Paediatric ankle cartilage lesions: Proceedings of the International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle.

BACKGROUND: The evidence supporting best practice guidelines in the field of cartilage repair of the ankle are based on both low quality and low levels of evidence. Therefore, an international consensus group of experts was convened to collaboratively advance toward consensus opinions based on the best available evidence on key topics within cartilage repair of the ankle. The purpose of this article is to report the consensus statements on "Pediatric Ankle Cartilage Lesions" developed at the 2019 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. METHODS: Forty-three international experts in cartilage repair of the ankle representing 20 countries convened to participate in a process based on the Delphi method of achieving consensus. Questions and statements were drafted within four working groups focusing on specific topics within cartilage repair of the ankle, after which a comprehensive literature review was performed and the available evidence for each statement was graded. Discussion and debate occurred in cases where statements were not agreed upon in unanimous fashion within the working groups. A final vote was then held, and the strength of consensus was characterised as follows: consensus: 51-74%; strong consensus: 75-99%; unanimous: 100%. RESULTS: A total of 12 statements on paediatric ankle cartilage lesions reached consensus during the 2019 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. Five achieved unanimous support, and seven reached strong consensus (>75% agreement). All statements reached at least 84% agreement. CONCLUSIONS: This international consensus derived from leaders in the field will assist clinicians with the management of paediatric ankle cartilage lesions.

Terminology for osteochondral lesions of the ankle: proceedings of the International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle.

BACKGROUND: The evidence supporting best practice guidelines in the field of cartilage repair of the ankle is based on both low quality and low levels of evidence. Therefore, an international consensus group of experts was convened to collaboratively advance toward consensus opinions based on the best available evidence on key topics within cartilage repair of the ankle. The purpose of this article is to report the consensus statements on "terminology for osteochondral lesions of the ankle" developed at the 2019 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. METHODS: Forty-three international experts in cartilage repair of the ankle representing 20 countries were convened and participated in a process based on the Delphi method of achieving consensus. Questions and statements were drafted within four working groups focusing on specific topics within cartilage repair of the ankle, after which a comprehensive literature review was performed, and the available evidence for each statement was graded. Discussion and debate occurred in cases where statements were not agreed on in unanimous fashion within the working groups. A final vote was then held, and the strength of consensus was characterised as follows: consensus, 51%-74%; strong consensus, 75%-99%; unanimous, 100%. RESULTS: A total of 11 statements on terminology and classification reached consensus during the 2019 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. Definitions are provided for osseous, chondral and osteochondral lesions, as well as bone marrow stimulation and injury chronicity, among others. An osteochondral lesion of the talus can be abbreviated as OLT. CONCLUSIONS: This international consensus derived from leaders in the field will assist clinicians with the appropriate terminology for osteochondral lesions of the ankle.

Osteochondral Lesions of the Tibial Plafond and Ankle Instability With Ankle Cartilage Lesions: Proceedings of the International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle.

BACKGROUND: An international consensus group of experts was convened to collaboratively advance toward consensus opinions based on the best available evidence on key topics within cartilage repair of the ankle. The purpose of this article is to present the consensus statements on osteochondral lesions of the tibial plafond (OLTP) and on ankle instability with ankle cartilage lesions developed at the 2019 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. METHODS: Forty-three experts in cartilage repair of the ankle were convened and participated in a process based on the Delphi method of achieving consensus. Questions and statements were drafted within 4 working groups focusing on specific topics within cartilage repair of the ankle, after which a comprehensive literature review was performed and the available evidence for each statement was graded. Discussion and debate occurred in cases where statements were not agreed on in unanimous fashion within the working groups. A final vote was then held. RESULTS: A total of 11 statements on OLTP reached consensus. Four achieved unanimous support and 7 reached strong consensus (greater than 75% agreement). A total of 8 statements on ankle instability with ankle cartilage lesions reached consensus during the 2019 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. One achieved unanimous support, and seven reached strong consensus (greater than 75% agreement). CONCLUSION: These consensus statements may assist clinicians in the management of these difficult clinical pathologies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, mechanism-based reasoning.

