Significant Improvements In Patient-reported Outcomes Research Articles

Efficacy of Nd:YAG Laser and Intralesional Triamcinolone Injection Combination Therapy in the Postoperative Management of Keloids.

Keloids, characterized by protruding scars that extend beyond the original skin damage site, cause significant emotional stress and reduced quality of life. Their exact pathogenesis remains unclear, with various hypotheses including growth factor imbalances and extracellular matrix changes. No single treatment is universally accepted, but multiple modalities like triamcinolone acetonide injection (TAC), laser therapies, and surgery are commonly used. This retrospective study involved East Asian patients who underwent keloid scar excision between March 2019 and June 2022. Patients were divided into two groups: one receiving only TAC injections and the other a combination of TAC and Nd:YAG laser therapy. The efficacy of treatments was evaluated using the modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS) and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), with follow-ups at six and twelve months after operation. The study involved 111 patients. Both treatment groups showed significant improvements in mVSS and POSAS scores, but the combination therapy group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in POSAS scores and lower recurrence rates at 12months compared to the TAC-only group. However, there was no significant difference in patient satisfaction between the groups. Dual therapy involving TAC injection and Nd:YAG laser treatment was more effective than TAC injection alone for managing keloid scars after surgery. This combination therapy showed better outcomes in preventing keloid recurrence and improving scar status at 12months after operation, along with significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Articular cartilage debridement results in short-term significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes for large areas of cartilage loss of the femur in the setting of mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate patient-reported outcomes (PROs) following chondroplasty in patients with larger chondral defects (≥2 cm2) of the femur in the setting of osteoarthritis. Materials and methodsRetrospective review of patients who underwent chondroplasty of the femur. All patients were radiographically assessed to have Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grades of 2 or 3 and had a minimum of 1-year postoperative follow-up. Areas of chondral loss were estimated by arthroscopic measurements and by MRI. PROs included the International Knee Documentation Committee, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement, and the Veterans Rand-12 Item. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t tests to compare baseline and follow-up data, as well as linear regressions to correlate lesion size with symptom improvement. ResultsA total of 39 patients were included. There were 20 KL grade 2 and 19 KL grade 3 knees. At both 1- and 2-year follow-ups, significant improvements were noted in International Knee Documentation Committee (34.9 ± 13.5 preoperative, 55.6 ± 18.8 at 2 years, P = .0025), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (56.3 ± 14.7 preoperative, 64.5 ± 17.0 at 2 years, P = .0243), and Veterans Rand-12 Item Physical Component Scores (38.0 ± 12.7 preoperative, 43.8 ± 8.6 at 2 years, P = .0044). All increases exceed previously reported Minimal Clinically Important Differences. Four (10.3%) conversions to arthroplasty were noted at most recent follow-up. ConclusionsArticular cartilage debridement for large areas of cartilage loss of the femur in the setting of mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis results in significant improvements in physical function and knee-specific PROs at 1- and 2-year follow-ups.

Long-term Outcomes After Total Ankle Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review.

Total ankle arthroplasty has emerged as a treatment to successfully treat ankle arthritis. Recent studies have reported more than 40 000 total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs) being performed between 2009 and 2019 in the United States. Although recent studies have reported favorable patient-reported outcomes at short- and midterm follow-up, there is a paucity of aggregate literature reporting on long-term patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after TAA. The purpose of this review is to report an aggregate of literature on minimum 10-year patient-reported outcomes after TAA. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were queried in June 2024. Primary research articles were included if they reported minimum 10-year PROs or satisfaction for patients who underwent primary TAA and were written in English. Survivorship was reported based on implant failure, which was determined uniquely by each study. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 595 ankles with a range of average ages from 51 to 73.7 years were included in the study with follow-up ranging from a minimum of 10 years to a minimum of 20 years. Six of the 8 studies reported average follow-up ranging from 11.9 to 15.8 years. Two of the 8 studies reported significant improvement in PROs following surgery. Survivorship at a minimum of 10-year follow-up ranged from 66% to 94.4%. Average time to implant failure ranged from 4.6 to 13.8 years. Patients undergoing primary TAA were reported to have generally improved PROs at minimum 10- year follow-up. However, they demonstrated variable rates of survivorship ranging from 66% to 94.4%. Of those experiencing implant failure, average time to failure ranged from 4.6 to 13.8 years. Survivorship should be interpreted with caution because of varying definitions between studies. Further studies should seek to standardize the definition of survivorship and reporting of PROs to allow for effective analysis of heterogeneity.

Assessment of radiological and functional outcomes of complex acetabulum fracture managed with combined anterior and posterior approach in a single anaesthetic setting: a retrospective study.

