Clinical Outcomes After Arthroscopic Hip Labral Repair Using Looped Versus Pierced Suture Techniques.

BACKGROUND: With an improved understanding of the importance of the labrum, labral repair is replacing labral debridement as a component of hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement. Labral repair can be performed by passing suture limbs either around (looped) or through (pierced) the labral tissue. PURPOSE: To determine whether there is any clinical difference between these different labral repair techniques. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A prospective data registry was queried for patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy with labral repair from 2009 to 2011. Patients older than 18 years who had undergone labral repair were included in the study. Exclusion criteria included previous hip surgery, avascular necrosis, joint space less than 2 mm, and labral reconstruction or augmentation. Patients were grouped based upon the 3 labral repair techniques: looped, pierced, or combined. Statistical equivalence testing was performed to evaluate the primary outcome measure, the Hip Outcome Score-activities of daily living subscale (HOS-ADL). Other measures included the HOS-sport subscale (HOS-Sport), modified Harris hip score (mHHS), Short Form-12 (SF-12), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and patient satisfaction with outcome (1-10 scale; 10 = very satisfied). RESULTS: Preoperative scores improved in the looped group (HOS-ADL, from 68 to 91; mHHS, from 64 to 83; HOS-Sport, from 51 to 81; and WOMAC, from 23 to 9), the pierced group (HOS-ADL, from 64 to 89; mHHS, from 62 to 83; HOS-Sport, from 46 to 77; and WOMAC, from 34 to 12), and the combined group (HOS-ADL, from 64 to 89; mHHS, from 63 to 83; HOS-Sport, from 52 to 79; and WOMAC, from 26 to 12). Median patient satisfaction in all groups was 9.0. The 3 labral repair groups were shown to be statistically and clinically equivalent (P < .05) with respect to the validated HOS-ADL to within a clinically irrelevant threshold at mean 36-month follow-up. In addition, there were no differences in secondary outcome measures or in the revision rate (looped, 7% [14/209], pierced, 8% [5/65], and combined, 6% [5/83]). CONCLUSION: This study showed equivalent HOS-ADL outcomes between looped, pierced, and combined labral repairs. Secondary outcome measures, including failure and revision rates, were not significantly different among the groups. Thus, suture type did not influence outcomes.

Arthroscopic capsule reconstruction in the hip using iliotibial band allograft.

The hip capsule has been identified as an important static stabilizer of the hip joint. Despite the intrinsic bony stability of the hip socket, the capsule plays a key role in hip stability, particularly at the extremes of motion, and the iliofemoral ligament is the most important stabilizer in extension and external rotation. Patients who do not undergo capsular closure or plication may continue to complain of hip pain and dysfunction postoperatively, likely because of microinstability or muscle invagination into the capsular defect, and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging or magnetic resonance arthrography will identify the capsular defect. Seen primarily in the revision setting, capsular defects can cause recurrent stress at the chondrolabral junction. An attempt at secondary closure can be challenging because of capsular limb adherence to the surrounding soft tissues. Therefore reconstruction may be the only possible surgical solution for this problem. We describe our new surgical technique for arthroscopic hip capsular reconstruction using iliotibial band allograft.

Lateral patellotibial ligament reconstruction for medial patellar instability.

Medial patellar instability, though infrequently recognized, can be a disabling complication of a lateral retinacular release. Patients with persistent anterior knee pain and instability after lateral release should be evaluated closely. If evidence of increased medial patellar translation is identified on physical examination, a trial of reverse McConnell taping should be prescribed. If there is noted improvement in symptoms after this taping trial, reconstruction of the lateral patellotibial ligament should be considered. This article details our technique for lateral patellotibial ligament reconstruction using iliotibial band and patellar tendon autografts.

Plantar and medial heel pain: diagnosis and management.

Heel pain is commonly encountered in orthopaedic practice. Establishing an accurate diagnosis is critical, but it can be challenging due to the complex regional anatomy. Subacute and chronic plantar and medial heel pain are most frequently the result of repetitive microtrauma or compression of neurologic structures, such as plantar fasciitis, heel pad atrophy, Baxter nerve entrapment, calcaneal stress fracture, and tarsal tunnel syndrome. Most causes of inferior heel pain can be successfully managed nonsurgically. Surgical intervention is reserved for patients who do not respond to nonsurgical measures. Although corticosteroid injections have a role in the management of select diagnoses, they should be used with caution.

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.

Effect of interference screw fixation on ACL graft tensile strength.

