There is No Difference in Clinical Outcomes of Tibial-based Versus Fibular-based Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and analyze the current literature regarding clinical outcomes following posterolateral corner reconstruction (PLCR) using fibular-based and tibial-based techniques. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed to evaluate patient-reported outcomes after PLCR. Embase, PubMed, and Scopus were searched from their respective inception through October 25, 2022. Studies containing patient-reported outcome scores of tibial and fibular-based PLCR were included. Outcomes collected from each study were summarized using t-tests for consistently reported Tegner, Lysholm, and IKDC scores. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies (16 with level of evidence IV, 6 with level III, and 2 with Level II) met the inclusion criteria and included 669 patients in total. Four studies comprising 111 patients directly compared the results of tibial- and fibular-based PLCR. Mean clinical follow-up across all studies was 3.3 years. The four studies that reported on both tibial and fibular-based PLCR were found to have no significant differences in patient-reported outcomes with p-values ranging from 0.0561 to 0.9881. CONCLUSION: Analysis of the available literature regarding tibial- and fibular-based posterolateral corner reconstruction suggests no clinical differences. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Systematic review of Level II-IV Studies.

Tape-Reinforced Graft Suturing and Retensioning of Adjustable-Loop Cortical Buttons Improve Quadriceps Tendon Autograft Biomechanics in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Cadaveric Study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the biomechanical effects of tape-reinforced graft suturing and graft retensioning for all-soft tissue quadriceps tendon (ASTQT) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in a full-construct human cadaveric model. METHODS: Harvested cadaveric ASTQT grafts were assigned to either (1) double-suspensory adjustable-loop cortical button device (ALD) fixation in which both graft ends were fixed with a suspensory fixation device with (n = 5) or without (n = 5) tape-reinforced suturing or (2) single-suspensory distal tendon fixation in which only the patellar end was fixed with an ALD (n = 5) or fixed-loop cortical button device (FLD) (n = 5). All specimens were prepared using a No. 2 whipstitch technique, and tape-reinforced specimens had an integrated braided tape implant. Graft preparation time was recorded for double-suspensory constructs. Samples were tested on an electromechanical testing machine using a previously published protocol simulating rehabilitative kinematics and loading. RESULTS: Tape-reinforced graft suturing resulted in greater graft load retention after cycling (11.9% difference, P = .021), less total elongation (mean [95% confidence interval (CI)], 5.57 mm [3.50-7.65 mm] vs 32.14 mm [25.38-38.90 mm]; P < .001), greater ultimate failure stiffness (mean [95% CI], 171.9 N/mm [158.8-185.0 N/mm] vs 119.4 N/mm [108.7-130.0 N/mm]; P < .001), and less graft preparation time (36.4% difference, P < .001) when compared with unreinforced specimens. Retensioned ALD constructs had less cyclic elongation compared with FLD constructs (mean total elongation [95% CI], 7.04 mm [5.47-8.61 mm] vs 12.96 mm [8.67-17.26 mm]; P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: Tape-reinforced graft suturing improves time-zero ASTQT ACLR construct biomechanics in a cadaveric model with 83% less total elongation, 44% greater stiffness, and reduced preparation time compared with a whipstitched graft without tape reinforcement. ALD fixation improves construct mechanics when compared with FLD fixation as evidenced by 46% less total elongation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Tape-reinforced implants and graft retensioning using ALDs improve time-zero ACLR graft construct biomechanics in a time-zero biomechanical model. Clinical studies will be necessary to determine whether these implants improve clinical outcomes including knee laxity and the incidence of graft rupture.

Suture Augmentation of a Four-Strand Semitendinosus Graft Improves Time-Zero Biomechanical Properties.

