Karan A. Patel

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.

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.

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Using All-Soft Suture Anchors for Patellar Fixation

The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), which is critical for both patellar stability and normal kinematics of the patellofemoral joint, is disrupted in most patellar dislocations. Consequently, MPFL reconstruction is advocated in recurrent dislocations to restore native patellar constraints. Fixation of the MPFL graft to the medial border of the patella can be achieved through various methods, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. We present a technique for MPFL fixation to the patella using all-soft suture anchors, theoretically decreasing the risk of patellar fracture and articular surface violation.

Polyethylene dissociation from humeral stem status after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is an important treatment option for 4-part proximal humerus fractures in the elderly and arthrosis of the glenohumeral joint with incompetence of the rotator cuff. Unique complications do occur with use of this type of prosthesis. METHODS We present 4 cases of polyethylene dissociation after RSA. RESULTS In a series of 549 patients who underwent RSA, the incidence of polyethylene dissociation was found to be 0.7%. CONCLUSIONS Polyethylene dissociation is a rare complication after RSA. Surgeons should be aware of this possibility if a closed reduction of an RSA dislocation is not possible.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tunnel Placement Using the Pathfinder Guide

Reconstruction techniques for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) have evolved considerably over the past 3 decades. The femoral tunnel is most commonly made via a transtibial or separate anteromedial portal approach. Benefits and drawbacks for each of these techniques exist. Improper tunnel placement is the cause of failure for ACL reconstruction 70% of the time. We present a hybrid technique for femoral tunnel placement using the Pathfinder ACL guide, which attempts to give the surgeon many of the benefits of both the transtibial and anteromedial portal techniques without the drawbacks.

Lesser Trochanter Osteoplasty for Ischiofemoral Impingement

Ischiofemoral impingement is a newly recognized cause of extra-articular hip pain, and is caused by contact between the lesser trochanter and ischium. Surgical intervention has been proven successful for patients with persistent pain and disability after failure of nonoperative management. This technique article provides a reliable method for endoscopic lesser trochanter osteoplasty using an anterior approach.

Arthroscopic Iliopsoas Release at the Level of the Lesser Trochanter Following Total Hip Arthroplasty

Iliopsoas impingement is an uncommon cause of pain after total hip arthroplasty. If pain persists after a trial of conservative treatment, surgical intervention can alleviate the patients symptoms. Multiple advantages exist to release the iliopsoas tendon at the level of the lesser trochanter. The purpose of this Technical Note is to demonstrate a technique for arthroscopic release of the iliopsoas tendon at the lesser trochanter after total hip arthroplasty.

Diagnostic Evaluation of the Knee in the Office Setting Using Small-Bore Needle Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is currently the gold standard for diagnosing intra-articular knee pathology. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be a clinical adjunct for diagnosis; however, it is not without its shortcomings. Although highly accurate, even advanced imaging misdiagnoses the condition in 1 in 14 patients with regard to anterior cruciate ligament pathology. Previous studies have indicated that MRI fails to identify meniscal pathology when one exists in 1 of every 10 cases, and diagnoses pathology when pathology truly does not exist in 1 of every 5 patients. In-office arthroscopy offers an alternative to formal diagnostic arthroscopy, with reduced cost and risk of complications. This is a technique article that discusses the use of small-bore needle arthroscopy in the office setting.