Incidence of Total Knee Arthroplasty After Arthroscopic Surgery for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: It is unclear whether arthroscopic resection of degenerative knee tissues among patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee delays or hastens total knee arthroplasty (TKA); opposite findings have been reported. Objective: To compare the long-term incidence of TKA in patients with OA of the knee after nonoperative management with or without additional arthroscopic surgery. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this ad hoc secondary analysis of a single-center, assessor-blinded randomized clinical trial performed from January 1, 1999, to August 31, 2007, 178 patients were followed up through March 31, 2019. Participants included adults diagnosed with OA of the knee referred for potential arthroscopic surgery in a tertiary care center specializing in orthopedics in London, Ontario, Canada. All participants from the original randomized clinical trial were included. Data were analyzed from June 1, 2021, to October 20, 2022. Exposures: Arthroscopic surgery (resection or debridement of degenerative tears of the menisci, fragments of articular cartilage, or chondral flaps and osteophytes that prevented full extension) plus nonoperative management (physical therapy plus medications as required) compared with nonoperative management only (control). Main Outcomes and Measures: Total knee arthroplasty was identified by linking the randomized trial data with prospectively collected Canadian health administrative datasets where participants were followed up for a maximum of 20 years. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to compare the incidence of TKA between intervention groups. Results: A total of 178 of 277 eligible patients (64.3%; 112 [62.9%] female; mean [SD] age, 59.0 [10.0] years) were included. The mean (SD) body mass index was 31.0 (6.5). With a median follow-up of 13.8 (IQR, 8.4-16.8) years, 31 of 92 patients (33.7%) in the arthroscopic surgery group vs 36 of 86 (41.9%) in the control group underwent TKA (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.85 [95% CI, 0.52-1.40]). Results were similar when accounting for crossovers to arthroscopic surgery (13 of 86 [15.1%]) during follow-up (HR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.53-1.44]). Within 5 years, the cumulative incidence was 10.2% vs 9.3% in the arthroscopic surgery group and control group, respectively (time-stratified HR for 0-5 years, 1.06 [95% CI, 0.41-2.75]); within 10 years, the cumulative incidence was 23.3% vs 21.4%, respectively (time-stratified HR for 5-10 years, 1.06 [95% CI, 0.45-2.51]). Sensitivity analyses yielded consistent results. Conclusions and Relevance: In this secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial of arthroscopic surgery for patients with OA of the knee, a statistically significant association with delaying or hastening TKA was not identified. Approximately 80% of patients did not undergo TKA within 10 years of nonoperative management with or without additional knee arthroscopic surgery. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00158431.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Plus Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis Has a Similar Return-to-Sport Rate to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Alone but a Lower Failure Rate.