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Background: Tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance is a risk factor for recurrent patellar dislocation and is often included in algorithmic treatment of instability. The underlying factors that determine TT-TG have yet to be clearly described in orthopaedic literature. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of our study was to determine the underlying anatomic factors contributing to TT-TG distance. We hypothesized that degree of tubercle lateralization and knee rotation angle may substantially predict TT-TG. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All patients evaluated for patellar instability at a single institution between 2013 and 2021 were included. Patients with previous knee osseous procedures were excluded. TT-TG and its anatomic relationship to patellofemoral measures, including dysplasia, femoral anteversion, tibial tubercle lateralization, knee rotation angle, and tibial torsion, were measured and subsequently quantified using univariate and multivariable analysis. Results: In total, 76 patients met the inclusion criteria (46 female, 30 male; mean ± SD age, 20.6 ± 8.6 years) and were evaluated. Mean TT-TG was 16.2 ± 5.4 mm. On univariate analysis, increasing knee rotation angle ( P < .01), tibial tubercle lateralization ( P = .02), and tibial torsion ( P = .01) were associated with increased TT-TG. In dysplastic cases, patients without medial hypoplasia (Dejour A or B) demonstrated significantly increased TT-TG (18.1 ± 5.4 mm) as compared with those with medial hypoplasia (Dejour C or D; TT-TG: 14.9 ± 5.2 mm; P = .02). Multivariable analysis revealed that increased knee rotation angle (+0.43-mm TT-TG per degree; P < .01) and tubercle lateralization (+0.19-mm TT-TG per percentage lateralization; P < .01) were statistically significant determinants of increased TT-TG distance. Upon accounting for these factors, tibial torsion, trochlear width, and medial hypoplasia were no longer significant components in predicting TT-TG ( P≥ .54). Of note, all patients with TT-TG ≥20 mm had tibial tubercle lateralization ≥68%, a knee rotation angle ≥5.8°, or both factors concurrently. Conclusion: TT-TG distance is most influenced by knee rotation angle and tibial tubercle lateralization.

Background: Posterior glenohumeral instability is much less common than anterior instability, and there is a paucity of studies looking at glenoid bone loss as it relates to posterior instability. However, while the data are not as robust, posterior glenoid bone loss can lead to recurrent instability and failed soft tissue procedures. Arthroscopic posterior glenoid augmentation with distal tibial allograft (DTA) is a minimally invasive option to restore stability and preserve function. Indications: The primary indication for posterior glenoid augmentation is posterior instability with >20% to 25% posterior glenoid bone loss or recurrent posterior instability after prior stabilization procedure. In this case, the patient is a 21-year-old man with recurrent instability after 2 prior soft tissue stabilization procedures. Technique Description: The patient was positioned in lateral decubitus, and portals were established. Arthroscopic evaluation was performed to assess the labrum, biceps, rotator cuff, glenoid, and humeral head. Glenoid mobilization was performed, and an incision was made for introduction of the bone block. The glenoid was prepared, and a trial was used to guide preparation of the graft, which was harvested from the articular cartilage of the distal tibia. The graft was irrigated and bathed in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and then introduced and positioned for maximal coverage of the defect. Screw fixation was performed with two 3.75-mm screws. The posterior capsule was reapproximated, and a layered closure was performed. Results: Previous studies have reported significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes, high rates of healing, and no cases of recurrent instability after DTA for anterior glenoid bone loss. Additional studies have reported few patients with recurrent instability and no instances of partial or non-union. Significant loss of range of motion has not been reported in the most recent case series. One previous study reported significantly improved patient-reported outcomes and near-complete osseous reabsorption with DTA after failed Latarjet procedure. Discussion/Conclusion: Arthroscopic posterior glenoid augmentation with DTA is a viable treatment option for patients with shoulder pain and instability with >20% to 25% posterior glenoid bone loss and/or following prior stabilization procedures.

