Successful Management of Impending Skin Necrosis After a Posterolateral Knee Dislocation.

Incarcerated medial soft tissue after posterolateral knee dislocations has been described, but limited information pertaining to the etiology and management of cutaneous injuries from incarceration exists. We present the case of a 64-year-old man, where reduction of a posterolateral knee dislocation resulted in incarceration of medial ligamentous structures and impending skin necrosis. The patient avoided full-thickness skin necrosis, which could have complicated treatment options. Careful consideration of the soft-tissue envelope of the knee for preventing additional skin injury in the perioperative period should be considered to potentially avert additional necrosis in patients with a 'pucker' sign after knee dislocations.

Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Documented Knee Dislocation Versus Multiligamentous Knee Injury: A Comparison of KD3 Injuries at Mean 6.5 Years Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Previous research has found that the incidence of neurovascular injury is greatest among multiligamentous knee injuries (MLKIs) with documented knee dislocation (KD). However, it is unknown whether there is a comparative difference in functional recovery based on evidence of a true dislocation. PURPOSE: To determine whether the knee dislocation-3 (KD3) injury pattern of MLKI with documented tibiofemoral dislocation represents a more severe injury than KD3 MLKI without documented dislocation, as manifested by poorer clinical outcomes at long-term follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was performed of patients who underwent surgical treatment for KD3 MLKI between May 2012 and February 2021. Outcomes were assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, Tegner activity scale, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Documented dislocation was defined as a radiographically confirmed tibiofemoral disarticulation, the equivalent radiology report from outside transfer, or emergency department documentation of a knee reduction maneuver. Subgroup analysis was performed comparing lateral (KD3-L) versus medial (KD3-M) injuries. Multivariable linear regression was conducted to determine whether documented dislocation was predictive of outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 42 patients (25 male, 17 female) were assessed at a mean 6.5-year follow-up (range, 2.1-10.7 years). Twenty patients (47.6%) were found to have a documented KD; they reported significantly lower IKDC (49.9 vs 63.0; P = .043), Lysholm (59.8 vs 74.5; P = .023), and Tegner activity level (2.9 vs 4.7; P = .027) scores than the patients without documented dislocation. VAS pain was not significantly different between groups (36.4 vs 33.5; P = .269). The incidence of neurovascular injury was greater among those with documented dislocation (45.0% vs 13.6%; P = .040). Subgroup analysis found that patients with KD3-L injuries experienced a greater deficit in Tegner activity level than patients with KD3-M injuries (Δ: -3.4 vs -1.2; P = .006) and had an increased incidence of neurovascular injury (41.7% vs 11.1%; P = .042). Documented dislocation status was predictive of poorer IKDC (ß = -2.15; P = .038) and Lysholm (ß = -2.85; P = .007) scores. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing surgical management of KD3 injuries with true, documented KD had significantly worse clinical and functional outcomes than those with nondislocated joints at a mean 6.5-year follow-up. The current MLKI classification based solely on ligament involvement may be obscuring outcome research by not accounting for true dislocation.

Adverse Events After Isolated Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A National Database Study.

Background: Optimal management after posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury remains an active area of research, as reconstruction is technically challenging and poses unique risks in the posterior knee. Studies have reported variable rates of complications. Purpose: To describe the rates of readmission, emergency department (ED) visits, and postoperative complications within 90 days of isolated PCL reconstruction (PCLR) in a large, national cohort to better understand the perioperative variables that influence a practitioner's decision of whether to pursue operative versus nonoperative management. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: PCLRs from January 1, 2010, through August 31, 2020, were identified in PearlDiver, a national administrative database. Patients with concomitant ligament surgery and those with fewer than 90 days of postoperative database activity were excluded. Deep vein thromboses, pulmonary embolisms, surgical site infections, compartment syndrome, and vascular events within 90 days of surgery were identified, as were 90-day readmissions and ED visits. Logistic regression models were built in PearlDiver to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for ED utilization. Results: The final cohort consisted of 1154 patients with isolated PCLR (mean age, 34 ± 16 years; 62% male). Most patients were located in the Southern United States (n = 417; 36.1%), and most had commercial insurance (n = 992; 86%). The 90-day rates of adverse events were as follows: deep vein thrombosis (13; 1.1%), pulmonary embolism (19; 1.6%), surgical site infection (<11; <1%), compartment syndrome (<11; <1%), vascular event (<11; <1%), readmission (13, 1.1%), and ED utilization (99; 8.6%). The majority of emergency department visits (52%) occurred in the first 2 weeks postoperatively. Predictive factors for ED utilization included Elixhauser Comorbidity Index score (OR = 1.31 per 2-point increase) and Medicaid insurance (OR = 2.03 relative to commercial insurance). Conclusion: The current study reported rates of adverse events after isolated PCLR in a large, national cohort. The results provide important context for decisions about optimal management of PCL injury.

