Can preoperative magnetic resonance arthrography accurately predict intraoperative hip labral thickness?

Objective

There is limited literature investigating the reliability of magnetic resonance-based assessments of labral size. The goal of this study was to validate the reliability of magnetic resonance arthrography-based labral size measurements with intra-operative arthroscopic measurements.

Methods

Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement and labral tears were prospectively enrolled. Preoperative magnetic resonance arthrograms were used to determine labral size at the anterior-superior portion (zone 2), mid-superior portion (zone 3), and posterior-superior portion (zone 4). Intra-operative labral widths were measured at the same anatomical zones of the acetabulum using an arthroscopic probe. Mean labral size was determined for each location and a Pearson correlation was used to determine the correlation between imaging-based measurements and intra-operative measurements.

Results

117 patients were enrolled with 70% being female, an average age of 39.1 ± 13.3, and an average body mass index was 26.5 ± 5.4. The average labral sizes based on intraoperative measurements were 6.85 mm in zone 2, 7.45 mm in zone 3, and 7.29 mm in zone 4. The average labral sizes based on MRA were 6.95 mm in zone 2, 7.24 mm in zone 3, and 6.71 mm in zone 4. There was a poor correlation between MRA and intraoperative measurements in zones 2 and 3 (zone 2: R = 0.171, p = 0.065; zone 3: R = 0.335, p = 0.00022) and no correlation in zone 4 (R = -0.22, p = 0.82).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a poor correlation in labral measurements between magnetic resonance arthrogram imaging and intraoperative measurements, suggesting that this imaging modality may be insufficient in providing accurate measurements of labral size.

Arthroscopy versus arthrotomy for the treatment of septic knee arthritis

Purpose

To compare complications following arthroscopy and arthrotomy for treatment of septic knee arthritis.

Methods

Patients undergoing arthroscopy and arthrotomy for a diagnosis of septic knee arthritis were identified in National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and placed in a multivariate analysis to determine if type of surgery contributed to postoperative complications.

Results

Knee arthrotomy was associated with an increased risk for increased operative time [Parameter estimate 4.555 (95% CI:3.023-6.085); p < 0.0001], minor morbid events [OR 2.064 (95% CI: 1.447-2.943); p < 0.0001], and any morbidity [OR 2.285 (95% CI:1.527-3.419); p < 0.0001].

Conclusions

Knee arthrotomy was associated with a higher risk of complications.

Risk factors for complications following decompression of non-traumatic compartment syndrome

Purpose

To investigate the rate of and risk factors for complications following non-traumatic compartment syndrome decompression.

Methods

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried from 2006 to 2016 for non-traumatic compartment syndrome diagnosis codes. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for 30-day complications and hospital readmissions.

Results

Overall complication, major complication, minor complication, and hospital readmission rates were 4.5%, 2.5%, 2.3%, and 2.0%, respectively. Active smoking was identified as a risk factor for post-operative complication (95%CI 1.19-9.24).

Conclusion

The complication profile of non-traumatic compartment syndrome decompression is higher than that of traditional elective orthopaedic surgery.

Level of evidence

IV.

Prognosis Following Hip Arthroscopy Varies in Professional Athletes Based on Sport

PURPOSE

To evaluate return to play (RTP) and performance-based outcomes in professional athletes across 4 major North American team sports following hip arthroscopy.

METHODS

Professional athletes of the National Football League, Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association, and National Hockey League (NHL) who underwent hip arthroscopy were identified using an established protocol of public reports. Sport-specific statistics were collected before and after hip arthroscopy for each athlete, leading to a performance score. RTP was defined as the first regular or postseason game played following surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 151 arthroscopic hip procedures were performed on 131 professional athletes. The overall RTP rate after arthroscopic hip surgery was found to be 88.7% (134 of 151 arthroscopic hip surgeries), with no significant difference between sports. The median number of seasons played after hip arthroscopy were 2.7, 2.3, 1.1, and 0.9 for the National Football League, National Basketball Association, MLB, and NHL cohorts, respectively, with no significant difference between sports. MLB and NHL cohorts experienced a decrease in games played in the first season following hip arthroscopy (P = .04, P = .01), whereas NHL players also experienced a decrease in games played in seasons 2 and 3 postoperatively (P = .001). Performance scores decreased in the NHL cohort for all seasons postoperatively (P < .001, P = .003). No other statistically significant differences were found when comparing players of different sports.

CONCLUSIONS

Although professional athletes demonstrate a high rate of RTP following hip arthroscopy across the 4 major North American team sports, hockey players demonstrate the worst prognosis following hip arthroscopy, with sustained decreases in games played and performance in the first 3 seasons postoperatively.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative therapeutic trial.

