Biologic Impact of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury and Reconstruction.

Surgical intervention after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears is typically required because of the limited healing capacity of the ACL. However, mechanical factors and the inflammatory response triggered by the injury and surgery can impact patient outcomes. This review explores key aspects of ACL injury and reconstruction biology, including the inflammatory response, limited spontaneous healing, secondary inflammation after reconstruction, and graft healing processes. Understanding these biologic mechanisms is crucial for developing new treatment strategies and enhancing patient well-being. By shedding light on these aspects, clinicians and researchers can work toward improving quality of life for individuals affected by ACL tears.

Hemoglobin A1c Levels >6.6% Are Associated With Higher Postoperative Complications After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Purpose: To investigate the relation between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and postoperative complications after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Methods: A retrospective review was performed of consecutive patients with an isolated anterior cruciate ligament tear, preoperative diagnosis of diabetes, and documented HbA1c within 90 days of primary ACLR between 2000 and 2019. Data collected included demographic and surgical characteristics, 90-day medical complications, and subsequent surgeries on the ipsilateral knee. A receiver operating curve was constructed for each HbA1c level in relation to postoperative complications and the optimal cutoff identified via Youden's J statistic. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the relation between postoperative complications and age, sex, graft type, diabetes subtype, and HbA1c. Results: Nineteen patients (7 females, 12 males) fulfilled inclusion criteria with preoperative HbA1c ranging from 5.5 to 10. Complications included septic knee (n = 1) and cyclops lesions requiring arthroscopic lysis (n = 3). Patients with HbA1c of 6.7% or higher were 25 times more likely to experience any postoperative complication (P = .04) and 16 times more likely to require lysis of adhesions (P = .08). On multivariable regression, HbA1c remained significantly associated with any complication (P = .005) and developing arthrofibrosis (P = .02) independent of age, sex, graft type, and diabetes subtype. Conclusions: Diabetic patients undergoing primary ACLR with a preoperative HbA1c of 6.7% or higher were 25 times more likely to require repeat surgical intervention for a postoperative complication. These complications included arthrofibrosis and infection. Strict glycemic control may help minimize the risk of postoperative complications after ACLR. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Patient-reported outcomes measurement information system depression psychometrically underperforms compared to legacy measures and is poorly associated with postoperative functional outcomes in shoulder arthroplasty patients.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between each mental health patient-reported outcome measure with postoperative functional outcomes following shoulder arthroplasty, and to compare psychometric properties of patient-reported outcomes measurement information system depression to the legacy (VR-12 Mental) patient-reported outcome measure. Methods: Patients who underwent primary shoulder arthroplasty from July 2018 to February 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient-reported outcomes measurement information system depression and VR-12 Mental were administered preoperatively; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation were administered at 6-month and 1-year postoperatively. Rasch partial credit modeling analysis was used to compare psychometric properties of legacy versus patient-reported outcomes measurement information system instruments in assessing mental health. Results: Ninety-three patients who underwent total shoulder arthroplasty (n = 52), reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (n = 39), or hemiarthroplasty (n = 2) were included. Preoperative VR-12 Mental scores were moderately associated with American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons at 6-months (coefficient: 0.52, P = 0.026) and 1-year (coefficient: 0.65, P = 0.002), while preoperative patient-reported outcomes measurement information system depression scores were not. Patient-reported outcomes measurement information system depression demonstrated significant floor effects (16%); VR-12 Mental demonstrated minimal floor and ceiling effects (1.1% for both). VR-12 Mental demonstrated broader coverage of mental outlook on Rasch modeling than patient-reported outcomes measurement information system depression and had adequate model fit after one round of reiterative item elimination. Discussion: Patient-reported outcomes measurement information system depression was poorly associated with postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, demonstrated significant floor effects, and had limited coverage of mental health on Rasch modeling with reiterative elimination. Level of Evidence: IV.

