Multiligament knee injury (MLKI): an expert consensus statement on nomenclature, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.

Multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs) represent a broad spectrum of pathology with potentially devastating consequences. Currently, disagreement in the terminology, diagnosis and treatment of these injuries limits clinical care and research. This study aimed to develop consensus on the nomenclature, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation strategies for patients with MLKI, while identifying important research priorities for further study. An international consensus process was conducted using validated Delphi methodology in line with British Journal of Sports Medicine guidelines. A multidisciplinary panel of 39 members from 14 countries, completed 3 rounds of online surveys exploring aspects of nomenclature, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and future research priorities. Levels of agreement (LoA) with each statement were rated anonymously on a 5-point Likert scale, with experts encouraged to suggest modifications or additional statements. LoA for consensus in the final round were defined 'a priori' if >75% of respondents agreed and fewer than 10% disagreed, and dissenting viewpoints were recorded and discussed. After three Delphi rounds, 50 items (92.6%) reached consensus. Key statements that reached consensus within nomenclature included a clear definition for MLKI (LoA 97.4%) and the need for an updated MLKI classification system that classifies injury mechanism, extent of non-ligamentous structures injured and the presence or absence of dislocation. Within diagnosis, consensus was reached that there should be a low threshold for assessment with CT angiography for MLKI within a high-energy context and for certain injury patterns including bicruciate and PLC injuries (LoA 89.7%). The value of stress radiography or intraoperative fluoroscopy also reached consensus (LoA 89.7%). Within treatment, it was generally agreed that existing literature generally favours operative management of MLKI, particularly for young patients (LoA 100%), and that single-stage surgery should be performed whenever possible (LoA 92.3%). This consensus statement will facilitate clinical communication in MLKI, the care of these patients and future research within MLKI.

Long-term Outcomes of Partial Meniscectomy for Degenerative Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tears.

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) repair is superior to debridement in terms of patient-reported outcomes, rates of conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and long-term costs. Despite the known poor midterm outcomes, there is a paucity of long-term results of partial meniscectomy for degenerative MMPRTs. Purpose: To 1) evaluate long-term patient-reported and radiographic outcomes of patients who underwent partial medial meniscectomy (PMM) for MMPRTs, and 2) determine the rate of and risk factors for conversion to total knee TKA. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A previously identified cohort of 26 patients treated with partial meniscectomy for isolated MMPRTs between 2005 and 2013 was prospectively followed for long-term outcomes at a minimum 10-year follow-up. Patients were evaluated for International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) outcome score, reoperation, and conversion to TKA. Failure was defined as conversion to arthroplasty or a severely abnormal IKDC subjective score <75.4. Results: This study included 26 patients (10 men, 16 women; mean age, 54 ± 8.7 years [range, 38-71 years] at diagnosis; body mass index, 32.9 ± 5.5) who were followed for a mean of 14.0 ± 3.6 years (range, 10.1-19.6 years). At the final follow-up, 1 patient was deceased and 18 (72%) of the remaining 25 patients had progressed to TKA, with 1 (4%) patient undergoing repeat meniscectomy. The 6 (24%) patients who had not progressed to TKA or revision surgery reported a mean IKDC score of 57 ± 23. Nineteen patients underwent subsequent surgery and 5 demonstrated severely abnormal IKDC scores resulting in a clinical failure rate of 96% (24 of the 25 living patients) at a mean 14-year follow-up. Conclusion: PMM for medial meniscus posterior horn root tears demonstrated 72% progression to TKA and 96% failure according to subjective clinical outcomes at a minimum 10-year follow-up.

Technical note: durable resolution of hydrocephalus after ultrasound-guided percutaneous fenestration of giant suprasellar arachnoid cyst in a neonate.

Arachnoid cysts are relatively common, but rarely require intervention. While most arachnoid cysts in typical middle or posterior cranial fossa locations are seldom symptomatic, suprasellar cysts may become symptomatic due to the potential for ventricular outflow obstruction and hydrocephalus. Typical standard of care for the treatment of these lesions is endoscopic fenestration with third ventriculostomy, or the placement of ventriculoperitoneal or cystoperitoneal shunts. The surgical and anaesthetic risks of traditional interventions may be higher in the early neonatal period, including leak of cerebrospinal fluid, infection, and premature failure of ventriculostomy or shunts. This note describes a novel bedside ultrasound-guided technique to percutaneously fenestrate large suprasellar arachnoid cysts under local anaesthesia. The technique involves insertion of a 25-g spinal needle until contact with the membrane of the arachnoid cyst medially, followed by a lateral sweeping to widely incise/fenestrate the lesion into the ventricular space under continuous ultrasound visualisation. This note describes an example case which demonstrates durable radiological and clinical improvement after 2 years of follow-up. This may represent a management option to temporise, or perhaps definitively manage suprasellar arachnoid cysts in the neonatal period.

