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11 pages, 5235 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Comparison of Clinical Result between Primary Repair of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament with Additional Internal Bracing and Anatomic Single Bundle Reconstruction—A Retrospective Study

by Dawid Szwedowski, Łukasz Paczesny, Jan Zabrzyński, Maciej Gagat, Marcin Domżalski, Gazi Huri and Wojciech Widuchowski

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(17), 3948; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10173948 - 31 Aug 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2640

Abstract

Background: The current standard of treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is reconstruction (ACLR). This technique has some disadvantages: poor proprioception, donor site morbidity and the inability to restore joint kinematics. ACL repair could be an alternative treatment. The purpose of the study [...] Read more.

Background: The current standard of treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is reconstruction (ACLR). This technique has some disadvantages: poor proprioception, donor site morbidity and the inability to restore joint kinematics. ACL repair could be an alternative treatment. The purpose of the study was to compare the stability and the function after ACL primary repair versus single-bundle ACLR. Methods: In a retrospective study, 12 patients underwent primary ACL repair with internal bracing, 15 patients underwent standard ACLR. Follow-up examinations were evaluated at up to 2 years postoperatively. One patient in the ACL repair group was lost to follow-up due to re-rupture. The absolute value of anterior tibial translation (ATT) and the side-to-side difference in the same patient (ΔATT) were evaluated using the GNRB arthrometer. The Lysholm knee scoring was obtained. Re-ruptures and other complications were recorded. Results: Anterior tibial translation (ATT) was significantly decreased in the ACL repair group compared with the ACLR group (5.31 mm vs. 7.18 mm, respectively; p = 0.0137). Arthrometric measurements demonstrated a mean side-to-side difference (ΔATT) 1.87 (range 0.2 to 4.9) mm significantly decreased compared to ACLR 3.36 (range 1.2–5.6 mm; p = 0.0107). The mean Lysholm score was 85.3 points in the ACL repair group and 89.9 in ACLR group. No significant differences between ACL repair and ACLR were found for the Lysholm score. There was no association between AP laxity and clinical outcomes. There were two complications in the internal bracing group: one patient had re-rupture and was treated by ACLR, another had limited extension and had arthroscopic debridement. Conclusions: Anterior tibial translation was significantly decreased after ACL repair. Additionally, the functional results after ACL repair with internal bracing were comparable with those after ACLR. It should be noted that the two complications occurred. The current study supports further development of ACL repair techniques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Knee Injuries)

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8 pages, 2053 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Improved the Interrater Reliability of the AO/OTA Classification Decision in a Patellar Fracture

by Seong-Eun Byun, Oog-Jin Shon, Jae-Ang Sim, Yong-Bum Joo, Ji-Wan Kim, Young-Gon Na and Wonchul Choi

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(15), 3256; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10153256 - 23 Jul 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2316

Abstract

We investigated whether interrater reliabilities of the AO/OTA classification of patellar fracture change with the imaging modalities applied, including plain radiography and two- and three-dimensional (2-D and 3-D) computed tomography (CT). Seven orthopedic specialists and four orthopedic residents completed a survey of 50 [...] Read more.

We investigated whether interrater reliabilities of the AO/OTA classification of patellar fracture change with the imaging modalities applied, including plain radiography and two- and three-dimensional (2-D and 3-D) computed tomography (CT). Seven orthopedic specialists and four orthopedic residents completed a survey of 50 patellar fractures to classify the fractures according to the AO/OTA classification for patellar fractures. Initially, the survey was conducted using plain radiography only, then with 2-D CT introduced three weeks later and 3-D CT introduced six weeks later. Fleiss’ Kappa coefficients were calculated to determine interrater reliability. The overall interrater reliability of the AO/OTA classifications was 0.40 (95% CI, 0.38–0.42) with plain radiography only and 0.43 (95% CI, 0.41–0.45) with the addition of 2-D CT. With the addition of 3-D CT, the reliability was significantly improved to 0.54 (95% CI, 0.52–0.56). In specialists, interrater reliability of the classifications was moderate with all three imaging modalities. With the use of 3-D CT, interrater reliability of the classification was 0.53 (95% CI, 0.50–0.56), which was significantly higher than that with the use of 2-D CT (κ = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.42–0.48). In residents, interrater reliability of the classification was 0.30 (95% CI, 0.24–0.36) with plain radiography. The reliability improved to 0.49 (95% CI, 0.43–0.56) with the addition of 2-D CT, which was significantly higher than that with plain radiography only. The use of 3-D CT imaging improved interrater reliability of the classification. Therefore, surgeons, especially residents, may benefit from using 3-D CT imaging for classifying and planning the treatment of patellar fractures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Knee Injuries)

