Patient Preferences for Graft Selection in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Background: Selecting an appropriate graft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction requires consideration of a patient's preferences, goals, age, and physical demands alongside the risks and benefits of each graft choice. Purpose: To determine the most popular ACL reconstruction grafts among patients and the most important factors influencing their decisions. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Patients undergoing ACL reconstruction between October 2022 and April 2023 completed a survey either before (nonconsult group) or after (consult group) speaking with their surgeon, who provided an evidence-based description of the pros and cons of an allograft and the following autografts: bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB), hamstring tendon (HT), and quadriceps tendon (QT). Patient characteristics, graft choice, information influencing their graft choice, and surgeon recommendation were collected and compared between the groups. Results: Among the 100 included patients, 59.0% were male, and the mean age was 28.3 ± 10.4 years. The most popular grafts were the BPTB (56.0%), followed by the QT (29.0%), HT (8.0%), and allograft (7.0%). No significant difference was observed in the graft selection between the consult group (n = 60; BPTB, 46.7%; QT, 38.3%; HT, 8.3%; allograft, 6.7%) and nonconsult group (n = 40; BPTB, 70.0%; QT, 15.0%; HT, 7.5%; allograft, 7.5%) (P = .0757). In the consult group, 81.7% of patients selected the graft recommended to them by their surgeon. The top 2 graft selection reasons were usage in professional athletes and failure rates, while the top 2 ACL surgery concerns were returning to their desired level of athletics and graft failure risk. Among the 93 patients who researched their ACL graft options before their visit, the most popular information source was some form of media (72.0% [67/93]). Conclusion: The study findings underscore the importance of patient preference and surgeon recommendation in a patient's graft selection and highlight the need to be cognizant of the information sources available to patients when researching their graft options.

Clinical Outcomes of a Novel Hybrid Transtibial Technique for Femoral Tunnel Drilling in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Large Single-Center Case Series With a Minimum 2-Year Follow-up.

Background: A novel hybrid transtibial (HTT) approach to femoral tunnel drilling in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has been developed that circumvents the need for knee hyperflexion and orients the graft in the most anatomic position without sacrificing the tunnel length or aperture. Hypothesis: Patients who underwent ACLR utilizing the HTT technique would achieve excellent patient-reported outcome scores and experience low rates of graft failure and reoperations. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients who underwent primary ACLR at a single institution between 2005 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients treated with the HTT, anteromedial portal (AMP), and transtibial (TT) approaches were matched based on age, sex, and body mass index ±3 kg/m2. Demographic and surgical data as well as femoral tunnel angle measurements on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were collected for the 3 groups. However, clinical outcomes were only reported for the HTT group because of concerns of graft heterogeneity. Results: A total of 170 patients (median age, 26.5 years [interquartile range (IQR), 18.0-35.0 years]) who underwent ACLR using the HTT approach were included. The median coronal- and sagittal-plane femoral tunnel angles were 47° (IQR, 42°-53°) and 40° (IQR, 34°-46°), respectively. The sagittal-plane femoral tunnel angles in the HTT group were significantly more horizontal compared with those in the TT group (P < .0001), whereas the coronal-plane femoral tunnel angles in the HTT group were found to be significantly more vertical compared with those in the AMP group (P = .001) and more horizontal compared with those in the TT group (P < .0001). The graft failure and reoperation rates in the HTT group at a minimum 2-year follow-up were 1.8% (3/170) and 4.7% (8/170), respectively. The complication rate was 6.5% (11/170), with the most common complication being subjective stiffness in 7 patients. The median Lysholm score was 89.5 (IQR, 79.0-98.0); the median International Knee Documentation Committee score was 83.9 (IQR, 65.5-90.8); and the median Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey physical and mental component summary scores were 55.0 (IQR, 52.6-55.9) and 56.2 (IQR, 49.1-59.3), respectively. Conclusion: ACLR using the HTT technique was associated with low graft retear and revision surgery rates and good patient-reported outcome scores at medium-term follow-up and demonstrated femoral tunnel obliquity on postoperative radiographs that correlated with optimal parameters previously reported in cadaveric and biomechanical studies.

Perioperative non-opioid analgesia strategies after high tibial osteotomy: a systematic review of prospective studies.

