Prior fragility fractures are associated with a higher risk of 8-year complications following total shoulder arthroplasty.

Patients who sustain fragility fractures prior to total shoulder arthroplasty have significantly higher risk for bone health-related complications within 8 years of procedure. Identification of these high-risk patients with an emphasis on preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative bone health optimization may help minimize these preventable complications. PURPOSE: As the population ages, more patients with osteoporosis are undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), including those who have sustained a prior fragility fracture. Sustaining a fragility fracture before TSA has been associated with increased risk of short-term revision rates, periprosthetic fracture (PPF), and secondary fragility fractures but long-term implant survivorship in this patient population is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to characterize the association of prior fragility fractures with 8-year risks of revision TSA, periprosthetic fracture, and secondary fragility fracture. METHODS: Patients aged 50 years and older who underwent TSA were identified in a large national database. Patients were stratified based on whether they sustained a fragility fracture within 3 years prior to TSA. Patients who had a prior fragility fracture (7631) were matched 1:1 to patients who did not based on age, gender, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), smoking, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and alcohol use. Kaplan-Meier and Cox Proportional Hazards analyses were used to observe the cumulative incidences of all-cause revision, periprosthetic fracture, and secondary fragility fracture within 8 years of index surgery. RESULTS: The 8-year cumulative incidence of revision TSA (5.7% vs. 4.1%), periprosthetic fracture (3.8% vs. 1.4%), and secondary fragility fracture (46.5% vs. 10.1%) were significantly higher for those who had a prior fragility fracture when compared to those who did not. On multivariable analysis, a prior fragility fracture was associated with higher risks of revision (hazard ratio [HR], 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-1.74; p < 0.001), periprosthetic fracture (HR, 2.98; 95% CI, 2.18-4.07; p < 0.001) and secondary fragility fracture (HR, 8.39; 95% CI, 7.62-9.24; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Prior fragility fracture was a significant risk factor for revision, periprosthetic fracture, and secondary fragility fracture within 8 years of primary TSA. Identification of these high-risk patients with an emphasis on preoperative and postoperative bone health optimization may help minimize these complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Data-driven body mass index threshold associated with increased risk of 2-year periprosthetic joint infection following total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Body mass index (BMI) is a modifiable risk factor for medical and infectious complications following total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Previous studies investigating BMI were limited to the conventional classification system, which may be outdated for modern day patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify BMI thresholds that are associated with varying risk of 90-day medical complications and 2-year prosthetic joint infection (PJI) following TSA. METHODS: A national database was utilized to identify 10,901 patients who underwent primary elective TSA from 2013 to 2022. Patients were only included if they had a BMI value recorded within 1 month prior to TSA. Separate stratum-specific likelihood ratio analyses, an adaptive technique to identify data-driven thresholds, were performed to determine data-driven BMI strata associated with varying risk of 90-day medical complications and 2-year PJI. The incidence rates of these complications were recorded for each stratum. To control for confounders, each BMI strata was propensity-score matched based on age, sex, hypertension, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes mellitus to the lowest identified BMI strata for both outcomes of interest. The risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were recorded for each matched analysis. RESULTS: The average age and BMI of patients was 70.5 years (standard deviation ±9.8) and 30.7 (standard deviation ±6.2), respectively. Stratum-specific likelihood ratio analysis identified two BMI strata associated with differences in the rate of 2-year PJI: 19-39 and 40+. The same strata were identified for 90-day major complications. When compared to the matched BMI 19-39 cohort, the risk of 2-year PJI was higher in the BMI 40+ cohort (RR: 2.7; 95% CI 1.39-5.29; P = .020). After matching, there was no significant difference in the risk of 90-day major complications between identified strata (RR: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.86-1.64; P = .288). CONCLUSION: A data-driven BMI threshold of 40 was associated with a significantly increased risk of 2-year PJI following TSA. This is the first TSA study to observe BMI on a continuum and observe at what point BMI is associated with increased risk of 2-year PJI following TSA. Our identified BMI strata can be incorporated into risk-stratifying models for predicting both PJI and 90-day major complications to minimize both.

