Graft Tear Research Articles

Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Graft Preparation Using the Liquid Bubble Technique with Subtrabecular Hydrodissection: A Retrospective Real-Life Study

Background: Techniques for the preparation of grafts for Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) can be classified into those that involve the manual dissection of the Descemet membrane (DM) and those that use an injection of a liquid or a gas to achieve a separation of the DM from the posterior corneal stroma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the liquid bubble technique. Methods: The success rate of the technique was calculated retrospectively using the operating reports. Video files for each graft preparation were retrieved and the time, number of injections, and number of injections sites required for the hydrodissection were measured. The number of cases in which a manual dissection of the Descemet membrane was necessary was recorded. Information on donor age and graft preservation time were retrieved from the eye bank file. Results: In 58 cases, the success rate was 98.3%. In the 28 procedures where a video was available, the median time for hydrodissection was 4.4 min. The median number of injection sites was 2, with a median number of injections of 3.5. Manual dissection as a rescue technique was performed in 25% of cases, with one case resulting in graft tears. The mean graft diameter was 7.6 mm. The mean donor age was 66 years, and the mean graft storage time was 22 days. Conclusions: The liquid bubble technique can be a fast and valuable choice for DMEK graft preparation, especially in centers where the tissue is prepared in the operating theater.

Patients With Graft Tears Leaving the Tuberosity Covered Have Similar Functional Outcomes to Those With an Intact Graft After Superior Capsular Reconstruction.

Studies to date of superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) comparing outcomes of healed grafts versus torn grafts do not separate graft tears based on location of the tear, rather they combine and report all tears as a single group. The purpose of this study was to correlate functional outcome with graft integrity and graft tear location after SCR with a dermal allograft. It was hypothesized that the functional outcomes of patients with an intact graft would be equivalent to those with graft tears leaving the tuberosity covered. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Patients who underwent SCR with an acellular dermal allograft at a single institution were included. Pre- and postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Oxford Shoulder Score, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and postoperative Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scores were recorded. A magnetic resonance imaging scan was performed postoperatively to assess graft integrity. A total of 39 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age of patients was 60.4 ± 8.7 years; mean follow-up was 53.3 ± 25 months (range, 14-98 months). Magnetic resonance imaging performed at a mean of 17.5 months (range, 6-66 months) demonstrated an intact graft in 14 (36%); tear from the glenoid in 11 (28%), from midsubstance in 4 (10%), and from the tuberosity in 8 (21%); and complete graft absence in 2 (5%). Patients were divided into group 1 (intact graft), group 2 (tuberosity covered: tears from glenoid and midsubstance tears), and group 3 (tuberosity bare: tears from the tuberosity and dissolved or absent grafts). In group 1, there was significant improvement in ASES (37.9 to 88.5; P < .001), Oxford (25.2 to 46.2; P < .001), and VAS (6.8 to 0.9; P < .001). In group 2, there was significant improvement in ASES (32.2 to 86.1; P < .001), Oxford (23.4 to 44.2; P < .001), and VAS (7.3 to 1.3; P < .001). In group 3, there was no significant improvement in ASES (40.3 to 45.8; P = .50) or Oxford (33.5 to 31.4; P = .81), but there was a significant reduction in VAS (7.1 to 5.4; P = .03). There was no significant difference between group 1 and 2 in postoperative ASES (88.5 vs 86.1; P = .59), Oxford (46.2 vs 44.2; P = .07), VAS (0.9 vs 1.3, P = .42) and SANE (85.4 vs 83.2; P = .92) scores. However, group 3 had significantly lower ASES (45.8; P < .001), lower Oxford (31.4; P < .001), lower SANE (45.4; P < .001), and higher VAS (5.4; P < .001) scores than groups 1 and 2. There were no differences in outcomes based on sex (P = .72), previous surgery (P = .06), preoperative acromiohumeral distance (P = .57), and preoperative Goutallier stage of the supraspinatus (P = .16). Patients who underwent SCR with a dermal allograft and developed a graft tear leaving the tuberosity covered had equivalent functional outcomes to those with an intact graft.

Differences in Graft Tear Configurations in Medial and Lateral Meniscal Allograft Transplantation: Objective Evaluations Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background: Few studies have compared the characteristics of meniscal allograft tears between medial and lateral meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) using bone fixation. Purpose: To investigate the prevalence, location, and patterns of allograft tears after MAT with the bone fixation technique and compare tear patterns between medial and lateral compartments according to the time elapsed after surgery. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The charts of consecutive patients who underwent primary medial or lateral MAT between December 1996 and June 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The location, pattern, and postoperative periods during which allograft tears occurred were evaluated by reviewing all series of follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, which were performed at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively and every 2 years thereafter with the patient's agreement. Postoperative periods for allograft tears were defined as the time between surgery and the follow-up MRI scan in which the meniscal tear was first confirmed. Allograft tears were compared between the medial and lateral MAT groups. Results: A total of 327 consecutive patients who underwent MAT (55 medial, 272 lateral) with a minimum 2-year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. The incidences of allograft tears after medial and lateral MATs were 32.7% and 30.9%, respectively. The mean times for tears were 80.1 ± 81.1 months and 48.9 ± 46.3 months in the medial and lateral MAT groups, respectively (P = .130). In both the medial and lateral MAT groups, allograft tears were observed mainly in the posterior horn, with complex tears being the most commonly identified tear type. In medial MATs, root tears were the second most common at 27.8%, with a significantly higher proportion than the lateral MATs (P = .014). On the other hand, in lateral MATs, meniscocapsular separation and radial tears were the second most common at 15.5% each, albeit not significantly more common than in medial MATs (P = .123 and P = .454, respectively). All root tears in medial MATs and meniscocapsular separations in lateral MATs were observed within 1 year postoperatively. Conclusion: Significant differences in allograft tear patterns were identified between the medial and lateral MAT groups. The proportion of root tears in medial MATs was higher than that in lateral MATs; conversely, the proportion of meniscocapsular separation was more common in lateral MATs. Such tear patterns, which may require surgical repair or graft resection, were observed only within 1 year of surgery. Therefore, close observation and regular follow-up in the earlier postoperative period are necessary after medial or lateral MATs.

