Search

Although infrequent, some pathological conditions of the knee are often misdiagnosed. Several miscellaneous complex knee pathological conditions and their treatments are outlined. Patellofemoral arthritis, when refractory, can be treated with an arthroscopic partial lateral facetectomy of the patella using a motorised burr to decrease the pain associated with the patellofemoral arthritis. Additionally, symptomatic fabella syndrome can be a difficult diagnosis to make, is often misdiagnosed and can be treated with an open excision. Snapping hamstrings are also often misdiagnosed; they are caused by friction between the hamstrings of the pes tendons medially and can be treated with sectioning or harvesting the gracilis or semitendinosus from their insertion on the anteromedial tibia. Symptomatic decreased knee extension in the setting of osteoarthritis is often the result of bony osteophyte overgrowth of the femoral notch. Arthroscopic notchplasty can be an effective adjunct in restoring knee extension in otherwise highly functional patients. Symptomatic proximal tibiofibular joint instability most often results from disruption of the posterior tibiofibular ligaments and can present as both pain over the posterolateral knee with deep squats or dysaesthesias along the common peroneal nerve distribution. Reconstruction of these ligaments is outlined as an effective treatment for this condition. Finally, severe patella baja is a condition that can be debilitating and difficult to treat. Patellar tenotomy to allow proximal migration is described as a valid technique for restoring range of motion and function.

Background: Acetabular labral reconstruction has demonstrated good results for labral lesions not amenable to labral repair. Purpose: To determine the predictors of outcomes at a minimum 2 years after labral reconstruction. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients included in the study underwent labral reconstruction with a minimum 2-year follow-up. The primary outcome variable was the Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL). Secondary outcome measures included the 12-item Short Form Health Survey physical component summary (SF-12 PCS) and patient satisfaction with surgical outcomes. Preoperative and intraoperative variables assessed included demographics, prior surgery, chronicity of symptoms, radiographic measurements, preoperative outcome scores, and findings at arthroscopic surgery. Predictors were assessed using logistic regression with restricted cubic splines. Bivariate statistics assessed risk factors for reoperation including revision arthroscopic surgery and total hip arthroplasty (THA). Results: Three hundred seventeen of 368 labral reconstructions were available for follow-up (86.1%). Of these, 42 were converted to THA (13.2%) and 35 required revision arthroscopic surgery after labral reconstruction (11.0%). Factors associated with THA included older age, ≥2 previous surgeries, ≤2 mm of joint space, and lateral center edge angle (LCEA) 2 mm ( P = .004), and no prior surgery ( P = .039). Predictors of improvement for the SF-12 PCS included higher preoperative SF-12 PCS scores ( P < .001), subacute chronicity (3 months to 1 year) of symptoms ( P = .013), and joint space >2 mm ( P = .046). Joint space >2 mm ( P < .001) and higher preoperative SF-12 scores (PCS: P = .034; mental component summary: P = .039) predicted higher satisfaction. Conclusion: At a minimum 2 years’ follow-up, patients who did not undergo conversion to THA (13.2%) or require revision (11.0%), reported significant improvement in outcome scores and high satisfaction with outcomes. Predictors of revision or THA included ≥2 previous surgeries, low LCEA, female sex for revision, and narrowed joint space for THA. Higher preoperative outcome scores were the most significant predictors of improvement after labral reconstruction. Lower preoperative scores, joint space narrowing, and history of surgery were predictive of an inferior result and decreased postoperative satisfaction.

Os acromiale occur frequently in the population and can be a cause of significant shoulder dysfunction and rotator cuff impingement. When symptomatic os acromiale fail conservative management, surgical intervention may become necessary. The purpose of this article is to describe our preferred surgical technique for osteosynthesis of os acromiale using cannulated screws and tension-band wiring.

