The anterior cruciate ligament injury severity scale (ACLISS) is an effective tool to document and categorize the magnitude of associated tissue damage in knees after primary ACL injury and reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To develop a tool allowing to classify the magnitude of structural tissue damage occurring in ACL injured knees. The proposed ACL Injury Severity Scale (ACLISS) would provide an easy description and categorization of the wide spectrum of injuries in patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction, reaching from isolated ACL tears to ACL injuries with a complex association of combined structural damage. METHODS: A stepwise approach was used to develop the ACLISS. The eligibility of each item was based on a literature search and a consensus between the authors after considering the diagnostic modalities and clinical importance of associated injuries to the menisci, subchondral bone, articular cartilage or collateral ligaments. Then, a retrospective analysis of associated injuries was performed in 100 patients who underwent a primary ACL reconstruction (ACLR) by a single surgeon. This was based on acute preoperative MRI (within 8 weeks after injury) as well as intraoperative arthroscopic findings. Depending on their prevalence, the number of selected items was reduced. Finally, an analysis of the overall scale distribution was performed to classify the patients according to different injury profiles. RESULTS: A final scoring system of 12 points was developed (12 = highest severity). Six points were attributed to the medial and lateral tibiofemoral compartment respectively. The amount of associated injuries increased with ACLISS grading. The median scale value was 4.5 (lower quartile 3.0; higher quartile 7.0). Based on these quartiles, a score < 4 was considered to be an injury of mild severity (grade I), a score between ≥ 4 and ≤ 7 was defined as moderately severe (grade II) and a score > 7 displayed the most severe cases of ACL injuries (grade III). The knees were graded ACLISS I in 35%, ACLISS II in 49% and ACLISS III in 16% of patients. Overall, damage to the lateral tibiofemoral compartment was predominant (p < 0.01), but a proportional increase of tissue damage could be observed in the medial tibiofemoral compartment with the severity of ACLISS grading (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The ACLISS allowed to easily and rapidly identify different injury severity profiles in patients who underwent primary ACLR. Injury severity was associated with an increased involvement of the medial tibiofemoral compartment. The ACLISS is convenient to use in daily clinical practice and represents a feasible grading and documentation tool for a reproducible comparison of clinical data in ACL injured patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

The Intrarater and Inter-rater Reliability of Radiographic Evaluation of the Posterior Tibial Slope in Pediatric Patients.

BACKGROUND: In young athletes, an association exists between an increased posterior tibial slope (PTS) and the risk of primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, ACL graft rupture, contralateral ACL injury, and inferior patient reported outcomes after ACL reconstruction. In spite of this, there is no consensus on the optimal measurement method for PTS in pediatric patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of previously described radiographic PTS measurement techniques. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on 130 patients with uninjured knees between the ages of 6 and 18 years. The medial PTS was measured on lateral knee radiographs by four blinded reviewers using three previously described methods: the anterior tibial cortex (ATC), posterior tibial cortex (PTC), and the proximal tibia anatomic axis (PTAA). The radiographs were graded by each reviewer twice, performed 2 weeks apart. The intrarater and inter-rater reliability were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Subgroup analyses were then performed stratifying by patient age and sex. RESULTS: The mean PTS were significantly different based on measurement method: 12.5 degrees [confidence interval (CI): 12.2-12.9 degrees] for ATC, 7.6 degrees (CI: 7.3-7.9 degrees) for PTC, and 9.3 degrees (CI: 9.0-9.6 degrees) for PTAA (P<0.0001). Measures of intrarater reliability was excellent among all reviewers across all 3 methods of measuring the PTS with a mean ICC of 0.87 (range: 0.82 to 0.92) for ATC, 0.83 (range: 0.82 to 0.87) for PTC, and 0.88 (range: 0.79 to 0.92) for PTAA. The inter-rater reliability was good with a mean ICC of 0.69 (range: 0.62 to 0.83) for the ATC, 0.63 (range: 0.52 to 0.83) for the PTC, and 0.62 (range: 0.37 to 0.84) for the PTAA. Using PTAA referencing, the PTS was greater for older patients: 9.9 degrees (CI: 7.7-9.4 degrees) vs 8.5 degrees (CI: 9.2-10.7 degrees) (P=0.0157) and unaffected by sex: 9.5 degrees (CI: 8.8-10.1 degrees) for females and 9.0 degrees (CI: 8.0-10.0) for males (P=0.4199). There were no major differences in intrarater or inter-rater reliability based on age or sex. CONCLUSIONS: While the absolute PTS value varies by measurement technique, all methods demonstrated an intrarater reliability of 0.83 to 0.88 and inter-rater reliability of 0.61 to 0.69. However, this study highlights the need to identify PTS metrics in children with increased inter-rater reliability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, Case series.

