Mid-term outcomes following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: The utilization of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty now exceeds the incidence of anatomic shoulder arthroplasty. Previous mid-to-long-term studies on rTSA have reported a decrease in shoulder function as follow-up increased. The purpose of this study was to provide data on mid-term outcomes and implant survival in a series focusing on reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Demographic information such as age at surgery, revision surgery status, BMI, and smoking status were recorded. The clinical endpoints measured in this study were range of motion scores (forward elevation, external rotation, internal rotation) and patient reported outcomes (VAS, ASES, SST). Radiographic variables captured included preoperative glenoid morphology, humeral lucency, and glenoid loosening. RESULTS: Fifty-six shoulders were included in this study. The overall mean age at surgery was 72.5 ± 7.2 years with an average follow-up time of 6.8 ± 3.5 years. The mean BMI was 28.1 ± 5.5. All measurements of range of motion saw significant and sustained improvements. Overall, forward elevation improved from 82° preoperatively to 133° postoperatively (p < 0.01). External rotation improved from 23° preoperatively to 36° (p < 0.01), while internal rotation improved from L3 to L1 (p = 0.05). ASES scores improved from 31 preoperatively to 70 postoperatively (p < 0.01). SST scores improved from 2 preoperatively to 7 (p < 0.01). VAS pain index scores improved from 6 to 2 following surgery (p < 0.01). Postoperative scapular notching was seen in 18 patients at final follow-up. Glenoid loosening was seen in 3 shoulders. Humeral loosening was seen in 18 shoulders. Tuberosity resorption was seen in 8 shoulders. The 5 year survival estimate was 98%, and the 10 year survival estimate was 83%. CONCLUSION: In this series, we found that rTSA provides mid-term improvements in range of motion in patients while reducing pain levels. When considered together, this demonstrates that most patients undergoing rTSA can have excellent use of their shoulder from age at surgery to end-of-life.

Short-Term Outcomes Following Endoscopic Proximal Hamstring Repair.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of endoscopic proximal hamstring repair (ePHR), specifically: (1) functional and subjective outcomes, (2) effectiveness of treatment (preoperative-to-postoperative change), (3) complications, (4) acute versus chronic tears, and (5) partial versus complete tears. METHODS: A retrospective case series of a single-surgeon database for all patients who underwent ePHR between November 2014 and January 2019 with a minimum 1-year follow-up (range, 12 to 48 months) was performed. Charts were analyzed for preoperative and postoperative passive range of motion (PROM), strength, VAS pain, UCLA activity, and modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS). Manual muscle strength testing based on standard grading scale of 0 to 5 was performed. Complications including re-tear of the repair site, infection, iatrogenic nerve injury, inability to return to work/sport at the same level as preinjury, persistent hamstring weakness, pain with sitting, and subsequent surgery were recorded. RESULTS: We identified 20 ePHR (6 males, 14 females) with a mean age of 46 years (range, 18 to 63 years). At most recent follow-up, mean VAS pain was 1.85 (SD 2), UCLA activity was 8 (SD 2), mHHS was 90.6 (SD 10.5), and PROM hip flexion of 121.7° (SD 14.5°). Effectiveness of treatment demonstrated significant improvement in objective hamstring strength, hip flexion PROM by 17.3°, UCLA activity by 3, and VAS pain by 3 points. Subjective hamstring weakness was reported in 8 (42.1%) and persistent pain with sitting in 3 (15.8%). Return to work and sport were 100% and 95%, respectively. mHHS was significantly higher postoperatively in patients with complete versus partial tears (95.5 versus 85.7). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic proximal hamstring repair is an effective approach that provides patients significant improvement in pain and function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, Case Series.

Low energy chronic traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to present a unique case of a patient who presented to our Emergency Department with evidence of a chronic traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis with severe displacement treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) of C2-C3 as well as and posterior cervical fusion (PCF) of C1-C3. METHODS: One patient with an untreated traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis with Levine type II injury pattern and 1.2 cm of anterior subluxation underwent ACDF C2-C3 and PCF C1-C3. RESULTS: The patient recovered well, radiographs demonstrated reduction of the anterior subluxation, and the patient reported a neck disability index (NDI) score of 20 at 6-month follow-up with full neurologic function intact. The patient was then lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION: In this report, we present an alcoholic patient with a history of many falls who presented with a Levine type II traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis with signs of chronicity seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We were able to partially reduce the anterior displacement with traction, but needed both anterior and posterior cervical approaches to achieve adequate reduction and stabilization of the injury.

