Mark O. McConkey

Graft Tensioning in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

PURPOSE The purposes of this study were to (1) perform a systematic review of randomized controlled trials evaluating graft tensioning in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, and (2) determine the scientific quality of published randomized controlled trials evaluating graft tensioning in ACL reconstruction. METHODS The search strategy included a computerized literature search, a citation search, and a manual search of key journals and conference proceedings. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of graft tensioning on the outcomes of ACL reconstruction. Two reviewers independently performed the literature searches. The validity of the trials was scored using the Detsky quality scale. Consensus was achieved by a study committee of 3 investigators. RESULTS Five randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. The mean standardized Detsky score was 61.3 +/- 15.2%. Only 2 of the studies scored >or=75%. All trials consisted of autogenous graft sources, with 3 involving a bone-patellar tendon-bone graft, 1 involving a 5-strand semitendinosus-polyester (5STP) graft, and 1 involving a semitendinosus-gracilis-polyester (STGP) graft. CONCLUSIONS Based on the evidence in this systematic review, there is a trend that suggests that 80 N of tension is the most effective amount of tension to apply during ACL reconstruction using hamstring-polyester graft sources. For ACL reconstruction using semitendinosus-gracilis or patellar tendon graft sources, there is no clear trend in terms of statistically significant or clinically relevant differences in terms of the amount of applied tension to apply to the graft during graft fixation. We are unable to provide recommendations as to the amount of tension to apply to 4-strand semitendinosus-gracilis autografts without polyester augmentation because there has been no randomized clinical trial conducted to determine the most effective amount of tension to apply when using this graft source.

Quantification of Pronator Quadratus Contribution to Isometric Pronation Torque of the Forearm

PURPOSE The contribution of the pronator quadratus (PQ) muscle in generation of pronation torque has not been determined. The purpose of this study was to investigate pronation torque in healthy volunteers before and after temporary paralysis of the PQ with lidocaine, under electromyographic guidance. METHODS A custom apparatus was designed to allow isometric testing of pronation torque at 5 positions of rotation: 90 degrees of supination, 45 degrees of supination, neutral, 45 degrees of pronation, and 80 degrees of pronation. After validation of the apparatus, 17 (9 male, 8 female) right-hand-dominant volunteers were recruited. They were tested at all 5 positions in random order and then had their PQ muscles paralyzed with lidocaine. Repeat testing was performed in the same random order 30 minutes after injection. Three unblinded subjects underwent testing after injection of saline instead of lidocaine to determine effect of fluid volume alone on PQ function. RESULTS The validation trial demonstrated reproducibility of the testing apparatus. After paralysis of PQ with lidocaine, pronation torque decreased by an average 21% (range, 16.7% to 23.2%) at all positions compared with preinjection testing. All were statistically significant except at 80 degrees of pronation. The subjects who underwent injection of saline showed no evidence of decrease in pronation torque. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated a significant decrease in pronation torque with controlled elimination of PQ function. Open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures damages the PQ and may result in a pronation torque deficit. Pronation torque measurement may help in postoperative outcome analysis of surgical procedures using the volar approach to the distal radius.

Hip arthroscopy distraction without the use of a perineal post: prospective study.

Hip arthroscopy is being used with increasing frequency as the understanding of arthroscopic management of groin pain improves. To access the hip joint arthroscopically, traction must be placed on the leg. In most cases, countertraction is provided with a padded post in the groin. Complications of traction are often attributed to the post and include perineal or pudendal neuropraxias and skin complications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety of a traction technique that avoids a perineal post. A supine position is used with the foot in a standard traction boot. The patient is moved down the table such that his or her perineum is located 7 to 10 cm proximal to the traction post. The post is also located 5 to 10 cm lateral to midline. The operative table is placed in 15° to 20° of Trendelenburg. With this position, enough friction is generated between the patients upper body and bed to allow successful hip distraction without the post contacting with the perineum. One hundred seventy patients (111 men and 59 women) were followed prospectively and evaluated for possible side effects of this traction technique immediately postoperatively and 1 and 14 days and 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Patients were examined at each visit. No significant complications related to traction occurred during follow-up. The described technique has been used in more than 2000 hip arthroscopies without a documented groin or perineal complication. It allows easy positioning and access to the central compartment.

