Return to Play After Non-Operative Management of Primary Anterior Shoulder Instability A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the current study was to system-atically review the evidence in the literature to ascertain the rate of return to play and subsequent recurrence rates after first-time anterior shoulder instability in athletes. METHODS: A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library was performed based on the PRISMA guidelines. Studies evaluating the outcomes of athletes with primary anterior shoulder dislocation were included. Return to play and subsequent recurrent instability were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies with 1,310 patients were included. The mean age of included patients was 30.1 years, 83.1% were male, and the mean follow-up was 68.9 months. Overall, 76.5% were able to return to play, with 51.5% able to return to play at their pre-injury level. The pooled recurrence rate was 54.7%, with best-case and worst-case analysis revealing the recurrence rate to be between 50.7% to 67.7% in those able to return to play. Among collision athletes, 88.1% were able to return to play, with 78.7% experiencing a recurrent instability event. CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrates that non-operative management of athletes with primary anterior shoulder dislocation results in a low rate of success. While the majority of athletes are able to return to play, there is a low rate of return to their pre-injury level of play, and there is a high rate of recurrent instability.

Age-Associated Functional Outcomes Following Hip Arthroscopy in Females Analysis with 5-Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate out- comes of hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in female patients at 5-year follow-up. The working hypothesis for this study was that increased age and body mass index (BMI) would be associated with poor outcomes. METHODS: This study included all female patients 14 years and older who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAI with 5-year patient-reported outcome scores. Patients were separated into three age-based cohorts (< 30 years old, 30 to 45 years old, and > 45 years old) for subsequent statistical analysis. This analysis included a comparison of patient demographic information, intraoperative pathology, and functional outcome scores (modified Harris Hip Score [mHHS] and nonarthritic hip score [NAHS]). Statistically significant values were utilized in a regression-based analy- sis to determine predictors of 5-year outcomes in female patients. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered to be statisti- cally significant. RESULTS: Overall, 97 patients met the inclusion criteria, and there was no significant difference in patient demo- graphics (other than age and BMI) or in intraoperative pathologies identified. There were no significant difference across the three groups for mHHS and NAHS at baseline (p > 0.05). At baseline, there were no statistically significant differences between groups for NAHS scores, however < 30-year-old and 30- to 45-year-old cohorts had superior final NAHS scores relative to the > 45-year-old cohort (p = 0.005). At 5-year follow-up, the NAHS scores were significantly better for patients under 30 and 30 to 45 year olds relative to patients over 45 (84.2 ± 15.1 vs. 86.7 ± 11.0 vs. 71.9 ± 26.8, respectively; p = 0.005). Overall, 88 patients (91%) met the minimal clinically important differ- ence (MCID), and 60 patients (62%) achieved the patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS). Baseline mHHS and BMI were shown to be statistically significant predictors of achieving MCID at 5 years in multivariate analysis (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that women generally have good-to-excellent outcomes following hip ar- throscopy, although females older than 45 may have inferior outcomes relative to younger patients, and BMI and baseline mHHS may be utilized to predict long-term improvement.

Joint Hypermobility Is Associated With Increased Risk of Postoperative Iliopsoas Tendinitis After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement.

