Acetabular Rim Ossification Variants Are Found in Almost 20% of Patients Presenting With Hip Pain.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of 4 different types of acetabular rim ossifications, including partial labral ossification or punctate calcification, true os acetabuli, acetabular rim stress fracture, and complete labral ossification, and to determine whether different types of periacetabular ossifications are linked to demographic or radiological factors. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medial records of patients presenting for hip-related complaints at 2 sports medicine practices from September 2007 to December 2009. An anteroposterior radiograph of both hips and a lateral radiograph of each hip was obtained for all patients and reviewed for findings of cam and pincer femoroacetabular impingement, degenerative changes (Tönnis grade), and periacetabular calcifications for both hips. These parameters were also evaluated with respect to symptoms, sex, and age. Results: Four hundred ninety-one consecutive patients (982 hips) presented to 2 orthopaedic surgeons at 2 centers for "hip"-related complaints. There were 223 males and 268 females (age 39 ± 14 years). The overall prevalence of periacetabular calcifications in hips was 17.6%, with 56.6% of calcifications in the symptomatic hip and 43.4% in the contralateral hip. Four basic patterns of calcification were identified: punctuate calcifications within the labrum (8.0% hips), large rounded calcifications (os acetabuli) (4.2% hip), large fragments with a vertical line of the superior-lateral acetabular rim, consistent with healed or non-healed stress fracture (2.0% hips), and complete ossification of the labrum (3.4% hips). Overall, male sex (P = .002), increased lateral center-edge angle (P = .046), and higher Tönnis grade (P < .001) statistically predicted the presence of periacetabular ossification. Punctate calcifications were more prevalent in males (P = .002). Higher Tönnis grade (P = .029) and increased alpha angle (P = .046) were more prevalent with os acetabuli. Younger age (P = .001), male sex (P = .048), increased alpha angle (P = .012), and increased lateral center-edge angle (P < .001) were more prevalent in acetabular rim fractures. No factors were statistically significant at predicting the presence of an ossified labrum. Conclusions: Periacetabular calcifications are not uncommon. Four particular patterns of calcification are identified: punctate labral calcifications (8%), larger rounded calcifications (i.e., os acetabuli) (4.2%), acetabular rim stress fractures (2%), and complete ossification of the labrum (3.4%) for a combined prevalence of 17.6% in patients presenting to an orthopaedic surgeon with "hip"-related complaints. Nearly half were in the asymptomatic hip. Male sex had a higher prevalence of periacetabular calcifications. An increased lateral center edge angle and higher Tönnis grade also had a higher prevalence of periacetabular calcifications. Younger male patients are more likely to have acetabular rim stress fractures. Patients with an increased alpha angle have a higher prevalence of os acetabuli and rim stress fractures. Clinical Relevance: This study aims to identify, quantify, and categorize periacetabular calcifications about the hip. Their clinical relationships and relevance have been discussed, but no study has distinctly categorized the various types and their prevalence. This study provides a framework for identification and categorization.

Takedown of Ankle Fusions and Conversion to Total Ankle Replacements.

BACKGROUND: With ankle replacements gaining credibility, there is a small subset of patients who might benefit from a conversion of an ankle fusion to a replacement. The objective of this study is to present clinical and radiographic results of patients who had their ankle fusion converted to total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). METHODS: Patients presented to the senior author with ongoing ankle pain following fusion or increasing pain after a period of relative comfort after an ankle fusion. Outcomes were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with the Veterans Rand Health Survey (VR-12), Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS), and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scale. A patient satisfaction survey was also distributed. RESULTS: All ankle fusion conversions between April 2010 and December 2019 were included. Fifty-one patients (30 females) with the mean age of 62.6 (range, 37-83) years were followed. Mean follow-up was 4.2±2.3 (range, 2-11.5) years. Two patients were lost to follow-up (1 is deceased). Pre- and postoperative mean patient-reported outcome scores were all significantly different between groups except VR-12 mental subscale scores. VR-12 physical scores improved from 28.7±8.9 preoperatively to 38.9±9.9 (P < .001) postoperatively; VR-12 mental score was stable. AOS pain and disability subscales similarly improved: 55.9±24.4 to 27.9±25.4 (P < .001) and 61.7±21.1 to 31.1±25.7 (P < .001), respectively. VAS pain improved from a mean of 64.5±27.3 to 29.4±27.7 (P < .001). There was no tibiotalar dorsiflexion or plantarflexion with the ankle fusion. Initial postoperative visit revealed that average dorsiflexion was 10.9±5.93 degrees and average plantarflexion was 14.1±5.22 degrees. At the latest follow-up, dorsiflexion improved significantly to 15.5±6.33 degrees (P < .001), with no significant improvement in plantarflexion (P = .980). CONCLUSION: In this single-surgeon longitudinal study of 51 patients with a painful, malaligned, or nonhealed ankle fusion treated with an ankle replacement, we found highly satisfactory functional outcomes at an average of 4.2 years. Continued long-term follow-up will reveal whether the longevity of these replacements is comparable to primary replacements.

