Generalized joint hypermobility does not influence 1-year patient satisfaction or functional outcome after ACL reconstruction

Editorial Commentary: Failure to Regain Full Hyperextension After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Is Associated With Inferior Patient Satisfaction and Lower Functional Outcomes Scores, But the Impact on Graft Rupture Rates and Persistent Instability Is Unclear

Up to one half of patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction demonstrate some degree of knee hyperextension in their contralateral limb. In most cases, this is mild (1°-5°), but it is reported that 9% and 0.8% demonstrate moderate (6°-10°) and severe (>10°) degrees of hyperextension. These characteristics pose challenges and considerations for surgical management. This includes the finding that failure to regain full hyperextension is common and is associated with inferior functional outcomes and patient satisfaction, and the juxtaposition that regaining full hyperextension may increase graft rupture and persistent instability rates. Although the pathophysiology of extension deficit is multifactorial, 2 particularly important and modifiable risk factors in this population are notch impingement and arthrogenic muscle inhibition. Strategies to avoid notch impingement include anterior notchplasty and careful consideration of graft size, graft type, and tibial tunnel placement. Arthrogenic muscle inhibition is clinically characterized by extension deficit and quadriceps activation failure. It is reversible in most patients and therefore an important modifiable risk factor. Since failure to regain full hyperextension is associated with inferior outcomes, abolishing extension deficit should be a key objective of surgical treatment and rehabilitation. Concerns regarding the risks of persistent laxity and graft rupture in knee hyperlaxity/hyperextension patients can be mitigated by the addition of anterolateral ligament reconstruction.

Evaluating the Use of PROMs in Paediatric Orthopaedic Registries

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) provide structured information on the patient's health experience and facilitate shared clinical decision-making. Registries that collect PROMs generate essential information about the clinical course and efficacy of interventions. Whilst PROMs are increasingly being used in adult orthopaedic registries, their use in paediatric orthopaedic registries is not well known. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the frequency and scope of registries that collect PROMs in paediatric orthopaedic patient groups. In July 2023, six databases were systematically searched to identify studies that collected PROMs using a registry amongst patients aged under 18 years with orthopaedic diagnoses. Of 3190 identified articles, 128 unique registries were identified. Three were exclusively paediatric, 27 were majority paediatric, and the remainder included a minority of paediatric patients. One hundred and twenty-eight registries collected 72 different PROMs, and 58% of these PROMs were not validated for a paediatric population. The largest group of orthopaedic registries collected PROMs on knee ligament injuries (21%). There are few reported dedicated orthopaedic registries collecting PROMs in paediatric populations. The majority of PROMs collected amongst paediatric populations by orthopaedic registries are not validated for patients under the age of 18 years. The use of non-validated PROMs by registries greatly impedes their utility and impact. Dedicated orthopaedic registries collecting paediatric-validated PROMs are needed to increase health knowledge, improve decision-making between patients and healthcare providers, and optimise orthopaedic management.

What is the utility of hip arthroscopy in patients with joint laxity? A contemporary systematic review of patient-reported and surgical outcomes

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature to understand the contemporary outcomes for patients with joint laxity managed with hip arthroscopy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search was performed utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Statement guidelines. All literature related to joint laxity in hip arthroscopy patients was identified. Inclusion criteria consisted of patient-reported outcomes and Beighton and Horan Joint Mobility Index scoring. Study quality was assessed using the Methodological Index of Non-Randomized Studies criteria.

RESULTS

Seven articles were identified, including 412 patients (416 hips). Patients were predominantly female (range 83-100%). Mean patient age ranged from 13-69 years. Five studies consisting of 370 hips reported a range of 75 to 100% undergoing labral repair, 0 to 13% labral debridement, 0 to 7% labral reconstruction, 43 to 100% capsular closure, 94 to 99% femoroplasty, 3 to 80% rim resection, and 9 to 50% subspine decompression for surgical management. Post-operative follow-up range was 6-99 months. The mean range of improvement in Hip Outcomes Score Activities of Daily Living, Hip Outcomes Score-Sports Subscale, modified Harris Hip Score, Visual Analog Scale, and 12 item Short Form Health Survey were 17.6-31.3, 31.3-35.1, 22.5-53.8, - 2.79-8, and 12.4-16.9 respectively.

CONCLUSION

Generalized ligamentous laxity patients managed with hip arthroscopy were predominantly young women. At short-term follow-up, mean patient-reported outcomes were positive, with improvement postoperatively in activities of daily living, sports, and quality of life.