Chronic anterior shoulder instability due to structural failure of the subscapularis muscle and the anterior capsule is a rare and challenging diagnosis for surgeons to manage because poor-quality capsular, labral, and rotator cuff tissue often limits effective treatment options. If primary repair is not possible because of retraction and poor tissue quality, reconstruction with an allograft or autograft may be the only joint-preserving option. The purpose of this article is to describe a surgical technique for anterior capsular reconstruction using a human acellular dermal allograft for the treatment of irreparable subscapularis tears.

Tightness or contracture of the pectoralis minor muscle can cause significant scapular dysfunction and is typically seen in patients with scapular dyskinesis and abnormal scapular protraction. When nonoperative treatment in these patients has failed, pectoralis tenotomy aims to resect the pectoralis minor tendon from the medial aspect of the coracoid process in order to decrease the force on the scapula, thereby improving scapular dynamics.

Rupture of the pectoralis major tendon typically occurs following violent, eccentric contraction of the muscle. Tendon repair is indicated in healthy, active individuals with complete or high-grade partial tears involving the humeral insertion of the muscle. Repair is achieved with unicortical buttons and sutures which are tensioned to bring the tendon stump down to its native footprint.

Case: We report the case of a 14-year-old girl with an aneurysmal bone cyst of the scaphoid successfully treated with curettage, phenol adjuvant therapy, and bone-grafting. Conclusion: Aneurysmal bone cysts rarely arise in the carpal bones, especially the scaphoid. This lesion may represent a rare yet treatable cause of wrist dysfunction in some patients. Curettage, phenol adjuvant therapy, and bone-grafting resulted in a good clinical outcome for our patient.

Background: The effect of prior meniscectomy and the resulting reduction in meniscal tissue on a potential National Football League (NFL) player’s articular cartilage status and performance remain poorly elucidated. Purpose/Hypothesis: (1) To determine the epidemiology, imaging characteristics, and associated articular cartilage pathology of the knee among players with a previous meniscectomy who were participating in the NFL Combine and (2) to evaluate the effect of these injuries on performance as compared with matched controls. The hypothesis was that players with less meniscal tissue would have worse cartilage status and inferior performance metrics in their first 2 NFL seasons. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All athletes with a history of a meniscectomy and magnetic resonance imaging scan of the knee who participated in the NFL Combine (2009-2015) were identified. Medical records and imaging were analyzed, and surgical history, games missed in college, position played, and draft position were documented. The conditions of the meniscus and cartilage were graded with modified ISAKOS scores (International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine) and ICRS scores (International Cartilage Repair Society), respectively. Players with a previous meniscectomy of at least 10% of total medial or lateral meniscal volume excised (ISAKOS meniscus grade ≤8) and matched controls without a significant pre-Combine injury were similarly evaluated and compared by position of play through analysis of draft position, number of games played and started, and how many eligible plays they participated in (snap percentage) within the first 2 NFL seasons. Results: Of the 2285 players who participated in the NFL Combine (2009-2015), 287 players (322 knees) had a prior meniscectomy (206 lateral, 81 medial). Among these players, 247 (85%) had a total of 249 chondral lesions, most commonly on the lateral femoral condyle (111 lesions, 45%). There was a significant inverse correlation found between the ISAKOS medial and lateral meniscus grade and the corresponding compartment chondral lesion grade ( P = .001). A poorer meniscus score was also associated with worse chondral pathology, especially in the lateral compartment. After controlling for position of play, the injury-free control group had a significantly greater number of total games played and games started and higher snap percentage versus those with a prior meniscectomy of at least 10% volume (ISAKOS meniscus grade ≤8). Players with severe chondral lesions (ICRS grade 4) in the medial and lateral compartments had significantly worse performance metrics when compared with matched controls. Conclusion: Previous meniscectomy of at least 10% of total medial or lateral meniscus volume in prospective NFL players was significantly correlated with larger and more severe chondral lesions. Chondral and meniscal defects of the knee were found to result in a significant decrease in objective performance measures during a player’s initial NFL career versus matched controls. Given these findings, players with a prior meniscectomy with evidence of chondral damage should be evaluated carefully for their overall functional levels; however, additional work is needed to fully clarify the effect of prior knee meniscal surgery on overall NFL performance.

