Marx Activity Research Articles

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Concomitant Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation versus Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Comparative Matched-Group Analysis of Return to Sport and Satisfaction

Objectives: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is commonly associated with articular cartilage injury. Few studies have evaluated the influence of cartilage repair on the outcome of ACL reconstruction. Currently, no known study has examined the return to sport rates of concomitant ACL reconstruction and OCA. The purpose of this study is to evaluate rate and level of return to sports, as well as long-term outcomes, between a matched cohort of isolated ACL reconstruction (ACLR) versus ACL reconstruction with concomitant OCA (ACLR/OCA). Methods: A prospectively collected registry was queried retrospectively for consecutive patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with concomitant OCA. Inclusion criteria were preoperative diagnosis of ACL rupture and more than 2 years of follow-up. After meeting the inclusion criteria, all ACL reconstructions with concomitant OCA were matched to two isolated ACL reconstruction patients via +/- 5 years of age at time of surgery, gender, revision status, and ACL reconstruction graft type. At final follow-up, patients were asked to complete a subjective sports questionnaire, the Marx activity scale, a visual analog scale (VAS), and a satisfaction questionnaire. Results: Seventeen ACL/OCA patients met inclusion criteria. Fourteen eligible 2:1 matched pairs (28 ACLR; 14 ACLR/OCA;), were identified for analysis. The average age at the time of surgery was 33.89 +/- 8.64 and 35.92 +/- 6.22 for the ACLR and ACLR/OCA groups, respectively (P = .44). Average follow-up was 4.09 years and 5.14 years for the ACLR and ACLR/OCA groups, respectively (P = .17). At final follow-up, the average Marx activity scalescores were 6.54 for ACRL patients and 1.57 for ACLR/OCA patients; final scores were significantly different between groups (P < 0.01). The average VAS pain scores at final follow-up were 1.96 in the ACLR and 3.64 in ACLR/OCA groups with the ACLR/OCA patients displaying significantly worse final VAS pain scores (P = .03). 89.3% of ACLR patients (25 of 28) returned to at least 1 sport postoperatively compared with 57.1% of ACLR/OCA patients (8 of 14) (P=0.04). At final follow-up, 14.2% (2 of 14) of the ACLR/OCA group and 32.1% (9 of 28) of the ACLR group reported starting a new sport or activity. Average timing for full return to sports was 9.57 +/- 5.53 months and 9.27 +/- 3.25 months for the ACLR/OCA and ACLR groups, respectively (P = .86). At final follow-up, 33.3% and 57.1% of patients returned to better or same level of sport for the ACLR/OCA and ACLR groups, respectively (P = .06). Significantly more ACLR/OCA patients reported their activity level was hindered by their knee (92.8% ACLR/OCA; 60.7% ACLR). Significantly more ACLR patients reported satisfaction with their surgery compared with ACLR/OCA patients (89% vs 57%) (P < 0.01), however no statistical difference was observed in satisfaction with ability to play sports between groups. Conclusion: Significantly less ACLR/OCA patients (57.1%) were able to return to at least 1 sport when compared to a matched ACLR cohort (89.3%). At final follow-up, a higher percentage of ACLR patients were able to return to pretreatment activity intensity level or better (ACLR/OCA, 33.3%; ACLR, 57.1%). ACLR/OCA patients had significantly more pain and lower Marx activity scores. Despite a lower return to sport rate, there was no statistical difference in reported satisfaction with activity level between the groups, however the ACLR/OCA groups reported significantly lower overall surgical satisfaction.

Meniscal Repair with Concurrent Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Is ACL Graft Choice Predictive of Meniscal Repair Success?

Objectives: The success rate of meniscal repair is known to increase with concurrent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, the influence of ACL graft choice has not been described. The current study examines the effect of ACL graft choice on the outcome of meniscal repair performed in conjunction with ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Methods: Patients who underwent meniscal repair with concurrent primary ACLR were identified from a longitudinal, prospective cohort. Patient demographics and subjective outcome measures including the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Marx activity rating scale were collected preoperatively. Arthroscopic assessment of meniscal tear characteristics and associated repair technique were recorded intraoperatively. Patients with subsequent repair failure, defined as any subsequent surgical procedure addressing the meniscus repaired at index surgery, were identified and operative notes were obtained in order to accurately classify pathology and treatment. A logistic regression model was built to assess the association of patient specific factors, ACL graft, baseline Marx activity level and meniscal tear laterality with the occurrence of repair failure at 6-year follow-up. Results: A total of 646 patients underwent ACLR with concurrent meniscal repair. Bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) and soft tissue (ST) autograft were used in 55.7% and 33.9% of cases, respectively, while allografts were utilized in the remaining cases. Table 1 summarizes the univariate analysis of each baseline variable. A total of 101 patients (15.6%) required subsequent surgery on the meniscus repaired at index surgery, including 89 meniscectomies (87 partial, 2 subtotal), 11 revision meniscal repairs, and 1 meniscus allograft transplantation. No statistically significant difference in meniscal repair failure rate was observed based on patient age, sex, BMI or smoking status. The odds of meniscal repair failure within 6 years of surgery for patients with only a lateral meniscal repair are 68% less than those with only a medial meniscal repair (CI: 41%, 83%; p<0.001). There is a statistically significant relationship between baseline Marx activity and the risk of subsequent meniscal repair, though it is nonlinear—patients with low or high baseline activity are at the highest risk of meniscal repair failure (CI: 1.05,1.31; p=0.004, Figure 1). The estimated odds of meniscal repair failure for BTB allograft, ST allograft, and ST autograft were 2.78 (CI: 0.84,9.19; p=0.09), 2.29 (CI: 0.97,5.45; p=0.06), and 1.42 (CI:0.87,2.32; p=0.16) times that of BTB autograft, respectively, although none proved statistically significant. Meniscal repair failure is associated with significantly lower 6-year scores for all KOOS components and the IKDC (p<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in MARX activity at 6-years (p=0.27). Conclusion: In the setting of primary ACLR, the risk of meniscal repair failure is increased with medial versus lateral meniscal repair. Patients with low or high baseline activity levels are also at an increased risk. ACL graft choice seems to have an effect on meniscal repair failure that approaches but does not reach statistical significance. A larger sample size may be required to accept the null hypothesis. [Table: see text][Figure: see text]

