Increased Failure Rates After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair After Second Dislocation Compared to Primary Dislocation With Comparable Clinical Outcomes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare rates of recurrent dislocation and postsurgical outcomes in patients undergoing arthroscopic Bankart repair for anterior shoulder instability immediately after a first-time traumatic anterior dislocation versus patients who sustained a second dislocation event after initial nonoperative management. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of patients undergoing primary arthroscopic stabilization for anterior shoulder instability without concomitant procedures and minimum 2-year clinical follow-up. Primary outcome was documentation of a recurrent shoulder dislocation. Secondary clinical outcomes included range of motion, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score (ASES), and Shoulder Activity Scale (SAS). RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients (mean age 21.3 years ± 7.3 years) met inclusion criteria. Sixty-three shoulders underwent surgical stabilization after a single shoulder dislocation, and 14 underwent surgery after 2 dislocations. Average follow-up was 35.9 months. The rate of recurrent dislocation was significantly higher in the 2-dislocation group compared to single dislocations (42.8% vs 14.2%, P = .03). No significant difference was present in range of motion, VAS, ASES, and SAS scores. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was 1.4 for VAS and 1.8 for SAS scores. The MCID was met or exceeded in the primary dislocation group in 31/38 (81.6%) patients for VAS, 23/31 (74.1%) for ASES, and 24/31 for SES (77.4%) scores. For the second dislocation cohort, MCID was met or exceeded in 7/9 (77.8%) for VAS, 4/7 (57.1%) for ASES, and 5/7 for SES (71.4%) scores. CONCLUSION: Immediate arthroscopic surgical stabilization after a first-time anterior shoulder dislocation significantly decreases the risk of recurrent dislocation in comparison to those who undergo surgery after 2 dislocation events, with comparable clinical outcome scores. These findings suggest that patients who return to activities after a primary anterior shoulder dislocation and sustain just 1 additional dislocation event are at increased risk of a failing arthroscopic repair. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study; Level of evidence, 3.

Preoperative quantitative pivot shift does not correlate with in vivo kinematics following ACL reconstruction with or without lateral extraarticular tenodesis.

PURPOSE: Quantitative pivot shift (QPS) testing using PIVOT technology can detect high- and low-grade rotatory knee instability following anterior cruciate ligament injury or reconstruction (ACLR). The aim of this project was to determine if preoperative QPS correlates with postoperative knee kinematics in the operative and contralateral, healthy extremity following ACLR with or without lateral extraarticular tenodesis (LET) using a highly precise in vivo analysis system. A positive correlation between preoperative QPS and postoperative tibial translation and rotation following ACLR with or without LET in the operative and healthy, contralateral extremity was hypothesized. METHODS: Twenty patients with ACL injury and high-grade rotatory knee instability were randomized to undergo anatomic ACLR with or without LET as part of a prospective randomized trial. At 6 and 12 months postoperatively, in vivo kinematic data were collected using dynamic biplanar radiography superimposed with high-resolution computed tomography scans of patients' knees during downhill running. Total anterior-posterior (AP) tibial translation and internal-external tibial rotation were measured during the gait cycle. Spearman's rho was calculated for preoperative QPS and postoperative kinematics. RESULTS: In the contralateral, healthy extremity, a significant positive correlation was seen between preoperative QPS and total AP tibial translation at 12 months postoperatively (rs = 0.6, p < 0.05). There were no additional significant correlations observed between preoperative QPS and postoperative knee kinematics at 6 and 12 months postoperatively in the operative and contralateral, healthy extremity for combined isolated ACLR and ACLR with LET patients as well as isolated ACLR patients or ACLR with LET patients analyzed separately. DISCUSSION: The main finding of this study was that there was a significant positive correlation between preoperative QPS and total AP tibial translation at 12 months postoperatively in the contralateral, healthy extremity. There were no significant correlations between preoperative QPS and postoperative in vivo kinematics at 6 and 12 months following ACLR with or without LET. This suggests that QPS as measured with PIVOT technology does correlate with healthy in vivo knee kinematics, but QPS does not correlate with in vivo kinematics following ACLR with or without LET.

Knotted and knotless double row transosseous equivalent repair techniques for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair demonstrate comparable post-operative outcomes.

