MLK3 mediates impact of PKG1α on cardiac function and controls blood pressure through separate mechanisms.

cGMP-dependent protein kinase 1α (PKG1α) promotes left ventricle (LV) compensation after pressure overload. PKG1-activating drugs improve heart failure (HF) outcomes but are limited by vasodilation-induced hypotension. Signaling molecules that mediate PKG1α cardiac therapeutic effects but do not promote PKG1α-induced hypotension could therefore represent improved therapeutic targets. We investigated roles of mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3) in mediating PKG1α effects on LV function after pressure overload and in regulating BP. In a transaortic constriction HF model, PKG activation with sildenafil preserved LV function in MLK3+/+ but not MLK3-/- littermates. MLK3 coimmunoprecipitated with PKG1α. MLK3-PKG1α cointeraction decreased in failing LVs. PKG1α phosphorylated MLK3 on Thr277/Ser281 sites required for kinase activation. MLK3-/- mice displayed hypertension and increased arterial stiffness, though PKG stimulation with sildenafil or the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator BAY41-2272 still reduced BP in MLK3-/- mice. MLK3 kinase inhibition with URMC-099 did not affect BP but induced LV dysfunction in mice. These data reveal MLK3 as a PKG1α substrate mediating PKG1α preservation of LV function but not acute PKG1α BP effects. Mechanistically, MLK3 kinase-dependent effects preserved LV function, whereas MLK3 kinase-independent signaling regulated BP. These findings suggest augmenting MLK3 kinase activity could preserve LV function in HF but avoid hypotension from PKG1α activation.

What Is the Association Between Articular Cartilage Damage and Subsequent THA 20 Years After Hip Arthroscopy for Labral Tears?

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined long-term outcomes for patients after arthroscopic treatment for intraarticular hip conditions, and none have done so beyond 10 years postarthroscopy. Examining outcomes beyond 10 years is necessary to determine factors that contribute to conversion to THA in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for labrochondral damage. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) What is hip survivorship free from THA in patients who underwent arthroscopic labral débridement, with or without chondroplasty at least 15 years before? (2) What factors are associated with conversion to THA after arthroscopic labral débridement, with or without chondroplasty? (3) Can these data be used to estimate the risk of conversion to THA based on patient- and hip-related factors? METHODS: Between 1989 and 2000, one surgeon performed 552 arthroscopic hip procedures for symptomatic labral tears, with or without associated articular cartilage damage. Of these, the hip status was known in 404 hips (73%) at a minimum of 15 years after the index procedure, with 20 of those patients having died during the followup period. During the study period, patients were offered hip arthroscopy for labral tears with mechanical symptoms, with or without underlying articular cartilage damage. Patient age, sex, acetabular and femoral head Outerbridge grade at surgery, and presence of labral tear were recorded. We determined survivorship free from THA using a Kaplan-Meier survivorship estimator. A stepwise multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine factors associated with the eventual conversion to THA after hip arthroscopy for labrochondral injuries. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated for all significant independent factors. Odds ratios for combinations of significant factors were used to create a risk assessment. RESULTS: The survivorship free from conversion to THA at 20 years was 59% (95% CI, 53-64. Factors that affected survival included age ≥ 40 years and the presence of combined femoral head and acetabular chondral damage. After controlling for confounding factors, we found that age ≥ 40 years (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2-3.4; p = 0.011), the absence of all chondral damage (OR, 0.1; 95% CI, 0.03-0.32; p < 0.001), the presence of acetabular damage with severe femoral head damage (OR, 5.0; 95% CI, 2.4-10.3; p < 0.001), and the presence of severe acetabular damage with femoral head damage (OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 2.0-6.8; p < 0.001) were associated with conversion to THA at long-term followup. Based on the calculated ORs, the probability of conversion to THA by 20 years postarthroscopic treatment for labrochondral injuries ranged from 12% (95% CI, 8-17) for a patient younger than 40 years with a Grade 0-II femoral and acetabular Outerbridge grade to 92% (95% CI, 86-95) for a patient older than 40 years with a Grade III-IV femoral and acetabular Outerbridge grade. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that survivorship free from THA at 20 years after arthroscopic labral débridement was associated with both patient age at time of index procedure and, more importantly, the presence of combined femoral head and acetabular chondral damage. Patients should be counseled as to the increased probability of conversion to THA, depending on the health of their articular cartilage after surgery. Future studies should examine survivorship free from THA or clinical symptoms in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy with bone reshaping procedures or with labral repair or reconstruction up to and exceeding 20 years. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Incorporating Hip Arthroscopy Into A Practice.

