Open vs Percutaneous vs Arthroscopic Surgical Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis: An Updated Systematic Review.

This study was performed to compare outcomes of open, arthroscopic, and percutaneous surgical techniques for lateral epicondylitis. We searched PubMed (MEDLINE) for literature published between January 1, 2004 and May 23, 2015 using these key words: lateral epicondylitis AND (surgery OR operative OR surgical OR open OR arthroscopic OR percutaneous). Meta-analyses were performed for outcomes reported in 3 studies using 2-sample and 2-proportion Z-tests. Thirty-five studies including 1640 elbows (1055 open, 401 arthroscopic, 184 percutaneous) met the inclusion criteria. There were no differences between groups regarding duration to return to work, complication rate, or patient satisfaction. A greater proportion of patients were pain free in the open group than in the arthroscopic group (70% vs 60%). Despite the absence of a difference among techniques regarding return to work and subjective function, we recommend open débridement as the technique most likely to achieve a pain-free outcome.

Arthroscopic Hip Labral Augmentation Technique With Iliotibial Band Graft.

The importance of the acetabular labrum has been well documented for the function and overall health of the hip joint. Several biomechanical studies have shown the sealing effect of the acetabular labrum. In the past decade, labral repair procedures have gained increased attention, with the literature suggesting that the outcomes after hip arthroscopy are directly related to labral preservation. However, a primary labral repair can be challenging in cases of hypoplastic, ossified, or complex and irreparable labral tears in which there is insufficient tissue to perform a primary repair. For these cases, labral reconstruction becomes a viable option with good outcomes at short-term and midterm follow-up. A subset of these patients may show viable remnants of the labral circumferential fibers but, because of the low tissue volume, these remnant fibers are unable to maintain the suction seal. In this situation, a labral augmentation may be a viable alternative to labral reconstruction while preserving as much native labral tissue as possible. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe an arthroscopic hip labral augmentation technique using iliotibial band autograft or allograft.

Lateral Meniscus Posterior Root and Meniscofemoral Ligaments as Stabilizing Structures in the ACL-Deficient Knee: A Biomechanical Study.

BACKGROUND: The biomechanical effects of lateral meniscal posterior root tears with and without meniscofemoral ligament (MFL) tears in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient knees have not been studied in detail. PURPOSE: To determine the biomechanical effects of the lateral meniscus (LM) posterior root tear in ACL-intact and ACL-deficient knees. In addition, the biomechanical effects of disrupting the MFLs in ACL-deficient knees with meniscal root tears were evaluated. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Ten paired cadaveric knees were mounted in a 6-degrees-of-freedom robot for testing and divided into 2 groups. The sectioning order for group 1 was (1) ACL, (2) LM posterior root, and (3) MFLs, and the order for group 2 was (1) LM posterior root, (2) ACL, and (3) MFLs. For each cutting state, displacements and rotations of the tibia were measured and compared with the intact state after a simulated pivot-shift test (5-N·m internal rotation torque combined with a 10-N·m valgus torque) at 0°, 20°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion; an anterior translation load (88 N) at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion; and internal rotation (5 N·m) at 0°, 30°, 60°, 75°, and 90°. RESULTS: Cutting the LM root and MFLs significantly increased anterior tibial translation (ATT) during a pivot-shift test at 20° and 30° when compared with the ACL-cut state (both Ps < .05). During a 5-N·m internal rotation torque, cutting the LM root in ACL-intact knees significantly increased internal rotation by between 0.7° ± 0.3° and 1.3° ± 0.9° (all Ps < .05) except at 0° (P = .136). When the ACL + LM root cut state was compared with the ACL-cut state, the increase in internal rotation was significant at greater flexion angles of 75° and 90° (both Ps < .05) but not between 0°and 60° (all Ps > .2). For an anterior translation load, cutting the LM root in ACL-deficient knees significantly increased ATT only at 30° (P = .007). CONCLUSION: The LM posterior root was a significant stabilizer of the knee for ATT during a pivot-shift test at lower flexion angles and internal rotation at higher flexion angles. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Increased knee anterior translation and rotatory instability due to posterior lateral meniscal root disruption may contribute to increased loads on an ACL reconstruction graft. It is recommended that lateral meniscal root tears be repaired at the same time as an ACL reconstruction to prevent possible ACL graft overload.

