Outcomes of multiligament knee injury treated with versus without internal brace suture augmentation.

PURPOSE: To compare the postoperative outcomes between Internal Brace (IB) and non-IB patients who underwent surgical management of multiple-ligament knee injuries (MLKI). METHODS: Patients who underwent surgical management of MLKI at two institutions between 2010 and 2020 were identified and offered participation in the study via the collection of postoperative functional outcomes for MLKI; Lysholm Knee score, Multiligament Quality of Life (ML-QOL), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) computer adaptive testing (CAT), Pain Interference (PI), Physical Function (PF), and Mobility instruments (MI). The postoperative outcomes and reoperation rates were compared between the IB group and non-IB group. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-six patients were analyzed; 89 were included in the IB group (31.5% female; age 35.6 ± 1.4 years), and 37 were included in the non-IB group (25.7% female; age 38.8 ± 2.4 years). Mean follow-up time of the entire cohort was 37.9 ± 4.7 months [IB: 21.8 + 1.63; non-IB: 76.4 ± 6.2, p < 0.001). The IB group achieved similar PROMIS CAT [PROMIS Pain (51.8 + 1.1 vs. 52.1 + 1.6, p = 0.8736), Physical Function (46.6 + 1.2 vs. 46.4 + 1.8, p = 0.9168), Mobility (46.0 + 1.0 vs. 43.7 + 1.6, p = 0.2185)], ML-QOL [ML-QOL Physical Impairment (36.6 + 2.5 vs. 43.5 ± 4.2, p = 0.1485), Emotional Impairment (42.5 + 2.9 vs. 48.6 ± 4.6, p = 0.2695), Activity Limitation (34.5 + 2.8 vs. 36.2 ± 4.3, p = 0.7384), Societal Involvement (39.1 + 3.0 vs. 41.7 + 4.2, p = 0.6434)] and Lysholm knee score (64.9 + 2.5 vs. 60.4 + 4.0, p = 0.3397) postoperatively compared the non-IB group, but the differences were not significant. CONCLUSION: In this cohort of patients with MLKI treated with versus without IB, outcomes and reoperation rates trended toward favoring IB, but the study was not sufficiently powered to reach statistical significance. Internal bracing could be useful in the management of MLKI. In the future, matched patient cohorts with more patients are warranted to further evaluate the clinical impact of the internal brace in MLKI.

Independent Suture Augmentation With All-Inside Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Reduces Peak Loads on Soft-Tissue Graft. A Biomechanical Full-Construct Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of suture augmentation (SA) of 7-mm and 9-mm diameter graft on load sharing, elongation, stiffness, and load to failure for all-inside anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in a biomechanical Study was funded by Arthrex ID: EMEA-16020. full-construct porcine model. METHODS: Bovine tendon grafts, 7-mm and 9-mm diameter, with and without SA were tested using suspensory fixation (n = 8). The independent SA was looped over a femoral button and knotted on a tibial button. Preconditioned constructs were incrementally increased loaded (100N/1,000 cycles) from 100N to 400N for 4,000 cycles (0.75 Hz) with final pull to failure (50 mm/min). Isolated mechanical and optical measurements during construct loading of the SA allowed to quantify the load and elongation range during load sharing. Construct elongation, stiffness and ultimate strength were further assessed. RESULTS: Load sharing in 7-mm grafts started earlier (200N) with a significant greater content than 9-mm grafts (300N) to transfer 31% (125N) and 20% (80N) of the final load (400N) over the SA. Peak load sharing with SA reduced total elongation for 7-mm (1.90 ± 0.27 mm vs 4.77 ± 1.08 mm, P < .001) and 9-mm grafts (1.50 ± 0.33 mm vs 3.57 ± 0.54 mm, P < .001) and adequately increased stiffness of 7-mm (113.4 ± 9.3 N/mm vs 195.9 ± 9.8 N/mm, P < .001) to the level of augmented 9-mm grafts (208.9 ± 13.7N/mm). Augmentation of 7-mm (835 ± 92N vs 1,435 ± 228N, P < .001) and 9-mm grafts (1,044 ± 49N vs 1,806 ± 157N, P < .001) significantly increased failure loads. CONCLUSIONS: Load sharing with SA occurred earlier (200N vs 300N) in lower stiffness 7-mm grafts to carry 31% (7-mm) and 20% (9-mm) of the final load (400N). Loads until peak load sharing were transferred over the graft. Augmented constructs showed significantly lower construct elongation and increased stiffness without significance between variable grafts. Failure load of augmented grafts were significantly increased. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Suture tape ligament augmentation may potentially protect biological grafts from excessive peak loading and elongation, thus reducing the risk of graft tears.

Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair Using Suture Tape Augmentation: A Case Series of 29 Patients With Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcomes of patients who underwent primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair using suture tape augmentation. METHODS: Patients with a proximal tear of the ACL who underwent primary ACL repair with a minimum 2-year follow-up were included. The exclusion criteria included multiligamentous knee injuries, midsubstance tears, tibial avulsion fractures, and distal tears. Demographic characteristics, injury pattern, concomitant injury pattern, and patient-reported outcome measures were recorded. Patients were evaluated at a minimum 2-year follow-up for clinical success, defined as stability not requiring revision ACL reconstruction, and for patient-reported outcome measurements. Failure was defined as the need for revision surgery. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 2.8 ± 0.9 years. Thirty-five patients met the inclusion criteria, with an average age of 32.2 ± 7.2 years, and 2-year follow-up was obtained for 29 of these patients. Revision surgery was required in 2 of the 29 patients (6.9%); successful treatment was achieved in the remaining 93.1%. The Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for the 27 successfully treated patients were recorded, with 70.4% having Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores of 80 or greater. CONCLUSIONS: This case series shows that primary surgical repair of proximal ACL tears using suture tape augmentation results in a low rate of revision surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, prospective case series.

A comparison of postoperative pain between anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and repair.

PURPOSE: To determine if patients who underwent ACL repair experienced less short-term postoperative pain versus patients who underwent ACL reconstruction. METHODS: Electronic charts were retrospectively reviewed of patients who underwent ACL surgery from November 2014 through April 2019 by a single surgeon. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether they underwent ACL repair or ACL reconstruction. A two-tailed equal variance t-test was used to evaluate visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores at the first postoperative visit. A chi-squared test of independence was used to evaluate narcotic prescription refills at the first postoperative visit. RESULTS: 36 ACL repair patients and 71 ACL reconstruction patients were included. The mean visual analog scale (VAS) pain score at the first postoperative visit (12.9 ± 3.7 days post-op) for ACL repair patients (2.81 ± 1.79) was significantly lower (p = .004) compared to ACL reconstruction patients (4.07 ± 2.26). The number of narcotic prescription refills at the first postoperative visit was significantly lower (p = .027, ARR = 21.4%, NNT = 4.67) in the ACL repair group (7 of 36, 19.4%) compared to the ACL reconstruction group (29 of 71, 40.8%). CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent ACL repair experienced less short-term postoperative pain and were prescribed fewer narcotics compared to patients who underwent ACL reconstruction.

Kinematic versus mechanically aligned total knee arthroplasty: no difference in frequency of arthroscopic lysis of adhesions for arthrofibrosis.

Arthrofibrosis is a condition that can cause excessive scar tissue formation, leading to painful restriction of joint motion. Following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), significant arthrofibrosis can result in permanent deficits in range of motion (ROM) if not treated. Although arthroscopic lysis of adhesions (ALOA) reliably improves post-TKA ROM if performed in a timely fashion, it exposes patients to additional anesthesia, heightens the risk of infection, and increases overall medical expenses. Kinematically aligned TKA has emerged as an alternative method to mechanically aligned, basing bony cuts off of the patient's pre-arthritic anatomy while limiting need for soft tissue and ligamentous releases. This study aimed to determine whether there is a difference in the frequency of post-TKA arthrofibrosis requiring ALOA between kinematic and mechanically aligned TKA. Between 2012 and 2019, a retrospective analysis was conducted based on a single surgeon's experience. Two cohorts were made based on alignment technique. Postoperatively, patients were diagnosed with arthrofibrosis and indicated for ALOA if they had functional pain with < 90 degrees of terminal flexion at 6 weeks postoperatively despite aggressive physical therapy. Frequency of ALOA was recorded for each cohort and was regressed using independent samples t-test. The results showed no significant difference between the mechanical and kinematic cohorts for frequency of ALOA following TKA (13.2% vs. 7.3%; p = 0.2659). However, the kinematic cohort demonstrated significantly greater post-ALOA ROM compared to the mechanical group (129° vs. 113°; p = 0.0097). Future higher-powered, prospective studies are needed to clarify whether a significant difference in rates of MUA/ALOA exists between the two alignment techniques.

