Italian consensus statement for the use of allografts in ACL reconstructive surgery.

PURPOSE: Graft choice for primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) is debated, with considerable controversy and variability among surgeons. Autograft tendons are actually the most used grafts for primary surgery; however, allografts have been used in greater frequency for both primary and revision ACL surgery over the past decade. Given the great debate on the use of allografts in ACL-R, the "Allografts for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction" consensus statement was developed among orthopedic surgeons and members of SIGASCOT (Società Italiana del Ginocchio, Artroscopia, Sport, Cartilagine, Tecnologie Ortopediche), with extensive experience in ACL-R, to investigate their habits in the use of allograft in different clinical situations. The results of this consensus statement will serve as benchmark information for future research and will help surgeons to facilitate the clinical decision making. METHODS: In March 2017, a formal consensus process was developed using a modified Delphi technique method, involving a steering group (9 participants), a rating group (28 participants) and a peer-review group (31 participants). Nine statements were generated and then debated during a SIGASCOT consensus meeting. A manuscript has been then developed to report methodology and results of the consensus process and finally approved by all steering group members. RESULTS: A different level of consensus has been reached among the topics selected. Strong agreement has been reported in considering harvesting, treatment and conservation methods relevant for clinical results, and in considering biological integration longer in allograft compared to autograft. Relative agreement has been reported in using allograft as the first-line graft for revision ACL-R, in considering biological integration a crucial aspect for rehabilitation protocol set-up, and in recommending a delayed return to sport when using allograft. Relative disagreement has been reported in using allograft as the first-line graft for primary ACL-R in patients over 50, and in not considering clinical results of allograft superior to autograft. Strong disagreement has been reported in using allograft as the first-line graft for primary ACL-R and for skeletally immature patients. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this consensus do not represent a guideline for surgeons, but could be used as starting point for an international discussion on use of allografts in ACL-R. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, consensus of experts.

Post-traumatic ossifications of the rectus femoris: Arthroscopic treatment and clinical outcome after 2 years.

Injuries of the rectus femoris tendon origin could result in a chronic tendinopathy, leading to groin pain and loss of function. Conservative treatment with analgesics and physical therapy is the gold standard, but in some cases excessive bone formation after avulsion injuries, can lead to a post-traumatic heterotopic ossification (PHO) and may benefit from surgical removal. METHODS: Outcome was evaluated in 16 top soccer players (age 24-43 years) affected by calcification of the proximal rectus who underwent arthroscopic excision (6-12 and 24 months). X-ray and 3D CT was collected for all patients. Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Oxford Hip Score, Modified Harris Hip Score, together with visual analog scales (VAS) for pain, sport activity level (SAL), and activities of daily living (ADL) were used to evaluate clinical outcome. TECHNICAL PROCEDURE: after central compartment examination and treatment was accomplished, attention was focused to the ossification of the rectus femoris. A complete exposure of the ossification was achieved; when possible attention was taken in detaching the minimum amount of fibers of the direct head of the rectus femoris from its insertion site. During the entire procedure, both dynamic direct visualization and fluoroscopic evaluation of the amount of resection were performed. RESULTS: Clinical outcome was excellent; the percentage of return to pre-injury level sport was 68.75 % (11 athletes), with significant statistical improvement of MHHS, OHS and all 3 VAS subscales in all patients at 2 years follow-up. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic removal using conventional hip arthroscopic portals represent both effective and safe procedure to adequately treat post-traumatic ossification of the rectus femoris.

Arthroscopic-Assisted Latissimus Dorsi Transfer for the Management of Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Short-Term Results.

BACKGROUND: Irreparable rotator cuff tears associated with shoulder functional impairment represent a challenge, especially in young and active patients. Latissimus dorsi muscle-tendon transfer is performed to replace the irreversibly lost contractile elements in patients with irreparable tears of the posterosuperior aspect of the rotator cuff. METHODS: From 2008 to 2010, we enrolled twenty-seven patients (mean age, sixty years; range, forty-six to sixty-seven years) with irreparable, full-thickness rotator cuff tears involving at least two tendons who underwent arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi muscle-tendon transfer. Outcome measures included the Constant and Murley score, shoulder range of motion in external rotation, and muscle strength in forward elevation. The mean duration of follow-up was twenty-seven months (range, twenty-four to thirty-six months). RESULTS: There was a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in the mean Constant and Murley score, pain score, muscle strength in forward elevation, and range of motion in external rotation at the time of the last follow-up. There was no significant correlation between the mean preoperative range of motion, pain, and strength and the mean postoperative Constant and Murley score. There was no significant osteoarthritis progression and proximal migration of the humeral head after surgery in the time period studied. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi muscle-tendon transfer at short-term follow-up is an effective alternative to open surgery for the management of painful irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears refractory to conservative management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Rectus Femoris Tendon Calcification: Arthroscopic Excision in 6 Top Amateur Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Since it was developed, hip arthroscopy has become the favored treatment for femoroacetabular impingement. Due to recent considerable improvements, the indications for this technique have been widely extended. Injuries of the rectus femoris tendon origin, after an acute phase, could result in a chronic tendinopathy with calcium hydroxyapatite crystal deposition, leading to pain and loss of function. Traditionally, this condition is addressed by local injection of anesthetic and corticosteroids or, when conservative measures fail, by open excision of the calcific lesion by an anterior approach. PURPOSE: To assess whether arthroscopic excision of calcification of the proximal rectus is a safe and effective treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Outcomes were studied from 6 top amateur athletes (age range, 30-43 years; mean, 32.6 years) affected by calcification of the proximal rectus who underwent arthroscopic excision of the calcification. Patients were preoperatively assessed radiographically, and diagnosis was confirmed by a 3-dimensional computed tomography scan. To evaluate the outcome, standardized hip rating scores were used pre- and postoperatively (at 6 and 12 months): the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Oxford Hip Score, and Modified Harris Hip Score. Moreover, visual analog scales (VAS) for pain, sport activity level (SAL), and activities of daily living (ADL) were also used. RESULTS: One year after surgery, all patients reported satisfactory outcomes, with 3 of 6 rating their return-to-sport level as high as preinjury level, and the remaining 3 with a percentage higher than 80%. Five patients ranked their ability to carry on daily activities at 100%. Statistical analysis showed significant improvement of the Oxford Hip Score, the Modified Harris Hip Score, and all 3 VAS subscales (pain, SAL, and ADL) from pre- to latest postoperative assessment (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic excision of rectus femoris tendon calcification yields satisfying results with few risks to the patient as well as rapid recovery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The recent improvements in hip arthroscopy give the opportunity to address an increasing number of hip conditions effectively and safely, with rapid recovery for the patient. Arthroscopic excision of rectus femoris tendon calcification can be considered a feasible option, with few risks to the patient, rapid recovery, and satisfying outcomes.

