Incorporating Biologics Into Your Practice: The New Horizon in Sports Medicine

Orthobiologics continue to be one of the most discussed and trending topics in orthopaedic surgery today. Pathology of tendons, ligaments, bone, cartilage, and meniscal tissue are all theoretically treatable with biologics. Ultimately, the hope for biologics is to provide symptom relief and improve tissue healing with the potential to treat some conditions without the need for surgery. It is important to review the current state of biologic therapies available for musculoskeletal disease, discuss government regulations and barriers to use, and, finally, examine current research in biologics and what the future may hold.

Use of Allografts in Orthopaedic Surgery: Safety, Procurement, Storage, and Outcomes

The use of allografts has become a vital option for orthopaedic surgeons in the treatment of a variety of musculoskeletal lesions, ranging from osteochondral defects in the glenohumeral joint to meniscal deficiency in the young athlete. Nevertheless, barriers to treating a patient with an allograft-based procedure may arise from concerns over disease transmission, the navigation of tissue banks that supply allografts, the process of obtaining insurance approval, or optimal storage methods. This review serves to support orthopaedic surgeons in the incorporation of allografts into their practice by quelling these potential concerns. Fresh osteochondral allografts, fresh-frozen meniscal allografts, soft tissue allografts, and off-the-shelf cartilage products are the focus of this review amid broad overviews of allograft safety and tissue bank practices in the United States.

Advances and Update on Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is a procedure that has been increasingly utilized since its inception over 20 years ago. The purpose of this review is to present the most up to date practice and advances to the RTSA literature from the last 5 years.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent literature on RTSA has focused on identifying complications, maximizing outcomes, and determining its cost-effectiveness. RTSA has become a valuable tool in the treatment of various shoulder pathologies from fractures to massive-irreparable rotator cuff tears. Maximizing outcomes, proper patient counseling, and limiting complications are vital to a successful procedure. RTSA can be a difficult procedure; however, when utilized appropriately, it can be an invaluable tool in the orthopedic surgeon's armament. Recent evidence suggests, more and more, that RTSA not only provides value to the patient, but it is also cost-effective.

Outcomes of Arthroscopic Capsular Release in the Beach-Chair Versus Lateral Decubitus Position: A Systematic Review

Background:

Arthroscopic capsular release (ACR) for the treatment of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder can be performed in either the beach-chair (BC) or lateral decubitus (LD) position.

Purpose:

To determine the clinical outcomes and recurrence rates after ACR in the BC versus LD position.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic review using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines was performed by searching PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases for studies reporting clinical outcomes of patients undergoing ACR in either the BC or LD position. All English-language literature from 1990 through 2017 reporting on clinical outcomes after ACR with a minimum 3-month follow-up were reviewed by 2 independent reviewers. Recurrence rates, range of motion (ROM) results, and patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores were collected. Study methodological quality was evaluated using the modified Coleman Methodology Score (MCMS).

Results:

A total of 30 studies (3 level 1 evidence, 2 level 2 evidence, 4 level 3 evidence, 21 level 4 evidence) including 665 shoulders undergoing ACR in the BC position (38.1% male; mean age, 52.0 ± 3.9 years; mean follow-up, 35.4 ± 18.4 months) and 603 shoulders in the LD position (41.8% male; mean age, 53.0 ± 2.3 years; mean follow-up, 37.2 ± 16.8 months) were included. There were no significant differences in overall mean recurrence rates between groups (BC, 2.5%; LD, 2.4%; P = .81) or in any PRO scores between groups (P > .05). There were no significant differences in improvement in ROM between groups, including external rotation at the side (BC, 36.4°; LD, 42.8°; P = .91), forward flexion (BC, 64.4°; LD, 79.3°; P = .73), abduction (BC, 77.8°; LD, 81.5°; P = .82), or internal rotation in 90° of abduction (BC, 40.8°; LD, 45.5°; P = .70). Significantly more patients in the BC group (91.6%) underwent concomitant manipulation than in the LD group (63%) (P < .0001). There were significantly more patients with diabetes in the LD group (22.4%) versus the BC group (9.6%) (P < .0001).