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12 pages, 2050 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Total Knee Arthroplasty on Coronal and Sagittal Whole-Body Alignments: Serial Assessments Using Whole-Body EOS

by Seong-Chan Kim, Han-Gyeol Choi, Joo-Sung Kim, Tae-Woo Kim and Yong-Seuk Lee

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(15), 3242; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10153242 - 23 Jul 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2672

Abstract

Background: The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of correcting lower limb alignment by total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on the spinopelvic alignment and to identify patients with difference in the knee joint between clinically measured passive motion and the actual [...] Read more.

Background: The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of correcting lower limb alignment by total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on the spinopelvic alignment and to identify patients with difference in the knee joint between clinically measured passive motion and the actual standing posture. Methods: In this retrospective study, 101 patients who underwent TKA and whose serial whole-body EOS X-ray were available were included. The relationship of the knee and spinopelvic alignment was analyzed by evaluating the parameters of standing anterior-posterior and lateral whole-body EOS X-ray. The differences between postoperative passive motion and weight-bearing posture in the knee joint were assessed in both coronal and sagittal planes. Furthermore, the causes of such differences were analyzed. Results: Significant correlations between Δpelvic obliquity and coronal ΔHip-Knee-Ankle (HKA)_Rt-Lt angle between the preoperative and 3-month and 1-year postoperative data (p < 0.001 and p < 0.005, respectively) and improved with coronal lower limb alignment close to neutral resulted in decreased pelvic obliquity (p < 0.001, ß = 0.085 and p = 0.005, ß = 0.065, respectively) were observed. The correlations between Δpelvic tilt (PT) and Δsacral slope (SS) and sagittal ΔHKA_Rt-Lt angle were statistically significant (PT: p < 0.001 and p < 0.045; SS: p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). The improved sagittal alignment close to neutral resulted in decreased PT and increased SS. The difference between postoperative passive motion and the weight-bearing posture of the knee joint was correlated with lumbar lordosis and sagittal C7 plumb line-sacrum distance (p = 0.042 and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: The correction of lower limb alignment with TKA affected pelvic parameters dominantly; however, there was little effect on the spinal alignment. Additionally, patients with anterior stooping or lumbar flat back demonstrated difference in extension between passive knee motion and standing. Therefore, rather than only focusing on changes in the knee alignment correction, knee surgeons should also evaluate the spinopelvic alignment before surgery to consider the prognosis of the standing and predict the possible changes in the whole-body alignment. This preoperative assessment may improve the prognosis of TKA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Knee Injuries)

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11 pages, 507 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical Outcomes of Meniscus Repair with or without Multiple Intra-Articular Injections of Platelet Rich Plasma after Surgery

by Cheng-Pang Yang, Kung-Tseng Hung, Chun-Jui Weng, Alvin Chao-Yu Chen, Kuo-Yao Hsu and Yi-Sheng Chan

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(12), 2546; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10122546 - 9 Jun 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2593

Abstract

Preservation of the meniscal volume is crucial in meniscus repair. The goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of repeated intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections after arthroscopic repair of a traumatic meniscal tear. We retrospectively reviewed 61 primary meniscal repairs [...] Read more.

