Die wissenschaftliche Begründung des BMAS für eine neue Berufskrankheit „Läsion der Rotatorenmanschette der Schulter durch eine langjährige und intensive Belastung durch Überschulterarbeit, repetitive Bewegungen im Schultergelenk, Kraftanwendungen im Schulterbereich durch Heben von Lasten oder Hand-Arm-Schwingungen“ schließt Schäden durch Hand-Arm-Vibrationen (HAV) ein. Diese basiert auf epidemiologischen Studien. Human- oder tierexperimentelle Studien für die Wirkung der HAV in Schultergelenksstrukturen und pathogenetische Erklärungen liegen nicht vor. Als Basis wird ein systematisches Review (Seidler et al. [15]) angeführt. Es bezieht sich besonders auf van der Molen et al. [23]. Die Schwelle für HAV zur BK-Anerkennung der Rotatorenmanschettenläsion ist nicht nachvollziehbar. Sie stimmt anscheinend nicht mit der Primärliteratur überein: Aus der Kohortenstudie von Dalbøge et al. [4] wird eine geschätzte Verdoppelung bei mäßiger Vibrationsbeschleunigung abgeleitet. Unter Einbeziehung weiterer Studien lag das Risiko bei OR = 1,6 (1,4–1,8), bei van der Molen et al. [23] bei OR 1,34 (1,01–1,77). Die Fall-Kontroll-Studie (Seidler et al. [14]) zeigte das höchste Risiko OR = 3,20 (1,72–5,96) an. Nicht diskutiert wird die Energieübertragung von den Händen zur Rotatorenmanschette, die sich in ihrem Verlauf erheblich abschwächt (Xu et al. [27]). Von der Messstelle an der Hand kommt nur etwa ein Viertel der Vibrationsenergie in die Schulter. Unzureichend begründete Ursachen und mangelhafte Quantifizierung von Risiken führen die Primärprävention zur Verhütung von Berufskrankheiten in eine falsche Richtung.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the interobserver reliability of measurements of the Acromiohumeral Distance (AHD) first described by Golding et al., the Critical Shoulder Angle (CSA), the Acromion Index with Glenoid Humeral (GH) and Glenoid Acromial (GA) distances, following the measuring method by Nyffeler et al., the Lateral Acromion Angle (LAA), as well as the morphology of the acromion according to Bigliani and the humeral head position according to Maloney in X-rays and MRI. Furthermore, the study assessed the correlation of measurement results in X-ray with those in MRI for AHD, CSA, GA, GH, AI, and LAA. A total of 187 patients who underwent shoulder joint X-ray and MRI examinations from 09/2016 to 05/2023 were included in the study. Patients with poor imaging quality, arthrosis or radical prior surgeries, like shoulder prosthetic surgery, status post humerus fractures, that have undergone surgery and therefore changed the anatomical features were excluded, what lead to a total study population of 78. X-ray measurements were performed by two observers in the true anteroposterior view, so that the humeral head and the glenoid are shown without overlap, providing a clear view into the joint space. MRI measurements were performed in oblique coronal MRI slices, using the most accurately depicted glenoid surface as a landmark. Interobserver measurement results showed a significance with p < 0.001 for the assessment of acromion type according to Bigliani, humeral head offset assessment according to Maloney, and AHD. No significance was found for interobserver reliability in measuring LAA. Additionally, there was a high correlation of measurement results in X-ray with measurements in MRI for, CSA, GH/GA, and consequently AI, a good correlation for AHD but no correlation could be shown for LAA. These findings provide valuable insights into the robustness of radiological parameters for evaluating shoulder pathology, offering promising prospects for clinical applications and further research. Nevertheless, the specific methodological considerations and patient characteristics should be taken into account when interpreting the results to ensure their accurate application in clinical practice.