A Transosseous Bone Bridge Repair for Posterior Horn Meniscal Root Tears During Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Meniscal root tears occur in isolation or concurrently with ligamentous knee injury and cause significantly altered knee mechanics with the loss of normal meniscus hoop stress. This loss of normal meniscus function can result in abnormal knee kinematics and, subsequently, more rapid degenerative changes of the knee articular surface. In the setting of anterior cruciate ligament tear, the posterolateral meniscus root is most commonly damaged. Several techniques exist for meniscus root repair; however, none have been shown to be clearly superior. We present a safe, effective, and reproducible arthroscopic transtibial technique for posterior horn lateral meniscal root tears.

The Mark Coventry, MD, Award: Oral Antibiotics Reduce Reinfection After Two-Stage Exchange: A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Many patients develop recurrent periprosthetic joint infection after two-stage exchange arthroplasty of the hip or knee. One potential but insufficiently tested strategy to decrease the risk of persistent or recurrent infection is to administer additional antibiotics after the second-stage reimplantation. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Does a 3-month course of oral antibiotics decrease the risk of failure secondary to infection after a two-stage exchange? (2) Are there any complications related to the administration of oral antibiotics after a two-stage exchange? (3) In those patients who develop a reinfection, is the infecting organism different from the initial infection? METHODS: Patients at seven centers randomized to receive 3 months of oral antibiotics or no further antibiotic treatment after operative cultures after the second-stage reimplantation were negative. Adult patients undergoing two-stage hip or knee revision arthroplasty for a periprosthetic infection who met Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria for infection at the first stage were included. Oral antibiotic therapy was tailored to the original infecting organism(s) in consultation with an infectious disease specialist. MSIS criteria as used by the treating surgeon defined failure. Surveillance of patients for complications, including reinfection, occurred at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 12 months, and 24 months. If an organism demonstrated the same antibiotic sensitivities as the original organism, it was considered the same organism; no DNA subtyping was performed. Analysis was performed as intent to treat with all randomized patients included in the groups to which they were randomized. A log-rank survival curve was used to analyze the primary outcome of reinfection. At planned interim analysis (enrollment is ongoing), 59 patients were successfully randomized to the antibiotic group and 48 patients to the control group. Fifty-seven patients had an infection after TKA and 50 after a THA. There was no minimum followup for inclusion in this analysis. The mean followup was 14 months in the antibiotic group and 10 months in the control group. RESULTS: Patients treated with oral antibiotics failed secondary to infection less frequently than those not treated with antibiotics (5% [three of 59] versus 19% [nine of 48]; hazard ratio, 4.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.297-19.748; p = 0.016). Three patients had an adverse reaction to the oral antibiotics severe enough to cause them to stop taking the antibiotics early, and four patients who were randomized to that group did not take the antibiotics as directed. With the numbers available, there were no differences between the study groups in terms of the likelihood that an infection after treatment would be with a new organism (eight of nine in the control group versus one of three in the treatment group, p = 0.087). CONCLUSIONS: This multicenter randomized trial suggests that at short-term followup, the addition of 3 months of oral antibiotics appeared to improve infection-free survival. As a planned interim analysis, however, these results may change as the study reaches closure and the safety profile may yet prove risky. Further followup of this cohort of patients will be necessary to determine whether these preliminary results are durable over time. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, therapeutic study.

Genome-wide analysis identifies differential promoter methylation of Leprel2, Foxf1, Mmp25, Igfbp6, and Peg12 in murine tendinopathy.

We have used a murine Achilles tendinopathy model to investigate whether tissue changes (such as collagen disorganization, chondroid metaplasia, and loss of tensile properties) which are broadly characteristic of human tendinopathies, are accompanied by changes in the expression of chromatin-modifying enzymes and the methylation status of promoter regions of tendon cell DNA. Tendinopathy was induced by two intra-tendinous TGF-ß1 injections followed by cage activity or treadmill running for up to 28 days. Activation of DNA methyltransferases occurred at 3 days after the TGF-ß1 injections and also at 14 days, but only with treadmill activity. Genome-wide Methyl Mini-Seq™ analysis identified 19 genes with differentially methylated promoters, five of which perform functions with an apparent direct relevance to tendinopathy (Leprel2, Foxf1, Mmp25, Igfbp6, and Peg12). The functions of the genes identified included collagen fiber assembly and pericellular interactions, therefore their perturbation could play a role in the characteristic disorganization of fibers in affected tendons. We postulate that a study of the functional genomics of these genes in animal and human tendon could further delineate the pathogenesis of this multi-factorial complex disease. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:947-955, 2017.

