Recurrent Instability after Arthroscopic Glenoid Labral Repair with a Minimum of Three Points of Fixation: Do the Number of Anchors or Fixation Points Correlate to Outcomes?

INTRODUCTION: The goal of this study was to evaluate the recurrence rate of instability following arthroscopic Bankart repairs in regard to the number and types of fixation utilized. A Bankart lesion is a tear in the anteroinferior capsulolabral complex within the shoulder, occurring in association with an anterior shoulder dislocation. These injuries can result in glenoid bone loss, decreased range of motion, and recurrent shoulder instability. Successful repair of these lesions has been reported in the literature with repair constructs that have three points of fixation. However, the definition of "one point of fixation" is yet to be fully elucidated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A consecutive series of arthroscopically repaired Bankart lesions were evaluated pertaining to the points of fixation required to achieve shoulder stability. This included the number, position, and types of anchors used. Patients consented to complete a series of surveys at a minimum of two years postoperatively. The primary outcome was to determine recurrent instability via the UCLA Shoulder Score, the ROWE Shoulder Instability Score, and the Oxford Shoulder Score. A secondary outcome included pain on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). RESULTS: There were 116 patients reviewed, 46 patients achieved three points of fixation in their surgical repair via two anchors and 70 patients achieved a similar fixation with three or more anchors. There was no significant difference in the mean age, gender, or body mass index (BMI). Patients receiving two anchors demonstrated recurrent instability 8.7% of the time (4 of 46 patients). Patients who received three or more anchors demonstrated recurrent instability 8.6% of the time (6 of 70 patients). Overall, there was no statistical significance between the number/types of anchors used. Between the two cohorts, there was no statistically significant difference found between VAS, ROWE, UCLA, and Oxford Scores. There was a significant difference in pain reported on the VAS scale with an average VAS score of 0.43 versus 2.5 in those without and with recurrent instability respectively. CONCLUSION: Contention still exists surrounding the exact definition of "a point of fixation" in arthroscopic Bankart repairs. Three-point constructs can be created through a variety of combinations including anchors and sutures, ultimately achieving the goal of a stable shoulder.

Dynamic Stress Ultrasound Assessment of Professional Baseball Players' Elbows After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data analyzing dynamic stress ultrasound (SUS) findings in elite pitchers who have undergone ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction (UCLR) and returned to sport. PURPOSE: To identify longitudinal, perioperative changes in the elbows of professional baseball pitchers who have undergone UCLR and to compare these findings with a matched cohort of healthy pitchers. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: This study used prospectively collected data from dynamic elbow SUS analyses of professional baseball pitchers within a single Major League Baseball organization. Pitchers were divided into 2 cohorts: a UCLR cohort and healthy cohort. The UCLR cohort eligibility included availability of (1) SUS from preseason of injury/UCLR and (2) SUS from ≥2 years after surgery. These players were 1:1 matched to players with no history of upper extremity injury to form the healthy cohort. Ligament thickness and ulnohumeral joint space at rest and under stress were directly measured. Joint laxity was calculated by subtracting joint space at rest from joint space under stress. The term "relative" was used to describe calculated differences where nondominant measurements were subtracted from dominant-side measurements. RESULTS: Eight pitchers were included in the UCLR group and matched to 8 healthy pitchers (mean age at initial SUS examination, 19.6 years). At a minimum follow-up of 2 years, there were no significant differences between groups in terms of relative or dominant arm rest space, stress space, or laxity. Longitudinally (final measurements - baseline measurements), the mean relative ulnohumeral rest space decreased in the UCLR group and increased in the healthy group (-0.36 mm vs +0.50 mm; P = .032). The finding of increased UCL thickness in the UCLR group was expected, as UCL grafts are typically thicker than native ligaments. CONCLUSION: Ulnhohumeral joint stability was achieved after UCLR as indicated by similar rest space, stress space, and joint laxity in dominant arms compared with a matched healthy cohort. A significant decrease in relative rest space after UCLR may represent the achievement of stability in surgery patients. Alternatively, the increase in ulnohumeral rest space seen in the healthy cohort may represent adaptive changes from pitching at a professional level.

Impact of Climate on Stress Ultrasound Findings of the Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament in Professional Baseball Pitchers: An 18-Year Study.

