Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: how do we perform it? Brazilian orthopedic surgeons' preference.

PURPOSE: We evaluated current trends and common practice of Brazilian orthopedic surgeons while selecting approaches for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. METHODS: Orthopedic surgeons (n = 191) completed a survey consisting of seven questions regarding their profiles and preference for ACL reconstruction techniques. RESULTS: Most surgeons were from Southeast Brazil (56.6%) and had specialized in knee surgery (79.5%); most participants (55.1%) had worked in this field for > five years, and 46.8% had performed >50 ACL reconstructions. Further, 93.1% respondents preferred the hamstring graft. Analysis of preference for the femoral tunnel approach in terms of years of experience showed that surgeons with ten to 15 years' experience preferred the transtibial approach; those with < five years of experience, the transportal technique; those with >15 years' experience, the two-incision technique. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons' preferences for ACL reconstruction are variable, and are influenced by learning time and availability of tools rather than research evidence.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF FRACTURES IN THE PREVIOUS PERIOD AND DURING THE QUARANTINE OF COVID-19.

Objectives: Our aim was to compare the epidemiology of surgically treated fractures during the pandemic period with previous years without the pandemic. Methods: This was a retrospective study with data collection that included patients hospitalized and operated for fractures between March 24th and June 23rd in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Results: A total of 879 patients were registered, resulting in a total of 965 fractures. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 234 patients were registered, representing 26.62% of the total, and in the period before the pandemic, 645 patients were registered, 73.38% of the total. Conclusion: We observed a proportional increase in high-energy trauma in the social isolation period and patient's average age. The other changes found in the study had no statistical difference. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Objetivos: Comparar a epidemiologia das fraturas tratadas cirurgicamente durante o período de contingência causado pela pandemia com os intervalos respectivos de anos anteriores. Métodos: Foram incluídos todos os pacientes com diagnóstico de fratura em qualquer seguimento do corpo, exceto coluna vertebral e face, que foram internados e operados entre 24 de março e 23 de junho de 2018, 2019 e 2020 em dois hospitais referência para tratamento de trauma na grande São Paulo. Os dados foram obtidos a partir da avaliação retrospectiva de prontuários médicos. Levou-se em consideração epidemiologia das fraturas, mecanismo de trauma e dados demográficos dos pacientes tratados no período de contingência em comparação com a média dos três anos anteriores (período controle). Resultados: Foram avaliados 879 pacientes e 965 fraturas. Durante a pandemia pelo coronavírus foram registrados 234 pacientes, enquanto a média do período controle foi de 322,5 pacientes. Em relação ao mecanismo de trauma, houve um significativo aumento do trauma de alta energia em comparação ao período controle. Conclusão: Verificou-se uma diminuição na incidência de fraturas tratadas cirurgicamente nos hospitais avaliados. No entanto, houve uma elevação na taxa de trauma de alta energia no período de isolamento social. Essa alteração demonstra que mudanças no fluxo das cidades podem impactar na demanda hospitalar e que a pandemia influenciou direta e indiretamente os órgãos de saúde. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos.

Etiology of Cartilage Lesions Does Not Affect Clinical Outcomes of Patellofemoral Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between cartilage lesion etiology and clinical outcomes after second-generation autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) in the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) with a minimum of 2 years' follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients that underwent ACI in the PFJ by a single surgeon was performed. Seventy-two patients with a mean follow-up of 4.2 ± 2.0 years were enrolled in this study and were stratified into 3 groups based on the etiology of PFJ cartilage lesions: patellar dislocation (group 1; n = 23); nontraumatic lesions, including chondromalacia, osteochondritis dissecans, and degenerative defects (group 2; n = 28); and other posttraumatic lesions besides patellar dislocations (group 3; n = 21). Patient's mean age was 29.6 ± 8.7 years. Patients in group 1 were significantly younger (25.4 ± 7.9 years) than group 2 (31.7 ± 9.6 years; P = 0.025) and group 3 (31.5 ± 6.6 years; P = 0.05). Body mass index averaged 26.2 ± 4.3 kg/m2, with a significant difference between group 1 (24.4 ± 3.2 kg/m2) and group 3 (28.7 ± 4.5 kg/m2; P = 0.005). A clinical comparison was established between groups based on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and failure rates. RESULTS: Neither pre- nor postoperative PROMs differed between groups (P > 0.05). No difference was seen in survivorship between groups (95.7% vs. 82.2% vs. 90.5%, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Cartilage lesion etiology did not influence clinical outcome in this retrospective study after second generation ACI in the PFJ. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Epidemiological analysis of fractures in the previous period and during the quarantine of covid-19 / Análise epidemiológica de fraturas antes e durante a quarentena de covid-19

