Variation in Utilization of Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist Services After Rotator Cuff Repair: A Population-Based Study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe the utilization of physical therapist and occupational therapist services after rotator cuff repair (RCR) and examine variation in rehabilitation characteristics by profession. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used the IBM MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database. Eligible patients were 18 to 64 years old and had undergone outpatient RCR between 2017 and 2020. Physical therapist and occupational therapist services were identified using evaluation and treatment codes with profession-specific modifiers ("GP" or "GO"). Factors predicting utilization of formal rehabilitation and physical therapist versus occupational therapist services were examined; and univariable and multivariable analyses of days to initiate therapy, number of visits, and episode length by profession were completed. RESULTS: Among 53,497 patients with an RCR, 81.2% initiated formal rehabilitation (93.8% physical therapist, 5.2% occupational therapist, 1.0% both services). Patients in the Northeast and West (vs the South) were less likely to receive rehabilitation (odds ratio [OR] = 0.67 to 0.70) and less likely to receive occupational therapist services (OR = 0.39). Patients living in the Midwest (versus the South) were less likely to receive rehabilitation (OR = 0.79) but more likely to receive occupational therapist services (OR = 1.51). Similarly, those living in a rural (versus urban) area were less likely to utilize rehabilitation (OR = 0.89) but more likely to receive occupational therapist services (OR = 2.21). Additionally, receiving occupational therapist instead of physical therapist services was associated with decreased therapist visits (-16.89%), days to initiate therapy (-13.43%), and episode length (-13.78%). CONCLUSION: Most patients in our commercially insured cohort utilized rehabilitation services, with a small percentage receiving occupational therapist services. We identified profession-specific variation in utilization characteristics that warrants further examination to understand predictors and associated outcomes. IMPACT: Variation in rehabilitation utilization after RCR, including profession-specific and regional differences, may indicate opportunities to improve standardization and quality of care.

Association between timing of initiating supervised physical rehabilitation after rotator cuff repair and incidence of repeat repair and capsulitis: a population-based analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is limited consensus on the optimal time to initiate supervised physical rehabilitation after a rotator cuff repair (RCR). We examined whether timing of initiating supervised physical rehabilitation was associated with repeat RCR or development of adhesive capsulitis within 12 months postoperatively in an observational cohort of commercially insured adults. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used the IBM MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database. We included adults aged 18-64 who underwent a unilateral outpatient RCR between 2017 and 2020 and initiated supervised physical rehabilitation 1-90 days postoperatively. Multivariable logistic regression models examined the adjusted association between time of initiating supervised physical rehabilitation (1-13, 14-27, 28-41, and 42-90 days postoperatively) and each of the primary outcomes: repeat RCR and capsulitis. In a sensitivity analysis, time to rehabilitation was alternatively categorized using a data-driven approach of quartiles (1-7, 8-16, 17-30, and 31-90 days postoperatively). We report adjusted odds ratios (OR). RESULTS: Among 33,841 patients (86.7% arthroscopic index RCR), the median time between index RCR and rehabilitation initiation was 16 days (interquartile range 7-30), with 39.9% initiating rehabilitation at 1-13 days. Additionally, 2.2% underwent repeat RCR within 12 months, and 12-month capsulitis was identified in 1.9% of patients. There were no significant associations between timing of initiating rehabilitation and 12-month repeat RCR (OR 0.85-0.93, P = .18-.49) or 12-month capsulitis (OR 0.83-0.94, P = .22-.63). Lack of associations between timing and outcomes was supported in sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Timing of initiating rehabilitation was not significantly associated with adverse outcomes after RCR. The finding of no increased odds of repeat RCR or capsulitis with the earliest timing may support earlier initiation of rehabilitation to accelerate return to daily activities. Findings should be replicated in another dataset of similarly-aged patients.

Assessment of Risk Factors and Rate of Conversion to Total Hip Arthroplasty Within 2 Years After Hip Arthroscopy Utilizing a Large Database of Commercially Insured Patients in the United States.

