Predictors of Disparities in Patient-Reported Outcomes before and after Arthroscopic Meniscectomy.

The purpose of this study is to identify predictors of disparities in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) before and after arthroscopic meniscectomy. Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) was used in this study. All patients who underwent single-knee arthroscopic meniscectomy from January 2012 to March 2018 performed by a single surgeon at an academic safety-net hospital were identified. We excluded patients who had undergone ipsilateral previous knee surgery, bilateral meniscectomy, or concomitant ligament, cartilage, or osteotomy procedures, and those with severe radiographic osteoarthritis in the operated knee, missing preoperative data, or military insurance. Data abstracted from medical records included demographics (age, sex, race, insurance type), clinical characteristics (body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index, and Kellgren-Lawrence [KL] grade), procedure codes, and KOOS assessed before and 90 days after surgery. Multivariable analyses investigated the associations between patient characteristics and the KOOS Pain, other Symptoms, and Function in activities of daily living (ADL) subscales. Among 251 eligible patients, most were female (65.5%), half were of nonwhite race (50.2%), and almost one third were insured by Medicaid (28.6%). Medicaid and black race were statistically significant (p < 0.05) predictors of worse preoperative values for all three KOOS subscales. Medicaid insurance also predicted a lower likelihood of successful surgery, defined as meeting the 10-point minimal clinically important difference, for the KOOS symptoms (p < 0.05) and KOOS ADL (p < 0.05) subscales. Compared with patients without definitive evidence of radiographic osteoarthrosis (KL grade 1), those with moderate radiographic osteoarthritis (KL grade 3) were less likely to have a successful surgical outcome (p < 0.05 for all subscales). Worse preoperative KOOS values predicted worse postoperative KOOS values (p < 0.001 for all subscales) and a lower likelihood of surgical success (p < 0.01 for all subscales). Insurance-based disparities in access to orthopaedic care for meniscus tears may explain worse preoperative PROMs and lower success rates of meniscectomy among Medicaid patients. Patients with meniscus tears and radiological and/or magnetic resonance imaging evidence of osteoarthritis should be carefully evaluated to determine the appropriateness of arthroscopic meniscectomy.

Three-Dimensional Analysis Versus Two-Dimensional Slice-Based Analysis of CT for Measuring Femoral Torsion and Its Correlation to Passive Hip Range of Motion.

Introduction Femoral torsion is an important anatomical consideration of the hip that has major implications on the natural motion of the hip joint. Similarly, it affects pathologic conditions of the hip, including femoroacetabular impingement, dysplasia, and/or microinstability. Femoral torsion is typically measured on two-dimensional (2D) axial CT cuts by creating the angle between the femoral neck and the posterior aspect of the ipsilateral femoral condyles. Position of the leg during imaging may affect 2D measurements. Three-dimensional (3D) analysis of a hip CT with inclusion of femoral alignment may portray the anatomy of the hip more accurately as compared to a 2D slice-based analysis of a hip CT scan. It is thought that femoral torsion measured using this system could be a more accurate and reliable means of measurement. The primary purpose of this study is to assess the differences in measuring femoral torsion with 3D modeling and analysis compared to the standard 2D slice-based approach on a CT scan. Secondarily, we attempt to determine how the passive range of motion of the hip correlates with femoral torsion measured using the 3D model versus the 2D model. Methods In a prospective cohort study of 20 patients, femoral torsion was assessed using both 2D analysis and 3D analysis. The differences between these measurements on each of the imaging modalities were compared. Additionally, each patient had the passive range of motion of their hip measured with a goniometer. The amount of internal and external rotation was measured with the hip in a neutral position and with the hip flexed to 90°. Acetabular version, combined version, and alpha angle were added to multivariate regression analysis to evaluate their effect versus femoral torsion alone. Results Femoral antetorsion measured using the standard 2D slice-based approach on CT scan was 22.1° (SD: 11.1°), which was higher (p<0.001) than that using 3D analysis (8.25°; SD: 10.5°). There was a strong correlation between femoral torsion measurements using 3D analysis and 2D analysis (R=0.91). Based on 3D analysis, there was a moderate correlation between femoral torsion and passive hip external rotation measured with the hip flexed to 90° (R=0.65, p<0.002) and with the hip in a neutral position (R=0.58, p<0.007). Conclusion There was a significant difference between femoral torsion measurements using the 3D analysis, which showed approximately 14° of less antetorsion on average. Additionally, rotation of the hip and femoral torsion was correlated to higher levels of antetorsion associated with more internal rotation of the hip.

High Return to Play and Low Reinjury Rates in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Players Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Quadrupled Hamstring Autograft.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using quadrupled hamstring (QH) autograft in a cohort of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I football players. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on NCAA Division I football players at a single institution who had transtibial ACL reconstruction using QH autograft between 2001 and 2016. Primary outcomes were ACL reinjury and return to play (RTP). Secondary outcomes were position, percent of eligibility used after surgery, graft diameter, Tegner-Lysholm scores, concomitant injuries/surgeries, and postcollegiate professional play. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2016, 34 players had QH autograft ACL reconstruction, and 29 players achieved RTP. Of the 29, 2 (6.9%) sustained ACL reinjuries. The average RTP was 318 days (range 115-628) after surgery. Players used 79.5% of their remaining collegiate eligibility after surgery. Nine players sustained multiligamentous knee injuries. This did not have a significant effect on RTP (P = 0.709; mean 306±24 days for isolated ACL, mean of 353±51 for 2 ligaments, mean of 324±114 for 3 + ligaments) and none sustained reinjury. Associated meniscal injuries were sustained by 28, and 8 sustained chondral injuries. The mean postoperative Tegner-Lysholm score was 90.7 of 100, with mean follow-up of 102 months. Of these players, 18 went on to play professionally, with 17 joining National Football League rosters and 1 an arena team roster. CONCLUSION: QH demonstrated an ACL reinjury and RTP rates similar to those in previously published, predominantly bone-patella tendon-bone ACL reinjury data in elite athletes. This study demonstrates that QH autograft may be a viable option in elite athletes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, case series.

Injury patterns and outcomes associated with fractures of the native distal femur in adults.

PURPOSE: Previous studies on distal femur fractures had a high degree of inclusion criteria in their sample populations, some even including pre-existing implants. The authors look to define an injury pattern unique to fractures of the distal femur by detailing demographics, associated injuries, and outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective chart review identified 171 patients who presented to our Level 1 academic trauma center with a distal femur fracture, of which 91 injuries met inclusion for final analysis. For each patient, demographics, fracture classification, associated injuries, hospital outcomes, union rate, and complication rate were recorded. These characteristics were compared in high-energy injury versus low-energy injuries. RESULTS: Additional orthopedic injuries, most commonly an ipsilateral patella or tibia fracture (p = 0.02), were more likely to occur in patients who sustained high-energy injuries (86%, p = 0.0001). High-energy injuries resulted in more severe distal femur fracture types and significantly greater rate of open fractures (19.8% of all fractures, p = 0.0001). High-energy injuries were also associated with long operating room times during fixation (p < 0.001), estimated blood loss during surgery (p = 0.03), and hospital length of stay (p = 0.04). Finally, high-energy injuries were also associated with lower union rates (p = 0.036) and a higher rate of additional surgeries (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Patients who sustain a distal femur fracture have a greater risk for additional fractures (particularly ipsilateral tibia and patella fractures), open injuries, and non-orthopedic traumatic injuries. These high-energy injuries are also associated with a more complicated clinical course and lower rate of union compared to low-energy injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic level III.