Variability in Pain Management Practices for Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The opioid epidemic in the United States is a public health crisis. Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons must balance adequate pain management with minimizing the risk of opioid misuse or dependence. There is limited data available to guide pain management for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in the pediatric population. The purpose of this study was to survey current pain management practices for ACLR among pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted, in which orthopaedic surgeons were asked about their pain management practices for pediatric ACLR. The voluntary survey was sent to members of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America. Inclusion criteria required that the surgeon perform anterior cruciate ligament repair or reconstruction on patients under age 18. Responses were anonymous and consisted of surgeon demographics, training, practice, and pain management strategies. Survey data were assessed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Of 64 included responses, the average age of the survey respondent was 48.9 years, 84.4% were males, and 31.3% practiced in the southern region of the United States. Preoperative analgesia was utilized by 39.1%, 90.6% utilized perioperative blocks, and 89.1% prescribed opioid medication postoperatively. For scheduled non-narcotic medications postoperatively 82.8% routinely advocated and 93.8% recommended cryotherapy postoperatively.Acetaminophen was the most used preoperative medication (31.3%), the most common perioperative block was an adductor canal block (81.0%), and the most common postoperative analgesic medication was ibuprofen (60.9%). Prior training or experience was more frequently reported than published research as a primary factor influencing pain management protocols. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial variability exists in pain management practices in pediatric ACLR. There is a need for more evidence-based practice guidelines regarding pain management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

Can EOS Imaging Substitute for Conventional Radiography in Measurement of Acetabular Morphology in the Young Dysplastic Hip?

BACKGROUND: EOS imaging offers a low-radiation alternative to conventional radiography (CR) and has little to no magnification effects. However, it is unclear how radiographic measures may be affected using EOS. The present study aims to determine the reproducibility of measures of acetabular morphology on EOS images as compared with CR, and to directly compare the 2 imaging modalities. METHODS: A total of 21 consecutive patients (66.7% female; 14.4±4.7 y) indicated for an open hip preservation procedure with both an anterior-posterior pelvis radiograph and EOS image performed preoperatively were included. Three orthopaedic surgeons measured Tönnis angle, lateral center edge angle (LCEA), acetabular depth-width ratio (ADR), and extrusion index (EI). Measurements were performed twice, 2 weeks apart. Reliability between observers and time points was measured using intraclass correlation coefficients, and agreement between time points and modalities was measured using Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: On EOS images, inter-rater reliability was 0.86 for Tönnis angle, 0.86 for LCEA, 0.74 for ADR, and 0.93 for EI. On CR, inter-rater reliability was 0.86 for Tönnis anlge, 0.90 for LCEA, 0.82 for ADR, and 0.84 for EI. In the agreement analysis, biases between imaging modalities were observed. On average, raters measured Tönnis angle and EI higher on EOS images than CR (2.22 degrees, 1.09%, respectively); and LCEA and ADR lower on EOS images than CR (1.54 degrees, 1.14% respectively). Limits of agreement (LOA) between modalities were similar to that of LOA observed in intra-rater analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Measures of acetabular morphology performed on EOS images have similarly high intra-rater and inter-rater reliability compared with CR. Measures performed on EOS also have similar intra-rater agreement as compared with CR. Intermodality agreement had similar LOA as intra-rater agreement on either individual imaging modality. Small biases between imaging modalities were detected. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level I-diagnostic study: investigating a diagnostic test.

Gradual Deformity Correction in Blount Disease.

BACKGROUND: Blount disease is a disorder of the posteromedial proximal tibial physis which causes a progressive varus, procurvatum, and internal rotation deformity of the tibia. Untreated, it can cause significant limb malalignment. The goal of this study is to evaluate the results of correction of Blount disease using types of external fixation. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 41 patients (51 limbs) who underwent correction of Blount disease with an Ilizarov external fixator or a Taylor spatial frame (TSF) by a single surgeon. The medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), mean axis deviation (MAD), posterior proximal tibial angle, and joint line congruence angle (JLCA) were measured on radiographs preoperatively, at frame removal and at final follow-up. RESULTS: The average age at treatment was 9.6 years old, with a mean follow-up time of 34 months. Mean preoperative MPTA, MAD, and JLCA were significantly improved at the time of frame removal as well as at final follow-up with no significant changes in correction between the time of frame removal and final follow-up. There was no difference in MPTA and MAD in patients treated with an Ilizarov frame versus a TSF. MPTA, MAD, and JLCA all significantly improved regardless of the underlying diagnosis (infantile vs. adolescent Blount disease) or history of prior surgical intervention. The most common complication was superficial pin-site infection. CONCLUSIONS: Both Iliazarov and TSF are viable treatment options for infantile and adolescent Blount disease, with the ability to significantly improve both the limb mechanical axis and the mechanical axis of the affected tibia. Correction can be attained regardless of whether patients have previously failed surgical intervention. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective comparative study.