Tibial-sided fixation of soft tissue grafts in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction has often been identified as the weak link in the fixation construct, with interference screws being a commonly used technique. A significant concern surrounding the use of interference screws for soft tissue fixation is graft laceration and the possibility of loss of pull-out strength and slippage. The act of interference screw insertion for soft tissue graft fixation in ACL reconstruction alters the biomechanical properties of the graft. Two groups of 12 porcine knees (24 total) were utilized for the tibial-sided fixation of porcine flexor digitorum tendons using single-insertion interference screws, in a model of soft tissue ACL reconstruction. Two different screw types were used for comparison. Following screw insertion, the grafts were dissected free and underwent biomechanical testing in tension to failure. Control flexor digitorum tendons underwent the same biomechanical testing for comparison. Control soft tissue grafts exhibited significantly higher yield load, ultimate load, and stiffness (p < 0.001) in comparison to both groups of treated grafts, without evidence of significant macroscopic damage. Single insertion of interference screws for soft tissue graft fixation in ACL reconstruction weakens the biomechanical properties of the graft itself.

Arthroscopic suture bridge fixation of tibial intercondylar eminence fractures.

Tibial intercondylar eminence fractures that are displaced and non-reducible require open or arthroscopically assisted repair. Ideally, fracture reduction and fixation would be performed with a technique that has low morbidity, allows easy visualization and reduction, provides firm fixation, does not violate the proximal tibial physis, avoids metal hardware, and does not require a second procedure for implant removal. The suture bridge technique, used in the shoulder for rotator cuff tears and greater tuberosity fracture repair, has the ability to produce high contact pressures with rigid fixation. We describe an all-inside and all-epiphyseal arthroscopic suture bridge technique for tibial intercondylar eminence fracture repair performed with PushLock anchors (Arthrex, Naples, FL). One or 2 anchors preloaded with No. 2 FiberWire (Arthrex) are placed in the posterior fracture bed, followed by fracture reduction. The suture limbs are shuttled through and around the anterior cruciate ligament and over the fracture fragment in crossing fashion and are secured by use of additional anchors placed at the anteromedial and anterolateral fracture margin. The anchors are placed obliquely to avoid the proximal tibial physis in the pediatric population. Anatomic reduction and secure fixation allow more aggressive rehabilitation and faster restoration of joint function.

Intramuscular ketorolac injections in the athlete.

BACKGROUND: Pain control is a factor in the sideline treatment of competitive athletes. Ketorolac injections by team physicians as a pain control measure are seemingly becoming more mainstream, although there have been very little data published on its use. HYPOTHESIS: Intramuscular ketorolac injections are being used regularly by orthopaedic surgeons and primary care sports medicine physicians in their care of athletes. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: A 19-question survey was generated online for physician members of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, the Arthroscopy Association of North America, and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine. The survey link was e-mailed, with reminders sent every 1 to 2 weeks, and results were collected from April to June 2011. RESULTS: The survey was e-mailed to 6950 physicians, with 1100 respondents completing it (60% orthopaedic surgeons, 40% nonsurgical sports medicine physicians). Approximately 49% use intramuscular ketorolac in the treatment of athletes, primarily at the collegiate and professional levels; 95.8% reported effective pain control after administration; 2.9% reported bleeding complications; and 1.9% reported kidney complications from its use. CONCLUSION: Intramuscular ketorolac injections are used by approximately half of all team physicians in their sideline treatment of competitive athletes.

Volar wrist ganglion excision through the flexor carpi radialis sheath.

Volar wrist ganglions are much less frequent than their dorsal counterparts but provide much more surgical trepidation due to their proximity to the radial artery. With the majority arising from the radiocarpal joint, we have found that entering the flexor carpi radialis sheath and accessing the ganglion through the floor of the sheath allows for a relatively safe excision of these benign hand tumors.

Biomechanical analysis of suture bridge fixation for tibial eminence fractures.

PURPOSE: To perform a biomechanical analysis of suture bridge fixation for tibial eminence fractures using PushLock anchors (Arthrex, Naples, FL) and compare it with traditional suture fixation and screw fixation. METHODS: This study used 24 porcine knees, divided into 3 comparison fixation groups: PushLock suture bridge fixation, screw fixation, and suture fixation. Each knee was dissected of all soft tissue, leaving only the anterior cruciate ligament. A tibial eminence fracture was created with disruption of the posterior hinge, and each knee was fixed with a randomly assigned fixation technique. After fixation, each knee underwent 2 phases of biomechanical testing. The initial cyclic dynamic phase assessed the displacement change after 200 cycles (in millimeters) and initial stiffness (in Newtons per millimeter) of the fixation construct. After completion of dynamic testing, each specimen underwent a single tensile failure test load to assess ultimate failure load (in Newtons) and displacement (in millimeters) to ultimate failure. RESULTS: There was a significant difference for the load-to-failure outcome variable among treatment groups (P = .004 by analysis of variance, 1 - ß = 0.851). Mean ultimate failure load borne by the PushLock fixation group was statistically significantly higher in comparison with the screw (P = .007) and suture (P = .017) fixation groups. For the cyclical testing, the primary outcome variable of displacement change after 200 loading cycles failed to show a significant difference among the 3 groups (P = .412). CONCLUSIONS: Suture bridge fixation with PushLock anchors is a new and effective surgical technique for the treatment of displaced tibial eminence fractures. By use of a high-bone density animal model, our results suggest that this suture bridge construct provides superior fixation with regard to ultimate failure load compared with standard screw fixation and suture fixation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The suture bridge technique provides another fixation option for displaced tibial eminence fractures with comparable, and in some instances superior, biomechanical properties to screw fixation and suture fixation.