PURPOSE: To determine whether increased joint hypermobility, quantified by the Beighton score, is associated with a greater incidence of iliopsoas tendinitis (IPT) in postoperative hip arthroscopy patients treated for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for labral repair and FAI from 2016 to 2020 for whom at least 12 months of follow-up data were available. The Beighton score was measured by a blinded, independent reviewer. IPT was clinically diagnosed by a sports medicine fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon through physical examination. Patients with a diagnosis of IPT were matched at a 1:1 ratio to controls based on age, sex, and body mass index. Demographic characteristics, radiographs and advanced imaging, surgical characteristics, and corticosteroid injection therapy data were obtained via chart review. Statistical analysis was conducted using Mann-Whitney testing and binary logistic regression. RESULTS: Forty patients in whom postoperative IPT developed were identified and matched to 40 control patients in whom postoperative tendinitis did not develop. Increased joint hypermobility, quantified by the Beighton score, was associated with an increased risk of IPT. For each 1-point increase in the Beighton score, there was a 1.69 (95% confidence interval, 1.25-2.29; P < .001) increased odds of IPT development postoperatively. A high (≥4) versus low (<4) Beighton score was associated with an increased likelihood of tendinitis (odds ratio, 9.82; 95% confidence interval, 2.79-34.58; P < .001). However, there was no association between greater Beighton scores and patients' likelihood of receiving a corticosteroid injection (P = .173). CONCLUSIONS: Increased joint hypermobility, quantified by the Beighton score, is associated with an increased risk of IPT developing in the hip arthroscopy postoperative period in patients treated for FAI and labral pathology. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Clinical outcomes of revision arthroscopic Bankart repair for anterior shoulder instability: a systematic review of studies.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to review the literature to ascertain the functional outcomes, recurrence rates, and subsequent revision rates following revision arthroscopic Bankart repair. METHODS: Two independent reviewers performed a literature search based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines using the Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases. Studies in which arthroscopic Bankart repair was performed as a revision procedure were included. The clinical outcomes extracted and analyzed were functional outcomes, return to play, and recurrent instability. RESULTS: Fourteen studies with 433 patients met the inclusion criteria. The majority of patients were male patients (63.7%); the average age was 26.1 years (range, 14-58 years), and the mean follow-up period was 37.6 months (range, 10-144 months). The mean Rowe score was 84.2, and 79.7% of patients had good to excellent outcomes. The rate of return to play was 78.5%, with 47.5% of patients returning to their preinjury level of play across 10 studies. The rate of recurrent instability was reported in 12 studies, with 328 shoulders demonstrating 86 instability events (26.2%). The rate of recurrent instability due to dislocation was reported in 7 studies (n = 176), with 19 events (10.8%), whereas the rate of subluxation was reported in 4 studies (n = 76), with 6 events (7.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Revision arthroscopic Bankart repair for anterior shoulder instability was shown to result in a high rate of recurrent shoulder instability. There was a relatively poor rate of return to sport among athletes, and only about half of the patients were able to return at or above their preoperative level of ability.

High Return to Sport in Patients Over 45 Years of Age Undergoing Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation for Isolated Chondral Defects in the Knee.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of osteochondral allograft (OCA) in patients older than 45 years of age, particularly with respect to return to sport. DESIGN: A retrospective review was performed to evaluate patients greater than 45 who underwent an OCA for a symptomatic osteochondral defect of the knee between June 2011 and January 2019. RESULTS: Overall, there were 18 patients (76% male) that met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Follow-up was attained in 14 of these patients (78%). The mean age of patients included was 52.6 years (48-57) with a mean of 37 months of follow-up (18-60). Visual Analogue Scale scores decreased significantly from the preoperative baseline to final follow-up (7.7 ± 1.7 vs. 2.0 ± 2.0, P < 0.01). Furthermore, the mean Visual Analogue Scale while playing sport was 3.4 ± 3.2, and the mean Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score was 77.5 ± 12.7 at final follow-up. Overall, 11 patients (78.6%) were able to return to their desired sport. No clinical failures were identified during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: In our series of patients 45 years and older who were treated with OCA for focal osteochondral injuries of the knee, we found a significant improvement in clinical outcome scores at a midterm follow-up of 37 months with no revision OCA procedures or conversion to any form of knee arthroplasty. In addition, a high percentage of patients were able to return to their preferred level of athletic activity.

Arthroscopic Latarjet Procedure: Indications, Techniques, and Outcomes.

¼: The proposed advantages of the arthroscopic approach in the Latarjet procedure for shoulder dislocation include improved visualization for accurate positioning of the coracoid graft, the ability to address any associated intra-articular pathologies, and the diminished potential for the formation of postoperative scar tissue and stiffness associated with an open procedure. ¼: Young age, the presence of glenoid and/or humeral bone loss, a history of dislocation, a history of failed arthroscopic stabilization surgery, and an active lifestyle are all associated with recurrent dislocation and are relative indications for an osseous augmentation procedure. ¼: Both the open and arthroscopic Latarjet procedures result in substantial improvements in patient function, with comparable rates of recurrent instability and complication profiles.

High rates of return to play and work follow knee extensor tendon ruptures but low rate of return to pre-injury level of play.