Repair versus Debridement for Acetabular Labral Tears-A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to systematically review the evidence in the literature to ascertain whether acetabular labral repair (ALR) or debridement (ALD) resulted in superior patient outcomes. METHODS: The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Peer-reviewed studies comparing ALR and ALD published in English with full text available were included. Patients undergoing both open and arthroscopic surgery in randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, retrospective cohort studies, and case-control studies were included. Studies were quantified for methodological quality using the MINORS criteria. Clinical outcomes were compared, with qualitative analysis, and quantitative analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism version 7. A P value <.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: There were 8 studies included (level of evidence [LOE] I = 1; LOE II = 2; LOE III = 5). The 7 studies compared 364 patients (369 hips) with ALR to 318 patients (329 hips) with ALD, with a mean follow-up time ranging between 32-120 months. Five studies found significantly improved patient reported outcomes with ALR (Harris Hip Score, Merle d'Aubigné, Pain, SF-12). Several studies compared the outcomes after ALR and ALD and found statistical significance in all investigated metrics in favor of ALR. One study found a significant improvement in abduction but no other study found any difference in range of motion. No study found any difference in complication rate, revision rate or conversion to total hip arthroplasty. Although, 2 studies found ALR reduced the rate of osteoarthritic progression. CONCLUSION: Current literature suggests that acetabular labral repair may result in superior patient reported outcomes. However, there appears to be no significant difference in the rate of progression to total hip arthroplasty at up to 10-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, systematic review of Level I, II, and III studies.

Return-to-Play and Rehabilitation Protocols following Cartilage Restoration Procedures of the Knee: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to systematically review the literature and to evaluate the reported rehabilitation protocols, return-to-play guidelines, and subsequent rates of return to play following cartilage restoration procedures in the knee. DESIGN: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched according to the PRISMA guidelines to find studies on cartilage restoration procedures in the knee, including (1) microfracture (Mfx), (2) osteochondral autograft transfer (AOT), (3) osteochondral allograft implantation (OCA), and (4) autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). Studies were included if they reported return-to-play data or rehabilitation protocols. RESULTS: Overall, 179 studies fit our inclusion criteria, with 48 on Mfx, 34 on AOT, 54 on OCA, and 51 on ACI. The rate of return to play was reported as high as 88.2% with AOT, and as low as 77.2% following OCA, with rates of return to play at the same/higher level as high as 79.3% with AOT, and as low as 57.3% following ACI. The average reported time of return to play was as low as 4.9 months with AOT, and as high as 11.6 months following ACI. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients are able to return to play following cartilage restoration procedures in the knee, regardless of surgical procedure utilized. However, while the rate of return to play at the same level was similar to the overall rate of return following AOT, there was a large number of patients unable to return to the same level following Mfx, OCA, and ACI. Additionally, there is wide variety in the rehabilitation protocols, and scant literature on return-to-play protocols.

Low rate of recurrent instability following the open Latarjet procedure as a revision procedure for failed prior stabilization surgery.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to systematically review the literature to ascertain functional outcomes, recurrence rates and subsequent revision rates following the open Latarjet procedure when performed as a revision procedure. METHODS: Two independent reviewers performed the literature search based on PRISMA guidelines, utilizing the EMBASE, MEDLINE, and The Cochrane Library Databases. Studies where the Latarjet procedure was performed as a revision procedure were included. Clinical outcomes analyzed were: (1) functional outcomes, (2) recurrent instability, (3) revisions, and (4) complications. RESULTS: The review found 16 studies with 713 shoulders that met the inclusion criteria. 605 of the patients were male (84.9%), with an average age of 28.2 years (15-62) and follow-up of 47.7 months. The most commonly reported functional outcome measure was the Rowe score, with a weighted mean of 92.7. 86/95 patients had good-excellent outcomes (90.4%). 136/143 patients reported return to play (95.1%). 141/161 patients returned to the same level of competition (87.6%). 50 patients experienced recurrence (8.4%). Five patients experienced redislocation (0.9%) and 37 patients experienced subluxation (6.7%). There were 29 revisions (5.1%), with 12 revisions due to recurrence (2.1%). There were 68 total complications, not including recurrence (11%). The most common complications were 13 cases of nerve damage and infection respectively (2.1%). There was 17 cases of new instability arthropathy (6.5%), and 31 cases of residual pain (6.7%). CONCLUSION: This review shows that the revision Latarjet provides excellent functional outcomes, low rates of recurrence and complications, and a high rate of return to sport among athletes. This results from study can be used to explain the expected outcomes associated with the Latarjet procedure performed as a revision. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

High rate of return-to-play following meniscal allograft transplantation.