Quadriceps Strength following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Normative Values based on Sex, Graft Type and Meniscal Status at 3, 6 & 9 Months.

Background: Higher postoperative quadriceps function has been positively associated with surgical outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). However, the impact of autograft harvest and/or a concomitant meniscal procedure on the recovery of quadriceps strength is not well defined. Purpose: To describe postoperative recovery of quadriceps strength following ACLR related to autograft selection, meniscal status, and sex. Study Design: Retrospective Cohort. Methods: One hundred and twenty-five participants who underwent ACLR with either a hamstring tendon (HT), bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) or quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft were included. At postoperative months 3, 6 and 9, each participant completed an isometric quadriceps strength testing protocol at 90-degrees of knee flexion. Participants' quadriceps average peak torque (Q-AvgPKT), average peak torque relative to body weight (Q-RPKT), and calculated limb symmetry index (Q-LSI) were collected and used for data analysis. Patients were placed in groups based on sex, graft type, and whether they had a concomitant meniscal procedure at the time of ACLR. At each time point, One-way ANOVAs, independent samples t-test and chi-square analyses were used to test for any between-group differences in strength outcomes. Results: At three months after ACLR, Q-RPKT was significantly higher in those with the HT compared to the QT. At all time points, males had significantly greater Q-RPKT than females and HT Q-LSI was significantly higher than BPTB and QT. A concomitant meniscal procedure at the time of ACLR did not significantly affect Q-LSI or Q-RPKT at any testing point. Conclusion: This study provides outcomes that are procedure specific as well as highlights the objective progression of quadriceps strength after ACLR. This information may help better-define the normal recovery of function, as well as guide rehabilitation strategies after ACLR. Level of Evidence: 3.

Arthroscopic Debridement Versus Refixation of the Acetabular Labrum Associated With Femoroacetabular Impingement: Updated Mean 7-Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Short- and midterm follow-up studies suggest that arthroscopic labral refixation/preservation leads to superior outcomes compared with labral excision/debridement. PURPOSE: To update the previous early (16 months) and midterm (mean, 42 months) follow-up of this cohort, which reported better patient-reported outcome measures and lower failure rates in the repair/refixation group. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: The authors identified patients who underwent labral debridement/focal labral excision during a period before the development of labral repair techniques. A consecutive group of patients within the labral debridement group thought to be repairable with the authors' current arthroscopic techniques were compared with a group of consecutive patients who underwent labral repair/refixation. In 46 hips, the labrum was focally excised/debrided consistent with pincer- or combined pincer- and cam-type impingement; in 54 hips, the labrum was repaired/refixed. Subjective outcomes were measured with the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean age was 34.0 years in the debridement group and 28.3 years in the repair/refixation group, with a mean follow-up of 7.3 years (range, 2-13.6 years). At the mean follow-up of 7.3 years, subjective outcomes were significantly improved (P < .01) for both groups compared with preoperative scores. The mHHS (P = .008), SF-12 score (P = .012), and VAS pain score (P = .002) were all significantly better for the repair/refixation group compared with the debridement group. Although most recent outcomes for both groups fell slightly at the mean follow-up of 7.3 years in comparison with the 16-month and 3.5-year follow-ups, these differences were not significant. However, the failure rate in the debridement group did get significantly worse (P = .014). Good to excellent results were 47.7% in the debridement group and 86.3% in the refixation group (P < .001), and failure rates were 30.4% (debridement) and 13% (refixation) (P = .033). There were 4 revisions in the debridement group and 3 revisions in the refixation group. CONCLUSION: Longer term, >7-year follow-up comparing focal labral excision/debridement with repair/refixation revealed better patient-reported outcomes and lower failure rates in the labral repair/refixation cohort. Additionally, despite an absolute decrease in patient-related outcome scoring and number of good/excellent results in both groups compared with the 3.5-year report, there was a significantly greater increase in failure rates over time for the excision/debridement group with better maintenance of good to excellent results in the repair/refixation group.

Opioid-Prescribing Practices Between Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty in an Outpatient Versus Inpatient Setting.

