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Posterior root-tear of the medial meniscus and accompanied meniscal extrusion can lead to functional loss of the meniscus. The aim of this study is to assess medial meniscus extrusion at increasing varus forces utilizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in order to evaluate the contribution of the adduction moment of the knee during gait. We prospectively enrolled 19 patients (38 knees). Patients underwent gait analysis testing to calculate adduction moment, followed by an MRI at rest and with increasing varus forces according to the patient’s specific adduction moment. Meniscal extrusion and root gap at increasing varus forces were measured and compared. Functional outcomes and their association to meniscal extrusion was analyzed. We found the average meniscal extrusion at rest, 100% and 150% applied varus force for the control group to be 1.7mm, 1.7mm and 1.9mm, respectively; and for the index group average meniscal extrusion was 5.3mm, 6.4mm and 6.8mm, respectively. Meniscal extrusion increase from rest to 100% varus force was significantly higher in the index group (p=0.0002). Further meniscal extrusion and root gap increase from 100% varus force to 150% varus force did not show a statistically significant difference (p=0.39). The association between greater increase of meniscal extrusion with varus force and WOMAC scores was not statistically significant. In conclusion this study defines the contribution of the varus force component of the adduction moment to meniscal extrusion, in patients with a medial meniscus posterior root-tear.

Background: Point-of-care treatment options for medium to large symptomatic articular cartilage defects are limited. Minced cartilage implantation is an encouraging single-stage option, providing fresh viable autologous tissue with minimal morbidity and cost. Purpose: To determine the histological properties of mechanically minced versus minimally manipulated articular cartilage. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Remnant articular cartilage was collected from fresh femoral condylar allografts. Cartilage samples were divided into 4 groups: cartilage explants with or without fibrin glue and mechanically minced cartilage with or without fibrin glue. Samples were cultured for 42 days. Chondrocyte viability was assessed using live/dead assay. Cellular migration and outgrowth were monitored using bright-field microscopy. Extracellular matrix deposition was assessed via histological staining. Proteoglycan content and synthesis were assessed using dimethylmethylene blue assay and radiolabeled 35S-sulfate, respectively. Type II collagen (COL2A1) gene expression was analyzed via polymerase chain reaction. Results: The mean viability of minced cartilage particles (34% ± 14%) was not significantly reduced compared with baseline (46% ± 13%) on day 0 ( P = .90). After culture, no significant difference in the percentage of live cells was appreciated between mechanically minced (58% ± 23%) and explant (73% ± 14%) cartilage in the presence of fibrin glue ( P = .52). The addition of fibrin glue did not significantly affect the viability of cartilage samples. The qualitative assessment revealed comparable cellular migration and outgrowth between groups. Proteoglycan synthesis was not significantly different between groups. Histological analysis findings were positive for COL2A1 in all groups, and matrix formation was appreciated in all groups. COL2A1 expression in minced cartilage (1.72 ± 1.88) was significantly higher than in explant cartilage (0.15 ± 0.07) in the presence of fibrin glue ( P = .01). Conclusion: Mechanically minced articular cartilage remained viable after 42 days of culture in vitro and was comparable with cartilage explants with regard to cellular migration, outgrowth, and extracellular matrix synthesis. Clinical Relevance: Mechanically minced articular cartilage is an encouraging intervention for the treatment of symptomatic cartilage defects. Further translational work is warranted to determine the viability of minced cartilage implantation as a single-stage therapeutic intervention in vivo.

Obesity is a worldwide pandemic; however, no adaptations were made to the physical examination of obese patient's knees. The accuracy of the physical examination is critical for correct assessment and selection of treatment. We aimed to assess whether body mass index (BMI) affects the sensitivity and specificity of common provocative knee tests.We studied 210 patients who underwent knee arthroscopy to treat anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscal pathologies. BMI and the knee's physical examination were documented pre-operatively. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ACL and meniscal provocative tests in relation to BMI were evaluated using arthroscopy as a gold standard.The Anterior Drawer, Lachman, and Pivot-Shift tests for ACL tears were significantly less accurate and sensitive, yet more specific, in obese patients when compared to normal and overweight patients. The McMurray, Apley Grind, and Thessaly tests for medial meniscus tears showed greater sensitivity, but lower specificity, in patients with increased BMI. Above normal BMIs, independently of age and gender, were significantly associated with higher odds for positive ACL tests.Tests for ACL tears are less sensitive in obese patients and alternatives to the classic tests should be considered. Medial meniscus tests tend to be more sensitive and less specific in patients with greater BMIs. Their results should be carefully interpreted due to possible false positives. The physician should take into consideration the impact of patient BMI on the accuracy of their physical examination of the knee to optimize treatment decision-making.

