The Highly Reliable, Patient-Centered Sports Medicine Practice.

Patient-centered care is safe and eliminates preventable patient harm. Sports medicine teams that understand and apply the principles of high reliability, as demonstrated by high-performing communities in the US Navy, will provide safer, higher-quality care. Sustaining high-reliability performance is challenging. Leadership is essential to creating an accountable but psychologically safe environment fostering active engagement by all team members and resisting complacency. Leaders who invest the time and energy to create the appropriate culture and who model the required behaviors enjoy an exponential return on their investment in terms of professional satisfaction and the delivery of truly patient-centered, safe, high-quality care.

Diagnostic knee arthroscopy: a pilot study to evaluate surgical skills.

PURPOSE: To develop a scoring system to evaluate individual proficiency at diagnostic knee arthroscopy. METHODS: This was a prospective blinded study. Subjects included residents in postgraduate year (PGY) 1 through PGY 5 (n = 20) and staff surgeons (n = 10). All subjects performed a diagnostic arthroscopy on a cadaveric knee. Subjects were evaluated on both completeness and time required to complete the arthroscopy. The examiner viewed the arthroscopy from a remote location and was blinded to the level of training of the subjects. During the arthroscopy, 15 areas required assessment to achieve a score of 75 points. An additional 25 points were awarded depending on the time it took to complete the arthroscopy. A maximum of 100 points were available (Total score = Arthroscopy score + Time score). RESULTS: Thirty subjects were divided into 3 groups: group 1 (PGY 1 or 2) (n = 12), group 2 (PGY 3, 4, or 5) (n = 8), and group 3 (staff) (n = 10). In group 1 the mean total score was 28.25 points, the mean time to complete arthroscopy was 11.9 minutes, and the mean number of structures not examined was 8.67. In group 2 the mean total score was 76 points, the mean time to complete arthroscopy was 8.2 minutes, and the mean number of structures not examined was 1.75. In group 3 the mean total score was 100 points, the mean time to complete arthroscopy was 4.6 minutes, and the mean number of structures not examined was 0. Statistically significant differences by use of an analysis of variance test were noted for the total score, total time, and number of missed structures (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Using our skills assessment tool, we were able to evaluate subjects and determine their relative technical skill level in performing a diagnostic arthroscopy. This tool was able to distinguish among the novice, experienced, and expert levels in performing diagnostic arthroscopy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, development of diagnostic criteria on the basis of consecutive subjects.

Peripheral versus aperture fixation for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Because both the young and aging population are showing increasing interest in sports participation, the number of sports related injuries and in particular anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries have been increasing. Because of these injuries much time and energy has been focused on ACL reconstruction in order to return these individuals to their optimal level of participation in their sport. This article explores and reviews the concepts of ACL fixation location and how this affects the ultimate outcome of this reconstructive procedure.

Isolated and combined Type II SLAP repairs in a military population.

The study compares the clinical results of isolated arthroscopic repair of Type II SLAP tears with those of combined treatment for Type II SLAP and other associated shoulder conditions. The population was composed of 36 aged-matched active duty males with a mean age of 31.6 years (range 22-41 years); mean follow-up was 29.1 months (range 24-42 months). Eighteen subjects in Group I had isolated Type II SLAP tears. Eighteen subjects in Group II had Type II SLAP tear and concomitant ipsilateral shoulder conditions, including subacromial impingement in six patients, acromioclavicular arthrosis in three patients, subacromial impingement and acromioclavicular arthrosis in four patients, spinoglenoid cyst in four patients, and intra-articular loose bodies in one patient. Arthroscopic SLAP repair was performed with biodegradable suture anchors. Subacromial decompression and spinoglenoid cyst decompression were performed arthroscopically. Distal claviculectomy was performed in open fashion. Loose bodies were removed arthroscopically. At minimum 2-year follow-up, the mean UCLA score for Group I (30.2 +/- 3.0 points) was not significantly different from Group II (30.8 +/- 2.0 points) (P = 0.48). The mean post-operative ASES score for Group I (84.1 +/- 13.4 points) was significantly lower than for Group II (91.8 +/- 5.4 points) (P < 0.04). The mean VAS pain score for Group I (1.6 +/- 1.3 points) was significantly higher than for Group II (0.7 +/- 0.7 points) (P < 0.02). Seventeen of 18 patients (94%) in each group returned to full duty. In a population of active duty males, arthroscopic repair of isolated Type II SLAP had comparable results with a cohort of Type II SLAP repairs treated in combination with other shoulder conditions, with the combined treatment group having significantly better results in two of three parameters measured. Return to duty rates were identical. Therefore, concurrent treatment of other associated extra-articular shoulder conditions improves the overall success of SLAP repair and the presence of these other conditions should be recognized and treated along with the SLAP tears in order to maximize clinical results.

Arthroscopic superior labrum anterior-posterior repair in military patients.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the efficacy of arthroscopic superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) repair in a military population. In this study, 27 patients (of 30 consecutive patients) who had suture anchor repair of a type II SLAP lesion were evaluated at a mean of 30.5 months postoperatively. Fifteen patients had isolated tears, whereas twelve also had a concomitant diagnosis. At follow-up, the overall mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 86.9 points and the mean University of California, Los Angeles score was 30.4 points. The results were excellent in 4 patients, good in 20, and fair in 3. Of the patients, 96% returned to full duty (mean, 4.4 months). Patients treated for concomitant diagnoses and a SLAP tear had significantly higher American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores and tended to have higher University of California, Los Angeles scores than those treated for an isolated SLAP tear. The findings indicate that arthroscopic SLAP repair in military patients results in a high rate of return to duty. The results suggest that concomitant shoulder pathology should be treated at the time of SLAP repair.

