Gluteus Repair Yields Satisfactory Clinically Significant Outcome Achievement by 1 Year in Mostly Partial-Thickness Tears With Preoperative Hip Abduction Weakness Associated With Delayed Achievement.

PURPOSE: To define the time to achievement of clinically significant outcomes (CSOs) after primary gluteus medius and/or minimus (GM) repair and to identify factors associated with delayed CSO achievement. METHODS: Patients who underwent primary GM repair between January 2012 and June 2021 with complete preoperative, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL) were retrospectively identified. Cohort-specific minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) were calculated. The time to achievement of MCID and PASS was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Median time to MCID and PASS achievement was recorded. Multivariate stepwise Cox regressions were used to identify factors associated with delayed CSO achievement. RESULTS: Fifty GM repairs were identified (age 59.4 ± 9.7 years, body mass index 27.9 ± 6.2, 94% female). Tears were grade 1 in 39 cases, grade 2 in 7 cases, and grade 3 in 4 cases. Endoscopic repair was performed in 35 cases, and open repair was performed in 15 cases. Labral debridement and repair were each performed in 15 cases. Median time to CSO achievement was 5.7 months for MCID and 11.0 months for PASS. The 2-year cumulative probability of MCID and PASS achievement was 92.7% and 66.7%, respectively. Preoperative hip abduction weakness on physical examination was associated with delayed achievement of MCID (hazard ratio 2.27, confidence interval 1.067-7.41, P = .039) and PASS (hazard ratio 3.89, confidence interval 1.341-11.283, P = .012). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that in patients undergoing repair of primarily grade 1 GM tears, most achieved MCID by 6 months, and more than one half achieved PASS by 12 months. Preoperative hip abduction weakness on physical examination was associated with delayed CSO achievement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Subacromial Balloon Spacer for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment Shows Improved Pain and Strength at 5-Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: To report on minimum 5-year outcomes following subacromial balloon spacer implantation (SBSI), in terms of survivorship, pain reduction, functional outcomes, complications, and reoperations. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed for consecutive patients undergoing SBSI between April 1, 2012, and June 30, 2016. Patients completed preoperative and postoperative follow-up for minimum 5 years on the following patient-reported outcomes (PROs): Constant-Murley Score (CMS), visual analog scale for pain (VAS), strength, and patient satisfaction. Reoperations and complications were recorded. Minimal detectable change (MDC) was calculated and the proportion of patients achieving MDC for CMS and VAS were calculated. RESULTS: During the study period, SBSI was performed in 36 patients. Three patients were deceased within 5 years. Of the remaining 33 patients, follow-up was available on 29 patients (80.6%). Mean age at the time of operation was 72.7 ± 4.5 years, and 69% of the patients were males. Mean follow-up time was 72.5 months. Significant improvements from preoperative to last follow-up were demonstrated in CMS (36.08 vs. 63.88; P < .001), VAS (6.72 vs. 1.68; P < .001), and strength (3.8 vs 5.87 kg; P < .001). These improvements were demonstrated at 3 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months, and 60 months. Mean patient satisfaction at last follow-up was 8.72. The MDC for both CMS and VAS was achieved by 75.9% (22/29) of patients. Four patients underwent conversion to a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). Complications included one patient with balloon dislocation and one patient with a secondary infection due to urinary tract infection. CONCLUSIONS: Pain reduction and functional improvements are sustained at minimum 5 years after SBSI in patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears. The 5-year conversion rate to an RTSA was 13.79%. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case-series.

Revision and Primary Meniscal Allograft Transplantations Provide Clinical Benefit at Mid-Term Follow-Up: A Matched-Cohort Analysis of Patient-Reported Outcomes, Reoperations, and Failures.

