Comparison of medial tibiofemoral joint mechanics between all-suture anchors and transtibial pullout technique for posterior medial meniscal root tears.

BACKGROUND: The posterior medial meniscal root tear (PMMRT) seriously impacts the tibiofemoral joint biomechanics. Two available techniques for PMMRT repair include the transtibial pullout (TPO) repair and all-suture anchor (ASA) repair techniques. These techniques have not been compared biomechanically. METHODS: A total of 20 fresh porcine cadaveric knee specimens were used. All 20 knees were randomly and evenly distributed into four groups (five specimens per group): (1) intact posterior meniscal root, (2) PMMRT, (3) TPO repair technique for PMMRT, and (4) ASA repair technique for PMMRT. The tibiofemoral contact mechanics were investigated using a pressure sensor. All knee specimens were tested by being loaded with 600 N axial compressive force at three different flexion angles (0°, 45°, and 90°). The contact surface area, contact pressure, peak pressure, and time-zero displacement were recorded. RESULTS: The PMMRT caused a significant decrease in contact surface area, an increase in contact pressure, and peak pressure from the reference values observed in the intact meniscus group (P = 0.05, 0.016, and 0.008, respectively). After fixation, no significant difference was observed between the ASA and intact group. Meanwhile, significant differences were found between the TPO and intact group in terms of contact surface area, contact pressure, and peak pressure. In the comparison between the two techniques, the ASA group demonstrated higher contact surface area than the TPO group at the average knee flexion angle (p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: For most testing conditions, the ASA technique demonstrated superior biomechanical property in terms of contact surface area compared with the TPO technique under compressive loading conditions. The ASA technique could also restore the tibiofemoral contact mechanics to be comparable with those of the native intact knee. Meanwhile, a significant difference in tibiofemoral mechanics, compared with the intact knee, could be observed in the TPO technique.

Preoperative Ultrasound Evaluation of the Semitendinosus Tendon for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Adequate graft size and length are crucial factors that correlate with improved outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a semitendinosus (ST) tendon autograft alone. Anthropometric parameters could be used as predictors of graft measurements but they have shown imprecise correlation in some patients. PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound (US) for the preoperative evaluation of ST graft size and length. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A total of 40 patients were included in this study. Patient sex, age, anthropometric parameters, and preoperative US measurements were recorded. After the ST tendons were harvested, their lengths as well as the diameters of the 4-strand ST grafts were recorded. Correlations between patient US measurements were analyzed. Inadequate ST graft length was defined at <28 cm, and inadequate 4-strand ST graft diameter was defined at <8 mm. RESULTS: The prevalence of patients with an ST graft length <28 cm was 47.5%, and the prevalence of patients with a 4-strand ST graft diameter <8 mm was 42.5%. US measurements had a strong, significant correlation with the ST graft length (P < .001) and a moderate correlation with the 4-strand ST graft diameter (P < .001). Absolute agreement between the preoperative US measurement of ST graft length and the intraoperative ST graft length showed good reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.825). The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the ST tendon at the knee joint level by US showed a weak correlation (r = 0.207) with the 4-strand ST graft diameter (P = .200). A CSA of 16 mm2 measured by US could be used to predict a 4-strand ST graft diameter ≥8 mm, with a sensitivity of 73.9% and specificity of 76.5%. CONCLUSION: Preoperative US measurements of ST tendons had a strong correlation with intraoperative ST graft length and provided good sensitivity to detect a 4-strand ST graft diameter ≥8 mm. All other anthropometric parameters showed a weak to moderate correlation with ST graft length and size.

Acromioclavicular joint dislocation: a Dog Bone button fixation alone versus Dog Bone button fixation augmented with acromioclavicular repair-a finite element analysis study.

BACKGROUND: Suspension suture button fixation was frequently used to treat acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation. However, there were many studies reporting about complications and residual horizontal instability after fixation. Our study compared the stability of ACJ after fixation between coracoclavicular (CC) fixation alone and CC fixation combined with ACJ repair by using finite element analysis (FEA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A finite element model was created by using CT images from the normal shoulder. The model 1 was CC fixation with suture button alone, and the model 2 was CC fixation with suture button combined with ACJ repair. Three different forces (50, 100, 200 N) applied to the model in three planes; inferior, anterior and posterior direction load to the acromion. The von Mises stress of the implants and deformation at ACJs was recorded. RESULTS: The ACJ repair in the model 2 could reduce the peak stress on the implant after applying the loading forces to the acromion which the ACJ repair could reduce the peak stress of the FiberWire at suture button about 90% when compared to model 1. And, the ACJ repair could reduce the deformation of the ACJ after applying the loading forces to the acromion in both vertical and horizontal planes. CONCLUSION: This FEA supports that the high-grade injuries of the ACJ should be treated with CC fixation combined with ACJ repair because this technique provides excellent stability in both vertical and horizontal planes and reduces stress to the suture button.

