Scaffold- and graft-based biological augmentation of rotator cuff repair: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical and clinical studies for 2010-2022.

BACKGROUND: Despite advancements in the surgical techniques of rotator cuff repair (RCR), there remains a high retear rate. Biological augmentation of repairs with overlaying grafts and scaffolds may enhance healing and strengthen the repair construct. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of scaffold-based (nonstructural) and overlay graft-based (structural) biological augmentation in RCR (excluding superior capsule reconstruction and bridging techniques) in both preclinical and clinical studies. METHODS: This systematic review was performed in adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, as well as guidelines outlined by The Cochrane Collaboration. A search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from 2010 until 2022 was conducted to identify studies reporting the clinical, functional, and/or patient-reported outcomes of ≥1 biological augmentation method in either animal models or humans. The methodologic quality of included primary studies was appraised using the Checklist to Evaluate a Report of a Non-pharmacological Trial (CLEAR-NPT) for randomized controlled trials and using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) for nonrandomized studies. RESULTS: A total of 62 studies (Level I-IV evidence) were included, comprising 47 studies reporting outcomes in animal models and 15 clinical studies. Of the 47 animal-model studies, 41 (87.2%) demonstrated biomechanical and histologic enhancement with improved RCR load to failure, stiffness, and strength. Of the 15 clinical studies, 10 (66.7%) illustrated improvement in postoperative clinical, functional, and patient-reported outcomes (eg, retear rate, radiographic thickness and footprint, and patient functional scores). No study reported a significant detriment to repair with augmentation, and all studies endorsed low complication rates. A meta-analysis of pooled retear rates demonstrated significantly lower odds of retear after treatment with biological augmentation of RCR compared with treatment with non-augmented RCR (odds ratio, 0.28; P < .00001), with low heterogeneity (I2 = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: Graft and scaffold augmentations have shown favorable results in both preclinical and clinical studies. Of the investigated clinical grafts and scaffolds, acellular human dermal allograft and bovine collagen demonstrate the most promising preliminary evidence in the graft and scaffold categories, respectively. With a low risk of bias, meta-analysis revealed that biological augmentation significantly lowered the odds of retear. Although further investigation is warranted, these findings suggest graft and scaffold biological augmentation of RCR to be safe.

Local Intraoperative Marrow-Derived Augmentation for Primary Rotator Cuff Repair: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Studies From 2010 to 2022.

Background: Recurrent tears of the rotator cuff pose a substantial problem despite advances in repair technique. Biologic augmentation via marrow stimulation or vented anchors may strengthen the suture-tendon junction and improve healing rates of native tissue, thereby enhancing outcomes of primary surgical repair. Purpose: To provide a focused systematic review and meta-analysis of local, intraoperative marrow-derived augmentation techniques in clinical primary rotator cuff repair. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A systematic review of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane was conducted following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A total of 2131 studies from 2010 to 2022, focused on either marrow stimulation or vented anchors, were isolated and classified as either preclinical or clinical. Meta-analysis was performed for comparative marrow stimulation and vented anchor studies. Heterogeneity was tested through calculation of I 2. Results: A total of 13 clinical studies were included in the review. All 9 comparative studies included in the meta-analysis demonstrated high methodologic quality or a low risk of bias. The pooled retear rate across all 9 clinical studies for patients undergoing marrow stimulation was 11%. For the 5 studies in the meta-analysis, the pooled retear rates were 15% for marrow stimulation and 30% for controls. Meta-analysis demonstrated a significant difference in the overall retear rate that favored marrow stimulation (odds ratio [OR], 0.41; 95% CI, 0.25-0.66; P = .0003; I 2 = 0%). Similarly, meta-analysis of the Constant score at final follow-up demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups that favored a higher Constant score in the marrow stimulation group (mean difference, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.02-4.66; P = .002; I 2 = 29%). Vented anchors demonstrated improved ossification and bone density at the anchor site, but no difference in outcomes or retear. Pooled retear rates were 22.5% for vented anchors and 27.8% for controls. Conclusion: Current evidence demonstrates that marrow-stimulation techniques may have a positive impact on healing and retear rate, while vented anchors have a muted impact relative to nonvented anchors. Although available evidence is limited and more research is needed, findings to date suggest that marrow stimulation techniques may be an inexpensive, straightforward technique to consider in qualifying patients to prevent rotator cuff retears.

