Recent advances and future trends in knee arthroscopy

Abstract

Knee arthroscopic surgery continues to advance in leaps and bounds. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) remains the most controversial structure to be operated on in the knee, and although the enthusiasm for double- bundle reconstruction has waned, there is a definite preference for anatomic reconstruction using an individualized approach. Despite early failed attempts at ACL primary repair, there is a renewed interest in this preservative approach with the application of technologically advanced instruments and implants. The thrust toward meniscal preservation too continues as better understanding of meniscal healing, improved repair techniques, and novel methods to enhance healing have encouraged surgeons to repair tears previously deemed irreparable. Similarly, articular cartilage surgery has advanced with better understanding of cellular mechanisms and the development of newer techniques of cartilage regeneration. Although the focus in the present era has been to restore anatomy with optimal biomechanical constructs, upcoming technology will address biological concerns in healing, especially with degenerate tissues. Future trends in knee arthroscopy include application of scaffolds, orthobiologics, stem cells, and bioreactors to generate personalized, and patient specific autogenous tissue engineered implants. This review article summarizes the latest developments in knee arthroscopy and predicts future trends in this rapidly advancing subspecialty.

Trends in Primary Anatomical Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Practice in Adult Patients Prevalent Among Arthroscopy Surgeons of Six Southern States of India

“…The plausible reason behind the lack of performing DBACLR could be that most surgeons in our survey have only 10 years of experience in arthroscopy. Therefore, many were not exposed/trained to the DB ACLR technique as the trend of DB ACLR was declining in the last decade [6,7]. Our survey also revealed the increasing trend of ACL repairs performed by surgeons.…”

The evolving trends in arthroscopy and sports medicine

“…3 The indication of arthroscopic surgeries has grown over the years, there has been paradigm shift toward repairing intra-articular structures such as the menisci and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) as a means to preserve knee anatomy. 4 Ligaments and menisci not amenable to repair and healing are reconstructed, or transplanted, to restore anatomy. A host of innovative regenerative techniques and cell-based technology is also now applied to treat articular cartilage lesions of the knee.…”