Effect of Graft Choice on the 6 Year Outcome of Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in the Multicenter ACL Revision Study (MARS) Cohort

Objectives: Most surgeons believe that graft choice for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is an important factor related to outcome. The purpose of this study was to determine if revision ACL graft choice predicts outcomes related to sports function, activity level, OA symptoms, graft re-rupture, and reoperation at six years following revision reconstruction. We hypothesized that autograft use would result in increased sports function, increased activity level, and decreased OA symptoms (as measured by validated patient reported outcome instruments). Additionally, we hypothesized that autograft use would result in decreased graft failure and reoperation rate 6 years following revision ACL reconstruction. Methods: Revision ACL reconstruction patients were identified and prospectively enrolled by 83 surgeons over 52 sites. Data collected included baseline demographics, surgical technique and pathology, and a series of validated patient reported outcome instruments (IKDC, KOOS, WOMAC, and Marx activity rating score). Patients were followed up for 6 years, and asked to complete the identical set of outcome instruments. Incidence of additional surgery and re-operation due to graft failure were also recorded. Multivariate regression models were used to determine the predictors (risk factors) of IKDC, KOOS, WOMAC, Marx scores, graft re-rupture, and re-operation rate at 6 years following revision surgery. Results: 1234 patients were successfully enrolled with 716 (58%) males. Median age was 26. In 87% this was their first revision. 367 (30%) were undergoing revision by the surgeon that had performed the previous reconstruction. 598 (48%) underwent revision reconstruction utilizing an autograft, 599 (49%) allograft, and 37 (3%) both autograft and allograft. Median time since their last ACL reconstruction was 3.4 years. Questionnaire follow-up was obtained on 810 subjects (65%), while phone follow-up was obtained on 949 subjects (76%). The IKDC, KOOS, and WOMAC scores (with the exception of the WOMAC stiffness subscale) all significantly improved at the 6-year follow-up time point (p<0.001). Contrary to the IKDC, KOOS, and WOMAC scores, the 6-year MARX activity scale demonstrated a significant decrease from the initial score at enrollment (p<0.001). Graft choice proved to be a significant predictor of 6-year Marx activity level scores (p=0.005). Specifically, the use of an autograft for revision reconstruction predicted improved activity levels [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.54; 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.14, 2.04]. Graft choice proved to be a significant predictor of 6-year IKDC scores (p=0.018), in that soft tissue grafts predicted higher 6-year IKDC scores [OR = 1.62; 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.09, 2.414]. For the KOOS subscales, graft choice did not predict outcome score. Graft re-rupture was reported in 55/949 (5.8%) of patients by their 6-year follow-up: 37 allografts, 16 autografts, and 2 allograft + autograft. Use of an autograft for revision resulted in patients 6.04 times less likely to sustain a subsequent graft rupture than if an allograft was utilized (p=0.009; 95% CI=1.57, 23.2). Conclusion: Improved sports function and patient reported outcome measures are obtained when an autograft is utilized. Additionally, autograft type shows a decreased risk in graft re-rupture at six years follow-up. Surgeon education regarding the findings in this study can result in potentially improved revision ACLR results for our patients.

Anterior and Rotational Knee Laxity Does Not Affect Patient-Reported Knee Function 2 Years After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background: While a primary goal of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is to reduce pathologically increased anterior and rotational knee laxity, the relationship between knee laxity after ACL reconstruction and patient-reported knee function remains unclear. Hypothesis: There would be no significant correlation between the degree of residual anterior and rotational knee laxity and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) 2 years after primary ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: From a prospective multicenter nested cohort of patients, 433 patients younger than 36 years of age injured in sports with no history of concomitant ligament surgery, revision ACL surgery, or surgery of the contralateral knee were identified and evaluated at a minimum 2 years after primary ACL reconstruction. Each patient underwent Lachman and pivot-shift evaluation as well as a KT-1000 arthrometer assessment along with Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores. A proportional odds logistic regression model was used to predict each 2-year PRO score, controlling for preoperative score, age, sex, body mass index, smoking, Marx activity score, education, subsequent surgery, meniscal and cartilage status, graft type, and range of motion asymmetry. Measures of knee laxity were independently added to each model to determine correlation with PROs. Results: Side-to-side manual Lachman differences were IKDC A in 246 (57%) patients, IKDC B in 183 (42%) patients, and IKDC C in 4 (<1%) patients. Pivot-shift was classified as IKDC A in 209 (48%) patients, IKDC B in 183 (42%) patients, and IKDC C in 11 (2.5%) patients. The mean side-to-side KT-1000 difference was 2.0 ± 2.6 mm. No significant correlations were noted between pivot-shift or anterior tibial translation as assessed by Lachman or KT-1000 and any PRO. All predicted differences in PROs based on IKDC A versus B pivot-shift and anterior tibial translation were less than 4 points. Conclusion: Neither the presence of IKDC A versus B pivot-shift nor increased anterior tibial translation of up to 6 mm is associated with clinically relevant decreases in PROs 2 years after ACL reconstruction.

