All-suture anchor size and drill angle influence load to failure in a porcine model of subpectoral biceps tenodesis, a biomechanical study.

BACKGROUND: Tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon is frequently performed in shoulder surgery, and all-suture anchors have become more popular as fixation methods. However, uncertainty still exists regarding the ultimate load to failure of all-suture anchors and the best insertion angle at a cortical humeral insertion point. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical characteristics of three types of all-suture anchors frequently used for biceps tenodesis. In addition, the influence of two different insertion angles was observed in a porcine humeri model. METHODS: The ultimate load to failure and failure mode of three types of all-suture anchors (1.6 FiberTak®, 1.9 FiberTak®, 2.6 FiberTak®, Arthrex®) applicable for subpectoral biceps tenodesis were evaluated at 90° and 45° insertion angles in 12 fresh-frozen porcine humeri. The anchors were inserted equally alternated in a randomized manner at three different insertion sites along the bicipital groove, and the suture tapes were knotted around a rod for pullout testing. In total, 36 anchors were evaluated in a universal testing machine (Zwick & Roell). RESULTS: The 2.6 FiberTak® shows higher ultimate loads to failure with a 90° insertion angle (944.0 N ± 169.7 N; 537.0 N ± 308.8 N) compared to the 1.9 FiberTak® (677.8 N ± 57.7 N; 426.3 N ± 167.0 N, p-value: 0.0080) and 1.6 FiberTak® (733.0 N ± 67.6 N; 450.0 N ± 155.8 N, p-value: 0.0018). All anchor types show significantly higher ultimate loads to failure and smaller standard deviations at the 90° insertion angle than at the 45° insertion angle. The major failure mode was anchor pullout. Only the 2.6 FiberTak® anchors showed suture breakage as the major failure mode when placed with a 90° insertion angle. CONCLUSIONS: All three all-suture anchors are suitable fixation methods for subpectoral biceps tenodesis. Regarding our data, we recommend 90° as the optimum insertion angle. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The influence of anchor size and insertion angle of an all-suture anchor should be known by the surgeon for optimizing ultimate loads to failure and for achieving a secure fixation.

Return to Sport at Preinjury Level is Common After Surgical Treatment of SLAP Lesions: A Systematic Review and a Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing surgery for Superior-Labrum-anterior-to-posterior (SLAP) lesions are often worried about their return to sport performance. This systematic review determined the rate of return to sport and return to sport at the previous level (RTSP) after surgery for SLAP lesion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Meta-analysis of data through forest plot projections was conducted. Studies were divided and analyzed according to the type of interventions (isolated slap repair or SLAP repair with rotator cuff debridement and biceps tenodesis). RESULTS: The mean overall rate of return to sport after the procedures was 90.6% and the mean overall rate of return to sport at the previous level after the procedures was 71.7%. RTSP rates of the whole population were 71% (95% CI: 60%-80%), 66% (95% CI: 49%-79%), and 78% (95% CI: 67%-87%) for isolated SLAP repair, SLAP repair with the rotator cuff debridement and biceps tenodesis, respectively. A lack of subgroup analysis for the specific performance demand or type of lesion related to the surgical technique used might induce a high risk of bias. DISCUSSION: Return to sports at the previous level after surgically treated superior labrum anterior to posterior lesion is possible and highly frequent, with the highest rates of RTSP in patients treated with biceps tenodesis. More studies and better-designed trials are needed to enrich the evidence on indications of SLAP surgical treatment in relation to specific sports-level demand. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level-IV.

Quantitative MRI Analysis of Patellofemoral Joint Cartilage Health 2 Years After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis.

