Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy versus physical therapy for traumatic meniscal tears in a young study population: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes from arthroscopic partial meniscectomy versus physical therapy in young patients with traumatic meniscal tears. METHODS: We conducted a multicentre, open-labelled, randomised controlled trial in patients aged 18-45 years, with a recent onset, traumatic, MRI-verified, isolated meniscal tear without knee osteoarthritis. Patients were randomised to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy or standardised physical therapy with an optional delayed arthroscopic partial meniscectomy after 3-month follow-up. The primary outcome was the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score (best 100, worst 0) at 24 months, which measures patients' perception of symptoms, knee function and ability to participate in sports activities. RESULTS: Between 2014 and 2018, 100 patients were included (mean age 35.1 (SD 8.1), 76% male, 34 competitive or elite athletes). Forty-nine were randomised to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy and 51 to physical therapy. In the physical therapy group, 21 patients (41%) received delayed arthroscopic partial meniscectomy during the follow-up period. In both groups, improvement in IKDC scores was clinically relevant during follow-up compared with baseline scores. At 24 months mean (95% CI) IKDC scores were 78 (71 to 84) out of 100 points in the arthroscopic partial meniscectomy group and 78 (71 to 84) in the physical therapy group with a between group difference of 0.1 (95% CI -7.6 to 7.7) points out of 100. CONCLUSIONS: In this trial involving young patients with isolated traumatic meniscal tears, early arthroscopic partial meniscectomy was not superior to a strategy of physical therapy with optional delayed arthroscopic partial meniscectomy at 24-month follow-up. TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://www.trialregister.nl/trials.

Intra-operative assessment of the vascularisation of a cross section of the meniscus using near-infrared fluorescence imaging.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess whether the vascularisation of the meniscus could be visualised intra-operatively using near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: The anterior horn (i.e., Cooper classification: zones C and D) of the meniscus that was least affected (i.e., least degenerative) was removed during TKA surgery in ten patients to obtain a cross section of the inside of the meniscus. Thereafter, 10 mg of ICG was injected intravenously, and vascularisation of the cross section of the meniscus was assessed using the Quest spectrum NIRF camera system. We calculated the percentage of patients in whom vascularisation was observed intra-operatively using NIRF imaging compared to immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Meniscal vascularisation using NIRF imaging was observed in six out of eight (75%) patients in whom vascularisation was demonstrated with immunohistochemistry. The median extent of vascularisation was 13% (interquartile range (IQR) 3-28%) using NIRF imaging and 15% (IQR 11-23%) using immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION: This study shows the potential of NIRF imaging to visualise vascularisation of the meniscus, as vascularisation was observed in six out of eight patients with histologically proven meniscal vascularisation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Dutch Guideline on Knee Arthroscopy Part 2: non-meniscus intra-articular knee injury: a multidisciplinary review by the Dutch Orthopaedic Association.

Background and purpose - A guideline committee of medical specialists and a physiotherapist was formed on the initiative of the Dutch Orthopedic Association (NOV) to update the Guideline Arthroscopy of the Knee: Indications and Treatment 2010. This next Guideline was developed between June 2017 and December 2019. In part 1 we focused on the meniscus; this part 2 addresses all other aspects of knee arthroscopy.Methods - The guideline was developed in accordance with the criteria of the AGREE instrument (AGREE II: Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II) with support of a professional methodologist from the Dutch Knowledge Institute of Medical Specialists. The scientific literature was searched and systematically analyzed. Conclusions and recommendations were formulated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) method. Recommendations were developed considering the balance of benefits and harms, the type and quality of evidence, the values and preferences of the people involved, and the costs.

Dutch Guideline on Knee Arthroscopy Part 1, the meniscus: a multidisciplinary review by the Dutch Orthopaedic Association.

