Treatment of Severely Shortened or Comminuted Clavicular Fractures in Older Adolescent Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence suggests that for completely displaced midshaft clavicular fractures, surgery offers no clear benefit over nonoperative treatment in a general adolescent population from 10 to 18 years of age. However, the comparative outcomes of comminuted and/or severely shortened clavicular fractures specifically in older adolescent athletes have not been explored in a focused, methodologically rigorous fashion. HYPOTHESIS: The study hypothesis was that outcomes would be superior in older adolescent athletes who underwent operative treatment compared with nonoperative treatment for comminuted and/or severely shortened clavicular fractures. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: A level 2, multicenter, prospective cohort study investigating the outcomes of midshaft fractures in adolescents between 2013 and 2017 was filtered to analyze the subcohorts of athletes 14 to 18 years of age with either fracture comminution or fracture shortening of ≥25 mm or both. Patient characteristics, injury mechanisms, fracture characteristics, and treatments were compared. Complications, rates, timing of return to sports (RTS), and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were analyzed. RESULTS: The 2 treatment groups, which included 136 older adolescent athletes (69 nonoperative, 67 operative), showed similar distributions of primary sport type, competition level, comminution, shortening, and 2-year PRO response rate (n = 99; 73%). The operative group demonstrated 3 mm-greater mean superior displacement, which was therefore statistically controlled for as a confounder in the comparative PRO analysis. No 2-year differences in nonunion, delayed union, symptomatic malunion, refracture, clinically significant complications, or rates of RTS were detected between treatment groups. The difference in timing of RTS (operative, 10.3 weeks; nonoperative, 13.5 weeks) was statistically significant. After controlling for the minor difference in superior displacement, regression analysis and matched comparison cohorts demonstrated no differences between the nonoperative and operative groups in mean or dichotomized PRO scores. CONCLUSION: In this prospective, multicenter cohort study investigating older adolescent athletes with comminuted and/or severely shortened clavicular fractures, contrary to the study hypothesis, there were no differences in complications, RTS, or PROs between nonoperatively and operatively treated patients at 2 years. Comparably excellent outcomes of severe clavicular fractures in adolescent athletes can be achieved with nonoperative treatment.

Perioperative Complications of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery in Sickle Cell Disease.

BACKGROUND: Vasoocclusion in sickle cell disease can be precipitated by cold temperatures, hypoxia, infection, dehydration, and stress, all of which can occur in the setting of surgery. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of perioperative complications among pediatric patients with sickle cell disease undergoing orthopaedic surgery. METHODS: An institutional review board approved single-center retrospective review was conducted of pediatric patients 21 years of age and younger with SCD who underwent any orthopaedic surgery at a single center between 2009 and 2019. Patient data and procedure-specific information were recorded. Preoperative admission for hydration and/or blood transfusion and preoperative laboratory studies were reviewed. The primary study outcome was postoperative complications within 30 days of surgery requiring an ED visit or hospital admission. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients who underwent 118 orthopaedic surgeries were identified. The average age at surgery was 12.0 years (SD 4.8 y). Surgical cases were classified as elective (n=82, 70%), infection (n=26, 22%), and trauma (n=9, 8%). The lower extremity was the most frequent surgical site (n=86, 73%). Sixty surgeries (51%) received a preoperative blood transfusion. There were 19 surgeries with postoperative complications (16%) that required an ED visit or hospital readmission within 30 days of surgery. There were significantly more complications following surgery on the hip as compared with other sites (24% vs. 9%, P =0.04). Four or more ED visits in the past year were associated with an OR of 5.7 for a postoperative complication ( P =0.01, 95% CI 1.6-20.5). Patients who had a preoperative blood transfusion had significantly greater rates of complications than those that did not (27% vs. 5%, P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Children with SCD are at increased risk for complications after orthopaedic surgery, and the current study found an overall postoperative complication rate of 16%. Patients undergoing hip surgery had a disproportionate number of complications, with a 5.8-fold increased risk of a postoperative complication. Patients with 4 or more ED visits in the past year had a 5.7-fold increased risk of a complication. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV Retrospective case series.

Arthroscopic Bankart Repair for Adolescent Anterior Shoulder Instability: Clinical and Imaging Predictors of Revision Surgery and Recurrent Subjective Instability.