Background: The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is the primary soft tissue stabilizer to valgus stress in the elbow and is placed under this valgus stress during the throwing motion. Although there are known risk factors for UCL injury, it is unknown whether the UCL undergoes adaptive changes in athletes from different climates. Purpose: To compare elbow stress ultrasound (SUS) findings between professional baseball pitchers from warm climates versus cold climates and assess significant differences in adaptive and morphologic changes in the UCL. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Dynamic SUS evaluations were performed over 18 years on the dominant and nondominant arms of 643 professional pitchers from warm and cold climates as determined by the player's country/state of origin. Studies were compared with respect to relative UCL thickness (dominant arm vs nondominant arm), relative glenohumeral joint laxity (joint space distance under stress vs joint space distance at rest), and the presence of morphologic changes such as tears or calcifications. In addition, a subgroup analysis was performed to compare the progression of SUS findings over 3 years in players with sequential yearly data. Results: Players from warmer climates had significantly greater relative UCL thicknesses than players from colder climates (1.75 vs 1.50 mm, respectively; P = .047). There were no differences between these 2 groups in terms of relative ulnohumeral joint laxity (P = .201), presence of morphologic changes (P = .433), 3-year progression of relative UCL thickness (P = .748), or relative joint laxity (P = .904). Conclusion: Professional pitchers from warm climates had a greater side-to-side difference in UCL thickness between the dominant and nondominant arms. This may be due to the potential for year-round throwing among baseball players from warm climates. There was no difference in laxity, thickness progression, laxity progression, or the presence of additional morphologic changes.

Association Between Draft Order and Stress Sonography of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament of the Elbow in Professional Baseball Pitchers: An 18-Year Study.

BACKGROUND: The Major League Baseball (MLB) draft is a common route for players to enter professional baseball in the United States. Players taken in earlier rounds are typically higher-performing players. When looking at pitchers specifically, higher performance at the amateur level may be associated with an increased frequency of adaptive change in the throwing elbow. PURPOSE: To determine whether pitchers taken in earlier rounds of the MLB draft have a greater frequency or extent of pathological change in the elbow, as measured by dynamic stress ultrasound. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Dynamic stress ultrasounds (SUSs) were performed over 18 years on the dominant and nondominant arms of 651 professional pitchers. The 383 drafted players were grouped according to the round in which they were drafted (rounds 1-5, 6-10, 11-20, 21+). Groups were compared with respect to "relative" ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) thickness (dominant-nondominant), relative ulnohumeral joint laxity (joint space distance under stress minus joint space at rest), and the presence of pathology (calcifications, tears, hypoechoic foci, osteophytes). In addition, a subgroup analysis was done to compare the progression of SUS findings over 3 years in players for which data were available. RESULTS: Draft round groups did not differ by age, number of previous spring training, or handedness. Comparing baseline measurements, there was no significant relationship between draft round and relative UCL thickness (P = .932), relative laxity (P = .996), or presence of pathology detectable on SUS (P = .642). However, increased relative UCL thickness was significantly associated with the presence of pathology on SUS (odds ratio, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.26-1.69; P < .001). Longitudinally, there was no significant relationship between draft round and 3-year progression of relative laxity, relative UCL thickness, or clinical progression of pathology. CONCLUSION: Higher-performing pitchers are drafted earlier in the MLB draft. This may be attributable to peak pitch velocity, in-game performance, visibility gained during player showcases, or any number of other sport-specific variables. However, despite this, there was no significant relationship between draft round and adaptive changes to the elbow or specific properties of the UCL on stress ultrasound.

Patients With Low Resilience Scores Have Significantly Worse Postoperative Outcomes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Than Patients With Normal or High Resilience Scores.

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between patient resilience and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) after primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods: Patients who underwent an ACL reconstruction by a single surgeon between January 2012 and June 2020 were identified by an institutional query using Current Procedural Terminology codes. Patients were included if they (1) underwent a primary ACL reconstruction and (2) had a minimum of 2 years' follow-up. Data were retrospectively collected regarding demographics, surgical details, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and 12-item short form survey (SF-12) scores. Resilience scores were obtained via the Brief Resilience Scale questionnaire. Stratification into low (LR), normal (NR), and high resilience (HR) was based on standard deviation from mean Brief Resilience Scale score to determine differences in PROMS between groups. Results: One-hundred eighty-seven patients were identified by the institutional query. Of the 187 patients, 180 met inclusion criteria. Seven patients underwent revision ACL reconstruction and were excluded from the study. One-hundred three patients (57.2%) completed the postoperative questionnaire and were included. Patients in the NR group and HR group had significantly greater postoperative SF-12 scores (P < .001) and lower postoperative VAS pain scores (P < .001) when compared with those of the LR group. This trend was again shown with breakdown of the SF-12 into physical and mental aspects, each of which were significantly greater in either the NR group or HR group when compared with the LR group (P < .001). Overall, 97.9% and 99.0% of patients had changes in their SF-12 total and VAS pain scores respectively that exceeded the minimal clinically important difference for the cohort. Conclusions: Patients with lower resilience scores have worse PROMs and increased pain than patients with greater resilience at a minimum of 2-year follow-up after ACL reconstruction. Level of Evidence: Level IV, prognostic case series.

