Chondral Injuries Research Articles

Predictors of Re-Operation in Adolesents Undergoing Hip Preservation Surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement

Background:Femoroacetabular Impingement(FAI) is a condition caused by repetitive motion of abnormal hip osseous anatomy that contributes to labral and chondral injury. An understanding of radiographic parameters associated with successful primary surgery has not been well established.Hypothesis/Purpose:The primary objective was to determine pre-operative radiographic parameters that predict reoperation for FAI and, secondarily, correlate radiographic measures and outcomes in these patients.Methods:A prospectively-collected institutional registry of adolescent patients (age <19 y.o.) who underwent surgery for FAI (arthroscopic/open) was reviewed. Standing AP pelvis X-rays were analyzed for alpha, lateral center edge(LCEA), Tönnis, and Sharp’s angles, and femoro-epiphyseal acetabular(FEAR) index. Patient-reported outcomes(PROs) [modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score(HOOS)] were analyzed. Mann-Whitney-U test was used to compare the radiographic measures of re-operation to non-reoperation patients and those who achieved MCID to those who did not. Radiographic indication of risk for re-operation was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic(ROC) analysis. Spearman’s correlation was calculated between radiographic measurements and PROs at 2-years post-op.Results:Eighty-seven patients underwent primary surgery (56 surgical dislocations vs 31 scopes) for FAI. The average age at time of primary operation was 16.27 years(73.6%Female). 10 underwent re-operation (11.5%) at an average of 20.6 months from primary surgery. No differences were found in demographics, activity, surgery type, labral disease, or alpha angle for re-operation vs. non-reoperation. The LCEA, FEAR Index, Sharps, and Tönnis angle were significantly different (p<0.05) (Table 1).ROC analysis indicated that LCEA<21 and FEAR index>-8.8 were predictors for increased risk of reoperation. Patients with LCEA<21°, 46% underwent a reoperation compared to those with LCEA>21° (6%). Patients with FEAR index<-8.8, 32% underwent a reoperation compared to patients>-8.8 (5%).Patients who achieved MCID (61.9%) had lower BMI, worse pre-operative PROs, and better post-operative PROs at 2-years. Alpha, Tönnis, and Sharp’s angles were positively correlated with 2+ year PROs, while LCEA was negatively correlated(p<0.05).Conclusion:In patients undergoing treatment for FAI, a reoperation was associated with radiographic signs of hip dysplasia, indicating that patients with a shallower acetabulum are at risk for a repeat operation. Surgeons can utilize these parameters to help in surgical decision making, better predict outcomes and to counsel patients the need for potential subsequent surgery.Table 1.Radiographic measurements of preoperative AP pelvis X-rays and their association with reoperation

Quality of life during the wait for ruptured anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomized controlled trial.

Background:There is a lack of prospective evidence to guide surgeons when making recommendations about the appropriate timing of surgical intervention for ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), activity modifications to reduce the risk of secondary injury before surgery, and the short- and long-term risks associated with delayed ACL reconstruction. This study aimed to determine whether longer wait times are associated with a prolonged decrease in quality of life and an increased incidence of secondary joint injury after ACL rupture.Methods:We recruited 53 patients who presented between 2013 and 2017 at a single sports medicine minor injury clinic with a suspected acute ACL rupture, based on clinical examination; ACL rupture was confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging. Patients were randomly allocated to undergo early reconstruction (< 12 wk after injury) or reconstruction after a regular wait time (≥ 12 wk). We compared scores on the ACL quality of life measure (ACL-QOL) and the incidence of secondary knee injury at baseline and at surgery between the 2 groups. Participants also completed the Tegner scale (level of activity) at the time of consent and within 7 days before surgery.Results:Twenty-eight patients were randomly assigned to the early surgery group and 25 patients to the regular wait time group. There was no difference in mean age between the 2 groups. There were no between-group differences in mean ACL-QOL score at the time of injury (28.5 [standard deviation (SD) 12.5] v. 28.5 [SD 12.6]) or at surgery (34.9 [SD 17.5] v. 38.0 [SD 17.5]). The mean wait time was significantly longer in the regular wait time group than in the early surgery group (29.6 wk [SD 13.2 wk] v. 10.6 wk [SD 5.1 wk], p = 0.001). In both groups, Tegner scale scores were significantly lower after than before ACL rupture (p < 0.001) and remained low while patients waited for surgery. There were no between-group differences in the incidence of chondral or meniscal injury at surgery, although the study was not adequately powered to draw any statistical conclusions.Conclusion:Wait time for ACL reconstruction may affect patients’ quality of life, as it remained diminished for a longer period when surgery was delayed. A low activity level during the waiting period was observed in both groups; this low activity level may be one reason why no between-group differences in the incidence of secondary injury were observed. The findings suggest that patients with a limited activity level during the waiting period have a low risk of secondary injuries.

