Hip arthroscopy: state of the art

Intra-articular temperature monitoring during radiofrequency ablation in ex-vivo bovine hip joints via Fiber Bragg grating sensors

PURPOSE

Radiofrequency ablation is an increasingly used surgical option for ablation, resection and coagulation of soft tissues in joint arthroscopy. One of the major issues of thermal ablation is the temperature monitoring across the target areas, as cellular mortality is a direct consequence of thermal dosimetry. Temperatures from 45 °C to 50 °C are at risk of damage to chondrocytes. One of the most reliable tools for temperature monitoring is represented by fiber optic sensors, as they allow accurate and real-time temperature measurement via a minimally invasive approach. The aim of this study was to determine, by fiber Bragg grating sensors (FBGs), the safety of radiofrequency ablation in tissue heating applied to ex-vivo bovine hip joints.

METHODS

Ex vivo bovine hips were subjected to radiofrequency ablation, specifically in the acetabular labrum, for a total of two experiments. The WEREWOLF System (Smith + Nephew, Watford, UK) was employed in high operating mode and in a controlled ablation way. One optical fiber embedding seven FBGs was used to record multipoint temperature variations. Each sensor was 1 mm in length with a distance from edge to edge with each other of 2 mm.

RESULTS

The maximum variation was recorded in both the tests by the FBG1 (i.e., the closest one to the electrode tip) and was lower than to 2.8 °C. The other sensors (from FBG2 to FBG7) did not record a significant temperature change throughout the duration of the experiment (maximum up to 0.7 °C for FBG7).

CONCLUSIONS

No significant increase in temperature was observed at any of the seven sites. The sensor nearest to the radiofrequency source exhibited the highest temperature rise, but the variation was only 3 °C. The minimal temperature increase registered at the measurement sites, according to existing literature, is not expected to be cytotoxic. FBGs demonstrate the potential to fulfil the strict requirements for temperature measurements during arthroscopic surgery.

Arthroscopic Management of Femoroacetabular Impingement in Adolescents: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is highly prevalent in adolescent athletes. There has been an increasing trend for arthroscopic surgery for FAI, and the results of several clinical studies on outcome after arthroscopic surgery for FAI are available.

PURPOSE

To conduct a systematic review to investigate the role of arthroscopic management for FAI in adolescents.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. In August 2020, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and EMBASE were accessed. All clinical trials concerning the arthroscopic treatment for adolescents with FAI were identified. Only studies on patients aged less than 18 years at the time of surgery reporting data over a minimum follow-up of 12 months were considered.

RESULTS

Data from 406 adolescents (470 procedures; mean age at surgery, 15.9 years; mean follow-up, 30.4 months) with FAI were retrieved. At a mean of 28.0 months of follow-up, 94% of the adolescents had already returned to sport. All the scores of interest were improved at the final follow-up: visual analog scale (P = .01), modified Harris Hip Score (P < .0001), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (P = .03), Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (P = .01), Hip Outcome Score-Sport-Specific Subscale (P < .0001), and Tegner score (P < .0001). Complications occurred in 1.1% (5/470) of procedures, and revision arthroscopy was performed in 4.7% (22/470) of procedures.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic surgery in adolescents with FAI achieves excellent outcomes and a high rate of return to sport, with rates of complication and revision surgery of 1% and 5%, respectively.

Hip and Groin Pain in Soccer Players

Purpose  The aim of this article is to illustrate the recent framework necessary to standardize studies on groin pain and review the existing literature on groin pain in football. Methods  The common pathological processes underlying groin pain such as muscle, tendon or ligament strain, bone injury or fracture, sport hernia, bursitis, osteitis pubis, and hip-related diseases have been reviewed and current management options have been considered. Results  Groin pain is considered a pain in pubic or lower abdominal or adductors region which can be monolateral or bilateral. It is common in high-intensity team sports and can negatively affect an athlete's professional carrier, causing serious disruption in the performance. Despite a high prevalence of groin pain in athletes, diagnosis and management of the underlying pathological processes remain a challenge for surgeons, radiologists, and physiotherapists alike. Conclusion  A multidisciplinary approach is essential for patients with groin pain allowing prompt diagnosis and initiation of treatment thus facilitating more rapid return to play and preventing potential long-term sequelae of chronic groin pathology.

