Purpose
Since the introduction of autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) for the treatment of cartilage defects, the initial technique has undergone several modifications. Whereas an autologous ...periosteum flap was used for defect coverage in first generation ACI, a standardized collagen membrane was utilized in second generation ACI. To date, however, no study has proven the superiority of this modification in terms of long-term clinical outcome. The purpose of this matched-pair analysis was therefore to compare the clinical long-term outcome of first and second generation ACI with a minimum follow-up of ten years.
Methods
A total of 23 patients treated with second generation ACI for isolated cartilage defects of the knee were evaluated after a minimum follow-up of ten years using Lysholm and IKDC scores. The results of these patients were compared to those of 23 matched patients treated with first generation ACI. Pair wise matching was performed by defect location, patient age, and defect size.
Results
While all patient characteristics such as age (31.7 years SD 6.9 vs. 31.4 years SD 7.8), defect size (5.1 cm² SD 2.3 vs. 4.9 cm² SD 1.5), and follow-up time (10.7 months SD 1.0 vs. 10.5 months SD 0.6) were distributed homogenously in both treatment groups, significant better Lysholm (82.7 SD 9.9 versus 75.6 SD 11.8;
p
= 0.031) and IKDC scores (76.4 SD 12.8 versus 68.0 SD 12.0,
p
= 0.023) were found in the group of patients treated with second generation ACI compared to those treated with first generation ACI. In both groups, four patients (17.4 %) received surgical reintervention during follow-up.
Conclusions
The use of a collagen membrane in combination with autologous chondrocytes (second generation ACI) leads to superior clinical long-term outcome compared to first generation ACI. Based on these results, second generation ACI should be preferred over first generation ACI.
Symptomatic horizontal instability is clinically relevant following acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations. However, the intrinsic healing response is poorly understood. The present study sought ...to investigate time-dependent healing responses of the human acromioclavicular ligament following acute traumatic rupture.
Biopsies of the acromioclavicular ligament were obtained from patients undergoing surgical treatment for acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations. Specimens were stratified by time between trauma and surgery: group 1, 0-7 days (n = 5); group 2, 8-14 days (n = 6); and group 3, 15-21 days (n = 4). Time-dependent changes in cellularity, collagen (type 1 and 3) concentration, and histomorphological appearance were evaluated for the rupture and intact zone of the acromioclavicular ligament.
Group 1 was characterized by cellular activation and early inflammatory response. The rupture zone exhibited a significantly higher count of CD68-positive cells than the intact zone (15.2 vs 7.4; P ≤ 0.05). Consistently, synovialization of the rupture end was observed. Within the second week, the rupture zone was subject to proliferation showing more fibroblast-like cells than the intact zone (66.8 vs 43.8; P ≤ 0.05) and a peak of collagen type 3 expression (group 1: 2.2 ± 0.38, group 2: 3.2 ± 0.18, group 3: 2.8 ± 0.57; P ≤ 0.05). Signs of consolidation and early remodeling were seen in the third week.
The acromioclavicular ligament exhibits early and dynamic healing responses following acute traumatic rupture. Our histological findings suggest that surgical treatment of acute ACJ dislocations should be performed as early as possible within a timeframe of 1 week after trauma to exploit the utmost biological healing potential. Prospective clinical studies are warranted to investigate whether early surgical treatment of ACJ dislocations translates into clinical benefits.