Optimizing Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Outcomes: What Else Needs Fixing Besides the ACL?

This review focuses on the management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction patients when other concomitant pathology may need to be addressed at the time of surgery. Given the role of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus in preventing osteoarthritis progression and contributing to knee stability, medial meniscus repair should always be considered when performing ACL reconstruction. Meniscal transplant may also be appropriate in select patients with normal knee alignment and absent of cartilage abnormalities in the compartment. Varus alignment with a varus thrust or increased posterior tibial slope will increase stress on the ACL graft and may predispose to early failure. Alignment should be assessed with appropriate radiographs and corrective osteotomy in isolation or in conjunction with ACL reconstruction should be considered for certain patients. Low-grade medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries can be treated nonsurgically prior to ACL reconstruction. These are frequently missed with either physical examination or radiographic imaging. High-grade LCL injuries are often treated with repair versus reconstruction in conjunction with ACL reconstruction depending on the timing of the injury. When chronic MCL injuries show opening in extension, MCL reconstruction may be needed in addition to the ACL reconstruction to improve outcome. The role of extra-articular reconstruction or anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction remains controversial but may have a role in protecting rotatory stability in primary ACL reconstruction for high-risk patients, and in the revision setting. Cartilage lesions noted in the setting of ACL injury should be considered. Small, asymptomatic lesions in locations unrelated to the ACL injury may not necessitate additional intervention. Large symptomatic lesions may require additional cartilage restoration procedures at the time of ACL reconstruction or in a staged fashion. In this ICL, we will address the diagnosis, management, and surgical indications of other concomitant pathology associated with ACL ruptures.

Trends in open shoulder surgery among early career orthopedic surgeons: who is doing what?

BACKGROUND: The incidence of various open shoulder procedures has changed over time. In addition, various fellowships provide overlapping training in open shoulder surgery. There is a lack of information regarding the relationship between surgeon training and open shoulder procedure type and incidence in early career orthopedic surgeons. METHODS: The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Part-II database was queried from 2002 to 2016 for reported open shoulder procedures. The procedures were categorized as follows: arthroplasty, revision arthroplasty, open instability, trauma, and open rotator cuff. We evaluated procedure trends as well as their relationship to surgeon fellowship categorized by Sports, Shoulder/Elbow, Hand, Trauma, and "Other" fellowship as well as no fellowship training. We additionally evaluated complication data as it related to procedure, fellowship category, and volume. RESULTS: Over the 2002-2016 study period, there were increasing cases of arthroplasty, revision arthroplasty, and trauma (P < .001). There were decreasing cases in open instability and open rotator cuff (P < .001). Those with Sports training reported the largest overall share of open shoulder cases. Those with Shoulder/Elbow training reported an increasing overall share of arthroplasty cases and higher per candidate case numbers. The percentage of early career orthopedic surgeons reporting 5 or more arthroplasty cases was highest among Shoulder/Elbow candidates (P < .001). Across all procedures, those without fellowship training were least likely to report a complication (odds ratio [OR], 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.67-0.86; P < .001). Shoulder/Elbow candidates were least likely to report an arthroplasty complication (OR, 0.84, P = .03) as was any surgeon reporting 5 or more arthroplasty cases (OR, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.70-0.94; P = .006). CONCLUSION: The type and incidence of open shoulder surgery procedures continues to change. Among early career surgeons, those with more specific shoulder training are now performing the majority of arthroplasty-related procedures, and early career volume inversely correlates with complications.

Total Ankle Arthroplasty and Ankle Arthrodesis Use: An American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Part II Database Study.

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) use has increased during the past 20 years, whereas ankle arthrodesis (AAD) use has remained constant. The purpose of this study was to examine trends in TAA and AAD use in American Board of Orthopedic Surgery Part II candidates while considering the influence of fellowship training status on treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. The American Board of Orthopedic Surgery Part II database was queried to identify all candidates who performed ≥1 TAA or AAD from examination years 2009 through 2018. Candidates were categorized by examination year and by self-reported fellowship training status. Descriptive statistical methods were used to report procedure volumes. Trends in use of TAA and AAD were examined by using log-modified regression analyses. From 2009through 2018, there was no significant change in TAA or AAD use among all candidates (p = .92, p = .20). Candidates reporting a foot and ankle fellowship trended toward increased use of TAA relative to AAD compared with non-foot and ankle fellowship candidates, but this failed to reach statistical significance (p = .06). The use of arthroscopic AAD increased over time (p < .01) among all candidates. TAA and AAD use did not change over the study period. Volume of TAA and AAD performed by early-career surgeons remains low. The findings in this study should serve as an important reference for orthopedic trainees, early-career surgeons, and orthopedic educators interested in optimizing training curriculum for surgical management of end-stage ankle arthritis.

