OBJETIVO: Avaliar o padrão de degeneração histológica do ligamento cruzado posterior (LCP) em pacientes com artrose submetidos à artroplastia total de joelho com prótese com substituição do ligamento cruzado posterior (LCP). A degeneração histológica foi classificada em leve, moderada e grave. Os achados histológicos foram correlacionados com dados clínicos, radiográficos e do transoperatório (presença ou ausência do ligamento cruzado anterior) com a finalidade de aferir se estes parâmetros seriam capazes de predizer o grau de degeneração histológica do LCP em pacientes com gonartrose. MÉTODOS: foram avaliados 89 ligamentos cruzados posterior de 85 pacientes com idade média de 69,79 anos, sendo 69 do sexo feminino, 16 do masculino. O LCP foi corado em hematoxilina-eosina e Tricrômio de Gomori e classificado quanto ao comprometimento histológico em leve, moderado e grave. A degeneração histológica foi correlacionada aos parâmetros idade, artrose radiográfica classificada por Ahlbäck (grau I ao V), eixo radiográfico tíbio-femoral (varo, neutro e valgo), e estado do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA), presença ou ausência.Os achados histológicos de hipercelularidade, infiltração linfocitária crônica, proliferação vascular; presença de cistos; clones de condrócitos; degenerações colágena, fibrinóide, cartilaginosa ,gordurosa e mucoide foram correlacionados com o grau de degeneração do LCP e ao estado de conservação do LCA. RESULTADO: Não foram identificadas relações entre o grau de degeneração histológica do LCP e faixa etária (abaixo ou acima de 70 anos), sexo, classificação radiográfica de Ahlbäck e presença ou ausência do LCA. Os achados histológicos de degeneração fibrinóide, proliferação vascular e presença de cistos estiveram estatisticamente relacionados à degeneração histológica grave do LCP. CONCLUSÃO: Os parâmetros clínicos e radiográficos não foram capazes de predizer o grau de degeneração histológica do LCP .Os achados histológicos de degeneração fibrinóide, proliferação vascular e presença de cistos caracterizaram a degeneração histológica grave do LCP / OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the histologic degeneration pattern of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in osteoarthrosis patients submitted to total knee replacement with a cruciate substituting prosthesis. The histologic degeneration was classified in mild, moderate and severe. The histologic pattern was related to clinical, per-operatory (presence or absence of anterior cruciate ligament) and radiographic parameters with the aim to settle if these parameters would be reliable to predict the PCL degeneration grade. METHODS: 89 PCLs from 85 patients, 16 men, 69 women, mean age 69, 79 years old. PCL was stained with hematoxylin and eosin and trichromium of Gomori. The PCL histologic degeneration was graded from normal-minimum to severe. The histologic PCL degeneration pattern was related to age, radiographic arthrosis classification (Ahlbäck - grades I to V), knee radiographic axis (varus, neutral, valgus) and to the ACL status (presence or absence).The histologic findings of hipercellularity, chronic lymphocit infiltration, neoangiogenesis, cysts, collagen degeneration (deg), fibrinoid deg, mucoid deg., cartilaginous, deg., fat deg. and condrocyte clones were related to the grade of PCL degeneration and to ACL status. RESULTS: There was no correlation of histologic degeneration to sex or age (above or below 70 years), arthrosis radiographic classification (Ahlbäck) and presence or absence of ACL. The histological findings of fibrinoid degeneration, vascular proliferation and cysts were statistically related to severe histologic LCP degeneration. CONCLUSION: The parameters studied were not capable of predicting the grade of LCP degeneration. The histological findings of fibrinoid degeneration, vascular proliferation and cysts were characteristic of severe PCL histologic degeneration

INTRODUÇÃO: A lesão do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) é considerada uma lesão grave e pode afetar a carreira de um jogador de futebol profissional. O tratamento cirúrgico é frequentemente necessário para o tratamento da instabilidade. Embora a reconstrução do LCA seja considerada um procedimento eficaz em restaurar a estabilidade articular, a literatura mostra que apenas 55% dos atletas retornam à prática de esportes competitivos após a cirurgia. Jogadores de futebol profissional dependem de habilidades técnicas, táticas e físicas, como boa função do joelho e capacidade aeróbia. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a capacidade aeróbia em jogadores profissionais de futebol de campo com lesão do LCA e após seis meses de reabilitação pós-operatória. MÉTODOS: Vinte jogadores profissionais de futebol de campo com lesão do LCA foram submetidos a reconstrução do LCA com tendões flexores autólogos e foram comparados com 20 jogadores profissionais de futebol de campo em atividade, sem histórico de lesão no joelho. Avaliamos a capacidade aeróbia máxima pelo consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2max) e submáxima pelos limiares ventilatórios (LV1 e LV2), avaliados por ergoespirometria em esteira utilizando o protocolo de Heck modificado. Os testes foram realizados no pré-operatório e aos seis meses de pós-operatório e os resultados comparados ao grupo controle de jogadores profissionais em plena atividade. Também realizamos questionários de função subjetiva do joelho (Lysholm e IKDC), dinamometria isocinética computadorizada e avaliação da composição corporal por bioimpedância. RESULTADOS: No grupo com lesão do LCA a média da idade