Preoperative Corticosteroid Injections Are Not Associated with Deep Infection after Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty.

Prior to unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), corticosteroid injections (CSI) are a common nonoperative treatment for arthritis. It is unclear whether CSI prior to UKA impacts the likelihood of postoperative infection. This study sought to determine if there is a time- and/or dose-dependent relationship between preoperative CSI and postoperative infection. An administrative claims database was queried for patients undergoing UKA with more than 1 year of pre-enrollment and follow-up. Of 31,676 patients with a UKA who met enrollment criteria, 8,628 patients had a CSI 0 to 3 months prior to surgery, 111 had a CSI 3 to 12 months prior to surgery, and 22,937 never received an injection. Overall, 246 postoperative deep infections were reported (0.8%). Time-dependent and dose-dependent relationships were modeled using multivariable logistic regressions. Postoperative deep infections occurred in 64 patients with CSI 0 to 3 months prior to surgery (0.7%), compared with 0 patients with CSI 3 to 12 months before surgery (0.0%) and 182 controls (0.8%, p = 0.58). CSI within 1 month prior to UKA was not statistically associated with postoperative infection (p = 0.66). Two or more CSI within 3 months prior to UKA were associated with a twofold elevated odds of infection, compared with receiving a single injection (odds ratio [OR]: 2.08, p = 0.03). Univariable predictors of infection included younger age, increasing Charlson Comorbidity Index, smoking, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, liver disease, and obesity. Multivariable analysis controlling for these characteristics elicited no relationship between recent CSI administration and postoperative infection. CSI within 3 months of surgery (1.5%) or 3 to 12 months (1.8%) were associated with increased conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) compared with those who did not receive an injection (1.1%, p = 0.01), although TKA for indication of periprosthetic joint infection was not statistically different (p = 0.72). Preoperative CSI within 3 months of UKA is not associated with postoperative infection, although significant medical comorbidity does show an association. Preoperative CSI is associated with increased conversion from UKA to TKA for noninfectious indications.

3-dimensionally printed patient-specific glenoid drill guides vs. standard nonspecific instrumentation: a randomized controlled trial comparing the accuracy of glenoid component placement in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Traditional, commercially sourced patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) systems for shoulder arthroplasty improve glenoid component placement but can involve considerable cost and outsourcing delays. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to compare the accuracy of glenoid component positioning in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) using an in-house, point-of-care, 3-dimensionally (3D) printed patient-specific glenoid drill guide vs. standard nonspecific instrumentation. METHODS: This single-center randomized controlled trial included 36 adult patients undergoing primary aTSA. Patients were blinded and randomized 1:1 to either the PSI or the standard aTSA guide groups. The primary endpoint was the accuracy of glenoid component placement (version and inclination), which was determined using a metal-suppression computed tomography scan taken between 6 weeks and 1 year postoperatively. Deviation from the preoperative 3D templating plan was calculated for each patient. Blinded postoperative computed tomography measurements were performed by a fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon and a musculoskeletal radiologist. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were randomized to the patient-specific glenoid drill guide group, and 17 patients were allocated to the standard instrumentation control group. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups for native version (P = .527) or inclination (P = .415). The version correction was similar between the 2 groups (P = .551), and the PSI group was significantly more accurate when correcting version than the control group (P = .042). The PSI group required a significantly greater inclination correction than the control group (P = .002); however, the 2 groups still had similar accuracy when correcting inclination (P = .851). For the PSI group, there was no correlation between the accuracy of component placement and native version, native inclination, or the Walch classification of glenoid wear (P > .05). For the control group, accuracy when correcting version was inversely correlated with native version (P = .033), but accuracy was not correlated with native inclination or the Walch classification of glenoid wear (P > .05). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.703 and 0.848 when measuring version and inclination accuracy, respectively. CONCLUSION: When compared with standard instrumentation, the use of in-house, 3D printed, patient-specific glenoid drill guides during aTSA led to more accurate glenoid component version correction and similarly accurate inclination correction. Additional research should examine the influence of proper component position and use of PSI on clinical outcomes.