PROMIS: a valid and efficient outcomes instrument for patients with ACL tears.

PURPOSE: The current study compares the Patient Reported Outcomes Information System Physical Function Computer Adaptive Test (PROMIS PF CAT) to traditional knee PRO instruments in a healthy population undergoing surgery for ACL injuries with the following objectives: (1) identify and determine the strength of any correlations between the scores of PROMIS PF CAT and current knee PROs or their subscales that measure physical function; (2) evaluate PROMIS PF CAT's test burden; and (3) determine if PROMIS PF CAT has any floor or ceiling effects in this population. METHODS: Patients indicated for ACL surgery completed the Short Form-36 Physical Function (SF-36 PF), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Marx Knee Activity Rating Scale (Marx), the EuroQol 5-dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D), and PROMIS PF CAT. Correlations between PROs were defined as follows: High (≥ 0.7); high-moderate (0.61-0.69); moderate (0.4-0.6); moderate-weak (0.31-0.39); and weak (≤ 0.3). Floor or ceiling effects were considered significant if 15% or more patients reported the lowest or highest possible total score, respectively. RESULTS: 100 patients participated with a mean age of 26 years (range 11-57). The PROMIS PF CAT demonstrated high correlations with SF-36 PF (r = 0.82, p < 0.01), EQ-5D (r = - 0.70, p < 0.01) KOOS ADL (r = 0.74, p < 0.01), and KOOS Sport (r = 0.70, p < 0.01). There were no ceiling or floor effects for PROMIS PF CAT (0%). The mean number of items completed for the PROMIS PF CAT was 4.2 (median 4; range 4-11). CONCLUSIONS: The PROMIS PF CAT shows a high correlation with commonly employed PROs that also measure physical function with low test burden and without ceiling effects in this relatively young and healthy population.