Simultaneous Bilateral Hip Arthroscopy in Adolescent Athletes With Symptomatic Femoroacetabular Impingement.

BACKGROUND: Femoroacetabular impingement represents a common cause of hip pain in adolescents. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of simultaneous bilateral hip arthroscopy for bilateral symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement in adolescent athletes. METHODS: Clinical data were collected in a prospective database on patients who underwent unilateral or simultaneous bilateral hip arthroscopy and included complications, reoperation rate, and return to play time. Differences in International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT)-12 scores according to hip side and postoperative follow-up time (preoperative, 1.5, 3, 6, 12, and 24 mo) were evaluated using a 2×6 repeated-measures analysis of variance with post hoc repeated-measures 1-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni-corrected paired t tests. RESULTS: In total, 24 patients (36 hips) were studied, of whom 12 underwent simultaneous bilateral hip arthroscopy (24 hips) and a case-matched control group of 12 patients underwent unilateral hip arthroscopy. There were 5 males in each group (41.7%). Average age was 15.7 and 16.5 years in the bilateral and unilateral groups, respectively. No patients were lost to follow-up. In the bilateral group, a significant increase in mean iHOT-12 score was observed between 1.5- and 3-month follow-up (61.8 vs. 82.8, respectively; P=0.003), and 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up (91.4, 95.1, and 96.6, respectively, P=0.004). At all follow-up times, there were no significant differences in mean iHOT-12 scores or other outcome measures between bilateral and unilateral cohorts. Time to return to preinjury level of activity was similar between the bilateral and unilateral groups (4.7 vs. 4.9 mo, respectively; P=0.40). One transient lateral femoral cutaneous nerve palsy occurred in each group, though no other complications were documented. No patients required revision surgery by latest follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral simultaneous hip arthroscopy is safe and reproducible in adolescent athletes, achieving equivalent outcomes, and similar rehabilitation time when compared with unilateral surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II-therapeutic study.

What Are the Effects of Capsular Plication on Translational Laxity of the Glenohumeral Joint: A Study in Cadaveric Shoulders.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment for shoulder instability generally involves labral repair with a capsular plication or imbrication. Good results are reported in both open and arthroscopic procedures, but there is no consensus on the amount or location of capsular plication that is needed to achieve stability and anatomic anterior, posterior, and inferior translation of the joint. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) What are the separate and combined effects of increasing plication magnitude and sequential additive plications in the anterior, posterior, and inferior locations of the joint capsule on glenohumeral joint translation in the anterior, posterior, and inferior directions? (2) What plication location and magnitude restores anterior, posterior, and inferior translation to a baseline level? METHODS: Fourteen cadaveric shoulders were dissected down to the glenohumeral capsule and underwent instrumented biomechanical testing. Each shoulder was loaded with 22 N in anterior, posterior, and inferior directions at 60° abduction and neutral rotation and flexion and the resulting translation were recorded. Testing was done over baseline (native), stretched (mechanically stretched capsule to imitate a lax capsule), and 5-mm, 10-mm, and 15-mm plication conditions. Individually, for each of the 5-, 10-, and 15-mm increments, plications were done in a fixed sequential order starting with anterior plication at the 3 o'clock position (Sequence I), then adding posterior plication at the 9 o'clock position (Sequence II), and then adding inferior plication at the 6 o'clock position (Sequence III). Each individual sequence was tested by placing 44 N (10 pounds) of manual force on the humerus directed in an anterior, posterior, and inferior direction to simulate clinical load and shift testing. The effect of plication magnitude and sequence on translation was tested with generalized estimating equation models. Translational differences between conditions were tested with paired t-tests. RESULTS: Translational laxity was highest with creation of the lax condition, as expected. Increasing plication magnitude had a significant effect on all three directions of translation. Plication location sequence had a significant effect on anterior and posterior translation. An interaction effect between plication magnitude and sequence was significant in anterior and posterior translation. Laxity in all directions was most restricted with 15-mm plication in anterior, posterior, and inferior locations. For anterior translational laxity, at 10-mm and 15-mm plication, there was a progressive decrease in translation magnitude (10-mm plication anterior only: 0.46 mm, plus posterior: 0.29 mm, plus inferior, -0.12 mm; and for 15-mm anterior only: -0.53 mm, plus posterior: -1.00 mm, plus inferior: -1.66 mm). For posterior translational laxity, 10-mm and 15-mm plication also showed progressive decrease in magnitude (10-mm plication anterior only: 0.46 mm, plus posterior: -0.25 mm, plus inferior: -1.94; and for 15-mm anterior only: 0.14 mm, plus posterior: -1.54 mm, plus inferior: -3.66). For inferior translational laxity, tightening was observed only with magnitude of plication (anterior only at 5 mm: 0.31 mm, at 10 mm: -1.39, at 15 mm: -3.61) but not with additional plication points (adding posterior and inferior sequences). To restore laxity closest to baseline, 10-mm AP/inferior plication best restored anterior translation, 15-mm anterior plication best restored posterior translation, and 5 mm posterior with or without inferior plication best restored inferior translation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that (1) a 10-mm plication in the anterior and posterior or anterior, posterior, and inferior positions may restore anterior translation closest to baseline; (2) 10-mm anterior and posterior or 15-mm anterior plications may restore posterior translation closest to baseline; and (3) 5-mm anterior and posterior or anterior, posterior, and inferior plications may restore inferior translation closest to baseline. Future studies using arthroscopic techniques for plication or open techniques via a true surgical approach might further characterize the effect of plication on glenohumeral translation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study found that specific combinations of plication magnitude and location can be used to restore glenohumeral translation from a lax capsular state to a native state. This information can be used to guide surgical technique based on an individual patient's degree and direction of capsular laxity. In vivo testing of glenohumeral translation before and after capsular plication will be needed to validate these cadaveric results.