Patient-reported outcomes measurement information system depression psychometrically underperforms compared to legacy measures and is poorly associated with postoperative functional outcomes in shoulder arthroplasty patients.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between each mental health patient-reported outcome measure with postoperative functional outcomes following shoulder arthroplasty, and to compare psychometric properties of patient-reported outcomes measurement information system depression to the legacy (VR-12 Mental) patient-reported outcome measure. Methods: Patients who underwent primary shoulder arthroplasty from July 2018 to February 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient-reported outcomes measurement information system depression and VR-12 Mental were administered preoperatively; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation were administered at 6-month and 1-year postoperatively. Rasch partial credit modeling analysis was used to compare psychometric properties of legacy versus patient-reported outcomes measurement information system instruments in assessing mental health. Results: Ninety-three patients who underwent total shoulder arthroplasty (n = 52), reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (n = 39), or hemiarthroplasty (n = 2) were included. Preoperative VR-12 Mental scores were moderately associated with American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons at 6-months (coefficient: 0.52, P = 0.026) and 1-year (coefficient: 0.65, P = 0.002), while preoperative patient-reported outcomes measurement information system depression scores were not. Patient-reported outcomes measurement information system depression demonstrated significant floor effects (16%); VR-12 Mental demonstrated minimal floor and ceiling effects (1.1% for both). VR-12 Mental demonstrated broader coverage of mental outlook on Rasch modeling than patient-reported outcomes measurement information system depression and had adequate model fit after one round of reiterative item elimination. Discussion: Patient-reported outcomes measurement information system depression was poorly associated with postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, demonstrated significant floor effects, and had limited coverage of mental health on Rasch modeling with reiterative elimination. Level of Evidence: IV.

PROMIS physical function and pain perform poorly psychometrically in patients undergoing medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the validity, floor and ceiling effects, and dimensionality of PROMIS Physical Function (PF) and Pain compared to legacy patient reported outcome (PRO) measures in patients undergoing medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. METHODS: Patients who underwent MPFL reconstruction between 2018 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperatively, patients completed the IKDC, VR-12, Kujala, SF-12, KOOS JR, PROMIS PF and Pain surveys. Inter-survey convergence was assessed with Spearman correlations. Psychometric analysis included investigations of inter-survey convergent validity, intra-survey floor and ceiling effects, and Rasch analyses with person-item fit and iterative question elimination model fit testing. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients (mean age: 22.6 ± 8.4 years) who completed preoperative surveys were included (compliance: 91.7-96.2%). Preoperatively, age was significantly associated with both PROMIS PF (coefficient: - 0.291, P = 0.005) and Pain scores (coefficient: 0.294, P = 0.002). PROMIS PF had a Very Good correlation with IKDC and PROMIS Pain had a Very Good correlation with KOOS JR. Other correlations ranged from Poor to Good. No significant floor or ceiling effects were observed for any PRO. On iterative question elimination Rasch modelling, only two questions from PROMIS PF remained after 6 rounds of elimination while PROMIS Pain had no questions remaining after 3 rounds of elimination. CONCLUSION: Preoperative PROMIS PF and Pain provided only Fair to Good correlations with most legacy PROs. Although no significant floor and ceiling effects were observed, PROMIS PF and Pain did not perform well psychometrically in this population of patients undergoing MPFL reconstruction. These results suggest PROMIS questionnaires should be used with caution in this population, especially if used in isolation, when discussing clinical expectations with patients. The authors recommend continued use of legacy PROs specific to assessment of patellar instability and function that have established validity in patellar instability populations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

A Radiostereometric Analysis of Tendon Migration After Arthroscopic and Mini-Open Biceps Tenodesis: Interference Screw Versus Single Suture Anchor Fixation.

BACKGROUND: Studies suggest that similar clinical results are achieved via arthroscopic and open biceps tenodesis (BT) techniques. PURPOSE: To quantify the postoperative migration of the BT construct between arthroscopic suprapectoral BT (ASPBT) and open subpectoral BT (OSPBT) techniques via interference screw (IS) or single-suture suture anchor (SSSA) fixation using radiostereometric analysis. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Distal migration of the biceps tendon after OSPBT with a polyetheretherketone IS, OSPBT with 1 SSSA, ASPBT with polyetheretherketone IS, and ASPBT with 2 SSSAs was measured prospectively. Patients with symptomatic biceps tendinopathy and preoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including Constant-Murley subjective, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, or Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Upper Extremity scores were included. A tantalum bead was sutured on the proximal end of the long head of the biceps tendon before fixation of tendon tissue. Anteroposterior radiographs were performed immediately postoperatively, at 1 week, and at 3 months. Bead migration was measured, and preoperative PROMs were compared with those at latest follow-up. RESULTS: Of 115 patients, 94 (82%) were available for final follow-up. IS fixation yielded the least tendon migration with no difference between the open and arthroscopic approaches (4.31 vs 5.04 mm; P = .70). Fixation with 1 suture anchor demonstrated significantly greater migration than that achieved with an IS at both 1 week (6.47 vs 0.1 mm, 6.47 vs 1.75 mm, P < .001;) and 3 months (14.76 vs 4.31 mm, 14.76 vs 5.04 mm, P < .001) postoperatively. Two-suture anchor fixation yielded significantly greater migration than IS fixation at 1 week (7.02 vs 0.1 mm, P < .001; 7.02 vs 1.75 mm, P = .003) but not 3 months postoperatively (8.06 vs 4.31 mm, P = .10; 8.06 vs 5.04 mm, P = .07). Four patients with suture anchor fixation (3 patients in the OSPBT 1 SSSA group, 9.4%, and 1 patient in the ASPBT 2 SSSAs group, 3.8%) developed a Popeye deformity, whereas no Popeye deformities occurred in the IS groups. Mean 3-month bead migration in patients with and without a Popeye deformity was 60.8 and 11.2 mm, respectively (P < .0001). PROMs did not differ among groups at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Interference screw fixation yielded the least tendon migration whether achieved arthroscopically or open. The available data indicated that fixation with 1 SSSA but not 2 SSSAs resulted in significantly greater migration than that achieved with an IS. Despite variations in tendon migration, PROMs were similar among all groups. When SSSAs are used, tendon migration may be minimized by using ≥2 anchors.

