Return to Sport Following Distal Triceps Repair.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the timeline of return-to-sport following distal triceps repair; evaluate the degree of participation and function upon returning to sport; and identify risk factors for failure to return to sport. METHODS: Patients who underwent distal triceps repair with a minimum of 1 year of follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Patients completed a subjective sports questionnaire and were scored on a visual analog scale for pain; the Mayo Elbow Performance Index; the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; and the Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation. RESULTS: Out of 113 eligible patients who had a distal triceps repair, 81 patients (71.7%) were contacted. Sixty-eight patients (84.0%) who participated in sports prior to surgery were included at 6.0 ± 4.0 years after surgery, and the average age was 46.6 ± 11.5 years. Sixty-one patients (89.7%) resumed playing at least 1 sport by 5.9 ± 4.4 months following distal triceps repair. However, 18 patients (29.5%) returned to a lower level of activity intensity. The average postoperative Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; Mayo Elbow Performance; visual analog scale for pain; and Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation scores were 8.2 ± 14.0, 89.5 ± 13.4, 2.0 ± 1.7, and 82.2 ± 24.3, respectively. No patients underwent revision surgery at the time of final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Distal triceps repair enables 89.7% of patients to return to sport by 5.9 ± 4.4 months following surgery. However, 29.5% of patients were unable to return to their preinjury level of activity. It is imperative that patients are appropriately educated to manage postoperative expectations regarding sport participation following distal triceps repair. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of the Asymptomatic Shoulder May Impact Performance, Not Future Injury List Placement in Major League Baseball Pitchers.

Purpose: To evaluate preseason shoulder magnetic resonance images (MRIs) obtained from pitchers entering either major or minor league baseball (MLB) and correlate findings with subsequent injury, operative repair, and placement on the injured list (IL). Methods: Preseason-MRI of the throwing shoulders of professional-level baseball pitchers, taken during routine evaluations at a single organization (2004-2017) were retrospectively reviewed. Publicly available databases were queried to exclude pitchers with known injuries prior to pre-signing imaging. Three blinded reviewers reviewed all MRI scans independently to evaluate for the presence of abnormalities in the rotator cuff (RTC), labrum, capsule, long-head of the biceps tendon (LHBT), and humeral head. Binary imaging findings were correlated to future placement on the IL for subsequent shoulder complaints. Bivariate statistics using Student's t-tests and Fisher exact tests (both α = .05) were used in this study. Results: A total of 38 asymptomatic pitchers with shoulder MRIs were included. Pitchers had a mean (±SD) age of 28.2 ± 4.9 and had pitched an average of 119.6 ± 143.8 career games. Pitchers with partial articular-sided RTC tears (P = .04) or intra-articular BT hyperintensity (P = .04) on preseason MRI demonstrated an association with the need for future surgery. Pitchers with evidence of labral heterogeneity demonstrated greater total career pitch counts (10,034.1 vs 2,465.3; P = .04). Evidence of a posterior-superior humeral cyst was associated with decreased strikeouts per 9 innings (6.1 vs 8.0; P = .039) and total strikeout percentage (16.1% vs 23.2%; P = .04). Conclusion: Although there was a significant difference in the percent of various radiographic findings between the injured and healthy cohort, no MRI findings were predictive of future IL placement or duration of placement. The presence of a posterior superior humeral cyst was associated with decreased strikeout rates at 2 and 3 years, the presence of a labral tear was associated with decreased earned run average (ERA) at 3 years and decreased career strikeout percentages, and increased capsular signal was associated with decreased 5-year ERA. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective study.

