Faculty Bibliography

BACKGROUND:Graft failure following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a devastating complication. Risk factors such as patient characteristics and tunnel positions are well described. The relationship between graft dimension and failure rates has been investigated mainly in soft tissue grafts. Less studied are the effects of patella tendon (PT) dimensions on the risk of graft failure following patella tendon autograft (PTA) reconstructions. PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:The purpose of the current study was to investigate if patellar tendon thickness measured on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) predicts failure after ACLR using PTA. METHODS:This was an institutional review board approved, single-center, retrospective case-control study comparing patients' preoperative patellar tendon thickness between July 2005 and January 2017. Sixteen patients (mean age 21.2 ± 5.0 years) with PTA failure requiring revision surgery were identified and compared to 34 control patients who had undergone primary ACLR with PTA without failure with a minimum of 2-years follow-up. Patients with failure were matched at approximately 1:2 based on age, sex, height, weight, associated meniscus injury, and associated meniscal surgery. Patellar tendon dimensions were measured at the inferior pole of the patella (IPP), tibial tubercle insertion (TT), and longitudinal midpoint (MP) on preoperative axial and sagittal cut MRIs. Interclass correlation coefficeint (ICC) and Bland-Altman analyses were evaluated to determine inter-observer reliability. The two cohorts were compared using independent samples t-tests and analysis of variance. RESULTS:All ACLR failures occurred after a non-contact, pivot type injury. There were no significant differences in age, sex, height, weight, meniscal injury, or meniscal surgery between the two groups. Mean time between primary ACLR and revision was 2.6 ± 2.6 years and mean follow-up time was 3.1 ± 1.0 years in the control group. Patellar tendon length and width were not significantly different between the two groups. The average thickness at both the inferior pole and longitudinal midpoint was significantly higher in the failure group compared to controls (IPP: 5.04 ± 1.1 mm versus 4.33 ± 0.7 mm, p = 0.01; MP: 4.60 ± 0.7 mm versus 4.22 ± 0.5 mm, p = 0.03). Additionally, ICC was high across all measurements, with all values > 0.978. Similarly, all values demonstrated bias of less than ± 0.05. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Patella tendon autograft anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction failures had significantly thicker patellar tendons at the inferior pole and longitudinal midpoint of the patella tendon.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study is to evaluate the short-term complication rate following the open and arthroscopic Latarjet procedures and to meta-analyze the studies comparing the 2 approaches. METHODS:PubMed was searched according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to find clinical and biomechanical studies comparing complication rates in open and arthroscopic Latarjet procedures. A literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was performed based on the PRISMA guidelines. Clinical studies reporting on the complications following the open or arthroscopic Latarjet were included. Meta-analysis was performed for comparative studies using Review Manager, version 5.3. A P value of <.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS:Overall, 89 studies (Level of Evidence [LOE] I: 2, LOE II: 2, LOE III: 24, LOE IV: 61) met inclusion criteria, with 7175 shoulders. Following the open Latarjet procedure, the overall complication rate was 6.1%, with a 1.9% occurrence of graft-related complications, 1.1% hardware, 1.1% wound, 0.9% nerve, and 1.2% other complications. Following the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure, the overall complication rate was 6.8%, with a 3.2% occurrence of graft-related complications, 1.9% hardware, 0.5% wound, 0.7% nerve, and 0.5% other complications. Complications were reported in 7 studies comparing 379 patients treated with the open Latarjet and 531 treated with the arthroscopic Latarjet, with no statistically significant difference between the two (P = .81). CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Our study established that the overall complication rate following the Latarjet procedure was 6%-7%, with the most common complication being graft-related. Furthermore, based on the current evidence, there is no significant difference in the complication rate between the open and arthroscopic Latarjet procedures.

Purpose/UNASSIGNED:To evaluate outcomes for a combined osteoligamentous reconstruction technique for Neer Type IIB clavicle fractures. Methods/UNASSIGNED:Patients with Neer Type IIB clavicle fractures treated with combined clavicular locking plate and coracoclavicular ligament suture reconstruction were identified. Demographics, clinical outcomes, and radiographic outcomes were collected. Results/UNASSIGNED:Twenty-four patients with mean 13 months of follow-up were included. Bony union and normal radiographic coracoclavicular relationship were achieved in 23 (96%) patients. The mean UCLA Shoulder score was 33.3. Three (13%) complications occurred. Discussion/UNASSIGNED:The combined osteoligamentous reconstruction approach as described is a successful option for treating Neer Type IIB clavicle fractures.

