Patellofemoral instability part 1 (When to operate and soft tissue procedures): State of the art.

Patellofemoral instability is usually initially treated non-operatively. Surgery is considered in patients with recurrent patellar dislocation, and after a first-time patellar dislocation in the presence of either an associated osteochondral fracture or high risk of recurrence. Stratifying the risk of recurrence includes evaluating risk factors such as age, trochlear dysplasia, contralateral dislocation and patellar height. Surgery with soft tissue procedures include restoring the medial patellar restraints and balancing the lateral side of the joint. Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament is the most frequent way of addressing the medial soft tissues in patients with patellofemoral instability. Meanwhile, lateral tightness can be achieved by lateral retinaculum lengthening or release. Approaching patellofemoral instability in a patient-specific approach, combined with a shared decision-making process with the patient/family, will guide surgeons to the deliver optimal care for the patellar instability patient.

Effectiveness of Photobiomodulation in Reducing Pain and Disability in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Photobiomodulation (PBM) is not implemented in routine clinical management for knee osteoarthritis. This study aims to systematically investigate the effects of PBM in patients with knee osteoarthritis, comparing to placebo to understand its true clinical effects. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched up to October 2023. Randomized placebo-controlled trials applying PBM versus placebo were included. Study characteristics, intervention parameters, and patient-reported and physical examination outcome measures were collected. The risk of bias was judged using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (version 2) and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) to interpret certainty of results. RESULTS: Ten studies were included comprising 542 participants. All studies were judged with unclear to high risk of bias. Meta-analysis for pain at rest (6 studies) showed that PBM significantly reduced pain at rest as compared to placebo (-0.7 [95% CI = -1.1 to -0.2]), moderate effect, very low certainty of evidence, whereas for the Timed "Up & Go" Test (3 studies), no significant effect was detected. Statistically significantly within-group (PBM) mean improvement was detected for pain, Lequesne Index, and gait performance outcomes, but not always clinically relevant or significant when compared to placebo. CONCLUSION: PBM reduces pain intensity in patients with knee osteoarthritis and may improve disability. However, the very low certainty of evidence does not allow to recommend its isolated use but may be used to complement other widely recommended therapies. More rigorous clinical trials and the revision of the recommended dosage guidelines are warranted to increase the strength of evidence. IMPACT: The findings indicate that photobiomodulation can reduce pain and improve disability in patients with knee osteoarthritis. However, researchers should continue to investigate isolated photobiomodulation intervention versus placebo and extend the dosage guidelines to other types of light emitters.

The Dejour classification for trochlear dysplasia shows slight interobserver and substantial intraobserver reliability.

PURPOSE: Trochlear dysplasia is one of the main risk factors for recurrent patellar dislocation. The Dejour classification identifies four categories that can be used to classify trochlear dysplasia. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the inter- and intraobserver reliability of the Dejour classification for trochlear dysplasia. The hypothesis was that both intra- and interobserver reliability would be at least moderate. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, reliability study. Twenty-eight examiners from the International Patellofemoral Study Group 2022 meeting evaluated lateral radiographs of the knee and axial magnetic resonance images from 15 cases of patellofemoral instability with trochlear dysplasia. They classified each case according to Dejour's classification for trochlear dysplasia (A-D). There were three rounds: one with only computed radiograph (CR), one with only magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and one with both. Inter- and intraobserver reliability were calculated using κ coefficient (0-1). RESULTS: The mean age of patients was: 14.6 years; 60% were female and 53% had open physis. The interobserver reliability κ probabilities were 0.2 (CR), 0.13 (MRI) and 0.12 (CR and MRI). The intraobserver reliability κ probabilities were 0.45 (CR), 0.44 (MRI) and 0.65 (CR and MRI). CONCLUSION: The Dejour classification for trochlear dysplasia has slight interobserver reliability and substantial intraobserver reliability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I.

A modified Delphi consensus statement on patellar instability: part I.