PURPOSE: Little is known about the optimal analgesia regimen after HTO. Thus, this study systematically reviewed the literature on clinical and patient-reported outcomes of pain management strategies for patients after HTO. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and CINAHL databases was conducted from inception through September 2023. Studies were included if they evaluated pain reduction with analgesia strategies after HTO and were excluded if they did not report pain control outcomes. RESULTS: Five studies with 217 patients were included. Patients with a multimodal intraoperative injection cocktail to the knee, femoral nerve block (FNB), or adductor canal block (ACB) for HTO had significant improvement in visual analog scale (VAS) and numerical rating scale (NRS) scores in the first 12 h postoperatively compared to controls. Patients on duloxetine had significantly lower NRS scores at 1, 7, and 14 days postoperatively and significantly lower nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) usage throughout the two-week postoperative period than the control group. Patients receiving an ACB had significantly lower opioid consumption than controls at 12 h postoperative. In patients with an FNB or ACB, no significant difference in quadriceps strength or time to straight leg raise postoperatively was observed compared to controls. CONCLUSION: A multimodal periarticular injection cocktail, FNB, or an ACB effectively reduces pain on the first day after HTO, with an ACB able to reduce opioid consumption on the first postoperative day. Duloxetine combined with an ACB effectively decreases pain for two weeks postoperatively while reducing NSAID consumption in patients after HTO. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

The Effect of Lower Limb Alignment on Tibiofemoral Joint Contact Biomechanics after Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Repair: A Finite-Element Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine how variations in lower limb alignment affect tibiofemoral joint contact biomechanics in the setting of medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) and associated root repair. METHODS: A finite-element model of an intact knee joint was developed. Limb alignments ranging from 4° valgus to 8° varus were simulated under a 1,000 N compression load applied to the femoral head. For the intact, MMPRT, and root repair conditions, the peak contact pressure (PCP), total contact area, mean and maximum local contact pressure (LCP) elevation, and total area of LCP elevation of the medial tibiofemoral compartment were quantified. RESULTS: The PCP and total contact area of the medial compartment in the intact knee increased from 2.43 MPa and 361 mm 2 at 4° valgus to 9.09 MPa and 508 mm 2 at 8° of varus. Compared with the intact state, in the MMPRT condition, medial compartment PCP was greater and the total contact area smaller for all alignment conditions. Root repair roughly restored PCPs in the medial compartment; however, this ability was compromised in knees with increasing varus alignment. Specifically, elevations in PCP relative to the intact state increased with increasing varus, as did the total contact area with LCP elevation. After root repair, medial compartment PCP remained elevated above the intact state at all degrees tested, ranging from 0.05 MPa at 4° valgus to 0.27 MPa at 8° of varus, with overall PCP values increasing from 2.48 to 9.09 MPa. For varus alignment greater than 4°, root repair failed to reduce the total contact area with LCP elevation relative to the MMPRT state. DISCUSSION: Greater PCPs and areas of LCP elevation in varus knees may reduce the clinical effectiveness of root repair in delaying or preventing the development of tibiofemoral osteoarthritis.

Impacts of the Early COVID-19 Pandemic on Depressive Symptoms and Mental Health Among Student-Athletes.

Objective: Social distancing protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in premature ending of athletic seasons and cancellation of upcoming seasons, placing significant stress on young athletes. Inability to play or forced early retirement has significant consequences on athlete's mental health, as demonstrated by an extensive body of injury literature. We hypothesize that premature suspension and cancellation of athletic events due to the COVID-19 pandemic leads to higher incidence of depressive symptoms among high-school and collegiate athletes. Further, athletes who strongly derive their sense of self-worth centered around athletics would have higher rates of depressive symptoms. Methods: High school and collegiate athletes were evaluated for depressive symptoms, emotional health and athletic identity measures through validated assessment instruments from May 2020 through July 2020. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Depression Computer Adaptive Test (PROMIS-10 Depression CAT), Veterans RAND-12 (VR-12), which comprises both a physical and mental health component, and Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS) were utilized. Results: Mental health assessments were completed by 515 athletes (52.4% male, 47.6% female; .84.5% collegiate, 15.5% high school). Female athletes scored significantly worse than males on VR-12 mental health assessments, as well as PROMIS-10 Depression scores; however, males scored significantly lower than females on VR-12 physical health assessments, irrespective of education level. Athletes who had strong associations with athletics as central to their personal identity exhibited worse psychologic impact on VR-12 mental health and PROMIS-10 Depression measures and female athletes in this cohort reported greater depressive symptoms than males. Conclusion: Social distancing protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic have limited athlete's ability to participate in sports at the training and competition level. Higher rates of depressive symptoms in high school and college athletes have resulted among female athletes and those who identify strongly as an athlete.

Early Postoperative Complications and Associated Variables After Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy: A 15-Year Experience From a Single Academic Institution.

