Daryl C. Osbahr

The docking technique for lateral ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction: surgical technique and clinical outcomes

HYPOTHESISnLateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) reconstruction is a commonly used surgical approach for the treatment of posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI). We hypothesized that favorable clinical results could be obtained using the docking technique.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnBetween 1996 and 2009, the docking technique was used for surgical reconstruction of the LUCL in 8 patients with purely ligamentous posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow. The clinical results of these patients were retrospectively reviewed.nnnRESULTSnAt a mean follow-up of 7.1 years (range, 5.2-9.4 years), 6 patients (75%) demonstrated complete resolution of lateral elbow instability, and 2 (25%) reported occasional instability with activities of daily living. The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 87.5 (range, 75-100). Subjective assessment revealed that all patients were satisfied with their clinical outcome.nnnCONCLUSIONnLUCL reconstruction using the docking technique facilitates simple graft tensioning and excellent graft fixation. Clinical results are comparable with previously reported studies with a low complication rate.

Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Javelin Throwers at a Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

Background: There are several large series of outcomes after ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction that have 1 or 2 javelin throwers included. To our knowledge, however, there are no reports that focus solely on the results of UCL reconstruction in this group of athletes. Hypothesis/Purpose: We hypothesize that by using modern UCL reconstruction techniques, javelin throwers can reliably expect to return to their sport. Additionally, we review the principles behind postoperative rehabilitation in these athletes, as it differs from the usual approach used with baseball players. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This was a retrospective review of 10 javelin throwers who underwent UCL reconstruction between 2006 and 2009 using the docking technique. There were 5 college and 5 high school javelin throwers. The average age was 18.5 years (range, 18-21 years). All patients, before being indicated for ligament reconstruction, failed a course of nonoperative management that included rest, physical therapy, and a structured attempt to return to throwing. Postoperatively, patients were evaluated using the Conway Scale and the Andrews-Timmerman Score. Results: Patients were evaluated at a minimum 2-year follow-up. The average follow-up was 28.9 months after surgery (range, 24-45 months). On the Conway Scale, 9 of the 10 players had excellent outcomes (90%). There was one fair (10%) outcome. Average time to return to previous level of competition was 15 months. The mean Andrews-Timmerman Score was 97 (range, 85-100). Overall, 100% (10/10) of the patients were subjectively satisfied with their clinical outcome. Conclusion: Similar to other overhand athletes with UCL insufficiency, javelin throwers can reliably expect to return to their previous level of play after surgical reconstruction. A thorough understanding of the unique demands placed on these athletes because of the different throwing motion is helpful when tailoring their postoperative rehabilitation protocol. Additionally, these athletes must be counseled that the postoperative course is associated with an extended period of time until return to previous level of competition when compared with baseball players.

Acute, avulsion fractures of the medial epicondyle while throwing in youth baseball players: A variant of Little League elbow

HYPOTHESISnThe young throwing athlete is susceptible to medial elbow injury due to valgus overload. We hypothesized that this injury can occur during the throwing motion with an acute episode of medial elbow pain resulting in an inability to effectively participate in throwing activities. In addition, appropriate treatment of acute, medial epicondyle avulsion fractures in baseball players can result in an asymptomatic elbow with subsequent return to play within a year of injury.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnA case series of all youth baseball players with medial epicondyle avulsion fractures that occurred while throwing were identified. We studied several variables, including demographics, adherence to USA Baseball youth pitching recommendations, clinical history, radiographic findings, treatment, and outcome.nnnRESULTSnEight skeletally immature baseball players, who were a mean age of 13 years (range, 11-15 years), presented with medial epicondyle fractures that occurred while throwing. All 8 players experienced sudden pain during throwing, and all 5 players with appropriate age and position qualifications did not conform to the USA Baseball youth pitching recommendations. Anteroposterior radiographs documented average fracture displacement of 5.1 mm (range, 2.5-10 mm). Five of 8 players had 5 mm or less of displacement and were selected for nonoperative treatment. Three of 8 players had more than 5 mm of displacement and underwent open reduction and internal fixation. All players were able to return to play at an average of 7.6 months (range, 4-10 months).nnnDISCUSSIONnMedial epicondyle avulsion fractures can occur with a characteristic acute presentation while throwing in youth baseball players. Prevention may be possible when conforming to established USA Baseball youth pitching recommendations. Once an acute medial epicondyle avulsion fracture occurs, these injuries may be managed using published treatment algorithms, with successful return to play in less than 1 year.