Superior Capsular Reconstruction Using an Acellular Dermal Xenograft or Allograft Improves Shoulder Function but Is Associated with a High Graft Failure Rate.

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate clinical and functional outcomes, graft integrity rate and progression of osteoarthritis after superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) at short-term follow-up. Methods: Consecutive patients that underwent SCR using an acellular dermal xeno- or allograft between May 2018 and June 2020 for the treatment of irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears were included. Shoulder function (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] score), pain (Visual Analog Scale [VAS] for pain) and active shoulder range of motion (ROM) were evaluated preoperatively and after a minimum of 24 months postoperatively. Isometric strength was measured at follow-up and compared to the contralateral side. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to evaluate graft integrity and osteoarthritis progression (shoulder osteoarthritis severity [SOAS] score). Results: Twenty-two patients that underwent SCR using a xeno- (n = 9) or allograft (n = 13) were evaluated 33.1 ± 7.2 months postoperatively. Four patients in the xenograft group underwent revision surgery due to pain and range of motion limitations and were excluded from further analysis (revision rate: 18.2%). Shoulder function (ASES score: 41.6 ± 18.8 to 72.9 ± 18.6, p < 0.001), pain levels (VAS for pain: 5.8 ± 2.5 to 1.8 ± 2.0, p < 0.001) and active flexion (p < 0.001) as well as abduction ROM (p < 0.001) improved significantly from pre- to postoperatively. Active external rotation ROM did not improve significantly (p = 0.924). Isometric flexion (p < 0.001), abduction (p < 0.001) and external rotation strength (p = 0.015) were significantly lower in the operated shoulder compared to the non-operated shoulder. Ten shoulders demonstrated a graft tear at the glenoid (n = 8, 44.4%) or humerus (n = 2, 11.1%). Graft lysis was observed in seven shoulders (38.9%). The graft was intact in one shoulder (5.6%), which was an allograft. A significant progression of shoulder osteoarthritis was observed at follow-up (SOAS score: 42.4 ± 10.1 to 54.6 ± 8.4, p < 0.001). Conclusions: At short-term follow-up, SCR using an acellular dermal xeno- or allograft resulted in improved shoulder function and pain with limitations in active external rotation ROM and isometric strength. Graft failure rates were high and osteoarthritis progressed significantly. Level of Evidence: Retrospective cohort study, Level III.

Improved Acromiohumeral Distance Independently Predicts Better Outcomes After Arthroscopic Superior Capsular Reconstruction Graft Tears

PurposeTo identify independent factors responsible for the poor outcomes after a graft tear after arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (ASCR). MethodsPatients who underwent ASCR for massive rotator cuff tears between January 2013 and July 2021were reviewed. Based on the achievement of the minimal clinically important differences for clinical outcome measures at the final follow up, patients were divided into the good outcome (GO) and poor outcome (PO) groups. The minimal clinically important differences were calculated as the values equal to one‐half of the standard deviation of the changes in outcome scores between the preoperative baseline and the latest follow‐up. Pre- and final follow-up variables included demographics, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, range of motion, Preoperative and postoperative 1-year radiological variables were analyzed using MRIs, including anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) tear sizes, subscapularis tear, acromiohumeral distance (AHD), and degree of fatty degeneration. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the significant predictors of poor outcomes. ResultsA total of 33 patients who underwent ASCR presented with graft tears, which were confirmed by postoperative 1-year magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and had a minimum follow-up duration of 2 years after surgery were enrolled. The GO group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in functional outcomes compared with the PO group (ASES: 83.5 ± 11.8 vs. 64.0 ± 20.4, P = 0.004; Constant: 67.6 ± 5.7 vs. 57.1 ± 9.8, P <0.001; and VAS: 0.9 ± 1.2 vs. 2.4 ± 2.0, P = 0.026). The postoperative 1-year AHD showed significant improvement in the GO group (3.1 ± 1.2 vs. 6.1 ± 1.4, P <0.001) but no change in the PO group (3.4 ± 1.3 vs. 4.2 ± 0.9, P = 0.074) postoperatively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that a decreased postoperative 1-year AHD (OR, 0.145; P = 0.019) was associated with a poor outcome after a graft tear. ConclusionA narrow postoperative 1-year AHD was identified as the most importantindependent risk factor indicating poor clinical outcomes after a graft tear post-ASCR, which was related to a larger tear and loss of integrity between the grafts and infraspinatus at 1 year postoperatively. Level of evidenceLevel IV.