Aims: The aim of this study was to establish consensus statements on the diagnosis, nonoperative management, and indications, if any, for medial patellofemoral complex (MPFC) repair in patients with patellar instability, using the modified Delphi approach. Methods: A total of 60 surgeons from 11 countries were invited to develop consensus statements based on their expertise in this area. They were assigned to one of seven working groups defined by subtopics of interest within patellar instability. Consensus was defined as achieving between 80% and 89% agreement, strong consensus was defined as between 90% and 99% agreement, and 100% agreement was considered to be unanimous. Results: Of 27 questions and statements on patellar instability, three achieved unanimous consensus, 14 achieved strong consensus, five achieved consensus, and five did not achieve consensus. Conclusion: The statements that reached unanimous consensus were that an assessment of physeal status is critical for paediatric patients with patellar instability. There was also unanimous consensus on early mobilization and resistance training following nonoperative management once there is no apprehension. The statements that did not achieve consensus were on the importance of immobilization of the knee, the use of orthobiologics in nonoperative management, the indications for MPFC repair, and whether a vastus medialis oblique advancement should be performed.

A modified Delphi consensus statement on patellar instability: part II.

Aims: The aim of this study was to establish consensus statements on medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction, anteromedialization tibial tubercle osteotomy, trochleoplasty, and rehabilitation and return to sporting activity in patients with patellar instability, using the modified Delphi process. Methods: This was the second part of a study dealing with these aspects of management in these patients. As in part I, a total of 60 surgeons from 11 countries contributed to the development of consensus statements based on their expertise in this area. They were assigned to one of seven working groups defined by subtopics of interest. Consensus was defined as achieving between 80% and 89% agreement, strong consensus was defined as between 90% and 99% agreement, and 100% agreement was considered unanimous. Results: Of 41 questions and statements on patellar instability, none achieved unanimous consensus, 19 achieved strong consensus, 15 achieved consensus, and seven did not achieve consensus. Conclusion: Most statements reached some degree of consensus, without any achieving unanimous consensus. There was no consensus on the use of anchors in MPFL reconstruction, and the order of fixation of the graft (patella first versus femur first). There was also no consensus on the indications for trochleoplasty or its effect on the viability of the cartilage after elevation of the osteochondral flap. There was also no consensus on postoperative immobilization or weightbearing, or whether paediatric patients should avoid an early return to sport.

Soft Tissue Lengthening for Flexion Dislocation of Patella.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Obligatory dislocation of the patella (also known as habitual dislocation) is a rare subset of patellofemoral instability in which the patella dislocates every time the knee is flexed. The problem arises due to contracture of the quadriceps muscles. Soft tissue lengthening procedures such as quadriceps tendon lengthening are the mainstay of treatment, in contrast to medial patellofemoral reconstruction (MPFL-R) for the more common recurrent lateral patellar dislocation. The current review explores the existing literature surrounding the pathophysiology and treatment strategies for this unique cause of knee instability. RECENT FINDINGS: Flexion dislocation of the knee often presents in children when they begin to walk. It is also termed obligatory or habitual because the patella dislocates laterally with each flexion and extension cycle of the knee. In contrast to other forms of patellar dislocation, the displacement is painless in obligatory dislocation. Likewise, the underlying biomechanical cause of this issue is related to contracture of tissues lateral to the patella rather than disruption of medial soft tissues as seen in recurrent/traumatic dislocation or subluxation of the patella. A number of procedures have been described for management of obligatory dislocation of the patella, with the general consensus that a combination of procedures including release/lengthening of the proximal lateral soft tissues as a critical component for a successful outcome. Soft tissue release/lengthening has been performed for over 50 years to treat obligatory dislocation of the patella. This procedure must be used in combination with other proximal and distal reconstructive with careful intraoperative assessment of knee flexion and patellar tracking for satisfactory outcomes. Further research using standardized outcome measures is needed to identify the optimal step-wise approach in treatment of obligatory patellar dislocation.

