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Background: Acupuncture is a potentially effective non-pharmacological treatment for insomnia. Objective: We observed the responses of patients with insomnia to acupuncture in routine clinical practice. In addition, we explored patient characteristics that might affect the treatment response to acupuncture for insomnia. Methods: Medical records of patients with insomnia in a Korean medicine clinic with baseline Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores ⩾8 and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores ⩾5 were reviewed. Acupuncture was applied at ST43, GB41, ST41, SI5, HT3, KI10, HT7 and ST3, for 1–2 months. The ISI and PSQI were measured monthly to assess insomnia severity. The effect of acupuncture over time was analyzed using a multilevel linear model for repeated measures. In addition, logistic regression was used to explore predictors of treatment response. Results: A total of 91 patients with insomnia aged 59.2 ± 12.5 years (mean ± standard deviation (SD)) (90.1% female) were included in the analysis. After the acupuncture treatment, ISI scores were significantly reduced by −3.75 (95% confidence interval (CI) = −4.99, −2.50) and −4.69 (95% CI = −6.22, −3.16) after the first and second month, respectively. The PSQI global scores also improved, and sleep duration showed a tendency to increase by 0.35 h (95% CI = −0.17, 0.86) after acupuncture treatment. Three cases of mild fatigue were reported. In addition, higher baseline pain/discomfort predicted a greater likelihood of response after acupuncture treatment (odds ratio (OR) = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.10, 2.60). Conclusion: In a real-world setting, the insomnia of outpatients in a clinic was slightly alleviated after acupuncture treatment. These findings require validation by randomized controlled trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent biomechanical studies have reported that stress on the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) graft increases as the posterior tibial slope (PTS) decreases (flattened) in knees with single-bundle (SB) and double-bundle PCL reconstruction. Clinical studies of SB PCL reconstruction have shown that a flattened PTS is associated with a lesser reduction in posterior tibial translation. There is no long-term study on the clinical outcomes and graft survival rates of SB PCL reconstruction based on the medial and lateral PTSs measured on magnetic resonance imaging. Hypothesis: Flattened medial and lateral PTSs are associated with poor clinical outcomes and graft survival rates at a minimum 10-year follow-up after SB PCL reconstruction. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: In this cohort study, we retrospectively reviewed 46 patients (mean age, 28.8 ± 9.9 years) who underwent primary SB PCL reconstruction between 2000 and 2009. They were followed up for a minimum of 10 years. The medial and lateral PTSs were measured on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. As a previous study reported that a steeper medial or lateral PTS showed a higher risk of anterior tibial translation at thresholds of 5.6° and 3.8°, respectively, the patients were divided into 2 groups based on the cutoff values of both the medial (≤5.6° vs >5.6°) and lateral (≤3.8° vs >3.8°) PTSs. Clinical scores (International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score, Lysholm score, and Tegner activity score), radiological outcomes (side-to-side difference [SSD] on stress radiography and osteoarthritis progression), and graft survival rates were compared between the groups at the last follow-up. Results: All clinical scores and the progression of osteoarthritis demonstrated no significant difference between the 2 subgroups of both the medial and lateral PTS groups. The mean SSD on stress radiography after SB PCL reconstruction was significantly greater in patients with a medial PTS ≤5.6° than in patients with a medial PTS >5.6° (8.4 ± 3.9 vs 5.1 ± 2.9 mm, respectively; P =.030), while the lateral PTS subgroups after SB PCL reconstruction demonstrated no significant difference. The minimum 10-year graft survival rate was significantly lower in patients with a medial PTS ≤5.6° (68.4% vs 92.6%, respectively; P =.029) and a lateral PTS ≤3.8° (50.0% vs 91.7%, respectively; P =.001). Conclusion: A flattened medial PTS (≤5.6°) was associated with an increased SSD on stress radiography, and both flattened medial (≤5.6°) and lateral (≤3.8°) PTSs resulted in lower graft survival rates at a minimum 10-year follow-up after primary SB PCL reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many adolescents worldwide suffer from stress or unhealthy emotional states such as depression. There is a trend toward limited physical contact via social distancing practices that developed during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. An experimental study aimed at investigating the effects of a mindfulness program on stress, concentration, self-esteem, and self-control in high school students. A 10-week mindfulness intervention was provided to the experimental group (n = 89) from September-November 2020, while the control group (n = 89) received general health education. Four weeks after the program, the experimental group showed reduced stress and improved concentration, self-esteem, and self-control compared to baseline. The blended learning mindfulness program is effective improving concentration and should be incorporated into the formal high school curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Conflicting results have been reported concerning the progression of medial meniscal extrusion (MME) after arthroscopic transtibial pull-out repair of medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMRT), and no study has evaluated the relevant factors affecting the progression of MME. Purpose: To (1) evaluate the subjective and objective surgical outcomes of arthroscopic transtibial pull-out repair of MMRT and (2) identify relevant factors affecting the progression of MME after surgery. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 63 patients who underwent isolated arthroscopic transtibial pull-out repair of MMRT between January 2010 and June 2017 were evaluated retrospectively. Clinical scores and various radiographic parameters were evaluated to assess the surgical outcomes. The patients were classified into 2 groups according to the change in medial meniscal extrusion ratio (MMER) at 1 year after surgery compared with before surgery (group 1 consisted of 21 patients with reduced or maintained MMER; group 2 consisted of 42 patients with increased MMER). Variables including baseline demographics, radiographic parameters, and arthroscopic findings were compared to identify relevant factors affecting the progression of MME after surgery. Results: In the overall cohort, clinical outcomes at postoperative 2 years improved significantly (P <.001 for visual analog scale score, International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score, and Lysholm score), whereas radiographic parameters showed an overall deterioration compared with the preoperative level. In subgroup comparisons, a significant difference was seen in the time from the onset of symptoms until surgery (P <.001), defined as preoperative symptom duration, which a subsequent logistic regression analysis revealed to be a relevant factor associated with the progression of MMER (P =.015). Both groups showed progression of radiographic osteoarthritis, but the progression was significantly higher in group 2 compared with group 1 at postoperative 2 years (P =.032). On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the cutoff point for preoperative symptom duration associated with the progression of MMER was 13 weeks (sensitivity, 52.4%; specificity, 76.2%; accuracy, 72.4%). Conclusion: The arthroscopic transtibial pull-out repair of MMRT showed clinical improvement but did not prevent the progression of knee osteoarthritis, MME, or MMER. Although the preservation of MMER was not capable of completely preventing the progression of knee degeneration, MMER still has a potential clinical value in delaying the rate of progression of knee degeneration. Early surgical repair of MMRT, within 13 weeks from the onset of symptoms, might be helpful to prevent the progression of MME. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few studies have reported the healing process of anterolateral ligament (ALL) injuries. Purpose/Hypothesis: This study investigated the healing status of ALL injuries after primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR). Additionally, we investigated the association between the healing status of ALL injuries and associated lesions such as osseous lesions and meniscal tears occurring at the time of an ACL rupture. We hypothesized that acute ALL injuries show a high rate (more than two-thirds) of healing at the 1-year follow-up after ACLR and that concomitant lesions observed at the time of an ACL rupture affect the healing status of the ALL. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We retrospectively investigated patients with ALL injuries who underwent primary ACLR between March 2015 and February 2017. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we evaluated the features of ALL injuries and concomitant lesions, and MRI was performed at the 1-year follow-up to assess the healing status of the ALL. We investigated the association between the healing status of the ALL and concomitant lesions observed at the time of an ACL rupture. A subjective assessment was performed using the Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score, and Tegner activity scale. Objective tests included an isokinetic strength assessment and functional performance testing. Results: With respect to the severity of ALL injuries, of 54 patients, a complete rupture occurred in 16 (29.6%) of the 54 patients and a partial rupture in 38 (70%). A significant association was observed between the severity of ALL injuries and bone contusions (lateral tibial plateau and medial tibial plateau [MTP]) and meniscus ramp lesions (Fisher exact test: P =.023,.012, and.023, respectively). Good and partial healing of the ALL occurred in 16 (29.6%) and 23 (42.6%) of 54 patients, respectively. Scar formation occurred in 12 (22.2%), and nonvisualization of the ALL was observed in 3 (5.6%) of 54 patients. Poor healing of the ALL was associated with preoperative MTP bone contusions and a high-grade pivot shift. Multivariate analysis showed that an MTP bone contusion was an independent risk factor associated with poor healing of the ALL. Among the functional tests performed, significant differences were observed between the good and poor healing groups with respect to the carioca test (P =.039). The good healing group (n = 16) showed a negative pivot shift at the last follow-up, whereas 5 (13.2%) of the patients from the poor healing group (n = 38) showed a positive pivot shift, including 2 (5.3%) with a high-grade pivot shift. Conclusion: Approximately 70% of acute ALL injuries showed poor healing at the 1-year follow-up. Poor healing of ALL injuries was significantly associated with preoperative MTP bone contusions and a high-grade pivot shift. Therefore, a careful assessment of posteromedial bone contusions at the time of an ACL rupture is warranted, particularly in patients with a high-grade pivot shift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a lack of knowledge about the changes in perianchor cysts over time and the factors related to perianchor cysts. Purpose: To evaluate the changes in perianchor cyst formation and anchor absorption over time after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with a biocomposite suture anchor and to evaluate the factors affecting perianchor cyst persistence and their relationship with patient outcomes. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Forty consecutive patients (mean age, 61.10 ± 5.79 years) who underwent arthroscopic repair for medium- to large-sized rotator cuff tears using a single type of biocomposite (poly-L-lactic acid/polyglycolic acid–beta tricalcium phosphate) medial-row anchor were prospectively enrolled. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 2 different time points (6 and 18 months) was performed, and perianchor cyst formation, anchor absorption, and healing failures were evaluated using postoperative MRI. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and functional outcomes at a minimum of 18 months after surgery were assessed. Results: Perianchor cysts were observed in 24 patients (60.0% total; grade 1: 35.0%; grade 2: 10.0%; grade 3: 7.5%; grade 4: 7.5%) at 6 months, and 7 patients (18.4% total; grade 1: 7.9%; grade 2: 5.3%; grade 3: 2.6%; grade 4: 2.6%) had a persistent perianchor cyst at 18 months after surgery. No anchors were absorbed at 6 months, but 73.7% of patients revealed complete or near-full absorption at 18 months. Patients with persistent perianchor cysts showed a significantly larger tear size in the anteroposterior dimension (P = .002) and greater retraction (P < .001). There were no differences in healing failures and functional outcomes between patients with and without persisting perianchor cysts (all P > .05). No differences were found in perianchor cyst formation and anchor absorption between anchors inserted in the greater tuberosity and the lesser tuberosity (all P > .05). Conclusion: The incidence and severity of perianchor cysts decreased with time, and most biocomposite suture anchors were absorbed at 18 months after surgery. Persisting perianchor cysts correlated with a larger tear size in the anteroposterior dimension and greater retraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The cause of early graft failure within 1 year of meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) remains unclear. The association of early failure with a nonanatomic horn position of the allograft after lateral MAT with the keyhole technique has never been evaluated. Hypothesis: A nonanatomic horn position of an allograft would be a significant risk factor for a premature graft tear as compared with an anatomically positioned allograft. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: From October 2007 to October 2016, 208 patients (214 knees) with primary isolated lateral MAT in a single center were enrolled. A >5-mm or 10% discrepancy between pre- and postoperative horn position was defined as "nonanatomic," and the early failure rate was compared. Among 214 cases of lateral MAT, 54 were nonanatomically positioned, and 160 were anatomically positioned. The early failures (within 1 year after MAT) were defined as (1) grade 3 signal intensities (tears) over one-third of the allograft on magnetic resonance image or (2) removal of more than one-third of the allograft because of tears. Results: Among the early failure cases, 6 were in the nonanatomic group and 5 in the anatomic group. The failure rate was 11.1% (6 of 54) in the nonanatomic group and 3.1% (5 of 160) in the anatomic group, with a 5.1% (11 of 214) overall early failure rate. The nonanatomic horn position group had an increased risk of early graft failure as compared with the anatomically positioned group (odds ratio = 3.88; 95% CI, 1.13-13.26). Anteriorized and lateralized horn position was identified in the nonanatomic group as compared with the anatomic group. Differences in patient age, sex, body mass index, involved knee, cartilage status, alignment of lower extremity, and joint space width were not statistically significant between the groups. Conclusion: Horn position discrepancy was associated with an increased risk of early graft failures. Meticulous insertion of a bone bridge is needed to ensure anatomically correct horn positioning to avoid early graft failure in lateral MAT with the keyhole technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have reported various healing rates (0%-100%) as evaluated by second-look arthroscopy after repair of medial meniscal root tears (MMRTs). Such variable results might provoke suspicion of the necessity for repair. Furthermore, the effect of meniscal healing on the clinical outcomes has not been reported. Purpose: To more precisely determine the healing rate of MMRTs repaired through the transseptal portal, which could provide objective visualization of the healed meniscus, and to identify the effect of meniscal healing on the clinical and radiological outcomes. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Between June 2010 and April 2015, 56 patients underwent pullout suture for MMRT. Lysholm score, Hospital for Special Surgery score, International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score, medial joint space height, and Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade were evaluated. Thirty-three patients underwent second-look arthroscopy and were divided into a “stable healed group” and “unhealed group” according to their healing status, as evaluated through the transseptal portal. The intraoperative, clinical, and radiological outcomes of the 2 groups were compared. Results: All other clinical outcomes improved. However, medial joint space became significantly narrower (P < .001), and 23 patients (41%) showed K-L grade progression. On the basis of second-look arthroscopy, 23 patients (69.7%) were classified into a stable healed group and 10 (30.3%) into a unhealed group. The stable healed group showed a higher Hospital for Special Surgery score (P = .023), International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score (P = .031), and successful microfracture rate (P = .023), with less progression of medial joint space narrowing (P < .001) and K-L grade (P < .001). Conclusion: Despite degenerative change progression, clinical outcomes were improved. The successful healing rate was 69.7% after repair of MMRTs. Compared with the unhealed group, the stable healed group showed better clinical outcomes and less degenerative change progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few studies have reported on the radiological characteristics and repair integrity of coexistent rotator cuff tears (RCTs) and shoulder stiffness after simultaneous arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and capsular release. Purpose: To evaluate the radiological characteristics and repair integrity of 1-stage arthroscopic surgery of RCTs concomitant with shoulder stiffness. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Among patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of full-thickness RCTs, the stiff group underwent simultaneous capsular release for shoulder stiffness, and the nonstiff group had no stiffness. Symptom duration, prevalence of diabetes, tear size, tendon involvement (type 1, supraspinatus; type 2, supraspinatus and subscapularis; and type 3, supraspinatus and infraspinatus; type 4, supraspinatus, subscapularis, and infraspinatus), and fatty infiltration (Goutallier stages 0-4) were evaluated. A retear was appraised using magnetic resonance imaging, and clinical outcomes were assessed using range of motion, the Korean Shoulder Scoring System (KSS), and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score. Results: The stiff group showed a significantly lower retear rate (1/39, 2.6%) than the nonstiff group (47/320, 14.7%) (P = .043). There were significant differences in symptom duration (7.4 ± 6.6 vs 15.0 ± 23.7 months, respectively; P < .001), mediolateral tear size (18.9 ± 8.9 vs 24.1 ± 12.0 mm, respectively; P = .002), tendon involvement (94.9%, 5.1%, 0.0%, and 0.0% vs 85.3%, 6.9%, 7.8%, and 0.0%, respectively; P = .048), and fatty infiltration of the subscapularis (66.7%, 33.3%, 0.0%, 0.0%, and 0.0% vs 31.9%, 61.3%, 5.6%, 1.3%, and 0.0%, respectively; P < .001) and teres minor (74.4%, 20.5%, 5.1%, 0.0%, and 0.0% vs 47.2%, 48.8%, 3.8%, 0.0%, and 0.3%, respectively; P = .007) between the stiff and nonstiff groups. Preoperatively, the stiff group showed significantly worse forward flexion (95.9° ± 23.6° vs 147.7° ± 4.2°, respectively; P < .001), external rotation (17.4° ± 10.1° vs 51.6° ± 12.1°, respectively; P < .001), and internal rotation (L5 vs L2, respectively; P < .001) and lower KSS (52.1 ± 13.8 vs 66.3 ± 13.5, respectively; P < .001) and UCLA scores (18.7 ± 4.8 vs 22.5 ± 4.5, respectively; P < .001) than the nonstiff group. However, these differences became insignificant from 3 months postoperatively for forward flexion (P > .05) and KSS (P > .05) and UCLA scores (P > .05), from 1 year postoperatively for external rotation (P > .05), and at the last follow-up for internal rotation (P > .05). A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that only mediolateral tear size (odds ratio, 1.043; P = .014) and type 2 tendon involvement (odds ratio, 4.493; P = .003) were independent predictors of a retear. Conclusion: RCTs concomitant with shoulder stiffness showed a smaller mediolateral tear size, anterosuperior tendon involvement, and less severe fatty infiltration preoperatively and better repair integrity postoperatively than RCTs without stiffness. Furthermore, the clinical outcomes and range of motion at final follow-up were similar between the 2 groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although image analysis has shown that the outside-in (OI) technique is associated with different femoral tunnel geometry than the transportal (TP) technique in anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, it is not known whether clinical results differ between the 2 techniques. Purpose: To compare clinical results, second-look arthroscopic findings, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings between the TP and OI techniques in anatomic double-bundle (DB) ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: From November 2010 to March 2013, 128 patients were enrolled in this study and were randomly assigned to either the TP group (64 patients) or the OI group (64 patients), and DB ACL reconstructions were performed. At the minimum 2-year follow-up (34.9 ± 10.9 months), 111 patients (86.7%) were evaluated with multiple clinical scores and stability tests (KT-2000 arthrometer, Lachman test, and pivot-shift test). Ninety-three knees were evaluated for graft continuity, graft tension, and synovialization by use of second-look arthroscopy. Seventy-eight knees were evaluated on MRI for graft continuity, femoral graft tunnel healing, and graft signal/noise quotient (SNQ). The primary outcome was KT-2000 arthrometer results. Results were compared between the TP and OI groups. Results: No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of KT-2000 arthrometer results, which was the primary outcome, and other clinical results, with the exception of the postoperative functional test of International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) objective score. The ratio of grade A and B on the postoperative functional test of IKDC objective score was significantly larger for the OI group (51/58) than the TP group (36/53) (P = .005). The second-look arthroscopic findings were not significantly different between the 2 groups in either bundle (P > .05). In addition, MRI findings did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (P > .05). Conclusion: With the exception of the functional test of IKDC objective score, we found that clinical results, second-look arthroscopic findings, and MRI findings did not differ significantly between the OI and TP techniques for anatomic ACL reconstruction, although femoral tunnel geometries differed significantly between the 2 techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose was to examine the effects of auricular acupressure to relieve constipation in patients with breast cancer who were undergoing chemotherapy. Participants were 52 patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy at E University Hospital, Seoul, Korea, randomized into two groups of equal size. For the experimental group, auricular acupressure was applied to seven auricular acupoints for 6 weeks using vaccaria seeds, whereas the control group received the usual care. Constipation-assessment scores of the experimental group were significantly lower compared with the control group (p < .001). Stool-form scores of the experimental group were significantly higher compared with the control group (p = .003). Patient Assessment of Constipation–Quality of Life scores of the experimental group were significantly lower compared with the control group (p < .001). Auricular acupressure was effective at relieving constipation in patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy. Auricular acupressure was also a safe and acceptable nursing intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is considerable debate on the recovery of rotator cuff muscle atrophy after rotator cuff repair. Purpose: To evaluate the serial changes in supraspinatus muscle volume after rotator cuff repair by using semiautomatic segmentation software and to determine the relationship with functional outcomes. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Seventy-four patients (mean age, 62.8 ± 8.8 years) who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and obtained 3 consecutive (preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and later postoperatively [≥1 year postoperatively]) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans having complete Y-views were included. We generated a 3-dimensional (3D) reconstructed model of the supraspinatus muscle by using in-house semiautomatic segmentation software (ITK-SNAP) and calculated both the 2-dimensional (2D) cross-sectional area and 3D volume of the muscle in 3 different views (Y-view, 1 cm medial to the Y-view [Y+1 view], and 2 cm medial to the Y-view [Y+2 view]) at the 3 time points. The area and volume changes at each time point were evaluated according to repair integrity. Later postoperative volumes were compared with immediately postoperative volumes, and their relationship with various clinical factors and the effect of higher volume increases on range of motion, muscle power, and visual analog scale pain and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores were evaluated. Results: The interrater reliabilities were excellent for all measurements. Areas and volumes increased immediately postoperatively as compared with preoperatively; however, only volumes on the Y+1 view and Y+2 view significantly increased later postoperatively as compared with immediately postoperatively (P < .05). There were 9 patients with healing failure, and area and volume changes were significantly less later postoperatively compared with immediately postoperatively at all measurement points in these patients (P < .05). After omitting the patients with healing failure, volume increases later postoperatively became more prominent (P < .05) in the order of the Y+2 view, Y+1 view, and Y-view. Volume increases were higher in patients who healed successfully with larger tears (P = .040). Higher volume increases were associated only with an increase in abduction power (P = .029) and not with other outcomes. Conclusion: The supraspinatus muscle volume increased immediately postoperatively and continuously for at least 1 year after surgery. The increase was evident in patients who had larger tears and healed successfully and when measured toward the more medial portion of the supraspinatus muscle. The volume increases were associated with an increase in shoulder abduction power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although cartilage regeneration after medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) has been described, there is a paucity of reports regarding which factors influence cartilage regeneration. Purpose: To document whether cartilage regeneration occurs in the previously degenerated medial compartment of arthritic knees after medial open-wedge HTO without concomitant cartilage procedures and to assess which predictive factors influence regeneration after HTO. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4 Methods: From February 2008 to January 2014, 104 consecutive knees were enrolled retrospectively that received medial open-wedge HTO with a medial locked plate system without any additional cartilage regeneration procedures and were followed by second-look arthroscopy for plate removal 2 years after surgery. The mean ± SD age at the time of index HTO was 56.3 ± 5.4 years. Cartilage status was graded at the time of initial HTO and second-look arthroscopy according to the International Cartilage Repair Society grading system, and regenerated articular cartilage was classified by the macroscopic staging system of Koshino et al at the time of second-look arthroscopy. Variables evaluated for possible association with regeneration of articular cartilage included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), American Knee Society score, mechanical tibiofemoral angle, medial proximal tibial angle, amount of correction angle, and degree of arthritis. Results: Per the International Cartilage Repair Society grading system, the lesions in the medial femoral condyle and the medial tibial plateau were improved in 54 knees (51.9%) and 36 knees (34.6%), respectively, at the time of second-look arthroscopy. According to the macroscopic grading system, partial and total regeneration of articular cartilage in the medial femoral condyle and the medial tibial plateau was observed in 75 knees (72%) and 57 knees (55%), respectively. Based on univariable logistic regression tests, regeneration of articular cartilage was associated with a smaller mean preoperative varus mechanical tibiofemoral angle (odds ratio [OR], 0.7; P = .023) and lower BMI (OR, 0.8; P = .026) for the medial femoral condyle and younger age (OR, 0.9; P = .048) and a larger mean correction angle (OR, 1.1; P = .023) for the medial tibial plateau. The mean preoperative knee and function scores were significantly improved at the last follow-up, but no correlation was found between the clinical outcomes and cartilage regeneration. Multiple logistic regression analysis for regeneration of articular cartilage showed lower BMI (OR, 0.7; P = .015) to be a significant predictor for the medial femoral condyle. Conclusion: Regeneration of degenerated articular cartilage in the medial compartment can be expected while correcting a varus deformity in arthritic knees after medial open-wedge HTO with a locked plate system without any additional cartilage regeneration procedures. Moreover, we suggest that medial open-wedge HTO in the medial arthritic knee with varus malalignment should be highly successful in terms of cartilage regeneration, especially for lower BMI patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benefits of cochlear implantation (CI) in the elderly remain debatable in terms of sound and speech perception. Moreover, the results of CI may be affected by the intensity and pitch of spoken language. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate surgical and hospitalization times, postoperative complications, and hearing outcomes after CI in elderly Koreans. Our study population was made up of 55 postlingually deafened adults who underwent unilateral CL They were divided into two groups based on age; an older group consisted of 21 patients aged 65 years or older (mean 71.8) at the time of CI, and a comparison group was made up of 34 patients aged 18 to 64 years (mean: 47.5). The mean surgical and hospitalization times and the mean number of postoperative complications in the two groups were comparable. Auditory outcomes were quantified by the speech reception threshold (SRT), the speech discrimination test (SDT), scores on the Korean version of the Glendonald Auditory Screening Procedure (GASP-K), and categories of auditory performance (CAP) scores. The SDT and GASP-K values were significantly lower in the older group at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years; there were no significant differences in mean SRT and CAP values. We conclude that elderly patients may obtain appreciable benefits from CI without experiencing serious surgical complications. Nevertheless, difficulties in speech perception should be taken into consideration in older patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High tibial osteotomy (HTO) produces valgus limb alignment, and this change can affect lower limb length. Purpose: To compare the change in lower limb length and the discrepancy compared with the contralateral limb after unilateral lateral closing wedge HTO (CWHTO) and medial opening wedge HTO (OWHTO). Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: In this study, 30 knees undergoing unilateral CWHTO and 30 knees undergoing unilateral OWHTO for medial compartmental osteoarthritis were analyzed with 1-year follow-up. The tibial length, lower limb length, and lower limb length discrepancy were measured preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. The patients’ subjective sensation of, and discomfort due to, the lower limb length discrepancy were recorded 1 year postoperatively. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors related to the change in lower limb length. Results: The mean lengths of the tibia and lower limb increased significantly after OWHTO (5.2 ± 3.7 and 7.6 ± 2.1 mm, respectively; P < .001). The mean tibial length decreased significantly after CWHTO (−6.0 ± 2.1 mm; P < .001); however, the mean lower limb length change was not significant (−0.8 ± 2.5 mm; P = .073). The mean lower limb length discrepancy increased significantly after OWHTO (−0.5 ± 0.7 to 7.2 ± 2.1 mm; P < .001) but not after CWHTO (−0.7 ± 0.6 to −1.0 ± 2.5 mm; P = .539). A significantly greater proportion of patients in the OWHTO group were aware of (70% vs 20%, respectively; P = .002), and uncomfortable because of (37% vs 7%, respectively; P = .010), the lower limb length discrepancy compared with those in the CWHTO group. The strongest predictor of a change in lower limb length was the wedge length in the OWHTO group and the preoperative hip-knee-ankle angle in the CWHTO group. Conclusion: The lower limb length change and discrepancy were significant after unilateral OWHTO, whereas they were negligible after unilateral CWHTO. CWHTO was more beneficial in cases of unilateral HTO to minimize the discrepancy of lower limb length rather than OWHTO, particularly in knees requiring a large correction. Registration: Clinical Trials Registry Platform (protocol number KCT00001684). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteophytes can be observed on the tibial plateau during meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT). However, no studies to date have evaluated the effect of these osteophytes on meniscus allograft extrusion. Hypothesis: Osteophyte excision in the tibial plateau could reduce extrusion of the transplanted meniscus and improve short-term clinical outcomes with meniscus allograft transplantation. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Between October 2004 and July 2012, a total of 323 patients underwent MAT at a single institution. Of these, 88 patients had a peripheral osteophyte in their tibial plateau, and they were enrolled in the study retrospectively. The mean age of the patients was 35.3 years (range, 15-56 years); there were 57 male and 31 female patients. Forty-four patients underwent osteophyte excision concomitantly with MAT and 44 patients underwent MAT only. The 2 groups showed no difference in terms of age, body mass index, time after meniscectomy, and preoperative knee scores. A medial meniscus allograft was transplanted in 13 cases (15%) and a lateral meniscus in 75 (85%). The absolute extrusion and relative percentage of extrusion were measured to evaluate allograft extrusion 12 months after MAT. The modified Lysholm scoring system and the Hospital for Special Surgery score at 2 years after MAT were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Results: The mean absolute extrusions at 1 year postoperatively in the excision and nonexcision groups were 3.5 ± 1.5 and 5.5 ± 1.6 mm, respectively. The mean relative percentages of extrusion were 34.1% 6 15.9% and 54.7% 6 20.7%, respectively. The rates of allograft extrusion (.3 mm) were 28 of 44 (63.6%) and 41 of 44 (93.2%) in the excision and nonexcision groups, respectively. The intergroup differences in absolute extrusion, relative percentage of extrusion, and rate of allograft extrusion were statistically significant (P \ .001 for all 3 parameters). There were no significant differences in the clinical outcomes (modified Lysholm or Hospital of Special Surgery scores) at 2-year follow-up (P \ .762 and \ .298, respectively). Conclusion: The excision of a peripheral osteophyte larger than 2 mm in the proximal tibial plateau was associated with less allograft extrusion after MAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The treatment of symptomatic acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injury in the rotator cuff (RC) tear has not been wellclarified. Purpose: To compare the clinical results between patients who had distal clavicle resection (DCR) and those who did not duringRC repair. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: From August 2008 to December 2009, a total of 56 consecutive patients (58 shoulders) were included. All patients hadeither a full-thickness or high-grade (>50%) RC tear, ACJ tenderness, arthritic change visible on plain radiographs, and a positive ACJ lidocaine injection test the day before surgery. Patients were randomized into 2 groups: DCR and RC repair (DCR+RCR group) and RC repair only (isolated RCR). Evaluation was performed preoperatively, at 6 months postoperatively, and at a final follow-up a minimum of 24 months postoperatively using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the Constant shoulder score, range of motion examination, and pain visual analog scale (VAS). Results: After simple randomization, 26 shoulders were allocated in the DCR+RCR group, and 32 were placed in the isolated RCR group. Five shoulders in the DCR+RCR group and 6 in the isolated RCR group were excluded from analysis due to loss of follow-up. Therefore, the evaluation was performed for 21 shoulders in the DCR+RCR group and 26 shoulders in the isolated RCR group. The mean follow-up period was 44.2 months in the DCR1RCR group and 44.0 months in the isolated RCR group. There were no differences in age, sex, symptom duration, RC tear size, or preoperative ASES, Constant, and VAS scores between the 2 groups (P > .05). At final follow-up, the ASES, Constant, and VAS scores were significantly improved in both groups (P < .001). There were no differences in ASES, Constant, and VAS scores between the 2 groups at final follow-up (P > .05), and there was no difference in residual ACJ tenderness (7 in the DCR1RCR group and 5 in the isolated RCR group) between the 2 groups (P = .270). Conclusion: There was no difference in the clinical evaluations between the combined arthroscopic DCR and RCR group and the isolated RCR group at a minimum 24-month follow-up. Arthroscopic DCR should be carefully considered in patients who have symptomatic ACJ arthritis with RC tears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There have been no clinical studies regarding the effect of decreased meniscal thickness on outcomes after meniscectomy.Purpose: To examine the postoperative outcomes of partial meniscectomy with or without horizontal resection compared with the outcomes of subtotal meniscectomy and to evaluate the influence of decreased thickness of the medial meniscus on out- comes after partial meniscectomy.Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods: A total of 312 patients who underwent medial meniscectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into 3 groups: group A (n = 84) included patients with partial meniscectomy with vertical resection, group B (n = 140) consisted of those with partial meniscectomy with horizontal resection, and group C (n = 88) included those with subtotal meniscectomy. Clin- ical function was evaluated by use of the Lysholm knee scoring scale, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) sub- jective knee evaluation form, and Tapper and Hoover grading system. Radiologic evaluation was performed with the IKDC radiographic assessment scale as well as with measurements of the medial compartment height at the tibiofemoral joint. Preop- erative values and postoperative values measured 5 years after operation were assessed.Results: Functional outcomes in group C were inferior to those in groups A and B according to the Lysholm knee score (mean ± SD for group A = 96.1 ± 4.7, group B = 94.9 ± 5.2, group C = 84.8 ± 11.4; P < .001), IKDC subjective score (group A = 92.1 ± 6.5, group B = 91.3 ± 8.8, group C = 81 ± 11.4; P < .001), and Tapper and Hoover grading system (P = .003). There was no significant difference in scores between groups A and B. With regard to radiologic evaluation, the IKDC radiographic grade for group C was worse than the grades for groups A and B (P < .001); there was no significant difference between groups A and B. However, the postoperative joint space on the affected side was higher for group A (4.7 ± 0.6 mm) than for groups B (4.3 ± 0.5 mm; P < .001) and C (3.7 ± 0.8 mm; P < .001). The joint space was higher in group B than in group C (P < .001).Conclusion: Despite joint space narrowing, decreases in meniscal thickness after partial meniscectomy for horizontal tear had no additional adverse effect on 5-year functional and radiographic outcomes compared with conventional partial meniscectomy pre- serving whole meniscal thickness. In treating horizontal tears of the meniscus, partial meniscectomy with complete resection of the unstable leaf was an effective method in a 5-year follow-up study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The healing failure rate is high for partial-thickness or small full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate and compare outcomes after arthroscopic repair of high-grade partial-thickness and small full-thickness rotator cuff tears and factors affecting rotator cuff healing. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Included in the study were 55 consecutive patients (mean age, 57.9 ± 7.2 years) who underwent arthroscopic repair for high-grade partial-thickness (n = 34) and small full-thickness (n = 21) rotator cuff tears. The study patients also underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) preoperatively and computed tomography arthrography (CTA) at least 6 months postoperatively, and their functional outcomes were evaluated preoperatively and at the last follow-up (>24 months). All partial-thickness tears were repaired after being converted to full-thickness tears; thus, the repair process was almost the same as for small fullthickness tears. The tendinosis of the torn tendon was graded from the MRI images using a 4-point scale, and the reliabilities were assessed. The outcomes between high-grade partial-thickness tears that were converted to small full-thickness tears and initially small full-thickness tears were compared, and factors affecting outcomes were evaluated. Results: The inter- and intraobserver reliabilities of the tendinosis grade were good (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.706 and 0.777, respectively). Failure to heal as determined by CTA was observed in 12 patients with a high-grade partial-thickness tear (35.3%; complete failure in 4 and partial failure in 8) and in 3 patients with a small full-thickness tear (14.3%; complete failure in 1 and partial failure in 2). The patients with high-grade partial-thickness