Preinjury Activity Level Research Articles

Length Unstable Pediatric Tibial Shaft Fracture Treated With Cerclage Augmented Elastic Intramedullary Nails: A Novel Technique

Introduction: Tibial shaft fractures are common injuries in the pediatric population that can reliably be treated with conservative treatment. However, unstable tibial shaft fractures in the pediatric population have limited operative treatment options because the skeletal immaturity of these patients makes rigid intramedullary devices contraindicated in this population, and external fixation strategies are associated with a high complication rates. Elastic nailing with cerclage is a minimally invasive, and relatively soft tissue sparing technique that can decrease wide dissection and periosteal stripping associated with plating. However, treating long oblique length unstable femur fractures with elastic nails has been shown yield good result; EIN in length unstable tibia shaft fractures with elastic nails has not been explored. Materials and Methods: Review of 2 patients receiving novel cerclage augmented elastic nailing technique. Results: Patients included had complete follow-up to fracture union, had no surgical complications postoperatively, and no failure of fixation. Patients achieved full range of motion and strength compared with the contralateral uninjured limb. Both patients returned to preinjury activity levels with no limitations. Discussion: We present a novel technique using elastic nails in unstable long oblique tibia fractures with a cerclage augment. This can expand EIN indications to provide a load-sharing construct with relative stability to length unstable tibia fractures that EIN use would typically be contraindicated. This in turn affords the benefits of EIN such as reliable fracture healing, excellent functional and cosmetic results with a safe and reproducible surgical technique.

HIGHER RETURN TO SPORT WITH PATELLAR TENDON AUTOGRAFT VERSUS HAMSTRING TENDON AUTOGRAFT FOLLOWING ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION

The bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) autograft has a lower rate of graft failure but a higher rate of contralateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury after primary ACL reconstruction. Subsequent contralateral injury may be a marker of success of the BTB graft, but it is unclear whether the type of graft influences the rate of return to sport. This study aimed to compare the rates of return to weekly sport and return to preinjury activity levels between the BTB and hamstring tendon autografts following primary ACL reconstruction.Prospective data on primary ACL reconstructions recorded in the New Zealand ACL Registry between April 2014-November 2019 were analyzed. The primary outcome was return to weekly sport, defined as a Marx activity score of 8, at 2-year follow-up. The secondary outcome was return to preinjury activity level, defined as a post-operative Marx activity score that was equal or greater to the patient's preinjury Marx score. Return to sport was compared between the BTB and hamstring tendon autografts via multivariate binary logistic regression with adjustment for patient demographics.4259 patients were analyzed, of which 50.3% were playing weekly sport (n = 2144) and 28.4% had returned to their preinjury activity level (n = 1211) at 2-year follow-up. A higher rate of return to weekly sport was observed with the BTB autograft compared to the hamstring tendon autograft (58.7% versus 47.9%, adjusted odds ratio = 1.23, p = 0.009). Furthermore, the BTB autograft had a higher rate of return to preinjury activity levels (31.5% versus 27.5%, adjusted odds ratio = 1.21, p = 0.025).The BTB autograft is associated with a higher return to sport and may explain the higher rate of contralateral ACL injury following primary ACL reconstruction.

Failure Rates After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair With Suture Tape Augmentation in an Active-Duty Military Population

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair had previously been considered the standard of care for a ruptured ACL; however, ACL reconstruction has became the standard of care because of poor midterm outcomes after ACL repair. Recently, studies have suggested that the treatment paradigm should shift back to ACL repair. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of ACL repair augmented with suture tape in a high-demand military population. We hypothesized that for proximal ACL avulsions, ACL repair with suture tape augmentation would lead to acceptable failure rates, satisfactory knee stability, excellent functional outcomes, and high rates of return to preinjury activity levels. Case series; Level of evidence, 2. Patients who were treated with ACL repair by a single surgeon between March 2017 and June 2019 and who had a minimum of 2 years of follow-up were included. Intraoperatively, all patients first underwent an arthroscopic examination. If an ACL avulsion of the proximal insertion with adequate remaining tissue was visualized, then ACL repair was performed. The primary outcome assessed was ACL repair failure, defined as reruptures or clinical instability requiring revision to ACL reconstruction. Analysis of the risk factors for ACL repair failure was conducted, with age at surgery, sex, body mass index, level of competition, and tobacco use evaluated. Included were 46 patients (32 male and 14 female; mean age, 28.3 ± 8.4 years) who underwent ACL repair with suture tape augmentation. There were 12 cases of failure (26.1%; 8 male and 4 female). The mean time from injury to surgery in the failure group was 164.1 ± 59.4 days compared to 107.3 ± 98.0 days in the nonfailure group (P = .02). According to multivariate regression analysis, patients aged ≤17 and ≥35 years, elite/competitive/operational patients, and current smokers had a higher chance of ACL repair failure. The mean time to pass a military physical fitness test was 5.0 months. There were no complications other than ACL repair failure. Primary arthroscopic ACL repair with suture tape augmentation resulted in unacceptably high failure rates at a minimum of 2 years of follow-up in a highly active military population. Age ≤17 and ≥35 years, elite level of competition, time from injury to surgery, and active tobacco use were independent risk factors for ACL repair failure.