PROMIS physical function and pain perform poorly psychometrically in patients undergoing medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the validity, floor and ceiling effects, and dimensionality of PROMIS Physical Function (PF) and Pain compared to legacy patient reported outcome (PRO) measures in patients undergoing medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. METHODS: Patients who underwent MPFL reconstruction between 2018 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperatively, patients completed the IKDC, VR-12, Kujala, SF-12, KOOS JR, PROMIS PF and Pain surveys. Inter-survey convergence was assessed with Spearman correlations. Psychometric analysis included investigations of inter-survey convergent validity, intra-survey floor and ceiling effects, and Rasch analyses with person-item fit and iterative question elimination model fit testing. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients (mean age: 22.6 ± 8.4 years) who completed preoperative surveys were included (compliance: 91.7-96.2%). Preoperatively, age was significantly associated with both PROMIS PF (coefficient: - 0.291, P = 0.005) and Pain scores (coefficient: 0.294, P = 0.002). PROMIS PF had a Very Good correlation with IKDC and PROMIS Pain had a Very Good correlation with KOOS JR. Other correlations ranged from Poor to Good. No significant floor or ceiling effects were observed for any PRO. On iterative question elimination Rasch modelling, only two questions from PROMIS PF remained after 6 rounds of elimination while PROMIS Pain had no questions remaining after 3 rounds of elimination. CONCLUSION: Preoperative PROMIS PF and Pain provided only Fair to Good correlations with most legacy PROs. Although no significant floor and ceiling effects were observed, PROMIS PF and Pain did not perform well psychometrically in this population of patients undergoing MPFL reconstruction. These results suggest PROMIS questionnaires should be used with caution in this population, especially if used in isolation, when discussing clinical expectations with patients. The authors recommend continued use of legacy PROs specific to assessment of patellar instability and function that have established validity in patellar instability populations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Exposure to Extended Reality and Artificial Intelligence-Based Manifestations: A Primer on the Future of Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Software-infused services, from robot-assisted and wearable technologies to artificial intelligence (AI)-laden analytics, continue to augment clinical orthopaedics - namely hip and knee arthroplasty. Extended reality (XR) tools, which encompass augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality technology, represent a new frontier for expanding surgical horizons to maximize technical education, expertise, and execution. The purpose of this review is to critically detail and evaluate the recent developments surrounding XR in the field of hip and knee arthroplasty and to address potential future applications as they relate to AI. METHODS: In this narrative review surrounding XR, we discuss (1) definitions, (2) techniques, (3) studies, (4) current applications, and (5) future directions. We highlight XR subsets (augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality) as they relate to AI in the increasingly digitized ecosystem within hip and knee arthroplasty. RESULTS: A narrative review of the XR orthopaedic ecosystem with respect to XR developments is summarized with specific emphasis on hip and knee arthroplasty. The XR as a tool for education, preoperative planning, and surgical execution is discussed with future applications dependent upon AI to potentially obviate the need for robotic assistance and preoperative advanced imaging without sacrificing accuracy. CONCLUSION: In a field where exposure is critical to clinical success, XR represents a novel stand-alone software-infused service that optimizes technical education, execution, and expertise but necessitates integration with AI and previously validated software solutions to offer opportunities that improve surgical precision with or without the use of robotics and computed tomography-based imaging.

Examining the Efficacy of Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Repair: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review of Biomechanical and Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Medial meniscus posterior root (MMPR) injuries accelerate the progression of osteoarthritis. While partial meniscectomy was once considered the gold standard for treatment, meniscus root repair has become increasingly utilized with reported improvements in clinical and biomechanical outcomes. PURPOSE: To perform a systematic review of biomechanical outcomes and a meta-analysis of clinical and radiographic outcomes after MMPR repair. STUDY DESIGN: Meta-analysis and systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were queried in August 2021 for studies reporting biomechanical, clinical, and radiographic outcomes after MMPR repair. Biomechanical studies were assessed for main results and conclusions. Data including study characteristics, cohort demographics, and outcomes were extracted. Included clinical studies were analyzed with a random-effects meta-analysis of proportions for binary outcomes or continuous outcomes for mean differences between preoperative and postoperative time points. Subgroup analysis for studies reporting repair outcomes with concomitant high tibial osteotomy (HTO) was performed where appropriate. RESULTS: A total of 13 biomechanical studies were identified and reported an overall improvement in mean and peak contact pressures after MMPR repair. There were 24 clinical studies, consisting of 876 patients (877 knees), identified, with 3 studies (106 knees) reporting outcomes with concomitant HTO. The mean patient age was 57.1 years (range, 23-74 years), with a mean follow-up of 27.7 months (range, 2-64 months). Overall, clinical outcomes (Lysholm, Hospital for Special Surgery, International Knee Documentation Committee, visual analog scale for pain, Tegner, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score scores) were noted to improve postoperatively compared with preoperatively, with improved Lysholm scores in patients undergoing concomitant HTO versus MMPR repair alone. Meniscal extrusion was not significantly improved after MMPR repair compared with preoperative measurements. The progression in Kellgren-Lawrence grades from grade 0 to grades 1 to 3 occurred in 5.9% (21/354) of patients after repair, with no patients progressing from grades 1 to 3 to grade 4. CONCLUSION: MMPR repair generally improved biomechanical outcomes and led to improved patient-reported outcomes with greater improvements noted in patients undergoing concomitant HTO. Repair did not significantly improve meniscal extrusion, while only 5.9% of patients were noted to progress to low-grade osteoarthritis. The high level of heterogeneity in the included biomechanical and clinical investigations emphasizes the need for more well-designed studies that evaluate outcomes after MMPR repair.