Background: The conversion rate of hip arthroscopy (HA) to total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been reported to be as high as 10%. Despite identifying factors that increase the risk of conversion, current studies do not stratify patients by type of arthroscopic procedure. Purpose/Hypothesis: To analyze the rate and predictors of conversion to THA within 2 years after HA. It was hypothesized that osteoarthritis (OA) and increased patient age would negatively affect the survivorship of HA. Study Design: Cohort study; Evidence level, 3. Methods: The IBM MarketScan database was utilized to identify patients who underwent HA and converted to THA within 2 years at inpatient and outpatient facilities between 2013 and 2017. Patients were split into 3 procedure cohorts as follows: (1) femoroacetabular osteoplasty (FAO), which included treatment for femoroacetabular impingement; (2) isolated debridement; and (3) isolated labral repair. Cohort characteristics were compared using standardized differences. Conversion rates between the 3 cohorts were compared using chi-square tests. The relationship between age and conversion was assessed using linear regression. Predictors of conversion were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. The median time to conversion was estimated using Kaplan-Meier tests. Results: A total of 5048 patients were identified, and the rates of conversion to THA were 12.86% for isolated debridement, 8.67% for isolated labral repair, and 6.76% for FAO (standardized difference, 0.138). The isolated labral repair cohort had the shortest median time to conversion (isolated labral repair, 10.88 months; isolated debridement, 10.98 months; and FAO, 11.9 months [P = .034). For patients >50 years, isolated debridement had the highest rate of conversion at 18.8%. The conversion rate increased linearly with age. Factors that increased the odds of conversion to THA were OA, having an isolated debridement procedure, and older patient age (P < .05). Conclusion: Older patients and those with preexisting OA of the hip were at a significantly increased risk of failing HA and requiring a total hip replacement within 2 years of the index procedure. Younger patients were at low risk of requiring a conversion procedure no matter which arthroscopic procedure was performed.

Increased rate of out-of-network surgeon selection for hip arthroscopy compared to more common orthopedic sports procedures.

Background: Demand for hip arthroscopy (HA) has increased, but shortfalls in HA training may create disparities in care access. This analysis aimed to (1) compare out-of-network (OON) surgeon utilization for HA with that of more common orthopedics sports procedures, including rotator cuff repair (RCR), partial meniscectomy (PM), and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), (2) compare the HA OON surgeon rate with another less commonly performed procedure, meniscus allograft transplant (MAT), and (3) analyze trends and predictors of OON surgeon utilization. Methods: The 2013-2017 IBM MarketScan database identified patients under 65 who underwent HA, RCR, PM, ACLR, or MAT. Demographic differences were determined using standardized differences. Cochran-Armitage tests analyzed trends in OON surgeon utilization. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of OON surgeon utilization. Statistical significance was set to p < 0.05 and significant standardized differences were >0.1. Results: 410,487 patients were identified, of which 12,636 patients underwent HA, 87,607 RCR, 233,241 PM, 76,700 ACLR, and 303 MAT. OON surgeon utilization increased for HA, rising from 7.98 % in 2013 to 9.37 % in 2017 (p = 0.026). Compared to RCR, PM, and ACLR, HA was associated with higher likelihood of OON surgeon utilization. Usage of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) was predictive of higher OON surgeon rates along with procedure year, insurance plan type, and geographic region. HA performed in an ASC was 13 % less likely to have an OON surgeon (p = 0.047). Conclusion: OON surgeon utilization generally declined but increased for HA. HA was a predictor of OON surgeon status, possibly because HA is a technically complicated procedure with fewer trained in-network providers. Other predictors of OON surgeon status included ASC usage, PPO/EPO plan type, and Northeast geographic region. There is a need to improve access to experienced HA providers-perhaps with prioritization of HA training in residency and fellowship programs-in order to address rising OON surgeon utilization.

Hip Arthroscopy Trends: Increasing Patient Out-of-Pocket Costs, Lower Surgeon Reimbursement, and Cost Reduction With Utilization of Ambulatory Surgery Centers.

