Adults Have a Higher Incidence of Discoid Lateral Meniscus Tears Than Children-Adults Tend to Present With Complex Tears, While Horizontal Tear Patterns are Frequently Encountered in Children: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To systematically review the available literature in patients with discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) with the goal of elucidating the rates and types of meniscal tears, clinical symptoms, treatment strategies, and postoperative clinical, and radiographic outcomes in adult patients compared with a pediatric population. METHODS: A literature search was performed using the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases from database inception to October 2023 according to the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Level of evidence I through IV human clinical studies evaluating rate and type of meniscal tears, clinical symptoms, patient-reported outcome measures, and postoperative radiographical assessments in patients with DLM were included. Comparisons were made by age below and above 16 years. Study quality was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria. RESULTS: Thirteen studies comprising of 1772 adult patients (>16 years old) with DLM (n=1856 knees) and eight studies conducted in 304 pediatric patients (≤16 years old, n=353 knees) were include. The reported mean age ranged from 22.4 to 45 years (mean follow-up, 24 to 157.5 months) in the adult group and from 5 to 12.9 years (mean follow-up,37 to 234 months) in the pediatric DLM group. The majority of adult (n=553; 96.5%) and pediatric (n=163; 71.8%) patients had tears of the DLM. Complete DLM was the predominant type of DLM in both study groups (range in adults, 49.6 to 88%; range in pediatric, 19 to 100%) with complex (46.1%; range, 5.3-100%) and horizontal tears (18.2%; range, 20-37.5) being the most frequently described tear patterns in the adult and pediatric DLM groups, respectively. Pain was the predominant reported symptom in both study groups (range in adults, 12.1 to 99.3%; range in pediatrics, 32.4 to 100%). Partial meniscectomy was the most frequently reported treatment option conducted in 334 adult (39.5%; range, 24.2-100%) and 66 pediatric knees (63.5%; range, 15-100%).. Overall, improved postoperative clinical outcomes were reported in both study groups; however, radiographic progression of degenerative changes after subtotal meniscectomy was noted. CONCLUSIONS: More adult patients with DLM present with tears in the literature compared with the pediatric population. Complex and horizontal tear patterns are the most frequently reported tears in adult and pediatric patients, respectively. . Pain is the most relevant symptom in both study groups. There was generally significant improvement in postoperative clinical outcome scores; partial meniscectomy however remains the most frequently reported treatment option and is associated with fewer degenerative changes than in subtotal meniscectomy. . STUDY DESIGN: Level IV, Systematic review of Level I-IV studies.

Meniscal ramp lesion classification systems: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: To describe the proposed classification systems for meniscal ramp lesions (RLs) in the literature and evaluate their accuracy and reliability. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines utilising PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases. Level I-IV studies referencing RLs along with either an arthroscopic- or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based classification system used to describe RL subtypes were included. RESULTS: In total, 21 clinical studies were included. Twenty-seven (79%) of the included studies were published in 2020 or later. There were four main classification systems proposed within the literature (two arthroscopic-, two MRI-based), describing tear patterns, mediolateral extent, associated ligament disruption and stability of the lesion. The first classification was proposed in 2015 by Thaunat et al. and is referenced in 22 (64.7%) of the included studies. The application of the Thaunat et al. criteria to MRI showed variable sensitivity (31.70%-93.8%) and interobserver agreement (k = 0.55-0.80). The Greif et al. modification to the Thaunat et al. system was referenced in 32.4% of the included studies and had a substantial interobserver agreement (k = 0.8). Stability to probing and specific tear location were each used to classify RLs in 28.6% and 23.8% of the included clinical studies, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although there has been a recent increase in the recognition and treatment of meniscal RLs, there is limited consistency in descriptive classifications used for this pathology. Current RL classification systems based on preoperative MRI have variable reliability, and arthroscopic examination remains the gold standard for diagnosis and classification. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Meniscal Radial Tears: A Classification System Based on Tear Morphology.

Appropriate management of radial meniscal tears is complex, with continued efforts focused on optimizing diagnostic methods for identification to help dictate treatment, especially as surgical indications for repair have expanded, coupled with improvements in surgical techniques and instrumentation. Currently, no standardized classification system for radial meniscal tears exists, limiting the ability to accurately characterize injury patterns and guide surgical decision-making.

