There is direct relationship between bone bridge length and coracoclavicular fixation resistance to failure: Biomechanical study in a porcine model.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the relation between coracoclavicular resistance to failure and the distance between clavicular tunnels. The hypothesis is that a greater clavicular bone bridge between tunnels achieves a stronger coracoclavicular fixation. METHODS: Descriptive Laboratory Study. Thirty-six (36) coracoclavicular models were constructed utilizing porcine metatarsals. Coracoclavicular stabilizations were performed using a subcoracoid loop fixation configuration through two clavicular tunnels, tied at the clavicle's superior cortex using a locking knot. Models were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 experimental groups of variable bone bridge length between clavicular tunnels: 5 mm, 10 mm, and 15 mm. Each group had 12 models. Fixation resistance was assessed through the ultimate failure point under an axial load to failure trial. Failure patterns were documented. A one-way ANOVA test was used, and a Tukey post hoc as needed (P < 0.05). FINDINGS: Mean strength per bone bridge length: 5 mm = 312 N (Range: 182-442 N); 10 mm = 430 N (Range: 368-595 N); 15 mm = 595 N (Range: 441-978 N). The 15 mm group had a significantly higher ultimate failure point than the other two groups: 5 mm (P < 0.001) and 10 mm (P < 0.001). All fixations systematically failed by a superior cortex clavicle fracture at the midpoint between tunnels. INTERPRETATION: A direct relationship between bone bridge length and coracoclavicular resistance to failure was demonstrated, being the 15 mm length a significantly higher strength construct in a tied loop model.

Tranexamic Acid Has No Effect on Postoperative Hemarthrosis or Pain Control After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Autograft: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this double-blind, randomized, controlled trial was to evaluate the use of intravenous (IV) tranexamic acid (TXA) in patients undergoing primary bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) regarding postoperative hemarthrosis, pain, opioid consumption, and quadriceps atrophy and activation. METHODS: A controlled, randomized, double-blind trial was conducted in 110 patients who underwent ACLR with BPTB autograft. Patients were equally randomized to the control and experimental groups. The experimental group received two 1-g boluses of IV TXA, one prior to tourniquet inflation and one prior to wound closure; the control group did not receive TXA. If a clinically significant hemarthrosis was evident, the knee was aspirated and the volume of blood (in milliliters) was recorded. Additionally, we recorded perioperative blood loss (in milliliters); visual analog scale scores on postoperative days 1, 4, and 7 and at postoperative weeks 1, 6, and 12; postoperative opioid consumption on postoperative days 1, 4, and 7; range of motion (ROM) and ability to perform a straight leg raise at postoperative weeks 1, 6, and 12; and preoperative and postoperative thigh circumference ratio. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in perioperative blood loss between the TXA and control groups (32.5 mL vs 35.6 mL, P = .47). In the TXA group, 23 knees were aspirated; in the control group, 26 knees were aspirated (P = .56). No significant difference in postoperative hemarthrosis volume was seen in patients who received IV TXA versus those who did not (26.7 mL vs 37.3 mL, P = .12). There was no significant difference in visual analog scale scores between the 2 groups (P = .15); in addition, there was no difference in postoperative opioid consumption (P = .33). No significant difference in ROM, ability to perform a straight leg raise, or postoperative thigh circumference ratio was observed (P > .05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: IV TXA in patients who undergo ACLR with BPTB autograft does not significantly impact perioperative blood loss, postoperative hemarthrosis, or postoperative pain levels. Additionally, no significant differences were seen in early postoperative recovery regarding ROM or quadriceps reactivation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Distance of the Posterior Interosseous Nerve From the Bicipital (Radial) Tuberosity at Varying Positions of Forearm Rotation: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study With Clinical Implications.