Trends in utilization and patient demographics for shoulder instability procedures from 2010 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: Improved techniques and increased surgeon experience have optimized surgical care in patients with recurrent shoulder instability. Several techniques are used for surgical repair of shoulder instability, yet there are limited data on how utilization has changed over the past decade. The aim of this study was to assess trends in the utilization rate and patient demographic characteristics (age and sex) from 2010 to 2019 for 4 shoulder instability procedures: coracoid transfer/Latarjet procedure (LP), anterior bone block (ABB), open Bankart repair (OBR), and arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR). METHODS: We identified >87,000 patients using an all-payer claims database. The utilization rate was defined as the number of cases of a procedure divided by the total number of surgical cases for shoulder instability for any given year. Age was divided into 3 groups: <25 years, 25-35 years, and >35 years. Trends were reported in terms of the compounded annual growth rate (CAGR). RESULTS: Although ABR was the most common shoulder instability procedure overall (91% utilization rate), the LP had the greatest increase in utilization from 2010 to 2019 (2.0% to 4.5%; CAGR, +9.8%). In comparison, the utilization of ABB procedures increased by 4.3% annually whereas that of OBR declined by 6.9% annually. The utilization of ABR showed minimal change. Notably, the LP was performed more frequently in younger patients over time. The percentage of patients aged < 25 years who underwent the LP increased from 30% to 41% from 2010 to 2019 (CAGR, +3.4%). There was a trend toward the performance of more LPs in men than in women (+1.2% vs. -3.5%, P < .05), although most cases (68%) were still performed in men. CONCLUSION: ABR continues to account for most shoulder instability procedures. The LP had the greatest increase in the utilization rate from 2010 to 2019 and has now surpassed OBR in the utilization rate. ABB procedures are also being more frequently performed but only represent a minority of stabilization cases. During the course of the study period, a greater percentage of patients undergoing shoulder instability procedures were male individuals and were aged < 25 years.

Free Falling: Declining Inflation-Adjusted Payment for Arthroplasty Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Over the past decade, there have been ongoing concerns over declining surgeon compensation for lower extremity arthroplasty. We aimed to determine changes in surgeon payment, patient charges, and overall reimbursement rates for patients undergoing unicompartmental arthroplasty (UKA) and both primary and revision total knee (TKA) and hip (THA) arthroplasty. METHODS: Using Medicare data from 2012 to 2017, we determined inflation-adjusted changes in annual surgeon payment (professional fee), patient charges, and reimbursement rate (payment-to-charge ratio) for UKA and primary/revision TKA and THA. Both nonweighted and weighted (by procedure frequency/volume) means were calculated. RESULTS: Inflation-adjusted surgeon payment decreased for all procedures analyzed, with primary TKA (-17%) and THA (-11%) falling the most. Payment for UKA increased the most (+30%). There was a small increase in charges for THA revision (+2.2%, +2.1%, and +3.2% for acetabulum only, femur only, and both components, respectively). Charges for primary TKA (-3.7%) and THA (-1.5%) decreased slightly. The reimbursement rate for all procedures fell with UKA (-15%), TKA (-14%), and THA (-10%) falling the most. After weighting by procedure frequency/volume and combining all surgeries, average charges fell slightly (-0.7%), whereas surgeon payment (-13%) and reimbursement rate (-12%) fell more sharply. CONCLUSION: Although patient charges have grown in pace with the inflationary rate for primary and revision TKA and THA, surgeon payment and reimbursement rates have fallen sharply. The orthopedic community needs to be aware of these financial trends to communicate to payers and health care policy makers the importance of protecting a sustainable payment infrastructure.

Is There an Association Between Prophylactic Femur Stabilization and Survival in Patients with Metastatic Bone Disease?