PURPOSE: In recent years, meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) has been established as an effective option for young patients with symptomatic meniscus insufficiency with goals of functional improvement and joint preservation. Currently, there is little available information on return-to-play among patients in this cohort. The purpose of this study is to systematically review the literature and to evaluate the reported rehabilitation protocols, return-to-play guidelines, and subsequent rates of return-to-play following MAT. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to find studies on MAT. Studies were included if they reported return-to-play data or rehabilitation protocols. The rate and timing of return-to-play was assessed. The rehabilitation protocols were recorded, including time to start range of motion (ROM), full ROM, partial weight bearing (WB), and full WB. RESULTS: Overall, 67 studies met the inclusion criteria. Eleven studies, including 624 patients, reported 483 out of 624 patients (77.4%) returning to play, with 326 out of a reported 475 patients (68.6%) returning to the same/higher level, at a mean time to return of 9.0 months. There was significant variability in the reported rehabilitation protocols, but the most commonly reported time to begin ROM exercises was within the first week by 42 out of 60 studies (70.0%) and full ROM at 8 weeks by 18 out of 46 studies (39.1%). Partial weight bearing was most commonly begun in the fourth week by 20 out of 46 studies (43.5%), and for full WB the sixth week by 43 out of 65 studies (66.1%). Time elapsed following surgery was the most commonly reported criteria for return-to-play by 44 out of 48 studies (91.6%), with 6 months being the most common time point utilized by 17 out of 45 studies (37.8%). A small proportion of studies, 16 out of 48 (33.3%), advised against returning to competitive/collision sports altogether following MAT. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, there is a high rate of return-to-play following MAT, with the majority of patients returning to the same level of play. However, there is significant variability in reported rehabilitation protocols, and poor-quality reporting in return-to-play criteria in the literature indicates a need for further study and the development of an evidence-based consensus statement for this patient population. The results from this study can be used to better inform patients on their expected outcomes and provide a more informed consent process. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Return to Play After the Latarjet Procedure for Anterior Shoulder Instability: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic anterior shoulder instability is a common clinical problem among athletic populations. The Latarjet procedure is a widely used treatment option to address shoulder instability in high-demand athletes at high risk of recurrence. However, rates and timing of full return to sports have not been systematically analyzed. PURPOSE: To systematically review the evidence in the literature to ascertain the rate and timing of return to play and the availability of specific criteria for safe return to play after the Latarjet procedure. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, using the EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases. Eligible for inclusion were clinical studies reporting on return to play after the Latarjet procedure. Statistical analysis was performed by use of SPSS. RESULTS: Our review found 36 studies including 2134 cases meeting our inclusion criteria. The majority of patients were male (86.9%), with a mean age of 25.4 years (range, 15-59 years) and a mean follow-up of 83.5 months. The overall rate of return to play was 88.8%, with 72.6% returning to the same level of play. Among collision athletes, the overall rate of return to play was 88.2%, with 69.5% returning to the same level of play. In overhead athletes, the overall rate of return to play was 90.3%, with 80.6% returning to the same level of play. The mean time to return to play was 5.8 months (range, 3.2-8 months). Specific return to play criteria were reported in the majority of the studies (69.4%); time to return to sport was the most commonly reported item (66.7%). CONCLUSION: The overall rate of return to play was reportedly high after the Latarjet procedure. However, almost a fifth of athletes returning to sports were not able to return at the same level. Further development of validated criteria for safe return to sports could potentially improve clinical outcomes and reduce recurrence rates.

Long-term outcomes of the Latarjet procedure for anterior shoulder instability: a systematic review of studies at 10-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: This study systematically reviewed the evidence in the literature to ascertain the functional outcomes, recurrences rates, and subsequent revision rates after the open Latarjet procedure at a minimum of 10 years of follow-up. METHODS: Two independent reviewers performed the literature search based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, using the Embase, MEDLINE, and The Cochrane Library Databases. Studies that reported a minimum of 10 years of clinical follow-up after the Latarjet procedure were included. RESULTS: Our review found 13 studies including 822 patients (845 shoulders) meeting our inclusion criteria. Patients (82% men) were an average age of 27.4 years, and mean follow-up was 199.2 months (16.6 years). The commonly used functional outcome score was the Rowe score with a weighted mean average of 88.5. The overall rate of return to play sports was 84.9%, with 76.3% returning to the same level of play. The rate of good/excellent outcomes was 86.1%. The recurrent instability rate was 8.5%, with 3.2% of patients having recurrent dislocations. The revision rate was 3.7%, with 1.6% of patients undergoing revisions due to recurrence. There were arthritic changes in 38.2% of patients and residual shoulder pain in 35.7%, with 4.8% experiencing daily pain. CONCLUSIONS: The Latarjet procedure for anterior shoulder instability results in excellent functional outcomes at long-term and a high rate of return to sport among athletes. However, varying rates of recurrence, residual pain, and progression of instability arthropathy are still of concern.