Type V superior labrum anterior to posterior repair: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to systematically review the evidence in the literature to ascertain the functional outcomes, recurrence rates, and subsequent revision rates following type V superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) repair. METHODS: Two independent reviewers performed a literature search based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, utilizing the EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library Databases. Studies were included if they had clinical outcomes on the patients undergoing type V SLAP repair. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). A P value of <.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: Our review found 13 studies, including 451 shoulders meeting our inclusion criteria. The majority of patients were males (89.3%), with an average age of 25.9 years (range 15-58) and a mean follow-up of 53.8 months. The Rowe score was the most utilized functional outcome score, with a weighted mean of 88.5. Additionally, the mean Constant score was 91.0, the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 88.3, the mean subjective shoulder value score was 85.5%, and the mean visual analog scale pain score was 1.2. The overall rate of return to play was 84.8%, with 80.2% returning to the same level of play. The overall reoperation rate was 6.1%, with a recurrent dislocation rate of 8.2%. In the studies comparing type V SLAP and isolated Bankart repair, there were statistically insignificant differences in visual analog scale pain scores (mean difference; 0.15, 95% confidence interval, -0.13 to 0.44, I2 = 0%, P = .29) and recurrence rates (risk ratio; 1.38, 95% confidence interval, 0.88-2.15, I2 = 0%, P = .16). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic repair of type V SLAP tears results in excellent functional outcomes, with high return to play rates in athletes. There are low rates of reoperations and recurrent dislocations. Additionally, in comparison to an isolated Bankart repair, SLAP repair does not increase recurrence rates or postoperative pain.

Evaluation High-Quality of Information from ChatGPT (Artificial Intelligence-Large Language Model) Artificial Intelligence on Shoulder Stabilization Surgery.

PURPOSE: To analyze the quality and readability of information regarding shoulder stabilization surgery available using an online AI software (ChatGPT), using standardized scoring systems, as well as to report on the given answers by the AI. METHODS: An open AI model (ChatGPT) was used to answer 23 commonly asked questions from patients on shoulder stabilization surgery. These answers were evaluated for medical accuracy, quality, and readability using The JAMA Benchmark criteria, DISCERN score, Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease Score (FRES) & Grade Level (FKGL). RESULTS: The JAMA Benchmark criteria score was 0, which is the lowest score, indicating no reliable resources cited. The DISCERN score was 60, which is considered a good score. The areas that open AI model did not achieve full marks were also related to the lack of available source material used to compile the answers, and finally some shortcomings with information not fully supported by the literature. The FRES was 26.2, and the FKGL was considered to be that of a college graduate. CONCLUSIONS: There was generally high quality in the answers given on questions relating to shoulder stabilization surgery, but there was a high reading level required to comprehend the information presented. However, it is unclear where the answers came from with no source material cited. It is important to note that the ChatGPT software repeatedly references the need to discuss these questions with an orthopaedic surgeon and the importance of shared discussion making, as well as compliance with surgeon treatment recommendations. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: As shoulder instability is an injury that predominantly affects younger individuals who may use the Internet for information, this study shows what information patients may be getting online.