ABSTRACT: Despite trends showing increases in the utilization of outpatient (OP) ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and decreases in the utilization of inpatient (IP) facilities for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA), little is known about opioid prescribing for these procedures between each setting. This study evaluated differences in opioid prescribing and consumption between OP ASC and IP settings for elective TKA and THA surgeries over a 1-year period. Data collection also included pain and satisfaction of pain control postsurgery. In an OP ASC, analysis revealed a significant decrease in pills prescribed (p < .001, p < .001) and consumed (p < .001, p < .001) for TKA and THA, respectively. There was a significant decrease in the morphine equivalence units prescribed (p < .001, p < .001) and consumed (p < .001, p < .001) for TKA and THA, respectively. For TKA, pain was significantly lower (p = .018) and satisfaction of pain control was significantly higher (p = .007). For THA, pain (p = .374) and satisfaction of pain control (p = .173) were similar between the settings. Benefits of performing these surgeries in an OP ASC setting are patients having similar or lower levels of pain and having similar or higher satisfaction of pain control. Patients are also prescribed and consume less opioids. This has important implications for healthcare systems.

Implementation of formal prescription guidelines reduces the economic cost of unused opioids after orthopedic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Prior literature has reported on the concerning emergence of opioid overprescribing, yet there remains a lack of knowledge in understanding the cost of waste of this over-prescription and underconsumption of opioids. As such, further investigating the cost of waste of opioids following orthopedic surgery is of interest to patients, providers, and payors. In one of the largest private orthopedic practices in the United States, opioid prescribing and consumption patterns were tracked prior to, and after the implementation of, formal prescription guidelines. OBJECTIVES: To (1) establish the cost of waste of unused opioids before the implementation of formal prescription guidelines and (2) examine how the cost of unused opioids may be reduced after implementation of formal internal prescription guidelines. METHODS: Two separate phases (Phase I and Phase II) were implemented at different time intervals throughout a two-year period. Implementation of prescription guidelines occurred between Phases I and II, and data from Phase I (pre-implementation) was compared to that from Phase II (postimplementation). Data collection included type, dosage, quantity of opioids prescribed and consumed after elective outpatient procedures in ambulatory surgery centers, in addition to patient interviews/surveys within two weeks after surgery to measure consumption. From these data, the cost of waste was calculated by taking the total cost of prescribed opioids (sum of each prescription × Average Wholesale Price (AWP) minus 60%) per 1,000 patients, and subtracting the total cost of consumed opioids per 1,000 patients, calculated in a similar manner. Further analysis was performed to describe differences in the cost of waste of individual opioids between each of the phases. RESULTS: In Phase I, prior to implementation of formal internal prescription guidelines, there was a sizable cost of waste of unused opioids (per 1,000 patients, AWP minus 60%) of $11,299.51. The cost of waste in Phase II, after implementation of formal internal prescription guidelines, was $6,117.12, which was a significant decrease of 45.9% ($5,182.39) from Phase I (P < 0.001). Furthermore, both the average number of morphine equivalent units prescribed and consumed per patient decreased from Phase I to Phase II (294.6 vs 187.8, P < 0.001; and 144.9 vs 96.0, P < 0.001, respectively). Finally, in describing individual medications, there was a significant decrease in cost of waste (per 1,000 patients, AWP minus 60%) between Phases I and II for- Hydrocodone with APAP 5/525 mg (P< 0.001), Oxycodone CR 10 mg (P< 0.001), Morphine CR 15 mg (P=0.001), and Tramadol 50 mg (P = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that there is a significant cost of waste associated with differences in prescribed versus consumed opioids following elective orthopedic surgery. This cost of waste was significantly reduced following the introduction and implementation of formal prescription guidelines. DISCLOSURES: This study was funded internally by Revo Health and Twin Cities Orthopedics. Giveans reports consulting fees from Medtrak, Inc., and Superior Medical Experts. The other authors have nothing to disclose.

Opioid Prescribing Practices and Quality Improvements Within an Outpatient Orthopedic Practice.

