3D segmentation and quantitative analysis of age-related changes in the Hoffa fat pad using MRI.

The infrapatellar fat pad (IFP), also known as the Hoffa fat pad, is an essential structure in the knee joint with diverse functions and characteristics. Pathological changes in it can lead to anterior knee pain and impingement. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between age and Hoffa fat pad volume. A retrospective analysis was conducted on MRI scans of 100 individuals aged 10-80 years with no Hoffa fat pad pathology. The IFP was meticulously segmented on each sagittal and coronal MRI plane and its volume was calculated on the basis of the segmented boundaries. Correlation analysis was used to explore the relationships among age, sex, height, weight, and patella-related variables. Contrary to the hypothesis, there was no significant correlation between age and Hoffa fat pad volume. However, there were strong positive correlations between Hoffa fat pad volume and individuals' height, patellar height, and patellar ligament length. Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that height, weight, patellar height, and patellar ligament length collectively explained 67% of Hoffa fat pad volume variability. These findings suggest that the Hoffa fat pad adapts to accommodate morphological changes in the knee joint as individuals grow taller. In conclusion, our study examined Hoffa fat pad volume in individuals across the age spectrum, using advanced imaging techniques to reveal the importance of considering height and knee-related variables for assessing Hoffa fat pad volume. This elucidates age-related volume changes and highlights the need for further research to understand its functional implications and interactions within the knee joint, with the aim of improving orthopedic interventions.

Intra-articular Knee Injection Is Less Painful Than Expected.

BACKGROUND: Intra-articular knee injections (IAKI) are commonly used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes but may induce anxiety and fear. While existing literature has identified the variance between expected and actual pain levels in various medical procedures, this phenomenon remains unexplored in the context of IAKI. OBJECTIVES: To describe the differences between anticipated and experienced pain recorded during IAKI. METHODS: The study cohort included 50 patients who underwent IAKI by an orthopedic specialist in an outpatient clinic. Patients recruited to the study recorded the anticipated and experienced pain, anxiety index, and factors influencing injection related fear. RESULTS: The study population (n=50) demonstrated a significant difference between the pain expected before the injection (mean Visual Analogue Scale [VAS] score 6.19) and the actual experienced (mean VAS score 2.07, P-value < 0.001). Significant differences between anticipated and experienced VAS scores were demonstrated for both females and males. There was a significant difference between males and females in terms of estimated VAS score. There was no significant difference between males and females in term of the experienced VAS score. The difference (delta) between expected and experienced pain differed significantly between sexes. CONCLUSIONS: These findings emphasize the importance of educating patients about expected pain levels during IAKI. Presenting this quantified information may reassure patients that the procedure is not as painful as expected, which can potentially increase the compliance.

Patient Expectations of Pain Versus Experienced Expectations of Pain Following Shoulder Injection.

PURPOSE: Corticosteroids, platelet-rich plasma, and hyaluronic acid injections to either the subacromial space (SAS) or the glenohumeral joint (GHJ) of the shoulder are commonly used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in outpatient settings. The first aim of this study was to determine whether the anticipated pain level differed significantly from the actual pain level experienced by patients who underwent shoulder injections. The second aim was to determine whether there was a significant difference in these pain levels between SAS and GHJ injections. The secondary goal was to investigate the correlation between patients' demographic data, anxiety characteristics, and pain scores. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. METHODS: This study involved patients who completed a three-part questionnaire prior as well as following an injections to the GHJ\SAS. FINDINGS: Sixty-three patients (28 males; 35 females), mean age of 54.28 years (standard deviation 13.95, range 25 to 84) met the inclusion criteria. There was a significant difference between the anticipated and the experienced pain (visual analog score 6.03 vs 3.17, P < .001). Experienced pain of the GHJ injections (n = 34) was rated as being greater than that of the SAS injections (n = 29) with borderline significance (visual analog scale 3.79 vs 2.36; P = .05). Forty-five patients (71.42%) reported a decrease in at least one pain category between anticipated and experienced pain compared to an increase reported by two patients (3.17%). CONCLUSIONS: Injections to the GHJ and SAS were shown to be significantly less painful than anticipated by the patients. GHJ injections were perceived as more painful than SAS injections. Communicating this evidence-based reassuring information with patients prior to an injection may alleviate fear of the procedure, reduce the perception of pain, and ultimately improve compliance with the procedure.

