Treatment of Chronic Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Stenosing Tenosynovitis Using Ultrasound-Guided Retinaculum Release: A Case Report.

CASE: A 65-year-old man with chronic extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) stenosing tenosynovitis who had failed treatments for 3 years was successfully treated with an ultrasound-guided retinaculum release of the sixth dorsal compartment. CONCLUSION: There are limited options in the literature for treating chronic, recalcitrant ECU tenosynovitis. We describe a novel technique in which the retinaculum overlying the ECU tendon was successfully incised under ultrasound guidance to release the sixth dorsal compartment stenosis. There was no recurrence of symptoms in the following 2 years of follow-up.

A Retrospective Case Series Study on a Minimally Invasive Ultrasound-Guided First Dorsal Compartment Release Technique for Refractory De Quervain Tenosynovitis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients treated with a novel minimally invasive complete release of the first dorsal compartment percutaneously under ultrasound guidance using an 18-gauge needle with an 18 blade at the tip. DESIGN: This was a retrospective case series. Nine adults (ten wrists) were included in the study of this technique. All patients had failed conservative care and had tenderness to palpation over the first dorsal compartment, a positive Finklestein test, and confirmed tenosynovitis with ultrasound imaging before the procedure. The main outcome measures were reduction in pain as determined by the numeric rating scale and improvement of function determined by the Nirschl Phase scale at both short- and long-term follow-up. RESULTS: There was 100% follow-up, with mean (SD) follow-up occurring at 23.1 (9.8) mos (range, 9-42 mos). From preprocedure to follow-up, numeric rating scale pain decreased from 4.1 (SD, 2.5) to 0.0 (SD, 0.0) ( P < 0.001), and Nirschl phase improved from 2.5 (SD, 1.9) to 0.2 (SD, 0.4) ( P = 0.03). No patients required revision open-release surgery or suffered neurovascular complications. CONCLUSION: This technique resulted in significant improvement of pain and function for all patients and no short- or long-term neurovascular complications were seen.

Percutaneous microtenotomy using a microdebrider coblation wand for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Lateral epicondylitis is one of the most common causes of elbow pain. Most patients recover with conservative treatments; however, some patients require surgical intervention. There are 3 common procedures offered: open tenotomy, arthroscopic tenotomy, and percutaneous microtenotomy. In comparison, percutaneous microtenotomy has been proven as a less invasive procedure to treat lateral epicondylitis. We reviewed the literature on the safety and efficacy of using a microdebrider coblation wand to treat lateral epicondylitis, and we compared its outcomes to open and arthroscopic tenotomy. METHODS: A search was completed through PubMed Central, Google Scholar, EBSCO host, and Embase for studies that performed percutaneous microtenotomy with a microdebrider coblation wand to treat lateral epicondylitis. Studies were then screened to determine if they met inclusion and exclusion criteria and were reviewed for data analysis and potential risks of bias. RESULTS: A total of 27 articles were identified and 9 articles (eight studies) met the inclusion criteria. Small sample sizes in the studies and heterogeneity of the methodology limited the capacity to carry out a meta-analysis. Percutaneous microtenotomy outcomes seem to be favorable for reduced pain, increased grip strength, and improved functional outcomes, which were similar to outcomes reported with the other surgical techniques. There were no major adverse events reported in the studies secondary to the use of the microdebrider coblation wand. Procedure time and return to daily activities were shorter for the microtenotomy group. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous microtenotomy performed with a microdebrider coblation seems to be an effective treatment for lateral epicondylitis that provides similar outcomes to the surgical techniques with a lower rate of complications.

Clinical and Imaging Outcomes of Plantar Fasciotomy Using Microdebrider Coblation Wand.

Background: A plantar fasciotomy using a microdebrider coblation wand may be an effective treatment for treating chronic plantar fasciitis. The objective of this prospective study was to determine the success rate of performing a plantar fasciotomy using a microdebrider coblation wand to treat plantar fasciitis and determine utility of ultrasonographic imaging to evaluate for recovery after treatment. Methods: Patients with plantar fasciitis treated with a plantar fasciotomy using a microdebrider coblation wand were prospectively followed for 1 year. Outcome measures included numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain, Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI), the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure for activities of daily living (FAAMA) and for sports (FAAMS), and plantar fascia thickness evaluated with ultrasonographic imaging. Results: Forty patients were included. Average patient age was 53.4 ± 9.9 years. Average symptom duration prior to the procedure was 20 ± 26 months. Five patients dropped out of the study at various points, most due to the COVID quarantine. The mean preoperative NRS score was 4.7 and at 3 and 6 months postprocedure was ≤2. At 1 year, the outcomes were all improved compared to the preoperative status: NRS 0.7±1.3 (P < .001), FADI 107±16 (P < .001), FAAMA 95%±10% (P < .001), FAAMS 84%±19% (P < .001), and plantar fascia thickness 6.8 ± 1.2 mm (P = .014). Furthermore, 86% of patients had clinically successful outcome in pain, defined as NRS score ≤ 2 (95% CI 0, 2), and 91% of patients had a clinically successful outcome in their function, defined as having an FAAMA score ≥75%. There were no complications at the operative site either during or after the procedure. Conclusion: In this study of 40 patients followed prospectively, we found percutaneous plantar fasciotomy using a microdebrider coblation wand to be an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis, with a low incidence of complications. Ultrasonographic imaging may help evaluate for interval healing.Level of Evidence: Level IV, prospective case series.

