Identifying Racial Disparities in Utilization and Clinical Outcomes of Ambulatory Hip Arthroscopy: Analysis of Temporal Trends and Causal Inference via Machine Learning.

Background: Arthroscopic diagnosis and treatment of femoroacetabular pathology has experienced significant growth in the last 30 years; nevertheless, reduced utilization of orthopaedic procedures has been observed among the underrepresented population. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to examine racial differences in case incidence rates, outcomes, and complications in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy. It was hypothesized that racial and ethnic minority patients would undergo hip arthroscopy at a decreased rate compared with their White counterparts but that there would be no differences in clinical outcomes. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: The State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Database and the State Emergency Department Database of New York were queried for patients undergoing hip arthroscopy between 2011 and 2017. Patients were stratified into White and racial and ethnic minority races, and intergroup comparisons were performed for utilization over time, total charges billed per encounter, 90-day emergency department (ED) visits, and revision hip arthroscopy. Temporal trends in the utilization of hip arthroscopy were identified, and racial differences in secondary outcomes were analyzed with a semiparametric method known as targeted maximum likelihood estimation (TMLE) backed by a library of machine learning algorithms. Results: A total of 9745 patients underwent hip arthroscopy during the study period, with 1081 patients of minority race (11.1%). White patients underwent hip arthroscopy at 5.68 (95% CI, 4.98-6.48) times the incidence rate of racial and ethnic minority patients; these incidence rates grew annually at a ratio of 1.11 in White patients compared with 1.03 in racial and ethnic minority patients (P < .001). Based on the TMLE, racial and ethnic minority patients were significantly more likely to incur higher costs (P < .001) and visit the ED within 90 days (P = .049) but had negligible differences in reoperation rates at a 2-year follow-up (P = .53). Subgroup analysis identified that higher likelihood for 90-day ED admissions among racial and ethnic minority patients compared with White patients was associated with Medicare insurance (P = .002), median income in the lowest quartile (P = .012), and residence in low-income neighborhoods (P = .006). Conclusion: Irrespective of insurance status, racial and ethnic minority patients undergo hip arthroscopy at a lower incidence and incur higher costs per surgical encounter.

Long-term Outcomes of Partial Meniscectomy for Degenerative Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tears.

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) repair is superior to debridement in terms of patient-reported outcomes, rates of conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and long-term costs. Despite the known poor midterm outcomes, there is a paucity of long-term results of partial meniscectomy for degenerative MMPRTs. Purpose: To 1) evaluate long-term patient-reported and radiographic outcomes of patients who underwent partial medial meniscectomy (PMM) for MMPRTs, and 2) determine the rate of and risk factors for conversion to total knee TKA. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A previously identified cohort of 26 patients treated with partial meniscectomy for isolated MMPRTs between 2005 and 2013 was prospectively followed for long-term outcomes at a minimum 10-year follow-up. Patients were evaluated for International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) outcome score, reoperation, and conversion to TKA. Failure was defined as conversion to arthroplasty or a severely abnormal IKDC subjective score <75.4. Results: This study included 26 patients (10 men, 16 women; mean age, 54 ± 8.7 years [range, 38-71 years] at diagnosis; body mass index, 32.9 ± 5.5) who were followed for a mean of 14.0 ± 3.6 years (range, 10.1-19.6 years). At the final follow-up, 1 patient was deceased and 18 (72%) of the remaining 25 patients had progressed to TKA, with 1 (4%) patient undergoing repeat meniscectomy. The 6 (24%) patients who had not progressed to TKA or revision surgery reported a mean IKDC score of 57 ± 23. Nineteen patients underwent subsequent surgery and 5 demonstrated severely abnormal IKDC scores resulting in a clinical failure rate of 96% (24 of the 25 living patients) at a mean 14-year follow-up. Conclusion: PMM for medial meniscus posterior horn root tears demonstrated 72% progression to TKA and 96% failure according to subjective clinical outcomes at a minimum 10-year follow-up.