Suture Augmented Versus Standard Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Matched Comparative Analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare outcomes between standard anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using hamstring grafts with and without suture augmentation (SA). METHODS: Patients who underwent ACLR with hamstring autografts or allografts with minimum 2-year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Patients undergoing ACLR with SA were matched 1:1 by age, gender, body mass index, graft type, and revision status to standard ACLR. Range of motion, pain, postoperative activity, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and complications were collected. Paired 2-tailed Student's t-tests and Pearson's χ2-tests were used for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. A multivariate analysis of variance was conducted. Return to preinjury activity level was assessed using Spearman's rho and Pearson's χ2-tests. RESULTS: Sixty patients at a mean age of 29.50 ± 6.60 years, 43.4% male, body mass index 26.27 ± 3.37, and follow-up of 29.54 ± 5.37 months were included. Preoperative PROMs were not significantly different (P >. 05). Postoperative range of motion was similar between groups (P = .457). Postoperative average daily (0.60 ± 1.25 vs 1.66 ± 1.90) and maximum daily pain (1.57 ± 1.83 vs 3.35 ± 2.28) were significantly lower for SA (P < .014). SA predicted improvement in PROMs (P < .05) and maximum pain scores (P = .001). SA was significantly correlated with improved time to return to preinjury activity level (9.17 ± 2.06 vs 12.88 ± 3.94 months; P = .002) and percentage of preinjury activity level (93.33% ± 13.22% vs 83.17% ± 17.69%; P = .010). There was a trend toward improved rate of return to preinjury activity level for SA (76.7% vs 56.7%; P = .100). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that SA hamstring ACLRs were associated with improved PROMs, less pain, and a higher percentage of and earlier return to preinjury activity level when compared with standard hamstring ACLRs without evidence of overconstraint. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

The biomechanical effect of shoulder remplissage combined with Bankart repair for the treatment of engaging Hill-Sachs lesions.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the biomechanical effects of the remplissage repair combined with Bankart repair for engaging Hill-Sachs lesions on range of motion (ROM), translation, and glenohumeral kinematics. METHODS: Six cadaveric shoulders were tested using a custom shoulder testing system. ROM, kinematics, and anterior-posterior (AP) and superior-inferior glenohumeral translations were quantified at 0° and 60° glenohumeral abduction. Six conditions were tested: intact, Bankart lesion, Bankart with 40 % Hill-Sachs lesion, Bankart repair, Bankart repair with remplissage, and remplissage repair alone. RESULTS: Humeral external rotation (ER) and total range of motion increased significantly after the creation of the Bankart lesion at both 0° and 60° abduction. The Bankart repair restored ER to intact values at 0° and 60° abduction, and the addition of the remplissage repair did not significantly alter range of motion from the Bankart repair alone. AP translation increased following the creation of the Bankart and Hill-Sachs lesions and was restored with the Bankart repair; the remplissage did not alter translation from the Bankart repair alone. At maximum ER at 60° abduction, the apex of the humeral head shifted posteriorly and inferiorly with remplissage repair. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of the remplissage procedure combined with Bankart repair for treatment of large Hill-Sachs lesions had no statistically significant effect on ROM or translation, but altered the kinematics of the glenohumeral joint. Thus, by addressing the humeral bone defect following an anterior shoulder dislocation, the remplissage technique with concurrent Bankart repair may be a relatively minimally invasive option for converting engaging Hill-Sachs lesions to non-engaging and promoting shoulder stability, though further biomechanical and clinical studies are warranted.

Does the use of ultrasound affect contamination of musculoskeletal injections sites?

