Presence of Additional Pathology in Low-Grade Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if additional pathology is present in low-grade acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries. DESIGN: Prospective case series. SETTING: Patients were assessed by primary care sports medicine physicians at a single institution between 2019 and 2023. PATIENTS: Patients aged 18 to 65 years diagnosed with a type I to III AC injury based on clinical and radiographic evaluation. INTERVENTION: Consenting patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation within 21 days of injury. All injuries were treated nonoperatively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Additional pathologies identified on MRI were reported in a standardized fashion by fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients (26 men/3 women) were consented with a mean (±SD) age of 28.6 ± 9.5 years. The mean time from injury to MRI was 8.1 ± 5.9 days. Twenty-three injuries were sport related, and 6 were accidental traumas. Based on MRI, injury type was reclassified in 16 of 29 patients, and 13 remained unchanged. Additional pathologies identified included 14 muscle injuries, 5 rotator cuff tears, 5 labral tears, 1 nondisplaced fracture, and 1 intra-articular body. CONCLUSION: MRI evidence suggests that most AC joint injuries are more severe than clinically diagnosed. Identifying additional pathology may alter diagnostic and treatment guidelines for type I to III AC joint injuries.

The effect of intravenous tranexamic acid on visual clarity in arthroscopic shoulder surgery compared to epinephrine and a placebo: a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The addition of epinephrine in irrigation fluid and the intravenous or local administration of tranexamic acid have independently been reported to decrease bleeding, thereby improving surgeons' visualization during arthroscopic shoulder procedures. No study has compared the effect of intravenous tranexamic acid, epinephrine in the irrigation fluid, or the combination of both tranexamic acid and epinephrine on visual clarity during shoulder arthroscopy with a placebo group. We hypothesized that intravenous tranexamic acid is more effective than epinephrine mixed in the irrigation fluid in improving visualization during shoulder arthroscopy, with no additive effect when both are used. METHODS: Patients aged ≥18 years undergoing shoulder arthroscopy were randomized into one of 4 study arms: (1) saline irrigation fluid (placebo); (2) epinephrine (0.33 mL of 1:1000 per liter) mixed in irrigation fluid (EPI); (3) 1 g intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA); and (4) epinephrine and tranexamic acid combined (TXA + EPI). Visualization was rated intraoperatively on a scale from 0, indicating poor clarity, to 3, indicating excellent clarity, every 15 minutes and overall. The primary outcome measure was the overall rating of visualization. A stepwise linear regression was performed using visualization as the dependent variable and independent variables including presence or absence of epinephrine and tranexamic acid, surgery duration, complexity, mean arterial pressure, increase in pump pressure, and volume of irrigation fluid. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-eight patients (mean age 56 years) were randomized. Mean visual clarity for the placebo, TXA, EPI, and TXA + EPI groups were 2.0 (±0.6), 2.0 (±0.6), 2.6 (±0.5), and 2.7 (±0.5), respectively (P < .001). The presence or absence of epinephrine was the most significant predictor of visual clarity (P < .001). Tranexamic acid presence or absence had no effect. No adverse events were recorded in any of the groups. CONCLUSION: Intravenous tranexamic acid is not an effective alternative to epinephrine in irrigation fluid to improve visualization during routine arthroscopic shoulder surgeries, and there is no additive effect when both are used.

Assessment of formalin preserved and fresh frozen quadriceps tendon graft-suture constructs for load to failure testing: a biomechanical cadaveric study.

PURPOSE: Fresh-frozen specimen availability and cost may be a barrier for initiation of biomechanical studies where soft tissue is used in a construct with other medical devices. The impact of soft tissue preservation method on the outcomes of biomechanical studies in the specific case of graft-suture constructs is relatively unexplored. This study aimed to observe peak loads and failure modes in biomechanical testing of fresh-frozen (FF) versus formalin embalmed (FE) quadriceps tendon (QT) graft-suture constructs for soft tissue fixation in ACLR and assess suitability of FE QT graft constructs for load-to-fail testing. METHODS: Twenty QT grafts were harvested from human cadaver specimens. Ten grafts came from fresh-frozen donors and 10 from embalmed donors. All grafts were prepared with the modified Prusik knot using a braided composite suture and subjected to tensile loading. Comparisons between the biomechanical properties of the graft-suture constructs were made with unpaired t tests with α = 0.05. RESULTS: FE and FF constructs displayed similar peak loads and failure modes. FF constructs had greater elongation after pre-tensioning than FE (7.3 vs. 5.5 mm, p = 0.02) and greater elongation after cyclic loading than FE constructs (17.5 vs. 10.5 mm, p = 0.01). Hysteresis was greater for FF constructs at the 50th, 100th, 150th, and 200th cycle (p = 0.02, p = 0.07, p < 0.001, p = 0.004, respectively). FE constructs were stiffer than fresh-frozen (103 vs. 84 N/mm, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: FE constructs were significantly stiffer but displayed similar peak load and failure mode to FF which was reflective of the strength of the suture material. FE grafts can offer an alternative to FF grafts in graft-suture constructs for biomechanical studies where load at failure and knot security and strength is of main interest.