Body Mass Index as a Risk Factor for 30-Day Postoperative Complications in Knee, Hip, and Shoulder Arthroscopy

PURPOSE

To use the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to determine whether body mass index (BMI) is associated with 30-day postoperative complications following arthroscopic surgery.

METHODS

Cases of elective knee, hip, and shoulder arthroscopy were identified. A retrospective comparative analysis was conducted, and the overall rates of morbidity, mortality, readmission, reoperation, and venothromboembolism (VTE) were compared using univariate analyses and binary logistic regressions to ascertain the adjusted effect of BMI, with and without diabetes, on morbidity, readmission, reoperation, and VTE.

RESULTS

There were 141,335 patients who met the criteria. The most common complications were deep vein thrombosis (0.27%), superficial surgical site infection (0.17%), urinary tract infection (0.13%), and pulmonary embolism (0.11%). Obesity class III with diabetes was a risk factor for morbidity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.522; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.101-2.103) and readmission (OR = 2.342; 95% CI, 1.998-2.745) following all procedures, while obesity class I was protective toward reoperation (OR = 0.687, 95% CI, 0.485-0.973). Underweight patients were at higher risk for morbidity following shoulder arthroscopy (OR = 3.776; 95% CI, 1.605-8.883), as were the class I obese (OR = 1.421; 95% CI, 1.010-1.998) and class II obese (OR = 1.726, 95% CI, 1.159-2.569). BMI did not significantly affect morbidity following knee arthroscopy. VTE risk factors included being overweight (OR = 1.474; 95% CI, 1.088-1.996) or diabetic with class I obesity (OR = 1.469; 95% CI, 1.027-2.101).

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic procedures are safe with very low complication rates. However, underweight and class I and class II obese patients are at higher risk for morbidity following shoulder arthroscopy, and diabetic patients with class III obesity are at higher risk for morbidity and readmission following all arthroscopy. Because BMI is a modifiable risk factor, these patients should be evaluated carefully before being considered for outpatient arthroscopic surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

The NFL's Chop-Block Rule Change: Does It Prevent Knee Injuries in Defensive Players?

Background:

The chop block, a football maneuver in which an offensive player blocks an opponent around the thigh while another offensive player engages the same opponent above the waist, was declared illegal by the National Football League (NFL) before the 2016-2017 season. Chop blocks have been hypothesized to be associated with medial collateral ligament and anterior cruciate ligament injury, especially in offensive/defensive linemen.

Purpose:

To quantify the impact that the chop-block rule change had on the incidence of knee injuries to defensive players in the NFL over 4 seasons (2014-2018).

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

NFL injury data for all defensive players from regular-season games played from 2014 through 2018 were collected. For this study, all knee injuries were attributed to competitive game play. Injury rates were reported as the number of injuries per 1000 athletic exposures (with 95% CIs).

Results:

A total of 256 games were played during the 2014-2015, 2015-2016, 2016-2017, and 2017-2018 NFL regular seasons, and all were included in this study. Among defensive players, the relative risk for a knee injury per 1000 athletic exposures was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.75-0.96) for the 2 seasons after the chop-block rule change (2016-2017 and 2017-2018) versus the 2 seasons before (2014-2015 and 2015-2016) (P = .009). Thus, the relative risk reduction was 16%. The relative risk for a defensive player to be placed on injured reserve per season was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.72-1.13) for the 2 seasons after the rule change versus the 2 seasons before (P = .39).

Conclusion:

The NFL’s recent ruling against in-game chop blocks may have reduced the incidence of knee injuries among defensive players.

Efficacy of Celecoxib for Early Postoperative Pain Management in Hip Arthroscopy: A Prospective Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study

PURPOSE

To determine whether 400 mg of celecoxib administered 1 hour before hip arthroscopy surgery would reduce pain, provide reduction in overall narcotic consumption, and lead to more rapid discharge from recovery rooms.

METHODS

Ninety-eight patients were randomized to either the celecoxib group (n = 50) or the placebo group (n = 48). An a priori power analysis was done set to detect a difference of 0.50 on the visual analog scale (VAS), based on the senior author's preference. The number of patients planned for recruitment was rounded up to 100 to allow for flexibility in the study. Inclusion criteria were any patient at least 18 years old who underwent hip arthroscopy surgery performed by the senior author. All patients had less than Tönnis grade 2 arthritis. Exclusion criteria were allergy to sulfa-based drugs, prior adverse reaction to celecoxib, or patients who were on chronic narcotics for whom alternative pain management regimens were arranged before surgery. Randomization was performed on a 1:1 basis in blocks of 10 using sealed envelopes stating celecoxib or placebo. One hour before surgery, all patients received either 400 mg celecoxib or placebo. Patients were evaluated using a VAS preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at 1 and 2 hours postoperatively. Time from the operating room to "ready for discharge" and number of morphine equivalents of narcotic medication required in the postanesthesia care unit were recorded.