PURPOSE: Extensor mechanism ruptures (EMR) of the knee are rare but debilitating injuries that always require surgery to restore knee function. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature to ascertain the rate of return to play following patellar or quadriceps tendon ruptures. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, using the EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases. Inclusion criteria consisted of clinical studies reporting on return to play after patellar or quadriceps tendon repair. Statistical analysis was performed with the use of SPSS. RESULTS: Our review found 48 studies including 1135 cases meeting our inclusion criteria. There were 33 studies including 757 patellar tendon (PT) repairs, and 18 studies including 378 quadriceps tendon (QT) repairs. The overall rate of return to play for PT repairs was 88.9%, with 80.8% returning to the same level of play. The overall rate of return to play for QT repairs was 89.8%, with 70.0% returning to the same level of play. Among professional athletes, the overall rate of return to play after PT repair and QT repair was 76.9% and 70.9%, respectively. Following PT repair, 95.8% were able to return to work, and following QT repair, 95.9% were able to return to work. CONCLUSION: The overall rate of return to play was high following both PT and QT repairs. Moreover, a high percentage of those patients were able to return to their pre-operative level of sport with a low risk for re-rupture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

The Limited Reliability of Physical Examination and Imaging for Diagnosis of Iliopsoas Tendinitis.

PURPOSE: To determine if any association exists between physical examination, imaging findings [ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)], and iliopsoas tendinitis (IPT) to characterize the reliability of these diagnostic modalities. METHODS: Patients who had undergone US-guided iliopsoas tendon sheath injection (of lidocaine and a corticosteroid agent) as well as MRI performed within 1 year of injection from 2014 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, response to physical exam maneuvers, and response to injection were queried from patient records. US and MRI were reviewed by 2 independent musculoskeletal-trained radiologists. Response to injection was considered positive if the patient improved by >2 points on a 0- to 10-point VAS score. Chi-squared and Fisher exact testing were used to assess for any associations. Sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values were calculated. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients, age 52.3 ± 17.3 years (mean ± standard deviation), body mass index 27.4 ± 4.3 kg/m2, and follow-up 33.6 ± 20.6 months, met inclusion criteria. No physical exam maneuvers, sonographic features, or MRI findings were significantly associated with response to iliopsoas tendon injection (P > .05). Groin pain had a sensitivity of 100% but a specificity of 7%. Snapping hip had a specificity of 82% but a sensitivity of 24%. Pain with resisted straight leg raise (SLR) (sensitivity 62%, specificity 25%) and weakness with resisted SLR (sensitivity 15%, specificity 71%) both were nonreliable. Sonographic bursal distension and tendinosis had low sensitivities (67% and 63%, respectively) and specificities (35% and 32%). Bursal distension on MRI had sensitivity and specificity of 64% and 45%, respectively. Tendon thickening had sensitivity and specificity of 55% and 60%, respectively, and heterogeneity had sensitivity and specificity of 52% and 65%. CONCLUSION: Neither physical examination nor US or MRI findings were associated with a positive response to peritendinous iliopsoas corticosteroid injections in patients with suspected IPT. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective comparative trial limited by lack of a reference standard for iliopsoas tendonitis diagnosis.

The Use and Acceptance of Telemedicine in Orthopedic Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background:A major byproduct of the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been the accelerated adoption of telemedicine within orthopedic practices.Introduction:The purpose of the study is to evaluate satisfaction associated with telemedicine and to determine how telemedicine is used by orthopedic surgeons in response to social distancing efforts necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods:We developed a survey to evaluate surgeon's perception of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey consisted of four major sections focusing on (1) surgeon characteristics and current use of telemedicine, (2) telemedicine for new patients, (3) telemedicine for routine follow-up patients, and (4) telemedicine for postoperative patients.Results:We collected 268 survey responses. Overall, 84.8% of surgeons were using telemedicine, but only 20.5% of surgeons were using it before the COVID-19 pandemic. The overall satisfaction with telemedicine was 70.3% ± 20.9%. Of those who use telemedicine, 75% currently use it for new patients, 86.6% currently use it for routine follow-up patients, and 80.8% currently use it for postoperative patients (p = 0.01). Surgeons had higher satisfaction with building rapport and performing physical examination maneuvers for either routine follow-up or postoperative patients than for new patients (p < 0.0001 for both). However, satisfaction with obtaining imaging did not differ among the cohorts (p = 0.36). Surgeons felt they are more likely to continue to use telemedicine after the COVID-19 pandemic for either routine follow-up or postoperative patients than for new patients (p < 0.0001).Discussion:Owing to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine use has increased substantially among orthopedic surgeons in recent months.Conclusions:Our study established that physician implementation of telemedicine has increased significantly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the majority of surgeons satisfied with its use in their practice, and plan on incorporating telemedicine in their practices beyond the pandemic.