Predictors of Radiographic Osteoarthritis 2-3 Years after ACL Reconstruction: Data from MOON Onsite Nested Cohort

Objectives: Multiple studies have shown patients are susceptible to post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury even with ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Prospective studies using multivariate analysis to identify risk factors for PTOA are lacking. This study aims to identify baseline predictors of radiographic PT OA after ACLR at an early time point and hypothesizes that meniscal injury and cartilage lesions will be associated with worse radiographic OA using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) atlas criteria. Methods: 421 patients who underwent ACLR returned onsite for standardized posteroanterior metatarsophalangeal radiographs a minimum of 2 years after surgery. At baseline, demographics, graft type, meniscal status/treatment, and cartilage status were collected. OARSI atlas criteria were used to grade all knee radiographs. Multivariable ordinal regression models identified baseline predictors of radiographic OARSI grades at follow-up. Results: The mean age was 19.8 years with 51.3% females. Higher age (odds ratio (OR) 1.06) and BMI (OR 1.05) were statistically significantly associated with higher OARSI grade in the medial compartment. Patients with a meniscal repair and a partial meniscectomy had statistically significantly higher OARSI grades in the medial compartment (meniscal repair OR 1.92 and meniscectomy OR 2.11) and in the lateral compartment (meniscal repair OR 1.96 and meniscectomy OR 2.97). Graft type, cartilage lesion, sex, and Marx activity scales had no significant association with OARSI grade. Conclusion: Older patients with a higher BMI who have an ACL tear with concurrent meniscal tear requiring partial meniscectomy or meniscal repair should be advised of their increased risk of developing radiographic OA. Alternatively, patients with an ACL tear with an articular cartilage lesion can be reassured that they are not at increased risk of developing radiographic knee OA at 2-3 years following ACLR.

Functional Results and Outcomes After Repair of Partial Proximal Hamstring Avulsions at Mid-term Follow-up

Objectives: Although surgical outcomes of complete hamstring avulsions are well established, the literature evaluating partial proximal hamstring repair is limited to a single study of 17 patients at short-term follow-up. Therefore, assessment of postsurgical outcomes in active patients after primary repair of acute and chronic partial proximal hamstring tears was performed. Methods: Thirty-seven patients with partial tears of the proximal hamstring origin treated with surgical fixation by a single surgeon were reviewed at 2-year minimum follow-up. All patients failed a minimum of 6 months of initial nonoperative treatment. Patient-reported outcome scores included Lower Extremity Functional Score (LEFS), Marx activity rating scale, custom LEFS and Marx scales, and total proximal hamstring score. Results: Nine male and 25 female (total=37) patients with an average age of 46.4 years (range=16-65) were reviewed at average 6.6 year (range=2-12.5) follow-up. Average postoperative LEFS was 96 (range=79-100) with custom LEFS being 91 (range=39-100). The mean Marx score was 12.7 (range=4-16). Marx custom score demonstrated no disability with activities of daily living. Mean total proximal hamstring score was 95 (range=69-100). No difference in any outcome measures were seen when comparing acute vs. chronic repairs. No patient underwent future hamstring surgery. No patients reported symptoms of numbness in the operative extremity at rest while 1 patient had a superficial stitch abscess treated with antibiotics alone. All (37/37) were satisfied with surgery, 83.7% reported they could participate in strenuous activity, and 94.6% estimated their strength to be &gt;75% while 62.2% to be 100% of their contralateral side. Conclusion: Both acute and chronic anatomic surgical repair of partial proximal hamstring avulsions leads to successful functional outcomes, a high rate of return to athletic activity, and low complication rate at 6.6-year follow-up. Non-operative treatments should first be attempted including physical therapy with platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections as a possible adjunct.

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction with and without Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy

Objectives: The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the primary soft-tissue restraint against lateral patellar displacement. Surgery to address MPFL incompetence is the current gold standard for recurrent patellofemoral instability. The role of tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) as an adjunct to MPFL reconstruction remains controversial. Our purpose was to evaluate a cohort of patella instability patients undergoing surgical soft tissue stabilization with or without concomitant TTO. Our hypothesis was that there would be no difference between cohorts in baseline values, subjective outcome scores at final follow-up, or complication profile. Methods: Following IRB approval, retrospective review of prospectively collected data identified a consecutive cohort of patients undergoing soft tissue stabilization for recurrent patella instability, with or without concomitant TTO. Indications for TTO were at the surgeon’s discretion, including elevated TT-TG, Caton-Deschamps ratio, and/or unloading chondral lesion(s). Surgery was performed by a single sports fellowship trained surgeon. Pre-surgical and post-surgical patient reported outcomes were collected including KOOS domains, PROMIS (global health, mental health, physical function, pain interference), IKDC, SANE, and Marx scores. Complications requiring re-operation (infection, stiffness, recurrent instability) were recorded. Results were analyzed statistically. Results: The cohort was comprised of 87 patients (95 knees), with 25 males (28.7%) and 62 females (71.3%). The MPFL-TTO cohort had 32 patients (38 knees) and the MPFL-Iso had 55 patients (57 knees). The average age of the MPFL-TTO cohort was 28.3 (range 19.5-44.6) and the average age of the MPFL-Iso group was 29.8 (18.7-55.3). There was no significant difference in pre-operation outcome scores between groups (p&gt;.05). Significant improvements were seen for all KOOS domains in both patient cohorts with no significant differences detected between groups. SANE, IKDC, and PROMIS scores improved significantly with no differences detected between groups. Marx activity score at 6 months post-operatively was significantly different between the groups favoring the isolate MPFL reconstruction cohort. (MPFL-TTO 0.79 +/- 2.15 vs. 4.61 +/- 5.44 in the MPFL-Iso group (p=0.01)). In terms of complications, 4 knees in the MPFL-TTO group required further surgery (2 for stiffness, 1 for infection, and 1 for fracture) and 6 knees in the MPFL-Iso cohort required surgery (4 for stiffness, 1 for infection, and 1 for recurrent instability). Neither the overall complication rate of 4 vs. 6 (p=1) nor the recurrent instability rate of 0 vs. 1 (p=0.41) was significant. Conclusion: In a cohort of patients undergoing MPFL reconstruction, the addition of an appropriately indicated TTO appears to be both safe and effective. Both MPFL-TTO and MPFL-Iso groups demonstrated significant improvement in the majority of subjective outcome scores without major difference between groups. Marx activity scores were higher for the isolated MPFL reconstruction cohort at relatively short term follow-up. The surgical complication profile was similar between groups. Further work is needed to clearly define the role of TTO as an adjunct procedure to MPFL reconstruction.

