Quantification and correlation of hip capsular volume to demographic and radiographic predictors.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a novel method to quantify hip capsular volume in patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery, utilizing magnetic resonance arthrogram (MRA) and to determine whether there are demographic or radiological factors that are associated with capsular volume. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed from 2006 to 2014 of consecutive patients who presented with hip pain and received a hip MRA and plain radiographs. All patients were suspected of soft tissue injury due to underlying femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). A novel technique using Osirix MD for the quantification of capsular and femoral head volumes was described. RESULTS: Ninety-seven patients met the study criteria and were included for analysis. The average total capsular volume (including the femoral head) measured 79.89 ± 20.35 cm(3), average femoral head volume 46.68 ± 12.32 cm(3), and average true capsular volume measured 33.20 ± 12.58 cm(3). Average total capsular:femoral head volume ratio was 1.74 ± 0.27. Significant differences were seen between genders for total capsular volume (P < 0.01), femoral head volume (P < 0.01), and true capsular volume (P < 0.01). Total capsular volume:femoral head ratio was greater for females, but was not statistically significant (n.s.). Femoral head volume significantly correlated with alpha angle (P < 0.01), height (P < 0.01), BMI (P < 0.01), BMI (P = 0.02), and age (P < 0.01). Total capsular volume significantly correlated with height (P < 0.01), BMI (P = 0.01), and age (P < 0.01). Age was also correlated with true capsular volume (P = 0.011). No significant differences in capsular volumes were found between normal and abnormal radiographic measurements. CONCLUSION: The current study describes a reproducible radiographic measurement for hip capsule volumes from MRAs. Only gender was predictive of total capsular volume, femoral head volume, and true capsular volume. There were no macroscopic anatomical differences evident on MRA. This method showed good intra- and inter-observer reliability and can aid in future research regarding hip capsule volumes. This novel technique may potentially allow clinicians a readily available and reliable method to detect large and redundant capsules, a possible predisposition for hip micro-instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective case series, Level IV.

Current status of evidence-based sports medicine.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation is to determine the proportion of sports medicine studies that are labeled as Level I Evidence in 5 journals and compare the quality of surgical and nonsurgical studies using simple quality assessment tools (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials [CONSORT] and Jadad). METHODS: By use of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines over the prior 2 years in the top 5 (citation and impact factor based) sports medicine journals, only Level I Evidence studies were eligible for inclusion and were analyzed. All study types (therapeutic, prognostic, diagnostic, and economic) were analyzed. Study quality was assessed with the level of evidence, Jadad score, and CONSORT 2010 guidelines. Study demographic data were compared among journals and between surgical and nonsurgical studies by use of χ(2), 1-way analysis of variance, and 2-sample Z tests. RESULTS: We analyzed 190 Level I Evidence studies (10% of eligible studies) (119 randomized controlled trials [RCTs]). Therapeutic, nonsurgical, single-center studies from the United States were the most common studies published. Sixty-two percent of studies reported a financial conflict of interest. The knee was the most common body part studied, and track-and-field/endurance sports were the most common sports analyzed. Significant differences (P < .05) were shown in Jadad and CONSORT scores among the journals reviewed. Overall, the Jadad and CONSORT scores were 2.71 and 77%, respectively. No differences (P > .05) were shown among journals based on the proportion of Level I studies or appropriate randomization. Significant strengths and limitations of RCTs were identified. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that Level I Evidence and RCTs comprise 10% and 6% of contemporary sports medicine literature, respectively. Therapeutic, nonsurgical, single-center studies are the most common publications with Level I Evidence. Significant differences across sports medicine journals were found in study quality. Surgical studies appropriately described randomization, blinding, and patient enrollment significantly more than nonsurgical studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, systematic review of Level I studies.

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty versus high tibial osteotomy: United States practice patterns for the surgical treatment of unicompartmental arthritis.

Both unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and high tibial osteotomy (HTO) produce satisfactory outcomes in the management of unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis (OA). The purpose of this study is to compare UKA and HTO practice patterns in a large US private payer insurance database. Utilization data for UKA and HTO were captured from the database between 2007 and 2011. Chi square analysis, parametric testing and Poisson regressions were performed where appropriate. Between 2007 and 2011, the compound annual growth rate in utilization of UKA was +4.7%, while that for HTO was -3.9%. Utilization of UKA and HTO were inversely correlated (P = 0.001). UKA utilization is increasing, while HTO utilization is decreasing in the management of OA. More work is required to understand specific indications and outcomes.

