Donor-Specific Human Leukocyte Antigen Antibody Formation After Distal Tibia Allograft and Subsequent Graft Resorption.

The association between donor-specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibody formation and small bone allograft resorption has not been studied. We present the case of a patient treated for glenoid bone loss using a distal tibial allograft with Bankart repair who formed donor-specific HLA antibodies against the allograft and had subsequent graft resorption. X-ray and computed tomography (CT) scans were performed before and after surgery at standard checkpoints. Patient blood and serum samples were collected before and after surgery for HLA typing and HLA antibody testing. Human leukocyte antigen antibodies against the donor-specific HLA-A2 antigens were identified 6 weeks after surgery and were still detected at 5 months after surgery. At 6 months after surgery, a CT arthrogram revealed significant graft resorption. This case shows a temporal correlation between HLA antibody formation and clinical findings, potentially suggesting an association between HLA antibody formation and graft resorption. Further study is required to confirm this.

Report of the 2018 Arthroscopy Association of North America Traveling Fellowship-Friendship and Mentorship.

Thank you AANA for allowing us to participate in one of the most educational and transformative pieces of our careers to date. It was a great honor to be selected to participate in the 2018 Advanced Arthroscopy Training Fellowship. We journeyed to New York City, New Orleans, and Columbus, Ohio. This was a life-changing experience full of remarkable Friendship and Mentorship.

Construct validity testing of the Arthroscopic Knot Trainer (ArK).

PURPOSE: This study introduced a novel simulator called the Arthroscopic Knot Trainer (ArK) and reports preliminary evidence to support its construct validity. To our knowledge, the ArK is the first non-anatomical tissue reduction simulator designed to meet learning objectives specific for developing knot-tying skills. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A step-by-step instructional video was used to teach orthopaedic residents how to tie an arthroscopic SMC knot. Residents were video recorded to assess time of completion, number of knots tied in 10 min and re-assessed 6 months later. Subjects were surveyed for content evidence after using the ArK. Data were analysed by paired t test and independent sample t test in order to compare the mean time to tie knots from test at baseline to retest at 6 months and the between group mean time, respectively. RESULTS: Content evidence supports the ArK trainer as appropriate for teaching and assessing arthroscopic knot-tying skills. Relation to other variables evidence supports the ArK trainer model whether stratified by year of training or by self-reported experience; time required for knot tying was inversely correlated with experience in tying arthroscopic knots. Internal structure evidence was supported with similar findings at retesting. CONCLUSIONS: There are three sources of evidence supporting the construct validity of the ArK as a simulator for arthroscopic knot tying: content, relationship to other variable and internal structure evidence. The ArK is easy to use and has the capacity to distinguish between groups with different skill levels.

Systematic instruction of arthroscopic knot tying with the ArK Trainer: an objective evaluation tool.

PURPOSE: A Proficiency Formula was introduced as an objective self-evaluation method for evaluating basic arthroscopic knot tying in a laboratory setting. The correlation between the Proficiency Formula and gold standard pass/fail dichotomy was demonstrated, as well as with other popular evaluation tools--task-specific checklist (TSC) and global rating scale (GRS). METHOD: A step-by-step video tutorial was used to instruct 35 medical students on how to tie an arthroscopic Samsung Medical Center (SMC) knot secured by three half hitches. Participants were video recorded performing arthroscopic knot tying and assessed on their success tying an SMC knot, pass or fail, and through three outcome tools: the Proficiency Formula, GRS and the TSC. Independent samples t test was used to compare the GRS, TSC and Proficiency Formula scores, between those who were passed or failed by the evaluators. Correlation between the measurement scales was tested using Spearman's rho correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Participants received a mean proficiency score of 195 (140-249). The mean Proficiency score for those that passed was 323 (95 % CI 272-374), for those that failed, 87 (95 % CI 26-148, p < 0.001). We found strong linear correlation between the Proficiency Formula and GRS and TSE (0.83 and 0.78, respectively). CONCLUSION: The Proficiency Formula has high correlation with gold standard GRS and TSC measurements when used to assess arthroscopic knot tying skills on a model. It has the added advantage of being able to be self-assessed.