Conclusion:

Low rates of recurrent shoulder stiffness and excellent improvements in ROM can be achieved after ACR in either the LD or BC position. Concomitant manipulation under anesthesia is performed more frequently in the BC position compared with the LD position.

Biomechanical comparison of subscapularis peel and lesser tuberosity osteotomy for double-row subscapularis repair technique in a cadaveric arthroplasty model

INTRODUCTION

Management of the subscapularis during shoulder arthroplasty is controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical performance of subscapularis peel (SP) and lesser tuberosity osteotomy (LTO) in a cadaveric model.

METHODS

The subscapularis and proximal humerus were dissected from all soft tissues in 21 fresh-frozen human cadaveric shoulders and randomized to undergo SP, LTO, or standard subscapularis tenotomy (ST, control). For SP and LTO, six #5 sutures were passed through eyelets in the implant (on lateral border and through drill holes in bicipital groove [2] and under trunion [4]). Double-row repair was performed using two lateral row transosseous sutures and four medial row sutures through the tendon (SP) or osseotendinous junction (LTO). Biomechanical properties and mode of failure were tested.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in elongation amplitude, cyclic elongation, or maximum load to failure between the three groups (P > 0.05). Mean stiffness was significantly higher in LTO (P = 0.009 vs. SP and ST). In the ST group, 7/7 specimens failed at the tendon-suture interface. For SP, 4/7 failed at the tendon-suture interface, one at the suture-bone interface, one fractured around the implant stem, and one at the knots. For LTO, 3/7 failed at the tendon-suture interface, two at the suture-bone interface and two fractured around the implant stem.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cadaveric model, subscapularis repair via ST, SP, and LTO techniques was biomechanically equivalent. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine the influence of biologic healing on healing rates and clinical outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

N/a, biomechanical laboratory study.

Impact of Simulation Training on Diagnostic Arthroscopy Performance: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose

To determine the impact of training on a virtual reality arthroscopy simulator on both simulator and cadaveric performance in novice trainees.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial of 28 participants without prior arthroscopic experience was conducted. All participants received a demonstration of how to use the ArthroVision Virtual Reality Simulator and were then randomized to receive either no training (control group, n = 14) or a fixed protocol of simulation training (n = 14). All participants took a pretest on the simulator, completing 9 tasks ranging from camera-steadying tasks to probing structures. The training group then trained on the simulator (1 time per week for 3 weeks). At week 4, all participants completed a 2-part post-test, including (1) performing all tasks on the simulator and (2) performing a diagnostic arthroscopy on a cadaveric knee and shoulder. An independent, blinded observer assessed the performance on diagnostic arthroscopy using the Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool scale. To compare differences between non–normally distributed groups, the Mann-Whitney U test was used. An independent-samples t test was used for normally distributed groups. The Friedman test with pair-wise comparisons using Bonferroni correction was used to compare scores within groups at multiple time points. Bonferroni adjustment was applied as a multiplier to the P value; thus, the α level remained consistent. Significance was defined as P < .05.

Results

In both groups, all tasks except task 5 (in which completion time was relatively fixed) showed a significant degree of correlation between task completion time and other task-specific metrics. A significant difference between the trained and control groups was found for post-test task completion time scores for all tasks. Qualitative analysis of box plots showed minimal change after 3 trials for most tasks in the training group. There was no statistical correlation between the performance on diagnostic arthroscopy on either the knee or shoulder and simulation training, with no difference in Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool scores in the training group compared with controls.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that an early ceiling effect is shown on the evaluated arthroscopic simulator model and that additional training past the point of proficiency on modern arthroscopic simulator models does not provide additional transferable benefits on a cadaveric model.