Purpose To perform a quantitative anatomic evaluation of the (1) coracoid process, specifically the attachment sites of the conjoint tendon, the pectoralis minor, the coracoacromial ligament (CAL), and the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments in relation to pertinent osseous and soft tissue landmarks; (2) CC ligaments' attachments on the clavicle; and (3) CAL attachment on the acromion in relation to surgically relevant anatomic landmarks to assist in planning of the Latarjet procedure, acromioclavicular (AC) joint reconstructions, and CAL resection distances avoiding iatrogenic injury to surrounding structures. Methods Ten nonpaired fresh-frozen human cadaveric shoulders (mean age 52 years, range 33-64 years) were included in this study. A 3-dimensional coordinate measuring device was used to quantify the location of pertinent bony landmarks and soft tissue attachment areas. The ligament and tendon attachment perimeters and center points on the coracoid, clavicle, and acromion were identified and subsequently dissected off the bone. Coordinates of points along the perimeters of attachment sites were used to calculate areas, whereas coordinates of center points were used to determine distances between surgically relevant attachment sites and pertinent bony landmarks. Results The CAL had a single consistent acromial attachment (mean area 77 mm [51.9, 102.2]) and then bifurcated into 2 bundles, anterior and posterior, that separately inserted on the lateral aspect of the coracoid. The footprint areas were 54.4 mm 2 [31.7, 77.2] and 30.6 mm 2 [23.4, 37.7] for the anterior and posterior CAL bundles, respectively. These anterior and posterior bundles attached 10.6 mm [8.4, 12.9] and 24.8 mm [12.3, 27.4] medial and proximal to the apex of the coracoid process, respectively. The minimum distance between the coracoid apex and the trapezoid ligament was 25.1 mm [22.1, 28.1] and was noted to be different in males (28.1 mm [25.1; 31.2]) and females (22.0 mm [18.2, 25.9]). The most lateral insertion of the CC ligaments on the clavicle the AC joint was 15.7 mm [13.1, 18.3]. The distance between the most medial to the most lateral point of the CC ligaments on the clavicle was 25.6 mm [22.3, 28.9], which accounted for 18.2% [15.8, 20.6] of the clavicle length. Conclusions In contrast to previous findings, 2 different coracoid attachments (anterior and posterior bundles) of the CAL were consistently identified in all specimens. Moreover, a coracoid osteotomy for a bone graft for the Latarjet procedure should be performed at less than 28.1/22 mm from the apex of the coracoid in male/female patients, respectively. The CC ligaments' attachments on the clavicle were located 15.7 mm from the AC joint, which should be considered for reconstruction. Clinical Relevance During the Latarjet technique, to maintain the integrity of the CC ligaments, precise knowledge of differences between male and female anatomy is necessary during a coracoid osteotomy. Furthermore, when reconstructing the AC joint, the distance from the lateral aspect of the clavicle and the size of the attachments areas should be considered to better replicate the native anatomy.

Complex proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients represent a difficult problem for orthopaedic surgeons. Classically, treatment methods have included nonoperative management, open reduction and internal fixation, and hemiarthroplasty. Outcomes of nonoperative management for these complex fractures have been poor, and results of traditional operative techniques are variable at best. Over the past several years, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has been increasingly employed in these injuries with encouraging results. RTSA may represent a valuable treatment option for select patients. This article reviews the existing data on RTSA in the treatment of complex proximal humerus fractures in the elderly population as well as the authors' experience with this technique.

Biological augmentation and therapeutics are being increasingly used in musculoskeletal and orthopaedic care. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is produced from centrifugation of peripheral blood, a process that concentrates platelets within autologous plasma. The process of PRP preparation is fundamental in controlling the contents, and it influences its therapeutic potential. Platelets contain alpha granules that store and release a variety of growth factors and other proteins that may augment the healing environment; PRP also has the added benefit of promoting postsurgical hemostasis. The purpose of this report was to detail our institutional preparation protocol and method of administration of PRP during hip arthroscopy.

