Does a delay to surgery for preoperative echocardiogram affect outcomes in patients with hip fracture?

Introduction: Delay to surgery >24 hours has been shown to correlate with mortality rates in patients with hip fracture when left untreated. Many of these patients have multiple comorbidities, including aortic stenosis (AS), and undergo workup for operative clearance, which may delay time to surgery. The purpose of this study was to examine whether preoperative echocardiogram workup affects time to surgery, complications, and mortality after operative fixation for hip fracture. Methods: Our institutional hip fracture registry was retrospectively reviewed for inclusion over a 3-year period. Patients who had a preoperative echocardiogram (yECHO) for operative clearance were compared with those who did not (nECHO). Demographic data, time to surgery, overall complication rate, and mortality at 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year were collected. Results: Two cohorts consisted of 136 yECHO patients (45.8%) and 161 nECHO patients (54.2%). Thirty-two yECHO patients (23.5%) had AS. Patients in the yECHO cohort were more likely to have a complication for any cause compared with nECHO patients (25.7% vs. 10.6%, P = 0.01) and have a higher mortality rate at 1 year (38.9% vs. 17.4%, P = 0.001). There was no association found between AS and all-cause complication (P = 0.54) or 30-day (P = 0.13) or 90-day mortality rates (P = 0.79). However, patients with AS had a significantly higher mortality rate at 1 year (45.8% vs. 25.1%, P = 0.03). Conclusion: This study reinforces the benefits of ensuring less than a 24-hour time to surgery in the setting of a hip fracture and identifies an area of preoperative management that can be further optimized to prevent unnecessary prolongation in time to surgery. Patients with known aortic stenosis are not associated with increased 30-day or 90-day mortality or all-cause complications. Surgical delays in the yECHO cohort were attributed to preoperative medical assessments, including echocardiograms and the management of comorbidities. Therefore, the selective utilization of preoperative echocardiograms is needed and should be reserved to ensure they have a definitive role in guiding the perioperative care of patients with hip fracture. Level of Evidence: III.

Postoperative wound complications in extensile lateral approach versus sinus tarsi approach for calcaneal fractures: Are we improving? Updated meta-analysis of recent literature.

INTRODUCTION: To analyze recent literature comparing clinical outcomes of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACF) treated with open reduction and internal fixation using the extensile lateral approach (ELA) vs the minimally invasive sinus tarsi approach (STA), with a focus on wound complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted utilizing PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies published between 2013 and 2022, level of evidence (LOE) I-III, head-to-head comparative studies reporting on clinical outcomes after DIACFs treated with ORIF using ELA versus STA, and literature with full-text written in English were included. Data collection included: publication year, study design, number of surgeons, number of participants, demographic data (mean age at time of surgery, percent male, body mass index, medical co-morbidities), preoperative data (mechanism of injury, Sanders classification, time from injury to surgical fixation), intraoperative data, and postoperative clinical and radiographic outcomes (Böhler angle, angle of Gissane, calcaneal height/length/width). RESULTS: A total of 21 articles (4 randomized control trials, 17 cohort studies) comprising of 2086 patients with calcaneal fractures, treated with either ELA (n = 1129) or STA (n = 957) met inclusion criteria. The risk of postoperative wound-related complications (RR 2.82, 95 % CI: 2.00-3.98, I2=27 %) and the risk of reoperation (RR 1.85, 95 % CI: 0.69-5.00, I2=67 %) was higher in ELA patients comparted to STA patients. However, the increased risk of postoperative wound-related complications with an ELA vs. STA was shown to be trending downward in recent publications. The ELA group also experienced longer time to surgery, extended operative times, and prolonged hospital stays when compared to the STA group. Radiographic measurements at final follow-up, including Böhler angle, angle of Gissane, as well as calcaneal height, length, and width, showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures utilizing the ELA continues to have an increased rate of complications and reoperation when compared to the less invasive STA, yet recent trends in the literature show that this rate is decreasing. Operative treatment of calcaneal fractures via either an ELA or STA can both achieve comparable postoperative radiographic outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III.

Bilateral Atypical Femoral Fracture in a Bisphosphonate-Naïve Patient with Prior Long-Term Denosumab Therapy: A Case Report of the Management Strategy and a Literature Review.

