Fifteen-Year Minimum Follow-Up of Anteromedial Tibial Tubercle Transfer for Lateral and/or Distal Patellofemoral Arthrosis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a minimum 15-year clinical and radiographic follow-up after anteromedial tibial tubercle transfer (anteromedialization [AMZ]) for lateral and/or distal patellar facet arthrosis. METHODS: Patients treated from 1996 to 2000 were contacted. The inclusion criteria were a minimum of 15 years' follow-up after AMZ for isolated persistent retropatellar pain related to lateral and/or distal patellar chondrosis. The exclusion criteria were clinical patellar instability, revision, and significant medial patellar facet or adjacent compartment chondrosis. The anatomic location(s) and severity of arthrosis, as well as the degree of lateral maltracking, were documented. Follow-up data included pain, activity level, and satisfaction. RESULTS: Of 23 patients, 15 met the inclusion criteria. All were women (17 knees) followed up for a mean of 17.1 years (range, 15.4-18.8 years). The mean age at surgery was 29.5 years. Satisfactory results were reported in 94% of knees (16 of 17), based simply on patients' subjective evaluation of the degree of success perceived. An important criterion of satisfaction was that these patients stated they would opt to undergo surgery again under the same circumstances. For 35% of knees, patients reported engaging in recreational activities, whereas for 18%, patients were minimally active. The average pain score (range, 0-10) for 75% was 2.1, and most of these patients showed grade I or II arthrosis. Post-AMZ symptomatic medial patellar subluxation was corrected successfully in 2 patients. Removal of hardware was performed in 59% of knees, and additional procedures were required in 41%. No cases of postoperative lateral patellar instability or conversion to knee arthroplasty occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Anteromedial tibial tubercle transfer without articular cartilage implantation is effective in patellofemoral joint preservation, ameliorating symptoms and facilitating active lifestyles for a minimum of 15 years to nearly 20 years in patients with lateral and/or distal patellofemoral arthrosis. For 94% of knees, patients would choose to undergo the procedure again under the same circumstances. Fifty-nine percent underwent screw removal, and 41% required additional procedures, mostly arthroscopic. No patients in this therapeutic case series underwent an arthroplasty procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic cases series.

Increased Incidence of Vascular Injury in Obese Patients With Knee Dislocations.

OBJECTIVES: With rising rates of obesity in the United States, the burden of knee dislocations in this population remains unknown. This national epidemiologic study was designed to analyze the association of obesity with closed knee dislocation and vascular complications. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: The deidentified Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was used to access the US inpatient data from 2000 to 2012. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Patients with noncongenital closed knee dislocations were included. Examined variables included patient age, sex, vascular injury, and obesity status. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures included hospital length of stay, amputation, and inpatient hospitalization charge. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2012, a total of 19,087 knee dislocations were identified, including 2265 in overweight/obese patients (11.9%). The annual incidence of knee dislocations reported in patients diagnosed as either obese or morbidly obese increased over the 13-year period (P < 0.0001). The overall average rate of vascular injury requiring intervention was 5.63%, whereas 7.2% of obese patients and 11.3% of morbidly obese patients with knee dislocations (P < 0.0001) sustained a vascular injury requiring intervention. The average length of stay and amputation rate for obese and morbidly obese patients who sustained a knee dislocation was not statistically different from nonobese patients when vascular injury was controlled. When patients with a vascular injury were excluded, obese and morbidly obese patients who sustained a knee dislocation had higher average cost of hospital stay than nonobese patients (P = 0.0262). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates significant increases in costs of stay with obese patients sustaining knee dislocations when compared with normal weight knee dislocation patients. Vascular injuries were found to be far more common in obese and morbidly obese patient groups than nonobese patients. Providers should be on high alert when managing knee dislocations in obese patients because a significant number require prompt vascular intervention. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Vertically Oriented Femoral Neck Fractures: A Biomechanical Comparison of 3 Fixation Constructs.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the static and dynamic mechanical properties of a modified crossed cannulated screw (CS) configuration, the inverted triangle (IT) cannulated screw configuration, and a compression hip screw (CHS) with derotation screw in Pauwels type III femoral neck fractures. METHODS: Thirty synthetic femora were divided into 3 groups, and vertical femoral neck osteotomies were made. Ten osteotomized femora were fixed with a CS configuration, 10 were fixed with 3 parallel screws in an IT configuration, and the remaining 10 osteotomized femora were fixed with a CHS construct. All groups were tested using a cyclic (up to 15,000 load cycles) axial loading protocol, and survivors were statically loaded to failure. Cycles to failure, load to failure, and stiffness were calculated. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival functions and were compared among fixation methods. The relationship between construct structural properties (maximum load and stiffness) and treatment were assessed using general linear modeling. RESULTS: All CHS fixation constructs survived the 15,000 cycle loading protocol. They endured longer (P = 0.034) than the CS fixation constructs (mean failure 13,332 cycles), but were not different from IT fixation constructs (mean failure 13,592 cycles). Maximum loads to failure for CS (3870 N) and IT (3756 N) fixation constructs were not different, but were less (P < 0.0001) than the maximum loads to failure for the CHS fixation constructs (5654 N). These findings parallel the results of the axial stiffness measurements: CS fixation constructs (663.01 N/mm) were not stiffer than IT fixation constructs (620.0 N/mm), but were less (P = 0.0005) than the axial stiffness of the CHS fixation constructs (1241.86 N/mm). CONCLUSIONS: The biomechanical performance of the CHS fixation method was superior to both the CS fixation method and the IT fixation method using a synthetic femoral model and this test protocol. Biomechanical performance of the latter 2 groups was indistinguishable. We recommend the use of CHS with the derotational screw construct for Pauwels III femoral neck fractures whenever possible.