Since its introduction, the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Upper Extremity (PROMIS UE) assessment has been increasingly used in shoulder arthroplasty outcome measurement. However, determination of clinically significant outcomes using the PROMIS UE has yet to be investigated following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). We hypothesized that we could establish clinically significant outcomes of the PROMIS UE outcome assessment in patients undergoing primary RTSA and identify significant baseline patient factors associated with achievement of these measures.Consecutive patients undergoing primary RTSA between 2018 and 2019 who received preoperative baseline and follow-up PROMIS UE assessments at 12 months after surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Domain-specific anchor questions pertaining to pain and function assessed at 12 months after surgery were used to determine minimal clinically important difference (MCID), substantial clinical benefit (SCB), and patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) values for the PROMIS UE using receiver operating characteristic curve and area-under-the-curve (AUC) analysis. Univariate logistic regression analysis was then performed to identify significant patient factors associated with achieving the MCID, SCB, or PASS.A total of 95 patients met all inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. By use of an anchor-based method, the PASS value was 36.68 (sensitivity, 0.795; specificity, 0.765; AUC, 0.793) and the SCB value was 11.62 (sensitivity, 0.597; specificity, 1.00; AUC, 0.806). By use of a distribution-based method, the MCID value was calculated to be 4.27. Higher preoperative PROMIS UE scores were a positive predictor in achievement of the PASS (odds ratio [OR], 1.107; P = .05), whereas lower preoperative PROMIS UE scores were associated with obtaining SCB (OR, 0.787; P.001). Greater baseline forward flexion was negatively associated with achievement of the PASS (OR, 0.986; P = .033) and MCID (OR, 0.976, P = .013). Of the patients, 83.2%, 69.5%, and 47.4% achieved the MCID, PASS, and SCB, respectively.This study defines the MCID, SCB, and PASS for the PROMIS UE outcome assessment in patients undergoing primary RTSA, of whom the majority achieved meaningful outcome improvement at 12 months after surgery. These values may be used in assessing the outcomes and extent of functional improvement following RTSA.

Summary Background Lumbar synovial facet cysts are commonly asymptomatic. Intermittent orthostatic symptoms associated with positional nerve root compression signs due to a synovial facet cyst have not yet been described. We report a case of a 38-year-old professional athlete with a lumbar synovial facet cyst causing intermittent orthostatic/positional symptoms. Methods A case report. Results Following the diagnosis made by magnetic resonance imaging, the patient underwent fluoroscopy-guided cyst aspiration with immediate relief of his symptoms. Within two weeks the patient had complete resolution of his symptoms and was fit to return to play. Conclusion Orthostatic/positional back pain, limb weakness, and paresthesia should raise the possibility of a synovial facet cyst. Aspiration may allow early resolution of symptoms and early return to play in professional athletes. Level of Evidence Case report, Level 5

Purpose To systematically review the literature to better understand the current indications for ligamentum teres reconstruction (LTR), current graft and acetabular fixation options used, patient-reported outcomes after LTR, and incidence of complications and reoperations after LTR. Methods A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. All literature related to LTR published prior to July 2020 was identified. The inclusion criteria consisted of investigations reporting on human patients with pathology of the ligamentum teres who underwent LTR, including mentions of the indications, graft type, acetabular fixation method, postoperative patient-reported outcome scores, and incidence of complications and reoperations. Results Seven studies comprising 26 patients (28 hips) were included. The most commonly reported indication for LTR was persistent pain and instability after failed prior hip arthroscopy (68%, 19 of 28 hips). The mean postoperative modified Harris Hip Score, Non-arthritic Hip Score, and visual analog scale score all showed improvement when compared with preoperative values. A total of 2 complications occurred. Complication rates ranged from 0% to 100% in included case reports and 0% to 11% in included case series. A total of 9 reoperations were performed. Reoperation rates ranged from 0% to 100% for case reports and 18% to 100% for case series. Reoperation rates ranged from 33% to 100% in studies with patients receiving acetabular fixation using anchors versus 0% to 22% in studies performing LTR with buttons. Reoperation rates in athletic patients and patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome ranged from 0% to 100% and 0% to 50%, respectively. Conclusions The main indication for LTR was persistent hip or groin pain and instability after a prior hip arthroscopy. The short-term postoperative modified Harris Hip Score, Non-arthritic Hip Score, and visual analog scale score after LTR showed favorable outcomes. However, reoperations after LTR were not uncommon. Level of Evidence Level V, systematic review of Level IV and V studies.

