Long-term outcomes after osteochondral allograft transplantation to the humeral head.

BACKGROUND: Long-term outcomes of osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation to the humeral head have been sparsely reported in the literature. PURPOSE: To evaluate outcomes and survivorship of OCA transplantation to the humeral head in patients with osteochondral defects at a minimum of 10 years of follow-up. METHODS: A registry of patients who underwent humeral head OCA transplantation between 2004 and 2012 was reviewed. Patients completed pre and postoperative surveys including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Simple Shoulder Test, Short Form 12 (SF-12), and the visual analog scale. Failure was defined by conversion to shoulder arthroplasty. RESULTS: Fifteen of 21 (71%) patients with a minimum of ten year of follow-up (mean: 14.2 ± 2.40) were identified. Mean patient age was 26.1 ± 8.8 years at the time of transplantation and eight (53%) patients were male. Surgery was performed on the dominant shoulder in 11 of the 15 (73%) cases. The use of local anesthetic delivered via an intra-articular pain pump was the most often reported underlying etiology of chondral injury (n = 9; 60%). Eight (53%) patients were treated with an allograft plug, while seven (47%) patients were treated with a mushroom cap allograft. At final follow-up, mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (49.9 to 81.1; P = .048) and Simple Shoulder Test (43.1 to 83.3; P = .010) significantly improved compared to baseline. Changes in mean SF-12 physical (41.4 to 48.1; P = .354), SF-12 mental (57.5 to 51.8; P = .354), and visual analog scale (4.0 to 2.8; P = .618) did not reach statistical significance. Eight (53%) patients required conversion to shoulder arthroplasty at an average of 4.8 ± 4.7 years (range: 0.6-13.2). Kaplan-Meier graft survival probabilities were 60% at 10 years and 41% at 15 years. CONCLUSION: OCA transplantation to the humeral head can result in acceptable long-term function for patients with osteochondral defects. While patient-reported outcomes metrics were generally improved compared to baseline, OCA graft survival probabilities diminished with time. The findings from this study can be used to counsel future patients with significant glenohumeral cartilage injuries and set expectations about the potential for further surgery.

Determining the Time Required to Achieve Clinically Significant Outcomes on the PROMIS Upper Extremity Questionnaire After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair.

Background: Clinically significant outcome (CSO) thresholds for the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System-Upper Extremity (PROMIS-UE) score have been previously defined after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR). However, the time required to achieve CSOs for the PROMIS-UE score is unknown. Purpose: To (1) determine the time required to achieve the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), substantial clinical benefit (SCB), and Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) score thresholds after RCR for the PROMIS-UE questionnaire and (2) identify patient factors associated with earlier or delayed achievement of these clinical benchmarks. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A prospectively maintained institutional database was retrospectively reviewed for consecutive patients who underwent RCR between January 2018 and January 2019. Patients were included if they completed the PROMIS-UE questionnaire both preoperatively and at standardized postoperative time intervals: 5 to 7 months (6-month time point), 11 to 13 months (1-year time point), and ≥23 months (2-year time point). Kaplan-Meier survival curves with interval censoring were used to define the cumulative percentage of patients who achieved the MCID, SCB, and PASS. Patient variables associated with earlier or delayed achievement of the MCID, SCB, and PASS were determined using Weibull parametric survival regression analysis. Results: Included were 105 patients undergoing RCR (age, 57.3 ± 10.3 years; body mass index, 31.5 ± 6.1 kg/m2). By 2-year follow-up, the cumulative percentage of patients achieving the MCID, SCB, and PASS was 86.7%, 76.2%, and 74.3%, respectively. The mean time required to reach the MCID, SCB, and PASS score thresholds was 9.5 ± 3.8, 10.3 ± 4.4, and 9.8 ± 4.6 months, respectively. Factors associated with delayed achievement of CSOs included greater baseline PROMIS-UE score (MCID and SCB) and workers' compensation insurance (PASS). Greater baseline PROMIS-UE scores were associated with earlier achievement of the PASS. Conclusion: Most patients achieved CSOs for the PROMIS-UE within 12 months of RCR. Patient-specific factors found to be associated with earlier or delayed achievement of CSOs can be used to inform patient discussions on the expected timeline for recovery after RCR.