Fat Embolism Syndrome With Cerebral Fat Embolism Associated With Long-Bone Fracture.

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a well-known sequela of long-bone fracture and fixation. FES most commonly affects the pulmonary system. Brain emboli may lead to a symptomatic cerebral fat embolism (CFE), which is devastating. In this article, we review the presentation, causes, and management of FES presenting with CFE, report a case, and review the literature. The case involved an otherwise healthy 42-year-old woman who developed CFE after reamed intramedullary nail fixation of femoral and tibial shaft fractures during a single operation. When the patient presented after surgery, she was nonverbal and was having diffuse extremity weakness. The diagnosis was stroke and resultant diffuse encephalopathy secondary to CFE. Within days of urgent management, the patient's cognitive and ophthalmologic deficits were substantially improved. Six months after surgery, cognitive and ophthalmologic recovery was excellent, and the fractures were healing with good functional recovery in the affected limb.

Surgical Management of the Aging Athlete.

Epidemiologic data show that the number of middle aged (>40 yr) and elderly (>65 yr) individuals continues to increase steadily, creating an expanding need for sports medicine care. Management of injuries in this subset of patients is expanding well beyond sustaining a patient's ability to perform activities of daily living. In fact, many older individuals increasingly expect to maintain reasonably high activity levels throughout their lifespan as well as after musculoskeletal injury. While a number of the emerging physiologic benefits of physical activity in older patients have been outlined, no recent review has outlined the current best surgical techniques, rehabilitation protocols, and return-to-sport recommendations for older athletes after soft-tissue repair or reconstruction as well as joint replacement. The goal of orthopaedic care in the elderly patient is shifting from simple pain relief toward return to athletic activity.

Tendinopathy and Tendon Rupture Associated with Statins.

Use of statins may be associated with certain tendinopathies and tendon ruptures, especially of the Achilles, quadriceps, and distal biceps tendons. Tendinopathy usually occurs within the first year of statin use and improves after the drug therapy is stopped. Systemic conditions with a higher risk of tendon rupture include diabetes, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic kidney disease. Certain drugs, such as corticosteroids and fluoroquinolones, have also been implicated in tendon ruptures. Patients with these systemic conditions who are taking statins in combination with other drugs that increase the risk of tendon injury should be educated about this risk and alternative treatments, including diet and exercise.

Isolating Suture Slippage During Cadaveric Testing of Knotless Anchors.

We evaluated a testing method designed to isolate and analyze the effectiveness of different suture-retention mechanisms in knotless suture anchors used for rotator cuff repairs. Six knotless PushLock implants (Arthrex) with a suture-retention mechanism dependent on a press-fit of suture between the anchor's outer diameter and surrounding bone were compared with 6 ReelX STT devices (Stryker) reliant on an intrinsic suture-locking mechanism. Suture slippage beyond minimal clinical failure thresholds, as well as ultimate failure load, were determined with a novel testing fixture that isolated suture slippage. Suture slippage was isolated from anchor-bone disengagement. Each PushLock exhibited suture slippage of more than 3 mm, and each ReelX exhibited slippage of less than 3 mm. The PushLock implants also exhibited significantly (P < .05) more interval and maximum slippage; 5 of these 6 implants failed via complete suture slippage before dynamic testing could be completed. All ReelX devices survived dynamic testing and ultimately failed via suture breakage. This novel axial load biomechanical testing technique isolated suture slippage in 2 uniquely designed knotless anchors. The press-fit PushLock implant was prone to slippage failure, whereas the ReelX device with its internal suture-locking mechanism exhibited minimal slippage.

The effects of fitness on the aging process.

