David E. Hartigan

Arthroscopic-Assisted Reduction and Percutaneous Fixation of Tibial Plateau Fractures

Tibial plateau fractures present a difficult range of fractures to treat. Arthroscopy allows for a less invasive option when compared with arthrotomy. Furthermore, visualization of the articular surface arthroscopically can allow for a precise reduction and assessment of any concomitant injuries to the articular cartilage and meniscus. By use of arthroscopy, unicondylar lateral plateaus were traditionally approached through a laterally based metaphyseal window. However, in carefully selected patients and fracture patterns, a medially based, arthroscopic-assisted approach can create long bony tunnels for subchondral support and allow for greater ease in fracture reduction. We present our technique using a medial approach for arthroscopic-assisted fixation of lateral tibial plateau fractures.

Decision Making for Labral Treatment in the Hip: Repair Versus Débridement Versus Reconstruction.

The role and function of the acetabular labrum have been studied extensively in the past decade. Recent studies have proposed that, in addition to causing pain and mechanical symptoms, labral tears may accelerate arthritis. Labral preservation is believed to be important because of the role the labrum plays in maintaining a healthy joint. Treatment of the acetabular labrum is becoming one of the fastest growing fields in orthopaedics; therefore, the treatment decision-making process must be refined. Currently, three commonly practiced labral treatments are available: repair, débridement, and reconstruction. Arguments for and against each treatment option exist in the literature. Reviewing the currently proposed indicators for labral tear treatments in conjunction with the treatment procedures yields a thorough decision-making guide for choosing the appropriate labral procedure.

Clinical Outcomes of Hip Arthroscopy in Radiographically Diagnosed Retroverted Acetabula

Background: Symptomatic global retroversion of the acetabulum, as diagnosed on plain radiographs of the pelvis, has traditionally been treated with reverse periacetabular osteotomy, which improves posterior undercoverage and eliminates the anterior pincer lesion. There is a paucity of literature on hip arthroscopy in this group, secondary to theoretical concern of iatrogenic dysplasia, subsequent instability, and arthritis. Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of hip arthroscopy for patients with a radiographic diagnosis of acetabular retroversion, using patient-reported outcomes, visual analog scale (VAS), patient satisfaction, and pre- and postoperative Tönnis grades. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Pre- and postoperative data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed for patients who underwent hip arthroscopy at 1 institution between June 2008 and February 2012. Data were analyzed for patients who had adequate radiographs of the pelvis that demonstrated global acetabular retroversion and who were treated with arthroscopic surgery. Complications were tracked in this institution’s database. The modified Harris Hip Score, Nonarthritic Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score (HOS)–activities of daily living subscale, and HOS–sport-specific subscale, and VAS were analyzed preoperatively and at latest follow-up. Level of postoperative satisfaction was assessed on a scale of 0 to 10. Pre- and postoperative alpha angle, lateral center-edge angle, anterior center-edge angle, crossover percentage, and Tönnis grade were recorded. Tönnis grade at latest follow-up was utilized to determine progression of osteoarthritis. Results: A total of 82 hips among 78 patients were identified who met the listed criteria. The mean age of the patients was 23 years, and the mean follow-up was 39 months. These patients showed statistically significant improvement in modified Harris Hip Score (preoperative to ≥2-year follow-up: 65 to 81), Nonarthritic Hip Score (65 to 86), HOS–activities of daily living subscale (69 to 88), HOS–sport-specific subscale (47 to 76), and VAS (5.9 to 2.5) (P < .0001). In terms of satisfaction with the surgery, they had an mean score of 7.4. There were 3 minor complications, none of which required reoperation. One patient underwent hip arthroplasty at 6 months after hip arthroscopy. Fifteen patients had >2-year radiographic follow-up; none of these patients had an increase in Tönnis grade as compared with the preoperative state. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that hip arthroscopy can successfully treat femoroacetabular impingement associated with a globally retroverted acetabulum at a minimum 2-year follow-up. Survivorship was 99% at 2 years, with 1 patient requiring further surgery in the form of hip arthroplasty. There was no noted progression of Tönnis grade at final follow-up. The procedure was extremely safe, with a minor complication rate of 3.6%.

Multicenter Analysis of Midterm Clinical Outcomes of Arthroscopic Labral Repair in the Hip: Minimum 5-Year Follow-up