foi de 21,7 anos, enquanto no grupo controle foi de 22,1 anos (p=0,99). O intervalo de tempo a lesão e a cirurgia foi, em média, cinco meses. No pré-operatório, o VO2max, em mL/kg/min, foi em média ? desvio padrão de 45,2 +- 4,3, aos seis meses de pós-operatório 48,9 +- 3,8 (p < 0,001) e no grupo controle 56,9 +- 4,2 (p < 0,001 comparado ao pré-operatório e pós-operatório). A porcentagem de gordura corporal, em média +- desvio padrão, no pré-operatório foi de 14,7+- 3,7, no pós-operatório 14,9 +- 5,4 e no grupo controle 12,8 +- 4, sem diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos. Os resultados do questionário Lysholm no pré-operatório, pós-operatório e no grupo controle foram, em média, 77,25, 94,12 e 97,5 (p < 0,05 em todas as comparações) e do questionário IKDC subjetivo foram 59,46, 87,75 e 97,28 (p < 0,001 em todas as comparações). O déficit de pico de torque de extensão do joelho a 60 O/s, foi de 21,5% no pré-operatório, 15,7% no pós-operatório (p=0,63) e 3,1% no grupo controle (p < 0,001 com relação ao pré-operatório e pós-operatório). CONCLUSÃO: Os jogadores profissionais de futebol de campo avaliados seis meses após a reconstrução do LCA apresentaram VO2max significativamente inferior aos resultados do grupo controle, embora os resultados pós-operatórios tenham sido significativamente superiores aos observados no pré-operatório. Houve uma melhora significativa nos scores de função do joelho no pós-operatório com relação ao pré-operatório e a composição corporal dos indivíduos não apresentou diferenças estatisticamente significativas / INTRODUCTION: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a severe injury and may impact a professional football player\'s career. Surgical treatment is often indicated due to knee instability. Although ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is considered a successful procedure in restoring knee stability in athletes, it has been shown that only 55% return to competitive sports after surgery. Professional football players need technical, tactical and physical skills to succeed, including adequate knee function and aerobic capacity. Our purpose is to evaluate aerobic capacity in professional football players with ACL injury and six months after ACL reconstruction. METHODS: Twenty professional football players underwent ACL reconstruction with autologous hamstring grafts and were compared to 20 active, uninjured professional football players. We assessed maximal aerobic capacity with maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and submaximal with ventilatory thresholds, measured by ergoespirometric test performed in a treadmill with a modified Heck protocol. The tests were performed pre-operatively and six months after ACLR, and compared to the control group. We also performed knee function questionnaires (Lysholm and IKDC), isokinetic strength test and body composition evaluation with electric bioimpedance. RESULTS: ACL group average age was 21.7 y.o., and control group 22.1 y.o.(p=.99). Time span between injury and surgery was 5 months, in average. Pre-operative VO2max was 45.2 +- 4.3 mL/kg/min, post-operative was 48.9 +- 3.8 (p > .001) and control group was 56.9 +- 4.2 (p < 001 in both comparisons). Pre-op body fat percentage was 14.7+-3.7, post-op was 14.9 +- 5.4 and control 12.8 +- 4 (n.s.). Lysholm questionnaire results were 77.25, 94.12, and 97.5 (pre-op, post-op and control, respectively, p <. 05 in all comparisons). IKDC results were 59.46, 87.75 and 97.28 (pre-op, post-op and control, respectively, p < .001 in all comparisons). Preop peak torque isokinetic knee extension deficit at 60°/s was 21.5%, postop 15.7% (p=.63) and control 3.1% (p <. 001). CONCLUSION: Professional football players had significantly lower VO2max six months after ACLR compared to controls, although their results were significantly higher than observed pre-operatively. There was a significant improvement in knee function scores after ACLR. Body composition evaluation was not significant different among the groups evaluated

Zielstellung: Die Ruptur des vorderen Kreuzbandes (VkB) ist die häufigste Ursache einer Lahmheit beim Hund. Im Gegensatz zu der Humanmedizin, wo die anatomische intraartikuläre Rekonstruktion des vorderen Kreuzbandes als Therapie der Wahl gilt, wird die intraartikuläre Rekonstruktion beim Hund nur selten durchgeführt und hat bis jetzt nicht dauerhaften Erfolg. Die anatomische Platzierung der Bohrkanäle ist bei Menschen für den Erfolg der Operation bei Menschen entscheidend. Erstes Ziel der Studie war die Bestimmung der radiologischen Lage des Zentrums des femoralen vorderen Kreuzbandursprungs beim Hund. Zweites Ziel war die Entwicklung und Erprobung eines Zielgerätes für die arthroskopisch-assistierte, anatomische vordere Kreuzbandrekonstruktion beim Hund. Material und Methode: A. Radiologische Studie: Die kraniale Begrenzung des femoralen Ursprungs des vorderen Kreuzbandes (VK) wurde mit einem röntgendichten Draht bei 49 Femora orthopädisch gesunder Hunde (KM > 20 kg) markiert. Anschließend wurde eine Computertomographie und 3D- Rekonstruktion jedes Femurs angerfertigt, anhand derer der Ursprung manuell segmentiert und das Zentrum berechnet wurde. Schließlich wurden, basierend auf den 3D-Modellen, virtuelle Röntgenbilder in zwei Ebenen berechnet. An diesen wurde die Position des berechneten Zentrums mit drei unterschiedlichen Methoden bestimmt (4x4-Gitterbox-Methode und prozentuale Position für die medio-laterale Projektion; Ziffernblattmethode für die disto-proximale Projektion). B. Zielgerät: Hintergliedmaßen (n = 12) von 6 Hundekadavern (KM ≥20 kg) wurden verwendet. Eine Gliedmaße jedes