Preservation of the meniscal volume is crucial in meniscus repair. The goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of repeated intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections after arthroscopic repair of a traumatic meniscal tear. We retrospectively reviewed 61 primary meniscal repairs in 61 patients (PRP group: 30; non-PRP: 31) from 2017 to 2018. Patients in the PRP group received repeated intra-articular PRP injections in week 2,4,6 after the primary meniscus repair. Subsequent meniscal repair treatment or meniscectomy, knee arthroplasty, and IKDC changes of less than 11.5 points were defined as healing failures. After following up for at least 24 months, the IKDC score was 75.1 ± 13.6, and the Lysholm score was 80.6 ± 14.9 in the PRP group and 72.6 ± 15.8 (IKDC) and 77.7 ± 17.2 (Lysholm) in the non-PRP group. Healing rates of the PRP and the non-PRP groups were 93.3% (Kaplan-Meier 91.6%) and 87.1% (Kaplan-Meier 84.7%), respectively (log rank test p = 0.874). Our study is the first to use multiple intra-articular PRP injections to facilitate meniscal healing after meniscal repair. Though selection bias may be present in this study, the PRP group had similar functional outcome and healing rate compared to non-PRP group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Knee Injuries)

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9 pages, 9114 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Deep Learning Using Weight Bearing Knee Anterio-Posterior Radiograph Alone Replace a Whole-Leg Radiograph in the Interpretation of Weight Bearing Line Ratio?

by Hyun-Doo Moon, Han-Gyeol Choi, Kyong-Joon Lee, Dong-Jun Choi, Hyun-Jin Yoo and Yong-Seuk Lee

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(8), 1772; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10081772 - 19 Apr 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2405

Abstract

Weight bearing whole-leg radiograph (WLR) is essential to assess lower limb alignment such as weight bearing line (WBL) ratio. The purpose of this study was to develop a deep learning (DL) model that predicts the WBL ratio using knee standing AP alone. Total [...] Read more.

Weight bearing whole-leg radiograph (WLR) is essential to assess lower limb alignment such as weight bearing line (WBL) ratio. The purpose of this study was to develop a deep learning (DL) model that predicts the WBL ratio using knee standing AP alone. Total of 3997 knee AP & WLRs were used. WBL ratio was used for labeling and analysis of prediction accuracy. The WBL ratio was divided into seven categories (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6). After training, performance of the DL model was evaluated. Final performance was evaluated using 386 subjects as a test set. Cumulative score (CS) within error range 0.1 was set with showing maximum CS in the validation set (95% CI, 0.924–0.970). In the test set, mean absolute error was 0.054 (95% CI, 0.048–0.061) and CS was 0.951 (95% CI, 0.924–0.970). Developed DL algorithm could predict the WBL ratio on knee standing AP alone with comparable accuracy as the degree primary physician can assess the alignment. It can be the basis for developing an automated lower limb alignment assessment tool that can be used easily and cost-effectively in primary clinics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Knee Injuries)

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13 pages, 2065 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biomechanical Difference between Conventional Transtibial Single-Bundle and Anatomical Transportal Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Three-Dimensional Finite Element Model Analysis

by Jae Gyoon Kim, Kyoung Tak Kang and Joon Ho Wang

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(8), 1625; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10081625 - 12 Apr 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2314

Abstract

The purpose of our study was to analyze the graft contact stress at the tunnel after transtibial single-bundle (SB) and transportal double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. After transtibial SB (20 cases) and transportal DB (29 cases) ACL reconstruction, the three-dimensional image [...] Read more.