Level of Evidence

Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Survivorship of Patellofemoral Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation

Introduction

We performed a survivorship analysis of patients treated with patellofemoral osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) using either a shell or plug technique and identified variables associated with graft failure.

Methods

Consecutive patients at two institutions who underwent OCA of the patellofemoral compartment between March 1, 2001 to March 1, 2015, were retrospectively identified at minimum 2 years' follow-up. Demographic information, intraoperative findings, and postoperative data were collected. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of surgical technique (plug group and shell group). Failure was defined as revision OCA, conversion to arthroplasty, or gross appearance of graft degeneration on second-look arthroscopy. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify patient- and surgery-specific variables associated with survivorship.

Results

Fifty patients were identified (36 women and 14 men; mean age 37.43 ± 8.87 years). Sixteen patients received plug allografts, whereas 34 received shell allografts. Forty percent of patients underwent a concomitant meniscal, ligamentous, malalignment, or chondral procedure. Five patients in the Plug Group (31.3%) underwent reoperation at a mean 1.37 ± 1.34 years, and 28 patients (82.4%) who received Shell OCA underwent reoperation at a mean 1.94 ± 1.92 years. Two patients in the plug group had graft failure at a mean 9.17 ± 0.93 years, whereas 13 patients in the shell group had graft failure at a mean 3.81 ± 2.78 years. Patients with plug allografts demonstrated 100% and 66% survival at 5 and 9.8 years, respectively. For the shell group, survivorship was 65.8% and 37% at 5 and 10.6 years, respectively. Increasing body mass index was associated with failure for the case series overall (odds ratio 1.33, P = .020). Traumatic cause was found to be protective of failure (odds ratio = 0.02, P = .035).

Conclusions

Plug OCA of the patellofemoral compartment can be an efficacious procedure with quality mid-term outcomes. Shell OCA led to high failure rates at midterm outcomes. Increasing body mass index may predispose patients to failure, whereas traumatic cause of their lesion was associated with improved outcomes.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, Therapeutic case series.

Epidemiology of Clavicle Fractures Among US High School Athletes, 2008-2009 Through 2016-2017

Background

Little is known about the epidemiology of clavicle fractures in United States (US) high school athletes. Sports participation among high school students has increased steadily, placing increased numbers at risk of sports-related injury.

Purpose

To describe the epidemiology of clavicle fractures among high school athletes, including injury rates by sex, sport, and type of play and trends in operative versus nonoperative treatment.

Study Design

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods

The study data set included all athlete-exposure (AE) and clavicle fracture data collected from 2008-2009 through 2016-2017 from a large sample of US high schools as part of the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study for students participating in boys' football, boys'/girls' soccer, boys'/girls' basketball, boys'/girls' volleyball, boys' wrestling, boys' baseball, girls' softball, girls' field hockey, boys' ice hockey, boys'/girls' lacrosse, boys'/girls' swimming and diving, boys'/girls' track and field, girls' gymnastics, girls' cheerleading, boys'/girls' tennis, and boys'/girls' cross-country.

Results

Overall, 567 clavicle fractures were reported during 31,520,765 AEs, an injury rate of 1.80 per 100,000 AEs. Injury rates varied by sport, with the highest rates in the boys' full-contact sports of ice hockey (5.27), lacrosse (5.26), football (4.98), and wrestling (2.21). Among girls' sports, the highest rates were in soccer (0.92), lacrosse (0.26), and basketball (0.25). In sex-comparable sports, injury rates were still significantly higher among boys (1.03) than girls (0.35) (rate ratio, 2.91; 95% CI, 1.97-4.30). Injury rates were significantly higher in competition (4.58) as compared with practice (0.87) (rate ratio, 5.27; 95% CI, 4.44-6.26). Most injuries were treated conservatively (82.7%) rather than operatively (17.3%). Time to return to sports varied, with a greater proportion of medical disqualifications among those treated operatively (40.0%) as compared with those treated conservatively (22.6%) (injury proportion ratio, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.31-2.39).