Acute septic arthritis of the knee joint is an orthopedic emergency, potentially devastating, which can lead to high morbidity and may even be life-threatening. While any synovial joint can be infected, the knee is the most often affected joint and is involved in about 50 % of the cases. The infection is usually caused by a gram-positive bacteria. The diagnosis is made by synovial fluid aspiration, microbiological analysis and hematological investigations of inflammatory measures. Treatment requires emergency irrigation and debridement of the joint, and intravenous antibiotics. Surgical debridement can be performed either arthroscopically or via open arthrotomy. In recent years, arthroscopic treatment demonstrated more favorable outcomes with better functional outcomes, shorter operative time and hospital stays.

Objective: New technologies are being developed to optimise healing of surgical incisions. BandGrip (US) is a micro-anchor skin closure device that replaces the need for subcuticular suturing and further dressing. The purpose of this study is to perform a matched cohort analysis comparing time to closure of surgical incisions between sutures and the novel skin closure device. Method: Patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery in 2019 underwent skin closure with either conventional sutures or the novel skin closure device. Patients were divided into three groups according to their procedural incisions: anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR); simple arthroscopy; and general incisions. Patients who underwent closure of their surgical incision with the novel skin closure device were matched with patients undergoing superficial closure with sutures. Statistical analysis was performed to compare time to closure per centimetre of skin incision between the groups. Results: A total of 86 patients were included in the study. Overall mean time to closure using the novel skin closure device was less than with sutures (8.6 seconds/cm versus 42.8 seconds/cm, respectively, pConclusion: BandGrip is a novel skin closure device that allows for efficient surgical incision closure. Time to surgical skin incision closure is significantly less with the use of the novel skin closure device when compared with conventional sutures.

Comparing symptoms of patients with focal cartilage defects of the knee to those with knee osteoarthritis. Prospectively maintained databases identified patients with focal cartilage defects (FCD group) who underwent osteochondral allograft transplantation and patients with osteoarthritis (OA group) undergoing arthroplasty. Patients between 18 and 55 years of age were included and matched based on age. Baseline patient demographics, symptoms, and patient-reported outcomes including the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (KOOS JR), SF-12, and VR-12 questionnaires were recorded. Patient symptoms and individual responses of the KOOS JR were compared between groups. Regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between pre-operative factors that significantly differed between groups and the KOOS JR questionnaire. Sixty-four patients were included: 32 patients in each group. The FCD group had a significantly lower body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.04) and greater number of workers’ compensation cases (p = 0.027) when compared to the OA group. Patients in the OA group complained more frequently of medial-sided pain (p = 0.02) and knee swelling (p = 0.003). The OA cohort also had greater pain with fully straightening the knee (p = 0.012), pain with standing upright (p = 0.016), and pain with rising from sitting (p = 0.003). Patients in the FCD group had greater KOOS JR outcome scores (51.5 ± 12.9 vs. 41.5 ± 20.5; p = 0.023). When compared to patients with focal cartilage defects, adults with knee osteoarthritis scheduled for knee arthroplasty have a more severe presentation of symptoms, particularly medial-sided pain, swelling of the knee, pain associated with straightening the knee, standing upright, and rising from sitting.

Purpose To report the clinical history and preliminary outcomes of patients who underwent posterior glenoid reconstruction using a distal tibial allograft (DTA) for the management of posterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss. Methods Patients who underwent posterior shoulder stabilization with a DTA in our institution between 2011 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic characteristics, operative reports, and clinical and functional outcomes were recorded. Outcomes included postoperative range of motion (ROM), recurrent instability, complications, and revision surgery. All patients underwent at least 1 year of follow-up, except 2 patients who underwent revision surgery. Preoperative and postoperative ROM was compared using the 2-tailed Student t test for paired samples. Results Ten patients who underwent DTA augmentation for posterior instability were included, comprising 2 female and 8 male patients with an average age of 24 years (range, 17-35 years). Five patients had a prior sports-related traumatic event, and 2 patients had a seizure disorder. Seven patients had undergone a prior stabilization procedure. The average reverse bony Bankart lesion was 26% of the glenoid diameter. Concomitant procedures included 4 capsular repairs, 2 labral repairs, 2 capsular plications, and 1 repair for humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament. One patient reported recurrent instability after surgery. Two patients underwent revision surgery, with one removal of symptomatic hardware and one early revision owing to screw penetration into the glenoid. There was no significant difference in preoperative versus postoperative ROM. Conclusions Posterior shoulder instability with significant bony deficiency can be managed using DTA augmentation with good outcomes and a reasonable complication rate in these challenging cases. Level of Evidence Level IV, case series.

Symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) remains a substantial cause of pain and disability worldwide and effective management in young patients without indications for total knee arthroplasty remains challenging. Intra-articular injections represent a viable option in the non-operative treatment of knee OA. Hyaluronic acid (HA) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are two commonly utilized intra-articular treatment modalities that are of particular clinical interest in the current literature. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide a concise review of the current literature on the use of HA, PRP, and HA-PRP conjugates for the treatment of symptomatic knee OA. A review of the literature utilizing PubMed, OVID/Medline, and Cochrane databases on basic science and clinical literature pertaining to preparation, composition, and outcomes of HA, PRP, and HA-PRP conjugates in patients with symptomatic knee OA. Both HA and PRP have been shown to be efficacious for the treatment of symptomatic knee OA, with HA injections providing limited short-term improvement, while PRP may provide greater therapeutic relief, particularly with the use of leukocyte-poor (LP-PRP) formulations. Despite limited data, the combination of different formulations of HA-PRP conjugates may provide a synergistic effect, resulting in a clinically significant improvement in both pain and function. In patients with symptomatic knee OA, intra-articular HA and PRP provide short-term improvement in pain and function, while the efficacy of HA-PRP conjugates warrants further study.

Background:Free bone block (FBB) procedures for anterior shoulder instability have been proposed as an alternative to or bail-out for the Latarjet procedure. However, studies comparing the outcomes of these treatment modalities are limited.Purpose:To systematically review and perform a meta-analysis comparing the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing anterior shoulder stabilization with a Latarjet or FBB procedure.Study Design:Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched from inception to 2019 for human-participants studies published in the English language. The search was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement including studies reporting clinical outcomes of patients undergoing Latarjet or FBB procedures for anterior shoulder instability with minimum 2-year follow-up. Case reports and technique articles were excluded. Data were synthesized, and a random effects meta-analysis was performed to determine the proportions of recurrent instability, other complications, progression of osteoarthritis, return to sports, and patient-reported outcome (PRO) improvement.Results:A total of 2007 studies were screened; of these, 70 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. These studies reported outcomes on a total of 4540 shoulders, of which 3917 were treated with a Latarjet procedure and 623 were treated with an FBB stabilization procedure. Weighted mean follow-up was 75.8 months (range, 24-420 months) for the Latarjet group and 92.3 months (range, 24-444 months) for the FBB group. No significant differences were found between the Latarjet and the FBB groups in the overall random pooled summary estimate of the rate of recurrent instability (5% vs 3%, respectively; P = .09), other complications (4% vs 5%, respectively; P = .892), progression of osteoarthritis (12% vs 4%, respectively; P = .077), and return to sports (73% vs 88%; respectively, P = .066). American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores improved after both Latarjet and FBB, with a significantly greater increase after FBB procedures (10.44 for Latarjet vs 32.86 for FBB; P = .006). Other recorded PRO scores improved in all studies, with no significant difference between groups.Conclusion:Current evidence supports the safety and efficacy of both the Latarjet and FBB procedures for anterior shoulder stabilization in the presence of glenoid bone loss. We found no significant differences between the procedures in rates of recurrent instability, other complications, osteoarthritis progression, and return to sports. Significant improvement in PROs was demonstrated for both groups. Significant heterogeneity existed between studies on outcomes of the Latarjet and FBB procedures, warranting future high-quality, comparative studies.

Glenoid augmentation using free bone blocks for anterior shoulder instability has been proposed as an alternative to or bail-out for the Latarjet procedure. The purpose of this investigation was to systematically review and compare outcomes of patients undergoing glenoid augmentation using free bone block autografts versus allografts. A systematic review using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases was performed in line with the PRISMA statement. Studies reporting outcomes of patients treated with free bone block procedures for anterior shoulder instability with minimum 2-year follow-up were included. Random effects modelling was used to compare patient-reported outcomes, return to sports, recurrent instability, non-instability related complications, and development of arthritis between free bone block autografts and allografts. Eighteen studies comprising of 623 patients met the inclusion criteria for this investigation. There were six studies reporting on the use of allografts (of these, two used distal tibial, three iliac crest, and one femoral head allograft) in 173 patients and twelve studies utilizing autografts (of these, ten used iliac crest and two used free coracoid autograft) in 450 patients. Mean age was 28.7 ± 4.1 years for the allograft group and 27.8 ± 3.8 years for the autograft group (n.s). Mean follow-up was 98 months in autograft studies and 50.8 months for allograft studies (range 24–444 months, n.s). Overall mean increase in Rowe score was 56.2 with comparable increases between autografts and allografts (n.s). Pooled recurrent instability rates were 3% (95% CI, 1–7%; I2 = 77%) and did not differ between the groups (n.s). Arthritic progression was evident in 11% of autografts (95% CI, 2–27%; I2 = 90%) and 1% (95% CI, 0–8%; I2 = 63%) of allografts (n.s). The overall incidence of non-instability related complications was 5% (95% CI, 2–10%; I2 = 81%) and was similar between the groups (n.s). Pooled return to sports rate was 88% (95% CI, 76–96%; I2 = 76%). Glenoid augmentation using free bone block autograft or allograft in the setting of recurrent anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss is effective and safe. Outcomes and complication incidence using autografts and allografts were comparable. Due to the high degree of heterogeneity in the data and outcomes reported in available studies, which consist primarily of retrospective case series, future prospective trials investigating long-term outcomes using free bone block autograft versus allograft for anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss are warranted. IV.

