Reliability and responsiveness of the Swedish short Hip-RSI.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine test-retest reliability and responsiveness of the short version (6-item) Hip Return to Sport after Injury (Hip-RSI) scale in patients following hip arthroscopy. Methods: The study included 100 hip arthroscopy patients responding to a digital survey including the short version (6-item) Hip-RSI, International Hip Outcome Tool (short version) (iHOT-12) and RTS status 3, 6 and 9 months following surgery. The Hip-RSI was administered twice at 3-month follow-up. Test-retest reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients. Responsiveness was tested by correlations between changes in Hip-RSI and iHOT-12 scores and by comparing change in Hip-RSI scores of patients who progressed on the return to sport (RTS) continuum (from return to any sport to return to performance) to patients who did not, using independent samples t-tests. Results: Hip-RSI was found to have excellent test-retest reliability on the individual (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC [95% confidence interval, CI]: 0.90 [0.83-0.94]) and group level (ICC [95% CI]: 0.95 [0.91-0.97]) with a standard error of measurement of 5.53 and smallest detectable change of 15.3 on the individual and 2.2 on the group level. Hip-RSI was found responsive to change through positive correlations of changes in scores with changes in iHOT-12 scores from 3 to 6 months (r [95% CI]: 0.51 [0.35-0.65]; p < 0.001) and from 3 to 9 months following arthroscopy (r [95% CI]: 0.61 [0.57-0.79); p < 0.001). Further responsiveness was shown by significant mean changes in scores among patients that progressed on the RTS-continuum (3-6 months: 8.6 [95% CI: 3.8- 13.5); 3-9 months: 12.6 [5.6-19.7]). Conclusion: The short version (6-item) Hip-RSI demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability and responsiveness to change in the evaluation of psychological readiness to RTS following hip arthroscopy. Level of Evidence: Level II.

Functional anterior cruciate ligament braces may have a role in select patient groups although there is presently limited evidence supporting or refuting their routine use: A scoping review of clinical practice guidelines and an updated bracing classification.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to perform a scoping review of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) concerning the use of functional anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) braces and to clarify the nomenclature for bracing relevant to ACL injury treatment in order to support prescribing clinicians. METHODS: A PubMed search for CPGs for the use of braces following ACL injury or reconstruction was performed. CPGs on the treatment of ACL injuries with sufficient attention to postoperative braces were included in this scoping review. The references used for supporting the specific CPG recommendations were reviewed. Specific indications for brace use including brace type, period of use following surgery and activities requiring brace use were collected. RESULTS: Six CPGs were identified and included this this review. Three randomised trials provided the evidence for recommendations on functional brace use following ACL reconstruction in the six CPGs. Functional ACL braces were the primary focus of the three randomised trials, although extension braces (postoperative knee immobilisers) were also discussed. A novel dynamic ACL brace category has been described, although included CPGs did not provide guidance on this brace type. CONCLUSIONS: Guidance on the use of functional ACL braces following ACL reconstruction is provided in six CPGs supported by three randomised trials. However, the brace protocols and patient compliance in the randomised trials render these CPGs inadequate for providing guidance on the use of functional ACL braces in the general and high-risk patient populations when returning to sport after ACL reconstruction. Functional ACL braces are commonly utilised during the course of ACL injury treatment although there is presently limited evidence supporting or refuting the routine use of these braces. Future studies are, therefore, necessary in order to provide guidance on the use of functional and dynamic ACL braces in high-risk patient populations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Influence of Surgeon Experience and Clinic Volume on Subjective Knee Function and Revision Rates in Primary ACL Reconstruction: A Study from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry.

