Early Prosthetic Hip Dislocation: Does the Timing of the Dislocation Matter?

BACKGROUND: Early dislocation following total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common reason for revision. The purpose of this study was to determine if the acuity of the dislocation episode affects the risk of revision surgery. METHODS: A retrospective review of a national, all-payer administrative database comprised of claims from 2010 to 2020 was used to identify patients who had a prosthetic hip dislocation at various postoperative time intervals (0 to 7, 7 to 30, 30 to 60, and 60 to 90 days). Of the 45,352 primary unilateral THA patients who had sufficient follow-up, there were 2,878 dislocations within 90 days. Dislocators were matched 1:1 based on age, sex, and a comorbidity index with a control group (no dislocation). Demographics, surgical indications, comorbidities, ten-year revision rates, and complications were compared among cohorts. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for revision THA following early dislocation. RESULTS: Among matched cohorts, dislocation at any time interval was associated with significantly increased odds of subsequent 10-years revision (OR [odds ratio] = 25.60 to 33.4, P < .001). Acute dislocators within 7 days did not have an increased risk of all cause revisions at 10 years relative to other early dislocators. Revision for indication of instability decreased with time to first dislocation (<7 days: 85.7% versus 60 to 90 days: 53.9%). Primary diagnoses of posttraumatic arthritis (OR = 2.53 [1.84 to 3.49], P < .001), hip fracture (OR = 3.8 [2.53 to 5.72], P < .001), and osteonecrosis (OR = 1.75 [1.12 to 2.73], P = .010) were most commonly associated with revision surgery after an early dislocation. CONCLUSIONS: Dislocation within 90 days of THA is associated with increased odds of subsequent revision. Early dislocation within 7 days of surgery has similar all cause revision-free survivorship, but an increased risk of a subsequent revision for instability when compared to patients who dislocated within 7 to 90 days.

Intraoperative navigation system use increases accuracy of glenoid component inclination but not functional outcomes in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a prospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: While the use of computer-assisted navigation systems in prosthetic implantation is steadily increasing, its utility in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of an intraoperative navigation system in patients undergoing RSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing navigated or standard RSA at a single institution between September 2020 and December 2021 were prospectively enrolled. Exclusion criteria included noncompliance with study procedures or humeral fracture. Outcome measures included postoperative version and inclination, range of motion (ROM), complications, and patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs: American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score [ASES], Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score [DASH], Simple Shoulder Test [SST], and Visual Analog Scale [VAS]) at final follow-up. RESULTS: The final cohort contained 16 patients with navigation and 17 with standard RSA at a mean follow-up of 16 months (range 12-18 months). Average age was 72 years (range 66-80 years), 8 male (24%) and 25 female (76%). There were no differences in demographics between groups (p > 0.05). At baseline, the navigated group had a greater proportion of Walch B1 and B2 glenoids (p = 0.04). There were no differences between groups regarding baseplate type and native/planned/postoperative glenoid version and inclination. In both groups, planned and postoperative versions were not significantly different (p = 0.76). Patients who did not have navigation demonstrated significant differences between planned and postoperative inclination (p = 0.04), while those with navigation did not (p = 0.09). PROM scores did not differ between groups at final follow-up for SST (p = 0.64), DASH (p = 0.38), ASES (p = 0.77), or VAS (p = 0.1). No difference in final ROM was found between groups (p > 0.05). Over 50% of all screws in both groups were positioned outside the second cortex (p = 0.37), albeit with no complications. CONCLUSIONS: There were no statistically significant differences in ROM, PROMs, and satisfaction between patients receiving computer-navigated and standard RSA at a short-term follow-up. Despite more severe preoperative glenoid erosion in the navigated group, all patients were able to achieve an appropriate neutral axis postoperatively. The cost effectiveness and appropriate use of computer-navigated RSA warrant specific investigation in future studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, prospective cohort study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: 9/1/2020 to 12/31/2021.

Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Demonstrates Better Outcomes Than Angular Stable Plate in the Treatment of Three-part and Four-part Proximal Humerus Fractures in Patients Older Than 70 Years.