Tendon Transfers, Balloon Spacers, and Bursal Acromial Reconstruction for Massive Rotator Cuff Tears.

Several options exist for the management of irreparable rotator cuff tears without advanced arthritic changes. Tendon transfer poses technical challenges and has limited but promising outcomes data. Newer procedures such as balloon spacers and bursal acromial reconstruction are currently being investigated as a reproducible solution to this challenging problem. Ultimately the decision to continue with conservative measures, use one of the aforementioned techniques, or proceed with reverse shoulder arthroplasty remains a decision to be made in the context of patient's unique demands and provider comfort with the various modalities of treatment.

Improved Short-Term Outcomes of Osteochondral Lesions of the Knee Following Arthroscopic Treatment With Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate and Cartilage-Derived Matrix.

PURPOSE: To assess the postoperative objective, subjective, and functional outcomes as well as complication rates in osteochondral defect patients treated with bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and cartilage-derived matrix (CDM) during knee arthroscopy. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients treated arthroscopically with BMAC and CDM between August 2015 and August 2018 and had more than 1-year follow-up. Demographic factors such as age, sex, body mass index, and comorbidities were collected for all patients. Size and location of the osteochondral lesions also were documented. RESULTS: A total of 14 patients were identified with a mean follow-up of 19 months. On average, patients were 34 years of age (range 16-58 years) and 43% were female. Postoperatively, knee flexion increased by 8° from 124° to 132° (P = .002). All patients regained full extension; however, 1 patient later acquired a 2° extension contracture after a traumatic event. The average hamstring strength significantly increased from 4.1 to 4.6 postoperatively (P = .33). The average quadriceps strength significantly increased from 4.0 to 4.5 postoperatively (P = .007). Mean visual analog scale scores significantly decreased postoperatively (4.5 vs 1.4; P = .001). There was a significant increase in Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living scores (53.8 vs 92.9; P = .007). Mean Knee Outcome Survey-Sports scores also increased, although this was nonsignificant (28.2 vs 79.5; P = .560). No significant differences were noted in pain and functional outcomes when stratified by the osteochondral defect size and location. Complications included a stitch abscess, Baker's cyst, and residual pain treated with hyaluronic acid injection. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated arthroscopic BMAC and CDM implantation appears to be safe and has the potential to improve patient outcomes in the short-term postoperative period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, therapeutic case series.

Current Controversies in the Treatment of Geriatric Proximal Humeral Fractures.

➤: Multiple studies comparing nonoperative and operative treatment for displaced proximal humeral fractures in the geriatric population have demonstrated minimal differences in functional outcomes. Factors such as surgeon experience as well as the quality and maintenance of the reduction may influence operative outcomes, and their impact on these findings merits further investigation. ➤: In the treatment of 2 and 3-part fractures involving the surgical neck, intramedullary nailing has demonstrated functional outcomes that are comparable with those of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). ➤: In the geriatric population, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty has demonstrated improved functional outcomes, with a decreased rate of reoperation, compared with hemiarthroplasty. Tuberosity repair has been shown to improve functional outcomes and range of motion after both procedures and should be performed at the time of arthroplasty. ➤: Several authors have demonstrated the negative effect of osteopenia on outcomes after ORIF of proximal humeral fractures. Augmentative procedures, including cortical strut augmentation, are being investigated to address this issue; their role in the treatment of these fractures is unclear at this time.

Omovertebral bone causing traumatic compression of the cervical spinal cord and acute neurological deficits in a patient with Sprengel's deformity and Klippel-Feil syndrome: case report.

The presence of an omovertebral bone with Sprengel's deformity and Klippel-Feil syndrome is a complex congenital anomaly that is not well understood. It most commonly manifests as cosmetic deformity, limited range of motion, and functional disability, although there are reports of the insidious development of cervical myelopathy. In this paper, the authors present the case of a 49-year-old man with acute neurological deficits after a low-energy mechanism of traumatic spinal cord compression, resulting from an impinging omovertebral bone through a traumatic laminar defect. The patient underwent resection of the omovertebral bone, laminectomy decompression of the spinal canal, and anterior stabilization. This case highlights a rarely discussed complication of undiagnosed Sprengel's deformity and its associated conditions following even low-energy traumatic mechanisms.