Kadavers wurde zufällig ausgewählt und die kaudo-kraniale Lage des Zentrums des vorderen Kreuzbandansatzes (vKBA) in medio-lateralen Röntgenbildern berechnet und anschließend auf ein justierbares Zielgerät übertragen. Unter arthroskopischer Kontrolle wurde das Zielgerät hinter der lateralen Kondyle eingehakt und ein Steinmann Pin von extra nach intraartikulär platziert. Die Position der resultierenden Bohrkanäle wurde sowohl röntgenologisch bestimmt als auch dreidimensional mit dem anatomischen Zentrum des vKBA der kontralateralen Hintergliedmaßen verglichen. Ergebnisse: A. Radiologische Studie: In der medio-lateralen Projektion befand sich das Zentrum des femoralen Kreuzbandursprungs im zweiten Rechteck von proximal in der kaudalen Spalte. Die mittlere prozentuale kaudo-kraniale und proximo-distale Position war 20,2 % (± 2,2), beziehungsweise 33,8% (± 3,7). Im disto-proximalen Röntgenbild lag in 97,6 % der Femora das Zentrum des femoralen Kreuzbandursprungs zwischen 14:00 und 15:00 Uhr. B. Zielgerät: In allen postoperativen Röntgenaufnahmen lagen die sechs Bohrkanäle im bzw. nahe dem Zentrum des vKBA. Die 3D- Messungen ergaben eine mediane Abweichung der Bohrkanalposition im Vergleich zum anatomischen Zentrum der kontralateralen Seite von 0,6 mm (Bereich:0,2– 0,9 mm). Schlussfolgerung: Die erarbeiteten Referenzwerte können für die Planung sowie die intra- und postoperative Kontrolle der femoralen Bohrung verwendet werden. Die Verwendung eines justierbaren Zielgerätes ermöglicht die präzise anatomische Platzierung des femoralen Bohrkanals für die intraartikuläre Rekonstruktion des vorderen Kreuzbandes. Die beschriebene Methode wird helfen, eine Fehlplatzierung des femoralen Bohrkanals im Zuge der intraartikulären vorderen Kreuzbandplastik zu reduzieren. In Kombination mit dem bereits beschriebenen tibialen Zielgerät sind nun die technischen Voraussetzungen für die arthroskopisch-assistierte anatomische vordere Kreuzbandplastik in der Tiermedizin gegeben. / Objective: Cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) pathology is the most frequent cause of lameness in dogs. In contrast to human medicine, where anatomic reconstruction of the ACL is considered the treatment of choice, intra-articular repair in dogs is not commonly performed and until now has not met with enduring success. Accurate tunnel placement has been shown to be crucial in obtaining a successful outcome after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in humans. The first aim of our study was to define the radiographic location of the center of the femoral attachment of the CrCL in dogs, for the pre- operative planning as well as post-operative control of anatomical placement of the femoral tunnel. Second aim of the study was to develop and validate an aiming device for arthroscopic femoral tunnel placement. Materials and Methods: A. Radiographic study: Using femora from 49 adult, orthopedically sound dogs (BW ≥ 20 kg), a radiopaque marker was placed on the cranial border of the femoral footprint of the CrCL. Computed tomography and 3D reconstruction of each femur was performed subsequently, followed by manual segmentation of the footprint on the 3D models and calculation of its center. Finally, virtual digital radiographs in two planes were produced and the location of the calculated center of the CrCL was expressed using three different methods (4x4 box grid method and percentage position for the medio-lateral projection; o’clock position for the disto-proximal projection). B. Aiming device: Hindlimbs (n=12) of 6 cadaveric dogs weighing ≥20 kg were used. One hindlimb from each cadaver was randomly chosen and the caudo- cranial position of the CrCL center was calculated, on standard medio-lateral stifle radiographs, and transferred onto to an adjustable aiming device. During stifle arthroscopy the aiming device was inserted and guide pin placed from extra-to-intra-articular. The position of the resulting bone tunnel was evaluated on stifle radiographs and also compared with the anatomic center of each contralateral hindlimb, in the three dimensional (3D) space. Results: A. Radiographic study: In the medio-lateral radiographs the center of the femoral footprint was consistently located in the second rectangle from the top of the most caudal column of the 4x4 grid. The mean percentage caudo- cranial and proximo-distal location was 20.2% (± 2.2) and 33.8% (± 3.7), respectively. In the disto-proximal radiograph, the o’clock position of the CrCL center was between 2 and 3 o’clock in 97.6% of the femora. B. Aiming device: According to the postoperative radiographs, the location of all 6 intra-articular tunnel openings was consistent with the results of the radiographic study. In 3D space, arthroscopic femoral drilling resulted in a median deviation of the drill tunnels of 0.6 mm around the CrCL center. All tunnel openings were located within the CrCL insertion. Conclusions: The reported data can be used to plan and verify the placement of the femoral tunnel opening during intra-articular anatomic CrCL repair. The use of the aiming device suggests that arthroscopic femoral tunnel placement can be achieved with high precision. The measurement for the device can be derived from a standard medio-lateral radiograph of the stifle, which is part of the diagnostic work up of every dog with lameness localized in the stifle. The proposed technique may reduce femoral tunnel misplacement when performing intra-articular CrCL repair in dogs. In combination with the described technique for arthroscopic tibial tunnel drilling, arthroscopic assisted anatomic reconstruction of the CrCL in dogs can be achieved.

