Obesity is a common in individuals undergoing arthroplasty, and the potential for weight loss with improved mobility may be expected by some. The aim of this study was 1. determine the proportion that achieved weight loss after hip or knee arthroplasty, and 2. examine the effect of obesity on patient reported outcomes (PROMS) and satisfaction with surgery. Participants underwent primary TKA or THA between July 2015 and December 2020 and consented to participation in a research database with baseline PROMS, including weight, BMI, Oxford Knee, or Hip Score, and EQ5D. Participants repeated PROMS at 12 months after surgery with additional questions regarding satisfaction with surgery. 3449 patients completed PROMS 1 year after arthroplasty with weight and BMI. There were 1810 THA and 1639 TKA procedures. The mean baseline BMI was higher in TKA (29.8, SD 5.2) compared to THA (27.7, SD 5.0), p=0.001. A higher proportion of TKA were classified as obese class 1 (29% TKA, 19% THA), obese class 2 (11% TKA and 6% THA), and obese class 3 (5% TKA and 2% THA), p=0.001. The mean weight loss after 1 year was 0.4kg and 0.9kg in obese THA subjects and TKA subjects respectively. In the obese >5kg weight loss was achieved in 13% of TKA and 7% of THA (p=0.001). Obese experienced equivalent improvement in Oxford scores, compared to non-obese subjects. Satisfaction with surgery was reported by 95% of THA and 91% of TKA subjects with no significant differences between BMI group grades (p=0.491 THA and p=0.473 TKA). Preoperative obesity was observed in 44% of TKA and 27% of THA subjects. In the obese only 1 in 10 subjects lost 5kg or more over 12 months. Obese patients experienced equivalent improvements in outcome after arthroplasty and rates of satisfaction with surgery to the non-obese.
The aim of this study was to determine Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) graft and contralateral ACL (CACL) survival in patients who have undergone ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with hamstring autograft following netball injuries, and determine factors associated with repeat ACL injury and return to netball. From a prospectively collected database, a consecutive series of 332 female netballers who underwent primary ACLRs using hamstring autografts were identified. Subjects were surveyed at a minimum of five years following reconstruction, including details of further ACL injuries to either knee, return to netball or other sports and psychological readiness with the ACL-RSI score. 264 participants (80%) were reviewed at the mean follow up of 9 years (60-180 months). There were 12 ACL graft ruptures (5%) and 35 contralateral ACL ruptures (13%). ACL graft survival was 97% and 97%, 96% at 2, 5 and 7 years respectively. CACL survival was 99%, 94%, and 90% at 2, 5 and 7 years respectively. The 7-year ACL graft survival was 97% in those 25 or more and 93% in those under 25 years (p=0.126). The 7-year CACL survival was 93% in those 25 or more and 85% in those under 25 years (HR 2.6, 95%CI 1.3-5.0, p=0.007). A family history of ACL injury was reported by 32% of participants. A return to netball was reported by 61% of participants. The mean ACL-RSI score was 65 in those who returned to netball and 37 in those who did not (p=0.001). ACLR with hamstring autografts is a reliable procedure for netballers with a survival rate of 96% at 7 years, allowing 63% of participants to return to netball. A successful return to sport was associated with greater psychological readiness. CACL injury occurred with more than double the frequency of ACL graft rupture and was increased by 2.6x in those <25 years.
The emergence of patient specific instrumentation has seen an expansion from simple radiographs to plan total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with modern systems using computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging scans. Concerns have emerged regarding accuracy of these non-weight bearing modalities to assess true mechanical axis. The aim of our study was to compare coronal alignment on full length standing AP imaging generated by the EOS acquisition system with the CT coronal scout image. Eligible patients underwent unilateral or bilateral primary TKA for osteoarthritis under the care of investigating surgeon between 2017 and 2022, with both EOS X-Ray Imaging Acquisition System and CT scans performed preoperatively. Coronal mechanical alignment was measured on the supine coronal scout CT scan and the standing HKA EOS. Pre-operative lower limb coronal alignment was assessed on 96 knees prior to TKA on the supine coronal scout CT scan and the standing HKA EOS. There were 56 males (56%), and 44 right knees (44%). The mean age was 68 years (range 53-90). The mean coronal alignment was 4.7 degrees (SD 5.3) on CT scan and 4.6 degrees (SD 6.2) on EOS (p=0.70). There was a strong positive correlation of coronal alignment on CT scan and EOS (pearson 0.927, p=0.001). The mean difference between EOS and CT scan was 0.9 degrees (SD 2.4). Less than 3 degrees variation between measures was observed in 87% of knees. On linear regression for every 1° varus increase in CT HKA alignment, the EOS HKA alignment increased by 0.93° in varus orientation. The model explained 86% of the variability. CT demonstrates excellent reliability for assessing coronal lower limb alignment compared to EOS in osteoarthritic knees. This supports the routine use of CT to plan TKA without further weight bearing imaging in routine cases.