No Difference Between Posterolateral Corner Repair and Reconstruction With Concurrent ACL Surgery: Results From a Prospective Multicenter Cohort.

Background:Injuries to the posterolateral corner (PLC) may occur concurrently with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.Purpose/Hypothesis:This study evaluated the outcomes of patients who underwent operative management of PLC injuries concurrently with ACL reconstruction in a prospective multicenter cohort. We hypothesized that there would be no differences in outcomes between patients who were treated with PLC repair and PLC reconstruction.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Patients undergoing ACL reconstruction were enrolled into a prospective longitudinal multicenter cohort between 2002 and 2008. Those with complete 6-year follow-up data (patient-reported outcomes and subsequent surgery information) were identified. Excluded from the study were patients with posterior cruciate ligament injuries. Patients who underwent PLC repair were compared with those who underwent PLC reconstruction with regard to interval from injury to surgery, need for revision surgery, and long-term outcomes at 6 years.Results:During the identified time frame, 3026 identified patients underwent primary ACL reconstruction; 34 (1.1%) also underwent concurrent PLC surgery (15 repairs, 19 reconstructions [18 allografts, 1 autograft]). With the numbers available, we did not detect significant differences between groups regarding the rate of meniscal or chondral injuries. Median time to PLC reconstruction was 121 days as compared with 19 days for concurrent ACL reconstruction and PLC repair (P = .01). There were no between-group differences in Marx activity scores prior to surgery (P = .4). At 6-year follow-up, there were no between-group differences in Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (P = .36-.83) or International Knee Documentation Committee score (P = .84); however, patients treated with PLC reconstructions had lower Marx activity scores (4.1 vs 9.4; P = .02). There was 1 ACL revision in the PLC reconstruction group, and 1 of the PLC repairs was revised to a reconstruction during the follow-up period.Conclusion:Good outcomes were achieved at 6-year follow-up with both repair and reconstruction of PLC injuries treated concurrently with ACL reconstruction. The PLC reconstruction group had lower activity levels 6 years after surgery. The present data suggest that, for appropriately selected patients undergoing acute surgical treatment of combined ACL and PLC injuries, PCL repair can achieve good long-term outcomes.

Superior 2-Year Functional Outcomes Among Young Female Athletes After ACL Reconstruction in Just 10 Post-Operative Return-to-Sport Training Sessions

Objectives: Outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are not uniformly acceptable and are worse among young female athletes. Developing better rehabilitation and return-to-sport (RTS) training programs and evaluating their outcomes are essential. The purposes of this study were to: 1) Test the effect of strength, agility, plyometric, and secondary prevention (SAPP) exercises with and without perturbation training (SAPP+PERT) on strength, hops, functional outcomes, activity levels, and RTS rates in young female athletes 1 and 2 years after ACLR; and 2) Compare 2-year functional outcomes and activity levels among young female athletes in the ACL-SPORTS trial to homogeneous cohorts who completed criterion-based post-operative rehabilitation alone (MOON) and in combination with extended pre-operative rehabilitation (DE-Oslo). We hypothesized that SAPP+PERT would result in superior outcomes compared to SAPP alone; and female athletes who structured completed post-operative RTS training, compared to those who did not, would have higher functional outcomes. Methods: Aim 1 is a randomized control trial (NCT01773317) while aim 2 is a cohort study. For aim 1, we enrolled 39 female athletes, based on power calculations described previously. Athletes were enrolled 3-9 months after primary ACLR when they achieved impairment resolution. Participants were randomized to 10 SAPP or SAPP+PERT sessions (˜2x/week) and tested 1 and 2 years after ACLR on quadriceps strength, 4 hop tests, functional outcome measures, and RTS rates. We used 2x2 mixed-model ANOVA to test aim 1 (α = 0.05). Secondary to no group differences, we collapsed across SAPP and SAPP+PERT for aim 2. We applied inclusion/exclusion criteria and constrained sex (female) and age (13 to &lt; 25 years) to compare these athletes who received post-operative RTS training (ACL-SPORTS) to homogeneous subsets who completed criterion-based post-operative rehabilitation alone (MOON) and combined with extended pre-operative rehabilitation (DE-Oslo) on 2-yr outcomes: the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Evaluation Form (IKDC), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Marx Activity Rating Scale. We tested aim 2 using 3-way ANOVA and Chi-Square test of proportions to compare the proportion of individuals in each group who met the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) thresholds. Results: There were no significant or clinically meaningful differences between SAPP and SAPP+PERT; groups were collapsed for comparison to the other cohorts. ACL-SPORTS had the highest scores on every outcome (Table 1). A higher proportion of ACL-SPORTS achieved the PASS thresholds for the IKDC, KOOS Activities of Daily Living, and KOOS Sport and Recreation (Fig 1, p ≤ .01). Conclusion: Our 1st hypothesis, that the addition of perturbation training would result in superior clinical and functional outcomes, was not supported. Our 2nd hypothesis, that a structured RTS training program would improve outcomes over existing cohorts, was supported. Post-operative RTS training incorporating strengthening, agilities, and plyometrics but not necessarily perturbation training, may improve functional outcomes and activity levels among young female athletes after ACLR. We provide a prototype for RTS training that would be feasible to implement into group or non-clinical environments. Future RCTs should assess the comparative effectiveness of RTS training in various settings. [Table: see text][Figure: see text][Figure: see text][Figure: see text]

Preoperative Performance of PROMIS in Patients With Patellofemoral Malalignment and Chondral Disease.