BACKGROUND: The addition of an iliotibial band-based lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) has been shown to reduce failure rates. However, there are concerns as to the potential overconstraint of tibiofemoral kinematics that may increase the risk of cartilage degradation. To date, no clinical study has investigated the effect of LET on patellofemoral joint articular cartilage health. HYPOTHESIS: It was hypothesized that at 2 years postoperatively, (1) the addition of LET at the time of ACLR would have no effect on cartilage health on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and (2) higher cartilage relaxation values would be associated with worse patient-reported and functional outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A subset of patients from the STABILITY 1 randomized controlled trial were included. All patients underwent primary ACLR with a hamstring autograft. Patients were randomized to either LET augmentation or not. Cartilage status in the patellofemoral joint between the ACLR group and ACLR+LET group was compared using 2-year postoperative quantitative MRI and the ACL osteoarthritis scores of both the surgical and the contralateral nonsurgical knees. Objective functional outcomes and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were attained. RESULTS: A total of 92 patients (43 patients in the ACLR group; mean age, 18.9 ± 3.2 years; 60.5% female; and 49 patients in the ACLR+LET group; mean age, 18.7 ± 3.2 years, 63.3% female) were included. No significant differences were seen in the mean values (ms) for adjusted T1ρ/T2 relaxation times in the medial patella (47.8/42.2 vs 47.3/43.2), central patella (45.5/42.5 vs 44.1/42.7), lateral patella (48.2/43.5 vs 47.3/43.0), medial trochlea (54.7/50.9 vs 56.4/50.9), central trochlea (53.3/51.1 vs 53.1/52.0), and lateral trochlea (54.9/52.1 vs 53.9/52.6) between the ACLR and ACLR+LET groups. No difference in overall ACL osteoarthritis scores was observed (P = .99). An increase in medial patellar T2 relaxation times was associated with a decreasing International Knee Documentation Committee score (P = .046), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) Symptoms subscale score (P = .01), and total KOOS (P = .01). CONCLUSION: There was no statistical difference in patellofemoral cartilage health between knees 2 years after primary ACLR with hamstring tendon autograft with or without LET. Statistically significant correlations were found between quantitative MRI relaxation times, functional outcome scores, and PROMs; however, the correlations were weak and the clinical significance is unknown. REGISTRATION: NCT02018354 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Lower anxiety level to perform movements after revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with lateral extra-articular tenodesis compared to without lateral extra-articular tenodesis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the anxiety level to perform movements in patients after revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) combined with lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) compared to patients after revision ACLR without LET. METHODS: Ninety patients who underwent revision ACLR with ipsilateral bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft and with a minimum of 12 months follow-up were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups: patients who received revision ACLR in combination with LET (revision ACLR_LET group; mean follow-up: 29.4 months, range: 12-80 months), and patients who received revision ACLR without LET (revision ACLR group; mean follow-up: 61.1 months, range: 22-192 months). All patients filled in a questionnaire about anxiety level related to physical activity and sports, the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective form (IKDCsubjective), and the Tegner Activity Score. RESULTS: Patients in the revision ACLR_LET group had a significantly lower anxiety level to perform movements than patients in the revision ACLR group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in KOOS, IKDCsubjective, and Tegner Activity Scores. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who received LET in addition to revision ACLR have a lower anxiety level to perform movements than patients with revision ACLR alone, despite non-different subjective functional outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study, Level of evidence: III.

Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis and Anterolateral Procedures.

The treatment of rotational instability has been an intriguing challenge since the era of modern anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. Lateral extra-articular procedures (LEAPs) have emerged as a solution to this problem, particularly in high-risk populations. Several studies have shown significant benefits of combining LEAPs with ACL reconstruction, including reduced graft failure rates, improved knee stability, improved rotational stability, and higher return-to-play rates. These findings have led to an in-depth evaluation of LEAPs as lateral extra-articular tenodesis and anterolateral ligament reconstruction and their potential role in improving outcomes after ACL reconstruction.

Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Associated Procedures.

Failure of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a common yet devastating complication due to inferior clinical outcomes associated with revision ACLR. Identifying the cause and associated risk factors for failure is the most important consideration during preoperative planning. Special attention to tunnel quality, concomitant injuries, and modifiable risk factors will help determine the optimal approach and staging for revision ACLR. Additional procedures including lateral extra-articular tenodesis and osteotomy may be considered for at-risk populations. The purpose of this review is to explore causes of ACLR failure, clinical indications and appropriate patient evaluation, and technical considerations when performing revision ACLR.

Avoiding Graft Failure: Lessons Learned from the Stability Trial.

