Jochen Paul

Donor-site morbidity after osteochondral autologous transplantation for lesions of the talus.

BACKGROUND Autologous osteochondral transplantation is accepted as one of the major treatment options for cartilage defects of the talus. One disadvantage of this technique is the need to harvest a donor graft from a normal knee. The potentially detrimental effect of graft harvest on knee function remains unclear. METHODS Two hundred patients who had transplantation of an autologous osteochondral graft obtained from an asymptomatic knee for the treatment of an osteochondral defect of the talus were evaluated. Of the 200 patients, 112 were followed for a minimum of two years (mean duration of follow-up, fifty-five months). The WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) and the Lysholm score were used to assess functional outcome. Variables that were examined included the number of grafts, total size of the harvested cylinders, patient age, body mass index, and overall satisfaction of the patient with the result of the procedure at the knee. A multiple linear regression analysis was utilized to determine the influence of each parameter on the WOMAC and Lysholm scores. In addition, the Lysholm scores for the entire patient group were reviewed to determine how long after the index surgery clinical improvement ceased. RESULTS The mean postoperative WOMAC score (and standard deviation) for the 112 patients who had been followed for a minimum of two years was 5.5% +/- 0.1%, and the mean postoperative Lysholm score was 89 +/- 17 points. The number of grafts, the size of the transplanted cylinders, and patient age did not influence either the Lysholm or the WOMAC score. A higher body mass index and lower general satisfaction ratings did negatively influence the Lysholm and WOMAC scores. Gradual clinical improvement, as measured with the Lysholm score for all 200 study subjects, continued throughout the postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS Donor-site morbidity of a knee from which a graft has been harvested can potentially lead to functional impairment. In our study, the functional outcome of the knee was not affected by the number of donor grafts, the size of the donor grafts, or the age of the patient. Surgeons performing osteochondral transplantations and harvesting autografts from the knee should be aware of the potentially negative effect of a higher body mass index on clinical outcomes after surgery.

The Coracoidal Insertion of the Coracoclavicular Ligaments An Anatomic Study

Background Current surgical procedures restoring a dislocated acromioclavicular joint aim to perform an anatomically correct and biomechanically stable reconstruction. However, the coracoidal insertions for the coracoclavicular ligaments have not yet been defined. Purpose The objective was to evaluate dimension and orientation of the coracoclavicular footprints with respect to bony landmarks for use in anatomic reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligament complex. Study Design Descriptive laboratory study. Methods Twenty-three (17 female, 6 male) fresh-frozen cadaveric human shoulders were dissected, and the coracoclavicular ligaments including the coracoid and the lateral clavicle were exposed. After measurement of bony coracoidal dimensions, the ligaments were dissected and the insertion sites as well as the footprint centers were identified and marked. Each coracoclavicular insertion dimension and its distance to the bony landmarks was recorded. Sex-related differences were calculated. Results The mean total coracoidal length was 43.1 ± 2.2 mm. The distance from the tip of the coracoid to the precipice, the point at which the undersurface of the coracoid changes from a horizontal to a vertical direction, measured 20.3 ± 2.6 mm. The mean distance from the conoidal center to the medial coracoidal boarder and to the precipice was 1.7 ± 0.7 mm and 16.4 ± 2.4 mm, respectively. The mean distance from the trapezoidal center to the medial border and to the precipice was 8.7 ± 3 mm and 10.9 ± 2.4 mm, respectively. The mean distance between the footprint centers was 10.1 ± 4.2 mm. Conclusion Reproducible dimensions and orientation of the coracoclavicular footprints are given. Clinical Relevance Coracoidal anatomic landmarks can be used intraoperatively for an anatomic reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligaments.

Patellar Height and Posterior Tibial Slope After Open- and Closed-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy A Radiological Study on 100 Patients