Mapping glenohumeral laxity: effect of capsule tension and abduction in cadaveric shoulders.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder capsular plication aims to restore the passive stabilization of the glenohumeral capsule; however, high reported recurrence rates warrant concern. Improving our understanding of the clinical laxity assessment across 2 dimensions, capsular integrity and shoulder position, can help toward the standardization of clinical tools. Our objectives were to test and describe glenohumeral laxity across 5 capsular tension levels and 4 humeral position levels and describe tension-position interplay. METHODS: We tested 14 dissected cadavers for glenohumeral laxity in 5 directions: anterior, posterior, and inferior translation, and internal and external axial rotation. Laxity was recorded across capsule tension (baseline, stretched, 5 mm, 10 mm, and 15 mm of plication) and position (0°, 20°, 40°, 60° of scapular abduction). Repeated-measures analysis of variance with post hoc contrasts tested the effect of tension, position, and composite tension × position on laxity. RESULTS: Capsule tension, position, and composite interplay had a statistically significant, although unequal, effect on laxity in each direction. Laxity was consistently overconstrained in 15-mm plication and was overall greatest in 20° and lowest in 60°. Restoration occurred most in 10 mm, but this depended on the position. The composite effect was significant for external and internal rotation and inferior laxity, but laxity at the middle range (20° or 40°) was different than at the end range (0° or 60°) for all directions. CONCLUSIONS: On average, laxity was restored to baseline tension after 10-mm plication, but this determination varied depending on shoulder position. Middle-range laxity behaved differently than end-range laxity across plication tensions. This information is useful in understanding the unstable shoulder as well as for standardizing clinical laxity assessment.

Functional Outcomes and Cam Recurrence After Arthroscopic Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement in Adolescents.