Purpose Retrospective radiological examination (X-ray and MRI) aims to investigate the diagnostic value of various methods of measurement with regard to the determination of the intervertebral disc heights of the lumbar spine.Methods Of 130 patients without detectable damage to the intervertebral discs, the X-ray and MRI images of the lumbar spine were evaluated. The measurements were made either in the center line (Hurxthal) or in the 2-point method according to Dabbs or in the 3-point method according to Fyllos.Results The average intervertebral disc height for all measured segments was 8.8 mm (SD 1.4 mm). In the Hurxthal measurement, the significantly (p < 0.001) highest values were measured with an average of 9.1 mm (SD 1.3 mm). The average readings for the Fyllos method were 7.5 mm (SD 1.2 mm) and according to Dabbs 6.7 mm (SD 1.2 mm). The measured values of Observer I were on average 1.2 mm (SD 0.3 mm) smaller than those of Observer II (p < 0.001). The highest interobserver correlation was found in the measurements in projection radiography in the AP method according to Dabbs and Fyllos. The measured values in men were 0.5 mm (SD 0.01 mm) larger than in women (p < 0.001), regardless of the method. The height of the intervertebral discs increases significantly until the age of 40, but beyond the age of 40, the height of the intervertebral discs either remains constant or falls off slightly, but not significantly. The lordosis angle of the lumbar spine and the concavity index of the vertebral bodies showed no correlation with the measured disc heights.Conclusions The radiological measurements to determine the intervertebral disc height have only moderate reliability. The results of X-rays are superior to those of MRI examination. The most accurate results are provided by measurements based on exact landmarks of the vertebral bodies. The method according to Dabbs seems to be the most accurate at the moment. There is no clear age-atypical chondrosis in patients without intervertebral disc damage.

Purpose In September 2021, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs in Germany (BMAS) recommended recognising rotator cuff lesions caused by occupational long-term overhead work, repetitive movements, hand-arm-vibration and carrying and lifting heavy loads as an occupational disease. To gain a more detailed understanding of the correlation between occupational risk factors and lesions of the rotator cuff, a systematic literature review was carried out to determine their influence on the development of rotator cuff disease.Material and Method A systematic literature review was used to search in the databases PubMed, Cochrane and Web-of-Science for papers dealing with occupational shoulder load and associated shoulder disorders. The influence of overhead work, repetitive movements, hand-arm-vibrations and carrying and lifting heavy loads were examined.Results 58 studies were read in full text, of which 13 papers were included in the meta-analysis. In all risk factors, a significant association can be found with the strongest dose-response relationship in "overhead work " and "repetitive movements ": overhead work: 2.23 (95% CI 1.98-2.52), repetitive movements: 2.17 (95% CI 1.92-2.46), hand-arm-vibration: 1.59 (95% CI 1.13-2.23), carrying and lifting heavy loads: 1.57 (95% CI 1.15-2.15).Conclusion Although a significant effect could be shown in our study for all the four risk factors examined, due to the low number of studies with high-quality study design and insufficient pathophysiological explanation for the development of a rotator cuff disease in these mechanical activities, no reliable correlation can currently be established.

The Working Group of the German Orthopedic and Trauma Society (DGOU) on Tissue Regeneration has published recommendations on the indication of different surgical approaches for treatment of full-thickness cartilage defects in the knee joint in 2004, 2013 and 2016. Based upon new scientific knowledge and new developments, this recommendation is an update based upon the best clinical evidence available. In addition to prospective randomised controlled clinical trials, this also includes studies with a lower level of evidence. In the absence of evidence, the decision is based on a consensus process within the members of the working group. The principle of making decision dependent on defect size has not been changed in the new recommendation either. The indication for arthroscopic microfracturing has been reduced up to a defect size of 2 cm(2) maximum, while autologous chondrocyte implantation is the method of choice for larger cartilage defects. Additionally, matrix-augmented bone marrow stimulation (mBMS) has been included in the recommendation for defects ranging from 1 to 4.5 cm(2). For the treatment of smaller osteochondral defects, in addition to osteochondral transplantation (OCT), mBMS is also recommended. For larger defects, matrix-augmented autologous chondrocyte implantation (mACI/mACT) in combination with augmentation of the subchondral bone is recommended.