Evidence for Utilization of Injectable Biologic Augmentation in Primary Rotator Cuff Repair: A Systematic Review of Data From 2010 to 2022.

Background: Biologic healing after rotator cuff repair remains a significant challenge. Injectable biologic augmentation may improve tissue quality at the suture-tendon interface. Purpose: To investigate the effect of injectable biologic supplementation in rotator cuff repair and to assess the quality and adherence to evolving reporting standards. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Included were 40 studies: 29 preclinical (in vivo animal models) and 11 clinical. Each clinical study was assessed for quality, risk of bias, and adherence to relevant MIBO (Minimum Information for Studies Evaluating Biologics in Orthopaedics) guidelines. The outcomes of interest were reported load to failure, load to gap, gap size, and stiffness in the preclinical studies, and healing rate and any patient-reported outcome measures in the clinical studies. Results: Injectables reported included growth factors (eg, transforming growth factor-beta 3, erythropoietin), bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs), and other agents such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid. The most common findings for preclinical injectables were increased load to failure (16/29 studies; 55.2%) and improved collagen histological quality (11/29 studies; 37.9%). All 11 clinical studies (10 PRP, 1 ADSC) indicated no adverse events, with similar or improved patient-reported outcomes compared with repairs in the control groups. In 1 study utilizing an innovative delivery technique, a concentrated PRP globule with fibrin matrix was shuttled over a suture to maintain concentrated PRP at the repair site and demonstrated a significant decrease in retears (P = .03) at a 31-month follow-up. A matched-cohort study investigating augmentation with ADSCs demonstrated a significantly lower retear rate in the ADSC-augmented group than the control group at a 28-month follow-up (P < .001). On average, the clinical studies adhered to 66% of relevant MIBO reporting guidelines and had a low risk of bias. Conclusion: Approximately 83% of preclinical studies found a positive biomechanical or histological effect, with no studies showing an overall negative effect. Clinically, utilization of innovative delivery techniques may reduce the risk of arthroscopic washout of PRP and improve retear rates. ADSCs were shown to reduce retear rates at a 28-month follow-up.

Core Muscle Injury: Evaluation and Treatment in the Athlete.

BACKGROUND: Pain in the groin region, where the abdominal musculature attaches to the pubis, is referred to as a "sports hernia,""athletic pubalgia," or "core muscle injury" and has become a topic of increased interest due to its challenging diagnosis. Identifying the cause of chronic groin pain is complicated because significant symptom overlap exists between disorders of the proximal thigh musculature, intra-articular hip pathology, and disorders of the abdominal musculature. PURPOSE: To present a comprehensive review of the pathoanatomic features, history and physical examination, and imaging modalities used to make the diagnosis of core muscle injury. STUDY DESIGN: Narrative and literature review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed. Studies involving the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletes with core muscle injury were identified. In addition, the senior author's extensive experience with the care of professional, collegiate, and elite athletes was analyzed and compared with established treatment algorithms. RESULTS: The differential diagnosis of groin pain in the athlete should include core muscle injury with or without adductor longus tendinopathy. Current scientific evidence is lacking in this field; however, consensus regarding terms and treatment algorithms was facilitated with the publication of the Doha agreement in 2015. Pain localized proximal to the inguinal ligament, especially in conjunction with tenderness at the rectus abdominis insertion, is highly suggestive of core muscle injury. Concomitant adductor longus tendinopathy is not uncommon in these athletes and should be investigated. The diagnosis of core muscle injury is a clinical one, although dynamic ultrasonography is becoming increasingly used as a diagnostic modality. Magnetic resonance imaging is not always diagnostic and may underestimate the true extent of a core muscle injury. Functional rehabilitation programs can often return athletes to the same level of play. If an athlete has been diagnosed with athletic pubalgia and has persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of nonoperative treatment, a surgical repair using mesh and a relaxing myotomy of the conjoined tendon should be considered. The most common intraoperative finding is a deficient posterior wall of the inguinal canal with injury to the distal rectus abdominis. Return to play after surgery for an isolated sports hernia is typically allowed at 4 weeks; however, if an adductor release is performed as well, return to play occurs at 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: Core muscle injury is a diagnosis that requires a high level of clinical suspicion and should be considered in any athlete with pain in the inguinal region. Concurrent adductor pathology is not uncommon.

