Osteochondritis Dissecans Lesions of the Knee: Evidence-Based Treatment.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee is a potentially disabling condition in adolescent and young adults, which is likely multifactorial in origin. In recent years, there have been notable improvements in identification and treatment. Clinical presentation varies based mostly on OCD lesion stability. Patients with stable lesions generally present with vague knee pain and altered gait while mechanical symptoms and effusion are more common with unstable lesions. Lesions most commonly occur on the lateral aspect of the medial femoral condyle in patients aged 10 to 20 years. Magnetic resonance imaging is vital to diagnose and predict clinical treatment, which is largely based on stability of the fragment. Conservative treatment of stable lesions in patients with open physis is recommended with protected weight-bearing and gradual progression of activities over the course of 3 to 6 months. Stable OCD lesions which failed a nonsurgical course can be treated with transarticular or retrograde drilling while unstable lesions usually require fixation, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), osteochondral autograft transfer (OATS), or osteochondral allograft transplantation. This review highlights the most current understanding of knee OCD lesions and treatment options with the goal of optimizing outcomes in this difficult pathology.

Hip Capsular Closure in Distraction: A Technique to Allow Easier Closure of T and Interportal Capsulotomies.

Capsule closure during hip arthroscopy is increasingly being shown to optimize outcomes and minimize complications. Although various techniques and suture configurations have been described, closure of the hip capsule remains a technically challenging step for many hip arthroscopists. The purpose of this Technical Note is to summarize capsular management in arthroscopic hip-preservation surgery and to outline a technique of passing capsule sutures under hip traction. This technique is useful, as it facilitates adequate visualization of the vertical limb of the T capsulotomy and interportal capsulotomy, which is difficult when attempted with the hip out of traction and flexed. Our technique also helps to reduce the risk of iatrogenic cartilage injury during suture passage by increasing the distance between the femoral head and capsule leaflets, or the functional working area for capsule closure.

Periacetabular osteotomy after failed hip arthroscopy demonstrates improved outcomes in a heterogenous patient population: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the literature on patients undergoing periacetabular osteotomy after failed hip arthroscopy (PAO-FHA) for (1) patient demographics and hip morphology, (2) changes in preoperative to postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and (3) PROs in comparison to primary periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) patients. METHODS: A systematic literature search of Pubmed, CINAHL/Medline, and cochrane databases was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The search phrase was "(periacetabular osteotomy or PAO or rotational osteotomy) and (hip arthroscopy or arthroscopic)". The titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened for studies on PAO-FHA. Study quality was assessed, and relevant data were collected. A meta-analysis was not performed due to study heterogeneity. RESULTS: The search identified 7 studies, including 151 hips (148 patients, 93.9% female) undergoing PAO-FHA, out of an initial 593 studies, with three Level IV and four Level III studies. Mean time from hip arthroscopy to PAO ranged from 17.0 to 29.6 months. Heterogenous hip morphologies and radiologic findings prior to PAO were observed, though patients most frequently demonstrated moderate-to-severe dysplasia (mean or median lateral center edge angle < 20°) and minimal osteoarthritis (Tönnis grade 0 or 1). In all 5 studies that reported concomitant procedures with PAO, femoral and/or acetabular osteoplasty was performed via arthroscopy or arthrotomy. Following PAO-FHA, radiographic acetabular coverage and PROs improved in all 6 studies that reported postoperative outcomes. All four comparative studies of primary PAO vs. PAO-FHA included patients with mean or median LCEAs < 20°, reporting mixed outcomes for the optimal treatment approach. CONCLUSION: PAO-FHA is reported in a heterogenous patient population that frequently includes hips with moderate-to-severe dysplasia and minimal osteoarthritis. Regardless of hip morphology or concomitant procedures, all studies that reported postoperative outcomes demonstrated improved PROs following PAO-FHA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Hip Pain in Ballet Dancers: Evaluation and Management.

Hip and groin injuries are common in ballet dancers, who often begin sport-specific training at a young age. The unique demands of ballet include extreme range of motion, with an emphasis on external rotation and abduction. This creates a distinctive constellation of hip symptoms and pathology in this cohort, which may differ from other flexibility sports. When managing hip symptoms in this cohort, orthopaedic surgeons should consider the unique factors associated with ballet, including ballet-specific movements, morphologic adaptations of the hip, and the culture of the sport. Three common etiologies of hip pain in ballet dancers include femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, hip instability, and extra-articular snapping hip syndrome. First-line treatment often consists of focused physical therapy to strengthen the core and periarticular hip musculature, with surgical management reserved for patients who fail to improve with conservative measures.