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) performed by high-volume surgeons/clinics has been associated with increased graft individualization and decreased operating times, complication rates, and total costs. Purpose: To investigate the influence of surgeon/clinic volume on subjective knee function and revision surgery rates at 2 years after primary ACLR. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Data from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry were used to study patients who underwent primary ACLR between 2008 and 2019. Surgeons/clinics were categorized based on a combination of total caseload volume (cutoff: 50 ACLRs/surgeon, 500 ACLRs/clinic) and annual volume (cutoff: 29 ACLRs/year/surgeon, 56 ACLRs/year/clinic). The thresholds of minimal important change (MIC), Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS), and treatment failure (TF) relative to the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and KOOS4 (mean score of the KOOS Pain, Symptoms, Sports/Rec, and QoL subscales) were applied. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess variables influencing the MIC, PASS, or TF of the KOOS and KOOS4. Adjusted Cox regression analysis was conducted to determine the hazard ratio of subsequent ACLR. Results: Of 35,371 patients, 16,317 had 2-year follow-up outcome data and were included. Patients who underwent primary ACLR by high-volume surgeons had significantly higher MIC and PASS rates and lower TF rates when compared with patients who underwent the procedure by low-volume surgeons: MICKOOS4: 70.6% vs 66.3%; PASSKOOS4: 46.0% versus 38.3%; and TFKOOS4: 8.7% versus 11.8% (all P < .02). Significantly decreased odds of achieving MICKOOS4 (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.62-0.88) and PASSKOOS4 (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.60-0.84) were found for ACLRs performed by low-volume surgeons. Clinic volume did not influence the odds of reaching MIC, PASS, or TF. Overall, 804 patients (2.3%) underwent subsequent ACLR at <2 years, with significantly higher revision rates among patients operated on at high-volume clinics (2.5% vs 1.7%; P < .001). However, in the adjusted Cox regression, surgeon/clinic volume had no influence on subsequent ACLR rates. High-volume surgeons/clinics had decreased time to surgery, operating time, perioperative complication rates, and use of thromboprophylaxis and nonroutine antibiotics (P < .001). Conclusion: Patients who underwent primary ACLR by high-volume surgeons experienced increased improvement and satisfaction regarding subjective knee function. Factors other than surgical volume influenced subsequent surgery rates. Patients might benefit from undergoing primary ACLR by high-volume providers.

High prevalence of associated injuries in anterior cruciate ligament tears: A detailed magnetic resonance imaging analysis of 254 patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the type and prevalence of associated injuries by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. METHODS: Data from the Natural Corollaries and Recovery after ACL injury multicenter longitudinal cohort study were analyzed. Between May 2016 and October 2018, patients aged between 15 and 40 years, who had experienced an ACL tear within the last 6 weeks and sought medical attention at one of seven healthcare clinics in Sweden, were invited to participate. The mean time from injury to MRI was 19.6 ± 15.2 days. An orthopedic knee surgeon and a musculoskeletal radiologist reviewed all the MRI scans. The following structures were assessed: posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL) complex, lateral collateral ligament (LCL), popliteus tendon, medial meniscus (MM), lateral meniscus (LM), and cartilage. In addition, the presence of bone bruising, impaction fractures in the lateral femoral condyle (LFC) or posterolateral tibia (PLT), and Segond fractures were also assessed.  RESULTS: A total of 254 patients (48.4% males) with a mean age of 25.4 ± 7.1 years were included. The prevalence of associated injuries was as follows: PCL (0.4%), MCL {41.3% [superficial MCL and deep MCL (dMCL) 16.5%; isolated dMCL 24.8%]}, LCL (2.4%), MM (57.4%), LM (25.2%), cartilage (15.0%), bone bruising (92.9%), impaction fracture in the LFC (45.7%) and PLT (4.7%), and Segond fracture (7.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of associated injuries in patients with ACL tears was high. The findings reported in this study may serve as a reference tool for orthopedic surgeons and radiologists in the diagnosis of associated injuries using MRI in patients with ACL tears.

