Information videos posted on Instagram by orthopaedics and sports traumatology surgeons mostly explain surgical technique, and the least mentioned topics are injury prevention and complications.

PURPOSE: Social media has become the new information acquisition platform for all content producers. In the current literature, there are no studies examining the content quality and the strengths and weaknesses of videos on Instagram that explain anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, which is the most discussed topic of sports surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality, strengths and weaknesses of information pertaining to ACL surgery that is disseminated on Instagram. METHOD: An Instagram search was conducted from 30 May 2023 to 30 January 2024. The search encompassed six languages (English, Spanish, German, French, Italian and Turkish) and was performed by six different observers. The investigation focused on eight subheadings derived from current literature on the ACL. These subheadings were addressed in Instagram videos, covering ACL biology or biomechanics, injury mechanism, injury prevention, injury evaluation, surgical technique, injury or surgery complications, injury rehabilitation process and return to sport or work. RESULT: The content was assessed of 127 videos from 127 Instagram accounts, spanning six different languages. Across the review of eight subheadings, the average number covered for the entire group was 3 (range, 0-8). Further analysis revealed that surgical technique was the most frequently mentioned subheading for the whole group (68.5%), followed by injury evaluation (54.3%). Prevention (10.2%) and complications (19.6%) were the least mentioned subheadings. The number of followers showed a correlation with video content quality. CONCLUSION: Although the video quality scores were found to be moderate, the content often focused on surgery and evaluation subheadings. The prevalence of incomplete information underscores the importance of developing strategies to ensure more comprehensive and accurate dissemination of medical knowledge. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

Differences in postoperative knee function based on concomitant treatment of lateral meniscal injury in the setting of primary ACL reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Concomitant lateral meniscal (LM) injuries are common in acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures. However, the effect of addressing these injuries with various treatment methods during primary ACL reconstruction (ACLR) on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare postoperative Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at 2-, 5-, and 10-years after isolated primary ACLR to primary ACLR with various treatment methods to address concomitant LM injury. METHODS: This study was based on data from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry. Patients ≥ 15 years with data on postoperative KOOS who underwent primary ACLR between the years 2005 and 2018 were included in this study. The study population was divided into five groups: 1) Isolated ACLR, 2) ACLR + LM repair, 3) ACLR + LM resection, 4) ACLR + LM injury left in situ, and 5) ACLR + LM repair + LM resection. Patients with concomitant medial meniscal or other surgically treated ligament injuries were excluded. RESULTS: Of 31,819 included patients, 24% had LM injury. After post hoc comparisons, significantly lower scores were found for the KOOS Symptoms subscale in ACLR + LM repair group compared to isolated ACLR (76.0 vs 78.3, p = 0.0097) and ACLR + LM injury left in situ groups (76.0 vs 78.3, p = 0.041) at 2-year follow-up. However, at 10-year follow-up, no differences were found between ACLR + LM repair and isolated ACLR, but ACLR + LM resection resulted in significantly lower KOOS Symptoms scores compared to isolated ACLR (80.4 vs 82.3, p = 0.041). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that LM injury during ACLR is associated with lower KOOS scores, particularly in the Symptoms subscale, at short- and long-term follow-up. However, this finding falls below minimal clinical important difference and therefore may not be clinically relevant. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Hip arthroscopy is a successful treatment for femoroacetabular impingement in under-16 competitive football players: a prospective study with minimum 2-year follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Femoroacetabular impingement is considered a spectrum disease affecting multiple hip structures and it is especially prevalent in football players. Hip arthroscopy has shown good results in this population. However, little attention has been given to its efficacy in children and adolescent players. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of hip arthroscopy in under-16 football players. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2008 and 2019, all under-16 competitive football players who underwent hip arthroscopy for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement were recruited for this prospective study. Hip pain and function were measured through the VAS, HOS, mHHS and WOMAC scores before the surgery, at 1-year after the surgery and at minimum 2-years after surgery. Preoperative and postoperative scores were compared to  establish the evolution of hip pain and function. Additionally, rate and time to return to play were recorded. RESULTS: 14 subjects were included in the analysis. All subjects attended to the last follow-up, at mean 3.21 years after the surgery (range 2-10). Mean ± SD VAS (0-100) scores were 60.14 ± 15.88 before the surgery, 6.43 ± 5.19 at 1-year follow-up and 5.07 ± 4.05 at final follow-up (p < 0.05). Significant improvements were observed in HOS ADL, HOS SS, mHHS and WOMAC (p < 0.05) between preoperative values and 1-year follow-up. No significant differences were found in knee pain or function between 1-year and final follow-up assessments (p > 0.05). All subjects (100%) were playing football 1-year after the surgery, with a mean ± SD time to return to play of 5.93 ± 2.09 months. 13 subjects (92.86%) were still playing at final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Hip arthroscopy is a safe and effective surgical procedure for the treatment of FAI in under-16 competitive football players, improving hip pain and function with excellent rates to return to play.