BACKGROUND: Multiple clinical and radiologic risk factors for recurrent instability after arthroscopic Bankart repair have been described. Humeral bone loss has gained more recent attention, particularly with respect to "off-track" lesions and increased rates of recurrent instability and revision surgery. PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical and radiologic predictors of failure after arthroscopic Bankart repair in adolescents. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A single-institution retrospective study was performed in patients <19 years of age treated with arthroscopic Bankart repair from 2011 to 2017. Magnetic resonance imaging measurements of glenoid and humeral bone loss, the glenoid track, and the presence of off-track Hill-Sachs (HS) lesions were assessed. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 24 months and completed patient-reported outcome scores. Failure was defined as revision surgery or postoperative subjective instability. RESULTS: A total of 59 patients (46 male, 13 female) with a median age of 16 years (range, 12-18 years) were included. Ten patients (17%) had revision surgery and 8 patients (14%) had subjective instability without revision surgery. No clinical or radiologic factors were significantly different between the failure cohort and the nonfailure cohort. Four patients (7%) measured off-track, and 2 of these patients experienced failure. A total of 38 patients (64%) were identified to have an HS defect. Subgroup analysis of these patients identified a greater HS interval (HSI) in patients who underwent revision surgery as compared with those patients who did not have revision surgery. Among patients with GT ratio ≥15 mm, there was a 50% rate of revision surgery. The Pediatric/Adolescent Shoulder Survey (PASS) and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scores at the final follow-up were not significantly different among patients with or without revision surgery. However, those with subjective instability who had not undergone revision surgery had significantly lower PASS and SANE scores as compared with the remainder of the cohort. CONCLUSION: Of the adolescents in this cohort, 31% either had revision surgery (17%) or reported subjective feelings of instability (14%) after arthroscopic Bankart repair. Off-track instability was identified in 7% of the cohort but was not predictive of failure. Among the subgroup of patients with an HS defect, those who underwent revision surgery had a significantly larger HSI.

Two-Year Functional Outcomes of Operative vs Nonoperative Treatment of Completely Displaced Midshaft Clavicle Fractures in Adolescents: Results From the Prospective Multicenter FACTS Study Group.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures is controversial. Few previous comparative functional outcome studies have investigated these fractures in adolescents, the most commonly affected epidemiologic subpopulation. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose was to prospectively compare the outcomes of operative versus nonoperative treatment in adolescents with completely displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. The study hypothesis was that surgery would yield superior outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Patients aged 10 to 18 years treated for a midshaft clavicle fracture over a 5-year period at 1 of 8 pediatric centers were prospectively screened, with independent treatment decisions determined by individual musculoskeletal professionals. Demographics, radiographic clinical features, complications, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were prospectively recorded for 2 years. Regression and matching techniques were utilized to adjust for potential age- and fracture severity-based confounders for creation of comparable subgroups for analysis. RESULTS: Of 416 adolescents with completely displaced midshaft clavicle fractures, 282 (68) provided 2-year PRO data. Operative patients (n = 88; 31%) demonstrated no difference in sex (78% male) or athletic participation but were older (mean age, 15.2 vs 13.5 years; P < .001), had more comminuted fractures (49.4% vs 26.3%; P < .001), and had greater fracture shortening (25.5 vs 20.7 mm; P < .001) than nonoperative patients (n = 194; 69%). There was no difference in mean PRO scores or rates of "suboptimal" scores (based on threshold values established a priori) between the operative and nonoperative treatment groups (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, 96.8 vs 98.4; shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, 3.0 vs 1.6; EuroQol [EQ] visual analog scale, 93.0 vs 93.9; EQ-5 Dimensions index, 0.96 vs 0.98), even after regression and matching techniques adjusted for confounders. Operative patients had more unexpected subsequent surgery (10.4% vs 1.4%; P = .004) and clinically significant complications (20.8% vs 5.2%; P = .001). Overall, nonunion (0.4%), delayed union (1.9%), symptomatic malunion (0.4%), and refracture (2.6%) were exceedingly rare, with no difference between treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Surgery demonstrated no benefit in patient-reported quality of life, satisfaction, shoulder-specific function, or prevention of complications after completely displaced clavicle shaft fractures in adolescents at 2 years after injury. REGISTRATION: NCT04250415 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Transosseous Repair of Patellar Sleeve Fractures: A Case Series and Surgical Technique Guide.