BACKGROUND: The proximity of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) to the bicipital tuberosity is clinically important in the increasingly popular anterior single-incision technique for distal biceps tendon repair. Maximal forearm supination is recommended during tendon reinsertion from the anterior approach to ensure the maximum protective distance of the PIN from the bicipital tuberosity. PURPOSE: To compare the location of the PIN on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relative to bicortical drill pin instrumentation for suspensory button fixation via the anterior single-incision approach in varying positions of forearm rotation. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study. METHODS: Axial, non-fat suppressed, T1-weighted MRI scans of the elbow were obtained in positions of maximal supination, neutral, and maximal pronation in 13 skeletally mature individuals. Distances were measured from the PIN to (1) the simulated path of an entering guidewire (GWE-PIN) and (2) the cortical starting point of the guidewire on the bicipital tuberosity (CSP-PIN) achievable from the single-incision approach. To radiographically define the location of the nerve relative to constant landmarks, measurements were also made from the PIN to (3) the prominent-most point on the bicipital tuberosity (BTP-PIN) and (4) a perpendicular plane trajectory from the bicipital tuberosity exiting the opposing radial cortex (PPT-PIN). All measurements were subsequently compared between positions of pronation, neutral, and supination. In supination only, BTP-PIN and PPT-PIN measurements were made and compared at 3 sequential axial levels to evaluate the longitudinal course of the nerve relative to the bicipital tuberosity. RESULTS: Of the 13 study participants, mean age was 38.77 years, and mean body mass index was 25.58. Five participants were female, and 5 left and 8 right elbow MRI scans were reviewed. The GWE-PIN was significantly greater in supination (mean ± SD, 16.01 ± 2.9 mm) compared with pronation (13.66 ± 2.5 mm) (P < .005). The mean CSP-PIN was significantly greater in supination (16.20 ± 2.8 mm) compared with pronation (14.18 ± 2.4 mm) (P < .013).The mean PPT-PIN was significantly greater in supination (9.00 ± 3.0 mm) compared with both pronation (1.96 ± 1.2 mm; P < .001) and neutral (4.73 ± 2.6 mm; P < .001). The mean BTP-PIN was 20.54 ± 3.0, 20.81 ± 2.7, and 20.35 ± 2.9 mm in pronation, neutral, and supination, respectively, which did not significantly differ between positions. In supination, the proximal, midportion, and distal measurements of BTP-PIN did not significantly differ. The proximal PPT-PIN distance (9.08 ± 2.9 mm) was significantly greater than midportion PPT-PIN (5.85 ± 2.4 mm; P < .001) and distal BTP-PIN (2.27 ± 1.8 mm; P < .001). CONCLUSION: This MRI study supports existing evidence that supination protects the PIN from the entering guidewire instrumentation during anterior, single-incision biceps tendon repair using cortical button fixation. The distances between the entering guidewire trajectory and PIN show that guidewire-inflicted injury to the nerve is unlikely during the anterior single-incision approach. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When a safe technique is used, PIN injuries during anterior repair are likely the result of aberrant retractor placement, and we recommend against the use of retractors deep to the radial neck. Guidewire placement as close as possible to the anatomic footprint of the biceps tendon is safe from the anterior approach. MRI evaluation confirms that ulnar and proximal guidewire trajectory is the safest technique when using single-incision bicortical suspensory button fixation.

Decreased Hip Labral Width Measured via Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Is Associated With Inferior Outcomes for Arthroscopic Labral Repair for Femoroacetabular Impingement.