Hip arthroscopy is one of the most rapidly growing areas in orthopaedic surgery because of increased awareness of nonarthritic hip pathologies, advanced imaging modalities, and advanced techniques to reproducibly manage nonarthritic hip pathologies within a deep soft-tissue envelope and a constrained joint. In addition, more academic medical centers are providing residents with education on hip arthroscopy, and many hip preservation fellowships and courses are helping increase awareness of nonarthritic hip pathologies. Nonarthritic hip pathologies currently managed via hip arthroscopy include nonrepairable labral lesions, femoroacetabular impingement, hip instability, and hip fractures. Periarticular hip pathologies currently managed via endoscopy include greater trochanteric pain syndrome, tendinopathy and tears of the gluteus medius and minimus, partial and complete hamstring avulsions, and sciatic nerve entrapment. Ischiofemoral impingement may be addressed endoscopically via the deep gluteal space. Orthopaedic surgeons should understand the role and safety of hip arthroscopy in the pediatric population, specifically in the management of slipped capital femoral epiphysis, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, and septic arthritis of the hip. The efficacy of hip arthroscopy is limited, and hip arthroscopy is relatively contraindicated in patients with osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia. Complications can occur and likely are underreported in patients who undergo hip arthroscopy. Orthopaedic surgeons should understand practical issues associated with incorporating hip arthroscopy into a practice, including the difficult learning curve associated with hip arthroscopy and the reluctance of some payors to reimburse procedures performed arthroscopically because hip arthroscopy is a relatively new technology.

Short-Term Administration of Serelaxin Produces Predominantly Vascular Benefits in the Angiotensin II/L-NAME Chronic Heart Failure Model.

In patients hospitalized with acute heart failure, temporary serelaxin infusion reduced 6-month mortality through unknown mechanisms. This study therefore explored the cardiovascular effects of temporary serelaxin administration in mice subjected to the angiotensin II (AngII)/L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) heart failure model, both during serelaxin infusion and 19 days post-serelaxin infusion. Serelaxin administration did not alter AngII/L-NAME-induced cardiac hypertrophy, geometry, or dysfunction. However, serelaxin-treated mice had reduced perivascular left ventricular fibrosis and preserved left ventricular capillary density at both time points. Furthermore, resistance vessels from serelaxin-treated mice displayed decreased potassium chloride-induced constriction and reduced aortic fibrosis. These findings suggest that serelaxin improves outcomes in patients through vascular-protective effects.

Do Neuromuscular Alterations Exist for Patients With Acetabular Labral Tears During Function?