Effect of Mechanical Mincing on Minimally Manipulated Articular Cartilage for Surgical Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Point-of-care treatment options for medium to large symptomatic articular cartilage defects are limited. Minced cartilage implantation is an encouraging single-stage option, providing fresh viable autologous tissue with minimal morbidity and cost. PURPOSE: To determine the histological properties of mechanically minced versus minimally manipulated articular cartilage. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Remnant articular cartilage was collected from fresh femoral condylar allografts. Cartilage samples were divided into 4 groups: cartilage explants with or without fibrin glue and mechanically minced cartilage with or without fibrin glue. Samples were cultured for 42 days. Chondrocyte viability was assessed using live/dead assay. Cellular migration and outgrowth were monitored using bright-field microscopy. Extracellular matrix deposition was assessed via histological staining. Proteoglycan content and synthesis were assessed using dimethylmethylene blue assay and radiolabeled 35S-sulfate, respectively. Type II collagen (COL2A1) gene expression was analyzed via polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The mean viability of minced cartilage particles (34% ± 14%) was not significantly reduced compared with baseline (46% ± 13%) on day 0 (P = .90). After culture, no significant difference in the percentage of live cells was appreciated between mechanically minced (58% ± 23%) and explant (73% ± 14%) cartilage in the presence of fibrin glue (P = .52). The addition of fibrin glue did not significantly affect the viability of cartilage samples. The qualitative assessment revealed comparable cellular migration and outgrowth between groups. Proteoglycan synthesis was not significantly different between groups. Histological analysis findings were positive for COL2A1 in all groups, and matrix formation was appreciated in all groups. COL2A1 expression in minced cartilage (1.72 ± 1.88) was significantly higher than in explant cartilage (0.15 ± 0.07) in the presence of fibrin glue (P = .01). CONCLUSION: Mechanically minced articular cartilage remained viable after 42 days of culture in vitro and was comparable with cartilage explants with regard to cellular migration, outgrowth, and extracellular matrix synthesis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Mechanically minced articular cartilage is an encouraging intervention for the treatment of symptomatic cartilage defects. Further translational work is warranted to determine the viability of minced cartilage implantation as a single-stage therapeutic intervention in vivo.

Do Outcomes of Meniscal Allograft Transplantation Differ Based on Age and Sex? A Comparative Group Analysis.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effect of patient age, sex, and associated preoperative factors on patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures and graft survival following primary meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT). METHODS: A prospectively collected database was retrospectively reviewed to identify patients who underwent primary MAT with a minimum of 2 years of follow up between 1999 and 2017. Demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative outcome data were collected for each patient. Postoperative outcomes were stratified based on age and sex, and comparative statistical analysis was performed between sexes, both >40 and <40. RESULTS: A total of 238 patients underwent primary MAT during the study period, of which 212 patients (mean age, 28.5 ± 9.0 years; range, 15.01-53.67 years) met the inclusion criteria with a mean follow-up of 5.1 ± 3.4 years (range 2.0-15.9 years). At final follow-up, patients ≥40 and <40 years of age demonstrated statistically significant improvements in nearly all PRO scores (P < .05 for both groups). There were no significant differences between either group for achievement of minimal clinically important difference for International Knee Documentation Committee (P = .48) or Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score symptoms (P = .76). Because of insufficient numbers, a statistically significant difference could not be demonstrated in reoperation rate (≥40: 1.49 ± 1.77 years, <40: 1.87 ± 1.98 years, P = .591), failure rate (≥40: 7/32 [21.9%], <40: 19/180 [10.6%], P = .072), or complication rate (≥40: 2/32 [6.3%], <40: 12/180 [6.7%], P = .930) based on age. Both sexes showed a significant improvement in PROs, whereas female patients were more likely to undergo revision surgery (P = .033), with no significant differences based on time to reoperation, failure, or complication rates. CONCLUSIONS: PROs similarly improved following MAT in both patients aged ≥40 and those <40 at final follow-up with no significant differences in minimal clinically important difference achievement rate, complication rate, reoperation rate, time to reoperation, or failure rate between groups. Female patients may be more likely to undergo revision surgery after MAT. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; therapeutic retrospective comparison study.

