Faculty Bibliography

Benign extraosseous cartilage tumours of the hand and wrist comprise soft tissue chondromas, synovial chondromatosis and tenosynovial chrondromatosis. These tumours can significantly affect patients as they are often painful, functionally limiting and cosmetically displeasing. Although each tumour is generally considered to be a distinct entity, they share radiological and histopathological similarities. Occasionally, all three tumours may be seen in the same patient. This is an important consideration because of the risk of recurrence that may not necessarily occur at the same anatomical site but instead extend to different sites, such as a tendon sheath and/or joint

Indications for the use of osteochondral allografts for orthopaedic surgical applications are increasing with improved surgical techniques and advancing experience. Modern tissue banks have developed harvesting, processing, and storage methods that ensure an adequate, safe supply of grafts. Continued research is necessary to find a technique that maximizes chondrocyte viability and metabolism both during storage and implantation. The majority of published data on the use of osteochondral allografts has focused on the management of osteochondral defects about the knee. Successful outcomes following these procedures have led to increased interest in their application to pathology affecting other joints including the shoulder and ankle. The current paper aims to review the basic science and clinical applications of osteochondral allografts.

Iliotibial band syndrome is a common overuse injury typically seen in runners, cyclists, and military recruits. Affected patients report lateral knee pain associated with repetitive motion activities. The diagnosis is usually made based on a characteristic history and physical examination, with imaging studies reserved for cases of recalcitrant disease to rule out other pathologic entities. Several etiologies have been proposed for iliotibial band syndrome, including friction of the iliotibial band against the lateral femoral epicondyle, compression of the fat and connective tissue deep to the iliotibial band, and chronic inflammation of the iliotibial band bursa. The mainstay of treatment is nonsurgical; however, in persistent or chronic cases, surgical management is indicated

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a multifactorial disease that can result in significant clinical morbidity and affects patients of any age, including young and active patients. Late sequelae of femoral head osteonecrosis include femoral head collapse and subsequent degeneration of the hip joint. A high index of suspicion and improved radiographic evaluation allow orthopedic surgeons to identify this disease at an earlier stage. Current management options for hip osteonecrosis have results that vary according to patient population and disease stage. Modifications of older techniques, as well as emerging technologies, have led to the development of management strategies that may be able to alter the course of femoral head osteonecrosis.

BACKGROUND: Full-thickness chondral defects and early osteoarthritis continue to present major challenges for the patient and the orthopaedic surgeon as a result of the limited healing potential of articular cartilage. The use of bioactive growth factors is under consideration as a potential therapy to enhance healing of chondral injuries and modify the arthritic disease process. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We reviewed the role of growth factors in articular cartilage repair and identified specific growth factors and combinations of growth factors that have the capacity to improve cartilage regeneration. Additionally, we discuss the potential use of platelet-rich plasma, autologous-conditioned serum, and bone marrow concentrate preparations as methods of combined growth factor delivery. METHODS: A PubMed search was performed using key words cartilage or chondrocyte alone and in combination with growth factor. The search was open for original manuscripts and review papers and open for all dates. From these searches we selected manuscripts investigating the effects of growth factors on extracellular matrix synthesis and excluded those investigating molecular mechanisms of action. RESULTS: By modulating the local microenvironment, the anabolic and anticatabolic effects of a variety of growth factors have demonstrated potential in both in vitro and animal studies of cartilage injury and repair. Members of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily, fibroblast growth factor family, insulin-like growth factor-I, and platelet-derived growth factor have all been investigated as possible treatment augments in the management of chondral injuries and early arthritis. CONCLUSIONS: The application of growth factors in the treatment of local cartilage defects as well as osteoarthritis appears promising; however, further research is needed at both the basic science and clinical levels before routine application.

The results of a prospective multicenter trial comparing 357 hips randomized to total hip arthroplasty with either ceramic-ceramic or ceramic-polyethylene couplings are presented. No statistically significant difference in clinical outcomes scores between the ceramic-ceramic and ceramic-polyethylene groups was observed at any time interval. The mean linear rate was statistically lower (P < .001) in the ceramic-ceramic group (30.5 mum/year) when compared with the ceramic-polyethylene group (218.2 mum/year). The rates of ceramic implant fracture (2.6%) and audible component-related noise (3.1%) were statistically higher in the ceramic-ceramic group when compared with the ceramic-polyethylene group (P < .05). Lastly, there was no statistically significant difference in the dislocation or revision rate between the groups at the time of last clinical follow-up.

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a multifactorial disease that can result in significant clinical morbidity and affects patients of any age, including young and active patients. Late sequelae of femoral head osteonecrosis include femoral head collapse and subsequent degeneration of the hip joint. A high index of suspicion and improved radiographic evaluation allow orthopedic surgeons to identify this disease at an earlier stage. Current management options for hip osteonecrosis have results that vary according to patient population and disease stage. Modifications of older techniques, as well as emerging technologies, have led to the development of management strategies that may be able to alter the course of femoral head osteonecrosis.

