Similar return to sport between double cortical button and docking techniques for ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in baseball players.

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: A double cortical button technique for ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) has advantages including significant control over graft tensioning, less concern about graft length, and minimized risk of bone tunnel fracture compared with traditional UCLR techniques. This double cortical button technique was recently found to be noninferior in mechanical performance to the traditional docking technique regarding joint strength, joint stiffness, and graft strain. However, clinical outcomes have not been compared between these UCLR techniques. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether baseball players who underwent UCLR with a double cortical button (double button) technique have similar return-to-sport (RTS) outcomes to baseball players who underwent UCLR with the traditional docking (docking) technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Baseball players who underwent primary UCLR from 2011 to 2020 across 2 institutions were identified. Included patients were contacted to complete a follow-up survey evaluating reoperations, RTS, and functional outcome scores. Functional outcome surveys include the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic score, the Conway-Jobe score, the Andrews-Timmerman elbow score, and the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score. RESULTS: Overall, 78 male baseball players (age: 18.9 ± 2.4 years) with an average follow-up of 3.1 ± 2.4 years were evaluated, with 73 of the players being baseball pitchers. Players in the double button group more frequently received palmaris longus autografts (78% vs. 30%) and less frequently received gracilis autografts (22% vs. 58%) compared with players in the docking group (P = .001); however, all other demographic factors were similar between the groups. All players in the double button group were able to RTS in 11.1 ± 2.6 months, whereas 96% of players in the docking group were able to RTS in 13.5 ± 3.4 months (P > .05). All postoperative outcomes and patient-reported outcomes were statistically similar between the groups and remained similar after isolating pitchers only and after separating partial-thickness from full-thickness UCL tears (all P > .05). CONCLUSION: RTS and other postoperative outcomes may be similar between baseball players who underwent UCLR with the double button technique and the docking technique. Although future research may be necessary to strengthen clinical recommendations, these findings provide the first clinical outcomes in light of a recent cadaveric study finding similar elbow strength, joint stiffness, and graft strain compared with the docking technique.

Influence of Race on Utilization and Outcomes in Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that utilization and outcomes after shoulder arthroplasty vary by sociodemographic factors, highlighting disparities in care. This systematic review synthesized all available literature regarding the relationship between utilization and outcomes of shoulder arthroplasty and race/ethnicity. METHODS: Studies were identified using PubMed, MEDLINE (through Ovid), and CINAHL databases. All English language studies of Level I through IV evidence that specifically evaluated utilization and/or outcomes of hemiarthroplasty, total shoulder arthroplasty, or reverse shoulder arthroplasty by race and/or ethnicity were included. Outcomes of interest included rates of utilization, readmission, reoperation, revision, and complications. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies met inclusion criteria. Since the 1990s, Black and Hispanic patients have demonstrated a lower utilization rate of shoulder arthroplasty compared with White patients. Although utilization has increased among all racial groups throughout the present decade, the rate of increase is greater for White patients. These differences persist in both low-volume and high-volume centers and are independent of insurance status. Compared with White patients, Black patients have a longer postoperative length of stay after shoulder arthroplasty, worse preoperative and postoperative range of motion, a higher likelihood of 90-day emergency department visits, and a higher rate of postoperative complications including venous thromboembolism, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, acute renal failure, and sepsis. Patient-reported outcomes, including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon's score, did not differ between Black and White patients. Hispanics had a significantly lower revision risk compared with White patients. One-year mortality did not differ significantly between Asians, Black patients, White patients, and Hispanics. CONCLUSION: Shoulder arthroplasty utilization and outcomes vary by race and ethnicity. These differences may be partly due to patient factors such as cultural beliefs, preoperative pathology, and access to care, as well as provider factors such as cultural competence and knowledge of health care disparities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Does Prehabilitation Before Surgery Affect Return to Sport in Baseball Pitchers With Partial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tears?

Background: Purposeful rehabilitation before surgery (prehabilitation) has been researched and implemented in the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament tears. However, it is unclear whether prehabilitation would affect outcomes for baseball pitchers with partial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to determine whether baseball pitchers with partial UCL tears who completed ≥4 weeks of prehabilitation (prehab group) have different return to play (RTP) outcomes than pitchers with 0 to 3 weeks of preoperative physical therapy (no prehab group). We hypothesized that pitchers in the prehab group would have similar RTP rates compared with pitchers in the no prehab group. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Baseball pitchers of all competitive levels who underwent primary UCL reconstruction (UCLR) or UCL repair between 2010 and 2019 were included. Physician chart notes, magnetic resonance images, and operative notes were screened to confirm primary UCLR or UCL repair of a partial UCL tear and to identify whether the nonoperative treatment had been attempted. Patients were contacted via RedCap for postoperative complications, reoperations, RTP, and patient-reported outcomes (Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic score, Andrews-Timmerman score, Conway-Jobe score, and satisfaction). Results: Overall, 105 baseball pitchers (n = 55 prehab group; n = 50 no prehab group) were included and evaluated at 3.4 ± 2.5 years postoperatively. Six pitchers underwent UCL repair, and 99 pitchers underwent UCLR. All demographic characteristics were similar between groups except the prehab group received a gracilis graft more frequently (76.5% vs 51.2%; P = .038). The RTP rate (prehab [88.1%] vs no prehab [93.8%]; P = .465) was similar between groups. All other postoperative outcomes were also similar between groups, including revision rates and patient-reported outcomes. Conclusion: Postoperative and patient-reported outcomes did not differ significantly between pitchers with partial UCL tears who performed rehabilitation before UCL surgery and pitchers who did not attempt a significant period of rehabilitation before UCL surgery. Clinicians should feel comfortable recommending rehabilitation for patients with partial UCL tears who wish to attempt a period of nonoperative treatment, as postoperative outcomes are not affected if UCL surgery is later needed.