Arthroscopic Chondral Defect Repair With Extracellular Matrix Scaffold and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate.

Chondral defects of the knee are prevalent and often encountered during arthroscopic procedures. Despite the limited healing potential of chondral defects, several treatment options have been proposed. However, microfracture, osteochondral autograft (or allograft) transfer, autologous chondrocyte implantation, and matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation are all associated with their respective shortcomings. As such, the optimal treatment for chondral defects of the knee remains unclear. Recently, many authors have advocated treating chondral defects with biological therapies and scaffold-based treatments. Bone marrow aspirate concentrate, a cell-based injection, has gained particular attention because of its differentiation capacity and potential role in tissue regeneration. In addition, scaffold cartilage treatments have emerged and reached clinical practice. BioCartilage is one form of scaffold, which consists of extracellular matrix, and has been claimed to promote the regeneration of hyaline-like cartilage. This article presents our technique of arthroscopic chondral defect repair using BMAC and BioCartilage.

Superior Capsular Reconstruction with Achilles Tendon Allograft.

Superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) has become an increasingly popular choice in the treatment of massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears, pseudoparalysis, and in cases in which revision of previous rotator cuff repair is indicated. The SCR procedure is intended to restore the superior stabilizing forces of a deficient rotator cuff. This technique is accomplished by substituting an autograft or allograft between the superior glenoid and the greater tuberosity of the humerus, thus keeping the humeral head centered in the glenoid during shoulder forward flexion and abduction. Since its advent, numerous techniques have been described for this procedure. A fascia lata autograft was initially described; however, many surgeons in the United States have advocated for the use of a humeral dermal allograft. Yet, biomechanical studies have demonstrated elongation and thinning of this material. Thus, the Achilles tendon allograft may be an attractive choice for SCR, given its previous success with ligamentous and tendinous reconstructions. In this article, we present our technique of SCR using an Achilles tendon allograft.

Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis: A Spine Consultation.

As a consultant, the orthopaedic spine surgeon is often asked to evaluate patients with acute-onset extremity weakness. In some cases, patient's deficits can be attributed to nonspinal pathology; therefore, it is important to be aware of nonorthopaedic diagnoses when evaluating these patients. We report a case of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis that was initially confused by the consulting service with spinal pathology. A 32-year-old Hispanic man presented to our emergency department with rapid onset of lower extremity weakness. The consulting team ordered CT of the cervical and lumbar spine, as well as MRI of the lumbar spine which was aborted due to the patient's worsening tachycardia and chest pain. The spine service was subsequently consulted to evaluate the patient. Review of the metabolic panel revealed a low potassium, and additional testing led to the eventual diagnosis of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis. After correction of the patient's potassium, his weakness rapidly resolved, and no additional spinal workup was pursued. We describe this patient's presentation and outline the differential diagnosis for acute, nontraumatic extremity weakness, including both orthopaedic and other medical causes, that the spine surgeon should be aware of when evaluating patients with extremity weakness.

Cervical Spinal Stenosis with Coexisting Rotator Cuff Tear: A Nationwide Review of Records from 2005 to 2014.

Rotator cuff tear (RCT) and cervical spinal stenosis (CSS) are common pathologies in the elderly. Both conditions may present with lateral shoulder pain and weakness or numbness of the upper extremity, potentially affecting patients' ability to live independently. Few data are available on the incidence of CSS among patients with concurrent RCT. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of CSS among RCT patients, demographics, and surgical management using a national insurance database. The Medicare database was used to identify patients with RCT and concomitant CSS by ICD-9 codes from 2005-2014. Trends based on age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) were assessed. Utilization of open and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) was compared. A total of 86,501 patients were identified. The number of patients diagnosed with RCT and CSS significantly increased (p< 0.0001). The incidence of CSS in patients with RCT increased from 9% to 13% (p < 0.05). Females < 64 years were more likely to exhibit combined pathology than age-matched males (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.18) or females > 65 years (OR 1.64, 96% CI 1.61 to 1.67). A BMI of 30-40 kg/m2 demonstrated the highest incidence (43%, p < 0.0001). Arthroscopic RCR increased by 2% (p = 0.03) in RCT-CSS. The incidence of CSS in RCT patient is increasing. Orthopedic surgeons should maintain high clinical suspicion for concurrent CSS pathology in patients with RCT, particularly in obese female patients > 65 years with several medical comorbidities. Further investigation into the influence of these concurrent pathologies on patient outcomes is warranted.