Purpose We sought to evaluate (1) clinical and radiologic results after arthroscopic calcific deposit (CD) removal and (2) the relevance of remnant calcifications (RCs). Methods The study included ...102 patients undergoing arthroscopic CD removal, preserving integrity of the rotator cuff. Postoperatively, we divided patients into 2 groups according to the extent of CD removal achieved. Group 1 consisted of patients with complete CD removal. Group 2 included patients showing minor RCs. Ninety-three patients (99 shoulders) completed follow-up. The mean patient age was 50.6 years (31 to 68 years), and the mean follow-up period was 37.3 months (24 to 83 months). We obtained anteroposterior (AP) and outlet radiographs before surgery, postoperatively, and at follow-up. We used the absolute and age- and sex-related Constant scores (CSabs , CSrel ) as outcome measures. We compared both groups statistically (Mann-Whitney U test; P < .05). Results Complete CD removal was achieved in 82 of 99 (82.8%) shoulders (group 1). Postoperatively, minor RCs were found in 17 of 99 (17.2%) shoulders (group 2), an average of 58.6% (± 26.2) of the mean preoperative size. All RCs showed complete (14 of 17) or virtually complete (3 of 17) resolution at follow-up. Overall mean CSabs and CSrel were 88.8 points (± 10.4) and 99.0% (± 3.7), respectively. Mean values of CSabs and CSrel in group 1 (89.5 points ± 9.5 and 99.1% ± 3.7, respectively) and group 2 (86.1 points ± 12.9 and 98.7% ± 4.2, respectively) did not differ. Conclusions Arthroscopic CD removal, preserving integrity of the rotator cuff yielded good to excellent results in 90% of patients and avoided iatrogenic tendon defects in all patients. Minor RCs did not impair clinical outcome and spontaneously resolved at follow-up. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series.
Glenohumeral exploration is routinely performed during arthroscopic removal of rotator cuff calcifications in patients with calcific tendinitis of the shoulder (CTS). However, evidence on the ...prevalence of intraarticular co-pathologies is lacking and the benefit of glenohumeral exploration remains elusive. The aim of the present study was to assess and quantify intraoperative pathologies during arthroscopic removal of rotator cuff calcifications in order to determine whether standardized diagnostic glenohumeral exploration appears justified in CTS patients.
One hundred forty five patients undergoing arthroscopic removal of calcific depots (CD) that failed conservative treatment were included in a retrospective cohort study. Radiographic parameters including number/localization of calcifications and acromial types, intraoperative arthroscopic findings such as configuration of glenohumeral ligaments, articular cartilage injuries, and characteristics of calcifications and sonographic parameters (characteristics/localization of calcification) were recorded.
One hundred forty five patients were analyzed. All CDs were removed by elimination with a blunt hook probe via "squeeze-and-stir-technique" assessed postoperatively via conventional X-rays. Neither subacromial decompression nor refixation of the rotator cuff were performed in any patient. Prevalence of glenohumeral co-pathologies, such as partial tears of the proximal biceps tendon (2.1%), superior labral tears from anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions (1.4%), and/or partial rotator cuff tears (0.7%) was low. Most frequently, glenohumeral articular cartilage was either entirely intact (ICRS grade 0 (humeral head/glenoid): 46%/48%) or showed very mild degenerative changes (ICRS grade 1: 30%/26%). Two patients (1.3%) required intraarticular surgical treatment due to a SLAP lesion type III (n = 1) and an intraarticular rupture of CD (n = 1).
Routine diagnostic glenohumeral exploration does not appear beneficial in arthroscopic treatment of CTS due to the low prevalence of intraarticular pathologies which most frequently do not require surgical treatment. Exploration of the glenohumeral joint in arthroscopic removal of CD should only be performed in case of founded suspicion of relevant concomitant intraarticular pathologies.
Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mid- and long-term efficacy of the arthroscopic patellar release (APR) in a representative number of competitive athletes. Methods This ...prospective study included 35 competitive athletes who underwent APR for treatment of chronic refractory patellar tendinopathy. The minimum follow-up period was 24 months. Preoperatively and at follow-up, we measured the Swedish Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment for Patella (VISA-P) and modified Blazina score for assessment of functional outcome. The patients rated their subjective knee function (0% to 100%) and maximum pain during exercise on a visual analog scale (0 to 10 points). We inquired about time required for full return to sports. Results Thirty athletes (27 male individuals, 3 female individuals) were available for clinical examination after a mean follow-up period of 4.4 years (σ = 3.0 years). The follow-up rate was 30 of 35 (86%). Mean age at surgery was 27.6 years (σ = 7.4). The mean VISA-P score improved from 57.3 (σ = 11.4) to 95.1 (σ = 8.2) and the mean Blazina score improved from 4.0 (σ = 0.8) to 0.3 (σ = 0.7). Average subjective knee function improved from 48.8% (σ = 18.5%) to 90.5% (σ = 9.8%). The mean pain level decreased from 5.7 (σ = 1.1) to 0.6 (σ = 1.2%). All changes were significant ( P < .01). Twenty-three (76.7%) athletes were able to perform sports at previous levels without any symptoms. The mean time required for full return to sports was 4.4 months (1.5 to 12.0 months; σ = 3.3). Less pronounced symptoms recurred in 3 (10%) athletes. Conclusions After APR, 97% of patients obtained excellent or good functional outcomes with a mean follow-up of 4.4 years. Three of 4 athletes achieved asymptomatic previous sports levels, returning to full sports at an average of 4.4 months. Symptoms partially recurred in 10% of participants. Level of Evidence Level IV: prospective therapeutic case series.
