Primary Arthroscopic Repair Research Articles

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.

Arthroscopic Primary Repair of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Using Ring Suture Attached to Adjustable Loop Device

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries occur most often in the setting of a multiligamentous injured knee and are frequently the result of high-energy trauma. For severe and multiligamentous PCL injuries, surgical intervention is recommended. Although PCL reconstruction has traditionally been the standard treatment, arthroscopic primary PCL repair has been revisited over the past few years for proximal tears with sufficient tissue quality. Current PCL repair techniques report two technical issues: the risk of suture abrasion/laceration during the stitching process, and the inability to retension the ligament after fixation with either suture anchors or ligament buttons. In this technical note, we describe the surgical technique of arthroscopic primary repair of proximal PCL tears using a looping ring suture device (FiberRing), combined with an adjustable loop cortical fixation device (ACL Repair TightRope). The goals of this technique are to offer a minimally invasive option to preserve the native PCL and to avoid the observed shortcomings of other arthroscopic primary repair techniques.

Primary Arthroscopic Bicruciate Repair in Multiligamentous Knee Injury with Ipsilateral Long Bone Fracture

Long bone fractures and multiligamentous knee injury (MLKI) have a firm relationship. Primary arthroscopic bicruciate repair along with long bone fixation has not been reported hitherto. Here, we report two cases of long bone fracture with MLKI treated with long bone fixation and primary arthroscopic bicruciate repair with open lateral collateral ligament repair for one patient. Both patients had good clinical outcomes at 1-year follow-up. With the present-day advancements in the field of arthroscopy, there is a place for primary arthroscopic ligament repair in specific tears along with long bone fixation.

Comparison of arthroscopic primary and revision Bankart repair for capsulolabral restoration: a matched-pair analysis.

There have been no previous studies comparing serial radiologic results between primary and revision Bankart repair despite the significance of capsulolabral height and slope restoration. The purpose of this study was (1) to compare serially the height and slope of the repaired labrum in the early postoperative period among primary and revision Bankart repair groups, and (2) to compare clinical outcomes between the two groups. This study included each 24 patients who underwent arthroscopic primary Bankart repair (Group A) and revision Bankart repair (Group B) matched by age, sex, and glenoid defect ratio. Postoperative serial radiologic assessment of the repaired labral height and slope was proceeded using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomographic arthrography (CTA) at 3weeks and 6months. There were no significant differences in labral height and slope at 3weeks and 6months postoperatively in Group A. However, significant reductions in labral height and slope were evident between 3weeks and 6months postoperatively in Group B (P < 0.05). Group A yielded superior results to Group B with respect to labral height and slope at each time point (P < 0.05) in between-group analyses. The clinical outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups except for the patients' return to their premorbid sports activity level (P = 0.024). The height and slope of the repaired capsulolabral structures in the early postoperative period after arthroscopic revision Bankart repair group were significantly lower than those of the primary Bankart repair group. Also the reduction of labral height and slope was significant in the revision Bankart repair group over time. Nonetheless, clinical outcomes did not differ significantly except return to premorbid sports activity level at final follow-up.

Recurrence of glenohumeral instability in patients with isolated rotator cuff repair after a traumatic shoulder dislocation.

The primary objective of this study was to assess the incidence of recurrent glenohumeral instability in patients over 40years with isolated rotator cuff (RC) repair for traumatic shoulder dislocation. The secondary objectives were to identify risk factors for glenohumeral recurrence after RC repair and to describe the causes and incidences of re-intervention. In this retrospective cohort study, data of consecutive patients at a single trauma center between January 2014 and July 2019 were reviewed, and 84 patients with a mean age of 57 (range: 40-75) years and follow-up duration of 3.9 (2-6) years were included. The inclusion criteria were as follows: first traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation, reparable RC tear, primary arthroscopic RC repair, no labral or bony Bankart lesion repair, and at least 2years of follow-up. Patients less than 40years of age were excluded. Shoulder instability recurrences and surgical reinterventions were reviewed with medical records. Statistical analysis was performed for qualitative variables using the Chi-squared test. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. There was one patient with a redislocation episode (1.2%) at 2.5years after surgery, who was surgically treated. Age, subscapular tears, bony Bankart injuries, humeral defects, and associated neurological injuries were not risk factors for recurrence in this study. Ten patients (11.9%) required reintervention. Nine patients (10.7%) re-tore their RCs. Recurrent glenohumeral instability in active patients over 40years with isolated RC repair after traumatic shoulder dislocation was infrequent, despite the incidence of significant Hill-Sachs defects, anterior glenoid defects, bipolar bone defects, size of the RC injury, and tendon re-tears. The incidence of re-interventions was 11.9%, with symptomatic RC retear as the main cause.