PURPOSE: To (1) report on trends in immediate procedure reimbursement, patient out-of-pocket expenditures, and surgeon reimbursement in hip arthroscopy (2) compare trends in ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) versus outpatient hospitals (OH) utilization; (3) quantify the cost differences (if any) associated with ASC versus OH settings; and 4) determine the factors that predict ASC utilization for hip arthroscopy. METHODS: The cohort for this descriptive epidemiology study was any patient over 18 years identified in the IBM MarketScan Commercial Claims Encounter database who underwent an outpatient hip arthroscopy, identified by Current Procedural Terminology codes, in the United States from 2013 to 2017. Immediate procedure reimbursement, patient out-of-pocket expenditure, and surgeon reimbursement were calculated, and a multivariable model was used to determine the influence of specific factors on these outcome variables. Statistically significant P values were less than .05, and significant standardized differences were more than 0.1. RESULTS: The cohort included 20,335 patients. An increasing trend in ASC utilization was observed (P = .001), and ASC utilization for hip arthroscopy was 32.4% in 2017. Patient out-of-pocket expenditures for femoroacetabular impingement surgery increased 24.3% over the study period (P = .003), which was higher than the rate for immediate procedure reimbursement (4.2%; P = .007). ASCs were associated with $3,310 (28.8%; P = .001) reduction in immediate procedure reimbursement and $47 (6.2%; P = .001) reduction in patient out-of-pocket expenditure per hip arthroscopy. CONCLUSIONS: ASCs provide a significant cost difference for hip arthroscopy. Although there is an increasing trend toward ASC utilization, it remains relatively low at 32.4% in 2017. Thus, there are opportunities for expanded ASC utilization, which is associated with significant immediate procedure reimbursement difference of $3,310 and patient out-of-pocket expenditure difference of $47 per hip arthroscopy case, ultimately benefiting healthcare systems, surgeons, and patients alike. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative trial.

Ambulatory Surgery Centers Significantly Decrease Total Health Care Expenditures in Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a commonly performed orthopaedic procedure. The volume and cost of ACLR procedures are increasing annually, but the drivers of these cost increases are not well described. PURPOSE: To analyze the modifiable drivers of total health care utilization (THU), immediate procedure reimbursement, and surgeon reimbursement for patients undergoing ACLR using a large national commercial insurance database from 2013 to 2017. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: For this study, the cohort consisted of patients identified in the MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database who underwent outpatient arthroscopic ACLR in the United States from 2013 to 2017. Patients with Current Procedural Terminology code 29888 were included. THU was defined as the sum of any payment related to the ACLR procedure from 90 days preoperatively to 180 days postoperatively. A multivariable model was utilized to describe the patient- and procedure-related drivers of THU, immediate procedure reimbursement, and surgeon reimbursement. RESULTS: There were 34,862 patients identified. On multivariable analysis, the main driver of THU and immediate procedure reimbursement was an outpatient hospital as the surgical setting (US$6789 increase in THU). The main driver of surgeon reimbursement was an out-of-network surgeon (US$1337 increase). Health maintenance organization as the insurance plan type decreased THU, immediate procedure reimbursement, and surgeon reimbursement (US$955, US$108, and US$38 decrease, respectively, compared with preferred provider organization; P < .05 for all). CONCLUSION: Performing procedures in more cost-efficient ambulatory surgery centers had the largest effect on decreasing health care expenditures for ACLR. Health maintenance organizations aided in cost-optimization efforts as well, but had a minor effect on surgeon reimbursement. Overall, this study increases transparency into what drives reimbursement and serves as a foundation for how to decrease health care expenditures related to ACLR.

