Pain catastrophizing and pre-operative psychological state are predictive of chronic pain after joint arthroplasty of the hip, knee or shoulder: results of a prospective, comparative study at one year follow-up.

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between pre-operative psychological state, postoperative pain and function one year after total shoulder, hip or knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Patients undergoing shoulder, hip or knee arthroplasty between March 2014 and November 2015 were included. Pain catastrophizing score (PCS) was determined preoperatively, at six months and at one year follow-up. Joint pain at rest was quantified using a Visual Analogue Scale (0‒100). Depressive symptoms were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory or Geriatric Depression Score, situational anxiety and dispositional anxiety were measured using the State-Trait Inventory and joint function was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index for the hip and knee and Oxford Shoulder Score for the shoulder. RESULTS: A total of 266 patients were included (65% female; mean (± SD) age: 71.8 ± 10.3 years; mean body mass index: 27.5 ± 5.0 kg/m2). Pre-operative PCS was significantly correlated with pain > 30/100 at one year and with functional scores, for all joints. Multivariate analysis identified the following variables as risk factors for pain intensity > 30/100 at one year: pre-operative PCS > 20/52 (OR = 3.5 ± 1.1 [95% CI: 1.9‒6.6]; p = 0.0001), trait-anxiety score ≥ 46 (OR = 2.4 ± 0.9 [95% CI: 1.1‒5.2]; p = 0.03), pre-operative pain ≥ 60/100 (OR = 3.2 ± 1 [95% CI: 1.8‒6.1]; p = 0.0001) and pain for at least 3 years (OR = 1.8 ± 0.6 [95% CI: 1‒3.4]; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Pre-operative pain catastrophizing and trait-anxiety are risk factors for post-operative pain after shoulder, hip and knee arthroplasty. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov NCT02361359.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Outcome According to Etiology.

Surgical results in tarsal tunnel syndrome are variable, and etiology seems to be a factor. Three possible etiologies can be distinguished. The aim of the present study was to compare surgical results according to etiology. Three continuous retrospective series (45 patients overall) of tarsal tunnel syndrome were compared. Group 1 presented a permanent intra- or extra-tunnel space-occupying compressive structure. Group 2 presented intermittent intra-tunnel venous dilatations. Group 3 comprised idiopathic tarsal tunnel syndrome. The mean follow-up was 3.6 +/- 1.8 years. The main endpoint was subjective postoperative improvement on Likert scale. Group 1 reported greater improvement than groups 2 and 3. Preoperative neuropathy on ultrasound was associated with poorer improvement, which was not the case for neuropathy on electromyography. Surgical treatment of tarsal tunnel syndrome provides better results in etiologies involving structural compression.

The "sleeper's sign" is valid and suggestive of a medial sub-meniscal flap tear.

PURPOSE: To describe, evaluate and validate the diagnostic performance of a new clinical sign, the sleeper's sign, for the diagnosis of a medial submeniscal flap tear (MSMFT). METHODS: This retrospective single-center series included patients aged 18-55 years old who underwent arthroscopic treatment in 2013-2015 for a medial meniscal tear. This study was performed according to STARD (standards for reporting of diagnostic accuracy) guidelines, and the reference test was a peroperative diagnosis of a MSMFT. The preoperative consultation reports were all analyzed to search for the sleeper's sign, defined as night time medial tibiofemoral pain when the patient is in the fetal position with both knees in contact and no pain during daytime activities. RESULTS: Three-hundred and ten patients responded to the study criteria, mean age 41.7 ± 9.7 years old. The sleeper's sign was identified in 39 (12.6%) patients and a MSMFT was confirmed during arthroscopy in 47 (15.2%) cases, with significant agreement between this sign, arthroscopy (kappa = 0.78, p = 10-4) and MR-imaging (kappa = 0.72, p < 0.0001). The performance parameters of the sleeper's sign were: sensitivity 74.5 ± 12.5%, specificity 98.5 ± 1.6%, Youden index 0.73 and accuracy 96.9%. MR imaging was found to be more sensitive (91.5 ± 8%). Multivariate analysis identified the sleeper's sign as a risk factor of MSMFT during arthroscopy: OR 131.9 CI 95% [26.9-646.2], p < 0.0001 and a bone edema next to the flap tear on MR-imaging: OR 13, CI 95% [1.9-7.1], p = 0.008. CONCLUSION: The "sleeper's sign" is a new, valid, highly specific clinical sign for the diagnosis of a medial submeniscal flap tear. MRI was found to be more sensitive than the sleeper's sign. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