PURPOSE: To report the mid-term outcomes of patients who underwent revision meniscal allograft transplantation (RMAT) and compare survivorship free from reoperation and failure with a matched cohort of patients who underwent primary meniscal allograft transplantation (PMAT). METHODS: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data identified patients who underwent RMAT and PMAT between 1999 and 2017. A cohort of PMAT patients matched at a ratio of 2:1 with respect to age, body mass index, sex, and concomitant procedures served as the control group. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at baseline and at a minimum of 5 years postoperatively were collected. PROMs and the achievement of clinically significant outcomes were analyzed within groups. Graft survivorship free from meniscal reoperation and failure (arthroplasty or subsequent RMAT) was compared between cohorts using log-rank testing. RESULTS: During the study period, 22 RMATs were performed in 22 patients. Of these RMAT patients, 16 met the inclusion criteria (73% follow-up rate). The mean age of RMAT patients was 29.7 ± 9.3 years, and the mean follow-up period was 9.9 ± 4.2 years (range, 5.4-16.8 years). There were no differences between the RMAT cohort and the 32 matched PMAT patients with respect to age (P = .292), body mass index (P = .623), sex (P = .537), concomitant procedures (P ≥ .286), or baseline PROMs (P ≥ .066). The patient acceptable symptomatic state was achieved by the RMAT cohort for the subjective International Knee Documentation Committee score (70%), Lysholm score (38%), and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscales (Pain [73%], Symptoms [64%], Sport [45%], Activities of Daily Living [55%], and Quality of Life [36%]). In the RMAT cohort, 5 patients (31%) underwent subsequent reoperation at a mean of 4.7 ± 2.1 years (range, 1.7-6.7 years) and 5 patients met the criteria for failure at a mean of 4.9 ± 2.9 years (range, 1.2-8.4 years). There were no significant differences in survivorship free from reoperation (P = .735) or failure (P = .170) between the RMAT and PMAT cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: At mid-term follow-up, most patients who underwent RMAT achieved the patient acceptable symptomatic state for the subjective International Knee Documentation Committee score and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscales of Pain, Symptoms, and Activities of Daily Living. Additionally, there were no differences in survival free from meniscal reoperation or failure between the PMAT and RMAT cohorts. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative cohort.

Minimum 10-Year Clinical Outcomes and Survivorship of Meniscal Allograft Transplantation With Fresh-Frozen Allografts Using the Bridge-in-Slot Technique.

BACKGROUND: Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) has been shown to provide clinical benefits in patients with symptomatic meniscal deficiency in the short term and midterm. There is, however, a paucity of data regarding long-term outcomes after MAT using fresh-frozen allografts and the bridge-in-slot technique. PURPOSE: To report clinical outcomes and revision rates after primary MAT with fresh-frozen allografts and the bridge-in-slot technique in a large case series of patients at a 10-year minimum follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed on patients undergoing primary MAT between 2001 and 2012. Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee subjective form, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscales were collected preoperatively and at 1-, 2-, 5-, and minimum 10-year follow-ups. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to identify variables associated with reoperation and failure, defined as revision MAT or conversion to arthroplasty. Reoperation was defined as a subsequent surgical intervention on the transplanted meniscus, including partial or total meniscectomy, meniscal repair, or failure as defined in the previous sentence. RESULTS: A total of 174 patients undergoing MAT met the inclusion criteria and were followed for a mean of 12.7 ± 2.7 years (range, 10.0-21.0 years). The mean age at surgery was 28.3 ± 10.1 years. The patients were predominantly female (n = 92; 53%), and medial MAT was the most commonly performed procedure (n = 91; 52%). Concomitant procedures were performed in 115 patients (66%), with the most common procedure being osteochondral allograft transplantation (n = 59; 34%). Patients demonstrated statistically significant postoperative improvements at all time points for all patient-reported outcome measures (P≤ .0001). A total of 65 patients (37%) underwent a meniscal reoperation at a mean time of 6.6 ± 5.5 years (range, 0.3-16.7 years) postoperatively. A total of 40 patients (23%) met the criteria for failure at a mean time of 7.3 ± 5.0 years (range, 1.0-17.4 years) after MAT, with 22 of these patients having undergone a previous meniscal reoperation. At the final follow-up, 13 patients (7%) had undergone revision MAT and 27 (15%) had converted to arthroplasty. The MAT survival rates free of meniscal reoperation and failure were 73% and 85% at 10 years and 60% and 72% at 15 years, respectively. At the time of the final follow-up, 86% of patients reported that they were satisfied with their overall postoperative condition. CONCLUSION: Primary MAT demonstrates efficacy and durability with high rates of patient satisfaction at a minimum 10-year follow-up. Patients should be counseled that although reoperation rates may approach 40% at 15 years, rates of overall revision MAT and conversion to arthroplasty remain low at long-term follow-up.

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.