Preoperative risk factors in hip arthroscopy.

PURPOSE: Arthroscopic surgery is a usual technique to repair hip femoroacetabular impingement. Correlation exists among surgical indication, postoperative evolution, the final result, and the necessity of prosthesis in the near future. The assessment of specific parameters allowing us to evaluate the prognosis becomes vital to improve the results. The objective of this study is to check the variables found in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) treated with hip arthroscopy, and determine which of these variables would serve as key indicators in predicting the need for subsequent arthroplasty. METHODS: Data from FAI surgical indications (age, weight, height, BMI, gender, side, radiographic Tönnis degree, cartilage lesion degree by Acetabular Labrum Articular Disruption (ALAD) degree, VAS value, HOS, mHHS and WOMAC) were collected from cases which should have had a minimum monitoring period of 2 years from 2007 to 2017. The results of the group which needed prosthesis were compared to the results of the ones who did not. RESULTS: Among 452 patients who were monitored for an average of 5.8 years, 82 (18.1%) required conversion to prosthesis. The variables that indicated relatively high risk were fourth-degree acetabular labrum articular disruption (ALAD) chondral injury, preoperative radiographic Grade 2 Tönnis classification, age of over 55 years, WOMAC over 45 points, and HOS-ADL under 50 points. There were no significant differences between side, gender, VAS level, nor HOS. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of chondral injuries such as acetabular labrum articular disruption (ALAD) 4, radiographic Grade 2 Tönnis classification, higher age, higher BMI, and worse WOMAC, along with mHHS and HOS-ADL preoperative results, are factors which lead to a poor prognosis following FAI hip arthroscopic surgery, increasing the risk of prosthetic conversion in the short or medium term. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Role of the interosseous membrane in post-traumatic forearm instability: instructional review.

PURPOSE: In the last two decades, a strong interest on the interosseous membrane (IOM) has developed. METHODS: The authors present a review of the new concepts regarding the understanding of forearm physiology and pathology, with current trends in the surgical management of these rare and debilitating injuries. RESULTS: Anatomical and biomechanical studies have clarified the anatomy of forearm constrains and their role in forearm longitudinal and transverse stability. The radial pull test, a new intraoperative test, has been developed that might increase the detection on IOM injuries. The forearm is now considered a "functional unit" and, consequently, a new classification has been proposed. Uncommon variants and rare patterns of forearm fracture dislocations have been reported in the literature and could not be classified to those commonly referred to using eponyms (Monteggia, Galeazzi, Essex-Lopresti). The new Artiaco et al. classification includes all injury patterns, thus avoids confusion in the nomenclature, and helps surgeon with detection of lesions and guiding surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: Based on the new classification and after current literature review, authors propose a management flowchart for treatment of forearm instability injuries.

The mechanism of hamstring injuries - a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Injuries to the hamstring muscles are among the most common in sports and account for significant time loss. Despite being so common, the injury mechanism of hamstring injuries remains to be determined. PURPOSE: To investigate the hamstring injury mechanism by conducting a systematic review. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review following the PRISMA statement. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. Studies 1) written in English and 2) deciding on the mechanism of hamstring injury were eligible for inclusion. Literature reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, conference abstracts, book chapters and editorials were excluded, as well as studies where the full text could not be obtained. RESULTS: Twenty-six of 2372 screened original studies were included and stratified to the mechanism or methods used to determine hamstring injury: stretch-related injuries, kinematic analysis, electromyography-based kinematic analysis and strength-related injuries. All studies that reported the stretch-type injury mechanism concluded that injury occurs due to extensive hip flexion with a hyperextended knee. The vast majority of studies on injuries during running proposed that these injuries occur during the late swing phase of the running gait cycle. CONCLUSION: A stretch-type injury to the hamstrings is caused by extensive hip flexion with an extended knee. Hamstring injuries during sprinting are most likely to occur due to excessive muscle strain caused by eccentric contraction during the late swing phase of the running gait cycle. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, validation, and measurement properties of the Spanish version of the anterior cruciate ligament-return to sport after injury (ACL-RSI-Sp) scale.

