The Role of Amino Acid Supplementation in Orthopaedic Surgery.

The nutritional status of patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery has started to garner increasing attention in published literature. Notable previous evidence has demonstrated the negative effect of malnutrition on outcomes after orthopaedic procedures. Although there has been increased recognition of malnutrition as a risk factor for suboptimal outcomes, the use of nutritional supplementation to mitigate those risks is not well understood. The purpose of this review of most current literature on the topic is to introduce and elucidate the role of amino acid supplementation as a countermeasure to muscle loss and improvement of nutritional status in orthopaedic patients to improve results and outcomes after orthopaedic surgery.

Revision Shoulder Instability Surgery After Failed Latarjet: Glenoid Reconstruction Using Distal Tibial Allograft and Humeral Head Reconstruction Using Osteochondral Allograft.

Revision surgery for a failed Latarjet procedure is rare and technically demanding with few viable options. Similarly, massive defects to the articular humeral head require thoughtful techniques to recreate a congruent joint. Revision options for failed Latarjet have been studied, but there is yet to be a consensus on graft options. Distal tibial allograft has shown favorable outcomes in midterm data. Humeral head osteochondral allograft has also shown favorable outcomes for very large humeral head defects. However, there is a paucity of literature to demonstrate efficacy of combining the 2 aforementioned techniques. Revision shoulder instability surgery with glenoid reconstruction using distal tibial allograft and humeral head reconstruction using osteochondral allograft restores the glenohumeral articulation while preserving the remaining native bone stock.

Traumatic rupture of the posterior deltoid tendon during weight lifting: A case report and review of literature.

Deltoid tendon humeral sided avulsion leads to discomfort and functional limitation in the young active population. This report illustrates a case for surgical treatment with a simple suspensory device that allows for early return to activity.

Bilateral shoulder septic arthritis due to suspected bacterial endocarditis: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Septic arthritis is an orthopedic emergency that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment. It is typically caused by occult bacteremia which allows bacteria to seed the joint or local invasion of a soft tissue infection. Most cases of septic arthritis are caused by gram-positive bacteria, with the most common culprit being Staphylococcus Aureus. The reason septic arthritis is an orthopedic emergency is because of rapid destruction to cartilage. The mechanism of injury to cartilage is two-fold: bacterial enzymes are directly toxic to joint cartilage, and buildup of exudate can tamponade blood flow and cause anoxic injury. Typically, the knee is the most commonly involved joint. This is followed by the hip, ankle, elbow, wrist, and shoulder in descending order of occurrence. Polyarticular disease makes up a small percentage of these cases and if present, it is usually asymmetric and will involve at least one knee joint. PRESENTATION OF CASE: Bilateral joint septic arthritis is relatively rare. We present an uncommon case of atraumatic bilateral septic shoulders in an elderly man with a history of heart disease and insidious bilateral shoulder pain after golfing 18 holes. This presentation is unique not only in its rarity but also in its impact on our understanding of septic arthritis in the setting of medical comorbidities and a relatively unimpressive presentation. With a recent golfing day just prior to presentation, differential diagnoses other than septic arthritis included deltoid/rotator cuff muscle strain, acute on chronic rotator cuff tendinosis, acute on chronic rotator cuff tearing, acute flare up of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or crystalline arthropathy. With elevated inflammatory markers and an equivocal physical examination, our patient underwent advanced imaging via MRI and subsequent bilateral glenohumeral joint diagnostic aspirations that were consistent with septic arthritis due to his complaining of contralateral shoulder pain shortly after his admission. Immediately after said diagnosis was made, the patient was taken back for emergent bilateral open irrigation and debridement, as septic arthritis is an orthopedic emergency, and went on to recover appropriately on culture-directed intravenous antibiotic therapy. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: This case report is impactful with regard to clinical practice for multiple reasons. First and foremost it is a cautionary tale for all clinicians with regard to the level of suspicion one must have for polyarticular septic arthritis in the setting of the multiply painful patient. Second, it demonstrates the utility of advanced imaging in the equivocal patient. Lastly, it underscores the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment, validating the existing algorithm for septic arthritis.

Repair of Proximal Hamstring Tear Utilizing a Suture Bridge Knotless Construct.

Proximal hamstring tendon injuries occur frequently in the athletic population resulting in varying degrees of functional disability depending on severity of injury. The purpose of our case vignette is to describe a surgical technique and clinical outcome for open proximal hamstring tendon repair with a confirmed biomechanically sound construct. We also describe and summarize the current literature recommendations for proximal hamstring injuries. We present a case and surgical technique report on a 27-year-old male who suffered a proximal hamstring tendon rupture. Utilizing a double row all-knotless suture bridge construct with a total of four anchors and six suture limbs allowed for anatomic footprint coverage and strength. Two years of clinical follow-up was obtained evaluating hip and knee range of motion, strength, and functional ability. Our patient underwent uncomplicated open surgical repair and returned to all activity at four months following surgery. Range of motion and strength returned to preoperative levels at the four-month postoperative mark. The use of a reproducible double row all-knotless suture bridge technique provided adequate strength and stability in the setting of a proximal hamstring tendon rupture. Open and endoscopic surgical techniques performed acutely both show positive postoperative subjective outcomes as well as a high likelihood of returning to sport. Controversy remains present in regard to the repair technique as well as postoperative bracing and physical therapy recommendations.

Primary Repair of the Medial Collateral Ligament with a Double Row Suture Technique and Suture Tape Augmentation for Acute Tibial-Sided Injuries.