MRI-based navigated cryosurgery of extra-abdominal desmoid tumors using skin fiducial markers: a case series of 15 cases.

BACKGROUND: Precision surgery is becoming increasingly important in the field of Orthopaedic Oncology. Image-guided percutaneous cryosurgery (CRA) has emerged as a valid treatment modality for extra-abdominal desmoid tumors (EDTs). To date, most CRA procedures use CT-based guidance which fails to properly characterize tumor segments. Computer-guided MRI navigation can address this issue however, the lack of a fixed landmark for registration remains a challenge. Successful CRA correlates directly with precision approaches facilitated by intraoperative imaging guidance. This is the first study that attempts to assess the feasibility and efficacy of a novel approach of using skin fiducial markers to overcome the challenge of a MRI-based navigation CRA for symptomatic or progressive EDTs. METHODS: In this retrospective study conducted between 2018 and 2020, 11 patients at a single center with symptomatic or progressive EDTs were treated with CRA using intraoperative MRI navigation. Fifteen cryosurgery procedures were performed, each adhering to a personalized pre-operative plan. Total tumor size, viable and non-viable portions pre- and post-operation, and SF-36 questionnaire evaluating subjective health were recorded. RESULTS: All CRAs demonstrated 100% adherence to the predetermined plan. Overall, tumor size decreased Median= -56.9% [-25.6, -72.4]) with a reduction in viable tissue, (Median= -80.4% [-53.3, -95.2]). Four patients required additional CRAs. Only one patient's tumor did not reduce in size. One patient suffered from local muscle necrosis. Pre-operation, the average physical and mental scores 41.6 [29.4, 43] and 26.3 [17.6, 40.9] respectively. Post-operation, the average physical and mental scores were 53.4[38, 59.7] and 38 [31.2, 52.7] respectively. CONCLUSION: These findings provide an early indication of the feasibility and efficacy of performing percutaneous cryosurgery using skin fiducial marker registration for MRI-computed navigation to treat EDTs safely. Larger cohorts and multicenter evaluations are needed to determine the efficacy of this technique.

Violation of expectations is correlated with satisfaction following hip arthroscopy.