BACKGROUND: Scapular notching is a unique complication of Grammont-style reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. While reverse total shoulder arthroplasty has revolutionized the treatment of pseudoparalysis secondary to cuff tear arthropathy, the implications of scapular notching with regard to patient function and implant stability remain unclear. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We reviewed literature to determine the etiology and incidence, radiographic progression and effect on implant stability, relationship with postoperative function, and risk factors for the development of scapular notching. METHODS: We reviewed PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE with the terms "reverse total shoulder arthroplasty" and "scapular notching." Inclusion criteria were a level of evidence of IV (or better). Twenty-four articles were selected after manual review. RESULTS: Scapular notching after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is due to repetitive contact between the polyethylene of the humeral component and the inferior scapular neck during adduction, leading to erosion of the scapular neck, polyethylene wear, joint inflammation, and potential implant loosening. Scapular notching appears between 6 and 14 months postoperatively, with an incidence of 44% to 96%. Radiographic progression and effect on patient function remain controversial. Predictors of scapular notching include surgical approach, glenoid wear, preoperative diagnosis, infraspinatus muscle quality, cranial-caudal positioning, and tilt of the glenosphere. CONCLUSIONS: Improved understanding of the etiology and risk factors for scapular notching will lead to refinement in implant technology and surgical technique that may translate into improved patient function and implant longevity for Grammont-style reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have emphasized the importance of anatomic tunnel placement during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in an effort to restore normal knee kinematics and stability. Secondary to the constraints imposed by a coupled drilling technique, the ability to achieve an anatomic femoral tunnel during transtibial hamstring ACL reconstruction may be limited. HYPOTHESIS: The size limitations imposed by the small-diameter tibial tunnel used in hamstring ACL reconstruction would preclude the ability to place an anatomic femoral tunnel. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study. METHODS: In a descriptive laboratory study, fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees fixed at 90 degrees of flexion were dissected to expose the centers of the native femoral and tibial ACL insertions. The geometry and location of each insertion were evaluated. Using a standardized starting point, tibial tunnels were drilled to the center of the tibial insertion using an 8-mm reamer. Next, a 6-mm over-the-top guide was used to position as close as possible to the anatomic femoral ACL insertion on the lateral wall, and femoral tunnels were drilled with the 8-mm reamer. For each tunnel, the location, geometry, and percentage overlap with the native insertion site were evaluated using a 3-dimensional laser scanner. RESULTS: The reamed tibial tunnel was central within the insertion site, occupying 40.4% +/- 2.0% of the native tibial insertion. Transtibial drilling resulted in femoral tunnels that were superior and posterior compared with the native femoral insertion. Thefemoral tunnel had a mean +/- SD overlap of 30.0% +/- 12.6% with the femoral insertion, with the center of the tunnel 7.6+/- 0.5 mm from the center of the native ACL femoral insertion. CONCLUSION: Based on our data using our specific starting point, during hamstring ACL reconstructions, the constraints imposed by a coupled drilling technique result in nonanatomic femoral tunnels that are superior and posterior to the native femoral insertion. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Anatomic femoral tunnel placement during hamstring ACL reconstructions may not be possible using a coupled, transtibial drilling approach.

PURPOSE: There is currently limited information available in the orthopaedic surgery literature regarding the appropriate management of symptomatic partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. METHODS: A systematic search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials of all published literature pertaining to the arthroscopic management of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. Inclusion criteria were all studies that reported clinical outcomes after arthroscopic treatment of both articular-sided and bursal-sided lesions using a validated outcome scoring system and a minimum of 12 months of follow-up. Data abstracted from the selected studies included tear type and location (articular v bursal sided), treatment approach, postoperative rehabilitation protocol, outcome scores, patient satisfaction, and postoperative imaging results. RESULTS: Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included for the final analysis. Seven of the studies treated partial-thickness rotator cuff tears with debridement with or without an associated subacromial decompression, 3 performed a takedown and repair, 5 used a transtendon repair technique, and 1 used a transosseous repair method. Among the 16 studies reviewed, excellent postoperative outcomes were reported in 28.7% to 93% of patients treated. In all 12 studies with available preoperative baseline data, treatment resulted in significant improvement in shoulder symptoms and function. For high-grade lesions, the data support arthroscopic takedown and repair, transtendon repairs, and transosseous repairs, with all 3 techniques providing a high percentage of excellent results. Debridement of partial-thickness tears of less than 50% of the tendon's thickness with or without a concomitant acromioplasty also results in good to excellent surgical outcomes; however, a 6.5% to 34.6% incidence of progression to full-thickness tears is present. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review of 16 clinical studies showed that significant variation is present in the results obtained after the arthroscopic management of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. What can be supported by the available data is that tears that involve less than 50% of the tendon can be treated with good results by debridement of the tendon with or without a formal acromioplasty, although subsequent tear progression may occur. When the tear is greater than 50%, surgical intervention focusing on repair has been successful. There is no evidence to suggest a differential in outcome for tear completion and repair versus transtendon repair of these lesions because both methods have been shown to result in favorable outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Level IV studies.