Management of Patellar Tendinopathy.

Patellar tendinopathy is a common pathology typically seen in athletes involved in repetitive explosive jumping and running activities. Also known as jumpers' knee, it is commonly seen in high-level basketball players. Typically, athletes continue to play with symptoms, which can be aggravated and progress to partial patellar tendon tears. When partial patellar tendon tears occur, prolonged recovery and decreased performance is commonly seen. The pathology and treatment can be frustrating for both the athlete and medical provider. Patellar tendinopathy typically does not involve inflammation but rather microinjury to the tendon fibers, which leads to mucoid degeneration, necrosis, and loss of transitional fibrocartilage. When partial tendon tears do occur, the typical location is posteromedially adjacent to the patella. Treatment involves a stepwise approach starting with nonoperative means, including activity modification, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, and physical therapy focused on eccentrics. Extracorporeal shock wave treatments and injections with platelet-rich plasma or bone marrow aspirate concentrate should be considered, with evolving literature to support their use. Ultrasound percutaneous tendon scrapping with a needle supplemented with the aforementioned injections is an emerging treatment option that the authors have found to be helpful, although further studies are required. Surgical intervention is considered after failure of nonoperative treatments, and typically occurs in tears greater than 50% of the tendon thickness and in tendons with increased thickness (>8.8 mm). Open or arthroscopic debridement can be considered, with no studies showing superior outcomes with either technique; however, no high-quality comparison studies exist. The authors prefer an open technique where, much like a bone-patellar tendon-bone harvest, the unhealthy proximal tendon and bone are excised with then closure of the healthy tendon with absorbable sutures. Suture anchor repair may also be used when necessary. In a recent systematic review, surgical management of patellar tendinopathy has been shown to result in improved patient-reported outcomes with return to sport at high levels.1 Treatment for the difficult and sometimes frustrating pathology of patellar tendinopathy continues to evolve, with biologic and less-invasive ultrasound-based treatments showing promise, and surgical intervention providing reliable outcomes.

Elevated Posterior Tibial Slope Is Associated With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Failures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association of posterior tibial slope (PTS) with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reinjury following primary ACL reconstruction. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched from inception through March 1, 2021, to retrieve relevant studies. Comparative studies reporting PTS measurements in a cohort of patients experiencing ACL graft failure versus patients with intact primary ACL reconstruction or studies comparing patients undergoing revision ACL reconstruction versus primary ACL reconstruction were included for analysis. A random-effects model was used to calculate the overall standardized mean difference (SMD) between groups. The following inclusion criteria were used: English language; full text available; Level I, II, or III evidence; studies in humans; and skeletally mature patients. RESULTS: After we systematically screened 1,912 studies, 15 studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Radiographic measurements were used in 6 studies reporting medial PTS in 411 ACL failures versus 2808 controls. Patients with ACL failure had significantly greater medial PTS compared with controls (SMD 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23-0.77; P < .001). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used in 9 studies reporting lateral PTS measurements in 641 patients with a failed ACL reconstruction compared with 705 controls. Seven of the MRI studies also measured medial PTS in 552 failures versus 641 controls. Patients with ACL failure had significantly greater lateral PTS on MRI (SMD 0.58; 95% CI 0.13-1.03; P = .012) and medial PTS on MRI (SMD 0.59; 95% CI 0.23-0.96; P = .001) compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: The present meta-analysis demonstrated that patients with elevated PTS on radiographs and MRI are at increased risk for ACL graft failure after primary ACL reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, meta-analysis of Level III studies.

Smaller Iatrogenic Defects Created by Inside-Out Compared With All-Inside Meniscus Repair Devices in Human Cadaveric Model.