PURPOSE: The mechanism by which preoperative expectations may be associated with patient satisfaction and procedural outcomes following hip preservation surgery (HPS) is far from simple or linear. The purpose of this study is to better understand patient expectations regarding HPS and their relationship with patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and satisfaction using machine learning (ML) algorithms. METHODS: Patients scheduled for hip arthroscopy completed the Hip Preservation Surgery Expectations Survey (HPSES) and the pre- and a minimum 2 year postoperative International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33). Patient demographics, including age, gender, occupation, and body mass index (BMI), were also collected. At the latest follow-up, patients were evaluated for subjective satisfaction and postoperative complications. ML algorithms and standard statistics were used. RESULTS: A total of 69 patients were included in this study (mean age 33.7 ± 13.1 years, 62.3% males). The mean follow-up period was 27 months. The mean HPSES score, patient satisfaction, preoperative, and postoperative iHOT-33 were 83.8 ± 16.5, 75.9 ± 26.9, 31.6 ± 15.8, and 73 ± 25.9, respectively. Fifty-nine patients (86%) reported that they would undergo the surgery again, with no significant difference with regards to expectations. A significant difference was found with regards to expectation violation (p < 0.001). Expectation violation scores were also found to be significantly correlated with satisfaction. CONCLUSION: ML algorithms utilized in this study demonstrate that violation of expectations plays an important predictive role in postoperative outcomes and patient satisfaction and is associated with patients' willingness to undergo surgery again. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Inter and intra-observer agreement of the 3-dimensional CT based anterior inferior iliac spine classification system shows fair-to-moderate agreement among high volume hip surgeons.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this multicenter, multinational study is to evaluate the agreement level of the Hetsroni's classification system across high-volume hip surgeons who specialize in hip preservation surgeries. METHODS: Four surgeons from three countries reviewed a digital survey that included 93 3D CT images of the hip from 53 patients. The population was composed of individuals who had undergone a pelvis CT scan in a tertiary hospital between 2000 and 2016. Each rater reviewed the images and classified each image according to AIIS subtype I, II, or III. After a minimum of two months, the raters repeated the survey. The inter-rater and intra-rater agreement was then assessed. The kappa values were calculated to determine variability. RESULTS: Inter-rater agreement levels yielded fair agreement for both sessions (Kappa = 0.4, p value < 0.001 in the first and Kappa = 0.27, p value < 0.001 in the second). Inter-rater agreement levels separating non-pathological Type I from pathological Types II and III yielded moderate to fair inter-rater agreement levels (K = 0.47, p value < 0.001 in the first session and k = 0.32, p value < 0.001 in the second). Intra-rater reliability displayed moderate agreement (average K = 0.53). CONCLUSION: The current 3D CT-based AIIS classification system shows fair-to-moderate inter- and intra-rater agreement among high-volume hip surgeons. According to this study, the agreement of the Hetsroni classification system is not able to be sufficiently reproduced. Since accurate classification of the AIIS morphology is imperative in establishing proper treatment for SSI, this classification system there is therefore limited in its clinical value. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The "Selfie Test": A Novel Test for the Diagnosis of Lateral Epicondylitis.

Background: Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is one of the most diagnosed elbow pathologies. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic test accuracy of a new test (selfie test) for the diagnosis of LE. Methods: Medical data were collected from adult patients who presented with LE symptoms and ultrasound findings that supported the diagnosis. Patients underwent a physical examination, including provocative tests for diagnosis as well as the selfie test, and were asked to fill out the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) questionnaire and subjectively rate the activity of their affected elbow. Results: Thirty patients were included in this study (seventeen females, 57%). The mean age was 50.1 years old (range of 35 to 68 years). The average duration of symptoms was 7 ± 3.1 months (range of 2 to 14 months). The mean PRTEE score was 61.5 ± 16.1 (range of 35 to 98), and the mean subjective elbow score was 63 ± 14.2 (range of 30 to 80). Mill's, Maudsley's, Cozen's, and the selfie tests had sensitivities of 0.867, 0.833, 0.967, and 0.933, respectively, with corresponding positive predictive values of 0.867, 0.833, 0.967, and 0.933. Conclusions: The selfie test's active nature, which allows patients to perform the assessment themselves, could be a valuable addition to the diagnostic process, potentially improving the accuracy of the diagnosis of LE (levels of evidence: IV).

The "purse string" technique for anterior glenohumeral instability: long-term results 7-13-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: The "Purse-String Technique" (PST) is an arthroscopic horizontal mattress suture technique for recurrent anterior shoulder instability that uses a single double-loaded suture anchor at the 4-o' clock position, achieving a Bankart labral repair and an infero-superior capsular shift. In this study, we describe the long-term results of the PST. METHODS: The study included 69 individuals (70 shoulders), with a mean age of 30 years, who had recurrent post-traumatic anteroinferior instability. A purse-string suture anchor at the 4-o'clock position was used to address the Bankart lesion and capsular laxity, recreating the anterior glenoid bumper. All patients were assessed via telephone interview at a mean of 116 months after surgery (7-13-year follow-up). RESULTS: Postoperatively, the mean Constant score was 94, mean Rowe score was 93 and mean Walch-Duplay score was 89. 89% of patients resumed their preinjury sport activities, with 61% of patients achieving preinjury levels and most professional athletes returning to full activity. Seven patients had recurrent dislocation postoperatively (10% failure rate). Of these patients, three had revision arthroscopic stabilization, one patient had revision arthroscopic stabilization with remplissage, two had a Latarjet procedure, whereas one patient decided to seek no further treatment. CONCLUSION: The long-term results of PST are promising, with a low failure rate, high patient satisfaction and a high rate of return to sport. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV; Case series; Treatment study.