Fixation method for treatment of unstable distal clavicle fracture: systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Surgical management is recommended for unstable distal clavicle fractures. A variety of methods have been previously reported, but there is no current consensus regarding which method is most suitable. Therefore, we have conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis to compare postoperative shoulder function and complications between different fixation methods to identify which class of fixation is best for unstable distal clavicle fractures. We searched the literature systematically using eligibility criteria of all comparative studies that compared postoperative outcomes of coracoclavicular fixation (tight rope, screw or endobutton), hook plating, plate and screws, tension band wiring and transacromial pinning fixation for unstable distal clavicle fractures from PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases up to February 10, 2018. Two reviewers independently extracted data. A network meta-analysis was applied to combine direct and indirect evidence and to estimate the relative effects of the treatment options. The probability of being the best treatment was estimated using surface under the cumulative ranking curves (SUCRA). Ten comparative studies (n = 505 patients) with one RCT study (n = 42) met the inclusion criteria. Intervention included coracoclavicular fixation (n = 111 patients), hook plating (n = 300 patients), plate and screws (n = 41 patients), tension band wiring (n = 81 patients) and transacromial pinning (n = 14 patients). A network meta-analysis showed that CM scores of coracoclavicular fixation were significantly higher when compared to hook plate and tension band wiring, with pooled mean of 2.98 (95% CI 0.05-5.91) and 7.11 (95% CI 3.04-11.18). For UCLA, CC fixation and plate and screw fixation had significantly higher scores compared to hook plating fixation with a mean score 2.22 (95% CI 0.44-3.99) and 3.20 (95% CI 0.28-6.12), respectively. In terms of complications, plate and screw fixation had lower risk with RRs of 0.63 (95% CI 0.20-1.98), 0.37 (95% CI 0.19-0.72), 0.11 (95% CI 0.04-0.30) and 0.02 (95% CI 0.002-0.16) when compared to coracoclavicular fixation, hook plating, tension band wiring and transacromial pinning. The SUCRA probabilities of CC fixation were in the first rank with 96.8% for CMS, while plate and screw fixation were in the first rank with 67.7 and 93.8% for UCLA score and complications. We recommend using plate and screw and CC fixation as the first- and second-line treatment of unstable distal clavicle fractures. As the quality of studies for this meta-analysis was not high, larger and higher-quality randomized controlled trials are required to confirm these conclusions for informed clinical decision making.

Short-term outcomes of subacromial injection of combined corticosteroid with low-volume compared to high-volume local anesthetic for rotator cuff impingement syndrome: a randomized controlled non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: In symptomatic tendinosis, a corticosteroid injection into the subacromial space is a palliative treatment option. This study compares high volumes (10 cc) of local anesthetic (LA) combined with triamcinolone acetate (TA) with low volumes (4 cc) of LA combined with TA to see whether the latter would provide similar pain, function and complication outcomes for subacromial injections in patients with impingement syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-center, randomized, single-blind, non-inferiority trial included patients with shoulder pain and positive multiple clinical tests supporting the diagnosis of impingement syndrome. All 52 patients received subacromial injections, with either high-volume corticosteroid injections (HCI) (10 mL total volume of 1% lidocaine plus 40 mg TA) in 26 patients or low-volume corticosteroid injections (LCI) (4 mL total volume of 1% lidocaine plus 40 mg TA) in 26 patients. The demographic data were reported with the primary outcomes being VAS and WORC scores measured at 30 min, then 2 and 8 weeks after receiving the injections. A non-inferiority margin of 13% was assumed. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients (26 patients per group) were enrolled in the HCI and LCI. Mean VAS and WORC scores of HCI and LCI at baseline were 6.96, 33.85, 6.81 and 36.54, respectively. The mean VAS measured at 30 min, 2 and 8 weeks was 4.04, 2.08 and 1.20, respectively, in HCI group and 2.65, 1.95 and 1.26, respectively, in LCI group. The mean WORC at 2 and 8 weeks was 67.46 and 81.74, respectively, in HCI group and 65.42 and 80.12 in LCI group. These were not statistically significantly different (P > 0.05 in all). CONCLUSION: Corticosteroid injections can be used in the treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome. Low-volume (4 cc) corticosteroid injections have non-inferior pain results for VAS score when compared with high-volume (10 cc) corticosteroid injections. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: NCT03120923. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I.