Patient-Specific Variables Associated with Failure to Achieve Clinically Significant Outcomes After Meniscal Allograft Transplantation at Minimum 5 Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: To determine the improvements in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) necessary to achieve minimal clinically important difference (MCID), patient-acceptable symptomatic state (PASS), and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) after primary meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) at a minimum of 5-year follow-up, while identifying variables predictive of achieving clinically significant outcomes (CSOs). METHODS: A retrospective review was performed to identify patients undergoing primary MAT at a single institution from 1999 to 2016. Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales were collected before surgery and at a minimum of 5-year follow-up. A distribution-based approach was used to calculate MCID, whereas an anchor-based approach was used to calculate SCB and PASS. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with CSO achievement. RESULTS: A total of 202 patients undergoing MAT (56% medial, 44% lateral) were included with a mean follow-up of 9.8 ± 4.1 years, age of 29.7 ± 8.5 years, and body mass index (BMI) of 26.5 ± 4.7. Thresholds for achieving MCID, PASS, and SCB, respectively, at a minimum 5-year follow-up for Lysholm (10.3, 74.5, 32.5), IKDC (12.1, 55.6, 29.1), and KOOS subscales questionnaires (Pain [11.0, 70.7, 25.1], Symptoms [11.0, 60.8, 19.6], Activities of Daily Living [10.5, 90.3, 17.9], Sport [16.2, 47.4, 37.5], and Quality of Life [13.6, 40.5, 37.3]) were calculated. Reduced odds of achieving MCID were associated with higher preoperative PROM scores, BMI, patient age, concomitant osteotomy, male sex, and worker's compensation (WC) status. Reduced odds of achieving PASS were associated with lower preoperative PROM scores, higher BMI (particularly ≥30), patient age, and WC status. Reduced odds of achieving SCB were associated with higher preoperative PROM scores and WC status. CONCLUSIONS: This study established the MCID, PASS, and SCB at 5-year minimum follow-up for the Lysholm score, IKDC, and KOOS subscales in patients who underwent MAT. Increased BMI and patient age, male sex, performance of concomitant osteotomy, WC status, and preoperative PROM scores were associated with failure to achieve CSOs after primary MAT at a minimum of 5-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study, retrospective case series.

[SEPTIC KNEE - DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT].

INTRODUCTION: Acute septic arthritis of the knee joint is an orthopedic emergency, potentially devastating, which can lead to high morbidity and may even be life-threatening. While any synovial joint can be infected, the knee is the most often affected joint and is involved in about 50 % of the cases. The infection is usually caused by a gram-positive bacteria. The diagnosis is made by synovial fluid aspiration, microbiological analysis and hematological investigations of inflammatory measures. Treatment requires emergency irrigation and debridement of the joint, and intravenous antibiotics. Surgical debridement can be performed either arthroscopically or via open arthrotomy. In recent years, arthroscopic treatment demonstrated more favorable outcomes with better functional outcomes, shorter operative time and hospital stays.

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.

Concomitant Meniscotibial Ligament Reconstruction Decreases Meniscal Extrusion Following Medial Meniscus Allograft Transplantation: A Cadaveric Analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare meniscal extrusion (ME) following medial meniscus allograft transplantation (MMAT) with and without meniscotibial ligament reconstruction (MTLR). METHODS: Ten cadaveric knees were size-matched with meniscus allografts. MMAT was performed via bridge-in-slot technique. Specimens were mounted in a testing system and ME was assessed via ultrasound anterior, directly over, and posterior to the medial collateral ligament at the joint line under 4 testing conditions: (1) 0° flexion and 0 newtons (N) of axial load, (2) 0° and 1,000 N, (3) 30° and 0 N, and (4) 30° and 1,000 N. For each condition, "mean total extrusion" was calculated by averaging measurements at each position. Next, MTLR was performed using 2 inside-out sutures through the remnant allograft meniscotibial ligament and secured to the tibia using anchors. The testing protocol was repeated. Differences in ME between MMAT alone versus MMAT + MTLR were examined. Within-group differences between the measurement positions, loading states, and flexion angles also were assessed. RESULTS: "Mean total extrusion" was greater following MMAT alone (2.56 ± 1.23 mm) versus MMAT + MTLR (2.14 ± 1.07 mm; P = .005) in the loaded state at 0° flexion. ME directly over the MCL was greater following MMAT alone (3.51 ± 1.00 mm) compared with MMAT + MTLR (2.93 ± 0.79 mm; P = .054). Posteriorly, in the loaded state at 0°, ME was greater following MMAT alone (2.43 ± 1.10 mm) compared with MMAT + MTLR (1.96 ± 0.99 mm; P = .010). In all conditions, ME was greater in the loaded state versus the unloaded state. CONCLUSIONS: Following MMAT, the addition of MTLR significantly reduced overall ME when compared with isolated MMAT during loading at 0° of flexion in a cadaveric model; given the small absolute values of change in extrusion, clinical significance cannot be gleaned from these findings. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: During medial meniscus allograft transplantation, augmentation with meniscotibial ligament reconstruction may limit meniscal extrusion and improve the biomechanical milieu of the knee joint following transplant.