Background and purpose - A guideline committee of medical specialists and a physiotherapist was formed on the initiative of the Dutch Orthopedic Association (NOV) to update the guideline Arthroscopy of the Knee: Indications and Treatment 2010. This next guideline was developed between June 2017 and December 2019. In this Part 1 we focus on the meniscus, in Part 2 on all other aspects of knee arthroscopy.Methods - The guideline was developed in accordance with the criteria of the AGREE instrument (AGREE II: Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II) with support of a professional methodologist from the Dutch Knowledge Institute of Medical Specialists. The scientific literature was searched and systematically analyzed. Conclusions and recommendations were formulated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) method. Recommendations were developed considering the balance of benefits and harms, the type and quality of evidence, the values and preferences of the people involved, and the costs.

Meniscal allograft transplantation in The Netherlands: long-term survival, patient-reported outcomes, and their association with preoperative complaints and interventions.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of survival of meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) and postoperative patient-reported outcome (PRO), and their association with prior interventions of the knee. METHODS: A prospective consecutive study of 109 consecutive patients who had an arthroscopic meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) between 1999 and 2017 by a single surgeon. Patients were assessed with KOOS scores, preoperative and after a minimal follow-up of 2 years. Furthermore, two anchor questions (whether expectations were met and overall satisfaction, on a five-point Likert scale) were asked. Additionally, prior interventions to MAT were evaluated. RESULTS: Prior to MAT, patients had undergone an average of 2.8 (range 1-14) of surgical procedures of the knee. Overall, mean allograft survival was 16.1 years (95% CI 14.8-17.5 years). Higher age at surgery was associated with lower MAT survival: hazard ratio for MAT failure was 1.19 per year increase (95% CI 1.04 to 1.36, p = 0.009). At 4.5 years (IQR, 2-9) of follow-up, all KOOS score were still improved compared to baseline. Age below 35 years, simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and number of knee surgeries before MAT were associated with lower KOOS scores. Overall patient expectations and overall satisfaction after MAT were not associated with preoperative patient characteristics nor with the number or kind of preoperative interventions. CONCLUSION: Meniscal allograft transplantation has a good overall survival with a clinically relevant improvement. Both meniscal allograft survival and PRO were associated with age. PRO was lower in patients younger than 35 years at time of MAT and meniscal allograft survival was worse in patients older than 50 years. PRO was associated with preoperative patient characteristics and number of surgical procedures prior to MAT. All patients reported improved postoperative satisfaction and met expectations after MAT, both independent of the preoperative history of knee interventions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III. Trial registration Medical ethical review board (METC) number: 17-104 (7 August 2017). Dutch Trial Register (NTR) number: NTR6630 (4 July 2017).

Anatomic is better than isometric posterior cruciate ligament tunnel placement based upon in vivo simulation.

PURPOSE: To elucidate the effects of various tibial and femoral attachment locations on the theoretical length changes and isometry of PCL grafts in healthy knees during in vivo weightbearing motion. METHODS: The intact knees of 14 patients were imaged using a combined magnetic resonance and dual fluoroscopic imaging technique while the patient performed a quasi-static lunge (0°-120° of flexion). The theoretical end-to-end distances of the 3-dimensional wrapping paths between 165 femoral attachments, including the anatomic anterolateral bundle (ALB), central attachment and posteromedial bundle (PMB) of the PCL, connected to an anterolateral, central, and posteromedial tibial attachment were simulated and measured. A descriptive heatmap was created to demonstrate the length changes on the medial condyle and formal comparisons were made between the length changes of the anatomic PCL and most isometric grafts. RESULTS: The most isometric graft, with approximately 3% length change between 0° and 120° of flexion, was located proximal to the anatomic femoral PCL attachments. Grafts with femoral attachments proximal to the isometric zone decreased in length with increasing flexion angles, whereas grafts with more distal attachments increased in length with increasing flexion angles. The ALB and central single-bundle graft demonstrated a significant elongation from 0° to 120° of flexion (p < 0.001). The PMB decreased in length between 0° and 60° of flexion after which the bundle increased in length to its maximum length at 120° (p < 0.001). No significant differences in length changes were found between either the ALB or PMB and the central graft, and between the ALB and PMB at flexion angles ≥ 60° (n.s.). CONCLUSIONS: The most isometric attachment was proximal to the anatomic PCL footprint and resulted in non-physiological length changes. Moving the femoral attachment locations of the PCL significantly affected length change patterns, whereas moving the tibia locations did not. The importance of anatomically positioned (i.e., distal to the isometric area) femoral PCL reconstruction locations to replicate physiological length changes is highlighted. These data can be used to optimize tunnel positioning in either single- or double-bundle and primary or revision PCL reconstruction cases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