Resurfacing of the patella is an important part of most TKA operations, usually using an onlay technique. One common practice is to medialise the patellar button and aim to recreate the patellar offset, but most systems do not well control alignment of the patella button. This study aimed to investigate for relationships between placement and outcomes and report on the accuracy of patella placement achieved with the aid of a patella Patient Specific Guide (PSG). A databse of TKR patients operated on by five surgeons from 1-Jan-2014 who had a pre-operative and post-operative CT scan and 6-month postoperative Knee Osteoarthritis and Outcome (KOOS) scores were assessed. Knees were excluded if the patella was unresurfaced or an inlay technique was used. All knee operations were performed with the Omni Apex implant range and used dome patella buttons. A sample of 40 TKRs had a patella PSG produced consisting of a replication of an inlay barrel shaped to fit flush to the patient's patella bone. The centre of the quadriceps tendon on the superior pole of the patella bone and the patella tendon on the inferior were landmarked. 3D implant and bone models from the preoperative CT scans were registered to the post-operative CT scan. The flat plane of the implanted patella button was determined and the position of the button relative to the tendon attachments calculated. Coverage of the bone by the button and patellar offset reconstruction were also calculated. The sample of 40 TKRs for whom a patella PSG was produced had their variation in placement assessed relative to the wider population sample. All surgeries were conducted with Omni Apex implants using a domed patella.Introduction & aims
Method
Component alignment cannot fully explain total knee arthroplasty [TKA] performance with regards to patient reported outcomes and pain. Patient specific variations in musculoskeletal anatomy are one explanation for this. Computational simulations allow for the impact of component alignment and variable patient specific musculoskeletal anatomy on dynamics to be studied across populations. This study aims to determine if simulated dynamics correlate with Patient Reported Outcomes. Landmarking of key anatomical points and 3D registration of implants was performed on 96 segmented post-operative CT scans of TKAs. A cadaver rig validated platform for generating patient specific rigid body musculoskeletal models was used to assess the resultant motions. Resultant dynamics were segmented and tested for differentiation with and correlation to a 6 month postoperative Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Significant negative correlations were found between the postoperative KOOS symptoms score and the rollback occurring in midflexion (p<0.001), quadriceps force in mid flexion (p=0.025) and patella tilt throughout flexion (p=0.009, p=0.005, p=0.010 at 10°, 45° and 90° of flexion). A significant positive correlation was found between lateral shift of the patella through flexion and the symptoms score. (p=0.012) Combining a varus/valgus angular change from extension to full flexion between 0° and 4° (long leg axis) and measured rollback of no more than 6mm without roll forward forms a ‘kinematic safe zone’ of outcomes in which the postoperative KOOS score is 11.5 points higher (p=0.013). The study showed statistically significant correlations between kinematic factors in a simulation of postoperative TKR and post-operative KOOS scores. The presence of a ‘kinematic safe zone’ in the data suggests a patient specific optimisation target for any given individual patient and the opportunity to preoperatively determine a patient specific alignment target.