PURPOSE: To determine if contact forces and electromyography (EMG) muscle amplitudes were altered during the lunge for patients with symptomatic labral tears compared with asymptomatic control subjects. METHODS: Surface electromyography electrodes were placed over the gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, adductor longus, and rectus femoris muscles of the patients' involved limb and matched limb of asymptomatic controls. Subjects performed 3 trials of the lunge on a clinical force platform. An electrogoniometer tracked knee flexion motion during testing. Average root mean squared EMG muscle amplitudes for each muscle were calculated for the descent and ascent phases of the lunge, represented as a percentage of maximum activity (%MVIC). Peak knee flexion was calculated from the goniometer (°). The dependent variables from the force platform were lunge distance (%height), contact time (seconds), vertical impact force (%BW), and force impulse (%BW*s). Dependent variables were compared between groups using either independent samples t tests or Mann-Whitney U tests. Relations between dependent variables were assessed with Spearman Rho correlation coefficients. The level of significance was set at P ≤ .05. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients with symptomatic unilateral labral tears (14 females, 7 males) and 17 asymptomatic control subjects (11 females, 6 males) participated in this study. Average gluteus maximus EMG muscle amplitudes were reduced for symptomatic labral patients compared with asymptomatic controls during lunge ascent (51.6 ± 31.1 v 71.7 ± 36.3 [mean difference (MD): 20.1% (-2.4%, 42.6%)], P = .042). Average vertical impact force was reduced (21.8 ± 5.5 v 26.8 ± 7.3 [MD: 5.1%BW (0.84%BW, 9.3%BW)], P = .02) and average contact time (1.8 ± 0.4 v 1.5 ± 0.4 [MD: 0.27 seconds (0.006 seconds, 0.54 seconds)], P = .045) and force impulse (188.4 ± 42.4 v 162.6 ± 33.3 [MD: 25.8%BW*s (0.3%BW*s, 51.4%BW*s)], P = .042) were increased for symptomatic labral patients compared with asymptomatic controls. Vertical impact force was inversely correlated with gluteus medius muscle amplitudes during lunge descent for symptomatic labral patients (r = -0.452, P = .045). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that contact forces and EMG muscle amplitudes are altered during the lunge for patients with symptomatic labral tears. The presence of a relation between muscle amplitudes and contact forces suggests that targeting muscle impairments may restore function in these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control study.

Cartilage Status at Time of Arthroscopy Predicts Failure in Patients With Hip Dysplasia.

The purpose of our study was to determine whether chondral damage at the time of arthroscopy predicted conversion to THA in patients with dysplasia. We identified 166 patients with dysplasia who underwent hip arthroscopy. Forty-seven went on to receive THA. The articular cartilage of three regions of the acetabulum and femoral head were assessed for signs of chondral damage (absent, mild, or severe]). A stepwise multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed mild damage on the posterior femoral head (P=0.001) and severe damage on the anterior acetabulum (P=0.007) made a significant contribution to the predictor. The presence of mild posterior femoral head chondral changes was indicative of more global cartilage damage in this series of patients. Our findings show that chondral damage on the posterior femoral head and anterior acetabulum is a strong predictor of ultimate conversion to THA in dysplastic patients.

Assessing outcomes following arthroscopic labral debridement-what can the IHOT-33 reveal?

As the complexity of arthroscopic procedures continues to increase, assessing the success of these procedures is of utmost importance to determine appropriate treatment plans for patients. This study compares outcome scores on the International Hip Outcome Tool (IHOT-33) using an analysis of its four subscales to scores on the Modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS) in patients following hip arthroscopy. Patients who had undergone hip arthroscopy between 1 and 5 years ago were assessed using both the IHOT-33 and MHHS at their most recent follow-up visit. Total scores for each outcome measure were calculated. A composite score for each of the IHOT subscales was calculated by averaging the total points in each section. Total score on the MHHS was compared with total score on the IHOT-33 and its four subscales using separate wilcoxin signed ranks tests. In total, 44 patients met our inclusion criteria with an average follow-up of 24.8 ± 18.8 months. MHHS total score was greater than IHOT-33 total score (P = 0.04). Comparisons between MHHS total score and the IHOT-33 subscales revealed reductions in sport (P = 0.001) and social (P = 0.004), but no difference in symptoms (P = 0.74) and job (P = 0.84). Our findings demonstrated that scores on the MHHS are inflated when compared with scores on the IHOT-33 for patients following hip arthroscopy. Subscale analysis revealed that the reductions in IHOT-33 scores exist in the sport and recreational domain and social, emotional, lifestyle domain compared with the MHHS. Our results suggest that analysing the subscales of the IHOT-33 would provide a more thorough understanding of functional limitations in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy.

