Eighteen-year outcome of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patellar tendon or hamstring autograft.

PURPOSE: To evaluate patient reported outcomes and radiographic arthritic changes of transtibial anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with either bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) or hamstrings (HS) auto-grafts at a minimum of 15-year follow-up. METHODS: Ninety-four patients (51 of the HS group, 43 of BPTB group) who were operated between the years 2000 to 2005 in two tertiary referral hospitals were contacted and invited to a retrospective evaluation. The interview included subjective outcomes using the Lysholm knee scoring questionnaire, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Tegner activity level scale, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and patients' satisfaction scale. Knee examination included measurements of motion and stability. Knee radiographs were evaluated for osteoarthritic changes according to the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) score. RESULTS: The average evaluation time from surgery was 18.6 years. Subjectively, there was no significant difference between groups except for a better post-operative level of activity and satisfaction in the HS group. Objectively, there was no significant difference between groups in knee stability and range of motion. Most patients had grade KL ≤ 1 radiographic osteoarthritits changes and there was no significant difference between groups. Recurrent complete tear of the reconstructed graft occurred in 3 patients of each group. In both groups 84% had no further surgery while the indications for further surgery were mostly a meniscal tear or tibial hardware removal. CONCLUSIONS: Very long-term outcomes and clinical stability of transtibial HS or BPTB graft ACL reconstruction are good with low rate of graft failure and radiographic osteoarthritis.

Epidemiology of Primary Shoulder Dislocations. A Cohort Study from a Large Health Maintenance Organization: 2004 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: Previous epidemiological studies on shoulder instability evaluated specific and relatively small subgroups of patients. OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence rate of primary shoulder dislocations. METHODS: Cohort analysis of electronic health records from 2004 to 2019 was conducted in a urban district of a major health maintenance organization (HMO) in Israel. Patients presented with primary shoulder dislocation that was treated with closed reduction in any medical facility within the district. Overall incidence density rates (IDR) of primary shoulder dislocations and stabilization surgeries were determined. RESULTS: Over a period of 16 years 13,158 patients underwent closed reduction of primary shoulder dislocation. Of those, 712 shoulder stabilization surgeries were performed (5%). The IDR of primary shoulder dislocations were 124 per 100,000 person-years. The IDR of primary shoulder stabilizations were 7 per 100,000 person-years. The peak in the number of dislocations was observed in those 20-29 years old and ≥ 60 years of. In patients under 59 years old, dislocations were more common in men. In those ≥ 60 years of age, dislocations were more common in women. Most shoulder stabilization surgeries were performed on young patients. The annual mean time from the first dislocation to stabilization surgery linearly declined to 6 months in 2019. CONCLUSIONS: The IDR of primary shoulder dislocations calculated from the largest HMO in Israel were 124 per 100,000 person-years. Shoulder dislocations had bimodal age distribution. Overall, 5% of the patients (mainly young) with shoulder dislocations underwent shoulder stabilization surgery during the study period.

Preoperative pain sensitivity questionnaire helps customize pain management after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate correlations between preoperative pain sensitivity and postoperative analgesic consumption together with pain perception shortly after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy in non-arthritic knees. METHODS: Ninety-nine patients who underwent primary arthroscopic meniscectomy were prospectively divided into three postoperative treatment groups that were prescribed with betamethasone injection (at the end of surgery), oral celecoxib or rescue analgesia (control). Preoperative pain sensitivity was evaluated by pain sensitivity questionnaires (PSQ). Patients were followed for the first three postoperative weeks to evaluate knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) pain scores and analgesics consumption. Statistical analysis included correlations among preoperative pain sensitivity, postoperative pain levels and analgesics consumption. A receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to investigate the cutoff values of the PSQ score to predict insufficient postoperative pain reduction. RESULTS: There were no differences at baseline among all study groups in age, sex, BMI, level of activity, comorbidities and surgical findings. At the final follow-up, KOOS pain scores improved in all groups (p < 0.001). Mean final KOOS pain scores were 76.1 ± 15.2 for the betamethasone group, 70.8 ± 12.6 for the celecoxib group and 78.7 ± 11.6 for the control group. No differences in scores were observed among groups (n.s.). In the control group, a negative correlation was observed between PSQ score and KOOS-pain scores at the end of the follow-up in addition to a positive correlation between PSQ score and rescue analgesia consumption at the first postoperative week. The optimal cutoff value for PSQ score to predict insufficient improvement in KOOS-pain subscale was 5.0 points. CONCLUSIONS: A cutoff value of pain sensitivity questionnaire score above 5.0 points was determined to identify patients with higher sensitivity to pain who underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. These patients reported relatively increased pain and consumed more rescue analgesics postoperatively unless treated with a single intraoperative corticosteroids injection or oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Therefore, surgeons can use pain sensitivity questionnaire score as a preoperative tool to identify patients with high sensitivity to pain and customize their postoperative analgesics protocol to better fit their pain levels. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Lateral Column Lengthening for Flexible Flat Foot: Was It Short to Begin With?