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.

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.

Mini Invasive Floating Metatarsal Osteotomy for Diabetic Foot Ulcers Under the First Metatarsal Head: A Case Series.

Diabetic foot ulcers under the first metatarsal head are difficult to treat and prevent recurrence. The aim of this study is to summarize the results of a distal first metatarsal minimally invasive floating osteotomy for ulcers under the first metatarsal head in patients with diabetic neuropathy. We reviewed files of patients with diabetic neuropathy undergoing a floating first metatarsal osteotomy. Demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed to determine success and complications. We found records for 21 patients (mean age 64) with University of Texas 1A ulcers. The ulcer's mean age was 11.2 months. Following surgery, the ulcer completely resolved after a mean of 3.7 (2 to 11) weeks in 19 patients. During the first year, there were 4 complications related to the surgery (including 3 infections). At latest follow-up, 17/21 (81%) patients had healed with satisfactory results. Minimal invasive floating distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal can cure and prevent recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers under the first metatarsal head in 80% of the patients, but the ability to provide close follow-up and prompt response are prerequisites.

Do Outcomes of Meniscal Allograft Transplantation Differ Based on Age and Sex? A Comparative Group Analysis.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effect of patient age, sex, and associated preoperative factors on patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures and graft survival following primary meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT). METHODS: A prospectively collected database was retrospectively reviewed to identify patients who underwent primary MAT with a minimum of 2 years of follow up between 1999 and 2017. Demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative outcome data were collected for each patient. Postoperative outcomes were stratified based on age and sex, and comparative statistical analysis was performed between sexes, both >40 and <40. RESULTS: A total of 238 patients underwent primary MAT during the study period, of which 212 patients (mean age, 28.5 ± 9.0 years; range, 15.01-53.67 years) met the inclusion criteria with a mean follow-up of 5.1 ± 3.4 years (range 2.0-15.9 years). At final follow-up, patients ≥40 and <40 years of age demonstrated statistically significant improvements in nearly all PRO scores (P < .05 for both groups). There were no significant differences between either group for achievement of minimal clinically important difference for International Knee Documentation Committee (P = .48) or Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score symptoms (P = .76). Because of insufficient numbers, a statistically significant difference could not be demonstrated in reoperation rate (≥40: 1.49 ± 1.77 years, <40: 1.87 ± 1.98 years, P = .591), failure rate (≥40: 7/32 [21.9%], <40: 19/180 [10.6%], P = .072), or complication rate (≥40: 2/32 [6.3%], <40: 12/180 [6.7%], P = .930) based on age. Both sexes showed a significant improvement in PROs, whereas female patients were more likely to undergo revision surgery (P = .033), with no significant differences based on time to reoperation, failure, or complication rates. CONCLUSIONS: PROs similarly improved following MAT in both patients aged ≥40 and those <40 at final follow-up with no significant differences in minimal clinically important difference achievement rate, complication rate, reoperation rate, time to reoperation, or failure rate between groups. Female patients may be more likely to undergo revision surgery after MAT. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; therapeutic retrospective comparison study.

Defining Clinically Significant Outcomes Following Superior Capsular Reconstruction With Acellular Dermal Allograft.