BACKGROUND: The femur is the most common site of metastasis in the appendicular skeleton, and metastatic bone disease negatively influences quality of life. Orthopaedic surgeons are often faced with deciding whether to prophylactically stabilize an impending fracture, and it is unclear if prophylactic fixation increases the likelihood of survival. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Is prophylactic femur stabilization in patients with metastatic disease associated with different overall survival than fixation of a complete pathologic fracture? METHODS: We performed a retrospective, comparative study using the national Veterans Administration database. All patient records from September 30, 2010 to October 1, 2015 were queried. Only nonarthroplasty procedures were included. The final study sample included 950 patients (94% males); 362 (38%) received prophylactic stabilization of a femoral lesion, and 588 patients (62%) underwent fixation of a pathologic femur fracture. Mean followup duration was 2 years (range, 0-7 years). We created prophylactic stabilization and pathologic fracture fixation groups for comparison using Common Procedural Terminology and ICD-9 codes. The primary endpoint of the analysis was overall survival. Univariate survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method; between-group differences were compared using the log-rank test. Covariate data were used to create a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model for survival to adjust for confounders in the two groups, including Gagne comorbidity score and cancer type. RESULTS: After adjusting for comorbidities and cancer type, we found that patients treated with prophylactic stabilization had a lower risk of death than did patients treated for pathologic femur fracture (hazard ratio = 0.75, 95% CI, 0.62-0.89; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In the national Veterans Administration database, we found greater overall survival between patients undergoing prophylactic stabilization of metastatic femoral lesions and those with fixation of complete pathologic fractures. We could not determine the cause of this association, and it is possible, if not likely, that patients treated for fracture had more aggressive disease causing the fracture than did those undergoing prophylactic stabilization. Currently, most orthopaedic surgeons who treat pathological fractures stabilize the fracture prophylactically when reasonable to do so. We may be improving survival in addition to preventing a pathological fracture; further study is needed to determine whether the association is cause-and-effect and whether additional efforts to identify and treat at-risk lesions improves patient outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Arthroscopic Reconstruction of the Ligamentum Teres: A Guide to Safe Tunnel Placement.

PURPOSE: To provide a quantitative guide to tunnel placement concurrently through the femur and acetabulum during a ligamentum teres reconstruction, minimizing the risk of injury to the obturator neurovascular bundle. METHODS: Nine human cadaveric pelvises, complete with femurs (mean age, 59.6 years; age range, 47-65 years), were studied. Before dissection, a 3-dimensional coordinate-measuring device was used to record the neutral orientation of the femur in the acetabulum. The specimens were then dissected free of all extra-articular soft tissue, except for the ligamentum teres and the obturator neurovascular bundle, and digitized. An anatomic femoral reconstruction tunnel through the femoral neck was simulated and extended along its axis into the acetabulum. The femur was digitally rotated internally from 0° to 30° and externally from 0° to 40°, as well as abducted from 0° to 30° and adducted from 0° to 20°, in increments of 1°. At each position, the location of the simulated acetabular reconstruction tunnel was measured with respect to the obturator bundle and the edge of the acetabular fossa. RESULTS: The anatomic reconstruction tunnel entered the lateral side of the femur at a mean distance of 7.0 mm distal and 5.8 mm anterior to the center of the vastus ridge. By angling the femur at 15° of internal rotation and 15° of abduction, the obturator neurovascular bundle was avoided in 100% of specimens. CONCLUSIONS: The most important finding of this study was that a ligamentum teres reconstruction tunnel could be reamed through the femoral neck and safely positioned in the acetabulum by angling the femur at 15° of internal rotation and 15° of abduction. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These quantitative descriptions of the ligamentum teres reconstruction tunnels can be used to guide arthroscopic surgical interventions designed to address ligamentum teres pathology.

A Contact Pressure Analysis Comparing an All-Inside and Inside-Out Surgical Repair Technique for Bucket-Handle Medial Meniscus Tears.

PURPOSE: To directly compare effectiveness of the inside-out and all-inside medial meniscal repair techniques in restoring native contact area and contact pressure across the medial tibial plateau at multiple knee flexion angles. METHODS: Twelve male, nonpaired (n = 12), fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees underwent a series of 5 consecutive states: (1) intact medial meniscus, (2) MCL tear and repair, (3) simulated bucket-handle longitudinal tear of the medial meniscus, (4) inside-out meniscal repair, and (5) all-inside meniscal repair. Knees were loaded with a 1,000-N axial compressive force at 5 knee flexion angles (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°), and contact area, mean contact pressure, and peak contact pressure were calculated using thin film pressure sensors. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between the inside-out and all-inside repair techniques at any flexion angle for contact area, mean contact pressure, and peak contact pressure (all P > .791). Compared with the torn meniscus state, inside-out and all-inside repair techniques resulted in increased contact area at all flexion angles (all P < .005 and all P < .037, respectively), decreased mean contact pressure at all flexion angles (all P < .007 and all P < .001, respectively) except for 0° (P = .097 and P = .39, respectively), and decreased peak contact pressure at all flexion angles (all P < .001, all P < .001, respectively) except for 0° (P = .080 and P = .544, respectively). However, there were significant differences in contact area and peak contact pressure between the intact state and inside-out technique at angles ≥45° (all P < .014 and all P < .032, respectively). Additionally, there were significant differences between the intact state and all-inside technique in contact area at 60° and 90° and peak contact pressure at 90° (both P < .005 and P = .004, respectively). Median values of intact contact area, mean contact pressure, and peak contact pressure over the tested flexion angles ranged from 498 to 561 mm2, 786 to 997 N/mm2, and 1,990 to 2,215 N/mm2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Contact area, mean contact pressure, and peak contact pressure were not significantly different between the all-inside and inside-out repair techniques at any tested flexion angle. Both techniques adequately restored native meniscus biomechanics near an intact level. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An all-inside repair technique provided similar, native-state-restoring contact mechanics compared with an inside-out repair technique for the treatment of displaced bucket-handle tears of the medial meniscus. Thus, both techniques may adequately decrease the likelihood of cartilage degeneration.

