Arthroscopic Treatment of Popliteal Cysts with and without Cystectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes of the arthroscopic treatments for popliteal cysts with and without cystectomy. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, KoreaMed, and Cochrane Library were searched from the earliest available date of indexing through August 2016. The methodological quality of all articles was assessed according to the Coleman methodology score (CMS). Studies were grouped according to the surgical method, and a meta-analysis was conducted to identify the unsuccessful clinical outcome and complication rates. RESULTS: Nine studies were included; the mean CMS was 67.33 (standard deviation, 8.75 points). Cystectomy was reported in five studies; cystectomy was not performed in four studies. The odds ratio of unsuccessful clinical outcomes evaluated by Rauschning and Lindgren score was 122.05 (p<0.001) with cystectomy and 58.12 (p<0.001) without cystectomy. The effect size of complications was 0.16 (p<0.001) with cystectomy and 0.03 (p<0.001) without cystectomy. The recurrence rate was 0% with cystectomy and 6.4% without cystectomy. CONCLUSIONS: All the currently available studies showed satisfactory outcomes in both with and without cystectomy groups. However, arthroscopic cystectomy concurrently performed with management of intra-articular lesions was associated with a relatively low recurrence rate and a relatively high incidence of complications.

Biomaterials for the Treatment of Tendon Injury

BACKGROUND: Most tendon injuries are occurring from a gradual wearing and tearing of the tendon tissues from overuse. Such injuries are usually seen in sports, exercising, or daily activities that involve a high mechanical load and weight bearing. However, owing to the lack of both cellularity and blood vessels in tendons, the process of tendon repair is slow and inefficient. Although various conservative (non-surgical) and surgical management options are conducted by the clinicians, a gold standard of these approaches does not exist. In this regard, the treatment of tendon injuries is challenging. METHODS: Here, we describe the recent advances of biomaterial-based approaches for the treatment of injured tendons. RESULTS: Regenerative medicine is an emerging multidisciplinary research that specializes in the repair of damaged tendon tissues through the delivery of regenerative factors by biomaterials. CONCLUSION: Although current biomaterial-based treatment strategies have shown their potential for tendon healing, future research and clinical applications should focused on finding the optimum combinations of regenerative factors with ideal biomaterials for the repair of tendons.

High incidence of subsequent re-operation following treatments for medial meniscus tears combined with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: second-look arthroscopic study

BACKGROUND@#The Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) group recently reported that medial meniscus (MM) repairs are associated with more frequent re-operations when compared to lateral meniscus (LM) repairs. The purpose of this study was to compare the meniscal healing and the incidence of subsequent re-operation of medial and lateral meniscal tears that occurred concurrently with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.@*METHODS@#We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent second-look arthroscopy after primary ACL reconstruction (ACLR) between June 2005 to December 2016. The healing of meniscal tears following repair or left in situ, and re-tear following partial meniscectomy, were evaluated via second-look arthroscopy and compared between medial and lateral meniscus. Moreover, the incidence of subsequent meniscal re-operation after the index ACLR were investigated and compared between medial and lateral meniscus. Subsequent meniscal re-operation was performed in cases of the following three symptomatic meniscus tears: re-tears at the meniscectomy site; new tears; and failed healing of repaired or left in situ meniscus.@*RESULTS@#There were 148 meniscal tears in 121 patients at index ACLR. There were 62 MM tears, 38 LM tears, and 24 bilateral meniscus tears. At second-look arthroscopy, the “successful healing” rate for tears following repair was higher in LM tears (91.2%) compared to MM tears (80.0%), although it was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the healing of left in situ tears or re-tear of meniscectomy site between medial and lateral meniscus. Patients with MM tears combined with ACL injuries had a higher incidence of subsequent meniscal re-operation compared to patients with LM tears (25.6% vs 16.1%, p = 0.025).@*CONCLUSIONS@#There was a trend for the successful healing rate to be higher in LM repairs than MM repairs. Subsequent meniscal re-operations after ACLR were more frequent in patients with medial meniscal tears concurrently with ACL injuries in comparison to patients with lateral meniscal tears.LEVEL OF STUDY: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Discoid Meniscus

