Remplissage reduces recurrent instability in high-risk patients with on-track Hill-Sachs lesions.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare recurrent instability rates between patients with on-track Hill-Sachs lesions who underwent arthroscopic labral repair (ALR) alone and those who underwent ALR with remplissage (ALR-R). Our hypothesis was that ALR-R would decrease the rate of recurrent instability, especially among patients at high risk of recurrent instability after ALR, such as contact athletes with near-track Hill-Sachs lesions. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, retrospective analysis of patients aged 14-50 years with on-track Hill-Sachs lesions who underwent ALR-R or ALR without remplissage between January 2014 and December 2019 with minimum 2-year follow-up. The exclusion criteria included prior ipsilateral shoulder surgery, >15% glenoid bone loss (GBL), off-track Hill-Sachs lesion, concomitant shoulder procedure, and connective tissue disorder. Age, sex, follow-up, and contact sports participation were recorded. GBL, Hills-Sachs interval (HSI), glenoid track, and distance to dislocation (DTD) were determined from preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans. Affected-shoulder range of motion, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index scores, Subjective Shoulder Value scores, and recurrent dislocation and/or revision surgery status were also collected. A subgroup analysis was performed on "high-risk" patients (defined as participants in contact sports with DTD <10 mm) from each cohort. RESULTS: The ALR-R cohort included 56 patients, and the ALR cohort included 127. ALR-R patients had greater GBL (P = .004) and a greater HSI (P < .001). In the ALR-R cohort, only 1 patient (1.8%) had a recurrent dislocation and there were no revision operations. In comparison, in the ALR cohort, 14 patients (11.0%) had recurrent dislocations (P = .040) and 8 (6.3%) underwent revision operations (P = .11). Univariate analysis showed that remplissage protected against recurrent dislocation (P = .040) whereas younger age (P = .004), contact sports participation (P = .001), and increased GBL (P = .048) were associated with recurrent dislocation. Multivariate analysis showed that HSI (P = .001) and contact sports participation (P = .002) predicted recurrent dislocation. Among high-risk patients, only 1 patient (4.2%) in the ALR-R group had a recurrent instability event vs. 6 (66.7%) in the ALR group (P < .001). The high-risk ALR-R subgroup also had significantly better final Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (P = .008) and Subjective Shoulder Value (P = .001) scores than the high-risk ALR subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior shoulder instability patients with on-track Hill-Sachs lesions have lower recurrent dislocation rates after ALR plus remplissage when compared with ALR alone. This is especially true for high-risk patients, such as contact athletes with a DTD <10 mm.

Defining Critical Humeral Bone Loss: Inferior Craniocaudal Hill-Sachs Extension as Predictor of Recurrent Instability After Primary Arthroscopic Bankart Repair.

BACKGROUND: The glenoid track concept for shoulder instability primarily describes the medial-lateral relationship between a Hill-Sachs lesion and the glenoid. However, the Hill-Sachs position in the craniocaudal dimension has not been thoroughly studied. HYPOTHESIS: Hill-Sachs lesions with greater inferior extension are associated with increased risk of recurrent instability after primary arthroscopic Bankart repair. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective analysis of patients with on-track Hill-Sachs lesions who underwent primary arthroscopic Bankart repair (without remplissage) between 2007 and 2019 and had a minimum 2-year follow-up. Recurrent instability was defined as recurrent dislocation or subluxation after the index procedure. The craniocaudal position of the Hill-Sachs lesion was measured against the midhumeral axis on sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using either a Hill-Sachs bisecting line through the humeral head center (sagittal midpoint angle [SMA], a measure of Hill-Sachs craniocaudal position) or a line tangent to the inferior Hill-Sachs edge (lower-edge angle [LEA], a measure of Hill-Sachs caudal extension). Univariate and multivariate regression were used to determine the predictive value of both SMA and LEA for recurrent instability. RESULTS: In total, 176 patients were included with a mean age of 20.6 years, mean follow-up of 5.9 years, and contact sport participation of 69.3%. Of these patients, 42 (23.9%) experienced recurrent instability (30 dislocations, 12 subluxations) at a mean time of 1.7 years after surgery. Recurrent instability was found to be significantly associated with LEA >90° (ie, Hill-Sachs lesions extending below the humeral head equator), with an OR of 3.29 (P = .022). SMA predicted recurrent instability to a lesser degree (OR, 2.22; P = .052). Post hoc evaluation demonstrated that LEA >90° predicted recurrent dislocations (subset of recurrent instability) with an OR of 4.80 (P = .003). LEA and SMA were found to be collinear with Hill-Sachs interval and distance to dislocation, suggesting that greater LEA and SMA proportionally reflect lesion severity in both the craniocaudal and medial-lateral dimensions. CONCLUSION: Inferior extension of an otherwise on-track Hill-Sachs lesion is a highly predictive risk factor for recurrent instability after primary arthroscopic Bankart repair. Evaluation of Hill-Sachs extension below the humeral equator (inferior equatorial extension) on sagittal MRI is a clinically facile screening tool for higher-risk lesions with subcritical glenoid bone loss. This threshold for critical humeral bone loss may inform surgical stratification for procedures such as remplissage or other approaches for at-risk on-track lesions.