An In Vivo Prediction of Anisometry and Strain in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction - A Combined Magnetic Resonance and Dual Fluoroscopic Imaging Analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the in vivo anisometry and strain of theoretical anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafts in the healthy knee using various socket locations on both the femur and tibia. METHODS: Eighteen healthy knees were imaged using magnetic resonance imaging and dual fluoroscopic imaging techniques during a step-up and sit-to-stand motion. The anisometry of the medial aspect of the lateral femoral condyle was mapped using 144 theoretical socket positions connected to an anteromedial, central, and posterolateral attachment site on the tibia. The 3-dimensional wrapping paths of each theoretical graft were measured. Comparisons were made between the anatomic, over the top (OTT), and most-isometric (isometric) femoral socket locations, as well as between tibial insertions. RESULTS: The area of least anisometry was found in the proximal-distal direction just posterior to the intercondylar notch. The most isometric attachment site was found midway on the Blumensaat line with approximately 2% and 6% strain during the step-up and sit-to-stand motion, respectively. Posterior femoral attachments resulted in decreased graft lengths with increasing flexion angles, whereas anterodistal attachments yielded increased lengths with increasing flexion angles. The anisometry of the anatomic, OTT and isometric grafts varied between tibial insertions (P < .001). The anatomic graft was significantly more anisometric than the OTT and isometric graft at deeper flexion angles (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: An area of least anisometry was found in the proximal-distal direction just posterior to the intercondylar notch. ACL reconstruction at the isometric and OTT location resulted in nonanatomic graft behavior, which could overconstrain the knee at deeper flexion angles. Tibial location significantly affected graft strains for the anatomic, OTT, and isometric socket location. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study improves the knowledge on ACL anisometry and strain and helps surgeons to better understand the consequences of socket positioning during intra-articular ACL reconstruction.

In Vivo Anterolateral Ligament Length Change in the Healthy Knee During Functional Activities-A Combined Magnetic Resonance and Dual Fluoroscopic Imaging Analysis.

PURPOSE: To measure the in vivo anterolateral ligament (ALL) length change in healthy knees during step-up and sit-to-stand motions. METHODS: Eighteen healthy knees were imaged using magnetic resonance and dual fluoroscopic imaging techniques during a step-up and sit-to-stand motion. The ALL length change was measured using the shortest three-dimensional wrapping path, with its femoral attachment located slightly anterior-distal (ALL-Claes) or posterior-proximal (ALL-Kennedy) to the fibular collateral ligament attachment. The ALL length measured from the extended knee position of the non-weight-bearing magnetic resonance scan was used as a reference to normalize the length change. RESULTS: During the step-up motion (approximately 55° flexion to full extension), both the ALL-Claes and ALL-Kennedy showed a significant decrease in length of 21.2% (95% confidence interval 18.0-24.4, P < .001) and 24.3% (20.6-28.1, P < .001), respectively. During the sit-to-stand motion (approximately 90° flexion to full extension), both the ALL-Claes and ALL-Kennedy showed a consistent, significant decrease in length of 35.2% (28.8-42.2, P < .001) and 39.2% (32.4-46.0, P < .001), respectively. From approximately 90° to 70° of flexion, a decrease in length of approximately 6% was seen; 70° of flexion to full extension resulted in an approximately 30% decrease in length. CONCLUSIONS: The ALL was found to be a nonisometric structure during the step-up and sit-to-stand motion. The length of the ALL was approximately 35% longer at approximately 90° of knee flexion when compared with full extension and showed decreasing length at lower flexion angles. Similar ALL length change patterns were found with its femoral attachment located slightly anterior-distal or posterior-proximal to the fibular collateral ligament attachment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These data suggest that, if performing anatomic ALL reconstruction, graft fixation may be performed beyond 70° flexion to reduce the chance of lateral compartment overconstraint. Anatomic ALL reconstruction may affect the knee kinematics more in high flexion than at low flexion angles.

