Decreased patient comorbidities and post-operative complications in technology-assisted compared to conventional total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: The use of computer-assisted and robotic surgery was developed to improve component position and outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The goal of this study is to identify differences in patient demographics, comorbidities, and complications between technology-assisted and conventional TKA. METHODS: A Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was used to identify patients who underwent technology-assisted and conventional TKA from 2016 to 2018. Analysed variables include demographics, length of stay (LOS), payer-status, geographic region, comorbidities, complications, and mortality. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify differences between both groups. RESULTS: The analysis includes 2,208,434 TKA patients, of which 2,054,879 (93.05%) were conventional and 153,555 (6.95%) were technology assisted. Patients undergoing technology-assisted TKA were more likely to be older than 65 years, had higher median income quartile, and had surgery in urban teaching hospitals. Patients were less likely to undergo technology-assisted TKA if they were female gender, had Medicare payer status, were black race, were obese, were living in rural location, or had higher Charlson comorbidity score and baseline comorbidities. Technology-assisted TKA patients had shorter LOS, and fewer pulmonary and infection complications. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing technology-assisted TKA are being carefully selected with less baseline comorbidities, improved health, and living in urban areas. Subsequently, those carefully selected patients are discharged home, have a shorted hospital LOS, and have fewer complications compared to conventional TKA. Rural patients, black race and female gender are less likely to undergo technology-assisted TKA, further emphasizing the healthcare disparity for that segment of the population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level III.

Outcomes, Complications, and Reoperations After Meniscal Allograft Transplantation.

Background: Outcomes following meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) are an evolving topic. Purpose: To review clinical outcomes in younger, previously active patients who underwent an isolated MAT or MAT plus any osteotomy. Concurrent surgeries, complications, and graft survivorship are presented. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Inclusion criteria included having undergone MAT with a minimum of 1 year of follow-up with at least 1 of the following patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures collected pre- and postoperatively: visual analog scale for pain, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, and overall satisfaction. From patient records, we recorded descriptive data, side (medial/lateral), previous or concurrent procedures, perioperative complications, revisions, and conversion to arthroplasty. Two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for differences in age and body mass index (BMI). A 2 × 2 chi-square test was used to determine if the spectrum of procedures performed on our study's patient group was representative of the entire population. PRO results were analyzed using a multivariate ANOVA. Results: From a total of 91 eligible patients, 61 (63 knees) met our inclusion criteria. Mean presurgery age was 25.5 ± 9.2 years, and mean BMI was 26.7 (range, 18.5-38.4). At follow-up (mean, 4.8 years; range, 1.0-13.6 years) overall PROs were statistically and clinically improved at final follow-up (P ≤ .003); effect sizes were moderate and large. KOOS Pain and KOOS Activities of Daily Living showed some main or interaction effects that were trivial or small. Patient satisfaction with the treatment was ≥7 out of 10 in 85% of patients. A minimum of 1 subsequent surgery for various concerns was necessary in 23% of the 93 knees. Graft survival in the included patients was 100%. Conclusion: Complications (conditions requiring at least 1 subsequent surgery) affected about one-quarter of the patients who underwent MAT. Nevertheless, MAT seemed to provide our patients with adequate pain relief and improved function.

Differences in hospital length of stay and total hospital charge by income level in patients hospitalized for hip fractures.

This study examines the difference in length of stay and total hospital charge by income quartile in hip fracture patients. The length of stay increased in lower income groups, while total charge demonstrated a U-shaped relationship, with the highest charges in the highest and lowest income quartiles. INTRODUCTION: Socioeconomic factors have an impact on outcomes in hip fracture patients. This study aims to determine if there is a difference in hospital length of stay (LOS) and total hospital charge between income quartiles in hospitalized hip fracture patients. METHODS: National Inpatient Sample (NIS) data from 2016 to 2018 was used to determine differences in LOS, total charge, and other demographic/clinical outcomes by income quartile in patients hospitalized for hip fracture. Multivariate regressions were performed for both LOS and total hospital charge to determine variable impact and significance. RESULTS: There were 860,045 hip fracture patients were included this study. With 222,625 in the lowest income quartile, 234,215 in the second, 215,270 in the third, and 190,395 in the highest income quartile. LOS decreased with increase in income quartile. Total charge was highest in the highest quartile, while it was lowest in the middle two-quartiles. Comorbidities with the largest magnitude of effect on both LOS and total charge were lung disease, kidney disease, and heart disease. Time to surgery post-admission also had a large effect on both outcomes of interest. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that income quartile has an effect on both hospital LOS and total charge. This may be the result of differences in demographics and other clinical variables between quartiles and increased comorbidities in lower income levels. The overall summation of these socioeconomic, demographic, and medical factors affecting patients in lower income levels may result in worse outcomes following hip fracture.