PURPOSE: To translate into Spanish and validate the anterior cruciate ligament-return to sport after injury (ACL-RSI) scale, and to evaluate the psychological factors that have the greatest impact on the return to play among Spanish football players. METHODS: The ACL-RSI was first translated into Spanish by two teams of bilingual experts. At the time of discharge, 114 amateur and semi-professional football players who underwent ACL reconstruction answered a questionnaire regarding demographic and injury-related data, along with the translated ACL-RSI, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-11SV) and the injury-psychological readiness to return to sport (I-PRRS). Statistical analysis included reliability tests (Cronbach's alpha and test-retest), construct validity and exploratory factor analysis. RESULTS: The ACL-RSI-Sp showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.9), temporal stability (test-retest r = 0.9) and significant moderate correlations with the KOOS subscales of symptoms (r = 0.4; p < 0.01), pain (r = 0.4; p < 0.01), daily life (r = 0.4; p < 0.01), "sport" (r = 0.5; p < 0.01) and quality of life (r = 0.6; p < 0.01). Significant moderate and strong correlations were also observed for the ACL-RSI-Sp with the TSK (r = - 0.5; p < 0.01) and the I-PRRS (r = 0.8; p < 0.01), respectively. Confidence in performance (1) and fear and insecurity (2) explained 62.6% of the total variance in ACL-RSI-Sp. CONCLUSIONS: The ACL-RSI-Sp was a valid and reliable instrument to evaluate the relevant psychological factors in the return to sports of Spanish football players after ACL reconstruction. Players' confidence in performance and fear and insecurity were the most important factors influencing the return to play in this population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Meniscal fixation is a successful treatment for hypermobile lateral meniscus in soccer players.

PURPOSE: To report the outcomes (subjective function, return to play, complications and reoperations) of arthroscopic all-inside meniscal fixation in a large sample of soccer players with hypermobile lateral meniscus. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2015, 55 patients undergoing surgical treatment for hypermobile lateral meniscus at Mutualidad Catalana de Futbolistas (Barcelona, Spain) were identified. Patients with open physes, associated injuries, discoid meniscus, or clinical follow-up less than 6 months were excluded. Once identified, all patients were contacted over the phone to collect cross-sectional data on International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, postoperative Tegner score, and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. In addition, complications and reoperations were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: Forty-six cases (in 45 patients) with a mean (SD) age of 26.3 (9.5) years and mean (SD; range) follow-up of 43 (19.5; 8-73) months were included. The pre- and post-operative median (range) Tegner score was 9 (6-9) and 8 (0-9), respectively. Compared to the preoperative period, the postoperative Tegner score was equal in 27/46 (59%) cases and lower in 16/46 (35%) cases (3 missing values). Return to play was possible in 38/46 (82%) cases, from which 27/46 (59%) corresponded to the same pre-injury activity level. Postoperatively, the median (range) VAS for pain was 1 (0-9), and the mean (SD) subjective IKDC was 86.2 (16.7). Three of the 46 cases (6.5%) required a reoperation because of pain in one patient (meniscal suture failure) and meniscal tear in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: All-inside meniscal fixation is a successful treatment for hypermobile lateral meniscus, which allows acceptable return to play and good function in soccer players at a low reoperation rate. However, according to the present cross-sectional case series, players should be advised that return to the same pre-injury activity level is achieved in only 27 of 46 (59%) of the cases. Surgeons facing with the difficult problem of hypermobile lateral meniscus in soccer players should consider meniscus fixation as an easy and successful option. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-Therapeutic Case Series.

Increased risk of ACL revision with non-surgical treatment of a concomitant medial collateral ligament injury: a study on 19,457 patients from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry.

