Faculty Bibliography

BACKGROUND:It is unclear which patients with recurrent patellar instability require a bony procedure in addition to medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. PURPOSE:To report 1- and 2-year outcomes of patients after isolated MPFL reconstruction performed for patellar instability regardless of patellar height, tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, or trochlear dysplasia. STUDY DESIGN:Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS:All patients with recurrent patellar instability and without significant unloadable chondral defects (Outerbridge grade IV), cartilage defects (especially inferior/lateral patella), previous failed surgery, or pain >50% as their chief complaint were prospectively enrolled beginning March 2014. All patients underwent primary, unilateral, isolated MPFL reconstruction regardless of concomitant bony pathology for treatment of recurrent patellar instability. Information on recurrent subjective instability, dislocations, ability to return to sport (RTS), and outcome scores was recorded at 1 and 2 years. TT-TG distance, patellar height (with the Caton-Deschamps index), and trochlear depth were measured. RESULTS:Ninety patients (77% female; mean ± SD age, 19.4 ± 5.6 years) underwent MPFL reconstruction between March 2014 and August 2017: 72 (80%) reached 1-year follow-up, and 47 (52.2%) reached 2-year follow-up (mean follow-up, 2.2 years). Mean TT-TG distance was 14.7 ± 5.4 mm (range, -2.2 to 26.8 mm); mean patellar height, 1.2 ± 0.11 mm (range, 0.89-1.45 mm); and mean trochlear depth, 1.8 ± 1.4 mm (range, 0.05-6.85 mm). Ninety-six percent of patients at 1 year and 100% at 2 years had no self-reported patellofemoral instability; 1 patient experienced a redislocation at 3.5 years. RTS rates at 1 and 2 years were 90% and 88%, respectively. Mean time to RTS was 8.8 months. All patients had clinically and statistically significant improvement in mean Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Quality of Life (32.7 to 72.0, P < .001), mean International Knee Documentation Committee subjective form (51.4 to 82.6, P < .001), and mean Kujala score (62.2 to 89.5, P < .001). No difference existed between 1- and 2-year outcome scores (all P > .05). CONCLUSION:At early follow-up of 1 and 2 years, isolated MPFL reconstruction is an effective treatment for patellar instability and provides significant improvements in outcome scores with a low redislocation/instability rate regardless of bony pathologies, including TT-TG distance, Caton-Deschamps index, and trochlear dysplasia. Future data from this cohort will be used to assess long-term outcomes.

Advances in surgical technique and implant design during the past several decades have resulted in annual increases in shoulder arthroplasty procedures performed in the United States. The purpose of this investigation was to use the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to analyze the rates of morbidity following shoulder arthroplasty. The authors hypothesized that, independent of predischarge patient factors, discharge to inpatient facilities is associated with increased short-term morbidity. Patient demographics, intraoperative variables, and information about postoperative complications/readmissions up to 30 days after the operative event were collected from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for the period 2005 to 2015. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts based on discharge to home vs non-home facilities. Unadjusted baseline patient characteristics were compared using Pearson's chi-square test, and a propensity score-adjusted comparison was also performed. Overall, 9058 patients were included. Of these, 7996 (88.3%) were discharged to home and 1062 (11.7%) were discharged to a non-home facility. On propensity-adjusted analysis, complications determined to be statistically significantly associated with non-home discharge included cardiac (odds ratio, 4.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.75-10.04; P=.001), respiratory (odds ratio, 2.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.47-4.70; P=.001), urinary tract infection (odds ratio, 2.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.52-4.67; P=.001), and death (odds ratio, 7.51; 95% confidence interval, 2.42-23.27; P<.001). Overall, complications were statistically significantly associated with non-home discharges (odds ratio, 2.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.59-2.64; propensity-adjusted P<.001). This investigation indicated an association between postdischarge placement into non-home facilities and an increase in short-term morbidity, regardless of preoperative patient comorbidities. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(2):e225-e231.].