Functional Outcome (Short Term) of Modular Cementless Bipolar HemiArthroplasty (Hydroxyapatite-Coated Stem) for Fracture Neck of Femur in the Elderly

Background: Bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BHA) is commonly used to treat fracture neck of femur (NOF) in the elderly, despite the fact that the appropriate treatment of fracture NOF is still controversial. In this prospective study, the functional outcomes of NOF fracture after surgery in the elderly, who underwent BHA with a fully coated hydroxyapatite stem with a collar (CORAIL Stem). Materials and Methods: Forty-three consecutive elderly patients with NOF fracture underwent BHA through the lateral Hardinge approach. They were followed up after surgery for 1 year. Two patients expired and one was lost to follow-up and were not included in the study. Postoperative follow-up was done every 4–20 weeks and thereafter at intervals of 3–12 months. Harris hip score (HHS) was recorded at each follow-up visit and complications were noted. Results: Forty patients with a mean age of 77 (62–93) years were followed up after surgery for 1 year. Two patients (4.7%) expired and one (2.3%) was lost to follow-up and were not included in the study. HHS of our cohort of patients averaged 86 (72–99), which falls in the category of a good outcome (80–90). A mild negative correlation (correlation index − 0.2) of age and HHS was observed but was not significant (P = 0.56). Significantly more female patients suffered from NOF fracture (male - 13 [32.5%]: female - 27 [67.5%]; P = 0.03). The left side was injured more often than the right (left 23 [57.5%], right 17 [42.5%]; P = 0.34). Thirty-three patients (83.5%) had one or more comorbid conditions. The mean HHS of female and male patients was 86.41 and 85.39, respectively. This difference was not significant (P = 0.33). There was no difference in outcome, whether an injury occurred to the dominant or nondominant extremity. Complications occurred in seven (17.5%) patients. Conclusions: In the first follow-up year, a good functional outcome with a low complication (17.5%) and mortality rate (4.7%) was observed. Twenty-seven patients (62%) were absolutely pain-free. There were no dislocations, revisions, or additional surgeries in any patients. Most patients returned to their preinjury activity level. To conclude, the procedure is safe and rewarding in the elderly.

Fear of re-injury and its effect on returning to pre-injury sports activity level following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: single-center study

Objective: To investigate the fear of re-injury and its effect on returning to pre-injury sports activity level among patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients who underwent ACL reconstruction in King Fahad Hofuf Hospital, Eastern province, AlAhsa, Saudi Arabia in the last 5 years with a sample size of 385 patients. The questionnaire included the Arabic version of the return to sport (RTS) after ACL scale to assess patients' readiness for RTS without the fear of ACL injury, and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire to determine the level of exercise following surgery. Results: A total of 204 patients eligible for the study were included with a mean age of 29.9 ± 14.5 years. Exactly 199 (97.5%) patients were males and 185 (90.7%) were football players. Among patients, 62.5% felt relaxed about playing sports and confident about the ability to perform well at sport (60.3%). However, only 46.4% of patients had thought of being likely to re-injury of knee by participating in sports again. Post-surgery, 89.2% were highly active. Young-aged patients and students showed statistically significant (p = 0.004) scores to return to pre-injury sport activity. Conclusion: Less than half of the ACL reconstruction patients experienced fear of re-injury. Therefore, optimizing the surgical technique along with post-operative close follow up of the patient's psychological and physical status affect the patient's performance and activity level after surgery.