Bone Marrow Lesions on Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Correlate With Outcomes Following Isolated Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of preoperative bone marrow lesion (BML) size and location on (1) postoperative patient reported outcomes and (2) postoperative failure and time to failure after osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation. METHODS: Consecutive patients from 2 senior surgeons who underwent isolated OCA transplantation to the knee from 2009-2018 were identified for the case series. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was evaluated for BMLs based on 2 classification systems (Welsch et al. and Costa-Paz et al.) by 2 independent graders. BMLs associated with minimum 1-year postoperative outcomes were evaluated, and the effect of BML classification on survivorship was investigated with Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: The 77 patients who underwent isolated OCA transplantation (mean follow-up: 39.46 ± 22.67 months) and had preoperative MRIs were included. Within this cohort, 82% of patients demonstrated a BML. The preoperative Costa-Paz et al. classification was significantly positively correlated with the postoperative Visual Analog Scale, International Knee Documentation Committee and Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey raw scores for both graders (P < 0.05). Failure occurred in 5 of 65 (8%) patients at a mean of 22.86 ± 12.04 months postoperatively. The presence of BML alone did not significantly affect survival (P = 0.780). However, for 1 grader, the Welsch et al. classification was associated with increased risk of graft failure (P = 0.031). CONCLUSION: Preoperative subchondral BMLs were present in 82% of patients undergoing OCA transplantation. We found that more severe BMLs based on the Costa-Paz classification, with increasing involvement in the juxta-articular surface, were correlated with higher postoperative patient-reported functional outcomes after OCA. BMLs may be associated with an increase in graft failure, but their role in this remains unclear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, Retrospective Case Series.

Establishing clinically significant outcomes of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Upper Extremity questionnaire after primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: Since its introduction, the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Upper Extremity (PROMIS UE) assessment has been increasingly used in shoulder arthroplasty outcome measurement. However, determination of clinically significant outcomes using the PROMIS UE has yet to be investigated following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). We hypothesized that we could establish clinically significant outcomes of the PROMIS UE outcome assessment in patients undergoing primary RTSA and identify significant baseline patient factors associated with achievement of these measures. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing primary RTSA between 2018 and 2019 who received preoperative baseline and follow-up PROMIS UE assessments at 12 months after surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Domain-specific anchor questions pertaining to pain and function assessed at 12 months after surgery were used to determine minimal clinically important difference (MCID), substantial clinical benefit (SCB), and patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) values for the PROMIS UE using receiver operating characteristic curve and area-under-the-curve (AUC) analysis. Univariate logistic regression analysis was then performed to identify significant patient factors associated with achieving the MCID, SCB, or PASS. RESULTS: A total of 95 patients met all inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. By use of an anchor-based method, the PASS value was 36.68 (sensitivity, 0.795; specificity, 0.765; AUC, 0.793) and the SCB value was 11.62 (sensitivity, 0.597; specificity, 1.00; AUC, 0.806). By use of a distribution-based method, the MCID value was calculated to be 4.27. Higher preoperative PROMIS UE scores were a positive predictor in achievement of the PASS (odds ratio [OR], 1.107; P = .05), whereas lower preoperative PROMIS UE scores were associated with obtaining SCB (OR, 0.787; P < .001). Greater baseline forward flexion was negatively associated with achievement of the PASS (OR, 0.986; P = .033) and MCID (OR, 0.976, P = .013). Of the patients, 83.2%, 69.5%, and 47.4% achieved the MCID, PASS, and SCB, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study defines the MCID, SCB, and PASS for the PROMIS UE outcome assessment in patients undergoing primary RTSA, of whom the majority achieved meaningful outcome improvement at 12 months after surgery. These values may be used in assessing the outcomes and extent of functional improvement following RTSA.

Return-to-Sport Rate and Activity Level Are High Following Arthroscopic All-Inside Meniscal Repair With and Without Concomitant Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To systematically review the literature of return-to-sport outcomes following all-inside meniscus repair and evaluate whether concomitant anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) influenced these outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review of the MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Registry of Systematic Reviews databases was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Two reviewers examined all literature pertaining to sport outcomes following all-inside meniscal repair. Studies were included if they had a 12-month minimum follow-up and reported return to sport rate, Tegner, or Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) Sport outcomes. Studies with meniscal repair techniques other than the all-inside technique were excluded. Studies were not excluded if they contained patients receiving concomitant ACLR. Study quality was evaluated with the Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies. RESULTS: Nineteen studies comprising 872 patients were included in this investigation. The weighted average patient age was 28.7 (range 14.1-42.1) years, and the weighted average follow-up was 56.0 (range 18.0-155.0) months. The mean Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies score was 14.4 ± 3.7. Ten investigations reported both preoperative (range 2.3-3.5) and postoperative (range 4.0-7.3) Tegner outcomes, with scores at final follow-up greater in each of the 10 reporting investigations. KOOS Sport outcomes were examined in 5 investigations, with scores at follow-up ranging from 63.6 to 91. Three studies reported a return to sport rate ranging from 89.6 to 90% at follow-up. Four investigations compared sport-related outcomes between isolated meniscal repair and meniscal repair with concomitant ACLR. Two such studies reported no difference between the 2 cohorts, 1 favored the isolated cohort, and 1 favored the combined cohort. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review found a 90% return-to-sport rate and high postoperative activity level following all-inside meniscal repair, as assessed by KOOS Sport and Tegner activity scales. Further, concurrent ACLR did not significantly affect these outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, systematic review of level I-IV studies.