Ten-year statewide cross-sectional review of pediatric sinogenic intracranial abscess and empyema in Queensland, Australia: microbial profile before and after COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: Sinogenic intracranial infections in children, such as subdural empyema or intracranial abscess, are a rare disease process with significant associated morbidity. Recent literature has suggested that there may have been an increase in frequency of these infections following the COVID-19 pandemic, but the literature has been conflicting, perhaps related to the heterogenous management of COVID-19 lockdowns in various states and differences in data capture between methods. The collection of statewide Australian data overcomes these limitations by capturing a comprehensive sample though the public healthcare system of patients who were subject to a homogeneous statewide approach to public health policy during the COVID-19 pandemic (population 5.6 million, including 1.3 million children). The objective of this study was to present population-level data to address the question of whether the incidence of intracranial infections changed in pediatric patients before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The authors present a retrospective 10-year statewide description of sinogenic intracranial infections in Queensland, Australia. A comparison was made between the incidence and microbiological profile before and after the onset of COVID-19 lockdowns on March 22, 2020. RESULTS: Forty-four pediatric intracranial infections undergoing neurosurgical intervention were identified within the review period. After exclusion of postsurgical and cardioembolic causes, 33 sinogenic intracranial infections were included (16 before and 17 after 2020, with a mean annualized incidence of 0.25 vs 0.37 cases per 100,000 children, respectively; p > 0.05). The most frequent organisms identified were Streptococcus milleri (n = 19), polymicrobial (n = 4), and S. aureus (n = 3). No significant differences in antimicrobial profile, susceptibility, parenchymal involvement, or clinical outcome were identified between the pre- and post-COVID-19 groups. CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant differences in the epidemiology of pediatric intracranial infection have occurred in the state of Queensland, Australia, before and after March 22, 2020, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Association of Posterior Tibial Slope With Outcomes After Multiligamentous Knee Reconstruction for Knee Dislocation Grades 2 to 4.

Background: Patients with isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have demonstrated an increased risk of ACL graft failure and lower patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores when increased posterior tibial slope (PTS) is present. However, there is a paucity of literature evaluating the effect of PTS on outcomes after combined bicruciate multiligamentous knee reconstruction. Purpose: To determine whether differences exist for graft failure rates or PRO scores based on PTS after combined bicruciate multiligamentous knee reconstruction. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All patients who underwent combined ACL and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction between 2000 and 2020 at our institution were identified. Exclusion criteria were age <18 years, knee dislocation grade 5 injuries, concomitant osteotomy procedures, and <2 years of clinical follow-up. Demographic and outcomes data were collected from our prospectively gathered multiligamentous knee injury database. Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores were analyzed in relation to PTS. Outcomes were compared for patients with a PTS above and below the mean for the total cohort, PTS >12° versus <12°, positive versus negative Lachman test at follow-up, and positive versus negative posterior drawer test at follow-up. Results: A total of 98 knees in 98 patients were included in the study, with a mean clinical follow-up of 5.1 years (median, 4.6 years; range, 2-16 years). The mean PTS was 8.7° (range, 0.4°-16.9°). Linear regression analysis showed no significant correlation between PTS and IKDC or Lysholm scores. Patients with a PTS above the mean of 8.7° trended toward lower IKDC (P = .08) and Lysholm (P = .06) scores. Four patients experienced ACL graft failure and 5 patients experienced PCL graft failure. There were no differences in graft failure rates or PRO scores for patients with a PTS >12°. Patients with a positive Lachman test trended toward higher PTS (9.6° vs 8.5°, P = .15). Conclusion: In this series of bicruciate multiligamentous knee reconstructions at midterm follow-up, no differences in graft failures, complications, reoperations, revisions, or PRO scores based on PTS were identified. Patients with a positive Lachman test were found to have a slightly higher PTS, although this did not reach statistical significance.

Effect of Posterior Tibial Slope on Outcomes After Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Background: Increased posterior tibial slope (PTS) leads to a relative anterior translation of the tibia on the femur. This is thought to decrease the stress on posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction (PCLR) grafts. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of PTS on knee laxity, graft failure, and patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores after PCLR without concomitant anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). It was hypothesized that patients with higher PTS would have less knee laxity, fewer graft failures, and better PROs compared with patients with lower PTS. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All patients who underwent PCLR between 2001 and 2020 at a single institution were identified. Patients were excluded if they underwent concomitant or prior ACLR or proximal tibial osteotomy, were younger than 18 years, had <2 years of in-person clinical follow-up, and did not have documented PRO scores (Lysholm score and International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC] score). Data were collected retrospectively from a prospectively gathered database. PTS measurements were recorded from perioperative lateral knee radiographs. A linear regression model was created to analyze PTS in relation to PRO scores. Patients with a grade 1 (1-5 mm) or higher posterior drawer were compared with those who had a negative posterior drawer. Results: A total of 37 knees met inclusion criterion; the mean age was 30.7 years at the time of surgery. The mean clinical follow-up was 5.8 years. No significant correlation was found between either the Lysholm score or the IKDC score and the PTS. Twelve knees (32.4%) had a positive posterior drawer at final follow-up. The mean PTS in knees with a positive posterior drawer was 6.2°, whereas that for knees with a negative posterior drawer was 8.3° (P = .08). No significant differences in PRO scores were identified for knees with versus knees without a positive posterior drawer. No documented graft failures or revisions were found. Conclusion: No significant differences were found in PROs or graft failure rates based on PTS at a mean of 5.8 years after PCLR. Increased tibial slope trended toward being protective against a positive posterior drawer, although this did not reach statistical significance.