Chemoprophylaxis for heterotopic ossification following hip arthroscopy: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a known complication diagnosed following hip arthroscopy. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: This study sought to review the current literature on chemoprophylaxis for HO following hip arthroscopy and to describe what agents and doses are being utilized. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic Review. METHODS: A systematic review was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines on the use of chemoprophylactic medications for HO prevention following hip arthroscopy. Mechanical and radiation prophylaxis were not included in the current analysis. RESULTS: A total of 203 studies were identified, of which 15 were included with 6463 patients. There was one randomized control trial (RCT) and 4 additional comparative studies. The most commonly utilized chemoprophylactic agents were the following: naproxen (n â€‹= â€‹8), celecoxib (n â€‹= â€‹3), indomethacin (n â€‹= â€‹3), aspirin (n â€‹= â€‹1), etoricoxib (n â€‹= â€‹1), and etodolac (n â€‹= â€‹1), and non-specific non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (n â€‹= â€‹1). Naproxen was either given at a dose of 500 â€‹mg once or twice daily for 2-4 weeks. RCTs and additional comparative studies showed significant HO prevention using chemoprophylactic agents following hip arthroscopy. CONCLUSIONS: HO is a known and common complication following hip arthroscopy. The current systematic review found significant heterogeneity across the literature with respect to specific chemoprophylactic agents and their dosing regimens aimed to reduce the incidence and severity of HO following hip arthroscopy. Additionally, this review demonstrates that most studies that utilize chemoprophylaxis use NSAIDs with successful reduction in the incidence of HO. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV Evidence.

Patellar Tilt and Patellar Tendon-Trochlear Groove Angle Present the Optimum Magnetic Resonance Imaging Diagnostic Reliability for Patients With Patellar Instability.

PURPOSE: To describe, in controls and in a population with patellar instability, magnetic resonance imaging values of measurements representing major associated factors for patellar instability (patellar height, trochlear dysplasia, and extensor mechanism alignment), as well as their cutoff values. METHODS: In total, 323 knee magnetic resonance imaging scans, 142 with patellar instability and 181 controls without patellofemoral complaints (anterior cruciate, medial collateral ligament, meniscus ruptures or normal) were evaluated. Means, normality values in the control population, ideal cutoff values through receiver operating characteristic curves analysis, and interobserver reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient) were described for a series of measurements. RESULTS: All measurements were statistically different in control and instability patients, except for the patellotrochlear index and tibial tuberosity to posterior cruciate ligament distance. The interobserver intraclass correlation coefficient was good or excellent (above 0.75) only for the patellotrochlear index, patellar tendon-trochlear groove (PTTG) angle, and patellar tilt. The optimal cutoff value for each measurement was: PTTG angle ≥25.3o with sensitivity (S) of 70% and specificity (E) of 89%, patellar tilt ≥16o (S: 69% and E: 84%), trochlear sulcus angle ≥153o (S: 75% and E: 76%), Carrillon ≤12.8o (S: 62% and E: 87%), PTTG distance ≥11mm (S: 71% and E: 78%), Caton-Deschamps index ≥1.23 (S: 72% and E: 76%) and trochlear bump ≥3.95 mm (S: 76% and E: 65%). CONCLUSIONS: Caton-Deschamps index (≥1.23), trochlear sulcus angle (≥153o), ventral prominence of the trochlea (≥3.95 mm), PTTG distance (≥11 mm), PTTG angle (≥25.3o), Carrillon angle (≤12.8o), and patellar tilt (≥16o) presented better diagnostic performance for patellar instability. Patellotrochlear index and tibial tuberosity to posterior cruciate ligament distance were not related to patellar instability. The interobserver reliability of the factors related to patellar instability was excellent only for the PTTG angle and lateral patellar tilt. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective case-control study.

Combined Medial Patellofemoral Ligament, Medial Quadriceps Tendon-Femoral Ligament, and Medial Patellotibial Ligament Reconstruction for Patellar Instability: A Technical Note.

Lateral patellar dislocations often occur in a young, athletic population of recurrent dislocators with generalized laxity and an interest in returning to an active lifestyle. A recent appreciation for the distal patellotibial complex has directed surgeons toward attempting to re-create the native anatomy and knee biomechanics during medial patellar reconstructive procedures. By reconstructing the medial patellotibial ligament (MPTL) in addition to the medial patella-femoral ligament (MPFL) and medial quadriceps tendon-femoral ligament (MQTFL), the current article describes a potentially more stable construct that can be utilized in patients with subluxation with the knee in full extension, patellar instability with the knee in deep flexion, genu recurvatum, and generalized hyperlaxity. Additionally, the current technique utilizes a tibialis anterior allograft. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe, in detail, the current authors' technique for a combined MPFL, MQTFL, and MPTL reconstruction.

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction in Obese Patients Results in Low Complication Rates and Improved Subjective Outcomes.

