Search

There has been an epidemic increase in injuries to the elbow in our youth sports over the past 15 years. Initially, career-ending elbow injuries occurred almost exclusively in the professional population. The landmark procedure developed by Dr. Frank Jobe, colloquially termed "Tommy John surgery" after the initial player in whom he performed the surgical procedure, allowed roughly two-thirds of professional athletes to return to play at or near the same level. As the surgical procedure became more widespread, modifications of the technique by Jobe and many other contributors raised the return-to-play level to 85%-94% of players regaining the ability to return to sport at the preinjury level. Almost simultaneously, the emphasis on velocity in the professional ranks led to an unintentional increase in stress on the throwing elbow. This was magnified in our athletes by the advent of year-round sports, as well as the formation of "showcase" events to demonstrate skills and measure velocity. This, unfortunately, has resulted in an increase in both repetitive stress injuries and acute traumatic injuries in our young athletes. The purpose of this article is to discuss age-related injuries from both a preventative standpoint and a treatment standpoint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many regularly prescribed classes of drugs are known to negatively impact bone health. However, it is unclear if perioperative use of these drugs impacts total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) outcomes. The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of perioperative use of 10 drug classes with known negative effects on bone health on prosthesis-related outcomes of TSA. Patients who underwent primary TSA were retrospectively identified in the PearlDiver database. Within this population, patients prescribed proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), thiazolidinediones (TZDs), loop diuretics, glucocorticoids, aromatase inhibitors, calcineurin inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs), and second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) within 6 months before or 6 months after primary TSA were identified (n = 23,748). These patients were propensity score matched 1:1 with controls (n = 23,748) on age, sex, and several comorbidities. After matching, patients with perioperative drug exposure were divided into 10 subgroups (ie, 1 for each drug class). Rates of prosthesis-related complications among patients taking each medication class vs. controls were compared with multivariable logistic regression. Relative to controls, SGA exposure was associated with significantly higher rates of all-cause revision (odds ratio [OR] 1.68) and aseptic revision (OR 1.57). Loop diuretic exposure was associated with significantly higher rates of all-cause revision (OR 1.44) and aseptic revision (OR 1.43). Glucocorticoid exposure was associated with significantly higher rates of all-cause revision (OR 1.32) and aseptic revision (OR 1.30). SSRI exposure was associated with significantly higher rates of all-cause revision (OR 1.27) and aseptic revision (OR 1.24). Periprosthetic fracture, aseptic loosening, and septic revision was comparable for all drug cohorts compared to matched controls (all P >.05). Patients with perioperative exposure to PPIs, TZDs, FGAs, AEDs, aromatase inhibitors, and calcineurin inhibitors displayed comparable rates of all queried complications compared with controls (all P >.05). Compared with matched controls, patients with perioperative exposure to SGAs, loop diuretics, glucocorticoids and SSRIs exhibited significantly higher rates of all-cause and aseptic revisions following primary TSA. Several other medications that are risk factors for osteoporosis and fragility fractures did not demonstrate significant associations with any complications, including periprosthetic fracture. These results highlight the need for a thorough review of patients' medical history and current medication usage prior to preoperative risk counseling for patients seeking TSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As women become more involved in athletic activity, injuries specific to this population also increase. No data exist regarding operative treatment of female patients with elbow instability secondary to [...]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare the biomechanical properties and change in graft size when adding the sartorius tendon as a fifth strand to a four-strand ST-G hamstring autograft. Additionally, the sartorius tendon was tested individually to quantify its independent biomechanical properties.Methods: Four-strand and five-strand hamstring tendon grafts were harvested from matched cadaveric knees (mean age: 81.6 ± 9.8). These matched grafts were biomechanically tested using a MTS servohydraulic test system at a rate of testing representative of physiologic tears. The mean diameter, cross-sectional area, and ultimate load to failure were quantified and compared with a one-sided, paired Student's t-test. A P < .05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The mean diameter of the five-strand graft was significantly larger than the four-strand graft (9.30 ± .84 mm vs 8.10 ± .42 mm; P = .002). The average ultimate load to failure of the five-strand graft was 65.3% higher than the four-strand graft (2984.05 ± 1085.11 N vs. 1805.03 ± 557.69 N; P = .009) and added 14.8% to the diameter of the four strand ST-G autograft.Conclusions: The addition of the sartorius tendon to a four-strand hamstring autograft significantly increased ultimate load to failure by 65%, graft cross-sectional area by 32%, and graft diameter by 15% compared to a traditional four-strand ST-G autograft. This information can be helpful to surgeons who wish to