Eighteen-year outcome of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patellar tendon or hamstring autograft.

PURPOSE: To evaluate patient reported outcomes and radiographic arthritic changes of transtibial anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with either bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) or hamstrings (HS) auto-grafts at a minimum of 15-year follow-up. METHODS: Ninety-four patients (51 of the HS group, 43 of BPTB group) who were operated between the years 2000 to 2005 in two tertiary referral hospitals were contacted and invited to a retrospective evaluation. The interview included subjective outcomes using the Lysholm knee scoring questionnaire, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Tegner activity level scale, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and patients' satisfaction scale. Knee examination included measurements of motion and stability. Knee radiographs were evaluated for osteoarthritic changes according to the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) score. RESULTS: The average evaluation time from surgery was 18.6 years. Subjectively, there was no significant difference between groups except for a better post-operative level of activity and satisfaction in the HS group. Objectively, there was no significant difference between groups in knee stability and range of motion. Most patients had grade KL ≤ 1 radiographic osteoarthritits changes and there was no significant difference between groups. Recurrent complete tear of the reconstructed graft occurred in 3 patients of each group. In both groups 84% had no further surgery while the indications for further surgery were mostly a meniscal tear or tibial hardware removal. CONCLUSIONS: Very long-term outcomes and clinical stability of transtibial HS or BPTB graft ACL reconstruction are good with low rate of graft failure and radiographic osteoarthritis.

Acceptance rate of clinical pharmacists' recommendations-an ongoing journey for integration.

Introduction: Multidisciplinary expert team collaboration in the clinical setting, which includes clinical pharmacist involvement can facilitate significant improvements in outcomes and optimize patient management by preventing drug-related problems (DRP). This type of collaboration is particularly valuable in patients with multi-morbidity and polypharmacy such as diabetic foot patients. Evidence regarding the successful integration of a new clinical pharmacist, without previous experience into a unit is still scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to describe and evaluate the actual successful integration process of the clinical pharmacist into a diabetic foot unit by measuring the change in recommendation acceptance rate over time. Methods: A prospective, exploratory treatment effectiveness study based on the recommendation acceptance rate of a new clinical pharmacist introduced into the diabetic foot unit was conducted over a 9- month period. The clinical pharmacist identified medical and drug-related problems (DRP) or any discrepancies in the prescribing and administration of medications. Each identified DRP was documented and formulated as a recommendation by the clinical pharmacist. The main outcome measure was the acceptance rate of recommendations over time. Results: A total of 86 patients, of which 67% were men, averagely aged 66.5 (SD 11.8) years were evaluated. Calculated BMI was 30.2 (SD 6.2). The average number of medical diagnoses was 8.9 (SD3.2), and 11.1 (SD 3.7) prescribed drugs for each patient. Cardiovascular disease was presented by 95% (n = 82) of the patients and 33% of them (n = 28) had uncontrolled hyperglycemia. Averagely, 3.3 (SD 1.9) DRPs were identified pre patient. The efficacy-related DRP recommendation acceptance rate increased over the study period from 37.8% in the first 4 months to 79.4% after a period of 4.75 months. Safety-related DRP recommendation acceptance rate increased from 56% to 67.6%. Conclusion: Improved clinical outcomes and optimized pharmacologic patient management may be achieved by the successful integration of a clinical pharmacist into the team. This study provides evidence of the increasing recommendation acceptance rate of integrated, pharmacist-driven comprehensive medication management in an unexperienced unit. To overcome challenges, team members should collaborate to fully integrate the clinical pharmacist into the team-based structure and utilize proper strategies to minimize and transcend barriers.

