Arthroscopic Portals Research Articles

Rotator Cuff Repair With a Novel Interpositional Allograft Augmentation

Background: Nearly half a million rotator cuff repairs are performed annually in the United States. Rotator cuff healing occurs at the interface between the tendon and greater tuberosity, known as the enthesis. Given that a significant number of rotator cuff tears do not heal following surgical repair, multiple adjunctive strategies have been devised to improve the structural integrity of the repaired construct. Recently, a biphasic, demineralized allograft bone implant has been developed to improve enthesis healing. Indications: Relative indications for use of tissue augmentation include greater tuberosity osteopenia, revision rotator cuff surgery, attenuated rotator cuff tissue quality, and massive rotator cuff tears. Relative contraindications include a history of infection and recent immunosuppression. Technique Description: Following preparation of the footprint with an arthroscopic burr, two triple-loaded PEEK suture anchors were placed along the medial aspect of the greater tuberosity. Sutures were then passed through the rotator cuff tendon in a horizontal mattress configuration, and each pair of suture limbs were tied along the medial row. To aid in arthroscopic passage, the biphasic graft is folded longitudinally and clamped with a curved hemostat. The graft is loaded into an arthroscopic cannula and both are delivered simultaneously through a lateral arthroscopic portal. Two 18-gauge spinal needles are placed percutaneously to fix the allograft in the desired position. Subsequently, double-row transosseous-equivalent rotator cuff repair with standard techniques is done, which provides sufficient stability to the graft. Discussion: In a series of 192 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair augmented with a similar bioinductive collagen implant, patients demonstrated significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes at 1 year postoperatively. Moreover, a meta analysis published in 2022 demonstrated a significantly reduced retear rate among patch-augmented rotator cuff repairs as compared to isolated rotator cuff repairs. Conclusion: Tissue augmentation can be performed efficiently and reproducibly to promote biologic healing of arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs. The specific biphasic cancellous allograft presented in this video may be a viable treatment adjunct in the setting of deficient greater tuberosity bone stock, revision cases, or impaired native enthesis healing; however, further research is needed to assess clinical outcomes associated with its use. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Rotator Cuff Repair With Bone Grafting of Greater Tuberosity Cyst: A Technique Video

Background: Nearly 500,000 rotator cuff repairs are performed annually in the United States. Cysts within the humeral head have been reported to occur in more than half of patients diagnosed with a rotator cuff tear. They are related to age-related degeneration and rotator cuff dysfunction, and may arise from congenital abnormalities. Indications: Humeral head cysts may pose technical challenges during rotator cuff repair. Cysts located at the footprint of a planned rotator cuff repair can decrease biological healing capacity and reduce the fixation strength of suture anchors. One treatment strategy to address bone loss secondary to humeral head cysts is to incorporate cancellous allograft bone chips, which provide an osteoconductive scaffold for bone formation. Technique Description: Standard arthroscopic portals were established and during arthroscopy, the rotator cuff tear was identified, and tissue was mobilized. The cyst was debrided to healthy, bleeding bone using curettes and an arthroscopic shaver. A 2.5 mL sterile syringe was packed with crushed, cancellous allograft bone chips. The tip of the syringe was removed to allow for a wider aperture to facilitate injection of bone chips. Through an accessory, percutaneous portal just lateral to the acromion, the syringe was inserted into the cyst site, and bone graft contents were injected into the cyst. Pressure was applied to the syringe to impact the bone graft material. The bone chips were impacted with the syringe plunger. Following rotator cuff repair, the patient underwent subacromial decompression, distal clavicle excision, and open sub-pectoral biceps tenodesis with suture anchor fixation. Discussion/Conclusion: Greater tuberosity cysts can impose a technical challenge during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Incorporation of impacted cancellous allograft bone chips is an efficient, reproducible method to enhance healing of the RTC tendon enthesis. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Medial approach for hip arthroscopy: a case report to access and treat osteoid osteoma of the medial femoral neck.