PURPOSE: To compare the time-zero biomechanical properties of hamstring graft preparations with or without suture augmentation for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in a full-construct cadaveric model. METHODS: Hamstring grafts were harvested from 24 fresh frozen human cadavers and prepared in 1 of 3 ways: quadrupled SemiTendinosus (SemiT), and quadrupled SemiT with suture augmentation (SemiT+2.0-mm tape or SemiT+1.3-mm tape; n = 8 per group). Adjustable loop suspensory implants and cortical buttons were used for fixation on a porcine tibia and acrylic block. Testing included force-controlled cyclic loading at 250 N and 400 N followed by load to failure. RESULTS: The 2 suture augmentation groups had less total elongation and increased stiffness compared to the nonsuture-augmented group (P = .025). The SemiT+2.0-mm tape group had 36% less total elongation and 34% increased stiffness compared to SemiT+1.3mm tape (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Suture augmentation improves construct biomechanics at time zero following hamstring tendon ACLR. Augmentation with 2.0-mm tape suture improves construct biomechanics compared to 1.3-mm tape suture. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Independent suture augmentation of a quadrupled SemiT graft improves ACLR construct biomechanics. Outcomes were improved with augmentation using 2.0-mm tape suture compared to 1.3-mm tape suture.

Localized Anterior Arthrofibrosis After Soft-Tissue Quadriceps Tendon Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Is More Common in Patients Who Are Female, Undergo Meniscal Repair, and Have Grafts of Larger Diameter.

PURPOSE: To determine factors associated with localized anterior arthrofibrosis (cyclops lesion), such as graft size, warranting early reoperation for lysis of adhesions after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with all-soft tissue quadriceps tendon (ASTQT) autograft. METHODS: All primary ASTQT autograft ACLRs within a single surgeon's prospectively collected registry with minimum 6-month follow-up were included. Patients who underwent multiligament knee reconstruction or cartilage restoration procedures were excluded. Localized anterior arthrofibrosis was defined as the requirement for a second procedure to achieve debridement and lysis of adhesions owing to the inability to regain terminal extension within 6 months of ACLR. The sex-specific incidence of arthrofibrosis was evaluated relative to age, weight, femoral and tibial tunnel sizes, meniscal repair, and meniscectomy by a binary logistic regression. RESULTS: This study included 721 patients (46% female patients). There were 52 cases of localized anterior arthrofibrosis (7.2%). Female patients had a greater incidence of arthrofibrosis than male patients. Male patients with a femoral tunnel diameter of 9.25 mm or greater had an increased incidence of arthrofibrosis compared with those with a diameter of less than 9.25 mm, whereas a similar cutoff was not found to be statistically significant for female patients. Concomitant meniscal repair was associated with an increased risk of arthrofibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Female sex and concomitant meniscal repair were associated with an increased localized anterior arthrofibrosis incidence. Furthermore, ASTQT with a femoral tunnel diameter of 9.25 mm or greater in male patients was associated with an increased incidence of arthrofibrosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective, comparative prognostic trial.

Trends and projections in surgical stabilization of glenohumeral instability in the United States from 2009 to 2030: rise of the Latarjet procedure and fall of open Bankart repair.

BACKGROUND: Advances in surgical techniques have improved the ability to address recurrent glenohumeral instability via arthroscopic capsulolabral repair and bone-restoring procedures such as the Latarjet procedure. Given the paucity of studies analyzing temporal trends in the surgical management of glenohumeral instability, the purpose of this study was to assess trends in the treatment of anterior, posterior, and multidirectional instability over a 10-year period and model projections to 2030. METHODS: Using the IBM Watson MarketScan national database, we identified all patients who underwent glenohumeral instability procedures from 2009 to 2018. Procedures were identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes for open Bankart, Latarjet, anterior bone block, posterior bone block, multidirectional capsular shift, and arthroscopic Bankart procedures. Sample weights provided by the database were used to calculate national estimates. US Census Bureau annual population data were used to calculate incidence. Future projections to 2030 were modeled using Poisson and linear regression. RESULTS: There were an estimated 446,072 glenohumeral instability cases from 2009 to 2018. The per capita incidence (per 100,000) remained constant, from 14.8 in 2009 to 14.5 in 2018. Arthroscopic Bankart procedures comprised the highest number of procedures throughout the study period, accounting for 89% of all procedures in 2009 and 93% in 2018. The number of open Bankart procedures decreased by 65% from 2009 to 2018, whereas the number of Latarjet procedures showed a 250% increase over the same period. Patient demographics did not change over the study period, and male patients aged 18-25 years comprised the largest demographic group undergoing anterior instability procedures. Multidirectional instability procedures exhibited the least pronounced sex differences. Future modeling from 2018 to 2030 projected a continued steady rise in arthroscopic Bankart procedures (from 40,000 to 49,000 cases/yr), rapid growth in Latarjet procedures (from 1370 to 4300 cases/yr), and continued decline in open Bankart procedures (from 1000 to 250 cases/yr). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic Bankart repair continues to be the most common glenohumeral instability procedure in the United States. From 2009 to 2018, the incidence of open Bankart procedures declined whereas the incidence of Latarjet procedures markedly increased. Future projections to 2030 mirrored these findings. These data may provide an enhanced understanding of the evolution of surgical treatment of glenohumeral instability within the United States, laying the foundation for continued prospective studies into the appropriate indications and advancements in surgical techniques.

