Editorial Commentary: Even With a High Retear Rate, Shoulder Capsular Reconstruction Outcomes are Promising, But Are We Seeing an Increase in Strength?

Superior capsular reconstruction was developed to restore patient biomechanics for patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears that preclude shoulder arthroplasty. Recent studies have shown excellent short-term clinical outcomes and improved pain and functional scores but high rates of complications including retear, loss of fixation, or incomplete healing. An alternative option, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, is a reliable and safe method to ensure good muscle strength and return to play in this patient group.

Management of Glenoid Bone Loss in Shoulder Instability: Where We Are in 2023.

The management of glenoid bone loss in shoulder instability can be challenging. Although shoulder instability can often be managed with arthroscopic soft-tissue procedures alone, the extent of glenoid bone loss and bipolar bone defects may require bone augmentation procedures for restoration of stability. In this setting, patient evaluation, examination, treatment options, and surgical pearls are vital. Furthermore, a treatment algorithm is established to guide both indications and the technical application of procedures including Bankart repair with remplissage, Latarjet procedure, and glenoid bone graft options. The limitations, complications, and current research pertinent to each treatment assist in guiding treatment.

Editorial Commentary: Hyperlaxity Is a Common Factor in Failed Arthroscopic Bankart Repair.

Hyperlaxity is a common factor in failed arthroscopic Bankart repair. The best treatment for patients with instability, hyperlaxity, and minimal bone loss is still controversial. Patients with hyperlaxity often have subluxations rather than frank dislocation, and concurrent traumatic structural lesions are infrequent. Conventional arthroscopic Bankart repair with or without capsular shift poses a risk of recurrence because of soft tissue insufficiency. The Latarjet is not a good procedure in patients with hyperlaxity and instability, especially an inferior component, and risks include a higher degree of postoperative osteolysis after Latarjet with an intact glenoid. The arthroscopic Trillat procedure may be used to treat this challenging patient group by repositioning the coracoid medially and downward by a partial wedge osteotomy. The coracohumeral distance and shoulder arch angle are decreased after performing the Trillat, which may reduce instability, and the Trillat procedure mimics the sling effect of the Latarjet. However, complications should be considered due to the procedure's nonanatomic nature, such as osteoarthritis, subcoracoid impingement, and loss of motion. Other options to improve inferior stability include robust rotator interval closure, coracohumeral ligament reconstruction, and posteroinferior/inferior/anteroinferior capsular shift. The addition of posteroinferior capsular shift and rotator interval closure in the medial lateral direction also benefits this vulnerable patient group.

Scapular dyskinesis after treatment of proximal humerus fracture, a 3-dimensional motion analysis and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The alteration of scapular kinematics can predispose patients to shoulder pathologies and dysfunction. Previous literature has associated various types of shoulder injuries with scapular dyskinesis, but there are limited studies regarding the effect that proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) have on scapular dyskinesis. This study aims to determine the change in scapulohumeral rhythm following treatment of a proximal humerus fracture as well as differences in shoulder motion and functional outcomes among patients who presented with or without scapular dyskinesis. We hypothesized that differences in scapular kinematics would be present following treatment of a proximal humerus fracture, and patients who presented with scapular dyskinesis would subsequently have inferior functional outcome scores. METHODS: Patients treated for a proximal humerus fracture from May 2018 to March 2021 were recruited for this study. The scapulohumeral rhythm and global shoulder motion were determined using a 3-dimensional motion analysis (3DMA) and the scapular dyskinesis test. Functional outcomes were then compared among patients with or without scapular dyskinesis, including the SICK (scapular malposition, inferomedial border prominence, coracoid pain and malposition, and dyskinesis of scapular movement) Scapula Rating Scale, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and the EuroQol-5 Dimension 5-Level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). RESULTS: Twenty patients were included in this study with a mean age of 62.9 ± 11.8 years and follow-up time of 1.8 ± 0.2 years. Surgical fixation was performed in 9 of the patients (45%). Scapular dyskinesis was present in 50% of patients (n = 10). There was a significant increase in scapular protraction on the affected side of patients with scapular dyskinesis during abduction of the shoulder (P = .037). Additionally, patients with scapular dyskinesis demonstrated worse SICK scapula scores (2.4 ± 0.5 vs. 1.0 ± 0.4, P = .024) compared to those without scapular dyskinesis. The other functional outcome scores (ASES, VAS pain scores, and EQ-5D-5L) showed no significant differences among the 2 groups (P = .848, .713, and .268, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Scapular dyskinesis affects a significant number of patients following treatment of their PHFs. Patients presenting with scapular dyskinesis exhibit inferior SICK scapula scores and have more scapular protraction during shoulder abduction compared to patients without scapular dyskinesis.

