Republication of "A Biomechanical Comparison of Limited Open Versus Krackow Repair for Achilles Tendon Rupture".

Background: Soft tissue complications after Achilles tendon repair has led to increased interest in less invasive techniques. Various limited open techniques have gained popularity as an alternative to open operative repair. The purpose of this study was to biomechanically compare an open Krackow and limited open repair for Achilles tendon rupture. We hypothesized that there would be no statistical difference in load to failure, work to failure, and initial linear stiffness. Methods: A simulated Achilles tendon rupture was created 4 cm proximal to its insertion in 18 fresh-frozen cadaveric below-knee lower limbs. Specimens were randomized to open or limited open PARS Achilles Jig System repair. Repairs were loaded to failure at a rate of 25.4 mm/s to reflect loading during normal ankle range of motion. Load to failure, work to failure, and initial linear stiffness were compared between the 2 repair types. Results: The average load to failure (353.8 ± 88.8 N vs 313.3 ± 99.9 N; P = .38) and work to failure (6.4 ± 2.3 J vs 6.3 ± 3.5 J; P = .904) were not statistically different for Krackow and PARS repair, respectively. Mean initial linear stiffness of the Krackow repair (17.8 ± 5.4 N/mm) was significantly greater than PARS repair (11.8 ± 2.5 N/mm) (P = .011). Conclusion: No significant difference in repair strength was seen, but higher initial linear stiffness for Krackow repair suggests superior resistance to gap formation, which may occur during postoperative rehabilitation. With equal repair strength, but less soft tissue devitalization, the PARS may be a favorable option for patients with risk factors for soft tissue complications.

Algorithm Improves Acetabular Fracture Radiograph Interpretation Among Inexperienced Practitioners.

Acetabular fractures are often first evaluated in the emergency department, where physicians with little experience reading pelvic radiographs may be required to make an accurate diagnosis and early management decisions. In this study, medical students classified radiographs of 20 acetabular fractures and repeated the exercise three weeks later with the aid of a previously described algorithm; half the students were given a lesson prior to using the algorithm. The pre-algorithm accuracy was 4/20 and the post-algorithm accuracy was 8.3/20 (p<0.01). The lesson provided no difference (p=0.5). This algorithm is therefore a useful reference to help classify and triage acetabular fractures.

Biomechanical analysis of latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major, and pectoralis minor transfers in subscapularis-deficient shoulders.

BACKGROUND: Irreparable subscapularis (SSc) tears alter the dynamic force coupling of the shoulder, resulting in pain, weakness, and impaired shoulder function. Pectoralis major (Pma), pectoralis minor (Pmi), and latissimus dorsi (LD) transfers are treatment options for irreparable SSc tears, but clinical outcomes vary. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of Pma, Pmi, and LD transfers in an SSc-deficient shoulder using a computational model. METHODS: A computer shoulder model was used to investigate the moment arms of Pma, Pmi, and LD tendon transfers compared with an intact SSc. Nine computed tomography scans from subjects without osteoarthritis were used. Virtual Pma, Pmi, and LD transfers were performed to the upper border of the SSc insertion site on the lesser tuberosity of the humerus. Muscle moment arms were computed for functional motions of 0°-80° of internal rotation with the arm in 20° and 90° of shoulder abduction and 0°-150° of shoulder abduction. The results were compared with those of the native SSc moment arms. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was then performed to determine significant differences. RESULTS: Internal rotation moment arms of the transferred Pma and Pmi decreased significantly after 30° and 40° of internal rotation compared with the SSc moment arm of the intact shoulder, whereas the moment arm of LD transfer more closely mimicked that of the native SSc through 0°-80° of internal rotation. All 3 tendon transfer configurations demonstrated weak abductive moment arms (7.6-8.0 mm), comparable to the intact SSc (7.8 mm) but significantly lower than the intact adductive moment arms of the native Pma and LD (26.8 mm and 28.2 mm, respectively). CONCLUSION: LD transfer most closely approximates the native SS regarding internal rotation moment arms. However, LD transfer also showed a reduction in adductive moment arms.

Efficacy of a multidisciplinary care protocol for the treatment of operated hip fracture patients.

