Resurfacing of the Metatarsal Head to Treat Advanced Hallux Rigidus.

Advanced stages of hallux rigidus are usually treated with various arthroplasties or arthrodesis. Recent results with resurfacing of the metatarsal head have shown promising results and outcomes similar or superior to those of arthrodesis. In this article, the authors show their preoperative decision making, surgical techniques, postoperative management, results, and a comparative literature review to identify metatarsal head resurfacing as an acceptable technique for the treatment of advanced hallux rigidus in active patients. Key points in this article are adequate soft tissue release, immediate rigid fixation of the components, and appropriate alignment of the components.

Subtalar coalitions in the adult.

Tarsal coalitions, while relatively uncommon, are typically identified in adult patients during an evaluation for ankle instability, sinus tarsus pain, and/or pes planovalgus. The true incidence of tarsal coalition is unknown with estimates ranging from 1% to 12% of the overall population. The most common area of involvement of the subtalar joint is the middle facet, and heightened awareness should be present in adult patients with limited motion of the subtalar joint. Standard radiographic imaging, to include a Harris heel view, is recommended initially, although computerized tomography scan and MRI are often necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Minimally invasive technique versus an extensile lateral approach for intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

BACKGROUND: The optimal method for treating intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus remains controversial. Extensile approaches allow excellent fracture exposure, but high rates of wound complications are seen. Newer minimally invasive techniques for calcaneus fracture fixation offer a potentially lower wound complication rate, but long-term clinical results are not available. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of intra-articular calcaneus fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation via an extensile approach versus those with a minimally invasive sinus tarsi approach. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all intra-articular calcaneal fractures treated operatively between October 2005 and December 2008. A total of 112 fractures were found that met our inclusion criteria; 79 were treated with an extensile lateral approach and 33 via a minimally invasive approach based on surgeon preference. Chart and radiographic results were thoroughly reviewed on all 112 fractures, specifically for wound healing complications and the need for further surgeries within the study period. Additionally, all patients were contacted and asked to return for a research visit that included radiography, clinical examination, and quality of life questionnaires (Short Form 36 [SF-36], foot function index [FFI], visual analog scale [VAS] pain). A total of 47 of 112 (42%) patients returned for a research visit (31 extensile, 16 minimally invasive). RESULTS: The 2 groups were comparable with regard to demographics (age, follow-up, male to female ratio, tobacco use, diabetes, workers' compensation status). In the extensile group, 53% of fractures were Sanders II and 47% were Sanders III, whereas in the minimally invasive group 61% were Sanders II and 39% were Sanders III. The overall wound complication rate was 29% in the extensile group (9% required operative intervention) versus 6% in the minimally invasive group (P = .005) (none required operative intervention). Overall, 20% of the extensile group required a secondary surgery within the study period versus 2% in the minimally invasive group (P = .007). In the group of patients who returned for research visits, the average FFI total score was 31 in the extensile group versus 22 in the minimally invasive group (P = .21). The average VAS pain score with activity was 36 in the extensile group versus 31 in the minimally invasive group (P = .48). Overall, 84% of patients in the extensile group were satisfied with their result versus 94% in the minimally invasive group (P = .32). Both groups had 100% union rates, and no differences were noted in the final postoperative Bohler's angle and angle of Gissane. CONCLUSION: Clinical results were similar between calcaneal fractures treated with an extensile approach and those treated with a minimally invasive approach. However, the minimally invasive approach had a significantly lower incidence of wound complications and secondary surgeries. The minimally invasive approach was a valuable method for the treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures, with low complication rates and results comparable to those treated with an extensile approach. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative case series.

Metatarsal head resurfacing for advanced hallux rigidus.