Influence of Concomitant Meniscal Allograft Transplantation on Midterm Outcomes After Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation: A Comparative Matched-Pair Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCAT) is an accepted knee joint-preserving treatment strategy for focal osteochondral lesions that is often conducted in combination with meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT). Despite its frequent and simultaneous utilization, there remains a lack in the literature reporting on outcomes and failure rates after concomitant procedures. PURPOSE: To determine (1) the midterm clinical success rate after OCAT+MAT in comparison with a matched-pair cohort undergoing isolated OCAT, (2) whether patient-specific and procedural variables influence the risk of failure, and (3) patient-reported outcome measures over time. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A single-center matched-pair cohort study was conducted investigating outcomes in patients who underwent OCAT of the medial or lateral femoral condyle with and without MAT between 2004 and 2020. Patients were matched 1:1 by age (±5 years), sex (male or female), body mass index (±5), and grouped Kellgren and Lawrence grade (grades 0-1 or 2-4). The minimum follow-up time was 2 years. Radiographic variables (International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society [ICRS] grade and Kellgren and Lawrence grade) were assessed preoperatively and at follow-up. Subjective patient-reported outcome measures (Lysholm score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS] including subscores, International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC] score, and visual analog scale score) were collected preoperatively and at follow-up. Clinical failure was defined as revision surgery for graft failure or conversion to total knee arthroplasty. Patient-reported, clinical, and radiographic outcomes were compared between groups. RESULTS: In total, 66 patients (33 treated with isolated OCAT, 33 treated with OCAT+MAT; 57.6% male) with a mean age of 26.3 years (range, 18-62 years) were followed for a mean of 5.6 years (minimum, 2 years; range, 24-218 months). The 2 cohorts showed no difference in Kellgren and Lawrence grade postoperatively (P = .59). There was a significantly higher ICRS grade detected at follow-up in the OCAT+MAT group (2.81 ± 1.10) compared with the OCAT group (2.04 ± 0.96) (P < .05). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding reoperation rate (OCAT: n = 6; OCAT+MAT: n = 13; P = .116), time to reoperation (OCAT: 46.67 ± 47.27 months vs OCAT+MAT: 28.08 ± 30.16 months; P = .061), and failure rate (OCAT: n = 4 [12.1%] vs OCAT+MAT: n = 5 [15.2%]; P = .66). In the OCAT+MAT group, an increase of tibial slope by 1° conferred a 1.65-fold increase in the hazard for failure over decreased slope (hazard ratio, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.10-2.50; P < .05). The overall survival rate was 86% at a mean follow-up of 5.6 years. Patient-reported outcome scores were significantly improved at the final follow-up compared with preoperative status. No significant differences were seen between groups with respect to subjective IKDC, Lysholm, Tegner, and KOOS results, except for the KOOS Symptoms subscale score, which was significantly higher in the OCAT+MAT group than in the OCAT group (mean difference, 14.6; P < .05) and did exceed the minimal clinically important difference threshold of 10.7. CONCLUSION: Midterm results after isolated OCAT and OCAT+MAT show high rates of healing and sustainable subjective improvement of knee function and quality of life. However, it should be noted that the difference in reoperation rate and time to reoperation between the groups is arguably clinically important and that lack of statistical significance may be because of low power. These results imply that isolated OCAT is an efficient joint-preserving treatment that can be combined with MAT in well-selected patients with meniscal insufficiency without negative influence on global clinical outcomes.

Knee Arthroscopy Following Total Knee Arthroplasty is Not Associated With an Elevated Risk of Infection.

BACKGROUND: Recent literature has suggested that knee arthroscopy (KA) following ipsilateral primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may be associated with an increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). However, prior studies on this subject have relied on insurance databases or have lacked control groups for comparison. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of PJI in patients undergoing ipsilateral KA after primary TKA at a single institution. METHODS: Our total joint registry was queried to identify 167 patients (178 knees) who underwent ipsilateral KA for any indication other than infection following primary TKA (KA + TKA group). The average time from TKA to KA was 2.1 ± 2.3 years. The average follow-up from primary TKA and from KA was 8.4 ± 5.4 years and 6.3 ± 5.4 years, respectively. The mean patient age was 63 ± 11 years, the mean body mass index was 31 ± 5, and 64% were women. The most common indications for KA were patellar clunk or patellofemoral synovial hyperplasia (66%) and arthrofibrosis (16%). Patients in the KA + TKA group were matched to 523 patients who underwent TKA without subsequent KA (TKA group) based on age, sex, date of surgery, and body mass index. The primary outcome measure was survivorship free from PJI. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in the overall rate of PJI between the KA + TKA group (n = 2, 1.1%) compared to the TKA group (n = 3, 0.6%) (hazard ratio 2.0, 95% confidence interval 0.3 to 12.0, P = .4). At 5 and 10 years after TKA, there was no difference in survivorship free of PJI between the 2 groups (P = .8 and P = .3, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A PJI is a rare complication of KA after TKA. The rate of PJI in patients undergoing KA following TKA is not significantly increased. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Patellar Tendon Reconstruction After Failed Primary Repair of Bilateral Ruptures: A Case Report.