Comparative outcomes of combined corticosteroid with low volume compared to high volume of local anesthetic in subacromial injection for impingement syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs.

Subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) is one of the most frequent pathologies of the shoulder, which may cause serious restriction of daily activities and lifestyle changes. Corticosteroid injection (CI) into the subacromial space is a palliative treatment option. Currently, there have been no studies that compare between the different volumes of CI injection. We have conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to answer our specific study questions: Are high volume (< 5 ml) better than low volume (≥ 5 ml) of CI injection with respect to pain reduction? This systematic review was conducted according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. Relevant studies were identified from Medline and Scopus from inception to May 11, 2017 that reported American shoulder and elbow surgeons (ASES) function score, pain visual analog score (VAS), and postoperative complications of either group. Fifteen studies were included for the analysis of high volume (more than or equal 5 ml), and 5 studies were included for analysis of low volume (less than 5 ml). Overall, there were 1101 patients (732 in the high-volume group and 369 in the low-volume group). A pooling of mean VAS and ASES function score was (N = 557) 2.02 (95% CI 1.52, 2.53), (N = 190) 82.59 (95% CI 76.92, 88.27) in high-volume group and (N = 179) 2.60 (95% CI 1.94, 3.26), (N = 95) 84.65 (95% CI 81.64, 86.82) in low-volume group, respectively. The unstandardized mean difference of ASES and VAS of high volume was - 0.58 (95% confidence interval (CI): - 1.38, 0.22) and - 2.06 (95% CI - 8.35, 4.23) scores lower than low-volume CI in SIS patients, but without statistical significance. A total of 11 studies in the high-volume group and 4 studies in the low-volume group reported adverse effects. The total complication rate per patient was 6.2% (2.3, 10.1%) in the high-volume group and 11.7% (0.3, 12%) in the low-volume group (p = 0.091). No significant differences were noted for complications. In subacromial impingement syndrome, the corticosteroid injection had acceptable pain and functional outcomes. Higher volume had a lower ASES, VAS, and risk of having complication when compared to lower volume. However, there are no statistically significant differences between groups. Larger, randomized noninferiority or equivalent trial studies are needed to confirm these findings as the current literature is still insufficient. Level of evidence I.

Physicians' communication of risks from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and attitude towards providing adverse drug reaction information to patients.

RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently prescribed for orthopaedic conditions, therefore this study aimed to explore orthopaedic physicians' perceptions of their role in NSAID-risk communication, their attitudes towards the necessity of informing patients about adverse drug reactions (ADR), and factors associated with these. METHODS: Self-administered questionnaires were mailed to all 206 orthopaedic physicians working at hospitals in Northeastern Thailand. Attitudes were assessed using 17 statements and total scores classed as poor, moderate and good attitude. RESULTS: Sixty-six questionnaires were returned (32.04%). The responses showed that 75% of physicians claimed to communicate NSAID ADR information, more frequently about gastrointestinal (GI) complications, than about renal and cardiovascular (CVS) complications. ADR management (36%) and monitoring (30%) were not frequently communicated. The time spent with patients was associated with provision of ADR and monitoring advice. Renal function was the risk factor of greatest concern for prescribing any NSAID, followed by history of GI complications, and allergy for non-selective NSAIDs, and history of CVS diseases and age for selective COX-2 NSAIDs. Most physicians (41) had moderate attitude towards providing information and 24 good attitude. Fewer physicians working in tertiary hospitals than general and community hospital physicians considered that time limitations prevented counseling and that patient information leaflets offered easily accessible information. Additionally, more physicians who did not inform patients about ADRs agreed that ADR communication can lead to anxiety and discontinuing treatment. CONCLUSION: The study indicates that, although orthopaedic physicians had positive attitudes towards providing ADR information to patients, improvement is needed in communicating NSAID risk information.

Superior Patellar Dislocation Misdiagnosed as Patellar Tendon Rupture: The Value of Ultrasonography.

Superior dislocation of the patella with intact patellar tendon is a rare condition. Most cases in literatures were diagnosed by clinical examination and plain radiography; however there are many cases that were misdiagnosed as patellar tendon rupture. In this case, we demonstrate the use of ultrasound for diagnosis of superior dislocation of the patella in the emergency department. We also include a literature review of similar cases and discuss the advantages of different types of imaging for diagnosis in this condition.