PURPOSE: To compare failure rates and outcomes after transosseous equivalent (TOE) double row (DR) knotted suture bridge versus knotless suture tape bridge repair techniques for rotator cuff tears. METHODS: A consecutive series of 272 shoulders in 256 patients who underwent arthroscopic, double row, TOE repair for full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus tendon were reviewed. Eighty-four shoulders were repaired using knotted suture bridge (KSB) technique, and 188 shoulders were repaired using all knotless suture tape bridge (KTB) technique. Revision procedures and concomitant subscapularis tendon repairs were excluded from analysis. The minimum follow-up was 12 months. Primary outcome was failure of surgical repair, defined as either confirmed retear on MRI and/or need for revision surgery. Secondary clinical outcome measures were assessed including range of motion, strength, visual analog scale (VAS), operative time, subjective shoulder value (SSV), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) mental and physical health, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score (ASES), Brophy shoulder activity scores, and need for manipulation under anesthesia (MUA). RESULTS: A total of 127 shoulders (38 KSB and 89 KTB) met inclusion criteria for the study. No significant difference in demographic variables were present between the groups at baseline. Supraspinatus tear size and average follow-up time did not differ significantly between groups. Failure rates were similar between the KSB and KTB repairs (13.1 vs 7.9%, n.s.). There was no significant difference in functional outcomes including strength, range of motion in forward flexion and external rotation, as well as patient reported outcomes including VAS, SSV, PROMIS, ASES, and Brophy scores between the groups. There was also no difference in post-operative stiffness requiring MUA. CONCLUSION: Both KSB and KTB repair techniques demonstrate low retear rates with excellent functional outcomes when compared to pre-operative examination. Both KSB and KTB techniques are viable options for achieving a successful rotator cuff repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Greater tuberosity morphology is altered in individuals with symptomatic isolated supraspinatus tendon tears.

BACKGROUND: In the presence of an isolated supraspinatus tear, the force applied to the greater tuberosity is reduced, which may lead to bony morphologic changes. Thus, diagnostic or surgical identification of landmarks to properly repair the torn tendon might be difficult if the anatomy of the greater tuberosity is altered. The objectives of the study were to assess the presence of the superior, middle, and inferior facets of the greater tuberosity in individuals with symptomatic isolated supraspinatus tendon tears and the associations between tear size, tear location and presence of each facet. METHODS: Thirty-seven individuals with symptomatic isolated supraspinatus tendon tears were recruited to participate in the study. Individuals underwent a high-resolution computed tomography scan of the involved shoulder and images were segmented to generate subject specific models of each humerus. The vertices comprising each facet were identified; however, if even a single vertex comprising the facet was missing, the facet was considered altered. Percentage agreement for correctly identifying the presence of each facet was determined using 2 additional observers and 5 randomly selected humeri. Ultrasonography was performed to assess anterior-posterior (AP) tear size and tear location. Outcome parameters included presence of the superior, middle, and inferior facets; AP tear size; and tear location. Point-biserial correlations were used to determine the associations between AP tear size, tear location, and presence of the superior, middle, and inferior facets. RESULTS: Supraspinatus tear size and tear location was 13.1 ± 6.1 mm (range, 1.9-28.3 mm) and 2.0 ± 4.4 mm from the posterior edge of the long head of the biceps tendon (range, 0.0-19.0 mm), respectively. Overall, the superior, middle, and inferior facets were not altered in 24.3%, 29.7%, and 45.9% of individuals, respectively. Percentage agreement between observers was 83.4% on average. No associations were found between tear size or tear location and presence of the superior, middle, or inferior facet (P values ranged from .19 to .74). CONCLUSION: Individuals with symptomatic isolated supraspinatus tears experience significant alterations in the bony morphology of the greater tuberosity that were irrespective of supraspinatus tear size and location. This information is useful for radiologists and orthopedic surgeons as the altered anatomy may influence the ability to identify important anatomic landmarks during diagnostic imaging or surgical procedures.

Traumatic rotator cuff tears with concomitant shoulder dislocation: tear characteristics and postsurgical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair has been shown to have favorable outcomes following traumatic rotator cuff tear with concomitant shoulder dislocation. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes and tear characteristics between patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair following traumatic tear with shoulder dislocation to those without dislocation. METHODS: A retrospective review of 226 consecutive patients with traumatic rotator cuff tears who underwent arthroscopic repair between 2013 and 2017 with a minimum of 1-year follow-up was performed. Patients with traumatic dislocations and concomitant rotator cuff tears were placed in the Dislocation & Tear cohort (DT cohort) and were matched 1:2 with a second cohort sustaining traumatic cuff tears without dislocation (T cohort). Primary outcomes were injury characteristics including tendon involvement and atrophy and tear size and thickness. Secondary outcomes were postoperative strength and range of motion (ROM) in forward flexion (FF), external rotation (ER), and internal rotation (IR); patient-reported outcomes including Subjective Shoulder Value, visual analog scale, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form; complications including repair failure (defined as symptomatic retear confirmed on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging), infection, adhesive capsulitis, and impingement; and rates of revision surgery. RESULTS: There were 18 patients in the DT Cohort and 36 patients in the T Cohort with no significant differences in time to final follow-up (50.4 ± 24.5 months vs. 49.0 ± 30.4 months, P = .73). The DT cohort displayed a larger mean tear size (34 ± 12 mm vs. 19 ± 12 mm, P = .01) and had greater infraspinatus involvement (78% vs. 36%, P = .004) and subscapularis involvement (72% vs. 39%, P = .02) than the T cohort. With regard to strength, postoperative ER strength was less likely to be 5/5 in the DT Cohort (53% vs. 94% of patients with 5/5 strength, P = .002) compared with the T cohort. With regard to ROM, the DT cohort had significantly lower preoperative FF (90° ± 55° vs. 149° ± 33°, P < .001), ER (36 ± 21° vs. 52° ± 14°, P = .02), and IR (5.4 ± 2.1 vs. 7.5 ± 1.2, P = .002) compared with the T cohort but had similar FF, ER, and IR outcomes postoperatively. There were no differences between the groups for complications and postoperative patient-reported outcomes. CONCLUSION: Traumatic rotator cuff tears with concomitant dislocations are associated with larger tear size and greater infraspinatus and subscapularis involvement than traumatic tears without dislocation. Arthroscopic repair of this injury is associated with lower preoperative ROM in FF, ER, and IR, as well as lower postoperative ER strength compared with traumatic tears without dislocation. Nonetheless, excellent patient-reported outcomes can be achieved following arthroscopic repair similar to patients without dislocation.

