Purpose: This study aimed to update previously published clinical and radiographic outcomes of Dejour sulcus-deepening trochleoplasty and medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFL-R) at mid-term follow-up and monitor trends in patient-reported outcome scores and satisfaction. Methods: Using the same cohort of patients from our previously published short-term series of 2-year follow-up, an interval follow-up was performed on 67 patients (76 knees) with severe trochlear dysplasia and recurrent patellar instability who were prospectively enrolled and underwent Dejour sulcus-deepening trochleoplasty and MPFL-R combined with other patellar stabilization procedures. Patients with less than 2 years of follow-up were excluded. Evaluation involved radiographic analysis, physical examination, clinical follow-up, and patient-reported outcome scores. Results: A total of 37 patients (45 knees) were included in the current study, with a mean follow-up of 6.1 years postoperatively (standard deviation: 2.7 years). Two interval reoperations were performed (arthroscopic lysis of adhesions; hardware removal and arthroscopic shaving chondroplasty). There remained no occurrences of reoperation for recurrent patellar instability. Patient-reported outcomes were largely stable from early (mean: 3.6 years) to mid-term (mean: 6.1 years) follow-up, with no statistically significant difference between early and mid-term International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) (P = 0.75), Kujala (P = 0.47), or visual analog scale (VAS) pain (P = 0.06) scores. Compared to preoperative knee scores, there was a significant difference in IKDC (49.3 vs 82.0, P < 0.001, d = 1.85), Kujala (56.5 vs 89.3, P < 0.001, d = 2.03), and VAS pain (3.8 vs 1.9, P = 0.003, d = 0.33) scores at mid-term follow-up (mean: 6.1 years). Mean Kellgren-Lawrence grading of patellofemoral arthritis showed no statistically significant change from 0.56 to 0.52 (P = 0.511) on sunrise radiographs at the most recent follow-up. Conclusions: At the mid-term follow-up, Dejour sulcus-deepening trochleoplasty and MPFL-R, combined with other patellar stabilization procedures, achieves durable resolution of patellar instability with maintained patient-reported outcome scores and satisfaction rates and is without interval evidence of clinical or radiographic progression of patellofemoral arthritis.
Importance Patients with excessive posterior tibial slope (PTS) may have higher risks of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACL-R) failure, and clinical outcomes after revision ACL-R procedures are typically poor. Objective To perform a systematic review of the literature summarizing the clinical and radiological outcomes of the surgical treatment of ACL insufficiency in the setting of excessive PTS using a tibial deflexion osteotomy combined with ACL-R. Evidence Review A systematic review of the literature was performed using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and OVID Medline databases from 1990 to present. Inclusion criteria were: studies of outcomes of isolated tibial deflexion osteotomies performed with primary or revision ACL-R in the English language. Data extracted included study demographic information, type of tibial deflexion osteotomy and concomitant procedures, radiological outcomes, patient reported outcome scores, and postoperative complications Findings Six studies, with 133 knees were identified. All included studies were retrospective case series, with a weighted mean follow-up of 3.39 years. In 106 of 133 (79.7%) knees, tibial deflexion osteotomy was performed concomitantly with an ACL-R, whereas in 27 of 133 (20.3%) knees the procedures were staged. 22, 45, and 66 of 133 knees (16.5%, 33.8%, and 49.6%) underwent primary, 1st revision, and 2nd or greater revision ACL-R, respectively. 3 of 133 (2.25%) knees demonstrated recurrent ACL graft failure at final follow-up. On average, PTS decreased from 15.2 degrees preoperatively to 7.1 degrees postoperatively. Mean International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm, and Tegner scores increased from 42.5, 46.4, and 4.2 preoperatively to 71.8, 89.0, and 6.7 postoperatively. Conclusions The results of this review suggest that combined ACL-R and tibial deflexion osteotomy may be effective in decreasing PTS and improving knee function and stability. Study Design Systematic Review; Level of evidence 4
Background The purpose of this study was to describe outcomes of patients undergoing reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) using a patient-specific, custom glenoid component to address severe glenoid deficiency.Methods Retrospective chart review identified patients at a single institution undergoing rTSA using the glenoid vault reconstruction system (VRS) between 2017 and 2022. Radiographic evaluation, range of motion and patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures, complications, and re-operations were assessed.Results Fourteen shoulders were included. There was 100% implant survivorship of the glenoid baseplate at mean follow-up of 26.6 months. Mean range of motion improved in forward elevation (62-106 degrees), abduction (41-100 degrees), and external rotation (11-36 degrees). In 7 of 13 patients available for PRO collection, the mean final Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAS) score was 1.29, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score was 72.14, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) score was 77.14, and Penn Shoulder score was 72.26.Conclusions Use of this custom glenoid resulted in encouraging clinical and radiographic outcomes, with no failures in implant survivorship seen at early follow-up. Larger prospective studies with longer-term follow-up should be undertaken in order to better determine the efficacy and longevity of this implant.Study Design Retrospective case series; Level of evidence, 4.