Purpose To provide a quantitative and qualitative anatomic analysis of the pectoralis major, teres major, and latissimus dorsi on the humerus, as well as the deltoid tendinous attachments on the proximal humerus and acromion, and to quantitatively characterize the humeral course of the axillary nerve. Methods Ten nonpaired, fresh-frozen human cadaveric shoulders were analyzed. A portable coordinate-measuring device quantified the location of bony landmarks and tendon attachment areas. The tendon footprints were recorded by tracing their outlines and center points. The footprint areas of the tendons, the distances between the footprint areas and pertinent osseous and soft-tissue landmarks, and the distance between where the axillary nerve courses across the humerus relative to the acromion and greater tuberosity were measured. Results Of the 10 specimens, 9 (90%) had 5 distinct tendinous bands attaching the deltoid to the acromion; 1 specimen had 4 bands. The distances between the center of the deltoid footprint on the humerus and the centers of the pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, and teres major tendon footprints on the humerus were 43.5 mm, 58.5 mm, and 49.4 mm, respectively. The shortest distances from the perimeter of the pectoralis major to the latissimus dorsi and teres major tendon footprints were 3.9 mm and 9.5 mm, respectively. The distance from the superior aspect of the greater tuberosity to the axillary nerve on the humeral shaft was 50.3 mm (95% confidence interval, 47.0-53.5 mm). The distance from the lateral acromion to the axillary nerve was 69.3 mm (95% confidence interval, 64.1-74.5 mm). Conclusions The deltoid muscle had 4 to 5 tendinous insertions on the acromion, and the axillary nerve was 50.3 mm from the tip of the greater tuberosity. The distance between the lower border of the pectoralis major and the axillary nerve was 9.4 mm. Clinical Relevance Knowledge of the quantitative anatomy of the tendons of the proximal humerus and axillary nerve can aid in identifying structures of interest during open shoulder surgery and in avoiding iatrogenic axillary nerve injury. Furthermore, this study provides direction to avoid injury to the deltoid tendons during open surgery.

Femoral shaft fractures are common injuries with an incidence of 37.1 per 100,000 person-years in the United States. Retrograde femoral nailing is an increasingly used treatment strategy to manage these injuries, particularly in fractures below stemmed hip prostheses, in supracondylar or distal femur fractures, in fractures in pregnant or obese patients, and when concomitant ipsilateral acetabular/pelvic ring fractures are present. Retrograde fixation has been shown to be a viable option with union rates comparable to antegrade intramedullary nailing. Despite having excellent results in the treatment of femoral fractures, retrograde femoral nails have been associated with iatrogenic patellofemoral chondral damage that may occur because of malpositioning of the intramedullary nail at the entry point. The objective of this case report is to describe 2 patients who suffered iatrogenic trochlear chondral defects after retrograde femoral nailing and subsequently underwent osteoarticular allograft transplantation surgery.

Hip arthroscopy is a technically demanding procedure that is currently characterized by a "steep" learning curve. Therefore, achieving an advanced technical level is often challenging, especially for the amateur hip arthroscopist. Hand laterality when training in hip arthroscopy is an aspect that has been omitted. In addition, the technical differences regarding the handling of the surgical instruments when performing hip arthroscopy on the left versus right hip can influence the technical excellence. This Technical Note summarizes our preferred hip arthroscopy technique by comparing the surgeon's hand position when operating on the left versus right hip. We also emphasize how the surgeon's hand laterality affects the instrument manipulation during the procedure and potentially the clinical outcomes.

Quadriceps tendinopathy in an increasingly recognized diagnosis can lead to quadriceps tendon rupture, especially in the older population. It can be caused by repeated micro trauma or also predisposed by systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and connective tissue disorders that can in turn lead to extensor mechanism deficits. Although a trial of conservative treatment is advocated, operative treatment should be performed in cases of persistent pain, extension deficit, or complete rupture of the tendon. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe in detail a procedure for open repair of a quadriceps tendon, with significant degeneration due to quadriceps tendinopathy, using suture anchors and semitendinosus tendon allograft augmentation.

