Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Difference between revisions
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The patellar tendon, anterior tibialis tendon, or [[Achilles tendon]] may be recovered from a [[cadaver]] and used as an [[allograft]] in reconstruction. The Achilles tendon, due to its large size, must be shaved to fit within the joint cavity. There is a slight chance of rejection, which would lead to more surgery to remove the graft and replace it. |
The patellar tendon, anterior tibialis tendon, or [[Achilles tendon]] may be recovered from a [[cadaver]] and used as an [[allograft]] in reconstruction. The Achilles tendon, due to its large size, must be shaved to fit within the joint cavity. There is a slight chance of rejection, which would lead to more surgery to remove the graft and replace it. |
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Sterilization processes exist today that make allografts a safe choice for patients. However, with allografts that are [[irradiation|irradiated]] to remove [[infectious agents]], there is a risk of weakening the selected tendon, although for ACL surgery the weakened tendon is generally as strong as the replaced ligament. |
Sterilization processes exist today that make allografts a safe choice for patients. However, with allografts that are [[irradiation|irradiated]] to remove [[infectious agents]], there is a risk of weakening the selected tendon, although for ACL surgery the weakened tendon is generally as strong as the replaced ligament.<ref>[http://www.orthoassociates.com/SP11B35/ ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Graft Choices<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Even with the extensive and redundant screening process for irradiated donor grafts, a risk of infection remains and it would be cause to remove the graft. Therefore, the option to use an irradiated allograft runs the largest health risk. |
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==== Patellar tendon ==== |
==== Patellar tendon ==== |
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Unlike the patellar tendon, the hamstring tendon's fixation to the bone can be affected by motion in the post-operative phase. Therefore, following surgery, a brace is often used to immobilize the knee for one to two weeks while the most critical healing takes place. Evidence suggests that the hamstring tendon graft does just as well, or nearly as well, as the patellar tendon graft in the long-term{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}}. |
Unlike the patellar tendon, the hamstring tendon's fixation to the bone can be affected by motion in the post-operative phase. Therefore, following surgery, a brace is often used to immobilize the knee for one to two weeks while the most critical healing takes place. Evidence suggests that the hamstring tendon graft does just as well, or nearly as well, as the patellar tendon graft in the long-term{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}}. |
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The main surgical wound is over the upper [[proximal]] tibia, avoiding the typical pain sensation when one kneels down. The wound is typically smaller than the patellar tendon graft and hence less pain after the operation. A new technique for minimal-invasive harvesting from the back of the knee has been developed in the last years. This technique is faster, easier and produces a significantly smaller wound. |
The main surgical wound is over the upper [[proximal]] tibia, avoiding the typical pain sensation when one kneels down. The wound is typically smaller than the patellar tendon graft and hence less pain after the operation. A new technique for minimal-invasive harvesting from the back of the knee has been developed in the last years. This technique is faster, easier and produces a significantly smaller wound.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Franz W, Ulbrich J |title=A new technique for harvesting the semitendinosus tendon for cruciate ligament reconstruction |journal=Arthroskopie |volume=17 |issue= |pages=104–7 |year=2004 |doi=10.1007/s00142-004-0255-1 }}</ref>Patients are typically discharged from the hospital within two days after surgery. |
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There seems to be some controversy as to how well a hamstring tendon regenerates after the harvesting. Most studies suggest that the tendon can be regenerated at least partially, while still being inferior in strength to the original tendon. |
There seems to be some controversy as to how well a hamstring tendon regenerates after the harvesting. Most studies suggest that the tendon can be regenerated at least partially, while still being inferior in strength to the original tendon.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Okahashi K, Sugimoto K, Iwai M, ''et al.'' |title=Regeneration of the hamstring tendons after harvesting for arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a histological study in 11 patients |journal=Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc |volume=14 |issue=6 |pages=542–5 |year=2006 |month=June |pmid=16525795 |doi=10.1007/s00167-006-0068-z |url=http://www.springerlink.com/content/5224712231q0wm16/}} |
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=== Choice of graft === |
=== Choice of graft === |
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No ideal graft site for ACL reconstruction exists; they all have advantages and disadvantages. Patella tendon grafts are still considered the historical "gold standard" for knee stability by surgeons, however they suffer a slightly higher complication rate, including knee pain such as when doing a lunge.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Biau DJ,Katsahian S, Kartus J, Harilainen A, Feller JA, Sajovic M, Ejerhed L |date=December 2009 |title=Patellar Tendon Versus Hamstring Tendon Autografts for Reconstructing the Anterior Cruciate Ligament |journal=Am J Sports Med |volume=37 |issue=12 |pages=2470–8 |pmid=19709991 |doi=10.1177/0363546509333006 |url=http://ajs.sagepub.com/content/37/12/2470.full }}</ref> Hamstring grafts historically had problems with fixation slippage and stretching out over time. Modern fixation methods of hamstrings avoid graft slippage, producing outcomes that are the same in terms of knee stability with easier rehabilitation, less anterior knee pain and less joint stiffness. An allograft is a graft from a corpse, usually either a patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, and occasionally an achilles tendon. The advantage of an allograft is the patient does not sustain additional injury through removing a tendon, thus making it faster to recover. The disadvantage is the risk of infection by using foreign bodily materials and the graft is known to be slightly weaker. |