Background During the last several decades, the opioid epidemic throughout the United States has been recognized as an increasing problem. The aim of this study was to identify and implement processes throughout a single private orthopedic practice and managed ambulatory surgery centers to reduce opioid prescription pill quantity and strength, while also reducing consumption. Methodology A baseline assessment along with the development of four separate phases was implemented. Data collection included type, dosage, and quantity of opioids prescribed after elective outpatient procedures as well as patient interviews/surveys within two weeks after surgery. Quality improvement implementation included: (a) presentations on opioid prescribing at an individual physician level, (b) internal prescription guidelines, (c) required Prescription Monitoring Program registration, and (d) patient narcotic education pamphlets after surgery. The average opioids prescribed and consumed were compared between different time points. Results Analysis revealed a highly statistically significant decrease in both pills and morphine equivalent units (MEUs) prescribed (p < 0.001, p < 0.001) between the baseline assessment and four subsequent phases, as well as consumed (p < 0.001, p < 0.001) between phases one through four. Even though patients were consuming less pills and MEUs than they were prescribed on average across all phases, overall pain levels increased between phases one through four (p < 0.001), and overall satisfaction of pain control decreased between phases two through four (p < 0.001). Conclusions Over a 24-month time frame, a single private orthopedic practice set a goal of reducing prescribing habits and with successful implementation of various measures, a significant reduction in opioids prescribed and consumed was accomplished. Interestingly, pain level and satisfaction of pain control worsened even though patients were continuing to be prescribed more opioids on average than they were consuming. Therefore, it may be normal to see these results when attempting to set the expectation for some level of pain and reduced consumption of opioid medications post-operatively. Overall, these results can be useful to healthcare administrators and surgeons looking for ways to combat the opioid epidemic.

Is Matching Exercise Intensity to Heart Rate Variability a Key to Effective Conditioning for Dancers? A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Dancers seek studio-based conditioning methods that improve fitness to help them meet the demands of their discipline. Heart rate variability (HRV) mobile technology offers one such potential method. The purpose of this prospective randomized controlled trial was to investigate how HRV impacted fitness outcomes over a 4 to 6 week period of supplemental training. The study's cohort, 134 competitive female dancers ages 12 to 35, were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the HRV study group, the Tabata high-intensity control group, or the Vinyasa yoga low-intensity control group. Fitness assessments conducted in the pre- and post-training period included cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, and lower extremity power. These assessments were evaluated with ANOVA between group and within group comparisons. Results revealed lower extremity power improvement in the HRV group at a statistically significant level (p < 0.05) and overall trends toward greater muscle endurance. Additional unanticipated findings surfaced in the yoga control group that demonstrated cardiovascular improvements and normalization of right versus left lower extremity power discrepancies. Conclusions support the use of HRV mobile technology to individualize daily conditioning intensity, thereby efficiently improving lower extremity power and overall muscle endurance for dancers while monitoring for signs of overtraining.

Femoral Head Allografts for Talar Body Defects.

BACKGROUND: Large structural bone deficits after a failed ankle arthroplasty or avascular necrosis (AVN) of the talus present a complex reconstruction challenge. The aim of this study was to report the results of patients undergoing an ankle arthrodesis or tibiotalocalcaneal fusion using a femoral head allograft (FHA). METHODS: All ankle and tibiotalocalcaneal fusions using FHA between February 2006 and January 2019 were included. Forty-four patients (45 ankles) with a mean follow-up of 42.8 months were studied. Males accounted for 58.1% (25/43 patients). All patients had either failure of primary or revision total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) or AVN of the talus. Pre- and postoperative Veterans RAND Health Survey (VR-12), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain scores were obtained. A patient satisfaction survey was distributed postoperatively and results were tabulated. RESULTS: Preoperatively to postoperatively, the VR-12 Mental score remained essentially unchanged (P = .752) and the VR-12 Physical score improved (P = .007); the FAAM Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Sport scores improved (P < .001); the AOS Pain and Disability scores improved (P < .001); and the man VAS score improved (P < .001). The overall satisfaction rate was 78.6 on a 100-point scale. At an average of 18.7 weeks, 90.7% of the ankles were substantially fused. Five patients went on to nonunions and revision surgery. CONCLUSION: The use of FHA to treat talar defects was a viable option. In this complex patient population, the arthrodesis rate was high at 89% with very positive patient-reported outcome scores. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