Proximal humerus fracture management and outcomes are distinctly different for individuals 60 years of age or younger: a systematic review.

Background: Proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) occur most commonly in an elderly and osteoporotic population, but a considerable proportion of these injuries occur in relatively younger individuals. Differences in treatment principles and outcomes in this younger population remain poorly understood. The purpose of this review was to characterize the treatment algorithms and outcomes for patients less than or equal to 60 years of age with PHFs. Methods: A comprehensive search of the Medline, Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for articles published between January 2005 and December 2020 was performed in January 2021. Levels of evidence I-IV analyzing outcomes (patient reported outcomes and/or complications) following PHFs in adult patients less than or equal to 60 years of age were included. The search was carried out in accordance with the preferred reported items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. The risk of bias 2 tool and methodological index for nonrandomized studies score were utilized to evaluate included studies. Results: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria (open reduction internal fixation: 5, intramedullary nail: 4, hemiarthroplasty: 2, nonoperative: 1, and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA): 1). Seven studies reported differences in outcomes between younger and older patient populations, with three studies noting separate management algorithms for those 60 years of age or younger. There were no studies comparing different treatments modalities in those less than 60 years of age, and the lone study on RTSA did not include patient-reported outcomes. Conclusion: Treatment algorithms and outcomes following PHFs in patients less than or equal to 60 years of age are distinctly different from that of a more elderly population. However, evidence-based treatment recommendations for this younger population are limited by the lack of studies comparing treatment modalities and the absence of patient-reported outcomes for individuals undergoing RTSA.

Distance to Dislocation and Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair: Rethinking the Glenoid Track Concept.

BACKGROUND: The "distance to dislocation" (DTD) calculation has been proposed as 1 method to predict the risk of recurrent dislocation after arthroscopic Bankart repair for an "on-track" shoulder. Rates of recurrent dislocation at specific DTD values are unknown. HYPOTHESIS: Among patients with "on-track" shoulder lesions who underwent primary arthroscopic Bankart repair, the rate of recurrent dislocation would increase as DTD values decrease. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 188 patients with "on-track" shoulder lesions who underwent primary arthroscopic anterior labral repair between 2007 and 2019, with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Glenoid bone loss, Hill-Sachs interval, glenoid track, and DTD were determined from preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans. The rate of recurrent dislocation was determined at 2-mm DTD intervals. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between recurrent dislocation, patient characteristics, and bone loss variables. A multivariate regression model was created to predict the probability of failure at continuous DTD values. A subgroup analysis of failure rate based on collision sports participation was also performed. RESULTS: A total of 29 patients (15.4%) sustained recurrent dislocations. Patient age (P = .046), multiple dislocations (P = .03), glenoid bone loss (P < .001), Hill-Sachs interval length (P < .001), and DTD (P < .001) were all independent predictors of failure. As the DTD decreased, the rate of recurrent dislocation increased. Below a DTD threshold of 10 mm, the recurrent dislocation rate increased exponentially. Up to a threshold of 24 mm, the failure rate for collision athletes remained >12.3%, independent of the DTD. Conversely, the failure rate among noncollision athletes decreased steadily as the DTD increased. CONCLUSION: For "on-track" shoulder lesions, as the DTD approached 0 mm ("off-track" threshold), the risk of recurrent dislocation after arthroscopic Bankart repair increased significantly. Below a DTD threshold of 10 mm, the risk of failure increased exponentially. The risk of recurrent dislocation for collision sports athletes remained elevated at higher DTD values than for noncollision athletes.