Pearls and pitfalls of PROMIS clinically significant outcomes in orthopaedic surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) was developed as a uniform and generalizable PROM system using item response theory and computer adaptive testing. We aimed to assess the utilization of PROMIS for clinically significant outcomes (CSOs) measurements and provide insights into its use in orthopaedic research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed PROMIS CSO reports for orthopaedic procedures via PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science from inception to 2022, excluding abstracts and missing measurements. Bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and questionnaire compliance. PROMIS domains, CSO measures, and study populations were described. A meta-analysis compared distribution and anchor-based MCIDs in low-bias (NOS ≥ 7) studies. RESULTS: Overall, 54 publications from 2016 to 2022 were reviewed. PROMIS CSO studies were observational with increasing publication rates. Evidence-level was II in 10/54, bias low in 51/54, and compliance ≥ 86% in 46/54. Most (28/54) analysed lower extremity procedures. PROMIS domains examined Pain Function (PF) in 44/54, Pain Interference (PI) in 36/54, and Depression (D) in 18/54. Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was reported in 51/54 and calculated based on distribution in 39/51 and anchor in 29/51. Patient acceptable symptom state (PASS), substantial clinical benefit (SCB), and minimal detectable change (MDC) were reported in ≤ 10/54. MCIDs were not significantly greater than MDCs. Anchor-based MCIDs were greater than distribution based MCIDs (standardized mean difference = 0.44, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PROMIS CSOs are increasingly utilized, especially for lower extremity procedures assessing the PF, PI, and D domains using distribution-based MCID. Using more conservative anchor-based MCIDs and reporting MDCs may strengthen results. Researchers should consider unique pearls and pitfalls when assessing PROMIS CSOs.

The meniscotibial ligament role in meniscal extrusion: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The meniscotibial ligament (MTL) limits extrusion of the medial meniscus (MM). While meniscal extrusion may be detrimental to knee joint biomechanics, the role of the MTL in meniscal extrusion is debatable. We sought to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the role of the MTL and surgical techniques for MTL repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines we searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase for: (("Meniscotibial") OR ("Coronary") OR ("Ramp")) AND ("Extrusion"). After screening and applying eligibility criteria, data were extracted for MTL pathology types ("traumatic" ruptures or "induced" injuries) and meniscal extrusion. A meta-analysis evaluated the mean difference of extrusion between "intact" MTLs (native or repaired) and "injured" MTLs (induced or traumatic). We further performed a subgroup analysis between traumatic and induced MTL lesions. RESULTS: This systematic review included six studies, which all evaluated MM extrusion. There were 74 knees with induced MTL injuries and 19 knees with traumatic MTL ruptures. Study designs were heterogenic and utilized three types of MTL repair procedures. The meta-analysis included 18 human knees and revealed that sectioning the MTL created a 2.92 mm [- 0.18 to 6.03] MM extrusion, while MTL repair decreased MM extrusion by - 2.11 mm [- 3.03 to - 1.21]. CONCLUSIONS: MTL injury may result in approximately 3 mm of MM extrusion, while repair of the MTL can decrease extrusion by 2 mm. Several novel surgical techniques exist to repair the MTL. However, studies reporting clinical outcomes of these various procedures are scarce.

A Novel Classification for Diabetic Foot Ulcers of the First Ray.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetic foot ulcers of the first ray result from several distinct biomechanical mechanisms related to anatomical deformities, which must be addressed if surgical offloading is contemplated. The objective of this study was to create a classification of the anatomical deformities of first-ray ulcers that could lead to better standardization of treatment and reporting. METHODS: The authors performed a file review of patients with diabetic neuropathy diagnosed with first-ray ulcers over a period of 3 years in an outpatient setting. Anatomical deformities were diagnosed clinically and reported with ulcer location. The primary classification was the metatarsophalangeal joint, the interphalangeal joint, and the distal phalanx. RESULTS: Records for 59 patients (mean age, 62 years) with University of Texas A1 and A2 ulcers were reviewed. Mean ulcer duration was 2 months. The more common deformities were hallux valgus (41%), hallux valgus interphalangeus (14%), and hallux malleus (20%), and these were primarily associated with metatarsophalangeal, interphalangeal joint, and tip-of-toe ulcers, respectively (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: By classifying ulcer locations, the relevant corrective surgery may be chosen. Although some prophylactic procedures may be safe and effective, prophylactic hallux valgus correction in the diabetic foot requires further study.