Improved Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Superior Capsular Reconstruction May Not Be Associated With Changes in Shoulder Kinematics: An In Vivo Study.

PURPOSE: To determine the in vivo effects of superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) on glenohumeral kinematics during abduction and to compare those kinematics results with patient-reported outcomes, range of motion, and strength. METHODS: Dynamic biplane radiography was used to image 10 patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears while performing scapular plane abduction pre- and 1-year post-surgery. Shoulder kinematics were determined by matching subject-specific computed tomography-based bone models to the radiographs using a validated tracking technique. RESULTS: No change was detected in static acromiohumeral distance (-0.7 ± 2.1 mm; P = .35); however, average dynamic acromiohumeral distance decreased (2.7 ± 1.2 mm to 2.3 ± 1.0 mm; P = .035) from pre- to 1-year post-surgery, respectively. The humeral head position was 0.5 ± 0.5 mm more superior 1-year post-surgery compared with pre-surgery (P = .01). Glenohumeral abduction increased from pre-surgery (150 ± 20°) to 1-year post-surgery (165 ± 10°) (P = .04) and all patient-reported outcomes improved from pre-surgery to 1-year post-surgery (all P < .002). A more posterior shift in humeral head position was associated with improved American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score from pre-surgery to 1-year post-surgery (r = 0.71, P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that SCR may not depress the humeral head during functional abduction, as previously postulated, and postoperative improvements in subjective and clinical outcomes may be affected by mechanisms other than changes in shoulder kinematics. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In vivo kinematics changes after SCR are small and do not correspond to previously postulated changes.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with lateral extraarticular tenodesis better restores native knee kinematics in combined ACL and meniscal injury.

PURPOSE: To determine if anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) with lateral extraarticular tenodesis (LET) is beneficial for restoring knee kinematics with concomitant meniscal pathology causing rotatory knee instability. METHODS: Twenty patients with an ACL tear were randomized to either isolated ACLR or ACLR with LET. Patients were divided into four groups based on the surgery performed and the presence of meniscal tear (MT): ACLR without MT, ACLR with MT, ACLR with LET without MT, and ACLR with LET with MT. Kinematic data normalized to the contralateral, healthy knee were collected using dynamic biplanar radiography superimposed with high-resolution computed tomography scans of patients' knees during downhill running. Anterior tibial translation (ATT) and tibial rotation (TR) as well as patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were analyzed at 6- and 12-months postoperatively. RESULTS: At 6 months, ACLR with LET resulted in significantly decreased ATT at heel strike compared to ACLR (ACLR without MT: 0.3 ± 0.8 mm and ACLR with MT: 1.4 ± 3.1 mm vs. ACLR with LET without MT: - 2.5 ± 3.4 mm and ACLR with LET with MT: - 1.5 ± 1.2 mm ATT, p = 0.02). At 6 months, at toe off ACLR with LET better restored ATT to that of the contralateral, healthy knee in patients with meniscal pathology, while in patients without meniscal pathology, ACLR with LET resulted in significantly decreased ATT (1.0 ± 2.6 mm ATT vs. - 2.6 ± 1.7 mm ATT, p = 0.04). There were no significant differences in kinematics or PROMs between groups at 12 months. CONCLUSION: For combined ACL and meniscus injury, ACLR with LET restores native knee kinematics at toe off but excessively decreases ATT at heel strike in the early post-operative period (6 months) without altering knee kinematics in the long term. Future large-scale clinical studies are needed to better understand the function of LET and ultimately improve patient outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Return to preinjury sports after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is predicted by five independent factors.

