Muscle activation patterns during active external rotation after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: an electrophysiological study of the teres minor and associated musculature.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative teres minor insufficiency has been identified as a risk factor for poor restoration of external rotation (ER) after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). However, there has been little investigation regarding muscle activation patterns generating ER. This prospective study sought to determine the timing and activation levels of the shoulder girdle musculature during ER in well-functioning RTSAs with an intact teres minor using a lateralized design. METHODS: Patients who underwent RTSA ≥1 year previously with functional ER, an American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score >70, superior rotator cuff deficiency, and an intact teres minor were identified. Electrophysiological and kinematic analyses were performed during ER in the modified neutral position (arm at side with 90° of elbow flexion) and in abduction (AB) (shoulder abducted 90° with 90° of elbow flexion). Dynamometer-recorded torque and position were pattern matched to electromyography during ER. The root-mean-square and integrated electromyography (in microvolts × milliseconds with standard deviation [SD]), as well as median frequency (MF) (in hertz with SD), were calculated to determine muscle recruitment. Pair-wise t test analysis compared muscle activation (P < .05 indicated significance). RESULTS: After an a priori power analysis, 16 patients were recruited. The average ASES score, visual analog scale pain score, and ASES subscore for ER in AB ("comb hair") were 87.7, 0.5, and 2.75 of 3, respectively. In AB, muscle activation began with the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, and latissimus dorsi, followed by the anterior deltoid activating to neutral. With ER beyond neutral, the teres major (9.6 µV × ms; SD, 9.2 µV × ms) initiated ER, followed by the teres minor (14.1 µV × ms; SD, 18.2 µV × ms) and posterior deltoid (11.1 µV × ms; SD, 9.3 µV × ms). MF analysis indicated equal contributions of the teres major (1.1 Hz; SD, 0.5 Hz), teres minor (1.2 Hz; SD, 0.4 Hz), and posterior deltoid (1.1 Hz; SD, 0.4 Hz) in ER beyond neutral. In the modified neutral position, the upper trapezius and middle trapezius were not recruited to the same level as in AB. For ER beyond neutral, the teres major (9.5 µV × ms [SD, 9 µV × ms]; MF, 1.1 Hz [SD, 0.5 Hz]), teres minor (11.4 µV × ms [SD, 15.1 µV × ms]; MF, 1.1 Hz [SD, 0.5 Hz]), and posterior deltoid (8.5 µV × ms [SD, 8 µV × ms]; MF, 1.2 Hz [SD, 0.3 Hz]) were activated in similar sequence and intensity as AB. No differences in muscle activation duration or intensity were noted among the teres major, teres minor, and posterior deltoid (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Active ER after RTSA is complex and is not governed by a single muscle-tendon unit. This study establishes a sequence, duration, and intensity of muscle activation for ER in well-functioning RTSAs. In both tested positions, the teres major, teres minor, and posterior deltoid function equally and sequentially to power ER.

Superior humeral head osteophytes are associated with rotator cuff insufficiency in glenohumeral osteoarthritis: a retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: The primary goal of this study was to investigate whether superior humeral head osteophyte (SHO) size is associated with rotator cuff insufficiency, including rotator cuff tear (RCT), supraspinatus tendon thickness, and fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff muscles. METHODS: Patients ≥ 18 years who were diagnosed with glenohumeral osteoarthritis were retrospectively reviewed. SHO size was determined by radiograph. MRI measured SHO and RCT presence, type, and size; supraspinatus tendon thickness; and fatty infiltration of rotator cuff musculature. RESULTS: A total of 461 patients were included. Mean SHO size was 1.93 mm on radiographs and 2.13 mm on MRI. Risk ratio for a RCT was 1.14. For each 1-mm increase in SHO size on radiograph, supraspinatus tendon thickness decreased by 0.20 mm. SHO presence was associated with moderate-to-severe fatty infiltration of the supraspinatus with a risk ratio of 3.16. CONCLUSION: SHOs were not associated with RCT but were associated with higher risk of supraspinatus FI and decreased tendon thickness, which could indicate rotator cuff insufficiency. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Patient-selection algorithm for outpatient shoulder arthroplasty in ambulatory surgery center: a retrospective update.

