Considerations for revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A review of the current literature.

Background: Failure rates among primary Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction range from 3.2 to 11.1 %. Recently, there has been increased focus on surgical and anatomic considerations which predispose patients to failure, including excessive posterior tibial slope (PTS), unaddressed high-grade pivot shift, and improper tunnel placement. Methods: The purpose of this review was to provide a current summary and analysis of the literature regarding patient-related and technical factors surrounding revision ACLR, rehabilitation considerations, overall outcomes, and return to sport (RTS) for patients who undergo revision ACLR. Results: In revision ACLR patients, those receiving autografts are 2.78 times less likely to experience a re-rupture compared to patients who receive allografts. Additionally, individuals with properly positioned tunnels and removable implants are considered strong candidates for one-stage revision procedures. Conversely, cases involving primary tunnel widening of approximately 15 mm are typically indicative of two-stage revision ACLR. These findings underscore the importance of graft selection and surgical approach in optimizing outcomes for patients undergoing revision ACLR. Conclusion: Given the high rates of revision surgery in young, active patients who return to pivoting sports, the literature recommends strong consideration of a combined ACLR + anterolateral ligament (ALL) or lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) procedure in this population. Unrecognized posterolateral corner (PLC) injury is a common cause of ACLR failure and current literature suggests concurrent operative management of high-grade PLC injuries. Excessive PTS has been identified as an independent risk factor for ACL graft failure. Consider revision ACLR with combined slope-reducing tibial osteotomy in cases of posterior tibial slope greater than 12°.

Evaluation of Failed ACL Reconstruction: An Updated Review.

Failure rates among primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) range from 3.2% to 11.1%. Recently, there has been increased focus on surgical and anatomic considerations which predispose patients to failure, including excessive posterior tibial slope (PTS), unaddressed high-grade pivot shift, and improper tunnel placement. The purpose of this review was to provide a current summary and analysis of the literature regarding patient-related and technical factors surrounding revision ACLR, rehabilitation considerations, overall outcomes and return to sport (RTS) for patients who undergo revision ACLR. There is a convincingly higher re-tear and revision rate in patients who undergo ACLR with allograft than autograft, especially amongst the young, athletic population. Unrecognized Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PLC) injury is a common cause of ACLR failure and current literature suggests concurrent operative management of high-grade PLC injuries. Given the high rates of revision surgery in young active patients who return to pivoting sports, the authors recommend strong consideration of a combined ACLR + Anterolateral Ligament (ALL) or Lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) procedure in this population. Excessive PTS has been identified as an independent risk factor for ACL graft failure. Careful consideration of patient-specific factors such as age and activity level may influence the success of ACL reconstruction. Additional technical considerations including graft choice and fixation method, tunnel position, evaluation of concomitant posterolateral corner and high-grade pivot shift injuries, and the role of excessive posterior tibial slope may play a significant role in preventing failure.

Return to Sport After Fasciotomy for Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome of the Forearm: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Forearm chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) can represent considerable functional impairment in certain active populations, particularly motorcycle racers. Patients with forearm CECS frequently require fasciotomy to relieve symptoms and return to sport (RTS). PURPOSE: To evaluate the rate at which athletes RTS after fasciotomy for forearm CECS and to compare RTS outcomes between fasciotomy techniques. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Adhering to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, a systematic review of the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases was performed from database inception to December 2022 to identify all published reports of forearm CECS managed with fasciotomy. Included studies were analyzed for demographic information, surgical approaches, rehabilitation parameters, RTS rates, time from surgery at which athletes resumed sport, complications, and recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 38 studies (15 level 4 case series, 23 case reports) accounting for 500 patients (831 forearms) who underwent open fasciotomy (112 patients), minimally invasive fasciotomy (166 patients), and endoscopically assisted fasciotomy (222 patients) satisfied inclusion criteria. Most patients (88.0%) were motorcycle racers. The overall RTS rate at any level (RTS-A) was 94.2% (97.3%, 92.2%, and 98.5% for the open fasciotomy, minimally invasive fasciotomy, and endoscopically assisted fasciotomy groups, respectively; P = .010), and the overall RTS at preinjury level or higher was 86.8% (95.9%, 85.6%, and 95.2% for the open fasciotomy, minimally invasive fasciotomy, and endoscopically assisted fasciotomy groups, respectively; P = .132). There was a significant difference in RTS-A between the minimally invasive fasciotomy and endoscopically assisted fasciotomy groups (P = .004). The overall RTS time was 5.1 ± 2.3 weeks, patient satisfaction was 85.1%, and the recurrence rate was 2.4%, and there were no significant differences between fasciotomy approach groups (P = .456, P = .886, and P = .487, respectively). CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent fasciotomy for forearm CECS had high rates of RTS, quick RTS time, high levels of satisfaction, and low rates of recurrence. Outcomes were largely similar between the 3 fasciotomy approaches.