Orthopaedic In-Training Examination An Analysis of the Sports Medicine Section

Background: Since 1963, the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination (OITE) has been administered to orthopaedic residents to assess resident knowledge and measure the quality of teaching within individual programs. The OITE has evolved dramatically over the years and now maintains a standardized format consisting of 275 questions divided among 12 sections. Purpose: To provide a detailed analysis of the OITE sports medicine section to identify patterns in question content, recommended references, and resident performance. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: All OITE sports medicine questions from 2005 to 2009 were analyzed, and the following data were recorded: resident performance scores, tested topics, type of imaging modalities, tested treatment modalities, taxonomy classification, and recommended references. Results: From 2005 to 2009, the sports medicine section composed 7.8% of the OITE. Mean resident performance on the entire OITE as well as on the sports medicine section improved during each year of training. Imaging modalities typically involved questions on radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging and constituted 27.4% of the OITE sports medicine section. Treatment modalities involved 36.8% of the OITE sports medicine section questions, including most treatment questions relating to ligament reconstruction or rehabilitation. The authors’ assessment of taxonomy classification showed that recall-type questions were most common; however, mean resident performance was minimally affected by type of taxonomy question. Finally, there were trends noted in recommended references; namely, the American Journal of Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Knowledge Update Sports Medicine were the most commonly and consistently cited journal and review book, respectively. Conclusion: The current study provides some unique information relating to content, recommended references, and resident performance on the OITE sports medicine section. It is hoped this information will provide orthopaedic trainees, orthopaedic residency programs, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Evaluation Committee valuable information relating to improving resident knowledge and performance and optimizing sports medicine educational curricula.

Combined Flexor-Pronator Mass and Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries in the Elbows of Older Baseball Players

Background Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction techniques have afforded baseball players up to a reported 90% return to prior or higher level of play. A subpopulation exists with less impressive clinical outcomes potentially related to the presence of a concomitant flexor-pronator mass injury. Hypothesis/Purpose Combined flexor-pronator and ulnar collateral ligament injuries occur in older players, and results in this group are inferior to those reported for isolated ulnar collateral ligament reconstructions. Study Design Case Series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods All baseball players who had ulnar collateral ligament reconstructions by 1 surgeon over a 6-year period were identified, and the authors studied those treated for a combined flexor-pronator and ulnar collateral ligament injury. The ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction was accomplished using the docking technique, and the flexor-pronator injury was treated with debridement if tendinotic or reattachment if torn. A 2-sample t test was conducted to evaluate the likelihood of developing the combined flexor-pronator/ulnar collateral ligament compared with ulnar collateral ligament injury based on age, while a Pearson χ 2 test was used to evaluate the likelihood of a patient being ≥30 years of age in the combined flexor-pronator/ulnar collateral ligament versus ulnar collateral ligament groups. Outcome was assessed using a modified Conway classification. Results A total of 187 male baseball players between 14 and 42 years of age (mean, 20.7 years) had an ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction by 1 surgeon. Eight (4%) of 187 baseball players were treated for the combined flexor-pronator/ulnar collateral ligament injury. There was a statistically significant difference in age between the ulnar collateral ligament group (20.1 years) and the flexor-pronator/ulnar collateral ligament group (33.4 years) (P < .001). Age ≥30 years was a statistically significant age limit to predict the presence of a combined flexor-pronator/ulnar collateral ligament injury (88%) compared with an isolated ulnar collateral ligament injury (1%) (P < .001). Outcomes were 1 excellent (12.5%), 2 fair (25%), and 5 poor (62.5%). Conclusion Combined fflexor-pronator and ulnar collateral ligament injuries in baseball players may portend a worse prognosis, with a 12.5% return to prior level of play. Older age (≥30 years) is a risk factor in the development of this combined injury. When combined flexor-pronator/ulnar collateral ligament injury is suspected preoperatively, patients should be counseled on expected outcomes appropriately.

