The importance of the acetabular labrum has been well documented for the function and overall health of the hip joint. Several biomechanical studies have shown the sealing effect of the acetabular labrum. In the past decade, labral repair procedures have gained increased attention, with the literature suggesting that the outcomes after hip arthroscopy are directly related to labral preservation. However, a primary labral repair can be challenging in cases of hypoplastic, ossified, or complex and irreparable labral tears in which there is insufficient tissue to perform a primary repair. For these cases, labral reconstruction becomes a viable option with good outcomes at short-term and midterm follow-up. A subset of these patients may show viable remnants of the labral circumferential fibers but, because of the low tissue volume, these remnant fibers are unable to maintain the suction seal. In this situation, a labral augmentation may be a viable alternative to labral reconstruction while preserving as much native labral tissue as possible. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe an arthroscopic hip labral augmentation technique using iliotibial band autograft or allograft.
Background: The biomechanical effects of lateral meniscal posterior root tears with and without meniscofemoral ligament (MFL) tears in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)–deficient knees have not been studied in detail. Purpose: To determine the biomechanical effects of the lateral meniscus (LM) posterior root tear in ACL-intact and ACL-deficient knees. In addition, the biomechanical effects of disrupting the MFLs in ACL-deficient knees with meniscal root tears were evaluated. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Ten paired cadaveric knees were mounted in a 6-degrees-of-freedom robot for testing and divided into 2 groups. The sectioning order for group 1 was (1) ACL, (2) LM posterior root, and (3) MFLs, and the order for group 2 was (1) LM posterior root, (2) ACL, and (3) MFLs. For each cutting state, displacements and rotations of the tibia were measured and compared with the intact state after a simulated pivot-shift test (5-N·m internal rotation torque combined with a 10-N·m valgus torque) at 0°, 20°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion; an anterior translation load (88 N) at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion; and internal rotation (5 N·m) at 0°, 30°, 60°, 75°, and 90°. Results: Cutting the LM root and MFLs significantly increased anterior tibial translation (ATT) during a pivot-shift test at 20° and 30° when compared with the ACL-cut state (both Ps < .05). During a 5-N·m internal rotation torque, cutting the LM root in ACL-intact knees significantly increased internal rotation by between 0.7° ± 0.3° and 1.3° ± 0.9° (all Ps < .05) except at 0° ( P = .136). When the ACL + LM root cut state was compared with the ACL-cut state, the increase in internal rotation was significant at greater flexion angles of 75° and 90° (both Ps < .05) but not between 0°and 60° (all Ps > .2). For an anterior translation load, cutting the LM root in ACL-deficient knees significantly increased ATT only at 30° ( P = .007). Conclusion: The LM posterior root was a significant stabilizer of the knee for ATT during a pivot-shift test at lower flexion angles and internal rotation at higher flexion angles. Clinical Relevance: Increased knee anterior translation and rotatory instability due to posterior lateral meniscal root disruption may contribute to increased loads on an ACL reconstruction graft. It is recommended that lateral meniscal root tears be repaired at the same time as an ACL reconstruction to prevent possible ACL graft overload.
The lateral meniscus posterior root was a significant primary stabilizer of the knee for internal rotation and anterior tibial translation during pivoting activities at lower flexion angles and internal rotation at higher flexion angles.
Meniscal root tears occur in isolation or concurrently with ligamentous knee injury and cause significantly altered knee mechanics with the loss of normal meniscus hoop stress. This loss of normal meniscus function can result in abnormal knee kinematics and, subsequently, more rapid degenerative changes of the knee articular surface. In the setting of anterior cruciate ligament tear, the posterolateral meniscus root is most commonly damaged. Several techniques exist for meniscus root repair; however, none have been shown to be clearly superior. We present a safe, effective, and reproducible arthroscopic transtibial technique for posterior horn lateral meniscal root tears.
Objectives: The menisci have an important role in stabilizing the knee joint. The biomechanical effects of lateral meniscal posterior root tears with or without meniscofemoral ligament (MFL) tears in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient knees have not been studied in detail. The aim of this study was to determine the biomechanical effects of disruption of the lateral meniscus posterior root attachment in ACL-intact and ACL-deficient knees. It was hypothesized that disruption of the posterior horn lateral meniscal root attachment would cause a significant increase in both anterior tibial translation (ATT) and internal rotation during a simulated pivot shift and also in internal rotation tests in the ACL-deficient knee, both with and without intact meniscofemoral ligaments. Methods: Ten paired (n = 20) fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were mounted in a 6 degree-of-freedom robot for testing and divided into two sequential cutting groups. The sectioning order for group 1 was (1) ACL, (2) lateral meniscus posterior root and (3) MFL. The sectioning order for group 2 was (1) lateral meniscus posterior root, (2) ACL, and (3) MFL. For each cutting state, displacements and rotations of the tibia were measured and compared to the intact state following a simulated pivot shift test (5 Nm internal rotation torque combined with a 10 Nm valgus torque) at 0°, 20°, 30°, 60° and 90° of knee flexion; an anterior translation load (88 N) at 0°, 30°, 60° and 90° of knee flexion; and internal and external rotation (5-Nm) at 0°, 30°, 60°, 75° and 90° of knee flexion. Results: Cutting the LM root and MFLs significantly increased ATT during a simulated pivot shift test at 20° and 30° when compared to the ACL cut state (p<0.05) (Figure 1). Cutting the LM root in ACL intact knees significantly increased internal rotation by between 0.4° ± 0.4° and 1.3° ± 0.9° (p<0.05), except at 0° (p=0.136). When the ACL + LM root cut state was compared to the ACL cut state, the increase in internal rotation was significant (p<0.05) at higher flexion angles (75° and 90°) but not between 0°- 60°. For an anterior translation load, cutting the LM root in ACL deficient knees significantly increased ATT at 30° (p<0.05). Conclusion: The LM posterior root was a significant primary stabilizer of the knee for internal rotation and anterior tibial translation during pivoting activities at lower flexion angles and internal rotation at higher flexion angles. Lateral meniscal posterior root tears should be repaired concurrently with ACL reconstruction. Increased knee instability due to lateral meniscal root deficiency may contribute to increased functional limitations in patients and potentially to ACL reconstruction graft failure.