Risk Factors Associated With Poor Outcomes After Quadriceps Tendon Repair.

Background: Ruptures of the quadriceps tendon present most frequently in older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions. Purpose: To examine the relationship between patient-specific factors and tear characteristics with outcomes after quadriceps tendon repair. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on all patients who underwent quadriceps tendon repair between January 1, 2016, and January 1, 2021, at a single institution. Patients <18 years and those with chronic quadriceps tendon tears (>6 weeks to surgery) were excluded. Information was collected regarding patient characteristics, presenting symptoms, tear characteristics, physical examination findings, and postoperative outcomes. Poor outcome was defined as a need for revision surgery, complications, postoperative range of motion of (ROM) <110° of knee flexion, and extensor lag of >5°. Results: A total of 191 patients met the inclusion criteria. Patients were aged 58.5 ± 13.2 years at the time of surgery, were predominantly men (90.6%), and had a mean body mass index (BMI) of 32.2 ± 6.3 kg/m2. Patients underwent repair with either suture anchors (15.2%) or transosseous tunnels (84.8%). Postoperatively, 18.5% of patients experienced knee flexion ROM of <110°, 11.3% experienced extensor lag of >5°, 8.5% had complications, and 3.2% underwent revision. Increasing age (odds ratio [OR], 1.03 [95% CI, 1.004-1.07]) and female sex (OR, 3.82 [95% CI, 1.25-11.28]) were significantly associated with postoperative knee flexion of <110°, and increasing age (OR, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.04-1.14]) and greater BMI (OR, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.05-1.23]) were significantly associated with postoperative extensor lag of >5°. Current smoking status (OR, 15.44 [95% CI, 3.97-65.90]) and concomitant retinacular tears (OR, 9.62 (95% CI, 1.67-184.14]) were associated with postoperative complications, and increasing age (OR, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.02-1.08]) and greater BMI (OR, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.02-1.14]) were associated with risk of acquiring any poor outcome criteria. Conclusion: Patient-specific characteristics-such as increasing age, greater BMI, female sex, retinacular involvement, and current smoking status-were found to be risk factors for poor outcomes after quadriceps tendon repair. Further studies are needed to identify potentially modifiable risk factors that can be used to set patient expectations and improve outcomes.

A systematic review of the biomechanical properties of suture materials used in orthopaedics.