BACKGROUND: Proximal humeral fractures are traditionally treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), but reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has emerged as an increasingly popular treatment option. Although ORIF with angular locking plates is a common treatment for proximal humerus fractures, prior reports suggest high failure and complication rates. Although RTSA has become an increasingly popular option for complex proximal humeral head fractures given its low complication rates, there are concerns it may lead to limited postoperative ROM. Thus, the optimal treatment for patients older than 70 years from a functional and radiographic perspective remains unclear. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) In patients older than 70 years with three-part and four-part proximal humerus fractures, does RTSA result in better functional outcome scores (Constant, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES], and DASH scores) than ORIF with a locking plate? (2) Does RTSA result in greater ROM than ORIF? (3) Does RTSA result in a lower risk of complications than ORIF? (4) In patients with either procedure, what are the rates of negative radiographic outcomes in those treated with ORIF (such as malunion, bone resorption, malalignment, or avascular necrosis) or those with RTSA (such as resorption, notching, and loosening)? (5) At a minimum of 2 years of follow-up, does ORIF result in a greater number of revision procedures than RTSA? METHODS: Between January 1, 2013, and June 30, 2018, we treated 235 patients for a proximal humeral fracture. We considered only patients without previous ipsilateral fracture or surgery, other fractures, or radial nerve injuries; age older than 70 years; and patients without neurologic disease or cognitive dysfunction as potentially eligible. Sixty-nine percent (162 patients) of the patients were eligible; a further 31% (73 patients) were excluded because 18% (13 of 73 patients) did not meet the inclusion criteria, 62% (45 patients) underwent nonoperative treatment, and 21% (15 patients) declined to participate. Patients were nonrandomly allocated to receive RTSA if they had supraspinatus Goutallier/Fuchs Grade 3 or 4 atrophy or ORIF if they had supraspinatus Goutallier/Fuchs Grade 1 or 2 atrophy. This left 81 patients who were treated with RTSA and another 81 patients who were treated with ORIF. Among the 81 patients treated with RTSA, 11% (nine patients) were lost to the minimum study follow-up of 2 years or had incomplete datasets, leaving 89% (72 patients) for analysis. Among the 81 patients treated with ORIF, 19% (15 patients) were lost before the minimal study follow-up of 2 years or had incomplete datasets, leaving 82% (66 patients) for analysis. The median follow-up for both groups was 53 months (range 24 to 72 months). The mean age was 76 ± 2.9 years in the RTSA group and 73 ± 2.9 years in the ORIF group. In the RTSA group, 27 patients had a three-part fracture and 45 patients had a four-part fracture. In the ORIF group, 24 patients had three-part fractures and 42 patients had four-part fractures (p = 0.48). Shoulder function was assessed using functional outcome questionnaires (ASES, DASH, and Constant) and active ROM measurements. A surgical complication was defined as any instance of dislocations, fractures, adhesive capsulitis, nerve injuries, or surgical site infections. Radiographic outcomes after ORIF (malunion, tuberosity resorption, or avascular necrosis) and RTSA (notching and osteolysis) were assessed. In calculating the revision rate, we considered unplanned revision procedures only. RESULTS: Compared with patients treated with ORIF, patients treated with RTSA had superior improvements in Constant (85.0 ± 7.0 versus 53.0 ± 5.0; mean difference 32 [95% CI 30 to 34]; p < 0.01), ASES (46.3 ± 3.7 versus 30.0 ± 3.5; mean difference 16 [95% CI 15 to 18]; p < 0.01), and DASH scores (40.5 ± 4.2 versus 30.5 ± 2.6; mean difference 10 [95% CI 9 to 11]; p < 0.01). The mean elevation was 135° ± 7° for patients with RTSA and 100° ± 6° for patients with ORIF (mean difference 35 o [95% CI 33 to 37]; p < 0.01). The mean abduction was 131° ± 7° for patients with RTSA and 104° ± 6° for those with ORIF (mean difference 27 o [95% CI 25° to 29°]; p < 0.01). The mean external rotation was 85° ± 5° for patients with RTSA and 64° ± 5° for those with ORIF (mean difference 21° [95% CI 19° to 23°]; p < 0.01). The mean internal rotation was 45° ± 6° for patients with RTSA and 40° ± 6° for those with ORIF (mean difference 5° [95% CI 3° to 7°]; p < 0.01). The risk of complications was not different between patients with ORIF and those with RTSA (5% [three of 66] versus 1% [one of 72]; relative risk 3.3 [95% CI 0.3 to 30.7]; p = 0.30). Among patients with ORIF, 8% had varus malunions (five of 66), 6% had resorption of the greater tuberosity (four of 66), and 2% had avascular necrosis of the humeral head (one of 66). In the RTSA group, 24% (17 of 72 patients) demonstrated reabsorption of periprosthetic bone and 79% of patients (57 of 72) exhibited no notching. The risk of revision was not different between the RTSA and ORIF groups (0% [0 of 72] versus 9% [six of 66]; relative risk 0.07 [95% CI 0.0 to 1.2]; p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: In patients older than 70 years with three-part and four-part proximal humerus fractures, primary RTSA resulted in better patient-reported outcome scores and better ROM than ORIF with an angular stable locking plate. Our findings might help surgeons decide between internal fixation and arthroplasty to surgically treat these injuries in older patients. Although RTSA seems to be a preferable treatment modality in view of these findings, longer follow-up is required to evaluate its longevity compared with ORIF with an angular locking plate. Dissimilar to ORIF, which is generally stable once healed, arthroplasties are at a continued risk for loosening and infection even after healing is complete. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, therapeutic study.