Methylene blue-enhanced arthroscopic resection of dorsal wrist ganglions.

The ganglion is the most common soft tissue mass of the hand and wrist. Over the past 10 to 15 years, there has been a growing interest in arthroscopic treatment of dorsal wrist ganglions. Proposed advantages of arthroscopy include greater motion (particularly wrist flexion), improved cosmesis, and potential to identify/treat other intra-articular pathology. Despite the documented clinical success of arthroscopic ganglion excision, limitations include inconsistent identification of the ganglion stalk. Our described technique offers a means by which to improve visualization of the ganglion stalk intra-articularly to produce a more effective and efficient arthroscopic ganglion excision. During the procedure, a small volume of methylene blue solution is injected into the cyst. Its communication with the joint is apparent arthroscopically, thus identifying the location of the stalk. With the ability to precisely identify the ganglion stalk using an injection of methylene blue, the surgeon can direct the arthroscopic debridement toward the appropriate pathologic tissue. Unnecessary debridement of uninvolved tissue can be avoided with the technique. This also allows for optimal portal placement and, in particular, indicates whether a midcarpal portal should be employed. This should result in fewer recurrences, decreased operative time, and less iatrogenic injury.

Upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis following humeral shaft fracture.

Upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT), although not as common as its lower-extremity counterpart, is a clinical entity with potentially devastating complications. Approximately 1% to 4% of all DVT cases involve the upper extremity, with 9% to 14% of these cases complicated by pulmonary embolism. Prompt diagnosis with duplex ultrasonography and subsequent anticoagulation are the gold standards for identification and treatment. The majority of these cases are secondary to medical comorbidities such as malignancy, hypercoagulable states, and indwelling catheters. Although rare, several case reports of orthopedic-related upper-extremity DVT are present in the literature. This article reports a case of upper-extremity DVT in a humeral shaft fracture treated nonoperatively. A 58-year-old man presented with right elbow pain after a fall from scaffolding. Radiographs demonstrated a distal humeral shaft fracture at the tip of a previously placed intramedullary nail. Initial treatment consisted of closed reduction in a coaptation splint. The patient re-presented 4 days later with increasing forearm pain and swelling. An ultrasound revealed an extensive thrombus of the right brachial vein. A coaptation splint was replaced and the patient was admitted to the hospital for therapeutic anticoagulation. After hematology consultation and a short hospitalization, the patient was discharged home on a 3-month course of Warfarin. The goal of treatment of upper-extremity venous thrombosis is to improve the patient's acute symptoms and prevent both pulmonary embolism and post-thrombotic syndrome. Post-thrombotic syndrome is a chronic, potentially debilitating condition that occurs in approximately 15% of upper-extremity DVT cases with symptoms consisting of pain, swelling, paresthesias, and functional limitation.

Flanking sequences modulate diepoxide and mustard cross-linking efficiencies at the 5'-GNC site.

Diepoxybutane, diepoxyoctane, and mechlorethamine are cytotoxic agents that induce interstrand cross-links between the N7 positions of deoxyguanosine residues on opposite strands of the DNA duplex preferentially at 5'-GNC sequences. We have systematically varied the identity of either the base 5' to the cross-linked deoxyguanosine residues or the intervening base pair to determine flanking sequence effects on cross-linking efficiency. We used synthetic DNA oligomers containing four 5'-N(1)GN(2)C sites that varied either N(1) or N(2). Interstrand cross-links were purified through denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and then subjected to piperidine cleavage. The amount of cleavage at each deoxyguanosine residue, representative of cross-linking efficiency at that site, was determined by sequencing gel analysis. Our data suggest that cross-linking efficiency varies with the identity of N(1) similarly (purines > pyrimidines) for diepoxybutane, diepoxyoctane, and mechlorethamine but that the effects of N(2) differ for the three compounds.