Background: Tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) is a well-established surgical treatment option for patients with patellofemoral disorders. Purpose: To determine the rate of early (≤90 day) postoperative complications after TTO and variables related to postoperative complications. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients who underwent TTO at a single academic institution within a 15-year period (2008-2022) were identified. All patients with a minimum 90-day follow-up were considered for study inclusion. Exclusion criteria were age younger than 14 years and revision surgery. Patient characteristics, surgical history, and concomitant procedures were identified, and risk factor analysis was performed to identify variables associated with early postoperative complications. Results: A total of 344 knees in 313 patients met eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis. One intraoperative complication (0.3%), a premature closure of the incision before repair of the vastus medialis, was identified. There were 141 postoperative complications (138 surgical, 3 medical) in 118 patients for a complication rate of 34.3%. The most common complications were stiffness requiring a nonstandard-of-care intervention (16.3%), superficial wound infection/wound dehiscence (8.1%), and hemarthrosis/effusion requiring aspiration (5.8%). Patients experiencing postoperative complications were older (mean difference, 3.49 years; 95% CI, 1.26-5.73 years; P = .002), had a higher mean Charlson Comorbidity Index (mean difference, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.08-0.45; P = .006), and were more likely to be current smokers (P = .015) compared with patients with no complications. Inpatient surgery (defined as surgery in a hospital setting with at least 1 overnight stay) was associated with postoperative complications (odds ratio [OR], 2.29; 95% CI, 1.39-3.77; P = .001); this association remained significant generation of a multivariate model (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.19-3.58; P = .010). Previous surgery on the ipsilateral knee (P < .001) and concomitant autologous chondrocyte implantation (P = .046) were also associated with postoperative complications. Conclusion: The study findings indicated a low intraoperative complication rate (0.3%) and a relatively high early postoperative (≤90 day) complication rate (34.3%) after TTO. Variables associated with postoperative complications included greater age, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, surgery in an inpatient setting, previous surgery on the ipsilateral knee, and concomitant autologous chondrocyte implantation.

Early Postoperative Complications and Associated Variables After High Tibial Osteotomy and Distal Femoral Osteotomy: A 15-Year Experience From a Single Academic Institution.

BACKGROUND: High tibial osteotomy (HTO) and distal femoral osteotomy (DFO) are well-recognized treatments to address varus and valgus malalignment, respectively, in the setting of symptomatic unicompartmental arthritis of the tibiofemoral joint. The existing literature is limited in its ability to characterize complications after HTO or DFO procedures. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to determine the rate of early (≤90 days) postoperative complications and associated variables from the 15-year experience of a single academic institution. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Patients treated at a single academic institution between 2008 and 2022 who underwent HTO or DFO procedures were identified. All patients with minimum 90-day follow-up were considered for inclusion in the study. Exclusion criteria were inadequate follow-up, unavailable medical records, age <14 years, and revision osteotomy. Patient demographic characteristics, surgical history, and concomitant procedures were identified, and risk factor analysis was performed to identify variables associated with early postoperative complications. All intraoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 243 knees in 232 patients met eligibility and were included in the final analysis. Three intraoperative complications (1.2%) involving fracture extension of the osteotomy occurred. There were 127 early postoperative complications (121 surgical, 6 medical) in 102 knees (68 with HTO and 34 with DFO). Medical complications included pulmonary embolus in 3 patients (1.2%), urinary tract infection in 2 patients (0.8%), and postoperative ileus requiring prolonged hospitalization in 1 patient (0.4%). The most common complications were stiffness requiring a non-standard of care intervention (17.7%), superficial wound infection or wound dehiscence (13.2%), and hemarthrosis or effusion requiring aspiration (6.6%). The rate of deep infection requiring irrigation and debridement was 4.1%. Variables associated with early postoperative complications included smoking (odds ratio [OR], 3.05; 95% CI, 1.34-6.94; P = .008), concomitant chondroplasty and/or loose body removal (OR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.50-4.33; P = .001), and concomitant ligament reconstruction (OR, 3.97; 95% CI, 1.37-11.53; P = .011). CONCLUSION: These 15-year data revealed a low rate of intraoperative complications (1.2%) and a relatively high rate of early (≤90 days) postoperative complications (42.0%) after an HTO or DFO procedure. Surgeons should be aware of the increased postoperative complications associated with smoking, concomitant chondroplasty, and concomitant ligament reconstruction and should use this information to counsel patients regarding appropriate expectations in the postoperative period.