Radiographic Bone Healing in Minimally Invasive Floating Metatarsal Osteotomy for Neuropathic Plantar Metatarsal Head Ulcers - A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Minimally invasive floating metatarsal osteotomy is an option for treating neuropathic ulcers under the metatarsal heads. This study presents the radiographic results of the floating metatarsal osteotomy. We reviewed files and radiographs at least 4 months after a floating metatarsal osteotomy in patients with diabetic neuropathy. In 71 osteotomies in 54 patients with late onset diabetes (mean age 61 ± 9, mean HbA1c 7.9 ± 1.9%), the primary ulcer healed within 3.5 ± 1.4 weeks. Of 66 osteotomies where radiographs were available 10 had non-union (15%, all asymptomatic), 15 (23%) had hypertrophic callus formation and 41 (62%) had normal union. One patient developed an ulcer under the hypertrophic callus. This necessitated callus resection. Asymptomatic non-union may happen in 15% of floating osteotomies, but the osteotomies appear to be relatively safe and effective for neuropathic plantar metatarsal head ulcers. Hypertropic callus causing local re-ulceration is rare and can be managed surgically.

Intrathoracic scapular dislocation following radical surgical chondrosarcoma resection from chest wall.

Locked scapula or intrathoracic scapular dislocation is an extremely rare entity encountered in the emergency department, with very few cases reported in literature. Conservative vs surgical approach in treating intrathoracic scapular dislocation is not well defined in literature. In this case report, we present a rare case of intrathoracic scapular dislocation, following multiple ribs resection due to malignant bone tumour, which was treated by closed manipulation reduction technique.

Minimum 2-Year Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes of Kinematic Alignment Total Knee Arthroplasty in the Valgus Knee.

Kinematic alignment (KA) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has gained popularity in the past decade, but outcomes of KA-TKA in the valgus knee have never been specifically evaluated. In this retrospective single institution study, we analyzed patient reported outcomes and radiographic measurements at minimum 2 years following KA-TKA for valgus knees (n = 51) and compared the results to KA-TKA performed for non-valgus knees (n = 275). The same approach, technique, and implants were used in both groups without the need to release soft tissues or use constrained implants. Surgery duration was similar between groups (p = 0.353). Lateral distal femoral angle was lower in the valgus group postoperatively (p = 0.036). In both groups significant improvement was seen in relieving pain and improving function, while average scores were superior in the non-valgus group for visual analog score (p = 0.005), oxford knee score (p = 0.013), and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (p = 0.009). However, these differences did not translate to statistically significant differences in minimal clinical important difference achievement rates. In conclusion, KA-TKA is efficient in relieving pain and improving function, as reported in subjective questionnaires, and holds advantage in patients with valgus alignment by avoiding soft tissue releases and use of constrained implants. Future studies should examine whether bone loss occurs in the lateral distal femur.