PURPOSE: To compare the functional outcomes after arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in adolescent patients and non-adolescent patients, and to report on the rate of cam recurrence within 2 years after femoral osteoplasty in a limited sample of the adolescent group. METHODS: From 2010 to 2014, patients younger than 18 years with symptomatic FAI (alpha angle >50°) who underwent hip arthroscopy with minimum 2-year follow-up or reoperation were identified. A group of non-adolescent patients with identical inclusion criteria, except age of 18 years or older, was also identified for comparison. In addition, a separate group of adolescent patients with 2-year postoperative radiographs was reviewed for cam recurrence. Demographic data, operative data, and radiographic and clinical outcomes (modified Harris Hip Score [mHHS], Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living [HOS-ADL], Hip Outcome Score-Sport-Specific Subscale [HOS-SSS], and International Hip Outcome Tool 33 [iHOT-33] score) were collected. RESULTS: We identified 34 adolescent patients (38 hips) with an average age of 16 years (range, 13-17 years). The mean clinical follow-up period was 36.1 ± 11.6 months (range, 24.1-71.7 months) and 29.6 ± 2.4 months (range, 27.9-31.3 months) without and with reoperation, respectively. A control group of 296 non-adolescent patients (306 hips), with a mean age of 31 years (range, 18-59 years), was identified as our non-adolescent group. The mean clinical follow-up period was 34.1 ± 11 months (range, 24.0-77.4 months) and 15.1 ± 9.1 months (range, 3.6-34.6 months) without and with reoperation, respectively. Significant improvement was noted in adolescents in the changes in outcome scores (mHHS, 22.2 [95% confidence interval (CI), 15.4-29.0]; HOS-ADL, 18.6 [95% CI, 11.9-25.2]; HOS-SSS, 33.5 [95% CI, 24.5-42.5]; and iHOT-33 score, 30.5 [95% CI, 21.8-39.2]; P < .001). Similar improvements were observed in non-adolescents (mHHS, 21.0 [95% CI, 19.0-23.0]; HOS-ADL, 16.6 [95% CI, 14.6-18.6]; HOS-SSS, 30.1 [95% CI, 26.6-33.6]; and iHOT-33 score, 34.9 [95% CI, 31.5-38.3]; P < .001). There was no evidence of a difference in follow-up survey scores between groups (P > .203). Revision surgery was required in 2 adolescent hips (5.3% [95% CI, 1.5%-17.3%]) and 19 non-adolescent hips (6.2% [95% CI, 4.0%-9.5%]). Minimum 2-year radiographs were available for review in 24 adolescent patients (30 hips). The alpha angle (mean ± standard deviation) was reduced from 55.4° ± 12.1° preoperatively to 38.7° ± 4.9° at 6 weeks postoperatively (mean difference, -16.4° [95% CI, -19.8° to -12.9°]; P < .001). At 2 years, the alpha angle remained at 39.2° ± 11.2°, which did not differ from 6-week measurements (mean difference, 0.5° [95% CI, -2.9° to 3.9°]; P = .784). There were no cases of cam recurrence (0% [95% CI, 0%-11.4%]). CONCLUSIONS: Significant improvement in clinical outcomes can be anticipated after arthroscopic treatment of FAI in adolescents. From a limited sample of our adolescent population, the risk of cam recurrence appears low; however, further follow-up is needed to ensure this does not represent a biased sample of the initial population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Surgical Hip Dislocation for the Treatment of Intra-Articular Injuries and Hip Instability Following Traumatic Posterior Dislocation in Children and Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic posterior hip dislocation in children is a rare injury that typically is treated with closed reduction. Surgical treatment is typically recommended for nonconcentric reduction with joint space asymmetry with entrapped labrum or an osteochondral fragment. The surgical hip dislocation (SHD) approach allows for full assessment of the acetabulum and femoral head and has been our preferred surgical strategy. The purpose of this study was to (1) describe the intra-articular pathologic findings seen at the time of SHD; and (2) to investigate hip pain, function, and activity level of a cohort of children and adolescents after open treatment of a posterior hip dislocation using the SHD approach. METHODS: Following IRB approval, 23 patients who sustained a traumatic posterior hip dislocation between January 2009 and December 2013 were identified. In 8/23 (34.8%) patients there was evidence of nonconcentric reduction after closed treatment and surgical treatment was performed using the SHD approach. Seven male and 1 female (mean age, 11.2 y; range, 6 to 14.6 y) were followed for an average of 28 months (range, 13 to 67 mo). The modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and the University of California Los Angeles activity score assessed clinical hip outcome and activity level at minimum of 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: Six patients were treated after an acute trauma, whereas 2 were treated after recurrent dislocations. Five patients were involved in motor vehicle accidents and 3 in sports-related injuries. Intraoperative findings include posterior labral avulsion in all patients, fracture of the cartilaginous posterior wall (n=3), and femoral head chondral injuries (n=5) and fracture (n=1). The labral root was repaired using suture anchor technique in 7/8 patients and resected in 1. In 2 patients, labral repair was complemented by screw fixation of the posterior wall. All but one patient (mHHS=94) reported maximum mHHS. The University of California Los Angeles activity score was 10 for 5/8 patients and 7 in 3 patients. No case of femoral head osteonecrosis was noted. One patient developed an asymptomatic heterotopic ossification. CONCLUSIONS: When open reduction is recommended for the treatment of intra-articular pathologies and hip instability following traumatic dislocation of the hip in children and adolescents, the SHD is an excellent approach that allows surgical correction of the damaged bony and soft-tissue structures including repair of the capsule-labral complex, and reduction and internal fixation of the cartilaginous posterior wall and femoral head fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

MRI as a reliable and accurate method for assessment of posterior hip dislocation in children and adolescents without the risk of radiation exposure.