L’impact de la correction chirurgicale de la rupture du ligament croisé crânial (LCC) sur la cinématique 3D du grasset a peu été étudiée chez le chien. Plusieurs techniques tentent de restaurer la fonction normale du grasset suite à la rupture du LCC, mais les succès demeurent mitigés comme en témoignent le retour à une fonction suboptimale et la progression de l’arthrose. L’incapacité de ces techniques à restaurer la cinématique 3D pourrait être un élément clé expliquant ces succès suboptimaux. L’objectif de ce projet de recherche était d’évaluer l’impact d’une des techniques fréquemment utilisées, la stabilisation par suture latérale (SSL), sur la cinématique 3D du grasset. Dix membres pelviens provenant de grands chiens (25-40kg) ont été utilisés avec un montage préalablement validé simulant le trot. Trois situations ont été comparées : i) grasset sain, ii) grasset instable par transsection du LCC, et iii) grasset stabilisé par SSL. Pour chaque situation, la cinématique 3D était enregistrée durant 5 cycles dans le montage. Les courbes ont été analysées en utilisant un test statistique Wilcoxon signed rank test. La SSL a restauré la cinématique du grasset intact sain sur l’entièreté de la phase d’appui pour la translation crânio-caudale, médio-latérale, la flexion et l’abduction. Elle a restauré la translation proximo-distale sur 90% de la phase d’appui. La rotation interne a été limitée par la SSL, mais n’a pas été restaurée. Ces résultats montrent que cette technique chirurgicale reproduit une cinématique 3D globalement semblable à celle du grasset sain. La progression de l’arthrose rapportée suite à la stabilisation du grasset par SSL pourrait donc ne pas résulter d’une cinématique 3D anormale. / The impact of surgical correction of cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) on 3D kinematics has not been thoroughly evaluated in dogs. The success of current techniques remains limited, as illustrated by suboptimal weightbearing and progression of osteoarthritis. The inability to restore the stifle’s 3D kinematics might be a key element in understanding these suboptimal outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of lateral suture stabilization (LSS) on the 3D kinematics of the canine stifle joint. We hypothesized that LSS would not restore 3D kinematics in our model. Ten pelvic limbs collected from euthanized large dogs (25-40 kg) were tested with a previously validated apparatus that simulates trot. Three experimental conditions were compared: (a) intact stifle; (b) unstable stifle following cranial cruciate ligament transection (CCLt) and (c) CCLt stabilized by LSS. Three-dimensional kinematics were collected through 5 gait cycles and curves were analyzed using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. LSS restored baseline kinematics for the entire stance phase for cranial and lateromedial translation, sagittal flexion, and abduction. It restored distraction over 90% of the stance phase. Internal rotation was limited, but not restored. This in vitro study had limitations, as it used a simplified model of stifle motion and weight-bearing. The results of this study demonstrate that LSS can restore physiologic 3D kinematics largely comparable to those of healthy stifles. Suboptimal outcome in patients following CCLR stabilization by LSS may therefore result from causes other than immediate postoperative abnormal 3D kinematics.