Preoperative Expectations Do Not Correlate With Postoperative iHOT-33 Scores and Patient Satisfaction Following Hip Arthroscopy for the Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To examine the correlation between preoperative patient expectation and International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33) score and postoperative satisfaction of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. METHODS: Patients scheduled for surgery completed the Hip Preservation Surgery Expectations Survey (HPSES), as well as the preoperative and a minimum 2-year postoperative iHOT-33. Patient demographics that were collected included gender, age, occupation, and body mass index (BMI). At the latest follow-up, patients were evaluated for their subjective satisfaction and postoperative complications. An in-depth analysis was performed to assess the correlation between HPSES, iHOT-33, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients (62.3% males; mean age: 33.7 ± 13.1 years; BMI: 23.9 ± 3.5 kg/m2) were included in this study. The mean HPSES score was 83.8 ± 16.5. The mean iHOT-33 improved from 31.6 ± 15.8 preoperatively to 73 ± 25.9 postoperatively (95% CI = 35.2,47.8; P < .01), and the mean patient satisfaction was 75.9 ± 26.9. There were no statistically significant differences in mean HPSES score between males and females (95% CI = 79.9,87.8; P = .35) nor between different occupational groups (95% CI = 79.4,87.6, P = .095). No correlation was found between age and HPSES score (r = .036; P =.76). There was a negligible correlation between HPSES score and postoperative iHOT-33 score (r = -.117; P = .34) and patient satisfaction (r = -.042; P = .73). Postoperative iHOT-33 score had a significant high correlation with patient satisfaction (r = .8; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative expectations do not correlate with postoperative iHOT-33 scores and patient satisfaction with surgery at 2 years after surgery. Gender and occupation did not differ significantly with regard to preoperative expectations, and there was no correlation between age and HPSES score. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective case series.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Is Not Reliable in Classifying Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine Morphology Compared to 3-Dimensional Computerized Tomography.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine the reliability of standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation of AIIS morphology compared with three-dimensional (3D) computerized tomography (CT) (reference standard). METHODS: Sixty hips in 30 patients met the inclusion criteria. The images were reviewed and classified by two fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons. A second imaging viewing session was conducted in the same manner for validation of AIIS evaluation. The agreement and accuracy indices between the two raters were calculated for each imaging modality (inter-rater agreement) as well the agreement across the imaging modality for each rater (intermethod agreement). RESULTS: The inter-rater agreement for the morphological evaluation of the AIIS for the first session according to 3D CT was .553 (P < .05) and by means of MRI was .0163 (P < .05). The inter-rater agreement for the second session by means of 3D CT was .449 (P < .05) and according to MRI was 0 (P < .05). The inter-method agreement for rater 1 for the first session was .04 (P < 0.05), while the agreement for rater 2 was .016 (P < .05). The intermethod agreement for rater 1 on the second session was .35 (P < 0.05), while that of rater 2 was .297(P < .05). The overall accuracy of MRI compared to 3D CT for rater 1 for the first session was .531, .490, and .959 for types I, II, III respectively and .551, .531, and .980 for the second session for types I, II, and III respectively. The overall accuracy of MRI compared to 3D CT for rater 2 for the first session was .551, .469, and .918 for types I, II, III respectively and .633, .592, and .918 for the second session for types I, II, and III, respectively. CONCLUSION: MRI evaluations and subsequent classifications of AIIS morphology demonstrated a poor to slight correlation compared with that of the reference standard of 3D CT. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, retrospective diagnostic study.