Background Valgus high tibial osteotomy (HTO) may be associated with changes in the patellar height and posterior tibial slope. Hypothesis Patellar height increases and posterior tibial slope decreases after closed-wedge HTO, whereas patellar height decreases and tibial slope increases after open-wedge osteotomy. Study Design Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods Lateral radiographs of 100 knees were assessed for patellar height (PH) (Insall-Salvati index [ISI], Caton-De Champ index [CDI], and Blackburne-Peel index [BPI]) as well as posterior tibial slope. Measurements were done before HTO (50 closed wedge [CW], 50 open wedge [OW]), direct postoperatively, and before removal of the hardware. Results In the CW group, all 3 PH indices were increased direct postoperatively and at removal of the hardware, with changes in CDI and BPI being significant (P < .05). The effect size (ES) for the direct postoperative PH increase was medium (ES = 0.48) according to CDI. In the OW group, all 3 indices showed a significant (P < .05) PH decrease direct postoperatively and at hardware removal. The ES for the direct postoperative PH decrease was large according to CDI (ES = 0.92) and BPI (ES = 0.80). There were no significant changes between the 2 follow-up measurements (P > .05) with a small ES each. Posterior tibial slope showed a significant (P < .05) decrease of 3.1° ± 3.4° after CW HTO and a significant (P < .05) increase of 2.1° ± 3.6° after OW HTO direct postoperatively. These changes did not change at the second follow-up. In CW HTO, the correlations between frontal plane correction and PH changes were moderate (CDI: r = .57; BPI: r = .64). In OW HTO, these correlations were weak (CDI: r = .44; BPI: r = .46). According to ISI, there was no correlation (CW: r = .11; OW: r = .16). There was no correlation between PH changes and slope changes (CDI) and no correlation between frontal plane HTO correction and slope changes in both CW and OW HTO. Conclusion The results confirm our hypothesis for PH and posterior tibial slope changes after valgus HTO. However, there is no strong correlation between PH changes and the degree of frontal plane HTO correction. The incidence of patella infera increases after OW HTO, whereas the incidence of patella alta increases after CW HTO. Therefore, we recommend performing CW HTO or OW HTO with the tuberosity left at the proximal tibia in cases of patellofemoral complaints or patella infera. Neither technique leads to patellar lowering. It should be borne in mind that PH and posterior tibial slope may have been altered before planning total knee replacement after HTO.

Osteochondral Transplantation of the Talus Long-term Clinical and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation

Background: Osteochondral lesions of the ankle are a common injury after ankle sprains, especially in young and active patients. The Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System (OATS) is the only 1-step surgical technique designed to replace the entire osteochondral unit. Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of the OATS procedure for the talus and compare the results of patients who have had prior surgical interventions with patients for whom OATS represents the primary surgical treatment. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The authors retrospectively analyzed 26 talus OATS procedures (25 patients) with an average follow-up of 84 months (range, 53-124 months); 9 patients had OATS as a second surgical intervention. The patients completed the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) and Tegner scores plus the visual analog scale (VAS) preoperatively and at follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging examinations were conducted on a 1.5-T whole-body magnet that assessed transplant congruency, adjacent surface of the talus, the corresponding distal tibia, and joint effusion. Results: The authors found significant increases for the AOFAS score (50 to 78 points, P < .01) and the Tegner score (3.1 to 3.7, P < .05) and a significant decrease for the VAS (7.8 to 1.5, P < .01) from preoperative to postoperative. Patients with normal integration or minor incongruity of the transplant on magnetic resonance imaging (81%) had significantly better AOFAS scores (P = .03). Other magnetic resonance imaging criteria did not predict clinical results. Patients for whom OATS represented a second procedure had significantly worse clinical AOFAS and Tegner scores plus a higher VAS. Conclusion: Long-term clinical and magnetic resonance imaging results after osteochondral transplantation are good and patients significantly benefit from this surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging should not be a routine control but appears to be indicated when clinical symptoms persist after osteochondral transplantation.

May smokers and overweight patients be treated with a medial open-wedge HTO? Risk factors for non-union.

PurposeThe purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the rate of non-union after medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) with the Tomofix® plate. In addition, risk factors with a possible influence on the development of a non-union were analysed.MethodsBetween 2006 and 2008, a total of 186 medial open-wedge HTOs were performed in 182 patients.ResultsTen cases of non-union (5.4%) were recorded. Risk factors with a statistically significant influence on the development of a non-union included smoking, body mass index and fracture of the lateral cortical hinge. No influence was detected for the factors age, degree of correction, concomitant diseases, postoperative complications, drug use, additionally performed procedures and use of a temporary lag screw.ConclusionWithin this study, it could be demonstrated that the rate of non-union in medial open-wedge HTO is not higher than in the lateral closed-wedge technique. Concerning the detected risk factors, the importance of the preservation of the lateral cortex is emphasised. In addition, it is necessary to discuss the risk of non-union with smokers and overweight patients when planning the therapy. Finally, it should be considered to perform iliac crest bone grafting in these high-risk patients a priori.Level of evidenceIV.

Sports Activity After Osteochondral Transplantation of the Talus

Background: There are limited data regarding activity after osteochondral transplantation of the talus in orthopaedic publications. Hypothesis: Osteochondral transplantation of the talus is a clinically successful treatment and enables patients to pursue regular and ongoing recreational sporting activities. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: One hundred thirty-one patients were retrospectively analyzed to determine their sporting and recreational activities at an average of 60 ± 28.4 months postoperatively (range, 24-141 months). The clinical evaluation included the Tegner activity scale, the Activity Rating Scale (ARS), and a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Results: The VAS illustrated significant preoperative to postoperative improvements (6.3 to 2.7; P < .001). Regarding sporting activity, 96.9% of the patients were engaged in sports during their lifetimes compared with 83.8% the year before surgery and 89.3% at the time of survey. The Tegner score dropped from 5.9 preoperatively to 5.0 after surgery (P = .001), and the ARS decreased from 8.9 preoperatively to 6.8 postoperatively (P = .003). The sports frequency and the duration of activities did not significantly change after surgery: 1.7 ± 2.0 (range, 0-8; P = .053) and 4.2 ± 3.8 hours (range, 0-30 hours; P = .052), respectively. The number of actual reported different sports disciplines was unchanged in comparison to the year before surgery (3.7 ± 2.9; range, 0-12). The top 10 cited sports activities did not change for the lifetime, preoperative, and postoperative periods but illustrated an altered order. Although the overall satisfaction with the surgery was good, 15% of our patients were only partially satisfied, and 14% were not satisfied with the procedure. Conclusion: Patients engage in fewer, less frequent sporting activities when a symptomatic osteochondral lesion (OCL) at the talus is present. Talar osteochondral transplantation shows good clinical midterm results and allows patients to return to sporting activity. However, we found patients modify their postoperative sporting activities, and we noted a reduction of participation in high-impact and contact sports.

Control of Posterior Tibial Slope and Patellar Height in Open-Wedge Valgus High Tibial Osteotomy

Background: Valgus-producing open-wedge high tibial osteotomy is an established treatment for varus malalignment and medial osteoarthritis, with reproducible results in the frontal plane. However, an undesirable but often accepted increase in posterior tibial slope and decrease in patellar height are still routinely seen. Purpose: To evaluate the influence of valgus open-wedge high tibial osteotomy on posterior tibial slope and patellar height when special techniques are used to minimize unwanted changes. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Twenty-five patients, 3 women and 22 men (mean age, 40.2 years), underwent valgus open-wedge high tibial osteotomy. Several technical steps were taken to prevent an increase in posterior tibial slope during the osteotomy. To minimize patellar height changes, the tibial tuberosity was left on either the proximal or distal fragment, depending on the desired patellofemoral effect. The medial and lateral posterior slope was measured using the proximal posterior cortex as a reference; the patellar height was assessed with the Caton-Deschamps Index and compared on preoperative and postoperative radiographs. Results: No significant posterior tibial slope changes were observed. Patellar height increased with both types of tibial tuberosity osteotomy. With the proximal osteotomy, the Caton-Deschamps Index increased from 0.95 to 0.97; with the distal osteotomy, it increased from 0.89 to 0.95. The change was not significant with either osteotomy. The posterior tibial slope did not change on the medial side, measuring 4.2 preoperatively and postoperatively. The lateral slope decreased from 5.4 to 5.1. There was no correlation between the correction in the coronal plane and the changes in the sagittal plane. Conclusion: Open-wedge high tibial osteotomy can be performed without significant changes in patellar height or posterior tibial slope if specific intraoperative methods are used to prevent their occurrence. Analysis and control of sagittal changes in valgus open-wedge high tibial osteotomy should reduce the incidence of unwanted changes in patellar height and posterior tibial slope.

T2 assessment and clinical outcome following autologous matrix-assisted chondrocyte and osteochondral autograft transplantation

OBJECTIVE Both, matrix-assisted chondrocyte transplantation (MACT) and osteochondral autograft transplantation (OCT), are applied for treatment of articular cartilage defects. While previous clinical studies have compared the respective outcome, there is no such information investigating the ultrastructural composition using T2 mapping comparing cartilage T2 values of the repair tissue (RT). METHODS Eighteen patients that underwent MACT or OCT for treatment of cartilage defects at the knee joint (nine MACT, nine OCT) were matched for gender (one female, eight male pairs), age (33.8), body mass index (BMI) (28.3), defect localization, and postoperative interval (41.6 months). T2 assessment was accomplished by T2 maps, while the clinical evaluation included the Lysholm and Cincinnati knee scores, a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, the Tegner activity scale, and the Short Form-36. RESULTS Global T2 values of healthy femoral cartilage (HC) were similar among groups, while T2 values of the RT following MACT (46.8ms, SD 8.6) were significantly lower when compared to RT T2 values after OCT (55.5ms, SD 6.7) (P=0.048). MACT values were also significantly lower in comparison to HC (52.5ms, SD 7.9) within MACT patients (P=0.046), while OCT values were significantly higher compared to HC (49.9ms, SD 5.1) within OCT patients (P=0.041). The clinical outcome following MACT was consistently superior to that after OCT while only the Lysholm score reached the level of significance (MACT 77.0, OCT 66.8; P=0.04). CONCLUSION These findings indicate that MACT and OCT result in a different ultrastructural outcome, which is only partially represented by the clinical picture.

Arthroscopic Capsulolabral Revision Repair for Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability

Background: Open capsulolabral repair is still considered the standard revision procedure for a failed anterior shoulder instability repair. To date, only a few studies have evaluated the outcome of arthroscopic revision instability repair. Purpose: This study was undertaken to assess the clinical outcome and postoperative sports activity level of arthroscopic revision stabilization using defined inclusion criteria and a standardized operative revision technique. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Fifty-six patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability after an anatomic index procedure (open or arthroscopic) were included in the study. Arthroscopic revision repair was performed by a single surgeon using standardized suture anchor repair technique via an anteroinferior 5:30-o’clock approach. Patients were evaluated after a mean follow-up of 37 months (range, 25-72 months) with the Rowe, the Constant score, and the Simple Shoulder Test (SST). Return to sports, including sports level and discipline, were evaluated with a sports activity assessment tool. Results: For the revision repair, a minimum of 3 anchors were placed in the lower glenoid half. Recurrent instability after the revision procedure was found in 6 cases (11%). There were 4 recurrent instability cases caused by trauma and 2 atraumatic cases. Arthroscopic revision repair did not result in an additional loss of external rotation or additional subscapularis muscle insufficiency. The Rowe and Constant scores and the SST were significantly improved by the procedure. Eighty-six percent of the patients rated their result as good or excellent. Sports activity level was significantly improved by the procedure and the majority of patients returned to their previous sports level. Conclusion: Arthroscopic capsulolabral revision repair via the anteroinferior 5:30-o’clock approach achieves results comparable with open revision repairs with a low recurrent instability rate. Arthroscopic revision repair reached a high patient satisfaction, good clinical outcomes, and a high rate of return to sports. The results suggest that arthroscopic revision repair is a viable treatment option for selected patients with a failed index repair.

Posterior Shoulder Dislocation: Systematic Review and Treatment Algorithm

PURPOSE Posterior shoulder dislocations (PSDs) comprise a small subset of shoulder dislocations, and there are few evidence-based treatment protocols and no actual algorithm for the treatment of PSDs available in the literature. This article provides a systematic review of the literature, as well as an overview of clinical and radiologic diagnostic techniques, and presents an algorithm for treatment of PSDs, including minimally invasive treatment options. METHODS For a systematic review of current literature, a systematic search was performed in the Medline and Cochrane databases. Journal articles published between January 1940 and June 2010 were taken into account. Studies that only existed as abstracts were not included in the analysis. Broad exclusion criteria consisted of radiologic reports, review articles, case reports, and technical notes. Refined exclusion criteria consisted of a minimum of 4 patients with PSDs operated on by the same surgical technique and clinical outcome documented by a functional shoulder score. RESULTS The final set of articles for evaluating closed or open techniques included 5 prospective case series and 6 retrospective studies. Within this group, there was no study with a level of evidence higher than Level IV. We present a descriptive comparison of these studies because of the heterogeneity and/or number of patients and the level of evidence. Case reports illustrate the different surgical approaches according to the literature. CONCLUSIONS PSDs are still a challenge for the treating physician. There are few articles available about PSDs in evidence-based literature, with a limited number of cases. Our algorithm provides guidelines for decision making including minimally invasive treatment options according to the available literature. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, systematic review of Level IV studies.