Knotless Suture Anchor Suspensionplasty for Basal Joint Arthritis A Prospective Case Series with Short-Term Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The mainstay of surgical treatment for advanced basal joint arthritis is arthroplasty. Many differ- ent techniques of basal joint arthroplasty exist, but none has been determined to be superior to the others, and most methods used to maintain the post-trapeziectomy space require postoperative immobilization or pin fixation. In this article, we describe a knotless suture anchor suspen- sionplasty (KSAS) technique and present a prospective case series with short-term outcomes. The KSAS technique utilizes a suspension construct to maintain the post-trapeziectomy space, allowing for early mobilization without the need for pin fixation or casting. METHODS: Twenty-five patients underwent trapeziectomy with KSAS. Visual analog scale (VAS) for pain scores and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (qDASH) scores were recorded preoperatively and at multiple post- operative points. Grip and pinch strengths were recorded. Maintenance of the post-trapeziectomy space and subsidence were determined by comparing preoperative and postopera- tive radiographs. RESULTS: VAS pain scores were significantly reduced from baseline at all postoperative time points with a reduction from 6.54 to 1.47 at 20 to 24 weeks (p < 0.001). qDASH scores were also significantly decreased from baseline at all time points except for 1 week postoperatively with a re- duction from 57.71 to 12.27 at 20 to 24 weeks (p < 0.001). Grip strength improved from 80.43% compared to the non- operative side preoperatively to 90.36% at 6 months status post KSAS (p < 0.05). Radiographically, subsidence was 35.11% at final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that KSAS is a safe, effective, and reproducible basal joint arthroplasty tech- nique that allows for early mobilization while sufficiently maintaining the post-trapeziectomy space enough to prevent impingement of the first metacarpal on the scaphoid. Al- though there are limitations to this prospective case series, the data presented here warrant long-term outcome studies utilizing this technique.

How to Shoot and Edit High-Quality Surgical Videos for Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery.

A surgical video can improve patient care, surgical education, as well as scientific presentations and publications. Previous authors have outlined a basic understanding of how to produce high-quality surgical videos. With continuous technological improvements in video-filming hardware and editing software, multiple options for producing high-quality surgical videos are available. This article described important aspects of filming and editing videos to create a video that the surgeon can watch before performing the procedure. The authors reviewed camera terminology, including resolution, optical and digital zoom, shutter speed, and frame rate, as well as equipment options or setup for recording high-quality surgical videos. We provided information regarding computer requirements and editing on Windows and Macintosh operating systems, optimizing educational value for the viewer.

Single Incision Modified Tension Slide Technique in Distal Biceps Repair: Improved Load to Failure While Reducing Surgical Pitfalls.

Historically, distal biceps tendon repair through the tension slide technique (TST) using a cortical button has yielded the strongest published repair measured by observed gap formation in both cyclic and maximal load to failure. The modified tension slide technique (MTST) was developed in order to provide the surgeon with a technically simpler and biomechanically more effective way to reduce gap formation and consistently seat/bottom-out the tendon within the bone tunnel through a more direct line of pull. In order to compare the biomechanics of the MTST to the TST, we used 24 matched bovine extensor tendons, and conducted maximal load to failure and cyclical load to failure testing using an Instron 5566 machine. The mean maximal load to failure for the MTST was 444 N versus 229 N for the TST ( P <0.004) while no gap formation was observed in either group after cyclic load testing. These findings indicate that the MTST has a statistically significant increased load to gap formation of ∼2-fold in comparison to TST. In the MTST both limbs of suture are passed back through the tendon, before button implantation, eliminating the "operating in a hole" effect required in the TST, and making for a simpler surgical procedure.

Dorsal Plating for Intra-articular Middle Phalangeal Base Fractures With Volar Instability.

Background: Intra-articular middle phalangeal base fractures with volar instability are rare injuries with scant literature on optimal management. Our purpose is to describe our method of dorsal plating and report postoperative outcomes. Methods: This study is a retrospective case review of 5 patients with intra-articular middle phalangeal base fractures with volar proximal interphalangeal joint instability, measuring subjective, clinical, and radiographic outcomes. Results: Patient age averaged 38.2 years (range, 23-56 years), and 80% were male. Sporting injuries were the most common mechanism (80%). Time to surgery averaged 7 days, and postoperative follow-up duration averaged 19.6 months (median 8 months). All fractures were intra-articular at the proximal interphalangeal joint with volar instability. There were no complications and no patients required secondary surgery. Grip strength was maintained and range of motion was good, based on the American Society for Surgery of the Hand Total Active Motion score. Average Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand was 0.5 (range, 0-2.3), 100% of patients were satisfied, and average visual analog pain score was 1.2. Patients returned to work at a median of 4 days. There was radiographic union at an average of 6.6 weeks (range, 6-7 weeks) in all fractures. Conclusions: Dorsal plating using a 1.5-mm modular hand plate is a viable option for rigid fixation of intra-articular middle phalangeal base fractures with volar instability. This fixation method allows for early range of motion without complications in this case series. All fractures united, and patients had minimal functional deficits and were able to maintain good range of motion.

