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Background: Isolated soft tissue injuries of the posterior capsulolabral complex can be addressed arthroscopically, with various anchor systems available for repair. Purpose: To evaluate clinical and patient-reported outcomes after arthroscopic capsulolabral repair in patients with posterior shoulder instability (PSI) and to compare differences in outcomes between patients treated with a suture-first technique (PushLock anchor) and an anchor-first technique (FiberTak all-suture anchor). Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Included were 32 patients with dynamic structural PSI (type B2 according to the ABC classification) treated with an arthroscopic posterior capsulolabral repair. After a mean follow-up time of 4.8 ± 3.4 years (range, 2-11) patients were evaluated clinically, and standardized outcome scores were obtained for the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), Rowe, Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC), patient satisfaction (0-5 [best]), and pain on a visual analog scale (VAS; 0-10 [worst]). Results: The overall satisfaction level with the outcome of the surgery was 4.6 ± 0.5 (range, 4-5). No patient suffered from instability events. The mean VAS level for pain was 0.4 ± 0.9 (range, 0-4) at rest and 1.9 ± 2.0 (range, 0-6) during motion. The mean SSV was 80 ± 17 (range, 30-100), the mean postoperative WOSI score 75% ± 19% (range, 18-98), the mean Rowe score 78 ± 20 (range, 10-100), and the mean KJOC score was 81 ± 18 (range, 40-100) for the entire cohort. There was no significant difference between the techniques with regard to range of motion, strength, or clinical outcome scores. Conclusion: Arthroscopic posterior capsulolabral repair was a satisfactory method to treat structural PSI type B2 with regard to stability, pain relief, and functional restoration. The majority of patients had good outcomes. No differences in outcomes were observed between the anchor-first and suture-first techniques.

Background: The goal of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a rotator cuff-sparing postero-inferior (PI) approach with subdeltoidal access to the traditional subscapularis-takedown deltopectoral approach, in terms of implant sizing and positioning in anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA). Methods: This study involved 18 human cadaveric shoulders with intact rotator cuffs and no evidence of head deforming osteoarthritis. An Eclipse stemless aTSA (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA) was implanted in nine randomly selected specimens using a standard subscapularis-tenotomy deltopectoral approach, and in the other nine specimens using the cuff-sparing PI approach. Pre- and postoperative antero-posterior (AP) and axillary fluoroscopic radiographs were analyzed by two independent, blinded raters for the following parameters: (1) anatomic and prosthetic neck-shaft angle (NSA); (2) the shift between the anatomic and prosthetic center of rotation (COR); (3) anatomical size matching of the prosthetic humeral head; (4) the calculated Anatomic Reconstruction Score (ARS); (5) glenoid positioning; as well as (6) glenoid inclination and version. Results: While the COR was slightly but significantly positioned (p = 0.031) to be more medial in the PI approach group (3.7 ± 3.4%, range: −2.3% to 8.7%) than in the deltopectoral approach group (−0.2 ± 3.6%, range: −6.9% to 4.1%), on average, none of the remaining measured radiographic parameters significantly differed between both groups (PI approach group vs. deltopectoral group: NSA 130° vs. 127°, p = 0.57; COR supero-inferior, 2.6% vs. 1.0%, p = 0.35; COR antero-posterior, 0.9% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.57; head size supero-inferior, 97.3% vs. 98.5%, p = 0.15; head size antero-posterior, 101.1% vs. 100.6%, p = 0.54; ARS, 8.4 vs. 9.3, p = 0.13; glenoid positioning supero-inferior, 49.1% vs. 51.1%, p = 0.33; glenoid positioning antero-posterior, 49.3% vs. 50.4%, p = 0.23; glenoid inclination, 86° vs. 88°, p = 0.27; and glenoid retroversion, 91° vs. 89°, p = 0.27). Conclusions: A PI approach allows for sufficient exposure and orientation to perform rotator-cuff sparing aTSA with acceptable implant sizing and positioning in cadaveric specimens.