An Anatomic Analysis of Mid-anterior and Anterolateral Approaches for Hip Arthrocentesis: A Male Cadaveric Study.

PURPOSE: To determine the accuracy and safety of non-image-guided modified mid-anterior and anterolateral approaches to the hip joint for arthrocentesis. METHODS: Six pairs (n = 12) of human cadaveric hemipelvises underwent methylene blue hip injections through either a mid-anterior or an anterolateral approach. The distance from the mid-anterior approach to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) was measured. Needle orientation was defined by a combination of 2 angles, calculated by the computer software analysis of digitized points. Distal Angle was defined as the angle between the lateral axis and an intermediate needle position, in the coronal plane, toward the distal axis. Anterior Angle was defined as the angle between the intermediate needle position of Distal Angle and the final position, toward the anterior axis. RESULTS: Methylene blue was successfully injected into the joint capsule in all specimens. The mean distances from the needle to the LFCN for both the mid-anterior and anterolateral approaches were 19.3 ± 7.9 and 80.3 ± 28.3 mm, respectively. For the mid-anterior approach, Distal AngleM was a mean of 53.9° ± 14.9° and Anterior AngleM was a mean of 33.4° ± 15.6°. For the anterolateral approach, Distal AngleL was a mean of 14.5° ± 14.2° and Anterior AngleL was a mean of 4.5° ± 13.6°. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that mid-anterior and anterolateral approaches for non-image-guided hip injections or arthrocentesis can avoid the LFCN and be effectively performed in males, despite the exhibited variability in the quantitative descriptions of these techniques. The landmarks and measurements presented can be used as general guidelines for clinical studies regarding hip arthrocentesis and injections. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The high variability of the needle placement and trajectory of the mid-anterior and anterolateral approaches performed in this study showed that these techniques were not easily quantitatively defined. However, both of these approaches appeared to be safe and effective.

Comparison of Radiographs and Computed Tomography for the Screening of Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine Impingement.

PURPOSE: To compare radiographic and 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) imaging modalities for the screening of anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) impingement by establishing imaging measurement related to the AIIS. METHODS: Anteroposterior and false-profile radiographs and 3D CT scans were obtained on 10 human cadaveric pelvises. On the anteroposterior view for each methodology, 2 measurements were calculated: distance to the most lateral AIIS from the 12 o'clock position on the acetabular rim, and the angle between the lateral AIIS and the sagittal plane. On the false-profile view for each methodology, 2 measurements were calculated: distance to the anterior AIIS from the 12 o'clock position on the acetabular rim, and the angle between the anterior AIIS and the sagittal plane. Inter-rater and intrarater reliability analyses were performed for both methods in addition to an intermethod analysis. RESULTS: The radiographic false-profile view was the most repeatable orientation, with intraclass correlation coefficients showing excellent reproducibility in both inter-rater (angle: 0.980, distance: 0.883) and intrarater (angle: 0.995, distance: 0.995) analyses. The mean distance from the 12 o'clock position of the acetabular rim to the most anterior/lateral aspect of the AIIS was 41.4 mm and 16.0 mm on the radiographic false-profile and anteroposterior views, respectively. Intermethod analysis showed a systematic, quantitative bias between modalities (anteroposterior view: -4.1 mm, 6.7°; false-profile view: -0.1 mm, 8.3°), which will remain relatively consistent as evidenced by the strong individual reproducibility of each measurement. CONCLUSIONS: AIIS morphology in relation to the acetabular rim 12 o'clock position and its angle relative to the sagittal plane can be quantitatively determined using either radiographic or 3D CT imaging modalities. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Radiographic evaluation may be a valuable tool in the screening of AIIS impingement.