Trends in Patient-Reported Outcomes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Background: Despite the prevalence of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to evaluate results after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, there exists little standardization in how these metrics are reported, which can make wider comparisons difficult. Purpose: To systematically review the literature on ACL reconstruction and report on the variability and temporal trends in PRO utilization. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: We queried the PubMed Central and MEDLINE databases from inception through August 2022 to identify clinical studies reporting ≥1 PRO after ACL reconstruction. Only studies with ≥50 patients and a mean 24-month follow-up were considered for inclusion. Year of publication, study design, PROs, and reporting of return to sport (RTS) were documented. Results: Across 510 studies, 72 unique PROs were identified, the most common of which were the International Knee Documentation Committee score (63.3%), Tegner Activity Scale (52.4%), Lysholm score (51.0%), and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (35.7%). Of the identified PROs, 89% were utilized in <10% of studies. The most common study designs were retrospective (40.6%), prospective cohort (27.1%), and prospective randomized controlled trials (19.4%). Some consistency in PROs was observed among randomized controlled trials, with the most common PROs being the International Knee Documentation Committee score (71/99, 71.7%), Tegner Activity Scale (60/99, 60.6%), and Lysholm score (54/99, 54.5%). The mean number of PROs reported per study across all years was 2.89 (range, 1-8), with an increase from 2.1 (range, 1-4) in studies published before 2000 to 3.1 (range, 1-8) in those published after 2020. Only 105 studies (20.6%) discretely reported RTS rates, with more studies utilizing this metric after 2020 (55.1%) than before 2000 (15.0%). Conclusion: There exists marked heterogeneity and inconsistency regarding which validated PROs are used in studies related to ACL reconstruction. Significant variability was observed, with 89% of measures being reported in <10% of studies. RTS was discretely reported in only 20.6% of studies. Greater standardization of outcomes reporting is required to better promote objective comparisons, understand technique-specific outcomes, and facilitate value determination.

Inconsistencies in reporting risk factors for ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction failure: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: When return to sport (RTS) at a competitive level is desired, treatment of injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) frequently involves surgical reconstruction. Although RTS rates between 66% and 98% have been reported, there remains a paucity of comparative clinical studies, with far fewer reporting statistically significant risk factors for reconstruction failure. The goal of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature to demonstrate the variety and inconsistency with which risk factors associated with reconstruction failure are reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of the PubMed Central and MEDLINE databases was performed to identify clinical outcome studies reporting ≥1 statistically significant risk factor associated with failure of UCL reconstruction. Failure was defined as (1) reinjury, recurrent instability, or need for revision surgery; (2) failure show improvement in postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs); or (3) failure to RTS at the preinjury level (RSL). RESULTS: A total of 349 unique studies were initially identified, of which 12 were deemed eligible for inclusion in our study. Of these 12 studies, 4 defined outcomes based on recurrent instability, reinjury, or revision surgery; 2 defined outcomes based on PROs; and 6 defined outcomes based on RSL. In the group with instability, reinjury, or revision failure, 11 significant risk factors were identified across all studies: age, height, body mass index, professional experience, injury to the nondominant arm, history of competitive throwing, mechanism of injury, history of a psychiatric diagnosis, presence of preoperative instability or stiffness, postoperative workload, and time to RTS. In the PRO failure group, 12 risk factors were identified across all studies: age, status as a military cadet, injury to the nondominant arm, graft type, baseball position, current injury to the ipsilateral arm, current level of competition attributed to reconstruction surgery, shoulder surgery after reconstruction, no competitive throwing history, non-throwing mechanism of injury, history of a psychiatric diagnosis, and preoperative instability or stiffness. In the RSL failure group, 4 risk factors were identified across all studies: age, ulnar neuritis, level of professional play, and amount of time spent at the professional level. CONCLUSIONS: Age, level of professional play prior to surgery, postoperative workload, and time at the professional level are the most commonly reported risk factors associated with UCL reconstruction failure. There remains a paucity of data associating risk factors with patient-specific outcomes and marked levels of inconsistency and conflict among the studies that report such data.

Clinical Outcomes After ACL Reconstruction in Soccer (Football, Futbol) Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

CONTEXT: The risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear for athletes participating in pivoting sports includes young age and female sex. A previous meta-analysis has reported a reinjury rate of 15% after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) for athletes across all sports. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of available literature reporting outcomes after ACLR in soccer players. OBJECTIVE: To review and aggregate soccer-specific outcomes data after ACLR found in current literature to help guide a more tailored discussion regarding expectations and prognosis for soccer players seeking operative management of ACL injuries. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive search of publications was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and SPORTDiscus databases. STUDY SELECTION: Inclusion criteria consisted of original studies, level of evidence 1 to 4, studies reporting clinical and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after primary ACLR in soccer players at all follow-up length. STUDY DESIGN: The primary outcomes of interest were graft failure/reoperation rates, ACL injury in contralateral knee, return to soccer time, and PROs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. DATA EXTRACTION: Search of literature yielded 32 studies for inclusion that involved 3112 soccer players after ACLR. RESULTS: The overall graft failure/reoperation rate ranged between 3.0% and 24.8% (mean follow-up range, 2.3-10 years) and the combined ACL graft failure and contralateral ACL injury rate after initial ACLR was 1.0% to 16.7% (mean follow-up range, 3-10 years); a subgroup analysis for female and male players revealed a secondary ACL injury incidence rate of 27%, 95% CI (22%, 32%) and 10%, 95% CI (6%, 15%), respectively. Soccer players were able to return to play between 6.1 and 11.1 months and the majority of PROs showed favorable scores at medium-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: Soccer players experience high ACL injury rates after primary ACLR and demonstrated similar reinjury rates as found in previous literature of athletes who participate in high-demand pivoting sports.

Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes after Meniscal Root Repair: A Case Series.

This study aimed to describe the demographics, clinical outcomes, and radiologic outcomes of patients who underwent meniscal root repair at a single, large academic institution. Patients who underwent meniscal root repair between January 2011 and April 2015 were identified. Patient demographics, injury characteristics, and intraoperative findings of medial femoral condyle chondromalacia and other concomitant pathology were retrospectively recorded. Enrolled patients returned to clinic for prospectively collected International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective and objective forms, knee radiographs, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A total of 25 root injuries (23 patients) were included in the final analysis. Majority of root injuries were medial menisci (68%) and repaired using transosseous pull-out technique (80%). Most patients (65%) were male, relatively young (median age = 37 years), overweight (median body mass index [BMI] = 26 kg/m2), and reported a traumatic event associated with their injury (60%). Also, 36% (9/25) of root repairs were performed concomitantly with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction; 100% (8/8) lateral meniscal root injuries were associated with a concomitant ACL injury compared with 6% (1/17) of medial root injuries. Overall, 53% (9/17) of medial meniscal root repairs were performed in the setting of high-grade (Outerbridge's grade III/IV) chondral pathology of the ipsilateral femoral condyle. Median follow-up was 16 months. The Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic scale progressed in two knees that underwent meniscal root repair based on comparison of preoperative to follow-up radiographs. MRI showed 88% (22/25) of meniscal roots had completely healed, 6% (1/17) of the medial root repairs showed evidence of extrusion, and 44% (11/25) of repairs were associated with progressive chondromalacia. All patients had normal or near normal IKDC objective scores at time of follow-up. Surgeons should have a high suspicion for concomitant ACL injuries in the setting of lateral meniscal root tears, and be wary of concomitant high-grade chondral damage in the setting of medial meniscal root tears. Most meniscal root repairs appeared completely healed with low rates of medial meniscal extrusion on MRI at short-term follow-up, despite a high rate of chondromalacia progression. Present study is a large case series with prospective follow-up and reflects level of evidence IV.

Adjustable-loop cortical suspension device for posterolateral corner reconstruction in the setting of fibular avulsion fracture: a case series and novel technique description.