A 15-year-old, otherwise healthy, female presented with right hip pain, which had worsened over 2 years. Radiographs, computed tomography imaging and physical examination confirmed the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma of the proximal posteromedial femoral neck of the right hip. After failed conservative measures, including attempted radiofrequency ablation, and with persistent unrelenting pain, surgical intervention was offered. The location of the lesion made it challenging to consider hip arthroscopy using standard arthroscopic portals, due to medial periarticular neurovascular structures. The options included open surgical dislocation and the less invasive, yet uncommonly utilized hip arthroscopy using medial portals. An arthroscopic approach using medial portals allowed for complete excision of the lesion and successful resolution of her symptoms.

A Novel Technique of Arthroscopic Femoral Tunnel Placement during Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction for Recurrent Patellar Dislocation.

Recurrent patellar dislocation is a commonly encountered patellofemoral disease. Prompt surgical intervention is indicated for recurrent dislocation to restore patellofemoral stability. As one of the most preferred procedures, medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction has been implemented on a large scale. Femoral tunnel placement remains a crucial technical issue during MPFL reconstruction and is critical to ensure the isometry and proper tension of the graft. Currently, visual-palpatory anatomic landmarks and fluoroscopy-guided radiographic landmarks comprise the main approaches to intraoperative femoral tunnel positioning. However, the accuracy of both methods has been questioned. This article introduces an arthroscopic femoral tunnel placement technique. Apart from traditional anteromedial and anterolateral portals, two auxiliary arthroscopic portals are specially designed. The adductor tubercle, the medial epicondyle and the posterior edge are selected as main anatomic landmarks and are directly visualized in sequence under arthroscope. The relative position between the femoral attachment of the MPFL and the three landmarks is measured on preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography, providing semi-quantified reference for intraoperative localization. This technique achieves minimally invasive tunnel placement without X-ray exposure, and especially suits obese patients for whom palpatory methods are difficult to perform.

Comparison of dorsal and medial arthroscopic approach to canine coxofemoral joint: a cadaveric study

Arthroscopic exploration of ventromedial part of canine coxofemoral joint is limited in conventional dorsal approach. We evaluated the efficacy of a medial arthroscopic approach to the coxofemoral joint of dogs by analyzing the joint visible area and performing a safety analysis. Arthroscopic approaches to the coxofemoral joint were made in five cadavers using a traditional (dorsal) and novel (medial) approach. Three observers scored the visible area of images and videos of the acetabulum and femur. A safety analysis was performed via dissection of the medial hind limb. The distance between neurovascular structures and arthroscopic portals was measured. The acetabulum was more visible in the dorsal than in the medial approach, with mean visualization scores of 16 ± 0.00 and 11.83 ± 1.26, respectively. The medioventral side of the femur was significantly more visible in the medial than in the dorsal approach, with mean visualization scores of 3.9 ± 0.99 and 6.93 ± 0.58, respectively. Safety analysis confirmed the medial portal site was safe, provided that the surgeon has comprehensive knowledge of the joint. The minimum distance from the arthroscopic medial portals to the nearest neurovascular structures was 2.5 mm. A medial arthroscopic approach to the canine coxofemoral joint has potential clinical application. Dorsal and medial approaches differ significantly and have distinct purposes. The medial approach is useful to access the ventromedial joint, making it an eligible diagnostic method for an arthroscopic evaluation of this area.

Transportal Tibiotalocalcaneal Nail Ankle Arthrodesis: A Systematic Review of Initial Series.

