Pectoralis Major Tendon Rupture Repairs Using Intramedullary Suture Anchors Shows High Patient Reported Outcomes in Military Service Members.

BACKGROUND: In the general population pectoralis major tendon ruptures are uncommon; however, it is a common injury in the military population. The military service members have greater physical demands than the general population. The purpose of this study is to critically assess the post-operative outcomes of pectoralis major tendon ruptures in military service members following a repair using intramedullary suture anchors. PURPOSE: To report outcomes of pectoralis major repairs utilizing intramedullary suture anchors in military service members. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed between 2014 to 2022, identifying patients who underwent a pectoralis major rupture repair performed by the senior surgeon using intramedullary suture anchors. Records were reviewed for age, gender, mechanism of injury, chronicity, VAS, and SANE scores. Patients who had less than 1 year of follow-up were excluded from the study. During the study period, 18 patients underwent surgical repair of their torn pectoralis major, and 15 patients were greater than 1-year post-operative. Twelve of these 15 patients (80%) were successfully contacted, and patient reported outcomes were collected. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients (12 male, 0 female) with a mean age of 34.5 years, were identified. Average time from injury to surgery was 471.4 days. The average duration of follow-up was 3.7 years. There was a decrease in the preoperative average single repetition maximum (1RM) barbell bench press of 277 lbs to a postoperative average 1RM bench press of 225 lbs (p-value=0.03). The average change in average 1RM barbell bench press is a 19.04% decrease postoperatively. Postoperative SANE score was 80.8 and an ASES of 86.9. Seven patients (58.3%) stated that they were afraid to bench press at their previous weight due to fear of reinjury. None of the patients were medically discharged from the military due to limitations from their repaired shoulder. Ten patients (83%) reported that they were extremely satisfied with their shoulder function post-operatively. CONCLUSION: Repair of the pectoralis major tendon ruptures using intramedullary suture anchors has high rates of return to duty, patient satisfaction and patient reported outcomes. Greater than half of the patients reported that they were afraid to bench press at their preinjury weight due to concerns of reinjury; the decrease in post-operative strength may be a result of the patients' fear of reinjury rather than physiologic limitations.

Editorial Commentary: Artificial Intelligence Models Using Machine Learning Can Improve Preoperative Identification of Subscapularis Pathology.

Subscapularis pathology is difficult to diagnose, in part because of decreased sensitivity and accuracy in identifying tears with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) when compared to other cuff tendons. Artificial intelligence evaluation of patient physical examination and MRI data using a machine learning model shows that arthroscopically confirmed partial- or full-thickness subscapularis tears are highly associated with abnormal subscapularis tendon length, long head of the biceps tears, and subscapularis fatty atrophy, and on physical examination, with weakness with internal rotation and positive lift-off, belly press, and bear hug tests. Today, physicians may use machine learning as a tool, but this model may not currently be sufficient to drastically change practice. However, with continued research and development, which is occurring rapidly, similar models could aid physicians in timely identification of pathology and optimization of preoperative planning, as well as physician training and education.

Glenoid Bone Loss in Recurrent Shoulder Instability After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Glenoid bone loss has been reported to occur in as many as 86% of patients with recurrent shoulder stability. This systematic review evaluated the amount of glenoid bone loss associated with recurrent shoulder dislocation or subluxation and with worse patient-reported outcomes after arthroscopic Bankart repair. We hypothesized that the percentage of glenoid bone loss associated with recurrent instability after arthroscopic Bankart repair is lower than the previously proposed critical value of 25%. METHODS: The systematic review included 528 patients with glenoid bone loss from 3 clinical studies. The percentage of bone loss was the value quantified and reported in each study. Failure was defined as recurrent dislocation or subluxation. The percentage of glenoid bone loss associated with recurrent shoulder dislocation or subluxation after arthroscopic Bankart labral repair was analyzed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: Recurrent dislocation or subluxation occurred in 23.7% (125) of 528 patients in the pooled study cohort. There was a significant difference in age between those in whom the arthroscopic Bankart repair failed and those in whom it did not (22.9 versus 24.3 years; p = 0.009). The ROC curve analysis demonstrated that ≥16.0% glenoid bone loss was predictive of recurrent shoulder dislocation or subluxation (Youden index = 0.59, sensitivity = 80%, specificity = 80%). In patients who did not sustain a recurrent dislocation or subluxation, the ROC curve analysis demonstrated that 20.0% glenoid bone loss was predictive of a Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score of <85% (Youden index = 0.93, sensitivity = 93%, specificity = 100%). CONCLUSIONS: The critical amount of glenoid bone loss associated with an increased risk of persistent instability was found to be less than previously reported. Glenoid bone loss of ≥16.0% was found to place patients at higher risk for recurrent shoulder dislocation or subluxation after treatment with arthroscopic Bankart repair alone. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Update on Current Concepts of Blood Flow Restriction in the Perioperative Period of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Anterior cruciate ligament tears or ruptures are common orthopedic injuries. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is an orthopedic procedure allowing for earlier return to sports, improved maintenance of lifestyle demands, and restored knee stability and kinematics. A perioperative rehabilitative adjunct recently gaining interest is blood flow restriction (BFR), a method in which temporary restriction of blood flow to a chosen extremity is introduced and can be used as early as a few days postoperative. There has been increasing investigation and recent literature regarding BFR. This review synthesizes current concepts of BFR use in the ACLR perioperative period. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(6):e333-e340.].