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic musculoskeletal injections require a clean or sterile skin preparation to minimize the risk of infections. Ultrasound guidance for this procedure requires the use of transmission gel in proximity to the injection site, and its effect on maintaining sterility is unknown. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked: (1) Does sterile ultrasound transmission gel increase skin contamination during therapeutic orthopaedic injections? (2) Does nonsterile gel application result in increased contamination? (3) Does a manufacturer-approved ultrasound probe disinfecting agent in the form of 17.2% isopropanol and 0.28% diisobutylphenoxyethoxyethyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride wipes adequately decontaminate the ultrasound transducer? (4) Does 70% isopropyl alcohol effectively decontaminate skin for administration of musculoskeletal injections? METHODS: Twenty-six healthy volunteers in an outpatient orthopaedic clinical setting were recruited. The subjects' skin was prepared to simulate a therapeutic intraarticular shoulder injection under ultrasound guidance. Four skin swabs for culture from each subject were taken: one sample before preparation with isopropyl alcohol, one sample after skin preparation, one after simulated injection procedure with sterile ultrasound transmission gel using the transducer, and one after mock procedure with nonsterile ultrasound transmission gel. In addition, samples were taken from the nonsterile ultrasound transmission gel and the transducer for culture analysis. Aerobic and anaerobic cultures were incubated during a 5-day period for bacterial species identification. RESULTS: Sterile ultrasound gel use results in an increase in skin contamination (odds ratio [OR], 9; 95% CI, 1.4-57.1; p=0.005). Compared with sterile gel use, application of nonsterile gel did not increase contamination proportion (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.8-1.7; p=0.56). All cultures from nonsterile gel were negative. None of the samples cultured directly from the ultrasound probe were positive for bacteria (0%). Skin preparation with 70% alcohol decreased the proportion of contamination when compared with unprepared skin (OR, 21.0; 95% CI, 3.1-142.2; p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Use of ultrasound probes and transmission gel results in greater contamination in simulated intraarticular injections of the shoulder. As such, sterile preparation of the entire injection field, including the adjacent skin where the gel and probe are applied, may be prudent. Future studies are needed to determine if such a preparation decreases contamination and thereby infection rates related to musculoskeletal injections. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, therapeutic study. See the Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Measuring Parallelism to the Ground in Bipedal Stance Phase: Mechanical Versus Kinematic Alignment in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Introduction The goal of total knee arthroplasty is to replace diseased cartilage and bone with an artificial implant to improve the patient's quality of life. The knee has historically been reconstructed to the patient's mechanical axis (MA). However, kinematically aligned techniques have been increasingly used. Kinematic alignment requires less soft-tissue resection and aligns the knee with what is anatomically natural to the patient, while there is concern that kinematically aligned knees will lead to earlier failure due to potential unequal weight distribution on the implant. The purpose of this study is to compare the parallelism from the floor of the joint-line cuts using kinematic and mechanical alignment and understand if the MA is a proper estimation of the tibial-ankle axis (TA). Methods A retrospective study was conducted by recruiting all high tibial osteotomy and distal femoral osteotomy recipients operated on by two surgeons in two MedStar Health hospitals from 01/2013 to 07/2020 with full-length films in preparation for restorative procedures. Baseline osteoarthritis was graded using the Kellgren-Lawrence classification system with all patients presenting as Grade 0. The TA and the joint-line orientations of the MA and kinematic axis (KA) were measured on 66 legs. The average distance from parallelism to the ground was compared between the MA and the KA and between the MA and the TA using a paired t-test. Results KA joint-line orientation (1.705° deviation) was more parallel to the floor in the bipedal stance phase than the MA (2.316° deviation, p=0.0156). The MA (2.316° deviation) was not a proper estimation of the TA (4.278° deviation, p=0.0001). Conclusion By utilizing the KA technique, the restoration of the natural joint line, as well as a joint that is more parallel to the floor in the stance phase compared to the MA, is achieved. The parallelism to the ground of the KA during the bipedal stance phase suggests an even load distribution across the knee. In addition, due to its similarity to the KA and anatomical significance in weight-bearing distribution, further investigation into the hip-to-calcaneal axis as an approximation of the joint line is warranted.

