No clinical difference in outcomes between inlay and onlay arthroscopic biceps tenodesis techniques during rotator cuff repair.

BACKGROUND: Both inlay and onlay arthroscopic biceps tenodesis (ABT) are common procedures performed during rotator cuff repair. The inlay method involves creating a bone socket in the bicipital groove to secure the long head of the biceps tendon using an interference screw. The onlay method utilizes a suture anchor to secure the long head of the biceps tendon on the surface of the bicipital groove. Little is known on the long-term differences in patient-reported outcomes between these 2 techniques. The primary purpose of this study was to compare patient-reported outcomes of inlay vs. onlay ABT with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Secondary aims were to evaluate the impact of rotator cuff tear size on outcomes and compare rates of complications between the 2 techniques. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients who had an ABT during a full-thickness rotator cuff repair. Any symptom specific to the biceps were noted, including pain and cramping, Popeye deformity, or revision surgery. Complication rates were compared between groups. The visual analog scale pain score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and Veteran's RAND-12 score (VR-12) scores were compared at 2 years. The impact of rotator cuff tear size was analyzed by categorizing into small/medium or large/massive based on operative reports and arthroscopic images. RESULTS: There were 165 patients identified (106 in the inlay group and 59 in the onlay group). No revision surgeries were performed secondary to the biceps tendon in either group. Eleven patients (10%) in the inlay group complained of biceps pain or cramping compared to 2 patients (3%) in the onlay group (P = .11). One Popeye deformity was noted in each group (P = .67). No significant differences were found between groups for visual analog scale (P = .41), ASES functional (P = .61), ASES index (P = .91), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (P = .09), VR-12 Physical Component Score (P = .77), or VR-12 Mental Component Score (P = .09). Rotator cuff tear size within the groups also did not demonstrate statistical significance. CONCLUSION: No clinical differences or complications were found at minimum 2-year follow-up between inlay and onlay ABT in patients undergoing rotator cuff repair when controlling for tear size. The clinical relevance suggests either technique is effective and can be based on surgeon preference.

Improving Clinical Utility of Real-World Prediction Models: Updating Through Recalibration.

ABSTRACT: Bullock, GS, Shanley, E, Thigpen, CA, Arden, NK, Noonan, TK, Kissenberth, MJ, Wyland, DJ, and Collins, GS. Improving clinical utility of real-world prediction models: updating through recalibration. J Strength Cond Res 37(5): 1057-1063, 2023-Prediction models can aid clinicians in identifying at-risk athletes. However, sport and clinical practice patterns continue to change, causing predictive drift and potential suboptimal prediction model performance. Thus, there is a need to temporally recalibrate previously developed baseball arm injury models. The purpose of this study was to perform temporal recalibration on a previously developed injury prediction model and assess model performance in professional baseball pitchers. An arm injury prediction model was developed on data from a prospective cohort from 2009 to 2019 on minor league pitchers. Data for the 2015-2019 seasons were used for temporal recalibration and model performance assessment. Temporal recalibration constituted intercept-only and full model redevelopment. Model performance was investigated by assessing Nagelkerke's R-square, calibration in the large, calibration, and discrimination. Decision curves compared the original model, temporal recalibrated model, and current best evidence-based practice. One hundred seventy-eight pitchers participated in the 2015-2019 seasons with 1.63 arm injuries per 1,000 athlete exposures. The temporal recalibrated intercept model demonstrated the best discrimination (0.81 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73, 0.88]) and R-square (0.32) compared with original model (0.74 [95% CI: 0.69, 0.80]; R-square: 0.32) and the redeveloped model (0.80 [95% CI: 0.73, 0.87]; R-square: 0.30). The temporal recalibrated intercept model demonstrated an improved net benefit of 0.34 compared with current best evidence-based practice. The temporal recalibrated intercept model demonstrated the best model performance and clinical utility. Updating prediction models can account for changes in sport training over time and improve professional baseball arm injury outcomes.

Development and internal validation of a humeral torsion prediction model in professional baseball pitchers.