Auxetic materials have a negative poisons ratio, and a number of native biological tissues are proposed to possess auxetic properties. One such tissue is annulus fibrosus (AF), the fibrous outer layers of the intervertebral disc (IVD). However, few studies to date have investigated the potential of these materials as tissue engineering scaffolds. Here we describe the potential of manually converted polyurethane (PU) foams as three dimensional cellular scaffolds for AF repair. Rat MSCs were seeded onto fibronectin coated auxetic foams at a cell density of 6.4 × 103 cells/mm3, and cultured for up to 3 weeks. Cell viability was assessed throughout culture and following culture scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to assess morphological characteristics. Histological assessment was performed to assess production of matrix proteins.Background
Methods
Ambulation in the postoperative period following TKR is a marker of speed of recovery and, potentally, longer term outcomes. However, patient lifestyle factors are a major confounder. This study sought to develop a model of expected patient step count taking into account preoperative condition and demographics in order to benchmark recovery at a patient specific level. 94 patients were recruited to the study. BMI, demographics, the Short Form 12 (SF-12) and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were all captured preoperatively. Step count was measured using commercially available Fitbit devices preoperatively, immediately postoperatively and at 6 weeks postoperatively. Stepwise multiple linear regression models were developed using the preoperative information to define a predictive model of the postoperative step count levels. Spearman's Rho correlations for all relevant data series were also calculated.Introduction
Method
The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term clinical
and radiological outcome of patients who suffer recurrent injuries
to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) after reconstruction and
require revision surgery. From a consecutive series of 200 patients who underwent primary
reconstruction following rupture of the ACL, we identified 36 who
sustained a further rupture, 29 of whom underwent revision surgery.
Patients were reviewed prospectively at one, two, seven, 15 and
about 20 years after their original surgery. Primary outcome measures
were the number of further ruptures, the posterior tibial slope
(PTS), and functional and radiological outcomes. These were compared
with a gender and age matched cohort of patients who underwent primary
ACL reconstruction only.Aims
Patients and Methods
Recent studies have challenged the concept that a single ‘correct’ alignment to standardised anatomical references is the primary driver of TKA performance with regards to patient satisfaction outcomes. Patient specific variations in musculoskeletal anatomy are one explanation for this. Virtual simulated environments such as rigid body modelling allow for the impact of component alignment and variable patient specific musculoskeletal anatomy to be studied simultaneously. This study aims to determine if the output kinematics derived from consideration of both postoperative component alignment and patient specific musculoskeletal modelling has predictive potential of Patient Reported Outcomes. Landmarking of key anatomical points and 3D registration of implants was performed on 96 segmented post-operative CT scans of TKAs. Both femoral and tibia implant components were registered. Acadaver rig validated platform for generating patient specific rigid body musculoskeletal models was used to assess the resultant motions and contact forces through a 0 to 140 degree deep knee bend cycle. Resultant kinematics were segmented and tested for differentiation with and correlation to a 12 month postoperative Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS).Introduction
Method
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) alignment measured intra-operatively with Navigation has been shown to differ from that observed in long leg radiographs (Deep 2011). Potential explanations for this discrepancy may be the effect of weight bearing or the dynamic contributions of soft tissue loads. A validated, 3D, dynamic patient specific musculoskeletal model was used to analyse 85 post-operative CT scans using a common implant design. Differences in coronal and axial plane tibio-femoral alignment in three separate scenarios were measured: Unloaded as measured in a post-op CT Unloaded, with femoral and tibial components set aligned to each other Weight bearing with the extensor mechanism engaged Scenario number two illustrates the tibio-femoral alignment when the femoral component sits congruently on the tibia with no soft tissue acting whereas scenario three is progression of scenario number two with weight applied and all ligaments are active. Two tailed paired students t-test were used to determine significant differences in the means of absolute difference of axial and coronal alignments.Introduction
Method
Despite generally excellent patient outcomes for Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), there remains a contingent of patients, up to 20%, who are not satisfied with the outcome of their procedure. (Beswick, 2012) There has been a large amount of research into identifying the factors driving these poor patient outcomes, with increasing recognition of the role of non-surgical factors in predicting achieved outcomes. However, most of this research has been based on single database or registry sources and so has inherited the limitations of its source data. The aim of this work is to develop a predictive model that uses expert knowledge modelling in conjunction with data sources to build a predictive model of TKR patient outcomes. The preliminary Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) developed and presented here uses data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative, a National Institute of Health funded observational study targeting improved diagnosis and monitoring of osteoarthritis. From this data set, a pared down subset of patient outcome relevant preoperative questionnaire sets has been extracted. The BBN structure provides a flexible platform that handles missing data and varying data collection preferences between surgeons, in addition to temporally updating its predictions as the patient progresses through pre and postoperative milestones in their recovery. In addition, data collected using wearable activity monitoring devices has been integrated. An expert knowledge modelling process relying on the experience of the practicing surgical authors has been used to handle missing cross-correlation observations between the two sources of data.Introduction