The benefits of denosumab as an antiresorptive therapy and in reducing fragility fractures are well documented. However, its association with atypical femur fractures (AFFs), especially in the absence of prior bisphosphonate use, remains poorly understood and warrants further investigation. This case report presents a rare instance of bilateral AFFs in a 78-year-old bisphosphonate-naïve patient with a history of long-term denosumab therapy for previous metastatic breast cancer. Management involved intramedullary nail fixation after initial presentation with a unilateral AFF and a recommendation to cease denosumab therapy. However, the patient subsequently experienced a contralateral periprosthetic AFF below a total hip implant 5 months thereafter and was treated with open reduction internal fixation. This case report highlights the critical need for orthopedic surgeons to maintain a high level of suspicion and vigilance in screening for impending AFFs, especially in patients with a prolonged history of denosumab therapy without prior bisphosphonate use. Furthermore, the growing report of such cases emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive research aimed at refining treatment protocols that balance the therapeutic benefits of denosumab and its associated risks of AFFs.

Rehabilitation and Return to Play Protocols After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Soccer Players: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is crucial for safe return to play (RTP) and reducing the chances of a reinjury. Yet, there is no consensus on the ideal functional tests to assess rehabilitation progress in soccer players after ACLR. PURPOSE: The primary objective was to highlight the existing gap in the literature concerning the most effective standardized rehabilitation protocols and testing for facilitating successful RTP among soccer players. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A systematic review using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) was conducted. Inclusion criteria encompassed original studies (level of evidence 1-4) that examined rehabilitation protocols, metrics of knee rehabilitation, and clinical outcomes after ACLR in soccer players. RESULTS: This review incorporated 23 studies, predominantly retrospective case series, with a total number of 874 soccer players who underwent ACLR and rehabiliation. 5 (21.7%) studies utilized an accelerated rehabilitation protocol, while 7 (30.4%) of studies utilized a criterion-based rehabilitation. A wide heterogeneity of data was extracted including functional tests of rehabilitation and RTP such as strength test batteries, hop test batteries, and movement quality assessments. Of the 23 selected studies, 2 (8.7%) used all 3 test batteries, 8 (34.8%) used 2 test batteries, 12 (52.2%) used 1 test battery, and 1 (4.3%) used 0 of the test batteries. The mean time between surgery and RTP ranged from 3 to 8 months with only 2 (8.7%) studies reporting complications after ACLR. Lastly, out of the total studies examined, 9 (39.1%) assessed patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), all of which demonstrated significant improvement from the initial assessment to the final follow up. CONCLUSION: Soccer-specific rehabilitation after ACLR lacks standardization. Even though many studies have assessed protocols for optimal RTP and reduced secondary ACL injuries, there is a gap in the literature regarding the most effective protocols and RTP testing. The methodology reported by Kyritsis et al could serve as a foundation for future prospective randomized multicenter studies to establish a standard rehabilitation protocol and enable a successful return to soccer.

Maximizing Adherence and Minimizing Time to Antibiotics: A Multidisciplinary Institutional Trauma Bay Protocol for Single Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Open Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if a multidisciplinary institutional protocol can optimize the time to antibiotic (Abx) administration for open fractures (openFx) and improve compliance with the administration of Abx prophylaxis during trauma activation. DESIGN: Retrospective pre-post study design. SETTING: Single Level II Trauma Center. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: All patients who triggered a trauma activation with suspected openFx and were treated according to the institutional single antibiotic regimen were eligible for inclusion. Patients were excluded if fractures did not involve the appendicular skeleton. Patients treated before implementation of a standardized institutional protocol where premixed IV bags of antibiotics were stocked in automated dispensing systems within ED trauma bays (January 2021-October 2022) were defined as the "pre" group and those treated following implementation the "post" group. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: The primary outcome was time from trauma bay arrival to antibiotic aministration, measured in minutes, with comparisons made between preprotocol and postprotocol implementation. Secondary outcomes for comparison included rates (%) of time to Abx <60 minutes, allergic reactions, acute kidney injury, ototoxicity, surgical site infection, multi-drug-resistant organisms identified in blood or biopsy cultures in cases requiring reoperation, and Clostridium difficile infection in the gastrointestinal system, confirmed by stool test results, within 30 days. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients (mean age 39.5 ± 16.3 years) met the criteria after protocol implementation compared with 72 patients (mean age 34.3 ± 14.8 years) before implementation. Implementation of the institutional protocol resulted in a significant reduction in the time to Abx administration for openFx from 87.9 ± 104.6 minutes to 22.2 ± 12.8 minutes in the postprotocol group ( P < 0.001). In addition, only 53% in the preprotocol group received Abx within 60 minutes compared with 96% in postprotocol group ( P < 0.001). Post hoc power analysis revealed that the study was powered at 92% (effect size = 0.72) to detect a significant difference between the preprotocol and postprotocol groups. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that a multidisciplinary institutional protocol for the administration of Abx prophylaxis can be an effective strategy for optimizing the time to Abx administration in cases of suspected openFx. This protocol may be implemented in other trauma centers to optimize time to Abx administration for openFx. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Comparison of Outcomes After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in Patients With Proximal Humerus Fractures Versus Rotator Cuff Arthropathy.