There is currently a scarcity of information and consensus for transportal (arthroscopic or fluoroscopic) joint preparation during tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) fusion, and therefore this review aims to summarize the available techniques and to evaluate the outcomes after this procedure. A systematic electronic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science was performed for all English-language studies published from their inception to April 4, 2022. All articles addressing arthroscopy in TTC nailing were eligible for inclusion. The PRISMA Checklist guided the reporting and data abstraction. Descriptive statistics are presented. A total of 5 studies with 65 patients were included for analysis. All studies used arthroscopic portals for tibiotalar and subtalar joint preparation (in 4 studies) prior to TTC nailing, with 4 studies using an arthroscope and 1 study using fluoroscopy. The overall major complication rate was 13.8%; however, there was only 1 instance of deep wound infection (1.5%) and 4 instances of surgical site infections (6.2%). Full fusion was achieved in 86% of patients with an average time to fusion of 12.9 weeks. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score preoperatively was 34.0 and postoperatively was 70.5. Although limited by the number of studies, transportal joint preparation during TTC nail ankle fusion is associated with good rates of complications and successful fusion. Level III, systematic review of Level III-IV studies.

Arthroscopic Lysis of Adhesions for the Stiff Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Arthroscopic lysis of adhesions is a treatment option for patients with painful, stiff knees as a result of arthrofibrosis following knee arthroplasty, in whom prior manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) has failed. Typically, nonoperative treatment in these patients has also failed, including aggressive physiotherapy, stretching, dynamic splinting, and various pain-management measures or medications. Range of motion in these patients is often suboptimal, and any gains in flexibility will likely have hit a plateau over many months. The goal of performing lysis of adhesions is to increase the range of motion in patients with knee stiffness following total knee arthroplasty, as well as to reduce pain and restore physiologic function of the knee, enabling activities of daily living. This is a straightforward surgical technique that can be performed in a single stage. The preoperative range of motion is documented after induction of general anesthesia. The procedure begins with the establishment of standard medial and lateral parapatellar arthroscopic portals. A blunt trocar is introduced into the knee, and blunt, manual lysis of adhesions is performed in the suprapatellar pouch and the medial and lateral gutters with use of a sweeping motion after piercing and perforating the scarred adhesive bands or capsular tissue. Next, the arthroscope is inserted into the knee, and a diagnostic arthroscopy is performed. Bands of fibrous tissue are released and resected with use of electrocautery and a 4.0-mm arthroscopic shaver. Next, the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is visualized in full flexion. If PCL tightness is observed, the PCL can be released from its femoral origin until the flexion gap is increased. This portion of the procedure can include either partial or full release of the PCL, as indicated. Next, the arthroscope is removed and the ipsilateral hip is flexed to 90° for a standard MUA. Gentle force is applied to the proximal aspect of the tibia, and the knee is flexed. After completing the MUA, immediate post-intervention range of motion of the knee is documented, and the patient is provided with a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine set to the maximum flexion and extension achieved in the operating room. Nonoperative treatment of a stiff knee following total knee arthroplasty is well documented in the current literature. Range of motion has been shown to increase in patients undergoing proper pain management, aggressive physical therapy, and closed MUA in the acute postoperative setting. Additionally, more severe cases of established arthrofibrosis despite prior MUA can be treated with an open lysis of adhesions1-3. Arthroscopic lysis of adhesions with PCL release versus resection has been well described previously. This procedure has been shown to benefit patients in whom initial nonoperative treatment has failed. Additionally, this procedure is not limited to the immediate acute postoperative period like standard MUA3. To our knowledge, no technique video has been published outlining arthroscopic lysis of adhesions for a stiff knee following total knee arthroplasty. This procedure has been shown to provide an immediate and lasting improvement in the flexion and extension arc of the knee, as well as improved functional outcomes. Patients should be educated that improvements gained in the operating room must be sustained through physical therapy. In a study of 32 patients who underwent arthroscopic lysis of adhesions for moderately severe arthrofibrosis following a total knee arthroplasty, Jerosch and Aldawoudy reported a mean postoperative flexion of 119° in the operating room and 97° at the time of the latest follow-up. Eight patients with extensor lag showed improvement from 27° to 4°. Average Knee Society scores improved from 70 points preoperatively to 86 points at the time of the latest follow-up4. Their article showed that arthroscopic treatment of stiffness following total knee arthroplasty is a safe and effective form of treatment. Perform manual lysis of adhesions with a trocar prior to inserting the arthroscope in order to improve visualization and access.Utilize all portals and accessory portals interchangeably in order to improve access.Prescribe physical therapy with or without CPM machine immediately following surgery in order to maintain correction.Utilize pump inflow in order to help distend the tightened capsule.Protect the prosthetic surface from scratches during portal establishment.Loss of flexion implies scarring in the suprapatellar pouch and/or intercondylar notch, or PCL tightness.Loss of extension implies a tight posterior capsule, posterior osteophytes, or scarring of the PCL stump.A motorized shaver is the best tool for treatment of dense fibrous tissue, but be sure not to scratch metal total knee components. TKA = total knee arthroplastyROM = range of motionCT = computed tomographyMRI = magnetic resonance imagingESR = erythrocyte sedimentation rateCRP = C-reactive protein.

