Meniscus-Side-Knot-tying Technique Instead of Capsular-Side-Knot-Tying in Arthroscopic Outside-In Meniscal Repair: A Small but Meaningful Modification.

Arthroscopic outside-in meniscal repair technique, which was first described by Warren in 1985, including all its later modifications, involved tying the final knot on the outer surface of the capsule. Capsular-side knot-tying has reported complications such as catching sensory nerves under the knot with resultant postoperative focal sensory loss and paresthesia, as well as pain under the skin because of irritation from the knot. Meniscus-side-knot-tying technique involves tying the knot on the outer surface of the meniscus. Advantages of the meniscus-side knot-tying technique include the following: avoiding catching nerves under the knot; avoiding pain under the skin because of irritation from the knot; the tension of the sliding knot and the subsequent half hitches, which can be monitored accurately under vision; no skin incisions needed; no possibility of cutting the suture limbs while performing the skin incision between the two needle holes; and, the ability to suture tears in mobile parts of the meniscus without fixing them to the capsule like tears in the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus.

Three-year functional outcome of transosseous-equivalent double-row vs. single-row repair of small and large rotator cuff tears: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The trial aimed to prospectively compare the functional outcomes of patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using transosseous-equivalent double-row (TEDR) or single-row (SR) suture anchor techniques at 3 years postoperatively for both large (>3 cm) and small (<3 cm) tears. METHODS: Eighty patients with a symptomatic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-proven full-thickness rotator cuff tear, who had failed conservative management of at least 6 months' duration and who had a complete passive range of motion of the affected shoulder, were enrolled in the trial. Patients were randomized to TEDR repair (n = 40) or SR repair (n = 40). Subgroup analysis was conducted for tears <3 cm (TEDR n = 17, SR n = 19) and tears >3 cm (TEDR n = 23, SR n = 21). Primary outcomes included the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score, and the Constant-Murley score (CMS). The secondary outcomes included a 0-100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, range of motion (ROM), and EQ-5D scores. All patients completed a follow-up of 3 years. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the mean OSS postoperative score for tears >3 cm (P = .01) and mean improvement from baseline in the TEDR group (P = .001). For tears >3 cm, mean postoperative scores were also significantly higher in the TEDR group for UCLA (P = .015) and CMS (P = .001). Post hoc testing showed that the differences between these groups was statistically significant (P < .05). For tears <3 cm, a significant postoperative difference in favor of SR repair was seen in the mean CMSs (P = .011), and post hoc testing showed that the difference was statistically significant (P = .015). No significant difference was seen with mean postoperative OSS or UCLA, and post hoc testing did not show a statistically significant difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: TEDR repair showed improved functional outcomes for tears >3 cm compared with SR repair. For tears <3 cm, no clear benefit was seen with either technique.

Effects of Neuromuscular Fatigue on Eccentric Strength and Electromechanical Delay of the Knee Flexors: The Role of Training Status.

Purpose: To examine the effects of fatiguing isometric contractions on maximal eccentric strength and electromechanical delay (EMD) of the knee flexors in healthy young adults of different training status. Methods: Seventy-five male participants (27.7 ± 5.0 years) were enrolled in this study and allocated to three experimental groups according to their training status: athletes (ATH, n = 25), physically active adults (ACT, n = 25), and sedentary participants (SED, n = 25). The fatigue protocol comprised intermittent isometric knee flexions (6-s contraction, 4-s rest) at 60% of the maximum voluntary contraction until failure. Pre- and post-fatigue, maximal eccentric knee flexor strength and EMDs of the biceps femoris, semimembranosus, and semitendinosus muscles were assessed during maximal eccentric knee flexor actions at 60, 180, and 300°/s angular velocity. An analysis of covariance was computed with baseline (unfatigued) data included as a covariate. Results: Significant and large-sized main effects of group (p ≤ 0.017, 0.87 ≤ d ≤ 3.69) and/or angular velocity (p < 0.001, d = 1.81) were observed. Post hoc tests indicated that regardless of angular velocity, maximal eccentric knee flexor strength was lower and EMD was longer in SED compared with ATH and ACT (p ≤ 0.025, 0.76 ≤ d ≤ 1.82) and in ACT compared with ATH (p = ≤0.025, 0.76 ≤ d ≤ 1.82). Additionally, EMD at post-test was significantly longer at 300°/s compared with 60 and 180°/s (p < 0.001, 2.95 ≤ d ≤ 4.64) and at 180°/s compared with 60°/s (p < 0.001, d = 2.56), irrespective of training status. Conclusion: The main outcomes revealed significantly higher maximal eccentric strength and shorter eccentric EMDs of knee flexors in individuals with higher training status (i.e., athletes) following fatiguing exercises. Therefore, higher training status is associated with better neuromuscular functioning (i.e., strength, EMD) of the hamstring muscles in fatigued condition. Future longitudinal studies are needed to substantiate the clinical relevance of these findings.

