Derotational distal femoral osteotomy corrects excessive femoral anteversion in patients with patellofemoral instability: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: Patellofemoral instability (PFI) is a common condition that can be caused from multiple factors, including lower limb rotational malalignments. Determining precise criteria for performing corrective torsional osteotomy can be a daunting task due to the lack of consensus on normal and excessive values and the limited evidence-based data in the postoperative results. The purpose was to assess the clinical, functional and imaging outcomes following derotational distal femoral osteotomy (DDFO) in patients with PFI and/or anterior knee pain (AKP) associated with lower limb rotational malalignments. METHODS: Searches were conducted on PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases up to October 2023. Studies reporting outcomes after DDFO in patients with PFI and/or AKP were eligible for the systematic review. The primary outcome was imaging metrics, especially femoral anteversion. Secondary outcomes included the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) (clinical and functional). Quantitative synthesis involved the use of weighted averages to calculate pre- to postoperative mean differences (MD) and compare them against the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). RESULTS: Ten studies (309 knees) were included with a mean follow-up of 36.1 ± 11.7 months. Imaging outcomes consistently indicated the correction of femoral anteversion (MD = -19.4 degrees, 95% confidence interval: -20.1 to -18.7) following DDFO. PROMs showed significant improvements in most studies, exceeding the MCID. Patient satisfaction with the DDFO was high (93.3%). CONCLUSIONS: The DDFO was an effective treatment option for correcting excessive femoral anteversion in patients with PFI associated with clinically relevant functional and clinical improvement and a high satisfaction rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of level II-IV studies.

Women show a positive response to platelet-rich plasma despite presenting more painful knee osteoarthritis than men.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of gender on the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), comparing their short-term response between men and women. METHODS: Four hundred-eighteen patients (529 knees) were included. Patients were treated with three injections of PRP on a weekly basis. Blood and PRP samples were randomly tested. Patients were asked to complete the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) and 12-item short form survey (SF-12), at baseline and 6 months. Success rates were calculated according to a reduction in the pain score of at least 9.3 points [minimal clinically important improvement (MCII)]. Comparative tests and multivariate regression were performed. RESULTS: The PRP had a platelet concentration factor of 2.0X compared to blood levels, with no leucocytes or erythrocytes. KOOS scores showed an increase from baseline to 6 months (p < 0.0001). There was an increase in the physical component summary (PCS) (p < 0.0001) and mental component summary (MCS) (p < 0.01) of the SF-12. The number of knees of women with MCII was 156 out of 262 (59.6%), whereas the number of knees of men was 136 out of 267 (50.9%) (p = 0.0468). Women had worse baseline scores on pain (p = 0.009), PCS (p < 0.0001) and MCS (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Although the symptomatology generated by KOA was worse in women when compared to men, treatment with repeated injections of PRP was effective, ultimately achieving a higher improvement in women providing comparable final follow-up outcomes between men and women. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

The effect of short-term cryopreservation on the properties and functionality of platelet-rich plasma.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a biological treatment which, thanks to its enhanced growth factors content, is widely used in the field of regenerative medicine for its reparative effects. Although it is usually used fresh immediately after preparation, its freezing for preservation for future usage could be key in increasing its versatility and new applications. To assess the suitability of freezing, after collecting PRP and platelet lysates (PL) from 6 patients, they were preserved for 1 or 3 months at temperatures of -20ºC and -80°C. Measurements were then made on platelet number and integrity, growth factor levels, biomechanical properties of the clot and its bioactivity on cultured cells. Fresh PRP and PL were used as controls. The results showed an increase in platelet size (p < .01) and clot elasticity (p < .01), as well as decrease in levels of PDGF (P < .05) and VEGF (p < .05), though the overall bioactivity was not affected as culture cells showed the same responsiveness to both frozen and fresh PRP and PL in terms of cell viability. Based on these results, it could be assumed that preservation of PRP by freezing is a feasible and suitable option for its further use.