Background:Use of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) instrument has not yet been validated in patients undergoing operative treatment for patellofemoral malalignment and chondral disease.Purpose:To evaluate the PROMIS Physical Function Computer Adaptive Testing (PF CAT) instrument in a population of patients with patellofemoral malalignment and chondral disease relative to established patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments.Study Design:Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.Methods:Eligible patients were prospectively enrolled at the time of indication for surgery and completed 5 PRO instruments preoperatively: 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36); Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC); Marx activity rating scale (Marx); EuroQol 5-dimension, 5-level instrument (EQ-5D-5L); and PROMIS PF CAT. Convergent and discriminant validity was assessed by measuring correlations between PROMIS PF CAT and other PRO instruments, including the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Strength of correlation was measured by use of Spearman correlation coefficients.Results:In total, 37 patients (40 knees) were enrolled in the study. All knees underwent Fulkerson osteotomy and concomitant cartilage procedure (29 chondroplasty, 6 allograft, 5 microfracture). Mean patient age was 33.4 years, and 73% of knees were in female patients. Correlations (r) between PROMIS PF CAT and knee PRO instruments were as follows: SF-36 PF (r = 0.80; P < .01); KOOS Pain (r = 0.74; P < .01); KOOS Symptoms (r = 0.47; P < .01); KOOS Quality of Life (r = 0.68; P < .01); KOOS Sports and Recreation (r = 0.72; P < .01); KOOS Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (r = 0.80; P < .01); WOMAC Function (r = 0.80; P < .01); WOMAC Pain (r = 0.72; P < .01); WOMAC Stiffness (r = 0.38; P = .02); Marx (r = 0.22; P = .31); and EQ-5D-5L (r = 0.72; P < .01). Neither floor nor ceiling effects were observed in PROMIS PF CAT or KOOS ADL. Mean (±SD) question burden with PROMIS PF CAT was 5.6 ± 0.6 questions.Conclusion:In patients with patellofemoral malalignment and chondral disease, PROMIS PF CAT is an efficient and reliable PRO instrument to preoperatively assess patients across a spectrum of knee function without floor or ceiling effects.

Relationship Between Sports Participation After Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and 2-Year Patient-Reported Outcome Measures

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) revision cohorts continually report lower outcome scores on validated knee questionnaires than primary ACL cohorts at similar time points after surgery. It is unclear how these outcomes are associated with physical activity after physician clearance for return to recreational or competitive sports after ACL revision surgery. Hypotheses: Participants who return to either multiple sports or a singular sport after revision ACL surgery will report decreased knee symptoms, increased activity level, and improved knee function as measured by validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and compared with no sports participation. Multisport participation as compared with singular sport participation will result in similar increased PROMs and activity level. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 1205 patients who underwent revision ACL reconstruction were enrolled by 83 surgeons at 52 clinical sites. At the time of revision, baseline data collected included the following: demographics, surgical characteristics, previous knee treatment and PROMs, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaire, Marx activity score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). A series of multivariate regression models were used to evaluate the association of IKDC, KOOS, WOMAC, and Marx Activity Rating Scale scores at 2 years after revision surgery by sports participation category, controlling for known significant covariates. Results: Two-year follow-up was obtained on 82% (986 of 1205) of the original cohort. Patients who reported not participating in sports after revision surgery had lower median PROMs both at baseline and at 2 years as compared with patients who participated in either a single sport or multiple sports. Significant differences were found in the change of scores among groups on the IKDC (P < .0001), KOOS-Symptoms (P = .01), KOOS–Sports and Recreation (P = .04), and KOOS–Quality of Life (P < .0001). Patients with no sports participation were 2.0 to 5.7 times more likely than multiple-sport participants to report significantly lower PROMs, depending on the specific outcome measure assessed, and 1.8 to 3.8 times more likely than single-sport participants (except for WOMAC-Stiffness, P = .18), after controlling for known covariates. Conclusion: Participation in either a single sport or multiple sports in the 2 years after ACL revision surgery was found to be significantly associated with higher PROMs across multiple validated self-reported assessment tools. During follow-up appointments, surgeons should continue to expect that patients who report returning to physical activity after surgery will self-report better functional outcomes, regardless of baseline activity levels.

Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status Affects Patient-Reported Outcome 2 Years After ACL Reconstruction.

Background:Lower socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with worse patient-reported outcome (PRO) after orthopaedic procedures. In patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, evaluating SES by use of traditional measures such as years of education or occupation is problematic because this group has a large proportion of younger patients. We hypothesized that lower education level and lower values for SES would predict worse PRO at 2 years after ACL reconstruction and that the effect of education level would vary with patient age.Purpose:To compare the performance of multivariable models that use traditional measures of SES with models that use an index of neighborhood SES derived from United States (US) Census data.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:A cohort of 675 patients (45% female; median age, 20 years), were prospectively enrolled and evaluated 2 years after ACL reconstruction with questionnaires including the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaire, the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and the Marx activity rating scale (Marx). In addition, a new variable was generated for this study, the SES index, which used geocoding performed retrospectively to identify the census tract of residence for each participant at the time of enrollment and extract neighborhood SES measures from the 2000 US Census Descriptive Statistics. Multivariable models were constructed that included traditional measures of SES as well as the SES index, and the quality of models was compared through use of the likelihood ratio test.Results:Lower SES index was associated with worse PRO for all measures. Models that included the SES index explained more variability than models with traditional SES. In addition, a statistically significant variation was found regarding the impact of education on PRO based on patient age for the IKDC score, the Marx scale, and 4 of the 5 KOOS subscales.Conclusion:This study demonstrates that lower neighborhood SES is associated with worse PRO after ACL reconstruction and that age and education have a significant interaction in this patient population. Future studies in patients who have undergone ACL reconstruction should attempt to account for neighborhood SES when adjusting for confounding factors; further, targeting patients from areas with lower neighborhood SES with special interventions may offer an opportunity to improve their outcomes.

