Arthroscopic Technique Research Articles

Binocular loupe assisted mini-lateral and medial incisions in lateral position for release of elbow stiffness

To analyze the effectiveness of binocular loupe assisted mini-lateral and medial incisions in lateral position for the release of elbow stiffness. The clinical data of 16 patients with elbow stiffness treated with binocular loupe assisted mini-internal and external incisions in lateral position release between January 2021 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 9 males and 7 females, aged from 19 to 57 years, with a median age of 33.5 years. Etiologies included olecranon fracture in 6 cases, elbow dislocation in 4 cases, medial epicondyle fracture in 2 cases, radial head fracture in 4 cases, terrible triad of elbow joint in 2 cases, supracondylar fracture of humerus in 1 case, coronoid process fracture of ulna in 1 case, and humerus fracture in 1 case, with 5 cases presenting a combination of two etiologies. The duration of symptoms ranged from 5 to 60 months, with a median of 8 months. Preoperatively, 12 cases had concomitant ulnar nerve numbness, and 6 cases exhibited ectopic ossification. The preoperative range of motion for elbow flexion and extension was (58.63±22.30)°, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 4.3±1.6, and the Mayo score was 71.9±7.5. Incision lengths for both lateral and medial approaches were recorded, as well as the occurrence of complications. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using Mayo scores, VAS scores, and elbow range of motion both preoperatively and postoperatively. The lateral incision lengths for all patients ranged from 3.0 to 4.8 cm, with an average of 4.1 cm. The medial incision lengths ranged from 2.4 to 4.2 cm, with an average of 3.0 cm. The follow-up duration ranged from 6 to 19 months and a mean of 9.2 months. At last follow-up, 1 patient reported moderate elbow joint pain, and 3 cases exhibited residual mild ulnar nerve numbness. The other patients had no complications such as new heterotopic ossification and ulnar nerve paralysis, which hindered the movement of elbow joint. At last follow-up, the elbow range of motion was (130.44±9.75)°, the VAS score was 1.1±1.0, and the Mayo score was 99.1±3.8, which significantly improved when compared to the preoperative ones ( t=-12.418, P<0.001; t=6.419, P<0.001; t=-13.330, P<0.001). The binocular loupe assisted mini-lateral and medial incisions in lateral position integrated the advantages of traditional open and arthroscopic technique, which demonstrated satisfying safety and effectivity for the release of elbow contracture, but it is not indicated for patients with posterior medial heterolateral heterotopic ossification.

Anchorless Arthroscopic Transosseous Rotator Cuff Repair.