BACKGROUND: Humeral torsion (HT) has been linked to pitching arm injury risk after controlling for shoulder range of motion. Currently measuring HT uses expensive equipment, which inhibits clinical assessment. Developing an HT predictive model can aid clinical baseball arm injury risk examination. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop and internally validate an HT prediction model using standard clinical tests and measures in professional baseball pitchers. METHODS: An 11-year (2009-2019) prospective professional baseball cohort was used for this study. Participants were included if they were able to participate in all practices and competitions and were under a Minor League Baseball contract. Preseason shoulder range of motion (external rotation [ER], internal rotation [IR], horizontal adduction [HA]) and HT were collected each season. Player age, arm dominance, arm injury history, and continent of origin were also collected. Examiners were blinded to arm dominance. An a priori power analysis determined that 244 players were needed for accurate prediction models. Missing data was low (<3%); thus, a complete case analysis was performed. Model development followed the transparent reporting of a multivariable prediction model for individual prognosis or diagnosis (TRIPOD) recommendations. Regression models with restricted cubic splines were performed. Following primary model development, bootstrapping with 2000 iterations were performed to reduce overfitting and assess optimism shrinkage. Prediction model performance was assessed through root mean square error (RMSE), R2, and calibration slope with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Sensitivity analyses included dominant and nondominant HT. RESULTS: A total of 407 professional pitchers (age: 23.2 [standard deviation 2.4] years, left-handed: 17%; arm history prevalence: 21%) participated. Predictors with the highest influence within the model include IR (0.4, 95% CI 0.3, 0.5; P < .001), ER (-0.3, 95% CI -0.4, -0.2; P < .001), HA (0.3, 95% CI 0.2, 0.4; P < .001), and arm dominance (right-handed: -1.9, 95% CI -3.6, -0.1; P = .034). Final model RMSE was 12, R2 was 0.41, and calibration was 1.00 (95% CI 0.94, 1.06). Sensitivity analyses demonstrated similar model performance. CONCLUSIONS: Every 3° of IR explained 1° of HT. Every 3° of ER explained 1° less of HT, and every 7° of HA explained 1° of HT. Right-handers had 2° less HT. Models demonstrated good predictive performance. This predictive model can be used by clinicians to infer HT using standard clinical test and measures. These data can be used to enhance professional baseball arm injury examination.

Corticosteroid injection prior to surgery had no effect on 2-year outcomes following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Background: Corticosteroid injections (CSIs) can be an effective nonsurgical treatment for patients with rotator cuff tears. Recent large database studies have raised concern that CSI may result in a higher reoperation rate, increased infection risk, and worse outcome after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reoperation rate, incidence of postoperative infection, and two-year outcomes of patients undergoing ARCR with and without the use of preoperative CSI. Methods: An institutional database generated from fellowship-trained orthopedic sports surgeons was retrospectively queried for patients who underwent ARCR with a minimum of two-year follow-up. Inclusion criteria consisted of 1) primary full-thickness rotator cuff tear and 2) preoperative and minimum two-year patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Of the 219 patients identified, 134 patients had preoperative subacromial CSI administered within one year of ARCR. Reoperation rate, number of injections, Visual Analog Scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and Veterans Rand 12-Item Health Survey Physical Component Score/Mental Component Score were compared between groups at six months, one year, and two years. Chi-square and t-tests were used to compare baseline differences, postoperative infections, and reoperations. A repeated measures Analyses of Covariance was used to measure differences between PROMs at each time point. Simple Analyses of Covariance were used for the two-year sub-analyses for patients receiving CSI within 90 days of surgery and if multiple preoperative CSI had been given (α ≤ 0.05). Results: There were no significant demographic differences between groups (P > .05). Preoperative use of subacromial CSI within one year prior to ARCR did not increase reoperation rate (P = .85) or impact PROMs at any timepoint. There were two reoperations during the study period in the CSI group (2 lysis of adhesions). No infections occurred in either cohort. No differences were found if injections were performed within 90 days of surgery or if more than one CSI was administered within the year prior to surgery (P > .05). Conclusion: Our results show that preoperative CSI prior to primary ARCR did not increase risk of reoperation, infection, or influence PROMs with a minimum follow-up of 2 years.

