Does combined anterior cruciate ligament and anterolateral ligament reconstruction improve return to sport?

PURPOSE: Only 50-65% of patients return to their previous sporting level after ACL rupture. The literature reports a reduced rate of graft rupture when an anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) is associated with ACL reconstruction. ACL reconstruction combined with ALL allows a higher return to sport at pre-injury level than isolated reconstruction in patients playing pivot-contact sports. METHODS: A retrospective, single-centre study between 2012 and 2020 comparing reconstruction by hamstring tendon technique, isolated ACLR vs ACL with ALLR. An isokinetic test was performed at 6 months post-operatively and patients were re-contacted at a minimum 2-year follow-up to assess their level and delay to return to sport, graft rupture rate and functional evaluation. RESULTS: 83 patients were included, 42 in ACLR group and 41 in ACL + ALLR group. Four patients were lost to follow-up and 79 patients were analysed. No significant difference was found on the level of return to sport (28.2% vs. 42.5%; p = 0.18), return to competition (43% vs. 60%; p = 0.18), delay to sports return, isokinetic assessment, functional scores, but a significant difference was found on graft rupture rate in favour of ALLR (12.8% vs. 0%; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: In our study, the addition of an ALL to ACL reconstruction did not improve pre-injury sports recovery or return to competition. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study, level of evidence 4.

Epidemiology and antibiotic resistance of prosthetic joint infections according to time of occurrence, a 10-year study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the microorganisms responsible for prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) and their antimicrobial susceptibilities, and to propose appropriate empirical antimicrobial treatments (EATs) according to time of occurrence METHODS: This 10-year retrospective study presents the bacterial etiology of 282 consecutive PJIs in a French hospital according to time of occurrence (adapted from Zimmerli's classification: early, <3 months; delayed, 3-12 months; late acute, >12 months with hematogenous seeding or contiguous spread; late chronic, >12 months without hematogenous seeding). The expected efficacy of various EATs was analyzed for each PJI. RESULTS: Staphylococci were the most commonly found bacteria (S. aureus (44.3%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (25.2%) with 15.2% and 49.3% methicillin resistance, respectively), followed by Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) (17.7%) and streptococci (14.9%). The distribution of species varied between categories, but antibiotics targeting GNBs were required in all categories. Imipenem-vancomycin was the most effective combination (99.3%) but should be reserved for patients with suspected resistant GNB. Cefotaxime-vancomycin was less effective in early/delayed and late PJIs (91.1% and 86.1%, respectively), due to resistant GNB and polymicrobial infections. Piperacillin/tazobactam-vancomycin appeared to be appropriate in all situations (>96% efficacy). CONCLUSION: Proposing universal recommendations remains challenging, but a good understanding of the local epidemiology is important for optimizing EATs.

Arthroscopic Trillat technique for chronic post-traumatic anterior shoulder instability: outcomes at 2 years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of a new arthroscopic Trillat technique at a 2-year follow-up. Our current hypothesis was that this technique could be used for the effective treatment of chronic post-traumatic unidirectional anterior shoulder instability, and that the recurrence and complication rates, external rotation, and functional outcomes would be as good as those of the reference technique. METHODS: Between April 2012 and August 2016, all patients older than 16 years who underwent the arthroscopic Trillat technique for unidirectional chronic post-traumatic anterior shoulder instability at the Dijon University Hospital (France), after the failure of well-conducted medical and rehabilitation treatment with at least 24 months of follow-up, were included. Criteria for noninclusion were association with posterior and/or inferior instabilities, voluntary instabilities, and glenoid bone loss greater than 20%. Patients attended follow-up with their surgeon before the intervention, in the immediate postoperative period, at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months, and then by an independent observer for the last evaluation. Patients were then examined clinically with scores such as Constant, Rowe and Walch-Duplay scores, and subjective shoulder value, for shoulder range of motion, and radiographically (anteroposterior and Lamy's lateral x-rays of the operated shoulder). RESULTS: Forty-nine patients and 52 shoulders were included, with a mean follow-up of 40 months (range, 24-71 months). The recurrence rate of instability was 3.8% (2 of 52). No conversion to arthrotomy was necessary. No intraoperative complications, postoperative neurological lesions, or sepsis were observed. The mean Constant score was 92.1 (77.5-100) points, Walch-Duplay 82.9 (40-100), Rowe 81.73 (5-100), and subjective shoulder value 86.1 (50-100) at the last follow-up. The arm at side external rotation limitation averaged 8.4° (-25° to 40°) and the external rotation with 90° arm abduction limitation 0.34° (-5° to 15°). Forty-one patients (79%) resumed their sports activity at the same level. Fifty patients (96%) were satisfied to very satisfied. One patient developed nonunion of the coracoid process and subsequently underwent a Latarjet procedure with a good outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The arthroscopic Trillat procedure offers good outcomes as a first-line treatment for chronic anterior post-traumatic glenohumeral instability. It should be excluded in cases of glenoid loss greater than 20%.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: Is healing enough?