Patient-Specific Distal Femoral Guides Optimize Cartilage Topography Matching in Osteochondral Allograft Transplantations.

BACKGROUND: Osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation is an important surgical technique for full-thickness chondral defects in the knee. For patients undergoing this procedure, topography matching between the donor and recipient sites is essential to limit premature wear of the OCA. Currently, there is no standardized process of donor and recipient graft matching. PURPOSE: To evaluate a novel topography matching technique for distal femoral condyle OCA transplantation using 3-dimensional (3D) laser scanning to create 3D-printed patient-specific instrumentation in a human cadaveric model. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study. METHODS: Human cadaveric distal femoral condyles (n = 12) underwent 3D laser scanning. An 18-mm circular osteochondral recipient defect was virtually created on the medial femoral condyle (MFC), and the position and orientation of the best topography-matched osteochondral graft from a paired donor lateral femoral condyle (LFC) were determined using an in silico analysis algorithm minimizing articular step-off distances between the edges of the graft and recipient defect. Distances between the entire surface of the OCA graft and the underneath surface of the MFC were evaluated as surface mismatch. Donor (LFC) and recipient (MFC) 3D-printed patient-specific guides were created based on 3D reconstructions of the scanned condyles. Through use of the guides, OCAs were harvested from the LFC and transplanted to the reamed recipient defect site (MFC). The post-OCA recipient condyles were laser scanned. The 360° articular step-off and cartilage topography mismatch were measured. RESULTS: The mean cartilage step-off and graft surface mismatch for the in silico OCA transplant were 0.073 ± 0.029 mm (range, 0.005-0.113 mm) and 0.166 ± 0.039 mm (range, 0.120-0.243 mm), respectively. Comparatively, the cadaveric specimens postimplant had significantly larger step-off differences (0.173 ± 0.085 mm; range, 0.082-0.399 mm; P = .001) but equivalent graft surface topography matching (0.181 ± 0.080 mm; range, 0.087-0.396 mm; P = .678). All 12 OCA transplants had mean circumferential step-off differences less than a clinically significant cutoff of 0.5 mm. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the use of 3D-printed patient-specific guides for OCA transplantation has the ability to reliably optimize cartilage topography matching for LFC to MFC transplantation. This study demonstrated substantially lower step-off values compared with previous orthopaedic literature when also evaluating LFC to MFC transplantation. Using this novel technique in a model performing MFC to MFC transplantation has the potential to yield further enhanced results due to improved radii of curvature matching. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Topography-matched graft implantation for focal chondral defects of the knee in patients improves surface matching and has the potential to improve long-term outcomes. Efficient selection of the allograft also allows improved availability of the limited allograft sources.

Posterolateral Acetabular Labral Repair: Drilling Using a Percutaneous Posterolateral Portal.

Acetabular labral tears are commonly diagnosed in patients with hip or groin pain, most of which occur anterosuperiorly. In some cases, operative intervention in the form of arthroscopic labral repair may be necessary to restore labral function. Posterolateral tears can be technically challenging when using traditional modified anterior portal and anterolateral (AL) portal access owing to a suboptimal drill trajectory. In this article, we describe the establishment of a posterolateral (PL) portal 1 to 2 cm posterior to the tip of the greater trochanter, mirroring the distal-to-proximal trajectory of the AL portal and entering the capsulotomy at the 10-o'clock position. This method highlights that the PL portal is used for drilling and anchor placement, whereas the remaining work is performed through the AL portal. This avoids the use of any shavers or burrs in the PL portal near important neurovascular structures, including the sciatic nerve. Addressing posterolateral labral tears in the 9- to 11-o'clock position using a PL portal can enhance labral fixation, thereby mitigating the risk of suboptimal repairs that can negatively impact postoperative outcomes.

Athlete-Specific Considerations of Cartilage Injuries.