Conclusion

Although clavicle fracture rates are relatively low, they vary by sport, sex, and activity. Understanding such differences should drive more effective, targeted injury prevention efforts. Increased time loss from sports with surgical versus conservative treatment may have been influenced by factors including injury severity and its timing relative to the season's progress.

Platelet-rich plasma for muscle injuries: A systematic review of the basic science literature

BACKGROUND

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an increasingly used biologic adjunct for muscle injuries, as it is thought to expedite healing. Despite its widespread use, little is known regarding the mechanisms by which PRP produces its efficacious effects in some patients.

AIM

To clarify the effects of PRP on muscular pathologies at the cellular and tissue levels by evaluating the basic science literature.

METHODS

A systematic review of PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and checklist. Level III in vivo and in vitro studies examining PRP effects on muscles, myocytes and/or myoblasts were eligible for inclusion. Extracted data included PRP preparation methods and study results.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies were included (15 in vivo, 6 in vitro, 2 in vitro/in vivo). Only one reported a complete PRP cytology (platelets, and red and white blood cell counts). Five in vitro studies reported increased cellular proliferation, four reported increased gene expression, and three reported increased cellular differentiation. Five in vivo studies reported increased gene expression, three reported superior muscle regeneration, and seven reported improved histological quality of muscular tissue.

CONCLUSION

The basic science literature on the use of PRP in muscle pathology demonstrates that PRP treatment confers several potentially beneficial effects on healing in comparison to controls. Future research is needed to determine optimal cytology, dosing, timing, and delivery methods of PRP for muscle pathologies.

Does Arthroscopic Simulation Training Improve Triangulation and Probing Skills? A Randomized Controlled Trial✰

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness of simulator training on basic arthroscopic skills utilizing a novel, low-cost arthroscopic triangulation training system.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial of subjects without prior arthroscopy training was conducted, with participants randomized to receive either a fixed protocol of simulation training on a triangulation simulation model (30 minutes of training for 4 consecutive days), or no training. On Days 1 and 5, all participants were evaluated on 3 simulated arthroscopic tasks by an independent observer. Variables analyzed included how many times portals were changed, the time it took to complete the tasks, and the task completion rate.

SETTING

Arthrex Inc., Naples, FL.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-six participants (92% male, average 28 ± 5 years) with no prior arthroscopy training were randomized into 2 groups, with 17 in the training group (T) and 19 in the no-training group (NT).

RESULTS

On Day 1, there was no difference in rate of task completion between the T group and NT groups (41% versus 53%, p = 0.52). On Day 5, significantly more participants in the T group completed all tasks compared to the NT group (100% versus 63%, p = 0.008). Participants in the T group had significantly improved task completion times on Day 5 versus Day 1 (p < 0.05). Participants in the NT group had a significantly improved task completion time for Task 1 on Day 5 versus Day 1 (p = 0.037); no differences were found for Tasks 2 or 3. On Day 5, participants in the T group required significantly fewer portal changes compared to the NT group (2.35 ± 2.29 versus 6.95 ± 8.55, p = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

Simulation training on a simple, low-cost arthroscopic triangulation training system resulted in an overall improvement in arthroscopic probing and triangulation skills within 1 week of training, with significantly decreased task completion times and increased efficiency of movement.