Impact of Arthroscopic Lateral Acromioplasty on the Mechanical and Structural Integrity of the Lateral Deltoid Origin: A Cadaveric Study.

PURPOSE: To determine whether a 5-mm and/or 10-mm arthroscopic lateral acromioplasty (ALA) would weaken the structural and mechanical integrity of the lateral deltoid. METHODS: The acromion and lateral deltoid origin were harvested from 15 pairs (n = 30) of fresh-frozen human cadaveric shoulder specimens. One side of each specimen pair (left or right) was randomly assigned to either a 5-mm (n = 7) or 10-mm (n = 8) ALA group, and the contralateral sides (n = 15) were used as matched controls. Acromion thickness and width were measured pre- and postoperatively. After ALA, specimens were inspected for damage to the lateral deltoid origin. Each specimen was secured within a dynamic testing machine, and the deltoid muscle was pulled to failure. Statistical analysis was performed to determine whether ALA reduced the lateral deltoid's failure load. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in failure load between the 5-mm ALA group (661 ± 207 N) and its matched control group (744 ± 212 N; mean difference = 83 N; 95% confidence interval [CI], -91 to 258; P = .285) nor between the 10-mm ALA group (544 ± 210 N) and its matched control group (598 ± 157 N; mean difference = 54 N; 95% CI, -141 to 250; P = .532). There was no correlation found between the amount of bone resected (measured by percent thickness and width of the acromion after ALA) and the failure load of the deltoid. Visual evaluation of the acromion after ALA revealed the lateral deltoid origin had no damage in any case. CONCLUSIONS: ALA did not weaken the structural or mechanical integrity of the lateral deltoid origin. Neither a 5-mm nor a 10-mm ALA significantly reduced the deltoid's failure load. The lateral deltoid origin was not macroscopically damaged in any case. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: ALA can be performed without the potential risk of macroscopically damaging the lateral deltoid origin or reducing its failure load.

High-load preconditioning of human soft tissue hamstring grafts: An in vitro biomechanical analysis.

PURPOSE: In order to minimize viscoelastic elongation of ACL reconstruction grafts, preconditioning protocols have been employed in clinical practice prior to final graft fixation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate two separate high-load static preconditioning protocols of double-looped semitendinosus-gracilis grafts and compare these results to both a current clinical protocol and a control group with no preconditioning protocol applied. It was hypothesized that a high-load, static preconditioning protocol would minimize graft elongation during a simulated progressive early rehabilitation compared to both the "89 N" clinical protocol and control groups. METHODS: Grafts were randomly allocated into four preconditioning study groups: (1) control (no preconditioning), (2) clinical protocol (89 N for 15 min), (3) high-load, short duration (600 N for 20 s), and (4) high-load, long duration (600 N for 15 min). After preconditioning, grafts were cyclically loaded between 10 and 400 N at 0.5 Hz for 450 cycles to simulate early postoperative rehabilitation. Graft displacement (elongation) was recorded during both preconditioning and cyclic loading. RESULTS: Increased preconditioning load magnitude and duration significantly reduced graft elongation during cyclic loading (p < 0.05) which corresponded to an inverse relationship with increased elongation during preconditioning. The "600 N for 15 min" protocol resulted in significantly less elongation during simulated early rehabilitation than both the control group and the "89 N for 15 min" protocol (p < 0.001, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Graft elongation during simulated early rehabilitation was significantly reduced by a high-load preconditioning protocol applied for an extended period of time compared to a current common clinical protocol and grafts that were not preconditioned. In addition, the amount of elongation during simulated early rehabilitation was similar between grafts preconditioned using the current clinical practice protocol and the high-load/short-duration protocol, implying that the latter could potentially induce the same viscoelastic changes in soft tissue grafts as the current clinical practice. The "600 N for 20 s" preconditioning protocol may provide similar postoperative results as the clinical protocol, "89 N for 15 min", and also reduce or maintain operative time. A high-load preconditioning protocol that reduces graft elongation may benefit patients undergoing ACL reconstruction, especially for cases of failed primary reconstruction, genu recurvatum, and increased tibial slope, where maintaining graft length is imperative to restore knee stability.