Multiligament Knee Reconstruction With Suture Tape Augmentation: Patient-Reported Outcomes at Minimum 2-Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Multiligament knee injury (MLKI) is a severe subclass of orthopedic injury and can result in significant functional impairment. Novel MLKI graft constructs such as suture augmentation aim to enhance graft strength and optimize knee stability. The purpose of this study was to present patient-reported outcome measurements of a cohort at a minimum follow-up of 2 years after multiligament knee reconstruction (MLKR) with suture augmentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients who underwent MLKR with suture augmentation. Demographic and injury-specific variables were gathered preoperatively and postoperatively. Patients were contacted at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively to collect Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, Multiligament Quality of Life, and Lysholm knee scores. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients underwent MLKR with suture augmentation, with 15 being female (55.6%) and 12 being male (44.4%). The mean pain score was 49.93±9.96, the mean physical function score was 49.56±10.94, and the mean mobility score was 47.56±8.58. The mean physical impairment score was 33.96±23.69, the mean emotional impairment score was 36.55±26.60, the mean activity limitation score was 28.00±25.61, and the mean societal involvement score was 30.09±27.45. The mean Lysholm knee score for the cohort was 67.93±22.36. CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent MLKR with suture augmentation had satisfactory scores across all patient-reported outcome measurements. On the basis of these criteria, the average patient achieved an acceptable clinical outcome, demonstrating that MLKR with suture augmentation is a safe and efficacious surgical technique for the treatment of MLKI. [Orthopedics. 2024;47(4):238-243.].

Reduced Opioid Use Among Patients Who Received Liposomal Bupivacaine Brachial Plexus Block for Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Purpose This retrospective cohort explores the efficacy of regional shoulder blocks using Exparel™ in patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA)/reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) to reduce total opioid prescription, refills, and length of stay in the acute care setting. Methods Patients who underwent TSA/RSA by a single surgeon in a three-year period were evaluated. Patients in the case group received liposomal bupivacaine 1.3% brachial plexus block while the control group received ropivacaine 0.5% interscalene brachial plexus block. Outcomes of the study included the number of opioids taken, opioids prescribed, and length of hospital stay. Results Thirty-six patients underwent TSA/RSA between January 2017 and March 2020. Patients who received an Exparel brachial plexus block had decreased opioid use within the first 24 hours after surgery compared to the ropivacaine group, 9.00 ± 14.10 and 26.20 ± 24.8 morphine milligram equivalent (MME), respectively (p=0.0213). Patients who received an Exparel brachial plexus block had decreased opioid prescriptions over the entire postoperative follow-up, 411.00 ± 200.74 MME in the case group and 593.07 ± 297.57 MME in the control group (p=0.0314). Lastly, patients who received an Exparel brachial plexus block had a shorter length of hospital stay, 1.28 ± 0.91 days as compared to the control group's 2.15 ± 1.49 days (p=0.0451). Conclusion This study demonstrates a significant reduction in opioid prescribing and use in patients who receive Exparel brachial plexus nerve blocks compared to non-liposomal local anesthetics, as well as a significant reduction in the length of hospital stay. The data suggest that Exparel use may decrease the risks associated with opioid use while providing adequate analgesia in patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair Leads to Improved Patient-Reported Outcomes Compared to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Introduction Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears occur frequently in young athletes, and ligament repair and reconstruction are surgical treatments. Although there are suggested benefits for both approaches, there is a lack of direct comparisons between ACL repair and reconstruction.This study aims to compare the mid-term functional outcomes and quality of life measures between patients that have undergone ACL repair versus reconstruction. Methods A retrospective review was conducted for demographic and operative report data of patients who underwent an ACL repair or reconstruction between 2012 and 2018. Patients were contacted over the phone and underwent a Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) survey evaluating pain interference, mobility, and function. Patients were excluded from the study if there was an incomplete operative note, missing contact information, or failure to answer phone calls. Results A total of 74 eligible patients were included, with n = 54 in the ACL reconstruction group (73.0%) and n = 20 in the ACL repair group (27.0%). Reconstruction patients had a PROMIS (median (IQR)) physical function score of 22.50 (16.00-59.00), as compared to repair patients' physical function score of 60.00 (21.50-60.00). There was a significant difference favoring repair (p = 0.040). In addition, ACL reconstruction patients had a significantly higher rate of additional procedures, with 63.0% of reconstruction patients receiving an additional operation as compared to 30.0% of repair patients (p = 0.017). The surgery type did not show a significant effect on physical function scores, while additional procedures remained significant in the linear regression analysis. Conclusion Although ACL repair is associated with improved physical function scores as compared to reconstruction in the univariate analysis, surgery type did not show significance when controlling for other variables. Further studies are necessary to compare patients with similar injuries to account for differences in additional procedures, but the results remain promising in assisting with patient-driven treatment decisions.