Saline Load Test for Detecting Traumatic Arthrotomy in the Wrist

Background  Open injuries communicating with the wrist joint are essential to detect to facilitate timely, appropriate treatment. While the saline load test to detect traumatic arthrotomy has been well studied in the knee and ankle, it has not been studied in the wrist, and therefore the appropriate volume of saline infusion to detect traumatic arthrotomy is not known. Purpose  The purpose of this study was to utilize wrist arthroscopy to determine the saline infusion volume necessary to achieve 99% sensitivity in detecting traumatic arthrotomy. Methods  Twenty consecutive patients undergoing elective wrist arthroscopy were prospectively enrolled. A 5-mm arthrotomy was established between the third and fourth dorsal extensor compartments. An 18-gauge needle was inserted into the 6R portal on the radial side of the extensor carpi ulnaris. Sterile normal saline was injected into the wrist joint through the needle at a rate of 0.1 mL per second until extravasation from the 3-4 portal was visualized. Saline volumes required for extravasation were analyzed. Results  The mean saline volume required for extravasation was 0.8 mL. The volume of saline needed to achieve sensitivities of 50, 90, 95, and 99% were 0.4, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.5 mL respectively. Conclusions  The saline infusion volume required to detect a dorsal radiocarpal arthrotomy with 99% sensitivity was 2.5 mL. We recommend using at least 2.5 mL when performing the saline load test to rule out a potential arthrotomy to the wrist in the traumatic setting. Level of Evidence:  This is a Level II, diagnostic study.

Analysis of Defect Size and Ratio to Condylar Size With Respect to Outcomes After Isolated Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) is a successful knee joint preservation technique; however, the effects of defect size and defect size:condyle ratio (DSCR) are poorly understood.

PURPOSE

To quantify clinical outcomes of isolated OCA of the knee based on defect size and DSCR.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Data from patients who underwent OCA of the knee without major concomitant procedures by a single surgeon were analyzed at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Osteochondral defect size was measured intraoperatively, and femoral condyle size was measured with preoperative imaging. Patient-reported outcomes, reoperations, and survival rates were analyzed per defect size and DSCR, comparing males and females and patients <40 and ≥40 years old.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight patients were included, of whom 57% were male (mean ± SD: age, 34.5 ± 10.3 years; follow-up, 5.2 ± 2.6 years). Mean osteochondral defect size and DSCR were 3.48 ± 1.72 cm² and 0.2 ± 0.1, respectively. Defect size was larger among males as compared with females (3.97 ± 1.71 cm² vs 2.81 ± 1.16 cm², P = .005), while DSCRs were not significantly different between sexes ( P = .609). The cohort as a whole demonstrated improvements in the following scores: Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey Physical ( P < .05). There were 27 reoperations (39.7%) at a mean of 2.5 ± 1.92 years and 8 failures (11.8%) at a mean of 2.62 ± 1.3 years. Mean DCSR was higher among patients with graft failure (0.26 ± 0.20 vs 0.19 ± 0.07, P = .049). After stratification by age, failures among patients ≥40 years old were associated with a larger defect size (mean 5.37 ± 3.50 cm² vs 3.22 ± 1.32 cm², P = .03) and higher DSCR (mean 0.30 ± 0.25 vs 0.19 ± 0.06, P = .05) when compared with nonfailures. Failures among patients <40 years old were not significantly associated with defect size or DSCR ( P > .05) as compared with nonfailures.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing isolated OCA transplantation demonstrated significant clinical improvements and a graft survival of 88.2% at 5.2 years. Failures overall were associated with a larger DSCR, and failures among patients ≥40 years old with a larger DSCR and larger defect size. Increasing defect size among males was positively correlated with some improved outcomes, although this was not maintained in analysis of the DSCR, suggesting similar prognosis after OCA regardless of sex.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Failed osteochondral allografts are associated with larger defect sizes and defect:condyle ratios in this study, providing additional information to surgeons for appropriate patient consultation.

Biomechanical Analysis of All-Suture Suture Anchor Fixation Compared With Conventional Suture Anchors and Interference Screws for Biceps Tenodesis

PURPOSE

To compare the biomechanical properties of all-suture suture anchors (ASSAs) with conventional interference screws (CISs) and conventional suture anchors (CSAs) for long head of the biceps tendon fixation during proximal biceps tenodesis (BT).

METHODS

We randomized 21 fresh-frozen human cadaveric shoulders into 3 subpectoral BT treatment groups: ASSA, CSA, and CIS. Each construct was cyclically loaded from 5 to 70 N for 500 cycles (1 Hz). All specimens that survived cyclic loading were then pulled to failure (1 mm/s). Elongation, maximum load, energy, and failure mode were recorded. The humerus was stripped of tissue and then subjected to torsional displacement at a rate of 1°/s until fracture occurred. Maximum load, displacement, stiffness, and energy were recorded.