Evaluation of hip pain in young adults.

Hip pain is a common complaint in the young, athletic patient population. Primary, intra-articular sources of hip pain are becoming increasingly recognized by primary care providers and sports medicine specialists. Prior to deciding among the various treatment options for the many sources of hip pain in the athletic patient population, the clinician must be able to recognize and accurately diagnose the underlying pathology. Advances in imaging modalities and our understanding of the pathophysiology have improved our ability to accurately understand and diagnose the source of hip pain in this patient population. This review presents a comprehensive strategy for the workup and diagnosis of young, athletic patients presenting with hip pain, and provides the sports medicine specialist with the tools to correlate the patient's history, physical examination, and imaging findings and to treat these challenging patients.

Methodologic quality of knee articular cartilage studies.

PURPOSE: (1) To evaluate the quality of knee articular cartilage surgery literature using established methodologic quality instruments, and (2) to assess whether study quality has improved with time. METHODS: A systematic review was performed using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Studies of autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), osteochondral autograft and allograft transplant, and microfracture were analyzed. Study methodologic quality was assessed by the level of evidence and 9 different methodologic quality questionnaires. Comparisons were made between different surgical technique groups by use of Student's t tests. Assessment of study quality improvement with time was performed by comparison of the Coleman Methodology Score (CMS) from the included studies (2004 to present) and CMS from a prior study assessing quality of articular cartilage studies (1985 to 2004). Furthermore, assessment of study quality improvement with time was performed over the period of the included studies (2004 to present). RESULTS: We included 194 studies (11,787 subjects). Most evidence was Level IV (76%) and nonrandomized (91%). ACI was the most commonly reported technique (62% of studies). Only 34% of studies denied the presence of a financial conflict of interest. The mean subject age was 33.5 ± 8.2 years, and the mean length of follow-up was 3.7 ± 2.3 years. By use of study quality questionnaires, the methodologic quality of articular cartilage studies was poor. However, study quality (after 2004) was significantly improved versus that reported from a prior study (before 2004) using the CMS (P < .01). The mean level of evidence, CMS, CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) score, and Jadad score showed no significant improvement over the period of the included studies (P > .05). The quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was significantly higher than that of non-RCTs (P < .05). The most common study weaknesses included blinding, subject selection process, study type, sample size calculation, and outcome measures and assessment. CONCLUSIONS: The methodologic quality of knee articular cartilage surgery studies was poor overall and also for individual techniques (ACI, osteochondral autograft transplant, osteochondral allograft transplant, and microfracture). However, the overall quality of the investigations in this review (after June 2004) has significantly improved in comparison to those published before 2004. The quality of RCTs was significantly higher than that of non-RCTs. Level of evidence, CMS, CONSORT score, and Jadad score did not significantly improve with later publication date within the period of the studies analyzed. Methodologic quality deficiencies identified in this investigation may be used to guide future articular cartilage studies' design, conduct, and reporting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of studies with Levels of Evidence I-IV.

Long-term outcomes after Bankart shoulder stabilization.

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were (1) to analyze long-term outcomes in patients who have undergone open or arthroscopic Bankart repair and (2) to evaluate study methodologic quality through validated tools. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of Level I to IV Evidence using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Clinical outcome studies after open or arthroscopic Bankart repair with a minimum of 5 years' follow-up were analyzed. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were extracted and reported. Study methodologic quality was evaluated with Modified Coleman Methodology Scores and Quality Appraisal Tool scores. RESULTS: We analyzed 26 studies (1,781 patients). All but 2 studies were Level III or IV Evidence with low Modified Coleman Methodology Scores and Quality Appraisal Tool scores. Patients analyzed were young (mean age, 28 years) male patients (81%) with unilateral dominant shoulder (61%), post-traumatic recurrent (mean of 11 dislocations before surgery) anterior shoulder instability without significant glenoid bone loss. The mean length of clinical follow-up was 11 years. There was no significant difference in recurrence of instability with arthroscopic (11%) versus open (8%) techniques (P = .06). There was no significant difference in instability recurrence with arthroscopic suture anchor versus open Bankart repair (8.5% v 8%, P = .82). There was a significant difference in rate of return to sport between open (89%) and arthroscopic (74%) techniques (P < .01), whereas no significant difference was observed between arthroscopic suture anchor (87%) and open repair (89%) (P = .43). There was no significant difference in the rate of postoperative osteoarthritis between arthroscopic suture anchor and open Bankart repair (26% and 33%, respectively; P = .059). There was no significant difference in Rowe or Constant scores between groups (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of anterior shoulder instability using arthroscopic suture anchor and open Bankart techniques yields similar long-term clinical outcomes, with no significant difference in the rate of recurrent instability, clinical outcome scores, or rate of return to sport. No significant difference was shown in the incidence of postoperative osteoarthritis with open versus arthroscopic suture anchor repair. Study methodologic quality was poor, with most studies having Level III or IV Evidence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of studies with Level I through IV Evidence.