Biologic graft augmentation for glenoid bone loss in conversion of failed anatomic to reverse shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review.

Glenoid bone loss presents a challenging dilemma, particularly in the setting of failed arthroplasty requiring conversion to a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). The aim of our systematic review was to examine the success and failure of biologic glenoid bone grafting to address vault deficiencies in the setting of shoulder arthroplasty conversion to rTSA. Twelve articles were included and a complete PUBMED search. Inclusion criteria included glenoid bone grafting for conversion of failed arthroplasty and a minimum of 12 months follow-up. Exclusion criteria included grafting for primary rTSA, and re-revision for infection or humeral loosening. Failures were defined as failure of the graft to radiographically incorporate, symptomatic base plate loosening, and need for further surgical re-revision. Two hundred patients were identified across the 12 articles. Eighteen percent (36/200) of all cases demonstrated failure to radiographically incorporate. Thirteen percent (25/200) of all grafting cases required re-revision due to symptomatic failure (pain or functional deterioration). Femoral shaft demonstrated the highest failure rate at 88% (7/8). Grafting for glenoid bone loss in the setting of conversion to rTSA has an 82% rate of success across autograft and allograft utilization. Further studies are needed to better define the success of autografting versus allografting in the setting of shoulder arthroplasty conversion to rTSA with glenoid bone loss.

Surgical Management of Traumatic Meniscus Injuries.

The menisci increase the contact area of load bearing in the knee and thus disperse the mechanical stress via their circumferential tensile fibers. Traumatic meniscus injuries cause mechanical symptoms in the knee, and are more prevalent amongst younger, more active patients, compared to degenerative tears amongst the elderly population. Traumatic meniscus tears typically result from the load-and-shear mechanism in the knee joint. The treatment depends on the size, location, and pattern of the tear. For non-repairable tears, partial or total meniscal resection decreases its tensile stress and increases joint contact stress, thus potentiating the risk of arthritis. A longitudinal vertical tear pattern at the peripheral third red-red zone leads to higher healing potential after repair. The postoperative rehabilitation protocols after repair range from immediate weight-bearing with no range of motion restrictions to non-weight bearing and delayed mobilization for weeks. Pediatric and adolescent patients may require special considerations due to their activity levels, or distinct pathologies such as a discoid meniscus. Further biomechanical and biologic evidence is needed to guide surgical management, postoperative rehabilitation protocols, and future technology applications for traumatic meniscus injuries.

Routine Preoperative Dental Clearance for Total Joint Arthroplasty: Is There a Benefit?

Background Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) place significant psychological and financial burdens on patients and healthcare systems. One measure to reduce the risk of PJIs is preoperative dental screening, for which there is no current consensus recommendation. This study aims to determine whether there is a difference in the rate of PJI and microorganism profile in patients who did and did not obtain preoperative dental clearance. Methodology A retrospective review was conducted among patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty from 2017 to 2021. A cohort of 8,654 patients who underwent routine dental clearance was matched with a cohort of patients who did not. Surgeons who changed their dental clearance protocol were also identified, and the rates of PJIs were compared before and after. Results No statistically significant difference was seen in the rate of PJIs between patients who did and did not undergo routine preoperative dental clearance. No statistically significant difference was seen in the rate of PJIs before and after for surgeons who changed their dental clearance protocol. The microorganism profile between the groups was also found to be without differences. Conclusions Eliminating dental clearance from routine preoperative clearance does not appear to increase the rates of acute PJIs following elective total joint arthroplasty (TJA) or to change the organism profile of the infections that did occur. It may be reasonable to not require routine preoperative dental clearance or to practice selective dental clearance in patients undergoing elective TJA, especially given the increased financial cost and delay in care experienced by patients.

Patient Preferences in Short-Interval Staged Bilateral Rotator Cuff Repair.