Characterizing the Practices of Canadian Orthopedic Surgeons in the Management of patients With Anterior Glenohumeral Instability.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the practice patterns of Canadian orthopedic surgeons in the management of patients with anterior glenohumeral instability (AGHI). DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Canada. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Canadian orthopedic surgeons with membership in the Canadian Orthopedic Association or Canadian Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon group who had managed at least 1 patient with AGHI in the previous year. INTERVENTIONS: A survey including demographics and questions on the management of patients with AGHI was completed. Statistical comparisons (χ 2 ) were completed with responses stratified using the instability severity index score (ISIS) in practice, years of practice, and surgical volumes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Summary statistics were compiled, and response frequencies were considered for consensus (75%). Case series responses were stratified on use of the ISIS in practice, years of experience, and annual procedure volumes (χ 2 , P < 0.05). RESULTS: Eighty orthopedic surgeons responded, with consensus on areas of diagnostic workup of AGHI, nonoperative management, and operative techniques. There was no consensus on indications for soft tissue and bony augmentation or postoperative management. There was no difference in practices based on the use of ISIS, years in practice, or surgical volumes. CONCLUSIONS: Canadian orthopedic surgeons manage AGHI consistently with consensus achieved in preoperative diagnostics and operative techniques, although debate remains as to the indications for soft tissue and bony augmentation procedures.

Knee flexor strength and symmetry vary by device, body position and angle of assessment following ACL reconstruction with hamstring grafts at long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: Persistent deficits in knee flexor strength following harvest of semitendinosus and gracilis for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction are inconsistent in the literature. Variation in methodology, including measuring torque at higher knee flexion angles may partially explain these discrepant findings. The objective of this study was to determine whether positioning (seated vs supine), consideration of peak or joint-angle-specific torque or device (Isokinetic Dynamometer vs NordBord Hamstring Dynamometer) impact the magnitude of knee flexor strength differences between limbs. METHODS: Participants (n = 31, 44.2 ± 10.7 years,) who were at 14 ± 4.4 years follow-up for unilateral ACL reconstruction with semitendinosus/gracilis grafts completed the ACL Quality of Life outcome and an assessment including isokinetic concentric knee extensor and flexor strength in seated and supine with peak torque and torque at 60° (T60) and 75° (T75) knee flexion measured, followed by an eccentric Nordic Hamstring Curl. RESULTS: Isokinetic concentric knee flexor torque was reduced in supine relative to seated, on the reconstructed limb against the unaffected, and at higher degrees of knee flexion relative to peak torque (T60 and T75 against peak torque). Limb symmetry varied by methodology (F(6,204) = 8.506, p = 0.001) with reduced symmetry in supine T75 against all measures (71.1 ± 16.5%, p < 0.05), supine T60 against seated peak torque (82.7 ± 14.2%, p < 0.05), and the NordBord was lower than seated peak torque that was not statistically significant (83.9 ± 12.8%, n.s.). Knee extensor peak (r2 = 0.167 (F(1,27) = 5.3, p = 0.03) and Nordic curl eccentric torque (r2 = 0.267, F(2,26) = 4.736, p = 0.02) were predictors of ACL-QoL score, although a combined model did not improve over Nordic torque alone. CONCLUSION: Limb symmetry cannot be assumed in clinical practice across differing assessment methods for knee flexor strength as deficits are greatest in the supine position with torque measured at 75° knee flexion. Isokinetic knee extensor and eccentric knee flexor torque during the Nordic hamstring curl were predictors of ACL-QoL scoring and should be considered alongside patient-reported outcomes for patients following ACL reconstruction with hamstring grafts. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Biomechanics of hamstring tendon, quadriceps tendon, and bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a cadaveric study.