What is the context? Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a biological treatment widely used in regenerative medicine as a result of its high content of growth factors.In its routine use, PRP has autologous character, since it is obtained from the same patient and its infiltration in the affected area takes place immediately after it is obtained.Its storability would give PRP versatility in use, which could enable a potential allogeneic use and even significantly reduce the number of blood draws for each patient.It is necessary to establish a PRP storage protocol where its properties are not affected.What is new? PRP was stored at two time points (1 and 3 months) and temperatures (−20ºC and −80ºC) in activated and unactivated states. Afterwards, platelet number, size and activation were measured. Furthermore, the biomechanical properties of the resulting clot, the growth factor content and PRP's impact on cell viability were analyzed.The limiting factor was not having used aggregometry or other techniques that measure other cellular processes, as well as the limited sample size.The results showed that freezing affected platelet size, the levels of platelet-derived GFs and the biomechanical properties of the clot. However, plasmatic levels of growth factors or its capacity to boost cellular proliferation were not affected.What is the impact?The clinical impact of this work is the ability to preserve PRP by freezing. This is especially relevant as it allows a possible use of PRP as an allogeneic treatment. Moreover, its preservation significantly reduces the number of blood draws for each patient, especially in those with puncture difficulties or with apprehension.

Magnetic resonance imaging is able to detect patellofemoral focal cartilage injuries: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect and grade the severity of patellofemoral (PF) cartilage injuries. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases (up to July 1st 2022) to search for studies that reported the diagnostic accuracy of MRI to detect and grade PF cartilage injuries as compared to diagnostic arthroscopy. Risk of bias was judged using the QUADAS-2 tool. Quantitative syntheses were performed to calculate the diagnostic accuracy metric-sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood (LR+) and negative likelihood (LR-) ratios, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR)-and presented as median with 25% and 75% percentiles. The summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves were also calculated. Diagnostic accuracy metrics were calculated for all PF cartilage injuries and then sub-grouped by patellar and trochlear lesions. Diagnostic accuracy was also calculated according to the grading of cartilage injuries. RESULTS: Forty-five studies were included for qualitative analyses and forty studies were included for quantitative synthesis. A total of 3534 participants with a weighted mean age of 38.1 years were included. Diagnostic accuracy was generally high: sensitivity (0.8, 0.6-1.0), specificity (0.9, 0.8-1.0), LR+ (6.4, 3.1-15.3), LR- (0.3, 0.2-0.4) and DOR (21.3, 9.9-121.1). The area under the curve (AUC) of the SROC was 0.9. The diagnostic accuracy was slightly higher for patellar (sensitivity 0.8, specificity 0.8, LR+ 5.3, LR- 0.2, DOR 28.8) than for trochlear lesions (sensitivity 0.7, specificity 0.9, LR+ 5.5, LR- 0.4, DOR 14.3). The sensitivity was generally higher when grading advanced (vs. early or intermediate) cartilage injuries of the patella. CONCLUSION: The MRI is able to diagnose PF cartilage injuries with reasonably high diagnostic accuracy (as compared to arthroscopy). Clinicians can rely on MRI to reliably diagnose PF cartilage injuries (with some limitations) which will play an important role in deciding for surgical or non-operative treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Isolated lateral extra-articular tenodesis in ACL-deficient knees: in vivo knee kinematics and clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE: To carry out an in vivo kinematic analysis of isolated modified Lemaire lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) to explore its ability to modify the stability of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient knees. The secondary aim was to look at the clinical outcomes of the isolated LET to analyze whether biomechanical changes have an influence on clinical improvement or not. METHODS: A total of 52 patients who underwent an isolated modified Lemaire LET were prospectively studied. Twenty-two were over 55-year-old patients with ACL rupture and subjective instability (group 1). They were followed up for 2 years postoperatively. Thirty were patients underwent a two-stage ACL revision (group 2). They were followed up for 4 months postoperatively (up to the second stage of the ACL revision). Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative kinematic analyses were carried out using the KiRA accelerometer and KT1000 arthrometer to look for residual anterolateral rotational instability and residual anteroposterior instability. Functional outcomes were measured with the single-leg vertical jump test (SLVJT) and the single-leg hop test (SLHT). Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the IKDC 2000, Lysholm, and Tegner scores. RESULTS: A significant reduction of both rotational and anteroposterior instability was detected. It was present both with the patient under anesthesia (p < 0.001 and p = 0.007 respectively) as well as with the patient awake (p = 0.008 and p = 0.018 respectively). Postoperative analysis of knee laxity did not show any significant variation from the first to the last follow-up. Both the SLVJT and SLHT improved significantly at the last follow-up (p < 0.001 and p = 0.011 respectively). The mean values of both the IKDC and Lysholm and Tegner scores showed an improvement (p = 0.008; p = 0.012; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The modified Lemaire LET improves the kinematics of ACL-deficient knees. The improvement in the kinematics leads to an improvement in subjective stability as well as in the function of the knee and in the clinical outcomes. At the 2-year follow-up, these improvements were maintained in a cohort of patients over 55 years. Following our findings, to reduce knee instability, an isolated LET in ACL-deficient knees may be used when ACL reconstruction in patients over 55 years is not indicated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