Medicaid Insurance Is Associated With More Complications and Emergency Department Visits but Equivalent 5-Year Secondary Surgery Rate After Primary Hip Arthroscopy.

PURPOSE: To compare 90-day complications, 30-day emergency department (ED) visits, and 5-year rate of secondary surgeries for patients with Medicaid vs commercial insurance undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and/or labral tears using a large national database. METHODS: The PearlDiver Mariner151 database was used to identify patients with International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision diagnosis codes for FAIS and/or labral tear who underwent primary hip arthroscopy with femoroplasty, acetabuloplasty, and/or labral repair between 2015 and 2021. Patients with Medicaid were matched 1:4 to a control group of commercially insured patients based on age, sex, body mass index, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index. Rates of 90-day complications and 30-day ED visits were compared using multivariate regression models. Five-year rates of secondary surgeries-revision arthroscopy or total hip arthroplasty-were compared between cohorts by Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: A total of 2,033 Medicaid patients were matched with 8,056 commercially insured patients. Rates of adverse events were low; however, Medicaid patients were significantly more likely than commercially insured patients to experience any 90-day complication (2.12% vs 1.43%; odds ratio [OR], 1.2; P = .02). Medicaid patients also experienced more 30-day ED visits than commercially insured patients (8.61% vs 4.28%), and on multivariate logistic regression, insurance status was the strongest determinant of 30-day ED visits (relative to commercial, Medicaid OR, 2.02; P < .001). Despite these differences, 5-year rates of secondary surgeries were comparable between groups (6.1% vs 6.0%; P = .6). CONCLUSIONS: In this large national database study, Medicaid patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy showed significantly greater odds of experiencing 90-day postoperative complications and 30-day ED visits compared to commercially insured patients. Nevertheless, both groups had similar survivorship rates at 5-year follow-up, similar to prior estimates irrespective of insurance. These results document encouraging secondary surgery rates in Medicaid patients.

Patient-reported outcomes and return to pre-injury activities after surgical treatment of multi-ligamentous knee injuries in patients over 40-years-old: Average 5-years follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Multi-ligamentous knee injuries (MLKI) are potentially devastating injuries, though existing prognostic research among older patients who sustain MLKI is limited. The purpose was to investigate clinical outcomes and rates of return to pre-injury activities following surgical treatment of MLKI in patients at least 40 years old. METHODS: This study was a multi-center retrospective case series of patients who underwent surgical treatment for MLKI from 2013-2020 and were ≥ 40 years old at time of injury. Outcomes were assessed via e-mail and telephone using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, Tegner activity scale, a satisfaction rating, and return to pre-injury sport and work surveys. Stepwise linear regression was used to assess the impact of preoperative characteristics on IKDC and Lysholm scores. RESULTS: Of 45 patients eligible for inclusion, 33 patients (mean age: 48.6 years [range: 40-72]) were assessed at a mean follow-up of 59.1 months (range 24-133). The cohort reported a mean IKDC of 63.4 ± 23.5, Lysholm of 72.6 ± 23.6, and Tegner of 3.8 ± 2.0. There was a 41.2% rate of return to sports, and 82.1% returned to work. Documented knee dislocation was predictive of poorer IKDC (ß:-20.05, p = 0.025) and Lysholm (ß:-19.99, p = 0.030). Patients aged > 50 were more satisfied compared to those 40-50 years old (96.2 ± 4.9 vs 75.6 ± 23.3, p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who sustained MLKI aged at least 40 at injury demonstrated fair clinical outcomes at a mean 5-year follow-up. Older patients who sustained MLKI reported a relatively high rate of return to work but were less likely to return to sports. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, Case series.