Weaker Quadriceps Muscle Strength With a Quadriceps Tendon Graft Compared With a Patellar or Hamstring Tendon Graft at 7 Months After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Impaired quadriceps muscle strength after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is associated with worse clinical outcomes and a risk of reinjuries. Yet, we know little about quadriceps muscle strength in patients reconstructed with a quadriceps tendon (QT) graft, which is increasing in popularity worldwide. PURPOSE: To describe and compare isokinetic quadriceps strength in patients undergoing ACLR with a QT, hamstring tendon (HT), or bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autograft. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: We included patients with QT grafts (n = 104) and matched them to patients with HT (n = 104) and BPTB (n = 104) grafts based on age, sex, and associated meniscal surgery. Data were collected through clinical strength testing at a mean of 7 ± 1 months postoperatively. Isokinetic strength was measured at 90 deg/s, and quadriceps strength was expressed as the limb symmetry index (LSI) for peak torque, total work, torque at 30° of knee flexion, and time to peak torque. RESULTS: Patients with QT grafts had the most impaired isokinetic quadriceps strength, with the LSI ranging between 67.5% and 75.1%, followed by those with BPTB grafts (74.4%-81.5%) and HT grafts (84.0%-89.0%). Patients with QT grafts had a significantly lower LSI for all variables compared with patients with HT grafts (mean difference: peak torque: -17.4% [95% CI, -21.7 to -13.2], P < .001; total work: -15.9% [95% CI, -20.6 to -11.1], P < .001; torque at 30° of knee flexion: -8.8% [95% CI, -14.7 to -2.9], P = .001; time to peak torque: -17.7% [95% CI, -25.8 to -9.6], P < .001). Compared with patients with BPTB grafts, patients with QT grafts had a significantly lower LSI for all variables (mean difference: peak torque: -6.9% [95% CI, -11.2 to -2.7], P < .001; total work: -7.7% [95% CI, -12.4 to -2.9], P < .001; torque at 30° of knee flexion: -6.3% [95% CI, -12.2 to -0.5], P = .03; time to peak torque: -8.8% [95% CI, -16.9 to -0.7], P = .03). None of the graft groups reached a mean LSI of >90% for peak torque (QT: 67.5% [95% CI, 64.8-70.1]; HT: 84.9% [95% CI, 82.4-87.4]; BPTB: 74.4% [95% CI, 72.0-76.9]). CONCLUSION: At 7 months after ACLR, patients with QT grafts had significantly worse isokinetic quadriceps strength than patients with HT and BPTB grafts. None of the 3 graft groups reached a mean LSI of >90% in quadriceps strength.

High Prevalence of Superficial and Deep Medial Collateral Ligament Injuries on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears.

PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence of and factors associated with medial collateral ligament (MCL) complex injuries on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. METHODS: Data were extracted from the Natural Corollaries and Recovery After ACL Injury (NACOX) multicenter longitudinal cohort study. Between May 2016 and October 2018, patients who presented to 1 of 7 health care clinics across Sweden with an ACL tear sustained no more than 6 weeks earlier and who were aged between 15 and 40 years at the time of injury were invited to participate. All the patients included in this study underwent MRI. The mean time from injury to MRI was 19.6 ± 15.2 days. An orthopaedic surgeon specializing in knee surgery and a musculoskeletal radiologist reviewed all MRI scans. Injuries to the superficial MCL (sMCL), deep MCL (dMCL), and posterior oblique ligament were identified. Stepwise forward multiple binary logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate patient characteristics (age, sex, body mass index, preinjury Tegner activity level, and activity at injury) and injuries on MRI (lateral meniscus [LM] injury, medial meniscus [MM] injury, pivot shift-type bone bruising, medial femoral condyle [MFC] bone bruising, and lateral femoral condyle [LFC] impaction) associated with the presence of MCL complex tears. RESULTS: In total, 254 patients (48.4% male patients) with a mean age of 25.4 ± 7.1 years were included. The overall prevalence of MCL (sMCL and dMCL) injuries and isolated dMCL injuries was 16.5% (42 of 254) and 24.8% (63 of 254), respectively. No isolated sMCL injuries were found. Posterior oblique ligament injuries were found in 12 patients (4.7%) with MCL (sMCL and dMCL) injuries. An LM injury (odds ratio [OR], 3.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.73-8.94; P = .001) and LFC impaction (OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.11-5.07; P = .02) increased the odds of having an MCL injury, whereas an MM injury (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.12-0.59; P = .001) reduced the odds. Isolated dMCL injuries were significantly associated with MFC bone bruising (OR, 4.21; 95% CI, 1.92-9.25; P < .001) and LFC impaction (OR, 3.86; 95% CI, 1.99-7.49; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The overall combined prevalence of MCL (sMCL and dMCL) injuries and isolated dMCL injuries in patients with ACL tears was high (16.5% + 24.8% = 41.3%). The presence of an LM injury and LFC impaction increased the odds of having an MCL injury, whereas the presence of an MM injury reduced the odds. MFC bone bruising and LFC impaction were associated with the presence of isolated dMCL injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