BACKGROUND: Posterior hip dislocation in children and adolescents may involve the non-ossified posterior acetabular wall. Plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) have been shown to underestimate injury to the unossified acetabulum as well as associated soft-tissue structures. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe findings on radiographs, CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after posterior hip dislocation in a series of adolescents and to report the intraoperative findings, which are considered the gold standard. Measurements of the posterior wall length using MRI and CT scans were also performed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After institutional review board approval, 40 patients who sustained a traumatic posterior dislocation of the hip between September 2007 and April 2014 were identified. Inclusion criteria were (1) age younger than 16 years old and (2) availability of MRI obtained following closed reduction of the hip. Eight male patients and one female patient with an average age of 13.2 years (range: 10.1-16.2 years) underwent hip MRI following posterior dislocation. Seven of the nine patients also underwent evaluation by CT. Plain radiographs, CT scans and MRI were evaluated in all patients by a single pediatric radiologist blinded to surgical findings for joint space asymmetry, posterior wall fracture, femoral head fracture, labrum tear, complete or partial ligamentum teres rupture and presence of intra-articular fragments. Six patients underwent surgical treatment and the intraoperative findings were compared with the imaging findings. RESULTS: CT identified all bone injuries but underestimated the involvement of posterior wall fractures. Assessment of the posterior wall size and fracture displacement was possible with MRI. All surgically confirmed soft-tissue injuries, including avulsion of the posterior labrum, were identified preoperatively on MRI. The measurement of posterior wall length was not statistically different using CT and MRI. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative pathological findings at the time of open surgical treatment were universally recognized on MRI but not on CT scans. MRI should be considered for evaluation of the hip following closed reduction for the treatment of a posterior dislocation in children and adolescents as it reliably allows assessment of intra-articular pathology without the risk of radiation exposure.

The influence of thumb metacarpophalangeal joint rotation on the evaluation of ulnar collateral ligament injuries: a biomechanical study in a cadaver model.

PURPOSE: To determine whether variation in thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint pronosupination influences perceived ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) stability during clinical stress testing. METHODS: Twelve fresh-frozen specimens underwent sequential evaluation for the following conditions: ligament intact (LI), proper UCL deficient (-pUCL), and proper and accessory UCL deficient (UCL). Valgus stress testing was completed in both 0° and 30° MCP joint flexion for thumb pronation, neutral, and supination. RESULTS: Compared with neutral MCP joint rotation, supination decreased and pronation increased stability such that established treatment guidelines could be incorrectly applied. During evaluation in supination and 0° flexion, 9/12 -pUCL had greater than 35° laxity and, similarly, the mean laxity of -pUCL was similar to the UCL group in neutral rotation and 0° flexion, incorrectly suggesting a complete ligament tear. In comparison, mean laxity of the *UCL in pronation and 0° flexion was not different than -pUCL in neutral rotation and 0° flexion, emphasizing the stabilizing effect of pronation. CONCLUSIONS: Thumb MCP joint pronosupination significantly influenced the evaluation of joint stability, where pronation improved valgus stability in contrast to supination that tended to increase joint instability, In pronation and 0° flexion, a complete UCL injury could be misdiagnosed as a partial injury. In supination and 30° flexion, an intact UCL could be misdiagnosed as a partial UCL injury. In supination and 0°, a partial UCL injury could be misdiagnosed as a complete UCL injury. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Accurate evaluation of thumb UCL stability is critical for guiding treatment. Variations in thumb MCP joint rotation during stress testing may influence clinical interpretation and, therefore, we recommend standardization of testing with the thumb MCP joint in neutral rotation.

Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis: The Onlay Technique.

Tibial anterolateral rotary instability associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears is a well-documented and difficult problem with a long history of solutions. The lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) has undergone multiple refinements in technique, largely focusing on the femoral site insertion using either an interference screw versus a staple for adequate fixation. In this article, we present an improved technique using a suture anchor as an alternative to a staple or an interference screw with secure fixation to insert the LET graft onto the femur. This technique diminishes the chance of ACL tunnel-LET drilling convergence, minimizes the footprint required for adequate graft fixation, and allows the surgeon to dial in the correct tension necessary for adequate augmentation of an ACL reconstruction.

Total knee arthroplasty in osteopetrosis using patient-specific instrumentation.