Majority of Studies Show Similar Rates of Return to Play After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair or Latarjet Procedure: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To systematically review the current evidence in the literature to compare return to play following arthroscopic Bankart repair versus open Latarjet procedure for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability. METHODS: A literature search was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Comparative studies reporting return to play following arthroscopic Bankart repair versus open Latarjet procedure were included. Return to play was compared, with all statistical analysis performed using Review Manager, Version 5.3. RESULTS: Nine studies with 1,242 patients (mean age: 15-30 years) were included. The rate of return to play was 61% to 94.1% among those undergoing arthroscopic Bankart repair and 72% to 96.8% in those undergoing an open Latarjet procedure. Two studies (Bessiere et al. and Zimmerman et al.) found a significant difference in favor of the Latarjet procedure (P < .05 for both, I2 = 37%). The rate of return to play at preinjury level was 9% to 83.8% among those undergoing arthroscopic Bankart repair and 19.4% to 80.6% in those undergoing an open Latarjet procedure, with no study finding a significant difference (P > .05 for all, I2 = 0%). The mean time of return to play was 5.4 to 7.3 months among those undergoing arthroscopic Bankart repair and 5.5 to 6.2 months in those undergoing an open Latarjet procedure, with no study finding a significant difference (P > .05 for all, I2 = 39%). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the majority of studies showed no significant difference in rates of return to play or timing following arthroscopic Bankart repair or open Latarjet procedure. Furthermore, no study has found a significant difference in rate of return to play at pre-injury level, or rate of return to play among collision athletes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, systematic review of Level I-III studies.

Similar outcomes between biceps tenodesis and SLAP repair for SLAP tears in younger patients - A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to systematically review the comparative studies in the literature to ascertain if biceps tenodesis or superior-labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) repair results in superior clinical outcomes in the treatment of type II SLAP tears in patients under 40. METHODS: A systematic search of articles in Pubmed, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library databases was carried out according to the PRISMA guidelines. Cohort studies comparing biceps tenodesis to repair in type II SLAP tears in patients under 40 were included. Clinical outcomes were extracted including return to play, reoperations, ASES, and VAS for pain. All statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager. A p-value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: Five studies were included. Biceps tenodesis resulted in comparable rates of return to play compared to SLAP repair (78.5% vs 67.7%, p â€‹= â€‹0.33), and there was no significant difference in return to play in overhead athletes (83.6% vs 74%, p â€‹= â€‹0.82). There was no significant difference in ASES score (87.2 vs 86.2, p â€‹= â€‹0.27) or VAS score for pain (1.8 vs 2.1, p â€‹= â€‹0.48). There was no significant difference in re-operation rates (2.9% vs 10.8%, p â€‹= â€‹0.22). CONCLUSION: This study found that biceps tenodesis has no significant difference in rates of return to play in athletes, as well as in functional outcome scores and rates of revision surgery in younger patients compared to SLAP repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Systematic review of Level III studies.

Review of Burkhart and DeBeer's (2000) article on traumatic glenohumeral bone defects and their relationship to failure of arthroscopic Bankart repair: Where have we taken the concept of glenoid bone loss in 2023?

This classic discusses the original publication by Burkhart and DeBeer "Traumatic Glenohumeral Bone Defects and Their Relationship to Failure of Arthroscopic Bankart Repair" published in 2000 in Arthroscopy. At that time, the authors sought to understand the reasons behind the failure of arthroscopic soft tissue repair. Based on their findings, the authors introduced the concept of the inverted pear glenoid and engaging Hill-Sachs lesion which is now part of the orthopedic lexicon. The importance of bony pathologic changes in anterior glenohumeral instability has become so apparent, that it now forms the basis of clinical understanding and underpins treatment algorithms. Since this publication over 20 years ago, the idea of glenohumeral bone loss has been extensively explored and refined. There is no doubt of the importance of structural bone loss yet there is still uncertainty as to the best management of those with subcritical bone loss. The purpose of revisiting this classic article is to look at where we are in understanding recurrent instability and bony deficiency while appreciating how far we have come. This review begins with a detailed summary of the classic article along with a historic perspective. Next, we look at the current evidence as it pertains to the classic article and how modern technology and innovation has advanced our ability to assess and quantify glenohumeral bone loss. We finish with expert commentary on the topic from two current surgeons with a research interest in shoulder instability to offer an insight into how modern surgeons view and address this issue. One of the original authors also reflects on the topic. The findings of this classic study changed the way we think about shoulder instability and opened the doors to an exciting body of research that is still growing today. Future research offers an opportunity for high quality evidence to guide management in the group of patients with subcritical bone loss and we eagerly await the results.

