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Articular cartilage damage and degeneration are among hallmark manifestations of joint injuries and arthritis, classically osteoarthritis. Cartilage compositional MRI (Cart-C MRI), a quantitative technique, which aims to detect early-stage cartilage matrix changes that precede macroscopic alterations, began development in the 1990s. However, despite the significant advancements over the past three decades, Cart-C MRI remains predominantly a research tool, hindered by various technical and clinical hurdles. This paper will review the technical evolution of Cart-C MRI, delve into its clinical applications, and conclude by identifying the existing gaps and challenges that need to be addressed to enable even broader clinical application of Cart-C MRI.

OBJECTIVE: The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and muscle atrophy in individuals with rotator cuff tears. METHODS: This study consists of patients with rotator cuff tears identified by MRI from two independent cohorts, the Rotator Cuff Outcomes Workgroup (ROW) and the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON). Presence of atrophy (yes/no) and severity of atrophy (as an ordinal variable) were assessed on MRI by expert physicians. We used multivariable regression models to evaluate the relationship between BMI and muscle atrophy while adjusting for age and sex in each study, conducted sensitivity analyses for full-thickness tear and combined results using inverse variance-weighted meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 539 patients (MOON=395, ROW=144) from the combined cohorts had MRI data available on muscle atrophy. Among these patients, 246 (46%) had atrophy of at least one of the muscles of the rotator cuff and 282 (52%) had full-thickness tears. In meta-analysis across both cohorts, each 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI was associated with a 21% (aOR=1.21, 95% CI=1.02, 1.43) increased odds of having muscle atrophy among individuals with any tear size, and 36% (aOR=1.36, 95% CI=1.01-1.81) increased odds among individuals with full-thickness tear. CONCLUSIONS: Higher BMI was associated with significantly higher odds of muscle atrophy in patiens with rotator cuff tears. More study is needed to unders1tand why and how this relationship exists, as well as whether interventions to reduce BMI may help improve outcomes for these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

PurposeTo use T1ρ and T2 magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the effect of leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (LP-PRP) injections on knee cartilage health and to correlate structural changes with patient-reported outcome measurements.MethodsTen patients with symptomatic unilateral mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 1-2) underwent T1ρ and T2 magnetic resonance imaging of both the symptomatic and contralateral knee before injection and 6 months after injection with LP-PRP. Patient-reported outcome questionnaires (Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and International Knee Documentation Committee) that evaluate the domains of pain, symptoms, activities of daily living, sports function, and quality of life were completed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after injection. T1ρ and T2 relaxation times, which are correlated with the proteoglycan and collagen concentration of cartilage, were measured in compartments with and without chondral lesions.ResultsTen patients were prospectively enrolled (9 female, 1 male) with a mean age of 52.9 years (range, 42-68) years and mean body mass index of 23.2 ± 1.9. Significant increases in Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for all subscales and International Knee Documentation Committee scores were observed 3 months after injection and the improvements were sustained at 12 months. T1ρ and T2 values of compartments with chondral lesions were observed to significantly decrease by 6.0% (P = .036) and 7.1% (P = .017) 6 months after LP-PRP injection, respectively. No significant associations between T1ρ and T2 relaxation times and improvement in patient-reported outcomes were observed.ConclusionsPatients undergoing LP-PRP injections for the treatment of mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis had increased proteoglycan and collagen deposition in the cartilage of affected compartments by 6 months after injection. Patient-reported outcomes scores improved 3 months after injection and were sustained through 1 year after injection, but these improvements were not associated with the changes in proteoglycan and collagen deposition in knee cartilage.Level of evidenceLevel II, prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Meniscal and chondral damage is common in the patient undergoing revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. PURPOSE: To determine if meniscal and/or articular cartilage pathology at the time of revision ACL surgery significantly influences a patients outcome at 6-year follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Patients undergoing revision ACL reconstruction were prospectively enrolled between 2006 and 2011. Data collection included baseline demographics, surgical technique, pathology, treatment, and scores from 4 validated patient-reported outcome instruments: International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Marx Activity Rating Scale. Patients were followed up at 6 years and asked to complete the identical set of outcome instruments. Regression analysis assessed the meniscal and articular cartilage pathology risk factors for clinical outcomes 6 years after revision ACL reconstruction. RESULTS: An overall 1234 patients were enrolled (716 males, 58%; median age, 26 years). Surgeons reported the pathology at the time of revision surgery in the medial meniscus (45%), lateral meniscus (36%), medial femoral condyle (43%), lateral femoral condyle (29%), medial tibial plateau (11%), lateral tibial plateau (17%), patella (30%), and trochlea (21%). Six-year follow-up was obtained on 79% of the sample (980/1234). Meniscal pathology and articular cartilage pathology (medial femoral condyle, lateral femoral condyle, lateral tibial plateau, trochlea, and patella) were significant drivers of poorer patient-reported outcomes at 6 years (IKDC, KOOS, WOMAC, and Marx). The most consistent factors driving outcomes were having a medial meniscal excision (either before or at the time of revision surgery) and patellofemoral articular cartilage pathology. Six-year Marx activity levels were negatively affected by having either a repair/excision of the medial meniscus (odds ratio range, 1.45-1.72; P≤ .04) or grade 3-4 patellar chondrosis (odds ratio, 1.72; P = .04). Meniscal pathology occurring before the index revision surgery negatively affected scores on all KOOS subscales except for sports/recreation (P < .05). Articular cartilage pathology significantly impaired all KOOS subscale scores (P < .05). Lower baseline outcome scores, higher body mass index, being a smoker, and incurring subsequent surgery all significantly increased the odds of reporting poorer clinical outcomes at 6 years. CONCLUSION: Meniscal and chondral pathology at the time of revision ACL reconstruction has continued significant detrimental effects on patient-reported outcomes at 6 years after revision surgery.