A higher reliability with a computed tomography scan-based three dimensional technique than with a two dimensional measurement for lower limb discrepancy in total hip arthroplasty planning.

PURPOSE: The goal was to compare the reliability of a novel 3D method with the standard 2D technique for lower limb discrepancy (LLD) measurement during pre-operative THA planning. METHODS: This prospective study included 100 consecutive patients who underwent THA using 3D planning based on a low-dose CT scan. The LLD was subdivided into three parameters: the intra-articular LLD (IA-LLD), the segmental extra-articular LLD (EA-LLD), and the total LLD (T-LLD). The LLD was assessed with a standard 2D technique on CT scanograms and also with a 3D method. A pelvic reference line (PBL) was determined as the 3D line joining the deepest part of the two great sciatic notches. The IA length was measured from the lesser trochanters (MLT) to the PBL. The EA length was measured from the MLT to the ankle center, and the total length was measured from the ankle center to the PBL. The intra- and inter-observer reliability of the measurements was assessed with the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The intra-observer ICC was higher with the 3D technique for IA-LLD (0.96-0.97 vs. 0.79-0.84), EA-LLD (0.96 vs. 0.78-0.92), and T-LLD (0.99 vs. 0.90-0.97). Inter-observer ICC was also higher with the 3D technique for IA-LLD (0.90-0.94 vs. 0.70-0.84) and EA-LLD (0.93-0.96 vs. 0.80-0.82), but not for T-LLD (0.91-0.94 vs. 0.91-0.94). CONCLUSION: The presented 3D method has a higher reliability than 2D assessment of LLD during pre-operative THA planning. This article presents the first discussion of measuring LLD from 3D models. As 3D reconstruction becomes both more feasible and less-invasive, this study has interest to the orthopaedic surgeon.

Vancomycin-soaked autografts during ACL reconstruction reduce the risk of post-operative infection without affecting return to sport or knee function.

PURPOSE: To compare return to sport and knee function 1 year after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using autografts with and without vancomycin presoaking. METHODS: A case-control study based on a retrospective analysis of prospective data included athletes over the age of 16 operated from 2012 to 2018 for ACL reconstruction. There were two groups of patients due to a change in treatment protocols: Group 1 « without vancomycin ¼ before November 2016 and Group 2 « with vancomycin¼ after this date. In Group 2, the graft was soaked in a vancomycin solution for 10 min and then fixed into the bone tunnels. The primary evaluation criterion was the return to sport 1 year after surgery. The secondary criteria were various knee scores. The number of patients needed to perform a non-inferiority study was calculated. RESULTS: 1674 patients fulfilled the selection criteria, 1184 in Group 1 and 490 in Group 2. The series included 1112 men and 562 women, mean age 30 ± 9.7 years, 68 professional athletes, 674 competitive athletes and 932 recreational athletes. While seven patients presented with post-operative septic arthritis in Group 1, this complication was not found in Group 2. No significant difference was identified in the return to running between the two groups 1 year after surgery (75.9% vs. 76.1%, n.s.). Significantly more of the patients in Group 2 returned to their preinjury sport (p = 0.04). Knee function was comparable between the groups. CONCLUSION: Vancomycin-soaked grafts during ACL reconstruction reduce the risk of post-operative infection of the knee without affecting the return to sport or knee function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III. TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ , ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02511158.

Correction to: Vancomycin-soaked autografts during ACL reconstruction reduce the risk of post-operative infection without affecting return to sport or knee function.