Perioperative Pain Management in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery.

Perioperative pain management in surgery of the hand and upper extremity relies on a multimodal approach involving systemic, local, and presurgical considerations. A pain management plan should be tailored to each patient. Management of pain of patients undergoing upper extremity surgery begins before surgical intervention and continues postoperatively. Patient education, setting expectations, psychological interventions, and addressing risk factors associated with postoperative pain are critical to successful pain management. Intraoperative anesthesia is accomplished via a variety of means. Cryotherapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, acupuncture, massage, and localized heat are used in concert with pharmacologic therapies postoperatively to continue pain management.

Epithelialization Over a Scaffold of Antibiotic-Impregnated PMMA Beads: A Salvage Technique for Open Tibial Fractures with Bone and Soft Tissue Loss When all Else Fails.

The management of soft tissue defects in tibial fractures is essential for limb preservation. Current techniques are not without complications and may lead to poor functional outcomes. A salvage method is described using three illustrative cases whereby a combination of flaps and antibiotic-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate beads are employed to fill the bony defect, fight the infection, and provide a surface for epithelial regeneration and secondary wound closure. This was performed after the partial failure of all other options. All patients were fully ambulatory with no clinical, radiographic or laboratory sign of infection at their most recent follow-up. Although our findings are encouraging, this is the first report of epithelialization of the skin on a polymethylmethacrylate scaffold. Further studies investigating the use of this technique are warranted.

Agreement between patient self-assessment and physician assessment of shoulder range of motion.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder outcome scores that include range of motion (ROM) and apprehension signs are limited by the need for direct involvement of the physician. Patient-reported outcome measures are patient centered and self-administered, and they can help physicians track the patient's progress between office visits and for long-term follow-up once the patient has been discharged. METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients completed a form before their 6-month follow-up after surgery on the labrum or capsule as a result of instability or pain related to instability. The form included bilateral ROM, apprehension, and instability episodes. The same parameters were measured by the physician during the visit. The patient's and physician's responses were compared. The primary outcome was the percentage agreement with exact and approximate agreement. RESULTS: Exact agreement was moderate for forward elevation at 56.6%; fair for abduction and external rotation at 90° at 24.5% and 34%, respectively; and poor for internal rotation at 90° and external rotation with the arm at the side at 2.6% and 12%, respectively. Approximate agreement within a range of positive or negative 20° range was very good for forward elevation (94%), abduction (92%), and external rotation at 90° (87%); moderate for external rotation with the arm at the side; and fair for internal rotation at 90°. There was 70% agreement regarding apprehension, 93% regarding subluxation events, and 100% regarding redislocation events. CONCLUSION: Some measures of shoulder ROM showed a moderate to high level of agreement between patient-reported measurements and the physician's measurements. This method for short- and long-term follow-up could potentially replace routine clinic visits.

Leg-Length Discrepancy After Total Hip Arthroplasty: Comparison of Robot-Assisted Posterior, Fluoroscopy-Guided Anterior, and Conventional Posterior Approaches.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) effectively provides adequate pain relief and good long-term outcomes in patients with hip osteoarthritis. However, leg-length discrepancy (LLD) remains the most common cause of patient dissatisfaction and malpractice litigation in hip arthroplasty. We conducted a study to compare LLD in patients who underwent THA performed with a robot-assisted posterior approach (RTHA), a fluoroscopy-guided anterior approach (ATHA), or a conventional posterior approach (PTHA). We reviewed all RTHA, ATHA, and PTHA cases performed by Dr. Domb between September 2008 and December 2012. Patients included in the study had a primary diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis and proper postoperative anteroposterior pelvis radiographs available. Two blinded observers calibrated and measured all radiographs twice. After exclusions, 67 RTHA, 29 ATHA, and 59 PTHA cases remained in the study. There were strong interobserver and intraobserver correlations for all LLD measurements (r > 0.9; P < .001). Mean (SD) LLD was 2.7 (1.8) mm (95% CI, 2.3-3.2) in the RTHA group, 1.8 (1.6) mm (95% CI, 1.2-2.4) in the ATHA group, and 1.9 (1.6) mm (95% CI, 1.5-2.4) in the PTHA group (P = .01). When LLD of more than 3 mm was set as an outlier, percentage of outliers was 37.3% (RTHA), 17.2% (ATHA), and 22% (PTHA) (P = .06-.78). When LLD of more than 5 mm was set as an outlier, percentage of outliers was 10.4% (RTHA), 6.9% (ATHA), and 8.5% (PTHA) (P = .72 to > .99). No patient in any group had LLD of 10 mm or more. RTHA, ATHA, and PTHA did not differ in obtaining minimal LLD. All 3 techniques are effective in achieving accuracy in LLD.