Organizational risk profiling and education associated with reduction in professional pitching arm injuries: a natural experiment.

Background: Risk profiling and education are strategies implemented to help reduce injury risk; however, currently. there is little evidence on the effect of these interventions on injury incidence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of risk profiling and education on upper extremity injury incidence in minor league (MiLB) pitchers and to stratify by injury severity. Methods: A prospective natural experiment study was conducted from 2013 to 2019 on MiLB pitchers. Beginning in the 2015 season, pitchers were examined and risk profiled for upper extremity injury. Shoulder external, internal, total range of motion, horizontal adduction, and humeral torsion were measured. Organizational risk profiling and education was implemented starting in 2015, based on preseason assessments. Chi-squared test was performed to investigate potential differences between shoulder range of motion risk categories between 2013-2014 (pre) and 2015-2019 (post) seasons. Interrupted time series analyses were performed to assess the association between organizational risk profiling and education on arm injury in MiLB pitchers and were repeated for 7-27 and 28+ day injury severity. Results: 297 pitchers were included (pre: 119, post: 178). Upper extremity injury incidence was 1.5 injuries per 1000 athletic exposures. Pitchers in the 2015-2019 seasons demonstrated increased preseason shoulder injury risk for internal (P = .003) and external (P = .007), while the 2013-2014 seasons demonstrated greater horizontal adduction risk (P = .04). There were no differences between seasons for total range of motion risk (P =.76). Risk profiling and education resulted in an adjusted time loss upper extremity injury reduction for the 2015-2019 seasons (0.68 (95% CI: 0.47, 0.99)), which impacted 7-27 days (0.62 (95% CI: 0.42, 0.93)) but not for 28+ days (0.71 (95% CI: 0.47, 1.06)) time loss. There was no reduction in combined trunk and lower extremity injuries for the 2015-2019 seasons (1.55 (95% CI: 0.79, 3.01)). Conclusions: Organizational risk profiling and education appear to reduce professional pitching overall and 7-27-day upper extremity injury risk by 33%-38%. There was no difference in trunk and lower extremity injuries over the period, strengthening the reduction in upper extremity injury risk results. This suggests that while injury risk increased over time, organizational risk profiling mitigated the expected increase in upper extremity injury rates. Risk profiling and education can be used as a clinical screening and intervention tool to help decrease upper extremity injuries in professional baseball populations.

A comparison of glenoid morphology and glenohumeral range of motion between professional baseball pitchers with and without a history of SLAP repair.

PURPOSE: We sought to examine the relation among glenoid morphology, glenohumeral range of motion (ROM), and history of shoulder injury in professional baseball pitchers. METHODS: We studied 58 professional baseball pitchers. Internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) ROM was measured at 90° of abduction. Horizontal adduction (HAdd) ROM was also measured. Glenoid superior inclination and glenoid retroversion (GRV) were then measured radiographically. Separate mixed-model analyses of variance were used to compare dependent measures between the dominant and nondominant shoulders of pitchers with or without a history of SLAP repair. Significant interaction effects were interpreted by use of a test for simple main effects (α = .05). RESULTS: GRV was significantly greater on the dominant side (8.7° ± 5.6°) versus nondominant side (5.5° ± 5.2°) (P = .001), whereas glenoid superior inclination was equivalent (99.5° ± 4.3° for dominant side v 99.2° ± 4.4° for nondominant side, P = .853). Post hoc analysis indicated that pitchers with a history of SLAP repair did not display an adaptive increase in dominant GRV compared with nondominant GRV (P = .016). There were no statistical differences between groups for ER (P = .29), IR (P = .39), or HAdd (P = .39). The dominant shoulder displayed greater ER (mean increase, 6.2° ± 12.2°) with a complementary decrease in IR (mean decrease, 5.8° ± 13.2°) and HAdd (mean decrease, 8.9° ± 13.7°) compared with the nondominant side. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the development of increased GRV in the dominant shoulder of professional baseball pitchers may be a protective adaptive change not reflected in glenohumeral ROM measures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Changes in passive range of motion and development of glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) in the professional pitching shoulder between spring training in two consecutive years.