Failure Rates After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair With Suture Tape Augmentation in an Active-Duty Military Population.

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair had previously been considered the standard of care for a ruptured ACL; however, ACL reconstruction has became the standard of care because of poor midterm outcomes after ACL repair. Recently, studies have suggested that the treatment paradigm should shift back to ACL repair. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of ACL repair augmented with suture tape in a high-demand military population. We hypothesized that for proximal ACL avulsions, ACL repair with suture tape augmentation would lead to acceptable failure rates, satisfactory knee stability, excellent functional outcomes, and high rates of return to preinjury activity levels. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Patients who were treated with ACL repair by a single surgeon between March 2017 and June 2019 and who had a minimum of 2 years of follow-up were included. Intraoperatively, all patients first underwent an arthroscopic examination. If an ACL avulsion of the proximal insertion with adequate remaining tissue was visualized, then ACL repair was performed. The primary outcome assessed was ACL repair failure, defined as reruptures or clinical instability requiring revision to ACL reconstruction. Analysis of the risk factors for ACL repair failure was conducted, with age at surgery, sex, body mass index, level of competition, and tobacco use evaluated. Results: Included were 46 patients (32 male and 14 female; mean age, 28.3 ± 8.4 years) who underwent ACL repair with suture tape augmentation. There were 12 cases of failure (26.1%; 8 male and 4 female). The mean time from injury to surgery in the failure group was 164.1 ± 59.4 days compared to 107.3 ± 98.0 days in the nonfailure group (P = .02). According to multivariate regression analysis, patients aged ≤17 and ≥35 years, elite/competitive/operational patients, and current smokers had a higher chance of ACL repair failure. The mean time to pass a military physical fitness test was 5.0 months. There were no complications other than ACL repair failure. Conclusion: Primary arthroscopic ACL repair with suture tape augmentation resulted in unacceptably high failure rates at a minimum of 2 years of follow-up in a highly active military population. Age ≤17 and ≥35 years, elite level of competition, time from injury to surgery, and active tobacco use were independent risk factors for ACL repair failure.

Area Measurement Percentile of 3-Dimensional Computed Tomography Has the Highest Interobserver Reliability When Measuring Anterior Glenoid Bone Loss.