A systematic approach to CT evaluation of non-arthritic hip pain.

Bone morphology has been increasingly recognized as a significant variable in the evaluation of non-arthritic hip pain in young adults. Increased availability and use of multidetector CT in this patient population has contributed to better characterization of the osseous structures compared to traditional radiographs. Femoral and acetabular version, sites of impingement, acetabular coverage, femoral head-neck morphology, and other structural abnormalities are increasingly identified with the use of CT scan. In this review, a standard CT imaging technique and protocol is discussed, along with a systematic approach for evaluating pelvic CT imaging in patients with non-arthritic hip pain.

Open Ischiofemoral Impingement Decompression.

Ischiofemoral impingement is a relatively rare cause of posterior hip pain associated with narrowing of the space between the lateral aspect of the ischium and the lesser trochanter. Symptoms typically consist of lower buttock, groin, and/or medial thigh pain, which is commonly exacerbated by adduction, extension, and external rotation of the hip. This condition can be treated nonoperatively in many circumstances; however, recalcitrant cases may require surgical intervention. Whereas described operative treatment options for this pathology range from endoscopic to open procedures, this Technical Note describes a safe and reliable technique for open ischiofemoral decompression with sciatic nerve neurolysis through a posterior approach for treatment of ischiofemoral impingement refractory to conservative treatment.

The REVision Using Imaging to Guide Staging and Evaluation (REVISE) in ACL Reconstruction Classification.

Revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) procedures are increasing in incidence and possess markedly inferior clinical outcomes (76% satisfaction) and return-to-sports (57%) rates than their primary counterparts. Given their complexity, a universal language is required to identify and communicate the technical challenges faced with revision procedures and guide treatment strategies. The proposed REV: ision using I: maging to guide S: taging and E: valuation (REVISE) ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) Classification can serve as a foundation for this universal language that is feasible and practical with acceptable inter-rater agreement. A focus group of sports medicine fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons was assembled to develop a classification to assess femoral/tibial tunnel "usability" (placement, widening, overlap) and guide the revision reconstruction strategy (one-stage vs. two-stage) post-failed ACL reconstruction. Twelve board-certified sports medicine orthopaedic surgeons independently applied the classification to the de-identified computed tomographic (CT) scan data of 10 patients, randomly selected, who failed ACL reconstruction. An interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated (with 95% confidence intervals) to assess agreement among reviewers concerning the three major classifications of the proposed system. Across surgeons, and on an individual patient basis, there was high internal validity and observed agreement on treatment strategy (one-stage vs. two-stage revision). Reliability testing of the classification using CT scan data demonstrated an ICC (95% confidence interval) of 0.92 (0.80-0.98) suggesting "substantial" agreement between the surgeons across all patients for all elements of the classification. The proposed REVISE ACL Classification, which employs CT scan analysis to both identify technical issues and guide revision ACL treatment strategy (one- or two-stage), constitutes a feasible and practical system with high internal validity, high observed agreement, and substantial inter-rater agreement. Adoption of this classification, both clinically and in research, will help provide a universal language for orthopaedic surgeons to discuss these complex clinical presentations and help standardize an approach to diagnosis and treatment to improve patient outcomes. The Level of Evidence for this study is 3.

Groin Pain Syndrome Known as Sports Hernia: A Review.

Importance: Groin pain in active individuals and athletes without clinical evidence of hernia or hip pathologic findings is challenging for health care clinicians and aggravating for those experiencing pain. Frequently called sports hernia or athletic pubalgia, many surgeons continue to refute the diagnosis because there is a lack of consensus and clear comprehension of the basic pathophysiologic features of this groin pain syndrome. Observations: Understanding the anatomic and pathophysiologic findings of groin pain syndrome is necessary to appropriately treat this problem. In general, the level of evidence of the literature is of relatively low quality. Exercise-based therapy can be an effective first-line therapy in individuals who develop groin pain syndrome. Surgical therapies are typically reserved for those who experience nonoperative management failure. The common features of the varied surgical procedures include the resultant changes in the vectors of pull on the pubic bone or joint, the defects in the inguinal canal, and the inguinal sensory nerve compression or bowstringing. Conclusions and Relevance: The diagnosis of nonhip, nonhernia, chronic groin pain is common. Understanding the diagnosis and treatment options may facilitate recovery and allow return to an active lifestyle and sport.