HYPOTHESIS/BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair most commonly results in good clinical outcomes, however understanding of predictive factors influencing the final clinical outcome is limited. AIM: The purpose of our study was to evaluate clinical outcomes of patients with healed supraspinatus tendon after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and to identify its pre- and peri-operative predictive factors of good clinical results. METHODS: A multi-center prospective study followed up 188 patients, who had a healed tendon after an arthroscopic repair of isolated supraspinatus tear. Inclusion criteria were: age under 70 years old, isolated supraspinatus tear, stage 0 or I of fatty infiltration, healed supraspinatus tendon at one year postoperatively and the same arthroscopic double row rotator cuff repair used in all patients. Clinical assessment used Constant Murley Score (CMS) and Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) preoperatively and at one year postoperatively. Ultrasound (US) control checked tendon repair quality based on Sugaya classification. Types I-II-III were considered as healed. RESULTS: The average age of our cohort was 57.57 (range; 41 to 70) years and the female to male ratio was 1.14 (range; 100 to 87). The average preoperative CMS was 53.75±13.50 (mean±SD; range; 16 to 83). At final follow up, the average postoperative CMS was 79.95±12.05 (mean±SD; range; 28 to 100). 12.22% (23/188) of patients, who had a CMS score below 70, had a clinically significant difference compared to the average CMS, due to the fact that the minimal clinically significant difference (MCID) in CMS is 10. A statistical analysis has shown that in patients with lower scores there was only a significant dominance of females (p-value=0.001). No difference was found in regards to age, preoperative CMS, fatty degeneration and other factors. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that despite all patients had a healed repair of supraspinatus, not all of them experienced a good final clinical outcome. The only factor negatively influencing the final clinical outcome was a female gender. No other structural factors seemed to influence the final clinical results. Futures studies should focus more on analyzing which personality traits and other psychosocial factors play an important role in determining the final outcome after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; retrospective cohort study.

The unicompartmental knee implant UniSpacer™: Ten-year outcomes after treatment for medial tibio-femoral osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: UniSpacer™ type implants were part of the therapeutic armamentarium for medial tibio-femoral osteoarthritis before they were taken off the market in 2011. UniSpacer™ is a mobile interpositional self-centring implant that replicates the shape of the meniscus. It requires no bone cuts or component fixation. The objective of this follow-up note is to provide data on the 10-year outcomes in a cohort investigated previously in a study published in 2011. This study provides a re-evaluation of implant survival 5 years after the first analysis, as well as information on patient satisfaction and functional outcomes. HYPOTHESIS: UniSpacer™ survival remains stable after 5 additional years and provides satisfactory functional outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included the same patients operated on from 2003 to 2009, namely, with 17 UniSpacer™ implants in 16 patients. The operative technique was the same in all patients. At last follow-up, the patients attended a visit designed specifically to allow a clinical evaluation (IKS score, revision, forgotten implant) and new radiographic imaging of the treated knee. RESULTS: Mean follow-up of this retrospective study of a prospective database was 118±25 months. Of the 17 implants, 9 (53%), in 8 patients, were still in place. Six (37.5%) patients underwent early revision arthroplasty (between 6 months and 4 years). One patient was lost to follow-up and another had died. The mean global IKS knee score was 76±15 and the mean IKS function score was 80±25. The global IKS score at last follow-up was 157±39. Mean range of flexion was 119±20°. Of the 8 patients (9 implants) who still had their implants at last follow-up, 5 (56%) reported forgetting their implant. No revisions were performed between 4 and 10 years of follow-up. DISCUSSION: The ten-year survival was limited (53%). Clinical outcomes were satisfactory in the patients who still had their implants. The low cost and simplicity of insertion may make this implant a reasonable alternative for patients with contraindications to very major surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Is conventional radiography still relevant for evaluating the acromioclavicular joint?