Purpose: To compare outcomes, activity scores, and complication rates of obese and non-obese patients undergoing medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. Methods: A retrospective review identified patients undergoing MPFL reconstruction for recurrent patellofemoral instability. Patients were included if they had undergone MPFL reconstruction and had follow-up for a minimum of 6 months. Patients were excluded if they underwent surgery less than 6 months earlier, had no outcome data recorded, or underwent concomitant bony procedures. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on body mass index (BMI): BMI of 30 or greater and BMI less than 30. Presurgical and postsurgical patient-reported outcomes including Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) domains and the Tegner score were collected. Complications requiring reoperation were recorded. P < .05 was defined as a statistically significant difference. Results: A total of 55 patients (57 knees) were included. There were 26 knees with a BMI of 30 or greater and 31 knees with a BMI less than 30. There were no differences in patient demographic characteristics between the 2 groups. Preoperatively, no significant differences were found in KOOS subscores or Tegner scores (P = .21) between groups. At minimum 6-month follow-up (range, 6.1-70.5 months), patients with a BMI of 30 or greater showed statistically significant improvements in the KOOS Pain, Activities of Daily Living, Symptoms, and Sport/Recreation subscores. Patients with a BMI less than 30 showed a statistically significant improvement in the KOOS Quality of Life subscore. The group with a BMI of 30 or greater had significantly lower KOOS Quality of Life (33.34 ± 19.10 vs 54.47 ± 28.00, P = .03) and Tegner (2.56 ± 1.59 vs 4.78 ± 2.68, P = .05) scores. Complication rates were low, with 2 knees (7.69%) requiring reoperation in the cohort with a BMI of 30 or greater and 4 knees (12.90%) requiring reoperation in the cohort with a BMI less than 30, including 1 reoperation for recurrent patellofemoral instability (P = .68). Conclusions: In this study, MPFL reconstruction in obese patients was safe and effective, with low complication rates and improvements in most patient-reported outcomes. Compared with patients with a BMI less than 30, obese patients had lower quality-of-life and activity scores at final follow-up. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in skeletally immature patients without correction of bony risk factors leads to acceptable outcomes but higher failure rates.

OBJECTIVES: To report outcomes and re-dislocation rates of medial patellar stabilizers reconstruction without bone procedures for correction of anatomical risk factors for patellar instability in skeletally immature patients; to compare isolated medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction to combined MPFL and medial patellotibial ligament (MPTL) reconstruction in this population. METHODS: Patients with open physis and bone abnormalities including patella alta and/or increased tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance and/or trochlear dysplasia underwent MPFL reconstruction, either isolated or associated with MPTL reconstruction. Preoperative, 1-year follow-up and the latest follow-up (5 years minimum) data were collected. Radiological and clinical evaluations were conducted, with special attention to failure rate. Comparison of results from isolated MPFL and combined MPFL/MPTL reconstructions was performed. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were included, 19 in the isolated MPFL group (median 14 years old; follow-up 5.8 â€‹± â€‹1.7 years) and 10 in the combined MPFL/MPTL group (median 13.5 years old; follow-up 5.2 â€‹± â€‹1.4 years). Kujala and Tegner scores increased over time, although without statistically significant differences between the two groups at the latest follow-up (p â€‹= â€‹0.840 and p â€‹> â€‹0.999, respectively). During follow-up, 5 of 19 (26.3%) isolated MPFL and 2 of 10 (20%) MPFL/MPTL reconstructions experienced recurrence of patellar dislocation (p â€‹> â€‹0.999). Trochlear dysplasia type D (p â€‹= â€‹0.028), knee rotation (p â€‹= â€‹0.009) and lateral patellar tilt angle (p â€‹= â€‹0.003) were associated with patellar instability recurrence. The isolated MPFL group showed increased laxity on physical exam at the latest follow-up compared to the 1-year follow-up (patellar glide test (p â€‹= â€‹0.002), patellar tilt test (p â€‹= â€‹0.042) and subluxation in extension (p â€‹= â€‹0.019). This increased laxity was not observed in the MPFL/MPTL group (p â€‹> â€‹0.999). Comparing both groups, the glide test was significantly better in the combined MPFL/MPTL group in comparison to the isolated MPFL reconstruction group at the latest follow-up (p â€‹= â€‹0.021). CONCLUSION: MPFL reconstruction in isolation or combined with MPTL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients with additional uncorrected anatomical patellofemoral abnormalities leads to acceptable clinical outcomes within a minimum of 5 years follow-up, although has a high failure rate of 24.1%. Addition of a MPTL reconstruction to the MPFL may result in decreased patellar laxity on physical exams, as demonstrated by better patellar glide test, patellar tilt test and subluxation in extension. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III; retrospective cohort study.

