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To measure and compare the torque to failure and stiffness of the capsular repair construct consisting of four-suture simple stitches to a two-figure of eight stitches repair construct in external rotation following an interportal capsulotomy.Six pairs of fresh-frozen cadaveric hemipelves were divided into two capsular repair groups. All hips underwent a 40-mm interportal capsulotomy from the 12 o'clock position to the 3 o'clock position. Capsular closure was performed using either the two stitches in a figure of eight or with four simple stitches. Afterward, each hemipelvis was securely fixed to the frame of a mechanical testing system with the hip in 10° of extension and externally rotated to failure. Significance was set at P.05.The average failure torque was 86.2 ± 18.9 N·m and 81.5 ± 8.9 N·m (P = .57) for the two stitches in a figure of eight and the four simple stitches, respectively. Failure stiffness was also not statistically different between groups and both capsular closure techniques failed at similar degrees of rotation (P = .65).Hip capsular repair using either the four simple stitch or two-figure of eight configurations following interportal capsulotomy demonstrated comparable failure torques and similar stiffness in a cadaveric model.Adequate and comprehensive capsular management in hip arthroscopy is critical. Capsular repair following capsulotomy in femoroacetabular impingement surgery has been associated with higher patient-reported outcomes when compared to capsulotomy without repair. Therefore, determining which capsular closure construct provides the higher failure torque is important.

CAM-type femoroacetabular impingement continues to be an underrecognized cause of hip pain in elite athletes. Properties inherent to baseball such as throwing mechanics and hitting may enhance the risk of developing a cam deformity. Our goal is to gain an appreciation of the radiographic prevalence of cam deformities in elite baseball players. Prospective evaluation and radiographs of 80 elite baseball players were obtained during the 2016 preseason entrance examination. A sports medicine fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with experience treating hip disorders used standard radiographic measurements to assess for the radiographic presence of cam impingement. Radiographs with an alpha angle >55° on modified Dunn views were defined as cam positive. Of the 122 elite baseball players included in our analysis, 80 completed radiographic evaluation. Only 7.3% (9/122) of players reported hip pain and 1.6% (4/244) had a positive anterior impingement test. The prevalence of cam deformities in right and left hips were 54/80 (67.5%) and 40/80 (50.0%), respectively. The mean alpha angle for cam-positive right and left hips were 64.7 ± 6.9° and 64.9 ± 5.8°, respectively. Outfielders had the highest risk of right-sided cam morphology (Relative Risk (RR) = 1.6). Right hip cam deformities were significantly higher in right-handed pitchers compared with left-handed pitchers (P = 0.02); however, there was no significant difference in left hip cam deformities between left- and right-handed pitchers (P = 0.307). Our data suggest that elite baseball players have a significantly higher prevalence of radiographic cam impingement than the general population.

Background: No study has specifically evaluated how ulnar neuritis and ulnar nerve transposition affect outcomes in baseball players undergoing ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction (UCLR). Purpose: To evaluate the effects of ulnar neuritis and ulnar nerve transposition in baseball pitchers undergoing UCLR in regard to return to sport, time to return to sport, and need for revision or additional surgery. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: At a single institution, all consecutive baseball pitchers undergoing UCLR between 2002 and 2015 were identified. Ulnar neuritis was diagnosed preoperatively by the following criteria: ulnar nerve symptoms, Tinel sign at the elbow, symptomatic subluxation, and numbness/paresthesia in an ulnar nerve distribution of the hand. The primary outcome of the study was return to sport. The secondary outcomes of the study were time to return to sport, length of playing career, and revision or additional surgery. Results: A total of 578 UCLRs were performed in baseball players; of these, 500 UCLRs were performed in pitchers. Ulnar neuritis was diagnosed in 97 (19.4%) baseball pitchers presenting with UCL injury. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics or surgical techniques performed for reconstruction between baseball pitchers with and without ulnar neuritis. In review of injury characteristics, ulnar neuritis was significantly more likely to be diagnosed in pitchers with an acute onset of UCL injury ( P = .03). Transposition of the ulnar nerve was more commonly performed in players with ulnar neuritis (47%) versus those without ulnar neuritis (10%; P = .0001). The players who had ulnar neuritis and underwent UCLR had a significantly lower odds of returning to sport (odds ratio, 0.45; P = .04); however, no significant difference was found for time to return to sport and length of playing career for those with and without ulnar neuritis ( P = .38 and .51, respectively). Conclusion: The study suggests that ulnar neuritis, when present preoperatively in baseball pitchers undergoing UCLR, may adversely affect their ability to return to sport, whereas ulnar nerve transposition at the time of UCLR does not alter the ability to return to sport.

Shoulder instability is a commonly seen pathology. The Latarjet procedure was first described in 1954 to address recurrent instability or patients with glenoid bone loss. Since its introduction, the procedure has been widely adopted and modified, including being performed all-arthroscopically. Various arthroscopic techniques have been described, but we present a technique performed in the lateral decubitus position that takes advantage of a pneumatic arm holder. After arthroscopic diagnosis, multiple accessory portals are established and used to accomplish the technique. Next, the coracoid is prepared and cut using a cannulated drill guide, followed by arthroscopic glenoid preparation using a cannulated drill system to ensure appropriate position of the coracoid. The subscapularis split is performed arthroscopically, and finally the coracoid is fixed with use of the EndoButton device., Technique Video Video 1 The patient is placed in the lateral decubitus position with the bed placed in reverse Trendelenburg and rotated toward the patient’s back to position the glenoid parallel with the floor with the arm in a pneumatic arm positioner. A standard posterior portal incision is made and a 70° arthroscope is then placed into the glenohumeral joint and diagnostic exam performed. The second portal made is the northwest (NW) portal, positioned off the anterosuperior corner of the acromion. Through the NW portal a heat ablation device is used to remove soft tissue, bursa, and fascial adhesions from the subcoracoid space and rotator interval. Once cleared, the coracoacromial ligament is released from the coracoid process. Coracoid preparation: after exposure of the coracoid process, the north portal centered over the coracoid is established under direct visualization with the arm is positioned in 20° of internal rotation and 10° of adduction. Through the north portal a tenotomy of the pectoralis minor is performed. A high-speed oscillating rasp via NW portal is then used to abrade the undersurface of the coracoid. Another anterior portal, the south portal, is made 2 finger breadths distal to the tip of the coracoid process. A polydioxanone (PDS) suture is then passed through the south portal and around the conjoined tendon to retract the coracoid distally postosteotomy. The coracoid drill guide is then placed through the north portal and a 2.8 mm drill creates a hole bicortically through the coracoid with 5 mm margins. The west portal is then made 2 finger breadths lateral to the tip of the coracoid. A PDS suture is then passed through the coracoid from superior to inferior and retrieved through the west portal, which can will be used to shuttle an EndoButton device into the superior aspect of the coracoid. The white suture from the EndoButton is retrieved through the north portal and the blue suture retrieved through the south portal. A high-speed oscillating saw is then placed through the NW portal to osteotomize 15 to 20 mm of the coracoid. Glenoid preparation: without repositioning the arm, the anterior glenoid is then prepared through the NW portal by using an ablation device to remove the anterior labrum while preserving its tissue as well as the anterior capsule. The high-speed oscillating rasp is then used to abrade the glenoid between 3 and 6 o’clock. Two drill holes are placed close to the 3 and 6 o’clock positions for preparation of later capsulolabral repair. The arthroscope is then moved to the NW portal and the arm repositioned to 60° of abduction and 10° of internal rotation. The glenoid drill guide (Smith & Nephew Inc., Andover, MA) is then inserted into the posterior portal with aid of the half-pipe and placed flush against the glenoid at the 5 o’clock position. A second posterior incision is then made to insert a 2.8 mm drill and sleeve through the guide. A hole is then drilled in the glenoid from posterior to anterior, and the drill sleeve is left in place for shuttling the EndoButton sutures. Subscapularis split and graft fixation: the surgeon then moves anterior to the patient and the arm is repositioned to 20° of adduction, 10° of internal rotation, and 15° of forward flexion. After repositioning the low-profile subscapularis spreader is then inserted through the posterior portal to spread the subscapularis muscle. Through the west and south portals, a heat ablation device is utilized to perform a subscapularis bursectomy and identify the anterior circumflex vessels, and more medially the axillary and musculocutaneous nerves. The east portal is established 3 finger breadths medial to the tip of the coracoid process to be collinear to the glenoid face. The second low-profile subscapularis spreader is then placed from anterior to posterior through the east portal meeting the jaws of the first spreader and separating the subscapularis in line with its muscle fibers. This creates a safe window to shuttle the coracoid to the glenoid and while protecting the musculocutaneous and axillary nerves. The white suture is then retrieved from the north portal and passed through the sleeve of the glenoid drill guide from anterior to posterior, seating the coracoid against the glenoid. A suture tensioner is then utilized through the posterior portal to seat the posterior EndoButton and tension the coracoid. The shoulder is then taken through a range of motion to confirm stability. Capsulolabral repair: once stability is tested the arm is once more repositioned. The shoulder is placed in 60° of abduction with a bump placed in the axilla to help support the weight of the arm. The arm also is placed in neutral rotation with roughly 10° to 15° of elbow flexion to avoid excessive tension on coracoid block. The arthroscope is then placed back into the posterior portal and the capsulolabral tissues are repaired to the previously drilled holes.