Cryo-surgery for symptomatic extra-abdominal desmoids. A proof of concept study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Extra abdominal desmoid tumors are rare, highly aggressive, and invasive benign soft tissue tumors. Current treatment modalities show high levels of recurrence and comorbidities. Cryo-surgery as an alternative was subsequently investigated. METHODS: In this retrospective, single center study 11 patients showing symptomatic tumors were treated with individualized cryo-surgery. Treatment protocol included preoperative planning using computer rendered 3D models, intraoperative navigation and execution using cone beam guidance, and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging image analysis using a gaussian mixture model software. Subjective outcomes were reported using Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaires. RESULTS: Sixteen ablations were performed, each demonstrating a complete match with the determined preoperative plan and model. A total of 9/11 (82%) of patients showed improvements in symptoms and a reduction in tumor volume while 2/11 (18%) did not. Average reduction in tumor volume and viable segments were 36.7% (p = 0.0397) and 63.3% (p = 0.0477), respectively. Mild complications according to the SIR Adverse Event Classification Guidelines were experienced in 3/16 (19%) ablations. SF-36 scores showed a statistically significant improvement (p = 0.0194) in the mental health category and a nonsignificant (p = 0.8071) improvement in the physical health category. CONCLUSION: Cryo-surgery using the three-phase protocol as described may improve the overall outcome of future ablation procedures.

Sonographic evaluation of anterior inferior iliac spine morphology demonstrates excellent accuracy when compared to false profile view.

PURPOSE: To compare ultrasound examination to false profile radiographs in identification and classification of AIIS morphology. The study hypothesis stated that sonographic imaging of the AIIS correlates well to AIIS morphology seen on false profile radiographs. METHODS: Fifty-three hips in 30 consecutive patients met the inclusion criteria. A single, fellowship trained, orthopedic surgeon performed an ultrasound on all of the patients to evaluate the AIIS morphology. The patients underwent standing false profile radiographs. The US and radiographic images were independently reviewed and classified according to Hetsroni classification of AIIS morphology by two senior, fellowship trained, orthopedic surgeons. Agreement between the two raters was calculated for each imaging modality (inter-rater agreement) as well as the agreement between the rating in each modality by the same rater ("inter-method" agreement). RESULTS:  The agreement between the raters (inter-rater agreement) for morphologic evaluation of the AIIS by means of FP view was 88.8% (p < 0.001) and that by means of US was 81.5%(p < 0.001). The overall accuracy of the US compared to the FP view was 92.3% (48/52) for both rater 1 and 2. CONCLUSION:  This study showed near-perfect agreement in analyzing the morphology of the AIIS in a group of patients with hip pathology. Office sonographic evaluation of the AIIS is reliable and, therefore, may be routinely utilized in the clinic setting avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure to the patient. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Clinical Assessment and Treatment Options for Posterior Hip Pain.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis and treatment of posterior hip pain has increased due to advancements in clinical, anatomical, biomechanical, and related pathological understandings of the hip. Due to its complexity and close anatomical relationship with many osseous, neurovascular, and musculotendinous structures, posterior hip pain must be appropriately categorized based on its origin. Therefore, it is crucial that clinicians are able to determine whether patient complaints are of extra-articular or intra-articular nature so that they can implement the optimal treatment plan. In the current review article, we discussed posterior hip pain with an emphasis on the main differential diagnoses of deep gluteal syndrome, ischiofemoral impingement, and hamstring tear/hamstring syndrome. For the appropriate diagnosis and etiology of posterior hip pain, a thorough and conclusive clinical history is imperative. Physicians should rule out the possibility of spinal involvement by physical examination and if necessary, by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Furthermore, because of the vicinity to other, non-orthopedic structures, an obstetric and gynecologic history, general surgery history, and urologic history should be obtained. Following the collection of patient history clinicians should adhere to an established and efficient order of evaluation starting with standing then to seated, supine, lateral, and prone testing. Imaging assessment of posterior hip pain begins with a standard anterior-posterior pelvic radiograph, in addition to frog-leg lateral. MRI is pivotal for assessing soft tissue-related extra-articular causes of hip in patients with posterior hip pain. Non-surgical treatment is preferred in most cases of deep gluteal syndrome, ischiofemoral impingement, pudendal nerve entrapment, and proximal hamstring pathologies. Surgical treatment is saved as a last resort option in cases of failed non-surgical treatment.