Rotator cuff repair techniques have evolved over time. The original techniques were open procedures, then surgeons adopted arthroscopic repair procedures with anchors and implants. Today, rotator cuff repair has evolved to be performed as an arthroscopic transosseous technique that is again performed without the use of anchors. In this video, the 5 essential steps of arthroscopic transosseous repair will be demonstrated. (1) Position the patient in either the beach chair or lateral decubitus position. (2) Utilize 4-portal arthroscopy, which allows a consistent vantage point while having 3 other portals for instrumentation. (3) Perform just enough bursectomy to expose the rotator cuff. (4) Anatomically reduce the rotator cuff anatomy where possible. (5) Triple-load the transosseous tunnels with high-strength sutures in order to maximize the biomechanical strength of the repair. Alternative surgical techniques include open rotator cuff repair and single and double-row rotator cuff repair using anchors. The goal of any rotator cuff repair is to anatomically restore the rotator cuff. The fundamental principles include a strong initial biomechanical fixation, cuff footprint anatomy restoration, and maximization of biological factors to promote healing of the rotator cuff. Rotator cuff repair was originally performed as an open procedure, which allows for direct visualization of the tear and repair; however, open repair requires some level of deltoid splitting, which can potentially affect postoperative early mobilization. Single-row and double-row cuff repairs can both be performed arthroscopically. Proponents of the double-row procedure prefer that technique for its footprint restoration and stronger biomechanical fixation; however, the double-row procedure can result in overtensioning of the repair and can lead to medial-based rotator cuff failures. Proponents of the single-row procedure prefer that technique for its ease of operation, fewer implants, lower cost, and low repair tension; however, the single-row procedure fixes the tendon at a single point, limiting the repaired footprint, and can be associated with lower fixation strength. The arthroscopic transosseous rotator cuff repair achieves all of the above goals as it provides strong initial fixation and anatomic footprint restoration, which allows maximal patient biology for healing. There are numerous studies that can attest to the success of arthroscopic transosseous repair. Some of the benefits include decreased health-care costs and postoperative pain levels. In a 2016 study of 109 patients undergoing arthroscopic transosseous rotator cuff repair, Flanagin et al. reported a mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score of 95 and a failure rate of 3.7% at mid-term follow-up1. Similarly, in a study comparing transosseous repair to transosseous equivalent repair, Srikumaran et al. reported that patients undergoing transosseous repair had a mean ASES score of 92 and a failure rate of 14%, with no significant differences between treatment groups2. Finally, in a study assessing the results of arthroscopic transosseous rotator cuff repair at >10 years postoperatively, Plachel et al. reported a mean ASES score of 92 and a failure rate of 27%3. Compared with conventional rotator cuff with anchors, the transosseous cuff repair can lead to cut-out of the repair sutures from the bone.Use a 4-portal arthroscopy technique, which will help the surgeon visualize all tear configurations while instrumenting them.Perform just enough bursectomy, in order to preserve the growth factors for cuff healing.Take care to minimize tuberosity trauma as a result of burring.Prepare the transosseous tunnels with a wide bone bridge.Load each tunnel with 3 high-strength sutures in order to maximize repair strength.Restore the rotator cuff footprint to facilitate tissue healing. ASES = American Shoulder and Elbow SurgeonsRCR = rotator cuff repairATRCR = arthroscopic transosseous rotator cuff repairARCR = arthroscopic rotator cuff repairPDS = polydioxanone sutureROM = range of motionSSV = Subjective Shoulder ValueFF = forward flexionOR = operating roomFU = follow-up.

Capsular Repair, Labral Repair, and Femoroplasty are Increasingly Performed for the Arthroscopic Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

PurposeThe purpose of our study was to provide an updated assessment of hip arthroscopy utilization using an institutional database that is specific to the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). MethodsAll patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for the treatment of FAIS were retrospectively identified between the years 2014 and 2022 via Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding in a multi-institutional, single health-system database. A longitudinal analysis was performed to identify trends in the utilization of arthroscopic techniques including capsular and labral treatment, osteoplasty, and traction set-up. ResultsDuring the study, a total of 789 arthroscopic hip procedures in 733 patients were analyzed (56 staged bilateral). Between 2016 and 2022, the number of hip arthroscopies performed each year increased by 1490% (R2 =0.87, p=0.001). Capsular repair (R2=0.92, p<0.001), labral repair (R2=0.75, p=0.002), and femoroplasty (R2=0.70, p=0.004) were performed in an increasing proportion of cases over our study period while labral debridement (R2=-0.84, p<0.001) became less utilized. Postless traction systems were employed in 84% (663/789) of hip arthroscopies overall, were used in at least 70% of hip arthroscopies each year, and did not undergo any significant changes in utilization (R2=0.02, p=0.73). ConclusionCapsular repair, labral repair, and femoroplasty were increasingly performed for the arthroscopic treatment of FAIS while the use of labral debridement decreased significantly over our study period. Postless traction systems were utilized in the majority of cases each year. Clinical RelevanceAs comparative literature continues to define the safety and efficacy of hip arthroscopy, understanding how novel techniques or procedures are incorporated in clinical practice is important.

Subscapularis tendon tears: A narrative review

The subscapularis muscle, which is the strongest muscle of the rotator cuff, plays important roles in shoulder biomechanics and stability. The emergence of a significant percentage of subscapular tendon tears in rotator cuff tears with advancing arthroscopic techniques has brought the importance of subscapular repair to the agenda along with different dynamics to the arthroscopic perspective. Patient training will reduce postoperative patient morbidity in addition to physical examination, imaging, and medical and surgical approaches to the treatment.

Outcomes of Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis Treated with Arthroscopic Fusion.