Synovial Fluid Cytokine Profile at the Time of Arthroscopy Explains Intermediate-Term Functional Outcomes

Background: The intra-articular immune response after ligamentous, meniscal, or focal chondral knee injuries likely plays a role in intra-articular healing and the onset and progression of posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Purpose: To evaluate the association of synovial fluid cytokine concentrations measured at the time of knee arthroscopy with intermediate-term functional outcomes after knee arthroscopy based on the Lysholm score. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. Synovial fluid was aspirated from the injured knee immediately before surgical incision, and the concentrations of 10 cytokines were analyzed using immunoassay. Principal component regression was used to create a model to predict patient-reported Lysholm score at a minimum of 5 years postoperatively. Hierarchical clustering was performed to identify groups of patients with similar synovial fluid inflammatory phenotypes. Lysholm scores and cytokine concentrations were compared between clusters. Results: A total of 26 patients (mean age, 40.33 ± 16.40 years) were included in the analysis. The mean duration between surgery and follow-up was 6.69 ± 0.72 years. A model consisting of 2 principal components (PC1, PC2) explained 62.48% of the variance in the cytokine data and 52.03% of the variance in intermediate-term Lysholm score. Hierarchical clustering resulted in 3 patient clusters based on the principal components used in the regression model. Despite no baseline differences in Lysholm score, cluster 3 demonstrated significantly greater intermediate-term Lysholm score compared with cluster 2 (94.33 vs 76.09, respectively; 95% CI, 5.96-30.52; P = .006) and cluster 1 (94.33 vs 52.33, respectively; 95% CI, 24.09-59.91; P = .003). Cluster 3, when compared with the overall means, was characterized by greater PC1 value (1.01 vs 0.00, respectively; P = .030) and greater PC2 value (0.86 vs 0.00, respectively; P = .002). Conclusion: The concentrations of select synovial fluid cytokines assessed at the time of knee arthroscopy can be used to explain more than half of the variance in intermediate-term functional outcomes.

Intra-femoral tunnel graft lengths less than 20mm do not predispose to early graft failure, inferior outcomes or poor function. A prospective clinico-radiological comparative study.

Increasing demands on skills with mounting pressures from expectations from arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions requires precise knowledge of technical details by surgeons. One such element is the minimum length of graft in femoral tunnel to allow for adequate tendon-to-bone healing and early return to activities and sports. This has, however, remained an unanswered question. To study and compare clinico-radiological outcomes of ACL reconstructions in patients with < 20mm of intra-femoral tunnel graft length with those measuring ≥ 20mm. All eligible patients undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction were sequentially divided into two groups based on the intra-femoral tunnel graft lengths (A: < 20mm, n = 27; and B: ≥ 20mm, n = 25). Exclusions were made for those > 45years of age, with chondral and/or multi-ligamentous injuries and with systemic pathologies. All patients were postoperatively evaluated in clinics by physical examination and functional scoring (Lysholm and modified Cincinnati scores) at 3, 6 and 12-month intervals. Graft vascularity was assessed by signal-to-noise quotient ratio (SNQR) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3 and 12months. No significant differences were noted in mean Lysholm and modified Cincinnati scores between the two groups at the end of 1year. There were also no significant differences in graft maturation over time and SNQR at 3 and 12months in the region of interest (ROI). Intra-femoral tunnel graft length of less than 20mm does not compromise early clinical and functional outcomes of ACL reconstructions.