Method
Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is an established procedure for relieving patients of pain and functional degradation associated with end-stage osteoarthritis of the knee. Historically, alignment of components in TKA has focused on a ‘reconstructive’ approach neutral to the mechanical axes of the femur and tibia coupled with ligament balancing to achieve a balanced state. More recently, Howell et al. have proposed an alternate approach to TKA alignment, called kinematic alignment. (Howell, 2012) This approach seeks to position the implants to reproduce underlying, pre-disease state femoral condylar and tibial plateau morphology, and in doing is ‘restorative’ of the patients underlying knee kinematic behaviour rather than ‘reconstructive’. While some promising early clinical results have been reported at the RCT level (Dosset, 2014), In 20 TKR subjects, 3D geometry of the patient was reconstructed from preoperative CT scans, which were then used to define a patient specific soft tissue attachment model. The knees were then modelled passing through a 0 to 140 degree flexion cycle post TKR under each alignment technique. A multi-radius CR knee design has been used to model the TKA under each alignment paradigm. Kinematic measurements of femoral rollback, internal to external rotation, coronal plane joint torque, patella shear force and varus-valgus angulation are reported at 5, 30, 60, 90 and 120 degrees of flexion. Student's paired 2 sample t-tests are used to determine significant differences in means of the kinematic variables.Introduction
Method
Computer assisted total knee arthroplasty may have advantages over conventional surgery with respect to component positioning. Femoral component mal-rotation has been shown to be associated with poor outcomes, and may be related to posterior referencing jigs. We aimed to determine the variation between the transepicondylar axis (TEA) and posterior condylar axis (PCA) in a series of knees undergoing navigated total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and to determine the correlation between final intra-operative and post-operative coronal alignment. A review of 184 consecutive patients undergoing primary TKA between June 2007 and August 2010, using Precision navigation and Triathlon implants (Stryker). The difference between the TEA and PCA was measured as was the initial and final coronal alignment. A standing four foot alignment radiograph was obtained 6 weeks after surgery to determine the weight-bearing mechanical axis.Aim
Method
Computer assisted total knee arthroplasty may have advantages over conventional surgery with respect to component positioning. Femoral component mal-rotation has been shown to be associated with poor outcomes, and may be related to posterior referencing jigs. We aimed to determine the variation between the transepicondylar axis (TEA) and posterior condylar axis (PCA) in a series of knees undergoing navigated total knee arthroplasty, and to determine the correlation between final intra-operative coronal alignment and post-operative radiographic functional alignment. A review of 170 consecutive patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty between June 2007 and August 2010, using Precision navigation and Triathlon implants (Stryker). The difference between the TEA and PCA was measured as was the initial coronal alignment. Referencing of the TEA had been previously validated against computerised tomography in a previous study. During arthroplasty, neutral alignment was aimed for, and the final alignment after implant insertion was recorded. Pre- and 1 year post-operative flexion was measured. A standing four foot alignment radiograph was obtained 6 weeks after surgery to determine the weight-bearing mechanical axis. The mean difference between the TEA and PCA was 3.94 degrees (−2.80 to 11.59) and median difference was 3.6 degrees. (A positive value implies the PCA is internally rotated with respect to the TEA). The median pre-operative flexion was 120 degrees (80–130) and the median post-operative flexion was 125 (85–145). The mean change in flexion was −2.5 degrees (−40 to 40; p=0.001). The mean intra-operative alignment was 0.75 degrees (−3 to 6, SD 1.9) and the mean radiographic alignment was 1.24 degrees (−6.5 to 6.5, SD 1.6). Taking −3 to +3 to be neutral, the outlier rate intra-operatively was 6.5% and radiographically was 16.5%. The intra-operative and radiographic alignment showed correlation (coefficient 0.289). There was poor correlation between pre-operative deformity and degree of difference between intra-operative and radiographic alignment (coefficient −0.1). Conclusion: There is a wide variation in the difference between the TEA and PCA, and there is not a good relationship with coronal alignment. Although most valgus knees had a bigger difference, such a difference was also seen in many varus knees. This should alert the surgeon when using posterior referencing jigs when determining the femoral component size and rotation. Although these patients achieved good post-operative flexion, this was determined by the pre-operative range. There was reasonable correlation between the final intra-operative mechanical alignment and the weight-bearing alignment as determined by a standing radiograph.