A prospective study to evaluate the functional and clinical outcome of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with standard hamstring autograft

Background: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the primary stabilizer of the knee and prevents the knee against anterior translation. It is also important in counteracting rotational and valgus stress. The arthroscopically aided approach has the advantages of smaller skin and capsular incisions, improved viewing of the intercondylar notch for placement of the tunnel and attachment sites, less postoperative pain, fewer adhesions, earlier motion, and easier rehabilitation. The advantages with semitendinosus grafts are the availability of a greater sectional area and the unaffected integrity of the extensor mechanism. Moreover, the tensile strength of quadrupled hamstring is found to be even better than a normal ACL. The rate of complications such as extension loss, anterior knee pain, and surgical site infections was also lower than in other procedures such as in BPTB grafts. Cortical suspension devices have the necessary biomechanical properties with regard to ultimate failure strength, displacement, and stiffness for the initial fixation of soft tissue in the femoral tunnel for ACL reconstruction. The aperture fixation methods such as the interference screws allow for early firm fixation and heal with a tight bone–tendon interface.Objective: A prospective study to evaluate the functional and clinical outcome of ACL reconstruction with standard hamstring autograft.Materials and Methods: The study results included 30 patients admitted with clinical and radiological deficiency of ACL from September 2019 to March 2021 using endobutton and bioabsorbable interference screw in terms of range of motion, postoperative knee stability, subjective knee functions, and prospective assessment of functional outcome using Tegner Lysholm knee scoring system.Results: Sports injuries were the most common mode of injury (n = 17, 56.7%). The mean size of graft used was 8.2 ± 0.39 mm. Postoperatively at 2-year follow-up, 30 cases (100%) had 0 grade pivot-shift test, 0 grade Lachman test, and anterior drawer test. The mean postoperative Lysholm score improved from preoperative score of 62.83 ± 5.2–91.0 ± 5.54. The overall satisfactory result (excellent + good) at 6-month follow-up was (excellent – 30 and good – 70) 100%. Out of this, 27 (90%) patients had returned to preinjury level of activity in 1 year. In this study, one patient had superficial infection and two patients had knee pain.Conclusion: Arthroscopy-assisted ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendon autograft provides a stable knee, reduces postoperative morbidity, and enables early rehabilitation.

Comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation for elite athletes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

[Purpose] The authors' institute offers a comprehensive inpatient approach to rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery, providing nutritional and psychological support in addition to exercise and physical therapy. This study aimed to determine the outcomes of athletes undergoing this comprehensive rehabilitation program and to compare the outcomes of bone-patellar tendon-bone and semitendinosus/gracilis autograft recipients. [Participants and Methods] Elite athletes who underwent comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation at the authors' institute for at least two weeks after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were mailed a questionnaire. Their recovery levels, which were measured against preinjury performance, and secondary anterior cruciate ligament injury rates, were evaluated and compared according to graft type. [Results] Valid responses from 45 athletes were analyzed (bone-patellar tendon-bone [n=12]; semitendinosus/gracilis [n=33]). The frequency of return to preinjury activity levels and secondary anterior cruciate ligament injury were comparable between bone-patellar tendon-bone and semitendinosus/gracilis graft recipients. A greater proportion of athletes returned to preinjury activity levels, while a lower percentage experienced re-rupture compared to previous studies. [Conclusion] A comprehensive rehabilitative approach after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction may contribute to improved postoperative performance irrespective of graft type. Objective evaluations are needed in the future to clarify the benefits of specific rehabilitative approaches.