Hip arthroscopy: prevalence of intra-articular pathologic findings after traumatic injury of the hip.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to document and compare the incidence of intra-articular hip pathologic findings identified using arthroscopy versus conventional imaging in patients with acute trauma to the hip. METHODS: This was a blinded prospective case series study designed to review the incidence of intra-articular pathologic disorders in patients with post-traumatic injury between the ages of 18 and 65 years who were referred to a single surgeon. Injuries included hip dislocation, proximal femur fracture, pelvic ring fracture, acetabular fracture, penetrating injury (gunshot wound), and soft tissue injury. Preoperative radiographs, computed tomographic (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography (MRI/MRA) scans (or a combination of these) were obtained. Findings were documented and compared with intraoperative findings. RESULTS: A total of 29 post-traumatic hips were enrolled in this study. Hip arthroscopy identified 17 of 29 hips (59%) as having loose bodies, 11 of 29 (38%) hips as having an intra-articular step deformity, 14 of 29 (49%) hips as having an osteochondral lesion, and 27 of 29 (93%) hips as having a labral tear. Plain radiographs and CT scans yielded low sensitivity when compared with arthroscopy for the identification of loose bodies and step deformities. MRI/MRA comparison with arthroscopic findings suggest that MRI/MRA is an accurate tool for identification of labral tears, because 91% of tears seen on arthroscopy were also identified by MRI/MRA. In 4 hips, however, MRI/MRA failed to identify osteochondral lesions that were subsequently identified by arthroscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Traumatic injuries of the hip result in substantial intra-articular pathologic findings, including loose bodies, labral tears, step deformities, and osteochondral lesions. The arthroscope is a powerful tool in identifying these injuries. Plain radiographs and CT scans appear to underestimate the true incidence of loose bodies and step deformities within the joint when compared with hip arthroscopy after a traumatic injury of the hip. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, diagnostic case series.

The use of video before arthroscopic shoulder surgery to enhance patient recall and satisfaction: a randomized-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Historically, the preoperative consultation has consisted of a discussion between patient and surgeon. There is a growing literature describing efforts to integrate multimedia into surgical patient education. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of an educational video tutorial on early learning of information specific to patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy when it was used as an adjunct to the standard preoperative consultation. METHODS: This study was a surgeon-blinded, randomized controlled trial involving 40 consecutive patients requiring shoulder arthroscopy. After a preoperative consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon, patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either a control group or a treatment group. The treatment group viewed a 10-minute video, which covered the expected preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative experience. Immediately afterward, both groups completed a questionnaire measuring satisfaction and recall of information received. All patients completed a second questionnaire at the first postoperative visit that assessed overall satisfaction with their experience. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were available for follow-up. The video group (N = 15) answered 87% of the knowledge questions correctly, whereas the control group (N = 19) answered only 56% (P = .000). There was stronger agreement in the video group that the preoperative consultation contained an appropriate amount of information (P = .039). Postoperatively, there was agreement that the video was an effective preparation tool for all stages of the surgical experience. However, there was no difference between the groups in satisfaction with their overall surgical experience. CONCLUSIONS: Video can enhance patients' operative experiences and improve their retained knowledge when it is used as an adjunct to the preoperative consultation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Basic science, education methodology study, devices to improve learning.

Controversies in surgical management of anterior shoulder instability. State of the Art.

Arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) has been accepted as a standard procedure for anterior shoulder instability with a minimum or no glenoid bone loss and an on-track Hill-Sachs lesion if present. However, several controversies exist in the surgical treatment of anterior shoulder instability. This article will discuss some of these controversies in, "simple," dislocations (without bone loss) as well as, "complex," (with critical bone loss). Determining which patients will benefit from an arthroscopic procedure depends on multiple factors including age, activity level, adequate determination of bone loss, performed with feasible and reliable imaging techniques. In the absence of concomitant significant bony and soft tissue pathology, ABR alone can provide satisfactory clinical results on a long-term basis. Controversies, including whether to remove cartilage from the edge of the glenoid, knotted versus knotless anchors, and routine rotator interval closure, still exist. In cases with significant bone loss, several bone restoring procedures have been described, such as, the Latarjet procedure, iliac crest bone graft, arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction with a frozen distal tibial allograft, and fresh distal tibial allograft reconstruction. This article will address these controversies and provide guidance based on available published data.