Hunting remains an extremely popular recreational activity, with nearly 15 million Americans receiving a hunting license annually. Precautions have helped decrease accidents, but hunting-related injuries remain relatively common. The majority of severe, hunting-related accidents involve either a fall from a hunting platform or an accidental shooting. Both of these mechanisms frequently result in orthopedic injuries, many of which require operative care. Although firearms-associated injury has seemingly decreased, hunting platform falls and their sequelae are increasing. Understanding the mechanisms of these injuries and increasing awareness of them may minimize their morbidity and mortality or help prevent them altogether. Language: en

Snapping scapula syndrome (SSS) is a rare diagnosis but one that can cause severe morbidity. A typical presentation is that of chronic periscapular pain with or without mechanical crepitus. Most commonly, young, active patients who perform repetitive overhead activities are affected. Causes of SSS include chronic overuse, predisposing scapular or thoracic anatomical variants, muscle abnormalities, and bony or soft tissue masses. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been shown to be the most useful techniques to diagnose this pathology and guide management. Nonoperative management consists of scapular stabilization, postural exercises, and injections and is considered to be first-line treatment for patients with symptoms of this disorder. If these measures fail, open or endoscopic surgery is indicated. The threshold for surgical intervention may be lower for patients with a primary anatomic variant as a contributor for their symptoms. Irrespective of whether surgery is open or endoscopic, a comprehensive knowledge of the neuroanatomic structures surrounding the scapula is crucial to avoid iatrogenic injury. Postoperative outcomes in the literature thus far have been promising both for operative and nonoperative management approaches; however, these reports are limited by the low prevalence of the condition and resulting small patient cohorts. Higher levels of evidence are necessary to determine the best treatment strategies definitively.

Complex proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients represent a difficult problem for orthopaedic surgeons. Classically, treatment methods have included nonoperative management, open reduction and internal fixation, and hemiarthroplasty. Outcomes of nonoperative management for these complex fractures have been poor, and results of traditional operative techniques are variable at best. Over the past several years, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has been increasingly employed in these injuries with encouraging results. RTSA may represent a valuable treatment option for select patients. This article reviews the existing data on RTSA in the treatment of complex proximal humerus fractures in the elderly population as well as the authors' experience with this technique.

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a well-described disorder caused by thoracic outlet compression of the brachial plexus and/or the subclavian vessels. Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome is the most common manifestation, presenting with pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and vasomotor changes of the upper extremity. Vascular complications of thoracic outlet syndrome are uncommon and include thromboembolic phenomena and swelling. The clinical presentation is highly variable, and no reproducible study exists to confirm the diagnosis; instead, the diagnosis is based on a physician's judgment after a meticulous history and physical examination. Both nonsurgical and surgical treatment methods are available for thoracic outlet syndrome. Whereas nonsurgical management appears to be effective in some persons, surgical treatment has been shown to provide predictable long-term cure rates for carefully selected patients. In addition, physicians who do not regularly treat patients with thoracic outlet syndrome may not have an accurate view of this disorder, its treatment, or the possible success rate of treatment.

One of the main challenges of peripheral nerve surgery continues to be knowing when to operate and what strategies to use intraoperatively. Nevertheless, new techniques are increasingly allowing peripheral nerve surgeons to assess and treat nerve lesions with more precision. This chapter seeks to summarize the surgeon’s options for analyzing peripheral nerves intraoperatively. Methods discussed include electrodiagnostics, specifically intraoperative nerve actions potentials, somatosensory and motor-evoked potentials, histochemical stains, and radioisotopic analysis.