Distal Clavicle Autograft Versus Traditional and Congruent Arc Latarjet Procedures: A Comparison of Surface Area and Glenoid Apposition With 3-Dimensional Computed Tomography and 3-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

BACKGROUND: Limited studies have compared graft-glenoid apposition and glenoid augmentation area between the Latarjet procedure and distal clavicle graft in glenohumeral stabilization. Additionally, preoperative planning is typically performed using computed tomography (CT), and few studies have used 3-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reformations to assess graft dimensions. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was 2-fold: (1) to compare bony apposition, glenoid augmentation, and graft width among coracoid and distal clavicle bony augmentation techniques and (2) to determine the viability of 3D MRI to assess bone graft dimensions. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: A total of 24 patients with recurrent glenohumeral instability and bone loss were included in this study. 3D CT and 3D MRI reformations were utilized to measure pertinent dimensions for 5 orientations of coracoid and distal clavicle autografts: (1) standard Latarjet procedure (SLJ), (2) congruent arc Latarjet procedure (CLJ), (3) distal clavicle attached by its posterior surface (DCP), (4) distal clavicle attached by its inferior surface (DCI), and (5) distal clavicle attached by its resected end (DCR). Glenoid augmentation was defined as the graft surface area contributing to the glenoid. Bone-on-bone apposition was defined as the graft-glenoid contact area for bone healing potential, and graft width was pertinent for fixation technique. Glenoid bone loss ranged from 0% to 34%. Paired t tests were used to compare graft sizes between patients and compare 3D CT versus 3D MRI measurements. RESULTS: The CLJ had the largest graft surface area (mean, 318.41 ± 74.44 mm2), while the SLJ displayed the most bone-on-bone apposition (mean, 318.41 ± 74.44 mm2). The DCI had the largest graft width (mean, 20.62 ± 3.93 mm). Paired t tests revealed no significant differences between the Latarjet techniques, whereas distal clavicle grafts varied significantly with orientation. All 3D CT and 3D MRI measurements were within 1 mm of each other, and only 2 demonstrated a statistically significant difference (coracoid width: 13.03 vs 13.98 mm, respectively [P = .010]; distal clavicle thickness: 9.69 vs 10.77 mm, respectively [P = .002]). 3D CT and 3D MRI measurements demonstrated a strong positive correlation (r > 0.6 and P < .001 for all dimensions). CONCLUSION: Glenoid augmentation, bony apposition, and graft width varied with coracoid or distal clavicle graft type and orientation. Differences between 3D CT and 3D MRI were small and likely not clinically significant. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: 3D MRI is a viable method for preoperative planning and graft selection in glenoid bone loss.

Isometric Knee Strength is Greater in Individuals Who Score Higher on Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport After Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is extremely common among athletes. Rate of second ACL injury due to surgical graft rupture or contralateral limb ACL injury is approximately 15-32%. Psychological readiness to return to sport (RTS) may be an important predictor of successful RTS outcomes. Psychological readiness can be quantified using the ACL Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) questionnaire, with higher scores demonstrating greater psychological readiness. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in functional performance and psychological readiness to return to sport among athletes who have undergone primary ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Study Design: Descriptive cohort study. Methods: Eighteen athletes who had undergone primary ACLR were tested at time of RTS clearance. The cohort was divided into two groups, high score (HS) and low score (LS), based on median ACL-RSI score, and performance on static and dynamic postural stability testing, lower extremity isokinetic and isometric strength testing, and single leg hop testing was compared between the groups using an independent samples t-test. Results: The median ACL-RSI score was 74.17. The average ACL-RSI score was 83.1±6.2 for the HS group and 61.8±8.0 for the LS group. High scorers on the ACL-RSI performed significantly better on isometric knee flexion as measured via handheld dynamometry (22.61% ±6.01 vs. 12.12% ±4.88, p=0.001) than the low score group. Conclusion: The findings suggest that increased knee flexion strength may be important for psychological readiness to RTS after primary ACLR. Further research is indicated to explore this relationship, however, a continued emphasis on improving hamstring strength may be appropriate during rehabilitation following ACLR to positively impact psychological readiness for RTS. Level of Evidence: III.

