Being a woman and an orthopaedic surgeon-A primer on the challenges we face.

A higher number of women are graduating from medical schools than men, yet orthopedic surgery continues to register the lowest proportion of female surgeons and residents of the surgical specialties. This trend is observed not only in North America but also globally. The presence of a more diverse workforce has been shown to lead to improved patient outcomes, enhanced efficiencies, and overall wellness within healthcare systems and would be of benefit to the orthopedic surgery profession. This primer aims to provide surgeons and leaders with evidence-based insights into diversity, equity, and equality, as well as define barriers and potential solutions pertaining to women in orthopedic surgery.

Orthopaedic sport medicine surgeons and fellows value immersive virtual reality for improving surgical training, procedural planning, and distance learning.

OBJECTIVES: Overall, the potential utility of immersive virtual reality (iVR) technology in orthopaedic surgery is promising. The attitudes of medical students and surgical trainees on virtual reality simulated surgical training have been overwhelmingly positive. However, further research and understanding of the attitudes of practicing orthopaedic surgeons and fellows are needed to appreciate its benefits for clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to establish the face validity of iVR technology by assessing the attitudes of Canadian orthopaedic surgeons on the value of iVR for surgical training, clinical practice, and distance learning. METHODS: Forty-three orthopaedic surgeons and fellows attended an iVR demonstration at an annual orthopaedic meeting. The view and audio from the lead headset were cast to a large screen so the audience could follow the procedure in real time. Immediately after the presentation, the audience members were asked to complete a paper questionnaire assessing their perceptions and attitudes toward iVR for use in orthopaedic learning, clinical practice and distance education and mentoring. RESULTS: iVR was perceived to be valuable for the field of orthopaedic surgery providing face validity for the technology. All 13 questions were rated with mean Likert scores of five or greater, indicating a positive observed value for all 13 questions. The respondents indicated that iVR had value (score of 5 or greater) in each questionnaire domain, with agreement ranging from 78 to 98% for teaching and learning, 66-97% for clinical practice, and 88-100% for distance education and mentoring questions. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated that a group of Canadian sport medicine orthopaedic surgeons and fellows had favourable attitudes toward, and perceived that iVR has value in, orthopaedic surgical training, clinical practice, and distance learning and mentorship. The potential for utilizing iVR technology for distance learning, mentorship and global education appears promising. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Palpation and fluoroscopy are valid but unreliable for the assessment of femoral tunnel position after medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of two techniques, palpation and fluoroscopy, for assessing medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction femoral tunnel position accuracy. METHODS: Twenty-one fresh frozen cadaveric knees had an MPFL femoral tunnel drilled and filled with a metal screw. Tunnels were created in a nonstandard fashion to ensure the sample included a range of tunnel positions from poor to ideal. Six experienced sport medicine and arthroscopy surgeons evaluated the placement of the femoral tunnel by palpating the screw in relation to anatomic landmarks and by fluoroscopy related to Schöttle's Point. They evaluated 1) the accuracy of femoral tunnel placement, 2) the direction of tunnel error, and 3) the clinical acceptability of the tunnel position. Validity measures included sensitivity, specificity, and correlation to clinical acceptability, which were calculated for the palpation and fluoroscopic assessments. Reliability measures included interrater reliability (ICC 2,k) for femoral tunnel accuracy and percent agreement of the raters' tunnel direction assessment. RESULTS: The palpation method demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.79 and specificity of 0.84 for assessing the accuracy of femoral tunnel placement, while the fluoroscopic method showed a sensitivity of 0.83 and specificity of 0.92. Pearson correlation coefficients for clinical acceptability of tunnel position were high, with both techniques ranging from .589 to .854. Interrater reliability for the palpation and fluoroscopic techniques for assessment of tunnel accuracy were 0.31 and 0.55 (ICC 2,k), respectively. Assessment of the direction of tunnel error was good with the fluoroscopic technique slightly more accurate than palpation. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that both palpation and fluoroscopy are valid techniques for assessing femoral tunnel position after MPFL reconstruction. Despite demonstrating good validity, the accuracy of assessing tunnel position was unreliable in a group of six experienced knee surgeons. Further research into MPFL reconstruction femoral tunnel assessment techniques, including patient-specific reference standards, is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2.