Demographic Factors Associated With an Increased Incidence of Intra-articular Injuries After Delayed Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Background:Delays from the time of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear to surgical reconstruction are associated with an increased incidence of meniscal and chondral injuries.Purpose:To evaluate the association between delays in ACL reconstruction (ACLR) and risk factors for intra-articular injuries across 8 patient demographic subsets.Study Design:Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent ACLR from January 2009 to May 2015 at a single institution. Variables collected were age, sex, body mass index, time from injury to surgery, and presence of meniscal tears and chondral injuries. Demographic subsets were created according to sex, age (<27 vs ≥27 years), body mass index (<25 vs ≥25 kg/m2), and injury setting (sports vs non–sports related). Subsets were divided by time from injury to ACLR: 0 to <6 months (control group), 6 to <12 months, and ≥12 months. Multivariate logistic regression–generated odds ratios (ORs) were calculated.Results:Overall, 410 patients were included. ORs were significant for an increased incidence of medial meniscal tears (MMTs) (OR, 1.12-3.72; P = .02), medial femoral condyle (MFC) injuries (OR, 1.18-4.81; P = .02), and medial tibial plateau (MTP) injuries (OR, 1.33-31.07; P = .02) with surgical delays of 6 to <12 months. With ≥12-month delays, significance was found for MMTs (OR, 2.92-8.64; P < .001), MFC injuries (OR, 1.86-5.88; P < .001), MTP injuries (OR, 1.37-21.22; P = .02), lateral femoral condyle injuries (OR, 2.41-14.94; P < .001), and lateral tibial plateau injuries (OR, 1.15-5.27; P = .02). In the subset analysis, differences in the timing, location, rate, and pattern of chondral and meniscal injuries became evident. Female patients and patients with non–sports-related ACL tears had less risk of associated injuries with delayed surgery, while other demographic groups showed an increased injury risk.Conclusion:When analyzing patients who were symptomatic enough to eventually require surgery, an increased incidence of MMTs and medial chondral injuries was associated with ≥6-month delays in ACLR, and an increased incidence of lateral chondral injuries was associated with ≥12-month delays. Female patients and patients with non–sports-related ACL tears had less risk of injuries with delayed ACLR.

Lateral Meniscus Allograft Transplantation in a Skeletally Immature Patient

Background: Lateral meniscus deficiency in young patients typically results from irreparable lateral meniscus tears, often associated with discoid meniscus. Such cases present a challenging clinical scenario given the known natural history of meniscus deficiency leading to degenerative lateral knee compartment changes. Managing this problem in a skeletally immature patient presents additional clinical and surgical considerations. Indications: Lateral meniscus allograft transplantation (LMAT) is indicated in patients with prior total or subtotal lateral meniscectomy resulting from irreparable lateral meniscus tears, with the goal of providing chondroprotection to the lateral compartment of the knee. Patients are assessed preoperatively for ligamentous stability of the knee, mechanical alignment, and associated chondral injuries to determine whether secondary procedures may be indicated. Technique Description: We present an all-arthroscopic technique for LMAT using small bone plugs in the anterior and posterior meniscus roots secured through 2 separate anatomic root drill tunnels tied over a bone bridge. The meniscus allograft is further secured using an outside-in suture repair technique. Special attention is given to meniscus allograft preparation, anatomic meniscus root identification, and drilling using a minimally disruptive transphyseal technique. Graft passage, suture management, and meniscus fixation and repair are also highlighted. Results: Anticipated outcomes from LMAT in skeletally mature patients are excellent, particularly if preexisting chondral degenerative changes are not present. Prior studies with greater than 7-year follow-up in adolescent patients undergoing meniscus allograft transplantation have shown reoperation rates of less than 6% with no growth disturbances noted, with most patients able to return to their prior level of sport. Computed tomography modeling data using this technique shows a proximal tibial physeal surface area disruption of less than 2.5%; therefore, the risk of growth disturbance is very low. Discussion/Conclusion: The surgical technique demonstrated here offers a safe and effective approach for the management of lateral meniscus deficiency after subtotal lateral meniscectomy for irreparable meniscus tears in skeletally immature patients. The chondroprotective effect of the lateral meniscus can be restored with an anatomically placed lateral meniscus allograft with minimal disruption to the proximal tibial physis.

Acute and subacute anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions are associated with a higher risk of revision and reoperation.