Patella Footprint Technique-A Surgical Method for Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction.

Recurrent patella instability is a common condition that may potentiate substantial knee dysfunction resulting in loss of time from work and sports. There are numerous factors that contribute to recurrent patella instability including tearing of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), shallow trochlea, valgus alignment, externally rotated tibia tubercle, ligamentous laxity, elevated Q angle, and increased tibial tuberosity trochlear groove distance. Reconstruction of the MPFL has been shown to restore patella stability where concomitant pathology is within acceptable limits. Major complications include recurrence from inadequate MPFL reconstruction or failure to address other pathology, patella femoral pain from over constrained MPFL or unaddressed cartilage defects to the patella femoral compartment, or patella fracture. This technique provides a reproducible method of restoring patella stability through MPFL reconstruction while minimizing stress risers in the patella by using suture anchor fixation that creates a ligamentous footprint instead of tendon healing into a socket on the patella.

Clinical Differences Between Monomicrobial and Polymicrobial Vertebral Osteomyelitis.

Little literature exists examining differences in presentation and outcomes between monomicrobial and polymicrobial vertebral infections. Seventy-nine patients treated for vertebral osteomyelitis between 2001 and 2011 were reviewed. Patients were divided into monomicrobial and polymicrobial cohorts based on type of infection. Various characteristics were compared between the 2 groups. The 26 patients with a polymicrobial infection were older and had a higher mortality rate, lower clearance of infection, larger infection, more vertebral instability, higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate at presentation, and longer mean length of stay. There were no significant differences in Oswestry Disability Index scores at final follow-up, but there were differences in presentation and clinical outcomes between monomicrobial and polymicrobial vertebral osteomyelitis. Patients may benefit from counseling regarding their disease type and potential prognosis. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(2):e370-e373.].

Iliotibial Band Lengthening: An Arthroscopic Surgical Technique.

Iliotibial (IT) band syndrome is a common cause of lateral knee pain in runners and cyclists. Many can be treated nonoperatively; however, some may require surgical lengthening of their IT band to achieve optimal pain relief and a return to preinjury level of activity. Several studies have been published detailing surgical lengthening procedures and satisfactory outcomes after these procedures. However, it is important to continue to improve on and optimize outcomes. We present our arthroscopic IT band-lengthening procedure.

Ultra-low-dose recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 for 3-level anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion.

This study evaluated the safety of 3-level anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) with ultra-low-dose recombinant bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2). Thirty-seven consecutive patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who were treated with 3-level ACDF and rhBMP-2 were evaluated. Complications such as airway or cervical swelling or hematoma were not observed. The rate of dysphagia was no different at 1, 2, and 6 months postoperatively compared with reports in the literature without rhBMP-2. There were significant improvements in VAS neck/arm pain, Oswestry Neck Disability Index, and cervical lordosis. The use of ultra-low-dose rhBMP-2 for 3-level ACDF may be efficacious for surgically addressing 3-level spondylotic myelopathy.

Eikenella corrodens septic hip arthritis in a healthy adult treated with arthroscopic irrigation and debridement.

We present the case of a seemingly spontaneous septic hip arthritis in a patient with no pertinent medical history. Our patient presented with persistent and worsening sharp lower back pain and underwent arthrocentesis of the hip joint, yielding purulent fluid positive for Eikenella corrodens. Our patient's treatment consisted of arthroscopic irrigation with debridement and limited synovectomy that used a supine 2-incision technique. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an E corrodens septic hip arthritis.

Gluteus medius strengthening and the use of the Donatelli Drop Leg Test in the athlete.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and strengthen the posterior segment of the gluteus medius. DESIGN: A technical description of a novel examination and rehabilitation protocol. SETTING: The gluteus medius, primarily a hip abductor, serves several important functions in the athlete. Weakness of the gluteus medius has been linked to injuries in the shoulder and iliotibial band, as well as ankle instability. Though previously treated as a homogenous muscle, recent studies of the gluteus medius show three segments with distinct function and activation - the anterior, middle, and posterior. Current rehabilitation protocol focuses primarily on the anterior and middle segments, neglecting the posterior. CONCLUSION: We propose a three-stage protocol for strengthening and rehabilitation of the injured athlete and the Drop Leg Test, which can be used to identify weakness in the posterior segment of the gluteus medius.