Purpose To establish mean distance or identify intersection between tibial tunnels for posterior meniscal root repair in the setting of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. Methods Twelve cadaver knees and 12 solid foam synthetic tibiae were used. ACL and PCL tunnels were drilled for single-bundle reconstruction, and both medial and lateral posterior root repair tunnels were drilled. Specimens underwent computed tomography scanning and shortest distances between tunnels in all planes were measured by 2 readers. Distances were compared between groups using a t-test. Results In ACL reconstruction, the medial meniscal root tunnel was not significantly closer to the cruciate tunnel when drilled from either medial or lateral side (P = .333). The lateral meniscal root tunnel was significantly closer when drilled from medial compared to lateral side (P < .001). In PCL reconstruction, both medial (P = .037) and lateral (P = .028) meniscal root tunnels were significantly closer to the PCL tunnel when drilled from the contralateral side of the tibia. Conclusion This study demonstrates that posterior meniscal root repair tunnels are often placed within a few millimeters and can even intersect cruciate ligament reconstruction tunnels in the proximal tibia. Clinical Relevance The information in this study may assist surgeons in planning for cruciate ligament reconstruction with concomitant posterior meniscal root repair.

Background: Contact between the acetabular labrum and articular cartilage of the femoral head creates a suction seal that helps maintain stability of the femoral head in the acetabulum. A femoral osteochodroplasty may occasionally extend proximally into the femoral head, diminishing the articular surface area available for sealing contact. Purpose: To determine whether proximal overresection decreases the rotational and distractive stability of the hip joint. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Six hemipelvises in the following conditions were tested: intact, T-capsulotomy, osteochondroplasty to the physeal scar, and 5- and 10-mm proximal extension. The pelvis was secured to a metal plate, and the femur was potted and attached to a multiaxial hip jig. Specimens were axially distracted using a load from 0 to 150 N. For rotational stability testing, 5 N·m of internal and external torque was applied. Both tests were performed at different angles of flexion (0°, 15°, 30°, 60°, 90°). Displacement and rotation were recorded using a 3-dimensional motion tracking system. Results: The T-capsulotomy decreased the distractive stability of the hip joint. A femoral osteochondroplasty up to the physeal scar did not seem to affect the distractive stability. However, a proximal extension of the resection by 5 and 10 mm increased axial instability at every angle of flexion tested, with the greatest increase observed at larger angles of flexion ( P < .01). External rotation increased significantly after T-capsulotomy in smaller angles of flexion (0°, P = .01; 15°, P = .01; 30°, P = .03). Femoral osteochondroplasty did not create further external rotational instability, except when the resection was extended 10 mm proximally and the hip was in 90° of flexion ( P = .04). Conclusion: This cadaveric study demonstrated that proximal extension of osteochondroplasty into the femoral head compromises the distractive stability of the hip joint but does not affect hip rotational stability. Clinical Relevance: Clinically, this study highlights the importance of accuracy when performing femoral osteochondroplasty to minimize proximal extension that may increase iatrogenic instability of the hip joint.

Background: Questions remain about whether circumferential labral reconstruction (CLR) using an iliotibial band (ITB) allograft can effectively restore the labral suction seal of the hip. Hypotheses: (1) CLR with an ITB allograft >6.5 mm would restore distractive stability force to that of the intact labrum. (2) CLR with an ITB allograft >6.5 mm would achieve significantly superior distractive stability force compared with CLR with an ITB allograft Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 6 fresh-frozen pelves with attached femurs (n = 12 matched hemipelves) from male donors were procured and dissected free of all soft tissue, including the hip capsule but preserving the native labrum, transverse acetabular ligament, and ligamentum teres. Potted hemipelves were placed in a saline bath and securely fixed to the frame of a hydraulic testing system. A 500-N compressive load was applied, followed by femoral distraction at a rate of 5.0 mm/s until the suction seal ruptured. Force and femoral displacement were continually recorded. Force versus displacement curves were plotted, the maximum force was recorded, and the amount of femoral distraction to rupture the suction seal was determined. After intact testing, the labrum was excised, and specimens were retested using the same protocol. CLR was subsequently performed twice in a randomized fashion using (1) an ITB allograft with a width >6.5 mm (7.5-9.0 mm) and (2) an ITB allograft with a width 6.5 mm) using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: On average, intact specimens required 148.4 ± 33.1 N of force to rupture the hip suction seal, which significantly decreased to 44.3 N in the deficient state ( P < .001). CLR with ITB allografts 6.5 mm recorded significantly greater force to rupture the suction seal (135.8 ± 44.6 N) compared with both the deficient and CLR Conclusion: In a cadaveric model, CLR using ITB allografts >6.5 mm restored the distractive force and distance to the suction seal rupture to values comparable with hips with an intact labrum. CLR using ITB allografts >6.5 mm outperformed CLR with ITB allografts Clinical Relevance: The results of this cadaveric investigation suggest that using wider labral allografts during CLR will provide the distractive force required to rupture the suction seal and immediate postoperative stability of the hip, although further studies are required to determine if these results translate to improved clinical outcomes.

With advancements in arthroscopic techniques and instrumentation, hip arthroscopy has become an increasingly used technique to treat soft-tissue and osseous pathologies about the hip. Patient predisposition to labral and capsular injuries can present as femoroacetabular impingement or hip dysplasia, sometimes in combination. Capsular management continues to be a topic of debate, with capsular repair becoming the standard of care in most cases. Furthermore, in cases of borderline dysplasia and microinstability, considerations for not only capsular repair but with plication has shown significant clinical success. Although plication in this setting has shown promise, given a 20% failure rate, we suggest capsular augmentation to bolster the repair. We present a technique of capsular augmentation using a bioinductive collagen implant (Smith & Nephew) to improve the capsular integrity following repair and plication. The benefits of this implant are easy delivery through standard arthroscopic portals and secure fixation to the capsular tissue. These implants have a proven track record in the shoulder and serve as a scaffold for improved tissue quality, and their application in hip arthroscopy has potential by increasing the integrity of the capsular repair. Future studies are needed to address the clinical outcomes of this technique.