Quadriceps Tendon Lengthening for Obligatory (Habitual) Patellar Dislocation in Flexion.

Obligatory patella dislocation in flexion is an uncommon form of patellar instability, where the patella is located in extension and dislocates with every episode of knee flexion. This results in dramatically altered patellofemoral kinematics and can be extremely debilitating due to extensor strength deficits and lack of knee confidence in flexion. Concomitant pathology, which is often seen, includes a tight lateral retinaculum and a shortened extensor mechanism. Lengthening the extensor mechanism is a critical part of successful patellar stabilization, and has not been well-reported. Herein, we present a technique of quadriceps lengthening for the treatment of obligatory patellar dislocation.

Mechanical-based therapies may reduce pain and disability in some patients with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical-based therapies are not yet recommended to manage osteoarthritis (OA). This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess the effects of passive mechanical-based therapies (isolated or combined with other therapies) on patients with knee OA compared to placebo, other isolated or combined interventions. METHODS: Pubmed, Cochrane, Web of Science and EMBASE were searched up to December 2020. We included randomized and non-randomized trials using therapeutic ultrasound, phonophoresis, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and vibration (single or combined with other therapies) compared to placebo, and/or other physical therapies groups. Biochemical, patient-reported, physical and imaging outcome measures were retrieved. We judged risk of bias using the RoB2 tool for randomized studies, the ROBINS-I tool for non-randomized studies, and the GRADE to interpret certainty of results. RESULTS: We included 77 clinical studies. Ultrasound and ESWT statistically improved pain and disability comparing to placebo (combined or not with other therapies), and when added to other therapies versus other therapies alone. Ultrasound was statistically inferior to phonophoresis (combined or not with other therapies) in reducing pain and disability for specific therapeutic gels and/or combined therapies. Vibration plus exercise statistically improved pain relief and function versus exercise alone. All meta-analyses showed very-low certainty of evidence, with 15 of 42 (38%) pooled comparisons being statistically significant (weak to large effect). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the inconsistent evidence with very-low certainty, the potential benefits of passive mechanical-based therapies should not be disregard and cautiously recommended that clinicians might use them in some patients with knee OA.

Magnetic resonance imaging overestimates patellar height compared with radiographs.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the inter-observer and inter-method reliability for patellar height measurements between conventional radiographs (CR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using one or two slices. METHODS: This was a reliability study, with 60 patients divided in two groups: 30 patients with patellar instability (patella group) and 30 patients with anterior cruciate ligament or meniscus injury (control group). CR and MRI were evaluated by two independent observers. Insall-Salvati index (IS) and Caton-Deschamps index (CD) were measured using three different methods: CR, one-slice MRI or two-slice MRI. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated for inter-observer reliability and inter-method reliability. Bland-Altman agreement was also calculated. RESULTS: The inter-observer reliability was very good for the IS with ICCs of 0.93, 0.84 and 0.82, for the CR, one-slice MRI and two-slice MRI, respectively. Similarly, for the CD the ICCs were good, 0.76, 0.80 and 0.75 for the CR, one-slice MRI and two-slice MRI, respectively. No differences were found between the patella and the control group. The inter-method analysis results were: ICCs for IS (0.83, 0.86, 0.93) and CD (0.72, 0.82, 0.83), for the comparisons of CR/one-slice MR, CR/two-slice MRI and one-slice MRI/two-slice MRI, respectively. The Bland-Altman mean differences showed an 8% and a 7% increase on IS values with one-slice MRI and two-slice MRI compared to CR results, while the increase was of 9% and 1% in CD for the respective comparisons with CR. CONCLUSION: MRI can overestimate patellar height compared to CR, as much as an 8% increase in Insall-Salvati values when using one- or two-slice MRI measurements, and up to a 9% increase in Caton-Deschamps value when using the one-slice MRI method. It is recommended to use the CR as the preferred method when measuring patellar height. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Conversion rates and timing to total knee arthroplasty following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a US population-based study.