PURPOSE: To determine factors that predict return to the same frequency and type of sports participation with similar activity demands as before injury. METHODS: Individuals 1 to 5 years after primary ACL reconstruction completed a comprehensive survey related to sports participation and activity before injury and after surgery. Patient characteristics, injury variables, and surgical variables were extracted from the medical record. Return to preinjury sports (RTPS) was defined as: "Returning to the same or more demanding type of sports participation, at the same or greater frequency with the same or better Marx Activity Score as before injury." Variables were compared between individuals that achieved comprehensive RTPS and those that did not with univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: Two-hundred and fifty-one patients (mean age 26.1 years, SD 9.9) completed the survey at an average of 3.4 years (SD 1.3) after ACL reconstruction. The overall rate of RTPS was 48.6%. Patients were more likely to RTPS if they were younger than 19 years old (OR = 4.07; 95%CI 2.21-7.50; p < 0.01) or if they were competitive athletes (OR = 2.07; 95%CI 1.24-3.46; p = 0.01). Patients were less likely to RTPS if surgery occurred more than 3 months after injury (OR = 0.31, 95%CI 0.17-0.58; p < 0.01), if there was a concomitant cartilage lesion (OR = 0.38; 95%CI 0.21-0.70; p < 0.01), and if cartilage surgery was performed (OR = 0.17; 95%CI 0.04-0.80; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Five variables best predicted RTPS including age at time of surgery. Only time from injury to surgery is a potentially modifiable factor to improve RTPS; however, the reasons for which patients delayed surgery may also contribute to them not returning to sports. Regardless, younger patients, those that partake in sports on a competitive level, those that undergo surgery sooner, or do not have a cartilage injury or require cartilage surgery are more likely to return to pre-injury sports participation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Non-anatomic tunnel position increases the risk of revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft failure is a complication that may require revision ACL reconstruction (ACL-R). Non-anatomic placement of the femoral tunnel is thought to be a frequent cause of graft failure; however, there is a lack of evidence to support this belief. The purpose of this study was to determine if non-anatomic femoral tunnel placement is associated with increased risk of revision ACL-R. METHODS: After screening all 315 consecutive patients who underwent primary single-bundle ACL-R by a single senior orthopedic surgeon between January 2012 and January 2017, 58 patients were found to have both strict lateral radiographs and a minimum of 24 months follow-up without revision. From a group of 456 consecutive revision ACL-R, patients were screened for strictly lateral radiographs and 59 patients were included in the revision group. Femoral tunnel placement for each patient was determined using a strict lateral radiograph taken after the primary ACL-R using the quadrant method. The center of the femoral tunnel was measured in both the posterior-anterior (PA) and proximal-distal (PD) dimensions and represented as a percentage of the total distance (normal center of anatomic footprint: PA 25% and PD 29%). RESULTS: In the PA dimension, the revision group had significantly more anterior femoral tunnel placement compared with the primary group (38% ± 11% vs. 28% ± 6%, p < 0.01). Among patients who underwent revision; those with non-traumatic chronic failure had statistically significant more anterior femoral tunnel placement than those who experienced traumatic failure (41% ± 13% vs. 35% ± 8%, p < 0.03). In the PD dimension, the revision group had significantly more proximal femoral tunnel placement compared with the primary group (30% ± 9% vs 38% ± 9%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In this retrospective study of 58 patients with successful primary ACL-R compared with 59 patients with failed ACL-R, anterior and proximal (high) femoral tunnels for ACL-R were shown to be independent risk factors for ACL revision surgery. As revision ACL-R is associated with patient- and economic burden, particular attention should be given to achieving an individualized, anatomic primary ACL-R. Surgeons may reduce the risk of revision ACL-R by placing the center of the femoral tunnel within the anatomic ACL footprint. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Associations between range of motion, strength, tear size, patient-reported outcomes, and glenohumeral kinematics in individuals with symptomatic isolated supraspinatus tears.

BACKGROUND: Clinical failure associated with nonoperative treatment of rotator cuff tears may be due to inadequate characterization of the individual's functional impairments. Clinically, restricted passive range of motion (ROM) (restrictions imply capsular tightness), limitations in muscle strength, and larger rotator cuff tears are hypothesized to be related to altered glenohumeral kinematics. Understanding these relationships, as well as the relationship between glenohumeral kinematics and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) prior to exercise therapy, may help characterize functional impairments in individuals with rotator cuff tears. The objectives of the study were to describe the baseline presentation of individuals with an isolated supraspinatus tear, including passive ROM, rotator cuff muscle strength, tear size, PROs, and glenohumeral kinematics, and to determine associations among these variables. METHODS: One hundred one individuals with symptomatic isolated supraspinatus tears were recruited for the study and underwent assessments of passive glenohumeral ROM, isometric muscle strength, and ultrasonography to assess anterior-posterior tear size. Glenohumeral kinematics during scapular-plane abduction were measured using biplane radiography. Furthermore, PROs including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) score were collected. RESULTS: Individuals presented with decreased ROM, external rotation weakness compared with the uninvolved side, and pain and disability as measured by the ASES and WORC scores. These findings were not associated with glenohumeral kinematics, with the exception of a weak positive association between glenohumeral contact path lengths and WORC scores (ρ = 0.25, P = .03). Tear size was 11.7 ± 5.7 mm, and maximum anterior translation, superior translation, and contact path length were 3.0% ± 3.8% of glenoid width, 3.5% ± 3.8% of glenoid height, and 38.2% ± 20.7% of glenoid size, respectively. CONCLUSION: Individuals with a symptomatic isolated supraspinatus tear presented with decreased ROM, external rotation weakness, and pain and disability as measured by the ASES and WORC scores. However, no abnormal kinematics associated with these limitations were observed. Thus, given that the tear is isolated to the supraspinatus tendon and no capsular restrictions are present, normal function of the glenohumeral joint may be possible during scapular-plane abduction.