Appropriate selection of surgical approach for associated fractures of the acetabulum that involves both columns is still elusive. Therefore, present study aimed to assess the quality of life of complex acetabulum fracture managed with combined anterior and posterior approach (dual approach) as well as the association of postoperative reduction and patient reported outcomes. This retrospective study was performed on 42 associated acetabular fracture patients with involvement of both columns, who were treated with a dual approach including combined anterior modified ilio-inguinal approach in combination with posterior Kocher-Langenbeck (K-L) approach in a single anaesthetic session having minimum two years follow-up. Postoperative reduction and radiological outcomes were assessed using Matta criteria. Functional outcome was assessed by a score system developed by Merle d'Aubigné-Postel. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36). The mean age of participants was 47.9 ± 11.95 years and mean follow-up period was 2.8 ± 0.49 years. Anatomical reduction was achieved in 32 (76.19%) cases in postoperative period. 8 (19.04%) cases had congruent and 2 (4.76%) had incongruent reduction. Radiological and functional outcome was excellent/good n = 35 (83.33%) cases. Patient-reported outcome on domains physical function and role physical showed a significant improvement between 6 to 24 months period (p < 0.001). The dual approach for complex acetabulum fracture with mid-term follow-up showed good to excellent radiological and functional outcomes. A significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes on Physical function and Role physical domains of SF-36 was also seen over the follow-up period.

Emerging Indications for Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment: Registry Cohort Study.

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) treatment is used across a range of medical specialties for a variety of applications, particularly where hypoxia and inflammation are important contributors. Because of its hypoxia-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects HBO2 may be useful for new indications not currently approved by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. Identifying these new applications for HBO2 is difficult because individual centers may only treat a few cases and not track the outcomes consistently. The web-based International Multicenter Registry for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy captures prospective outcome data for patients treated with HBO2 therapy. These data can then be used to identify new potential applications for HBO2, which has relevance for a range of medical specialties. Although hyperbaric medicine has established indications, new ones continue to emerge. One objective of this registry study was to identify cases where HBO2 has been used for conditions falling outside of current Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society-approved indications and present outcome data for them. This descriptive study used data from a web-based, multicenter, international registry of patients treated with HBO2. Participating centers agree to collect data on all patients treated using standard outcome measures, and individual centers send deidentified data to the central registry. HBO2 treatment programs in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia participate. Demographic, outcome, complication, and treatment data, including pre- and posttreatment quality of life questionnaires (EQ-5D-5L) were collected for individuals referred for HBO2 treatment. Out of 9726 patient entries, 378 (3.89%) individuals were treated for 45 emerging indications. Post-COVID-19 condition (PCC; also known as postacute sequelae of COVID-19; 149/378, 39.4%), ulcerative colitis (47/378, 12.4%), and Crohn disease (40/378, 10.6%) accounted for 62.4% (n=236) of the total cases. Calciphylaxis (20/378, 5.3%), frostbite (18/378, 4.8%), and peripheral vascular disease-related wounds (12/378, 3.2%) accounted for a further 13.2% (n=50). Patients with PCC reported significant improvement on the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI score: pretreatment=30.6; posttreatment=14.4; P<.001). Patients with Crohn disease reported significantly improved quality of life (EQ-5D score: pretreatment=53.8; posttreatment=68.8), and 5 (13%) reported closing a fistula. Patients with ulcerative colitis and complete pre- and post-HBO2 data reported improved quality of life and lower scores on a bowel questionnaire examining frequency, blood, pain, and urgency. A subset of patients with calciphylaxis and arterial ulcers also reported improvement. HBO2 is being used for a wide range of possible applications across various medical specialties for its hypoxia-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. Results show statistically significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes for inflammatory bowel disease and PCC. HBO2 is also being used for frostbite, pyoderma gangrenosum, pterygium, hypospadias repair, and facial filler procedures. Other indications show evidence for improvement, and the case series for all indications is growing in the registry. RR2-10.2196/18857.

Poster 203: Staged Hip Arthroscopy and Periacetabular Osteotomy Versus Hip Arthroscopy Alone in Patients with Borderline Hip Dysplasia: A Propensity-Matched Study