improve the strength of a four-strand ST-G autograft and for undersized grafts as an alternative to allograft supplementation.Clinical Relevance: The addition of the sartorius to the four-strand ST-G hamstring autograft significantly increases the ultimate load to failure and overall graft diameter, which can be particularly helpful in undersized autografts as an alternative to allograft supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humeral shaft fractures account for an estimated 3% of all adult fractures. When operative treatment is indicated, intramedullary (IM) nailing and open reduction and internal fixation with plating are the 2 most common techniques. Early IM nails were associated with poor outcomes, but with advancements in nail design, patient outcomes have been improving with this technique. This study used a nationwide database to quantify and compare the rates of postoperative complications between IM nails and plating for humeral shaft fractures in a national population. An administrative database was queried from the beginning of 2010 to the second quarter of 2017 for patients undergoing IM nailing vs open reduction and internal fixation with a plate for humeral shaft fractures. Systemic complications, fracture complications, and mean prescribed morphine milligram equivalents were collected and compared with statistical analysis. The overall rate of complications was high for both IM nailing (30.8%) and plating (34.2%). Patients were at greater risk for radial nerve palsy and infection at 90 days, 6 months, and 1 year if they received plate fixation (P<.05). The plate cohort had a lower risk of rotator cuff repair for all periods (P<.05). Patients in the IM nail cohort had higher rates of hardware removal for all periods (P<.05). Both IM nails and plates have overall similar rates of complications, and either can be used for humeral shaft fractures, based on surgeon preference, skill, and consideration of minor differences in complications between these 2 treatments. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(3):156-162.]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acquisition of surgical skills required to correctly perform orthopedic procedures varies among different institutions due to the diversity of training curriculums. With its technologic advances, surgical simulation can provide trainees with an accurate, safe, and standardized mean to practice procedures throughout their time in residency. The force utilized by a surgeon while reaming relies on prior experience and muscle memory developed throughout their career. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the average force applied during reaming of an acetabulum vs. a glenoid by fellowship trained orthopedic surgeons in order to provide trainees a standard to use during simulation and in practice and to provide an understanding of the force differentials. A reaming simulator was created by installing a force transducer onto a reamer which allowed the testing of fellowship trained hip and shoulder orthopedic surgeons from the surrounding communities. Each surgeon was given 6 trials to determine the mean clinical force and their max effort force. Demographic information was surveyed for each participating surgeon to determine their level of experience and personal characteristics. Statistical analysis was performed using a Welch t test for scale variables and a Levene's F test to compare variances between groups via SPSS Statistics 24 software. A 61% greater mean clinical force was applied while simulating reaming of the acetabulum (90.12 N ± 30.12) than of the glenoid (55.91 N ± 25.65), t (184) = 8.0, P <.001. When shoulder (297.62 N ± 82.25) and hip surgeons (318.11 N ± 112.06) were asked to push the reamer at a maximal effort, there was no significant difference between the max effort force generated by the 2 groups (P =.16). For glenoid reaming, shoulder surgeons applied 19% of their max effort force while for acetabular reaming, hip surgeons applied 28% of their max force. The mean clinical force utilized to ream an acetabulum is greater than that of a glenoid by nearly twofold. Application of this knowledge can be translated into surgical simulation training for residents to help them develop the proper muscle memory for reaming in the 2 different clinical scenarios throughout residency. Reamers with an incorporated force transducer could provide surgeons, in real time, feedback on the force they apply to bone. With the advances in simulations, these tools can be optimized to give trainees tactile feedback when learning crucial steps of surgery. Clinical Science Study; Biomechanics [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glenoid loosening is the most common complication of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) resulting in revision. Inaccurate reaming and thermal osteonecrosis from heat generated during the reaming process may contribute to TSA failure by creating a suboptimal bone-implant interface for osteointegration. This biomechanical study investigated the differences in depth penetration and heat generation of used community glenoid reamers in comparison to brand new reamers by using a clinically relevant force. A MTS Servohydraulic machine was utilized to test new and used community glenoid reamers by applying the clinically relevant force of 54.7 N over a defined time. The depth of penetration was measured via the MTS machine and the thermal profile was obtained via an infrared camera. The used reamers were then set by the MTS machine to reach the same depth as the new reamers for all respective sizes while recording the force differential generated and capturing the thermal profile. Levene's F test for variance and a Welch t test for scale variables were performed via SPSS