BACKGROUND: Outpatient total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) presents a safe alternative to inpatient arthroplasty, while helping meet the rapidly rising volume of shoulder arthroplasty needs and minimizing health care costs. Identifying the correct patient for outpatient surgery is critical to maintaining the safety standards with TSA. This study sought to update an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) TSA patient-selection algorithm previously published by our institution. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of TSAs was performed in an ASC at a single institution to collect patient demographics, perioperative risk factors, and postoperative outcomes with regard to reoperations, hospital admissions, and complications. The existing ASC algorithm for outpatient TSA was altered based on collected perioperative information, review of pertinent literature, and anesthesiology recommendations. RESULTS: A total of 319 TSAs were performed in an ASC in 298 patients over 7 years. Medically related complications occurred in 3 patients (0.9%) within 90 days of surgery, 2 of whom required hospital admission (0.6%) for acute kidney injury and pulmonary embolus. There were no instances of major cardiac events. Orthopedic-related complications occurred in 11 patients (3.4%), with hematoma development requiring evacuation and instability requiring revision being the most common causes. CONCLUSIONS: There was a low rate of perioperative complications and hospital admissions, confirming the safety of TSAs in an ASC setting. Based on prior literature and the population included, a pre-existing patient-selection algorithm was updated to better reflect increased comfort, knowledge, and data regarding safe patient selection for TSA in an ASC.

Comparison of triamcinolone and methylprednisolone efficacy and steroid flare reaction rates after shoulder corticosteroid injection: a prospective interrupted time series study.

BACKGROUND: A corticosteroid flare reaction is a well-described phenomenon that causes significant pain and dysfunction. The paucity of literature impedes decision making regarding which corticosteroid to use for shoulder injection. The purpose of this study was to compare methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) and triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injections in the glenohumeral joint and/or subacromial space in terms of efficacy and the incidence of steroid flare reactions. METHODS: In this prospective, interrupted time series, parallel study, patients received injections in the glenohumeral joint and/or subacromial space. MPA and TA were used during 2 discrete 3-month periods. The injections consisted of 2 mL of lidocaine, 2 mL of bupivacaine, and 80 mg of either MPA or TA. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were recorded immediately before injection; 1-7 days after injection; and 3, 6, and 12 months after injection. The primary outcome was the incidence of a steroid flare reaction, defined as a post-injection increase in the VAS score by ≥2 points. The secondary outcome was injection failure, defined as a post-injection VAS score greater than the baseline score or the need for another intervention. We used linear mixed models with a patient-level random intercept to identify the mean VAS score change for TA injections in the first week after injection. RESULTS: MPA or TA shoulder injections were administered in 421 patients; of these patients, 15 received bilateral-joint injections whereas 406 received a single-joint injection, for a total of 436 injections (209 MPA and 227 TA injections). Pain scores in the first week after injection were available for 193 MPA and 199 TA injections. Significantly more patients in the MPA cohort reported flare reactions compared with the TA cohort (22.8% vs. 4.0%, P < .001) during the first week after injection. In the first week after injection, the mean VAS score of patients receiving TA injections was 1.05 (95% confidence interval, 0.47-1.63) lower than that of patients receiving MPA injections when adjusted for age, sex, race, pain type, surgeon type, and injection site. At 3 months, surveys for 169 MPA and 172 TA injections were completed, with no significant difference in the rate of injection failure for MPA vs. TA (42.6% vs. 36.1%, P = .224). Treatment failure rates were significantly higher for MPA than for TA at 6 months (78.44% vs. 62.5%, P < .001) but not at 12 months (81.18% vs. 81.42%, P = .531.) CONCLUSION: TA injections resulted in a >5-fold reduction in steroid flare reactions, with statistically superior 6-month efficacy rates, compared with MPA injections. This study supports TA as a more viable corticosteroid option for shoulder injection.

Biomechanical comparison of ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction with single-tunnel proximal suspensory fixation versus modified docking technique.