Trends in Health Care Expenditures and Patient Out-of-Pocket Expenses in Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is one of the most commonly performed orthopaedic procedures in the United States, and the number of procedures is increasing annually, as is the cost. Patients are expected to shoulder a larger out-of-pocket expenditure. PURPOSE: To answer the following questions: (1) How is reimbursement changing for ACLR, and how is this affecting patients' out-of-pocket expenditures? (2) How are reimbursements from payers and patients' out-of-pocket expenses for ACLR distributed, and how is this changing? (3) Does performing ACLR in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) result in lower costs for payers and patients? STUDY DESIGN: Economic and decision analysis study; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A total of 37,763 patients who underwent outpatient primary arthroscopic ACLR in the United States between 2013 and 2017 were identified using the IBM MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database. Patients with concomitant procedures and revision ACLR were excluded. Recorded outcomes were total patient payments and reimbursed claim totals in US dollars. RESULTS: Day-of-surgery reimbursement decreased 4.3% from $11,536 in 2013 to $11,044 in 2017, while patient out-of-pocket expenses increased 36% from $1085 in 2013 to $1480 in 2017. Day-of-surgery charges were the highest expense for patients, followed by physical therapy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) costs. Total reimbursement for MRI decreased 22.5%, while patient out-of-pocket expenses for MRI increased 166%. ACLR performed in an outpatient hospital resulted in 61% greater day-of-surgery expenditure for payers compared with ACLR performed in an ASC; however, the median total patient out-of-pocket savings for ACLRs performed in an ASC versus outpatient hospital was only $11. CONCLUSION: Out-of-pocket expenses for patients are increasing as they are forced to cover a larger percentage of their health care costs despite overall payer reimbursement decreasing. High-deductible health plans reimbursed the least out of all insurance types while having the highest patient out-of-pocket expenditure.

Impact of Increasing Comorbidity Burden on Resource Utilization in Patients With Proximal Humerus Fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Proximal humerus fractures (PHF) are a common upper extremity fracture in the elderly cohort. An aging and more comorbid cohort, along with recent trends of increased operative intervention, suggests that there could be an increase in resource utilization caring for these patients. We sought to quantify these trends and quantify the impact that comorbidity burden has on resource utilization. METHODS: Data on 83,975 patients with PHFs were included from the Premier Healthcare Claims database (2006 to 2016) and stratified by Deyo-Charlson index. Multivariable models assessed associations between Deyo-Charlson comorbidities and resource utilization (length and cost of hospitalization, and opioid utilization in oral morphine equivalents [OME]) for five treatment modalities: (1) open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), (2) closed reduction internal fixation (CRIF), (3) hemiarthroplasty, (4) reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, and (5) nonsurgical treatment (NST). We report a percentage change in resource utilization associated with an increasing comorbidity burden. RESULTS: Overall distribution of treatment modalities was (proportion in percent/median length of stay/cost/opioid utilization): ORIF (19.1%/2 days/$11,183/210 OME), CRIF (1.1%/4 days/$11,139/220 OME), hemiarthroplasty (10.7%/3 days/$17,255/275 OME), reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (6.4%/3 days/$21,486/230 OME), and NST (62.7%/0 days/$1,269/30 OME). Patients with an increased comorbidity burden showed a pattern of (1) more pronounced relative increases in length of stay among those treated operatively (65.0% for patients with a Deyo-Charlson index >2), whereas (2) increases in cost of hospitalization (60.1%) and opioid utilization (37.0%) were more pronounced in the NST group. DISCUSSION: In patients with PHFs, increased comorbidity burden coincides with substantial increases in resource utilization in patients receiving surgical and NSTs. Combined with known increases in operative intervention, trends in increased comorbidity burden may have profound effects on the cohort level and resource utilization for those with PHFs, especially because the use of bundled payment strategies for fractures increases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Soft tissue resurfacing for glenohumeral arthritis: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Severe glenohumeral arthritis in the young/active patient remains challenging. Historically, glenohumeral arthrodesis was recommended with limited return of function. Total shoulder arthroplasty has shown increasing survivorship at 15 years; however it is still not ideal for young patients. Biologic resurfacing of the glenoid with humeral head replacement has shown promising results. METHODS: The PubMed and Embase databases were queried for studies evaluating outcomes of glenoid biologic resurfacing with autograft or allograft. Two independent reviewers performed a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. RESULTS: Eleven studies (268 shoulders, 264 patients) were included. Minimum follow-up was 24 months in all but one study; patient age ranged from 14 to 75 years. Glenoid grafts used included 44.3% lateral meniscus allografts, 25.4% human acellular dermal matrix, 14.2% Achilles tendon allografts, 11.6% shoulder joint capsules, and 4.5% fascia lata autografts. Studies reported significantly improved American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Visual Analog Scale, and Simple Shoulder Test scores postoperatively; 43.3% were failures (Neer's evaluation of unsatisfactory or requiring revision). Infection occurred in 12/235. CONCLUSIONS: Biologic resurfacing of the glenoid with a metallic humeral component can provide a significant improvement in pain, motion, and standardized outcomes scores in the well-indicated situation. Appropriate counseling is required with an appreciated complication rate of over 36% and a revision rate of 34%.