Objectives: The management of borderline hip dysplasia (BHD) remains an area of interest in the field of hip preservation. The purpose of this study was to (1) evaluate mean 2-year outcomes for patients with BHD treated with staged hip arthroscopy and periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) to those who underwent hip arthroscopy alone, and (2) evaluate rates of complications, hardware removal, reoperations, conversions to total hip arthroplasty (THA), along with conversions to PAO. Methods: Hips with a lateral center-edge angle (LCEA) values 18° ≤ LCEA &lt; 25° that underwent a hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) between January 2018 and June 2022 were reviewed. Patients who underwent staged periacetabular osteotomy and hip arthroscopy were identified. Staged hips were propensity-matched 1:4 to other borderline dysplastic hips that underwent hip arthroscopy alone. Matching was performed based on age, sex, and body-mass index (BMI). Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were collected, including Hip Outcome Score – Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), HOS-Sports Specific (HOS-SS) subscale, 12-item International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12) questionnaire, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Pain Interference (PROMIS-PI) subscale, and PROMIS-Physical Function (PROMIS-PF) subscale. Cohort-specific minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) thresholds were calculated. Postoperative PROs, rates of MCID/PASS achievement, and rates of reoperation and conversion to THA were compared. Results: Twenty-four patients who underwent staged hip arthroscopy and PAO were successfully matched to 96 patients who underwent hip arthroscopy alone. Both groups were similar in terms of age, sex, and BMI. The patients who underwent a PAO had smaller LCEAs and larger Tönnis angles (21.0° vs. 23° and 11.6° vs. 9.1°, respectively). Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in PROs at minimum 1-year postoperatively (p &lt; 0.001, for all). There were no significant differences in postoperative PRO scores between the groups (p ≥ 0.223, for all). There were no significant differences in MCID/PASS achievement (p ≥ 0.224. for all). There were no reoperations or conversion to THA in the staged hip arthroscopy and PAO group. In the hip arthroscopy alone cohort, reoperation rates were 5.2% and conversion to THA occurred in 1% of the patients. There were no significant differences in secondary surgery rates between the groups (p = 1.000). Three patients in the hip arthroscopy alone group ultimately underwent PAO, 1 underwent a proximal femoral osteotomy (PFO), and one underwent a revision hip arthroscopy. These female patients were young and athletic with an LCEA &lt; 20°. Conclusions: Patients undergoing staged PAO and hip arthroplasty and isolated hip arthroplasty for treatment of BHD demonstrate similar clinical improvement. Rates of revision surgery and conversion to THA were similarly low. A small subset of patients who were initially treated arthroscopically ultimately received a PAO. This group was entirely made up of young, athletic female patients. This is encouraging early data and more long-term data is needed to evaluate the differences in survivorship. [Figure: see text]

Poster 367: Nano-Semiconductor Fibers in a Commercial Compression Sleeve Accelerates Healing of Achilles Tendon Injury in a Rat Model

Objectives: Commercial compression sleeves have been promoted to ameliorate pain secondary to arthritis and tendinopathy. The fabric of one particular sleeve is embedded with nano-semiconductor fibers that reflect thermal energy produced by the body at a photonic wavelength mimicking low-level laser therapy. The device is theorized to accelerate the inflammatory stage of tissue healing to reach the proliferation and remodeling stages at faster rates. Previous clinical studies have shown a significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes between patients who did and did not use this sleeve to treat osteoarthritis. The objective of this investigation was to determine if compression sleeves embedded with nano-semiconductor fibers can accelerate Achilles tendon healing in a rabbit model. Methods: Twelve New Zealand White rabbits—under IACUC approval—were administered intratendinous injections of 0.2% collagenase into the right Achilles tendon to simulate an acute tendon injury. Rabbits were divided into three groups: group I received the commercial compression sleeve without nano-semiconductors (n = 4), group II received the sleeve with nano-semiconductors (n = 4), and group III received an alternate sleeve design also with nano-semiconductors (n = 4). Calf circumference measurements and thermal radiation imaging of the right lower leg of each rabbit were collected days 7, 14, 21, and 28 post-injection. Two rabbits from each group were sacrificed at the 14-day and 28-day marks and the right Achilles tendons were harvested. Histological analysis using picrosirius red staining was performed to evaluate tissue organization. A custom MATLAB program (MathWorks, Natick, MA) was used to quantify the collagen fiber dispersion within the Achilles tendon samples. Results: A statistically significant difference in calf circumference was found at the 28-day mark between group I versus groups II and III: group I had an average calf circumference of 5.2 cm while groups II and III had an average calf circumference of 4.85 cm (p = 0.036) and 4.60 cm (p = 0.021) respectively. Additionally, after 28 days, group I demonstrated an average pixel density intensity on thermal radiation imaging of 1,531,192 while groups II and III yielded average pixel density intensities of 1,363,515 (p = 0.008) and 1,335,456 (p = 0.003) respectively. Histological staining showed observable alterations in collagen architecture, with group I displaying widespread disorganization and degradation of type I and type III collagen fibers near the injection site. Groups II and III displayed greater organization at the 28-day mark in comparison to group I, with signs of tissue proliferation and remodeling evident. No statistically significant differences were found between group I versus groups II and III regarding collagen fiber dispersion at both the 2-week mark (p = 0.145, p = 0.236) and the 4-week mark (p = 0.113, p = 0.268), respectively. Conclusions: The nano-semiconductor fibers embedded within a commercial sleeve significantly decreased swelling and temperature of the lower leg 28 days following acute Achilles tendon injury in a rabbit model. Furthermore, histologic analysis demonstrated greater collagen fiber and extracellular matrix organization as well as greater proliferation of type III collagen suggesting a faster transition to the proliferation stage of tissue healing.