Background: Despite technical advancement, elbow ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction is a challenging procedure due to the limitations regarding the challenging tunnel placement and potential injury to the ulnar nerve. Furthermore, current techniques for reconstruction and repair are inferior functionally and biomechanically when compared to native UCL tissue. A modified docking technique using a single-tunnel proximal suspensory fixation may reduce complications and potentially provide a technique for UCL reconstruction that is biomechanically superior. Decreasing the number of bone tunnels decreases the number of places that bone tear through could occur. The purpose was to evaluate and compare the biomechanical performances for 2 elbow UCL reconstruction techniques: (1) standard docking technique (SD) and (2) a proximal single tunnel (PST) technique using a suspensory fixation. We hypothesized that the PST technique would be biomechanically superior to the SD technique. Methods: Twelve matched pairs of cadaveric elbows were dissected and fixed at 70 degrees for biomechanical testing. Gracilis grafts were used for a docking reconstruction and the modified reconstruction with a PST suspensory fixation. A cyclic valgus torque protocol was used to precondition specimens for either reconstruction technique and the ulnohumeral gapping was then assessed. Following gapping measurements, postsurgical specimens underwent a valgus rotation applied at a rate of 5°/s until the anterior band of the UCL failed or fracture occurred. Ultimate load to failure, stiffness, and mode of failure were recorded. Results: There were no statistical differences between the two groups. Mean rotational stiffness of the SD (2.3 ± 0.6 Nm/deg) compared to the PST (1.9 ± 0.7 Nm/deg) (P = .41) and mean ultimate failure torque of the SD (30.5 ± 9.2 Nm) compared to the PST (30.9 ± 8.6 Nm) (P = .86) were similar. There was also no statistically significant difference (P = .83) when comparing the native UCL ulnohumeral gapping (6.0 ± 2.0 mm) to the mean ulnohumeral gapping of the SD reconstruction (6.0 ± 1.8 mm). Conclusions: This study compares the biomechanical strength of elbow UCL reconstructions performed using the SP technique to that of a PST technique. Among all tested parameters, including ultimate failure torque, stiffness, and ulnohumeral gapping, there were no statistically significant differences between the 2 techniques.

Knee Arthroscopy After Prior Total Knee ArthroplastyType of Study: Narrative Review.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) results in substantial improvement for most patients with end-stage arthritis of the knee; however, approximately 20% of patients have an unsatisfactory result. Although many problems contributing to an unsatisfactory result after TKA are best addressed by revision TKA, some problems may be effectively addressed with arthroscopic treatment. The categories of pathology that can be addressed arthroscopically include peripatellar soft-tissue impingement (patellar clunk syndrome and patellar synovial hyperplasia), arthrofibrosis, and popliteus tendon dysfunction. Recognizing these disease entities and the role of arthroscopic surgery in the treatment of these lesions may be helpful in achieving a good outcome in certain patients who are unsatisfied with their knee arthroplasty.

Skeletally Immature Patients With Classic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Bone Bruise Patterns Have a Higher Likelihood of Having an Intact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Compared With Skeletally Mature Patients.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in skeletally immature patients with an ACL bone contusion pattern has been sparsely investigated. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether physeal status has an influence on the likelihood of sustaining an ACL tear when classic bipolar ACL bone bruising pattern is present. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging reports were queried for "contusion" on all patients between 6 and 22 years between 2015 and 2019. Images were reviewed to denote all intra-articular pathology and the physeal status of the femur and tibia. The primary outcome was the incidence of ACL tears in patients with the presence of bipolar bone contusions. Fischer exact testing was used to determine associations. RESULTS: Of 499 patients included, 269 of those had bipolar bone contusions. Patients with bipolar bone contusions and ACL tears had a shorter duration between injury and imaging date compared with patients with ACL tears without bipolar bone contusions (6.9 vs. 38.6 d, P =0.05). Patients with an open femoral physis had a higher likelihood of having an intact ACL despite the presence of bipolar bone contusions than patients with a closed femoral physis (10.8% vs. 1.0%, P <0.001). Of patients with bipolar bone contusions, those with an intact ACL were younger than patients with an ACL tear (14.6 vs. 16.4, P =0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Although bipolar bone contusions of the central lateral femoral condyle and posterior lateral tibial plateau are typically found after ACL injury, these bipolar contusions can be found concomitantly with an intact ACL and were more often found in relatively younger patients. Patients who have an open femoral physis have a higher likelihood to have an intact ACL despite the presence of bipolar bone contusions compared with patients who have a closed femoral physis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-cross-sectional.

The Incidence of Posterolateral Tibial Plateau and Central Lateral Femoral Condylar Impaction Fractures in a Pediatric and Young Adult Population.