Two Intramedullary and 1 Extramedullary Cortical Button, With or Without Interference Screw, Show Biomechanical Properties Superior to Native Tendon in Repair of the Distal Biceps Tendon: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of Biomechanical Performance.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to use a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare the failure strength, maximum strength, stiffness, and displacement of available constructs for distal biceps repair. METHODS: An NMA was conducted to determine the performance of 2 all-suture suture anchors (2x ASA), 2 intramedullary cortical buttons (2x IM CB), 2 suture anchors (2x SA), extramedullary cortical buttons (EM CB), extramedullary cortical button plus interference screw (EM CB+IFS), interference screw (IFS), single intramedullary cortical button (IM CB), single suture anchor (SA), transosseous suture (TOS), tension slide technique (TST), and tension slide technique plus suture tape (TST+ST). Analysis consisted of arm-based network meta-analysis under Bayesian random-effects model with Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling. Biomechanical outcomes were summarized as treatment effects and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Rank probabilities were calculated and used to generate each treatment's surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curve. Biomechanical properties were compared to native tendon. Displacement >10 mm was defined as clinical failure. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies were included. For failure strength, no construct outperformed the native tendon but 2× SA, IFS, SA, and TOS demonstrated poorer failure strength. For the maximum load to failure, EM CB+IFS outperformed the native tendon. Compared to native tendon, EM CB+IFS, EM CB, and 2×IM CB were stiffer, while 2x SA and IFS were less stiff. No construct demonstrated >10 mm of displacement, but constructs with displacement above the mean (3.5 mm) included 2× ASA, 2xIM CB, and TOS. CONCLUSIONS: The fixation constructs that consistently demonstrated comparable or better biomechanical properties (failure strength, maximum strength, and stiffness) to native tendon in distal biceps tendon repair were the extramedullary cortical button with or without interference screw and two intramedullary cortical buttons. No construct demonstrated displacement beyond standard definitions for clinical failure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This network meta-analysis of biomechanical studies suggests that extramedullary cortical button and two intramedullary cortical buttons may be the most stable construct for distal biceps repair fixation, with equivalent or better biomechanical properties compared to native tendon.

Platelet-Rich Plasma and Marrow Venting May Serve as Cost-Effective Augmentation Techniques for Isolated Meniscal Repair: A Decision-Analytical Markov Model-Based Analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of 3 isolated meniscal repair (IMR) treatment strategies: platelet-rich plasma (PRP)-augmented IMR, IMR with a marrow venting procedure (MVP), and IMR without biological augmentation. METHODS: A Markov model was developed to evaluate the baseline case: a young adult patient meeting the indications for IMR. Health utility values, failure rates, and transition probabilities were derived from the published literature. Costs were determined based on the typical patient undergoing IMR at an outpatient surgery center. Outcome measures included costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). RESULTS: Total costs of IMR with an MVP were $8,250; PRP-augmented IMR, $12,031; and IMR without PRP or an MVP, $13,326. PRP-augmented IMR resulted in an additional 2.16 QALYs, whereas IMR with an MVP produced slightly fewer QALYs, at 2.13. Non-augmented repair produced a modeled gain of 2.02 QALYs. The ICER comparing PRP-augmented IMR versus MVP-augmented IMR was $161,742/QALY, which fell well above the $50,000 willingness-to-pay threshold. CONCLUSIONS: IMR with biological augmentation (MVP or PRP) resulted in a higher number of QALYs and lower costs than non-augmented IMR, suggesting that biological augmentation is cost-effective. Total costs of IMR with an MVP were significantly lower than those of PRP-augmented IMR, whereas the number of additional QALYs produced by PRP-augmented IMR was only slightly higher than that produced by IMR with an MVP. As a result, neither treatment dominated over the other. However, because the ICER of PRP-augmented IMR fell well above the $50,000 willingness-to-pay threshold, IMR with an MVP was determined to be the overall cost-effective treatment strategy in the setting of young adult patients with isolated meniscal tears. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, economic and decision analysis.

Double-Row Repair With Platelet-Rich Plasma Optimizes Retear Rates After Small to Medium Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Repair: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

PURPOSE: To compare the different interventions described in the literature for the surgical treatment of small and medium complete rotator cuff tears. METHODS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials of small-medium, full-thickness rotator cuff tears published since 2000 was performed. Clinical characteristics, re-tear rates, range of motion (ROM), and patient-reported outcomes (PRO) data were collected. Interventions were compared via arm-based Bayesian network meta-analysis in a random-effects model. Interventions were ranked for each domain (re-tear risk, pain, ROM, and PROs) via surface under the cumulative ranking curves. RESULTS: A total of 18 studies comprising 2046 shoulders (47% females, mean age 61 ± 3 years, mean follow-up 21 ± 5 months) were included. Interventions that ranked highest for minimizing re-tear risk included arthroscopic single-row repair (A+SR) or double-row repair (A+DR) with or without platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Open repair and A+SR repair with acromioplasty (ACP) ranked highest for pain relief. Interventions that ranked highest for ROM improvement included open repair, PT, and A+DR with or without ACP. Interventions that ranked highest for PROs included arthroscopic footprint microfracture with or without SR, open repair, and A+SR with or without ACP. CONCLUSIONS: Based on a network meta-analysis of level 1 studies, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with a SR or DR construct demonstrates similar retear rates, PROs, and clinical outcomes. The highest-ranking treatment for minimizing retears was arthroscopic repair with DR constructs and PRP augmentation, although open repair and arthroscopic SR remain reliable options with excellent clinical outcomes. Addition of PRP to DR constructs trended toward a 56% decreased risk of retear as compared to DR repair alone. Although no single treatment emerged superior, several interventions offered excellent clinical improvements in pain, ROM, and PROs that exceeded minimal clinically important difference thresholds. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I, systematic review and meta-analysis of level I studies.

Corticosteroid injections 2 months before arthroscopic meniscectomy increases the rate of postoperative infections requiring surgical irrigation and debridement.