The Stability Study was a multicenter, pragmatic, parallel groups, randomized clinical trial comparing hamstring tendon autograft anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with or without the addition of lateral extra-articular tenodesis in young patients at high risk of graft failure. Having recruited 618 patients with a 5% loss to follow up, we were able to demonstrate a clinically and statistically significant reduction in clinical failure and graft rupture at 2 years postoperative. No differences in patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were demonstrated between groups; however, patients who experienced an adverse event had significantly worse PROs than those who did not.

Investigation of the pressure value while performing biceps tenodesis for superior capsuler reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: To compare the histopathological results of biceps tenodesis (BT) performed with normal, low, and high pressures for superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) in rabbits with massive rotator cuff tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty rabbits were divided into three groups. Rabbits 1-10 underwent SCR with BT at the same pressure (Group 1), value measured in the groove; 50% lower (Group 2); 50% higher (Group 3). After the 4-week follow-up, shoulder were en-bloc excised and histopathological evaluation was performed with modified Bonar's scale. Results were compared between the groups, statistically. RESULTS: Extracellular matrix were significantly lower in group 2 compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Cellularity levels were significantly lower in group 2 compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Group 2 had no difference between the sides (p > 0.05). Group 2 had lower vascularity levels compared to the other groups (p = 0.01). DICSUSSION: When the biceps tendon was in the bicipital groove and in a more mobile state with lower pressure exposure. BT performed with a tension that creates less pressure than the biceps in the groove is more successful in SCR.

No clinical difference in outcomes between inlay and onlay arthroscopic biceps tenodesis techniques during rotator cuff repair.

BACKGROUND: Both inlay and onlay arthroscopic biceps tenodesis (ABT) are common procedures performed during rotator cuff repair. The inlay method involves creating a bone socket in the bicipital groove to secure the long head of the biceps tendon using an interference screw. The onlay method utilizes a suture anchor to secure the long head of the biceps tendon on the surface of the bicipital groove. Little is known on the long-term differences in patient-reported outcomes between these 2 techniques. The primary purpose of this study was to compare patient-reported outcomes of inlay vs. onlay ABT with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Secondary aims were to evaluate the impact of rotator cuff tear size on outcomes and compare rates of complications between the 2 techniques. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients who had an ABT during a full-thickness rotator cuff repair. Any symptom specific to the biceps were noted, including pain and cramping, Popeye deformity, or revision surgery. Complication rates were compared between groups. The visual analog scale pain score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and Veteran's RAND-12 score (VR-12) scores were compared at 2 years. The impact of rotator cuff tear size was analyzed by categorizing into small/medium or large/massive based on operative reports and arthroscopic images. RESULTS: There were 165 patients identified (106 in the inlay group and 59 in the onlay group). No revision surgeries were performed secondary to the biceps tendon in either group. Eleven patients (10%) in the inlay group complained of biceps pain or cramping compared to 2 patients (3%) in the onlay group (P = .11). One Popeye deformity was noted in each group (P = .67). No significant differences were found between groups for visual analog scale (P = .41), ASES functional (P = .61), ASES index (P = .91), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (P = .09), VR-12 Physical Component Score (P = .77), or VR-12 Mental Component Score (P = .09). Rotator cuff tear size within the groups also did not demonstrate statistical significance. CONCLUSION: No clinical differences or complications were found at minimum 2-year follow-up between inlay and onlay ABT in patients undergoing rotator cuff repair when controlling for tear size. The clinical relevance suggests either technique is effective and can be based on surgeon preference.

Proximal phalanx flexor tendon tenodesis after severe frostbite in a rock climber.

A 32 year-old climber sustained a grade IV frostbite injury to the right hand which required amputation at the neck of the proximal phalanges of all the long fingers. To increase range of motion and strength in the remaining metacarpophalangeal joints, tenodesis of the flexor digitalis superficialis and profundus tendons onto the proximal phalanges was performed. Several revisions for removal of bony spurs, dorsal skin advancement flaps and web space deepening were necessary. After 2 years, the patient achieved 10-0-100° metacarpophalangeal joint range of motion in extension-flexion and could do full body-weight pull-ups on 1 cm deep holds, lift 50 kg on a 2 cm deep hold (normal contralateral side, 40 kg), climb up to F7a routes and use a mechanical 4-finger functional prosthesis.