Atelocollagen Injections Improve Outcomes in the Nonsurgical Treatment of Grade III Medial Collateral Ligament Injuries.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of atelocollagen injections in isolated grade III medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries of the knee joint. A total of 50 participants were included in this retrospective study. Twenty-six patients underwent conservative treatment with a single atelocollagen injection, while the remaining patients underwent only typical conservative treatment. All participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging to identify and grade MCL injury. Valgus stress radiography was performed on both knees at 6 and 12 months after the injury. The visual analog scale (VAS) score was collected at the first visit and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after injury. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) formula activity level and Lysholm score were evaluated for patient-reported outcomes at the first visit and at 6 and 12 months after injury. The participant's return to the pre-injury activity level ratio was measured by comparing the IKDC formula activity level at 12 months after the injury with that before the injury. The VAS and Lysholm scores improved over time in both groups. The VAS and Lysholm scores were significantly better in the collagen injection group than in the control group. Regarding the activity level, the collagen injection group showed significantly better results at the 6-month follow-up, but there was no significant difference at the 12-month follow-up. The medial gap in the injured knee and the side-to-side difference (SSD) in both groups gradually decreased over time. The SSD in the collagen injection group was significantly smaller than that in the control group. Atelocollagen injections resulted in better clinical and radiologic outcomes along with a higher rate of return to the pre-injury activity level, thereby exhibiting a positive effect in the nonsurgical treatment of grade III MCL injuries.

Return to Activity After Arthroscopically Assisted Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Repair: A Systematic Review.

To evaluate patients' ability to return to preinjury activity level after arthroscopically assisted triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) repair. The PubMed electronic library was systematically searched from inception to August 2021 for any eligible articles using a combination of the phrases "TFCC," "return to sport," "return to work," and "athlete." Studies that evaluated patients who had undergone arthroscopic repair of isolated TFCC injury and reported objective or patient-reported outcome measures were included. Fifteen studies representing 478 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. An average of 84% of patients were able to fully return to their previous work or sport activities. Most studies reported that range of motion (ROM) and grip strength (GS) both returned to >90% of the contralateral side, and every study that evaluated pain levels found a significant reduction in pain postoperatively. Mayo Modified Wrist Score was reported as excellent or good in 83% of patients, and the average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 13.8 postoperatively. Patients were able to return to their previous work or sport activities at a high rate after TFCC repair, even those participating in more strenuous activities. Measurable functional outcomes of ROM and GS were also reliably restored to near preinjury levels. Patient-reported outcomes of pain and disability were similarly improved after TFCC repair. Current literature has established the long-term success of TFCC repair but is lacking in evaluation of the time points at which patients can expect functional status to be restored.

Arthroscopic Broström-Gould repair has comparable radiological and clinical outcomes compared to traditional open Broström-Gould repair in high-demand patients.

This study sought to confirm whether traditional open Broström-Gould repair and arthroscopic Broström-Gould repair forchronic ankle instability (CAI) would produce comparable radiological and clinical outcomes in high-demand patients. This retrospective case-cohort study included high-demand patients, as determined by a pre-injury Tegner Activity Level ≥ 6, who underwent Broström-Gould repair and were followed up for ≥ 2years. Patients were divided into the arthroscopic Broström-Gould repair group (AS Group) and the open Broström-Gould repair group (Open Group). Perioperative radiological assessments were performed. The Tegner Activity Levels, Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores (FAOSs), Karlsson and Peterson (K-P) scores, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot (AOFAS) scores were evaluated clinically. A total of 65 patients (31 from the AS Group and 34 from the Open Group) were included in the study. There were no differences in age, sex, body mass index, preoperative anterior talar translation, talar tilt, signal-to-noise ratio, FAOS, K-P score, or AOFAS score between the two groups (n.s.). The preinjury median Tegner Activity Level was 7 and unchanged at the final follow-up in both groups. Postoperative stress radiographs showed improvement; however, the groups did not differ significantly. The FAOS, K-P scores, and AOFAS scores improved in each group (P < 0.001). However, the clinical scores did not differ between the groups (all n.s.). Traditional open and arthroscopic Broström-Gould repair for CAI in high-demand patients had comparable radiological and clinical outcomes. Clinically, arthroscopic Broström-Gould repair may represent a viable surgical alternative to open Broström-Gould repair in high-demand patients. Level III.