Background: A common practice in hip arthroscopic surgery is the utilization of capsular traction sutures that can be incorporated into the capsular repair site at the end of the procedure, potentially seeding the hip joint with colonized suture material. Purpose: To investigate the rate of the microbial colonization of capsular traction sutures used during hip arthroscopic surgery and to identify patient-associated risk factors for this microbial colonization. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 50 consecutive patients who underwent hip arthroscopic surgery with a single surgeon were enrolled. There were 4 braided nonabsorbable sutures utilized for capsular traction during each hip arthroscopic procedure. These 4 traction sutures and 1 control suture were submitted for aerobic and nonaerobic cultures. Cultures were held for 21 days. Demographic information was collected, such as age, sex, and body mass index. All variables underwent bivariate analysis, and variables with a P value Results: One of 200 experimental traction sutures and 1 of 50 control sutures had a positive culture. Proteus mirabilis and Citrobacter koseri were isolated in both these positive experimental and control cultures from the same patient. Age and traction time were not significantly associated with positive cultures. The rate of microbial colonization was 0.5%. Conclusion: The rate of the microbial colonization of capsular traction sutures used in hip arthroscopic surgery was low, and no patient-associated risk factors were identified for microbial colonization. Capsular traction sutures used in hip arthroscopic surgery were not a significant potential source of microbial contamination. Based on these results, capsular traction sutures can be incorporated in capsular closure with a low risk of seeding the hip joint with microbial contaminants.

Water polo places significant stress on the hip joint requiring repetitive hip flexion and rotation to elevate the body out of water for passing, shooting and blocking. Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is common in water polo athletes; however, no study to date has investigated the results of hip arthroscopy in this patient population. The purpose of this study was to determine return to play rates and satisfaction following hip arthroscopy for FAI in a cohort of elite level water polo players. A retrospective review of our surgical database was performed. Collegiate water polo players with clinical and radiographic FAI who underwent hip arthroscopy were identified. Pre- and post-operative modified Harris hip scores (mHHSs) were obtained. Patient surveys were administered to determine return to play rates, level of return to play, timing of return and patient satisfaction. A Wilcoxon ranked sum test was performed to compare pre- and post-operative outcome scores. Ten patients met inclusion criteria. Average age was 19.5 years old (SD ±1.08). All patients were male Division 1 collegiate water polo players. Median mHHS improved from 66.0 (SD ±7.9) pre-operatively to 89.5 (SD ±3.2) at average 1.6 years (range: 0.4–3.6 years) post-operatively. Patient survey responses demonstrated a 100% return to water polo and 100% return to the same level of play (NCAA Division 1) at mean 5.75 months (SD ±1.8). All patients (10/10) reported being satisfied with their surgical result. Our study results, suggest that return to sport rates and patient satisfaction are high in water polo players who undergo hip arthroscopy for FAI.

Background:Although numerous techniques of reconstruction of the medial ulnar collateral ligament (mUCL) have been described, limited evidence exists on the biomechanical implication of changing the ulnar tunnel position despite the fact that more recent literature has clarified that the ulnar footprint extends more distally than was appreciated in the past.Purpose:To evaluate the size and location of the native ulnar footprint and assess valgus stability of the medial elbow after UCL reconstruction at 3 ulnar tunnel locations.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:Eighteen fresh-frozen cadaveric elbows were dissected to expose the mUCL. The anatomic footprint of the ulnar attachment of the mUCL was measured with a digitizing probe. The area of the ulnar footprint and midpoint relative to the joint line were determined. Medial elbow stability was tested with the mUCL in an intact, deficient, and reconstructed state after the docking technique, with ulnar tunnels placed at 5, 10, or 15 mm from the ulnotrochlear joint line. A 3-N·m valgus torque was applied to the elbow, and valgus rotation of the ulna was recorded via motion-tracking cameras as the elbow was cycled through a full range of motion. After kinematic testing, specimens were loaded to failure at 70° of elbow flexion.Results:The mean ± SD length of the mUCL ulnar footprint was 27.4 ± 3.3 mm. The midpoint of the anatomic footprint was located between the 10- and 15-mm tunnels across all specimens at a mean 13.6 mm from the joint line. Sectioning of the mUCL increased elbow valgus rotation throughout all flexion angles and was statistically significant from 30° to 100° of flexion as compared with the intact elbow ( P < .05). mUCL reconstruction at all 3 tunnel locations restored stability to near intact levels with no significant differences among the 3 ulnar tunnel locations at any flexion angle.Conclusion:Positioning the ulnar graft fixation site up to 15 mm from the ulnotrochlear joint line does not significantly increase valgus rotation in the elbow.Clinical Relevance:A more distal ulnar tunnel may be a viable option to accommodate individual variation in morphology of the proximal ulna or in a revision setting.

The purpose of this study is to report the change in surgical case volume and composition encountered by a multi-subspecialty orthopaedic practice due to COVID-19. We reviewed electronic medical records for patients who had surgery at our institution and collected multiple variables including age and the joint that was operated on. In the post-COVID-19 period, we found a significant increase in the percentage of hip procedures, and a significant decrease in the percentage of hand/wrist procedures. Overall, the total surgical volume of our multi-subspecialty orthopaedic practice decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the composition of surgical cases changed.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of hip arthroscopy in patients with labral pathology in the United States from 2011-2018 using a large national database. Methods Patients who underwent hip arthroscopy from 2011-2018 were identified using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes in the PearlDiver Patients Records Database (Colorado Springs, CO), which is a national database of orthopedic insurance records, including Medicare patients. The incidence of surgeries, age, and gender were all recorded. Groups were analyzed using SPSS version 24 (IBM, Armonk NY). CPT codes 29914/15/16 were introduced January 1, 2011 which is when we began our analysis. CPT-29999 and laterality were not assessed. Results In total, 35,966 arthroscopies were identified between 2011 and 2018 from a randomly selected sample of 30 million orthopaedic patients from the PearlDiver Mariner dataset. The incidence increased by 85% from 2011 to 2018 (7.31 cases vs 13.54 cases per 100,000 patients). The distribution of the age of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy was bimodal with the mode of each peak at 18 years old and 42 years old, respectively. Females underwent surgery more frequently (67.9%) than males (32.1%). The most common CPT code for hip arthroscopy was 29914 (43.9) which corresponds to a hip arthroscopy with femoroplasty. Conclusions Our findings corroborate those of previous studies and support the increase in incidence of hip arthroscopy in the United States. We indicate an overall increase of 85% from 2011 to 2018 and support previous trends, such as higher incidence of hip arthroscopy in women. Our study also supports a decreasing mean age for patients, likely due to improved diagnostics and surgeon familiarity and comfort with the procedure. Level of Evidence Level 3, Retrospective Comparative Study.

First described in 1994 by Brittberg and colleagues [1], autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is a cartilage restoration technique in which a patient’s chondrocytes are harvested via cartilage biopsy, cultured and expanded ex vivo, and then reimplanted into the cartilage defect. While this does entail a two-stage surgical procedure, the repair tissue produced by ACI has been shown to produce a hyaline-like cartilage repair tissue that closely resembles the native articular cartilage [1]. The surgical technique for ACI has evolved over the past two decades. First-generation ACI (pACI) involved the use of a periosteal patch to seal the cultured chondrocytes into the cartilage defect; however, the periosteal harvest added additional surgical morbidity. Additionally, periosteal overgrowth and hypertrophy were established postoperative complications [2, 3]. Second-generation ACI (cACI) incorporated a collagen membrane to overlay the chondral defect and implanted chondrocytes which eliminated the complications associated with the periosteal harvest and overgrowth. The third generation of the ACI technique, matrix autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI), which is described in this chapter, utilizes a collagen membrane pre-seeded with the patient’s harvested chondrocytes in the laboratory itself. This pre-seeded implant affords the benefit of facile implantation, and its fixation with the fibrin glue can eliminate the need for tedious circumferential suturing. The current surgical indications for the MACI implantation include patients with medium to large (>2 cm2) full-thickness articular cartilage defects within the knee who have failed conservative treatment measures. Treatment outcomes for MACI have been promising, producing durable mid- to long-term results in multiple studies [4–6].