Le ligament croisé antérieur (LCA) demeure un des ligaments du genou le plus souvent blessé. Un mauvais positionnement des tunnels osseux est souvent mis en cause dans les échecs de reconstructions du LCA. Une meilleure compréhension biomécanique du phénomène devient essentielle. Par l’utilisation de l’imagerie biplanaire stéréoradiographique à faible irradiation EOS , notre groupe a développé une méthode de reconstruction 3D permettant une description morphologique osseuse remarquable. Par l’entremise de ce système, un référentiel permet d’évaluer, de manière automatisée, précise et reproductible, le positionnement tridimensionnel des tunnels osseux. Notre groupe souhaite partager ce référentiel afin d’assister les chirurgiens orthopédistes à restaurer une biomécanique optimale dans les reconstructions du LCA. / The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) remains one of the most injured ligament of the knee. Mispositioning the tunnels remains a common cause of ACL reconstruction failure. A better biomechanical description of this phenomenon is therefore essential. Using the low irradiation biplanar stereoradiographic EOStm imaging system, our group developed a 3D reconstruction method allowing a precise morphologic description of the knee. With this system, the tridimensional positioning of the femoral tunnel can be evaluated in a novel, computerized, precise and reproducible coordinate system. With this referential, our group wish to assist orthopedic surgeons in the restoration of optimal biomechanics in ACL reconstructions.

Parmi les blessures sportives reliées au genou, 20 % impliquent le ligament croisé antérieur (LCA). Le LCA étant le principal stabilisateur du genou, une lésion à cette structure engendre une importante instabilité articulaire influençant considérablement la fonction du genou. L’évaluation clinique actuelle des patients ayant une atteinte au LCA présente malheureusement des limitations importantes à la fois dans l’investigation de l’impact de la blessure et dans le processus diagnostic. Une évaluation biomécanique tridimensionnelle (3D) du genou pourrait s’avérer une avenue innovante afin de pallier à ces limitations. L’objectif général de la thèse est de démontrer la valeur ajoutée du domaine biomécanique dans (1) l’investigation de l’impact de la blessure sur la fonction articulaire du genou et dans (2) l’aide au diagnostic. Pour répondre aux objectifs de recherche un groupe de 29 patients ayant une rupture du LCA (ACLD) et un groupe contrôle de 15 participants sains ont pris part à une évaluation biomécanique 3D du genou lors de tâches de marche sur tapis roulant. L’évaluation des patrons biomécaniques 3D du genou a permis de démontrer que les patients ACLD adoptent un mécanisme compensatoire que nous avons intitulé pivot-shift avoidance gait. Cette adaptation biomécanique a pour objectif d’éviter de positionner le genou dans une condition susceptible de provoquer une instabilité antérolatérale du genou lors de la marche. Par la suite, une méthode de classification a été développée afin d’associer de manière automatique et objective des patrons biomécaniques 3D du genou soit au groupe ACLD ou au groupe contrôle. Pour cela, des paramètres ont été extraits des patrons biomécaniques en utilisant une décomposition en ondelettes et ont ensuite été classifiés par la méthode du plus proche voisin. Notre méthode de classification a obtenu un excellent niveau précision, de sensibilité et de spécificité atteignant respectivement 88%, 90% et 87%. Cette méthode a donc le potentiel de servir d’outil d’aide à la décision clinique. La présente thèse a démontré l’apport considérable d’une évaluation biomécanique 3D du genou dans la prise en charge orthopédique de patients présentant une rupture du LCA; plus spécifiquement dans l’investigation de l’impact de la blessure et dans l’aide au diagnostic. / The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is involved in approximately 20% of all sports-related knee injuries. An injury to the ACL, the primary stabilizer of the knee, will lead to knee joint instability and functional impairment. Unfortunately, current clinical assessments of ACL-deficient patients present limitations with respect to the investigation of the impact of the injury on knee function. A 3D knee biomechanical assessment could provide innovative information to overcome these drawbacks. The main objective of the doctoral theses is to demonstrate the role of biomechanics in (1) the investigation of the impact of the injury on knee function and in (2) the diagnostic process. Twenty-nine ACL-deficient patients and a control group of fifteen healthy participants took part in a 3D knee biomechanical assessment during treadmill walking. By assessing the 3D knee biomechanical patterns of each group we observed that ACL-deficient patients adopted a gait compensatory mechanism: the Pivot-shift avoidance gait. The explanation for this adaptative strategy is to avoid placing the knee in a position biomechanically favorable to anterolateral rotatory instability during gait. Furthermore, an automatic classification method capable of distinguishing ACL deficient patients from an asymptomatic population was developed. Features were extracted from the 3D knee biomechanical patterns using a wavelet decomposition method and then classified by the nearest neighbour rule. The proposed classification method obtained a level of accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of 88%, 90% and 87% respectively. This method shows great potential as a diagnostic aid in a clinical setting. This thesis demonstrates that biomechanics plays a substantial role in the management of ACL injuries by improving the understanding of the impact of the injury on knee function and by its capacity to serve as a diagnostic aid.