Outcomes of Distal Femoral Osteotomy for Valgus Malalignment: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Closing Wedge Versus Opening Wedge Techniques.

BACKGROUND: Valgus knee deformity increases the risk for lateral articular chondral damage, contributing to earlier onset and accelerated progression of osteoarthritis. Distal femoral osteotomy (DFO) unloads the lateral joint compartment and can be performed using closing wedge (CW) or opening wedge (OW) techniques. PURPOSE: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis for patients with valgus knee deformity undergoing DFO to determine differences in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), complications, and survival rates, comparing CW versus OW DFO. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review, Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A literature review was performed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines utilizing PubMed, Cochrane Database, Ovid/MEDLINE, and Scopus. Inclusion criteria consisted of studies reporting outcomes in patients undergoing CW or OW DFO for the treatment of valgus knee deformities with symptomatic lateral compartment pathology with a minimum 2-year follow-up. PROMs and complications were analyzed using random-effects modeling to identify differences in outcomes as a function of surgical technique. Long-term survival data, defined as conversion to total knee arthroplasty, were analyzed using a multiple metaregression model as a function of individual study follow-up time points and surgical technique. RESULTS: In total, we included 23 retrospective studies (n = 619 knees), of which 10 studies (n = 271 knees) reported outcomes after CW DFO and 13 studies (n = 348 knees) reported on OW DFO outcomes. Good to excellent clinical outcomes were reported in PROMs when compared with preoperative values with both techniques, while no significant differences between techniques were appreciated on functional Knee Society Scores and Tegner scores. No significant differences were appreciated in the incidence of complications reported in patients undergoing CW (20%) versus OW (33%) DFO (P = .432). Pain requiring hardware removal was the most commonly reported complication in both groups. The survival rate for CW DFO was 81.5% (mean follow-up, 8.8 ± 4.3 years) compared with 90.5% for OW DFO (mean follow-up, 4.5 ± 1.5 years). Multiple metaregression demonstrated that patient follow-up (P < .001) was significantly associated with knee survival, while surgical technique (P = .810) was not a predictor of clinical failure. CONCLUSIONS: Both CW and OW DFO techniques were associated with good to excellent clinical outcomes with no significant differences in PROMs based on technique. Pain requiring hardware removal was the most common complication in both techniques, while long-term survivability was found to be a function of follow-up and not surgical technique. Technique selection should be based on shared patient-physician decision making with an emphasis on surgeon preference and technique familiarity.

Patellar fracture among elite-level European soccer players: 4-year case-control cohort analysis of return to play, re-injury, and player performance.

OBJECTIVES: There is a paucity of literature investigating the relationship between patellar fracture and player performance of professional soccer players following return to play (RTP). Our goal is to determine the rate of RTP, time to RTP, and effect on player performance following patellar fracture. METHODS: Twenty-one elite-level European professional soccer players who sustained a patellar fracture between 1999 and 2018 were identified via a publicly accessible database. Athletes with patellar fracture were matched to controls by age, height, years played in the league, season of injury, and position. Change in performance metrics between one season prior to injury and the following four seasons after injury were compared. RESULTS: Players with patellar fracture were absent for a mean 207.95 ± 135.55 days and 16.81 ± 31.79 games. Fifteen (71%) players returned to play after injury with 67% returning within 1 season after injury. Injured players did not demonstrate significant change in performance metrics at any of the follow-up timepoints compared to control. Subgroup analysis showed that attackers recorded approximately 1200 fewer minutes played per season than pre-injury levels 2 seasons following injury, significantly fewer (p < 0.05) than the control cohort recording similar minutes per season throughout the study period. Midfielders and defenders demonstrated similar fluctuations in performance to the control cohort for both field time and performance metrics (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Seventy-one percent of players RTP after patellar fracture with an associated absence of 7 months and 17 missed games. Overall, injured players did not demonstrate a significant decline in performance as demonstrated by games played, total minutes played per season, minutes per game, assists, and goals 1 season after injury. Attackers played fewer minutes during the season of and 2 seasons after the initial injury.