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the addition of lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) would improve return-to-sport (RTS) rates in young, active patients who play high-risk sports. METHODS: This multicenter randomized controlled trial compared standard hamstring tendon ACLR with combined ACLR and LET using a strip of the iliotibial band (modified Lemaire technique). Patients aged 25 years or younger with an anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee were included. Patients also had to meet 2 of the following criteria: (1) pivot-shift grade 2 or greater, (2) participation in a high-risk or pivoting sport, and (3) generalized ligamentous laxity. Time to return and level of RTS were determined via administration of a questionnaire at 24 months postoperatively. RESULTS: We randomized 618 patients in this study, 553 of whom played high-risk sports preoperatively. The proportion of patients who did not RTS was similar between the ACLR (11%) and ACLR-LET (14%) groups; however, the graft rupture rate was significantly different (11.2% in ACLR group vs 4.1% in ACLR-LET group, P = .004). The most cited reason for no RTS was lack of confidence and/or fear of reinjury. A stable knee was associated with nearly 2 times greater odds of returning to a high-level high-risk sport postoperatively (odds ratio, 1.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-3.35; P = .02). There were no significant differences in patient-reported functional outcomes or hop test results between groups (P > .05). Patients who returned to high-risk sports had better hamstring symmetry than those who did not RTS (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: At 24 months postoperatively, patients who underwent ACLR plus LET had a similar RTS rate to those who underwent ACLR alone. Although the subgroup analysis did not show a statistically significant increase in RTS with the addition of LET, on returning, the addition of LET kept subjects playing longer by reducing graft failure rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Low rates of serious complications after open Latarjet procedure at short-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: To report on intraoperative and short-term postoperative adverse events after open Latarjet procedure in patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability. These complications were classified into different grades of severity based on the treatment required and the learning curve of the procedure. METHODS: Ninety-six patients (102 shoulders) underwent open Latarjet procedure for recurrent post-traumatic anterior glenohumeral instability between 2012 and 2020. The minimum duration of patients' follow-up was 6 months. Adverse events were classified into 3 classes based on the severity and subsequent treatment. The complications in the first 50% of all cases were compared with the latter 50% to evaluate the role of learning curve on the complication rates. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 7.2 ± 2.8 months. The patients' mean age was 26.7 ± 8.9 years and consisted of 83 (86.4%) male and 13 (13.6%) female patients. The total adverse events rate was 18.6%. Adverse events requiring no additional treatment (class 1) occurred in 6 cases (5.8%) including fibrous union (3.9%) and asymptomatic resorption of the graft (1.9%). Adverse events requiring additional or extended nonoperative management (class 2) occurred in 8 cases (7.8%), including coracoid fracture (2.9%), musculocutaneous nerve palsy (1.9%), axillary nerve palsy (0.9%), suprascapular nerve palsy (0.9%), and stiffness (0.9%). All the nerve palsies recovered without long-term sequelae. Adverse events requiring secondary operative procedures (class 3) occurred in 5 cases (4.9%), including symptomatic hardware (1.9%), medial healing of the graft (0.9%), screw loosening (0.9%), and deep infection (0.9%). The rate of adverse events in revision cases was higher than primary cases in 11.7% and 6.8%, respectively (P = .119). The complication rate was significantly higher in the first half of the surgeons' practice (14.7%) than in the second half (3.9%) (P ≤ .05). CONCLUSIONS: The overall complication rate reported in this open Latarjet series is 18.6%; however, the rate of class 3 adverse events that required additional surgery or long-term medical treatment was only 4.9%. Revision cases had a higher rate of complications than primary cases, and the learning curve has had a significant impact on the rate of adverse events.