BACKGROUND: Advanced stages of first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) arthritis have traditionally been treated with various arthroplasties or arthrodesis. Studies suggest the outcomes of arthrodesis are superior to those of metallic joint replacement; however, complications and suboptimal outcomes in active patients still remain with arthrodesis of the first MTP joint. This study reports results of patients with advanced MTP arthritis who underwent metallic resurfacing of the metatarsal side of the MTP joint. METHODS: From 2005 to 2006, 26 patients (30 implants) with stage II or III hallux rigidus underwent resurfacing with the HemiCAP® implant and consented to participate in a study comparing pre- and postoperative radiographs, range of motion (ROM), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, and Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) scores. Average age of these patients was 51 years. Patients were assessed at a mean of 27 months with outcome measures and contacted at 60 months to assess current symptoms and satisfaction. RESULTS: Assessment at 27 months demonstrated statistically significant improvements in ROM, AOFAS, and SF-36 scores (P < .05) when compared to baseline. Mean preoperative AOFAS scores improved from 51.5 to 94.1. Mean active ROM improved from 19.7 to 47.9 degrees. Mean passive ROM improved from 28.0 to 66.3 degrees. Mean RAND SF-36 physical component score improved significantly from 66.7 to 90.6. Average time for return to work was 7 days. At 60 months, all patients reported excellent satisfaction with their current state and would repeat the procedure. Implant survivorship was 87% at 5 years. Of the 30 implants, 4 were revised at 3 years. CONCLUSION: The results at 5 years were very promising. Preservation of joint motion, alleviation of pain, and functional improvement data were very encouraging. Because minimal joint resection was performed, conversion to arthrodesis or other salvage procedures would be relatively simple if further intervention became necessary. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, prospective case series.

Early complications following the operative treatment of pilon fractures with and without diabetes.

BACKGROUND: An increased rate of complications has been clearly shown in diabetic patients undergoing operative treatment for displaced ankle fractures. To date, no studies have specifically looked at the complication rates following the operative management of pilon fractures in this difficult patient population. We performed a retrospective review to determine the rates of complications in diabetic patients undergoing operative fixation of tibial pilon fractures compared with a control group of patients without diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The trauma registry was utilized to identify all patients who underwent primary treatment for a tibial pilon fracture between January 2005 and June of 2007 at a single Level 1 trauma center. A minimum of 6-month followup was required for inclusion. A chart and radiographic review was completed to identify the complications seen in each patient population. Specifically, we looked at the rate of infection (superficial and deep), the rate of nonunion or delayed union, and the rate of surgical wound complications. RESULTS: A total of 14 fractures in 13 diabetic patients, and 69 fractures in 68 non-diabetic patients met inclusion criteria. In the diabetic patient group, the average age was 48 years, the average BMI was 35, and 36% of the fractures were open. In the non-diabetic group, the average age was 47 years, the average BMI was 29, and 35% of the fractures were open. Only the difference in BMI was statistically significant. The infection rate was 71% for diabetic patients (43% deep infection), and 19% for non-diabetic patients (9% deep infection) [p < 0.001, odds ratio 10.719 (95% confidence interval 2.914 to 39.798)]. Overall, the rate of non-union/delayed union was 43% in the diabetic group versus 16% in the non-diabetic group [p = 0.02, odds ratio 3.955 (95% confidence interval 1.145 to 13.656)]. The rate of surgical wound complications was 7% in both the non-diabetic and diabetic patient groups. CONCLUSION: The management of tibial pilon fractures in diabetic patients is difficult, with a high rate of complications compared to non-diabetic patients. These results mirror those previously reported for ankle fractures in diabetic patients.

Arthroscopic treatment of multidirectional shoulder instability in athletes: a retrospective analysis of 2- to 5-year clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: There are few reports in the literature detailing the arthroscopic treatment of multidirectional instability of the shoulder. HYPOTHESIS: Arthroscopic management of symptomatic multidirectional instability in an athletic population can successfully return athletes to sports with a high rate of success as determined by patient-reported outcome measures. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Forty patients (43 shoulders) with multidirectional instability of the shoulder were treated via arthroscopic means and were evaluated at a mean of 33.5 months postoperatively. The mean patient age was 19.1 years (range, 14-39). There were 24 male patients and 16 female patients. Patients were evaluated with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability scoring systems. Stability, strength, and range of motion were also evaluated with patient-reported scales. RESULTS: The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score postoperatively was 91.4 of 100 (range, 59.9-100). The mean Western Ontario Shoulder Instability postoperative percentage score was 91.1 of 100 (range, 72.9-100). Ninety-one percent of patients had full or satisfactory range of motion, 98% had normal or slightly decreased strength, and 86% were able to return to their sport with little or no limitation. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic methods can provide an effective treatment for symptomatic multidirectional instability in an athletic population.

The management of ankle fractures in patients with diabetes.

