Secondary Arthroscopy Research Articles

Hip Arthroscopy in Patients Ages 50 Years or Older: Minimum 5-Year Outcomes, Survivorship, and Risk Factors for Conversion to Total Hip Replacement

To report minimum 5-year outcomes and risk factors for conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients ≥50years old undergoing hip arthroscopy to treat labral tears and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Data were prospectively collected on patients who underwent hip arthroscopy to treat labral tears and FAI between February 2008 and January 2012. The inclusion criteria were ≥50years old at surgery, arthroscopic treatment for both labral tears and FAI, and preoperative patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores for modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Hip Outcome Score-Sports Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The exclusion criteria were Tönnis grade > 1 and previous hip conditions or surgeries. Of 103 eligible cases, 94 hips (91.3%) had minimum 5-year follow-up at a mean of 70.1months (range, 60.0-95.1months). All PROs and VASs demonstrated significant improvement at latest follow-up (P= .0001). Mean patient satisfaction was 8.4. All mean scores demonstrated durability from 2years to latest follow-up, and NAHS (P= .009), HOS-SSS (P= .02), and VAS (P= .04) continued to significantly improve. Fifty-one (54.3%) of cases reached patient acceptable symptomatic state for mHHS, and 49 cases (52.1%) achieved minimal clinically important difference for this outcome measure. Four cases (4.3%) required secondary arthroscopy, and survivorship was 72.3%. Compared with survivors, the subgroup requiring THA demonstrated higher body mass indexes (P= .01), had larger alpha angles (P= .0200) and smaller lateral center-edge angles (P= .0200), and had higher proportions of Tönnis grade 1 (P= .0012), acetabular Outerbridge grade ≥ 2 (P= .0500), and femoral head Outerbridge grade ≥2 (P= .0001). Hip arthroscopy for the treatment of labral tears and FAI in patients ≥50years old demonstrates statistically significant PRO improvements at minimum 5-year follow-up. However, due to potential for subsequent need for THA in a subset of this population, surgeons should use rigorous selection criteria and counsel patients appropriately. Level IV, case series.

Minimum Five-Year Outcomes of Hip Arthroscopy for the Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement and Labral Tears in Patients with Obesity

Obesity is a negative prognostic factor for various surgical procedures. The purpose of this study was to compare patients with obesity who underwent hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement and labral tears with a match-controlled group of normal-weight patients. Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed for patients who underwent arthroscopy between February 2008 and December 2011. Inclusion criteria were treatment for femoroacetabular impingement and labral tears and completed preoperative patient-reported outcomes and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Exclusion criteria were previous ipsilateral hip conditions or preoperative Tönnis grade of ≥2. Patients with obesity (body mass index [BMI] of ≥30 kg/m) were matched and were compared with normal-weight patients (BMI of 18.5 to 24.99 kg/m) using a 1:1 ratio by age at the time of the surgical procedure within 5 years, sex, acetabular Outerbridge grade (0 or 1 compared with 2, 3, or 4), and capsular treatment. Of the 96 obesity cases with follow-up, 74 were pair-matched to control cases. The mean BMI was 34.3 kg/m for the obesity group and 22.7 kg/m for the control group (p < 0.0001). The mean follow-up time was 71.6 months for the obesity group and 71.3 months for the control group (p = 0.41). All mean preoperative patient-reported outcomes and VAS scores for patients without conversion to total hip arthroplasty were significantly worse in the obesity group: modified Harris hip score (p = 0.0001), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (p = 0.0001), Hip Outcome Score Sports-Specific Scale (HOS-SSS) (p = 0.015), and VAS (p = 0.01). No significant differences were observed with regard to demographic characteristics, intraoperative findings, procedures, follow-up scores, magnitudes of improvement, or secondary arthroscopy rates (p > 0.05). Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in mean outcome scores at ≥5 years (p < 0.0001). In both groups, no significant differences were detected in mean outcome scores between 2 years and ≥5 years (p > 0.05). The conversion rate to total hip arthroplasty was 29.7% for the obesity group and 14.9% for the control group (relative risk, 2.0 [95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 3.8]; p = 0.04). Hip arthroscopy for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement and labral tears in patients with obesity yielded significant improvements at ≥5 years; these results were similar to a matched group of normal-weight patients. However, patients with obesity demonstrated a twofold increased risk of conversion to total hip arthroplasty. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Acetabular microfracture in hip arthroscopy: clinical outcomes with minimum 5-year follow-up.