INTRODUCTION: Conventional radiography using an anteroposterior view of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint is the gold standard for evaluating arthritic degeneration. OBJECTIVE: Based on a standardised AP view of the AC joint, the objective of this study was to determine whether this radiographic view is reliable and reproducible for evaluating the AC joint space. METHODS: A cadaver scapula-clavicle unit, free of osteoarthritis, was used for this study. The scapula was positioned in a stand; and then with fluoroscopy guidance, a strict AP view of the AC joint was taken. Starting from this "0" position, a radiograph was taken by varying the angle by 5°, 10°, and 15° in every plane in space. All radiographs were taken during a single session to ensure the distance between the X-ray tube and scapula did not change. The images were then exported to OsiriX for processing; the superior and inferior AC distance and the joint area were measured. RESULTS: There was no reproducibility in the AC joint measurements as a function of the incidence angle relative to a strict AP view. CONCLUSION: Conventional radiography using an AP view of the AC joint cannot be used to do a fine analysis of arthritic degeneration of this joint. It is likely that only CT scan or MRI is sufficient to analyse osteoarthritis in this joint. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, basic science study.

Prospective study of tendon healing and functional gain after arthroscopic repair of isolated supraspinatus tear.

INTRODUCTION: In case of failure of non-operative treatment of isolated supraspinatus tear, tendon surgery can improve shoulder function and alleviate pain. The present study hypothesis was that isolated supraspinatus repair shows good healing, with improved clinical results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective multicentre study followed up 199 patients (mean age, 57 years) for one year. Inclusion criteria comprised: isolated full-thickness supraspinatus tear, retraction grade<3, with the same double-row arthroscopic technique. Clinical assessment used Constant score at 6 weeks and 3, 6 and 12 months. Ultrasound control checked tendon repair quality on the Sugaya criteria, types I-II-III being considered as healed. RESULTS: At one year, mean Constant score had increased by 26 points (p<0.001). Healing rate was 94% (n=187): Sugaya type I, 46% (n=92); type II, 41% (n=81); type III, 7% (n=14). Mean Constant score was significantly higher in case of healing: 81 vs. 70 points (p=0.002). Constant score progression was identical in both healing groups throughout follow-up. Univariate analysis showed no correlation between epidemiological or tear-related factors and tendon healing. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic repair of isolated small supraspinatus tear provided 94% healing. Clinical results were better when healing was achieved. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I, prospective cohort study.

Increased T2 signal intensity in the distal clavicle does not justify acromioclavicular resection arthroplasty during rotator cuff repair.

INTRODUCTION: Acromioclavicular (AC) arthropathy can contribute to shoulder pain; it can be treated surgically by distal clavicle resection (DCR). The aim of this study was to determine whether increased T2 signal intensity in the clavicle on MRI is an argument in favour of AC resection arthroplasty by DCR during rotator cuff repair. METHODS: The MRI images from 107 shoulders in 107 patients were analysed. We looked for statistical relationships and correlations between shoulders with T2 hyperintensity (HI+) and those without (HI-) before surgery and then in shoulders with T2 hyperintensity (HI+) that underwent AC resection arthroplasty (AC+) and those who did not (AC-). RESULTS: On MRI, T2 hyperintensity in the AC joint was correlated with sex (more often found in men) and radiological signs of AC arthropathy. There was no statistical correlation before surgery, particularly with AC pain, or after surgery, with outcomes in shoulders undergoing DCR. CONCLUSION: When repairing rotator cuff tears, the presence of T2 hyperintensity on MRI in the distal clavicle is not a predictor of better clinical outcomes after AC resection arthroplasty is done. The AC pain may be related to the rotator cuff tear instead. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, prospective randomised study.