BACKGROUND: Flexible flatfoot (FF) is a common foot deformity that can often consist of foot pain. Surgical treatment is designed to lengthen the lateral column. OBJECTIVES: To resolve whether radiographic standing feet measurements of normo-plantigrade feet and FF, symptomatic or not, differ and to determine whether the lateral column is shorter. METHODS: The study comprised 72 patients (127 feet) consecutive patients, 18 years of age and older, who were divided into three groups: normal feet (56), asymptomatic FF (29), and symptomatic FF (42). All patients had a standing anterior posterior (AP) and lateral radiographs. AP images were used for the measurement of the talocalcaneal angle, talar-1st metatarsal angle, and talonavicular coverage. Lateral X-rays were used to estimate the talocalcaneal angle, talar-1st metatarsal angle, calcaneal pitch, naviculocuboid overlap, and column ratio. RESULTS: All three of the AP radiograph measurements differed among groups, and higher values were measured in the symptomatic FF group. Post hoc analysis found that the talonavicular coverage and the talocalcaneal angles also differed between symptomatic and asymptomatic FF patients. While some lateral measurements differed within groups, only the lateral talar-1st metatarsal angle distinguished between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. The lateral column length was not found to be shorter among FF patients, weather symptomatic or not. CONCLUSIONS: Only the talonavicular coverage, the AP talocalcaneal, and the lateral talar-1st metatarsal angles were found to differ between asymptomatic and symptomatic FF patients. The lateral column was not found to be shorter.

Morphological and Histological Changes in the Human Anterior Cruciate Ligament after Rupture.

BACKGROUND: Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are common and complete tears often fail to heal. ACL reconstruction is considered the surgical gold standard of care for ACL injuries in young active patients. OBJECTIVES: To determine the corresponding morphological and histological features of the torn ACL in different time periods after injury. METHODS: The study included 28 remnant specimens of torn ACLs from patients who had ACL reconstruction surgery of the knee. The remnant pathology was evaluated by its morphology during arthroscopy and by histopathologic measurements. RESULTS: At surgery there were three progressive and distinct morphological tear patterns. The first pattern was noticed within the first 3 months from injury and showed no scar tissue. The second pattern appeared later and was characterized by the appearance of scar tissue with adhesion to the femoral wall. The third pattern was characterized by adhesion of the ACL remnant to the posterior cruciate ligament. The histological changes of the first morphological pattern showed abundance of blood vessels and lymphocytes at the torn femoral end with few irregular collagen fibers. The second and third tear patterns showed decrement in the number of blood vessels and lymphocytes with longitudinally oriented collagen fibers. CONCLUSIONS: The morphological features of the ACL remnant in the first 3 months after injury showed no scar tissue and its histological features had the characteristics of a reparative phase. This phase was followed by a prolonged remodeling phase that ended with attachment of the remnant to the posterior cruciate ligament.

Impact of the Holocaust on the outcomes of elderly patients sustaining a fragility hip fracture.