Os ligamentos são estruturas estabilizadoras estáticas das articulações e desempenham um papel importante na junção mecânica. Podem ser influenciadas por fatores de diversas naturezas, inclusive adaptações sofridas durante o período puerperal. Na gravidez existem grandes modificações hormonais que preparam o organismo materno para o desenvolvimento do embrião e feto, bem como para a parturição. Assim, sob ação hormonal os ligamentos e a sínfise púbica têm suas características mecânicas alteradas preparando a mãe para o parto. Este trabalho teve por objetivo caracterizar mecanicamente as modificações sofridas na sínfise púbica e no ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho, durante a gestação e na fase final. Para o estudo foram utilizadas 44 ratas da raça Wistar, com massa corporal inicial média de 301.1 / 8,1g e idade aproximada de 100 dias. Os animais foram divididos em três grupos experimentais: o grupo controle, grupo prenhez I e o grupo prenhez II. Para constituição do grupo prenhez I e II, fêmeas férteis foram acasaladas com machos e o coito foi comprovado pela presença de espermatozóides no lavado vaginal obtido da fêmea. Confirmando a prenhez, os animais foram mantidos em gaiolas até o décimo sexto dia para o grupo prenhez I e sacrificados, para o grupo prenhez II foi esperado até o vigésimo dia de gestação e sacrificados, sendo coletados a pelve e os joelhos de ambos os grupos. Após preparo, a sínfise púbica e o ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho foram ensaiados mecanicamente em tração, com obtenção dos seguintes parâmetros: carga no limite máximo e rigidez. Os resultados comparados com as fêmeas controles não prenhes mostraram que para a sínfise púbica houve aumento da rigidez e diminuição da carga no limite máximo. Para o ligamento cruzado anterior não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos / Ligaments are static stabilizer structures of the joints and play an important role in the mechanical junction. They may be influenced by factors of several natures, including adaptations suffered during the puerperal period. There are in pregnancy big hormonal modifications that prepare the maternal organism for the embryo and fetus development, as well to parturition. Thus, under hormonal actions the ligaments and the pubic sinfisis have their mechanical features shifted preparing the mother for the labor. This paper aimed to point out the shifts occurred by the pubic sinfisis and by the knee anterior cruciate ligament during pregnancy and in the final phase. For the study were used 44 mice Wistar breed, corporal average mass of 301,1 / 8,1g and approximated age of 100 days. They were divided into 3 experimental groups: control group, pregnancy I group and pregnancy II group. For the disposition of the control group, the animals were expected to complete 120 days, then sacrificed and collected the pelvis and the knees. For pregnancy group I and II, fertile females were mated with males and the coitus was proved with the presence of spermatozoids in the vaginal washed obtained from the female. Once confirmed pregnancy, the animals were kept in cages until the 16th day for pregnancy group I and so only collected the animal’s pelvis. For pregnancy group II was expected until the 23rd day of pregnancy and sacrificed, being collected the pelvis and the knees. After preparing, the pubic sinfisis and the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee were mechanically tested in traction, obtaining the following parameters: load in maximum border line and stiffness. The results compared with non pregnant females showed that to the pubic sinfisis there was an increase of stiffness and a load in maximum border line decrease. For the anterior cruciate ligament there was no significant difference between the groups

INTRODUÇÃO: O plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) é utilizado em medicina esportiva para aumentar e acelerar o processo de reparação tecidual em lesões tendineas e ligamentares, no intuito de proporcionar um retorno mais rápido às atividades esportivas. No entanto faltam estudos com alto nível de evidência comprovando sua eficácia no tratamento destas lesões. Com o objetivo de estudar o efeito da aplicação do PRP no sitio doador de enxerto do ligamento da patela para reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA), realizamos ressonância magnética aos seis meses de pós-operatório para avaliar o ligamento da patela. Também aplicamos questionários de função do joelho e realizamos teste isocinético após seis meses da cirurgia. MÉTODOS: O presente estudo prospectivo, randomizado, avaliador cego incluiu 27 pacientes. Comparamos doze pacientes em que foi utilizado o PRP no defeito criado no terço central do ligamento da patela para retirada de enxerto com quinze pacientes do grupo controle. Aos seis meses de cirurgia realizamos ressonância magnética, em que foi avaliada a área não regenerada do defeito no terço central do ligamento da patela, a área de secção transversa do ligamento e a altura da patela pelo índice de Insall- Salvati. Realizamos teste isocinético e aplicamos questionários específicos de função do joelho. Quantificamos a dor pós-operatória imediata com escala visual analógica (EVA) de dor. RESULTADOS: Aos seis meses de pós-operatório a área não regenerada do defeito no terço central do ligamento da patela foi 4,95 mm2 no grupo PRP e 9,38 mm2 no grupo controle (p=0,046, teste t de Student). A área de secção transversa do ligamento da patela no grupo PRP foi de 173,05 mm2 e no grupo controle 176,29 mm2 (p=0,856). O índice de Insall-Salvati nos grupos PRP e controle foi de 1,04 e 1,06, respectivamente (p=0,808). Não houve diferença entre os grupos nos resultados dos questionários e teste isocinético. Nos pacientes em que foi utilizado o PRP houve menos dor pós-operatória imediata (p=0,02). CONCLUSÃO: Concluímos, nessa amostra, que o uso do PRP no defeito do terço central do ligamento da patela na reconstrução do LCA, nos primeiros seis meses; determinou maior regeneração do defeito; diminuiu a intensidade da dor pós-operatória imediata; não ocasionou alterações estruturais na avaliação por ressonância magnética; e não modificou os resultados clínicos e funcionais da cirurgia / INTRODUCTION: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used in sports medicine to improve and accelerate ligaments and tendons healing, in an effort to provide a faster return to sports activities. However there is a lack of high evidence level studies to support its use. With the purpose to study the effect of PRP, patellar ligament was evaluated six months after harvesting its central third with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We