Zusammenfassung Zielstellung Retrospektive radiologische Untersuchung (Röntgen und MRT) zur Bestimmung der Reliabilität der Messmethoden der Bandscheibenhöhen der Lendenwirbelsäule. Methode Von 130 Patienten ohne nachweisbare Schädigung der Bandscheiben wurden die Röntgen- und MRT-Bilder der Lendenwirbelsäule ausgewertet. Die Messungen erfolgten entweder in der Mittellinie (Hurxthal) oder mit der 2-Punkt-Methode nach Dabbs bzw. mit der 3-Punkt-Methode nach Fyllos. Ergebnisse Die durchschnittliche Bandscheibenhöhe für alle gemessenen Segmente betrug 8,8 mm (SD 1,4 mm). In der Hurxthal-Messung wurden die signifikant (p < 0,001) höchsten Werte mit einem Durchschnitt von 9,1 mm (SD 1,3 mm) gemessen. Die durchschnittlichen Messwerte für die Fyllos-Methode betrugen 7,5 mm (SD 1,2 mm) und nach Dabbs 6,7 mm (SD 1,2 mm). Die Messwerte von Observer I waren im Durchschnitt 1,2 mm (SD 0,3 mm) kleiner als die von Observer II (p < 0,001). Die höchste Interobserver-Korrelation wurde bei den Messungen in der Projektionsradiografie in der AP-Methode nach Dabbs und Fyllos gefunden. Die Messwerte bei Männern waren unabhängig von der Methode 0,5 mm (SD 0,01 mm) größer als bei Frauen (p < 0,001). Die Höhe der Bandscheiben nimmt bis zum 40. Lebensjahr deutlich zu, aber über das 40. Lebensjahr hinaus bleibt die Höhe der Bandscheiben entweder konstant oder fällt leicht, aber nicht signifikant, ab. Der Lordosewinkel der Lendenwirbelsäule und der Konkavitätsindex der Wirbelkörper zeigten keine Korrelation mit den gemessenen Bandscheibenhöhen. Schlussfolgerungen Die radiologischen Messungen zur Bestimmung der Bandscheibenhöhe haben nur eine moderate Zuverlässigkeit. Die Ergebnisse des Röntgens sind denen der MRT-Untersuchung überlegen. Die genauesten Ergebnisse liefern Messungen, die auf exakten Landmarken der Wirbelkörper basieren. Die Methode nach Dabbs scheint im Moment die genaueste zu sein. Eine altersatypische Chondrose bei Patienten ohne Bandscheibenschäden gibt es offensichtlich nicht.

The working group, "Clinical Tissue Regeneration" of the German Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (DGOU) issues this paper to update their guidelines. Methods Peer-reviewed literature was analyzed regarding different topics relevant to osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) treatment. This process concluded with a statement for each topic reflecting the best scientific evidence available for a particular diagnostic or therapeutic concept, including the grade of recommendation. Besides the scientific evidence, all group members rated the statements to identify possible gaps between literature and current clinical practice. Conclusion In patients with minimal symptoms, OLT progression to ankle osteoarthritis is unlikely. Risk factors for progression are the depth of the lesion on MRI, subchondral cyst formation, and the extent of bone marrow edema. Conservative management is the adaptation of activities to the performance of the ankle joint. A follow-up imaging after 12 months helps not to miss any progression. It is impossible to estimate the probability of success of conservative management from initial symptoms and imaging. Cast immobilization is an option in OLTs in children, with a success rate of approximately 50%, although complete healing, estimated from imaging, is rare. In adults, improvement by conservative management ranges between 45% and 59%. Rest and restrictions for sports activities seem to be more successful than immobilization. Intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma can improve pain and functional scores for more than 6 months. If 3 months of conservative management does not improve symptoms, surgery can be recommended.

Zusammenfassung Zielstellung Im September 2021 wurde vom „Ärztlichen Sachverständigenbeirat Berufskrankheiten“ beim Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS) die Empfehlung ausgesprochen, Läsionen der Rotatorenmanschette durch berufliche und langjährige Überschulterarbeit, repetitive Bewegungen, Tragen und Heben von schweren Lasten und Hand-Arm-Schwingungen (Vibration) als Berufskrankheit anzuerkennen. Um ein genaueres Verständnis über den Zusammenhang zwischen beruflichen Risikofaktoren und Schäden der Rotatorenmanschette zu erlangen, wurde in einer systematischen Literaturrecherche deren Einfluss auf die Entstehung von Schäden an der Rotatorenmanschette der Schulter untersucht und anhand dieser Ergebnisse die Empfehlung des BMAS eingeordnet. Material und Methode Mithilfe einer systematischen Literaturrecherche wurde in den Datenbanken PubMed, Cochrane und Web-of-Science nach Arbeiten gesucht, die sich mit beruflicher Schulterbelastung und damit einhergehenden Schulterbeschwerden beschäftigten. Als Risikofaktoren wurde der Einfluss von Überkopfarbeit, repetitiver Arbeit, Vibration und Tragen und Heben von schweren Lasten untersucht. Ergebnisse 58 Studien wurden im Volltext gelesen, wovon 13 Studien in die Metaanalyse inkludiert wurden. Alle untersuchten Risikofaktoren zeigten einen signifikanten Zusammenhang auf, wobei die stärkste Dosis-Wirkungs-Beziehung für die Risikofaktoren „Überkopfarbeit“ und „repetitive Arbeit“ gefunden wurde: Einfluss von Überkopfarbeit: 2,23 (95%-KI 1,98–2,52), Einfluss von repetitiver Arbeit: 2,17 (95%-KI 1,92–2,46), Einfluss von Vibration: 1,59 (95%-KI 1,13–2,23), Heben und Tragen von schweren Lasten: 1,57 (95%-KI 1,15–2,15). Schlussfolgerung Zwar konnte in unserer Studie für alle 4 untersuchten Risikofaktoren ein signifikanter Effekt nachgewiesen werden, jedoch ist aufgrund der unzureichenden Menge an verfügbaren Studien mit qualitativ hochwertigem Studiendesign und unzureichender pathophysiologischer Erklärung für die Entstehung eines Rotatorenmanschettenschadens bei diesen mechanischen Tätigkeiten nach derzeitigem Stand ein Zusammenhang nicht sicher nachweisbar.