Editorial Commentary: Hip Trochanteric Bursitis and Femoroacetabular Impingement: The Arthroscope Is Only the Tool

Lateral hip pain is debilitating, with pain located at or around the greater trochanter, and trochanteric bursitis is one of the conditions that are part of the greater trochanter pain syndrome. At times, trochanteric bursitis coexists with femoroacetabular impingement. In such cases, the arthroscope is used as a soft tissue endoscope facilitating debridement of the bursa and functional lengthening of the fascia lata. Coupled with appropriate femoroacetabular impingement treatment and rehabilitation, the procedure allows predictable functional results.

Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee in former male professional soccer players

BACKGROUND

Professional soccer (PS) players are at great risk of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee and hip.

SOURCES OF DATA

Following the PRISMA guidelines, the key words 'osteoarthritis' and 'soccer' or 'football' were matched with 'players' or 'former' or 'retired' and with 'hip' or 'knee' on December 24, 2017 in the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane, Google scholar, Embase and Ovid. Only comparative studies reporting the prevalence rate of OA of both hip and knee joint in former PS athletes (fPSa) and age and sex matched controls were considered.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

In fPSa, the prevalence rate of OA of both hip and knee is significantly higher compared to age and sex matched controls.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

The pathological pathways responsible for the development of OA of the hip and knee in PS athletes (PSa) are still not clearly understood.

GROWING POINTS

The prevalence rate of clinical OA of the hip was 8.6% in fPSa and 5.6% in controls (odd ratio (OR) = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.06-2.31). The radiographic rate of OA was 21.2% in fPSa and 9.8% in controls (OR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.66-3.69). A total of 14.6 and 53.7% of fPSa presented clinical and radiographic signs of OA of the knee, respectively, vs 12.9% (OR = 1.16; 95% CI: 0.86-1.55) and 31.9% (OR = 2.47; 95% CI: 2.03-3.00) of controls. Sonographic evidence of OA of the knee was found in 52% of fPSa and 33% of controls (OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.24-3.89).

AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH

Preventive training programmes should be developed to reduce the number of fPSa presenting early OA.

Arthroscopic management of primary synovial chondromatosis of the hip

PURPOSE

We evaluated clinical outcomes after hip arthroscopy in patients with primary synovial chondromatosis (SC).

METHODS

We retrospectively assessed 11 patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for primary SC at a mean follow-up of 22 months (range, 12 to 36 months). Clinical preoperative and postoperative evaluation was performed with the Harris hip score. The preoperative evaluation included plain radiographs and magnetic resonance (MR) scanning to detect number and positioning of intra-articular radiopaque loose bodies. The osteochondral damage was graded using the Kellgren-Lawrence classification. The chondral surfaces of both the acetabulum and femoral head were graded according to the Outerbridge scale.

RESULTS

The clinical score improved postoperatively. There were statistically significant differences between preoperative and postoperative Harris hip scores (P < .05). Outcomes were rated as very satisfactory and satisfactory in 3 and 5 of 11 patients, respectively. The osteochondral damage ranged between stages 1 and 2. No complications related to surgical procedures were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Hip arthroscopy for the treatment of patients with primary SC showed good clinical results without any complications related to the surgical procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Tissue engineered strategies for pseudoarthrosis

Numerous classification systems of non-union have been proposed based on: presence or absence of infection, radiographic features, clinical findings, biologic activity, location and shape. The management of pseudarthrosis is strongly related to the type of non-union (infected versus uninfected, atrophic versus hypertrophic). Surgical management of pseudarthrosis is generally effective with a success rate ranging from 75 to 100%. Nevertheless, in a relatively high number of instances several combined treatments are required for the fracture healing. The current gold standard to stimulate the bone regeneration is represented by the revision surgery with the application of autologous bone grafts. However, several approaches have been described to promote and enhance the bone tissue regeneration, including extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), ultrasound, electromagnetic, bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) and platelet-rich-plasma (PRP).The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review of the literature evaluating the current therapies to promote and enhance the bone tissue healing. The systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines with a PRISMA checklist and algorithm.Limitations of the present systematic review are mainly related to the scanty quality of the studies available in the literature. Although the therapies previously described for the management of patients with non-unions seems to be effective, the limitations of the included studies, especially the extensive clinical heterogeneity, make not possible to provide clear recommendations regarding the application of these approaches. The problems remain the need to better understand the most effective treatment options, subject to surgical stabilization as a first step.

A systematic review of single-bundle versus double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

Double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is becoming increasingly common. However, no definitive data on the superiority of DB reconstruction have been shown when compared with single-bundle (SB) ACL reconstruction.

