incision length and intraoperative blood loss in the study group were smaller than those in the control group, but the operation time was longer than that in the control group, the differences were significant (P<0.05). There was no complication such as incision infection, effusion, and delayed healing in both groups, and no further dislocation occurred during follow-up. One patient in the study group had persistent pain in the anserine area after operation, and the symptoms were relieved after physiotherapy. The VAS score of the two groups increased significantly at 3 days after operation, and gradually decreased with the extension of time; the change trends of Lysholm score, Kujal score, and Tegner score were opposite to VAS score. Except that the Lysholm score and Kujal score of the study group were higher than those of the control group at 3 days after operation, and the VAS score of the study group was lower than that of the control group at 3 days and 1 month after operation, the differences were significant (P<0.05), there was no significant difference in the scores between the two groups at other time points (P>0.05). Patellar bone canal evaluation showed that there was no significant difference in preoperative simulated ideal canal length, prepatellar cortical thickness, and postoperative actual canal length between the two groups (P>0.05). The postoperative actual prepatellar cortical thickness of the study group was significantly smaller than that of the control group (P<0.05). D1 and D3 in the study group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in D2 between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionThe locator can improve the accuracy of MPFL reconstruction surgery, reduce the possibility of intraoperative damage to the articular surface of patella and postoperative patellar fractures.
Objective To investigate the procedure and effectiveness of medial patellofemoral l igament (MPFL) reconstruction for the treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation. Methods Between June 2005 and September 2007, 29 patients with recurrent patellar dislocation underwent MPFL reconstruction with allograft semitendinosus or allograft anterior tibial is tendon. There were 6 males and 23 females with an average age of 20.3 years (range, 13-45 years). The patients sufferedfrom 2-10 times patellar dislocation preoperatively. The average time between last dislocation and surgery was 43.9 months (range, 1-144 months). CT scan was performed to measure the tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance (TT-TG). The femoral tunnel was made at the origin of MPFL insertion, just inferior to the medial epicondyle. The double L-shape patellar tunnels were made on the medial rim of patella with 4.5 mm in diameter. The loop side of the graft was fixed with a bioabsorbable interference screw in the femoral tunnel both ends of the graft. For the TT-TG was more than 20 mm, a modified Elmsl ie-Trillat osteotomy was performed to correct the distal al ignment of patella. The arthroscopic examination was also performed for loosebody and lateral retinacular release. Results Twenty-seven patients were followed up 45.5 months on average (range, 40-67 months). No recurrent dislocation or subdislocation occurred. All the patients showed negative apprehension test at 0° and 30° flexions of knee. The range of motion of knee restored normal 1 year after operation. The Kujala score was improved from 72.03 ± 17.38 preoperatively to 94.10 ± 7.59 postoperatively, and Lysholm score was improved from 72.65 ± 14.70 to 95.44 ± 6.25, both showing significant differences (P lt; 0.05). The Tegner score was decreased from 5.25 ± 1.83 preoperatively to 4.33 ± 1.00 postoperatively, showing no significant difference (t=1.302, P=0.213). In patients whose TT-TG was more than 20 mm, TTTG was decreased from (23.38 ± 3.70) mm to (16.88 ± 5.92) mm at last follow-up, showing significant difference (t=2.822,P=0.026). Conclusion The technique of MPFL reconstruction is an effective surgical procedure for the treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation, which can improve the patella stabil ity and knee function.
ObjectiveTo introduce and analyze the role of tibial tubercle internal rotation to treat recurrent patellar dislocation associated with trochlear dysplasia.
MethodsBetween February 2007 and April 2011, 28 patients with recurrent patellar dislocation underwent tibial tubercle translocation through medial transfer, rotation and elevation of the tibial tuberosity and the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. There were 4 males and 24 females with an average age of 21.8 years (range, 17-28 years). The disease duration ranged from 6 months to 8 years (mean, 4 years). The patients suffered from 3-10 times patellar dislocation. The result of apprehension test was positive; Lysholm score was (51.64±3.79); Kujala score was (56.89±3.79). According to Dejour classification, 11 cases were rated as type B, 14 cases as type C, and 3 cases as type D; the tibial tuberosity-trocholear distance (TT-TG) was (20.53±2.58) mm; and the patellar tilt angle (PTA) was (29.34±2.54)°.