The Addition of the Gracilis Tendon to a Semitendinosus Tendon Autograft Is Not Associated With Knee Muscle Strength, Subjective Knee Function, or Revision Surgery After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare isokinetic knee muscle (extension and flexion) strength, single-leg hop (SLH) test performance, anterior knee laxity, subjective knee function, and the 2-year revision surgery risk between patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with semitendinosus tendon (ST) autografts and patients who underwent ACLR with ST and gracilis tendon (ST-G) autografts. METHODS: We identified patients aged 16 years or older who underwent primary ACLR with hamstring tendon autografts at our institution from January 2005 to December 2020 and had no associated ligament injuries. Isokinetic knee muscle strength and SLH test performance were assessed 6 months postoperatively. Anterior knee laxity (KT-1000 arthrometer, 134 N) was assessed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) was collected preoperatively and 1 and 2 years postoperatively. Patients who underwent revision ACLR at any institution in Sweden within 2 years of primary surgery were identified through the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry. RESULTS: A total of 6,974 patients (5,479 with ST and 1,495 with ST-G) were included. There were no significant differences in extension and flexion strength or SLH test performance between the groups. Preoperatively, there was no significant difference in knee laxity between the ST and ST-G groups. Postoperatively, the ST-G group had significantly increased mean side-to-side (STS) laxity (2.1 ± 2.3 mm vs 1.7 ± 2.2 mm, P < .001) and showed a trend toward increased STS laxity according to the International Knee Documentation Committee form, with significantly fewer patients with STS laxity of 2 mm or less (58.4% vs 65.8%) and significantly more patients with STS laxity between 3 and 5 mm (35.0% vs 29.9%) or greater than 5 mm (6.6% vs 4.3%) (P < .001). The only significant difference in subjective knee function was for the KOOS Quality of Life subscale score in favor of the ST group preoperatively (37.3 ± 21.4 vs 35.1 ± 19.9, P = .001). No other significant differences between the groups were found preoperatively and 1 and 2 years postoperatively for any of the KOOS subscales. The overall revision ACLR rate within 2 years of primary surgery was 2.0% (138 of 6,974 patients). The revision ACLR risk in the ST-G group (1.7%, 25 of 1,495 patients) was not significantly different from that in the ST group (2.1%, 113 of 5,479 patients) (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-1.24; P = .32). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of the gracilis tendon to an ST autograft was not associated with knee muscle strength, SLH test performance, subjective knee function, or the risk of revision surgery after ACLR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Poorer patient-reported knee function and quality of life, but not activity level, after revision ACL reconstruction compared with primary ACL reconstruction: a matched-pair analysis with a minimum 5-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: An appropriate method for comparing knee function and activity level between patients with primary and revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is to perform a matched-group analysis. The aim was to assess and compare knee function, knee-related quality of life and activity level between patients with revision ACLR and primary ACLR at a minimum of 5 years of follow-up. METHODS: Patients aged ≤ 40 years old who underwent revision ACLR between 2010 and 2015 and a matched control group (primary ACLR) (1:1) with age ± 2 years, year of ACLR, sex, and pre-injury sport and Tegner Activity Scale (TAS) were retrospectively identified in our clinic database. The preoperative Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and surgical data were extracted and analyzed. Patients were mailed KOOS and EQ-5D questionnaires at a minimum of 5-years after revision ACLR. Study-specific questions about knee function, limitation in sport, satisfaction, and activity level according to the TAS (all scales of 1-10, 10 best) were also asked by telephone. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients with a revision ACLR (mean age ± SD, 29.9 ± 6.0 years) matched with seventy-eight patients with a primary ACLR (30.2 ± 5.8 years) were included. The follow-up for the revision ACLR group was 7.0 ± 1.5 years and for the primary ACLR group 7.7 ± 1.6 years. The revision ACLR group reported poorer KOOS scores in all subscales (p < 0.05) except the Symptoms subscale, poorer EQ-5D VAS (mean 79.2 ± 20.1 vs 86.0 ± 20.1, p = 0.012), and less satisfaction with current knee function (median 7 (6-8) vs 8 (7-9), p < 0.001). Patients with revision ACLR also experienced greater limitation in sports (median 7 (4-8) vs 8 (6-9), p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the EQ-5D (mean 0.86 ± 0.17 vs 0.89 ± 0.11, p = 0.427), activity level (median 2 (2-5) vs 4 (2-7), p = 0.229), or satisfaction with activity level (median 8 (5-9) vs 8 (6-10), p = 0.281) between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: At a minimum 5-year follow-up, the revision ACLR group reported poorer knee function and quality of life, less satisfaction with knee function and a greater limitation in sports but no differences in activity level and satisfaction with activity level compared with the primary ACLR group.