Glenoid bone loss and Hill-Sachs width percentage score are useful to select optimal operation for the treatment of glenohumeral instability in overhead athletes: Arthroscopic Bankart repair with remplissage versus open Latarjet.

Glenohumeral instability with combined bone lesion in contact and overhead athletes with subcritical bone loss is challenging to treat with high recurrent instability. Treatment options are arthroscopic Bankart repair with remplissage and Latarjet operations. However, there is no consensus on their effectiveness. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes and return to sports after both operations andwhether evaluating the glenoid bone loss and Hill-Sachs width to calculate the total bone loss can help determine the appropriate operation. In this retrospective comparative analysis, 30 athletes who underwent index arthroscopic Bankart repair with remplissage (n = 16) or Latarjet procedure (n = 14) between 2017 and 2020 were included. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were routinely performed. The quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulderand Hand (qDASH), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), instability severity index (ISI) scoresand range of motion (ROM) were recorded preoperatively and at a mean follow-up of 53 months (SD = 12). Follow-up included time-to-return sports, self-perceived sports performance leveland complications/recurrent dislocations. Preoperative qDASH, ASES, ISI scores, agesand genders were similar. The Latarjet group had significantly larger glenoid bone loss, Hill-Sachs width and total bone loss (p < 0.01). Both groups had significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after the operations (p < 0.01). Athletes with a total bone loss <25% underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair with remplissage and total bone loss ≥25% underwent Latarjet procedure, andthere were no differences between the groups in terms of postoperative PROs, ROM, time-to-return sportsand performance. There were no re-dislocations. Arthroscopic Bankart repair with remplissage or Latarjet procedure can adequately address glenohumeral instability with combined bone lesions. Patients with total bone loss scores greater than or equal to 25 may particularly benefit from the Latarjet procedure, while the minimally invasive arthroscopic Bankart repair with remplissage can yield equally satisfying scores for total bone loss less than 25. Level III.

Paraspinal muscle endurance and morphology (PMEM) score: a new method for prediction of postoperative mechanical complications after lumbar fusion

BACKGROUND CONTEXTAlthough the relationships between paraspinal muscles and lumbar degenerative disorders have been acknowledged, paraspinal muscle evaluation has not been incorporated into clinical therapies. PURPOSEWe aimed to establish a novel paraspinal muscle endurance and morphology (PMEM) score to better predict mechanical complications after lumbar fusion. STUDY DESIGNProspective cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLEA total of 212 patients undergoing posterior lumbar interbody fusion with at least 1 year of follow-up were finally included. OUTCOME MEASURESMechanical complications including screw loosening, pseudarthrosis and other complications like cage subsidence, and patient-reported outcomes were evaluated at last follow-up. METHODSThe PMEM score comprised 1 functional muscular parameter (the performance time of the endurance test) and 2 imaging muscular parameters (relative functional cross-sectional area [rFCSA] of paraspinal extensor muscles [PEM] and psoas major [PS] on magnetic resonance imaging). The score was established based on a weighted scoring system created by rounding β regression coefficients to the nearest integer in univariate logistic regression. The diagnostic performance of the PMEM score was determined by binary logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve with the area under the curve (AUC). Additionally, pairwise comparisons of ROC curves were conducted to compare the diagnostic performance of the PMEM score with conventional methods based on a single muscular parameter. Moreover, differences of mechanical complications and patient-reported outcomes among the PMEM categories were analyzed using Chi-square test with Bonferroni correction. RESULTSThe PMEM score, calculated by adding the scores for each parameter, ranges from 0 to 5 points. Patients with higher PMEM scores exhibited higher rates of mechanical complications (p<.001). Binary logistic regression revealed that the PMEM score was an independent factor of mechanical complications (p<.001, OR=2.002). Moreover, the AUC of the PMEM score (AUC=0.756) was significantly greater than those of the conventional methods including the endurance test (AUC=0.691, Z=2.036, p<.05), PEM rFCSA (AUC=.690, Z=2.016, p<.05) and PS rFCSA (AUC=0.640, Z=2.771, p<.01). In terms of the PMEM categories, a score of 0–1 was categorized as low-risk muscular state of mechanical complications; 2–3, as moderate; and 4–5, as high-risk state. Moving from the low-risk state to the high-risk state, there was a progressive increase in the rates of mechanical complications (13.8% vs 32.1% vs 72.7%; p<.001), and a decrease in the rates of clinically significant improvement of patient-reported outcomes (all p<.05). CONCLUSIONSThe PMEM score might comprehensively evaluate paraspinal muscle degeneration and exhibit greater ability in predicting mechanical complications than the conventional evaluations after lumbar fusion. Surgeons might develop individualized treatment strategy tailored to different muscle degeneration statuses reflected by the PMEM score for decreasing the risk of mechanical complications.