Two Intramedullary and 1 Extramedullary Cortical Button, With or Without Interference Screw, Show Biomechanical Properties Superior to Native Tendon in Repair of the Distal Biceps Tendon: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of Biomechanical Performance.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to use a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare the failure strength, maximum strength, stiffness, and displacement of available constructs for distal biceps repair. METHODS: An NMA was conducted to determine the performance of 2 all-suture suture anchors (2x ASA), 2 intramedullary cortical buttons (2x IM CB), 2 suture anchors (2x SA), extramedullary cortical buttons (EM CB), extramedullary cortical button plus interference screw (EM CB+IFS), interference screw (IFS), single intramedullary cortical button (IM CB), single suture anchor (SA), transosseous suture (TOS), tension slide technique (TST), and tension slide technique plus suture tape (TST+ST). Analysis consisted of arm-based network meta-analysis under Bayesian random-effects model with Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling. Biomechanical outcomes were summarized as treatment effects and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Rank probabilities were calculated and used to generate each treatment's surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curve. Biomechanical properties were compared to native tendon. Displacement >10 mm was defined as clinical failure. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies were included. For failure strength, no construct outperformed the native tendon but 2× SA, IFS, SA, and TOS demonstrated poorer failure strength. For the maximum load to failure, EM CB+IFS outperformed the native tendon. Compared to native tendon, EM CB+IFS, EM CB, and 2×IM CB were stiffer, while 2x SA and IFS were less stiff. No construct demonstrated >10 mm of displacement, but constructs with displacement above the mean (3.5 mm) included 2× ASA, 2xIM CB, and TOS. CONCLUSIONS: The fixation constructs that consistently demonstrated comparable or better biomechanical properties (failure strength, maximum strength, and stiffness) to native tendon in distal biceps tendon repair were the extramedullary cortical button with or without interference screw and two intramedullary cortical buttons. No construct demonstrated displacement beyond standard definitions for clinical failure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This network meta-analysis of biomechanical studies suggests that extramedullary cortical button and two intramedullary cortical buttons may be the most stable construct for distal biceps repair fixation, with equivalent or better biomechanical properties compared to native tendon.

Travel distance does not affect outcomes after total shoulder arthroplasty.

Background: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of travel distance on achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) on all three commonly used patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for the shoulder more than 1 year following total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Methods: Patients undergoing reverse or anatomic TSA at a high-volume tertiary referral center between September 2016 and August 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 groups: driving distance of >50 miles from the location of surgery (referral group) and driving distance of <50 miles (local group). Scores on preoperative and postoperative PROMs, including American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score, and Constant Score (CS) at minimum 1-year follow-up were assessed. Chi-square analysis was used to analyze the achievement of MCID on any PROM or a combination of PROMs. Logistic regression was performed to determine whether travel distance and other variables of interest had an effect on achieving MCID on all three PROMs. Results: A total of 214 patients with minimum 1-year follow-up were included in the final analysis. Of these, 165 patients (77.1%) traveled <50 miles to their orthopedic provider at the time of surgery. The local group demonstrated significantly inferior preoperative SANE scores (P < .001) and significantly higher postoperative ASES scores (P = .001). A total of 166 (77%) patients achieved all three MCIDs postoperatively. There was no significant difference between distance groups for achievement of all MCIDs (P = .328). On multivariable regression, body mass index > 30 (odds ratio [OR], 5.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53-30.28), worker's compensation status (OR, 16.78; 95% CI, 2.34-161.39), and higher preoperative ASES score (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.07) were associated with an increased risk of failure to achieve all MCIDs (P < .05). Age, adjusted gross income, private insurance, and travel distance were not significantly associated with failure to achieve all MCIDs. Conclusions: After controlling for age, sex, and adjusted gross income, distance traveled to a high-volume referral center did not have an effect on achieving the MCID on all three commonly used PROMs for the shoulder at least 1 year after undergoing TSA. Elevated body mass index, worker's compensation status, and higher preoperative ASES score were associated with an increased risk of failure to achieve all MCIDs after TSA.

Machine Learning for Predicting Lower Extremity Muscle Strain in National Basketball Association Athletes.

