Background:
Glenoid bone loss is a common finding in association with anterior shoulder instability. This loss has been identified as a predictor of failure after operative stabilization procedures. ...Historically, 20% to 25% has been accepted as the “critical” cutoff where glenoid bone loss should be addressed in a primary procedure. Few data are available, however, on lesser, “subcritical” amounts of bone loss (below the 20%-25% range) on functional outcomes and failure rates after primary arthroscopic stabilization for shoulder instability.
Purpose:
To evaluate the effect of glenoid bone loss, especially in subcritical bone loss (below the 20%-25% range), on outcomes assessments and redislocation rates after an isolated arthroscopic Bankart repair for anterior shoulder instability.
Study Design:
Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.
Methods:
Subjects were 72 consecutive anterior instability patients (73 shoulders) who underwent isolated anterior arthroscopic labral repair at a single military institution by 1 of 3 sports medicine fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons. Data were collected on demographics, the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability (WOSI) score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score, and failure rates. Failure was defined as recurrent dislocation. Glenoid bone loss was calculated via a standardized technique on preoperative imaging. The average bone loss across the group was calculated, and patients were divided into quartiles based on the percentage of glenoid bone loss. Outcomes were analyzed for the entire cohort, between the quartiles, and within each quartile. Outcomes were then further stratified between those sustaining a recurrence versus those who remained stable.
Results:
The mean age at surgery was 26.3 years (range, 20-42 years), and the mean follow-up was 48.3 months (range, 23-58 months). The cohort was divided into quartiles based on bone loss. Quartile 1 (n = 18) had a mean bone loss of 2.8% (range, 0%-7.1%), quartile 2 (n = 19) had 10.4% (range, 7.3%-13.5%), quartile 3 (n = 18) had 16.1% (range, 13.5%-19.8%), and quartile 4 (n = 18) had 24.5% (range, 20.0%-35.5%). The overall mean WOSI score was 756.8 (range, 0-2097). The mean WOSI score correlated with SANE scores and worsened as bone loss increased in each quartile. There were significant differences (P < .05) between quartile 1 (mean WOSI/SANE, 383.3/62.1) and quartile 2 (mean, 594.0/65.2), between quartile 2 and quartile 3 (mean, 839.5/52.0), and between quartile 3 and quartile 4 (mean, 1187.6/46.1). Additionally, between quartiles 2 and 3 (bone loss, 13.5%), the WOSI score increased to rates consistent with a poor clinical outcome. There was an overall failure rate of 12.3%. The percentage of glenoid bone loss was significantly higher among those repairs that failed versus those that remained stable (24.7% vs 12.8%, P < .01). There was no significant difference in failure rate between quartiles 1, 2, and 3, but there was a significant increase in failure (P < .05) between quartiles 1, 2, and 3 (7.3%) when compared with quartile 4 (27.8%). Notably, even when only those patients who did not sustain a recurrent dislocation were compared, bone loss was predictive of outcome as assessed by the WOSI score, with each quartile’s increasing bone loss predictive of a worse functional outcome.
Conclusion:
While critical bone loss has yet to be defined for arthroscopic Bankart reconstruction, our data indicate that “critical” bone loss should be lower than the 20% to 25% threshold often cited. In our population with a high level of mandatory activity, bone loss above 13.5% led to a clinically significant decrease in WOSI scores consistent with an unacceptable outcome, even in patients who did not sustain a recurrence of their instability.
BACKGROUND:Glenoid and humeral bone loss are well-described risk factors for failure of arthroscopic shoulder stabilization. Recently, consideration of the interactions of these types of bone loss ...(bipolar bone loss) has been used to determine if a lesion is “on-track” or “off-track.” The purpose of this study was to study the relationship of the glenoid track to the outcomes of arthroscopic Bankart reconstructions.
METHODS:Over a 2-year period, 57 shoulders that were treated with an isolated, primary arthroscopic Bankart reconstruction performed at a single facility were included in this study. The mean patient age was 25.5 years (range, 20 to 42 years) at the time of the surgical procedure, and the mean follow-up was 48.3 months (range, 23 to 58 months). Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine glenoid bone loss and Hill-Sachs lesion size and location and to measure the glenoid track to classify the shoulders as on-track or off-track. Outcomes were assessed according to shoulder stability on examination and subjective outcome.
RESULTS:There were 10 recurrences (18%). Of the 49 on-track patients, 4 (8%) had treatment that failed compared with 6 (75%) of 8 off-track patients (p = 0.0001). Six (60%) of 10 patients with recurrence of instability were off-track compared with 2 (4%) of 47 patients in the stable group (p = 0.0001). The positive predictive value of an off-track measurement was 75% compared with 44% for the predictive value of glenoid bone loss of >20%.