Editorial Commentary: For Shoulder Hill-Sachs Lesion Remplissage, Medial Anchor Position Must Be Optimized to Achieve Stability Yet Minimize External Rotation Loss.

An off-track Hill-Sachs lesion (HSL) is a significant risk factor for recurrent shoulder instability after arthroscopic Bankart repair. Bankart repair combined with remplissage can better restore shoulder stability versus isolated Bankart repair when treating a combined Bankart lesion and off-track HSL. However, remplissage may be nonanatomic and associated with limitation of shoulder external rotation (ER), especially when the arm is in a 90° shoulder abduction position. Excessive medial placement of remplissage anchors is associated with postoperative ER loss and increased glenohumeral cartilage degeneration. The use of 2 medial anchors results in lower articular forces. Thus, in patients with shoulder instability, we recommend using 2 remplissage anchors in those with a Bankart lesion plus an off-track HSL. The anchors should be placed medially to achieve stability-but not so medial as to result in postoperative stiffness and significant ER loss.

Anatomic safe zones for arthroscopic snapping scapula surgery: quantitative anatomy of the superomedial scapula and associated neurovascular structures and the effects of arm positioning on safety.

BACKGROUND: Neurovascular anatomy has not been previously quantified for the arthroscopic snapping scapula approach with the patient in the most frequent patient position ("chicken-wing" position). The purposes of this study were (1) to determine anatomic relationships of the superomedial scapula and neurovascular structures at risk during arthroscopic surgical treatment of snapping scapula syndrome (SSS), (2) to compare these measurements between the arm in the neutral position and the arm in the chicken-wing position, and (3) to establish safe zones for arthroscopic treatment of SSS. METHODS: Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric hemi-torsos (mean age, 55.8 years; range, 52-66 years) were dissected to ascertain relevant anatomic structure locations including the (1) spinal accessory nerve, (2) dorsal scapular nerve, and (3) suprascapular nerve. A coordinate measuring device was used to collect data on the relationships of anatomic landmarks and at-risk structures during the surgical approach. RESULTS: The dorsal scapular nerve was a mean of 24.4 mm medial to the superomedial scapula in the neutral position and 33.1 mm medial in the chicken-wing position (P < .001); the dorsal scapular nerve was 21.7 mm medial to the medial border of the scapular spine in the neutral position and 35.5 mm medial in the chicken-wing position (P < .001). The mean distance from the superomedial angle to the spinal accessory nerve intersection at the superior scapular border was 16.5 mm in the neutral position and 15.0 mm in the chicken-wing position (P = .031). The average distance from the superomedial angle to the closest point of the spinal accessory nerve was 11.6 mm and 10.4 mm in the neutral position and chicken-wing position, respectively (P = .039). CONCLUSION: Neurologic structures around the scapula vary significantly between the neutral arm position and the chicken-wing position commonly used in the arthroscopic treatment of SSS. The chicken-wing position improves safe distances for the dorsal scapular nerve during medial-portal placement and should be considered as a primary position for arthroscopic management of SSS.

Three-dimensional motion analysis of ten common Asian sitting positions in daily living and factors affect range of hip motions.