Patients that maintain their pre-injury level of physical activity 3–5 years after ACL reconstruction are, 18 months after surgery, characterised by higher levels of readiness to return to sport

PurposeTo characterise patients who had returned to their pre-injury physical activity (PA) or higher at 18 months and maintained that level of PA 3–5 years after the primary ACL reconstruction and to describe the level, frequency, and type of PA participation during the first 5 years after ACL reconstruction MethodData, from follow-ups at 18 months and 3–5 years after an ACL reconstruction, were extracted from a rehabilitation-specific register. Patients, 15–65 years of age, were included. The data comprised patient-reported outcomes and the results from two questions with respect to the level, frequency, and type of PA. Comparisons were made between patients who had and had not maintained their pre-injury level of PA at the follow-up 3–5 years after an ACL reconstruction.ResultsA total of 272 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean follow-up time was 3.8 years (min–max: 2.9–5.1) after the ACL reconstruction. Of patients who had returned to their pre-injury or a higher level of PA at the 18 month follow-up (n = 114), 68% (n = 78) maintained that level at the 3- to 5-year follow-up after ACL reconstruction. These patients reported a higher level of psychological readiness to return to sport (98 versus 79; p = 0.013). Moreover, these patients were 6.0 years older (p = 0.016) and were characterised by male sex (56% versus 44%; p = 0.028) and a lower level of pre-injury PA (p = 0.013). At the follow-up 3–5 years after the ACL reconstruction, more than 90% met the recommendations for PA. However, the prevalence of physical inactivity had increased and the involvement in organised PA had decreased compared with the 18-month follow-up.ConclusionsTwo out of three patients who have returned to their previous level of PA at 18 months can be expected to maintain that level, 3–5 years following ACL reconstruction. These patients were mainly characterised by a higher level of psychological readiness, especially in patients who participated in knee-strenuous sport and were younger than 20 years of age. The results of this study suggest that patients become more physically inactive over time, implicating the importance of clinicians helping patients find a suitable PA that may help patients maintain an active lifestyle.

Management of Scaphoid Nonunion (SNU) With Ilizarov Ring Fixator Using Two Olive Wire Compression Without Bone Grafting: A Case Series.

The scaphoid is the most commonly fractured bone among the carpal bones seen in orthopedic practice. The majority have good favorable prognosis, but some develop nonunion of fracture despite optimal treatment, which can lead to further complications if left untreated. It is recommended that displaced scaphoid nonunions (SNUs) should be reduced and fixed to prevent degenerative changes from occurring, even if they are asymptomatic. Many treatments have been described, from a percutaneous fixation with a k-wire or screw to open reduction and internal fixation with or without bone grafting, but none of them is the gold standard. To evaluate the outcome of an SNU treated with an Ilizarov fixator using two olive wires without bone graft. Eleven cases of non-union scaphoid fractureswere considered in the study which was presented to the Department of Orthopedics of Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences during the period of March 2015 to March 2018. This study has been approved by the scientific and ethical committees.The anatomical location of the fracture was graded according to the MAYO classification. An Ilizarov frame was applied with two cross olive wires forachieving compression at the fracture area and maintained for six weeks. A final outcome was assessed using the scaphoid outcome score. One out of 11 patients operated on during the study period was lost in follow-up, so 10 patients were considered for analysis of the results. There were nine male patients and one female patient. The majority were right-sided and dominant-handed, with varied occupations. The average duration of nonunion, when presented, was 10.7 months (a range of 6-20 months). The average follow-up was 43.6 months (range 27-60 months). Union was achieved in an average of 12.9 weeks (range 10-18 weeks). All the patients returned to their pre-injury activity level in a mean of 17.1 weeks (range 13-23 weeks). Grip strength improved from a mean of 29.5 kg preoperatively to 39.4 kg postoperatively. At the final follow-up, the mean scaphoid outcome score was 9.1. An excellent outcome was obtained in five cases (50%), a good outcome in three cases (30%), a fair outcome in one case (10%), and in one case (10%), a poor outcome. With our technique of Ilizarov fixation and compression with two cross olive wires, SNU can be treated safely even without opening the non-union site and even without bone grafting. Since we excluded SNU patients with humpback deformity, carpal instability, carpal collapse, or avascular necrosis (AVN), our results might not be directly comparable to those of other SNU series in the literature. These would have predisposed to a poor outcome. Since we did not assign the patients at random, it is challenging to compare the Ilizarov technique to other widely used SNU treatments and determine whether it is more effective. However, the study's results are encouraging and show that the Ilizarov method using two olive wires for compression.