The article Vancomycin­soaked autografts during ACL reconstruction reduce the risk of post­operative infection without affecting return to sport or knee function, written by Yoann Bohu.

Pre-operative bone mineral density is a predictive factor for excellent early patient-reported outcome measures in cementless total hip arthroplasty using a proximally fixed anatomic stem. A prospective study at two year minimum follow-up.

PURPOSE: The goal of the study was to analyze the impact of the pre-operative bone mineral density on the patients' reported outcomes at two year minimum follow-up of cementless THA using a proximally fixed anatomic stem. METHODS: A prospective study included all patients who underwent a cementless THA using a specific proximally fixed anatomic stem and a 3D preoperative CT scan-based planning. The bone mineral density (BMD) of the metaphyseal cancellous bone was computed in a volume (of 1 mm thick and of 1 cm2 surface) at the level of the calcar 10 mm above the top of the lesser trochanter. Patients were assessed at two year follow-up using self-administered auto-questionnaires corresponding to the modified Harris (mHHS), the Oxford (OHS), and the Forgotten Hip (FHS) scores. A multiple linear regression statistical analysis was performed to assess the link between the mHHS, the age, body mass index (BMI), BMD, gender, and ASA grade. RESULTS: Fifty patients were included (29 men, 21 women), with an average age of 62 ± 12 years and an average BMI of 27 ± 5 kg/m2. At two year follow-up, on multivariate analysis, excellent mHHS (≥ 90%) was significantly associated with only two parameters: a BMI ≤ 25 kg /m2 with an odd ratio OR = 10 (CI95% [2.1-48.3], p = 0.004) and a BMD ≥ 72 mg/cm3 with an odd ratio OR = 4.87 (CI95% [1.2-18.6], p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The short-term PROMs after cementless THA are impacted by pre-operative cancellous bone density. However, the BMI remains the most influential parameter on the clinical outcomes.

Bioabsorbable screws, whatever the composition, can result in symptomatic intra-osseous tibial tunnel cysts after ACL reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical results of patients who underwent surgical treatment for a intra-osseous tibial tunnel cyst on a bioabsorbable interference screw following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL). METHODS: This retrospective study included all patients who underwent surgery between 2004 and 2016 for an intra-osseous tibial tunnel cyst on bioabsorbable interference screw following ACL reconstruction. The diagnosis was suggested clinically by pretibial pain at the incision site, sometimes associated with a palpable subcutaneous nodule and then confirmed on MRI. The first stage of surgery included exploratory arthroscopy followed by open excision/curettage of the cyst and then the tunnel was filled. The main criterion for outcome was a clinically normal knee (no pain, 0-120 range of motion, stable, with no effusion) at 6 months of follow-up. RESULTS: This series included 53 patients, mean age 35.3 ± 9.9 years old w ith a mean 4.6 ± 3.1 years (between 3.1 months and 19 years) of follow-up after ligament reconstruction. The tibial screw was completely absorbed in 9/53 (17%) of patients, and fragmented in 22/53 (41.5%). At the 6-month follow-up, 42/53 (79.2%) patients had a normal knee, 11/53 (20.8%) persistent pain in the cyst area, 52/53 (98.1%) normal range of motion and 53 (100%) a stable knee. A recurrent cyst developed at 2 years of follow-up in one patient. CONCLUSION: Complete absorption of a bioabsorbable interference screw is long, increasing the risk of developing intra-osseous tibial cysts during this period. The development of new materials with improved absorption properties is needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV-Retrospective study.

A threshold value of 3.5 mm of passive anterior tibial subluxation on MRI is highly specific for complete ACL tears.