No ideal graft site for ACL reconstruction exists; they all have advantages and disadvantages. Patella tendon grafts are still considered the historical "gold standard" for knee stability by surgeons, however they suffer a slightly higher complication rate, including knee pain such as when doing a lunge.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Biau DJ,Katsahian S, Kartus J, Harilainen A, Feller JA, Sajovic M, Ejerhed L |date=December 2009 |title=Patellar Tendon Versus Hamstring Tendon Autografts for Reconstructing the Anterior Cruciate Ligament |journal=Am J Sports Med |volume=37 |issue=12 |pages=2470–8 |pmid=19709991 |doi=10.1177/0363546509333006 |url=http://ajs.sagepub.com/content/37/12/2470.full }}</ref> Hamstring grafts historically had problems with fixation slippage and stretching out over time. Modern fixation methods of hamstrings avoid graft slippage, producing outcomes that are the same in terms of knee stability with easier rehabilitation, less anterior knee pain and less joint stiffness. An allograft is a graft from a corpse, usually either a patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, and occasionally an achilles tendon. The advantage of an allograft is the patient does not sustain additional injury through removing a tendon, thus making it faster to recover. The disadvantage is the risk of infection by using foreign bodily materials and the graft is known to be slightly weaker.<ref>http://www.aclsurgery.us/patellar-vs-hamstring/</ref> A lesser known, but newer type of graft is a synthetic graft. Little data exists on its strength or reliability, but patients should be aware that the option exists. Typically, age and lifestyle choices help decide the type of graft to be used for ACL reconstruction. The overall factors in knee stability are correct graft placement by the surgeon and treatment of other menisco-ligament injuries in the knee, rather than choice of graft. |
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== Recovery == |
== Recovery == |
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After four months, more intense activities such as [[running]] are possible without risk. After five months, light ball work may commence as the ligament is nearly regenerated. After six months, the reconstructed ACL is generally at full strength ([[ligament]] tissue has fully regrown), and the patient may return to activities involving cutting and twisting if a brace is worn. Recovery varies highly from case to case, and sometimes resumption of stressful activities may take a year or longer. |
After four months, more intense activities such as [[running]] are possible without risk. After five months, light ball work may commence as the ligament is nearly regenerated. After six months, the reconstructed ACL is generally at full strength ([[ligament]] tissue has fully regrown), and the patient may return to activities involving cutting and twisting if a brace is worn. Recovery varies highly from case to case, and sometimes resumption of stressful activities may take a year or longer. |
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The reconstructed ACL has a high success rate. Studies show that cases in which the ACL retears are generally caused by a traumatic impact. Some studies indicate that wearing a brace during athletic activity does not reduce probability of re-injury to the ACL{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}}, but a study of active post-ACL replacement skiers shows a 300% reduction in re-injury likelihood by using a knee brace after recovery. |
The reconstructed ACL has a high success rate. Studies show that cases in which the ACL retears are generally caused by a traumatic impact. Some studies indicate that wearing a brace during athletic activity does not reduce probability of re-injury to the ACL{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}}, but a study of active post-ACL replacement skiers shows a 300% reduction in re-injury likelihood by using a knee brace after recovery.<ref>{{cite journal |author= Sterett WI, Briggs KK, Farley T, Steadman JR |date=October 2006 |title=Effect of Functional Bracing on Knee Injury in Skiers With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction |journal=Am J Sports Med |volume=34 |issue=10 |pages=1581–5 |pmid=16870823 |doi=10.1177/0363546506289883 |url=http://ajs.sagepub.com/content/34/10/1581.full }}</ref> A sufficiently traumatic impact to retear the ACL is unlikely to be mitigated by the use of a brace. {{Citation needed|date=November 2009}} |
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== Recovery Progression == |
== Recovery Progression == |
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Revision as of 01:37, 10 November 2011
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (October 2007) |
| Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction | |
|---|---|
 Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (right knee). The tendon of the semitendinosus muscle was prelevated, folded and used as an autograft (1). It appears through the remnant of the injured original ACL (3). The autograft then courses upwardly and backwardly in front of the posterior cruciate ligament (2). | |
| ICD-9-CM | 81.45 |
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL reconstruction) is a surgical tissue graft replacement of the anterior cruciate ligament, located in the knee, to restore its function after anterior cruciate ligament injury. The torn ligament is removed from the knee before the graft is inserted through a hole created by a single hole punch. The surgery is performed arthroscopically.