Synthetic Graft Augmentation Is Safe and Effective for the Repair of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture in Patients With Preexisting Tendinopathy

To assess the safety and report the clinical outcomes of synthetic graft augmentation using polypropylene (PP) mesh in the repair of acute Achilles tendon (AT) rupture in patients with preexisting tendinopathy. Methods: Patients who underwent open repair for acute AT rupture at our institution between April 2017 and March 2019 were retrospectively identified. The inclusion criteria were acute AT rupture in patients with preexisting tendinopathy. All patients included in the study underwent acute repair augmented by an inlay PP mesh and had 30 months' follow-up. Patient characteristics, operative details, and outcomes were analyzed. Continuous data were described by mean, standard deviation, median, and range. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to analyze the change in patient-reported outcome measures. The significance level was set at a P-value of .05. Thirteen patients were included. There were 5 female and 8 male patients, withan average age of 52 years (range 49-56 years). No cases of rerupture or graft-related complications requiring additional treatment occurred during mean follow -up of 38 months. All patients reported good functional outcome, as shown from nonsignificant difference between the preinjury and 38-month postoperative Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (88.5 ± 2.2 vs 89.2 ± 2.2, P= .107) and the excellent postoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle/Hindfoot Scale score (92.22 ± 2.2) at last follow-up. At the end of follow-up, all patients were able to perform single-legged heel rise as the noninvolved side. By average of 16 weeks, all patients returned to their preinjury activity level. The use of inlay PP mesh to augment the repair of acute AT rupture in patients with preexisting tendinopathy appears to be safe and effective, allowing early return to preinjury activity level with favorable clinical outcomes. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

The Arthroscopic Trillat Procedure Is a Valuable Treatment Option for Recurrent Anterior Instability in Young Athletes With Shoulder Hyperlaxity

The purpose of this study is to report the outcomes of the all-arthroscopic Trillat procedure, combined with capsular plication, for the treatment of recurrent anterior instability in young athletes with shoulder hyperlaxity (ER> 90°). We performed a retrospective evaluation of patients with recurrent anterior instability and shoulder hyperlaxity who underwent an arthroscopic Trillat between 2009 and 2019. Patients with concomitant rotator cuff lesions, voluntary or multidirectional instability were excluded. The osteotomized coracoid was fixed above the subscapularis with a cannulated screw or a suture button; a capsular plication was systematically associated. We followed patients with X-rays, CT-scans, Subjective Shoulder Value, VAS, Walch, Constant, and Rowe scores. Mean follow-up was 56 months (24-145). Twenty-eight consecutive patients, 30 shoulders (mean age 25 years) were identified and all met criteria. The main finding under arthroscopy was a "loose shoulder" with anteroinferior capsular redundancy and no or few (10%) labrum tears, glenoid erosion (13%) or Hill-Sachs lesions (10%). At last follow-up, 90% of the shoulders (27/30) were stable, and 79% (19/24) of the patients practicing sports returned to their preinjury activity level. The Walch-Duplay and Rowe scores improved from 54 (38-68) to 81 (4-100) and 55 (30-71) to 84 (45-100) respectively, p<0.001. The arthroscopic Trillat is an effective procedure for the treatment of recurrent anterior instability in young athletes with shoulder hyperlaxity, but no substantial humeral or glenoid bone loss, allowing return to overhead/contact sports. Level IV, retrospective study.

Pitfalls and suggestions for the treatment of open, comminuted fractures of the middle phalanx using custom-made dynamic external fixators: a retrospective case series

Background: The proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) is a synovial joint prone to injury encompassing a wide spectrum of severity. In the setting of complicated injuries, dynamic external traction systems are considered to be the optimal treatment modality with numerous different Kirschner-wire configurations combined with rubber bands, springs, pulleys, or hinges being described. However, many of these pose significant technical challenges for the surgeon or are unwieldy to the patient emphasizing the need for simple, easy to construct, and well-tolerated modifications, which are equally effective in reducing the fracture and allowing early motion. Methods: The authors retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data of 12 patients with open complex PIPJ fracture dislocations treated with a custom-made external fixator based on the one that was originally suggested by Suzuki et al. All patients were men with an average age of 55.1 yr (23 to 81). Injured digits involved four index, five middle, and three ring fingers. Results: The mean follow-up was 54.36 mo, and all patients healed without a second operation and returned to their jobs and preinjury level of activity. The average active range of motion of the PIPJ was 75.16±3.18 degrees, DIPJ was 69.33±14.7 degrees, and MCPJ was 88.75±1.97 degrees. Mean Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH)-Japan Society for Surgery of the Hand (JSSH) score at the final examination was 4.33±1.38 (range 2.3 to 6.8). The authors recorded five complications involving two rubber bands breaking, one pin-track infection, one rubber band-axial traction pin malposition, and one swan neck deformity, which were treated accordingly. Conclusions: One of the most crucial factors affecting outcome in this kind of injury is the appearance of the digit and functional results. None of the participants in this series had any complaint about the appearance of their fingers in the final examination, and 10 out of 12 judged the cosmetic result as very good. To the authors' knowledge, this report is one of the few that describes the functional outcome of pins and rubbers traction system (PRTS) application in complex fracture and fractures-dislocations with severe comminution of the middle phalanx and not only fractures related to the PIP joint. Level of Evidence: Level V.