PURPOSE: To determine the association between labral width as measured on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and hip-specific validated patient self-reported outcomes at a minimum of 2 years' follow-up. METHODS: We performed an institutional review board-approved retrospective review of prospectively gathered hip arthroscopy patients from 2010 to 2017. The inclusion criteria were defined as patients aged 18 to 65 years with radiographic evidence of femoroacetabular impingement who underwent a primary labral repair and had a minimum of 2 years' clinical follow-up. The exclusion criteria were defined as inadequate preoperative imaging, prior hip surgery, Tönnis grade 1 or higher, or lateral center-edge angle lower than 25°. An a priori power analysis was performed. MRI measurements of labral width were conducted by 2 blinded, musculoskeletal fellowship-trained radiologists at standardized "clock-face" locations using a previously validated technique. Outcomes were assessed using the Harris Hip Score (HHS), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), and Non-arthritic Hip Score (NAHS). For the mHHS, scores of 8 and 74 were used to define the minimal clinically important difference and patient acceptable symptomatic state, respectively. Patients were divided into groups by a labral width less than 1 SD below the mean (hypoplastic) or widths above 1 SD below the mean. Statistical analysis was performed using linear and polynomial regression; the Mann-Whitney U, χ2, and Fisher exact tests; and intraclass correlation coefficient testing. RESULTS: A total of 103 patients (107 hips) met the inclusion criteria (mean age, 39.4 ± 17 years; body mass index, 25.0 ± 4; 51% right sided; 68% female patients; mean follow-up, 76.5 ± 19.1 months [range, 30.0-113.0 months]). Mean labral width at the 11:30 clock-face position (indirect rectus), 3-o'clock position (psoas U), and 1:30 clock-face position (point halfway between the 2 aforementioned positions) was 7.1 ± 2.2 mm, 7.0 ± 2.0 mm, and 5.5 ± 1.9 mm, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficient agreements were good to excellent between readers at all positions (0.83-0.91, P < .001). The preoperative HHS, mHHS, and NAHS were not statistically significantly different (P > .05) between the 2 groups. Sex, laterality, and body mass index were not predictive of outcomes (P > .05). The postoperative HHS, mHHS, and NAHS were found to be significantly lower in the hypoplastic group at each location tested (P < .01), including the mHHS at the 11:30 clock-face position (69 vs 87), 3-o'clock position (70 vs 87), and 1:30 clock-face position (71 vs 87). The proportion of patients with hypoplastic labra who reached the minimal clinically important difference was significantly lower (P < .001) at the 11:30 clock-face position (50% vs 91%), 3-o'clock position (56% vs 90%), and 1:30 clock-face position (58% vs 91%) in comparison to the non-hypoplastic labrum group. The proportion of patients with hypoplastic labra above the patient acceptable symptomatic state was significantly lower (P < .001) at the 11:30 clock-face position (44% vs 83%), 3-o'clock position (37.5% vs 84%), and 1:30 clock-face position (42% vs 85%) in comparison to the non-hypoplastic labrum group. Linear regression modeling was not significant at any position (P > .05). Polynomial regression was significant at the 11:30 clock-face position (R2 = 0.23, P < .001), 3-o'clock position (R2 = 0.17, P < .001), and 1:30 clock-face position (R2 = 0.26, P < .004). CONCLUSIONS: Hip labral width less than 1 SD below the mean measured via preoperative MRI was associated with significantly worse functional outcomes after arthroscopic labral repair and treatment of femoroacetabular impingement. The negative relation between labral width and outcomes may be nonlinear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series with subgroup analysis.

Day-of-Surgery Video Calls and Phone Calls Increase Patient Satisfaction with Outpatient Surgery Experience: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Postoperative Communication Modalities.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing utilization of patient satisfaction as a metric for clinical care, there is growing interest in techniques that can be used to improve satisfaction in patients undergoing surgery. The purpose of this trial was to assess the impact of day-of-surgery video and phone calls on patient satisfaction. METHODS: We enrolled 251 patients undergoing outpatient orthopaedic surgery with 3 participating surgeons. Surgeons were randomized to 1 of 3 patient communication modalities: no contact (standard of care), phone call, or video call. Several hours following discharge on the day of surgery, the surgeons contacted patients according to their assigned treatment group. At the initial postoperative office visit, satisfaction outcomes were assessed using the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Surgical Care (S-CAHPS) survey and an additional satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: Fifty-nine (97%) of 61 patients in the no-contact group, 118 (99%) of 119 patients in the phone group, and 71 (100%) of 71 patients in the video group completed follow-up assessment. The S-CAHPS top-box response rate in both the video group (0.86 ± 0.14, p < 0.001) and the phone group (0.84 ± 0.17, p < 0.001) was greater than in the no-contact group (0.68 ± 0.26). When asked to rate satisfaction with overall care, a greater proportion of patients in the video group (85.9%) gave the top-box response compared with both the phone group (71.8%, p = 0.040) and the no-contact group (60.7%, p = 0.002). Among the patients in the video group, 62.0% indicated that they would prefer a video call in future encounters with their surgeon compared with 1.8% of patients in the no-contact group (p < 0.001) and 1.7% of patients in the phone group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Phone and video calls following discharge are an effective way of enhancing patient satisfaction with the clinical care experience as measured by the S-CAHPS survey. In terms of satisfaction with overall care, video calls may be superior to phone calls. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Preoperative Opioid Education has No Effect on Opioid Use in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a preoperative video-based opioid education reduced narcotics consumption after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in opioid-naive patients. METHODS: This was a single-center randomized controlled trial. Preoperatively, the control group received our institution's standard of care for pain management education, whereas the experimental group watched an educational video on the use of opioids. Patients were discharged with 30 × 5 mg/325 mg oxycodone-acetaminophen prescribed: 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours. They were contacted daily and asked to report opioid use and visual analog scale pain. A chart review at 3 months post-op was used to analyze for opioid refills. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients completed the study (65 control and 65 experimental). No statistically significant differences were noted in patient demographics between groups (P > 0.05). Patients in the education group did not use a statistically significant different number of narcotics than the control group throughout the first postoperative week (14.0 pills experimental versus 13.7 pills control, P = 0.60). No statistically significant differences were noted between groups at follow-regarding the rate of prescription refills (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that preoperative video-based opioid education may have no effect on reducing the number of narcotic pills consumed after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Data exist to suggest that preoperative video-based opioid education has an effect on postoperative consumption; however, the effect of this education in the setting of already-limited opioid-prescribing is not known. CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER: NCT04018768.