rotator cuff tears showed a higher tendinosis grade than did those with small fullthickness tears (P = .014), and the severity of the tendinosis was related to the failure to heal (P = .037). Tears with a higher tendinosis grade showed a 7.64-times higher failure rate (95% CI, 1.43-36.04) than did those with a lower tendinosis grade (P = .013). All functional outcome scores improved after surgery (all P<.001); however, there was no difference between groups. Conclusion: The high-grade partial-thickness rotator cuff tears showed more severe tendinosis compared with the small fullthickness tears in this study. Contrary to previous impressions that tear size or fatty infiltration is the factor that most influences healing, tendinosis severity assessed by preoperative MRI was the only factor associated with failure to heal, given the numbers available for analysis, in patients with partial-thickness and small full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Surgeons should pay more attention to tendon quality during repair surgery or rehabilitation in smaller rotator cuff tears, especially in high-grade partialthickness tears with severe tendinosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on graft extrusion in sagittal and coronal planes after medial and lateral meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT). Topics covered include anterior cartilage meniscus distance (ACMD), posterior cartilage meniscus distance (PCMD) horns, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after MAT.

The article compares the clinical outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction between smokers and nonsmokers to find an optimal graft in ACL reconstruction for smoking patients. It looks at the adverse effects of smoking on reconstruction outcomes with regard to stability and functionality. The records of 723 patients who underwent unilateral ACL reconstruction have been reviewed. It is also recommends bone-patellar tendon autograft for ACL reconstruction for smoking patients.

The article studies double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) to determine whether it offers any advantages in the prevention of osteoarthritis (OA) or promotion of better stability and function after ACLR compared with the single-bundle (SB) technique. Background is presented on the lack of agreement on the advantages of DB ACLR over the SB technique. Results of the study showed the DB technique is not more effective than SB in preventing OA.

The article presents a study that compares the clinical outcomes of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) injection and arthroscopic marrow stimulation treatment for the healing of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) in older patients. Patients older than 50 years were included in this study and data were analyzed using paired t tests and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used. It concluded that injection of MSCs with marrow stimulation treatment showed better results in patients.

The article discusses Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus. It compares the clinical outcomes, demographics, and characteristics of osteochondral and chondral type lesions of OLTs. It also discusses method and provides results. It was concluded that there is a differences in age distribution, duration of symptoms, and combined intra-articular lesions between the osteochondral- and chondral-type lesions of OLTs.

The article focuses on importance of containment and location of osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT). It states that uncontained osteochondral lesions of the talar shoulder are associated with an increased risk of clinical failure in patients treated with current cylindrical osteochondral autograft techniques. Results of a study showed that patients with uncontained OLT experienced a more complications even after adjustment for OLT size and regardless of location.

Background: Despite persistent continuity of the attenuated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in most PCL insufficient knees, few reconstruction techniques that preserve the PCL remnant have been presented. Furthermore, data regarding the clinical outcomes of these approaches are even more limited, and the clinical validity of remnant preservation has not yet been established.Purpose: To compare the clinical outcomes of transtibial PCL reconstructions that incorporate remnant preservation with conventional techniques (in which remnant preservation is not performed).Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence 3.Methods: The authors retrospectively evaluated 53 cases of PCL reconstruction with simultaneous posterolateral corner reconstruction. Of these, 23 were performed with a conventional approach without remnant preservation (group C), and 30 incorporated a remnant-preserving technique (group R). In all cases, the minimum follow-up period was 24 months. Each patient was evaluated using the following variables: Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity scale, return to activity, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) knee score and grade, and degree of posterior laxity on stress radiograph.Results: The mean side-to-side differences in posterior tibial translation, Lysholm knee score, return to activity, and objective IKDC grade were similar between group C (4.4 ± 3.0 mm; 82.6 ± 11.0; 21.7%; A and B: 73.9%) and group R (4.1 ± 3.4 mm; 84.1 ± 10.7; 26.7%; A and B: 83.3%; P = .761, .611, .679, .755). However, the final Tegner activity scale, near–return to activity, and subjective IKDC score differed significantly between group C (3.5 ± 0.8; 43.5%; 64.5 ± 8.8) and group R (4.3 ± 1.1; 73.3%; 70.6 ± 7.9; P = .007, .028, .012).Conclusion: Techniques combining remnant-preserving transtibial single-bundle PCL reconstruction with posterolateral corner reconstruction resulted in somewhat better activity-related outcomes compared with those of approaches without remnant preservation. However, incorporation of remnant preservation does not appear to provide increased posterior stability or result in clinically superior outcomes versus those of techniques without remnant preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]