Comparing Clinical Outcomes and Knee Stability in Remnant- Preserving ACL Reconstruction Versus Standard ACL Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is one of the most frequently performed procedures in sports medicine, and undesirable outcomes still may range from 3-18%. One technique that has been explored to improve outcomes is preservation of the ACL remnant tibial stump, as opposed to stump debridement, at the time of reconstruction. PURPOSE: To review current high-level evidence and compare remnant-preserving anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) versus standard ACLR in terms of clinical outcomes and measures of knee stability. HYPOTHESIS: ACLR with remnant preservation would result in improved clinical outcomes and knee stability measures. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies comparing remnant-preserving ACLR with standard ACLR with a minimum level of evidence of 2 was performed. Extracted data were summarized as general information, surgical characteristics, postoperative clinical outcomes, knee stability, graft evaluation, tunnel assessment, and postoperative complications. When feasible, a meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: Seven RCTs and 5 cohort studies met the inclusion criteria. In total, 518 patients underwent remnant-preserving ACLR and 604 patients underwent standard ACLR. Ten studies performed the reconstruction with hamstring tendon (HT) autografts, 1 study with HT and bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts, and 1 study with HT and tibialis anterior allografts. On meta-analysis, remnant-preserving ACLR provided comparable outcomes with respect to International Knee Documentation Committee grades or Tegner scores. Even though there was a significant improvement in Lysholm scores (mean difference, -1.9; 95% CI, -2.89 to -0.91; P = .0002) with the remnant-preserving technique, this did not exceed previously reported minimal clinically important difference values. Remnant-preserving ACLR demonstrated superior knee stability in terms of patients achieving negative pivot shift when compared with the control group (88.89% vs 79.92%; P = .006). Although there was a significant improvement in the side-to-side difference in anterior tibial translation favoring remnant preservation (P = .004), the mean difference was 0.51 mm. CONCLUSION: Remnant-preserving ACLR, primarily with HT autografts, results in comparable clinical outcome scores and significantly improved knee stability relative to standard ACLR without remnant preservation without increasing the complication rate. Further studies will help clarify if remnant-preserving ACLR also has benefits in terms of enhancing graft integration and maturation, improving proprioception, limiting tunnel enlargement, and reducing complications.

Preoperative Depression Negatively Impacts Pain and Functionality Outcomes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To systematically investigate the influence of preoperative depression diagnosis and symptom severity on outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). METHODS: A literature search was performed using the PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases according to the 2020 PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines. Studies evaluating the impact of depression on clinical outcomes after ACLR were included. Clinical outcomes, changes in depression, and complications were aggregated. RESULTS: Nine studies comprising 308,531 patients (mean age, 28.1 years; age range, 14-50 years) were included. The depression incidence ranged from 3.8% to 42%. Seven studies showed postoperative improvement in depression scores, with 5 reporting statistical significance. Assessment of depression exhibited substantial variability, with Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores being the most common method. Patients with depression, despite showing greater improvements in scores, experienced significantly higher PROMIS Pain Interference scores preoperatively (range, 59.1-65.7 vs 56.8-59.2) and postoperatively (range, 46.3-52.3 vs 46.3-47.4) than patients without depression. They also showed significantly lower preoperative (range, 33-38.1 vs 39.7-41.5) and postoperative (range, 51.6-56.7 vs 56.7-57.6) PROMIS Physical Function scores, regardless of greater score improvement. Patients affected by depression had significantly higher rates of minimal clinically important difference achievement for the PROMIS Physical Function score (71%-100% vs 80%) and similar rates for the PROMIS Pain Interference score (71%-81% vs 68%) compared with patients without depression in 3 studies. Depression was associated with reduced adherence to rehabilitation protocols and increased postoperative complications, including infection, graft failure, arthrofibrosis, and readmission. CONCLUSIONS: ACLR yields favorable outcomes for patients with and without preoperative depression. Individuals with preoperative depression may report inferior outcomes in terms of pain and functionality; nevertheless, despite these challenges, they exhibit significant improvements across all outcome measures after surgery, including reductions in depression levels. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Level II to IV studies.