ZusammenfassungDie Arbeitsgemeinschaft „Klinische Geweberegeneration“ hat bereits in den Jahren 2004, 2013 und 2016 Empfehlungen in Bezug auf die Indikation für verschiedene knorpelregenerative Verfahren zur Behandlung von Knorpelschäden am Kniegelenk publiziert. Auf Basis neuer wissenschaftlicher Erkenntnisse sollen in der vorliegenden Arbeit diese Empfehlungen auch unter Einbeziehung neuer Behandlungsverfahren aktualisiert werden. Die Einschätzung folgt damit dem Prinzip der besten verfügbaren Evidenz und berücksichtigt über prospektiv randomisierte Studien hinaus auch Studien mit niedrigerem Evidenzniveau. An Stellen fehlender publizierter Evidenz basiert die Entscheidung hier auf einem Konsensusprozess innerhalb der Mitglieder der AG Klinische Geweberegeneration.Das Prinzip der bereits vorausgehend publizierten Arbeiten bleibt auch in den neuen Empfehlungen erhalten. Kleine Knorpelschäden sind nach Ansicht der Arbeitsgruppe für eine Knochenmarkstimulation zugänglich, die matrixassoziierte autologe Chondrozytentransplantation (mACT) ist für größere Knorpelschäden die Methode der Wahl. Auf Basis neuerer Daten wird jedoch die Indikationsgrenze für die mACT auf 2,0 cm2 reduziert. Zusätzlich zur arthroskopischen Mikrofrakturierung wird auch die matrixaugmentierte Knochenmarkstimulation in die Empfehlung als Standardverfahren aufgenommen (empfohlene Defektgröße 1–4,5 cm2). Für die Therapie kleinerer osteochondraler Defekte wird neben der osteochondralen Transplantation (OCT) auch die matrixaugmentierte Knochenmarkstimulation empfohlen. Bei größeren Defekten eignet sich die autologe Knorpelzelltransplantation (mACT) in Kombination mit einer Rekonstruktion des subchondralen Knochens.

Introduction After reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, the modification processes in the transplanted tendon tissue directly influence the biomechanical properties of the knee. The histopathological alterations in failed grafts have hardly been studied. Objective Our study focused on examining the presence and extent of tendinosis (low or high grade) in the tendon tissue of failed anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. We considered its relationship to the type of transplant, the symptoms, the arthroscopic appearance, the mode of trauma, and the timing of the failure. Materials and Methods The tendon tissue of failed anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions in 30 patients was gathered during revision surgery and its histopathology was analysed for the occurrence of structural alterations. The classification of the tendinosis as low or high grade was semiquantitative based on five qualities. We used a standardised questionnaire to collect patient data and we used the Marburg Arthroscopy Score for the intraoperative evaluation of the graft. Results We found histological vitality and, except for two samples, structural alterations consistent with tendinosis, predominantly high grade, in all failed anterior cruciate ligament grafts. No direct link could be proved between the degree of tendinosis and the type of graft used, the symptoms (except for instability) or the timing of the graft failure, the mode of trauma, or the arthroscopic appearance of the failed plasty. However, the accumulation of high-grade tendinosis in patients with hamstring tendons, subjective instability, and graft failure between 1 to 5 years postoperatively was noteworthy. Conclusion Structural alterations consistent with tendinosis could be detected, with different expressions, in the vital tendon tissue of anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. This indicates that the graft is subject to repetitive microtrauma. However, it is still unclear how tendinosis influences the failure of anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions.