Purpose Aim of this systematic review was to analyze long-term results after meniscus refixation. Methods A systematic literature search was carried out in various databases on studies on long-term results after meniscus refixation with a minimum follow-up of 7 years. Primary outcome criterion was the failure rate. Secondary outcome criteria were radiological signs of osteoarthritis (OA) and clinical scores. Results A total of 12 retrospective case series (level 4 evidence) were identified that reported about failure rates of more than 7 years follow-up. There was no statistical difference in the failure rates between open repair, arthroscopic inside-out with posterior incisions and arthroscopic all-inside repair with flexible non-resorbable implants. In long-term studies that examined meniscal repair in children and adolescents, failure rates were significantly higher than in studies that examined adults. Six studies have shown minor radiological degenerative changes that differ little from the opposite side. The reported clinical scores at follow-up were good to very good. Conclusion This systematic review demonstrates that good long-term outcomes can be obtained in patients after isolated meniscal repair and in combination with ACL reconstruction. With regard to the chondroprotective effect of meniscus repair, the long-term failure rate is acceptable. Level of evidence IV.

Mit dem Ausbruch der COVID-19-Pandemie ist das Interesse an telemedizinischen Versorgungsmoglichkeiten gewachsen. Diese betreffen einerseits den Bereich der Diagnostik, aber auch die Uberwachung von Therapieverlaufen und Rehabilitationsmasnahmen. Aufgrund der derzeitigen Ressourcenbeschrankungen sahen sich viele Orthopaden und Unfallchirurgen gezwungen, Videosprechstunden einzurichten, obwohl Standards fur orthopadische Konsultationen bisher nur unzureichend entwickelt sind. Um die Effizienz der virtuellen Orthopadie zu maximieren, sollten die Patienten auf den virtuellen Besuch vorbereitet werden (Checkliste mit spezifischen Anweisungen zur Kamerapositionierung, Korperpositionierung, Einstellung und Kleidung, Prufung der audiovisuellen Fahigkeiten). Klassische diagnostische Masnahmen wie Anamnese, Inspektion und Beurteilung radiologischer Befunde sind in der Videosprechstunde moglich. Es entfallt jedoch die Moglichkeit der funktionellen Untersuchung (Stabilitat des Kniegelenkes, Schultertests). Auch wenn erste wissenschaftliche Studien gezeigt haben, dass die telemedizinische Diagnostik der konventionellen Diagnostik nicht unterlegen ist, so fehlen doch validierte Untersuchungsprotokolle und Methoden. Die postoperative Uberwachung von Rehabilitationsmasnahmen kann z. B. durch den Einsatz von Sensoren erleichtert werden. Mit moderner Sensorik ist mittlerweile eine kostengunstige Erfassung der Gelenkbeweglichkeit und Gelenkstellung moglich und wird bereits im Bereich der Rehabilitation nach Rekonstruktion des vorderen Kreuzbandes eingesetzt. Auch hier ist sicher weitere Forschung notwendig, um diese Methoden zu validieren. Wir glauben, dass die derzeitige Pandemie Chancen bietet, die Moglichkeiten der Telemedizin fur die Orthopadie und Unfallchirurgie auszubauen, um sie auch in der Zukunft weiter zu nutzen (z. B. bei der Versorgung von Patienten aus dem Ausland oder in dunn besiedelten Gebieten sowie der Betreuung von Hochleistungs- und Profisportlern).