CASE: A 29-year-old man sustained a bilateral acute patellar tendon rupture (PTR) while jumping on a trampoline. He was initially treated with bilateral transosseous patellar tendon repairs. Bilateral rerupture occurred during a fall 10 weeks after. He subsequently underwent staged bilateral patellar tendon reconstructions using an Achilles tendon allograft. At 3-year follow-up, he has maintained full range of motion and leg strength without rerupture or other complications. CONCLUSION: The use of Achilles tendon allograft in the presence of inadequate and poor-quality tendon tissue for reconstruction of the patellar tendon in the revision setting is a viable and effective treatment option.

Comparison of Failure Rates at Long-term Follow-up Between MPFL Repair and Reconstruction for Recurrent Lateral Patellar Instability.

Background: The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the primary soft tissue restraint to lateral patellar translation and is often disrupted by lateral patellar dislocation. Surgical management for recurrent patellar instability focuses on restoring the MPFL function with repair or reconstruction techniques. Recent studies have favored reconstruction over repair; however, long-term comparative studies are limited. Purpose: To compare long-term clinical outcomes, complications, and recurrence rates of isolated MPFL reconstruction and MPFL repair for recurrent lateral patellar instability. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 55 patients (n = 58 knees) with recurrent lateral patellar instability were treated between 2005 and 2012 with either MPFL repair or MPFL reconstruction. The exclusion criteria were previous or concomitant tibial tubercle osteotomy or trochleoplasty and follow-up of <8 years. Pre- and postoperative descriptive, surgical, imaging, and clinical data were recorded for each patient. Results: MPFL repair was performed on 26 patients (n = 29 knees; 14 women, 15 men), with a mean age of 18.4 years. MPFL reconstruction was performed on 29 patients (n = 29 knees; 18 women, 11 men), with a mean age of 18.2 years. At a mean follow-up of 12 years (range, 8.3-18.9 years), the reconstruction group had a significantly lower rate of recurrent dislocation compared with the repair group (14% vs 41%; P = .019). There were no differences in the number of preoperative dislocations or tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance. The reconstruction group had significantly more time from initial injury to surgery compared with the repair group (median, 1460 days vs 627 days; P = .007). There were no differences in postoperative Tegner, Lysholm, or Kujala scores at the final follow-up. In addition, no statistically significant differences were detected in return to sport (RTS) rates (repair [81%] vs reconstruction [75%]; P = .610) or reoperation rates for recurrent instability (repair [21%] vs reconstruction [7%]; P = .13). Conclusion: MPFL repair resulted in a nearly 3-fold higher rate of recurrent patellar dislocation (41% vs 14%) at the long-term follow-up compared with MPFL reconstruction. Given this disparate rate, the authors recommend MPFL reconstruction over repair because of the lower failure rate and similar, if not superior, clinical outcomes and RTS.

Long-term Outcomes After Surgical Reconstruction of Multiligamentous Knee Injuries: Results at Minimum 10-Year Follow-up.

Background: Multiligamentous knee injuries (MLKIs) are devastating injuries with concomitant injuries that complicate treatment and recovery. Short-term studies have shown satisfactory patient outcomes after surgical treatment; however, evaluations of long-term outcomes remain scarce. Purpose: To evaluate long-term outcomes after surgically reconstructed MLKIs and further investigate the relationship between patient age on clinical outcomes. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 55 knees (age, 36 ± 11 years; 24% female subjects) who underwent surgical reconstruction for MLKI between 1992 and 2013 met the study inclusion criteria and were evaluated with postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs) including International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Forgotten Joint Score, subjective improvement ratings and surgery satisfaction, and Tegner activity scores. PRO scores, revision, and conversion to arthroplasty were analyzed using descriptive statistics, linear regression, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and Fisher exact tests. Results: At final follow-up (mean, 15 ± 5 years; range, 10-31 years), 67% of the cohort reported subjective improvement in their knee, and 82% reported satisfaction with their surgery. Compared with preoperative scores, there were significant improvements in postoperative VAS pain at rest in the full cohort, age ≤30-year cohort, and age >30-year cohort (4 ± 1 vs 2 ± 2; 4 ± 1 vs 2 ± 3; 4 ± 1 vs 1 ± 2, respectively; P≤ .029 for all) but significant reductions in Tegner scores (6 ± 3 vs 4 ± 2; 7 ± 2 vs 5 ± 2; 5 ± 2 vs 3 ± 1; P≤ .003 for all). Younger patients had higher postoperative Tegner scores than older patients (5 ± 2 vs 3 ± 1, respectively; P = .003), but no other differences in PROs were observed based on age. At a mean 15-year follow-up, 3.6% of the cohort underwent revision ligament surgery and 10.9% required arthroplasty. Conclusion: The majority of the cohort reported modest subjective improvement and were satisfied with their surgery. Gradual but expected age-related decreases in Tegner scores were observed, and some patients demonstrated continued symptomatic and functional limitations, but mean PRO scores remained satisfactory. Revision surgery and conversion to arthroplasty were not commonly required.