Osteopetrosis is an uncommon endocrine disease characterized by defective osteoclast resorption of bones. This causes a hard, sclerotic, and brittle bone throughout the skeleton. Fractures and unforgiving subchondral bone are common in this condition, both of which can lead to osteoarthritis. Total knee arthroplasty is often the treatment of choice but presents challenges due to the hard and sclerotic bone present throughout the metaphysis and diaphysis of the femur and the tibia. We present a case of knee osteoarthritis in a patient with osteopetrosis who underwent total knee arthroplasty using patient-specific instrumentation. This technique eliminates intramedullary alignment and minimizes drilling, reaming, and saw passes, making it attractive in the setting of diseases such as osteopetrosis to decrease operative time and potential complications.

A Corresponding Point Measurement System Provides Reliable Measurement of Displacement for Medial Epicondyle Fractures.

Little consensus exists on the best method for evaluation and management of pediatric medial epicondyle fractures because of an inability to reliably evaluate fracture displacement with standard imaging techniques. This study aimed to determine the performance of various radiographic views in evaluating displaced medial epicondyle fractures when using a standardized measurement methodology. Methods: Ten fellowship-trained pediatric orthopaedic surgeons assessed fracture displacement in 6 patients with displaced medial epicondyle fractures using radiographic views (anteroposterior, lateral, axial, internal oblique [IO], and external oblique [EO]) and computed tomographic (CT) views (axial, 3-dimensional [3D] horizontal, and 3D vertical). Raters used a corresponding point method for measuring displacement. For each image, raters measured the absolute displacement, categorized the percent of displacement relative to the size of the fragment and fracture bed, and indicated a treatment option. Interobserver reliability was calculated for each view. Bland-Altman plots were constructed to evaluate the bias between each radiograph and the mean of the CT methods. Results: For absolute displacement, anteroposterior and EO views showed almost perfect interobserver reliability, with an interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.944 for the anteroposterior view and an ICC of 0.975 for the EO view. The axial view showed substantial reliability (ICC = 0.775). For the displacement category, almost perfect reliability was shown for the anteroposterior view (ICC = 0.821), the axial view (ICC = 0.911), the EO view (ICC = 0.869), and the IO view (ICC = 0.871). Displacement measurements from the anteroposterior, axial, and EO views corresponded to the measurements from the CT views with a mean bias of <1 mm for each view. However, the upper and lower limits of agreement were >5 mm for all views, indicating a substantial discrepancy between radiographic and CT assessments. Treatment recommendations based on CT changed relative to the recommendation made using the anteroposterior view 29% of the time, the EO view 41% of the time, and the axial view 47% of the time. Conclusions: Using a corresponding point measurement system, surgeons can reliably measure and categorize fracture displacement using anteroposterior, EO, and axial radiographic views. CT-based measurements are also reliable. However, although the mean difference between the radiograph-based measurements and the CT-based measurements was only about 1 mm, the discrepancy between radiographic views and CT-based methods could be as large as 5 to 6 mm. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Descriptive Epidemiology From the Research in Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee (ROCK) Prospective Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) occurs most commonly in the knees of young individuals. This condition is known to cause pain and discomfort in the knee and can lead to disability and early knee osteoarthritis. The cause is not well understood, and treatment plans are not well delineated. The Research in Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee (ROCK) group established a multicenter, prospective cohort to better understand this disease. PURPOSE: To provide a baseline report of the ROCK multicenter prospective cohort and present a descriptive analysis of baseline data for patient characteristics, lesion characteristics, and clinical findings of the first 1000 cases enrolled into the prospective cohort. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Patients were recruited from centers throughout the United States. Baseline data were obtained for patient characteristics, sports participation, patient-reported measures of functional capabilities and limitations, physical examination, diagnostic imaging results, and initial treatment plan. Descriptive statistics were completed for all outcomes of interest. RESULTS: As of November 2020, a total of 27 orthopaedic surgeons from 17 institutions had enrolled 1004 knees with OCD, representing 903 patients (68.9% males; median age, 13.1 years; range, 6.3-25.4 years), into the prospective cohort. Lesions were located on the medial femoral condyle (66.2%), lateral femoral condyle (18.1%), trochlea (9.5%), patella (6.0%), and tibial plateau (0.2%). Most cases involved multisport athletes (68.1%), with the most common primary sport being basketball for males (27.3% of cases) and soccer for females (27.6% of cases). The median Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee (Pedi-IKCD) score was 59.9 (IQR, 45.6-73.9), and the median Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (Pedi-FABS) score was 21.0 (IQR, 5.0-28.0). Initial treatments were surgical intervention (55.4%) and activity restriction (44.0%). When surgery was performed, surgeons deemed the lesion to be stable at intraoperative assessment in 48.1% of cases. CONCLUSION: The multicenter ROCK group has been able to enroll the largest knee OCD cohort to date. This information is being used to further understand the pathology of OCD, including its cause, associated comorbidities, and initial presentation and symptoms. The cohort having been established is now being followed longitudinally to better define and elucidate the best treatment algorithms based on these presenting signs and symptoms.