Background: Soft tissue injuries are frequently repaired using various suture material. The ideal suture should have the biomechanical properties of low displacement, high maximum load to failure, and high stiffness to avoid deformation. Since tendon healing occurs over a period of months, it is important for the surgeon to select the proper suture with certain biomechanical properties. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to qualitative summarize the published literature on biomechanical properties of different suture materials used in orthopaedic procedures. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed and Cochrane databases were queried for original articles containing "biomechanic(s)" and "suture" keywords. Following screening for inclusion and exclusion, final articles were reviewed for relevant data and collected for qualitative analysis. Data collected from each study included the tissue type repaired, suture material, and biomechanical properties, such as elongation, maximum load to failure, stiffness, and method of failure. Results: 17 articles met final inclusion criteria. Two studies found No.2 Fiberwire™ to have the lowest elongation and 4 studies found No. 2 Ultrabraid™ to have the greatest. 12 studies reported Maximum load to failure was highest in No. 2 Fiberwire™, No. 2 Ultrabraid™, and FiberTape™ while No. 2 Ethibond ™ had the lowest in 5 studies. 3 of the 5 studies that evaluated No. 2 Fiberwire™ found it to have the highest stiffness. No. 2 Ethibond™, No. 2 Orthocord™, and No. 2 PDS™ were reported as the least stiff sutures in 2 studies each. Conclusion: Fiberwire™, FiberTape™, and Ultrabraid™ demonstrated the highest load to failure while Ethibond™ consistently was the weakest. Fiberwire™ was found to have the lowest elongation while Ultrabraid™ had the highest. Fiberwire™ was also noted to be the stiffest while PDS, Ethibond™, and Orthocord™ were found to be the least stiff. Final treatment decisions on which suture to utilize to optimize repair integrity and healing are complex, and rarely solely dependent upon the biomechanical properties of the materials used. Level of evidence: Systematic Review, Level IV.

Patients With First-Time or Recurrent Patellar Dislocation Have a Similar High Rate and Extent of Articular Cartilage Injury Observed on Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Purpose: To use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to compare the prevalence of articular cartilage damage in patients with a single patellar dislocation versus those with multiple dislocations and to compare the locations and severity of chondral injury between the groups. Methods: Patients with patellar dislocation between January 2017 and July 2021 were retrospectively identified. Patients with a documented history of patellar dislocation and an MRI scan of the affected knee were included. Patients with articular cartilage injury prior to the dislocation event were excluded. Articular cartilage injury was graded using a validated system: AMADEUS (Mean Total Area Measurement and Depth & Underlying Structures). Caton-Deschamps Index (CDI) scores and Dejour classifications of trochlear dysplasia were also collected. Data were calculated by performing t tests, Mann-Whitney tests, and χ2 or Fisher Exact tests to calculate P values for categorical data. Results: In total, 233 patients were included: 117 with primary dislocations and 116 with recurrent dislocations. Articular cartilage injuries were present in 51 patients with primary dislocations (43.6%) and 68 patients with recurrent dislocations (58.6%, P = .026). On comparison of the groups, the recurrent group contained a significantly larger proportion of female patients (65.5% vs 46.2%, P = .004). There was no difference in lesion size, subchondral bone defect, presence of bone edema, or total AMADEUS score between groups (P = .231). Caton-Deschamps Index scores were not significant when comparing between groups; however, the Dejour classifications showed higher grades in the recurrent group (P = .013 for A-D grading scale and P = .005 for high/low grading scale). Subgroup analysis revealed that when cartilage damage was present, patients from the primary group had significantly more full-thickness lesions (P < .001) and lower AMADEUS scores (P = .016). Conclusions: There was a similarly high prevalence of cartilage injury seen on MRI after both a primary patellar dislocation and a recurrent patellar dislocation. Chondral injury primarily affected the medial and lateral patellar facets and the lateral femoral condyle in both the primary and recurrent dislocation groups. However, the primary group showed an increased number of full-thickness lesions. There was no difference in lesion size, subchondral bone defect, presence of bone edema, or total AMADEUS score between the primary and recurrent groups. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative prognostic investigation.