PURPOSE: The three most commonly used autografts for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL) are: bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB), hamstring tendons (HT), and quadriceps tendon (QT). A cadaveric study was performed to determine if there were any differences in mechanical and structural properties under biomechanical testing. METHODS: Twenty-seven graft specimens were harvested from 9 human cadaveric legs. Mean donor age was 75.2 years (range 53-85 years). Twenty-two specimens (8 HT, 7 QT, and 7 BTB) completed cyclic preconditioning from 50 to 800 N for 200 cycles and a load to failure test at an extension rate of 1 mm/s. Structural and mechanical properties of BTB, HT, and QT grafts were compared using a one-way ANOVA and Tukey's honest significant difference. RESULTS: There was no difference in the ultimate load to failure (N) across all 3 graft types (p = 0.951). Quadriceps tendon demonstrated greater cross-sectional area (mm2) when compared to both HT and BTB (p = 0.001) and was significantly stiffer (N/mm) than HT but not BTB (p = 0.004). Stress (N/mm2) of the HT at ultimate load was greater than QT but not BTB (p = 0.036). Elastic modulus (MPa) of HT was greater than both QT and BTB (p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in the ultimate load to failure of BTB, HT, and QT grafts harvested from the same specimens. All 3 grafts had similar loads to failure with a significant increase in stiffness when compared to the native ACL. Furthermore, QT demonstrated more favourable structural properties compared to HT and BTB with greater cross-sectional area to both HT and BTB and greater stiffness compared to HT.

Does the Nice Knot Offer Less Elongation Than the Modified Prusik Knot? An In Vitro Study in Cadaver Quadriceps Tendons.

BACKGROUND: ACL graft-suture fixation can be constructed with needle or needleless techniques. Needleless techniques have the advantage of decreased injury, preparation time, and cost. The Nice knot is common among upper extremity procedures, and has been shown to have higher load to failure and less elongation compared with other double loop knots; however, there are no studies that have looked at its use for ACL graft-suture construct to determine whether it offers less elongation relative to other needleless techniques. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: In a cadaver quadriceps tendon model, we asked: (1) Does the Nice knot have less elongation than the Prusik knot? (2) Does the Nice knot have increased peak load and stiffness compared with the Prusik knot? (3) What were the modes of failure of each knot? METHODS: Sixteen quadriceps tendon grafts were harvested from 16 cadaver knee specimens. The median (range) age of the donors was 80 years (70 to 96) and included three male and five female donors. Eight grafts were prepared with the Prusik knot and eight with the Nice knot using a braided polyblend suture. The graft-suture constructs were mounted in a materials testing machine and subjected to a tensile loading protocol beginning with pretensioning of three cycles from 0 to 100 N at 1 Hz followed by a constant load of 50 N for 1 minute then cyclic loading of 200 cycles from 50 to 200 N at 1 Hz. The constructs were loaded to failure as the final step of the loading protocol. Elongations of the construct after each loading step, peak load, stiffness, and graft cross-sectional area were compared. RESULTS: Construct elongations (median [IQR]) for the Nice knot were lower than that of the Prusik knot after pretensioning (4.4 mm [0.8] versus 5.7 mm [1.4]; p = 0.02), preloading (0.6 mm [0.3] versus 1.0 mm [0.3]; p = 0.005), and cyclic loading (7.4 mm [1.4] versus 10.9 mm [2.1]; p = 0.005). Peak load was not different for the Prusik knot construct compared with the Nice knot (334 N [43] versus 312 N [13]; p = 0.08). Stiffness of the Prusik knot construct (103 N/mm [17]) was no different than the Nice knot construct (110 N/mm [13]; p = 0.13). Graft cross-sectional area of the Prusik knot constructs (85 mm2 [35]) were similar to the grafts of the Nice knot constructs (97 mm2 [31]; p = 0.28). Failure mode of the constructs did not differ between groups; it was caused by suture rupture near the knots that secured the free suture ends to the machine and was seen in all 16 tests. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this biomechanical study show that the Nice knot construct has similar or greater biomechanical properties compared with the Prusik knot in the graft suture construct, although the magnitude of the differences are not likely to the level of clinical importance. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The Nice knot offers an attractive alternative option for needleless ACL graft preparation technique. Future studies should consider comparison to established needle techniques such as Krackow or whipstitch and testing in an intraarticular component in an in vivo model.