The purpose of our study was to analyze the graft contact stress at the tunnel after transtibial single-bundle (SB) and transportal double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. After transtibial SB (20 cases) and transportal DB (29 cases) ACL reconstruction, the three-dimensional image of each patient made by postoperative computed tomography was adjusted to the validation model of a normal knee and simulated SB and DB ACL reconstructions were created based on the average tunnel position and direction of each group. We also measured graft and contact stresses at the tunnel after a 134 N anterior load from 0° to 90° flexion. The graft and contact stresses became the greatest at 30° and 0° flexion, respectively. The total graft and contact stresses after DB ACL reconstruction were greater than those after SB ACL reconstruction from 0° to 30° and 0° to 90° knee flexion, respectively. However, the graft and contact stresses of each graft after DB ACL reconstruction were less than those after SB ACL reconstruction. In conclusion, the total graft and total contact stresses after DB ACL reconstruction are higher than those after SB ACL reconstruction from 0° to 30° and 0° to 90° knee flexion, respectively. However, the stresses of each graft after DB ACL reconstruction are about half of those after SB ACL reconstruction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Knee Injuries)

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11 pages, 5975 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diagnostic Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Detection of Type and Location of Meniscus Tears: Comparison with Arthroscopic Findings

by Seong Hwan Kim, Han-Jun Lee, Ye-Hoon Jang, Kwang-Jin Chun and Yong-Beom Park

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(4), 606; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10040606 - 5 Feb 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3102

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been widely used for the diagnosis of meniscal tears, but its diagnostic accuracy, depending on the type and location, has not been well investigated. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of MRI by comparing MRI and arthroscopic [...] Read more.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been widely used for the diagnosis of meniscal tears, but its diagnostic accuracy, depending on the type and location, has not been well investigated. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of MRI by comparing MRI and arthroscopic findings. Preoperative 3.0-T MRI and arthroscopic findings from 2005 to 2018 were reviewed to determine the presence, type, and location of meniscus tears. In addition, subgroup analysis was performed according to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) Inflammatory arthritis, (2) other ligament injuries, (3) inability to classify meniscal tears due to degenerative arthritis, (4) over 90 days from MRI to surgery, and (5) incomplete data. Of the 2998 eligible patients, 544 were finally included. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI in determining medial and lateral meniscus tears were 91.8% and 79.9%, and 80.8% and 85.4%, respectively. The accuracy of MRI in the ACL-injured group was lower than that in the ACL-intact group (medial meniscus: 81.7% vs. 88.1%, p = 0.041; 72.9% vs. lateral meniscus: 88.0%, p < 0.001). MRI accuracy was low for the longitudinal tears of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus in the ACL-injured group. MRI could be a diagnostic tool for meniscus tears, but has limited accuracy in their classification of the type and location. Hence, care should be taken during arthroscopic assessment of ACL-injured patients due to low diagnostic accuracy of preoperative MRI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Knee Injuries)

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12 pages, 2698 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Affecting Factors of the Fate of Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tear Based on Treatment Strategies

by Jae Ik Lee, Dong Hyun Kim, Han Gyeol Choi, Tae Woo Kim and Yong Seuk Lee

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(4), 557; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10040557 - 3 Feb 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2150

Abstract

Meniscal tear is a common reason for patients to undergo knee operation, and the medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) is one of the most frequent kinds of meniscal tears. The purpose of this study was to analyze participants’ factors (anthropometric and medical) [...] Read more.

Meniscal tear is a common reason for patients to undergo knee operation, and the medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) is one of the most frequent kinds of meniscal tears. The purpose of this study was to analyze participants’ factors (anthropometric and medical) to the fate of the MMPRT based on the treatment strategy. The hypothesis of this study was that treatment modalities from conservative treatment to final arthroplasty would be affected by participants’ affecting factors. From July 2003 to May 2018, 640 participants were included. Groups were categorized according to the treatment strategies such as conservative treatment, arthroscopic surgery, high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and arthroplasty surgery. Participants’ affecting factors were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance according to the four different treatment strategies and a correlation between affecting factors was also analyzed. Participants with K-L (Kellgren–Lawrence) Grade 4 and high BMI > 28.17 were appropriate candidates for arthroplasty, with K-L Grade 4 being a greater determining factor than high BMI. Participants with alignment factors such as low initial weight bearing line (WBL) (26.5%) and high delta WBL ratio (5.9%) were appropriate candidates for HTO, with the delta WBL ratio being a greater determining factor than initial WBL. Longer MRI-event times (1.44 year) and a lesser extent of meniscal extrusion (2.98 mm) were significantly associated with conservative treatment. Understanding the correlation of each affecting factor to the treatment strategy will help clinicians decide on the appropriate treatment for patients with MMPRT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Knee Injuries)