Background: A deflexion osteotomy may reduce anterior translational forces imparted upon an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACL-R) graft, thereby reducing risk of ACL graft failure in patients with excessive congenital posterior tibial slope. Indications: A 13-year-old female competitive soccer player with 13.7° of posterior tibial slope presented with failure of a prior ACL-R. Technique Description: A vertical incision is made along the medial border of the patellar tendon and the proximal tibia is exposed. The planned osteotomy is templated under fluoroscopic guidance by placement of 2.4-mm Steinmann pins. A supra-tubercular deflexion osteotomy is made with a sagittal saw and osteotomes, with care to maintain the posterior cortical hinge. Compression staples are utilized for fixation of the osteotomy site. Revision ACL-R is then performed. Results: There were no immediate complications following surgery. Surgical management led to radiographic improvement of the patient's posterior tibial slope and clinical resolution of anterior translational knee instability. Discussion/Conclusion: The senior author's preferred technique for a tibial supra-tubercular deflexion osteotomy in association with a revision ACL-R is presented. A deflexion osteotomy is a surgical option for patients with excessive (>12°) posterior tibial slope in the setting of a prior failed ACL-R. This case demonstrates the efficacy of a tibial supra-tubercular deflexion osteotomy in the revision ACL-R setting by reducing posterior tibial slope, thereby lessening anterior translational forces on the ACL graft in a patient at high risk of graft failure. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
Objectives: To evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes of thick-shell, sulcus-deepening trochleoplasty in patients with open distal femoral physes and less than two years of growth remaining. We hypothesized that patients would have clinical and radiographic improvements in addition to high patient-reported outcomes following thick-shell, sulcus-deepening trochleoplasty. Methods: Bone age was determined on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using the Pennock Knee Bone Age Atlas. Pre- and postoperative radiographs were used to measure the anatomic lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA) and Blumensaat angle. International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Kujala, and numerical patient satisfaction scores were assessed. Pre- and postoperative aLDFA and Blumensaat angles as well as patient-reported outcomes were analyzed via the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Seventeen adolescents (21 knees) with DeJour Types B and D trochlear dysplasia and open distal femoral physes underwent Dejour thick-shell, sulcus-deepening trochleoplasty at a single institution. In twelve females (16 knees, 76.2%) the median chronological and bone ages at the time of operation were 14.9 and 14.3 years, respectively. In 5 males (5 knees, 27.7%), the median chronological and bone ages at the time of operation were 15.7 and 15.2 years, respectively. Mean follow-up time was 64 months postoperatively. Physes were closed in all knees at the time of final clinical and radiographic follow-up. The mean change in aLDFA and Blumensaat Angle was 0.73 (p = 0.1074, 95% CI -0.09-1.57) and 0.88 degrees (p = 0.0477,95% CI 0.10-1.88), respectively. Median IKDC scores improved from 57.3 preoperatively to 90.9 postoperatively, for a mean difference of 26.1 (p = 0.00064, 95% CI 18.0-34.2). Median Kujala scores improved from 55.0 preoperatively to 95.0 postoperatively, for a mean change of 30.2 (p = 0.0008, 95% CI 19.6-40.8). Overall mean numerical patient satisfaction was high (mean 9.26/10). One of 21 knees (4.8%) underwent additional surgery to address recurrent patellar instability. Conclusion: Thick-shell sulcus-deepening trochleoplasty for addressing recurrent lateral patellar instability in patients with open distal femoral physes and less than two years of growth remaining is safe and provides clinically meaningful improvements in addition to high patient satisfaction when combined with other patellar stabilization procedures. Level of evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series.
