Anatomical study of the lateral patellofemoral ligament in cadaver knees

OBJECTIVES: To describe the lateral patellofemoral ligament (LPFL) after anatomical dissection of fresh cadaver knees. The literature shows a particular interest for the LPFL. Such special attention is due to its anatomical and biomechanical importance, and also due to the need to reconstruct the ligament in the cases of medial patellar instability. METHODS: The LPFL was studied in 20 knees of 20 fresh cadavers by means of anatomical dissections. The dissections were standardized and the data were noted down and forwarded to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The LPFL presented a mean 16.05 mm width (standard deviation of 2.48), 42.10 mm length (standard deviation of 8.84). The femoral insertion was found at the lateral femoral epicondyle and with a fan-like expansion of the fibers, predominantly in the posterior region proximal to the lateral epicondyle. In the patella, the insertion found was in the upper-lateral region (in the middle of the upper third of the coronal plan), also with expanded fibers, but less intensely so. In the sagittal plan, the ligament was located in the posterior half of the border of the patella. The LPFL was isolated in the second lateral retinacular layer, the deep transverse retinaculum. CONCLUSION: The LPFL is located in the deep transverse retinacular layer with the presence of a fan-like expansion of its fibers both in the femoral and in the patellar insertions. The insertion is more posterior and proximal at the femoral epicondyle and in the posterior half of the patellar border (sagittal plan) and in the upper-lateral aspect.OBJETIVOS: Descrever o ligamento patelofemoral lateral (LPFL) por meio de dissecação anatômica de joelhos de cadáveres frescos. Na literatura existe particular interesse pelo LPFL. Essa especial atenção é dada pela sua importância anatômica, biomecânica e pela necessidade da sua reconstrução nos casos de instabilidade medial da patela. MÉTODOS: O LPFL foi estudado em 20 joelhos de 20 cadáveres frescos por meio de dissecações anatômicas. As dissecações foram padronizadas e os dados anotados enviados para análise estatística. RESULTADOS: O LPFL apresentou em média 16,05mm de largura (desvio-padrão: 2,48), 42,10mm de comprimento (desvio-padrão: 8,84). Sua inserção femoral mostrou-se no epicôndilo femoral lateral e com expansão em forma de leque das suas fibras, predominantemente na região posterior e proximal ao epicôndilo lateral. Na patela a inserção encontrada foi na região súpero-lateral (na metade do terço superior no plano coronal), também com expansão das fibras, mas com menor intensidade. No plano sagital, o ligamento situava-se na metade posterior da borda da patela. O LPFL foi isolado na segunda camada retinacular lateral, o retináculo transverso profundo. CONCLUSÃO: O LPFL situa-se na camada retinacular transversa profunda, com a presença de uma expansão das suas fibras em forma de leque, tanto na inserção femoral quanto na patelar. No epicôndilo femoral a inserção encontra-se mais posterior e proximalmente e na patela está na metade posterior da borda patelar (plano sagital) e no aspecto súpero-lateral.Faculdade de Medicina do ABC Grupo de Traumatologia Esportiva da Disciplina de OrtopediaUNIFESP Departamento de OrtopediaFaculdade de Medicina do ABCUNIFESP, Depto. de OrtopediaSciEL