Preoperative erythropoietin alpha reduces postoperative transfusions in THA and TKA but may not be cost-effective.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative erythropoietin alpha (EPO) has been shown to be effective at reducing postoperative blood transfusions in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA); however, treatment with EPO is associated with additional costs, and it is not known whether these costs can be justified when weighed against the transfusion reductions achieved in patients who receive the drug. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purpose of this study is to investigate (1) efficacy of preoperative EPO in reducing postoperative transfusions in TKA and THA; (2) whether patients treated with EPO have reduced length of stay or a different discharge disposition; and (3) whether EPO use reduces overall blood management costs. METHODS: Patients undergoing primary THA or TKA over a 10-month period with preoperative hemoglobin<13 g/dL were recommended to be treated preoperatively with EPO. During that time, 80 of 286 (28%) patients met that inclusion criterion and the treating team recommended EPO to all of them; of that group, 24 (30%) opted to take EPO and 56 (70%) opted not to. Patients receiving at least one dose of EPO and those not receiving EPO were compared in terms of transfusion frequency, length of stay and discharge disposition, and overall blood management costs. Demographics, preoperative hemoglobin, and operative blood loss for both groups were similar (p>0.05). No transfusion triggers were used; rather, patients with postoperative hemoglobin<10 mg/dL and who were symptomatic despite fluid boluses were transfused. The clinician responsible for transfusing symptomatic patients was blinded to the patient's EPO treatment status. Costs were defined as direct costs paid or incurred by our institution for EPO, allogeneic blood, and variable costs associated with patient care after THA/TKA. A decision-tree cost analysis was performed using the collected clinical data and cost data collected from our institution; the analysis considered total associated blood management cost for an EPO and a non-EPO strategy with sensitivity analysis of key cost variables. RESULTS: The proportion of patients receiving transfusions was lower in patients who received EPO than in patients who did not (0% [zero of 24] versus 41% [23 of 56]; p<0.001). The mean length of inpatient hospital stay (EPO: 3.0±0.4 versus control: 3.3±0.8 days, p=0.77) and discharge disposition also was not different between the groups. The cost analysis demonstrated that the EPO strategy was more costly compared with no EPO (USD 2632 versus USD 2284) and its cost would need to be less than USD 225/dose for this to change. CONCLUSIONS: EPO reduced the need for postoperative transfusions in high-risk patients undergoing THA and TKA; however, it was not found to be cost-effective in our model. Our model could not consider relatively rare complications of blood transfusions, including disease transmission, deep periprosthetic infections, and transfusion reactions, but if surgeons or patients value avoiding these potential but rare factors highly, this could reasonably influence the decision of whether to use EPO despite our findings that it was not cost-effective. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Use of MR arthrography in detecting tears of the ligamentum teres with arthroscopic correlation.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the normal appearance of the ligamentum teres on MR arthrography (MRA) and evaluate the accuracy of MRA in detecting ligamentum teres tears with arthroscopic correlation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional Review Board approval was obtained with a waiver for informed consent because of the retrospective study design. A total of 165 cases in 159 patients (111 females, 48 males; mean age 41 ± 12 years) who underwent both MRA and hip arthroscopy were evaluated for appearance of the ligamentum teres, including the size, number of bundles, and ligamentum teres tears. Marrow edema of the fovea capitis adjacent to the ligamentum teres insertion and the presence of hip plicae were also recorded. RESULTS: The mean thickness and length of the ligamentum teres were 3.5 ± 1.5 mm and 25.2 ± 3.8 mm, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and accuracy of MRA for the detection of ligamentum teres tears were 78, 97, 74, 97, and 95%, respectively. CONCLUSION: MRA is an accurate method to evaluate the normal morphology and to detect tears of the ligamentum teres.

Femoroacetabular impingement negates the acetabular labral seal during pivoting maneuvers but not gait.