Utilization, effectiveness, and safety of tranexamic acid use in hip fracture surgery: A population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of tranexamic acid (TXA) use in hip fracture surgery. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed using the Premier Healthcare database. A propensity score matching approach was applied to assess associations between TXA use and blood transfusion, perioperative complications, length of stay (LOS), and hospitalization cost. RESULTS: In 153,169 patients, TXA use was associated with a 17% decrease in odds of blood transfusion, no increase in the risk of perioperative complications, 16% shorter LOS, and minimal effects on hospitalization cost. CONCLUSION: Our results are in support of a wider use of TXA in hip fracture surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Effectiveness of intravenous acetaminophen for postoperative pain management in shoulder arthroplasties: A population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous acetaminophen (IV APAP) is an option in multimodal postoperative analgesia. Prior trials focus on hip and knee arthroplasties, whereas large-scale data on utilization and effectiveness in shoulder arthroplasties are lacking. METHODS: Data on 67,494 (452 hospitals) partial/total shoulder arthroplasties were extracted from the Premier claims database (2011-2016). Patients were categorized by receipt and dosage of IV APAP. Multilevel models measured associations between IV APAP and opioid utilization (in oral morphine equivalents), length/cost of stay and opioid-related complications. Effect estimates (adjusted % change) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported. RESULTS: IV APAP was used in 17.7% (n = 11,949) of patients with an increasing utilization trend. Most patients received only one dose on the day of surgery (69.5%; n = 8308). When adjusting for relevant covariates, IV APAP was not associated with meaningful effects on outcomes. Specifically, its use (versus no use) was not associated with decreased (but rather somewhat increased) opioid utilization: + 5.4% (CI 3.6-7.1%; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this first large-scale study that assesses IV APAP in shoulder arthroplasties, IV APAP use was not associated with decreased opioid utilization or the length/cost of stay. These results do not support routine use of IV APAP in this cohort, especially given its high cost. THE TRANSLATIONAL POTENTIAL FOR THIS ARTICLE: Multimodal pain control to assist in reducing the opioid pain medications are seen as a route to improved postoperative patient outcomes, better pain control and expedited hospital discharge. Acetaminophen plays a significant role in these protocols in many institutions, but it is not established if this expensive IV formulation is superior to the oral formulation. This study evaluates the use and effectiveness of IV acetaminophen following shoulder arthroplasty at a large number of institutions.

Utilization and Real-world Effectiveness of Tranexamic Use in Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Population-based Study.