PURPOSE: To determine how concomitant medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries affect outcome after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: Patients aged > 15 years who were registered in the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry for primary ACL reconstruction between 2005 and 2016 were eligible for inclusion. Patients with a concomitant MCL or LCL injury were stratified according to collateral ligament treatment (non-surgical, repair or reconstruction), and one isolated ACL reconstruction group was created. The outcomes were ACL revision and the 2-year Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), which were analyzed using univariable and multivariable Cox regression and an analysis of covariance, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 19,457 patients (mean age 27.9 years, 59.4% males) met the inclusion criteria. An isolated ACL reconstruction implied a lower risk of ACL revision compared with presence of a non-surgically treated MCL injury (HR = 0.61 [95% CI 0.41-0.89], p = 0.0097) but not compared with MCL repair or reconstruction. A concomitant LCL injury did not impact the risk of ACL revision. Patients with a concomitant MCL or LCL injury reported inferior 2-year KOOS compared with isolated ACL reconstruction. The largest difference was found in the sports and recreation subscale across all groups, with MCL reconstruction resulting in the maximum difference (14.1 points [95% CI 4.3-23.9], p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Non-surgical treatment of a concomitant MCL injury in the setting of an ACL reconstruction may increase the risk of ACL revision. However, surgical treatment of the MCL injury was associated with a worse two-year patient-reported knee function. A concomitant LCL injury does not impact the risk of ACL revision compared with an isolated ACL reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Cohort study, Level III.

Correction to: Factors associated with poorer outcomes in the surgical treatment of multiligament knee injuries.

The author would like to correct the following errors in the publication of the original article.

Factors predictive of poorer outcomes in the surgical repair of multiligament knee injuries.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of injury and treatment factors on clinical/functional outcomes in multiligament knee injuries (MLKI). METHODS: Thirty-nine consecutive patients with confirmed and surgically treated MLKI who met inclusion criteria were scheduled for a follow-up visit to obtain: SF-12 and subjective feeling of normalcy between the operated and healthy knee, and IKDC, active range of motion (ROM), and stability exam (Lachman test, posterior drawer, and dial test at 30°). A chart review was used to obtain data on injury and treatment factors. RESULTS: The postoperative mean (SD) outcomes were: IKDC score 62.7 (25.9), flexion-extension ROM 125° (29°), and percentage of normalcy 74% (20%). The postoperative normal/nearly normal stability exam was: Lachman test 36 (95%) patients, posterior drawer at 90° 38 (97%) patients, and dial test of 39 (100%) patients. There were 24 (61.5%) and 23 (59%) patients with complications and reoperations, respectively. The presence of bicruciate injuries was associated with worse Lachman (p = 0.03) and posterior drawer tests (p = 0.03). Presence of injury to meniscal structures was associated with worse Lachman test (p = 0.03), lower percentage of normalcy (p = 0.02) and extension lag (p = 0.04). Injury to cartilage structures was associated with worse IKDC scores (p = 0.04). IKDC was lower in cases of posterolateral corner reconstruction (p = 0.03) and use of allograft tendons for reconstruction (p = 0.02); ROM was lower in allograft reconstruction (p = 0.02) and need for meniscal repair (p = 0.01). Bicruciate reconstruction led to worst posterior drawer test (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of MLKI might be negatively influenced by bicruciate ligament, meniscal, and cartilage injuries; with regards to treatment characteristics, need for posterolateral corner or bicruciate ligament reconstruction, use of allografts, or need for meniscal repair may similarly diminish outcomes. While surgical treatment provides good overall function, ROM and stability, it rarely results in a "normal" knee and the chances of complications and reoperations are high. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Cross-sectional comparative study, Level III.