High Rate of Return to Work by 3 Months Following Latarjet for Anterior Shoulder Instability.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the rate and duration of return to work in patients undergoing Latarjet for failed soft-tissue stabilization or glenoid bone loss. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing Latarjet from 2005 to 2015 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. Patients completed a standardized and validated work questionnaire, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index Survey, and a satisfaction survey. RESULTS: Of 89 eligible patients who had Latarjet, 67 patients (75.3%) responded to the questionnaire, of whom 51 patients (76.1%) were employed within 3 years before surgery (mean age: 29.9 ± 11.8 years; mean follow-up: 54.6 ± 11.9 months) and had an average glenoid bone loss of 14.5 ± 6.1%. Fifty patients (98.0%) returned to work by 2.7 ± 3.0 months postoperatively; 45 patients (88.2%) patients returned to the same level of occupational intensity. Those who held sedentary, light, moderate, or heavy intensity occupations returned to their previous occupation at a rate of 100.0%, 93.3%, 90.0%, and 66.7% (P = .2) at a duration of 1.2 ± 1.6 months, 1.8 ± 1.9 months, 3.1 ± 3.5 months, and 6.5 ± 4.1 months (P = .001), respectively. The average postoperative Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index score was 70.9 ± 34.2. Fifty patients (98.0%) noted at least "a little improvement" in their quality of life following surgery, with 35 patients (68.6%) noting great improvement. Furthermore, 49 patients (96.1%) reported being satisfied with their procedure, with 25 patients (49.0%) reporting being very satisfied. Four patients (7.8%) returned to the operating room, with 1 patient (2.0%) requiring arthroscopic shoulder stabilization. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 98% of patients who underwent Latarjet returned to work by 2.7 ± 3.0 months postoperatively. Patients with greater-intensity occupations had a longer duration of absence before returning to their preoperative level of occupational intensity. Information regarding return to work is imperative in preoperative patient consultation to manage expectations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, case series.

Return to Work After Pectoralis Major Repair.

BACKGROUND: Pectoralis major repair (PMR) is an infrequent injury that occurs during resistance training, most commonly during the eccentric phase of muscle contraction. As the incidence of weight training continues to increase, it is important to understand the outcomes after PMR. PURPOSE: To evaluate the rate and duration of return to work in patients undergoing PMR. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing PMR from 2010 to 2016 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively. Patients completed a standardized and validated work questionnaire, as well as a visual analog scale for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons survey, Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation, and a satisfaction survey. RESULTS: Of the 60 eligible patients who had a PMR, 49 (81.7%) were contacted at the final follow-up. Of the 49 patients, 46 (93.9%) had been employed within 3 years before surgery (mean ± SD age, 40.4 ± 8.2 years; follow-up, 3.9 ± 2.8 years). Of these, 45 (97.8%) returned to work by 1.6 ± 2.1 months postoperatively, and 41 (89.1%) returned to the same level of occupational intensity. Patients who held sedentary, light-, medium-, or high-intensity occupations returned to work at a rate of 100.0%, 100.0%, 83.3%, and 66.7% by 0.8 ± 1.0, 0.8 ± 1.0, 1.3 ± 2.7, and 3.3 ± 2.7 months, respectively. Five of 6 patients (83.3%) with workers' compensation returned to their previous occupations by 5.0 ± 1.6 months, while 100% of those without workers' compensation returned to work by 1.1 ± 1.7 months (P < .001). Overall, 44 patients (95.7%) were satisfied with the procedure, and 40 (87.0%) would have the operation again if presented the opportunity. A single patient (2.2%) required revision PMR. CONCLUSION: Approximately 98% of patients who underwent PMR returned to work by 1.6 ± 2.1 months postoperatively. Patients with higher-intensity occupations took longer to return to their preoperative levels of occupational intensity. Information regarding return to work is imperative in preoperative patient consultation to manage expectations.

Return to sport following Latarjet glenoid reconstruction for anterior shoulder instability.

BACKGROUND: Latarjet coracoid transfer reconstruction is the gold standard for the treatment of recurrent shoulder instability with anterior-inferior glenoid bone loss, and return to sport is often a primary outcome of interest in this patient population. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of return to sport in patients undergoing the Latarjet procedure and variables that are associated with a higher likelihood of a successful return to sport. METHODS: A prospectively maintained institutional registry was retrospectively queried between August 2012 and August 2016 for all patients who underwent the Latarjet procedure. Patients were contacted electronically and via telephone to administer a previously validated and standardized return-to-sport survey. Patients self-reported return to sport, varying sports participation, recurrence of instability, and time to return to sport. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine variables associated with each outcome. RESULTS: Of 83 patients, 66 (75.3%) were available for final follow-up, of whom 60 participated in sports prior to surgery and were eligible for inclusion. The average follow-up period was 53.8 ± 11.8 months. The average age at surgery was 26.7 ± 11.3 years, and the average body mass index was 26.2 ± 4.0 kg/m2. There were 54 patients (90%) who were able to return to sport at an average of 8.6 ± 4.1 months following surgery. In total, 36 patients (60%) were able to return to sport at the same level or a better level of intensity, 19 of 28 patients (67.9%) were able to return to throwing sports without difficulty, and 31 of 60 patients (51.7%) reported that their shoulder was a hindrance to some activity. An increased likelihood of returning to sport was associated with increased body mass index (P = .016), male sex (P = .028), and decreased humeral bone loss volume (P = .034). An increased likelihood of returning to sport at the same level or a better level of intensity was associated with reduced humeral bone loss volume (P = .026). Recurrent instability was associated with humeral bone loss (P = .038). CONCLUSION: Although a large majority of patients were able to return to sport following the Latarjet procedure, some patients experienced limitation with throwing and return to sport at the preinjury level. Greater humeral bone loss was associated with inferior outcomes. These findings should be discussed with patients in the preoperative setting to manage expectations appropriately.