Bankart Repair With or Without Concomitant Remplissage Results in Similar Shoulder Motion and Postoperative Outcomes in the Treatment of Shoulder Instability.

Purpose: To compare the results of patients who underwent Bankart repair with or without concomitant remplissage for treatment of shoulder instability. Methods: All patients who underwent shoulder stabilization for shoulder instability from 2014 to 2019 were evaluated. Patients who underwent remplissage were matched to those patients who received no remplissage based on sex, age, body mass index, and date of surgery. Glenoid bone loss and presence of an engaging Hill-Sachs lesion were quantified by 2 independent investigators. Postoperative complications, recurrent instability, revision, shoulder range of motion (ROM), return to sport (RTS), and patient-reported outcome measures (Oxford Shoulder Instability, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores) were compared between groups. Results: Overall, 31 patients who underwent remplissage were identified and matched to 31 patients who received no remplissage at a mean follow-up of 2.8 ± 1.8 years. Glenoid bone loss was similar between groups (11% vs 11%, P = .956); however, engaging Hill-Sachs lesions were more prevalent in the patients who underwent remplissage than the patients who received no remplissage (84% vs 3%, P < .001). There were no significant differences in rates of redislocation (remplissage: 12.9% vs no remplissage: 9.7%), subjective instability (45.2% vs 25.8%), reoperation (12.9% vs 0%), or revision (12.9% vs 0%) between groups (all P > .05). Also, there were no differences in RTS rates, shoulder range of motion, or patient-reported outcome measures (all P > .05). Conclusions: If a patient is indicated for Bankart repair with concomitant remplissage, surgeons may expect shoulder motion and postoperative outcomes similar to those of patients without engaging Hill-Sachs lesions who undergo Bankart repair without concomitant remplissage. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic case series, level IV.

Outcomes following arthroscopic posteromedial osteophyte resection and risk of future ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: Despite successful return-to-sport (RTS) outcomes after posteromedial osteophyte resection, one possible consequence of osteophyte removal is increased stress on the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), leading to a UCL injury. It is currently unknown how often overhead athletes who undergo isolated posteromedial osteophyte resection subsequently require UCL reconstruction (UCLR). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to report outcomes following arthroscopic resection of posteromedial osteophytes in overhead athletes and determine whether overhead athletes who underwent arthroscopic posteromedial osteophyte resection for posteromedial impingement went on to require UCL surgery. We hypothesized that there would be a high rate of RTS following osteophyte resection and that players who underwent arthroscopic posteromedial osteophyte resection would have a >10% risk of requiring subsequent UCLR or UCL repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients who underwent elbow arthroscopy from 2010-2020 at a single institution were reviewed. Patients were included if they underwent isolated arthroscopic posteromedial osteophyte resection without concomitant UCL surgery, were overhead athletes at the onset of posteromedial impingement symptoms, and had no history of elbow surgery. Primary outcomes included RTS rate, complications, and subsequent shoulder and/or elbow injury and surgery, as well as several patient-reported outcome measures (Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic score, Timmerman-Andrews elbow score, and Conway-Jobe score). RESULTS: Overall, 36 overhead athletes were evaluated at 5.1 ± 3.4 years postoperatively, including 28 baseball pitchers, 3 baseball catchers, 3 softball players, 1 tennis player, and 1 volleyball player. Of the overhead athletes, 77% were able to RTS; the mean Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic and satisfaction scores were 70 and 75, respectively; and 89% of athletes had either excellent (73%) or good (16%) Conway-Jobe scores at long-term follow-up. Subsequent UCLR was required in 18% of baseball pitchers (n = 5) at a median of 13 months postoperatively. Of the 5 UCLRs, 3 were performed shortly after posteromedial osteophyte resection (6, 7, and 13 months postoperatively) whereas the other 2 were performed at 6.2 and 7.5 years postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Following arthroscopic posteromedial osteophyte resection, 77% of athletes were able to RTS. Baseball pitchers who undergo arthroscopic resection of posteromedial osteophytes for posteromedial impingement have an 18% risk of subsequent UCLR.

Beach Chair Versus Lateral Decubitus Surgical Positioning for Arthroscopic Anterior Shoulder Stabilization: A Retrospective Comparison of Clinical and Patient-Reported Outcomes.

