Faculty Bibliography

Background: While medial meniscocapsular tears (ramp lesions) are commonly associated with isolated anterior cruciate ligament injuries, there are limited descriptions of these meniscal injuries in multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs). Purpose: To (1) retrospectively evaluate preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for the presence of ramp lesions in patients surgically treated for acute grade 3 combined posterolateral corner (PLC) knee injuries and (2) determine if a preoperative posteromedial tibial plateau (PMTP) bone bruise is associated with the presence of preoperative ramp lesions on MRI in these same patients. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Data on consecutive patients at a level 1 trauma center with MLKIs between 2001 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Only patients with acute grade 3 combined PLC injuries who received an MRI scan within 30 days of injury were assessed. Two musculoskeletal radiologists retrospectively reviewed each patient"™s preoperative MRI for evidence of ramp lesions and bone bruises. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to calculate reliability among the reviewers. Multivariate analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between PMTP bruising and the presence of a ramp lesion on MRI. Results: A total of 68 patients (79.4% male; mean age, 33.8 ± 13.7 years) with an acute grade 3 combined PLC injury were included in the study. On MRI, the ICCs for detection of ramp lesions and PMTP bone bruising were 0.921 and 0.938, respectively. Medial meniscal ramp lesions were diagnosed in 18 of 68 (26.5%) patients. Eleven of 18 (61.1%) patients with ramp lesions also showed evidence of PMTP bruising, while 13 of 50 (26.0%) patients without ramp lesions had PMTP bruising (P =.008). When controlling for age and sex, PTMP bruising was significantly associated with the presence of a ramp lesion in combined PLC injuries (odds ratio, 4.62; P =.012). Conclusion: Preoperative medial meniscal ramp lesions were diagnosed on MRI in 26.5% of patients with acute grade 3 combined PLC injuries. PMTP bone bruising was significantly associated with the presence of a ramp lesion on MRI. These findings reinforce the need to assess for potential ramp lesions at the time of multiligament reconstruction.

Introduction: While OCA has been shown to result in good long-term outcomes, there is still a considerable failure rate present with room for improvement. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact that osteochondral allograft cartilage thickness has on contact pressures, and to simulate whether a mismatch of the subchondral bony interface relative to the host-recipient site results in altered biomechanics. Methods: Properties of articular cartilage and bone were incorporated into a finite element model to create a simulated osteochondral lesion (diameter: 10 mm, height: 10 mm, cartilage thickness: 2 mm, subchondral bone thickness: 8 mm). Five osteochondral plugs were constructed to fill the defect, with cartilage-to-bone ratios between 1:9 and 1:1. The plugs were inserted and given a static downward force of 5000 N. Resultant stresses and displacements were measured. Results: The 2:8 cartilage-to-bone ratio plug, matched with the recipient site, was deemed optimal based on its resultant stress and displacement. The 1:9 plug displaced less than the 2:8 match and endured greater stress per unit of cartilage volume, whereas the 3:7 plug also displayed similar displacement to the 1:9 plug but had greater cartilage volume and was able to distribute less stress per unit of cartilage volume. The 4:6 plug displaced to a similar extent as the 3:7 plug but displayed a unique pattern of strain. The 5:5 plug was considered nonfunctional, as the majority of displacement was seen in the cartilage of the recipient site rather than in the plug itself. Conclusions: The relationship between the cartilage-to-bone ratio in osteochondral allografts and that of their surroundings significantly impacts the distribution of stresses and predilection for micromotion at the repair site.