ResultsPrimary healing of incision was obtained in the others except 1 case of mild infection. Twenty-seven patients were followed up 41.8 months on average (range, 27-74 months). No recurrent dislocation was found, and the result of apprehension test was negative. The knee range of motion restored to normal totally. The postoperative Kujala score and Lysholm score were significantly improved to 88.97±3.06 and 88.95±2.98 (t=-42.005, P=0.000; t=-43.122, P=0.000) respectively. TT-TG and PTA restored to normal[(11.77±2.24) mm and (7.99±2.57)°], showing significant differences when compared with preoperative ones(t=13.032, P=0.000; t=29.533, P=0.000).
ConclusionThe technique of tibial tubercle translocation and MPFL reconstruction is an effective surgical procedure for the treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation associated with trochlear dysplasia. Especially, tibial tubercle internal rotation can improve the patella stability and knee function.
Objective
To investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopic medial retinaculum plication (MRP) for acute patellar dislocation (APD) in adolescents.
Methods
Between March 2007 and June 2011, 24 adolescent patients suffering from APD were treated by arthroscopic MRP. There were 14 males and 10 females, aged 8-18 years (mean, 12.7 years). The location was the left knee in 16 cases and the right knee in 8 cases. Injury was caused by sports in 19 cases, by traffic accident in 4 cases, and by heavy bruising in 1 case. The duration from injury to operation was 3 to 21 days with an average of 7.8 days. The results of floating patella test and dislocation apprehension test were both positive. MRI examination showed the arthroedema in all cases; associated injuries included medial retinaculum injury in 20 cases, medial patellar injury in 8 cases, and meniscus tear in 5 cases.
Results
All incisions healed by first intention without complication of infection or neurovascular injury. All the patients were followed up 12-36 months (mean, 14.6 months). Only 2 patients suffered from patellar re-dislocation at 4 months and 6 months after operation respectively. The knee joint activity returned to normal at 12 months. The Lysholm, Kujala, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores at 3 and 12 months after operation were significantly higher than those before operation (P lt; 0.05), and the scores at 12 months were significantly higher than those at 3 months (P lt; 0.05).
Conclusion
Treatment of APD with arthroscopic MRP has the advantages of minor trauma and good knee functional improvement. The technique can decrease incidence of patellar re-dislocation in adolescent.
ObjectiveTo investigate the technique of optimizing the location of femoral attachment in medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction assisted with arthroscopy and evaluate the effectiveness.MethodsBetween January 2014 and September 2018, 35 patients with patellar dislocation were admitted. There were 14 males and 21 females with an average age of 22.6 years (range, 16-38 years). All patients had a history of knee sprain. The disease duration ranged from 1 to 7 days (mean, 2.8 days). Patellar dislocation occurred 2-4 times (mean, 2.5 times). The preoperative Lysholm score and Kujala score were 47.60±11.24 and 48.37±9.79, respectively. The patellar congruence angle was (31.40±6.81)°, the patellar tilt angle was (29.95±5.44)°, the lateral patellofemoral angle was (?11.46±5.18)°, and the tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance was (16.66±1.28) mm. All patients were treated by MPFL reconstruction with the semitendinosus tendon under arthroscopy. During operation, the suture anchors were inserted into the midpoint and the 1/3 point of superomedial edge of the patella. Then, the femoral tunnels were created in medial femoral condyle through limited excision. For tendon fixation, the Kirschner wires were inserted into adductor tubercle, medial epicondyle of femur, and the midpoint between the two points, as well as the anteriorly and posteriorly. Afterwards, the changes of ligament length and tension, patellar tracking, and the relationship of patella and femoral trochlea were evaluated, thereby determining the optimized femoral attachment for MPFL reconstruction. Finally, the patellar congruence angle, patellar tilt angle, and lateral patellofemoral angle were measured by imaging to assess the relationship of patella and femoral trochlea. Moreover, Lysholm score and Kujala score were used to evaluate the knee joint function.ResultsAll incisions healed by first intention without infection. All patients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 15.4 months). At 12 months, the Lysholm score was 94.40±3.99 and the Kujala score was 92.28±4.13, which were significant higher than those before operation (P<0.05). No patellar dislocation occurred during follow-up. At 12 months, the patellar congruence angle was (6.57±4.59)°, the patellar tilt angle was (9.73±2.82)°, the lateral patellofemoral angle was (7.14±4.63)°, which were superior to those before operation (P<0.05).ConclusionDuring the MPFL reconstruction under arthroscopy, a higher positioning accuracy for the femoral attachment and satisfactory effectiveness can be obtained by evaluating MPFL length and tension, patellofemoral joint kinematics, and patellar tracking.
