Outcomes intensive care unit placement following pediatric adenotonsillectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Adenotonsillectomy (AT) is the most common surgical procedure for the treatment of sleep related breathing issues in children. While overnight observation in the hospital setting is utilized frequently in children after a AT, ICU setting is commonly used for patients with sleep apnea. This objective of this study is to examine factors associated with the preoperative decision to admit patients to PICU following AT as well as co-morbidities that may justify necessity for higher level of care. METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review from the years of 2009-2016. All patients who underwent AT for known sleep-related breathing issues at Nationwide Children's Hospital were eligible for inclusion. A complication was defined as an adverse event such as pulmonary edema, re-intubation, or a bleeding event. Respiratory support was defined as utilizing supplementary oxygen for more than one day, positive pressure ventilation, or intubation. Proportions and medians were used to describe the overall rate of complications/complexities in care, and bivariate statistics were used to evaluate the relationship between patient characteristics and outcomes. Similar methods were used to evaluate factors associated with preoperative referral to the PICU. RESULTS: There were 180 patients admitted to hospital in non-ICU setting and 158 patients with a planned PICU stay. The patients with planned PICU stays had higher rates of technological dependence (13% vs. 3%; p = 0.0006), perioperative sleep studies (80% vs. 29%; p < 0.0001), and more severe classifications of OSA (p < 0.0001). Patients with planned ICU placement also had higher rates of apneas, hypopneas, respiratory disturbance indexes, apnea hypopnea indexes, lower oxygen saturation nadirs, and a longer time spent below 90% oxygenation in sleep studies (p < 0.0001). Nearly 45% of the patients with planned ICU stays required respiratory support compared to just 8% of non-PICU patients. Additionally, 32% of the patients with planned ICU stays experienced complications compared to just 8% of the floor population. Complications were associated with younger ages, gastrointestinal comorbidities, technological dependence, viral infections, and a history of reflux. Interestingly, there were no differences in the complication rate by sleep studies findings. Similarly, there were no population level differences between patients who required respiratory support in the ICU and those that did not. Unplanned PICU placement was a rare but significant adverse event (n = 24). None of the hypothesized risk factors were associated with unplanned PICU placement. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggest that while our pre-operative referral program for PICU placement is effective in identifying patients needing higher levels of care, the program places many patients in the PICU who did not utilize respiratory support or suffer from complications. We observed some misalignment between characteristics associated with planned ICU stays and actual complications. This suggests that patients with specific clinical histories, not findings on their sleep studies, should be prepared to receive higher levels of care.

Arthroscopic replacement of massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears using a GraftJacket allograft: technique and preliminary results.

PURPOSE: Our purpose was to assess the short-term results and describe the technique of arthroscopic repair of irreparable rotator cuff tears by use of a GraftJacket allograft (Wright Medical Technology, Arlington, TN). METHODS: Between March 2003 and February 2004, 16 patients with massive, contracted, immobile rotator cuff tears were treated with arthroscopic placement of a GraftJacket allograft by a single surgeon. Patients were followed up for 1 to 2 years. All were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively by use of the modified University of California, Los Angeles scoring system, Constant score, and Simple Shoulder Test. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed postoperatively at 3 months and 1 year. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 26.8 months (range, 12 to 38 months), 15 of 16 patients were satisfied with the procedure. The mean University of California, Los Angeles score increased from 18.4 preoperatively to 30.4 postoperatively (P = .0001). The Constant score increased from 53.8 to 84.0 (P = .0001). Statistically significant improvements were seen in pain, forward flexion, and external rotation strength. Thirteen patients had full incorporation of the graft into the native tissue as documented on magnetic resonance imaging. There were no complications in this cohort of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports GraftJacket allograft as a viable solution for surgical salvage in select cases of massive, irreparable rotator cuff pathology. This treatment option may provide patients with decreased pain and increased function despite a previously irreparable rotator cuff tear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

The medial patellofemoral ligament.

There has been substantial progress in our understanding of the medial patellofemoral ligament during the past 10 years. This structure is the primary static soft-tissue restraint to lateral patellar displacement. Substantial alteration of normal patellar tracking occurs after sectioning of the ligament. Clinical studies have demonstrated the medial patellofemoral ligament is disrupted during acute patellar dislocation. Recently, several medial patellofemoral ligament-based procedures have been developed for the treatment of patellar instability with good early results. However, further studies are needed to define the exact role of these procedures in the treatment of patellofemoral instability.