Magnetic resonance imaging quality in the context of a knee-spanning external fixator placed inside the MR bore: a literature review.

After emergent assessment of potentially limb-threatening injuries in knee dislocation or multi-ligament knee injury patients, magnetic resonance imaging is necessary to visualize ligamentous structures and plan for soft tissue repair. However, the application of a knee-spanning external fixator may introduce artifact and reduce overall image quality, which can limit the evaluation of soft tissue injury. As a result, the utility of MRI in the context of a knee-spanning external fixator has been called into question. Signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, and qualitative scales have been used to assess image quality of MRI in the context of a knee-spanning external fixator. Despite the potential for artifact, studies have demonstrated that useful diagnostic information may be obtained from MRI in the presence of an external fixator. This review examines the general principles of anatomical assessment, magnetic field strength, device composition and design, radiofrequency coil use, and MRI sequences and artifact reduction as they pertain to MRI in the presence of a knee-spanning external fixator.

Perspectives and institutional policies on patient safety and image quality regarding the use of knee-spanning external fixators in MRI: A survey study of the Society of Skeletal Radiology.

OBJECTIVE: Concerns regarding patient safety and image quality have made the use of knee-spanning external fixators in MRI a challenging clinical scenario. The purpose of our study was to poll practicing musculoskeletal radiologists on their personal experiences regarding the use of knee-spanning external fixators in MRI in an effort to consolidate practice trends for the radiologists' benefit. METHODS: A 27-item survey was created to address the institutional use, safety, adverse events, quality, and perspectives of the radiologist related to MRI of an externally fixated knee. The survey was distributed to 1739 members of the Society of Skeletal Radiology. RESULTS: A total of 72 members of the Society of Skeletal Radiology completed the survey. Most notably, 40 of 72 (55.56%) respondents are permitted to place a knee-spanning external fixator inside the MR bore at their institution, while19 of 72 (26.39%) respondents are not permitted to do so. Fourteen of 32 (43.75%) respondents have institutional guidelines for safely performing an MRI of an externally fixated knee. Twenty-five of 32 (78.13%) respondents are comfortable permitting an MRI of an externally fixated knee. CONCLUSION: We found a general lack of consensus regarding the decision to scan a patient with a knee-spanning external fixator in MRI. Many institutions lack safety guidelines, and providers rely upon a heterogeneous breadth of resources for safety information. A re-examination of the FDA device labeling nomenclature and expectations of the individual manufacturers may be needed to bridge this gap and help direct management decisions placed upon the provider.

Rates of subsequent surgeries after meniscus repair with and without concurrent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the rates of secondary knee surgery for patients undergoing meniscus repair with or without concurrent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLr). METHODS: Utilizing a large national database, patients with meniscal repair with or without concurrent arthroscopic ACLr were identified. The two cohorts were then queried for secondary surgical procedures of the knee within the following 2 years. Frequency, age distribution, rates of secondary surgery, and type of secondary procedures performed were compared. RESULTS: In total, 1,585 patients were identified: meniscus repair with ACLr was performed for 1,006 (63.5%) and isolated meniscal repair was performed for 579 (36.5%). Minimum of two year follow up was present for 487 (30.7% of the overall study population). Secondary surgery rates were not significantly different between meniscus repair with concurrent ACLr and isolated meniscus repairs with an overall mean follow up of 13 years (1.5-24 years) (10.6% vs. 13.6%, p = 0.126). For the 2 year follow up cohort, secondary surgery rates were not significantly different (19.3% vs. 25.6%, p = 0.1098). There were no differences in survivorship patterns between the two procedures, both in the larger cohort (p = 0.2016), and the cohort with minimum 2-year follow-up (p = 0.0586). CONCLUSION: The current study assessed secondary surgery rates in patients undergoing meniscus repair with or without concurrent ACLr in a large patient database. Based on this data, no significant difference in rates of secondary knee surgery was identified.