Management of ACL Reconstruction Complicated by MRSA Osteomyelitis Requiring a Gastrocnemius Perforator Flap: A Case Report.

CASE: A 21-year-old woman presented with sepsis from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, patellar osteomyelitis, and 6 × 4 × 2-cm proximal anteromedial soft-tissue defect 1 week after bone-tendon-bone autograft anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R). She underwent multiple irrigation and debridement (I&Ds), hardware removal, bone grafting with antibiotic-loaded tricalcium phosphate beads, and medial gastrocnemius perforator flap with plastic surgery. At 18 months after her initial ACL-R, single-stage revision ACL-R with quadriceps autograft was performed. CONCLUSION: When acute ACL-R infection does not respond to initial I&D and Intravenous (IV) antibiotics, retained hardware and graft tissue must be removed expeditiously to prevent sepsis, osteomyelitis, and soft-tissue defects.

Non-classical Celiac Disease as an Unrecognized Cause for Post-operative Knee Swelling following Patellofemoral Arthroplasty: A Case Report.

Introduction: Non-classical Celiac disease is a previously undescribed cause of debilitating post-operative cutaneous complications following an orthopedic procedure. Non-specific symptoms and rarity of the disease pose a diagnostic challenge; however, given underdiagnosis and significant morbidity, after ruling out of acute pathology, Celiac disease should be included in differential diagnosis for refractory cutaneous complications following an operative procedure. Case Report: A 34-year-old woman who underwent patellofemoral arthroplasty and medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction experienced over 5 months of post-operative knee swelling, erythema, and pain unresponsive to antihistamines and negative infectious, vascular, and implant allergy testing workups. After careful dietary monitoring by an allergy specialist, she was tested and confirmed to have Celiac disease. Following cessation of her oral contraceptive pill and dietary gluten, her knee swelling, erythema, and debilitating pain resolved. Conclusion: Skin erythema, swelling, and pain are known complications after any operative treatment, but after ruling out of acute infectious and thromboembolic processes, diagnosis and management of refractory complications pose a challenging scenario. In this rare phenomenon, previously undescribed, a patient presented with months of post-operative knee erythema, swelling, stiffness, and extreme pain on activity along with non-specific symptoms of headache and fatigue before diagnosis with Celiac disease. On cessation of her birth control and dietary gluten, her symptoms and knee function improved dramatically.

Patient Demographic Factors Are Not Associated With Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Concentration in Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate.

Purpose: To describe the capacity for concentration of a single processing machine for bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) production and investigate the effects of demographic factors on the number of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in BMAC. Methods: Patients enrolled in our institution's randomized control trials involving BMAC who had complete BMAC flow cytometry data were included. Multipotent MSC phenotype, defined as cell-surface coexpression of specific-identifying antigens (≥95% positive) and the absence of hematopoietic lineage markers (≤2% positive), was determined for both patient bone marrow aspirate (BMA) and BMAC samples. The ratio of cells in BMA:BMAC samples was calculated and Spearman correlations (i.e., body mass index [BMI]) and Kruskall-Wallis (i.e., age: <40, 40-60, >60 years) or Mann-Whitney (i.e., sex) tests were used to determine the relationship of cell concentration to demographic factors. Results: Eighty patients were included in analysis (49% male, mean age: 49.9 ± 12.2 years). Mean concentration of BMA and BMAC was 2,048.13 ± 2,004.14 MSCs/mL and 5,618.87 ± 7,568.54 MSC/mL, respectively, with a mean BMAC:BMA ratio of 4.35 ± 2.09. A significantly greater MSC concentration was observed in the BMAC samples when compared with BMA (P = .005). No patient demographic factors (age, sex, height, weight, BMI) were found to predict MSC concentration in the BMAC samples (P ≥ .01). Conclusions: Demographic factors, including age, sex, and BMI do not impact the final concentration of MSCs in BMAC when using a single harvest technique (anterior iliac crest) and a single processing system. Clinical Relevance: As the role of BMAC therapy expands in clinical application, it becomes increasingly important to understand the determinants of BMAC composition and how it is affected by different harvesting techniques, concentrating processes, and patient demographics.