Increased Posterior Tibial Slope Is Associated With Increased Risk of Meniscal Root Tears: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: While increased posterior tibial slope (PTS) is an established risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament tears, the association between tibial slope and meniscal posterior root tears is not well-defined. PURPOSE: To summarize the available literature evaluating the association between PTS and meniscus root injuries compared with patients without root tears. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A literature search was performed using the Scopus, PubMed, and Embase databases. Human clinical studies evaluating the associations between the medial tibial slope (MTS), lateral tibial slope (LTS), lateral-to-medial (L-to-M) slope asymmetry, and the risk of meniscus root tears were included. Patients with medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) and lateral meniscus posterior root tears (LMPRTs) were compared with a control group without root injury. Study quality was assessed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies criteria. RESULTS: Ten studies with 1313 patients were included (884 patients with root tears; 429 controls). The LMPRT subgroup (n = 284) had a significantly greater LTS (mean ± SD, 7.3°± 1.5° vs 5.7°± 3.91°; P < .001), MTS (5.26°± 1.2° vs 4.8°± 1.25°; P < .001), and increased L-to-M asymmetry (2.3°± 1.3° vs 0.65°± 0.5°; P < .001) compared with controls. The MMPRT group (n = 600) had significantly increased MTS relative to controls (8.1°± 2.5° vs 4.3°± 0.7°; P < .001). Furthermore, there was a higher incidence of noncontact injuries (79.3%) and concomitant ramp lesions (56%) reported in patients with LMPRT. CONCLUSION: Increased MTS, LTS, and L-to-M slope asymmetry are associated with an increased risk of LMPRTs, while increased MTS is associated with MMPRTs. Surgeons should consider how proximal tibial anatomy increases the risk of meniscus root injury.

Editorial Commentary: A Gap-Based Subclassification of Ramp Lesions Has the Potential to Enhance Treatment Precision and Patient Outcomes in Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Deficient Knees Subtitle: Customizing Solutions for Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Deficient Knees.

Our evolving understanding of ramp lesions has significantly affected the field of anterior cruciate ligament injury and meniscal repair. Although these lesions have been linked consistently to increased anterior and rotational instability in anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knees, there remains a contentious debate regarding their optimal treatment. The current literature is divided, as some advocate for surgical repair of only arthroscopically unstable lesions. Others point to a substantial risk of complications, noting a 28.6% incidence in untreated stable lesions, and thus advocate for surgical repair of all lesions. Through the use of magnetic resonance imaging scans of flexed knees, a novel subclassification of ramp lesions based on gap distance at the tear site shows a correlation with posterior capsular displacement, anterior laxity, lesion size, and joint effusion. This nuanced classification offers new insights and promises to refine treatment decisions, potentially minimizing unnecessary surgeries and improving patient outcomes.

Anterior Opening-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy in the Setting of Genu Recurvatum.

Patients with pathologic genu recurvatum may present with complaints regarding anterior knee pain, instability, loss of range of motion, or locking episodes of the knee. Symptomatic genu recurvatum refractory to conservative measures may require surgical treatment. In this Technical Note, the authors describe a surgical technique involving an anterior opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy for a patient with symptomatic genu recurvatum from a knee hyperextension injury resulting in posterior soft-tissue laxity. The surgical technique aims to correct the limb sagittal alignment and provide stability to the knee joint, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Approach for Open Common Peroneal Nerve Neurolysis in the Setting of Previous Posterior Schwannoma Removal.

The common peroneal nerve (CPN) runs laterally around the fibular neck and enters the peroneal tunnel, where it divides into the deep, superficial, and recurrent peroneal nerves. CPN entrapment is the most common neuropathy of the lower extremity and is vulnerable at the fibular neck because of its superficial location. Schwannomas are benign, encapsulated tumors of the nerve sheath that can occur sporadically or in cases of neurocutaneous conditions, such neurofibromatosis type 2. In cases with compressive neuropathy resulting in significant or progressive motor loss, decompression and neurolysis should be attempted. We present a technical note for the treatment of CPN compressive neuropathy in the setting of a previous ipsilateral schwannoma removal with a minimally invasive surgical approach and neurolysis of the CPN at the fibular neck.