Hospital Length of Stay following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database.

Demand and cost of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has increased significantly over the past decade resulting in decreased hospital length of stay (LOS) to counterbalance increasing cost of health care. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence LOS following primary TKA. Discharge data from the 2009-2011 Nationwide Inpatient Sample were used. Patients included underwent primary TKA and were grouped based on LOS; 3 days or less, and 4 days or more. Majority of patients had a hospital LOS of 3 or less (74.8%). The most significant predictors of increased hospital LOS (≥ 4 days) were age ≥ 80 years, Hispanic race, Medicaid payer status, lower median household income, weekend admission, rural non-teaching hospital, discharge to another facility and any complication.

Predictive value of robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty.

Acetabular cup positioning, leg-length discrepancy, and global offset are important parameters associated with outcomes following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Deviation from an accepted range of values can lead to significant complications, including dislocation, leg-length discrepancy, impingement, accelerated bearing surface wear, and revisions. The purpose of this study was to assess whether robotic-assisted THA was reliable in predicting radiographic measurements of cup inclination and anteversion, leg-length change, and global offset change. All 61 robotic-assisted THAs that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were performed by a single surgeon through a mini-posterior approach. Data provided by the robot were collected prospectively, and radiographic data were collected retrospectively by 2 blinded independent reviewers. The cohort in this study consisted of 27 male and 34 female patients, with an average age of 60.5 years. A strong inter- and intraobserver correlation was found for the radiographic measurements of cup inclination, cup anteversion, leg-length discrepancy, and global offset (r>0.8 with P<.001 for all). Ninety-six point seven percent of robotic-measured inclination angles and 98.4% of robotic-measured anteversion angles were within 10° of radiographic measurements. One hundred percent of robotic-measured leg-length change and 91.8% of robotic-measured global offset change were within 10 mm of radiographic measurements. Robotic-assisted THA showed good predictive value for cup inclination and anteversion angles and measurements of leg-length change and global offset change done postoperatively on plain radiographs. Further refinement of the robotic system would make it more accurate in predicting the postoperative parameters mentioned.