also applied specific questionnaires of knee function and isokinetic testing. METHODS: This blinded, randomized, prospective study included 27 patients. Twelve patients in whom we added PRP in the patellar ligament after harvesting its central third for ACL reconstruction were compared to fifteen patients in the control group. After six months we evaluated the non-regenerated area of the patellar ligament, the cross section area of the patellar ligament and its length (Insall-Salvati index) with MRI. We also evaluated the results of isokinetic testing and specific questionnaires of knee function. Immediate post-operative pain was evaluated with visual analogical scale (VAS) score. RESULTS: The non-regenerated area of the patellar ligament was 4,95 mm2 in the PRP group and 9,35 mm2 in the control group (p=0,046 test). The cross section area of the patellar ligament in the PRP group was 173,05 mm2 and in the control group 176,29 mm2 (p=0,856). The Insall- Salvati index in the PRP and control group was 1,04 and 1,06, respectively (p=0,806). There was no difference between the groups in the questionnaires and isokinetic testing results. PRP group patients had less post-operative pain (p=0,02). CONCLUSION: We concluded, in this sample, that the use of PRP in the patellar ligament after harvesting its central third for ACL reconstruction, in the first six months: improved the ligament regeneration; reduced the intensity of immediate post-operative pain; did not cause structural changes in the patellar ligament in MRI; and did not modify the clinical and functional results of the procedure

O Sistema Renina-angiotensina (SRA), e um sistema capaz de gerar hormonios peptideos com grande impacto na regulacao cardiovascular e na patogenese das doencas cardiovasculares. Este sistema opera, por meio das acoes da Angiotensina II, tanto em nivel sistemico (endocrino) quanto tecidual (local, paracrino/autocrino) controlando importantes funcoes, varias delas relacionadas a facilitacao da instalacao e progressao do processo inflamatorio. Por este motivo, a producao desta proteina nos tecidos pode estar relacionada a patogenese de muitas doencas, dentre elas a doenca periodontal (DP), tendo em vista seu carater infeccioso-inflamatorio e os achados da literatura que mostram que a inibicao da formacao de Ang II, diminui a perda óssea da DP em animais. Desta forma, o presente trabalho teve como objetivos: Avaliar in vitro, a) A expressao de componentes do SRA (ANGT, RENINA, ECA, ECA-2, AT1, AT2 e Mas) por fibroblastos de gengiva e ligamento periodontal humanos, por RT-qPCR; b) A producao de componentes do SRA (RENINA, ECA, ECA-2) no sobrenadante de culturas de fibroblastos de gengiva e ligamento periodontal humanos, por ELISA; c) A producao dos receptores do SRA (AT1, AT2 e Mas), nestes fibroblastos, por Imunofluorescencia e d) Se a expressao e a producao dos componentes do SRA por fibroblastos de gengiva e ligamento periodontal humanos, se alteram com a estimulacao por LPS de P. gingivalis e E. coli. Apos a coleta, os dados foram analisados com o auxilio do programa GraphPad Prism 5.0. por meio da analise de variancia a 2 criterios (ANOVA-two way) seguida do pos teste de Bonferroni, com nivel de significancia de 5% para a verificacao das possíveis diferencas. Foi detectada a expressao genica para alguns dos componentes do SRA (ANGT, RENINA, ECA, AT1) por fibroblastos tanto de gengiva quanto de ligamento periodontal. Foi detectada ainda uma expressao genica diferenciada entre fibroblastos de gengiva e ligamento periodontal para a ECA, sendo significativamente maior nos fibroblastos da gengiva. Houve imunomarcacao positiva tanto nos fibroblastos de gengiva quanto de ligamento periodontal compativel com a presenca dos receptores AT1 e Mas. Pode-se observar por fim que o contato com LPS de P. gingivalis e E. coli, na concentracao de 10 g/mL/24 h, nao alteram a expressão dos componentes do SRA. Portanto, pode-se concluir que os fibroblastos tanto de gengiva quanto de ligamento periodontal apesar de nao expressarem e produzirem todos oscomponentes do SRA necessarios para a formacao local de Ang II, poderiam contribuir, ainda que parcialmente, com outras celulas do microambiente dos tecidos periodontais para a formacao e acao locais da Ang II, e assim, para a instalacao e progressao da DP. / The Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) can generate hormones that have a high-impact on cardiovascular regulation as well as in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. This system acts through both systemic (endocrine) and local (paracrine/autocrine) effects of Angiotensin II, controlling important functions related to the facilitation of installation and progression of the inflammatory process. For this reason, this proteins production in tissues can be associated to the pathogenesis of many diseases, including periodontal disease (PD). In the PD setting, a infectious-inflammatory characterized disease, the literature findings shows that inhibition of the Ang II formation can decrease the bone loss in animals. In this context, the aims of the present study were: to investigate in vitro: a) the expression of RAS components (ANGT, RENIN, ECA, ECA- 2, AT1, AT2 and Mas) by human gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts by RT-qPCR; b) the production of RAS receptors (AT1, AT2 and Mas) by human cultured gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts by Immunofluorescence and d) the production of RAS components (RENIN, ECA, ECA-2) if the expression and production of RAS components by gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts modify under P. gingivalis and E. coli LPS stimulation. After collected, the data were analysed using GraphPad Prism 5.0, by the two way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post test with a significance level of 5%. Gene expression was detected for some of the RAS components (ANGT, RENIN, ECA, AT1) by both gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts. It was detected a differential gene expression between gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts for ECA, being significantly higher in gingival fibroblasts. There was a stain in Immunofluorescence compatible with the production of RAS receptors (AT1 and Mas). It must be noted that the stimulation with P. gingivalis and E. coli LPS, in a concentration of 10 g/mL/24 h, did not altered the expression of RAS components. In conclusion, despite of neither gingival or periodontal ligament fibroblasts express all components of RAS, needed to local formation of Ang II, they might also contribute to the local formation and action of Ang II and in consequence, to the installation and the progression of DP.