Synovial Chondromatosis of the Elbow With Asymptomatic Ulnar Nerve Compression.

Primary synovial chondromatosis is a rare, benign, proliferative disease of hyaline cartilaginous bodies within the synovium of joints. We report a rare case of primary synovial chondromatosis diffusely affecting the ulnohumeral joint causing pain and motion limitations with extrusion into the cubital tunnel and compressing the ulnar nerve but without any preoperative signs or symptoms of ulnar nerve compression. The patient was successfully treated with an open synovectomy to limit disease progression and improve motion. This case highlights that synovial conditions of the elbow may involve the ulnar nerve even when a patient is asymptomatic. Preoperative use of magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow should be considered in patients undergoing either an open or arthroscopic synovectomy.

Treatment of Osteonecrosis of the Talus.

More than 60% of the talar surface area consists of articular cartilage, thereby limiting the possible locations for vascular infiltration and leaving the talus vulnerable to osteonecrosis. Treatment strategies for talar osteonecrosis can be grouped into four categories: nonsurgical, surgical-joint sparing, surgical-salvage, and joint-sacrificing treatments. Nonoperative and joint-sparing treatments include restricted weight-bearing, patellar tendon-bearing braces, bone-grafting, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, internal implantation of a bone stimulator, core decompression, and vascularized or non-vascularized autograft, whereas joint-sacrificing or salvage procedures include talar replacement (partial or total) and arthrodesis. In patients with a Ficat and Arlet grade-I through III osteonecrosis, evidence in favor of a specific treatment is poor, although tibiotalar or tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis may represent a suitable salvage operation.

Articular shear injuries of the capitellum in adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the capitellum are rare and are commonly classified into 4 types. Type II variants involve a shear injury with a mostly articular cartilage component and little subchondral bone. Symptoms upon presentation after these injuries are variable, and the diagnosis can be difficult to make in the immature skeleton. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 3 cases of type II capitellar fractures in adolescent athletes who presented for evaluation with the senior author. RESULTS: All patients were initially treated conservatively, without identification or treatment of the capitellar shear component of their injury. Unfortunately, radiocapitellar arthrosis rapidly developed in all 3 and required surgical intervention at our institution. At an average postoperative follow-up of 49 months from the index procedure, patients ultimately had positive outcomes despite advanced degenerative changes on imaging. One patient required 2 subsequent operations for mechanical symptoms and pain. DISCUSSION: The 3 reported cases represent adolescent, athletic patients with missed shear injuries to the capitellum. These patients exhibited low Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores and high Mayo Elbow Performance Scores at final follow-up, but each patient demonstrated advanced degenerative changes on imaging, and 1 patient required 2 subsequent operations for mechanical symptoms and pain. A high index of suspicion is necessary to identify this injury pattern, and proper plain radiographic imaging with a low threshold for advanced imaging is necessary. Although the overall long-term prognosis is unknown for these patients, early recognition likely would have changed the initial conservative management decision in each and, theoretically, might have altered the outcome for these patients.

Remplissage of the Femoral Head-Neck Junction in Revision Hip Arthroscopy: A Technique to Correct Excessive Cam Resection.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is an increasingly recognized cause of hip pain. This pathology often involves abnormal femoral neck shape (cam-type FAI), acetabular over coverage (pincer-type FAI), or mixed pathology. Surgical treatment of this entity includes labral repair and femoral head-neck osteochondroplasty. A mindful arthroscopic technique is of paramount importance, because maintaining the integrity of the labrum and a corresponding neck volume has been reported to be vital in maintaining the hip suction seal. Arthroscopic resection of the cam deformity must be performed with care to ensure appropriate femoral offset and maintenance of appropriate femoroacetabular contact. Although the most common cause of failure after hip arthroscopy is incomplete resection of a cam lesion, a previously unrecognized complication is excessive cam resection that can also lead to excessive femoral offset and loss of the suction seal. The purpose of this technical note is to describe the technique for arthroscopic recognition of excessive cam decompression leading to loss of the suction seal and a surgical treatment approach using the "remplissage" technique.