Female Authorship Is Driving Studies of Female Athletes: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Patient sex is known to affect patient outcomes in sports medicine. Historically, many studies on athletes have focused on male athletes and been generalized to female athletes. HYPOTHESIS: Studies with female first or senior authors will isolate female athletes as study participants more frequently than studies with male first or senior authors. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) protocols, original research studies published between 2017 and 2021 that analyzed athletes were systematically screened from the 6 top sports medicine journals (British Journal of Sports Medicine; Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery; Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy; American Journal of Sports Medicine; Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine; Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach). Articles were included for analysis if they met the following criteria: (1) original sports medicine research study, (2) analysis involving athletes, and (3) inclusion of ≥10 participants. Exclusion criteria included (1) review articles of any type and (2) cadaveric studies. The determination of author sex was completed using the name-to-gender assignment algorithm Genderize.io (https://genderize.io/). RESULTS: A total of 1146 studies were included in quantitative analysis. There were 246 studies with a female first author (21.5%) and 191 studies with a female senior author (16.7%). When looking at all authors (first, senior, and intermediate), 19.9% were female. Female first authors were over 4 times more likely to isolate female athletes in clinical research than male first authors (17.5% vs 3.8%, respectively; P < .001). Female senior authors were approximately twice as likely to isolate female athletes compared with male senior authors (11.5% vs 5.8%, respectively; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Female first authors were significantly more likely to perform research isolating female athletes. While improving the frequency of female athlete research is multifactorial, increasing the number of female researchers may have a direct effect on improving gender equality in sports medicine research.

Long-Term Patient Outcomes for Treatment of Difficult Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus with Particulated Juvenile Allograft Cartilage Implantation ± Calcaneal Autograft: A Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OCLT) are common injuries that can be difficult to treat. To date, long-term patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) of patients with particulated juvenile allograft cartilage implantation with or without calcaneal autograft have not been compared. METHODS: Thirteen patients with difficult to treat OCLTs underwent arthroscopic-assisted implantation of particulated juvenile allograft cartilage (DeNovo NT®) with or without autogenous calcaneal bone grafting by a single surgeon. Calcaneal bone graft use was determined by lesion size > 150 mm2 and/or deeper than 5 mm. Patients were evaluated using physical examination, patient interviews, and PROMs. RESULTS: When comparing patients in regards to calcaneal bone graft implantation, no difference in age, BMI, pre-operative PROMs, or follow-up was noted, however, calcaneal bone graft patients did have a significantly larger lesion size (188.5 ± 50.9 vs. 118.7 ± 29.4 mm2 respectively; p value = 0.027). VAS and FAAM ADL scores during final follow-up improvement did not significantly differ between cohorts. The FAAM Sports score improved significantly more for the DeNovo alone group compared to the bone graft cohort (p value = 0.032). The AOFAS score improvement did not differ between cohorts (p value = 0.944), however, the SF-36 PCS improved significantly more for the DeNovo alone group compared to the bone graft cohort (p value = 0.038). No intraoperative/perioperative complications were observed with calcaneal bone grafting. CONCLUSION: While patients followed over the course of ~ 8 years after implantation of particulated juvenile allograft cartilage (DeNovo NT®) with/without autogenous calcaneal bone graft had positive post-operative PROMs, patients without calcaneal bone graft had significantly greater improvement in functional outcome scores. Whether these differences are due to graft incorporation or larger lesion size is unclear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective cohort study.

Rehabilitation and return to activity criteria after operative management of chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the leg: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Endurance athletes with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) frequently require fasciotomy to return to activity, but there are no existing comprehensive evidence-based rehabilitation guidelines. We aimed to summarize rehabilitation protocols and return to activity criteria after CECS surgery. METHODS: Through a systematic literature review, we identified 27 articles that explicitly defined physician-imposed restrictions or guidelines for patients to resume athletic activities following CECS surgery. RESULTS: Common rehabilitation parameters included running restrictions (51.9%), postoperative leg compression (48.1%), immediate postoperative ambulation (44.4%), and early range of motion exercises (37.0%). Most studies (70.4%) reported return to activity timelines, but few (11.1%) utilized subjective criteria for guiding return to activity. No studies utilized objective functional criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Rehabilitation and return to activity guidelines after CECS surgery remain poorly defined, and further investigation is needed to develop such guidelines that will enable endurance athletes to safely return to activities and minimize recurrence.

Kinematic Parameters Predictive of Pitch Velocity in Youth to Professional Baseball Pitchers: A Qualitative Systematic Review.