Purpose The primary objective of this study was to identify the trends in reimbursement for hand surgeons for new patient visits, outpatient consultations, and inpatient consultations from the years 2010e2018. In addition, we sought to investigate the influence of payer mix and coding level of service on physician reimbursement in these settings. Methods The PearlDiver Patients Records Database was used to identify clinical encounters and their respective physician reimbursements for analysis within this study. This database was queried using Current Procedural Terminology codes to identify relevant clinical encounters for inclusion, fi ltered for the presence of valid demographic information and by physician specialty for the presence of a hand surgeon, and tracked by primary diagnoses. Cost data were then calculated and analyzed regarding the payer type and level of care. Results In total, 156,863 patients were included in this study. The mean reimbursement for inpatient consultations, outpatient consultations, and new patient encounters increased by 92.75% ($134.85 to $259.93), 17.80% ($161.33 to $190.04), and 26.78% ($102.58 to $130.05), respectively. When normalized to 2018 dollars to adjust for inflation, the percent increases were 67.38%, 2.24%, and 10.09%, respectively. Commercial insurance reimbursed hand surgeons to a greater degree than any other payer type. Mean physician reimbursement differed depending on the level of service billed, with the level of service V reimbursing 4.41 times more than the level of service I visits for new outpatient visits, 3.66 times more for new outpatient consultations, and 3.04 times more for new inpatient consultations. Conclusions This study helps to provide physicians, hospitals, and policymakers with objective information regarding the trends in reimbursement to hand surgeons. Although this study indicates increasing reimbursements for consultations and new patient visits to hand surgeons, the margins shrink when adjusted for inflation.
Background: Tenolysis restores mobility to the flexor tendon through the lysis of adhesions that inhibit and negatively impact functional outcomes following flexor tendon repair. Despite extensive literature on operative techniques and therapy protocols used to minimize adhesion formation, there are limited data examining the association of patient, injury, and postoperative factors with tenolysis. This study aims to: (1) quantify tenolysis rates following flexor tendon repair or reconstruction; and (2) identify patient demographic factors, medical comorbidities, injury characteristics, postoperative diagnoses, and complications associated with tenolysis.Methods: PearlDiver was used to identify patients who underwent a flexor tendon repair or reconstruction from 2010 to 2020. Patients were stratified by whether or not flexor tenolysis was performed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, injury characteristics, postoperative diagnoses, and complications were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors associated with tenolysis.Results: Database review identified 10 264 patients who underwent either flexor tendon repair or reconstruction, with 612 patients (6.0%) subsequently undergoing tenolysis. Logistic regression analysis determined that vascular injury preceding flexor tendon repair, surgical wound disruption, nerve injury diagnosed postoperatively, postoperative tendon rupture, and need for repeat flexor tendon repair were associated with an increased odds of tenolysis. Patient age, sex, and comorbidities were not associated with performance of tenolysis.Conclusions: Although tenolysis rates may differ according to physician and patient preferences, identification of factors associated with tenolysis following flexor tendon repair allows surgeons to risk-stratify patients prior to surgery and help guide postoperative expectations if complications arise.