BACKGROUND: Posterolateral tibial plateau and central lateral femoral condylar impaction fractures are known to occur in the setting of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. There have been no prior investigations into the incidence and morphology of posterolateral tibial plateau impaction fractures in the setting of ACL injury in a pediatric population. METHODS: Patients between 9 and 22 years of age with knee magnetic resonance imagings (MRIs) performed demonstrating complete or partial ACL tear were included in this study. MRI reports were reviewed to denote the presence of posterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament, or lateral collateral ligament injury, meniscus tears, cartilage lesions. MRIs were reviewed by 2 fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons to denote the presence of posterolateral tibial plateau and central lateral femoral condylar impaction fractures and physeal status of femoral and tibial physes. Statistical analysis performed included χ 2 analysis and the Student t testing. RESULTS: A total of 328 patients with a primary ACL tear were identified. The mean age of patients included was 16.5 years (range: 9.0-21.5). The incidence of posterolateral tibial plateau impaction fractures was 83/328 (25.3%) while the incidence of lateral femoral condylar impaction fractures was 119/328 (36.3%). Bipolar impaction fractures occurred in 37/328 (11.3%). Of the 83 tibial impaction fractures identified, 82 were low-grade morphologic subtypes. Patients with lateral tibial plateau impaction fractures were older than those with no fracture (17.2±2.2 vs. 16.3±2.1, P =0.001). Only 3/38 (7.9%) patients with an open tibial physis sustained a tibial plateau impaction fracture compared with 80/290 (27.6%) with a closed tibial physis (χ 2 value: 6.9, P =0.009). There was no difference in proportion of patients with lateral femoral condylar impaction fractures based on femoral physeal status ( P =0.484). CONCLUSION: The incidence of posterolateral tibial plateau impaction fractures in the setting of ACL tear in a pediatric and young adult patient population appears to be lower while lateral femoral condylar impaction fractures occur more frequently when comparing to previously reported incidences found in adult populations in the literature. Furthermore, posterolateral tibial plateau impaction fractures occur less frequently in those with an open proximal tibial physis and high-grade posterolateral tibial plateau bone loss is exceedingly rare in pediatric and young adult patients. Lateral femoral condylar impaction fractures are associated with lateral meniscal tears and medial meniscal ramp lesions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-cross-sectional study.

Grit Score is Predictive of Increased Risk for Opioid Prescription Refill Following Primary Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair.

The grit score is used to measure passion and perseverance for long-term goals. We hypothesized that higher grit scores would predict improved 90-day outcomes and reduced opioid requirements after primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR). Included were 103 patients. The median grit score was 3.9 (2.2-5.0). There was no statistically significant association between grit and morphine milligram equivalents prescribed or patient-reported pain control. Higher grit score was associated with a significant reduction in opioid prescription refill at 6 weeks, though this association was not seen at 2 or 12 weeks. The odds of requiring opioid medication 6 weeks after RCR increased 3.5 times per each 1.0 unit decrease in grit score. Patients with higher levels of grit, especially a score over 4.0, have a less difficult postoperative course after RCR. The grit score may help identify patients who are at increased risk for prolonged opioid use after RCR. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 32(3):177-181, 2023).

Delay in Knee MRI Scan Completion Since Implementation of the Affordable Care Act:: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: The most impactful resolutions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) took effect on January 1, 2014. The clinical and economic effects are widely experienced by orthopaedic surgeons, but are not well quantified. We proposed to evaluate the effect of the ACA on the timing of MRI for knee pathology before and after implementation of the legislation. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all knee MRIs done at our institution from 2011 to 2016 (3 years before and after ACA implementation). The MRI completion time was calculated by comparing the dates of initial clinical evaluation and MRI completion. The groups were subdivided based on insurance payer status (Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payers). The cohorts were compared to determine differences in average completion time and completion rates at time intervals from initial clinic visit before and after ACA implementation. RESULTS: MRI scans of 5,543 knees were included, 3,157 (57%) before ACA implementation and 2,386 (43%) after. There was a 5.6% increase in Medicaid cohort representation after ACA implementation. Patients waited 14 days longer for MRIs after ACA implementation (116 versus 102 days). There were increased completion times for patients in the commercial payer (113 versus 100 days) and Medicaid (131 versus 96 days) groups. Fewer patients had received MRI after ACA implementation within 2, 6, and 12 weeks of their initial clinic visits. DISCUSSION: The time between initial clinical evaluation and MRI scan completion for knee pathology markedly increased after ACA implementation, particularly in the commercial payer and Medicaid cohorts. Additional studies are needed to determine the effect of longer wait times on patient satisfaction, delayed treatment, and increased morbidity. As healthcare policy changes continue, their effects on orthopaedic patients and providers should be closely scrutinized. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-Retrospective cohort study.