Remnant-Sparing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Results in Similar Clinical, Functional, and Quality-of-Life Outcomes to Anatomic Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Purpose: To compare a large cohort of patients who underwent remnant-sparing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (rACLR) with a matched group of patients who underwent anatomic single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with respect to clinical laxity, patient-reported outcomes, and functional testing. Methods: Patients who underwent rACLR between January 2010 and December 2015 were matched according to age, sex, body mass index, and graft type to patients who underwent ACLR. The primary outcome measure was the ACL Quality of Life (ACL-QOL) score at final follow-up of 24 months. Secondary outcomes included functional tests and clinical laxity measurements at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Concurrent intra-articular pathology at the time of surgery and postoperative complications were also recorded. Statistical analyses included the dependent t test and the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: A total of 210 rACLR patients were successfully matched to a corresponding cohort of 210 ACLR patients. There were no statistically significant differences in ACL Quality of Life (ACL-QOL) or functional testing results between the groups; however, scores in both groups showed a steady and statistically significant improvement over time. A statistically significant difference was noted with respect to the Lachman test findings, favoring the rACLR cohort (Z = -2.79, P = .005); no between-group difference was seen for the pivot-shift test (Z = -0.36, P = .72). The rACLR group had a significantly lower rate of concurrent meniscal and chondral injury. There was no difference in complications between the groups (Z = -0.49, P = .63). Conclusions: There was no difference in patient-reported or functional testing outcomes in patients undergoing remnant-sparing compared with anatomic single-bundle ACLR. There was, however, a significantly lower rate of positive Lachman test findings after rACLR. Furthermore, the rate of concurrent meniscal and chondral pathology was lower in the rACLR group. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Sulcus-Deepening Trochleoplasty for High-Grade Trochlear Dysplasia: Demystifying the Procedure-a Review of the Current Literature.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The most common and biomechanically influential pathoanatomic risk factor for recurrent patellofemoral instability is trochlear dysplasia. Sulcus-deepening trochleoplasty is a procedure developed to address high-grade trochlear dysplasia in the setting of patellofemoral instability. The purpose of this paper is to outline the current classification and surgical management of trochlear dysplasia as well as to review the current literature on the clinical outcomes and complications of sulcus-deepening trochleoplasty. RECENT FINDINGS: This review outlines the most recent literature reporting evidence behind the decision-making to perform a trochleoplasty in the setting of patellofemoral instability and high-grade trochlear dysplasia. Critical parameters include grade of trochlear dysplasia, severity of symptoms, pertinent physical examination findings, surgical techniques, modifications for skeletally immature patients, and considerations for the revision setting. Historic studies have elicited concerns regarding high reported complication rates for trochleoplasty; however, recent studies consistently report good clinical outcomes and acceptable complication rates, similar to those of other patellar stabilizing procedures. The addition of a trochleoplasty in patients with high-grade dysplasia results in a lower re-dislocation rate, significant improvements in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) as well as high levels of patient satisfaction and return to sport. The use of sulcus-deepening trochleoplasty for the treatment of high-grade dysplasia and recurrent patellofemoral instability is a well-established technique with good outcomes and an acceptable complication profile. In patients with high-grade dysplasia, trochleoplasty results in lower re-dislocation rates, high patient satisfaction scores, and good clinical and functional outcomes. An understanding of trochleoplasty and its indications should be in the armamentarium of surgeons treating patellofemoral instability.

Rates of Burnout in Female Orthopaedic Surgeons Correlate with Barriers to Gender Equity.

BACKGROUND: The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between career burnout and the barriers to gender equity identified by Canadian female orthopaedic surgeons. A secondary purpose was to assess relationships between the demographic characteristics of the female surgeons and career burnout and job satisfaction. METHODS: An electronic survey was distributed to 330 Canadian female orthopaedic surgeons. Demographic variables including age, stage and years in practice, practice setting, and marital status were collated. The survey included the Gender Bias Scale (GBS) questionnaire and 2 questions each about career burnout and job satisfaction. The Pearson r correlation coefficient evaluated the relationships among the higher- and lower-order factors of the GBS, burnout, and job satisfaction. Spearman rank correlation coefficient assessed relationships among burnout, job satisfaction, and demographic variables. RESULTS: Survey responses were received from 218 (66.1%) of the 330 surgeons. A total of 110 surgeons (50.5%) agreed or strongly agreed that they felt career burnout (median score = 4). Burnout was positively correlated with the GBS higher-order factors of Male Privilege (r = 0.215, p < 0.01), Devaluation (r = 0.166, p < 0.05), and Disproportionate Constraints (r = 0.152, p < 0.05). Job satisfaction (median = 4) was reported by 168 surgeons (77.1%), and 66.1% were also satisfied or very satisfied with their role in the workplace (median = 4). Burnout was significantly negatively correlated with surgeon age and job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Half of the female orthopaedic surgeons reported symptoms of career burnout. Significant relationships were evident between burnout and barriers to gender equity. Identification of the relationships between gender-equity barriers and burnout presents an opportunity to modify organizational systems to dismantle barriers and reduce this occupational syndrome. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Given the relationships between gender inequity and career burnout in this study of female orthopaedic surgeons, actions to dismantle gender barriers and address systemic biases are necessary at all career stages to reduce burnout.