Glenohumeral Hydrodistension for Postoperative Stiffness After Arthroscopic Primary Rotator Cuff Repair.

Background:Postoperative stiffness is a known complication after rotator cuff repair (RCR). Glenohumeral hydrodistension (GH) has been a treatment modality for shoulder pathology but has not been used to treat postoperative stiffness after RCR.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for postoperative stiffness after RCR and review outcomes after treatment with GH. Our hypotheses were that stiffness would be associated with diabetes and hyperlipidemia and correlated with the tendons involved and that patients with stiffness who underwent GH would have significant improvement in range of motion (ROM).Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:Included were 388 shoulders of patients who underwent primary RCR by a single surgeon between 2015 and 2019. Shoulders with revision RCRs were excluded. Patient characteristics, medical comorbidities, and perioperative details were collected. A total of 40 shoulders with postoperative stiffness (10.3%) received GH injectate of a 21-mL mixture (15 mL of sterile water, 5 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine, and 1 mL of triamcinolone [10 mg/mL]). The primary outcome measure was ROM in forward flexion, internal rotation, external rotation, and abduction. Statistical tests were performed using analysis of variance.Results:Patients with diabetes had significantly decreased internal rotation at final follow-up after RCR as compared with patients without diabetes. GH to treat stiffness was performed most commonly between 1 and 4 months after RCR (60%), and patients who received GH saw statistically significant improvements in forward flexion, external rotation, and abduction after the procedure. Patients with hyperlipidemia had the most benefit after GH. Among those undergoing concomitant procedures, significantly more patients who had open subpectoral biceps tenodesis underwent GH. Patients who underwent subscapularis repair or concomitant subacromial decompression had significant improvement in ROM after GH. Only 1 patient who received GH underwent secondary surgery for resistant postoperative stiffness.Conclusion:Patients with diabetes had increased stiffness. Patients with a history of hyperlipidemia or concomitant open subpectoral biceps tenodesis were more likely to undergo GH for postoperative stiffness. Patients who underwent subscapularis repair demonstrated the most improvement in ROM after GH. After primary RCR, GH can increase ROM and is a useful adjunct for patients with stiffness to limit secondary surgery.

Arthroscopic primary repair of the anterior cruciate ligament: rationale, patient selection and early outcomes (PhD Academy Award)

Arthroscopic primary repair of the anterior cruciate ligament: rationale, patient selection and early outcomes (PhD Academy Award)

Glenohumeral Hydrodistension for Postoperative Stiffness After Arthroscopic Primary Rotator Cuff Repair

Glenohumeral Hydrodistension for Postoperative Stiffness After Arthroscopic Primary Rotator Cuff Repair

Long-term outcomes after arthroscopic transosseous-equivalent repair: clinical and magnetic resonance imaging results of rotator cuff tears at a minimum follow-up of 10 years.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term functional outcomes and structural integrity of medium to massive rotator cuff tears at 10-12 years of follow-up after arthroscopic transosseous-equivalent (TOE) repair. This was a retrospective study of a consecutive series of patients who underwent primary arthroscopic TOE repair of medium- to massive-sized degenerative rotator cuff tears performed by a single surgeon between January 2007 and August 2009. Patients were examined at a minimum follow-up of 10 years, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to assess tendon integrity. The Constant score (CS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and pain level documented using a visual analog scale were compared between intact repairs and recurrent defects. Univariate analysis was performed to identify factors related to recurrent defects. A total of 102 patients met the inclusion criteria, and 79 shoulders in 76 patients (74.5% of eligible patients) with a mean age at surgery of 55 ± 8 years (range, 40-72 years) were available for clinical evaluation at a mean follow-up time of 10.9 years (range, 10-12 years). The mean anteroposterior tear size was 3.1 ± 1.1 cm, and there were 41 medium (52%), 26 large (33%), and 12 massive (15%) tears. MRI was performed in 72 shoulders in 69 patients (91% of available shoulders) and revealed that 13 shoulders had recurrent defects (Sugaya stages 4 and 5). During the follow-up period, 3 patients underwent revision surgery, and the overall recurrent defect rate was 21.3%. A clinically meaningful improvement was observed in all outcome measures at the final follow-up regardless of tendon integrity. Patients with intact repairs showed superior outcomes compared with those with recurrent defects; however, only the overall CS met the threshold for clinical relevance. A significant linear correlation was observed between the Sugaya classification and all outcome scores except the CS pain subscale; however, the strength of correlation was weak. The presence of diabetes (odds ratio [OR], 8.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.25-33.2; P = .002), tear size (OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.16-3.46; P = .012), and tear retraction (OR, 4.07; 95% CI, 1.11-14.83; P = .033) were associated with recurrent defects in the univariate analysis. Arthroscopic TOE repair of rotator cuff tears provided improved clinical outcomes with a recurrent defect rate of 21.3% at 10-12 years after surgery. Future research focusing on tendon healing is needed as repair integrity on MRI correlates with clinical outcomes.