The Dancer's Hip: The Hyperflexible Athlete: Anatomy and Mean 3-Year Arthroscopic Clinical Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To report preoperative anatomy, patient-related outcomes measures, and return to dance rates in a cohort of competitive dancers undergoing an arthroscopic hip procedure. METHODS: Competitive dancers who underwent an arthroscopic hip procedure between 2008 and 2016 were included. Specific types of dance performed, morphology, and radiographic parameters were documented. Outcomes were evaluated with Modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey, visual analog scale, and Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (HOOS). RESULTS: There were 63 competitive dancers (77 hips) with a mean age 21.2 years in the current study. Specific types of dance performed included 57 studio dance and 41 high-kick dance, and 28 dancers (44%) were professional-level. Morphology included cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (95%), pincer-type femoroacetabular impingement (40%), anterior inferior iliac spine impingement (subspine) (83%), and mild (borderline) dysplasia (11%). Procedures performed included 95% labral repairs, 5% labral debridements, 99% femoral resections, 49% rim resections, 88% subspine decompressions, and 66% capsular plications. At mean 36 months' follow-up post-arthroscopy, the mean outcome improvements were 25.6 points (mHHS), 18.9 points (HOOS-activities of daily living), 29.9 points (HOOS-Sports), 8.7 points (12-Item Short Form Health Survey), and 3.7 points (visual analog scale) (P < .01 for each). Scores were significantly improved from preoperatively to most recent follow-up for mHHS (60.0 vs 85.6 points), HOOS-activities of daily living (72.5 vs 91.5 points), and HOOS-Sports (49.7 vs 79.6) (P < .01). Sixty-three percent of dancers returned to their previous level of competitive dance, 21% returned to limited or modified dance, and 16% were unable to return to dance, including 1 retirement. CONCLUSIONS: A careful arthroscopic approach to address cam-type pathomorphology, highly prevalent subspine impingement, and capsular laxity in competitive dancers can achieve a modest rate of return to sport and good-to-excellent patient-reported outcomes at short- to mid-term (3-year) follow-up. Eighty-four percent of dancers ultimately returned to competitive dance, although only 63% returned to their preinjury competitive level. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, case series.

Management of Ankle Arthritis After Severe Ankle Trauma.

OBJECTIVES: There are still unanswered questions about the best treatment options for ankle arthritis after severe lower leg trauma. This study compared results in outcomes and complications for 3 groups. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study case-control study. SETTING: Single institution. PATIENTS: Three groups of 100 surgeries. INTERVENTION: Patients underwent an ankle fusion using anterior plate, total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) for primary osteoarthritis (OA), or a TAA for post-traumatic arthritis (PTA). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Veterans Rand 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12), Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale, Visual Analog Pain Scale, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hindfoot score were collected preoperatively and at subsequent postoperative appointments. A patient satisfaction survey was also distributed to each patient postoperatively. RESULTS: Although all scores improved from preoperative to latest postoperative, the total ankle for PTA consistently resulted in the best postoperative outcomes. Patient satisfaction survey indicated 26% of fusion, 55% of TAA-OA, and 63% of TAA-PTA experienced very good to excellent pain relief. The overall satisfaction was found to be 92.5% for the TAA-PTA patients, 90.5% for the TAA-OA patients, and 84% for the fusion patients. Revision surgeries included 2 from the TAA-OA group, 2 from the TAA-PTA group, and 1 fusion patient. CONCLUSIONS: Results of comparing 3 groups who underwent an ankle fusion or a TAA demonstrate improvement in pain (P < 0.001), physical quality of life (P < 0.001), and activity (P < 0.001) and resulted in a high level of patient satisfaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Patient-Reported Outcomes and Early Complications After Synthetic Cartilage Device Implantation.

BACKGROUND: Previous Level I studies show promising results for the use of a hydrogel synthetic cartilage implant (SCI) for the treatment of hallux rigidus. A recent independent retrospective review has put those results into question, however. The purpose of this article is to report patient-reported outcomes and early complications using this implant so as to add to the paucity of data in the literature regarding this implant. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of patients undergoing hydrogel synthetic cartilage implant for the treatment of hallux rigidus from July 2017 to November 2018. Data collected included patient demographics, radiographic grading, and outcomes: Veterans Rand 12 Item Health Survey (VR-12), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), visual analog scale (VAS), patient satisfaction, and complications. Fifty-four patients (59 feet) with an average age of 57.6 (range, 39-78) years were analyzed. The average latest follow-up was 18.9 (range, 3-31.3) months. Body mass index was 26.7 (range, 18.7-35.2). None were diabetic and 5 were smokers. RESULTS: The mean outcome improvements were 6.5 points (VR-12 Physical), 17.2 points (FAAM ADL), 27.4 points (FAAM Sport), and 18.4 points (VAS) (P < .01 for each). Scores were significantly improved from preoperatively to most recent follow-up for FAAM ADL (71.0 vs 88.2 points), FAAM Sports (44.6 vs 72.0 points), and VAS (49.4 vs 31.0) (P < .01). Overall, 72.5% patients would definitely or probably have the operation again. Ten patients (18.5%) went on to have revision surgery. Of these, 7 patients were revised to an arthrodesis, and 1 metal hemiarthroplasty and 2 implants were removed because of infection. CONCLUSION: Synthetic cartilage implantation for the treatment of hallux rigidus demonstrated improved pain and outcome scores at short-term follow-up. Reoperation and conversion to fusion rates were comparable to prior studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Outcomes of Nitinol Compression Staples in Tarsometatarsal Fusion.

