A biomechanical analysis of point of failure during lateral-row tensioning in transosseous-equivalent rotator cuff repair.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the maximum load and point of failure of the construct during tensioning of the lateral row of a transosseous-equivalent (TOE) rotator cuff repair. METHODS: In 6 fresh-frozen human shoulders, a TOE rotator cuff repair was performed, with 1 suture from each medial anchor passed through the tendon and tied in a horizontal mattress pattern. One of 2 limbs from each of 2 medial anchors was pulled laterally over the tendon. After preparation of the lateral bone for anchor placement, the 2 limbs were passed through the polyether ether ketone (PEEK) eyelet of a knotless anchor and tied to a tensiometer. The lateral anchor was placed into the prepared bone tunnel but not fully seated. Tensioning of the lateral-row repair was simulated by pulling the tensiometer to tighten the suture limbs as they passed through the eyelet of the knotless anchor. The mode of failure and maximum tension were recorded. The procedure was then repeated for the second lateral-row anchor. RESULTS: The mean load to failure during lateral-row placement in the TOE model was 80.8 ± 21.0 N (median, 83 N; range, 27.2 to 115.8 N). There was no statistically significant difference between load to failure during lateral-row tensioning for the anterior and posterior anchors (P = .84). Each of the 12 constructs failed at the eyelet of the lateral anchor. Retrieval analysis showed no failure of the medial anchors, no medial suture cutout through the rotator cuff tendon, and no signs of gapping at the repair site. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the medial-row repair does not appear vulnerable during tensioning of the lateral row of a TOE rotator cuff repair with the implants tested. However, surgeons should exercise caution when tensioning the lateral row, especially when lateral-row anchors with PEEK eyelets are implemented. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For this repair construct, the findings suggest that although the medial row is not vulnerable during lateral-row tensioning of a TOE rotator cuff repair, lateral-row anchors with PEEK eyelets appear vulnerable to early failure.

Avoiding mismatch in allograft anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: correlation between patient height and patellar tendon length.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a correlation exists between patient height and soft-tissue patellar tendon length. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging (1.5 T) was performed for knee pathology on 403 patients. The patellar tendon length was measured in the midsagittal plane by a board-certified musculoskeletal radiologist. Patient height was recorded to the nearest inch. Patients were grouped into 6 subgroups with 4-inch range intervals based on height. The entire study group was analyzed. Subgroup analysis and gender analysis were performed to determine statistical significance. RESULTS: The mean patellar tendon length was 45 +/- 7 mm (range, 30 to 66 mm). Wide ranges were noted among each height subgroup irrespective of gender. Significant differences were noted between most height subgroups independent of gender. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that a correlation exists between patient height, gender, and patellar tendon length. Although variation occurs among patients of the same height, significant differences in mean patellar tendon lengths do exist between patients in different height subgroups. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Parameters are provided using patient gender and height to reduce the potential for graft-construct mismatch when ordering bone-patellar tendon-bone allografts for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Evaluation and treatment of osteochondritis dissecans lesions of the knee.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a condition affecting the subchondral bone of joints with secondary effects on articular cartilage that results in pain, effusions, loose-body formation, and mechanical symptoms. Left untreated, OCD can lead to the development of degenerative arthritis secondary to joint incongruity and abnormal wear patterns. This article discusses the etiology of knee OCD lesions, clinical presentation, proper evaluation, and treatment options. Treatment of OCD may include nonoperative measures or operative procedures ranging from drilling or fixation of fragments to complex reconstruction procedures such as autologous chondrocyte implantation, osteochondral autograft, and fresh osteochondral allograft. Physicians must consider many factors, including the patient's age and skeletal maturity, as well as size, location, and stability of OCD lesions to determine the proper course of treatment.

Practical management of Lisfranc injuries in athletes.

Foot injuries are common in athletes. Injuries to the midfoot and, particularly, the Lisfranc joint are less common, but they have a high risk of ending the athlete's season or even career. Lisfranc injuries can be difficult to diagnose, and they often lead to a disastrous outcome when missed. Weight-bearing radiographs of the foot are recommended to confirm the diagnosis, although advanced imaging also may be required. Lisfranc injuries with less than 2 mm of diastasis on weight-bearing radiographs can be treated without weight bearing in a short leg cast or a walking boot for 6 weeks. Lisfranc injuries with more significant displacement or instability require operative intervention. Physicians who evaluate athletic injuries should be vigilant not to miss these injuries. Familiarity with the subtle clinical signs of a Lisfranc injury and knowledge of the basic treatment algorithm will help clinicians manage these injuries successfully.

Lateral meniscus allograft biologic glenoid arthroplasty in total shoulder arthroplasty for young shoulders with degenerative joint disease.

To avoid potential polyethylene problems in younger shoulders with degenerative joint disease (DJD) requiring arthroplasty, lateral meniscus allograft (LMA) was used as a biologic resurfacing of the glenoid. We report preliminary, short-term results of this technique in a younger, higher-demand population. The shoulders of 20 men and 10 women, with an average age of 42 years (range, 18 to 52 years), underwent total shoulder arthroplasty with a LMA. A metallic prosthesis was used on the humerus. Etiology of the DJD was osteoarthritis in 16, postinstability surgery in 8, traumatic in 4, and failed open reduction with internal fixation in 2. Twenty-two (73%) had previous shoulder surgery. Preoperative average scores were American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), 38; Simple Shoulder Test (SST), 3.3; and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), 6.4. The average active forward elevation was 96 degrees and external rotation was 26 degrees . Average follow-up was 18 months (range, 12 to 48 months). Postoperative average scores were ASES, 69; SST, 7.8; and VAS, 2.3. Active forward elevation was 139 degrees and external rotation was 53 degrees . All were significant improvements (P < .02). Most (94%) would have the surgery again. Radiologic evaluation at 1 year revealed an average joint space of 1.8 mm on anteroposterior views and 1.6 mm on axillary views. Five complications (17%) occurred within the first postoperative year, all of which required reoperation. Pain resulted in 2 conversions to a polyethylene glenoid. Polyethylene glenoids in young shoulders risk early failure. For young, high-demand shoulders with DJD requiring arthroplasty, the LMA shows promise. Most problems presented within the first year. Although not perfect, it provided significant pain relief, range-of-motion gains, and patient satisfaction without the risk of poly wear or loosening. Longer-term follow-up will be required to determine ultimate durability.