There is a paucity in the literature regarding mid-term results of microfracture in hip arthroscopy. We aim to assess 5-year outcomes of patients who underwent acetabular microfracture for full-thickness chondral lesions as a part of hip arthroscopy. Between August 2008 and September 2011, data were prospectively gathered for patients undergoing acetabular microfracture during hip arthroscopy with minimum 5-year follow-up. All patients were assessed pre- and postoperatively, with modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Hip Outcome Score - Sports Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and visual analog scale (VAS). International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12) and satisfaction were collected postoperatively. Exclusion criteria included previous hip conditions, or preoperative Tönnis grade ≥2. Fifty three hips were eligible for this study. Of these, 43 (81.1%) hips in 42 patients had follow-up. The study group had a male majority (65.1%) and an average age of 44.4 ± 9.5 years. There was statistically significant improvement in all patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and VAS at follow-up. Patient satisfaction was 7.6 ± 2.6. A comparison of 2-year to minimum 5-year follow-up results identified no statistically significant deterioration in PROs, VAS, and patient satisfaction. Survivorship was 72.1% with 12 patients converted to total hip arthroplasty (THA). 4 patients (10.8%) underwent secondary arthroscopy. In the mid-term, microfracture as a part of hip arthroscopy demonstrated favourable outcomes and 72% survivorship. Careful patient selection is warranted to limit the risk of conversion to THA.

Midterm Outcomes and Return to Sports Among Athletes Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy

Background: Hip arthroscopy is an established surgical treatment for pathologic hip conditions in athletes. There is a paucity in the literature regarding outcomes and return to sport for athletes in the midterm. Purpose: To report minimum 5-year outcomes, return to sport, and level of sport among athletic patients who underwent hip arthroscopy. In addition, we compared 2- and 5-year outcomes to evaluate whether there is a deterioration in functional status. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Data were prospectively collected on all patients who underwent hip arthroscopy between February 2009 and November 2011 at 1 institution. Athletes at the high school, collegiate, or professional level who underwent hip arthroscopy and had preoperative patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores were considered for inclusion. Exclusion criteria were preoperative Tönnis grade >1 or prior ipsilateral hip conditions or surgery. Data on sports participation, competition level, and ability were collected. At a minimum of 5 years postoperatively, PROs, visual analog scale (VAS), iHOT-12 (short version of International Hip Outcome Tool), satisfaction, and postoperative complication data were collected. Results: Seventy-seven hips met all criteria, among which 66 (85.7%) had a minimum 5-year follow-up and were included. There were 37 high school, 20 collegiate, and 9 professional athletes. Mean ± SD improvements at a minimum of 5 years were as follows: modified Harris Hip Score, 66.8 ± 16.3 to 87.0 ± 14.8 (P < .001); nonarthritic hip score, 66.2 ± 19.9 to 87.2 ± 15.2 (P < .001); Hip Outcome Score–Sports Specific Subscale, 47.0 ± 22.4 to 79.1 ± 23.0 (P < .001); and VAS, 5.4 ± 2.5 to 1.8 ± 2.1 (P < .001). At latest follow-up, mean iHOT-12 was 78.8 ± 22.7, and satisfaction was 8.2. A total of 50 athletes (53 hips, 80.3%) reported that they returned to sports; 71.2% reported “same” or “higher” sport ability as compared with a year before surgery. Postoperative complications included 3 cases (4.5%) of numbness and 1 case (1.5%) of pulmonary embolism. Ten hips (15.2%) required secondary arthroscopies, and no hips were converted to total hip arthroplasty. There were no significant differences between 2- and 5-year PROs, VAS, or satisfaction. Conclusion: Midterm results of hip arthroscopy in athletes are shown to be safe and favorable. Most athletes return to sports and continue to play after 5 years with the same or higher ability.

