Editorial Commentary: High-Grade Cartilage Lesions Require Treatment to Prevent Meniscal Allograft Transplant Failure.

In patients with symptomatic high loss of meniscal volume and function due to irreparable tears, meniscal allograft transplantation may result in symptom relief and ideally prevent long-term consequences of articular cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis. However, the degree of cartilage damage at the time of meniscal allograft transplantation is associated with graft failure, and untreated high-grade cartilage lesions increase the risk. Correction of femorotibial malalignment is also essential.

Size and Morphology of the Anterior and Posterior Cruciate Ligaments at Different Pediatric Age Intervals: An MRI Analysis.

Background: The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears in children and adolescents has increased over the past decade, with increasing numbers of ACL and PCL reconstructions in this patient population. Purpose: To evaluate the size and morphology of both the ACL and the PCL by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in different pediatric age groups. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: MRI examinations of 127 knees (67 female, 60 male; aged 0-18 years) were analyzed retrospectively. The cohort was split into 6 age subgroups, 1 subgroup for every 3 years (minimum 8 patients per subgroup). The following parameters were measured by 2 independent raters at 2 different time points: ACL length, anteroposterior and mediolateral ACL width, sagittal and coronal ACL inclination, inclination of the intercondylar notch, bicondylar width, notch width, coronal ACL and PCL width, PCL length, and sagittal width of the lateral femoral condyle. The following indices, areas, and volumes were calculated: sagittal width of the lateral femoral condyle/PCL length, ACL area and volume, notch width index, ACL width/notch width, PCL width/notch width, ACL width/bicondylar width, and PCL width/bicondylar width. A correlation analysis was performed for patient age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). Results: ACL length was between 18 and 37 mm, and ACL width was between 4 and 6 mm. PCL length ranged between 27 and 43 mm, while PCL width was between 7 and 9 mm. Growth of the cruciate ligaments was the most pronounced between the ages of 4 and 12 years. Correlations with size and weight were strong, while BMI correlated slightly with the measurements. Measurements in female patients were slightly larger than in their male counterparts between the ages of 0 and 6 years, while male patients tended to have larger values starting from ages 7 to 9 years. These values were significantly larger in male patients from the ages of 16 to 18 years (P < .05). Conclusion: This study provides normative data on the morphology of pediatric anatomic features in the knee as a basis for age-appropriate and individualized surgical care of ACL and PCL injuries in children and adolescents.

Clinical and Structural Results of Rotator Cuff Repair Compared With Rotator Cuff Debridement in Arthroscopic Treatment of Calcifying Tendinitis of the Shoulder.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic treatment of calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder reveals good to excellent results. However, whether the tendon needs to be repaired after removal of the calcific deposit or simply debrided remains unclear. PURPOSE: To evaluate the structural and clinical results after arthroscopic calcific deposit removal with additional rotator cuff repair or rotator cuff debridement. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A total of 44 patients (46 shoulders) were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study with a mean follow-up of 58.4 months. Patients underwent arthroscopic removal of a calcific deposit and bursectomy after failed nonoperative treatment. A total of 22 patients received additional rotator cuff repair irrespective of the degree of debridement (the repair group), whereas 22 patients received a simple rotator cuff debridement without additional repair (the debridement group). Groups were comparable in sex, age, and size and consistency of the deposits according to the Gärtner and Bosworth classifications. Clinical evaluation was performed by the Constant score, Simple Shoulder Test, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and numerical rating scales for pain, function, and satisfaction. In 29 patients (14 in the debridement group and 15 in the repair group), additional magnetic resonance imaging at follow-up was performed to evaluate the structural results using the Sugaya classification. RESULTS: All patients were satisfied with the results of surgery; 100% of the repair group and 95.7% of the debridement group reported they would undergo the surgical procedure again. Comparison of the clinical results showed significantly better results in the repair group versus the debridement group for the Constant score (86.2 vs 80.6, respectively; P = .04), the ASES score (98.3 vs 88.9; P = .004), the Simple Shoulder Test (11.6 vs 10; P = .005), and the numerical rating scales for pain (0.1 vs 0.8; P = .007), function (9.6 vs 8.8; P = .008), and satisfaction (9.8 vs 9.1; P = .036). Comparison of the postoperative tendon integrity showed 80% Sugaya grade I in the rotator cuff repair group and 64% Sugaya grade II in the debridement group, with a statistically significant difference in favor of the repair group (P = .004). Postoperative clinical evaluation revealed no positive O'Brien tests in the repair group, whereas approximately one-third of the debridement group showed a positive O'Brien test during examination. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic removal of calcific deposits with rotator cuff debridement or cuff repair showed good to excellent clinical and structural midterm results. However, patients who underwent additional repair of the tendon defect had significantly better clinical results as well as better structural results in terms of tendon integrity.