Does acromioplasty result in favorable clinical and radiologic outcomes in the management of chronic subacromial pain syndrome? A double-blinded randomized clinical trial with 9 to 14 years' follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The treatment effect of acromioplasty for chronic subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) on long-term shoulder function and rotator cuff deterioration has still to be determined. This study aimed to determine the long-term clinical and radiologic treatment effect of arthroscopic acromioplasty in patients with chronic SAPS. METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, 56 patients with chronic SAPS (median age, 47 years; age range, 31-60 years) were randomly allocated to arthroscopic bursectomy alone or to bursectomy combined with acromioplasty and were followed up for a median of 12 years. The primary outcome was the Constant score. Secondary outcomes included the Simple Shoulder Test, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, VAS for shoulder functionality, and rotator cuff integrity assessed with magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound. RESULTS: A total of 43 patients (77%) were examined at a median of 12 years' follow-up. Intention-to-treat analysis at 12 years' follow-up did not show a significant additional treatment effect of acromioplasty on bursectomy alone in improvement in Constant score (5 points; 95% confidence interval, -5.1 to 15.6), Simple Shoulder Test score, VAS score for pain, or VAS score for shoulder function. The prevalence of rotator cuff tears was not significantly different between the bursectomy group (17%) and acromioplasty group (10%). CONCLUSIONS: There were no relevant additional effects of arthroscopic acromioplasty on bursectomy alone with respect to clinical outcomes and rotator cuff integrity at 12 years' follow-up. These findings bring the effectiveness of acromioplasty into question and may support the idea of a more conservative approach in the initial treatment of SAPS.

Three-dimensional shoulder kinematics normalize after rotator cuff repair.

BACKGROUND: Patients with a rotator cuff (RC) tear often exhibit scapular dyskinesia with increased scapular lateral rotation and decreased glenohumeral elevation with arm abduction. We hypothesized that in patients with an RC tear, scapular lateral rotation, and thus glenohumeral elevation, will be restored to normal after RC repair. METHODS: Shoulder kinematics were quantitatively analyzed in 26 patients with an electromagnetic tracking device (Flock of Birds) before and 1 year after RC repair in this observational case series. We focused on humeral range of motion and scapular kinematics during abduction. The asymptomatic contralateral shoulder was used as the control. Changes in scapular kinematics were associated with the gain in range of motion. Shoulder kinematics were analyzed using a linear mixed model. RESULTS: Mean arm abduction and forward flexion improved after surgery by 20° (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.7°-36.5°; P = .025) and 13° (95% CI, 1.2°-36.5°; P = .044), respectively. Kinematic analyses showed decreases in mean scapular protraction (ie, internal rotation) and lateral rotation (ie, upward rotation) during abduction by 3° (95% CI, 0.0°-5.2°; P = .046) and 4° (95% CI, 1.6°-8.4°; P = .042), respectively. Glenohumeral elevation increased by 5° (95% CI, 0.6°-9.7°; P = .028) at 80°. Humeral range of motion increased when scapular lateral rotation decreased and posterior tilt increased. CONCLUSIONS: Scapular kinematics normalize after RC repair toward a symmetrical scapular motion pattern as observed in the asymptomatic contralateral shoulder. The observed changes in scapular kinematics are associated with an increased overall range of motion and suggest restored function of shoulder muscles.