Dexamethasone given to premature infants and cardiac diastolic function in early childhood.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if dexamethasone given to premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia would result in cardiac diastolic dysfunction in early childhood, a topic unstudied in humans. STUDY DESIGN: We compared seven children ages 3 to 8 years born at 26 weeks' gestation and given dexamethasone for bronchopulmonary dysplasia with eight gestation-matched and age-matched control children using echocardiography to assess measures of systolic and diastolic function. All dexamethasone patients had resolved hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. RESULTS: Dexamethasone patients had the same normal τ and isovolumic relaxation time (24.9 ± 2.8 and 54.6 ± 6.3 ms) as control patients (22.1 ± 3.0 and 48.8 ± 6.7 ms). Peak A velocities were the same in dexamethasone patients as in control patients (59.5 ± 15 versus 49.4 ± 5.8 cm/s, P = .10), resulting in unchanged E:A ratios (1.89 ± 0.57 versus 2.15 ± 0.43, P = .22). Peak E velocity and E-wave deceleration times were not different. We found no significant differences in measures of systolic function (heart rate-corrected velocity of circumferential fiber shortening, wall stress, and ejection fraction). Left ventricular mass was the same between the groups confirming resolution of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. CONCLUSIONS: These data are consistent with normal myocardial relaxation, suggesting that long-term diastolic function is reassuringly normal in children who received dexamethasone as premature infants with resolution of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Pain management practice patterns after hip arthroscopy: an international survey.

Several post-operative pain control methods have been described for hip arthroscopy including systemic medications, intra-articular or peri-portal injection of local anesthetics and peripheral nerve blocks. The diversity of modalities used may reflect a lack of consensus regarding an optimal approach. The purpose of this investigation was to conduct an international survey to assess pain management patterns after hip arthroscopy. It was hypothesized that a lack of agreement would be present in the majority of the surgeons' responses. A 25-question multiple-choice survey was designed and distributed to members of multiple orthopedic professional organizations related to sports medicine and hip arthroscopy. Clinical agreement was defined as > 80% of respondents selecting a single answer choice, while general agreement was defined as >60% of a given answer choice. Two hundred and fifteen surgeons completed the survey. Clinical agreement was only evident in the use of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain management after hip arthroscopy. A significant number of respondents (15.8%) had to readmit a patient to the hospital for pain control in the first 30 days after hip arthroscopy in the past year. There is significant variability in pain management practice after hip arthroscopy. The use of oral NSAIDs in the post-operative period was the only practice that reached a clinical agreement. As the field of hip preservation surgery continues to evolve and expand rapidly, further research on pain management after hip arthroscopy is clearly needed to establish evidence-based guidelines and improve clinical practice.

Posterior Glenohumeral Capsular Reconstruction With Modified McLaughlin for Chronic Locked Posterior Dislocation.

Posterior instability is relatively rare when compared with anterior instability but can comprise up to 40% of operatively treated instability cases. Posterior dislocations are much rarer and are classically due to trauma, seizure, or electric shock. Due to a lack of an obvious deformity and an internally rotated and adducted arm position, posterior shoulder dislocations often are missed on initial presentation. In the management of posterior dislocations, considerations need to be made in regard to bony and soft-tissue pathology. In the setting of soft-tissue deficiency, previous options included nonoperative management primarily consisting of bracing and activity modification as well as arthroplasty options that do not rely on the capsulolabral complex for stability. In this paper, we present a technique for treating a chronic posterior shoulder dislocation with an associated large reverse Hill-Sachs deformity. In this setting, a revision labral repair and capsulodesis is generally not possible due to insufficient capsulolabral tissues. Here, we present the technique for an arthroscopic posterior capsule reconstruction using an acellular dermal allograft as well as a McLaughlin procedure for the treatment of a reverse Hill-Sachs lesion.

Indications for hip arthroscopy in pediatric patients a systematic review.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current available literature on hip arthroscopy and determine the clinical indications in the pediatric patient population (age ≤ 18). In accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), a comprehensive literature search was performed on the 23 October 2018 using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and e-books to identify research surrounding the use of hip arthroscopy in the pediatrics. Exclusion criteria were studies that described joints other than the hip, animal studies, systematic reviews, open procedures and those that reported solely on patients aged 19-year-old and older. From 232 studies, 57 were reviewed in detail; 17 articles were removed as their indication fell into a category of 'diagnostic hip arthroscopy for pain' or no clear separation between the data on the adult and pediatric population could be made in a full text review of the paper. Eleven categories were identified as indications for hip arthroscopy in the pediatric population. At best a Grade C recommendation can be made to support the use of hip arthroscopy in the pediatric population. Our results support our hypothesis. Despite the exponential increase in hip arthroscopy over the last decade, limited evidence exists in support of its use in the pediatric (≤18) population. Our findings support the need for further research in delineating the indications for its use, as clearly arthroscopy may be advantageous in many situations, particularly in light of the alternatives.