Objective: To determine the cost-effectiveness of rotator cuff hydroxyapatite deposition disease (HADD) treatments. Method: A 1-year time horizon decision analytic model was created from the US healthcare system perspective for a 52-year-old female with shoulder HADD failing conservative management. The model evaluated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and net monetary benefit (NMB) of standard strategies, including conservative management, ultrasound-guided barbotage (UGB), high- and low-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ECSW), and surgery. The primary effectiveness outcome was quality-adjusted life years (QALY). Costs were estimated in 2022 US dollars. The willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold was $100,000. Results: For the base case, UGB was the preferred strategy (0.9725 QALY, total cost, $2199.35, NMB, $95,048.45, and ICER, $33,992.99), with conservative management (0.9670 QALY, NMB $94,688.83) a reasonable alternative. High-energy ECSW (0.9837 QALY, NMB $94,805.72), though most effective, had an ICER of $121, 558.90, surpassing the WTP threshold. Surgery (0.9532 QALY, NMB $92,092.46) and low-energy ECSW (0.9287 QALY, NMB $87,881.20) were each dominated. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that high-energy ECSW would become the favored strategy when its cost was < $2905.66, and conservative management was favored when the cost was < $990.34. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis supported the base case results, with UGB preferred in 43% of simulations, high-energy ECSW in 36%, conservative management in 20%, and low-energy ECSW and surgery in < 1%. Conclusion: UGB appears to be the most cost-effective strategy for patients with HADD, while surgery and low-energy ECSW are the least cost-effective. Conservative management may be considered a reasonable alternative treatment strategy in the appropriate clinical setting.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:Multi-ligamentous knee injuries (MLKIs) are high-energy injuries that may infrequently present with concomitant patellar tendon rupture. There is limited information in the literature regarding these rare presentations, with even less information regarding clinical outcomes. Using propensity-score matching, the purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of MLKIs with and without patellar tendon ruptures and to investigate the overall predictors of these outcomes. METHODS:Twelve patients who underwent surgical repair for combined MLKI and patellar tendon rupture from 2011 to 2020 with minimum 1-year follow-up data were identified from two separate institutions. Patients were propensity-score matched with a 1:1 ratio with controls based on age, body mass index (BMI), gender, and time from surgery. Patient-reported outcomes included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form, Lysholm and Tegner scores. RESULTS:Twelve MLKIs with concomitant patellar tendon injuries were identified out of a multicenter cohort of 237 (5%) patients sustaining MLKI and were case matched 1:1 with 12 MLKIs without extensor mechanism injuries. The average follow-up was 5.5 ± 2.6 years. There were no differences in Schenck Classification injury patterns. There were significant differences found across IKDC (Patellar Tendon mean: 53.1 ± 24.3, MLKI mean 79.3 ± 19.6, P < 0.001) and Lysholm scores (Patellar Tendon mean: 63.6 ± 22.3, MLKI mean 86.3 ± 10.7, P < 0.001) between the two, illustrating poorer outcomes for patients with concomitant patellar tendon ruptures. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:In the setting of MLKI, patients who have a concomitant patellar tendon rupture have worse functional outcomes compared to those without. This information will be important for patient counseling and might be considered to be added to Schenck classification, reflecting its prognostic value. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/METHODS:Level IV.

BACKGROUND:Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an integral component of the treatment algorithm for proximal hamstring avulsion injuries. OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study was to survey orthopedic surgeons and musculoskeletal radiologists on the reporting and analysis of proximal hamstring avulsions on MRI. METHODS:Two online surveys were developed to evaluate musculoskeletal radiologists' and orthopedic surgeons' perceptions of MRI-reporting for proximal hamstring avulsion injuries. Each survey was designed to provide information on physicians' best practices with respect to four primary questions (1) ischial tuberosity landmark determination (2) difficulties associated with measuring tendon retraction, (3) important ancillary findings, and (4) perceived clinical impact of measured retraction. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all categorical variables, which were reported as frequencies with percentages. Chi-squared test was utilized to compare rates of responses between surgeons and radiologists. Statistically significant differences were analyzed with post-hoc Fisher's exact tests; p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS:218-Musculoskeletal radiologists and 33-orthopedic surgeons responded to their respective surveys. There were statistically significant differences with responses to two of the questions asked in both surveys; (1) in cases of complete hamstring avulsion (avulsion of both the semimembranosus and conjoint tendon), which arrow represents the tendon gap measurement used for planning surgery? p = 0.028; (2) in cases of avulsion of only the conjoint tendon, which arrow represents the tendon gap measurement used for planning surgery? p = 0.013. Post-hoc testing demonstrated that for either partial or complete hamstring avulsions, more surgeons use the conjoint tendon origin to measure tendon retraction than radiologists (p < 0.05 for both). Significantly more radiologists use the semimembranosus origin to measure hamstring retraction for partial or complete hamstring tears (p < 0.05 for both). However, for each of these questions, both radiologists and surgeons most frequently stated that the conjoint tendon landmark should be used for surgical planning. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Musculoskeletal radiologists and orthopedists frequently utilize the conjoint tendon origin as an anatomic landmark for measuring complete and partial proximal hamstring avulsion injuries; though, orthopedists are more likely to utilize this landmark. Additionally, the broad surface area of the ischial tuberosity may lead to variability in measurement. CLINICAL IMPACT/CONCLUSIONS:Standard landmarks at the ischial tuberosity and/or detailed descriptions of tendon retractions would improve communication between radiologists and surgeons for proximal hamstring avulsions.