BACKGROUND: Pitching causes increased mechanical stress to the arm and is thought to result in alterations in range of motion (ROM) as a result of osseous and soft tissue adaptations. Understanding the factors that contribute to alterations in ROM will allow for improved understanding of the pitching shoulder. This study examined humeral torsion (HT) and shoulder mobility over 2 consecutive years. METHODS: Bilateral shoulder mobility and HT were assessed in 33 asymptomatic professional pitchers over 2 spring trainings. A repeated-measures analysis of covariance was used to assess the change in motion of the dominant side/nondominant side across seasons while quantifying pre-existing HT. Prevalence of glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) between seasons was compared with χ(2) analysis, and GIRD and non-GIRD pitchers were compared with the independent t test. RESULTS: The dominant shoulder displayed increased external rotation (11.5° ± 0.1°, P = .02) and decreased internal rotation (-8.4° ± 11.0°, P = .03) and horizontal adduction (-17.6° ± 13.8°, P = .01). The nondominant shoulder remained the same. Mean HT was significantly different (P = .001) in the dominant (10° ± 11°) arm than in the nondominant arm (23° ± 11°). A significant number of pitchers had with GIRD (P < .01) at each assessment. CONCLUSIONS: ROM was significantly altered between seasons of pitching. These changes likely resulted from soft tissue adaptations because we accounted for humeral retrotorsion. Pitchers who developed GIRD displayed a 7° increase in retrotorsion on the dominant shoulder. Changes in the pitching shoulder over time accounting for humeral retrotorsion may suggest pitching ROM is transient and should be monitored.

Quadriceps tendon rupture: a biomechanical comparison of transosseous equivalent double-row suture anchor versus transosseous tunnel repair.

Quadriceps rupture off the patella is traditionally repaired by a transosseous tunnel technique, although a single-row suture anchor repair has recently been described. This study biomechanically tested a new transosseous equivalent (TE) double-row suture anchor technique compared with the transosseous repair for quadriceps repair. After simulated quadriceps-patella avulsion in 10 matched cadaveric knees, repairs were completed by either a three tunnel transosseous (TT = 5) or a TE suture anchor (TE = 5) technique. Double-row repairs were done using two 5.5 Bio-Corkscrew FT (fully threaded) (Arthrex, Inc., Naples, FL, USA) and two 3.5 Bio-PushLock anchors (Arthrex, Inc., Naples, FL, USA) with all 10 repairs done with #2 FiberWire suture (Arthrex, Inc., Naples, FL). Cyclic testing from 50 to 250 N for 250 cycles and pull to failure load (1 mm/s) were undertaken. Gap formation and ultimate tensile load (N) were recorded and stiffness data (N/mm) were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using a Mann-Whitney U test and survival characteristics examined with Kaplan-Meier test. No significant difference was found between the TE and TT groups in stiffness (TE = 134 +/- 15 N/mm, TT = 132 +/- 26 N/mm, p = 0.28). The TE group had significantly less ultimate tensile load (N) compared with the TT group (TE = 447 +/- 86 N, TT = 591 +/- 84 N, p = 0.04), with all failures occurring at the suture eyelets. Although both quadriceps repairs were sufficiently strong, the transosseous repairs were stronger than the TE suture anchor repairs. The repair stiffness and gap formation were similar between the groups.

Including Modifiable and Nonmodifiable Factors Improves Injury Risk Assessment in Professional Baseball Pitchers.