Effect of femoral anteversion on clinical outcomes after hip arthroscopy.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes after hip arthroscopy of patients with femoral retroversion, normal femoral version, and excessive femoral anteversion. METHODS: Patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy from August 2008 to April 2011 and underwent femoral anteversion measurement by magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance arthrogram were included. The patients were divided into 3 groups: retroversion, normal version, and excessive anteversion. The normal-version group was considered to have a value within 1 SD of the mean femoral version value. Four patient-reported outcome scores and the visual analog pain score were prospectively collected with analysis performed retrospectively. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-eight patients met the inclusion criteria. Among these patients, mean anteversion was 8.2° ± 9.3°, creating a retroversion group defined as -2° or less and an anteversion group defined as 18° or greater. There were 25 patients in the retroversion group, 219 in the normal-version group, and 34 in the excessive-anteversion group. Most labral tears were noted in the 12- to 2-o'clock range, with the main difference at the anterior 3-o'clock position, where the excessive-anteversion group showed a lower incidence of tearing (30%) than the retroversion group (73%) and normal-anteversion group (78%). Postoperatively, there was a statistically significant improvement from preoperative scores in all 3 groups and for all scores (P < .001). When the postoperative scores were compared for the 3 groups, although all scores were higher in the retroversion group than in the other 2 groups, this was not statistically significant and there were no significant differences in scores among the 3 groups (modified Harris Hip Score, P = .104; Non-Arthritic Hip Score, P = .177; Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living, P = .152; Hip Outcome Score-Sport-Specific Subscale, P = .276; visual analog scale score, P = .508). CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of patient-reported outcome scores without accounting for diagnoses and treatments, the amount of femoral anteversion does not appear to affect the clinical outcomes after hip arthroscopy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Arthroscopic acetabuloplasty and labral refixation without labral detachment.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic acetabuloplasty was initially described with detachment of the labrum to access the acetabular rim for resection, followed by labral refixation. Recent technical improvements have made it possible to perform acetabuloplasty and labral refixation without labral detachment when the chondrolabral junction is intact. PURPOSE: To compare outcomes for patients undergoing arthroscopic acetabuloplasty and labral refixation without labral detachment (study group), as well as compare this with a group of patients who underwent acetabuloplasty with labral refixation and labral detachment (control group) with a minimum 2-year follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: During the study period, data were prospectively collected on all patients treated with hip arthroscopy. Inclusion criteria for the study group were acetabuloplasty and labral refixation without detachment, performed in cases with an intact chondrolabral junction. Patients were then compared with a control group of patients who had acetabuloplasty with labral detachment and refixation. All patients were assessed pre- and postoperatively using 4 patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures and a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, as well as monitored for revision surgery. RESULTS: In the study group, the preoperative to postoperative score changed from 64.2 to 86.6 for modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), 60.5 to 83.8 for Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS), 65.3 to 87.3 for Hip Outcome Score-Activity of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), 45 to 75.1 for Hip Outcome Score-Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and 5.7 to 2.6 for VAS. In the control group, the preoperative to postoperative score changed from 61.2 to 84.4 for mHHS, 59 to 84 for NAHS, 62.7 to 86.2 for HOS-ADL, 40.1 to 74.1 for HOS-SSS, and 6.3 to 2.8 for VAS. There was no difference between preoperative and postoperative PRO scores. The preoperative VAS score was lower in the study group than in the control group (P=.04). The control group demonstrated larger mean preoperative anterior center edge angles (ACEA) (33.8° vs 29.5°) and mean alpha angles (60.5° vs 53.5°) than the study group (P<.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the change in PRO or VAS scores between groups. Both groups demonstrated significant improvement from preoperative to 2-year follow-up for all 4 PRO scores (P<.05) and decrease in VAS (P<.05). One patient in the study group converted to total hip arthroplasty. Seven patients underwent revision hip arthroscopy in the study group, and 8 patients in the control group underwent revision hip arthroscopy. There was no difference in revision rates between groups. CONCLUSION: Treatment of pincer- and combined-type impingement with arthroscopic acetabuloplasty and labral refixation without detachment, when possible, resulted in similar patient outcomes compared with acetabuloplasty with labral detachment. We may conclude that in cases where the chondrolabral junction remains intact, acetabuloplasty and labral refixation without detachment is a viable option.

Inpatient mortality after primary total hip arthroplasty: analysis from the National Inpatient Sample database.

Although inpatient mortality rates following total hip arthroplasty are low, understanding factors that influence inpatient mortality rates is important. Discharge data from the 2007-2008 HCUP Nationwide Inpatient Sample database were used in this study. Patients were identified based on whether they were admitted for a primary total hip arthroplasty and grouped based on their mortality status. All hip and acetabular fracture patients were excluded. Discharge data revealed 508,150 primary total hip arthroplasties with an inpatient mortality rate of 0.13%. The most significant pre-operative predictors of inpatient mortality were increasing age, weekend admission, increased Charlson co-mobidity score, Medicare payer status, race and a Southern hospital region. The two most significant complications post-operatively leading to increased mortality were pulmonary and cardiovascular complications.

Arthroscopic hip surgery with a microfracture procedure of the hip: clinical outcomes with two-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Outcome studies assessing a cohort of patients receiving microfracture in the hip have focused on second look arthroscopy and return to sport, which have shown favourable results in the absence of osteoarthritis. Few studies exist focusing on clinical outcomes after microfracture in the hip using patient reported outcome (PRO) scores. The purpose of this study is to evaluate two-year clinical outcomes of a series of patients treated with microfracture during arthroscopic hip surgery using PRO scores. METHODS: During the study period, all workers' compensation (WC) and non-WC patients treated with microfracture during arthroscopic hip surgery were included. Four PRO scores, pain scores and satisfaction were used to assess clinical outcomes. Any revision surgeries or conversions to total hip arthroplasty (THA) were noted. Location of microfracture procedure, lesion size and additional variables assessed survivorship. RESULTS: Thirty-seven cases met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, of which 30 patients (30/37, 81%) were available for minimum two-year follow-up. Twenty-six patients were classified as survivors. Preoperative scores for patients with WC status were lower than non-WC patients and statistically significant (p<0.5) for three of the PROs. However, changes in all four PRO measurements demonstrated statistically significant improvements from preoperative to two-year follow-up for both compensation groups (p<0.05). The amount of change in PRO scores for both compensation groups was similar and not statistically significant. Two patients required THA and two patients required revision arthroscopy. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates statistically significant clinical improvement in PRO's after receiving microfracture during arthroscopic hip surgery at minimum two-year follow-up.