Arthroscopic Ankle Arthrodesis in Post-Traumatic Ankle Arthritis with Compromised Soft Tissue: A Case Report

Abstract Introduction: The most common surgical treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis remains ankle arthrodesis. Dealing with the site of an incision in the ankle with poor soft tissue condition poses a challenge. The procedure of choice in cases of poor soft tissue condition around the ankle following an open ankle fracture remains questionable. This report presents a case of post-traumatic ankle arthritis with compromised soft tissue status. The patient was managed with arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis, taking into account the condition of the soft tissue. Case Report: A 25-year-old presented with advanced arthritis in the right ankle and compromised soft tissue condition. Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis was performed, taking into account the poor soft tissue condition, where the soft tissue healing after the incision is expected to be poor, and sutures of the arthroscopic portal site were removed at the two-week follow-up, after adequate healing of the surgical site. Conclusion: Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis is a preferred procedure for post-traumatic ankle arthritis with compromised soft tissue. However, in cases of ankle arthritis associated with gross deformity requiring ankle arthrodesis and additional deformity correction, open ankle arthrodesis may be superior to arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis.

HAPPY: Hip Arthroscopy Portal Placement Using Augmented Reality.

Correct positioning of the endoscope is crucial for successful hip arthroscopy. Only with adequate alignment can the anatomical target area be visualized and the procedure be successfully performed. Conventionally, surgeons rely on anatomical landmarks such as bone structure, and on intraoperative X-ray imaging, to correctly place the surgical trocar and insert the endoscope to gain access to the surgical site. One factor complicating the placement is deformable soft tissue, as it can obscure important anatomical landmarks. In addition, the commonly used endoscopes with an angled camera complicate hand-eye coordination and, thus, navigation to the target area. Adjusting for an incorrectly positioned endoscope prolongs surgery time, requires a further incision and increases the radiation exposure as well as the risk of infection. In this work, we propose an augmented reality system to support endoscope placement during arthroscopy. Our method comprises the augmentation of a tracked endoscope with a virtual augmented frustum to indicate the reachable working volume. This is further combined with an in situ visualization of the patient anatomy to improve perception of the target area. For this purpose, we highlight the anatomy that is visible in the endoscopic camera frustum and use an automatic colorization method to improve spatial perception. Our system was implemented and visualized on a head-mounted display. The results of our user study indicate the benefit of the proposed system compared to baseline positioning without additional support, such as an increased alignment speed, improved positioning error and reduced mental effort. The proposed approach might aid in the positioning of an angled endoscope, and may result in better access to the surgical area, reduced surgery time, less patient trauma, and less X-ray exposure during surgery.