The purpose of this study is to describe the surgical technique and outcomes of transosseous repair of patellar sleeve fractures in a pediatric cohort. A retrospective review was performed on patients younger than 16 years undergoing transosseous repair of distal patellar sleeve fractures. A chart review was performed on demographics, surgical repair technique, and postoperative care. Primary outcomes included intact extensor mechanism function and range of motion (ROM) at final follow-up. In this study, 20 patients, 17 males and 3 females, with a mean age of 11.7 years were included. ROM was initiated at a median of 27.5 days following surgery. All patients had a healed patellar sleeve fracture and intact extensor function at final follow-up. Final mean knee ROM among the 18 patients with minimum 3-month follow-up was 132 degrees. Thirteen patients (72%) achieved full ROM (≥ 130 degrees) and 5 patients (28%) achieved less than 130 degrees knee flexion. Duration of initial immobilization was found to be the only variable strongly associated with final postoperative ROM. Mean duration of immobilization for patients achieving ≥ 130 degrees was 24 days versus 44 days in those patients achieving < 130 degrees, p = 0.009. All patients who began knee ROM within 21 days of surgery obtained full knee ROM. No patients experienced construct failure or extensor lag. Operative management of displaced patellar sleeve fractures with anatomic transosseous suture repair of the sleeve fracture, brief immobilization no more than 21 days, and initiation range of early ROM results in excellent outcomes.

Descriptive Epidemiology From the Research in Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee (ROCK) Prospective Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) occurs most commonly in the knees of young individuals. This condition is known to cause pain and discomfort in the knee and can lead to disability and early knee osteoarthritis. The cause is not well understood, and treatment plans are not well delineated. The Research in Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee (ROCK) group established a multicenter, prospective cohort to better understand this disease. PURPOSE: To provide a baseline report of the ROCK multicenter prospective cohort and present a descriptive analysis of baseline data for patient characteristics, lesion characteristics, and clinical findings of the first 1000 cases enrolled into the prospective cohort. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Patients were recruited from centers throughout the United States. Baseline data were obtained for patient characteristics, sports participation, patient-reported measures of functional capabilities and limitations, physical examination, diagnostic imaging results, and initial treatment plan. Descriptive statistics were completed for all outcomes of interest. RESULTS: As of November 2020, a total of 27 orthopaedic surgeons from 17 institutions had enrolled 1004 knees with OCD, representing 903 patients (68.9% males; median age, 13.1 years; range, 6.3-25.4 years), into the prospective cohort. Lesions were located on the medial femoral condyle (66.2%), lateral femoral condyle (18.1%), trochlea (9.5%), patella (6.0%), and tibial plateau (0.2%). Most cases involved multisport athletes (68.1%), with the most common primary sport being basketball for males (27.3% of cases) and soccer for females (27.6% of cases). The median Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee (Pedi-IKCD) score was 59.9 (IQR, 45.6-73.9), and the median Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (Pedi-FABS) score was 21.0 (IQR, 5.0-28.0). Initial treatments were surgical intervention (55.4%) and activity restriction (44.0%). When surgery was performed, surgeons deemed the lesion to be stable at intraoperative assessment in 48.1% of cases. CONCLUSION: The multicenter ROCK group has been able to enroll the largest knee OCD cohort to date. This information is being used to further understand the pathology of OCD, including its cause, associated comorbidities, and initial presentation and symptoms. The cohort having been established is now being followed longitudinally to better define and elucidate the best treatment algorithms based on these presenting signs and symptoms.