Comparison of computed tomography and 3D magnetic resonance imaging in evaluating glenohumeral instability bone loss.

BACKGROUND: To determine whether the addition of 3-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to standard MRI sequences is comparable to 3D computed tomographic (CT) scan evaluation of glenoid and humeral bone loss in glenohumeral instability. METHODS: Eighteen patients who presented with glenohumeral instability were prospectively enrolled and received both MRI and CT within 1 week of each other. The MRI included an additional sequence (volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination [VIBE]) that underwent postprocessing for reformations. The addition of a VIBE protocol, on average, is an additional 4-4.5 minutes in the scanner. CT data also underwent 3D postprocessing, and therefore each patient had 4 imaging modalities (2D CT, 2D MRI, 3D CT reformats, and 3D MRI reformats). Each sequence underwent the following measurements from 2 separate reviewers: glenoid defect, glenoid defect percentage, humeral defect, humeral defect percentage, and evaluation of glenoid track and version. Paired t tests were used to assess differences between imaging modalities and χ2 for glenoid track. Intra- and interobserver reliability were evaluated. Bland-Altman tests were also performed to assess the agreement between CT and MRI. In addition, we determined the cost of each imaging modality at our institution. RESULTS: 3D MRI measurements for glenoid and humeral bone loss measurements were comparable to 3D CT (Table 1). There were no significant differences for glenoid defect size and percentage, or humeral defect size and percentage (P > .05) (Table 2). Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated strong agreement, with small measurement errors for 3D CT and 3D MRI percentage glenoid bone loss. There was also no difference in evaluation for determining on vs. off track between any of the imaging modalities. Inter- and intrarater reliability was good to excellent for all CT and MRI measurements (r ≥ 0.7). CONCLUSION: 3D MRI measurements for bone loss in glenohumeral instability through use of VIBE sequence were equivalent to 3D CT. At our institution, undergoing MRI with 3D reconstruction was 1.67 times cheaper than MRI and CT with 3D reconstructions. 3D MRI may be a useful adjuvant to standard MRI sequences to allow concurrent soft tissue and accurate assessment of glenoid and humeral bone loss in glenohumeral instability.

Females have Lower Knee Strength and Vertical Ground Reaction Forces During Landing than Males Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction at the Time of Return to Sport.

Purpose: There is a high rate of second anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury (ipsilateral graft or contralateral ACL) upon return-to-sport (RTS) following ACL reconstruction (ACLR). While a significant amount of epidemiological data exists demonstrating sex differences as risk factors for primary ACL injury, less is known about sex differences as potential risk factors for second ACL injury. The purpose of this study is to determine if there are sex-specific differences in potential risk factors for second ACL injury at the time of clearance for RTS. Methods: Ten male and eight female athletes (age: 20.8 years ±6.3, height: 173.2 cm ±10.1, mass: 76.6 kg ±18.3) participated in the study following ACLR at time of RTS (mean 10.2 months). Performance in lower extremity isokinetic and isometric strength testing, static and dynamic postural stability testing, and a single leg stop-jump task was compared between the sexes. Results: Normalized for body weight, males had significantly greater isokinetic knee flexion (141±14.1 Nm/kg vs. 78±27.4 Nm/kg, p=0.001) and extension strength (216±45.5 Nm/kg vs. 159±53.9 Nm/kg, p=0.013) as well as isometric flexion (21.1±6.87% body weight vs. 12.5±5.57% body weight, p=0.013) and extension (41.1±7.34% body weight vs. 27.3±11.0% body weight, p=0.016) strength compared to females. In the single-leg stop jump task, males had a greater maximum vertical ground reaction force during landing (332±85.5% vs. 259±27.4% body weight, p=0.027) compared to females. Conclusions: Based on these results, there are significant differences between sexes following ACLR at the time of RTS. Lower knee flexion and extension strength may be a potential risk factor for second ACL injury among females. Alternatively, the increased maximum vertical force observed in males may be a potential risk factor of second ACL injury in males. Although these results should be interpreted with some caution, they support that rehabilitation programs in the post-ACLR population should be individualized based on the sex of the individual. Level of Evidence: Level 3.