Double-bundle versus single-bundle reconstruction for anterior cruciate ligament rupture in adults.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic reconstruction for anterior cruciate ligament rupture is a common orthopaedic procedure. One area of controversy is whether the method of double-bundle reconstruction, which represents the 'more anatomical' approach, gives improved outcomes compared with the more traditional single-bundle reconstruction. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of double-bundle versus single-bundle for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in adults with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (to February 2012), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 2), MEDLINE (1966 to February week 3 2012) and EMBASE (1980 to 2012 Week 8). We also searched trial registers, conference proceedings, and contacted authors where necessary. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled clinical trials comparing double-bundle versus single-bundle reconstruction for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in adults. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected articles, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. We contacted investigators to obtain missing information. Where appropriate, results of comparable studies were pooled. MAIN RESULTS: Seventeen trials were included. These involved 1433 people, mostly young physically active adults. All included trials had methodological weaknesses and were at risk of bias, notably selection bias from inadequate or lack of allocation concealment. Data for pooling individual outcomes were available for a maximum of nine trials and 54% of participants.There were no statistically or clinically significant differences between double-bundle and single-bundle reconstruction in the subjective functional knee scores (subjective IKDC score, Tegner activity score, Lysholm score) in the intermediate (six months up to two years since surgery) or long term (two to five years from surgery). For example, the long term results for the Lysholm score (0 to 100: best score) were: mean difference (MD) 0.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.50 to 1.75; 5 trials, 263 participants). The only trial reporting on long term knee pain found no statistically significant differences between the two groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups in adverse effects and complications (e.g. infection reported by nine trials (7/285 versus 7/393; risk ratio (RR) 1.14, 95% CI 0.46 to 2.81); graft failure reported by six trials (1/169 versus 4/185; RR 0.45; 95% CI 0.07 to 2.90).Limited data from five trials found a better return to pre-injury level of activity after double-bundle reconstruction (147/162 versus 208/255; RR 1.15, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.25). At long term follow-up, there were statistically significant differences in favour of double-bundle reconstruction for IKDC knee examination (normal or nearly normal categories: 325/344 versus 386/429; RR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.08; 9 trials), knee stability measured with KT-1000 arthrometer (MD -0.74 mm, 95% CI -1.10 to -0.37; 5 trials, 363 participants) and rotational knee stability tested by the pivot-shift test (normal or nearly normal categories: 293/298 versus 382/415; RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.09; 9 trials). There were also statistically significant differences in favour of double-bundle reconstruction for newly occurring meniscal injury (9/240 versus 24/358; RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.92; 6 trials) and traumatic ACL rupture (1/120 versus 8/149; RR 0.17, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.96; 3 trials). There were no statistically significant differences found between the two groups in range of motion (flexion and extension) deficits. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to determine the relative effectiveness of double-bundle and single-bundle reconstruction for anterior cruciate ligament rupture in adults, although there is limited evidence that double-bundle ACL reconstruction has some superior results in objective measurements of knee stability and protection against repeat ACL rupture or a new meniscal injury. High quality, large and appropriately reported randomised controlled trials of double-bundle versus single-bundle reconstruction for anterior cruciate ligament rupture in adults appear justified.

Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in workers from a fishnet factory in Thailand.

We determined the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) at a fishnet factory in order to discern the possible associated risk factors at this type of workplace. The 662 workers were interviewed then physically examined. The prevalence of CTS was 14.5%, which is significantly higher than in the general population. Workers directly involved in the production of fishnets had a significantly higher risk of CTS than the factory's office workers or housemaids (odds ratio = 1.84; range, 1.03-3.29; 95% CI, p = 0.049). There was no association between the length of employment in the factory with CTS (odds ratio = 1.13; range, 0.77-1.66; 95% CI, p = 0.591). Our results confirm that factory jobs with repetitive hyperflexing and twisting of the wrists are at risk of CTS.

Arthroscopic outside-in meniscal repair through a needle hole.

This article describes an alternative method for outside-in repair of a longitudinal meniscal tear through a needle hole, which will produce an almost negligible cutaneous scar. The procedure is performed under arthroscopic set-up using an 18-gauge needle preloaded with appropriate suture material. Insert the needle twice through the same cutaneous entry hole to form a mattress loop across the torn meniscal segments. The first insertion penetrates both segments and forms a loop. The second insertion then engages the outer segment and forms another loop. Draw the free end of this second loop into the joint and feed it into the first loop. Pull the first loop out from the joint together with the trapped portion near the free end, until the whole suture becomes a vertical mattress. Finally, tie a slipknot and several half hitches to close the meniscal gap under the stitch. In a large bucket-handle tear, stitches should be started at the middle and then alternating anteriorly and posteriorly 3 to 4 mm apart. To ensure that no significant extracapsular structures are trapped in each stitch, a 13-gauge needle can be used as a cannula sheath. This technique is economical and technically safe and simple for reparable meniscal lesions, including the posterior horn.