The incidence and clinical outcomes of peroneal nerve injuries associated with posterolateral corner injuries of the knee.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to investigate the incidence of complete and partial peroneal nerve injuries in patients with posterolateral corner (PLC) knee injuries; additionally, to compare patient-reported outcomes among patients with and without peroneal nerve injury and to examine the factors that predict the recovery of nerve function. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients who underwent PLC reconstruction or repair from 2000 to 2012 with a minimum 6-month clinical follow-up. Peroneal nerve injuries were identified, and treatments and outcomes were analyzed. IKDC and KOOS outcome scores at the final follow-up were reported. RESULTS: There were 61 PLC injuries in 60 patients. Sixteen of the 61 knees (26.2%) had a peroneal nerve injury at initial presentation; there were 13 complete and 3 partial nerve injuries. The median age was 31 years (15 men and 1 woman) and 31 years (33 men and 12 women) in the nerve and non-nerve injury cohorts, respectively. The median follow-up in the nerve injury group was 26 months (interquartile range (IQR): 12-48), and in the non-nerve injury cohort (n.s.) 61 months (IQR 22-85). All 13 complete injuries were treated with neurolysis: 3 were complete transections and 10 were stretch injuries. Of the ten stretch injuries, five (50%) spontaneously recovered full nerve function at the final follow-up. The remaining six patients chose definitive treatment with ankle-foot orthoses. Two of the three transected nerve patients underwent successful posterior tibialis transfer, and one chose ankle-foot orthoses. All three partial nerve injuries underwent neurolysis and had complete nerve recovery at the final follow-up. The median IKDC scores in the nerve injury group and the non-nerve injury group were 64.4 (IQR 47.8-73.3) and 72.8 (IQR 59.3-87.9) (n.s.), respectively, and the median Lysholm scores were 85 (IQR 83-92) and 86.5 (IQR 79-90) (n.s.), respectively. There were no significant differences in the rates of complications, secondary surgeries, mechanism of injury, KDIII injuries, or other injuries. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated comparable rates of peroneal nerve injuries in PLC injuries (26.2%) to that in the literature. The rates of nerve recovery for complete disrupted injury, complete stretched injury, and partial injury were 0, 50, and 100% with an overall rate of recovery of 50%. The outcome scores were similar between patients with and without nerve injuries; however, a small cohort size led to limitations in statistical analysis. Thus, a prolonged trial of non-operative treatment is recommended for peroneal nerve injuries to allow for assessment of nerve recovery and patient outcome before entertaining surgical treatments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Postural stability deficit could predict ankle sprains: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: To perform a systematic review aimed to determine (1) if the postural stability deficit represents a risk factor for ankle sprains; (2) the most effective postural stability evaluation to predict ankle sprains and (3) eventual confounding factors that could influence postural stability and ankle sprain risk. METHODS: A systematic electronic search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL using the search terms (balance) OR (postural stability) matched with (lower limb) OR (ankle) OR (foot) and (sprain) OR (injury) on October 2 2017. All prospective studies that evaluated postural stability as risk factor for ankle sprains were included. The PRISMA Checklist guided the reporting and data abstraction. Methodological quality of all included papers was carefully assessed. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were included, evaluating 2860 individuals. Various assessment tools or instruments were used to assess postural stability. The injury incidence ranged from 10 to 34%. Postural stability deficit was recognized as risk factor for ankle sprain (OR = 1.22-10.2) in 9 cases [3 out of 3 with Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT)]. Among the six studies that measured the center-of-gravity sway, five were able to detect worse postural stability in athletes that sustained an ankle sprain. In nine cases, the measurement of postural stability did not show any statistical relationship with ankle sprains (four out of five with examiner evaluation). In the studies that excluded patients with history of ankle sprain, postural stability was reported to be a significant risk factor in five out of six studies. CONCLUSIONS: The ultimate role of postural stability as risk factor for ankle sprains was not defined, due to the high heterogeneity of results, patient's populations, sports and methods of postural stability evaluation. Regarding assessment instruments, measurement of center-of-gravity sway could detect athletes at risk, however, standardized tools and protocols are needed to confirm this finding. The SEBT could be considered a promising tool that needs further investigation in wider samples. History of ankle sprains is an important confounding factor, since it was itself a source of postural stability impairment and a risk factor for ankle sprains. These information could guide clinicians in developing screening programs and design further prospective cohort studies comparing different evaluation tools. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I (systematic review of prospective prognostic studies).

What Is the Mid-term Failure Rate of Revision ACL Reconstruction? A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: When anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction fails, a revision procedure may be performed to improve knee function, correct instability, and allow return to activities. The results of revision ACL reconstruction have been reported to produce good but inferior patient-reported and objective outcomes compared with primary ACL reconstruction, but the degree to which this is the case varies widely among published studies and may be influenced by heterogeneity of patients, techniques, and endpoints assessed. For those reasons, a systematic review may provide important insights. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: In a systematic review, we asked: (1) What is the proportion of revision ACL reconstruction cumulative failures defined as rerupture or objective failure using prespecified clinical criteria at mean followup of at least 5 years? (2) What are the most common complications of revision ACL reconstruction? METHODS: A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and CENTRAL. We included studies that reported the clinical evaluation of revision ACL reconstruction with Lachman test, pivot shift test, side-to-side difference with KT-1000/2000 arthrometer, and with a mean followup of at least 5 years. We excluded studies that incompletely reported these outcomes, that reported only reruptures, or that were not in the English language. Extracted data included the number of graft reruptures and objective clinical failure, defined as a knee that met one of the following endpoints: Lachman test Grade II to III, pivot shift Grade II to III, KT-1000/2000 > 5-mm difference, or International Knee Documentation Committee Grade C or D. For each study, we determined the proportion of patients who had experienced a rupture of the revision ACL graft as well as the proportion of patients who met one or more of our clinical failure endpoints. Those proportions were summed for each study to generate a percentage of patients who met our definition of cumulative failure. Complications and reoperations were recorded but not pooled as a result of inconsistency of reporting and heterogeneity of populations across the included studies. Of the 663 screened studies, 15 articles were included in the systematic review. Because one study reported two separate groups of patients with different treatments, 16 case series were considered in the evaluation. RESULTS: The proportion of reruptures (range, 0%-25%) was > 5% in only four of 16 series and > 10% in only one of them. The objective clinical failures (range, 0%-82%) was > 5% in 15 of 16 series and > 10% in 12 of them. The proportion exceeded 20% in five of 16 series. The cumulative failures (range, 0%-83%) was > 5% in all except one series and > 10% in 12 of 16 series; five series had a cumulative failure proportion > 20%. The most frequent complications were knee stiffness and anterior knee pain, whereas reoperations were primarily débridement and meniscectomies. CONCLUSIONS: Considering rerupture alone as a failure endpoint in patients who have undergone revision ACL reconstruction likely underestimates the real failure rate, because the percentage of failures noticeably increases when objective criteria are also considered. Whether patient-reported and subjective scores evaluating knee function, level of activity, satisfaction, and pain might also contribute to the definition of failure may be the focus of future studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Outcomes of Ankle Distraction for the Treatment of Ankle Arthritis.