Treatment for complete extensor tendon rupture: A case report on extensor pollicis longus tendon transfer and tenodesis procedure to radius for a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.

The complete loss of finger extension leads to significant inconvenience in daily life and often requires surgical treatment. Despite some disadvantages, the Boyes method, which uses the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon, is commonly performed for complete extensor rupture. We report the case of a 73-year-old woman living alone diagnosed with a subcutaneous rupture of all extensor tendons from the index to the little finger. The favourable range of motion of her wrist allowed us to perform extensor tenodesis. Additionally, the patient had a dislocated thumb interphalangeal (IP) joint, enabling us to use the extensor pollicis longus tendon for tendon transfer in combination with thumb IP joint fusion. The patient demonstrated favourable finger range-of-motion outcomes at the 6-month postoperative assessment. The case shows that extensor pollicis longus tendon transfer and tenodesis may be a viable treatment option for patients with complete extensor rupture accompanied by thumb IP joint deformity and normal wrist range of motion.

The Effect of Concomitant Biceps Tenodesis on Revision Surgery Rates After Primary Rotator Cuff Repair.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to use a national database to compare the 4-year revision surgery rates after rotator cuff repair (RCR) in patients with concomitant biceps tenodesis (BT) versus those without BT. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using the PearlDiver database from 2015 to 2017. Patients undergoing primary open and arthroscopic RCR with and without BT were identified. Demographic variables, 90-day complications, and 2- and 4-year revision surgery rates were analyzed, and a multivariable logistic regression was conducted. RESULTS: Of the 131,155 patients undergoing RCR, 24,487 (18.7%) underwent concomitant BT and 106,668 (81.3%) did not. After controlling for comorbidities and demographics, patients with concomitant BT were associated with lower odds of all-cause revision (OR; P-value [0.77; P < 0.001]), revision BT (0.65; P < 0.001), revision RCR (0.72; P < 0.001), and shoulder arthroplasty (0.81; P = 0.001) within 4 years when compared with those without concomitant BT. DISCUSSION: In our analysis, patients undergoing primary RCR with concomitant BT had 35% reduced odds of revision BT and 23% reduced odds of any all-cause revision within 4 years when compared with those without concomitant BT. This suggests that tenodesis at the time of primary RCR may be associated with a reduction in the utilization of ipsilateral shoulder revision surgery rates.

Comparison of decrease in elbow flexion strength in patients after tenotomy and tenodesis of the long head of the biceps brachii.

NTRODUCTION: The last two decades have been leading to the development of several types of surgical techniques and procedures to manage the LHB lesions. This paper analyses and compares the difference in muscle strength pre- and post-operatively in two most commonly used surgical procedures - LHB tenotomy and tenodesis. METHOD: The study includes 68 patients who underwent surgery between 2016 and 2020. The patients who had met the prospective study inclusion criteria were divided into two groups based on type of surgery they had undergone (LHB tenotomy or tenodesis); each group consisted of 34. The muscle strength during elbow flexion was measured preoperatively and postoperatively using the Commander Echo Console ultrasound muscle testing device. All patients enrolled in the study had been assessed for elbow flexion strength preoperatively. The muscle strength was measured preoperatively and then 3 years postoperatively (12 to 60 months) on average. CONCLUSION: The study confirmed that the patients who had undergone LHB tenodesis show a significantly lower decrease in elbow flexion strength and a significantly lower incidence of "Popeye" deformity than the patients after LHB tenotomy. Moreover, in the tenodesis group, it was possible to initiate rehabilitation earlier. The incidence of postoperative complications was almost identical in both groups of patients (Tab. 10, Fig. 6, Ref. 40).