PURPOSE: (1) To investigate the pattern and diameter of the iatrogenic defect that meniscal repair devices impose on meniscal tissue and (2) to determine whether repair-induced defect patterns or diameters differ across devices. METHODS: Sixty-one fresh frozen human cadaveric menisci were used (n = 9; eliminated). All-inside devices (n = 9) included ULTRA FAST-FIX, FAST-FIX 360, Depuy Mitek 0° and 12° TRUESPAN, ConMed Sequent, Zimmer Biomet JuggerStitch, Stryker IvyAIR, Arthrex FiberStitch and Meniscal Cinch II. Inside-out needles (n = 4) included ConMed HiFi, Depuy Mitek ORTHOCORD, Arthrex-2-0 FiberWire, and Stryker SharpShooter. Following India Ink staining, implant devices were inserted into cadaveric menisci. Samples were fixed in formalin solution and imaged with a high-resolution camera. Defects were classified by qualitative evaluation. Defect and needle diameter were quantified with software assistance. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance testing. RESULTS: We analyzed 644 iatrogenic defects with mean defect diameter of 1.96 mm (standard deviation 0.86). For all-inside devices, defect patterns (n = 436) were 15.6% linear, 38.1% semilunar, 46.3% stellate, while inside-out devices (n = 208) were 95.7% stellate, 4.3% linear, and 0.0% semilunar. All-inside devices had mean defect diameter of 2.46 mm, while inside-out meniscus needles had mean 0.90 mm defect diameter (P < .001). FasT-FIX 360, ULTRA-FAST-FIX, and Arthrex Meniscal Cinch II induced smaller diameter defects than other all-inside devices (F = 20.2, P < .05). Strong positive correlation was found comparing outer needle diameter and mean defect diameters across all devices (R2 = 0.9447). CONCLUSIONS: Needles utilized in meniscal implant systems produce the following basic defect patterns: stellate (62.3%), semilunar (25.8%), and linear (11.9%). A strong positive correlation was found between mean defect size and outer needle diameter across all devices. Inside-out double-armed flexible needles produced significantly smaller defects than all-inside devices. Of the all-inside devices, ULTRA FAST-FIX, FAST-FIX 360, and Arthrex Meniscal Cinch II produced smaller defects on average. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: While the true clinical impact of these findings cannot be drawn from the present study, this investigation provides necessary context to better understand reported similarities and differences in healing rates and outcomes between inside-out and all-inside repair techniques.

Several Techniques Exist With Favorable Biomechanical Outcomes in Radial Meniscus Tear Repair-A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To compare biomechanical properties of various radial tear repair techniques in the medial and lateral menisci. METHODS: A search was performed for key words regarding mechanical properties of repair of radial meniscal tears in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane databases, yielding 1791 articles. Articles were screened using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines against inclusion criteria and underwent Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) methodologic quality assessment. Repair constructs evaluated were classified based on repair technique, use of a transtibial augmentation, and the number, orientation, and pattern of stitches. Results published across different studies were compared but not subjected to meta-analysis due to variability in testing procedures and heterogeneity of repair methods. RESULTS: We identified 20 studies that performed mechanical testing on 21 different radial meniscal tear repair techniques. The greatest reported mean load-to-failure (LtF) were the transtibial 2-tunnel + 4 horizontal inside-out sutures (191.2 N ± 17.3, cadaver) and all-inside double vertical repair (146.3 N ± 36.2, porcine). The transtibial technique improved LtF and displacement of an inside-out (IO) horizontal repair. All-inside vertical repairs demonstrated greater LtF, stiffness, and displacement compared with IO horizontal repairs in 2 studies. Compared with IO double horizontal repairs, all-inside double vertical or IO double horizontal repairs with reinforcing stitches parallel to the tear exhibited greater LtF in 3 studies and stiffness in 2 studies. Two studies reported that parallel reinforcing stitches significantly reduced suture tear-through compared with similar, nonreinforced repairs. Mean MINORS score for all studies analyzed was 19.88 ± 1.47 points. CONCLUSIONS: A systematic review demonstrated that there may be alternatives to traditional IO horizontal repairs for radial meniscus tears. Less-invasive all-inside vertical techniques reinforced with suture parallel to the tear instead of standard IO horizontal sutures may improve strength of repair. In addition, transtibial 2-tunnel augmentation may also increase strength of radial meniscus tear repairs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There may be alternatives to IO horizontal repairs for radial meniscus tears.