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate mid- and long-term outcomes following the Latarjet procedure for anterior shoulder instability. Methods PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane libraries were systematically searched, in line with PRISMA guidelines, for studies reporting on outcomes following the Latarjet procedure with minimum five-year follow-up. Outcomes of studies with follow-up between 5 and 10 years were compared to those with minimum follow-up of 10 years. Results Fifteen studies reporting on 1052 Latarjet procedures were included. Recurrent instability occurred in 127 patients, with an overall random summary estimates in studies with a minimum five-year follow-up of 0–18% (I2 = 90%) compared to 5–26% (I2 = 59%) for studies with a minimum 10-year follow-up. Overall rates for return to sports, non-instability related complications, and progression of arthritis estimated at 65–100% (I2 = 87%), 0–20% (I2 = 85%), and 8–42% (I2 = 89%) for the minimum five-year follow-up studies and 62–93% (I2 = 86%), 0–9% (I2 = 28%), and 9–71% (I2 = 91%) for the minimum 10-year follow-up studies, respectively. All studies reported good-to-excellent mean PRO scores at final follow-up. Conclusions The Latarjet is a safe and effective procedure for patients with shoulder instability. The majority of patients return to sport, though at long-term follow-up, a trend towards an increased incidence of recurrent instability is appreciated, while a significant number may demonstrate arthritis progression.

Cartilage defects in the knee are being diagnosed with increased frequency and are treated with a variety of techniques. The aim of any cartilage repair procedure is to generate the highest tissue quality, which might correlate with improved clinical outcomes, return-to-sport, and long-term durability. Minced cartilage implantation (MCI) is a relatively simple and cost-effective technique to transplant autologous cartilage fragments in a single-step procedure. Minced cartilage has a strong biologic potential since autologous, activated non-dedifferentiated chondrocytes are utilized. It can be used both for small and large cartilage lesions, as well as for osteochondral lesions. As it is purely an autologous and homologous approach, it lacks a significant regulatory oversight process and can be clinically adopted without such limitations. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the current evidence supporting autologous minced cartilage implantation.

Background: Hip arthroscopy is an increasingly common procedure; however, recommendations for safely returning to driving after hip arthroscopy vary among surgeons. Purpose: To systematically review and analyze the current available evidence on the optimal time to safely return to driving after hip arthroscopy. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Two authors independently conducted a literature search throughout August 2021 using the PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Cochrane databases. A total of 1425 articles were reviewed, and 5 articles were included. All included articles used brake reaction time (BRT) as an observer-reported outcome measure. A meta-analysis was performed to compare pre- and postoperative BRT values. Study sample sizes and mean BRT values were collected per each included study. First, data were analyzed for the right and left hips combined; then, a subgroup analysis stratified by laterality was performed. The BRT values were divided according to time periods of measurement: preoperatively and 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks postoperatively. Results: The included studies evaluated safety to return to driving after hip arthroscopy in 160 patients. Of these, 142 patients were treated for femoroacetabular impingement, while 18 patients underwent hip arthroscopy for other diagnoses. The mean weighted age was 33.7 ± 9.0 years, 47.5% of the patients were female, and the right hip was affected in 71.2%. The preoperative range of BRT was 566 to 1960 ms, and postoperative BRT range was 567 to 1840 ms at 1 to 2 weeks and 523 to 1860 ms at 3 to 12 weeks. Meta-analysis found the studies to be moderately heterogenic ( P = .06). There were no statistically significant differences in BRT between the preoperative period and at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks postoperatively. Conclusion: Return to driving is likely safe as early as 2 to 4 weeks after right-sided hip arthroscopy, and 2 weeks after a left-sided procedure, as driving performance returns to the preoperative level. Registration: CRD42021274460 (PROSPERO identifier).