Background The thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) osteoarthritis is one of the most common pathologies in the hand with controversial treatment options. Description of Technique Describe the use of arthroscopic technique for thumb CMCJ arthrodesis and the clinical outcome. Patients and Methods Cases with Eaton III thumb CMCJ osteoarthritis treated with arthroscopic arthrodesis were reviewed. Patient evaluations include: grip strength, pinch strength, range of motion, Kapandji score, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and the visual analog scores for pain. All cases were assessed before the surgery and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Radiographs were reviewed. Results There were total 16 patients with 18 arthrodesis performed. The average age was 62.2 years with M:F ratio of 2:7. The average follow-up time was 57.2 months. There was improvement of pain score as early as at postop 3 months ( p < 0.001) and continued to improve at 6, 12, and 24 months. There was improvement of grip strength and pinch strength at 12 and 24 months (p < 0.001). The DASH score showed improvement as early as at 3 months ( p = 0.012). There was a reduction of Kapandji score and interphalangeal joint motion at 3 months postop, but these returned to normal at 6 months. There was no major complication. There was one case of nonunion (5.6%). Conclusion Arthroscopic arthrodesis is a feasible treatment option and provides excellent pain relief, restore thumb strength and stability, retain functional thumb mobility, and hence improvement in hand function.

Faster strength recovery and better strength ratio with arthroscopic Latarjet compared to the open technique: An observational study

IntroductionThe arthroscopic bone block has shown reliability and reproducibility regarding functional scores and shoulder mobility compared to the open bone block technique. The recovery of muscle strength, especially the strength ratio external rotator/internal rotator (ER/IR), is crucial to recovering satisfactory function. This ratio should be as near to 1 as possible, meaning a good strength balance. Little is known about the difference in strength recovery between the open and arthroscopic techniques. HypothesisArthroscopic Latarjet reduces surgical stress and improves the strength recovery and strength ratio. ObjectivesTo compare arthroscopic and open Latarjet procedures for shoulder muscle strength and functional outcomes. Material and methodsIt was an observational longitudinal and prospective cohort follow-up. Two groups of patients were accessible for comparison: 35 in an arthroscopy group and 38 in an open group. The main outcome was the muscle strength of shoulder muscles measured with a dynamometer and expressed in Newton (N) at day 21 (D21), D45, D90, D180, and D365 in the operated and contralateral shoulders. The measurements were made for the pectoralis major, the three deltoid fascicles, and the subscapularis. The shoulder ER/IR strength ratio was calculated. Other variables were the range of motion (ROM), the Walch-Duplay (WD), the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability score (WOSI), and the Visual Analogic Scale for pain assessment. The strength, ROM, and functional scores were compared between open and arthroscopy with linear mixed models. ResultsThe median strengths at 52 weeks were significantly higher than at 3 weeks (P<10−4): anterior deltoid (AD) 8N (Q1:7, Q3: 9) versus 4N (Q1:2, Q3: 5), lateral deltoid (LD) 9N (Q1:9, Q3: 11) versus 6N (Q1:4, Q3: 7), posterior deltoid (PD) 14N (Q1:12, Q3: 15) versus 9N (Q1:8, Q3: 10), subscapularis 10N (Q1:9, Q3: 12) versus 7N (Q1:5, Q3: 8), and pectoralis major (PM) 11N (Q1:9, Q3: 12) versus 7N (Q1:5, Q3: 10). The overall strengths were lower in the open group compared to the arthroscopy group: AD −2.1N (CI95%[−3.1−−1.2], p=0.0005), LD −1.3N (CI95% [−2.4−−0.15], p=0.03), PD −0.35N (CI95% [−1–0.9], p=0.52), subscapularis −2.1N (CI95% [−3.3−−0.7], p=0.006), and PM −1.4N (CI95% [−2.2−−0.02], p=0.03). The ER/IR ratio was stable throughout the follow-up for both the operated and contralateral shoulders (p>0.5). The overall mean ratio was 1.3 (median 1.2, Q1: 1, Q3:1.45) for the operated shoulder and 1.1 (median 1, Q1: 0.9, Q3:1.3) for the contralateral shoulder (p=0.0004). The average ER/IR ratio was 0.27 points higher in the open group (CI95% [0.1–0.46], p=0.003). The ROM was similar between the two groups, and there was no correlation between the ER/IR ratio and the ROM (p>0.5). The VAS < 3 weeks and WD > 12 weeks were significantly poorer in the open group: +0.61 (CI95% [0.03–1.16] p=0.02), and −7.3 points (CI95% [−13−−0.01], p=0.05), on average, respectively. ConclusionThe patients in the arthroscopy group had a better ER/IR strength ratio (closer to 1) and better WOSI after 12 weeks. The strength and the ROM were not correlated with each other. Level of evidenceIII.