The need for secondary resurfacing is affected by trochlear height in total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to compare the rate of secondary resurfacing in a consecutive series of five different total knee arthroplasty (TKA) systems. It was our hypothesis that different TKA design features such as sulcus angle or trochlear height influence the rate of secondary resurfacing. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on data from patients who underwent TKA without primary patellar resurfacing from 2004 to 2012 in an university-affiliated hospital. The study cohort included 784 TKA patients (m:f = 302:482, mean age at surgery ± SD 71 ± 10). Five different cruciate-retaining TKA systems were used consecutively (Group A, Triathlon, Stryker, Switzerland (n = 296), Group B, PFC Sigma, DepuySynthes, Switzerland (n = 215), Group C, LCS, DepuySynthes, Switzerland (n = 81), Group D, Balansys, Mathys, Switzerland (n = 128), Group E, Duracon, Stryker, Switzerland (n = 64)). Data were retrospectively obtained from hospital archives. Patients demographics, age at surgery, type of TKA were noted. In addition, TKA component position was assessed on radiographs with respect to "The knee society total knee arthroplasty roentgenographic evaluation and scoring system" (TKA-RESS). Pearson Chi-square test was used to compare differences between groups (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, gender, and radiological outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty-six of 784 patients (3.3 %) underwent secondary resurfacing due to patellofemoral pain. In group A 4/296 patients (1.4 %), in group B 15/215 patients (7 %), in group C 5/81 patients (6.2 %), in group D 1/128 patients (0.8 %), in group E 1/64 patients (1.6 %) underwent secondary patellar resurfacing during follow-up. Significantly higher rates of secondary patellar resurfacing were seen in groups B and C when compared to the others (p < 0.001). It was found that the trochlear height in these TKA was higher than in the others. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings of this study, trochlear height influences the need for secondary patellar resurfacing. The resurfacing rate ranged from 1 to 7 %, with the highest rate in the PFC Sigma TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level III.

Verification of in vivo accuracy of Trumatch™ patient-specific instrumentation in total knee replacement using pin-less computer navigation.

PURPOSE: Accurate component alignment in total knee replacement (TKR) is one of the important factors in determining long-term survivorship. This has been achieved by conventional jigs, computer-assisted technology (CAS) and more recently patient-specific instrumentation (PSI). The purpose of the current study was to investigate the in vivo accuracy of Trumatch™ PSI using validated pin-less computer navigation system. METHOD: Twenty consecutive selected patients that fulfilled our inclusion/exclusion criteria underwent TKR using PSI. Coronal alignment, posterior slope, resection thickness and femoral sagittal alignment were recorded using pin-less navigation. The position of the actual cutting block was appropriately adjusted prior to proceeding to definitive resections. RESULTS: The coronal alignment using PSI without the assistance of navigation would have resulted in 14 (70 %) within ±3°, 11 (55 %) within ±2° and 6 (30 %) outside acceptable alignment. Thirty-five percentage of proposed femur sagittal alignment and 55 % of posterior tibial slope were achieved within ±3°. Components size was accurately predicted in 95 % of femurs and 90 % of tibia. CONCLUSION: The purported advantages in restoring alignments using Trumatch™ PSI alone over standard equipment are debatable. However, it predicts sizing well, and femoral coronal alignment is reasonable. Combining Trumatch™ PSI with CAS will allow in vivo verification and necessary corrections. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Periprosthetic bone density changes after MiniHipTM cementless femoral short stem: one-year results of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry study.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the reaction of the femur to the implantation of the MiniHipTM in terms of: (1) bone density change during one year; (2) correlations between stem length, CCD (caput-collum-diaphyseal), femoral offset, T-value, and bone density; (3) other co-variables that influence the change of bone density. PATIENTS AND METHODS: MiniHipTM implant was performed for 62 patients. The age range of the patients who underwent treatment was 25-78 years. Periprothestic bone density was determined within two weeks postoperatively, after three, six, and twelve months utilizing the DEXA scan. RESULTS: The highest change was observed in the first three months post-implantation, while significant decrease in density was recorded at proximal Gruen zones 1, 2, and 7, and at distal Gruen zone 4. The decrease in density reached a plateau between the third and sixth months after operation. Afterwards, bone density recovered up to the 12th postoperative month. The correlation analysis showed significant difference between Gruen zone 1 and stem size and CCD. The same significant trend was not reached for Gruen zone 7. Femoral offset showed no correlation. Covariance analysis was unable to establish connection of the results with diagnosis, pairings, or gender. DISCUSSION: MiniHipTM densitometric results are promising and comparable to good results of the other representatives of the femoral neck partially-sustaining short stem prostheses with a lower proximal bone density reduction. Periprosthetic bone resorption is a multifactorial process where stem size, CCD angle, and patient-specific variables such as T-value have an impact on the periprosthetic bone remodeling. In particular, this applies to Gruen zone 1.