Improved Clinical Outcomes After Partial Repair and In Situ Biceps Tenodesis for the Treatment of Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears

To present the short-term outcomes of arthroscopic in situ biceps tenodesis combined with partial rotator cuff repair in patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears (MIRCTs) and minimal arthritis. A retrospective review was conducted using prospectively maintained institutional databases to identify patients who had undergone a partial rotator cuff repair with in situ biceps tenodesis between March 2017 and December 2022. Patients were included if they (1) were diagnosed pre- or intraoperatively with MIRCT and (2) had complete preoperative and minimum 1-year postoperative patient-reported outcome measures. Thirty-nine patients met the eligibility criteria and were included for analysis. The mean age of the study participants was 65 ± 7 years (range, 46-76) with 76.9% (n= 30) being male. The average follow-up was 21 ± 12 months (range, 12-58). Patients experienced significant improvement in visual analog scale for pain (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and subjective assessment numeric evaluation (SANE) score (P < .001 for all comparisons). The pre- to postoperative improvement was 3.1 ± 2.3 for VAS, 27.5 ± 20.6 for ASES, and 31.3 ± 24.8 for SANE. Postoperatively, the average scores for VAS, ASES, and SANE were 1.3 ± 1.5, 79.5 ± 17.0, and 69.6 ± 20.1, respectively. Twenty-six patients (66.7%) achieved the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for VAS, 33 patients (84.6%) achieved the MCID for ASES, and 30 patients (76.9%) achieved the MCID for SANE. Partial rotator cuff repair with in situ biceps tenodesis is an effective treatment for MIRCT, leading to significant improvements in patient-reported outcome and range-of-motion measures compared to preoperative conditions. Level IV, retrospective case series.

The Incremental Clinical Benefit of Adding Layers of Complexity to the Planning and Execution of Adult Spinal Deformity Corrective Surgery.

For patients with surgical adult spinal deformity (ASD), our understanding of alignment has evolved, especially in the last 20 years. Determination of optimal restoration of alignment and spinal shape has been increasingly studied, yet the assessment of how these alignment schematics have incrementally added benefit to outcomes remains to be evaluated. Patients with ASD with baseline and 2-year were included, classified by 4 alignment measures: Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-Schwab, Age-Adjusted, Roussouly, and Global Alignment and Proportion (GAP). The incremental benefits of alignment schemas were assessed in chronological order as our understanding of optimal alignment progressed. Alignment was considered improved from baseline based on SRS-Schwab 0 or decrease in severity, Age-Adjusted ideal match, Roussouly current (based on sacral slope) matching theoretical (pelvic incidence-based), and decrease in proportion. Patients separated into 4 first improving in SRS-Schwab at 2-year, second Schwab improvement and matching Age-Adjusted, third two prior with Roussouly, and fourth improvement in all four. Comparison was accomplished with means comparison tests and χ2 analyses. Sevenhundredthirty-two. patients met inclusion. SRS-Schwab BL: pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis mismatch (++:32.9%), sagittal vertical axis (++: 23%), pelvic tilt (++:24.6%). 640 (87.4%) met criteria for first, 517 (70.6%) second, 176 (24%) third, and 55 (7.5%) fourth. The addition of Roussouly (third) resulted in lower rates of mechanical complications and proximal junctional kyphosis (48.3%) and higher rates of meeting minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for physical component summary and SRS-Mental (P < .05) compared with the second. Fourth compared with the third had higher rates of MCID for ODI (44.2% vs third: 28.3%, P = .011) and SRS-Appearance (70.6% vs 44.8%, P < .001). Mechanical complications and proximal junctional kyphosis were lower with the addition of Roussouly (P = .024), while the addition of GAP had higher rates of meeting MCID for SRS-22 Appearance (P = .002) and Oswestry Disability Index (P = .085). Our evaluation of the incremental benefit that alignment schemas have provided in ASD corrective surgery suggests that the addition of Roussouly provided the greatest reduction in mechanical complications, while the incorporation of GAP provided the most significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes.

Range-of-Motion Predictors for Repeat Manipulation Under Anesthesia and Revision Surgery for Stiffness After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Introduction: Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is a first-line treatment for stiffness after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but predicting outcomes after MUA can be difficult. Purpose: We sought to determine the association between pre-MUA range-of-motion (ROM) and the risk of repeat MUA and revision in patients who underwent primary TKA. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 543 MUAs for stiffness at a single institution. Mean age was 62.5 years, and 64% were female. Second MUA or revision TKA were considered failures of treatment. Penalized logistic regression models were used to assess risk factors for failures. The Kaplan-Meier survivorship was used to examine survivorship free from second MUA or revision. Results: Before and after MUA, there was significant improvement in knee flexion (78.0° vs 112.8°, respectively) and extension (4.1° vs 0.8°, respectively); 6.4% of patients required repeat MUA and 5.3% required revision TKA. Survivorship free of second MUA was 90.9%, revision for stiffness was 92.4%, and all-cause revision was 88.2% at 2 years post-MUA. Patients with pre-MUA flexion contracture of ≥5° were more likely to undergo second MUA revision for stiffness and any revision. There were significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes postoperatively. Conclusions: This retrospective chart review suggests that MUA is an effective treatment for post-TKA stiffness, with good early survivorship, and that worse pre-MUA ROM is associated with MUA failure and need for repeat MUA or revision. This information may have implications for patient counseling and management.