There is a greater incidence of discoid meniscus in Asian countries than in Western countries, and bilateral discoid menisci are also common. The discoid meniscus may be a congenital anomaly, and genetics or family history may play a role in the development of discoid menisci. Because the histology of discoid meniscus is different from that of normal meniscus, it is prone to tearing. Individuals with a discoid meniscus can be asymptomatic or symptomatic. Asymptomatic discoid menisci do not require treatment. However, operative treatment is necessary if there are symptoms. Total meniscectomy leads to an increased risk of osteoarthritis. Therefore, total meniscectomy is generally reserved for rare unsalvageable cases. Partial meniscectomy (saucerization) with preservation of a stable peripheral rim combined with or without peripheral repair is effective, and good short-, mid-, and long-term clinical results have been reported.

Arthroscopic Meniscectomy for Medial Meniscus Horizontal Cleavage Tears in Patients under Age 45

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the demographics, clinical features, and outcomes of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) for isolated medial meniscus horizontal cleavage tears (MMHCTs) in patients under 45 years of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 98 patients (100 knees) under 45 years who underwent APM for MMHCTs. Clinical outcomes were assessed using International Knee Document Committee (IKDC) subjective core, Tegner activity scale, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, and a question on the symptom relief. RESULTS: 79% were male and 70% had no trauma. The mean symptom duration was 10 months. At arthroscopy, a flap tear was identified in 75%. At a mean of 19-month follow-up, the IKDC subjective score, Tegner activity scale, and VAS pain score were significantly improved compared to the preoperative values (p=0.025, p=0.043, and p=0.032, respectively). While 85% were free of symptoms, 15% had persistent pain. No significant differences in outcomes were observed based on the tear type and the presence of flap tears. No progression or development of radiographic degenerative changes was observed in all knees. CONCLUSIONS: Demographics of MMHCTs under age 45 showed a male dominance and higher frequency of non-traumatic tears. APM was beneficial to symptomatic HCTs in this cohort during the short-term follow-up. Type of HCTs and combined flap tears did not affect clinical outcomes.

PHILOS Plate Osteosynthesis in Metaphyseal Fractures of the Distal Humerus through an Anterolateral Approach

BACKGROUND: We described a surgical method for osteosynthesis and reported the resultant strength after application of a PHILOS plate through the anterolateral approach for the treatment of fractures of the distal humerus. METHODS: Between February 2010 and March 2012, open reduction and internal fixation operations with the PHILOS plate for treatment of fracture of the distal humerus were performed on a total of nine patients (five men, four women). The mean age was 40.8 years (range, 24-50 years), and the average follow-up period was 9.1 months (range, 6-15 months). Clinical evaluations were performed 6 months after the operation. Clinical assessment included determination of the range of motion of the elbow, the Mayo and Oxford elbow scores, and any postoperative complications. RESULTS: Fracture union was noted in all patients, with an average period of 12.4 weeks. The average Mayo elbow and Oxford elbow scores were 87.2 (of a total of 100) and 43.3 (of a total of 48), respectively. For the postoperative range of motion of the elbow, all patients showed complete recovery to the preoperative range of motion. No other conditions, such as neurolepsis, plate breakage, or rotational deformity, were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Open reduction and internal fixation of distal humerus fractures with a PHILOS plating system via anterolateral approach can be effective. A high rate of union with good outcomes can be assumed.

PHILOS Plate Osteosynthesis in Metaphyseal Fractures of the Distal Humerus through an Anterolateral Approach

BACKGROUND: We described a surgical method for osteosynthesis and reported the resultant strength after application of a PHILOS plate through the anterolateral approach for the treatment of fractures of the distal humerus. METHODS: Between February 2010 and March 2012, open reduction and internal fixation operations with the PHILOS plate for treatment of fracture of the distal humerus were performed on a total of nine patients (five men, four women). The mean age was 40.8 years (range, 24-50 years), and the average follow-up period was 9.1 months (range, 6-15 months). Clinical evaluations were performed 6 months after the operation. Clinical assessment included determination of the range of motion of the elbow, the Mayo and Oxford elbow scores, and any postoperative complications. RESULTS: Fracture union was noted in all patients, with an average period of 12.4 weeks. The average Mayo elbow and Oxford elbow scores were 87.2 (of a total of 100) and 43.3 (of a total of 48), respectively. For the postoperative range of motion of the elbow, all patients showed complete recovery to the preoperative range of motion. No other conditions, such as neurolepsis, plate breakage, or rotational deformity, were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Open reduction and internal fixation of distal humerus fractures with a PHILOS plating system via anterolateral approach can be effective. A high rate of union with good outcomes can be assumed.