PURPOSE: Consensus guidelines recommend administering a corticosteroid injection (CSI) for patients with a symptomatic degenerative meniscus lesion prior to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM). A recent study found that CSI administered within 1 month prior to meniscectomy is associated with an increased risk of postoperative infection. However, infections may range in severity from superficial infections to serious infections requiring surgical interventions. The aim of this analysis was to define the rate of infections requiring surgery after APM and determine its relationship to preoperative CSI. METHODS: The PearlDiver Mariner administrative claims database was queried for patients > 35 years old who had a CSI in the year prior to isolated APM. Rates of deep infection and infection requiring surgery within 6 months were reported between matched patients with a CSI and no injection. RESULTS: After matching, there were 16,009 patients per group with a mean age of 59.4 years (SD = 9.6), 53.5% obesity, and 40% male. Forty-four of 113 patients who developed a postoperative deep infection went on to have a reoperation for irrigation and/or debridement (0.1% of all APM). Of these 44 patients, 30 had a preoperative CSI and 14 were controls unadjusted odds ratio (unadj-OR) if given CSI = 1.95, 95% CI 1.03-3.68, P = 0.04). Having a CSI within the month before surgery conferred a 4.56-fold increase in odds of an infection warranting surgery (95% CI 1.96-10.21, P < 0.01), whilst having a CSI 4-8 weeks before surgery conferred a 2.42-fold increase in odds (95% CI 1.04-5.42, P = 0.03). Receiving multiple CSI in the year prior to APM was associated with 5.27-fold increased odds of an infection requiring surgery (95% CI 1.19-23.27, P = 0.03), compared to having a single CSI. CONCLUSIONS: Serious infections requiring a surgical intervention are rare after a meniscectomy, occurring in 0.1% of APMs in a matched cohort of patients over 35. Patients were five times more likely to return to the operating room for infection after APM if they had a CSI in the month before or had multiple CSIs in the year before surgery. The risk of infection was no longer significant if there was at least a 2-month interval between preoperative CSI and APM. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Prior Instability is Strongly Associated With Dislocation After Isolated Head and Liner Exchange.

BACKGROUND: Isolated head and liner exchange is an appealing alternative to a more extensive revision total hip arthroplasty in patients who have well-fixed components. Despite efforts to increase femoral offset and restore soft tissue tensioning, limited component revision may be associated with higher rates of postoperative instability. METHODS: This retrospective analysis assessed 209 patients who had a head and liner exchange conducted at a large academic medical center between 2011 and 2019 and had >2 years of follow-up. Functional cup positioning within the Lewinnek safe zone was assessed on postoperative weight-bearing radiographs. Included patients were 56% women, had a mean age of 64 years (range, 24-89) and a mean body mass index of 28.8 kg/m2 (range, 18.2-46.7). The most common indications for surgery included acetabular liner wear in 86 hips (41%), instability in 40 hips (19%), and infection in 36 hips (17%). RESULTS: Twenty-eight hips (13%) had a dislocation within 2 years after surgery. The best-fit model predicting postoperative dislocation included a history of dislocation (adjusted-odds ratio [adj-OR] 5.67, 95% CI 2.39-14.09, P < .001), age (adj-OR 1.04 per 1-year increase, 95% CI 0.99-1.08, P = .10), and body mass index (adj-OR 0.90 per 1-kg/m2 increase, 95% CI 0.80-0.99, P = .046). CONCLUSION: In a large cohort of patients who had isolated head and liner exchange, patients who had prior instability had 7-fold elevated odds of postoperative dislocation. This risk remains significant after controlling for cup positioning outside the Lewinnek safe zone, liner type, head size, neck length, soft tissue compromise, neuromuscular disease, and dual mobility constructs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective cohort study.

Health- and Vision-Related Quality of Life in a Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Methotrexate and Mycophenolate Mofetil for Uveitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in health-related and vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) among patients with noninfectious uveitis who were treated with antimetabolites. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with noninfectious uveitis from India, the United States, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico. METHODS: From 2013 through 2017, 216 participants were randomized to receive 25 mg weekly oral methotrexate or 1.5 g twice daily oral mycophenolate mofetil. Median changes in quality of life (QoL) were measured using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and differences between treatment groups were measured using linear mixed models, adjusting for baseline QoL score, age, gender, and site. Among Indian patients, VRQoL scores from a general scale (the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire [NEI-VFQ]) and a culturally specific scale (the Indian Visual Function Questionnaire [IND-VFQ]) were compared using Pearson correlation tests. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Vision-related QoL (NEI-VFQ and IND-VFQ) and health-related QoL (HRQoL; physical component score [PCS] and mental component score [MCS] of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Survey [SF-36v2]) were measured at baseline, the primary end point (6 months or treatment failure before 6 months), and the secondary end point (12 months or treatment failure between 6 and 12 months). RESULTS: Among 193 participants who reached the primary end point, VRQoL increased from baseline by a median of 12.0 points (interquartile range [IQR], 1.0-26.1, NEI-VFQ scale), physical HRQoL increased by a median of 3.6 points (IQR, -1.4 to 14.9, PCS SF-36v2), and mental HRQoL increased by a median of 3.0 points (IQR, -3.7 to 11.9, MCS SF-36v2). These improvements in NEI-VFQ, SF-36v2 PCS, and SF-36v2 MCS scores all were significant (P < 0.01). The linear mixed models showed that QoL did not differ between treatment groups for each QoL assessment (NEI-VFQ, IND-VFQ, PCS SF-36v2, and MCS SF-36v2; P > 0.05 for all). The NEI-VFQ and IND-VFQ scores for Indian participants were correlated highly at baseline and the primary and secondary end points (correlation coefficients, 0.87, 0.80, and 0.90, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients treated with methotrexate or mycophenolate mofetil for uveitis, VRQoL and HRQoL improved significantly over the course of 1 year and did not differ by treatment allocation. These findings suggest that antimetabolites could improve overall patient well-being and daily functioning.

