Lateralising reverse shoulder arthroplasty using bony increased offset (BIO-RSA) or increasing glenoid component diameter: comparison of clinical, radiographic and patient reported outcomes in a matched cohort.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to compare the range of motion (ROM) of reverse shoulder arthroplasty lateralised by bony increased offset (BIO-RSA) using a standard 38-mm (mm) component to regular reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) lateralised by using a 42-mm glenoid component. The secondary aims are to compare patient-reported and radiographic outcomes between the two groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with a BIO-RSA and size 38 glenosphere were retrospectively identified and matched to patients with a regular RSA and size 42 glenosphere. Matched patients were invited for a follow-up visit. ROM was assessed as well as radiographic outcomes (lateralisation, distalisation, inferior overhang, scapular notching, heterotopic bone formation, radiolucency, stress shielding, bone graft healing and viability and complications) and patient-reported outcomes (subjective shoulder value, Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, activities of daily living which require internal rotation, activities of daily living which require external rotation and a visual analogue scale for pain). Outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: In total, 38 BIO-RSAs with a size 38 glenosphere were matched to 38 regular RSAs with a size 42 glenosphere. Of the 76 matched patients, 74 could be contacted and 70 (95%) were included. At the final follow-up, there were no differences between the two groups in ROM, patient-reported outcomes or radiographic outcomes (p > 0.485). CONCLUSIONS: Using a larger glenosphere is a feasible alternative to BIO-RSA for lateralising RSA, providing comparable ROM, patient-reported and radiographic results, while potentially decreasing costs, operative time and complication rates.

A Knotless Single-Row Suture Bridge Technique to Repair a Partial Articular Suproaspinatus Tendon Avulsion-Type Rotator Cuff Tear: Surgical Technique.

With improving surgical and technological solutions for repairing rotator cuff tears, there has been increased interest in treatment of partial rotator cuff tears. The most prevalent type of partial tear is the PASTA (partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion) lesion. There is an ongoing debate on the best surgical technique to repair a PASTA lesion, which has led to the development of many different arthroscopic techniques. This Technical Note provides a cost-effective and reproducible technique of a transtendinous single-row bridge repair of PASTA lesions, using two 1.8 FiberTak Knotless Soft Anchors.

High Vertical and Horizontal Stability at Short-Term Follow-Up After an All-Endoscopic Double Cerclage Endobutton Technique for Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Separations.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes in the treatment of acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations using an all-endoscopic double cerclage endobutton technique compared with an arthroscopic-assisted single-bundle endobutton technique and to analyze the complication, failure, and revision rates of both procedures. METHODS: All patients with acute Rockwood type IIIB and V AC joint separations who were operated on using an all-endoscopic double cerclage technique (2019-2022) or an arthroscopic-assisted single-bundle technique (2017-2019) were included. The follow-up period was at least 12 months. Clinical and radiographic assessment was performed at follow-up. Complications, failures, and revisions were also investigated. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (14 double cerclage group, 14 single-bundle group, all male) with an average age of 37 years (interquartile range [IQR], 15) were available for follow-up after 45 months (IQR, 38). The median time between trauma and surgery was 7 days (IQR, 8). Very good clinical results without significant differences were observed in both groups (Constant score, 94 [IQR, 12] vs 95 [IQR, 15], P = .427, AC joint instability score, 95 [IQR, 11] vs 87 [IQR, 22], P = .210). All patients returned to sport, with an average sports level of 95% compared with preoperative status. The single-bundle group showed significantly increased anteroposterior instability (6 vs 0, P = .006). A total of 5 complications occurred (2 vs 3), leading to 1 revision surgery in each group. CONCLUSIONS: Excellent clinical results and high vertical and horizontal stability can be achieved with the all-endoscopic double cerclage technique. Horizontal instability occurred significantly more frequently with the single-bundle technique. The prolonged operation time in the double cerclage group had no negative impact on postoperative outcomes, including complication and failure rates, and a learning curve to reduce this prolonged operative time should be considered. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative clinical series.

Management after acute rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Part 1: ACL reconstruction has a protective effect on secondary meniscus and cartilage lesions.