Functional Results and Outcomes After Repair of Partial Proximal Hamstring Avulsions at Midterm Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Partial avulsions of the proximal hamstring origin remain a challenging problem with nonoperative treatments frequently providing limited success. The literature is limited regarding the outcomes of operative management in the active and athletic population. HYPOTHESIS: Surgical fixation of proximal hamstring ruptures will have favorable outcomes at midterm follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A total of 64 patients with partial avulsions of the proximal hamstring origin treated with surgical fixation by a single surgeon were reviewed at a 2-year minimum follow-up. All patients had initially undergone failed nonoperative treatment. Patient-reported outcome scores on the Lower Extremity Functional Score (LEFS), Marx Activity Rating Scale, custom LEFS and Marx scales, and total proximal hamstring score were evaluated. Data on patient-perceived strength, return to sport, and satisfaction were also collected. RESULTS: The cohort included 27 male and 37 female (N = 64) patients with a mean age of 47.3 years (range, 16-65 years), and all were reviewed at a mean 6.5-year (range, 2-12.5 years) follow-up. The average postoperative LEFS was 96% (range, 68%-100%), with the custom LEFS being 90% (range, 39%-100%). The mean Marx score was 12.4 (range, 4-16). The Marx custom score demonstrated no disability with activities of daily living. The mean total proximal hamstring score was 94% (range, 69%-100%). No differences in any outcome measures were seen when comparing acute versus chronic repairs. Three patients underwent further hamstring surgery. No patients reported symptoms of numbness in the operative extremity at rest, while 3 patients had a superficial stitch abscess treated with antibiotics alone. The most commonly reported difficulty was with prolonged sitting. Ninety-seven percent were satisfied with surgery, 92% reported they could participate in strenuous activity, and 97% estimated their strength to be >75%, while 64% estimated it to be 100% of their contralateral side. Patients returned to sport at an average of 11.1 months, and all that returned were satisfied with their performance. CONCLUSION: Both early and delayed anatomic surgical repair of partial proximal hamstring avulsions leads to successful functional outcomes, a high rate of return to athletic activity, and low complication rates at the 6.5-year follow-up. Nonoperative treatments should first be attempted.

A Systematic Summary of Systematic Reviews on the Topic of Hip Arthroscopic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: There is a rapidly growing body of literature on the topic of hip arthroscopic surgery. PURPOSE: To provide an overall summary of systematic reviews published on the indications, complications, techniques, outcomes, and information related to hip arthroscopic surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A systematic review of all hip arthroscopic surgery-related systematic reviews published between January 2000 and May 2018 was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library. Narrative reviews and non-English articles were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 837 articles were found, of which 85 met the inclusion criteria. Included articles were summarized and divided into 6 major categories based on the subject of the review: femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), non-FAI indications, surgical technique, outcomes, complications, and miscellaneous. CONCLUSION: A summary of systematic reviews on hip arthroscopic surgery can provide surgeons with a single source for the most current synopsis of the available literature. As the prevalence of orthopaedic surgeons performing hip arthroscopic surgery increases, updated evidence-based guidelines must likewise be advanced and understood to ensure optimal patient management.

Refractory pain following hip arthroscopy: evaluation and management.

With increased knowledge and understanding of hip pathology, hip arthroscopy is rapidly becoming a popular treatment option for young patients with hip pain. Despite improved clinical and radiographic outcomes with arthroscopic treatment, some patients may have ongoing pain and less than satisfactory outcomes. While the reasons leading to failed hip arthroscopy are multifactorial, patient selection, surgical technique and rehabilitation all play a role. Patients with failed hip arthroscopy should undergo a thorough history and physical examination, as well as indicated imaging. A treatment plan should then be developed based on pertinent findings from the workup and in conjunction with the patient. Depending on the etiology of failed hip arthroscopy, management may be nonsurgical or surgical, which may include revision arthroscopic or open surgery, periacetabular osteotomy or joint arthroplasty. Revision surgery may be appropriate in settings including, but not limited to, incompletely treated femoroacetabular impingement, postoperative adhesions, heterotopic ossification, instability, hip dysplasia or advanced degeneration.

Laparoscopic Treatment of Pubic Symphysis Instability With Anchors and Tape Suture.