BACKGROUND: Experimental disruption of the labrum has been shown to compromise its sealing function and alter cartilage lubrication. However, it is not known whether pathological changes to the labrum secondary to femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) have a similar impact on labral function. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Does damage to the labrum occurring in association with abnormal femoral morphology affect the labral seal? METHODS: Using 10 fresh cadaveric specimens (mean age 50 years, ±8), we measured the capacity of the central compartment of the hip (the iliofemoral joint) to maintain a seal during fluid infusion, which may help elucidate the function of the labrum during weightbearing. Specimens with and without abnormal femoral morphology (six normal-appearing specimens and four whose geometry suggested cam-type FAI) were tested in postures observed during functional activities, including simulations of normal gait, stooping, and pivoting. Each specimen with FAI morphology exhibited secondary damage of the labrum and the adjacent chondral surface, whereas specimens of normal morphology were undamaged. RESULTS: Average peak central compartment pressure was reduced during pivoting for specimens with the presence of labral damage secondary to FAI. When placed in pivoting positions, hips with FAI maintained lower fluid pressures within the central compartment compared with intact specimens (15±3 versus 42±8 kPa, respectively; effect size: 1.08 [-0.36 to 2.31]; p=0.007). No differences in peak pressure were observed between groups (FAI versus normal) for postures simulating either gait (21±6 versus 22±4 kPa; p=0.902) or stooping (9±2 versus 8±3 kPa; p=0.775) with the numbers available. CONCLUSIONS: The acetabular seal, quantified by the maximum intraarticular pressure, was reduced during pivoting; however, the seal was maintained during simulated gait and stooping. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Because degeneration is progressive with repetitive impingement, loss of the labral seal starts to be seen during pivoting and may progress from there, but in this small-sample cadaver study that evaluated specimens in middle adulthood, the seal remains intact during simulated gait and stooping. Our study suggests that labral damage secondary to cam-type FAI may reduce the ability of the labral to provide an adequate seal of the central compartment of the hip during loading; however, the extent to which this is affected requires further investigation.

Hip pain in the young, active patient: surgical strategies.

Hip disorders in young patients likely exist as a spectrum of prearthritic and arthritic conditions. With the increasing recognition of these disorders, surgical options are being popularized and more patients are being treated at a younger age. Hip surgeons must develop a careful set of evidenced-based indications and follow surgical outcomes in a rigorous, scientific manner. Hip arthroscopy can be used to successfully treat some hip disorders, including labral tears, with or without femoroacetabular impingement, resulting in mechanical symptoms. Long-term outcomes after arthroscopy are determined by the condition of the cartilage at the time of surgery. Patients with preoperative radiographic evidence of moderate to severe arthritis have poor outcomes when treated with arthroscopy. Open joint preservation procedures (including periacetabular osteotomy and surgical hip dislocation with osteochondroplasty) can be done in the absence of substantial arthritis to treat hip dysplasia, femoroacetabular impingement, and related conditions. The results of these procedures are good in appropriately selected patients at short-term to midterm follow-ups. In the presence of severe arthritis, joint replacement is the treatment of choice. Total hip arthroplasty using uncemented acetabular and femoral fixation provides reliable osseointegration; however, long-term results in young patients have historically been compromised by bearing surface wear, osteolysis, and component loosening. Contemporary, highly cross-linked polyethylene and ceramic-on-ceramic bearings have durable results, low complication rates, and offer the potential of long-term survivorship in this high-demand population. In general, metal-on-metal implants have higher complication rates versus other bearing surface options and should be avoided. The best results of hip resurfacing are seen in men younger than 55 years with large femoral head sizes. Although implant survivorship is comparable to that of total hip arthroplasty, the sequelae of metal wear debris continue to cause concern.

The acetabular labrum regulates fluid circulation of the hip joint during functional activities.

BACKGROUND: An assessment of the effect of surgical repair or reconstruction on the function of the hip labrum is critical to the advancement of hip preservation surgery; however, validated models of the hip that allow the quantification of labral function in functional joint positions have yet to be developed. PURPOSE: To evaluate (1) whether intra-articular pressures within the hip are regulated by fluid transport between the labrum and femoral head and (2) whether the sealing capacity of the labrum varies with joint posture. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study. METHODS: The sealing ability of the hip labrum was measured during fluid infusion into the central compartments of 8 cadaveric specimens. Additionally, the pathway of fluid transfer from the central to the peripheral compartment was assessed via direct visualization in 3 specimens. The effect of joint posture on the sealing capacity of the labrum was determined by placing all 8 specimens in 10 functional postures. The relationship between pressure resistance and 3-dimensional motion of the femoral head within the acetabulum was quantified using motion analysis and computer modeling. RESULTS: Resistance to fluid transport from the central compartment of the hip was directly controlled by the labrum during loading. Maximum pressure resistance was affected by joint posture (P = .001). Specifically, positions that increased external rotation of the joint (pivoting) provided an improved seal, while positions that increased flexion combined with internal rotation (stooping) augmented the ease of fluid transport from the central to the peripheral compartment. Maximum pressure resistance was associated with the distance between the labrum and femoral head during pivoting. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the transfer of fluid from the central compartment of the hip occurs at the junction of the labrum and femoral head. Joint position was shown to strongly affect the sealing function of the labrum and was attributable to the distance between the labrum and femoral head in certain positions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Altering the relationship between the labrum and femoral head may disrupt the sealing ability of the labrum, potentially leaving the joint at risk for pathological changes with time.

