Editorial Commentary: Suture Button Fixation for the Latarjet Procedure Is Superior to Screw Fixation.

An increasing body of evidence suggests that suture button fixation is comparable with screw fixation in Latarjet and potentially associated with reduced graft resorption. Suture button fixation may facilitate performing the Latarjet procedure, particularly when done in an arthroscopic manner. The use of suture button fixation technique theoretically facilitates improved positioning of the graft on the glenoid, as it frees the surgeon from the potential of the soft-tissue envelope to impact positioning of the graft, which can occur with screw-based guides. The bone graft can be shuttled into an optimal position and then tensioned with relative ease in comparison with screw-based techniques. Suture button fixation results in lower complication rates compared with screw fixation; almost one third of the screw fixation complications are hardware-related, and screw fixation results in a high rate of hardware removal. Moreover, the arthroscopic Latarjet suture button literature is published by experienced surgeons. Arthroscopic Latarjet has a significant learning curve, reducing the translatability of studies that report superior findings with any one technique. The generalizability of results reminds us that evidence-based medicine should be practiced through the lens of not only patient preferences, but also through an honest appraisal of a surgeon's own ability.

Anchorless Acromioclavicular and Coracoclavicular Ligament Repair Using a Graft-Passing Instrument to Pass Suture Under the Coracoid.

Acromioclavicular joint separation is a common shoulder injury. Grade I and II separation may be treated nonoperatively, whereas higher grades tend to require surgical intervention. Various repair techniques have been described in the literature, with no consensus on the gold standard. This Technical Note describes our use of a graft-passing instrument to pass suture under the coracoid during an anatomic reconstruction of both the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments. Although this approach is technically challenging, it avoids coracoid drilling and requires smaller-diameter clavicle and acromion drilling. Furthermore, using suture instead of graft material increases the cost-effectiveness of the procedure.

Evaluation of Osteochondral Allograft Transplant Using In-Office Needle Arthroscopy.

In-office needle arthroscopy (IONA) has been available in various iterations for decades. Studies have described it as comparable if not superior to magnetic resonance imaging for identifying intra-articular pathology with associated cost savings per patient. A new IONA system has been brought to market with a modernized user interface and disposable handpieces offering the opportunity to address intra-articular pathology. This article outlines the use of this IONA system for the postoperative evaluation of an osteochondral allograft transplant.

Single-Portal, Single-Anchor Repair of a Superior Third Subscapularis Tear Using a Self-Punching Knotless Soft Suture Anchor.

Numerous techniques exist for arthroscopic subscapularis repair with varying degrees of complexity based on tear morphology, all of which have established satisfactory outcomes in function and patient satisfaction. Arthroscopic subscapularis repair can require several working portals and suture anchors, increasing both technical complexity and operative time. This Technical Note describes an arthroscopic repair of a superior one-third subscapularis tear using a self-punching knotless soft suture anchor through a single anterior working portal. Thus, we offer a unique approach to arthroscopic repair of superior one-third subscapularis tears that is time-saving, reproducible, and highly efficient while minimizing iatrogenic damage and postoperative complications.

Arthroscopic Single Portal, Single Anchor Knotless Subscapularis Repair with Concomitant Tenodesis of the Long Head of the Biceps Tendon.

Anterior shoulder pathology involving the subscapularis is often associated with the biceps tendon because both anatomic structures intersect the lesser tuberosity. Standard procedures for such pathology often involve simultaneous subscapularis repairs and biceps tenodesis. Single anterior portal subscapularis repairs have been emerging in the past 5 years because of cost-effectiveness and efficiency. Biceps tenodesis is a common procedure performed both open and arthroscopically. This technique takes advantage of the close relation between the long head of the biceps tendon and subscapularis tendon to restore the functional length-tension relation and preserve function through fixation using a single portal and a single knotless suture anchor.

Four-Strand Hamstring Diamond Braid Technique for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Several factors affect the success of an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, including graft origin, type, and morphology. Hamstring and bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts are the most widely used, and there are many different techniques of graft preparation with each. In this Technical Note and accompanying video, a 4-strand hamstring autograft technique is described that uses a simple diamond-type braid to produce a more ovoid morphology with increased cross-sectional area. Increased graft diameters have been associated with higher success rates and more positive long-term outcomes. Therefore, this braiding construct may provide additional tensile strength with increased resistance to failure than grafts that are otherwise undersized using conventional techniques.

Combined Coracoclavicular and Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction with Allograft Using a Cerclage Tensioning System.

Acromioclavicular joint separations are common shoulder injuries, yet standard treatment practices vary. Popular surgical techniques include reconstruction using allografts or neighboring ligaments as well as repair using screws and sutures. This Technical Note and accompanying video describe both an acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular joint reconstruction using an allograft to replace native acromioclavicular ligament along with an AC joint reduction using a Suture Cerclage System to precisely control reduction and restore anatomic alignment.