BACKGROUND: Sitting involves many activities of daily life and requires most motion in the hip joint. Asians have more hip flexion and external rotation motions than Westerners owing to cultural and lifestyle differences. Being aware of the normal range of hip motion is essential in clinical practice. Limited research has focused on the hip motions of common sitting positions. The objective was to determine the hip motions of 10 common sitting positions, and to determine whether gender or being overweight affects the range of hip motions. METHODS: An experimental cross-sectional study was conducted to determine hip motions by using a standard, three-dimensional, motion-analysis system. Healthy subjects performed 10 sitting positions during 3 trials. All hip-kinematic data were measured on the dominant leg of each participant, except for the right- and left-monk positions (both hips were analyzed). Density plots were constructed and statistical analyses were performed to detect the differences between groups (male and female; non-overweight and overweight). RESULTS: The 48 participants comprised 24 males and 24 females. Most were right-leg dominant (45 participants, 93.8%). Of the 22 participants in the overweight group (body mass index ≥23 kg/m2), 18 (75%) were male. Squatting showed the highest flexion angle (99.7°, 47.3°-122°). Cross-legged sitting had the highest abduction angle (28.9°, 9.9°-45.7°) and the largest external rotation angle (62°, 37.6°-81.7°). In the female group, there were trends toward a greater flexion angle (4 out of 10 sitting positions) and a smaller abduction angle (6 out of 9 positions), with P values < 0.05. As to body weight, the overweight participants had a smaller flexion angle but a greater abduction angle, with 5 out of 9 positions having a P value < 0.05. Kinematic data of the transverse plane revealed that the heterogeneity of the rotational angles depended on the sitting position. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided the functional hip motions of common Asian sitting positions. The kinematic data can be utilized in clinical practice as reference values to determine safe positions. Gender and being overweight affected the hip angles in the sagittal and frontal planes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Number TCTR20181021004 , retrospectively registered at the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (http//:www.clinicaltrials.in.th).

Validity and reliability of smartphone applications for measurement of hip rotation, compared with three-dimensional motion analysis.

BACKGROUND: Measurement of hip rotation is a crucial clinical parameter for the identification of hip problems and the monitoring of symptoms. The objective of this study was to determine whether the use of two smartphone applications is valid and reliable for the measurement of hip rotation. METHODS: An experimental, cross-sectional study was undertaken to assess passive hip internal and external rotation in three positions by two examiners. The hip rotational angles were measured by a smartphone clinometer application in the sitting and prone positions, and by a smartphone compass application in the supine position; their results were compared with those of the standard, three-dimensional, motion analysis system. The validities and inter-rater and intra-rater reliabilities of the smartphone applications were evaluated. RESULTS: The study involved 24 participants. The validities were good to excellent for the internal rotation angles in all positions (ICC 0.81-0.94), good for the external rotation angles in the prone position (ICC 0.79), and fair for the sitting and supine positions (ICC 0.70-0.73). The measurement of the hip internal rotation in the supine position had the highest ICC value of 0.94 (0.91, 0.96). The two smartphone applications showed good-to-excellent intra-rater reliability, but good-to-excellent inter-rater reliability for only three of the six positions (two other positions had fair reliability, while one position demonstrated poor reliability). CONCLUSIONS: The two smartphone applications have good-to-excellent validity and intra-rater reliability, but only fair-to-good inter-rater reliability for the measurement of the hip rotational angle. The most valid hip rotational position in this study was the supine IR angle measurement, while the lowest validity was the ER angle measurement in the sitting position. The smartphone application is one of the practical measurements in hip rotational angles. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Number 20181022003 at the Thai Clinical Trials Registry ( http://www.clinicaltrials.in.th ) which was retrospectively registered at 2018-10-18 15:30:29.

Treatment of Unfixable Inferior Pole Fractures of the Patella Using an All-Suture Internal Fixation Technique.