Correlation of magnetic resonance arthrography with revision hip arthroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of hip disorders are well established; however, there are limited data regarding revision hip arthroscopy. There have been several studies evaluating the findings of MR arthrography with primary hip arthroscopy, but to our knowledge, no study has evaluated the diagnostic value of MR arthrography before revision hip arthroscopy. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We obtained sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of MR arthrography to detect labral lesions, chondral lesions and loose bodies before revision hip arthroscopy. METHODS: We performed a single-surgeon, retrospective review of 70 revision hip arthroscopies (62 patients) and assessed the association between MR arthrography findings and intraoperative findings. There were 43 females and 19 males with a mean age of 36 years (range, 17-59 years). Radiographic interpretation was performed by one of four fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists at three institutions, who had at least 5 years of experience. Radiographic findings were compared with surgical findings by one of the authors for calculation of sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of MR arthrography for detecting labral tears were 82%, 70%, 94%, and 39%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of MR arthrography for detecting chondral damage were 65%, 90%, 94%, and 50%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of MR arthrography for detecting loose bodies were 33%, 100%, 100%, and 88%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed the utility of MR arthrography to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with ongoing or recurrent symptoms who have had prior hip arthroscopy. Our data show that MR arthrography is superior at ruling in, rather than ruling out, labral lesions, chondral lesions, and loose bodies, as there were studies interpreted as normal which in fact showed disorders.

Intra-abdominal fluid extravasation during hip arthroscopy: a survey of the MAHORN group.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to survey experts in the field of hip arthroscopy from the Multicenter Arthroscopy of the Hip Outcomes Research Network (MAHORN) group to determine the frequency of symptomatic intra-abdominal fluid extravasation (IAFE) after arthroscopic hip procedures, identify potential risk factors, and develop preventative measures and treatment strategies in the event of symptomatic IAFE. METHODS: A survey was sent to all members of the MAHORN group. Surveys collected data on general hip arthroscopy settings, including pump pressure and frequency of different hip arthroscopies performed, as well as details on cases of symptomatic IAFE. Responses to the survey were documented and analyzed. RESULTS: Fifteen hip arthroscopists from the MAHORN group were surveyed. A total of 25,648 hip arthroscopies between 1984 and 2010 were reviewed. Arthroscopic procedures included capsulotomies, labral reattachment after acetabuloplasty, peripheral compartment arthroscopy, and osteoplasty of the femoral head-neck junction. Of the arthroscopists, 7 (47%) had 1 or more cases of IAFE (40 cases reported). The prevalence of IAFE in this study was 0.16% (40 of 25,650). Significant risk factors associated with IAFE were higher arthroscopic fluid pump pressure (P = .004) and concomitant iliopsoas tenotomy (P < .001). In all 40 cases, the condition was successfully treated without long-term sequelae. Treatment options included observation, intravenous furosemide, and Foley catheter placement, as well as 1 case of laparotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic IAFE after hip arthroscopy is a rare occurrence, with an approximate prevalence of 0.16%. Prevention of IAFE should include close intraoperative and postoperative monitoring of abdominal distention, core body temperature, and hemodynamic stability. Concomitant iliopsoas tenotomy and high pump pressures may be risk factors leading to symptomatic IAFE. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Ankle fracture following hip arthroscopy.