Factors Associated With Increased Opioid Prescriptions Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Opioid-Naïve Patients.

Purpose: To identify the mean morphine milligram equivalent (MME) opioid prescriptions for opioid-naïve patients undergoing isolated anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) between 4 weeks before surgery and the first 90 days after surgery and to describe opioid prescriptions filled per patient and mean MMEs per year within 90 days following ACLR. Methods: Exclusion criteria were patients having concurrent other cruciate or collateral ligament repair or reconstruction, meniscus procedures (repair and debridement), any cartilage procedure, lower-extremity osteotomy, or knee procedures for fracture, infection, or neoplasms; patients with substance use disorder or chronic pain also were excluded. Opioid use between 4 weeks before surgery and the first 90 days after surgery was recorded. Prescribing physician specialty also was tracked. The correlation of patient factors and prescriber specialty of MME were compared using the Student's t-test. Significance was defined at P < .05. Results: Opioid-naïve patients undergoing isolated ACLR were included. Isolated arthroscopic ACLRs performed between 2010 and Q3 2020 in opioid-naïve patients were identified within the PearlDiver M91 national database. A total of 37,200 patients were identified. Mean MME per patient was 340.9 ± 198.2, with an average MME per day of 59.9. Factors associated with increased opioid use during the 90 days following ACLR were older age (P < .001) and preoperative diagnosis of depression (P < .001). Orthopaedic surgeons were primarily responsible for the number of opioid prescriptions after ACLR (n = 29,326, 73.0%) but 27% (n = 10,797) of prescriptions came from nonorthopaedic surgeon medical providers who prescribed significantly greater MMEs of opioids than orthopaedic surgeons (456.5 vs 339.2, P < .001) per patient. Lastly, decreasing yearly opioid prescriptions per patient (2.4 to 1.6 prescriptions) and the mean MME per patient (428.4 to 257.1) occurred from 2010 to 2020. Conclusions: Older age and preoperative diagnosis of depression are associated with greater opioid doses after ACLR. In addition, the vast majority of opioid prescriptions are written by orthopaedic surgeons on the day of ACLR and decreased considerably by four weeks after surgery. Patients receiving opioid prescriptions by nonorthopaedic surgeon medical providers receive significantly greater doses. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective cohort study.

Patient Safety in MRI with the Use of a Joint-Spanning External Fixator for Knee Dislocation: A Critical Analysis Review.

¼ Universal safety guidelines for the use of a knee-spanning external fixator in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are unlikely to be established considering the high variability in device construct configurations.¼ Per the US Food and Drug Administration, manufacturers are to provide parameters for safe MRI scanning for "MR Conditional" devices; however, such labeling may be limited in detail. Physicians should reference manufacturer labels as a starting point while making an educated clinical decision.¼ Scanning of a knee-spanning external fixator inside the MR bore has been safely demonstrated in previous studies, although with small sample sizes.¼ When considering MRI in a patient treated with a knee-spanning external fixator, physicians should use all available resources and coordinate with their medical team to make a clinically reasonable decision contrasting patient benefit vs. potential harm.

Examining the Schenck KD I Classification in Patients With Documented Tibiofemoral Knee Dislocations: A Multicenter Retrospective Case Series.