Nonsurgical management of lateral side injuries of the knee.

Non-surgical management of posterolateral corner (PLC) knee injuries is reserved for specific isolated mild to moderate injuries. There has been a relative scarcity of studies discussing non-surgical management existing secondary to the relative rarity of isolated PCL injuries. In these specific cases, a few studies have shown non-surgical management to result in satisfactory outcomes. This review of the literature outlines the outcomes and treatment options for posterolateral corner (PLC) knee injuries, which is based on the grade of the injury. However, no matter what the grade of injury, it is crucial to rule out other associated deficiencies before undertaking a nonoperative approach in the management of the posterolateral corner of the knee.

Meniscus transplantation using the femoral distractor.

Accurate tunnel placement, graft passage, and secure suture fixation are key elements in meniscus allograft transplantation. We describe the use of a femoral distractor in meniscus transplantation. Joint distraction on the side of the transplantation by the femoral distractor can dramatically improve visibility and joint access. The distractor is applied after all necessary preparatory work. The distal femoral pin is placed in the supracondylar region on the side corresponding to the side to be transplanted. To avoid injury to the peroneal nerve, the proximal tibial pin is placed medial to lateral for both medial and lateral transplantations. The tibial pin is placed at a level approximately 1 to 2 cm below the tibial tubercle. The knee is then held in the flexion angle that affords the best visualization arthroscopically (typically between 60 degrees and 90 degrees of flexion). Gradual distraction is then applied with the distraction rod until adequate visualization is obtained. The case then proceeds with tunnel or trough creation, graft delivery, and peripheral repair. The improved visualization and access provided by the femoral distractor markedly simplifies the more challenging aspects of meniscus transplantation, helping to ensure precise tunnel placement, facilitate graft passage, and aid in accurate suturing.

Symptomatic os acromiale.

Os acromiale, the joining of the acromion to the scapular spine by fibrocartilaginous tissue rather than bone, is an anatomic variant that has been reported in approximately 8% of the population worldwide. It is more common in blacks and males than in whites and females. Although it is often an incidental finding, os acromiale has been identified as a contributor to shoulder impingement symptoms and rotator cuff tears. When nonsurgical management of a symptomatic os acromiale fails to relieve symptoms, surgical intervention is considered. Options include os acromiale excision, open reduction and internal fixation, and arthroscopic decompression. Excision usually is reserved for small to midsized fragments (preacromion) or after failed open reduction and internal fixation. Persistent deltoid dysfunction may result from excision of a large os acromiale. Open reduction and internal fixation preserves large fragments while maintaining deltoid function. Cannulated screw fixation has been shown to result in good union rates. Arthroscopic techniques have shown mixed results when used for treating impingement secondary to an unstable os acromiale. Associated rotator cuff tears may be addressed arthroscopically or through an open transacromial approach, followed by open reduction and internal fixation of the os acromiale.

Posterolateral corner reconstruction of the knee: surgical technique utilizing a bifid Achilles tendon allograft and a double femoral tunnel.

Reconstruction of the posterolateral corner of the knee has received increased attention in the recent literature. Basic science studies have helped us determine the 3 critical structures of the posterolateral corner: the lateral collateral ligament (LCL), the popliteus tendon, and the popliteofibular ligament. We have developed an anatomic posterolateral corner reconstruction that most closely resembles these 3 key structures and is based on the work of previous authors. Our technique is performed using a single Achilles allograft. The bone plug is secured in a femoral tunnel at the anatomic attachment of the popliteus tendon with an interference screw. The Achilles tendon is then split approximately 1 to 2 cm distal to the bone plug into 2 segments: (1) the popliteofibular ligament portion that is passed through a fibular tunnel starting at the anatomic attachment of popliteofibular ligament and fixed with a biointerference screw and (2) the static portion of the popliteus tendon securing this through a tibial tunnel passed from posterior to anterior right at the musculotendinous junction of the popliteus. The anterior limb of the Achilles tendon exiting the fibula is then brought back around, secured to the fibular attachment of the LCL with a suture anchor, and is then passed through a separate femoral tunnel placed at the anatomic attachment of the LCL.

Treatment of acute and chronic anterior cruciate ligament-posterior cruciate ligament-lateral side knee injuries.

Knee dislocations are rare but devastating injuries. The ACL-PCL-lateral side injury combination is representative of the challenges these injuries present. Early management is focused on vascular integrity. When possible, acute repair and reconstruction within 3 weeks from injury is preferred. Chronically deficient knees generally will require lateral side reconstruction rather than repair and may require limb realignment. Addressing all injured structures is imperative to afford the best chance at a reasonable outcome. Good results with surgery are possible, but some degree of persistent disability is to be expected.

Transtibial and tibial inlay double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Surgical technique using a bifid bone-patellar tendon-bone allograft.

Abstract The treatment of posterior cruciate ligament injuries is difficult and controversial. Reconstructive technique and graft design are 2 of the unsolved issues in posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. We present a technique using a bifid bone-patellar tendon-bone allograft for reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament. This graft more closely mimics normal anatomy and may be used in both transtibial and tibial inlay reconstructions.