Background: Immediate postoperative pain relief following arthroscopic partial meniscectomy remains a critical contributor to improved patient experience, early recovery of range of motion, and enhanced rehabilitation. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of intra-articular versus extra-articular bupivacaine on pain intensity and analgesic intake after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: This was a prospective double-blind, randomized clinical trial. All patients included underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy under general anesthesia. Patients were randomized into 2 groups, with 20 patients in each group. At the conclusion of the arthroscopic procedure, the intra-articular group received 10 mL 0.5% bupivacaine introduced intra-articularly and 10 mL isotonic saline 0.9% infiltrated subcutaneously around the portals. The extra-articular group received the isotonic saline intra-articularly and the bupivacaine around the portals. The primary outcome was the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Assessments were performed 0 to 0.5, 1 to 2, 2 to 4, and at 24 and 48 hours postoperatively. In addition, analgesic and narcotic consumption was monitored. Results: There were no differences between the groups in terms of patient demographics. VAS scores for the intra-articular group were 6, 8, 3.25, 4.3, and 4.5 at 0 to 0.5, 1 to 2, 2 to 4, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively, respectively. VAS scores for the extra-articular group were 3.8, 5, 2.9, 5.2, and 5.25, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed between the 2 groups regarding pain intensity at all time points. There was also no statistically significant difference in analgesic consumption. Dipyrone was the preferred drug by patients from the intra-articular group, while the extra-articular group preferred to use opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Conclusion: There were no differences in pain severity and analgesic intake between intra- or extra-articular bupivacaine administration after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy.

Objectives: To develop machine learning algorithms to predict failure of surgical procedures that address cartilage defects of the knee and detect the most valuable variables associated with failure. Methods: A single institution prospectively collected database of cartilage procedures was queried for procedures performed between 2000 and 2018. Failure was defined as revision cartilage surgery and/or knee arthroplasty. One hundred and one preoperative and intraoperative features were evaluated as potential predictors. The dataset was randomly divided into training (70%) and independent testing (30%) sets. Four machine learning algorithms were trained and internally validated. Algorithm performance was assessed using area under curve (AUC) and the Brier score. Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations (LIME) was utilized to assess the optimized algorithm fidelity. Results: A total of 1091 patients who underwent surgical procedures addressing cartilage defects in the knee with a minimum of 2-years of follow-up were included. The mean follow-up was 3.5 ± 2.8 years. The mean age was 40.5 ± 15 years. There were 205 (18.8%) patients who failed at final follow-up. The Random Forest algorithm was found to be the best performing algorithm, with an AUC of 0.765 and a Brier score of 0.135. The 10 most important features for predicting failure following surgical procedures addressing cartilage defects of the knee were: symptom duration, age, body mass index (BMI), lesion grade, total lesion area (sum of all lesion areas), number of previous surgeries, number of lesions in the knee, gender, athletic level, and traumatic etiology. LIME analysis allowed for assessment of the optimized algorithm fidelity, as well as provided a patient-specific comparison for the risk of failure of an individual patient being assigned various types of cartilage procedures. Conclusions: Machine learning algorithms were accurate in predicting the risk of failure following cartilage procedures of the knee, with the most important features being symptom duration, age, BMI, lesion grade, and total lesion area. Machine learning algorithms may be used to compare the risk of failure of specific patient-procedure combinations in the treatment of cartilage defects of the knee. Integrated human and machine learning decision-making may improve patient selection and bring about the new era of patient-tailored evidence-based clinical care. [Table: see text][Table: see text][Figure: see text][Figure: see text]

Meniscus deficiency is a common cause of knee pain, disability, and early-onset osteoarthritis, generating a significant burden on society. Causes of meniscus deficiency include previous subtotal or total meniscectomy and a functional loss caused by an irreparable root tear or deep radial tear. Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) is an established surgical procedure for select young patients with refractory unicompartmental pain associated with meniscal deficiency. MAT may also be beneficial for meniscal-deficient patients undergoing revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction for recurrent instability or in the settings of an articular cartilage repair procedure in the ipsilateral compartment. Predictable improvement in patient-reported outcomes and reduction of pain is expected after MAT when strict patient selection criteria is adhered to and when concomitant pathological conditions are appropriately addressed. However, graft survival time and reoperation rates are still not ideal and warrant informed preoperative discussion with the patient to match expectations. As our understanding of patient selection, graft preparation and surgical techniques continue to develop, we expect MAT outcomes to continue to improve.