A lateral extra-articular tenodesis without additional hardware: Surgical technique and biomechanical comparison with an anatomic anterolateral ligament reconstruction in the augmentation of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to describe a lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) using no additional hardware and compare the tibiofemoral kinematics of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction augmented with either the LET or a standard anatomic anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction using intra-tunnel fixation. METHODS: Ten cadaveric knees were mounted on a robotic testing system and underwent a kinematic assessment of anterior tibial translation and internal tibial rotation under a simulated pivot-shift in the following states: ACL-intact, ACL-sectioned, ACL-sectioned/anterolateral complex (ALC)-sectioned, ACL-reconstructed/ALC-sectioned, ACL-reconstructed/ALL-reconstructed, and ACL-reconstructed/LET. For the LET, an iliotibial autograft was passed under the fibular collateral ligament and secured to the femur with the pull sutures of the ACL reconstruction femoral cortical suspensory fixation device, positioned at the distal ridge of Kaplan's fibers. RESULTS: Anterior tibial translation was restored to normal by ACL reconstruction without meaningful benefit of augmentation with LET or ALL. ACL reconstruction restored internal tibial rotation close to normal between 0° and 30°, but increased internal tibial rotation persisted between 45° and 90°. Augmentation of ACL reconstruction with the LET reduced internal rotation close to normal between 45° and 90°, whereas increased internal rotation persisted after ALL reconstruction. CONCLUSION: ACL reconstruction and LET are complementary in controlling tibiofemoral kinematics of knees with a combined ACL and ALC injury: ACL reconstruction restored native tibiofemoral kinematics except for internal rotation at flexion greater than 30°. The increased internal rotation at flexion greater than 30° was restored to normal with an LET, but not with an ALL reconstruction.

Superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) repair is associated with increased rate of subsequent rotator cuff diagnoses and revision surgery: a propensity-matched comparison.

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of superior labral anterior to posterior (SLAP) tears remains controversial. Current management utilizes 2 well-established procedures: biceps tenodesis and SLAP repair. This study evaluates the complications associated with arthroscopic SLAP repair vs. an open or arthroscopic biceps tenodesis to further elucidate optimal surgical management. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, the TriNetX database was utilized to evaluate patients who underwent repair of SLAP lesions (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision code: S43.43) from May 15, 2003, to May 15, 2023. Three patient cohorts were evaluated: those who underwent arthroscopic SLAP repair (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] code: 29807), those who underwent arthroscopic biceps tenodesis (CPT code: 29828), and those who underwent open tenodesis of the biceps (CPT code: 23430). Cohorts were propensity matched for type 2 diabetes, nicotine dependence, alcohol-related disorders, body mass index, and demographic factors such as age at event, ethnicity, race, and sex. The outcomes evaluated were disruption of surgical wound, deep vein thrombosis, mononeuropathy of upper limb, shoulder contusion, humeral fracture, sepsis, deceased, acute postoperative pain, revision, shoulder stiffness, and rotator cuff strain. All outcomes were evaluated within 1 year postprocedure. RESULTS: A total of 11,081 arthroscopic SLAP repairs, 9960 arthroscopic biceps tenodesis, and 9420 open biceps tenodesis were matched. Compared with patients who underwent arthroscopic biceps tenodesis, those who underwent arthroscopic SLAP repair were 1.8 times more likely to undergo revision (2.9% vs. 1.6%, P < .0001). Compared with those who underwent open biceps tenodesis, patients who had SLAP repair performed were 1.4 times more likely to undergo revision (3.1% vs. 2.3%, P = .013) and 1.6 times more likely to have a subsequent rotator cuff strain diagnosis (5.1% vs. 3.2%, P = .0002). Compared with patients who underwent SLAP repair, those who underwent arthroscopic biceps tenodesis exhibited 1.3 times more instances of acute postoperative pain (5.2% vs. 4.0%, P = .011). Similarly, open biceps tenodesis exhibited 1.8 times more instances of acute postoperative pain (6.9% vs. 3.8%, P < .0001) and 1.3 times more shoulder stiffness (11.8% vs. 9.0%, P < .0001). CONCLUSION: In the last 20 years, patients who underwent SLAP repair were associated with higher risk of revision surgery and subsequent rotator cuff strain diagnosis. Conversely, patients who underwent biceps tenodesis were associated with higher rates of acute postoperative pain and shoulder stiffness.

