Research Publications

Mr Pai is involved in publishing clinical research and keeps updated with the latest research in knee surgery so he can offer his patients the best evidence-based care.

For a complete list of Mr Pai’s publications and academic affiliations, please visit his ResearchGate profile here.

The following are a selection of recent research publications that Mr Pai has been involved with:


Smaller Gap Formation With Suture Anchor Fixation Than Traditional Transpatellar Sutures in Patella and Quadriceps Tendon Rupture: A Systematic Review

Authors: Onggo JR, Babazadeh S, Pai V

Journal: Arthroscopy. Date of publication: January 2022

Outcome: Suture anchor fixation displays a better biomechanical profile than traditional transpatellar techniques in terms of smaller gap formations in the repair of both patella and quadriceps tendon injuries. Anchor pullout in suture anchor fixation was present mainly with the use of titanium anchors.

Link: 10.1016/j.arthro.2022.01.012


Medial meniscal ramp lesions in ACL-injured elite athletes are strongly associated with medial collateral ligament injuries and medial tibial bone bruising on MRI

Authors: Willinger L, Balendra G, Pai V, Lee J, Mitchell A, Jones M, Williams A.

Journal: Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy. Date of publication: August 2021

Outcome: Ramp lesions (meniscocapsular injuries) are associated with MRI findings consistent with an MCL injury and posteromedial bone bruising. Knowledge of the risk factors and secondary injury signs associated with ramp lesions facilitate the diagnosis of a ramp lesion preoperatively and should raise surgeons’ suspicion of this important lesion.

Link: 10.1007/s00167-021-06671-z


Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Alone Versus With Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis With Minimum 2-Year Follow-up: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Authors: Onggo, J. R., Rasaratnam, H. K., Nambiar, M., Onggo, J. D., Pai, V., Damasena, I., Riazi, A., & Babazadeh, S.

Journal: American Journal of Sports Medicine. Date of publication: April 2021

Outcome: There is good-quality evidence is available to support the efficacy of lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LEAT) in improving anterolateral knee stability and reducing graft re-ruptures in primary ACL reconstruction. LEAT should be considered in patients with high-risk factors.

Link: doi:10.1177/03635465211004946


Anterolateral complex injuries occur in the majority of 'isolated' anterior cruciate ligament ruptures

Authors: Balendra, G., Willinger, L., Pai, V., Mitchell, A., Lee, J., Jones, M., & Williams, A.

Journal: Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy. Date of publication: April 2021

Outcome: There is a high incidence of concomitant Anterolateral complex injuries in combination with ACL ruptures, with Kaplan Fibre (and therefore the deep capsulo-osseous layer of the iliotibial band) being the most commonly injured structure. These findings reinforce the importance of considering the presence of, and if necessary, treating injuries to structures other than the ACL, as a truly isolated ACL injury is rare.

Link: doi:10.1007/s00167-021-06543-6


High incidence of superficial and deep medial collateral ligament injuries in 'isolated' anterior cruciate ligament ruptures: a long overlooked injury.

Authors: Willinger L, Balendra G, Pai V, Lee J, Mitchell A, Jones M, Williams A.

Journal: Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy. Date of publication: March 2021

Outcome: The incidence of combined ACL and medial ligament complex injuries is high. This study provides information about specific MCL injury patterns including the dMCL in ACL ruptures and will allow surgeons to initiate individualised treatment.

Link: doi: 10.1007/s00167-021-06514-x


Functional assessment of outcome of surgery to correct patellofemoral instability in human patients

Authors: D.A. Clark, D.L. Simpson, J.D. Eldridge, V. Pai, G.R. Colborne.

Journal: Comparative Exercise Physiology. Date of publication: March 2020

Outcome: Patella stabilisation by surgery can restore normal gait function. Normalising the anatomy of the knee extensor mechanism is the objective of surgery. Normal anatomy facilitates the rehabilitation objectives of optimising extensor function during the weight-bearing phase of gait.

Link: doi.org/10.3920/CEP190045


Fixed- Versus Adjustable-Loop Devices for Femoral Fixation in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Authors: Onggo JR, Nambiar M, Pai V.

Journal: Arthroscopy. Date of publication: May 2019

Outcome: Despite the superior biomechanical properties of fixed length femoral fixation devices, adjustable and fixed length devices yielded similar clinical outcome scores and graft re-rupture rates.

Link: doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2019.02.029