Outcomes and Tendon Integrity After Arthroscopic Treatment for Articular-Sided Partial-Thickness Tears of the Supraspinatus Tendon: Results at Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: The best surgical treatment option for symptomatic moderate- to high-grade articular-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) is still controversial. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient-reported and clinical outcomes and tendon integrity after arthroscopic debridement or repair for PTRCTs at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. We hypothesized that the overall outcomes would be positive, showing pain relief, good shoulder function, and high tendon integrity. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: We evaluated 30 patients (16 men, 14 women; mean age, 51 years) who underwent arthroscopic treatment for symptomatic PTRCTs (Ellman grades 2 and 3). Debridement was performed in 15 patients, and arthroscopic tendon repair was performed in the remaining 15 patients. Patients completed the Constant score; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score; Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index; Simple Shoulder Test; and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, function, and satisfaction. In addition, patients were examined clinically (range of motion, impingement tests, rotator cuff tests, and tests for the long head of the biceps tendon), and morphologic assessment of rotator cuff integrity was performed using direct magnetic resonance arthrography and was classified according to Sugaya. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 55 months. The patient-reported outcome measures showed high patient satisfaction, reduction in persistent pain, and good shoulder function. Linear regression analysis showed that the debridement group had significantly better results on the Constant (bias-corrected and accelerated [BCa] 95% CI, 4.20-26.30), ASES (BCa 95% CI, 5.24-39.26), and VAS (pain: BCa 95% CI, 0.13-3.62; function: BCa 95% CI, 1.04-4.84; satisfaction: BCa 95% CI, 0.14-6.28) scores than did the repair group. At follow-up, there was no significant difference between the groups in clinical testing results. Good supraspinatus tendon integrity was seen in most patients: Sugaya classification grade 1 in 13 patients, grade 2 in 11 patients, and grade 3 in 6 patients. CONCLUSION: Midterm results after arthroscopic debridement and repair for PTRCTs showed high patient satisfaction, good shoulder function, and high tendon integrity for both procedures. Patients who underwent arthroscopic debridement had higher Constant, ASES, and VAS scores compared with patients who underwent tendon repair.

Editorial Commentary: Ligamentous Hyperlaxity: A Decisive Factor for the Indication of a Combined Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction?

Indications for combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction are not well defined, and the role of ligamentous hyperlaxity on anterolateral rotatory instability in an ACL-deficient knee remains unclear. Possible indications for combine ACL and ALL reconstruction might be a high-grade pivot shift, revision ACL reconstruction, patients with proven anterolateral knee pathology on preoperative imaging, and young patients participating in high-demand sport, and perhaps, finally, patients with ligamentous hyperlaxity as above.

"Simple mechanical devices did not improve pelvis positioning in AP pelvis radiographs for reliable assessment of the acetabular orientation".

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to develop two simple positioning devices for anteroposterior pelvis radiographs and to evaluate their effect on accuracy of the radiographs for assessment of the acetabular orientation compared with non-instrumented positioning. METHODS: The superior anterior iliac spines and the pubic symphysis were used as anatomical landmarks to obtain a horizontal orientation of the pelvis according to the anterior pelvic plane. Anteroposterior pelvis radiographs were taken of 11 human cadaveric pelvic bones with each of the positioning devices and without any device. Defined measurements were carried out to objectify the tilt and rotation of the pelvis and to assess the cross-over sign as well as the presence of the ischial spine sign. Computed tomography scans were performed as a standard of reference. Bland-Altman-Plots were used to compare the continuous measurement values and Cohen's Kappa was applied for the categorical data. Intra- and inter-observer reliability was determined by the intraclass correlation coefficient and Cohen's Kappa. RESULTS: The mean values of the measurements showed a high variability. A low correlation of the measurement values was found between the radiographs of the different positioning methods and the computed tomography scans. The intra- and inter-observer reliability was good (Cohen's Kappa 0.78 and 0.69; intraclass correlation coefficient 0.99 and 0.98). CONCLUSION: The use of positioning devices did not lead to more accurate anteroposterior pelvis radiographs compared to non-instrumented positioning. Simple positioning devices do not provide standardized anteroposterior pelvis radiographs for reliable assessment of the acetabular orientation.

The anatomy of the anterolateral structures of the knee - A histologic and macroscopic approach.