SOURCES OF DATA

We performed a comprehensive search of PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL and Embase databases using various combinations of keywords such as 'ACL', 'reconstruction', 'DB' and 'SB'. Only articles published in peer-reviewed journals were included in this systematic review.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

Several new techniques are available for ACL reconstruction. DB ACL reconstruction could provide better outcome for patients in terms of closer restoration of normal knee biomechanics and improving the rotatory laxity of the knee.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

Data are lacking to allow definitive conclusions on the use of DB reconstruction techniques for routine management of patients with ACL tear.

GROWING POINTS

Given the limitations of the current studies, it is not possible to recommend systematic use of DB ACL reconstruction. Even though biomechanical results are encouraging, subjective patient evaluation is similar for SB and DB reconstruction.

AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH

Studies of higher levels of evidence, for instances large adequately powered randomized trials, should be conducted to bring new insight in this field. With the current evidence available, a simple SB ACL reconstruction is a suitable technique, and it should be not abandoned until stronger scientific evidence in favour of DB ACL reconstruction will be produced.

Acetabular rim lesions: arthroscopic assessment and clinical relevance

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether acetabular morphology may influence both pathogenesis and prognosis of the acetabular rim lesions and to propose a new system to classify labral tears.

METHODS

We assessed radiographic and arthroscopic findings in 81 patients (40 male and 41 female patients, 86 hips) aged from 16 to 74 years (median, 31 years) who underwent hip arthroscopy.

RESULTS

Acetabular rim lesions were associated with four different hip morphologies. Eleven (32 %) of 34 patients with severe rim lesions underwent hip arthroplasty for progressive symptoms, whereas no patient with early rim lesion reported significant progression of symptoms. The strategy of treatment was changed in 33 % of the patients undergoing arthroscopy before undertaking peri-acetabular osteotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Hip arthroscopy avoids more invasive procedures in patients with early acetabular rim lesions.

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures: current concepts of conservative care

INTRODUCTION

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are a growing public health problem with important socio-economic effects in western countries. In the USA, 10 million people over 50 suffer from osteoporosis. In these patients, 1.5 million annual fractures have been registered, and 50% of these are vertebral compression.

SOURCES OF DATA

We performed a comprehensive search of PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL and Embase databases using various combinations of the keywords 'osteoporosis', 'vertebral compression fractures', 'brace', 'bracing', 'orthosis', 'conservative management' and 'rehabilitation' over the years 1966-2011. All articles relevant to the subject were retrieved, and their bibliographies were hand searched for further references in the context of conservative management of osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

Conservative management for patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures includes bed rest, pain medication, physiotherapy and bracing.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

A conservative management for patients with osteoporotic VCFs s has not been standardized. The utility of vertebral augmentation techniques has been questioned by recent randomized controlled trials.

GROWING POINTS

Randomized controlled trials are being performed worldwide on vertebral augmentation techniques.

AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH

Although spinal orthoses are commonly used for the management of patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures, in the literature there is only one randomized controlled trial on bracing for this condition. While the best conservative management for subjects with osteoporotic VCFs s is not defined and standardized, no conclusions on the superiority of vertebral augmentation techniques over conservative management can be drawn.

Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears: a systematic review

Tendon transfers have been proposed as a possible solution to restore pain-free functions, strength, and range of motion in patients with massive and irreparable cuff tears. The aim of this review is to establish the outcomes of (1) latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDT-T) surgery performed as a single procedure or in combination with other muscle-tendon transfer procedures, replacement, or both; (2) LDT-T in primary and revision surgery for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears; (3) the LDT-T procedure in relation to subscapularis and teres minor integrity; (4) the LDT-T procedure in relation to the reattachment position on the humeral head of the transferred tendon; (5) the LDT-T procedure performed as a single or a double incision; (6) arthroscopic, open, or combined approach: and (7) the LDT-T procedure in patients with preoperative osteoarthritis and a nonosteoarthritic condition with the evaluation of osteoarthritis progression. A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Studies of levels of evidence I-IV were included. The LDT-T surgical procedure, outcomes, and complications were evaluated. Twenty-two studies describing 493 shoulders in 487 patients were included in our study. There were no prospective randomized, controlled studies. LDT-T is a promising strategy for the management of massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears, even though no agreement was found on several aspects and options of LDT-T. Randomized prospective control studies are still awaited on this subject.