Updating on diagnosis and treatment of chondral lesion of the knee

The treatment of chondral knee injuries remains a challenge for the orthopedic surgeon, mainly owing to the characteristics of the cartilage tissue, which promote low potential for regeneration. Chondral lesions can be caused by metabolic stimulation, or by genetic, vascular and traumatic events, and are classified according to the size and thickness of the affected cartilage. Clinical diagnosis can be difficult, especially due to insidious symptoms. Additional tests, as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), may be needed. The treatment of these lesions usually starts with non-operative management. Surgery should be reserved for patients with detached chondral fragments, blocked range of motion, or the failure of non-operative treatment. The surgical techniques used for the treatment of partial thickness defects are Debridement and Ablation. These techniques aim to improve symptoms, since they do not restore normal structure and function of the cartilage. For full-thickness defects (osteochondral lesion), available treatments are Abrasion, Drilling, Microfracture, Osteochondral Autologous and Allogeneic Transplantation, and biological techniques such as the use of Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation, Minced Cartilage and stem cells.O tratamento das lesões condrais no joelho ainda permanece um desafio para o cirurgião ortopédico, principalmente pelas próprias características da cartilagem, que promovem um baixo potencial de regeneração. As lesões condrais podem ser causadas por estímulos metabólicos, genéticos, vasculares e traumáticos e são classificadas de acordo com o tamanho e espessura da cartilagem acometida. O diagnóstico clínico pode ser difícil, principalmente pela sintomatologia insidiosa, sendo necessário o uso de exames complementares, em especial, a ressonância magnética. O tratamento dessas lesões é, em geral, iniciado de forma conservadora, ficando o tratamento cirúrgico reservado para pacientes com fragmentos condrais destacados, com bloqueio do arco de movimento, ou pacientes refratários ao tratamento clínico. As técnicas cirúrgicas mais usadas para o tratamento dos defeitos de espessura parcial são o desbridamento e a ablação por radiofrequência. Essas técnicas têm o objetivo de melhorar os sintomas, já que não restauram a estrutura e a função normal da cartilagem. Para os defeitos de espessura total (lesão osteocondral), os tratamentos disponíveis são a abrasão, drilling, microfratura, transplante osteocondral autólogo e alógeno e técnicas biológicas como o uso de transplante autólogo de condrócitos, técnica da cartilagem picada (minced cartilage) e o transplante de células-tronco.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)UNIFESPSciEL

Patellar tendinopathy

Patellar tendinopathy, or jumper's knee, is often seen in athletes that practice jumping modalities, or modalities that require repetitive impact strength. Histologically, the excessive load on the tendon may cause changes in the extracellular matrix and results in small lesions that may, when chronic, lead to tendinosis specially in the lower pole of the patella. Pain in the anterior region of the knee is the first symptom reported by the patient with this disease. The beginning is insidious and gradual, mainly after physical activity, but with the progression of the disease, pain may be frequent during or already in the beginning of the activity. The diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy is eminently clinical, characterized by pain when palpating the lower pole of the patella and adjacent areas. In more advanced cases, a palpable nodule and associated edema may be visualized. Supplemental exams, such as X-ray, ultrasound, and MRI help in the diagnosis. Ultrasound and MRI are the best indications, as they may define the exact location of the lesion, its extension, and also identify whether or not degenerating changes are present, MRI providing the best resolution. Initial tendinopathy treatment is clinical, with relative rest, correction of etiologic factors, cryotherapies and physiotherapy. The use of pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs is controverted. For those cases that do not respond to clinical treatment, surgical is an option, and the literature brings several techniques with varying rates of good results.A tendinopatia do patelar ou jumper's knee (joelho do saltador) é uma afecção que acomete freqüentemente atletas praticantes de atividades de salto ou aquelas que exigem força de impacto repetitivo. Histologicamente, a sobrecarga excessiva no tendão pode provocar alterações na matriz extracelular, resultando em pequenas lesões que, cronicamente, poderão levar a um quadro de tendinose, principalmente na região do pólo inferior da patela. A dor na região anterior do joelho é o primeiro sintoma relatado pelo paciente portador dessa afecção. Seu início é insidioso e gradual, principalmente após atividade física, mas, com a progressão da doença, pode tornar-se freqüente durante ou já no início da atividade. O diagnóstico de tendinopatia do patelar é eminentemente clínico, caracterizado por dor à palpação no pólo inferior da patela e adjacências e, nos casos mais avançados, nódulo palpável e edema associado podem ser visualizados. Exames complementares, como radiografia, ultra-sonografia (US) e ressonância magnética (RM) auxiliam no diagnóstico. O US e a RM são os mais indicados, pois podem definir o local exato da lesão, sua extensão, como também identificar a presença ou não de alterações degenerativas, sendo a RM o que fornece melhor resolução. O tratamento inicial da tendinopatia é clínico, com repouso relativo, correção dos fatores etiológicos, além de crioterapia e medidas fisioterápicas. A utilização da medicação analgésica e antiinflamatória é controversa. Nos casos que não respondem ao tratamento clínico, o cirúrgico é opção, e várias técnicas são descritas, a literatura demonstrando índices variados de bons resultados.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Departamento e Ortopedia e Traumatologia Centro de Traumatologia do EsporteInstituto Cohen de Ortopedia, Reabilitação e Medicina EsportivaUNIFESP, Depto. e Ortopedia e Traumatologia Centro de Traumatologia do EsporteSciEL