Arthroscopic Latarjet Versus Arthroscopic Free Bone Block Procedures for Anterior Shoulder Instability: A Proportional Meta-analysis Comparing Recurrence, Complication, and Reoperation Rates

Background: Several arthroscopic glenoid bone augmentation techniques have been introduced to treat patients affected by anterior shoulder instability associated with critical bone loss. The efficacy of the different arthroscopic bony procedures has not been compared yet. Purpose: To compare the recurrence, complication, and reoperation rates of the arthroscopic Latarjet (AL) and arthroscopic free bone block (ABB) procedures for anterior shoulder instability. Study Design: Meta-analysis and systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase to identify clinical studies reporting the outcomes of the AL and ABB procedures. The following search phrases were used: “Arthroscopic” AND “Bone Block” OR “Bone Graft,” and “Arthroscopic” AND “Glenoid Augmentation” OR “Glenoid Reconstruction,” and “Arthroscopic” AND “Latarjet” OR “Coracoid Graft” OR “Coracoid Transfer.” Exclusion criteria were <24 months of minimum follow-up, sample size <10 cases, revision after previous glenoid bone grafting, epilepsy, and multidirectional instability. Data regarding the study design, patient characteristics, surgical technique, and outcomes were extracted and analyzed. A proportional meta-analysis was conducted to compare the complication, recurrence, and reoperation rates between the 2 groups. Multiple subgroup analyses were performed to analyze the incidence of each complication and assess the weight of different fixation methods (in the whole cohort) or different graft types (in the ABB group). The modified Coleman Methodology Score was used to assess the risk of bias. Results: Of 5010 potentially relevant studies, 18 studies regarding the AL procedure (908 cases) and 15 studies regarding the ABB procedure (469 cases) were included. The 2 groups were comparable in age (P = .07), sex (P = .14), glenoid bone loss (P = .14), number of preoperative dislocations (P = .62), proportion of primary and revision procedures (P = .95), length of follow-up (P = .81), modified Coleman Methodology Score (P = .21), and level of evidence (P = .49). There was no difference in the recurrence (P = .88), reoperation (P = .79), and complication (P = .08) rates. The subgroup analyses showed a higher rate of hardware-related complications for screw fixation compared with flexible fixation (P = .01). Conclusion: The AL and ABB procedures had similar recurrence, reoperation, and complication rates. Screw fixation of the bone graft was related to an increased risk of complications compared with flexible fixation. Registration: CRD42022368153 (PROSPERO).

Ankle arthroscopy does not elevate complication rates in ankle fractures

IntroductionAnkle fractures rank as the second most common lower limb fractures, and surgical intervention is essential for unstable ankle fractures. The use of ankle arthroscopy in such cases offers several advantages. This study aim is to assess whether arthroscopy influenced on complication rates in 171 ankle fractures treated with arthroscopic assistance. MethodsThis retrospective epidemiological analysis encompassed adult ankle fractures between December 2018 and December 2021. Initially, 173 patients were considered, but two were excluded, leaving a final sample of 171 patients. Postoperative complications were categorized as major or minor. ResultsThe study included 171 patients with surgically treated ankle fractures assisted by arthroscopy, comprising 76 females and 95 males, with an average age of 41.9 years. Syndesmosis injuries were treated in all diagnosed cases (55.0%), and deltoid ligament injuries received attention when identified (33.7%). Arthroscopic techniques were preferred over open techniques (47.4%). Ten patients experienced complications, consisting of 2 major and 8 minor complications (5.8%). DiscussionOur study's epidemiological findings align with prior literature, demonstrating that intra-articular injuries accompany 63% to 79% of ankle fractures. Arthroscopy allows for both diagnosis and treatment within the same procedure, including joint lavage to reduce inflammation. We diagnosed 57 deltoid injuries and identified a statistical relationship between chondral, syndesmotic, and deltoid ligament injuries. Infection is a common complication in ankle fracture surgery, with rates ranging from 1.44% to 16%. Our study yielded a 5.8% complication rate, comprising 1.2% major and 4.6% minor complications. Patients undergoing ORIF with arthroscopic assistance had a lower prevalence of infection. ConclusionThe use of arthroscopic assistance in the surgical treatment of ankle fractures does not increase the overall complication rate. Level of evidenceIV