BACKGROUND: The anatomy of the anterolateral structures of the knee is complex and still controversial. The aim of our study was to analyze this anatomy by histologic and macroscopic evaluation, with a particular emphasis on the anterolateral ligament (ALL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-three cadaveric knee joints were dissected followed by a qualitative and quantitative anatomic analysis of the anterolateral knee structures. Histology and comparison of different anterolateral structures was performed in addition. RESULTS: The ALL was identified in all of the dissected cadaveric knee specimens. It runs in an oblique course from its proximo-dorsal insertion at the distal femur into a ventro-distal direction to the anterolateral tibia. The femoral insertion site was found to be posterior and slightly proximal to the lateral femoral epicondyle and the femoral attachment of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). The femoral insertion of the ALL overlapped the LCL in all dissected knees. The tibial insertion site was midway between Gerdy's tubercle (GT) and the tip of the fibular head (FH). In 15 of the dissected 23 knee joints, thin attachments to the lateral meniscus were observed. Histology confirmed differences in the composition of the anterolateral knee joint capsule, the ALL and the iliotibial band (ITB). CONCLUSIONS: The ALL occurs as a regular separate anterolateral ligamentous structure. It is distinguishable from the ITB and the anterolateral joint capsule in both embalmed and non-embalmed specimens. Histology of the ALL indicates typical ligamentous tissue which clearly differs from the anterolateral knee joint capsule and the thicker ITB. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, descriptive anatomic study.

Editorial Commentary: Unguided Glenohumeral Injections-Do We Achieve Sufficient Accuracy?

Image-guided (fluoroscopy, ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) and unguided glenohumeral injection techniques are frequently used for different diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in clinical practice. Guided injections are highly accurate, reproducible, and more often performed in routine practice. Nevertheless, these techniques are more cost intensive and time consuming, and require special imaging devices. In case of fluoroscopic- or computed tomography-guided injections, radiation exposure of the patient is a disadvantage. In contrast, unguided glenohumeral injection techniques do not have these drawbacks, but rather are based on the precise identification of anatomic landmarks and depend on the experience of the provider. That is the reason they are supposed to be less accurate and less reproducible than guided techniques. But recent studies showed comparable accuracy; therefore, the use of unguided glenohumeral injection techniques should be considered in daily clinical practice in the hands of experienced shoulder arthroscopists.

Limited diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging and clinical tests for detecting partial-thickness tears of the rotator cuff.

INTRODUCTION: The reliable diagnosis of partial-thickness tears of the rotator cuff is still elusive in clinical practise. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of MR imaging and clinical tests for detecting partial-thickness tears of the rotator cuff as well as the combination of these parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 334 consecutive shoulder arthroscopies for rotator cuff pathologies performed during the time period between 2010 and 2012 were analyzed retrospectively for the findings of common clinical signs for rotator cuff lesions and preoperative MR imaging. These were compared with the intraoperative arthroscopic findings as "gold standard". The reports of the MR imaging were evaluated with regard to the integrity of the rotator cuff. The Ellman Classification was used to define partial-thickness tears of the rotator cuff in accordance with the arthroscopic findings. Descriptive statistics, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value were calculated. RESULTS: MR imaging showed 80 partial-thickness and 70 full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff. The arthroscopic examination confirmed 64 partial-thickness tears of which 52 needed debridement or refixation of the rotator cuff. Sensitivity for MR imaging to identify partial-thickness tears was 51.6%, specificity 77.2%, positive predictive value 41.3% and negative predictive value 83.7%. For the Jobe-test, sensitivity was 64.1%, specificity 43.2%, positive predictive value 25.9% and negative predictive value 79.5%. Sensitivity for the Impingement-sign was 76.7%, specificity 46.6%, positive predictive value 30.8% and negative predictive value 86.5%. For the combination of MR imaging, Jobe-test and Impingement-sign sensitivity was 46.9%, specificity 85.4%, positive predictive value 50% and negative predictive value 83.8%. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic accuracy of MR imaging and clinical tests (Jobe-test and Impingement-sign) alone is limited for detecting partial-thickness tears of the rotator cuff. Additionally, the combination of MR imaging and clinical tests does not improve diagnostic accuracy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, Diagnostic study.

The anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee-Part of the iliotibial tract or a truly separate structure?

In this Short Communication, the issue is discussed whether the recently reported anterolateral ligament of the knee is a unique structure or just part of the iliotibial tract. The presented findings from investigations in body donors support the view of a unique structure.

SLAP lesions: a treatment algorithm.

Tears of the superior labrum involving the biceps anchor are a common entity, especially in athletes, and may highly impair shoulder function. If conservative treatment fails, successful arthroscopic repair of symptomatic SLAP lesions has been described in the literature particularly for young athletes. However, the results in throwing athletes are less successful with a significant amount of patients who will not regain their pre-injury level of performance. The clinical results of SLAP repairs in middle-aged and older patients are mixed, with worse results and higher revision rates as compared to younger patients. In this population, tenotomy or tenodesis of the biceps tendon is a viable alternative to SLAP repairs in order to improve clinical outcomes. The present article introduces a treatment algorithm for SLAP lesions based upon the recent literature as well as the authors' clinical experience. The type of lesion, age of patient, concomitant lesions, and functional requirements, as well as sport activity level of the patient, need to be considered. Moreover, normal variations and degenerative changes in the SLAP complex have to be distinguished from "true" SLAP lesions in order to improve results and avoid overtreatment. The suggestion for a treatment algorithm includes: type I: conservative treatment or arthroscopic debridement, type II: SLAP repair or biceps tenotomy/tenodesis, type III: resection of the instable bucket-handle tear, type IV: SLAP repair (biceps tenotomy/tenodesis if >50 % of biceps tendon is affected), type V: Bankart repair and SLAP repair, type VI: resection of the flap and SLAP repair, and type VII: refixation of the anterosuperior labrum and SLAP repair.