Patients with pubic symphysis instability who had failed nonoperative treatments may benefit from surgical repair. This disease process is rare, most commonly seen in postpartum women and athletes, and its surgical treatment is invasive and nonphysiological. Currently described surgical interventions, although limited, include plating, which provides an overly rigid construct with the risk of failure and possibly poor long-term outcomes particularly in athletes, and treatments such as curettage, more commonly used in the treatment of osteitis pubis. An emerging option is minimally invasive laparoscopic fixation using knotless anchors with a tape suture in a crisscross configuration. This possibly allows more physiological movement of the pubic symphysis in a less invasive manner. A detailed technical description and discussion of the technique are provided.

Pain Management After Hip Arthroscopy: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials and Cohort Studies.

BACKGROUND: Hip arthroscopy is often associated with significant postoperative pain and opioid-associated side effects. Effective pain management after hip arthroscopy improves patient recovery and satisfaction and decreases opioid-related complications. PURPOSE: To collect, examine, and provide a comprehensive review of the available evidence from randomized controlled trials and comparative studies on pain control after hip arthroscopy. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, a systematic review of the literature for postoperative pain control after hip arthroscopy was performed using electronic databases. Only comparative clinical studies with level 1 to 3 evidence comparing a method of postoperative pain control with other modalities or placebo were included in this review. Case series and studies without a comparative cohort were excluded. RESULTS: Several methods of pain management have been described for hip arthroscopy. A total of 14 studies met our inclusion criteria: 3 on femoral nerve block, 3 on lumbar plexus block, 3 on fascia iliaca block, 4 on intra-articular injections, 2 on soft tissue surrounding surgical site injection, and 2 on celecoxib (4 studies compared 2 or more methods of analgesia). The heterogeneity of the studies did not allow for pooling of data. Single-injection femoral nerve blocks and lumbar plexus blocks provided improved analgesia, but increased fall rates were observed. Fascia iliaca blocks do not provide adequate pain relief when compared with surgical site infiltration with local anesthetic and are associated with increased risk of cutaneous nerve deficits. Patients receiving lumbar plexus block experienced significantly decreased pain compared with fascia iliaca block. Portal site and periacetabular injections provide superior analgesia compared with intra-articular injections alone. Preoperative oral celecoxib, compared with placebo, resulted in earlier time to discharge and provided significant pain relief up to 24 hours. CONCLUSION: Perioperative nerve blocks provide effective pain management after hip arthroscopy but must be used with caution to decrease risk of falls. Intra-articular and portal site injections with local anesthetics and preoperative celecoxib can decrease opioid consumption. There is a lack of high-quality evidence on this topic, and further research is needed to determine the best approach to manage postoperative pain and optimize patient satisfaction.

Effect of Glenoid Version and Width on Outcomes of Arthroscopic Posterior Shoulder Stabilization.

BACKGROUND: Despite an increased awareness of the condition, the diagnosis, classification, and treatment of recurrent posterior shoulder instability remain challenging. No clear relationship has been established between glenohumeral morphologic characteristics and the risk for posterior shoulder instability or with outcomes after treatment. PURPOSE: To examine the structure of the glenoid in a large series of athletic patients with symptomatic unidirectional posterior instability and to correlate these findings with the objective and subjective clinical outcome of arthroscopic posterior capsulolabral repair. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A total of 118 magnetic resonance arthrograms of athletes with unidirectional recurrent posterior shoulder instability treated with an arthroscopic posterior capsulolabral repair were reviewed, and measurements of glenoid labral, chondral, and bone version and labral and bone width were performed. The patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scoring system and with standardized subjective pain and stability scales. RESULTS: The mean glenoid labral, chondral, and bone versions were 10.8°, 10.1°, and 9.5°, respectively. The mean labral width was 30.9 mm and the mean bone width 28.9 mm. Patients with wider and more retroverted glenoid bone had better mean preoperative pain and ASES scores than did those with narrow and more anteverted glenoid bone. At final postoperative follow-up, patients with wider glenoids continued to have better pain and ASES scores and decreased risk of failure. In contrast, no significant differences in outcome scores were detected among subjects with regard to glenoid bone version. There was no correlation between chondral and labral width or version with any outcome measure preoperatively or postoperatively. Thirteen patients had unsuccessful initial capsulolabral repairs (ASES scores <60 and stability scores ≥6), demonstrating a 3.0-mm smaller overall labral width and 3° less labral retroversion but no bony version differences when compared with the successful cohort. CONCLUSION: Although higher glenoid retroversion was noted in this patient population as compared with previous studies in normal populations, there were no significant differences in outcomes after treatment among subjects with regard to glenoid version. However, increased glenoid width did predict better outcomes after posterior capsulolabral repair.

