Return to sport: Does excellent 6-month strength and function following ACL reconstruction predict midterm outcomes?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients with excellent 6-month functional testing after ACL reconstruction had (1) higher risk of subsequent ACL tears, (2) superior knee function, and (3) increased activity levels compared to those with delayed clearance for return to sports at midterm follow-up. METHODS: A total of 223 patients underwent primary ACL reconstruction by a single surgeon and had functional and isokinetic testing performed 6 months post-operatively between 1998 and 2005. Of the 223 patients, 52 (23 %) made the excellent group and were allowed return to sport at 6 months, and the remaining 171 (77 %) constituted the delayed group. Rate of ACL graft tear and native contralateral ACL tear was compared between groups. In addition, IKDC and Tegner scores were compared at a mean 4-year follow-up. RESULTS: The graft rupture rate was similar in the excellent group (3.8 %, n = 2) compared to the delayed group (4.7 %, n = 8; p = 0.30). However, there was a higher rate of contralateral ACL tear in the excellent group (15.4 %, n = 8 vs. 5.3 %, n = 9; p = 0.003). The excellent 6-month group had superior IKDC scores (94.3 ± 6.4 vs. 90.9 ± 9.7; p = 0.04) and Tegner scores (6.6 ± 1.8 vs. 5.7 ± 1.6; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Patients with an excellent performance on their isokinetic strength and functional testing at 6 months after ACL reconstruction have superior knee function and higher activity levels at midterm follow-up. However, these patients appear to be at greater risk of contralateral ACL injury, which may be related to their increased activity level. When isokinetic and functional testing is used for return-to-sport decisions, physicians should caution patients about the risk of contralateral ACL injury for high performing patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective Review with Control, Level III.

Hemiarthroplasty versus total shoulder arthroplasty in B2 glenoids with an intact rotator cuff: a long-term matched cohort analysis.

Background: Walch B2 glenoids present unique challenges to the shoulder arthroplasty surgeon, particularly in young, active patients who may wish to avoid the restrictions typically associated with an anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Long-term data are limited when comparing hemiarthroplasty (HA) and TSA for patients with an intact rotator cuff. The purpose of our study was to compare the long-term outcomes of HA vs. TSA in a matched analysis of patients with B2 glenoids, primary osteoarthritis (OA), and an intact rotator cuff. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent HA or TSA between January 2000 and December 2011 at a single institution. Inclusion criteria were primary OA, Walch B2 glenoid morphology, an intact rotator cuff intraoperatively, at least 2 years of clinical follow-up, or revision within 2 years of surgery. Fifteen HAs met inclusion criteria and were matched 1:2 with 30 TSAs using age, sex, body mass index, and implant selection. Clinical outcomes including range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, subjective shoulder value score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, complications, and revisions were recorded. Postoperative radiographs were reviewed to assess for stem loosening, humeral head subluxation, glenoid loosening, and glenoid erosion. Results: A total of 15 HAs and 30 TSAs met inclusion criteria at a mean follow-up of 9.3 years. The mean age at the time of surgery was 60.2 years for HA and 65.4 years for TSA (P = .08). Both cohorts had significant improvements in ROM, subjective shoulder value, and VAS pain scores (P < .001). TSA had higher postoperative ASES scores compared to HA (P = .03) and lower postoperative VAS pain scores (P = .03), although the decrease in pain from preoperatively to final follow-up was not significantly different between HA and TSA (P = .11). HAs were more likely to have posterior humeral subluxation (P < .001) and stem lucencies (P = .02). Revisions occurred in 11.1% of the cohort with no difference for HA and TSA (P = .73). Conclusions: At nearly 10 years of follow-up, HA and TSA both showed significant improvements in ROM and pain when performed for primary glenohumeral OA in B2 glenoids with intact rotator cuffs. Compared to HA, TSAs had less posterior humeral subluxation, less stem lucencies, higher ASES scores, and lower postoperative VAS pain scores. However, our study failed to demonstrate a difference in ROM, complication, or revision rates between HA and TSA.