PURPOSE: To determine the accuracy of glenoid bone loss measurement and the difference between 3 methods of measurement, as well as the measurements application to previously published studies. METHODS: A list of patients with anterior bony glenoid defects was created through a search of electronic medical records. Three surgeons reviewed each patient's advanced imaging (computed tomography [CT], 3-dimensional [3D] CT, or magnetic resonance imaging), and glenoid bone loss was measured by 3 different methods: (1) linear measurement percentile (LMP), (2) area measurement percentile (AMP), and (3) circle-line method (CLM). The intraclass correlation coefficients between reviewers and mathematical differences between measurement techniques were calculated. RESULTS: The images of 125 patients with anterior glenoid bone loss were measured. For all imaging studies, the intraclass correlation coefficient was greatest with the AMP (0.738) and CT with 3D reconstruction (0.735). Within the entire sample, average bone loss measured 21.3% (range, 5.6%-43.5%) by the LMP method, 15.7% (range, 1.6%-42.2%) by the CLM, and 16.5% (range, 2.3%-40.3%) by the AMP method. On average, the difference between the LMP and AMP methods was 4.8%. When the AMP and LMP methods were compared, the greatest difference in measurement was 5.9%, and this occurred at an LMP of 19.1%, which was an AMP of 13.2%. CONCLUSIONS: When measuring anterior glenoid bone loss, CT with 3D reconstruction and the AMP method have the greatest interobserver reliability. Furthermore, the greatest difference between the LMP and AMP methods occurs at an LMP between 18.3% and 20.0% and an AMP between 12.4% and 14.2%, with the difference ranging from 5.7% to 5.9%. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When measuring anterior glenoid bone loss, evaluation of CT with 3D reconstruction is more reliable than magnetic resonance imaging evaluation. Furthermore, the AMP method has the greatest interobserver reliability when compared with the LMP method and CLM.

Does Surgery for Cruciate Ligament and Meniscus Injury Increase the Risk of Comorbidities at 2 Years in the Military System?

This study aims to determine whether surgery for cruciate ligament (anterior or posterior) or meniscus injury increased risks of subsequent comorbidities in beneficiaries of the Military Health System. The study was a retrospective case-control design in which individuals with cruciate or meniscus injuries were divided into two groups (surgery or none). Data were pulled 12 months prior and 24 months following each respective event and presence of comorbidities were compared between the two groups. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression were used to determine if surgery increased the odds of comorbidities. Participants included 1,686 with a cruciate ligament injury (30.1% treated surgically) and 13,146 with a meniscus injury (44.4% treated surgically). Bivariate comparisons of surgery versus nonsurgical treatment found multiple significant differences. After adjusting for covariates, a significant (p < 0.05) protective effect was seen only for meniscus surgery for concussion, insomnia, other mental health disorders, depression, and substance abuse. Surgery had no increased/decreased risk of comorbidities for cruciate ligament injuries. For meniscus injuries, surgery demonstrated a protective effect for six of the comorbidities we assessed. The treatment approach (surgery vs. nonsurgical) did not change the risk of comorbidities in those with a cruciate ligament injury. It is noteworthy that three of the six comorbidities involved mental health disorders. Although the study design does not allow for determination of causation, these findings should compel future prospective study designs that could confirm these findings.

Surgical treatment of shoulder instability in active-duty service members with subcritical glenoid bone loss: Bankart vs. Latarjet.

INTRODUCTION: Subcritical bone loss has been identified as a risk factor for potentially inferior outcomes following typical arthroscopic soft tissue repair. One alternative that has been presented as an option for patients with bone loss is the Latarjet, an ipsilateral coracoid transfer to the anteroinferior glenoid. The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes between the arthroscopic Bankart repair and the open Latarjet for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability in patients with subcritical bone loss. We hypothesize that the open Latarjet will provide higher patient-reported outcome measure scores and lower rates of dislocation. METHODS: A retrospective cohort comparison of patients with anterior glenohumeral instability procedures was performed. Inclusion criteria included symptomatic anterior shoulder instability, subcritical glenoid bone loss (13.5%-24%), surgical treatment with arthroscopic Bankart repair or open Latarjet, and minimum follow-up of 2 years. Outcomes included recurrent instability (defined as postoperative dislocation or subjective subluxation), permanent physical restrictions, Western Ontario Shoulder Index (WOSI), and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scores. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients were included, 25 of whom underwent an arthroscopic Bankart repair and 23 patients an open Latarjet. The average bone loss was 17.8% and 19.3%, respectively. Overall, 8 patients experienced recurrent instability, 6 in the arthroscopic Bankart group and 2 in the open Latarjet group (P = .162). The average postoperative SANE score for arthroscopic Bankart group was 48% and for the open Latarjet group, 84% (P < .001). The average postoperative WOSI score for the arthroscopic Bankart group was 53.6% and for the open Latarjet group, 67.9% (P = .069). There were significantly more patients placed on permanent physical restrictions in the arthroscopic Bankart repair group (16) compared with open Latarjet (3) (P < .001). CONCLUSION: In patients with subcritical glenoid bone loss (defined as 13.5%-24%), patients treated with an open Latarjet have insignificantly higher SANE and WOSI scores and lower permanent physical restrictions than patients treated with an arthroscopic Bankart repair. We found no statistically significant difference in recurrent instability rates between the open Latarjet and arthroscopic Bankart repair (P = .162).