To assess the effects of a multidisciplinary care protocol on cost, length of hospital stay (LOS), and mortality in hip-fracture-operated patients over 65 years. Prospective cohort study between 2011 and 2017. The unexposed group comprised patients who did not receive care according to the multidisciplinary protocol, while the exposed group did. Variables analyzed were demographics, medical comorbidities, treatment, blood parameters, surgical delay, LOS, re-admissions, mortality, and a composite outcome considering in-hospital mortality and/or LOS > 10 days. We performed a Poisson regression and cost analysis. The cohort included 681 patients: 310 unexposed and 371, exposed. The exposed group showed a shorter surgical delay (3.0 vs. 3.6 days; p < 0.001), and a higher proportion received surgery within 48 h (46.1% vs. 34.2%, p = 0.002). They also showed lower rates of 30-day readmission (9.4% vs. 15.8%, p = 0.012), 30-day mortality (4.9% vs. 9.4%, p = 0.021), in-hospital mortality (3.5% vs. 7.7%; p = 0.015), and LOS (8.4 vs. 9.1 days, p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed a protective effect of the protocol on the composite outcome (risk ratio 0.62, 95% CI 0.48-0.80, p < 0.001). Hospital costs were reduced by EUR 112,153.3. A multidisciplinary shared care protocol was associated with a reduction in the LOS, surgical delay, 30-day readmissions, and in-hospital and 30-day mortality, in hip-fracture-operated patients.

Postoperative Disposal of Unused Opioids: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Opioid misuse and overprescription have contributed to a national public health crisis in the United States. Postoperatively, patients are often left with unused opioids, which pose a risk for diversion if not appropriately disposed of. Patients are infrequently provided instructions on safe disposal methods of surplus opioids. Purpose: We sought to determine the current rates of disposal of unused opioids and the reported disposal mechanisms for unused opioids that were prescribed for acute postoperative pain control. Methods: A systematic review was performed of the PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases for relevant articles from their earliest entries through October 2, 2019. We used the search terms "opioid" or "narcotic" and "disposal" and "surgery." Studies were considered for inclusion if they reported the rate of disposal of unused opioids following surgery. A screening strategy was used to identify relevant articles using Covidence. For studies meeting inclusion criteria, relevant information was extracted. Results: Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria. We found that surplus opioid disposal rates varied widely, from 4.9% to 87.0%. Among studies with no intervention (opioid disposal education or drug disposal kit/bag), rates of opioid disposal ranged from 4.9% to 46.5%. While 7 studies used opioid disposal education as an intervention, only 3 showed a significant increase in surplus opioid disposal compared with standard care. All 3 studies that used an opioid disposal kit or bag as an intervention demonstrated significant increases in opioid disposal. Conclusions: Baseline rates of surplus opioid disposal are relatively low in the postoperative setting. Our findings suggest that opioid disposal kits significantly increase rates of surplus opioid disposal postoperatively. Further research, including a large-scale cost-benefit analysis, will be necessary prior to recommending widespread implementation of drug disposal kits or bags.

A Current Update on Pelvifemoral Conditions That Should be in the Differential Diagnosis for Patients With Lower Extremity Radiculopathy.

Patients presenting to an outpatient spine clinic frequently report symptoms of low back pain with associated buttock, groin, and lower extremity pain. While many of these individuals suffer from lumbar spine radiculopathy, a number of different orthopedic pathologies can mimic these symptoms. Management depends substantially on a detailed history and physical examination, in addition to working from a broad list of differential diagnoses when evaluating these patients. It is imperative that spine practitioners have a comprehensive understanding of the differential diagnoses that may mimic those originating from the lumbar spine, especially when a patient's symptoms are atypical from classic radicular pain. Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary testing and treatment, while delaying an accurate clinical assessment and treatment plan. This review highlights common orthopedic diagnoses that may present similar to lumbar spine pathologies and the evidence-based evaluation of these conditions.

Achievement of the minimal clinically important difference following open proximal hamstring repair.

There is a paucity of literature on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following proximal hamstring repair beyond return to play, patient satisfaction and pain improvement. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) defines the minimum degree of quantifiable improvement that a patient can perceive, but the MCID and predictors of this measure have not been defined for this patient population. This study aimed to define the MCID and determine the efficacy of open proximal hamstring repair through achievement of MCID and identify characteristics predictive of achieving MCID. A retrospective cohort review of an institutional hip registry was conducted, analyzing the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33). MCID was calculated using a distribution-based method. Demographic and clinical variables predictive of achieving MCID were analyzed using univariable and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Thirty-nine patients who underwent open proximal hamstring repair were included. The mean patient age was 48.5 ± 12.4 years, with a mean follow-up of 37.1 ± 28 months. The MCID was determined for each PROM (mHHS-11.8; iHOT-33-12.6). A high percentage of patients achieved MCID for both PROMs (mHHS-85.7%; iHOT-33-91.4%). Univariate logistical regression demonstrated increased age (P = 0.163), increased body mass index (BMI; P = 0.072), requirement for inpatient admission (P = 0.088) and pre-operative iHOT-33 (P = 0.104) trended towards clinically significant predictors of not achieving MCID. A high percentage of patients achieved MCID while age, BMI, inpatient admission and pre-operative iHOT-33 appear to influence the achievement of clinically significant outcome in patients undergoing open proximal hamstring repair.