Impact of surgical risk factors for non-union on lumbar spinal fusion outcomes using cellular bone allograft at 24-months follow-up

BackgroundThe current report investigates fusion rates and patient-reported outcomes following lumbar spinal surgery using cellular bone allograft (CBA) in patients with risk factors for non-union.MethodsA prospective, open label study was conducted in subjects undergoing lumbar spinal fusion with CBA (NCT 02969616) to assess fusion success rates and patient-reported outcomes in subjects with risk factors for non-union. Subjects were categorized into low-risk (≤ 1 risk factors) and high-risk (> 1 risk factors) groups. Radiographic fusion status was evaluated by an independent review of dynamic radiographs and CT scans. Patient-reported outcome measures included quality of life (EQ-5D), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analog Scales (VAS) for back and leg pain. Adverse event reporting was conducted throughout 24-months of follow-up.ResultsA total of 274 subjects were enrolled: 140 subjects (51.1%) were categorized into the high-risk group (> 1 risk factor) and 134 subjects (48.9%) into the low-risk group (≤ 1 risk factors). The overall mean age at screening was 58.8 years (SD 12.5) with a higher distribution of females (63.1%) than males (36.9%). No statistical difference in fusion rates were observed between the low-risk (90.0%) and high-risk (93.9%) groups (p > 0.05). A statistically significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes (EQ-5D, ODI and VAS) was observed at all time points (p < 0.05) in both low and high-risk groups. The low-risk group showed enhanced improvement at multiple timepoints in EQ-5D, ODI, VAS-Back pain and VAS-Leg pain scores compared to the high-risk group (p < 0.05). The number of AEs were similar among risk groups.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates high fusion rates following lumbar spinal surgery using CBA, regardless of associated risk factors. Patient reported outcomes and fusion rates were not adversely affected by risk factor profiles.Trial registrationNCT 02969616 (21/11/2016).

Safety and efficacy of second-generation all-suture anchors in labral tear arthroscopic repairs: prospective, multicenter, 1-year follow-up study

BackgroundThis study’s primary aim was to assess the safety and performance of second-generation all-soft suture anchors following arthroscopic labral tear repair. MethodsThis prospective, multicenter study was conducted by 6 surgeons at 6 sites in Europe and the United States between November 2018 and August 2020. Patients who required shoulder arthroscopic repair, for a range of labral injuries, were treated with a second-generation all-soft suture anchor. The primary outcome was clinical success rate (percentage of patients without signs of failure and/or re-intervention) at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included clinical success rate at 12 months, intraoperative anchor deployment success rate, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) at 6 and 12 months, including visual analog scale (VAS) pain assessment, VAS satisfaction assessment, EQ-5D-5L Index Score, EQ-5D-5L VAS Health Score, Rowe Shoulder Score for Instability, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and Constant-Murley Shoulder (CMS) Score. Serious adverse events (SAE) and serious adverse device effects (SADE) were collected throughout the study. ResultsForty-one patients were enrolled (mean age, 28.2 years; 87.8% male, 12.2% female). Clinical success was achieved in 27/28 and 31/32 patients at 6 months and 12 months, respectively. Anchor deployment had a 100% success rate. Significant improvements over baseline were reported for all PROs except CMS (6 months) and VAS Satisfaction Score (12 months). One patient experienced 1 SAE and 1 patient experienced 1 SADE. ConclusionSecond-generation all-soft suture anchors used in this study demonstrated a high clinical success rate, a favorable safety profile, and patients exhibited significant improvement in PROs.

Evaluation of an Initial Robotic-Assisted Direct Anterior Approach Cohort Receiving a New Short Metaphyseal Filling Collared Femoral Implant.