Background: The technique of hip arthroscopic surgery is advancing and becoming more commonly performed. However, most current reported results are limited to short-term follow-up, and therefore, the durability of the procedure is largely unknown. Purpose: To perform a multicenter analysis of mid-term clinical outcomes of arthroscopic hip labral repair and determine the risk factors for patient outcomes. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Prospectively collected data of primary hip arthroscopic labral repair performed at 4 high-volume centers between 2008 and 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively with the visual analog scale (VAS), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), and Hip Outcome Score–Sports-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS) at a minimum of 5 years’ follow-up. Factors including age, body mass index (BMI), Tönnis grade, and cartilage grade were analyzed in relation to outcome scores, and revision rates were determined. Failure was defined as subsequent ipsilateral hip surgery, including revision arthroscopic surgery and open hip surgery. Results: A total of 303 patients (101 male, 202 female) with a mean age of 32.0 years (range, 10.7-58.9 years) were followed for a mean of 5.7 years (range, 5.0-7.9 years). Patients achieved mean improvements in VAS of 3.5 points, mHHS of 20.1 points, and HOS-SSS of 29.3 points. Thirty-seven patients (12.2%) underwent revision arthroscopic surgery, and 12 (4.0%) underwent periacetabular osteotomy, resurfacing, or total hip arthroplasty during the study period. Patients with a BMI >30 kg/m2 had a mean mHHS score 9.5 points lower and a mean HOS-SSS score 15.9 points lower than those with a BMI ≤30 kg/m2 (P < .01). Patients aged >35 years at surgery had a mean mHHS score 4.5 points lower and a HOS-SSS score 6.7 points lower than those aged ≤35 years (P = .03). Patients with Tönnis grade 2 radiographs demonstrated a 12.5-point worse mHHS score (P = .02) and a 23.0-point worse HOS-SSS score (P < .01) when compared with patients with Tönnis grade 0. Conclusion: Patients demonstrated significant improvements in VAS, mHHS, and HOS-SSS scores after arthroscopic labral repair. However, those with Tönnis grade 2 changes preoperatively, BMI >30 kg/m2, and age >35 years at the time of surgery demonstrated significantly decreased mHHS and HOS-SSS scores at final follow-up.

Accuracy of the lever sign test in the diagnosis of anterior cruciate ligament injuries

Background: The lever sign test is a new physical examination tool to diagnose anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. Preliminary results suggest almost 100% sensitivity and specificity to diagnose acute and chronic complete ACL tears and clinically significant partial tears as compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Purpose: To assess the sensitivity and specificity of the lever sign test for the diagnosis of acute ACL injuries, as compared to MRI. We also aimed to determine the accuracy of the lever sign test compared with 3 other tests (anterior drawer, Lachman, and pivot shift) when performed by providers of various training levels, and with the patient awake or under anesthesia. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: We evaluated patients with a chief concern of acute (≤4 weeks) knee pain seen between October 2014 and January 2015, with a thorough history, physical examination, and standard radiographs. MRI was the reference standard; patients without an MRI evaluation were excluded. The 4 physical examination maneuvers were performed on each symptomatic knee during the initial clinic visit (for nonsurgical patients) or under anesthesia in the operating room (for surgical patients) by a randomly assigned undergraduate student, medical student, orthopaedic resident, or orthopaedic fellow. The senior author trained all staff to perform the lever sign test. Statistical analyses were performed. Results: Of 102 patients, 54 were surgical (28 female, 26 male), and 48 were nonsurgical (16 female, 32 male); the mean patient age was 23 years (range, 15-66 years). The overall accuracy of the lever sign test was 77% (63% sensitivity, 90% specificity); the accuracy was similar between patients under anesthesia and awake (77% vs 76%, respectively). There were no significant differences when comparing the sensitivity and specificity of the lever sign test with patients under anesthesia and awake (sensitivity: under anesthesia, 86%, and awake, 68% [P = .40]; specificity: under anesthesia, 85%, and awake, 96% [P = .17]). Furthermore, the accuracy of the lever sign test was similar when performed on female versus male patients (75% vs 79%, respectively) or when performed by undergraduate students and medical students compared with orthopaedic residents and fellows (84% vs 88%, respectively). Conclusion: Our study results challenge the exceptional sensitivity and specificity values (both 100%) of the lever sign test, as reported by the original author of the test.

Identification of the Anterolateral Ligament on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Studies continue to demonstrate the importance of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) as a secondary restraint in rotational stability of the knee. No clinical exam exists to reliably test the ALL. Advanced imaging allows the surgeon to reliably identify the ALL as an independent structure of the lateral knee. This technique paper provides a reproducible method for identification of the ALL on 3T magnetic resonance imaging based on previously conducted cadaveric dissections of the ligament.

Circumferential Labral Reconstruction Using the Knotless Pull-Through Technique—Surgical Technique

Arthroscopic labral reconstruction is an alternative procedure for an irreparable hip labrum in the nonarthritic hip population. Although labral reconstruction is a relatively new procedure, data in the literature show favorable outcomes. Patients have shown beneficial outcomes from labral reconstructive surgery as well as when compared with labral repair and debridement patients. However, one of the challenges in performing labral reconstruction has been correctly measuring the graft to perfectly fit the area of labral deficiency. We propose a labral reconstruction technique that will eliminate inaccuracies in graft measurement while incorporating beneficial characteristics of the knotless suture. The advantages of this technique will increase procedural accuracy and brevity.