There is No Difference in Return to Duty Following the Latarjet With Subscapularis Split Versus Tenotomy Technique in the Military Population.

Purpose: To evaluate the return to duty rates between subscapularis split versus subscapularis tenotomy approach to the Latarjet procedure in an active-duty military population. Methods: A total of 46 patients were identified. Thirty-six (87.8%) were able to be contacted and included in the study. Operative technique, time to return to duty, and postoperative range of motion were collected. Patients were contacted telephonically to collect information on recurrent dislocation and time to pass first physical fitness test postoperatively. The primary outcome was time to return to full-duty status designated by passing a Physical Fitness Test. Secondary outcomes were redislocations and final range of motion. Results: In total, 36 of 41 (87.8%) patients were able to be contacted. There was no difference in return to duty rates designated by completion of first Physical Fitness Test for both groups (P = .23). In the subscapularis split group, 22 of 23 patients returned to full-duty at an average of 8.0 months versus the tenotomy group, with 12 of 13 patients returned to full-duty at an average of 8.7 months. There was also no difference with re-dislocation incidence for both groups of 0.08 (P = .45). Both groups had one patient each who was unable to return to full duty. There were no differences in postoperative forward flexion and external rotation, but abduction was 9° higher in the split compared to the tenotomy group (P = .03). Conclusions: In the military patient with anterior glenohumeral instability, the Latarjet using the subscapularis split and subscapularis tenotomy approach demonstrate similar return to duty rates and similar duration to pass a standardized fitness assessment. There was no clinically significant difference in postoperative range of motion. Both approaches produce similar results clinically; and should be chosen based on surgeon preference. Level of Evidence: III, retrospective cohort study.

Differences in Outcomes between Patellar Dislocations Managed in Emergent versus Non-Emergent Care Settings.

Patellar dislocations occur at a much higher rate in military than civilian populations. Past population-level studies have shown that surgical management is as good as or superior to conservative care and may reduce future reoccurrences. Although in acute cases and in civilian clinics, patellar dislocations are usually managed first in an emergent care setting, previous work suggests this can lead to increased costs. This study compared differences in downstream care type and intensity of services based on whether initial care occurred in emergent or non-emergent care settings. In our sample of 1,523 Military Health System (MHS) beneficiaries with patellar dislocation and 2-year follow-up, we found non-significant differences in costs, intensity of services, and rates of surgical repair regardless of whether the patient was initially seen in an emergent versus non-emergent care setting. Although we found significant increases in the use of imaging, patellar dislocation-related medical visits, and frequency of closed treatment approaches in emergent care settings, these values were very small and likely not clinically significant. These findings, which included all the patellar dislocations reported across the entire MHS in a 24-month period, suggest that neither emergent nor non-emergent care settings are likely to influence the long-term care received by the individual.

Surgical treatment of anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss with the Latarjet procedure in active-duty military service members.

INTRODUCTION: The arthroscopic Bankart repair in the setting of glenoid bone loss has high rates of failure. In patients with anterior glenoid bone loss, the Latarjet provides glenohumeral stability through restoration of the glenoid bone, the conjoint tendon acting as a sling on the subscapularis, and anterior capsulolabral repair. Active-duty military personnel are at high risk for glenohumeral instability and have been equated to the contact athlete; most are young, male, and engage in contact sports. The purpose of this study is to assess the return to full-duty rates in active-duty military personnel following the Latarjet for anterior glenohumeral instability with glenoid bone loss. METHODS: A retrospective review of all glenohumeral instability procedures were reviewed at a tertiary training hospital from June 2014 to June 2019. The patient population consisted of active-duty military personnel with glenoid bone loss and anterior glenohumeral instability, who were treated with a Latarjet. The primary outcome was return to full-duty status. RESULTS: There were 50 patients identified for the study. Four patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 46 of 50 patients (92.0%) eligible for this study. The average age at the time of the index procedure was 23.1 years. The average percentage bone loss was 18.4%. Forty-one patients (89.1%) were able to return to full-duty status. Four patients (8.7%) sustained a recurrent dislocation following the Latarjet; all 4 dislocations occurred during a combat deployment. Four patients (8.7%) reported episodes of subluxation without dislocation. Forty-one patients (89.1%) reported that their shoulders felt stable, and we found an average return to full duty at 5.3 months CONCLUSION: In our active-duty military cohort, we found an 8.7% rate of recurrent instability after a Latarjet procedure, and 41 patients (89.1%) were able to return to full-duty status. In conclusion, the Latarjet procedure in the active-duty military population with anterior glenoid bone loss resulted in a high rate of return to duty, excellent functional outcomes, low rate of recurrent instability, and a low overall complication rate.