Return to Sport After Shoulder Stabilization Procedures: A Criteria-Based Testing Continuum to Guide Rehabilitation and Inform Return-to-Play Decision Making.

The athlete with shoulder instability poses a unique challenge to the sports medicine team. Clinical studies support surgical intervention followed by a phased approach to rehabilitation. In the latter phases, it is important to tailor this program to the individual's specific athletic needs, which requires ongoing qualitative assessment and objective measurement. Passing a return-to-sport testing battery has been shown to decrease the risk of recurrent instability. What is lacking in the literature is a consensus for how to best measure shoulder performance when the required athletic demands are widely varied by hand dominance, sport played, and playing position. Multiple upper-extremity tests have been described in the literature, but there is no consensus on which tests should be used to direct rehabilitation and to safely return the athlete to unrestricted athletic exposure. Using available evidence, we suggest a framework for return-to-play testing that integrates traditional rehabilitation phases with performance testing and graduated sports exposure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, expert opinion.

Use of an Individualized Development Plan to Identify Career Development Needs in Prospective Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellows.

BACKGROUND: Mentorship is a key aspect of leadership development for orthopaedic surgeons, but there are few formalized mentorship programs in medical training. The individualized development plan (IDP) is a tool that potentially improves mentorship opportunities through identifying specific competency deficiencies and facilitating communication with mentors. PURPOSE: To assess the views of prospective orthopaedic surgery sports medicine fellows on the skills necessary for career development and the utility of an IDP for longitudinal career mentorship during a sports medicine fellowship. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Candidates who interviewed for an orthopaedic surgery sports medicine fellowship voluntarily completed an anonymous IDP as well as a survey to assess their perceptions of the IDP tool to define their career goals and its use for longitudinal mentorship. The IDP included quantitative and qualitative responses for the self-assessment of multiple skill domains (general research, teaching, professional, interpersonal, leadership, and management) using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = needs improvement, 5 = highly proficient). Quantitative results were analyzed using analysis of variance and Student t test. RESULTS: A total of 25 candidates completed the IDP and survey. The mean ± standard deviation composite score of all skill domains was 3.62 ± 0.91. The candidates' greatest deficit was in grant writing (2.28 ± 0.94; P < .01), while their greatest strength was getting along with others (4.52 ± 0.65; P < .01). Candidates identified, as short-term goals, obtaining a fellowship training position, completion of research/academic projects, and improvement of surgical skills; their common long-term goals included having a role in an academic institution, professional society, and/or research and innovation environment. The majority of participants agreed that the IDP is a valuable tool to characterize career and personal goals (74%) and facilitate longitudinal fellowship mentorship (83.3%). CONCLUSION: The majority of candidates valued the IDP for their short- and long-term goals. Program implementation of an IDP could be beneficial in allowing trainees to effectively identify areas of weakness and strengths while facilitating efficient communication of these needs to mentors.