Complications and reoperations during and after hip arthroscopy: a systematic review of 92 studies and more than 6,000 patients.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of complications and reoperations during and after hip arthroscopy. METHODS: A systematic review of multiple medical databases was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and checklist. All clinical outcome studies that reported the presence or absence of complications and/or reoperations were eligible for inclusion. Length of follow-up was not an exclusion criterion. Complication and reoperation rates were extracted from each study. Duplicate patient populations within separate distinct publications were analyzed and reported only once. RESULTS: Ninety-two studies (6,134 participants) were included. Most were Level IV evidence studies (88%) with short-term follow-up (mean 2.0 years). Labral tears and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) were the 2 most common diagnoses treated, and labral treatment and acetabuloplasty/femoral osteochondroplasty were the 2 most common surgical techniques reported. Overall, major and minor complication rates were 0.58% and 7.5%, respectively. Iatrogenic chondrolabral injury and temporary neuropraxia were the 2 most common minor complications. The overall reoperation rate was 6.3%, occurring at a mean of 16 months. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) was the most common reoperation. The conversion rate to THA was 2.9%. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of major complications was 0.58% after hip arthroscopy. The reoperation rate was 6.3%, and the most common reason for reoperation was conversion to THA. Minor complications and the reoperation rate are directly related to the learning curve of hip arthroscopy. As surgical indications evolve, patient selection should limit the number of cases that would have been converted to THA. Similarly, the number of minor complications is directly related to technical aspects of the procedure and therefore will decrease with surgeon experience and improvement in instrumentation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, a systematic review of Level I to IV studies.

Labral reconstruction with iliotibial band autografts and semitendinosus allografts improves hip joint contact area and contact pressure: an in vitro analysis.

BACKGROUND: Labral reconstruction using iliotibial band (ITB) autografts and semitendinosus (Semi-T) allografts has recently been described in cases of labral deficiency. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: To characterize the joint biomechanics with a labrum-intact, labrum-deficient, and labrum-reconstructed acetabulum in a hip cadaveric model. The hypothesis was that labral resection would decrease contact area, increase contact pressure, and increase peak force, while subsequent labral reconstruction with ITB autografts or Semi-T allografts would restore these values toward the native intact labral state. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Ten fresh-frozen human cadaveric hips were analyzed utilizing thin-film piezoresistive load sensors to measure contact area, contact pressure, and peak force (1) with the native intact labrum, (2) after segmental labral resection, and (3) after graft labral reconstruction with either ITB autografts or Semi-T allografts. Each specimen was examined at 20° of extension and 60° of flexion. Statistical analysis was conducted through 1-way analysis of variance with post hoc Games-Howell tests. RESULTS: For the ITB group, labral resection significantly decreased contact area (at 20°: 73.2%±5.38%, P=.0010; at 60°: 78.5%±6.93%, P=.0063) and increased contact pressure (at 20°: 106.7%±4.15%, P=.0387; at 60°: 103.9%±1.15%, P=.0428). In addition, ITB reconstruction improved contact area (at 20°: 87.2%±12.3%, P=.0130; at 60°: 90.5%±8.81%, P=.0079) and contact pressure (at 20°: 98.5%±5.71%, P=.0476; at 60°: 96.6%±1.13%, P=.0056) from the resected state. Contact pressure at 60° of flexion was significantly lower compared with the native labrum (P=.0420). For the Semi-T group, labral resection significantly decreased contact area (at 20°: 68.1%±12.57%, P=.0002; at 60°: 67.5%±6.70%, P=.0002) and increased contact pressure (at 20°: 105.3%±3.73%, P=.0304; at 60°: 106.8%±4.04%, P=.0231). Semi-T reconstruction improved contact area (at 20°: 87.9%±7.95%, P=.0087; at 60°: 92.9%±13.2%, P=.0014) and contact pressure (at 20°: 97.1%±3.18%, P=.0017; at 60°: 97.4%±4.39%, P=.0027) from the resected state. Comparative analysis demonstrated no statistically significant differences between either graft reconstruction in relation to contact area, contact pressure, or peak force. CONCLUSION: Segmental anterosuperior labral resection results in significantly decreased contact areas and increased contact pressures, while labral reconstruction partially restores time-zero acetabular contact areas and pressures as compared with the resected state. Although labral reconstruction improved the measured biomechanical properties as compared with the resected state, some of these properties remained significantly different compared with the native intact labrum. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Labral reconstruction appears to improve femoroacetabular joint biomechanics as compared with the labrum-resected state; these improved biomechanics may translate into increased joint function clinically.