BackgroundMild to moderate glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis is a common finding among patients who are evaluated for rotator cuff tears. However, the impact of preoperative shoulder joint degeneration on patient-reported outcomes after rotator cuff repair (RCR) is not well-established.PurposeTo apply the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based Shoulder Osteoarthritis Severity (SOAS) score to the evaluation of patients undergoing RCR and determine the relationship between preoperative shoulder pathology present on MRI and postoperative Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Upper Extremity (PROMIS-UE) scores.Study designCase-control study; Level of evidence, 3.MethodsSeventy-one MRI scans corresponding to 71 patients were analyzed by 2 independent reviewers and scored using the SOAS criteria. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated for total SOAS score as well as for each subscore. Spearman correlations were calculated between averaged SOAS scores, patient characteristics, and PROMIS-UE scores. Linear regression analysis was performed between the independent variables of patient age, sex, body mass index, and significant SOAS score components determined by univariate analysis with the dependent variable of PROMIS-UE score. Significance was defined as P < .05 for univariate analyses and < .0125 for multivariate analyses using the Bonferroni correction.ResultsThe mean PROMIS-UE score of this cohort was 51.5 ± 7.4, while the mean total SOAS score was 21.5 ± 8.4. There was a negative correlation between total SOAS score and postoperative PROMIS-UE score (r = -0.24; P = .040). Both cartilage wear (r = -0.33; P = .0045) and acromioclavicular joint degeneration (r = -0.24; P = .048) individually demonstrated negative correlations with PROMIS-UE score. When a multivariate linear regression with Bonferroni correction was applied to the significant variables identified in univariate analysis along with patient characteristics, none were independently correlated with PROMIS-UE score.ConclusionIn this cohort of patients undergoing RCR, increasing preoperative total SOAS score was predictive of lower postoperative PROMIS-UE scores. SOAS subscores with the strongest negative correlations with PROMIS-UE scores included cartilage wear and acromioclavicular joint degeneration. The cartilage subscore was negatively correlated with PROMIS-UE scores independent of patient factors in multivariate analysis.

Surgical treatment options for proximal humeral fractures include hemiarthroplasty (HA), reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The objectives of this study were to analyze the trends in surgical treatment of proximal humeral fractures across a decade and to compare complications, reoperation rates, and readmission rates between ORIF and RSA.MethodsThe PearlDiver MUExtr Database was used to identify patients with proximal humeral fractures who were treated with ORIF, HA, or RSA between 2010 and 2019 and analyze yearly trends. Complications, revision procedures, demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and emergency room visits and hospital readmissions within 90 days of the surgical procedure were compared between ORIF and RSA cohorts for patients who had at least 2-year follow-up data.ResultsIn this study, 384,158 patients with proximal humeral fractures were identified in the 10-year period between 2010 and 2019. There was a significant increase in the frequency of RSA and a decrease in the frequency of ORIF and HA over time (p < 0.0001). Compared with patients who underwent ORIF or HA, patients who underwent RSA were more likely to be older (p < 0.0001), to be female, and to have a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index. Patients who underwent ORIF had higher complication rates (23.03% compared with 18.62%; p < 0.0001) and higher reoperation rates (20.3% compared with 10.3%; p < 0.0001) than patients who underwent RSA. Patients who underwent RSA had higher emergency room visit rates (20.0% compared with 16.7%; p < 0.001) and hospital readmission rates (12.9% compared with 7.3%; p < 0.0001) within 90 days of the surgical procedure compared with patients who underwent ORIF.ConclusionsThere has been an increasing trend in RSA utilization for the surgical treatment of proximal humeral fractures, along with a decreasing trend in HA and ORIF, over time. Patients who underwent ORIF for a proximal humeral fracture had higher complication and reoperation rates compared with patients who underwent RSA. Patients who underwent RSA had higher emergency room visit and hospital readmission rates within 90 days of the surgical procedure compared with patients who underwent ORIF, which may be attributable to the RSA cohort being older and having more comorbidities.Level of evidenceTherapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

BackgroundRecurrent shoulder instability is an orthopedic problem with potentially long-term functional ramifications. Although arthroscopic stabilization has become increasingly utilized over open stabilization, optimal surgical intervention to minimize recurrent instability remains controversial.MethodsThe PearlDiver Mariner database was queried for all cases of open and arthroscopic shoulder stabilization from 2010 to 2019. Utilization trends were aggregated after identifying cohorts of 107,210 and 13,217 patients who respectively underwent arthroscopic or open stabilization using Current Procedural Terminology codes. Subsets from those cohorts with laterality-specific International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes for shoulder instability were used to evaluate 2-year rates of recurrent instability (presence of shoulder dislocation or revision open or arthroscopic stabilization). Linear regression and chi-squared analysis were used to analyze utilization trends and to compare recurrent instability.ResultsArthroscopic stabilization comprised 90% of all stabilization procedures with annual utilization continuing to increase into 2019. Latarjet utilization increased from 15% to 42% of all open stabilization procedures while open Bankart repair utilization decreased from 56% to 35%. The rate of recurrent instability was 10.2% after arthroscopic stabilization and 12.3% after open stabilization (P = .01). Rates of redislocation (4.0% vs. 2.6%, P