No differences found in long-term outcomes of a randomized controlled trial comparing ipsilateral versus contralateral hamstring graft in ACL reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Contralateral graft harvest in primary ACL reconstruction is relatively uncommon and the long-term comparative of this approach relative to ipsilateral harvest has not been described. The purpose of this study was to evaluate ACL graft and contralateral rupture following ipsilateral or contralateral semitendinosus and gracilis (STG) graft harvest at follow-up of a minimum 10 years post-reconstruction in the treatment of a complete ACL tear. METHODS: Patients from a previous randomized trial were evaluated. The primary outcome measures were ipsilateral and contralateral reinjury as well as the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) knee assessment form, the ACL Quality of Life questionnaire (ACL-QoL) and the Tegner activity scale. Participants completed four different single-leg hop tests and concentric knee flexion and extension strength were assessed on an isokinetic dynamometer. RESULTS: Of the original 100 patients, 50 patients (41.3 ± 9.5 years of age, 31 males, 19 females) reported on re-injury at 12.6 ± 1.4 years post-operative. Thirty-eight patients returned for full assessment and 12 responded by mail or phone survey. There were no differences between groups for graft rupture, contralateral injury, ACL-QoL score, IKDC categorization, or anterior tibial translation, though both groups experienced a reduction in the Tegner Activity Scale from their preinjury scores. There was no difference in knee flexor and extensor isokinetic concentric strength, or single leg hop test performance. Knee flexor strength limb symmetry index was reduced when measured in the supine relative to the seated position in both groups, indicating persistent deficits in knee flexor strength when measured in the supine position. CONCLUSION: Contralateral hamstring harvest does not put patients at an increased risk of a contralateral ACL tear and long-term outcomes of ACL reconstruction do not differ based on the side of graft harvest. Contralateral STG harvest may provide a safe alternative surgical option for select patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Quality of life during the wait for ruptured anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of prospective evidence to guide surgeons when making recommendations about the appropriate timing of surgical intervention for ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), activity modifications to reduce the risk of secondary injury before surgery, and the short- and long-term risks associated with delayed ACL reconstruction. This study aimed to determine whether longer wait times are associated with a prolonged decrease in quality of life and an increased incidence of secondary joint injury after ACL rupture. METHODS: We recruited 53 patients who presented between 2013 and 2017 at a single sports medicine minor injury clinic with a suspected acute ACL rupture, based on clinical examination; ACL rupture was confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging. Patients were randomly allocated to undergo early reconstruction (< 12 wk after injury) or reconstruction after a regular wait time (≥ 12 wk). We compared scores on the ACL quality of life measure (ACL-QOL) and the incidence of secondary knee injury at baseline and at surgery between the 2 groups. Participants also completed the Tegner scale (level of activity) at the time of consent and within 7 days before surgery. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients were randomly assigned to the early surgery group and 25 patients to the regular wait time group. There was no difference in mean age between the 2 groups. There were no between-group differences in mean ACL-QOL score at the time of injury (28.5 [standard deviation (SD) 12.5] v. 28.5 [SD 12.6]) or at surgery (34.9 [SD 17.5] v. 38.0 [SD 17.5]). The mean wait time was significantly longer in the regular wait time group than in the early surgery group (29.6 wk [SD 13.2 wk] v. 10.6 wk [SD 5.1 wk], p = 0.001). In both groups, Tegner scale scores were significantly lower after than before ACL rupture (p < 0.001) and remained low while patients waited for surgery. There were no between-group differences in the incidence of chondral or meniscal injury at surgery, although the study was not adequately powered to draw any statistical conclusions. CONCLUSION: Wait time for ACL reconstruction may affect patients' quality of life, as it remained diminished for a longer period when surgery was delayed. A low activity level during the waiting period was observed in both groups; this low activity level may be one reason why no between-group differences in the incidence of secondary injury were observed. The findings suggest that patients with a limited activity level during the waiting period have a low risk of secondary injuries.

Complications of Superior Capsule Reconstruction for the Treatment of Functionally Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review is to characterize the complications associated with superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) for the treatment of functionally irreparable rotator cuff tears (FIRCTs). METHODS: This systematic review was completed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Two independent reviewers completed a search of PubMed, Embase, and Medline databases. Studies were deemed eligible for inclusion if they reported postoperative outcomes of arthroscopic SCR for FIRCTs and considered at least 1 postoperative complication. Statistical heterogeneity was quantified via the I2 statistic. Due to marked heterogeneity, pooled proportions were not reported. All complications and patient-reported outcomes were described qualitatively. RESULTS: Fourteen studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The overall complication rate post-SCR ranged from 5.0% to 70.0% (I2 = 84.9%). Image-verified graft retear ranged from 8% to 70%, I2 = 79.4%), with higher rates reported when SCR was performed using allograft (19%-70%, I2 76.6%) compared to autograft (8%-29%, I2 = 66.1%). Reoperation (0%-36%, I2 = 73.4%), revision surgeries (0%-21%, I2 = 81.2%), medical complications (0%-5%, I2 = 0.0%), and infections (0%-5%, I2 = 0.0%) were also calculated. CONCLUSIONS: SCR carries a distinct complication profile when used for the treatment of FIRCTs. The overall rate of complications ranged from 5.0% to 70.0%. The most common complication is graft retear with higher ranges in allografts (19%-70%) compared to autografts (8%-29%). The majority of studies reported at least 1 reoperation (range, 0%-36%), most commonly for revision to reverse shoulder arthroplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Level IV or better investigations.