Ultrasound-guided microinvasive trigger finger release technique using an 18-gauge needle with a blade at the tip: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Open surgical trigger finger release has limited success and the risk of complications; however, percutaneous techniques offer a successful alternative. There is limited understanding of the success of percutaneous trigger finger release. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the functional outcomes of patients with Green classification Grade 2 to 4 trigger finger treated with an ultrasound-guided microinvasive trigger finger release using a special 18-gauge needle with a blade at the tip. DESIGN: Prospective, case-series study. SETTING: This study took place at an academic institution by one sports medicine physician (R.E.C.) with subspecialty training and certification in musculoskeletal ultrasound. PATIENTS: Sixty patients (79 cases) met criteria and agreed to participate in this study; 19 patients had multiple fingers treated. Average patient age was 62.8 years (SD 10.2). Average trigger finger severity diagnosis was Grade 3. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were treated with an ultrasound-guided microinvasive trigger finger release using a special 18-gauge needle with a blade at the tip. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH), numerical rating scale (NRS), and Nirschl scores were captured preprocedure, at various time points, and at final follow-up. Changes between preprocedure and final follow-up were analyzed by paired t test (p < .05). Differences were also analyzed between finger, grade level, and gender by repeated measures analyses of variance (p < .05). RESULTS: No adverse events were documented perioperatively or postoperatively. Average follow-up time was 18.4 months (SD 4.6). At final follow-up, 100% of patients reported no recurrence of catching/locking, 97% had complete resolution of symptoms and significant improvement in QuickDASH scores, and 99% required no further treatment. All measurements showed a decrease in pain and symptoms over time. The improvements in QuickDASH score, NRS, and Nirschl scale and the resolution of mechanical symptoms were all statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided release using the 18-gauge needle with a blade provides significant functional improvement and full resolution of mechanical symptoms with minimal adverse events.

Ultrasound-Guided Microinvasive Trigger Finger Release Technique Combined With Three Tests to Confirm a Complete Release.

OBJECTIVE: Trigger finger at the A1 pulley is a common cause of hand pain leading to functional limitations. This study evaluated the outcomes of patients treated with a microinvasive ultrasound-guided trigger finger release technique using an 18 blade and described three tests that confirm a complete release. DESIGN: A retrospective chart review and cross-sectional study of 46 cases of A1 pulley trigger finger releases in 28 patients performed at a private, sports medicine clinic using this technique were completed, meeting power criteria. The primary outcome measure was the resolution of mechanical catching/locking; secondary outcome measures were reduction in visual analog scale for pain and improvement of function in the modified Nirschl scale. RESULTS: Complete release was achieved in all patients, with no recurrence of catching/locking during the first year (P < 0.0001). Ninety-eight percent of patients had significant pain and functional improvement (P < 0.0001). There were no complications perioperatively and postoperatively. The three confirmatory tests ensured that all cases obtained a successful outcome. CONCLUSION: This technique combined with confirmatory tests resulted in full resolution of the locking for all patients and statistically significant reduction in pain and improvement in function.

Short-term outcomes after pure bone marrow aspirate injection for severe knee osteoarthritis: a case series.

Background: Bone marrow aspiration (BMA) is among a group of autologous cell-based therapies currently being explored to treat osteoarthritis (OA). Materials & methods: This retrospective case study observed ten patients (13 knees) with severe knee OA who failed extensive conservative treatment and were treated with BMA injection using a novel, pure bone marrow aspiration (pBMA) technique. Results: No adverse events were reported. More than 50% reduction in the visual analog scale score for pain was observed at 2- and 12-weeks post-procedure, showing statistical significance. At 64 ± 26 weeks post-procedure, average knee pain remained significantly less than pre-procedure. Conclusion: Therefore, patients with severe knee OA may achieve significant relief after a BMA injection obtained using this pure bone marrow aspiration technique.