To compare meniscal extrusion (ME) following medial meniscus allograft transplantation (MMAT) with and without meniscotibial ligament reconstruction (MTLR).Ten cadaveric knees were size-matched with meniscus allografts. MMAT was performed via bridge-in-slot technique. Specimens were mounted in a testing system and ME was assessed via ultrasound anterior, directly over, and posterior to the medial collateral ligament at the joint line under 4 testing conditions: (1) 0° flexion and 0 newtons (N) of axial load, (2) 0° and 1,000 N, (3) 30° and 0 N, and (4) 30° and 1,000 N. For each condition, "mean total extrusion" was calculated by averaging measurements at each position. Next, MTLR was performed using 2 inside-out sutures through the remnant allograft meniscotibial ligament and secured to the tibia using anchors. The testing protocol was repeated. Differences in ME between MMAT alone versus MMAT + MTLR were examined. Within-group differences between the measurement positions, loading states, and flexion angles also were assessed."Mean total extrusion" was greater following MMAT alone (2.56 ± 1.23 mm) versus MMAT + MTLR (2.14 ± 1.07 mm; P = .005) in the loaded state at 0° flexion. ME directly over the MCL was greater following MMAT alone (3.51 ± 1.00 mm) compared with MMAT + MTLR (2.93 ± 0.79 mm; P = .054). Posteriorly, in the loaded state at 0°, ME was greater following MMAT alone (2.43 ± 1.10 mm) compared with MMAT + MTLR (1.96 ± 0.99 mm; P = .010). In all conditions, ME was greater in the loaded state versus the unloaded state.Following MMAT, the addition of MTLR significantly reduced overall ME when compared with isolated MMAT during loading at 0° of flexion in a cadaveric model; given the small absolute values of change in extrusion, clinical significance cannot be gleaned from these findings.During medial meniscus allograft transplantation, augmentation with meniscotibial ligament reconstruction may limit meniscal extrusion and improve the biomechanical milieu of the knee joint following transplant.

Focal articular cartilage defects are a significant source of pain and dysfunction in the knee, affecting upwards of one million people and resulting in an increased incidence of cartilage surgeries performed each year. To address these defects, several operative techniques are commonly utilized depending on defect site and location. While specific treatment choice and technique are individualized, cartilage procedures can broadly be classified as palliative measures such as chondroplasty, repair procedures such as microfracture, and restorative procedures including autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), osteochondral autograft transplantation (OATS), and osteochondral allograft transplantation.

Meniscus injuries are a common presentation to orthopedic clinics, with hundreds of thousands of meniscectomies and meniscus repairs being performed every year1. As the consequence of osteoarthritis progression has been found to be associated with functional meniscal deficiency, a significant increase in repair surgeries have occurred in recent years2. However, in symptomatic patients with irreparable tears, partial meniscectomy remains the standard of care. Meniscectomy is not harmless and can result in increased contact stress, predisposing the patient to early-onset osteoarthritis. In a select group of patients with persistent unicompartmental pain and symptomatic meniscus deficiency, meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) has emerged as an acceptable surgical procedure aiming to restore function and improve pain. In many patients, MAT can result in long-term improvement, with a recent systematic review demonstrating favorable graft survival and functional outcomes at a minimum ten years after surgery3. These favorable outcomes demonstrate lasting symptomatic improvement and, though unproven at this time, may decrease the progression of osteoarthritis in the knee. The purpose of this article is to review five key points on the indications, pre-operative considerations and surgical preparation, surgical technique, and common concomitant procedures of MAT.

