Not all patient-reported outcome measures are equivalent at two years compared to one year after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction based on a retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This article aims to assess for clinically important differences in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at one and two years post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). METHODS: A retrospective comparison of prospectively collected PROMs for a single cohort who underwent a primary ACLR with or without associated meniscal surgery from 2016 to 2020 was assessed. Six externally validated PROMs were collected preoperatively and at standardized times postoperatively. Descriptive statistics and paired equivalence testing of PROMs at one and two years after surgery was completed using previously published or calculated minimal clinically important differences as upper and lower equivalence limits. A repeated measures analysis of PROMs that were not clinically equivalent at one and two years after surgery was completed to assess for a clinically significant difference. Subgroup analyses based on sex, age and associated meniscal injury were completed. RESULTS: One-hundred and forty-five participants with a mean age of 28.7 years (standard deviation: 9.9 years) were included in the final analysis. All PROMs were clinically equivalent at two years compared to one year after ACLR except the quality of life and sport and recreation domains of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). The quality of life (mean difference (MD):12.3, P â€‹< â€‹0.01, effect size (η2): 0.65) and sport and recreation (MD: 8.78, P â€‹< â€‹0.01, η2: 0.50) domains of the KOOS were clinically different at two years compared to one year postoperatively. No major differences were found in the subgroup analyses compared to the entire included sample. CONCLUSION: While most PROMs were equivalent at two years compared to one year after ACLR, the quality of life and sport and recreation domains of the KOOS, which reflect knee performance during higher demand activities, exhibited a clinically significant difference. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Surgical Results of Chronic Distal Biceps Ruptures: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Distal biceps tendon tears can cause weakness and fatigue with activities requiring elbow flexion and supination. Surgical management of chronic tears (>21 days) is not well described in the literature. PURPOSE: To determine the clinical outcomes of chronic distal biceps repairs and reconstructions. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: We performed a search of Medline (PubMed and Ovid), EMBASE, CINAHL physical therapy, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PubMed Central from inception until September 29, 2020, to identify articles on chronic distal biceps ruptures. The inclusion criteria were studies with at least 1 outcome measure and 10 patients with chronic distal biceps ruptures treated surgically. The quality of the included studies was assessed with the methodological index for nonrandomized studies (MINORS) score. Functional outcomes and complications were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies were included after systematic database screenings. The MINORS scores ranged from 5 to 19. There were a total of 1704 distal biceps ruptures, of which 1270 were acute and 434 were chronic. Average follow-up time was 12 months to 5.1 years. Single-incision (n = 3), 2-incision (n = 2), or both (n = 6) surgical techniques were used in these studies. Four studies described the use of autografts, and 4 articles used allografts in the chronic repair. Range of motion, function, and strength outcomes were similar when compared with the contralateral arm. Pain was reduced to minimal levels. Main postoperative complications were of paresthesia (specifically to the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve), which were temporary in 69.1% of cases. CONCLUSION: The results of this review indicate that surgical management of chronic distal biceps ruptures demonstrates improvement in outcomes including pain reduction and functional ability. Although there may be a slightly higher immediate complication rate, the functional outcomes remain comparable with those seen in the patient population with acute distal biceps.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair without antibiotic prophylaxis does not increase the infection rate.