Knee Injuries in the Elite American Football Player: A Descriptive Pictorial Imaging and Mechanism of Injury Review.

ABSTRACT: Musculoskeletal injuries are common in American football, with an incidence ranging from approximately 10 to 35 per 1000 playing hours. Injuries occur more commonly in games than in practice. Although several studies have analyzed specific injury types in football, this review aims to describe the most common knee injuries sustained by American football players and to review the existing literature pertaining to the radiologic findings used in the diagnosis of these injuries.

Pilot study for treatment of symptomatic shoulder arthritis utilizing cooled radiofrequency ablation: a novel technique.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce cooled radiofrequency nerve ablation (C-RFA) as an alternative to managing symptomatically moderate to severe glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA) in patients who have failed other conservative treatments and who are not surgical candidates or refuse surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective pilot study includes a total of 12 patients experiencing chronic shoulder pain from moderate to severe glenohumeral OA. Patients underwent anesthetic blocks of the axillary, lateral pectoral, and suprascapular nerves to determine candidacy for C-RFA treatment. Adequate response after anesthetic block was over 50% immediate pain relief. Once patients were deemed candidates, they underwent C-RFA of the three nerves 2-3 weeks later. Treatment response was evaluated using the clinically validated American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and visual analog scale (VAS) to assess pain, stiffness, and functional activities of daily living. Follow-up outcome scores were collected up to 6 months after C-RFA procedure. RESULTS: Twelve patients underwent C-RFA procedure for shoulder OA. VAS scores significantly improved from 8.8 ± 0.6 to 2.2 ± 0.4 6 months after the C-RFA treatment (p < 0.001). Patient's ASES score results significantly improved in total ASES from 17.2 ± 6.6 to 65.7 ± 5.9 (p < 0.0005). No major complications arose. No patients received re-treatment or underwent shoulder arthroplasty. CONCLUSION: Image-guided axillary, lateral pectoral, and suprascapular nerve C-RFA has minimal complications and is a promising alternative to treat chronic shoulder pain and stiffness from glenohumeral arthritis.

Biomechanical analysis of latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major, and pectoralis minor transfers in subscapularis-deficient shoulders.

BACKGROUND: Irreparable subscapularis (SSc) tears alter the dynamic force coupling of the shoulder, resulting in pain, weakness, and impaired shoulder function. Pectoralis major (Pma), pectoralis minor (Pmi), and latissimus dorsi (LD) transfers are treatment options for irreparable SSc tears, but clinical outcomes vary. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of Pma, Pmi, and LD transfers in an SSc-deficient shoulder using a computational model. METHODS: A computer shoulder model was used to investigate the moment arms of Pma, Pmi, and LD tendon transfers compared with an intact SSc. Nine computed tomography scans from subjects without osteoarthritis were used. Virtual Pma, Pmi, and LD transfers were performed to the upper border of the SSc insertion site on the lesser tuberosity of the humerus. Muscle moment arms were computed for functional motions of 0°-80° of internal rotation with the arm in 20° and 90° of shoulder abduction and 0°-150° of shoulder abduction. The results were compared with those of the native SSc moment arms. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was then performed to determine significant differences. RESULTS: Internal rotation moment arms of the transferred Pma and Pmi decreased significantly after 30° and 40° of internal rotation compared with the SSc moment arm of the intact shoulder, whereas the moment arm of LD transfer more closely mimicked that of the native SSc through 0°-80° of internal rotation. All 3 tendon transfer configurations demonstrated weak abductive moment arms (7.6-8.0 mm), comparable to the intact SSc (7.8 mm) but significantly lower than the intact adductive moment arms of the native Pma and LD (26.8 mm and 28.2 mm, respectively). CONCLUSION: LD transfer most closely approximates the native SS regarding internal rotation moment arms. However, LD transfer also showed a reduction in adductive moment arms.