Cartilage injuries can present in a diverse setting of anatomic locations, with varying severity, and can impact athletes of all ages and competition levels. Moreover, the timing of when an injury presents introduces an additional dimension to treatment decision-making. Frequently, the level of competition, in conjunction with career trajectory and short-term and long-term athlete goals, will dictate whether a temporary or definitive treatment strategy is ideal. Although indicating the correct therapeutic regimen may prove challenging, understanding the athlete-specific considerations can be essential to meeting the goals of the athlete and other stakeholders involved in the athlete's career. The purpose of this review is to comprehensively present the deliberations a treating physician must consider in managing cartilage injuries within a spectrum of athletic levels ranging from youth to professional levels, with a secondary focus on the presentation of temporizing treatment strategies and associated outcomes.

Fatty Infiltration, Tear Size, and Retraction Size Are Significant Risk Factors for Retear After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To assess the consistency and quality of risk factor reporting for rotator cuff repair (RCR) retear and identify risk factors most frequently associated with retear. METHODS: A systematic review was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Of the initial 3,158 studies, a total of 31 met the following inclusion criteria: (1) clinical studies regarding RCR failure, (2) arthroscopic procedures involving RCR, (3) reporting of clinical outcomes, (4) publication within the past 5 years, and (5) studies investigating preoperative risk factors for retear. After full-text review, 18 risk factors were analyzed. RESULTS: The most consistently significant risk factors were acromiohumeral distance (80%), critical shoulder angle (67%), tear size (63%), anterior-posterior dimension (60%), fatty infiltration (FI) (58%), and retraction size (56%). FI was analyzed using different methods among studies, with 63% finding significant results and 50% of all studies performing ordinal analysis. Tear size was inconsistently analyzed quantitatively or qualitatively, with 58% of studies finding significant results and 63% of all studies performing quantitative analysis. Risk factors consistently found to be nonsignificant included age, sex, diabetes mellitus, symptom duration, hand dominance, repair technique, smoking, and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Tear size, FI, and retraction size were found to be significant risk factors in most of the included studies evaluating rotator cuff retear. Risk factors less likely reported as predictive included repair technique, age, sex, diabetes mellitus, symptom duration, hand dominance, repair technique, smoking, and body mass index. Risk factors that require further investigation include critical shoulder angle, acromiohumeral distance, and anterior-posterior tear dimension. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, systematic review of Level III-IV studies.

Arthroscopic Fractional Lengthening After Total Hip Arthroplasty Results in Improved Patient-Reported Outcomes and Low Rates of Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Purpose: To report the clinical outcomes and reoperation rates of arthroscopic and endoscopic iliopsoas release at short-term follow-up after ipsilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) at 2 separate medical institutions and to evaluate whether demographic and radiographic parameters are associated with postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Methods: Patients with iliopsoas tendinitis in the setting of prior THA who underwent arthroscopic iliopsoas fractional lengthening from 1988 to 2023 at 2 academic institutions were reviewed. Patients were included if they had 12 months of follow-up and underwent evaluation of preoperative anterior acetabular component overhang, surgery satisfaction, postoperative subjective hip flexion strength and anterior groin pain improvement, modified Harris Hip Score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score, Tegner activity scale score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and revision hip arthroplasty. Results: Sixty hips in 58 patients (19 male and 39 female patients) were followed up for a mean of 39.3 months (range, 12.0-105.9 months) postoperatively. Of the patients, 77% reported feeling "much better" or "slightly better," 75% reported improved anterior groin pain, and 60% reported improved subjective hip flexion strength. The surgery satisfaction rating was 7.2 ± 3.3 (scale of 0 to 10). The mean postoperative modified Harris Hip Score, VAS score for pain at rest, VAS score for pain with use, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score were 73.9 ± 19.4, 1.3 ± 2.4, 3.8 ± 2.9, and 71.9 ± 21.9, respectively. Preoperative anterior acetabular component overhang was 3.3 ± 6.5 mm and did not significantly correlate with postoperative PROs (P ≥ .45). The Tegner score improved from 2.5 ± 1.7 preoperatively to 2.9 ± 1.4 postoperatively (P = .0253). Three patients underwent revision arthroplasty at a mean of 25.3 months (range, 11.6-40.4 months) postoperatively, with an acetabular component revision rate of 3.3%. Conclusions: Satisfactory outcomes and low revision arthroplasty rates were observed in patients undergoing arthroscopic iliopsoas lengthening after THA. There was no statistically significant relation between anterior acetabular component overhang and final PROs. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Arthroscopic Hip Capsular Reconstruction: A Step-by-Step Guide With Rectus Overlay.