Editorial Commentary: Intra-abdominal Fluid Extravasation During Hip Arthroscopy-Although Rare, Don't Be Complacent.

Hip arthroscopy has become the gold standard for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. Intra-abdominal fluid extravasation is the most commonly reported major complication, with variable rates depending on the measurement method. Little is known about the evolution of the fluid extravasation throughout the surgical procedure, and the risk factors for this complication are in need of validation. We recommend performing mitigating actions including keeping the surgical time to a minimum, monitoring core body temperature, performing psoas release (if planned) last, and keeping inflow fluid pressure as low as possible.

Postoperative Weightbearing Protocols After Arthroscopic Surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement Does Not Affect Patient Outcome: A Comparative Study With Minimum 2-Year Follow-up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of immediate postoperative weightbearing protocols after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) with minimum 2-year follow-up, as measured by patient-reported outcome measures and satisfaction rates. METHODS: Between January 2011 and June 2016, patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI and labral tears were reviewed. Exclusion criteria was previous hip pathology or arthroscopy, active Workers' Compensation claims, and concomitant pathologies impeding weightbearing. Patients who were operated on before September 2013 were treated with 3 weeks of postoperative non-weightbearing (NWB), with weightbearing as tolerated (WBAT) thereafter. From October 2013, patients were allowed immediate postoperative WBAT. RESULTS: A total of 351 hip arthroscopic surgeries were performed; 133 of these patients met the inclusion criteria. Of the 133 included patients, 69 were in the NWB group and 64 were in the WBAT group. No differences were found in terms of sex (P = .603) or age (P = .241). No differences were found in postoperative scores (the Modified Harris Hip Score was 84.5 [range 79-89] for NWB vs 86.7 [78-89] for WBAT [P = .0.523], and the Hip Outcome Score was 83.1 [78-88] vs 88.4 [80-90], respectively; P = .130). Subjective rates of improvement, satisfaction score and the will to undergo surgery again did not differ between the groups (P = .674, P = .882, P = .730). The rate of subjects who met or exceeded the MCID in the NWB and WBAT groups was 82.6% and 81.2% for the Modified Harris Hip Score (P = .838) and 79.7% and 82.8% for the Hip Outcome Score (P = .647). There were no reported complications. Limitations include the possibility of the study being underpowered. CONCLUSIONS: After a 2-year minimum follow-up, patient-reported outcome measures and satisfactory rates with immediate weightbearing after hip arthroscopy for isolated FAI syndrome and labral tears do not differ significantly from results after strict NWB rehabilitation protocols. Revising weightbearing restrictions may allow for a more comfortable rehabilitation process after arthroscopic hip surgery for FAI and labral repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3 - case-control study.