Effect of Acetaminophen on Postoperative Percocet Use In Hip Arthroscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: To determine whether postoperative acetaminophen reduced narcotic consumption following hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement. METHODS: This was a single-center randomized controlled trial. Opioid-naïve patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement were randomized into 2 groups. The control group received our institution's standard of care for postoperative pain control, 28 tablets of 5 mg/325 mg oxycodone-acetaminophen prescribed as 1 to 2 tablets every 6 hours as needed for pain, whereas the treatment group were prescribed 650 mg acetaminophen every 6 hours for pain, with 5 mg/325 mg oxycodone-acetaminophen prescribed for breakthrough pain. Patients were instructed to be mindful of taking no more than 3 g of acetaminophen in a 24-hour limit. If this limit was reached, oxycodone 5 mg would be prescribed. They were contacted daily and asked to report opioid use as well as their level of pain using the visual analog pain scale. RESULTS: Our institution enrolled 86 patients, 80 of whom completed the study (40 control, 40 treatment). There were no statistically significant differences with respect to patient demographics and patient-specific factors between groups (age at time of surgery, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, or body mass index). In addition, there was no statistically significant difference with respect to visual analog scale pain between groups preoperatively (P = .64) or at 1-week follow up (P = .39). The treatment group did not use a statistically significant different number of narcotics than the control group throughout the first postoperative week (6.325 pills treatment vs 5.688 pills control, P = .237). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this randomized controlled trial suggest that postoperative acetaminophen may have no effect on reducing the number of narcotic pills consumed by opioid-naïve patients following hip arthroscopy in the setting of reduced opioid-prescribing on the part of orthopaedic surgeons. Furthermore, the results of this study suggest surgeons may reduce postoperative narcotic prescribing without reducing patient satisfaction following hip arthroscopy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II randomized control trial.

MRI of superior capsular reconstruction graft and associated short-term clinical outcomes in patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears.

OBJECTIVE: To assess MRI appearance of the dermal allograft and its correlation with clinical outcome following superior capsular reconstruction (SCR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent SCR between 2015 and 2018. Patients with postoperative MRI and clinical follow-up were included. Exclusion criteria were preoperative shoulder instability, advanced glenohumeral arthritis, and lack of postoperative MRI or clinical follow-up. Radiographs and MRIs were evaluated for graft integrity and position, acromiohumeral interval, superior subluxation distance (SSD), and glenohumeral cartilage loss. Correlation between imaging and clinical outcome measures were assessed. RESULTS: 24 shoulders (23 patients) met the inclusion criteria at a mean clinical and MRI follow-up of 9.1 months. There were 12 intact grafts (50%) and 12 torn grafts (50%), most commonly at the glenoid attachment (8/12). Patients with graft tear had greater SSD (mean 10.5 ± 6.1 mm) than those without tear (mean 6.1 ± 3.8 mm) (p = 0.028). SSD > 7.9 mm had a 79% sensitivity and 91% specificity for graft tear. The intact grafts were more commonly covering the superior humeral head (91.7%) compared with the torn grafts (41.7%) (p = 0.027). There was improvement of clinical outcome measures including American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (p = 0.005) and forward elevation (p = 0.021) although there was no correlation between clinical outcome and integrity of the graft. CONCLUSION: SCR results in significant short-term clinical improvement even in the presence of graft tear on postoperative MRIs on current study. Gap between graft and the anchors, non-superior position of the graft, and humeral head superior subluxation can be associated with tear.