Total Knee Arthroplasty After Meniscectomy Is More Likely in Patients With Bicompartmental or Complex Tears.

Purpose: To determine the relationship between meniscus tear morphologies, stratified by location and pattern, and knee arthroplasty rates in a commercial insurance population. Methods: The PearlDiver database was queried for patients ≥35 years old with a meniscus tear of specified laterality and ≥2 years follow-up between 2015 and 2018. Two analyses were conducted with cohorts matched on age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, obesity, osteoarthritis (OA), and treatment (meniscectomy vs conservative): one with equal-sized subgroups by tear location (medial only, lateral only, or both medial and lateral) and another by tear pattern (bucket-handle, complex, or peripheral). The rate of subsequent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was compared between matched groups. Results: In total, 129,987 patients (mean age: 57.8 ± 10.5 years) were matched by tear location; 1,734 patients with medial-only tears (4.0%), 1,786 with lateral-only tears (4.1%), and 2,611 with medial plus lateral tears (6.0%) underwent a TKA within 5 years (P < .001). Patients with both medial and lateral tears were 1.55-fold more likely to undergo TKA. In total, 24,213 patients (mean age: 56.0 ± 10.5 years) were matched by tear pattern; 296 patients with bucket-handle tears (3.7%), 373 with complex tears (4.6%), and 336 with peripheral tears (4.2%) underwent TKA (P = .01). Patients with complex tears were 1.29-fold more likely to undergo TKA than patients with bucket-handle tears (P = .002). Conclusions: In matched cohorts of patients with degenerative meniscus tears, having both medial plus lateral tears conferred a 1.5-fold risk of TKA, whereas complex tears conferred a 1.3-fold risk within 5 years. Specific meniscal tear patterns and locations harbor varying risk in progressing to end-stage knee OA, and these data may help counsel patients about their likelihood of progressing to end-stage OA warranting an arthroplasty procedure. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Editorial Commentary: Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Are Tools Requiring Physician and Patient Input When Screening Patients at Risk for Extended, Postoperative Opioid Use.

As the implementation of artificial intelligence in orthopedic surgery research flourishes, so grows the need for responsible use. Related research requires clear reporting of algorithmic error rates. Recent studies show that preoperative opioid use, male sex, and greater body mass index are risk factors for extended, postoperative opioid use, but may result in high false positive rates. Thus, to be applied clinically when screening patients, these tools require physician and patient input, and nuanced interpretation, as the utility of these screening tools diminish without providers interpreting and acting on the information. Machine learning and artificial intelligence should be viewed as tools that can facilitate these human conversations among patients, orthopedic surgeons, and health care providers.

Determining the Time Required to Achieve Clinically Significant Outcomes on the PROMIS Upper Extremity Questionnaire After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair.

Background: Clinically significant outcome (CSO) thresholds for the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System-Upper Extremity (PROMIS-UE) score have been previously defined after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR). However, the time required to achieve CSOs for the PROMIS-UE score is unknown. Purpose: To (1) determine the time required to achieve the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), substantial clinical benefit (SCB), and Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) score thresholds after RCR for the PROMIS-UE questionnaire and (2) identify patient factors associated with earlier or delayed achievement of these clinical benchmarks. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A prospectively maintained institutional database was retrospectively reviewed for consecutive patients who underwent RCR between January 2018 and January 2019. Patients were included if they completed the PROMIS-UE questionnaire both preoperatively and at standardized postoperative time intervals: 5 to 7 months (6-month time point), 11 to 13 months (1-year time point), and ≥23 months (2-year time point). Kaplan-Meier survival curves with interval censoring were used to define the cumulative percentage of patients who achieved the MCID, SCB, and PASS. Patient variables associated with earlier or delayed achievement of the MCID, SCB, and PASS were determined using Weibull parametric survival regression analysis. Results: Included were 105 patients undergoing RCR (age, 57.3 ± 10.3 years; body mass index, 31.5 ± 6.1 kg/m2). By 2-year follow-up, the cumulative percentage of patients achieving the MCID, SCB, and PASS was 86.7%, 76.2%, and 74.3%, respectively. The mean time required to reach the MCID, SCB, and PASS score thresholds was 9.5 ± 3.8, 10.3 ± 4.4, and 9.8 ± 4.6 months, respectively. Factors associated with delayed achievement of CSOs included greater baseline PROMIS-UE score (MCID and SCB) and workers' compensation insurance (PASS). Greater baseline PROMIS-UE scores were associated with earlier achievement of the PASS. Conclusion: Most patients achieved CSOs for the PROMIS-UE within 12 months of RCR. Patient-specific factors found to be associated with earlier or delayed achievement of CSOs can be used to inform patient discussions on the expected timeline for recovery after RCR.