The rate of unnecessary interventions for the management of knee osteoarthritis: a population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Several commonly used procedures for knee osteoarthritis (OA) are not supported by evidence-based guidelines. The objective of this study was to identify the proportion of patients who underwent knee arthroscopy or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the timing of these procedures before total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using administrative data sets from Ontario, Canada. We identified the proportion of patients who underwent knee arthroscopy in the previous 10 years or an MRI in the 3 years before their primary TKA. We also evaluated the rate of arthroscopies by diagnosis. We report the timing of each outcome in relation to the TKA, rates by geographical area, and differences in rates over time. RESULTS: We included 142 275 patients, of whom 36 379 (25.57%) underwent knee arthroscopy (median time 2.8 [interquartile range (IQR) 1.1-6.0] years); 22% of those were within 1 year of TKA and 52% were within 3 years. The rates of arthroscopies for a diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA) steadily decreased, while those for meniscal-related diagnoses increased over the study period (p < 0.0001). There was significant variation by region. Of the cohort, 23.2% (n = 32 989) had an MRI before their TKA, with rates significantly increasing over time (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: A substantial proportion of patients with knee OA received diagnostic and therapeutic interventions before TKA that are contrary to clinical practice guidelines.

Arthroscopic Versus Mini-open Rotator Cuff Repair: A Randomized Trial and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with complete rotator cuff tears who fail a course of nonoperative therapy can benefit from surgical repair. PURPOSE: This randomized trial compared mini-open (MO) versus all-arthroscopic (AA) rotator cuff repair. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: Patients with rotator cuff tears were randomized to undergo MO or AA repair at 9 centers by 23 surgeons. The primary outcome (Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index [WORC]) and secondary outcomes (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] score, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index [SPADI] pain subscale, 12-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-12], reported medication use, adverse events), as well as measurements of range of motion and strength, were collected at 1 month before surgery; at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively; and at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postoperatively. A blinded radiologist evaluated rotator cuff integrity on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline and 1 year. Intention-to-treat analysis of covariance with the preoperative WORC score, age, and tear size as covariates assessed continuous outcomes. Sex differences were assessed. A meta-analysis synthesized the primary outcome between MO and AA repair with previous trials. RESULTS: From 954 patients screened, 411 were ineligible (276 because of recovery with physical therapy), 449 were screened at surgery (175 ineligible), and 274 completed follow-up (138 MO and 136 AA). The AA and MO groups were similar before surgery. WORC scores improved from 40 preoperatively to 89 (AA) and 93 (MO) at 2 years, for an adjusted mean difference of 3.4 (95% CI, -0.4 to 7.2). There were no statistically significant differences between the AA and MO groups at any time point. All secondary patient-reported outcomes were not significantly different between the MO and AA groups, except the 2-year SPADI pain score (8 vs 12, respectively; P = .02). A similar recovery in range of motion and strength occurred in both groups over time. MRI indicated minimal improvement in muscle relative to fat (AA: n = 3; MO: n = 2), with most worsening (AA: n = 25; MO: n = 24) or remaining unchanged (AA: n = 70; MO: n = 70). Opioid use was significantly reduced after surgery (from 21% to 5%). The meta-analysis indicated no significant standardized mean difference between groups in the primary outcome across all pooled studies (standardized mean difference, -0.06 [95% CI, -0.34 to 0.22]). CONCLUSION: Both AA and MO rotator cuff repair provide large clinical benefits, with few adverse events. There is strong evidence of equivalent clinical improvements. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00128076.

Total knee replacement after high tibial osteotomy: time-to-event analysis and predictors.

BACKGROUND: An important aim of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is to prevent or delay the need for total knee replacement (TKR). We sought to estimate the frequency and timing of conversion from HTO to TKR and the factors associated with it. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee who underwent medial opening wedge HTO from 2002 to 2014 and analyzed the cumulative incidence of TKR in July 2019. The presence or absence of TKR on the HTO limb was identified from the orthopedic surgery reports and knee radiographs contained in the electronic medical records for each patient at London Health Sciences Centre. We used cumulative incidence curves to evaluate the primary outcome of time to TKR. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis to assess potential preoperative predictors including radiographic disease severity, malalignment, correction size, pain, sex, age, body mass index (BMI) and year of surgery. RESULTS: Among 556 patients who underwent 643 HTO procedures, the cumulative incidence of TKR was 5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3%-7%) at 5 years and 21% (95% CI 17%-26%) at 10 years. With the Cox proportional hazards multivariable model, the following preoperative factors were significantly associated with an increased rate of conversion: radiographic OA severity (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.96, 95% CI 1.12-3.45), pain (adjusted HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.75-0.96)], female sex (adjusted HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.08-2.58), age (adjusted HR 1.50 per 10 yr, 95% CI 1.17-1.93) and BMI (adjusted HR 1.31 per 5 kng/m2, 95% CI 1.12-1.53). INTERPRETATION: We found that 79% of knees did not undergo TKR within 10 years after undergoing medial opening wedge HTO. The strongest predictor of conversion to TKR is greater radiographic disease at the time of HTO.

The Impact of Resident Involvement on Surgical Outcomes following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Hands-on participation in the operating room (OR) is an integral component of surgical resident training. However, the implications of resident involvement in many orthopaedic procedures are not well defined. This study aims to assess the effect of resident involvement on short-term outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried to identify all patients who underwent ACLR from 2005 to 2012. Demographic variables, resident participation, 30-day complications, and intraoperative time parameters were assessed for all cases. Resident and nonresident cases were matched using propensity scores. Outcomes were analyzed using univariate and multivariate regression analyses, as well as stratified by resident level of training. Univariate analysis of 1,222 resident and 1,188 nonresident cases demonstrated no difference in acute postoperative complication rates between groups. There was no significant difference in the incidence of overall complications based on resident level of training (p = 0.109). Operative time was significantly longer for cases in which a resident was involved (109.5 vs. 101.7 minutes; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified no significant predictors of major postoperative complications, while patient history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was the only independent risk factor associated with minor complications. Resident involvement in ACLR was not associated with 30-day complications despite a slight increase in operative time. These findings provide reassurance that resident involvement in ACLR procedures is safe, although future investigations should focus on long-term postoperative outcomes.