Fracturas metafiso-diafisarias de radio distal en adolescentes: estudio comparativo entre fijación percutánea con clavijas y clavos elásticos de titanio / Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning versus dorsal-entry elastic intramedullary nailing

Objetivo: Comparar los resultados y las complicaciones entre la fijación percutánea con clavijas (FPC) y el enclavado endomedular elástico (EEE). materiales y métodos:Se evaluaron las radiografías para determinar deformidades angulares en la consolidación. Se usó el sistema de Clavien-Dindo adaptado para clasificar las complicaciones. Resultados: El grupo A (FPC) incluyó a 17 pacientes y el grupo B (EEE), a 19. La edad promedio era de 12.5 ± 1.6 años y el seguimiento promedio fue de 27.6 ± 16.6 meses. Los pacientes con EEE requirieron menos tiempo de inmovilización (2.8 ± 1.8 vs. 5.9 ± 1.3 semanas, p 0,00029). Un paciente de cada grupo tuvo una angulación >10° en la consolidación. La tasa de complicaciones fue mayor en el grupo A (18% vs. 5,3%, p 0,27). En el grupo A, hubo 2 complicaciones tipo III (pérdida de corrección) y 2 tipo II (infección y granuloma). Un paciente del grupo B presentó una complicación tipo I (prominencia del implante). Dieciséis pacientes del grupo B se sometieron a una segunda cirugía para extraer el implante. Dos del grupo A requirieron revisión de la fijación por pérdida de alineación. Conclusiones: Ambas técnicas son eficaces para estabilizar fracturas metafiso-diafisarias de radio distal en adolescentes. El EEE tiene la ventaja de una inmovilización más corta y menos complicaciones, pero es más caro y requiere otra cirugía para extraer el implante. La FPC no requiere de anestesia para extraer el implante, aunque sí una inmovilización más prolongada y la tasa de complicaciones es más alta. Nivel de Evidencia: III

Objective: To compare results and complications of closed reduction percutaneous pinning (CRPP) versus dorsal entry elastic intramedullary nails (ESIN). Materials and methods: Radiographs were evaluated to determine angular deformities at the time of radiographic union. Complications were graded with a modification of the Clavien-Dindo classification. Results: The CRPP group consisted of 17 patients (Group A) whereas the ESIN group consisted of 19 patients (Group B). The average age of the patient cohort was 12.5±1.6 years. The average follow-up was 27.6±16.6 months. The demographic data revealed no differences between groups (p> 0.05). Patients treated with ESIN required a shorter immobilization time (2.8±1.8 versus 5.9±1.3 weeks, p 0.00029). One patient in each group presented an angulation >10° at the time of consolidation. The complication rate was higher in group A (18% versus 5.3%, p 0.27). According to the Clavien-Dindo classification, group A presented 2 type II (infection and granuloma), and 2 type III complications (loss of reduction). Group B presented one type I complication (implant prominence). Sixteen patients in group B underwent a second procedure for hardware removal. Two patients (11.8%) in group A required revision due to loss of reduction. Conclusions: Both techniques are effective in stabilizing metaphyseal-diaphyseal fractures of the distal radius in the adolescent population. ESIN has the advantage of requiring a shorter immobilization time and fewer complications but needs a second surgery for implant removal. CRPP does not require anesthesia for implant removal, although it requires a longer postoperative immobilization, and has a higher complication rate. Level of Evidence: III

Ankle Morphology and Juvenile Osteochondritis Dissecans (JOCD) of the Talus: Is There an Association? An MRI Study.

PURPOSE: Factors that contribute to the development of juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) of the talus are poorly understood. Some authors suggest that a higher loading of the affected zone may be a cofactor in osteochondral lesions. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to evaluate any association between ankle morphology and talus JOCD using morphologic parameters from magnetic resonance images. Our hypothesis is that ankles with JOCD lesions would have differences in the anatomy compared with age and sex-matched unaffected ankles. METHODS: We evaluated a total of 75 extremities. There were 22 patients (25 ankles) with talus JOCD lesions, and 50 patients (50 ankles) sex and age-matched individuals with healthy ankles served as controls. Two examiners conducted independent measurements of 8 magnetic resonance images parameters: tibial anterior surface angle, tibial shaft both malleoli angle (TBM), tibial axis-medial malleolus angle, anterior opening angle of the talus, malleolar width, tibial lateral surface angle, Maximal tibial thickness, length of trochlea tali arc, and height of trochlea tali arc. Measurement reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients. Differences in parameters between JOCD patients and controls were evaluated using independent t test. The level of significance was taken to be P<0.05. RESULTS: Intraclass correlation coefficients demonstrated good to excellent consistency for all measurements. Sagittal parameters demonstrated a significant length of trochlea tali arc increase in ankles with JOCD lesions compared with normal ankles (P=0.015). There was no statistical difference in any of the axial or coronal parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Ankle morphology may have a relationship with JOCD lesions. Future larger studies will be useful for further clarifying our findings, and detecting other potential predisposing factors with clinical relevance and how they can be modified. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study (Level of evidence III).