Background: In professional sports, injuries resulting in loss of playing time have serious implications for both the athlete and the organization. Efforts to quantify injury probability utilizing machine learning have been met with renewed interest, and the development of effective models has the potential to supplement the decision-making process of team physicians. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to (1) characterize the epidemiology of time-loss lower extremity muscle strains (LEMSs) in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1999 to 2019 and (2) determine the validity of a machine-learning model in predicting injury risk. It was hypothesized that time-loss LEMSs would be infrequent in this cohort and that a machine-learning model would outperform conventional methods in the prediction of injury risk. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Performance data and rates of the 4 major muscle strain injury types (hamstring, quadriceps, calf, and groin) were compiled from the 1999 to 2019 NBA seasons. Injuries included all publicly reported injuries that resulted in lost playing time. Models to predict the occurrence of a LEMS were generated using random forest, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), neural network, support vector machines, elastic net penalized logistic regression, and generalized logistic regression. Performance was compared utilizing discrimination, calibration, decision curve analysis, and the Brier score. Results: A total of 736 LEMSs resulting in lost playing time occurred among 2103 athletes. Important variables for predicting LEMS included previous number of lower extremity injuries; age; recent history of injuries to the ankle, hamstring, or groin; and recent history of concussion as well as 3-point attempt rate and free throw attempt rate. The XGBoost machine achieved the best performance based on discrimination assessed via internal validation (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.840), calibration, and decision curve analysis. Conclusion: Machine learning algorithms such as XGBoost outperformed logistic regression in the prediction of a LEMS that will result in lost time. Several variables increased the risk of LEMS, including a history of various lower extremity injuries, recent concussion, and total number of previous injuries.

Corticosteroid Injections After Rotator Cuff Repair Improve Function, Reduce Pain, and Are Safe: A Systematic Review.

Purpose: To review the literature on postoperative corticosteroid injections (CSIs) following primary rotator cuff repair (RCR) to evaluate efficacy and adverse effects. Methods: A systematic review of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were performed to identify all studies published within the last 15 years, which reported on outcomes of postoperative CSIs following RCR. Studies including patients who received only preoperative CSIs and revision RCRs were excluded. Included studies were evaluated for study methodology, patient demographics, outcome measures, physical examination parameters, results of imaging studies, and adverse effects or clinical complications. Results: Seven studies comprising 5,528 patients satisfied inclusion criteria. Among included patients, 54.8% were female and mean age range from 52.3 ± 13.0 to 62.7 ± 6.6 years. Only 1 included investigation was a Level I study. Overall, 4 of 5 studies reported significant improvements in pain and outcome scores (Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score) compared with controls. Across all studies, the majority of these effects were statistically significant at 3 months postoperatively but not beyond this time point. Five of the 6 included investigations reported no increased rate of retears after postoperative CSIs. One study did find an increase in retear in patients receiving postoperative CSIs but was unable to determine whether these retears were present before the patient received the CSI. Another investigation reported an increased rate of infection only if the CSI was administered in the first postoperative month. Conclusions: Postoperative CSIs may improve pain and function for up to 3 months following primary RCR but not at later follow-up time points. CSIs should be administered only after the first postoperative month to minimize the potential risk for adverse events. Level of Evidence: Systematic review of level I-IV studies.

Travel Distance Does Not Affect Outcomes After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair.

Purpose: To determine the effect of travel distance on achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at least 1 year after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR). Methods: Patients undergoing primary arthroscopic RCR with a minimum 1-year follow-up at a high-volume tertiary referral center between May 2017 and June 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: driving distance of >50 miles from the institution (referral group) and <50 miles (local group). American Shoulder and Elbow Score (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score and Constant score at minimum 1-year follow-up were assessed. Chi-square analysis was used to analyze achievement of MCID on any PROM. Subgroup analysis by tear complexity (1 tendon vs. >2 tendons torn) was conducted. Logistic regression was performed to determine whether travel distance and other variables of interest had an effect on achieving MCID. Results: Of 996 patients reviewed, 385 patients (38.7%) had minimum 1-year follow-up. Of these, 62 (16%) traveled >50 miles to their orthopedic provider, and 212 (55%) had a complex tear. MCID for at least one PROM was reached by 305 (94%) patients in the local group and 56 (90%) patients in the referral group. There was no significant difference between groups in reaching MCID for any PROM. Subgroup analysis by tear complexity revealed no significant difference in preoperative PROMs or achieving MCID postoperatively between referral groups. There was no significant difference between groups when controlling for age, sex, adjusted gross income (AGI), primary health insurance, tear chronicity, and tear complexity. Conclusions: When controlling for age, sex, AGI, primary health insurance, tear chronicity, and tear complexity, distance to a high-volume shoulder arthroscopy surgery center did not have an effect on achieving the MCID for any PROM at least 1 year after arthroscopic RCR. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Double-Row Repair With Platelet-Rich Plasma Optimizes Retear Rates After Small to Medium Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Repair: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