This article describes a case of an ankle fracture following hip arthroscopy. A 58-year-old woman underwent hip arthroscopy for a labral tear. She was placed in a lateral decubitus position with her foot in a padded boot. Traction was maintained for approximately 30 minutes. She was instructed to bear weight as tolerated with crutches postoperatively. At 2-week follow-up, she reported ipsilateral ankle pain. Radiographs revealed a minimally displaced medial malleolus fracture. She was treated with a cast followed by a cam walker boot and successfully went on to complete union and resolution of her symptoms. The following risk factors exist for ankle fracture after hip arthroscopy: history of ankle sprains, ligamentous laxity (more common in women), and small feet with large calves (more likely to become plantarflexed during traction). Distraction performed with the ankle rotated is also likely to place added stress on the medial or lateral ligamentous structures. It is important to counsel patients preoperatively about the risk of ankle pain after hip arthroscopy, to be aware of the possibility of ankle pathology postoperatively, and to have a low threshold for ordering radiographs. Radiographs are warranted if patients continue to have ankle pain after 72 hours postoperatively.

Technical pearls for hip arthroscopy in the management of synovial chondromatosis.

Synovial chondromatosis of the hip is often underdiagnosed. A high index of suspicion and good quality imaging studies are therefore essential. A wide array of long and curved instrumentation is needed at surgery. Efficient use of time and an organized surgical approach are critical to decrease joint distraction time and potential complications. A successful outcome, with pain relief and return of joint function and range of motion, is predicated on incremental follow-up.

The Development and validation of a self-administered quality-of-life outcome measure for young, active patients with symptomatic hip disease: the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33).

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a self-administered evaluative tool to measure health-related quality of life in young, active patients with hip disorders. METHODS: This outcome measure was developed for active patients (aged 18 to 60 years, Tegner activity level ≥ 4) presenting with a variety of symptomatic hip conditions. This multicenter study recruited patients from international hip arthroscopy and arthroplasty surgeon practices. The outcome was created using a process of item generation (51 patients), item reduction (150 patients), and pretesting (31 patients). The questionnaire was tested for test-retest reliability (123 patients); face, content, and construct validity (51 patients); and responsiveness over a 6-month period in post-arthroscopy patients (27 patients). RESULTS: Initially, 146 items were identified. This number was reduced to 60 through item reduction, and the items were categorized into 4 domains: (1) symptoms and functional limitations; (2) sports and recreational physical activities; (3) job-related concerns; and (4) social, emotional, and lifestyle concerns. The items were then formatted using a visual analog scale. Test-retest reliability showed Pearson correlations greater than 0.80 for 33 of the 60 questions. The intraclass correlation statistic was 0.78, and the Cronbach α was .99. Face validity and content validity were ensured during development, and construct validity was shown with a correlation of 0.81 to the Non-Arthritic Hip Score. Responsiveness was shown with a paired t test (P ≤ .01), effect size of 2.0, standardized response mean of 1.7, responsiveness ratio of 6.7, and minimal clinically important difference of 6 points. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a new quality-of-life patient-reported outcome measure, the 33-item International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33). This questionnaire uses a visual analog scale response format designed for computer self-administration by young, active patients with hip pathology. Its development has followed the most rigorous methodology involving a very large number of patients. The iHOT-33 has been shown to be reliable; shows face, content, and construct validity; and is highly responsive to clinical change. In our opinion the iHOT-33 can be used as a primary outcome measure for prospective patient evaluation and randomized clinical trials.

Efficacy of hip arthroscopy in the management of synovial chondromatosis.

