Overuse of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Moderate to Severe Osteoarthritis.

Background: MRI in the evaluation of end-stage knee joint osteoarthritis (OA) is usually unnecessary when radiographic and clinical evidence of gonarthrosis is clear. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of MRI scans ordered in patients with radiographically obvious gonarthrosis and to examine the characteristics of health care providers who ordered these imaging studies. Methods: We retrospectively identified 164 patients diagnosed with moderate to severe OA who were referred for total knee replacement (TKA) over a one-year period. The percentage of patients who had an MRI scan with or without X-ray, within the preceding 3 months prior to referral, were calculated. Subgroups were analyzed to identify characteristics that may influence the decision to order an MRI, including K-L grade, provider type, level of training, and practice location. Results: Of 145 patients, 19 (13.1%) presented with an MRI scan. Between the number of MRI scans ordered, there was a significant difference when comparing physicians versus non-physicians, with physicians ordering less MRI scans (p=0.018). There was a significant difference when comparing non-academic versus academic, with academic providers ordering less MRI scans (p=0.044). There was no significant difference with fellowship training or provider proximity to our academic institution. Conclusions: In this study, 13.1% of patients with radiographically obvious knee OA obtained an MRI prior to referral for TKA. Non-physicians and non-academic physicians were more likely to order MRI scans. Improved education for referring providers may be necessary to decrease overuse of MRI in the diagnosis of moderate to severe arthritis. Level of Evidence: Level II.

Safety and efficacy of hyperosmolar irrigation solution in shoulder arthroscopy.

BACKGROUND: A hyperosmolar irrigation solution has been reported to be safe and have potential benefits for use during shoulder arthroscopy in an animal model study. In this study, the clinical effects of a hyperosmolar solution were compared with a standard isotonic solution when used for shoulder arthroscopy. METHODS: A prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial was performed to compare isotonic (273 mOsm/L) and hyperosmolar (593 mOsm/L) irrigation solutions used for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Primary outcomes focused on the amount of periarticular fluid retention based on net weight gain, change in shoulder girth, and pain. All patients were tracked through standard postsurgical follow-up to ensure no additional complications arose. Patients were contacted at 1 year to assess American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon score, visual analog scale pain score, and the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation shoulder scores RESULTS: Fifty patients (n = 25/group) were enrolled and completed the study. No statistically significant differences were noted between cohorts in demographics or surgical variables. The hyperosmolar group experienced significantly less mean weight gain (1.6 ± 0.82 kg vs. 2.25 ± 0.77 kg; P = .005), significantly less change in shoulder girth (P < .05), and a significantly lower immediate postoperative visual analog scale pain score (P = .036). At 1 year postoperatively, the differences between groups for American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, visual analog scale pain, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation were not significant (P > .2). CONCLUSION: A hyperosmolar irrigation solution provides a safe and effective way to decrease periarticular fluid retention associated with arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery without any adverse long-term effects. Use of a hyperosmolar irrigation solution for shoulder arthroscopy has potential clinical benefits to surgeons and patients.

Osteochondral Allografts in Shoulder Surgical Procedures.

The use of fresh osteochondral allografts has become popular in many joint-preserving orthopaedic procedures and shows early promising results within the shoulder. Distal tibial allograft contains a stout cartilaginous layer that appears to have highly congruent curvature and concavity to the glenoid, which makes for an optimal allograft option for instability. In the setting of large Hill-Sachs lesions, the use of a humeral-head osteochondral allograft is essential to restore geometry, stability, and mechanics of the native glenohumeral joint. One must be cautious with the treatment of glenoid chondral lesions with osteoarticular grafting procedures because of the depth of the glenoid compared with the depth of subchondral bone on the graft necessary to achieve a press fit, and advanced imaging is recommended when planning an operative intervention. Optimizing joint-preservation treatment with osteochondral allografts will rely on the long-term results of these procedures, and careful patient selection, preoperative discussion, and realistic expectations are necessary.

Hyperosmolar irrigation compared with a standard solution in a canine shoulder arthroscopy model.

BACKGROUND: A hyperosmolar irrigation solution may decrease fluid extravasation during arthroscopic procedures. Demonstrating the safety of a hyperosmolar irrigation solution with respect to chondrocyte viability and cartilage water content was deemed necessary before designing a clinical efficacy study. METHODS: We designed a translational animal model study in which hyperosmolar arthroscopy irrigation fluid (1.8%, 600 mOsm/L) was compared with normal saline (0.9%, 300 mOsm/L). Purpose-bred research dogs (n = 5) underwent bilateral shoulder arthroscopy. Irrigation fluid was delivered to each shoulder joint (n = 10) at 40 mm Hg for 120 minutes using standard ingress and egress portals. The percentage change in shoulder girth was documented at the completion of 120 minutes. Articular cartilage sections from the glenoid and humeral head were harvested from both shoulders. Chondrocyte viability and tissue water content were evaluated. Differences between groups and compared with time 0 controls were determined, with significance set at P <.05. RESULTS: The mean percentage change in shoulder girth was higher in the isotonic control group (13.3%) than in the hyperosmolar group (10.4%). Chondrocyte viability and tissue water content for glenoid and humeral head cartilage were well maintained in both treatment groups, and differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The data from this study suggest that doubling the osmolarity of the standard irrigation solution used for arthroscopy was not associated with any detrimental effects on chondrocyte viability or tissue water content after 2 hours of arthroscopic irrigation. On the basis of potential benefits in conjunction with the safety demonstrated in these data, clinical evaluation of a hyperosmolar solution for irrigation during shoulder arthroscopy appears warranted.