Inferior pole fractures of the patella are a type of patellar fracture that has various complexities. Most current techniques are associated with hardware-related complications, which is one of the main concerns when treating this complex fracture. We present a new technique that does not require metal implant removal, causes little to no irritation of the quadriceps muscle, and provides strong fixation that allows for early range of motion postoperatively.

Treatment of Shoulder Cartilage Defects in Athletes.

Articular cartilage defects in the glenohumeral joint may be found in laborers, the elderly, and young athletes, among others. Various factors can contribute to cartilage damage, including prior surgery, trauma, avascular necrosis, inflammatory arthritis, joint instability, and osteoarthritis. There is a wide variety of treatment options, from conservative treatment, injections, and surgical options, including arthroscopic debridement, microfracture, osteochondral autograft transfer, osteochondral graft transplantation, autologous chondrocyte implantation, and the newly emerging techniques such as biologic augmentation. There is a challenge to determine the optimal treatment options, especially for young athletes, due to limited outcomes in the literature. However, there are many options which are viable to address osteochondral defects of the glenohumeral joint.

Superior Capsular Reconstruction for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tear.

Superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) was developed as a minimally invasive, innovate technique to restore normal shoulder biomechanics for patients who present with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tear (MIRCTs) that preclude shoulder arthroplasty. Current studies have shown that SCR for MIRCTs result in excellent short-term clinical outcomes, adequate pain relief, and functional improvement with low graft failure and complication rates. This article aims to critically evaluate the biomechanics, indications, procedural considerations, clinical outcomes, rehabilitation program, and complications associated with the SCR procedure.

Combined Arthroscopic Scapulothoracic Bursectomy, Partial Scapulectomy, and Pectoralis Minor Release for the Treatment of Snapping Scapular Syndrome.

Snapping scapula syndrome (SSS) is a source of pain and discomfort in patients. It is not uncommon for patients who present with SSS to have some degree of scapular dysfunction, especially with the tightness of the pectoralis minor (PM) muscle. In this Technical Note, we demonstrate our preferred technique for arthroscopic scapulothoracic bursectomy and partial scapulectomy with concomitant pectoralis minor release for the treatment of symptomatic SSS and PM tightness. In the treatment of these patients, PM release is beneficial because arthroscopic scapulothoracic bursectomy or partial scapulectomy alone may result in residual scapular dyskinesis.

Revision Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Failed Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty With Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tear.

Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) has become more common as surgical indications have expanded. However, the burden of revision shoulder arthroplasty has inevitably increased as well. Multiple studies have examined the use of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) as a revision option for failed anatomic TSA with a massive irreparable rotator cuff tear. Successful reconstruction of failed TSA with rTSA requires sufficient glenoid bone to place the glenoid segment, enough proximal humeral bone to allow for implantation of the humeral component, and sufficient tension in the soft-tissue envelope to ensure implant stability. In this article, we describe our preferred rTSA revision technique for the treatment of a failed TSA.

Meniscotibial Ligament Insufficiency Increases Force on the Posterior Medial Meniscus Root.