Intra-articular steroid injection at the time of knee arthroscopy increases risk of post-operative infection.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the risk of post-operative infection after intra-articular steroid injection at the time of knee arthroscopy at a single institution high-volume sports medicine practice. METHODS: The electronic medical record at a single institution was queried for all patients who underwent knee arthroscopy from 2011 to 2019. Patients were included if they underwent more simple arthroscopic procedures: diagnostic arthroscopy, meniscectomy, loose body removal, synovectomy, or microfracture. Patients were excluded if they underwent more complex procedures, such as ligament reconstruction, meniscus repair, or any open procedures. These patients' medical records were then queried for current procedural terminology and international classification of disease codes indicating post-operative infection. Individual chart review was performed on this group of patients to determine if a true postoperative infection occurred within 6 months of the index arthroscopy. Patients were then categorized into "intra-operative steroid injection" versus "no steroid" based on each surgeon's preferred intra-operative analgesic injection cocktail. RESULTS: A total of 6889 patients were identified, including 2416 (35.1%) who were given intra-articular steroid at the time of knee arthroscopy. Post-operative infection occurred in 10 patients (0.15%) at a median of 18 days (range 9-42 days), 7 who received intra-operative steroid injection (0.29%) and 3 who did not (0.067%), p = 0.040. The relative risk of infection for those who received intra-operative steroid injection was 4.32 times higher than those who did not, with a number needed to harm of 448. There were no significant differences in age, body mass index, smoking status, or the prevalence of diabetes between those who got infected and those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: Knee infection following arthroscopic surgery is rare. Intra-operative steroid injection during arthroscopic knee surgery is associated with a 4.3-fold increased risk of subsequent knee infection. While the overall risk remains low, the use of intra-operative steroids is expected to result in one additional knee infection for every 448 arthroscopic procedures performed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Treatment of post-meniscectomy knee symptoms with medial meniscus replacement results in greater pain reduction and functional improvement than non-surgical care.

PURPOSE: Partial meniscectomy is a common orthopedic procedure intended to improve knee pain and function in patients with irreparable meniscal tears. However, 6-25% of partial meniscectomy patients experience persistent knee pain after surgery. In this randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving subjects with knee pain following partial meniscectomy, it was hypothesized that treatment with a synthetic medial meniscus replacement (MMR) implant provides significantly greater improvements in knee pain and function compared to non-surgical care alone. METHODS: In this prospective, multicenter RCT, subjects with persistent knee pain following one or more previous partial meniscectomies were randomized to receive either MMR or non-surgical care. This analysis evaluated the 1-year outcomes of this 2-year clinical trial. Patient-reported knee pain, function, and quality of life were measured using nine separate patient-reported outcomes. The primary outcomes were the pain subscale of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and the average of all five KOOS subscales (KOOS Overall). Treatment cessation was defined as permanent device removal in the MMR group and any surgical procedure to the index knee in the non-surgical care group. RESULTS: Treated subjects had a median age of 52 years old (range 30-69 years) and one or more previous partial meniscectomies at a median of 34 months (range 5-430 months) before trial entry. Among 127 subjects treated with either MMR (n = 61) or non-surgical care (n = 66), 11 withdrew from the trial or were lost to follow-up (MMR, n = 0; non-surgical care, n = 11). The magnitude of improvement from baseline to 1 year was significantly greater in subjects who received MMR in both primary outcomes of KOOS Pain (P = 0.013) and KOOS Overall (P = 0.027). Treatment cessation was reported in 14.5% of non-surgical care subjects and only 4.9% of MMR subjects (n.s.). CONCLUSION: Treatment with the synthetic MMR implant resulted in significantly greater improvements in knee pain, function, and quality of life at 1 year of follow-up compared to treatment with non-surgical care alone. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Treatment of Chronic Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy with Surgical Debridement and Suture Anchor Repair.

We evaluated outcomes following surgical debridement and suture anchor repair of chronic proximal hamstring tendinopathy without sciatic nerve decompression. Chart review identified eight patients (one bilateral) who met study requirements. All eight patients were available for follow-up at a mean of 6.7 years and none underwent re-operation on the index hip during the follow-up period. Seven patients completed patient-reported outcome scores. The mean LEFS score was 81.1, and the mean SANE score was 74.9. The mean Marx activity score was 2.8, and the mean Custom Marx score was 23.3. Pain relief was excellent. The mean numeric pain score at rest was 0.6, while the mean numeric pain score with activity was 4.0. Treatment of chronic, recalcitrant proximal hamstring tendinopathy with surgical debridement and suture anchor repair without exploration of the sciatic nerve results in excellent pain relief, good function, and low re-operation risk. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 31(1):061-064, 2022).