Clinical Outcomes of Revision Arthroscopic Capsulolabral Repair for Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability With Moderate Glenoid Bone Defects: A Comparison With Primary Surgery.

Background:The optimal revision surgery for failed primary arthroscopic capsulolabral repair (ACR) has yet to be determined. Revision ACR has shown promising results.Purpose:To compare the functional, strength, and radiological outcomes of revision ACR and primary ACR for anterior shoulder instability.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Between March 2007 and April 2017, a total of 85 patients underwent ACR (revision: n = 23; primary: n = 62). Functional outcome scores and positive apprehension signs were evaluated preoperatively, at 1 year, and then annually. Isokinetic internal and external rotation strengths were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 year after surgery.Results:The mean follow-up was 36.5 ± 10.2 months (range, 24-105 months). There was no significant difference between the revision and primary groups in the glenoid bone defect size at the time of surgery (17.3% ± 4.8% vs 15.4% ± 5.1%, respectively; P = .197). At the final follow-up, no significant differences were found in the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (97.6 ± 3.1 vs 98.0 ± 6.2, respectively; P = .573), Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index score (636.7 ± 278.1 vs 551.1 ± 305.4, respectively; P = .584), or patients with a positive apprehension sign (17.4% [4/23] vs 11.3% [7/62], respectively; P = .479) between the revision and primary groups. There was no significant difference between the revision and primary groups for returning to sports at the same preoperative level (65.2% vs 80.6%, respectively; P = .136) and anatomic healing failure at 1 year after surgery (13.0% vs 3.2%, respectively; P = .120). Both groups recovered external rotation strength at 1 year after surgery (vs before surgery), although the strength was weaker than in the uninvolved shoulder. In the revision group, a larger glenoid bone defect was significantly related to a positive apprehension sign (22.0% ± 3.8%) vs a negative apprehension sign (16.0% ± 3.2%; cutoff = 20.5%; P = .003).Conclusion:In patients with moderate glenoid bone defect sizes (10%-25%), clinical outcomes after revision ACR were comparable to those after primary ACR. However, significant glenoid bone loss was related to a positive remaining apprehension sign in the revision group. Surgeons should consider these findings when selecting their revision strategy for patients with failed anterior shoulder stabilization.

A Prospective Observational Study on Short-Term Functional Outcome of Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair of Proximal Tears Using Knotless Single Suture Anchor Technique.

To assess the clinical outcomes in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) proximal tears undergoing arthroscopic primary repair with knotless single suture anchor technique. The first twenty-two consecutive patients with proximal ACL tears (Sherman types I and II and high-grade partial tears) treated with arthroscopic primary repair with single suture anchor technique were evaluated until 6months post-operatively. Patients were evaluated with validated functional outcome measures (IKDC and Lysholm scores) and clinical tests for ACL stability. At 6-month follow-up, 91% of patients (n = 20) achieved excellent outcome measures for IKDC and Lysholm scores and had complete stability of the ACL to clinical testing. Two patients with poor outcomes at six weeks; one with subjective instability and the other underwent revision surgery represented a failure rate of 9%. The median Lysholm score was 96 (IQ range, 96-100) and median IKDC subjective score was 87.40 (IQ range, 78.20-88.50) at 6-month follow-up. The improvement in Lysholm and IKDC scores over a period of six months post-operatively was statistically significant when compared to preoperative scores (p ≪ 0.0001). Maximum improvement in clinical outcomes is achieved in the first 6weeks post-surgery with a slower increase thereafter, a time interval which may be considered as a figurative yield point for future work in this field. Arthroscopic ACL primary repair with knotless single suture anchor technique provides excellent short-term clinical outcomes in a carefully selected subset of patients with proximal ACL tears. More powered and longer duration studies are needed to understand longer term outcomes. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Combined ACL and Segond Repair in Combined Acute Proximal ACL Tears and Segond Fracture

AbstractA renewed interest in anterior cruciate ligament preservation has been noted using arthroscopic primary repair in patients with proximal tears, but the main concern remained the control of the rotational instability. Segond fracture occurs in less than 10% of cases of acute anterolateral instability, but it can result in continued rotation instability. The aim of this study is to describe the surgical technique to acutely repair both the anterior cruciate ligament and Segond fracture in the acute setting.