Orthobiologics in Elbow Injuries.

Orthobiologics are exciting tools providing promising results for difficult orthopedic conditions. In the elbow there is high-level evidence for their use in lateral epicondylopathy and encouraging evidence for other elbow pathologies. This article provides an in-depth review of the current literature for the use of orthobiologics in elbow injuries.

Clinical Outcomes of Percutaneous Plantar Fasciotomy Using Microdebrider Coblation Wand.

BACKGROUND: Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in adults. Multiple conservative treatment plans exist; however, some cases do not obtain significant clinical improvement with conservative treatment and require further intervention. This retrospective case study evaluated the success rate of percutaneous plantar fasciotomy and confounding comorbidities that negatively affect outcomes. METHODS: A series of 41 patients treated with percutaneous plantar fasciotomy using the Topaz EZ microdebrider coblation wand were invited to participate in this retrospective follow-up study, and 88% (N = 36) participated. A limited chart review was completed and the patients answered a survey with the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) questionnaire. Average outcomes were calculated and 45 variables were analyzed to determine if they were statistically significant confounders. Patients had symptoms for an average of 3 years before the procedure and were contacted for follow-up at an average of 14 months after the procedure. RESULTS: The average VAS for pain score was 1.3 ± 1.8 and the average FAAM score was 92 ± 15. Eighty-nine percent of patients had a successful outcome, defined as FAAM greater than 75. In addition, patients at 18 months postprocedure reported complete or near-complete resolution of symptoms with an FAAM score greater than 97. Concurrent foot pathologies (eg, tarsal tunnel syndrome), oral steroid treatment prior to the procedure, and immobilization with a boot prior to the procedure were statistically significant negative confounders (P < .05). Being an athlete was a positive confounder (P = .02). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous plantar fasciotomy using a microdebrider coblation was an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis, particularly without concurrent foot pathology, with a low risk of complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Chronic ischial tuberosity avulsion nonunion fracture treated with a platelet-rich plasma injection as a bone graft.

We present a case of an 18-year-old with a 2-year history of buttock pain who failed extensive treatment for a perceived hamstring strain. Upon evaluation, he was diagnosed with an ischial tuberosity nonunion avulsion fracture. The patient underwent bone grafting via an ultrasound guided leukocyte rich platelet-rich plasma injection followed by the use of a bone stimulator to enhance the bone healing. At 3 months, he was asymptomatic and had radiographic evidence of excellent bone healing. He remained asymptomatic at 1 year and had resumed full activities. This case report is the first in the literature to describe the treatment of a chronic ischial tuberosity nonunion avulsion fracture with the use of platelet-rich plasma as a bone graft.

Ultrasound-Guided Ganglionectomy of a Flexor Hallucis Longus Ganglion Cyst Using Coablation Technology: A Case Report.

A 44-year-old woman with a history of an open ganglionectomy 2 years prior presented with a recurrent ganglion cyst. The ganglion cyst, extending from the flexor hallucis longus tendon sheath, was confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging. The patient declined another surgical incision. An experimental procedure was performed: ultrasound-guided ganglionectomy using a coablation wand. She achieved full symptom resolution, with no recurrence 1 year afterwards. To our knowledge, this is the first case report in the literature describing the use of this instrument for treating a ganglion cyst.

Ultrasound-Guided First Dorsal Compartment Release for Refractory de Quervain Tenosynovitis: A Case Report.

De Quervain tenosynovitis is an overuse syndrome associated with inflammation of the tendons in the first dorsal compartment of the wrist. Management includes activity modification, splinting, and corticosteroid injections. In refractory cases, surgical release may be performed, which may be complicated by incomplete release, tendon subluxation, or radial nerve injury. Alternatively, ultrasound-guided release may improve patient satisfaction and outcomes through faster recovery time as well as improved visualization of subcompartments and neurovascular structures. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case in the literature describing a novel technique for ultrasound-guided first dorsal compartment release for refractory de Quervain tenosynovitis.

THE USE OF SERIAL PLATELET RICH PLASMA INJECTIONS WITH EARLY REHABILITATION TO EXPEDITE GRADE III MEDIAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENT INJURY IN A PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE: A CASE REPORT.

