Dean Wang

Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of the Knee in Patients Aged 40 Years and Older

Background: Treatment of large chondral defects of the knee among patients aged ≥40 years remains a difficult clinical challenge owing to preexisting joint degeneration and the lack of treatment options short of arthroplasty. Purpose: To characterize the survivorship, predictors of failure, and clinical outcomes of osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) of the knee among patients aged ≥40 years. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Prospectively collected data were reviewed for 54 consecutive patients aged ≥40 years who were treated with OCA. Preoperative levels of osteoarthritis (according to Kellgren-Lawrence classification) and meniscal volume and quality were graded from review of radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging. Complications, reoperations, and patient responses to validated outcome measures were reviewed. A minimum follow-up of 2 years was required for analysis. Failure was defined by any removal or revision of the allograft or conversion to arthroplasty. Results: Among 51 patients (mean age, 48 years; range, 40-63 years; 65% male), a total of 52 knees had symptomatic focal cartilage lesions (up to 2 affected areas) that were classified as Outerbridge grade 4 at the time of OCA and did not involve substantial bone loss requiring shell allografts or additional bone grafting. Mean duration of follow-up was 3.6 years (range, 2-11 years). After OCA, 21 knees (40%) underwent reoperation, including 14 failures (27%) consisting of revision OCA (n = 1), unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (n = 5), and total knee arthroplasty (n = 8). Mean time to failure was 33 months, and 2- and 4-year survivorship rates were 88% and 73%, respectively. Male sex (hazard ratio = 4.18, 95% CI = 1.12-27.13) and a higher number of previous ipsilateral knee operations (hazard ratio = 1.70 per increase in 1 surgical procedure, 95% CI = 1.03-2.83) were predictors of failure. A higher Kellgren-Lawrence osteoarthritis grade on preoperative radiographs was associated with higher failure rates in the Kaplan-Meier analysis but not the multivariate model. At final follow-up, clinically significant improvements were noted in the pain (mean score, 47.8 to 67.6) and physical functioning (56.8 to 79.1) subscales of the Short Form-36, as well as the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective form (45.0 to 63.6), Knee Outcome Survey–Activities of Daily Living (64.5 to 80.1), and overall condition statement (4.5 to 6.8) (P < .001). No significant changes were noted for the Marx Activity Rating Scale (5.1 to 3.9, P = .789). Conclusion: A higher failure rate was found in this series of patients aged ≥40 years who were treated with OCA as compared with other studies of younger populations. However, for select older patients, OCA can be a good midterm treatment option for cartilage defects of the knee.

Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of the Knee in Patients with an Elevated Body Mass Index

Objective To characterize the graft survivorship and clinical outcomes of osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) of the knee in patients with an elevated body mass index (BMI). Design Prospective data on 38 consecutive patients with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 treated with OCA from 2000 to 2015 were reviewed. Complications, reoperations, and patient responses to validated outcome measures were examined. Failures were defined by any removal/revision of the allograft or conversion to arthroplasty. Results Thirty-one knees in 31 patients (mean age, 35.4 years [range, 17-61 years]; 87% male) met the inclusion criteria. Mean BMI was 32.9 kg/m2 (range, 30-39 kg/m2). Mean chondral defect size was 6.4 cm2 (range, 1.0-15.3 cm2). Prior to OCA, 23 patients (74%) had undergone previous surgery to the ipsilateral knee. Mean duration of follow-up was 4.1 years (range, 2-11 years). After OCA, 5 knees (13%) underwent conversion to unicompartmental (1) or total (4) knee arthroplasty. Two- and 5-year graft survivorship were 87% and 83%, respectively. At final follow-up, clinically significant improvements were noted in the pain (49.3-72.6) and physical functioning (52.9-81.3) subscales of the Short Form–36 (P ≤ 0.001), International Knee Documentation Committee subjective form (43.5-67.0; P = 0.002), Knee Outcome Survey–Activities of Daily Living (58.2-80.4; P = 0.002), and overall condition subscale of the Cincinnati Knee Rating System (4.7-6.9; P = 0.046). Conclusions OCA can be a successful midterm treatment option for focal cartilage defects of the knee in select patients with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2.