(1) Report concomitant cartilage and meniscal injury at the time of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), (2) evaluate the risk of aseptic revision ACLR during follow-up, and (3) evaluate the risk of aseptic ipsilateral reoperation during follow-up. Using a United States integrated healthcare system's ACLR registry, patients who underwent primary isolated ACLR were identified (2010-2018). Multivariable Cox proportional-hazards regression was used to evaluate the risk of aseptic revision, with a secondary outcome evaluating ipsilateral aseptic reoperation. Outcomes were evaluated by time from injury to ACLR: acute (< 3weeks), subacute (3weeks-3months), delayed (3-9months), and chronic (≥ 9months). The final sample included 270 acute (< 3weeks), 5971 subacute (3weeks-3months), 5959 delayed (3-9months), and 3595 chronic (≥ 9months) ACLR. Medial meniscus [55.4% (1990/3595 chronic) vs 38.9% (105/270 acute)] and chondral injuries [40.0% (1437/3595 chronic) vs 24.8% (67/270 acute)] at the time of ACLR were more common in the chronic versus acute groups. The crude 6-year revision rate was 12.9% for acute ACLR, 7.0% for subacute, 5.1% for delayed, and 4.4% for chronic ACLR; reoperation rates a 6-year follow-up was 15.0% for acute ACLR, 9.6% for subacute, 6.4% for delayed, and 8.1% for chronic ACLR. After adjustment for covariates, acute and subacute ACLR had higher risks for aseptic revision (acute HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.07-2.72, p = 0.026; subacute HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.01-1.55, p = 0.040) and aseptic reoperation (acute HR 2.04, 95% CI 1.43-2.91, p < 0.001; subacute HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.11-1.54, p = 0.002) when compared to chronic ACLR. In this cohort study, while more meniscal and chondral injuries were reported for ACLR performed ≥ 9months after the date of injury, a lower risk of revision and reoperation was observed following chronic ACLR relative to patients undergoing surgery in acute or subacute fashions.

Predictors of Occult Chondral Injury Sustained After a Primary Patellar Dislocation.

Background and objectivePrimary patellar dislocations can concomitantly involve osteochondral injuries for which prompt recognition is paramount for joint preservation. These injuries can be missed on radiographs, necessitating MRI examinations. In this study, we aimed to identify patient parameters that correlate with occult osteochondral injuries.MethodsPatients were retrospectively identified between 2015 and 2020 through a chart review. The inclusion criteria were as follows: patients diagnosed with a primary patellar dislocation with three radiographic views and an MRI of the injured knee. Demographic and radiographic data were evaluated.ResultsA total of 61 patients met the inclusion criteria. There were no statistically significant demographic differences between patients with osteochondral injuries and those without (p>0.05). Seven knees (88%) with an osteochondral lesion and 20 (38%) without had an effusion (p=0.02). There was no association in terms of ligamentous laxity (p=0.49), Caton-Deschamps index (CDI) (p=0.68), sulcus angle (SA) (p=0.68), congruence angle (CA) (p=0.56), and lateral patellofemoral angle (LPFA) (p=0.25) between patients with and without an occult osteochondral injury.ConclusionAmong the parameter examined, the presence of an effusion was the only one that correlated with the presence of occult osteochondral injury in our cohort.

High Rates of Damage to the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament, Lateral Trochlea, and Patellar Crest After Acute Patellar Dislocation: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis

The primary outcome of interest of this study was to determine the frequency, location, and extent of chondral injuries and medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) tears, along with the rate of loose bodies, in the knee after acute primary patellar dislocation. The secondary outcome of interest was to conduct a multivariate analysis to investigate whether the presence of pathoanatomic abnormalities, including structural differences in the knees of the patients, is associated with the features of the lesions. Patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging after primary acute patellar dislocation were identified from our institutional databases. We analyzed a total of 175 magnetic resonance imaging scans of patients aged between 14 and 25 years who were eligible for inclusion. Chondral damage to the medial facet of the patella was present in 36 patients; patellar crest, 78 patients; and lateral patellar facet, 28 patients. One patient presented with chondral defects in the medial trochlear facet, whereas 118 patients showed chondral defects in the lateral trochlear facet. Loose bodies were present in 142 patients. A total of 161 patients (92%) showed MPFL damage. The patellar portion was affected in 119 patients. Of the patients, 28 showed a partially damaged MPFL (<50%), 42 showed MPFL damage greater than 50%, and 49 presented with a complete tear of the MPFL. MPFL lesions were observed on the femoral side in 42 patients. Fourteen patients presented with an avulsion fracture on the patellar side; 28 patients, on the femoral side. The MPFL was injured in 92% of 175 patients after a first-time acute patellar dislocation. Chondral damage was most frequent at the patellar crest, followed by the lateral femoral epicondyle. No association was found between patella alta, the sulcus angle, the Q angle, the tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance, trochlear and patellar dysplasia, and soft-tissue damage. Level IV, retrospective cohort study.

Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy for Cartilage Repair: Preclinical Evaluation Methods.