Rates of Concomitant Meniscal Tears in Pediatric Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Increase With Age and Body Mass Index.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are frequently associated with meniscal injury. Risk factors for concomitant meniscal injuries have been studied in the adult population but less so in pediatric patients. PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between age and body mass index (BMI) and the presence of a concomitant meniscal tear at the time of ACL reconstruction (ACLR) in pediatric patients. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A single-institution retrospective review was performed of patients aged <19 years who underwent primary ACLR over a 3.5-year period. Revision ACLR and multiligament knee reconstructions were excluded. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with having a meniscal tear at the time of surgery. Subgroup analysis was performed for medial and lateral meniscal tears. RESULTS: Included in this study were 453 patients (230 males, 223 females; median age, 15 years). Of these, 265 patients (58%) had a meniscal tear, including 150 isolated lateral meniscal tears, 53 isolated medial meniscal tears, and 62 patients with both lateral and medial meniscal tears. Median time from injury to surgery was 48 days. For every 1-year increase in age, there was a 16% increase in the adjusted odds of having any meniscal tear (odds ratio [OR], 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.27; P = .002), with a 20% increase in the odds of having a medial meniscal tear (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.07-1.35; P = .002) and a 16% increase in the odds of having a lateral meniscal tear (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.05-1.27; P = .003). For every 2-point increase in BMI, there was a 12% increase in the odds of having any meniscal tear (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.02-1.22; P = .016) and a 10% increase in the odds of having a lateral meniscal tear (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01-1.19; P = .028). CONCLUSION: Pediatric patients undergoing ACLR had a 58% incidence of concomitant meniscal pathology. Increasing age and BMI were independent risk factors for these injuries, while no association was found between time to surgery and meniscal pathology.

Saucerization and Repair of Discoid Lateral Menisci With Peripheral Rim Instability: Intermediate-term Outcomes in Children and Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Historically, total meniscectomy was recommended as the treatment for a symptomatic discoid meniscus. Improved meniscal repair techniques and inferior long-term outcomes associated with meniscectomy have resulted in a trend toward meniscal preservation, with saucerization and repair of meniscocapsular tears. Reoperation rates after treatment of torn discoid menisci vary, with some series reporting high rates of reinjury and reoperation. The purpose of this study is to describe the intermediate-term outcomes of pediatric patients treated with saucerization and meniscocapsular repair of discoid lateral menisci with peripheral rim instability. METHODS: A single-institution retrospective review was performed of consecutive patients less than 18 years of age treated with saucerization and repair for a meniscocapsular tear of a discoid lateral meniscus from 2013 to 2017. All patients had a minimum 24-month follow-up. A chart review was performed to describe tear location and repair type. The primary outcomes were revision meniscus surgery and Pedi-International Knee Documentation Committee and Tegner activity scores obtained at the final follow-up. RESULTS: In total, 32 knees in 30 patients, including 15 males and 15 females with a mean age of 12 years (range, 5 to 17 y), were included. Tear patterns included anterior meniscocapsular (14 knees), posterior meniscocapsular (16 knees), and both anterior and posterior meniscocapsular (2 knees). Arthroscopic saucerization and meniscocapsular repair were performed in all knees. Repair types were outside-in (10 knees), inside-out (8 knees), all-inside (8 knees), and hybrid (6 knees). The mean follow-up was 54 months (range, 30 to 86 mo). Three knees (9%) underwent revision meniscus surgery, including 2 all-inside repairs and 1 partial meniscectomy. At the final follow-up, mean International Knee Documentation Committee score was 96 (range, 82 to 100). A total of 89% of patients reported returning to the same or higher level of activity following surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Saucerization of discoid lateral menisci with repair of meniscocapsular tears is associated with low rates of revision surgery and good intermediate-term outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

The increasing incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in skeletally immature children demands careful attention by orthopedic surgeons. Assessing skeletal age is essential to selecting the appropriate reconstruction technique. Males with a bone age of 15 years or older and females of 13 years and older are ideal candidates for a transphyseal anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction because there is minimal risk of growth disturbance. Children with substantial growth remaining (skeletal age males ≤12 years and females ≤10 years) seem to be at risk for more significant growth disturbance, so we generally recommend physeal-sparing techniques for these younger patients.

Age Predicts Disruption of the Articular Surface of the Femoral Condyles in Knee OCD: Can We Reduce Usage of Arthroscopy and MRI?