Background: Specific kinematic factors have been found to contribute to faster pitch speeds, with poor mechanics leading to injury. Purpose: To discuss the kinematic parameters that predict faster ball velocity among baseball pitchers. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: Using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, the authors utilized the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PubMed (2008-2019), and OVID/MEDLINE (2008-2019) databases. Eligible articles included those that reported on kinematic factors predictive of ball velocity across youth, high school, collegiate, and professional levels of play. The quality of all included studies was evaluated by 2 reviewers using the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS). The lack of consistent study design or outcome variables precluded meta-analysis. Results: A total of 584 studies were identified from the initial search with 12 included in final analysis (930 pitchers in total; 429 [46.1%] youth, 164 [17.6%] high school, 153 [16.5%] collegiate and 184 [19.8%] professional) with mean ball velocity of 71.1 mph (114.4 km/h). The average AXIS score was 16 out of a possible 20. The shoulder played a significant role in the generation of velocity-induced torques. Hip and shoulder separation was associated with a 2.6 ± 0.5 mph (4.1 ± 0.8 km/h) increase in velocity, whereas increased shoulder movement of the nonthrowing arm was negatively correlated with initial ball velocity (r2 = 0.798). Furthermore, hip/shoulder separation, decreased movement of the nonthrowing shoulder, trunk power and timing of maximum trunk rotation, increased contralateral trunk tilt and increased sagittal-plane trunk tilt, and decreased knee flexion at ball release were all associated with higher fastball speeds. Conclusion: Multiple upper extremity and trunk kinematic parameters affect ball velocity, with significant contributions from the throwing shoulder and trunk, as well as nondominant arm. Understanding kinematic predictors of faster ball velocity can help guide training regimens.

Greater Patient Satisfaction With Use of Nonabsorbable Sutures Compared to Absorbable Sutures for Skin Closure Following Knee Arthroscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient outcomes and satisfaction after arthroscopic portal closure with absorbable versus nonabsorbable sutures after knee arthroscopy. Methods: Patients undergoing primary knee arthroscopy were identified during procedure scheduling. Exclusion criteria included revision procedures, concomitant ligament reconstruction, or meniscal repair surgery. Before surgery, enrolled patients were randomly assigned to undergo closure with either 3-0 Monocryl absorbable or 3-0 nylon non-absorbable sutures. Postoperative evaluation at 2, 6, and 12 weeks included a Visual Analogue Cosmesis scale, a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, patient scar assessment, and customized questionnaire assessing scar satisfaction. Results: Between January 2019 and August 2022, 247 were included for analysis: 145 in the absorbable group and 129 in the non-absorbable group. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of age, sex, body mass index, race, smoking status, or laterality of procedure. Patients in the nonabsorbable group reported higher overall satisfaction at week 6 follow-up (9.12 ± 1.85 vs 8.44 ± 2.49, P = .019) and week 12 follow-up (9.13 ± 1.76 vs 8.54 ± 2.50, P = .048). There was no difference in pain, swelling, itching, numbness, incisional pain, or burning at any time. Patients in the nonabsorbable group observed more skin discoloration at 2 weeks (3.00 ± 2.33 vs 2.41 ± 1.80, P = .026) and 6 weeks (3.74 ± 2.82 vs 2.98 ± 2.45, P = .032) follow-up with no significant difference at 12 weeks. Conclusion: In this study, patients were more satisfied with nonabsorbable sutures for portal wound closure after knee arthroscopy despite early reporting of increased skin discoloration relative to absorbable sutures. Level of Evidence: Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Outcomes of Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation: A Comparative Study of BioUni and Snowman Techniques for Ovoid Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of large articular cartilage lesions of the knee includes surgical options one of which includes cartilage replacement therapies. Among these therapies include osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation, which can be performed utilizing a BioUni® (Arthrex BioUni® Instrumentation System; Arthrex, Naples, FL) replacement and a 'snowman' technique of repair. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: To compare clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients who have undergone multiplug OCA transplantations utilizing a BioUni® replacement and a 'snowman' technique of repair. METHODS: Patients who underwent OCA transplantation utilizing a snowman technique or BioUni® replacement between January 1st, 2012 and December 31st, 2018, and who had a minimum 1-year follow-up at the same institution were identified for inclusion in this study via current procedural terminology (CPT) codes. Charts of included patients were reviewed for injury and treatment details as well as demographic information. Imaging studies and operative reports were reviewed and pre and postoperative subjective and objective outcome measures were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients underwent OCA transplantation with either BioUni® replacement (n=5) or with snowman technique repair (n=23). Defects in both groups had similar characteristics including size, area, location, and classifications. Patient-reported outcomes using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Joint Replacement (KOOS-JR), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Physical Health Composite Score (PCS-12) were similar at baseline and increased post-operatively for both groups with no significant differences between techniques after a mean follow-up of 2.77 ± 0.83. Although it did not reach significance, the snowman group had higher rates of knee-related complications (13%) and need for revision surgery (22%) when compared to BioUni® (0% and 0%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The use of both BioUni® and snowman techniques for large, unicondylar articular cartilage lesions of the femoral condyle demonstrate improved patient-reported outcomes at short-term follow-up. The use of the snowman technique presents relatively higher rates of revision similar to previous studies with no statistical difference in patient-reported outcomes when compared to those of a single plug OCA using a BioUni® system.