To evaluate the intra/inter-rater and diagnostic reliability of the sagittal plane adjusted patellar instability ratios (PIRs) compared to tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance alone while employing a matched case-control analysis for age and sex to minimize a potential confounding effect.A retrospective case-control study was performed of all knee MRI studies of patients diagnosed with patellar instability, between 2005 and 2020 at a regional tertiary medical centre. Using a 1:1 case-control matching of sex and age at the time of the diagnosis, one control subject was assigned to each case of patellar instability. Measurements of TT-TG distance, sagittal patellar length (PL), sagittal patellar tendon length (PTL), TT-TG/PL ratio, and TT-TG/PTL ratio were conducted. Two orthopaedic surgery residents and a senior musculoskeletal radiologist were assigned to assess the intra- and inter-rater reliability. Inter-class coefficients were calculated (ICC). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under curve (AUC) for each parameter were compared to evaluate for diagnostic reliability. Odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated and a multivariable logistic regression model was performed to control for possible confounders.The study included 324 individuals (162 case-control matched pairs). In terms of intra- and inter-rater reliability, TT-TG/PL and TT-TG/PTL ratios showed an excellent correlation within and between readers (TT-TG/PL; intra-rater ICC 0.94 and inter-rater ICC 0.92, TT-TG/PTL; intra-rater ICC 0.91 and inter-rater ICC 0.88). The ROC curve showed a slightly greater AUC of the TT-TG/PL ratio compared to TT-TG distance alone (0.75 vs 0.73, p 0.001). When applying the pathologic cutoff of TT-TG ≥ 20 mm and TT-TG/PL ≥ 0.5; the calculated odds ratios for the above cutoff were as follows; TT-TG distance alone had an OR of 14 (95% CI 1.8-106.5, p = 0.011) and OR for TT-TG/PL ratio was 23 (95% CI 3.1-170.3, p = 0.002). In the multivariable analysis, while controlling for height and weight, only the association between TT-TG/PL ratio and patellar dislocation remained statistically significant with an adjusted OR of 2.7 (CI 1.3-5.4, p = 0.006), compared to TTTG distance alone (OR = 1.9, n.s.).Patellar instability ratios are significantly more reliable compared to TT-TG distance alone for the evaluation of patellar instability. Patellar instability ratios present superior diagnostic reliability, sensitivity and specificity, and intra\inter rater reliability. Thus, patellar instability ratios could function as a valuable diagnostic tool for the evaluation of patellar instability.III.

Purpose To define clinically significant outcomes (CSO) thresholds for minimal clinically important difference (MCID), substantial clinical benefit (SCB) and patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) in patients undergoing superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) with an acellular dermal allograft. We also evaluated patient specific variables predictive of achieving CSO thresholds. Methods The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and subjective Constant-Murley (Constant) scores were collected pre-operatively and at the most recent follow up for patients undergoing SCR from 2010-2019. A distribution-based approach was used to calculate MCID, and an anchor-based approach was used to calculate SCB and PASS. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with CSO achievement. Results Fifty-eight patients were identified (n=39 males; n=19 females) with a mean age of 53.4 ± 14.1 years at surgery and an average follow-up of 23 months. The MCID, SCB, and PASS were, 11.2, 18.02, and 68.82 for ASES, 14.5, 23.13, and 69.9 for SANE, and 3.6, 10, and 18 for Constant, respectively. Subscapularis tear, female sex, and workers compensation (WC) status reduced odds of achieving MCID. Reduced odds of achieving Constant SCB were associated with older age, female sex, and WC status, while concomitant distal clavicle excision during SCR and lower preoperative ASESincreased odds of achieving ASES SCB. Reduced odds for achieving ASES PASS were associated with female sex and WC status, while reduced odds for achieving SANE PASS were associated with subscapularis tearing preoperatively. Conclusion Based on calculated values for MCID, SCB, and PASS, subscapularis tearing, WC status, age, and sex are associated with failure to achieve clinically significant outcomes following SCR. Concomitant distal clavicle excision during SCR and lower preoperative ASES was predictive for achievement of MCID and SCB. By defining the thresholds and variables predictive of achieving CSOs following SCR, surgeons may better counsel patients prior to SCR.

Introduction The threshold values needed to achieve MCID and PASS following HTO with or without concomitant procedures are not well known. Objectives To determine values and variables predictive for achieving the minimally clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) of patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores following high tibial osteotomy (HTO) with or without associated restoration procedures for the correction of varus deformity. Methods A prospectively collected HTO outcomes registry was retrospectively reviewed for patients who underwent HTO between 2001 and 2018. Collected PROs included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Lysholm scores. A distribution-based approach was used to calculate MCID, and an anchor-based approach was used for the calculation of PASS. Results Fifty-five patients were identified (n = 43 males; n = 12 females) with a mean age of 37.9 ± 9.0 years at surgery and average follow-up of 3.3 ± 3.1 years. The MCID and PASS for IKDC were calculated as 12.5 and 40.23, respectively. MCID and PASS values for each of the KOOS subscales were as follows: symptoms: 9.9 and 71.43; pain: 11.3 and 72.22; daily living: 12.0 and 77.94; sports: 16.0 and 40; quality of life: 15.1 and 56.25, respectively. Conclusions Based on calculated values for MCID and PASS following HTO using IKDC and KOOS subscales, higher preoperative PROs, prior medial meniscectomy, higher BMI, concomitant ACL reconstruction and worker's compensation status were associated with failure to achieve clinically significant outcomes. Prior ACL reconstruction was found to be predictive of MCID for KOOS-symptoms.