Trends in Surgical Practices for Lateral Epicondylitis Among Newly Trained Orthopaedic Surgeons

Background: Much controversy exists regarding the optimal surgical intervention for lateral epicondylitis because of a multitude of options available and the lack of comparative studies. Knowledge of the current practice trends would help guide the design of comparative studies needed to determine which surgical technique results in the best outcome. Purpose: To review the latest practice trends for the surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis among newly trained surgeons in the United States utilizing the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) database. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The ABOS database was utilized to identify surgical cases for lateral epicondylitis submitted by Part II board certification examination candidates from 2004 through 2013. Inclusion criteria were predetermined using a combination of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Cases were organized by open and arthroscopic treatment groups and by fellowship training and were analyzed to determine differences in surgical techniques, complication rates, and concomitant procedures. Results: In total, 1150 surgeons submitted 2106 surgical cases for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. The number of surgical cases for lateral epicondylitis performed per 10,000 submitted cases significantly decreased from 26.7 in 2004 to 21.1 in 2013 (P = .002). Among all cases, 92.2% were open and 7.8% were arthroscopic, with no change in the incidence of arthroscopic surgeries over the study period. Shoulder and elbow (18.1%) and sports medicine (11.4%) surgeons were more likely to perform surgery arthroscopically compared with hand surgeons (6.1%) (P < .001). There was no difference in overall self-reported complication rates between open (4.4%) and arthroscopic (5.5%) procedures (P = .666). Percutaneous tenotomy, debridement only, and debridement with tendon repair comprised 6.4%, 46.3%, and 47.3% of open treatment, respectively. Sports medicine, hand, and shoulder and elbow surgeons were more likely to repair the tendon after debridement compared with other surgeons, who were more likely to perform debridement alone (P < .001). Hand surgeons were most likely to perform concomitant procedures, of which the majority were neuroplasties. Conclusion: Although comparative studies are ultimately necessary for determining the optimal surgical technique, researchers should be mindful of the differences in practices according to training and the extent to which concomitant procedures are being performed, as both these factors may confound any future results.

Return to Play Among Elite Basketball Players After Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of Full-Thickness Cartilage Lesions

Background: Osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) is a recognized option for full-thickness articular cartilage defects of the knee, especially in the setting of large lesions or those involving the subchondral bone. Previous heterogenous studies of athletes have shown a 75% to 79% rate of return to play after the procedure. Purpose: To define return-to-play rates in a cohort of elite collegiate and professional basketball players following osteochondral allograft of the knee. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Prospectively collected data from an institutional cartilage repair registry were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they were collegiate or professional basketball players at the time of surgery. Patient demographics, lesion size and location, and surgical details were collected. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans were scored with the OCAMRISS system. Time to return to play and pre- versus postoperative player performance were determined with publicly available internet resources. Results: Eleven athletes (4 professional, 7 collegiate) with a total of 14 treated lesions (1 to the medial femoral condyle, 6 to the lateral femoral condyle, 5 to the trochlea, and 2 to the patella) were eligible for study inclusion. Mean lesion size was 509 mm2. All patients underwent OCA through an arthrotomy, with fresh grafts. The overall rate of return to play at the same level of competition was 80%. Median time to return to play was 14 months (range, 6-26 months). Among players with available statistics, there was no significant reduction in any performance category. Conclusion: OCA in elite basketball players results in an 80% return to previous level of competition, which is consistent with previous reports of athletes playing other sports. Osteochondral allografting is a reasonable option to consider for full-thickness cartilage lesions of the knee, even for elite jumping athletes.