Opioid-sparing pain management protocol after shoulder arthroplasty results in less opioid consumption and higher satisfaction: a prospective, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The opioid epidemic has become a central focus in health care. In an effort to reduce opioid use, orthopedic surgeons use multimodal strategies to control postoperative pain. However, no clear consensus exists on ideal pain management strategies after shoulder arthroplasty, and most protocols are opioid-driven. This study sought to determine if patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty using a postoperative opioid-sparing pain-control regimen would have equivalent pain scores and satisfaction as patients using a traditional opioid-based regimen. METHODS: Patients undergoing primary anatomic or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty were prospectively enrolled and randomized into an opioid-sparing (OS) or a traditional opioid-based (OB) postoperative pain protocol. Both groups received opioid education, periarticular injection with liposomal bupivacaine, and preoperative and postoperative multimodal management (acetaminophen, celecoxib, and gabapentin). The OB group was discharged with 40 oxycodone tablets and standard icing, whereas the OS group received ketorolac during admission, continuous cryotherapy, and discharged with 10 oxycodone tablets for rescue. Patients were queried regarding levels of pain and opioid consumption at days 1-7 and at 2, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was recorded at 1, 2, 6, and 12 weeks. Range of motion (ROM), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), and Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE) scores were assessed preoperatively and at 12 weeks postoperatively. Complications, readmissions, and reoperations were recorded. RESULTS: In 78 patients, no difference in VAS pain scores were seen at any time between groups. The OS group consumed less oral morphine equivalents (OME) from inpatient hospitalization to 12 weeks postoperatively (P < .05). Total OME consumption was reduced by 213% for the OS vs. the OB group (112 vs. 239; P < .0001). The OS group consumed fewer opioid pills at all time points (P < .05). A 395% reduction in number of opioid pills consumed in the first 12 weeks postoperatively was seen in the OS vs. the OB group (4.3 vs. 17.0; P < .0001). Significantly more patients in the OS group discontinued opioids by 2 weeks postoperatively (86.1% vs. 58.5%; P = .011), and 94.4% in the OS group discontinued opioids by 6 weeks postoperatively. The OS group was more satisfied with pain management at 1 and 6 weeks (P = .05). No difference in ROM, ASES or SANE scores, complications, readmissions, or reoperations were seen between groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a nearly 4-fold reduction in opioid pain pill consumption and earlier cessation of opioids with an OS pain management protocol. Patients also reported higher satisfaction with this pain management strategy.

Safety and short-term outcomes of anatomic vs. reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in an ambulatory surgery center.

BACKGROUND: A scarcity of literature exists comparing outcomes of outpatient anatomic (aTSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). This study was performed to compare early outcomes between the 2 procedures in a freestanding ambulatory surgery center (ASC) and to determine if the addition of preoperative interscalene nerve block (ISNB) with periarticular liposomal bupivacaine injection (PAI) in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) would improve outcomes over PAI alone. METHODS: Medical charts of all patients undergoing outpatient primary aTSA or rTSA at 2 ASCs from 2012 to 2020 were reviewed. A total of 198 patients were ultimately identified (117 aTSA and 81 rTSA) to make up this retrospective cohort study. Patient demographics, PACU outcomes, complications, readmissions, reoperations, calls to the office, and unplanned clinic visit rates were compared between procedures. PACU outcomes were compared between those receiving ISNB with PAI and those receiving PAI alone. RESULTS: Patients undergoing rTSA were older (61.1 vs. 55.7 years, P < .001) and more likely to have American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class 3 (51.9% vs. 41.0%, P = .050) compared to patients having aTSA. No patient required an overnight stay. Time in the PACU before discharge (89.1 vs. 95.6 minutes, P = .231) and pain scores at discharge (3.0 vs. 3.0, P = .815) were similar for aTSA and rTSA, respectively. One intraoperative complication occurred in the aTSA group (posterior humeral circumflex artery injury) and 1 in the rTSA group (calcar fracture) (P = .793). Ninety-day postoperative total complication (7.7% vs. 7.4%), shoulder-related complication (6.0% vs. 6.2%), medical-related complication (1.7% vs. 1.2%), admission (0.8% vs. 2.5%), reoperation (2.6% vs. 1.2%), and unplanned clinic visit (6.0% vs. 6.1%) rates were similar between aTSA and rTSA, respectively (P ≥ .361 for all comparisons). At 1 year, there were 8 reoperations and 15 complications in the aTSA group compared with 1 reoperation and 8 complications in the rTSA group (P = .091 and P = .818, respectively). Patients who had ISNB spent less time in PACU (75 vs. 97 minutes, P < .001), had less pain at discharge (0.2 vs. 3.9, P < .001), and consumed less oral morphine equivalents in the PACU (1.2 vs. 16.6 mg, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Early postoperative outcomes and complication rates were similar between the 2 groups, and all patients were successfully discharged home the day of surgery. The addition of preoperative ISNB led to more efficient discharge from the ASC with less pain in the PACU.