IMPORTANCE/OBJECTIVE:Cadaveric and MRI findings have demonstrated significantly less labral separation and displacement when the shoulder is placed in external rotation as compared with internal rotation. OBJECTIVE:The purpose of the current study is to meta-analyse the randomised controlled trials in the literature to compare immobilisation in external versus internal rotation after first-time anterior shoulder dislocation. EVIDENCE REVIEW/METHODS:A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Randomised controlled trials comparing immobilisation in external rotation versus internal rotation for first-time anterior shoulder dislocation were included. FINDINGS/RESULTS:Nine randomised controlled trials with 795 patients were included. The mean age of included patients was 29 years, 82.4% were male and the mean follow-up was 25.5 months. As compared with immobilisation in internal rotation, compliance was significantly higher (74.5% vs 67.4%, p=0.01), and the rate of recurrent dislocations was significantly lower (22.2% vs 33.4%, p=0.02) with immobilisation in external rotation. Additionally, in patients 20-40 years old the rate of recurrent dislocations was significantly lower in those treated with immobilisation in external rotation than internal rotation (12.1% vs 31.4%, p=0.006). Immobilisation in external rotation also resulted in a higher rate of return to preinjury level of play (60.1% vs 42.6%, p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE/CONCLUSIONS:Immobilisation of the shoulder in external rotation after a traumatic first-time anterior shoulder dislocation results in a higher compliance rate, a lower recurrent dislocation rate and a higher rate of return to play as compared with immobilisation in internal rotation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/METHODS:Level I.

BACKGROUND:Telemedicine has increasingly been considered as a viable alternative to traditional office-based health care, including postoperative follow-up visits. The purpose of the present study was to determine if patient satisfaction with overall care is equivalent for telemedicine follow-up (i.e., synchronous face-to-face video) and office-based follow-up after arthroscopic meniscectomy and repair. METHODS:Patients were prospectively enrolled from August 1, 2019, to March 1, 2020. Patients were included who were ≥18 years old, consented to isolated arthroscopic meniscal repair or meniscectomy, and were able to properly utilize telemedicine software on a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a built-in camera. Patient demographic data, including complication events and postoperative satisfaction data, were recorded and analyzed for significance. RESULTS:One hundred and fifty patients were enrolled in the study, of whom 122 (81.3%) were included in the final analysis. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of patient demographics or satisfaction scores. Patient satisfaction with overall care was equivalent based on the results of two 1-sided t-test analysis for equivalence (9.77 ± 0.60 in the office-based group versus 9.79 ± 0.53 in the telemedicine group; p < 0.001). When patients were asked to indicate their preferred follow-up type with the options listed as the type they received versus an alternative, 58 patients (84.1%) in the office-based group preferred their received type of follow-up, whereas 42 (79.2%) in the telemedicine group preferred their received follow-up (p = 0.493). There were no significant differences between groups in terms of complications (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:The present study showed that patient satisfaction with overall care is equivalent between telemedicine and office-based follow-up in the immediate postoperative period following an arthroscopic meniscal surgical procedure, and should be considered a reasonable alternative to the traditional in-office modality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/METHODS:Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

»:The proposed advantages of the arthroscopic approach in the Latarjet procedure for shoulder dislocation include improved visualization for accurate positioning of the coracoid graft, the ability to address any associated intra-articular pathologies, and the diminished potential for the formation of postoperative scar tissue and stiffness associated with an open procedure. »:Young age, the presence of glenoid and/or humeral bone loss, a history of dislocation, a history of failed arthroscopic stabilization surgery, and an active lifestyle are all associated with recurrent dislocation and are relative indications for an osseous augmentation procedure. »:Both the open and arthroscopic Latarjet procedures result in substantial improvements in patient function, with comparable rates of recurrent instability and complication profiles.