Statistics 24 software. At a constant force and time, the new reamers penetrated a greater depth (4.18 ± 2.17 mm) than the community used reamers (0.41 ± 0.22 mm), a difference of 3.80 mm ((95% CI, 2.23 to 5.31 mm), P <.001) without generating temperatures above 50°C. When programmed to reach the same average depth as the new reamers of equivalent sizes, the community reamers generated more heat on average (50.02°C ± 2.88°C), a difference of 5.98°C ((95% CI, 3.40-8.53), P <.001). The used reamers on average also required 218.20 N more force than the new reamers (54.71 ± 28.69 N) to reach the same depth, with the medium (303.47 ± 96.71 N) and large (261.72 ± 55.28 N) reamers specifically requiring the largest amount of force. The sharpness of glenoid reamers varies in the community. In order to reach the necessary depth for adequate fixation of implants, orthopedic surgeons may be required to exert a substantially larger force when using dulled reamers in comparison to sharp reamers. As a consequence, the heat generated could increase the risk of thermal osteonecrosis resulting in glenoid loosening. To minimize these risks, strategies may be employed to measure reamer wear, track reamer usage for exchanges, or develop disposable reamer systems. Basic Science Study; Biomechanics [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotator cuff tears are common shoulder injuries expected to increase with the growth of the aging population. Although a small subset of patients with low functional demands can be treated nonoperatively, surgical intervention is a cost-effective solution, which can restore shoulder function and help patients return to activity sooner. While multiple surgical options are available, rotator cuff repair is a highly utilized procedure with varying success. Due to a large proportion of rotator cuff repairs still failing to completely heal, this procedure requires careful planning to achieve anatomical and biomechanically stability. New technology and techniques are being explored to help increase the success of rotator cuff repairs with an increasing focus on augmentation. The current article gives a brief overview of pertinent anatomy, treatment options, and challenges in healing of rotator cuff repairs. Thereafter, the merits of different types of rotator cuff repair augmentation available will be discussed as well as the authors' experience in utilizing biologic augmentation and surgical technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with a patient-reported penicillin allergy may be at greater risk for postoperative prosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total joint arthroplasty of the hip, knee, or shoulder. The increased risk of PJI in these patients has been attributed to these patients receiving a less-effective perioperative antibiotic. However, prior reports did not fully address the clinical characteristics of these unique patients, who may inherently be at greater risk of having a PJI, which may confound prior findings.Questions/purposes: After controlling for risk factors for PJI such as BMI, anxiety, depression, and other comorbidities, we asked: Are patients with a patient-reported penicillin allergy more likely to have a PJI after THA, TKA, or total shoulder arthroplasty than patients without such a reported allergy?Methods: We queried patient records from 2010 to 2017 from a nationwide administrative claims database of 122 million patients to adequately power an investigation comparing the 1-year incidence of PJI after TKA, total shoulder arthroplasty, and THA in patients with patient-reported penicillin allergy versus patients without a patient-reported penicillin allergy. Operative treatments for deep joint infection, identified by Current Procedural Terminology and ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes were used as a surrogate for PJI. Clinical characteristics such as age, sex, BMI, length of stay, and Charlson comorbidity index and specific comorbidities including alcohol abuse, anemia, anxiety, cardiac disease, diabetes, immunocompromised status, rheumatoid arthritis, depression, liver disease, chronic kidney disease, tobacco use, and peripheral vascular disease were queried for each study group. The odds of PJI within 1 year of THA, TKA, or total shoulder arthroplasty were compared using multiple logistic regression after adjusting for potential confounders.Results: After adjusting for potential confounding factors such as BMI, anxiety, depression and other comorbidities, we found that patient-reported penicillin allergy was independently associated with an increased odds of PJI after TKA (odds ratio 1.3 [95% confidence interval 1.1 to 1.4]; p < 0.01) and total shoulder arthroplasty (OR 3.9 [95% CI 2.7 to 5.4]; p < 0.01). However, patient-reported penicillin allergy was not independently associated with an increased odds of PJI after THA (OR 1.1 [95% CI 0.9 to 1.3]; p = 0.36) after controlling for the same risk factors.Conclusions: In this study, we found that patients with patient-reported penicillin allergy were at an increased risk for PJI after TKA and total shoulder arthroplasty, which we suspect-but cannot prove-is likely a function of those patients receiving a second-line antibiotic for presurgical prophylaxis. Since prior research has found that many patients listed in medical records as having a penicillin allergy are in fact not allergic to penicillin, we suggest that surgeons consider preoperative allergy testing, such as using an intraoperative test dose, to aid in choosing the most appropriate antibiotic choice before knee or shoulder arthroplasty and to amend patient medical records based on testing results. Future studies should determine whether this additional diagnostic maneuver is cost-effective.Level Of Evidence: Level