Revision ACL reconstruction using quadriceps, hamstring and patellar tendon autografts leads to similar functional outcomes but hamstring graft has a higher tendency of graft failure

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in the patient-reported functional outcomes, and graft failure in revision ACL reconstruction using quadriceps tendon (QT), Hamstring tendon (HT) and bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autografts.MethodsBetween 2010 and 2020, 97 patients who underwent revision ACL reconstruction (40 patients received a QT, 26 an HT and 31 a BPTB graft) met the inclusion criteria. Pre-injury and at 2-year postoperatively patients were evaluated for patient-reported functional outcomes; Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity level and VAS (visual analogue scale) for pain; and graft failure. Patient-reported outcomes and graft failure were compared between the QT, HT and BPTB groups. The patients with graft failure were not included for outcome analysis at 2-years of follow-up.ResultsAll three revision groups with QT, HT and BPTB autograft did not differ significantly in terms of age, sex, time from injury to surgery, concomitant injuries and single-stage or double-stage procedures (n.s.). No significant difference was found in the pre-injury patient-reported outcome; Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity and VAS for pain (n.s.) between the three groups. At the 2-year follow-up functional outcomes improved in all three groups and all the patients returned to pre-injury activity level; however, no significant difference was found in functional outcomes at the 2-year follow-up between the three groups (n.s.). Graft failure occurred in 4 (10%), 5 (19%) and 3 (10%) patients of QT, HT and BPTB groups, respectively. However, the rate of failure did not differ significantly between groups.ConclusionAll three autografts (QT, HT and BPTB) demonstrated satisfactory patient-reported outcomes in revision ACL reconstruction. Compared with QT and BPTB grafts, HT graft showed a higher tendency for failure rates. With the increasing incidence of revision ACL reconstruction, surgeons should be aware of all the available graft options. The findings of this study will assist the surgeons in the graft selection for revision ACL reconstruction.Level of evidenceLevel III.

Sex differences in patients’ recovery following an acute Achilles tendon rupture – a large cohort study

IntroductionThe incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures (ATR) has increased over the past few decades. Treatment may be individualised based upon multiple factors including age, pre-injury activity level and the separation of the ruptured tendon ends. Several studies indicate that women may have a poorer self-reported and clinical outcome compared with men, but the number of women in these studies is often small due to the different incidence of ATR between the genders.AimsThe primary aim of this study was to evaluate whether there is a difference in self-reported outcome after an acute ATR between women and men at one to five years following injury. The second aim was to compare the outcome between the surgically and non-surgically treated patients.MethodsData were obtained from the medical charts of patients treated for an acute ATR between 1 and 2015 and 31 December 2020 at Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Mölndal. The Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS) and additional questions relating to treatment and recovery were determined. A multiple regression analysis was performed to isolate the impact of sex when comparing the patient-reported outcome between women and men.ResultsA total of 856 patients were included of which 66% participated prospectively. Sex, BMI and age were found to be significant factors influencing the total ATRS score. Female gender resulted in a lower ATRS, 7.8 points (CI = 3.3 to 12.3), than male gender. It was found that treatment did not significantly predict the results of the ATRS.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first report with a larger number of women included showing that female sex predicts inferior self-reported results after an acute ATR.