PURPOSE: To identify and quantify passive anterior tibial subluxation on MRI using a standardized measurement protocol and determine the diagnostic threshold of subluxation for complete anterior cruciate ligament tears. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was performed. Patients who underwent surgery for a complete isolated ACL tear between 2009 and 2015 were matched for age and gender to controls with an intact ligament on knee MRI. All subjects underwent 1.5 T closed field MR imaging with the same protocol. Measurements were performed on axial sequences to evaluate translation of the medial and lateral condyles compared to the tibial plateau. Each compartment was measured between the vertical tangent to the posterior femoral condyles and the most posterior part of the tibial plateau. The main criterion was global passive subluxation measurements on MRI, corresponding to mean medial and lateral compartment subluxation. The reproducibility and diagnostic value of passive subluxation were calculated. RESULTS: Sixty (30/30) subjects were included, mean age 27.1 ± 1.7 years, 20 women and 40 men. Patients had a significantly higher global passive subluxation than controls (3.3 ± 0.6 mm vs 0.6 ± 0.2 mm, respectively p < 0.00001). Reproducibility was excellent and the diagnostic value of passive subluxation for a complete ACL tear was fair. A passive subluxation threshold of 3.5 mm had a sensitivity of 55.2%, a specificity of 100% and 77.6% of well-classified subjects. CONCLUSION: The calculated cutoff value for global passive subluxation to identify patients with a complete ACL tear was 3.5 mm, with excellent specificity and a high positive likelihood ratio. Suboptimal clinical results following ACL reconstruction could be partially due to failure to restore an anatomical femorotibial relationship. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Local infiltration analgesia versus interscalene nerve block for postoperative pain control after shoulder arthroplasty: a prospective, randomized, comparative noninferiority study involving 99 patients.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of local infiltration analgesia (LIA) and interscalene nerve block (ISB) for early postoperative pain control after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The hypothesis was that LIA is not inferior to ISB. METHODS: A prospective, randomized controlled study was performed in 2014-2016. All patients who underwent TSA for shoulder osteoarthritis were included. Patients in the ISB group received a continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine by perineural catheter for 48 hours. The surgeon injected 110 mL of 0.2% ropivacaine, 30 mg of ketoprofen, and 0.5 mg of epinephrine before TSA in the LIA group and inserted a catheter into the glenohumeral joint. The next morning, 10 mL of 0.2% ropivacaine, 30 mg of ketoprofen, and epinephrine were injected through the catheter, which was then removed. The primary outcome was the mean shoulder pain score for the 48-hour postoperative period on a numerical scale (0-10). The secondary outcomes were postoperative opioid requirements, complications, and shoulder function at the 1-month follow-up visit. The sample size was calculated for a noninferiority study. RESULTS: The study included 99 patients (50 LIA and 49 ISB patients) with a mean age of 72 ± 9.6 years. Although no significant difference in the mean pain score was found between the 2 groups for the 48-hour postoperative period (1.4 ± 0.9 for LIA vs 1.7 ± 1 for ISB, P = .19), the LIA group had significantly less severe pain (P = .003) and less opioid consumption (P = .01) in the recovery room. No complications occurred. A negative but nonsignificant correlation was found between postoperative pain and Constant score at the 1-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: LIA is not less effective than ISB for early postoperative pain control after TSA.

The Shoulder Instability-Return to Sport after Injury (SIRSI): a valid and reproducible scale to quantify psychological readiness to return to sport after traumatic shoulder instability.