Brain Activity During Experimental Knee Pain and Its Relationship With Kinesiophobia in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain: A Preliminary Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Investigation.

CONTEXT: The etiology of patellofemoral pain has remained elusive, potentially due to an incomplete understanding of how pain, motor control, and kinesiophobia disrupt central nervous system functioning. OBJECTIVE: To directly evaluate brain activity during experimental knee pain and its relationship to kinesiophobia in patients with patellofemoral pain. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: Young females clinically diagnosed with patellofemoral pain (n = 14; 14.4 [3.3] y; body mass index = 22.4 [3.8]; height = 1.61 [0.1] m; body mass = 58.4 [12.7] kg). A modified Clarke test (experimental pain condition with noxious induction via patella pressure and quadriceps contraction) was administered to the nondominant knee (to minimize limb dominance confounds) of patients during brain functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) acquisition. Patients also completed a quadriceps contraction without application of external pressure (control contraction). Kinesiophobia was measured using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia. The fMRI analyses assessed brain activation during the modified Clarke test and control contraction and assessed relationships between task-induced brain activity and kinesiophobia. Standard processing for neuroimaging and appropriate cluster-wise statistical thresholds to determine significance were applied to the fMRI data (z > 3.1, P < .05). RESULTS: The fMRI revealed widespread neural activation in the frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes, and cerebellum during the modified Clarke test (all zs > 4.4, all Ps < .04), whereas neural activation was localized primarily to frontal and cerebellar regions during the control contraction test (all zs > 4.4, all Ps < .01). Greater kinesiophobia was positively associated with greater activity in the cerebello-frontal network for the modified Clarke test (all zs > 5.0, all Ps < .01), but no relationships between kinesiophobia and brain activity were observed for the control contraction test (all zs < 3.1, all Ps > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Our novel experimental knee pain condition was associated with alterations in central nociceptive processing. These findings may provide novel complementary pathways for targeted restoration of patient function.

Current Orthopaedic Health Economic Literature: Quality Is High but Ethical and Societal Perspectives Are Lacking.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the quality of orthopaedic cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) in accordance with the 2016 recommendations by the Second Panel on Cost-Effectiveness in Health and Medicine. METHODS: A systematic review of all CEAs from September 2017 to September 2019 in the 10 highest impact orthopaedic surgery journals was performed. Quality scoring used the Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES) instrument and the Second Panel checklist. QHES scores ≥80 were considered high quality and <50 poor quality. Mann-Whitney U and independent samples Kruskal-Wallis tests compared individual and multiple groups, respectively. Linear regression analysis was performed to correlate QHES score, checklist item fulfillment, and impact factor. RESULTS: The 10 highest impact orthopaedic journals published 6,323 articles with 35 (0.55%) meeting inclusion criteria. Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) and sports medicine articles comprised 65.7% of included studies. Overall mean QHES score was 89.0 ± 7.6, with 82.8% considered high quality. Mean proportion of Second Panel checklist items fulfilled was 82.1% ± 13.3%, but no studies performed an impact inventory accounting for consequences within and outside the health care sector or discussed ethical implications. Mean QHES score and satisfied checklist items were significantly different by journal (P = .025 and P = .01, respectively). In addition, there was a moderate positive correlation between QHES score and impact factor (r = 0.446, P = .007). TJA CEAs satisfied a higher number of checklist items compared with spine surgery CEAs. CONCLUSIONS: Recent orthopaedic CEAs have generally been high quality according to updated Second Panel guidelines but consistently miss checklist items relating to societal impact and ethics. TJA and sports medicine continue to be the most frequently studied orthopaedic subspecialties in health economics, and the breadth of orthopaedic procedures analyzed by CEAs has improved. STUDY DESIGN: Level IV, systematic review.