INTRODUCTION: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is increasingly used to reduce blood loss in lower extremity arthroplasty, but limited data exist for its effectiveness in patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty. We aimed to use national data to assess the frequency of use and effectiveness of TXA in patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: Using national claims data from patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty (Premier Healthcare; 2010 to 2016; n = 82,512; 429 hospitals), we categorized patients according to whether they received perioperative TXA. Multilevel multivariable regression models measured associations between TXA and blood transfusion risk, combined complications (including thromboembolic events, acute renal failure, cerebral infarction, and acute myocardial infarction), and length and cost of hospitalization. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported. RESULTS: Overall, TXA was used in 12.8% (n = 10,582) of patients with a strong increasing trend. After adjustment for relevant covariates, TXA use (compared with no TXA use) was associated with a 36% decrease in transfusion risk (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.77; P < 0.05) and a 35% decreased risk for combined complications (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.50 to 0.83; P < 0.05). Moreover, TXA use was associated with 6.2% shorter hospital stay (95% CI, -8.0% to -4.4%; P < 0.05), whereas no difference was observed with the cost of hospitalization. CONCLUSION: In this first large-scale study assessing TXA use and effectiveness in patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty, we found that although TXA utilization is still low, it is associated with a marked decrease in transfusion risk with no increases in complication risk. Effects on the length and cost of hospitalization appeared minor. Future studies should assess whether higher volumes of TXA utilization would translate into more gains on the length and cost of hospitalization. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Drain Use is Associated with Increased Odds of Blood Transfusion in Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: In the absence of evidence supporting its benefit, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) strongly recommends against closed wound drainage in TKA; however, drain usage remains common in other joints, including the shoulder. While an extensive body of research exists for drain use in lower extremity joint arthroplasty, large-scale data on drain use and its association with benefits and complications in shoulder arthroplasties is lacking. Such data may be particularly valuable given the rapidly increasing demand for shoulder arthroplasties. QUESTION/PURPOSE: Using national claims data, we (1) evaluated the trends in frequency of drain usage in shoulder arthroplasty procedures over time, as well as the association between drain usage and (2) blood transfusion usage, (3) length of stay (LOS), and (4) readmission or early infection within 30 days. METHODS: This retrospective study used data from the nationwide Premier Healthcare claims database (2006-2016; n = 105,116, including total, reverse, and partial shoulder arthroplasties, in which drains were used in 20% [20,886] and no drain was used in 80% [84,230]). Included hospitals were mainly concentrated in the South (approximately 40%) with equal distributions among the Northeast, West, and Midwest (approximately 20% each). The Premier database contains detailed inpatient billing data on approximately 20% to 25% of US hospital discharges, which allows the creation of a variable indicating drain use by evaluating inpatient billing for drains. Baseline demographics differed minimally between patients receiving a drain compared with those who did not, with a median age of 70 years in both groups. The potential for selection bias was addressed by adjusting for measured confounders in mixed-effects models that estimated associations between drain use and blood transfusion usage, LOS, and readmission or (early) infection within 30 days. In addition, alternative statistical approaches were applied to address confounding, including propensity score analysis and instrumental variable analysis where a so-called "instrumental variable" is applied that mimics the treatment assignment process similar to a randomized study. We report odds ratios (OR; or % change for continuous variables) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: The usage of drains decreased over time, from 1106 of 4503 (25%) in 2006 to 2278 of 14,501 (16%) in 2016. After adjusting for relevant covariates, drain use was associated with an increased usage of blood transfusions (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.35-1.65; p < 0.001) while only associated with a small increase in LOS (+6%, 95% CI, +4% to +7%; p < 0.001). Drain use was not associated with increased odds for early postoperative infection or 30-day readmission. Propensity score analysis and instrumental variable analysis corroborated our main results. CONCLUSIONS: Use of drains in patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty is associated with an almost 50% increased odds for blood transfusions. Given that our findings parallel close to what is known in patients undergoing lower extremity joint arthroplasty, we believe that our results from a large national database are sufficient to discourage the routine use of drains in patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Outcomes of Patellofemoral Osteochondral Lesions Treated With Structural Grafts in Patients Older Than 40 Years.

Background Chondral lesions in the patellofemoral compartment represent a difficult entity to treat among active patients, with no clear consensus on the optimal treatment strategy. The purpose of this study was to review the functional outcomes of patients >40 years old with primary patellofemoral osteochondral lesions who underwent a cartilage restoration procedure with a structural graft. Methods Following institutional review board approval, 35 patients >40 years treated for patellofemoral chondral or osteochondral injuries were retrospectively identified. Seventeen (47%) had prior surgery (mean 1.4 procedures, range 1-4). Average follow-up was 3.6 ± 1.6 years. Average patient age was 51.5 years (range 40-72 years); 54% were male. Twenty-six (74%) had isolated trochlear lesions, 7 had isolated patellar lesions (20%), while 2 (6%) had bipolar lesions. Twenty patients (57%) were treated with synthetic biphasic scaffold plugs (SS), 9 (26%) with fresh osteochondral allograft (OCA) and 6 (17%) with osteochondral autograft transfer (OAT). Outcomes were measured with validated measures: Activity of Daily Living Score (ADL), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Evaluation form, and Marx Activity Scale (MAS). Results The average lesion size for the entire cohort was 3.1 ± 1.7 cm2. Average defect size was 2.6 ± 1.7 cm2 for the SS group, 4.3±1.5 cm2 for the OCA group, and 2.9 ± 0.8 cm2 for the OAT group ( P > 0.051). Outcome scores for the entire population demonstrated significant improvement in ADL ( P = 0.002) and IKDC scores ( P = 0.004) between baseline and final follow-up, while MAS scores were maintained ( P = 0.51). Conclusion Structural grafts are a viable treatment option for symptomatic focal osteochondral lesions of the patellofemoral joint in patients 40 years and older, with anticipated improvements in pain and function and maintenance of preoperative activity levels.