The Parameters Affecting the Success of Irrigation and Debridement with Component Retention in the Treatment of Acutely Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: The aims of our study were to evaluate the success rate of irrigation and debridement with component retention (IDCR) for acutely infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA) (< 4 weeks of symptom duration) and to analyze the factors affecting prognosis of IDCR. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 28 knees treated by IDCR for acutely infected TKA from 2003 to 2012. We evaluated the success rate of IDCR. All variables were compared between the success and failure groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was also used to examine the relative contribution of these parameters to the success of IDCR. RESULTS: Seventeen knees (60.7%) were successfully treated. Between the success and failure groups, there were significant differences in the time from primary TKA to IDCR (p = 0.021), the preoperative erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; p = 0.021), microorganism (p = 0.006), and polyethylene liner exchange (p = 0.017). Multivariable logistic regression analysis of parameters affecting the success of IDCR demonstrated that preoperative ESR (odds ratio [OR], 1.02; p = 0.041), microorganism (OR, 12.4; p = 0.006), and polyethylene liner exchange (OR, 0.07; p = 0.021) were significant parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that 60.7% of the cases were successfully treated by IDCR for acutely infected TKA. The preoperative ESR, microorganism, and polyethylene liner exchange were factors that affected the success of IDCR in acutely infected TKA.

Factors Correlated with the Reducibility of Varus Deformity in Knee Osteoarthritis: An Analysis Using Navigation Guided TKA

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that a number of clinical and radiologic parameters could influence the reducibility of varus deformity in total knee arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to identify the factors correlated with reducibility of varus deformity and predict more accurately the amount of medial soft tissue release required in varus deformity total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: One hundred forty-three knees with preoperative varus alignment and medial osteoarthritis were included in this retrospective study. The total knee arthroplasties were performed using a navigation system (OrthoPilot) by single surgeon. To assess varus deformity, the authors measured preoperative mechanical axis angles and valgus stress angles. Mechanical tibial angles, mechanical femoral angles, femoral osteophyte sizes, and tibial osteophyte sizes were measured. The Ahlback grading scale was applied for radiologic parameters, and clinical parameters (age, body mass index, sex, duration of pain, and preoperative range of motion) were documented. Correlations between these factors and preoperative valgus stress angle were analyzed. RESULTS: A negative correlation was found between preoperative mechanical axis angle and preoperative valgus stress angle (p < 0.01, r = -0.38), and a positive correlation was found between the preoperative mechanical tibial angle and preoperative valgus stress angle (p = 0.01, r = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that preoperative varus deformity and proximal tibial vara (measured by preoperative mechanical axis angle and mechanical tibial angle, respectively) are correlated with reducibility of varus deformity (measured by preoperative valgus stress angle), and clinical parameters (age, range of motion, duration of pain and body mass index) and other radiologic parameters (osteophyte size, severity of osteoarthritis and angulation of distal femoral joint surface) were not significantly correlated with reducibility of varus deformity.

Diagnosis of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is defined as a skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength, predisposing an individual to increased fracture risk. Many factors can lead to the development of osteoporosis. It is usually asymptomatic unless osteoporotic fracture and secondary changes of bone structure occur. Early radiographs show normal findings; however, osteopenic appearance, fracture, cortical bone thinning, and roughening of bone trabeculae can be found according to severity of osteoporosis. These symptoms are most frequently found in the spine and proximal femur. Bone mineral density (BMD) is the standard method used to diagnose osteoporosis, and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), one of the measurement tools for BMD, is particularly regarded as the appropriate tool applicable to WHO criteria, which defines osteoporosis as a T-score of less than 2.5 SDs below the mean of young adult women. Peripheral densitometry is less useful in predicting the risk of fractures of the spine and proximal femur, and it is not enough to diagnose and treat osteoporosis. Biochemical bone markers have demonstrated utility in clinical research and trials; however, they cannot replace BMD as a diagnostic tool. WHO recently developed FRAX, a novel method we can use to more conveniently evaluate osteoporotic fracture risk.