Background: A patient-specific, 3-dimensional-printed, custom glenoid baseplate can be utilized to address severe glenoid deficiency in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). Indications: A 73-year-old woman with right shoulder pain, weakness, and decreased range of motion in the setting of glenohumeral arthritis with severe glenoid bone loss. Additionally, this implant system was used in a 77-year-old man undergoing conversion to rTSA in the setting of glenoid erosion following prior failed total shoulder arthroplasty. Technique Description: A standard deltopectoral approach is utilized. In the revision setting, prior components are removed. Adequate glenoid exposure is obtained to allow for positioning and implantation of the custom glenoid baseplate. The glenoid is prepared utilizing patient-specific guides and trials before the custom glenoid component is seated within the glenoid vault and fixated with locking screws. Compatible glenosphere and humeral components are utilized for the remainder of the surgical procedure, as performed standardly. Results: There were no immediate complications following surgery. Surgical management led to improvement in the patient's pain and shoulder function. Discussion/Conclusion: Patient-specific, 3-dimensional-printed, custom glenoid baseplates may be used to manage severe glenoid deformity and bone loss in patients indicated for primary or revision rTSA. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
Purpose:To characterize the early postoperative complications following outpatient tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) to determine its safety in this setting. Methods:Patients undergoing TTO by a single surgeon between July 2017 and August 2022 for patellar instability or patellofemoral chondromalacia and achieving a minimum of 3 months of clinical and radiographic follow-up were evaluated for inclusion. Although an inclusion criterion was a minimum follow-up of 3 months, if evidence of a healed osteotomy was observed sooner, final follow-up was accepted at 2 months. Patient demographics, perioperative risk factors, and incidence of complications were collected retrospectively. Categorical data were analyzed using χ2 and Fisher exact tests. Continuous data were analyzed using 2-tailed t tests and Mann-Whitney U data for parametric and nonparametric data, respectively. Results:A total of 195 knees in 167 patients met inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 24.7 ± 9.2 years and mean follow-up time of 10.9 months (range, 2-69 months). Fifty-one early postoperative complications occurred in 47 (24.1%) knees in 42 (25.1%) patients. Ten major and 41 minor complications occurred. Major complications were associated with older age (P = .015), smoking (P = .038), and smaller preoperative patellar tendon-lateral trochlear ridge distance (P = .012). Forty-four reoperations occurred in 42 (21.5%) knees in 37 (22.2%) patients. The most common reasons for reoperation included removal of symptomatic hardware (31 knees; 15.9%) and arthrofibrosis requiring lysis of adhesions and manipulation under anesthesia (8 knees; 4.1%). The mean time to reoperation was 13.0 months (range, 1-42 months). Smaller body mass index was associated with increased risk of reoperation (P = .002). Conclusions:Outpatient TTO is safe when performed with the described technique, but the later development of minor complications is not infrequent following surgery. Patients should be counseled regarding a relatively high incidence of hardware irritation, arthrofibrosis, and eventual reoperation. Level of Evidence:Level IV, case series.
PURPOSE:To describe the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients undergoing a lateral opening distal femur osteotomy (DFO) to address valgus alignment and restore patellar stability. METHODS:A retrospective review of patients who underwent lateral opening DFO for recurrent patellar instability in the setting of valgus leg alignment at a single academic institution between January 2016 to December 2021 was performed. Patients without a minimum 24-month postoperative follow-up were excluded. Rates of recurrent patellar instability, patient-reported outcomes, and complications were assessed. Pre- and postoperative radiographic anatomic lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA) was evaluated to assess alignment correction. RESULTS:Twenty lateral opening DFO cases were included from 15 patients (mean age 19.6 years, mean follow-up 42.4 months, range: 24-63 months). Nineteen of 20 (95%) knees experienced no recurrent patellar dislocation. Thirteen of 20 (65.0%) knees underwent reoperation (hardware removal, n = 10; revision stabilization procedure, n = 1; lysis of adhesions and manipulation under anesthesia, n = 1; nonunion revision with bone grafting, n = 1). Mechanical LDFA significantly changed from 86.3° preoperatively to 91.4° postoperatively (P < .001). Mean aLDFA changed significantly from 77.4° preoperatively to 84.4° postoperatively (P < .001). The final Kujala score had a median value of 92 (interquartile range [IQR] 85.5-98.0), Lysholm score was 90 (IQR 76-95), and Tegner score was 5 (IQR 4-7). CONCLUSIONS:Lateral opening DFO is an efficacious procedure to address recurrent patellar instability in patients with valgus leg alignment. This present retrospective case series demonstrates good functional outcomes and low rates of recurrent instability and major complications after a lateral opening DFO, despite a large proportion of patients having undergone previous surgery. There were relatively high rates of reoperation and hardware irritation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Level IV, retrospective case series.