Modern total ankle arthroplasty versus ankle arthrodesis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The controversy in surgical management of end-stage tibiotalar arthritis with Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA) versus Ankle Arthrodesis (AA) has grown in parallel with the evolution of both procedures. No randomized controlled trials exist due to the vast differences in surgical goals, patient expectations, and complication profiles between the two procedures. This makes high quality systematic reviews necessary to compare outcomes between these two treatment options. The aim of this study was to provide a systematic review with meta-analysis of publications reporting outcomes, complications, and revision data following third-generation TAA and/or modern AA published in the past decade. Thirtyfive articles met eligibility criteria, which included 4312 TAA and 1091 AA procedures. This review reports data from a mean follow-up of 4.9 years in the TAA cohort and 4.0 years in the AA cohort. There was no significant difference in overall complication rate following TAA compared to AA (23.6% and 25.7% respectively, P-value 0.31). Similarly, there was no significant difference in revision rate following TAA compared to AA (7.2% and 6.3% respectively, P-value 0.65). Successful treatment of end-stage tibiotalar arthritis requires an understanding of a patients' goals and expectations, coupled with appropriate patient selection for the chosen procedure. The decision to proceed with TAA or AA should be made on a case-by-case basis following an informed discussion with the patient regarding the different goals and complication profiles for each procedure.

Partial rupture of the distal biceps brachii tendon: a magnetic resonance imaging analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study is the largest cohort of partial distal biceps brachii tendon ruptures in the literature that was analyzed according to rupture morphology of the long and short tendon heads. METHODS: Patients with partial distal biceps tendon ruptures were identified using an institutional enterprise data warehouse query at a single institution. A retrospective chart review was performed to record patient demographics, past medical history, and injury mechanism for each patient. Each patient's magnetic resonance images were reviewed to determine injury patterns, specifically the extent of long head (LH) and short head (SH) tendon involvement, and associated injuries. Rupture morphologies were correlated with mechanism of injury, diabetes status, and smoking history. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients were included in the study. The average age was 52 years (±11.9, range: 23-90 years); 67% were male, with an average body mass index of 28.3 (±4.3). A smoking history was reported in 31.2% of patients and 5.2% were diabetic. The partial ruptures were caused by a traumatic mechanism in 57.1% of cases, 23.4% were atraumatic, and 19.5% had an unknown mechanism. The most common injury morphology was a partial LH rupture with an intact SH tendon (33.8%). Isolated complete ruptures of the LH represented the least common injury morphology. Injury morphology was significantly related to mechanism (P < .01). Traumatic ruptures had a higher percentage of SH involvement compared with the atraumatic group (77.3% vs. 37.7%, respectively). In contrast, atraumatic ruptures involved the LH tendon in 89% of cases, with only 37.7% of cases involving the SH tendon. Patients with a history of smoking were more likely to have an atraumatic mechanism (P = .01). A history of diabetes was unrelated to mechanism (P = .20). CONCLUSION: Partial ruptures of the distal biceps brachii tendon represent a spectrum of patterns with varying involvement of the LH and SH tendons. Injury morphology was significantly related to mechanism (P < .01). LH tendon involvement was seen in 88.9% of atraumatic cases, whereas SH tendon involvement was seen in 77.3% of traumatic cases. A more comprehensive understanding of partial rupture patterns is critical to further understand the risk factors that may preclude to worse clinical outcomes, and aid in deciding which patients would benefit from operative vs. nonoperative management.

State of the Union on Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in 2020: Indications, Techniques, and Outcomes.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There has been a marked increase in the number of ulnar collateral ligament reconstructions performed annually and an associated increase in the amount of recent literature published. It is paramount that surgeons remain up to date on the current literature, as modern indications and surgical techniques continue to improve clinical outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS: Our understanding of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries, treatment indications, and surgical techniques for UCL reconstruction continues to evolve. Despite the rapidly increasing amount of published literature on the topic, a clear and concise surgical algorithm is lacking. Studies have suggested a trend towards improved clinical outcomes and decreased complications with various modifications in UCL reconstruction techniques. Current sport-specific outcome studies have reported conflicting results regarding the effect of UCL reconstruction on an athlete's performance upon returning to sport. With the rising incidence of UCL reconstruction and growing media attention, UCL injuries, reconstruction techniques, and return to sport following UCL surgery are timely topics of interest to clinicians and overhead throwing athletes. Several technique modifications have been reported, and these modifications may lead to improved outcomes and lower complication rates. Studies assessing sport-specific outcome measures will be necessary to provide a more critical and informative analysis of outcomes following UCL reconstruction.