PURPOSE: To define clinically significant outcomes (CSO) thresholds for minimal clinically important difference (MCID), substantial clinical benefit (SCB), and patient-acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) in patients undergoing superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) with an acellular dermal allograft. We also evaluated patient-specific variables predictive of achieving CSO thresholds. METHODS: The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and subjective Constant-Murley (Constant) scores were collected preoperatively and at the most recent follow up for patients undergoing SCR from 2010 to 2019. A distribution-based approach was used to calculate MCID, and an anchor-based approach was used to calculate SCB and PASS. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with CSO achievement. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were identified (n = 39 males; n = 19 females) with a mean age of 53.4 ± 14.1 years at surgery and an average follow-up of 23 months. The MCID, SCB, and PASS were 11.2, 18.02, and 68.82 for ASES, 14.5, 23.13, and 69.9 for SANE, and 3.6, 10, and 18 for Constant, respectively. Subscapularis tear, female sex, and workers compensation (WC) status reduced odds of achieving MCID. Reduced odds of achieving Constant SCB were associated with older age, female sex, and WC status, while concomitant distal clavicle excision during SCR and lower preoperative ASES increased odds of achieving ASES SCB. Reduced odds for achieving ASES PASS were associated with female sex and WC status, while reduced odds for achieving SANE PASS were associated with subscapularis tearing preoperatively. CONCLUSION: On the basis of calculated values for MCID, SCB, and PASS, subscapularis tearing, WC status, age, and sex are associated with failure to achieve clinically significant outcomes following SCR. Concomitant distal clavicle excision during SCR and lower preoperative ASES was predictive for achievement of MCID and SCB. By defining the thresholds and variables predictive of achieving CSOs following SCR, surgeons may better counsel patients prior to SCR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Establishing clinically significant outcomes of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Upper Extremity questionnaire after primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: Since its introduction, the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Upper Extremity (PROMIS UE) assessment has been increasingly used in shoulder arthroplasty outcome measurement. However, determination of clinically significant outcomes using the PROMIS UE has yet to be investigated following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). We hypothesized that we could establish clinically significant outcomes of the PROMIS UE outcome assessment in patients undergoing primary RTSA and identify significant baseline patient factors associated with achievement of these measures. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing primary RTSA between 2018 and 2019 who received preoperative baseline and follow-up PROMIS UE assessments at 12 months after surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Domain-specific anchor questions pertaining to pain and function assessed at 12 months after surgery were used to determine minimal clinically important difference (MCID), substantial clinical benefit (SCB), and patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) values for the PROMIS UE using receiver operating characteristic curve and area-under-the-curve (AUC) analysis. Univariate logistic regression analysis was then performed to identify significant patient factors associated with achieving the MCID, SCB, or PASS. RESULTS: A total of 95 patients met all inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. By use of an anchor-based method, the PASS value was 36.68 (sensitivity, 0.795; specificity, 0.765; AUC, 0.793) and the SCB value was 11.62 (sensitivity, 0.597; specificity, 1.00; AUC, 0.806). By use of a distribution-based method, the MCID value was calculated to be 4.27. Higher preoperative PROMIS UE scores were a positive predictor in achievement of the PASS (odds ratio [OR], 1.107; P = .05), whereas lower preoperative PROMIS UE scores were associated with obtaining SCB (OR, 0.787; P < .001). Greater baseline forward flexion was negatively associated with achievement of the PASS (OR, 0.986; P = .033) and MCID (OR, 0.976, P = .013). Of the patients, 83.2%, 69.5%, and 47.4% achieved the MCID, PASS, and SCB, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study defines the MCID, SCB, and PASS for the PROMIS UE outcome assessment in patients undergoing primary RTSA, of whom the majority achieved meaningful outcome improvement at 12 months after surgery. These values may be used in assessing the outcomes and extent of functional improvement following RTSA.

Clinically Significant Outcomes Following the Treatment of Focal Cartilage Defects of the Knee With Microfracture Augmentation Using Cartilage Allograft Extracellular Matrix: A Multicenter Prospective Study.

PURPOSE: To determine the short-term outcomes following microfracture augmented with cartilage allograft extracellular matrix for the treatment of symptomatic focal cartilage defects of the adult knee. METHODS: Forty-eight patients enrolled by 8 surgeons from 8 separate institutions were included in this study. Patients underwent microfracture augmented by cartilage allograft extracellular matrix (BioCartilage; Arthrex, Naples, FL) and were followed at designated time points (3, 6, 12, and 24 months) to assess patient-reported outcomes (PROs), clinically significant outcomes (CSOs), and failure and complication rates. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was offered at 2 years postoperatively regardless of symptomatology, and Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) 2.0 score was documented. RESULTS: PRO compliance was 81.3% at 6 months, 72.9% at 12 months, and 47.9% at 2 years. All joint-specific and function-related PROs significantly improved compared to baseline at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of follow-up (P < .01), apart from Marx activity scale, which demonstrated a significant decline in postoperative scores at 2 years (P = .034). The percentage of patients achieving CSOs (as defined for microfracture) at 2 years was 90% for minimal clinically important difference and 85% for patient acceptable symptomatic state. Patient factors including age, sex, body mass index, symptoms duration, smoking, presence of a meniscal tear, lesion size, and location were not associated with CSO achievement at 2 years. One patient (2.1%) failed treatment 9.5 months postoperatively due to graft delamination and required a reoperation consisting of arthroscopic debridement. One complication (2.1%) consisting of complaints of clicking, grinding, and crepitus 15 months following the index procedure was reported. Two-year postoperative MRI demonstrated a mean 40.5 ± 22.9 MOCART 2.0 score. CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary study, we found cartilage allograft extracellular matrix to be associated with improvement in functional outcomes, high rates of CSO achievement, and low failure and complication rates at 2-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prospective multicenter cohort study.