Background: Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is an established procedure for the treatment of cartilage damage in the knee joint. At present, it is still unclear how previous surgery influences outcome after ACI. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of previous knee surgery related or nonrelated to the treated cartilage defect on clinical outcome after ACI for knee cartilage defects. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: An overall 730 patients with ACI who underwent previous unspecific knee surgery, whether related to the defect being currently treated or not, were identified from a cohort of 5961 patients registered in the German Cartilage Registry. Propensity score matching was used to match these patients to 690 patients with analogous characteristics but without previous surgery. Subsequently, 317 patients with previously failed cartilage treatment at the defect site were identified and compared with a matched collective of 254 patients without previous cartilage treatment. In a subgroup analysis, the type of previous cartilage surgery was additionally investigated. Outcome was evaluated by Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), visual analog scale for pain, rate of reintervention, and patient satisfaction up to 36 months. A chi-square test was used to compare categorial variables and an unpaired t test to compare continuous variables. Results: Patients with previous knee surgery not related to the cartilage defect showed a lower KOOS at 6 months (68.3 vs 70.8; P = .026), while patients with previous cartilage surgery showed significantly lower KOOS values at all follow-up time points when compared with patients without any previous knee or cartilage surgery (all P < .05). A comparison of KOOS values in patients with previous therapy at the cartilage defect with ACI versus bone marrow stimulation did not show any significant differences at any follow-up. Conclusion: Previously failed cartilage treatment at the defect site represents a negative prognostic factor up to 3 years after ACI. However, this influence appears to be independent of the type of previous treatment at the defect site and applies equally to failed bone marrow stimulation as well as previous ACI. In contrast, a negative effect of previous surgery to the knee unrelated to the cartilage defect could not be shown in the 3-year follow-up.

Zusammenfassung Einleitung Die nach der Transplantation ablaufenden Umbauprozesse im Sehnengewebe einer vorderen Kreuzbandplastik beeinflussen die biomechanischen Eigenschaften des operierten Knies unmittelbar. Die histopathologischen Veränderungen im insuffizienten Kreuzbandtransplantat sind wenig erforscht. Zielsetzung Im Mittelpunkt der Arbeit stand die Untersuchung von insuffizienten vorderen Kreuzbandplastiken auf das Vorliegen und Ausmaß von Texturstörungen im Sinne einer Tendinose (low-grade bzw. high-grade). Diese wurden im Kontext zur Transplantatart, zu dem subjektiven Beschwerde- und arthroskopischen Erscheinungsbild, dem Traumamechanismus sowie dem zeitlichen Verlauf des Transplantatversagens betrachtet. Material und Methoden Bei der Revisionsoperation entnommene, insuffiziente vordere Kreuzbandplastiken von 30 Patient*innen wurden histopathologisch hinsichtlich des Vorliegens von Texturstörungen untersucht. Die Einteilung der Tendinose in low-grade bzw. high-grade erfolgte anhand von 5 qualitativen Kriterien semiquantitativ. Zur Erhebung patientenspezifischer Daten fand ein standardisierter Fragebogen und zur Evaluation des Transplantates intraoperativ der Marburger Arthroskopiescore Verwendung. Ergebnis Alle untersuchten insuffizienten Kreuzbandtransplantate waren histologisch vital und wiesen bis auf zwei Ausnahmen Strukturstörungen entsprechend einer Tendinose, überwiegend high-grade, auf. Ein direkter Zusammenhang von Tendinosegrad zur gewählten Transplantatart, dem Beschwerdebild (bis auf Instabilität) und dem zeitlichen Verlauf des Transplantatversagens, dem Traumamechanismus oder dem arthroskopischen Erscheinungsbild der insuffizienten Plastik war anhand der untersuchten Kohorte nicht zu beweisen. Es fiel eine Häufung der high-grade Tendinose in Hamstringtransplantaten, bei Patient*innen mit Kniebeschwerden in Form einer Instabilität und zwischen 1 bis 5 Jahre postoperativ auf. Zusammenfassung Im Sehnengewebe insuffizienter Kreuzbandplastiken waren bei Vorliegen vitaler Zellstrukturen Texturstörungen von unterschiedlicher gradueller Ausprägung im Sinne einer low- bzw. high-grade Tendinose feststellbar. Dies lässt eine repetitive Mikrotraumatisierung des Transplantates vermuten. Der konkrete Einfluss einer Tendinose auf das Auftreten einer Transplantatinsuffizienz bleibt noch unklar.