Pelvic incidence in a femoroacetabular impingement population.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to determine if pelvic incidence (PI) differed between a symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) population and a control. METHODS: We retrospectively identified a cohort of symptomatic FAI patients and compared measured PI to a control group. RESULTS: The PI was significantly lower in the FAI group compared to the control (51.32±1.07 vs. 55.63±1.04; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The mean PI was significantly decreased in the FAI population compared to a control.

Assessment of Flexion Strength Following Single- Versus Double-Hamstring Tendon Harvest for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To compare isometric hamstring strength deficits, knee laxity, functional outcomes, and patient-reported outcomes between patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with doubled semitendinosus and gracilis tendon autograft (ST/G) versus quadrupled semitendinosus autograft (ST), at a minimum follow-up of 1-year postoperatively. METHODS: Patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with ST/G or ST hamstring autografts were retrospectively identified. Isometric hamstring strength was tested with a hand-held dynamometer at 30, 60, and 90° of knee flexion. Anterior knee laxity was assessed using a KT-1000 arthrometer. Functional outcomes were collected using the single-leg hop test and single-leg squat test. Side-to-side differences were determined and compared between the ST/G and ST groups. Patient-reported outcomes were collected on all patients. RESULTS: Eighty-four patients who underwent ST/G (n = 34) or ST (n = 50) autograft ACL reconstruction were recruited to participate in this study. There was no difference in knee laxity between the groups. Side-to-side hamstring strength deficits increased with increased flexion angles. At 90° of flexion, the ST/G group had a significantly greater flexion strength deficit compared with the ST group (37.8 ± 15.1% vs 24.7 ± 12.5%, P < .001). Aside from a significant difference in the KOOS pain Score (P .045), no other significant differences in functional or patient reported outcomes between the groups were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with ST/G compared with ST autograft have a significantly greater isometric flexion strength deficit at 90° of flexion. Future investigations are required to determine the clinical relevance of this difference and whether specialized therapy protocols can mitigate this deficit. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

The Virtual Shoulder and Knee Physical Examination.

The COVID-19 crisis has forced a sudden and dramatic shift in the way that clinicians interact with their patients, from outpatient encounters to telehealth visits utilizing a variety of internet-based videoconferencing applications. Although many aspects of pre-COVID-19 outpatient sports medicine care will ultimately resume, it is likely that telehealth will persist because of its practicality and because of patient demand for access to efficient and convenient health care. Physical examination is widely considered a critical obstacle to a thorough evaluation of sports medicine patients during telehealth visits. However, a closer reflection suggests that a majority of the examination maneuvers are possible virtually with limited, if any, modifications. Thus, we provide a comprehensive shoulder and knee physical examination for sports medicine telehealth visits, including (1) verbal instructions in layman's terms that can be provided to the patient before or read verbatim during the visit, (2) multimedia options (narrated videos and annotated presentations) of the shoulder and knee examination that can be provided to patients via screen-share options, and (3) a corresponding checklist to aid in documentation.

Pectoralis Major Injuries in the National Football League.

BACKGROUND: Pectoralis major (PM) injuries are rare, primarily occurring in males during athletic activity. In the current literature, these injuries have not been well described in National Football League (NFL) athletes. HYPOTHESIS: The incidence of PM injuries will be low in NFL athletes, with athletes missing significantly more time after injuries requiring operative management. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. METHODS: All documented PM injuries were retrospectively analyzed using the NFL Injury Surveillance System over a 15-season period. The data were analyzed by season, session, position, activity, and contact type at the time of injury. Additionally, the incidence, treatment, and days missed as a result of injury were assessed. RESULTS: Over 15 consecutive seasons, there were a total of 211 PM injuries. Of these injuries, 132 were classified as strains and 79 as ruptures. The incidence of strains was 0.41 per 10,000 athlete-exposures, compared with 0.25 per 10,0000 athlete-exposures for ruptures (P < 0.01). Players with PM ruptures treated operatively missed significantly more days than players treated nonoperatively (146.7 ± 55.0 vs 77.2 ± 72.9; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: NFL athletes miss significantly more time after operative compared with nonoperative management of PM ruptures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: PM injuries are rare, with the current literature lacking description of these injuries in NFL athletes. The paucity of data limits physicians from providing adequate counseling and expectations for athletes with this injury. This research represents the largest study assessing PM injuries in NFL athletes.