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

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

Clinical outcome in all-arthroscopic versus mini-open rotator cuff repair in small to medium-sized tears: a randomized controlled trial in 100 patients with 1-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes in the first postoperative year of patients with full-thickness small to medium-sized tears undergoing all-arthroscopic (AA) versus mini-open (MO) rotator cuff repair. METHODS: One hundred patients were randomized to either AA or MO rotator cuff repair at the time of surgery on an intention-to-treat basis. Patients were evaluated before and 6, 12, 26, and 52 weeks after surgery using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score as a primary outcome score and the Constant-Murley score, visual analog scale (VAS)-pain/impairment score, and measurement of active forward flexion/external rotation as secondary outcome measures. Ultrasound evaluation was used to assess structural integrity of the repair 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients were analyzed in the AA group and 48 in the MO group. Five patients were lost to follow-up. Mean age was 57.2 (SD 8.0) years in the AA group and 57.8 (SD 7.9) years in the MO group. Primary and secondary outcome measures significantly improved in both groups postoperatively. Overall mean primary and secondary postoperative outcome scores did not statistically significantly differ between the treatment groups (DASH between-group mean difference: -3.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], -10.2 to 3.4; P = .317). However, at the 6-week follow-up, DASH score, VAS-pain and -impairment, and active forward flexion were significantly more improved in the AA group than in the MO group. A retear was seen in 8 patients (17%) in the AA group and 6 patients (13%) in the MO group. Five patients in the AA group (11%) and 6 patients (13%) in the MO group developed adhesive capsulitis. CONCLUSIONS: Functional outcome, pain, range of motion, and complications do not significantly differ between patients treated with all-arthroscopic repair and those treated with mini-open repair in the first year after surgery. Patients do attain the benefits of treatment somewhat sooner (6 weeks) with the arthroscopic procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, randomized controlled trial without postoperative blinding.

Clinical outcome and structural integrity of all-arthroscopic repair of degenerative subscapularis tendon tears.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of all-arthroscopic repair of degenerative subscapularis tendon tears and post-operative structural integrity using magnetic resonance imaging with a short-term follow-up. METHODS: Twenty-one patients were treated all-arthroscopically for a full-thickness degenerative subscapularis tendon tear. Median patient age was 55 years (range, 41-69). Median follow-up was 25 months (range, 15-44). Patients were evaluated prior to surgery and at follow-up: active range of motion, VAS pain, Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score (DASH). At final follow-up, the Constant-Murley score was evaluated. RESULTS: Mean active range of motion showed significant post-operative improvement (p < 0.001). VAS pain improved from 8.3 (SD ± 1.3) pre-operatively to 2.7 (SD ± 1.8) post-operatively (<0.001); SST increased from 20 % (SD ± 26) pre-operatively to 83 % (SD ± 27) post-operatively (<0.001); DASH scores improved 67 (SD ± 19) to 18 (SD ± 21) post-operatively (<0.001). Post-operative Constant-Murley score was 79 (SD ± 12). Two patients had failure of the repair on post-operative MRI. Twelve cases (57 %) showed post-operative progression of fatty muscle infiltration. CONCLUSION: All-arthroscopic repair is an effective treatment modality for degenerative subscapularis tendon tears with an anterosuperior tear pattern with good clinical results and high patient satisfaction. Although there was a high tendon-to-bone healing rate, fatty muscle infiltration was progressive in more than half of the patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic case series, Level IV.

Cost-effectiveness of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy versus physical therapy for traumatic meniscal tears in patients aged under 45 years.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy versus physical therapy plus optional delayed arthroscopic partial meniscectomy in young patients aged under 45 years with traumatic meniscal tears. Methods: We conducted a multicentre, open-labelled, randomized controlled trial in patients aged 18 to 45 years, with a recent onset, traumatic, MRI-verified, isolated meniscal tear without knee osteoarthritis. Patients were randomized to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy or standardized physical therapy with an optional delayed arthroscopic partial meniscectomy after three months of follow-up. We performed a cost-utility analysis on the randomization groups to compare both treatments over a 24-month follow-up period. Cost utility was calculated as incremental costs per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy compared to physical therapy. Calculations were performed from a healthcare system perspective and a societal perspective. Results: A total of 100 patients were included: 49 were randomized to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy and 51 to physical therapy. In the physical therapy group, 21 patients (41%) received delayed arthroscopic partial meniscectomy during follow-up. Over 24 months, patients in the arthroscopic partial meniscectomy group had a mean 0.005 QALYs lower quality of life (95% confidence interval -0.13 to 0.14). The cost-utility ratio was €-160,000/QALY from the healthcare perspective and €-223,372/QALY from the societal perspective, indicating that arthroscopic partial meniscectomy incurs additional costs without any added health benefit. Conclusion: Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is unlikely to be cost-effective in treating young patients with isolated traumatic meniscal tears compared to physical therapy as a primary health intervention. Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy leads to a similar quality of life, but higher costs, compared to physical therapy plus optional delayed arthroscopic partial meniscectomy.