Differences in brain structure and theta burst stimulation-induced plasticity implicate the corticomotor system in loss of function after musculoskeletal injury.

Traumatic musculoskeletal injury (MSI) may involve changes in corticomotor structure and function, but direct evidence is needed. To determine the corticomotor basis of MSI, we examined interactions among skeletomotor function, corticospinal excitability, corticomotor structure (cortical thickness and white matter microstructure), and intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS)-induced plasticity. Nine women with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament rupture (ACL) 3.2 ± 1.1 yr prior to the study and 11 matched controls (CON) completed an MRI session followed by an offline plasticity-probing protocol using a randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind, cross-over study design. iTBS was applied to the injured (ACL) or nondominant (CON) motor cortex leg representation (M1LEG) with plasticity assessed based on changes in skeletomotor function and corticospinal excitability compared with sham iTBS. The results showed persistent loss of function in the injured quadriceps, compensatory adaptations in the uninjured quadriceps and both hamstrings, and injury-specific increases in corticospinal excitability. Injury was associated with lateralized reductions in paracentral lobule thickness, greater centrality of nonleg corticomotor regions, and increased primary somatosensory cortex leg area inefficiency and eccentricity. Individual responses to iTBS were consistent with the principles of homeostatic metaplasticity; corresponded to injury-related differences in skeletomotor function, corticospinal excitability, and corticomotor structure; and suggested that corticomotor adaptations involve both hemispheres. Moreover, iTBS normalized skeletomotor function and corticospinal excitability in ACL. The results of this investigation directly confirm corticomotor involvement in chronic loss of function after traumatic MSI, emphasize the sensitivity of the corticomotor system to skeletomotor events and behaviors, and raise the possibility that brain-targeted therapies could improve recovery.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Traumatic musculoskeletal injuries may involve adaptive changes in the brain that contribute to loss of function. Our combination of neuroimaging and theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (iTBS) revealed distinct patterns of iTBS-induced plasticity that normalized differences in muscle and brain function evident years after unilateral knee ligament rupture. Individual responses to iTBS corresponded to injury-specific differences in brain structure and physiological activity, depended on skeletomotor deficit severity, and suggested that corticomotor adaptations involve both hemispheres.