RESULTS

During tendon testing, 3 specimens (43%) in the CIS group failed early during cyclic testing by the tendon tearing at the screw-tendon interface. All other specimens in the CIS group, as well as all specimens in the ASSA and CSA groups, survived cyclic testing and failed during pull-to-failure testing. Failure occurred at the tendon-anchor or -screw interface in all specimens (100%), with no anchor or screw pullout. The CIS group had significantly decreased elongation (8.9 ± 2.23 mm) at maximum load compared with the ASSA (19.2 ± 5.2 mm) and CSA (18.9 ± 2.23 mm) groups (P = .001). During torsional testing, the ASSA group was able to withstand significantly greater torsional displacement (9.22° ± 0.86°) before failure and had greater energy to failure (497.3 ± 45 Nmm-degrees) than the CIS group (6.13° ± 1.24° and 256.6 ± 70.3 Nmm-degrees, respectively; P = .005).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that the biomechanical properties of ASSA, CSA, and CIS constructs are similar. The interference screw group had lower tendon elongation at maximum load but had several early failures compared with the suture anchor groups. The use of suture anchors results in maximum tendon and torsional bone loads similar to interference screws for the long head of the biceps tendon. Torsional testing of the CIS resulted in spiral fractures traversing the screw tunnel in 100% of the specimens, which was not found in the suture anchor groups.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The ASSA is a viable fixation method for BT in comparison with the CSA and CIS.

Arthroscopic soft tissue reconstruction in anterior shoulder instability

Anterior glenohumeral instability remains a difficult problem in the athletic and working patient populations. Treatment strategies are variable and range from nonoperative approaches incorporating immobilization and rehabilitation to surgical management. Surgical decision-making can be challenging, especially with a high-level patient who wishes to return to high-demand activities. Operative options range from open soft tissue stabilization to arthroscopic soft tissue stabilization, with both open and arthroscopic options for bony reconstruction in the setting of clinically significant anterior glenoid bone loss. In all cases, understanding appropriate indications and utilizing sound surgical techniques are critical for achieving a successful result. For the majority of patients with anterior shoulder instability, arthroscopic soft tissue reconstruction with suture anchors is a successful, minimally invasive approach that results in a stable shoulder with excellent outcomes and low complication rates.

Inferior outcomes and higher complication rates after shoulder arthroplasty in workers' compensation patients

BACKGROUND

Outcomes of shoulder surgery in workers' compensation (WC) patients have generally been inferior to those in non-WC patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the complication rates and clinical outcomes after shoulder arthroplasty in WC patients and control non-WC patients.

METHODS

An institutional shoulder arthroplasty database was queried for patients with minimum 2-year follow-up who underwent total shoulder arthroplasty, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, or hemiarthroplasty. WC patients were age and sex matched with non-WC patients and retrospectively evaluated for complication rates, patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores, and range of motion.

RESULTS

We matched 45 WC and 45 non-WC patients by age and sex, with the WC group having a higher rate of prior surgery (82% vs 38%, P < .001). Both groups experienced significant improvements in all PROs, forward elevation, and external rotation (P < .05 for all). The WC group had inferior 2-year outcomes for all PROs and forward elevation (P ≤ .001 for all), as well as a higher reoperation rate (16% vs 2%, P = .030) and higher rate of persistent pain at final follow-up (33% vs 11%, P = .021). On multivariate regression controlling for other variables including number of prior surgical procedures, WC status remained associated with lower improvements in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (P < .001), functional (P < .001), and Simple Shoulder Test (P < .001) scores, as well as a higher reoperation rate (P = .015) and higher rate of persistent pain (P = .027).