Surfing Injuries: A Review for the Orthopaedic Surgeon.

¼: Surfing is safe: the risk of injury ranges from 0.26 to 0.90 injuries per surfer per year, 0.06 to 3.5 injuries per 1,000 days of surfing, and 1.1 to 13.0 injuries per 1,000 hours of surfing. ¼: The most common acute surfing injuries are lacerations, contusions, and sprains; the head and the neck as well as the lower extremities are the locations that are affected most. ¼: The most common mechanism of injury is striking a surfer's own board or that of another surfer. ¼: A pathology that is unique to surfers is surfer's myelopathy; bites and/or stings by sea life and infections caused by marine life also occur in surfers.

Generating the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score Using Multivariable Predictive Models and Computer Adaptive Testing to Reduce Survey Burden.

BACKGROUND: The preferred patient-reported outcome measure for the assessment of shoulder conditions continues to evolve. Previous studies correlating the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) computer adaptive tests (CATs) to the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score have focused on a singular domain (pain or physical function) but have not evaluated the combined domains of pain and physical function that compose the ASES score. Additionally, previous studies have not provided a multivariable prediction tool to convert PROMIS scores to more familiar legacy scores. PURPOSE: To establish a valid predictive model of ASES scores using a nonlinear combination of PROMIS domains for physical function and pain. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: The Military Orthopaedics Tracking Injuries and Outcomes Network (MOTION) database is a prospectively collected repository of patient-reported outcomes and intraoperative variables. Patients in MOTION research who underwent shoulder surgery and completed the ASES, PROMIS Physical Function, and PROMIS Pain Interference at varying time points were included in the present analysis. Nonlinear multivariable predictive models were created to establish an ASES index score and then validated using "leave 1 out" techniques and minimal clinically important difference /substantial clinical benefit (MCID/SCB) analysis. RESULTS: A total of 909 patients completed the ASES, PROMIS Physical Function, and PROMIS Pain Interference at presurgery, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery, providing 1502 complete observations. The PROMIS CAT predictive model was strongly validated to predict the ASES (Pearson coefficient = 0.76-0.78; R2 = 0.57-0.62; root mean square error = 13.3-14.1). The MCID/SCB for the ASES was 21.7, and the best ASES index MCID/SCB was 19.4, suggesting that the derived ASES index is effective and can reliably re-create ASES scores. CONCLUSION: The PROMIS CAT predictive models are able to approximate the ASES score within 13 to 14 points, which is 7 points more accurate than the ASES MCID/SCB derived from the sample. Our ASES index algorithm, which is freely available online (https://osf.io/ctmnd/), has a lower MCID/SCB than the ASES itself. This algorithm can be used to decrease patient survey burden by 11 questions and provide a reliable ASES analog to clinicians.

Predicting reoperation after operative treatment of proximal humerus fractures.

PURPOSE: The current understanding of the factors associated with a second surgery or loss of alignment after operative treatment of a proximal humerus fracture has relied on small sample studies with stepwise regression analysis. In this study, we used a powerful regression analysis over a large sample and with many variables to test the null hypothesis that there are no factors associated with a revision surgery or loss of alignment after operative treatment of proximal humerus fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review of all surgically treated proximal humerus fractures from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2015, was performed at a tertiary level hospital. We extracted longitudinal medical records for all patients, and the data were organized into two categories of predictors: fracture/operative characteristics and patient characteristics. RESULTS: During the study period, 423 patients met the inclusion criteria. Three hundred and fourteen of the fractures underwent Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) and 109 underwent Hemiarthroplasty. Thirty-three patients underwent revision surgery (8%). Seventy-nine patients treated with ORIF had loss of alignment (25%). Across the entire cohort, the least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO) analysis found that patients between 40 and 60 years of age had a higher odds of revision surgery (OR = 1.6). In patients treated with ORIF, the LASSO regression found an unreduced calcar to be the strongest predictor of loss of alignment (OR = 5.5), followed by osteoporosis (OR = 1.3), prior radiation treatment (OR = 1.3), unreduced greater tuberosity (OR = 1.2) and age over 80 years (OR = 1.2). CONCLUSION: Reoperation after proximal humerus surgery is infrequent even though loss of alignment is common. In our cohort, not all patients who had a loss of alignment underwent revision surgery; consequently, obtaining the best possible reduction at the index surgery is paramount.