Arthroscopic Anatomic Glenoid Reconstruction in Lateral Decubitus Position Using Allograft With Nonrigid Fixation.

Recurrent shoulder instability is highly associated with glenoid bone loss. Traditionally, bony procedures to address this bone loss have described nonanatomic, coracoid transfer procedures. More recently, anatomic glenoid reconstruction procedures have been described. These were first described as open procedures, and subsequently there have been several arthroscopic procedures described. We provide a description of an arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction approach with allograft.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Shoulder Instability With Glenoid Bone Loss Using Distal Tibial Allograft Augmentation: Safety Profile and Short-Term Radiological Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The results of arthroscopic anterior labral repair have demonstrated high failure rates in patients with significant glenoid bone loss. Several reconstruction procedures using a bone graft have been developed to overcome bone loss. PURPOSE: The primary objective of this study was to generate a safety profile for arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction using a distal tibial allograft. The secondary objective was to evaluate the radiological outcomes of patients who underwent this procedure. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: This retrospective review included the medical charts and diagnostic images of 42 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic shoulder stabilization by means of capsule-labral reattachment and bony augmentation with a distal tibial allograft. The safety profile was measured by detecting intraoperative or postoperative complications, including neurovascular (nerves and blood vessels) injuries, bleeding, infections, and dislocations. A radiological evaluation was conducted by assessing computed tomography (CT) scans obtained preoperatively and at approximately 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 42 patients (29 male, 13 female) with a mean age of 26.73 ± 9.01 years were included. An excellent safety profile was observed, with no intraoperative complications, neurovascular injuries, adverse events, bleeding, or infections. CT bone scans were obtained for 31 patients, and the mean follow-up for CT scanning (to measure resorption and union) was 6.31 ± 1.20 months (range, 6-7.5 months). There were no cases of nonunion or partial union. Thirteen patients (42%) had no resorption, whereas 13 (42%) and 5 (16%) patents had <50% and ≥50% resorption, respectively. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization with distal tibial allograft reconstruction is a safe operative procedure with a minimal risk to neurovascular structures. Most patients had a healed allograft, but 16% of patients had ≥50% resorption on CT at 6 months. Studies with a longer follow-up are recommended for better assessment of the safety profile.

Arthroscopic Anterior and Posterior Glenoid Bone Augmentation With Capsular Plication for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome With Multidirectional Instability.

Recurrent multidirectional shoulder instability is a difficult clinical problem. This can be compounded in patients with connective tissue diseases such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. We present an all-arthroscopic technique involving extra-articular anterior and posterior glenoid bone grafting to augment a capsular repair in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and recurrent multidirectional shoulder instability. Graft options include either distal tibial allograft or iliac crest autograft. Anterior graft placement uses a dilated far medial portal using an inside-out technique. The posterior graft is placed through a dilated posterior portal. A 1-mm edge of anterior and posterior glenoid rim is denuded of cartilage for later capsular repair, and grafts are secured flush to the osseous surface. A capsular plication is then completed and repaired to the prepared native glenoid surface, using the grafts as extra-articular osseous bumpers.

Posterior Glenohumeral Capsular Reconstruction Using an Acellular Dermal Allograft.

Posterior shoulder instability is an uncommon and challenging cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction. Surgical management has less reliable results and higher failure rates compared with techniques for anterior shoulder instability. The presence of generalized ligamentous laxity further complicates options for surgical management. If primary capsulolabral repair fails, controversy exists as to the optimal revision procedure. This technical description and video present an arthroscopic technique for reconstruction of the posterior glenohumeral capsule with an acellular dermal allograft to treat posterior instability in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and a previously failed posterior capsular plication.

Radiographic Analysis of Glenoid Size and Shape After Arthroscopic Coracoid Autograft Versus Distal Tibial Allograft in the Treatment of Anterior Shoulder Instability.