Ankle arthrodesis and total ankle arthroplasty are the most common treatments for end-stage ankle osteoarthritis; however, these surgeries are not ideal for young, active patients because of the nature and long-term consequences of sacrificing the ankle joint. The concept of joint distraction was introduced in the 1970s but has only received clinical support in the past two decades as interest in joint preservation treatments has grown. Ankle distraction preserves the native joint and, thus, does not compromise any future arthroplasty or arthrodesis, if required. The main indication for ankle distraction is severe osteoarthritis, and, with encouraging data, the indications continue to expand. The early results of ankle distraction are promising; however, ankle function after joint distraction declines over time. Careful patient selection is necessary to optimize ankle distraction outcomes and avoid complications.

The use of autologous adult, allogenic juvenile, and combined juvenile-adult cartilage fragments for the repair of chondral defects.

PURPOSE: The goal of the study was to evaluate the repair of chondral lesions treated with combined autologous adult/allogenic juvenile cartilage fragments, compared with isolated adult and isolated juvenile cartilage fragments. METHODS: Fifty-eight adult (>16 week old) and five juvenile (<6 week old) New Zealand White female rabbits were used. A large osteochondral defect was created in the center of the femoral trochlea of adult rabbits. The rabbits were divided in four groups: Group 1 = untreated defects (controls); Group 2 = adult cartilage fragments; Group 3 = juvenile cartilage fragments; and Group 4 = adult + juvenile cartilage fragments. Killings were performed at 3 and 6 months. The defects were evaluated with ICRS macroscopic score, modified O'Driscoll score, and Collagen type II immunostaining. RESULTS: At 3 months, Group 4 performed better than Group 1, in terms of modified O'Driscoll score (p = 0.001) and Collagen type II immunostaining (p = 0.015). At 6 months, Group 4 showed higher modified O'Driscoll score (p = 0.003) and Collagen type II immunostaining score (p < 0.001) than Group 1. Histologically, also Group 3 performed better than Group 1 (p = 0.03), and Group 4 performed better than Group 2 (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Mixing adult and juvenile cartilage fragments improved cartilage repair in a rabbit model. In the clinical setting, a new "one-stage" procedure combining the two cartilage sources can be hypothesized, with the advantages of improved chondral repair and large defect coverage, because of the use of an off-the-shelf juvenile allograft. Further studies on larger animals and clinical trials are required to confirm these results.

Perioperative Implications of End-stage Renal Disease in Orthopaedic Surgery.

End-stage renal disease is a prevalent condition that substantially impacts a patient's quality of life. As medical advancements improve function and rates of survival, the number of persons with end-stage renal disease will grow, with orthopaedic surgeons increasingly encountering patients with the disease in their practice. End-stage renal disease is a complex medical condition that is often associated with multiple medical comorbidities. Orthopaedic surgery in patients with this disease is associated with at least a twofold risk of complications and mortality compared with a population without end-stage renal disease. Patients are at an increased risk for cardiovascular, metabolic, hematologic, and infectious complications. Orthopaedic surgeons should be familiar with pertinent issues in the preoperative evaluation and the postoperative management of these patients and should understand the risks of surgery to better inform patients and family. Careful coordination with consulting specialists is necessary to minimize morbidity and improve outcome.

Correlation of knee and hindfoot deformities in advanced knee OA: compensatory hindfoot alignment and where it occurs.