Poster 297: Clinical Outcomes and Return to Sports After Revision ACL Reconstruction With Lateral Extraarticular Tenodesis: Comparison to A Control Group of ACL Reconstruction Only at a Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up

Objectives: Lateral extraarticular tenodesis (LET) has been shown to decrease failure rate in settings of revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in young, high-demand patients. However, there is a paucity of literature comparing clinical outcomes and return to sports after patients who undergo revision ACL reconstruction LET compared to those without LET (control group). Methods: All patients who underwent revision ACL reconstruction with and without LET between January 2018 and February 2020 were queried at our institutional registry. The LET group was compared to the control group (revision ACL reconstruction without LET) were followed for a minimum of 24 months postsurgery to evaluate patients reported outcome measures, satisfaction, return to sports, rate of reoperation, and psychological readiness for return to sports (using the ACL-Return to Sport After Injury Scale, ACL-RSI). Results: A total of 81 patients with a mean follow-up of 2.75 years were included. The LET group contained 37 patients (76% female) with a mean age of 26.6 years and body mass index (BMI) of 23.5 kg/m^2 compared to 44 patients (80% female) with mean age of 28.2 years and BMI of 26.9 kg/m^2. There were no significant differences between the LET and control groups with respect to mean postoperative Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pain Interference (47.7 vs 48.3, p = 0.46) and PROMIS Mobility scales (53.3 vs 52.9, p = 0.97). In addition, there were no differences in postoperative International Knee Documentation Committee (78.9 vs 78.3, p=0.45), Marx (7.9 vs 7.2, p = 0.64), or Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (73.1 vs 74.2, p = 0.38) scores. The same held true with regards to postoperative ACL-RSI scores between the groups (43.3 vs 50.1, p = 0.38). Return to play rates after revision ACL were similar in the LET group compared to the control group (55% vs 45%, p = 0.40) with similar confidence to play their pre-injury sport (scale out of 100, 58.2 vs 56.2, p = 0.82). Lastly, overall reoperation rates were similar between the groups with the LET group having a rate of 21.2% compared to 19.4% for the control group. When isolated for revision due to graft tear, the LET group had a re-revision rate of 13.5% compared to 6.8% in the control group (p = 0.31). Conclusions: Satisfaction and patient reported outcome scores after revision ACL reconstruction are good with or without LET. While both groups have similar rates of return to play and reoperation at greater than 2- year follow-up, these results suggest the addition of LET may provide similar outcomes in high-risk patients when compared to isolated revision ACL reconstruction.

Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Medial Meniscal Allograft Transplantation Combined With Realignment Surgery.

The outcomes of medial meniscal allograft transplantation (MMAT) combined with high tibial osteotomy (HTO) compared with isolated MMAT remain unclear. To compare the clinical and radiological results of MMAT combined with HTO and isolated MMAT. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. This retrospective study included 42 consecutive patients, who were divided into group M (isolated MMAT; n = 22) and group H (MMAT combined with HTO with a varus angle >3°; n = 20). Group differences in subjective knee scores, isokinetic muscle strength test, and radiological outcomes (Kellgren-Lawrence grade, mechanical axis, graft extrusion, graft status, and articular cartilage loss) were compared. The mean follow-up period was 29.2 ± 4.9 months and 27.4 ± 5.3 months for groups M and H, respectively. The Lysholm score improved from 55.4 ± 9.5 to 81.3 ± 9.7 and from 52.6 ± 8.9 to 84.2 ± 10.2 in groups M and H, respectively (both P < .001). The International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score improved from 51.4 ± 10.3 to 79.6 ± 9.4 and from 49.3 ± 11.4 to 81.4 ± 8.3 in groups M and H, respectively (both P < .001). Both groups showed no significant differences in subjective knee scores and isokinetic extensor strength at the final follow-up. The rate of preoperative and postoperative high International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society grade (≥3) did not differ between the 2 groups. Group M showed greater coronal graft extrusion than did group H (3.3 ± 0.7 mm vs 2.7 ± 0.8 mm; P = .014); the rate of pathologic graft extrusion (≥3 mm) was not higher in group M (40.9%) than in group H (20%) with the number of patients available (P = .143). Both groups showed no significant difference in the graft status. Graft tears were observed in 2 patients (9%) in group M and 1 patient (5%) in group H (P = .607). Clinical scores significantly improved after isolated MMAT and MMAT combined with HTO compared with preoperative values, and their short-term outcomes were similar. Postoperative graft extrusion was greater in patients who underwent isolated MMAT, implying that active correction of varus alignment during MMAT may help in intra-articular biomechanics.

Association of Spanish as a Primary Language With Retear Rates After Pediatric ACL Reconstruction.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are one of the most common knee injuries in pediatric patients in the United States. The patient's primary spoken language may affect outcomes after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). The purpose of this study was to identify differences in ACLR outcomes between patients whose primary, preferred spoken language was either English or Spanish. It was hypothesized that there would be a difference in retear rates between patients preferring English versus Spanish. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. A retrospective cohort study was performed on pediatric and adolescent patients who underwent ACLR at a single institution. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts based on their preferred spoken language: English or Spanish. All patients underwent either hamstring tendon or bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft ACLR performed by the same surgeon with the same postoperative rehabilitation protocols. Linear regression, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine if outcomes, graft tear, revision surgery, and contralateral injury differed between groups. A total of 68 patients were identified: 33 patients whose preferred language was English and 35 patients whose preferred language was Spanish. The overall mean age of the patients was 16.4 ± 1.4 years (range, 13.2-20.5 years), and the mean follow-up time was 3.26 ± 1.98 years (range, 0.53-8.13 years). Patients who preferred Spanish were more likely than those who preferred English to experience graft tears requiring revision surgery after ACLR (P = .02; odds ratio [OR] = 5.81; adjusted OR = 1.94), at a tear rate of 14.3%. Patients who preferred to speak Spanish experienced higher graft tear rates when compared with patients who preferred speaking English, even after adjusting for sex, sport played, graft type, type of insurance, and time to surgery.