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9 pages, 948 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical Outcomes of Arthroscopic Notchplasty and Partial Resection for Mucoid Degeneration of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament

by Joong Won Lee, Jung Tae Ahn, Hyun Gon Gwak and Sang Hak Lee

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(2), 315; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10020315 - 16 Jan 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3048

Abstract

Background: Mucoid degeneration of the anterior cruciate ligament (MD-ACL) is a chronic degenerative process involving a hypertrophied ACL, which may lead to notch impingement syndrome. As a treatment method, there is consensus regarding arthroscopic resection for MD-ACL resulting in good clinical outcomes; however, [...] Read more.

Background: Mucoid degeneration of the anterior cruciate ligament (MD-ACL) is a chronic degenerative process involving a hypertrophied ACL, which may lead to notch impingement syndrome. As a treatment method, there is consensus regarding arthroscopic resection for MD-ACL resulting in good clinical outcomes; however, additional notchplasty remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical outcomes after arthroscopic partial resection of the ACL and additional notchplasty performed to minimize volume reduction of the ACL. Study Design: Level IIIb retrospective cohort study. Methods: Of 1810 individuals who underwent knee arthroscopic surgery performed by the same surgeon between July 2011 and October 2020, 52 were included, while 10 were excluded due to a follow-up period of <1 year. Clinical data including pain location, terminal flexion or extension pain, range of motion (ROM), Lysholm knee score, and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score were assessed pre- and postoperatively. Additionally, according to the resected volume of the ACL, patients were classified into two groups: <25% (Group 1), and 25–50% (Group 2). Clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: There were 17 (40.5%) men and 25 (59.5%) women with a mean age of 53.9 years (range, 16–81 years) at the time of surgery. The mean duration of symptoms before surgery was 14.4 months (range, 3–66 months). Arthroscopic partial resection of the MD-ACL was performed in all patients, and concomitant notchplasty was performed in 36 (81.8%). All clinical scores improved postoperatively, and were statistically significant (p < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between groups 1 and 2 classified according to the resected ACL volume. Recurrence of MD-ACL was recorded in only one patient, 11 months after arthroscopic treatment. No patients underwent ACL reconstruction because of symptoms of anterior instability. Conclusion: Arthroscopic partial resection of the ACL and concomitant notchplasty yielded satisfactory outcomes for the treatment of MD-ACL. Notchplasty may be an alternative procedure to avoid total ACL resection and postoperative instability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Knee Injuries)

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13 pages, 649 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness of a Program Combining Strengthening, Stretching, and Aerobic Training Exercises in a Standing versus a Sitting Position in Overweight Subjects with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Betsy Denisse Perez-Huerta, Belén Díaz-Pulido, Daniel Pecos-Martin, David Beckwee, Enrique Lluch-Girbes, Ruben Fernandez-Matias, María José Bolaños Rubio and Tomas Gallego-Izquierdo

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(12), 4113; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9124113 - 20 Dec 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3969

Abstract

There is an increasing incidence, prevalence, and burden of knee osteoarthritis due to a global increase in obesity and an aging population. The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of the addition of aerobic exercises performed in an unloaded [...] Read more.