Return to duty following combat-related multi-ligamentous knee injury.

INTRODUCTION: This retrospective cohort study characterized injury patterns, treatment practices, and identified the return to duty (RTD) rate following combat-related multi-ligament knee injuries (MLKI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated injury characteristics and treatment methods of 46 military service members who had sustained a MLKI during combat activity. The primary clinical outcome measure was ability to return to active military duty. Secondary outcomes included subjective pain score, knee motion, knee instability, and use of ambulatory assistive device. RESULTS: The RTD rate was 41% (19/46). High-energy mechanism, neurovascular injury, compartment syndrome, traumatic knee arthrotomy, and intra-articular femur fracture (Orthopedic Trauma Association Classification (OTA) 33-B/C) were all more prevalent in subjects who were unable to return to duty (p<0.05). Acute external fixator application and poor knee range of motion (ROM) were also associated with military separation (p=0.041 and p=0.016, respectively). The most common ligament injury pattern (n=9; 20%) was combined disruption of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), posterolateral corner (PLC), and medial collateral ligament (MCL). However, number of ligaments injured was not associated with RTD status. CONCLUSION: MLKIs sustained in a combat setting have a high incidence of associated lower extremity injuries. Certain associated injuries, such as intra-articular femur fracture, knee arthrotomy, neurovascular injury, and compartment syndrome may be more important than the severity of the knee ligamentous injury in determining RTD outcome.

Iatrogenic Hip Instability Treated With Periacetabular Osteotomy.

Hip dislocation following hip arthroscopy is a devastating complication. Previous reports of arthroscopy-related iatrogenic instability have focused on strategies aimed at restoring the stabilizing effects of the hip joint capsuloligamentous complex. Less has been written about treatment options for patients in whom deficient acetabular coverage of the femoral head is implicated in the functionally unstable hip joint. Given this relative paucity of information, an optimal treatment approach has yet to be elucidated for these patients. Periacetabular osteotomy has been described as a treatment for iatrogenic hip instability related to surgical hip dislocation; however, to our knowledge, this is the first case of a patient with hip arthroscopy-related iatrogenic instability manifesting as recurrent, frank dislocations treated with periacetabular osteotomy.

The effects of below-elbow immobilization on driving performance.

INTRODUCTION: There is limited research to guide physicians and patients in deciding whether it is safe to drive while wearing various forms of upper extremity immobilization. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of below-elbow removable splints and fiberglass casts on automobile driving performance. METHODS: 20 healthy subjects completed 10 runs through a closed, cone-marked driving course while wearing a randomized sequence of four different types of immobilization on each extremity (short arm thumb spica fiberglass cast, short arm fiberglass cast, short arm thumb spica splint, and short arm wrist splint). The first and last driving runs were without immobilization and served as controls. Performance was measured based on evaluation by a certified driving instructor (pass/fail scoring), cones hit, run time, and subject-perceived driving difficulty (1-10 analogue scoring). RESULTS: The greatest number of instructor-scored failures occurred while immobilized in right arm spica casts (n=6; p=0.02) and left arm spica casts (n=5; p=0.049). The right arm spica cast had the highest subject-perceived difficulty (5.2±1.9; p<0.001). All forms of immobilization had significantly increased perceived difficulty compared to control, except for the left short arm splint (2.5±1.6; p>0.05). There was no significant difference in number of cones hit or driving time between control runs and runs with any type of immobilization. CONCLUSIONS: Drivers should use caution when wearing any of the forms of upper extremity immobilization tested in this study. All forms of immobilization, with exception of the left short arm splint significantly increased perceived driving difficulty. However, only the fiberglass spica casts (both left and right arm), significantly increased drive run failures due to loss of vehicle control. We recommend against driving when wearing a below-elbow fiberglass spica cast on either extremity.

Assessment of Disability Related to Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome by Use of the Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Information System (PROMIS) and Objective Measures of Physical Performance.