The presence of patellar tendinopathy in the bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft may increase the risk of anterior cruciate ligament graft failure.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of patellar tendinopathy on primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction graft failure when using bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autograft. METHODS: All patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction using ipsilateral BPTB with preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) available for review were approached for eligibility. The medical charts of included patients were reviewed to obtain demographic information, anatomical characteristics, injury characteristics, treatment characteristics, length of follow-up, and presence of graft failure. A single, fellowship-trained, knee-specialist and blinded researcher performed preoperative MRI interpretation of patellar tendinopathy. The presence/absence of patellar tendinopathy (none, mild, moderate, or severe changes) was compared between patients with (cases) and without (controls) failure of ACL reconstruction. There were 559 cases with a median (range) clinical follow-up was 8 (4-30) months and an average age of 21.5 years (82% males). RESULTS: Of the 559 cases, there were 182 (32.6%) with and 377 (67.4%) without patellar tendinopathy. A total of 32 (5.7%) graft failures occurred. There were a significantly higher failure rate in patients with compared to without patellar tendinopathy (p < 0.001), and in patients with compared to without partial tendon tear (p < 0.001). The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for graft failure was 5.9 (2.7-13.1), 20.8 (6.8-63.9) and 54.4 (5.5-539.4) in patients with patellar tendinopathy (compared to absence of patellar tendinopathy), moderate or severe patellar tendinopathy (compared to none or mild patellar tendinopathy), or partial tendon tear (compared to absence of tendon tear), respectively. CONCLUSION: The presence of patellar tendinopathy increases the risk of BPTB graft failure when used for ACL reconstruction. The use of BPTB autograft is not recommended if patellar tendinopathy is obvious or there are suspicious of partial tendon tear on MRI. In such cases, the surgeon should consider using a different graft. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective cohort analysis, Level III.

Cartilage regeneration using a novel autologous growth factors-based matrix for full-thickness defects in sheep.

PURPOSE: To investigate the chondrogenic-regenerative properties of a novel autologous-made matrix composed of hyaline cartilage chips combined with a growth factors-based clot for full-thickness defects in sheep. METHODS: A full-thickness, 8-mm diameter cartilage defect was created in the weight-bearing area of the medial femoral condyle in 6 sheep. Treatment consisted of surgical implantation of an autologous-based matrix of hyaline cartilage chips combined with a clot of plasma poor in platelets and intraarticular injection of plasma rich in growth factors. Outcome measures at 1, 3 and 6 months included macroscopic International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) score, histological and immunohistochemical analysis for collagen expression, and transmission electron microscopy study. RESULTS: The 6-month macroscopic evaluation showed nearly normal (11.1 ± 0.7) cartilage repair assessment. The ICRS score was significantly higher at 6 months compared to 3 months (5.5 ± 1.3; p < 0.0001) and 1 (1.1 ± 0.4; p < 0.0001) month. At 6 months, hyaline cartilage tissue filling the defect was observed with adequate integration of the regenerated cartilage at the surrounding healthy cartilage margin. At 6 months, mature chondrons and cartilage matrix contained collagen fibers with masked fibrillary structure, and the expression of collagen in the newly formed cartilage was similar in intensity and distribution pattern compared to the healthy adjacent cartilage. CONCLUSIONS: This novel treatment enhanced chondrogenesis and regenerated hyaline cartilage at 6 months with nearly normal macroscopic ICRS assessment. Histological analysis showed equivalent structure to mature cartilage tissue in the defect and a collagen expression pattern in the newly formed cartilage similar to that found in adjacent healthy articular cartilage. The present technique may have clinical application for chondral injuries in humans because this procedure is cheap (no need for allograft, or expensive instrumentation/biomaterials/techniques), easy and fast-performing through a small arthrotomy, and safe (no rejection possibility because the patients' own tissue, cells, and plasma are used).

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis secondary to glenoid dysplasia.

The purpose is to report the clinical and radiographic outcomes, complications and reoperations of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for glenoid dysplasia. All patients who had undergone RSA for osteoarthritis secondary to underlying glenoid dysplasia were retrospectively identified. The study included twelve shoulders (11 patients), with a mean (SD) patient age of 62.2 (13.2) years and median (range) clinical follow-up of 28 (24-34) months. RSA resulted in substantial improvements in pain and function. At most recent follow-up, there was a significant improvement in forward flexion range of motion (ROM), a non-significant improvement in internal rotation ROM, and no changes in external rotation ROM. The mean (SD) SST and ASES scores were 7.8 (3.7) and 73.5 (20.4), respectively. There were no reoperations or radiographic loosening. The results were excellent in 1 case, satisfactory in 8, and unsatisfactory in 3. RSA provides acceptable function and good pain relief, though patients should be advised that shoulder rotation may be somewhat limited.

Gluteus maximus contraction velocity assessed by tensiomyography improves following arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement.