Clinically Significant Outcomes Following the Treatment of Focal Cartilage Defects of the Knee With Microfracture Augmentation Using Cartilage Allograft Extracellular Matrix: A Multicenter Prospective Study.

PURPOSE: To determine the short-term outcomes following microfracture augmented with cartilage allograft extracellular matrix for the treatment of symptomatic focal cartilage defects of the adult knee. METHODS: Forty-eight patients enrolled by 8 surgeons from 8 separate institutions were included in this study. Patients underwent microfracture augmented by cartilage allograft extracellular matrix (BioCartilage; Arthrex, Naples, FL) and were followed at designated time points (3, 6, 12, and 24 months) to assess patient-reported outcomes (PROs), clinically significant outcomes (CSOs), and failure and complication rates. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was offered at 2 years postoperatively regardless of symptomatology, and Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) 2.0 score was documented. RESULTS: PRO compliance was 81.3% at 6 months, 72.9% at 12 months, and 47.9% at 2 years. All joint-specific and function-related PROs significantly improved compared to baseline at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of follow-up (P < .01), apart from Marx activity scale, which demonstrated a significant decline in postoperative scores at 2 years (P = .034). The percentage of patients achieving CSOs (as defined for microfracture) at 2 years was 90% for minimal clinically important difference and 85% for patient acceptable symptomatic state. Patient factors including age, sex, body mass index, symptoms duration, smoking, presence of a meniscal tear, lesion size, and location were not associated with CSO achievement at 2 years. One patient (2.1%) failed treatment 9.5 months postoperatively due to graft delamination and required a reoperation consisting of arthroscopic debridement. One complication (2.1%) consisting of complaints of clicking, grinding, and crepitus 15 months following the index procedure was reported. Two-year postoperative MRI demonstrated a mean 40.5 ± 22.9 MOCART 2.0 score. CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary study, we found cartilage allograft extracellular matrix to be associated with improvement in functional outcomes, high rates of CSO achievement, and low failure and complication rates at 2-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prospective multicenter cohort study.

Time to closure of orthopaedic surgical incisions: a novel skin closure device versus conventional sutures.

OBJECTIVE: New technologies are being developed to optimise healing of surgical incisions. BandGrip (US) is a micro-anchor skin closure device that replaces the need for subcuticular suturing and further dressing. The purpose of this study is to perform a matched cohort analysis comparing time to closure of surgical incisions between sutures and the novel skin closure device. METHOD: Patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery in 2019 underwent skin closure with either conventional sutures or the novel skin closure device. Patients were divided into three groups according to their procedural incisions: anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR); simple arthroscopy; and general incisions. Patients who underwent closure of their surgical incision with the novel skin closure device were matched with patients undergoing superficial closure with sutures. Statistical analysis was performed to compare time to closure per centimetre of skin incision between the groups. RESULTS: A total of 86 patients were included in the study. Overall mean time to closure using the novel skin closure device was less than with sutures (8.6 seconds/cm versus 42.8 seconds/cm, respectively, p<0.001). Mean time to closure for ACLR incisions was 3.7 seconds/cm using the novel skin closure device and 35.5 seconds/cm using sutures (p<0.001). Mean time to closure for simple arthroscopy portals was 19 seconds/cm using the novel skin closure device and 47.6 seconds/cm using sutures (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: BandGrip is a novel skin closure device that allows for efficient surgical incision closure. Time to surgical skin incision closure is significantly less with the use of the novel skin closure device when compared with conventional sutures.