O reparo do ligamento cruzado cranial (LCCr) tem sido motivo de preocupação e pesquisas para desenvolver técnica cirúrgica efetiva. Recentemente novas técnicas tem se proposto a reestabelecer a biomecânica e função do joelho, chamadas de técnicas dinâmicas, entre elas Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) e Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA). Embora efetivas, várias são as complicações relatadas, e uma delas é o espessamento e desmite patelar, mais frequente com a técnica de TPLO, mas recentemente também relatada para a técnica de TTA. Vários foram os mecanismos propostos para explicar este fenômeno, embora a causa continue desconhecida. Baseado nisso é que a nossa pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar de forma biomecânica ex vivo, as mudanças na tensão do ligamento patelar submetido às técnicas de TPLO e TTA, quando comparadas entre elas e com membros pélvicos sem osteotomia (íntegro e RLCCr). Foram testados de forma biomecânica ex vivo dez pares de membros pélvicos de cães entre dois a sete anos de idade e pesos entre 25 a 35 kg, sem predileção de raça ou sexo. As peças foram submetidas à carga de 30% do peso corporal, e testadas em três situações diferentes: a primeira com a articulação fêmoro-tíbio-patelar íntegra, numa segunda etapa com RLCCr, e por último com as técnicas de osteotomia, respeitando a regra, membros pélvicos direitos com TTA e membros pélvicos esquerdos com TPLO, e cada uma delas foi testada em duas situações de ângulos, a primeira 145 graus na articulação fêmoro-tíbio-patelar e 135 graus na articulação tíbio-társica e uma segunda situação invertendo os valores. Os dados foram submetidos a testes pareados não paramétricos de Friedman e Wilcoxon. Em quanto a força do ligamento patelar os resultados permitiram concluir que não existe diferença significativa entre o grupo íntegro e RLCCr, que existe diferença entre as técnicas de TTA e TPLO, quando comparadas com a situação íntegro e RLCCr e que existe diferença de força do ligamento patelar entre TPLO 145 versus TPLO 135 e entre TTA 145 versus TTA 135. / Cranial cruciate ligament repair (RLCCr) has been the focus of research to develop an effective surgical technique. Currently new dynamic techniques such as Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) and Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) have been proposed to restore the biomechanical knee function. Several complications have been reported despite of technique effectiveness. Patellar ligament inflammation and desmitis are usually reported as complication for TPLO but it was also reported for TTA. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain this phenomenon but the cause remains unknown. Based on this complication, our objective was to evaluate the patellar ligament tension changes in the TPLO and TTA using an ex vivo model comparing both techniques one each other and with normal hind limbs. The sample population was ten pairs of cadaveric hind limb from dogs weighing 25 to 35 kg and with two to seven years of age without any predilection for breed or sex. The pieces were axially loaded using a material testing machine with 30% body weight in three different situations. The first test was performed with the CCL intact followed by the second test with the LCC transection and finally with osteotomy techniques for the third test. TPLO and TTA were always performed in the left and right hind limb respectively. The tests were conducted in two variations of angles joints. The first variation maintained a stifle angle of 145 degrees with the tibio-tarsal angle of 135 degrees and the second variation had inverted the values between these joints. Data were analyzed using Friedman and Wilcoxon test with repeated measures. In much the strength of the patellar ligament the results showed that there is no significant difference between the group intact and RLCCr that exists between the different techniques TTA and TPLO, when compared with the situation of integrity and RLCCr and strength that exists apart from the ligament TPLO patellar between 135 and 145 versus TPLO between TTA 145 versus 135.