INTRODUCTION: Indications for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) has expanded to encompass complex proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) in recent years. The purpose of this study was to report and assess whether PHF patients treated with rTSA could achieve similar functional outcomes and short-term survivorship to patients who underwent rTSA for rotator cuff arthropathy (RTCA). METHODS: All consecutive patients with a preoperative diagnosis of PHF or RTCA, 18 years or older, treated with rTSA at a single academic institution between 2018 and 2020 with a minimum 2-year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Primary outcomes were survivorship defined as revision surgery or implant failure analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve, and functional outcomes, which included Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, and range of motion (ROM) were compared at multiple follow-up time points up to 2 years. Secondary outcomes were patient demographics, comorbidities, surgical data, length of hospital stay, and discharge disposition. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients were included: 21 patients (44%) were diagnosed with PHF and 27 patients (56%) had RTCA. The Kaplan-Meier survival rate estimates at 3 years were 90.5% in the PHF group and 85.2% in the RTCA group. No differences in revision surgery rates between the two groups (P = 0.68) or survivorship (P = 0.63) were found. ROM was significantly lower at subsequent follow-up time points in multiple planes (P < 0.05). A greater proportion of patients in the PHF group received cement for humeral implant fixation compared with the RTCA group (48% versus 7%, P = 0.002). The mean length of hospital stay was longer in PHF patients compared with RTCA patients (2.9 ± 3.8 days versus 1.6 ± 1.8 days, P = 0.13), and a significantly lower proportion of PHF patients were discharged home (67% versus 96%, P = 0.015). CONCLUSION: The rTSA implant survivorship at 3 years for both PHF and RTCA patients show comparable results. At the 2-year follow-up, RTCA patients treated with rTSA were found to have better ROM compared with PHF patients.

Are complications related to the perineal post on orthopaedic traction tables for surgical fracture fixation more common than we think? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Traction tables have long been utilized in the management of fractures by orthopaedic surgeons. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature to determine the complications inherent to the use of a perineal post when treating femur fractures using a traction table. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. The search phrase used was "fracture" AND "perineal" AND "post" AND ("femur" OR "femoral" OR "intertrochanteric" OR "subtrochanteric"). Inclusion criteria for this review were: level of evidence (LOE) of I - IV, studies reporting on patients surgically treated for femur fractures, studies reporting on patients treated on a fracture table with a perineal post, and studies that reported the presence or absence of perineal post-related complications. The rate and duration of pudendal nerve palsy were analyzed. RESULTS: Ten studies (2 prospective and 8 retrospective studies; 2 LOE III and 8 LOE IV) were included consisting of 351 patients of which 293 (83.5%) were femoral shaft fractures and 58 (16.5%) were hip fractures. Complications associated with pudendal nerve palsies were reported in 8 studies and the mean duration of symptoms ranged between 10 and 639 days. Three studies reported a total of 11 patients (3.0%) with perineal soft tissue injury including 8 patients with scrotal necrosis and 3 patients with vulvar necrosis. All patients that developed perineal skin necrosis healed through secondary intention. No permanent complications relating to pudendal neurapraxia or soft tissue injuries were reported at final follow-up timepoints. CONCLUSION: The use of a perineal post when treating femur fractures on a fracture table poses risks for pudendal neurapraxia and perineal soft tissue injury. Post padding is mandatory and supplemental padding may also be required. Appropriate perineal skin examination prior to use is also important. Occurring at a higher rate than previously thought, appropriate post-operative examination for any genitoperineal soft tissue complications and sensory disturbances should not be ignored.