The aims of this case-control study were to: (1) Identify cartilage locations and volumes at risk of osteoarthritis (OA) using subject-specific finite element (FE) models; (2) Quantify the relationships between the simulated biomechanical parameters and T2 and T1ρ relaxation times of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We created subject-specific FE models for seven patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and six controls based on a previous proof-of-concept study. We identified locations and cartilage volumes susceptible to OA, based on maximum principal stresses and absolute maximum shear strains in cartilage exceeding thresholds of 7 MPa and 32%, respectively. The locations and volumes susceptible to OA were compared qualitatively and quantitatively against 2-year longitudinal changes in T2 and T1ρ relaxation times. The degeneration volumes predicted by the FE models, based on excessive maximum principal stresses, were significantly correlated (r = 0.711, p

PurposeTo determine the incidence of preoperative shoulder imaging, explore the prevalence of obtaining multiple advanced imaging studies, and identify patient characteristics associated with specific imaging studies before anterior versus posterior shoulder stabilization surgery.MethodsThe PearlDiver database was queried for patients who underwent anterior or posterior shoulder stabilization surgery from 2010 to 2019. The incidence of imaging studies within a year of surgery was collected. Patient characteristics were compared between groups using one-way analysis of variance or χ2 test.ResultsIn total, 10,252 patients underwent anterior shoulder stabilization surgery, and 1,108 patients underwent posterior shoulder stabilization surgery. Imaging use before anterior and posterior shoulder stabilization surgery included plain radiographs (69%, 70%, respectively), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; 43%, 33%), and computed tomography (CT; 22%, 22%). In total, 1,098 patients (11%) received MRI and CT before anterior stabilization surgery and 85 patients (8%) received MRI and CT before posterior stabilization surgery. Over time, the incidence of obtaining MRI and CT increased before anterior (z = 2.54, P = .011) and posterior (z = 2.36, P = .018) stabilization surgery.ConclusionsThis study highlights the increasing use of multiple imaging studies before shoulder stabilization surgery over recent years, including plain radiographs, MRI, and CT imaging. In total, 45% of anterior shoulder stabilization patients and 41% of posterior shoulder stabilization patients obtained more than 1 imaging study within a year of surgery, with a recent increase in patients obtaining both MR and CT scans preoperatively.Statement of clinical relevanceThe increasing use of multiple preoperative imaging studies observed in this study highlights an opportunity for new imaging technology to streamline and improve the preoperative workup.

PurposeTo compare the incidence, patient demographics, complication rates, readmission rates, and reoperation rates of open and arthroscopic surgery performed for septic arthritis in native knee and shoulder joints.MethodsRecords of patients who were diagnosed with native knee or shoulder septic arthritis and underwent open or arthroscopic irrigation and debridement (I&D) between 2015 and 2018 were queried from the PearlDiver Mariner Database. International Classification of Diseases 10th (ICD-10) diagnosis and procedure codes were used to identify patients and track reoperations. Reoperation procedures, including revision open and arthroscopic I&D, were analyzed at 1 month, 1 year, and 2 years. Complications, emergency department (ED) admissions, and hospital readmissions within 30 days were analyzed and compared between the open and arthroscopic cohorts.ResultsThe query resulted with 1,993 patients who underwent knee I&D (75.3% arthroscopic, 24.7% open, P < .001) and 476 patients who underwent shoulder I&D (64.8% arthroscopic, 35.2% open, P < .001). One-month complication rates (11.6-22.7%) and hospital readmission rates (15.8-19.6%) were similar for arthroscopic and open treatment for knee and shoulder septic arthritis. Reoperation rates for revision I&D of the knee were higher after open compared to arthroscopic treatment at 1 month, 1 and 2 years (20.9% vs. 16.7%, 32.5% vs 27.6% and 34.1% vs. 29.4%, P < .05, respectively). For shoulder septic arthritis 1-month, 1-year, and 2-year reoperation rates were similar for open and arthroscopic treatment (16.0% vs 11.7%, 22.0% vs 19.3%, and 22.7% vs 20.0%, P = .57, respectively). Lastly, 6.7% of patients with native septic knee arthritis underwent subsequent arthroplasty by 2 years.ConclusionArthroscopic treatment carries a lower reoperation rate than open surgery for knee septic arthritis, but in the shoulder, the risk for revision I&D is similar after arthroscopic or open surgery.

BackgroundFatty infiltration (FI) is one of the most important prognostic factors for outcomes after rotator cuff surgery. Established risk factors include advancing age, larger tear size, and increased tear chronicity. A growing body of evidence suggests that sex and obesity are associated with FI; however, data are limited.MethodsWe recruited 2 well-characterized multicenter cohorts of patients with rotator cuff tears (Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network [MOON] cohort [n = 80] and Rotator Cuff Outcomes Workgroup [ROW] cohort [n = 158]). We used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the presence of FI while adjusting for the participant's age at magnetic resonance imaging, sex, and duration of shoulder symptoms, as well as the cross-sectional area of the tear. We analyzed the 2 cohorts separately and performed a meta-analysis to combine estimates.ResultsA total of 27 patients (33.8%) in the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) cohort and 57 patients (36.1%) in the Rotator Cuff Outcomes Workgroup (ROW) cohort had FI. When BMI < 25 kg/m2 was used as the reference category, being overweight was associated with a 2.37-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77-7.29) increased odds of FI and being obese was associated with a 3.28-fold (95% CI, 1.16-9.25) increased odds of FI. Women were 4.9 times (95% CI, 2.06-11.69) as likely to have FI as men.ConclusionsAmong patients with rotator cuff tears, obese patients had a substantially higher likelihood of FI. Further research is needed to assess whether modifying BMI can alter FI in patients with rotator cuff tears. This may have significant clinical implications for presurgical surgical management of rotator cuff tears. Sex was also significantly associated with FI, with women having higher odds of FI than men. Higher odds of FI in female patients may also explain previously reported early suboptimal outcomes of rotator cuff surgery and higher pain levels in female patients as compared with male patients.