Um die Auswirkungen von COVID-19 zu beurteilen, mussen allen Mitarbeitern im Gesundheitssystem die Symptome und Verlaufe der Erkrankung bekannt sein. Erfahrungen und Studien aus den initial am starksten betroffenen Regionen China und Italien geben erste Ruckschlusse auf Fragen wie Verlauf der Infektion und Risiko fur das Krankenhauspersonal. Hier deutet sich an, dass operativ versorgte COVID-19-Patienten ein hoheres Risiko im Vergleich zu Nichtinfizierten haben. Weiterhin scheint das OP-Personal einem Infektionsrisiko ausgesetzt zu sein. Um das Gesundheitssystem vor einem Kollaps zu bewahren, mussen Ressourcen an anderer Stelle eingespart werden. Dazu mussen elektive Operationen reduziert werden. Um Kriterien zu entwickeln, wann welche Operationen durchgefuhrt werden konnen, wird die Pandemie in verschiedene Phasen eingeteilt. Diese orientieren sich an der Entwicklung der Pandemiekurve. Dabei sollten bei der Entscheidung, ob eine Operation durchfuhrbar ist, verschiedene Aspekte berucksichtigt werden (Stadium der Pandemie, Funktionsstorung bei Unterlassung, Konflikt mit Ressourcen zur COVID-19-Behandlung, Alternative: ambulante Operation). Die Empfehlungen zur Durchfuhrung von Operationen sollten immer an die aktuelle, regionale und epidemiologische Situation des Hauses und des jeweiligen Einzugsgebietes angepasst werden. Zu diesem Zwecke ist es sinnvoll, ein lokales Komitee im Krankenhaus zu bilden, das diese Lagebeurteilung taglich vornimmt. Generelle Operationsverbote erscheinen medizinisch nicht sinnvoll.

In the treatment of anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss, free bone graft transfers have proven to be a viable anatomic alternative to the commonly performed, nonanatomic Latarjet procedure. Implant-free fixation of the free bone grafts, in particular, has rendered excellent short- and long-term results. However, a drawback remains the source of the graft. We describe an arthroscopic bone block cerclage technique using a tricortical scapular spine autograft, which provides an anatomic arthroscopic glenoid reconstruction with the combined benefit of sparing the subscapularis, metal-free fixation, and intraregional donor site for autograft harvesting.

Background Remnant-preserving anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) should have advantages for postoperative remodeling and proprioception. However, it has been suggested that the larger diameter of the graft tends to lead to impingement phenomena with a higher rate of cyclops lesions. The aim of this work was to find out whether the remnant-preserving ACLR actually leads to an increased rate of range of motion restraints compared to the remnant-sacrificing technique. Methods Patients, who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, were followed up for one year after surgery. The primary endpoint was arthrolysis due to extension deficit or cyclops syndrome. Secondary outcome measures were pain (NRS), knee function (KOOS), patient satisfaction and return to sports rate. Results One hundred and sixty-four patients were included in the study, 60 of whom received the “remnant augmentation” procedure (group 1). In the remnant augmentation group, one cyclops resection was performed, whereas in the non-remnant augmentation group three cyclops lesion resections had to be performed (odds ratio 0.6). There was no difference between the groups in pain (NRS) and knee function (KOOS) and patient satisfaction. The return to sports rate after one year was higher in the remnant augmentation group. Conclusions Patients who have undergone the sparing “remnant augmentation” ACLR have no increased risk of cyclops lesion formation or extension deficit in the first year after surgery. An improvement of the proprioceptive abilities by remnant augmentation ACLR should be investigated in further studies. Level of evidence III (prospective cohort study).

Purpose Until now, the use of telemedical applications in orthopedics was limited to sparsely populated countries. However, due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, interest in orthopedics in these procedures has increased significantly. The aim of this systematic review was to find out to what extent there is scientific evidence for the use of telemedicine in the orthopedic field. Methods A systematic literature search was carried out in various databases on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on telemedical applications in orthopedics. Results Altogether, 14 articles were identified that reported about a total of eight RCTs of telemedical applications in orthopedics. Two RCTs were about a patient-to-doctor video consultation and six RCTs were about telerehabilitation after knee and hip arthroplasty (4 × knee arthroplasty, one hip and knee arthroplasty, one hip arthroplasty). For the majority of outcome parameters evaluated, there were no significant differences between the study groups. The cost effectiveness of videoconsultations depended on the workload (number of patient consultations) as well as the effectiveness of telerehabilitation on the distance of the patient's home to the health care center (30 km round-trip). Conclusion There is sufficient evidence to recommend the use of telemedical methods in orthopedics. However, more research is necessary to further expand the possibilities of telemedical methods with regard to physical examination.

Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knee stability and subjective outcome after primary ACL reconstruction using either autologous semitendinosus or quadriceps tendon. Materials and Methods: We evaluated a total of 50 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction - including 25 using the ipsilateral semitendinosus tendon (group I) and 25 patients with autologous quadriceps tendon graft (group II). The follow-up of this prospective comparative study was at least two years after surgery, comprising clinical assessment according to the International Documantation Committee (IKDC), KT1000 arthrometer testing and an additional questionnaire including the Knee Injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and the Lysholm score. Results: The mean postoperative side-to-side difference assessed by KT1000 arthrometer was 1.8mm for group I and 1.7mm for group II with no statistically significant difference. There was no statistically significant difference neither in the individual KOOS subscores nor the Lysholm score. No re-rupture or positive pivot-shift test occurred during follow-up for both groups. Conclusion: Semitendinosus- as well as quadriceps tendon are both equal regarding their clinical outcome. Thus, the quadriceps tendon may serve as a good alternative graft for primary ACL reconstruction.

Purpose: The primary goal of shoulder stabilization procedures is to re-establish stability and many surgeons measure the success after shoulder stabilization surgery only by the absence of re-dislocation. However, patients might also suffer from pain, loss of range of motion and strength as well as anxiety and stigmatization and therefore have other expectations from a stabilization surgery than just a stable shoulder. Purpose of this study was to analyze if surgeons know what their patients typically expect from a shoulder stabilization surgery. Furthermore, the aim was to analyze the influence of various factors on patients’ expectations. Materials and Methods: 204 patients with a diagnosis of shoulder instability scheduled for surgical treatment were included in this prospective multicentric study. Preoperatively, objective and subjective scores were obtained and patients were asked about their postoperative expectations. Additionally, 25 surgeons were interviewed with regard to what they think their patients expect from the surgery using standardized questions. Results: With regard to postoperative expectations surveyed by the Hospital for Special Surgery questionnaire (HSS), the most important goal to achieve for the patients was ‘stopping the shoulder from dislocation’, followed by ‘to improve the ability to exercise or participate in sports’ and ‘being the shoulder to be back the way it was before the issue started’. The ranking of factors for patients was ‘stability’ as the most important to achieve, followed by ‘movement’, ‘strength’, ‘pain’ and ‘cosmetics’. For surgeons, the order was ‘stability’ (p = 0.004 **), ‘movement’ (p = 0.225), ‘pain’ (p = 0.509), ‘strength’ (p = 0.007 **) and ‘cosmetics’ (p = 0.181). There was a significant difference between patients and surgeons with regard to gaining stability at the cost of movement (p = 0.001 **). Conclusion: Patients and surgeons expectations regarding outcome after surgical shoulder stabilization procedures are quite similar with limited topics of disagreement. Generally, surgeons tend to overrate the importance of stability at the costs of other factors.

Background: The choice of graft in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is still under discussion. The hamstrings are currently the most used grafts for primary ACL reconstruction in Europe. However, increased interest has arisen in the quadriceps tendon (QT) as an alternative autologous graft option for primary ACL reconstruction. Purpose: To evaluate knee stability and the subjective outcome after ACL reconstruction using either autologous QT graft in implant-free femoral press-fit fixation technique or semitendinosus tendon (ST) graft. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: We evaluated 50 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction, including 25 patients who received autologous ipsilateral QT graft (QT group) and 25 patients who received the ipsilateral ST graft (ST group). The follow-up for this prospective comparative study was at least 2 years after surgery, comprising KT-1000 arthrometer testing, pivot-shift test, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm score, and rerupture rate. Results: The mean patient age was 31.72 years (9 women, 16 men) in the QT group and 32.08 years (13 women, 12 men) in the ST group. The mean ± standard deviation postoperative side-to-side difference assessed using KT-1000 arthrometer was 1.56 ± 1.56 mm for the QT group and 1.64 ± 1.41 mm for the ST group, with no significant difference. No significant difference was found on any of the KOOS subscale scores ( P = .694) or the Lysholm score ( P = .682). No rerupture or positive pivot-shift test occurred during follow-up. No difference was found in donor-site morbidity between the study groups. Conclusion: Clinical outcomes were not significantly different between QT and ST grafts in the current study. Thus, the QT may serve as a good alternative graft for primary ACL reconstruction.