The hip capsule is the primary stabilizer of the hip joint. At the time of hip arthroscopy, the capsule is disrupted to obtain intra-articular access and proper joint visualization. With the number of patients undergoing primary and revision hip arthroscopy continuing to increase, it is not uncommon for surgeons to encounter patients with iatrogenic capsular deficiency from prior hip arthroscopy. In cases where substantial capsular defects beyond the scope of capsular repair are visualized, reconstruction may be required to obtain satisfactory closure and restore hip stability. We present a step-by-step workflow for efficient hip capsular reconstruction with rectus overlay while allowing for facile incorporation of other revision procedures such as labral repair and femoral osteochondroplasty.

Defining the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) and Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) at 2 years following open gluteus medius and/or minimus repair.

To define Minimally Clinically Important Difference (MCID) and Patient Acceptable Symptomatic State (PASS) threshold scores after open gluteus medius and/or minimus repair. Primary open gluteus medius and/or minimus repair patients from November 2013 to March 2020 were identified. Patient reported outcomes (PROs) were assessed preoperatively, 1- and 2-year follow-up, including the Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), International Hip Outcome Tool-12 (iHOT-12) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Pain. Thresholds for achieving a MCID and PASS postoperatively were calculated using the distribution method and receiver operator curve analysis; 25 patients (24 females, 1 male, age: 69 ± 6.8 years, body mass index: 26.9 ± 5.0 kg/m2) were included in final analyses. MCID threshold scores for HOS-ADL, mHHS, iHOT-12 and VAS Pain were calculated as 11.1, 6.2, 15.3 and 14.0, respectively. PASS threshold scores for each of the PROs were as follows: HOS-ADL (71.9), mHHS (60.0), iHOT-12 (49.2) and VAS Pain (36.8). MCID thresholds for HOS-ADL, mHHS, iHOT-12 and VAS Pain were achieved by 58.3%, 83.3%, 66.7% and 57.1% of patients, respectively. PASS thresholds for HOS-ADL, mHHS, iHOT-12 and VAS Pain were achieved by 52.4%, 44.8%, 65% and 59.1% of patients, respectively. Open gluteus medius and/or minimus repair results in a high rate of achievement of clinically significant outcomes at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. MCID threshold values for HOS-ADL, mHHS, iHOT-12 and VAS Pain were 11.1, 6.2, 15.3 and 14.0, respectively. PASS threshold values for HOS-ADL, mHHS, iHOT-12 and VAS Pain were 71.9, 60.0, 49.2 and 36.8, respectively. The majority of patients achieved clinically significant outcomes with 81.3% and 77.3% achieving MCID and PASS for at least one PRO, respectively.

Inside-Out Anchor Placement: A Technique to Instrument Far Medial Anchors in Acetabular Labral Repair.