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine if patient age could accurately identify disrupted articular cartilage overlying an osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesion of the femoral condyle in adolescents. This could have important implications for imaging and treatment decisions. METHODS: All patients from 2001 to 2014 who were arthroscopically treated for a femoral condyle OCD were included in this Institutional Review Board-approved study. Exclusion criteria were trochlear and patellar OCD lesions, idiopathic arthritis, and traumatic osteochondral injuries. Arthroscopy was performed to visualize and probe the articular surface. Arthroscopic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were recorded as "intact" or "disrupted" cartilage. Extra-articular drilling was performed when the articular cartilage was intact. RESULTS: There were 119 patients (81 male, 68%) with 139 OCD lesions in 136 knees. The mean age at time of surgery was 13.0 years (range, 7.2 to 19.3 y). At arthroscopy, 115 knees had intact cartilage and 24 had disrupted cartilage. There was a significant difference in age between patients with intact versus disrupted cartilage at arthroscopy (12.5 vs. 15.3 y; P<0.0001). Eighty-eight OCD lesions had MRIs preoperatively, showing 69 as intact and 19 (24%) disrupted. MRI reading for cartilage status had 94% sensitivity and 97% specificity. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that age (P<0.01) and MRI status (P<0.0001) were strong predictors of cartilage status. Sixteen years was the critical age in which both sensitivity was maximized and false positive probability was minimized. Over the age of 17 years, 7 of 7 (100%) had disrupted cartilage. Age alone was 100% sensitive for children below the age of 10, and 96% sensitive below the age of 13. CONCLUSIONS: Age was a good predictor of cartilage status in both younger (<13 y) and older (≥17 y) patients in this study. For patients in the mid-range group (13 through 16 y), age alone is not an adequate predictor of cartilage status, but adding MRI increased accuracy. SIGNIFICANCE: Age can be used to stratify patients and thereby influence diagnostic and treatment strategies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Micheli Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Skeletally Immature Youths: A Retrospective Case Series With a Mean 3-Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in the skeletally immature patient remains controversial. Outcomes on a physeal-sparing technique using the iliotibial band for combined intra-articular and extra-articular ACL reconstruction, called the Micheli technique, have been described and reported by the original authors. PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of a physeal-sparing technique using the iliotibial band for combined intra-articular and extra-articular ACL reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2011, all patients who underwent Micheli ACL reconstruction performed by a single surgeon were identified. A minimum of 3 years' growth remaining was a prerequisite for Micheli reconstruction. Patients were excluded if postoperative follow-up was less than 1 year. Patients were evaluated for functional outcomes, satisfaction, graft survival, radiographic and clinical evidence of growth disturbance, and the need for additional procedures. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (22 knees) met the inclusion criteria for this study. The mean age at the time of surgery was 11.8 years (range, 9.9-14.0 years). All patients were male. There were 4 concomitant meniscal repairs and 5 partial meniscectomies performed. All patients (100%) completed follow-up at a mean duration of 3.0 years (range, 1.0-6.9 years). Overall, 6 knees (27%) underwent reoperation. Of these, 3 knees (14%) underwent revision ACL surgery: 2 revision reconstructions at 2.8 and 4.0 years postoperatively and 1 graft shrinkage at 4.7 months postoperatively. Three knees (14%) underwent subsequent meniscal procedures, including 2 partial meniscectomies and 1 meniscal repair. Of the 19 knees that did not require revision ACL surgery, the median patient satisfaction score was 10 (range, 9-10). The mean Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee score was 96.5 ± 2.9, and the mean Lysholm score was 95.0 ± 6.1. The median preinjury Tegner activity level was 8 (range, 6-10), and the median postoperative Tegner activity level was 8 (range, 6-10). Of the 19 knees that did not require revision ACL surgery, all had a normal Lachman test result, with a firm endpoint and normal pivot shift. At follow-up, 53% of knees had closed physes. There were no angular deformities or limb-length discrepancies. CONCLUSION: At a mean 3-year follow-up, the study findings confirmed excellent functional outcomes, a low ACL revision rate, and no growth disturbances. Patients returned to their preoperative activity level after reconstruction. This procedure offers a safe and effective ACL reconstruction option in children with several years of growth remaining.

Outcomes following microfracture of full-thickness articular cartilage lesions of the knee in adolescent patients.