Trends in Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in the United States: A Retrospective Review of a Large Private-Payer Database From 2007 to 2011.

BACKGROUND: Overuse injuries to the elbow in the throwing athlete are common. Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR), commonly known as Tommy John surgery, is performed on both recreational and high-level athletes. There is no current literature regarding the incidence and demographic distribution of this surgical procedure in relation to patient age, location within the Unites States, and sex. PURPOSE: To determine the current demographic distribution of UCLR within the US population included in the PearlDiver database. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the PearlDiver supercomputer database, a private-payer database, was performed to identify UCLR procedures performed between 2007 and 2011. The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 24346 (reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow with the use of a tendinous graft) was used. RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2011, a total of 790 patients underwent UCLR. The average (±SD) annual incidence was 3.96 ± 0.38 per 100,000 patients for the overall population but was 22 ± 3.4 for patients aged 15 to 19 years. The overall average annual growth was 4.2%. There were 695 males and 95 females. The 15- to 19-year-old patients accounted for significantly more procedures than any other age group (56.8%; P < .001), followed by 20- to 24-year-olds (22.2%). The incidence of UCLR in the 15- to 19-year-old group increased at an average rate of 9.12% per year (P = .009). Significantly more UCLR procedures were performed in the southern United States than in any other region (P < .001). The number of procedures significantly increased over time (P = .039). CONCLUSION: According to this database of a privately insured population, UCLR was performed significantly more in patients aged 15 to 19 than any other age group. The average annual incidence of UCLR per 100,000 people for patients aged 15 to 19 was 22 ± 3.4. Further, this database showed that the number of UCLR procedures is increasing over time. Further work should address risk reduction efforts in this at-risk population.

In-hospital Mortality Risk for Femoral Neck Fractures Among Patients Receiving Medicare.

Increased risk of mortality with time has been established in association with femoral neck fractures. However, little is known about the in-hospital mortality risk associated with femoral neck fractures in the US population. This study was conducted to determine the in-hospital mortality rate associated with femoral neck fractures and to identify independent demographic features associated with an increased risk of this primary outcome. The authors queried the PearlDiver database (PearlDiver Technologies, Inc, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania) of Medicare patients from 2005 to 2010 for International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9), diagnostic codes for femoral neck fractures and related conditions. Stratified sampling was conducted by creating a group within the data set that included patients with a death discharge using ICD-9-D-820.0 through ICD-9-D-820.13. Age, sex, and year of injury were analyzed as specific demographic variables related to mortality. A total of 751,232 femoral neck fractures occurred during the index study period. There were 11,420 deaths during the initial hospital stay, for an overall mortality rate of 1.52%. The mortality rate in patients older than 84 years was 2.06%. Of all deaths, 89% occurred in patients who were 75 years and older. The mortality rate for femoral neck fractures was 1.22% in women and 2.32% in men (odds ratio, 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-1.04). The overall mortality rate for patients in the Medicare population who were treated at an inpatient center for femoral neck fractures from 2005 to 2010 was 1.5%. Men had a mortality rate almost twice that of women. Patients older than 84 years were the most likely to die soon after sustaining a femoral neck fracture.