Postoperative rehabilitation of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments: case study

Knee ligament injuries are among the most common sports lesions. However, injuries associated with the cruciate ligaments are rare, and normally occur as a result of high impact traumas. In these cases, surgical intervention is necessary, due to the high level of functional instability. PURPOSE: to develop and apply a postoperative rehabilitation protocol for reconstruction of cruciate ligaments, and to record their evolution by means of regular evaluations with validated functional questionnaires. METHOD: case report of a patient submitted to reconstruction of the cruciate ligaments until return to sports. The functional capacity was evaluated using knee function questionnaires (Lysholm and IKDC); range of movement (goniometer), anteroposterior displacement (arthrometer KT1000TM), strength (isokinetic dynamometer) and movement analyses (walking gait and running gait). CONCLUSION: the protocol was effective for improving functional stability, strength, and a safe return to sports.As lesões ligamentares do joelho estão entre as principais lesões ocorridas nos esportes, sendo raras as lesões combinadas dos ligamentos cruzados e estas lesões normalmente estão associadas com traumas de alta velocidade. Nesses casos a intervenção cirúrgica é necessária devido ao alto nível de instabilidade funcional. OBJETIVO: desenvolver e aplicar um protocolo de reabilitação para pós-operatório de reconstrução dos ligamentos cruzados e registrar a evolução por meio de avaliações periódicas com questionários de função validados. METODOLOGIA: trata-se de um relato de caso de um paciente que foi submetido à reconstrução dos ligamentos cruzados até o retorno ao esporte. Foram realizadas avaliações da capacidade funcional com o uso de questionários (Lysholm e IKDC); amplitude de movimento (goniômetro), lassidão ântero-posterior (artrômetro KT1000TM), força (dinamometria Isocinética) e análises do movimento (marcha e corrida). CONCLUSÃO: o protocolo foi efetivo para melhorar a capacidade funcional, força e retorno seguro ao esporte.Universidade São MarcosInstituto Cohen - Ortopedia, Reabilitação e Medicina do EsporteUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de MedicinaUNIFESP, EPMSciEL

The Brazilian Football Association (CBF) model for epidemiological studies on professional soccer player injuries

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to establish a national methodological model for epidemiological studies on professional soccer player injuries and to describe the numerous relevant studies previously published on this topic. INTRODUCTION: The risk of injury in professional soccer is high. However, previous studies of injury risk in Brazil and other countries have been characterized by large variations in study design and data collection methods as well as definitions of injury, standardized diagnostic criteria, and recovery times. METHODS: A system developed by the Union of European Football for epidemiological studies on professional soccer players is being used as a starting point to create a methodological model for the Brazilian Football Association. To describe the existing studies on professional soccer player injuries, we developed a search strategy to identify relevant epidemiological studies. We included the Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences and Medline databases in our study. RESULTS: We considered 60 studies from Medline and 16 studies from the Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences in the final analysis. Twelve studies were selected for final inclusion in this review: seven from the Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences and five from Medline. We identified a lack of uniformity in the study design, data collection methods, injury definitions, standardized diagnostic criteria, and the definition of recovery time. Based on the information contained within these articles, we developed a model for epidemiological studies for the Brazilian Football Association. CONCLUSIONS: There is no uniform model for epidemiological studies of professional soccer injuries. Here, we propose a novel model to be applied for epidemiological studies of professional soccer player injuries in Brazil and throughout the world.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Departamento de Ortopedia e Traumatologia Centro de Traumatologia do EsporteBrazilian Football AssociationClube de Regatas do Flamengo's Department HeadUNIFESP, Depto. de Ortopedia e Traumatologia Centro de Traumatologia do EsporteSciEL

Comparison between the results achieved in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with two kinds of autologous grafts: patellar tendon versus semitendinous and gracilis

