Lack of Consensus on the Management of Medial Collateral Ligament Tears in the Setting of Concomitant Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Critical Analysis.

¼ There is no clear agreement on the optimal timing or superior type of fixation for medial collateral ligament (MCL) tears in the setting of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.¼ Anatomic healing of medial knee structures is critical to maintain native knee kinematics, supported by biomechanical studies that demonstrate increased graft laxity and residual valgus rotational instability after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) alone in the setting of concomitant ACL/MCL injury.¼ Historically, most surgeons have favored treating acute combined ACL/MCL tears conservatively with MCL rehabilitation, followed by stress radiographs at 6 weeks after injury to assess for persistent valgus laxity before performing delayed ACLR to allow for full knee range of motion, and reduce the risk of postoperative stiffness and arthrofibrosis.¼ However, with the advancement of early mobilization and aggressive physical therapy protocols, acute surgical management of MCL tears in the setting of ACL injury can have benefits of avoiding residual laxity and further intra-articular damage, as well as earlier return to sport.¼ Residual valgus laxity from incomplete MCL healing at the time of ACLR should be addressed surgically, as this can lead to an increased risk of ACLR graft failure.¼ The treatment of combined ACL/MCL injuries requires an individualized approach, including athlete-specific factors such as level and position of play, timing of injury related to in-season play, contact vs. noncontact sport, and anticipated longevity, as well as consideration of the tear pattern, acuity of injury, tissue quality, and surgeon familiarity with the available techniques.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Fixation Techniques.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is among the most common procedures performed by orthopaedic sports medicine surgeons and has inherent challenges due to the complex anatomy and biomechanical properties required to reproduce the function and stability of the native ACL. Awareness of the anatomic and biomechanical factors, including graft selection and tunnel placement, along with graft tensioning and fixation techniques, is vital in achieving a successful clinical outcome. Common techniques for ACLR graft fixation include intratunnel fixation with interference screws, suspensory fixation, or hybrid fixation strategies, along with several supplemental fixation techniques. Interference screw fixation may decrease graft-tunnel motion, tunnel widening, and graft creep and may be performed with metallic, PEEK (polyether ether ketone), or bioabsorbable screws. Suspensory fixation techniques primarily include suture-buttons, anchors, staples, and screws/washers. Suspensory fixation allows adequate biomechanical strength, although some techniques have been linked to increased graft-tunnel motion and potential tunnel widening. Supplemental fixation techniques may be performed in the setting of concerns for adequacy of primary fixation and includes the use of suture anchors, staples, and screw/washer devices. Regardless of the implant chosen for fixation, secure fixation is paramount to avoid displacement of the graft and allow for integration into the bone tunnel and facilitates early postoperative rehabilitation. It is important for orthopaedic sports medicine surgeons performing primary and revision ACLR to be familiar with multiple fixation techniques.

No Difference in Recurrent Instability Between Knotted and Knotless Repair Techniques in Arthroscopic Treatment of Isolated Posterior Labral Tears: A Systematic Review.

Purpose: To compare clinical failure, recurrent instability, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and return to sport (RTS) between knotted and knotless fixation methods in arthroscopic posterior labral repair for isolated posterior shoulder instability (PSI). Methods: Multiple databases were queried according to Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for clinical studies with Level I to IV evidence, including knotted and knotless suture anchors for arthroscopic posterior labral repair. Combined anterior and posterior instability, multidirectional instability, SLAP injuries, unspecified repair techniques, majority open procedures, and revision surgery were excluded. Results: Screening yielded 17 full-text articles reporting on 852 shoulders undergoing posterior labral repair. Recurrent instability ranged from 0% to 21%, and the rate of revision surgery ranged from 0% to 11% in knotted only, 0% in knotless only, and 2.0% to 8.1% in knotted and knotless studies. Six studies with both pre- and postoperative visual analog scale scores and 7 studies with both pre- and postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Score scores all showed improvement in scores after intervention regardless of repair technique. Thirteen studies reported RTS or duty rates with a minimum of 79%. Conclusions: Overall recurrent instability after posterior labral repair for isolated PSI was low with improvement in PROMs and favorable RTS rates regardless of fixation method. There was no clear difference in recurrent instability or revision surgery between knotted and knotless fixation methods for isolated posterior labral repair. However, the current literature is predominantly limited by Level III and IV evidence. The quality of literature and lack of standardization on the definition of clinical failure and recurrent instability among surgeons preclude any definitive conclusion regarding one clinically superior fixation method. Level of Evidence: Level IV, systematic review of Level III and IV studies.

Minimally Invasive Distal Biceps Tendon Reconstruction With Semitendinosus Allograft and Dual Unicortical Button Fixation.

Complete rupture of the distal biceps tendon is routinely treated with direct repair; however, chronic, mid-substance, or musculotendinous tears are challenging clinical scenarios for surgeons. Although attempts at direct repair should be considered, in cases of severe retraction or tendon deficiency, a reconstruction may be warranted. Herein the authors describe a technique for distal biceps reconstruction using allograft with a Pulvertaft weave via a standard anterior incision, similar to primary repair, with a small catchment incision more proximally for tendon retrieval. Use of this technique with dual unicortical buttons allows for early range of motion, restoration of the distal footprint, and improved biomechanical construct strength, which has proven invaluable in a population of elite and highly active military servicemembers.

Improving visualization in shoulder arthroscopy.

Arthroscopic shoulder procedures are one of the most common procedures used to restore function through minimally invasive techniques. With the demand for shoulder arthroscopic procedures comes the need for safe, effective, and efficient surgery that maximizes patient outcomes while minimizing complications. Many variables contribute to visualization in shoulder arthroscopy including vascular anatomy, blood pressure control, arthroscopic pump systems, turbulence control, epinephrine, and tranexamic acid. Furthermore, patient positioning can have a dramatic effect on visualization with both the beach chair position and lateral decubitus positioning having various strengths and weaknesses depending on the intended procedure being performed. The purpose of this review is to examine the benefits and complications reported in the literature for improving visualization in shoulder arthroscopy.

The Application of Hyaluronic Acid/Alginate Sheet to Flexor Pollicis Longus Tendon Repair to Prevent Adhesion Formation: A Second Look.

Soft tissue traumas with tendon lacerations are challenging injuries to manage. Repair of these tendon injuries can be complicated by adhesions postoperatively, limiting patient function and satisfaction. Biologic agents have been developed to optimize tendon gliding after repair and can be used as adjuncts. When used in conjunction with a postoperative rehabilitation protocol, they can help restore function and range of motion (ROM). It is rare that the orthopedic surgeon can visualize a healed tendon repair as the results are often followed clinically. We present the case of a patient who underwent flexor tendon repair with the addition of hyaluronic acid (HA) and alginate tendon wrap. This same patient sustained a distal radius fracture one year later, allowing for a second look at the flexor tendon repair site during the operative fixation of his fracture.

On-field Emergencies and Emergency Action Plans.

Sideline coverage can be an enjoyable experience and provide the opportunity to witness and evaluate an athlete's pathology at the time of injury. While the majority of on-field injury will likely be of low acuity, it is essential to develop an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) to deliver excellent medical care efficiently. The EAP should provide a written, standardized multidisciplinary approach involving key personnel. The EAP should be rehearsed on at least an annual basis and should highlight the initial assessment of the patient while also accounting for the various types of trauma that may occur on the field and appropriate field extrication procedures. As most players who have a true on-field emergency will not return to same-day play, a thorough understanding of how to deliver emergency care and transfer the player to a higher level of care is essential.