Background/UNASSIGNED:The medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) insertion of the elbow has been shown to extend distally beyond the sublime tubercle. The contribution to valgus stability of the distal aspect of the footprint is unknown. Purpose/Hypothesis/UNASSIGNED:The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of each part of the UCL footprint to the elbow valgus stability provided by the UCL. It was hypothesized that the distal two-thirds of the ulnar UCL footprint would not contribute significantly to valgus stability provided by the UCL. Study Design/UNASSIGNED:Descriptive laboratory study. Methods/UNASSIGNED:Fifteen cadaveric arms were dissected to the capsuloligamentous elbow structures and potted. A servohydraulic load frame was used to place 5 N·m of valgus stress on the intact elbow at 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° of flexion. The UCL insertional footprint was measured and divided into thirds (proximal, middle, and distal). One-third of the UCL footprint was elevated off the bone (leaving the ligament in continuity), and the elbow was retested at the same degrees of flexion. This was repeated until the entire UCL footprint on the ulna was sectioned. Each elbow was randomized for how the UCL would be sectioned (sectioning the proximal, then middle, and then distal third or sectioning the distal, then middle, and then proximal third). Ulnohumeral joint gapping (millimeters) was recorded with a 3-dimensional motion capture system using physical and virtual markers. Two-group comparisons were made between each sectioned status versus the intact condition for each flexion angle. Results/UNASSIGNED:When the UCL was sectioned from distal to proximal, none of the ligaments failed prior to complete sectioning. When the UCL was sectioned from proximal to distal, 3 of the 6 ligaments failed after sectioning of the proximal third, while 2 more failed after the proximal and middle thirds were sectioned. Of the specimens with the distal third of the ligament sectioned first, no significant differences were found between intact, distal third cut, and distal plus middle thirds cut at all flexion angles. Conclusion/UNASSIGNED:The middle and distal thirds of the insertional footprint of the UCL on the ulna did not significantly contribute to gap resistance at 5 N·m of valgus load. The proximal third of the footprint is the primary resistor of valgus load. Clinical Relevance/UNASSIGNED:This cadaveric biomechanical study demonstrated that the middle and distal thirds of the native UCL insertion onto the ulna did not significantly contribute to valgus resistance at the elbow. When a UCL reconstruction is performed, the proximal third of the UCL insertion may be the most clinically important portion of the ligament to reconstruct.

The purpose of this study is to describe the rate of return to the operating room (OR) following microfracture (MFX), autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), osteochondral autograft transplantation (OATS), and osteochondral allograft (OCA) procedures at 90 days, 1 year, and 2 years. Current Procedural Terminology codes for all patients undergoing MFX, ACI, OATS, and OCA were used to search a prospectively collected, commercially available private payer insurance company database from 2007 to 2011. Within 90 days, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery, the database was searched for the occurrence of these same patients undergoing knee diagnostic arthroscopy with biopsy, lysis of adhesions, synovectomy, arthroscopy for infection or lavage, arthroscopy for removal of loose bodies, chondroplasty, MFX, ACI, OATS, OCA, and/or knee arthroplasty. Descriptive statistical analysis and contingency table analysis were performed. A total of 47,207 cartilage procedures were performed from 2007 to 2011, including 43,576 MFX, 640 ACI, 386 open OATS, 997 arthroscopic OATS, 714 open OCA, and 894 arthroscopic OCA procedures. The weighted average reoperation rates for all procedures were 5.87% at 90 days, 11.94% at 1 year, and 14.90% at 2 years following the index cartilage surgery. At 2 years, patients who underwent MFX, ACI, OATS, OCA had reoperation rates of 14.65%, 29.69%, 8.82%, and 12.22%, respectively. There was a statistically significantly increased risk for ACI return to OR within all intervals (P < .0001); however, MFX had a greater risk factor (P < .0001) for conversion to arthroplasty. There was no difference in failure/revision rates between the restorative treatment options. With a large US commercial insurance database from 2007 to 2011, reparative procedures were favored for chondral injuries, but yielded an increased risk for conversion to arthroplasty. There was no difference in failure/revision rates between the restorative approaches, yet cell-based approaches yielded a significantly increased risk for a return to the OR.

BACKGROUND:. METHODS:A systematic review was registered with PROSPERO and performed with PRISMA guidelines using three publicly available free databases. Clinical outcome investigations reporting OLT outcomes with levels of evidence I-IV were eligible for inclusion. All study, subject, and surgical technique demographics were analyzed and compared. Statistics were calculated using Student's t-tests, one-way ANOVA, chi-squared, and two-proportion Z-tests. RESULTS:Nineteen articles met our inclusion criteria, which resulted in a total of 343 patients. Six studies pertained to arthroscopic MACI, 8 to open MACI, and 5 studies to open periosteal ACI (PACI). All studies were Level IV evidence. Due to study quality, imprecise and sparse data, and potential for reporting bias, the quality of evidence is low. In comparison of open and arthroscopic MACI, we found both advantages favoring open MACI. However, open MACI had higher complication rates. CONCLUSIONS:. Ultimately, well-designed randomized trials are needed to address the limitation of the available literature and further our understanding of the optimal treatment options.