Tractionless Hip Arthroscopy for Septic Arthritis in Children.

Surgical management of septic arthritis in young children is traditionally performed with open techniques, although arthroscopic approaches are commonly used in the knee and shoulder. Hip arthroscopy is technically demanding in small children and requires modification from traditional hip arthroscopy. The purpose of this study is to describe a safe technique to perform hip arthroscopy without traction in the pediatric hip and, secondarily, to report short-term results of a case series. Pediatric hip arthroscopy can be safely performed without traction on a radiolucent table and allows joint irrigation and debridement including drain placement through the use of 1 or 2 portals. Hip arthroscopy is a safe, valuable, minimally invasive technique in the treatment of children with septic arthritis of the hip.

Biomechanical Testing of Suture Anchor Versus Transosseous Tunnel Technique for Quadriceps Tendon Repair Yields Similar Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To systematically review the literature to evaluate the biomechanical properties of the suture anchor (SA) versus transosseous tunnel (TO) techniques for quadriceps tendon (QT) repair. METHODS: A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase using PRISMA guidelines to identify studies that evaluated the biomechanical properties of SA and TO techniques for repair of a ruptured QT. The search phrase used was "quadriceps tendon repair biomechanics". Evaluated properties included ultimate load to failure (N), displacement (mm), stiffness (N/mm), and mode of failure. RESULTS: Five studies met inclusion criteria, including a total of 72 specimens undergoing QT repair via the SA technique and 42 via the TO technique. Three of 4 studies found QTs repaired with SA to have significantly less elongation upon initial cyclic loading when compared to QTs repaired with the TO technique (P < .05). Three of 5 studies found QTs repaired with SA to have significantly less elongation upon final cyclic loading when compared to QTs repaired with the TO technique (P < .05). The pooled analysis from 4 studies reporting on initial displacement showed a statistically significant difference in favor of the SA group compared to the TO group (P = .03). The pooled analysis from studies reporting on secondary displacement and ultimate load to failure showed no significant difference between the SA and TO groups (P > .05). The most common mode of failure in both groups was suture slippage. CONCLUSION: On the basis of the included cadaveric studies, QTs repaired via the SA technique have less initial displacement upon cyclic testing when compared to QTs repaired via the TO technique. However, final displacement and ultimate load to failure outcomes did not reveal differences between the two fixation strategies. Knot slippage remains a common failure method for both strategies.

Femoral neck fracture in association with low-energy pelvic ring fractures in an elderly patient.

Concomitant fractures of the pelvic ring and proximal femur in the setting of low-energy trauma are rare but not mutually exclusive. An 82-year-old woman, without prior hip pain, presented to our institution after a fall from standing height. Ipsilateral pubic rami and sacral ala fractures were diagnosed with plain radiographs and computed tomography scanning, respectively, and corroborated by physical examination. No further imaging was performed in the emergency department. However, with adequate in-house pain control, the patient's complaints and physical examination were also indicative of a hip fracture. A subsequent magnetic resonance imaging study revealed a nondisplaced ipsilateral intertrochanteric femur fracture. Previously, it has been reported that occult fractures of the hip and pelvic ring appear to be mutually exclusive. Moreover, if acute fractures of the pubic ramus are identified, it has been recommended that no further investigation is warranted to rule out fracture of the hip. This case report demonstrates that low-energy pelvic ring and hip fractures can occur together. Sound clinical acumen is imperative and must supercede literature reports when providing patient care.

Reliability of the classification of cartilage and labral injuries during hip arthroscopy.

