Editorial Commentary: Prevention and Treatment of Hip Adhesions Associated With Hip Arthroscopy Shows Positive Outcomes.

Adhesions are known to occur following arthroscopic as well as open surgery of multiple joints, including after hip arthroscopy, resulting in pain, stiffness, and dysfunction. Adhesions of the labrum to the overlying hip capsule can lead to eversion of the labrum and potentially compromise the suction seal, leading to microinstability and pain. Generally, patient-reported outcomes improve after surgical lysis of adhesions, with or without concurrent correction of labral, chondral, or bony pathology. Arthroscopic placement of autograft or allograft spacers may be effective when adhesions between the labrum and capsule prevent an adequate suction seal. Prevention using biologics, such as angiotensin II receptor blockers (e.g., losartan), may inhibit transforming growth factor ß1, which has been associated with fibrogenesis, tissue fibrosis, and scarring. Side effects of losartan are rare but include hypotension, dizziness, angioedema, and acute kidney injury when coprescribed with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are often used in heterotopic ossification prophylaxis in hip arthroscopy and are a significant concern. More data on losartan use are required prior to broader adoption.

Editorial Commentary: Earlier Hip Arthroscopy May Result in Improved Outcomes for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome in Symptomatic Athletes: No Time Like the Present Could Mean Better Luck Next Year.

Hip arthroscopy is an effective tool to address hip pain and dysfunction related to femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS), and an increasing volume of evidence suggests improved outcomes of these procedures if they are done closer to the onset of symptoms. Although this same relationship is observed in competitive athletes, these patients often have competing priorities when deciding if and when to proceed with surgical management of FAIS, including the desire to complete a competitive season, scouting and scholarship considerations, and financial incentives. Despite these incentives, consideration may be given to earlier surgical management, given the improved outcome potential and high rates of return to play. However, caution should be taken, particularly in the elite athlete population, as return to play data may not paint the whole picture, and there remains a paucity of data on sport performance after hip arthroscopy for FAIS.

Self-Reported Cannabis Use Is Not Associated With Increased Opioid Use or Costs After Hip Arthroscopy.

PURPOSE: Our purpose is to determine the difference in cost, opioid use, and complication rates following hip arthroscopy with or without perioperative cannabis use. METHODS: Data were collected from a large commercial insurance database (PearlDiver) between the years 2010 and 2019. Patients who underwent hip arthroscopy with reported cannabis use were identified using Common Procedural Terminology codes and the appropriate International Classification of Diseases codes. This group was then matched by age, procedure, gender, Charleston Comorbidity Index, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index), obesity, tobacco use, diabetes to a group of similar patients without self-reported cannabis use. Opioid use over the episode of care, evaluated by morphine milligram equivalents (MME), and 30-day cost were compared between groups using unequal variance t-test. RESULTS: Of queried patients, 360 (.71%) had a diagnosis of preoperative cannabis use, abuse, or dependence within 5 years prior to their hip arthroscopy. A total of 300 patients (172 female, 128 male) were matched into each hip arthroscopy group, with and without cannabis. Of those patients, 171 without cannabis use and 174 with cannabis use had full financial and opioid use data for analysis. Prescription opioid use was not significantly different over the episode of care in patients with reported cannabis use (1,840 ± 2,743 MME) than those without reported cannabis use (2,129 ± 3,383 MME) (P = .3848). Additionally, episode of care reimbursement cost following hip arthroscopy did not differ significantly between patients with cannabis use ($2957 ± $4428) and those without reported cannabis use ($2,651 ± $3,762) (P = .3620). CONCLUSIONS: Following hip arthroscopy, patients with reported cannabis use do not appear to have significantly different postoperative opioid use or cost of hip arthroscopy episode of care compared with patients without reported cannabis use. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, cohort study.

Editorial Commentary: Lumbosacral Anatomy and Mechanics Influence Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome and Surgical Outcomes: The Hip Bone Is Connected to the Back Bone.

The hip joint in general and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in particular do not exist in a vacuum. Impingement kinematics are very closely tied to the relationship between spinopelvic motion and posture, and that of the hip joint itself. While the relationship of lumbar degenerative disease, fusion, and sagittal balance to hip arthroplasty has been well studied, there is a paucity of data on the analogous relationship of the stiff spine with hip arthroscopy and FAI. While further studies are critical in advancing our understanding of this relationship in this unique population, surgeons still must consider the relationship of lumbosacral motion and posture, including the anatomic variant of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae, when evaluating and treating patients with FAI.

Editorial Commentary: Third-Generation Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation-Are Cells Seeded Onto the Scaffold Itself in It for the Long Run?

Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is an increasingly performed procedure, with rapidly evolving technology. First-generation ACI used a periosteal patch, leading to the second generation, in which a type I-type III collagen membrane is used to cover the autologous chondrocytes, and ultimately the third generation, in which autologous chondrocytes are seeded onto the scaffold itself. As third-generation, scaffold-based ACI techniques are becoming more widely available, interest in the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes continues to grow, especially given the high costs associated with these procedures. Several studies have now shown persistently improved clinical outcomes at long-term follow-up, which support the increasing utilization of third-generation ACI techniques. However, it is important to continue to develop our understanding of the limitations of and expectations with third-generation ACI, particularly regarding reoperation, as well as to continue to design high-quality long-term studies that can evaluate differences in technology.