Nonoperative Treatment of Single-Tendon Proximal Hamstring Avulsions in Recreational Athletes.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the patient-reported and objective functional outcomes of those patients who underwent nonoperative management of a single-tendon retracted proximal hamstring avulsion. A retrospective case series of consecutive patients with an MRI-confirmed diagnosis of single-tendon proximal hamstring avulsion treated nonoperatively with at least one year of follow-up was performed. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including SF-12v2, Lower Extremity Functional Score (LEFS), Hip Outcome Score-activities of daily living and sport subscale (HOS-ADL, HOS-SS) were prospectively collected. Objective measurements included strength testing of the affected and unaffected limbs with a handheld dynamometer and single-leg hop test. Student's t-tests were used to determine differences between limbs. Eleven of fourteen patients were available for PROMs (79%); five completed functional testing. Subjective scores revealed a mean SF-12v2 mental component score of 56.53±8.2, and a physical component score of 50.1±12.7. LEFS was 84%±19.8, HOS-ADL 87.9%±17.2, and HOS-SS 80.9%±24. The differences between limbs were not statistically significant for strength at 45 or 90 degrees of knee flexion, nor for single-leg hop distance. Patients in a non-professional athlete population who undergo nonoperative management of single-tendon retracted proximal hamstring avulsions can expect good subjective and objective outcomes.

Single-Stage Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using the Stacked Screws Technique.

Single-stage revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is preferable to 2-stage revision, when possible, as it avoids an additional surgery and recovery period. Malpositioned and/or widened bone tunnels are a common cause of ACL reconstruction failure and are challenging to manage in revision reconstructions. The "stacked screws construct" fills the previous malpositioned tunnels and bone voids with an oversized biocomposite screw as graft material. The revised tunnel can then be drilled in an anatomic "primary" location, even partially overlapping the filler screw. This technique simplifies tunnel management in revision ACL reconstruction.

Estimating the Nosocomial Transmission Rate of COVID-19 in Orthopaedic Surgery Patients During the Peak of the Pandemic.

Purpose: To estimate the risk of hospital-acquired COVID-19 transmission in a population of orthopaedic trauma patients during the first wave of the pandemic. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of 109 patients who underwent an emergent orthopedic procedure by a single orthopedic traumatologist between March 1, 2020 and May 15, 2020 during the first peak of the pandemic. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 82 patients (67 inpatients and 15 ambulatory) were identified for final analysis. The primary outcome measured was postoperative Coronavirus (COVID-19) status. Secondary outcome measures included length of stay and discharge disposition. Results: The mean age and length of stay in the hospital group was 59.5 years (± 21.7) and 4.3 days (± 4.6), respectively, versus 47.9 years (± 9.8) in the ambulatory group. 7.3% (6/82) of the inpatients subsequently tested or screened positive for COVID-19 at 2 weeks post-operatively, compared to 0/15 ambulatory patients (P=0.58). Of the 6 inpatients who tested positive, 4 (66.7%) were discharged to a rehabilitation center. Diabetes (P=0.05), hypertension (P=0.02), and congestive heart failure (P=0.005) were associated with transmission. Conclusion: In this analysis, there was a nosocomial transmission rate of 7% compared to zero in the ambulatory surgery center, however this was not found to be statistically significant. This data supports the use of precautions such as frequent screening, hand washing, and masks to reduce transmission when COVID-19 rates are high. There is a lower risk of nosocomial COVID-19 transmission for patients treated as an outpatient and elective surgical procedures may be safer in this setting.