BACKGROUND: Posterior medial meniscus root (PMMR) tears are a challenge to assess and treat. However, the forces sustained at the PMMR are yet to be fully characterized. In addition, it has been shown that meniscotibial ligament (MTL) injuries happen before PMMR tears, suggesting that insufficiency of the MTL results in a change of forces acting on the PMMR. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 3-dimensional forces acting on the PMMR in the intact, MTL cut, and MTL tenodesis states. It was hypothesized that the MTL cut state would increase medial shear forces seen at the PMMR, whereas the medial shear force in the MTL tenodesis state would return PMMR forces to that of the intact state. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were tested in 3 states (intact, MTL cut, and tenodesis). A 3-axis load cell was installed below the posterior tibial plateau and attached to the enthesis of the PMMR. The specimen was mounted to a load frame that applied an axial load, an internal torque, and an external torque. The amount of compression-tension, mediolateral shear force, and anteroposterior shear force acting on the PMMR was measured. RESULTS: When the joint was loaded in compression, the MTL cut state significantly increased compression of the PMMR (P = .0368). The tenodesis state did not significantly restore forces of the PMMR (P = .008). When the joint was loaded in external torque, the MTL cut state significantly increased compression (P < .0001) and significantly decreased anterior shear on the PMMR (P = .0003). The tenodesis state did not significantly restore forces on the PMMR to the intact state (P < .0001). Increased flexion angle significantly increased medial shear forces of the PMMR when the joint was loaded in compression (P < .007 at every angle). CONCLUSION: When evaluated biomechanically, MTL insufficiency resulted in increased compressive force at the PMMR. A single-anchor centralization procedure did not restore PMMR forces to that of the intact state. Increased knee flexion angle resulted in increased medial shear force on the PMMR. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The findings in this study provide clinicians information on PMMR forces when the MTL is disrupted. These data can aid in the decision-making for adding an MTL repair to augment PMMR repairs.

Humeral Head Reconstruction With Osteochondral Allograft: Bone Plug Optimization for Hill-Sachs Lesions Using CT-Based Computer Modeling Analysis.

Background: Engaging Hill-Sachs lesions (HSLs) pose a significant risk for failure of surgical repair of recurrent anterior shoulder instability. Reconstruction with fresh osteochondral allograft (OCA) has been proposed as a treatment for large HSLs. Purpose: To determine the optimal characteristics of talus OCA bone plugs in a computer-simulated HSL model. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study; Level of evidence, 6. Methods: Included were 132 patients with recurrent anterior instability with visible HSLs; patients who had multidirectional instability or previous shoulder surgery were excluded. Three-dimensional computed tomography models were constructed, and a custom computer optimization algorithm was generated to maximize bone plug surface area at the most superior apex (superiorization) and minimize its position relative to the most medial margin of the HSL defect (medialization). The optimal number, diameter, medialization, and superiorization of the bone plug(s) were reported. Percentages of restored glenoid track width and conversion from off- to on-track HSLs after bone plug optimization were calculated. Results: A total of 86 patients were included in the final analysis. Off-track lesions made up 19.7% of HSLs and, of these, the mean bone plug size was 9.9 ± 1.4 mm, with 2.2 mm ± 1.7 mm of medialization and 3.3 mm ± 2.9 mm of superiorization. The optimization identified 21% of HSLs requiring 1 bone plug, 65% requiring 2 plugs, and 14% requiring 3 plugs, with a mean overall coverage of 60%. The mean width of the restored HSLs was 68%, and all off-track HSLs (n = 17) were restored to on-track. A Jenks natural-breaks analysis calculated 3 ideal bone plug diameters of 8 mm (small), 10.4 mm (medium), and 12 mm (large) in order to convert this group of HSLs to on-track. Conclusion: Using a custom computer algorithm, we have demonstrated the optimal talus OCA bone plug diameters for reconstructing HSLs to successfully restore the HSL track and, on average, 60% of the HSL surface area and 68% of the HSL width. Clinical Relevance: Reconstructing HSLs with talus OCA is a promising treatment option with excellent fit and restoration of HSLs. This study will help guide surgeons to optimize OCA bone plugs from the humeral head, femoral head, and talus for varying sizes of HSLs.

Increased Posterior Tibial Slope Increases Force on the Posterior Medial Meniscus Root.