INTRODUCTION: A novel technique using an adjustable-loop cortical suspension toggle device for reduction of a fibular head avulsion fracture (arcuate fracture) in posterolateral corner (PLC) reconstruction is described. Results of clinical follow-up are presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 9 patients were retrospectively identified who underwent posterolateral corner reconstruction using an adjustable-loop cortical suspension toggle device. Radiographic examination was used to evaluate the successful healing of the avulsed fibular head fragments post-operatively. RESULTS: 7 patients reported satisfactory results with their clinical outcome with no feelings of knee instability or objective instability on exam at final follow-up. Post-operative radiographs obtained > 6 months following reconstruction demonstrated well reduced and healed fracture in 5 of 6 patients, with 1 patient demonstrating maintained reduction but incomplete fracture union at 6 months. CONCLUSION: This novel surgical technique for PLC reconstruction with an avulsed fibular head fracture is a viable alternative to previously described methods. The majority of patients report subjective satisfaction with a stable knee post-operatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Isolated Osteochondral Autograft Versus Allograft Transplantation for the Treatment of Symptomatic Cartilage Lesions of the Knee: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Focal cartilage lesions of the knee remain a difficult entity to treat. Current treatment options include arthroscopic debridement, microfracture, autograft or allograft osteochondral transplantation, and cell-based therapies such as autologous chondrocyte transplantation. Osteochondral transplantation techniques restore the normal topography of the condyles and provide mature hyaline cartilage in a single-stage procedure. However, clinical outcomes comparing autograft versus allograft techniques are scarce. PURPOSE: To perform a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of high-quality studies to evaluate the results of osteochondral autograft and allograft transplantation for the treatment of symptomatic cartilage defects of the knee. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted using various databases. Inclusion criteria were level 1 or 2 original studies, studies with patients reporting knee cartilage injuries and chondral defects, mean follow-up ≥2 years, and studies focusing on osteochondral transplant techniques. Exclusion criteria were studies with nonknee chondral defects, studies reporting clinical outcomes of osteochondral autograft or allograft combined with other procedures, animal studies, cadaveric studies, non-English language studies, case reports, and reviews or editorials. Primary outcomes included patient-reported outcomes and failure rates associated with both techniques, and factors such as lesion size, age, sex, and the number of plugs transplanted were assessed. Metaregression using a mixed-effects model was utilized for meta-analyses. RESULTS: The search resulted in 20 included studies with 364 cases of osteochondral autograft and 272 cases of osteochondral allograft. Mean postoperative survival was 88.2% in the osteochondral autograft cohort as compared with 87.2% in the osteochondral allograft cohort at 5.4 and 5.2 years, respectively (P = .6605). Patient-reported outcomes improved by an average of 65.1% and 81.1% after osteochondral autograft and allograft, respectively (P = .0001). However, meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in patient-reported outcome percentage change between osteochondral autograft and allograft (P = .97) and a coefficient of 0.033 (95% CI, -1.91 to 1.98). Meta-analysis of the relative risk of graft failure after osteochondral autograft versus allograft showed no significant differences (P = .66) and a coefficient of 0.114 (95% CI, -0.46 to 0.69). Furthermore, the regression did not find other predictors (mean age, percentage of female patients, lesion size, number of plugs/grafts used, and treatment location) that may have significantly affected patient-reported outcome percentage change or postoperative failure between osteochondral autograft versus allograft. CONCLUSION: Osteochondral autograft and allograft result in favorable patient-reported outcomes and graft survival rates at medium-term follow-up. While predictors for outcomes such as mean age, percentage of female patients, lesion size, number of plugs/grafts used, and treatment location did not affect the comparison of the 2 cohorts, proper patient selection for either procedure remains paramount to the success and potentially long-term viability of the graft.

The Hybrid Transtibial Technique for Femoral Tunnel Drilling in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Finite Element Analysis Model of Graft Bending Angles and Peak Graft Stresses in Comparison With Transtibial and Anteromedial Portal Techniques.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this finite element analysis was to compare femoral tunnel length; anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction graft bending angle; and peak graft stress, contact force, and contact area created by the transtibial, anteromedial portal (AMP), and hybrid transtibial techniques. METHODS: Finite element analysis modeling was used to examine anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction models based on transtibial, AMP, and hybrid transtibial femoral tunnel drilling techniques. An evaluation of femoral tunnel length, graft bending angle, peak graft stress, contact force, and contact area was done in comparison of these techniques. RESULTS: The femoral tunnel created with the hybrid transtibial technique was 45.3 mm, which was 13.3% longer than that achieved with the AMP technique but 15.2% shorter than that with the transtibial technique. The femoral graft bending angle with the hybrid transtibial technique (105°) was less acute than that with the AMP technique (102°), but more acute than that with the transtibial technique (109°). At 11° knee flexion, the hybrid transtibial technique had 22% less femoral contact force, 21% less tibial contact force, 21% less graft tension than the AMP technique. Yet, the hybrid transtibial technique had 41% greater femoral contact force, 39% greater tibial contact force, 33% greater graft tension, and 6% greater graft von Mises stress than the transtibial technique. A similar trend was found for the anterior knee drawer test. At both 6-mm anterior tibial displacement and 11° knee flexion, the hybrid transtibial and AMP techniques had at least 51% more femoral contact area than the transtibial technique. CONCLUSION: This finite element analysis highlights that the hybrid transtibial technique is a true hybrid between the AMP and transtibial techniques for femoral tunnel drilling regarding femoral tunnel length, graft bending angle, and peak graft stress.

Outcomes and failure rates after revision meniscal repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this meta-analysis is to determine the outcomes and failure rates for revision meniscus repairs in patients with re-tears after primary repair failure. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Embase with the terms "Meniscus," "Meniscal," "Revised," and "Revision." The search strategy was based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Meta-Analyses) protocol and included four articles (79 patients). The search criteria were limited to studies reporting outcomes and failure rates. The exclusion criteria included languages other than English, biomechanical studies, letters to editors, non-full text, review articles, meta-analysis, and case reports. RESULTS: Four comparative studies with 79 patients (53 males, 26 females) with a mean age of 23.9 ± 6.4 years treated with a revision meniscus repair were included in the final analysis. Within this analysis, we found a failure rate of 25.3% (20 of 79 patients). Of these failed repairs, 30.95% (13 of 42) were of the medial meniscus, and 18.9% (7 of 37) were of the lateral meniscus. In the four articles, the postoperative Tegner sports activity score was found to be 6.1 ± 1.6 (range, 2 to 10). The post-operative Lysholm score was reported in three articles (45 patients). At a mean follow-up of 58.3 ± 23.9 months, the mean post-operative Lysholm score was 89.1 ± 7.6 (range, 38 to 100). The Coleman score for the included articles ranged between 52 and 59. CONCLUSION: This analysis found that revision meniscus repairs in patients with re-tears after primary repair failure result in clinical outcomes similar to that of primary repairs.