Endoscopic iliotibial band release in snapping hip.

Several open surgical techniques have been used to treat recalcitrant cases of snapping iliotibial band with varying results. Recently, endoscopic techniques have become available. The purpose of this study was to investigate the results of a modified endoscopic iliotibial band release using a longitudinal retrospective case series.
 Fifteen patients (three men and 12 women) with symptomatic external snapping hip were treated with an endoscopic release of the iliotibial band. The average age was 25 years (range 16-37 years). The procedure was performed in the lateral decubitus position using two portals; the iliotibial band was transversally released using a radiofrequency hook probe. The mean follow-up period was 33.8 months (range 12-84 months).
 The snapping phenomenon was overcome in all the patients. The mean pre-op pain VAS score was 5.5 mm (range 5-7 mm) and the mean post-op pain VAS score was 0.53 mm (range 0-2 mm) with a statistically significant reduction with respect to the preoperative value (p<0.0001); sixty percent of the patients were pain-free. The mean postoperative Harris Hip Score was 97.5 (range 94-100). No revision procedures were indicated and all the patients returned to their previous level of activity. The mean patient satisfaction score was, on average, 9.3 mm (range 8-10 mm) on the VAS scale. No complications occurred.
 Endoscopic iliotibial band release is a safe and reproducible technique with excellent results in terms of snapping phenomenon resolution, patient satisfaction, and return to previous level of activity. After strenuous sporting activities 40% of patients complained of very slight pain.

Arthroscopic management of primary synovial chondromatosis of the hip.

PURPOSE: We evaluated clinical outcomes after hip arthroscopy in patients with primary synovial chondromatosis (SC). METHODS: We retrospectively assessed 11 patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for primary SC at a mean follow-up of 22 months (range, 12 to 36 months). Clinical preoperative and postoperative evaluation was performed with the Harris hip score. The preoperative evaluation included plain radiographs and magnetic resonance (MR) scanning to detect number and positioning of intra-articular radiopaque loose bodies. The osteochondral damage was graded using the Kellgren-Lawrence classification. The chondral surfaces of both the acetabulum and femoral head were graded according to the Outerbridge scale. RESULTS: The clinical score improved postoperatively. There were statistically significant differences between preoperative and postoperative Harris hip scores (P < .05). Outcomes were rated as very satisfactory and satisfactory in 3 and 5 of 11 patients, respectively. The osteochondral damage ranged between stages 1 and 2. No complications related to surgical procedures were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Hip arthroscopy for the treatment of patients with primary SC showed good clinical results without any complications related to the surgical procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Platelet-rich plasma augmentation for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: After reinsertion on the humerus, the rotator cuff has limited ability to heal. Growth factor augmentation has been proposed to enhance healing in such procedure. PURPOSE: This study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of growth factor augmentation during rotator cuff repair. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: Eighty-eight patients with a rotator cuff tear were randomly assigned by a computer-generated sequence to receive arthroscopic rotator cuff repair without (n = 45) or with (n = 43) augmentation with autologous platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM). The primary end point was the postoperative difference in the Constant score between the 2 groups. The secondary end point was the integrity of the repaired rotator cuff, as evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. Analysis was on an intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS: All the patients completed follow-up at 16 months. There was no statistically significant difference in total Constant score when comparing the results of arthroscopic repair of the 2 groups (95% confidence interval, -3.43 to 3.9) (P = .44). There was no statistically significant difference in magnetic resonance imaging tendon score when comparing arthroscopic repair with or without PRFM (P = .07). CONCLUSION: Our study does not support the use of autologous PRFM for augmentation of a double-row repair of a small or medium rotator cuff tear to improve the healing of the rotator cuff. Our results are applicable to small and medium rotator cuff tears; it is possible that PRFM may be beneficial for large and massive rotator cuff tears. Also, given the heterogeneity of PRFM preparation products available on the market, it is possible that other preparations may be more effective.