BACKGROUND: Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries are one of the most commonly treated knee pathologies in sports medicine. The MCL serves as the primary restraint to valgus force. The large majority of these injuries do not require surgical intervention. CASE SUBJECT DESCRIPTION: A 30-year-old professional wrestling athlete presented to the clinic with acute complaints of right medial knee pain resulting from a traumatic valgus force. Physical exam revealed Grade 3 MCL injury. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed clinical diagnosis of a Grade 3 proximal MCL tear. This athlete had sustained a prior grade 3 ACL injury with Grade 3 distal MCL injury which required surgery to reconstruct the ACL and repair the MCL 13 months prior, in November of 2015. OUTCOMES: The subject was successfully treated with a series of three sequential Leukocyte Rich Platelet Rich Plasma (LR-PRP) Injections spaced evenly one week apart in addition to an early physical therapy regimen. The total treatment time was cut down from an expected 35-49 days to 31 days. DISCUSSION: When paired with the appropriate rehabilitation treatment progression, the use of LR-PRP injections in the treatment of an isolated MCL tear was beneficial for this subject. CONCLUSION: The results of this case report indicate that the use of LR-PRP and early rehabilitation shows promise in treating an acute grade 3 MCL injury. Future research utilizing randomized controlled trials are needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case Report, 4.

Pure bone marrow aspirate injection for chronic greater trochanteric pain syndrome: a case report.

There are limited treatment options for patients with a chronic refractory greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Orthobiologic interventions may stimulate tendon healing and improve pain and function in patients who fail the standard conservative treatment. Since the US FDA's new position statement regarding the centrifugation of bone marrow aspirate products as a potentially 'more than minimally manipulated' product, there is a growing concern about the most common bone marrow aspirate concentrate technique. In this case, a 57 year old female with a debilitating chronic greater trochanteric pain syndrome was treated with a pure autologous bone marrow aspirate injection using a novel aspiration technique. The patient showed significant improvements in pain and function without recurrence at 1-year follow-up. This is the first case report to illustrate this novel technique for aspirating pure bone marrow that should comply with the new FDA regulations.

A Rare Complete Metacarpal Pseudoepiphysis in a Teenager With a Scaphoid Fracture.

A 13-yr-old adolescent boy presented with wrist pain after falling off a scooter onto his outstretched hand. Radiographs revealed a nondisplaced hairline fracture of the scaphoid bone and an irregular radiolucent line in the proximal metaphysis of the second metacarpal bone, consistent with an anomalous growth plate, or complete pseudoepiphysis. Complete pseudoepiphysis is a rare finding, with only a few cases reported. Learning about the common locations of growth plates and the radiographic differences between normal, injured, and anomalous growth plates can help decrease physician error and improve patient outcomes.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Gouty Tophi in the Patellar Tendon Using Ultrasound-Guided Needle Barbotage: A Case Presentation.

A 73-year-old man presented with nontraumatic debilitating anterior left knee pain. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested a partial patellar tendon tear. However, ultrasound imaging revealed multiple small hyperechoic areas with posterior acoustic shadowing with intermixed hypoechoic fluid within the proximal patellar tendon, consistent with gouty tophi. The patient underwent ultrasound-guided needle barbotage of the tophi. Gout was confirmed by the presence of uric acid crystals in the aspirate. He had immediate pain relief. Ultrasound imaging 6 weeks later demonstrated healing of the tendon without tophi recurrence. At 6-month follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic. This case highlights a rare cause of knee pain, promotes diagnostic ultrasound, and describes a novel treatment technique for intratendinous tophaceous gout. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Conditions in Tennis-Teaching Professionals.

BACKGROUND: Tennis-teaching professionals represent a significant proportion of all avid tennis players worldwide, with 15,000 belonging to the largest professional organization, the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA). However, there is no epidemiologic study to date reporting the prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions in these tennis-teaching professionals. PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions in tennis-teaching professionals following the International Tennis Federation's (ITF) guidelines for epidemiologic studies. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: Electronic surveys were distributed to 13,500 American members of the USPTA. The prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 1176 USPTA members completed the survey. Most participants reported teaching more than 5 days per week and more than 2 hours per day. The prevalence of musculoskeletal injury secondary to teaching tennis was 42%. The most affected area was the lower extremities (43% of all injuries) followed by the upper extremities (37%). The most commonly injured structures were muscles or tendons (36% of all injuries) and joints or ligaments (28%). The majority of injuries did not cause participants to miss more than 24 hours of teaching (57%). CONCLUSION: This is the first epidemiologic study on the occupational risk of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions in tennis-teaching professionals. Tennis-teaching professionals have a significant risk of musculoskeletal injuries or conditions related to their occupation. The prevalence of injury is consistent with previously published studies of injury prevalence among other tennis-playing populations. The proportions of upper and lower extremity injuries were fairly equitable.