PURPOSE: To compare the different interventions described in the literature for the surgical treatment of small and medium complete rotator cuff tears. METHODS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials of small-medium, full-thickness rotator cuff tears published since 2000 was performed. Clinical characteristics, re-tear rates, range of motion (ROM), and patient-reported outcomes (PRO) data were collected. Interventions were compared via arm-based Bayesian network meta-analysis in a random-effects model. Interventions were ranked for each domain (re-tear risk, pain, ROM, and PROs) via surface under the cumulative ranking curves. RESULTS: A total of 18 studies comprising 2046 shoulders (47% females, mean age 61 ± 3 years, mean follow-up 21 ± 5 months) were included. Interventions that ranked highest for minimizing re-tear risk included arthroscopic single-row repair (A+SR) or double-row repair (A+DR) with or without platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Open repair and A+SR repair with acromioplasty (ACP) ranked highest for pain relief. Interventions that ranked highest for ROM improvement included open repair, PT, and A+DR with or without ACP. Interventions that ranked highest for PROs included arthroscopic footprint microfracture with or without SR, open repair, and A+SR with or without ACP. CONCLUSIONS: Based on a network meta-analysis of level 1 studies, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with a SR or DR construct demonstrates similar retear rates, PROs, and clinical outcomes. The highest-ranking treatment for minimizing retears was arthroscopic repair with DR constructs and PRP augmentation, although open repair and arthroscopic SR remain reliable options with excellent clinical outcomes. Addition of PRP to DR constructs trended toward a 56% decreased risk of retear as compared to DR repair alone. Although no single treatment emerged superior, several interventions offered excellent clinical improvements in pain, ROM, and PROs that exceeded minimal clinically important difference thresholds. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I, systematic review and meta-analysis of level I studies.

How Long Does It Take to Achieve Clinically Significant Outcomes After Isolated Biceps Tenodesis?

Background: Clinically significant outcomes (CSOs) connect patient-reported outcome measures data to patient-perceived benefit. Although investigators have established threshold values for various CSOs, the timeline to achieve these outcomes after isolated biceps tenodesis (BT) has yet to be defined. Purpose: To define the time-dependent nature of minimal clinically important difference (MCID), substantial clinical benefit (SCB), and Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) achievement after isolated BT. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (ASES), the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and the Constant-Murley score (CMS) were administered preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively to patients undergoing isolated BT between 2014 and 2018 at our institution. Cumulative probabilities for achieving MCID, SCB, and PASS were calculated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Weibull parametric regression evaluated the hazard ratios (HRs) of achieving earlier MCID, SCB, and PASS. Results: Overall cohort (N = 190) achievement rates ranged between 77.8% and 83.2% for MCID, between 42.2% and 80.2% for SCB, and between 59.7% and 62.9% for PASS. Median achievement time was 5.3 to 6.1 months for MCID, 5.9 to 6.4 months for SCB, and 6.07 to 6.1 months for PASS. Multivariate Weibull parametric regression identified older age, male sex, higher body mass index, preoperative thyroid disease, smoking history, and higher preoperative CMS as predictors of delayed CSO achievement (HR, 1.01-6.41), whereas normal tendon on arthroscopy, defined as absence of tenosynovitis or tendon tear on arthroscopy, predicted earlier CSO achievement (HR, 0.19-0.46). Location of tenodesis and worker compensation status did not significantly predict the time to achieve CSOs on multivariate analysis. Conclusion: After isolated BT, patients can expect to attain CSO by 13 months postoperatively, with most patients achieving this between 5 and 8 months. Patients tend to take longer to achieve PASS than MCID and SCB.

Return to Play and Player Performance After Foot Fracture in UEFA Soccer Players.