Hip Fracture Volume Does Not Change at a New York City Level 1 Trauma Center During a Period of Social Distancing.

PURPOSE: To characterize the volume and variation in orthopedic consults and surgeries that took place during a period of social distancing and pandemic. METHODS: All orthopedic consults and surgeries at an urban level 1 trauma center from 3/22/20-4/30/2020 were retrospectively reviewed (the social distancing period). Data from the same dates in 2019 were reviewed for comparison. Age, gender, Score for Trauma Triage in the Geriatric and Middle Aged (STTGMA) score and injury type were queried. Operating room data collected included: type of surgery performed, inpatient or outpatient status, and if the cases were categorized as elective, trauma or infectious cases. RESULTS: Compared to 2019, there was a 48.3% decrease in consult volume in 2020. The 2020 population was significantly older (44.0 vs 52.6 years-old, p = 0.001) and more male (65% vs 35%, p = 0.021). There were 23 COVID positive patients, 10 of which died within the collection period. Consult distribution dramatically changed, with decreases in ankle fractures, distal radius fractures and proximal humerus fractures of 76.5%, 77.4% and 55.0%, respectively. However, there was no significant difference in volume of hip, tibial shaft and femoral shaft fractures (p > 0.05). In 2020, there was a 41.4% decrease in operating room volume, no elective cases were performed, and cases were primarily trauma related. CONCLUSIONS: During a period of pandemic and social distancing, the overall volume of orthopedic consults and surgeries significantly declined. However, hip fracture volume remained unchanged. Patients presenting with orthopedic injuries were older, and at higher risk for inpatient mortality.

Opioid Stewardship in Orthopaedic Surgery: Principles and Practice.

The abuse of prescription opioid pain medication has contributed to the U.S. opioid crisis. Opioid stewardship programs ensure that our patients receive the safest and most effective opioid regimens. Opioid stewardship programs involve a multidisciplinary team, including pharmacists, orthopaedic surgeons, nurses, pain management personnel, and anesthesiologists. All of these stakeholders work together to formulate the best evidence-based use of these medications.

The Association between Reasons for a Rapid Response Team Alert and Immediate Patient Management in Total Hip Arthroplasty Patients.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the value and efficacy of rapid response teams (RRTs) for different triggering events in total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of all RRT events at a single, tertiary referral center from 2014 to 2016 was performed. Inclusion criteria were defined as patients >18 years old that underwent primary or revision THA. Information queried included demographics, primary reason for RRT, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), underlying etiology, whether any changes in management occurred, and whether the patient was uptriaged. RESULTS: In total, 168 RRTs were called on 153 hip arthroplasty patients (mean age 65.2 ± 14.1 years; mean body mass index 32.3 ± 4.8, 66% female). Length of stay in RRT for primary and revision THA was 3.4 and 6.2 days, respectively. This was significantly longer than the length of stay for primary THA patients (2.4 days, P < .001) and revision THA patients (4.6 days, P = .005) that did not require an RRT. There were no mortalities. RRTs for hypotension/presyncope (11%) and for syncope (11%) resulted in significantly fewer changes in management (P < .01) than tachycardia (77%), hypoxia (57%), AMS (79%), and other (47%). RRTs for hypotension/presyncope (28%), syncope (15%), and hypoxia (30%) resulted in significantly fewer patients being uptriaged (P < .001) than tachycardia (81%). Hypotension/presyncope was found to be significantly more commonly due to volume depletion (67%) (P < .001) than other etiologies. Hypoxia was significantly more commonly due to atelectasis (57%) and opioids/oversedation (30.4%) (P = .037). AMS/delirium was also significantly more commonly caused by opioids/over-sedation (71%) (P < .001). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing THA, RRTs for hypotension/presyncopal symptoms and syncope were significantly less likely to result in changes in management or uptriaging compared to tachycardia. The most common etiologies were potentially preventable, including volume depletion and opioid use.