BACKGROUND: The Latarjet procedure for autograft transposition of the coracoid to the anterior rim of the glenoid remains the most common procedure for reconstruction of the glenoid after shoulder instability. The anatomic glenoid reconstruction using distal tibial allograft has gained popularity and is suggested to better match the normal glenoid size and shape. However, concerns about decreased healing and increased resorption arise when an allograft bone is used. PURPOSE: To use radiological findings to evaluate the arthroscopic reconstruction of the glenoid with respect to the size, shape, healing, and resorption of coracoid autograft versus distal tibial allograft. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 48 consecutive patients who had an arthroscopic bony reconstruction of the glenoid (12 coracoid autograft, 36 distal tibial allograft), diagnosed anterior shoulder instability, and computed tomography (CT)-confirmed glenoid bone loss more than 20%. Coracoid autograft was performed only when tibial allograft was not accessible from a bone bank. Two fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists reviewed pre- and postoperative CT scans at a minimum follow-up of 6 months for the following: graft position, glenoid concavity, cross-sectional area, width, version, total area, osseous union, and graft resorption. Clinical outcome was noted in terms of instability, subluxation, and dislocation at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Simple logistic regression, 2-tailed independent-sample t tests, paired t tests, and Fisher exact tests were performed. RESULTS: Graft union was seen in 9 of the 12 patients (75%) who had coracoid autograft and 34 of the 36 patients (94%) who had tibial allograft (odds ratio, 5.66; 95% CI, 0.81-39.20; P = .08). The odds ratio comparing allograft to coracoid for overall resorption was 7.00 (95% CI, 1.65-29.66; P = .008). Graft resorption ≥50% was seen in 3 (8%) of the patients who had tibial allograft and none of the patients who had coracoid autograft. Graft resorption less than 50% was seen in the majority of patients in both groups: 27 (73%) patients with tibial allograft and 5 (42%) patients with coracoid autograft. No statistically significant difference was found between the 2 procedures regarding anteroposterior diameter of graft ( P = .81) or graft cross-sectional area ( P = .93). However, a significant difference was observed in step formation between the 2 procedures ( P < .001). Two patients experienced subluxations in the coracoid group (16%) as well as 2 patients in the tibial allograft group (6%) with a P value of .25. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction via distal tibial allograft showed similar bony union but higher resorption compared with coracoid autograft. Even so, no statistically significant difference was found between the 2 procedures regarding final graft surface area, the size of grafts, and the anteroposterior dimensions of the reconstructed glenoids. These short-term results suggest that distal tibial allografts can be used as an alternative to coracoid autograft in the recreation of glenoid bony morphologic features.

Safety Profile and Short-term Outcomes of BST-CarGel as an Adjunct to Microfracture for the Treatment of Chondral Lesions of the Hip.

BACKGROUND: Acetabular cartilage lesions are a common abnormality found in patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery and may cause pain and functional limitations. Several strategies have been developed to treat chondral defects, with no overwhelming success. Recently, BST-CarGel has gained interest as a scaffolding material that can be injected into the microfracture site to stabilize the clot and facilitate cartilage repair. PURPOSE: To perform a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data to evaluate the safety profile and short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients treated arthroscopically with BST-CarGel for acetabular chondral defects in conjunction with microfracture. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent hip arthroscopic surgery by the senior surgeon to identify those who had BST-CarGel applied to their hip from November 2014 to July 2016, and basic demographic information for those patients was obtained. Operative reports and patient charts were reviewed to assess intraoperative and postoperative complications as well as to obtain the details of surgery, including lesion size and treatment method of the labrum (repair vs reconstruction). All patients filled out self-reported questionnaires, including the international Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT), Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), and Hip Outcome Score-Sports Profile (HOS-SP) at the time of consultation and at 1 year postoperatively, and results were used to assess the clinical outcomes of surgery. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients (37 hips) with a mean age of 36.19 years at the time of the index procedure were evaluated. There were 30 male patients, and 20 procedures were performed on the right hip. The minimum follow-up was 1 year, with a mean follow-up of 12.72 months. There were no major adverse events of deep vein thrombosis, blood vessel or nerve damage, hemarthrosis, arthralgia, or device-related adverse events. Two patients (5.4%) were readmitted because of pain, probably resulting from an inflammatory reaction to BST-CarGel. At 1 year postoperatively, there were statistically significant improvements in the iHOT (40.4 to 59.1; P < .001), HOS-ADL (60.6 to 71.4; P = .02), and HOS-SP (36.9 to 51.6; P = .01) scores. When the patients were subdivided based on the chondral defect size, the iHOT score improved for all chondral defect sizes, and the HOS-SP score improved in patients with medium (2-4 cm2) and very large (>6 cm2) chondral defects. In addition, the iHOT score improved whether the patients had their labrum repaired or reconstructed (P < .001 and P = .02, respectively). CONCLUSION: The arthroscopic treatment of chondral acetabular defects with BST-CarGel demonstrates a satisfactory safety profile, with statistically significant improvement in patient-reported clinical outcome scores, even for those with very large chondral defect sizes.