Growth arrest of the capitellar physis after displaced lateral condyle fractures in children.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the lateral humeral condyle represent the second most common elbow fracture in children and the most common physeal fracture about the elbow. Growth disturbances after this fracture, including premature physeal arrest, are rare but important complications. Only 4 radiographically documented reports of premature physeal arrest exist to date with just 1 offering comparative views. No computed tomography (CT) evidence of this event has previously been reported in the literature. The purpose of this study is to provide well-documented radiographic evidence of premature capitellar growth arrest, substantiated by CT imaging. METHODS: We reviewed the radiographic and clinical records of 3 patients (mean age, 6.9 y) that presented with Jakob type III fractures. All fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Follow-up ranged from 1.6 to 11.1 years (mean, 6.0 y). Radiographs were evaluated for any growth disturbances, including premature capitellar-metaphyseal fusion, lateral spur formation, changes in the humeral-ulnar angles, and fishtail deformities. Contralateral elbow radiographs were utilized for comparison when available. Clinical findings at last follow-up were provided for clinical correlation. RESULTS: The mean time to arrest and age at arrest were 2.6 and 9.5 years, respectively. At last follow-up, patient 1 was functionally asymptomatic, showed a 6-degree increase in the humeral-ulnar angle, an increase in the carrying angle, and a fishtail deformity. Patient 2 was functionally asymptomatic, showed equal humeral-ulnar angles, and a small lateral spur formation on the injured side. Patient 3 was functionally symptomatic with pain and a 15-degree loss of extension on the injured side. There was also a 13-degree increase in the humeral-ulnar angle with an increase in carrying angle of approximately 8 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to radiographically document premature physeal arrest after lateral condyle fractures using both comparative views and CT imaging. It is important for surgeons to be aware of this potential complication after lateral condyle fractures of the humerus and to diligently monitor patients annually for possible intervention until they have achieved skeletal maturity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV--case series.

Outcomes Following Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using a Partial Transphyseal (Over-the-Top) Technique in Skeletally Immature Patients.

Background: The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in skeletally immature patients is increasing, with ACL reconstruction preferred in this population due to reported chondroprotective benefits. Due to concerns with growth disturbance following ACL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients, various physealsparing and partial transphyseal techniques have been developed. Currently, there is no consensus on the most effective ACL reconstruction technique in skeletally immature patients. The purpose of the current study was to report the outcomes of a partial-transphyseal over-the-top (OTT) ACL reconstruction in a cohort of skeletally immature patients. Methods: All patients with radiographic evidence of open tibial and femoral physes that underwent primary ACL reconstruction using a partial-transphyseal OTT technique between 2009-2018 at a single tertiary-care institution with at least twelve months of clinical follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, physical examination findings, graft ruptures, return to sport, and Tegner activity levels were analyzed. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05. Results: Overall, 11 males and 1 female (12 knees) with a mean age of 12.8±1.8 (range: 10-16) years were included in the study. The mean postoperative follow-up of the cohort was 2.3±1.2 (range: 1.1-5.2) years. All ACLs were reconstructed with hamstring autograft with allograft augmentation utilized in a single patient. There were two cases of ACL graft rupture (16.7%). All patients were able to return to the same or higher level of sporting activity at an average of 7.4+2.7 months. There were no cases of clinically significant longitudinal or angular growth disturbance. Conclusion: Partial transphyseal ACL reconstruction using a transphyseal tibial tunnel and an extra-articular OTT technique on the femur in skeletally immature patients affords minimal risk of growth disturbance with a graft rupture rate consistent with what has been reported in this high-risk population. All patients were able to return to sport at the same or higher level. Level of Evidence: IV.

Outcomes of a technique combining diaphyseal impaction grafting and metaphyseal cones for severe bone loss in revision total knee arthroplasty.