The Relationship of Staged, Bilateral Arthroscopic Primary Rotator Cuff Repair Timing and Postoperative Complications

Background: Although previous studies have reported acceptable clinical outcomes after simultaneous, single-stage bilateral and staged bilateral rotator cuff repair (RCR), few studies have been adequately powered to compare postoperative complication rates at various time intervals between procedures. Purpose: To examine the relationship between the timing of bilateral arthroscopic RCR and complications. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: Patients from the Medicare data set within the PearlDiver database who underwent bilateral RCR between 2005 and 2014 were identified. These patients were then stratified by time between surgeries into cohorts: (1) single stage, (2) <3 months, (3) 3 to 6 months, (4) 6 to 9 months, (5) 9 months to 1 year, and (6) 1 to 2 years. Surgical and medical complications of these cohorts were compared with those of a control cohort of patients who underwent bilateral RCR >2 years apart using a regression analysis. Results: A total of 11,079 patients who underwent bilateral RCR were identified. Patients who underwent single-stage bilateral arthroscopic RCR experienced higher rates of revision RCR (odds ratio [OR], 2.1; P < .0001), reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) (OR, 2.47; P < .0001), and postoperative infection (OR, 2.18; P = .007) in addition to higher rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE) (OR, 1.78; P = .031) and emergency department visits (OR, 1.51; P = .002) compared with the control group. Patients who underwent bilateral RCR with a <3-month interval had higher rates of revision surgery (OR, 1.56; P = .003), RTSA (OR, 1.89; P = .002), and lysis of adhesions (OR, 2.31; P < .0001) in addition to increased rates of VTE (OR, 1.92; P = .015) and emergency department visits (OR, 1.62; P < .0001) compared with the control group. There were no differences in any surgical or medical complications when surgeries were staged by ≥3 months compared with controls. Conclusion: Patients with Medicare undergoing single-stage and staged bilateral RCR who had the second repair within 3 months had significantly higher rates of multiple medical and surgical complications compared with patients waiting >2 years between procedures.

A Criterion Based Rehabilitation Protocol for ACL Repair with Internal Brace Augmentation.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the main stabilizing structures of the knee and its rupture is a common injury in young active adults. ACL reconstruction has been the preferred operative management of an ACL rupture for several decades; however, success rates are variable. Recently, interest in arthroscopic primary repair of the ligament has increased. The repair is augmented with an Internal Brace (IB), which is an ultra-high strength suture tape that bridges the ligament. This technique protects the ligament during the healing and the ligament is encouraged to heal naturally, whilst not requiring any external braces. It acts as a stabiliser to permit early mobilization and optimise rehabilitation.As understanding of rehabilitation has progressed, there has been an increased focus on early weight-bearing and achieving full range of movement. While detailed criterion-based rehabilitation protocols exist for ACL reconstruction, this is not the case for ACL repair. The purpose of this commentary is to present a novel criterion-based rehabilitation protocol following ACL repair surgery augmented with an IB.Level of EvidenceV

Arthroscopic Primary Repair of Proximal Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears With Suture Augmentation