Benefits of distal clavicle resection during rotator cuff repair: Prospective randomized single-blind study.

INTRODUCTION: Rotator cuff tears often occur in combination with acromioclavicular (AC) arthropathy. But it can be difficult to separate pain caused by the rotator cuff tear from pain caused by the AC joint, despite clinical and other examinations. Distal clavicle resection (DCR) is increasingly being done at the same time as arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The aim of this study was to compare the functional outcomes 1 year after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between patients who simultaneously undergo DCR and patients who do not. The primary hypothesis was that DCR improves the clinical outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter, randomized, single-blind study of 200 patients who underwent isolated supraspinatus repair using the same technique. The patients were randomized into two groups: 97 patients who also underwent DCR and 103 patients who did not. The patients were followed until 1 year postoperative according to a standardized radiological and clinical review protocol. RESULTS: At 1 year postoperative, all the clinical outcomes were worse in the DCR group, although only external rotation with elbow at side (53° vs. 59°, p=0.04) and the SSV (86.5 vs. 90.1, p=0.04) were statistically different. Overall shoulder pain was higher in the DCR group during the first 3 months postoperative (p=0.04). At 1 year, the DCR group had more residual pain; this pain was mainly located on the superior side of the shoulder (p=0.03), especially when more than 11 mm was resected (p=0.01). More of the shoulders in the DCR group had failures in rotator cuff healing based on ultrasonography (p=0.5). CONCLUSION: Our hypothesis was not confirmed. We do not recommend doing routine DCR with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I, prospective randomized simple blind study.

Survival rate of cemented versus cementless tibial component in primary total knee arthroplasty over 5 years of follow-up: comparative study of 109 prostheses.

INTRODUCTION: Knee osteoarthritis is the main indication for primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). It is now accepted that cementless implantation of the femoral component provides equivalent results to cemented one, however, the optimal fixation method of the tibial component remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare the survivorship of cemented versus cementless tibial baseplate in primary total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective, monocentric study, including 109 TKA (Zimmer® Natural Knee II ultra-congruent mobile-bearing) implanted between 2004 and 2010 for primary osteoarthritis, comparing 2 groups depending on tibial component fixation method, one cemented (n = 68) and one cementless (n = 41). Clinical (Knee Society Rating System (KSS), Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scores, range of motion) and radiodiological outcomes were assessed at last follow-up with a minimal follow-up of 5 years. RESULTS: Mean follow-up were 8.14 [5.31-12.7] and 8.06 [5.22-12.02] years, respectively, in cemented and cementless groups. The tibial component survival rate was 100% [95CI: 91.4-100] in the cementless group and 97.1% [95CI: 89.78-99.42] in the cemented group (2 aseptic loosenings) (p = 0.27). Radiolucent lines were present in 31.7% (n = 13) of the cementless and 44.1% (n = 30) of the cemented baseplates (p = 0.2). The postoperative KSS knee score was higher in the cementless group (99 ± 3 vs. 97 ± 7.5; p = 0.02), but there was no significant difference in KSS function, global KSS and HSS scores. Mean range of flexion was 120 ± 10° in the cementless group and 122.5 ± 15° in the cemented group (p = 0.37). No significant differences were found on the radiographic data or on complications. CONCLUSION: In this study, the survival rate of the tibial component is not influenced by its fixation method at a mean follow-up of 8 years in osteoarthritis, which confirms the reliability of cementless fixation in primary TKA.

Is distal locking screw necessary for intramedullary nailing in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures? A comparative cohort study.