The Impact of Workload on the Evolution of Hip Internal and External Rotation in Professional Baseball Players Over the Course of the Season

Background: Although restricted hip range of motion (ROM) is associated with an increased risk for injuries in baseball players, the evolution of hip ROM over the season remains undefined. Hypothesis: Hip ROM profiles would be symmetric between hips and positions (pitchers vs position players) but would decrease from preseason to postseason. Additionally, it was hypothesized that this decrease in motion would correlate with workload. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Bilateral hip ROM was assessed in 96 professional baseball players (54 pitchers, 42 position players) preseason and postseason. ROM comparisons were made between lead and trailing hips, pitchers and position players, and preseason and postseason measures. The change from preseason to postseason was correlated with player demographics and measures of workload for pitchers and position players. Results: Preseason hip ROM was symmetric between hips; however, pitchers demonstrated increased preseason lead hip internal rotation (IR) (P = .018) and bilateral hip total ROM (TROM) (P < .020) compared with position players. From preseason to postseason, position players lost 7° of external rotation (ER) (P ≤ .005 ). In pitchers, the loss of IR correlated with increased pitches (P = .016) and innings (P = .037), while the loss of ER (P = .005 ) and TROM (P = .014) correlated with increasing mean fastball velocity. Workload for position players did not correlate with motion loss. Conclusion: Symmetric hip ROM profiles should be anticipated in baseball players; however, pitchers may have increased preseason IR and TROM and postseason ER and TROM relative to position players. Although loss of motion correlated with workload in pitchers, this was not the case for position players. Hip motion should be monitored over the course of the season. This is particularly true for pitchers who lose IR as workload increases, which may place them at a greater risk for injuries.

Ethical Issues in Return to Play: Surgical Implications for Return to Play

Injuries requiring operative intervention add a layer of complexity to the return to play equation—certainly the surgery itself is a significant hurdle, but it also lays the framework for a deliberate recovery process and eventual reintegration back to sport. At all levels, and particularly for elite and professional athletes, this should be a multidisciplinary process tailored to the needs, situation, and progress of each individual. But with operative injuries specifically, the surgeon takes a central role at directing the process while placing the athlete’s best interest at the forefront. This chapter provides our approach to return to play and reviews the salient issues that must be addressed.

Management of Rotator Cuff Injuries in the Elite Athlete

Purpose of ReviewRotator cuff injuries are a common cause of pain and dysfunction for the elite athlete and can result in time loss from participation. This review highlights the current management of these injuries.Recent FindingsConservative management of rotator cuff injuries continues to be the “gold standard” in the elite athlete. This includes a comprehensive rehabilitation program, anti-inflammatories, and corticosteroid injections. Newer treatment techniques such as intramuscular dry needling and the use of biologics such as platelet-rich plasma and stem cells demonstrate early promising results; however, these modalities require further investigation to determine their effectiveness.SummaryRotator cuff injuries can range from contusions and tendinopathy to full-thickness tears. A comprehensive evaluation is needed to determine the extent of injury and appropriate plan of care. Management strategies can range from rehabilitation to operative intervention and are guided by the size of the tear, time of season, sport, performance limitations, and presence of concomitant pathology.

Chondral Delamination of Fresh Osteochondral Allografts after Implantation in the Knee: A Matched Cohort Analysis

Introduction Delamination of the chondral surface of an osteochondral allograft (OCA) from the underlying cancellous bone has been described as a mode of failure after implantation in the knee. Our hypothesis was that increased storage time of the OCA is associated with increased risk of graft delamination after implantation. Methods Prospective data on 13 patients with evidence of OCA delamination identified on magnetic resonance imaging or during subsequent surgery from 2000 to 2015 were reviewed. A cohort of 33 patients without evidence of graft delamination were then matched to the delamination group based on recipient age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and chondral defect location. The matched cohort size was established based on a power calculation for determining differences in OCA storage times. All patients had a minimum 2-year follow-up. Results There was no difference in donor age, donor sex, and graft storage time between groups (30 vs. 31 days, P = 0.78). There were no differences between number of previous ipsilateral knee surgeries (1.8 vs. 0.84, P = 0.26), BMI (26.8 vs. 25.0 kg/m2, P = 0.31), total chondral defect size (6.5 vs. 5.8 cm2, P = 0.41) or preoperative Marx activity scores between groups. Conclusion There is no association between OCA storage time, activity level scores, or number of previous ipsilateral knee surgeries and graft delamination in our patient population. Further work is needed to identify the etiology for this mode of failure of OCAs.