Background: There are few large database studies on national trends in regional anesthesia for various arthroscopic shoulder procedures and the effect of nerve blocks on the postoperative rate of opioid prescription filling. Hypothesis: The use of regional nerve block will decrease the rate of opioid prescription filling after various shoulder arthroscopic procedures. Also, the postoperative pattern of opioid prescription filling will be affected by the preoperative opioid prescription-filling history. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Patient data from Humana, a large national private insurer, were queried via PearlDiver software, and a retrospective review was conducted from 2007 through 2015. Patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder procedures were identified through Current Procedural Terminology codes. Nerve blocks were identified by relevant codes for single-shot and indwelling catheter blocks. The blocked and unblocked cases were age and sex matched to compare the pain medication prescription-filling pattern. Postoperative opioid trends (up to 6 months) were compared by regression analysis. Results: We identified 82,561 cases, of which 54,578 (66.1%) included a peripheral nerve block. Of the patients who received a block, 508 underwent diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy; 2449 had labral repair; 4746 had subacromial decompression procedure; and 12,616 underwent rotator cuff repair. The percentage of patients undergoing a nerve block increased linearly over the 9-year study period ( R 2 = 0.77; P = .002). After matching across the 2 cohorts, there was an identical trend in opioid prescription filling between blocked and unblocked cases ( P = .95). When subdivided by procedure, there was no difference in the trends between blocked and unblocked cases ( P = .52 for diagnostic arthroscopies; P = .24 for labral procedures; P = .71 for subacromial decompressions; P = .34 for rotator cuff repairs). However, when preoperative opioid users were isolated, postoperative opioid prescription filling was found to be less common in the first 2 weeks after surgery when a nerve block was given versus not given ( P < .001). Conclusion: An increasing percentage of shoulder arthroscopies are being performed with regional nerve blocks. However, there was no difference in patterns of filled postoperative opioid prescriptions between blocked and unblocked cases, except for the subgroup of patients who had filled an opioid prescription within 1 to 3 months prior to shoulder arthroscopy. Future research should focus on recording the amount of prescribed opioids consumed in national databases to reinforce our strategy against the opioid epidemic.

Background: Deep gluteal syndrome (DGS) encompasses a spectrum of pathologies causing symptomatic sciatic nerve compression deep to the gluteus maximus muscle. Endoscopic sciatic neurolysis is an option for management of DGS when conservative treatment fails. Indications: Endoscopic sciatic neurolysis is indicated for retro-trochanteric pain, sciatica-like burning in the posterior thigh, and sitting discomfort that is reproducible on physical examination after failing conservative management. Technical Description: The technique presented here introduces a standard endoscopic sciatic neurolysis technique with an accessory posterolateral portal placed distally and in line with the sciatic nerve. Use of a switching stick through an accessory distal posterolateral portal can allow for in-line protection and retraction of the sciatic nerve while it is carefully released from compressive fibrous bands using an arthroscopic shaver. It is important that the accessory portal be placed under direct visualization with caution not to injure the sciatic nerve. An arthroscopic radiofrequency device can be used for hemostasis and further release of fibrous bands. At the end of the procedure, the sciatic nerve should be visualized fully released and freely mobile from the piriformis muscle to the level of the lesser trochanter. Results: In properly selected patients, the procedure is very successful. In a series of 35 cases, the procedure reduced sitting pain (present in 97% of patients preoperative, 17% of patients postoperative), reduced narcotic use, improved visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, and improved modified Harris hip scores without major complications. Discussion: Although rare following hip arthroscopy, postoperative scarring and fibrous bands are a common cause of DGS which can be effectively treated by endoscopic sciatic nerve decompression. Results of endoscopic sciatic neurolysis have thus far been encouraging with improvements in patient reported outcome scores and high rates of satisfaction. However, complications do occur and can result in neurologic deficits. Nevertheless, with careful patient selection and meticulous sciatic nerve dissection, endoscopic sciatic neurolysis for DGS is a safe and effective technique for decompression of fibrous bands and adhesions that can lead to sciatic neuralgia.

