Regional histologic differences in the long head of the biceps tendon following subpectoral biceps tenodesis in patients with rotator cuff tears and SLAP lesions.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to quantify the regional histology of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) and compare the histopathology present to clinical findings in patients with rotator cuff tears and SLAP lesions. METHODS: Prospectively enrolled patients undergoing an open subpectoral LHBT tenodesis in the setting of a rotator cuff (RTC) tear or SLAP lesion. Perioperative data were collected and the excised LHBT was analyzed by a fellowship trained pathologist. Tendons were sectioned into proximal (biceps anchor), middle (bicipital groove), and distal (myotendinous junction) portions. Sections were stained with Movat's pentachrome stain and digitized for analysis. Comparisons were made between the histologic findings present in the setting of a rotator cuff tear with those seen in the setting of a SLAP tear. RESULTS: 39 tendons were analyzed: 20 from patients with SLAP lesions (mean age of 44.7 years, range 23-60 years) and 19 from patients with rotator cuff tears (mean age of 58.7 years, range 43-71). Patients with the most pathologic tendons in the bicipital groove were significantly older (59.4 vs. 50.4 years; p < 0.05), reported higher pre-operative VAS scores (6.6 vs. 5.0; p < 0.02), and demonstrated lower pre-operative ASES scores (41.6 vs. 50.7; p < 0.05). The RTC group showed significantly more mucinous degeneration at both the proximal (p < 0.03) and the middle (p < 0.01) tendon portions compared to the SLAP group. In both groups, the portions of proximal tendon showed significantly (p < 0.05) more mucinous degeneration than distal portions. CONCLUSION: Regional histologic differences exist in the LHBT. Rotator cuff patients showed the most degenerated tendon in the bicipital groove and these patients tended to be older and have higher VAS and lower ASES scores. Surgeons should consider performing a subpectoral biceps tenodesis as the bicipital groove portion of the tendon may be very degenerated, especially in patients with rotator cuff disease. Additional research is warranted to distinguish whether treating the biceps differently in distinct geographic regions affects patient outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Meniscal Allograft Transplantation Made Simple: Bridge and Slot Technique.

Over recent years, appreciation for the critical role of the meniscus in joint biomechanics has led to an emphasis on meniscal preservation. Meniscal allograft transplant (MAT) is a promising biological solution for the symptomatic young patient with a meniscus-deficient knee that has not developed advanced osteoarthritis. As surgical techniques are refined and outcomes continue to improve, it is vital to consider the utility of such procedures and offer a straightforward approach to MAT. This article and accompanying video provide a step-by-step tutorial on how to perform a MAT using the bridge and slot technique, its key pearls and pitfalls as well as the relevant advantages and disadvantages of MAT.

Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Capitellum: Diagnosis and Treatment.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum is an articular cartilage lesion commonly affecting young adolescents. The exact mechanism for the development of these lesions is still uncertain; however, both traumatic and vascular etiologies have been described. Careful physical examination in conjunction with appropriate diagnostic studies helps the surgeon to classify these lesions as stable or unstable and leads to proper management. There is a diverse array of treatments available for OCD lesions of the capitellum, including fragment excision or fixation, bone marrow stimulation, and osteochondral autograft transplantation. This review helps the orthopaedic surgeon understand the diagnosis and management options available for OCD lesions of the capitellum.

Modified Jobe Approach With Docking Technique for Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction.

The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow acts as the primary restraint to valgus force experienced in the late cocking and early acceleration phases of overhead throwing. If the UCL or dynamic flexor-pronator musculature is incompetent, elbow extension and valgus torque, as seen in throwing, can result in posteromedial impingement with subsequent chondromalacia and osteophyte formation. Before the first UCL reconstruction, performed by Frank Jobe in 1974, this injury was considered career ending in overhead athletes. Since the index procedure, further techniques have been developed to minimize dissection of the flexor-pronator mass and improve the biomechanical strength of graft fixation with the goal of increased return to athletic competition. We describe our technique-including pearls and pitfalls, as well as advantages and disadvantages-which combines the docking technique, through a flexor muscle-elevating approach with transposition of the ulnar nerve using a fascial sling. Harvest and preparation of a palmaris longus tendon autograft is also described.

Comparing the Incidence and Clinical Data for Simultaneous Bilateral Versus Unilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty in New York State Between 1990 and 2010.

A New York State database reported information on all total hip arthroplasty cases between 1990 and 2010 comparing unilateral (242,588 cases) to simultaneous bilateral (4538 cases) procedures. Our data showed that the population incidence of this surgery increased 120.2% over twenty years, yet the proportionate number of simultaneous cases has decreased. Simultaneous procedures were found to occur more commonly in younger patients with private insurance. In addition, bilateral procedures showed an increase in PE, DVT, length of stay, and discharge to rehab facilities; whereas mortality and blood transfusions compared to unilateral procedures showed no difference.