CONCLUSIONS:The application of the glenoid track concept to our cohort was superior to using glenoid bone loss alone with regard to predicting postoperative stability. This method of assessment is encouraged as a routine part of the preoperative evaluation of all patients under consideration for arthroscopic anterior stabilization.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Background:
Recent studies have demonstrated equivalent short-term results when comparing arthroscopic versus open anterior shoulder stabilization. However, none have evaluated the long-term clinical ...outcomes of patients after arthroscopic or open anterior shoulder stabilization, with inclusion of an assessment of preoperative glenoid tracking.
Purpose:
To compare long-term clinical outcomes of patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability randomized to open and arthroscopic stabilization groups. Additionally, preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies were used to assess whether the shoulders were “on-track” or “off-track” to ascertain a prediction of increased failure risk.
Study Design:
Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.
Methods:
A consecutive series of 64 patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability were randomized to receive either arthroscopic or open stabilization by a single surgeon. Follow-up assessments were performed at minimum 15-year follow-up using established postoperative evaluations. Clinical failure was defined as any recurrent dislocation postoperatively or subjective instability. Preoperative MRI scans were obtained to calculate the glenoid track and designate shoulders as on-track or off-track. These results were then correlated with the patients’ clinical results at their latest follow-up.
Results:
Of 64 patients, 60 (28 arthroscopic and 32 open) were contacted or examined for follow-up (range, 15-17 years). The mean age at the time of surgery was 25 years (range, 19-42 years), while the mean age at the time of this assessment was 40 years (range, 34-57 years). The rates of arthroscopic and open long-term failure were 14.3% (4/28) and 12.5% (4/32), respectively. There were no differences in subjective shoulder outcome scores between the treatment groups. Of the 56 shoulders, with available MRI studies, 8 (14.3%) were determined to be off-track. Of these 8 shoulders, there were 2 surgical failures (25.0%; 1 treated arthroscopically, 1 treated open). In the on-track group, 6 of 48 had failed surgery (12.5%; 3 open, 3 arthroscopic P = .280).
Conclusion:
Long-term clinical outcomes were comparable at 15 years postoperatively between the arthroscopic and open stabilization groups. The presence of an off-track lesion may be associated with a higher rate of recurrent instability in both cohorts at long-term follow-up; however, this study was underpowered to verify this situation.
To review the current literature available and evaluate the efficacy of arthroscopic repair of 270° and 360° labral tears, as well as the complication rates associated with such. In addition, we ...intend to investigate whether consistent clinical findings can be observed in these patients.
This review is registered in the PROSPERO database. The MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and EMBASE databases were queried, and additional searches were performed manually. Studies that reported outcomes after arthroscopic repair of a minimum of 270° of glenoid labrum were included. Technique articles, repairs of less than 270°, studies on atraumatic multidirectional instability, and studies that lacked observable outcomes were excluded.
In total, 3031 studies/documents were identified from database and manual searching. Screening, removal of duplicates, and assessment for inclusion/exclusion criteria resulted in 6 level IV studies for review. History and physical examination, as well as advanced imaging findings, were variable across studies. All studies reported satisfactory outcomes at short- to mid-term follow-up, although there was heterogeneity in type of outcomes used. Return to sport ranged from 75% to 100%. Complication rates ranged from 10% to 30%. Notably, recurrence of instability and need for secondary surgery occurred in up to 15% of patients.
The current literature suggests that although clinical and radiographic variability exist in the diagnosis of 270° and 360° glenoid labrum tears, successful outcomes and return to work/sport can be achieved with arthroscopic management at an average minimum follow-up of 1 year. These figures, however, are limited by heterogenous studies containing small numbers of patients. Complications occur in up to 30% of cases, including an instability recurrence rate of up to 15%.
Systematic review of Level IV evidence.
Introduction Coracoclavicular (CC) ligament reconstruction remains a challenging procedure. The ideal reconstruction is biomechanically strong, allows direct visualization of passage around the ...coracoid, and is minimally invasive. Few published reports have evaluated arthroscopic techniques with a single clavicular tunnel and transcoracoid reconstruction. One such report noted early excellent results, but without specific outcome measures. This study reports the clinical and radiographic results of a minimally invasive, arthroscopically assisted technique of CC ligament reconstruction using a transcoracoid and single clavicular tunnel technique. Materials and methods A retrospective review was performed of 10 consecutive repairs in 9 active duty patients who underwent CC ligament reconstruction with the GraftRope (Arthrex, Naples FL, USA). All reconstructions were performed according to the manufacturer’s technique by a single, fellowship-trained surgeon. Medical records and radiographs were evaluated for demographics, operative details, loss of reduction, and return to duty. Results In 8 of 10 repairs (80%) intraoperative reduction was lost at an average of 7.0 weeks (range, 3-12 weeks). Four patients (40%) required revision. Subjective patient outcomes included 5 excellent/good results, 1 fair result, and 4 poor results. Tunnel widening was universally noted, and the failure mode in most patients appeared to be at the holding suture. Conclusion This transcoracoid, single clavicular tunnel technique was not a reliable approach to CC ligament reconstruction. We noted a high percentage of radiographic redisplacement and clinical failure. This technique, in its current form, cannot be recommended to treat AC joint injuries in our population.