BACKGROUND: Posterior medial meniscus root (PMMR) tears have been associated with increased posterior tibial slope, but this has not been fully evaluated biomechanically. In addition, the effects of knee flexion and rotation on the PMMR are not well understood biomechanically because of technological testing limitations. A novel multiaxial force sensor has made it possible to elucidate answers to these questions. PURPOSE: (1) To determine if increased posterior tibial slope results in increased posterior shear force and compression on the PMMR, (2) to evaluate how knee flexion angle affects PMMR forces, and (3) to assess how internal and external rotation affects force at the PMMR. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were tested in all combinations of 3 posterior tibial slopes and 4 flexion angles. A multiaxial force sensor was connected to the PMMR and installed below the posterior tibial plateau maintaining anatomic position. The specimen underwent a 500-N compression load followed by a 5-N·m internal torque and a 5-N·m external torque. The magnitude and direction of the forces acting on the PMMR were measured. RESULTS: Under joint compression, an increased tibial slope significantly reduced the tension on the PMMR between 5° and 10° (from 13.5 N to 6.4 N), after which it transitioned to a significant increase in PMMR compression, reaching 7.6 N at 15°. Under internal torque, increased tibial slope resulted in 4.7 N of posterior shear at 5° significantly changed to 2.0 N of anterior shear at 10° and then 8.2 N of anterior shear at 15°. Under external torque, increased tibial slope significantly decreased PMMR compression (5°: 8.9 N; 10°: 4.3 N; 15°: 1.1 N). Under joint compression, increased flexion angle significantly increased medial shear forces of the PMMR (0°, 3.8 N; 30°, 6.2 N; 60°, 7.3 N; 90°, 8.4 N). Under internal torque, 90° of flexion significantly increased PMMR tension from 2.3 N to 7.5 N. Under external torque, 30° of flexion significantly increased PMMR compression from 4.7 N to 12.2 N. CONCLUSION: An increased posterior tibial slope affects compression and anterior shear forces at the PMMR. An increased flexion angle affects compression, tension, and medial shear forces at the PMMR. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The increase in compression and posterior shear force when the knee is loaded in compression may place the PMMR under increased stress and risk potential failure after repair. This study provides clinicians with information to create safer protocols and improve repair techniques to minimize the forces experienced at the PMMR.

Utility of Talus Osteochondral Allograft Augmentation for Varying Hill-Sachs Lesion Sizes: A Cadaveric Study.

Background: Humeral head reconstruction with fresh osteochondral allografts (OCA) serves as a potential treatment option for anatomic reconstruction. More specifically, talus OCA is a promising graft source because of its high congruency with a dense cartilaginous surface. Purpose: To analyze the surface geometry of the talus OCA plug augmentation for the management of shoulder instability with varying sizes of Hill-Sachs lesions (HSLs). Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Seven fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were tested in this study. The humeral heads were analyzed using actual patients' computed tomography scans. Surface laser scan analysis was performed on 7 testing states: (1) native state; (2) small HSL; (3) talus OCA augmentation for small HSL; (4) medium HSL; (5) talus OCA augmentation for medium HSL; (6) large HSL; and (7) talus OCA augmentation for large HSL. OCA plugs were harvested from the talus allograft and placed in the most medial and superior aspect of each HSL lesion. Surface congruency was calculated as the mean absolute error and the root mean squared error in the distance. A 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed to evaluate the effects of the difference in the HSL size and associated talus OCA plugs on surface congruency and the HSL surface area. Results: The surface area analysis of the humeral head with the large (1469 ± 75 mm2), medium (1391 ± 81 mm2), and small (1230 ± 54 mm2) HSLs exhibited significantly higher surface areas than the native state (1007 ± 88 mm2; P < .001 for all sizes). The native state exhibited significantly lower surface areas as compared with after talus OCA augmentation for large HSLs (1235 ± 63 mm2; P < .001) but not for small or medium HSLs. Talus OCA augmentation yielded improved surface areas and congruency after treatment in small, medium, and large HSLs (P < .001). Conclusion: Talus OCA plug augmentation restored surface area and congruency across all tested HSLs, and the surface area was best improved with the most common HSLs-small and medium. Clinical Relevance: Talus OCA plugs may provide a viable option for restoring congruity of the shoulder in patients with recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability and an HSL.

Patient-Specific Instrumentation for Medial Closing Wedge Distal Femoral Osteotomy With Patellar Osteochondral Allograft.