CONCLUSION

Although both WC and non-WC patients experienced significant clinical improvements after shoulder arthroplasty, WC patients had a higher reoperation rate, inferior PROs, and a higher rate of persistent pain.

Do Female Athletes Return to Sports After Hip Preservation Surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome?: A Comparative Analysis

Background

Female patients undergoing surgery for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) often experience inferior clinical outcomes and higher failure rates when compared with male patients. The influence of athletic status on hip arthroscopic outcomes in female patients, however, is unclear.

Purpose

To compare patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of athletic and nonathletic female patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery for FAIS, and to determine the return-to-sports rate in the athlete group.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Two-year PROs were assessed in female patients who had undergone hip arthroscopic surgery for FAIS by a single surgeon. Patients who self-identified as athletes were compared with nonathletes. Preoperative and postoperative PRO scores including the Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score-Sport-Specific (HOS-SS), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and satisfaction were analyzed and compared between athletes and nonathletes. Subanalysis was performed based on patient age and body mass index (BMI).

Results

A total of 330 female patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery for FAIS were identified. Of these, 221 patients identified as athletes (mean age, 29.1 ± 11.1 years; mean BMI, 23.0 ± 3.5 kg/m²) and 109 as nonathletes (mean age, 39.3 ± 11.4 years; mean BMI, 27.8 ± 5.8 kg/m²). Both groups demonstrated improvements in HOS-ADL, HOS-SS, mHHS, VAS for pain, and VAS for satisfaction scores (P < .001 for all). Athletes had significantly higher postoperative PRO scores compared with nonathletes (P < .001 for all). A 1:1 matched-pair subanalysis of 97 athletes and 97 nonathletes controlling for age and BMI indicated that these relationships held independently of potential demographic confounders (P < .001 for all). The number of patients meeting the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) for the HOS-ADL, HOS-SS, and mHHS was significantly higher in athletes aged ≤25 years versus those aged >25 years and for athletes versus nonathletes (P < .05 for all). Further, 189 of 194 athletes returned to sports at a mean of 6.0 ± 3.9 months postoperatively, with 93.7% reporting returning to the same or higher level of competition.

Conclusion

Among female patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery for FAIS, patients considered athletes achieved superior clinical outcomes compared with patients considered nonathletes. In addition, younger female athletes had higher rates of achieving the MCID and PASS for all PRO measures.

Five-Strand Hamstring Autografts for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

Background

Recent studies have described surgical techniques to increase the hamstring graft diameter for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), particularly for 5-strand hamstring (5HS) autografts.

Purpose

To review the literature examining the biomechanical and clinical outcomes of 5HS autografts for ACLR.

Study Design

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

A systematic review using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Meta-Analyses) guidelines was performed by searching PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for studies reporting the biomechanical and clinical outcomes of 5HS autografts. All English-language literature published from 2012 to 2018 that reported the biomechanical properties of 5HS grafts and/or clinical outcomes after ACLR with 5HS autografts with a minimum 1-year follow-up was reviewed by 2 independent reviewers. Graft diameter, stiffness, displacement, strength, failure rates, anteroposterior knee laxity, and patient-reported outcome scores were collected. The study methodology was evaluated using the modified Coleman Methodology Score.

Results

Two biomechanical and 3 clinical studies (1 with level 2 evidence, 2 with level 3 evidence) were included. The biomechanical studies compared the results of fourteen 4-strand hamstring (4HS) and fourteen 5HS graft specimens for ACLR (ovine grafts, n = 12; cadaveric grafts, n = 16) and found no significant differences in ultimate load, stiffness, displacement, and stress relaxation (P > .05), likely attributed to insufficient incorporation of the fifth strand. The mean 5HS cadaveric graft diameter (8.2 mm) was significantly greater than that of 4HS grafts (6.8 mm) (P = .002), whereas the mean ovine graft diameters were not significantly different (4HS, 5.2 mm; 5HS, 5.3 mm) (P > .05). Two clinical studies compared the outcomes after ACLR of 53 patients with a 4HS autograft versus 62 patients with a 5HS autograft, while 1 clinical study reported the outcomes of 25 patients after ACLR with a 5HS autograft (mean age, 28.7 years; mean follow-up, 24.8 months). The overall mean diameter for 4HS and 5HS autografts was 8.4 and 9.1 mm, respectively. There was no significant difference in failure rates between 4HS and 5HS autografts (P = .82). None of the comparative studies reported significant differences in any clinical outcomes (P > .05 for all).