Novel measure of articular instability based on contact stress confirms that the anterior cruciate ligament is a critical stabilizer of the lateral compartment.

Knee instability following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is common, compromising function, and causing cartilage and meniscal damage. In this study, instability at the level of the articular surfaces was characterized with a new measure: articular instability. Articular instability was defined as the change in location of the center of contact stress per unit of applied load. The effect of ACL-deficiency on articular instability was quantified in response to combined abduction and internal rotation moments simulating the clinical pivot shift, which recreates the sensation of instability. Eleven cadaver knees were loaded using a robotic manipulator and tibiofemoral contact stress was measured using a stress transducer. Sectioning the ACL led to pronounced articular instability on the lateral compartment in 4 of 11 knees. In these 4 knees articular instability increased posteriorly up to 403% and increased laterally up to 754%. Factors driving inter-specimen variations in articular instability might include articular morphology, ligamentous laxity, and the applied loads. This novel description of contact mechanics confirms that the ACL prevents sudden changes in the relative position of the lateral articular surfaces. It is applicable to any loading conditions and provides a unique measure to quantify the effects of ACL injury and reconstruction.

The recognition and evaluation of patterns of compensatory injury in patients with mechanical hip pain.

CONTEXT: In active individuals with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), the resultant reduction in functional range of motion leads to high impaction loads at terminal ranges. These increased forces result in compensatory effects on bony and soft tissue structures within the hip joint and hemipelvis. An algorithm is useful in evaluating athletes with pre-arthritic, mechanical hip pain and associated compensatory disorders. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A literature search was performed by a review of PubMed articles published from 1976 to 2013. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. RESULTS: Increased stresses across the bony hemipelvis result when athletes with FAI attempt to achieve supraphysiologic, terminal ranges of motion (ROM) through the hip joint required for athletic competition. This can manifest as pain within the pubic joint (osteitis pubis), sacroiliac joint, and lumbosacral spine. Subclinical posterior hip instability may result when attempts to increase hip flexion and internal rotation are not compensated for by increased motion through the hemipelvis. Prominence of the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) at the level of the acetabular rim can result in impingement of the anterior hip joint capsule or iliocapsularis muscle origin against the femoral head-neck junction, resulting in a distinct form of mechanical hip impingement (AIIS subspine impingement). Iliopsoas impingement (IPI) has also been described as an etiology for anterior hip pain. IPI results in a typical 3-o'clock labral tear as well as an inflamed capsule in close proximity to the overlying iliopsoas tendon. Injury in athletic pubalgia occurs during high-energy twisting activities in which abnormal hip ROM and resultant pelvic motion lead to shearing across the pubic symphysis. CONCLUSION: Failure to recognize and address concomitant compensatory injury patterns associated with intra-articular hip pathology can result in significant disability and persistent symptoms in athletes with pre-arthritic, mechanical hip pain. STRENGTH-OF-RECOMMENDATION TAXONOMY SORT: B.

Abnormal tibiofemoral contact stress and its association with altered kinematics after center-center anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal tibiofemoral contact stress and aberrant kinematics may influence the progression of osteoarthritis in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient and the ACL-reconstructed knee. However, relationships between contact stress and kinematics after ACL reconstruction are poorly understood. Therefore, we posed the following research questions: (1) How do ACL deficiency and reconstruction affect the kinematics of and contact stress in the tibiofemoral joint? (2) What kinematic differences are associated with abnormal contact stress after ACL reconstruction? HYPOTHESIS: Center-center ACL reconstruction will not restore knee kinematics and contact stress. Correlations will exist between abnormal contact stress and aberrant kinematics after ACL reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Clinical tests of anterior and rotational stability were simulated on 11 cadaveric knees using an industrial robot. Tests were conducted with the ACL intact, sectioned, and after single-bundle ACL reconstruction using a quadrupled hamstring autograft with tunnels drilled through the center of the native footprints. Kinematics were recorded during the tests. Contact stress was continuously recorded from a stress transducer fixed to the tibial plateau, and mean contact stress was calculated regionally. RESULTS: ACL deficiency resulted in increased mean contact stress in the posterior sectors of the medial and lateral compartments under anterior and rotational loads, respectively. Reconstruction reduced stress in these locations; however, contact stress abnormalities remained. On average, kinematics were overconstrained after ACL reconstruction (≤1.8 mm and ≤2.6° in all directions). However, combinations of overconstrained and underconstrained motions in abduction/adduction and medial-lateral translation in response to combined moments, and anterior-posterior translation, medial-lateral translation, and axial rotation in response to an anterior load were associated with abnormal mean contact stress. CONCLUSION: ACL reconstruction reduces high stresses generated in the posterior compartment of the ACL-deficient knee. Abnormal contact stress after ACL reconstruction is related to multiplanar variations in knee kinematics. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinical measures of multiplanar kinematics may help to better characterize the quality of ACL reconstruction. Such measures may help identify patients at increased risk of long-term joint degeneration following this surgery.