Return to sport and weightlifting analysis following distal biceps tendon repair.

BACKGROUND: Rupture of the distal biceps tendon is an increasingly frequent injury sustained predominantly by middle-aged men. Despite the prevalence of sport in this age group, little is known regarding return to sport outcomes following surgery. METHODS: Patients undergoing distal biceps tendon repair (DBR) between January 2015 and January 2017 were contacted electronically via e-mail and via telephone to administer a previously validated and standard return to sport survey. Patients self-reported preinjury and current level of sport and activity as well as preinjury and current level of select weightlifts. RESULTS: A total of 77 of 124 patients were available for follow-up (62.1%). Of these patients, 61 endorsed preoperative sport and were included for analysis. Average follow-up was 38.7 ± 6.7 months. The mean age at surgery was 47.5 ± 8.8 years, and the mean body mass index was 30.3 ± 5.1. The dominant side was affected in 25 of 61 cases. Of the 61 included patients, 57 (93.4%) were able to return to sport at any level (lower, same, or higher intensity than preinjury activity level). Forty of the patients (65.6%) were able to return to sport at same or higher intensity. Mean time to return to sport was 6.0 ± 2.8 months. Days from injury to surgery (odds ratio [OR] 0.999, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.998-0.999), suture anchor fixation in comparison to suture button (OR 0.602, 95% CI 0.427-0.850), and dominant-side surgery (OR 0.749, 95% CI 0.582-0.963) were associated with a decreased likelihood to return to sport at same or higher level of duty. Single-sided incision in comparison to double (OR 5.209, 95% CI 1.239-20.903) and dominant-side surgery (OR 6.370, 95% CI 1.639-24.762) were associated with increased duration to return to sport. CONCLUSION: Distal biceps tendon rupture is a significant injury; however, patients can expect high levels of return to sport following DBR with some residual impairment compared with baseline. It is important to counsel patients on their expectations while taking into account the results of this study: that there will be a small but appreciable decrease in strength compared with preinjury levels.

Return to Sport following Isolated Lateral Opening Wedge Distal Femoral Osteotomy.

Purpose. The aims of this study were to (1) examine the timeline of return to sport (RTS) following isolated lateral opening wedge distal femoral osteotomy (DFO), (2) evaluate the degree of participation on RTS, and (3) identify risk factors for failure to RTS. Methods. Nineteen consecutive patients undergoing isolated lateral opening wedge DFO were reviewed retrospectively at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. Patients completed a sports questionnaire, visual analogue scale for pain (VAS-Pain), Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE), and a satisfaction questionnaire. Results. Seventeen patents (89.5%; age 32.1 ± 10.1 years; gender 9 males, 52.9%) were contacted at 7.3 ± 4.4 years (range 2.0-13.8 years). Twelve patients (70.6%) resumed playing ≥1 sport at an average time of 9.5 ± 3.3 months (range 3-12 months). Of these 12 patients, 6 returned to a lower level of participation (50.0%). Seven patients (41.2%) had returned to the operating room for further surgery, which included removal of hardware (5.9%) and total knee arthroplasty (5.9%). The average VAS-Pain, SANE, and Marx scores were 3.4 ± 2.6 (range 0-8), 56.2 ± 18.7 (range 20-85), and 5.0 ± 5.3 (range 0-16), respectively. Fourteen patients (82.4%) were at least somewhat satisfied with their procedure. Conclusion. In patients with isolated lateral compartment osteoarthritis and valgus deformity, lateral opening wedge DFO allows 70.6% of patients to RTS by 9.5 ± 3.3 months. However, most patients may be unable to return to their presymptomatic level of function. Patient expectations regarding RTS can be appropriately managed with adequate preoperative patient education. Level of Evidence. IV, case series.