Subspinal impingement: clinical outcomes of arthroscopic decompression with one year minimum follow up.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to (1) evaluate the clinical outcomes after arthroscopic subspinal decompression in patients with hip impingement symptoms and low AIIS, and to (2) assess the presence of low anterior inferior iliac spine on the pre-operative radiographs of patients with established subspinal impingement diagnosed intra-operatively. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent arthroscopic subspinal decompression has been performed. The indications for surgery were femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), or subspinal impingement. Pre-operative radiographs were assessed for anterior inferior iliac spine type. Intra-operative diagnosis of low anterior inferior iliac spine was based on the level of anterior inferior iliac spine extension relative to the acetabulum and the presence of reciprocal labral and chondral lesions. In patients where low anterior inferior iliac spine was not diagnosed on pre-operative radiographs, the pre-operative radiographs were re-read retrospectively to assess missed signs of low anterior inferior iliac spine. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients underwent arthroscopic subspinal decompression between 2012 and 2015. The patients were followed for a median of 25 months (13-37 months). Intra-operatively, grade 2 anterior inferior iliac spine was found in 27 patients and grade 3 anterior inferior iliac spine was found in 7 patients. MHHS, HOS, and HOSS scores increased from median (range) pre-operative scores of 55 (11-90), 48 (20-91) and 20 (0-80) to 95 (27-100), 94 (30-100) and 91 (5-100), respectively (p < 0.0001, p = 0.001, p < 0.0001, respectively). Pre-operative diagnosis of low AIIS was made in 6/34 patients via AP radiographs. On retrospective analysis of pre-operative radiographs, signs of low AIIS were still not observed in 21/34 (61.8%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic subspinal decompression of low AIIS yielded significantly improved outcome measures and high patient satisfaction at a minimum of 13 months follow-up. Low AIIS is often under-diagnosed on AP pelvis and lateral frog radiographs and if left untreated, may result in unresolved symptoms and failed procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

The anatomical properties of the indirect head of the rectus femoris tendon: a cadaveric study with clinical significance for labral reconstruction surgery.

BACKGROUND: Acetabular labral tear is a common pathology. In some clinical situations, primary labral repair may not be possible and labral reconstruction is indicated. PURPOSE AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Describe the anatomy of the indirect head of the rectus femoris (IHRF) tendon with clinical application in arthroscopic labral reconstruction surgery. METHODS: Twenty-six cadaver hips were dissected. Thirteen measurements, each with clinical relevance to arthroscopic labral reconstruction using an IHRF tendon graft were taken on each hip. All measurements were taken in triplicate. Mean values, standard deviations and intra-observer reliability were calculated. RESULTS: The mean footprint of the direct head of the rectus femoris tendon was 10.6 mm × 19.6 mm. The width and thickness at the confluence of both heads were 10.9 mm and 6.9 mm, respectively. The mean total length of the footprint and "free portion" of the IHRF was 55.3 mm, the mean cranial to caudal footprint measured at the 12 o'clock, 1 o'clock, and 2 o'clock positions were 22.3 mm. The mean length of the Indirect Head footprint alone was 38.1 mm. The mean length of IHRF tendon suitable for grafting was 46.1 mm and the mean number of clock face sectors covered by this graft was 3.3 clock face sectors. Intra-observer reliability was ≥ 0.90 for all recorded measurements. The origin of the IHRF on the acetabulum fans out posteriorly, becoming thinner and wider as the origin travels posteriorly. The tendon footprint is firmly attached on the lateral wall of the ilium and becomes a free tendon overlying the acetabular bone as it travels anteriorly and distally towards its muscular attachment. CONCLUSION: The IHRF tendon is in an ideal location for harvesting and contains the appropriate thickness, length and triangular architecture to serve as a safe and local graft source for acetabular labral reconstruction surgery.