A chondral injury is a limiting disease that can affect the quality of life and be an economic burden due to the cost of immediate treatment and loss in work productivity. If left untreated, such an injury may progress to osteoarthritis, a degenerative and debilitating joint disease characterized by pain and functional impairment. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which have immune-modulatory properties and the ability to differentiate into chondroblasts and osteoblasts, are a predictable source for the treatment of cartilage injuries. This article presents tools to evaluate cartilage restoration by tissue engineering and cell therapy treatment in a translational and preclinical large animal model. In this controlled experimental study with 14 miniature pigs, a scaffold-free tissue engineering construct (TEC) derived from dental pulp and synovial MSCs for cartilage therapy was tested. Total thickness cartilage defects were performed in both posterior knees. The defect was left empty in one of the knees, and the other received the TEC. The tissue repair was morphologically assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using the three-dimensional double echo steady-state (3D-DESS) sequence, and compositional assessment was carried out based on the T2 mapping technique. The osteochondral specimens were fixed for histopathology, decalcified, subjected to standard histological processing, sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The sections stained for immunohistochemical detection of collagen types were digested with pepsin and chondroitinase and incubated with antibodies against them. The mechanical evaluation involved analysis of Young's modulus of the cartilage samples based on the indentation and maximum compression test. In addition, a finite element model was used to simulate and characterize properties of the osteochondral block. At 6 months after surgery, there were no complications with the animals and the MRI, histological, immunohistochemical, and biomechanical evaluations proved to be effective and qualified to differentiate good quality chondral repair from inadequate repair tissue. The proposed methods were feasible and capable to properly evaluate the defect filled with TEC containing stromal cells after 6 months of follow-up in a large animal model for articular cartilage restoration. Impact Statement Articular chondral injuries are prevalent and represent an economic burden due to the cost of treatment. The engineering of cartilage tissue can promote the repair of chondral injuries and is dependent on selecting appropriate cells and biocompatible frameworks. In this article, methods for evaluation of a scaffold-free cell delivery system made from mesenchymal stromal cells were present in a translational study that allows further clinical safety and efficacy trials.

Early and Delayed Surgery for Isolated ACL and Multiligamentous Knee Injuries Have Equivalent Results: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: Early surgery for acute ligamentous injuries has recently shown good clinical and functional outcomes. Purpose: To assess the advantages of early vs delayed surgery in patients undergoing isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or multiligament-injured knee (MLIK) surgery. Study Design: Meta-analyses of Level 1, 2, and 3 studies; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A systematic search was performed via PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane for studies reporting outcomes of timing of surgery after isolated ACL injury or in the MLIK setting using accelerated rehabilitation protocols. Two analyses were conducted to differentiate early and delayed treatment (3- and 6-week cutoffs). Collected outcomes included meniscal or chondral lesions, failure and reoperation rates, range of motion (ROM) deficits, other complications, muscle strength, instrumented laxity, and functional outcomes. Outcomes were reported in risk ratios (RR) or mean differences with 95% CIs. Results: For timing of isolated ACL surgery, 16 studies were included with 2093 patients. High-grade evidence indicated that there were no differences in meniscal or chondral lesions, failure and reoperation rates, stiffness, ROM deficits, complications, muscle strength, instrumented laxity, and functional outcomes between patients treated early and late (all P > .05). When including only studies that set no preoperative criteria for early surgery, the findings were similar. Regarding MLIK surgery, 14 studies were included with 1172 patients. Low evidence was noted for the following: patients treated early had significantly fewer meniscal injuries (RR, 0.7; P = .04) and chondral injuries (RR, 0.5; P < .001), while no differences were found in reoperation rates, complications, stiffness, ROM deficits, muscle strength, instrumented laxity, and functional outcomes between the groups. Other than higher Lysholm scores in the early group for the 3-week analysis (mean difference, 6.8; P = .01), there were no differences between cutoff analyses. Conclusion: This systematic review with meta-analysis found no differences in clinical and functional outcomes between early and delayed surgery for isolated ACL injuries. For MLIK injuries, there were also no differences in surgical outcomes between early and delayed surgery.

Concurrent Research Around Meniscus: A Bibliometric Analysis and Review of the Top Fifty Cited Papers.