Acute Proximal Hamstring Tears Can be Defined Using an Imaged-Based Classification.

Purpose: To develop a clinically meaningful proximal hamstring tear classification system and to present outcome data for defined subtypes. Methods: Retrospective review was undertaken of patients diagnosed with proximal hamstring tears at a single institution from 2012 to 2019. Images were reviewed by an orthopedic surgeon and musculoskeletal radiologist. Tears were classified as Type 1: partial with subtypes (1A, 1 cm or mild complete tear; 1B, 1-2 cm or full tear with <2 cm retraction), Type 2: complete single-tendon tears with subtypes (2c conjoint tendon only; 2s semimembranosus tendon only); or Type 3: complete tears with >2 cm retraction. Demographics, patient-reported outcome measures including Hip Outcome Score, Activities of Daily Living Subscore (HOS-ADL) and patient satisfaction were evaluated. A poor outcome was defined as HOS-ADL < 80%, and the patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) was defined as HOS-ADL 89.7%. Results: At a mean follow-up of 38.6 (range: 12-94) months for 114 patients, distributions were as follows: 18.4% Type 1A, 19.2% Type 1B, 7.8% Type 2c, 3.5% Type 2s, and 50.9% Type 3. Intra-observer and inter-observer reliability had a mean Kappa of 0.985 (95% CI: .956, 1.01) and .905 (95% CI: .895 .915). 66 patients underwent surgery, with 68.97% of them being Type 3. The mean HOS-ADL and PASS rate were higher for operatively treated patients (95%, 93.4%) than for nonoperatively treated patients (81.86%, 44.7%). There were significantly more patients satisfied in the surgery group in both Type 1 and Type 3 tears (P = .046 and P = .049). Body mass index was a significant predictor of a poor outcome in Type 3 tears (P = .039). History of corticosteroid or PRP injection, smoking, and diabetes were not significant predictors of a poor outcome. Conclusion: We present an MRI-based classification system for proximal hamstring injuries with both excellent intra-observer and inter-observer reliability. Outcome measures were improved in patients who underwent surgery. Level of Evidence: IV, cohort study: diagnostic case series.

Predictors of poor and excellent outcomes after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Favorable clinical and functional outcomes can be achieved with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). Given the expanding utilization of RSA in the United States, understanding the factors that influence both excellent and poor outcomes is increasingly important. METHODS: A single-surgeon prospective registry was used to identify patients who underwent RSA from 2015 to 2018 with a minimum of 2 years' follow-up. An excellent postoperative clinical outcome was defined as a final American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score in the top quartile of ASES scores. A poor outcome was defined as an ASES score in the bottom quartile. Logistic regression was used to determine preoperative characteristics associated with both excellent and poor outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 338 patients with a mean age of 71.5 years (standard deviation [SD], 6.4 years) met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The average preoperative ASES score for the entire cohort was 35.3 (SD, 16.4), which improved to 82.4 (SD, 16.1) postoperatively (P < .001). Univariate analysis demonstrated that a diagnosis of primary osteoarthritis (OA), private insurance, and higher preoperative ASES scores were significantly associated with achieving excellent outcomes (P < .01 for all). Variables predictive of poor outcomes were workers' compensation status (P = .03), depression (P = .02), a preoperative diagnosis of rotator cuff tear arthropathy (P < .01), preoperative opioid use (P < .01), a higher number of allergies (P < .01), and prior ipsilateral shoulder surgery (P < .01). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that OA (odds ratio [OR], 5.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-26.5; P = .03) and private insurance (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.12-6.5; P = .02) correlated with excellent outcomes whereas a higher number of reported allergies (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.71-0.97; P = .02), self-reported depression (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.16-0.99; P =.04), a history of ipsilateral shoulder surgery (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.15-0.87; P =.02), and preoperative opioid use (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.09-0.76; P = .01) were predictive of poor outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: A preoperative diagnosis of primary OA is the strongest predictor of excellent clinical outcomes following RSA. Patients with an increasing number of reported allergies, self-reported depression, a history of ipsilateral shoulder surgery, and preoperative opioid use are significantly more likely to achieve poor outcomes after RSA. Given the increasing utilization of RSA, this information is important to appropriately counsel patients regarding postoperative expectations.