OBJECTIVES: To (1) evaluate an injury risk model that included modifiable and nonmodifiable factors into an arm injury risk prediction model in Minor League Baseball (MiLB) pitchers and (2) compare model performance separately for predicting the incidence of elbow and shoulder injuries. DESIGN: Prospective cohort. METHODS: A 10-year MiLB injury risk study was conducted. Pitchers were evaluated during preseason, and pitches and arm injuries were documented prospectively. Nonmodifiable variables included arm injury history, professional experience, arm dominance, year, and humeral torsion. Modifiable variables included BMI, pitch count, total range of motion, and horizontal adduction. We compared modifiable, nonmodifiable, and combined model performance by R2, calibration (best = 1.00), and discrimination (area under the curve [AUC]; higher number is better). Sensitivity analysis included only arm injuries sustained in the first 90 days. RESULTS: In this study, 407 MiLB pitchers (141 arm injuries) were included. Arm injury incidence was 0.27 injuries per 1000 pitches. The arm injury model (calibration 1.05 [0.81-1.30]; AUC: 0.74 [0.69-0.80]) had improved performance compared to only using modifiable predictors (calibration: 0.91 [0.68-1.14]; AUC: 0.67 [0.62-0.73]) and only shoulder range of motion (calibration: 0.52 [0.29, 0.75]; AUC: 0.52 [0.46, 58]). Elbow injury model demonstrated improved performance (calibration: 1.03 [0.76-1.33]; AUC: 0.76 [0.69-0.83]) compared to the shoulder injury model (calibration: 0.46 [0.22-0.69]; AUC: 0.62 [95% CI: 0.55, 0.69]). The sensitivity analysis demonstrated improved model performance compared to the arm injury model. CONCLUSION: Arm injury risk is influenced by modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors. The most accurate way to identify professional pitchers who are at risk for arm injury is to use a model that includes modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2022;52(9):630-640. Epub: 9 July 2022. doi:10.2519/jospt.2022.11072.

Patellofemoral Replacement With Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy.

Patellofemoral arthritis that is due to patellofemoral instability or chronic patellofemoral maltracking can be a difficult treatment problem. Isolated patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) is a good option that preserves bone and can more accurately reproduce native kinematics when compared with total knee arthroplasty. Newer PFA designs have demonstrated improved survivorship, although survivorship has not shown equivalence with total knee replacement. It has been postulated that improving patellar tracking could potentially improve overall outcomes and survivorship for PFA. It follows then that optimizing patellar tracking in patients with patellofemoral malalignment by adding a tibial tubercle osteotomy to a PFA may improve the ultimate outcome of the procedure. The objective of this technical note is to describe our preferred method for the treatment of patients with chronic patellofemoral lateral tracking and end-stage arthritis.

Does Functional Bracing of the Unstable Shoulder Improve Return to Play in Scholastic Athletes? Returning the Unstable Shoulder to Play.

BACKGROUND: Functional bracing is often used as an adjunct to nonoperative treatment of anterior shoulder instability, but no study has evaluated the effectiveness of in-season bracing. The purpose of this study was to examine successful return to play in a nonoperative cohort of adolescent athletes with in-season shoulder instability and compare those athletes treated with bracing to those who were not. HYPOTHESIS: The use of functional bracing will improve success rates in a cohort of athletes treated nonoperatively for in-season shoulder instability. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: A total of 97 athletes with anterior shoulder instability were followed for a minimum of 1 year. The mean age was 15.8 ± 1.4 years (range, 12.0-18.0 years). All athletes were treated with initial nonoperative management. Twenty athletes (21%) were also treated with bracing while 77 (79%) were not. The athlete completing the current season and 1 subsequent season without surgery or time lost from shoulder injury was defined as a successful outcome. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in nonoperative success rates between the braced and nonbraced athletes (P = 0.33). Braced athletes (n = 20) returned to play 80% of the time, while nonbraced athletes (n = 77) returned at a rate of 88%. Of the braced athletes, 85% were football players (n = 17). A football-only comparison demonstrated no difference between braced failures (26%) and nonbraced failures (16%) (P = 0.47). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to evaluate the utility of functional bracing in returning an athlete to sport and completing a full subsequent season without surgery or time loss due to injury of the shoulder. In adolescent athletes with shoulder instability treated nonoperatively, functional bracing did not result in increased success rates when compared with no bracing. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The data from this study indicate that functional bracing may not improve success rates for athletes with shoulder instability.