Bone resorption of the greater tuberosity after open reduction and internal fixation of complex proximal humeral fractures: fragment characteristics and intraoperative risk factors.

HYPOTHESIS AND BACKGROUND: In complex proximal humeral fractures, bone resorption of the greater tuberosity is sometimes observed after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). However, this has not been well characterized, and risk factors for resorption are not completely understood. We aimed (1) to identify the risk factors associated with bone resorption of the greater tuberosity and (2) to quantify the geometric and bone density characteristics associated with bone resorption using 3-dimensional computed tomography models in complex proximal humeral fractures treated with ORIF. METHODS: We identified a retrospective cohort of 136 patients who underwent ORIF of 3- or 4-part proximal humeral fractures; greater tuberosity resorption developed after ORIF in 30 of these patients. We collected demographic, fracture-related, and surgery-related characteristics and performed multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify factors independently associated with the development of greater tuberosity resorption. Furthermore, we identified 30 age- and sex-matched patients by use of propensity score matching to perform quantitative fragment-specific analysis using 3-dimensional computed tomography models. After the fragment of the greater tuberosity was identified, the number of fragments, the relative fragment volume to the humeral head, and the relative bone density to the coracoid process were calculated. Measurements were compared between matched case-control groups. RESULTS: We found that an unreduced greater tuberosity (odds ratio [OR], 10.9; P < .001), inadequate medial support at the calcar (OR, 15.0; P < .001), and the use of an intramedullary fibular strut (OR, 4.5; P = .018) were independently associated with a higher risk of bone resorption. Quantitative fragment-specific analysis showed that greater tuberosities with a larger number of fragments (5 ± 2 vs. 3 ± 2, P = .021), smaller fragments (9.9% ± 3.8% vs. 18.6% ± 4.7%, P < .001), and fragments with a lower bone density (66.4% ± 14.3% vs. 88.0% ± 18.4%, P = .001) had higher rates of resorption. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: An unreduced greater tuberosity or inadequate medial support increases the risk of greater tuberosity resorption, as do a larger number of fracture fragments, smaller fragments, and lower bone density. Additionally, fibular strut grafting is an independent risk factor for tuberosity resorption. Further study is needed, but alternatives to strut grafting such as femoral head allograft may warrant serious consideration.

Ultrasound-guided sternoclavicular joint injection: technique and case series.

Sternoclavicular joint pathology can be an uncommon cause of pain and discomfort around the neck and shoulder region. Typically, patients localize their pain deep to the joint and experience referred pain to the ipsilateral neck and shoulder; however, it often presents as a diffuse nonspecific pain. Given the paucity of this pathology and atypical presentation, the use of injections can be helpful to confirm the diagnosis of sternoclavicular arthropathy. Currently, most injections are done via computed tomography. Although this method is accurate, it exposes patients to radiation and burdens the patient with the requirement of multiple appointments. This case series outlines the use of ultrasound-guided sternoclavicular joint injections conducted in the clinic. The patients in this series underwent an ultrasound-guided injection in the affected sternoclavicular joint, which confirmed the diagnosis, and they were subsequently treated with resection arthroplasty. The use of ultrasound-guided injections of the sternoclavicular joint is a safe and accurate alternative diagnostic method, which saves the patient from harmful radiation and additional appointments. Limitations and efficacy may vary depending on skill and comfort level of the operator.