PURPOSE: The main goal of this study was to propose and validate a tool to quantify the psychological readiness of athletes to return to sport following traumatic shoulder instability and conservative or surgical management. METHODS: «Knee¼ was replaced by the term «shoulder¼ in the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport after Injury scale. This pilot test of the Shoulder Instability-Return to Sport after Injury scale (SIRSI) was performed in a group of athletes who underwent surgery for post-traumatic chronic anterior shoulder instability. The final version was then validated according to the international COSMIN methodology. A retrospective study was performed including all rugby players who had reported an episode of instability between 2012 and 2013. The WOSI and the Walch-Duplay scales were used as reference questionnaires. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients were included, mean age 26 ± 5.2 years old, 5 women/57 men. Patients were professional or competitive athletes (70.9%) and followed-up for 4.6 ± 1.6 years after the first episode of shoulder instability. Shoulder surgery was performed in 30/62 (48.4%) patients, a mean 1.6 ± 1.2 years after the first episode of instability. The SIRSI was strongly correlated with the reference questionnaires (r = 0.80, p < 10-5). The mean SIRSI score was significantly higher in patients who returned to play rugby (60.9 ± 26.6% vs 38.1 ± 25.6%, p = 0.001). The internal consistency of the scale was high (α = 0.96). Reproducibility of the test-retest was excellent (ρ = 0.93, 95% CI [0.89-0.96], p < 10-5). No ceiling/floor effects were found. CONCLUSION: The SIRSI is a valid, reproducible scale that identifies patients who are ready to return to the same sport after an episode of shoulder instability, whether they undergo surgery or not. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Reliability and validity of preoperative MRI for surgical decision making in chronic lateral ankle instability.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the value of analyzing the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) on preoperative MRI as a decision-making tool to determine the surgical technique in patients undergoing surgery for chronic lateral ankle instability. METHODS: A retrospective study of prospective data was performed. All patients who underwent surgery between 2013 and 2016 for arthroscopic stabilization of the ankle were included. The ATFL was evaluated on preoperative MRI including axial T2-weighted images by two readers who were blinded to arthroscopic results. The arthroscopic evaluation, which was considered to be the reference examination, was performed by one senior surgeon. The main judgment criteria were two features of the ATFL: (1) absent or thin (< 1 mm thick) and (2) detached or thickened (> 3.2 mm in diameter) with or without a high intensity intraligamentous signal. Inter- and intraobserver reproducibility was evaluated by the kappa coefficient (k), and parameters of the diagnostic accuracy of preoperative MRI were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included, 15 men/7 women mean age 30.3 ± 9.5 years. Fourteen patients (63.6%) underwent arthroscopic repair of the ATFL (Broström-Gould technique) and 8 patients (36.4%) an arthroscopic anatomical reconstruction of the ATFL. Intraobserver reproducibility of MRI findings was substantial (k = 0.68) and interobserver reproducibility moderate (k = 0.55) to nearly perfect (k = 0.87). Agreement between MRI and arthroscopic findings was substantial (k = 0.70). Diagnostic parameters of preoperative MRI were good for both observers: Se = 85.7-87.5%, Sp = 86.7-92.9%, PPV = 75-87.5%, NPV = 92.9%, and classification of patients was good = 86.4-90.9%. CONCLUSION: Preoperative MRI of the ATFL is a reliable and valid decisional tool to choose the surgical technique for stabilization of chronic lateral ankle instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II; Diagnostic study-development of diagnostic criteria on the basis of consecutive patients.

A Prospective Comparative Study of Arthroscopic Versus Mini-Open Latarjet Procedure With a Minimum 2-Year Follow-up.

PURPOSE: To compare postoperative pain during the first postoperative week and the position of the coracoid bone block at the anterior aspect of the glenoid after the arthroscopic and the mini-open Latarjet procedure. The secondary purpose was to assess functional results and recurrence after at least 2 years of follow-up. METHODS: This comparative prospective study included patients who underwent a Latarjet-Bristow procedure for anterior shoulder instability in 2012. The Latarjet procedure was performed by a mini-open approach (G1) in one center and by an arthroscopic approach (G2) in the other. The main evaluation criterion was average shoulder pain during the first postoperative week assessed by the patient on a standard 10-cm visual analog scale (0-10). Secondary criteria were consumption of analgesics during the first week, the position of the coracoid bone block on radiograph and computed tomography scan at the 3-month follow-up and clinical outcomes (Western Ontario Score Index and new surgery) after at least 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were included, 22 G1 and 36 G2, 13 women and 45 men, mean age 26.9 ± 7.7 years. The mean follow-up was 29.8 ± 4.4 months. There was significantly less pain in the arthroscopic Latarjet group than in the mini-open group during the first postoperative week (2.5 ± 1.4 vs 1.2 ± 1.2, P = .002) with comparable consumption of analgesics (P > .05). The arthroscopic Latarjet procedure resulted in a more lateral coracoid bone block (P = .04) and a better equatorial position than the mini-open technique (P = .02). Three patients underwent revision surgery (1 recurrence [2.8%], 1 block fracture, 1 screw ablation) in the arthroscopic group, none in the mini-open group (P = .54). At the final follow-up, the Western Ontario Score Index score was good in all patients (G1: 78.5 ± 7.5% vs G2: 82.3 ± 7%, P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: This prospective comparative study showed that the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure was significantly less painful than the mini-open procedure during the first postoperative week. The clinical outcomes were comparable after at least 2 years of follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective comparative study.