Patients with diabetes mellitus have higher complication rates following both open and closed management of ankle fractures. Diabetic patients with neuropathy or vasculopathy have higher complication rates than both diabetic patients without these comorbidities and nondiabetic patients. Unstable ankle fractures in diabetic patients without neuropathy or vasculopathy are best treated with open reduction and internal fixation with use of standard techniques. Patients with neuropathy or vasculopathy are at increased risk for both soft-tissue and osseous complications, including delayed union and nonunion. Careful soft-tissue management as well as stable, rigid internal fixation are crucial to obtaining a good outcome. Prolonged non-weight-bearing and subsequently protected weight-bearing are recommended following both operative and nonoperative management of ankle fractures in patients with diabetes.

Tunnel expansion after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with autogenous hamstrings: a comparison of the medial portal and transtibial techniques.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 2 techniques of drilling the femoral tunnel in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (medial portal v transtibial) on tunnel expansion. METHODS: Autogenous hamstring ACL reconstructions performed by the senior author between July 1998 and July 2004, with a minimum 6-month radiographic follow-up, using the transtibial technique (41 patients) and the medial portal technique (34 patients), were evaluated. All procedures were performed via an endoscopic technique with identical postoperative rehabilitation and graft fixation. Lateral and 45 degrees posteroanterior (PA) radiographs were obtained for each patient at a minimum of 6 months postoperatively. The sclerotic margins of the femoral and tibial tunnels were measured at the widest dimension of the tunnel by 2 physicians and were compared with the initially drilled tunnel size after correction for radiographic magnification. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the 2 groups by use of the independent-samples t test, with significance set at .05. RESULTS: The mean percentage increase in the femoral tunnel was 38.20% +/- 17.76% for the medial portal technique and 53.96% +/- 21.72% for the transtibial technique on the PA view and 23.80% +/- 16.50% for the medial portal technique and 50.07% +/- 26.98% for the transtibial technique on the lateral view. This difference was statistically significant on both PA and lateral views. The mean percentage increase in the tibial tunnel was 31.81% +/- 14.39% for the medial portal technique and 36.31% +/- 17.81% for the transtibial technique on the PA view and 27.70% +/- 15.25% for the medial portal technique and 30.11% +/- 18.98% for the transtibial technique on the lateral view; however, these increases failed to reach statistical significance on either view. CONCLUSIONS: Femoral tunnel expansion for hamstring autologous ACL reconstructions is significantly lower for the medial portal technique when compared with the conventional transtibial technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective, comparative therapeutic study.

Single-bundle versus double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: scientific rationale and surgical technique.

Despite many recent advances in the understanding of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and its function, the optimal treatment of PCL injuries remains controversial. Although it now is well known that the PCL is made up of two distinct bundles, each of which plays a vital role in achieving knee stability, questions abound regarding the need for double-bundle reconstruction rather than single-bundle techniques. Currently, the reconstruction technique is selected based on the injury pattern. In acute (< 3 weeks from the time of injury) combined PCL injuries (PCL/posterolateral corner, PCL/medial collateral ligament, and knee dislocations), a single-bundle reconstruction designed to replicate the anatomy of the anterolateral bundle is used. In acute or chronic PCL injuries in which both the posteromedial bundle of the PCL and the meniscofemoral ligaments remain intact, a single-bundle augmentation is used. A double-bundle reconstruction is performed when all three components of the PCL complex (anterolateral band, posteromedial band, and meniscofemoral ligaments) have been ruptured. These patterns are generally chronic, with severe knee laxity following a previous traumatic injury (PCL/posterolateral corner or knee dislocation). Tailoring the PCL reconstruction technique to the individual injury pattern will likely yield a reconstruction that better replicates the natural biomechanics of the native knee, thereby resulting in better functional outcomes.

Arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction for posterior instability of the shoulder: a prospective study of 100 shoulders.