INTRODUCTION: Holocaust survivors (HS) were under an immense continues physical and mental stressors in their younger years, putting them at increased risk for both fragility hip fractures and worse medical and functional outcomes. We aimed to evaluate whether being a HS could affect the functional outcomes of fragility hip fractures in patients 80 years of age and older following surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study comparing consecutive patients, 80 years and older, who were operated for fragility hip fractures between 2011 and 2016. HS survival status was self-defined by survivors who were born in European and northern African countries that were later occupied by the Nazi regime during World War II and experienced incarceration in concentration camps, forced labor camps and mass transport. Primary outcomes were mortality either within hospital or in the post-operative year. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital complications, recurrent hospitalizations and orthopedic complications within the post-operative year. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-one HS and 339 controls, ages 86.4 ± 4.4 years who were operated for fragility hip fracture between January 2011 to June of 2016 were included in the study. Patients from both groups were of similar age, Carlson's co-morbidity index score, leaving arrangement and pre-fracture mobility. Among HS there were more women (p = 0.029). HS did not have lower survival rates either within hospital or in the post- operative year. Both length of stay and in-hospital complication rates were similar between groups. In the post-operative year, HS were less likely to be hospitalized than controls (p = 0.021). The rate of orthopedic complications was also similar. CONCLUSIONS: Holocaust survivors patients do not achieve worse outcome following fragility hip fracture surgery and present distinctive resilience.

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 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.

[PLATELET RICH PLASMA INJECTION AS TREATMENT FOR ROTATOR CUFF TENDINOPATHY AND AS AN AUGMENTATION FOR ROTATOR CUFF REPAIR].

INTRODUCTION: Platelet rich plasma (PRP) intra-articular injections are gaining popularity worldwide. Albeit its vast application, its efficacy has not been proven unequivocally. This position statement was conducted for the Israeli Shoulder and Elbow Society and is intended to guide practitioners on treatment with PRP injections. Platelets secrete growth factors as part of their function which stimulates angiogenesis, cellular proliferation and tissue repair. Four main PRP subtypes exist: activated, non-activated, leucocyte-rich and leukocyte-poor. The function of leukocytes in PRP is not yet clearly understood and may locally cause harm. There are 3 main pathologies involving the shoulder and elbow in which PRP is being used: rotator cuff tendinopathy, rotator cuff tears and epicondylitis. Contraindications to PRP injection are infection, systemic disease presenting at the injection site, bone marrow pathology, thrombocytopenia, systemic steroids use and anticoagulant therapy. Most studies that explored the efficacy of PRP for rotator cuff tendinopathy failed to demonstrate any clinical benefit when compared to other non-operative treatments. Research shows that PRP injection improves rotator cuff tear healing when used as an augmentation to surgical repair, irrespective of tear size. Furthermore, high quality studies reported less pain in the early postoperative period with PRP augmentation in rotator cuff repair surgery but no significant changes to post-operative shoulder function. Larger studies were conducted on PRP injection to various joints which reported no side effects and approved its safety.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery following shoulder trauma improves outcome despite additional pathologies and slow recovery.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcome, recovery and surgical findings after shoulder arthroscopy of clinically defined traumatic and non-traumatic rotator cuff pathology in middle-aged patients. METHODS: Of the patients who underwent rotator cuff surgery, 37 patients who reported a preceding shoulder injury related to their shoulder symptoms (traumatic group) were compared to a control group of 58 patients without a preceding injury (non-traumatic group), matched by age, body mass index and comorbidities. Data included demographic details, patient history, surgical findings, the Oxford Shoulder Score questionnaires and overall satisfaction from surgery. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 33.2 ± 14.4 months. More concomitant pathologies were found in the study group. The proportion of large and massive supraspinatus tears was double in the study group (43%) compared to the control group (22%). The Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) improved significantly after surgery in both groups (p < 0.001) with no differences between groups in OSS and overall satisfaction from surgery. Patients in the study group felt recovered at an average time of 6.1 ± 4.6 months from surgery, while patients in the control group felt recovered at 4.2 ± 2.6 months (p = 0.02). Patients who were operated at the first 6 months after the injury had better improvement in OSS than patients who were operated later. CONCLUSION: Surgical arthroscopy for rotator pathology of the shoulder in middle-aged patients improved pain and function regardless of a traumatic onset; however, earlier repair after trauma resulted in better outcome scores. Larger full-thickness tears and concomitant pathologies were more common after injury. STUDY DESIGN: Level III.

Timing of physiotherapy following fragility hip fracture: delays cost lives.