RESULTS

Age and preoperative VAS were similar between the celecoxib and placebo control group, with average ages of 34.2 ± 11.9 and 35.8 ± 11.6 (P = .27) and preoperative VAS of 2.1 ± 2.06 and 2.3 ± 1.98 (P = .29), respectively. The celecoxib group had 26 females and 24 males, whereas the placebo group had 29 females and 19 males (P = .42). The most common surgical procedures were labral repair (31 patients in the celecoxib group and 29 patients in the placebo group), and labral repair with acetabular osteoplasty (13 patients in the celecoxib group and 11 patients in the placebo group). There were no significant differences in procedures performed between the 2 groups (P > .05). At 1 hour postoperatively, patients who received celecoxib had a lower pain score that was statistically significant compared with the placebo group (4.6 vs 5.4, P = .03). There was a significant difference in discharge time between patients who received celecoxib and the control group (152.9 minutes vs 172.9 minutes, P = .04). There was no significant difference found in morphine equivalents consumed in the postanesthesia care unit between the 2 groups (15.3 vs 15.4, P = .48).

CONCLUSIONS

A preoperative dose of 400 mg of celecoxib led to statistically significantly reduced patient-reported pain on the VAS in the acute postoperative period after hip arthroscopy surgery, though the difference is not likely clinically significant. There was a significantly shorter time to discharge in patients who received celecoxib versus placebo.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Isolated Acetabuloplasty and Labral Repair for Combined-Type Femoroacetabular Impingement: Are We Doing Too Much?

PURPOSE

To evaluate patient outcomes after isolated arthroscopic volumetric acetabular osteoplasty and labral repair for the treatment of patients with combined femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) lesions.

METHODS

A review of a prospectively collected registry identified 86 patients (106 hips) with an average age of 38.1 years (range, 17-59 years) with combined-type FAI that underwent isolated acetabular osteoplasty and labral repair. Preoperative α-angle, degree of radiographic degenerative changes, and presence of a crossover sign were recorded. Clinical outcomes were assessed with the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), International Hip Outcome Tool-12 (iHOT-12), Hip Outcome Score Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and patient satisfaction score (out of 10) at a minimum 2-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Clinical follow-up was obtained at a mean follow-up of 37.2 months (range, 27.9-79.2 months). Patients with Tönnis grade 0 and I findings had significantly higher mHHS (83.5 vs 71.5, P = .01), HOS-SSS (81.3 vs 59.9, P = .02), and iHOT-12 scores (71.1 vs 58.8, P = .04) compared to patients with Tonnis grade II changes. However, patient satisfaction scores (8.0 vs 7.2, P = .45) were no different. No significant difference was noted between unilateral and bilateral hip patient outcome scores. Patient age and preoperative α-angles did not correlate with any outcome scores (all R² <0.05). There were no cases of revision surgery or progression to arthroplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

Isolated acetabular decompression may adequately address the underlying impingement in combined-type FAI while avoiding the risks associated with femoral-sided decompression. Good to excellent patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction scores were noted with significantly higher scores in patients with minimal arthritic change. Patient age and preoperative α-angle had less effect on postoperative outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Evaluation of Shoulder-Stabilizing Braces: Can We Prevent Shoulder Labrum Injury in Collegiate Offensive Linemen?

Background:

Shoulder injuries remain one of the most common injuries among collegiate football athletes. Offensive linemen in particular are prone to posterior labral pathology.

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy of shoulder bracing in collegiate offensive linemen with respect to injury prevention, severity, and lost playing time.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Offensive linemen at a single collegiate institution wore bilateral shoulder-stabilizing braces for every contact practice and game beginning in the spring of 2013. Between spring of 2007 and fall of 2012, offensive linemen did not wear any shoulder braces. Player injury data were collected for all contact practices and games throughout these time periods to highlight differences with brace use.