Hip surgical techniques have evolved significantly, transitioning from open techniques to arthroscopic techniques. Hip arthroscopy has many advantages over open techniques, including reduced trauma to surrounding tissues, reduced risk of infection, and improved patient-reported outcome measures. Hip arthroscopic techniques are now commonly used for pathologies such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). FAI can include cam, pincer, or mixed impingement. Through hip arthroscopy, FAI may be treated with a femoroplasty and acetabuloplasty along with addressing any labral pathology that may exist. Owing to the capsule playing an integral role in hip stability, surgeons are now mindful of the initial approach and closure on completion of the intra-articular procedure. The most common approach for capsulotomy is the inside-out approach. However, this approach can be difficult in patients with a large pincer deformity. The authors describe an outside-in approach to arthroscopic hip capsulotomy. This capsular approach helps protect the labrum and articular cartilage while preserving capsular tissue., Technique Video Video 1 This video shows an outside-in capsulotomy technique of the right hip for arthroscopic pincer resection. Steps shown include radiologic workup and diagnosis of hip femoroacetabular impingement, patient positioning in the operating room, right hip arthroscopy portal placement, extracapsular space dissection and identification of the rectus femoris tendon using a 70° arthroscope viewing from the anterolateral portal, outside-in capsulotomy performed using a fixed blade device and radiofrequency wand under direct visualization, intra-articular procedures including removal of os acetabuli, labral repair, and cam resection, capsular closure, and follow-up x-ray.

Background: Hamstring tendons are commonly harvested as autograft for ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction. There is no consensus in the literature whether the hamstring tendon should be harvested from the ipsilateral (drive) leg or contralateral (landing) leg of baseball pitchers undergoing ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction. Hamstring injuries commonly occur in baseball players, but there are no reports on their incidence specifically among Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers, nor are there reports on whether they occur more commonly in the drive leg or the landing leg. Hypothesis: Hamstring injuries occur more commonly in the landing legs of MLB pitchers. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: MLB pitchers who sustained hamstring injuries requiring time spent on the disabled list were identified from publicly available sources over 10 seasons. Demographics of the pitchers and injury and return-to-sport data were collected. Hamstring injuries to the drive leg were compared with injuries to the landing leg. Results: Sixty-five pitchers had 78 disabled list stints due to hamstring injuries over 10 seasons. The landing leg was injured in 67.9% of cases, and the most common mechanism of injury was pitching. There were no significant differences in demographics between pitchers who sustained drive leg and landing leg injuries. There was no significant difference in mechanism of injury or time to return to sport between pitchers who sustained drive leg and landing leg injuries. Conclusion: The landing leg is more commonly injured than the drive leg among MLB pitchers who sustain hamstring injuries. There is no difference in time to return to sport between pitchers who sustain drive leg and landing leg injuries. More research is required to determine whether there is a difference in performance or future injury between hamstring tendons harvested from the drive leg and the landing leg for ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction among pitchers.

Ligamentum teres (LT) tears are a pathologic condition being identified at increasing frequency because of growing use of hip arthroscopy. The exact role of the LT is not well understood, but it has been shown in recent biomechanical studies to contribute to hip stability. Patients with hip pain, instability, and/or mechanical symptoms with advanced imaging findings showing LT pathology may benefit from an LT augmentation. We present an arthroscopic-assisted LT augmentation technique, which can be performed as an isolated procedure or in conjunction with an arthroscopic labral repair and/or debridement, chondroplasty, and femoroplasty.

Background: No validated functional assessments are available that are designed specifically to evaluate the performance and function of the athletic hip. Subsections of some validated outcome assessments address recreation, but a full assessment dedicated to athletic hip function does not exist. Current hip scoring systems may not be sensitive to subtle changes in performance and function in an athletic, younger population. Hypothesis: The patient-athlete subjective scoring system developed in this study will be validated, reliable, and responsive in the evaluation of hip function in the athlete. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Based on the results of a pilot questionnaire administered to 18 athletic individuals, a final 10-item questionnaire was developed. Two hundred fifty competitive athletes from multiple sports completed the final questionnaire and 3 previously validated hip outcome assessments. Each athlete was self-assigned to 1 of 3 injury categories: (1) playing without hip/groin trouble; (2) playing, but with hip/groin trouble; and (3) not playing due to hip/groin trouble. The injury categories contained 196, 40, and 14 athletes, respectively. Correlations between the assessment scores and injury categories were measured. Responsiveness testing was performed in an additional group of 24 injured athletes, and their scores before and after intervention were compared. Results: The Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) Athletic Hip Score showed high correlation with the modified Harris Hip Score, the Nonarthritic Hip Score, and the International Hip Outcome Tool. The new score stratified athletes by injury category, demonstrated responsiveness and accuracy, and varied appropriately with improvements in injury category after treatment of injuries. Conclusion: The new KJOC Athletic Hip Score is valid, reliable, and responsive for evaluation of the hip in an athletic population. The results support its use for the functional assessment of the hip in future studies.

The purpose of this study was to compare standard knee arthroscopic and MRI findings and measurements for visualization of the femoral condyle articular cartilage. The hypothesis was that certain posterior cartilage defects identified with MRI may not be accessible with routine arthroscopy.Six cadaveric knees were examined by routine arthroscopy through standard inferomedial and inferolateral portals. Suture anchors were inserted into the femoral condyles at 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° of flexion as markers of the cartilage surface at the most posterior aspect of the condyle that could be accessed at each degree of flexion. Each specimen was then examined with 3-T MRI and gross dissection. Measurements were obtained and compared.During arthroscopy at 90° of knee flexion, only 5.83 mm of the medial femoral condyle and 6.83 mm of the lateral femoral condyle were visualized posterior to the anchor placed at 90° of flexion. These arthroscopic measurements were statistically significant underestimates of the actual amount of cartilage identified posterior to the 90° anchor at gross dissection (medial condyle, 44.20 mm; lateral condyle, 37.50 mm) and MRI (medial, 41.33 mm; lateral, 38.87 mm). This indicates that 85.9% of the medial and 81.8% of the lateral posterior articular cartilage of the femoral condyle seen at MRI were not visualized during arthroscopy.More than 80% of the articular cartilage proximal to the menisci seen at MRI is not visible during routine arthroscopy. This far posterior articular cartilage should be called the hidden zone.