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are being seen with increasing frequency in children. Treatment of the ACL deficient knee in skeletally immature patients is controversial. To determine the outcome of anatomic transphyseal ACL reconstruction in tanner stage 1 and 2 patients with open growth plates at a minimum of 2 years after surgery. Between 2007–2008, 16 prepubescent skeletally immature patients underwent anatomic transphyseal ACL reconstruction using soft tissue grafts. All patients were tanner stage 1 and 2 and all had open growth plates. Outcomes were assessed at a minimum of 2 years after surgery and included: limb alignment, limb length, instrumented testing with KT-1000 and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score. Mean age at the time of surgery was 12 years (8–14). Graft choices included: living-related donor hamstring tendon allograft (n=14), hamstring tendon autograft (n=1) and fresh frozen allograft (n=1). Mean IKDC subjective score was 96 (84–100). Sixty-two percent of patients had <3mm side-to-side difference on instrumented KT-1000 testing and 88% had a negative pivot shift. At 2 years after surgery, all patients had returned to strenuous activities and normal or nearly normal overall IKDC score was documented in 94% of patients. There were no cases of limb malalignment or growth arrest. We present a large series of anatomic transphyseal ACL reconstruction in tanner stage 1 and 2 patients with open growth plates at a minimum of 2 years following surgery. Excellent clinical outcomes were obtained with high levels of return to desired activities. Importantly, no growth disturbances were seen in this series of patients.
To determine the relationship between advancing months from ACL rupture and the incidence of intra-articular meniscal and chondral damage. From a prospectively collected database 5086 patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction, using hamstring graft, carried out between January 2000 and August 2010 were identified. Data collected included the interval between injury and surgery, type and location of meniscal tears (requiring meniscectomy) and location and severity of chondral damage (ICRS grading system). Patients were grouped according to time interval and age. The median time from ACL injury to ACL reconstruction was 3 months (range 0.25 to 480). Overall, an increasing incidence of medial meniscal injury and chondral damage occurred with advancing chronicity of ACL deficiency. The incidence of medial meniscal injury requiring meniscectomy increased from 18% of patients undergoing ACL reconstruction within 4 months of injury to 59% of patients if ACL reconstruction was delayed more than 12 months (p<0.001). The incidence of lateral meniscal tears did not increase significantly over time. The increasing incidence of secondary pathology with advancing chronicity was more pronounced in the younger age groups. The risk of a medial meniscal tear requiring resection was significantly less if surgery was performed before 5 months in the <17 years group (Odds Ratio 2) and 17–30 years group (OR 1.9), but less so in the 31–50 years group (OR 1.5) and >50 years group (OR 1.5). Advancing age was associated with a greater incidence of chondral damage and medial meniscal injury, but not lateral meniscal injury. Males had a greater incidence of lateral meniscal tears (34% vs. 20%), but not medial (28% vs. 25%) or chondral damage (35% vs. 36%), compared to females. The incidence of chondral damage and medial meniscal tears increases with advancing time after ACL injury. Particularly in younger patients, ACL reconstruction should be performed within 4 months of ACL injury in order to minimise the risk of irreversible damage to meniscal and chondral structures.
Computer navigation has been shown to improve the accuracy of total knee replacement (TKR) when compared to intra or extra osseous referencing. Currently the surgical transepicondylar axis (TEA) is used to help determine femoral component rotation. This relies on the surgeon identifying medial and lateral epicondyles intra-operatively. This process has been shown to have a high variability and operator dependency. The functional flexion axis (FFA) of the femur is a kinematically derived reference axis which has previously been shown in a cadaveric model to correspond well with the transepicondylar axis. This study was therefore designed to evaluate its accuracy in vivo. 50 patients undergoing total knee replacement under the care of the three senior authors were prospectively recruited. A preoperative CT scan was obtained and the TEA evaluated by 2 independent clinicians. TKR was undertaken in the standard fashion using Stryker navigation. The FFA was derived at 3 time points during the procedure: pre-incision, post osseous registration and following component implantation. The deviations of the FFA and surgical TEA (surTEA) to the CT-derived TEA (ctTEA) was calculated and comparisons drawn between the 2 methods with respect to validity, as well as within and between-patient reproducibility. While the FFA results were highly correlated between pre and post-arthrotomy (r = 0.89), the post-incision FFA (−1.60+/−3.7) was significantly internally rotated (p<0.01) relative to the pre-incision FFA (−2.50+/−3.4). In addition the surgical TEA (−0.40+/−3.6) was significantly internally rotated (p = 0.02) relative to the post-incision FFA (1.80+/−3.7) for the combined data from all 2 surgeons. However, when examined individually, 1 of the 2 surgeons showed no significant difference between the FFA and TEA. In addition, the two methods demonstrated comparable between-patient variability in the knee axis, although surgeon-dependent patterns remained. The FFA has been shown to be of equivalent accuracy to the surgical TEA but surprisingly does not avoid its operator-dependency. Further evaluation of the FFA method with possible adjustments to the algorithm is warranted.