Short Term Results of Cruciate Retaining TypeMobile Bearing Total Knee Arthroplasty: Using a Navigation System

PURPOSE: We wanted to report the minimum 3 year follow-up clinical results of the patients who underwent navigation guided cruciate retaining mobile bearing total knee arthroplasty and to evaluate the radiological results for a consecutive series of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cruciate retaining mobile bearing total knee arthroplasties with using a navigation system were performed for 54 knees. The mean patient age was 65 years old (range: 51~76 years). The mean follow up period was 44 months (range: 36~61 months). The Knee Society Score (KSS) and range of motion (ROM) were evaluated for the preoperative and postoperative clinical assessments. We evaluated the alignment and the position of the implants by using plane radiographs for the radiological assessment, and we investigated the wear and loosening of implants in the same manner at the last follow-up exam. RESULTS: The knee score improved from 38 to 91 (p=0.001) and the functional score improved from 46 to 92 (p=0.001). The mean range of motion was also improved postoperatively. The radiological results of the coronal axis alignment of the lower extremity and the implant position were satisfactory in 98% of the cases. Periprostheic osteolysis occurred in 4 cases, but there were no clinically significant osteolysis seen on the follow-up radiographs. CONCLUSION: Soft tissue balancing and the accuracy of implantation are necessary when performing cruciate retaining mobile bearing total knee arthroplasty. For this type of implant, navigation is useful tool to perform total knee arthorplasty for insuring the accuracy of the surgical procedure.

Treatment of Intertrochanteric Fracture: Comparison of Proximal Femoral Nail and Proximal Femoral Nail A

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of fracture fixation between using Proximal Femoral Nail and using Proximal Femoral Nail A and to analyze the effectiveness of proximal femoral nail A. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 32 patients who suffered from intertrochanteric fracture in our hospital, which were 19 cases of PFN and 13 cases of PFNA. Retrospectively we evaluated mean operation time, amount of bleeding, beginning of ambulation, average union period, changes of neck shaft angle and complication on set of telephone interview and OPD. We also evaluated postoperative capability of function and mobility using 'Social function score' and 'Mobility score'. RESULTS: PFNA showed shorter mean operation time, less bleeding, shorter average union period, earlier ambulation and less change of neck shaft angle than PFN. Although they didn't show statistical difference, postoperative capability of function and mobility showed statistical and mathematical difference on each group. CONCLUSION: PFNA showed better results of postoperative function and mobility and less complications than PFN. So treatment using PFNA is better method than that of PFN.

Correlation of Clinical Outcome and Cuff Integrity after Open Repair in Large and Massive Rotator Cuff Tears

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between the clinical outcome and the cuff integrity following open repair in large and massive rotator cuff tears using ultrasonography as an imaging modality. Material and Methods: From November 2001 to April 2005, 17 cases(16 patients) who had open repair of tear measuring more than 3cm were assessed with minimal follow-up of 12 months in this study. 6 cases had a large tear and 11 cases a massive tear. There were 6 men and 11 women with a mean age of 52 years at surgery (range, 33 to 72 years). The evaluation consisted of the preoperative and postoperative shoulder scores according to UCLA shoulder scoring system and Visual analogue scale (VAS). Ultrasonography was performed by a experienced musculoskeletal physician at a minimum of 12 months postoperatively to evaluate the postoperative cuff integrity. Results: Retear were detected in four of seventeen cases. Regardless of the presence of recurrent tear, 14 cases had UCLA score of more than 29 points (good grade). All 17 had an improvement in the functional score, which increased from an average of 15.1 to 31.2 points. All cases showed pain relief and five cases had no pain. Sixteen cases except one had the range of motion of forward elevation above 90degrees. Conclusion: Open rotator cuff repair in large and massive tears showed low retear rate. At a minimum of twelve months follow-up, all cases had improvement on UCLA score, pain relief, increased range of motion of the shoulder regardless of retear. And the correlation between recurrent tear and function score was not statistically significant.