Same knee, different goals: patients and surgeons have different priorities related to ACL reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The priorities of patients should be shared by those treating them. Patients and surgeons are likely to have different priorities surrounding anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), with implications for shared decision-making and patient education. The optimal surgical approach for ACLR is constantly evolving, and the magnitude of treatment effect necessary for evidence to change surgical practice is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine (1) the priorities of surgeons and patients when making decisions regarding ACLR and (2) the magnitude of reduction in ACLR graft failure risk that orthopaedic surgeons require before changing practice. METHODS: This study followed a cross-sectional survey design. Three distinct electronic surveys were administered to pre-operative ACLR patients, post-operative ACLR patients, and orthopaedic surgeons. Patients and surgeons were asked about the importance of various outcomes and considerations pertaining to ACLR. Surgeons were asked scenario-based questions regarding changing practice for ACLR based on new research. RESULTS: Surgeons were more likely to prioritize outcomes related to the surgical knee itself, whereas patients were more likely to prioritize outcomes related to their daily lifestyle and activities. Knee instability and risk of re-injury were unanimous top priorities among all three groups. A mean relative risk reduction in ACLR graft failure of about 50% was required by orthopaedic surgeons to change practice regardless of the type of change, or patient risk profile. CONCLUSION: There are discrepancies between the priorities of surgeons and patients, and orthopaedic surgeons appear resistant to changing practice for ACLR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Patient Outcomes After Horizontal Cleavage Tear Repair: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical outcomes and survivorship of meniscal horizontal cleavage tear (HCT) repairs with hopes of guiding future treatment decisions. METHODS: Standard systematic review methodology was used. A comprehensive search of PubMed was conducted on June 1, 2019. The inclusion criteria were articles that were published in English, involved human subjects, and reported on at least 1 outcome after repair of HCTs. The exclusion criteria included technique guides and reviews, studies without full text available, and studies with HCT outcomes not separated from other repair groups. Effect heterogeneity was determined using the I2 measure. Forest plots were created in addition to a random-effects model to show the results. RESULTS: The systematic review yielded 19 studies evaluating 289 knees in a total of 273 patients. At most recent follow-up, there was a high probability of return to sport (93.1% [67 of 72]). Overall, 74% of patients (67 of 90) were symptom free at last follow-up, and 80% expressed satisfaction with their overall result (80 of 100). The most frequently reported subjective outcome was the Lysholm score, which improved from a preoperative study range of 48 to 79 (I2 = 20.7%, P = .283) to a postoperative study range of 56 to 99 (I2 = 49%, P = .081). The next most commonly reported was the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score, which improved from a preoperative study range of 16 to 49 (I2 = 47.7%, P = .125) to a postoperative study range of 72 to 95 (I2 = 0%, P = .660). An overall 11.7% reported risk of reoperation was found, with most cases involving revision meniscectomy. Rates of complications beyond fixation failure were overall very low, with infrequent reports of septic arthritis and transitory dysesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: The short- to intermediate-term results of repair of HCTs are comparable to prior studies. Survivorship is comparable to repairs of other types of meniscal tears with high rates of return to sport and low complication rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Level I-IV studies.

Subjective Knee Function and Risk of Failure Are Equivalent for Men and Women at 5 Years After Meniscus Repair.

PURPOSE: To determine whether subjective knee function or risk of repair failure differ between men and women at mean 5 years following meniscal repair with or without concomitant anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. METHODS: A total of 235 patients (97 women, 138 men; mean age, 29.1 years; standard deviation, 11.3) were assessed for meniscus repair failure and postoperative knee function at mean 5.8 years follow-up. Knee symptoms were assessed with International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective (IKDC-S) scores. Postoperative activity scores were assessed with Marx activity score. Independent effects of patient age and activity level on meniscus failure risk and patient-reported outcomes were determined by multivariate analysis with adjustment for age, body mass index, anterior cruciate ligament status, tear pattern, and number of implants used at the time of surgery. RESULTS: Failures occurred in 18.9% of men and 21.0% of women with no difference in mean time to failure (P = .75) or risk of failure for men vs women (P = .57) in the univariate analysis. Male sex was not an independent risk factor for failure after adjustment for patient age, body mass index, concomitant anterior cruciate ligament status, tear pattern, or number of implants used (P = .16). Marx activity scores at follow-up were higher among men in multivariate analysis (P = .009). Men and women had similar IKDC-S scores at follow-up in the unadjusted (P = .25) and multivariate analyses (P = .21). CONCLUSIONS: Following meniscus repair, both sexes report similar subjective knee function, though men have higher self-reported activity scores. Meniscus repair failure risk does not differ between men or women at mid-term follow up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective case-control study.

Biomechanical Properties of Posterior Meniscal Root Repairs: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To systematically review the literature regarding the biomechanical properties of various meniscal root repair techniques. METHODS: A systematic review of multiple databases was performed. The inclusion criteria included English language, studies relevant to meniscal root repairs, studies comparing 2 or more different discrete techniques, posterior root repairs, controlled laboratory studies, and human cadaveric or animal studies. Abstracts, case reports, cohort studies, case-control studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and studies of meniscal body repairs were excluded. RESULTS: Seventeen controlled laboratory studies were included for final analysis. There is no consensus on biomechanical superiority between transtibial pullout repair (TPR) and suture anchor repair. For TPR, there is no significant difference between 1 and 2 tibial tunnels. Nonanatomic repairs result in significantly lower joint surface contact areas and higher contact pressures, but suture placement farther from the root results in higher maximum load to failure. Two-suture repair has a greater maximum load to failure than 1-suture repair. Use of more than 2 sutures has diminishing returns. The modified Mason-Allen suture configuration is superior to a simple suture configuration, but there is no consensus regarding the superiority or feasibility of more complex sutures. There is no consensus on the superiority of a single suture material or shape. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomic meniscal root repairs with either TPR or suture anchor repair have better joint surface contact pressures and contact surface areas than nonanatomic repairs. The use of 2 sutures results in better fixation than 1 suture. There is evidence that the modified Mason-Allen suture configuration is superior to a simple suture configuration in a TPR, although the benefits of more complicated configurations are unclear. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study suggests that, in general, more complex sutures exhibit higher maximum loads. Increasing the number of sutures to up to 2 of the same configuration also increases the maximum load.