To date, prognostic outcome factors for patients undergoing arthroscopic treatment due to chronic patellar tendinopathy (PT) are lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether ...preoperatively assessed MRI parameters might be of prognostic value for prediction of functional outcome and return to sports in arthroscopic treatment of chronic PT.
A prospective cohort study was conducted including 30 cases (4 female and 24 male competitive athletes) undergoing arthroscopic patellar release (APR) due to chronic PT. The mean age was 28.2 years (range, 18-49 years) at the time of surgery, and the mean follow-up period was 4.2 years (range, 2.2-10.4 years). Preoperatively assessed MRI parameters included bone marrow edema (BME) of the inferior patellar pole, patellar tendon thickening, infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) edema, and infrapatellar bursitis. Prevalences of preoperative MRI findings were correlated to functional outcome scores in order to determine statistically significant predictors.
All athletes regained their preinjury sports levels. Athletes featuring preoperative IFP edema showed significantly inferior modified Blazina score (0.6 ± 0.7 vs. 0.2 ± 0.5), single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE; 86.0 ± 8.8 vs. 94.3 ± 7.5), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS; 1.0 ± 1.2 vs. 0.3 ± 0.8) compared to subjects without IFP edema (p < 0.05). Return to sports required a mean of 4 ± 3.2 months. On average, patients with IFP edema needed significantly more time to return to sports than subjects without IFP edema (6.5 vs 2.8 months; p < 0.05). The simultaneous presence of BME and IFP edema was associated with significantly inferior outcomes by means of the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment questionnaire for patients with patellar tendinopathy (VISA-P; 88.1 ± 11.9 vs. 98.6 ± 4.2), SANE (84.3 ± 10.2 vs. 93.1 ± 8.3), and VAS (1.3 ± 1.4 vs. 0.3 ± 0.9) compared to an isolated BME or isolated IFP edema.
This is the first study identifying prognostic outcome factors in arthroscopic treatment of chronic PT. Preoperative IFP edema alone or simultaneous BME and IFP edema on preoperative MRI were associated with inferior functional outcome and delayed return to sports. Knowledge of these predictive factors might improve risk stratification, individualize treatment and postoperative rehabilitation, and contribute to improve clinical outcome. Moreover, current findings offer the potential for novel therapeutic approaches.
Arthroscopic patellar release (APR) is utilized for minimally invasive surgical treatment of patellar tendinopathy. Evidence regarding long-term success following the procedure is limited. Also, the ...influence of age and preoperative performance level, are incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to investigate whether APR translates into sustained pain relief over a long-term follow-up in athletes undergoing APR. Furthermore, we analyzed if age influences clinical and functional outcome measures in APR.
Between 1998 and 2010, 30 competitive and recreational athletes were treated with APR due to chronic refractory patellar tendinopathy. All data were analyzed retrospectively. Demographic data, such as age or level of performance prior to injury were extracted. Clinical as well as functional outcome measures (Swedish Victorian Institute of sport assessment for patella (VISA-P), the modified Blazina score, pain level following exercise, return to sports, and subjective knee function were assessed pre- and postoperatively.