Effect of a novel healthcare leadership program on leadership and emotional intelligence.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the Feagin Leadership Program (FLP) in teaching leadership domains and emotional intelligence. An anonymous survey of 178 graduates of FLP (2011-2019) including the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form (TEIQue-SF) was used to assess emotional intelligence and program views. ANOVA was used to compare the difference in emotional intelligence domains between groups. Respondents reported the FLP most improved skills in communication, emotional intelligence, and team building. Medical students (18, 38.3%) and faculty/staff (5/14, 35.7%) reported the most relevant domain was emotional intelligence; residents/fellows reported the most relevant domain was teamwork (8/37, 21.6%). Respondents in residency/fellowship had the highest score in emotionality (P = .01). These results suggest that a healthcare leadership program tailored to medical trainees was effective in improving their competency in various leadership domains, and that emotional intelligence and teamwork were the most relevant components of the program.

Surgeon Applications of Patient Preferences in Treatment Decision Making for First-Time Anterior Shoulder Dislocation.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of a first-time anterior shoulder dislocation (FTASD) is sensitive to patient preferences. The operative or nonoperative management debate provides an excellent opportunity to learn how surgeons apply patient preferences in treatment decisions. PURPOSE: To determine how patient preferences (repeat dislocation risk, recovery difficulties, fear of surgery, treatment costs) and surgeon factors influence a surgeon's treatment plan for FTASD. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Eight clinical vignettes of hypothetical patients with FTASD (including age, sex, and activity level) were presented to members of the Magellan Society. A second set of matched vignettes with patient preferences and clinical variables were also presented. The vignettes represented scenarios in which evidence does not favor one treatment over another. Respondents were asked how they would manage each hypothetical case. Respondents also estimated the risk of redislocation for the nonoperative cases for comparison with the published rates. Finally, respondents completed a Likert-scale questionnaire to determine their perceptions on factors influencing their decisions. RESULTS: A total of 103 orthopaedic surgeons completed the survey; 48% practiced in an academic hospital; 79% were in practice for 10 years or longer; and 75% had completed a sports medicine fellowship. Patient preferences were the single most important factor influencing treatment recommendation, with activity type and age also important. Just 62% of the surgeon estimates of the risk of redislocation were consistent with the published rates. The inclusion of patient preferences to clinical variables changed treatment recommendations in 62.5% of our hypothetical cases. Respondents rated patient treatment preference as the leading factor in their treatment decision making. CONCLUSION: Patient preferences were important when deciding the appropriate treatment for FTASD. Respondents were inconsistent when applying evidence in their decision making and estimates of recurrent instability. Decision support tools that deliver patient preferences and personalized evidence-based outcome estimates improve the quality of decision making at the point of care.

Leadership for the Team Physician.

Physician leadership of the interdisciplinary sports medicine team depends on fundamental leadership skills that often are overlooked in medical school. These leadership skills include effective communication, emotional intelligence, teamwork, selfless service, integrity, and critical thinking while utilizing an athlete-centered approach. Development of these skills will help to navigate team management and important decisions, such as return to play. The leadership session at the Advanced Team Physician Course sought to acknowledge the gap in medical training regarding leadership education and began to address it in a forum specifically for team physicians. Here we provide a summary of the lectures and presentations from the 2018 Advanced Team Physician Course in an effort to benefit a broader physician audience. This material should act as a framework for current and future team physicians to solidify their role as the leader of the medical team in caring for the athlete.

Anatomic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Measurements in First-Time Patellar Dislocators by Sex and Age.

CONTEXT: Anatomic differences of the knee in first-time patellar dislocators have not been clearly elucidated. OBJECTIVE: To compare structural differences of the knee in those who have sustained an acute first-time patellar dislocation resulting in a medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) tear by sex and age (≤17 years old, ≥18 years old). DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Retrospective magnetic resonance imaging analysis. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-five acute first-time patellar dislocators with an associated MPFL tear. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Patellar height using 3 methods, patellar alignment using congruency angles, and trochlear morphology using the sulcus angle. We compared the means of these variables by sex and age. The intraclass correlation coefficient was then calculated to assess the agreement of the independent reviewers. RESULTS: A total of 21 left and 14 right knees were analyzed. The MPFL tear location did not differ by sex (P = .34) or age (P = .43). Patellar height did not differ as measured by the Caton-Deschamps ratio (P = .29 for sex, P = .49 for age), Insall-Salvati index (P = .15 for sex, P = .33 for age), or patellotrochlear index (P = .67 for sex, P = .49 for age). The congruence angle (P = .81 for sex, P = .06 for age) and trochlear morphology as measured by the sulcus angle (P = .64 for sex, P = .45 for age) were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patellar height and trochlear morphology did not differ by sex or age among patients whose first-time patellar dislocations resulted in an MPFL tear. In addition, the location of the tear did not appear to vary by sex or age.