Return to play and performance after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in the National Basketball Association: surgeon case series and literature review.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate return to play (RTP) and functional performance after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in National Basketball Association (NBA) players and to perform a systematic review of the literature to understand RTP after ACLR in professional basketball. METHODS: NBA players undergoing ACLR between 2008 and 2014 by two surgeons were identified. RTP and performance were assessed based on a review of publically available statistics. A systematic review of the literature was performed using the MEDLINE database. Inclusion criteria were: English language, ACL surgery outcome, professional basketball and RTP outcome. We reviewed studies for RTP rates and RTP performance. RESULTS: Our study included 12 professional basketball players with NBA level experience. Eleven of the 12 players returned to their prior level of play. Eight of the 9 (88.9%) players actively playing in the NBA returned to play in the NBA at a mean 9.8 months. Among players returning to NBA play, during RTP season 1, mean per game statistics decreased for the following: minutes, points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, turnovers and personal fouls - none of these changes reached statistical significance. Player efficiency ratings significantly declined from pre-injury (12.5) to the first RTP season (7.6) (p = 0.05). By RTP season 2, player performance metrics approximated pre-injury levels and were not significantly different. Six studies met inclusion criteria; reported RTP rates ranged from 78-86%. Identified studies similarly found a decline in functional performance after RTP. CONCLUSION: There is a high rate (89%) of return to NBA play for NBA players undergoing ACLR. After RTP, however, there is a quantitative decline in initial season 1 RTP statistics with a significant decrease in player efficiency rating. By RTP season 2, performance metrics demonstrated an improvement compared to RTP season 1 but did not reach pre-injury functional performance, though performance metrics are not significantly different between pre-injury and RTP season 2.

Capsular Preservation Using Suture Suspension Technique in Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement.

This article describes the use of sutures to enhance visualization while protecting the capsule in both the central and peripheral compartments during hip arthroscopy. We describe first a technique to preserve the proximal capsule cuff while working in the central compartment and then an alternative to the T-capsulotomy while maintaining excellent visualization of the peripheral compartment during femoroplasty of cam-type femoroacetabular impingement. By use of suture suspension of the capsule, multiple goals are achieved: The integrity of the proximal capsule cuff is maintained while aiding in visualization of the central compartment; the iliofemoral ligament is spared, which plays a critical role in preventing microinstability; the necessary space is created to obtain adequate visualization of the peripheral compartment for complete femoroplasty; and operative time is reduced because creation and subsequent repair of the T-capsulotomy can be avoided.

Biceps tenodesis for long head of the biceps after auto-rupture or failed surgical tenotomy: results in an active population.