BACKGROUND: Many patients undergoing TKA have both knee and ankle pathology, and it seems likely that some compensatory changes occur at each joint in response to deformity at the other. However, it is not fully understood how the foot and ankle compensate for a given varus or valgus deformity of the knee. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) What is the compensatory hindfoot alignment in patients with end-stage osteoarthritis who undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA)? (2) Where in the hindfoot does the compensation occur? METHODS: Between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2009, one surgeon (JJC) obtained full-length radiographs on all patients undergoing primary TKA (N=518) as part of routine practice; patients were analyzed for the current study and after meeting inclusion criteria, a total of 401 knees in 324 patients were reviewed for this analysis. Preoperative standing long-leg AP radiographs and Saltzman hindfoot views were analyzed for the following measurements: mechanical axis angle, Saltzman hindfoot alignment and angle, anatomic lateral distal tibial angle, and the ankle line convergence angle. Statistical analysis included two-tailed Pearson correlations and linear regression models. Intraobserver and interobserver intraclass coefficients for the measurements considered were evaluated and all were excellent (in excess of 0.8). RESULTS: As the mechanical axis angle becomes either more varus or valgus, the hindfoot will subsequently orient in more valgus or varus position, respectively. For every degree increase in the valgus mechanical axis angle, the hindfoot shifts into varus by -0.43° (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.76° to -0.1°; r=-0.302, p=0.0012). For every degree increase in the varus mechanical axis angle, the hindfoot shifts into valgus by -0.49° (95% CI, -0.67° to -0.31°; r=-0.347, p<0.0001). In addition, the subtalar joint had a strong positive correlation (r=0.848, r2=0.72, p<0.0001) with the Saltzman hindfoot angle, whereas the anatomic lateral distal tibial angle (r=0.450, r2=0.20, p<0.0001) and the ankle line convergence angle (r=0.319, r2=0.10, p<0.0001) had a moderate positive correlation. The coefficient of determination (r2) shows that 72% of the variance in the overall hindfoot angle can be explained by changes in the subtalar joint orientation. CONCLUSIONS: These findings have implications for treating patients with both knee and foot/ankle problems. For example, a patient with varus arthritis of the knee should be examined for fixed hindfoot valgus deformity. The concern is that patients undergoing TKA, who also present with a stiff subtalar joint, may have exacerbated, post-TKA foot/ankle pain or disability or malalignment of the lower extremity mechanical axis as a result of the inability of the subtalar joint to reorient itself after knee realignment. A prospective study is underway to confirm this speculation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Injury risk to extraosseous knee vasculature during osteotomies: a cadaveric study with CT and dissection analysis.

BACKGROUND: Realignment osteotomies about the knee may be performed as distal femoral or proximal tibial osteotomies; both may be performed either on the medial or lateral sides of the knee, in closing- or opening-wedge fashion. Although rare, injury to neurovascular structures may occur, and the proximity of the vascular structures to the osteotomy saw cuts has been incompletely characterized. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We performed a cadaver study to assess the risk of vascular injury in patients undergoing realignment osteotomies by (1) quantifying the distances between osteotomy saw cuts and blood vessels using three-dimensional CT reconstruction after distal femoral and proximal tibial osteotomies; and (2) qualitatively describing the small- and medium-sized vasculature around the knee, to provide the link between the CT analysis and wedge incision measures, and better show the potential extraosseous supply to the regions investigated. METHODS: Twelve human cadaveric knees were injected with a latex and barium sulfate suspension into the superficial femoral artery. Each specimen underwent CT to evaluate vascular perfusion and was randomized to either a lateral opening-wedge distal femoral osteotomy and medial opening-wedge proximal tibial osteotomy group, or a medial closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy and lateral closing-wedge proximal tibial osteotomy group. Postoperatively, knees underwent CT in extension to measure the shortest distance between the osteotomies and the popliteal artery, anterior and posterior tibial arteries, and genicular arteries. Vessels between 5 mm and 10 mm from the osteotomy cut were considered in a zone of moderate risk for damage, while vessels less than 5 mm from the cut were considered in a zone of high risk for damage. Vessels more than 10 mm from the cut were not considered to be at risk. Subsequently, knees underwent dissection and chemical débridement to qualitatively describe the smaller vessels. This part of the study added visual information and gave a comprehensive overview of the vessels at risk. RESULTS: All variations of the osteotomies put at least one artery at risk. The popliteal artery was found in a risk zone for injury in two specimens during closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy (median distance, 11.6 mm; range, 5.2-14.6 mm). The superior lateral genicular artery was in a risk zone in all the specimens during opening-wedge distal femoral osteotomy (median distance, 3.0 mm; range, 0.7-6.5 mm), and in five specimens during closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy (median distance, 4.5 mm; range, 1.3-11.2 mm). A concomitant risk for superior medial genicular artery injury was observed in five specimens during opening-wedge distal femoral osteotomy (median distance, 8.7 mm; range, 0.8-13.9 mm) and in four specimens during closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy (median distance, 4.1; range, 0.5-41.7 mm). The popliteal artery was in a risk zone in four specimens during opening-wedge proximal tibial osteotomy (median distance, 9.6 mm; range, 6.6-12.9 mm), and in three specimens during closing wedge proximal tibial osteotomy (median distance, 9.6 mm; range, 4.4-11 mm). The inferior medial genicular artery could be classified at risk in five specimens during opening-wedge proximal tibial osteotomy (median distance, 2.1 mm; range, 0.3-32 mm) and in five specimens during closing-wedge proximal tibial osteotomy (median distance, 5.8 mm; range, 1.4-13 mm). Furthermore, the inferior lateral genicular artery was found in a risk zone in two specimens of closing-wedge proximal tibial osteotomies (median distance, 17.4 mm; range, 8-23.3 mm). There were no differences between opening-wedge and closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomies and proximal tibial osteotomies in the vessels at risk during the procedure. After chemical débridement, knees showed abundant vascularization of the distal femur and lateral tibia, whereas the medial tibia contained few arteries. CONCLUSIONS: With the numbers available, we found that none of the osteotomy techniques performed was safer than any other in terms of the proximity of the major arterial structures and some vessels appear to be at relatively high risk during these procedures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study clarifies that the genicular arteries on the opposite side of the surgical field, which cannot be seen and protected during the procedure, can be at risk of injury, particularly when the cortical hinge is compromised. Additional studies are necessary to address the potential risk of the dissection needed for plate placement and injuries related to drilling and screw placement during osteotomies around the knee.