Does Concomitant Lumbar Spine Disease Adversely Affect the Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy?

BACKGROUND: The practice of hip arthroscopy is increasing in popularity, which has highlighted the importance of identifying risk factors that predict hip arthroscopy outcomes. The literature suggests that lumbar spine disease is an independent risk factor for poorer outcomes following total hip arthroplasty; however, the effect of lumbar spine disease on hip arthroscopy outcomes has not been fully investigated. At present, there is a paucity of literature investigating the effect of coexisting hip and lumbar spine disease on outcomes after hip arthroscopy. PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of hip arthroscopy in patients with concomitant lumbar spine disease compared with those without a history of lumbar spine disease. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively collected, single-surgeon database was performed to identify patients who underwent hip arthroscopy with subjective and objective evidence of lumbar disease. Patients were included if they were skeletally mature; had hip disease that failed nonoperative treatment; had symptoms of low back pain, lumbar radiculopathy, or lumbar stenosis at the time of surgery; and had advanced imaging of the lumbar spine (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) confirming lumbar spine disease. Patients were excluded if they had any previous hip surgery or evidence of osteoarthritis of Tönnis grade 2 or higher. The hip-spine cohort was matched by age, sex, and body mass index in a 1:3 fashion to a control cohort consisting of patients without symptoms of low back pain, lumbar radiculopathy, or lumbar stenosis at the time of surgery or a history of lumbar spine disease who underwent hip arthroscopy over the same time period. Baseline preoperative modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS) were compared with scores at 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up, and rates of revision arthroscopy or total hip arthroplasty were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed with the Student t test. RESULTS: A total of 38 patients with radiographically confirmed lumbar disease were matched with 111 control patients. Preoperative mHHS and NAHS were significantly lower in the hip-spine cohort (P = .01 and P = .02, respectively); however, no significant differences were found in mHHS or NAHS between the cohorts at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. A 89.8% increase in mHHS was found in the hip-spine cohort, compared with a 74.4% increase in the control cohort (P = .0475). No significant differences in the rates of revision or total hip arthroplasty conversion were identified between the hip-spine and control cohorts (23.7% vs 18.0%, respectively; P = .44). CONCLUSION: Patients with known lumbar spine disease who underwent hip arthroscopy had a significantly greater percentage improvement at 24-month follow-up compared with those without a history of lumbar spine disease, and outcomes were ultimately not significantly different. No increased risk of reoperation was noted in patients with concomitant lumbar spine disease.

Isolated Trochanteric Descent and Greater Trochanteric Apophyseodesis Are Not Effective in the Treatment of Post-Perthes Deformity.