Preoperative Corticosteroid Injections Are Not Associated with Deep Infection after Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty.

Prior to unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), corticosteroid injections (CSI) are a common nonoperative treatment for arthritis. It is unclear whether CSI prior to UKA impacts the likelihood of postoperative infection. This study sought to determine if there is a time- and/or dose-dependent relationship between preoperative CSI and postoperative infection. An administrative claims database was queried for patients undergoing UKA with more than 1 year of pre-enrollment and follow-up. Of 31,676 patients with a UKA who met enrollment criteria, 8,628 patients had a CSI 0 to 3 months prior to surgery, 111 had a CSI 3 to 12 months prior to surgery, and 22,937 never received an injection. Overall, 246 postoperative deep infections were reported (0.8%). Time-dependent and dose-dependent relationships were modeled using multivariable logistic regressions. Postoperative deep infections occurred in 64 patients with CSI 0 to 3 months prior to surgery (0.7%), compared with 0 patients with CSI 3 to 12 months before surgery (0.0%) and 182 controls (0.8%, p = 0.58). CSI within 1 month prior to UKA was not statistically associated with postoperative infection (p = 0.66). Two or more CSI within 3 months prior to UKA were associated with a twofold elevated odds of infection, compared with receiving a single injection (odds ratio [OR]: 2.08, p = 0.03). Univariable predictors of infection included younger age, increasing Charlson Comorbidity Index, smoking, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, liver disease, and obesity. Multivariable analysis controlling for these characteristics elicited no relationship between recent CSI administration and postoperative infection. CSI within 3 months of surgery (1.5%) or 3 to 12 months (1.8%) were associated with increased conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) compared with those who did not receive an injection (1.1%, p = 0.01), although TKA for indication of periprosthetic joint infection was not statistically different (p = 0.72). Preoperative CSI within 3 months of UKA is not associated with postoperative infection, although significant medical comorbidity does show an association. Preoperative CSI is associated with increased conversion from UKA to TKA for noninfectious indications.

Outcomes of isolated head-liner exchange versus full acetabular component revision in aseptic revision total hip arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Isolated head and liner exchange in aseptic revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) is an appealing option rather than full acetabular component revision; however, early outcome reports suggest high rates of complications requiring re-revision. This study seeks to compare the outcomes of these procedures. METHODS: This retrospective study assessed 124 head and liner exchanges and 59 full acetabular cup revisions conducted at a single center between 2011 and 2019 with at least 2 years of follow-up. Baseline demographics did not vary by group. Mean follow-up was 3.7 (range 2.0-8.6) years. RESULTS: In the head and liner exchange group, re-revision-free survivorship at 2 years was 79% for all-causes and 84% for aseptic reasons. In the full acetabular revision group, it was 80% for all causes (p > 0.99) and 83% for aseptic reasons (p > 0.99). The 2-year survivorship of head and liner exchange was non-inferior to that of full acetabular revision, correcting for surgical indication and history of prior revision (adj-OR 0.1.39, 95% CI, 0.62-3.28, p = 0.99). A best-fit multivariable model found that revision for instability (adj-OR=3.03, 95% CI 1.40-6.66, p = 0.005), prior revision (adj-OR 2.15; 95% CI, 0.87-5.32; p = 0.10), current smoking (adj-OR 2.07; 95% CI, 0.94-4.57; p = 0.07), and obesity (adj-OR 0.58; 95% CI, 0.24-1.36; p = 0.22) were associated with failure within 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: In this analysis, 2-year outcomes for isolated head and liner exchange were non-inferior to full acetabular component revision. A future randomised prospective study should be conducted to better assess the optimal approach to revision in an aseptic failed hip arthroplasty.

Total Knee Arthroplasty After Meniscectomy Is More Likely in Patients With Bicompartmental or Complex Tears.