The detached stump of the torn anterior cruciate ligament adheres to the femoral notch wall and then to the posterior cruciate ligament within 6 months from injury.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the progressive changes in the morphology of traumatic ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) over time. A secondary objective was evaluating their correlation with meniscal tears or chondral lesions. METHODS: The study included one hundred and one patients who underwent ACL reconstruction surgery of the knee after a definite date of injury. The torn ACL remnant morphological pattern was assessed and classified during arthroscopy. A correlation analysis was performed between the pathological features of the remnant and the time length from injury. In addition, correlation between ACL remnant subtypes and meniscal tears or chondral lesions was evaluated. RESULTS: At surgery there were four distinct ACL tear morphological patterns that were correlated to the time span from injury (r = 0.61, p < 0.001) and ended with scarring of the femoral remnant to the posterior cruciate ligament. The early pattern was noticed within median time of 2.6 months from injury and appeared as a separate stump with no scar tissue. The following two patterns appeared within 6 months from injury and were characterized by adhesion of scar tissue to different locations in the femoral notch. The last morphological pattern appeared as adherence of the ACL stump to the posterior cruciate ligament. This pattern was seen in some patients within 6 months from injury but was the dominant pattern later on and was also correlated with meniscal tears. CONCLUSIONS: During the first 3 months from injury the gross morphological features of the torn ACL remnant showed no scar. This phase was followed by scarring of the femoral remnant at first to the femoral notch, and eventually to the posterior cruciate ligament within 6 months from injury and later on. Therefore, further research on the healing potential of the human ACL stump and its biological environment should be focused on the first 3 months from injury. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Acetabular labral reconstruction using the indirect head of the rectus femoris tendon significantly improves patient reported outcomes.

PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes after acetabular labral reconstruction using the indirect head of the rectus femoris tendon. The study hypothesis stated that arthroscopic acetabular labral reconstruction may improve patient reported outcomes in patients with labral tears that were not amenable to repair. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2015, the senior author performed 31 acetabular labral reconstructions using the indirect head of the rectus femoris tendon. The graft is harvested through the same arthroscopic portals established for the procedure. The graft was gradually secured to the acetabular rim starting at its origin to the myotendinous junction, reestablishing the suction seal of the joint. Medical records and surgical reports were reviewed for demographic data, and outcome measures were assessed with pre- and postoperative modified Harris Hip Scores (mHHS). RESULTS: Twenty-two patients with follow-up of more than 2 years were evaluated. Fourteen procedures were revision hip arthroscopy and 8 were primary labral reconstruction in 13 males and 9 females. The median age was 43 (range 22-68 years old). The median follow-up time was 36.2 months with a range from 24 to 72 months. The median preoperative mHHS was 67.1. Postoperatively, patients improved to a median mHHS of 97.8 (range 73.7-100) (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Acetabular labral reconstruction using the indirect head of the rectus femoris tendon is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The technique was applicable in all patients in this study with good outcomes. This procedure is clinically relevant for patients with large labral tears not amendable to labral repair as it offers good results using a local allograft. The local allograft is clinically advantageous as there is no additional donor-site morbidity and no risk of disease transmission. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Recurrent rotator cuff tear: is ultrasound imaging reliable?

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: The diagnostic workup of the painful shoulder after rotator cuff repair (RCR) can be quite challenging. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of ultrasonography (US) for the detection of recurrent rotator cuff tears in patients with shoulder pain after RCR. We hypothesized that US for the diagnosis of recurrent rotator cuff tear after RCR would not prove to be reliable when compared with surgical arthroscopic confirmation (gold standard). METHODS: In this cohort study (diagnosis), we retrospectively analyzed the data of 39 patients with shoulder pain after arthroscopic RCR who had subsequently undergone US, followed by revision arthroscopy. The rotator cuff was evaluated first using US for the presence of retears. Thereafter, revision arthroscopy was performed, and the diagnosis was either established or disproved. The sensitivity and specificity of US were assessed in reference to revision arthroscopy (gold standard). RESULTS: A rotator cuff retear was indicated by US in 21 patients (54%) and by revision arthroscopy in 26 patients (67%). US showed a sensitivity of 80.8% and specificity of 100% in the diagnosis of rotator cuff retears. Omission of partial rotator cuff retears resulted in a spike in sensitivity to 94.7%, with 100% specificity remaining. CONCLUSION: US imaging is a highly sensitive and specific test for the detection of recurrent rotator cuff tears, as confirmed by revision arthroscopy, in patients with a painful shoulder after primary RCR.