Description and reproducibility assessment of a new computerised tomography scan index to measure the glenoid orientation in relation to the anterior glenoid surface.

PURPOSE: To propose and to assess the reproducibility of a new method (GO [glenoid orientation] index) for the estimation of the glenoid orientation in relation to the anterior surface of the glenoid. METHODS: This is a retrospective study on computed tomography (CT) scan. The GO index was defined as the angle formed by a line perpendicular to the tangent to the anterior surface of the scapula and the glenoid line (which is defined as the line connecting the anterior and the posterior rim of the glenoid). The measurements were performed at the level of the glenoid where its diameter is the greatest. Two independent observers performed each measurement twice. The intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was evaluated by the Pearson coefficient (r) and the intra-class correlation coefficient (ρ, ICC). The correlation between GO index and glenoid version as described by Friedman was also studied. RESULTS: Seventy-eight CT scans were analysed, 38 shoulders with glenohumeral arthritis and 40 healthy shoulders, 32 females/46 males, mean age 53.9 ± 22.7 years. The measures were all highly correlated (r > 0.50, p = 0.00001). The intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was good to excellent (0.71 < ρ < 0.84, p = 0.00001). GO index was 26.9 ± 6.3°, 28.4 ± 6° in the group with glenohumeral osteoarthritis and 25.5 ± 6.4° in the healthy group, p = 0.04. The glenoid version was -0.8 ± 7.9° in the group with glenohumeral osteoarthritis and -3.9 ± 6° in the healthy group, p = 0.05. No agreement was found between the glenoid version and GO index. CONCLUSIONS: GO index is simple and reproducible. It could be very useful for the pre-operative planning and intra-operative positioning of the implants in total shoulder arthroplasty.

Cortical onlay strut allograft with cerclage wiring of periprosthetic fractures of the humerus without stem loosening: technique and preliminary results.

The goal of this study was to describe an internal fixation technique for periprosthetic humeral fractures using a cortical onlay strut allograft stabilized with cerclage wires and to evaluate the preliminary results of this approach. An anterolateral approach was used to direct access the fracture and to protect the radial nerve. The fracture was reduced with two forceps, under visual control. The fracture was surrounded by two hemicylinder tibial allografts, placed around the humerus with no prior reaming to create a "sarcophagus" system. The allograft was as long as possible for optimal mechanical stability, without creating impingement with the glenoid and the elbow. Final fixation of the allograft was obtained with two cerclage wires. The arm was immobilized in a simple sling. Passive then active rehabilitation was begun after 1 month. Six women, mean age 74.3 ± 10.9 years old, were included in the study between 2013 and 2015 with a mean follow-up of 10 ± 2 months. Bone union was obtained in all patients after 6 months of follow-up with no recurrent fractures.