Poorer patient-reported outcome and increased risk of revision at a 5-year follow-up among patients with septic arthritis following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a register-based cohort study of 23,075 primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions.

PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study is to analyse the patient-reported outcomes after ACLR complicated by septic arthritis. The secondary aim is to examine the 5-year risk of revision surgery after primary ACLR complicated by septic arthritis. The hypothesis was that patients with septic arthritis after ACLR are more likely to have lower PROMs scores and an increased risk of revision, compared with patients without septic arthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All primary ACLRs, with a hamstring or patellar tendon autograft (n = 23,075), in the Swedish Knee Ligament Register (SKLR) between 2006 and 2013 were linked with data from the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare to identify patients with postoperative septic arthritis. These patients were verified in a nationwide medical records analysis and compared with patients without infection in the SKLR. The patient-reported outcome was measured using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Index Score (KOOS) and the European Quality of Life Five Dimensions Index (EQ-5D) at 1, 2 and 5 years postoperatively and the 5-year risk of revision surgery was calculated. RESULTS: There were 268 events of septic arthritis (1.2%). The mean scores on the KOOS and EQ-5D index were significantly lower for patients with septic arthritis on all subscales on all follow-up occasions compared with patients without septic arthritis. Patients with septic arthritis had a revision rate of 8.2% compared with 4.2% in patients without septic arthritis (adjusted hazard ratio 2.04; confidence interval 1.34-3.12). CONCLUSION: Patients suffering from septic arthritis following ACLR are associated with poorer patient-reported outcomes at 1-, 2- and 5-year follow-ups compared with patients without septic arthritis. The risk of revision ACL reconstruction within 5 years of the primary operation for patients with septic arthritis following ACLR is almost twice as high, compared with patients without septic arthritis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

High degree of consensus amongst an expert panel regarding focal resurfacing of chondral and osteochondral lesions of the femur with mini-implants.

INTRODUCTION: The rationale for the use of mini-implants for partial resurfacing in the treatment of femoral chondral and osteochondral lesions is still under debate. The evidence supporting best practise guidelines is based on studies with low-level evidence. A consensus group of experts was convened to collaboratively advance towards consensus opinions regarding the best available evidence. The purpose of this article is to report the resulting consensus statements. METHODS: Twenty-five experts participated in a process based on the Delphi method of achieving consensus. Questions and statements were drafted via an online survey of two rounds, for initial agreement and comments on the proposed statements. An in-person meeting between the panellists was organised during the 2022 ESSKA congress to further discuss and debate each of the statements. A final agreement was made via a final online survey a few days later. The strength of consensus was characterised as: consensus, 51-74% agreement; strong consensus, 75-99% agreement; unanimous, 100% agreement. RESULTS: Statements were developed in the fields of patient assessment and indications, surgical considerations and postoperative care. Between the 25 statements that were discussed by this working group, 18 achieved unanimous, whilst 7 strong consensus. CONCLUSION: The consensus statements, derived from experts in the field, represent guidelines to assist clinicians in decision-making for the appropriate use of mini-implants for partial resurfacing in the treatment of femoral chondral and osteochondral lesions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

Good functional outcomes after endoscopic treatment for greater trochanteric pain syndrome.