A tight anterosuperior intercondylar notch may increase the risk of cyclops syndrome after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a quadruple semi-tendinosus short autograft

BackgroundCyclops syndrome is loss of terminal knee extension caused by a fibrous nodule developed in the anterior intercondylar notch. The many known risk factors include preoperative motion-range limitation, tibial tunnel malposition, and tight hamstrings. The primary objective of this study was to assess whether intercondylar notch size was associated with the risk of cyclops syndrome or graft tear after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a quadruple semi-tendinosis autograft. The secondary objective was to determine whether intercondylar notch size was associated with functional outcomes. HypothesisA narrow intercondylar notch is associated with higher risks of cyclops syndrome and poor functional outcomes. MethodsConsecutive patients who underwent ACL reconstruction by quadruple semi-tendinosus autograft were included retrospectively. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans were assessed by a single senior surgeon, who determined the conventional notch width index (NWI) and the anterior NWI (aNWI) for each patient. ResultsThe 120 included patients had a mean follow-up of 2.4±0.8 years. Among them, 20 (16.7%) experienced cyclops syndrome and 7 (5.8%) graft rupture. At last follow-up, 26 (21.7%) had not returned to sports and only 47 (39.2%) had returned to sports at the pre-injury level. The mean Lysholm score was 87.9±13.5 and the main subjective IKDC score was 84±13. A narrow notch was significantly associated with lower likelihoods of returning to sports (p=0.001), returning to the same sport (p<0.0001), and returning to the pre-injury sport level (p=0.004). By multivariate analysis, only the aNWI index was significantly associated with the risk of cyclops syndrome (p<0.0001). An aNWI index lower than 0.18 had 85% sensitivity and 78% specificity for predicting cyclops syndrome. ConclusionA narrow anterosuperior intercondylar notch may increase the risk of cyclops syndrome after ACL reconstruction using a quadruple semi-tendinosus graft but is not associated with the risk of graft rupture. Level of evidenceIV, retrospective observational cohort study.

Clinical outcomes of arthroscopic superior capsule reconstruction in patients aged over 70 with irreparable rotator cuff tears

BackgroundArthroscopic superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) was developed to restore superior shoulder stability, muscle balance, and function after irreparable posterior–superior rotator cuff tears. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether favorable clinical outcomes after SCR for irreparable rotator cuff tears would be obtained in patients older than 70 years. MethodsA total of 173 consecutive shoulders in 162 patients who underwent arthroscopic SCR using autografts of fascia lata for irreparable rotator cuff tears were allocated to three groups according to patient age at the time of surgery: Group 1, <55 years old (11 shoulders); Group 2, 55 to 70 years old (85 shoulders); and Group 3, >70 years old (77 shoulders). American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, active shoulder range of motion (ROM), and visual analog scale (VAS) were evaluated before surgery and at the final follow-up. Postoperative complications, including graft tears in MRI and donor-site morbidity, were assessed. ResultsThe mean follow-up was 3 years and 9 months. Both ASES and JOA scores and active ROM (elevation, external rotation, and internal rotation) increased significantly after arthroscopic SCR in all three groups (P < .001), and VAS decreased significantly. All three groups had low graft tear (6%–10%) and donor site morbidity (0%–1%) rates, with no significant difference among the groups. ConclusionArthroscopic SCR can lead to functional improvement and pain relief with a low rate of complications regardless of patient age.

Risk Factor for Clinical Failure of Medial Meniscal Allograft Transplant: Early vs Late Graft Tear

