Introduction: Recently, a new minimally invasive single bundle technique for anatomic ACL reconstruction has been described, called the ‘All-Inside graft-link technique’. One of the advantages of this procedure is the reduced morbidity at the donor site as the graft choice is the quadrupled semitendinosus, thus sparing the gracilis tendon. The aim of this study was to evaluate isokinetic flexion strength recovery in patients who underwent a gracilis sparing technique compared to those with a full-tibial tunnel technique using a doubled gracilis and semitendinosus tendons (DGST) graft. Methods: Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (22 patients) who underwent ACL reconstruction performed with an All-Inside graft-link technique; Group B (22 patients) who underwent ACL reconstruction with an Out-In technique and DGST graft. At a mean follow-up of 13 months, quadriceps and hamstring isokinetic peak torque deficits were recorded. Results: In group A, the mean side to side peak torque flexion difference between the operated and non-operated limbs was −3% and the mean torque at 30° was −7.5% at high angular velocity (180°/sec); the mean peak flexion torque was 7.2% and the mean torque at 30° was 3.1% at low angular velocity (60°/sec). In group B, the mean side to side peak flexion torque was −3.5% and the mean torque at 30° was −7.6% at high angular velocity (180°/sec); the mean peak flexion torque was −7.2% and the mean torque at 30° was −11% at low angular velocity (60°/sec). A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups at lower angular velocity both for the mean peak flexion torque and the mean torque at 30° (p = 0.009), with better results in the study group. Discussion/conclusion: Gracilis sparing technique is a minimally invasive technique for ACL reconstruction and yielded a significantly better flexion strength recovery at lower angular velocity compared to a full tibial tunnel technique with DGST for ACL reconstruction.

Introduction: Subscapularis tendon repair in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty represents a potentially modifiable risk factor for dislocation, and its role continues to be debated. The purpose of the present meta-analysis was to compare the outcomes of the primary lateralized RSAs with and without subscapularis repair in terms of range of motion, clinical outcomes, dislocations, and complications rate. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search in MEDLINE (Pubmed), Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials database was carried up to December 2020. A data extraction form was developed to collect select data from the included studies. The methodological quality was assessed using a Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies (MINORS) score. Statistical analysis was performed with Review Manager (Version 5.4, The Cochrane Collaboration). Results: A total of four comparative studies involving 978 patients were included. In the pooled analysis, the reinsertion of the subscapularis yielded better functional outcomes in terms of the constant (P < 0.00001) and ASES (P = 0.002) scores. The forward elevation, external rotation at 0°, internal rotation, and dislocation rates were comparable between the two groups (P = n.s.), while statistically increased abduction was observed in those patients who did not have their subscapularis repaired (P < 0.00001). Conclusion: The results of the present findings suggest that it seems reasonable to reinsert the subscapularis whenever it is present, in good tissue conditions, and with no evidence of fatty degeneration of its muscle belly. Level of evidence: Level III meta-analysis

In recent years, the type of surgical treatment for Achilles tendon rupture has been the subject of controversial debate. This biomechanical study evaluates for the first time in literature the ultimate failure load (UFL) of interlocking horizontal mattress (IHM) suture as compared with Kakiuchi suture in Achilles tendon rupture. The hypothesis is that IHM suture can be performed also for Achilles tendon rupture and ensures higher resistance compared with the traditional Kakiuchi suture.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe the anatomy of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee by the use of 1.5 Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a series of young patients without knee injuries. Methods Subjects aged 18 years or older without an anterior cruciate ligament injury, as confirmed on MRI, were included. MRI examinations were all performed on 1.5 T scans. The ALL was defined as the low signal band originating from the region of the lateral epicondyle of the femur, crossing the proximal surface of the lateral collateral ligament, deep to the iliotibial band, and inserting onto the tibia between the Gerdy's tubercle and the fibular head. Results Twenty-six patients met the eligibility criteria and were enrolled into the study. In one patient, it was not possible to visualize the ALL. In all the other subjects, the ligament originated anterior and distal to the lateral epicondyle and inserted on the proximal tibia approximately 5 mm below the joint line and just distal to the Gerdy's tubercle. It had an average length of 33 ± 1.2 mm, an average width of 5.5 ± 0.3 mm, and an average thickness of 2 mm. Conclusion The ALL is a distinct structure of the anterolateral capsule that can be easily identified using 1.5 T MRI scans. Level of Evidence This is a level IV, observational study.