Both acute ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) as well as chronic ACL insufficiency show a high association with focal cartilage defects of the knee. However, the results after combined ACL reconstruction and cartilage repair are not well investigated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the short-term outcomes after autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) in combination with ACL reconstruction and to compare the results with patients who underwent isolated ACI in ligament intact knees. All patients who were registered in the German Cartilage Registry with ACI for focal cartilage defects in the knee joint in combination with ACL reconstruction and who completed the 24 month follow-up were included in the study group. A matched-pair procedure according to gender, defect location, defect size, and age was used to create a control group of patients with isolated ACI in ACL intact joints. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and the numeric analog scale for pain (NAS) were used to assess the preoperative state as well as the clinical outcomes 12 and 24 months after surgery. A total of 34 patients were included in both the study group (age mean 33.3 ± SD 8.8 years) and the control group (33.6 ± 8.4 years) with a median defect size of 466 (25%-75% IQR 375–600) mm2 and 425 (IQR 375–600) mm2, respectively. In comparison with the preoperative state (median 67, IQR 52–75), the study group showed a significant increase of the total KOOS after 12 months (78, IQR 70–86; p = 0.014) and after 24 months (81, IQR 70–84; p = 0.001). The NAS for pain did not change significantly in the postoperative course. In comparison with the control group there was no significant difference for the total KOOS neither preoperative (control group median 67, IQR 52–73) nor at any postoperative time point (12 months: 82, IQR 67–93; 24 months: 81, IQR 71–91). The clinical short-term outcomes after ACI at the knee joint in combination with ACL reconstruction are good and similar to the results after isolated ACI in ligament intact knees. III.

The goal was to examine gender differences of patient characteristics and outcome after cartilage repair based on a collective of nearly 5,000 patients. Patient characteristics, accompanying therapies, and outcome (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS], reoperations, patient satisfaction) of 4,986 patients of the German cartilage register DGOU were assessed by t test for possible gender differences. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Women were older than men (38.07 ± 12.54 vs. 26.94 ± 12.394 years, P = 0.002), more often preoperated (0.30 ± 0.63 vs. 0.24 ± 0.55, P = 0.001), and had a longer symptom duration (25.22 ± 41.20 vs. 20.67 ± 35.32 months, P < 0.001). Men had greater mean leg axis malalignment than women (3.24° ± 3.26° vs. 2.67° ± 3.06°, P < 0.001), less favorable meniscal status ( P = 0.001), worse defect stage ( P = 0.006), and a more severely damaged corresponding articular surface ( P = 0.042). At baseline (59.84 ± 17.49 vs. 52.10 ± 17.77, P < 0.001), after 6 months (72.83 ± 15.56 vs. 66.56 ± 17.66, P < 0.001), after 12 months (77.88 ± 15.95 vs. 73.07 ± 18.12, P < 0.001), and after 24 months (79.311 ± 15.94 vs. 74.39 ± 18.81, P < 0.001), men had better absolute KOOS values, but women had better relative KOOS increases 6 months (14.59 ± 17.31 vs. 12.49 ± 16.3, P = 0.005) as well as 12 months postoperatively (20.27 ± 18.6 vs. 17.34 ± 17.79, P = 0.001) compared with preoperatively, although 12 and 24 months postoperatively they were subjectively less satisfied with the outcome ( P < 0.001) and had a higher reintervention rate at 24 months (0.17 ± 0.38 vs. 0.12 ± 0.33, P = 0.008). In summary, the present work shows specific gender differences in terms of patient characteristics, defect etiology, defect localization, concomitant therapy, and the choice of cartilage repair procedure. Unexpectedly, contrary to the established scientific opinion, it could be demonstrated that women show relatively better postoperative KOOS increases, despite a higher revision rate and higher subjective dissatisfaction.