Sex-Based Differences in the Clinical Presentation of Patients With Symptomatic Hip Labral Tears.

BACKGROUND: An increasing body of literature describes the clinical presentation and demographics of patients with hip labral tears. The differences in pelvic structure and joint laxity between sexes have been described; however, no study has evaluated differences in the clinical presentation of patients with symptomatic labral tears between sexes. PURPOSE: To describe the differences between sexes in demographics, clinical history, physical examination, and intraoperative findings in patients with symptomatic labral tears. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected between February 2008 and February 2013 on 1401 patients who had symptomatic labral tears and underwent arthroscopic surgery. Hips with previous pathologic disorders were excluded. Data on demographics and clinical history were gathered, and a physical examination was performed. Preoperative pain was estimated on the visual analog scale (VAS), and 4 hip-specific patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were administered to evaluate functional status. Intraoperative findings were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 654 patients met our inclusion/exclusion criteria, with 320 males and 334 females. The median age for males was 38.3 years (range, 15.0-69.6 years) and for females 40.4 years (range, 13.1-66.8 years). Male patients had a higher incidence of acute injury than females (39.6% vs 27.6%, respectively; P < .05) and a higher incidence of workers' compensation status (14.1% vs 4.5%, respectively; P < .05). Females had increased range of motion compared with males, which was statistically significant for all range of motion measurements (P < .05). The anterior impingement test was positive in 94.4% of females and 92.9% of males, the flexion/abduction/external rotation test was positive in 59.5% of females and 61.5% of males, and the lateral impingement test was positive in 55.0% of females and 59.2% of males, but there was no statistically significant difference between sexes in any of the tests. Pain with palpation over the greater trochanter was positive in 22.0% of males and 36.9% of females (P < .0001). Females had lower PROs; however, VAS scores were similar. CONCLUSION: Male and female patients differ in their hip structure, biomechanics, and operative findings of symptomatic labral tears. However, they do not differ substantially in clinical presentation, except that males are more likely to report an acute injury and females are more likely to be evaluated with increased range of motion.

Arthroscopic Iliopsoas Fractional Lengthening for Internal Snapping of the Hip: Clinical Outcomes With a Minimum 2-Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Internal snapping of the hip is caused by the iliopsoas (IP) tendon sliding over the iliopectineal eminence or the femoral head. In many cases that require hip arthroscopic surgery, there is coexistent painful internal snapping. In such cases, fractional lengthening of the IP tendon has been suggested as an adjunctive procedure. PURPOSE: To examine the outcomes and effectiveness of arthroscopic IP tendon fractional lengthening as a solution to coexistent internal hip snapping in patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery for a labral tear and/or femoroacetabular impingement. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Between June 2010 and June 2011, data were prospectively collected for all patients with internal snapping of the hip who underwent primary arthroscopic IP tendon fractional lengthening, with a minimum 2-year follow-up. All patients were interviewed by telephone with specific questions regarding the resolution or persistence of snapping. Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using the following patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures: Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Hip Outcome Score-Activity of Daily Living (HOS-ADL) and Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS). Pain was recorded on a visual analog scale (VAS), and satisfaction was measured on a scale from 0 to 10. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients were included, with all PROs showing statistically significant improvement postoperatively (NAHS: 57.6 ± 20.6 preoperatively vs. 80.2 ± 19.2 at 2 years; HOS-ADL: 60.9 ± 21.4 preoperatively vs. 81.8 ± 20.6 at 2 years; HOS-SSS: 43.4 ± 24.6 preoperatively vs. 70.0 ± 26.7 at 2 years; and mHHS: 62.3 ± 16.4 preoperatively vs. 80.5 ± 18.3 at 2 years) (P < .001 for all). Forty-five patients (81.8%) reported good/excellent satisfaction (≥7). Overall, 45 patients (81.8%) reported resolution of painful snapping. Patients who had resolution of snapping had statistically significant superior outcomes compared with those with persistent snapping using the change in the NAHS value (25.8 ± 16.1 vs. 8.0 ± 22.5, respectively; P = .005), change in the HOS-ADL value (23.6 ± 18.0 vs. 8.5 ± 15.2, respectively; P = .017), change in the HOS-SSS value (30.7 ± 26.9 vs. 8.7 ± 23.6, respectively; P = .021), and change in the mHHS value (23.3 ± 20.1 vs. 4.4 ± 9.9, respectively; P = .005). CONCLUSION: A majority of patients reported resolution of painful snapping and improvement in symptoms. Nonetheless, the rate of persistence of internal snapping at a minimum 2 years postoperatively was higher than that reported in previous studies.