PURPOSE: The aim of this consensus project was to validate which endogenous and exogenous factors contribute to the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis and to what extent ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction can prevent secondary damage to the knee joint. Based on these findings, an algorithm for the management after ACL rupture should be established. METHODS: The consensus project was initiated by the Ligament Injuries Committee of the German Knee Society (Deutsche Kniegesellschaft, DKG). A modified Delphi process was used to answer scientific questions. This process was based on key topic complexes previously formed during an initial face-to-face meeting of the steering group with the expert group. For each key topic, a comprehensive review of available literature was performed by the steering group. The results of the literature review were sent to the rating group with the option to give anonymous comments until a final consensus voting was performed. Consensus was defined a-priori as eighty percent agreement. RESULTS: Of the 17 final statements, 15 achieved consensus, and 2 have not reached consensus. Results of the consensus were summarized in an algorithm for the management after ACL rupture (infographic/Fig. 2). CONCLUSION: This consensus process has shown that the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis is a complex multifactorial process. Exogenous (primary and secondary meniscus lesions) and endogenous factors (varus deformity) play a decisive role. Due to the complex interplay of these factors, an ACL reconstruction cannot always halt post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the knee. However, there is evidence that ACL reconstruction can prevent secondary joint damage such as meniscus lesions and that the success of meniscus repair is higher with simultaneous ACL reconstruction. Therefore, we recommend ACL reconstruction in case of a combined injury of the ACL and a meniscus lesion which is suitable for repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

Effect of anterior tibial bowing on measurement of posterior tibial slope on conventional X-rays.

PURPOSE: The posterior tibial slope (PTS) has different biomechanical effects on the knee. Especially in revision ACL reconstruction, a precise analysis is essential. Therefore, we investigate the influence of the anterior tibial bowing angle on the posterior slope measurement. Our hypothesis of the present study is that the short tibial X-rays underestimate the PTS in cases with increased anterior bowing of the tibia. METHODS: The PTS was measured on 162 true longitudinal radiographs of the complete tibia (lateral mechanic axis). The average age of the patients was 35.7 years (range 19-59 years) and the most common diagnosis was failed anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Using this X-ray, the slope on the short axis and the slope on the entire axis were measured. In addition, the angle of the anterior bowing was determined. RESULTS: The mean PTS for the lateral mechanic axis of the tibia was 10.6° (± 3.5) in contrast to 11.6° (± 3.5) for the short tibial axis. These two measurements differ significantly. (p < 0.001). The mean anterior tibial bowing angle on the lateral X-rays of the whole tibia was 2.3° (± 2.0). There is a significant positive, relationship between tibial bowing angle and PTS as referenced by the lateral mechanic axis (Spearman's correlation, r = 0.273 and p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: With increasing anterior tibial bowing, the posterior tibial slope on the short knee radiograph is underestimated compared to the slope measurement on the lateral mechanic axis.

No increased rate of cyclops lesions and extension deficits after remnant-preserving ACL reconstruction using the sparing technique.

BACKGROUND: Remnant-preserving anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) should have advantages for postoperative remodeling and proprioception. However, it has been suggested that the larger diameter of the graft tends to lead to impingement phenomena with a higher rate of cyclops lesions. The aim of this work was to find out whether the remnant-preserving ACLR actually leads to an increased rate of range of motion restraints compared to the remnant-sacrificing technique. METHODS: Patients, who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, were followed up for one year after surgery. The primary endpoint was arthrolysis due to extension deficit or cyclops syndrome. Secondary outcome measures were pain (NRS), knee function (KOOS), patient satisfaction and return to sports rate. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-four patients were included in the study, 60 of whom received the "remnant augmentation" procedure (group 1). In the remnant augmentation group, one cyclops resection was performed, whereas in the non-remnant augmentation group three cyclops lesion resections had to be performed (odds ratio 0.6). There was no difference between the groups in pain (NRS) and knee function (KOOS) and patient satisfaction. The return to sports rate after one year was higher in the remnant augmentation group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who have undergone the sparing "remnant augmentation" ACLR have no increased risk of cyclops lesion formation or extension deficit in the first year after surgery. An improvement of the proprioceptive abilities by remnant augmentation ACLR should be investigated in further studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III (prospective cohort study).

Soaking ACL grafts in vancomycin solution (1 mg/ml) reduces the infection rate without increasing the risk for re-rupture and arthrofibrosis.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate if the vancomycin (1 mg/ml) is effective for the prevention of septic arthritis after ACL reconstruction. The hypothesis was that local antibiotic prophylaxis by soaking ACL grafts in vancomycin results in significantly less infections than ACL reconstruction without local antibiosis. METHODS: In group 1, 636 patients who were operated between 1.9.2014 and 31.8.2016 received no local antibiotic treatment with vancomycin. In group 2, 536 patients who were operated between 1.9.2016 and 31.8.2018 received local antibiotic treatment with vancomycin (1 mg/ml). In this group the graft was soaked in the vancomycin solution for 10 min prior to graft passage and fixation. RESULTS: In group 1 (ACL reconstruction without vancomycin application), a postoperative infection was detected in ten patients (infection rate: 1.6%). In group 2 (ACL reconstruction with 1 mg/ml vancomycin), no postoperative infection was detected (infection rate: 0%). The statistical analysis showed a clear significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.002). The re-rupture rate and the rate of arthrofibrosis differed not significantly between the two treatment groups (p = 0.526). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study show that graft soaking in vancomycin (1 mg/ml) is effective for the prevention of septic arthritis after ACL reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Risk of arthrofibrosis in anatomical anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: the role of timing and meniscus suture.