Arthroscopic anterior stabilization and posterior capsular plication for anterior glenohumeral instability: a report of 71 cases.

PURPOSE: Results after arthroscopic treatment of anterior glenohumeral instability continue to improve as advancements are made in instrumentation and techniques. We present 71 cases of anterior glenohumeral instability treated with arthroscopic anterior stabilization and posterior capsular plication. TYPE OF STUDY: Case series. METHODS: Arthroscopic anterior reconstruction and posterior inferior "pinch-tuck" capsular plication was performed in 71 shoulders (67 patients) with anterior glenohumeral instability. The average follow-up was 33.3 months (range, 20 to 24 months). Outcomes were assessed by completion of the Simple Shoulder Test (SST), Western Ontario Shoulder Instability (WOSI) Index, a Rowe score, and a subjective self-assessment shoulder instability form. RESULTS: Postoperative dislocation occurred in 5 patients (7%). The average SST score was 11.2 (12 maximum) and the average WOSI Index was 85.6% (range, 30.6% to 100%). The average Rowe score was 85. Ninety-seven percent of patients reported they were able to return to their normal activity level, and 90% of patients reported that they were able to return to their previous level of athletics; 100% of patients reported that they were doing better than before surgery and were satisfied with their result; 100% of patients reported that they would undergo the procedure again. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic anterior stabilization using suture anchors, combined with posterior capsular suture plication, is a reliable treatment option for anterior glenohumeral instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Suprascapular nerve palsy secondary to spinoglenoid cysts: results of arthroscopic treatment.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the results of arthroscopic treatment in 14 patients with suprascapular nerve palsy secondary to spinoglenoid ganglion cysts. METHODS: Fourteen patients underwent arthroscopic decompression of ganglion cysts associated with suprascapular neuropathy. The most common presenting symptoms were pain and weakness, which lasted an average of 7.5 months. Ten of 14 patients were noted on examination to have atrophy, and all 14 patients had weakness of the infraspinatus. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed spinoglenoid ganglion cysts in all 14 patients; average cyst size was 3 cm. MRI revealed labral pathology in 12 of 14 cases; labral pathology was identified intraoperatively in all 14 patients. RESULTS: Postoperatively, the average Simple Shoulder Test (SST) score was 11.5 (12 maximum), which was improved from an estimated preoperative score of 4.3. Improvement in external rotation strength was seen in 100% of patients who were examined postoperatively. No patients were taking pain medicine at latest follow-up. No complications were reported, and there were no clinical or symptomatic recurrences at an average follow-up of 51 months. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic treatment of patients with spinoglenoid ganglion cysts is safe and effective, resulting in good clinical outcomes. In our study of 14 patients, no recurrences were seen at an average of 51 months of follow-up. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Current concepts: treatment of osteochondral ankle defects.

Osteochondral ankle defects cause various symptoms including pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. When surgical treatment is necessary, several treatment options exist. Arthroscopic debridement and drilling, arthroscopic autologous osteochondral transplantation (mosaiclasty), and autologous chondrocyte transplantation are discussed more extensively. Treatment results of each technique are discussed, and a guideline for treatment is presented.

A simple technique for reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament using a quadriceps tendon graft.

Numerous surgical procedures have been described for the treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation. Studies have shown that the primary pathoanatomy associated with lateral patellar dislocation is injury to the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), which is the major soft-tissue restraint to lateral patellar translation. Recently, various procedures have been described that address the medial ligamentous injury inherent to lateral patellar dislocation. We present a simple technique for MPFL reconstruction using a quadriceps tendon graft.

Minimally invasive "crescentic" imbrication of the medial patellofemoral ligament for chronic patellar subluxation.

Chronic patellar subluxation is one of the many causes of anterior knee pain. Nonoperative management of this disorder is successful in many patients, but surgical intervention may be necessary for refractory cases. We present a surgical technique for chronic patellar subluxation that is minimally invasive and is focused specifically on the medial patellofemoral ligament.

The sartorial branch of the saphenous nerve: its anatomy at the joint line of the knee.