Low rates of serious complications but high rates of hardware removal after high tibial osteotomy with Tomofix locking plate.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyse adverse events encountered in medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) utilizing contemporary surgical techniques with the Tomofix locking plate (DePuy Synthes, Raynham, MA, USA) and categorize them by their severity and need for further medical/surgical management. It was hypothesized that there would be low rates of serious complications after medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy utilizing an internal locking plate fixator. METHODS: This study included 169 consecutive patients (200 knees) who underwent MOWHTO with a Tomofix locking plate at a single center, completing a minimum 2-year follow-up. Types of intra- and post-operative adverse events were retrospectively identified by an independent observer and categorized by their severity and further need of management. Additional surgery due to elective hardware removal was not included in the adverse event classification. RESULTS: There were in total 58 (29%) adverse events, the majority (13.5%) of which required no additional treatment (class 1). Class 1 events included lateral cortex hinge fractures that were observed in 8.5% (17 knees) and delayed wound healing 2% (4/200). Adverse events requiring additional or extended nonoperative management (class 2) were 9%. These included post-operative stiffness in 1% (2/200), low grade infection in 1.5% (3/200), delayed union in 5.4% (11/200), deep vein thrombosis 0.5% (1/200). One hundred and four knees (52%) underwent elective hardware removal. Serious adverse events requiring unplanned additional or revision surgery and/or long-term medical care (class 3) were the least reported (6.5%). Aseptic non-union was reported in 2.5%, deep infection requiring revision in 2% and limited hardware failure 1%. CONCLUSION: A low rate of serious complications (6.5%) requiring unplanned additional surgery (class 3) was found. The overall rate of complications following MOWHTO with Tomofix locking plate was 29% and the majority (13.5%) required no additional treatment (class 1). Lateral hinge fractures were the most common complication (8.5%) and these were associated with corrections over 12 mm. However, 52% knees required a further operation for elective hardware removal. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, prospective study without control group.

No Difference in Functional Outcomes When Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis Is Added to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Young Active Patients: The Stability Study.

PURPOSE: To assess the functional outcomes of patients included in the Stability Study randomized controlled trial comparing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) alone with ACLR with lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. METHODS: Six hundred eighteen patients undergoing ACLR, all under the age of 25 years either returning to contact pivoting sport or displaying signs of high-grade rotatory laxity or generalized ligamentous laxity, were randomly assigned to receive ACLR alone or ACLR plus LET. A total of 356 of these patients were randomized at centers participating in the functional assessments. Our primary outcome was Limb Symmetry Index, calculated using a series of 4-hop tests at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Secondary outcome measures included pain, patient-reported function, and isokinetic strength testing. RESULTS: We found no statistically significant difference in the proportion of patients either unwilling or unfit to complete the hop testing in the ACLR alone or ACLR with LET group at 6 months (40 vs 40 respectively; P = 1.00), 12 months (25 vs 27; P = .76), and 24 months (21 vs 23; P = .87). Of those who completed hop testing, there were no statistically significant differences between groups in Limb Symmetry Index at 6, 12, or 24 months. Self-reported function (Lower Extremity Functional Score) significantly favored the ACLR alone group at 3 (P = .01) and 6 months (P = .02) postoperative but was similar by 12 months postoperative. Pain scores (P4) also showed a statistically significant difference in favor of the ACL alone group, but this also resolved by 6 months. Quadriceps peak torque (P = .03) and average power (P = .01) were also significantly different in favor of the ACLR alone group at 6 months postoperative; however, these were similar between groups by 12 months postoperative (P = .11 and P = .32, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of a LET to ACLR results in slightly increased pain, a mild reduction in quadriceps strength, and reduced subjective functional recovery up to 6 months postoperatively. However, these differences do not have any impact on objective function as measured by hop test limb symmetry index. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Effect of combining peri-hamstring injection or anterior obturator nerve block on the analgesic efficacy of adductor canal block for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Pain after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with autologous hamstring graft can be attributed to both arthroscopic surgery and the graft donor site. This study investigated whether donor site pain control was superior with the addition of either peri-hamstring injection or anterior division obturator nerve block in comparison with adductor canal block (ACB) alone. METHODS: Patients scheduled to undergo knee arthroscopy with ACLR using a graft from the ipsilateral hamstring were randomised to one of three groups. All patients received ACB and multimodal analgesia. Subjects in Group H received peri-hamstring local anaesthetic injection while subjects in Group O received an anterior division of the obturator nerve block, and subjects in Group C served as a control group (ACB alone). RESULTS: In 105 subjects undergoing ACLR, there was no significant difference between groups H, O, and C for the primary outcome of pain on movement as assessed by numerical rating scale (NRS) on knee flexion at 2 h after operation (P=0.11). There was no difference in NRS at any time point in the first 48 h after operation, nor was there a difference in oxycodone consumption between the three groups at 24 h (P=0.2). Worst knee pain was initially at the graft donor site in all three groups, which transitioned to anterior knee pain after 12 h. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of ultrasound-guided peri-hamstring injection or anterior division of obturator nerve block to ACB did not result in a significant reduction in pain or opioid consumption after ACLR with ipsilateral hamstring graft. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01868282.