Distal Clavicle Excision for Acromioclavicular Joint Osteoarthritis Using a Fluoroscopic Kirschner Wire Guide.

Pathology of the acromioclavicular joint is common and often resistant to conservative treatment, requiring distal clavicle excision for definitive relief. First described as an open technique by Mumford and Gurd in 1941, distal clavicle excision has evolved greatly, with arthroscopic techniques currently predominating. No significant difference has been found in patient satisfaction or rate of complication between the techniques in a recent meta-analysis. Indeed, open excisions are still performed at a high rate, owing to the difficulty in technique and visualization with arthroscopic methods. One major critique of arthroscopic distal clavicle excision is difficulty safeguarding against under- and overexcision of the distal clavicle due to the lack of depth perception and visual reference points of the arthroscopic perspective. This Technical Note and accompanying video describe an indirect subacromial arthroscopic distal clavicle excision using a fluoroscopic Kirschner wire guide placed at the proximal border prior to resection to serve as a visual and mechanical reference to overexcision.

Mini-Open Achilles Repair With a Flat Braided Suture in a Low-Profile Configuration.

Achilles repair has evolved over the past 30 years, from large open procedures with high complication rates to shorter, less-invasive procedures with better outcomes. Percutaneous repair has comparable failure rates with open repairs, fewer complications, and faster recovery. However, percutaneous Achilles repairs risk sural nerve injury. A mini-open repair fuses the gap between percutaneous and open procedures, and this approach has the potential to mitigate nerve injury while maintaining the increased efficiency in procedure time and patient recovery. The purpose of this Technical Note and accompanying video is to outline the repair of the Achilles tendon using a mini open repair using a low-profile flat braided suture.

Stemless Total Shoulder Arthroplasty With Orthobiologic Augmentation.

Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) has evolved over the years and is used for a variety of indications, with arthritis being the most common. Stemless TSA is a unique bone-preserving design that can eliminate rotational malalignment. Additionally, recent literature has found utility in the use of biological mesh and a platelet-rich plasma injection to improve healing. The purpose of this article is to outline the process of TSA using a stemless system and how to incorporate the use of amnion matrix and platelet-rich plasma into the surgical technique.

Mini-Open Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis Using a Suture Anchor with Bone-Bridge Backup.

Pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon is a known cause of anterior shoulder pain. Current surgical management options include tenotomy and tenodesis. Tenodesis can be performed arthroscopically or as an open procedure. Arthroscopic tenodesis typically uses a suprapectoral attachment, which may fail to address tendon pathology in the bicipital groove. Open tenodesis carries iatrogenic risk to neurovascular structures and a fracture risk while drilling, as well as the morbidity of an open procedure. This technique paper describes a mini-open subpectoral approach using a suture anchor and bone bridge backup for dual fixation. Use of a suture anchor instead of an interference screw reduces drill hole diameter reducing the risk of iatrogenic humeral fracture. Dual fixation provides a robust repair which may be of use for athletic patients desiring an accelerated recovery.

Tibial Plateau With Arthroscopic Reduction-Internal Fixation.

Arthroscopic-assisted internal fixation is an ideal technique for visualizing chondral reduction during tibial open reduction-internal fixation. Typically, open reduction-internal fixation is performed using radiographic and Fluoroscan imaging (Hologic, Bedford, MA) for reduction of subchondral bone. However, reduction without visualization does not ensure chondral surface reduction. This Technical Note and supplemental video describe an arthroscopic-assisted technique involving the tibial plateau that gives complete visualization as tamping occurs to restore the cartilage surface of the subchondral bone and elevate the fracture.

Arthroscopic Harvesting of Autologous Bone Graft for Use as a Mesenchymal Stem Cell Carrier in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are detrimental to knee stability and normal function. Although the standard of treatment is an ACL reconstruction, technical improvements are sought to enhance clinical outcomes due to the appreciable failure rate. The use of autologous biologic substances as carriers of stem cells are desirable because of their multipotent properties. Traditionally, the collection of autologous bone grafts is through an open incision of the iliac crest, which causes substantial morbidity to the patient. This Technical Note describes an arthroscopic, minimally invasive collection method of autologous tibial and femoral bone graft to use in backfilling the tunnels during an ACL reconstruction to improve graft incorporation and clinical outcomes.

Inside-Out Bucket-Handle Meniscus Repair With a Single-Handed Self-Advancing Zone-Specific Meniscus Repair Device.

Meniscus tears are among the most common knee injuries in the general population and often are treated arthroscopically with a meniscus repair. Of the various meniscus repair techniques available, the inside-out meniscus tear is considered the gold standard due to its versatility and good clinical outcomes. The purpose of this Technical Note and accompanying video is to describe an inside-out bucket-handle meniscus repair using a single handed, self-advancing meniscus repair device with an interchangeable zone-specific multicannula system to decrease the technical difficulty and operative time of the repair.