There is an increasing incidence, prevalence, and burden of knee osteoarthritis due to a global increase in obesity and an aging population. The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of the addition of aerobic exercises performed in an unloaded or loaded position to a conventional exercise program in overweight subjects with knee osteoarthritis. Twenty-four subjects were randomly allocated to receive 36 sessions of 30-min duration of either sitting aerobic exercises (experimental group) or standing aerobic exercises (control group). Pain intensity, knee disability, and quality-of-life data were collected at baseline and at 12, 24, and 36 sessions. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) were constructed for the analysis of the differences. Significant differences were found in the experimental group for self-reported pain and knee pain and disability at 24 and 36 sessions (p < 0.05). Significant between-group differences were observed in change in self-reported knee pain and disability and quality of life from baseline to 24th- and 36th-session measurements in favor of the experimental group. Adherence to treatment was higher in the experimental group. Adding aerobic exercises in an unloaded position to a conventional exercise program produced superior effects over time for self-reported knee pain, knee pain and disability and quality of life compared to loaded aerobic exercises in overweight subjects with knee osteoarthritis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Knee Injuries)

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11 pages, 1905 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spinal Flexibility Is an Important Factor for Improvement in Spinal and Knee Alignment after Total Knee Arthroplasty: Evaluation Using a Whole Body EOS System

by Seong Chan Kim, Joo Sung Kim, Han Gyeol Choi, Tae Woo Kim and Yong Seuk Lee

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(11), 3498; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9113498 - 29 Oct 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2513

Abstract

The purposes of this study were (1) to evaluate the relationship between lumbosacral flexibility and the effects of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on whole-body alignment; and (2) to determine the prerequisites of the adjacent joints for successful TKA. A total of 116 patients [...] Read more.

The purposes of this study were (1) to evaluate the relationship between lumbosacral flexibility and the effects of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on whole-body alignment; and (2) to determine the prerequisites of the adjacent joints for successful TKA. A total of 116 patients (156 cases) who had whole-body X-ray and flexion-extension lumbar radiograph available were enrolled. For the sagittal alignment evaluation, hip–knee–ankle (HKA) angle, pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), and C7 plumb line-sacrum distance (SVA) were evaluated on the whole-body radiographs. Lumbar flexibility (LF) was evaluated using the flexion-extension lumbar radiographs, and pelvic flexibility (PF) was evaluated using the pelvic incidence (PI). The disparities in the knee joint between postoperative passive motion and weight-bearing posture were assessed. LF was significantly correlated with ΔLL and ΔSVA (LL: p = 0.039, SVA: p = 0.040; Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC): −0.206 and 0.205, respectively). There were correlations between PF and ΔSS (p < 0.001, PCC: −0.362), and between the disparity and LF (p = 0.005, PCC = −0.275). Linear regression analysis demonstrated that LF was significantly associated with the presence of disparity (p = 0.005, β = −0.205). LF is an important factor for improved spinal and lower limb alignment after TKA. Additionally, reduced LF may result in knee joint disparity between passive extension and standing extension status. Therefore, surgeons should consider spinopelvic alignment, including lower limb alignment preoperatively, to be able to predict possible changes in whole-body alignment following TKA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Knee Injuries)

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12 pages, 2426 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Additional Patient Information Improve the Diagnostic Performance of Deep Learning for the Interpretation of Knee Osteoarthritis Severity

by Dong Hyun Kim, Kyong Joon Lee, Dongjun Choi, Jae Ik Lee, Han Gyeol Choi and Yong Seuk Lee

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(10), 3341; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9103341 - 18 Oct 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 2413

Abstract

The study compares the diagnostic performance of deep learning (DL) with that of the former radiologist reading of the Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grade and evaluates whether additional patient data can improve the diagnostic performance of DL. From March 2003 to February 2017, 3000 patients [...] Read more.