Experiences of Canadian Female Orthopaedic Surgeons in the Workplace: Defining the Barriers to Gender Equity.

BACKGROUND: Only 13.6% of orthopaedic surgeons in Canada are women, even though there is nothing inherent to the practice of orthopaedic surgery that favors men over women. Clearly, there is a need to identify, define, and measure the barriers faced by women in orthopaedic surgery. METHODS: An electronic survey was distributed to 330 female-identifying Canadian orthopaedic surgeons and trainees and included the validated Gender Bias Scale (GBS) and questions about career burnout. The barriers for women in Canadian orthopaedics were identified using the GBS. The relationships between the GBS and burnout were investigated. Open-text questions explored the barriers perceived by female orthopaedic surgeons. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 220 female orthopaedic surgeons and trainees (66.7%). Five barriers to gender equity were identified from the GBS: Constrained Communication, Unequal Standards, Male Culture, Lack of Mentoring, and Workplace Harassment. Career burnout correlated with the GBS domains of Male Privilege (r = 0.215; p < 0.01), Disproportionate Constraints (r = 0.152; p < 0.05), and Devaluation (r = 0.166; p < 0.05). Five main themes emerged from the open-text responses, of which 4 linked closely to the barriers identified in the GBS. Work-life integration was also identified qualitatively as a theme, most notably the difficulty of balancing disproportionate parental and childcare responsibilities alongside career aspirations. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, 5 barriers to workplace equity for Canadian female orthopaedic surgeons were identified using the validated GBS and substantiated with qualitative assessment using a mixed-methods approach. Awareness of these barriers is a necessary step toward dismantling them and changing the prevailing culture to be fair and equitable for all. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A just and equitable orthopaedic profession is imperative to have healthy and thriving surgeons who are able to provide optimal patient care.

Patellar Apprehension Is Reduced in Most but Not All Patients After Successful Patellar Stabilization.

BACKGROUND: The clinical sign of patellar laxity and the associated symptom of apprehension are mainstays of the physical examination of patellofemoral instability. The apprehension test is widely used as a diagnostic tool and also as an outcome following patellofemoral stabilization surgery. Despite widespread use, the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the apprehension test have not been established. PURPOSE: The primary purpose was to evaluate patellar apprehension in patients with recurrent patellofemoral instability to determine if the apprehension test is valid, reliable, and responsive to change after medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. The secondary purposes were to concurrently validate patient-rated to surgeon-rated apprehension and to correlate patient-rated apprehension with pathoanatomic characteristics and quality-of-life scores. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A total of 89 patients underwent an MPFL reconstruction and were assessed preoperatively and at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. The patellar apprehension test was performed in neutral extension and 30° of knee flexion. Patient- and surgeon-rated apprehension were graded on a 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS), and the quality of the apprehension symptoms were recorded. Risk factors for patellofemoral instability were documented, and the Banff Patellofemoral Instability Score 2.0 (BPII 2.0) was used to measure disease-specific quality of life. RESULTS: The patient-rated and surgeon-rated apprehension VAS scores were statistically significantly reduced from pre- to postoperatively (P < .001, large effect size) for the neutral extension and 30° of flexion apprehension tests. Postoperatively, over 56% of patients reported a negative apprehension test. Up to 15.7% of patients with positive preoperative apprehension did not demonstrate a reduction postoperatively. Patients consistently graded their apprehension symptoms higher in both quantity and quality than the surgeon. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC [2, k]) assessing the preoperative patient and surgeon VAS scores revealed moderate interrater reliability in neutral extension (r = 0.60) and weak interrater reliability in 30° of flexion (r = 0.42). The postoperative ICC (2, k) demonstrated strong interrater reliability for both neutral extension (r = 0.74) and 30° of flexion (r = 0.73). The symptoms of apprehension (physical, emotional, and/or physiological) decreased substantially after surgery. The correlation of postoperative patient-rated apprehension VAS and BPII 2.0 scores demonstrated that less residual patellar apprehension was associated with higher BPII scores in neutral extension (r = -0.35, P = .001). There were no statistically significant correlations revealed between the patient-rated postoperative apprehension VAS and pathoanatomic risk factors. BPII 2.0 scores improved pre- to postoperatively from a mean of 27.6 (SD, 15.7) to 74.3 (SD, 18.3). Three patients (3.4%) sustained a patellar dislocation postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The patellar apprehension test demonstrated strong validity and responsiveness to change. Interrater reliability ranged from weak to strong. There was a statistically significant reduction in apprehension after patellofemoral stabilization in the majority of patients. Patients graded their apprehension symptoms significantly higher in both quantity and quality than the surgeon. Persistent patellar apprehension after stabilization was correlated with lower quality-of-life scores. No relationship could be found between persistent apprehension and patellofemoral risk factors. These results suggest that use of the apprehension tests as an outcome is inappropriate until further validation is performed.