Adductor Tenotomy as a Treatment for Groin Pain in Professional Soccer Players

Chronic, exercise-related groin pain is a debilitating condition. Nonoperative treatment has limited efficacy, but surgical intervention on the adductor-abdomino complex may be used to alleviate symptoms and allow return to play (RTP). The purpose of this study was to report the outcome of adductor tenotomy and hernioplasty for professional soccer players with groin pain. Between 2000 and 2006, a total of 155 professional and recreational soccer players with recalcitrant groin pain (with or without lower abdominal pain) and resistance to conservative treatment were included in this retrospective analysis. Ninety-six patients were treated with adductor tenotomy and 59 patients were treated with combined adductor tenotomy and hernioplasty. No difference in pre- or postoperative parameters was detected between groups, apart from abdominal wall muscle defects revealed during ultrasound for patients in the combined group. The RTP time and subjective and objective outcome measures were compared. A combined score was developed to evaluate outcomes that consisted of overall satisfaction (50%), RTP time (15%), and Tegner scores (35%). Mean RTP was 11 weeks (range, 4-36 weeks). Postoperative Tegner score remained 8.2 (same as the preinjury Tegner score). Subjective outcome was rated 4.3 of 5. The combined score indicated 80% of good or excellent results for both groups. Surgical intervention allows RTP at the same level in professional soccer players following failure of nonoperative treatments. Athletes with adductor syndrome and accompanying sportsmans hernia may benefit from adductor tenotomy alone.

A Novel Technique for Ligamentum Teres Reconstruction With “All-Suture” Anchors in the Medial Acetabular Wall

The function of the ligamentum teres remains poorly understood, but tears have been recognized as a source of hip pain. In some patients with complete ligamentum teres tears, symptoms of instability are described. Microinstability and excess motion are hypothesized to be a source of pain and mechanical symptoms. Efforts in recent years to improve symptoms have led to the development of techniques used to reconstruct the ligamentum teres, with some early evidence that reconstruction can improve symptoms in appropriately selected patients. We describe our technique for ligamentum teres allograft reconstruction using anchors made only of suture seated in the acetabular floor.

Percutaneous Femoral Derotational Osteotomy for Excessive Femoral Torsion

Femoral derotational osteotomy is an acceptable treatment for excessive femoral torsion. The described procedure is a minimally invasive single-incision technique based on an intramedullary saw that enables an inside-out osteotomy, preserving the periosteum and biological activity in the local bone and soft tissue. After the osteotomy is complete and correction is achieved, an expandable intramedullary nail is used to achieve immediate stability, without the need for locking screws. Indications, tips, and pitfalls related to this novel osteotomy technique are discussed.

Arthroscopic Hip Labral Reconstruction and Augmentation Using Knotless Anchors

Biomechanical stability is the primary function of the acetabular labrum. It provides a hip suction seal and optimal joint function. Labral tears are a common reason for hip arthroscopy, to improve patient function and to prevent long-term degenerative arthropathy. Arthroscopic labral repair has shown significantly better outcomes in return to premorbid activity levels when compared with labral debridement. Injury to the acetabular labrum is a challenge and can lead to long-term complications. In this scenario, arthroscopic labral reconstruction has shown good results regarding patient subjective and objective outcomes. We describe a technique for complete arthroscopic labral reconstruction using tensor fascia lata allograft.

Inside Out: A Novel Labral Repair and Advancement Technique

Labral tears are a significant cause of hip pain and are currently the most common indication for hip arthroscopy. Compared with labral debridement, labral repair has significantly better outcomes in terms of both daily activities and athletic pursuits in the setting of femoral acetabular impingement. The techniques described in the literature all use anchor placement on the capsular aspect of the acetabular rim, which can be difficult especially anteriorly, where the rim is very thin, and has the potential for significant complications. Anchor breakage, anchor slippage into the surrounding (capsular side) soft tissue, and penetration of the cartilage surface are among the most common complications. We describe an intra-articular anchor placement technique for labral repair from inside out. This technique, because of the location of the anchor and direction of suture pull, can assist in labral advancement in cases in which the native labrum fails to create a seal because of its location away from the femoral head.

Arthroscopic Anterior Capsular Reconstruction of the Hip for Recurrent Instability.

Symptomatic anterior instability of the hip is typically iatrogenic in nature and poses a challenging problem for the orthopaedist. With early recognition, capsular repair and plication are often effective in restoring stability. Cases involving multiple instability episodes or those with delayed presentation, however, may have patulous and deficient capsular tissue precluding successful capsulorrhaphy. Capsular reconstruction may play an important role in restoring stability in these difficult cases. We present an arthroscopic technique for iliofemoral ligament reconstruction, with Achilles tendon allograft, to address instability of the hip due to anterior capsular deficiency.