Effect of age, gender, and body mass index on incidence and satisfaction of a Popeye deformity following biceps tenotomy or tenodesis: secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of Popeye deformity following biceps tenotomy vs. tenodesis and evaluate risk factors and subjective and objective outcomes. METHODS: Data for this study were collected as part of a randomized clinical trial in which patients aged ≥18 years undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery for a long head of the biceps tendon lesion were allocated to undergo tenotomy or tenodesis. The primary outcome measure for this secondary analysis was rate of Popeye deformity at 24 months postoperation as determined by an evaluator blinded to group allocation. Those with a deformity indicated their satisfaction with the appearance of their arm on a 10-cm visual analog scale, rated their pain and cramping, and completed the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form and the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff index. Isometric elbow flexion and supination strength were also measured. Cohen kappa was calculated to measure inter-rater reliability between patient and evaluator on the presence of a deformity. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of presence or absence of a Popeye deformity. RESULTS: One hundred fourteen patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups, of which 42 to the tenodesis group and 45 to the tenotomy group completed a 24-month follow-up. Based on clinical observation, the odds of a Popeye in the tenotomy group were 4.3 times greater than in the tenodesis group (P = .018) with incidence of 33% (15/45) and 9.5% (4/42), respectively. Surgical technique was the only significant predictor of perceived deformity, with male gender trending toward significance (odds ratio 7.33, 95% confidence interval 0.867-61.906, P = .067). Mean (standard deviation) satisfaction score of those with a deformity regarding appearance of their arm was 7.3 (2.6). Increasing satisfaction was correlated with increasing age (r = 0.640, P = .025), but there was no association with gender (r = -0.155, P = .527) or body mass index (r = -0.221, P = .057). Differences in subjective outcomes were dependent on whether the Popeye was clinician- or self-assessed. CONCLUSION: The odds of developing a perceived Popeye deformity was 4.3 higher after tenotomy compared to tenodesis based on clinician observation. Male gender was trending toward being predictive of having a deformity. Pain and cramping were increased in those with a self-reported Popeye. Younger patients were significantly less satisfied with a deformity despite no difference in functional outcomes at 24 months. Thus, biceps tenodesis may be favored in younger male patients to minimize the risk of Popeye and the risk of dissatisfaction in the appearance of their arm following surgery.

Arthroscopic Bankart repair with and without arthroscopic infraspinatus remplissage in anterior shoulder instability with a Hill-Sachs defect: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare patient-reported and clinic outcomes between arthroscopic Bankart repair with (REMP) and without (NO REMP) arthroscopic infraspinatus remplissage in patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability with a Hill-Sachs lesion and minimal glenoid bone loss. METHODS: Patients 14 years or older with a recurrent anterior shoulder instability with the presence of an engaging Hill-Sachs defect (of any size) confirmed on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging were eligible to participate. Consented patients were randomized intraoperatively to NO REMP or REMP. Study visits were conducted preoperatively and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. The primary outcome was the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability score. Secondary outcomes included incidence of postoperative recurrent shoulder instability, Simple Shoulder Test, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, range of motion, complications, and revision surgery. To compare groups, a mixed-effects linear model was used for continuous variables and a χ2 or Fisher's exact test for categorical data. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis assessed survival distribution between groups. RESULTS: One hundred and eight patients were randomized to Bankart repair with (n = 54) or without (n = 54) remplissage. The mean follow-up was 26.5 months (21-53 months) and 24.3 months (23-64 months) for the REMP and NO REMP groups, respectively. Rates of postoperative recurrent instability were higher (P = .027) in the NO REMP group with 9 of 50 (18%) vs. 2 of 52 (4%) postoperative dislocations in the REMP group. There were no significant differences in patient-reported outcomes between groups at any time point. Survival curve distributions were also significantly different favoring REMP (χ2 = 5.255, P = .022). There was a significant difference in rate of revision surgery between groups with 6 in the NO REMP and none in the REMP groups (P = .029). Post hoc, patients were noted to have a higher risk for re-dislocation if their Hill-Sachs lesion was ≥20 mm in width or ≥15% of humeral head diameter. One intraoperative complication was reported in the REMP group. CONCLUSIONS: There is significantly greater risk of postoperative recurrent instability in patients who did not have a remplissage performed in conjunction with an arthroscopic Bankart repair for the treatment of traumatic recurrent anterior shoulder instability with Hill-Sachs lesions of any size and minimal glenoid bone loss (<15%) at 2 years postoperatively. Otherwise, there are no differences in patient-reported outcomes, complications, or shoulder function at 2 years postoperatively. In addition, the remplissage procedure has significantly lower rates of re-dislocation in high-risk patients with Hill-Sachs lesions ≥20 mm and/or ≥15% in size.