The primary indications for performing a medial closing wedge distal femoral osteotomy are valgus knee malalignment, lateral knee compartment overload, lateral meniscus insufficiency, and/or lateral compartment osteoarthritis or cartilage damage. Without correction of this malalignment, there is an increased risk for chondral damage in the lateral and patellofemoral compartment of the knee. The optimal candidates for this procedure are young, active individuals with moderate to severe arthritis in the lateral compartment. Recently, preoperative planning for high tibial and distal femoral osteotomies (HTOs and DFOs) using 3-dimensional (3D) patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) has increased in popularity. Successful patient outcomes have been reported using this technique. This Technical Note illustrates our preferred technique that uses 3D PSI in addition to a patellar OCA transplant when treating a symptomatic cartilage lesion associated with genu valgum.

Biomechanical Analysis Evaluating Meniscal Extrusion After Knotless Suture Anchor Fixation for Segmental Medial Meniscal Allograft Transplantation.

Background: Segmental medial meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) has been shown to restore knee biomechanics; however, stable fixation of the transplantation is critical to avoid extrusion and maximize healing. Purpose: To evaluate the degree of meniscal extrusion and biomechanical function of segmental medial MAT performed with meniscocapsular sutures versus repair augmentation with knotless suture anchors. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Segmental midbody medial meniscectomy and subsequent segmental medial MAT were performed on 10 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees. The knees were then loaded in a dynamic tensile testing machine to 1000 N for 60 seconds at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of flexion, and 4 conditions were tested: (1) intact, (2) segmental defect, (3) inside-out segmental repair, and (4) anchor plus inside-out segmental repair of the medial MAT. Meniscal extrusion was measured using high-fidelity ultrasound imaging. The mean contact area and the mean and peak contact pressures were assessed with submeniscal pressure-mapping sensors. Data from testing conditions were compared with 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance, with pairwise comparison using the Bonferroni method. Results: At 90° of flexion, the segmental defect state showed a higher degree of meniscal extrusion compared with all other states (P ≤ .012). There was no difference in the degree of meniscal extrusion between the intact state and the inside-out repair or anchor plus inside-out segmental repair states at all knee flexion angles (P > .05). There was no significant difference in the mean and peak contact pressures among the 4 states at all flexion angles except that at 0° of knee flexion there was significantly lower peak contact pressure at the medial compartment after anchor plus inside-out segmental repair compared with the segmental defect state (P = .048). Conclusion: Meniscal extrusion was not significantly increased at any flexion angle after segmental resection. The addition of knotless anchors did not improve meniscal extrusion or contact pressures/area compared with capsular repair alone. The addition of knotless anchors did improve contact mechanics from the segmental defect state, but only at 0° of flexion. Clinical Relevance: The addition of knotless suture anchors to segmental meniscal transplantation increased stabilization of the meniscus at full extension compared with repair with sutures alone. This increased stabilization may lead to better long-term outcomes.

Treatment options for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears: a review of arthroscopic surgical options.

While functional reconstruction of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears remains a challenge, current techniques aimed at recentering and preventing superior migration of the humeral head allow for clinical and biomechanical improvements in shoulder pain and function. Recentering of the glenohumeral joint reduces the moment arm and helps the deltoid to recruit more fibers, which compensates for insufficient rotator cuff function and reduces joint pressure. In the past, the concept of a superior capsular reconstruction with a patch secured by suture anchors has been used. However, several innovative arthroscopic treatment options have also been developed. The purpose of this article is to present an overview of new strategies and surgical techniques and if existing present initial clinical results. Techniques that will be covered include rerouting the long head of the biceps tendon, utilization of the biceps tendon as an autograft to reconstruct the superior capsule, utilization of a semitendinosus tendon allograft to reconstruct the superior capsule, superior capsular reconstruction with dermal allografts, and subacromial spacers.