Survivorship of 157 Arthroscopic Meniscal Allograft Transplants Using Bone Fixation at a Mean of 7 Years and Prognostic Factors Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) is an accepted and effective treatment option in the context of unsalvageable menisci, particularly in young and active patients. It has been shown to reduce pain and improve knee function in previously symptomatic patients. However, there is still limited knowledge about the long-term survival rates of allografts, the durability of clinical results, and the influence of patient-specific parameters, such as leg alignment, tibial slope, and preoperative International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society (ICRS) grade. PURPOSE: To determine (1) the long-term clinical success rate after MAT with bony fixation in a large, single-center cohort of consecutive patients, and (2) if patient-specific and procedural variables influence the clinical, anatomic, and subjective outcomes and risk of failure. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Data on 185 consecutive knees undergoing MAT in a single institution were prospectively collected and screened for inclusion in this study. The minimum follow-up time was 2 years. Radiographic variables (ICRS grade and Kellgren-Lawrence grade) were assessed preoperatively and at follow-up. Subjective patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) (Lysholm score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS] including subscores, International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC] score, and visual analog scale [VAS] score) were collected preoperatively and at follow-up. Clinical failure was defined as revision surgery due to graft failure or conversion to total knee arthroplasty. Anatomic failure was considered a tear covering >20% of the allograft, any peripheral tear, and unstable peripheral fixation leading to dislocation of the graft. Subjective failure was defined as Lysholm score ≤65. Preoperative tibial slope and leg alignment were assessed. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier estimate. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine risk factors for clinical and anatomic failure. RESULTS: A total of 157 knees met inclusion criteria. After a mean follow-up time of 7 ± 3.5 years, 127 (80.9%) knees were free of clinical, anatomic, and subjective failure. Fourteen (8.9%) knees experienced clinical failure, 26 (16.6%) knees were identified as having experienced anatomic failure, and 13 (8.3%) patients experienced subjective failure with a reported Lysholm score of ≤65 at a mean follow-up of 7 years. Concurrent osteochondral allograft transplantation was identified as a predictor of both clinical (hazard ratio [HR], 4.55; 95% CI, 1.46-14.17; P = .009) and anatomic (HR, 3.05; 95% CI, 1.34-6.92; P = .008) failure. Cartilage damage of ICRS grade 3 or 4 of the index compartment conveyed an increased risk for clinical (HR, 3.41; 95% CI, 1.05-11.01; P = .04) and anatomic (HR, 3.04; 95% CI, 1.31-7.11; P = .01) failure. High-grade cartilage damage preoperatively (HR, 10.67; 95% CI, 1.037-109.768; P = .046), patient age >25 years (HR, 5.44; 95% CI, 0.120-246.070; P = .384), and a body mass index >30 (HR, 2.24; 95% CI, 0.748-6.705; P = .149) were associated with subjective failure. PROMs including KOOS and IKDC were significantly improved at final follow-up compared with preoperative scores across all measurements (P < .005). CONCLUSION: MAT showed good to excellent clinical results at a mean follow-up of 7 years. Low ICRS lesion grade was associated with a higher clinical and anatomic survival rate. Patients with concurrent OCA transplantation are at a higher risk of clinical and anatomic failure, but still report significantly improved PROMs. These results suggest that MAT has a lasting beneficial effect both in isolation and in complex cases with ≥1 concurrent procedures.

Isolated Arthroscopic Debridement of Acetabular Labral Tears: High Rates of Failure and Conversion to Total Hip Arthroplasty at 13-Year Minimum Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Historically, symptomatic hip labral lesions were treated with arthroscopic debridement. Hip labral repair has become the standard treatment for labral pathology; however, to date, there are limited long-term studies regarding the outcomes of isolated labral debridement. PURPOSE: To (1) evaluate the long-term patient-reported outcomes of isolated labral debridement, (2) report reoperation and arthroplasty rates, and (3) identify risk factors contributing to reoperation or poor clinical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively generated cohort of 59 hips in 57 patients from 1996 to 2010 who underwent hip arthroscopy with labral debridement was performed. Only patients with Tönnis grade <3 were included. Additionally, given the time period analyzed, resection of cam morphology was not performed, and the interportal capsulotomy was not repaired. The pre- and postoperative modified Harris Hip Score; Hip Outcome Score (HOS)-Activities of Daily Living and -Sports scores; and reoperation, conversion to total hip arthroplasty, and risk factors were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 48 hips in 47 patients (14 men, 33 women; mean age, 48.0 ± 12.9 years) met inclusion criteria and were followed for a mean of 17 ± 3 years (range, 13-27 years). The mean preoperative Tönnis grade was 1.3 ± 0.6 (range, 0-2), the mean chondral acetabular International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society (ICRS) grade was 1.7 ± 1.6 (range, 0-4), the mean chondral femoral ICRS grade was 0.9 ± 1.4, and the mean acetabular labral articular cartilage grade was 2.5 ± 1.2 (range, 0-4). At the final follow-up, mean the modified Harris Hip Score, HOS-Activities of Daily Living score, and HOS-Sports score were 82.2 ± 16.6, 81.9 ± 20.5, and 82.2 ± 20.5, respectively. Nineteen hips underwent subsequent reoperation at a mean of 5.5 ± 6.2 years (range, 0.5-21.2 years) postoperatively, including 16 hips (33% overall) being converted to total hip arthroplasty. Higher acetabular ICRS chondral grades at the time of surgery were observed in patients who went on to subsequent surgery compared with those who did not (2.3 ± 1.6 vs 1.1 ± 1.5; P = .02). In reoperation-free hips, Tönnis grade demonstrated a trend of increasing over time (1.4 preoperatively vs 1.7 at radiographic follow-up; P = .08). At the final follow-up, 19 hips (40%) had undergone reoperation, and 5 additional hips (10%) were rated as "abnormal" or "severely abnormal" in function, resulting in an overall clinical failure rate of 50%. CONCLUSION: Isolated labral debridement was found to result in high rates of failure and reoperation, with a third of patients being converted to arthroplasty and half of patients meeting criteria for reoperation or clinical failure. Of note, for patients remaining reoperation-free, satisfactory outcome scores were observed.