Osteochondral Allograft Transplant for Focal Cartilage Defects of the Femoral Condyles: Clinically Significant Outcomes, Failures, and Survival at a Minimum 5-Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplant for symptomatic focal cartilage defects in the knee has demonstrated favorable short- to midterm outcomes. However, the reoperation rate is high, and literature on mid- to long-term outcomes is limited. PURPOSE: To analyze clinically significant outcomes (CSOs), failures, and graft survival rates after OCA transplant of the femoral condyles at a minimum 5-year follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Review of a prospectively maintained database of 205 consecutive patients who had primary OCA transplant was performed to identify patients with a minimum of 5 years of follow-up. Outcomes including patient-reported outcomes (PROs), CSOs, complications, reoperation rate, and failures were evaluated. Failure was defined as revision cartilage procedure, conversion to knee arthroplasty, or macroscopic graft failure confirmed using second-look arthroscopy. Patient preoperative and surgical factors were assessed for their association with outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 160 patients (78.0% follow-up) underwent OCA transplant with a mean follow-up of 7.7 ± 2.7 years (range, 5.0-16.3 years). Mean age at the time of surgery was 31.9 ± 10.7 years, with a mean symptom duration of 5.8 ± 6.3 years. All mean PRO scores significantly improved, with 75.0% of patients achieving minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and 58.9% of patients achieving significant clinical benefit for the International Knee Documentation Committee score at final follow-up. The reoperation rate was 39.4% and was associated with a lower probability of achieving MCID. However, most patients undergoing reoperation did not proceed to failure at final follow-up (63.4% of total reoperations). A total of 34 (21.3%) patients had failures overall, and the 5- and 10-year survival rates were 86.2% and 81.8%, respectively. Failure was independently associated with greater body mass index, longer symptom duration, number of previous procedures, and previous failed cartilage debridement. Athletes were protected against failure. Survival rates over time were not affected by OCA site (P = .154), previous cartilage or meniscal procedure (P = .287 and P = .284, respectively), or concomitant procedures at the time of OCA transplant (P = .140). CONCLUSION: OCA transplant was associated with significant clinical improvement and durability at mid- to long-term follow-up, with 5- and 10-year survival rates of 86.2% and 81.8%, respectively. Maintenance of CSOs can be expected in the majority of patients at a mean of 7.7 years after OCA transplant. Although the reoperation rate was high (39.4%) and could have adversely affected chances of maintaining MCID, most patients did not have failure at long-term follow-up.

Understanding the difference between symptoms of focal cartilage defects and osteoarthritis of the knee: a matched cohort analysis.

PURPOSE: Comparing symptoms of patients with focal cartilage defects of the knee to those with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Prospectively maintained databases identified patients with focal cartilage defects (FCD group) who underwent osteochondral allograft transplantation and patients with osteoarthritis (OA group) undergoing arthroplasty. Patients between 18 and 55 years of age were included and matched based on age. Baseline patient demographics, symptoms, and patient-reported outcomes including the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (KOOS JR), SF-12, and VR-12 questionnaires were recorded. Patient symptoms and individual responses of the KOOS JR were compared between groups. Regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between pre-operative factors that significantly differed between groups and the KOOS JR questionnaire. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients were included: 32 patients in each group. The FCD group had a significantly lower body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.04) and greater number of workers' compensation cases (p = 0.027) when compared to the OA group. Patients in the OA group complained more frequently of medial-sided pain (p = 0.02) and knee swelling (p = 0.003). The OA cohort also had greater pain with fully straightening the knee (p = 0.012), pain with standing upright (p = 0.016), and pain with rising from sitting (p = 0.003). Patients in the FCD group had greater KOOS JR outcome scores (51.5 ± 12.9 vs. 41.5 ± 20.5; p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: When compared to patients with focal cartilage defects, adults with knee osteoarthritis scheduled for knee arthroplasty have a more severe presentation of symptoms, particularly medial-sided pain, swelling of the knee, pain associated with straightening the knee, standing upright, and rising from sitting.

Return to Work After Primary Rotator Cuff Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff tears are a prevalent pathology in injured workers, causing significant economic ramifications and time away from work. To date, published articles on work outcomes after rotator cuff repair have not been cumulatively assessed and analyzed. PURPOSE: To systematically review reports on return to work after rotator cuff repair and perform a meta-analysis on factors associated with improved work outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A systematic review of return-to-work investigations was performed using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Individual studies reporting rates of return to previous work with level of evidence 1 to 4 were independently screened by 2 authors for inclusion, and study quality was assessed using the Methodologic Index for Non-randomized Studies and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Work outcome data were synthesized and analyzed using random effects modeling to identify differences in rates of return to previous work as a function of operative technique, work intensity, and workers' compensation status. RESULTS: Thirteen retrospective investigations comprising 1224 patients who underwent rotator cuff repair met inclusion criteria for this investigation. Across all investigations, a weighted average of 62.3% of patients returned to previous level of work at 8.15 ± 2.7 months (mean ± SD) after surgery. Based on random effects modeling, higher rates of return to previous work were identified with decreasing work intensity (P < .001), while rates were similar between open and arthroscopic repair technique (P = .418) and between workers' compensation and non-workers' compensation cohorts (P = .089). All shoulder pain and functional outcome assessments demonstrated significant improvements at final follow-up when compared with baseline across all investigations. CONCLUSION: The majority of injured workers undergoing rotator cuff repair return to previous work at approximately 8 months after surgery. Despite this, >35% of patients are unable to return to their previous work level after their repair procedure. Similar rates of return to work can be anticipated regardless of workers' compensation status and operative technique, while patients in occupations with higher physical intensity experience inferior work outcomes.

Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of the Knee in Adolescent Patients and the Effect of Physeal Closure.

PURPOSE: The primary aim was to compare osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation outcomes between adolescent patients aged 16 years or younger and those older than 16 years. A secondary aim was to analyze the association between physeal closure status and outcomes. METHODS: Consecutive patients aged 18 years or younger who underwent OCA transplantation with a minimum 2-year follow-up were identified from a prospectively collected database. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those aged 16 years or younger (group 1) and those aged 17 to 18 years (group 2). Outcomes included patient-reported outcomes (PROs), complications, reoperations, and cartilage revision surgery. Outcomes were compared between groups, and physeal status was analyzed as a prognostic indicator. RESULTS: A total of 36 patients met the inclusion criteria: 18 in group 1 and 18 in group 2. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of demographic characteristics, prior surgical procedures, and surgical details, including concomitant procedures. The mean overall follow-up period was 4.6 ± 2.5 years (range, 2-10.3 years), with no significant difference between the groups (P = .21). There were 10 reoperations (28.8%), 4 in group 1 and 6 in group 2 (P = .47). The overall time to reoperation was 2.8 years and did not significantly differ between groups (P = .75). The failure rate was 5.6%, with 1 patient in each group undergoing either graft debridement or revision OCA transplantation. All PROs were significantly improved postoperatively (P < .05), except for the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index stiffness score (P = .28) and the Short Form 12 mental score (P = .19). There were no significant between-group differences in terms of PROs. Patients with closed physes had a significantly greater increase in most PROs compared with patients with open physes (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: OCA transplantation in adolescents results in significant PRO score improvement and a low failure rate, albeit reoperations are not uncommon. Patients with closed physes show greater PRO score improvement than those with open physes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Patient Factors Associated With Clinical Failure Following Arthroscopic Superior Capsular Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To identify demographic, clinical, and radiographic factors associated with failure after superior capsular reconstruction (SCR). METHODS: Prospectively collected data were analyzed from patients who underwent SCR using a decellularized dermal allograft for an irreparable rotator cuff tear. Demographic characteristics, radiographic findings, concomitant procedures, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were recorded. Failure was defined by ≥1 of the following criteria: (1) conversion to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA), (2) a decrease in 1-year postoperative shoulder-specific PROs compared with preoperative scores, or (3) patient reports at final follow-up that the shoulder was in a worse condition than before surgery. Preoperative variables were compared between patients meeting the criteria for clinical failure and those who did not. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients (mean age 56.3 ± 5.8 years, range 45 to 70) who underwent SCR, with minimum 1-year follow-up, were included in the analysis. Mean follow-up after surgery was 24 months (range 12 to 53). Eleven patients (20.4%) met criteria for clinical failure. Of the 11, 8 reported decreased American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) or Constant scores or indicated that the operative shoulder was in a worse condition than before surgery. Three patients underwent RTSA in the 6 to 12 months after SCR. Female sex and the presence of a subscapularis tear were associated with failure (P = .023 and P = .029, respectively). A trend toward greater body mass index (BMI), lower preoperative forward flexion, and lower preoperative acromiohumeral distance (AHD) was found in patients with clinical failure (P = .075, P = .088, and P = .081, respectively). No other variable included in the analysis was significantly associated with failure. CONCLUSION: The proportions of female patients and those with subscapularis tear were greater among patients with clinical failure after SCR. Greater BMI, lower preoperative forward flexion, and lower preoperative AHD trended toward association with clinical failure of SCR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4, case series.

Hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma for the management of knee osteoarthritis.

PURPOSE: Symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) remains a substantial cause of pain and disability worldwide and effective management in young patients without indications for total knee arthroplasty remains challenging. Intra-articular injections represent a viable option in the non-operative treatment of knee OA. Hyaluronic acid (HA) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are two commonly utilized intra-articular treatment modalities that are of particular clinical interest in the current literature. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide a concise review of the current literature on the use of HA, PRP, and HA-PRP conjugates for the treatment of symptomatic knee OA. METHODS: A review of the literature utilizing PubMed, OVID/Medline, and Cochrane databases on basic science and clinical literature pertaining to preparation, composition, and outcomes of HA, PRP, and HA-PRP conjugates in patients with symptomatic knee OA. RESULTS: Both HA and PRP have been shown to be efficacious for the treatment of symptomatic knee OA, with HA injections providing limited short-term improvement, while PRP may provide greater therapeutic relief, particularly with the use of leukocyte-poor (LP-PRP) formulations. Despite limited data, the combination of different formulations of HA-PRP conjugates may provide a synergistic effect, resulting in a clinically significant improvement in both pain and function. CONCLUSION: In patients with symptomatic knee OA, intra-articular HA and PRP provide short-term improvement in pain and function, while the efficacy of HA-PRP conjugates warrants further study.