A comparison of 6-month outcomes between periacetabular osteotomy with concomitant hip arthroscopy to isolated hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement.

PURPOSE: To compare early outcomes of periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) with concomitant hip arthroscopy to isolated hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and chondrolabral pathology using patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients scheduled for PAO with concomitant hip arthroscopy (PAO + HA) or isolated hip arthroscopy (HA) between the ages of 15 and 30 years old were prospectively included in the study. Based on power analysis, subjects were recruited until there were 22 subjects in the PAO + HA group. These subjects were then gender matched to the HA group. The PROMIS, with six subscales and two global health measures, were completed during preoperative and 6-month follow-up visits. One-way ANOVA was performed to compare intake information of age, symptom duration, body mass index, and Beighton scores as well as preoperative and 6-month postoperative PROMIS scores between the PAO + HA and HA. RESULTS: 22 consecutive subjects undergoing PAO + HA were all females (average age 20.0 years) and matched to 22 consecutive females (average age 22.6) in the HA group. ANOVA did not find a significant difference between the two groups when comparing intact information, with exception of age (p = 0.04). A significant difference was also not identified (p ≥ 0.05) between the two groups on preoperative or 6-month postoperative PROMIS scores. The largest difference in 6-month postoperative scores between the two groups was 4.4 points on physical function subscale. CONCLUSION: Outcomes at 6 months were not significantly different when comparing PAO + HA to HA for FAI and chondrolabral pathology in females under 30 years of age. The more extensive surgery with a prolonged protective period associated with PAO do not seem to negatively impact outcomes at 6 months when compared to HA. These finding support the use of PAO + HA, particularly if the patient and/or surgeon were concerned about prolonged disability, metal health issues, and/or higher pain levels that might be associated with the PAO procedure.

Repair of high-grade partial thickness supraspinatus tears after surgical completion of the tear have a lower retear rate when compared to full-thickness tear repair.

PURPOSE: High-grade partial thickness rotator cuff tears (i.e., those involving at least 50% of the tendon thickness) are especially challenging to treat and various treatment strategies have been described. Prior studies have demonstrated equivalent outcomes between in situ tear fixation and tear completion repair techniques. However, it is unknown how repair of completed high-grade partial thickness tears to full tears compares to repair of full-thickness tears. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcome measures at least 1 year postoperatively between patients who had completion of a high-grade partial thickness supraspinatus tear to a full-thickness tear (PT) and those who had an isolated full-thickness supraspinatus tear (FT). The hypothesis of this study was equivalent retear rates as well as equivalent clinical and patient-reported outcomes between the two groups. METHODS: A retrospective review of 100 patients who underwent isolated arthroscopic supraspinatus repair between 2013 and 2018 with a minimum of 1 year follow-up was performed. Patients were separated into two groups based on their treatment: 56 had completion of a partial thickness supraspinatus tear to full-thickness tear with repair (PT) and 44 had isolated full-thickness supraspinatus repairs (FT). The primary outcome was rotator cuff retear, which was defined as a supraspinatus retear requiring revision repair. Secondary outcomes were patient-reported outcome measures (PROs) including visual analog pain scale (VAS) and subjective shoulder value (SSV), range of motion (ROM) and strength in forward flexion (FF), external rotation (ER), and internal rotation (IR). RESULTS: There was a significantly lower rate of retear between the PT versus FT groups (3.6% vs. 16.3%, p = 0.040). There were no significant differences between groups for all PROs, all ROM parameters, and all strength parameters (all n.s.). DISCUSSION: The data from this study demonstrated that the PT group had a significantly lower retear rate at 1 year follow-up than the FT group, while PROs, ROM, and strength were similar between the two groups. Patients with PT supraspinatus tears can have excellent outcomes, equivalent to FT tears, after completion of the tear, and subsequent repair with low retear rates. These findings may aid the treating surgeon when choosing between in situ fixation of the PT supraspinatus tear or completion of the tear and subsequent repair, as it allows the treating surgeon to choose the procedure based on comfort and experience level. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Criteria-based return-to-sport testing is associated with lower recurrence rates following arthroscopic Bankart repair.