Biological strategies to enhance healing of the avascular area of the meniscus

Meniscal injuries in the vascularized peripheral part of the meniscus have a better healing potential than tears in the central avascular zone because meniscal healing principally depends on its vascular supply. Several biological strategies have been proposed to enhance healing of the avascular area of the meniscus: abrasion therapy, fibrin clot, organ culture, cell therapy, and applications of growth factors. However, data are too heterogeneous to achieve definitive conclusions on the use of these techniques for routine management of meniscal lesions. Although most preclinical and clinical studies are very promising, they are still at an experimental stage. More prospective randomised controlled trials are needed to compare the different techniques for clinical results, applicability, and cost-effectiveness.

Scaffolds in tendon tissue engineering

Tissue engineering techniques using novel scaffold materials offer potential alternatives for managing tendon disorders. Tissue engineering strategies to improve tendon repair healing include the use of scaffolds, growth factors, cell seeding, or a combination of these approaches. Scaffolds have been the most common strategy investigated to date. Available scaffolds for tendon repair include both biological scaffolds, obtained from mammalian tissues, and synthetic scaffolds, manufactured from chemical compounds. Preliminary studies support the idea that scaffolds can provide an alternative for tendon augmentation with an enormous therapeutic potential. However, available data are lacking to allow definitive conclusion on the use of scaffolds for tendon augmentation. We review the current basic science and clinical understanding in the field of scaffolds and tissue engineering for tendon repair.

Tissue engineered strategies for skeletal muscle injury

Skeletal muscle injuries are common in athletes, occurring with direct and indirect mechanisms and marked residual effects, such as severe long-term pain and physical disability. Current therapy consists of conservative management including RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression and elevation), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and intramuscular corticosteroids. However, current management of muscle injuries often does not provide optimal restoration to preinjury status. New biological therapies, such as injection of platelet-rich plasma and stem-cell-based therapy, are appealing. Although some studies support PRP application in muscle-injury management, reasons for concern persist, and further research is required for a standardized and safe use of PRP in clinical practice. The role of stem cells needs to be confirmed, as studies are still limited and inconsistent. Further research is needed to identify mechanisms involved in muscle regeneration and in survival, proliferation, and differentiation of stem cells.

Tissue engineering for rotator cuff repair: an evidence-based systematic review

The purpose of this systematic review was to address the treatment of rotator cuff tears by applying tissue engineering approaches to improve tendon healing, specifically platelet rich plasma (PRP) augmentation, stem cells, and scaffolds. Our systematic search was performed using the combination of the following terms: “rotator cuff”, “shoulder”, “PRP”, “platelet rich plasma”, “stemcells”, “scaffold”, “growth factors”, and “tissue engineering”. No level I or II studies were found on the use of scaffolds and stem cells for rotator cuff repair. Three studies compared rotator cuff repair with or without PRP augmentation. All authors performed arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with different techniques of suture anchor fixation and different PRP augmentation. The three studies found no difference in clinical rating scales and functional outcomes between PRP and control groups. Only one study showed clinical statistically significant difference between the two groups at the 3-month follow up. Any statistically significant difference in the rates of tendon rerupture between the control group and the PRP group was found using the magnetic resonance imaging. The current literature on tissue engineering application for rotator cuff repair is scanty. Comparative studies included in this review suggest that PRP augmented repair of a rotator cuff does not yield improved functional and clinical outcome compared with non-augmented repair at a medium and long-term followup.

Growth factors and anticatabolic substances for prevention and management of intervertebral disc degeneration

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is frequent, appearing from the second decade of life and progressing with age. Conservative management often fails, and patients with IVD degeneration may need surgical intervention. Several treatment strategies have been proposed, although only surgical discectomy and arthrodesis have been proved to be predictably effective. Biological strategies aim to prevent and manage IVD degeneration, improving the function and anabolic and reparative capabilities of the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus cells and inhibiting matrix degradation. At present, clinical applications are still in their infancy. Further studies are required to clarify the role of growth factors and anticatabolic substances for prevention and management of intervertebral disc degeneration.

Advances in meniscal tissue engineering

Meniscal tears are the most common knee injuries and have a poor ability of healing. In the last few decades, several techniques have been increasingly used to optimize meniscal healing. Current research efforts of tissue engineering try to combine cell-based therapy, growth factors, gene therapy, and reabsorbable scaffolds to promote healing of meniscal defects. Preliminary studies did not allow to draw definitive conclusions on the use of these techniques for routine management of meniscal lesions. We performed a review of the available literature on current techniques of tissue engineering for the management of meniscal tears.