OBJECTIVE: this study aims to compare the arthrometric and isokinetic examination results from two types of autologous grafts: the central third of the patellar ligament and a graft formed by the tendons of the semitendinosus and gracilis muscles, within the same rehabilitation protocol, six months after the surgery. METHODS: the results from examinations carried out on 63 patients were analyzed. These patients were divided in two groups: one group of 30 patients who received a patellar tendon graft and another group of 33 patients who received a graft from the tendons of the semitendinosus and gracilis muscles. Both the grafts were attached in the same way, with EndobuttonTM for suspensory fixation to the femur and a bioabsorbable interference screw for fixation in the tibial tunnel. RESULTS: arthrometry 30 did not present any statistical difference between the two study groups. On the other hand, the isokinetic evaluation showed that the patellar tendon group had a larger mean peak torque of flexion and greater extension deficit, while the semitendinosus/gracilis group had a better mean flexion/extension ratio and greater percentage of flexion deficit. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups when measuring peak torque extension. CONCLUSION: therefore, when the patellar tendon was used, there was greater extensor deficit and, when the semitendinosus/gracilis tendons were used, there was greater flexor deficit.OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho é comparar os resultados da artrometria e do exame isocinético entre dois tipos de enxertos autólogos: o terço central do ligamento patelar e o formado pelos tendões dos músculos semitendíneo e grácil, dentro de um mesmo protocolo de reabilitação no sexto mês pós-operatório. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram analisados os resultados obtidos dos exames realizados em 63 pacientes divididos em dois grupos. Em um grupo de 30 pacientes, utilizou-se o tendão patelar como enxerto e em outro grupo de 33 pacientes, utilizou-se o tendão dos músculos semitendíneo e grácil. Ambos os enxertos foram fixados da mesma forma, com EndobuttonTM para fixação suspensória no fêmur e um parafuso de interferência bioabsorvível para fixação no túnel tibial. RESULTADOS: A artrometria 30 não apresentou diferença estatística entre os dois grupos observados. Já na avaliação isocinética, constatou-se que o grupo de tendão patelar possui em média maior pico de torque de flexão e maior déficit de extensão e o grupo de flexores possui, em média, melhor relação flexão/extensão e maior déficit de flexão percentual. Não há diferença estatística significante entre os grupos quanto à medida de pico de torque de extensão. CONCLUSÃO: portanto, no presente estudo, quando o tendão patelar é utilizado, há maior déficit extensor e quando são utilizados os tendões flexores, há maior déficit flexor.UNIFESP-EPM Departamento de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaCentro de Ortopedia e Reabilitação no Esporte Centro de EstudosFMUSP Departamento de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaUNIFESP, EPM, Depto. de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaSciEL

Updating of the anatomy of the extensor mechanism of the knee using a three-dimensional viewing technique

The knee extensor mechanism is a complex structure formed by the quadriceps muscle and tendon, the patella, the patellar tendon and the ligaments that surround and help stabilize the knee. Through using a three-dimensional viewing technique on images of the knee extensor apparatus, we aimed to didactically show the structures that compose this bone-muscle-ligament complex. Anatomical dissection of the knee with emphasis on the structures of its extensor mechanism was performed, followed by taking photographs using a camera and lenses suitable for simulating human vision, through a technique for constructing three-dimensional images. Then, with the aid of appropriate software, pairs of images of the same structure from different angles simulating human vision were overlain with the addition of polarizing layer, thereby completing the construction of an anaglyphic image. The main structures of the knee extensor mechanism could be observed with a three-dimensional effect. Among the main benefits relating to this technique, we can highlight that in addition to teaching and studying musculoskeletal anatomy, it has potential use in training for surgical procedures and production of images for diagnostic tests.O mecanismo extensor do joelho é uma estrutura complexa formada pelo músculo e tendão quadricipital, a patela, o tendão patelar e os ligamentos que os circundam e auxiliam na estabilização do joelho. Através do uso de técnica de visualização tridimensional de imagens do aparelho extensor do joelho pretendemos mostrar de forma didática as estruturas que compõem este complexo ósteo-músculo-ligamentar. Dissecção anatômica do joelho com ênfase nas estruturas do seu mecanismo extensor foi realizada seguida de fotografias com câmera e lentes adequadas para simulação da visão humana através de técnica de construção de imagem tridimensional. Em seguida, com a ajuda de software apropriado, as duas imagens da mesma estrutura de diferentes ângulos simulando a visão humana são sobrepostas com adição de camada polarizante, concluindo a construção da imagem anaglífica. As principais estruturas do mecanismo extensor do joelho podem ser observadas com efeito tridimensional. Dentre os principais benefícios relacionados a esta técnica, destacamos, além do ensino e estudo da anatomia musculoesquelética, o potencial uso em treinamento de procedimentos cirúrgicos e a realização de imagens em exames diagnósticos.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Departamento de Ortopedia e Traumatologia Centro de Traumatologia do EsporteInstituto CohenSanta Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo Faculdade de Ciências MédicasFaculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio PretoUniversidade de BarcelonaUNIFESP Departamento de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaCentro de Traumatologia do EsporteUNIFESP, Depto. de Ortopedia e Traumatologia Centro de Traumatologia do EsporteUNIFESP, Depto. de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaSciEL

Quality of life after antegrade intramedullary nail fixation of humeral fractures: a survey in a selected cohort of Brazilian patients

Background: The treatment of humeral fractures remains controversial. Systematic reviews demonstrate similar results between dynamic compression plating and locked intramedullary nailing in the surgical treatment of these fractures. However, it appears that antegrade intramedullary nailing causes higher residual pain in the shoulder. The proposal of this work is to evaluate through the WORC protocol (Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index) the consequences in the quality of life of patients submitted to osteosynthesis of the humerus with antegrade locked intramedullary nailing. Methods: This work is a cohort retrospective study in addition to the application of a questionnaire for self-rated quality of life with its 05 domains (WORC - Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index) for patients (N = 26) classified in the Trauma Sector of the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology of the Federal University of Sao Paulo (DOT/UNIFESP) submitted to Humerus Osteosynthesis with Antegrade Locked Intramedullary Nailing. There was also the inclusion of data related to the time since surgery, age, sex, surgical laterality, dominance among members and work leave, which were not considered in the original protocol. After, the data were statistically assessed to evaluate the association between numerical and categorical variables. Results: The overall WORC score was 82.75 +/- 17.00 (Mean +/- SD) and was not different considering sex, age and postoperative period. Among the WORC domains, both Work and Sport / Recreation Protocols were the most unfavorable factors in the evaluation of patients. Although not statistically significant, those who had the procedure on the dominant side presented a lower quality of life score than those who had the surgery on the non-dominant side. Although non-significant again, those who were away from work had an overall lower quality of life score than those who were not. Conclusions: The WORC Quality of Life Protocol shows good results for evaluating patients submitted to humerus osteosynthesis with antegrade locked intramedullary nailing. The data stratified by domains were good, however, Work and Sport/Recreation domains showed the lowest means compared to the other domains.Univ Fed Sao Paulo, DOT UNIFESP Escola Paulista Medicina, Dept Orthoped & Traumatol, Rua Borges Lagoa 778, BR-04024002 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, DOT UNIFESP Escola Paulista Medicina, Dept Orthoped & Traumatol, Rua Borges Lagoa 778, BR-04024002 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Common injuries in athletes' knee: experience of a specialized center

OBJECTIVE:The present cross-sectional study aims to identify the most common knee injuries in athletes cared at a Specialized Outpatient Clinics.METHOD:Analysis of patients cared at the Knee Outpatient Clinics of a Sports Trauma Center, divided by gender, age and diagnosed injury.RESULTS:Initially 440 patients were divided into 33 types of sports; after excluding the less statistically significant practices, nine sports remained. The most frequently performed sports were football with almost 50% of total patients presenting anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, and road runs with great frequency of meniscal injury. There was no correlation of the disorder with the type of sports performed but a correlation was found with patient's age/gender.CONCLUSION:The complete ACL rupture was the most common injury found in football, basketball and volleyball players, followed by meniscal injury in street runners.Level of Evidence IV, Study Transversal.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Department of Orthopedics and TraumatologyUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Department of Orthopedics and TraumatologyUNIFESP, EPM, Department of Orthopedics and TraumatologyUNIFESP, Department of Orthopedics and TraumatologySciEL