RESUMO

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to retrospectively compile normative data on the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the paediatric population with magnetic resonance imaging, emphasizing the differences between men and women. METHODS: In this retrospective study, musculoskeletal radiologists evaluated length, area, coronal and sagittal inclination of the ACL and inclination of the intercondylar notch. A total of 253 MR examinations (130 males and 123 females between 6 and 18 years of age) were included. The association between measurements, sex and age was considered. Linear and fractional polynomial regression models were used to evaluate the relationships between measurements. RESULTS: ACL length showed significant progressive growth (p < 0.001) with age in men and women, without characterization of growth peaks. ACL area in women showed more pronounced growth up to 11 years, stabilized from 11 to 14 years and then sustained a slight reduction. In men, ACL area showed more pronounced growth up to 12 years, stabilized from 12 to 15 years and then sustained slight reduction. Coronal and sagittal inclination of the ACL showed a significant progressive increase (p < 0.001) with age in both sexes, progressively verticalizing. The intercondylar roof inclination angle showed significant progressive reduction (p < 0.001) with age in both sexes. CONCLUSION: The area of the ACL does not accompany skeletal maturation, interrupting its growth around 11-12 years. Progressive verticalization of the ACL as well as of the intercondylar notch roof in the evaluated ages was also observed. The clinical relevance of this study is that the ACL presents different angular and morphologic changes during growth in the paediatric population. Since ACL repair is now being performed on younger children, recognition of the normal developmental changes of the ACL is of utmost importance for successful ACL graft placement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Assuntos

RESUMO

PURPOSE: Increasing numbers of children and adolescents are being treated for ACL tears. In order for surgeons to safely optimize treatment during ACL surgery, we must better understand ACL growth and intercondylar notch patterns in the skeletally immature knee. The aim of this study is to measure ACL and intercondylar notch volume in paediatric patients and observe how these volumes change as a function of age and gender. METHODS: Data were extracted from the picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) computer records. Sample consisted of 137 MRI knee examinations performed between January 2006 and July 2010 in patients aged 3-13. Subjects were grouped into 1-year age intervals. Patients with imaging reports including ACL tears, previous surgeries, congenital structural anomalies, or syndromes were excluded. RESULTS: Measures of ACL volume significantly increased with age (P < 0.001). A linear increase in ACL volume was observed until the age 10, with a mean increase in volume of 148 mm(3) per age group. ACL volume plateaued at 10 years, after which minimal increase in ACL volume was observed. Sex was not found to be a significant predictor of ACL volume in the multiple linear regression (P = 0.57). Similar to ACL volume, there was a significant increase in intercondylar notch volume with age with a mean increase of 835 mm(3) per age group (P < 0.0001). Intercondylar notch volume reached a plateau at age 10, after which a minimal increase in notch volume was observed in older groups. Female patients had notch volumes that were on average 892 + 259 mm(3) smaller than male patients who were in the same age group (P = 0.0006). CONCLUSION: The plateau in the growth of ACL and notch volume occurs at age 10, prior to the halt in longitudinal growth of boys and girls. Female patients have significantly smaller intercondylar notch volumes than their age-matched male counterparts, while no gender difference was seen in ACL volume. These results suggest that notch volume is an intrinsically sex-specific difference, which may contribute to the higher rate of ACL tears among females. These growth patterns are clinically relevant as it allows surgeons to better understand the anatomy, pathology, and risk factors related to ACL tears and its reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Observational Study, Level IV.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Los resultados a largo plazo de las reconstrucciones del LCA por artroscopia son raros. Nosotros presentamos los resultados de un estudio de 57 pacientes con un seguimiento superior a 15 años. La reconstrucción es realizada bajo control artroscópico. Nosotros utilizamos un injerto hueso ligamento rotuliano hueso. El túnel femoral es realizado de afuera hacia adentro. La fijación femoral obtenida por "pressfit" y la fijación tibial es realizada con un tornillo de interferencia metálico. 240 pacientes fueron operados con esta técnica en 1992. Nosotros pudimos ver 57 de estos pacientes con un seguimiento promedio de 182 meses. Todos los pacientes fueron evaluados con el formulario IKDC. La laxitud diferencial fue medida con el Rolimeter (aircast). Un examen radiológico completo fue realizado a todos los pacientes. A 15 años de seguimiento 43 por ciento de pacientes fueron clasificados como A, 40 por ciento B, 10 por ciento C 5 por ciento y D según el formulario IKDC objetivo. El IKDC subjetivo promedio fue de 85,8/100. La laxitud diferencial instrumental promedio fue de 1,8 mm. 86 por ciento de los pacientes presentaron radiografías normales y solamente 5 por ciento de artrosis. Este estudio demuestra que esta técnica permite obtener buenos resultados en cuanto a la laxitud y la artrosis.

The results of the ACL by arthroscopy in the long term are rare. The following are the results of a study we made of 57 patients with a folloe-up of more than 15 years. The reconstruction was carried out by arthroscopy. We used a patellar ligament bone graft. The femoral tunnel procedure is outside-inside. The femoral attachment was by "pressfit", and the tibial attachment using a metalic interference screw. 240 patients were operated on in 1992 using this technique. We reviewed 57 of these patient with a mean follow-up time of 182 months. All the patients were evaluated using the IKDC formula. The laxity differential was measured using the Rolimeter (aircast). A complete radiological examination was carried out on all the patients. After 15 years follow-up 43 percent of the patients were classified A 40 percent, B 10 percent, C 5 percent and D using the IKDC formula objective. The mean IKDC subjective score was 85,8/100. The mean instrumental laxity diferrential was 1,8 mm. 86 percent of the patients had normal X-rays and only 5 percent had arthritis. This study demonstrates that using this technique good resultd can be obtained with regard to laxity and arthritis.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Este trabajo está basado en el estudio de más de 30000 niños entre los años 2001 y 2008, observando el incremento de las lesiones deportivas en los niños. A medida que las lesiones aumentan, observamos también, el aumento de la frecuencia de las lesiones del ligamento cruzado anterior, su problemática, en cuanto al tratamiento, su cuestionamiento acerca de la conducta a seguir y como fue cambiando este aspecto con el correr de los años y el avance de nuevos métodos de diagnostico y tratamiento. Teniendo siempre como parámetro el cierre prematuro de las fisis, hemos observado los nuevos tratamientos, mínimamente invasivos y los comparamos con los métodos que se utilizaban hace 10 años. Como tema a discutir, queda siempre la conducta de los familiares de los niños, quienes están constantemente a la espera de tener en su hijo a la superestrella deportiva, que les pueda asegurar un bienestar económico y la conducta del médico especialista en traumatología del deporte acerca de estos temas puntuales.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Este trabajo está basado en el estudio de más de 30000 niños entre los años 2001 y 2008, observando el incremento de las lesiones deportivas en los niños. A medida que las lesiones aumentan, observamos también, el aumento de la frecuencia de las lesiones del ligamento cruzado anterior, su problemática, en cuanto al tratamiento, su cuestionamiento acerca de la conducta a seguir y como fue cambiando este aspecto con el correr de los años y el avance de nuevos métodos de diagnostico y tratamiento. Teniendo siempre como parámetro el cierre prematuro de las fisis, hemos observado los nuevos tratamientos, mínimamente invasivos y los comparamos con los métodos que se utilizaban hace 10 años. Como tema a discutir, queda siempre la conducta de los familiares de los niños, quienes están constantemente a la espera de tener en su hijo a la superestrella deportiva, que les pueda asegurar un bienestar económico y la conducta del médico especialista en traumatología del deporte acerca de estos temas puntuales.

Assuntos