Importance Coronal plane malalignment can contribute to recurrent patellar instability, a common knee pathology particularly in adolescents that can negatively impact knee function and stability. Objective To systematically review the literature in order to summarize the clinical and radiologic outcomes of the surgical treatment of recurrent lateral patellar instability in patients with genu valgum using varus-producing distal femoral osteotomies (DFOs). Evidence Review A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and OVID Medline databases from 1990 to present. Inclusion criteria were: outcomes of lateral opening- and medial closing-DFO’s performed for treatment of recurrent patellar instability with associated genu valgum, minimum 90-days follow-up, English language articles, and human studies. Data extracted included demographic information, type of osteotomy and concomitant procedures, radiological outcomes, patient reported outcome scores, and incidence of complications. Findings Nine studies, with a total of 147 knees, were available for review. All included studies were retrospective case series, with a weighted mean follow-up of 2.75 ± 0.75 years. 6 of 147 (4.08%) knees demonstrated recurrent patellar instability. All studies reported good to excellent patient-reported outcomes postoperatively, with improvement from pre-operative measures. All studies reported relative normalization of measurements of mechanical axis and/or lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA) postoperatively. 63 of 147 (42.86%) knees underwent re-operation, with hardware removal [53 of 147 (36.05%) knees] being the most commonly performed procedure. Conclusions Varus-producing DFO’s are an efficacious procedure to improve functionality and radiographic malalignment, and address recurrent patellar instability in patients with associated valgus deformity. Additional higher-level of evidence studies utilizing matched control groups, such as patients undergoing conservative treatment, with standardized reporting of outcomes should be performed in order to better understand clinical and radiographic outcomes of varus-producing DFO’s for this indication. Study Design Systematic Review; Level of evidence, 4
Rotator cuff tears are common and multifactorial in etiology. Natural history studies suggest that following initiation of a tear, rotator cuff disease may advance along a continuum of tear enlargement and symptom progression, muscular degeneration and fatty infiltration, and glenohumeral arthritis. Patient- and tear-specific features influence both the risk of clinical progression and the potential for tendon healing following a repair. General guidelines regarding management of rotator cuff tears are influenced by a patient's symptoms, risk of clinical progression, and potential for biologic healing.
Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of regional anesthesia for the treatment of wrist fractures or dislocation on opioid prescription-filling patterns. Methods: Patients undergoing surgery for hand and wrist fractures or dislocations from 2010 to 2018 were identified by using a national insurance claims database. Patients were stratified by procedures conducted with and without regional anesthesia. Preoperative opioids were defined by a filled opioid prescription within 1 month prior to surgery, postoperative within 1 month following the surgery, and prolonged postoperative 3 to 6 months following surgery. Patients’ demographic data, comorbidities, additional medications, 30-day emergency department (ED) visits, and hospital readmissions were analyzed. Results: A total of 24 598 patients treated with and 115 199 patients treated without a regional nerve block for wrist fractures and dislocations were identified. Regional anesthesia was associated with greater postoperative opioid prescription but fewer prolonged postoperative prescriptions. There was an increased odds of all-cause 30-day ED visits but a decreased odds of 30-day hospital readmissions when patients received a regional nerve block prior to surgery. Conclusions: In this study, receiving regional anesthesia prior to surgical intervention for wrist fractures or dislocations was associated with increased filling of postoperative opioid prescriptions, but not prolonged postoperative opioid prescriptions. Additional investigation is needed to identify and implement nonnarcotic multimodal analgesia regimens that may help decrease usage of narcotic medications surrounding these procedures. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Background: There are few studies examining the clinical outcomes of 5-strand autografts in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R). Purpose: We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of ACL-R using 5-strand (5HS) and 4-strand (4HS) hamstring autografts of similar graft diameter to study the potential effects of autograft strand number on clinical outcomes. Methods: Patients who underwent ACL-R from 2013 to 2018 at a single academic institution and received a 4HS or 5HS autograft were included. Exclusion criteria were less than 2-year follow-up and any additional ligamentous reconstruction. Revision ACL-R and cyclops lesions were assessed at a minimum 2 years of postoperative follow-up. Objective measures of ability to return to sport were assessed at 6 months. Results: The mean graft diameters for 4HS (n = 51) and 5HS (n = 23) autografts were 8.3 ± 0.7 mm and 8.4 ± 0.7 mm, respectively. The mean follow-up for the 4HS and 5HS cohorts was 3.0 ± 1.5 years and 3.3 ± 1.3 years, respectively. The 4HS and 5HS cohorts had revision ACL-R rates of 15.7% (8/51) and 8.7% (2/23), respectively. Cyclops lesions occurred in 5.9% of 4HS patients and 13.0% of 5HS patients. We found no statistically significant differences between groups on objective measures of ability to return to sport. Conclusion: This retrospective cohort study detected no difference in revision ACL-R rates, frequency of cyclops lesions, or objective measures of ability to return to sport in patients who received 4HS or 5HS autografts of similar diameter for ACL-R. Further comparative study with larger sample sizes is warranted.