BACKGROUND: Tarsometatarsal (TMT) arthrodesis is commonly performed in the management of midfoot arthritis, trauma, or deformity. The purpose of this study was to collect aggregate data (demographic, surgical, and perioperative outcomes) on patients who previously had a TMT fusion with BME compression staples. METHODS: Sixty-six patients underwent TMT fusion with BME compression staples. Outcomes included demographics, surgical information, the Veterans Rand VR-12 Health Survey, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), visual analog scale (VAS), Revised-Foot Function Index (FFI-R), Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS), patient satisfaction survey scores, radiographic fusion rate, level of pain reduction, and complications. Sixty-six patients (68 feet) were analyzed (59 females) with an average age of 64 years (range, 18-83). The mean latest follow-up was 35.9 (range, 6-56.6 months). RESULTS: The average surgical time was 38.1±14.3 minutes (range, 11-75). All outcomes improved significantly (P < .001) from preoperative to latest follow-up except for the VR-12 Mental and Physical score. The average time to fusion determined by radiographs was 8.4 weeks (range, 6.1-46.1 weeks). Wound complications were not seen. Indications for subsequent surgeries (26.5%, 18/68 feet) in this current study included pain (n = 14), broken staples, and nonunion (n = 3). CONCLUSIONS: The fusion rate in this study, 89.7%, was similar to values reported in the literature. The patient satisfaction score of 81.9 at latest follow-up is consistent with patient satisfaction for other methods of fusion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Subtalar Arthrodesis with Use of Adipose-Derived Cellular Bone Matrix Compared with Autologous Bone Graft: A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial.

UPDATE: This article was updated on November 7, 2019, because of a previous error. On page 1909, in the section entitled "Discussion," the sentence that had read "Radiographic nonunion rates of 69.2% and 45.6% were observed at 6 months for ACBM and autograft, respectively, as measured on CT scans; however, these nonunion rates do account for patients who were considered to have attained fusion according to traditional methods, including absence of pain and swelling and presence of arthrodesis on radiographs" now reads "Radiographic nonunion rates of 69.2% and 45.6% were observed at 6 months for ACBM and autograft, respectively, as measured on CT scans; however, these nonunion rates do not account for patients who were considered to have attained fusion according to traditional methods, including absence of pain and swelling and presence of arthrodesis on radiographs."An erratum has been published: J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2019 XXX. BACKGROUND: Subtalar arthrodesis effectively treats subtalar joint arthritis when other interventions have failed. Nonunion is a known complication of subtalar arthrodesis, with reported rates ranging from 5% to 45%. Historically, open arthrodesis has been performed with use of autologous bone graft; however, there are inherent disadvantages to autologous bone graft, including donor-site morbidity. Mesenchymal stem cells, when placed on a cellular scaffold, have shown promise as an alternative to autologous bone graft. The purpose of this multicenter, randomized controlled trial was to assess the safety and efficacy of an adipose-derived cellular bone matrix (ACBM) composite made with live cells compared with autograft in subtalar arthrodesis. METHODS: A total of 140 patients were enrolled in a prospective, randomized (1:1) controlled trial performed at 6 clinical sites in the U.S. End points, including radiographic, clinical, and functional outcomes, were assessed over 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 109 patients underwent arthrodesis with ACBM (52 patients) and autograft (57 patients). At 6 months, fusion was achieved in 16 patients (30.8%) in the ACBM group and 31 patients (54.4%) in the autograft group as measured on computed tomography (p = 0.024), and in 41 patients (78.8%) in the ACBM group and 50 patients (87.7%) in the autograft group as assessed on clinical and radiographic evaluation (p = 0.213). Quality-of-life outcome measures demonstrated significant functional improvement from baseline for both groups. Fewer cases of serious adverse events occurred in the autograft group (10.5%) compared with the ACBM group (23.1%) (p = 0.078). CONCLUSIONS: In patients who require subtalar arthrodesis, the use of ACBM demonstrated lower rates of radiographic fusion compared with treatment with autograft. The nonunion rate in the autologous group, as measured on computed tomography, was high. Good clinical outcomes were achieved in spite of the high non-union rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Outcomes of the First 1,000 Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasties at a Same-day Surgery Center Using a Rapid-recovery Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Outpatient (<24 hour stay) total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has emerged as an alternative to traditional inpatient TJA. Patient-reported outcomes in the past have revealed favorable comparisons with inpatient controls. However, a higher outpatient TJA readmission rate has been reported. The goal of our study is to report outcomes, readmissions, and unplanned access to care data on the first 1,000 TJAs performed at a de novo ambulatory surgery center (ASC). METHODS: From March 2014 to May 2016, a consecutive series of 1,000 primary, total hip, and total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) were performed at a same-day surgical center. All patients were ≤66 years old, met the ASC inclusion criteria, and received preoperative training. All patients were discharged <24 hours after surgery to postoperative care suites. Oxford scores, visual analog scale for pain, patient satisfaction, ambulation, complication, and adverse events data were collected. RESULTS: A consecutive series of 543 TKAs and 457 total hip arthroplasties (THAs) were performed. Mean age was 57.2 years (range 28 to 66 years). The TKA patients consisted of 55.2% women, whereas THA patients consisted of 45.3% women. Overall infection rate was 0.8%. Hospital readmission rate was 1.5%, and early/unplanned access to care was 11.7%. Oxford Knee and Oxford Hip scores showed 15.7 and 21.1 point improvements, respectively, whereas pain scores improved 71% for TKA and 81% for THA at 6 months postoperatively (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our immediate and short-term complications, readmissions, and outcomes for all patients compared favorably with published inpatient data. This study provides baseline data for quality metrics and functional outcomes for ASC-based total joint procedures.