Análisis tomográfico de la alineación del retropié en pacientes con coaliciones tarsianas / A computed tomography assessment of hindfoot alignment in patients with tarsal coalitions

Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio es describir la morfología del retropié mediante cortes coronales con tomografía com-putarizada en pacientes con coaliciones tarsianas. materiales y métodos: Se incluyeron 85 pies de 78 pacientes de entre 9 y 17 años. Fueron divididos en 3 grupos: 1) grupo de control (n = 29), 2) con coaliciones calcáneo-escafoideas (CCE) (n = 31) y 3) con coaliciones astrágalo-calcáneas (CAC) (n = 25). Dos observadores valoraron cinco medidas: Inftal-Suptal, Inftal-Hor, Inftal-Supcal, Suptal-Infcal y el ángulo astrágalo-calcáneo (AAC). Resultados: Los grupos no presentaron diferencias en la distribución por edad y sexo. Los pacientes con coaliciones tarsianas tuvieron valores significativamente superiores en todas las mediciones comparados con el grupo de control (p <0,05 Kruskall-Wallis/ANOVA). Las mediciones del AAC en los pacientes con CCE y CAC fueron significativamente superiores a las del grupo de control (10,09 ± 4,60; 17,77 ± 11,28 y 28,66 ± 8,89, respectivamente, p <0,0001). La distribución del AAC fue muy variable en los pacientes con CCE, mientras que, en la mayoría del grupo CAC, tuvo un patrón de alineación en valgo. No hubo una correlación directa entre los valores del AAC e Inftal-Hor (Spearman 0,27013; p = 0,1916). Conclusiones: En los pacientes con coaliciones tarsianas, la orientación del valgo del retropié suele estar aumentada. La magnitud de esta deformidad es mayor en pacientes con CAC, mientras que, en aquellos con CCE pueden manifestarse con una gran variabilidad. El aumento del valgo del retropié no implica necesariamente un aumento de la inclinación de la articulación subastragalina, por lo que esta última debe evaluarse por separado en la planificación preoperatoria. Nivel de Evidencia: III

Background: The aim of this study is to analyze the hindfoot alignment with computed tomography (CT-scan) in patients with tarsal coalitions. Materials and Methods: Eighty-five patients (78 feet) between 9 and 17 years of age were included and divided into 3 groups: A) without coalitions (control group, N 29 ), B) with calcaneal-navicular coalitions (CNC group, N 31), and C) with talo-calcaneal coalitions (TCC group, N 25). Five measurements were assessed: Inftal-Suptal, Inftal-Hor, Inftal-Supcal, Suptal-Infcal, and Talo-calcaneal angle (TCA). Results: Demographic data revealed no differences between groups with respect to patient's age and sex (p = 0.3630 and 0.2415 respectively). Patients with tarsal coalitions presented significantly higher values ​​in all measurements compared to the control group (p = <0.05 Kruskall-Wallis / ANOVA). TCA measurements in the patients with CNC and TCC were significantly superior to the control group (10.09 ± 4.60, 17.77 ± 11.28 and 28.66 ± 8.89 respectively, p = <0.0001). TCA distribution in the patients with CNC presented great variability, while group 3 (TCC) presented mostly a valgus alignment pattern. We did not find a direct correlation between the TCA and Inftal-Hor values ​​(Spearman 0.27013, p = 0.1916). Conclusion: Patients with tarsal coalitions show an increased valgus orientation of the hindfoot. The deformity is greater in patients with TCC, while in those with CNC demonstrated a great variability. The increase in the hindfoot valgus does not necessarily indicate an increase in the inclination of the subtalar joint, so the latter must be evaluated separately at the time of preoperative planning. Level of Evidence: III