Management of a rare complication after screw fixation of a pediatric tibial spine avulsion fracture: a case report with follow-up to skeletal maturity.

Avulsion of the tibial spine is functionally equivalent to rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in an adolescent athlete. It therefore presents to general orthopaedists as well as a wide variety of orthopaedic subspecialty surgeons, including traumatology sports medicine, and pediatrics. Restoration of normal knee kinematics is dependent on anatomic reduction and fixation of the avulsed fragment. Because this injury is typically sustained by the skeletally immature patient, epiphyseal fixation is ideal to avoid physeal injury, which can lead to angular limb deformity. We present a case, the first report to our knowledge, of coronal plane deformity in a lower extremity after open reduction and internal fixation of a tibial spine avulsion fracture. A successful treatment plan using hemiepiphysiodesis and guided growth is used with 20-month follow-up to skeletal maturity.

Syndesmosis and lateral ankle sprains in the National Football League.

Syndesmosis sprains in the National Football League (NFL) can be a persistent source of disability, especially compared with lateral ankle injuries. This study evaluated syndesmosis and lateral ankle sprains in NFL players to allow for better identification and management of these injuries. Syndesmosis and lateral ankle sprains from a single NFL team database were reviewed over a 15-year period, and 32 NFL team physicians completed a questionnaire detailing their management approach. A comparative analysis was performed analyzing several variables, including diagnosis, treatment methods, and time lost from sports participation. Thirty-six syndesmosis and 53 lateral ankle sprains occurred in the cohort of NFL players. The injury mechanism typically resulted from direct impact in the syndesmosis and torsion in the lateral ankle sprain group (P=.034). All players were managed nonoperatively. The mean time lost from participation was 15.4 days in the syndesmosis and 6.5 days in the lateral ankle sprain groups (P⩽.001). National Football League team physicians varied treatment for syndesmosis sprains depending on the category of diastasis but recommended nonoperative management for lateral ankle sprains. Syndesmosis sprains in the NFL can be a source of significant disability compared with lateral ankle sprains. Successful return to play with nonoperative management is frequently achieved for syndesmosis and lateral ankle sprains depending on injury severity. With modern treatment algorithms for syndesmosis sprains, more aggressive nonoperative treatment is advocated. Although the current study shows that syndesmosis injuries require longer rehabilitation periods when compared with lateral ankle sprains, the time lost from participation may not be as prolonged as previously reported.

Ulnohumeral Chondral and Ligamentous Overload Biomechanical Correlation for Posteromedial Chondromalacia of the Elbow in Throwing Athletes

Background Previous studies have documented increased posteromedial contact forces with the elbow at lower flexion angles associated with valgus extension overload; however, the authors believe that posteromedial elbow impingement in association with valgus laxity is a complex pathological process that may occur throughout the entire throwing motion in the form of ulnohumeral chondral and ligamentous overload. Hypothesis Valgus laxity with the elbow at 90° of flexion may lead to chondromalacia secondary to a subtle shift in the contact point between the tip of the olecranon and the distal humeral trochlea. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Six fresh human cadaveric elbows were dissected and subjected to a static valgus load. Pressure-sensitive Fuji film measured the contact pressure, contact area, and shift in contact area across the posteromedial elbow before and after sectioning the anterior bundle of the ulnar collateral ligament. Results The contact pressure between the tip of the olecranon process and the medial crista of the posterior humeral trochlea significantly increased, from an average of 0.27 ± 0.06 kg/cm2 to 0.40 ± 0.08 kg/cm2. The contact area also significantly decreased, from an average of 30.34 ± 9.17 mm2 to 24.59 ± 6.44 mm2, and shifted medially on the medial humeral crista, which corresponds to the position of the posteromedial chondral lesions that was observed in throwing athletes in the authors’ clinical practice. Conclusion While simulating the early acceleration phase of the throwing motion with the elbow in 90° of flexion, the results illustrate that abnormal contact may occur as a result of valgus laxity through increased contact pressures across the posteromedial elbow between the medial tip of the olecranon and medial crista of the humeral trochlea. In addition, congruency of the ulnohumeral joint changed, as there was a statistically significant medial shift of the olecranon on the posterior humeral trochlea with the elbow at 90° of flexion after sectioning the anterior bundle of the ulnar collateral ligament. Clinical Relevance In the throwing athlete who continues the repetitive, throwing motion despite valgus laxity from ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency, the authors believe that these results provide a plausible mechanism for injury throughout the entire throwing motion secondary to ulnohumeral chondral and ligamentous overload. As throwing athletes may produce a tremendous amount of force and subsequent chondromalacia within the posteromedial aspect of the elbow, the findings of this study illustrate the importance of prompt clinical recognition of ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency.