Multiple self-reported allergies have been reported as a prognostic factor for outcome the following orthopedic procedures. This relationship has not yet been evaluated in a hip arthroscopy population. The purpose of this study is to identify associations between allergies and post-operative outcome scores in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). A retrospective review of surgically treated FAI patients at our institution was performed. Patient-reported allergies and 6-month and 1-year modified Harris Hip Scores (mHHS) were recorded. Bivariate analysis was performed evaluating association between allergies and post-operative mHHS. Multivariate regression was used to identify independent factors associated with post-operative mHHS while controlling for age, sex, BMI, psychiatric comorbidity, symptom duration, labral repair versus debridement, capsular management, chondral lesions and use of adjunct platelet rich plasma (PRP). Seventy patients were analysed. Average age was 30.7 years old (SD 8.96). A 52.9% were females. Twenty-six patients (37.1%) had reported allergies. At 6 months, bivariate analysis demonstrated no significant association between allergies and postop mHHS. This was true comparing patients with 0 versus 1 versus 2 versus 3 versus 5 allergies as separate groups (medians from 83.1 to 91.0, P = 0.60) as well as when combining patients with >2 allergies into one group (0 versus 1 versus 2–5 allergies) (medians 84.7, 83.1, 86.0, respectively, P = 0.328). At 1 year, this lack of association was more pronounced (0 versus 1 versus 2 versus 3 versus 5: medians from 87.0 to 93.5, P = 0.9265 and 0 versus 1 versus 2–5: medians 93.5, 91.7, 89.0, respectively, P = 0.6450). Linear regression demonstrated preop mHHS and age were significantly associated with 1-year mHHS (logit mHHS rate = 0.026 ± 0.008 per unit, P = 0.0014 for preop mHHS and logit mHHS rate=−0.061 ± 0.018 per year, P = 0.0010 for age). After controlling for age and preop mHHS, allergies were not associated with postop mHHS. Allergies demonstrated no association with post-operative outcome following surgical treatment of FAI.

Background: There is increasing concern of iatrogenic hip instability after capsulotomy during surgery. Greater emphasis is now being placed on capsular closure during surgery. There are no prospective studies that address whether capsular closure has any effect on outcomes. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient outcomes after interportal capsulotomy repair compared with no repair. We hypothesized that restoration of normal capsular anatomy with interportal repair will achieve clinical outcomes similar to those for no repair. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Adult patients with femoral acetabular impingement indicated for hip arthroscopy were randomized into either the capsular repair (CR) or the no repair (NR) groups. All patients underwent standard hip arthroscopy with labral repair with or without CAM/pincer lesion resection. Clinical outcomes were measured via the Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL) subscale, Hip Outcome Score–Sport Specific (HOS-SS) subscale, modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), visual analog scale for pain, International Hip Outcome Tool, and Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12). Results: A total of 54 patients (56 hips) were included (26 men and 30 women) with a mean age of 33 years. The HOS-ADL score significantly improved at 2 years in both the NR group (from 68.1 ± 20.5 to 88.6 ± 20.0; P < .001) and the CR group (from 59.2 ± 18.8 to 91.7 ± 12.3; P < .001). The HOS-SS score also significantly improved in both the NR group (from 41.1 ± 25.8 to 84.1 ± 21.9; P < .001) and the CR group (from 32.7 ± 23.7 to 77.7 ± 23.0; P < .001). Improvement was noted for all secondary outcome measures; however, there was no significant difference between the groups at any time point. Between 1 and 2 years, the NR group showed significant worsening on the HOS-ADL (–1.21 ± 5.09 vs 4.28 ± 7.91; P = .044), mHHS (1.08 ± 10.04 vs 10.12 ± 11.76; P = .042), and VR-12 Physical (–2.15 ± 5.52 vs 4.49 ± 7.30; P = .014) subsets compared with the CR group. Conclusion: There was significant improvement in the VR-12 Physical subscale at 2 years postoperatively in the capsular CR group compared with the NR group. Capsular closure appears to have no detrimental effect on functional outcome scores after hip arthroscopy. We recommend restoration of native anatomy if possible when performing hip arthroscopy.

Background:In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many US health systems suspended elective surgery at the recommendation of the US Surgeon General. This dramatically decreased case volumes for orthopaedic sports medicine fellows at academic institutions.Purpose:To describe how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the education of the sports medicine fellowship class of 2020 as well as the subsequent effects on their career plans and psychological well-being.Study Design:Cross-sectional study.Methods:A 33-item survey was distributed via email to all American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) 2020 fellow members on April 22, 2020. Frequencies are presented as raw totals and percentages of respondents. The Fisher exact test was used to determine statistical significance between nominal variables, with significance set at P < .05.Results:Of 210 registered fellows, 101 (48.1%) responded. Before the COVID-19 outbreak, the typical case volume per week for most fellows (47.5%) was 11 to 15 cases. From the enactment of COVID-19 mitigation policies to the date of survey completion, 90.1% of fellows had performed fewer than 20 cases. A total of 32 fellows were presented with redeployment options by their fellowship program, with 10 redeployed mandatorily to other hospital departments. Fellows reported that web-based didactics (n = 100) and web-based journal clubs (n = 72) were utilized as alternative supplements in the absence of clinical education. There were 8 respondents who had either their prior contract or job offer rescinded, while 1 had a signed contract voided. As a result, 6 fellows now plan to matriculate into a previously unplanned fellowship. Also, 10 respondents’ intended practice start date was being delayed by their employer. Respondents whose postfellowship plans were affected were statistically more likely to experience doubts about readiness for practice (58.8% vs 20.3%, respectively; P = .005), anxiety about future career plans (94.4% vs 63.8%, respectively; P = .01), anxiety about their financial situation (86.7% vs 50.8%, respectively; P = .018), stress in personal relationships (58.8% vs 29.9%, respectively; P = .045), and signs or symptoms of depression (41.2% vs 11.1%, respectively; P = .007) compared with those whose plans were not affected.Conclusion:This survey illustrates that during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent suspension of elective surgery, there have been downstream effects to this group’s education, careers, board certification timeline, and potentially their social and/or emotional well-being.

Objectives: Hip microinstability is an increasingly recognized source of hip pain and disability. Femoral osteochondroplasty is usually performed with direct visualization through the arthroscope, assisted with repeated fluoroscopic view for orientation and feedback. However, a two-dimensional representation of a three dimensional structure can be misleading compromising the precision of the planned osteochondroplasty. Sometimes the resection can extend proximally into the Femoral Head (FH) diminishing the surface area of the articular cartilage available to be in contact with the labrum, in order to create the suction effect (suction seal) that maintains the stability of the femoral head in the acetabulum. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the role of proximal over-resection of femoral osteochondroplasty in the rotational and distractive stability of the hip joint. We hypothesis that proximal over resection will result in decrease stability, specially at higher degrees of flexion and internal rotation where the contact between labrum and articular cartilage will be lost, and breaking the suction seal. Methods: Six hemi-pelvises were repeatedly tested in the following five conditions: (a) intact, (b) T-capsulotomy, (c) Osteochondroplasty to the level of the physeal scar, followed by a (d) 5mm and (e) 10mm proximal extension of the resection. The pelvis was secured to a metal plate and the distal portion of the femur was potted and attached to a multi-axial hip jig. (Fig.1) Specimens were axially distracted with a load from 0-150N followed by 5Nm of internal and external torque at 0 o, 15 o, 30 o, 60 o, 90o of flexion while the resultant displacement/rotation was recorded using a 3D motion tracking system. Repeated measures ANOVA was used with statistical significance set at pResults: Proximal extension of the resection by 5mm and 10mm increased axial instability (decreased force required for hip distraction) at every angle of flexion tested, with the greatest increase observed at higher angles of flexion (60 deg and 90 deg), pConclusion: Extending the osteochondroplasty proximally into the femoral head compromised the distractive stability of the hip joint. It is important to be precise when performing femoral osteochondroplasty to minimize proximal extension that can lead to iatrogenic instability of the hip joint and poor postoperative outcomes. [Figure: see text][Figure: see text]

Background: Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) is common in the sport of baseball, particularly among pitchers. Postoperative return-to-sport protocols have many players beginning to throw at 4 to 5 months and returning to full competition between 12 and 16 months after surgery. Medial elbow pain during the return-to-throwing period often occurs and can be difficult to manage. Purpose: To evaluate the incidence of medial elbow pain and associations with outcomes and revision surgery during the return-to-throwing period after UCLR. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Between the years of 2002 and 2014, all pitchers who underwent UCLR at a single institution were identified. Charts were reviewed for incidence of medial elbow pain during return to throwing, return to sport, and subsequent operative interventions, including revision ulnar collateral ligament surgery. Results: Of a total of 616 pitchers who underwent UCLR during the study period, 317 were included in this study. Medial elbow pain was experienced by 45.1% (143 of 317), with a mean time of complaint of 9.75 months after surgery. The groups with and without pain did not differ statistically with regard to age (pain, 20.6 years; no pain, 20.9 years) or level of competition. Of those who experienced medial elbow pain, 10.5% did not return to sport; 5.6% underwent revision UCLR; and 19.6% underwent other operative procedures at the elbow. Among those who did not experience medial elbow pain when returning to throw, 8.7% did not return to sport, with only 1.7% undergoing revision UCLR and 6.9% undergoing other operative elbow procedures. Conclusion: Of the pitchers evaluated in the study, approximately half reported pain during the return-to-throwing phase after UCLR. Those who experienced medial elbow pain had a higher rate of subsequent surgical intervention.