Accelerated rehabilitation results in good outcomes following acute repair of proximal hamstring ruptures.

PURPOSE: To assess outcomes of patients who underwent proximal hamstring repair utilizing an accelerated rehabilitation protocol with immediate weight bearing as tolerated and no bracing. METHODS: Retrospective chart review identified 47 proximal hamstring tendon repairs with suture anchors in 43 patients performed during 2008-2015. Rehabilitation included no immobilization or limited weightbearing. Patients were contacted by phone to assess outcomes utilizing the lower extremity functional score (LEFS), single-assessment numeric evaluation (SANE), and Marx activity scale. Overall patient-reported scores were calculated and results of acute and chronic repairs compared. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients (38 repairs, 80.8%) were available for follow-up at mean of 4.1 ± 2.0 years following repair. There were two re-tears: one complete rupture 5 weeks postoperative and one partial rupture 10 weeks postoperative in the chronic group. Patients in general reported low pain and good function with a mean LEFS score of 87 ± 21%, a mean SANE score of 88.1 ± 11.6, and a mean numeric pain score of 8.5 ± 15.3 in the last week and 12.2 ± 21.1 with activity. The acute repair group was noted to have a higher mean LEFS score (93.7 versus 79.8%, p = 0.004) and SANE score (91.3 versus 83.8, p = 0.047), and lower pain with activity (21.7 versus 4.8, p < 0.001) as compared to the chronic group. CONCLUSIONS: Repair of acute proximal hamstring ruptures results in good function and pain relief with the use of a rehabilitation protocol that does not require weight-bearing restrictions or bracing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, therapeutic.

Bacterial DNA is associated with tunnel widening in failed ACL reconstructions.

PURPOSE: To determine if tunnel widening, defined as change in maximal tunnel diameter from the time of initial bone tunnel drilling to revision surgery is associated with bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) presence and concentration in torn graft tissue from failed anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions (ACLRs). METHODS: Thirty-four consecutive revision ACLRs were included (mean age 27.3 years SD 10.9; median time to failure 4.9 years range 105 days-20 years). Graft selection of the failed reconstruction was 68% autograft, 26% allograft, and 6% autograft/allograft hybrid with a mean drilled tunnel diameter of 8.4 mm SD 0.8. Maximal tunnel diameters prior to revision were measured on pre-operative three-dimensional imaging and compared to drilled tunnel diameters at the time of the previous reconstruction. Tissue biopsies of the failed graft were obtained from tibial, femoral, and intraarticular segments. Sterile water left open to air during revision ACLRs and tissue from primary ACLRs were used as negative controls. Clinical cultures were obtained on all revision ACLRs and PCR with universal bacterial primer on all cases and negative controls. Fluorescence microscopy was used to confirm the presence and location of biofilms in two patients with retrieved torn graft tissue and fixation material. Amount of tunnel widening was compared to bacterial DNA presence as well as bacterial DNA concentration via Welch ANOVA. RESULTS: Bacterial DNA was present in 29/34 (85%) revision ACLRs, 1/5 (20%) of primary ACLR controls and 0/3 (0%) sterile water controls. Cultures were positive (coagulase negative Staphylococcus sp.) in one case, which also had the greatest degree of tunnel widening. Femoral widening was greater in cases with detectable bacterial DNA (mean widening 2.6 mm SD 3.0) versus without (mean 0.3 mm SD 0.6) (p = 0.003) but was unaffected by bacterial DNA concentration (p = 0.44). Tibial widening was not associated with the presence of bacterial DNA (n.s.); however, higher bacterial DNA concentrations were observed in cases with tibial widening ≥ 3.0 mm (median 2.47 ng bacterial DNA/µg total DNA) versus widening < 3.0 mm (median 0.97 ng bacterial DNA/µg total DNA) (p = 0.046). Tunnel widening was not associated with time to failure, graft selection, or number of prior surgeries (n.s., all comparisons). Fluorescence microscopy confirmed the presence of biofilms on ruptured tendon graft as well as fixation material in 2/2 cases. CONCLUSION: Bacterial DNA is commonly encountered on failed ACLR grafts and can form biofilms. Bacterial DNA does not cause clinically apparent infection symptoms but is associated with tunnel widening. Further research is needed to determine whether graft decontamination protocols can reduce graft bacterial colonization rates, ACLR tunnel widening or ACLR failure risk. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic III.