Acute effects of an isometric neck warm-up programme on neck performance characteristics and ultrasound-based morphology.

OBJECTIVE: Athletic performance can be enhanced immediately after an isometric warm-up, a phenomenon termed post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE). While isometric warm-ups can improve lower extremity sprint and jump performance, neck-specific isometric warm-ups need development and validation for mild traumatic brain disorders and neck pain. This study examined acute effects of isometric warm-ups on neck performance and morphology. METHODS: Arm 1: Twenty-six adults (13 M:13F) completed neck performance testing before and after a 10-minute neck isometric warm-up or stationary bike (sham) between two visits. Testing included visual-motor reaction time, peak force, rate of force development, force steadiness, and force replication/proprioception measured by a 6-axis load cell. An inclinometer assessed range-of-motion. Paired t-tests and two-way ANOVA examined effects of neck/bike warm-up and interaction effects, respectively. Arm 2: 24 adults (11 M:13F) completed ultrasound scans of cervical muscles: before 20-minute rest (sham), and before/after a 5-min neck isometric warm-up. Longus colli cross-sectional area and sternocleidomastoid/upper trapezius thickness and stiffness, and cervical extensors thickness was assessed. One-way ANOVA compared morphological values at sham, before, and after warm-up. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Isometric neck warm-up increased rate of force development in flexion (p = 0.022), extension (p = 0.001-0.003), right lateral flexion (p = 0.004-0.032), left lateral flexion (p = 0.005-0.014), while peak force improved only in left lateral flexion (p = 0.032). Lateral flexion range-of-motion increased after neck warm-up (p = 0.003-0.026). Similarly, longus colli cross-sectional area (p = 0.016) and sternocleidomastoid thickness (p = 0.004) increased. CONCLUSIONS: Increased neck performance characteristics and morphology are likely due to PAPE effects of isometric neck warm-up. For coaches and athletes, simple isometric contractions could be added to existing warm-ups to reduce prevalence, incidence, and severity of mild traumatic brain injuries and neck pain.

Outcomes of Lateral Meniscal Oblique Radial Tear Repair Compared With Intact Meniscus After ACL Reconstruction: A Cohort Study.

Background: Recently, the posterior horn lateral meniscal oblique radial tear (LMORT) was identified in 12% of acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. However, patient-reported outcomes for repair of this relatively common tear have not been reported. Purpose: To determine the minimum 2-year functional outcomes after LMORT repair at the time of ACL reconstruction (ACLR) compared to a matched cohort of patients who underwent isolated ACLR (iACLR). Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Included were 100 patients (mean age at surgery, 21 years; range, 13-45 years) who underwent primary ACLR between 2010 and 2018. The mean follow-up period was 4.1 ± 2.0 years (range, 2.0-9.2 years). A total of 50 patients with surgically repaired LMORT type 3 or type 4 lesions, defined as partial or complete tears >10 mm from the root (LMORT group) were matched 1:1 based on age, date of surgery, and graft choice with 50 patients who underwent iACLR (iACLR group). The postoperative outcomes were compared between groups using the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score (sIKDC) and the Tegner activity scale. An updated medical history was obtained via the electronic medical record to determine any subsequent complications and reoperations. Results: There was 1 ACL graft failure in each group as well as 5 (10%) reoperations per group. None of the patients in the LMORT group necessitated a lateral meniscal revision repair or partial meniscectomy. The LMORT and iACLR groups reported comparable sIKDC scores (92.5 ± 6.8 vs 91.9 ± 8.2, respectively; P = .712) as well as Tegner scores (6.7 ± 1.8 vs 6.6 ± 1.8, respectively; P = .910) at final follow-up. No failures of the LMORT repairs were reported. Conclusion: The study findings demonstrated that reoperations, graft failure rates, patient-reported outcomes, and patient activity levels at ≥2 years after type 3 and 4 LMORT repairs at the time of ACLR compared favorably with those of a matched cohort of patients who underwent iACLR with intact meniscus.