III, therapeutic study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed to analyze the effect that coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has had on orthopedic surgeons' practices, their patients, and orthopedic surgeons themselves through a survey distributed to members of the Louisiana Orthopaedic Association (LOA). An anonymous 22-question online survey was created and distributed to 323 LOA members. Of the 323 recipients of the survey, 99 (30.7%) responded. As a part of a multiple response set, in which respondents could choose more than one answer, the majority reported delayed care for routine orthopedic injuries (81 of 97, 83.5%). Almost every surgeon (n=95, 96.0%) reported stopping or delaying elective surgery because of COVID-19 and an increase in pain/disability/deformity in patients due to delay in elective procedures (73 of 97, 75.3%) and delay in seeking care (66 of 97, 68.0%). The majority reported an increased use of telehealth visits (68 of 97, 70.1%), a decrease in patient volume (88 of 97, 90.7%), and a reduction in income (79 of 98, 80.6%) during the past 6 months. A majority of surgeons (58 of 98, 59.2%) reported that they had applied for government assistance or took out loans. Via a multiple response set, respondents indicated that as a result of the pandemic, telehealth will become more widespread (64 of 98, 65.3%) and hospitals will exert a stronger influence over health care (64 of 98, 65.3%). The COVID-19 pandemic has had lasting effects on orthopedic surgeons in Louisiana and their practices, with a substantial decrease in the number of patients treated (90.5%), surgical volume, and revenue (80.6%). Orthopedic surgeons affected by the pandemic could use these data to further understand future challenges with patient care and changing orthopedic practice dynamics during this unique time. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(6):351-355.]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) insufficiency is becoming common in younger, nonprofessional athletes. In contrast to elite athletes who develop valgus extension overload syndrome and associated chronic pathologic changes in the MUCL, younger patients present with sprains and partial tears that can often be managed non-operatively with successful outcome and rapid return to play. In the younger throwing athlete with medial-sided elbow pain, a hinged elbow brace and rehabilitation of dysfunctional muscles often lead to successful recovery and return to play within 1-2 months. In more severe injuries, direct repair of the partial tear with or without added internal bracing supplementation allows restoration of stability with a return to play with 4 to 6 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case: A 58-year-old man presented with acute respiratory distress syndrome and coagulopathy secondary to COVID-19. He developed acute compartment syndrome (ACS) of the left hand. He underwent a bedside 10-compartment decompression of the hand with volar forearm and carpal tunnel release while in the ICU. This report adds to the scarce body of literature regarding orthopaedic complications related to COVID-19. Conclusion: Coagulopathy secondary to COVID-19 can be a risk factor for the development of ACS. Frequent examinations of lines, restraints, and extremities are recommended. The COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges, necessitating clinical adjustments to best care for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury is commonly seen in overhead throwing athletes resulting from the repetitive valgus stress placed on the medial elbow. UCL injuries (attenuation, insufficiency, or rupture) can result in medial elbow pain, a loss of pitch velocity and accuracy, and increased fatigue. Diagnosis can be made by performing a thorough physical examination along with imaging if indicated, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment options include nonoperative in recreational athletes or those whose primary positions in sport are not high-volume throwing, such as position players in baseball. If nonoperative treatment fails, or the patient has potential for future high-level overhead activity such as a baseball pitcher, surgical repair or reconstruction may be indicated. This article describes our surgical technique for UCL repair in pediatric baseball pitchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is a procedure that has been increasingly utilized since its inception over 20 years ago. The purpose of this review is to present the most up to date practice and advances to the RTSA literature from the last 5 years. Recent Findings: Recent literature on RTSA has focused on identifying complications, maximizing outcomes, and determining its cost-effectiveness. RTSA has become a valuable tool in the treatment of various shoulder pathologies from fractures to massive-irreparable rotator cuff tears. Maximizing outcomes, proper patient counseling, and limiting complications are vital to a successful procedure. Summary: RTSA can be a difficult procedure; however, when utilized appropriately, it can be an invaluable tool in the orthopedic surgeon's armament. Recent evidence suggests, more and more, that RTSA not only provides value to the patient, but it is also cost-effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on the therapeutic management for ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries. Discussions on the anatomy of the UCL; Effects of repetitive overhead activities to the UCL; Information on arthroscopy.

ABSTRACT: Elbow instability often results in chronic overuse injuries, especially with overhead throwing in athletes. Initial management of medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries often is conservative, but surgery may be [...]