Horizontal Cleavage Meniscus Tear Repaired Using a Cerclage Technique

Background: Horizontal meniscal cleavage tears often occur in older individuals and have a degenerative component. Commonly, these are managed with partial meniscectomy. However, this results in significantly decreased contact area and increased peek contact forces. Arthroscopic repair has shown comparable results with repairs of other tear types. Indications: Cerclage repair is performed for a horizontal cleavage tear in individuals without significant arthritis and in whom partial meniscectomy would remove an unacceptably large portion of meniscal tissue. Technique Description: Using standard arthroscopy portals, a self-retrieving suture passing device is used to pass a #0 high-strength suture through the periphery of the meniscus. Arthroscopic knots are tied on the superior surface of the meniscus and pushed as far posteriorly as possible. A small 1-cm incision is made just through skin on the proximal, posteromedial border of the tibia. Through this a spinal needle is placed percutaneously to pass a Chia into the joint just posterior to the knot. A curved spinal needle from an outside-in meniscal repair kit may be used as this provides a better trajectory to tears closer to the root attachment. The Chia and suture limbs are retrieved out the front of the knee, and then the suture tails are shuttled out the back of the knee. This is repeated until the repair is complete. The suture limbs are then cut below skin. Results: After arthroscopic all-inside repair of horizontal cleavage tears, patients do well. Outcomes are similar to repairs of other meniscal tear types. In all, 80% of patients are satisfied with their results, and there is an 11% to 12% failure rate which is comparable to other types of tear repairs. Discussion: All-inside cerclage repair should be considered for individuals sustaining a horizontal cleavage tear. This preserves meniscal tissue compared to partial meniscectomy and yields good healing rates and outcomes. The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Ultrasound Guidance vs Anatomical Landmark for Ankle Arthroscopic Portal Insertions: A Cadaveric Study

Category: Arthroscopy Introduction/Purpose: Ankle arthroscopy can be used for a variety of ankle pathology including soft tissue and bony impingement, loose bodies, osteochondral defects, ankle fractures, osteoarthritis and instability. However, complication rates associated with ankle arthroscopy range from 3.4 to 9%, with half of them consisting of neurovascular and tendon injuries due to arthroscopic portal placement. The purpose of the study is to determine the safety and efficacy of using ultrasound in topographic marking of the neurovascular structures and tendons in the foot and ankle and identification of a safe zone for arthroscopic portal creation, compared to using anatomical landmarks. Methods: Twelve cadaveric samples were divided into two groups of six. The first group underwent ultrasound assessment by a board certified radiologist, who identified zones of safety for ultrasound guided insertion of anteromedial, anterolateral and posteromedial arthroscopic portals. Ankle arthroscopy was then performed. The other group underwent similar ankle arthroscopy assessment utilizing conventional anatomical landmarks. Straws were used to delineate arthroscopy portal tracts. The cadaveric samples were then dissected. The following distances were measured between the portals and important anatomical structures: the anterolateral portal and superficial peroneal nerve (SPN) as well as extensor digitorum longus (EDL); anteromedial portal and the great saphenous vein (GSV) as well as tibialis anterior (TA); and the posteromedial portal and the flexor hallucis longus (FHL). Results: No neurovascular structures or tendons were injured in all twelve cadaveric samples. Compared with the non- ultrasonography group, the group that underwent ultrasonography assessment had statistically significant larger distance of the SPN, EDL and TA from the anterolateral and anteromedial arthroscopic portals (p values = 0.045, 0.046 and 0.025 respectively). No difference was found between the distance of the GSV from the anteromedial arthroscopic portal, as well as the distance of the FHL from the posteromedial arthroscopic portal. Conclusion: Ultrasound assessment and topographic identification of the safe zone for ankle arthroscopic portal creation is a safe and effective process that may reduce the risk of iatrogenic injury to neurovascular structures and tendons in anterior and posterior ankle arthroscopy.