Objective To evaluate the early effectiveness of transosseous suture fixation in treating recurrent acute patellar dislocation with patellar osteochondral fractures (OCFs). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 19 patients with recurrent acute patellar dislocation and patellar OCFs, who underwent transosseous suture fixation between January 2018 and December 2022 and were followed up 2 years. The cohort included 8 males and 11 females, aged 13-21 years (mean, 16.2 years). Patients experienced 2-5 times of patellar dislocation (mean, 3.2 times). The interval from the last dislocation to operation ranged from 3 to 15 days (mean, 9.6 days). Preoperative imaging revealed the intra-articular osteochondral fragments and medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) injury. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score, the Lysholm score, and the Tegner score. Postoperative complications were recorded. During follow-up, the knee X-ray films, CT, and MRI were taken to evaluate fragment healing, displacement, and the morphology and tension of the MPFL reconstruction graft. Results All incisions healed primarily, and no complication occurred such as infection, joint stiffness, patellofemoral arthritis, or redislocation. Patients were followed up 24-60 months (mean, 43.5 months). At 12 months postoperatively and the last follow-up, significant improvements (P<0.05) were observed in VAS, Lysholm, IKDC, HSS, and Tegner scores compared to preoperative values. Further improvements were observed at last follow-up compared with the 12 months postoperatively, and the differences were significant (P<0.05). Imaging studies demonstrated satisfactory osteochondral fragment positioning with stable fixation. At last follow-up, all fragments had healed, and MPFL reconstruction grafts exhibited optimal morphology and tension. No joint adhesion or fragment displacement occurred. ConclusionFor recurrent acute patellar dislocation with patellar OCFs, transosseous suture fixation proves to be both safe and effective, achieving satisfactory early effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical significance of Q-angle measuring under different conditions in female recurrent patellar dislocation female patients.
MethodsBetween August 2012 and March 2013, 10 female patients (11 knees) with recurrent patellar dislocation were collected as trial group; 20 female patients (20 knees) with simple meniscus injury were collected as control group at the same time. Q-angle was measured in extension, 30° flexion, 30° flexion with manual correction, and surgical correction in the trial group, and only in extension and 30° flexion in the control group. Then the difference value of Q-angle between extension and 30° flexion (Q-angle in extension subtracts Q-angle in 30 flexion) were calculated. Independent sample t-test was used to analyze Q-angle degrees in extension, 30° flexion, and the changed degrees of 2 groups. The Q-angle between manual correction and surgical correction of the trial group was analyzed by paired t-test.
ResultsThe Q-angle in extension, Q-angle in 30° flexion, and difference value of Q-angle between extension and 30° flexion were (17.2±3.6), (14.3±3.0), and (2.9±1.9)° in the trial group and were (15.2±3.4), (14.4±3.5), and (0.8±1.7)° in the control group. No significant difference was found in Q-angle of extension or Q-angle of 30° flexion between 2 groups (P>0.05), but the difference value of Q-angle between extension and 30° flexion in the trial group was significantly larger than that in the control group (t=3.253, P=0.003). The Q-angle in 30° flexion with manual correction and surgical correction in the trial group was (19.8±3.4)° and (18.9±3.8)° respectively, showing no significant difference (t=2.193, P=0.053).
ConclusionWhen a female patient's Q-angle in 30° flexion knee changes obviously compared with Q-angle in extension position, recurrent patellar dislocation should be considered. For female patients with recurrent patellar dislocation, the preoperative Q-angle in 30° flexion with manual correction should be measured, which can help increasing the accuracy of evaluation whether rearrangement should be performed.