This case shows an atypical presentation of an osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesion of the radial head with detachment diagnosed on plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). OCD lesions are rather uncommon in the elbow joint; however, when present, these lesions are typically seen in throwing athletes or gymnasts who engage in activities involving repetitive trauma to the elbow. Involvement of the radial head is extremely rare, accounting for

While hamstring autograft is a popular option for the general population, BTB autograft is still significantly more popular among professional athletes due to concerns of altering knee kinematics with hamstring harvest. This study seeks to quantify the contribution of the medial hamstrings to knee stability. Valgus knee laxity, anterior tibial translation, and rotational motion were measured in eight fresh-frozen cadaveric knees after forces were applied on the tibia in each plane (coronal, sagittal, and axial). Four muscle loading conditions were tested: (1) physiologic fully loaded pes anserinus, (2) semitendinosus only loaded, (3) gracilis only loaded, and (4) unloaded pes anserinus. The protocol was then repeated with the ACL transected. In the ACL intact knee, the neutral position of the tibia with an unloaded pes anserinus was significantly more externally rotated (p

Background: An anatomic double-tunnel (DT) reconstruction technique has been widely adopted to reconstruct the ruptured coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments seen with high-grade acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries. However, the anatomic DT reconstruction has been associated with the risk of clavicle fractures, which may be problematic, particularly for contact athletes. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to compare a single-tunnel (ST) CC ligament reconstruction for AC joint injuries with the native state as well as with the more established anatomic DT CC ligament reconstruction. The hypothesis was that ST CC ligament reconstruction would demonstrate biomechanical properties similar to those of the native state and the DT CC ligament reconstruction. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Eighteen fresh-frozen human cadaveric shoulders (9 matched pairs) with mean ± SD age of 55.5 ± 8.5 years underwent biomechanical testing. One specimen of each matched pair underwent a ST CC ligament reconstruction and the second, a DT CC ligament reconstruction. The ST and DT CC ligament reconstruction techniques involved a 5-mm distal clavicle excision, avoided coracoid drilling, and utilized a 3.0-mm suture anchor to fix the excess lateral limb to reconstruct the superior AC joint capsule. The ST CC ligament reconstruction technique additionally included a 1.3-mm suture tape to help avoid a sawing effect, as well as a dog-bone button over the clavicular tunnel to increase stability of the construct. All specimens were tested to 70 N in 3 directions (superior, anterior, and posterior) in the intact and reconstructed states. The ultimate load, yield load, stiffness, and mode of failure of the reconstructed specimens were tested. Results: There were no significant differences in translation at 70 N in the superior ( P = .31), anterior ( P = .56), and posterior ( P = .35) directions between the ST CC ligament reconstruction and the intact state. The ultimate load to failure, yield load, and stiffness in the ST and DT groups were also not significantly different. There were no distal clavicle fractures in load-to-failure testing in the ST or DT group. Conclusion: In this biomechanical study, ST CC ligament reconstruction demonstrates biomechanical properties comparable to the intact state. Additionally, use of the ST CC ligament reconstruction shows biomechanical properties similar to the DT CC ligament reconstruction technique while theoretically posing less risk of clavicle fracture. Clinical Relevance: This study suggests that the ST CC ligament reconstruction has biomechanical properties equivalent to the DT CC ligament reconstruction with less theoretical risk of clavicle fracture.

Alternative modalities to optimize pain control after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are continually being explored. The purpose of this study was to compare femoral nerve block (FNB) only vs FNB with posterior capsule injection (PCI) of the knee for pain control in patients undergoing ACLR. Patients undergoing primary ACLR were randomized to receive either FNB only or FNB with PCI. Following surgery, patient’s pain was evaluated in the postoperative care unit (PACU) and at home for 4 days. Pain levels were measured via visual analog scale (VAS) and calculating opioid consumption. Outcomes of interest included postoperative pain levels and opioid consumption. A total of 42 patients were evaluated, with 21 patients randomized to each study arm. Outcomes showed significant pain reduction in both anterior and posterior knee VAS scores in the PACU in those that received PCI (anterior VAS: 39.6 vs 21.3 (SD = 12.9), p

Background A large number of surgical techniques have been described to treat acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations. Despite the high success rates with double-tunnel reconstruction, this method has been associated with the risk of coracoid and clavicle fractures. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of the first cohort of patients who underwent single-tunnel AC and coracoclavicular (CC) ligament reconstruction. It was hypothesized that this technique would result in maintenance of reduction and a minimal risk of fracture of the coracoid and clavicle. Methods All patients who underwent single-tunnel AC joint reconstruction between 2012 and 2015 via the technique with 2-year follow-up were included. Objective outcomes recorded were maintenance of reduction as measured by the CC distance on radiographs, shoulder range of motion, strength, return to sports, and complications. Subjective outcomes included maintenance of reduction on visual inspection and various patient-reported outcomes. Results Seventeen patients were included with a mean age of 41 ± 12 years. Separation types included types III, IV, and V. The mean follow-up period was 29 ± 9 months (range, 16-45 months). The CC distance improved from 37.4 to 30.0 mm on plain radiographs (P = .006), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 67.0 to 90.1 (P = .094), and the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score improved from 30.5 to 91.1 (P = .025). Reduction on visual inspection was maintained in 16 patients (94.1%). Regarding sports participation, 14 patients (82.4%) returned to their preinjury level. The most common complication was a prominent suture knot stack, occurring in 3 patients (17.6%), which was removed in all 3 in a second procedure. There were no clavicle or coracoid fractures. Conclusion The described technique results in satisfactory objective and patient-reported outcomes and return to sports while avoiding coracoid and clavicle fractures.

Purpose To describe the literature concerning patient demographic characteristics and intra-articular injury seen at arthroscopy after traumatic hip dislocation, describe the reported computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance findings with arthroscopic correlation, and describe the reported arthroscopic treatments performed with complications and outcomes. Methods A systematic review was performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for assessment of arthroscopy after hip dislocation. Three databases were searched, and study screening and data abstraction were performed in duplicate. Results Thirty-one heterogeneous case series and case reports were included in the analysis from the initial search yielding 780 results, including reports of 151 patients who underwent arthroscopy after traumatic hip dislocation. A wide spectrum of intra-articular injury was reported, with a high prevalence of labral tears, intra-articular bodies, ligamentum teres injuries, and chondral damage. CT had a sensitivity of 87.3% for detecting intra-articular fragments; however, 43.3% of patients who had a preoperative CT scan with negative findings for intra-articular fragments did show fragments at arthroscopy. Magnetic resonance had a sensitivity of 95.0% for detecting labral tears. There were no major complications directly attributed to arthroscopic surgery. A total of 75 of 151 patients were followed up for a median of 2 years after surgery, with osteoarthritis reported in 4.0% and avascular necrosis in 2.7%. Conclusions In patients with traumatic hip dislocation, heterogeneously reported previously published cases show that arthroscopy reveals a broad spectrum of intra-articular damage amenable to arthroscopic intervention. CT is not sensitive in the detection of intra-articular bodies in all cases. Although no serious periprocedural adverse events were reported, only 49.7% of patients had reported follow-up data, and further prospective studies would be necessary to show the safety and efficacy of arthroscopy in comparison with conventional treatment algorithms of hip dislocation. Level of Evidence Level IV, systematic review of Level IV studies.