Shorter, metaphyseal-filling collared stems have become popular with the direct anterior approach (DAA), based on their ease of broaching and insertion through less invasive surgical exposures. To aid with the DAA, robotic-assisted technology provides three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance to accurately assess stem version. With other femoral stems, this has been shown to provide more accurate implant planning and improved patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to understand femoral stem placement predictability and patient outcomes for a newly designed metaphyseal-filling collared stem system through a DAA in combination with a robotic-assisted system during a single surgeon's initial cases. A single high-volume surgeon, experienced with robotic-assisted DAA total hip arthroplasty (THA), adopted the use of a metaphyseal-filling collared stem. Intraoperative data and patient outcomes up to six months postoperative were collected prospectively during the surgeon's first 123 cases. Student's t-tests (α=0.05) were used for statistical comparisons. Intraoperative and radiographic assessments were performed for all 123 cases. The estimated version with neck-cut view of the robotic-assisted system was 13.81 ± 3.81°. The final version measurement captured with the robotic-assisted system was 16.56 ± 6.61°. The difference between the estimated version and robotic-assisted measured version was, on average, 2.68 ± 5.7° (p<0.001). The femoral stem sat at the level of the calcar in all but five cases. There were no intraoperative or postoperative periprosthetic fractures. Patients reported significant improvements in reduced Hip dysfunction and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (HOOS-JR), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS 10), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores throughout their six-month recovery process with no patients reporting a periprosthetic joint infection, fracture, or dislocation. The use of a metaphyseal-filling collared stem with robotic-assisted DAA resulted in adequate stem version when assessed visually and with CT scan assessments. Version estimation values were improved upon over visual assessments when using the robotic system that maps out the proximal femur and the improvement was also demonstrated when compared to the prior literature. This may also be related to the stem's collar providing a visual guide during stem placement posterior fill of this triple-tapered stem design. Although further follow up is needed to assess longer-term outcomes, at six months postoperatively, patients had significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes with all patients reporting minimal to no restrictions with their THA.

A randomized multicenter trial of a chronic disease management intervention for decompensated cirrhosis. The Australian Liver Failure (ALFIE) trial.

Improving the care of decompensated cirrhosis is a significant clinical challenge. The primary aim of this trial was to assess the efficacy of a chronic disease management (CDM) model to reduce liver-related emergency admissions (LREA). The secondary aims were to assess model effects on quality-of-care and patient-reported outcomes. The study design was a 2-year, multicenter, randomized controlled study with 1:1 allocation of a CDM model versus usual care. The study setting involved both tertiary and community care. Participants were randomly allocated following a decompensated cirrhosis admission. The intervention was a multifaceted CDM model coordinated by a liver nurse. A total of 147 participants (intervention=75, control=71) were recruited with a median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score of 19. For the primary outcome, there was no difference in the overall LREA rate for the intervention group versus the control group (incident rate ratio 0.89; 95% CI: 0.53-1.50, p=0.666) or in actuarial survival (HR=1.14; 95% CI: 0.66-1.96, p=0.646). However, there was a reduced risk of LREA due to encephalopathy in the intervention versus control group (HR=1.87; 95% CI: 1.18-2.96, p=0.007). Significant improvement in quality-of-care measures was seen for the performance of bone density (p<0.001), vitamin D testing (p<0.001), and HCC surveillance adherence (p=0.050). For assessable participants (44/74 intervention, 32/71 controls) significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes at 3 months were seen in self-management ability and quality of life as assessed by visual analog scale (p=0.044). This CDM intervention did not reduce overall LREA events and may not be effective in decompensated cirrhosis for this end point.

The Everted Acetabular Labrum: Outcomes of Surgical Management

Background: An everted acetabular labrum (EL) is a pathologic variant in which the labrum is flipped to the capsular side of the acetabular rim. An iatrogenic EL is a known complication of a poorly executed labral repair, and a recent study described the native acetabular EL. Purpose: To analyze surgical outcomes after advancement or reconstruction of an EL in a native hip. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective review of prospectively collected data on primary hip arthroscopic surgeries performed between 2013 and 2023. An EL was identified arthroscopically as a labrum–femoral head gap while off traction in the native hip. All patients with EL who were analyzed in this study underwent arthroscopic labral repair and advancement or labral augmentation or reconstruction. Patients with hip dysplasia also underwent periacetabular osteotomy with or without a derotational femoral osteotomy. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were assessed using the 12-item International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12) and the Nonarthritic Hip Score. PROs were obtained preoperatively and up to 24 months after surgery. PROs were compared with those of a case-matched control cohort in a 1:2 ratio. Only patients with PROs available at ≥1 year postoperatively were included in the outcome analysis. Results: A total of 111 patients (129 hips) with EL during the study period were identified, with PROs available in 96 hips. The mean age of patients with EL was 30.5 years, and women made up 87% of the cohort. Of the 129 hips with an EL, an isolated diagnosis of an EL was present in 11.6% of hips. Deficient acetabular coverage (lateral center-edge angle <25°) was seen in 40.6% of EL hips. No difference was seen in iHOT-12 scores between EL and control groups at 12- or 24-month follow-up (P = .18 and .94, respectively). Patients with EL reported a significant improvement of PROs at latest follow-up (P < .001 for iHOT-12 and Nonarthritic Hip Score). Conclusion: Surgical management of a native EL with restoration of the labral seal on the femoral head and correction of concomitant pathologies resulted in significant clinical improvement, with postoperative outcome scores comparable to those of patients without an EL. These findings provide evidence supporting surgical intervention for a native EL.

A systematic review of the outcomes of partial ulnar collateral ligament tears of the elbow in athletes treated non-operatively with platelet-rich plasma injection.