Arthroscopic knotless rotator cuff repair: Factors associated with construct selection and recent trends from a manual review of 1617 cases.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to identify predictors of construct selection and recent trends for arthroscopic knotless rotator cuff repair (RCR). METHODS: A manual review of 1617 operative reports was performed. RESULTS: A medium-sized tear had a threefold increase in odds of single row (SR) knotless repair (OR, 6.91; p = 0.009) versus SR knotted (OR, 3.05; p = 0.003). Generalist orthopaedic surgeons were 79% less likely to perform SR knotless repairs versus sports medicine trained specialists (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There was a significant increase from 2009 to 2016 in SR knotless and double row medial row knotless constructs contrasting the declining use of the SR knotted technique.

Arthroscopic revision of Bankart repair.

The success of revision surgery for failed Bankart repair is not well known. This purpose of this study was to report the success rates achieved using arthroscopic techniques to revise failed Bankart repairs. Twelve arthroscopic revision Bankart repairs were performed on patients with recurrent unidirectional shoulder instability after open or arthroscopic Bankart repair. Follow-up was available on 11 of the 12 patients at a mean of 34.4 months (range, 25-56 months). The surgical findings, possible modes of failure, shoulder scores (Rowe score, University of California Los Angeles [UCLA], Simple Shoulder Test), and clinical outcome were evaluated. Various modes of failure were recognized during revision arthroscopic Bankart repairs. Good-to-excellent results were obtained in 8 patients (73%) undergoing revision stabilization according to Rowe and UCLA scoring. A subluxation or dislocation event occurred in 3 (27%) of the 11 patients at a mean of 8.7 months (range, 6-12 months) postoperatively. Arthroscopic revision Bankart repairs are technically challenging procedures but can be used to achieve stable, pain-free, functional shoulders with return to prior sport. Owing to limited follow-up and the small number of patients in this study, we were unable to conclude any pattern of failure or selection criteria for this procedure.

Outcomes of meniscal repair: minimum of 2-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the success rate of meniscal repair achieved in our sports medicine practice, particularly with interest in characterizing the outcomes observed with the newer all-inside repair devices. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective chart review with telephone follow-up. METHODS: 157 patients that had undergone a meniscal repair procedure between 1996 and 2001 were identified. Twenty-four of these patients were lost to follow-up. Thus, the study group consisted of 133 patients providing a follow-up rate of 85%. All patients included had a minimum of two years of follow up. Failure was defined as the need for meniscectomy in the area of the meniscus that was initially repaired. The time interval from injury to surgery was divided into less than six weeks (acute) and greater than six weeks (chronic). The etiology of the meniscal tear was broken down into three categories; sports related trauma, non-sports trauma, and atraumatic. The repair techniques used in these patients included outside-in sutures, inside-out sutures, darts, arrows, meniscal screws, T-fix, FasT-fix, and the RapidLoc. RESULTS: The failure rate was 36%. No association was found between failure and the length of preoperative symptoms, rim width, etiology, concomitant meniscectomy, chondroplasty or anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. There was a higher rate of failure of tears in the medial versus lateral meniscus (20.3% vs. 44.8%). No statistical comparisons could be made between devices due to small sample sizes. CONCLUSIONS: The all-inside meniscal repair devices have simplified the meniscal repair procedure. This may have lead to a broadening of the indications for repair CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The newer generation meniscal repair devices, while simplifying the procedure, do not appear to lead to an increased clinical success rate.

Long head of the biceps pathology as a cause of anterior shoulder pain after shoulder arthroplasty.

The use of shoulder arthroplasty has been increasing over the last decade, with nearly 20,000 shoulder arthroplasties being performed each year. Although many patients have excellent results, there exists a subset of patients in whom anterior catching shoulder pain develops after arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to examine this group of patients and explore treatment options and outcomes for this condition. We undertook a review of 8 shoulders in 7 patients who were treated for anterior shoulder pain radiating into the biceps muscle after shoulder arthroplasty. Three patients had a hemiarthroplasty for fracture, and five had a total shoulder arthroplasty. All patients had anterior shoulder pain with physical examination findings consistent with biceps tendon pathology. Definitive diagnosis and treatment consisted of either arthroscopy, in 7 of 8 shoulders, or an open procedure, in 1 of 8 shoulders. The range of motion improved in all shoulders. The hemiarthroplasty group showed an increase in flexion of 36 degrees (range, 68 degrees -104 degrees ), external rotation of 23 degrees (range, 11 degrees -34 degrees ), and internal rotation to L4. The total shoulder group demonstrated an increase in flexion of 50 degrees (range, 66 degrees -166 degrees ), external rotation of 27 degrees (range, 22 degrees -39 degrees ), and internal rotation to L3. The Hospital for Special Surgery score improved in all shoulders, with all patients being satisfied with their final outcome. Pain scores improved from a mean of 6.9 (range, 4-9) preoperatively to 1.4 (range, 0.5-2) postoperatively on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 indicating the most pain. The role of the biceps tendon in the pathology of anterior shoulder pain after shoulder arthroplasty appears to be consistent with fibrosis and inflammation. Initial results, achieved with arthroscopic debridement or tenodesis, were encouraging.