Return to Work Following Isolated Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy.

PURPOSE: Patients with isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis and varus deformity may undergo high tibial osteotomy (HTO) to reduce the contact pressure in the medial compartment. The purpose of this investigation is (1) examine the timeline of return to work (RTW) following HTO and (2) evaluate RTW stratified by occupational intensity. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing HTO were reviewed retrospectively at a minimum of 2-years postoperatively. Patients completed a subjective work questionnaire, a visual analogue scale for pain, Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation, and a satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients were included at an average of 9.0 ± 3.3 years postoperatively. Thirty-seven patients (average age 43.4 ± 7.8 years, 91.9% with a Kellgren-Lawrence grade of III/IV) were employed within 3 years prior to surgery. Eighteen patients (48.6%) underwent subsequent surgery with 14 patients (37.8%) receiving a salvage knee arthroplasty at an average of 6.1 ± 3.5 years following HTO. Thirty-five patients (94.5%) returned to work at an average of 2.9 ± 2.0 months. The rate of RTW for sedentary, light, moderate, and heavy duties were 87.5%, 100%, 100%, and 93.3%, respectively, while the duration until RTW was 1.0 months, 1.1 months, 2.4 months, and 3.3 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: In a young and active population with osteoarthritis or varus deformity, an HTO allows patients to return to work; however, patients with high-intensity occupations may be absent from work longer than those with lesser physically demanding occupations. HTO is not a definitive treatment option as nearly 40% of patients underwent knee arthroplasty by 6.1 years postoperatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, case series.

Return to Work Following Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy for Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis and Pain.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ability of patients to return to work following anteromedialization (AMZ) tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) due to isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis or pain. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing AMZ TTO were reviewed retrospectively at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively. Patients completed a subjective work questionnaire, a visual analog scale for pain, as well as a Kujala questionnaire and satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients (61 knees; average age: 32.7 ± 9.6 years) were contacted at an average follow-up of 4.86 ± 2.84 years postoperatively. The preoperative Kujala score improved from 55.7 ± 17.8 to 84.6 ± 15.8 at final follow-up (P < 0.001). Thirty-seven patients (64.9%) were employed within 3 years prior to surgery and 34 patients (91.9%) were able to return to work by 2.8 ± 2.6 months postoperatively. However, only 27 patients (73.0%) of patients were able to return to the same level of occupational intensity. Patients who held sedentary, light-, medium-, or high-intensity occupations were able to return to work at a rate of 100.0%, 93.8%, 77.8%, and 100.0% by 2.2 months, 3.0 months, 3.1 months, and 4.0 months, postoperatively. No patients underwent revision TTO or conversion to arthroplasty by the time of final follow-up. CONCLUSION: In patients with focal patellofemoral osteoarthritis or pain, AMZ TTO provides a high rate of return to work (91.9%) by 2.8 ± 2.6 months postoperatively. Patients with higher intensity occupations may take longer to return to work than those with less physically demanding occupations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Return to Work Following Arthroscopic Meniscal Allograft Transplantation.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the ability of patients to return to work (RTW) following arthroscopic meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) for meniscal deficiency. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing MAT were retrospectively reviewed at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. Patients completed a subjective work questionnaire, Visual Analogue Scale for pain, Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation, and satisfaction. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients who were employed within 3 years prior to surgery (average age: 30.2 ± 6.9 years) were contacted at an average of 3.5 ± 0.9 years postoperatively. Forty-six patients (97.8%) returned to work by 2.7 ± 2.6 months postoperatively, and 44 patients (93.6%) returned to the same level of occupational intensity. Patients who held sedentary, light, medium, or high intensity occupations were able to RTW at a rate of 100.0%, 100.0%, 88.9%, and 85.7% (P = 0.4) by 1.1 ± 1.0 months, 2.5 ± 2.5 months, 3.5 ± 3.2 months, and 4.3 ± 2.8 months (P = 0.3) postoperatively. Thirty-eight patients (80.9%) were at least somewhat satisfied, and 43 patients (91.5%) would still have the operation if presented the opportunity. No patient underwent revision MAT or conversion to arthroplasty. CONCLUSION: In patients with painful meniscal deficiency, MAT provides a high rate of RTW (97.8%) by 2.7 ± 2.6 months postoperatively. However, some patients may be unable to return to their previous level of occupational intensity. Although statistically insignificant, patients with higher intensity occupations may have a lower rate and longer duration until RTW than those with less physically demanding occupations. Information regarding RTW is imperative for appropriately managing postoperative expectations.