Results:

Forty-five offensive linemen (90 shoulders) participated in spring and fall college football seasons between 2007 and 2015. There were 145 complete offensive linemen seasons over the course of the study. Offensive linemen not wearing shoulder braces completed 87 seasons; offensive linemen wearing shoulder braces completed 58 seasons. Posterior labral tear injury rates were calculated for players who wore the shoulder braces (0.71 per 1000 athlete-exposures) compared with shoulders of players who did not wear the braces (1.90 per 1000 athlete-exposures). The risk ratio was 0.46 (95% CI, 0.16-1.30; P = .14). Mean time (contact practices and games) missed due to injury was significant, favoring less time missed by players who used braces (8.7 vs 36.60 contact practices and games missed due to injury; P = .0019). No significant difference in shoulder labral tears requiring surgery was found for brace use compared with no brace use.

Conclusion:

Shoulder-stabilizing braces were shown not to prevent posterior labral tears among collegiate offensive lineman, although they were associated with less time lost to injury. The results of this study have clinical significance, indicating that wearing a shoulder brace provides a protective factor for offensive linemen.

A Qualitative Assessment of Return to Sport After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement

BACKGROUND

Hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is known to produce excellent outcomes, yet some patients do not return to their preinjury level of sport participation. Much literature on return to sport has revolved around anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and even shoulder instability, but none to date have used qualitative, semistructured patient interviews on patients with hip labral tears.

PURPOSE

To understand the factors influencing the decision to return to sport after arthroscopic hip surgery for FAI.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

An experienced interviewer conducted qualitative, semistructured interviews of patients aged 18 to 60 years who had arthroscopic hip surgery for FAI. All had preinjury participation in sport and a minimum 2-year follow-up with no revision surgery. Qualitative analysis was then performed to derive codes, categories, and themes. An assessment of preinjury and current sports participation by type, level of competition, and frequency along with patient-reported hip function was also obtained. In addition, current modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), international Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12), Hip Outcome Score-sports-specific subscale (HOS-SSS), and a coping mechanism evaluation (Brief COPE) were also recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 23 patients were interviewed to reveal the overarching themes of internal motivation, external encouragement, and resetting expectations as the predominant factors influencing a patient's decision to return to preinjury sport. Subjective outcome measurements (mHHS, iHOT-12, patient satisfaction) showed significant differences between patients who did and did not return to sport. Interestingly, the adaptive and maladaptive coping mechanisms matched and supported our themes in those patients who described fear and self-motivation as defining features influencing their cessation of or return to play, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Self-motivation, aging, pain, encouragement from others, and adapting to physical limitations can largely affect a patient's decision to return to sport after arthroscopic hip surgery for FAI. Innate coping mechanisms may also help to predict the course of and subsequently aid in a patient's postoperative recovery.

Clinical Outcomes of Hip Arthroscopic Surgery: A Prospective Survival Analysis of Primary and Revision Surgeries in a Large Mixed Cohort

BACKGROUND

With the rapid increase in hip preservation procedures, revision hip arthroscopic surgery and conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) or hip resurfacing (HR) after primary hip arthroscopic surgery have become a large focus in the recent literature.

PURPOSE

The primary purpose was to perform a survival analysis in a large mixed cohort of patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery at a high-volume tertiary referral center for hip preservation with a minimum 2-year follow-up. The secondary purpose was to compare clinical outcomes of primary versus revision hip arthroscopic surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

From February 2008 to June 2012, data were prospectively collected on all patients undergoing primary or revision hip arthroscopic surgery. Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively with the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), and Hip Outcome Score-Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS). Pain was estimated on a visual analog scale (VAS). Patient satisfaction was measured with the question "How satisfied are you with your surgery results?" (1 = not at all, 10 = the best it could be).

RESULTS

There were a total of 1155 arthroscopic procedures performed, including 1040 primary arthroscopic procedures (926 patients) and 115 revision arthroscopic procedures (106 patients). Of these, 931 primary arthroscopic procedures (89.5%) in 824 patients (89.0%) and 107 revision arthroscopic procedures (93.0%) in 97 patients (91.5%) were available for follow-up and included in our study. The mean change in patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores at 2-year follow-up in the primary arthroscopic surgery group was 17.4 for the mHHS, 19.7 for the HOS-ADL, 23.8 for the HOS-SSS, 21.3 for the NAHS, and -3.0 for the VAS, and the mean change in the revision arthroscopic surgery group was 13.4, 10.9, 16.1, 15.4, and -2.7, respectively. All scores improved significantly compared with preoperatively (P < .001). PRO scores were higher at all time points for the primary group compared with the revision group (P < .05). Mean satisfaction was 7.7 and 7.2 for the primary and revision groups, respectively. Of 931 primary arthroscopic procedures, 52 (5.6%) converted to THA/HR. Of 107 revision arthroscopic procedures, 12 (11.2%) converted to THA/HR. The relative risk of THA/HR was 2.0 after revision procedures compared with primary procedures. The cumulative incidence of competing risks of conversion to THA/HR and revision hip arthroscopic surgery after primary hip arthroscopic surgery was 2.6% and 5.8%, respectively. The overall complication rate was 4.3%.