Quadriceps Weakness is Associated with Neuroplastic Changes Within Specific Corticospinal Pathways and Brain Areas After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Theoretical Utility of Motor Imagery-Based Brain-Computer Interface Technology for Rehabilitation.

Persistent quadriceps weakness is a problematic sequela of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The purposes of this review are to summarize neuroplastic changes after ACL reconstruction; provide an overview of a promising interventions, motor imagery (MI), and its utility in muscle activation; and propose a framework using a brain-computer interface (BCI) to augment quadriceps activation. A literature review of neuroplastic changes, MI training, and BCI-MI technology in postoperative neuromuscular rehabilitation was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. Combinations of the following search terms were used to identify articles: "quadriceps muscle," "neurofeedback," "biofeedback," "muscle activation," "motor learning," "anterior cruciate ligament," and "cortical plasticity." We found that ACLR disrupts sensory input from the quadriceps, which results in reduced sensitivity to electrochemical neuronal signals, an increase in central inhibition of neurons regulating quadriceps control and dampening of reflexive motor activity. MI training consists of visualizing an action, without physically engaging in muscle activity. Imagined motor output during MI training increases the sensitivity and conductivity of corticospinal tracts emerging from the primary motor cortex, which helps "exercise" the connections between the brain and target muscle tissues. Motor rehabilitation studies using BCI-MI technology have demonstrated increased excitability of the motor cortex, corticospinal tract, spinal motor neurons, and disinhibition of inhibitory interneurons. This technology has been validated and successfully applied in the recovery of atrophied neuromuscular pathways in stroke patients but has yet to be investigated in peripheral neuromuscular insults, such as ACL injury and reconstruction. Well-designed clinical studies may assess the impact of BCI on clinical outcomes and recovery time. Quadriceps weakness is associated with neuroplastic changes within specific corticospinal pathways and brain areas. BCI-MI shows strong potential for facilitating recovery of atrophied neuromuscular pathways after ACLR and may offer an innovative, multidisciplinary approach to orthopaedic care. Level of Evidence: V, expert opinion.

Prospective Randomized Trial of Biologic Augmentation With Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair.

BACKGROUND: Although initial studies have demonstrated that concentrated bone marrow aspirate (cBMA) injections promote rotator cuff repair (RCR) healing, there are no randomized prospective studies investigating clinical efficacy. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: To compare outcomes after arthroscopic RCR (aRCR) with and without cBMA augmentation. It was hypothesized that cBMA augmentation would result in statistically significant improvements in clinical outcomes and rotator cuff structural integrity. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: Patients indicated for aRCR of isolated 1- to 3-cm supraspinatus tendon tears were randomized to receive adjunctive cBMA injection or sham incision. Bone marrow was aspirated from the iliac crest, concentrated using a commercially available system, and injected at the aRCR site after repair. Patients were assessed preoperatively and serially until 2 years postoperatively via the following functional indices: American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), Simple Shoulder Test, 12-Item Short Form Health Survey, and Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at 1 year to assess rotator cuff structural integrity according to Sugaya classification. Treatment failure was defined as decreased 1- or 2-year ASES or SANE scores as compared with preoperative baseline, the need for revision RCR, or conversion to total shoulder arthroplasty. RESULTS: An overall 91 patients were enrolled (control, n = 45; cBMA, n = 46): 82 (90%) completed 2-year clinical follow-up and 75 (82%) completed 1-year MRI. Functional indices significantly improved in both groups by 6 months and were sustained at 1 and 2 years (all P < .05). The control group showed significantly greater evidence of rotator cuff retear according to Sugaya classification on 1-year MRI (57% vs 18%; P < .001). Treatment failed for 7 patients in each group (control, 16%; cBMA, 15%). CONCLUSION: cBMA-augmented aRCR of isolated supraspinatus tendon tears may result in a structurally superior repair but largely fails to significantly improve treatment failure rates and patient-reported clinical outcomes when compared with aRCR alone. Additional study is warranted to investigate the long-term benefits of improved repair quality on clinical outcomes and repair failure rates. REGISTRATION: NCT02484950 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Outcomes of Distal Femoral Osteotomy for Valgus Malalignment: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Closing Wedge Versus Opening Wedge Techniques.