Background:
Modern techniques for the treatment of acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations have largely centered on free tendon graft reconstructions. Recent biomechanical studies have demonstrated ...that an anatomic reconstruction with 2 clavicular bone tunnels more closely matches the properties of native coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments than more traditional techniques. No study has analyzed tunnel position in regard to risk of early failure.
Purpose:
To evaluate the effect of clavicular tunnel position in CC ligament reconstruction as a risk of early failure.
Study Design:
Case series; Level of evidence, 4.
Methods:
A retrospective review was performed of a consecutive series of CC ligament reconstructions performed with 2 clavicular bone tunnels and a free tendon graft. The population was largely a young, active-duty military group of patients. Radiographs were analyzed for the maintenance of reduction and location of clavicular bone tunnels using a picture archiving and communication system. The distance from the lateral border of the clavicle to the center of each bone tunnel was divided by the total clavicular length to establish a ratio. Medical records were reviewed for operative details and functional outcome. Failure was defined as loss of intraoperative reduction.
Results:
The overall failure rate was 28.6% (8/28) at an average of 7.4 weeks postoperatively. Comparison of bone tunnel position showed that medialized bone tunnels were a significant predictor for early loss of reduction for the conoid (a ratio of 0.292 vs 0.248; P = .012) and trapezoid bone tunnels (a ratio of 0.171 vs 0.128; P = .004); this correlated to an average of 7 to 9 mm more medial in the reconstructions that failed. Reconstructions performed with a conoid ratio of ≥0.30 were significantly more likely to fail (5/5, 100%) than were those performed lateral to a ratio of 0.30 (3/23, 13.0%) (P < .01). There were no failures when the conoid ratio was <0.25 (0/10, 0%). Conoid tunnel placement was also statistically significant for predicting return to duty in our active-duty population.
Conclusion:
Medial tunnel placement is a significant factor in risk for early failures when performing anatomic CC ligament reconstructions. Preoperative templating is recommended to evaluate optimal placement of the clavicular bone tunnels. Placement of the conoid tunnel at 25% of the clavicular length from the lateral border of the clavicle is associated with a lower rate of lost reduction and a higher rate of return to military duty.
Background:
Glenoid bone loss is a well-accepted risk factor for failure after arthroscopic stabilization of anterior glenohumeral instability. Glenoid bone loss in posterior instability has been ...noted relative to its existence in posterior instability surgery. Its effect on outcomes after arthroscopic stabilization has not been specifically evaluated and reported.
Purpose:
The purpose was to evaluate the presence of posterior glenoid bone loss in a series of patients who had undergone arthroscopic isolated stabilization of the posterior labrum. Bone loss was then correlated to return-to-duty rates, complications, and validated patient-reported outcomes.
Study Design:
Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.
Methods:
A retrospective review was conducted at a single military treatment facility over a 4-year period (2010-2013). Patients with primary posterior instability who underwent arthroscopic isolated posterior labral repair were included. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging was used to calculate posterior glenoid bone loss using a standardized “perfect circle” technique. Demographics, return to duty, complications, and reoperations, as well as outcomes scores including the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) scores, were obtained. Outcomes were analyzed across all patients based on percentage of posterior glenoid bone loss. Bone loss was then categorized as below or above the subcritical threshold of 13.5% to determine if bone loss effected outcomes similar to what has been shown in anterior instability.
Results:
There were 43 consecutive patients with primary, isolated posterior instability, and 32 (74.4%) completed WOSI scoring. Mean follow-up was 53.7 months (range, 25-82 months) The mean posterior glenoid bone loss was 7.3% (0%-21.5%). Ten of 32 patients (31%) had no appreciable bone loss. Bone loss exceeded 13.5% in 7 of 32 patients (22%), and 2 patients (6%) exceeded 20% bone loss. Return to full duty or activity was nearly 90% overall. However, those with >13.5%, subcritical glenoid bone loss, were statistically less likely to return to full duty (relative risk = 1.8), but outcomes scores, complications, and revision rates were otherwise not different in those with no or minimal bone loss versus those with more significant amounts.