A Cadaveric Study Assessing the Accuracy of Ultrasound-Guided Sacroiliac Joint Injections.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound guidance has been proposed as an alternative imaging modality for sacroiliac (SI) joint injections. Few studies have been published on the accuracy of this modality for the procedure. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of ultrasound-guided SI joint injections using a cadaveric model. DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. SETTING: The study was performed in the Skills Laboratory of the American Sports Medicine Institute in St. Vincent's Hospital, Birmingham, AL. METHODS: Seventeen cadaveric SI joints were injected under ultrasound guidance and dissected to determine the accuracy of intra-articular injections. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The presence of intra-articular spread of a white paint marker in the SI joint after ultrasound-guided injection. RESULTS: Of 17 SI joints, 15 (88.2%) were accurately injected intra-articularly. One of the joints with no intra-articular spread was found to be partially frozen at the time of dissection, and the second joint was considered an unsuccessful injection before dissection due to difficulty entering the joint under ultrasound guidance because of marginal osteophytes at the joint line. Of the 15 joints with intra-articular placement, 5 joints (33.3%) showed partial extra-articular spread at the time of initial injection and required redirection of the needle under ultrasound guidance, and 3 joints (20%) had extra-articular spread that was not seen during ultrasound. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound allowed intra-articular injection in 88.2% of joints in this cadaveric study. Ultrasound does not expose the patient to radiation, as seen with fluoroscopic guidance, which is currently the gold standard for this injection. In addition, ultrasound may allow visualization of extra-articular spread when caused by extra-articular needle placement, which can allow for redirection of the needle to achieve intra-articular injection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Outcomes after ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injections for chronic tendinopathy: a multicenter, retrospective review.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are an effective treatment for chronic tendinopathies. DESIGN: A retrospective, cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Four academic sports medicine centers from across the United States. PATIENTS: A total of 180 men and women between the ages of 18 and 75 years who received ultrasound-guided PRP injections for tendinopathy refractory to conventional treatments. INTERVENTIONS: Survey on satisfaction and functional outcome. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Perceived improvement in symptoms at least 6 months after treatment, perceived change in visual analog scale score, assessment of functional pain, and overall satisfaction. RESULTS: On average, patients were 48 years old, had symptoms for a median of 18 months before treatment, and answered the survey on average 15 months after treatment. Overall, 82% of patients indicated moderate to complete improvement in symptoms. The most common injection sites were the lateral epicondyle, Achilles, and patellar tendons. Other sites treated included the rotator cuff, hamstring, gluteus medius, and medial epicondyle, among others. Furthermore, 60% of patients received only 1 injection, 30% received 2 injections, and 10% received 3 or more injections. Patients' perceived decrease in visual analog scale score was 75%, from 7.0 ± 1.8 to 1.8 ± 2.0 (-5.2, SD 2.7, 95% confidence interval -5.65 to -4.86, P < .0001). In addition, at follow-up, 95% of patients reported having no pain at rest that disrupted their activities of daily living and 68% reported no pain during activities. A total of 85% of patients were satisfied with the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective study, in which we evaluated administration of PRP for chronic tendinopathy, we found that the majority of patients reported a moderate (>50%) improvement in pain symptoms.

Aspiration and triamcinolone acetonide injection of wrist synovial cysts in children.

PURPOSE: The aim of this case series report is to assess the effectiveness of aspiration and injection of triamcinolone acetonide for treatment of wrist synovial cysts in children. METHODS: Twenty-one records of pediatric patients with synovial cyst on the wrist treated with aspiration and triamcinolone acetonide injection were selected for analysis of their outcomes. All cases were aspirated and injected at the operating room under mask induction anesthesia. Three categories were used to classify the patients' outcomes: (1) successful treatment with no recurrence, (2) successful treatment with residual sclerotic lump, and (3) recurrence of cyst. RESULTS: Fourteen females and 7 males with an average age of 7.2 years had a mean time with the cyst of 1 year. All children were asymptomatic. After aspiration, 13 (62%) of 21 patients experienced successful treatment of the synovial cyst with no recurrence after a single intervention. Five patients had a residual lump at the site of the cyst (24%), which disappeared after an average of 6 months. Three patients experienced true recurrence of the synovial cyst (14%). Average follow-up was 2.5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Aspiration and injection of triamcinolone accounted for a considerable reduction in recurrence. Aspiration and triamcinolone acetonide injection of wrist synovial cysts is an effective and safe treatment that may be considered as first-line treatment in the pediatric population if there is no resolution after 1 year of observation.