Objectives: Braces are commonly used in Orthopaedic to protect repaired tissue from excessive stress that can compromise the healing process. Some of these braces can become a nuisance, especially the ones commonly used following proximal hamstring repairs. The idea is to limit hip flexion and knee extension to avoid stretching of the hamstrings. However, this immobilization creates discomfort and limitation during the basic daily needs, possibly compromising patient satisfaction. We hypothesis that proximal hamstring repairs can be safely managed, without brace immobilization and allowing partial weight bearing immediately after surgery, and result in excellent outcomes with minimal complications. Methods: We identify 57 patients that underwent surgical repair of proximal hamstring injuries. The repairs were fixed using suture anchors, and the same surgical technique were performed by a single sport medicine fellowship trained Orthopaedic surgeon. During the postoperative period the patient were allowed to bear partial weight with the assistance of crutches for 6 weeks. At the fourth week, light stretches begin with assistance of the physical therapist. Brace immobilization is not utilize at all, instead detail instruction are provide to the patient to avoid simultaneous hip flexion and knee extension. Subjective outcome measures included: the single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE); I-Holt 12 and KJOC hip scores. Clinical data was obtained from the electronic medical records. Results: Mean patient age was 52 years (range 29-69). The injury was chronic (> 6 weeks) in 55% of the patients. Mean length of follow-up was 32 months ( range 14-60). One patient failed repair, requiring revision surgery. The average SANE score were excellent at 97points, and representing a 43 points increase from the preoperative assessment. Similarly, the mean score for the I-Holt 12 and KJOC hip scores were very good with 99 and 83 points, respectively. In 68% of the patient the injury was sport related, and they all return to sport at an average of 7 months. Conclusion: A post-operative protocol that included immediate partial weight bearing and does not utilized immobilization brace can result in excellent subjective outcomes, high rate to return to sport in a timely matter and low failure rates. Based in our findings, brace immobilization following surgical repair of proximal hamstring appear to be excessive and may not provide additional benefit.

Background: Many patients who are considering total joint arthroplasty, including hip, knee, and shoulder replacement, are concerned with their likelihood of returning to golf postoperatively as well as the effect that surgery will have on their game. Purpose: To review the existing literature on patients who have undergone major joint arthroplasty (hip, knee, and shoulder), to examine the effects of surgery on performance in golf, and to provide surgeon recommendations as related to participation in golf after surgery. A brief review of the history and biomechanics of the golf swing is also provided. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: We performed a systematic review of the literature in the online Medline database, evaluating articles that contained the terms “golf” and “arthroplasty.” Additionally, a web-based search evaluating clinical practice recommendations after joint arthroplasty was performed. The research was reviewed, and objective and anecdotal guidelines were formulated. Results: Total joint arthroplasty provided an improvement in pain during golfing activity, and most patients were able to return to sport with variable improvements in sport-specific outcomes. Conclusion: In counseling patients regarding the return to golf after joint arthroplasty, it is our opinion, on the basis of our experience and those reported from others in the literature, that golfers undergoing total hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty can safely return to sport.

Elbow injuries are common both in the general population and in the athlete. Given the repetition and forces that the elbow is exposed to during daily activities and sport, it is a site of several different pathologies. Tendinopathy or epicondylitis, both lateral and medial, are a common cause of elbow pain secondary to these repetitive loads. Complicating matters, ligamentous injuries can be mistaken for tendinopathies, making the clinical and radiological diagnoses important before treatment. Other pathologies such as bursitis, arthritis, osteochondritis dissecans, radial tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis can be causes of pain in the elbow. Furthermore, other sites of pathology can cause referred pain to the elbow, such as cervical radiculopathy. Treatment of elbow pathologies with injection therapies has been studied extensively in the literature. Some diagnoses, such as elbow tendinopathy/epicondylitis, ligamentous injuries, bursitis, and arthritis, are more commonly treated with injection therapies. This article reviews some of these common diagnoses in the elbow, including both the clinical symptoms and physical examination findings. We will discuss the indications for injection treatment and the literature supporting or refuting their use, as well as demonstrate some of the techniques used while administrating these treatments.

Background The fixation of juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions has been described using metal implants, staples, bone pegs, and bioabsorbable implants. Bioabsorbable fixation has potential benefits including not requiring a second surgery for implant removal, no interference on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and a potentially lower incidence of prominent hardware. The possible complications of bioabsorbable fixation include synovitis, loss of fixation owing to noncompressive properties, and sterile abscess formation. The results of bioabsorbable fixation of juvenile OCD lesions of the knee have not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a bioabsorbable copolymer fixation in the management of unstable OCD lesions of the knee in adolescents. Methods This is a retrospective case series of patients with unstable OCD lesions of the knee that were treated with poly 96L/4D-lactide copolymer bioabsorable implants. Information was gathered through 3 standardized and validated knee-function questionnaires, participants' medical records, plain films, MRIs, and pain level and satisfaction scale questionnaires. Results Twenty-four knees in 24 patients were evaluated. The mean age at the time of surgery was 14.4 years. The mean follow-up was 39.6 months. The mean International Knee Documentation Committee score at follow-up was 84.9, the mean Lysholm score was 88.0, and the mean Tegner score was 7.9. Plain films at an average of 19.2 months postoperatively revealed interval healing in 9 patients, no significant change in 1 patient, complete healing in 13 patients, and loose bodies with no interval healing in 1 patient. MRIs were obtained postoperatively in 17 knees, with a mean follow-up of 22.4 months. Interval healing was present in 16 of 17 MRIs, consistent with the plain film findings. Twenty-two of 24 patients had good-to-excellent outcomes. Conclusion Poly 96L/4D-lactide copolymer bioabsorable implants seem to be safe and effective for the management of unstable juvenile OCD lesions of the knee. They offer stability for the healing OCD lesions, with minimal reaction from degradation products.

Purpose To compare the use of the distal anterolateral accessory (DALA) portal with the anterolateral (AL) and midanterior (MA) portals during arthroscopic hip labral repair. Methods Standard AL, MA, and DALA portals were created on 6 cadaveric hip specimens. Four 2.4-mm pins were placed in the acetabular rim to the depth of a standard anchor using a drill guide. Pins were placed in the 12 to 3 o'clock positions. The specimens then underwent computed tomographic scans with the pins left in place, and the distance from the pin to the articular surface was calculated at different depths of insertion. Results In the anterior location, the average starting distance for the DALA pin was 2.05 mm and for the MA pin it was 2.51 mm from the articular surface ( P = .29). Statistically significant differences between the DALA and MA pins were found at depths of 6 mm ( P = .04) and 9 mm ( P = .03). In the superior location, the average starting distance for the DALA pin was 2.40 mm and for the AL pin it was 2.62 mm from the articular surface ( P = .34). Statistically significant differences between the DALA and AL pins were found at depths of 6 mm ( P = .02), 9 mm ( P = .01), 12 mm ( P = .01), 15 mm ( P = .04), and 18 mm ( P = .04). Conclusions The DALA portal allows pins to be placed at a greater distance from the articular surface than the MA and AL portals when using a straight drill guide. This may decrease the incidence of intra-articular penetration during arthroscopic hip labral repair. Clinical Relevance Intra-articular penetration of a drill bit or anchor is an iatrogenic complication that can occur during labral repair. By using the DALA portal instead of the AL and MA, the anchor can be safely placed on the acetabular rim and directly away from the articular surface, decreasing the chance for this complication.