Aims and Objectives: Extrusion of the medial meniscus in MRI is an indirect radiological sign for a meniscus root tear. However, a recent study has shown that ultrasound-detectable dynamic extrusion is considered physiological in healthy volunteers. The aim of our study was to analyze the dynamic meniscal extrusion in patients with proven root injury in ultrasound. Our hypothesis was that dynamic extrusion is reduced in patients with root injury of the medial meniscus compared to healthy volunteers. Materials and Methods: Inclusion criteria for this prospective study were MRI signs for a root lesion of the medial meniscus (ghost sign, extrusion > 3 mm). An age matched group of healthy volunteers served as control. Exclusion criterion was osteoarthritis > II° of the medial compartment according to Kellgren & Lawrence. The extrusion of the medial meniscus (MME) of the affected knee was measured by ultrasound (US) in supine position and under full weight bearing. Results: 25 patients with a medial root lesion were included in the study. The evaluation of the ultrasound results revealed a significant decreased dynamic medial displacement of the meniscus in patients with root injury. In the supine position, the mean medial meniscus extrusion was 3.60 mm (± 1.00 mm). In the standing position, the mean medial meniscus extrusion increased to 3.72 mm (± 0.96 mm). The mean delta-extrusion was 0.11 mm (± 0.17 mm). This difference was statistically not significant. In 14 patients, no dynamic extrusion was detectable at all. All patients belonging to the medial root tear group had a significant varus deformity (mechanical axis hits the tibial joint line more than 15 mm medially form the center). In the control group, the mean medial meniscus extrusion was 1.34 mm (± 0.37 mm) in supine position and 2.20 mm (± 0.34 mm) under full weight bearing. The mean delta-extrusion was 0.85 mm (± 0.30 mm). The difference in mean delta-extrusion between the root tear and control group was statistically significant. Conclusion: Ultrasonography is a diagnostic tool to detect the dynamic extrusion of the medial meniscus. Lack of dynamic extrusion (“dead meniscus sign”) may serve as an indicator for medial root injury.

Osteoporosis as a systemic skeletal disorder is characterized by increased bone fragility and the risk of fractures. According to the World Health Organization, osteoporosis is one of the 10 most common diseases and affects approximately 75 million people in Europe, the United States, and Japan. In this context, the identification of specific microRNA (miRNA) signatures is an important step for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The focus of interest on miRNAs as biomarkers came with new publications identifying free circulating extracellular miRNAs associated with various types of cancer. This study aimed to identify specific miRNAs in patients with osteoporotic fractures compared with nonosteoporotic fractures. For the array analysis, miRNAs were isolated from the serum of 20 patients with hip fractures, transcribed, and the samples were pooled into 10 osteoporotic and 10 nonosteoporotic specimens. With each pool of samples, human serum and plasma miRNA PCR arrays were performed, which are able to identify 83 different miRNAs. Subsequently, a separate validation analysis of each miRNA found to be regulated in the array followed with miRNA samples isolated from the serum of 30 osteoporotic and 30 nonosteoporotic patients and miRNA samples isolated from the bone tissue of 20 osteoporotic and 20 nonosteoporotic patients. With the validation analysis of the regulated miRNAs, we identified 9 miRNAs, namely miR-21, miR-23a, miR-24, miR-93, miR-100, miR-122a, miR-124a, miR-125b, and miR-148a, that were significantly upregulated in the serum of patients with osteoporosis. In the bone tissue of osteoporotic patients, we identified that miR-21, miR-23a, miR-24, miR-25, miR-100, and miR-125b displayed a significantly higher expression. A total of 5 miRNAs display an upregulation both in serum and bone tissue. This study reveals an important role for several miRNAs in osteoporotic patients and suggested that they may be used as biomarkers for diagnostic purposes and may be a target for treating bone loss and optimizing fracture healing in osteoporotic patients.