In total, 30 athletes were included in this study. At follow-up (8.8 ± 2.82 years), clinical and functional outcome measures such as the mean Blazina score, VISA-P, VAS, and subjective knee function revealed significant improvement compared to before surgery (P < 0.001). The mean time required for return to sports was 4.03 ± 3.18 months. After stratification by age, patients younger than 30 years of age yielded superior outcome in the mean Blazina score and pain level when compared to patients ≥30 years (P = 0.0448). At 8 years of follow-up, patients yielded equivalent clinical and functional outcome scores compared to our previous investigation after four years following APR.
In summary, APR can be regarded a successful, minimally invasive, and sustained surgical technique for the treatment of patella tendinopathy in athletes. Younger age at surgery may be associated with improved clinical and functional outcome following APR.
Abstract An arthroscopically assisted technique for the treatment of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations is presented. This pathology-based procedure aims to achieve anatomic healing of both ...the acromioclavicular ligament complex (ACLC) and the coracoclavicular ligaments. First, the acromioclavicular joint is reduced anatomically under macroscopic and radiologic control and temporarily transfixed with a K-wire. A single-channel technique using 2 suture tapes provides secure coracoclavicular stabilization. The key step of the procedure consists of the anatomic repair of the ACLC (“AC-Reco”). Basically, we have observed 4 patterns of injury: clavicular-sided, acromial-sided, oblique, and midportion tears. Direct and/or transosseous ACLC repair is performed accordingly. Then, an X-configured acromioclavicular suture tape cerclage (“AC-Bridge”) is applied under arthroscopic assistance to limit horizontal clavicular translation to a physiological extent. The AC-Bridge follows the principle of internal bracing and protects healing of the ACLC repair. The AC-Bridge is tightened on top of the repair, creating an additional suture-bridge effect and promoting anatomic ACLC healing. We refer to this combined technique of anatomic ACLC repair and protective internal bracing as the “AC-RecoBridge.” A detailed stepwise description of the surgical technique, including indications, technical pearls and pitfalls, and potential complications, is given.
Abstract Existing arthroscopic techniques of proximal biceps tenodesis may be complicated by difficulty of tendon identification, restoration of length-tension relation, cosmetic deformity, ...persistent biceps pain, and shoulder stiffness requiring surgical revision in a relevant proportion of cases. In this context, biceps tenoscopy, an emerging discipline of shoulder endoscopy, offers major benefits. Tenoscopy comprises endoscopic treatment of tendons and tendon sheaths. The presented technique of tenoscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis (TSBT) substantially facilitates tendon identification and reduces invasiveness by avoidance of unnecessary surgical involvement of the deltoid space and bursa. TSBT enables effective treatment of the biceps tendon and surrounding tissues (biceps tendon sheath, tenosynovium, transverse humeral ligament) being consistently involved in proximal biceps pathologies. The physiological length-tension relation of the musculotendinous unit is reliably maintained. Technically, the procedure of tenodesis is simplified and accelerated by redundancy of tendon exteriorization. The aforementioned benefits of TSBT may lead to superior clinical and cosmetic outcomes and lower incidences of persistent proximal biceps pain and postoperative shoulder stiffness compared with conventional techniques of arthroscopic biceps tenodesis.
Abstract Primary synovial chondromatosis (PSC) of the shoulder is a rare condition and usually necessitates operative therapy. Arthroscopic partial synovectomy with removal of loose osteochondromas ...may be regarded as the current surgical treatment of choice. However, involvement of the biceps tendon sheath (BTS) occurs in almost half of the patients and required additional open surgery in all previously reported cases. We successfully performed tenoscopy of the BTS and long head of the biceps tendon during arthroscopic treatment of PSC in a 26-year-old male competitive wrestler. Biceps tenoscopy enabled minimally invasive partial (teno)synovectomy and removal of all osteochondromas within the BTS. The symptoms of PSC fully subsided within 2 postoperative weeks. There were no functional restrictions at the 3-month follow-up examination. These preliminary results support the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of biceps tenoscopy as a complement in arthroscopic treatment of PSC of the shoulder, dispensing with the need for additional open surgery. The spectrum of indications for biceps tenoscopy has still to be defined. Conceivable indications are proposed. This first report of a diagnostic and interventional biceps tenoscopy entails a detailed step-by-step description of the surgical technique.
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