Surgical Technique for Superior Capsule Reconstruction With 6-mm Acellular Dermal Allograft and Knotless Glenoid Anchors.

Superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) creates a humeral head depressor in the setting of a massive, irreparable rotator cuff tear. Recently, a 6-mm-thick acellular dermal allograft (ACD) has been shown to be noninferior to the standard fascia lata autograft in recreating native shoulder biomechanics. This paper outlines a reproducible means by which to perform an arthroscopic SCR using a 6-mm ACD. A standard diagnostic arthroscopy first assesses the integrity of the subscapularis and infraspinatus tendons. The glenoid anchors are then placed. Accessory anterior and posterolateral portals are made as well as a lateral portal by which to shuttle the graft. Suture management is paramount. Ideally allograft preparation occurs on the back table simultaneously to maintain efficiency. Suture passage through premade holes in the graft, and when the sutures have passed through and been tensioned, the graft is shuttled into place and tied down with medial and lateral row anchors in SpeedBridge fashion. The thickness of ACD has been shown to influence the ability of the reconstructed superior capsule to perform its role as a humeral head depressor. This technique describes the use of a 6-mm-thick ACD to perform an arthroscopic SCR that minimizes both donor-site morbidity and operative time.

Acute pseudogout presenting as an exception to Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria in total knee arthroplasty: a case report.

In this case, a 78-year-old female with no previous medical history of crystalline arthropathy presented with pain, effusion, and erythema about a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) performed 13 years prior. Implementation of a novel synovial fluid alpha-defensin assay ruled out periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) despite a positive 2018 Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) minor criteria score of 8 points, a significant diagnostic differentiation which prevented secondary invasive debridement or joint irrigation intervention. Confirmatory histologic study was positive for calcium pyrophosphate crystals, indicative of acute pseudogout inflammation rather than PJI or septic arthritis manifestation. The patient was then conservatively managed medically for a pseudogout flare and had no evidence of infection with normal physical exam and laboratory study at one- and two-years post treatment, respectively. Given the predominantly clinical nature of current PJI assessment in-clinic coupled with notable risks associated with aggressive re-intervention in the setting of suspected infection, critical need exists for the maturation of sensitive, reliable empiric measures which may assist in guiding orthopaedic surgeon evaluation of patients presenting with inflammatory symptomology around a previous surgical site. In this case, we conclude that patients with a negative alpha-defensin assay alongside crystalline arthropathy on histology may be cautiously yet successfully treated non-operatively despite clinical MSIS criteria concerning for PJI.

Discovery of thoracic osteoma after elective lumbar spinal surgery: a case report.

Osteoma is a benign, bone-producing tumor typically found within the skull. Rare case reports have been identified within the spine, and even fewer have been identified in the thoracolumbar region. When present, these benign tumors usually present during the second and third decade of life. A history of trauma is usually present and may trigger neurologic symptoms. The authors report a case of a thoracic osteoma discovered incidentally after lumbar spinal surgery where symptoms of the intra-canal osteoma were believed to be incited by the primary decompression. Pathology results from resection of the mass revealed it to be an osteoma, though the diagnosis was not suspected at the time of the operation. Recurrence of neurological deficit after excision of symptomatic osteoma is rare. In the follow-up period, our patient has remained asymptomatic. The pertinent literature regarding spinal osteomas is reviewed.