High survival rate after the combination of intrameniscal and intraarticular infiltrations of platelet-rich plasma as conservative treatment for meniscal lesions.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of applying a combination of intrameniscal and intraarticular infiltrations of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in patients with meniscal tears, analyzing its failure rate and clinical evolution, as well as factors that may influence the positive response to this treatment. METHODS: Three hundred and ninety-two cases out of 696 met the inclusion criteria and were included in this work. Survival and patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) were collected and analyzed. Survival rate was defined as the percentage of patients who did not undergo meniscus surgery during their follow-up time. Patients were asked to complete the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at baseline, 6 months and 18 months. Other patient- and pathology-related variables were collected. Blood and PRP samples were randomly tested as a quality control measure. Survival and comparative statistical tests, and multivariate regression were performed for the analysis of the variables. RESULTS: The PRP applied had a platelet concentration factor of 1.9X in respect to blood levels, with no leukocytes or erythrocytes. Thirty-eight patients required surgical intervention after treatment reaching a survival rate of 90.3% with an estimated mean survival time of 54.4 months. The type of injury (P = 0.002) and the presence of chondropathy were risk factors for surgical intervention after PRP treatment (P = 0.043). All KOOS scores showed a significant statistical increase from baseline to 6 months (N = 93) and 18 months (N = 66) (P < 0.0001). The number of cases with minimal clinically important improvement (MCII) at 6 months and 18 months post-treatment was 65 (69.9%) and 43 (65.2%), respectively. CONCLUSION: The combination of intrameniscal and intraarticular PRP infiltrations is a valid conservative treatment for meniscal injuries avoiding the need for surgical intervention. Its efficacy is higher in horizontal tears and decreases when joint degeneration is present. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Complications after total ankle arthroplasty- A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Total ankle arthroplasty was developed as an alternative option to ankle arthrodesis in patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. Multiple trials have assessed the outcomes of ankle arthroplasty, but complication risk or relative effectiveness is not systematized in literature. AIM: Review complications of new designs of total ankle arthroplasty and the relationship between their severity and failure rates. METHODS: We reviewed complications and revision rates of prospective studies of primary total ankle arthroplasty that included more than 50 patients and with minimum 2 years follow-up. RESULTS: We included 22 studies (4412 ankles, median age of 61.9 years) with an adjusted mean follow-up time of 66.6 ± 40.9 months. The adjusted mean complication rate was 23.7 % (2.4-52 %), mostly high-grade complications (35.6 %). We found a statistically significant positive correlation between high- and medium-grade complications and revision rates. CONCLUSION: Patient selection is crucial to successfully treat end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. Further multicenter clinical trials with consistent reporting of complications are warranted.

