Purpose The aim of this study is to compare the functional outcomes and osteoarthritis (OA) progression after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with either hamstring autografts or allografts in people over 50. Methods The clinical records of two consecutive cohorts of 61 cases in total over 50 years of age, undergoing ACL reconstruction, were included. The first cohort consisted of 29 allografts; the second cohort consisted of 32 autologous hamstring tendon grafts. The cases were evaluated pre- (T0) and post-operatively at six months (T1), 12 months (T2) and 24 months (T3). Clinical examination included the Lachman test, pivot shift test and objective (Objective IKDC [The International Knee Documentation Committee] score) and subjective clinical scores (Subjective IKDC score, Lysholm score and Tegner activity score). The degree of OA was evaluated using the Kellgren-Lawrence system at the time of the final follow-up, compared to the pre-operative condition. Results No pre-operative difference was found between the two groups (p > 0.05). No statistical difference was noted between the two groups at each follow-up (p > 0.05). At the final follow-up, both the groups significantly improved statistically in all the clinical and functional scores (p < 0.05). In both groups, one graft re-rupture was noted. No progression of OA was noted in both groups at final follow-up (p > 0.05). Conclusion The graft choice does not influence the outcomes two years after ACL reconstruction in people over 50; thus, both treatments help in regaining knee stability with no signs of OA progression. Registration Researchregistry7539–www.researchregistry.com.

Introduction Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that act primarily in posttranscriptional gene silencing, and are attracting increasing interest in musculoskeletal conditions. Source of data Current scientific literature published in PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase and Web of Science databases. Areas of agreement Recently, the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment of meniscal injuries has been postulated. Areas of controversy Evaluation of the role of miRNAs in patients with meniscal tears is still controversial. Growing points A systematic review was conducted to investigate the potential of miRNA in the diagnosis and management of meniscal damage. Areas timely for developing research Intra-articular injection of microRNA-210 in vivo may represent a potential innovative methodology for the management of meniscal injuries. Characterization of the miRNAs expression in the synovial fluid could lead to the development of better early diagnosis and management strategies for meniscal tears.

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