PURPOSE: To define the rate of subsequent TKA following ACLR in a large US cohort and to identify factors that influence the risk of later undergoing TKA after ACLR. METHODS: The California's Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) database was queried from 2000 to 2014 to identify patients who underwent primary ACLR (ACL group). An age-and gender-matched cohort that underwent appendectomy was selected as the control group. The cumulative incidence of TKA was calculated and ten-year survival was investigated using Kaplan-Meier analysis with failure defined as conversion to arthroplasty. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to explore the risk factors for conversion to TKA following ACLR. RESULTS: A total of 100,580 ACLR patients (mean age 34.48 years, 66.1%male) were matched to 100,545 patients from the general population. The ACL cohort had 1374 knee arthroplasty events; conversion rate was 0.71% at 2-year follow-up, 2.04% at 5-year follow-up, and 4.86% at 10-year follow-up. This conversion rate was higher than that of the control group at all time points, with an odds ratio of 3.44 (p<0.001) at 10-year follow-up. Decreasing survivorship following ACLR was observed with increasing age, female gender, and worker's compensation insurance, while increased survivorship was found in patients of Hispanic and Asian Pacific Islander racial heritage and those who underwent concomitant meniscal repair. CONCLUSIONS: In this US statewide study, the rate of TKA after ACLR is higher than reported elsewhere, with significantly increased odds when compared to a control group. Age, gender, concomitant knee procedures and other socioeconomic factors influence the rate of conversion to TKA following ACLR.

Anatomical Risk Factors for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Are Not Important As Patellar Instability Risk Factors in Patients with Acute Knee Injury.

To compare in magnetic resonance imaging the anatomical risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and patellar dislocation among patients who suffered acute knee injury, 105 patients with acute knee injury resulting in 38 patellar dislocations (patella group), 35 ACL injuries (ACL group), and 32 meniscus or medial collateral ligament injuries (control group) were included. These groups were compared for risk factors for patellar dislocation (patellar height, trochlear dysplasia, and quadriceps angle of action) and for ACL injury (intercondylar width, posterior inclination of tibial plateaus, and depth of the medial plateau). Univariate analysis found statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the patella and ACL groups in patellar height (Caton-Deschamps [CD] 1.23 vs. 1.07), trochlear facet asymmetry (55 vs. 68%), PTTG (13.08 vs. 8.01 mm), and the patellar tip and trochlear groove (PTTG) angle (29.5 vs. 13.71 degrees). The patella group also differed from control in medial plateau inclination (4.8 vs. 1.87 degrees), patellar height (CD 1.23 vs 1.08), trochlear facet asymmetry (55 vs. 69%), lateral trochlear inclination (17.11 vs. 20.65 degrees), trochlear depth (4.1 vs. 6.05 mm), PTTG (13.08 vs. 9.85 mm), and the PTTG angle (29.5 vs. 17.88 degrees). The ACL and control groups were similar in all measures. Multivariate analysis found the following significant determinants between the Patella and Control groups: patellar height (CD index, odds ratio [OR]: 80.13, p = 0.015), trochlear anatomy (asymmetry of facets M/L, OR: 1.06, p = 0.031) and quadriceps action angle (PTTG angle, OR: 1.09, p = 0.016); between the ACL and control groups: PTTG angle (OR: 0.936, p = 0.04) and female gender (OR: 3.876, p = 0.032); and between the patella and ACL groups, the CD index (OR: 67.62, p = 0.026), asymmetry of the M/L facets (OR: 1.07, p = 0.011) and PTTG angle (OR: 1.16, p < 0.001). In conclusion, in patients with acute knee injury, the anatomical factors patellar height, trochlear dysplasia, and quadriceps angle of action were related to the occurrence of patellar dislocation. None of the anatomical factors studied was related to the occurrence of anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Evaluation of Commercially Available Knee Cartilage Restoration Techniques Stratified by FDA Approval Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Commercially available products used in knee cartilage reconstructive and restorative surgical practices fall under unique US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory pathways that determine the level of evidence required to market each product. PURPOSE: To evaluate the levels of evidence in the literature supporting commercially available cartilage repair procedures stratified by FDA regulatory pathway (section 351 vs section 361 of "Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products" [HCT/P] in the Code of Federal Regulation) with the hypothesis that products requiring approval under a stringent regulatory pathway (351 HCT/P) have higher levels of evidence in the literature supporting use and that products with a less stringent regulatory pathway (361 HCT/P) have a higher number of products available for use in the United States. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A search of the PubMed database was performed to identify all peer-reviewed articles pertaining to either allograft or autologous cartilage repair technologies. Predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to find clinical, preclinical, and laboratory studies while excluding duplicates, systematic reviews, and products not available in the United States. Articles were categorized by regulatory pathway (351 and 361 HCT/P), and variables including publication year, type of publication, level of evidence, and number of publications were analyzed. RESULTS: After application of predefined criteria, 470 of 1924 articles were included in this study. The 351 HCT/P group was composed entirely of autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) technology; 94% of the 361 HCT/P group was composed of osteochondral allografts (OCA). The articles regarding 351 HCT/P were more likely to be clinical in nature than the articles on 361 HCT/P (80% vs 48%, respectively; P = .0001) and entailed significantly more level 1 studies (25 vs 0, respectively; P < .0001). Twice as many articles in the 351 HCT/P group were published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine compared with the 361 HCT/P group (71 vs 38, respectively; P = .18). CONCLUSION: Both ACI and OCA have robust evidence supporting their use, whereas the remaining regulated products have little or no supporting evidence. Technologies regulated by 351 HCT/P were more likely to be level 1 clinical studies and published in the highest impact journal. The 361 HCT/P pathway regulated many more products, with fewer articles supporting their use.