Radiographic, histologic, and arthroscopic findings in amorphous calcifications of the hip labrum.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical, radiographic, histologic, and intraoperative findings of an amorphous calcification involving the acetabular labrum. METHODS: From October 2008 to April 2013, all patients who underwent arthroscopic hip surgery for symptomatic intra-articular hip disorders and were found to have the characteristic calcific deposit involving the acetabular labrum were included. These patients were reviewed retrospectively on prospectively collected data. Radiographs were retrospectively evaluated for morphologic features of impingement and characteristics of labral calcification. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were identified as having amorphous calcification at the time of arthroscopy. There were 15 women and 1 man. Mean age was 37.3 years (range, 30 to 50 years). Symptoms were present for a mean of 9.3 months (range, 3 to 48 months). All patients reported anterior groin pain. Fifteen (94%) patients had positive anterior impingement and 9 (56%) had positive results for lateral impingement. Calcifications measured on average 3.2 mm (range, 1.9 mm to 5.6 mm), and 14 had a clear separation from the rim with increased opacity compared with neighboring trabecular bone. Intraoperatively, the characteristic amorphous calcium deposit was located in the anterosuperior labrum, with the deposit found to be accessible from the capsule-labral recess in all cases. All patients had labral tears and all patients had at least one component of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). CONCLUSIONS: Calcification in the anterosuperior acetabular labrum presents with a consistent patient demographic and distinct radiographic and arthroscopic presentation that is different from os acetabuli. As with os acetabuli, one should have a high suspicion for FAI when this lesion is encountered. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Variability in locations of hip neurovascular structures and their proximity to hip arthroscopic portals.

PURPOSE: To measure the distances of pertinent neurovascular structures from bony landmarks used during hip arthroscopy and compare them among different demographic groups. METHODS: The distances from neurovascular structures to bony landmarks often used during hip arthroscopy were measured on magnetic resonance images of the hip in 100 patients. The structures studied include the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN), sciatic nerve, femoral nerve, and femoral artery. These distances were then compared across different demographic groups, and statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: The mean anteroposterior (AP) distance from the tip of the greater trochanter to the sciatic nerve was 10.32 mm (range, 0 to 23.8 mm). At the level of the superior tip of the greater trochanter, the mean distances from the anterior superior iliac spine reference line to the LFCN, femoral nerve, and femoral artery were 6.37 mm (range, -9.8 to 35.9 mm) for medial-lateral, 23.24 mm (range, 3.4 to 67.0 mm) for AP, and 26.34 mm (range, 7.3 to 65.5 mm) for AP, respectively. We found significant differences in distances for the LFCN, femoral nerve, and femoral artery for weight (P = .003, P = .041, and P = .004, respectively) and body mass index (P = .003, P = .010, and P = .003, respectively), as well as for the LFCN between whites and Hispanics (P = .032). There were also significant differences for the femoral nerve vector between African Americans and whites (P = .04), as well as between African Americans and Hispanics (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: We found the LFCN to be the most at-risk neurovascular structure with hip arthroscopy portal placement. This study also showed that there is wide variability in the locations of pertinent neurovascular structures across different demographic groups, including weight, body mass index, and race or ethnicity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Portal placement during hip arthroscopy carries a risk of neurovascular injury, particularly to the LFCN. The clinician should be aware of the variability in structure location with different patient demographic characteristics.