Labral tears most commonly occur anteriorly between the 12- and 3-o'clock positions, with the 12-o'clock position denoted as superior and the 3-o'clock position denoted as anterior. When approaching the 3-o'clock position and beyond, suture anchor placement becomes difficult given the challenging arthroscopic trajectory and an overall thin anterior rim of cortical bone for anchor purchase, resulting in a narrow angle of safe drilling. The purpose of this technical note is to present a safe and reproducible method of suture anchor placement during acetabular labral repair approaching the 3- and 4-o'clock positions, with the 12-o'clock position representing the superior anatomic location and the 3-o'clock position representing the anterior anatomic location regardless of hip laterality. We use an inside-out anchor placement technique to place far medial anchors, which differs from the conventional techniques (e.g., outside-in technique) in which anchor placement is performed along the external margin of the acetabular labrum.

Biomechanical Properties and Kinematics of Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Background: While the biomechanical properties of the native medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) have been well studied, there is no comprehensive summary of the biomechanics of MPFL reconstruction (MPFLR). An accurate understanding of the kinematic properties and functional behavior of current techniques used in MPFLR is imperative to restoring native biomechanics and improving outcomes. Purpose: To provide a comprehensive review of the biomechanical effects of variations in MPFLR, specifically to determine the effect of graft choice and reconstruction technique. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: A systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A total of 32 studies met inclusion criteria: (1) using ≥8 human cadaveric specimens, (2) reporting on a component of MPFLR, and (3) having multiple comparison groups. Results: Gracilis, semitendinosus, and quadriceps grafts demonstrated an ultimate load to failure (N) of 206.2, 102.8, and 190.0 to 205.0 and stiffness (N/mm) of 20.4, 8.5, and 21.4 to 33.6, respectively. Single-bundle and double-bundle techniques produced an ultimate load to failure (N) of 171 and 213 and stiffness (N/mm) of 13.9 and 17.1, respectively. Anchors placed centrally and superomedially in the patella produced the smallest degree of length changes throughout range of motion in contrast to anchors placed more proximally. Sutures, suture anchors, and transosseous tunnels all produced similar ultimate load to failure, stiffness, and elongation data. Femoral tunnel malpositioning resulted in significant increases in contact pressures, patellar translation, tilt, and graft tightening or loosening. Low tension grafts (2 N) most closely restored the patellofemoral contact pressures, translation, and tilt. Graft fixation angles variably and inconsistently altered contact pressures, and patellar translation and tilt. Conclusion: Data demonstrated that placement of the MPFLR femoral tunnel at the Schöttle point is critical to success. Femoral tunnel diameter should be ≥2 mm greater than graft diameter to limit graft advancement and overtensioning. Graft fixation, regardless of graft choice or fixation angle, is optimally performed under minimal tension with patellar fixation at the medial and superomedial patella. However, lower fixation angles may reduce graft strain, and higher fixation angles may exacerbate anisometry and length changes if femoral tunnel placement is nonanatomic.

Management of Meniscus Pathology with Concomitant Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to summarize current clinical knowledge on the prevalence and types of meniscus pathology seen with concomitant anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, as well as surgical techniques, clinical outcomes, and rehabilitation following operative management of these pathologies. RECENT FINDINGS: Meniscus pathology with concomitant ACL injury is relatively common, with reports of meniscus pathology identified in 21-64% of operative ACL injuries. These concomitant injuries have been associated with increased age and body mass index. Lateral meniscus pathology is more common in acute ACL injury, while medial meniscus pathology is more typical in chronic ACL deficiency. Meniscus tear patterns associated with concomitant ACL injury include meniscus root tears, lateral meniscus oblique radial tears of the posterior horn (14%), and ramp lesions of the medial meniscus (8-24%). These meniscal pathologies with concomitant ACL injury are associated with increased rotational laxity and meniscal extrusion. There is a paucity of comparative studies to determine the optimal meniscus repair technique, as well as rehabilitation protocol, depending on specific tear pattern, location, and ACL reconstruction technique. There has been a substantial increase in recent publications demonstrating the importance of meniscus repair at the time of ACL repair or reconstruction to restore knee biomechanics and reduce the risk of progressive osteoarthritic degeneration. Through these studies, there has been a growing understanding of the meniscus tear patterns commonly identified or nearly missed during ACL reconstruction. Surgical management of meniscal pathology with concomitant ACL injury implements the same principles as utilized in the setting of isolated meniscus repair alone: anatomic reduction, biologic preparation and augmentation, and circumferential compression. Advances in repair techniques have demonstrated promising clinical outcomes, and the ability to restore and preserve the meniscus in pathologies previously deemed irreparable. Further research to determine the optimal surgical technique for specific tear patterns, as well as rehabilitation protocols for meniscus pathology with concomitant ACL injury, is warranted.