Purpose: To determine the relationship between meniscus tear morphologies, stratified by location and pattern, and knee arthroplasty rates in a commercial insurance population. Methods: The PearlDiver database was queried for patients ≥35 years old with a meniscus tear of specified laterality and ≥2 years follow-up between 2015 and 2018. Two analyses were conducted with cohorts matched on age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, obesity, osteoarthritis (OA), and treatment (meniscectomy vs conservative): one with equal-sized subgroups by tear location (medial only, lateral only, or both medial and lateral) and another by tear pattern (bucket-handle, complex, or peripheral). The rate of subsequent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was compared between matched groups. Results: In total, 129,987 patients (mean age: 57.8 ± 10.5 years) were matched by tear location; 1,734 patients with medial-only tears (4.0%), 1,786 with lateral-only tears (4.1%), and 2,611 with medial plus lateral tears (6.0%) underwent a TKA within 5 years (P < .001). Patients with both medial and lateral tears were 1.55-fold more likely to undergo TKA. In total, 24,213 patients (mean age: 56.0 ± 10.5 years) were matched by tear pattern; 296 patients with bucket-handle tears (3.7%), 373 with complex tears (4.6%), and 336 with peripheral tears (4.2%) underwent TKA (P = .01). Patients with complex tears were 1.29-fold more likely to undergo TKA than patients with bucket-handle tears (P = .002). Conclusions: In matched cohorts of patients with degenerative meniscus tears, having both medial plus lateral tears conferred a 1.5-fold risk of TKA, whereas complex tears conferred a 1.3-fold risk within 5 years. Specific meniscal tear patterns and locations harbor varying risk in progressing to end-stage knee OA, and these data may help counsel patients about their likelihood of progressing to end-stage OA warranting an arthroplasty procedure. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Management of ACL Reconstruction Complicated by MRSA Osteomyelitis Requiring a Gastrocnemius Perforator Flap: A Case Report.

CASE: A 21-year-old woman presented with sepsis from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, patellar osteomyelitis, and 6 × 4 × 2-cm proximal anteromedial soft-tissue defect 1 week after bone-tendon-bone autograft anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R). She underwent multiple irrigation and debridement (I&Ds), hardware removal, bone grafting with antibiotic-loaded tricalcium phosphate beads, and medial gastrocnemius perforator flap with plastic surgery. At 18 months after her initial ACL-R, single-stage revision ACL-R with quadriceps autograft was performed. CONCLUSION: When acute ACL-R infection does not respond to initial I&D and Intravenous (IV) antibiotics, retained hardware and graft tissue must be removed expeditiously to prevent sepsis, osteomyelitis, and soft-tissue defects.

Quadriceps Weakness is Associated with Neuroplastic Changes Within Specific Corticospinal Pathways and Brain Areas After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Theoretical Utility of Motor Imagery-Based Brain-Computer Interface Technology for Rehabilitation.

Persistent quadriceps weakness is a problematic sequela of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The purposes of this review are to summarize neuroplastic changes after ACL reconstruction; provide an overview of a promising interventions, motor imagery (MI), and its utility in muscle activation; and propose a framework using a brain-computer interface (BCI) to augment quadriceps activation. A literature review of neuroplastic changes, MI training, and BCI-MI technology in postoperative neuromuscular rehabilitation was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. Combinations of the following search terms were used to identify articles: "quadriceps muscle," "neurofeedback," "biofeedback," "muscle activation," "motor learning," "anterior cruciate ligament," and "cortical plasticity." We found that ACLR disrupts sensory input from the quadriceps, which results in reduced sensitivity to electrochemical neuronal signals, an increase in central inhibition of neurons regulating quadriceps control and dampening of reflexive motor activity. MI training consists of visualizing an action, without physically engaging in muscle activity. Imagined motor output during MI training increases the sensitivity and conductivity of corticospinal tracts emerging from the primary motor cortex, which helps "exercise" the connections between the brain and target muscle tissues. Motor rehabilitation studies using BCI-MI technology have demonstrated increased excitability of the motor cortex, corticospinal tract, spinal motor neurons, and disinhibition of inhibitory interneurons. This technology has been validated and successfully applied in the recovery of atrophied neuromuscular pathways in stroke patients but has yet to be investigated in peripheral neuromuscular insults, such as ACL injury and reconstruction. Well-designed clinical studies may assess the impact of BCI on clinical outcomes and recovery time. Quadriceps weakness is associated with neuroplastic changes within specific corticospinal pathways and brain areas. BCI-MI shows strong potential for facilitating recovery of atrophied neuromuscular pathways after ACLR and may offer an innovative, multidisciplinary approach to orthopaedic care. Level of Evidence: V, expert opinion.

The Epidemiology of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections From 2010 to 2020 in a Large US Commercial Insurance Claims Database: A Recent Update.