Inefficacy of ultrasound-guided local injections of autologous conditioned plasma for recent epicondylitis: results of a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial with one-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to assess the efficacy of two intra-tendinous injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on epicondylitis of recent evolution (≤3 months). METHODS: Our study was a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial. Two US-guided injections of either PRP (autologous conditioned plasma) or saline solution were performed with an interval of 4 weeks. The exclusion criterion was previous CS infiltration. Patients were monitored by an independent evaluator blinded to treatment at baseline and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months of follow-up. The primary evaluation criterion was the relative improvement from baseline to 6 months in pain score on visual analog scale (0-10). Secondary criteria were the Roles-Maudsley score and the assessment of pain on isometric contraction of extensor carpi radialis brevis and extensor digitorum communis. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were randomly assigned to each group. Three patients in each arm dropped out before 6 months. In both groups, the pain score [mean (s.d.)] decreased significantly between two consecutive visits from 6.8 (0.8) (PRP) and 7 (1) (saline) at baseline to 2.5 (1.6) and 1.6 (1.5) (PRP) and to 2.1 (1.6) and 1.8 (2.1) (saline) at 6 and 12 months, respectively. At 6 months, no statistically significant difference was found between groups for relative improvement in pain score [autologous conditioned plasma: -63.2 (22.4%); saline: -69.7 (25.1%); P = 0.24]. No significant difference was found for the secondary criteria. CONCLUSION: Two US-guided PRP injections for epicondylitis of recent evolution were not more efficacious than saline injections, until 6- and 12-months follow-up. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov; https://clinicaltrials.gov/; NCT02378285.

Suprascapular Nerve Block Versus Interscalene Block as Analgesia After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Randomized Controlled Noninferiority Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of suprascapular nerve block (SSB) and interscalene block (ISB) as postoperative analgesia within the first 24 hours after arthroscopic supraspinatus and/or infraspinatus tendon repair. METHODS: A single-blind, randomized controlled study was performed between 2013 and 2014. The inclusion criteria were arthroscopic supraspinatus and/or infraspinatus tendon repair confirmed intraoperatively, with or without associated procedures, and informed consent. The exclusion criteria were a previously operated shoulder, repair of the subscapularis tendon, and an allergy to local anesthetics. ISB was performed under ultrasound guidance by an anesthesiologist, whereas SSB was performed based on specific anatomic landmarks by a surgeon. The primary evaluation criterion was mean shoulder pain score during the first postoperative 24 hours assessed on a visual analog scale by the patient. The secondary criteria were complications of locoregional anesthesia, the use of analgesics in the recovery room (the first 2 hours) until postoperative day 7, and pain (visual analog scale) during the first week. Forty-four patients were needed for this noninferiority study. An institutional review board approved the study. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were randomized, and 59 met the intraoperative inclusion criteria. Six patients were excluded (1 for pneumothorax after ISB, 1 for unsuccessful SSB, and 4 for incomplete questionnaires). None of the patients were lost to follow-up. There was no significant difference between the SSB and ISB groups in mean pain score for the first 24 hours (P = .92) or the first 7 days (P = .05). However, there was significantly less pain in the ISB group in the recovery room (P = .01). Consumption of analgesics was comparable between the groups, but the SSB group took significantly more morphine in the recovery room. CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective, randomized controlled study, SSB was as effective as ISB for mean pain control within the first 24 hours but ISB was more effective in relieving pain in the recovery room after arthroscopic supraspinatus and/or infraspinatus tendon repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, therapeutic, randomized controlled study.

Arthroscopic Bankart shoulder stabilization in athletes: return to sports and functional outcomes.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate return to sports after arthroscopic Bankart stabilization. METHODS: This is a retrospective study including all athletes aged <50 years who underwent arthroscopic stabilization in 2010 and 2011 (m, 36; f, 10; mean age 28.9 ± 8.1 years; follow-up 24.4 ± 7.7 months). Sixteen patients were practicing competitive sports and 30 recreational sports. Level and delay of return to sports, sports classification according to Allain, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) score, patient satisfaction, apprehension level and avoidance behaviour were noted. RESULTS: 95.7 % returned to the same level after an average of 9.8 ± 5.4 months. Sports level was unchanged or better in 82.6 %, lower in 8.7, and 4.5 % changed sport because of their shoulder. Patients with more than 10 dislocations returned to sports and to their preoperative level later than patients with <10. Male athletes returned to preoperative sports levels faster than female athletes (p < 0.001). The WOSI score and also its item "sports" were worse in those who had not returned (p = 0.0002 and 0.006, respectively). Satisfaction correlated with the WOSI score (p = 0.0004) while 93.3 % were satisfied/very satisfied. The decrease in the apprehension level was significant (p < 0.00001). 36.9 % still experienced avoidance behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: Most athletes resumed their main sport often at the same level, but the threshold of 10 dislocations should be considered a risk factor for longer return to sports at any level. The WOSI score is a valuable outcome score after Bankart stabilization. Postoperative avoidance should be distinguished from apprehension. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Assessment of the feasibility of arthroscopic visualization of the lateral ligament of the ankle: a cadaveric study.