Lateral hip pain associated with trochanteric bursitis is a common orthopedic condition, and can be debilitating in chronic or recalcitrant situations. Conservative management is the most common initial treatment and often results in resolution of symptoms and improved patient outcomes. These modalities include rest, activity modification, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, or corticosteroid injections. However, there is a subset of patients in which symptoms persist despite exhaustive conservative modalities. For these patients, trochanteric bursectomy is a surgical option to address persistent pathology. Previous literature indicates that both open and arthroscopic surgical techniques can be used to address the inflamed bursa and results in good patient outcomes. However, recent advances in hip arthroscopy have allowed for improvements in minimally invasive techniques to address intracapsular and extracapsular pathology of the hip, including recalcitrant trochanteric bursitis. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe our technique for a minimally invasive arthroscopic trochanteric bursectomy.
The purpose of this study was to develop a novel method to quantify hip capsular volume in patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery, utilizing magnetic resonance arthrogram (MRA) and to determine whether there are demographic or radiological factors that are associated with capsular volume.
Background: Fractures of the capitellum are rare and are commonly classified into 4 types. Type II variants involve a shear injury with a mostly articular cartilage component and little subchondral bone. Symptoms upon presentation after these injuries are variable, and the diagnosis can be difficult to make in the immature skeleton.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 3 cases of type II capitellar fractures in adolescent athletes who presented for evaluation with the senior author.Results: All patients were initially treated conservatively, without identification or treatment of the capitellar shear component of their injury. Unfortunately, radiocapitellar arthrosis rapidly developed in all 3 and required surgical intervention at our institution. At an average postoperative follow-up of 49 months from the index procedure, patients ultimately had positive outcomes despite advanced degenerative changes on imaging. One patient required 2 subsequent operations for mechanical symptoms and pain.Discussion: The 3 reported cases represent adolescent, athletic patients with missed shear injuries to the capitellum. These patients exhibited low Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores and high Mayo Elbow Performance Scores at final follow-up, but each patient demonstrated advanced degenerative changes on imaging, and 1 patient required 2 subsequent operations for mechanical symptoms and pain. A high index of suspicion is necessary to identify this injury pattern, and proper plain radiographic imaging with a low threshold for advanced imaging is necessary. Although the overall long-term prognosis is unknown for these patients, early recognition likely would have changed the initial conservative management decision in each and, theoretically, might have altered the outcome for these patients. (C) 2016 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. All rights reserved.
Primary synovial chondromatosis is a rare, benign, proliferative disease of hyaline cartilaginous bodies within the synovium of joints. We report a rare case of primary synovial chondromatosis diffusely affecting the ulnohumeral joint causing pain and motion limitations with extrusion into the cubital tunnel and compressing the ulnar nerve but without any preoperative signs or symptoms of ulnar nerve compression. The patient was successfully treated with an open synovectomy to limit disease progression and improve motion. This case highlights that synovial conditions of the elbow may involve the ulnar nerve even when a patient is asymptomatic. Preoperative use of magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow should be considered in patients undergoing either an open or arthroscopic synovectomy.