Background: Meniscal root tears are radial tears occurring at or within 1 cm of the meniscal root attachment. These injuries have been shown to be the biomechanical equivalent of a total meniscectomy and are thought to be responsible for a rapid progression of osteoarthritis if left untreated. Indications: Meniscal root repair is indicated if possible, with the exception of patients who have diffuse Outerbridge 3-4 osteoarthritis of the ipsilateral compartment, those who are poor surgical candidates due to age or medical comorbidity, or in whom nonsymptomatic tears are found incidentally. Technique Description: Standard 2-portal arthroscopy is performed. Once a medial root tear has been identified and concomitant pathology has been addressed, we typically begin the repair by trephinating the deep medial collateral ligament with an 18-gauge needle to enhance visualization and avoid iatrogenic cartilage injury. Arthroscopic shaver is used to debride the meniscal root as needed. A meniscal root guide is introduced into the joint and an incision is made on the anteromedial tibia for outside-in drilling of a transosseous tunnel. Drilling is performed with a 5-mm retroreaming device, and a 10-mm socket is created. Nonabsorbable suture is then passed through the meniscus using a self-capture device in an inverted mattress configuration, following by 2 cinch stitches. The sutures are then shuttled into the transosseous tunnel, and the meniscal root is reduced and tensioned in full extension, with the sutures being fixated into a suture anchor on the anteromedial tibia. Results: A recent large systematic review of 1086 patients undergoing treatment of meniscal root tear via either debridement or nonoperative management compared with meniscal repair found that conversion to total knee arthroplasty occurred in 11% to 54% of those managed via debridement or nonoperative care versus 0% to 1% for those with root repair. Discussion/Conclusion: Currently, meniscal root repair offers the greatest improvement and lowest risk of conversion to arthroplasty following meniscal root tear. The present technique offers a durable repair that we believe combines ease of execution with decreased risk of suture pull-out, by creating a ripstop-type construct. Long-term outcome studies are needed for this and other root repair techniques.

Background: Surgical repair of chronic quadriceps tendon ruptures can be daunting, especially after failure of a prior repair. In this setting, tissue quality is usually poor, necessitating graft augmentation. In this video, we describe our technique for Achilles tendon allograft augmentation for revision quadriceps tendon repair. Indications: Failed quadriceps tendon repair defined as ongoing extensor mechanism deficit including patella baja, functional deficit, or palpable quadriceps defect with confirmed retear on advanced imaging. Technique Description: Patient is placed in the supine position, and a midline incision is extended to the tibial tubercle. Full thickness medial and lateral flaps are raised, nonviable scar tissue is excised, and suprapatellar adhesions are released to ensure full mobilization of the viable remnant quadriceps. A plane is then developed deep to the patellar tendon paratenon from proximal to distal. A reamer is used to prepare a socket just medial to the tibial tubercle. The calcaneal bone block of the Achilles allograft is fashioned to match the recipient site on the tibia with a sagittal saw. The graft is shuttled deep to the paratenon, and the bone plug is fixed to the tibia with an interference screw. Suture from the patellar anchors is then used to place 2 running Krackow stitches spanning the remnant quadriceps tendon proximally. The remnant tissue is subsequently reduced and tied with an anchor pull-through technique. The soft tissue component of the Achilles graft is laid over the repair and oversewn with free nonabsorbable suture. Patient is placed in a brace locked in extension for 6 weeks and allowed to be weight bearing as tolerated. Results: Long-term patient-reported outcomes of Achilles allograft reconstruction for revision extensor mechanism repairs are limited. Two studies of 17 reconstructions each reported this to be a reliable and durable option at a mean follow-up of 65 and 52 months, respectively. Discussion/Conclusion: Revision surgery for extensor mechanism deficits can be a challenging procedure. Our preference is to perform augmentation with Achilles allograft with bone plug fixation on the tibial side. This allows for augmentation of the entire extensor mechanism, as well as bone-to-bone healing on the tibial side.