PURPOSE: Muscular impairment, particularly for the gluteus maximus (GM), has been observed in femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tensiomyographic changes of the GM, rectus femoris (RF) and adductor longus (AL) before and after arthroscopic surgery for FAI. It was hypothesized that arthroscopic treatment of FAI would improve the preoperative muscular impairment. METHODS: All patients undergoing arthroscopic treatment of FAI between January and July 2015 were approached for eligibility. Patients included had a tensiomyography (TMG) evaluation including maximal displacement (Dm) and contraction time (Tc) of these muscles in both lower extremities. TMG values between the injured and healthy sides were compared at the preoperative and post-operative (3, 6 and 12 months after surgery) periods. RESULTS: There were no significant differences for the RF and AL, and Dm of the GM for any of the comparisons (n.s.). However, GM Tc was significantly lower at 3 (p = 0.016), 6 (p = 0.008), and 12 (p = 0.049) months after surgery in the injured side compared to preoperatively. GM Tc of the healthy side was significantly lower than the injured side at the preoperative period (p = 0.004) and at 3 (p = 0.024) and 6 (p = 0.028) months after surgery, but these significant differences were no longer observed at 12 months after surgery (n.s.). There was a significant reduction of pain in the GM area at 1 year after surgery compared to preoperatively (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic treatment of FAI and the subsequent rehabilitation improves contraction velocity of the GM of the injured side. Despite Tc is elevated in the GM of the injured compared to the healthy side preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months after surgery, differences in Tc between both sides are no longer significant at 12 months. Athletes with FAI participating in sports with great involvement of GM may benefit from arthroscopic treatment and its subsequent rehabilitation. TMG can be used as an objective measurement to monitor muscular improvements of the GM after surgery in these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Increased odds of patient-reported success at 2 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients without cartilage lesions: a cohort study from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Register.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether the surgical technique of single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, the visualization of anatomic surgical factors and the presence or absence of concomitant injuries at primary ACL reconstruction are able to predict patient-reported success and failure. The hypothesis of this study was that anatomic single-bundle surgical procedures would be predictive of patient-reported success. METHODS: This cohort study was based on data from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Register during the period of 1 January 2005 through 31 December 2014. Patients who underwent primary single-bundle ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendons were included. Details on surgical technique were collected using an online questionnaire comprising essential anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction scoring checklist items, defined as the utilization of accessory medial portal drilling, anatomic tunnel placement, the visualization of insertion sites and pertinent landmarks. A univariate logistic regression model adjusted for age and gender was used to determine predictors of patient-reported success and failure, i.e. 20th and 80th percentile, respectively, in the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), 2 years after ACL reconstruction. RESULTS: In the 6889 included patients, the surgical technique used for single-bundle ACL reconstruction did not predict the predefined patient-reported success or patient-reported failure in the KOOS4. Patient-reported success was predicted by the absence of concomitant injury to the meniscus (OR = 0.81 [95% CI, 0.72-0.92], p = 0.001) and articular cartilage (OR = 0.70 [95% CI, 0.61-0.81], p < 0.001). Patient-reported failure was predicted by the presence of a concomitant injury to the articular cartilage (OR = 1.27 [95% CI, 1.11-1.44], p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Surgical techniques used in primary single-bundle ACL reconstruction did not predict the KOOS 2 years after the reconstruction. However, the absence of concomitant injuries at index surgery predicted patient-reported success in the KOOS. The results provide further evidence that concomitant injuries at ACL reconstruction affect subjective knee function and a detailed knowledge of the treatment of these concomitant injuries is needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective cohort study, Level III.

What Are the Complications, Survival, and Outcomes After Revision to Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty in Patients Older Than 80 Years?