Return to work following distal triceps repair.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rate and duration of return to work in patients undergoing distal triceps repair (DTR). METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing DTR from 2009 to 2017 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively. Patients completed a standardized and validated work questionnaire; a visual analog scale for pain; the Mayo Elbow Performance Score; the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire; and a satisfaction survey. RESULTS: Of 113 eligible patients who underwent DTR, 81 (71.7%) were contacted. Of these patients, 74 (91.4%) were employed within 3 years prior to surgery (mean age, 46.0 ± 10.7 years; mean follow-up, 5.9 ± 3.9 years). Sixty-nine patients (93.2%) returned to work by 2.2 ± 3.2 months postoperatively. Sixty-six patients (89.2%) were able to return to the same level of occupational intensity. Patients who held sedentary-, light-, medium-, and high-intensity occupations were able to return to work at a rate of 100.0%, 100.0%, 80.0%, and 76.9%, respectively, by 0.3 ± 0.5 months, 1.8 ± 1.5 months, 2.5 ± 3.6 months, and 4.8 ± 3.9 months, respectively, postoperatively. Of the workers' compensation patients, 15 (75%) returned to work by 6.5 ± 4.3 months postoperatively, whereas 100% of non-workers' compensation patients returned to work by 1.1 ± 1.6 months (P < .001). Seventy-one patients (95.9%) were at least somewhat satisfied, with 50 patients (67.6%) reporting excellent satisfaction. Seventy-two patients (97.3%) would undergo the operation again if presented the opportunity. A single patient (1.4%) required revision DTR. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 93% of patients who underwent DTR returned to work by 2.2 ± 3.2 months postoperatively. Patients with higher-intensity occupations had an equivalent rate of return to work but took longer to return to their preoperative level of occupational intensity. Information regarding return to work is imperative in preoperative patient consultation to manage expectations.

Return to Work After Distal Femoral Varus Osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: Distal femoral varus osteotomy (DFVO) is a well-described procedure to address valgus deformity of the knee. There is a paucity of information available regarding patients' ability to return to work (RTW) after DFVO. PURPOSE: To report the objective findings for RTW rates and times for patients receiving a DFVO for lateral compartment osteoarthritis secondary to valgus deformity of the knee. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients who received a lateral-wedge opening DFVO. Patients must have worked within 3 years before their operation to be included for analysis. Patients were contacted at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively for interview and questionnaire evaluation, including a subjective work questionnaire, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE), and a satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: Overall, 32 patients were contacted at a mean follow-up of 7.1 ± 4.1 years (range, 2.2-13.3 years). The mean ± SD age at the time of surgery was 30.8 ± 8.8 years (range, 17.2-46.5 years), and 65.6% of patients were female. Eleven patients (34.4%) received a concomitant meniscal allograft transplant, and 12 (37.5%) received a cartilage grafting procedure. The average VAS pain score decreased significantly from 6.1 preoperatively to 3.2 postoperatively (P = .03). All patients were able to RTW, at a mean time of 6.0 ± 13.2 months postoperatively (range, 0-72 months). When stratified by work intensity, the average time to return was 13.8, 3.1, 2.7, and 2.9 months for high, moderate, light, and sedentary occupations, respectively. There was no significant difference between these RTW times (P = .16), although this analysis may have been limited by the small sample size. Four patients whose work was classified as heavy work (50%) and 3 whose work was classified as moderate work (18.8%) either switched jobs or kept the same job with lighter physical duties as a result of their procedures. CONCLUSION: In a young and active population, DFVO for valgus deformity reliably afforded the ability to RTW within a relatively short time for patients with sedentary, light, and moderate occupational demands. However, patients with moderate- to high-intensity occupational demands may be unable to RTW at their preoperative level.