Similar Outcomes Are Found Between Quadriceps Tendon Repair With Transosseous Tunnels and Suture Anchors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes and biomechanical performance of transosseous tunnels compared with suture anchors for quadriceps tendon repair. Methods: In accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a systematic search was performed in April 2021 in the following databases: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PubMed (1980-2021), MEDLINE (1980-2021), Embase (1980-2021), and CINAHL (1980-2021). Level I-IV studies were included if they provided outcome data for surgical repair of the quadriceps tendon using transosseous tunnels or suture anchors with minimum 1-year follow-up. Biomechanical studies comparing transosseous tunnels and suture anchors were separately analyzed. Results: The systematic search yielded 1,837 citations, 23 of which met inclusion criteria (18 clinical, 5 biomechanical). In total, 13 studies reported results for transosseous repair and 7 studies reported results for repair with suture anchors. There were results for 508 patients from clinical studies. The average postoperative Lysholm score ranged from 88 to 92 for suture anchor repairs and 72.8 to 94 for transosseous repairs with range of motion ranging from 117° to 138° and 116° to 135°, respectively. Synthesis of the biomechanical data revealed the mean difference in load to failure was not significant between constructs (137.21; 95% confidence interval -10.14 to 284.57 N; P = .068). Conclusions: Transosseous and suture anchor techniques for quadriceps tendon repair result in similar biomechanical and postoperative outcomes. No difference between techniques in regard to ultimate load to failure among comparative biomechanical studies were observed. Level of Evidence: Level IV, systematic review level III-IV studies.

Surgical management of acute, high-grade acromioclavicular joint separations: a systematic review.