The treatment of underlying comorbidities is a field of rising interest in cartilage repair surgery. The aim of this study was to analyze the current practice of concomitant surgeries in cartilage repair of the knee especially in the medial or lateral femorotibial compartment. Type, frequency and distribution of additional surgeries for correction of malalignment, knee instability and meniscus deficiency should be evaluated. Baseline data of 4968 patients of the German Cartilage Registry (KnorpelRegister DGOU) were analyzed regarding the distribution of concomitant surgeries in addition to regenerative cartilage treatment. Beyond 4968 patients 2445 patients with cartilage defects in the femorotibial compartment of the knee could be identified. Of these patients 1230 (50.3%) received additional surgeries for correction of malalignment, instability and meniscus deficiency. Predominant procedures were leg axis corrections (31.3%), partial meniscectomy (20.9%) and ACL reconstruction (13.4%). The distribution of the concomitant surgeries varied between cartilage defects according to the different defect genesis. Patients with traumatic defects were younger (36y) and received predominantly ACL reconstructions (29.2%) (degenerative: 6.7%), whereas patients with degenerative defects were older (43y) and underwent predominantly leg axis corrections (38.0%; traumatic: 11.0%). This study shows the high frequency and distinct distribution of the concomitant surgeries in addition to regenerative cartilage treatment procedures. Understanding of the underlying cause of the cartilage defect and addressing the comorbidities as a whole joint therapy are of utmost importance for a successful regenerative cartilage treatment. These data provide a baseline for further follow up evaluations and long-term outcome analysis. II.

Subjective patient satisfaction is the most relevant parameter for assessing the success of treatment after orthopaedic surgery. The aim of the present study was to correlate patient-reported outcome parameters (i.e., absolute KOOS, KOOS increase) and revision-free survival with patient’s satisfaction. Furthermore, the study aimed on the identification of pre-operative factors that are associated with patient’s satisfaction after the surgery. For the present study, 6305 consecutive patients from the German Cartilage Registry (KnorpelRegister DGOU) were analyzed. Patient characteristics and outcome were correlated with patients’ satisfaction after a follow-up of three years by Spearman correlation. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Mean age was 37 ± 12.5 years, 59.7% patients were male, and 40.3% female. Most patients (46.7%) were treated with an autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). The strongest correlation of subjective satisfaction and the subscore quality of life (r = 0.682; p < 0.001) was found, whereas the post-operative increase in KOOS from the pre-operative value showed only a moderate correlation (r = 0.520; p < 0.001). There was also a significant correlation with the absolute KOOS value (r = 0.678; p < 0.001), the subscores pain (r = 0.652; p < 0.001), quality of life (r = 0.682; p < 0.001), and sports (r = 0.633; p < 0.001), whereas symptoms (r = 0.504, p < 0.001) and activities of daily life (r = 0.601; p < 0.001) showed a weaker correlation. Pain also correlated highly significant with the patient satisfaction 24 months after surgery (r =  − 0.651, p < 0.001). The correlation between satisfaction after the 2nd and 3rd year (r = 0.727; p < 0.001) is stronger than correlation after six months and three years (r = 0.422, p < 0.001). All pre-operative parameters show a very weak correlation (r < 0.1). The use of standardized measuring instruments (KOOS and Pain) is a relevant outcome parameter in science and clinical practice, whereas absolute values represent satisfaction better than the individual increase. The subscores “pain,” “quality of life,” and “sports” represent satisfaction better than the subscores “symptoms” and “activity of daily life.” Early satisfaction has only a moderate predictive value for satisfaction after 3 years, which is of great practical relevance in particular for the assessment of potential treatment failures. It is remarkable to note that a revision surgery is only very mildly associated with increased dissatisfaction. Pre-operative factors are not reliable prediction factors for post-operative patient satisfaction.

Return to work after primary hip-replacement Objectives: The aim of the retrospective study was to determine the rate of restoration of capacity for work after primary hip prosthesis. Method: The study included a total of 56 patients (29 men and 27 women) at an average age of 55.2 (SD 6.6) years who underwent the implant of a unilateral hip joint prosthesis due to coxarthrosis. Results: Preoperatively, 49 (87.5 %) patients had a light (6.1 %), moderate (61.2 %) or heavy (37.7 %) workload. The remaining patients were considered to be looking for work. At the time of the operation, 67.9 % of patients were able to work, 12.5 % were incapacitated for less than 4 weeks, and the remaining patients were incapacitated for more than 4 weeks. Only 30.4 % of patients had no concomitant diseases or obesity. In 42 patients (75.0 %) the ability to work was restored after an average of 13.1 (SD 7.5; 4–48) weeks. Retirement within the first postoperative year occurred in 8.9 % of cases. Overall, 37.2 % of patients switched to easier physical work. The presence of an accompanying disease (p = 0.001), obesity with a BMI > 30 (p = 0.834) or the presence of concomitant morbid obesity (p = 0.411) showed no link in terms of restoring work ability. Overall, a very good result was achieved in 71.4 % of cases and a good result in 26.8 %. However, there was no link between gender, comorbidity or occupational rehabilitation. Conclusions: In the vast majority of patients, it is possible to achieve satisfactory to good professional rehabilitation after implanting a hip prosthesis. Occupational stress factors and social factors in the workplace play a role in rehabilitation. A smaller proportion of patients currently have to accept a reduced physical workload as a precautionary measure. There is a need for more information on probationary periods at work after a hip replacement; this must be systematically collected and linked to actual occupational stress. Keywords: hip osteoarthritis – replacement – return to work