Arthroscopic needle knife for knee video arthroscopic surgical portals

Introduction: A new era of orthopedic surgery is happening nowadays. innovative procedures like video surgery; Ultrasound Guided Interventions; Pain interventionist orthopedics procedures; plastic surgery (cellulites subcision treatment); hydrodissection injections; dry needling; thermography assisted pain procedures and acupuncture started to be widely performed [3]. Objective: The aim of the research is to assess the possibility of a needle knife surgical device to perform portals of knee video arthroscopic surgical interventions and to evaluate the two diferentes needle-knife surgical devices [7-9]. Method: 200 consecutive knee Video Arthroscopies performed by the same team were divided in two groups: A and B. Group A: the lateral portal used a hypodermic needle 40X12 (18Gx 1’1/2) for portal performance. Group B submitted a lateral portal using a metal guide for intravenous catheter 14Gx2’’. The medial portal, a 11 blade knife, was used for both cases.Comparison of two groups by assessing wound healing time; superficial and deep infection; pain, cosmesis by a third person nurse.A surgeon’s opinion for friendly use comparing group A or B was made [8, 9]. Results: There were nor superficial or deep knee infections. No wound healing problems, same time of healing. No difference in pain related to the wound. Cosmesis were similar. The surgeon’s choice was the metal guide for intravenous catheter 14Gx2’’ is more friendly due to the rigidity in comparison to a hypodermic needle 40X12 (18Gx 1’1/2). Conclusion: The two needles seem suitable for knee video arthroscopy surgical interventions. The surgeon’s choice was the metal guide for intravenous catheter 14Gx2’’ is more friendly due to the rigidity in comparison to the 40x12 needle [7-9].

Anatomic study of an anterior portal for percutaneous internal fixation of capitellum fractures.

Fractures of the capitellum are uncommon and difficult to treat surgically. Capitellar open reduction-internal fixation uses a lateral open approach with posterior-to-anterior or anterior-to-posterior screw fixation. We investigated the use of an anterior portal for placement of anterior-to-posterior screw fixation through cadaveric measurement of the anatomic relationships from an anteriorly to posteriorly placed Kirschner wire (K-wire) to anterior elbow structures and calculated the percentage of articular surface accessed from the anterior portal. Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric elbows without radiographic or cutaneous evidence of prior trauma or surgery were used for this study. An arthroscopic proximal anteromedial portal was cannulized, and the radiocapitellar joint was evaluated. A single 1-cm portal was placed 1 cm distal to the elbow flexion crease and based lateral to the biceps tendon. The location of the portal was confirmed with a spinal needle, and blunt dissection with a hemostat was performed down to capsular tissue and for arthrotomy. A spinal needle sheath was threaded over a blunt switching stick and served as a cannula for placement of a 0.062 K-wire. Articular mapping was performed with cartilage scraping by the K-wire; the K-wire was then placed at the perceived center along the proximal-to-distal and radial-to-ulnar axis of the capitellum. Fluoroscopic confirmation of the wire's location was performed. Under loupe magnification, anatomic dissection was performed and the shortest distance measurements were recorded with digital calipers from the K-wire to the dissected structures. Capitellar articular measurements were recorded, in addition to the articular area defined by the K-wire. Data analysis was performed, and the average distance and standard deviation (in millimeters) were calculated. For structures that were pierced by or touching the K-wire, the distance was recorded as 0.1 mm. The average distance from the K-wire to the radial, lateral antebrachial cutaneous, and median nerves was 1.8 mm, 11.5 mm, and 28.0 mm, respectively. The average distance from the median cubital vein and biceps tendon was 3.7 mm and 13.4 mm, respectively. The pin track pierced the brachioradialis and supinator muscles in all but 1 specimen. The average capitellar articular surface marked was 39.1% of the calculated articular footprint of the capitellum. The anterior portal to the capitellum is directly adjacent to the radial nerve and lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve, where each is susceptible to injury. We recommend blunt dissection and insertion of a cannula to allow drilling and placement of internal fixation in a relatively safe manner with respect to neurovascular structures.

Arthroscopic Radiocarpal Tendinous Inter-Position for Grade 2 Scapholunate Advanced Collapse - Surgical Technique.