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).

Trends in knee arthroscopy utilization: a gap in knowledge translation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the longitudinal trends in knee arthroscopy utilization in relation to published negative randomized controlled trials, focusing on annual rates, patient demographics and associated 30-day post-operative complications. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried using Current Procedural Terminology billing codes to identify arthroscopy cases between 2006 and 2016. 30-day post-operative complications were identified, and potential risk factors analysed using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: 68,346 patients underwent knee arthroscopy, of which 47,446 (69.5%) represented partial meniscectomies. The annual procedural rate, as a proportion of all reported cases, increased significantly from 2006 (0.3%) to 2016 (1.6%; p < 0.001), along with a significant increase in average patient age (44.3 ± 15.5 to 48.4 ± 14.5; p < 0.001). Specifically focusing on the meniscectomy cohort, average patient age significantly increased from 47.9 ± 15.1 to 50.7 ± 13.5 (p = 0.001). The overall incidence of complications was 2.0% (n = 1333), with major complications in 0.9% (n = 639) and minor complications in 1.0% (n = 701). Common complications included a return to the operating room (0.5%), deep vein thrombosis/thrombophlebitis (0.4%), and superficial infection (0.2%). Operating time > 90 min, diabetes, steroid use, ASA class 2+, and dialysis-dependency were the predictors of overall complication rates. CONCLUSION: Despite the publication of negative trials and new clinical practice guidelines, knee arthroscopy utilization and average patient age continue to increase. Given the high utilization, even low adverse event rates equate to substantial numbers of patients with minor and major complications. The NSQIP data show a gap in knowledge translation to clinical practice and highlight the need for improved clinical guidelines. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Cohort study; Level III.

Correction to: A case series of lateral opening wedge high tibial osteotomy for valgus malalignment.

Unfortunately, one of the co-author affiliation was incorrect in the original publication of this article. The correct affiliation is given below: Abdulaziz Z. Alomar, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Determination of ED50 and ED95 of 0.5% Ropivacaine in Adductor Canal Block to Produce Quadriceps Weakness: A Dose-Finding Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Adductor canal block (ACB) is popular for knee analgesia because of its favorable effect on quadriceps strength. The aim of this study was to find the minimum volume of local anesthetic, which can be injected into the ACB that would result in quadriceps weakness. METHODS: This nonrandomized study used an up-and-down sequential allocation design. Twenty-six patients scheduled to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery received an ultrasound-guided ACB preoperatively. The initial volume of ropivacaine 0.5% injected was 30 mL, which was subsequently increased or decreased by 2 mL, depending on whether the previous subject had a 30% reduction in quadriceps function. The minimum effective volume in 50% of patients was determined using Dixon-Massey up-and-down method. The effective volume in 95% of patients was then calculated using probit transformation. RESULTS: The ED50 (minimum effective anesthetic volume in 50% of the subjects) needed for a 30% decrease in quadriceps power was 46.5 mL (95% confidence interval, 45.01-50.43 mL), and estimated ED95 (minimum effective anesthetic volume in 95% of the subjects) was 50.32 mL (95% confidence interval, 48.66-67.26 mL). The local anesthetic volume injected correlated with degree of quadriceps weakness at 20 minutes postblock (P < 0.001) and in the postanesthesia recovery unit (P = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Significant quadriceps weakness is unlikely when clinically representative volumes of 0.5% ropivacaine is used for ACB performed using sonographic landmarks. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02541552.