Arthroscopic side-to-side repair of massive and contracted rotator cuff tears using a single uninterrupted suture: the shoestring bridge technique.

PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a new side-to-side repair technique for massive rotator cuff tears using a single uninterrupted suture in the configuration of a shoestring in a medial-to-lateral progression. METHODS: Thirty-one consecutive patients with a mean age of 59 years (SD, 4.7 years) had primary arthroscopic repair of their massive, U-shaped, contracted supraspinatus and infraspinatus tear by the shoestring bridge technique. Preoperatively and postoperatively, we measured active forward flexion and determined the visual analog scale score for pain, Simple Shoulder Test score, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Repair integrity was evaluated by ultrasonography. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 26.5 months, all scores had significantly improved: active forward flexion, mean of 70° (SD, 29°) preoperatively to 139° (SD, 39°) postoperatively (P < .001); visual analog scale score for pain, 8.0 ± 1.4 points to 2.5 ± 1.8 points (P < .001); Simple Shoulder Test score, 15% ± 19% to 72% ± 23% (P < .001); and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, 62 ± 17 points to 21 ± 14 points (P < .001). Ultrasound evaluation showed that 25 of 31 patients (81%) had heeled tendons. Of 31 patients, 6 (19%) had a complete retear. Only 3 of these 6 patients were not satisfied with the result. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic side-to-side repair by the shoestring bridge technique is effective in the treatment of massive, U-shaped, contracted supraspinatus and infraspinatus tears. It provides the shoulder surgeon a treatment modality with significant improvement in pain and function, high patient satisfaction, and a low retear rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Preoperative agreement on the geometric classification and 2-dimensional measurement of rotator cuff tears based on magnetic resonance arthrography.

PURPOSE: To determine the intraobserver and interobserver agreement on the geometric classification and 2-dimensional measurements of rotator cuff tears based on magnetic resonance arthrography. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed preoperative magnetic resonance arthrograms of 73 consecutive patients who were surgically treated for their full-thickness rotator cuff tears. The images were blinded and evaluated by 2 orthopaedic shoulder surgeons and 2 musculoskeletal radiologists using the geometric classification of rotator cuff tears (type 1, crescent-shaped tear; type 2, longitudinal U- or L-shaped tear; type 3a, massive tear measuring between 20 and 30 mm; and type 3b, massive contracted tear measuring >30 mm) and measuring the sagittal/coronal dimensions of the tear. Review was performed twice with an interval of at least 8 weeks. Agreement was calculated using the linear weighted κ coefficient and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The intraobserver agreement was excellent for both the geometric classification and the sagittal/coronal dimension measurement (κ, 0.81 to 0.92; ICC, 0.84 to 0.98). The ICC for the interobserver agreement was excellent for all sagittal and coronal dimension measurements (ICC, 0.95 to 0.97). The interobserver agreement for the geometric classification was good for the orthopaedic surgeons (κ, 0.75 for round 1 and 0.73 for round 2). The interobserver agreement for the radiologists was excellent in observation round 1 (κ, 0.82) and good in observation round 2 (κ, 0.71). The interobserver agreement between orthopaedic surgeons and radiologists was found to be moderate to good (κ, 0.52 to 0.66). The Fleiss κ was 0.66 for round 1 and 0.62 for round 2. CONCLUSIONS: The geometric classification and the 2-dimensional measurement of rotator cuff tears using magnetic resonance arthrography have good to excellent intraobserver agreement and moderate to good interobserver agreement among experienced observers. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic study of nonconsecutive patients without consistently applied gold standard.