A New Technique for Arthroscopic Discectomy of the Temporomandibular Joint Disc Perforation: A Technical Note

Disc perforation represents the result of the degenerative process in joint structures that may lead to pain, joint noise, restricted mouth opening, osteoarthritis, and even dentofacial anomalies. Even though discectomy has proven benefits, with promising outcomes reported, it is mainly described using an open approach. While some arthroscopic techniques have been published, they are limited to managing perforation, edge widening, and inflammation treatment and do not describe complete disc removal. We describe a novel step-by-step arthroscopic discectomy technique (ADT) utilizing two operative cannulas that completely remove non-functional cartilaginous tissue.

Clinical outcomes and direct cost analysis of rotator cuff repair surgery.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes in patients who underwent surgical treatment for rotator cuff tears using open and arthroscopic techniques, and to evaluate the direct costs involved. Retrospective cohort study with analysis of the data of patients who were referred to two private hospitals in Sao Paulo, Brazil for surgical repair of the rotator cuff from January 2018 to September 2019. Clinical outcomes were assessed using functional scores (SPADI and QuickDASH) and a quality of life questionnaire (EuroQoL). Procedure costs were calculated relative to each hospital's costliest procedure. Data from 362 patients were analyzed. The mean patient age was 57 years (SD= 10.46), with a slight male predominance (53.9%). Arthroscopic procedures were more common than open procedures (95.6% versus 4.4%). Significant clinical improvement was reported in 84.8% of the patients. The factors associated with increased surgery costs were arthroscopic technique (increase of 29.2%), age (increase of 0.6% per year), and length of stay (increase of 18.9% per day of hospitalization). Rotator cuff repair surgery is a highly effective procedure, associated with favorable clinical outcomes and improvement in life quality, and low rates of complications. Arthroscopic surgery tends to be costlier than open surgery.

A Knotless Single-Row Suture Bridge Technique to Repair a Partial Articular Suproaspinatus Tendon Avulsion-Type Rotator Cuff Tear: Surgical Technique

With improving surgical and technological solutions for repairing rotator cuff tears, there has been increased interest in treatment of partial rotator cuff tears. The most prevalent type of partial tear is the PASTA (partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion) lesion. There is an ongoing debate on the best surgical technique to repair a PASTA lesion, which has led to the development of many different arthroscopic techniques. This Technical Note provides a cost-effective and reproducible technique of a transtendinous single-row bridge repair of PASTA lesions, using two 1.8 FiberTak Knotless Soft Anchors.

An Isolated Midsubstance ACL Tear Repaired With the BEAR System

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repairs, once widely abandoned due to historically high failure rates, have recently regained interest with the development of the bridge-enhanced ACL repair (BEAR) implant, a novel arthroscopic technique that uses a resorbable protein-based implant combined with autologous blood to primarily repair a midsubstance ACL tear. This technical note presents a step-by-step surgical method for performing an isolated midsubstance ACL repair using the BEAR implant. Indications: The BEAR implant is indicated for skeletally mature patients at least 14 years of age with a complete rupture of the ACL, confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. The complete ACL tear must have an attached stump to the tibia. Technique Description: A diagnostic arthroscopy is used to confirm complete rupture of the ACL and presence of residual tibial stump. A self-retrieving suture passage device is used to whipstitch a total of 6 passes with #2 Vicryl suture from distal to proximal through the residual stump. A notchplasty followed by femoral and tibial tunnels is created in a standard fashion. An Endobutton, soaked in a bacitracin solution, is then loaded with the sutures that were previously passed through the residual ACL stump and then through the femoral tunnel and cinched down to bone. The 4 suture ends that are coming from the Endobutton are then passed through the BEAR implant with the use of a Keith needle and shuttled through the tibial tunnel. The BEAR implant is hydrated with 15 cc of the patient's blood and is shuttled through the anteromedial portal with the knee in full extension. The 4 tibial sutures passed through the graft and tibial tunnel are passed, and tensioned to the proximal tibial with a second Endobutton. Standard closure and dressings are applied. Results: This new surgical implant and technique have shown noninferiority to ACL autograft reconstruction with respect to the International Knee Documentation Committee and anteroposterior laxity, with improved hamstring strength and decreased incidence of contralateral ACL tears at 2 years postoperative. Discussion/Conclusion: While initial data remain promising, future long-term designed studies are needed to determine the clinical efficacy of the BEAR technique, particularly comparing itself with bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft ACL reconstruction. 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.