PURPOSE: The gold standard for intramedullary nailing (IMN) in humeral shaft fracture treatment is bipolar interlocking. The aim of this study was to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes in two cohorts of patients treated with IMN with or without distal interlocking. We hypothesized that there was no significant difference between isolated proximal interlocking and bipolar interlocking in terms of consolidation and clinical results. METHODS: One hundred twenty-one acute humeral shaft fractures were retrospectively included in group WDI (without distal interlocking screw, n = 74) or in group DI (with distal interlocking screw, n = 47). One hundred six patients (87.60%) could be verified by an X-ray, and 63 (52.07%) could be examined clinically. Fracture union at 6 months was the primary outcome, and the second was the final clinical outcome for shoulder and elbow after at least 6 months of follow-up. Pain, operating time, and radiation time were also analyzed. RESULTS: The two groups were not significantly different for population, fractures, or immobilization duration. No significant difference was found for bone union (WDI 89.06% vs DI 83.33%, p = 0.51), shoulder or elbow functional outcomes, or pain. However, there were significant differences in advantage to the WDI group for operating time (WDI 63.09 ± 21.30 min vs DI 87.96 ± 30.11 min, p < 0.01) and fluoroscopy time (WDI 59.06 ± 30.30 s vs DI 100.36 ± 48.98 s, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Thus, it seems that there were no significant differences between proximal unipolar and bipolar interlocking for humeral shaft fractures in terms of consolidation and clinical outcomes. WDI avoided the additional operating time and fluoroscopy time and risks linked to DI.

Röttinger approach with dual-mobility cup to improve functional recovery in hip osteoarthritis patients: biomechanical and clinical follow-up.

PURPOSE: We assumed that the combination of dual-mobility total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the minimally-invasive Röttinger anterolateral approach could guarantee hip stability with faster functional recovery. We objectively analyzed functional improvement after dual-mobility THA by quantitative gait analysis. METHODS: We compared the results achieved following two different surgical approaches: Röttinger's versus Moore's approach (posterolateral approach). We included 70 patients in an open prospective single-centre study: 38 by Rottinger's approach (age = 67yo) and 32 by Moores's approach (age = 68yo). Clinical and biomechanical analysis (kinematic and kinetic parameters of the hip) were conducted at the pre-operative period and at six months post-op RESULTS: We found a significant improvement in all clinical scores and all biomechanical parameters but no difference was found between the two approaches. However, the study showed marked clinical, biomechanical and functional improvements for patients treated with dual-mobility THA for osteoarthritis without complete hip recovery compared with a control group. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of the Röttinger approach with a dual-mobility cup remains a valid choice for primary THA without functional advantage at midterm.

Total hip arthroplasty with dual mobility cup in osteonecrosis of the femoral head in young patients: over ten years of follow-up.

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head affects mainly young patients with high functional needs this increases the risk of dislocation. Dual mobility cups known for low rate of dislocation and high mobility range seems indicated. We evaluate functional efficiency, survival and dislocation rate of dual mobility cup for total hip arthroplasty for osteonecrosis in young patients. Monocentric retrospective clinical study, from 2000 to 2008. With a clinical analysis in pre-operative and over ten years of follow-up of one cohort of patients under 55 years old with an indication of THA for ONFH. The judgement criteria was: clinical scores at the maximal follow-up, the dislocation rate, and the cumulate survival rate over ten years follow-up. Forty THA in 31 patients, nine bilateral cases, 23 males and eight females with average age of 44 (±4) years old. In pre-operative: PMA 11 (±3.3), HHS 50,8 (±15.5). At the final follow-up of 129.8 (±33.8) months: PMA (17.4 ± 1.12), HHS (95.7 ± 6.9), no dislocation. We had 11 deaths on average at 95.2 ± 47.3 months. The cumulate survival rate over ten years follow-up is 100% without revisions or long-term dislocation. Analysis concludes to very significant functional improvement without any dislocation despite the young population with high level of activity. Thus, dual mobility cups is a reliable choice preventing dislocation with a very good survival rate without premature wear, preserving mobility and activity.