Sternoclavicular Joint Instability and Reconstruction.

Chronic instability or degenerative arthritis of the sternoclavicular (SC) joint may occur after traumatic or spontaneous dislocation of the SC joint. Most commonly, chronic instability of the SC joint occurs anteriorly; however, posterior instability has an increased risk of serious complications because of proximity to mediastinal structures. Although chronic anterior instability of the SC joint does not resolve with nonsurgical treatment, patients often have mild symptoms that do not impair activities of daily living; however, chronic anterior SC joint instability may be functionally limiting in more active individuals. In these cases, surgical treatment with either (1) SC joint reconstruction or (2) medial clavicle resection, or both, can be done. Recurrent posterior instability of the SC joint also requires surgical treatment due to risk of injury to mediastinal structures. Recent literature describes various reconstruction techniques which generally show improved patient-reported outcomes and low complication rates.

Periarticular liposomal bupivacaine mixture injection vs. single-shot interscalene block for postoperative pain in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The pain control efficacy, postoperative opioid requirements, and costs among patients undergoing major shoulder surgery using different perioperative analgesia modalities have been topics of active debate. Several studies have compared periarticular injection (PAI) to interscalene block (ISB) in shoulder arthroplasty, but there is a paucity of data comparing them in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS: Patients aged 18-80 years with full-thickness rotator cuff tears and undergoing primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair at 2 different shoulder centers were screened and subsequently randomized to receive either periarticular injection (PAI) of liposomal bupivacaine mixed with 0.25% bupivacaine (n = 41) or single-shot interscalene nerve block (ISB) (n = 36). Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, oral morphine equivalent (OME) use, Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE) scores, and costs were collected. Differences with P <.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Day of surgery VAS score and OME usage were significantly reduced with ISB vs. PAI (0.69 vs. 4.65, P < .001, and 18.66 vs. 34.39, P < .001, respectively). There were no significant differences between groups regarding VAS score on postoperative days (PODs) 1-3; however, OME usage on PODs 1 (50.5 vs. 38.8, P = .03) and 2 (48.1 vs. 37.8, P = .04) was significantly more in the ISB group. At POD 3, VAS score (4.13 vs. 3.97, P = .60) and OME use (28.60 vs. 31.16, P = .51) were similar. At 6 and 12 weeks, there were also no significant differences between groups regarding VAS and OME use. There was no difference in SANE score at 12 weeks following surgery between groups and no difference between average 12-week cumulative OME use between groups. The average charge for the PAI was $455, and the average charge for ISB was $745. CONCLUSION: Both ISB and PAI provide acceptable pain control following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Patients have less pain on the day of surgery with ISB, but rebound pain is significant after the block wears off, resulting in substantially increased opioid use in the first 2 PODs. However, cumulative opioid use between groups was similar. There were also no significant differences at the end of the 12-week episode of care in any of the other variables studied. The charge per patient for PAI is approximately $300 less than ISB. Thus, PAI may offer surgeons and patients an effective postoperative analgesic modality as an alternative to ISB.

Normative PROMIS Scores in Healthy Collegiate Athletes: Establishing a Target for Return to Function in the Young Adult Athlete.