The study compares the diagnostic performance of deep learning (DL) with that of the former radiologist reading of the Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grade and evaluates whether additional patient data can improve the diagnostic performance of DL. From March 2003 to February 2017, 3000 patients with 4366 knee AP radiographs were randomly selected. DL was trained using knee images and clinical information in two stages. In the first stage, DL was trained only with images and then in the second stage, it was trained with image data and clinical information. In the test set of image data, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC)s of the DL algorithm in diagnosing KL 0 to KL 4 were 0.91 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.88–0.95), 0.80 (95% CI, 0.76–0.84), 0.69 (95% CI, 0.64–0.73), 0.86 (95% CI, 0.83–0.89), and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.94–0.98), respectively. In the test set with image data and additional patient information, the AUCs of the DL algorithm in diagnosing KL 0 to KL 4 were 0.97 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.71–0.74), 0.85 (95% CI, 0.80–0.86), 0.75 (95% CI, 0.66–0.73), 0.86 (95% CI, 0.79–0.85), and 0.95 (95% CI, 0.91–0.97), respectively. The diagnostic performance of image data with additional patient information showed a statistically significantly higher AUC than image data alone in diagnosing KL 0, 1, and 2 (p-values were 0.008, 0.020, and 0.027, respectively).The diagnostic performance of DL was comparable to that of the former radiologist reading of the knee osteoarthritis KL grade. Additional patient information improved DL diagnosis in interpreting early knee osteoarthritis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Knee Injuries)

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11 pages, 950 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Role of the Triceps Surae Muscles in Patients Undergoing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Matched Case-Control Study

by Hye Chang Rhim, Jin Hyuck Lee, Seung-Beom Han, Kyun-Ho Shin, Dong Won Suh and Ki-Mo Jang

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(10), 3215; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9103215 - 7 Oct 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2466

Abstract

A limited number of studies has investigated the gastrocnemius and soleus in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). This study investigated the muscle strength (Nm kg⁻¹ × 100) and reaction time (acceleration time (AT), milliseconds) of thigh and calf muscles in [...] Read more.

A limited number of studies has investigated the gastrocnemius and soleus in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). This study investigated the muscle strength (Nm kg⁻¹ × 100) and reaction time (acceleration time (AT), milliseconds) of thigh and calf muscles in patients undergoing ACLR. Thirty-two patients with ACLR and 32 normal control subjects were included. One year postoperatively, the strength of thigh muscles was significantly reduced after ACLR compared with that of controls (hamstring: 80 ± 31.3 vs. 142 ± 26.4, p < 0.001, quadriceps: 159 ± 63.7 vs. 238 ± 35.3, p < 0.001). However, the strength of calf muscles was not significantly different compared with that of controls (gastrocnemius: 77 ± 22.9 vs. 81 ± 22.5, p = 0.425, soleus: 54 ± 15.9 vs. 47 ± 16.1, p = 0.109). The AT of calf muscles was significantly faster after ACLR than that of controls (gastrocnemius: 26 ± 9.8 vs. 31 ± 9, p = 0.030, soleus: 18 ± 6.7 vs. 22 ± 8.5, p = 0.026). The AT of thigh muscles was significantly elongated after ACLR than that of controls (hamstring: 72 ± 18 vs. 55 ± 12.4, p < 0.001, quadriceps: 63 ± 17.6 vs. 47 ± 17, p < 0.000). The strength of thigh muscles was reduced, and the ATs of thigh muscles were slower one year after ACLR. However, the AT of the triceps surae was faster than that of controls. This may implicate a compensatory mechanism of the triceps surae for the weakness and delayed activation in hamstring and quadriceps muscles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Knee Injuries)

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20 pages, 596 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ground Reaction Forces Are Predicted with Functional and Clinical Tests in Healthy Collegiate Students

by Paul A. Cacolice, Christopher R. Carcia, Jason S. Scibek and Amy L. Phelps

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(9), 2907; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9092907 - 9 Sep 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3349

Abstract

Increased vertical and posterior ground reaction forces (GRFs) are associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. If a practical means to predict these forces existed, ACL injury risk could be attenuated. Forty-two active college-age individuals (21 females, 20.66 ± 1.46 y, 70.70 ± [...] Read more.