Background: Acute tibiofemoral knee dislocations (KDs) with a single cruciate ligament remaining intact are rare and can be classified as Schenck KD I. The inclusion of multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs) has contributed to a recent surge in Schenck KD I prevalence and has convoluted the original definition of the classification. Purpose: To (1) report on a series of true Schenck KD I injuries with radiologically confirmed tibiofemoral dislocation and (2) introduce suffix modifications to further subclassify these injuries based on the reported cases. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A retrospective chart review identified all Schenck KD I MLKIs at 2 separate institutions between January 2001 and June 2022. Single-cruciate tears were included if a concomitant complete disruption of a collateral injury was present or injuries to the posterolateral corner, posteromedial corner, or extensor mechanism. All knee radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging scans were retrospectively reviewed by 2 board-certified orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship-trained surgeons. Only documented cases consistent with a complete tibiofemoral dislocation were included. Results: Of the 227 MLKIs, 63 (27.8%) were classified as KD I, and 12 (19.0%) of the 63 KD I injuries had a radiologically confirmed tibiofemoral dislocation. These 12 injuries were subclassified based on the following proposed suffix modifications: KD I-DA (anterior cruciate ligament [ACL] only; n = 3), KD I-DAM (ACL + medial collateral ligament [MCL]; n = 3), KD I-DPM (posterior cruciate ligament [PCL] + MCL; n = 2), KD I-DAL (ACL + lateral collateral ligament [LCL]; n = 1), and KD I-DPL (PCL + LCL; n = 3). Conclusion: The Schenck classification system should only be used to describe dislocations with bicruciate injuries or with single-cruciate injuries that have clinical and/or radiological evidence of tibiofemoral dislocation. Based on the presented cases, the authors recommend the suffix modifications for subclassifying Schenck KD I injuries with the goal of improving communication, surgical management, and the design of future outcome studies.

Establishing a Consensus Definition of a Knee Fracture-Dislocation (Schenck Knee Dislocation V) Using a Global Modified Delphi Method.

BACKGROUND: Knee fracture-dislocations are complex injuries; however, there is no universally accepted definition of what constitutes a fracture-dislocation within the Schenck Knee Dislocation (KD) V subcategory. The purpose of this study was to establish a more precise definition for fracture patterns included within the Schenck KD V subcategory. METHODS: A series of clinical scenarios encompassing various fracture patterns in association with a bicruciate knee ligament injury was created by a working group of 8 surgeons. Utilizing a modified Delphi technique, 46 surgeons from 18 countries and 6 continents with clinical and academic expertise in multiligamentous knee injuries undertook 3 rounds of online surveys to establish consensus. Consensus was defined as ≥70% agreement with responses of either "strongly agree" or "agree" for a positive consensus or "strongly disagree" or "disagree" for a negative consensus. RESULTS: There was a 100% response rate for Rounds 1 and 2 and a 96% response rate for Round 3. A total of 11 fracture patterns reached consensus for inclusion: (1) nondisplaced articular fracture of the femur; (2) displaced articular fracture of the femur; (3) tibial plateau fracture involving the weight-bearing surface (with or without tibial spine involvement); (4) tibial plateau peripheral rim compression fracture; (5) posterolateral tibial plateau compression fracture, Bernholt type IIB; (6) posterolateral tibial plateau compression fracture, Bernholt type IIIA; (7) posterolateral tibial plateau compression fracture, Bernholt type IIIB; (8) Gerdy's tubercle avulsion fracture with weight-bearing surface involvement; (9) displaced tibial tubercle fracture; (10) displaced patellar body fracture; and (11) displaced patellar inferior pole fracture. Fourteen fracture patterns reached consensus for exclusion from the definition. Two fracture patterns failed to reach consensus for either inclusion or exclusion from the definition. CONCLUSIONS: Using a modified Delphi technique, this study established consensus for specific fracture patterns to include within or exclude from the Schenck KD V subcategory. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level V . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Posterior Trans-Septal Portal in Knee Arthroscopy Review of the Technique Evolution, Indications, and Technical Pearls.