Functional Performance Testing After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: When to allow an athlete to return to unrestricted sporting activity after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains controversial. PURPOSE: To report the results of functional performance testing reported in the literature for individuals at differing time points following ACL reconstruction and to examine differences between graft types. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A systematic review of Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed using PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were English-language studies that examined any functional rehabilitation test from 6 months to 2 years following ACL reconstruction. All patient-, limb-, and knee-specific demographics were extracted from included investigations. All functional rehabilitation tests were analyzed and compared when applicable. RESULTS: The search term returned a total of 890 potential studies, with 88 meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 4927 patients were included, of which 66% were male. The mean patient age was 26.5 ± 3.4 years. The predominant graft choices for reconstruction were bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autograft (59.8%) and hamstring autograft (37.9%). The most commonly reported functional tests were the hop tests. The results of these functional tests, as reported in the Limb Symmetry Index (LSI), improved with increasing time, with nearly all results greater than 90% at 1 year following primary ACL reconstruction. At 6 months postoperatively, a number of isokinetic strength measurements failed to reach 80% LSI, most commonly isokinetic knee extension testing in both BPTB and hamstring autograft groups. The knee flexion strength deficit was significantly less in the BPTB autograft group as compared with those having hamstring autograft at 1 year postoperatively, while no significant differences were found in isokinetic extension strength between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Hop testing was the most commonly reported functional test following ACL reconstruction. Increases in performance on functional tests were predictably seen as time increased following surgery. Those with hamstring autografts may experience increased strength deficits with knee flexion versus those having BPTB autograft. These data provide information that may assist providers in determining timing of return to unrestricted sporting activity.

Cartilage Repair With or Without Meniscal Transplantation and Osteotomy for Lateral Compartment Chondral Defects of the Knee: Case Series With Minimum 2-Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Treatment decision making for chondral defects in the knee is multifactorial. Articular cartilage pathology, malalignment, and meniscal deficiency must all be addressed to optimize surgical outcomes. PURPOSE: To determine whether significant clinical improvements in validated clinical outcome scores are observed at minimum 2-year follow-up after articular cartilage repair of focal articular cartilage defects of the lateral compartment of the knee with or without concurrent distal femoral osteotomy and lateral meniscus transplant. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Symptomatic adults who underwent surgical treatment (microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation [ACI], osteochondral autograft or allograft) of full-thickness lateral compartment chondral defects of the knee with or without a postmeniscectomy compartment or valgus malalignment by a single surgeon with minimum 2-year follow-up were analyzed. Validated patient-reported and surgeon-measured outcomes were collected pre- and postsurgery. Pre- and postoperative outcomes were compared via Student t tests. RESULTS: Thirty-five subjects (mean age, 29.6 ± 10.5 years) were analyzed. Patients had been symptomatic for 2.51 ± 3.52 years prior to surgery and had undergone 2.11 ± 1.18 surgeries prior to study enrollment, with a mean duration of follow-up of 3.65 ± 1.71 years. The mean defect size was 4.42 ± 2.06 cm(2). Surgeries included ACI (n = 18), osteochondral allograft (n = 14), osteochondral autograft (n = 2), and microfracture (n = 1). There were 18 subjects who underwent concomitant surgery (14 lateral meniscus transplant, 3 distal femoral osteotomy, and 1 combined). Statistically significant (P < .05) and clinically meaningful improvements were observed at final follow-up in Lysholm, subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales, Short Form-12 (SF-12) scores, and patient satisfaction. At follow-up, patients undergoing isolated articular cartilage surgery had a significantly higher KOOS quality of life subscore than did those undergoing articular cartilage surgery and lateral meniscus transplant (P = .039). Otherwise, there were no significant postoperative differences between the isolated and combined surgery groups in any outcome score. Five patients underwent 6 reoperations (1 revision osteochondral allograft, 5 chondroplasties). No patient was converted to knee arthroplasty. CONCLUSION: In patients with lateral compartment focal chondral defects with or without lateral meniscal deficiency and valgus malalignment, surgical cartilage repair and correction of concomitant pathology can significantly improve clinical outcomes at 2-year follow-up with no significant differences between isolated and combined surgery and a low rate of complications and reoperations.