Effect of Vancomycin Soaking on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Biomechanics.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of soaking of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafts in vancomycin solution on graft biomechanical properties at the time of implantation. METHODS: The central third of patellar tendons was harvested from mature bovine knees and prepared as a tendon-only graft or a bone-tendon-bone (BTB) graft. Tendons were wrapped in gauze soaked in vancomycin solution (VS) (5 mg/mL) or normal saline (NS) and left to stand for 30 minutes at room temperature, simulating graft exposure times in the operating room during ACL reconstruction. Tensile testing was carried out on a materials testing system with (1) low-magnitude loading (60 N at 3 mm/s) with repeated testing of tendon-only grafts; and (2) high-magnitude loading (600 N at 10 mm/min) of BTB grafts. For tendon-only grafts, specimens were first wrapped in NS-soaked gauze and underwent testing, with repeated testing performed after wrapping in gauze soaked in VS or buffered VS (pH 7.0). For BTB grafts, specimens were randomly assigned to treatment with VS or NS. RESULTS: For tendon-only grafts, there was no difference in Young's modulus (YM) after soaking with VS soaking (baseline, 12.69 MPa; treatment, 16.07 ± 4.44 MPa; P = .99) or buffered VS (baseline, 12.45 ± 4.55 MPa; treatment, 15.56 ± 2.83 MPa; P = .99). For BTB grafts, there were no differences in elongation strain (VS, 46.8% ± 7.0%; NS, 31.5% ± 13.5%, P = .19) or YM (VS, 158.4 ± 15.8 MPa; NS, 158.5 ± 23.3 MPa, P = .99). CONCLUSIONS: According to controlled biomechanical tests, vancomycin soaking of patellar tendon grafts does not adversely affect time-zero material properties. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study suggests that vancomycin wrapping has no immediate adverse effects on the biomechanical properties of ACL grafts. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate the widespread use of vancomycin soaking of tendon grafts for infection prophylaxis during ACL reconstruction.

Computed Tomography-Based Preoperative Planning Provides a Pathology and Morphology-Specific Approach to Glenohumeral Instability With Bone Loss.

PURPOSE: To use computed tomography (CT) to determine a reproducible method of coracoid measurement to compare the ability of the classic Latarjet technique and the congruent arc modification (CAM) to restore native glenoid diameter and to develop a preoperative planning algorithm for glenoid restoration with a goal of achieving an on-track shoulder. METHODS: Coracoid dimensions were measured on multiplanar reconstructed shoulder CT scans of patients aged 18 to 45 years obtained between December 1, 2019, and March 13, 2020. Patients were excluded if CT demonstrated osteophyte formation, glenoid dysplasia, coracoid fracture, or tumor. The proportion of glenoid diameter able to be restored using classic Latarjet technique and CAM were calculated. A treatment algorithm was proposed considering the amount of bone loss present and coracoid dimensions. RESULTS: Coracoid dimensions of 117 consecutive patients were measured and varied considerably (length: 17.5-31.8 mm, width: 9.1-20.5 mm, thickness: 6.1-15.7 mm). While most patients had harvestable coracoid length ≥20 mm (male: 96.3% vs female: 94.4%, P = .65), only 27.8% of female patients had coracoid thickness ≥10 mm. When comparing Latarjet techniques, there was no difference in the proportion of patients in whom 30% glenoid diameter could be fully restored, but CAM was able to restore at least 35% in more male and female patients (98.8% vs 79.0% and 100% vs 61.1%, respectively, P = .00001). Intra- and inter-rater reliability was excellent ( intraclass correlation coefficient ≥0.950 for all dimensions). CONCLUSIONS: We describe a reliable method of measuring coracoid dimensions for preoperative planning of glenoid restoration. The classic Latarjet technique reliably restores the glenoid anteroposterior diameter with bone loss of up to 30%. The majority of female patients have coracoid thickness <10 mm, which may increase the risk of graft fracture when using CAM. The decision to use the classic Latarjet technique or CAM considers each individual's glenoid and coracoid dimensions with a goal of achieving an on-track shoulder. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our reliable method of coracoid measurement demonstrated the differing abilities of the classic Latarjet and CAM to restore the native glenoid diameter. An evidence-based algorithm using these measurements was developed to assist in preoperative planning for glenohumeral instability in the setting of bone loss, with a goal of achieving an on-track shoulder. Alternative techniques may be considered if an on-track shoulder cannot be achieved with Latarjet.