Professional Pitchers Display Differences in UCL Morphology and Elbow Gapping During Moving Valgus Stress Testing After UCL Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction (UCLR) of the elbow has received much attention given the rise in incidence among baseball pitchers. Stress ultrasonography has been demonstrated to be a critical evaluation tool of the UCL. No study has dynamically evaluated the ability of UCLR to restore normal kinematics. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to compare ulnohumeral gapping during a moving valgus stress test as well as UCL thickness between professional pitchers with and without UCLR. We hypothesized that the ulnohumeral joint will display greater gapping and the UCL graft will be thicker in pitchers after UCLR compared with uninjured pitchers. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Ultrasonography was used to measure the medial ulnohumeral joint distance and the UCL thickness of 70 asymptomatic professional baseball pitchers; 6 of the participants had a history of UCLR. Images were captured of the dominant (D) and nondominant (ND) elbows at the maximal cocking position under 2 loaded conditions within the moving valgus stress test arc: (1) gravity stress and (2) 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) of valgus force using a dynamometer. Intra- and interrater reliability of the measurements was established with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Separate mixed-model analyses of variance (D side × UCL) were used to compare the D and ND elbow variables between pitchers with and without a history of UCLR. RESULTS: All measurements displayed good reliability according to ICCs. Pitchers with a history of UCLR demonstrated less gapping (5.6 ± 2.9 vs 4.2 ± 1.2 mm; P = .002) and greater UCL graft thickness (0.17 ± 0.07 vs 0.11 ± 0.08 mm; P = .03) compared with the native ligament in pitchers without prior UCL injury. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrated that the UCLR results in a thicker, stiffer construct with less medial elbow gapping than the anatomical UCL. Using ultrasound to evaluate the UCL was a reliable, efficient, and clinically feasible method to assess UCL thickness and joint gapping in players with a history of UCLR. Future studies may consider this approach to evaluate surgical techniques and graft types for UCLR.

The inter-rater reliability and diagnostic accuracy of patellar mobility tests in patients with anterior knee pain.

BACKGROUND: Patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) often have nonspecific findings on clinical examination. A tight knee and diminished patellar mobility in particular, may contribute to anterior knee pain. METHODS: Qualifying patients with anterior knee pain of > 4 weeks were sequentially examined by 2 physicians who used the patellar mobility tests. The tests evaluated for diminished patellar translation superior-inferiorly and medial-laterally, diminished patellar tendon mobility, and absent inferior pole tilt. Each of the 4 tests was scored as 1 (diminished/absent) or 0 (nondiminished/normal), with the sum of the scores determining the patellar mobility scale. Inter-rater reliability and diagnostic accuracy were determined and analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to determine the capacity of the patellar mobility scale to predict PFPS. RESULTS: 98 patients participated in the study. The inter-rater reliability for the 4 individual patellar mobility tests was moderately strong, with diminished medial-lateral patellar mobility demonstrating the strongest reliability (Kappa value [K], 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42-0.72), followed by diminished superior-inferior mobility (K), 0.55; 95% CI, -0.37 to 0.69), inferior pole tilt (K, 0.48; 95% CI, -0.28 to 0.61), and patellar tendon mobility (K, 0.45; 95% CI, -0.27 to 0.56). The diagnostic accuracy of the individual patellar mobility tests in diagnosing PFPS was fair to moderate, with the individual diminished patella tendon mobility test having the highest level of diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, 49%; specificity, 83%; likelihood ratio [LR] ± 2.8; 95% CI, 1.3-7.3) and also having the highest positive predictive value (0.88). Diminished medial-lateral mobility was second in diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, 54%; specificity, 69%; LR ± 1.8; 95% CI, 0.9-3.6). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed only moderate levels of diagnostic capacity (area under the curve, 0.65) because combining all 4 patellar mobility tests to form the patellar mobility scale did not improve the diagnostic accuracy. CONCLUSION: The clinical importance of diminished patellar and/or patellar tendon mobility findings in the evaluation of patients with anterior knee pain remains unclear. We determined that individual patellar mobility tests had moderate levels of inter-rater reliability, the best agreement found with medial-lateral mobility. The accuracy of the patellar mobility scale for diagnosing PFPS was marginal. As a tool, this cluster of examination techniques may be used by physicians to better understand their patients' conditions and descriptively communicate their findings. However, the patellar mobility scale cannot be used alone for determining the diagnosis of PFPS, as defined in our study. Future studies aim to determine whether post-treatment symptomatic improvements correlate with an improvement on the patellar mobility scale.