High incidence of medial meniscus root/radial tears and extrusion in 253 patients with subchondral insufficiency fractures of the knee.

PURPOSE: The demographic and radiological risk factors of subchondral insufficiency fractures of the knee (SIFK) continue to be a subject of debate. The purpose of this study was to associate patient-specific factors with SIFK in a large cohort of patients. METHODS: Inclusion criteria consisted of patients with SIFK as verified on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All radiographs and MRIs were reviewed to assess characteristics such as meniscus tear presence and type, subchondral oedema presence and location, location of SIFK, mechanical limb alignment, osteoarthritis as assessed by Kellgren-Lawrence grade and ligamentous injury. A total of 253 patients (253 knees) were included, with 171 being female. The average body mass index (BMI) was 32.1 ± 7.0 kg/m2. RESULTS: SIFK was more common in patients with medial meniscus tears (77.1%, 195/253) rather than tears of the lateral meniscus (14.6%, 37/253) (p < 0.001). Medial meniscus root and radial tears of the posterior horn were present in 71.1% (180/253) of patients. Ninety-one percent (164/180) of medial meniscus posterior root and radial tears had an extrusion ≥3.0 mm. Eighty-one percent (119/147) of patients with SIFK on the medial femoral condyle and 86.8% (105/121) of patients with SIFK on the medial tibial plateau had a medial meniscus tear. Varus knees had a significantly increased rate of SIFK on the medial femoral condyle in comparison to valgus knees (p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: In this large cohort of patients with SIFK, there was a high association with medial meniscus root and radial tears of the posterior horn, meniscus extrusion ≥3.0 mm as well as higher age, female gender and higher BMI. Additionally, there was a particularly strong association of medial compartment SIFK with medial meniscus tears. As SIFK is frequently undiagnosed, identifying patient-specific demographic and radiological risk factors will help achieve a prompt diagnosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation for the Treatment of an Acetabular Defect: A Case Report.

CASE: A 20-year-old woman presented with a unipolar, 1.8 × 1.8-cm osteochondral defect of the left acetabulum. Osteochondral allograft transplantation was performed using a medial tibial plateau allograft resulting in excellent clinical outcomes across 4 different outcome scores and maintenance of the joint space at 4.3 years postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Although previous literature has demonstrated long-term clinical success of osteochondral allograft transplantation in knee, excellent clinical outcomes can also be obtained in the hip. Thus, osteochondral allograft transplantation may be a viable treatment option for adolescents and young adults with concomitant cartilage and subchondral bone hip defects.

Association of Posterior Tibial Slope With Outcomes After Multiligamentous Knee Reconstruction for Knee Dislocation Grades 2 to 4.