Increased vertical and posterior ground reaction forces (GRFs) are associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. If a practical means to predict these forces existed, ACL injury risk could be attenuated. Forty-two active college-age individuals (21 females, 20.66 ± 1.46 y, 70.70 ± 2.36 cm, 82.20 ± 7.60 kg; 21 males, 21.57 ± 1.28 y, 65.52 ± 1.87 cm, 64.19 ± 9.05 kg) participated in this controlled laboratory study. GRFs were ascertained by having the subjects perform a unilateral landing task onto a force plate. Several clinical measures (Fat Free Mass (FFM), dorsiflexion passive range of motion (DPROM), isometric peak force of the lateral hip rotators, knee flexor/extensor peak force ratio (H:Q), the completion of the overhead deep squat), two functional tests (Margaria–Kalamen, Single Leg Triple Hop (SLTH)), and sex served as the predictor variables. Regression models to predict the GRFs normalized to the FFM (nGRFz, nGRFy) were generated. nGRFz was best predicted with a linear regression equation that included SLTH and DPROM (adjusted R² = 0.274; p = 0.001). nGRFy was best predicted with a linear regression equation that included H:Q, FFM, and DPROM (adjusted R² = 0.476; p < 0.001). Simple clinical measures and functional tests explain a small to moderate amount of the variance associated with the FFM normalized vertical and posterior GRFs in active college-age individuals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Knee Injuries)

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12 pages, 1131 KiB

Open AccessReview

ACL Repair: A Game Changer or Will History Repeat Itself? A Critical Appraisal

by Christiaan H. W. Heusdens

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(5), 912; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10050912 - 26 Feb 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 7429

Abstract

Until the past decade the common thought was that the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was not able to heal and restore knee stability. In this manuscript a brief review of studies of the developers and the early adaptors of four different modern ACL [...] Read more.

Until the past decade the common thought was that the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was not able to heal and restore knee stability. In this manuscript a brief review of studies of the developers and the early adaptors of four different modern ACL repair techniques are presented. The present status and considerations for the future of ACL repair and its research are shared. After promising short- to midterm ACL healing results by the developers, the results of the early adaptors show more variety in terms of rerupture and reintervention for other reasons. Risk factors for failure are a young age, high preinjury sports activity level, midsubstance ruptures and impaired integrity of the ACL bundles and the synovial sheath. There is a call for more clinical data and randomized clinical trials. Conclusion: an important finding of the past decade is that the ACL is able to heal and subsequently restabilize the knee. Patient selection is emphasized: the ideal patient is a non-high athlete older than 25 and has an acute proximal one bundle ACL rupture. Further research will have to show if ACL repair could be a game changer or if history will repeat itself. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Knee Injuries)

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13 pages, 598 KiB

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The Effectiveness and Recommendation of Motor Imagery Techniques for Rehabilitation after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

by José Manuel Pastora-Bernal, María José Estebanez-Pérez, David Lucena-Anton, Francisco José García-López, Antonio Bort-Carballo and Rocío Martín-Valero

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(3), 428; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10030428 - 22 Jan 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3850

Abstract

Motor imagery (MI) reported positive effects in some musculoskeletal rehabilitation processes. The main objective of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of MI interventions after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A systematic review was conducted from November 2018 to December 2019 in [...] Read more.

Motor imagery (MI) reported positive effects in some musculoskeletal rehabilitation processes. The main objective of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of MI interventions after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A systematic review was conducted from November 2018 to December 2019 in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). The methodological quality, degree of recommendation, and levels of evidence were analyzed. A total of six studies were included. Selected studies showed unequal results (positive and negative) regarding pain, anxiety, fear of re-injury, function, and activities of daily living. Regarding the range of motion, anthropometric measurements, and quality of life, the results were not conclusive. Muscle activation, strength, knee laxity, time to remove external support, and neurobiological factors showed some favorable results. Nevertheless, the results were based on a limited number of studies, small sample sizes, and a moderate-weak degree of recommendation. In conclusion, our review showed a broader view of the current evidence, including a qualitative assessment to implement MI after ACL surgery. There was no clear evidence that MI added to physiotherapy was an effective intervention after ACL surgery, although some studies showed positive results in clinical outcomes. More adequately-powered long-term randomized controlled trials are necessary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Knee Injuries)

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