Arthroscopic-Assisted Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction: Clinical Outcomes and Return to Activity at Mean 6-Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: To report clinical and functional outcomes including return to preinjury activity level following arthroscopic-assisted coracoclavicular (CC) ligament reconstruction (AA-CCR) and to determine associations between return to preinjury activity level, radiographic outcomes, and patient-reported outcomes following AA-CCR. METHODS: A institutional registry review of all AA-CCR using free tendon grafts from 2007 to 2016 was performed. Clinical assessment included Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score and return to preinjury activity level at final follow-up. Treatment failure was defined as (1) revision acromioclavicular stabilization surgery, (2) unable to return to preinjury activity level, or (3) radiographic loss of reduction (RLOR, >25% CC distance compared with contralateral side). SANE scores, return to activity, and RLOR were compared between patients within each category of treatment failure, by grade of injury, and whether concomitant pathology was treated. RESULTS: There were 88 patients (89.8% male) with mean age of 39.6 years and minimum 2-year clinical follow-up (mean 6.1 years). Most injuries were Rockwood grade V (63.6%). Mean postoperative SANE score was 86.3 ± 17.5. Treatment failure occurred in 17.1%: 8.0% were unable to return to activity, 5.7% had RLOR, and 3.4% underwent revision surgery due to traumatic reinjury. SANE score was lower among patients who were unable to return to activity compared with those with RLOR and compared with nonfailures (P = .0002). There were no differences in revision surgery rates, return to activity, or SANE scores according to Rockwood grade or if concomitant pathology was treated. CONCLUSIONS: AA-CCR with free tendon grafts resulted in good clinical outcomes and a high rate of return to preinjury activity level. RLOR did not correlate with return to preinjury activity level. Concomitant pathology that required treatment did not adversely affect outcomes. Return to preinjury activity level may be a more clinically relevant outcome measure than radiographic maintenance of acromioclavicular joint reduction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV (Case Series).

Utility of the Merchant View Radiograph for Assessment of Tibial Tubercle-Trochlear Groove Distance: A Comparison to MRI in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients.

BACKGROUND: Plain radiographic evaluation remains the standard initial assessment of patellar instability, while 3-dimensional imaging is obtained in some patients. Merchant radiographs can demonstrate the tibial tubercle relative to the trochlear groove (TT-TG), but the determination of the TT-TG from these radiographs has been abandoned since its original description. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the utility of the TT-TG measured on Merchant radiographs for the assessment of patellar instability. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed of pediatric and adolescent patients aged 10 to 18 who underwent standardized Merchant radiographs, including a total of 98 knees (in 57 patients). Merchant TT-TG was measured as the distance between the center of the trochlear groove and the tibial tubercle, with both lines perpendicular to the anterior femoral condylar axis. In Part 1, the Merchant TT-TG measured by the tibial tubercle radiographic appearance was compared with the measurement utilizing a radiographic marker. In Part 2, the Merchant TT-TG was compared with the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) TT-TG distance using bivariate linear regression analysis. TT-TG measurements were compared in patients with and without patellar instability with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: The tibial tubercle was identified on Merchant radiograph in 81.7% (67/82) of knees, and there was an excellent correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient=0.85) between the Merchant TT-TG and the measurement based on marker placement. Merchant TT-TG was on average 4.5 mm less than MRI TT-TG (12.8±4.4 vs. 8.4±7.7 mm, P<0.001) and was moderately correlated (Pearson correlation coefficient=0.58, P<0.01). TT-TG distance was increased in patients with patellar instability compared with those without patellar instability on the Merchant view (10.5±6.9 vs. 2.0±5.5 mm, P<0.001) and MRI (13.9±4.4 vs. 10.5±2.9 mm, P=0.012). Merchant TT-TG also demonstrated a higher area under the curve than MRI TT-TG (0.872 vs. 0.775) in differentiating patients with and without patellar instability. CONCLUSIONS: Standardized Merchant radiographs allow for reliable assessment of the Merchant TT-TG distance when the tibial tubercle is visualized and moderately correlate with MRI TT-TG (with Merchant TT-TG on average 4.5 mm less than MRI). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for the Treatment of Symptomatic Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Femoral Head in Patients With Sequelae of Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease.