Trends in the Management of Achilles Tendon Ruptures in the United States Medicare Population, 2005-2011.

BACKGROUND: Achilles tendon ruptures are one of the most commonly treated injuries by orthopaedic surgeons and general practitioners. Achilles tendon ruptures have classically been thought to affect the middle-aged "weekend warrior" participating in basketball, volleyball, soccer, or any other ground sport that requires speed and agility; however, with a more active elderly population, these tears are becoming more common in older patients. PURPOSE: To report trends in nonoperative and operative treatment of Achilles tendon tears in the United States from 2005 to 2011 in patients registered with a large Medicare database. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiological study. METHODS: Patients who underwent nonoperative and operative treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures by either primary repair or primary repair with graft (International Classification of Diseases 9 [ICD-9] diagnosis code 727.67, Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] codes 27650 and 27652) for the years 2005 to 2011 were identified using the PearlDiver Medicare Database. Demographic and utilization data available within the database were extracted for patients who underwent nonoperative as well as operative treatment for Achilles tendon ruptures. Statistical analysis involved Student t tests, chi-square tests, and linear regression analyses, with statistical significance set at P < .05. RESULTS: From 2005 to 2011, there were a total of 14,127 Achilles tendon ruptures. Of these, 9814 were managed nonoperatively, 3531 were treated with primary repair, and 782 were treated with primary repair with graft. The incidence of Achilles tendon increased from 0.67 per 10,000 in 2005 to 1.08 per 10,000 in 2011 (P < .01). There was no significant difference in the number of Achilles ruptures between males (6636) and females (7582) (P > .05). There was an increase in the overall number of Achilles tendon ruptures over time (1689 in 2005 compared with 2788 in 2011; P < .001) but no difference in the percentage of Achilles ruptures treated operatively (P > .05). Older patients were more likely to be treated nonoperatively (P < .05). No differences in operative versus nonoperative treatment were seen between yearly quarter (P > .05), sex (P > .05), or region (P > .05). CONCLUSION: The incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures is increasing with time, but the trend in operative and nonoperative treatment has not changed between 2005 and 2011. Older patients, especially those older than 85 years, are more likely to be treated nonoperatively. No differences in treatment patterns were seen based on sex, region, or yearly quarter.

Development of a Valid and Reliable Knee Articular Cartilage Condition-Specific Study Methodological Quality Score.

BACKGROUND: Condition-specific questionnaires are important components in evaluation of outcomes of surgical interventions. No condition-specific study methodological quality questionnaire exists for evaluation of outcomes of articular cartilage surgery in the knee. PURPOSE: To develop a reliable and valid knee articular cartilage-specific study methodological quality questionnaire. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: A stepwise, a priori-designed framework was created for development of a novel questionnaire. Relevant items to the topic were identified and extracted from a recent systematic review of 194 investigations of knee articular cartilage surgery. In addition, relevant items from existing generic study methodological quality questionnaires were identified. Items for a preliminary questionnaire were generated. Redundant and irrelevant items were eliminated, and acceptable items modified. The instrument was pretested and items weighed. The instrument, the MARK score (Methodological quality of ARticular cartilage studies of the Knee), was tested for validity (criterion validity) and reliability (inter- and intraobserver). RESULTS: A 19-item, 3-domain MARK score was developed. The 100-point scale score demonstrated face validity (focus group of 8 orthopaedic surgeons) and criterion validity (strong correlation to Cochrane Quality Assessment score and Modified Coleman Methodology Score). Interobserver reliability for the overall score was good (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC], 0.842), and for all individual items of the MARK score, acceptable to perfect (ICC, 0.70-1.000). Intraobserver reliability ICC assessed over a 3-week interval was strong for 2 reviewers (≥0.90). CONCLUSION: The MARK score is a valid and reliable knee articular cartilage condition-specific study methodological quality instrument. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This condition-specific questionnaire may be used to evaluate the quality of studies reporting outcomes of articular cartilage surgery in the knee.

Routine complete capsular closure during hip arthroscopy.

