The cumulative incidence and risk factors associated with 5-year conversion to knee arthroplasty following primary meniscus repair or primary meniscectomy.

Background: This study aimed to observe the 5-year knee arthroplasty conversion incidence rate and associated risk factors in patients who underwent meniscus procedures. Methods: Using a national database, we analyzed patients who had undergone primary meniscus repair or meniscectomy without prior knee surgeries. The cumulative knee arthroplasty conversion incidence was determined via Kaplan Meier analysis. Risk factors for conversion within 5 years were assessed using a Cox proportional hazard ratio model, with results as hazard ratios (HR). Results: 8125 patients had meniscus repair, while 240,209 had meniscectomy. 5-year conversion rates: repair 1.7%, meniscectomy 8.4%. Arthroplasty likelihood decreased as age decreased for repair (70+ [HR: 162.20]; 60-69 [HR: 81.64]; 50-59 [HR: 49.85]; 40-49 [HR: 17.79]; p < 0.001 all). Additional risk factors included male sex (HR: 0.35; p < 0.001) and higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (CCI1 [HR: 1.28; p = 0.012]). For meniscectomy, arthroplasty likelihood also decreased with age (70+ [HR: 99.41]; 60-69 [HR: 84.57]; 50-59 [HR: 66.60]; 40-49 [HR: 36.15]; 30-39 [HR: 10.18]; p < 0.001 all). Additional risk factors included male sex (HR: 0.68; p < 0.001), obesity (HR: 1.18; p < 0.001), smoking (HR: 0.1.12; p = 0.010), and higher CCI (CCI1 [HR: 1.25]; CCI2 [HR 1.39]; CCI3+ [HR 1.46]; p < 0.001 all). Conclusion: This study revealed the national 5-year conversion incidence following primary meniscus repair (1.7%) and meniscectomy (8.4%). It also enhanced understanding of age, sex, obesity, smoking, comorbidities (CCI), and knee arthroplasty likelihood after meniscus procedures.

Trends in utilization of meniscal allograft transplantation between 2010 and 2019.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to observe the trends in (1) utilization of meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT), (2) demographics and comorbidities of patients undergoing transplants and (3) reimbursements for this procedure between the years of 2010 and 2019. METHODS: Using a national database, patients who underwent MAT were observed. Incidence of MAT, percentage of female patients, average age, and average Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) were analyzed between 2010 and 2019. Average reimbursement during the index and postoperative 90-day bundle period were also calculated from 2010 to 2019. Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of change in incidence, demographic and reimbursement was calculated, and linear regressionwas conducted for each trends analysis. RESULTS: In total, 744 patients underwent a MAT between the years of 2010 and 2019. The incidence of MAT increased from 0.12 per 100,000 to 0.15 per 100,000 during this period but was not statistically significant (p=0.345). There was no significant difference in age (p=0.462) and gender (p=0.831) among the patients, but the average CCI significantly increased from 2010 to 2019 (CAGR: +15.30; p=0.001). The total reimbursement in the index (p=0.451) and 90-day bundle period (p=0.191) did not significantly change from 2010 to 2019. CONCLUSIONS: Although MAT has been shown to be a safe and reliable surgery for the treatment of meniscus deficient knees, the incidence of MAT as well as the population undergoing MAT has minimally increased from 2010 to 2019. Future studies should seek to identify why the utilization of this efficacious surgery has not increased. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; Descriptive Epidemiology Study.

Delay of Timing of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Is Associated With Lower Risk of Arthrofibrosis Requiring Intervention.