Predictors of Healing Ligament Size and Magnetic Resonance Signal Intensity at 6 Months After Bridge-Enhanced Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair

Background: Primary repair of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) augmented with a tissue engineered scaffold to facilitate ligament healing is a technique under development for patients with ACL injuries. The size (the amount of tissue) and signal intensity (the quality of tissue) of the healing ligament as visualized on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been shown to be related to its strength in large animal models. Hypothesis: Both modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors could influence the size and signal intensity of the repaired ligament in patients at 6 months after surgery. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: 62 patients (mean age, 19.4 years; range, 14-35 years) underwent MRI of the knee 6 months after ACL repair augmented with an extracellular matrix scaffold. The signal intensity (normalized to cortical bone) and average cross-sectional area of the healing ligament were measured from the MRI stack obtained by use of a gradient echo sequence. Associations between these 2 measures and patient characteristics, which included demographic, clinical, and anatomic features, were determined by use of multivariable regression analysis. Results: A larger cross-sectional area of the repaired ligament at 6 months was associated with male sex, older age, and the performance of a larger notchplasty (P < .05 for all associations). A lower signal intensity at 6 months, indicating greater similarity to normal ligament, was associated with a smaller tibial slope and greater side-to-side difference in quadriceps strength 3 months after surgery. Other factors, including preoperative body mass index, mechanism of injury, tibial stump length, and Marx activity score, were not significantly associated with either MRI parameter at 6 months. Conclusion: Modifiable factors, including surgical notchplasty and slower recovery of quadriceps strength at 3 months, were associated with a larger cross-sectional area and improved signal intensity of the healing ACL after bridge-enhanced ACL repair in this preliminary study. Further studies to determine the optimal size of the notchplasty and the most effective postoperative rehabilitation strategy after ACL repair augmented by a scaffold are justified. Registration: NCT02664545 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Patients treated with surgical irrigation and debridement for infection after ACL reconstruction have a high rate of subsequent knee surgery

ObjectivesThe purpose of this cross-sectional study was to describe the rates of additional surgery and patient-reported outcomes in patients who underwent surgical irrigation and debridement (I&D) for infection following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and test the hypothesis that additional surgery is associated with worse patient-reported outcomes.MethodsPatients diagnosed with a postoperative infection following ACLR (defined as one requiring surgical treatment with either a deep or superficial I&D) were identified from a prospective cohort. Both primary and revision ACLRs were included, as well as any graft type (autografts and allografts). Patient-reported outcomes (International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC], Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS] and Marx activity level) and subsequent surgeries were collected at 2-year and 6 year follow-up from the initial ACLR surgery. Baseline demographics and 2-year and 6-year outcomes (from initial ACLR) were compared between patients who did or did not undergo additional surgery subsequent to I&D using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for continuous variables and Fisher’s exact tests for categorical variables.ResultsTwenty-one of 3210 ACLR patients (0.7%) had a postoperative infection requiring surgical I&D. This group consisted of 12 men and 9 women, mean (SD) age of 25.8 (11.3) years, 18 primary and 3 revision ACLRs and 16 autografts and 5 allografts. The mean time from ACLR to the surgical I&D was 39 days. In these patients, IKDC scores improved from 44±17 prior to initial ACLR to 83±16 at 6-year follow-up (p<0.001). While all KOOS scores improved from baseline to final follow-up, activity level decreased from 11±6 to 7±5 points (p<0.001). Follow-up related to subsequent surgery was obtained on 20 of 21 patients (95%). Forty per cent of the infection group (n=8 of 20) underwent additional surgery following their I&D, with three patients (15%) undergoing revision ACLR and one patient (5%) undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Patients who underwent additional surgery had lower Marx activity at 2 years compared with patients who had no subsequent surgeries (4±3vs 9±5 points, p=0.018).ConclusionPatients who undergo I&D for an infection following ACLR have a high rate of additional surgery but still attain reasonable clinical outcomes 6 years after ACLR.Level of evidenceIV

Return to Sport and Patient Satisfaction Following Concomitant High Tibial Osteotomy and Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation

Objectives: Varus deformity of the knee predisposes patients to chondral and meniscal pathology of the medial compartment. Young patients with symptomatic chondral defects of the medial femoral with varus alignment often undergo concomitant opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and cartilage restoration including allograft transplantation (OCA). Limited information is available regarding return to sporting activities after combined HTO and osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA). Methods: All patients who underwent concomitant HTO and OCA by a single surgeon for medial knee pain due to a focal chondral defect of the medial femoral condyle were retrospectively identified through a prospectively collected data base. The primary indication for HTO was varus malalignment ≥ 5 degrees. At final follow-up, patients completed a subjective sports questionnaire, the Marx activity scale, a pain visual analog scale (VAS), a Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE), and a satisfaction questionnaire. Patients were excluded for having undergone any concomitant procedure other than cartilage restoration or &lt; 2 years of follow-up. Results: Of 39 concomitant HTO and OCA patients, 28 (71.8%) were available for follow-up at an average 6.07 +/- 4.09 years (range: 2-13 years). The average age at the time of surgery was 35.8 +/- 8.2 years, and 22 patients (78.6%) of patients were male. Four patients (14.3%) also underwent a concomitant medial meniscal allograft transplantation. Nearly all patients had undergone a prior ipsilateral knee surgery (26 patients, 92.8%). Reoperation was performed in 14 patients (50.0%) by the time of final follow-up for persistent symptoms: 6 patients received a meniscal debridement/meniscectomy, 2 patients received a total knee replacement, 1 patient received a unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, 4 patients underwent hardware removal, and 1 patient underwent autologous chondrocyte implantation of a new defect. Of the 22 patients who participated in sports within 3 years prior to their HTO + OAG, 18 patients (67.9%) returned to sport at an average of 11.4 +/- 6.4 months following operative management; however, only 35.7% of patients were able to return to their pre-injury level. Additionally, 60.7% of patients reported being satisfied or extremely satisfied with their return to sport activity. The most common reasons for discontinuing sports were: to prevent further damage (62.5%), persistent pain (54.2%), persistent swelling (33.3%), and fear of further injury (20.8%). Specific sports had high direct rates of return to sport: golf (100%), cross-fit/high-intensity (83.3%), cycling (88.9%), heavy-weightlifting (100%), swimming (60%), running (44.4%) (Figure 1). Conclusion: In a young and active population, concomitant HTO and OA provides a high rate of return to sport 11.4 months postoperatively, although only 35.7% could return to preinjury level or better. Additionally, at an average of 6.07 years following the index procedure, 60.7% of patients were satisfied regarding their sports and activities. When indicated, concomitant HTO and OCA may provide good results in young and active patients who wish to resume sports and physical activities.