Editorial Commentary: Predicting the Size of the Labrum: We Have the Technology, Should We Put it to Use?

The size of the labrum of the hip found at the time of arthroscopy can be predicted by measuring the labrum on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance arthrography, which may lead to consideration of using this measurement for preoperative planning. While normal labral anatomy is becoming better understood and our ability to preoperatively evaluate this improves, more evaluation is warranted to determine if, and at what point, labral width should influence treatment decisions, including labral repair techniques or the decision to reconstruct the labrum with allograft or autograft.

Complications of biceps tenodesis based on location, fixation, and indication: a review of 1526 shoulders.

BACKGROUND: Long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) tenodesis is predominantly performed for 2 reasons: anterior shoulder pain (ASP) or structural reasons (partial tear, dislocation). METHODS: Between 2006 and 2014, all cases of primary LHBT tenodesis performed at an integrated health care system were retrospectively reviewed. Complications were analyzed by tenodesis location (below or out of the groove [OOG] vs leaving tendon in the groove [ITG]), fixation method (soft tissue vs implant), and indication (preoperative ASP vs structural). RESULTS: Among 1526 shoulders, persistent ASP did not differ by fixation method (11.0% for implant vs 12.8% for soft tissue, P = .550) or location (10.8% for OOG vs 12.9% for ITG, P = .472). Soft-tissue tenodesis cases had more frequent new-onset ASP (11.9% vs 2.6%, P < .001) and subjective weakness (8.50% vs 3.92%, P < .001) but less frequent revisions (0% vs 1.19%, P = .03) than implant tenodesis cases. No difference was found between ITG and OOG for persistent ASP (12.9% vs 10.8%, P = .550), new-onset ASP (6.5% vs 2.8%, P = .339), cramping (1.70% vs 2.31%, P = .737), deformity (4.72% vs 4.62%, P = .532), or subjective weakness (6.23% vs 4.32%, P = .334), but ITG cases had more revisions (1.51% vs 0.60%, P = .001). Among implant tenodesis cases, 1 shoulder (0.085%) sustained a fracture. CONCLUSION: The overall complication rate of LHBT tenodesis was low. Of the shoulders, 10.8% to 12.9% continued to have ASP, regardless of whether the LHBT was left ITG. Soft-tissue tenodesis cases had higher rates of new-onset ASP and subjective weakness. No significant difference for tenodesis ITG or OOG was found in biceps-related complications.

In Vivo Analysis of Biceps Tendon Characteristics in Subpectoral Tenodesis.

PURPOSE: To report the in vivo characteristics of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT); to evaluate the relation of age, gender, height, weight, and body mass index to the length and sutured and tubularized diameter of the LHBT; and to determine the smallest possible tunnel diameter for a subpectoral biceps tenodesis (SPBT) that can accommodate most patients. METHODS: The study included 66 patients (33 men and 33 women) with an average age of 54 years (range, 29-73 years) undergoing SPBT. After tenotomy, the length from the biceps musculotendinous junction to the released end was measured. The tendon was transected 3 cm proximal to the musculotendinous junction and sutured, and the diameter was measured. The depth of the reamed tunnel was recorded. RESULTS: The average tendon length was 84.0 mm, measuring 91.9 mm in men and 76.2 mm in women (P < .001), and the average tendon diameter was 4.4 mm, varying slightly between men (4.5 mm) and women (4.3 mm) (P < .001). Mean bone tunnel depth was 17.5 mm, with 19 mm in men and 16.1 mm in women (P < .001). Patient height showed a significant relation to both tendon length and tendon diameter. Weight was not correlated with tendon diameter but did show a significant relation to tendon length. CONCLUSIONS: We have characterized the in vivo length and diameter of the LHBT at the time of an SPBT. Our findings have shown that there was a statistically significant gender difference in tendon length and diameter, but the diameter of the sutured tendon, which was placed into the tunnel, averaged 4.4 mm and ranged from 3.5 to 5 mm for all ages, both genders, all heights, and all weights. This finding is clinically relevant in that a small tunnel measuring 5.5 mm or less is sufficient to perform an SPBT. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series, anatomic study.

Quadratus lumborum block provides improved immediate postoperative analgesia and decreased opioid use compared with a multimodal pain regimen following hip arthroscopy.

