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- Talk
- 16/08/2021
- UK
Current Standards for Treating Multiple Ligament Knee Injuries
Description
In this talk, Robert Laprade discusses the current standards for treating multiple ligament knee injuries, emphasizing the importance of his clinical and research background. He has extensive experience, performing around one case per week related to posterolateral corner and revision ACL reconstructions, among others. Laprade outlines the goals of his presentation, which include reviewing systematic literature on multi-ligament knee injuries, evaluating his team's approaches over two decades, and discussing anatomic-based reconstructions and rehabilitation principles.
He begins by defining multi-ligament knee injuries, noting they typically involve disruptions of two or more of the four major knee ligaments, often resulting from sports-related incidents. The talk emphasizes the importance of early surgical intervention, preferably within three weeks, while assessing injury severity through thorough physical examinations and imaging techniques. He explains the importance of proper assessment using various tests, including the Lachman test and pivot shift, to evaluate different ligament injuries comprehensively.
Furthermore, Laprade addresses controversies surrounding surgical techniques, such as whether to perform reconstruction versus repair and the timing of interventions. He presents data suggesting that early surgical intervention yields better outcomes due to improved tissue quality and reduced scarring. The discussion highlights not only the benefits of single-stage surgeries over multi-stage procedures but also reinforces the necessity of early rehabilitation.
Laprade concludes with data indicating that early motion and bracing are crucial to recovery, as patients benefit from starting rehabilitation immediately after surgery. He reports significant improvements in patient outcomes, demonstrating that guided, anatomic-based repair techniques can lead to strong and functional knees, re-emphasizing the progress made in treating complex cases effectively. The talk closes with an invitation for further dialogue, highlighting the continuing evolution of practices in this area of sports medicine.