Patella alta is reduced following MPFL reconstruction but has no effect on quality-of-life outcomes in patients with patellofemoral instability.

PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this study was to determine if isolated medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction for lateral patellofemoral instability altered the patellar height ratio. Secondary purposes were to use disease-specific quality-of-life scores to determine if MPFL reconstruction is as successful in patients with patella alta, compared to those without; and whether the change in the patellar height ratio after MPFL reconstruction is influenced by demographic and clinical factors. METHODS: Demographic and clinical data were collected pre-operatively on 283 patients with recurrent patellofemoral instability. Pre-operative and 6-month post-operative true-lateral radiographs were assessed to determine the patellar height ratio using the Caton-Deschamps index. A Caton-Deschamps index ≥ 1.2 was defined as patella alta. Paired t tests evaluated the effect of MPFL reconstruction on the Caton-Deschamps index. Using a two-sample t test, pre- and 24-month post-operative Banff Patellofemoral Instability Instrument (BPII) scores were assessed for differences in clinical outcomes between patients with and without patella alta. Pearson (for continuous variables) and Spearman rank correlations (for binary/ordinal variables) were calculated to determine the relationship between the patellar height ratio, demographic and pathoanatomic risk factors, and pre- and post-operative BPII scores. RESULTS: Pre- and post-operative true-lateral radiographs were admissible for 229/283 patients (81%) following isolated MPFL reconstruction. A statistically significant difference in the Caton-Deschamps index was evident from pre- to post-operative for the entire cohort (p < 0.001). The mean decrease in ratio was 0.03, and the effect size was 0.27, classified as small. Pre-operatively 52/229 patients (22.7%) demonstrated a Caton-Deschamps index ≥ 1.2, mean = 1.27 (SD = 0.08); post-operatively 21/229 patients (9.2%) demonstrated patella alta, mean = 1.18, (SD = 0.10), p < 0.001 (two-tailed). The mean decrease in the Caton-Deschamps index for patients with pre-operative patella alta was 0.10; the effect size was 0.82, classified as large. Pearson r correlation of patella alta to the pre- and post-operative BPII scores demonstrated no statistically significant relationship. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated that treatment of lateral patellofemoral instability with an isolated MPFL reconstruction results in a statistically significant decrease in patellar height ratio, with the effect size being greatest in patients with higher pre-operative Caton-Deschamps indices. In patients that presented with patella alta, normalization of the patellar height ratio occurred in 31/52 (59.6%) of the cases. Pre-operative patella alta was not associated with a statistically significant difference in disease-specific BPII outcome scores at any time point. Given these findings, the utility and results of tibial tubercle distalization in patients with patella alta should be a focus of further research. Level of evidence IV.

Relationship between Anatomical Risk Factors, Articular Cartilage Lesions, and Patient Outcomes Following Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was (1) to determine which risk factors for patellar instability were associated with the presence of patellofemoral cartilage lesions and (2) to determine how cartilage lesion presence, size, and grade affect postoperative disease-specific quality of life. DESIGN: Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative demographic, anthropometric (body mass index, Beighton score, hip rotation), radiographic (crossover sign, trochlear bump), cartilage lesion morphology (presence, size, location, grade), and outcomes data (Banff Patella Instability Instrument 2.0 [BPII 2.0]) were prospectively collected from patients undergoing isolated medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction. For all knees (n = 264), single and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine if any patellar instability risk factors affected the odds of having a cartilage lesion. In patients with unilateral symptoms (n = 121), single variable linear regression was used to determine if the presence, size, or ICRS (International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society) grade of cartilage lesions could predict the 12 or 24+ month postoperative BPII 2.0 score. RESULTS: A total of 84.5% of knees had patellofemoral cartilage lesions (88.3% involved the distal-medial patella). Trochlear dysplasia (high grade: odds ratio = 15.7, P < 0.001; low grade: odds ratio = 2.9, P = 0.015) was associated with the presence of a cartilage lesion. The presence, size, and grade of cartilage lesions were not associated with 12 or 24+ month postoperative BPII 2.0 scores. CONCLUSIONS: Trochlear dysplasia was a risk factor for the development of patellofemoral cartilage lesions in this patient population. Cartilage lesions most commonly involve the distal-medial patella. There was no significant relationship between patellofemoral cartilage lesion presence, size, or grade and postoperative BPII 2.0 scores in short-term follow-up.

Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis Reduces Failure of Hamstring Tendon Autograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: 2-Year Outcomes From the STABILITY Study Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Persistent anterolateral rotatory laxity after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) has been correlated with poor clinical outcomes and graft failure. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that a single-bundle, hamstring ACLR in combination with a lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) would reduce the risk of ACLR failure in young, active individuals. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: This is a multicenter, prospective, randomized clinical trial comparing a single-bundle, hamstring tendon ACLR with or without LET performed using a strip of iliotibial band. Patients 25 years or younger with an ACL-deficient knee were included and also had to meet at least 2 of the following 3 criteria: (1) grade 2 pivot shift or greater, (2) a desire to return to high-risk/pivoting sports, (3) and generalized ligamentous laxity (GLL). The primary outcome was ACLR clinical failure, a composite measure of rotatory laxity or a graft rupture. Secondary outcome measures included the P4 pain scale, Marx Activity Rating Scale, Knee injury Osteoarthritis and Outcome Score (KOOS), International Knee Documentation Committee score, and ACL Quality of Life Questionnaire. Patients were reviewed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 618 patients (297 males; 48%) with a mean age of 18.9 years (range, 14-25 years) were randomized. A total of 436 (87.9%) patients presented preoperatively with high-grade rotatory laxity (grade 2 pivot shift or greater), and 215 (42.1%) were diagnosed as having GLL. There were 18 patients lost to follow-up and 11 who withdrew (~5%). In the ACLR group, 120/298 (40%) patients sustained the primary outcome of clinical failure, compared with 72/291 (25%) in the ACLR+LET group (relative risk reduction [RRR], 0.38; 95% CI, 0.21-0.52; P < .0001). A total of 45 patients experienced graft rupture, 34/298 (11%) in the ACLR group compared with 11/291 (4%) in the ACL+LET group (RRR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.36-0.83; P < .001). The number needed to treat with LET to prevent 1 patient from graft rupture was 14.3 over the first 2 postoperative years. At 3 months, patients in the ACLR group had less pain as measured by the P4 (P = .003) and KOOS (P = .007), with KOOS pain persisting in favor of the ACLR group to 6 months (P = .02). No clinically important differences in patient-reported outcome measures were found between groups at other time points. The level of sports activity was similar between groups at 2 years after surgery, as measured by the Marx Activity Rating Scale (P = .11). CONCLUSION: The addition of LET to a single-bundle hamstring tendon autograft ACLR in young patients at high risk of failure results in a statistically significant, clinically relevant reduction in graft rupture and persistent rotatory laxity at 2 years after surgery. REGISTRATION: NCT02018354 ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Validity and Reliability of the Banff Patellofemoral Instability Instrument 2.0 in an Adolescent Population.

BACKGROUND: Lateral patellofemoral instability is a relatively common problem in the adolescent population. Subjective and objective patient outcomes are commonly used to evaluate treatment success or failure. The Banff Patellofemoral Instability Instrument (BPII) and Paediatric International Knee Documentation Committee (Pedi-IKDC) Subjective Knee Form are patient-reported outcome measures that have been used with an adolescent population previously. The BPII 2.0 is a shortened version of the BPII and has not been validated in an adolescent population. The purpose of the current study was to validate the BPII 2.0 with an adolescent population. METHODS: This was a multicenter study where patients were recruited from 3 tertiary orthopaedic surgery clinics. A convenience sample (n=140 adolescent patients) with a confirmed diagnosis of lateral patellofemoral instability and who had failed conservative treatment was referred to one of the 3 orthopaedic surgeons. All patients completed the BPII 2.0 and Pedi-IKDC before their clinic appointment. Cronbach's alpha and floor/ceiling effects were used to determine the content validity of both instruments. Patients were also interviewed to ask questions about the BPII 2.0 comprehension and importance of items. One clinic site sent out the BPII 2.0 to 30 additional patients twice in 2 weeks to measure the test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient 2,k). A Pearson r correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between the BPII 2.0 and the Pedi-IKDC and criterion validity. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha values were 0.95 and 0.76 for the BPII 2.0 and Pedi-IKDC, respectively. There was no evidence of floor or ceiling effects for either the BPII 2.0 or the Pedi-IKDC. The Pearson r correlation coefficient between the BPII 2.0 and IKDC baseline scores taken at the initial consultation was 0.65 (P<0.001; 95% confidence interval, 0.94-0.97). The intraclass correlation coefficient (2,k) for the test-retest subsample (n=30) was 0.94. Patient interviews revealed that they thought the BPII 2.0 questions were both important and comprehensible. CONCLUSIONS: The BPII 2.0 is a valid, reliable, and disease-specific patient-reported outcome measure that can be used with an adolescent population with lateral patellofemoral instability. The BPII 2.0 has demonstrated criterion validity through its moderately strong correlation to the Pedi-IKDC for adolescents.