Background: A good patient-surgeon relationship relies on adequate preoperative education and counseling. Several multimedia resources, such as web-based education tools, have become available to enhance aspects of perioperative care. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an interactive web-based education tool on perioperative patient satisfaction scores after outpatient orthopaedic surgery. It was hypothesized that web-based education prior to outpatient orthopaedic surgery enhances patient satisfaction scores. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: All patients undergoing knee arthroscopy with meniscectomy, chondroplasty, or anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction or shoulder arthroscopy with rotator cuff repair were eligible for inclusion and were randomized to the study or control group. The control group received routine education by the surgeon, whereas the study group received additional web-based education. At the first postoperative visit, all patients completed the OAS CAHPS (Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgery Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) survey. Differences in patient satisfaction scores between the study and control groups were determined with an independent t test. Results: A total of 177 patients were included (104 [59%] males; mean age, 42 ± 14 years); 87 (49%) patients were randomized to receive additional web-based education. Total patient satisfaction score was significantly higher in the study group (97 ± 5) as compared with the control group (94 ± 8; P = .019), specifically for the OAS CAHPS core measure “recovery” (92 ± 13 vs 82 ± 23; P = .001). Age, sex, race, workers’ compensation status, education level, overall health, emotional health, procedure type and complexity, and addition of a video did not influence patient satisfaction scores. Conclusion: Supplemental web-based patient education prior to outpatient orthopaedic surgery enhances patient satisfaction scores.

Objectives: As hip arthroscopy procedures become more common there is increasing concern of iatrogenic instability from excessive capsulotomy during surgery. As a result, greater attention is being focused preserving hip capsule integrity following surgery. To date, there are no large scale prospective blinded studies that address whether capsular closure has any detrimental effect on outcomes. Our goal is to evaluate outcomes in patients undergoing interportal capsulotomy repair compared to outcomes when not repairing the capsule. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate a clinical/functional difference at 1 & 2 year follow up between patients who undergo capsular repair vs no repair following hip arthroscopy. Our hypothesis is that restoration of normal capsular anatomy with interportal repair will achieve similar clinical outcomes as the “no repair” group without functional deficits from over-constraint. Methods: Adult patients were recruited from November 2013 to July 2015 who were scheduled to undergo hip arthroscopy for femoral acetabular. Subjects were randomized into either the capsular repair (CR) or no repair (NR) groups. Standard AP/Dunn view radiographs were evaluated and alpha angle (AA) /center-edge (CEA) angle measurements were performed for all patients preoperatively. All patients underwent standard hip arthroscopy with labral repair +/- CAM/pincer lesion resection. Primary clinical outcomes were measured via the Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL) and Sport-Specific (HOS-SS) subscales at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. Secondary outcome measures included the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), visual analog scale (VAS), the international hip outcome tool (iHOT-12), and the Veterans RAND 12 Item Health Survey (VR-12) scores. Results: A total of 56 patients were included in this study (30 male, 26 females) with a mean age of 33 years. Follow up was available for 49 patients at 6 months, 41 patients at 1 year and 26 patients at 2 years. Radiographic measurements were similar between groups. The remainder of the demographic data and baseline functional scores were not significantly different between CR and NR groups apart from height, which was larger in the no-repair group by 3.8 inches (p = .003). The HOS-ADL score significantly improved over time in both groups from 56.7 +/- 18.2 to 86.7 +/- 19 in the CR group (p < .0001) and from 66 +/- 19.2 to 86.9 +/- 23.2 in the NR group (p < .0001) at 1 year. The HOS-SS score significantly improved over time in both groups from 31.7 +/- 21.5 to 72.7 +/- 28.9 in the CR group (p < .0001) and from 38.9 +/- 25.6 to 79.3 +/- 35.8 in the NR group (p < .0001) at 1 year. However, there were no significant differences in functional scores (HOS-ADL, HOS-Sports subscale, iHOT-12, Modified HHS, VAS, VR-12 Physical Score and the VR-12 mental score) between groups at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. Functional improvement was noted for all secondary outcome measures, however there was no significant difference between the groups at any time point. Pearson correlation coefficients identified a negative relationship between alpha angle and HOS-SS (-0.32, p = .053) suggesting that larger alpha angle may be associated with inferior functional outcome. Conclusion: Capsular closure appears to have no detrimental effect on functional outcome scores compared to patients who do not have capsular closure following hip arthroscopy. We recommend restoration of native anatomy if possible when performing procedures that alter it for exposure.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is the most common hip disorder of adolescents and is known to be strongly associated with obesity. The use of Body Mass Index (BMI) as an assessment of obesity has been shown to be a very efficient technique. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention has recently developed BMI-for-age percentile growth charts that have been shown to effectively evaluate obesity in the pediatric population. In the current study, the investigators provide a retrospective review, looking at the association between SCFE and obesity based on BMI. One hundred six subjects with radiographically diagnosed SCFE were compared with 46 controls without radiographic evidence of SCFE. In the SCFE group, 81.1% of individuals had a BMI above the 95th percentile; for the control group, the corresponding figure was only 41.3% (P < 0.0001). Multiple linear regression analysis controlling both for sex and age confirmed an equally significant difference (P < 0.0001) between SCFE patients and controls with regard to BMI. Based on pediatric obesity criteria designating a weight above the 95th percentile as obese and a weight between the 85th and 95th percentile as "at risk" for obesity, clinicians can use BMI to define obesity, a highly modifiable risk factor for SCFE. Early intervention and lifestyle modifications may reduce the incidence of not only SCFE but other illnesses related to obesity as well.

As 1 of the 12 700 US cancer patients who, each year, develops metastatic spinal cord compression, Ms H wishes to walk and live her life. Sadly, this wish may be difficult to fulfill. Before diagnosis, 83% to 95% of patients experience back pain, which often is referred, obscuring the site(s) of the compression(s). Prediction of ambulation depends on a patient's ambulatory status before therapy and time between developing motor defects and starting therapy. Ambulatory patients with no visceral metastases and more than 15 days between developing motor symptoms and receiving therapy have the best rate of survival. To preserve ambulation and optimize survival, magnetic resonance imaging should be performed for cancer patients with new back pain despite normal neurological findings. At diagnosis, counseling, pain management, and corticosteroids are begun. Most patients are offered radiation therapy. Surgery followed by radiation is considered for selected patients with a single high-grade epidural lesion caused by a radioresistant tumor who also have an estimated survival of more than 3 months. Team discussions with the patient and support network help determine therapy options and include patient goals; assessment of risks, benefits, and burdens of each treatment; and discussion of the odds of preserving prognosis of ambulation and of the effect of therapy on the patient's overall prognosis. Rehabilitation improves impaired function and its associated depression. Clinicians can help patients cope with transitions in self-image, independence, family and community roles, and living arrangements and can help patients with limited prognoses identify their end-of-life goals and preferences about resuscitation and entering hospice.

For the last 4 decades, since the initial use of the patellar tendon for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, there has been controversy regarding the ideal graft choice for this procedure. Beside bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts, several other graft choices have become popular, including hamstring tendon and a variety of allografts. Within the past 5 years, several randomized and nonrandomized studies have compared the graft choices in ACL reconstruction. However, the question still remains: Is there an ideal graft for ACL reconstruction? The purpose of this review is to assess the most recent data, identifying if there truly is an ideal graft choice.