Individualized tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance-to-patellar length ratio (TT-TG/PL) is a more reliable measurement than TT-TG alone for evaluating patellar instability.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the intra/inter-rater and diagnostic reliability of the sagittal plane adjusted patellar instability ratios (PIRs) compared to tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance alone while employing a matched case-control analysis for age and sex to minimize a potential confounding effect. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was performed of all knee MRI studies of patients diagnosed with patellar instability, between 2005 and 2020 at a regional tertiary medical centre. Using a 1:1 case-control matching of sex and age at the time of the diagnosis, one control subject was assigned to each case of patellar instability. Measurements of TT-TG distance, sagittal patellar length (PL), sagittal patellar tendon length (PTL), TT-TG/PL ratio, and TT-TG/PTL ratio were conducted. Two orthopaedic surgery residents and a senior musculoskeletal radiologist were assigned to assess the intra- and inter-rater reliability. Inter-class coefficients were calculated (ICC). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under curve (AUC) for each parameter were compared to evaluate for diagnostic reliability. Odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated and a multivariable logistic regression model was performed to control for possible confounders. RESULTS: The study included 324 individuals (162 case-control matched pairs). In terms of intra- and inter-rater reliability, TT-TG/PL and TT-TG/PTL ratios showed an excellent correlation within and between readers (TT-TG/PL; intra-rater ICC 0.94 and inter-rater ICC 0.92, TT-TG/PTL; intra-rater ICC 0.91 and inter-rater ICC 0.88). The ROC curve showed a slightly greater AUC of the TT-TG/PL ratio compared to TT-TG distance alone (0.75 vs 0.73, p < 0.001). When applying the pathologic cutoff of TT-TG ≥ 20 mm and TT-TG/PL ≥ 0.5; the calculated odds ratios for the above cutoff were as follows; TT-TG distance alone had an OR of 14 (95% CI 1.8-106.5, p = 0.011) and OR for TT-TG/PL ratio was 23 (95% CI 3.1-170.3, p = 0.002). In the multivariable analysis, while controlling for height and weight, only the association between TT-TG/PL ratio and patellar dislocation remained statistically significant with an adjusted OR of 2.7 (CI 1.3-5.4, p = 0.006), compared to TTTG distance alone (OR = 1.9, n.s.). CONCLUSIONS: Patellar instability ratios are significantly more reliable compared to TT-TG distance alone for the evaluation of patellar instability. Patellar instability ratios present superior diagnostic reliability, sensitivity and specificity, and intra\inter rater reliability. Thus, patellar instability ratios could function as a valuable diagnostic tool for the evaluation of patellar instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Surgical Correction of Non-traumatic Patella Maltracking. Midterm Clinical Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Patellar instability comprises a group of pathologies that allow the patella to move out of its trajectory within the trochlear groove during walking. Symptomatic patients who need surgery commonly undergo soft tissue procedures such as medial patellofemoral ligament repair to strengthen the ligaments that hold the patella in place. However, soft-tissue repairs may be insufficient in patients suffering from patellar maltracking, which is characterized by an unbalanced gliding of the patella within its route. In these patients, a different approach is advised. We aim to provide the mid-term clinical outcomes of the Fulkerson distal realignment operation in selected patients with non-traumatic patellar maltracking. METHODS: The clinical outcomes of the Fulkerson distal realignment operation performed in 22 knees of 21 patients were evaluated by a self-administered subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score and the Tegner-Lysholm knee scoring scale. RESULTS: Before surgery, the median IKDC score was 52, and the median Tegner-Lysholm score was 56. Following surgery (mean follow-up 48 months, range 24-156), the median IKDC and the Tegner-Lysholm scores were 67 and 88, respectively. The improvement was statistically significant (P=0.001 and P=0.002 for IKDC and Tegner-Lysholm scores, respectively). Associated procedures included patella microfracture due to grade III-IV cartilage lesion (International Cartilage Repair Society grading system) in four patients, retinacular releases in three patients, medial capsular augmentations in two patients, and medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in two patients. One patient with Ehlers-Danlos disease required excessive medialization of the tibial tuberosity. Surgery-related complications occurred in three patients. DISCUSSION: Surgical correction of patellar maltracking with Fulkerson distal realignment combined with associated procedures in individual patients was associated with an increase in subjective and functional clinical scores at medium-term follow-up. Particular attention should address pathologies associated with patellar maltracking and managed accordingly. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4c (case series).

The impact of body mass index on the accuracy of the physical examination of the knee.