An ACL reconstruction is sometimes referred to, incorrectly, as an ACL repair. A torn anterior cruciate ligament cannot be "repaired", and must instead be reconstructed with a tissue graft replacement.
Types of grafts
Autograft vs. allograft
- An autograft involves the medical grafting of bone or tissue from the patient's body.
- An allograft is the use of bone or tissue from a donor's (typically a cadaver's) body.
The patellar tendon, anterior tibialis tendon, or Achilles tendon may be recovered from a cadaver and used as an allograft in reconstruction. The Achilles tendon, due to its large size, must be shaved to fit within the joint cavity. There is a slight chance of rejection, which would lead to more surgery to remove the graft and replace it.
Sterilization processes exist today that make allografts a safe choice for patients. However, with allografts that are irradiated to remove infectious agents, there is a risk of weakening the selected tendon, although for ACL surgery the weakened tendon is generally as strong as the replaced ligament.[1] Even with the extensive and redundant screening process for irradiated donor grafts, a risk of infection remains and it would be cause to remove the graft. Therefore, the option to use an irradiated allograft runs the largest health risk.
Patellar tendon
The patellar tendon connects the patella (kneecap) to the tibia (shin). The graft is taken from the injured knee, but in some circumstances, such as a second operation, the other knee may be used. The middle third of the tendon is used, with bone fragments removed on each end. The graft is then threaded through holes drilled in the tibia and femur, and finally screwed into place.
The graft is slightly larger than a hamstring graft, however graft size is not a determinant of outcome. The most important factor in determining the outcome is correct graft placement.
The disadvantages include: 1. Increased wound pain. 2. Increased scar formation as compared to a hamstring tendon operation. 3. Risk of fracturing the patella during harvesting of the graft. 4. Increased risk of tendinitis. 5. Increased levels of pain with activities that require kneeling years after post op.
Hamstring tendon
Hamstring autografts are made with the semitendinosus tendon either alone, or accompanied by the gracilis tendon for a stronger graft. The semitendinosus is an accessory hamstring (the primary hamstrings are left intact), and the gracilis is actually not a hamstring, but an accessory adductor (the primary adductors are left intact as well). The two tendons are commonly combined and referred to as a four strand hamstring graft, made by a long piece (about 25 cm) which is removed from each tendon. The tendon segments are folded and braided together to form a quadruple thickness strand for the replacement graft. The braided segment is threaded through the heads of tibia and femur and its ends fixated with screws on the opposite sides of the two bones.
Unlike the patellar tendon, the hamstring tendon's fixation to the bone can be affected by motion in the post-operative phase. Therefore, following surgery, a brace is often used to immobilize the knee for one to two weeks while the most critical healing takes place. Evidence suggests that the hamstring tendon graft does just as well, or nearly as well, as the patellar tendon graft in the long-term[citation needed].
The main surgical wound is over the upper proximal tibia, avoiding the typical pain sensation when one kneels down. The wound is typically smaller than the patellar tendon graft and hence less pain after the operation. A new technique for minimal-invasive harvesting from the back of the knee has been developed in the last years. This technique is faster, easier and produces a significantly smaller wound.[2]Patients are typically discharged from the hospital within two days after surgery.