Clinical Assessment of Physical Examination Maneuvers for Superior Labral Anterior to Posterior Lesions.

Purpose Shoulder pain and disability pose a diagnostic challenge owing to the numerous etiologies and the potential for multiple disorders to exist simultaneously. The evidence to support the use of clinical tests for superior labral anterior to posterior complex (SLAP) is weak or absent. The purpose of this study is to determine the diagnostic validity of physical examination maneuvers for SLAP lesions by performing a methodologically rigorous, clinically applicable study. Methods We recruited consecutive new shoulder patients reporting pain and/or disability. The physician took a history and indicated their certainty about each possible diagnosis ("certain the diagnosis is absent/present," or "uncertain requires further testing"). The clinician performed the physical tests for diagnoses where uncertainty remained. Magnetic resonance imaging arthrogram and arthroscopic examination were the gold standards. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios (LRs) and investigated whether combinations of the top tests provided stronger predictions. Results Ninety-three patients underwent physical examination for SLAP lesions. When using the presence of a SLAP lesion (Types I-V) as disease positive, none of the tests was sensitive (10.3-33.3) although they were moderately specific (61.3-92.6). When disease positive was defined as repaired SLAP lesion (including biceps tenodesis or tenotomy), the sensitivity (10.5-38.7) and specificity (70.6-93.8) of tests improved although not by a substantial amount. None of the tests was found to be clinically useful for predicting repairable SLAP lesions with all LRs close to one. The compression rotation test had the best LR for both definitions of disease (SLAP tear present = 1.8 and SLAP repaired = 1.67). There was no optimal combination of tests for diagnosing repairable SLAP lesions, with at least two tests positive providing the best combination of measurement properties (sensitivity 46.1% and specificity 64.7%). Conclusion Our study demonstrates that the physical examination tests for SLAP lesions are poor diagnostic indicators of disease. Performing a combination of tests will likely help, although the magnitude of the improvement is minimal. These authors caution clinicians placing confidence in the physical examination tests for SLAP lesions rather we suggest that clinicians rely on diagnostic imaging to confirm this diagnosis.

Diagnostic Validity of Patient-Reported History for Shoulder Pathology.

Objective The purpose of this article is to determine whether patient-reported history items are predictive of shoulder pathology and have the potential for use in triaging patients with shoulder pathology to orthopaedic outpatient clinics. Setting It is set at two tertiary orthopaedic clinics. Patients All new patients reporting pain and/or disability of the shoulder joint were prospectively recruited. A total of 193 patients were enrolled, 15 of whom withdrew, leaving 178 patients composing the study sample. Design Patients completed a questionnaire on the history of their pathology, then the surgeon took a thorough history indicating the most likely diagnosis. The clinician then performed appropriate physical examination. Arthroscopy was the reference standard for those undergoing surgery and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with arthrogram for all others. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios (LRs) of history items alone and in combination. We used the LRs to generate a clinical decision algorithm. Main Outcome Measures Diagnosis was determined through arthroscopy or MRI arthrogram. Reporting was standardized to ensure review of all structures. Results The physical examination and history agreed in 75% of cases. Of those that did not agree, the physical examination misdirected the diagnosis in 47% of our cases. In particular, history items were strong predictors of anterior and posterior instability and subscapularis tears and were combined in a tool to be utilized for screening patients. Conclusion The patient-reported history items were effective for diagnosing shoulder pathology and should be considered for use in a triaging instrument.