BACKGROUND: The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) computer-adaptive testing (CAT) has been shown to be a valid and reliable means of assessing patient-reported outcomes. However, normal scores and distributions for a subset of a healthy young athletic population have not been established. PURPOSE: To establish normative PROMIS scores for the domains of Physical Function (PF-CAT), Mobility (M-CAT), Upper Extremity Function (UE-CAT), and Pain Interference (PI-CAT) and determine the frequency of floor and ceiling effects in a population of healthy collegiate athletes. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Healthy collegiate athletes (18-23 years of age) were prospectively enrolled to complete the 4 PROMIS CAT domains. Additionally, the athletes provided information regarding their age, sex, and sport(s). Mean scores (±SD) and identification of ceiling or floor effects were calculated. Ceiling and floor effects were considered significant if >15% of the participants obtained the highest or lowest possible score on a domain. RESULTS: A total of 194 healthy athletes (mean age, 19.1 years) were included in the study: 118 (60.8%) men and 76 (39.2%) women. Mean scores were 62.9 ± 6.7 for PF-CAT, 58.2 ± 4.1 for M-CAT, 57.4 ± 5.8 for UE-CAT, and 43.2 ± 6.2 for PI-CAT. Distributions of scores for M-CAT and UE-CAT indicated strong ceiling effects by 77.3% and 66.0% of the participants, respectively. In healthy athletes, the PF-CAT differed most from the expected population-based mean score (50), with the mean being >1 SD above (62.9), without a ceiling effect observed. There were no significant sex- or age-based differences on any of the PROMIS domain scores. CONCLUSION: Healthy collegiate athletes scored nearly 1 SD from population-based means for all of the domains tested. M-CAT and UE-CAT demonstrated ceiling effects in more than two-thirds of healthy athletes, which may limit their utility in this population. The PF-CAT did not demonstrate floor or ceiling effects and demonstrated differences in a young adult athletic population from the population mean. The mean PF-CAT score of 62.9 can represent a target for return of function in injured athletes.

Utility of the Merchant View Radiograph for Assessment of Tibial Tubercle-Trochlear Groove Distance: A Comparison to MRI in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients.

BACKGROUND: Plain radiographic evaluation remains the standard initial assessment of patellar instability, while 3-dimensional imaging is obtained in some patients. Merchant radiographs can demonstrate the tibial tubercle relative to the trochlear groove (TT-TG), but the determination of the TT-TG from these radiographs has been abandoned since its original description. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the utility of the TT-TG measured on Merchant radiographs for the assessment of patellar instability. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed of pediatric and adolescent patients aged 10 to 18 who underwent standardized Merchant radiographs, including a total of 98 knees (in 57 patients). Merchant TT-TG was measured as the distance between the center of the trochlear groove and the tibial tubercle, with both lines perpendicular to the anterior femoral condylar axis. In Part 1, the Merchant TT-TG measured by the tibial tubercle radiographic appearance was compared with the measurement utilizing a radiographic marker. In Part 2, the Merchant TT-TG was compared with the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) TT-TG distance using bivariate linear regression analysis. TT-TG measurements were compared in patients with and without patellar instability with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: The tibial tubercle was identified on Merchant radiograph in 81.7% (67/82) of knees, and there was an excellent correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient=0.85) between the Merchant TT-TG and the measurement based on marker placement. Merchant TT-TG was on average 4.5 mm less than MRI TT-TG (12.8±4.4 vs. 8.4±7.7 mm, P<0.001) and was moderately correlated (Pearson correlation coefficient=0.58, P<0.01). TT-TG distance was increased in patients with patellar instability compared with those without patellar instability on the Merchant view (10.5±6.9 vs. 2.0±5.5 mm, P<0.001) and MRI (13.9±4.4 vs. 10.5±2.9 mm, P=0.012). Merchant TT-TG also demonstrated a higher area under the curve than MRI TT-TG (0.872 vs. 0.775) in differentiating patients with and without patellar instability. CONCLUSIONS: Standardized Merchant radiographs allow for reliable assessment of the Merchant TT-TG distance when the tibial tubercle is visualized and moderately correlate with MRI TT-TG (with Merchant TT-TG on average 4.5 mm less than MRI). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

The Bony Bankart: Clinical and Technical Considerations.

Fractures of the anteroinferior aspect of the glenoid rim, known as a bony Bankart lesions, can occur frequently in the setting of traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation. If these lesions are large and are left untreated in active patients, then recurrent glenohumeral instability due to glenoid bone deficiency may occur. Therefore, the clinician must recognize these lesions when they occur and provide appropriate treatment to restore physiological joint stability. This article aims to provide an overview focusing on clinical and technical considerations in the diagnosis and treatment of bony Bankart lesions.

Quantitative and Qualitative Analyses of the Lateral Ligamentous Complex and Extensor Tendon Origins of the Elbow: An Anatomic Study.