CONCLUSION

Patients showed significant improvement in all PRO, VAS, and satisfaction scores at 2 years after hip arthroscopic surgery. Patients who underwent primary arthroscopic surgery showed higher PRO scores and a trend toward greater improvement in the VAS score compared with patients who underwent revision arthroscopic surgery. The relative risk of THA/HR was 2.0 after revision procedures compared with primary procedures.

Incidence of injury based on sports participation in high school athletes

OBJECTIVES

Youth participation in competitive athletics has significantly increased in the past two decades. There has also been a recent rise in the number of sports injuries that physicians are seeing in young athletes. The objective of this study was to assess the likelihood of sports injuries based on several risk factors in a general sample of athletes at a suburban-area high school.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study. An online survey was distributed to 2,200 student-athletes at a local high school with a mean age of 15.9 years. Four hundred eighty four (22%) complete responses were received. Data collected in the survey included demographics, frequency of sports participation, level of participation, types of sports played, participation in cross-training, injuries incurred, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and treatment for sports injuries.

RESULTS

Athletes played an average of 1.6 different sports. The average number of hours of participation in sports annually was 504.3 ± 371.6 hours. The average total number of sports injuries experienced by athletes in our study was 1.7 per participant. 80.8% of respondents reported having sustained at least one sports injury. A higher total number of hours per year of sports participation and playing a contact sport were significantly associated with more reported lifetime sports injuries. Older age, playing a contact sport, and playing on a travel/club team were associated with students using NSAIDs for sports injuries. Older age, playing a contact sport, and doing cross training are also associated with having had surgery for a sports injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Although more hours of participation and playing a contact sport may lead to an increased number of injuries, this risk must be weighed against the myriad of benefits that sports provide for young athletes.

Patterns of self-weighing behavior and weight change in a weight loss trial

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Regular self-weighing has been associated with weight loss and maintenance in adults enrolled in a behavioral weight loss intervention; however, few studies have examined the patterns of adherence to a self-weighing protocol. The study aims were to (1) identify patterns of self-weighing behavior; and (2) examine adherence to energy intake and step goals and weight change by self-weighing patterns.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of self-monitoring and assessment weight data from a 12-month behavioral weight loss intervention study. Each participant was given a scale that was Wi-Fi-enabled and transmitted the date-stamped weight data to a central server. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify distinct classes of trajectories based on the number of days participants self-weighed over 51 weeks.

RESULTS

The sample (N=148) was 90.5% female, 81.1% non-Hispanic white, with a mean (s.d.) age of 51.3 (10.1) years, had completed an average of 16.4 (2.8) years of education and had mean body mass index of 34.1 (4.6) kg m(-2). Three patterns of self-weighing were identified: high/consistent (n=111, 75.0% self-weighed over 6 days per week regularly); moderate/declined (n=24, 16.2% declined from 4-5 to 2 days per week gradually); and minimal/declined (n=13, 8.8% declined from 5-6 to 0 days per week after week 33). The high/consistent group achieved greater weight loss than either the moderate/declined and minimal/declined groups at 6 months (-10.19%±5.78%, -5.45%±4.73% and -2.00%±4.58%) and 12 months (-9.90%±8.16%, -5.62%±6.28% and 0.65%±3.58%), respectively (P<0.001). The high/consistent group had a greater mean number days per week of adherence to calorie intake goal or step goal but not higher than the moderate/declined group.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to reveal distinct temporal patterns of self-weighing behavior. The majority of participants were able to sustain a habit of daily self-weighing with regular self-weighing leading to weight loss and maintenance as well as adherence to energy intake and step goals.

Assessment of Intraoperative Intra-articular Morphine and Clonidine Injection in the Acute Postoperative Period After Hip Arthroscopy

BACKGROUND

Previous authors have suggested that intra-articular morphine and clonidine injections after knee arthroscopy have demonstrated equivocal analgesic effect in comparison with bupivacaine while circumventing the issue of chondrotoxicity. There have been no studies evaluating the effect of intra-articular morphine after hip arthroscopy.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of intra-articular morphine in combination with clonidine on postoperative pain and narcotic consumption after hip arthroscopy surgery for femoroacetabular impingement.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on 43 patients that underwent hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement at a single institution between September 2014 and May 2015. All patients received preoperative celecoxib and acetaminophen, and 22 patients received an additional intra-articular injection of 10 mg morphine and 100 μg of clonidine at the conclusion of the procedure. Narcotic consumption, duration of anesthesia recovery, and perioperative pain scores were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