The results of PLLA screws for ACL reconstruction have demonstrated no significant clinical differences when compared to metallic screws up to two years. However, studies examining PLLA-HA screws are lacking, as are medium term outcomes of bioresorbable screws. This study aims to compare the clinical outcome of ACL reconstruction with a PLLA-HA to a titanium screw, and to assess the extent of resorption of the PLLA-HA screw at two and five years after ACL reconstruction. Forty patients were randomised to receive either a PLLA-HA or titanium RCI interference screw for ACL reconstruction. Both examiners and patients were blinded to screw type. Patients were prospectively reviewed at 24 and 60 months after surgery with full IKDC assessment, Instrumented Ligament Testing, Lysholm knee score. MRI scans were performed at two and five years following surgery. Five years after surgery, one patient with a titanium screw had an ACL graft rupture and had undergone revision surgery. Of the remaining 39 patients, 38 (97%) were reviewed at five years. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the volume of the tibial (p=0.89) or femoral (p=0.22) tunnels at five years. Significant screw resorbtion at five years was seen in 77% on the tibial side and 88% on the femoral side in the PLLA group. Good ossification was evident on five year MRI in 94% of the tibial screws and 56% of the femoral screws. In the PLLA-HA group peri tunnel bone marrow oedema was present in 35% of patients on the tibial side and 53% of patients on the femoral side at five years. There was no peri-tunnel bone marrow oedema evident in the titanium group. Peri-graft ganglion cyst was evident on MRI scan on the tibial side in 24% of patients from the PLLA-HA group and 18% of the titanium group (p=0.67). There was no significant difference between the PLLA-HA group and the titanium group on any of the other clinical parameters including IKDC subjective knee score (mean 93), symptoms, range of motion, instrumented ligament laxity (mean 1.8 mm) or overall IKDC grade (90% normal or nearly normal). ACL reconstruction with PLLA-HA bioabsorbable screws affords comparable clinical and subjective results to titanium screws at five years after surgery. Significant progression of PLLA HA screw resorption occurs between two and five years, with over 75% of screws demonstrating some resorption by five years. However, complete resorption was only evident in a small number of patients. ACL reconstruction with a PLLA HA screw has excellent clinical outcomes and progressive screw resorption and ossification is evident at five years.
This longitudinal prospective study reports the 10-year results of arthroscopic, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reviewed. Four (4%) menisectomies were performed, 6 graft (7%) ruptures and 18 (20%) contralateral ACL ruptures occurred in the follow-up period. Ninety-seven percent of patients graded their knee function as normal or nearly normal and the median Lysholm knee score was 95 at 10-years. The proportion of patients participating in IKDC level I and II sports fell from 85% at 2-years to 45% at 10 years, 12% attributing the decrease to their knee. On laxity testing 85% and 93% had grade 0 on Lachman and pivot shift testing, respectively and 77% had <
3mm of anterior tibial displacement at 10 years. Kneeling pain increased to 58% of patients. 59% had no pain on strenuous activity with 33% of patients having a fixed flexion deformity at 10 years. Radiological examination at 10 years demonstrated osteoarthritic changes in 48% of patients. Factors predictive for the development of radiograhic osteoarthritis were increased age at operation and increased ligamentous laxity at 2 years as measured clinically and by KT 1000. As such, arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, employing patellar tendon, is not preventative of the development of osteoarthritis even when the confounding factors of meniscal, chondral and other ligamentous injury are excluded.