Radiocapitellar joint contact pressures following radial head arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: To determine the radial head arthroplasty length that best replicates the native radiocapitellar contact pressure. METHODS: Eight cadaveric elbows (4 matched pairs) with an average age of 73 years were tested. All specimens were ligamentously stable and without visible cartilage wear. Radiocapitellar contact pressures were digitally analyzed during simulated joint loading at 0°, 45°, and 90° of elbow flexion and neutral rotation in the intact specimens and after ligament-preserving radial head arthroplasty at -2 mm, 0 mm, and +2 mm of the native length. The results were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey pairwise comparison tests. RESULTS: Paired analysis demonstrated significantly decreased mean contact pressures when comparing the native versus the minus 2 groups. Significantly decreased maximum contact pressures were also noted between the native and the minus 2 groups. Examining the mean contact pressures showed no significant difference between the native and the zero group and the native and the plus 2 groups. As for the maximum contact pressures, there was also no significant difference between the native and the zero group and the native and the plus 2 group. CONCLUSIONS: Up to 2 mm of overlengthening may be tolerated under simulated loading conditions without significantly increasing contact pressures of the radiocapitellar joint. Surgeons can use this knowledge along with radiographic parameters and intraoperative examination of elbow stability to gauge the appropriate size of the radial head implant to be used in order to decrease the risk of overstuffing the joint and minimizing radiocapitellar chondral wear. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic IV.

Femoral neck fractures in New York State. Is the rate of THA increasing, and do race or payer influence decision making?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the treatment trends for femoral neck fractures in New York State over the past 10 years. METHODS: The Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database from the New York State Department of Health was used to identify patients who sustained femoral neck fractures from 2000 to 2010. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed with the dependent variable being total hip arthroplasty (THA) versus hemiarthroplasty (HA) and independent variables being age, sex, race, insurance type, and comorbidity index. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2010, there were 44,425 patients admitted to New York State hospitals with femoral neck fractures, of which 86% occurred in patients older than 70. Of the total, 73.5% were treated with HA, 19.5% with internal fixation (IF), and 7% with THA. The overall rate of treatment with THA increased slightly, but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.11), and it only increased for patients younger than 70 years. The rate of HA increased significantly from 69.9% to 75.4% (P < 0.001), and the rate of IF showed a statistically significant reduction from 21.9% to 16.8% (P < 0.001). Results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that for every 10-year increase in age, there was a 31% reduction in treatment with THA compared with HA. White patients were just as likely to receive THA as non-whites, and patients with private insurance were 41% more likely to receive THA than self-pay and federally insured patients. CONCLUSIONS: The rate that THA is being performed as treatment of femoral neck fractures is increasing for patients younger than 70 years but decreasing for patients older than 80 years. The rate of IF is decreasing. Patients with private insurance were more likely to receive THA than patients with federal insurance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Is repetitive intraoperative splash basin use a source of bacterial contamination in total joint replacement?

Splash basins are used in arthroplasty cases to wash instruments. Several studies in the literature have shown these basins being a potential source of bacterial infection. This study assesses the risk of contamination of intraoperative splash basins used to wash and store instruments. A total of 46 random clean primary arthroplasty cases (32 hips, 13 knees, and 1 unicondylar knee) were studied by taking cultures of sterile splash basins as soon as they are opened (controls) and again at wound closure after instruments and debris have come into contact with the sterile water. All cultures were taken with sterile culture swabs and sent to the laboratory for aerobic, anaerobic, and fungal culture. Outcome measured was any positive culture. A total of 92 cultures from 46 cases were tested. Only 1 (2.17%) control culture, which grew Streptococcus viridans, was positive for bacterial growth. One of 46 samples (2.17%) taken at wound closure was positive for coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Mean time between basin opening and wound closure was 180±45 minutes. For the 1 infected sample taken at the conclusion of the case, it was 240 minutes. Previous studies show contamination rates as high as 74% for splash basins used intraoperatively. Our study contradicts the belief that splash basins are a high source of infection, with only 2.17% of basins showing contamination. Splash basins can be a potential source of contamination, but the risk is not as high as previously cited in the orthopedic literature.

Growing rods for infantile scoliosis in Marfan syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a new growing rod technique in controlling infantile scoliosis in patients with Marfan syndrome. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Infantile scoliosis in patients with Marfan syndrome is nearly always progressive and poorly controlled by bracing, yet previous studies have shown poor results with first-generation extensible spinal rod techniques. METHODS: Ten patients with Marfan syndrome and scoliosis developing before 3 years of age were treated with growing rods (3 single, 7 dual). Mean age at initial surgery was 5.3 years (SD, 2.7 years). Before surgery, the mean curve was 77.2 degrees (SD, 15.6 degrees ) and the mean thoracolumbar kyphosis was 56 degrees (SD, 21 degrees ). Patients on warfarin sodium were lengthened at yearly intervals; others, more frequently. Mean follow-up was 87 months (SD, 30.5 months). RESULTS: Mean curve correction was 51% (SD, 23%) overall, 31% (SD, 23%) for single rods, and 60% (SD, 19%) for dual rods. Mean coronal and sagittal imbalance improved from 56 to 18 mm and from 31 to 21 mm, respectively. The mean length obtained was 11.5 cm (SD, 3.6 cm) overall and 11.2 cm (SD, 3.60 cm) for the 5 patients with final fusion. Complications included 2 rod breakages and 3 intraoperative dural leaks. There was 1 anchor dislodgement and no postoperative dural leak. No patient developed clinically noteworthy junctional kyphosis. One patient died of unrelated causes 3 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: As life expectancy improves for patients with neonatal Marfan syndrome, spinal deformity becomes an important issue. Extensible spinal growing rods are an effective solution to the problem. Dual rods appear to be more corrective than single rods. Substantial spinal length can be obtained to minimize trunk disproportion. Growing rods may help prevent large infantile curves from becoming severe in Marfan syndrome, allowing definitive spinal fusion closer to skeletal maturity.