Background:The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) computer adaptive testing (CAT) is a patient-reported outcome metric that has been validated for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, ACL reconstructions, and meniscal injuries. Thus far, the system has not been validated for multiligament knee injuries. The Multiligament Quality of Life (MLQOL) questionnaire is a validated, disease-specific patient-reported outcome instrument for this population that can serve as a gold standard for validation of the newer PROMIS.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to further validate the PROMIS CAT for multiligament knee reconstruction. We hypothesized that the PROMIS CAT modules would correlate with the Lysholm knee score (Lysholm), Tegner activity scale (Tegner), and MLQOL for postoperative multiligamentous knee injury patients and that the PROMIS CAT would use fewer question items than the Lysholm, Tegner, and MLQOL while still avoiding floor and ceiling effects.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:A total of 30 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were retrospectively identified and agreed to participate (87% male; mean ± SD age, 36.3 ± 13.5 years). Consenting patients were administered the Lysholm, Tegner, MLQOL, and PROMIS CAT for Physical Function, Mobility, and Pain Interference. Spearman correlations were used to test agreement across survey instruments. Floor and ceiling effects were assessed for all instruments.Results:PROMIS Pain Interference had excellent correlation with MLQOL Activity Limitations ( r = 0.71, P < .0001). Excellent-good correlations were detected between PROMIS Physical Function and MLQOL Activity Limitations ( r = –0.63, P = .0002) and PROMIS Mobility and MLQOL Activity Limitations ( r = –0.62, P < .0002). Good correlations were found between the Lysholm and the PROMIS Physical Function and PROMIS Mobility (for each, r = 0.50, P = .005). Additional correlations were present with other subsections. There were no floor or ceiling effects for the PROMIS CAT instrument in any category.Conclusion:The PROMIS CAT correlates well with existing outcome measures for multiligament knee injury patients without floor or ceiling effects. The PROMIS CAT is a concise adjunct to the validated injury-specific outcome tool for multiligament knee injury. Surgeons should consider implementing the PROMIS CAT because of its broad validity, including ACL injuries, meniscal tears, and now multiligament knee injuries.

Background: Among collegiate sports, ice hockey and wrestling have been reported to have the highest rates of concussion injury. Recent literature has shown that among all sports, female soccer players had the highest rate of concussion injury at the high school level. Sport-specific analysis will increase our knowledge of epidemiologic characteristics of this serious injury in young soccer players, where “heading” is commonly involved during participation. Hypothesis: Heading during soccer will be associated with increased frequency of concussion injury in collegiate female players compared with other mechanisms of injury, and concussion injury mechanism and rates will differ by setting of injury (practice or match) and player position. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiologic study. Methods: This was a retrospective review and epidemiologic analysis of all concussions documented from a single National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I female collegiate soccer team between 2004 and 2017. A total of 381 participants were reviewed, and concussion injury mechanism, setting (practice or match), player position, and number of games and practices missed due to injury were analyzed. Results: Overall, 25 concussions in 22 players from the 2004 to 2017 seasons were identified, for an annual rate of 1.79 concussions per year. Collisions (36%) followed by headers (20%) were the most common mechanisms. Forwards sustained the most concussions (32%). Injuries were more common in games (56%) than practice (40%). Of note, the most common cause of concussion during practice was headers (40%). Of the concussions documented, 20 (91%) were the player’s first concussion. On average, each concussion resulted in a player missing 3.96 games and 12.46 practices. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that concussion rates in female NCAA soccer players vary by position and occur with different frequencies and mechanisms in practice and games. Interventions for concussion avoidance should aim to limit exposure to high-risk activity, including player-to-player contact in games and headers in practice. Although gameplay and collisions can be unpredictable and difficult to control, practice settings can be modified in an attempt to decrease risk.