Editorial Commentary: Registries, Prospective Cohorts, and Predictors of Outcomes: Why Bother?

Large registries and prospective cohorts are so expensive, time intensive, and tedious that one may wonder, "Are they worth it?" The answer lies in our core desire to do better. To continually improve the care of our patients and advance our field of orthopaedic surgery, research is required. Basic research is without doubt of great value, but essential to this advancement is quality clinical outcomes research. Without it, we are vulnerable to multiple missed turns and dead ends on our road to ever improving care of our patients.

Bacterial Deoxyribonucleic Acid Is Often Present in Failed Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions.

PURPOSE: To determine whether bacterial DNA will be detectable by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in torn graft tissue at the time of revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). METHODS: A total of 31 consecutive revision ACLR cases from 1 center from 2014-2016 were recruited. No patients had clinical signs of infection on presentation. Torn graft tissue was obtained in revision cases and subjected to clinical culture and PCR analysis with a universal bacterial primer. Fluorescence microscopy was used to confirm the presence of a biofilm. We obtained negative control samples of water open to air on the field and excess primary ACLR graft tissue, as well as torn native ligament, to evaluate for PCR positivity due to environmental contamination. RESULTS: Clinical cultures were positive (coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) in 1 revision case (3%, 1 of 31). Bacterial DNA was detectable in most revision ACLR cases (87.0%, 27 of 31), and there was a low rate of PCR positivity in negative control samples of water open to air (0%, 0 of 3), excess primary ACLR graft tissue after passage (20%, 1 of 5), or native torn ligament (20%, 1 of 5). Bacterial biofilm presence on failed graft tissue as well as monofilament suture was visually confirmed with fluorescence microscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial DNA is frequently present in failed ACLR grafts, with high rates of DNA detection by PCR but low culture positivity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

The Effect of Femoral Nerve Block on Quadriceps Strength in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To assess the isokinetic, functional, and patient-reported outcomes of femoral nerve block (FNB) compared with traditional multimodal anesthesia for FNB in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Reviews, and Google Scholar was conducted according to the 2009 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Effects of FNB on quadriceps function were evaluated by isokinetic testing, functional scoring systems, range of motion, and patient self-report questionnaires. Heterogeneous reporting of outcomes precluded a formal meta-analysis. The methodologic merit of all studies included was evaluated by the Coleman Methodology Score. RESULTS: Six studies were identified with outcome measures reported between 7 days and 6 months postoperatively. At 6 months, 2 of 4 studies that reported isokinetic testing found significantly greater deficits among patients who received a nerve block; one of the remaining studies showed a deficit at 6 weeks but not 6 months. Limited data showed no significant differences in functional or patient-reported outcomes at 6 months after reconstruction, and data regarding the impact of FNB on return to sport were inconclusive. The mean Coleman Methodology Score for the included studies was 53, indicating poor overall methodologic quality of the available literature. CONCLUSIONS: The limited data available suggest that FNB causes a measurable deficit in quadriceps isokinetic strength during the early postoperative period but has no effect on functional outcomes or return to sport at 6 months after ACL reconstruction. However, current clinical evidence is not sufficient to draw any valid or definitive conclusions regarding the effect of FNB on postoperative outcomes after ACL reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systemic review of Level I through IV studies.