A retrospective comparison of mechanically vs. kinematically aligned unicompartmental knee arthroplasties.

Background: Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasties (UKAs) treat unicompartmental arthritic degeneration. Traditionally, they are placed in a mechanical alignment with bone cuts perpendicular to the leg's mechanical axis. Kinematic alignment, an alternative, considers the patient's pre-arthritic alignment. Methods: A retrospective study at Medstar Washington Hospital Center from 2015 to 2022 identified 72 UKA patients. Among them, 53 had mechanical alignments, and 20 had kinematic alignments. Using the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) and Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Patient Reported Outcome Measures for these surgeries were recorded. Individuals were additionally analyzed post-surgically for Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK). Analysis was performed within the post-operative joint imaging, where mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA) were measured. The arithmetic hip knee ankle angle (aHKA) and joint line obliquity (JLO) were calculated according to the results of MPTA-LDFA and MPTA + LDFA respectively and grouped in accordance with the CPAK classification. Results: Overall, there was a statistically significant response rate of 51% (>50%). According to the FJS, the mechanical cohort averaged a score of 39.1 (±33.8), while the kinematical cohort averaged 56.5 (±35.2). A two-sample t-test of this data demonstrated a statistically insignificant p-value of 0.1537. According to the OKS, the mechanical cohort averaged a score of 29.1 (±10) and the kinematical cohort averaged 38.4 (±8). A two-sample t-test of this data demonstrated a statistically significant p-value of <0.001. Of note, 7 patients had to undergo revisions in the mechanical alignment cohort compared to 0 in the kinematic alignment cohort due to aseptic loosening. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potential benefit in patient outcomes for individuals who undergo a kinematic rather than mechanical alignment of their UKAs. The results of the CPAK data with the significance of LDFA are consistent with the goals of the mechanical and kinematic alignment respectively.

Partial meniscectomy using needle arthroscopy associated with significantly less pain and improved patient reported outcomes at two weeks after surgery: A comparison to standard knee arthroscopy.

Purpose: to compare immediate post-operative pain and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after partial meniscectomy with needle (NA) vs. standard (SA) arthroscopy technique. Methods: A retrospective review of a consecutive series of patients who underwent partial meniscectomy before and after adoption of a needle arthroscopic technique was performed. Meniscus repairs, root repairs, and those with ligamentous injuries were excluded. Total milligram morphine equivalents (MMEs) consumed, Visual analog scale (VAS) pain, and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS) were compared pre-operatively and at 2 and 6-weeks postoperatively. Univariate analysis was used to compare results. Results: Nineteen patients were in each group (NA: 10 females, SA: 11 females). Mean ± SD age (NA 42.8 ± 8.4 vs. SA 47.6 ± 10.4 years, p = 0.13) and body mass index (NA 31.4 ± 5.6 vs. SA 35.1 ± 5.4 m/kg2, p = 0.06) were not significantly different. Seventeen (89%) patients in both groups had medial meniscus tears of the posterior horn. Preoperative Outerbridge score was significantly greater in the SA group (3.4 vs. 1.8, p = 0.002); however, preoperative VAS pain (NA 6.1 ± 1.7 vs. SA 6.1 ± 1.8, p = 0.98) and KOOS pain (NA 44 ± 17% vs. SA 37 ± 12.5%, p = 0.20) were similar. Amount of arthroscopic fluid used was significantly greater in the SA vs. NA group (1.4 ± 0.7 vs. 0.5 ± 0.3 L, p < 0.0001), but tourniquet time was equivalent (NA 20 ± 6 vs.16 ± 6 min, p = 0.11). VAS pain scores (NA 1.0 ± 1.1 vs. SA 2.6 ± 1.5, p = 0.0014), KOOS pain (NA 79 ± 15% vs. 58 ± 19%, p = 0.0006), and Quality of Life (QOL) scores (NA 70 ± 22% vs. SA 43 ± 24%, p = 0.001) were significantly better at 2-weeks post-op in the N group. By 6 weeks post-op, all PROs including VAS pain and KOOS scores were similar between groups. Conclusions: Adoption of a needle arthroscopic technique for partial meniscectomy was associated with significantly improved VAS and KOOS pain scores two-weeks post-operatively. Differences were not sustained at 6 weeks after surgery. Level of evidence: III, Retrospective Comparison Study.