BACKGROUND: Long head of the biceps (LHB) deformity after surgical tenotomy or auto-rupture may result from attrition or injury. The purpose of this study was to describe the surgical outcomes of biceps tenodesis after failed surgical tenotomy or auto-rupture of the LHB tendon in a population of active patients. METHODS: During a 5-year period, 11 patients with a mean age of 43.3 years (range, 33-56 years) presented with symptoms of biceps cramping with activity (100%), deformity (100%), or pain (36%) at a mean of 8 months (range, 0.5-22 months) from a tenotomy (6 of 11) or an auto-rupture (5 of 11). All patients underwent a mini-open subpectoral biceps tenodesis with interference screw fixation. Patients were independently evaluated by patient-reported outcome measures (Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation [SANE] and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index [WORC]) and a biceps position examination. RESULTS: Of the 11 patients, 10 (91%) completed the study requirements at a mean of 2.6 years (range, 1.6-4.2 years). A total of 9 of the 10 patients (90%) returned to full activity. The mean preoperative SANE score was 61.1 (standard deviation [SD], 8.8), and the mean preoperative WORC score was 53.2 (SD, 9.2), which improved postoperatively to a SANE score of 84.2 (SD, 7.1) and a WORC score of 86 (SD, 8.2). There were no differences in LHB muscle position relative to the antecubital fossa (3.17 cm preoperatively to 3.25 cm postoperatively; P = .35). Deformity was resolved in all patients; 9 of 10 patients reported full resolution of cramping, and pain was resolved in 8 of 10. CONCLUSIONS: LHB tenodesis after auto-rupture or surgical tenotomy improved symptoms and allowed predictable return to activity and patient satisfaction. Additional work is necessary to determine the optimal treatment of primary biceps lesions.

Radiographic scoring system to evaluate union of distal radius fractures.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the intra- and interobserver reliability of a scoring system for distal radius fracture union based on specific radiographic parameters obtainable from x-rays. METHODS: Two sets of 35 anteroposterior and lateral x-rays were obtained by retrospective review of consecutive patients with distal radius fractures (AO types A and C) treated by a single surgeon in 2009. One set was assembled for those patients treated nonsurgically and 1 set for those treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with volar plating. Radius union scoring system (RUSS) scores were compiled from a 5-person review panel consisting of hand surgeons and musculoskeletal radiologists. Union of each of the 4 cortices was graded on a 3-point scale (0, fracture line visible with no callus; 1, callus formation but fracture line present; 2, cortical bridging without clear fracture line). Reviewers also recorded their overall impression of fracture union (united or not united). Each set of radiographs was reviewed twice by the 5 reviewers, 2 weeks apart. Inter- and intraobserver reliability were determined using intraclass correlation coefficients. RESULTS: For nonsurgically treated fractures, substantial agreement in union scores was found with regard to both intra- and interobserver reliability. For fractures treated with ORIF, substantial agreement was found in union scores with regard to intraobserver reliability and moderate agreement with regard to interobserver reliability. In addition, when using the reviewers' overall assessment of union as a reference standard, RUSS had a statistically significant predictive value in being able to differentiate between united and not united fractures. CONCLUSIONS: This radiographic union tool demonstrated substantial intra- and interobserver reliability for the determination of fracture union in the distal radius. The RUSS is a simple method for a standardized assessment of radiographic union of DRF treated nonsurgically or with ORIF. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic/decision analysis IV.

Successful percutaneous radiologic management of renal cell carcinoma tumor seeding caused by percutaneous biopsy performed before ablation.

A case is reported of the successful image-based detection, diagnosis, and percutaneous ablation of tumor seeding in a 61-year-old man that was caused by percutaneous biopsy of a renal cell carcinoma performed before cryoablation and was not detected until 4 years after the biopsy procedure. Although tumor seeding is a rare complication after percutaneous biopsy or ablation, this case emphasizes the importance of imaging surveillance of the needle tract used during both biopsy and ablation procedures, provides guidance on measures that can be used to minimize the occurrence of tumor seeding, and demonstrates that entirely radiologic management can be successful.

Revision hip arthroplasty with a modular cementless stem: mid-term follow up.

Despite the increasing volume of revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) being performed in the United States, there are few studies reporting mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of modular fully porous-coated femoral stems. We retrospectively studied a consecutive series of patients who underwent revision THA with a modular extensively porous-coated femoral component at a single institution and by a single surgeon. The final study group included 54 hips (52 patients) followed for an average of 84 months. Ten-year survival rates with revision for any reason and revision for femoral loosening as endpoints were 94% and 100%, respectively. No complications regarding the modular junction were encountered. Of the 50 hips with adequate radiographs, all showed proximal ingrowth and 42 (84%) had both proximal and distal ingrowth. The modular, fully porous-coated femoral stem studied demonstrated excellent survivorship and bone ingrowth at mid-term follow up.