Complete arthroscopic visualization of the posterior com-partment of the knee is limited when using the traditional anterior portals. The trans-septal portal technique, created in 1997, has allowed surgeons to view the complete posterior compartment of the knee in a less-invasive way compared to open surgery. Since the description of the posterior trans-septal portal, several authors have modified the technique. However, the paucity of literature describing the trans-septal portal technique hints that widespread arthroscopic adop-tion has not yet been achieved. While still in its infancy, the literature has cumulatively reported over 700 successful knee surgeries using the posterior trans-septal portal technique with no reports of neurovascular injury. However, creation of the trans-septal portal carries risks due to its close prox-imity to the popliteal and middle geniculate artery, giving surgeons little room for technical error when developing this portal. Knowledge of the posterior anatomy, the evolution of the trans-septal portal, and current recommendations and safety options for using the technique will benefit orthopedic surgeons looking to incorporate this technique into their surgical arsenal. Furthermore, utilization of the trans-septal portal technique offers a significant benefit to the surgical treatment of conditions that involve the need for posterior knee access or visualization.

Extensor Mechanism Disruption Impacts Treatment of Dislocated and Multiligament Injured Knees: Treatment and Schenck Classification Recommendations Based on a Global Delphi Method.

BACKGROUND: Multiligament knee injury (MLKI) with associated extensor mechanism (EM) involvement is a rare injury, with limited evidence to guide optimal treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify areas of consensus among a group of international experts regarding the treatment of patients with MLKI and concomitant EM injury. METHODS: Utilizing a classic Delphi technique, an international group of 46 surgeons from 6 continents with expertise in MLKI undertook 3 rounds of online surveys. Participants were presented with clinical scenarios involving EM disruption in association with MLKI, classified using the Schenck Knee-Dislocation (KD) Classification. Positive consensus was defined as ≥70% agreement with responses of either "strongly agree" or "agree," and negative consensus was defined as ≥70% agreement with "strongly disagree" or "disagree." RESULTS: There was a 100% response rate for rounds 1 and 2 and a 96% response rate for round 3. There was strong positive consensus (87%) that an EM injury in combination with MLKI significantly alters the treatment algorithm. For an EM injury in conjunction with a KD2, KD3M, or KD3L injury, there was positive consensus to repair the EM injury only and negative consensus regarding performing concurrent ligamentous reconstruction at the time of initial surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of bicruciate MLKI, there was overall agreement on the significant impact of EM injury on the treatment algorithm. We therefore recommend that the Schenck KD Classification be updated with the addition of the modifier suffix "-EM" to highlight this impact. Treatment of the EM injury was judged to have the highest priority, and there was consensus to treat the EM injury only. However, given the lack of clinical outcome data, treatment decisions need to be made on a case-by-case basis with consideration of the numerous clinical factors that are encountered. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Little clinical evidence exists to guide the surgeon on the management of EM injury in the setting of a multiligament injured or dislocated knee. This survey highlights the impact that EM injury has on the treatment algorithm and provides some guidance for management until a further large case series or prospective studies are undertaken.

Opioid Prescription Patterns 90 Days After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A 10-Year National Database Analysis.

Background: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) is a common procedure that typically requires opioid prescription for postoperative pain management. Purpose: To investigate the current prescription patterns and factors influencing 90-day postoperative opioid prescription trends for opioid-naïve patients who underwent ARCR. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Opioid-naïve adult patients who underwent ARCR between January 2010 and September 2020 and had a record of opioid prescriptions during the 90-day postoperative period were identified in the PearlDiver Mariner91 national administrative database. Exclusions included patients with prior shoulder procedures, a history of chronic pain, and opioid prescription records dated earlier than 4 weeks before surgery. Covariates included age group, sex, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, and prescriber specialty (orthopaedic or nonorthopaedic). The primary outcome-90-day postoperative morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) prescribed per patient-was compared using univariate and multivariate regression analyses, and 90-day postoperative opioid prescription trends over the 10-year study period were analyzed with linear regression. Results: In total, 55,345 ARCR cases were identified. The mean ± SD amount prescribed within the first 90 days was 742.4 ± 256.5 MMEs, and the median was 487.5 MMEs. Multivariate linear regression analysis predicted higher 90-day postoperative MMEs for female patients and younger patients (P < .01 for both). From 2010 to 2020, there was a 66% decrease in mean MME prescribed per patient (▵ = 660.4 MME; P < .01), with a mean reduction of 55.1 MME per patient per year. In 2020, the mean 90-day postoperative amount prescribed was 341.1 MME, which is equivalent to 51 tablets of 5-mg oxycodone (Percocet). Conclusion: Female sex and younger age were predictors of more MME being prescribed after ARCR. While opioid prescriptions following ARCR have substantially decreased over the past decade, the amount prescribed warrants further attention.