Influence of Risky Pathoanatomy and Demographic Factors on Clinical Outcomes After Isolated Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction: A Regression Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple studies have demonstrated that a number of demographic and pathoanatomic characteristics are associated with patellofemoral instability, recurrence of instability, and less satisfactory results following medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFL-R). Despite the growing volume of research, the relationship of risk factors to patient-reported outcome after MPFL-R is unclear. PURPOSE: To determine if certain pathoanatomic and demographic factors predict disease-specific quality-of-life outcome after isolated MPFL-R for symptomatic patellofemoral instability. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: The study analyzed 224 isolated MPFL-Rs. Demographic data were collected, including age at first dislocation, sex, and presence of bilateral instability. Pathoanatomic risk factors included the presence of high-grade trochlear dysplasia, tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, patella alta ratio, Beighton score, and patellar tilt. Other factors included femoral tunnel position accuracy and WARPS/STAID score. Descriptive analyses were conducted, followed by calculation of individual Spearman rank correlation coefficients for the predictor variables versus the Banff Patellofemoral Instability Instrument (BPII) scores. A multivariable regression with stepwise selection was employed to establish the final model predicting BPII score, with all significant variables for alpha ≤ .05 included in the final model. RESULTS: The cohort of 224 patients included 66 (29.5%) males and 158 (70.5%) females, with a mean age of 24.1 years and a mean body mass index of 23.9 kg/m2. The mean age of first patellar dislocation was 15.7 years, and 41.4% of patients had bilateral instability. Pathoanatomic variables within the cohort included the following: high-grade trochlear dysplasia = 41%; mean TT-TG = 14.6 mm, with 16.8% of patients demonstrating a TT-TG ≥18 mm; mean Caton-Deschamps ratio = 1.09, with 22% of patients demonstrating a ratio ≥1.2; and positive Beighton score = 37.5%. The mean BPII score at postoperative 2 years was 67.1 out of 100. A stepwise elimination in the regression model demonstrated no statistically significant 3- or 2-way relationships. Assessment of individual variables indicated that bilateral symptoms (P = .004), higher age at first dislocation (P = .024), and femoral tunnel position >10 mm from the Schöttle point (P = .042) were statistically significant predictors of lower quality-of-life scores. The R2 value for the regression analysis model was 0.07. CONCLUSION: In this large cohort of patients undergoing isolated MPFL-R for symptomatic lateral patellofemoral instability, a multivariable forward stepwise regression demonstrated that bilateral symptoms, femoral tunnel position, and age at first dislocation were statistically significant predictors of lower postoperative BPII scores. No anatomic risk factors were predictive of quality-of-life outcome score 2 years after MPFL-R surgery. The R2 value indicated that there were many other important contributing factors affecting BPII outcome scores than those explored in this study.

Patellofemoral Stabilization: Postoperative Redislocation and Risk Factors Following Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral instability is a common knee problem that is difficult to manage owing to its multifactorial etiology as well as the fact that predisposing pathoanatomic features vary from individual to individual. There is limited knowledge regarding the demographic and pathoanatomic risk factors or the relationship between these risk factors and the redislocation rate after surgical stabilization for this challenging condition. PURPOSE: To analyze the postoperative redislocation rates and the prevalence of demographic and pathoanatomic risk factors for patients undergoing a patellofemoral stabilization. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Patients with symptomatic recurrent patellofemoral instability underwent a soft tissue patellofemoral stabilization procedure. A total of 342 patellofemoral stabilization procedures (reconstruction, n = 256; imbrication, n = 86) were assessed at a mean follow-up of 24.3 months. Concomitant procedures were performed in accordance with the à la carte concept of addressing significant anatomic or biomechanical characteristics. Two surgical cohorts were analyzed separately for reconstruction or imbrication to address laxity of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). Failure of the patellofemoral stabilization procedure was defined as postoperative redislocation of the patella. Prevalence of demographic and pathoanatomic risk factors was determined for all patients. Disease-specific patient-reported outcomes were assessed with the Banff Patella Instability Instrument (BPII). RESULTS: A redislocation rate of 5.1% was identified for MPFL reconstruction and 20.9% for MPFL imbrication. For both MPFL procedures, age at time of surgery was significantly younger for the failed group as compared with the intact group. Postoperative BPII scores were significantly lower for patients who subsequently experienced a surgical failure as compared with intact surgery for both MPFL reconstruction (P = .048) and MPFL imbrication (P = .003). CONCLUSION: Patellofemoral stabilization with an à la carte approach to surgical selection demonstrated a low postoperative redislocation rate and good clinical results. Younger age at time of surgery was associated with surgical failure. This information may be used to guide surgical decision making and patient education.