Analyzing outcomes after proximal humerus fractures in patients <65 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: There has been an increasing amount of interest and research examining best practices for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures (PHF). Recent, high-level randomized control trials and many retrospective cohort studies have failed to demonstrate clear benefit of surgical management for these injuries especially in the elderly (generally defined as ≥65 years old). There is a paucity of research available on outcomes after surgical and nonsurgical treatment of proximal humerus fractures in adults younger than 65 years, and comparative data are almost nonexistent. The purpose of our study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the available data to determine if the literature supports surgical management over conservative treatment for PHFs in adults younger than 65 years. Materials and methods: Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review of proximal humerus fractures was performed using MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases. Studies were included if they reported useable data such as outcome measures for adult patients younger than 65 years. Quality of nonrandomized studies was assessed utilizing the MINORs criteria. Extracted data were analyzed using statistical software with P-value set at 0.05. Results: Six studies were included in the study for data extraction and statistical analysis. When comparing Constant Scores (CS) and Oxford Shoulder Scores (OSS) of operatively and nonoperatively treated adult patients aged less than 65 years, no statistical differences were found. Furthermore, no statistical differences in CS or OSS were found comparing elderly patients (defined as ≥65 years) and adult patients (defined as 18 to <65 years). Analysis of DASH outcome data did show statistical differences of the three cohorts (nonoperative <65, operative <65, and operative ≥65). Thus, only the limb-specific (not joint specific) outcome score (DASH) was found to be significantly different upon data analysis. Differences in shoulder-specific outcome scores (OSS and CS) failed to meet significance. Conclusion: The available literature does not demonstrate a clear clinical benefit of operative treatment over nonoperative management of proximal humeral fractures in adult patients younger than 65 years. These results challenge the widely accepted practice of choosing surgical treatment in adult patients younger than 65 years with PHFs.

Comparing Bone-Tendon Autograft With Bone-Tendon-Bone Autograft for ACL Reconstruction: A Matched-Cohort Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) using bone-tendon-bone (BTB) autograft is associated with increased postoperative anterior knee pain and pain with kneeling and has the risk of intra- and postoperative patellar fracture. Additionally, graft-tunnel mismatch is problematic, often leading to inadequate osseous fixation. Given the disadvantages of BTB, an alternative is a bone-tendon autograft (BTA) procedure that has been developed at our institution. BTA is a patellar tendon autograft with the single bone plug taken from the tibia. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term outcomes of BTA ACLR. We hypothesized that this procedure will provide noninferior failure rates and clinical outcomes when compared with a BTB autograft, as well as a lower incidence of anterior knee pain, pain with kneeling, and patellar fracture. METHODS: A consecutive series of 52 patients treated with BTA ACLR were retrospectively identified and compared with 50 age-matched patients who underwent BTB ACLR. The primary outcome was ACL graft failure, while secondary outcomes included subjective instability, anterior knee pain, kneeling pain, and functional outcome scores (Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Lysholm, and International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee form). RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 29.3 months after surgery, there were 2 reruptures in the BTA cohort (4.0%) and 2 in the BTB cohort (4.0%). In the BTA group, 18% of patients reported anterior knee pain versus 36% of the BTB group (P = .04). A total of 22% of patients noted pain or pressure with kneeling in the BTA cohort, as opposed to 48% in the BTB cohort (P = .006). There were no differences in functional scores. In the BTA group, 94.2% of patients reported that their knees subjectively felt stable, as compared with 86% in the BTB group (P = .18). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the BTA ACLR leads to similarly low rates of ACL graft failure requiring revision surgery, with significantly decreased anterior knee pain and kneeling pain when compared with a BTB. Additionally, the potential complications of graft-tunnel mismatch and patellar fracture are eliminated with the BTA ACLR technique.

Anatomic Pectoralis Major Repair With Intramedullary Anchor Fixation.

Although previously described as a rare injury, pectoralis major tendon rupture has shown increased reports in recent years. This injury can be managed conservatively; however, given the propensity for young, physically active male individuals, surgical repair is often preferred. Definitive surgical repair can be performed through various techniques such as bone trough, transosseous fixation, suture anchor, and cortical button techniques. This technique guide describes surgical repair through intramedullary anchor fixation with a unique pull-through method using taped suture to secure the tendon repair to its anatomic footprint. We believe this method is biomechanically advantageous, reduces bone loss that may lead to postoperative fractures, and re-creates the anatomic footprint of the torn tendon.