Arthroscopic Surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement in Skeletally Immature Athletes: Radiographic and Clinical Analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate radiographic and clinical outcomes after arthroscopic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) correction in symptomatic adolescent athletes with open physes. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed radiographic and clinical outcomes in patients treated with a non-physeal-sparing arthroscopic approach for symptomatic FAI with open physes and a minimum 1-year follow-up. Specific plain radiographic and computed tomography parameters were determined, and preoperative and postoperative outcomes were prospectively evaluated with modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), 12-Item Veterans-Rand, and pain on a visual analog scale. RESULTS: Thirty-seven hips (28 patients; 75% male) with a mean age of 15.9 years (range, 12.8-18.3 years) had imaging studies consistent with open femoral neck and iliac crest physes. The ischial tuberosity and greater trochanteric physes were open in 95% and 54% of the hips, respectively. All patients participated in organized athletics, and 50% were in multiple sports year-round. Mean follow-up was 39.8 months post-arthroscopic FAI correction. There was a mean 27.7-point improvement in the mHHS (P < .001), a 4.8-point decrease in the visual analog scale for pain (P < .001), and a 15.2-point improvement in the 12-Item Veterans-Rand physical component (P < .001). Ninety-three percent of patients returned to their preinjury level of sports participation without limitations. Thirty (81.1%) patients demonstrated improvements in mHHS greater than the minimally clinically important difference (of mHHS 8 points). Two patients could not reach minimally clinically important difference because of a preoperative mHHS of > 92. There were no postoperative physeal growth arrests, growth disturbances, physeal instability, or avascular necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: A non-physeal-sparing arthroscopic approach for FAI in adolescents with open physes is safe and effective with no evidence of clinically relevant complication of growth arrest-related deformity or physeal instability in patients with a minimum of 1 year (mean, 39.8 months) of follow-up after surgery. Young, highly athletic adolescent patients with larger FAI deformities demonstrated greater outcomes improvement after arthroscopy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Predicting outstanding results after reverse shoulder arthroplasty using percentage of maximal outcome improvement.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine whether thresholds regarding the percentage of maximal improvement in the Simple Shoulder Test (SST) score and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score exist that predict excellent patient satisfaction after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). METHODS: Patients undergoing RSA with a single implant system were evaluated preoperatively and at a minimum 2-year follow-up. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis determined thresholds to predict excellent patient satisfaction by evaluating the percentage of maximal improvement for SST and ASES scores. Preoperative factors were analyzed as independent predictors for achieving SST and ASES score thresholds. RESULTS: There were 198 (SST score) and 196 (ASES score) patients who met inclusion criteria. For SST and ASES scores, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified 61.3% (P < .001) and 68.2% (P < .001) maximal improvement as the threshold for maximal predictability of excellent satisfaction, respectively. Significant positive correlation between the percentage of maximum score achieved and excellent patient satisfaction for both groups was found (r = 0.440 [P < .001] for SST score; r = 0.417 [P < .001] for ASES score). Surgery on the dominant hand, greater baseline visual analog scale pain score, and cuff arthropathy were independent predictors for achieving the SST and ASES score threshold. CONCLUSION: Thresholds for the achievement of excellent satisfaction after RSA were 61.3% of maximal SST score improvement and 68.3% of maximal ASES score improvement. Independent predictors of achieving these thresholds were dominant-sided surgery and higher baseline visual analog scale pain scores for the SST score and rotator cuff arthropathy for the ASES score.