Arthroscopic Versus Open Lateral Release for the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to determine whether quality of life and function, as measured using subjective questionnaires and clinical assessment, are different after open versus arthroscopic debridement of the pathologic extensor carpi radialis brevis origin in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis at 1 year postoperatively. METHODS: Patients older than 16 years with a minimum of 6 months of nonoperative management for lateral epicondylitis were recruited into this prospective, single-blinded randomized clinical trial. Patients were randomized intraoperatively to undergo open or arthroscopic release. Scores on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) outcome measure; visual analog scale (VAS); and Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) were recorded preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Grip strength was assessed by an independent assessor. All patients followed the same physiotherapy regimen. RESULTS: Between 2002 and 2014, we randomized 37 patients to the open technique and 38 to the arthroscopic technique. Both groups improved significantly from preoperatively to 12 months postoperatively (P < .001). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups when comparing the DASH score, VAS score, PRTEE score, or grip strength at any time point. The only significant difference between study groups was that the arthroscopic technique resulted in a longer surgery time: 34.0 minutes (standard error of the mean, 2.9 minutes) versus 22.5 minutes (standard error of the mean, 1.3 minutes) (P = .005). CONCLUSIONS: Comparing the open versus arthroscopic technique in the surgical management of lateral epicondylitis through a randomized clinical trial, we determined that there was no difference between the 2 operative modalities when examining the DASH score, VAS score, PRTEE score, grip strength, or complication rate at 12 months postoperatively. A shorter operative time coupled with potentially less setup time may favor open release. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, lower-quality randomized trial.