PURPOSE: To conduct 2 separate stratum-specific likelihood ratio analyses in patients younger than 40 year of age (<40 years) and those aged 40 and older (40+ years) at time of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction to define data-driven strata between ACL tear and primary isolated ACL reconstruction in which the risk of arthrofibrosis, using manipulation under anesthesia and arthroscopic lysis of adhesions as surrogates, is significantly different. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using the PearlDiver Database. Patients who underwent ACL reconstruction were identified using the Current Procedure Terminology code 29888. Patients were stratified to those aged younger than 40 (<40) and those 40 and older (40+) at time of ACL reconstruction. The incidence of 2-year arthrofibrosis was calculated for weekly intervals from initial ACL injury to reconstruction. Stratum specific likelihood ratio analysis was conducted to determine data-driven intervals from initial ACL tear to reconstruction that optimize differences in 2-year arthrofibrosis. Following the identification of these intervals for both those <40 and 40+, multivariable analysis was conducted. RESULTS: For those <40, stratum-specific likelihood ratio analysis identified only 2 data-driven timing strata: 0-5 and 6-26 weeks. For those 40+, stratum-specific likelihood ratio analysis also only identified 2 data-driven strata: 0-9 and 10-26 weeks. A delay in ACL reconstruction from initial injury by at least 6 weeks in patients younger than 40 and at least 10 weeks in patients older than 40 years is associated with a 65% and 35% reduction of 2-year manipulation under anesthesia and arthroscopic lysis of adhesions, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis showed a delay in ACLR of at least 6 weeks in patients younger than 40 years to be associated with a 65% reduction in the risk of surgical intervention for arthrofibrosis and a delay of at least 10 weeks in patients 40 years and older to be associated with only a 35% reduction in the risk of surgical intervention for arthrofibrosis. The authors propose this difference in reduction to be multifactorial and potentially associated with mechanism of injury, activity level, and preoperative factors such as amount of physical therapy, rather than solely timing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative prognostic study.

Comparison of 30-day complications between reverse shoulder arthroplasty and open reduction internal fixation for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures.

PURPOSE: While the use of open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) has remained stable over the last decade, there has been a significant increase in the use of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) for proximal humerus fractures (PHFs). This study sought to compare the complication profiles of RTSA to ORIF in a large, validated, retrospective cohort. METHODS: Patients who underwent surgical treatment for PHFs with RTSA or ORIF were identified in a national database (NSQIP) using CPT and ICD codes. Demographics and comorbidities were identified for each cohort of patients. Thirty-day complications were analyzed with univariate and multivariate analyses using Chi-square, Fischer's exact and analysis of variance testing. RESULTS: The total number of patients included in this study was 2157.522 (24.2%) underwent RTSA and 1635 (75.8%) underwent ORIF. Patients undergoing RTSA were older with an average age of 73.52 years compared with 63.84 years in those undergoing ORIF (p < 0.001). Patients with RTSA were more likely to experience any complications (p < 0.001), pulmonary complications (p = 0.029), extended length of stay > 3 days (p < 0.001), and perioperative transfusion requirement (p < 0.001) after univariate analysis. After controlling for demographic differences, the only statistically significant complication was perioperative transfusion requirement (OR 1.383). CONCLUSION: After controlling for demographic variables and comorbidities, RTSA placed patients at increased risk for perioperative blood transfusion. Patients undergoing RTSA should be counseled prior to surgery regarding the risk for transfusion and potentially optimized medically through multidisciplinary care if the surgeon elects to proceed with RTSA versus ORIF for the treatment of PHFs.

The association between diabetes status and postoperative complications for patients receiving ACL reconstruction.

PURPOSE: It is well established that diabetes is associated with complications following surgical procedures across the wide array of surgical subspecialties. The evidence on the effect of diabetes on postoperative outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR), however, is not as robust, and findings have not been consistent. It was hypothesized that patients with diabetes are at increased risk of complications and a higher rate of hospital admission following ACLR. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for patients undergoing ACL reconstruction from 2006 to 2019. Two patient cohorts were defined in this retrospective study: patients with diabetes and patients without diabetes. The various patient demographics, medical comorbidities, and postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups, with the use of bivariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Of 9,576 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction, 9,443 patients (98.6%) did not have diabetes, whereas 133 patients (1.4%) had diabetes. Following adjustment on multivariate analyses, compared to non-diabetic patients, those with diabetes had an increased risk of admission to the hospital within thirty days of the surgery (OR 2.14; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Patients with diabetes have a significantly higher risk of being admitted to the hospital compared to those without the disease. Clinicians should be aware of diabetic patients who undergo ACLR to ensure appropriate pre- and postoperative care to minimize complications in this patient population.

Comparison of Arthroscopy versus Open Arthrotomy for Treatment of Septic Arthritis of the Native Knee: Analysis of 90-Day Postoperative Complications.