Combining an Anterolateral Complex Procedure With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Reduces the Graft Reinjury Rate and Improves Clinical Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) is a well-established surgical procedure, but it may not always restore complete rotational knee stability. Interest is increasing in anterolateral complex (ALC) procedures, lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) and anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR), in association with ACLR to overcome this problem. The better ALC procedure, LET or ALLR, remains controversial to date. PURPOSE: To analyze the patient-reported outcome measures and ACL reinjury rate after ACLR with an ALC procedure compared with after isolated ACLR, as well as to analyze the clinical results and graft failure rate of the LET group versus the ALLR group. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: A PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) flowchart was used to conduct a comprehensive search of 5 databases: Scopus, MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Only randomized controlled trials were included. Eligible articles were classified according to the levels of evidence of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. A methodological quality assessment of randomized controlled trials was performed using the Risk of Bias 2 tool. The present systematic review and meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO. RESULTS: A total of 14 clinical trials were included in the final analysis, with 1830 patients. Isolated ACLR or a combined procedure with LET or ALLR was performed, with several characteristics described, including the surgical technique, additional torn knee structures and their management, graft failure, complications, clinical outcomes, clinical and instrumental examinations to assess knee stability, and postoperative protocols. Regarding clinical outcomes, pivot-shift tests and reduced graft failure, a significant difference was found in the superiority of the combined ACLR associated with the ALC procedure compared with an isolated ACLR (P < .05). No statistically significant difference was found between the 2 ALC procedures. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis reported on the importance of combined ACLR and ALC procedures in patients with a high-grade rotational laxity, as both procedures, LET or ALLR, without superiority of one over the other, are associated with improved pivot-shift tests, patient-reported outcome measures, and reduced graft failure rates.

Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Lateral Compartment Articular Cartilage After Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis.

BACKGROUND: Concerns have arisen that anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) may accelerate the development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis in the lateral compartment of the knee. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the augmentation of ACLR with LET affects the quality of lateral compartment articular cartilage on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 2 years postoperatively. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in T1rho and T2 relaxation times when comparing ACLR alone with ACLR + LET. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: A consecutive subgroup of patients at the Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic participating in the STABILITY 1 Study underwent bilateral 3-T MRI at 2 years after surgery. The primary outcome was T1rho and T2 relaxation times. Articular cartilage in the lateral compartment was manually segmented into 3 regions of the tibia (lateral tibia [LT]-1 to LT-3) and 5 regions of the femur (lateral femoral condyle [LFC]-1 to LFC-5). Analysis of covariance was used to compare relaxation times between groups, adjusted for lateral meniscal tears and treatment, cartilage and bone marrow lesions, contralateral relaxation times, and time since surgery. Semiquantitative MRI scores according to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament OsteoArthritis Score were compared between groups. Correlations were used to determine the association between secondary outcomes (including results of the International Knee Documentation Committee score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Lower Extremity Functional Scale, 4-Item Pain Intensity Measure, hop tests, and isokinetic quadriceps and hamstring strength tests) and cartilage relaxation. RESULTS: A total of 95 participants (44 ACLR alone, 51 ACLR + LET) with a mean age of 18.8 years (61.1% female [58/95]) underwent 2-year MRI (range, 20-36 months). T1rho relaxation times were significantly elevated for the ACLR + LET group in LT-1 (37.3 ± 0.7 ms vs 34.1 ± 0.8 ms, respectively; P = .005) and LFC-2 (43.9 ± 0.9 ms vs 40.2 ± 1.0 ms, respectively; P = .008) compared with the ACLR alone group. T2 relaxation times were significantly elevated for the ACLR + LET group in LFC-1 (51.2 ± 0.7 ms vs 49.1 ± 0.7 ms, respectively; P = .03) and LFC-4 (45.9 ± 0.5 ms vs 44.2 ± 0.6 ms, respectively; P = .04) compared with the ACLR alone group. All effect sizes were small to medium. There was no difference in Anterior Cruciate Ligament OsteoArthritis Scores between groups (P = .99). Weak negative associations (rs = -0.27 to -0.22; P < .05) were found between relaxation times and quadriceps and hamstring strength in the anterolateral knee, while all other correlations were nonsignificant (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Increased relaxation times demonstrating small to medium effect sizes suggested early biochemical changes in articular cartilage of the anterolateral compartment in the ACLR + LET group compared with the ACLR alone group. Further evidence and long-term follow-up are needed to better understand the association between these results and the potential risk of the development of osteoarthritis in our patient cohort.

A review of Marcel Lemaire's original work on lateral extra-articular tenodesis.