Background: While a number of treatment options exist for repair of acute, high-grade acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) separation, none have emerged as the standard of care. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature on surgical treatment of acute, high-grade (Rockwood grades III-V) ACJ separations in order to compare outcomes between direct fixation and tendon graft ligament reconstruction. Methods: A systematic review of the literature evaluating outcomes for acute ACJ separation treatment with direct fixation or free biologic tendon graft reconstruction was performed. The following databases were examined: the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed (1980-2021), and Embase (1980-2021). Studies were included if they reported a mean time to surgery as <6 weeks, contained >10 patients with a minimum 1-year follow-up, and reported clinical or radiographic outcomes. Results: A total of 52 studies met the inclusion criteria. Seven studies reported outcomes following tendon graft ligament reconstruction (n = 128 patients). There were multiple methods of direct fixation. Thirty-three studies utilized suture button constructs (n = 1138), 16 studies used hook plates (n = 567), 2 studies used coracoclavicular screws (n = 94), 2 studies used suture fixation (n = 93), 2 studies used suture anchor (n = 55), 2 studies used suture cerclage fixation (n = 87), 1 used single multistrand titanium cable (n = 24), and 1 used K wire (n = 11). The mean follow-up Constant scores ranged from 77.5 to 97.1 in the fixation group compared to 90.3-96.6 in the tendon graft group. The mean visual analog scale scores ranged from 0 to 4.5 in the fixation group and 0.1-1 in the tendon graft group. Net CC distance ranged from 17.5 to 3.6 mm in the fixation group and 7.4-4 mm in the tendon graft group. The revision rates ranged from 0.0% to 18.18% in the direct fixation group and 5.88%-17% in the tendon graft group. Conclusion: Direct fixation and tendon graft reconstruction for management of acute, high-grade ACJ separations have similar patient subjective and radiographic outcomes, as well as complication and revision rates at a minimum 1-year follow-up.

Outcomes and Complications Following Chronic Patellar Tendon Repair: A Systematic Review.

The purpose of this systematic review is to report outcomes and complications following the reconstruction of chronic patellar tendon ruptures. Four databases (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE) were searched from inception to July 2021. Inclusion criteria included articles that (1) analyzed outcomes and complications following chronic patellar tendon reconstruction (>4 weeks from injury to repair), (2) were written in English, (3) greater than five patients, and (4) a minimum 2-year follow-up. Exclusion criteria included (1) non-original research and (2) patellar tendon repair/reconstruction with prior total knee arthroplasty. Data on outcome metrics and complications were extracted from the included studies and reported in a qualitative manner. Nine studies (number of patients = 96) were included after screening. Seven studies analyzed autograft reconstruction, and three of those seven studies analyzed reconstructions with additional augmentation. The remaining two studies evaluated reconstruction utilizing a bone-tendon-bone (BTB) allograft. Four of the autograft studies (n=40 patients) showed a range of post-operative mean Lysholm scores of 74-94. Additionally, four studies reported a post-operative extensor lag of 0-3°. Post-operative protocol for autograft studies included delayed motion and was either contained to a bivalved cast or a hinged knee brace for six weeks. The two allograft studies reported a range of mean Lysholm scores from 62 to 67, and each immobilized the leg in full extension until six weeks. While chronic patellar tendon ruptures are a rare injury of the extensor mechanism, there are viable options for reconstruction. Overall, chronic patellar tendon ruptures reconstructed with both autograft and allograft will provide fair to good outcomes with low complication rates. Following surgery, immobilization for at least six weeks should be emphasized to protect the graft and optimize patient outcomes.

Combined Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Medial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Shows High Rates of Return to Activity and Low Rates of Recurrent Valgus Instability: An Updated Systematic Review.

Purpose: To examine the clinical outcomes and return to sport rates after treatment of combined, complete (grade III) injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL). Methods: A literature search of the following databases was completed using key words related to combined ACL and (MCL) tears: MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and SPORTDiscus. Level I-IV studies that examined patients with complete tears of the ACL and grade III tears of the MCL, diagnosed by either magnetic resonance imaging or clinical examination of valgus instability, were included. Study inclusion was determined by 2 independent reviewers. Patient demographics, treatment choices, and patient outcomes, including clinical examination (i.e., range of motion, hamstring strength) and subjective assessments (i.e., International Knee Documentation Committee, Lysholm scores, Tegner activity scores) were collected. Results: Six possible treatment combinations were assessed. Good or excellent outcomes related to range of motion, knee stability, subjective assessments, and return to play were reported after ACL reconstruction regardless of MCL treatment. Those with combined ACL and MCL reconstruction returned to their previous level of activity at a high rate (range, 87.5%-90.6%) with low rates of recurrent valgus instability. Triangular MCL reconstruction with a posterior limb that serves to reconstruct the posterior-oblique ligament best-restored anteromedial rotatory stability of the knee when compared with anatomic MCL reconstruction (90.6% and 65.6%, respectively). Nonsurgical management of the ACL injury, regardless of MCL treatment, demonstrated low return to activity (29%) and frequent secondary knee injuries. Conclusions: High rates of return to sport with low risk of recurrent valgus instability have been demonstrated after MCL reconstruction, and triangular MCL reconstruction can more effectively restore anteromedial rotatory instability compared with MCL repair. Restoration of valgus stability can be common after reconstruction of the ACL with or without surgical management of the MCL, although patients with grade III tibial-sided or mid-substance injuries were less likely to regain valgus stability with nonoperative treatment than femoral-sided injuries. Level of Evidence: Level IV; systematic review of Level I-IV studies.