Background: There is a paucity of information on rate and time to return to play (RTP) in elite-level soccer players who have sustained foot fractures. Purpose: To (1) determine the rate and timing of RTP after foot fracture (eg, tarsal, metatarsal, or phalangeal), (2) investigate foot fracture reinjury incidence after RTP, and (3) evaluate performance after foot fracture as compared with matched, uninjured controls. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: Athletes sustaining foot fractures were identified across the 5 major European soccer leagues (English Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Ligue 1, and Serie A) between 2000 and 2016. Injured athletes were matched to controls (1:1) using demographic characteristics and performance metrics from 1 season before injury. The authors recorded RTP rate, reinjury incidence, player characteristics associated with RTP within 2 seasons of injury, player availability, field time, and performance metrics during the 4 seasons after injury. Results: A total of 192 elite soccer players sustaining a foot fracture were identified; 40 players (20.8%) underwent operative treatment. Athletes missed an average of 69.41 ± 59.43 days and 5.15 ± 23.28 games. In the 4 seasons after injury, 80% of players returned to play, with 72% returning to play within 1 season of injury. Nine players (5%) sustained a subsequent foot fracture. Athletes with a foot fracture demonstrated significantly longer league retention compared with uninjured controls (P < .001). Elite soccer players older than 30 years of age were less likely to RTP (odds ratio, 0.67; P = .002), whereas career experience, field position, and baseline performance showed no significant association with RTP rates. Injured athletes demonstrated similar performance to controls during the 4 years after injury, and there were no position-dependent differences on subgroup analysis. The players who underwent operative treatment had more assists per 90 minutes and more team points per game during the first season after injury compared with athletes treated nonoperatively. Conclusion: Foot fractures in elite soccer players resulted in moderate loss of play time (69.41 days). RTP rates were high at 80%, although players older than 30 years of age were less likely to RTP. On RTP, athletes who sustained a foot fracture maintained performance similar to preinjury levels and to uninjured controls.

Physical Therapy Combined With Subacromial Cortisone Injection Is a First-Line Treatment Whereas Acromioplasty With Physical Therapy Is Best if Nonoperative Interventions Fail for the Management of Subacromial Impingement: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To construct an algorithm to optimize clinical outcomes in subacromial impingement based on current, high-level evidence. METHODS: A systematic review of all clinical trials on subacromial impingement published from 1999 to 2020 was performed. Demographic, clinical, range of motion (ROM), and patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) data were collected. Interventions were compared via arm-based Bayesian network meta-analysis in a random-effects model and treatments ranked via surface under the cumulative ranking curves with respect to 3 domains: pain, PROMs, and ROM. RESULTS: A total of 35 studies comprising 3,643 shoulders (42% female, age 50 ± 5 years) were included. Arthroscopic decompression with acromioplasty ranked much greater than arthroscopic decompression alone for pain relief and PROM improvement, but the difference in absolute PROMs was not statistically significant. Corticosteroid injection (CSI) alone demonstrated inferior outcomes across all 3 domains (pain, PROMs, and ROM) with low cumulative rankings. Physical therapy (PT) with CSI demonstrated moderate-to-excellent clinical improvement across all 3 domains whereas PT alone demonstrated excellent ROM and low-moderate outcomes in pain and PROM domains. PT with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or alternative therapies ranked highly for PROM outcomes and moderate for pain and ROM domains. Finally, platelet-rich plasma injections demonstrated moderate outcomes for pain, forward flexion, and abduction with very low-ranking outcomes for PROMs and external rotation. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic decompression with acromioplasty and PT demonstrated superior outcomes whereas CSI demonstrated poor outcomes in all 3 domains (pain, PROMs, and ROM). For patients with significant symptoms, the authors recommend PT with CSI as a first-line treatment, followed by acromioplasty and PT if conservative treatment fails. For patients with symptoms limited to 1 to 2 domains, the authors recommend a shared decision-making approach focusing on treatment rankings within domains pertinent to individual patient symptomatology. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I, systematic review and network meta-analysis of Level I studies.

Return to Play and Player Performance After Meniscal Tear Among Elite-Level European Soccer Players: A Matched Cohort Analysis of Injuries From 2006 to 2016.