Decades of research support the fact that much age-related deterioration is the result of the effects of sedentary lifestyles and the development of medical conditions rather than of aging itself. Elite older athletes, who demonstrate enhanced performance compared with historic cohorts and even some younger peers, are models of this paradigm. Many non-elite middle-aged adults and older adults continue to remain increasingly active throughout middle age and beyond. A continually growing body of basic science and clinical evidence demonstrates how active persons modulate physical decline through training. An updated understanding of how active adults defy age helps orthopaedic surgeons not only manage their patients' performance but also improve their lives. A large segment of sedentary older adults will benefit from counseling that encourages the pursuit of more active and healthier lifestyles.

Modification of the Weil/Maceira Metatarsal Osteotomy for Coronal Plane Malalignment During Crossover Toe Correction: Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) instability, which often involves the second ray, may result in dorsal translation and coronal drift of the proximal phalanx, with subsequent crossover of the first and second toe. After traditionally described soft tissue and osteotomy procedures are used to treat this deformity, coronal plane malalignment may persist, but few additional surgical options have been described to address this problem. METHODS: We present a retrospective series of 5 patients who underwent a supplemental technique to augment coronal plane MPJ realignment. All patients underwent preplanned concomitant procedures. Crossover angulation of the second MPJ, amount of coronal translation required, and overall first-second ray alignment were compared pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: Depending on the severity of refractory deformity after soft tissue release and decompressive metatarsal osteotomy, 1.5 to 4.5 mm of coronal plane metatarsal head translation was required to achieve 3 to 20 degrees of overall valgus correction at the MPJ and complete correction of the crossover toe deformity. All patients were satisfied and had good function at last follow-up, a mean of 10.2 months, although 3 patients exhibited some level of second MPJ stiffness. One patient ended up with a component of residual floating toe deformity that was considered more of an incomplete correction of dorsal MPJ subluxation rather than any technical complication of this translational osteotomy modification designed to primarily correct coronal plane malalignment. A second patient had asymptomatic angular malalignment through partial (coronal plane) malrotation of the metatarsal osteotomy before it had healed. CONCLUSIONS: We have found this technique modification to be a very effective and simple means of treating recalcitrant lesser MPJ coronal plane malalignment when traditional soft tissue and bony techniques fail to fully restore anatomic MPJ position. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Early catastrophic failure of trochanteric fixation with the Dall-Miles Cable Grip System.

Multi-filament orthopaedic cerclage cables have been used in clinical practice for several decades, and are commonly utilized to provide greater trochanteric fixation following an osteotomy or fracture. We present the first known report of patients who experienced early catastrophic failure following use of the Dall-Miles Cable Grip System (DMCGS). A root cause analysis determined that the jaws of one crimper had an increased distance at closure, resulting in inadequate ultimate fixation strength. It was discovered that operating room staff had not been trained to perform regular calibration checks and the required calibration tool was not included in any of the institution's DMCGS sets. Surgeons should be aware that these surgical instruments require regular maintenance and should be gauge tested prior to every use.

Essentials of anterior cruciate ligament rupture management.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is a common knee injury and an understanding of current medical knowledge regarding its management is essential. Accurate and prompt diagnosis requires an awareness of injury mechanisms and risk factors, common symptoms and physical/radiologic findings. Early mobilization and physical therapy improves outcomes regardless of treatment modality. Many older patients regain sufficient stability and function after non-operative rehabilitation. Early ACL reconstruction is appropriate for younger patients and those who engage in activities requiring frequent pivoting and rapid direction changes. ACL surgery involves reconstruction of the torn ligament tissue with various replacement graft options, each with advantages and disadvantages. The guidance of a knowledgeable and experienced therapist is required throughout an intensive and prolonged rehabilitation course. Generally excellent outcomes and low complication rates are expected, but treatment does not prevent late osteoarthritis.

Effectiveness and safety of topical versus oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: a comprehensive review.

INTRODUCTION: Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) represent a relatively recent alternative to oral NSAIDs. Topical NSAIDs are designed to target their therapeutic effect locally to damaged tissue while minimizing systemic exposure. To better inform patients considering topical NSAIDs as an alternative to oral NSAIDs, this is the first comprehensive review to present all available evidence comparing topical NSAIDs with oral NSAIDs in the treatment of both acute and chronic musculoskeletal injury. METHODS: Six studies, including 600 subjects, compared the use of topical versus oral NSAIDs in the treatment of a variety of acute injuries. Nine trials, including 2403 subjects, studied topical versus oral NSAIDs for chronic injury treatment, almost exclusively for osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. This review included all available comparative studies, the majority of which were well-designed, double-dummy, placebo-controlled trials. Relevant meta-analyses were also reviewed. RESULTS: Topical and oral NSAIDs performed statistically better than placebo for chronic injury treatment. Limited evidence comparing topical NSAIDs with placebo for acute injury treatment was available in the included studies, but supported greater effectiveness for topical NSAIDs. In all head-to-head comparisons, topical and oral NSAIDs demonstrated similar efficacy for treatment of both acute and chronic injuries. There were more gastrointestinal side effects in patients receiving oral NSAIDs, while local skin reactions occurred more frequently in patients treated with topical NSAIDs. CONCLUSION: Overall, topical NSAIDs may be considered as comparable alternatives to oral NSAIDs and are associated with fewer serious adverse events (specifically GI reactions) when compared with oral NSAIDs. Caution should be exercised with the use of both topical and oral NSAIDs, including close adherence to dosing regimens and monitoring, particularly for patients with previous adverse reactions to NSAIDs.