Improved Clinical Outcomes After Lateralized Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Lateralized reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has emerged as an attempt to improve on some of the drawbacks of conventional RSA, such as glenoid notching and decrease in ROM. Although this new design is being used in clinical practice, the evidence is mostly limited to case series and has not been systematically reviewed. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) How much did patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and ROM improve among patients who receive a lateralized RSA implant? (2) What proportion of shoulders experience complications, revision surgery, or scapular notching? METHODS: The PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched from database inception to January 31, 2020. We included clinical studies that reported the PROMs and/or ROM of patients with insufficient rotator cuffs undergoing RSA with a lateralized implant. All other types of studies and those including patients with fractures, instability or escape, infection, rheumatologic disease, neurologic disease, or revision surgeries as an indication for RSA were excluded. PROMs and ROM were collected and are reported as mean values and ranges. Complications, revision surgery, and scapular notching are presented as proportions. The percentage of the mean change relative to the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) was calculated using the anchor-based value for each outcome. The Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) was used to assess study quality. The initial search yielded 678 studies; 61 full-text articles were analyzed according to our eligibility criteria. After a detailed analysis, we included nine studies that evaluated 1670 patients (68% of whom [1130] were women) with a mean age of 71.8 ± 0.6 years. The mean follow-up period was 41.1 ± 5.6 months. The mean MINORS score was 12 ± 4. RESULTS: Active ROM improved for forward flexion (mean change 47° to 82°; MCID 12°), abduction (mean change 43° to 80°; MCID 7°), external rotation (mean change 8° to 39°; MCID 3°), and internal rotation (mean change -2 to 1 points). PROM scores also improved, including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (mean change 20 to 50; MCID 20.9 points), Constant score (mean change 28 to 40; MCID 5.7 points), Simple Shoulder Test score (mean change 3 to 7; MCID 2.4 points), and VAS score (mean change -1.8 to -4.9; MCID -1.6 points). The proportion of shoulders with complications ranged from 0% (0 of 44) to 21% (30 of 140), and the proportion of shoulders with scapular notching ranged from 0% (0 of 76) to 29% (41 of 140). The proportion of patients undergoing revision ranged from 0% (0 of 44) to 13% (10 of 76) at short-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: Lateralized RSA is a reasonable alternative to medialized implants for patients with rotator cuff insufficiency because it might reduce the likelihood of scapular notching without apparently compromising PROMs or ROM. More studies are required to determine whether there is a direct correlation between the amount of lateralization and PROMs or ROM.

Integration of polyurethane meniscus scaffold during ACL revision is not reliable at 5 years despite favourable clinical outcome.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome at 5-year follow-up of a one-step procedure combining anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and partial meniscus replacement using a polyurethane scaffold for the treatment of symptomatic patients with previously failed ACL reconstruction and partial medial meniscectomy. Moreover, the implanted scaffolds have been evaluated by MRI protocol in terms of morphology, volume, and signal intensity. METHODS: Twenty patients with symptomatic knee laxity after failed ACL reconstruction and partial medial meniscectomy underwent ACL revision combined with polyurethane-based meniscal scaffold implant. Clinical assessment at 2- and 5-year follow-ups included VAS, Tegner Activity Score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the Lysholm Score. MRI evaluation of the scaffold was performed according to the Genovese scale with quantification of the scaffold's volume at 1- and 5-year follow-ups. RESULTS: All scores revealed clinical improvement as compared with the preoperative values at the 2- and 5-year follow-ups. However, a slight, but significant reduction of scores was observed between 2 and 5 years. Concerning the MRI assessment, a significant reduction of the scaffold's volume was observed between 1 and 5 years. Genovese Morphology classification at 5 years included two complete resorptions (Type 3) and all the remaining patients had irregular morphology (Type 2). With regard to the Genovese Signal at the 5-year follow-up, three were classified as markedly hyperintense (Type 1), 15 as slightly hyperintense (Type 2), and two as isointense (Type 1). CONCLUSION: Simultaneous ACL reconstruction and partial meniscus replacement using a polyurethane scaffold provides favourable clinical outcomes in the treatment of symptomatic patients with previously failed ACL reconstruction and partial medial meniscectomy at 5 years. However, MRI evaluation suggests that integration of the scaffold is not consistent. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Therapeutics That Can Potentially Replicate or Augment the Anti-Aging Effects of Physical Exercise.