Predicting outstanding results after anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty using percentage of maximal outcome improvement.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine whether thresholds in the percentage of maximal improvement in the Simple Shoulder Test (SST) or American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score exist for predicting "excellent" patient satisfaction after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). METHODS: A retrospective query identified patients who underwent TSA with a minimum of 2 years' follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative SST and ASES scores and postoperative patient satisfaction were recorded. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed to determine thresholds in the percentage of maximal improvement in the SST and ASES scores that predict excellent satisfaction. Univariate and multivariate analyses determined preoperative factors that predicted achievement of these thresholds. RESULTS: A total of 301 and 319 patients had at least 2 years' follow-up for the SST score and ASES score, respectively. We determined 72.1% of maximal improvement in the SST score to be the threshold for excellent satisfaction (area under the curve, 0.777; 95% confidence interval, 0.712-0.841; P < .001). We determined 75.6% of maximal improvement in the ASES score to be the threshold for excellent satisfaction (area under the curve, 0.799; 95% confidence interval, 0.743-0.856; P < .001). Both groups showed significant positive correlations between percentage of maximal score achieved and excellent satisfaction (r = 0.396 for SST score [P < .001] and r = 0.325 for ASES score [P < .001]). Younger age was the only independent predictor for achieving the SST score threshold. No independent predictors existed for the ASES score threshold. CONCLUSION: Achievement of 72.1% of maximal SST score improvement and achievement of 75.6% of maximal ASES score improvement represent thresholds for achievement of excellent satisfaction after TSA. Most preoperative factors did not have an impact on the likelihood of achieving these thresholds.

The procedure value index: a new method for quantifying value in shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to introduce the procedure value index (PVI) and apply this value instrument to shoulder arthroplasty. The PVI uses the value equation in units of minimal clinically important difference (MCID) to provide an objective system of quantifying value-driven care. Secondarily, we describe the PVI for both primary anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) to highlight value differences between these patient populations. METHODS: Patients undergoing primary shoulder arthroplasty with minimum 2-year follow-up were identified retrospectively. MCIDs were determined for the Simple Shoulder Test (SST) score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score. Cost data were reported as total hospitalization costs, total charges, and total reimbursements. The PVI was calculated as the ratio of outcome improvement in units of MCID over the cost of care. Mean PVIs for TSA and RSA were compared. RESULTS: Five hundred thirty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. MCIDs for the SST, ASES, VAS pain, and SANE scores were 3.61, 29.49, 3.28, and 37.05, respectively. With the exception of the ASES score, improvements in units of MCID were not different between TSA and RSA. However, total hospitalization costs and charges were significantly higher for RSA (P < .001). PVIs based on total hospitalization costs and total charges for the SST, ASES, and VAS pain scores were significantly greater for TSA (P < .05). No other PVI was significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: The PVI was greater for TSA when total hospitalization costs and total charges were considered. The PVI helps highlight value differences in shoulder arthroplasty.

Prevalence of Rotator Cuff Repairs with and Without Concomitant Subacromial Decompressions Has Not Changed.

BACKGROUND: Recent research from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery database indicates a decreasing rate of subacromial decompression (SAD) performed with rotator cuff repair (RCR) by younger orthopedic surgeons. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of RCR with and without SAD and whether the rate of RCR with SAD decreased over time. Further, we set out to determine if there was significant variation in the rate of RCR with SAD by state. METHODS: Rates of RCR with and without open or arthroscopic SAD from 2010 to 2012 were determined based upon de-identified data from a national health insurance carrier. Data were normalized per 10,000 insured patients for comparative analysis. RESULTS: Rates of RCR with concomitant SAD were higher than RCR without SAD in each year analyzed. In patients 50 years old and older, this same significant difference was also seen for each year. The rate of RCR with or without SAD did not decrease over the 3-year time period. The rate of RCR performed concomitantly with SAD was significantly higher than RCR performed without SAD in all patient age groups combined. There was wide variation in the rate of RCR with or without concurrent SAD across states. CONCLUSION: Disproving our hypothesis, the overall rate of RCR with or without SAD did not decrease over the period from 2010 to 2012. There was wide variation in the rate of RCR by state; however, this variation was not seen in the incidence of SAD performed concomitant with the RCR.