Background: Historically, the midterm outcomes of open anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair were rather disappointing, and ACL reconstruction subsequently became the surgical standard for ACL injuries. Recent studies, however, have shown that there might be a role for arthroscopic primary repair in appropriately selected patients with proximal ACL tears. Indications: Due to more prominent blood supply in the proximal ligament region, ACL repair should only be performed in patients with proximal tears and good-to-excellent tissue quality. Although all patients are potential candidates, this procedure is preferably performed acutely and in adult patients. Technique Description: First, it is identified whether a proximal tear with good tissue quality is present. Then, both ACL bundles are sutured individually from distal to proximal using a Bunnell-type pattern and a self-retrieving suture passer. The posterolateral bundle is then reattached first in anatomical fashion, using a 4.75-mm vented biocomposite suture anchor. Next, the suture anchor of the anteromedial bundle is preloaded with an internal suture tape augmentation. After anchor deployment, the suture tape augmentation is channeled through a small 2.5-mm tibial tunnel in the anterior third of the tibial ACL footprint. Finally, the suture augmentation is tensioned near full extension and fixed to the tibia’s anteromedial cortex using single suture anchor fixation. Results: Recently, we have published a series of the first 113 consecutive repair patients with minimum 2-year follow-up, of which 60 received additional suture augmentation. In this cohort, the overall failure rate was 13%, which was similar to 3 other studies on modern-day ACL repair (range: 5%-15%). Subgroup analysis showed that the failure rate was much higher in patients ≤21 years (38%) but low in patients &gt;21 years (0%). Finally, it has been shown that there is an earlier return of knee motion, complications are rare, and there is less joint awareness after ACL repair as compared with ACL reconstruction. Conclusion: Selective, modern-day, arthroscopic primary ACL repair with suture augmentation seems to be a good alternative to ACL reconstruction in carefully selected patients, which include patients with proximal tears and good tissue quality and aged ≥22 years.

Arthroscopic Repair of the Hip Abductor Musculotendinous Unit: The Effect of Microfracture on Clinical Outcomes

Background: Endoscopic surgical repair has become a common procedure for treating patients with hip abductor tendon tears. Considering that retear rates are high after the repair of gluteus medius and minimus tendons, exploring alternative strategies to enhance structural healing is important. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding microfracture to single-row repair (SR) on outcomes after the surgical repair of gluteus medius and minimus tendons and compare with SR and double-row repair (DR) without microfracture. We hypothesized that microfracture of the trochanteric footprint with SR would lead to superior clinical outcomes and lower clinically evident retear rates compared with SR and DR without the addition of microfracture. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 50 patients who underwent primary arthroscopic repair of hip gluteus medius and minimus tendon tears were investigated. Patients were divided into 3 groups: DR, 16 patients; SR, 14 patients; and SR with microfracture (SRM), 20 patients. Patients were evaluated with a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain as well as the Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score–Sport Specific (HOS-SS), and modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) both preoperatively and at a minimum 2-year follow-up (mean, 30 months). Results: Among the SR, SRM, and DR groups, the greatest decrease in VAS scores and increase in mHHS, HOS-ADL, and HOS-SS scores were seen in the SRM group, and all the differences were significant (P < .001 to P = .006). The abductor tendon retear rates were 31.3%, 35.7%, and 15.0% in the DR, SR, and SRM groups, respectively. Retear rates were lower in the SRM group compared with the SR and DR groups (P = .042); however, there was no significant difference between the SR and DR groups (P = .32) in terms of retear rates. Conclusion: Endoscopic SR with microfracture was a safe, practical, and effective technique and had the potential advantage of enhancing biological healing at the footprint. The addition of microfracturing the trochanteric footprint significantly lowered the retear rate and provided better functional outcomes than SR and DR without microfracture.

Arthroscopic Primary Repair of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament.

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is one of the four major stabilizers of the knee joint and functions as the primary restraint to posterior tibial translation. PCL tears rarely occur in isolation and most commonly presents in the setting of multiligamentous knee injuries. Several treatment strategies for these injuries have been proposed over the last decades, including ligament reconstruction and primary repair. Arthroscopic primary PCL repair has the potential to preserve native tissue using a more minimally invasive approach, thereby avoiding donor-site morbidity and allowing early mobilization. While arthroscopic PCL repair is certainly not an effective surgical approach for all patients, this procedure may be a reasonable and less morbid alternative to PCL reconstruction in selected patients treated for proximal or distal avulsion tears, with low failure rates, good knee stability, and good to excellent subjective outcomes. The surgical indications, surgical techniques, postoperative management, and outcomes for arthroscopic primary repair of proximal and distal PCL tears will be discussed in this review.

Arthroscopic Primary Medial Collateral Ligament Repair With Suture Anchor

A medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear is common in cases of isolated injury or in those combined with anterior cruciate ligament injury. Although conservative treatment for an MCL tear is popular, some cases result in residual instability. Thus, the treatment approach of grade III MCL injury remains controversial. In this Technical Note, we present the technique of arthroscopic primary MCL repair with suture anchor. With this technique, proximal MCL injuries can be repaired with minimal invasion. This technique improves valgus stability and enables early rehabilitation, including range of motion and weight-bearing exercise.