Rotator cuff tears are common and multifactorial in etiology. Natural history studies suggest that following initiation of a tear, rotator cuff disease may advance along a continuum of tear enlargement and symptom progression, muscular degeneration and fatty infiltration, and glenohumeral arthritis. Patient- and tear-specific features influence both the risk of clinical progression and the potential for tendon healing following a repair. General guidelines regarding management of rotator cuff tears are influenced by a patient's symptoms, risk of clinical progression, and potential for biologic healing.
Study Design:Review of health care record database and determination of population statistics. Objective:The purpose of this study was to quantify the incidence of clinically significant venous thromboembolic (VTE) events in patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and to identify risk factors for VTE. Summary of Background Data:VTE is a serious complication that can cause disability and even death following surgery. Incidence of VTE following AIS surgery has not been well studied; the use of a national database allows the assessment of rare, yet important complications. Materials and Methods:The PearlDiver Database was used to identify AIS patients who underwent primary instrumented spinal fusion between 2010 and 2020. Patient records were cross-referenced for documented VTEs within 30 and 90 postoperative days. Patients with nonidiopathic scoliosis were excluded. Logistic regression was used to evaluate risk factors for correlation with VTE events. Results:Thirty-eight of 11,775 (0.323%) patients undergoing surgery for AIS developed a VTE complication within 90 postoperative days. Hypercoagulability [odds ratio (OR)=13.50, P<0.0001], spinal fusion involving 13+ vertebral levels (OR=2.61, P<0.0001), obesity (OR=1.30, P<0.005), and older (15-18 y) compared with younger adolescence (10-14 y) (OR=2.12, P<0.0001) were associated with VTE. Seven of 38 (18.4%) patients with a diagnosed thrombophilia experienced VTE. Conclusions:The incidence of clinically significant VTEs in pediatric patients following spinal fusion surgery for AIS is low with an incidence of 0.323%. Postoperative chemoprophylaxis in the general pediatric population is not indicated. Patients with obesity, those undergoing spinal fusion of 13 or more vertebrae, and adolescents 15-18 years old were found to have higher but still small risk of VTE following surgery. Further prospective studies are needed to validate the risk profile of patients with hypercoagulability and establish clinical guidelines for use of postoperative chemoprophylaxis in this cohort.