Patients who received intra-articular morphine and clonidine used significantly less opioid analgesic (mEq) in the postanesthesia recovery (median difference, 17 mEq [95% CI, -32 to -2 mEq]; P = .02) compared with the control group. There were no differences in time spent in recovery before hospital discharge or in visual analog pain scores recorded immediately postoperatively and at 1 hour after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative intra-articular injection of morphine and clonidine significantly reduced the narcotic requirement during the postsurgical recovery period after hip arthroscopy. The reduction in postsurgical opioids may decrease adverse effects, improve overall pain management, and lead to better quality of recovery and improved patient satisfaction.

Experiences of Daily Weighing Among Successful Weight Loss Individuals During a 12-Month Weight Loss Study

The purpose of the study was to describe participants' experience of daily weighing and to explore factors influencing adherence to daily weighing among individuals who were successful in losing weight during a behavioral weight loss intervention. Participants completed a 12-month weight loss intervention study that included daily self-weighing using a Wi-Fi scale. Individuals were eligible to participate regardless of their frequency of self-weighing. The sample ( N = 30) was predominantly female (83.3%) and White (83.3%) with a mean age of 52.9 ± 8.0 years and mean body mass index of 33.8 ± 4.7 kg/m². Five main themes emerged: reasons for daily weighing (e.g., feel motivated, being in control), reasons for not weighing daily (e.g., interruption of routine), factors that facilitated weighing, recommendations for others about daily weighing, and suggestions for future weight loss programs. Our results identified several positive aspects to daily self-weighing, which can be used to promote adherence to this important weight loss strategy.

Perspectives on expedited partner therapy for chlamydia: a survey of health care providers

There is a lack of research on health care providers' use of and perspectives on expedited partner therapy in a state where expedited partner therapy is not prohibited or explicitly allowed. The aim of our study was to understand if and how health care providers use expedited partner therapy, if specific demographic factors and knowledge contribute to increased use of expedited partner therapy, and to describe barriers and facilitators to the use of expedited partner therapy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A convenience sample of 112 health care providers from diverse disciplines who treat young women at risk for chlamydia completed an online survey. About 11% of health care providers used expedited partner therapy consistently. Those who self-reported that they were knowledgeable about expedited partner therapy were more likely to use expedited partner therapy (73% vs. 49%, p = .009) as were those who said no or were unsure about their institution's guidelines for expedited partner therapy (35% vs. 22%, p = 0.01) (62% vs. 57%, p = 0.01). The most commonly reported facilitator of expedited partner therapy was having clear legal guidelines (86%). This study finds that in a setting where expedited partner therapy is not expressly permitted, health care providers still use the practice but also experience barriers that limit uptake. Legislation expressly endorsing expedited partner therapy in the state and in medical institutions is needed to increase expedited partner therapy use.

All-arthroscopic suprapectoral versus open subpectoral tenodesis of the long head of the biceps brachii

BACKGROUND

Pathologic changes of the long head of the biceps tendon are a recognized source of shoulder pain in adults that can be treated with tenotomy or tenodesis when nonoperative measures are not effective. It is not clear whether arthroscopic or open biceps tenodesis has a clinical advantage.

HYPOTHESIS

Pain relief and shoulder function after all-arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis are similar to outcomes after an open subpectoral tenodesis.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

A prospective database was reviewed for patients undergoing an all-arthroscopic suprapectoral or open subpectoral biceps tenodesis. Adult patients with a minimum 18-month follow-up were included. Patients undergoing a concomitant rotator cuff or labral repair were excluded. The groups were matched to age within 3 years, sex, and time to follow-up within 3 months. Pain improvement, development of a "Popeye" deformity, muscle cramping, postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, satisfaction scores, and complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients (23 all-arthroscopic, 23 open) with an average age of 57.2 years (range, 45-70 years) were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 30.1 months (range, 21.1-44.9 months). No patients in either group developed a Popeye deformity or complained of arm cramping. There was no significant difference in mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores between the open and all-arthroscopic groups (92.3 vs 88.9; P=.42); similarly, there was no significant difference in patient satisfaction scores between the groups (8.9 vs 9.1; P=.73). Eighteen patients (78.3%) in the arthroscopic cohort and 16 (69.6%) in the open cohort fully returned to athletic activity (P=.50). Eight patients (34.8%) in the arthroscopic group and 10 (39.1%) in the open group reported pain at night or with heavy activities. There were no complications in the all-arthroscopic group. There were 2 complications in the open group that resolved by final follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Biceps tenodesis remains a reliable treatment for pathologic abnormality of the long head of the biceps. Patients undergoing an all-arthroscopic suprapectoral tenodesis in the distal aspect or distal to the bicipital groove showed similar pain relief and clinical outcomes as compared with patients undergoing open subpectoral tenodesis. Open subpectoral biceps tenodesis may carry a higher complication risk secondary to a more invasive technique.