Quantification and correlation of hip capsular volume to demographic and radiographic predictors.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a novel method to quantify hip capsular volume in patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery, utilizing magnetic resonance arthrogram (MRA) and to determine whether there are demographic or radiological factors that are associated with capsular volume. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed from 2006 to 2014 of consecutive patients who presented with hip pain and received a hip MRA and plain radiographs. All patients were suspected of soft tissue injury due to underlying femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). A novel technique using Osirix MD for the quantification of capsular and femoral head volumes was described. RESULTS: Ninety-seven patients met the study criteria and were included for analysis. The average total capsular volume (including the femoral head) measured 79.89 ± 20.35 cm(3), average femoral head volume 46.68 ± 12.32 cm(3), and average true capsular volume measured 33.20 ± 12.58 cm(3). Average total capsular:femoral head volume ratio was 1.74 ± 0.27. Significant differences were seen between genders for total capsular volume (P < 0.01), femoral head volume (P < 0.01), and true capsular volume (P < 0.01). Total capsular volume:femoral head ratio was greater for females, but was not statistically significant (n.s.). Femoral head volume significantly correlated with alpha angle (P < 0.01), height (P < 0.01), BMI (P < 0.01), BMI (P = 0.02), and age (P < 0.01). Total capsular volume significantly correlated with height (P < 0.01), BMI (P = 0.01), and age (P < 0.01). Age was also correlated with true capsular volume (P = 0.011). No significant differences in capsular volumes were found between normal and abnormal radiographic measurements. CONCLUSION: The current study describes a reproducible radiographic measurement for hip capsule volumes from MRAs. Only gender was predictive of total capsular volume, femoral head volume, and true capsular volume. There were no macroscopic anatomical differences evident on MRA. This method showed good intra- and inter-observer reliability and can aid in future research regarding hip capsule volumes. This novel technique may potentially allow clinicians a readily available and reliable method to detect large and redundant capsules, a possible predisposition for hip micro-instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective case series, Level IV.

Endoscopic Trochanteric Bursectomy and Iliotibial Band Release for Persistent Trochanteric Bursitis.

Lateral hip pain associated with trochanteric bursitis is a common orthopedic condition, and can be debilitating in chronic or recalcitrant situations. Conservative management is the most common initial treatment and often results in resolution of symptoms and improved patient outcomes. These modalities include rest, activity modification, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, or corticosteroid injections. However, there is a subset of patients in which symptoms persist despite exhaustive conservative modalities. For these patients, trochanteric bursectomy is a surgical option to address persistent pathology. Previous literature indicates that both open and arthroscopic surgical techniques can be used to address the inflamed bursa and results in good patient outcomes. However, recent advances in hip arthroscopy have allowed for improvements in minimally invasive techniques to address intracapsular and extracapsular pathology of the hip, including recalcitrant trochanteric bursitis. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe our technique for a minimally invasive arthroscopic trochanteric bursectomy.

Total Wrist Fusion Using an Intramedullary Rod Technique With Proximal Row Carpectomy.

Intramedullary pin fixation is a common total wrist fusion technique, particularly for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. However, appropriate alignment of the proximal carpal row on the carpus can be challenging. Inflammatory arthropathy may also degrade the proximal carpal bones to chondral shells, retention of which may promote failure of fusion. We describe an intramedullary rod technique for total wrist fusion that incorporates a proximal row carpectomy.

Prevalence of Femoroacetabular Impingement Imaging Findings in Asymptomatic Volunteers: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of radiographic findings suggestive of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in asymptomatic individuals. METHODS: A systematic review was performed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies reporting radiographic, computed tomographic, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings that were suggestive of FAI in asymptomatic volunteers were included. Cam, pincer, and combined pathologic conditions were investigated. RESULTS: We identified 26 studies for inclusion, comprising 2,114 asymptomatic hips (57.2% men; 42.8% women). The mean participant age was 25.3 ± 1.5 years. The mean alpha angle in asymptomatic hips was 54.1° ± 5.1°. The prevalence of an asymptomatic cam deformity was 37% (range, 7% to 100% between studies)-54.8% in athletes versus 23.1% in the general population. Of the 17 studies that measured alpha angles, 9 used MRI and 9 used radiography (1 study used both). The mean lateral and anterior center edge angles (CEAs) were 31.2° and 30°, respectively. The prevalence of asymptomatic hips with pincer deformity was 67% (range 61% to 76% between studies). Pincer deformity was poorly defined (4 studies [15%]; focal anterior overcoverage, acetabular retroversion, abnormal CEA or acetabular index, coxa profunda, acetabular protrusio, ischial spine sign, crossover sign, and posterior wall sign). Only 7 studies reported on labral injury, which was found on MRI without intra-articular contrast in 68.1% of hips. CONCLUSIONS: FAI morphologic features and labral injuries are common in asymptomatic patients. Clinical decision making should carefully analyze the association of patient history and physical examination with radiographic imaging. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review if Level II-IV studies.