Transtibial Pull-Out Repair of Converted Radial Tear Adjacent to Medial Meniscus Root.

Radial tears increase tibiofemoral contact pressure and disrupt the ability of the meniscus to withstand hoop stress, leading to earlier-onset osteoarthritis. Repair of radial tears is problematic because they have a lower healing rate and lack a single gold standard technique. However, when a radial tear is proximal to the root, there is an opportunity to convert it into a root tear. This is ideal because root tears fixed through a transtibial tunnel technique have improved clinical outcomes and reduced rates of osteoarthritis. This Technical Note and accompanying video describe a method for repairing a radial tear near the meniscus root by converting a radial tear to a root tear followed by a pull-out root repair through a transtibial tunnel. This method restores the meniscus root, allowing it to withstand hoop stress. Our technique uses a disposable root repair kit that includes a FlipCutter, a Knee Scorpion Suture Passer, a 4.75-mm SwiveLock anchor tap, a SutureLasso, a PassPort Cannula, 0 FiberLink sutures, and TigerLink sutures.

A 360° Labral Repair Using Two Portals and a Percutaneous Cannula.

Pan-labral tears are relatively uncommon, but they present significant challenges to arthroscopists. The difficulty lies in the need to access the glenoid rim circumferentially for proper anchor placement. Traditionally, this requires that multiple portals and percutaneous access be established as needed. Additionally, proper preoperative planning is needed to accurately reduce the labrum. In this Technical Note, we demonstrate a technique that accomplishes circumferential access and a well-planned approach with 2 portals and a percutaneous cannula.

Arthroscopic Double-Pulley Remplissage Using a 2-Portal Technique for Hill-Sachs Lesions in Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability.

Hill-Sachs lesions of the humeral head are associated with recurrent anterior shoulder instability. Arthroscopic double-pulley remplissage has emerged as the leading alternative to the open Latarjet procedure to address recurrent shoulder instability with comparable recurrence rates and favorable complication rates. This Technical Note describes our adaptation of the double-pulley remplissage technique by using 2 portals, with the anterior portal used as the viewing portal and suture passage through the posterior portal. This technique eliminates the need for a lateral percutaneous portal, consequently minimizing operative time and postoperative morbidity. Furthermore, using the anterior portal as the viewing portal allows for direct visualization of the reduction of the infraspinatus into the Hill-Sachs defect. The drawback of this technique is that there is no view of the subacromial space during knot tying.

Double-Bundle Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction With Allograft.

Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is the treatment of choice for recurrent patellofemoral instability. Although attention to MPFL reconstruction in the orthopaedic literature has increased dramatically in recent years, there is no clear consensus on surgical technique, graft option, or method of fixation. Nevertheless, most studies have shown improved pain scores and low rates of recurrent dislocation in patients after surgery. Despite the early success of MPFL reconstruction, complications may occur more frequently than previously appreciated and include patellar fracture, postoperative instability, and loss of flexion. This article describes our technique for double-bundle MPFL reconstruction with an allograft while highlighting certain aspects of the procedure that are critical for achieving favorable outcomes. The main advantages of the technique include strong patellar fixation with suture anchors and anatomic graft placement at the origin and insertion of the native MPFL. In our experience, this method of reconstruction has been safe, reproducible, and effective in the treatment of patients with patellar instability.

Arthroscopic-Assisted Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation for Posterolateral Lesions of the Talus Without Fibular Osteotomy.

Osteochondral lesions of the talus are chondral defects often caused by acute trauma to the ankle such as sprains and fractures. If operative treatment is necessary, microfracture, cartilage replacement, and autologous chondrocyte implantation can be used. We describe a single-step osteochondral allograft transfer to access the posterolateral talar dome that avoids the need for a fibular osteotomy and therefore eliminates morbidity while reducing operative time.

Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of the Medial Femoral Condyle With Orthobiologic Augmentation and Graft-Recipient Microfracture Preparation.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) has been recognized for over 100 years yet still poses treatment challenges owing to both the avascular nature of articular cartilage and the inability to generate hyaline cartilage. The knee is most commonly involved, and without repair, patients have chronic knee pain, loose bodies, and early-onset osteoarthritis. There are a number of surgical techniques for repairing OCD, some of which are still being refined. Currently, common procedures used to treat OCD lesions include microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation, osteochondral autograft transplantation, and osteochondral allograft transplantation. In this Technical Note, we describe osteochondral allograft transplantation with the addition of platelet-rich plasma and graft-recipient microfracture. We believe the micropores augment the osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties of the allograft and aid in the incorporation of the allograft plug by improving angiogenesis, enhancing clot formation in the allograft, and providing a homogeneous environment for remodeling.