PURPOSE: Rotator cuff repair is a commonly performed shoulder procedure. In the past 20 years, there has been a shift from mini-open towards arthroscopic repair, and many units exclusively use arthroscopic techniques for rotator cuff surgery. The aim of this study was to find out whether withholding antibiotics had any effect on the infection rate in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 336 consecutive patients with an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) and a minimum 2-year follow-up was performed. The control group received prophylactic antibiotics (controls) and the cases of interest did not receive perioperative antibiotics. A power analysis was performed according to literature regarding infection proportions. The primary outcome was an infection (superficial or deep) in the operated shoulder. RESULTS: There were 336 patients who underwent a RCR. Two-hundred-and-twelve in the control group and 124 in the non-antibiotic group. Average ages were 57.3 ± 12.5 and 56.8 ± 13.2 years in each group, respectively. The follow-up times ranged from 24 to 76 months. Equipment used and surgical techniques were identical, only operating times were statistically different between the groups (control 77.2 ± 41.3 min versus no antibiotic cases 52.9 ± 16.7 min) (p = 0.000009). There was no recorded infection in either group. CONCLUSION: Infection following arthroscopic surgery is uncommon. Small incisions, constant lavage with saline, minimal hardware insertion and short operating times all combine to minimise the risks. Current results point towards no detriment in withholding prophylactic antibiotics in low-risk patients undergoing routine rotator cuff repair surgery. Therefore, judicious use of prophylactic antibiotics in patients undergoing this procedure is advocated to prevent potential harm to those it is administered to. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Graft Options in Hip Labral Reconstruction.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The last decade has seen a boom in hip arthroscopy with refined indications. Improved understanding of pathoanatomy and disease progression has allowed for the development of advanced techniques. Labral reconstruction has been developed to substitute a non-functional or absent labrum. It has become an important technique in the armamentarium of high-volume arthroscopic hip surgeons. RECENT FINDINGS: Basic science studies have improved understanding of hip biomechanics in the presence and absence of a labrum with a labral reconstruction allowing for reconstitution of normalcy. Current techniques have shown success with autograft and allograft tissue options. While autograft tissue allows for easy access intra-operatively and maintains patient biology, donor site morbidity is possible. Allografts negate donor site morbidity and allow for an abundance of tissue but can be resource-intensive and face availability concerns. Recent studies support outcomes of labral reconstructions using both autograft and allograft. Promising results have also allowed for performing labral reconstruction in a primary setting. Labral reconstruction can be successfully performed using both autograft and allograft. Patient biology should be respected, and native hip biomechanics restored. The literature is plentiful for appropriate surgical decision-making allowing the surgeon with multiple graft choices depending on training, experience, and resources.

Special physical examination tests for superior labrum anterior posterior shoulder tears are clinically limited and invalid: a diagnostic systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The diagnosis of a superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) lesion through physical examination has been widely reported in the literature. Most of these studies report high sensitivities and specificities, and claim to be accurate, valid, and reliable. The purpose of this study was to critically evaluate these studies to determine if there was sufficient evidence to support the use of the SLAP physical examination tests as valid and reliable diagnostic test procedures. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Strict epidemiologic methodology was used to obtain and collate all relevant articles. Sackett's guidelines were applied to all articles. Confidence intervals and likelihood ratios were determined. RESULTS: Fifteen of 29 relevant studies met the criteria for inclusion. Only one article met all of Sackett's critical appraisal criteria. Confidence intervals for both the positive and negative likelihood ratios contained the value 1. CONCLUSION: The current literature being used as a resource for teaching in medical schools and continuing education lacks the validity necessary to be useful. There are no good physical examination tests that exist for effectively diagnosing a SLAP lesion.

Graft tensioning in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to (1) perform a systematic review of randomized controlled trials evaluating graft tensioning in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, and (2) determine the scientific quality of published randomized controlled trials evaluating graft tensioning in ACL reconstruction. METHODS: The search strategy included a computerized literature search, a citation search, and a manual search of key journals and conference proceedings. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of graft tensioning on the outcomes of ACL reconstruction. Two reviewers independently performed the literature searches. The validity of the trials was scored using the Detsky quality scale. Consensus was achieved by a study committee of 3 investigators. RESULTS: Five randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. The mean standardized Detsky score was 61.3 +/- 15.2%. Only 2 of the studies scored >or=75%. All trials consisted of autogenous graft sources, with 3 involving a bone-patellar tendon-bone graft, 1 involving a 5-strand semitendinosus-polyester (5STP) graft, and 1 involving a semitendinosus-gracilis-polyester (STGP) graft. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the evidence in this systematic review, there is a trend that suggests that 80 N of tension is the most effective amount of tension to apply during ACL reconstruction using hamstring-polyester graft sources. For ACL reconstruction using semitendinosus-gracilis or patellar tendon graft sources, there is no clear trend in terms of statistically significant or clinically relevant differences in terms of the amount of applied tension to apply to the graft during graft fixation. We are unable to provide recommendations as to the amount of tension to apply to 4-strand semitendinosus-gracilis autografts without polyester augmentation because there has been no randomized clinical trial conducted to determine the most effective amount of tension to apply when using this graft source.

Current concepts in instrumented knee-laxity testing.