BACKGROUND:Recent interest has surged in the anterolateral ligament (ALL) and complex (ALC) of the knee. Its existence and role in rotary stability of the knee, particularly in the setting of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, remains a contentious and controversial topic. UNDERSTANDING THE ALC/UNASSIGNED:We must review our history and recognize the pioneers who pushed our understanding of the ALL forward before it was popularly recognized as a discrete structure. Additionally, given that many eponyms remain in common use related to the ALC, we must standardize our nomenclature to prevent misuse or misunderstanding of terms in the literature. In this review, modern understanding of the anterolateral ligament complex (ALC) is traced to 1829 by exploring eponymous terms first in anatomy and then in surgical technique. Understanding our history and terminology will allow us to better understand the ALC itself. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:This review aims to provide historical context, define terminology, and provide insight into the clinical relevance of the ALC.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between obesity and post-operative stiffness following surgical management of MLKIs using a large two-center cohort, by both (1) using binary cutoffs at various body mass indexes (BMI) and (2) a linear regression model. METHODS:190 consecutive patients who underwent surgical management of MLKIs between January 2001 and March 2020 were reviewed at two level 1 academic trauma centers. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, and MUA/lysis of adhesions (LOA) were reviewed. Patients were stratified by obesity grades: grade 1 (BMI 30 to < 35) grade 2 (BMI 35 to < 40); grade 3 (BMI > 40), and compared with a non-obese comparison group with BMI < 30. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed including the covariates of age, gender, BMI, acute versus chronic injury, external fixator, vascular injury, knee dislocation, and Schenck Classification. Fisher's Exact Test was used to compare rate of MUA between grades of obesity. Analyses were performed with R. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS:. The mean overall follow up was 27.2 ± 7.2 months (range 14 - 142 months). There were 55 (29.1%) MUA procedures observed at a mean 3.77 ± 2.18 months (range 1.8 - 9.7 months) after final MLKI surgery. No significant difference was found in BMI of patients who underwent a MUA compared to patients who did not (30.2 vs. 28.8; p = 0.67). There was no significant difference in rate or time to MUA following MLKI surgery between groups, with logistic regression demonstrating no significance (p=0.144). Use of external fixation at the index surgery (OR = 3.3 (95% CI: 2.2, 4.7, p < 0.0001)) and vascular injury (OR = 6.2 ((95% CI: 1.8, 24.5, p = 0.005)) were found to be independent predictors for need for MUA. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:No difference in risk for post-operative stiffness requiring MUA following surgery for MLKI was found based on BMI. At all BMI levels, there were no significant increase in need for post-operative MUA, suggesting at minimum a neutralizing effect of obesity on post-operative stiffness. In addition, patients with external fixator use and vascular injury at index surgery were found to be at significantly higher risk for post-operative stiffness requiring MUA following surgery for MLKI. Surgeons should be aware of the risk factors for arthrofibrosis when proceeding with surgical repair or reconstruction of two or more ligaments of the knee.

BACKGROUND:Tibial tubercle anteromedialization (AMZ) is a commonly performed procedure for patients with patellofemoral instability or patellofemoral osteochondral disease. While prior studies have demonstrated that this form of osteotomy produces generally good outcomes, the time needed for return to work and return to sport remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the mean length of time before return to work and the rate of return to sport following AMZ. PATIENTS AND METHODS/METHODS:Patients who had undergone AMZ for either patellofemoral instability or isolated osteochon- dral defect with a minimum follow-up time of 1 year were identified. Patients less than 18 years of age were excluded. Patients were asked to complete a series of patient reported outcomes surveys including specific queries regarding their return to work and return to athletic activity. RESULTS:A total of 109 patients were included in this study. The majority were female (79 patients, 72.3%). The mean age was 30.74 ± 9.90 years at the time of surgery. The mean follow-up duration was 3.40 ± 1.97 years. Of the 109 patients, 104 (95.4%) had returned to work at the time of follow-up. Mean time to return to work was 2.96 ± 3.33 months (range: 0.25 to 24 months). Of the 90 patients who were involved in a sport or physical activity prior to injury, 64 patients (71.1%) had returned to sport at some level at the time of most recent follow-up. Of those who had returned to sport, mean time to return to sport was 9.21 ± 5.46 months (range: 1 to 24 months). CONCLUSIONS:At a minimum follow-up time of 1 year, patients who underwent AMZ were found to have a return to sport rate of 71% with a mean time of 9.21 months to return to athletic activity. Over 95% of AMZ patients had returned to work by 1 year after the procedure. Patients required an average of 3 months to return to work, although those with physically demanding jobs required slightly more time. Data from the current study is useful in setting expectations for patients undergoing tibial tubercle anteromedialization for patellofemoral instability or patellofemoral osteochondral disease.