Interobserver and Intraobserver Variability of Four Suprascapular Notch Classification Systems.

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of the morphology of the suprascapular notch is clinically beneficial in patients with suspected suprascapular nerve compression or palsy. Several classification systems have been proposed for the morphological classification of the suprascapular notch and its several anatomical variations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inter- and intraobserver reliability of four different classification systems for suprascapular notch typing analysing shoulder computed tomography (CT) scans. METHODS: Shoulder CT scans from 109 subjects (71.5% males) were examined by three raters of various experience levels, one senior, one experienced, and one junior orthopaedic surgeon. The CT scans were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively and the suprascapular notch was classified according to four classification systems at two separate timepoints, four weeks apart. To determine consistency among the same or different raters, the Kappa statistic was performed and intrarater reliability for each rater between the first and the second evaluation was assessed using Cohen's kappa. Reliability across all raters at each timepoint was assessed using the Fleiss kappa. RESULTS: Agreement was almost perfect for all the classification systems and amongst all raters, regardless of their experience level. There were no significant differences between the raters on any of the evaluations. The overall interobserver agreement for all classifications was almost perfect. CONCLUSION: The four suprascapular notch classification systems are reliable, and the rater's experience level has no impact on the evaluation.

Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using an endobutton device: A narrative review.

Since the recognition of MPFL as the primary soft-tissue restraint to lateral displacement of the patella, its reconstruction gained popularity either alone or in combination with other procedures. Today, although there are plenty of techniques described in the literature, there is no consensus regarding which one is better. MPFL reconstruction using an endobutton device has been proved to be a reliable option with satisfying clinical results. Single or dual tunnel can be done depending on surgeon's preference. For safer outcomes more randomized controlled trials should be done while authors should be more meticulous when it comes to surgical technique.

Comparison of Glenoid Dimensions Between 3D Computed Tomography and 3D Printing.

INTRODUCTION: Glenoid dimensions can be measured in vivo with various imaging methods including two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging scans. Printing of three-dimensional (3D) models of the glenoid using imaging data is feasible and can be used to better understand skeletal trauma and complex skeletal deformations such as glenoid bone loss in patients with shoulder instability. The purpose of this study was to compare measurements of glenoid dimensions on 3D CT scan reconstructed models and 3D printed models of the glenoid. METHODS: CT scans from 62 young, male adults acquired for non-trauma-related causes were evaluated. Following volume rendering, a stereolithography model of each scapula was constructed and a 3D model was printed. Additionally, 3D CT models of each glenoid were reconstructed using dedicated software. Measurements of the maximum glenoid height and width were performed on both the 3D printed and the 3D reconstructed models. To assess intra- and interrater reliability, measurements of 15 glenoids were repeated by two observers after three weeks. The measurements of the 3D printed and 3D reconstructed models were compared. RESULTS: Inter- and intra-rater reliability was excellent or perfect. Analysis of height and width values demonstrated a strong correlation of 0.91 and 0.89 respectively (p<0.001) for both the 3D printed models and the 3D reconstructed models. There was a strong correlation between the height and width, but no significant difference between the glenoid width and height in both models. There was no statistical significance between height and width when measurements on the two models were examined (p=0.12 and 0.23 respectively). CONCLUSION: 3D printed glenoid models can be used to evaluate the glenoid dimensions, width, and height, as they provide similar accuracy with 3D reconstructed models as provided from CT scan data.

Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using patella bone tunnel techniques with or without implants. A systematic review of outcomes and complications.

PURPOSE: Τhe main goal of this study was to compare the clinical results, including the complication rates and patient-reported outcomes, in patients who underwent surgery for recurrent patellar dislocation using different patellar tunnel fixation techniques. This study compared Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL) reconstruction implant free techniques against ones that used implants. METHODS: The present systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The literature search was conducted in January 2023. We included patients who underwent isolated MPFL reconstruction for recurrent patellar instability. Patients with confirmed concomitant or prior ipsilateral knee procedures, multiligament injury, severe patellar dysplasia or less than 6 months of follow-up were excluded. MINORS and MCMS scores were used for the assessment of methodological quality. RESULTS: Data from 750 procedures were collected, of which 284 used implants to perform the procedure while in 455 an implant-free technique was used. Patient age at the time of surgery ranged from 11 to 60 years while the follow-up time of the studies ranged between 3 and 108 months. Postoperative Kujala (0.3, p = 0.89) and Lysholm (1.2, p = 0.26) scores were better in the implant-free techniques compared to implant-based. A higher rate of recurrent dislocation (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.10-2.54, p = 0.4), subluxation (OR 0.20; 95% CI 0.40-0.88, p = 0.019) and stiffness (OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.33-1.72, p = 0.55) was noted in the implant-free techniques, while the implant-based techniques displayed increased incidence of patella fractures (OR 3.12; 95% CI 0.77-12.6, p = 0.09), reoperation (OR 1.69; 95% CI 0.78-3.65, p = 0.17) and infection (OR 2.07; 95% CI 0.46-9.32, p = 0.33). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference between the 2 techniques in terms of patient reported outcomes. Regarding complications, MPFL reconstruction using implants demonstrated significant higher rate of patella fractures while the implant free technique showed a greater risk of subluxation.