Beach Chair and Lateral Decubitus Positions for Anterior Shoulder Stabilization Surgery

The purpose of the present study was to assess patient and baseline operative repair variables utilized in the primary arthroscopic repair for anterior shoulder instability surgeries performed in the beach chair [BC] and lateral decubitus [LD] positions. It was hypothesized (1) that there would be more frequent anchor placement inferiorly on the glenoid when surgery was performed in the LD position and that (2) labrum tear characteristics would be similar between LD and BC positioning groups. The present study is a cross-sectional analysis of a large, multicenter prospective cohort study, the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) Shoulder Group. Participants ≥12 years of age that underwent primary arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization surgery were queried from November 2012 through May 2019 for inclusion. Participants with workers’ compensation were not eligible for enrollment; participants with concomitant rotator cuff repair, isolated superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) tears, or concomitant open and arthroscopic procedures were excluded. Patients were prospectively enrolled and demographic characteristics were collected at baseline for the BC and LD groups. The following baseline repair variables were collected for the BC and LD cohorts, respectively: labrum tear characteristics; anchor number and location of placement (Figure 1); and placement of an anchor at the lowest inferior position. Study data was managed using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). Continuous variables were assessed utilizing mean ±standard deviation; median (min.-max.) was used for distributions that were not normal. Between group comparisons were conducted utilizing the Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test. Sub-stratification analyses were conducted (1) excluding patients with concomitant SLAP repairs and (2) excluding repairs extending into the posterior quadrant. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS software version 9.4 (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC). The BC position (357, 58.1%) was more common vs. the LD position (257, 41.9%). The length of the labrum tears documented were greater for patients having surgery in the LD [median: 126.0º (range: 36-270º) vs. BC [median: 108.0º (range: 18-270º)], p<0.01]. The number of anchors used for labral tears in the inferior quadrant) differed significantly across patient groups, with ≥ 2 anchors placed inferiorly more often in the LD position [BC; 80 (22.4%) vs. LD; 140 (54.5%), p<0.01]. The LD position was associated with more frequent placement of an anchor at the 6 o’clock position on the glenoid [(LD 137, 53.3%) vs. BC position (74, 20.7%) p<0.01]. Sub-stratification analyses excluding participants with (1) concomitant SLAP repairs and (2) repairs extending into the posterior quadrant supported the number and location of anchors placed as well as anchor placement at the lowest inferior position (all p<0.01). The median length of the labral tear documented in the LD position was longer than that documented in the BC position. This could represent more extensive tear patterns or possibly improved visualization in LD positioning. Patients undergoing anterior instability arthroscopic surgery in the LD position more frequently had ≥ 2 anchors in the inferior quadrant and a 6 o’clock anchor placed.

Efficacy of Arthroscopic Treatment for Concurrent Medial Meniscus Posterior Horn and Lateral Meniscus Anterior Horn Injury: A Retrospective Single Center Study.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopic surgery for combined tears of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus (PHMM) and the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus (AHLM).MethodsBetween September 2009 and December 2013, a retrospective investigation was performed on 48 patients (48 knees) with combined tears of PHMM and AHLM who underwent arthroscopic surgery. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnosis in the outpatient department. After admission, other basic examinations were performed. PHMM was treated with partial meniscectomy and AHLM was treated with external–internal suture or partial meniscectomy. Curative effect was evaluated according to Lysholm score and IKDC score. The differences of the functions as well as Lysholm and IKDC scores pre‐ and postoperatively were compared, while the diagnostic accuracy of MRI and arthroscopy for PHMM and AHLM were compared.ResultsSeven patients with combined tears of PHMM and AHLM were misdiagnosed during MRI examination when arthroscopy was used as the gold standard. All patients were followed up for an average of 34.58 months (range 10–52 months) and all incisions healed by first intention with no obvious complication. The preoperative and postoperative Lysholm scores were 47.22 ± 2.77 and 87.36 ± 5.45, respectively. The IKDC scores are 54.73 ± 4.65 preoperatively and 89.62 ± 3.71 postoperatively. The positive rates of the diagnosis through MRI and arthroscopic surgery is 85.42% and 100%, respectively. At the last follow‐up, the patients had no pain, weakness, and instability, and tenderness in medial and lateral joint space disappeared. Mcmurray test was weakly positive in four patients. Excellent outcome was achieved in 39 cases, and a good outcome was achieved in five cases; the good to excellent rate was 91.67%.ConclusionMRI examination of combined tears of PHMM and AHLM may result in misdiagnosis. Arthroscopic primary repair seemed to be an effective surgical option for treatment of combined tears of PHMM and AHLM.