HYPOTHESIS AND BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the impact of a criteria-based return-to-sport (CBRTS) testing protocol on recurrent instability following arthroscopic Bankart repair. We hypothesized that patients who underwent an objective CBRTS testing protocol to guide their clearance to return to sports would have less recurrent instability than those who did not undergo testing. METHODS: Thirty-six consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair from 2016 to 2018, had a minimum of 1 year of follow-up, and completed functional and strength testing to evaluate readiness to return to sports were included in this retrospective case-control study. Patients with critical glenoid bone loss > 13.5%, multidirectional instability, and off-track Hill-Sachs lesions necessitating a remplissage or bone augmentation procedure were excluded from the study. Recurrence was defined as dislocation or subluxation symptoms requiring revision surgery. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance and the independent t test. RESULTS: There was no difference between the study and control groups regarding age (P = .15), sex (P = .11), hand dominance (P = .56), or participation in contact sports (P = .78). Patients who underwent the CBRTS testing protocol had a reduced rate of recurrent shoulder instability (5% vs. 22%; odds ratio, 4.85; P < .001). There was no difference in the time from surgery to recurrence between the groups (12 months vs. 13.6 months, P = .43). CONCLUSION: Athletes who underwent an objective CBRTS testing protocol to guide their clearance to return to sports had a lower rate of recurrent instability following arthroscopic Bankart repair than those cleared to return based on the time from surgery. Athletes who did not undergo CBRTS testing after arthroscopic shoulder stabilization had a 4.85 times increased likelihood of recurrent instability development after return to sports.

Graft healing does not influence subjective outcomes and shoulder kinematics after superior capsule reconstruction: a prospective in vivo kinematic study.

BACKGROUND: A viable treatment option for young patients with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears is arthroscopic superior capsule reconstruction (SCR). SCR theoretically improves shoulder stability and function and decreases pain. However, no prospective studies to date have correlated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) healing with in vivo kinematic data. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between graft healing and in vivo kinematics, range of motion (ROM), strength, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). METHODS: Ten patients (8 men and 2 women; mean age, 63 ± 7 years) with irreparable rotator cuff tears underwent arthroscopic SCR with dermal allograft. Strength was measured with isometric internal rotation and external rotation (ER) at 0° of abduction, ER at 90° of abduction, and scapular-plane abduction, whereas ROM was measured during shoulder flexion, abduction, and ER and internal rotation at 90° of abduction both before and 1 year after SCR. PROs included American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand surveys that were collected before and 1 year after SCR. Synchronized biplane radiographs were collected at 50 images/s before and 1 year after SCR while patients performed 3 trials of scapular-plane abduction. A validated volumetric tracking technique with submillimeter accuracy determined 6-df glenohumeral and scapular kinematics. The acromiohumeral distance (AHD), humeral head translation, and scapulohumeral rhythm (SHR) were calculated from the in vivo kinematics. Healing at 5 locations was evaluated on 1-year postoperative MRI scans: anterior and posterior glenoid, anterior and posterior humerus, and posteriorly along the infraspinatus. Each subject was given a score from 0 to 5 based on number of sites healed. RESULTS: Of the 10 patients, 9 (90%) had complete (n = 4) or partial (n = 5) healing of the graft whereas 1 (10%) had complete failure at the glenoid. No correlation existed between MRI healing and the AHD, SHR, strength, ROM, or PROs. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores all significantly improved from before to 1 year after SCR regardless of graft healing. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of complete or partial graft healing on MRI mimics findings of prior reports in the literature. MRI healing was correlated with humeral head anterior-posterior translation but not with the static and dynamic AHDs, SHR, humeral head superior-inferior translation, ROM, strength, or PROs 1 year after SCR. All PROs improved significantly from before to 1 year after SCR regardless of graft status on MRI. In vivo kinematic changes were small after SCR and not clinically significant, and the data suggest that improvements in clinical and functional outcomes may occur in the absence of full graft healing.

Return to sport testing at 6 months after arthroscopic shoulder stabilization reveals residual strength and functional deficits.

OBJECTIVES: A good outcome after arthroscopic stabilization for recurrent shoulder instability is often characterized by a successful return to sport while minimizing complications. There is currently no consensus regarding timing or objective criteria for return to sport. The objective of this study is to evaluate the ability of postoperative patients to meet expected goals by using standardized objective evaluations of strength and physical function. METHODS: Forty-three (10 females, 76.7% male) subjects (mean age, 18.1 ± 3.7 years) who underwent arthroscopic shoulder stabilization surgery (anterior or posterior) from 2016 until 2018 were referred during their postoperative rehabilitation for functional testing at 6 months postoperatively to evaluate their readiness for return to sport. The Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability test and Unilateral Seated Shot Put test were used to assess shoulder function. Posterior rotator cuff activation was evaluated using a repetition to failure technique with 5% body weight at 0° and 90° of abduction with the goal of 90% of nonoperative extremity. Isokinetic strength testing of external rotation (ER) and internal rotation (IR) was evaluated using a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer at angular velocities of 60° and 180° per second, and a passing score was considered achieving 90% of nonoperative shoulder strength at both 60° and 180° per second. RESULTS: All subjects were competitive athletes (20 collegiate, 23 high school). The dominant extremity was the surgical extremity in 22 subjects. Only 5 subjects were able to successfully pass the battery of tests for strength and function. Strength testing revealed that 7 patients achieved 90% of the strength of the nonoperative extremity in both repetitions to failure (23 of 43) and comparative isokinetic testing (7 of 43). More subjects were able to meet IR strength (20 of 43) than ER strength (12 of 43) goals. Functional test goals were more frequently achieved, with 26 of 43 subjects meeting both functional test goals (33 Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability, 34 Unilateral Seated Shot Put). Only 2 subjects were able to achieve strength goals but did not pass functional tests, whereas 21 subjects passed functional tests without meeting strength goals. CONCLUSION: A substantial number of athletes in our cohort do not meet the expected goals for their operative shoulder in achieving appropriate function and strength, compared with the contralateral shoulder. Functional goals were more often met than strength. IR strength goals were more frequently achieved than ER strength. Strength and functional testing could provide more reliable criteria than arbitrary passage of time for return to play after shoulder stabilization surgery.