Globally, better health care access and social conditions ensured a significant increase in the life expectancy of the population. There is, however, a clear increase in the incidence of age-related diseases which, besides affecting the social and economic sustainability of countries and regions around the globe, leads to a decrease in the individual's quality of life. There is an urgent need for interventions that can reverse, or at least prevent and delay, the age-associated pathological deterioration. Within this line, this narrative review aims to assess updated evidence that explores the potential therapeutic targets that can mimic or complement the recognized anti-aging effects of physical exercise. We considered pertinent to review the anti-aging effects of the following drugs and supplements: Rapamycin and Rapamycin analogues (Rapalogs); Metformin; 2-deoxy-D-glucose; Somatostatin analogues; Pegvisomant; Trametinib; Spermidine; Fisetin; Quercetin; Navitoclax; TA-65; Resveratrol; Melatonin; Curcumin; Rhodiola rosea and Caffeine. The current scientific evidence on the anti-aging effect of these drugs and supplements is still scarce and no recommendation of their generalized use can be made at this stage. Further studies are warranted to determine which therapies display a geroprotective effect and are capable of emulating the benefits of physical exercise.

Higher age, female gender, osteoarthritis and blood transfusion protect against periprosthetic joint infection in total hip or knee arthroplasties: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to identify the main risk factors for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasties. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted of the potential risk factors for PJI in total hip or total knee arthroplasty. Risk factors were compared and grouped according to demographics, comorbidities, behavior, infections, native joint diseases and other patient-related and procedure-related factors. Meta-analysis (random-effects models) was conducted using odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD). Risk of bias (ROBBINS-I) and strength of the evidence (GRADE) were assessed. RESULTS: The study included 37 studies (2,470,827 patients). Older age was a protective factor (MD = - 1.18). Male gender (OR 1.34), coagulopathy (3.05), congestive heart failure (2.36), diabetes mellitus (1.80), obesity (1.61), systemic neoplasia (1.57), chronic lung disease (1.52), and hypertension (1.21) increased the risk for PJI. Behavioral risk factors comprised alcohol abuse (2.95), immunosuppressive therapy (2.81), steroid therapies (1.88), and tobacco (1.82). Infectious risk factors included surgical site infections (6.14), postoperative urinary tract infections (2.85), and prior joint infections (2.15). Rheumatoid arthritis, posttraumatic native joint disease, high National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS) system surgical patient index score, prior joint operation, American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥ 3 and obesity were also significantly associated with higher risk of PJI. Osteoarthritis and blood transfusion were protective factors. CONCLUSIONS: The main risk factors for PJI in each category were male gender, coagulopathy, alcohol abuse, surgical site infection (highest score) and high NNIS system surgical patient index score. Protective factors were age, female gender in TKA, osteoarthritis and blood transfusion. Optimization of modifiable risk factors for PJI should be attempted in clinical practice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Menstrual pattern and contraceptive choices of Portuguese athletes.

OBJECTIVES: Menstrual symptoms are commonly cited barriers to physical activity in women. Delay or avoidance of menstruation through hormonal contraceptives may mitigate those barriers. Our purpose is to identify the uterine bleeding patterns of Portuguese athletes, their contraceptive choices and the impact of contraceptive methods in sports performance. We aim also to compare the outcomes between users and non-users of contraception. METHODS: Observational, descriptive and comparative study based on a customised self-assessment online survey aimed at Portuguese athletes. Athletes had to be at least 16 years old and competing at a national, international or professional level. RESULTS: A total of 256 athletes from 18 modalities were eligible. The mean age was 29 years and the mean age of menarche was 12.8 years. Monthly bleeding pattern was prevailing and 50% presented dysmenorrhoea. More than 85% experience fluctuations in sports performance throughout the month. The majority (71.5%) used contraceptive methods. Only 16% believed that contraception decreased sports performance. Contraceptive users exhibit a lower mean body mass index, blood loss and percentage of dysmenorrhoea than the non-users. CONCLUSION: Most athletes had the perception that performance varies throughout the month. The majority of participants do not report amenorrhoea and have monthly menses. The use of contraceptive methods is reportedly high, benefit cycle control and apparently without any physical inconvenience.