Purpose Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is widely used in orthopaedics, but is still heavily debated. Therefore, a survey among the German “Working Group for Clinical Tissue Regeneration” of the German Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology was conducted to achieve a consensus about the current therapeutical potential of PRP. Methods A first survey ( n = 65 experts, all orthopaedic/trauma surgeons) was conducted ( n = 13 questions). Following, a second round ( n = 40 experts) was conducted with 31 questions to achieve consensus in 5 categories: three most common indications, PRP application, future research areas. Results Therapeutic PRP application was regarded as useful (89%), possibly even more important in the future (90%). Most common indications were tendon pathologies (77%), osteoarthritis (OA) (68%), muscle injuries (57%) and cartilage damage (51%). Consensus was reached in 16/31 statements. The application of PRP for early knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade II) was regarded as potentially useful, as well as for acute and chronic tendinopathies. For chronic lesions (cartilage, tendons), multiple injections (2–4) were seen preferable to singular injections. However, no sufficient data exists on the time interval between the injections. Standardization of PRP preparation, application, frequency, as well as determining the range of indication is strongly recommended. Conclusions There is a need of further standardization of the PRP preparation methods, indication and application protocols for knee OA and other indications, which must be further evaluated in basic science studies and randomized controlled clinical trials. Level of evidence Consensus of expert opinion, Level V.

Aims and Objectives: In the context of cartilage repair, identification of the underlying pathologies depends on detailed preoperative evaluation. High tibial osteotomy (HTO) for varus deformities is one of the most common concomitant treatments, though scientific evidence about efficiency of concomitant HTO is still limited. The present study was initiated to describe preoperative analysis of alignment and to analysis outcome comparing patients with combined cartilage repair and HTO with those who received cartilage repair procedures alone. Materials and Methods: The multicenter data (3855 data sets on April 15, 2018) was provided by the attending physician and a self-reported outcome analysis (KOOS). Inclusion criteria: Existence of a leg full length portrait, a single defect at the medial femoral condyle, either no accompanying surgery or a HTO and information on leg axis misalignment. For outcome evaluation patients were divided into three different groups with regard to the extent of varus deformity: MILD (0-4° varus), MODERATE (5-9° varus) and SEVERE (> 10°). Statistical Analysis was performed using SPSS (IBM) Version 23. For detection of significances between different groups one-way ANOVA test was applied. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistical significant. Results: In 55.1% (n=2125) of the patients a full leg weight-bearing radiographs has been performed preoperatively. Out of these 834 (39%) cases with isolated defects of the medial femoral condyle have been identified of which 179 received HTO in combination with the cartilage repair procedure (21.5%), while 411 cases have been treated with isolated cartilage repair (49.3%). From the remaining 385 patients, 256 patients were considered MILD (67,3%), 113 MODERATE (29.5%) and 4.2% (n=16) SEVERE. Incidence of HTO significantly depended on the degree of varus deformity for mild (19% HTO) and moderate (83% HTO) deformity, but there was no significance between the moderate and severe (81% HTO) group. Significant differences of the KOOS score could be shown preoperatively between the mild (mean: 57.3), as well as moderate (mean: 55.95), and the severe group (mean 39.53) and six months postoperatively between the mild (mean: 71.48) and the severe (mean: 52.6) group. Conclusion: The present analysis of a large patients cohort extracted from the German Cartilage Registry (KnorpelRegister DGOU) demonstrates that, against common guidelines, full-leg weigth-bearing radiographs are not conducted on a regular basis in patients assigned for cartilage repair procedures. In those cases with detailed preoperative analysis of alignment, the degree of deformity seems to influence the decision, whether a realignment procedure (HTO) is performed. For the moderate subgroup a trend towards better clinical outcome was found for combined treatment in terms of realignment and cartilage repair in comparison to cartilage repair alone. Since there was no difference in the MILD subgroup, more evidence is needed to proof, whether those patients benefit from a HTO or not.