PURPOSE: Obesity is a worldwide pandemic; however, no adaptations were made to the physical examination of obese patient's knees. The accuracy of the physical examination is critical for correct assessment and selection of treatment. We aimed to assess whether body mass index (BMI) affects the sensitivity and specificity of common provocative knee tests. METHODS: We studied 210 patients who underwent knee arthroscopy to treat anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscal pathologies. BMI and the knee's physical examination were documented pre-operatively. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ACL and meniscal provocative tests in relation to BMI were evaluated using arthroscopy as a gold standard. RESULTS: The Anterior Drawer, Lachman, and Pivot-Shift tests for ACL tears were significantly less accurate and sensitive, yet more specific, in obese patients when compared to normal and overweight patients. The McMurray, Apley Grind, and Thessaly tests for medial meniscus tears showed greater sensitivity, but lower specificity, in patients with increased BMI. Above normal BMIs, independently of age and gender, were significantly associated with higher odds for positive ACL tests. CONCLUSION: Tests for ACL tears are less sensitive in obese patients and alternatives to the classic tests should be considered. Medial meniscus tests tend to be more sensitive and less specific in patients with greater BMIs. Their results should be carefully interpreted due to possible false positives. The physician should take into consideration the impact of patient BMI on the accuracy of their physical examination of the knee to optimize treatment decision-making.

T2 Mapping Values in Postmeniscectomy Knee Articular Cartilage after Running: Early Signs of Osteoarthritis?

Loading on the joints during running may have a deleterious effect on post-partial meniscectomy knee cartilage, leading to osteoarthritis. Utilizing T2-mapping measurements before and after running may enable the observation of changes in the articular cartilage of the postmeniscectomy knees compared with healthy knees. After medial partial meniscectomy, 12 volunteers underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the both knees, before and immediately after 30 minutes of running. Quantitative assessment of articular cartilage was performed using a T2-mapping technique. In the medial compartment of the operated knees, significantly lower T2 values were found in anterior tibial plateau (pre- vs. postrun: 33.85 vs. 30.45 ms; p = 0.003) and central tibial plateau (33.33 vs. 30.63 ms; p = 0.007). Similar differences were found in lateral regions of central femur (post- vs. prerun: 35.86 vs. 40.35 ms; p = 0.015), posterior femur (34.89 vs. 37.73 ms; p = 0.001), and anterior tibia (24.66 vs. 28.70 ms, p = 0.0004). In lateral compartment, postrun values were significantly lower in operated compared with healthy knees, in central femur (34.89 vs. 37.59 ms; p = 0.043), posterior femoral (36.88 vs. 39.36 ms; p = 0.017), anterior tibia (24.66 vs. 30.20 ms; p = 0.009), and posterior tibia (28.84 vs. 33.17 ms; p = 0.006). No statistical difference was found while comparing postrun to prerun healthy knees. Lower T2 values were found in operated knees after 30 minutes of running. These changes were seen in medial and lateral compartments. We suspect that running may subject the articular cartilage to excessive loads in the post-partial meniscectomy knee, loads that in healthy knee do not cause any changes.

Avoiding Injury to the Popliteal Neurovascular Bundle in All-Inside Suturing of the Posterior Horn of the Lateral Meniscus: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment of Portal Selection and Safety.