Putting it all Together: Evaluating Patellar Instability Risk Factors and Revisiting the "Menu".

Management of the patient with multiple risk factors for recurrent patellar instability is complex. Surgeons must possess familiarity with the anatomic risk factors that are associated with first time and recurrent instability events and weigh them in the patient's individualized surgical "menu" options for surgical patellar stabilization. Addressing individual risk factors, pairing imaging findings with physical examination, and thoughts on prioritizing risk factors to determine which should be prioritized for surgical correction are discussed.

In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of Light Therapy on Cartilage Regeneration for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of light therapy (LT) on cartilage repair for knee osteoarthritis (OA) treatment. DESIGN: The PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched up to August 31, 2020 to identify in vitro and in vivo studies that analyzed the effects of LT on knee cartilage for OA treatment. The study and sample characteristics, LT intervention parameters and posttreatment outcomes were analyzed. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias Assessment for Non-randomized Studies (RoBANS) tool. RESULTS: Three in vitro and 30 in vivo studies were included. Most studies were judged as high risk of performance and detection bias. Biochemical outcomes were analyzed for both in vitro and in vivo studies, and histological and behavioral outcomes were analyzed for in vivo studies. LT reduced extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, inflammation, and OA progression, promoting ECM synthesis. LT improved pain-like behavior in animal models, having no apparent effect on gait performance. There were conflicting findings of some of the biochemical, histological, and behavioral outcomes. CONCLUSION: The included studies presented different strategies and LT parameters. LT resulted in positive effects on cartilage repair and may be an adequate therapy for OA treatment.

Algorithm for Treatment of Focal Cartilage Defects of the Knee: Classic and New Procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To create a treatment algorithm for focal grade 3 or 4 cartilage defects of the knee using both classic and novel cartilage restoration techniques. DESIGN: A comprehensive review of the literature was performed highlighting classic as well as novel cartilage restoration techniques supported by clinical and/or basic science research and currently being employed by orthopedic surgeons. RESULTS: There is a high level of evidence to support the treatment of small to medium size lesions (<2-4 cm2) without subchondral bone involvement with traditional techniques such as marrow stimulation, osteochondral autograft transplant (OAT), or osteochondral allograft transplant (OCA). Newer techniques such as autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis and bone marrow aspirate concentrate implantation have also been shown to be effective in select studies. If subchondral bone loss is present OAT or OCA should be performed. For large lesions (>4 cm2), OCA or matrix autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) may be performed. OCA is preferred over MACI in the setting of subchondral bone involvement while cell-based modalities such as MACI or particulated juvenile allograft cartilage are preferred in the patellofemoral joint. CONCLUSIONS: Numerous techniques exist for the orthopedic surgeon treating focal cartilage defects of the knee. Treatment strategies should be based on lesion size, lesion location, subchondral bone involvement, and the level of evidence supporting each technique in the literature.