Background: Patients with isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have demonstrated an increased risk of ACL graft failure and lower patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores when increased posterior tibial slope (PTS) is present. However, there is a paucity of literature evaluating the effect of PTS on outcomes after combined bicruciate multiligamentous knee reconstruction. Purpose: To determine whether differences exist for graft failure rates or PRO scores based on PTS after combined bicruciate multiligamentous knee reconstruction. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All patients who underwent combined ACL and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction between 2000 and 2020 at our institution were identified. Exclusion criteria were age <18 years, knee dislocation grade 5 injuries, concomitant osteotomy procedures, and <2 years of clinical follow-up. Demographic and outcomes data were collected from our prospectively gathered multiligamentous knee injury database. Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores were analyzed in relation to PTS. Outcomes were compared for patients with a PTS above and below the mean for the total cohort, PTS >12° versus <12°, positive versus negative Lachman test at follow-up, and positive versus negative posterior drawer test at follow-up. Results: A total of 98 knees in 98 patients were included in the study, with a mean clinical follow-up of 5.1 years (median, 4.6 years; range, 2-16 years). The mean PTS was 8.7° (range, 0.4°-16.9°). Linear regression analysis showed no significant correlation between PTS and IKDC or Lysholm scores. Patients with a PTS above the mean of 8.7° trended toward lower IKDC (P = .08) and Lysholm (P = .06) scores. Four patients experienced ACL graft failure and 5 patients experienced PCL graft failure. There were no differences in graft failure rates or PRO scores for patients with a PTS >12°. Patients with a positive Lachman test trended toward higher PTS (9.6° vs 8.5°, P = .15). Conclusion: In this series of bicruciate multiligamentous knee reconstructions at midterm follow-up, no differences in graft failures, complications, reoperations, revisions, or PRO scores based on PTS were identified. Patients with a positive Lachman test were found to have a slightly higher PTS, although this did not reach statistical significance.

Measuring Technique for Meniscal Extrusion Using Ultrasound in the Setting of Posterior Medial Meniscal Root Tears.

Meniscal extrusion (ME) is a valuable, noninvasive diagnostic tool for meniscus pathology. In addition, ultrasound can allow for instant results in the office. However, ME is a fragile metric in the degree of millimeters. The inconsistent techniques used by different authors in the literature and the additional operator variability that ultrasound technology introduces make it important a systematic approach is used. The purpose of this study is to propose a reproducible technique. The current authors recommend having the patient in (1) 30° of knee flexion while weight-bearing, (2) capturing the image at the posterior border of the medial collateral ligament, (3) using a reference line parallel to the articular margin of the tibia, and (4) measuring ME at the coronal midpoint of the outermost edge of the meniscus.

Capsular Management in Hip Arthroscopy: Interportal and T-Capsulotomy, Suspension, and Closure.

Capsular management in hip arthroscopy has recently become a popular topic in the literature. Various approaches have been developed around the critical balance between safe and satisfactory exposure while maintaining hip joint stability and the restoration of capsular integrity at the conclusion of the case. Advocates for capsular closure recognize the role of the capsule in providing hip joint stability and aim to reestablish normal hip biomechanics through capsule preservation. Several recent studies have also shown capsular management strategies to influence both clinical outcomes and risk of revision surgery. We present an effective method for capsular management in hip arthroscopy that consistently allows excellent exposure and working space while allowing for facile, anatomic closure.

Minimally Invasive Quadriceps Tendon Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using the Quadriceps Tendon Harvest Guide System.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft is an increasingly utilized technique that confers less donor site morbidity and comparable outcomes to other historically used graft options. The graft harvest and implantation process present vast variability-particularly regarding the achievement of adequate graft site visualization, consistently attaining a uniform and appropriately sized graft, and subsequent reconstruction of the ACL with the all-soft tissue graft. The purpose of this Technical Note and video is to describe and demonstrate minimally invasive quadriceps tendon autograft harvesting using the Quadriceps Tendon Harvest Guide System (QUADTRAC), and its subsequent implantation within a single-bundle ACL reconstruction with suspensory fixation.

Long-term Outcomes of Primary Hip Arthroscopy: Multicenter Analysis at Minimum 10-Year Follow-up With Attention to Labral and Capsular Management.

