Risk Factors for Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for revision surgery following primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods A retrospective analysis of 2,965 patients who underwent a primary ACL reconstruction were separated into two groups: those who returned to our center for revision of their reconstruction (n = 67) and those who did not return to our center for revision of their reconstruction (n = 2,898). Patient characteristics assessed at the time of primary reconstruction include age, gender, graft type, graft source, meniscal and/or chondral injury, sport, side of effected extremity, level of competition, and surgeon. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify significant, independent associations with the need for revision. Results The portion of patients who returned for revision reconstruction after primary ACL reconstruction was 2.3% (67/2,965). Age (p < 0.001), sport type (p = 0.007), and level of participation (p < 0.001) were significantly different between the nonrevision and revision patients. Graft type preferences varied among surgeons (p < 0.001). Accounting for sport type or level of competition, age (p = 0.014) and surgeon (p = 0.041) were independently associated with revision. Gender, extremity (R vs. L), meniscal or chondral injury, and graft characteristics were not associated with revision. Conclusion Revision of primary ACL reconstructions is independently associated with age and choice of surgeon at the time of primary reconstruction.

Sternoclavicular joint surgery: how far does danger lurk below?

BACKGROUND: Surgical stabilization of the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) is infrequent, and cardiothoracic surgery assistance is often recommended. Patient safety and surgeon efficiency may be improved by greater understanding of the anatomic relationships near the SCJ. The purpose of this study is to determine the distances from the SCJ to critical structures in the superior mediastinum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Distances from the posterior SCJ to adjacent mediastinal structures were recorded using contrast computed tomography scans of 49 consecutive patients. Patient sex, height, body mass index, side, age, and thickness of the sternum and medial clavicle were also recorded. RESULTS: The mean distance to the nearest anatomic structure deep to the clavicular region of the SCJ was 6.6 mm and was 12.5 mm for the sternal region. The clavicle was an average thickness of 18 mm, and the sternum was an average thickness of 17 mm. The closest structure was the brachiocephalic vein. An artery was identified as the closest structure in 21.2% of patients. Distance differences between the right and left sides were noted, but sex had no bearing on distance to structures. CONCLUSION: Multiple mediastinal structures are close to the SCJ. The most frequent structure at risk of injury deep to the SCJ is the brachiocephalic vein. Such knowledge may improve patient safety.