Biologics in shoulder and elbow pathology.

In recent years, orthobiologics have been of increasing clinical interest in the treatment of shoulder and elbow pathology. In some conditions, such as rotator cuff injury and lateral epicondylitis, there have been high-quality trials that support the use of platelet-rich plasma in reducing pain, restoring functionality, and improving clinical outcomes. However, as the numbers of both cellular-based biologics and the conditions being augmented by biologics continue to expand, there is a substantial need for high-quality investigations to support their routine use in most shoulder and elbow conditions. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence of orthobiologics in the management of shoulder and elbow injury, as nonoperative treatment and as augments to operative treatment.

Outcomes of the Latarjet Procedure Versus Free Bone Block Procedures for Anterior Shoulder Instability: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Free bone block (FBB) procedures for anterior shoulder instability have been proposed as an alternative to or bail-out for the Latarjet procedure. However, studies comparing the outcomes of these treatment modalities are limited. PURPOSE: To systematically review and perform a meta-analysis comparing the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing anterior shoulder stabilization with a Latarjet or FBB procedure. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched from inception to 2019 for human-participants studies published in the English language. The search was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement including studies reporting clinical outcomes of patients undergoing Latarjet or FBB procedures for anterior shoulder instability with minimum 2-year follow-up. Case reports and technique articles were excluded. Data were synthesized, and a random effects meta-analysis was performed to determine the proportions of recurrent instability, other complications, progression of osteoarthritis, return to sports, and patient-reported outcome (PRO) improvement. RESULTS: A total of 2007 studies were screened; of these, 70 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. These studies reported outcomes on a total of 4540 shoulders, of which 3917 were treated with a Latarjet procedure and 623 were treated with an FBB stabilization procedure. Weighted mean follow-up was 75.8 months (range, 24-420 months) for the Latarjet group and 92.3 months (range, 24-444 months) for the FBB group. No significant differences were found between the Latarjet and the FBB groups in the overall random pooled summary estimate of the rate of recurrent instability (5% vs 3%, respectively; P = .09), other complications (4% vs 5%, respectively; P = .892), progression of osteoarthritis (12% vs 4%, respectively; P = .077), and return to sports (73% vs 88%; respectively, P = .066). American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores improved after both Latarjet and FBB, with a significantly greater increase after FBB procedures (10.44 for Latarjet vs 32.86 for FBB; P = .006). Other recorded PRO scores improved in all studies, with no significant difference between groups. CONCLUSION: Current evidence supports the safety and efficacy of both the Latarjet and FBB procedures for anterior shoulder stabilization in the presence of glenoid bone loss. We found no significant differences between the procedures in rates of recurrent instability, other complications, osteoarthritis progression, and return to sports. Significant improvement in PROs was demonstrated for both groups. Significant heterogeneity existed between studies on outcomes of the Latarjet and FBB procedures, warranting future high-quality, comparative studies.

Outcomes are comparable using free bone block autografts versus allografts for the management of anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis of "The Non-Latarjet".