BackgroundFatty infiltration of rotator cuff muscle is a limiting factor in the success of repairs. Fibroadipogenic progenitors (FAPs) are a population of stem cells within the rotator cuff that can differentiate into white adipocytes, fibroblasts, and beige adipocytes. The effects of patient age and rotator cuff tendon tear size on the number, differentiation patterns, and gene expression profiles of FAPs have not yet been analyzed.PurposeTo determine if patient age and rotator cuff tear size independently regulate FAP number, differentiation patterns, and gene expression profiles.Study designControlled laboratory study.MethodsSupraspinatus muscle samples were collected from 26 patients between the ages of 42 and 76 years with partial- or full-thickness rotator cuff tears. FAPs were quantified using fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Gene expression analysis was performed across a custom 96-gene panel using NanoString. In vitro differentiation assays of FAPs were conducted using adipogenic, fibrogenic, and beige-inducing (amibegron-treated) media, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to assess gene expression differences between adipogenic and amibegron media conditions. Multivariable linear regressions were performed using Stata to independently analyze the effects of age and rotator cuff tear size on FAP number, differentiation, and gene expression.ResultsIncreasing age and tear size were independently correlated with increased FAP number (βage = 0.21, P = .03; βtear size = 3.86, P = .05). There was no clear association between age and gene expression of freshly sorted FAPs. Under adipogenic and fibrogenic media conditions, increasing age and tear size were independently associated with increased adipogenic and fibrogenic differentiation of FAPs. Under amibegron treatment conditions, age positively correlated with increased beige differentiation (β = 1.03; P < .0001), while increasing tear size showed a trend toward decreased beige differentiation (β = -4.87; P = .1). When gene expression patterns between adipogenic and amibegron media conditions were compared, larger tear size strongly inhibited beige gene expression, while advanced age did not.ConclusionPatient age and rotator cuff tear size independently regulated FAP number, differentiation, and gene expression. Age and tear size were positively correlated with increased FAP number and fibrogenic/adipogenic differentiation. Advancing patient age did not limit FAP beige differentiation and gene expression, while increasing rotator cuff tear size strongly inhibited these processes.

PurposeTo assess the use of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in older adults and to compare postoperative complication and revision surgery rates between patients older than and younger than 50 years old.MethodsRetrospective data were obtained using the PearlDiver database for patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction from January 2010 to December 2017. Trends in the annual performance of ACL reconstruction were determined using nonparametric test of trends of ranks. Patients in each age group were matched based on sex and the Charlson Comorbidity Index. The incidence of postoperative complications within 90 days and subsequent knee surgery within 2 years of ACL reconstruction was collected. Postoperative complication rates were compared between matched age groups using the χ2 test.ResultsA total of 20,993 patients aged 50 years and older and 154,817 patients younger than 50 years underwent ACL reconstruction between 2010 and 2017. The use of ACL reconstruction in patients aged 50 years or older decreased over time (P = .044). Patients aged 50 years or older were more likely to experience at least 1 postoperative complication within 90 days compared to patients younger than 50 years (2.5% vs 2.1%, P = .007). Older patients were 1.3 times as likely to experience deep vein thrombosis (P = .002) and 1.8 times as likely to experience pulmonary embolism (P < .001). Younger patients were more likely to undergo subsequent ACL reconstruction and experience knee pain, stiffness, and wound infection postoperatively (P < .001, P < .001, P = .041). 1.6% of patients aged 50 years or older underwent total knee arthroplasty within 2 years.ConclusionsACL reconstruction in patients aged 50 years or older is associated with greater complication rates but lower rates of subsequent knee surgery relative to patients younger than 50 years of age. Younger patients were more prone to surgical complications whereas older patients experienced more medical complications. The increased incidence of VTE in this population suggests that thrombotic prophylaxis may be considered.Level of evidenceLevel III, retrospective comparative observational trial.

PurposeTo use a large, contemporary database to perform a cross-sectional analysis of current practice trends in rotator cuff repair (RCR) for the treatment of full-thickness rotator cuff tear (RCT) and determine outcomes of arthroscopic and open RCR, including hospital readmissions and 2-year reoperation rates with accurate laterality tracking using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes.MethodsThe PearlDiver Mariner dataset was used to query patients with full-thickness RCTs from 2010 to 2017. Propensity-score matching was performed to account for differences in age and comorbidities and allow for comparison between those undergoing open RCR and arthroscopic RCR. Subsequent procedures were tracked using ICD-10 codes to identify ipsilateral surgery within 2 years of index surgery. Hospital and emergency department admission within 30 days of surgery were investigated.ResultsOf 534,076 patients diagnosed with full-thickness RCT, 37% underwent RCR; 73% of which were arthroscopic. From 2010 to 2017, arthroscopic RCRs increased from 65% to 80%, whereas open RCRs decreased from 35% to 20% (P < .0001). Younger patients underwent arthroscopic RCR more frequently, and patients who underwent open RCR had greater rates of 30-day emergency department (7.0%) and hospital readmission (2.0%) compared with arthroscopic RCR (6.3%, 1.0%, respectively) (P < .0001). For 24,392 patients with ICD-10 coding and 2-year follow-up, 10.4% of patients required reoperation, with the most common procedure being revision RCR, and 1.3% required conversion to arthroplasty. Open RCRs were more likely to require subsequent surgery (11.3%) compared with arthroscopic RCR (9.5%) (P < .0001). Patients aged 50 to 59 had the greatest rate of reoperation (14.0%), but no patients younger than age 40 years required reoperation, and no patients younger than age 50 years required conversion to arthroplasty.ConclusionsThe frequency of arthroscopic RCR has continued to increase compared to open RCR. In this large cross-sectional analysis, arthroscopic RCR demonstrated lower 2-year reoperation rates and 30-day readmission rates compared to open RCR.Level of evidenceIII, cross-sectional study.