BACKGROUND: The National Institutes of Health (NIH)-sponsored Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement System (PROMIS) has been described as a valuable tool for characterizing outcomes among patients with specific musculoskeletal conditions. Additionally, previously proposed objective measures of physical performance among patients with nonarthritic hip abnormalities are costly and not practically incorporated into routine clinical practice. PURPOSE: (1) To determine the ability of the PROMIS to differentiate between patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and asymptomatic controls, (2) to determine the effect of FAI on subjects' completion of timed physical performance measures, and (3) to determine whether associations exist between established patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures and subjects' completion of physical performance measures. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Twenty-two asymptomatic controls (CON group) and 20 patients with FAI completed multiple activities to assess physical ability: self-selected walking velocity (SSWV), timed stair ascent (TSA), four-square step test (FSST), and sit-to-stand five times test (STS5). All subjects also underwent a battery of PRO questionnaires: Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS), Modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33), Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), and PROMIS. Descriptive analyses were performed and comparisons between groups were made by use of paired t tests with Bonferroni-Holm correction. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were used to determine associations between physical performance measures and PRO. The magnitude of differences between groups for each measured variable was calculated by use of Cohen's d. RESULTS: Significant differences between CON and FAI groups were observed for all hip-specific PRO measures (CON vs FAI for all; HOOS 99.2 vs 42.8, P < .001, iHOT-33 99.0 vs 26.6, P < .001, mHHS 99.6 vs 62.2, P < .001). Similarly, PROMIS scores were significantly different between groups for 8 of 9 tested domains. Patients with FAI demonstrated significant decrements in performance of all tested physical measures compared with asymptomatic controls (CON vs FAI, SSWV: 1.51 vs 1.32 m/s, P = .002; TSA: 3.05 vs 5.92 s, P = .017; FSST: 4.83 vs 8.89 s, P = .006; STS5: CON 5.53 vs FAI 10.75 s, P = .005.) Deficits in activities involving hip flexion-TSA, STS5-were strongly associated ( r < -0.7, P < .001) with increased reports of disability. CONCLUSION: FAI has a negative effect on patient-reported and objectively measured function. Hip-specific and general measures such as PROMIS, FSST, TSA, and STS5 are responsive to FAI-associated debility and may be used to objectively assess surgical or rehabilitative outcomes.

Femoral suspension devices for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: do adjustable loops lengthen?

BACKGROUND: Cortical suspension devices are commonly used for femoral graft fixation during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructive surgery. Adjustable-length fixation devices provide technical advantages over fixed-length loops but may be more susceptible to lengthening during cyclic loading. HYPOTHESIS: Both fixed-length and adjustable-length femoral cortical suspension devices would withstand ultimate loads greater than those normally experienced by the native ACL and would prevent clinically significant lengthening during prolonged cyclic loading. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Mechanical testing was performed on 3 ACL graft cortical suspensory devices by use of an extended cyclic loading (4500 cycles at 10-250 N) and pull-to-failure protocol. Two adjustable-length devices were additionally tested with the free suture ends tied. RESULTS: Total displacement after 4500 cycles of tensioning at variable loads (expressed as mean ± SD) was 42.45 mm (±7.01 mm) for the Arthrex TightRope RT, 5.76 mm (±0.35 mm) for the Biomet ToggleLoc, and 1.34 mm (±0.03 mm) for the Smith & Nephew EndoButton CL Ultra (P < .001). The Arthrex TightRope reached clinical failure of 3 mm lengthening after fewer cycles (1349 ± 316) than the Biomet ToggleLoc (2576 ± 73) (P < .001). The Smith & Nephew EndoButton did not reach clinical failure during cyclic testing. With the free suture ends tied, after 4500 cycles, the Arthrex TightRope had a significant decrease in lengthening to 13.36 ± 1.86 mm (P < .037) There was also a significant difference in ultimate load between the TightRope (809.11 ± 52.94 N) and the other 2 constructs (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The ultimate load of all graft-fixation devices exceeded the forces likely to be experienced in a patient's knee during the early postoperative rehabilitation period. However, the adjustable-length fixation devices experienced a clinically significant increase in loop lengthening during cyclic testing. This lengthening is partially caused by suture slippage into the adjustable-length loop. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Adjustable-length ACL graft cortical suspension devices lengthen under cyclic loads because free suture ends are pulled into the adjustable loop. This may allow for graft-fixation device lengthening during the acute postoperative period.