The knowledge regarding meniscus has vastly evolved over the past few decades. The meniscus's intact, injured, and repaired status can affect other joint structures, i.e., ligaments, articular surfaces, and overall biomechanics of the knee joint. Due to available evidence's extensiveness, it is challenging to determine the most influential topics and the emerging trends in concurrent meniscus research. This study aims to identify the top fifty cited papers in meniscus research and concurrent knee issues and analyse their characteristics. A comprehensive search was conducted on the Thompson Reuters Web of Science database to prepare a list of top fifty cited articles that included original articles and review articles concerning meniscus. The included articles were analysed for the source journal, investigating institution, country of the corresponding author, year of publication, total citations, annual citation rate, and a qualitative review. The search strategy resulted in 6768 original articles and 453 review articles. The top fifty cited articles were published from 1969 to 2014 and belonged to 14 journal sources. There were 43 original articles and seven review articles. The average citations per article were 417.4 and the average citations per paper per year were 22.6. Besides the meniscus, a general interest in the clinical assessment scores, anterior cruciate ligament, long-term osteoarthritis, and cartilage was observed. Most of the research concerning meniscus relates to the importance of meniscus preservation, the link between meniscus injuries and concomitant anterior cruciate ligament and chondral injuries, and its role in long-term gonarthrosis. The western countries have contributed the maximum to the top-cited evidence concerning meniscus. The meniscus repair and transplantation techniques have recently gained importance and need further research to qualify for the top-cited evidence.

Outcomes Following Arthroscopy for Anterior Impingement in the Ankle Joint in the General and Athletic Populations: Does Gender Play a Role?

Category:Ankle; Arthroscopy; SportsIntroduction/Purpose:To provide an overview of the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic procedures used as a treatment strategy for anterior ankle impingement and to determine if gender affects outcomes.Methods:A systematic literature search of the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases was performed during June of 2019. The combination of search terms utilized included the following: 'ankle', 'impingement', 'talus', 'osteophyte', 'arthroscopy', 'surgery', 'procedures', and 'treatment'. Two reviewers independently performed data extraction consisting of demographic data, intraoperative arthroscopic data, functional outcome scores, patient satisfaction, complications, return to play, and gender differences.Results:Twenty-eight articles evaluating a total of 1,506 patients were included in this systematic review. Sixty percent (17 of 28) and 14% (4 of 28) of studies assessed anterolateral and anteromedial impingement, respectively. Overall, good to excellent results were reported following arthroscopic treatment in patients with anterior ankle impingement with an average success rate of 81.04%. Eleven studies reported return to sport with an average return to sport of 8 weeks. The most common concomitant pathology found during arthroscopic evaluation included synovitis, osteophytes, meniscoid lesions, and AITFL injury. Four studies (15%) failed to report gender as a demographic variable. Only 7 (25%) studies reported gender analysis with four (57%) studies demonstrating differences when comparing gender outcomes. Female patients have higher rates of traumatic ankle sprains, chondral injury, and chronic ankle instability associated with anterior ankle impingement when compared with male patients.Conclusion:Our systematic review demonstrates that arthroscopic treatment for anterior ankle impingement provides good to excellent functional outcomes, and good return to sports rates in the athletic population. This study underscores that lack of statistical analysis evaluating outcomes comparing male and female populations. Our study does demonstrate that female patients have higher rates of traumatic ankle sprains, chondral injury, and chronic ankle instability associated with anterior ankle impingement when compared with male patients. Therefore, women may benefit from both AMI/ALI resection as well as lateral ankle ligament repair or reconstruction in order to address both impingement and chronic lateral ankle instability.

Timing of postoperative weightbearing in the treatment of traumatic chondral injuries of the knee in athletes - A systematic review of current concepts in clinicalpractice

BackgroundSurgery aims to stimulate healing and enable a safe return to sport in athletes with symptomatic cartilage lesions of the knee. Timing of postoperative weightbearing is crucial, balancing a stimulation of the healing and avoiding reinjury.To explore current concepts of timing to partial and full weightbearing and rate of return to sport in athletes after articular cartilage surgery of the knee.Systematic Review of studies with level of evidence I-III MethodsFour databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase) were searched using a predetermined keyword strategy. Two independent reviewers screened results according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Modified Coleman Methodology Score (mCMS) was used for the quality assessment. Results5294 records were found. Data from ten studies was extracted after duplicate removal, title and abstract screening and full-text evaluation. Eight of the ten studies included a detailed rehabilitation protocol, including 336 out of a total athletic population of 401. 62% began partial weightbearing (PWB) 1–2 weeks postoperatively, while 38% began within 3–4 weeks. The studies that had a later PWB all returned to full weightbearing (FWB) within 6–8 weeks. One study with early PWB returned to early FWB, while the other two returned 10–12 weeks postoperatively. “Return to Sport” (RTS) was the most common reported outcome measure, with most studies reporting RTS at 80% or higher. ConclusionThere is no clear evidence that the timing of weightbearing (WB) affects the outcome and return to sport in athletes after surgery for focal full-thickness cartilage lesions of the knee. On the other hand, there seems to be no adverse effects in adopting an early WB strategy, currently defined differently by different authors. Further studies directly comparing the timing of WB for specific surgical procedures in athletes and with relevant control groups is recommended. There is a need for a consensus in regard to more exactly defining “early” vs “late” weightbearing in relation to a universal and precisely defined state of healing.