Outcomes following arthroscopic transosseous equivalent suture bridge double row rotator cuff repair: a prospective study and short-term results.

BACKGROUND: The transosseous-equivalent cross bridge double row (TESBDR) rotator cuff (RC) repair technique has been developed to optimize healing biology at a repaired RC tendon insertion. It has been shown in the laboratory to improve pressurized contact area and mean foot print pressure when compared with a double row anchor technique. Pressure has been shown to influence healing between tendon and bone, and the tendon compression vector provided by the transosseous-equivalent suture bridges may enhance healing. The purpose was to prospectively evaluate the outcomes of arthroscopic TESBDR RC repair. METHODS: Single center prospective case series study. Sixty-nine patients were selected to undergo arthroscopic TESBDR RC repair and were included in the current study. Primary outcome measures included the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score, the Constant-Murley (CM) Score and Range of motion (ROM). Secondary outcome measures included a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, another VAS for patient satisfaction from the operative procedure, EuroQoL 5-Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D) for quality of life assessment. RESULTS: At 24 months post-operative, average OSS score was 44, average UCLA score was 31, average CM score was 88, average forward flexion was 145°, average internal rotation was 35°, average external rotation was 79°, average abduction was 150°, average EQ-5D score was 0.73, average VAS for pain was 2.3, and average VAS for patient satisfaction was 9.2. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic TESBDR RC repair is a procedure with good post-operative functional outcome and low re-tear rate based on a short term follow-up.

Cortical femoral suspensory fixation using screw post in anatomic single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a prospective study and mid-term outcome results.

PURPOSE: Cortical femoral suspensory fixation using screw post in ACLR has the advantage of allowing complete filling of the femoral tunnel with graft tissue. In addition, the low cost of the implants is an advantage in countries where cost is an issue of concern. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the clinical functional outcome results of cortical femoral suspensory fixation using screw post at mid-term follow-up. METHODS: Single surgeon single centre prospective case series study. Sixty two patients having complete ACL tears were included in the current study. Average follow-up was 52.6 months (range 38-68). Objective and subjective IKDC scores, Lysholm knee score, SF-36 score, VAS for patients' satisfaction, VAS for pain and Kellgren & Lawrence (K/L) classification of osteoarthritis were used for follow-up evaluation. RESULTS: Objective IKDC score revealed that 59 patients had grade "A" and 3 had grade "B", while no single patient had neither grade "C" nor "D". The average Lysholm score was 90.7, average subjective IKDC was 89.5. Average SF-36 score was 94.8. The average VAS for operation satisfaction was 9.4. Average VAS for pain was 0.2. Forty six patients were classified as normal K/L classification, nine were grade "1", seven were grade "2". Comparing pre-operative and follow-up objective IKDC, subjective IKDC, Lysholm, SF-36, and VAS for pain scores revealed statistically significant differences (P-value <0.05). CONCLUSION: Femoral suspensory fixation using screw post in ACLR showed excellent functional outcome results at mid-term follow-up.

Anatomic single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the outside-in femoral tunnel drilling technique: a prospective study and short- to mid-term results.