No clinical differences between anteromedial portal and transtibial technique for femoral tunnel positioning in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a prospective randomized, controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The anteromedial (AMP) portal technique was introduced to position the femoral tunnel in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction to more closely replicate the original ACL footprint compared to the transtibial (TT) approach. Few randomized trials have evaluated differences in these techniques with respect to clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine if there are any differences in clinical outcome between the AMP and TT approaches. METHODS: This is a single-blinded, prospective, randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized to undergo ACL reconstruction using the AMP or TT approach. The primary outcome measure was the ACL quality of life (ACL-QOL), and secondary outcomes were the IKDC knee assessment, side-to-side difference in anterior-posterior knee laxity (KT-1000) and tunnel orientation (X-ray findings) at preoperative, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperative. Statistical comparisons were performed using a series of t tests for independent groups with equal variance. RESULTS: Ninety-six participants were consented and randomized between 2007 and 2011 with eight excluded postrandomization. Mean (SD) preoperative ACL-QOL was 33 (13) for TT and 36 (17) for AMP and improved significantly (p < 0.001) in both groups to 79 (18) and 78 (18) at 24 months postoperative, respectively. The preoperative median IKDC grade for both groups was C and improved similarly in both groups at 24 months (n.s.). There was no side-to-side difference in knee laxity based on KT-1000 measurements with a mean (SD) 1 (3) mm between affected and unaffected limbs in the TT group compared to 1 (3) mm for the AMP group. A significant difference was found in femoral tunnel orientation with the AMP group at 43° (7) and the TT group 58° (8) in the coronal plane (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: No differences in clinical outcome were found when comparing AMP to TT in primary ACL reconstruction using a STG graft. This prospective randomized controlled trial suggests surgeons can use either method without significantly compromising clinical outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Using pre-operative MRI to predict intraoperative hamstring graft size for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Large variation in tendon size between individuals makes hamstring graft diameter for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction unpredictable. Inadequate graft diameter may necessitate an alternative source of tissue requiring pre-operative planning. The purpose of this study was to determine whether magnetic resonance image (MRI) measurements and clinical anthropometric data are predictive of hamstring tendon graft diameter. METHODS: Data from 109 patients having ACL reconstruction with semitendinosus-gracilis (STGT) autograft were retrospectively evaluated. Cross-sectional area (CSA) of the gracilis tendon (GT) and semitendinosus tendon (ST) were determined from pre-operative MRI scans. Variables included pre-operative height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age and gender; and intra-operative graft diameter. RESULTS: Correlations between anthropometric variables, hamstring tendons CSA and intra-operative graft diameter were calculated. Multiple stepwise regression was performed to assess the predictive value of these variables to graft diameter. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated to evaluate the utility of MRI CSA measurements in accurately identifying inadequate graft diameter (<8 mm). All anthropometric variables were positively correlated with intraoperative graft diameter (p < 0.01). Semitendinosus-gracilis tendon CSA (p < 0.001) and STGT CSA and weight (p < 0.001) were significantly predictive models of graft diameter. Sensitivity and specificity were 79 and 74 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: The strongest indicators of a four-stranded STGT graft for primary ACL reconstruction were STGT CSA on MRI plus weight. Measurement of graft diameter can be performed pre-operatively via MRI to identify tendons that may be of inadequate size for ACL reconstruction. This can assist with surgical planning to determine the most appropriate graft choice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Radiostereometric analysis of keeled versus pegged glenoid components in total shoulder arthroplasty: a randomized feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess differences in the fixation and functional outcomes between pegged and keeled all-polyethylene glenoid components for standard total shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive a keeled or pegged all-polyethylene glenoid component. We used model-based radiostereometric analysis (RSA) to assess glenoid fixation and subjective outcome measures to assess patient function. Follow-up examinations were completed at 6 weeks and 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. Modifications to the RSA surgical, imaging and analytical techniques were required throughout the study to improve the viability of the data. RESULTS: Stymied enrolment resulted in only 16 patients being included in our analyses. The RSA data indicated statistically greater coronal plane migration in the keeled glenoid group than in the pegged group at 12 and 24 months. Functional outcome scores did not differ significantly between the groups at any follow-up. One patient with a keeled glenoid showed high component migration after 24 months and subsequently required revision surgery 7 years postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Despite a small sample size, we found significant differences in migration between glenoid device designs. Although clinically these findings are not robust, we have shown the feasibility of RSA in total shoulder arthroplasty as well as the value of a high-precision metric to achieve objective results in a small group of patients.

CONTEXTE: Cette étude avait pour objet d'évaluer les différences sur le plan de la fixation et des résultats fonctionnels entre les composants glénoïdiens à plots et à quille, tous deux en polyéthylène, dans une arthroplastie totale traditionnelle de l'épaule. MÉTHODES: La répartition des composants glénoïdiens en polyéthylène à plots et à quille a été faite de façon aléatoire. Nous nous sommes servis de modèles d'analyses radiostéréométriques (ARS) pour évaluer la fixation glénoïdienne et les indicateurs de résultats subjectifs, ce qui nous a ainsi permis d'évaluer les résultats fonctionnels des patients. Quatre examens de suivi ont été réalisés après la chirurgie : à 6 semaines, puis à 6 mois, à 12 mois et à 24 mois. Tout au long de l'étude, des ajustements ont été apportés aux modèles d'ARS de la chirurgie, de l'imagerie et des analyses afin d'améliorer la viabilité des données. RÉSULTATS: Des problèmes liés au recrutement ont fait en sorte que nous n'avons retenu que 16 patients dans le cadre de nos analyses. Les données d'ARS ont montré une migration statistiquement plus grande du plan frontal dans le groupe quille que dans le groupe plots à 12 et à 24 mois. Les résultats fonctionnels étaient sensiblement les mêmes d'un groupe à l'autre, peu importe le moment du suivi. Un patient du groupe quille a présenté une migration très importante du composant après 24 mois; il a dû subir une chirurgie de révision 7 ans après la chirurgie initiale. CONCLUSION: Malgré la petite taille de l'échantillon, nous avons observé des différences significatives dans la migration des composants, selon le type utilisé. Même si ces observations ne permettent pas d'arriver à des conclusions robustes d'un point de vue clinique, nous avons montré qu'il est possible d'avoir recours aux ARS en contexte d'arthroplastie totale de l'épaule et démontré la valeur associée à l'utilisation de mesures de haute précision pour l'obtention de résultats objectifs chez un petit groupe de patients.

Randomized controlled trial of arthroscopic electrothermal capsulorrhaphy with Bankart repair and isolated arthroscopic Bankart repair.