There seems to be some controversy as to how well a hamstring tendon regenerates after the harvesting. Most studies suggest that the tendon can be regenerated at least partially, while still being inferior in strength to the original tendon.[3][4]
Choice of graft
No ideal graft site for ACL reconstruction exists; they all have advantages and disadvantages. Patella tendon grafts are still considered the historical "gold standard" for knee stability by surgeons, however they suffer a slightly higher complication rate, including knee pain such as when doing a lunge.[5] Hamstring grafts historically had problems with fixation slippage and stretching out over time. Modern fixation methods of hamstrings avoid graft slippage, producing outcomes that are the same in terms of knee stability with easier rehabilitation, less anterior knee pain and less joint stiffness. An allograft is a graft from a corpse, usually either a patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, and occasionally an achilles tendon. The advantage of an allograft is the patient does not sustain additional injury through removing a tendon, thus making it faster to recover. The disadvantage is the risk of infection by using foreign bodily materials and the graft is known to be slightly weaker.[6] A lesser known, but newer type of graft is a synthetic graft. Little data exists on its strength or reliability, but patients should be aware that the option exists. Typically, age and lifestyle choices help decide the type of graft to be used for ACL reconstruction. The overall factors in knee stability are correct graft placement by the surgeon and treatment of other menisco-ligament injuries in the knee, rather than choice of graft.
Recovery
Initial physical therapy consists of range of motion (ROM) exercises, often with the guidance of a physical therapist. Range of motion exercises are used to regain the flexibility of the ligament, prevent or break down scar tissue from forming and reduce loss of muscle tone. Range of motion exercise examples include: quadriceps contractions and straight leg raises. In some cases, a continuous passive motion (CPM) device is used immediately after surgery to help with flexibility. The preferred method of preventing muscle loss is isometric exercises that put zero strain on the knee. Knee extension within two weeks is important with many rehab guidelines.
Approximately six weeks is required for the bone to attach to the graft. However, the patient can typically walk on their own and perform simple physical tasks prior to this with caution, relying on the surgical fixation of the graft until true healing (graft attachment to bone) has taken place. At this stage the first round of physical therapy can begin. This usually consists of careful exercises to regain flexibility and small amounts of strength. One of the more important benchmarks in recovery is the twelve weeks post-surgery period. After this, the patient can typically begin a more aggressive regimen of exercises involving stress on the knee, and increasing resistance. Jogging may be incorporated as well.
After four months, more intense activities such as running are possible without risk. After five months, light ball work may commence as the ligament is nearly regenerated. After six months, the reconstructed ACL is generally at full strength (ligament tissue has fully regrown), and the patient may return to activities involving cutting and twisting if a brace is worn. Recovery varies highly from case to case, and sometimes resumption of stressful activities may take a year or longer.
The reconstructed ACL has a high success rate. Studies show that cases in which the ACL retears are generally caused by a traumatic impact. Some studies indicate that wearing a brace during athletic activity does not reduce probability of re-injury to the ACL[citation needed], but a study of active post-ACL replacement skiers shows a 300% reduction in re-injury likelihood by using a knee brace after recovery.[7] A sufficiently traumatic impact to retear the ACL is unlikely to be mitigated by the use of a brace. [citation needed]
Recovery Progression
Recovery is a four phase progression.
Phase 1 (0-2 weeks)
The goals of this phase are to:
- Eliminate swelling due to activity
- Progress from partial weight bearing to full weight bearing exercises
- Regain normal range of motion
- Increase quadriceps strength
- Increase hamstring strength
Some equipment that can be used and exercises that can be performed are:
- Use of Cryo-cuff
- - provides cold compression
- Isometric Contraction of Quads
- Quad Sets
- - stand against wall, push extended knee against rolled towel
- - progress to straight leg raised to 30deg.
- Wall Slides
- - To increase knee flexion
- Assisted Knee Flexion
- Towel Squeeze
- - Sit in chair, squeeze rolled towel between knees for 5 seconds. Relax & repeat.