A Portable System for Remote Rehabilitation Following a Total Knee Replacement: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Clinical Study.

Rehabilitation has been shown to improve functional outcomes following total knee replacement (TKR). However, its delivery and associated costs are highly variable. The authors have developed and previously validated the accuracy of a remote (wearable) rehabilitation monitoring platform (interACTION). The present study's objective was to assess the feasibility of utilizing interACTION for the remote management of rehabilitation after TKR and to determine a preliminary estimate of the effects of the interACTION system on the value of rehabilitation. Specifically, we tested post-operative outpatient rehabilitation supplemented with interACTION (n = 13) by comparing it to a standard post-operative outpatient rehabilitation program (n = 12) using a randomized design. Attrition rates were relatively low and not significantly different between groups, indicating that participants found both interventions acceptable. A small (not statistically significant) decrease in the number of physical therapy visits was observed in the interACTION Group, therefore no significant difference in total cost could be observed. All patients and physical therapists in the interACTION Group indicated that they would use the system again in the future. Therefore, the next steps are to address the concerns identified in this pilot study and to expand the platform to include behavioral change strategies prior to conducting a full-scale randomized controlled trial. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02646761 "interACTION: A Portable Joint Function Monitoring and Training System for Remote Rehabilitation Following TKA" 6 January 2016.

Distal femur morphology affects rotatory knee instability in patients with anterior cruciate ligament ruptures.

PURPOSE: Distal femur morphology has been shown to influence knee joint kinematics and may affect rotatory knee laxity. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between rotatory knee laxity and distal femoral morphology in patients with complete anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. It was hypothesized that increased posterior femoral condylar depth on standard lateral radiographs, quantified as the "lateral femoral condyle ratio" would correlate with increased rotatory knee laxity, measured by a quantitative pivot shift test. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent ACL reconstruction from 2014 to 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. A standardized pivot shift test was performed preoperatively on both knees and quantified using tablet technology. Using standard lateral radiographs of the knee, the ratio of posterior condylar distance over total condylar distance was defined as the lateral femoral condyle ratio. RESULTS: Data sets were obtained for 57 patients. The mean anterior translation of the lateral knee compartment during a quantitative pivot shift test was found to be 4.0 ± 2.4 mm and 1.3 ± 0.9 mm for the injured and uninjured knees, respectively. The mean lateral femoral condyle ratio on X-ray was 63.2 ± 4.5%. There were significant correlations between the lateral femoral condyle ratio and the absolute quantitative (ρ = 0.370, p < 0.05) and side-to-side differences in anterior translation of the lateral knee compartment (ρ = 0.419, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The most important finding from this study is that increased posterior femoral condylar depth, quantified as a lateral femoral condyle ratio, is associated with increased rotatory knee laxity in ACL-deficient patients. This suggests that distal femur morphology may influence rotatory knee laxity. This study may assist clinicians in evaluating ACL injuries and identifying patients at greater risk for persistent increased rotatory knee laxity after ACL reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

High-grade rotatory knee laxity may be predictable in ACL injuries.