PURPOSE: Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a term covering different conditions generating lateral hip pain. Recalcitrant cases may require surgery but there are only a few studies evaluating endoscopic treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of endoscopically treated GTPS at minimum two years postoperatively using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and to assess the complication rate associated with endoscopic surgery. METHODS: A total of 33 patients, mean age 43.2 years, 88% women, with a mean symptom duration of 3.5 years, were included in the study. A total of 36 operated hips were included. Pre- and at minimum two years postoperatively the patients completed questionnaires consisting of the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12) and the Hip Sports Activity scale (HSAS), the Visual analogue scale for overall hip function (VAS-OHF), the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS), the EuroQoL-5 Dimension Questionnaire (EQ-5D) and the EQ-VAS. Complications were assessed using the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: Median follow-up time was 24.5 months postoperatively. Statistically significant improvements were seen for the following PROMs (p < 0.05); iHOT-12 (36.3 vs 54.0), HAGOS different subscores (40.8 vs 59.0, 46.5 vs 62.6, 29.9 vs 53.1, 33.5 vs 51.4, 20.7 vs 41.4, 23.4 vs 43.3), EQ-VAS (55.9 vs 63.3) and EQ-5D (0.392 vs 0.648). VAS-OHF and HSAS did not reach significance. There was a 71% satisfaction rate with the surgery. Three Clavien-Dindo grade 1 and one grade 2 complications were registered postoperatively, with 41% of patients achieving PASS for iHOT-12 at two years follow-up. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic surgery for greater trochanteric pain syndrome improved patient-reported outcomes and the procedure was associated with low risk of complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Surgeon's experience, sports participation and a concomitant MCL injury increase the use of patellar and quadriceps tendon grafts in primary ACL reconstruction: a nationwide registry study of 39,964 surgeries.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of surgeon-related factors and clinic routines on autograft choice in primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). METHODS: Data from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry (SNKLR), 2008-2019, were used to study autograft choice (hamstring; HT, patellar; PT, or quadriceps tendon; QT) in primary ACLR. Patient/injury characteristics (sex, age at surgery, activity at time of injury and associated injuries) and surgeon-/clinic-related factors (operating volume, caseload and graft type use) were analyzed. Surgeon/clinic volume was divided into tertiles (low-, mid- and high-volume categories). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess variables influencing autograft choice in 2015-2019, presented as the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: 39,964 primary ACLRs performed by 299 knee surgeons in 91 clinics were included. Most patients received HT (93.7%), followed by PT (4.2%) and QT (2.1%) grafts. Patients were mostly operated on by high-volume (> 28 ACLRs/year) surgeons (68.1%), surgeons with a caseload of ≥ 50 ACLRs (85.1%) and surgeons with the ability to use ≥ two autograft types (85.9%) (all p < 0.001). Most patients underwent ACLR at high-volume (> 55 ACLRs/year) clinics (72.2%) and at clinics capable of using ≥ two autograft types (93.1%) (both p < 0.001). Significantly increased odds of receiving PT/QT autografts were found for ACLR by surgeons with a caseload of ≥ 50 ACLRs (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.11-1.79), but also for injury during handball (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.02-1.67), various other pivoting sports (basketball, hockey, rugby and American football) (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.24-2.03) and a concomitant medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury (OR 4.93, 95% CI 4.18-5.80). In contrast, female sex (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77-0.97), injury during floorball (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.55-0.91) and ACLR by mid-volume relative to high-volume surgeons (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.53-0.73) had significantly reduced odds of receiving PT/QT autografts. CONCLUSION: An HT autograft was used in the vast majority of cases, but PT/QT autografts were used more frequently by experienced surgeons. Prior research has demonstrated significant differences in autograft characteristics. For this reason, patients might benefit if surgery is performed by more experienced surgeons. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