INTRODUCTION: Post-operative physiotherapy (PT) following fragility hip fractures is intended to improve balance, gait, and muscle strength for enhanced functional outcomes. This study aims to assess whether postponing initiation of PT effects patients' outcomes during hospitalization and in the first 3 months following discharge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study comparing consecutive patients, 65 years and older, who were operated for fragility hip fractures between 2011 and 2016, within 48 h from admission, and started PT treatment either in the first post-operative day (POD1) or later (POD2-5). Patients were operated upon as soon as medically possible and in accordance with theater availability. All surgeries were performed outside of workday hours (either in the afternoon or during the weekend). Group allocation was established corresponding with the surgical day, as PT services are unavailable during weekends and holidays, and surgeries were performed daily. Primary outcomes were mortality either within hospital or in the post-operative year. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital complications, recurrent hospitalizations, and orthopedic complications within 3 months. RESULTS: 747 patients were included in the study; 525 patients started PT at POD1 and 222 had delayed PT. Patients' demographics, living arrangements, age-adjusted Charlsons' co-morbidity index, mobility, hemoglobin levels, and implant type were comparable. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher for the delayed PT group, 6.8 vs. 3.2% (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.06-4.42, p value 0.034). One-year mortality, in-hospital complications, and the average number of 3 months' recurrent hospitalizations did not differ between groups. A trend for more orthopedic complications was noted in the delayed PT group (p = 0.099), and patients from this group were readmitted more often due to orthopedic surgery-related reasons (p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Post-operative delay in PT following fragility hip fracture surgery was related to increased risk for in-hospital mortality.

The medial border of the tibial tuberosity as an auxiliary tool for tibial component rotational alignment during total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to quantify the amount of ensuing internal rotation of the tibial component when positioned along the medial border of the tibial tubercle, thus establishing a reproducible intraoperative reference for tibial component rotational alignment during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: The angle formed from the tibial geometric centre to the intersection of both lines from the middle of the tibial tuberosity and its medial border was measured in 50 patients. The geometric centre was determined on an axial CT slice at 10 mm below the lateral tibial plateau and transposed to a slice at the level of the most prominent part of the tibial tuberosity. Similar measurements were taken in 25 patients after TKA, in order to simulate the intraoperative appearance of the tibia after making its proximal resection. RESULTS: This angle was found to be similar (n.s.) in normal and post-TKA tibiae [median 20.4° (range 15°-24°) vs. 20.7° (range 16°-25°), respectively]. In 89.3 % of the patients, the angle ranged from 17° to 24°. No statistical difference (p n.s.) was found between women and men in both normal [median -20.7° (range 16°-25°) vs. 19.9° (range 15°-24°)] and post-TKA tibiae [median 21.4° (range 19°-24°) vs. 20° (range 16°-25°)]. CONCLUSION: This study found that in 90 % of the patients, the medial border of the tibial tuberosity is internally rotated 17°-24° in relation to the line connecting the middle of the tuberosity to the tibial geometric centre. Since this anatomical landmark may be more easily identifiable intraoperatively than the commonly used "medial 1/3", it can provide a better quantitative reference point and help surgeons achieve a more accurate tibial implant rotational position. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Cohort and case control studies, Level III.

Which patients are less likely to improve during the first year after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy? A multivariate analysis of 201 patients with prospective follow-up.

PURPOSE: To determine which specific factors influence the improvements in function and pain at the first year following arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2013, patients who had arthroscopic partial meniscectomy were included (n = 201) and followed prospectively before surgery and at 12 months. Multivariable stepwise analysis included preoperative variables (age, gender, limb side, height, weight, body mass index, comorbidities, smoking, Tegner activity scale, Lysholm knee score, preceding injury and duration of preoperative symptoms) and arthroscopic findings (degree of cartilage lesions, medial or lateral meniscus involvement, type of meniscal tear and concomitant cruciate tear). The Lysholm clinical score at the last follow-up and the time interval for substantial pain relief was modelled as a function of the above predictor variables. RESULTS: At the last follow-up, the mean Lysholm score improved by 14.6 points (95 % CI 10.4-18.8, P < 0.001), from 68.0 ± 16.1 to 82.6 ± 19.6 points and 153 (76 %) patients declared they were satisfied to have had the operation. The mean time interval for substantial pain relief was 3.5 ± 1.5 months. Females and patients with lower preoperative Lysholm score were correlated with lower post-operative Lysholm score, while females and patients with lateral meniscal tears (compared to medial meniscal tears) were correlated with longer recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy improved pain and function at the first year post-operatively. Female gender, lateral meniscal tear and less favourable preoperative function were relatively correlated to worse post-operative function and longer rehabilitation time. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Arthroscopic meniscectomy of traumatic versus atraumatic tears in middle aged patients: is there a difference?