Efficacy of a Preference-Based Decision Tool on Treatment Decisions for a First-Time Anterior Shoulder Dislocation: A Randomized Controlled Trial of At-Risk Patients.

BACKGROUND: First-time anterior shoulder dislocations (FTASD) provide an opportunity to examine the value of integrating stated-preference data with decision modeling to differentiate between patients whose preferred management strategy involves operative or nonoperative treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a FTASD decision tool intervention with individual preference measurement compared with a text-based control in a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Two hundred respondents between 18 and 35 years of age at risk for experiencing an FTASD were enrolled from the orthopedic clinics and randomized to receive either an interactive decision tool intervention capable of eliciting patient preferences for treatment of an FTASD or a text-based control on shoulder dislocations and treatments. The primary outcome was preference for operative or nonoperative treatment choice. Secondary outcomes included the decisional conflict scale (DCS), stage of decision making, patient activation and engagement, awareness of preference sensitive decisions, knowledge retention, and instrument acceptability. RESULTS: One hundred respondents were randomized to the intervention and 100 to the control. A total of 154 men and 46 women with an average age of 23.6 years completed the survey. Participants in the intervention group made treatment decisions that aligned more closely with evidence-based recommendations than those in the control group ( P = 0.016). Secondary outcomes showed no difference between intervention and control, excluding several DCS subscales. DISCUSSION: An interactive, preference-based decision tool for treatment of FTASD affects patient decision making by guiding respondents toward treatment decisions that align more closely with evidence-based recommendations in the absence of a consultation with an orthopedic provider compared with a standard-of-care control tool. Additional study is needed to evaluate the long-term effects of this tool on treatment outcomes, patient adherence, and satisfaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Evidence-Based Medicine in Practice: A Case Study of First-Time Anterior Shoulder Dislocations.

BACKGROUND: The dissemination of evidence-based information into medical practice is essential to provide patients with optimal care and realize society's substantial investments in medical research. Effective information delivery and treatment utilization may lead to improvements in patient outcome, reductions in cost, and an overall lower burden on the health-care system. This study examines the dissemination of medical evidence following a first-time anterior shoulder dislocation (FTASD) and assesses the impact of potential dissemination strategies. METHODS: The state of evidence dissemination into clinical practice for FTASD was evaluated with use of the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. The treatment pathway for patients with FTASDs was mapped and evaluated using data that were collected through an orthopaedic shoulder-specialist survey and with review of a claims database. RESULTS: A total of 1,755 patients with an FTASD were identified through a national claims database; 50% of patients followed up with a care provider within 30 days after an emergency department (ED) or urgent care visit. Based on shoulder-specialist survey data, physician estimates of the risk of redislocation within a 2-year window aligned with medical evidence 59% of the time. Only 29% of patients obtained information for FTASD that aligns with high-level medical evidence. CONCLUSIONS: There are gaps and deficiencies in the dissemination and application of evidence in the treatment of FTASDs. Specifically, patients have limited exposure to health-care encounters where appropriate information related to low rates of follow-up following ED or urgent care visits may be communicated. Evaluating the current state of practice and identifying areas of improvement for the dissemination of evidence regarding FTASDs can be achieved through application of the RE-AIM framework. Greater consideration and resourcing of dissemination and implementation strategies may improve the dissemination and the impact of existing medical evidence.