Grade 2 scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC 2) can be treated by proximal row carpectomy with satisfactory results. However, this method is invasive and can limit function. The senior author had proposed an arthroscopic alternative with tendon interposition between the radius and proximal carpal row (arthroscopic interposition tendon arthroplasty [AITA]). However, this arthroscopic technique is technically difficult and requires a risky palmar arthroscopic portal. We report a modification of AITA, the one-loop arthroscopic radiocarpal tendon inter-position (1L-ARTI) that is simpler and needs only dorsal arthroscopic portals. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Combined Margin Convergence Repair and Subacromial Balloon Spacer for the Treatment of Massive Rotator Cuff Tears

Background: Current joint-sparing treatment options for massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears aim to prevent superior migration of the humeral head and maintain the subacromial space. Although options such as superior capsular reconstruction and posterosuperior tendon transfer may appropriately restore function and reduce pain, these procedures harbor significant comorbidity and intense postoperative rehabilitation. Recently, studies have demonstrated excellent results from a subacromial balloon spacer composed of a biocompatible copolymer that degrades over the 12 months following implantation. This spacer enables a more anatomic position of the humeral head to restore normal shoulder biomechanics. Indications: The subacromial balloon spacer is primarily indicated in patients with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears who demonstrate proximal humeral migration. Contraindications include subscapularis or teres minor tendon tears, deltoid dysfunction, and pseudoparalysis. Technique Description: Standard arthroscopic portals are established, and a diagnostic arthroscopy is performed to assess the glenohumeral joint space and subscapularis tendon. A subacromial bursectomy is performed without proceeding medial to the superior glenoid rim. The subacromial space is measured utilizing an arthroscopic measurement probe to ensure that the selected spacer will lie slightly medial to the glenoid. The rotator cuff is then reapproximated from the lateral to medial aspect of the tear and repaired via a side-to-side manner with high strength, nonabsorbable tape, and a self-capturing suture device. Following repair, the deployment device is inserted through the lateral portal, placed slightly medial to the glenoid, and inflated with saline. Results: Utilization of the described subacromial balloon augmentation provides significant pain relief by restoring glenohumeral biomechanics, improvements in range of motion, and an enhancement in quality of life. Discussion: This case report and video review of a technique for utilizing a subacromial balloon spacer demonstrates an effective, simple, and safe treatment for massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears. Positive results rely on appropriate inflation and secure fixation. Recent clinical trial data suggest that functional outcomes for the subacromial balloon spacer are noninferior to that of partial rotator cuff repair. These promising results suggest that the subacromial balloon spacer may prove an essential tool for joint-preserving surgery following massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears.

Arthroscopic labral repair combined with less invasive open-shelf acetabuloplasty for patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Hip arthroscopy has become widely used for intra-articular lesions, such as labral tears and femoral acetabular impingement. However, its use in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) has been controversial and has historically demonstrated mixed results, as acetabular dysplasia may cause instability due to insufficient bony coverage of the femoral head, thus causing excessive stress on the repaired labrum and cartilage. We devised a combined hip arthroscopic labral repair and a less invasive open-shelf procedure using a small skin incision as an anterolateral portal in hip arthroscopy. This novel procedure may improve the stability of the repaired labrum with a bony covering in a minimally invasive manner. Moreover, the shelf procedure can be performed under direct vision in a comparatively safe and precise manner. In total, 13 hips with DDH underwent the procedure for labral tears. All patients were females, with a mean age of 30years. The mean follow-up period was 33months. The mean Harris hip score improved from 74.2 to 93.6, and Oxford Hip score improved from 32.4 to 19.3. According to the Tönnis classification, the grade of arthritis preoperatively was grade 0 for nine hips and grade I for four hips. No radiographic progression of osteoarthritis was observed. It is possible that this novel procedure could be an effective treatment for labral tears with DDH and may prevent the early onset of secondary osteoarthritis. In this technical tip, we describe hip arthroscopic labral repair combined with a less invasive open-shelf acetabuloplasty in further detail.

Is Wrist Arthroscopy Safer with the Nanoscope?

Background Nanoscope, given its smaller size, may be safer when establishing dorsal wrist arthroscopy portals compared with the traditional 2.7 mm arthroscope. Case Description Ten fresh frozen cadaver specimens were utilized. Dorsal radiocarpal portals were established with the Nanoscope and calipers were used to measure the distance between the portals and the surrounding anatomical structures. The only structure that was pierced during portal placement was the dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve (DSUN) in one specimen when establishing the 6U portal. Our study did not note any tendon injuries. Literature Review Traditional wrist arthroscopy may be performed with a 2.7 mm arthroscope. With its larger outer sheath cannula, this may place adjacent anatomical structures at risk of injury. Clinical Relevance During wrist arthroscopy, the Nanoscope may be safer when creating portals to underlying structures. Level of Evidence This is a Level IV study.