An analysis of the musculoskeletal trauma section of the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination (OITE).

Since 1963, the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination (OITE) has been used to assess the knowledge of orthopaedic surgery residents1,2. Written and administered by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the OITE is composed of approximately 275 questions that test residents’ knowledge in twelve categories: foot and ankle, hand, orthopaedic science, hip and knee reconstruction, orthopaedic diseases, spine, pediatric orthopaedics, medical-related issues, sports medicine, musculoskeletal trauma, rehabilitation, and shoulder and elbow. Although the OITE was initially intended to measure an individual residents knowledge against a national standard1,2, recent studies have shown that scores on the OITE correlate with passing scores on the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) Part-I written examination, which is taken at the completion of residency3,4. Prior to 2008, however, there were no analyses of the questions on the OITE. It seemed logical that an in-depth analysis of the test questions on the OITE would be a step toward improving OITE scores and, on the basis of the correlation between the OITE and the ABOS examination, might result in higher passing rates on the ABOS certifying examination as well.nnAnalyses of the foot and ankle, pathology, sports, and hand sections of the OITE have previously been published, beginning in 20085-8. To our knowledge, however, there have been no publications related to the musculoskeletal trauma section. Using prior publications as an established model5-8, we focused on the musculoskeletal trauma questions on OITEs that were administered from the years 2005 to 2009 and attempted to provide a detailed analysis of these questions by analyzing the national performance data of residents at all levels of training, beginning with postgraduate year (PGY)-2 (completion of one year in training [YIT-1]), the references cited …

Single-incision chronic distal biceps tendon repair with tibialis anterior allograft

PurposeSeveral techniques for chronic distal biceps tendon repair have been reported; however, the literature is sparse.MethodsSeven male patients who underwent chronic distal biceps tendon reconstruction were retrospectively evaluated. All patients had significant retraction necessitating the use of an allograft for reconstruction. The procedure was done through a single incision using suture anchors and a tibialis anterior allograft. In each case, the graft was first fixed to the radial tuberosity with suture anchors, and then the allograft was sutured to the remnant of the native biceps tendon at 60° of elbow flexion. Patients were evaluated with the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores and elbow range of motion (ROM).ResultsThe average time from injury to surgery was 25xa0(12–56)xa0weeks, and the average follow-up was 16xa0(minimum 12)xa0months. Average postoperative elbow ROM was as follows: extension 4° (0–12°), flexion 134° (130–140°), pronation 82° (75–85°) and supination 80° (70–85°); average MEPS was 94 (80–100); average DASH score was 6.67 (0–19.8). One patient developed a lateral antebrachial cutaneous neuritis postoperatively that resolved by threexa0months.ConclusionThough many reported techniques for chronic distal biceps tendon repair achieve satisfactory outcomes with limited complications, we present a technique with theoretical advantages of a single incision, use of suture anchors, use of a tibialis anterior allograft and tensioning after attachment of the graft to the radial tuberosity. In a series of complicated patients, early results were good to excellent.