BACKGROUND: By the time patients with a failed shoulder arthroplasty require revision surgery, a substantial number are older than 80 years. The risk of complications of revision arthroplasty in this elderly population is largely unknown and needs to be considered when contemplating whether these patients are too frail for revision surgery. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) What are the 90-day medical and surgical complications after revision to reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in patients older than 80 years? (2) What are the 2- and 5-year survival rates after revision? (3) Was there an improvement in pain at rest or with activity, range of motion (ROM), and strength after revision surgery? METHODS: Between 2004 and 2013, 38 patients who were older than 80 years (84 ± 3 years) underwent revision surgery to a RSA. Of those, five were lost to followup before 2 years, and two had died within 2 years of revision surgery, leaving 31 for analysis of our survivorship, pain, ROM, and strength endpoints at a minimum of 2 years or until revision surgery had occurred (mean, 28 months; range, 1-77 months); all 38 patients were included for purposes of evaluating medical and surgical complications at 90 days. During the period in question, our general indication for using RSA included failure of previous shoulder arthroplasty because of instability, glenoid loosening with bone loss, or rotator cuff insufficiency. The indication for revision to RSA did not change during the study period. The index procedure (revision to RSA at the age of 80 years or older) was the first revision arthroplasty in 33 (87%) patients and the second in five (13%) patients. We tallied 90-day medical and surgical complications by performing a retrospective chart and institutional joint registry review. The cumulative incidence of implant loosening (implant migration or tilting, or complete radiolucent lines present) and revision surgery was calculated at 2 and 5 years using competing risk of death method. Pain levels at rest or with activity (rated in a 1 to 5 Likert-type scale) were collected through a retrospective chart review and values before and after surgery were compared. RESULTS: Medical complications occurred in three of 38 (8%) patients and surgical complications occurred in five of 38 (13%) patients. The 90-day mortality was 3% (one of 38 patients), and the total mortality was 26% (10 of 38 patients). The cumulative incidence of revision was 11% (95% CI, 0%-20%) at 2 years and 16% (95% CI, 1%-30%) at 5 years; the cumulative incidence of loosening was 8% (95% CI, 0%-20%) at 2 years and 16% (95% CI, 1%-30%) at 5 years. Pain at rest or with activity improved from pre- to postoperation (preoperative: median, 4 [range, 2-5]; postoperative: median, 1 [range, 1-4]; median difference: -2, 95% CI -3 to 0; p < 0.000). The active ROM improved during the preoperative compared with postoperative periods: mean ± SD forward flexion of 52° ± 40° to 109° ± 44°, respectively (mean difference: 56; 95% CI, 40-72; p < 0.000), and mean ± SD external rotation of 15° ± 22° to 31° ± 21°, respectively (mean difference: 16; 95% CI, 8-25; p < 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Age should not be used as a reason to not consider revision surgery to RSA in patients older than 80 years. Further studies with a prospective design, larger sample size, investigating risk factors for complications or poor outcome, and incorporation of functional scores are required. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Posterolateral portal tibial tunnel drilling for posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: technique and evaluation of safety and tunnel position.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety for neurovascular structures and accuracy for tunnel placement of the posterolateral portal tibial tunnel drilling technique in posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. METHODS: Fifteen fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees were used. The tibial tunnel for the PCL was created using a flexible reamer from the posterolateral portal. Then, the flexible pin was left in place, and the distance from the posterolateral portal, the flexible pin, and the tibial tunnel to the peroneal nerve and popliteal artery was measured. Additionally, the distance between the tibial tunnel and several landmarks related to the PCL footprint was measured, along with the distance from the exit point of the flexible pin to the superficial medial collateral ligament and gracilis tendon. RESULTS: The peroneal nerve and the popliteal neurovascular bundle were not damaged in any of the specimens. The median (range) distance in mm from the peroneal nerve and popliteal artery to the posterolateral portal and flexible pin was: 52 (40-80) and 50 (40-61), and 35 (26-51) and 22 (16-32), respectively. The median (range) distance from the tibial tunnel to the popliteal artery was 21 mm (15-38). The tibial tunnel was located at a median (range) distance in mm of 3 (2-6), 6 (3-12), 5 (2-7), 4 (1-8), 9 (3-10), 10 (4-19), and 19 (6-24) to the champagne-glass drop-off, lateral cartilage point, shiny white fibre point, medial groove, medial meniscus posterior root, lateral meniscus posterior root, and posterior aspect of the anterior cruciate ligament, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The posterolateral portal tibial tunnel technique is safe relative to neurovascular structures and creates an anatomically appropriate tibial tunnel location. The clinical relevance of study is that this technique may be safely and accurately used in PCL reconstruction to decrease the risk of neurovascular damage (avoid use of a posteriorly directed pin), avoid the use of intraoperative fluoroscopy, and avoid the sharp turn during graft passage.