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

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

Outcomes After Arthroscopic Revision Bankart Repair: An Updated Systematic Review of Recent Literature.

PURPOSE: To provide an update of recent literature with a specialized focus on clinical outcomes following arthroscopic revision Bankart repair (ARBR) by performing a systematic review of all available literature published between 2013 and 2020. METHODS: A literature search reporting clinical outcomes after ARBR was performed. Criteria for inclusion consisted of original studies; Level of Evidence of I-IV; studies focusing on clinical outcomes after ARBR published between January 1, 2013, and January 4, 2021; studies reporting recurrent dislocation or instability rate after ARBR; reoperation/revision following ARBR, return to sport rates following ARBR; and patient-reported outcomes. The primary outcomes of interest were failure defined as recurrent instability or dislocation, return to sport rates, and patient-reported outcomes at follow-up. RESULTS: A large proportion of patients undergoing arthroscopic revision Bankart repair were male, ranging between 67.7% and 93.8%. Failure rate and return to sports rate ranged between 6.1% and 46.8% and 25.9% and 88.3%, respectively, when patients with significant or greater than 20% glenoid bone loss was excluded. Patient-reported outcome scores, which included American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Simple Shoulder Test, and visual analog scale, saw significant improvement over mean follow-up of ranging 21.64 to 60 months. CONCLUSIONS: Both the failure rate and RTS rates after ARBR had a wide range, given the heterogeneity of the studies included, which varied in patient selection criteria pertaining to patients with greater than 20% glenoid bone. Although there have been advancements in arthroscopic techniques and a trend favoring arthroscopic stabilization procedures, there is a lack of consensus in recent literature for careful patient selection criteria that would minimize failure rates and maximize RTS rates after ARBR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, a systematic review of Level III-IV studies.

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

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

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

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

Outcomes after arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears in the setting of mild to moderate glenohumeral osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff pathology is a very common source of shoulder pain. Similarly, osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint can cause shoulder pain and produce similar symptoms. Surgical management can be indicated for both pathologies, however, outcomes data is limited when examining rotator cuff repair (RCR) in the setting of glenohumeral arthritis (GHOA). Thus, this study sought to determine outcomes for patients who undergo RCR in the setting of GHOA. AIM: To evaluate if a relationship exists between outcomes of RCR in the setting of GHOA. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with concurrent glenohumeral osteoarthritis between 2010-2017. Patients were stratified based on rotator cuff tear size and glenohumeral osteoarthritis severity. Cohorts were paired 1:1 with patients without glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Patients included had a minimum two year follow-up. Rate of conversion to total shoulder arthroplasty, complication rates following initial surgery, and patient-reported outcome measures were collected. RESULTS: A total of 142 patients were included. The number of patients that required total shoulder arthroplasty within two years after index surgery was low. 2/71 (2.8%) patients with GHOA, and 1/71 (1.4%) without GHOA. Following rotator cuff repair, both groups showed favorable patient-reported outcomes. CONCLUSION: Patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair showed comparable outcomes to patients without glenohumeral osteoarthritis.

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

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

Trends in Repair vs. Biceps Tenodesis for Superior Labrum From Anterior to Posterior (SLAP) Tear: An Epidemiological Study.

Background The purpose of this epidemiologic study was to report general trends in the number of superior labrum from anterior to posterior (SLAP) tear repairs and biceps tenodesis performed along with the patient and hospital characteristics within the period of 2016-2018. Methods National Ambulatory Surgery Sample (NASS) database was used as the source of data for this epidemiologic study of the United States population. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were utilized to identify patients that underwent SLAP repair or biceps tenodesis between 2016 and 2018. Results The national estimates of encounters from the NASS database reported 29,931 SLAP repairs in 2016 and each subsequent year saw a decline to 26,509 repairs in 2017 and 23,451 repairs in 2018 (p<0.0001). Conversely, in 2016 there were 19,221 biceps tenodeses and each subsequent year saw an increase to 21,625 biceps tenodeses in 2017 and 22,867 biceps tenodeses in 2018 (p<0.0001). Conclusion The results of our epidemiologic study found that the total number of SLAP repairs is decreasing while biceps tenodesis is increasing. SLAP repairs were performed for younger patients and biceps tenodeses were performed for older patients. This study demonstrates that clinical practice reflective of recent evidence regarding optimal age for SLAP repair is slow to change. While there is ongoing debate as to the gold standard for the surgical management of SLAP tear lesions, our study confirms that there is an increasing trend among orthopedic surgeons favoring biceps tenodesis which may reflect the increasing literature evidence supporting better clinical outcomes after biceps tenodesis compared to SLAP repair.