Shoulder injuries in National Collegiate Athletic Association quarterbacks: 10-year epidemiology of incidence, risk factors, and trends

Background: Up to 50% of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) football players have a history of shoulder injuries. The quarterback position has been shown to have a high prevalence of these injuries because of its unique exposures. There is little information regarding the shoulder injury type and mechanism in NCAA quarterbacks. Purpose: To understand the 10-year epidemiology of specific shoulder injury rates in NCAA quarterbacks. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: Shoulder injury data for collegiate football quarterbacks from the 2004 through 2014 academic years were analyzed using the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program (ISP) data set. Results: Over the 10-year study period, a total of 133 shoulder injuries to collegiate quarterbacks were reported, with 157,288 quarterback exposures. There was approximately 1 shoulder injury per 1221 exposures. The most common injuries noted were acromioclavicular sprains (45.1%, n = 60), followed by shoulder contusions (9.0%, n = 12), clavicular fractures (7.5%, n = 10), and anterior instability (5.3%, n = 7). The majority of injuries were caused by contact with a player (60.2%, n = 80) or contact with a playing surface (28.6%, n = 38), and 88% (n = 117) were deemed nonsurgical in nature. Conclusion: NCAA ISP data analysis suggests that collegiate quarterbacks sustain acute contact injuries 89% of the time and that they typically occur while being tackled, resulting in a time loss of less than 2 weeks. These injuries are commonly treated nonsurgically.

Hip and Groin Injuries Among Collegiate Male Soccer Players: The 10-Year Epidemiology, Incidence, and Prevention

The physical and demanding style of play in soccer places these athletes at an elevated risk for hip and groin injuries. Several studies have examined hip and groin injuries in professional and youth soccer in European countries, but few have involved American counterparts. Hip injury data were analyzed retrospectively from the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Program for the 2004 to 2014 academic years for collegiate mens soccer. This study found that hip and groin injuries among collegiate male soccer players were most often new injuries (87.8%; n=527) that were noncontact in nature (77.3%; n=464) and resulted in time loss of less than 7 days (67.5%; n=405). Hip injuries were significantly more likely during the pre-season (5.72 per 1000 athlete exposures) relative to in-season (injury proportion ratio, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.39-1.94) and post-season (injury proportion ratio, 1.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-2.41). Further, they were more likely in competition relative to practice (injury proportion ratio, 2.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.98-2.74). The most common injuries were adductor strains (46.5%; n=279) followed by hip flexor strains (27.3%; n=164) and hip contusions (10.8%; n=65). Among these injuries, adductor (73.1%; n=204) and hip flexor (59.8%; n=98) strains were more commonly noncontact related and occurred in practice, whereas hip contusions were due to contact and during competition. The study of the complex and lingering nature of hip and groin injuries in soccer players is critical because these injuries not only are prevalent but also have multifactorial risks associated with coexisting pathologies that make them difficult to prevent and treat effectively. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(6):e831-e836.].

The Rapidly Assessed Predictor of Intraoperative Damage (RAPID) Score: An In-Clinic Predictive Model for High-Grade Acetabular Chondrolabral Disruption

Background: The preoperative assessment of cartilage lesions is critical to surgical planning and decision making. The accurate radiographic determination of acetabular cartilage damage has remained elusive for modern imaging modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA). While risk factors have been individually described, no multivariable system exists for predicting high-grade cartilage damage. Purpose: To determine the preoperative predictors of grade 3 to 4 acetabular labrum articular disruption (ALAD) lesions. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Retrievable radiographs were reviewed from primary hip arthroscopic procedures performed at 2 high-volume institutions between December 2007 and April 2017. The predictive value of demographic and radiographic factors for the intraoperative documentation of ALAD grade 3 to 4 damage was analyzed and entered into a multivariable model, and a statistically guided scoring system for the damage risk was created using the Akaike information criterion. The scoring system was then prospectively validated on 167 patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy between April 2017 and February 2018. Results: A total of 652 primary hip arthroscopic procedures in 614 patients (390 female, 224 male; mean age, 33.2 ± 12.5 years; mean body mass index, 26.9 ± 5.5 kg/m2) from 2007 to 2017 were analyzed. Male sex (odds ratio [OR], 3.11; P < .01), age ≥35 years (OR, 1.96; P < .01), cam morphology (alpha angle >55°) (OR, 2.96; P < .01), and Tönnis grade 1 to 2 (grade 1: OR, 4.14; P < .01, and grade 2: OR, 9.29; P < .01) were univariate risk factors for intraoperatively documented high-grade damage. A multivariable scoring system, the Rapidly Assessed Predictor of Intraoperative Damage (RAPID) score (0-5 points), was generated based on sex, Tönnis grade, and cam morphology. Patients with increasing RAPID scores had an increasing risk of damage, with a 10.5% risk for those with 0 points and an 88.0% risk for those with 5 points (P < .01). The area under the curve was 0.75 for the study group and 0.76 for the validation group (P = .94). Conclusion: While preoperative MRI has diagnostic value for hip arthroscopic surgery, the RAPID score provides added benefit as a readily employable, in-clinic system for predicting high-grade cartilage damage. The discriminatory value of the RAPID score compares favorably with previous MRI and MRA studies. This information will help the clinician and patient plan for high-grade damage and identify potential targets for cartilage treatment.