Introduction: Fencing is growing rapidly in popularity and competitiveness with fencers beginning at a younger age and competing in more tournaments. Even though fencing has a low risk of time-loss injury, fencers are inevitably going to experience injuries if proper athletic training and prevention does not occur. We aim to describe and compare the lower extremity injuries experienced by fencers that have trained at the highest level in the sport. We hypothesized that athletes who fenced longer would suffer more knee and hip injuries and report lower IKDC and HOS scores.Methods: This is an epidemiology study distributed to members of the U.S national team and Olympic team from 1980 to 2018. The electronic survey included questions regarding age, weapon, number of years fencing, number of national and Olympic teams, injuries on the dominant and nondominant hip and knee, time missed due to injury, and methods for treatment. The survey also included the International Knee Demographic Committee (IKDC) and Hip Outcome Score (HOS).Results: There were 153 national team members between July 1980 and July 2018, 110 with contact information. A total of 77 athletes submitted the survey, consisting of 30 females and 47 males. Female fencers had more hip injuries and lower IKDC and HOS scores than their male counterparts. In total, there were 71 injuries to the dominant (front) knee and 28 injuries to the nondominant (back) knee. There were 32 dominant hip injuries and 5 nondominant hip injuries. Saber fencers reported the most dominant and nondominant hip and knee injuries.Conclusion: The intense, repetitive and asymmetrical movements involved in fencing affect the weight bearing leg and the nondominant leg in all weapons. Special attention should be paid to female fencers as they experience more hip and knee injuries resulting in impaired joint function.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study is to survey the members of North American and European shoulder surgery & sports medicine societies to evaluate their criteria for deciding when an athlete can safely return to play (RTP) following shoulder stabilization surgery. METHODS:A survey was sent to the members of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), European Society for Sports & Knee Arthroscopy (ESSKA), and European Society for Surgery of the Shoulder and the Elbow (SECEC). Surgeons were asked which criteria they used to determine when an athlete can RTP following the arthroscopic Bankart repair and Latarjet procedures, with additional questions on how time from surgery and participation in collision sports affect return. RESULTS:Overall, 317 surgeons responded to the survey. Following arthroscopic Bankart repair, the most common criteria used were time (98.7%), strength (74.8%), and range of motion (70%). The most commonly-reported time point was 4 months (43.8%), and the majority used an additional time period, most commonly 2 months (38.2%), before allowing a collision athlete to RTP (75.4%). Interestingly, the addition of a Remplissage procedure did not affect decision-making regarding RTP in most cases (92.1%). Following the Latarjet procedure, the most common criteria used were time (98.4%), strength (67.5%), and range of motion (65.9%). Less than half reported using imaging to assess for radiographic union before allowing patients to RTP (47%), and the most common modality was plain radiography (80%). The most common time point was 4 months (33.1%), and the majority reported waiting an additional period of time, most commonly by 2 months (25.9%), before allowing a collision athlete to RTP (59.6%). CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Despite the absence of evidence-based guidelines on when athletes can safely return to play following shoulder stabilization surgery, there exists minimal variability in recommendations between North American and European shoulder surgeons. Further research is required to better define criteria for return to play after the arthroscopic Bankart repair and Latarjet procedures.

Purpose/UNASSIGNED:To evaluate the efficacy of oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as the primary postoperative pain medication compared with standard oral opioids after arthroscopic shoulder capsulolabral (Bankart) repair for recurrent anterior shoulder instability. Methods/UNASSIGNED:This was a single-center, prospective, randomized controlled study. Patients aged 18 to 65 years indicated for arthroscopic shoulder capsulolabral repair for recurrent anterior shoulder instability were included. Postoperatively, patients were prescribed 1 of 2 analgesic regimens: (1) 30 ibuprofen (600 mg every 6 to 8 hours as needed) and 10 tablets of oxycodone/acetaminophen (5/325 mg every 6 hours as needed for breakthrough pain) or (2) 30 tablets oxycodone/acetaminophen (5/325 mg every 6 hours as needed). Subjects completed questionnaires at 24, 48, and 96 hours and 1 week after surgery, which included questions about analgesic medication usage, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, incidence of adverse events, and patient satisfaction. Results/UNASSIGNED: = .05) compared with patients in the NSAID group. Of patients in the NSAID group, 17.5% experienced adverse effects, compared with 35% in the opioid-only group. Conclusions/UNASSIGNED:Use of oral NSAIDs with limited breakthrough opioids results in significantly less opioid use after arthroscopic Bankart repair in the first postoperative week compared with opioids only. Both groups used limited amounts of opioids to control postoperative pain. There were no differences in pain levels at any time point postoperatively or satisfaction between patient groups. Level of Evidence/UNASSIGNED:II, nonblinded randomized control trial.

Purpose/UNASSIGNED:To systematically review the literature and assess the reported rehabilitation protocols, return-to-play guidelines, and reported rates of return-to-play after meniscal repair. Methods/UNASSIGNED:MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify studies on meniscal repair. Studies were included if return-to-play data and/or rehabilitation protocols were reported. The rate and timing of return-to-play was assessed. The rehabilitation protocols were documented, in addition to when to start range of motion (ROM), full ROM, partial weight-bearing (WB), and full WB. Results/UNASSIGNED:Overall, 88 studies met our inclusion criteria. Thirteen studies, including 507 patients, cited a range of 71.2% to 100% of return-to-play, with 53.9% to 92.6% returning to the same/greater level, ranging between 3.3 and 10 months. There was considerable variability in the reported rehabilitation protocols, but the most frequently reported time to begin ROM exercises was within the first week (78.9%) and full ROM at 6 weeks (33.3%). Partial WB was typically begun during the first week (61.0%), and full WB between the fourth and sixth week (65.6%) postoperatively. Following surgery, time elapsed was the most commonly cited criteria for return-to-play (97.0%), with 6 months being the most common time point applied (46.9%). No study advised against returning to competitive or contact sports after meniscal repair. Conclusions/UNASSIGNED:In conclusion, there was a high rate of return-to-play following meniscal repair, with 60% of patients returning to the same level of play. However, there was considerable diversity in the reported rehabilitation protocols and insufficient reporting on return-to-play criteria in the literature. This demonstrates the need for further research and formulation of an evidence-based consensus statement for this patient population. Level of Evidence/UNASSIGNED:Level IV, systematic review of Level I to IV studies.