Background: Surgical positioning can affect both perioperative and postoperative complication rates. It is unclear whether beach-chair versus lateral decubitus positioning affects outcomes in patients undergoing arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization surgery. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare recurrent instability, complications, and patient-reported outcomes between patients who underwent arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization in the beach-chair versus the lateral decubitus positions. It was hypothesized that recurrent instability, complications, and patient-reported outcomes would not be affected by surgical positioning. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The authors reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent shoulder stabilization (Current Procedural Terminology codes 29806 and 29807) from 2015 to 2019. Patients were included only if anterior instability was confirmed, arthroscopic surgery was performed in response to shoulder instability, and a minimum of 2 years of follow-up data were available. Data collected for eligible patients included perioperative and postoperative complications, recurrent instability, reoperation, and revision. Patients also completed surveys for the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score, Oxford Shoulder Instability (OSI) score, and a return to any level of sport (RTS) questionnaire. Results: Overall, 294 patients (162 lateral decubitus and 132 beach-chair positions) were included, with an average follow-up of 2.4 ± 1.6 years. There were no significant differences in demographics between groups, nor were there differences in the rates of postoperative dislocations, subjective instability, reoperations, revisions, or complications. There was a trend toward a higher revision rate in the beach-chair group (beach-chair, 6.1% vs lateral decubitus, 1.9%; P = .069). There was no significant difference between groups regarding RTS rates or postoperative ASES, SANE, and OSI scores at 3.3 ± 1.1 years postoperatively. Conclusion: Surgical positioning for arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization did not significantly affect recurrent instability, complications, and patient-reported outcomes. Both beach-chair and lateral decubitus positioning provided good outcomes for anterior shoulder stabilization, with an overall recurrent dislocation rate of 7.8% at a mean of 3.3 years after surgery.

Social Media and the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Application Process.

INTRODUCTION: Social media use in the residency application process has been on the rise, yet applicant and program director (PD) perspectives in orthopaedic residency have not been explored in depth. Our objective is to evaluate perspectives of orthopaedic residency applicants and PDs on social media usage and its impact on the residency application process. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey study conducted in 2021 with two related, anonymous surveys sent to residency applicants and PDs. One hundred thirteen of 562 (20.1%) applicants to our institution and 29 of 148 (19.6%) PDs listed on the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) website responded to our survey and were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Applicants reported learning about residency programs through Instagram (69.2%), the program website (58.9%), and Doximity (29.9%). Thirty-four percent of applicants reported social media influencing their rank list, with non-training-related posts being the most impactful. PDs reported that 97% of their programs have an official web page, 41% have an active Instagram site, 27% have a Twitter account but none regularly update Doximity. Just over 48% of PDs reported institutional support for online content creation. Financial investment varied, with 35% reporting no spending, and 24% spending over $2501. In response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) restrictions, 79% of PDs reported generating increased social media content. DISCUSSION: Social media provides a low-cost but far-reaching opportunity for PDs to recruit residents and highlight their respective programs. Social media content should display the culture and lifestyle of the program, with consistency in content creation. PDs should also ensure accuracy on external sites such as Doximity.

Beach-Chair Versus Lateral Decubitus Positioning for Arthroscopic Posterior Shoulder Labral Repair: A Retrospective Comparison of Clinical and Patient-Reported Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Both beach-chair and lateral decubitus patient positioning are often utilized for shoulder arthroscopy, with each offering its unique advantages and disadvantages. The surgical position is often selected according to each surgeon's preference, with no clear superiority of one position over the other. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose was to compare clinical and patient-reported outcomes between patients who underwent arthroscopic posterior labral repair in the beach-chair versus the lateral decubitus position. We hypothesized that patient positioning would not affect clinical and patient-reported outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A list of all patients diagnosed with the Current Procedural Terminology codes 29806 and 29807 between 2015 and 2019 was obtained from the medical records. Patients were only included if arthroscopic posterior labral repair with or without concomitant superior labral anterior to posterior repair was confirmed. Data collected for eligible patients included the number of anchors used, perioperative and postoperative complications, redislocations, subjective instability, reoperation, and revision. Patients were also contacted to complete several patient-reported outcome surveys. Preoperative data, perioperative data, and postoperative outcomes were compared between patients who underwent surgery in the beach-chair versus lateral decubitus position. RESULTS: Overall, 126 patients were included-69 patients underwent surgery in the lateral decubitus position and 57 in the beach-chair position-with a mean follow-up of 2.6 ± 1.7 years. There were no significant pre- or perioperative differences between groups. Rates of postoperative dislocations, subjective instability, reoperations, revisions, all complications, and return to sports rates also did not differ between groups (all, P > .05). Finally, there was no difference between groups regarding postoperative pain, function, and subjective instability scores (all, P > .05). Results of the multivariate regression analysis showed that increased age was a weak independent risk factor for subjective recurrent posterior shoulder instability (odds ratio, 1.04; P = .036). CONCLUSION: Surgical positioning for arthroscopic posterior shoulder labral repair did not affect postoperative clinical and patient-reported outcomes. Both beach-chair and lateral decubitus position provided good outcomes for posterior shoulder labral repair, with an overall recurrence rate of 8.7%. Increased age was a weak independent risk factor for subjective recurrent instability.