Background: Graft tears are common postoperative findings in meniscal allograft transplant (MAT). Graft tear in medial MAT may be different from that of lateral MAT, considering the difference between medial meniscal tears and lateral meniscal tears. Moreover, medial MAT is frequently accompanied by ligament reconstruction, which is associated with graft tear. The effect of graft tear on the long-term survivorship of medial MAT has not been investigated. Hypothesis: Graft tear would adversely affect the survivorship of medial MAT and the effect would be different according to the timing of graft tear. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 55 patients undergoing medial MAT between June 2019 and March 2000 were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were reviewed to identify graft tears, and the timing of their occurrence was investigated. Postoperative MRI was performed routinely during the first postoperative year and every 2 years thereafter. The patients were classified into a no graft tear (NT) group, early graft tear (occurring within 1 year; ET) group, and late graft tear (occurring 1 year after surgery; LT) group. The survival rate of medial MAT was estimated according to graft tear, with a failure being defined as (1) reoperations including arthroplasty, realignment osteotomy, revision MAT, and meniscectomy (>50% of the graft or to the zone of the meniscocapsular junction) or (2) Lysholm score <65. Clinical scores were compared between the groups. Results: The mean follow-up duration was 8.6 ± 5.3 years. During that period, clinical failures occurred in 6 (10.9%) patients. The overall survival rate at 5 years was 94.0% (95% CI, 90.6%-97.4%). Graft tears were seen in 18 patients: 6 patients in the ET group and 12 patients in the LT group. The median time when the graft tear was noted on MRI scans was 5.5 months (range, 1-11 months) postoperatively in the ET group and 99.5 months (range, 19-264 months) postoperatively in the LT group. Five patients in the ET group had root tears, whereas 9 patients in the LT group had complex or horizontal tears. The 5-year survival rate of the ET group was 62.5% (95% CI, 41.2%-83.8%), which was significantly lower than that of the NT group (96.8%; 95% CI, 93.6%-99.9%) and the LT group (85.7%; 95% CI, 72.5%-98.9%; P = .002). The mean postoperative Lysholm scores were 85.6 ± 17.9 in the NT group, 93.0 ± 2.8 in the ET group, and 79.3 ± 11.6 in the LT group, showing no significant difference between the groups (Kruskal-Wallis test, P = .058). Conclusion: Clinical relevance of graft tear that occurred after medial MAT was dependent upon its timing. ET was a risk factor for clinical failure, whereas LT did not adversely affect graft survivorship. Lysholm scores did not differ according to graft tear.

Clinical and radiological outcomes between superior capsule reconstruction using allografts or xenografts: a 2-year retrospective comparison study

BackgroundTreating symptomatic, massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears remains challenging and controversial. Superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) using the tensor fascia lata has shown promising clinical results; however, due to donor site morbidity, interest in SCR using other grafts has increased. Yet, no studies have compared allografts with xenografts. In addition, the clinical results of graft tears remain controversial. This study compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of SCR between those with allografts and xenografts. MethodsSixty-seven patients who had undergone SCR with allografts or xenografts between January 2016 and December 2020 were included in this retrospective study. Furthermore, 62 patients were evaluated 2 years postsurgery, with five patients excluded due to loss to follow-up or conversion to reverse shoulder arthroplasty. The Constant, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores, range of motion, and radiological outcomes were evaluated before the surgery and at 6 and 24 months after surgery. ResultsThe graft tear rate was 23.08% in the allograft group and 42.86% in the xenograft group at 6 months after surgery; at 2 years postsurgery, the gap further widened to 32.43% and 64.00%, respectively, showing a significant difference. The graft in the allograft group was thicker than that in the xenograft group, and there were significant differences on the humeral side and in the midsubstance area. The allograft group showed significantly better VAS, Constant, and ASES scores than the xenograft group 2 years postsurgery. However, the difference in clinical outcomes between the two groups did not surpass minimal clinically important differences (MCID). ConclusionAlthough ASCR using xenografts had significantly lower clinical outcome than allografts, this difference did not reach MCID. ASCR using xenografts showed higher graft tear rates than allografts. Even with partial tears, better results were obtained if the graft continuity was maintained. Additionally, after surgery, the xenograft showed less thickness than the allograft and resulted in more tears, specifically in the midsubstance area.

Early Graft Tear As a Major Risk Factor for the Clinical Failure of Lateral Meniscal Allograft Transplantation

Background: Graft tears are often observed on magnetic resonance imaging after lateral meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT). Their characteristics, such as the location and configuration, are likely to be different depending on the timing of the injury. However, the clinical relevance of early and late graft tears has not been investigated. Hypothesis: (1) Both early and late graft tears would be associated with the clinical failure of lateral MAT, and (2) an early graft tear (ET) would lead to worse outcomes than a late graft tear (LT) or an intact graft. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 261 patients who had undergone lateral MAT between March 2000 and June 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The graft tear was investigated using magnetic resonance imaging, which was performed routinely during the first postoperative year and every 2 years thereafter. The patients were classified according to the timing of the graft tear: no graft tear (NT) group, ET (≤1 year after surgery) group, and LT (>1 year after surgery) group. Clinical failure was defined as (1) reoperations including arthroplasty, realignment osteotomy, revision MAT, and meniscectomy (>50% of the graft or to the zone of the meniscocapsular junction) or (2) a Lysholm score of <65. Risk factors for a low survival rate were investigated using Cox regression analysis. A comparison of the Lysholm scores for each group was also performed. Results: There were 24 (9.2%) patients who had clinical failure at a mean follow-up of 7.5 ± 4.3 years. The overall survival rate at 5 years was 92.8% (95% CI, 91.1%-94.5%). A graft tear was noted in 80 patients: 23 patients in the ET group and 57 patients in the LT group. The most common tear pattern was a meniscocapsular tear in the ET group and a complex tear in the LT group. The hazard ratios for clinical failure in the ET and LT groups were 30.7 (95% CI, 9.4-76.4; P < .001) and 4.0 (95% CI, 1.3-12.9; P = .013), respectively. The Lysholm score of the ET group (82.7 ± 14.8) was significantly lower than that of the other 2 groups (NT: 87.6 ± 11.7; LT: 90.7 ± 9.0; P = .024). Conclusion: An ET was a major risk factor for the clinical failure of lateral MAT. An LT was associated with a lower survival rate. An ET was also associated with worse clinical outcomes.