BACKGROUND: Synovial chondromatosis can result in intra-articular loose bodies. Open arthrotomy has been the conventional treatment for this condition in the hip. Hip arthroscopy, however, is a minimally invasive approach and avoids potential problems with open arthrotomy. PURPOSE: This series was described to evaluate the role of arthroscopy in treatment and outcome of synovial chondromatosis of the hip at early to intermediate follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients had arthroscopic treatment for synovial chondromatosis of the hip. All loose bodies were intracapsular and smaller than 10 mm. Radiographs of the painful hip, computed tomography (CT), and gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were obtained preoperatively. Intraoperatively, loose bodies were removed, and partial synovectomy, partial labrectomy, chondroplasty, and microfracture were done as needed. RESULTS: There were 14 women and 15 men (mean age, 41 years; mean duration of symptoms, 52 months). All patients had hip pain and 63% reported mechanical hip symptoms. Twenty-three patients were followed for at least 12 months (mean, 64 months). Loose bodies could be seen in the imaging studies of 52% of patients: 8 on radiographs and 7 with CT or gadolinium-enhanced MRI. At surgery, 23 of the 29 (79%) patients had torn labra and femoral head changes. There were an average of 35 loose bodies per patient. Twenty-five of the 29 (86%) had acetabular chondral findings. Five of the 29 patients (17%) eventually underwent total hip reconstruction surgery at a mean of 52 months; 5 of these patients had grade III/IV lesions at the time of arthroscopy. Eleven of the 23 patients (48%) had good to excellent outcomes at an average of 60 months. Recurrent symptoms were seen in 7 patients, and revision arthroscopy was done for 1 patient at 1-year follow-up, 2 patients at 4 years, 1 at 5 years, and 1 at 7-year follow-up. Complications included transient perineal and pedal paresthesia in 2 patients. CONCLUSION: Patients with synovial chondromatosis with hip central compartment loose bodies that were less than 10 mm benefited from hip arthroscopy. Imaging studies alone failed to establish the diagnosis in 14 of 29 patients (48%). Diagnosis was made by direct visualization via arthroscopy. For patients with grade I/II cartilage change, early diagnosis and treatment via arthroscopy helped. It is a valid and effective treatment at early to intermediate follow-up.

Career plans of current orthopaedic residents with a focus on sex-based and generational differences.

BACKGROUND: An orthopaedic workforce shortage has been projected. The purpose of this study is to analyze the supply side of this shortage by ascertaining the career plans of current orthopaedic residents, comparing these plans with the career patterns of practicing orthopaedists, and identifying career-plan differences according to sex. METHODS: An online, self-administered survey was e-mailed to U.S. orthopaedic residents in postgraduate year three or higher, querying them about their fellowship specialty choice and their career plans. RESULTS: A total of 498 residents completed the online survey; 430 respondents (86%) were male, sixty-three (13%) were female, and five (1%) did not provide information regarding sex. Ninety-one percent of the residents were planning to enroll in a fellowship, with some respondents indicating more than one subspecialty choice: 28% intended to choose sports; 21%, arthroplasty; 14%, hand surgery, 12%, trauma; 8%, pediatrics; 8%, shoulder and elbow surgery; 8%, spine surgery; 6%, foot and ankle surgery; and 2%, oncology. With regard to the top career priorities of residents in selecting a fellowship specialty, 40% indicated intellectual priorities; 36%, educational; 21%, lifestyle; and 4%, economic. Significantly more women than men were planning on pursuing a pediatric fellowship (24% versus 6%, respectively, p < 0.05) and significantly fewer were planning on pursuing a sports fellowship (11% versus 31%, respectively, p < 0.05). Significantly more women than men planned on a subspecialty-only practice (62% versus 34%, respectively, p < 0.05). The projected retirement age of sixty-four years for current residents is roughly equal to that of the previous generation. There was no difference between men and women with regard to leadership and research aspirations, projected retirement age, and projected workdays per week. However, significantly more women than men (65% versus 47%, respectively) planned on reducing their work hours or changing to part-time status at some time during their careers. There is a higher percentage of female residents (13%) than female practicing orthopaedists (4%) in the United States. CONCLUSIONS: We should continue efforts to collect workforce data and be proactive to avert or minimize the effect of impending orthopaedic workforce shortages on our patients. Given the trend toward an increasing proportion of female orthopaedists and the higher likelihood that they will reduce their work hours during portions of their career, policymakers should consider training more orthopaedists to ensure patient access to timely, quality orthopaedic care.

History of hip arthroscopy: challenges and opportunities.

Hip arthroscopy began with resection of pathologies and later progressed to repair of different tissues. There is an increasing impetus for reconstruction of biologic joints; although this has occurred with other joints, hip arthroscopic procedures are now headed in this direction. Thus, despite considerable initial challenges, multiple opportunities are now available in this fertile field.