PURPOSE: Lateral compartment acceleration and translation have been used to quantify rotatory knee laxity in the setting of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury; however, their relationship remains elusive. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between lateral compartment acceleration and translation during pivot shift testing. It was hypothesized that a correlation would exist in ACL-injured and uninjured knees, irrespective of sex, but would be greatest in knees with combined ACL and lateral meniscus tear. METHODS: Seventy-seven patients (34 females, 25.2 ± 9.0 years) undergoing primary single-bundle ACL reconstruction were prospectively enrolled in a 2-year study across four international centers. Patients underwent preoperative examination under anesthesia of the injured and uninjured knee using Image Analysis software and surface mounted accelerometer. RESULTS: A moderate correlation between lateral compartment acceleration and translation was observed in ACL-injured knees [ρ = 0.36, p < 0.05), but not in uninjured knees (ρ = 0.17, not significant (n.s.)]. A moderate correlation between acceleration and translation was demonstrated in ACL-injured knees with lateral meniscus tears (ρ = 0.53, p < 0.05), but not in knees with isolated ACL-injury (ρ = 0.32, n.s.), ACL and medial meniscus tears (ρ = 0.14, n.s.), or ACL and combined medial and lateral meniscus tears (ρ = 0.40, n.s.). A moderate correlation between acceleration and translation was seen in males (ρ = 0.51, p < 0.05), but not in females (ρ = 0.21, n.s.). Largest correlations were observed in males with ACL and lateral meniscus tears (ρ = 0.75, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Lateral compartment acceleration and translation were moderately correlated in ACL-injured knees, but largely correlated in males with combined ACL and lateral meniscus tears. ACL and lateral meniscus injury in males might, therefore, be suspected when both lateral compartment acceleration and translation are elevated. Surgeons should have a greater degree of suspicion for high-grade rotatory knee laxity in ACL-injured males with concomitant lateral meniscus tears. Future studies should investigate how these two distinct components of rotatory knee laxity-lateral compartment acceleration and translation-are correlated with patient outcomes and affected by ACL surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective cohort study; Level of evidence II.

Female sex is associated with greater rotatory knee laxity in collegiate athletes.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this observational study was to determine which factors, including sex, are associated with increased rotatory knee laxity in collegiate athletes with no history of knee injuries. It was hypothesized that increased rotatory knee laxity, measured by a quantitative pivot shift test, would correlate with female sex, increased anterior translation during the Lachman test, generalized ligamentous laxity, and knee hyperextension. METHODS: Ninety-eight collegiate athletes with a median age of 20 (range 18-25) years with no history of knee injuries were tested. IKDC and Marx activity scores were obtained and subjects underwent measurement of anterior translation during the Lachman test with a Rolimeter and measurement of knee hyperextension with a goniometer for both knees. A standardized pivot shift test was performed in both knees and quantified using image analysis technology. Generalized ligamentous laxity was assessed using the modified Beighton score. RESULTS: The average anterior translation of the lateral compartment during the pivot shift test was 1.6 mm (range 0.1-7.1) with a mean side-to-side difference of 0.6 mm (range 0-2.7). The average anterior translation during the Lachman test was 9.0 (range 2-15). The anterior translation of the lateral compartment during the pivot shift test was significantly higher in females (median, 1.6; range 0.3-4.9) than in males (1.1, 0.1-7.1 mm) (p < 0.05). Anterior translation of the lateral compartment during the pivot shift test was significantly correlated with anterior translation during the Lachman test (r = 0.34; p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between anterior translation of the lateral compartment during the pivot shift test and knee hyperextension or modified Beighton score (n.s). CONCLUSION: The data from this study show that female sex is associated with increased rotatory knee laxity measured during the pivot shift test and anterior translation during the Lachman test in collegiate athletes. In the future, these data may be helpful in diagnosing and managing ACL injuries in athletes and could be used in the clinic as a baseline by which to compare and identify patients who might exhibit increased rotatory laxity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic level II.

Lateral femoral notch depth is not associated with increased rotatory instability in ACL-injured knees: a quantitative pivot shift analysis.

PURPOSE: A deep lateral femoral notch (LFN) on lateral radiographs is indicative of ACL injury. Prior studies have suggested that a deep LFN may also be a sign of persistent rotatory instability and a concomitant lateral meniscus tear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between LFN depth and both quantitative measures of rotatory knee instability and the incidence of lateral meniscus tears. It was hypothesized that greater LFN depth would be correlated with increased rotatory instability, quantified by lateral compartment translation and tibial acceleration during a quantitative pivot shift test, and incidence of lateral meniscus tears. METHODS: ACL-injured patients enrolled in a prospective ACL registry from 2014 to 2016 were analyzed. To limit confounders, patients were only included if they had primary ACL tears, no concurrent ligamentous or bony injuries requiring operative treatment, and no previous knee injuries or surgeries to either knee. Eighty-four patients were included in the final analysis. A standardized quantitative pivot shift test was performed pre-operatively under anesthesia in both knees, and rotatory instability, specifically lateral compartment translation and tibial acceleration, was quantified using tablet image analysis software and accelerometer sensors. Standard lateral radiographs and sagittal magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the injured knee were evaluated for LFN depth. RESULTS: There were no significant correlations between LFN depth on either imaging modality and ipsilateral lateral compartment translation or tibial acceleration during a quantitative pivot shift test or side-to-side differences in these measurements. Patients with lateral meniscus tears were found to have significantly greater LFN depths than those without on conventional radiograph and MRI (1.0 vs. 0.6 mm, p < 0.05; 1.2 vs. 0.8 mm, p < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: There was no correlation between lateral femoral notch depth on conventional radiographs or MRI and quantitative measures of rotatory instability. Concomitant lateral meniscus injury was associated with significantly greater LFN depth. Based on these findings, LFN depth should not be used as an indicator of excessive rotatory instability, but may be an indicator of lateral meniscus injury in ACL-injured patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic level IV.