AIMS: Metaphyseal cones with cemented stems are frequently used in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, if the diaphysis has been previously violated, the resultant sclerotic canal can impair cemented stem fixation, which is vital for bone ingrowth into the cone, and long-term fixation. We report the outcomes of our solution to this problem, in which impaction grafting and a cemented stem in the diaphysis is combined with an uncemented metaphyseal cone, for revision TKA in patients with severely compromised bone. METHODS: A metaphyseal cone was combined with diaphyseal impaction grafting and cemented stems for 35 revision TKAs. There were two patients with follow-up of less than two years who were excluded, leaving 33 procedures in 32 patients in the study. The mean age of the patients at the time of revision TKA was 67 years (32 to 87); 20 (60%) were male. Patients had undergone a mean of four (1 to 13) previous knee arthroplasty procedures. The indications for revision were aseptic loosening (80%) and two-stage reimplantation for prosthetic joint infection (PJI; 20%). The mean follow-up was four years (2 to 11). RESULTS: Survival free from revision of the cone/impaction grafting construct due to aseptic loosening was 100% at five years. Survival free from any revision of the construct and free from any reoperation were 92% and 73% at five years, respectively. A total of six patients (six TKAs, 17%) required a further revision, four for infection or wound issues, and two for periprosthetic fracture. Radiologically, one unrevised TKA had evidence of loosening which was asymptomatic. In all unrevised TKAs the impacted diaphyseal bone graft appeared to be incorporated radiologically. CONCLUSION: When presented with a sclerotic diaphysis and substantial metaphyseal bone loss, this technique combining diaphyseal impaction grafting with a metaphyseal cone provided near universal success in relation to implant fixation. Moreover, radiographs revealed incorporation of the bone graft and biological fixation of the cone. While long-term follow-up will be important, this technique provides an excellent option for the management of complex revision TKAs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6 Supple A):116-122.

Prospective evaluation of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injuries during periacetabular osteotomy.

Periacetabular osteotomies (PAOs) are used to treat acetabular dysplasia in younger patients, but are not without morbidity. Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) injuries are commonly associated with the approach for PAOs, but the true incidence and rate of resolution is not known. The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the incidence of LFCN injuries after PAO using an innovative nerve conduction study (NCS) and to report the patient-reported outcomes. We prospectively enrolled 23 patients (24 hips) undergoing PAOs to have pre- and post-operative NCSs at a mean of 12 weeks post-operative. Patients were followed prospectively. Patients were contacted 3 years post-operatively via phone to determine the presence and severity of symptoms. Patient-reported outcome scores were also correlated with patient symptoms. Patients (91%) reported one or more LFCN symptoms post-operatively. The most common symptoms were numbness (91%), tingling (36%), pain (18%) and burning (9%). Patients (67%) had evidence of LFCN injury based on NCSs. Symptoms (40%) resolved 4 months post-operatively. Two-thirds of patients had continued symptoms at 3 years. Only 1 patient required treatment. The incidence of LFCN injury after PAO is 90%, two-thirds of which can be identified objectively by NCS. Numbness is the most common symptom. LFCN symptoms (40%) resolve by 4 months, but two-thirds of patients may continue to have thigh numbness up to 3 years after surgery. Fortunately, symptoms are not clearly associated with outcome score and treatment for this complication is rare.

Botox and Thumb MCP Radial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction.

Background We report the use of botulinum toxin to aid in the treatment of chronic radial collateral ligament insufficiency of the thumb. Case Description Treatment included autograft tendon reconstruction and cast immobilization. Six weeks postoperatively, prior to hand therapy, the patient underwent an ultrasound-guided botulinum neurotoxin A injection into the adductor pollicis muscle to negate its deforming forces on the reconstruction. The patient made an excellent recovery and 1 year postoperatively was pain free and had a stable radial collateral ligament (RCL) upon examination. Literature Review The outcomes of RCL repair and reconstruction are unpredictable, in part, due to the strong opposing forces of the adductor pollicis. Clinical Relevance The use of Botox injection may enhance the outcomes of RCL repair or reconstruction by neutralizing the deforming forces of the adductor muscle.