INTRODUCTION: Meniscal tears can be classified in various ways, one of which is into traumatic or degenerative. It is not known whether partial meniscectomy of clinically defined traumatic compared to degenerative tears in middle age patients has favorable results. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy of clinically defined traumatic to degenerative meniscal tears in middle age patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-six middle aged patients with stable knees and no radiographic signs of osteoarthritis who had arthroscopic partial meniscectomy were divided into a study group of 43 patients with a preceding knee injury related to their knee symptoms (traumatic group) and a control group of 43 uninjured patients (atraumatic group), matched by age, sex, body mass index and comorbidities. The surgical findings and postoperative clinical scores were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in surgical findings of tear types and degree of chondral lesions. At the end of the follow-up 33 (77 %) patients in each group were satisfied to have had the operation. The median Lysholm score improved from 65.9 ± 17.4 to 77.4 ± 21.2 points (P = 0.001) in the traumatic group and from 65.3 ± 17 to 82.4 ± 17.7 in the atraumatic group (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy in middle aged patients with stable knees and no signs of radiographic osteoarthritis improve pain and function. There were no differences in surgical findings and short term clinical outcome between patients with and without preceding knee injury.

Gender differences in the accuracy of joint line tenderness for arthroscopically confirmed meniscal tears.

INTRODUCTION: The reliability of joint line tenderness was previously investigated among other clinical tests for the diagnosis of meniscal pathology with variable results. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the accuracy of joint line tenderness as a clinical diagnosing test for arthroscopically confirmed meniscal tears between males and females. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the purpose of preoperative joint line tenderness accuracy calculations, this study included male and female groups of patients who have had knee arthroscopy following preoperative diagnosis of meniscal tear. Overall, 195 patients were included in the study, 134 males and 61 females. The mean age was 43.4 (13-76) years. RESULTS: In the male group, the diagnosis of meniscal tear by joint line tenderness was correct in 84 (62.7%) of 134 knees for the medial side and in 115 (85.8%) for the lateral side. In the female group, the diagnosis was correct in 35 (57.4%) of 61 knees for the medial side and in 57 (93.4%) for the lateral side. In order to refine the accuracy of medial joint line tenderness, the data were recalculated for patients with medial meniscal tears and no chondral lesion or cruciate ligament tears; however, the accuracy remained low. CONCLUSIONS: The physical finding of joint line tenderness of the knee as a test for lateral meniscal tear was found reliable in both males and females. For medial meniscal tears, the test had low reliability and thus less useful if used alone, in both genders.

[The evolution of surgical arthroscopy in Israel and worldwide].

Arthroscopy is a minimal invasive surgical technique to treat joint disorders with the use of fiber optics for indirect vision and small surgical tools. The first endoscopic direct inspection of the knee joint was documented at the beginning of the 20th century; however, the clinical practice of arthroscopy started only fifty years later. The "historical fathers" of surgical arthroscopy were Kenji Takagi from Japan and Eugen Bircher from Switzerland. The arthroscopes had become safer and more dependable since the 1970's with the introduction of fiber optics, while vision became easier with the invention of television. Subsequently, in the 1980's and 90's instruments were refined and arthroscopy evolved from a diagnostic to a therapeutic tool with the advantages of minimal approach, few complications and short rehabilitation. The beginning of knee arthroscopy in Israel followed the development in North America in the1970's. Within a few years, knee arthroscopy in Israel had also evolved to be therapeutic rather than diagnostic and was specifically used for partial meniscectomies. Currently, arthroscopic surgery, particularly of the knee and shoulder, has become common practice worldwide. Arthroscopic procedures constitute more than a third of all orthopedic procedures performed at the Israeli Assuta private hospitals. With the development of various technologies, it is anticipated that arthroscopic techniques will further evolve and play an ever greater role in diagnosing and treating joint pathology.

[Greater trochanteric pain syndrome of the hip].