BACKGROUND: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is estimated to occur in 2% to 7% of patients with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD). Unstable osteochondral fragments secondary to LCPD may produce mechanical symptoms requiring surgical intervention. Reattachment of the fragment with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) may provide good clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study is to report short-term clinical and radiographic results of ORIF for the treatment of symptomatic osteochondral lesions resulting from LCPD. METHODS: Clinical data including patient demographics and patient-reported outcome scores were collected prospectively. All patients underwent preoperative radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging confirming an unstable OCD fragment as well as postoperative radiographs at regular intervals. Indications for ORIF of the OCD fragment were hip pain and mechanical symptoms with radiographic evidence of LCPD and a magnetic resonance imaging demonstrating an OCD fragment of the femoral head. Osteochondral fragment instability was confirmed intraoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative physical examination findings were documented. All patients failed a course of nonsurgical treatment (activity modification, anti-inflammatories, and physical therapy). RESULTS: From a total of 64 consecutive patients treated with hip preservation surgery for LCPD, 7 patients with symptomatic OCD secondary to LCPD were treated with surgical hip dislocation and ORIF of the femoral head osteochondral fragment. OCD size lesion ranged from 200 to 625 mm. All patients reported marked clinical improvement, with resolution of both pain and mechanical symptoms. Radiographs at final follow-up demonstrated complete osteochondral fragment healing without implant failure. Mean follow-up was 4.6 years (range, 1.1 to 7.4 y). There was a significant postoperative improvement in measured internal rotation in flexion (5.0±5.0 to 16.4±9.8; P=0.02). Modified Harris Hip Score markedly improved from baseline to final follow-up (47.8 to 82.7; [INCREMENT]34.9; minimal clinically important difference, 11; P=0.002), with all patients meeting minimal clinically important difference for modified Harris Hip Score. There were no complications and no progression of osteoarthritis in all patients at final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated both predictable radiographic healing and marked clinical improvement following ORIF of symptomatic post-Perthes OCD lesions. We advocate ORIF for symptomatic osteochondral lesions as a first-line surgical treatment for these patients due to the advantages of native osteochondral tissue preservation, predictable healing, and marked clinical improvement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-case series.

Shoulder activity level in patients with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic adhesive capsulitis is a common condition resulting in painful multidirectional restriction of motion. Adhesive capsulitis may inhibit shoulder activity level, but this relationship has not been previously studied. This study tested the hypothesis that patients with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis have lower shoulder activity than sex- and age-matched controls. METHODS: Seventy-two eligible patients (37 men and 35 women) with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis completed a validated shoulder activity scale that was compared with sex- and age-matched norms from a healthy population with no history of shoulder disorders. The association of shoulder activity level with patient age, sex, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) scores was evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 58% of patients actually had higher shoulder activity scores than sex- and age-matched controls. Among patients aged 51 to 70 years, 68% of patients (73% of men and 63% of women) demonstrated higher Shoulder Activity Scale scores compared with controls. The activity level was higher among all patients aged 51 to 70 years compared with controls (10.3 ± 1.48 vs. 8 ± 0.52, P = .0067). The difference was significant for men in this age group (12.2 ± 1.7 vs. 9 ± 0.75, P = .0042). There was a statistically significant positive correlation of the Shoulder Activity Scale score with the SST score (r = 0.31, P = .009). CONCLUSION: Patients with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis do not have a lower shoulder activity level than sex- and age-matched controls, and older men may actually have a higher level of shoulder activity than controls. Shoulder activity level is correlated with the SST score in patients with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis.