Articular surface partial rotator cuff tendon tears are a common source of shoulder pain and dysfunction, and there is no consensus regarding the optimal arthroscopic treatment. Commonly accepted techniques, such as transtendinous repair or tear takedown with primary repair, may violate healthy tendon tissue and increase the suture anchor density. In this note, we describe an outside-in double row–equivalent technique for repair of partial articular-sided rotator cuff tears. A medial row of inverted horizontal mattress stitches is placed percutaneously using spinal needles to shuttle partially absorbable braided sutures into the joint. The technique may incorporate a soft tissue biceps tenodesis into the rotator cuff with a second, oblique medial row mattress stitch. Suture limbs are retrieved and tied in the subacromial space and then secured to a lateral anchor. The result is a side-to-side double row–equivalent rotator cuff repair, anatomically reproducing the footprint of the rotator cuff without removing healthy tissue. We believe this is an efficient and reproducible technique that preserves intact bursal tissue, limits implant costs, and produces reliable healing in partial articular-sided tears of the rotator cuff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To systematically review available literature comparing location and safety of 2 common anteromedial portals with nearby neurovascular structures in cadaveric models and to determine the correct positioning and preparation of the joint before elbow arthroscopy.Methods: The review was devised in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Inclusion criteria consisted of original, cadaveric studies performed by experienced surgeons on male or female elbows evaluating anteromedial portal placement with regard to proximity of the arthroscope to neurovascular structures. Exclusion criteria consisted of case reports, clinical series, non-English language studies, and noncadaveric studies. Statistical analysis was done to measure reviewer reliability after scoring of each study.Results: During screening, 2,596 studies were identified, and 10 studies met final inclusion as original, cadaveric investigations of anteromedial portal proximity to neurovascular structures. The difference in distance between proximal and distal portals was <1 mm for the brachial artery and <1.5 mm for the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve, whereas the ulnar nerve was 4.17 mm further from the distal portal and the median nerve was 5.07 mm further from the proximal portal. Joint distension increased the distances of neurovascular structures to portal sites, with the exception of the ulnar nerve in distal portals. Elbow flexion to 90° increased distances of all neurovascular structures to portal sites.Conclusion: The results show that the proximal anteromedial portal puts fewer structures at risk compared with the distal portal. Elbows in 90° flexion with joint distension carry a lower risk for neurovascular injury during portal placement. These findings suggest the proximal anteromedial portal to be the safer technique in anteromedial arthroscopy of the elbow.Clinical Relevance: Discrepancies in placement of portals have existed in the literature, indicating differing safety margins regarding surrounding neurovascular anatomy. The present study aims to link together the literature-based evidence to describe the safest anteromedial portal variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Failure of repair of large and massive rotator cuff tears is a challenging problem within orthopaedics. Poor tendon tissue and vascularity are known causes for failure of rotator cuff repairs. Purpose: To assess the safety, outcomes, and healing rates when large and massive rotator cuff repairs are augmented with a bioinductive collagen scaffold patch in a proof-of-principle design. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Twenty-three patients undergoing repair of full-thickness large (2-tendon) or massive (3-tendon) rotator cuff tears augmented with a bioinductive collagen patch were enrolled in a prospective single-arm proof-of-principle study. No partial repairs were performed, and a complete rotator cuff repair was successfully achieved in each case. Sixteen patients underwent revision rotator cuff repairs versus 7 primary repairs. Safety was determined by any implant-related adverse event. A single magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan was utilized to confirm tendon healing and thickness at a minimum of 6 months postoperatively. Post-operative ultrasound (US) was used in office by the treating surgeon to assess tendon thickness at 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month intervals. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores were collected at final follow-up. Results: Overall, a 96% (22 of 23) healing rate was confirmed on US and MRI. However, incidence of treatment clinical failure was 9% (2 of 23), as 1 patient’s tendon healed but eventually underwent additional surgery. There were no adverse events attributed to the implant reported. Final US rotator cuff thickness was 7.28 ± 0.85 mm (mean ± SD), and final MRI rotator cuff thickness was 5.13 ± 1.06 mm. The mean ASES score at final follow-up was 82.87 ± 16.68 (range, 53.33-100). Conclusion: No complications attributed to the implant were reported, and new tendon formation was apparent on US and MRI, with relatively high healing rates at 2-year follow-up. Arthroscopic application of this bioinductive collagen scaffold when combined with rotator cuff repair is a safe and effective treatment for healing of large and massive rotator cuff repairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]