Two cases of avascular necrosis after prophylactic pinning of the asymptomatic, contralateral femoral head for slipped capital femoral epiphysis: case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: In a child with a unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), the treatment of the radiographically normal, asymptomatic contralateral hip remains controversial. The risks of a subsequent slip have to be measured against the risks involved with an additional surgical procedure. Proponents of prophylactic pinning believe that fixation with a single cannulated screw is a safe method to prevent secondary arthrosis from a missed minor slip. Others argue that in most cases it is an unnecessary procedure and with careful follow-up, any issues with the asymptomatic, normal hip can be identified early and addressed. METHODS: We retrospectively look at 2 cases where avascular necrosis (AVN) developed in the prophylactically pinned asymptomatic and radiographically normal hip in the setting of an identified SCFE on the contralateral hip. RESULTS: Two cases of AVN developed in the prophylactically pinned hips within 8 months of the initial pinning procedure. CONCLUSIONS: This case report demonstrates that prophylactic pinning of an asymptomatic, radiographically normal hip in the setting of a SCFE on the contralateral side is not a benign procedure and is one that has potential for significant complications. The risk of AVN in the prophylactically pinned hip needs to be taken into careful consideration as this risk can have devastating consequences to the patient. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

The role of acromioplasty for rotator cuff problems.

Acromioplasty is a well-described technique used throughout the wide spectrum of treatment options for shoulder impingement and rotator cuff pathology. Several randomized prospective studies have described clinical outcomes that are statistically similar when comparing patients undergoing rotator cuff repair either with or without concomitant acromioplasty. This article reviews the current evidence for use of acromioplasty in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome and during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Despite recently published studies, more long-term data, especially with regard to failure rates and return-to-surgery rates over time, are needed to better determine the role of acromioplasty.

Utility of modern arthroscopic simulator training models.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to review the published literature on modern arthroscopic simulator training models to (1) determine the ability to transfer skills learned on the model to the operating room and (2) determine the learning curve required to translate such skills. METHODS: A systematic review of all studies using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines was performed. Two independent reviewers then analyzed studies deemed appropriate for inclusion. Study data collected included participant demographic characteristics, simulator model, type and number of tasks, method of analysis, and results of training, when available. Given the different methods used in each study, descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS: Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria (9 shoulder, 9 knee, and 1 hip). A total of 465 participants with a mean age of 30 years were evaluated. Twelve studies (63%) compared task performance among participants of different experience levels, with 100% reporting a positive correlation between experience level and simulator performance. Eight studies (42%) evaluated task performance before and after simulator training, with 6 studies showing improvement after training; 1 study noted no difference in performance after 1 hour of training. One study commented on improved operating room performance after simulator training. No studies commented on the number of training sessions needed to translate skills learned on the models to the operating room. CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests that practice on arthroscopic simulators improves performance on arthroscopic simulators. We cannot, however, definitively comment on whether simulator training correlates to an improved skill set in the operating room. Further work is needed to determine the type and number of training sessions needed to translate arthroscopic skills learned on the models to the operating room. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of studies with Level I through IV evidence.

Isolated vastus lateralis tendon avulsion.

Isolated avulsion of the vastus lateralis tendon is a very rare injury. To our knowledge, only 1 case has been reported in the literature. This tendon is crucial to knee stability and proper patellofemoral tracking. As isolated avulsion of the tendon tends to occur in young, active males, early surgical repair is recommended to allow them to maintain a high level of functional ability. We present the case of a 49-year-old man who sustained an isolated vastus lateralis tendon avulsion injury. The injury was successfully treated with suture anchor repair.