INTRODUCTION: Anatomic positioning of the femoral and tibial tunnels in the native ACL femoral and tibial footprints requires an independent drilling either via an accessory medial portal (trans-portal drilling) or using an outside-in drilling technique. Conventional trans-tibial drilling (dependant drilling) was found to lack the ability to accurately position the femoral tunnel in the native ACL footprint. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the functional outcome results of anatomic single-bundle ACLR using the OI femoral tunnel drilling technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single surgeon single center prospective case series study. 64 patients having complete ACL tears were included in the current study. Average follow-up was 15.8 months (range 8-25). Objective and subjective IKDC scores, Lysholm knee score, SF-36 score, VAS for patients' satisfaction, VAS for pain and Kellgren and Lawrence (K/L) classification of osteoarthritis were used for follow-up evaluation. RESULTS: Objective IKDC score revealed that 60 patients had grade ''A'' and 4 had grade ''B'', while no single patient had neither grade ''C'' nor ''D''. The average Lysholm Score was 92.4, average subjective IKDC was 91.5. Average SF-36 score was 96.7. The average VAS for operation satisfaction was 9.7. Average VAS for pain was 0.3. Forty-nine patients were classified as normal K/L classification, 7 were grade ''1'', 8 were grade ''2''. Comparing pre-operative and follow-up Objective IKDC, Subjective IKDC, Lysholm, SF-36 and VAS for pain scores revealed statistically significant differences (P value <0.05). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic-assisted ACL reconstruction using the outside-in femoral tunnel drilling technique shows a good and satisfactory functional outcome results at short- to mid-term follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Does bone debris in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction really matter? A cohort study of a protocol for bone debris debridement.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the current study was to determine whether a systematic five-step protocol for debridement and evacuation of bone debris during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) reduces the presence of such debris on post-operative radiographs. METHODS: A five-step protocol for removal of bone debris during arthroscopic assisted ACLR was designed. It was applied to 60 patients undergoing ACLR (Group 1), and high-quality digital radiographs were taken post-operatively in each case to assess for the presence of intra-articular bone debris. A control group of 60 consecutive patients in whom no specific bone debris protocol was applied (Group 2) and their post-operative radiographs were also checked for the presence of intra-articular bone debris. RESULTS: In Group 1, only 15% of post-operative radiographs showed residual bone debris, compared to 69% in Group 2 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A five-step systematic protocol for bone debris removal during arthroscopic assisted ACLR resulted in a significant decrease in residual bone debris seen on high-quality post-operative radiographs.

Antegrade-retrograde opposing lag screws for internal fixation of simple displaced talar neck fractures.

The talar neck is deviated medially with reference to the long axis of the body of the talus. In addition, it deviates plantarward. The talar neck fracture line is sometimes observed to be oriented obliquely (not perpendicular to the long axis of the talar neck). This occurs when the medially deviated talar neck strikes the horizontally oriented anterior lower tibial edge. Internal fixation of a simple displaced talar neck fracture usually requires 2 lag screws. Because the fracture line is obliquely oriented, a better method for positioning the screws perpendicular to the fracture line is to place them in a reversed direction to provide maximum interfragmentary compression at the fracture site, which could increase the likelihood of absolute stability with subsequent improvement in the incidence of fracture union and a reduction of complications, such as avascular necrosis of the body of the talus. Two lag screws are used, with the first inserted from posteriorly to anteriorly (perpendicular to the fracture line) using a medial approach after medial malleolar chevron osteotomy. The second screw is inserted from anteriorly to posteriorly (perpendicular to the fracture line) using an anterolateral approach. Both screw heads should be countersunk. A series of 8 patients underwent this form of internal fixation for talar neck fracture repair, with satisfactory functional outcomes. In conclusion, the use of antegrade-retrograde opposing lag screws is a reasonable method of internal fixation for simple displaced talar neck fractures.

The concept of three-dimensional hold of both circumferential and radial collagen fibres of the meniscus.

Collagen fibres of the meniscus arrange into two main orientations: circumferential fibres parallel to the long axis of the meniscus and radial fibres perpendicular to the long axis of the meniscus. Meniscal sutures are placed either in vertical or in horizontal orientations. Vertical sutures better hold circumferential fibres because it encircles them like a rope holding a bunch of tree branches. In the same manner, horizontal sutures better hold radial fibres. The "Simplified Cruciate Suture" consists of two vertical oblique sutures. Placing two vertical sutures in an oblique orientation captures greater meniscal tissue volume, holds and grasps both circumferential and radial collagen fibres of the meniscus into a three-dimensional plane with eventual high fixation strength of the repaired meniscal tear. Simplified cruciate suture is indicated for the repair of long bucket handle tears where it is placed in the middle of the tear like an anchor, and additional vertical and horizontal sutures are placed anterior and posterior to it as needed. Level of evidence V.