Conclusion:
Posterior glenoid bone loss has not previously been evaluated independently relative to patients with shoulder instability repairs. Sixty-nine percent of our patients had measurable bone loss, and 22% had greater than 13.5%, or above subcritical bone loss. While these patients were statistically less likely to return to full duty, the reoperation rate, complications, and patient-reported outcomes between groups were not different.
To evaluate the superior to inferior glenoid height as a reliable reference in best-fit circle creation for glenoid anatomy.
The morphology of the native glenoid was evaluated using magnetic ...resonance imaging (MRI) in patients without shoulder instability. Using T1 sagittal MRI images, 2 reviewers independently estimated glenoid size using the two-thirds technique and the “best-fit circle” technique at 2 different times. A Student t-test was used to determine significant difference between the two methodologies. Inter- and intra-rater reliability were calculated using interclass and intraclass coefficients.
This study included 112 patients. Using the results of glenoid height and “best-fit circle” diameter, the diameter of the “best-fit circle” was found to intersect the glenoid line at 67.8% of the glenoid height on average. We found no significant difference between the 2 measures of glenoid diameter (27.6 vs 27.9, P = .456). The interclass and intraclass coefficients for the two-third method were 0.85 and 0.88, respectively. The interclass and intraclass coefficients for the perfect circle methods were 0.84 and 0.73, respectively.
We determined that the diameter of a circle placed on the inferior glenoid using the “best-fit circle” technique corresponds to 67.8% of the glenoid height. Additionally, we found that constructing a perfect circle using a diameter equal to two-thirds the height of the glenoid may improve intraclass reliability.
Level IV, retrospective cohort study.
Background:
Osteochondral allograft transplantation (OATS) is a treatment option that provides the ability to restore large areas of hyaline cartilage anatomy and structure without donor site ...morbidity and promising results have been reported in returning patients to some previous activities. However, no study has reported on the durability of return to activity in a setting where it is an occupational requirement.
Hypothesis:
Osteochondral allograft transplantation is less successful in returning patients to activity in a population in which physical fitness is a job requirement as opposed to a recreational goal.
Study Design:
Case series; Level of evidence, 4.
Methods:
A retrospective review was conducted of 38 consecutive OATS procedures performed at a single military institution by 1 of 4 sports medicine fellowship–trained orthopaedic surgeons. All patients were on active duty at the time of the index procedure, and data were collected on demographics, return to duty, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and ultimate effect on military duty. Success was defined as the ability to return to the preinjury military occupational specialty (MOS) with no duty-limiting restrictions.
Results:
The mean lesion size treated was 487.0 ± 178.7 mm2. The overall rate of return to full duty was 28.9% (11/38). An additional 28.9% (11/38) were able to return to limited activity with permanent duty modifications. An alarming 42.1% (16/38) were unable to return to military activity because of their operative knee. When analyzed for return to sport, only 5.3% (2/38) of patients were able to return to their preinjury level. Eleven patients underwent concomitant procedures. Statistical power was maintained by analyzing data in aggregate for cases with versus without concomitant procedures. When the 11 undergoing concomitant procedures were removed from the data set, the rate of return to full activity was 33.3% (9/27), with 22.3% (6/27) returning to limited activity and 44.4% (12/27) unable to return to activity. In this subset, 7.4% (2/27) were able to return to a preinjury level of sport. The KOOS values were significantly higher in the full activity group when compared with the limited and no activity groups (P < .01). Branch of service was a significant predictor of outcome, with Marine Corps and Navy service members more likely to return to full activity compared with Army and Air Force members. A MOS of combat arms was a significant predictor of a poor outcome. All patients demonstrated postoperative healing of their grafts as documented in their medical chart, and no patient in the series required revision for problems with graft incorporation.
Conclusion:
Osteochondral allograft transplantation for the treatment of large chondral defects in the knee met with disappointing results in an active-duty population and was even less reliable in returning this population to preinjury sport levels. Branch of service and occupational type predicted the return to duty, but other traditional predictors of outcome such as rank and years of service did not. The presence of concomitant procedures did not have an effect on outcome with respect to activity or sport level with the numbers available for analysis.
Rotator cuff repair failure rates continue to be a challenging problem. Various methods of biological and structural augmentation of the rotator cuff have been explored to improve tendon healing ...after repair. We describe a technique in which biceps tendon autograft is harvested after tenodesis. The biceps tendon is then compressed into a patch that is placed over the repaired rotator cuff tendon. Repurposing the portion of the tendon that is otherwise discarded offers several advantages over other augmentations that have been used, including the biological potential of live autograft tenocytes in the patch, lower cost, and no donor-site morbidity.
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