Conclusion

The available literature on traditional 4HS and 5HS autografts for ACLR is limited. Of the available data, clinical and biomechanical studies suggest no difference in outcomes after ACLR with either graft construct. Additional research is needed to determine whether creating a 5HS graft is beneficial.

The Role of Orthobiologics in the Management of Osteoarthritis and Focal Cartilage Defects

Individuals with osteoarthritis have a diminished quality of life, and the condition is a major cause of disability. Newer biologic treatments have been developed that are believed to modify disease progression. These predominantly include hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate concentrate, and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. There is conflicting evidence regarding the use of orthobiologics for osteoarthritis and for focal chondral defects, although most studies indicate that injections of biologics are safe and without significant adverse effects. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(2):66-73.].

Outcomes of Arthroscopic Posterior Shoulder Stabilization in the Beach-Chair Versus Lateral Decubitus Position: A Systematic Review

Background:

Arthroscopic posterior shoulder stabilization can be performed with patients in the beach-chair (BC) and the lateral decubitus (LD) positions; however, the impact of patient positioning on clinical outcomes has not been evaluated.

Purpose:

To compare clinical outcomes and recurrence rates after arthroscopic posterior shoulder stabilization performed in the BC and LD positions.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic review using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Meta-Analyses) guidelines was performed by searching PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for studies reporting the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing arthroscopic posterior shoulder stabilization in either the BC or LD position. All English-language studies from 1990 to 2017 reporting clinical outcomes after arthroscopic posterior shoulder stabilization with a minimum 2-year follow-up were reviewed by 2 independent reviewers. Data on the recurrent instability rate, return to activity or sport, range of motion, and patient-reported outcome scores were collected. Study methodological quality was evaluated using the Modified Coleman Methodology Score (MCMS) and Quality Appraisal Tool (QAT).

Results:

A total of 15 studies (11 LD, 4 BC) with 731 shoulders met the inclusion criteria, including 626 shoulders in the LD position (mean patient age, 23.9 ± 4.1 years; mean follow-up, 37.5 ± 10.0 months) and 105 shoulders in the BC position (mean patient age, 27.8 ± 2.2 years; mean follow-up, 37.9 ± 16.6 months). There was no significant difference in the overall mean recurrent instability rate between the LD and BC groups (4.9% ± 3.6% vs 4.4% ± 5.1%, respectively; P = .83), with similar results in a subanalysis of studies utilizing only suture anchor fixation (4.9% ± 3.6% vs 3.2% ± 5.6%, respectively; P = .54). There was no significant difference in the return-to-sport rate between the BC and LD groups (96.2% ± 5.4% vs 88.6% ± 9.1%, respectively; P = .30). Range of motion and other patient-reported outcome scores were not provided consistently across studies to allow for statistical comparisons.

Conclusion:

Low rates of recurrent shoulder instability and high rates of return to sport can be achieved after arthroscopic posterior shoulder stabilization in either the LD or the BC position. Additional long-term randomized trials comparing these positions are needed to better understand the potential advantages and disadvantages of surgical positioning for posterior shoulder stabilization.

Concussions in Sports

Although concussions are common, they are complex, variable, and not entirely understood in terms of pathophysiology and treatment. The incidence of concussion is expected to continue to rise with the increased participation of youth in sports and improved awareness. The role of orthopedic surgeons in concussion management is murky. However, the existing literature does provide a foundation from which orthopedic surgeons who are exposed to concussed patients can function. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(1):12-21.].