PURPOSE: We assessed the risk of injury to the popliteal neurovascular bundle (PNVB) while suturing the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus (PHLM). METHODS: We simulated all-inside suturing of the PHLM using magnetic resonance imaging of 60 knees. Lines were drawn from the medial and the lateral edges of the patellar tendon to the PHLM at increasing distances from the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) to simulate suturing device trajectory. Distance from each line to the PNVB was measured (d). A similar analysis was performed using lines drawn from 1 cm medial and 1 cm lateral to the patellar tendon. We compared the average "d" at increasing distances from the PCL, between the different simulated portal entry points. We have also analyzed the association between different demographic characteristics and the shortest distance from the PVNB to the PHLM. RESULTS: Of 1200 measurements performed, the simulated suturing trajectory transected the PNVB 343 times (28.6%). At 0 mm from the PCL, the safest portal was the 1-cm lateral portal (P < .001), with an average "d" of 2.7 mm. At 3 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, and 12 mm from the PCL, the safest portal was the 1-cm medial portal (P < .001), with average "d" of 3.8 mm, 6.9 mm, 10.1 mm, and 13.5 mm, respectively. Average distance between the PHLM and the PNVB was 7.8 mm. Shorter distance between the PHLM and the PNVB was associated with younger age and female sex (P = .014 and .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: All-inside suturing of the PHLM at 0 mm from the PCL is safer with a more lateral portal. Beyond 3 mm from the PCL, a more medial portal carries a lower risk to the PNVB. Young and female patients have a shorter distance between the PHLM and the PNVB, suggesting a greater risk for injury to the PNVB. Careful preoperative magnetic resonance imaging assessment may assist in safer portal selection when planning repair of the PHLM. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study describes a magnetic resonance imaging-based risk assessment for injury of the PVNB while suturing the PHLM. It allows the orthopaedic surgeon a better understanding of the anatomic relationship between the popliteal neurovascular bundle and the lateral meniscus and can assist in portal selection and safety.

Thrombophilia-Associated Factors in Patients with Spontaneous Osteonecrosis of the Knee.

OBJECTIVE: To test whether patients with spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK) are characterized by abnormal levels of thrombophilia-associated factors. DESIGN: Twenty-five patients with SONK were recruited. Inclusion criteria were (1) age >40 years, (2) acute onset knee pain not precipitated by trauma, and (3) MRI findings consistent with SONK. Exclusion criteria were (1) history of cancer and chemotherapy and (2) factors associated with secondary osteonecrosis. Blood tests included 13 thrombophilia-associated factors that were either heritable mutations or acquired factors. Descriptive statistics included medians, ranges, means, and standard deviations. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare thrombophilia-associated factor levels between the sexes. Spearman's rank test was used to test correlations between smoking status and each thrombophilia-associated factor. Level of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Median patient age was 62 years (range, 44-77 years). There were 16 (64%) men. Thirteen (52%) patients had thrombophilia-associated factor abnormalities of which 9 were elevated fibrinogen but this was less than 1 standard deviation above norm threshold. Other findings were 3 patients with marginally decreased antithrombin below norm threshold, low protein S Ag in only 1 patient, and factor V Leiden mutation heterozygosity in 2 patients, which was not higher than normal population prevalence. Thrombophilia-associated factors neither differed between sexes ( P = nonsignificant) nor correlated with smoking status ( P = nonsignificant). CONCLUSION: Thrombophilia-associated factor abnormalities in patients with SONK were minimal. Therefore, clinical workup and treatment strategy in this disease should focus on addressing alternative etiologies leading to abnormal subchondral bone metabolism with focal osteopenia.

A non-invasive, home-based biomechanical therapy for patients with spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the current study was to examine the effect of a non-invasive, home-based biomechanical treatment program for patients with spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK). METHODS: Seventeen patients with SONK, confirmed by MRI, participated in this retrospective analysis. Patients underwent a spatiotemporal gait analysis and completed the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Short-Form-36 (SF-36). Following an initial assessment, patients commenced the biomechanical treatment (AposTherapy). All patients were reassessed after 3 and 6 months of treatment. RESULTS: A significant reduction in pain and improvement in function was seen after 3 months of therapy with additional improvement after 6 months of therapy. Pain was reduced by 53% and functional limitation reduced by 43%. Furthermore, a significant improvement was also found in the SF-36 subscales, including the summary of physical and mental scores. Significant improvements were found in most of the gait parameters including a 41% increase in gait velocity and a 22% increase in step length. Patients also demonstrated improvement in limb symmetry, especially by increasing the single limb support of the involved limb. CONCLUSIONS: Applying this therapy allowed patients to be active, while walking more symmetrically and with less pain. With time, the natural course of the disease alongside the activity of the patients with the unique biomechanical device led to a significant reduction in pain and improved gait patterns. Therefore, we believe AposTherapy should be considered as a treatment option for patients with SONK. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Assaf Harofeh Medical Center Institutional Helsinki Committee Registry, 141/08; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00767780 .