Lateral meniscus allograft transplantation without bone plugs: technique and outcomes.

Once considered a non-fundamental structure, the menisci are now known to provide several functions within the knee, including protection of articular cartilage, load-bearing, shock absorption, joint stability, joint lubrification and joint congruity functions. Meniscal tears are one of the most common lesions in knee orthopedics, and partial or total meniscectomies are commonly performed procedures in orthopedic surgery. Despite meniscectomy is well recognized to lead improvement in clinical outcomes, it has been related to early onset knee osteoarthritis and joint degeneration which are associated with pain and functional limitations. Meniscal allograft transplantation has become a viable option for patients under 55 years old that have undergone total or near total meniscectomy and are in a painful state. This procedure can be performed using bone plugs or without bone plugs. In the bone plugs free technique allograft will be presented as a lateral meniscus with a portion of tibial plateau and is then introduced into the joint through an arthroscopic portal and fixed to the capsule with all-inside stitches. The most important aspect required to obtain good clinical results are graft size, anatomic placement and fixation, because extrusion is the most common complication related to meniscal transplantation. Although a lack of long-term follow-up (FU) studies, it has been demonstrated that lateral meniscus transplantation without bone plugs is a minimal invasive surgical procedure that improves the knee function, increases patient physical activity and reduces pain.

Rotator Cuff Repair With a Bioinductive Patch

Background: As a degenerative condition, symptomatic rotator cuff disease is frequently seen in the aging population, often requiring arthroscopic repair to eliminate pain and restore function. Repair integrity remains a concern in both short- and long-term postoperative periods due to high rates of primary repair failures, leading to increased interest in biologic patch augmentation to improve healing. Indications: Patch augmentation during rotator cuff repair is indicated in patients at high risk for repair failure or incomplete healing, including patients with poor quality, degenerative tendon tissue, those undergoing revision repair, and patients with large or massive rotator cuff tears. Technique Description: Standard arthroscopic portals are established and following diagnostic arthroscopy, the rotator cuff tear is identified, mobilized, and the humeral head gently debrided to a bleeding surface. Medial row suture anchors are placed, and following suture passage through the rotator cuff, the medial row sutures are tied. A bioinductive augmentation patch is introduced and provisionally secured medial to the enthesis utilizing spinal needles. Sutures are shuttled over the patch and incorporated into the lateral row repair utilizing 2 knotless suture anchors, effectively securing the patch over the bone-tendon interface. Results: Utilization of the described patch augmentation technique may improve repair healing by stimulating collagen formation and tissue vascularity, while providing structural support during the immediate postoperative period, effectively facilitating new tissue formation. Discussion/Conclusion: Incorporation of the bioinductive patch into the lateral row suture repair, directly over the tendon-bone interface, may assist in repair healing and decrease issues related to patch migration, while minimizing operative time and materials cost.

Indolent and delayed presentation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection of the shoulder joint after arthroscopic Bankart repair and remplissage surgery: A case report

Case report: 54-year gentleman who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair with remplissage presented after 1 month with non-purulent swelling of the posterolateral arthroscopic portal site. Blood and MRI studies suggested the presence of infection which was immediately treated with arthroscopic joint lavage, synovectomy and antibiotic monotherapy for 6 weeks. Culture revealed Pseudomonas aeruginosa. At 1 year follow-up, the patient was free of infection with full recovery of shoulder movements.Conclusion: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a frequent cause of hospital-acquired infection. Indolent and delayed presentation after arthroscopic shoulder surgery is rare. Early detection and treatment on an emergency basis improve the recovery of the patient with preserved shoulder function.