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect on immediate patient outcomes following hip arthroscopy with use of a preoperative, single shot quadratus lumborum (QL) block. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent hip arthroscopy following a preoperative QL block. These patients were matched by age and gender to patients who had not received a block. Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores immediately postoperatively and at the time of discharge were recorded. Hourly and overall opioid intake in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) was also recorded. Continuous data was analysed with paired t-test, with significance being defined as P < 0.05. Complications in the immediate postoperative period were recorded, as was time from admission to PACU to discharge. Fifty-six patients were included. Twenty-eight patients underwent QL block and 28 did not undergo a block. QL block patients required significantly less hydromorphone (P = 0.010) and oxycodone (P = 0.001) during their time in the PACU, and significantly fewer morphine equivalents overall and per hour in the PACU (P < 0.001). Despite receiving less opioid analgesia, QL block patients had significantly less pain immediately postoperatively (P = 0.026) and at the time of discharge (P = 0.015). The mean time to PACU discharge was 155 ± 49 min, and there was no difference in time to discharge between groups (P = 0.295). One patient in the QL block group experienced persistent flank numbness. Hip arthroscopy patients who received a preoperative QL block had less pain and a lower opioid requirement in PACU than those who did not receive a block. Level of Evidence: Level III (Retrospective matched cohort study).

Return to Play After PRP and Rehabilitation of 3 Elite Ice Hockey Players With Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries of the Elbow.

BACKGROUND: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury is a well-described etiology of pain and decreased performance for the overhead athlete. Despite a growing volume of literature regarding the treatment of these injuries for overhead athletes, there is a paucity of such data regarding stickhandling collision sport athletes, such as ice hockey players. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to characterize this injury among 3 elite ice hockey players and to describe the ability of these athletes to return to play, as well as to review the unique sport-specific implications of this injury, evaluation, nonsurgical management, and considerations for return to play. The authors hypothesized that elite ice hockey players will be able to return to play at the same level following nonoperative treatment of UCL injury. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Data from 3 elite professional ice hockey players who sustained a high-grade injury to the UCL were retrospectively reviewed. All athletes underwent 2 autologous conditioned plasma injections as part of their treatment and were evaluated with ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Three consecutive elite ice hockey players were included in this study, and no patients were excluded. Players were cleared to full return to play at a mean 36 days postinjury. Follow-up examination at this time point demonstrated full range of motion of the elbow for all athletes, without tenderness to palpation over the UCL, including no tenderness over the humeral insertion site. Stability examination improved as well, demonstrating a soft to moderate endpoint with valgus stress, although this was not symmetric to the contralateral side. All athletes were able to continue to play at the same level of competition as before the injury occurred, without any complaints. No players had repeat injury during the same or following seasons. CONCLUSION: The authors present 3 elite-level ice hockey players who sustained a high-grade injury to the UCL. Successful return to play was possible after nonoperative treatment with injection of autologous conditioned plasma at a mean 36 days following injury. Athletes who injure either the top or bottom hand can return to play at the same elite level following this injury.

Arthroscopic Anterior Ankle Decompression Is Successful in National Football League Players.

Anterior ankle impingement is a frequent cause of pain and disability in athletes with impingement of soft-tissue or osseous structures along the anterior margin of the tibiotalar joint during dorsiflexion. In this study, we hypothesized that arthroscopic decompression of anterior ankle impingement would result in significant, reliable, and durable improvement in pain and range of motion (ROM), and would allow National Football League (NFL) players to return to their preoperative level of play. We reviewed 29 arthroscopic ankle débridements performed by a single surgeon. Each NFL player underwent arthroscopic débridement of pathologic soft tissue and of tibial and talar osteophytes in the anterior ankle. Preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot scores, and ankle ROM were compared; time to return to play (RTP), events missed secondary to surgery, and complications were recorded. All athletes returned to the same level of NFL play at a mean (SD) of 8.4 (4.1) weeks after surgery and continued playing for a mean (SD) of 3.43 (2.57) years after surgery. Mean (SD) VAS pain scores decreased significantly (P < .001), to 0.38 (0.89) from 4.21 (1.52). Mean (SD) active ankle dorsiflexion increased significantly (P < .001), to 18.86° (2.62°) from 8.28° (4.14°). Mean (SD) AOFAS hindfoot scores increased significantly (P < .001), to 97.45 (4.72) from 70.62 (10.39). Degree of arthritis (r = 0.305) and age (r = 0.106) were poorly correlated to time to RTP. In all cases, arthroscopic débridement of anterior ankle impingement resulted in RTP at the same level at a mean of 2 months after surgery. There were significant improvements in VAS pain scores, AOFAS hindfoot scores, and ROM. Arthroscopic débridement of anterior ankle impingement relieves pain, restores ROM and function, and results in reliable RTP in professional football players.

Postmeniscectomy Meniscus Growth With Stem Cells: Where Are We Now?

Arthroscopic meniscal repair and debridement are some of the most common procedures performed in the field of orthopedic surgery. Further, recent research has suggested poor long-term outcomes for patients with meniscectomies with increased incidence of osteoarthritis, leaving a need to develop technology to regenerate meniscal tissue following meniscectomy. Mesenchymal stem cells, are cells that can be harvested from multiple organs and retain the ability to differentiate into a variety of tissues, including osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondroblasts. They have been shown to stimulate the regeneration of meniscal tissue in several animal models and recently in humans, as well. This study reviews the current research and clinical data regarding mesenchymal stem cells, specifically with regard to postmeniscectomy meniscus growth with stem cells.