BACKGROUND: There are few reports in the literature detailing arthroscopic treatment of unidirectional posterior shoulder instability. HYPOTHESIS: Arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction is effective in restoring stability and function and alleviating pain in athletes with symptomatic unidirectional posterior instability. This population has significant differences in glenoid and chondrolabral versions when compared with controls. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Ninety-one athletes (100 shoulders) with unidirectional recurrent posterior shoulder instability were treated with an arthroscopic posterior capsulolabral reconstruction and evaluated at a mean of 27 months postoperatively. A subset of 51 shoulders in contact athletes were compared with the entire group of 100 shoulders. Patients were evaluated prospectively with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scoring system. Stability, strength, and range of motion were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with standardized subjective scales. Forty-eight shoulders had magnetic resonance arthrograms performed and were available for review. The posterior inferior chondrolabral and bony glenoid versions were measured and compared with controls. RESULTS: At a mean of 27 months postoperatively, the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 50.36 to 85.66 (P < .001). There were significant improvements in stability, pain, and function based on standardized subjective scales (P < .001). The contact athletes did not demonstrate any significant differences when compared with the entire cohort for any outcome measure. The results in the 71 shoulders followed for at least 2 years were similar to the overall group. On magnetic resonance arthrography, the shoulders with posterior instability were found to have significantly greater chondrolabral and osseous retroversion in comparison with controls (P < .001 and P = .008, respectively). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction is an effective, reliable treatment for symptomatic unidirectional recurrent posterior glenohumeral instability in an athletic population. Overall, 89% of patients were able to return to sport, with 67% of patients able to return to the same level postoperatively.

Vascular risk associated with bicortical tibial drilling during anteromedial tibial tubercle transfer.

For select patients with persistent patellofemoral pain, the anteromedial tibial tubercle transfer (Fulkerson osteotomy) provides excellent clinical results. This procedure, indicated for patients with patellar malalignment, has become one of the most popular distal realignment procedures. One potential concern with this technique is the proximity of the posterior vascular structures during bicortical tibial drilling for screw placement. To address this concern, we measured the proximity of these structures in 7 consecutive fresh-frozen cadaveric knees. For each knee, barium was injected into the femoral artery, and anteroposterior (AP) radiographs were taken to document the location of the popliteal vessels. Next, the initial steps of the Fulkerson osteotomy were performed. Then, a lateral release and the tibial osteotomy were performed, the tubercle was advanced into position, and two 9/64-inch extralong drill bits were placed through the tubercle and the posterior tibial cortex. Repeat AP radiographs were obtained, and digital calipers were used to measure the distance from the drill bits to the popliteal vessels. The vascular structure closest to the exit point of the superior drill bit was the bifurcation of the popliteal artery (mean distance, 8.3 mm; SD, 9.3 mm; range, 0.0-21.3 mm), and in 2 knees this structure directly overlay the bifurcation on the AP radiograph; the vascular structure closest to the exit point of the inferior drill bit was the posterior tibial artery (mean distance, 9.0 mm; SD, 8.0 mm; range, 0.0-20.0 mm), and again in 2 knees the drill bit lay directly over the artery on the AP radiograph. Bicortical drilling for screw placement during the anteromedial tibial tubercle transfer procedure may come precariously close to the posterior vascular structures of the knee, so orthopedic surgeons must take extreme caution not to drill past the posterior cortex during this part of the operation.

Management of proximal femoral shaft fractures in osteopetrosis: a case series using internal fixation.

Osteopetrosis is a group of rare sclerosing bone dysplasias. Orthopedic concerns in osteopetrosis are principally related to the characteristic brittle "marble bone" in which fractures may be easily induced by relatively low-energy mechanisms. Femoral fractures are common in this patient population, and management presents a unique technical challenge. While osteopetrotic bone may be penetrated with a drill bit, the drill bit flutes are immediately filled with bone. This renders the drill ineffective, and generation of significant frictional heat can result in breakage of the drill. This case series describes the long-term management of nine osteopetrotic femoral fractures in three patients. The difficulties encountered in these cases prompted the development of a safe and efficacious technique for intramedullary fixation of these fractures.

The graft/tunnel angles in posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a cadaveric comparison of two techniques for femoral tunnel placement.