Graft-Recipient Anteroposterior Mismatch Does Not Affect the Midterm Clinical Outcomes of Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of the Femoral Condyle:

Background: For the treatment of femoral condyle cartilage defects with osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA), many surgeons have relaxed their graft-recipient size-matching criteria given the limited allograft supply. However, since the anteroposterior (AP) length is typically correlated with the radius of curvature for a given condyle, a large mismatch in graft-recipient AP length can indicate a corresponding mismatch in the radius of curvature, leading to articular incongruity after implantation. Purpose: To evaluate the association between femoral condyle graft–recipient AP mismatch and clinical outcomes of OCA. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients treated with OCA for femoral condyle chondral defects from 2000 to 2015. Graft characteristics, including AP and mediolateral dimensions, were gathered from vendor-specific allograft offering documents. Patient condyle dimensions were measured on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Reoperations and patient responses to validated outcome measures were reviewed. Failure was defined by any partial removal/revision of the allograft or conversion to knee arthroplasty. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to examine the association of AP mismatch with OCA failure while adjusting for patient age and number of previous ipsilateral knee surgical procedures. Results: A total of 69 knees from 69 patients (mean age, 35.7 years; 71% male) met the inclusion criteria. Mean duration of follow-up was 4 years (range, 2-16 years). The mean absolute graft-recipient AP mismatch was 6.7 mm (range, 0-20 mm; P < .01). At final follow-up, 19 knees had failed. There was no significant difference in the mean absolute AP mismatch between failures (8.1 mm) and nonfailures (6.2 mm; P = .17). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that AP mismatch was not associated with graft failure (P = .14). At final follow-up, significant improvements were noted in the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, International Knee Documentation Committee subjective form, and Knee Outcome Survey–Activities of Daily Living (P < .01 for all). Magnitude of AP mismatch was not associated with postoperative outcome scores or achievement of minimal clinically significant differences in outcome scores. Conclusion: Magnitude of graft-recipient AP mismatch was not associated with midterm OCA failure rates or patient-reported outcome scores, suggesting that AP length mismatch within the limits measured here is not a contraindication for graft acceptance.

Getting Hit by Pitch in Professional Baseball: Analysis of Injury Patterns, Risk Factors, Concussions, and Days Missed for Batters

Background: Although batters are frequently hit by pitch (HBP) in baseball, the effect of HBP injuries remains undefined in the literature. Purpose: To determine the effect of HBP injuries in terms of time out of play, injury patterns resulting in the greatest time out of play, and the value of protective gear such as helmets and elbow pads. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Based on the Major League Baseball (MLB) Health and Injury Tracking System, all injuries to batters HBP during the 2011-2015 MLB and Minor League Baseball (MiLB) seasons were identified and analyzed. Video analysis was performed on all HBP events from the 2015 MLB season. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis was utilized to determine the predictive capacity of multiple variables (velocity, pitch type, location, etc) on injury status and severity. Results: A total of 2920 HBP injuries resulted in 24,624 days missed (DM) over the 5 seasons. MLB HBP injuries occurred at a rate of 1 per 2554 plate appearances (1 per 9780 pitches thrown). Mean DM per injury were 8.4 (11.7 for MLB vs 8.0 for MiLB, P < .001). Surgery was required for 3.1% of MLB injuries and 1.2% of MiLB injuries (P = .005). The most common body regions injured were the hand/fingers (n = 638, 21.8%), head/face (n = 497, 17.0%), and elbow (n = 440, 15.7%), and there were 146 (5.0%) concussions. Injury rates and mean DM correlated with velocity in a near linear fashion. Players hit in the head/face (odds ratio, 28.7) or distal upper extremity (odds ratio, 6.4) were more likely to be injured than players HBP in other locations. Players with an unprotected elbow missed 1.7 more days (95% CI, –4.1 to 7.6) than those with an elbow protector (P = .554) when injured after being HBP. Conclusion/Clinical Relevance: Although HBP injuries occur infrequently in the course of normal play, they collectively represent a significant source of time out of play. The most common body regions injured include the hands/fingers and head/face, and batters hit in these locations are significantly more likely to be injured. After contusions, concussions were the most common injury diagnosis.