Revision surgery in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a cohort study of 17,682 patients from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Register.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association between surgical variables and the risk of revision surgery after ACL reconstruction in the Swedish National Knee Ligament Register. METHODS: This cohort study was based on data from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Register. Patients who underwent primary single-bundle ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon were included. Follow-up started with primary ACL reconstruction and ended with ACL revision surgery or on 31 December, 2014, whichever occurred first. Details on surgical technique were collected using an online questionnaire. All group comparisons were made in relation to an "anatomic" reference group, comprised of essential AARSC items, defined as utilization of accessory medial portal drilling, anatomic tunnel placement, visualization of insertion sites and pertinent landmarks. Study end-point was revision surgery. RESULTS: A total of 108 surgeons (61.7%) replied to the questionnaire. A total of 17,682 patients were included [n = 10,013 males (56.6%) and 7669 females (43.4%)]. The overall revision rate was 3.1%. Older age as well as cartilage injury evident at index surgery was associated with a decreased risk of revision surgery. The group using transtibial drilling and non-anatomic bone tunnel placement was associated with a lower risk of revision surgery [HR 0.694 (95% CI 0.490-0.984); P = 0.041] compared with the anatomic reference group. The anatomic reference group showed no difference in risk of revision surgery compared with the transtibial drilling groups with partial anatomic [HR 0.759 (95% CI 0.548-1.051), n.s.] and anatomic tunnel placement [HR 0.944 (95% CI 0.718-1.241), n.s.]. The anatomic reference group showed a decreased risk of revision surgery compared with the transportal drilling group with anatomic placement [HR 1.310 (95% CI 1.047-1.640); P = 0.018]. CONCLUSION: Non-anatomic bone tunnel placement via transtibial drilling resulted in the lowest risk of revision surgery after ACL reconstruction. The risk of revision surgery increased when using transportal drilling. Performing anatomic ACL reconstruction utilizing eight selected essential items from the AARSC lowered the risk of revision surgery associated with transportal drilling and anatomic bone tunnel placement. Detailed knowledge of surgical technique using the AARSC predicts the risk of ACL revision surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Adolescents and female patients are at increased risk for contralateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a cohort study from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Register based on 17,682 patients.

PURPOSE: The impact of different surgical techniques in index ACL reconstruction for patients undergoing contralateral ACL reconstruction was investigated. METHODS: The study was based on data from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Register. Patients undergoing index ACL reconstruction and subsequent contralateral ACL reconstruction using hamstring graft under the study period were included. The following variables were evaluated: age at index surgery, gender, concomitant meniscal or cartilage injury registered at index injury, transportal femoral bone tunnel drilling and transtibial femoral bone tunnel drilling. The end-point of primary contralateral ACL surgery was analysed as well as the time-to-event outcomes using survivorship methods including Kaplan-Meier estimation and Cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS: A total of 17,682 patients [n = 10,013 males (56.6%) and 7669 females (43.4%)] undergoing primary ACL reconstruction from 1 January 2005 through 31 December 2014 were included in the study. A total of 526 (3.0%) patients [n = 260 males (49.4%) and 266 females (50.6%)] underwent primary contralateral ACL reconstruction after index ACL reconstruction during the study period. Females had a 33.7% greater risk of contralateral ACL surgery [HR 1.337 (95% CI 1.127-1.586); (P = 0 0.001)]. The youngest age group (13-15 years) showed an increased risk of contralateral ACL surgery compared with the reference (36-49) age group [HR 2.771 (95% CI 1.456-5.272); (P = 0.002)]. Decreased risk of contralateral ACL surgery was seen amongst patients with concomitant cartilage injury at index surgery [HR 0.765 (95% CI 0.623-0.939); (P = 0.010)]. No differences in terms of the risk of contralateral ACL surgery were found between anatomic and non-anatomic techniques of primary single-bundle ACL reconstruction, comparing transportal anatomic technique to transtibial non-anatomic, anatomic and partial-anatomic. CONCLUSION: Age and gender were identified as risk factors for contralateral ACL reconstruction; hence young individuals and females were more prone to undergo contralateral ACL reconstruction. Patients with concomitant cartilage injury at index ACL reconstruction had lower risk for contralateral ACL reconstruction. No significant differences between various ACL reconstruction techniques could be related to increased risk of contralateral ACL reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective Cohort Study, Level III.