PURPOSE: Electrothermal arthroscopic capsulorrhaphy (ETAC) was introduced as an adjunct to shoulder stabilization surgery to address capsular laxity in the treatment of traumatic anterior dislocation. No previous RCT has compared arthroscopic Bankart repair with ETAC of the medial glenohumeral ligament and anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament versus undergoing arthroscopic Bankart repair alone. Our hypothesis was that there would be no difference in quality of life between these two groups. Complication/failure rates were also compared. METHODS: Eighty-eight patients were randomly assigned to receive arthroscopic Bankart repair with (n = 44) or without ETAC (n = 44). Post-operative visits occurred at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months with WOSI, ASES, and Constant scores completed, and rates of dislocation/subluxation were determined. RESULTS: Data on 74 patients were analysed, with the rest lost to follow-up. There were no differences between groups at any post-surgery time points for WOSI, ASES, or Constant scores (n.s.). Eight patients in the no-ETAC group and 7 in the ETAC group were considered failures (n.s.). CONCLUSIONS: No benefits in patient-reported outcome or recurrence rates using ETAC were found. Mean WOSI scores 2 years post-surgery were virtually identical for the two groups. ETAC could not be shown to provide benefit or detriment when combined with arthroscopic labral repair for traumatic anterior instability of the shoulder. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Long-term follow-up of ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft.

PURPOSE: To investigate the differences in the incidence and severity of knee osteoarthritis (OA), joint space narrowing, knee laxity, and knee flexion and extension strength between an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-reconstructed knee and the contralateral non-reconstructed limb. METHODS: Retrospective case series of patients from a single surgeon that had an ACL reconstruction with a semitendinosus/gracilis autograft more than 12 years ago. Outcome measures included radiographic analysis, International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Evaluation Form (IKDC), KT-1000, Tegner Activity Level Scale, Lysholm Knee Score, ACL quality of life score (ACL-QOL) and knee flexor/extensor strength. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients consented and sixty-eight (43 male, 25 female) were included for analysis. Average age (SD) at the time of surgery was 31.2 (±9.1) years. At follow-up of 14.6 (1.9) years, 9% had re-ruptured their ACL, whereas 5% ruptured the contralateral ACL. Reconstructed knees had a greater incidence and severity of OA (P < 0.01). Medial meniscus surgery was a strong predictor of OA. Seventy-five per cent scored a normal or nearly normal knee on the IKDC. The mean Lysholm score was 75.8% and Tegner Activity Level Scale scores decreased (P < 0.001) from the time of surgery. Knee extension strength was greater in the contralateral knee at speeds of 60°/s (P = 0.014) and 150°/s (P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Reconstructed knees have a greater incidence and severity of OA than non-reconstructed knees, which suggests degenerative changes are secondary to ACL rupture. Medial meniscus surgery is a strong predictor of OA. Despite this, 75% of patients reported good outcomes.

Functional Performance and Tendon Morphology After Operative or Nonoperative Treatment of Achilles Tendon Ruptures.

Background: While controversy remains as to the relative benefit of operative (OM) versus non-operative management (NOM) of Achilles tendon (AT) ruptures (ATR), few studies have examined the effect on high impact maneuvers such as jumping and hopping. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if functional performance including strength, jumping, and hopping outcomes differed between OM and NOM of acute ATR. The secondary objective was to assess the degree of association between AT morphology and performance outcomes. Study Design: Retrospective cohort with a single prospective evaluation. Methods: All patients were treated at an institutional secondary care center. Eligible participants (n=12 OM; 12 NOM) who were treated with OM or NOM of ATR within three weeks of injury were evaluated a minimum 20 months following ATR. AT length, thickness and gastrocnemius muscle thickness were assessed with B-mode ultrasound. Isokinetic plantar flexor strength, hop tests and countermovement and drop jumps were completed. Two-way ANOVAS were completed on all tests with unilateral values, independent t-tests were used for bilateral outcomes, and linear regressions were completed to assess the relationship between normalized AT length and performance. Results: Affected limb AT was elongated and thickened (p\<0.01), gastrocnemius was atrophied (p\< 0.01) and angle-specific plantar flexor torque was reduced at 120°/s when measured at 20° plantar flexion (p = 0.028). Single leg drop vertical jump was higher in OM (p = 0.015) with no difference for hop and jump tests. AT length was related to plantar flexor torque but had no relationship with hopping performance. Conclusions: Hop test performance was maintained despite plantarflexion weakness, gastrocnemius atrophy, and AT elongation. This may be the result of compensatory movement patterns. AT length holds limited explanatory power in plantar flexor strength, although this relationship should be evaluated further. Level of Evidence: Level III.