- VMO Strengthening Exercise
- Supported Bilateral Calf-Raises
Phase 2 (2-12 weeks)
The goals of this phase are to:
- Regain full knee extension
- Restore knee flexion to +130°
- Perform a full squat properly
- Regain good balance and control
- Reestablish proper gait
- walk with crutches
Some exercises that can be performed are:
- Mini squats
- - Progress to full squats → single-leg half squat
- Mini Lunges
- - Progress to full lunges
- Leg Press
- - Double-leg → single
- Step-ups
- - lateral & forward
- Bridges
- - Double-leg → single
- - Floor → Swiss ball
- Hip Abduction w/ Theraband
- Hip Extension w/ Theraband
- Wobble board
- - Assisted → un-assisted → eyes closed (assisted → unassisted)
- Stork Stand
- - Assisted → un-assisted → eyes closed (assisted → unassisted) → unstable surface
- Static Proprioceptive hold/ball throwing
- Functional Exercises that can be performed at this time include:
- - Walking
- - Bike
- - Roman Chair
Phase 3 (3-6 months)
The goals of this phase are to:
- Regain full range of motion
- Regain full strength and power
- Increase agility
- allows for adaption to direction change, acceleration and deceleration
- Be able to perform restricted sports-specific drills
- Begin plyometric drills
Some exercises that can be performed are:
- Continue exercises from Phase 2, progress as necessary
- Jump & Land drills
- - Jump from block & stick landing
- - Double-leg landing → single-leg
- Plyometric Drills
- - Jumping over blocks, sideways & forward
- - Hopping up & down steps/stairs
Phase 4 (6-12 months)
The goal of this phase is a return to activity, however it requires an ability to perform some functional performance tests such as:
- Agility Tests
- Illinois Agility Test
- Zig Zag Agility Test
- These tests are used to test the ability of the knee to withstand cutting and planting maneuvers
- Standing Vertical Jump
- Here you jump straight in the air from a standing start and land on two feet as stable as possible.
- Heiden Hop Test
- Here you essentially jump as far as possible with the uninjured leg and land on the injured leg. Your ability to stick the landing is indicative of good knee function.
- Isokinetic Testing
- This is used to evaluate muscle strength.
- The individual should have at least 90% quadricep strength of the uninjured leg
- They should also have equal hamstring strength to their uninjured leg as well
Cost and logistics of the procedure
The cost of ACL surgery is an unfortunate reality which affects whether or not a patient proceeds with the operation. The average out-of-pocket cost of ACL reconstruction is $2,339.43, according to a 2010 survey of ACL surgery patients.[8] Insurance companies may or may not cover the various billable components of ACL reconstruction, which may include: pre-op appointments, pre-op physical therapy, ACL reconstruction by the surgeon, an assistant's charge, anesthesia, the hospital or facility fee, rental fees for cryotherapy, prescriptions, transportation, crutches or wheel chair fees, leg brace fees, post op visits (such as to remove drain plugs and monitor swelling), and a physical therapy rehab program.
Despite the complexity of the procedure and numerous doctor visits involved, 80% - 90% of patients who have had the surgery said they had favorable results.[9]
References
- ^ ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Graft Choices
- ^ Franz W, Ulbrich J (2004). "A new technique for harvesting the semitendinosus tendon for cruciate ligament reconstruction". Arthroskopie. 17: 104–7. doi:10.1007/s00142-004-0255-1.
- ^ Okahashi K, Sugimoto K, Iwai M; et al. (2006). "Regeneration of the hamstring tendons after harvesting for arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a histological study in 11 patients". Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 14 (6): 542–5. doi:10.1007/s00167-006-0068-z. PMID 16525795.
{{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in:|author=(help); Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Semitendinosus Regrowth: Biochemical, Ultrastructural, and Physiological Characterization of the Regenerate Tendon". The American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine. Retrieved 2009-04-04.
- ^ Biau DJ,Katsahian S, Kartus J, Harilainen A, Feller JA, Sajovic M, Ejerhed L (December 2009). "Patellar Tendon Versus Hamstring Tendon Autografts for Reconstructing the Anterior Cruciate Ligament". Am J Sports Med. 37 (12): 2470–8. doi:10.1177/0363546509333006. PMID 19709991.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ http://www.aclsurgery.us/patellar-vs-hamstring/
- ^ Sterett WI, Briggs KK, Farley T, Steadman JR (October 2006). "Effect of Functional Bracing on Knee Injury in Skiers With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction". Am J Sports Med. 34 (10): 1581–5. doi:10.1177/0363546506289883. PMID 16870823.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ http://www.aclsurgery.us/acl-survey-results/
- ^ http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/anterior-cruciate-ligament-acl-surgery
External links
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction - The KNEEguru
- Dawn Hastreiter, ACL Reconstruction, University of Washington, UWMC Roosevelt Clinic, Musculoskeletal Radiology.
- ACL and Computer Aided ACL Reconstruction Presentation
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Graft Options
- ACL Reconstruction videos
- Arthrosopic Surgery ACL Reconstruction Video
- Information for patients - Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction - Oxford Clinic
- Patient's comprehensive guide to the ACL - Illinois Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center
- U.S. patent 6,623,524 Method for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, Arthrex Corp., issued September 23, 2003
- ACL Post-Surgery Blog
- ACL Diary - Torn ACL Surgery