Background/UNASSIGNED:Injury rates among Major League Baseball pitchers have been increasing over the past several years. It is currently unknown whether pitching a complete game (CG) is a risk factor for spending time on the disabled list (DL). Purpose/Hypothesis/UNASSIGNED:The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between pitching a CG and time on the DL. We hypothesized that pitchers who threw a CG (1) would be at increased risk for spending time on the DL, which would be earlier in the season and for a longer period, than those who did not and (2) would be at further increased risk for spending time on the DL during subsequent seasons than matched controls. Study Design/UNASSIGNED:Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods/UNASSIGNED:Pitchers who threw a CG between 2010 and 2016 at the major league level and were placed on the DL during the same season were included. Timing and length of period on the DL were determined, as well as placement on the DL during subsequent seasons. Matched controls who did not throw a CG were assessed for time spent on the DL during that season and subsequent seasons. Results/UNASSIGNED:< .001). Conclusion/UNASSIGNED:Overall, 74% of pitchers who threw a CG spent time on the DL, as compared with 20% of controls. Pitchers who threw a CG during the study period spent more time in subsequent seasons on the DL than did matched controls who did not throw a CG.

The recognition and management of glenohumeral instability has become an increasingly important aspect of orthopaedic care. Substantial controversy exists with regard to the indications for soft-tissue stabilization versus bony augmentation in patients with glenohumeral instability, particularly among surgeons in the United States and Europe. Although bone loss procedures are frequently performed in the United States and abroad, surgical techniques and indications for bone loss procedures are different. Surgeons should understand current evidence-based indications for arthroscopic versus open soft-tissue stabilization in patients with anterior shoulder instability. Surgeons also should understand the importance of glenoid bone loss with regard to surgical decision making and the indications for Latarjet reconstruction versus allograft reconstruction. Patient-specific factors, including age, sex, sports participation (type and level of play), and the number of instability events that occur before presentation, affect surgical decision making. The technical pearls for successful arthroscopic stabilization, remplissage, open soft-tissue stabilization, and bony reconstruction of the glenoid rim that are discussed in this chapter may increase the likelihood of successful outcomes in patients with glenohumeral instability.

Background/UNASSIGNED:Microfracture is a single-stage arthroscopic procedure used to treat small- and medium-sized cartilage defects, the clinical results of which have been mixed to date. Purpose/UNASSIGNED:To retrospectively evaluate prospectively collected patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after microfracture as well as to determine patient-related and defect-related factors associated with clinical outcomes and which factors predict the need for additional surgery. Study Design/UNASSIGNED:Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods/UNASSIGNED:All patients between the ages of 10 and 70 years who underwent microfracture by the senior author for a focal chondral defect of the knee between January 1, 2005, and March 1, 2010, were eligible for study enrollment. Patients were excluded if they underwent concomitant procedures that violated the subchondral bone. Functional outcomes were determined using preoperative and final follow-up PROs, including the Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Short Form-12 (SF-12), and overall satisfaction scores. Patient-related factors (sex, age, body mass index [BMI]) and defect-related factors (lesion size, location, concomitant procedures, prior procedures) were analyzed for correlations with outcome scores. All patient-related and defect-related factors were also analyzed as predictors for subsequent surgery. Results/UNASSIGNED:) and prior knee surgery were independent risk factors for additional knee surgery after microfracture. Conclusion/UNASSIGNED:) and prior knee surgery predicted the need for additional knee surgery after microfracture.

Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is a significant source of pain and dysfunction resulting from repetitive gripping or wrist extension, radial deviation, and/or forearm supination. Although most cases are self-limiting over several years, controversy exists regarding the best treatment strategy for chronic LE. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy (PT), shockwave therapy, and injections with corticosteroids or biologics are all conservative treatment options for LE. For refractory cases, surgical options include open, arthroscopic, and percutaneous techniques. In this review, the current evidence behind these treatment strategies is presented. The data demonstrate that NSAIDs, PT, bracing, and shockwave therapy provide limited benefit for treating LE. Biologics such as platelet-rich plasma and autologous whole-blood injections may be superior to steroid injections in the long-term management of LE. Although the initial results are promising, larger comparative studies on stem cell injections are needed. For refractory LE, open, arthroscopic, and percutaneous techniques are all highly effective, with no method seemingly superior over another. Arthroscopic and percutaneous approaches may result in faster recovery and earlier return to work.