BACKGROUND: The lateral collateral ligament complex of the elbow is important in preventing posterolateral rotary instability of the elbow. Understanding the quantitative anatomy of this ligamentous complex and the overlying extensor musculature can aid in the surgical treatment of problems affecting the lateral side of the elbow. PURPOSE: To perform qualitative and quantitative anatomic evaluations of the lateral elbow ligamentous complex and common extensor muscle origins with specific attention to pertinent osseous landmarks. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study. METHODS: A total of 10 nonpaired, fresh-frozen human cadaveric elbows (mean age, 42.2 years; all male) were utilized. Quantitative analysis was performed using a 3-dimensional coordinate measuring device to quantify the location of pertinent bony landmarks, tendons, and ligament footprints of the lateral side of the elbow. RESULTS: The extensor carpi radialis brevis was the only humeral footprint found to cross the radiocapitellar joint line, extending a mean 5.9 mm (95% CI, 4.7-7.0) distal to the joint line. With the elbow in full extension, the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) humeral footprint was found 7.1 mm (95% CI, 4.7-9.4) anterior and 9.8 mm (95% CI, 8.4-11.2) distal to the lateral epicondyle and 8.6 mm (95% CI, 7.5-9.7) proximal to the radiocapitellar joint line, while the radial collateral ligament humeral footprint was found 6.6 mm (95% CI, 5.5-7.8) anterior and 5.6 mm (95% CI, 4.0-7.2) distal to the lateral epicondyle and 12.7 mm (95% CI, 11.4-14.0) proximal to the radiocapitellar joint line. The center of the ulnar attachment of the LUCL was found 1.4 mm (95% CI, 0.7-2.1) anterior and 2.4 mm (95% CI, 1.2-6.0) proximal to the supinator tubercle and 24.4 mm (95% CI, 22.7-26.1) distal to the radiocapitellar joint line. The center of the ulnar attachment of the annular ligament was found to be 17.3 mm proximal to the supinator tubercle. CONCLUSION: The current study provides measured distances of LUCL and radial collateral ligament attachments in reference to clinically relevant landmarks, which can potentially aid surgeons in performing more anatomic reconstruction or repair of the lateral ligamentous complex of the elbow.

High-Grade Posterolateral Tibial Plateau Impaction Fractures in the Setting of a Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear Are Correlated With an Increased Preoperative Pivot Shift and Inferior Postoperative Outcomes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Impaction fractures of the posterolateral tibial plateau have been previously described to occur in association with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears; however, the effect of these injuries on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is not well known. PURPOSE: (1) To assess the effect of posterolateral tibial plateau impaction fractures on preoperative clinical knee stability assessed by the Lachman and pivot-shift examinations and (2) to assess the effect of impaction fractures on PROs after ACLR. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Patients undergoing ACLR for primary ACL tears with available magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were included in this study. MRI scans were reviewed for the presence of posterolateral tibial plateau impaction fractures, which were classified according to the morphological variant. Associations with clinical laxity determined by an examination under anesthesia were assessed using binary logistic regression. Also, 2-year postoperative PROs (12-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-12] Mental Component Scale and Physical Component Scale [PCS], Lysholm, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC], and Tegner scores) were modeled using multiple ordinal logistic regression to assess the effect of posterolateral tibial plateau impaction fracture classification while adjusting for other covariates. Pearson correlation coefficients (PCCs) were used to assess for correlations between postoperative PROs and the amount of tibial plateau bone loss present. RESULTS: Displaced posterolateral tibial plateau impaction fractures were present in 407 (49.3%) of 825 total knees included in this study. Knees with type IIIB impaction fractures had an increased likelihood of having a high-grade pivot shift (odds ratio, 2.3; P = .047), with no other impaction fracture types showing a significant association. There were no significant associations between posterolateral tibial plateau impaction fracture type and a higher Lachman grade. Of the 599 eligible knees with 2-year follow-up, postoperative information was obtained for 419 (70.0%). Patients improved in all PROs at a mean of 3.0 years after ACLR (P < .001). Multiple ordinal logistic regression demonstrated a posterolateral tibial plateau impaction fracture as an independent predictor of the postoperative Lysholm score, with higher grade impaction fractures showing decreased Lysholm scores. Pearson correlation testing demonstrated weak but statistically significant correlations between sagittal bone loss of posterolateral tibial plateau impaction fractures and SF-12 PCS (PCC = -0.156; P = .023), WOMAC total (PCC = 0.159; P = .02), Lysholm (PCC = -0.203; P = .003), and Tegner scores (PCC = -0.151; P = .032). CONCLUSION: When classified into distinct morphological subtypes, high-grade posterolateral tibial plateau impaction fractures were independently associated with decreased postoperative outcomes after ACLR when controlling for other demographic or clinical variables. Patients with large depression-type posterolateral tibial plateau impaction fractures (type IIIB) had an increased likelihood of having high-grade pivot-shift laxity on clinical examination under anesthesia.