Biomechanical Results of Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis Procedures of the Knee: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To systematically review and compare biomechanical results of lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) procedures. METHODS: A systematic review was performed using the PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases. The search terms included the following: extraarticular, anterolateral, iliotibial, tenodesis, plasty, augmentation, procedure, reconstruction, technique, biomechanics, kinematic, robot, cadaver, knee, lateral tenodesis, ACL, Marcacci, Lemaire, Losee, Macintosh, Ellison, Andrews, Hughston, and Muller. The inclusion criteria were nonanatomic, in vitro biomechanical studies, defined as in vitro investigations of joint motion resulting from controlled, applied forces. RESULTS: Of the 10 included studies, 7 analyzed anterior tibial translation and reported that isolated LET procedures did not restore normal anterior stability to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient knee. Seven of the 8 studies analyzing tibial rotation reported a reduction in internal tibial rotation across various flexion angles in the ACL-deficient knee when compared with the native state. Five studies reported a reduction in intra-articular graft force with the addition of an LET. Two studies evaluated length change patterns, graft course, and total strain range and found that reconstruction techniques in which the graft attached proximal to the lateral epicondyle and coursed deep to the fibular collateral ligament were most isometric. CONCLUSIONS: In the ACL-deficient knee, LET procedures overconstrained the knee and restricted internal tibial rotation when compared with the native state. In addition, isolated LET procedures did not return normal anterior stability to the ACL-deficient knee but did significantly reduce anterior tibial translation and intra-articular graft forces during anteriorly directed loading. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Combined injury to the ACL and anterolateral structures has been reported to exhibit greater anterolateral rotatory instability when compared with isolated ACL injuries. Despite the reported risk of joint over-constraint, consideration should be given to reconstructing the anterolateral structures and the ACL concurrently to maximally restore both anterior tibial translation and rotatory stability.

Simultaneous Ipsilateral Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Proximal Hamstring Tendon Ruptures: A Case Report.

Introduction: Simultaneous anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and ipsilateral hamstring ruptures have never been reported in the literature. The purpose of this article is to describe a treatment approach for such a case. The principles in this case can help guide treatment for any patient with concomitant ACL and hamstring pathology. Case Report: We describe the case of a 53-year-old male who presented with left ipsilateral simultaneous complete proximal hamstring tendon (HT) and ACL tears after an acute tennis injury. He was successfully treated with a staged procedure, first with a proximal HT repair and later with a delayed ACL reconstruction using a bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft. Conclusion: Ipsilateral simultaneous complete proximal HT and ACL tears can be successfully treated with acute proximal HT repair and delayed ACL reconstruction after rehabilitation from the HT repair. The synergistic relationship between the ACL and hamstring muscles in preventing anterior translation of the tibia necessitates staged reconstruction in the setting of a simultaneous injury.

The cumulative incidence and risk factors associated with 5-year conversion to knee arthroplasty following primary meniscus repair or primary meniscectomy.

Background: This study aimed to observe the 5-year knee arthroplasty conversion incidence rate and associated risk factors in patients who underwent meniscus procedures. Methods: Using a national database, we analyzed patients who had undergone primary meniscus repair or meniscectomy without prior knee surgeries. The cumulative knee arthroplasty conversion incidence was determined via Kaplan Meier analysis. Risk factors for conversion within 5 years were assessed using a Cox proportional hazard ratio model, with results as hazard ratios (HR). Results: 8125 patients had meniscus repair, while 240,209 had meniscectomy. 5-year conversion rates: repair 1.7%, meniscectomy 8.4%. Arthroplasty likelihood decreased as age decreased for repair (70+ [HR: 162.20]; 60-69 [HR: 81.64]; 50-59 [HR: 49.85]; 40-49 [HR: 17.79]; p < 0.001 all). Additional risk factors included male sex (HR: 0.35; p < 0.001) and higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (CCI1 [HR: 1.28; p = 0.012]). For meniscectomy, arthroplasty likelihood also decreased with age (70+ [HR: 99.41]; 60-69 [HR: 84.57]; 50-59 [HR: 66.60]; 40-49 [HR: 36.15]; 30-39 [HR: 10.18]; p < 0.001 all). Additional risk factors included male sex (HR: 0.68; p < 0.001), obesity (HR: 1.18; p < 0.001), smoking (HR: 0.1.12; p = 0.010), and higher CCI (CCI1 [HR: 1.25]; CCI2 [HR 1.39]; CCI3+ [HR 1.46]; p < 0.001 all). Conclusion: This study revealed the national 5-year conversion incidence following primary meniscus repair (1.7%) and meniscectomy (8.4%). It also enhanced understanding of age, sex, obesity, smoking, comorbidities (CCI), and knee arthroplasty likelihood after meniscus procedures.