Decreased Injury Rate Following Mandated Headgear Use in Women's Lacrosse.

INTRODUCTION: There has been controversy regarding whether headgear use in women's lacrosse will affect the rate of head and musculoskeletal injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of mandated headgear use on the rate of head and musculoskeletal injuries in high school women's lacrosse. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of eight high school women's lacrosse teams and their game op-ponents who were mandated to wear F3137 headgear for the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Athletic trainers documented all injuries that occurred as a result of participation on the lacrosse teams. Injury rates in the headgear cohort were compared to a retrospective (control) cohort from the High School Reporting Information Online injury data reports. RESULTS: Over the study period, 17 total injuries were reported in the headgear cohort during 22,397 exposures for an injury rate of 0.76 injuries per 1,000 athlete-exposures. The headgear cohort demonstrated significant decreases in rates of in-game head and face injury (RR 0.141, 95% CI [0.004, 0.798]), in-game concussion (RR 0.152, 95% CI [0.004, 0.860]), and practice trunk and extremity injury (RR 0.239, 95% CI [0.049, 0.703]) when compared to the control cohort. CONCLUSION: Mandated use of headgear was shown to be effective at lowering the rate of head or face injury and concussions in women's lacrosse. Additionally, mandated headgear use was also shown to lower the rate of injury to body locations other than the head or face during practice. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate a decrease in injury rates associated with ASTM approved headgear in women's lacrosse.

Does Concomitant Lumbar Spine Disease Adversely Affect the Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy?

BACKGROUND: The practice of hip arthroscopy is increasing in popularity, which has highlighted the importance of identifying risk factors that predict hip arthroscopy outcomes. The literature suggests that lumbar spine disease is an independent risk factor for poorer outcomes following total hip arthroplasty; however, the effect of lumbar spine disease on hip arthroscopy outcomes has not been fully investigated. At present, there is a paucity of literature investigating the effect of coexisting hip and lumbar spine disease on outcomes after hip arthroscopy. PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of hip arthroscopy in patients with concomitant lumbar spine disease compared with those without a history of lumbar spine disease. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively collected, single-surgeon database was performed to identify patients who underwent hip arthroscopy with subjective and objective evidence of lumbar disease. Patients were included if they were skeletally mature; had hip disease that failed nonoperative treatment; had symptoms of low back pain, lumbar radiculopathy, or lumbar stenosis at the time of surgery; and had advanced imaging of the lumbar spine (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) confirming lumbar spine disease. Patients were excluded if they had any previous hip surgery or evidence of osteoarthritis of Tönnis grade 2 or higher. The hip-spine cohort was matched by age, sex, and body mass index in a 1:3 fashion to a control cohort consisting of patients without symptoms of low back pain, lumbar radiculopathy, or lumbar stenosis at the time of surgery or a history of lumbar spine disease who underwent hip arthroscopy over the same time period. Baseline preoperative modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS) were compared with scores at 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up, and rates of revision arthroscopy or total hip arthroplasty were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed with the Student t test. RESULTS: A total of 38 patients with radiographically confirmed lumbar disease were matched with 111 control patients. Preoperative mHHS and NAHS were significantly lower in the hip-spine cohort (P = .01 and P = .02, respectively); however, no significant differences were found in mHHS or NAHS between the cohorts at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. A 89.8% increase in mHHS was found in the hip-spine cohort, compared with a 74.4% increase in the control cohort (P = .0475). No significant differences in the rates of revision or total hip arthroplasty conversion were identified between the hip-spine and control cohorts (23.7% vs 18.0%, respectively; P = .44). CONCLUSION: Patients with known lumbar spine disease who underwent hip arthroscopy had a significantly greater percentage improvement at 24-month follow-up compared with those without a history of lumbar spine disease, and outcomes were ultimately not significantly different. No increased risk of reoperation was noted in patients with concomitant lumbar spine disease.