PURPOSE: In posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, the tibial tunnel/graft angle (or killer turn) has been implicated in graft failure when using transtibial tunnel placement. The graft/femoral tunnel angle (or critical corner) can also contribute to shear stress and early graft failure. The purpose of this study was to quantitate the killer turn angle in flexion and extension and to compare critical corner angles using outside-in and inside-out techniques for femoral tunnel placement. TYPE OF STUDY: A cadaveric, biomechanical comparison. METHODS: One transtibial tunnel and 2 femoral tunnels were marked with guidewires in 9 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees. The killer turn and the 2 critical corner angles were measured at 90 degrees of flexion and full extension on fluoroscopic images. Results were analyzed using a Student t test with paired data. RESULTS: The average killer turn was 70 degrees +/- 12 degrees and 78 degrees +/- 7 degrees in flexion and extension, respectively. Knee extension significantly increased the killer turn angle (P = .048). The average critical corner was 50 degrees +/- 16 degrees and -14 degrees +/- 18 degrees with the outside-in technique versus 87 degrees +/- 8 degrees and 27 degrees +/- 14 degrees with the inside-out technique in flexion and extension, respectively. The inside-out technique significantly increased the critical corner in flexion (P = .00007) and extension (P = .00005). At 90 degrees of flexion, the critical corner angle using the inside-out technique significantly exceeded the killer turn angle (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend the outside-in technique for femoral tunnel placement to reduce the graft/femoral tunnel angle. Using the inside-out technique can significantly sharpen the critical corner, causing it to exceed the killer turn in flexion. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study indicates that significantly lower graft/femoral tunnel angles can be obtained when using the outside-in technique for femoral tunnel placement when compared with the inside-out technique. This may translate to lower rates of graft failure in clinical application, although further clinical studies are needed.

The effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents on spinal fusion.

A large body of information suggests NSAIDS have a negative impact on the healing of bone. Although each clinical healing scenario presents a slightly different level of challenge, the healing of a posterolateral spinal fusion is one of the most difficult challenges in bony healing. Clinically, this results in a relatively high rate of nonunions using traditional fusion techniques. Spinal fusion models have confirmed NSAIDS have a definite inhibitory effect on healing of the fusion. Although data are limited, it appears this effect is most severe when NSAIDS are administered in the early postoperative period. Moreover, the effect may be worse with certain types initial inflammatory, subsequent reparative, and final remodeling phases. Because of the anti-inflammatory activity of NSAIDS, one might assume their effects would be worse when administered in the inflammatory phase. Indeed, the study by Riew et al suggests the inhibitory effects are more significant when NSAIDS are administered earlier following fusion. Other studies conducted with non-spinal models also suggest early administration of NSAIDS results in greater inhibition of bone formation (Goodman et al). Unfortunately, the length of the inflammatory phase in humans is not well known. This leaves the clinician unsure about the safe time to allow resumption of NSAID usage clinically. It appears likely NSAID use following a spinal fusion procedure will increase the rate of pseudarthrosis. The literature suggests that avoidance of NSAIDS in the postoperative period may avoid nonunion. Additionally, we propose that chronic NSAID usage should be addressed in a similar manner to cigarette smoking. While neither are absolute contraindications to elective spinal fusion, patients should be counseled to discontinue the use of NSAIDS in the peri- and postoperative period to maximize their chance for a successful fusion.

In vitro analysis of rotator cuff repairs: a comparison of arthroscopically inserted tacks or anchors with open transosseous repairs.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to employ a cyclic loading protocol to compare rotator cuff repair strengths of arthroscopically inserted cuff tacks and suture anchors with the traditional open transosseous suture repair. TYPE OF STUDY: In vitro cadaveric analysis. METHODS: Full-thickness 1 x 3-cm rotator cuff defects were created in 25 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders, and were randomized to 1 of 4 repair groups: (1) open repair with transosseous sutures, (2) arthroscopic repair with 2 singly loaded suture anchors, (3) arthroscopic repair with 2 doubly loaded suture anchors, and (4) arthroscopic repair with cuff tacks. All repairs were cyclically loaded from 10 to 180 N, and the numbers of cycles to 50% (5-mm gap) and 100% (10-mm gap) failure were recorded. RESULTS: The number of cycles to 100% failure was significantly higher for the arthroscopic doubly loaded suture anchor repairs when compared with the (1) open transosseous suture repair (P = .009), (2) arthroscopic cuff tack repair (P = .003), and (3) arthroscopic singly loaded suture anchor repair (P = .02). Additionally, the number of cycles to 50% failure was significantly higher for all anchors versus open or tack repair (P = .03 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Immediate postoperative fixation of rotator cuff repairs with doubly loaded suture anchors was more stable than that provided by the open transosseous suture repairs, arthroscopic singly loaded suture anchors, or cuff tacks. However, additional evaluation is needed to examine the effects on the sustained strength of the repair throughout the healing process. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These in vitro results indicate that superior immediate postoperative fixation of rotator cuff repairs may be achieved with the doubly loaded suture anchors. However, additional evaluation is needed to examine the effects on the sustained strength of the repair throughout the healing process.