Age at Time of Surgery but Not Sex Is Related to Outcomes After Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction has become a well-accepted procedure for recurrent patellofemoral instability. Despite a growing volume of research assessing surgical results, the relationship of age and sex to outcomes after MPFL reconstruction surgery is unclear. PURPOSE: To investigate whether age at the time of surgery or sex influenced patient-reported quality of life and clinical outcome after MPFL reconstruction for recurrent lateral patellofemoral instability. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Between January 2010 and May 2016, 328 patients underwent primary patellofemoral stabilization. Demographic and clinical data were collected preoperatively. Patients completed the Banff Patellofemoral Instability Instrument (BPII) at the pre- and postoperative visits and were assessed clinically at 12 and 24 months. To assess the effects of age at surgery and sex on BPII, multiple linear regression models were fit predicting BPII at 12 and 24 months. An unadjusted regression was applied with the predictors being age at the time of surgery and sex. A second regression model was applied adjusting for age at first dislocation, grade of trochlear dysplasia, knee hyperextension, and the WARPS/STAID score-a measure of the risky patellofemoral instability characteristics of the patient. RESULTS: Of 328 patients, 298 (91%) had complete data and minimum 12-month BPII scores available for analysis. There were 11 redislocations in the cohort (3.4%), all in female patients. When stratified by sex, baseline characteristics were not statistically different except for higher age at first dislocation ( P = .022) as well as higher WARPS/STAID scores ( P = .006) for males. Age at the time of surgery was statistically significant for each postoperative follow-up, with lower BPII scores apparent for each 10-year increase in age at the time of surgery. In the adjusted model, the WARPS/STAID score was significantly associated with the preoperative BPII score. For the 24-month postoperative BPII scores, age at time of surgery and preoperative WARPS/STAID score were both significant. Lower BPII scores were apparent for each 10-year increase in age at the time of surgery, as well as for lower scores on the WARPS/STAID classification. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that when adjusted for risky pathoanatomy, neither age at first dislocation nor sex influences patient-reported quality of life outcomes after MPFL reconstruction. Age at the time of surgery was correlated with outcome, with lower BPII scores apparent for each 10-year increase in age at the time of MPFL reconstruction.

Generalized joint hypermobility does not influence clinical outcomes following isolated MPFL reconstruction for patellofemoral instability.

PURPOSE: Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) has frequently been described as a risk factor for patellofemoral instability; however, only a few primary research studies have demonstrated any evidence of a relationship. The primary purpose of this study was to determine if isolated proximal soft tissue stabilization for patellofemoral instability is as successful in patients with GJH compared those without, as measured by disease-specific quality-of-life (QOL), symptom scores and functional outcomes. The secondary purpose was to determine if clinical and patient-reported outcomes were influenced by patient demographic factors in the presence of joint hypermobility. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2014, data were collected on 174/193 knees (92% follow-up) following an isolated medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFL-R). Patients with a Beighton score of 4 or greater were classified as positive for GJH, and any score of 3 or less was classified as negative. Pre- and post-operative Banff Patella Instability Instrument (BPII) scores were compared using a two-sample t test to determine the influence of GJH on QOL. The relationship between the Beighton score, and demographic and clinical factors was explored using correlational analysis. Functional testing including balance and single-leg hop testing was conducted 1 and 2 years post-operatively. Limb symmetry and mean limb-to-limb performance differences were calculated. RESULTS: In this cohort of isolated MPFL reconstructions, 55.1% had a positive Beighton score. There were seven surgical failures (3.6%). There was no evidence of a relationship between a positive Beighton score and pre-operative BPII scores, post-operative BPII scores or post-operative symptom scores. GJH did not correlate significantly with any post-operative functional testing measures. A positive Beighton score was inversely related to patient age and more prevalent in females. CONCLUSIONS: This study determined that the presence of GJH did not influence disease-specific quality of life, physical symptom score or functional outcomes following MPFL reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Accuracy and Learning Curve of Femoral Tunnel Placement in Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction.

The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of femoral tunnel placement in a medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFL-R) cohort. The secondary purpose was to establish the evidence of a learning curve to achieve acceptable femoral tunnel placement during MPFL-R. Two surgeons, using lateral radiographs, assessed 73 subjects post-MPFL-R. Femoral tunnel accuracy and direction of tunnel error were measured in relation to Schöttle's point (A-T distance). Interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient 2,k) of these measures was calculated. Learning curve of accurate femoral tunnel placement was examined by dividing the patient cohort into quartiles. A one-way analysis of variance was used to assess the quartiles for accuracy of femoral tunnel position and surgical time. In relation to Schöttle's point, 66/73 (90.4%) femoral tunnels were categorized as being in a "good" or "excellent" position and 7/73 (9.6%) were categorized as being in a "poor" position. Evidence of an MPFL-R learning curve was established via a statistically significant difference in the mean A to T distance for the four quartiles (F [3, 69] = 6.41, p = 0.001). There was also a statistically significant difference in the surgical time for the four quartiles (F [3, 69] = 8.71, p = 0.001). In this series, accurate femoral tunnels were placed more than 90% of the time during MPFL-R. A clear learning curve for accurate femoral tunnel placement was demonstrated both with respect to distance of the tunnel from Schöttle point and with regard to surgical time. Level of evidence was IV.