PurposeTo precisely compare the questions and content between the most commonly cited knee-specific patient-reported outcome measurements (PROs) for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.MethodsA literature review through Medline from November 1, 2018, to November 1, 2020, was performed to find the most cited knee-specific PROs for assessment of ACL injuries. Each question was then classified as 1) identical, similar, or unique; 2) pertaining to 1 of 6 domains (pain, symptoms, functional activities, occupational activities, sports/recreation, and quality of life). The PROs were then compared to each other to assess question overlap and domain coverage.ResultsA total of 133 questions were analyzed from the seven most common PROs: International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) form, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, Tegner Activity Scale, Marx Scale, Knee Outcome Survey (KOS), and Cincinnati Knee Rating System (CKRS). The total distribution of identical (31.6%), similar (31.6%), and unique (36.8%) questions was found to be relatively even. However, this distribution varied within each PRO. KOS and Lysholm had the highest percentages of identical questions (64% and 62.5%, respectively). KOOS had the highest number of unique questions (26/42, 61.9%), while Tegner held the highest percentage (11/16, 68.8%). Sports/recreation was the only domain assessed by all PROs.ConclusionNearly two-thirds of questions overlap between the commonly used PROs for ACL injury. Although sports/recreation is assessed by all PROs, each has its own pattern of coverage across this and other domains.Level of evidenceIV, cross-sectional study.

BackgroundThere is a lack of research investigating current practice trends in the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears as well as common concomitant procedures and reoperations associated with ACL reconstruction (ACLR).PurposeTo analyze current practice patterns for ACLR as well as the frequency of concomitant and revision procedures with respect to patient characteristics in a cross-sectional population of the United States.Study designCross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.MethodsPatient data between 2010 and 2017 were queried using the Mariner PearlDiver database. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (in 2010-2014) and Tenth Revision (ICD-10; in 2015-2017), diagnosis codes were used to identify ACL tears, and Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to identify ACLR and concomitant surgical procedures. Patient characteristics were stratified by sex and age. Cases of subsequent knee surgery and conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) within 2 years after ACLR were tracked using ICD-10 codes between 2015 and 2017 to ensure ipsilateral laterality.ResultsOf 229,295 patients identified with an ACL tear diagnosis during the study period, 75% underwent ACLR. In patients aged 10 to 39 years, 84% to 92% underwent ACLR, while patients aged 50 to 59 (50%) and 60 to 69 (28%) years were less likely to have surgery after an ACL tear. Female and male patients underwent ACLR at a similar rate (75%). Within the patients who underwent ACLR, 44% underwent concomitant meniscal debridement as compared with 11% with concomitant meniscal repair. Male patients were more likely to undergo meniscal debridement (48% vs 40%; P < .0001). The frequency of meniscal repair increased from 9% in 2010 to 14% in 2017, while the frequency of meniscal debridement decreased from 47% to 41% (P < .0001). Within 2 years of ACLR, 6% of patients underwent revision ACLR; 4%, subsequent meniscal debridement; 1%, meniscal repair; and 1%, conversion to TKA.ConclusionThe frequency of ACLR for ACL tears has remained relatively stable in recent years and was similar between female and male patients in this cross-sectional population. The majority of patients aged 10 to 39 years underwent ACLR, while less than half of patients >50 years underwent surgery.

BackgroundCell-based cartilage restoration with autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic cartilage lesions. Many patients undergoing ACI have a history of prior surgery, including bone marrow stimulation (BMS). There is mounting evidence that a history of prior BMS may impede healing of the ACI graft.Purpose/hypothesisThe purpose of this study was to compare the failure rates of primary ACI with ACI after prior BMS. We hypothesized that ACI after BMS would have a significantly higher failure rate (defined as reoperation, conversion to arthroplasty, and/or imaging-based failure) compared with primary ACI.Study designSystematic review; Level of evidence, 4.MethodsA literature search was performed by use of PubMed and Embase databases for relevant articles published through October 2, 2020, to identify studies evaluating outcomes and failures rates of ACI after prior BMS in the knee.ResultsIncluded were 11 studies comprising 1479 ACI procedures. The mean age at surgery ranged from 18.3 to 39.1 years, and the mean follow-up ranged from 3 to 20.6 years. All studies reported failure rates. The overall failure rate was significantly higher in the patients who underwent ACI after BMS, at 26.4% compared with 14.8% in the ACI group (P

BackgroundAnatomic parameters, such as the critical shoulder angle and acromion index, have emerged as methods to quantify scapular anatomy and may contribute to rotator cuff pathology. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the published literature on influences of scapular morphology on the development of re-tears and patient-reported outcomes following rotator cuff repair.MethodsA systematic review of the Embase and PubMed databases was performed to identify published studies on the potential influence of scapular bony morphology and re-tear rates and patient-reported outcomes after rotator cuff repair. Studies were reviewed by two authors.ResultsA total of 615 unique titles and 49 potentially relevant abstracts were reviewed, with eight published manuscripts identified for inclusion. Two of three papers reported no relationship between these acromion index and rotator cuff re-tear rate, while one paper found an increased re-tear rate. All three studies on critical shoulder angle found a significant association between critical shoulder angle and cuff re-tear rate. There was no clear relationship between any bony morphologic measurement and patient-reported outcomes after rotator cuff repair.ConclusionsRotator cuff re-tear rate appears to be significantly associated with the critical shoulder angle and glenoid inclination, while not clearly associated with acromial morphologic measurements.