To determine interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities of the combination of classification systems, including the Beck and acetabular labral articular disruption (ALAD) systems for transition zone cartilage, the Outerbridge system for acetabular and femoral head cartilage, and the Beck system for labral tears. Additionally, we sought to determine interobserver and intraobserver agreements in the location of injury to labrum and cartilage. Three fellowship trained surgeons reviewed 30 standardized videos of the central compartment with one surgeon re-evaluating the videos. Labral pathology, transition zone cartilage and acetabular cartilage were classified using the Beck, Beck and ALAD systems, and Outerbridge system, respectively. The location of labral tears and transition zone cartilage injury was assessed using a clock face system, and acetabular cartilage injury using a five-zone system. Intra- and interobserver reliabilities are reported as Gwet's agreement coefficients. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement on the location of acetabular cartilage lesions was highest in superior and anterior zones (0.814-0.914). Outerbridge interobserver and intraobserver agreement was >0.90 in most zones of the acetabular cartilage. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement on location of transition zone lesions was 0.844-0.944. The Beck and ALAD classifications showed similar interobserver and intraobserver agreement for transition zone cartilage injury. The Beck classification of labral tears was 0.745 and 0.562 for interobserver and intraobserver agreements, respectively. The Outerbridge classification had almost perfect interobserver and intraobserver agreement in classifying chondral injury of the true acetabular cartilage and femoral head. The Beck and ALAD classifications both showed moderate to substantial interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities for transition zone cartilage injury. The Beck system for classification of labral tears showed substantial agreement among observers and moderate intraobserver agreement. Interobserver agreement on location of labral tears was highest in the region where most tears occur and became lower at the anterior and posterior extents of this region. The available classification systems can be used for documentation regarding intra-articular pathology. However, continued development of a concise and highly reproducible classification system would improve communication.

Failure Rates of Autograft and Allograft ACL Reconstruction in Patients 19 Years of Age and Younger: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Graft choice for pediatric anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is determined by several factors. There is limited information on the use and outcomes of allograft ACLR in pediatric patients. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to quantify reported failure rates of allograft versus autograft ACLR in patients ≤19 years of age with ≥2 years of follow-up. We hypothesized that there would be higher rates of failure for allograft compared with autograft ACLR in this population. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase databases were systematically searched for literature regarding allograft and autograft ACLR in pediatric/adolescent patients. Articles were included if they described a cohort of patients with average age of ≤19 years, had a minimum of 2 years of follow-up, described graft failure as an outcome, and had a Level of Evidence grade of I to III. Qualitative review and quantitative meta-analysis were performed to compare graft failure rates. A random-effects model was created to compare failure events in patients receiving allograft versus autograft in a pairwise fashion. Data analysis was completed using RevMan 5.3 software (The Cochrane Collaboration). RESULTS: The database search identified 1,604 studies; 203 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria for qualitative review; 5 studies were included for quantitative meta-analysis. Bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) represented 58.2% (n = 1,012) of the autografts, and hamstring grafts represented 41.8% (n = 727). Hybrid allografts (autograft + supplemental allograft) represented 12.8% (n = 18) of all allograft ACLRs (n = 141). The unweighted, pooled failure rate for each graft type was 8.5% for BTB, 16.6% for hamstring, and 25.5% for allograft. Allografts were significantly more likely than autografts to result in graft failure (odds ratio, 3.87; 95% confidence interval, 2.24 to 6.69). CONCLUSIONS: Allograft ACLR in pediatric and adolescent patients should be used judiciously, as existing studies revealed a significantly higher failure rate for allograft compared with autograft ACLR in this patient population. Additional studies are needed to improve the understanding of variables associated with the high ACLR failure rate among pediatric and adolescent patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee: An Interrater Reliability Study of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Imaging characteristics of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions quantified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are often used to inform treatment and prognosis. However, the interrater reliability of clinician-driven MRI-based assessment of OCD lesions is not well documented. PURPOSE: To determine the interrater reliability of several historical and novel MRI-derived characteristics of OCD of the knee in children. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A total of 42 OCD lesions were evaluated by 10 fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons using 31 different MRI characteristics, characterizing lesion size and location, condylar size, cartilage status, the interface between parent and progeny bone, and features of both the parent and the progeny bone. Interrater reliability was determined via intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) with 2-way random modeling, Fleiss kappa, or Krippendorff alpha as appropriate for each variable. RESULTS: Raters were reliable when the lesion was measured in the coronal plane (ICC, 0.77). Almost perfect agreement was achieved for condylar size (ICC, 0.93), substantial agreement for physeal patency (ICC, 0.79), and moderate agreement for joint effusion (ICC, 0.56) and cartilage status (ICC, 0.50). Overall, raters showed significant variability regarding interface characteristics (ICC, 0.25), progeny (ICC range, 0.03 to 0.62), and parent bone measurements and qualities (ICC range, -0.02 to 0.65), with reliability being moderate at best for these measurements. CONCLUSION: This multicenter study determined the interrater reliability of MRI characteristics of OCD lesions in children. Although several measurements provided acceptable reliability, many MRI features of OCD that inform treatment decisions were unreliable. Further work will be needed to refine the unreliable characteristics and to assess the ability of those reliable characteristics to predict clinical lesion instability and prognosis.