The role of patient characteristics and the effects of angiogenic therapies on the microvasculature of the meniscus: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Considerable interindividual variation in meniscal microvascularization has been reported. The purpose of this review was to identify which patient characteristics affect meniscal microvascularization and provide a structured overview of angiogenic therapies that influence meniscal neovascularization. METHODS: A systematic literature search was undertaken using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane library and Emcare from inception to November 2021. Studies reporting on (1) Patient characteristics that affect meniscal microvascularization, or (2) Therapies that induce neovascularization in meniscal tissue were included. Studies were graded in quality using the Anatomical Quality Assessment (AQUA) tool. The study was registered with PROSPERO(ID:CRD42021242479). RESULTS: Thirteen studies reported on patient characteristics and eleven on angiogenic therapies. The influence of Age, Degenerative knee, Gender, and Race was reported. Age is the most studied factor. The entire meniscus is vascularized around birth. With increasing age, vascularization decreases from the inner to the peripheral margin. Around 11 years, blood vessels are primarily located in the peripheral third of the menisci. There seems to be a further decrease in vascularization with increasing age in adults, yet conflicting literature exists. Degenerative changes of the knee also seem to influence meniscal vascularization, but evidence is limited. Angiogenic therapies to improve meniscal vascularization have only been studied in preclinical setting. The use of synovial flap transplantation, stem cell therapy, vascular endothelial growth factor, and angiogenin has shown promising results. CONCLUSION: To decrease failure rates of meniscal repair, a better understanding of patient-specific vascular anatomy is essential. Translational clinical research is needed to investigate the clinical value of angiogenic therapies.

Study protocol subacromial impingement syndrome: the identification of pathophysiologic mechanisms (SISTIM).

BACKGROUND: The subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) is the most common diagnosed disorder of the shoulder in primary health care, but its aetiology is unclear. Conservative treatment regimes focus at reduction of subacromial inflammatory reactions or pathologic scapulohumeral motion patterns (intrinsic aetiology). Long-lasting symptoms are often treated with surgery, which is focused at enlarging the subacromial space by resection of the anterior part of the acromion (based on extrinsic aetiology). Despite that acromionplasty is in the top-10 of orthopaedic surgical procedures, there is no consensus on its indications and reported results are variable (successful in 48-90%). We hypothesize that the aetiology of SIS, i.e. an increase in subacromial pressure or decrease of subacromial space, is multi-factorial. SIS can be the consequence of pathologic scapulohumeral motion patterns leading to humerus cranialisation, anatomical variations of the scapula and the humerus (e.g. hooked acromion), a subacromial inflammatory reaction (e.g. due to overuse or micro-trauma), or adjoining pathology (e.g. osteoarthritis in the acromion-clavicular-joint with subacromial osteophytes).We believe patients should be treated according to their predominant etiological mechanism(s). Therefore, the objective of our study is to identify and discriminate etiological mechanisms occurring in SIS patients, in order to develop tailored diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. METHODS: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, applied clinical and experimental methods to identify intrinsic and extrinsic etiologic mechanisms comprise: MRI-arthrography (eligibility criteria, cuff status, 3D-segmented bony contours); 3D-motion tracking (scapulohumeral rhythm, arm range of motion, dynamic subacromial volume assessment by combining the 3D bony contours and 3D-kinematics); EMG (adductor co-activation) and dynamometry instrumented shoulder radiographs during arm tasks (force and muscle activation controlled acromiohumeral translation assessments); Clinical phenotyping (Constant Score, DASH, WORC, and SF-36 scores). DISCUSSION: By relating anatomic properties, kinematics and muscle dynamics to subacromial volume, we expect to identify one or more predominant pathophysiological mechanisms in every SIS patient. These differences in underlying mechanisms are a reflection of the variations in symptoms, clinical scores and outcomes reported in literature. More insight in these mechanisms is necessary in order to optimize future diagnostic and treatment strategies for patients with SIS symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Dutch Trial Registry (Nederlands Trial Register) NTR2283.

[A woman with acute-onset shoulder pain]. / Een vrouw met acuut ontstane schouderklachten.

In this case report we present a 55-year-old female patient with acute-onset shoulder pain. X-rays of the affected shoulder showed clear levels of resorbed calcium in an enlarged subacromial bursa which is typical for the resorptive phase of calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff.