Dominic S. Carreira

Arthrodesis of the First Metatarsocuneiform Joint: A Comparative Study of Fixation Methods

Background: The Lapidus bunionectomy is a popular procedure for severe bunion deformity where metatarsus primus varus is equal to or exceeds 15 degrees. We evaluated a new locking compression plate which may improve outcomes with the Lapidus procedure. Methods: Ten matched pairs of cadaver feet were used to compare the standard crossed 4.0-mm compression screw method of fixation to the LPS Lapidus plate. After performing the matched operations the cadaver constructs were stressed to failure using the INSTRON and Wavemaker software. Results: The LPS Lapidus plate load to failure was 108 Nm with a bending moment of 6.0 Nm. The crossed screw technique was inferior at 78 Nm with a bending moment of 4.4 Nm (p = 0.02) Conclusion: Unlike other H-plates or locking plates, load to failure was higher with the Lapidus plate constructs. Clinical Relevance: The increased rigidity provided by these plates may help to minimize the risk of nonunion or malunion.

Radiographic Factors and Effect of Fifth Metatarsal Jones and Diaphyseal Stress Fractures on Participation in the NFL

Introduction: Jones fracture and proximal diaphyseal stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal have been associated with prolonged healing times and nonunions. We hypothesized that the Jones fracture and proximal diaphyseal stress fracture have a high incidence in elite collegiate football players and that they lead to a decrease in participation in the NFL. Also, we hypothesized that these fractures are associated with a cavovarus foot alignment. Materials and Methods: The database collected by a single NFL team during the 2004 to 2009 NFL Combines was reviewed to identify players with Jones and proximal diaphyseal fifth metatarsal fractures. A total of 74 fifth metatarsal fractures were identified in 68 players. Subsequent participation data also were collected through the NFL.com website and included games played and years played. Digital plain radiographs and additional imaging studies also were reviewed to determine the extent of healing, types of fixation utilized, and foot alignment. Results: The locations of fractures in the proximal fifth metatarsal were 45 (61%) in the Jones area, 15 (20%) in the proximal diaphyseal area, and 14 (19%) of indeterminate location. The number of patients treated with intramedullary fixation was 55/74 (74%). Of 74 proximal fifth metatarsal fractures, 9 (12.2%) were nonunions at the time of the NFL Combine medical examinations. With the numbers available, the average number of games played in the NFL was not significantly different in the fifth metatarsal fracture group, 16.9, compared to the control group, 24.9 (P > .05). The average number of games started was 7.4 in the fracture group versus 12.1 in the control group (P > .05). No significant differences were noted in the number of years played in the NFL. Except for talonavicular angle measurements, all measurements of coronal plane alignment demonstrated significant differences across groups, but no differences were noted in sagittal plane alignment. Conclusion: No statistically significant difference was noted in participation in the NFL following Jones fractures and proximal diaphyseal stress fractures of the fifth metatarsal, although a trend toward decreased participation was noted. Radiographic abnormalities were noted in the coronal plane with varus alignment, but not in the sagittal plane. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Endoscopic Repair of Full-Thickness Gluteus Medius Tears

Tears in the gluteus medius and minimus tendons recently have emerged as an important cause of chronic greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Increasing recognition of the gluteal insertion as a cause of chronic pain and weakness, as well as technologic advances in endoscopic hip surgery, has made gluteal insertional repair a rapidly emerging technique in minimally invasive surgery of the hip. We present an endoscopic double-row technique for gluteal insertional repair that allows for visualization, debridement, and repair, re-creating the normal footprint.

Outcome of Arthroscopic Treatment of Posterior Impingement of the Ankle

Background: Open and arthroscopic techniques have been utilized in the treatment of posterior impingement of the ankle and hindfoot. Because posterior impingement occurs more frequently in patients who repetitively plantarflex the ankle, this population may especially benefit from a procedure that reduces pain and results in maximal range of motion (ROM). The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome of hindfoot endoscopy in patients with posterior ankle impingement through a higher level of function outcome measures and physical examination parameters, focused on analysis of ROM. Methods: Twenty patients were followed prospectively at a minimum 1-year follow-up (mean 38.2 months). Nineteen of 20 patients were competitive athletes. Patients completed a minimum of 3 months of nonoperative treatment. Diagnoses included os trigonum, tibial exostosis, talar exostosis, loose body or fracture nonunion, and ganglion cyst removal. Patients underwent arthroscopic treatment utilizing a posterior approach; all relevant pathology was addressed. Results: At the most recent follow-up, visual analog scale pain and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society hindfoot scores showed significant improvement (P < .01) pre- to postoperatively; Tegner score remained unchanged (P = .888). Three patients were professional athletes; all returned to their previous level of professional activity. ROM variables between affected and unaffected sides reached statistical similarity at the most recent follow-up. Only ankle plantarflexion reached statistical significance when compared pre- to postoperatively. Fifteen percent of patients reported postoperative neuritis. Conclusions: Posterior ankle arthroscopy allowed for maintenance or restoration of anatomic ROM of the ankle and hindfoot, ability to return to at least previous level of activity, and improvement in objective assessment of pain relief and higher level of function parameters. Complications associated with this procedure were minimal. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Hip Dysplasia: Prevalence, Associated Findings, and Procedures From Large Multicenter Arthroscopy Study Group

PURPOSE To report observational findings of patients with acetabular dysplasia undergoing hip arthroscopy. METHODS We performed a comparative case series of multicenter registry patients from January 2014 to April 2016 meeting the inclusion criteria of isolated hip arthroscopy, a documented lateral center-edge angle (LCEA), and completion of preoperative patient-reported outcome measures. A retrospective analysis compared range of motion, intra-articular pathology, and procedures of patients with dysplasia (LCEA ≤25°) and patients without dysplasia (LCEA >25°). RESULTS Of 1,053 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 133 (13%) had dysplasia with a mean LCEA of 22.8° (standard deviation, 2.4°) versus 34.6° (standard deviation, 6.3°) for non-dysplasia patients. There were no statistically significant differences in preoperative modified Harris Hip Score, International Hip Outcome Tool-12 score, or visual analog scale score (pain). Cam deformity occurred in 80% of dysplasia patients. There was a significant difference in internal rotation between the dysplasia (21°) and non-dysplasia groups (16°, P < .001). Mean internal rotation (33.5°; standard deviation, 15.6°) of the dysplastic subjects without cam morphology was greater than that of the dysplastic patients with cam morphology (18.5°; standard deviation, 11.6°; P < .001). Hypertrophic labra were found more commonly in dysplastic (33%) than non-dysplastic hips (11%, P < .001). Labral tears in patients with dysplasia were treated by repair (76%), reconstruction (13%), and selective debridement (11%); labral treatments were not significantly different between cohorts. The most common nonlabral procedures included femoroplasty (76%) and synovectomy (73%). There was no significant difference between the dysplasia and non-dysplasia groups regarding capsulotomy types and capsular closure rates (96% and 92%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Dysplasia, typically of borderline to mild severity, comprises a significant incidence of surgical cases (13%) by surgeons performing high-volume hip arthroscopy. Despite having similar preoperative pain and functional profiles to patients without dysplasia, dysplasia patients may have increased flexed-hip internal rotation. Commonly associated cam morphology significantly decreases internal rotation. Arthroscopic labral repair, femoroplasty, and closure of interportal capsulotomy are the most commonly performed procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III, therapeutic comparative case series.

Clinical tip: retrograde osteochondral autograft transfer system.

Osteochondral defects of the ankle account for approximately 4% of the total number of osteochondral defects.2 Various methods of treatment of articular cartilage injuries about the tibiotalar joint have been proposed, including debridement, drilling, abrasion, microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation, and osteochondral graft transfer.4,6,7,8,9,11 The advantages of transfer of cylindrical osteochondral autografts include maintenance of hyaline cartilage, availability, and a single-step procedure.1 This technique has several reports of good results in the talus,5 but such lesions in the distal tibia remain a more difficult challenge. Defects in the distal tibial articular surface cannot be grafted by conventional means. There is one previous report of two distal tibial lesions treated with osteochondral graft transfer using an anterior cruciate ligament drill guide.10 More recently, a retrograde system (Retrograde OATS; Arthex, Naples, FL) was developed to treat distal tibial lesions. We report its use for osteochondral defects of the distal tibia, with case examples of both open and all-arthroscopic techniques.

Osteochondral Allograft: Proceedings of the International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle

Background: The evidence supporting best practice guidelines in the field of cartilage repair of the ankle is based on both low quality and low levels of evidence. Therefore, an international consensus group of experts was convened to collaboratively advance toward consensus opinions based on the best available evidence on key topics within cartilage repair of the ankle. The purpose of this article is to report the consensus statements on “Osteochondral Allograft” developed at the 2017 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. Methods: Seventy-five international experts in cartilage repair of the ankle representing 25 countries and 1 territory were convened and participated in a process based on the Delphi method of achieving consensus. Questions and statements were drafted within 11 working groups focusing on specific topics within cartilage repair of the ankle, after which a comprehensive literature review was performed and the available evidence for each statement was graded. Discussion and debate occurred in cases where statements were not agreed upon in unanimous fashion within the working groups. A final vote was then held, and the strength of consensus was characterized as follows: consensus, 51% to 74%; strong consensus, 75% to 99%; and unanimous, 100%. Results: A total of 15 statements on osteochondral allograft reached consensus during the 2017 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. One achieved unanimous support and 14 reached strong consensus (greater than 75% agreement). All statements reached at least 85% agreement. Conclusions: This international consensus derived from leaders in the field will assist clinicians with osteochondral allograft as a treatment strategy for osteochondral lesions of the talus.

Fixation Techniques: Proceedings of the International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle

Background: The evidence supporting best practice guidelines in the field of cartilage repair of the ankle is based on both low quality and low levels of evidence. Therefore, an international consensus group of experts was convened to collaboratively advance toward consensus opinions based on the best available evidence on key topics within cartilage repair of the ankle. The purpose of this article is to report the consensus statements on “Fixation Techniques” developed at the 2017 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. Methods: Seventy-five international experts in cartilage repair of the ankle representing 25 countries and 1 territory were convened and participated in a process based on the Delphi method of achieving consensus. Questions and statements were drafted within 11 working groups focusing on specific topics within cartilage repair of the ankle, after which a comprehensive literature review was performed and the available evidence for each statement was graded. Discussion and debate occurred in cases where statements were not agreed upon in unanimous fashion within the working groups. A final vote was then held, and the strength of consensus was characterized as follows: consensus, 51% to 74%; strong consensus, 75% to 99%; and unanimous, 100%. Results: A total of 15 statements on fixation techniques reached consensus during the 2017 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. All 15 statements achieved strong consensus, with at least 82% agreement. Conclusions: This international consensus derived from leaders in the field will assist clinicians with using fixation techniques in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus.

Revision and Salvage Management: Proceedings of the International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle

Background: The evidence supporting best practice guidelines in the field of cartilage repair of the ankle are based on both low quality and low levels of evidence. Therefore, an international consensus group of experts was convened to collaboratively advance toward consensus opinions based on the best available evidence on key topics within cartilage repair of the ankle. The purpose of this article was to report on the consensus statements on “Revision and Salvage Management” developed at the 2017 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. Methods: Seventy-five international experts in cartilage repair of the ankle representing 25 countries and 1 territory were convened and participated in a process based on the Delphi method of achieving consensus. Questions and statements were drafted within 11 working groups focusing on specific topics within cartilage repair of the ankle, after which a comprehensive literature review was performed and the available evidence for each statement was graded. Discussion and debate occurred in cases where statements were not agreed on in unanimous fashion within the working groups. A final vote was then held, and the strength of consensus was characterized as follows: consensus, 51% to 74%; strong consensus, 75% to 99%; unanimous, 100%. Results: A total of 8 statements on revision and salvage management reached consensus during the 2017 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. One achieved unanimous support and 7 reached strong consensus (greater than 75% agreement). All statements reached at least 85% agreement. Conclusions: This international consensus derived from leaders in the field will assist clinicians with revision and salvage management in the cartilage repair of the ankle.

Subchondral Pathology: Proceedings of the International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle

Background: The evidence supporting best practice guidelines in the field of cartilage repair of the ankle are based on both low quality and low levels of evidence. Therefore, an international consensus group of experts was convened to collaboratively advance toward consensus opinions based on the best available evidence on key topics within cartilage repair of the ankle. The purpose of this article is to report the consensus statements on “Subchondral Pathology” developed at the 2017 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. Methods: Seventy-five international experts in cartilage repair of the ankle representing 25 countries and 1 territory were convened and participated in a process based on the Delphi method of achieving consensus. Questions and statements were drafted within 11 working groups focusing on specific topics within cartilage repair of the ankle, after which a comprehensive literature review was performed and the available evidence for each statement was graded. Discussion and debate occurred in cases where statements were not agreed upon in unanimous fashion within the working groups. A final vote was then held, and the strength of consensus was characterized as follows: consensus, 51% to 74%; strong consensus, 75% to 99%; unanimous, 100%. Results: A total of 9 statements on subchondral pathology reached consensus during the 2017 International Consensus Meeting on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle. No statements achieved unanimous support, but all statements reached strong consensus (greater than 75% agreement). All statements reached at least 81% agreement. Conclusions: This international consensus statements regarding subchondral pathology of the talus derived from leaders in the field will assist clinicians in the assessment and management of this difficult pathology.