IntroductionShoulder arthroplasty has become popular in the treatment of degenerative shoulder conditions in the United States. Shoulder arthroplasty usage has expanded to younger patients with increased surgical indications.MethodsReverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) and TSA patient records with the 1-year follow-up between 2015 and 2018 were queried from the nationwide PearlDiver Mariner Shoulder Database using International Classification of Disease-10 codes. Chi-square analysis was done to compare the demographics, surgical complications, and revision procedures between RTSA and TSA.ResultsFrom 2010 to 2018, there was an increase in shoulder arthroplasty cases because of RTSA. The overall surgical complication and revision procedure rates were 2.26% and 3.56% for RTSA, and 6.36% and 2.42% for TSA. Patients older than 50 years had statistically lower surgical complications after RTSA than TSA (2.25% versus 3.94%, P < 0.05), whereas no statistical difference between RTSA and TSA for patients younger than 50 years (10.06% versus 7.45%, P = 0.19). Male patients had higher RTSA complication rates (3.12% versus 2.28%, P < 0.05), whereas female patients had higher TSA (4.86% versus 5.92%, P < 0.05). History of tobacco, depression, and obesity were risk factors for higher complications.ConclusionRTSA has become more commonly done than TSA in the United States. Older patients who underwent shoulder arthroplasty had lower surgical complication. TSA had a higher surgical complication rate than RTSA for patients older than 50 years.

BackgroundThis randomized study compared the efficacy and safety of extraplexus and intraplexus injection of local anesthetic for interscalene brachial plexus block.Methods208 ASA I-II patients scheduled for elective shoulder arthroscopy under general anesthesia and ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block were randomly allocated to receive an injection of 25mL ropivacaine 0.5% either between C5-C6 nerve roots (intraplexus), or anterior and posterior to the brachial plexus into the plane between the perineural sheath and scalene muscles (extraplexus). The primary outcome was time to loss of shoulder abduction. Secondary outcomes included block duration, perioperative opioid consumption, pain scores, block performance time, number of needle passes, onset of sensory blockade, paresthesia, recovery room length of stay, patient satisfaction, incidence of Horner's syndrome, dyspnea, hoarseness, and post-operative nausea and vomiting.ResultsTime to loss of shoulder abduction was faster in the intraplexus group (log-rank p-value

ObjectiveDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, quaternary-care facilities continue to provide care for patients in need of urgent and emergent invasive procedures. Perioperative protocols are needed to streamline care for these patients notwithstanding capacity and resource constraints.MethodsA multidisciplinary panel was assembled at the University of California, San Francisco, with 26 leaders across 10 academic departments, including 7 department chairpersons, the chief medical officer, the chief operating officer, infection control officers, nursing leaders, and resident house staff champions. An epidemiologist, an ethicist, and a statistician were also consulted. A modified two-round, blinded Delphi method based on 18 agree/disagree statements was used to build consensus. Significant disagreement for each statement was tested using a one-sided exact binomial test against an expected outcome of 95% consensus using a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Final triage protocols were developed with unblinded group-level discussion.ResultsOverall, 15 of 18 statements achieved consensus in the first round of the Delphi method; the 3 statements with significant disagreement (p < 0.01) were modified and iteratively resubmitted to the expert panel to achieve consensus. Consensus-based protocols were developed using unblinded multidisciplinary panel discussions. The final algorithms 1) quantified outbreak level, 2) triaged patients based on acuity, 3) provided a checklist for urgent/emergent invasive procedures, and 4) created a novel scoring system for the allocation of personal protective equipment. In particular, the authors modified the American College of Surgeons three-tiered triage system to incorporate more urgent cases, as are often encountered in neurosurgery and spine surgery.ConclusionsUrgent and emergent invasive procedures need to be performed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The consensus-based protocols in this study may assist healthcare providers to optimize perioperative care during the pandemic.

Tears of the subscapularis tendon can be challenging to diagnose and treat. Because the subscapularis plays an important role in shoulder function, careful arthroscopic evaluation and treatment are necessary to restore function. Previous surgical techniques have ranged from full open repairs to complex arthroscopic procedures needing suture passer and/or retriever devices. We describe an arthroscopic surgical technique of subscapularis repair through a single anterior portal using only penetrating graspers. This approach can be used for partial upper-border subscapularis tears, as well as complete and retracted subscapularis tendon tears.

BackgroundThe muscle quality of the rotator cuff (RC), measured by atrophy and fatty infiltration (FI), is a key determinant of outcomes in RC injury and repair. The ability to regenerate muscle after repair has been shown to be limited.PurposeTo determine if there is a source of resident endogenous stem cells, fibroadipogenic progenitor cells (FAPs), within RC injury patients, and if these cells are capable of adipogenic, fibrogenic, and pro-myogenic differentiation.Study designControlled laboratory study.MethodsA total of 20 patients between the ages of 40 and 75 years with partial- or full-thickness RC tears of the supraspinatus and evidence of atrophy and FI Goutallier grade 1, 2, or 3 were selected from 2 surgeons at an orthopaedic center. During the surgical repair procedure, supraspinatus muscle biopsy specimens were obtained for analysis as were deltoid muscle biopsy specimens to serve as the control. FAPs and satellite cells were quantified using fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Muscle FI and fibrosis was quantified using Oil Red O and Masson trichrome staining. FAP differentiation and gene expression profiles were compared across tear sizes after culture in adipogenic, fibrogenic, and beta-3 agonist (amibegron) conditions. Analysis of variance was used for statistical comparisons between groups, with P < .05 as statistically significant.ResultsHistologic analysis confirmed the presence of fat in biopsy specimens from patients with full-thickness tears. There were more FAPs in the full-thickness tear group compared with the partial-thickness tear group (9.43% ± 4.25% vs 3.84% ± 2.54%; P < .01). Full-thickness tears were divided by tear size, with patients with larger tears having significantly more FAPs than those with smaller tears. FAPs from muscles with full-thickness tendon tears had more adipogenic and fibrogenic potential than those with partial tears. Induction of a beige adipose tissue (BAT) phenotype in FAPs was possible, as demonstrated by increased expression of BAT markers and pro-myogenic genes including insulin-like growth factor 1 and follistatin.ConclusionEndogenous FAPs are present within the RC and likely are the source of FI. These FAPs were increased in muscles with in larger tears but are capable of adopting a pro-myogenic BAT phenotype that could be utilized to improve muscle quality and patient function after RC repair.