PURPOSE: An anatomical study was performed to assess the feasibility of arthroscopic visualization of the lateral ligaments of the ankle. METHODS: The fibular, talar and calcanear insertions of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) were identified by standard arthroscopy portals. After dissection of the ATFL and CFL, bone tunnels were created at the estimated centres of their footprints. Dissection was then performed to identify the footprints and their position in relation to bony landmarks. The distance from the real centre of the footprint to the corresponding tunnel entrance was measured. RESULTS: Fourteen fresh frozen ankles were included. The ATFL and CFL were identified in all cases. The centre of the fibular ATFL footprint was found to be 16.1 ± 3.5 mm from the tip of the fibula, and the talar footprint was 18.4 ± 2.8 mm from the apex of the lateral talar process. The centre of the fibular CFL footprint was 4.2 ± 0.8 mm from the tip of the fibula, and the calcaneal footprint was 18.4 ± 2.5 mm from the fibular process of the calcaneum. The fibular tunnel was 2.9 ± 3 mm proximally from the centre of the ATFL fibular footprint, the talar tunnel was 4.4 ± 3.2 mm proximally from the centre of the talar footprint, and the calcaneal tunnel was 3.3 ± 2.8 mm too anterior from the CFL calcaneal footprint. No iatrogenic lesions were noted. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic identification of the ATFL, CFL and their corresponding footprints can be considered safe and reliable. Tunnels entrances, in preparation for arthroscopic ligament reconstruction, are precisely positioned. Arthroscopic anatomical ligament reconstruction is a feasible option.

Coracoid graft positioning in the Latarjet procedure.

PURPOSE: The success of shoulder stabilization with the Latarjet procedure depends on the correct positioning of the coracoid graft at the glenoid. The aim of this study was to assess intra-observer reproducibility and inter-observer reproducibility of a new standardized CT scan analysis for coracoid graft positioning in the axial plane after the Latarjet procedure and to assess the positioning in the study group. METHODS: A consecutive series of 27 patients (22 men, 5 woman, 26.1 ± 6.4 years-13 right, 14 left shoulders) were followed up with CT scans between 2010 and 2012. The analysis of the CT scans (2.4 ± 0.7 months postoperatively) was performed with Osirix™ software. The assessment included two criteria in the axial plane: relation of the graft to the articular surface of the glenoid and impingement of the graft with the maximal humeral head circumference. Grafts were judged to be lateral, congruent, flush or medial. The strength of intra-observer agreement and inter-observer agreement was measured by the Kappa coefficient. RESULTS: The Kappa coefficient for intra-observer agreement was "substantial" (K = 0.64 ± 0.14, z = 4.6) to "almost perfect" (K = 0.81 ± 0.14, z = 5.7). The Kappa coefficient for inter-observer variability was "substantial" (K = 0.59 ± 0.14, z = 4.3) to "almost perfect" (K = 0.89 ± 0.14, z = 6.0). In our study, in the axial plane, 3 (11 %) transplants were lateral; 6 (22 %) transplants were congruent; 16 (60 %) flush and 2 (7 %) medial. CONCLUSION: This standardized CT scan analysis after Latarjet procedure has shown to accurately describe graft positioning in the axial plane with both good intra-observer reproducibility and inter-observer reproducibility. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series, treatment study, Level IV.