Return to Work After Shoulder Replacement for Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis Is Similar When Hemiarthroplasty Is Compared to Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Return to work after shoulder arthroplasty for glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA) is an important consideration for an aging workforce. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The aim of this study was to compare the shoulder function, pain levels, and rate of return to work in patients treated with anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) versus humeral hemiarthroplasty (HHA). METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive HHA patients was performed of our institution's shoulder arthroplasty registry. Inclusion criteria were pre-operative diagnosis of end-stage OA and more than 2 years' follow-up. HHA patients were statistically matched to aTSA patients and then screened for pre-operative work status; 26 HHA and 23 aTSA patients worked before surgery. There was no difference in average age (HHA, 62.4 years; aTSA, 61.7 years) or follow-up (HHA, 67.5 months; aTSA, 66.9 months). RESULTS: Average American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores (HHA, 37.6 to 70.3; aTSA, 35.6 to 80.1) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain scores (HHA, 6.1 to 2.3; aTSA, 6.5 to 0.6) improved in both groups. However, HHA patients had worse final VAS scores, and aTSA patients were more satisfied (100% vs 77%); 61.5% of HHA patients returned to work post-operatively versus 87.0% of aTSA patients. There was no difference in time to return to work (HHA, 1.9 ± 2.3 months; aTSA, 1.3 ± 1.0 months). CONCLUSION: Patients with shoulder OA undergoing aTSA have higher rates of return to work, function, and satisfaction than those undergoing HHA.

Return to Sport and Patient Satisfaction After Meniscal Allograft Transplantation.

PURPOSE: To investigate patient return to sport and satisfaction after meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT). METHODS: Patients undergoing MAT using a bone bridge technique between 2013 and 2015 with minimum 2-year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. They completed a survey regarding return to sport, satisfaction, and subsequent surgery in addition to patient-reported outcome measures. RESULTS: Of 117 patients, 87 (74.4%) were available at an average follow-up of 3.64 years (range, 2.01-5.13 years). The mean age at the time of surgery was 28.99 ± 8.26 years. Lateral MAT was performed in 44 cases (50.6%); medial MAT, 42 (48.3%); and combined medial and lateral MAT, 1 (1.1%). Concomitant procedures were performed in 72 patients (82.7%) including cartilage restoration (n = 65, 74.7%), realignment (n = 9, 10.3%), and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (n = 9, 10.3%). Patients experienced significant improvement in the Lysholm score (P < .001), International Knee Documentation Committee score (P < .001), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)-Quality of Life (P < .001), KOOS-Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (P < .001), KOOS-Pain (P < .001), KOOS-Sports (P = .001), KOOS-Symptoms (P = .003), Short Form 12 physical score (P < .001), and Veterans Rand-12 physical score (P < .001). Reoperation was performed in 26 patients (29.9%); failure occurred in 12 patients (13.8%; total knee arthroplasty in 1, unicompartmental arthroplasty in 2, and total meniscectomy in 9). Overall, 77.0% of patients were satisfied with their outcome. Prior to MAT, 82 patients (94.3%) participated in sporting activities; 62 patients (75.6%) returned to at least one sport at 12.58 ± 6.20 months postoperatively, with 30 (48.4%) reaching their preoperative level of intensity and 72 (87.8%) discontinuing at least one of their preoperative sports. The most common reasons for sports discontinuation postoperatively were prevention of further damage (73.6%), pain with activity (51.4%), fear of further injury (48.6%), surgeon recommendation (33.3%), and swelling with activity (30.6%). Patients were satisfied with their sports participation at a rate of 62.1%. CONCLUSIONS: In a complex patient population undergoing arthroscopic MAT, 75.6% of patients were able to return to at least one sport at an average of 12.58 ± 6.20 months postoperatively. The level of sport declined, with 93.5% of patients restricting involvement to recreational sports after MAT and 48.4% returning to their preoperative level of activity intensity. In addition, 87.8% of patients reported discontinuing a sport in which they had participated preoperatively. The most common reasons for decreasing level of sport were prevention of further damage, pain or swelling with sports, and fear of further injury. The reoperation rate after MAT was 29.9%. Most patients were satisfied with the outcome of surgery, with 77.0% satisfied in general and 62.1% satisfied with their ability to play sports. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Return to Sport Following High Tibial Osteotomy With Concomitant Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Young patients with symptomatic chondral defects in the medial compartment with varus malalignment may undergo opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) with concomitant osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) (HTO + OCA). Although patients have demonstrated favorable outcomes after HTO + OCA, limited information is available regarding return to sporting activities after this procedure. PURPOSE: To evaluate (1) the timeline to return to sports (RTS), (2) patient satisfaction, and (3) reasons for discontinuing sporting activity after HTO + OCA, and to identify predictive factors of RTS. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent HTO + OCA for varus deformity and medial femoral condyle focal chondral defects with a minimum 2-year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Patients completed a subjective sports questionnaire, satisfaction questionnaire, visual analog scale for pain, and Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients with a mean age of 36.97 ± 7.52 years were included at mean follow-up of 6.63 ± 4.06 years. Fourteen patients (50.0%) required reoperation during the follow-up period, with 3 (10.7%) undergoing knee arthroplasty. Twenty-four patients participated in sports within 3 years before surgery, with 19 patients (79.2%) able to return to at least 1 sport at a mean 11.41 ± 6.42 months postoperatively. However, only 41.7% (n = 10) were able to return to their preoperative level. The most common reasons for sports discontinuation (n = 20; 83.3%) were a desire to prevent further damage to the knee (70.0%), persistent pain (55.0%), persistent swelling (30.0%), and fear (25.0%). CONCLUSION: In young, active patients with varus deformity and focal medial femoral condyle chondral defects, HTO + OCA enabled 79.2% of patients to RTS by 11.41 ± 6.42 months postoperatively. However, only 41.7% of patients were able to return to their preinjury level or better. It is imperative that patients be appropriately educated to manage postoperative expectations regarding sports participation after HTO + OCA.

Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty with an inlay glenoid component: clinical outcomes and return to activity.

BACKGROUND: Biomechanical studies show that inlay glenoid components in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) can reduce edge loading and opposite-edge lift-off forces with humeral translation compared with onlay glenoids. However, clinical data for these implants are lacking. We report clinical outcomes and return to activities after anatomic TSA with an inlay glenoid component and a stemless ovoid humeral head in an active, young patient population. METHODS: A retrospective review of TSA with an inlay glenoid component and an ovoid humeral head component was performed for 27 shoulders. Patients were evaluated with patient-reported outcome measures, range of motion, and radiographs. Return to occupational and sporting activity, complications, and reoperations were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 27 shoulders were available for minimum 2-year follow-up. Age averaged 52.1 years, and 92.6% of shoulders were in male patients. The preoperative Walch grade was A1 or A2 in 15 shoulders (55%), B1 in 8 (30%), and B2 in 4 (15%). Patients showed significant improvements in patient-reported outcome measures, active forward flexion, and external rotation (P < .001) with no reoperations. At an average of 3.7 months, the rate of return to work was 92.6%, with 76.0% of those patients returning to their preoperative occupational demand level. At an average of 9.1 months, 75% of patients who responded to our custom survey returned to sport, with 50% achieving the same level or a higher level of sporting activity. Annual postoperative radiographs revealed no inlay component loosening. CONCLUSION: Anatomic TSA with an inlay glenoid coupled with a stemless ovoid humeral head in an active population resulted in improved clinical outcomes, no reoperations or radiographic loosening, and a high rate of return to activity at shorter-term follow-up.

Return to Work Following High Tibial Osteotomy With Concomitant Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation.

PURPOSE: To assess the timeline of return to work (RTW) following opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) with concomitant osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) of the medial femoral condyle. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing HTO + OCA due to focal chondral deficiency and varus deformity were retrospectively identified and reviewed at a minimum of 2 years following surgery. Patients completed a subjective work questionnaire, a visual analog scale for pain, Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation, and a satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (average age: 36.0 ± 7.9 years) were included at 6.7 ± 4.1 years postoperatively. Twenty-six patients were employed before surgery and 25 patients (96.2%) returned to work following HTO + OCA. However, only 88.5% of patients were able to return to the same level of occupational intensity by 3.5 ± 2.9 months postoperatively. The rate of RTW to the same occupational intensity for sedentary, light, medium, and heavy intensity occupations was 100%, 100%, 88.9%, and 80% (P = .8), whereas the duration of RTW was 9.0 ± 7.1 months, 1.7 ± 1.4 months, 2.7 ± 0.9 months, and 4.2 ± 1.9 months (P = .006), respectively. Two patients (7.7%) underwent knee replacement by 5.3 ± 3.1 years postoperatively due to progression of osteoarthritis in the medial compartment. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with focal chondral deficiency and varus deformity, HTO + OCA provides a high rate of RTW (96.2%) by 3.5 ± 2.9 months postoperatively. However, patients with greater-intensity occupations may take longer to return to work than those with less physically demanding occupations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, Retrospective Case Series.