Short- to mid-term results of arthroscopic meniscal repair of long vertical longitudinal tears using combined cruciate and horizontal suture techniques: a retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose was to evaluate the clinical results of arthroscopic meniscal repair of long vertical longitudinal tears using combined cruciate and horizontal suture techniques. METHODS: Single surgeon retrospective case series study. A total of 38 patients having long vertical longitudinal tears were operated using combined cruciate and horizontal suture techniques. Two patients had to undergo a meniscectomy procedure within the 1st year postoperative and those were considered failure cases; 32 patients were available for follow-up evaluation (average 4.6 years) and six were lost including the two failures. Objective IKDC, modified Lysholm knee score, SF-36 score, VAS for patients' satisfaction and VAS for pain were used for follow-up evaluation. Kellgren and Lawrence (K/L) classification of osteoarthritis was also used. RESULTS: Successful rate was 94.1% (32 patients), while failure was 5.9% (2 patients). Objective IKDC score revealed that 27 patients had grade "A" and 5 had grade "B," while no single patient had neither grade "C" nor "D." The average modified Lysholm score was 91.3. Average SF-36 score was 88.4. The average VAS for operation satisfaction was eight. Average VAS for pain was 1.5. Preoperatively, 30 patients were classified as normal K/L classification, while two patients were K/L classification grade "1." At the time of the follow-up, 24 patients were classified as normal K/L classification, six were grade "1," two were grade "2," and thus, six had osteoarthritis progression. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic meniscal repair of long vertical longitudinal tears using combined cruciate and horizontal suture techniques is a safe surgical procedure with good clinical outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Biomechanical evaluation of suture-tendon interface and tissue holding of three suture configurations in torn and degenerated versus intact human rotator cuffs.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to biomechanically evaluate suture-tendon interface and tissue holding of three sutures in torn and degenerated versus intact human rotator cuffs. METHODS: Sixty-three human rotator cuff tendons were divided into torn degenerated group (TDG), n = 21 and intact group (IG), n = 42. Ultimate tension load (UTL) and cyclic loading were tested for three arthroscopic sutures: simple, horizontal, and massive cuff sutures (MCS). RESULTS: Ultimate tension load was significantly higher (p < 0.05) for the MCS (194 ± 68 N) in comparison with the simple (105 ± 48 N) and horizontal sutures (141 ± 49 N) in IG. In TDG, UTL was not significantly higher (n.s.) for MCS (118 ± 49 N), simple (79 ± 30 N), and horizontal sutures (107 ± 28 N) in comparison with IG. MCS (118 ± 49 N) showed no significantly superior UTL in comparison with the simple and horizontal sutures in the TDG. MCA elongation was 0.6 ± 0.7 mm in the IG and 1.3 ± 0.7 mm in the TDG, while horizontal suture elongation was 0.7 ± 0.4 mm in the IG and 1.3 ± 0.5 mm in the TDG. Simple suture elongation was 1.1 ± 0.5 mm in the IG and 1.6 ± 0.7 mm in the TDG. CONCLUSION: Human torn and degenerated rotator cuffs have poor tissue quality, significantly lower UTL and higher cyclic elongation in comparison with intact cuffs regardless of the type of suture used for repair, which invites the need for repair techniques that grasps greater tissue volume in addition to augmentation techniques. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinicians better use repair techniques that grasp greater tissue volume (e.g. MCS, modified Mason-Allen cross bridge, double-row cross bridge, etc.) when repairing the torn and degenerated rotator cuffs.

Neglected ununited tibial eminence fractures in the skeletally immature: arthroscopic management.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate outcomes of arthroscopic management of neglected ununited tibial eminence fractures in skeletally immature patients. METHODS: The study was conducted and cases performed by two surgeons from two centres as a prospective case series of 13 patients with neglected ununited tibial eminence fractures: nine were girls and four were boys; ten were right knees and three were left. The average age at surgery was ten [standard deviation (SD) 2.6] years. Average follow-up was 10.8 (SD 6.8) months. Primary outcome measures used for evaluation were the Objective International Knee Documentation Committee Score (IKDC), subjective IKDC and modified Lysholm knee score. Secondary outcome measures were visual analogue scales (VAS) for pain and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Twelve patients had grade A objective IKDC score and one patient had grade B. Average subjective IKDC score was 80.5 (SD 16.7). Average modified Lysholm score was 91.2 (SD 8.9). Average VAS for operation satisfaction was 9.6 (SD 0.5) and for pain was 0.4 (SD 0.5). All patients showed radiological union and anatomical reduction at an average of 12.4 weeks postoperatively. At follow-up, all 13 patients showed complete range of motion (ROM). Eleven patients had negative Lachman, anterior drawer and pivot-shift tests, while two patients had grade 1 positive Lachman and negative anterior drawer and pivot-shift tests. No patient had complained of instability. CONCLUSION: Neglected ununited tibial eminence fractures in skeletally immature patients achieve good functional outcome results when treated with arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation using sutures.