The purpose of this study was to document outcomes following microfracture for full-thickness cartilage defects of the knee in adolescents. Our hypothesis was that patients aged 18 years or less would have excellent outcomes and function following microfracture of full-thickness knee articular cartilage defects. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. Patients < 19 years old with full-thickness knee articular cartilage defects treated with microfracture between January 1992 and June 2008 were identified. Surgical, demographic data, Lysholm score, Tegner activity scale, and patient satisfaction were collected prospectively. A total of 26 patients (14 females, 12 males) met inclusion criteria. Average age was 16.6 years (range: 12-18.9 years). Ninety-six percent of lesions were patellar (37%) or femoral condyle defects (medial 26%, lateral 33%). Minimum 2-year follow-up was obtained in 22/26 patients (85%) with average follow-up of 5.8 years (range: 2.0-13.3 years). Average postoperative Lysholm score was 90 (range: 50-100). Median Tegner scale was 6 (range: 2-10). Median patient satisfaction with outcome was 10 (range: 1-10). Lysholm correlated with Tegner scale (rho = 0.586; p = 0.011) and patient satisfaction (rho = 0.70; p = 0.001). Average postoperative Lysholm score in males was 93 and 86 in females (p = 0.22). One patient underwent revision microfracture. This study showed that adolescent patients who underwent microfracture for treatment of full-thickness knee chondral defects demonstrated increased activity levels and excellent function following surgery.

Intra-articular adhesions following hip arthroscopy: a risk factor analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate possible risk factors for symptomatic adhesions after hip arthroscopy. METHODS: Data were analysed from hip arthroscopies performed between 2005 and 2009. Only primary hip arthroscopies were included. Data collected included demographics, primary treatment, rehabilitation, revision surgery, and presence of adhesions at revision. RESULTS: One thousand two hundred and sixty-four hips in patients 18 years or older underwent primary hip arthroscopy during the defined period. Eight underwent revision hip arthroscopy by a different surgeon. Patients under 30 years of age were 5.9 times more likely to be in the adhesion group [95 % CI 3.1-11.5]. Patients who underwent microfracture were 3.1 times less likely to have adhesions compared to patients who did not [95 % CI 1.1-8.2]. Patients who did not receive circumduction therapy were 4.1 times more likely to have adhesions compared to those who performed circumduction exercises [95 % CI 1.25-11.0]. CONCLUSION: Risk factors for adhesions following hip arthroscopy identified were age under 30, modified Harris Hip score under 50, no microfracture performed, and rehabilitation without circumduction.

Acromioclavicular joint injuries: anatomy, diagnosis, and treatment.

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries are common in athletic populations and account for 40% to 50% of shoulder injuries in many contact sports, including lacrosse, hockey, rugby and football. The AC joint is stabilized by static and dynamic restraints, including the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments. Knowledge of these supporting structures is important when identifying injury and directing treatment. Management of AC injuries should be guided by severity of injury, duration of injury and symptoms, and individual patient factors. These help determine how best to guide management, and whether patients should be treated surgically or nonsurgically. Treatment options for AC injuries continue to expand, and include arthroscopic-assisted anatomic reconstruction of the CC ligaments. The purpose of this article is to review the anatomy, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for AC joint injuries. In addition, the authors' preferred reconstruction technique and outcomes are presented.

Comparison of plain radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of bone tunnel widening after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Bone tunnel widening poses a problem for graft fixation during revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Large variability exists in the utilization of imaging modalities for evaluating bone tunnels in pre-operative planning for revision ACL reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to identify the most reliable imaging modality for identifying bone tunnels and assessing tunnel widening, and specifically, to validate the reliability of radiographs, MRI, and CT using intra- and inter-observer testing. Data was retrospectively collected from twelve patients presenting for revision ACL surgery. Five observers twice measured femoral and tibial tunnels at their widest point using digital calipers in coronal and sagittal planes. Measurements were corrected for magnification. Tunnel identification, diameter measurements, and cross-sectional area (CSA) calculations were recorded. A categorical classification of tunnel measurements was created to apply clinical significance to the measurements. Using kappa statistics, intra- and inter-observer reliability testing was performed. CT demonstrated excellent intra- and inter-observer reliability for tunnel identification. Intra- and inter-observer reliability was significantly less for MRI and radiographs. CT revealed superior reliability versus either radiographs or MRI for CSA analysis. Intra-observer kappa scores for tibial CSA using CT, radiographs, and MRI were 0.66, 0.5, and 0.37, respectively. Inter-observer kappa scores for tibial CSA using CT, radiographs, and MRI were 0.65, 0.39, and 0.32, respectively. Our results demonstrate CT is the most reliable imaging modality for evaluation of ACL bone tunnels as proven by superior intra- and inter-observer testing results when compared to MRI and radiographs. Radiographs and MRI were not reliable, even for simply identifying the presence of a bone tunnel.