Scanty integration of osteochondral allografts cryopreserved at low temperatures with dimethyl sulfoxide

PURPOSE

To compare the integration of osteochondral allografts cryopreserved at different temperatures and different concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide in an in vivo sheep animal model.

METHODS

Thirty-six adult sheep were randomly allocated to 6 groups of allograft osteochondral transplantation. Six osteochondral cylinders were stored for 6 weeks at -80°C; 6 at -80°C with 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); 6 at -80°C with 10% DMSO for 90 min; 6 at -186°C; 6 at -186°C with 10% DMSO; 6 at -186°C for 90 min. After transplantation, all animals were euthanized at 6 months. Harvested specimens underwent gross morphologic and histologic evaluation.

RESULTS

We found no statistically significant differences when comparing the gross cartilage morphology and histopathologic scores of each group. The Mankin and OARSI scores and the modified Wakitani and OARSI scores showed a good correlation grade. The Mankin and modified Wakitani scores showed a fair correlation grade.

CONCLUSION

The cryopreservation protocols adopted in the present study provided scanty integration in an in vivo sheep model of osteochondral allograft transplantation. Therefore, their use in the clinical practice is discouraged.

Preoperative and postoperative sagittal plane hip kinematics in patients with femoroacetabular impingement during level walking

BACKGROUND

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) has been linked to osteoarthritis. Treatment options range from nonoperative to operative, and current outcome measures are generally subjective or not conducted under actual activities of daily living. Thus, there is a need for the use of motion capture techniques to quantitatively assess the outcome of surgical intervention for those treated for FAI.

HYPOTHESIS

The gait of FAI patients 1 year after operative treatment (arthroscopic hip reshaping) will be significantly closer to the normal range and pattern of hip flexion motion, relative to pretreatment.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Eleven patients between 18 and 44 years of age with diagnosed FAI were enrolled in this study. Kinematics and kinetics for this group of patients were collected using motion capture techniques before arthroscopic bone-reshaping surgery and again 1 year after surgery. Pain and perceived activity level (Tegner scale) were also collected. All collected data were compared using a paired t test.

RESULTS

Overall hip sagittal plane range of motion increased on the affected side from 27.6° ± 5.0° to 30.7° ± 4.3° (P = .02). The presence of abnormal reversals (second-order change in the slope in the hip flexion/extension curve) that was present in 5 patients preoperatively disappeared or was reduced in prevalence and magnitude in 4 of the patients postoperatively. Additionally, pain decreased and activity level increased postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

The results supported the hypothesis that surgical intervention for FAI restores more normal patterns of gait and provides objective support that the surgical procedure is useful. The results help establish motion capture as a potential method for quantitatively assessing the outcome in FAI surgical interventions. The presence of abnormal reversals in hip flexion has been reported in end-stage hip osteoarthritis, and the presence of these reversals in FAI patients reinforces the idea of FAI being a precursor to hip osteoarthritis.

Tissue engineered biological augmentation for tendon healing: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Tendon injuries give rise to significant morbidity. In the last few decades, several techniques have been increasingly used to optimize tendon healing.

SOURCES OF DATA

We performed a comprehensive search of PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL and Embase databases using various combinations of the commercial names of each scaffold and the keywords 'tendon', 'rotator cuff', 'supraspinatus tendon', 'Achilles tendon', 'growth factors', 'cytokines', 'gene therapy', 'tissue engineering', 'mesenchymal' and 'stem cells' over the years 1966-2009. All articles relevant to the subject were retrieved, and their bibliographies were hand searched for further references in the context to tissue-engineered biological augmentation for tendon healing.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

Several new techniques are available for tissue-engineered biological augmentation for tendon healing, growth factors, gene therapy and mesenchimal stem cells.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

Data are lacking to allow definitive conclusions on the use of these techniques for routine management of tendon ailments.

GROWING POINTS

The emerging field of tissue engineering holds the promise to use new techniques for tendon augmentation and repair. Preliminary studies support the idea that these techniques can provide an alternative for tendon augmentation with great therapeutic potential.

AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH

The optimization strategies discussed in this article are currently at an early stage of development. Although these emerging technologies may develop into substantial clinical treatment options, their full impact needs to be critically evaluated in a scientific fashion.