The Long-Term Outcome After Varus Derotational Osteotomy for Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease: A Mean Follow-up of 42 Years.

BACKGROUND: Varus derotational osteotomy (VDRO) is one of the most common surgical treatments for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, yet its long-term results have not been fully assessed. We aimed to determine the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes following VDRO. METHODS: Forty patients (43 hips) who underwent VDRO for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease at our institution from 1959 to 1983, and participated in a follow-up study completed 10 years earlier, were approached for the present study. Clinical examination and radiographs were evaluated. Hip status and well-being were assessed with the Harris hip score and the Short Form-36 (SF-36). RESULTS: Thirty-five patients (37 hips) participated in the study. Information regarding the need for an arthroplasty was gathered on 4 additional hips from the previous study. The mean follow-up was 42.5 years (range, 32.4 to 56.5 years), with a mean patient age of 50.2 years (range, 35.9 to 67.8 years). In total, 7 patients (7 hips; 17% of 41 hips for which information was available, including 1 hip from the original cohort of 40 patients [43 hips]), underwent a total hip arthroplasty for hip pain. Excluding patients who had undergone an arthroplasty, the mean Harris hip and SF-36 scores were 79.8 points (range, 23.1 to 100 points) and 74.8 (range, 15.1 to 100), respectively. Twenty (64.5%) of the 31 hips that had not been replaced achieved a good or excellent Harris hip score (≥80 points). Sixteen (57.1%) of 28 hips with follow-up radiographs had no, or minimal, signs of osteoarthritis. The Stulberg classification was associated with the Harris hip score, the SF-36 score, hip pain, a Trendelenburg sign, coxa magna, and the Tönnis grade. In a multivariate analysis, the Stulberg classification was the only factor associated with fair or poor outcomes (a Harris hip score of <80 points). Patients with a Stulberg class-III or IV hip had significant deterioration with respect to the Harris hip score and Tönnis grade during the 10-year period since the last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A long-term follow-up of patients who were operatively treated for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease revealed that a low proportion underwent total hip arthroplasty and a relatively high proportion maintained good clinical and radiographic outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Resection Arthroplasty for Resistant Ulcers Underlying the Hallux in Insensate Diabetics.

BACKGROUND: Foot ulcers carry considerable morbidity in patients with peripheral neuropathy and frequently lead to foot amputation. The purpose of this study was to present our experience treating recalcitrant ulcers underlying the hallux interphalangeal joint in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM)-related neuropathy with a first metatarsophalangeal (MTPJ1) resection arthroplasty. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the computerized medical files of patients with diabetic neuropathy treated with a MTPJ1 resection arthroplasty. We performed 28 arthroplasties on 20 patients with a mean age of 59 years. The patients had a diagnosis of DM for a mean of 10.7 years. Of the ulcers, 26 were grade 1A ulcers, and 2 were grade 2A ulcers (University of Texas score); the ulcer's mean age was 5.4 months. The mean dorsiflexion of the hallux before surgery was 46 degrees. RESULTS: The primary ulcer recovered in a mean of 3.1 weeks. Major complications (wound dehiscence and infection) occurred in 6 of 28 operations. Patients returned to normal activity 4 weeks after all procedures except in the 6 patients with dehiscence. In a subgroup of patients with follow-up longer than a year, the ulcer recurred after 4 of 18 arthroplasties (22%) between 3 and 12 months due to postoperative hallux rigidus. In the remaining 14 of 18 arthroplasties (78%), there was no recurrence during a mean follow-up of 26 months. CONCLUSION: MTPJ1 resection arthroplasty may be considered in a patient with resistant plantar hallux ulcerations, even in the absence of hallux rigidus. As with all operations on neuropathic feet in patients with DM, the surgeon and the patient should be aware that there is a significant likelihood of complications, but most are treatable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

An unusual case of leg pain in a competitive cyclist: a case report and review of the literature.