Large fresh osteochondral allografts of the knee: a systematic clinical and basic science review of the literature.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to conduct an updated review of the literature regarding the clinical and basic science knowledge on osteochondral allograft transplantation in the knee for the treatment of large defects. METHODS: According to specific criteria, 2 investigators systematically reviewed the literature for clinical and basic science reports regarding osteochondral allograft transplantation; data were independently extracted, pooled, and analyzed. Clinical and functional outcomes, International Knee Documentation Committee and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores, return to sport, quality of life, and survivorship of the grafts were assessed from the clinical articles. Regarding the basic science articles, the effects of allograft storage time, temperature, and different storage media were assessed. RESULTS: Eleven articles reporting on clinical data and 14 articles reporting on basic science data (animal, cell, and biomechanical studies) were selected. The articles included in the review were not homogeneous, and different outcome measures were adopted. Overall excellent results were achieved, with improvement in all objective and subjective clinical scores, a high rate of return to sport, and a survivorship rate of 89% at 5 years. When multiple plugs were implanted, posterior grafts seemed to fail. Only 1 article compared fresh versus frozen grafts, with a greater improvement in scores in the frozen group. Cellular viability and number were reduced during storage, even at low temperatures; polyphenol from green tea and arbutin and higher temperatures favorably influenced cell viability of the cartilage during storage. On the other hand, the structural properties of the extracellular matrix were not influenced by the storage at low temperatures. Integration of the graft to the host was also important, and bony integration was usually achieved; however, on the cartilage side, integration was scant or did not occur, especially in the frozen grafts. CONCLUSIONS: Fresh osteochondral allografts of the knee showed good clinical and functional outcomes even at longer-term follow-up. No other effective treatment exists, at the moment, for large osteochondral lesions. This surgical procedure is burdened by cost and difficulty in finding matching fresh donors. A new method to establish chondrocyte viability before the implantation of a new allograft would be a useful decision-making instrument. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Level IV studies.

Causes and Predictors of 30-Day Readmission After Shoulder and Knee Arthroscopy: An Analysis of 15,167 Cases.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence, causes, and risk factors for unplanned 30-day readmission after shoulder and knee arthroscopy. METHODS: A multicenter, prospective clinic registry, the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, was queried for Current Procedural Terminology codes representing the most common shoulder and knee arthroscopic procedures. Unplanned readmissions within 30 days were evaluated dichotomously, and causes of readmission were identified. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify variables predictive of readmission. RESULTS: In total, we identified 15,167 patients who underwent shoulder and knee arthroscopic procedures in 2012. Overall, 136 (0.90%) were readmitted within 30 days, and the rates were similar after shoulder (0.86%) and knee (0.92%) procedures. Readmissions were most common after arthroscopic debridement of the knee (1.56%) and lowest after rotator cuff and labral repairs (0.68%) and cruciate reconstructions (0.78%). The most common causes of readmission were surgical-site infections (37.1%), deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (17.1%), and postoperative pain (7.1%). Multivariate analysis identified age older than 80 years (odds ratio [OR], 3.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5 to 8.1), chronic steroid use (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.5 to 7.2), and elevated American Society of Anesthesiologists class (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.4 to 12.0) as independent risk factors for readmission. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of unplanned readmissions within 30 days of shoulder and knee arthroscopic procedures is low, at 0.92%, with wound-related complications being the most common cause. In patients with advanced age, with chronic steroid use, and with chronic systemic disease, the risk of readmission may be higher. These findings may aid in the informed-consent process, patient optimization, and the quality-reporting risk-adjustment process. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prognostic study.