Postoperative results of arthroscopic superior capsule reconstruction using fascia lata: a retrospective cohort study

Superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) was developed to improve shoulder function and alleviate pain in patients with primary irreparable rotator cuff tears. Although suitable clinical results of SCR have been reported, only a few studies have investigated the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic superior capsule reconstruction (ASCR) using tensor fascia at a minimum follow-up period of 2years after surgery. Among 100 consecutive patients who underwent ASCR since April 2010, this retrospective cohort study included 49 patients with a Hamada classification of ≤3 who were available for at least 2-year follow-up after surgery. The mean follow-up period was 34.5 (24-74) months. We analyzed preoperative and postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder scores, preoperative and postoperative active elevation angles, external and internal rotations with the arms in the anatomical position, manual muscle test (MMT) scores, preoperative and postoperative acromiohumeral distance (AHD), and cuff integrity on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging using the Hasegawa classification. We compared 27 pseudoparalyzed (elevation of <90°) shoulders with 22 nonpseudoparalyzed shoulders. We also evaluated the treatment of patients with subscapularis tendon tears and compared the outcomes of patients with good graft repair and those with graft retear. The JOA score, UCLA score, active elevation angle, internal and external rotation angles, and muscle strength (MMT) significantly improved at the time of investigation preoperatively and 2years postoperatively. The mean AHD also improved from 5±2.6mm preoperatively to 9±2.8mm postoperatively. No significant difference in graft tear rate was observed between pseudoparalyzed shoulder and nonpseudoparalyzed shoulder groups. The subscapularis tendon was torn in 26 of 49 (53%) patients, and all patients underwent repair. The graft repair group showed a significant improvement in JOA scores, UCLA shoulder scores, joint range of motion, MMT, and AHD postoperatively, but not in internal rotation strength. In contrast, the graft tear group did not show any significant improvement. All patients could return to work, except for those performing heavy labor. Complications included graft tear in five patients, postoperative infection in two patients, and progressive postoperative arthropathic changes in one patient. Good clinical results of ASCR were obtained using tensor fascia lata at 2years after surgery, with few complications and low graft tear rates.

Tear patterns and locations are different between lateral and medial compartments in patients with early anatomical failure after meniscal allograft transplantation.

To investigate the characteristics of anatomically failed grafts within 1year after meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) and compare the differences between lateral and medial MATs. The records of consecutive patients with anatomically failed grafts within 1year after primary MAT between 2005 and 2018 were reviewed. Anatomical failure was defined as a tear covering > 50% of the allograft or an unstable peripheral rim. The pattern and location of the graft tears were analyzed using magnetic resonance imaging or arthroscopy. A total of 21 patients were included. All 21 patients had anatomical failure with tears involving > 50% of the allograft, whereas 15 had an unstable peripheral rim of the allograft. The mean failure time was 6.6 ± 3.6months in all patients (lateral MAT, n = 15; medial MAT, n = 6). In the lateral MAT group, meniscocapsular separation was the most common pattern (n = 10, 66.7%), followed by complex (n = 3, 20.0%), radial (n = 1, 6.7%), and longitudinal (n = 1, 6.7%) tear. In the medial MAT group, a root tear was the most common pattern (n = 5, 83.3%), followed by a complex tear (n = 1, 16.7%). Meanwhile, in the lateral MAT, the midbody was the most frequently affected location (n = 9, 60.0%), followed by the posterior (n = 5, 33.3%) and anterior (n = 1, 6.7%) areas; in the medial MAT group, the posterior (n = 5, 83.3%) was the most frequently affected location, followed by the anterior area (n = 1, 16.7%). Significant differences in the pattern (P = 0.002) and location (P = 0.043) of the graft tears were found between lateral and medial MATs. In patients with early failure after MAT, meniscocapsular separation in the midbody of the lateral compartment and root tears in the posterior area of the medial compartment were the most common. Thus, surgeons are encouraged to pay extra attention to these vulnerable areas during the early period after MAT. IV.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Autologous Hamstrings Augmented with Ligament Augmentation and Reconstruction Systems (LARS) or Synthetic Meshwork of LARS Compared with Four-Strand Hamstring Tendon Grafts Alone, a Prospective, Randomized Clinical Study with 2- to 8-Year Follow-Up.

To compare the long-term outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a four-strand hamstring tendon graft alone (hamstring group) or with synthetics (Ligament Augmentation and Reconstruction System, LARS group) or synthetic meshwork of LARS (meshwork group). Patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using four-strand hamstring tendon grafts (hamstring group), autologous hamstrings augmented with the LARS (LARS group), or synthetic meshwork of LARS (meshwork group) were selected in this prospective randomized clinical study. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were obtained preoperatively; at 6, 12, and 18months postoperatively; and at final follow-up between 3 and 8years. Second-look arthroscopic findings were used to evaluate graft morphology based on graft tension, graft tear, and synovial coverage. A total of 141 consecutive patients underwent ACL reconstruction, 47 patients in each group, and 21 patients were lost to follow-up during the study period. At the 6-month follow-up, the IKDC scores and Lysholm scores were significantly better in the LARS group (P < 0.05). At the 6- and 12-month follow-ups, the KOS-ADLS, KOOS-activities of daily living and quality of life, NSARS scores, GRC scores, Tegner scores, and ACL-RSI scores were significantly better in the LARS group (P < 0.05). For the LARS group, hamstring group, and meshwork group, the cumulative failure rates were 8.5%, 12.8%, and 4.3%, respectively. Malposition of the femoral tunnel was significantly associated with cumulative failure (P < 0.05). There was no difference between the groups in other outcomes at any other time, including radiographic and arthroscopic outcomes. ACL reconstruction using autologous hamstring augmented with LARS resulted in significantly better clinical scores with a faster return to sports and comparative side-to-side differences in graft laxity by 6 and 12months follow-up. Despite these findings, no statistically significant differences were seen among the three patient groups in terms of objective outcomes and clinical scores at the 18-month, 3-year and 8-year follow-ups. Additionally, a malpositioned femoral tunnel was associated with graft failure.