PURPOSE: Glenoid augmentation using free bone blocks for anterior shoulder instability has been proposed as an alternative to or bail-out for the Latarjet procedure. The purpose of this investigation was to systematically review and compare outcomes of patients undergoing glenoid augmentation using free bone block autografts versus allografts. METHODS: A systematic review using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases was performed in line with the PRISMA statement. Studies reporting outcomes of patients treated with free bone block procedures for anterior shoulder instability with minimum 2-year follow-up were included. Random effects modelling was used to compare patient-reported outcomes, return to sports, recurrent instability, non-instability related complications, and development of arthritis between free bone block autografts and allografts. RESULTS: Eighteen studies comprising of 623 patients met the inclusion criteria for this investigation. There were six studies reporting on the use of allografts (of these, two used distal tibial, three iliac crest, and one femoral head allograft) in 173 patients and twelve studies utilizing autografts (of these, ten used iliac crest and two used free coracoid autograft) in 450 patients. Mean age was 28.7 ± 4.1 years for the allograft group and 27.8 ± 3.8 years for the autograft group (n.s). Mean follow-up was 98 months in autograft studies and 50.8 months for allograft studies (range 24-444 months, n.s). Overall mean increase in Rowe score was 56.2 with comparable increases between autografts and allografts (n.s). Pooled recurrent instability rates were 3% (95% CI, 1-7%; I2 = 77%) and did not differ between the groups (n.s). Arthritic progression was evident in 11% of autografts (95% CI, 2-27%; I2 = 90%) and 1% (95% CI, 0-8%; I2 = 63%) of allografts (n.s). The overall incidence of non-instability related complications was 5% (95% CI, 2-10%; I2 = 81%) and was similar between the groups (n.s). Pooled return to sports rate was 88% (95% CI, 76-96%; I2 = 76%). CONCLUSION: Glenoid augmentation using free bone block autograft or allograft in the setting of recurrent anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss is effective and safe. Outcomes and complication incidence using autografts and allografts were comparable. Due to the high degree of heterogeneity in the data and outcomes reported in available studies, which consist primarily of retrospective case series, future prospective trials investigating long-term outcomes using free bone block autograft versus allograft for anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss are warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Distal Tibial Allograft Augmentation for Posterior Shoulder Instability Associated With Glenoid Bony Deficiency: A Case Series.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical history and preliminary outcomes of patients who underwent posterior glenoid reconstruction using a distal tibial allograft (DTA) for the management of posterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss. METHODS: Patients who underwent posterior shoulder stabilization with a DTA in our institution between 2011 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic characteristics, operative reports, and clinical and functional outcomes were recorded. Outcomes included postoperative range of motion (ROM), recurrent instability, complications, and revision surgery. All patients underwent at least 1 year of follow-up, except 2 patients who underwent revision surgery. Preoperative and postoperative ROM was compared using the 2-tailed Student t test for paired samples. RESULTS: Ten patients who underwent DTA augmentation for posterior instability were included, comprising 2 female and 8 male patients with an average age of 24 years (range, 17-35 years). Five patients had a prior sports-related traumatic event, and 2 patients had a seizure disorder. Seven patients had undergone a prior stabilization procedure. The average reverse bony Bankart lesion was 26% of the glenoid diameter. Concomitant procedures included 4 capsular repairs, 2 labral repairs, 2 capsular plications, and 1 repair for humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament. One patient reported recurrent instability after surgery. Two patients underwent revision surgery, with one removal of symptomatic hardware and one early revision owing to screw penetration into the glenoid. There was no significant difference in preoperative versus postoperative ROM. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior shoulder instability with significant bony deficiency can be managed using DTA augmentation with good outcomes and a reasonable complication rate in these challenging cases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Establishing the Minimal Clinically Important Difference, Patient Acceptable Symptomatic State, and Substantial Clinical Benefit of the PROMIS Upper Extremity Questionnaire After Rotator Cuff Repair.

BACKGROUND: The Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Upper Extremity (PROMIS UE) questionnaire has been validated as an effective and efficient outcome measure after rotator cuff repair (RCR). However, definitions of clinically significant outcomes used in interpreting this outcome measure have yet to be defined. PURPOSE: To define clinically significant outcomes of the PROMIS UE questionnaire in patients undergoing arthroscopic RCR. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: We reviewed charts of consecutive patients undergoing RCR in our institution between 2017 and 2018 and included patients who were administered the PROMIS UE before surgery and 12 months after surgery. At 12 months postoperatively, patients were asked domain-specific anchor questions regarding their function and satisfaction after surgery, which were then used to determine the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), Patient Acceptable Symptomatic State (PASS), and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) using receiver operating characteristic and area under the curve (AUC) analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify patient factors associated with clinically significant outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients with RCR and minimum 12-month postoperative PROMIS UE were included in the analysis. The defined clinically significant outcomes were 4.87 for the MCID using a distribution-based method, 7.95 for the SCB (sensitivity, 0.708; specificity, 0.833; AUC, 0.760), and 39.00 for the PASS (sensitivity, 0.789; specificity, 0.720; AUC, 0.815). Among respondents, 79.0%, 62.9%, and 64.8% achieved the MCID, SCB, and PASS score thresholds, respectively. Workers' compensation was negatively associated with achievement of the PASS. Lower preoperative PROMIS UE scores were associated with obtaining the MCID (odds ratio [OR], 0.871; P = .001) and the SCB (OR, 0.900; P = .040), whereas higher preoperative scores were predictive of achieving the PASS (OR, 1.111; P = .020). CONCLUSION: This study defines the clinically significant outcomes for the PROMIS UE after RCR, of which the majority of patients achieved the MCID, PASS, and SCB at 12 months after surgery. These thresholds should be considered in future study design and interpretation of PROMIS UE in patients with RCR.