The utility of hip arthroscopy has recently progressed beyond diagnostic to therapeutic purposes addressing central and peripheral compartment pathologies. Capsulotomy provides freedom of visualization and instrumentation. The contribution to hip stability of both dynamic and static hip structures is not fully understood. However, both basic science biomechanical and clinical outcome studies have exhibited a relevant role of the capsule in hip stability. Though rare, iatrogenic post-arthroscopy subluxation and dislocation have been reported. Therefore many surgeons have cautioned against aggressive capsulotomy or capsulectomy without repair, because of the potential for precipitation of iatrogenic hip instability. We typically perform a "T" capsulotomy and recommend complete capsular closure in conjunction with labral repair and osseous femoral and acetabular treatment. A safe, efficient, and effective method to accomplish complete capsular closure is presented to reduce iatrogenic postoperative hip instability.

Isolated vastus lateralis tendon avulsion.

Isolated avulsion of the vastus lateralis tendon is a very rare injury. To our knowledge, only 1 case has been reported in the literature. This tendon is crucial to knee stability and proper patellofemoral tracking. As isolated avulsion of the tendon tends to occur in young, active males, early surgical repair is recommended to allow them to maintain a high level of functional ability. We present the case of a 49-year-old man who sustained an isolated vastus lateralis tendon avulsion injury. The injury was successfully treated with suture anchor repair.

Scapulothoracic anatomy and snapping scapula syndrome.

The scapulothoracic articulation is a sliding junction between the deep aspect of the scapula and thoracic rib cage at the levels of ribs 2 through 7. Motion at this articulation is dynamically stabilized by a variety of muscular attachments, allowing for controlled positioning of the glenoid to assist in glenohumeral joint function. A thorough understanding of the complex anatomic relationships, including the various muscles, and bursa, is critical to the evaluation of patients presenting with scapulothoracic disorders. The snapping scapula syndrome is caused by either osseous lesions or scapulothoracic bursitis and can be difficult to recognize and treat. The purpose of this review is to discuss the anatomy of the scapulothoracic articulation with an emphasis on the pathology associated with snapping scapula syndrome.

Trends in meniscus repair and meniscectomy in the United States, 2005-2011.

BACKGROUND: Meniscus deficiency may lead to degenerative arthritis in the knee. There is a significant emphasis on meniscus preservation, particularly in the young patient, to reduce the risk of arthritis. PURPOSE: To report on the incidence of meniscus repair and meniscectomy, with and without concomitant anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, in the United States (US) over the past 7 years. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: Patients who underwent arthroscopic meniscectomy (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] codes 29880 and 29881), meniscus repair (CPT codes 29882 and 29883), and ACL reconstruction (CPT code 29888) for the years 2005 through 2011 were identified using the PearlDiver Patient Record Database. Age group and sex were collected for each patient. Patient groups included meniscectomy alone, meniscus repair alone, meniscus repair followed by meniscectomy, ACL reconstruction with concomitant meniscus repair, and ACL reconstruction with concomitant meniscus repair followed by meniscectomy. Linear regression and Student t tests were utilized for comparisons, with an α value of .05 set as significant. RESULTS: The database represented approximately 9% of the US population under 65 years of age. There was no significant change in the number of patients in the covered population during the study time frame (P = .138). From 2005 to 2011, there were a total of 387,833 meniscectomies, 23,640 meniscus repairs, and 84,927 ACL reconstructions. There was a significant increase in the total number of isolated meniscus repairs performed (P = .001) and a doubling of the incidence of repairs from 2005 to 2011. There was no significant increase in the total number of meniscectomies performed (P = .712), while the incidence of meniscectomies increased only 14% from 2005 to 2011. There was no significant change in the number of meniscus repairs performed at the same time as ACL reconstruction during the study time frame. The total number and incidence of meniscectomies after repair with and without ACL reconstruction significantly decreased. CONCLUSION: There has been an increased number of isolated meniscus repairs being performed in the US over the past 7 years without a concomitant increase in meniscectomies over the same time frame. These data suggest that meniscus repairs are preferentially being performed over meniscectomies.

Arthroscopic bony bankart fixation using a modified sugaya technique.

Arthroscopic fixation of bony Bankart lesions in the setting of anterior shoulder instability has had successful long-term results. Key factors such as patient positioning, portal placement, visualization, mobilization of bony/soft tissues, and anatomic reduction and fixation are crucial to yield such results. We present a modified Sugaya technique that is reproducible and based on such key principles. This technique facilitates ease of anchor and suture placement to allow for anatomic reduction and fixation.