Evaluation of gait recovery after total knee arthroplasty using wearable inertial sensors: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the recent research output to present more evidence of the current clinical applications of wearable sensors to determine the change and the recovery in gait function pre- and post-total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: A systematic search of the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases was conducted in October 2022. Inclusion criteria consisted of applying acceleration wearable sensors for pre- and post-arthroplasty assessment of the gait cycle. Studies reporting gait analysis using wearable sensors in patients with knee osteoarthritis at any time after total or partial knee arthroplasty (KA) were also included. Each included study was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool for Quasi-Experimental studies. RESULTS: Twelve articles were finally considered. The extracted data included essential characteristics of participants, KA studies and their characteristics, sensor technology characteristics and the clinical protocols, gait parameter changes, and various clinical outcome scores at different follow up times after KA. Postoperative examinations were performed from 5 days to 1 year after KA. Clinical outcome scores and gait variables for all patient groups, with or without postoperative rehabilitation, showed various recovery profiles. A variety of wireless sensor devices for gait analysis were recorded. Also, different types of KA were found in the studies. CONCLUSIONS: The study's findings showed that acceleration-based gait analysis has notable clinical use in monitoring patients after KA. This application provides objective information on the functional outcome beyond the use of clinical outcome scores. More extensive prospective studies are required to investigate gait function further with the help of wearable sensors in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Morphometric MRI Evaluation of Three Autografts Used in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Athletes.

The purpose of the present study was to quantify the morphometric characteristics of three tendon autografts (hamstring tendons (HT), quadriceps tendon (QT), and patellar tendon (PT)) used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. For this purpose, knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained in 100 consecutive patients (50 males and 50 females) with an acute, isolated ACL tear without any other knee pathology were used. The level of the physical activity of the participants was determined using the Tegner scale. Measurements of the tendons' dimensions (PT and QT tendon length, perimeter, cross-sectional area (CSA), and maximum mediolateral and anteroposterior dimensions) were performed perpendicular to their long axes. Higher values were recorded as regards the mean perimeter and CSA of the QT in comparison with the PT and the HT (perimeter QT: 96.52 ± 30.43 mm vs. PT: 63.87 ± 8.45 mm, HT: 28.01 ± 3.73 mm, F = 404.629, p < 0.001; CSA QT: 231.88 ± 92.82 mm2 vs. PT: 108.35 ± 28.98 mm2, HT: 26.42 ± 7.15 mm2, F = 342.415, p < 0.001). The length of the PT was shorter in comparison with the QT (53.1 ± 7.8 vs. 71.7 ± 8.6 mm, respectively, t = -11.243, p < 0.001). The three tendons showed significant differences in relation to sex, tendon type, and position as regards the perimeter, CSA, and the mediolateral dimensions but not for the maximum anteroposterior dimension.

Giant Cell Tumor of the Patellar Tendon Sheath Mimicking a Meniscal Tear in Athletes.A Report of Two Cases.

Introduction: Giant cell tumors(GCT) are uncommon and benign tumors originating due to proliferation of the tendon synovial sheath. Most commonly are located in the fingers. Involvement of the patellar tendon in the knee is extremely rare. Case Report: We report two cases who presented with moderate swelling located in the anterior surface of the knee, localized anterior knee pain, and painful loss of flexion and catching and locking symptoms. Following detailed imaging evaluation, both cases were treated with open surgical excision and patellar tendon synovectomy. Histological examination revealed the presence of a giant cell tumor of the patellar tendon sheath in both cases. Conclusion: Despite the rarity to GCT, the importance of considering all possible tumors in cases where a soft-tissue tumor is present should be stressed out.