Arthroscopic Suprapectoral and Open Subpectoral Biceps Tenodeses Produce Similar Outcomes: A Randomized Prospective Analysis.

PURPOSE: To directly compare subjective and objective outcomes of arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis (ASPBT) below the bicipital groove and open subpectoral biceps tenodesis (OSPBT) performed with interference screw fixation. METHODS: A total of 77 patients indicated for biceps tenodesis who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomized into the ASPBT and OSPBT groups. All tenodesis procedures implemented PEEK (polyether ether ketone) interference screws. Patients underwent a clinical examination that included range of motion and strength assessment at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Patients completed the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score, and Constant score preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were analyzed with a mean age of 50.3 ± 10.4 years and a mean body mass index of 28.9 ± 6.3. All patients had arthroscopic evidence of biceps pathology and underwent either an ASPBT (n = 37) or OSPBT (n = 38). The surgical time was significantly greater for ASPBT than for OSPBT (16.9 ± 8.4 minutes vs 9.8 ± 3.1 minutes, P < .001). One patient underwent conversion from the ASPBT group to the OSPBT group because of shearing of a severely attenuated tendon preventing an ASPBT. No significant difference (P > .05) was found in strength or anterior shoulder pain at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year, and no significant difference (P > .05) was found in clinical outcome scores (ASES, Constant subjective, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation) between the 2 groups at 6 months and 1 year. The improvement in the ASES score exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (12 points) in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: No differences in patient-reported outcome measures, functional outcomes, or complication rates were found after ASPBT compared with OSPBT. However, the results of this investigation must be interpreted with caution because this study may be underpowered to detect statistical differences. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Return to Sport and Outcomes After Concomitant Lateral Meniscal Allograft Transplant and Distal Femoral Varus Osteotomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the time and rate of return to sport (RTS), as well as outcomes, in young and active patients receiving concomitant lateral meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) and distal femoral varus osteotomy (DFVO) for lateral meniscal deficiency and valgus malalignment. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of consecutive patients who underwent concomitant MAT and DFVO by a single surgeon. The exclusion criteria were any concomitant procedures other than cartilage restoration procedures for focal full-thickness cartilage defects of the lateral femoral condyle and less than 2 years of follow-up. At final follow-up, patients were asked to complete a subjective sports questionnaire, the Marx Activity Rating Scale, a visual analog scale (VAS), the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and a satisfaction questionnaire. Changes in patient-reported outcome measures were assessed using nonparametric statistical testing. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients met the inclusion criteria, of whom 17 were included for analysis at an average follow-up of 7.5 years (range, 2.2-13.3 years). The average age at the time of surgery was 23.3 years (range, 16.9-36.2 years), and 76.5% of patients were female patients. The average VAS score decreased from 5.7 preoperatively to 2.6 postoperatively (P = .02). Of the 15 patients who participated in sports within 3 years prior to their surgical procedure, 14 (82.4%) returned to 1 or more sports at an average of 16.9 months (range, 6-36 months); however, only 46.7% were able to return to their preinjury level of participation or higher. Furthermore, 88.2% of patients reported being satisfied with their sport-related outcomes. Direct rates of sport-specific return were as follows: weightlifting, 100%; skiing, 100%; running, 66.7%; and basketball, 50%. CONCLUSIONS: In our study population, concomitant MAT and DFVO afforded a high rate of RTS at an average of 16.9 months postoperatively, as well as a significant decrease in VAS pain scores. These findings are essential to note when counseling patients receiving these procedures who wish to resume sports and physical activities so that they may expect an extensive recovery process before they can RTS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.