High prevalence of meniscal ramp lesions in anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of and factors associated with meniscal ramp lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. METHODS: Data from the Natural Corollaries and Recovery after ACL injury multicentre longitudinal cohort study (NACOX) were analysed. Only patients who underwent MRI were included in this study. All MRI scans were reviewed by an orthopaedic knee surgeon and a musculoskeletal radiologist. The patients were divided into two groups, those with and without ramp lesions according to MRI findings. Univariable and stepwise forward multiple logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate patient characteristics (age, gender, body mass index, pre-injury Tegner activity level, activity at injury) and concomitant injuries on MRI (lateral meniscus, medial collateral ligament [MCL], isolated deep MCL, lateral collateral ligament, pivot-shift-type bone bruising, posteromedial tibial [PMT] bone bruising, medial femoral condyle bone bruising, lateral femoral condyle [LFC] impaction and a Segond fracture) associated with the presence of meniscal ramp lesions. RESULTS: A total of 253 patients (52.2% males) with a mean age of 25.4 ± 7.1 years were included. The overall prevalence of meniscal ramp lesions was 39.5% (100/253). Univariate analyses showed that contact sports at ACL injury, pivot-shift-type bone bruising, PMT bone bruising, LFC impaction and the presence of a Segond fracture increased the odds of having a meniscal ramp lesion. Stepwise forward multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of a meniscal ramp lesion was associated with contact sports at ACL injury [odds ratio (OR) 2.50; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.32-4.72; P = 0.005], pivot-shift-type bone bruising (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.01-1.67; P = 0.04), PMT bone bruising (OR 4.62; 95% CI 2.61-8.19; P < 0.001) and the presence of a Segond fracture (OR 4.38; 95% CI 1.40-13.68; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of meniscal ramp lesions in patients with ACL injuries was high (39.5%). Contact sports at ACL injury, pivot-shift-type bone bruising, PMT bone bruising and the presence of a Segond fracture on MRI were associated with meniscal ramp lesions. Given their high prevalence, meniscal ramp lesions should be systematically searched for on MRI in patients with ACL injuries. Knowledge of the factors associated with meniscal ramp lesions may facilitate their diagnosis, raising surgeons' and radiologists' suspicion of these tears. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Most Elite Athletes Who Underwent Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome Did Not Return to the Same Level of Sport, but the Majority Were Satisfied With the Outcome of Surgery.

Purpose: To evaluate the 2-year outcomes after arthroscopic surgical treatment for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) using validated patient-reported outcome measurements in young elite athletes and to report the rate of return to sport. Methods: Young elite athletes undergoing arthroscopic surgery for FAIS with 2 years of follow-up were included. A young elite athlete was defined as an athlete aged 18 to 22 years at the time of surgery with a Hip Sports Activity Scale (HSAS) level greater than 6 before the onset of symptoms. The following patient-reported outcome measurements were collected prospectively: Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score, 12-item International Hip Outcome Tool, HSAS, visual analog scale (VAS), European Quality of Life (EQ) 5 Dimensions questionnaire, and EQ VAS. Furthermore, the patients answered a question related to satisfaction with surgery at follow-up. Results: A total of 84 athletes (67 male and 17 female athletes), with a mean age of 19.8 ± 1.5 years, completed the 2-year follow-up. Bilateral hip arthroscopy was performed in 57 athletes, generating a total of 141 included hips. The improvements in the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score subscales, 12-item International Hip Outcome Tool, EQ 5 Dimensions questionnaire, EQ VAS, and VAS for overall hip function were statistically significant (P < .001). At the 2-year follow-up, 42% of the athletes reported an HSAS level of either 7 or 8 whereas 28% reported an HSAS level of 5 or 6. In total, 79% of the athletes were satisfied with the surgical procedure. Conclusions: There are significant improvements in outcome measurements at the 2-year follow-up in elite young athletes undergoing arthroscopic hip surgery for FAIS. Although many of the athletes remained in high-level sports 2 years after surgery, only 30% of the athletes returned to sport at the same level. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Comparison of Knee Function and Activity Level Between Bilateral and Unilateral ACL Reconstruction: A Matched-Group Analysis With Minimum 5-Year Follow-up.

Background: There is a lack of knowledge regarding knee function and activity level after bilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) at midterm follow-up. Purpose: To compare activity level, patient-reported knee function, and quality of life in patients with bilateral ACLR and matched controls with unilateral ACLR at a minimum 5-year follow-up. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Patients with bilateral ACLR who were aged ≤40 years and had a second ACLR performed between 2010 and 2015 were identified in the authors' local database. Surgical data and preoperative Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were extracted. The patients were sent a letter with questionnaires including the KOOS, EuroQol 5-Dimensions (EQ-5D), and EuroQol visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) and were asked study-specific questions by telephone regarding activity level and knee function at a minimum 5-year follow-up. For every patient with bilateral ACLR, a control matched for age ±2 years, sex, year ACLR was performed, and preinjury activity level or sport at the time of injury were identified in the database. Results: A total of 98 patients (mean age ± SD, 33.3 ± 7.3 years) with bilateral ACLR and 98 patients with unilateral ACLR (mean age ± SD, 33.1 ± 7.7 years) were included. The mean postoperative follow-up was 7.6 ± 1.8 years (from the second ACLR) for patients with bilateral ACLR and 7.8 ± 1.7 years for patients with unilateral ACLR. Patients with bilateral ACLR reported lower scores on all KOOS subscales, the EQ-5D, and the EQ-VAS at follow-up (P < .05). There was no difference in activity level between the groups at follow-up, but patients with bilateral ACLR were less satisfied with their activity level and knee function (P < .05). Conclusion: Patient-reported knee function and health-related quality of life were inferior in patients with bilateral ACLR compared with patients with unilateral ACLR. Patients with bilateral ACLR cannot expect the same knee function and quality of life as patients with unilateral ACLR.