PURPOSE: Injury to the saphenous nerve accounts for the majority of neurovascular complications during arthroscopic meniscal repairs. Although the anatomy of the infrapatellar branch has been studied, the location of the sartorial branch at the level of the joint line has not been defined adequately. The purpose of this study was to define the location of the sartorial branch in relation to surrounding structures at the level of the knee joint/meniscus. TYPE OF STUDY: Cadaveric anatomic study and imaging study. METHODS: We dissected 42 cadaveric knees and studied an additional 100 knees with axial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We measured distances from the nerve to adjacent structures and evaluated and graphically recorded 2-dimensional axial relationships. Dissections and MRIs were performed with the knee in full extension. RESULTS: In the dissected cadaveric knees, the distance from the nerve to the anterior border of the sartorius averaged 16.0 mm, with 90% greater than 10.0 mm. The nerve was extrafascial at the joint line in only 43% of the specimens. Axial MRI examinations found the average distance to the anterior border of the sartorius to be 16.5 mm, with 82% greater than 1.0 cm. The average distance to the gracilis tendon was 9.4 mm; 91% were within 1.0 cm and 51% within 5 mm. The average distance to the semitendinosus was 14.9 mm; none was within 5 mm. The nerve was never posterior or lateral to the semitendinosus, never posterolateral or lateral to the gracilis, and was anterior to the sartorius in only 3% of knees. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes the most common location of the sartorial branch of the saphenous nerve and the potential variability that may be encountered. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding the anatomy of the sartorial branch at the level of the joint line and its relationships to surrounding structures will help to minimize the risk of injury to the nerve during common surgical procedures at the posteromedial corner of the knee.

The anatomy and isometry of the medial patellofemoral ligament: implications for reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Several techniques have been described for reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament. However, the isometry of the medial patellofemoral ligament has not been studied. PURPOSE: To define the anatomy and isometry of the medial patellofemoral ligament. STUDY TYPE: Cadaveric study. METHODS: The authors dissected the medial patellofemoral ligament in 11 cadaveric knees and recorded its anatomic relationships. They evaluated the isometry of the medial patellofemoral ligament by obtaining measurements between various anatomic pairings at certain fixed angles of knee flexion. RESULTS: During knee flexion from 0 degrees to 90 degrees, the portion of the medial patellofemoral ligament from the inferior patellar attachment to the superior femoral attachment was nearly isometric, demonstrating an average change in length of only 1.1 mm. Statistical analysis showed the superior femoral attachment to be most significant in determining isometric behavior. CONCLUSIONS: The most isometric portion of the medial patellofemoral ligament is the inferior portion of its patellar attachment extending to the superior portion of its femoral attachment, with the superior femoral attachment having the most notable influences on isometry. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides a detailed description of the anatomy of the medial patellofemoral ligament, as well as an evaluation of the isometric behavior of the ligament. Application of these data during reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament may help to optimize patellofemoral stability.

A comparison of autogenous patellar tendon and hamstring tendon grafts for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Several graft options exist for reconstruction of the deficient ACL. The most commonly used grafts are the BPTB and quadrupled hamstring tendon autografts. Based on a comprehensive review of the literature, one graft is not superior to the other. Advantages and disadvantages are associated with the use of each graft. Surgeons who perform ACL reconstruction should be familiar with the use of both grafts.

Arthroscopic treatment of chronic osteochondral lesions of the talus: long-term results.

BACKGROUND: Osteochondral lesions of the talus are relatively uncommon but may be a cause of significant pain and disability in symptomatic patients. HYPOTHESIS: Arthroscopic treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus will result in good long-term clinical outcomes in the majority of patients. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Fifty patients with chronic osteochondral lesions of the talus underwent arthroscopic treatment. Average age was 32 years (range, 12-72 years). Average follow-up was 71 months (range, 24-152 months). Treatment consisted of either drilling of the osteochondral lesions of the talus in situ (n = 4), excision of the osteochondral lesions of the talus and abrasion arthroplasty (n = 6), or excision of the osteochondral lesions of the talus and drilling (n = 40). Preoperative and intraoperative staging of the osteochondral lesions of the talus was performed. Follow-up evaluation included 3 clinical rating systems: Alexander, modified Weber, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle/Hindfoot scores. RESULTS: There were 72% excellent/good, 20% fair, and 8% poor results on the Alexander scale. According to the modified Weber scale, there were 64% excellent/good, 30% fair, and 6% poor results. The average American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle/Hindfoot score was 84 (range, 34-100). We found no correlation between plain radiographs, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging staging and clinical results. However, there was significant correlation between arthroscopic stage and clinical outcome. Seventeen patients had been seen 5 years previously and evaluated using the same criteria; 35% demonstrated a deterioration in their result over time. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic treatment of chronic symptomatic osteochondral lesions of the talus results in good clinical outcomes in the majority of patients. However, pain and functional limitation may persist in some patients, especially those noted to have unstable osteochondral defects at the time of arthroscopy.