The role of the tibial slope in sustaining and treating anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

PURPOSE: A steep tibial slope may contribute to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-injuries, a higher degree of instability in the case of ACL insufficiency, and recurrent instability after ACL reconstruction. A better understanding of the significance of the tibial slope could improve the development of ACL injury screening and prevention programmes, might serve as a basis for individually adapted rehabilitation programmes after ACL reconstruction and could clarify the role of slope-decreasing osteotomies in the treatment of ACL insufficiency. This article summarizes and discusses the current published literature on these topics. METHODS: A comprehensive review of the MEDLINE database was carried out to identify relevant articles using multiple different keywords (e.g. 'tibial slope', 'anterior cruciate ligament', 'osteotomy', and 'knee instability'). The reference lists of the reviewed articles were searched for additional relevant articles. RESULTS: In cadaveric studies, an artificially increased tibial slope produced an anterior shift of the tibia relative to the femur. While mathematical models additionally demonstrated increased strain in the ACL, cadaveric studies have not confirmed these findings. There is some evidence that a steep tibial slope represents a risk factor for non-contact ACL injuries. MRI-based studies indicate that a steep slope of the lateral tibial plateau might specifically be responsible for this injury mechanism. The influence of the tibial slope on outcomes after ACL reconstruction and the role of slope-decreasing osteotomies in the treatment of ACL insufficiency remain unclear. CONCLUSION: The role of the tibial slope in sustaining and treating ACL injuries is not well understood. Characterizing the tibial plateau surface with a single slope measurement represents an insufficient approximation of its three-dimensionality, and the biomechanical impact of the tibial slope likely is more complex than previously appreciated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Practice patterns for subacromial decompression and rotator cuff repair: an analysis of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery database.

BACKGROUND: Recently there have been several evolving trends in the practice of shoulder surgery. Arthroscopic subacromial decompression has been performed with greater frequency by orthopaedic surgeons, and there has been considerable recent interest in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The purpose of this study was to identify trends in practice patterns for subacromial decompression and rotator cuff repair over time and in relation to the location of practice, fellowship training, and declared subspecialty of the surgeon. METHODS: We reviewed the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Part II database to identify patterns in the utilization of open and arthroscopic subacromial decompression and rotator cuff repair among candidates for board certification. All procedures involving only arthroscopic or open subacromial decompression and/or rotator cuff repair from 2004 to 2009 were identified. The rates of arthroscopic and open subacromial decompression and/or rotator cuff repair were compared in terms of year, geographic region, fellowship training, and declared subspecialty of the surgeon. RESULTS: Between 2004 and 2009, 12,136 surgical procedures involving only arthroscopic or open subacromial decompression and/or rotator cuff repair were performed. There were significant differences in treatment with respect to year, geographic region of practice, declared subspecialty, and fellowship training (p < 0.001). There was a significant increase over time in the utilization of arthroscopy among all candidates (p < 0.001). Surgeons with sports medicine fellowship training or a sports-medicine-declared subspecialty performed significantly more subacromial decompressions and rotator cuff repairs arthroscopically than all other candidates (p < 0.001). During this time period, there was a significant decrease in the rate of arthroscopic subacromial decompression, both as an isolated procedure and combined with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: From 2004 to 2009, there was a significant shift throughout the United States toward arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and subacromial decompression among young orthopaedic surgeons, with sports medicine fellowship-trained surgeons performing more of their procedures arthroscopically than surgeons with other training. However, there was an increasing frequency of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair performed without subacromial decompression, and, overall, there was a decrease in the frequency of isolated arthroscopic subacromial decompression over time.