Distal Clavicle Excision: An Epidemiologic Study Using the National Ambulatory Surgery Sample Database.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine national trends pertaining to patient demographics and hospital characteristics among distal clavicle excision (DCE) procedures performed in the United States. METHODS: The National Ambulatory Surgery Sample (NASS) database was queried for data. Encounters with Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 29824 were selected. Metrics derived from these encounters included patient demographic information such as age, geographic location, median household income per zip code, and primary expected insurance payer. Hospital characteristics derived included total charges for DCE procedures, location of the hospital, disposition of the patient, hospital census region, control/ownership of the hospital, and location/teaching status of the hospital. The proportion of DCE performed concomitantly with rotator cuff repair (RCR) was also analyzed. P-values were obtained from continuous variables using a t-test with a linear regression model. P-values were obtained from event variables using chi-square analysis. RESULTS: The incidence of arthroscopic DCE in the US decreased from 99,070 in 2016 to 93,678 (5.5%) in 2018. Of note, the proportion of DCE performed concomitantly with RCR significantly increased from 50.4% in 2016 to 52.8% in 2018 (P < 0.0001). Median patient age increased from 2016 to 2018 (56.4 to 57.2; P < 0.0001). The income quartile that saw the highest number of encounters was between $43,000 and $53,999 (P < 0.0001). Hospital trends display an increasing cost from $16,944 to $18,855 over the study period (P = 0.0016). Private insurance, including health maintenance organizations (HMOs), were the largest payers for this procedure; however, a decreasing trend in DCE covered by private insurance was noticed (50.2% to 47.3%; P < 0.0001). Medicare was the second-largest payer ranging from 27.9% in 2016 to 29.9% in 2018. The urban teaching model of hospitals continues to see the highest number of encounters for this procedure. CONCLUSIONS: In both 2016 and 2018, private insurance was the most common payer, most DCEs were performed in urban teaching hospitals, and most patients undergoing the procedure had a median household income between $43,000 and $59,000. Between 2016 and 2018, there was a significant increase in costs associated with DCE, as well as an increase in the median age of patients undergoing the procedure. The proportion of DCE performed concurrently with RCR also significantly increased during the study period.

Onlay Versus Inlay Biceps Tenodesis for Long Head of Biceps Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Proximal biceps tenodesis is a common surgical treatment of tendinosis of the long head of the biceps tendon. Two of the most common techniques incorporate onlay and inlay fixation methods, which can be done arthroscopically or open and in a variety of anatomic locations. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare the clinical outcomes between onlay versus inlay humeral fixation for biceps tenodesis for long head of the biceps tendon pathology. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Only studies reporting outcomes and complications after onlay and inlay biceps tenodeses were included. RESULTS: Six studies with a total of 418 patients (252 onlay, 166 inlay) with a mean age of 56.84 years were included. Visual analog pain scale scores, Constant score, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder score did not differ. "Popeye" deformity was found in 17 patients (7.80%) in the onlay group and in 15 patients (11.28%) in the inlay group (odds ratio, 0.28; P = 0.07). No difference in postoperative cramping or failure rates was found. CONCLUSION: Both onlay and inlay biceps tenodeses result in improved clinical outcomes and are at low risk of Popeye deformities, with no statistically significant differences between either method. Additional studies are required to assess the clinical significance of these differences.

Outcomes and reoperation rates after tibial tubercle transfer and medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction: higher revision stabilization in patients with trochlear dysplasia and patella alta.