Lack of Definition of Chronic Ankle Instability With Arthrometer-Assisted Ankle Joint Stress Testing: A Systematic Review of In Vivo Studies.

Despite extensive research on ankle instability a consensual and clear objective definition for pathological mechanical lateral ankle instability is yet to be determined. This systematic review aimed to summarize current available arthrometric devices, measuring methods and lateral ankle laxity outcomes in patients with chronic ankle instability that underwent objective arthrometric stress measurement. Sixty-eight studies comprising a total of 3,235 ankles with chronic ankle instability were included. Studies reported a wide range of arthrometric devices, testing position and procedures, and measuring methods. For the anterior drawer test, the average mean differences between injured and uninjured ankles ranged from -0.9 to 4.1 mm, and total translation in the injured ankle from 3.2 to 21.0 mm. Most common pathological threshold was ≥4 mm or ≥10 mm unilaterally and ≥3 mm bilaterally. For the talar tilt test, the average mean differences between injured and uninjured ankles ranged from 0.0° to 8.0°, and total tilt from injured ankle from 3.3 to 60.2°. Most common pathological threshold was ≥ 10° unilaterally and ≥ 6° mm bilaterally. It was found high heterogeneity in the scientific literature regarding the arthrometric devices, use of concomitant imaging and measuring methods of arthrometer-assisted anterior drawer and talar tilt tests which led to variable laxity outcomes in individuals with chronic ankle instability. Future studies should focus on standardizing the testing and measuring methods for an objective definition of mechanical ankle instability.

The vascularization of the peroneal tendons: An anatomic study.

BACKGROUND: Arterial vascularization is intimately related to the peroneal tendon ruptures. Our purpose is to describe the vascular anatomy of peroneal tendons and assess differences in the vascularization patterns between peroneus brevis tendon (PBT) and peroneus longus tendon (PLT). METHODS: Anatomical study of 22 cadaveric lower extremities. We exposed tendons' vascularization by injecting latex. To systematize the vascular description, we considered four anatomical regions in the PBT and six in the PLT. RESULTS: Vascularization was supplied by the peroneal, anterior tibial and lateral plantar arteries and from the deep plantar arch through the vincula connecting the tendons. No avascular areas were found in the PLT. 22.7% of specimens had avascular areas in the PBT. Two visual vascularization patterns were found (arcuate and weblike). Increasing age and a web-like vascularization were associated with a lower number of blood vessels at the tendons' post malleolus area. CONCLUSION: Peroneal tendons are well vascularized throughout their course, running through a common vincula, with vascularization provided by various arteries. Avascular areas were observed in the PBT, but none at the PLT.

The cement-in-cement technique is a reliable option in hip arthroplasty revision surgery: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: The cement-in-cement technique for revision hip arthroplasty has many potential advantages and has recently gained widespread interest but still lacks evidence to support it. Our aim was to examine the surgical and patient-reported outcomes after cement-in-cement revision hip arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched up to February 2019 for original studies reporting the outcomes of revision hip arthroplasty surgeries using the cement-in-cement technique. The methodological quality was assessed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies scale. RESULTS: Sixteen non-comparative studies met the eligibility criteria, comprising 1899 hips in 1856 patients (72.2 mean age, 37% male), with a mean follow-up of 7.2 years. Most studies reported only primary revisions and focused on the stem component. Intraoperative complications such as femoral or acetabular fractures (5.3%) were low and easily manageable with no relevant sequelae, as were dislocation rates (2.8% of uncomplicated events and 1.6% of cases requiring re-revision). Failure (considered if there was aseptic loosening of the cement-in-cement revised component, 2%), re-revision (9.3%), implant survival and late complication rates were favourable. Functional patient-reported outcomes showed an overall improvement above the minimal clinically important difference at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: The cement-in-cement technique is a viable option for hip arthroplasty revision surgery with low intraoperative and late complication rates, dislocations and immediate post-operative morbidity, resulting in good functional patient-reported outcomes and favourable medium-term implant survival.