BackgroundGlenoid retroversion and humeral head subluxation have been suggested to lead to inferior outcomes after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). There are limited data to support this suggestion. We investigated whether preoperative glenoid retroversion and humeral head subluxation are associated with inferior outcomes after TSA and whether change of retroversion influences outcomes after TSA.MethodsPatients undergoing TSA with minimum 2-year follow-up were included from a prospectively collected institutional shoulder arthroplasty database. Retroversion and humeral head subluxation before and after surgery were measured on axillary radiographs. Postoperative radiographs were -evaluated for glenoid component loosening and compared between groups. Spearman correlations were determined between retroversion measurements and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) scores. Patients were analyzed in groups based on retroversion and humeral head subluxation.ResultsThere were 113 patients (50% follow-up rate) evaluated at 4.2 years postoperatively. The mean preoperative retroversion (15.3° ± 7.7°) was significantly higher than postoperative retroversion (10.0° ± 6.8°; P < .0001). There was no correlation between postoperative glenoid version or humeral head subluxation and ASES scores. For patients with preoperative retroversion of >15°, there was no difference in outcome scores based on postoperative retroversion. There were no differences in preoperative or postoperative version for patients with or without glenoid lucencies.DiscussionWe observed no significant relationship between postoperative glenoid retroversion or humeral head subluxation and clinical outcomes in patients following TSA. For patients with preoperative retroversion >15°, change of retroversion during TSA had no impact on their clinical outcomes at short-term follow-up.

PurposeA stringent outcome assessment is a key aspect for establishing evidence-based clinical guidelines for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury treatment. The aim of this consensus statement was to establish what data should be reported when conducting an ACL outcome study, what specific outcome measurements should be used and at what follow-up time those outcomes should be assessed.MethodsTo establish a standardized approach to assessment of clinical outcome after ACL treatment, a consensus meeting including a multidisciplinary group of ACL experts was held at the ACL Consensus Meeting Panther Symposium, Pittsburgh, PA; USA, in June 2019. The group reached consensus on nine statements by using a modified Delphi method.ResultsIn general, outcomes after ACL treatment can be divided into four robust categories-early adverse events, patient-reported outcomes, ACL graft failure/recurrent ligament disruption and clinical measures of knee function and structure. A comprehensive assessment following ACL treatment should aim to provide a complete overview of the treatment result, optimally including the various aspects of outcome categories. For most research questions, a minimum follow-up of 2 years with an optimal follow-up rate of 80% is necessary to achieve a comprehensive assessment. This should include clinical examination, any sustained re-injuries, validated knee-specific PROs and Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaires. In the mid- to long-term follow-up, the presence of osteoarthritis should be evaluated.ConclusionThis consensus paper provides practical guidelines for how the aforementioned entities of outcomes should be reported and suggests the preferred tools for a reliable and valid assessment of outcome after ACL treatment.Level of evidenceV.

T1 ρ and T2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may allow for a noninvasive assessment of ligamentization after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. We hypothesized that ACL graft T1 ρ and T2 relaxation times would decrease over time, that T1 ρ and T2 relaxation times would be inversely correlated with Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS), and that T1 ρ and T2 values would be lower for autograft relative to allograft reconstruction. Thirty-nine patients (age: 30.5 ± 8.2 years) were followed prospectively after ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft (N = 27) or soft-tissue allograft (N = 12). Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and KOOS surveys were completed at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after surgery. ACL graft was segmented to define T1 ρ and T2 relaxation times. Relaxation times were compared between time points with ANOVA tests. Log-transformed autograft and allograft relaxation times were compared with the Student t tests. The relationship between KOOS and relaxation times at 24 months was investigated with Spearman's rank correlation. ACL graft T1 ρ relaxation times were significantly higher at 6 months relative to 12 months (P = .042), 24 months (P

The underlying theme throughout this series of studies authored by the Multicenter anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) Revision Study consortium has been to determine the modifiable predictors or risk factors of long-term outcomes of revision ACL reconstruction. The observational studies described and summarized in the manuscript are both clinically relevant and of great interest in finding out the long-term consequences of the intervention and its relationship to the original injury. The successful completion of these studies has important implications for both therapy and future clinical trials. The identification of modifiable risk factors will play an important role in secondary prevention, while the identification of nonmodifiable risk factors will aid us in counseling our patients and making surgical decisions. Thus, we expect a profound clinical impact on patients' care. More importantly, this project represents an important step forward in bringing evidence to bear in clinical decision making in orthopedic surgery.