PURPOSE: To determine the reoperation rate, risk factors for reoperation, and patient-reported outcomes after isolated or combined tibial tubercle transfer and medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction, for patellofemoral instability surgery. METHODS: Patient's records who underwent medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction and/or tibial tubercle transfer for patellar instability by 35 surgeons from 2002 to 2018 at a single academic institution were retrospectively reviewed using CPT codes. Four-hundred-and-eighty-six patients were identified. Radiographic measurements, demographic parameters, and subsequent revision procedures and their indications were identified. A modified anterior knee pain survey was conducted by mail and with follow-up phone survey. RESULTS: The overall rate of reoperation was 120/486 (24.7%). The most common cause for reoperation was removal of hardware 42/486 (8.6%). The rate of reoperation for isolated medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction 43/226 (19%) was lower than that of isolated tibial tubercle transfer 45/133 (33.8%) or a combined procedure 32/127 (25.2%) (P = 0.007). Woman had a higher rate of reoperation (29.4%) compared to men (15.9%) (P = 0.002). Patients at risk for a revision stabilization procedure included those with severe trochlear morphology (C or D) (6.1%) and those with Caton-Deschamps index > 1.3 (7.3%). Patients who underwent reoperation of any kind had poorer patient-reported outcomes. CONCLUSION: The overall reoperation rate after patellofemoral instability surgery remains high, and any reoperation portends worse patient-reported outcomes. Re-operations for instability are more likely in patients with trochlear dysplasia and patella alta and may benefit from more aggressive initial treatment, such as medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction and tibial tubercle transfer in combination. Using the results of this study, surgeons will be able to engage in meaningful discussion with patients to counsel patients on expectations postoperatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Intraoperative and Early (90-Day) Postoperative Complications and Associated Variables with Multiligamentous Knee Reconstruction: 15-year Experience from a Single Academic Institution.

PURPOSE: We sought to determine the rate of intraoperative and early postoperative (90-day) complications of multiligamentous knee reconstruction surgeries, both medical and surgical, and associated variables from the 15-year experience of a single academic institution. METHODS: Patients treated at a single academic institution between 2005 and 2019 who underwent multiligament knee surgery were identified. Inclusion criteria included intervention with 2+ ligament reconstructions performed concurrently, and more than 90 days postoperative follow-up. Exclusion criteria included revision ligamentous knee surgery. Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, and associated injuries of patients with intraoperative and postoperative complications, time from injury to multiligamentous knee reconstruction, and surgical data, including tourniquet time, procedure time, and type of procedures performed were retrospectively recorded. RESULTS: 301 knees in 296 patients met the eligibility criteria. There were 11 intraoperative complications in 9 knees (rate of 3%) and 136 postoperative complications in 90 knees (rate of 30%). Shorter time from injury to date of surgery was associated with arthrofibrosis (P = .001) and superficial wound infections (P = .015). Concurrent head injuries were associated with less complications (P = .029). Procedural time >300 minutes was associated with intraoperative blood transfusions (P > .05), deep infections (P = .003) and arthrofibrosis (P = .012). Inside-out meniscal repair was associated with superficial and deep infections (P = .006 and .0004). Tibial-based posterolateral corner (PLC) reconstruction was associated with symptomatic hardware (P = .037) and arthrofibrosis (P = .019) in comparison with fibular-based PLC reconstruction. Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction was associated with deep infections (P = .015), arthrofibrosis (P = .003), and postoperative blood transfusions (P = .018). CONCLUSION: Our 15-year data reveal there is a low intraoperative complication rate and high early postoperative complication rate with multiligamentous knee surgery. Surgeons should be wary of the increased intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with longer procedure times, inside-out meniscal repair, tibia-based PLC reconstruction, PCL reconstruction, and shorter time to surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series: IV.

Comparable Subjective and Objective Clinical Outcomes After Fibular or Combined Tibial-Fibular-based Reconstruction of the Posterolateral Corner of the Knee: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: To compare subjective and objective outcomes of fibular and combined tibial-fibular (TF)-based posterolateral corner (PLC) reconstruction. METHODS: A systematic review of literature reporting outcomes of posterolateral corner reconstruction was conducted including outcome studies of surgically treated PLC injuries with a minimum 1-year follow-up, postoperative subjective and objective outcomes including the patient-reported outcome scorings of Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee evaluation (subjective and objective), dial test, and varus stress radiographs. RESULTS: The 32 studies included comprised 40 cohorts: 12 cohorts (n = 350 knees) used a fibular-based technique, and 28 cohorts (n = 593 knees) used a combined TF-based technique. No statistically significant differences were found in patient-reported outcomes or objective clinical measurements comparing the two techniques using the Lysholm score (P = 0.204, τ2 = 3.46), International Knee Documentation Committee evaluation (subjective P = 0.21 τ2 = 15.57; objective P = 0.398), dial test (P = 0.69), or varus stress radiographs (P = 0.98, τ2 = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: This study found no statistically significant differences in subjective or objective clinical outcome measurements after fibular-based versus combined TF-based PLC reconstruction. Further prospective evaluation comparing long-term clinical outcomes, complications, and surgical time may help to elucidate a preferred reconstructive technique.