Examining the Distribution of Bone Bruise Patterns in Contact and Noncontact Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries.

BACKGROUND: Bone bruises are commonly seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and can provide insight into the underlying mechanism of injury. There are limited reports that have compared the bone bruise patterns between contact and noncontact mechanisms of ACL injury. PURPOSE: To examine and compare the number and location of bone bruises in contact and noncontact ACL injuries. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Three hundred twenty patients who underwent ACL reconstruction surgery between 2015 and 2021 were identified. Inclusion criteria were clear documentation of the mechanism of injury and MRI within 30 days of the injury on a 3-T scanner. Patients with concomitant fractures, injuries to the posterolateral corner or posterior cruciate ligament, and/or previous ipsilateral knee injury were excluded. Patients were stratified into 2 cohorts based on a contact or noncontact mechanism. Preoperative MRI scans were retrospectively reviewed by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists for bone bruises. The number and location of the bone bruises were recorded in the coronal and sagittal planes using fat-suppressed T2-weighted images and a standardized mapping technique. Lateral and medial meniscal tears were recorded from the operative notes, while medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries were graded on MRI. RESULTS: A total of 220 patients were included, with 142 (64.5%) noncontact injuries and 78 (35.5%) contact injuries. There was a significantly higher frequency of men in the contact cohort compared with the noncontact cohort (69.2% vs 54.2%, P = .030), while age and body mass index were comparable between the 2 cohorts. The bivariate analysis demonstrated a significantly higher rate of combined lateral tibiofemoral (lateral femoral condyle [LFC] + lateral tibial plateau [LTP]) bone bruises (82.1% vs 48.6%, P < .001) and a lower rate of combined medial tibiofemoral (medial femoral condyle [MFC] + medial tibial plateau [MTP]) bone bruises (39.7% vs 66.2%, P < .001) in knees with contact injuries. Similarly, noncontact injuries had a significantly higher rate of centrally located MFC bone bruises (80.3% vs 61.5%, P = .003) and posteriorly located MTP bruises (66.2% vs 52.6%, P = .047). When controlling for age and sex, the multivariate logistical regression model demonstrated that knees with contact injuries were more likely to have LTP bone bruises (OR, 4.721 [95% CI, 1.147-19.433], P = .032) and less likely to have combined medial tibiofemoral (MFC + MTP) bone bruises (OR, 0.331 [95% CI, 0.144-0.762], P = .009) compared with those with noncontact injuries. CONCLUSION: Significantly different bone bruise patterns were observed on MRI based on ACL injury mechanism, with contact and noncontact injuries demonstrating characteristic findings in the lateral tibiofemoral and medial tibiofemoral compartments, respectively.

Comparative Success of Repair Versus Reconstruction for Knee Extra-articular Ligament Injuries.

Background: Surgical techniques and associated outcomes in treating acute and chronic extra-articular ligament knee injuries are in evolution, and there is question as to whether repair or reconstruction is optimal. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to compare the subsequent surgery rate between surgical repair versus reconstruction for all extra-articular ligament injuries of the knee utilizing a large database. Our hypothesis was that overall surgical repair of both lateral and medial extra-articular knee injuries would have a higher revision rate than those treated by reconstruction. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The PearlDiver Mariner data set (2010-2019), with 122 million patients, was utilized to generate 2 patient cohorts: those who underwent surgical repair and those who underwent surgical reconstruction of a knee extra-articular ligament injury. All patients had a minimum of 2 years follow-up. Rates of concomitant or subsequent cruciate ligament reconstruction and rates of secondary procedures were assessed and compared between the 2 cohorts. Results: In total, 3563 patients were identified: extra-articular ligament reconstruction was performed for 2405 (67.5%), and repair was performed for 1158 (32.5%). Cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed for 986 (27.7%), of which 888 of 986 (90.1%) were performed on the same day as their extra-articular ligament procedure. At 2-year follow-up, the reconstruction cohort had higher rates of revision surgery compared with the repair cohort (8.2% vs 2.5%; P < .001). Conclusion: Using a large national database, knee extra-articular ligamentous reconstructions (those on both the lateral and the medial side) had a 3.3 times higher rate of revision surgery compared with repair at 2-year follow-up. Further study is needed to investigate the causes leading to revision surgery and to determine the optimal surgical treatment for both medial and lateral extra-articular knee ligament injuries.