The longitudinal anatomy of the long head of the biceps tendon and implications on tenodesis

PURPOSE

Regarding biceps tenodesis, there are no evidence-based recommendations for the ideal level at which to cut and stabilize the tendon. The purpose of this study is to provide information referencing the tendon for potential clinical applications during biceps tenodesis.

METHODS

Forty-three embalmed shoulder specimens were dissected, and markers were placed at four points along each biceps tendon: (1) proximal border of the bicipital groove, (2) distal border of the bicipital groove, (3) proximal edge of the pectoralis major insertion, and (4) musculotendonous junction. Using the origin as the initial point of reference, measurements were made to the four subsequent sites. The humeral length was recorded by measuring the distance between the greater tuberosity and the lateral epicondyle.

RESULTS

Measurements were recorded from the origin of the tendon on the supraglenoid tubercle to each established point along its length, and the mean, minimum, and maximum values (cm) were calculated as follows: origin to the proximal bicipital groove [2.8 (1.9, 4.3)], distal bicipital groove [5.2 (3.8, 7.0)], pectoralis major insertion [8.1 (6.3, 10.4)], and musculotendonous junction [13.8 (7.7, 20.3)], and overall humeral length [29.2 (25.2, 32.7)]. An analysis demonstrated a statistically significant overall increase in tendon length at each anatomic site as the overall humeral length increased (p < 0.05). Utilizing the constant and coefficient data from our regression analysis, a predictive formula was calculated based on humeral length. For example, distance from the origin to each anatomic point was determined by a formula [Tendon length at each anatomic landmark, cm = coefficient (humeral length, cm) + constant] for each respective anatomic landmark along the course of the tendon.

CONCLUSION

This work will allow surgeons who prefer tenodesis to more accurately re-approximate the appropriate length-tension relationship of the biceps when tenodesing the tendon in a variety of locations. This benefit will potentially result in the most efficient biceps muscle-tendon function and improve the results of biceps surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Clinical and Biomechanical Evaluation of an All-Arthroscopic Suprapectoral Biceps Tenodesis

BACKGROUND

Pathology of the long head of the biceps (LHB) is a well-recognized cause of shoulder pain in the adult population and can be managed surgically with tenotomy or tenodesis.

PURPOSE

To compare the biomechanical strength of an all-arthroscopic biceps tenodesis technique that places the LHB distal to the bicipital groove in the suprapectoral region with a more traditional mini-open subpectoral tenodesis. This study also evaluates the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent biceps tenodesis using the all-arthroscopic technique.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study and case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

For the biomechanical evaluation of the all-arthroscopic biceps tenodesis technique, in which the biceps tendon is secured to the suprapectoral region distal to the bicipital groove with an interference screw, 14 fresh-frozen human cadaveric shoulders (7 matched pairs) were used to compare load to failure and displacement at peak load with a traditional open subpectoral location. For the clinical evaluation, 49 consecutive patients (51 shoulders) with a mean follow-up of 2.4 years who underwent an all-arthroscopic biceps tenodesis were evaluated using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score preoperatively and at last follow-up, as well as the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Score at last follow-up.

RESULTS

On biomechanical evaluation, there was no significant difference in peak failure load, displacement at peak load, or displacement after cyclic testing between the arthroscopic suprapectoral and mini-open subpectoral groups. In the clinical evaluation, the mean preoperative ASES score was 65.4, compared with 87.1 at last follow-up. The mean UCLA score at last follow-up was 30.2. Forty-eight (94.1%) patients reported satisfaction with the surgery. In subgroup analysis comparing patients who had a rotator cuff repair or labral repair at time of tenodesis with patients who did not have either of these procedures, there were no significant differences in UCLA or ASES scores.

CONCLUSION

The excellent biomechanical strength as well as the high rate of satisfaction after surgery and high ASES and UCLA postoperative scores make this technique a novel option for treatment of biceps tendon pathology.

Time and Cost of Diagnosis for Symptomatic Femoroacetabular Impingement

Background:

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and labral tears are common causes of hip pain that are often not promptly or properly diagnosed. To our knowledge, no reports have defined the time and cost of diagnosis of labral tears associated with FAI.