Postoperative graft integrity affects clinical outcomes after superior capsule reconstruction using fascia lata autograft in posterior-superior rotator cuff tears: a multicenter study.

Previous studies have postulated that graft thickness and graft healing may be important factors for optimizing clinical outcomes of superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) for patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears (RCTs). However, the relationship between postoperative graft integrity and clinical outcomes after SCR remains unclear. We aimed to assess the relationship between postoperative graft integrity, including graft thickness and size of graft tear, and clinical outcomes after SCR in patients with irreparable RCTs. This retrospective multicenter study included 188 patients (86 women, 102 men; mean age, 69.2years; range, 49-87years) with irreparable RCTs who underwent arthroscopic SCR using fascia lata autografts. Using magnetic resonance imaging, the graft integrity was evaluated postoperatively at or after 1year and was classified, according to Hasegawa's classification, into 4 categories: type I-II, intact graft of sufficient thickness; type III, thinned graft without discontinuity; type IV, presence of a minor discontinuity; and type V, presence of a major discontinuity. We compared (1) baseline characteristics, (2) visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, (3) American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, (4) active shoulder range of motion, and (5) acromiohumeral distance (AHD) among 4 groups based on postoperative graft integrity. Magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed 152 shoulders (80.9%) with type I-II graft, 13 (6.9%) with type III graft, 13 (6.9%) with type IV graft, and 10 (5.3%) with type V graft. VAS and ASES scores significantly improved after SCR in all graft types (P<.0001 to P=.02). However, shoulders with type V grafts had significantly inferior postoperative VAS and ASES scores compared to those with type I-II grafts (P=.001 and P<.0001, respectively). Shoulders without graft tears (types I-II and III) showed significant improvements in shoulder elevation and internal rotation after SCR (P<.0001 to P=.02). In contrast, shoulders with large graft tears (type V) showed no significant improvement in shoulder range of motion. Postoperative acromiohumeral distance significantly increased only in shoulders with type I-II grafts (P<.0001). Postoperative graft thickness and size of graft tear affected clinical and radiographic outcomes after SCR using a fascia lata autograft. Patients with large graft tears had significantly inferior postoperative clinical scores compared to those with intact grafts of sufficient thickness, although arthroscopic SCR provided pain relief even in patients with graft tears. Shoulders with intact grafts of sufficient thickness restored glenohumeral stability and showed better clinical outcomes than those with graft thinning or tears.

Poster 313: More Severe Adverse Events are Associated with Worse Patient Reported Outcome Measures following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with and without Lateral Extra- articular Tenodesis Augmentation – Results from the Stability Randomized Trial

Objectives: Investigate how the severity of adverse events encountered during the follow up period of the Stability Study were associated with patient reported outcomes at two years post-operative. Methods: Stability is a pragmatic, multicenter, randomized clinical trial comparing single-bundle hamstring tendon ACLR with combined ACLR + LET. Patients aged 14-25 years with an ACL deficient knee were included (n = 618). Participants completed PROMs (KOOS, IKDC, ACL-QOL), and adverse events were documented pre-operatively and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Adverse events were categorized into four groups: none (no adverse event), minor medical (resolved spontaneously or with minimum medical management), minor surgical (event such as meniscus tear or stiffness that required surgical intervention but is not a graft rupture), contralateral ACL rupture, and graft rupture. A generalized linear model was used to compare mean PROM scores with the different levels of adverse events. Results: The rate of minor medical adverse events (11.2%), minor surgical adverse events (7.4%), and ipsilateral (7%) or contralateral (3%) ACL tears at 24 months post-operative were low considering the high-risk patient profile. There was no difference in the proportion of minor medical events, minor surgical events, or contralateral ACL ruptures between the ACLR only and ACLR + LET groups (p&gt;0.05). The ACLR only group had a significantly higher rate of graft rupture (11 vs 4%, p&lt;0.01). Increasing severity of adverse events were associated with lower PROM scores at 24 months post-operative. Patients who experienced any adverse event within the two-year follow up had significantly lower outcome scores than those with no events. When only adverse events in the first year post-operative were included, the influence of minor medical and minor surgical events was largely washed out suggesting the effect on outcomes may be due to recency rather than severity. However, graft tears and contralateral ACL tears within the first year led to significantly lower scores at two-years post-operative in all outcomes (p&lt;0.01). Conclusions: Increasing severity of adverse events were associated with lower patient reported outcome measures at 2 years post-operative. Recent minor medical and minor surgical events worsened PROM scores, but this effect was largely eliminated within a year of the event. Patients who experience a graft rupture or contralateral ACL tear appear to have a significantly lower PROMs at 2 years post- operative, regardless of the time at which the tear occurs. Therefore, the benefit of the LET procedure reducing graft rupture outweighs the potential for less severe events such as hardware irritation/removal which will likely be less detrimental to patient-important outcomes.