Arthroscopic labral base repair in the hip: clinical results of a described technique.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of a cohort of patients who underwent labral repair by use of a previously published labral base repair suture technique for the treatment of acetabular labral tears and pincer-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). METHODS: Patients who received hip arthroscopy for symptomatic intra-articular hip disorders and underwent the previously described labral base repair technique were included in the study group. Patients who had Tönnis arthritis grade 2 or greater, had Legg-Calves-Perthes disease, or underwent simple looped stitch repair were excluded. The patient-reported outcome scores included the modified Harris Hip Score, the Non-Arthritic Hip Score, the Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living, and the Hip Outcome Score-Sport-Specific Subscale obtained preoperatively and at 2 years' and 3 years' follow-up. Any complications, revision surgeries, and conversions to total hip arthroplasty were noted. RESULTS: Of the patients, 54 (82%) were available for follow-up. The mean length of follow-up for this cohort was 2.4 years (range, 1.7 to 4.1 years). At final follow-up, there was significant improvement in all 4 patient-reported outcome scores (modified Harris Hip Score, 63.7 to 89.9; Non-Arthritic Hip Score, 60.9 to 87.9; Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living, 66.9 to 91.0; and Hip Outcome Score-Sport-Specific Subscale, 46.5 to 79.2) (P < .0001). A good or excellent result was achieved in 46 patients (85.2%). There was significant improvement in pain as measured by the change in visual analog scale score from 6.5 to 2.3 (P < .0001), and the patient satisfaction rating was 8.56 ± 2.01. There were no perioperative complications. Revision surgery was required in 3 patients (5.6%), and 2 patients (3.7%) required conversion to total hip arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical results of this labral base repair technique showed favorable clinical improvements based on 4 patient-reported outcome questionnaires, visual analog scale, and patient satisfaction. More clinical, biomechanical, and histologic studies are needed to determine the optimal repair technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Joint-preserving surgical options for management of chondral injuries of the hip.

Management of injuries to the articular cartilage is complex and challenging; it becomes especially problematic in weight-bearing joints such as the hip. Several causes of articular cartilage damage have been described, including trauma, labral tears, and femoroacetabular impingement, among others. Because articular cartilage has little capacity for healing, nonsurgical management options are limited. Surgical options include total hip arthroplasty, microfracture, articular cartilage repair, autologous chondrocyte implantation, mosaicplasty, and osteochondral allograft transplantation. Advances in hip arthroscopy have broadened the spectrum of tools available for diagnosis and management of chondral damage. However, the literature is still not sufficiently robust to draw firm conclusions regarding best practices for chondral defects. Additional research is needed to expand our knowledge of and develop guidelines for management of chondral injuries of the hip.

Arthroscopic labral reconstruction is superior to segmental resection for irreparable labral tears in the hip: a matched-pair controlled study with minimum 2-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The acetabular labrum is an important structure that plays a significant role in proper biomechanical function of the hip joint. When the labrum is significantly deficient, arthroscopic reconstruction could provide a potential solution for the nonfunctional labrum. PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic labral reconstruction (RECON) with those of arthroscopic segmental labral resection (RESEC) in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) of the hip. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Between April 2010 and March 2011, all prospectively gathered data for patients with FAI who underwent arthroscopic acetabular labral reconstruction or segmental resection with a minimum 2-year follow-up were reviewed. Eleven cases in the RECON group were matched to 22 cases in the RESEC group according to the preoperative Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS) and sex. The patient-reported outcome scores (PROs) used included the NAHS, the Hip Outcome Score (HOS), and the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS). Statistical analyses were performed to compare the change in PROs in both groups. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding the preoperative NAHS (P = .697), any of the other preoperative PROs, or demographic and radiographic data. The mean change in the NAHS was 24.8 ± 16.0 in the RECON group and 12.5 ± 16.0 in the RESEC group. The mean change in the HOS-activities of daily living (HOS-ADL) was 21.7 ± 16.5 in the RECON group and 9.5 ± 15.5 in the RESEC group. Comparison of the amount of change between groups showed greater improvement in the NAHS and HOS-ADL for the RECON group (P = .046 and .045, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean changes in the rest of the PROs, although there were trends in all in favor of the RECON group. All PROs in both groups showed a statistically significant improvement at follow-up compared with preoperative levels. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic labral reconstruction is an effective and safe procedure that provides good short-term clinical outcomes in hips with insufficient and nonfunctional labra in the setting of FAI.