The Effect of Concomitant Biceps Tenodesis on Revision Surgery Rates After Primary Rotator Cuff Repair.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to use a national database to compare the 4-year revision surgery rates after rotator cuff repair (RCR) in patients with concomitant biceps tenodesis (BT) versus those without BT. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using the PearlDiver database from 2015 to 2017. Patients undergoing primary open and arthroscopic RCR with and without BT were identified. Demographic variables, 90-day complications, and 2- and 4-year revision surgery rates were analyzed, and a multivariable logistic regression was conducted. RESULTS: Of the 131,155 patients undergoing RCR, 24,487 (18.7%) underwent concomitant BT and 106,668 (81.3%) did not. After controlling for comorbidities and demographics, patients with concomitant BT were associated with lower odds of all-cause revision (OR; P-value [0.77; P < 0.001]), revision BT (0.65; P < 0.001), revision RCR (0.72; P < 0.001), and shoulder arthroplasty (0.81; P = 0.001) within 4 years when compared with those without concomitant BT. DISCUSSION: In our analysis, patients undergoing primary RCR with concomitant BT had 35% reduced odds of revision BT and 23% reduced odds of any all-cause revision within 4 years when compared with those without concomitant BT. This suggests that tenodesis at the time of primary RCR may be associated with a reduction in the utilization of ipsilateral shoulder revision surgery rates.

Epidemiologic trends in hand injuries in the National Football League from 2009-2010 to 2019-2020.

OBJECTIVES: In American football, hand injuries have been shown to negatively impact performance. The purpose of this study is to characterize the prevalence and severity of hand injuries in National Football League (NFL) players. METHODS: A public online database was utilized to identify hand injuries in NFL players from 2009-2010 to 2019-2020. The primary outcome was to analyze the overall incidence of hand injuries (including wrist, metacarpus, finger, and thumb), injury type by each aforementioned anatomic location, and player position. Injury severity was evaluated based on percentage of injuries in which players returned to play (RTP), number of games missed before RTP, and the percentage of injuries resulting in the player being placed on injured reserve (IR). RESULTS: Of the 6,127 players included, 847 (13.8%) players sustained a hand injury, of which 24.8%, 34.3%, 17.9%, and 22.9% occurred at the wrist, metacarpus, finger, and thumb, respectively. Of the injured players, 97.4% returned to play following their injury, 14.8% were put on IR, and an average of 1.7 (SD 3.3) games were missed. Quarterbacks were the most likely to sustain hand injuries at all anatomic locations. Wrist injuries were associated with the lowest RTP rate (93.3%), the most players placed on injured reserve (28.6%), and the greatest number of games missed (mean 2.5, SD 4.2). CONCLUSION: Hand injuries decreased in prevalence by 65.6% over the 11 NFL seasons evaluated. This trend coincides with the implementation of several safety rules that relate to components of play involving the hands. Quarterbacks experienced the greatest prevalence and severity for all hand injuries. Wrist injuries represent the anatomic location associated with the greatest severity. These findings may be able to inform tailored injury prevention practices by position, and advocate for the further adoption of safety rules to protect players from further injury.

Trends in utilization of meniscal allograft transplantation between 2010 and 2019.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to observe the trends in (1) utilization of meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT), (2) demographics and comorbidities of patients undergoing transplants and (3) reimbursements for this procedure between the years of 2010 and 2019. METHODS: Using a national database, patients who underwent MAT were observed. Incidence of MAT, percentage of female patients, average age, and average Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) were analyzed between 2010 and 2019. Average reimbursement during the index and postoperative 90-day bundle period were also calculated from 2010 to 2019. Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of change in incidence, demographic and reimbursement was calculated, and linear regressionwas conducted for each trends analysis. RESULTS: In total, 744 patients underwent a MAT between the years of 2010 and 2019. The incidence of MAT increased from 0.12 per 100,000 to 0.15 per 100,000 during this period but was not statistically significant (p=0.345). There was no significant difference in age (p=0.462) and gender (p=0.831) among the patients, but the average CCI significantly increased from 2010 to 2019 (CAGR: +15.30; p=0.001). The total reimbursement in the index (p=0.451) and 90-day bundle period (p=0.191) did not significantly change from 2010 to 2019. CONCLUSIONS: Although MAT has been shown to be a safe and reliable surgery for the treatment of meniscus deficient knees, the incidence of MAT as well as the population undergoing MAT has minimally increased from 2010 to 2019. Future studies should seek to identify why the utilization of this efficacious surgery has not increased. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; Descriptive Epidemiology Study.