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:Peroneal nerve injuries are rare injuries and usually associated with multiligamentous knee injuries (MLKIs) involving one or both cruciate ligaments. The purpose of our study was to perform a multicenter retrospective cohort analysis to examine the rates of peroneal nerve injuries and to see whether a peroneal nerve injury was suggestive of a particular injury pattern. METHODS:A retrospective chart review was conducted in patients who were diagnosed with MLKI at two level I trauma centers from January 2001 to March 2021. MLKIs were defined as complete injuries to two or more knee ligaments that required surgical reconstruction or repair. Peroneal nerve injury was clinically diagnosed in these patients by the attending orthopaedic surgeon. Radiographs, advanced imaging, and surgical characteristics were obtained through a chart review. RESULTS:Overall, 221 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 35.9 years, and 72.9% of the population was male. Overall, the incidence of clinical peroneal nerve injury was 19.5% (43 patients). One hundred percent of the patients with peroneal nerve injury had a posterolateral corner injury. Among patients with peroneal nerve injury, 95.3% had a complete anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture as compared with 4.7% of the patients who presented with an intact ACL. There was 4.4 times of greater relative risk of peroneal nerve injury in the MLKI with ACL tear group compared with the MLKI without an ACL tear group. No statistical difference was observed in age, sex, or body mass index between patients experiencing peroneal nerve injuries and those who did not. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:The rate of ACL involvement in patients presenting with a traumatic peroneal nerve palsy is exceptionally high, whereas the chance of having a spared ACL is exceptionally low. More than 90% of the patients presenting with a nerve palsy will have sustained, at the least, an ACL and posterolateral corner injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/METHODS:IV, Case Series.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:Over 200,000 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions are performed in the US each year. The recovery process following surgery can be slow and difficult with patients suffering persistent strength and endurance deficits. Testosterone is an important anabolic hormone responsible for maintenance and development of muscle mass. While the response of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA) to surgery has been investigated, no studies exist tracking the HPA response, specifically that involved in testosterone homeostasis, to ACL reconstructions. The purpose of this study was to explore the response of endogenous testosterone production after ACL reconstruction and determine a possible correlation between perioperative testosterone levels in males and postoperative strength and clinical outcomes. METHODS:This was a single-center, prospective observational study measuring preoperative and postoperative testosterone levels. Plasma testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and lutenizing hormone (LH) were measured before 10:30 am on the day of surgery. These were then checked at the same time of day at 1 week, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks postoperatively. Patients were also evaluated with the visual analog scale for pain (VAS), Tegner, and Lysholm scales preoperatively and at postoperative visits. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and were considered significant at p < 0.05. RESULTS:Twenty male patients with a mean age of 34.0 ± 9.2 years undergoing ACL reconstruction were enrolled between October 2017 and April 2018. Results showed a decrease in testosterone (3.7 ng/mL vs. 2.9 ng/mL, p = 0.05), free testosterone (8.2 pg/mL vs. 6.8 pg/mL, p = 0.05), and follicle stimulated hormone (1.8 mIU/mL vs. 1.7 mIU/ mL, p = 0.83) between the preoperative plasma draw and 1-week postoperative follow-up visit. Luteinizing hormone (1.1 mIU/mL vs. 1.5 mIU/mL, p = 0.11) increased postoperatively. By week 6, testosterone returned to baseline (3.7 ng/mL vs. 3.9 ng/mL), while free testosterone continued to increase through week 12. Lutenizing hormone peaked at the 1-week postoperative visit and trended downward until week 6 (1.5 mIU/mL vs. 1.4 mIU/mL, p = 0.79). Follicle stimulating hormone continued to increase after the week-1 visit through week 12. Patient reported outcomes exhibited a trend similar to hormone levels, with the lowest patient reported outcome (PRO) scores reported at week 1 and a constant trend upward. Although there were similar trends, there were no significant correlations between change in hormone levels and change in PRO scores. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Our study emphasizes the crucial period of hormonal decrease and their return to baseline. This knowledge will contribute to the understanding and timing of hormone therapy supplementation. Short-term testosterone replacement may be beneficial to return patients to work and physical activity at a faster rate.