Displaced Posterior Cruciate Avulsion Fracture Fixation With Medial Collateral Ligament and Lateral Meniscus Injury Using Combined Open and Arthroscopic Methods

Tibial-sided posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fractures are challenging injuries that often occur concomitantly in the setting of multiligament knee and other soft-tissue injuries. There is no consensus on the optimal surgical approach or timing of treatment for these injuries. This Technical Note describes the fixation of a displaced posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fracture with concomitant grade 3 medial collateral ligament injuries and bucket-handle lateral meniscus tears using open and arthroscopic techniques. This method allows the surgeon to address multiple pathologies in a single stage, although it requires strategic planning and rehabilitation considerations.

Arthroscopic Fixation of Acute Large Bony Bankart with Suture-assisted Reduction and Screw Fixation - Surgical Technique.

Glenoid rim fractures with Bankart lesions are called bony Bankart lesions and are associated with persistent glenohumeral joint instability. Acute bony Bankart lesions can be treated by various arthroscopic techniques. Here, we present a technique of arthroscopic bony Bankart repair using suture-assisted reduction and screw fixation. The conventional suture anchor repair does not provide compression of the fractured fragment, and the bony piece may tilt because of the single-point fixation. This procedure can achieve firm compression between the bony fragments and prevent rotation of fragment during screw fixation to the glenoid. The capsular plication distributes the loads to the surrounding soft tissues. Hence, this procedure should be offered to all patients presenting acutely with a large bony Bankart of size >25% of glenoid width, as it is minimally invasive as well as provides excellent outcomes and anatomical union.

How To Avoid Suture Damage in Simultaneous Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Lateral Meniscal Posterior Root Reinsertion With the Transtibial Pullout Technique: A Technical Note

Lateral meniscus posterior root tears (LMPRTs) are estimated to occur in 7% to 12% of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-injured knees. This topic is of great interest because of their biomechanical consequences in terms of interruption of hoop stress distribution. If left unrepaired, the corresponding compartment is exposed to unfavorable contact dynamics, similar to those resulting from a total meniscectomy. This Technical Note describes a transtibial LMPRT repair using a Knee Scorpion and an 18-gauge spinal needle. It is a reproducible arthroscopic LMPR reinsertion technique combined with concomitant standard ACL + anterolateral ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendons and it describes how to safely avoid damage to root traction sutures during the ACL independent tibial tunnel drilling.

Cost-Effective, Implant-Free, All-Suture Modified Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis Technique

Tendinopathy and partial tears of the long head of the biceps tendon are a common cause of anterior shoulder pain and are often associated with many other shoulder pathologies. Multiple open and arthroscopic tenodesis techniques exist in the literature, with varying locations along the proximal humerus and a multitude of different implants. This article describes a cost-effective, implant-free, subpectoral biceps tenodesis technique that can be used as open or in conjunction with arthroscopy. Our technique differs from other tunnel techniques in its modified docking configuration into the intraosseous canal, decreasing stresses at the bone-tendon interface. With the cost amounting to 5% to 10% of techniques using implants, this is a cost-saving and reliable option for tenodesis.

One-Step Release Technique for Tendon Extraction During Biceps Tenodesis

All biceps tenodesis techniques involving extra-articular tendon preparation consist of 2 distinct steps for tenotomy and tendon grasping. These 2 maneuvers are performed by different instruments. A single-step tendon release technique is described for both arthroscopic and open shoulder surgery. This technique finds application in arthroscopic proximal suprapectoral tenodesis, open treatment of proximal humerus fractures, and suprapectoral mini-open tenodesis. Herein, we describe an arthroscopic biceps tenodesis technique that combines the actions of cutting and gripping the tendon in a single step.