Prior Nonshoulder Periprosthetic Joint Infection Increases the Risk of Surgical Site Infection, Sepsis, and All-Cause Revision After Primary Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total joint arthroplasty is a known risk factor for infection in subsequent joint arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to determine whether prior nonshoulder PJI contributes to the increased risk of infectious complications, greater healthcare utilization, and increased revision surgery after primary total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). METHODS: Patients who underwent primary TSA for osteoarthritis with prior nonshoulder PJI were identified in a national database (PearlDiver Technologies) using Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases codes. These patients were propensity matched based on age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, smoking status, and obesity (body mass index >30 kg/m2) to a control cohort of patients who underwent primary TSA for osteoarthritis without any prior PJI. Primary outcomes include 1- and 2-year revision rates. Secondary outcomes include healthcare-specific outcomes of readmission, emergency department visits, length of stay, and mortality. Bivariate analysis was conducted using chi-square tests to compare all outcomes and complications between both cohorts. RESULTS: Compared with patients without prior PJI, those with prior PJI had a significantly higher risk of 90-day surgical site infection (7.61% versus 0.56%) and sepsis (1.79% versus 0.56%) after TSA (P < 0.05 for both). Patients with prior PJI also had a higher risk of 90-day readmission compared with those without prior PJI (3.36% versus 1.23%, P = 0.008). In terms of surgical complications, patients with prior PJI had significantly higher risk of 2-year revision surgery compared with patients without prior PJI (3.36% versus 1.57%, P = 0.034). CONCLUSION: Prior nonshoulder PJI of any joint increases rates of 90-day surgical site infection, sepsis, and hospital readmission, as well as 2-year all-cause revision after TSA. These results are important for risk-stratifying patients undergoing TSA with prior history of PJI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Tranexamic acid use in pelvic and/or acetabular fracture surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine whether tranexamic acid (TXA) use was associated with lower rates of blood transfusion in patients undergoing pelvic and/or acetabular fracture surgery. METHODS: Four studies were included, 3 of which were included in the pooled data analysis for a total of 308 patients. RESULTS: The transfusion rate was significantly lower in the TXA group (44%) compared with the non-TXA group (57%) (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: TXA use was associated with a significantly lower transfusion rate in patients who underwent pelvic and/or acetabular fracture surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. Systematic review of retrospective cohort studies and prospective randomized controlled trials.

Short-Term Complications and Readmission Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A National Database Study.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of total shoulder arthroplasty (anatomic and reverse) is increasing as indications expand. The purpose of this study is to identify predictors of short-term complications and readmission following total shoulder arthroplasty for patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was used to identify 12,982 patients who underwent total shoulder arthroplasty (anatomic or reverse) from 2011-2016. Demographic data, postoperative complications, and readmission within 30 days were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine independent risk factors for complications and for readmission occurring within 30 days of surgery. RESULTS: The mean age of the cohort was 69.1 years, 56.1% were female. Mean American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification score was 2.6. The postoperative complication rate was 5.6% and the readmission rate was 2.8% within 30 days of surgery. Independent predictors for any complication included preoperative dependent functional status (OR 1.8, P<0.001), ASA class 3 (OR 3.6, P=0.021) and 4 (OR 8.5, P<0.001), age 70-79 (OR 1.4, P=0.019) age ≥ 80 years (OR 2.3, P<0.001, and female gender (OR 1.6, P=0.001). Independent predictors for readmission included congestive heart failure (OR 3.4, P=0.002) and ASA class 4 (OR 14, P = 0.013). Independent functional status was associated with decreased odds of readmission (OR 0.4, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with age greater than 70 years, congestive heart failure, and ASA class 3 and 4 are at increased risk for postoperative complications and readmission. Preoperative risk stratification and medical optimization are important in these patients.