This study aimed to analyze the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for partial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears in athletes and predicted positive outcomes. The researchers systematically reviewed the PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to identify studies with clinical outcomes of PRP for partial UCL tears. They excluded studies that did not stratify data by tear type or included surgical management. Five studies with 156 patients were included. The timing, amount, platelet concentration, type, and number of PRP injections were highly variable among the studies. However, 75% (n = 97/127) of athletes returned to sport (RTS) at a weighted average of 82.1 days (37-84) after PRP injection. One study showed significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes. Two studies showed positive outcomes in the modified Conway scale, complete reconstitution of the UCL in 87% of patients on MRI, and significant improvement in the humeral-ulnar joint space after PRP injection via ultrasound. The Coleman methodology score (CMS) averaged 48/100, indicating an overall poor quality of evidence. This review demonstrates favorable RTS, clinical, and radiographic outcomes in patients receiving PRP for partial UCL tears, but the literature remains heterogeneous and of low quality. III.

Hip arthroscopy is an effective treatment for high-level female athletes

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the outcomes of hip arthroscopic surgery in high-level female athletes diagnosed with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) compared to those with lower levels of sports activity. Additionally, we investigated the effectiveness of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and the potential ceiling effect as a lack of sensitivity in detecting clinically statistically significant changes in high-level female athletes due to high baseline scores. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from female patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAI between January 2016 and August 2022 with a minimum 1-year follow-up. Patients were categorised into two groups: high-level athletes (group A) and low sports activity level (group B). Various PROs, visual analogue scales for pain, and patient satisfaction were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. Return to sports (RTS) rates were determined based on the patient's reported ability to return to their previous level of sports activity. The minimally clinically important differences (MCIDs) and the Patient-Acceptable Symptomatic State (PASS) analyses were used to evaluate the clinical impact of the Hip Outcome Score-Sport Subscale (HOS-SSS). ResultsA total of 11 high-level female athletes were included in group A, and 22 were included in the low sports activity level group B. Both groups showed significant improvements in PROs, with no significant differences between them. RTS rates were lower in high-level athletes (63.6%) than in low sports activity patients (85.7%). Visual analogue scales for pain improved significantly in both groups. Patient satisfaction was high in both groups, with a median score of 9. The HOS-SSS showed no ceiling effect, and the MCID and PASS analyses indicated that a high proportion of patients in both groups achieved clinically relevant improvement in HOS-SSS. ConclusionHip arthroscopic surgery is effective for FAI treatment in high-level female athletes, with outcomes similar to those in patients with lower sports activity levels. The absence of a ceiling effect in sports-related outcomes suggests that PROs can detect clinically significant changes in high-level female athletes. Although RTS rates were lower in high-level athletes, this difference was not significant. These findings underscore the value of using PROs to evaluate outcomes in female athletes with different sports-activity levels. Level of evidenceIV.

Margin convergence vs. superior capsular reconstruction for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears: outcomes are equivalent unless there is preoperative pseudoparesis

Margin convergence (MC) and superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) are common treatment options for irreparable rotator cuff tears in younger patients, although they differ in associated costs and operative times. The purpose of this study was to compare range of motion, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and reoperation rates following MC and SCR. We hypothesized superior outcomes after SCR relative to MC regarding functional outcomes, subjective measures, and reoperation rates. This was a multicenter retrospective review of 59 patients from 3 surgeons treating irreparable rotator cuff tears with either MC (n=28) or SCR (n=31) and minimum 1-year follow-up from 2014-2019. Visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), active forward flexion (FF), external rotation (ER), retear rate, and conversion rate to reverse shoulder arthroplasty were evaluated. t tests and χ2 tests were used for continuous and categorical variables, respectively (P<.05). Baseline demographics, range of motion, and magnetic resonance imaging findings were similar between groups. Average follow-up was 31.5 months and 17.8 months for the MC and SCR groups, respectively (P<.001). The MC and SCR groups had similar postoperative FF (151°±26° vs. 142°±38°; P=.325) and ER (48°±12° vs. 46°±11°; P=.284), with both groups not improving significantly from their preoperative baselines. However, both cohorts demonstrated significant improvements in VAS score (MC: 7.3 to 2.5; SCR: 6.4 to 1.0) and SSV (MC: 54% to 82%; SCR: 38% to 87%). There were no significant differences in postoperative VAS scores, SSV, and rates of retear or rates of conversion to arthroplasty between the MC and SCR groups. In patients with preoperative pseudoparesis (FF<90°), SCR (n=9) resulted in greater postoperative FF than MC (n=5) (141°±38° vs. 67°±24°; P=.002). Both MC and SCR demonstrated excellent postoperative outcomes in the setting of massive irreparable rotator cuff tear, with significant improvements in PROs and no significant differences in range of motion. Specifically for patients with preoperative pseudoparesis, SCR was more effective in restoring forward elevation. Further long-term studies are needed to compare outcomes and establish appropriate indications.