The relationship among lead knee extension, fastball velocity and elbow torque in professional baseball pitchers.

The purpose of this study was to investigate potential differences in lead knee extension velocity, elbow varus torque and lead knee extension (the change in lead knee flexion from foot contact to ball release) in high and low velocity professional pitchers. Three-dimensional motion capture (480 Hz) was used to assess 322 professional pitchers.         T-test were used to compare the two groups and multiple linear regression analyses were performed on all pitchers (n = 322). The high-velocity group (n = 99; 40.3 ± 0.9m/s) had greater lead knee extension (17 ± 13 vs 5 ± 14°, p < 0.001, g = 0.9), lead knee extension velocity (419 ± 135 vs 297 ± 121°/s, p < 0.001, g = 0.9) and elbow varus torque (91.1 ± 15.5 vs 84.0 ± 14.7 Nm, p < 0.001, g = 0.5) compared to the low-velocity group (n = 88; 36.1 ± 1.2 m/s). Lead knee extension (R2 = 0.352, p < 0.001) and lead knee extension velocity (R2 = 0.326, p < 0.001) were found to be positive predictors of ball velocity but not elbow varus torque (p = 0.807). Instructing professional pitchers to utilise a lead leg bracing technique that facilitates increased lead knee extension can contribute to faster ball velocity, but most likely results from a combination of other mechanics.

Combined Anterolateral and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Improves Pivot Shift Compared With Isolated Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

PURPOSE: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction as it relates to techniques, biomechanical properties, and clinical outcomes. METHODS: PubMed, OVID/Medline, and Embase were queried in July 2020. Data pertaining to (1) techniques, (2) biomechanical properties, and (3) clinical outcomes of ALL reconstruction were recorded. DerSimonian-Laird random-effects meta-analyses were performed for included randomized controlled trials comparing combined ALL/anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and isolated ACL reconstruction. Data from lower levels of evidence were described qualitatively, and when possible, outcomes were reported as ranges to avoid inappropriate pooling of data. RESULTS: A total of 46 articles were identified. Sixteen were biomechanical studies, 16 were clinical outcome studies, and 14 were technique studies. Of the 16 biomechanical studies, the majority demonstrated that anterior translation, internal rotation, and pivot shift was restored with combined ACL/ALL reconstruction and superior to ACL reconstruction alone. Ten biomechanical studies reported on constraint: 4 noted overconstraint when the femoral attachment site was proximal and posterior to the lateral femoral condyle, whereas 1 reported laxity. ACL failure rates after combined ACL/ALL reconstruction ranged between 2.7% and 11.1%. The mean postoperative Lysholm score ranged between 58.7 and 98.0; mean postoperative International Knee Documentation Committee score between 57.8 and 96.3; and mean postoperative Tegner score between 4 and 8. Six outcomes were explored through meta-analysis, of which the mean difference in Lysholm scores (2.26, P < .001) and restoration of pivot shift (relative risk 1.1, P = .046) was found to favor combined ACL/ALL reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Although indications for ALL reconstruction remain heterogeneous, contemporary evidence suggests that ALL reconstruction improves pivot shift and confers comparable clinical and functional outcomes with isolated ACLR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, systematic review and meta-analysis.