INTRODUCTION: The popularity of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for the treatment of orthopaedic conditions has grown markedly. We sought to better define the trends in the usage of orthopaedic PRP injections across an insured US population over the past decade. METHODS: The PearlDiver M91Ortho commercial administrative claims database was queried for all patients receiving PRP injections for orthopaedic conditions from 2010 through the first quarter of 2020 (Q1.2020). Trends in PRP use, reimbursement charges, demographics, joints injected, and administering physicians were assessed over time and reported as year-over-year (YOY) changes. RESULTS: Over the study period, 14,096 unique patients had 17,759 orthopaedic PRP injections. The number of PRP injections administered had a YOY increase of 7.1% (144 injections/year, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 89 to 199, Ptrend = 0.0009). A YOY increase of 895% was observed in total nonsurgical charges ($683,974/yr, 95% CI 441,504 to 926,444, Ptrend = 0.0009). The median age of PRP recipients increased (YOY change = +0.6 years, 95% CI 0.4 to 0.8, Ptrend = 0.0005). Injections to the elbow (YOY change = -0.8%, 95% CI -0.10% to [-0.06%], Ptrend = 0.005) and foot/ankle (YOY change = -1.0%, 95% CI -1.4% to [-0.06%], Ptrend = 0.002) decreased, whereas hip (YOY change = +0.4%, 95% CI 0.2% to 0.6%, Ptrend = 0.019), knee (YOY change = +0.9%, 95% CI 0.3% to 1.2%, Ptrend = 0.016), and spine (YOY change = +0.2%, 95% CI 0.0% to 0.4%, Ptrend = 0.033) injections increased. PRP injections given by sports medicine orthopaedic surgeons (YOY change = +0.8%, 95% CI 0.6% to 1.2%, Ptrend <0.0001) increased over time, whereas those by general orthopaedic surgeons decreased (YOY change = -0.9, 95% CI -1.2 to [-0.6%], Ptrend = 0.001). CONCLUSION: PRP injections quadrupled in prevalence from 2010 to Q1.2020, with a projected increase in annual usage in this data set of 66% by 2030. As greater evidence-based indications for PRP use are identified, more specialists and insurance providers may consider expanding their involvement in this growing field. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective cohort study.

A Radiostereometric Analysis of Tendon Migration After Arthroscopic and Mini-Open Biceps Tenodesis: Interference Screw Versus Single Suture Anchor Fixation.

BACKGROUND: Studies suggest that similar clinical results are achieved via arthroscopic and open biceps tenodesis (BT) techniques. PURPOSE: To quantify the postoperative migration of the BT construct between arthroscopic suprapectoral BT (ASPBT) and open subpectoral BT (OSPBT) techniques via interference screw (IS) or single-suture suture anchor (SSSA) fixation using radiostereometric analysis. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Distal migration of the biceps tendon after OSPBT with a polyetheretherketone IS, OSPBT with 1 SSSA, ASPBT with polyetheretherketone IS, and ASPBT with 2 SSSAs was measured prospectively. Patients with symptomatic biceps tendinopathy and preoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including Constant-Murley subjective, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, or Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Upper Extremity scores were included. A tantalum bead was sutured on the proximal end of the long head of the biceps tendon before fixation of tendon tissue. Anteroposterior radiographs were performed immediately postoperatively, at 1 week, and at 3 months. Bead migration was measured, and preoperative PROMs were compared with those at latest follow-up. RESULTS: Of 115 patients, 94 (82%) were available for final follow-up. IS fixation yielded the least tendon migration with no difference between the open and arthroscopic approaches (4.31 vs 5.04 mm; P = .70). Fixation with 1 suture anchor demonstrated significantly greater migration than that achieved with an IS at both 1 week (6.47 vs 0.1 mm, 6.47 vs 1.75 mm, P < .001;) and 3 months (14.76 vs 4.31 mm, 14.76 vs 5.04 mm, P < .001) postoperatively. Two-suture anchor fixation yielded significantly greater migration than IS fixation at 1 week (7.02 vs 0.1 mm, P < .001; 7.02 vs 1.75 mm, P = .003) but not 3 months postoperatively (8.06 vs 4.31 mm, P = .10; 8.06 vs 5.04 mm, P = .07). Four patients with suture anchor fixation (3 patients in the OSPBT 1 SSSA group, 9.4%, and 1 patient in the ASPBT 2 SSSAs group, 3.8%) developed a Popeye deformity, whereas no Popeye deformities occurred in the IS groups. Mean 3-month bead migration in patients with and without a Popeye deformity was 60.8 and 11.2 mm, respectively (P < .0001). PROMs did not differ among groups at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Interference screw fixation yielded the least tendon migration whether achieved arthroscopically or open. The available data indicated that fixation with 1 SSSA but not 2 SSSAs resulted in significantly greater migration than that achieved with an IS. Despite variations in tendon migration, PROMs were similar among all groups. When SSSAs are used, tendon migration may be minimized by using ≥2 anchors.

Treatment of Subchondral Bone Marrow Edema with Intralesional Viscous Bone Cement in a Young, Active Patient: A Case Report.

CASE: A 23-year-old male patient presented with symptomatic, high-grade medial tibial plateau bone marrow edema unresponsive to conservative treatment. After the injection of intralesional viscous bone cement, the patient had resolution of his symptoms and returned to running. CONCLUSION: The use of intralesional viscous bone cement has grown in popularity for the treatment of bone marrow edema in individuals older than 40 years but is uncommon in younger individuals. This case demonstrates that intralesional viscous bone cement may be considered in the treatment of high-grade bone marrow edema in young, active patients who are unresponsive to extensive conservative management.