BACKGROUND:Many patients develop recurrent periprosthetic joint infection after two-stage exchange arthroplasty of the hip or knee. One potential but insufficiently tested strategy to decrease the risk of persistent or recurrent infection is to administer additional antibiotics after the second-stage reimplantation.QUESTIONS/PURPOSES:(1) Does a 3-month course of oral antibiotics decrease the risk of failure secondary to infection after a two-stage exchange? (2) Are there any complications related to the administration of oral antibiotics after a two-stage exchange? (3) In those patients who develop a reinfection, is the infecting organism different from the initial infection?METHODS:Patients at seven centers randomized to receive 3 months of oral antibiotics or no further antibiotic treatment after operative cultures after the second-stage reimplantation were negative. Adult patients undergoing two-stage hip or knee revision arthroplasty for a periprosthetic infection who met Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria for infection at the first stage were included. Oral antibiotic therapy was tailored to the original infecting organism(s) in consultation with an infectious disease specialist. MSIS criteria as used by the treating surgeon defined failure. Surveillance of patients for complications, including reinfection, occurred at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 12 months, and 24 months. If an organism demonstrated the same antibiotic sensitivities as the original organism, it was considered the same organism; no DNA subtyping was performed. Analysis was performed as intent to treat with all randomized patients included in the groups to which they were randomized. A log-rank survival curve was used to analyze the primary outcome of reinfection. At planned interim analysis (enrollment is ongoing), 59 patients were successfully randomized to the antibiotic group and 48 patients to the control group. Fifty-seven patients had an infection after TKA and 50 after a THA. There was no minimum followup for inclusion in this analysis. The mean followup was 14 months in the antibiotic group and 10 months in the control group.RESULTS:Patients treated with oral antibiotics failed secondary to infection less frequently than those not treated with antibiotics (5% [three of 59] versus 19% [nine of 48]; hazard ratio, 4.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.297-19.748; p = 0.016). Three patients had an adverse reaction to the oral antibiotics severe enough to cause them to stop taking the antibiotics early, and four patients who were randomized to that group did not take the antibiotics as directed. With the numbers available, there were no differences between the study groups in terms of the likelihood that an infection after treatment would be with a new organism (eight of nine in the control group versus one of three in the treatment group, p = 0.087).CONCLUSIONS:This multicenter randomized trial suggests that at short-term followup, the addition of 3 months of oral antibiotics appeared to improve infection-free survival. As a planned interim analysis, however, these results may change as the study reaches closure and the safety profile may yet prove risky. Further followup of this cohort of patients will be necessary to determine whether these preliminary results are durable over time.LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Level I, therapeutic study.
More than 60% of the talar surface area consists of articular cartilage, thereby limiting the possible locations for vascular infiltration and leaving the talus vulnerable to osteonecrosis. Treatment strategies for talar osteonecrosis can be grouped into four categories: nonsurgical, surgical-joint sparing, surgical-salvage, and joint-sacrificing treatments. Nonoperative and joint-sparing treatments include restricted weight-bearing, patellar tendon-bearing braces, bone-grafting, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, internal implantation of a bone stimulator, core decompression, and vascularized or non-vascularized autograft, whereas joint-sacrificing or salvage procedures include talar replacement (partial or total) and arthrodesis. In patients with a Ficat and Arlet grade-I through III osteonecrosis, evidence in favor of a specific treatment is poor, although tibiotalar or tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis may represent a suitable salvage operation.
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is an increasingly recognized cause of hip pain. This pathology often involves abnormal femoral neck shape (cam-type FAI), acetabular over coverage (pincer-type FAI), or mixed pathology. Surgical treatment of this entity includes labral repair and femoral head-neck osteochondroplasty. A mindful arthroscopic technique is of paramount importance, because maintaining the integrity of the labrum and a corresponding neck volume has been reported to be vital in maintaining the hip suction seal. Arthroscopic resection of the cam deformity must be performed with care to ensure appropriate femoral offset and maintenance of appropriate femoroacetabular contact. Although the most common cause of failure after hip arthroscopy is incomplete resection of a cam lesion, a previously unrecognized complication is excessive cam resection that can also lead to excessive femoral offset and loss of the suction seal. The purpose of this technical note is to describe the technique for arthroscopic recognition of excessive cam decompression leading to loss of the suction seal and a surgical treatment approach using the "remplissage" technique.
Intramedullary pin fixation is a common total wrist fusion technique, particularly for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. However, appropriate alignment of the proximal carpal row on the carpus can be challenging. Inflammatory arthropathy may also degrade the proximal carpal bones to chondral shells, retention of which may promote failure of fusion. We describe an intramedullary rod technique for total wrist fusion that incorporates a proximal row carpectomy.
BACKGROUND:In a child with a unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), the treatment of the radiographically normal, asymptomatic contralateral hip remains controversial. The risks of a subsequent slip have to be measured against the risks involved with an additional surgical procedure. Proponents of prophylactic pinning believe that fixation with a single cannulated screw is a safe method to prevent secondary arthrosis from a missed minor slip. Others argue that in most cases it is an unnecessary procedure and with careful follow-up, any issues with the asymptomatic, normal hip can be identified early and addressed.METHODS:We retrospectively look at 2 cases where avascular necrosis (AVN) developed in the prophylactically pinned asymptomatic and radiographically normal hip in the setting of an identified SCFE on the contralateral hip.RESULTS:Two cases of AVN developed in the prophylactically pinned hips within 8 months of the initial pinning procedure.CONCLUSIONS:This case report demonstrates that prophylactic pinning of an asymptomatic, radiographically normal hip in the setting of a SCFE on the contralateral side is not a benign procedure and is one that has potential for significant complications. The risk of AVN in the prophylactically pinned hip needs to be taken into careful consideration as this risk can have devastating consequences to the patient.LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Level IV.