Development and initial validation of the assessment of caregiver experience with neuromuscular disease.

BACKGROUND: Orthopaedic intervention can have a wide range of functional and psychosocial effects on children with neuromuscular disease (NMD). In the multihandicapped child (Gross Motor Classification System IV/V), functional status, pain, psychosocial function, and health-related quality of life also have effects on the families of these child. The purpose of this study is to report the development and initial validation of an outcomes instrument specifically designed to assess the caregiver impact experienced by parents raising severely affected NMD children: the Assessment of Caregiver Experience with Neuromuscular Disease (ACEND). METHODS: In the first part of this prospective study, 61 children with NMD and their parents were administered a range of earlier validated pediatric health measures. A framework technique was used to select the most appropriate and relevant subset of questions from this large set. Sensitivity analyses guided the development of a master question list measuring caregiver impact, excluding items with low relevance, and modifying unclear questions. In the second part of the study, the ACEND was administered to the caregivers of 46 children with moderate-to-severe NMD. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine validity of the instrument. RESULTS: The resulting ACEND instrument included 2 domains, 7 subdomains, and 41 items. Domain 1, examining physical impact, includes 4 subdomains: feeding/grooming/dressing (6 items), sitting/play (5 items), transfers (5 items), and mobility (7 items). Domain 2, which examines general caregiver impact, included 3 subdomains: time (4 items), emotion (9 items), and finance (5 items). Mean overall relevance rating was 6.21 ± 0.37 and clarity rating was 6.68 ± 0.52 (scale 0 to 7). Multiple floor effects in patients with GMFCS V and ceiling effects in patients with GMFCS III were identified almost exclusively in motor-based items. Virtually no floor or ceiling effects were identified in the time, emotion or finance domains across GMFCS level. CONCLUSIONS: The initial validation demonstrated that ACEND is a valid, disease-specific measure to quantify experience on caregivers of children with NMD. Larger groups of patients across NMD disease type are currently being tested to strengthen validity findings. Additionally, the ACEND is now being administered before and after orthopaedic interventions to determine responsiveness, which is critical to health outcomes research. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/RELEVANCE: IIc.

Pure red-cell aplasia and epoetin therapy.

BACKGROUND: Between 1988 and 1998, antibody-associated pure red-cell aplasia was reported in three patients who had undergone treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin (epoetin). Between 1998 and 2000, 13 such cases were reported from France--12 in patients who had received the Eprex formulation of epoetin alfa and 1 in a patient who had received Neorecormon (a formulation of epoetin beta); both are products that are marketed outside the United States. METHODS: We obtained reports of epoetin-associated pure red-cell aplasia from the Food and Drug Administration and from the manufacturers of Eprex, Epogen (another formulation of epoetin alfa), and Neorecormon. The numbers of case reports and estimates of exposure-adjusted incidence were analyzed according to the product, the cause of anemia, the route of administration, the country in which pure red-cell aplasia was identified, and the date on which pure red-cell aplasia was reported. RESULTS: Between January 1998 and April 2004, 175 cases of epoetin-associated pure red-cell aplasia were reported for Eprex, 11 cases for Neorecormon, and 5 cases for Epogen. Over half these cases had occurred in France, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Spain. Between 2001 and 2003, the estimated exposure-adjusted incidence was 18 cases per 100,000 patient-years for the Eprex formulation without human serum albumin, 6 per 100,000 patient-years for the Eprex formulation with human serum albumin, 1 case per 100,000 patient-years for Neorecormon, and 0.2 case per 100,000 patient-years for Epogen. After procedures were adopted to ensure appropriate storage, handling, and administration of Eprex to patients with chronic kidney disease, the exposure-adjusted incidence decreased by 83 percent worldwide. CONCLUSIONS: After the peak incidence of Eprex-associated pure red-cell aplasia was reached in 2001, interventions designed in response to drug-monitoring programs worldwide resulted in a reduction of more than 80 percent in the incidence of pure red-cell aplasia due to Eprex.