Poster 331: ACL Graft Tear or Contralateral ACL Tear: Which is Worse???

Objectives: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft tears and contralateral ACL tears are both relatively common following primary ACL reconstruction (ACLR). While some prior studies have combined these injuries as an outcome variable (“subsequent cruciate injury”), there is little prior work comparing the outcomes of these injuries. We hypothesize that patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) and activity level are lower following revision ACLR than following contralateral ACLR. Methods: From a prospective cohort study of 2333 patients who underwent primary, unilateral ACLR, 298 patients were identified who underwent revision ACLR or contralateral ACLR within 5 years of primary ACLR. Following exclusion of 11 patients who had both injuries, 256 patients were eligible for study inclusion, including 124 patients who underwent revision ACLR and 132 patients who underwent contralateral ACLR. Patients were contacted for follow-up at 6 years after the primary ACL reconstruction and PROMs were collected including subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Knee Osteoarthritis pain (KOOS-Pain) and knee-related quality of life (KOOS- QOL) subscales, and Marx activity level. Patient demographic and initial injury factors, surgical factors, and PROMs were compared between groups. Multiple regression models were used to determine whether side of subsequent surgery (revision versus contralateral ACLR) was a significant predictor of outcome. Results: Two hundred trenty-three of 256 patients (87%) were contacted and completed PROMs at 6 years following primary ACLR. The median time from primary ACLR to second ACL surgery was lower in the revision group (1.3 years) than the contralateral group (2.0 years, p &lt; 0.001). The revision group also demonstrated a lower incidence of partial lateral meniscectomy and was more likely to have received an allograft for the primary ACLR. There were no significant differences in age, sex, smoking status, pre- operative knee laxity, articular cartilage status at primary ACLR, medial meniscus status at primary ACLR, sport, or pre-operative PROMs between the two groups. At follow-up, the revision ACLR group demonstrated lower Marx activity level and PROMs than the contralateral injury group (Table 1). When controlling for the above factors, the revision ACL group demonstrated a 7.8 point lower IKDC (p&lt;0.001), a 3.2 point lower KOOS-pain (p=0.012), a 10.4 point lower KOOS-QOL (p&lt;0.001), and 2.0 point lower Marx score (p=0.002) than the contralateral ACLR group. Conclusions: Patients who undergo revision ACL R demonstrate with poorer PROMs and lower activity level than those who undergo subsequent revision ACLR. [Table: see text]

Paper 49: Bridging Reconstruction for Large-to-Massive Rotator Cuff Tears Has a Low Rate of Cuff Arthropathy Progression at A Minimum Five-Year Follow-Up

Objectives: Rotator cuff tears cause pain, muscle weakness, and difficulty with overhead activity. While smaller tears are easier to repair, large-to-massive cuff tears (&gt;3 cm in size) are considered irreparable. For patients with large-to-massive cuff tears, surgical options include maximal repair, superior capsular reconstruction, bridging reconstruction, tendon transfers and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). Bridging reconstruction was developed to improve outcomes and to avoid the morbidity associated with other technique. Bridging reconstruction, also known as graft interposition, has been shown to have superior outcomes as compared to maximal repair with better patient-reported outcomes at two-years post-operatively as recently demonstrated in a randomized controlled trial. These positive results are maintained at five years, however the midterm changes in progression of rotator cuff arthropathy and conversion to rTSA have not been assessed. The purpose is to assess the progression of rotator cuff arthropathy in bridging reconstruction patients at a five-year follow-up. Methods: Forty-four patients who underwent bridging reconstruction between 2012 and 2017 for large-to-massive rotator cuff tears were included. All patients had a minimum five-year follow-up. Data collected included demographics, pre- and post-operative Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) Index, conversion to rTSA, and X-ray readings (including acromiohumeral distance (as measured on anterior-posterior pre/post-operative radiographs) and Hamada grades for rotator cuff arthropathy). Furthermore, a sub-group analysis was performed on post-operative MRIs for graft status. Results: The mean age at surgery was 59.9± 10.8 years with a mean follow-up of 7.3±1.4 years. The population was mostly male (70.5%). Pre-operatively, seven patients had mild rotator cuff arthropathy with Hamada grade 2-3, and one patient had Hamada grade 4B. The rest of the patients had Hamada grade one preoperatively. At a minimum five-year postoperative follow-up, only one patient had a rTSA, resulting in a survivorship rate of 98%. Two patients (4.6%) had post-operative Hamada grade 4. One patient had progression of cuff arthropathy from pre-operative Hamada 3 to post-operative Hamada 4A. The other patient maintained Hamada grade 4B from pre-operative to post-operative. Patients with progression of cuff arthropathy (i.e. higher post-operative Hamada grade) appear to have a higher possibility of complete post-operative graft tears. [SS1] [JM2] There were no correlations between progression of cuff arthropathy and WORC score at five years. Conclusions: At a minimum 5-year with a mean follow-up of 7.3 years, bridging reconstruction showed 98% survivorship rate with a low rate of conversion to rTSA and a low progression of cuff arthropathy with only 4.6% of patients having advanced RCA with Hamada grade 4.