BACKGROUND: Greater trochanteric apophyseodesis and isolated trochanteric descent seek to prevent abductor weakness in patients with a hip deformity because of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease; however, no studies have evaluated radiographic findings or abductor strength in children treated with these procedures. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Do children with Waldenström Stage III Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease treated with either isolated greater trochanteric descent or isolated greater trochanteric apophyseodesis achieve improved radiographic findings (Stulberg classification or neck-shaft angle) compared with those who underwent no surgical treatment? (2) Do children treated with one of those procedures achieve greater abductor strength than those who did not have surgery? METHODS: Between 2006 and 2010, we treated 89 children with Waldenström Type III Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (reossification). Of these, 27.9% (12 patients) underwent greater trochanteric descent, 25.6% (11 patients) underwent greater trochanteric apophyseodesis, and 46.5% (20 patients) did not have surgery. During that time, the decision to perform either apophyseodesis or trochanteric descent was made by the surgeon based on the subjective appearance of remaining growth from the greater trochanter. Nonsurgical management was chosen by the parents of the patients after the risks and benefits of surgery were discussed. During greater trochanteric descent, the greater trochanter was osteotomized and fixed distally with two 7.0-mm screws. During greater trochanteric apophyseodesis, the physis was identified fluoroscopically, and the lateral half of the growth plate was drilled. Nonoperative treatment involved serial clinical and radiographic evaluations every 3 to 6 months. All children in all groups were available for follow-up at a minimum of 6 years. The median follow-up durations for children undergoing greater trochanteric descent, greater trochanteric apophyseodesis, and control cohorts were 6.6 years (range 6.0-8.2 years), 6.5 years (range 6.1-9.2 years), and 7.4 years (range 6.0-9.1 years), respectively. On presentation, each patient's affected hip was classified according to the Stulberg classification by the operating surgeon and an orthopaedic surgeon not involved in the child's care. The neck-shaft angle was measured for each patient before surgery and at the final follow-up examination. Abductor strength was assessed by a pediatric orthopaedic fellow and a physical therapist with the patient in the lateral decubitus position. Each patient was given a muscle strength score on a scale of 0 to 10 points, per a modification of the Medical Research Council scale to allow for a narrower range. We had 80% power to detect an 8° difference in the neck-shaft angle between the greater trochanteric apophyseodesis and nonoperative management cohorts. A sample size of 6.8 patients per cohort would be necessary to detect the above endpoint. RESULTS: With the numbers available, we found no differences among the groups in the proportion of patients with Stulberg Class 2 femoral heads (two of 12 patients in the isolated trochanteric descent group, three of 11 in the isolated trochanteric apophyseodesis group, and two of 20 who did not undergo surgery; p = 0.46). Likewise, there were no differences among the three groups in terms of the neck-shaft angle at a minimum of 6 years of follow-up (122° ± 6°, 119° ± 7°, and 126° ± 8° in the isolated trochanteric descent, isolated trochanteric apophyseodesis, and nonoperative groups, respectively). There were no differences among the groups in term of the median abductor strength test result: seven of 10 (range 6-8), six of 10 (range 6-8), and six of 10 (range 6-10; p = 0.34). CONCLUSION: Because neither isolated greater trochanteric descent nor greater trochanteric apophyseodesis alone had an effect on hip morphology or abductor strength in children with sequellae of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, we conclude these types of extraarticular surgery are ineffective. Therefore, we no longer perform isolated trochanteric descent or apophyseodesis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Decline in clinical scores at long-term follow-up of arthroscopically treated discoid lateral meniscus in children.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the long-term clinical outcomes of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for the treatment of discoid lateral meniscus in children. METHODS: A previous study identified 34 consecutive patients that underwent arthroscopic meniscal saucerization by one of the two surgeons between 1997 and 2002. Patients were asked to complete several outcomes questionnaires and were given the opportunity to receive a knee exam performed by their treating surgeon. RESULTS: Of the 34 eligible patients, 21 agreed to participate. Seventeen patients (19 knees) had greater than 2-year follow-up, with an average follow-up of 11.0 years (range 3.4-16.6 years). Average age at the time of surgery was 9.3 years. Average IKDC, Kujala, and Lysholm scores at follow-up were 82.8 ± 28.9, 86.6 ± 15.2, and 83.7 ± 18.6, respectively. In addition, median Marx and Tegner scores were 5 (range 0-14) and 6 (range 3-8), respectively. Stratifying the Lysholm scores revealed outcomes that were 45.4% "excellent", 16.7% "good", 25.0% "fair", and 16.7% "poor". In total, 36.8% (7 of 19) of knees underwent at least one subsequent surgical procedure. There were no significant associations between outcome scores and discoid type, meniscal stability, location of instability, or age at time of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study suggest that clinical outcome scores decline over time in patients treated arthroscopically for symptomatic discoid meniscus. Compared to our previous study with 2-year follow-up, there is an increased incidence of knee pain and mechanical/functional limitations. The overall modest, long-term results of this study illustrate the need for improved operative treatments for symptomatic discoid meniscus in children to prevent progressive, long-term clinical decline in these patients.

The tibial eminence fracture in skeletally immature patients.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Although tibial eminence fractures are uncommon, their importance cannot be overemphasized in skeletally immature patients because of the fracture's close proximity to both the tibial physis as well as the attachment between the tibial eminence and the anterior cruciate ligament, the latter being a key component in maintaining knee stability. This review focuses on recent trends in treatment concepts and devices. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent literature on this topic addresses the existence of a variety of treatment modalities, but the majority of these articles analyzed a limited number of cases and insisted on the merits of their own methods. Nevertheless, some consensus has been reached regarding treatment direction and how much laxity should be considered acceptable. SUMMARY: Although the review failed to reveal a gold standard modality in treating tibial eminence fractures, most studies agreed on several issues. Displaced intra-articular fractures should be fixed operatively.