Hypothesis:

Patients with labral tears associated with FAI undergo extraneous diagnostic testing and pain and incur a significant amount of health care costs before they receive appropriate surgical management for their pathology.

Study Design:

Economic and decision analysis; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 78 patients diagnosed with symptomatic FAI were surveyed. A standardized questionnaire asked patients about time to diagnosis, symptoms, health care providers visited, imaging tests, and treatments prior to diagnosis. Costs were calculated based on 2012 national Medicare data.

Results:

Patients in the cohort saw an average of 4.0 health care providers, had an average of 3.4 diagnostic imaging tests, and tried an average of 3.1 treatments prior to diagnosis. The average total amount spent per patient prior to diagnosis was US$2456.97. The calculated minimum cost of diagnosis, including a visit to an orthopaedic surgeon as well as an anteroposterior pelvis and lateral hip radiograph and 1 magnetic resonance arthrogram, was US$690.62. The average duration between onset of symptoms and diagnosis of labral tear was 32.0 months.

Conclusion:

The average amount of health care dollars spent per patient prior to receiving a diagnosis of acetabular labral tear was US$1766.35 higher than the calculated minimum cost. This figure is based on Medicare payment amounts, which may significantly underestimate the actual charges at many hospitals, thereby increasing the total cost of diagnosis.

Clinical Relevance:

The costs and pain associated with this time, along with the potential long-term degradation of the hip joint, make it important for all health care professionals to recognize and appropriately manage or refer the patient.

Performance-based outcomes after nonoperative treatment, discectomy, and/or fusion for a lumbar disc herniation in National Hockey League athletes

BACKGROUND

Ice hockey players have a high incidence of lumbar spine disorders; however, there is no evidence in the literature to guide the treatment of an ice hockey player with a herniated lumbar disc.

PURPOSE

To determine the performance-based outcomes in professional National Hockey League (NHL) athletes with a lumbar disc herniation after either nonsurgical or surgical treatment.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive epidemiological study.

METHODS

Athletes in the NHL with a lumbar disc herniation were identified through team injury reports and archives on public record. The return-to-play rate, games played per season, points per game, and performance score for each player were determined before and after the diagnosis of a lumbar disc herniation. Statistical analysis was used to compare preinjury and postinjury performance measures for players treated with either nonsurgical or surgical treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 87 NHL players met the inclusion criteria; 31 underwent nonoperative care, 48 underwent a discectomy, and 8 underwent a single-level fusion. The return-to-play rate for all players was 85%. There was a significant decrease in performance in all players after a lumbar disc herniation in games played per season, points scored per game, and performance score. A comparison of the posttreatment results for the nonsurgical and surgical patient groups revealed no significant difference in performance measures. Notably, the lumbar fusion group did not show a decrease in games played per season or performance score after surgery, likely secondary to a small sample size.

CONCLUSION

National Hockey League players with a lumbar disc herniation have a high return-to-play rate regardless of the type of treatment; however, performance-based outcomes may decrease compared with preinjury levels. The study data suggest that a lumbar fusion is compatible with a return to play in the NHL, which is in contrast to other professional sports.

Hip arthroscopic surgery: patient evaluation, current indications, and outcomes

Arthroscopic surgery in the hip joint has historically lagged behind its counterparts in the shoulder and knee. However, the management of hip injuries in the athletic population has rapidly evolved over the past decade with our improved understanding of mechanical hip pathology as well as the marked improvement in imaging modalities and arthroscopic techniques. Current indications for hip arthroscopic surgery may include symptomatic labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), hip capsular laxity/instability, chondral lesions, disorders of the peritrochanteric or deep gluteal space, septic joint, loose bodies, and ligamentum teres injuries. Furthermore, hip arthroscopic surgery is developing an increasingly important role as an adjunct diagnostic and therapeutic tool in conjunction with open femoral and/or periacetabular osteotomy for complex hip deformities. Arthroscopic techniques have evolved to allow for effective and comprehensive treatment of various hip deformities. Techniques for extensile arthroscopic capsulotomies have allowed for improved central and peripheral compartment exposure and access for labral takedown, refixation, treatment of chondral injury, and osteochondroplasty of the femoral head-neck junction and acetabular rim. While favorable short-term and midterm clinical outcomes have been reported after arthroscopic treatment of prearthritic hip lesions, greater long-term follow-up is necessary to assess the efficacy of hip arthroscopic surgery in altering the natural history and progressive degenerative changes associated with FAI.