The decision to seek and undergo treatment for bilateral rotator cuff tears is often complex. The purpose of this study was to investigate patient preferences for undergoing short-interval staged bilateral rotator cuff repair; timing of surgeries; and order of surgeries. A retrospective analysis was performed for patients who underwent bilateral arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs within 12 months at a single institution. Postoperative patient-reported outcomes, satisfaction, and decision-making factors were collected via REDCap surveys. Ninety patients were included (63 men and 27 women; mean age, 58.1 years). The mean time between surgeries was 7.33 months. Forty-two percent of patients had left rotator cuff repair first. Patients reported a mean satisfaction score of 91.6 of 100 with the order of the surgeries and 87.3 of 100 with the timing of the surgeries. Mean postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons standardized assessment scores were 94.6 and 93.7 (left vs right shoulder first, respectively) for left shoulders and 94.2 and 93.9 (left vs right shoulder first, respectively) for right shoulders. Mean postoperative Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores were 86.5 and 83.9 (left vs right shoulder first, respectively) for left shoulders and 87.3 and 86.0 (left vs right shoulder first, respectively) for right shoulders. Decision-making factors noted as highly important included night pain, function, surgeon recommendation, and daily pain. Most patients who undergo short-interval staged bilateral rotator cuff repair are satisfied with the order and timing of their surgery. Decision-making factors such as night pain and functional limitation play a key role in the timing and order of bilateral rotator cuff repairs. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(6):e347-e352.].

Mechanical Complications of Hip and Knee Spacers Are Common.

Introduction Two-stage revision is frequently used for the treatment of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Because antibiotic-loaded cement spacers are constructed and implanted as temporary devices, mechanical complications are possible. The purpose of our study was to define the incidence of such mechanical complications, determine associated risk factors, and establish if such complications influence the subsequent success of PJI treatment. Methods We identified patients who received an antibiotic spacer for the treatment of PJI at a single center over a six-year timeframe. Medical records and all radiographs were collected and reviewed. Radiographic changes over time were recorded, and mechanical complications were noted. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to assess risk factors for mechanical spacer complications and assess whether such complications influence the likelihood of subsequent reimplantation and ultimate component retention. Results A total of 236 patients were included in the study. There were 82 hip spacers (28% dynamic and 72% static) with a mechanical complication rate of 8.5% and 154 knee spacers (44% dynamic and 56% static) with a mechanical complication rate of 18.2%. Knee spacers were significantly more likely to have mechanical complications than hip spacers. Other risk factors for mechanical complications included bone loss and elevated body mass index (BMI). Bone loss and advanced age were found to be independent risk factors for failure to undergo second-stage reimplantation. Mechanical spacer failure was not an independent risk factor for the likelihood of subsequent reimplantation or ultimate component retention. Conclusions Mechanical complications of antibiotic spacers are common but do not appear to negatively impact the likelihood of subsequent reimplantation or component retention. In knee spacers and in patients with bone loss or elevated BMI, appropriate patient counseling and strategies to prevent such complications are recommended.

Late Femoral Component Revision for Femoral Canal Perforation.

Femoral perforation during total hip arthroplasty is a rare complication. Most of the existing literature regarding the complication involves acutely recognized perforations. We report a case of femoral component revision for a symptomatic femoral perforation 12 years after a primary cementless total hip arthroplasty. The revision allowed for intramedullary component positioning, restoration of femoral length and offset, pain relief, and functional improvement. While management of this complication is debatable, we recommend revision in order to avoid future complications and optimize patient outcomes.

Effect of COVID-19 on Injury Rates and Timing in the National Football League.

Background: The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in the cancellation of the 2020 National Football League (NFL) preseason and a decreased preseason roster size. The effect of this disruption on athlete injury rates is unknown. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to quantify the rates of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), Achilles tendon, and hamstring tendon injuries in NFL players before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesized that injury rates in the 2020 season would be higher than those seen prepandemic. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Level of evidence, 4. Methods: An online search using publicly available data was carried out to identify all NFL players who sustained an ACL, Achilles tendon, or hamstring tendon injury between April 1, 2017, and March 31, 2021. Data collected included player characteristics as well as career and season of injury workloads. Results: The number of Achilles tendon (27 vs 20; P = .024) and hamstring tendon (186 vs 149; P < .001) injuries, respectively, in the 2020 NFL season were significantly higher than the average of the 2017 to 2019 seasons. However, the number of ACL injuries sustained remained constant (43 vs 46; P = .175). More than half (52.9%) of ACL injuries in the 2017 to 2019 seasons occurred in the preseason, while most of the injuries (34.9%) in the 2020 season occurred in weeks 1 to 4. There was no player characteristic or career workload variable collected that was significantly different for players who sustained an ACL, Achilles tendon, or hamstring tendon injury in the 2020 NFL season compared with the 2017 to 2019 seasons. Conclusion: In the 2020 NFL season, the number of Achilles tendon and hamstring tendon injuries rose while the number of ACL injuries remained constant compared with the 2017 to 2019 seasons. Injuries that occurred during the first 4 games of the 2020 NFL season were consistent, with higher rates of injuries seen in the preseason in previous years.