How should clinicians rehabilitate patients after ACL reconstruction? A systematic review of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) with a focus on quality appraisal (AGREE II).

OBJECTIVES: To summarise recommendations and appraise the quality of international clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction. DESIGN: Systematic review of CPGs (PROSPERO number: CRD42017020407). DATA SOURCES: Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane, SPORTDiscus, PEDro and grey literature databases were searched up to 30 September 2018. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: English-language CPGs on rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction that used systematic search of evidence to formulate recommendations. METHODS: We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to report the systematic review. Two appraisers used the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument to report comprehensiveness, consistency and quality of CPGs. We summarised recommendations for rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction. RESULTS: Six CPGs with an overall median AGREE II total score of 130 points (out of 168) and median overall quality of 63% were included. One CPG had an overall score below the 50% (poor quality score) and two CPGs scored above 80% (higher quality score). The lowest domain score was 'applicability' (can clinicians implement this in practice?) (29%) and the highest 'scope and purpose' (78%) and 'clarity of presentation' (75%). CPGs recommended immediate knee mobilisation and strength/neuromuscular training. Early full weight-bearing exercises, early open and closed kinetic-chain exercises, cryotherapy and neuromuscular electrostimulation may be used according individual circumstances. The CPGs recommend against continuous passive motion and functional bracing. CONCLUSION: The quality of the CPGs in ACL postoperative rehabilitation was good, but all CPGs showed poor applicability. Immediate knee mobilisation and strength/neuromuscular training should be used. Continuous passive motion and functional bracing should be eschewed.

Fascia Lata Autograft Versus Human Dermal Allograft in Arthroscopic Superior Capsular Reconstruction for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: A Systematic Review of Clinical Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (ASCR) using either fascia lata autograft or human dermal allograft for irreparable rotator cuff tears (IRCTs). METHODS: A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines by searching the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases through January 31, 2019. The inclusion criteria were as follows: 5 or more consecutive patients who underwent ASCR for IRCTs; clinical outcome measures reported at a minimum follow-up of 12 months; and magnetic resonance imaging assessment at a minimum follow-up of 6 months. The methodologic quality was evaluated using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS). A narrative synthesis of data was performed. Mean outcome improvements were compared with minimal clinically important differences. RESULTS: We identified 7 eligible studies that included 344 shoulders in 338 patients who underwent ASCR for IRCTs (all Level IV studies). The mean MINORS score was 12.3 ± 1.60. Of the 7 studies, 5 had a high risk of bias (MINORS score ≤12): 2 studies using only fascia lata autograft and 3 studies using only human dermal allograft. The mean age of patients ranged from 59.4 to 66.9 years. The mean follow-up time ranged from 12 to 48 months. All studies reported statistically significant and clinically important mean improvements in active elevation (range of means, 28°-56°), the Constant score (range of means, 12-47.1 points), or the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (range of means, 29.3-56 points). In total, 218 shoulders underwent postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The graft tear rate reported in studies using fascia lata autograft (181 shoulders) ranged from 5% to 32%, whereas the values reported in studies using human dermal allograft (37 shoulders) ranged from 20% to 75%. CONCLUSIONS: ASCR using either fascia lata autograft or human dermal allograft leads to significant and clinically important improvements in clinical outcomes in IRCT patients at 12 months or later. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Level IV studies.

Enhanced microfracture using acellular scaffolds improves results after treatment of symptomatic focal grade III/IV knee cartilage lesions but current clinical evidence does not allow unequivocal recommendation.