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Reduces Radiographic Measures of Patella Alta in Adults.

BACKGROUND: Patellar height has long been considered a risk factor for patellofemoral instability. However, recent pediatric literature demonstrated a reduction in patellar height measurements following medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. PURPOSE: To assess the mean change in patellar height and the percentage of skeletally mature patients with patellar height ratios reduced to within-normal limits following MPFL reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Adult patients undergoing primary MPFL reconstruction for recurrent lateral patellar instability between 2005 and 2013 were identified. Pre- and postoperative (within 1 year of surgery) lateral knee radiographs were assessed for patellar height indices, including Caton-Deschamps, Blackburne-Peel, and Insall-Salvati ratios. The change in patellar height and the number of patients reduced from abnormal to normal patellar height ratios following MPFL reconstruction were assessed. RESULTS: Overall, 32 adult patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 25.7 years (range, 18-55 years). There were 21 women (66%) and 11 men (34%). Insall-Salvati, Blackburne-Peel, and Caton-Deschamps ratios all demonstrated significant reductions in patellar height between pre- and postoperative lateral knee radiographs (P < .001). All 3 indices showed a reduction in the number of patients meeting the criteria for patella alta following MPFL reconstruction. A total of 64% of patients had an abnormal preoperative Caton-Deschamps ratio reduced to within normal limits postoperatively. CONCLUSION: MPFL reconstruction provides a consistent reduction in patellar height measurements. The Caton-Deschamps ratio was reduced to the reference range following MPFL reconstruction in 64% of patients with preoperative patella alta. Surgeons treating patellofemoral instability should expect a reduction in patellar height after ligament reconstruction, which may affect the need for more invasive distalization procedures.

Multiple Volar Carpometacarpal Dislocations: Case Report/Review of the Literature.

Simultaneous volar dislocations of the second through fifth carpometacarpal joints are rare injuries, usually a result of high-energy trauma to the hand. The literature regarding this topic is sparse and consists primarily of case reports. We present a case associated with median nerve contusion that was treated with open reduction and pin fixation. The median nerve injury resolved without incident, and the pins were removed at 10 weeks without loss of reduction. Three years postoperatively, the patient was without pain and had excellent use of his hand without strength or motion deficit.

Knee injuries and the use of prophylactic knee bracing in off-road motorcycling: results of a large-scale epidemiological study.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of prophylactic knee bracing in preventing knee injuries during sports has been evaluated; however, because of the variability in study conclusions, the topic remains controversial. Despite a paucity of data, the authors believe that prophylactic knee bracing is frequently used in off-road motorcycling. HYPOTHESIS: No statistically significant difference exists in the frequency and types of knee injuries incurred between braced and nonbraced riders using commercially available knee braces in off-road motorcycling. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: Data from 2115 off-road motorcycle riders was obtained using an Internet-based survey over a 1-year period. Participants were grouped by use or nonuse of prophylactic knee bracing, and an incidence rate ratio was used for injury rate comparison. RESULTS: Participants recorded 39 611 riding hours over the study period. A total of 57 riders (2.7%) sustained at least 1 knee injury, for a total of 89 injuries. The most common injuries involved the anterior cruciate ligament, menisci, and medial collateral ligament. There was a significantly higher rate of overall injuries in the nonbraced group versus the braced group (3.675 vs 1.587 per 1000 rider hours, P < .001). Significantly higher incidence rates of anterior cruciate ligament rupture (1.518 vs 0.701 per 1000 rider hours, P = .0274) and medial collateral ligament injury (0.799 vs 0.111 per 1000 rider hours, P = .002) were found among nonbraced riders compared with braced riders. CONCLUSION: The most common knee injuries in off-road motorcycling involve the anterior cruciate ligament, menisci, and medial collateral ligament. The use of prophylactic knee bracing appears to have a beneficial effect in preventing medial collateral ligament and anterior cruciate ligament injuries as well as overall knee injury occurrence. These findings may be applicable to other sports that involve similar forces and mechanics.