Associations of patient characteristics, rate of torque development, voluntary activation of quadriceps with quadriceps strength, and knee function before anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

ABSTRACT Good preoperative knee function (KF) and quadriceps strength (QS) relate to good prognoses after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). This study aimed to investigate the associations between patient characteristics, rate of torque development (RTD), voluntary activation (VA) of the quadriceps against preoperative KF and QS. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Forty patients with a primary, unilateral ACL injury who had finished the preoperative rehabilitation and scheduled for an ACLR were included. KF was evaluated using the International Knee Documentation Committee score. QS was measured by maximal voluntary isometric contractions. RTD was divided into the early (RTD0-50) and the late (RTD100-200) phases. Quadriceps VA was measured using the superimposed burst technique. Our results showed that patients with poor preoperative KF had more deficits in RTD0-50 (P = 0.025), higher BMI(P = 0.043), and more meniscus injuries (MI) (P = 0.001) than those with good KF. Patients with asymmetrical QS showed lower BMI (P = 0.020) and shorter time from injury (TFI) (P = 0.027) than those with symmetrical QS. Additionally, a higher pre-injury Tegner score combined with greater RTD100-200 contributed to greater QS on the injured limb (R2 = 0.357, P = 0.001). To conclude, BMI, TFI, concomitant MI, pre-injury physical activity level, and quadriceps RTD are related to QS and KF before ACLR.

Surgical Fixation of Clavicle Shaft Fractures Using Superior Locking Plates With Lateral End Extension: A Retrospective Study.

Background Reports of high rates of non-union with poor functional outcomes following non-operative management of clavicle fractures have resulted in a shift of opinion towards the promising outcomes of surgical fixation. Varied implant choices with varying reports of successand associated complications have resulted in no definitive consensus on the choice of the ideal implant. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective study of clavicle shaft fractures stabilized using a Superior Clavicle Locking plate with lateral extensionin 40 active adult patients, predominantly male, with an average age of 36.7 years. Results Post-operatively, early mobilization was initiatedand on final discharge, there were no complaints of pain. All patients returned to their pre-injury levels of activity by four months, with all having achieved, essentially, a full range of movement by eight weeks post-operatively. Radiological union was observed in all patients by 5 months, except one. The QuickDASH scores of all the patients were less than 25 on discharge. Conclusion When surgical stabilization is considered in the management of active adults with clavicle shaft fractures, the superior clavicle locking plate with lateral extension appears to be a suitable implant by providing stable fixation lateral to the fracture, which is difficult with a regular locking plate.

Limited Open Achilles Repair without Instrument Guided Assistance: A Surgical Technique

Category: Sports Introduction/Purpose: The limited open Achilles tendon repair technique has recently gained popularity as a treatment option for acute Achilles tendon ruptures. This surgical technique video describes a limited open Achilles tendon repair without instrument guided assistance, demonstrating improved clinical outcomes for patients while also reducing reliance on operative equipment, cost, and the duration of surgery. Methods: The indications for this limited open Achilles tendon repair technique include an Achilles tendon rupture less than six weeks from injury occurring in the watershed area. The patient is prone and a two to three centimeter longitudinal incision is made over the Achilles tear. In the proximal stump, three non-absorbable sutures are passed horizontally from proximal to distal direction. In the distal stump, the same is done in a non-locking manner. The stumps are then reflected and the deep fascial compartment is released. The foot is plantarflexed to reduce tension on the repair site. The non-locking sutures are tied sequentially from distal-distal to proximal-proximal direction. A running box suture using a non-absorbable suture followed by 0- Vicryl around the rupture site is performed. Results: This technique has demonstrated, at a median follow-up of 3.7 years, restored preinjury function along with no wound complications, reruptures, or reoperations in 33 patients. The median time from injury to surgery was 10 (range, 1-45) days and the mean time for returning to preinjury level of activity was 5.6 (range, 1.7-22.1) months. After the procedure, patients demonstrated significant improvements in mean Foot and Ankle Disability Index (49.1 to 98.4), mean Visual Analog Scale pain score (4.8 to 0.2), and mean Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) subscales such as FAOS pain (54.8 to 99.2), FAOS symptoms (84.6 to 97.0), FAOS activities of daily living (61.4 to 97.2), FAOS sports and recreational activity (39.5 to 98.5), and FAOS quality of life (39.7 to 88.7). Conclusion: Patients who underwent a limited open Achilles tendon repair without instrument guided assistance demonstrated significant improvements in outcome scores with minimal complications.