The musculoskeletal effects of perioperative smoking.

Although the carcinogenic consequences of smoking are well known, further research is needed on the effects of smoking on musculoskeletal health and surgical outcomes. Orthopaedic perioperative complications of smoking include impaired healing, increased infection, delayed and/or impaired fracture union and arthrodesis, and inferior arthroplasty outcomes. The incorporation of smoking cessation protocols such as transdermal patches, chewing gum, lozenges, inhalers, sprays, bupropion, and varenicline in the perioperative period may result in substantial benefits for patients' musculoskeletal and general health.

A biomechanical comparison of multidirectional nail and locking plate fixation in unstable olecranon fractures.

BACKGROUND: The main theoretic advantage of proximal olecranon fracture intramedullary fixation is decreased soft-tissue irritation and, potentially, less subsequent hardware removal. Despite this possible benefit, questions remain as to whether intramedullary devices are capable of controlling olecranon fractures to the same extent as locking plates. This study evaluates the ability of a novel multidirectional locking nail to stabilize comminuted fractures and directly compares its biomechanical performance with that of locking olecranon plates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We implanted 8 stainless steel locking plates and stainless steel intramedullary nails to stabilize a simulated comminuted fracture in 16 fresh-frozen cadaveric elbows. Flexion-extension, varus-valgus, gap distance, and rotational 3-dimensional angular displacement analysis was conducted over a 60° motion arc (30° to 90°) to assess fragment motion through physiologic cyclic arcs of motion and failure loading. Displacements in all planes were compared. RESULTS: Both implants showed less than 1° of motion in all measured planes and allowed less than 1 mm of gapping through all loads tested until ultimate failure. All failures occurred by sudden, catastrophic means. The mean failure weight for the nail was 14.4 kg compared with 8.7 kg for the plate (P = .02). The nail survived 1102 cycles, whereas the plate survived 831 cycles (P = .06). CONCLUSION: In simulated comminuted olecranon fractures, the multidirectional locking intramedullary nails sustained significantly higher maximum loads than the locking plates. The two implants showed no significant differences in fragment control or number of cycles survived. Surgeons can expect the multidirectional locking nails to stabilize comminuted fractures at least as well as locking plates.

Rehabilitation and functional outcomes in internally braced and standard ACL reconstructions.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare surgical outcomes in patients who underwent ACL reconstruction, with and without internal bracing, at 1-3, 4-7, and 8-12 months of postoperative physical therapy. Previous studies show that ACL reconstruction with internal bracing allows earlier and more aggressive rehabilitation. Therefore, it was hypothesized that patients with internal bracing would display superior surgical recovery compared to ACL reconstruction alone after adjusting for length of physical therapy.1, 2, 3. Methods: Patients who underwent ACL reconstruction and had a minimum two-year follow-up were included. Demographics including age, gender, use of internal bracing, and pre-operative level of activity were collected. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using KOOS scores. Results: 46 patients underwent ACL reconstruction between January 2013 and December 2015. The mean age was 31.53 ± 8.37 years. Patients who received ACL reconstruction with internal bracing reported similar improvement in KOOS scores (mean = 42.82 ± 15.44; median = 46.39 [34.52-51.80]) compared to ACL reconstruction alone (mean = 38.18 ± 19.91; median = 40.17 [29.49-53.90]) (p = 0.475). Patients who received ACL reconstruction with internal bracing reported comparable improvement to ACL reconstruction alone at 0-3 months (Internal bracing: mean = 35.39 ± 15.26, median = 40.45 [26.49-47.73]; No internal bracing: mean = 42.51 ± 12.33, median = 39.32 [35.69-52.94], p = 0.4113), 4-7 months (Internal bracing: 41.96 ± 14.49, 45.55 [33.94-52.68]; No internal bracing: 30.64 ± 32.29, 41.65 [26.17-46.12], p = 0.7491) and 8+ months groups (Internal bracing: 63.36 ± 13.06, 63.36 [58.74-67.98]; No internal bracing: 47.05 ± 10.14, 47.05 [43.46-50.63]) (p = 0.6985). Conclusion: This study demonstrates no statistical difference in functional outcome scores when comparing patients with internally braced ACL reconstruction compared to standard reconstruction. Therefore, the increased structural support provided by use of internal bracing in ACL reconstruction does not afford to quicker improvement in patient-reported recovery.