Quality-of-Life Outcomes of Patients following Patellofemoral Stabilization Surgery: The Influence of Trochlear Dysplasia.

Trochlear dysplasia is a well-described risk factor for recurrent patellofemoral instability. Despite its clear association with the incidence of patellofemoral instability, it is unclear whether the presence of high-grade trochlear dysplasia influences clinical outcome after patellofemoral stabilization. The purpose of this study was to assess whether trochlear dysplasia influenced patient-reported, disease-specific outcomes in surgically treated patellar instability patients, when risk factors were addressed in accordance with the à la carte surgical approach to the treatment of patellofemoral instability. The study design is of a case series. A total of 318 patellar stabilization procedures were performed during the study period. Of these procedures, 260 had adequate lateral radiographs and complete Banff Patellar Instability Instrument (BPII) scores available for assessment. A Pearson r correlation was calculated between four characteristics of trochlear dysplasia, the BPII total and the BPII symptoms, and physical complaints scores, a mean of 24 months following patellofemoral stabilization. Independent t-tests were performed between stratified trochlear dysplasia groups (no/low grade and high grade) and all BPII measures. There was a statistically significant correlation between measures of trochlear dysplasia and quality-of-life physical symptoms scores, an average of 2 years following patellofemoral stabilization surgery. The BPII symptoms and physical complaints domain score, as well as the individual weakness and stiffness questions, correlated with the classification of trochlear dysplasia as well as the presence of a trochlear bump (p < 0.05). Independent t-tests demonstrated statistically significant differences between the no/low-grade and high-grade dysplasia groups for the BPII stiffness (p = 0.002), BPII weakness (p = 0.05) and BPII symptom, and physical complaints values (p = 0.04). Two additional measures-the 24-month postoperative total BPII score (p = 0.11) and BPII pain score (p = 0.07)-demonstrated trends toward statistical significance. This research has established a statistically significant correlation between trochlear dysplasia and disease-specific quality-of-life outcomes following patellofemoral stabilization surgery. There was a significant correlation between patient-reported physical symptoms after surgery and high-grade trochlear dysplasia.

Assessment of demographic and pathoanatomic risk factors in recurrent patellofemoral instability.

PURPOSE: The WARPS/STAID classification employs clinical assessment of presenting features and anatomic characteristics to identify two distinct subsets of patients within the patellofemoral instability population. The purpose of this study was to further define the specific demographics and the prevalence of risky pathoanatomies in patients classified as either WARPS or STAID presenting with recurrent patellofemoral instability. A secondary purpose was to further validate the WARPS/STAID classification with the Banff Patella Instability Instrument (BPII), the Marx activity scale and the Patellar Instability Severity Score (ISS). METHODS: A convenience sample of 50 patients with recurrent patellofemoral instability, including 25 WARPS and 25 STAID subtype patients, were assessed. Clinical data were collected including assessment of demographic risk factors (sex, BMI, bilaterality of symptoms, affected limb side and age at first dislocation) and pathoanatomic risk factors (TT-TG distance, patella height, patellar tilt, grade of trochlear dysplasia, Beighton score and rotational abnormalities of the tibia or femur). Patients completed the BPII and the Marx activity scale. The ISS was calculated from the clinical assessment data. Patients were stratified into the WARPS or STAID subtypes for comparative analysis. An independent t test was used to compare demographics, the pathoanatomic risk factors and subjective measures between the groups. Convergent validity was tested with a Pearson r correlation coefficient between the WARPS/STAID and ISS scores. RESULTS: Demographic risk factors statistically associated with a WARPS subtype included female sex, age at first dislocation and bilaterality. Pathoanatomic risk factors statistically associated with a WARPS subtype included trochlear dysplasia, TT-TG distance, generalized ligamentous laxity, patellar tilt and rotational abnormalities. The independent t test revealed a significant difference between the ISS scores: WARPS subtype (M = 4.4, SD = 1.1) and STAID subtype (M = 2.5, SD = 1.5); t(48) = 5.2, p < 0.001. The relationship between the WARPS/STAID and the ISS scores, measured using a Pearson r correlation coefficient, demonstrated a strong relationship: r = -0.61, n = 50, p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated statistically significant evidence that certain demographics and pathoanatomies are more prevalent in each of the WARPS and STAID patellofemoral instability subtypes. There was no difference in quality-of-life or activity level between the subtypes. The WARPS/STAID score demonstrated convergent validity to the ISS and divergent validity to the BPII score and the Marx activity scale. This study has further validated both the WARPS/STAID classification and the ISS of patients that present with recurrent patellofemoral instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.