Changes in the Synovial Fluid Cytokine Profile of the Knee Between an Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury and Surgical Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Changes in the intra-articular inflammatory state during the immediate period after an acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture are not well defined. PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in the concentration of select proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory synovial fluid cytokines during the interval between an ACL injury and surgical reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study. METHODS: In patients with an acute ACL injury, a synovial fluid sample was obtained from the injured knee during the initial office visit within 2 weeks of the inciting traumatic event. An additional synovial fluid sample was collected at the time of ACL reconstruction just before the surgical incision. Synovial fluid samples from both the acute injury and the surgery time points were processed with a protease inhibitor, and the concentrations of 10 cytokines of interest were measured using a multiplex magnetic bead immunoassay. The primary outcome was the change in cytokine concentrations between time points. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients with a mean age of 30.2 ± 8.3 years were included. The acute injury synovial fluid samples were collected at 6.6 ± 3.8 days after the injury. The surgical synovial fluid samples were collected at 31.6 ± 15.6 days after the acute injury samples. Based on a series of linear mixed-effects models to control for the effect of concomitant meniscal injuries and by-patient variability, there was a statistically significant increase in the concentrations of RANTES and bFGF and a statistically significant decrease in the concentrations of IL-6, MCP-1, MIP-1ß, TIMP-1, IL-1Ra, and VEGF between time points. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the ongoing alterations in the intra-articular microenvironment during the initial inflammatory response in the acute postinjury period. We identified 6 synovial fluid cytokines that significantly decreased and 2 that significantly increased between the first clinical presentation shortly after the injury and the time of surgery 1 month later. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study describes the molecular profile of the inflammatory changes between the time of an acute ACL injury and the time of surgical reconstruction 1 month later. A greater understanding of the acute inflammatory response within the knee may be helpful in identifying the optimal timing for a surgical intervention that balances the risk of chondral damage with the likelihood of successful, well-healed reconstruction.

Postoperative, But Not Preoperative Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), Is Associated With an Increased Rate of Medical Adverse Events Following Arthroscopic Procedures.

Purpose: To characterize how severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in the perioperative period affects the medical adverse event (MAE) rates in arthroscopic sports medicine procedures. Methods: The Mariner coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) database was queried for all shoulder, hip, or knee arthroscopies, 2010 to 2020. Patients with COVID-19 in the 3 months before to 3 months after their surgery were matched by age, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity Index to patients with an arthroscopy but no perioperative COVID-19 infection, or a COVID-19 infection but no arthroscopic procedure. MAEs in the 3 months after surgery or illness were compared between groups. Results: The final cohort consisted of 1,299 matched patients in 3 groups: COVID-19 alone, arthroscopy and perioperative COVID-19, and arthroscopy alone. There were 265 MAEs if a patient had COVID-19 alone (20.4%), 200 MAEs if a patient had arthroscopy with COVID-19 (15.4%), and 71 (5.5%) MAEs if a patient had arthroscopy alone (P < .01). If a patient had an arthroscopy, having COVID-19 was associated with 3.1-fold elevated odds (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.9-3.4, P < .01) of MAE. Among patients with an arthroscopy, MAEs were more common if a patient acquired COVID-19 in the 3 months after their surgery (pooled odds ratio 7.39, 95% CI 5.49-9.95, P < .01) but not if a patient had preoperative COVID-19 (pooled odds ratio 0.66, 95% CI 0.42-1.03, P = .07). Conclusions: Having COVID-19 during the postoperative period appears to confer a 7-fold elevated risk of MAEs after shoulder, hip, and knee arthroscopy compared with matched patients with arthroscopy and no perioperative COVID-19 but equivalent to that of patients with COVID-19 and no arthroscopy. However, there was no increase in postoperative MAEs if a patient had COVID-19 during the 3 months preceding surgery. Therefore, it appears safe to conduct an arthroscopic procedure shortly after recovery from COVID-19 without an increase in acute medical complication rates. Level of evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Synovial Fluid Cytokine Profile at the Time of Arthroscopy Explains Intermediate-Term Functional Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The intra-articular immune response after ligamentous, meniscal, or focal chondral knee injuries likely plays a role in intra-articular healing and the onset and progression of posttraumatic osteoarthritis. PURPOSE: To evaluate the association of synovial fluid cytokine concentrations measured at the time of knee arthroscopy with intermediate-term functional outcomes after knee arthroscopy based on the Lysholm score. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. Synovial fluid was aspirated from the injured knee immediately before surgical incision, and the concentrations of 10 cytokines were analyzed using immunoassay. Principal component regression was used to create a model to predict patient-reported Lysholm score at a minimum of 5 years postoperatively. Hierarchical clustering was performed to identify groups of patients with similar synovial fluid inflammatory phenotypes. Lysholm scores and cytokine concentrations were compared between clusters. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients (mean age, 40.33 ± 16.40 years) were included in the analysis. The mean duration between surgery and follow-up was 6.69 ± 0.72 years. A model consisting of 2 principal components (PC1, PC2) explained 62.48% of the variance in the cytokine data and 52.03% of the variance in intermediate-term Lysholm score. Hierarchical clustering resulted in 3 patient clusters based on the principal components used in the regression model. Despite no baseline differences in Lysholm score, cluster 3 demonstrated significantly greater intermediate-term Lysholm score compared with cluster 2 (94.33 vs 76.09, respectively; 95% CI, 5.96-30.52; P = .006) and cluster 1 (94.33 vs 52.33, respectively; 95% CI, 24.09-59.91; P = .003). Cluster 3, when compared with the overall means, was characterized by greater PC1 value (1.01 vs 0.00, respectively; P = .030) and greater PC2 value (0.86 vs 0.00, respectively; P = .002). CONCLUSION: The concentrations of select synovial fluid cytokines assessed at the time of knee arthroscopy can be used to explain more than half of the variance in intermediate-term functional outcomes.