Tenosynovial Osteochondromatosis of the Flexor Hallucis Longus in a Division I Tennis Player.

Tenosynovial (extra-articular) chondromatosis (TC) is a condition characterized by the cartilaginous proliferation of synovial cells derived from the synovial lining of bursa and tendon sheaths. These lesions are often multinodular and most commonly present with complaints of swelling or pain. Treatment of TC primarily entails surgical excision. There are no known reports of TC in collegiate athletes. We present a case of TC in a Division I tennis player.

High tibial osteotomy: indications, techniques, and postoperative management.

High tibial osteotomy is a safe and effective treatment for medial compartment arthrosis of the knee accompanied by varus alignment. This procedure has seen increasing use as an adjunct to cartilage restoration procedures, such as autologous chondrocyte and meniscal allograft transplantation, when angular deformity exists. The overall goals of high tibial osteotomy can be accomplished by several different techniques. The main indications for high tibial osteotomy are as a primary treatment for varus gonarthrosis and in conjunction with cartilage restoration procedures, such as autologous chondrocyte implantation or microfracture, where success rates are enhanced by correcting the varus deformity.

Surgical treatment of multiligament knee injuries.

PURPOSE: To analyse one institution's experience with multiligament knee injuries. METHODS: Over 10 years, 133 multiligament knee injuries including 130 patients were included in the study. Inclusion criteria included: (1) injury to two or more knee ligaments (2) multiligament knee repair/reconstructive surgery. RESULTS: The average age at time of injury was 26 years old, and 76 % were male. Fifty-one (38 %) multiligament knee injuries had >2 ligaments injured. Peroneal injuries occurred in 26 patients (20 %), and four (3 %) had associated vascular injuries. A high energy mechanism of injury was noted in 39 %. Twenty-five per cent of patients had an additional orthopaedic injury and, 11.5 % suffered additional non-orthopaedic injuries. Definitive surgical intervention was performed acutely (<3 weeks) in 47 %. Ninety-one per cent of multiligament knee injuries underwent reconstruction with or without repair. Forty-three complications occurred in 37 patients. Patients who suffered >2 ligament injury or had surgery acutely were at an increased risk of knee stiffness requiring manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) (p = 0.016 and p = 0.047, respectively). Knees with >2 ligaments injured were associated with higher post-operative complications (p = 0.007). Knee dislocation IV knees were at increased risk to undergo revision surgery (p = 0.041). Obese patients were more likely to have a post-operative infection (p = 0.038). Repair, reconstruction or type of graft used had no impact on need for revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Multiligament knee injured patients undergoing surgical intervention are a highly complex patient population. This study outlines the patient population, treatment, and complications of one academic institution over 10 years. Overall complications were higher in patients with >2 ligaments injured. Knee stiffness requiring MUA was more common in patients who had >2 ligaments ruptured and those treated acutely. Knees with all four ligaments injured were more likely to undergo revision surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective case series, Level IV.

Medicare data transparency may confuse consumers comparing hospitals for total joint arthroplasty.

The release of new hospital-specific Medicare data was heralded as a major development in transparency that would empower consumers. Using this data, we sought to investigate differences in payments and outcomes for total joint arthroplasty (TJA). We compared the fifty hospitals top-ranked by U.S. News & World Report for orthopedics to non-ranked hospitals. Available surgical outcome metrics were similar for all hospital groups. Top-ranked hospitals discharged a significantly higher volume of TJAs compared to other hospitals. Top-ranked hospitals submitted higher average charges to Medicare, and received higher payments in return. This premium was the direct result of Medicare's own reimbursement policies, and reveals little about consumer pricing. While comprehensive, Medicare's new databases provide little help to consumers wishing to compare hospitals for TJA.