Suture tape reinforcement of hamstring tendon graft reduces postoperative knee laxity after primary ACL reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare subjective and objective knee outcomes following hamstring tendon (HT) and quadriceps tendon (QT) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with or without suture tape (ST) reinforcement. It was hypothesized that the addition of an intra-articular synthetic augmentation with a ST would reduce postoperative knee laxity and graft ruptures after ACLR. METHODS: A 1:1 matched-cohort comparison of patients who underwent HT and QT autograft ACLR with or without ST reinforcement was performed. Patients with ST reinforcement were consecutively assigned to the study groups until a number of 20 in each group was achieved. Medical records were reviewed for demographic characteristics and additional injuries. Laxity measurements with KT-1000, strength measurements and physical examination findings were collected both preoperatively and at 6 months and patient reported outcome (PRO) scores were collected both preoperatively and at 12 months, and comparison was made HT vs HT + ST and QT vs QT + ST. Reoperations and re-ruptures were recorded during the 24-month follow-up period. RESULTS: Overall, 80 patients who underwent ACLR were included. Patients with HT + ST had significant less laxity postoperatively compared to HT at 6 months, 1.9 vs 0.8 mm, p < 0.05. No differences were found between the QT and QT + ST group. At 6 weeks patients treated with ST, both QT and HT, had a significant deficit in flexion compared to those without ST. However, this resolved at 6 months. There were no significant differences between HT + ST vs HT, or QT + ST vs QT, regarding postoperative PROs or strength measurements. Furthermore, the incidence of subsequent surgery and graft rupture was not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSION: ACLR with HT + ST reduces laxity at 6 months compared to ACLR without ST, a difference not seen when ACLR was performed using QT with or without ST. No other differences were seen between the two techniques comparing subjective and objective findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Good subjective outcome and low risk of revision surgery with a novel customized metal implant for focal femoral chondral lesions at a follow-up after a minimum of 5 years.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients with focal cartilage lesions experience functional impairment. Results for biological treatments in the middle-aged patient is poor. Previous studies with focal prosthetic inlay resurfacing have shown a higher risk of conversion to total knee replacement at mid-term follow-up. A novel customized implant (Episealer, Episurf, Stockholm, Sweden) has been proposed to improve implant positioning and survival. The primary objective was to assess subjective-, objective function and implant survival at a minimum of five years after surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The inclusion criteria were patients aged 30-65 years with symptomatic focal chondral defects in the medial femoral condyle, International Cartilage Research Society grade 3 or 4 and failed conservative or surgical treatment. Minimum follow-up of 5 years. Clinical and radiologic assessments were made. Patient-reported outcome measurements at the latest follow-up were compared with the baseline data for the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the EuroQoL (EQ-5D), the Tegner Activity Scale and a Visual Analog Scale of pain (VAS 0-10). RESULTS: Ten patients with the mean follow-up period of 75 months (60-86 months, SD 10) were included. Signs of osteoarthritis were seen in one patient (Ahlbäck 1). No cases with revision to knee replacement. VAS for pain and KOOS showed improvements that reached significance for VAS (p ≤ 0.001) and the KOOS subscores Pain (p = 0.01), ADL (p = 0.003), Sport and Recreation (p = 0.024) and Quality of Life (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: A good subjective outcome, a low risk of progression to degenerative changes and the need for subsequent surgery were seen at the mid-term follow-up with this customized focal knee-resurfacing implant. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective case series, level 4.