Utilization of Arthroscopy During Ankle Fracture Fixation among Early Career Surgeons: An Evaluation of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery Part II Database

Category:Ankle; Arthroscopy; TraumaIntroduction/Purpose:Rotational ankle fractures are common injuries associated with high rates of intra-articular injury. Traditional ankle fracture open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) techniques provide limited capacity for evaluation of intra- articular pathology. Ankle arthroscopy represents a minimally invasive technique to directly visualize the articular cartilage and syndesmosis while aiding with reduction and allowing joint debridement, loose body removal, and treatment of chondral injuries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate temporal trends in concomitant ankle arthroscopy during ankle fracture ORIF surgery amongst early-career orthopaedic surgeons while examining the influence of subspecialty fellowship training on utilization.Methods:The American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (ABOS) Part II database was queried to identify all candidates performing at least one ankle fracture ORIF (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] codes 27766, 27769. 27784, 27792, 27814, 27822, 27823, 27829, 27846, 27848) from examination years 2010 to 2019. All ORIF cases were examined to identify those that carried a concomitant CPT code for ankle arthroscopy (CPT codes 29891, 29892, 29894, 29895, 29897, 29898, 29899). Concomitant ankle arthroscopy cases were categorized by candidates self-reported fellowship training status and examination year. Descriptive statistics were performed to report relevant data and linear regression analyses were utilized to assess temporal trends in concomitant ankle arthroscopy with ORIF for ankle fractures. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05.Results:There were 36,113 cases of ankle fracture ORIF performed of which 388 cases (1.1%) were performed with concomitant ankle arthroscopy. Ankle fracture ORIF was most frequently performed by trauma fellowship trained Part II candidates (n=8,888; 24.6%), followed by sports medicine (n=7,493; 20.8%) and foot and ankle (n=6,563; 18.2%). Arthroscopy was most frequently utilized by foot and ankle fellowship trained surgeon (293/ 6,270 cases; 4.5%) followed by sports medicine (29/7,464 cases; 0.4%) and trauma (4/8,884 cases; 0.1%). With respect to total arthroscopic cases, 75.5% were performed by foot and ankle fellowship trained surgeons while only 1.0% was performed by trauma trained candidates. Ankle arthroscopy utilization significantly increased from 3.65 cases per 1,000 ankle fractures in 2010 to 13.91 cases per 1,000 ankle fractures in 2019 (p=0.010). Specifically, foot and ankle fellowship trained surgeons demonstrated a significant increase in arthroscopy utilization during ankle fracture ORIF over time (p<0.001; OR: 1.101; CI: 1.054-1.151).Conclusion:Ankle arthroscopy utilization during ankle fracture ORIF has increased ten-fold over the past decade. Foot and ankle fellowship trained surgeons contribute most significantly to this trend.

A case of the large chondral injury of the trochlea of femur in a pediatric volleyball player

A case of the large chondral injury of the trochlea of femur in a pediatric volleyball player

Which Fibers of the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Should Be Released in the Pie Crust Technique Applied During Knee Arthroscopy: Superficial MCL or Deep MCL?