Recall Bias in Retrospective Assessment of Preoperative Patient-Reported American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Scores in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The gold-standard method for collecting patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is the prospective assessment of preoperative to postoperative change. However, this method is not always feasible because of unforeseen cases or emergencies, logistical and infrastructure barriers, and cost issues. In such cases, a retrospective approach serves as a potential alternative, but there are conflicting conclusions regarding the reliability of the recalled preoperative PROs after orthopaedic procedures. PURPOSE: To assess the agreement between prospectively and retrospectively collected PROs for a common, low-risk procedure. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between May 2012 and September 2017 at the study institution were identified. All of the patients completed the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Standard Shoulder Assessment Form preoperatively at their preassessment appointment. Patients were then contacted in the postoperative period and asked to recall their preoperative condition while completing another ASES form. RESULTS: A total of 84 patients completed the telephone survey and were included in this analysis (mean age, 57.40 ± 9.96 years). The mean duration of time from onset of shoulder symptoms to surgery was 9.13 ± 9.08 months. The mean duration of time between surgery and recall ASES administration was 39.12 ± 17.37 months. The mean recall ASES score was significantly lower than the preoperative ASES score (30.69 ± 16.93 vs 51.42 ± 19.14; P < .001). There was poor test-retest reliability between preoperative ASES and recall ASES (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.292; 95% CI, -0.07, 0.57; P = .068). Greater age at the time of recall, a shorter symptomatic period before surgery, and less severe preoperative shoulder dysfunction were associated with a greater difference between preoperative ASES and recall ASES. CONCLUSION: Retrospectively reported PROs are subject to significant recall bias. Recalled PROs were almost always lower than their prospectively recorded counterparts. Recalled PROs are more likely to be accurate when reported by younger patients, those with a longer duration of symptoms, and those with more severe preoperative conditions.

Clinical Outcomes of Hip Arthroscopy in Patients With Systemic Inflammatory Diseases Compared With Matched Controls at a Minimum of 2-Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate postoperative outcomes and preoperative risk factors for patients with underlying systemic inflammatory disorders after hip arthroscopy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone hip arthroscopy, with a history of systemic inflammatory disease, was performed. This included patients with a diagnosis of lupus, a positive antinuclear antibody test, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, sarcoidosis, inflammatory bowel disease, Reiter syndrome, and mixed connective tissue disease. These cases were 1:2 matched to a control group of patients with no history of systemic inflammatory disease based on age and sex. An a priori power analysis was conducted and A 1:2 case-control ratio was selected to increase study power. Inclusion criteria included all skeletally mature patients with hip pain refractory to nonoperative management who underwent hip arthroscopy for labral tears and femoroacetabular impingement. Skeletally immature patients, those with Tönnis grades of 2 or more (less than 2 mm of joint space), hip dysplasia, patients undergoing revision hip arthroscopy, and patients whose pain failed to improve after intra-articular injection were excluded. The primary outcome was rate of revision hip arthroscopy or total hip arthroplasty 24 months after surgery. Secondary outcomes included 2 patient-reported outcome scores, the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS). RESULTS: Twenty patients (21 hip arthroscopy procedures) and 42 controls were included. There was no significant difference in proportion of patients who met failure criteria (28.6% vs 16.7%, P = .271) or 2-year survivorship (76.2% vs 83.3%, P = .496) between the systemic inflammatory disorder and control groups, respectively. Both groups had a significant improvement in mHHS and NAHS at 24 months compared with baseline; however, there was no significant difference in mHHS (P = .28) or NAHS (P = .22) at 24 months between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with underlying inflammatory conditions have similar 2-year outcomes after hip arthroscopy for intra-articular pathology compared with patients with no history of inflammatory disease. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective comparative study.

Incorporating Biologics Into Your Practice: The New Horizon in Sports Medicine.

Orthobiologics continue to be one of the most discussed and trending topics in orthopaedic surgery today. Pathology of tendons, ligaments, bone, cartilage, and meniscal tissue are all theoretically treatable with biologics. Ultimately, the hope for biologics is to provide symptom relief and improve tissue healing with the potential to treat some conditions without the need for surgery. It is important to review the current state of biologic therapies available for musculoskeletal disease, discuss government regulations and barriers to use, and, finally, examine current research in biologics and what the future may hold.

Atypical Hip Pain in Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Comparison of Outcomes Based on Primary Hip Pain Location.