Labral Gracilis Tendon Allograft Reconstruction and Cartilage Regeneration Scaffold for an Uncontained Acetabular Cartilage Defect of the Hip.

Hip cartilage injuries are very common, with rates as high as 50% having been reported in some series; abnormal femoral acetabular contact can result in a full-thickness cartilage defect or labral lesion. The prevalence of labral lesions can be as high as 55%. This Technical Note describes an arthroscopic technique to reconstruct an uncontained, full-thickness, focal cartilage defect of the acetabulum, with reconstruction of the missing labrum using a gracilis allograft and use of a biological liquid scaffold for cartilage reconstruction. Capsulotomy, acetabuloplasty, and microfracture with marrow bleeding should be performed simultaneously with the gracilis allograft preparation. The graft is inserted and anchored to reconstruct the missing labrum and to re-create a contained defect. Suction and drying of the joint surfaces are performed while the mixture of BST-CarGel (Piramal Healthcare, Laval, Quebec, Canada) and blood is prepared. A drop-by-drop technique is then used to reconstruct the cartilage defect.

Reconstruction of Focal Femoral Head Cartilage Defects With a Chitin-Based Scaffold.

It is well known that articular cartilage defects have little capability to heal. For grade III or IV cartilage defects, surgical intervention may be required for symptomatic patients. Microfracture is a commonly used surgical technique to address these injuries. However, microfracture has drawbacks, which include the risk of ossification of the newly formed tissue, as well as the imperfect and fragile nature of the fibrous cartilage. Given the challenges associated with microfracture, BST-CarGel (Piramal Healthcare, Laval, Quebec, Canada) has been developed to stabilize and support the nascent clot. This chitin-based polymer is mixed with the patient's own blood and inserted onto the microfractured defect. The polymer allows normal clot formation and provides a matrix to strengthen the clot, prevent retraction, and increase its adhesiveness to the natural tissue. We present, with a video example, a detailed arthroscopic technique for using BST-CarGel to fill a focal femoral head cartilage defect.

Graft Utilization in the Augmentation of Large-to-Massive Rotator Cuff Repairs: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Current treatment options for symptomatic large-to-massive rotator cuff tears can reduce pain, but failure rates remain high. Surgeons have incorporated synthetic and biologic grafts to augment these repairs, with promising results. Multiple reviews exist that summarize these products; however, no systematic review has investigated the grafts' ability to maintain structural integrity after augmentation of large-to-massive rotator cuff repairs. PURPOSE: To systematically review and evaluate the effectiveness of grafts in the augmentation of large-to-massive rotator cuff repairs. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: A comprehensive search of 4 reputable databases was completed. Inclusion criteria were (1) large-to-massive rotator cuff tear, (2) graft augmentation of primary repairs ± primary repair control group, and (3) minimum clinical and radiologic follow-up of 12 months. Two reviewers screened the titles, abstracts, and full articles and extracted the data from eligible studies. Results were summarized into evidence tables stratified by graft origin and level of evidence. RESULTS: Ten studies fit the inclusion criteria. Allograft augmentation was functionally and structurally superior to primary repair controls, with intact repairs in 85% versus 40% of patients (P < .01). This was supported by observational study data. Xenograft augmentation failed to demonstrate superiority to primary repair controls, with worse structural healing rates (27% vs 60%; P =.11). Both comparative studies supported this finding. There have also been many reports of inflammatory reactions with xenograft use. Polypropylene patches are associated with improved structural (83% vs 59% and 49%; P < .01) and functional outcomes when compared with controls and xenograft augmentation; however, randomized data are lacking. CONCLUSION: Augmentation of large-to-massive rotator cuff repairs with human dermal allografts is associated with superior functional and structural outcome when compared with conventional primary repair. Xenograft augmentation failed to demonstrate a statistically significant difference and may be associated with worse rerupture rates and occasional severe inflammatory reactions. Polypropylene patches have initial promising results. Research in this field is limited; future researchers should continue to develop prospective, randomized controlled trials to establish clear recommendations.