BACKGROUND: Valgus knee deformity increases the risk for lateral articular chondral damage, contributing to earlier onset and accelerated progression of osteoarthritis. Distal femoral osteotomy (DFO) unloads the lateral joint compartment and can be performed using closing wedge (CW) or opening wedge (OW) techniques. PURPOSE: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis for patients with valgus knee deformity undergoing DFO to determine differences in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), complications, and survival rates, comparing CW versus OW DFO. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review, Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A literature review was performed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines utilizing PubMed, Cochrane Database, Ovid/MEDLINE, and Scopus. Inclusion criteria consisted of studies reporting outcomes in patients undergoing CW or OW DFO for the treatment of valgus knee deformities with symptomatic lateral compartment pathology with a minimum 2-year follow-up. PROMs and complications were analyzed using random-effects modeling to identify differences in outcomes as a function of surgical technique. Long-term survival data, defined as conversion to total knee arthroplasty, were analyzed using a multiple metaregression model as a function of individual study follow-up time points and surgical technique. RESULTS: In total, we included 23 retrospective studies (n = 619 knees), of which 10 studies (n = 271 knees) reported outcomes after CW DFO and 13 studies (n = 348 knees) reported on OW DFO outcomes. Good to excellent clinical outcomes were reported in PROMs when compared with preoperative values with both techniques, while no significant differences between techniques were appreciated on functional Knee Society Scores and Tegner scores. No significant differences were appreciated in the incidence of complications reported in patients undergoing CW (20%) versus OW (33%) DFO (P = .432). Pain requiring hardware removal was the most commonly reported complication in both groups. The survival rate for CW DFO was 81.5% (mean follow-up, 8.8 ± 4.3 years) compared with 90.5% for OW DFO (mean follow-up, 4.5 ± 1.5 years). Multiple metaregression demonstrated that patient follow-up (P < .001) was significantly associated with knee survival, while surgical technique (P = .810) was not a predictor of clinical failure. CONCLUSIONS: Both CW and OW DFO techniques were associated with good to excellent clinical outcomes with no significant differences in PROMs based on technique. Pain requiring hardware removal was the most common complication in both techniques, while long-term survivability was found to be a function of follow-up and not surgical technique. Technique selection should be based on shared patient-physician decision making with an emphasis on surgeon preference and technique familiarity.

Patellar fracture among elite-level European soccer players: 4-year case-control cohort analysis of return to play, re-injury, and player performance.

OBJECTIVES: There is a paucity of literature investigating the relationship between patellar fracture and player performance of professional soccer players following return to play (RTP). Our goal is to determine the rate of RTP, time to RTP, and effect on player performance following patellar fracture. METHODS: Twenty-one elite-level European professional soccer players who sustained a patellar fracture between 1999 and 2018 were identified via a publicly accessible database. Athletes with patellar fracture were matched to controls by age, height, years played in the league, season of injury, and position. Change in performance metrics between one season prior to injury and the following four seasons after injury were compared. RESULTS: Players with patellar fracture were absent for a mean 207.95 ± 135.55 days and 16.81 ± 31.79 games. Fifteen (71%) players returned to play after injury with 67% returning within 1 season after injury. Injured players did not demonstrate significant change in performance metrics at any of the follow-up timepoints compared to control. Subgroup analysis showed that attackers recorded approximately 1200 fewer minutes played per season than pre-injury levels 2 seasons following injury, significantly fewer (p < 0.05) than the control cohort recording similar minutes per season throughout the study period. Midfielders and defenders demonstrated similar fluctuations in performance to the control cohort for both field time and performance metrics (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Seventy-one percent of players RTP after patellar fracture with an associated absence of 7 months and 17 missed games. Overall, injured players did not demonstrate a significant decline in performance as demonstrated by games played, total minutes played per season, minutes per game, assists, and goals 1 season after injury. Attackers played fewer minutes during the season of and 2 seasons after the initial injury.

Incidence and 30- and 90-day readmission rates after primary shoulder arthroplasty in the United States: an analysis using the National Readmissions Database.

BACKGROUND: The field of shoulder arthroplasty has experienced a substantial increase in the number of procedures performed annually and a shift toward more common implantation of reverse shoulder arthroplasties (RSAs). Same-day discharge is perceived as beneficial for most patients as well as our health care system, and the number of shoulder procedures performed as same-day surgery has increased substantially. However, the potential benefits of same-day discharge after shoulder arthroplasty may be negatively influenced by unexpected readmissions. As such, an in-depth analysis of readmission rates after primary shoulder arthroplasty is particularly timely. METHODS: The National Readmissions Database was queried for primary shoulder arthroplasty procedures performed in the United States between 2016 and 2018. National incidences were calculated, and indications, patient demographic characteristics, comorbidities, facility characteristics, and rates and causes of 30- and 90-day readmissions were determined for all procedures and compared between anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), anatomic hemiarthroplasty (HA), and RSA. RESULTS: During the study period, 336,672 primary shoulder arthroplasties were performed (37% TSAs, 57% RSAs, and 6% HAs). In 2018, national incidences per 100,000 inhabitants were 22.64 for RSA, 12.70 for TSA, and 1.50 for HA. The utilization of these procedures between 2016 and 2018 increased for RSA, decreased for HA, and remained constant for TSA, but these changes did not reach the level of statistical significance. The average all-cause 30-day readmission rates were 3.63%, 1.92%, and 3.81% for RSA, TSA, and HA, respectively, and the average all-cause 90-day readmission rates were 7.76%, 4.37%, and 9.18%, respectively. For both RSA and HA, the most common surgical diagnosis for 30-day and 90-day readmissions was dislocation (0.45% and 0.99%, respectively, for RSA and 0.21% and 0.67%, respectively, for HA). For TSA, the most common surgical diagnosis for 30-day readmission was infection (0.11%); however, this was surpassed by dislocation (0.28%) at 90 days. CONCLUSION: RSA surpassed TSA as the most frequently performed shoulder arthroplasty procedure in the United States between 2016 and 2018. During this period, the 90-day readmission rate was not negligible, with dislocation and infection as the leading orthopedic causes of readmission.