Septic arthritis is an orthopaedic emergency, often necessitating surgical debridement, and the knee joint is most frequently affected. Arthroscopic and open irrigation and debridement (I&D) are the two commonest surgical treatments for septic arthritis of the native knee. Several studies have compared outcomes of open and arthroscopic management without coming to a clear conclusion which yields superior outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of these two surgical techniques to treat septic arthritis of the native knee using a large nationwide database. Patients who underwent arthroscopic or open I&D as treatment for knee septic arthritis from 2010 to 2019 were identified using a national insurance database. The primary outcome was the 90-day reoperation rate. Secondary outcomes included surgical site infection, readmission, and other postoperative complications. A total of 1,139 patients were identified, 618 of whom (54%) underwent open treatment and 521 (46%) underwent arthroscopic treatment. The two groups did not differ significantly by age, gender, or most comorbidities. There was no significant difference in 90-day reoperation rate between the groups (15.0.% open and 18.0% arthroscopic, p = 0.174). Patients who underwent open treatment had increased odds of readmission to the hospital (odds ratio [OR] = 1.46 [1.14-1.86]; p = 0.003), postoperative anemia (OR = 1.71 [1.08-2.75]; p = 0.025), and blood transfusion (OR = 1.76 [1.04-3.06]; p = 0.040) compared with those who underwent arthroscopic surgery. Using administrative claims data, we found that arthroscopic and open I&D have similar rates of reoperation and most 90-day postoperative outcomes. Lower rates of readmission, postoperative anemia, and blood transfusion were found with arthroscopic I&D, suggesting that arthroscopy may be preferable to open treatment in the management of septic arthritis of the native knee in cases in which other case- and surgeon-specific factors do not otherwise dictate the best treatment modality.

Anticoagulant Usage After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Is Associated With Increased Rate of Manipulation Under Anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Arthrofibrosis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a notable but uncommon complication of ACLR. To improve range of motion after ACLR, aggressive physical therapy, arthroscopic/open lysis of adhesions, and revision surgery are currently used. Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is also a reasonable choice for an appropriate subset of patients with inadequate range of motion after ACLR. Recently, the correlation between anticoagulant usage and arthrofibrosis after total knee arthroplasty has become an area of interest. The purpose of this study was to determine whether anticoagulant use has a similar effect on the incidence of MUA after ACLR. METHODS: The Mariner data set of the PearlDiver database was used to conduct this retrospective cohort study. Patients with an isolated ACLR were identified by using Current Procedural Terminology codes. Patients were then stratified by MUA within 2 years of ACLR, and the use of postoperative anticoagulation was identified. In addition, patient demographics, medical comorbidities, and timing of ACLR were recorded. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to model independent risk factors for MUA. RESULTS: We identified 216,147 patients who underwent isolated ACLR. Of these patients, 3,494 (1.62%) underwent MUA within 2 years. Patients who were on anticoagulants after ACLR were more likely to require an MUA (odds ratio [OR]: 2.181; P < 0.001), specifically low-molecular-weight heparin (OR: 2.651; P < 0.001), warfarin (OR: 1.529; P < 0.001), and direct factor Xa inhibitors (OR: 1.957; P < 0.001). DISCUSSION: In conclusion, arthrofibrosis after ACLR is associated with the use of preoperative or postoperative thromboprophylaxis. Healthcare providers should be aware of increased stiffness among these patients and treat them aggressively.

Shoulder, upper arm and elbow injuries in high school men's American football.

In order to reduce shoulder, upper arm and elbow injury rates in American football, identifying injury risk factors and any underlying associations is needed. No prior study has done such characterization at the high school level. A descriptive epidemiology study was performed using data from the National Athletic Treatment, Injury, and Outcomes Network Surveillance Program (NATION-SP) from the years 2011/12 to 2013/14 on high school football athletes. Four hundred and sixty total injuries were found in the dataset. Acromioclavicular (AC) sprains had the highest incidence of all injuries (0.060 injuries per 1000 exposures). Fractures lead to the greatest time lost (42.24 days). Most injuries occurred in older athletes (juniors and seniors, 30% and 32%, respectively), were related to tackling (31%), and in running back and linebacker positions (15% each). Orthopaedic surgeons and other sports medicine specialists can use these findings to educate players, coaches and families about injury risks and for improving injury prevention guidelines.

