Bilateral Knee Dislocations in an Active Duty Service Member: A Case Report.

This case highlights a staged operative approach for a patient who sustained bilateral knee dislocations and subsequent staged operative treatment and rehabilitation. This patient underwent bilateral multiligamentous knee reconstructions and left-sided peroneal nerve allografting because of complete peroneal nerve palsy. The initial treatment was bilateral medial collateral ligament reconstructions, posterolateral corner reconstructions, and capsular repairs with left leg peroneal nerve allografting and repair of avulsed biceps femoris tendon. The patient underwent physical therapy following the first stage procedure until he regained appropriate motion and soft tissue healing occurred. Subsequently, combined anterior cruciate and posterior cruciate ligament reconstructions were performed in a staged fashion to allow one leg to fully bear weight for rehabilitation purposes. With the help of a multidisciplinary surgical and rehabilitation team, the patient has regained the stability of his knees and achieved acceptable functional outcomes. A staged systematic approach to multiligamentous bilateral knee reconstruction can provide optimal pain management, obtain initial joint stability, minimize complications, and achieve acceptable functional outcomes. Surgical techniques to first restore medial and lateral structures can be utilized to provide initial valgus and varus stability while allowing for knee mobilization and, eventually, in-line ambulation, before staged anterior and posterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. This case demonstrates a multistaged approach to bilateral knee dislocations with favorable outcomes in a 23-year-old active duty patient.

Bulk Osteochondral Allograft for a Firearm Injury to the Medial Femoral Condyle in a Military Service Member: A Case Report.

A 27-year-old U.S. military active duty male sustained an accidental, self-inflicted left knee gunshot injury with an unsalvageable medial femoral condyle injury. The patient underwent bulk osteochondral allograft transplantation. Nine months post-operation, the patient was fit for full military duties with no reported functional limitations and remained on active duty. Severe knee medial femoral condyle bone loss after accidental firearm injury is uncommon. Bulk knee osteochondral allograft transplantation to the medial femoral condyle provided a successful treatment option for an active duty U.S. military member with multicompartment osteochondral defects and severe medial femoral condyle bone loss due to a gunshot injury.

Bony Edema and Clinical Examination Findings Predict the Need for Distal Clavicle Excision at the Time of Shoulder Arthroscopy.

Background: Deciding to perform a distal clavicle excision for acromioclavicular joint arthritis, especially in conjunction with other arthroscopic shoulder procedures, is challenging for surgeons. Studies have reported mixed results on the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in decision making. Purpose: We sought to correlate MRI findings with clinical symptoms and the surgeon's decision to perform a distal clavicle excision. Methods: We compared MRI, clinical examination, and MRI findings of 200 patients who underwent distal clavicle excision for symptomatic acromioclavicular joint arthritis with 200 patients who underwent arthroscopic shoulder procedures for other reasons. Univariate statistics were used to determine correlations between physical examination findings, MRI findings, and the decision to perform distal clavicle excision. A binary logistic regression model was used to determine independent predictors of need for distal clavicle excision. Results: There was no difference in mean age, sex, and race between groups. Advanced acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis was strongly correlated with positive physical examination findings. Bony edema correlated strongly with tenderness at the acromioclavicular joint but not pain with cross-body adduction testing. There was no association between higher MRI grade of osteoarthritis and the need for distal clavicle excision. Regression analysis identified both physical examination findings and bony edema on MRI as independent predictors of the need for distal clavicle excision. Conclusion: In the setting of positive clinical examination findings and bony edema of the distal clavicle, surgeons should feel reassured that distal clavicle excision is likely indicated.

Effects of Marijuana Use in Patients with Orthopaedic Trauma.

➢: The use of cannabis and cannabis-related products has increased dramatically in the last 2 decades. As states continue to legalize cannabis products, it is important for surgeons to understand the effects they may have on patients who have sustained orthopaedic trauma. ➢: Cannabinoids have been shown to decrease the severity of certain symptoms related to traumatic brain injury as well as posttraumatic stress disorder. ➢: Cannabinoids can modulate the body's endocannabinoid system, which can play an important role in bone homeostasis. Activation of cannabinoid receptors has been shown to be bone-protective in adults. ➢: Venous thromboembolism is a major concern for trauma patients. Cannabis use has been linked to overall increased rates of venous thromboembolism events. ➢: Literature regarding human-based cannabis studies is sparse; however, the growing field is opening new opportunities for research of this topic.