Multimodal pain management in total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

We analyze the effects of a multimodal analgesic regimen on postoperative pain, function, adverse effects and satisfaction compared to patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). Thirty-six patients undergoing TKA were randomized to receive either (1) periarticular injection before wound closure (30cc 0.5% bupivacaine, 10mg MSO4, 15 mg ketorolac) and multimodal analgesics (oxycodone, tramadol, ketorolac; narcotics as needed) or (2) hydromorphone PCA. Preoperative and postoperative data were collected for VAS pain scores, time to physical therapy milestones, hospital stay length, patient satisfaction, narcotic consumption and medication-related adverse effects. The multimodal group had lower VAS scores, fewer adverse effects, lower narcotic usage, higher satisfaction scores and earlier times to physical therapy milestones. Multimodal pain management protocol decreases narcotic usage, improves pain scores, increases satisfaction and enhances early recovery.

Epidemiology of Stingers in the National Football League, 2015-2019.

BACKGROUND: Transient traumatic neuropraxia of either the brachial plexus or cervical nerve root(s) is commonly described as a "stinger" or "burner" by the athlete. Stingers in American Football commonly occur acutely as isolated injuries; however, concomitant injuries, including cervical spine pathologies, have also been reported. HYPOTHESIS: Among National Football League (NFL) athletes, the incidence rate of stingers is higher during the regular season than during the preseason and among positions with high velocity impacts such as running backs, linebackers, defensive backs, and receivers. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective epidemiology study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. METHODS: Aggregation of all in-game injuries with a clinical impression of "neck brachial plexus stretch" or "neck brachial plexus compression" entered into the NFL injury surveillance database through the centralized league-wide electronic medical record system over 5 years (2015-2019 seasons). Incidence rates per player-play were calculated and reported. RESULTS: A total of 691 in-game stingers occurred during the study period, with a mean of 138.2 per year. Average single-season injury risk for incident stinger was 3.74% (95% CI, 3.46%-4.05%). The incidence rate was higher during regular season games than during preseason games (12.26 per 100,000 player-plays [11.30-13.31] vs 8.87 [7.31-10.76], P < 0.01, respectively). The highest reported stinger incidence rates were among running backs and linebackers (both >15 per 100,000 player-plays). Among stingers, 76.41% did not miss time. Of those that resulted in time lost from football activities, mean time missed due to injury was 4.79 days (range, 3.17-6.41 days). Concomitant injuries were relatively low (7.09%). CONCLUSION: In-game stinger incidence was stable across the study period and occurred most frequently in running backs and linebackers. Stingers were more common during the regular season, and most players did not miss time. Concomitant injuries were relatively rare. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An improved understanding of the expected time loss due to stinger and concomitant injuries may provide insight for medical personnel in managing these injuries.

Automated quantitative assessment of bone contusions and overlying articular cartilage following anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Quantitative methods to characterize bone contusions and associated cartilage injury remain limited. We combined standardized voxelwise normalization and 3D mapping to automate bone contusion segmentation post-anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and evaluate anomalies in articular cartilage overlying bone contusions. Forty-five patients (54% female, 26.4 ± 11.8 days post-injury) with an ACL tear underwent 3T magnetic resonance imaging of their involved and uninvolved knees. A novel method for voxelwise normalization and 3D anatomical mapping was used to automate segmentation, labeling, and localization of bone contusions in the involved knee. The same mapping system was used to identify the associated articular cartilage overlying bone lesions. Mean regional T1ρ was extracted from articular cartilage regions in both the involved and uninvolved knees for quantitative paired analysis against ipsilateral cartilage within the same compartment outside of the localized bone contusion. At least one bone contusion lesion was detected in the involved knee within the femur and/or tibia following ACL injury in 42 participants. Elevated T1ρ (p = 0.033) signal were documented within the articular cartilage overlying the bone contusions resulting from ACL injury. In contrast, the same cartilaginous regions deprojected onto the uninvolved knees showed no ipsilateral differences (p = 0.795). Automated bone contusion segmentation using standardized voxelwise normalization and 3D mapping deprojection identified altered cartilage overlying bone contusions in the setting of knee ACL injury.