Postoperative Patellar Height After Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: Mechanical Axis Versus Kinematic Axis.

Introduction When performing total knee arthroplasty (TKA), surgeons may use either the mechanical alignment (MA) or the kinematic alignment (KA) to guide implant placement and joint balancing. By measuring preoperative and postoperative patellar height (PH), surgeons can predict knee stability after TKA. Improper PH is associated with knee instability which may complicate the postoperative course and lead to patient dissatisfaction or need for revision. The purpose of this study is to measure patellar height using the Insall-Salvati Index (ISI), Caton-Deschamps Index (CDI), and Blackburne-Peel Index (BPI) preoperatively and postoperatively in patients who underwent TKA with either MA or KA to assess for changes in patellar height. Methods We performed a retrospective eight-year review of 256 patients who underwent TKA with either MA or KA by a single surgeon at a single hospital site. We obtained demographic data, including gender, age, and BMI, via the electronic health record. Furthermore, we calculated the ISI, CDI, and BPI using necessary parameters from preoperative and postoperative radiographs. We used these measurements to assess any statistically significant difference in postoperative PH. Results The MA cohort consisted of 104 patients with an average age of 63 years and an average BMI of 34.1 kg/m2. The KA cohort included 152 patients with an average age of 64 years and an average BMI of 34.9 kg/m2.  For the MA population, the average postoperative score with ISI was 1.10 [1.05 to 1.16] (p < 0.001), with CDI was 1.05 [0.98 to 1.11] (p < 0.001), and with BPI was was 0.94 [0.89 to 0.99] (p < 0.001). While for the KA population, the average postoperative score with ISI was 1.03 [0.99 to 1.06] (p = 0.17), with CDI was 0.87 [0.82 to 0.91] (p = 0.15), and with BPI was 0.82 [0.78 to 0.86] (p = 0.34). Conclusion TKA with a KA has a statistically significant improvement in postoperative PH and better postoperative maintenance of preoperative PH. Improved PH may lead to increased patellofemoral stability and superior postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing TKA. Future studies should focus on whether differences in preoperative and postoperative PH measurements result in changes in clinical outcomes in patients with MA versus KA TKA.

Outcomes of Prophylactic Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Multiligament Knee Reconstruction.

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has shown promise in reducing postoperative complications in several applications in orthopedic surgery, including trauma and arthroplasty. To the authors' knowledge, no study has evaluated its use in multiligament knee reconstruction. Multiligament knee reconstruction is often fraught with arthrofibrosis and wound-healing complications. This retrospective study assessed complications requiring reoperation in patients who underwent multiligament knee reconstruction and received either NPWT (n=14) or a dry sterile dressing (DSD) (n=44). There were significantly more reoperations in the cohort of patients who received a DSD (P=.011). Arthrofibrosis in particular showed a significantly lower rate of occurrence in the NPWT cohort compared with the DSD cohort (P=.025). There was a trend toward a lower infection rate in the NPWT cohort (P=.322). This study provides evidence that NPWT may be effective in reducing reoperation after multiligament knee reconstruction. Further investigations with prospective studies are needed to draw stronger conclusions about the benefits of NPWT. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(3):187-191.].

Posterior Cruciate Ligament Repair With Suture Augmentation: A Report of Two Cases With Two-Year Follow-Up.

We present two cases of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) repair with suture augmentation (SA) in the setting of multiligamentous knee injury (MLKI). Excellent clinical outcomes were obtained at two-year follow-up with both patients returning to sport following injury. Both patients demonstrated improvements in Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) that exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) as reported in the literature for ligamentous knee injuries. One patient developed arthrofibrosis, which was successfully treated with manipulation under anesthesia and arthroscopic lysis of adhesions two months postoperatively. Both patients had full knee range of motion (ROM) by a one-year follow-up. One patient returned to full preinjury level of sport at six months postoperatively while the other patient returned to 50% of preinjury intensity at two-year follow-up. This series of two cases of PCL repair with SA in MLKIs demonstrates that PCL repair with SA is a viable procedure that can result in excellent short-term outcomes and restore knee stability.