"All-inside" meniscal repair devices: an experimental study in the goat model.

BACKGROUND: Although the use of "all-inside" absorbable meniscal repair devices has become popular, numerous complications have been reported. The authors applied their well-established goat model to evaluate three "all-inside" meniscal repair devices. METHODS: A "tear" was created in the medial meniscus of both knees in 26 goats. The animals were randomized into four groups, and the meniscus was treated as follows: (A) meniscal repair with Mitek Fastner, (B) meniscal repair with BioStinger, (C) meniscal repair with Mitek Clearfix Screw, and (D) no repair. All animals were sacrificed at 6 months postoperatively, and all specimens were carefully evaluated and results recorded and compared with historical results of meniscal repair with suture in this same animal model. RESULTS: Meniscal repair results with all three all-inside devices studied were inferior to suture repair. Chondral injury was present in 75% to 100% of repairs with all-inside devices and none of the control specimens. DISCUSSION: / CONCLUSION: Although new all-inside meniscal repair devices are relatively quick and easy, results may not be as good as with traditional suture techniques. The high rate of chondral injury associated with these devices in the goat model is worrisome for chondral damage in humans, especially in patients with smaller or tighter knees.

Meniscal repair with the Rapid Loc device: a cadaveric study.

The devices available for all-inside meniscal repair were evaluated using a cadaver model. Rapid Loc devices (Mitek, Westwood, Mass) were inserted arthroscopically into 8 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees (age range: 66-78 years) in the posterior regions of the menisci at 5- to 7-mm intervals. Forty-eight devices were placed (3 in each meniscus), and the knees were subsequently dissected to determine the location of the inserted devices. Devices were correctly inserted in 40 (833%) of 48 knees. No problems were noted with loss of fixation on the periphery of the meniscus. Entrapment of the popliteus tendon (3 of 8) and superficial medial collateral ligament (2 of 16) were the only major problems with the device.

Pitfalls associated with FasT-Fix meniscal repair.

There are several devices currently available for all-inside meniscal repair. One of the newest of these devices, the FasT-Fix (Smith & Nephew, Endoscopic Division, Andover, MA), is attractive because it combines advantages of traditional inside-out meniscal repair with an all-inside technique. We chose to critically evaluate these devices in a cadaver model. FasT-Fix devices were inserted arthroscopically in 8 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees at 5 to 7 mm intervals. A total of 45 devices were placed (24 laterally, 21 medially), and the knees were subsequently dissected to determine the location of the inserted devices. Several potential pitfalls were identified during the evaluation. When using the depth penetration limiter that comes preset with the device (to a depth of 22 mm), superficial structures, including the iliotibial tract and even the skin, were at risk for penetration with the needle. The device could not effectively be inserted into the anterior meniscus or the extreme posterior horn. Other potential pitfalls seen during insertion of the FasT-Fix meniscal repair devices include suture tensioning issues (including failure of the suture during tightening), intra-articular deployment of the implants, premature deployment of both the first and second implants, difficulty in advancing the trigger for deployment of the second implant, and difficulty in placing vertical-mattress sutures. Although the FasT-Fix is already in clinical use, additional modifications would likely enhance meniscal repair using this device.

Vascular risk associated with a posterior approach for posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the tibial inlay technique.

This study evaluated the risk to the popliteal artery associated with the tibial inlay technique in posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. Barium was injected into the femoral arteries of eight fresh-frozen cadaveric knees and anteroposterior (AP) radiographs were obtained. Dissection of the fascia overlying the gastrocnemius muscle, identification of the interval between the medial head of the gastrocnemius and the semimembranosus, and lateral retraction of the medial head of the gastrocnemius (the Burks and Schaffer approach) was performed. Subsequently, a bicortical screw was placed from posterior to anterior through the tibia as is performed in the tibial inlay technique. A second AP radiograph was obtained. The distance from the center of the screw to the edge of the popliteal artery was measured using digital calipers. The closest any screw came to the popliteal artery was 18.1 mm, and the average distance was 21.1 mm (21.1 +/- 4.6 mm, range: 18.1-31.7 mm). When this distance was calculated as a percentage of the tibial plateau width, the smallest value was 19.2% (24% +/- 4.9%, range: 19.2%-35.1%). A posterior approach for a tibial inlay PCL reconstruction procedure appears safe with respect to the popliteal artery.