OBJECTIVES:To assess the ability of computed tomography angiography identified infrapopliteal vascular injury to predict complications in tibia fractures that do not require vascular surgical intervention. DESIGN:Multicenter retrospective review. SETTING:Six Level I trauma centers. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION:Two hundred seventy-four patients with tibia fractures (OTA/AO 42 or 43) who underwent computed tomography angiography maintained a clinically perfused foot not requiring vascular surgical intervention and were treated with an intramedullary nail. Patients were grouped by the number of vessels below the trifurcation that were injured. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS:Rates of superficial and deep infection, amputation, unplanned reoperation to promote bone healing (nonunion), and any unplanned reoperation. RESULTS:There were 142 fractures in the control (no-injury) group, 87 in the one-vessel injury group, and 45 in the two-vessel injury group. Average follow-up was 2 years. Significantly higher rates of nerve injury and flap coverage after wound breakdown were observed in the two-vessel injury group. The two-vessel injury group had higher rates of deep infection (35.6% vs. 16.9%, P = 0.030) and unplanned reoperation to promote bone healing (44.4% vs. 23.9%, P = 0.019) compared with controls, as well as increased rates of any unplanned reoperation compared with control and one-vessel injury groups (71.1% vs. 39.4% and 51.7%, P < 0.001), respectively. There were no significant differences in rates of superficial infection or amputation. CONCLUSIONS:Tibia fractures with two-vessel injuries were associated with higher rates of deep infection and unplanned reoperation to promote bone healing compared with those without vascular injury, as well as increased rates of any unplanned reoperation compared with controls and fractures with one-vessel injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Background: Graft-tunnel mismatch (GTM) is a common problem in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) using bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) grafts. Hypothesis: Application of the “N+10 rule” in endoscopic ACLR with BPTB grafts will result in acceptable tibial tunnel length (TTL), minimizing GTM. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Endoscopic BPTB ACLR was conducted on the paired knees of 10 cadaveric specimens using 2 independent femoral tunnel drilling techniques—accessory anteromedial portal and flexible reamer. The graft bone blocks were trimmed to 10 × 20 mm, and the intertendinous distance (represented by “N”) between the bone blocks was measured. The N+10 rule was used to set the angle of the ACL tibial tunnel guide to the appropriate number of degrees for drilling. The amount of excursion or recession of the tibial bone plug in relation to the anterior tibial cortical aperture was measured in both flexion and extension. A GTM threshold of ±7.5 mm was set based on prior studies. Results: The mean BPTB ACL intertendinous distance was 47.5 ± 5.5 mm. The mean measured intra-articular distance was 27.2 ± 3 mm. Using the N+10 rule, the mean total (flexion plus extension) GTM was 4.3 ± 3.2 mm (GTM in flexion, 4.9 ± 3.6 mm; GTM in extension, 3.8 ± 3.5 mm). In 18 of 20 (90%) cadaveric knees, the mean total GTM fell within the ±7.5-mm threshold. When comparing the actual measured TTL to the calculated TTL, there was a mean difference of 5.4 ± 3.9 mm. When comparing femoral tunnel drilling techniques, the total GTM for the accessory anteromedial portal technique was 2.1 ± 3.7 mm, while the total GTM for the flexible reamer technique was 3.6 ± 5.4 mm ( P = .5). Conclusion: The N+10 rule resulted in an acceptable mean GTM in both flexion and extension. The mean difference between the measured versus calculated TTL using the N+10 rule was also acceptable. Clinical Relevance: The N+10 rule is a simple and effective intraoperative strategy for achieving desired TTL regardless of patient-specific factors to avoid excessive GTM in endoscopic BPTB ACLR using independent femoral tunnel drilling.
Background: Anterior capsular tears are often associated with traumatic glenohumeral instability episodes; however, there are not many previous descriptions in the literature without occurrence of frank dislocation. This video will discuss the presentation of a throwing athlete with an anteroinferior capsular tear in his dominant shoulder who underwent successful arthroscopic repair. Indications: Based on the patient's clinical symptoms, magnetic resonance imaging arthrogram findings, and failure to return to play despite attempts at conservative management, he was determined to be a candidate for arthroscopic repair. Technique Description: Arthroscopic repair consisted of reapproximation of the avulsed capsular tissue to its attachment point medially using suture anchors in the glenoid and a side-to-side repair of the mid-substance extension of the capsular split. Results: Arthroscopic repair of the anteroinferior capsular tear allowed the patient to return to his previous level of sport. Discussion/Conclusion: In the present case and a previous case series, surgical repair of anterior capsular tears, whether arthroscopic or open, can yield good results in throwing athletes aiming to return to prior levels of performance. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.