Comparison Between Closed Suction Drainage and No Drainage Following Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to determine whether the use of closed suction drains after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is associated with lower wound complications in the first postoperative year as compared to no drain usage. METHODS: A total of 324 TAA were reviewed and included for analysis. One hundred forty-four did not have a postoperative drain placed, whereas 180 did have a postoperative drain. Demographic data, including age, sex, tobacco or alcohol use, and various medical comorbidities, were obtained. Follow-up data were collected and reviewed at 2, 6, and 12 weeks; 6 months; and 1 year postoperatively for minor and major wound complications, as well as wound-related reoperations. RESULTS: At the 2-week mark, the use of a drain demonstrated a significant increase in wound complications. No significant difference in wound complications was found at each subsequent follow-up visit. Within the first postoperative year, a total of 46 patients (31.9%) without drains and 69 patients (38.3%) with drains had a wound complication. This was not statistically significant. Most wound complications were minor, and no significant difference in reoperation rates occurred between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: A postoperative closed suction drain may increase wound complications in the first 2 weeks after TAA and should therefore be used with caution. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Return to Work and Sport Following Tibial Tubercle Anteromedialization.

BACKGROUND: Tibial tubercle anteromedialization (AMZ) is a commonly performed procedure for patients with patellofemoral instability or patellofemoral osteochondral disease. While prior studies have demonstrated that this form of osteotomy produces generally good outcomes, the time needed for return to work and return to sport remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the mean length of time before return to work and the rate of return to sport following AMZ. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who had undergone AMZ for either patellofemoral instability or isolated osteochon- dral defect with a minimum follow-up time of 1 year were identified. Patients less than 18 years of age were excluded. Patients were asked to complete a series of patient reported outcomes surveys including specific queries regarding their return to work and return to athletic activity. RESULTS: A total of 109 patients were included in this study. The majority were female (79 patients, 72.3%). The mean age was 30.74 ± 9.90 years at the time of surgery. The mean follow-up duration was 3.40 ± 1.97 years. Of the 109 patients, 104 (95.4%) had returned to work at the time of follow-up. Mean time to return to work was 2.96 ± 3.33 months (range: 0.25 to 24 months). Of the 90 patients who were involved in a sport or physical activity prior to injury, 64 patients (71.1%) had returned to sport at some level at the time of most recent follow-up. Of those who had returned to sport, mean time to return to sport was 9.21 ± 5.46 months (range: 1 to 24 months). CONCLUSIONS: At a minimum follow-up time of 1 year, patients who underwent AMZ were found to have a return to sport rate of 71% with a mean time of 9.21 months to return to athletic activity. Over 95% of AMZ patients had returned to work by 1 year after the procedure. Patients required an average of 3 months to return to work, although those with physically demanding jobs required slightly more time. Data from the current study is useful in setting expectations for patients undergoing tibial tubercle anteromedialization for patellofemoral instability or patellofemoral osteochondral disease.

Effect of COVID-19 on Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Major League Baseball Pitchers.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to the suspension and shortening of the 2020 Major League Baseball (MLB) season from 162 to 60 regular season games. The effect of this disruption on injury rates, specifically injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), has not been quantified. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to compare the rate of UCL reconstruction (UCLR), surgery timing, and pitching workload in MLB pitchers from before and after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. We hypothesized that UCLR rates relative to games played would be increased and pitching workload would be decreased in 2020 compared with previous seasons. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: An extensive online search using publicly available data was conducted to identify all MLB pitchers who underwent UCLR between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2020. Only pitchers who were competing at the MLB level when undergoing reconstruction were included. Player characteristics and surgery date, as well as career and season of surgery pitching workload, were collected for all included pitchers. All data were compared as a pooled sample (2017-2019 vs 2020). RESULTS: A similar number of pitchers underwent UCLR during or after the 2020 regular season (n = 18) compared with the 2017-2019 seasons (n = 16, 20, and 16, respectively). However, after accounting for the decrease in games played during the 2020 regular season, an MLB pitcher was 2.9 times more likely to undergo surgery per game after the COVID-19 lockdown compared with the previous years (P < .001). MLB pitchers who underwent surgery in 2020 threw fewer preseason innings than did pitchers who underwent surgery between 2017 and 2019 (5.98 vs 9.39; P = .001). CONCLUSION: MLB pitchers were almost 3 times more likely to undergo UCLR per game after the COVID-19 lockdown. A decreased preseason pitching workload because of the COVID-19 lockdown may have had an effect on per game UCLR rates.