The Epidemiology of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections From 2010 to 2020 in a Large US Commercial Insurance Claims Database: A Recent Update.

INTRODUCTION: The popularity of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for the treatment of orthopaedic conditions has grown markedly. We sought to better define the trends in the usage of orthopaedic PRP injections across an insured US population over the past decade. METHODS: The PearlDiver M91Ortho commercial administrative claims database was queried for all patients receiving PRP injections for orthopaedic conditions from 2010 through the first quarter of 2020 (Q1.2020). Trends in PRP use, reimbursement charges, demographics, joints injected, and administering physicians were assessed over time and reported as year-over-year (YOY) changes. RESULTS: Over the study period, 14,096 unique patients had 17,759 orthopaedic PRP injections. The number of PRP injections administered had a YOY increase of 7.1% (144 injections/year, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 89 to 199, Ptrend = 0.0009). A YOY increase of 895% was observed in total nonsurgical charges ($683,974/yr, 95% CI 441,504 to 926,444, Ptrend = 0.0009). The median age of PRP recipients increased (YOY change = +0.6 years, 95% CI 0.4 to 0.8, Ptrend = 0.0005). Injections to the elbow (YOY change = -0.8%, 95% CI -0.10% to [-0.06%], Ptrend = 0.005) and foot/ankle (YOY change = -1.0%, 95% CI -1.4% to [-0.06%], Ptrend = 0.002) decreased, whereas hip (YOY change = +0.4%, 95% CI 0.2% to 0.6%, Ptrend = 0.019), knee (YOY change = +0.9%, 95% CI 0.3% to 1.2%, Ptrend = 0.016), and spine (YOY change = +0.2%, 95% CI 0.0% to 0.4%, Ptrend = 0.033) injections increased. PRP injections given by sports medicine orthopaedic surgeons (YOY change = +0.8%, 95% CI 0.6% to 1.2%, Ptrend <0.0001) increased over time, whereas those by general orthopaedic surgeons decreased (YOY change = -0.9, 95% CI -1.2 to [-0.6%], Ptrend = 0.001). CONCLUSION: PRP injections quadrupled in prevalence from 2010 to Q1.2020, with a projected increase in annual usage in this data set of 66% by 2030. As greater evidence-based indications for PRP use are identified, more specialists and insurance providers may consider expanding their involvement in this growing field. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective cohort study.

Suture Anchor-Based Quadriceps Tendon Repair May Result in Improved Patient-Reported Outcomes but Similar Failure Rates Compared to the Transosseous Tunnel Technique.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare failure rates and patient-reported outcomes between transosseus (TO) suture and suture anchor (SA) quadriceps tendon repairs. METHODS: Following institutional review board approval, patients who underwent primary repair for quadriceps tendon rupture with TO or SA techniques between January 2009 and August 2018 were identified from an institutional database and retrospectively reviewed. Patients were contacted for satisfaction (1-10 scale), current function (0-100 scale), failure (retear), and revision surgeries; International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score (KOOS) were also collected to achieve a minimum of 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients (34 SA, 30 TO) were available by phone or e-mail at a mean of 4.81 ± 2.60 years postoperatively. There were 10 failures, for an overall failure rate of 15.6%. Failure incidence did not significantly differ between treatment groups (P = .83). Twenty-seven patients (47% of nonfailed patients) had completed patient-reported outcomes. The SA group reported higher subjective function (SA: 90 [85-100] vs TO: 85 [60-93], 95% CI of difference: -19.9 to -2.1 × 10-5, P = .042), final IKDC (79.6 [50.0-93.6] vs 62.1 [44.3-65.5], 95% CI of difference: -33.0 to -0.48, P = .048), KOOS Pain (97.2 [84.7-97.2] vs 73.6 [50.7-88.2], 95% CI of difference: -36.1 to -3.6 × 10-5, P = .037), Quality of Life (81.3 [56.3-93.8] vs 50.0 [23.4-56.3], 95% CI of difference: -50.0 to -6.2, P = .026), and Sport (75.0 [52.5-90.0] vs 47.5 [31.3-67.5], 95% CI of the difference: -45.0 to -4.1 × 10-5, P = .048). CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant difference in failure rate between transosseus and suture anchor repairs for quadriceps tendon ruptures (P = .83). Most failures occur secondary to a traumatic reinjury within the first year postoperatively. Despite the lack of difference in failure rates, at final follow-up, patients who undergo suture anchor repair may report significantly greater subjective function and final IKDC, KOOS Pain, Quality of Life, and Sport scores. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective cohort study.