ABSTRACT Objectives: Our aim was to compare the epidemiology of surgically treated fractures during the pandemic period with previous years without the pandemic. Methods: This was a retrospective study with data collection that included patients hospitalized and operated for fractures between March 24th and June 23rd in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Results: A total of 879 patients were registered, resulting in a total of 965 fractures. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 234 patients were registered, representing 26.62% of the total, and in the period before the pandemic, 645 patients were registered, 73.38% of the total. Conclusion: We observed a proportional increase in high-energy trauma in the social isolation period and patient's average age. The other changes found in the study had no statistical difference. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

RESUMO Objetivos: Comparar a epidemiologia das fraturas tratadas cirurgicamente durante o período de contingência causado pela pandemia com os intervalos respectivos de anos anteriores. Métodos: Foram incluídos todos os pacientes com diagnóstico de fratura em qualquer seguimento do corpo, exceto coluna vertebral e face, que foram internados e operados entre 24 de março e 23 de junho de 2018, 2019 e 2020 em dois hospitais referência para tratamento de trauma na grande São Paulo. Os dados foram obtidos a partir da avaliação retrospectiva de prontuários médicos. Levou-se em consideração epidemiologia das fraturas, mecanismo de trauma e dados demográficos dos pacientes tratados no período de contingência em comparação com a média dos três anos anteriores (período controle). Resultados: Foram avaliados 879 pacientes e 965 fraturas. Durante a pandemia pelo coronavírus foram registrados 234 pacientes, enquanto a média do período controle foi de 322,5 pacientes. Em relação ao mecanismo de trauma, houve um significativo aumento do trauma de alta energia em comparação ao período controle. Conclusão: Verificou-se uma diminuição na incidência de fraturas tratadas cirurgicamente nos hospitais avaliados. No entanto, houve uma elevação na taxa de trauma de alta energia no período de isolamento social. Essa alteração demonstra que mudanças no fluxo das cidades podem impactar na demanda hospitalar e que a pandemia influenciou direta e indiretamente os órgãos de saúde. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos.

Total knee arthroplasty with computer-assisted navigation: an analysis of 200 cases.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the results from surgery with computer-assisted navigation in cases of total knee arthroplasty. METHOD: a total of 196 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty with computer-assisted navigation were evaluated. The extension and flexion spaces (gaps) were evaluated during the operation and the alignment after the operation was assessed. The Knee Society Score (KSS) questionnaire for assessing patient's function was applied preoperatively and postoperatively after a mean follow-up of 22 months. RESULTS: in all, 86.7% of the patients presented good alignment of the mechanical axis (less than 3° of varus or valgus in relation to the mechanical axis) and 96.4% of the patients presented balanced flexion and extension gaps. Before the operation, 97% of the patients presented poor or insufficient KSS, but after the operation, 77.6% presented good or excellent KSS. CONCLUSION: the navigation system made it possible to achieve aligned and balanced implants, with notable functional improvement among the patients. It was found to be useful in assessing, understanding and improving knowledge in relation to performing arthroplasty procedures.

OBJETIVO: avaliar os resultados das cirurgias assistidas por navegação (CAN) nas artroplastias totais de joelho. MÉTODO: foram avaliados 196 pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total de joelho com auxílio da navegação por computador. Avaliados no intraoperatório os espaços (gaps) de extensão e de flexão, o alinhamento pós-operatório e o questionário funcional da Knee Society Score (KSS) pré-operatório e pós-operatório com seguimento médio de 22 meses. RESULTADOS: dos pacientes, 86,7% apresentaram bom alinhamento do eixo mecânico (dentro de 3° de varo ou valgo em relação ao eixo mecânico) e 96,4% apresentaram ambos os gaps de flexão e extensão balanceados. No pré-operatório, 97% dos pacientes apresentavam KSS funcional ruim ou insuficiente, no pós-operatório 77,6% apresentavam KSS funcional bom ou excelente. CONCLUSÃO: a navegação proporcionou a obtenção de implantes alinhados e balanceados com importante melhoria da função nos pacientes. Foram evidenciados sua utilidade no estudo, o entendimento e o aperfeiçoamento do conhecimento na execução das artroplastias.

PREVALENCE OF LESIONS ASSOCIATED WITH TRAUMATIC RECURRENT SHOULDER DISLOCATION.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of lesions associated with traumatic anterior shoulder instability and the relationships between the prevalence of these lesions and the number of episodes and time since symptoms started. METHOD: Fifty-seven patients aged 18 to 40 years, with traumatic anterior shoulder instability, more than one episode of shoulder dislocation and at least six months since the first dislocation, who required surgery to treat the instability, were selected. Arthroscopic inspection was performed on all the patients to assess any associated lesions. RESULTS: The prevalence of lesions was assessed, and Bankart lesions were the most prevalent, followed by Hill-Sachs lesions, while rotator cuff injuries were the least prevalent. There was no correlation from comparison between the number of episodes of dislocation and the prevalence of associated lesions. On the other hand, in relation to the time since symptoms started, the patients who had had symptoms for longer times had fewer Hill-Sachs lesions. CONCLUSION: It was not possible to affirm that, in patients with chronic shoulder instability, the numbers of associated lesions increased with the time since symptoms started, or with the number of episodes of dislocation.