Lateral pain of the hip with point tenderness at the Greater Trochanter is a common musculoskeletal complaint. It is frequently diagnosed as trochanteric bursitis; however, this term is inaccurate because of evident non-inflammatory pathologies, particularly of the abductor tendons of the hip. It is important to differentiate this extra-articular source from an intra-articular or a lower back source of pain. Imaging is useful in cases of trauma, prolonged pain or uncertain diagnosis. Non-operative treatment that involves modifying activities, physiotherapy, analgesics, steroid injections and shock wave therapy is usually helpful. Nevertheless, despite the above treatments, about one third of the patients suffer from chronic pain and disability. These patients may be candidates for operative intervention. Currently, there are endoscopic surgical techniques for local decompression, bursectomy and suture of torn tendons similar to surgery used in the shoulder.

The results of corrective osteotomy for valgus arthritic knees.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of corrective varus osteotomy in the treatment of arthritic knees with valgus deformity. METHODS: The data were retrieved from a literature review. Each relevant study was screened for demographic details, surgical techniques, follow-up periods, clinical outcomes, and complications. RESULTS: A total of 27 publications describing the results of varus osteotomies for valgus arthritic knees were reviewed. All were small case series studies, variable in their patient population, surgical techniques, rehabilitation protocols, follow-up periods, clinical assessments and were categorized as level IV of scientific evidence. CONCLUSION: The role of varus osteotomy remains poorly defined. The literature generally supports this procedure in active and cooperative patients to reduce pain and delay the need for knee replacement. New techniques hold promising results regarding shortening of rehabilitation time and low reoperation and complication rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

The complexity of pain around the knee in patients with osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common joint disease that can cause substantial pain and disability. The manifestation of pain, however, is highly variable and has a poor correlation to plain radiographs. The source of pain in gonarthrosis is elusive. Pain receptors have been found in the synovium, ligaments, capsule, subchondral bone and surrounding tissues with the exception of articular cartilage. The perception of pain is regulated at the spinal and cortical level and is often influenced by psychosocial conditions. There is no definitive treatment modality to relieve the pain and surgery does not necessarily guarantee improvement. Understanding and careful clinical assessment of the sore osteoarthritic knee together with better imaging such as magnetic resonance may improve treatment strategies.

Influence of Pain Sensitivity on Surgical Outcomes of Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire (PSQ) has been found to be a valid tool, and PSQ scores have been shown to be predictive of outcomes after surgery for lumbar stenosis. The effect of pain sensitivity on outcomes of rotator cuff repair (RCR) surgery has not been examined. HYPOTHESIS: PSQ scores would be associated with surgical outcomes after arthroscopic RCR surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Patients 18 to 80 years old scheduled for RCR were consecutively enrolled. Patients with glenohumeral arthritis grade ≥2 or RCR revision surgery were excluded. PSQ was completed preoperatively. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score were used as patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs), and visual analog scale pain score was documented as well. Active shoulder external rotation (ER), internal rotation, and anterior forward elevation range of motion (ROM) were recorded. PROMs and ROM measurements were recorded preoperatively and at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. Rotator cuff tear size, type of repair, and concomitant procedures were documented. Patients were classified as having high or normal pain sensitivity based on PSQ scores. RESULTS: Of 100 enrolled patients, 38 patients were classified as having high pain sensitivity. Patients with high pain sensitivity had worse American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores preoperatively, 6 months postoperatively, and 1 year postoperatively (P < .01). From the preoperative assessment to 3 months postoperatively, PROMs improved more in patients with high versus normal pain sensitivity. However, for patients with high pain sensitivity, PROMs plateaued after 3 months but continued to improve for patients with normal pain sensitivity (P < .01). Visual analog scale pain scores were higher at all time points for patients with high pain sensitivity (P < .05). Preoperatively, patients with high pain sensitivity had restricted active ROM compared with patients who had normal pain sensitivity for anterior forward elevation, ER, and internal rotation (P = .009, P = .012, and P = .006, respectively). By 1 year after surgery, ER ROM was still restricted in patients with high pain sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Pain sensitivity is an important factor influencing RCR outcomes. Patients with high pain sensitivity undergoing RCR showed less improvement in active ROM and worse PROMs after surgery compared with patients who had normal pain sensitivity. Preoperative PSQ may predict postoperative improvements.