Time to closure of orthopaedic surgical incisions: a novel skin closure device versus conventional sutures.

OBJECTIVE: New technologies are being developed to optimise healing of surgical incisions. BandGrip (US) is a micro-anchor skin closure device that replaces the need for subcuticular suturing and further dressing. The purpose of this study is to perform a matched cohort analysis comparing time to closure of surgical incisions between sutures and the novel skin closure device. METHOD: Patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery in 2019 underwent skin closure with either conventional sutures or the novel skin closure device. Patients were divided into three groups according to their procedural incisions: anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR); simple arthroscopy; and general incisions. Patients who underwent closure of their surgical incision with the novel skin closure device were matched with patients undergoing superficial closure with sutures. Statistical analysis was performed to compare time to closure per centimetre of skin incision between the groups. RESULTS: A total of 86 patients were included in the study. Overall mean time to closure using the novel skin closure device was less than with sutures (8.6 seconds/cm versus 42.8 seconds/cm, respectively, p<0.001). Mean time to closure for ACLR incisions was 3.7 seconds/cm using the novel skin closure device and 35.5 seconds/cm using sutures (p<0.001). Mean time to closure for simple arthroscopy portals was 19 seconds/cm using the novel skin closure device and 47.6 seconds/cm using sutures (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: BandGrip is a novel skin closure device that allows for efficient surgical incision closure. Time to surgical skin incision closure is significantly less with the use of the novel skin closure device when compared with conventional sutures.

Osteochondral Allograft Transplant for Focal Cartilage Defects of the Femoral Condyles: Clinically Significant Outcomes, Failures, and Survival at a Minimum 5-Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplant for symptomatic focal cartilage defects in the knee has demonstrated favorable short- to midterm outcomes. However, the reoperation rate is high, and literature on mid- to long-term outcomes is limited. PURPOSE: To analyze clinically significant outcomes (CSOs), failures, and graft survival rates after OCA transplant of the femoral condyles at a minimum 5-year follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Review of a prospectively maintained database of 205 consecutive patients who had primary OCA transplant was performed to identify patients with a minimum of 5 years of follow-up. Outcomes including patient-reported outcomes (PROs), CSOs, complications, reoperation rate, and failures were evaluated. Failure was defined as revision cartilage procedure, conversion to knee arthroplasty, or macroscopic graft failure confirmed using second-look arthroscopy. Patient preoperative and surgical factors were assessed for their association with outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 160 patients (78.0% follow-up) underwent OCA transplant with a mean follow-up of 7.7 ± 2.7 years (range, 5.0-16.3 years). Mean age at the time of surgery was 31.9 ± 10.7 years, with a mean symptom duration of 5.8 ± 6.3 years. All mean PRO scores significantly improved, with 75.0% of patients achieving minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and 58.9% of patients achieving significant clinical benefit for the International Knee Documentation Committee score at final follow-up. The reoperation rate was 39.4% and was associated with a lower probability of achieving MCID. However, most patients undergoing reoperation did not proceed to failure at final follow-up (63.4% of total reoperations). A total of 34 (21.3%) patients had failures overall, and the 5- and 10-year survival rates were 86.2% and 81.8%, respectively. Failure was independently associated with greater body mass index, longer symptom duration, number of previous procedures, and previous failed cartilage debridement. Athletes were protected against failure. Survival rates over time were not affected by OCA site (P = .154), previous cartilage or meniscal procedure (P = .287 and P = .284, respectively), or concomitant procedures at the time of OCA transplant (P = .140). CONCLUSION: OCA transplant was associated with significant clinical improvement and durability at mid- to long-term follow-up, with 5- and 10-year survival rates of 86.2% and 81.8%, respectively. Maintenance of CSOs can be expected in the majority of patients at a mean of 7.7 years after OCA transplant. Although the reoperation rate was high (39.4%) and could have adversely affected chances of maintaining MCID, most patients did not have failure at long-term follow-up.