BACKGROUND: Hip arthroscopy is rapidly advancing, with positive published outcomes at short- and midterm follow-up; however, available long-term data remain limited. PURPOSE: To evaluate outcomes of primary hip arthroscopy at a minimum 10-year follow-up at 2 academic centers by describing patient-reported outcomes and determining reoperation and total hip arthroplasty (THA) rates. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Patients with primary hip arthroscopy performed between January 1988 and April 2013 at 2 academic centers were evaluated for postoperative patient-reported outcomes-including the visual analog scale, Tegner Activity Scale score, Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living and Sport Specific subscales, modified Harris Hip Score, Nonarthritic Hip Score, 12-item International Hip Outcome Tool, surgery satisfaction, and reoperations. RESULTS: A total of 294 patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy (age, 40 ± 14 years; 66% women; body mass index, 27 ± 6) were followed for 12 ± 3 years (range, 10-24 years) postoperatively. Labral debridement and repair were performed in 41% and 59% of patients, respectively. Of all patients who underwent interportal capsulotomy, 2% were extended to a T-capsulotomy, and 11% underwent capsular repair. At final follow-up, patients reported a mean visual analog scale at rest of 2 ± 2 and with use of 3 ± 3, a 12-item International Hip Outcome Tool of 68 ± 27, a Nonarthritic Hip Score of 81 ± 18, a modified Harris Hip Score of 79 ± 17, and a Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living of 82 ± 19 and Sport Specific subscale of 74 ± 25. The mean surgical satisfaction was 8.4 ± 2.4 on a 10-point scale, with 10 representing the highest level of satisfaction. In total, 96 hips (33%) underwent reoperation-including 65 hips (22%) converting to THA. THA risk factors included older age, higher body mass index, lower lateral center-edge angle, larger alpha angle, higher preoperative Tönnis grade, as well as labral debridement and capsular nonrepair (P≤ .039). Patients undergoing combined labral and capsular repair demonstrated a THA conversion rate of 3% compared with 31% for patients undergoing combined labral debridement and capsular nonrepair (P = .006). Labral repair trended toward increased 10-year THA-free survival (84% vs 77%; P = .085), while capsular repair demonstrated significantly increased 10-year THA-free survival (97% vs 79%; P = .033). CONCLUSION: At a minimum 10-year follow-up, patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy demonstrated high satisfaction and acceptable outcome scores. In total, 33% of patients underwent reoperation-including 22% who underwent THA. Conversion to THA was associated with patient factors including older age, higher Tönnis grade, and potentially modifiable surgical factors such as labral debridement and capsular nonrepair.

Minimum 10-Year Outcomes of Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation in the Knee: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) is an established cell-based therapy for the treatment of chondral defects of the knee. As long-term outcomes are now being reported in the literature, it is important to systematically review available evidence to better inform clinical practice. PURPOSE: To report (1) subjective patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and (2) the rate of graft failure, reoperation, and progression to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) after undergoing MACI of the knee at a minimum 10-year follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A comprehensive search of Ovid MEDLINE and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations and Daily; Ovid Embase; Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; and Scopus from 2008 to September 15, 2022, was conducted in the English language. Study eligibility criteria included (1) full-text articles in the English language, (2) patients undergoing a MACI within the knee, (3) clinical outcomes reported, and (4) a minimum 10-year follow-up. RESULTS: In total, 168 patients (99 male, 69 female; mean age, 37 years [range, 15-63 years]; mean body mass index, 26.2 [range, 18.6-39.4]) representing 188 treated chondral defects at a minimum 10-year follow-up after MACI were included in this review. Significant and durable long-term improvements were observed across multiple PRO measures. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), when performed, also demonstrated satisfactory defect fill and an intact graft in the majority of patients. The all-cause reoperation rate was 9.0%, with an overall 7.4% rate of progression to TKA at 10 to 17 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: At a minimum 10-year follow-up, patients undergoing MACI for knee chondral defects demonstrated significant and durable improvements in PROs, satisfactory defect fill on MRI-based assessment, and low rates of reoperation and TKA. These data support the use of MACI as a long-term treatment of focal cartilage defects of the knee.