Differences in Trampoline-Related Knee Injuries Between Children and Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Little is known about the specific risk of knee injuries due to trampoline accidents in adults compared with children. Purpose: To investigate the differences in trampoline-related knee injuries between children and adults and identify risk factors and protective strategies to reduce injury incidence. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Data on 229 consecutive patients treated for trampoline-related knee injuries in a single institution were prospectively collected, analyzed, and included. Risk factors, injury patterns, and clinical treatments were compared between skeletally immature and skeletally mature patients. Logistic regression was used to determine the odds ratios for specific risk factors for trampoline-related injuries-including body mass index (BMI), trauma mechanism, patient age, and accident location. Results: A total of 229 patients met the inclusion criteria; 118 (52%) patients (women, 54.2%; mean age, 8.5 ± 4.1 years) were skeletally immature at the time of injury, and 111 (48%) patients (women, 72%; mean age, 31.9 ± 13.1 years) had closed physes on initial presentation and were classified as skeletally mature. A total of 63 patients (28%) required surgical treatment for their knee injury. Overall, 50 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, 46 fractures, 39 meniscal tears, 31 ligamentous tears other than ACL, 22 patellar dislocations, and 38 soft tissue injuries, such as lacerations, were recorded. Skeletally mature patients had 7.8 times higher odds (95% CI, 1.6-46.8; P < .05) and 19.1 increased odds (95% CI, 5.5-74.9; P < .05) of an ACL tear or another ligamentous tear, respectively, compared with skeletally immature patients. Patients who described instability and giving way of the knee as relevant trauma mechanisms had odds of 3.11 (95% CI, 0.9-14.8; P < .05) of an ACL tear compared with other trauma mechanisms. Meniscal tears were observed more frequently in the skeletally mature cohort (P < .05). An elevated BMI was associated with a significantly higher relative risk of an ACL tear, a ligamentous tear other than the ACL, and an injury requiring surgery. A third of surgically treated patients were subject to a delayed diagnosis. Conclusion: Adults had a significantly increased risk of ligamentous and meniscal tears and required operative intervention more often than skeletally immature individuals. Elevated BMI, age, and instability events in terms of trauma mechanism conveyed an increased risk of structural damage to the knee.

Satisfactory Outcomes and Improved Range of Motion With Arthroscopic Lysis of Adhesions and Manipulation for Arthrofibrosis After Multiligamentous Knee Reconstruction.

Purpose: To (1) evaluate the efficacy of surgery for arthrofibrosis (AF), as measured by preoperative and postoperative range of motion (ROM), and (2) evaluate patient-reported outcomes at mid- to long-term follow-up. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database including patients who sustained multiligamentous knee injuries (MLKIs) managed surgically, sustained loss of ROM after surgical intervention, and underwent subsequent lysis of adhesions (LOA) and/or manipulation under anesthesia (MUA). Loss of ROM was defined as clinically symptomatic loss of terminal extension (flexion deformity) and/or flexion compared with the contralateral side. Results: In total, 12 patients (6 male and 6 female patients; age, 36.0 ± 8.7 years; body mass index, 36.3 ± 8.7) met the inclusion criteria and underwent LOA and/or MUA at a mean of 14 ± 27 months (median, 4.0 months; interquartile range, 3.5-9.3 months) after MLKI surgery. Prior to AF intervention, patients showed mean flexion of 75.9° ± 36.0° (range, 30°-129°), mean extension of 3.2° ± 5.2° (range, 0°-12°), and a mean arc of motion of 72.7° ± 34.1° (range, 30°-117°). At a mean follow-up of 7.0 ± 3.9 years (range, 2.4-16.6 years) after AF intervention, patients showed a significant increase in knee flexion of 49° (P = .003), a significant increase in arc of motion of 51° (P = .002), and an increase in extension of 3° (P = .086). The mean final International Knee Documentation Committee score was 59.5 ± 23.9; Lysholm score, 72.1 ± 20.6; Tegner activity scale score, 5.6 ± 2.8; visual analog scale score at rest, 1.0 ± 1.6; and visual analog scale score with use, 3.3 ± 2.5. At final follow-up, 2 patients (17%) had undergone conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at 10.3 and 24.8 years after MLKI surgery. Of the 10 patients who did not go on to TKA, 9 (90%) reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied with their AF knee surgery. Conclusions: At mid-term follow-up, LOA and/or MUA for symptomatic AF after multiligamentous knee surgery results in high rates of patient satisfaction and improved knee ROM and pain scores, as well as durable and satisfactory functional outcomes in patients not undergoing TKA. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Arthroscopic Lysis of Adhesions for Arthrofibrosis After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Arthrofibrosis (AF) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) remains a challenge. There is a paucity of data on arthroscopic interventions for AF after ACLR. PURPOSE: To (1) describe the patient, injury, and surgical characteristics and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of those requiring an arthroscopic intervention for loss of motion after ACLR and (2) compare outcomes between patients undergoing an early intervention (within 3 months) versus those undergoing a late intervention (after 3 months). STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Patients with a history of ACLR and a subsequent operative procedure for postoperative AF at a single institution between 2000 and 2018 were retrospectively identified. Arthroscopic interventions included lysis of adhesions, capsular release with or without manipulation under anesthesia, and excision of cyclops lesions. Patients were excluded if they had a knee dislocation or multiple-ligament injury, a periarticular fracture, or less than 2-year follow-up from the arthroscopic intervention. PROs including the Tegner activity score, visual analog scale pain score, and International Knee Documentation Committee score as well as knee range of motion (ROM) were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were included with a mean age of 27.2 years (range, 11.0-63.8 years) at surgery and a mean follow-up of 10.0 years (range, 2.9-20.7 years). The mean preoperative flexion and extension were 102° (range, 40°-150°) and 8° (range, 0°-25°), respectively. The mean postoperative flexion and extension were 131° (range, 110° to 150°) and 0° (range, -10° to 5°), respectively. After the arthroscopic intervention, the mean ROM improved from 94° (range, 40°-140°) preoperatively to 131° (range, 107°-152°) at final follow-up (P < .001), and the visual analog scale pain score improved from 3.0 preoperatively to 1.2 postoperatively (P = .001). Overall, 13 patients (32.5%) underwent an intervention within 3 months and 27 (67.5%) after 3 months. The early intervention group had a higher postoperative International Knee Documentation Committee score compared with the late intervention group (86.8 vs 71.7, respectively; P = .035). CONCLUSION: An arthroscopic intervention for AF after ACLR successfully improved knee ROM and pain. Patients who underwent either early or late surgery obtained satisfactory motion and function, although improved PROs were observed when the intervention occurred within 3 months of the primary procedure.