Relationship Between Intracapsular Fracture Patterns and Arthroscopic Findings

To observe the superior joint compartment (SJC) using ultrathin arthroscopy in intracapsular condylar fracture (ICF) of the temporomandibular joint, describe the changes, and evaluate the relations among fracture pattern, arthroscopic findings, and clinical outcome. Twenty patients with 27 ICFs were the subject group. Thirteen patients had unilateral ICFs and 7 had bilateral ICF. The fracture patterns were classified into 9 categories, and all patients had arthroscopic examination of the traumatized joint at the time of definitive treatment. At 4months after treatment of the injury, all patients had a secondary arthroscopy ofthe ICF joint. In all patients, range of motion (ROM) was measured as the interincisal distance (millimeters) at the first visit to 12months after the first treatment, and the data were statistically evaluated. Intra-articular hyperemia, hypervascularity, and temporal bone damage were found, and 4 patients had disc perforations at the first examination. At the second arthroscopy 4months later, normal healing occurred in 11 joints, all of which had minimally displaced fractures. Fifteen joints showed complete filling of the SJC, all of which had a displaced minor fragment from the fossa. Comparison of the effect of the presence versus absence of SJC fibrosis on ROM showed marked differences from 1 to 12months. The effect of early versus delayed definitive treatment showed marked differences at 4 and 12months. The intra-articular condition at 4months after ICF as observed arthroscopically was related to the minor fragment position. If the minor fragment is nondisplaced, then it will heal to a normal state; however, if the minor fragment is displaced from the fossa, then the SJC shows disc damage and fibrosis. This could lead to fibrous ankylosis.

Dynamic intraligamentary stabilization versus conventional ACL reconstruction: A matched study on return to work

PurposeThe dynamic intraligamentary stabilization (DIS) technique is based on a different treatment approach than ACL reconstruction in that it intends to promote self-healing of the ligament. It is only recommended for acute injuries (<21days). The purpose of the present study was to compare DIS and ACLR with respect to the extent of work incapacity, revision rates, secondary arthroscopies, and treatment costs during recovery. MethodsThe study was a post-hoc analysis of prospectively collected data in the Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund (SUVA) database. All registered DIS cases treated until 31 December 2012 were included in the study. ACLR cases were matched to DIS cases using a propensity score approach and analysed in a follow-up period of 2 years after injury. Paired Student’s T-test and the Chi-square test were used to compare the outcome measures. ResultsAll 53 DIS patients were matched to an ACLR pair. The mean time period from injury to surgery was 14days for DIS and 50days for ACLR (p<0.001). Overall work incapacity was 13% for DIS and 17% for ACLR resulting in a difference of nearly 1 month of absence from work (p=0.03). The course of postoperative work incapacity was very similar between the groups, while the work incapacity prior to surgery lower in the DIS group. We found no difference in treatment costs, secondary arthroscopies and revision rates. ConclusionDIS patients benefited from nearly one month shorter absence from work than ACLR patients. This difference is likely related to the early surgical timing that is recommended for DIS. Since no differences were found between DIS and ACLR in terms of treatment costs, secondary arthroscopies and revision rates, the study supports the choice of DIS as an additional treatment option for acute ACL injuries. Further comparative studies are proposed to improve the evidence about optimal timing and best practice in ACL treatment.

MRI findings of anterior cruciate ligament graft tear

Objective To summarize MRI features of anterior cruciate ligament graft tear and to explore the differences of MRI findings between acute tear and chronic tear, and compare the diagnostic ability of MRI and clinical examinations for graft tear. Methods MR images of 43 patients (44 knees) with anterior cruciate ligament graft tear (40 complete tear, 4 partial tear) confirmed by secondary arthroscopy were retrospectively analyzed. There were 18 acute tear and 26 chronic tear. Primary and secondary signs reported with conventional anterior cruciate ligament tear were adopted to evaluate graft tear. The exact probability method was used to compare the prevalence difference between various direct and indirect signs and the χ2 test was used to compare the accuracy between MRI and physical examination. Results The primary signs in MR images of anterior cruciate ligament graft tear included graft discontinuity in 13 kness, graft thickening with edematous high signal intensity in 12 knees, decreased slope of graft fibers in 6 kness, graft disappearing in 5 knees, and distinct graft atrophy in 3 knees. The secondary signs included kissing bone contusion in 4 knees, posteriorcruciate ligament buckling in 3 knees, increased anterior tibial displacement in 2 knees, bone contusion of the lateral condyle of femur, and bone contusion of thetibia condyle in 1 knee, respectively. There were no significant differences regarding the proportion of each sign between acute and chronic graft tear. Accuracy of MRI, Lachman test, and anterior drawer test were 87.5% (35/40), 95.0% (38/40) and 95.0% (38/40), respectively, which were all significantly higher than that of pivot shift test(42.5%, 17/40) with significant differences (χ2=17.80, P<0.0083). Conclusions MRI is sensitive for diagnosing anterior cruciate ligament graft tear, the primary signs is the main evidence for the diagnosis of ACL graft tear, but it is hard to distinguish acute and chronic graft tear based on MR findings. The diagnostic accuracy has no statistically significant differences among MRI, Lachman test, and anterior drawer test, but they are all higher than pivot shift test. Key words: Anterior cruciate ligament; Magnetic resonance imaging; Prosthesis implantation