Two Intramedullary and 1 Extramedullary Cortical Button, With or Without Interference Screw, Show Biomechanical Properties Superior to Native Tendon in Repair of the Distal Biceps Tendon: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of Biomechanical Performance.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to use a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare the failure strength, maximum strength, stiffness, and displacement of available constructs for distal biceps repair. METHODS: An NMA was conducted to determine the performance of 2 all-suture suture anchors (2x ASA), 2 intramedullary cortical buttons (2x IM CB), 2 suture anchors (2x SA), extramedullary cortical buttons (EM CB), extramedullary cortical button plus interference screw (EM CB+IFS), interference screw (IFS), single intramedullary cortical button (IM CB), single suture anchor (SA), transosseous suture (TOS), tension slide technique (TST), and tension slide technique plus suture tape (TST+ST). Analysis consisted of arm-based network meta-analysis under Bayesian random-effects model with Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling. Biomechanical outcomes were summarized as treatment effects and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Rank probabilities were calculated and used to generate each treatment's surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curve. Biomechanical properties were compared to native tendon. Displacement >10 mm was defined as clinical failure. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies were included. For failure strength, no construct outperformed the native tendon but 2× SA, IFS, SA, and TOS demonstrated poorer failure strength. For the maximum load to failure, EM CB+IFS outperformed the native tendon. Compared to native tendon, EM CB+IFS, EM CB, and 2×IM CB were stiffer, while 2x SA and IFS were less stiff. No construct demonstrated >10 mm of displacement, but constructs with displacement above the mean (3.5 mm) included 2× ASA, 2xIM CB, and TOS. CONCLUSIONS: The fixation constructs that consistently demonstrated comparable or better biomechanical properties (failure strength, maximum strength, and stiffness) to native tendon in distal biceps tendon repair were the extramedullary cortical button with or without interference screw and two intramedullary cortical buttons. No construct demonstrated displacement beyond standard definitions for clinical failure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This network meta-analysis of biomechanical studies suggests that extramedullary cortical button and two intramedullary cortical buttons may be the most stable construct for distal biceps repair fixation, with equivalent or better biomechanical properties compared to native tendon.

Travel distance does not affect outcomes after total shoulder arthroplasty.

Background: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of travel distance on achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) on all three commonly used patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for the shoulder more than 1 year following total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Methods: Patients undergoing reverse or anatomic TSA at a high-volume tertiary referral center between September 2016 and August 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 groups: driving distance of >50 miles from the location of surgery (referral group) and driving distance of <50 miles (local group). Scores on preoperative and postoperative PROMs, including American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score, and Constant Score (CS) at minimum 1-year follow-up were assessed. Chi-square analysis was used to analyze the achievement of MCID on any PROM or a combination of PROMs. Logistic regression was performed to determine whether travel distance and other variables of interest had an effect on achieving MCID on all three PROMs. Results: A total of 214 patients with minimum 1-year follow-up were included in the final analysis. Of these, 165 patients (77.1%) traveled <50 miles to their orthopedic provider at the time of surgery. The local group demonstrated significantly inferior preoperative SANE scores (P < .001) and significantly higher postoperative ASES scores (P = .001). A total of 166 (77%) patients achieved all three MCIDs postoperatively. There was no significant difference between distance groups for achievement of all MCIDs (P = .328). On multivariable regression, body mass index > 30 (odds ratio [OR], 5.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53-30.28), worker's compensation status (OR, 16.78; 95% CI, 2.34-161.39), and higher preoperative ASES score (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.07) were associated with an increased risk of failure to achieve all MCIDs (P < .05). Age, adjusted gross income, private insurance, and travel distance were not significantly associated with failure to achieve all MCIDs. Conclusions: After controlling for age, sex, and adjusted gross income, distance traveled to a high-volume referral center did not have an effect on achieving the MCID on all three commonly used PROMs for the shoulder at least 1 year after undergoing TSA. Elevated body mass index, worker's compensation status, and higher preoperative ASES score were associated with an increased risk of failure to achieve all MCIDs after TSA.