Osteochondral Autograft Transfer Procedure: Arthroscopic Technique and Technical Pearls.

The Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System (OATS; Arthrex, Naples, FL) is an excellent option for the treatment of articular cartilage lesions within the knee. Current literature suggests that at early-term to midterm follow-up, patients experience improved function, alleviation of pain, and good satisfaction with acceptable complication rates. Although long-term data are lacking, studies in athletes have shown that the OATS can provide an adequate rate of return to sports. The OATS procedure has traditionally been considered an open procedure. However, with the advancement of arthroscopic techniques, the procedure can now be completed arthroscopically. We discuss this modern operation.

High Tibial Osteotomy Performed With All-PEEK Implants Demonstrates Similar Outcomes but Less Hardware Removal at Minimum 2-Year Follow-up Compared With Metal Plates.

BACKGROUND: High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a valuable treatment option in the high-demand patient with chondral damage and an altered mechanical axis. Traditional opening wedge HTO performed with metal plates has several limitations, including hardware irritation, obscuration of detail on magnetic resonance imaging, and complexity of revision surgery. Recently, an all-polyetheretherketone (PEEK) HTO implant was introduced, but no studies to date have evaluated the performance of this implant with minimum 2-year outcomes compared with a traditional metal plate. PURPOSE: To compare patient outcomes and complications of HTO performed using a traditional metal plate with those performed using an all-PEEK implant. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: All patients who underwent HTO by a single surgeon with a minimum 2-year follow-up over a 4-year period were identified. Medical records were reviewed for patient demographics, concomitant procedures, implant used, type and degree of correction, complications, reoperations, and failures. Recorded patient outcomes included EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D), resiliency, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), Tegner activity level scale, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores. HTO performed using a traditional metal plate served as the control group. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student t test for continuous variables and chi-square analysis for nonparametric data, with P < .05 considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients (21 in the all-PEEK group, 20 in the control group) were identified with greater than 2-year follow-up. The mean patient age was 44 years, and there were no differences between the groups with regard to demographics, degree of correction, or concomitant procedures. In addition, no significant differences were found for any of the patient-reported outcomes. Complications (10% vs 15%, respectively; P = .59), failures (10% vs 5%, respectively; P = .58), and reoperations (10% vs 30%, respectively; P = .10) were similar for the all-PEEK and control groups. However, the all-PEEK group did not have any hardware removal, while 4 patients in the control group underwent hardware removal (P = .03). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that an all-PEEK implant may be safely used with comparable outcomes and complication rates to the traditional method but with less need for hardware removal.

Meniscal Allograft Transplantation With Soft Tissue in Bone Socket Fixation: Arthroscopic Technique With Technical Pearls.

Meniscal allograft transplantation may slow the progression of degenerative changes in the meniscus-deficient knee. The current literature suggests patients can experience good early to mid-term satisfaction and patient-reported outcomes with reasonable expectations of return to work. More ambitious applications in athletes have also shown good results although long-term data are lacking. Traditionally, meniscal allograft transplantation has been considered an open procedure with incorporation of bone blocks from the allograft source. However, as arthroscopic techniques have advanced, it has become possible to perform this procedure through a predominantly arthroscopic approach while securing the soft tissue graft in bone tunnels. The current demonstration provides this background and technical pearls for success in arthroscopic meniscal allograft transplantation.