BACKGROUND: The optimal timing of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains controversial. Several studies have shown that early surgery leads to an increased rate of arthrofibrosis and poorer postoperative function. Other studies found no correlation between time of surgery and arthrofibrosis. The influence of simultaneous meniscus treatment is also discussed. Aim of this study was to ascertain whether the timing of surgery and treatment of meniscus influences the occurrence rate of arthrofibrosis. METHODS: Two hundred and six patients could be included. These were split into two groups. Group 1: surgery within 6 weeks after ACL rupture (n = 68), group 2: surgery after more than 6 weeks (n = 68). In addition, 2 matched groups were created (n = 138 ). Follow-up was 12 months after surgery. The primary endpoint was the rate of subsequent arthrofibrosis procedures (arthroscopic arthrolysis). Secondary endpoints were knee function (knee osteoarthritis outcome score: KOOS), knee pain (numeric rating scale: NRS) and patient satisfaction measured on a 5 point Likert scale. RESULTS: In 6 of the 68 patients in group 1 (8.8%) and 3 of the 138 patients in group 2 (2.2%) a subsequent arthroscopic arthrolysis was performed (OR 4.4). A simultaneous meniscal suture was performed in 58 patients (30 of them in group 1). Five of the six patients with subsequent arthrolysis in group 1 received meniscal repair (OR for arthrolysis 3.4). There was no difference between the groups in terms of knee function (KOOS), pain (NRS) and patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The rate of subsequent arthroscopic arthrolysis was higher in the acute surgery group. However, most of these subsequent procedures were associated with meniscal repair at index surgery with a more restrictive rehabilitation protocol than after ACL reconstruction without meniscus repair. This allows the assessment that the meniscal suturing poses an increased risk. Therefore, this allows the conclusion that if using an anatomical surgical technique and considering the signs of inflammation with effusion, pain and movement deficit less than 90° there is no increased risk of arthrofibrosis.

Midterm Effect of Mental Factors on Pain, Function, and Patient Satisfaction 5 Years After Uncomplicated Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The effects of psychological factors on the short-term outcome after uncomplicated total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been described in several studies. However, the effects of mental factors on the midterm (5-year) outcome have not been described in the literature. This study was performed to examine the influence of pain catastrophizing, anxiety, depression symptoms, and somatization dysfunction on the outcome of TKA during a 5-year follow-up. METHODS: One hundred fifty patients were enrolled in this prospective study. The following mental parameters were assessed in all patients: pain catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale), anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), depressive symptoms and somatization dysfunction (Patient Health Questionnaire). The primary outcome measure was postoperative pain on a numerical rating scale. The secondary outcome measures were the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and patient satisfaction. Intergroup differences were tested using an independent t-test. Odds ratios were calculated to determine the probability of an unsatisfactory outcome. RESULTS: At the 5-year follow-up, only depressive symptoms and somatization dysfunction had a significant effect on postoperative pain (numerical rating scale score). This significant effect was also observed for the different Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscales and patient satisfaction (P = .010-.020). Pain catastrophizing and anxiety had only a small effect on the clinical outcome at 5 years postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The effects of psychopathological factors (depressive symptoms and somatization dysfunction) on the clinical outcome after uncomplicated TKA persist for up to 5 years. Preoperative screening for and subsequent treatment of these psychological disorders may improve patient-reported outcomes after TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, diagnostic study.

Anterior Closing-Wedge Osteotomy for Posterior Slope Correction.

Increased tibial slope can be a cause of recurrent instability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. This article presents a technique for an anterior closing-wedge osteotomy for slope correction. The indications for this procedure are patients with recurrent instability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a neutral leg axis or slightly varus deformity and a posterior slope of more than 12°. The exposure of the anterior aspect of the tibia is best made through an anterior approach approximately 1 to 2 cm medial to the tibial tuberosity. Hohmann retractors are placed from the medial and lateral sides behind the proximal tibia. The osteotomy lines are marked with 2 converging Kirschner wires with the use of an image intensifier. The entry point of the first Kirschner wire is just below the most inferior fibers of the patellar tendon. The hinge of the osteotomy should be just below the tibial insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament. The osteotomy is performed with an oscillating saw. The posterior cortex of the tibia should be left intact. After removal of the anterior base wedge, the osteotomy is closed by manual pressure. Osteosynthesis is performed with a lag screw from the tibial tuberosity to the distal tibia and an angular stable plate fixator.