BACKGROUND: Instrumented knee laxity testing devices have been used in both the clinical and research setting to evaluate persons with injuries about the knee. The ability to accurately and reproducibly quantify knee motion has the potential to greatly benefit both clinical practice and research by improving the validity of the research involving treatment of knee-ligament injuries. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A thorough literature review was performed, and a systematic overview is provided evaluating the methods of use and the evidence for the use of instrumented knee laxity testing devices. RESULTS: Devices that provide measurements of knee laxity have evolved during the past 30 years. The authors describe in detail their proper use and the best estimates of their validity based on clinical studies. CONCLUSION: The review suggests that the KT-1000 knee arthrometer and the Rolimeter provide best results when testing anterior laxity at the knee, whereas the Telos device is superior for the assessment of posterior laxity.

Arthroscopic debridement of the elbow for arthrofibrosis resulting from nondisplaced fracture of the radial head.

PURPOSE: Mason type I fractures of the radial head consist of fractures that occur without displacement. Arthrofibrosis is a rarely reported complication of Mason I radial head fractures. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and crepitus. We assessed the efficacy of an arthroscopic procedure including debridement and capsular release for patients with persistent symptoms and failure of nonoperative therapy. TYPE OF STUDY: Therapeutic study, case series. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of functional outcome data was carried out for all eligible cases treated at our institution between 1995 and 2003. Twenty procedures were performed, with 8 patients lost to follow-up. The outcome data consisted of range of motion measurements and functional indices derived from the Mayo Performance Index (MPI). Mean follow-up duration was 54 months. RESULTS: Surgical findings included extensive scarring in the radiocapitellar joint, cartilage loss in the radial head and capitellum, scarring and synovitis in the ulnohumeral joint, and scarring with adhesions in the posterior compartment and posterolateral gutter. The mean MPI score preoperatively was 64.1 and the mean postoperative score was 89.5. Total range of motion arc rose from 108 degrees preoperatively to 126 degrees postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome data suggest that arthroscopic debridement and capsular release is an effective method of treating arthrofibrosis resulting from Mason I radial head fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

The distribution of shoulder replacement among surgeons and hospitals is significantly different than that of hip or knee replacement.

Practice is the repetition of an action to improve its quality. The value of the practice effect is recognized in sports, music, and surgery. The number of times a surgical procedure is performed may have a bearing on how well it is done. We investigated the relative frequency with which hip, knee, and shoulder replacements are performed by individual surgeons. The 1998 database of the Center for Medical Consumers in New York State revealed that over 40% of hip or knee replacement surgeons performed 10 or more replacements. In contrast, only 10 shoulder replacement surgeons (3%) performed 10 or more such procedures; 75% performed only one or two. The distribution of shoulder replacement among surgeons was statistically different than for hip or knee replacement (P <.0001). These findings suggest the need for robust educational programs to minimize the potential adverse effects of low surgeon volume for the patients undergoing these procedures.

Characteristics of unsatisfactory shoulder arthroplasties.

Failure of shoulder arthroplasty is often defined as a complication or the need for revision, but it may also be viewed as a result that does not meet the expectations of the patient. To enhance our understanding of failed shoulder arthroplasties, we identified the characteristics common to a series of 139 consecutive patients who came to our shoulder consultation service because of dissatisfaction with the result of their shoulder arthroplasty. Primary osteoarthritis (28%) and proximal humeral fractures (26%) were the most common indications for the initial arthroplasty. Seventy-three shoulders (fifty-two percent) had at least one surgery before arthroplasty was performed. Seventy-four percent of the shoulders were stiff, 35% were unstable, and in the total shoulders, 59% of the glenoids were loose. Components were substantially malpositioned in 23%. Forty-two percent of shoulders with a failed hemiarthroplasty had substantial glenoid erosion, and 43% of shoulders that had undergone a hemiarthroplasty for fracture had nonunion of the tuberosities. Patients demonstrated impaired shoulder function; on average, they could perform only 2 of 12 shoulder functions. The rate of revision underestimated the rate of failure, as 23% of arthroplasties did not undergo revision. The challenge of achieving patient satisfaction after arthroplasty may be greater than previously recognized. Many of these unsatisfactory shoulder arthroplasties did not meet the criteria for failure used in previously published series. These observations suggest that greater attention to achieving proper component position, postoperative motion, and in fracture cases, fixation of the tuberosities may lead to increased patient satisfaction after shoulder arthroplasty.