Low Rates of Return to Preinjury Sport After Bilateral Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background: Patients with bilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries tend to report worse results in terms of knee function and quality of life as compared with those with unilateral injury. There are limited data regarding return to preinjury sport in this group. Purpose: To report return-to-sport rates for patients who had bilateral ACL reconstruction and to compare outcomes according to age and sex. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 107 patients (62 male, 45 female) who underwent primary ACL reconstruction surgery to both knees completed a detailed sports activity survey at a mean 5-year follow-up (range, 2.5-10 years). Follow-up also included the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective form, Marx Activity Scale, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score–Quality of Life subscale. Rates of return to preinjury levels of sport were calculated for the whole cohort, and for further analysis, the group was divided according to age (<25 vs ≥25 years), sex, and time between the reconstruction procedures (<3 vs ≥3 years). Results: The rate of return to preinjury sport after bilateral ACL reconstruction was 40% (95% CI, 31%-50%), as compared with an 83% (95% CI, 74%-88%) return rate after the first reconstruction procedure. Although not statistically significant, return rates were higher for male versus female patients (47% vs 31%) and older versus younger patients (45% vs 31%). Of those who returned to their preinjury levels of sport after the second reconstruction, 72% thought that they could perform as well as before their ACL injuries. In contrast, only 20% thought that they could perform as well if they returned to a lower level. Fear of reinjury was the most common reason cited for failure to return to sport after the second reconstruction. Patient-reported outcome scores were higher for those who returned to their preinjury levels of sport but did not differ for sex and age. Conclusion: Return-to-sport rates drop markedly after a second (contralateral) ACL reconstruction, with less than half of the investigated cohort returning to its preinjury level of sport. Return-to-sport outcomes are less than ideal for patients who have ACL reconstruction surgery to both knees.

Clinically Meaningful Improvement After Treatment of Cartilage Defects of the Knee With Osteochondral Grafts

Background: Mosaicplasty and fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) are popular cartilage restoration techniques that involve the single-stage implantation of viable, mature hyaline cartilage–bone dowels into chondral lesions of the knee. Recently, there has been greater focus on what represents a clinically relevant change in outcomes reporting, and commonly applied metrics for measuring clinical significance include the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and substantial clinical benefit (SCB). Purpose: To define the MCID and SCB after mosaicplasty or OCA for the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective form and Knee Outcome Survey–Activities of Daily Living (KOS-ADL) and to determine patient factors that are predictive of achieving the MCID and SCB after mosaicplasty or OCA. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. Methods: An institutional cartilage registry was reviewed to identify patients who underwent mosaicplasty or OCA. The decision to perform either mosaicplasty or OCA was generally based on chondral defect size. The IKDC and KOS-ADL were administered preoperatively and at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. Patient responses to the outcome measures were aggregated, and the MCID and SCB of these outcome scores were calculated with anchor-based methods. Multivariate analysis adjusted for age and sex was performed to identify patient factors predictive of achieving the MCID and SCB. Results: Of the 372 eligible patients, 151 (41%) were lost to follow-up, 46 (12%) had incomplete preoperative outcome scores and 2 were treated with OCA of the tibia and therefore excluded. In total, 173 knees were analyzed (n = 173 patients; mean age, 33.0 years; 37% female). Seventy-five (43%) and 98 (57%) knees were treated with mosaicplasty and OCA, respectively. The mean ± SD MCIDs for the IKDC and KOS-ADL were 17 ± 3.9 and 10 ± 3.7, respectively. The SCBs for the IKDC and KOS-ADL were 30 ± 6.9 and 17 ± 3.9, respectively. Univariate analysis demonstrated no association between procedure (mosaicplasty or OCA) and likelihood of achieving the MCID or SCB. In the multivariate analysis, lower preoperative IKDC and KOS-ADL scores, higher preoperative Marx Activity Rating Scale scores, lower preoperative 36-Item Short Form Health Survey pain scores, and a history of ≤1 prior ipsilateral knee surgical procedure were predictive of achieving the MCID and/or SCB. Conclusion: These values can be used to define a clinically meaningful improvement for future outcome studies. For surgeons considering mosaicplasty or OCA for their patients, these results can help guide clinical decision making and manage patient expectations before surgery.

Clinical and MRI Outcomes of Fresh Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation After Failed Cartilage Repair Surgery in the Knee.

Fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation is an appealing option to address a failed cartilage repair surgical procedure, given the ability to treat large lesions and to address the subchondral osseous changes commonly seen in the revision setting. We hypothesized that osteochondral allograft transplantation after failed cartilage repair would result in low failure rates and improved function and that improved graft incorporation on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) would correlate with a superior clinical outcome. A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was used to identify 43 patients treated with fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation after a previous cartilage repair surgical procedure and having a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Score, Marx Activity Scale, Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living (KOS-ADL) Questionnaire, Cincinnati Sports Activity Score, and Cincinnati Overall Symptom Assessment. Postoperative MRI scans were obtained at a mean time of 19.7 months and were independently reviewed by a musculoskeletal radiologist using the Osteochondral Allograft MRI Scoring System (OCAMRISS). At a mean 3.5-year follow-up after osteochondral allograft transplantation, significant improvements (p < 0.05) in SF-36 Physical Function, SF-36 Pain, KOS-ADL, IKDC Subjective Knee Score, and Cincinnati Overall Symptom Assessment were seen. Over 90% of grafts remained in situ at the time of the latest follow-up, although 17 knees (40%) underwent reoperation, the majority for arthroscopic debridement or manipulation for stiffness. Body mass index (BMI) of >30 kg/m was associated with worse clinical outcomes. The mean total OCAMRISS score demonstrated poorer allograft integration in patients with graft failure, but the total score did not meaningfully correlate with clinical outcome scores. However, better individual articular cartilage appearance and osseous integration subscores were associated with better clinical outcome scores. Significant improvements in pain and function were seen following fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation after failed cartilage repair, with an overall graft survival rate of >90%. Patients with greater bone and cartilage incorporation on MRI had superior clinical outcomes, although persistent osseous edema was frequently seen. We concluded that osteochondral allograft transplantation is an effective salvage treatment after failed cartilage repair and recommend further evaluation of techniques to optimize graft integration. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Long-term Outcomes of Primary Repair of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Combined With Biologic Healing Augmentation to Treat Incomplete Tears

Background: Surgical treatment to repair partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury without reconstruction has demonstrated inconsistent clinical success. Purpose: To examine the long-term clinical outcomes of primary ACL repair combined with biologic healing augmentation in patients with symptomatic partial ACL tears. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: 50 patients (mean age, 29.5 years) with a partial ACL tear and symptomatic knee instability were treated with primary ligament repair in conjunction with marrow stimulation and followed prospectively for a mean duration of 10.2 years (range, 5.3-14.3 years). Comparative analysis of preinjury, preoperative, and postoperative scores using patient-reported assessment instruments was performed to examine clinical outcomes. Correlation of final outcome scores with patient age, type of ACL tear, side-to-side difference in ligamentous laxity, and body mass index (BMI) was performed through use of Spearman rank analysis. Results: 44 patients were available for assessment at final follow-up. The median Tegner Activity Scale score of 7 at final follow-up was the same as the preinjury median score of 7 (P = .128). The mean Marx Activity Scale, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective, and Lysholm Knee Questionnaire scores were 10.8, 90.4, and 96.2, respectively, at final follow-up. Mean final Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subset assessments of Pain, Symptoms, Activities of Daily Living, Sports, and Quality of Life were 98.6, 97.5, 99.7, 94.3, and 95.6, respectively. Secondary ACL insufficiency occurred in 27% of patients. Clinical outcome scores were similar for all scoring instruments between patients treated for an associated diagnosis of meniscal or articular cartilage injury. No significant correlations of age, BMI, ACL tear type, or laxity and final IKDC Subjective, Lysholm, or KOOS scores were found. Analysis revealed a negative correlation of patient age and Tegner score at preinjury (rs = −0.333, P = .022) and at final follow-up (rs = −0.376, P = .013). The mean side-to-side difference in ligamentous laxity of 3.4 mm at short-term follow-up in those patients who developed secondary ACL insufficiency over the duration of follow-up was significantly greater than the mean of 0.9 mm in those who did not (P = .010). Conclusion: Primary ACL repair combined with biologic healing augmentation to treat select cases of knee instability secondary to incomplete ACL rupture demonstrated good to excellent long-term outcomes in this cohort for those patients who did not experience secondary ACL insufficiency, with high rates of restoration of knee stability and return to preinjury athletic activities. The rate of secondary treatment for recurrent ACL insufficiency over the course of long-term follow-up was greater than would be expected for primary ACL reconstruction. Greater side-to-side differences in objective findings of ligamentous laxity were identified at shorter term follow-up in the patients who later went on to experience symptomatic secondary ACL insufficiency, compared with those who maintained stability long term.

Knee Pain and Activity Outcomes After Femoral Derotation Osteotomy for Excessive Femoral Anteversion.

Excessive femoral anteversion is a developmental condition that can become symptomatic into adolescence and manifest as anterior knee pain, tripping, and or problems with sports. Femoral derotational osteotomy about an antegrade intramedullary nail (IMN) is an accepted option to treat this condition. This is the first report of the clinical and functional outcomes of treatment of excessive anteversion with femoral derotational osteotomy stabilized with an IMN. We prospectively enrolled 28 consecutive patients between 2013 and 2014 who underwent derotational osteotomy. Physical examination measures were used to calculate the amount of angular correction with focus on internal and external rotation of the hip, as well as the trochanteric prominence angle test of femoral anteversion. The International Knee Documentation Committee-9, Marx, and Tegner activity scales were 3 patient-reported outcomes recorded. After femoral derotation osteotomy over an IMN, femoral anteversion, as measured by the trochanteric prominence angle, improved an average of 29 degrees (P<0.0001). At 1-year minimum follow-up, 22 of 28 subjects (78.5%) demonstrated a mean significant improvement of 13 points for International Knee Documentation Committee-9 (SD=15.4, P=0.0007), which surpassed the level of minimal clinically important change. Furthermore, the Tegner inventory scores for the cohort improved by an average of 1.9 activity levels (SD=2.4, P=0.0012). For adolescents with symptomatic excessive femoral anteversion, derotational osteotomy over an IMN offers a reliable surgical option that provides predictable deformity correction and significant improvements in both function and pain scales. Level II-prospective, consecutive, nonrandomized, internally controlled cohort study.