Germline mutations are rare in apparently sporadic probands diagnosed after age 40 yr (3.9% in our series) and mainly involve SDHB. Therefore, we recommend prioritizing SDHB genetic testing in patients developing isolated tumors at any age, especially those with extraadrenal location or malignant behavior.
Compared with anterior cruciate ligament injuries, posterior cruciate ligament injuries are a rare event. The mechanisms are predictable and a thorough physical examination is mandatory to rule out or define combined injury patterns. Stress radiography and magnetic resonance imaging studies are very helpful adjuncts. Acute and chronic injuries require slightly different approaches. As our understanding of normal and pathologic knee joint kinematics develops, nonoperative rehabilitation goals and operative techniques continue to evolve.
Tunnel placement in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has continued to evolve over time. The aim of this article is to review this evolution and comment on the senior author's current preferred technique. Initially, tunnels were dependent on the technique available, and isometry was felt to be important. Now, trying to reproduce the anatomy is preferred. Surgical technique has evolved from open surgery, with large anterior approaches, to arthroscopic two-incision outside-in techniques. After that, the evolution has led to the transtibial technique with one incision, then back to two incisions using the anteromedial portal, and finally, no incisions with the "all-inside technique." Anatomic, biomechanical, and clinical studies have shown that using the footprint as the site for tunnels restores the native anterior cruciate ligament kinematics and controls not only anteroposterior translation, but also rotational motion. Surgeons should evolve their techniques, as science does, to improve results and give better care to their patients.
Background:
New biologic strategies are arising to enhance healing and improve the clinical outcome of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.
Purpose:
To evaluate the efficacy of a new oral nutritional supplement (Progen) that contains hydrolyzed collagen peptides and plasma proteins, a hyaluronic acid–chondroitin sulfate complex, and vitamin C.
Study Design:
Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2.
Methods:
The study included patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with hamstring autografts using the same fixation method. All patients received the same analgesia and physical therapy (PT) protocol and were randomized to receive either the nutritional supplement (supplemented group) or no additional therapy (control group). Patients were followed up at days 7, 30, 60, and 90. Pain was assessed by use of a visual analog scale (VAS) and by analgesic consumption. Clinical outcome was assessed via International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score and the number of PT sessions. Perceived efficacy and tolerability were rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Graft maturation was assessed by a blinded musculoskeletal radiologist using magnetic resonance imaging. The number of adverse events (AEs) was recorded.
Results:
The intention-to-treat analysis included 72 patients, 36 allocated to the supplemented group and 36 to the control group, with no significant differences regarding demographic and preoperative characteristics. Both groups showed significant improvement in pain and function (measured by VAS and IKDC scores) during the 90-day follow-up period (
P
< .001 for both), without significant differences between groups. The supplemented group had fewer patients that needed analgesics (8.5% vs 50.0%;
P
< .05) and attended fewer PT sessions (38.0 vs 48.4 sessions;
P
< .001) at 90 days and had a higher IKDC score at 60 days (62.5 vs 55.5;
P
= .029) compared with the control group. Patient- and physician-perceived efficacy was considered significantly higher in the supplemented group at 60 and 90 days (
P
< .05). Perceived tolerability of the overall intervention was better in the supplemented group at 30, 60, and 90 days (
P
< .05). Graft maturation showed more advanced degrees (grades 3 and 4) in the supplemented group at 90 days (61.8% vs 38.2%;
P
< .01). No intolerance or AEs associated with the nutritional supplement treatment were reported.
Conclusion:
The combination of the nutritional supplement and PT after ACL reconstruction improved pain, clinical outcome, and graft maturation. Nutritional supplementation showed higher efficacy during the second month of recovery, without causing AEs.
Registration:
NCT03355651 (
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