BACKGROUND: Patients with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) typically have anterior groin pain. However, a subset of these patients may have pain located laterally, posteriorly, or in a combination of locations around the hip. PURPOSE: To report and compare outcomes of hip arthroscopy for patients with FAI and atypical hip pain versus classic anterior groin pain. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI between August 2011 and March 2013 were identified. A total of 258 patients were identified as having symptomatic FAI based on clinical, radiographic, and advanced imaging diagnosis of FAI. Exclusion criteria included isolated thigh, knee, or low back pain. We also excluded patients with hip abductor pathology and trochanteric bursitis. Of the 226 patients ultimately included, 159 (70.4%) reported anterior groin pain, while 67 (29.6%) reported isolated lateral or posterior hip pain or a combination of locations. Patients were categorized into 4 groups: isolated anterior groin pain, lateral hip pain, posterior hip pain, and multiple primary hip pain locations (combined). These patients were followed prospectively with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Patient characteristics, surgical characteristics, modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Non-arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), revision hip arthroscopy, and conversions to total hip arthroplasty (THA) were recorded. RESULTS: All 226 patients were included at final follow-up. Hip arthroscopy was performed by a single sports medicine fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon. Preoperative patient characteristics and baseline functional outcome scores did not significantly differ among groups. All 4 groups showed statistically significant improvements in mHHS and NAHS from baseline to final follow-up of a mean 2.63 years (range, 2.01-3.23 years). Functional outcome scores and rates of revision hip arthroscopy or conversion to THA did not significantly differ between groups. CONCLUSION: Hip arthroscopy can effectively improve patient outcomes in atypical hip pain. A careful history and physical examination should identify this clinically meaningful subset of patients with FAI who can benefit from surgical intervention while identifying patients with concomitant posterior extra-articular hip or spine pathology that should be addressed appropriately.

Clinical Outcomes of Open Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis with Cortical Button Fixation.

BACKGROUND: Open subpectoral biceps tenodesis (OSBT) with cortical button fixation can deliver acceptable results for long head of the biceps (LHB) pathology with the benefit of smaller bone tunnel diameter and a potential reduced risk of postoperative humeral shaft fracture. However, functional outcomes and complications of a button-only technique with a small diameter tunnel in the subpectoral region have not been studied sufficiently. PURPOSE: We sought to determine whether OSBT with cortical button fixation results in significant functional improvements from preoperative to final follow-up. The secondary purpose was to determine whether there is a lower risk of major postoperative complications. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent OSBT with cortical button fixation at one institution was conducted with objective measurements and clinical outcomes collected with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Surgical data was collected for analysis. Objective measures obtained at follow-up included physical exam, strength testing using a handheld dynamometer, and Long-Head of the Biceps score. Clinical outcomes were measured using the following validated questionnaires preoperatively and postoperatively: American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (ASES), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH), and Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS). RESULTS: Sixty-one patients with mean age of 53.1 ± 10.1 years at the time of surgery were enrolled in the study. Mean follow-up time was 42.4 ± 16.9 months (range: 24 to 64 months). The postoperative LHB score was 95.5 ± 6.1 (range: 77 to 100). All functional outcome measures (ASES, DASH, and OSS) demonstrated statistically significant improvements at final follow-up (p < 0.05 for each). At total of 92.5% of patients stated they would have the procedure again if necessary. Mean elbow flexion strength on the operative side measured 98.7% ± 15.9% (range: 74.1% to 142.3%) of the contralateral arm. The mean LHB tendon diameter was 5.7 ± 0.8 mm and mean tunnel diameter was 5.9 ± 0.7 mm. There were no cases of intraoperative or postoperative fracture, infection, or Popeye deformity noted during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Subpectoral biceps tenodesis with cortical button fixation is a safe and effective surgical treatment option to relieve pain and restore function.

Editorial Commentary: Sprinkle Some Pixie Dust on It-Are We Really Any Better at Understanding the Benefits of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Rotator Cuff Pathology?

Platelet-rich plasma is used for the treatment of musculoskeletal ailments including rotator cuff pathology with mixed outcomes. Varied cytology and leukocyte counts within platelet-rich plasma may influence the results. The impact of this biological therapy on rotator cuff disease management is poorly understood.