Selection of Interferential Screw for Fixation of Graft in Tibial Tunnel during Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction by Novel Probe Test.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a common orthopedic procedure, employing various grafts such as the hamstring tendon, bone-patellar bone, and quadriceps tendon. Fixation methods include suspensory loop with button, interferential screw, and cortical fixation. The optimal screw diameter for tibial tunnel fixation remains undefined, with choices ranging from 1mm smaller to 1-2 mm larger than the tunnel diameter. Screw-related complications such as breakage and thread flattening are concerns. This study was to determine the ideal screw diameter for secure graft fixation in the tibial tunnel during ACL reconstruction. A novel arthroscopic probe technique was utilized to assess tibial tunnel bone integrity. Bone quality was categorized into weak, strong, and very strong. Screw size selection, either equal to or 1-2 mm larger than the tunnel diameter, was based on bone quality. Screw lengths varied from 25 mm to 35 mm. The novel technique significantly reduced screw-related complications, from 9.6% (24 out of 248 patients) to 0.5% (l out of 187 patients). The need for additional cortical stabilization decreased from 14.5% (36 out of248 patients) to 1.6% (3 out of 187 patients). The low-cost, efficient 2-min probe test is a secure and effective method for selecting interferential screws in ACL reconstruction, minimizing complications, and additional stabilization needs.

Meniscus-Side-Knot-tying Technique Instead of Capsular-Side-Knot-Tying in Arthroscopic Outside-In Meniscal Repair: A Small but Meaningful Modification

Arthroscopic outside-in meniscal repair technique, which was first described by Warren in 1985, including all its later modifications, involved tying the final knot on the outer surface of the capsule. Capsular-side knot-tying has reported complications such as catching sensory nerves under the knot with resultant postoperative focal sensory loss and paresthesia, as well as pain under the skin because of irritation from the knot. Meniscus-side-knot-tying technique involves tying the knot on the outer surface of the meniscus. Advantages of the meniscus-side knot-tying technique include the following: avoiding catching nerves under the knot; avoiding pain under the skin because of irritation from the knot; the tension of the sliding knot and the subsequent half hitches, which can be monitored accurately under vision; no skin incisions needed; no possibility of cutting the suture limbs while performing the skin incision between the two needle holes; and, the ability to suture tears in mobile parts of the meniscus without fixing them to the capsule like tears in the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus.

Arthroscopic Posterior Bone Block Technique for Posterior Shoulder Instability With Glenoid Bone Loss

Background: Posterior instability can be difficult to treat if there is associated bone loss and debate remains about the amount of bone loss that requires intervention. Indications: Arthroscopic posterior bone block technique is useful for recurrent posterior instability with bone loss. It is reserved for patients who have failed soft tissue stabilization with bone loss greater than 10%. Technique Description: After diagnostic arthroscopy, an anterior-superior portal is established. A 30° scope is utilized, although, a 70° scope can be used. The posterior labrum is elevated and dissection is carried along the posterior glenoid neck. If an anterior labral tear is encountered, labral repair is performed. The posterior glenoid is cleared to allow for bone block seating. A fresh, non-frozen distal tibial allograft is prepared to size. Fixation can include screw or button fixation. Other types of fixation can be utilized including tightrope-type fixation, but screws are our preference. We have not had any complications with screw fixation. The graft is predrilled and assembled to the delivery device. A posterior incision is made and dissection is carried under the capsule and labrum to allow for shuttling. The bone block is fixed using two 3.5-mm cannulated screws. After fixation, anchors are placed and remaining capsule and labrum are shifted up to overly the bone block. Postoperative immobilization can be utilized with a standard UltraSling or a gunslinger brace. We typically do not obtain a computed tomography (CT) scan prior to return to activity. Results: There is little literature on arthroscopic posterior bone block, but early results are promising. Distal tibia allograft use in anterior instability has good outcomes and rates of union. Open posterior procedures demonstrate a recurrent dislocation risk of 10%. Current literature supports a similar rate in arthroscopically. Furthermore, there is a learning curve. Complications are similar to open complications, including graft resorption, fixation failure, recurrent dislocation, continued shoulder pain, and glenohumeral arthritis. In our experience, we have not had any wound complications. Discussion/Conclusion: Arthroscopic posterior bone block augmentation presents a reliable technique for posterior instability with associated glenoid bone loss. The use of distal tibia allograft minimizes donor site morbidity. 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.