PURPOSE: To systematically analyse post-operative outcomes following enhanced microfracture procedures in focal cartilage injuries of the knee. METHODS: Database searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases up to 30 November 2018, for clinical studies in humans that assessed surgical outcomes of enhanced microfracture procedures in focal cartilage injuries of the knee. The clinical, functional and imaging outcomes were assessed and summarized. The MINORS scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies included. RESULTS: Ten studies were included comprising a total of 331 patients (mean age of 37.0 ± 5.5 years, body mass 25.2 ± 1.7 kg m2, 56% male and 42% left knee), 278 femoral condyle chondral defects (147 medial, 35 lateral and 78 undefined) and 43 chondral defects distributed by the tibial plateau, patella and femoral trochlea. The chondral defects were mostly Outerbridge grade III or IV and the mean defect size was 3.2 ± 0.6 cm2. Studies consistently demonstrated significant improvement in the patient-reported outcome measures from baseline to final follow-up. Overall, imaging outcomes showed inconsistent results. Treatment-related adverse events were poorly reported. CONCLUSION: Enhanced microfracture techniques significantly result in improved patient-reported outcome measures over the MCID, but provide inconsistent imaging results. Current clinical evidence does not allow for unequivocal recommendation of enhanced microfracture to treat symptomatic focal grade III/IV knee cartilage lesions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

A new device for patellofemoral instrumented stress-testing provides good reliability and validity.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the reliability of an instrumented patellofemoral (PF) stress-testing-the Porto Patellofemoral Testing Device (PPTD)-and validate the instrumented assessment method comparing to manual physical examination. METHODS: Eight asymptomatic volunteers underwent bilateral PF-instrumented examination with the PPTD and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess intra-rater reliability of the instrumented assessment methodology. Six patients with unilateral PF instability underwent physical examination and PPTD concomitantly with MRI. Manual examination was performed by two blinded surgeons and compared with PPTD test. Ligament stiffness was calculated and compared between injured and non-injured lower limbs. RESULTS: PPTD showed a pre-determined and reproducible stress-force application with excellent intra-rater agreement (intra-class correlation coefficient 0.83-0.98). The manual exam was imprecise with variable examiner-dependent stress-force application. The PPTD resulted in greater lateral patellar translation (converted in quadrants) than manual exam for patients that have reached maximum translation force. Measurement of patellar position and displacement using PPTD was more accurate and precise than the visual estimation of translated quadrants by manual exam. Ligament stiffness curves showed no relevant changes in patellar displacement after 62 N. CONCLUSION: The PPTD instrumented stress-testing is a valid device to quantify PF position and displacement with high intra-rater reliability, showing more accuracy, more precision and less variability than physical examination. This device provides an accurate and objective measure to quantify the patellar movement which can augment the physical examination procedures and assist clinicians in the management of decision-making and in the assessment of post-treatment outcomes of PF pathological conditions.

Unilateral anterior knee pain is associated with increased patellar lateral position after stressed lateral translation.

PURPOSE: To objectively compare side-to-side patellar position and mobility in patients with idiopathic unilateral anterior knee pain (AKP) using a stress-testing device concomitantly with magnetic resonance imaging. It is hypothesized that the painful knees present greater patellar mobility than the contralateral non-painful knees. METHODS: From a total sample of 359 patients, 23 patients with idiopathic unilateral AKP (30.9 years, 23.4 kg/m2, 43% males) were included within the present study. Both knees of all the patients were examined by conventional imaging, including the measurement of trochlear sulcus angle, Caton-Deschamps index, tibial tuberosity to trochlear groove distance, patellar tilt angle and patellar subluxation (both at rest and upon quadriceps contraction). Additionally, the same patients underwent stress testing (Porto Patella Testing Device); these measurements were taken with the patella at rest, after lateral patellar translation and after lateral patellar tilt. Clinical and functional outcomes were obtained using physical examination and the Kujala and Lysholm scores. RESULTS: Painful knees showed statistically significant higher patellar lateral position after stressed lateral translation than non-painful knees (p = 0.028), 9.8 ± 3.6 mm and 7.1 ± 6.3 mm, respectively. The adjusted multivariate logistic model identified the patellar position after lateral displacement to be significantly associated with AKP (OR = 1.165) and the model (AUC = 0.807, p < 0.001) showed reasonable sensitivity (67%) and specificity (73%). CONCLUSION: Patients with idiopathic unilateral AKP with morphologically equivalent knees showed statistically significant increased patellar lateral position after stressed lateral displacement in their painful knee. The greater lateral patellar mobility quantified by the PPTD testing brings more objectivity to the diagnosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.