Cycling has become a popular recreational and competitive sport. The number of people participating in the sport is gradually increasing. Despite being a noncontact, low-impact sport, as many as 85% of athletes engaged in the sport will suffer from an overuse injury, with the lower limbs comprising the majority of these injuries. Up to 20% of all lower extremity overuse injuries in competitive cyclists are of a vascular source. A 39-year-old competitive cyclist had a 5-year history of thigh pain during cycling, preventing him from competing. The patient was eventually diagnosed with external iliac artery endofibrosis. After conservative treatment failed, the patient underwent corrective vascular surgery with complete resolution of his symptoms and return to competitive cycling by 1 year. Since its first description in 1985, there have been more than 60 articles addressing external iliac artery endofibrosis pathology.

A noninvasive biomechanical treatment as an additional tool in the rehabilitation of an acute anterior cruciate ligament tear: A case report.

OBJECTIVES: Conservative treatments for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears may have just as good an outcome as invasive treatments. These include muscle strengthening and neuromuscular proprioceptive exercises to improve joint stability and restore motion to the knee. The Purpose of the current work presents was to examine the feasibility of a novel non-invasive biomechanical treatment to improve the rehabilitation process following an ACL tear. This is a single case report that presents the effect of this therapy in a patient with a complete ACL rupture who chose not to undergo reconstructive surgery. METHODS: A 29-year old female athlete with an acute indirect injury to the knee who chose not to undergo surgery was monitored. Two days after injury the patient began AposTherapy. A unique biomechanical device was specially calibrated to the patient's feet. The therapy program was initiated, which included carrying out her daily routine while wearing the device. The subject underwent a gait analysis at baseline and follow-up gait analyses at weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 26. RESULTS: A severe abnormal gait was seen immediately after injury, including a substantial decrease in gait velocity, step length and single limb support. In addition, limb symmetry was substantially compromised following the injury. After 4 weeks of treatment, patient had returned to normal gait values and limbs asymmetry reached the normal range. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this case report suggest that this conservative biomechanical therapy may have helped this patient in her rehabilitation process. Further research is needed in order to determine the effect of this therapy for patients post ACL injuries.

A unique foot-worn device for patients with degenerative meniscal tear.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the current study was to assess the effects of a new foot-worn device on the gait, physical function and pain in patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis (OA) who had a low-impact injury to the medial meniscus causing a degenerative meniscal tear. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 34 patients with knee OA and a degenerative medial meniscal tear was performed. Patients underwent a gait evaluation, using an electronic walkway mat, and completed the SF-36 health survey and the WOMAC questionnaire at baseline and after 3 and 12 months of therapy. AposTherapy is a functional, biomechanical, non-invasive rehabilitation therapy consisting of a foot-worn device that is individually calibrated to each patient and is used during activities of daily living. Repeated-measures analyses were performed to compare gait parameters and self-evaluation questionnaires between baseline, and 3 and 12 months. RESULTS: Significant improvements were found in gait velocity, step length and single-limb support of the involved knee following 12 weeks of therapy (all p < 0.01), alongside an improvement in limb symmetry. These results were maintained at the 12-month follow-up examination. Significant improvements were also found in all three domains of the WOMAC index (pain, stiffness and physical function) and in the SF-36 Physical Health Scale and the SF-36 Mental Health Scale (all p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with knee OA and a degenerative medial meniscal tear using a biomechanical foot-worn device for a year showed improvement in gait, physical function and pain. Based on the findings of this study, it can be postulated that this biomechanical device might have a positive effect on this population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level IV.