Distal Biceps Repairs in Females: A Large Single-Center Case Series.

Background: Distal biceps repair is a commonly reported procedure in male patients, with reliable outcomes and minimal long-term complications. Information on female patients, however, is limited, and variation in presentation and clinical outcomes is unknown. Questions/Purpose: We sought to report on the presentation, treatment algorithm, and outcomes of a case series of female patients with distal biceps pathology. Methods: A retrospective evaluation was performed from a large, single specialty orthopedic group from 2005 to 2017. Inclusion criteria were surgical treatment of the distal biceps in female patients, with minimum 3 months of follow-up. The primary outcome variable was the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). Results: Of 26 patients who met inclusion criteria, 18 (70%) were available for follow-up with patient-reported outcomes. Median age at time of injury was 56.1 years; 46.2% of patients presented with a complete tear of the distal biceps, and the remaining 53.8% presented with a partial tear that failed nonoperative treatment. Six patients had lateral antebrachial cutaneous neuritis in early follow-up, which ultimately resolved. Median MEPS score was 100 (interquartile range: 20). Conclusion: This study represents the largest case series to date describing the presentation, treatment, and outcomes of female patients with distal biceps repair. Women tend to be older than men, have more insidious onset of pain, present with partial tearing, and may benefit from nonoperative treatment. Ultimately, based on this case series we believe distal biceps repair in female patients is a successful operation with minimal complications and high patient satisfaction.

Current Trends in Orthobiologics: An 11-Year Review of the Orthopaedic Literature.

BACKGROUND: The use of "orthobiologics" or regenerative therapies in orthopaedic surgery has grown in recent years. Particular interest has been raised with regard to platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate, adipose-derived cells, and amniotic cells. Although studies have analyzed outcomes after orthobiologic treatment, no study has analyzed how the literature as a whole has evolved. PURPOSE: To evaluate trends in platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate, adipose-derived cells, and amniotic cell publications and to assess how these might inform efforts to establish minimum reporting standards and forecast future use. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A database was compiled systematically using PubMed to identify articles published between 2009 and 2019 within 9 prominent orthopaedic journals and pertaining to the use of platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate, adipose-derived cells, and amniotic cells in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Included articles were classified as clinical, nonclinical (translational or basic science), or review, and a variety of study parameters were recorded for each. Additional queries were performed to identify articles that utilized minimum reporting standards. RESULTS: A total of 474 articles (132 clinical, 271 nonclinical, 71 review) were included, consisting of 244 (51.5%) platelet-rich plasma, 146 (30.8%) bone marrow aspirate, 72 (15.2%) adipose-derived cells, and 12 (2.5%) amniotic cells. The greatest annual increase in publications for each orthobiologic topic was from 2018 to 2019. The American Journal of Sports Medicine demonstrated the highest number of overall (34.2%) and clinical (50.0%) publications, and accounted for 44.3% of all platelet-rich plasma publications. The Journal of Orthopaedic Research accounted for the second highest overall number of publications (24.9%) and highest nonclinical publications (41.0%). Platelet-rich plasma accounted for 91.5% of all level 1 clinical studies, while much greater than half of bone marrow aspirate, adipose-derived cells, and amniotic cell publications were level 3 or lower. Out of the 207 articles that used some form of reporting protocol, 59 (28.5%) used an established algorithm and 125 (60.4%) used their own. CONCLUSION: Interest in orthobiologics continues to grow, as evidenced by an increasing trend in publications over an 11-year period. However, current reporting on orthobiologic formulations is largely heterogeneous, emphasizing the need for minimum reporting standards and higher-quality studies.

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

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

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

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

Epinephrine-Containing Digital Nerve Block: A Case of Digital Tip Necrosis Leading to Amputation in a Patient With No Known Vascular, Rheumatologic, or Smoking History.

The use of epinephrine-containing digital nerve blocks has been shown to be safe in recent literature, challenging the historical fear of complications arising from irreversible ischemia. We present a rare case of digital tip necrosis following the injection of lidocaine-containing epinephrine for the purpose of wart removal using cryotherapy, ultimately requiring amputation.