BackgroundKnee arthroscopy is the most common surgery performed to treat meniscal injuries. The pie crust (PC) technique is applied during knee arthroscopy to increase joint vision of the medial femorotibial compartment and reduce the risk of iatrogenic damage. Medial collateral ligament (MCL) release is applied in the PC technique. Currently, there are no studies directly comparing the release of the superficial MCL (sMCL) or deep MCL (dMCL) when applied during the PC technique. In this study, we compared the clinical and functional results of the release of the deep and proximal tibial attachment of the superficial fibers of the MCL.MethodologyWe evaluated the results of 67 (27 women and 40 men) patients who underwent the PC technique during knee arthroscopy due to a medial meniscal tear. The patients who underwent the PC technique were divided into two groups according to the release of the deep and superficial fibers of the MCL. All patients were evaluated for pain, functional capacity, and laxity using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and the Oxford Knee scores. All patients were evaluated with radiographic examinations such as valgus laxity angle and medial tibiofemoral compartment opening height.ResultsThe KOOS and Oxford Knee Scores in both groups showed a statistically significant increase at 12 months postoperatively compared with the preoperative values (p = 0.005, 0.002, 0.002, and 0.01, respectively). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups (p > 0.05). When the valgus laxity angle before the PC technique was compared with the 12-month result after the procedure, no statistically significant difference was noted (p > 0.05). There was no evidence of complications such as chondral injury and saphenous nerve or vein injury among patients in either group.ConclusionsIn this study, we did not observe laxity in the long-term follow-up of the groups in which the superficial or deep fibers of the MCL were released. In our view, the PC technique has similar effects on surgical outcomes regardless of sMCL and dMCL release techniques.

Chondral and Soft Tissue Injuries Associated to Acute Patellar Dislocation: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Chondral and soft tissue injuries can be associated with first time patellar dislocation, but it is unclear how common they are, and which tissues are affected. A systematic review of the literature was performed to investigate the frequency, location, and extent of chondral and medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) injuries in patients following first time patellar dislocation. Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Web of Science databases were accessed in November 2021. All the published clinical studies reporting the frequency, location, and extent of soft tissue lesions following first time patellar dislocation were accessed. Studies reporting data on habitual, congenital, or recurrent patellofemoral instability were excluded. Results: Data from 42 articles (2254 patients, mean age 21.6 ± 7.3 years) were retrieved. Ninety-eight percent of patients who experienced first time patellar dislocation demonstrated MPFL rupture at MRI. Forty-eight percent of MPFL ruptures were located at the patellar side, 34% at the femoral insertion site, and 18% in the midportion. Eighty-five percent of patients showed signs of patellar chondral damage at MRI, and trochlear chondral injuries were evidenced in 47% of patients. Intra-articular loose bodies were observed in 11.5% of patients. At arthroscopy, the medial facet and the crest of the patella more commonly exhibited chondral lesions than the lateral facet and femoral trochlea. Conclusions: Most patients suffer chondral damage and MPFL tears following after a first time patellar dislocation.

Volume index as a new measure of cartilage loss: a retrospective MRI-based study of chondral injury patterns in adult patients with knee pain.

Knee pain is one of the commonest symptoms in patients who attend the Orthopaedic outpatient clinics. Chondral defects result in a painful knee. Incidence of chondral defect is reported to be between 5 and 10% over the age of 40. It is well documented that chondral defects can lead to osteoarthritis. Early detection of these lesions and cartilage repair surgery can delay the onset of osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study is to highlight the incidence, associations and correlations between opposing cartilage defects in patients who present to the knee clinic with pain. A retrospective analysis was carried out on patients who had Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans for painful knees between June 2017 and May 2019. About 227 consecutive knees were studied for the incidence of chondral defects, number of lesions, grade and size of lesion, geographical location and associated pathology in the knee. All the 227 patients had chondral lesions. Most patients had 2-3 lesions (66.1%) with patellar lesions (76.6%) being the commonest followed by medial femoral condyle (59.9%). Significant correlation was found in grade and size between opposing surface lesions in patella-trochlea, Medial Femoral Condyle-Medial Tibial Plateau and Lateral Femoral Condyle-Lateral Tibial Plateau. Females were more predisposed to patella lesions. Significance between age and lesions were established. Incidence of cartilage defects in the knee is very high. Kissing lesions must be considered when treating cartilage lesions. Volume index could be a promising method to quantify lesions.

Meniscal Root Repair With Mini-Open Medial Collateral Ligament Release

Meniscal root repair is becoming more common with increasing knowledge regarding the function of the meniscal root and its role in long-term joint preservation, as well as improved surgical techniques and instrumentation. Despite this, adequate visualization of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus may be challenging, particularly in those with tight medial compartments. Instrument handling and attempt to visualize and repair the meniscal tear may lead to iatrogenic chondral injuries in these instances. We describe our preferred technique for improved visualization via mini-open release of the distal medial collateral ligament that allows for increased joint distension, increased access to the posterior horn of the medial meniscus, and the ability to repair the released medial collateral ligament.