All-inside Arthroscopic Meniscal Repair Technique Using a Midbody Accessory Portal.

Treatment of symptomatic meniscal tears continues to evolve as we improve our understanding of the biomechanical role of the meniscus and its long-term importance to the health of the knee joint. Suture repair of meniscal tears is challenging, yet the incidence of repairs among our colleagues continues to rise as we aim to preserve meniscal tissue. Many elements of performing a repair are tedious and difficult, including proper meniscal preparation, reduction, mattress suture placement, and fixation. The tear pattern and location present another layer of difficulty. The most widely used all-inside repair devices are harpoon-style devices and present their own challenges in using them without causing harm to the meniscus and surrounding cartilage. In this article, we describe a simple all-inside meniscal repair technique to improve the reproducibility and reliability of meniscal repairs using an accessory midbody meniscal portal and a surgical probe. This ensures proper placement of mattress sutures in a reduced meniscus, with a reduced risk of collateral injury to the meniscus and articular cartilage. Furthermore, this surgical technique is adaptable to any meniscal fixation method to the medial or lateral meniscus.

"Proprietary Processed" Allografts: Clinical Outcomes and Biomechanical Properties in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The processing of allograft tissues in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction continues to be controversial. While high-dose irradiation of grafts has received scrutiny for high failure rates, lower dose irradiation and "proprietary-based" nonirradiated sterilization techniques have become increasingly popular, with little in the literature to evaluate their outcomes. Recent studies have suggested that the specifics of allograft processing techniques may be a risk factor for higher failure rates. PURPOSE: To assess these proprietary processes and their clinical outcomes and biomechanical properties. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: A systematic review was performed using searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases. English-language studies were identified with the following search terms: "allograft ACL reconstruction" (title/abstract), "novel allograft processing" (title/abstract), "allograft anterior cruciate ligament" (title/abstract), "anterior cruciate ligament allograft processing" (title/abstract), or "biomechanical properties anterior cruciate ligament allograft" (title/abstract). Duplicate studies, studies not providing the allograft processing technique, and those not containing the outcomes of interest were excluded. Outcomes of interest included outcome scores, complication and failure rates, and biomechanical properties of the processed allografts. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies (13 clinical, 11 biomechanical) met inclusion criteria for review. No demonstrable difference in patient-reported outcomes was appreciated between the processing techniques, with the exception of the Tutoplast process. The clinical failure rate of the Tutoplast process was unacceptably high (45% at 6 years), but no other difference was found between other processing techniques (BioCleanse: 5.4%; AlloTrue: 5.7%; MTF: 6.7%). Several studies did show an increased failure rate, but these studies either combined processing techniques or failed to delineate enough detail to allow a specific comparison for this study. The biomechanical studies showed overall maintenance of satisfactory biomechanical properties throughout multiple testing modes with normalization to the percentage of control specimens. CONCLUSION: A comparison of proprietary allograft processing techniques is difficult because of the variability and lack of specificity of reporting in the current literature. Among the available literature, except for the Tutoplast process, no notable differences were found in the clinical outcomes or biomechanical properties. Future study with a longer follow-up is necessary to determine the role and limitations of these grafts in the clinical setting.

Osteochondral Autograft Transfer Technique for Glenoid Osteochondral Defect.

Glenoid osteochondral defects can be a significant source of pain and disability in an active population. Many treatments are available, but most joint-preserving procedures are limited to debridement, abrasion chondroplasty, or marrow-stimulation techniques, all of which depend on healthy underlying bone and none of which address underlying bony pathology. Osteochondral autograft transfer has been a successful form of treatment for lesions in the knee, elbow, and ankle, especially when subchondral bone is involved. We describe an arthroscopic method of treating glenoid osteochondral lesions with an osteochondral autograft transfer using a graft from the patient's ipsilateral knee. This technique addresses both cartilage and osseous pathology with minimal morbidity and provides a good biological restorative option for patients with isolated glenoid osteochondral defects.