The effect of obesity on complications following isolated posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the risk of 30-day complications for obese patients compared to non-obese patients undergoing isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. METHODS: From 2006 to 2019, the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for patients undergoing isolated PCL reconstruction. Two patient cohorts were defined: patients with obesity (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2) and patients without obesity (BMI < 30 kg/m2). Patients' baseline demographics and medical comorbidities were collected and compared between the cohorts. Postoperative outcomes were assessed using bivariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: 414 patients underwent PCL reconstruction. 258 patients (62.3%) were non-obese and 156 patients (37.7%) were obese. Obese patients were more likely to be older, have a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, and have hypertension compared to non-obese patients (p < 0.05 for all). The rates of superficial surgical site infections, wound dehiscence, transfusion necessity, deep vein thrombosis, and re-operation were not significant between obese and non-obese patients. Following adjustment on multivariate analyses, relative to patients without obesity, those with obesity had an increased risk of admission to the hospital overnight (OR 1.66; p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate obesity on complications in isolated PCL reconstruction. Our results and the heterogeneity in the literature indicate that obesity significantly impacts the rates of hospital readmission for PCL reconstruction. Therefore, surgeons should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of operating on obese patients and plan accordingly as obese patients may require postoperative hospital admission after PCL reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Diagnosis of Culture-Negative Septic Arthritis with Polymerase Chain Reaction in an Immunosuppressed Patient: A Case Report.

CASE: We present a 23-year-old woman on immunosuppressive therapy with polyarticular, culture-negative septic arthritis. She underwent irrigation and debridement with empiric antibiotic therapy but had recurrence of septic arthritis despite treatment. Polymerase chain reaction testing eventually identified Ureaplasma as the causative organism. She was successfully treated with an extended course of organism-specific antibiotics. CONCLUSION: More patients are being treated with immune modulating therapies. Immunosuppressed patients are at risk for atypical infections and may have different presentations than immunocompetent patients. Newer diagnostic modalities can help identify causative organisms and direct treatment in the case of negative cultures.

Deep Vein Thrombosis after Cement Intravasation during Hip Hemiarthroplasty.

Cement intravasation occurs in hemiarthroplasty when pressurization of cement through the medullary canal backflows through the nutrient vessels. This case report describes a 70-year-old woman who underwent hip hemiarthroplasty for a displaced left femoral neck fracture. Postoperative radiographs demonstrated radio-opacity consistent with local cement intravasation. A Doppler ultrasound study subsequently revealed a mobile thrombus at the confluence of the femoral and profunda femoris veins, as well as a nonmobile thrombus within the profunda femoris vein. The more proximal thrombus was determined to be cement that had intravasated during the index operation. The cement likely impeded venous flow, ultimately leading to the development of deep vein thrombosis just distal to the site of cement occlusion.

No change in performance metrics in major league baseball players sustaining wrist fractures after being struck by an errant pitch.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effect of wrist fractures on performance metrics in Major League Baseball Players after they were hit by an errant pitch. METHODS: Players who sustained wrist fractures after being struck by a pitch were identified and changes in performance metrics were calculated. RESULTS: In both the short- and medium-term analysis, there were no significant differences in all pre- and post-injury offensive statistics following return to play. CONCLUSION: Wrist fractures sustained after being struck by an errant pitch do not significantly impact professional baseball player performance if the player is able to return to sport.

Isolated Carpal Dislocation of the Pisiform with Distal Radius Fracture in Two Adults: A Rare Entity.

Background Pisiform dislocations are an extremely rare injury. There are reports in the literature of isolated dislocations, but to our knowledge there are no reports of distal radius fractures with associated pisiform dislocations. Methods and Results We present two cases of isolated pisiform dislocation and distal radius fracture in the adult population. Both patients were managed conservatively with closed reduction in both the distal radius and pisiform, and subsequently achieved good pain relief and progressive return of wrist function. Conclusion For adult patients with distal radius fractures and an associated pisiform dislocation, successful closed reduction and immobilization can result in symptomatic improvement and return of function.