Humeral resurfacing arthroplasty in combination with latissimus dorsi tendon transfer in patients with rotator cuff tear arthropathy and preserved subscapularis muscle function: preliminary report and short-term results.

PURPOSE: Humeral resurfacing arthroplasty represents an alternative option to hemiarthroplasty for treatment of cuff tear arthropathy (CTA), with the advantages as follows: suitability for relatively young and high-demand patients because of preservation of bone stock and no loss of length, less invasive surgery, shorter operation time, no risk of periprosthetic stem fractures, and revision surgery can be undertaken easily. In the current study, resurfacing arthroplasty in combination with latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for CTA was performed. Three hypotheses: first, humeral resurfacing arthroplasty in combination with latissimus dorsi tendon transfer would improve the overall functional outcome in patients with CTA. Second, this combination would improve humeral external rotation. Third, this combination would improve abduction and shoulder elevation. METHODS: Study was conducted as an observational case series. Fourteen patients (nine ♀ and five ♂) having CTA were included. Follow-up was carried out at the end of the 28th month for all patients. Constant Score was used for follow-up evaluation. Dorso-axillary approach was used for latissimus dorsi tendon transfer and ventral deltopectoral approach for Copeland resurfacing. Tendons were fixed to the greater tuberosity with two anchors. RESULTS: The absolute Constant Score significantly improved from 34 preoperatively to 69 postoperatively, relative Constant Score from 42 to 91%, elevation from 95° to 138°, abduction from 88° to 147°, and external rotation from 16° to 22° (not significant). CONCLUSION: Humeral resurfacing arthroplasty in combination with latissimus dorsi tendon transfer in patients having CTA with preserved subscapularis function has satisfactory short-term functional clinical outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Protection of the medial femoral condyle articular cartilage during drilling of the femoral tunnel through the accessory medial portal in anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Accurate positioning of the femoral tunnel in the native femoral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) footprint requires drilling through an accessory medial portal (AMP). The AMP is located far medial and at a low level. Despite the benefits of drilling through the AMP, it is possible that the drill bit head will injure the articular cartilage of the medial femoral condyle as it slides along the guide pin to the femoral insertion of the ACL. Because more surgeons are now performing anatomic ACL reconstructions and shifting from transtibial drilling toward transportal drilling, the risk of this injury might be increasing, especially during the beginning of their learning curve. To avoid such injury, a bio-interference screw sheath is used. It is inserted through the AMP over the guide pin until it reaches near the medial wall of the lateral femoral condyle. The drill bit is inserted over the guide pin and through the bio-interference screw sheath. Using the bio-interference screw sheath not only protects the articular cartilage of the medial femoral condyle but also protects the medial meniscus, posterior cruciate ligament, and skin of the AMP from injury because of the close proximity of the drill bit head to these structures during transportal drilling.

Natural course of intra-articular shifting bone marrow edema syndrome of the knee.

BACKGROUND: Intra-articular shift (migration) of bone marrow edema syndrome (BMES) is a very rare disease. Only a few cases have been reported thus far. The condition may cause the clinician to suspect an aggressive disease. METHODS: We reviewed eight patients (four women and four men) with unilateral BMES located in the knee. The patients were aged 39 to 56 years (mean, 49.2 years). In all patients, bone marrow edema (BME) initially observed on magnetic resonance imaging (MR imaging) shifted within the same joint, i.e. from the medial to the lateral femoral condyle or the adjacent bone. Seven patients were given conservative therapy, including limited weight-bearing, for a period of three weeks after the initial detection of BMES, whereas one patient underwent surgical core decompression twice. RESULTS: MR imaging showed complete restitution in 6 cases and a small residual edema in one case. A final control MR could not be obtained for one patient, who had no pain. A further patient had an avascular necrosis of the contralateral hip after 16 months. Improvement on MR imaging was correlated with the clinical outcome in all cases. All patients became asymptomatic after a mean period of 9 months (6-11). INTERPRETATION: Intra-articular shifting BMES is a very rare condition. As the disease is self-limiting, conservative therapy may be recommended.