Examining Preoperative MRI for Medial Meniscal Ramp Lesions in Patients Surgically Treated for Acute Grade 3 Combined Posterolateral Corner Knee Injury.

Background: While medial meniscocapsular tears (ramp lesions) are commonly associated with isolated anterior cruciate ligament injuries, there are limited descriptions of these meniscal injuries in multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs). Purpose: To (1) retrospectively evaluate preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for the presence of ramp lesions in patients surgically treated for acute grade 3 combined posterolateral corner (PLC) knee injuries and (2) determine if a preoperative posteromedial tibial plateau (PMTP) bone bruise is associated with the presence of preoperative ramp lesions on MRI in these same patients. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Data on consecutive patients at a level 1 trauma center with MLKIs between 2001 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Only patients with acute grade 3 combined PLC injuries who received an MRI scan within 30 days of injury were assessed. Two musculoskeletal radiologists retrospectively reviewed each patient's preoperative MRI for evidence of ramp lesions and bone bruises. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to calculate reliability among the reviewers. Multivariate analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between PMTP bruising and the presence of a ramp lesion on MRI. Results: A total of 68 patients (79.4% male; mean age, 33.8 ± 13.7 years) with an acute grade 3 combined PLC injury were included in the study. On MRI, the ICCs for detection of ramp lesions and PMTP bone bruising were 0.921 and 0.938, respectively. Medial meniscal ramp lesions were diagnosed in 18 of 68 (26.5%) patients. Eleven of 18 (61.1%) patients with ramp lesions also showed evidence of PMTP bruising, while 13 of 50 (26.0%) patients without ramp lesions had PMTP bruising (P = .008). When controlling for age and sex, PTMP bruising was significantly associated with the presence of a ramp lesion in combined PLC injuries (odds ratio, 4.62; P = .012). Conclusion: Preoperative medial meniscal ramp lesions were diagnosed on MRI in 26.5% of patients with acute grade 3 combined PLC injuries. PMTP bone bruising was significantly associated with the presence of a ramp lesion on MRI. These findings reinforce the need to assess for potential ramp lesions at the time of multiligament reconstruction.

Posteromedial tibial plateau bone bruises are associated with medial meniscal ramp lesions in patients with concomitant anterior cruciate ligament ruptures: a systematic review & meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if posteromedial tibial plateau (PMTP) bone bruising on pre-operative MRI is significantly associated with a ramp lesion identified during arthroscopy in patients with concomitant ACL ruptures. METHODS: PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Sciences, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched systematically for studies that investigated the association between PMTP bone bruises on preoperative MRI and ramp lesions confirmed during arthroscopy. Eight studies met inclusion criteria. The Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies (MINORS) checklist was used to assess quality. A meta-analysis was performed to analyze odds of a ramp lesion after PMTP bone bruising identified on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Publication bias was assessed by funnel plot and Egger's linear regression test. RESULTS: There are 2.05 greater odds of medial meniscal ramp lesions in patients with an ACL rupture when PMTP bone bruising is found on preoperative MRI (95% CI, 1.29-3.25; p = 0.002). Heterogeneity of the pooled studies may be substantial (I2 = 65%; p = 0.006). Funnel plot analysis and Egger's linear regression test (p > 0.5) determined no publication bias among the studies included in the meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: Patients with acute ACL injuries and PMTP bone bruising on MRI have 2.05 times greater odds of a concomitant medial meniscal ramp lesion than those without this bone bruise pattern.