Surgical Technique: Jumper's Knee-Arthroscopic Treatment of Chronic Tendinosis of the Patellar Tendon.

Chronic patellar tendinosis (jumper's knee) is a common problem among athletes. Conservative treatment is successful in most of the cases including, among others, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, local cryotherapy, eccentric muscle training, limitation of sports activity, and local infiltration. In approximately 10% of conservatively treated patients, conservative treatment fails and surgery is required. Different open and arthroscopic surgical techniques have been described in the literature. The presented all-arthroscopic surgical technique for the treatment of chronic patellar tendinosis includes debridement of soft tissue at the lower patellar pole and resection of the bony lower patellar pole. It leads to excellent clinical results comparable to described open treatment and provides the benefits of a minimally invasive and safe procedure with a faster recovery and return to sporting activities after surgery. An additional bony resection in case of a prominent lower patellar pole does not lead to a significant extension of the operation time and may avoid a relapse or treatment failure in selective cases. Therefore, arthroscopic treatment such as the presented technique may be the preferred method for surgical treatment of chronic patellar tendinosis.

Results of Surgical Treatment of Chronic Patellar Tendinosis (Jumper's Knee): A Systematic Review of the Literature.

PURPOSE: To review the literature concerning surgical treatment options for chronic patellar tendinosis (jumper's knee), a common problem among athletes. When conservative treatment fails, surgical treatment is required. METHODS: Systematic review of the literature concerning the results of current surgical treatment options for chronic patellar tendinosis. All articles of studies with an evidence level ≥IV from January 2000 until February 2015 presenting the surgical outcome after arthroscopic as well as open treatment of chronic patellar tendinosis were included. The literature research of the PubMed database was performed using the following key words: "patellar" and "tendinitis," "tendonitis," "tendinosis" or "tendinopathy"; "inferior patellar pole"; "jumper's knee"; "surgical treatment" and "open" or "arthroscopic patellar tenotomy." RESULTS: A systematic review of the literature was performed especially to point out the effectiveness of arthroscopic treatment of chronic patellar tendinosis. The results revealed good clinical results for arthroscopic as well as open treatment of chronic patellar tendinosis that is refractory to conservative treatment in athletes. An average success rate of 87% was found for the open treatment group and of 91% for the arthroscopic treatment group. However, after open surgery, the mean time of return to the preinjury level of activity is 8 to 12 months, with a certain number of patients/athletes who cannot return to the preinjury level of activity. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive, arthroscopically assisted or all-arthroscopic procedures may lead to a significantly faster return to sporting activities and may, therefore, be the preferred method of surgical treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Level I-IV studies.

Objective measurement devices to assess static rotational knee laxity: focus on the Rotameter.

PURPOSE: The present article summarizes the development of a simple, objective, and non-invasive measurement device for tibiofemoral rotation to assess static rotational knee laxity. METHODS AND RESULTS: The device is based on the dial test with the patient lying prone and the knee flexed to 30°. From measurements of 30 healthy participants, the device achieved high inter- and intra-observer reliability and showed a high correlation of the measured results with the contralateral knees of the participants. Measurements of the device were also performed in a human cadaver study and revealed highly correlated results when compared to the simultaneous measurements of a knee navigation system, which was used as an invasive standard method to assess tibial rotation. In human cadaver specimens, it was shown that a simulated tear of the posterolateral bundle as well as a complete ACL tear led to a significant increase in isolated tibiofemoral rotation compared to the intact ACL. A retrospective case series investigated the clinical results as well as knee laxity measurements after ACL surgery in vivo. Rotational, as well as anteroposterior (AP), knee laxity was objectively assessed in 52 patients at a mean postoperative follow-up of 27 months by comparing the measured results with the results of the contralateral unaffected knee in each patient. The clinical results were comparable to the results reported in the literature. Moreover, rotational laxity was successfully restored after ACL reconstruction, whereas AP laxity showed significant differences compared to the contralateral knees although they were defined as clinically successful according to the IKDC classification. CONCLUSIONS: A non-invasive and objective knee rotational measurement device has been developed, which offers good potential for objective quality control in knee ligament injuries and their treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Review article, Level IV.