BACKGROUND: Meniscal injuries are extremely common in soccer athletes, and little is known about postrecovery performance. PURPOSE: To (1) identify characteristics associated with return to play (RTP) to the same league level and (2) evaluate long-term effects that injury and management approach may have on player performance. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Using publicly available records, we identified athletes who sustained meniscal tears across the 5 major European soccer leagues (English Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Ligue 1, and Serie A) between 2006 and 2016. Injured athletes were matched to controls 1:2 by demographics and performance. Investigations included rate of RTP to the same league level, reinjury, player characteristics associated with RTP within 2 seasons, long-term availability, field time, and performance metrics standardized to 90 minutes of play during the next 4 seasons. RESULTS: A total of 250 players sustaining meniscal tears were included, of which 106 (42%) received surgical management. Median absence was 57.5 days (interquartile range [IQR], 35-92) or 7 games (IQR, 4-12). Rate of RTP was 70%, and the reinjury rate 5% if a player could RTP. Age greater than 30 years was a negative predictor for RTP (odds ratio [OR], 0.62; P = .002), whereas higher preinjury goals per game (OR, 2.80; P = .04) and surgical management (OR, 1.38; P = .002) were positive predictors for RTP. Surgical management was associated with higher long-term availability (P < .01). As compared with the control, there were no significant differences in field time or performance metrics after RTP, either overall or by player position. As compared with nonoperative management, defenders undergoing surgery demonstrated decreased field time. Attackers and midfielders demonstrated similar field time and performance regardless of management. CONCLUSION: RTP of elite soccer athletes sustaining meniscal tear is contingent on age, preinjury performance, and management approach. Those who RTP to the same league level can be expected to demonstrate equivalent field time, performance, and long-term availability as noninjured athletes.

Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Augmentation May Accelerate Allograft Ligamentization in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of bone marrow aspiration concentrate (BMAC) augmentation on clinical outcomes and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) with bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) allografts. METHODS: A double-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 80 patients undergoing ACL reconstruction using BTB allografts. Patients were randomized to 2 groups: (1) bone marrow aspirate was collected from the iliac crest, concentrated, and approximately 2.5 mL was injected into the BTB allograft, or (2) a small sham incision was made at the iliac crest (control). MRI was performed at 3 months and 9 months postoperatively to determine the signal intensity ratio of the ACL graft. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients were available for follow-up at 1-year postoperatively (36 BMAC, 37 control). International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores were significantly greater in the BMAC group versus the control at the 9-month postoperative period (81.6 ± 10.5 vs 74.6 ± 14.2, P = .048). There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients who met the minimal clinically important difference for IKDC between the BMAC and control groups at 9 months (89% vs 85%; P = .7). Three months postoperatively, signal intensity ratio of the inferior third of the ACL graft was significantly greater in the BMAC group versus the control group (3.2 ± 2.2 vs 2.1 ± 1.5; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who received BMAC augmentation of the BTB allograft during ACL reconstruction demonstrated greater signal intensity scores on MRI at 3 months, suggesting increased metabolic activity and remodeling, and potentially accelerated ligamentization. Additionally, patients in the BMAC group had greater patient-reported outcomes (IKDC) at 9 months postoperatively when compared with those who underwent a standard surgical procedure. There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients who met the minimal clinically important difference for IKDC between the BMAC and control groups at 9 months, suggesting limited clinical significance at this time point. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I, randomized control trial.

Natural language processing for prediction of readmission in posterior lumbar fusion patients: which free-text notes have the most utility?

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The increasing volume of free-text notes available in electronic health records has created an opportunity for natural language processing (NLP) algorithms to mine this unstructured data in order to detect and predict adverse outcomes. Given the volume and diversity of documentation available in spine surgery, it remains unclear which types of documentation offer the greatest value for prediction of adverse outcomes. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective review of medical records at two academic and three community hospitals. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to conduct an exploratory analysis in order to examine the utility of free-text notes generated during the index hospitalization for lumbar spine fusion for prediction of 90-day unplanned readmission. PATIENT SAMPLE: Adult patients 18 years or older undergoing lumbar spine fusion for lumbar spondylolisthesis or lumbar spinal stenosis between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2020. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was inpatient admission within 90-days of discharge from the index hospitalization. METHODS: The predictive performance of NLP algorithms developed by using discharge summary notes, operative notes, nursing notes, physical therapy notes, case management notes, medical doctor (MD) (resident or attending), and allied practice professional (APP) (nurse practitioner or physician assistant) notes were assessed by discrimination, calibration, overall performance. RESULTS: Overall, 708 patients were included in the study and 83 (11.7%) had 90-day inpatient readmission. In the independent testing set of patients (n=141) not used for model development, the area under the receiver operating curve of NLP algorithms for prediction of 90-day readmission using discharge summary notes, operative notes, nursing notes, physical therapy notes, case management notes, MD/APP notes was 0.70, 0.57, 0.57, 0.60, 0.60, and 0.49 respectively. CONCLUSION: In this exploratory analysis, discharge summary, physical therapy, and case management notes had the most utility and daily MD/APP progress notes had the least utility for prediction of 90-day inpatient readmission in lumbar fusion patients among the free-text documentation generated during the index hospitalization.