The management of medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries has evolved during the past 30 years. Most heal reliably with conservative management. The treatment of MCL sprains with concomitant other ligamentous injuries continues to be controversial. Surgical management of chronic laxity of the medial structures can be quite difficult, and therefore anatomic repair of the medial support structures in the acute setting is preferred when indicated. Complete avulsion of the superficial and deep MCL from the tibia with disruption of the meniscal coronary ligament have a poor prognosis with non-operative treatment and may be optimally managed with acute surgical repair for improved valgus stability. A recent review demonstrated that there is a role for primary MCL repair for select patients. This technique addresses complete avulsions from the tibia, using multiple anchors for anatomic reattachment of the deep and superficial MCL, SutureBridge construct to enhance footprint compression, and suture tape to augment the MCL repair. Advantages of this technique include utilization of suture tape augmentation to allow for early range of motion, maintenance of the native MCL to preserve proprioception, and repair in the acute setting for faster recovery.

Pitch velocity is a predictor of medial elbow distraction forces in the uninjured high school-aged baseball pitcher.

BACKGROUND: Medial elbow injuries are common among baseball pitchers. Easily accessed methods to assess medial elbow stress may be useful in identifying individuals with increased injury risk. HYPOTHESIS: Pitch velocity (PV) is positively associated with higher medial elbow adduction moments. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Participants included 26 uninjured high school pitchers, 15 to 18 years in age. Three-dimensional data and PV were collected as athletes threw 10 fastballs for strikes to a regulation-distance target. Variables of interest were the normalized peak internal elbow adduction moment and peak PV. Linear regression was performed to evaluate the influence of PV on the adduction moment. RESULTS: For the group, mean PV was 71 mph (range, 58-81 mph), and the adduction moment was 0.558 Nm/Ht × mass (range, 0.378-0.723). PV was positively associated with the adduction moment (P < 0.01, R(2)= 0.373). CONCLUSIONS: Talented young pitchers may be more susceptible to elbow injuries as a consequence of a biomechanical coupling between PV and upper extremity joint moments. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: PV may be measured easily and serve as an indicator of medial elbow stress.

Evolution of the reverse total shoulder prosthesis.

Over the last decade, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty has gained significant popularity due to its ability to address difficult reconstructive shoulder problems that could not be adequately treated in the past. The concept of the reverse shoulder prosthesis was introduced in the 1970s, but the initial attempts were associated with high complication and implant failure rates. The pioneering work of Paul Grammont (shifting the center of rotation medially and distally) and the development of the DELTA prosthesis have been fundamental to all subsequent reverse shoulder arthroplasty systems. These semiconstrained prostheses utilize the deltoid to improve function and stability of the shoulder joint by coupling a convex glenoid with a concave humeral component. Modern generations of reverse shoulder prosthesis continue to evolve on the fundamentals of Grammont. Though results of these new prosthesis demonstrate promising outcomes, many controversies and challenges continue to be refined. An historical review of the evolution of reverse shoulder arthroplasty is presented, as well as the currently expanding indications for its application.

Distal biceps tendon injuries--current treatment options.

Three percent of all biceps tendon ruptures occur at the distal aspect, where the tendon inserts into the radial tuberosity. Distal bicep tendon ruptures typically occur in middle-aged males after an eccentric extension load is applied to the elbow. Patients usually complain of a sudden, sharp, and painful tearing sensation in the antecubital region, with a palpable defect. The biceps squeeze and hook tests are specific maneuvers by which to diagnose distal biceps ruptures on physical examination. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound maybe be helpful to distinguish between partial and complete tears. Anatomic studies suggest there are two distinct insertions for the short and long heads of the distal biceps. The short head may be a more powerful flexor, and the long head may be a more powerful supinator. Nonoperative treatment typically results in loss of flexion and supination strength and endurance. Early anatomic re-attachment is the goal. Surgical approaches include one- or two-incision techniques, and tendon fixation methods include the use of suture anchors, bone tunnels, an endobutton, or biotenodesis screws. Biomechanical studies have shown that endobuttons have higher load-to-failure strengths, compared to the other fixation methods. However, clinical studies have demonstrated that patients do well regardless of surgical approach or fixation method. Possible complications include nerve injuries, heterotopic ossification, postoperative fracture, tendon rerupture, complex regional pain syndrome, and wound infection. Partial ruptures are significantly less common and initially can be treated conservatively. Chronic tears are more difficult to treat because of possible tendon retraction and poor tissue quality. Tendon grafts using semitendinosus, fascia lata, hamstring, Achilles (calcaneal), or flexor carpi radialis have been successfully used for length restoration in these cases.

The effect of surgical approaches on pulmonary function in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of 4 surgical approaches for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis on pulmonary function and document their trend across a 2-year period. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Understanding the effects of surgical approaches on pulmonary function is critical in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Depending on the surgical approach, studies have demonstrated improvement, decline, or no effect on pulmonary function. METHODS: Sixty-one patients were evaluated for vital capacity (VC) and peak flow (PF) before and following surgery at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Patients were separated into the following groups: group 1-posterior fusion only, group 2-posterior fusion with thoracoplasty, group 3-thoracoscopic anterior fusion, group 4-open anterior thoracolumbar fusion. RESULTS: Between groups, no difference was found in age, preoperative curve magnitude, percent curve correction or baseline VC and PF. At 1-month postoperatively, group 3 had lower VC than group 1 (P<0.01). After 1 month, no difference was seen between groups. Compared with before surgery, group 2 demonstrated a significant decline in VC and PF at 1 month and returned to baseline at 3 months (P<0.01). Group 3 had a significant decline in VC and PF at 1, 3, and 6 months whereas group 4 had a decline in VC at 1 month (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Scoliosis approaches that violate the chest wall demonstrate a significant decline in postoperative pulmonary function. Documented return of pulmonary function did not occur until 3 months for posterior fusion with thoracoplasty, 3 months for open anterior fusion and 1 year for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.