This classic discusses Marcel Lemaire's original publications in the context of modern surgical practice, including a description of his original lateral extra-articular tenodesis. Previously published in French, these translations shed light on his revelations regarding the anterior cruciate ligament's role in knee stability and his detailed insights into the ressaut rotatoire or the pivot shift phenomenon. We track the evolution of Lemaire's procedure since the publication of his original technique in 1967 which used a nylon cord superficial to the lateral collateral ligament followed by cast immobilisation for one month. We report his patient outcomes as he refines his methods through experiential learning. Lemaire's fundamental concepts in relation to anterior cruciate ligament deficiency remain relevant in contemporary clinical practice. Furthermore, the "modified Lemaire technique" has emerged as one of the preferred methods for lateral extra-articular tenodesis. We hope that disseminating his thoughts to a wider audience will help enlighten the ongoing debate regarding the management of rotatory instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V - Expert Opinion.

Can lateral tenodesis improve the rotational stability of the ACL reconstruction? A finite element analysis.

One of the most common knee injuries is the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) rupture with severe implications on knee stability. The usual treatment is the ACL Reconstruction (ACLR) surgery where the surgeon replaces the torn ligament with a graft in an effort to restore knee kinematics. In case of excessive rotatory instability, Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis (LET) can be performed in combination with ACLR. Additionally, LET appears to reduce ACLR graft forces minimizing graft failure chances. However, there are concerns about overconstraining physiological rotation. To gain insight in this controversial topic, we developed an automatic, open-source tool to create a series of Finite Element (FE) models attempting to investigate the interactions of ACLR and LET through simulation. We started by creating a validated model of the healthy knee joint that served as reference for subsequent FE simulations. Then, we created FE models of standalone ACLR and combined ACLR-LET. Each model was assessed by applying a loading profile that resembles the reduction phase of the Pivot-Shift clinical exam. We measured the External Tibia Rotation (ETR), the Posterior Tibia Translation (PTT) of the lateral tibial compartment, and the ACLR graft stress developed around the femoral tunnel insertion site. We observed the following: a) LET reduces ETR and PTT compared to isolated ACLR, b) combined ACLR-LET is more sensitive to LET graft pretension with lower values showcasing performance closer to the healthy joint, c) LET reduces ACLR graft forces for the same pretension values, d) LET exhibits significant overconstraint for higher pretension values. In general, these findings are in agreement with relevant clinical studies and accentuate the potential of the developed framework as a tool that can assist orthopaedists during surgery planning. We provide open access for the FE models of this study to enhance research transparency, reproducibility and extensibility.

Infraspinatus function impairment after arthroscopic Bankart repair with Hill Sachs remplissage. Isokinetic, functional, and radiographic analysis.

PURPOSE: Arthroscopic Bankart repair with Hill Sachs remplissage (BHSR) is an option for anterior shoulder instability with humeral defect. Our hypothesis was that infraspinatus capsulo-tenodesis is an effective solution, with good clinical results and no consequences on shoulder strength and ranges of motion. METHODS: We performed a retrospective case-control study involving 22 patients operated with arthroscopic BHSR. We compared isokinetic evaluation of both shoulders using a dynanometer in concentric, eccentric force and endurance. Ranges of motion were measured using a goniometer and compared to the contralateral unaffected side. Functional assessment included Constant, Rowe, Walch and Duplay and WOSI scores. Healing and fatty degeneration were analyzed with magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: At mean 37.2 months follow-up, 21 patients (95.4%) were satisfied or very satisfied with the intervention. Range of motion in external rotation of the affected side decreased by 10.8° in adduction and 6° at 90° of abduction (p<0.05). Deficit in external rotation strength of the affected side greater than 15% was found in all isokinetic tests (p<0.05). Walch and Duplay, Rowe, WOSI and adjusted Constant average scores were respectively 71.05±14.1 (40-90), 67.63±19.7 (15-100), 34.6%±19.9 (8.43-76.23) and 69.8±13.57 (36.7-101). Postoperative MRI showed good capsulo-tenodesis healing without infraspinatus muscle fatty degeneration. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic BHSR provides satisfactory functional outcomes but significant infraspinatus functional impairments in both strength and ranges of motion in external rotation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; case-control study.