Background: The Latarjet procedure is commonly performed in the setting of glenoid bone loss for treatment of recurrent anterior shoulder instability; however, little is known regarding the outcomes of this procedure in elite American football players. Purpose: (1) Determine the prevalence, clinical features, and imaging findings of elite college football athletes who present to the National Football League (NFL) Combine with a previous Latarjet procedure and (2) describe these athletes’ performance in the NFL in terms of draft status and initial playing time. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: After review of all football players who participated in the NFL Combine from 2009 to 2016, any player with a previous Latarjet procedure was included in this study. Medical records, position on the field, and draft position were recorded for each player. In addition, imaging studies were reviewed to determine fixation type, hardware complications, and status of the bone block. For those players who were ultimately drafted, performance was assessed based on games played and started, total snaps, and percentage of eligible snaps in which the player participated during his rookie season. Results: Overall, 13 of 2617 (

Management of recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability with bone loss is challenging and may necessitate osseous augmentation.Glenoid and humeral-head osseous deficits should be managed simultaneously when there is severe bipolar bone loss. This is determined on the basis of the size of glenoid b

As the anterior intrapelvic approach (AIP or modified Stoppa) has become more popular, its utility has evolved to address specific problems that are not well addressed by the ilioinguinal approach. These include anterior column (AC) fractures associated with medialization of the femoral head (protrusio) and impaction of the superomedial acetabular dome. If left unaddressed, these problems may lead to poor clinical outcomes. The AIP approach, in contrast to the ilioinguinal approach, takes a more direct path to the medial elements of the AC in the true pelvis. This exposure allows access to the impacted dome segment through the displaced AC fracture and wide visualization of the quadrilateral surface, which in turn allows direct reduction and optimal implant placement to neutralize the fracture's deforming forces. The purpose of this article is to discuss the reduction of dome impaction and the quadrilateral surface using the AIP approach.

Background:Shoulder instability is a common cause of pain and dysfunction in young, active patients. While studies have analyzed risk factors for recurrent instability and failure after instability surgery, few have examined which variables are associated with initial surgery in this patient population.Purpose:To identify variables that may be associated with surgical intervention in patients with shoulder instability in the context of the FEDS (frequency, etiology, direction, severity) classification, a system that may be useful in the surgical treatment of shoulder instability patients.Study Design:Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 2.Methods:A database of patients treated for shoulder instability from 3 separate institutions from 2005 to 2010 was generated using International Classification of Diseases–9th Revision data. Data were collected via retrospective review. Injury data were categorized according to the FEDS system. Data were analyzed for significance, with the primary outcome of surgical intervention. Summary statistics were used to assess which variables were associated with eventual surgery. To test the unadjusted bivariate associations between shoulder surgery and each data point, Pearson chi-square tests were used for categorical variables and Wilcoxon tests were used for continuous variables.Results:Over the study time period, 377 patients were treated for shoulder instability. Patients who had surgery were more likely younger, had recurrent instability, and had their initial injury while playing a sport. Most patients had anterior instability; however, there was a greater proportion of posterior instability patients in the operative group. Severity of dislocation, measured by whether the patient required help to relocate the shoulder, was not significantly associated with eventual surgery. While imaging was not available for all patients, surgical patients were more likely to have magnetic resonance imaging findings of anterior labral injury and less likely to have a supraspinatus or subscapularis tear.Conclusion:Patients who underwent surgery for shoulder instability were younger, more likely to have experienced recurrent instability, and more likely to have sustained their original injury while playing sports. The FEDS classification, particularly the frequency and etiology of the patient’s shoulder instability, may be helpful in identifying patients with a higher likelihood of undergoing surgical treatment.

The need for quality research to promote evidence-based practice and optimize patient care is well recognized. This is particularly relevant in orthopedic trauma care, as trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Across the spectrum of academic, clinical, and health care administration physician roles, research remains fundamental to bridging theory, practice, and education. A gap exists, however, between research and practice, especially for those physicians practicing outside traditional academic centers. Orthopedic trauma surgeons are well situated to contribute to important research; however the majority of those in practice at non-academic centers do not have a significant research component structured into their physician role. In this article, the authors outline the importance of orthopedic trauma surgeons outside of academic centers being engaged in research and present some advice on how to effectively participate in these endeavors. In this setting, orthopedic trauma research involvement includes asking researchable questions, being a savvy manager of research collaborators, staff, and funding, and finding one's own level of research involvement.