Change in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Choice and Outcomes Over Time.

PURPOSE: To analyze failure rate in 2-year increments to determine if graft choice changed over time and graft failure rate. METHODS: A prospective 2002-2008 database was used to identify risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) retear. Subjects who had primary ACL retear with no history of contralateral surgery and 2-year follow-up were included. Subjects who underwent a multiligament reconstruction were excluded. Graft type, age, sex, smoking status, body mass index, Marx activity level at index surgery, medial and lateral meniscus status at time of ACL retear, sport played after ACL reconstruction, and clinical site were evaluated. Analysis was repeated using 2002-2003 (early) and 2007-2008 (late) 2-year databases. Analysis of variance with post hoc analysis was performed to detect significant differences in age and Marx score by graft type over time. RESULTS: Two-year follow-up for graft failure was obtained on 2,497 of 2,692 (93%) subjects. There were 112 of 2,497 (4.5%) ACL retears identified at 2-year follow-up. The only predictor that changed between early/late periods was allograft use. Allograft odds ratio decreased from 13.1 to 9.5 (P < .01). Allografts were used in older patients (31-40 years) and with lower Marx scores (10-8) from early to late periods. The mean age of subjects who received bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts did not significantly change over time (22.8-23.5). The mean age of subjects who received hamstring autografts fell (27.9-25.5). The mean age of subjects who received allografts rose significantly (31.3-39.8, P < .01). The mean Marx score of subjects who received bone-patellar tendon-bone and hamstring autografts did not significantly change over time. The mean Marx score of subjects who received allografts decreased significantly (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: After early recognition, allograft use in young active patients was a risk factor for retear; graft choice by surgeons changed in the late period to use of allografts in older and less-active patients, which correlated with a significant decrease in retear risk. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case control study.

Anterior Knee Impingement in a High-Level Football Punter: A Case Report and Description of the Active-Passive Knee Extension Test.

A 22-year-old football punter complained of anterior knee pain deep to his patellar tendon that occurred every time the knee of his kicking leg reached full extension during a punt. Arthroscopy confirmed anterior impingement between a fibrous tissue eminence directly anterior to his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the intercondylar roof in full extension. With the eminence removed, full extension no longer caused impingement as demonstrated arthroscopically. He resumed punting at maximal effort 6 weeks postoperatively without pain. We report the active-passive knee extension test, a physical examination maneuver designed to identify patients with anterior knee impingement between tissue anterior to the ACL and the intercondylar roof. This test is a helpful part of the clinical examination in detecting these lesions.

The hypermobile lateral meniscus: a retrospective review of presentation, imaging, treatment, and results.

PURPOSE: Hypermobility of the posterior portion of the lateral meniscus has been reported in several recent case reports and small case series. Pathophysiology and optimal treatment have not been fully elucidated. Our purpose was to evaluate results following arthroscopic stabilization. METHODS: Over a 10-year period, 13 knees were diagnosed at the time of arthroscopy as having hypermobility of the posterior portion of the lateral meniscus in the absence of a discrete tear or discoid morphology. Clinical presentation, pre-operative MRI findings, arthroscopic findings, and repair technique were retrospectively reviewed. Most recent outcomes data were gathered via a telephone interview utilizing the IKDC-9 questionnaire. RESULTS: Eleven of 12 patients presented primarily with mechanical symptoms. Duration of symptoms ranged from 7 months to over 10 years. Eight of 12 patients did not recall any history of trauma. Twelve of 13 pre-operative MRIs did not identify a meniscal tear. Stabilization was obtained by fixation of the meniscus to the posterior capsule by various techniques. Average follow-up was 4 years (range 6 months to 10.7 years). Subjective current knee function averaged 8.0 (range 3.5-10) on a scale of 0-10. Knee pain severity averaged 2.2 (range 0-4) on a scale of 0-10. Pain frequency averaged 3.3 (range 0-9) on a scale of 0-10. Better results were seen in younger patients. CONCLUSION: Hypermobility of the posterior portion of the lateral meniscus can successfully be treated with arthroscopic repair to the posterior capsule. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.