Total knee arthroplasty with computer-assisted navigation: an analysis of 200 cases / Artroplastia total do joelho auxiliada por navegação: análise de 200 casos

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the results from surgery with computer-assisted navigation in cases of total knee arthroplasty. METHOD: a total of 196 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty with computer-assisted navigation were evaluated. The extension and flexion spaces (gaps) were evaluated during the operation and the alignment after the operation was assessed. The Knee Society Score (KSS) questionnaire for assessing patient's function was applied preoperatively and postoperatively after a mean follow-up of 22 months. RESULTS: in all, 86.7% of the patients presented good alignment of the mechanical axis (less than 3◦ of varus or valgus in relation to the mechanical axis) and 96.4% of the patients presented balanced flexion and extension gaps. Before the operation, 97% of the patients presented poor or insufficient KSS, but after the operation, 77.6% presented good or excellent KSS. CONCLUSION: the navigation system made it possible to achieve aligned and balanced implants, with notable functional improvement among the patients. It was found to be useful in assessing, understanding and improving knowledge in relation to performing arthroplasty procedures...

OBJETIVO: avaliar os resultados das cirurgias assistidas por navegação (CAN) nas artroplastias totais de joelho. MÉTODO: foram avaliados 196 pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total de joelho com auxílio da navegação por computador. Avaliados no intraoperatório os espaços (gaps) de extensão e de flexão, o alinhamento pós-operatório e o questionário funcional da Knee Society Score (KSS) pré-operatório e pós-operatório com seguimento médio de 22 meses. RESULTADOS: dos pacientes, 86,7% apresentaram bom alinhamento do eixo mecânico (dentro de 3◦ de varo ou valgo em relação ao eixo mecânico) e 96,4% apresentaram ambos os gaps de flexão e extensão balanceados. No pré-operatório, 97% dos pacientes apresentavam KSS funcional ruim ou insuficiente, no pós-operatório 77,6% apresentavam KSS funcional bom ou excelente. CONCLUSÃO: a navegação proporcionou a obtenção de implantes alinhados e balanceados com importante melhoria da função nos pacientes. Foram evidenciados sua utilidade no estudo, o entendimento e o aperfeiçoamento do conhecimento na execução das artroplastias...

Prevalência das lesões associadas na luxação recidivante traumática do ombro / Prevalence of lesions associated with traumatic recurrent shoulder dislocation

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência das lesões associadas à instabilidade anterior traumática do ombro e a relação entre o número de episódios e o tempo do início dos sintomas com a prevalência destas lesões. MÉTODO: Foram selecionados 57 pacientes com instabilidade anterior traumática do ombro, entre 18 e 40 anos, com mais de um episódio de luxação do ombro e com no mínimo, seis meses da primeira luxação, que necessitaram de cirurgia para tratamento da instabilidade. Foi realizada inspeção artroscópica em todos os pacientes para avaliação das lesões associadas. RESULTADOS: Foi avaliada a prevalência das lesões, sendo a lesão de Bankart a mais prevalente seguida pela lesão de Hill-Sachs e as lesões do manguito rotador as menos prevalentes. Não houve correlação comparando o número de episódios de luxação com a prevalência de lesões associadas. Já em relação ao tempo de sintomas, os pacientes com maior tempo de sintomas tiveram menos lesão de Hill-Sachs. CONCLUSÃO: Não foi possível afirmar que, em pacientes com instabilidade crônica do ombro, as lesões associadas aumentam com o tempo de sintomas ou com o número de episódios de luxação.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of lesions associated with traumatic anterior shoulder instability and the relationships between the prevalence of these lesions and the number of episodes and time since symptoms started. METHOD: Fifty-seven patients aged 18 to 40 years, with traumatic anterior shoulder instability, more than one episode of shoulder dislocation and at least six months since the first dislocation, who required surgery to treat the instability, were selected. Arthroscopic inspection was performed on all the patients to assess any associated lesions. RESULTS: The prevalence of lesions was assessed, and Bankert lesions were the most prevalent, followed by Hill-Sachs lesions, while rotator cuff injuries were the least prevalent. There was no correlation from comparison between the number of episodes of dislocation and the prevalence of associated lesions. On the other hand, in relation to the time since symptoms started, the patients who had had symptoms for longer times had fewer Hill-Sachs lesions. CONCLUSION: It was not possible to affirm that, in patients with chronic shoulder instability, the numbers of associated lesions increased with the time since symptoms started, or with the number of episodes of dislocation.