Surgical Indications and Technique for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Combined with Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis or Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction.

After anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, anteroposterior and rotational laxity in the knee causes instability, functional symptoms, and damage to other intra-articular structures. Surgical reconstruction aims to restore the stability in the knee, and to improve function and ability to participate in sports. It also protects cartilage and menisci from secondary injuries. Because of persistent rotational instability after ACL reconstruction, combined intra-articular and extra-articular procedures are more commonly performed. In this article, an overview of anatomy, biomechanical studies, current gold standard procedures, techniques, and research topics are summarized.

A randomized clinical trial to compare the effectiveness of rotator cuff repair with or without augmentation using porcine small intestine submucosa for patients with moderate to large rotator cuff tears: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The rate of rotator cuff repair failure is between 13% and 67%. Porcine small intestine submucosa (SIS) may be suitable to augment the repair. METHODS: There were 62 patients with moderate and large cuff tears randomized to repair alone (control) or augmentation with SIS (Restore Orthobiologic Implant; DePuy, Warsaw, IN, USA). Primary outcome was repair failure using magnetic resonance arthrography. Randomization occurred on completion of the repair. Patients and assessors were blind to group. Assessments occurred preoperatively and postoperatively at 2 and 6 weeks and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS: There were 62 patients randomized (34 SIS, 28 control). Patient demographics, rotator cuff tear characteristics, and repair details were similar between groups. At 1 year, risk of failure was 52.9% (18/34) in the SIS group and 65.4% (17/26) in the control group for a risk difference of 12% (80% confidence interval, -7% to 32%) or relative risk of 0.81 (95% confidence interval, 0.53-1.24, P = .33) in favor of SIS. At 1 and 2 years, the mean difference between groups for patient-reported outcomes was small and consistent with chance but did not exclude the possibility of a clinically important difference. There was no statistically significant difference (P = .50) between the SIS group (59.6 ± 38.9; range, 3-112) and the control group (52.7 ± 38.6; range, 5-112) in number of days to being narcotic and pain free (<20 mm on a 100-mm visual analog scale). CONCLUSION: We found no evidence that SIS-augmented rotator cuff repair provides superior outcomes in patients with moderate rotator cuff tears.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of arthroscopic surgery compared with non-operative management for osteoarthritis of the knee.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the cost-effectiveness of arthroscopic surgery in addition to non-operative treatments compared with non-operative treatments alone in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: We conducted an economic evaluation alongside a single-centre, randomised trial among patients with symptomatic, radiographic knee OA (KL grade ≥ 2). INTERVENTIONS: Patients received arthroscopic debridement and partial resection of degenerative knee tissues in addition to optimised non-operative therapy, or optimised non-operative therapy only. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Direct and indirect costs were collected prospectively over the 2-year study period. The effectiveness outcomes were the Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Cost-effectiveness was estimated using the net benefit regression framework considering a range of willingness-to-pay values from the Canadian public payer and societal perspectives. We calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios and conducted sensitivity analyses using the extremes of the 95% CIs surrounding mean differences in effect between groups. RESULTS: 168 patients were included. Patients allocated to arthroscopy received partial resection and debridement of degenerative meniscal tears (81%) and/or articular cartilage (97%). There were no significant differences between groups in use of non-operative treatments. The incremental net benefit was negative for all willingness-to-pay values. Uncertainty estimates suggest that even if willing to pay $400,000 to achieve a clinically important improvement in WOMAC score, or ≥$50,000 for an additional QALY, there is <20% probability that the addition of arthroscopy is cost-effective compared with non-operative therapies only. Our sensitivity analysis suggests that even when assuming the largest treatment effect, the addition of arthroscopic surgery is not economically attractive compared with non-operative treatments only. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic debridement of degenerative articular cartilage and resection of degenerative meniscal tears in addition to non-operative treatments for knee OA is not an economically attractive treatment option compared with non-operative treatment only, regardless of willingness-to-pay value. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT00158431.