BackgroundOrthopaedic sports medicine fellowship positions are increasing in popularity, as evidenced by the increasing number of applicants to these programs. As positions have become more competitive, greater emphasis has been placed on an applicant's research experience. However, there has been a lack of research evaluating the accuracy of self-reported publications from fellowship applications.PurposeTo evaluate the accuracy of self-reported research publications and the outcomes of studies submitted for publication by applicants to an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited sports medicine fellowship in the United States (US).Study designCross-sectional study.MethodsDemographic and research publication data were retrospectively collected from 435 applications to an ACGME-accredited orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship program at a single high-volume academic institution from 2013 to 2017. All self-reported manuscript publications and studies in progress were analyzed with a minimum 2-year follow-up. "Submitted" publications were reviewed by searching the originally submitted journal and all publicly available sources. Publications were verified on PubMed, MEDLINE, and other open access journals. Journal impact factors were collected through use of InCites Journal Citation Reports.ResultsOnly 5.7% (85/1504) of papers reported as "completed" were inaccurately self-reported, with 44 (51.8%) remaining unverified and 41 (48.2%) reporting discordant authorship, in which the published study listed a different author order than reported on the application. Further, 28.3% (197/696) of papers self-reported as "submitted" remained unpublished, 21.8% (152/696) were published in a different journal than originally reported, and 7.6% (53/696) were published with a different authorship order than reported. Among 95 applicants whose papers were published in different journals than originally reported, the mean impact factor of the final accepting journal was significantly lower than that of the journal of original submission (0.97 ± 0.13 vs 3.91 ± 0.79, respectively; 95% CI of the difference, 1.34-4.54; P < .01). Univariate analysis showed no significant relationships between variables of interest (age, sex, US Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 score, American Orthopaedic Association membership, medical school ranking, and advanced degree) and the presence of an inaccuracy.ConclusionThere is a low rate of inaccurate self-reporting of "completed" publications on applications for orthopaedic sports medicine fellowships. The majority of papers listed as "submitted" on these applications were not published in the journals to which they were originally submitted.

Background:Rotator cuff fatty infiltration has been correlated with poorer radiographic and clinical outcomes in supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon repairs, but this has not been well-studied in subscapularis tendon repairs. Purpose:To evaluate the influence of preoperative rotator cuff fatty infiltration on postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing arthroscopic subscapularis tendon repair. Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods:Patients who underwent arthroscopic subscapularis repair between 2010 and 2016 were retrospectively identified, and demographic data and surgical findings were recorded. The extent of fatty infiltration was determined on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging by the Fuchs modification of the Goutallier classification. At the most recent follow-up, patients completed the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System for Upper Extremity (PROMIS-UE) computer adaptive test and a postoperative visual analog scale for pain. The distribution of fatty infiltration was compared between patients undergoing subscapularis tendon repair versus subscapularis tendon repair combined with a posterior cuff repair. Outcomes were compared for patients using Goutallier grade 0-1 versus grade ≥2 changes in each rotator cuff muscle. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of muscle quality, as well as demographic factors, on PROMIS-UE scores. Significance was defined as P < .05. Results:There were 140 shoulders included (mean age, 61.8 years; 42.1% female; mean follow-up, 51.7 months). The prevalence of Goutallier grade 2 changes or higher was significantly greater in patients with multitendon repair relative to isolated subscapularis tendon repair. For the overall group of all patients undergoing subscapularis tendon repair, whether in isolation or as part of a multitendon repair, PROMIS-UE scores were significantly lower for patients with infraspinatus muscle grade 2 or higher Goutallier changes relative to grade 0 or 1. After adjustment for age, body mass index, patient sex, and fatty infiltration in other rotator cuff muscles, poor infraspinatus muscle quality remained the only significant predictor for lower PROMIS-UE scores. Conclusion:Patients undergoing arthroscopic subscapularis tendon repair with poor infraspinatus muscle quality had worse patient-reported outcomes. This was true whether subscapularis tendon repair was isolated or was performed in conjunction with supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon repairs.

BackgroundPatients who have undergone shoulder instability surgery are often allowed to return to sports, work, and high-level activity based largely on a time-based criterion of 6 months postoperatively. However, some believe that advancing activity after surgery should be dependent on the return of strength and range of motion (ROM).HypothesisThere will be a significant loss of strength or ROM at 6 months after arthroscopic Bankart repair with remplissage compared with Bankart repair alone.Study designCohort study; Level of evidence, 2.MethodsA total of 38 patients in a prospective multicenter study underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair with remplissage (33 males, 5 females; mean age, 27.0 ± 10.2 years; 82% with ≥2 dislocation events in the past year). Strength and ROM were assessed preoperatively and at 6 months after surgery. Results were compared with 104 matched patients who had undergone Bankart repair without remplissage, although all had radiographic evidence of a Hill-Sachs defect.ResultsAt 6 months, there were no patients in the remplissage group with anterior apprehension on physical examination. However, 26% had a ≥20° external rotation (ER) deficit with the elbow at the side, 42% had a ≥20° ER deficit with the elbow at 90° of abduction, and 5% had persistent weakness. Compared with matched patients who underwent only arthroscopic Bankart repair, the remplissage group had greater humeral bone loss and had a greater likelihood of a ≥20° ER deficit with the elbow at 90° of abduction (P = .004). Risk factors for a ≥20° ER deficit with the elbow at 90° of abduction were preoperative stiffness in the same plane (P = .02), while risk factors for a ≥20° ER deficit with the elbow at the side were increased number of inferior quadrant glenoid anchors (P = .003), increased patient age (P = .02), and preoperative side-to-side deficits in ER (P = .04). The only risk factor for postoperative ER weakness was preoperative ER weakness (P = .04), with no association with remplissage (P = .26).ConclusionArthroscopic Bankart repair with remplissage did not result in significant strength deficits but increased the risk of ER stiffness in abduction compared with Bankart repair without remplissage at short-term follow-up.