Nonoperative Management of Degenerative Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tears: Poor Outcomes at a Minimum 10-Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) cause pain and dysfunction and are associated with poor clinical outcomes with nonoperative management at short-term follow-up. However, little is known about the long-term natural history of these tears. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to (1) provide an update to a previous minimum 2-year study on the natural progression of these tears and (2) evaluate long-term patient-reported and radiographic outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Case series (prognosis); Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on a cohort of patients with untreated MMPRTs, diagnosed between 2005 and 2013, who were followed clinically using International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), visual analog scale for pain, and Tegner activity scores as well as radiographically at a minimum 10-year follow-up. Failure was defined as conversion to arthroplasty or a severely abnormal subjective IKDC score <75.4. RESULTS: Overall, 5 (10%) of the original 52 patients with minimum 2-year outcomes were subsequently lost to follow-up. The remaining 47 patients (21 male, 26 female) were followed for a mean of 14 ± 2 years (range, 11-18 years). At final follow-up, 25 patients (53%) had progressed to total knee arthroplasty, 8 (17%) were deceased, and 14 (30%) had not progressed to total knee arthroplasty. The mean IKDC and Tegner activity scores for the 14 patients with remaining MMPRTs were 51.6 ± 22.2 and 3.1 ± 1.1, respectively, and the mean visual analog scale score was 4.4 ± 3.0. Radiographically, the mean Kellgren-Lawrence grade progressed from 1.2 ± 0.7 at baseline to 2.6 ± 0.5 at final follow-up (P < .001). At a minimum 10-year follow-up, 37 of 39 living patients (95%) had failed nonoperative treatment. CONCLUSION: Poor clinical and radiographic outcomes were associated with the nonoperative treatment of degenerative MMPRTs at long-term follow-up. This study provides a valuable update on the natural history and long-term prognosis of nonoperatively treated MMPRTs.

Surgical Stabilization for Recurrent Patellar Instability in Competitive Wrestlers: Outcomes, Reoperations, and Return to Play at 6-Year Mean Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The extent to which recurrent patellar instability (RPI) affects wrestlers has not been thoroughly examined. PURPOSE: To assess return to wrestling (RTW), patient-reported outcomes, and reoperation rates after patellofemoral stabilization surgery (PFSS) for RPI in a cohort of competitive wrestlers. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: All competitive wrestlers with a history of RPI and subsequent PFSS performed at a single institution between 2000 and 2020 were identified. Primary PFSS procedures included medial patellofemoral (MPFL) reconstruction (n = 31; 50%); MPFL repair (n = 22; 35.5%); or other PFSS (n = 9; 14.5%), such as tibial tubercle osteotomy, lateral retinacular release, and/or medial retinacular reefing. Exclusion criteria included revision PFSS or concomitant anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction or multiligament knee injury. Surgical failure was defined as subsequent patellar dislocation despite operative management or need for secondary PFSS. RESULTS: Ultimately, 62 knees in 56 wrestlers with a mean age of 17.0 years (range, 14.0-22.8 years) were included at a mean follow-up of 6.6 years (range, 2.0-18.8 years). RTW occurred in 55.3% of wrestlers at a mean ± SD 8.8 ± 6.7 months. Among PFSS types, no differences were observed in rates of RTW (P = .676), postoperative pain (P = .176), Tegner activity level (P = .801), International Knee Documentation Committee (P = .378), Lysholm (P = .402), or Kujala scores (P = .370). RPI was the most common postoperative complication (n = 13; 21.0%). MPFL reconstruction had the lowest rate of RPI (6.5% vs 27.3% [repair] vs 55.6% [other]; P = .005) and surgical failure (9.7% vs 31.8% [repair] vs 55.6% [other]; P = .008). Kaplan-Meier survivorship free from surgical failure of the entire cohort was 91.9% at 1 year, 77.7% at 5 years, and 65.7% at 15 years. MPFL reconstruction had the highest survivorship when compared with MPFL repair and other PFSS up to 10 years after the index surgery (90.3% vs 64.1% vs 27.8%; P = .048). CONCLUSION: RPI remains a concern for competitive wrestlers after PFSS. MPFL reconstruction may serve as a more durable surgical treatment option with lower rates of RPI and failure when compared with other PFSS procedures at up to 10 years after surgery.