Nima Mehran

Management of Septic Arthritis Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Review of Current Practices and Recommendations

Abstract Septic arthritis following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a rare and potentially devastating complication that often leads to articular destruction and adverse clinical outcomes. Because of its rare occurrence, best practices for diagnosis and management have yet to be established. However, graft retention and favorable outcomes are possible with early diagnosis, surgical intervention, and appropriate antibiotic management. Clinicians must be familiar with the diagnostic criteria and management options for septic arthritis. Most patients require multiple procedures to effectively eradicate infection. When the original reconstructed graft cannot be salvaged, a staged anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction revision is required.

Failure of a modular hip implant at the stem-sleeve interface.

In the current era of total hip arthroplasty (THA), orthopedic surgeons have several fixation options at their disposal. The modern monoblock prosthesis, introduced by Dr. Sir John Charnley, has seen many modifications since its inception in the 1970s and continues to be the most commonly used prosthesis style for primary and revision THA. Proximal modular sleeve technology was introduced in 1967 by Konstantin Sivash, modifying his original 1956 Sivash Stem design. The design is now known as the S-ROM, and although design modifications continue to date, the fundamental structure of the S-ROM remains essentially unchanged. Several other proximal modular prostheses are now currently available for use in THA. Although this similarity in design enables considerable surgical flexibility, it also links their potential for catastrophic failure. This aim of this article was to present a brief history of proximal modularity in THA and to add to the small body of literature regarding catastrophic failure in modular hip implants, including its proposed etiologies including micromotion, fretting and corrosion.

Athletic Performance at the NFL Scouting Combine After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common and potentially career ending in the National Football League (NFL). Although statistical performance has been demonstrated after ACL reconstruction, functional performance is not well defined. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to determine the functional performance of NFL combine participants after ACL reconstruction compared with an age-, size-, and position-matched control group. The hypothesis was that there would be no difference between players after ACL reconstruction as compared with controls in functional athletic performance. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 98 NFL-caliber athletes who had undergone primary ACL reconstruction and participated in the NFL scouting combine between 2010 and 2014 were reviewed and compared with an age-, size-, and position-matched control group. Data recorded for each player included a 40-yard dash, vertical leap, broad jump, shuttle drill, and 3-cone drill. Results: With regard to speed and acceleration, the mean 40-yard dash time for ACL-reconstructed players was 4.74 seconds (range, 4.33-5.55 seconds) compared with controls at 4.74 seconds (range, 4.34-5.38 seconds; P = .96). Jumping performance was also similar, with a mean vertical leap for ACL-reconstructed players of 33.35 inches (range, 23-43 inches) and broad jump of 113.9 inches (range, 96-136 inches) compared with respective values for the controls of 33.22 inches (range, 23.5-43.5 inches; P = .84) and 113.9 inches (range, 92-134 inches; P = .99). Agility and quickness testing measures also did not show a statistically significantly difference, with ACL-reconstructed players performing the shuttle drill in 4.37 seconds (range, 4.02-4.84 seconds) and the 3-cone drill in 7.16 seconds (range, 6.45-8.14 seconds), respectively, compared with respective times for the controls of 4.37 seconds (range, 3.96-5.00 seconds; P = .91) and 7.18 seconds (range, 6.64-8.24 seconds; P = .75). Conclusion: This study suggests that after ACL reconstruction, high-caliber athletes can achieve equivalent levels of performance with no statistically significant differences compared with matched controls. This information is unique when advising high-level athletes on athletic performance after ACL reconstruction, suggesting that those who fully recover and return to play appear to have no decrement in athletic performance.

Epidemiology of Operative Procedures in an NCAA Division I Football Team Over 10 Seasons

Background: Injury rates are high for collegiate football players. Few studies have evaluated the epidemiology of surgical procedures in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I collegiate football players. Purpose: To determine the most common surgical procedures performed in collegiate football players over a 10-year period. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiological study. Methods: From the 2004-2005 season through the 2013-2014 season, all surgical procedures performed on athletes from a single NCAA Division I college football team during athletic participation were reviewed. Surgeries were categorized by anatomic location, and operative reports were used to obtain further surgical details. Data collected over this 10-season span included type of injury, primary procedures, reoperations, and cause of reoperation, all categorized by specific anatomic locations and position played. Results: From the 2004-2005 through the 2013-2014 seasons, 254 operations were performed on 207 players, averaging 25.4 surgical procedures per year. The majority of surgeries performed were orthopaedic procedures (92.1%, n = 234). However, there were multiple nonorthopaedic procedures (7.9%, n = 20). The most common procedure performed was arthroscopic shoulder labral repair (12.2%, n = 31). Partial meniscectomy (11.8%, n = 30), arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (9.4% n = 24), and arthroscopic hip labral repair (5.9% n = 15) were the other commonly performed procedures. There were a total of 29 reoperations performed; thus, 12.9% of primary procedures had a reoperation. The most common revision procedure was a revision open reduction internal fixation of stress fractures in the foot as a result of a symptomatic nonunion (33.33%, n = 4) and revision ACL reconstruction (12.5%, n = 3). By position, relative to the number of athletes at each position, linebackers (30.5%) and defensive linemen (29.1%) were the most likely to undergo surgery while kickers (6%) were the least likely. Conclusion: In NCAA Division I college football players, the most commonly performed surgeries conducted for injuries were orthopaedic in nature. Of these, arthroscopic shoulder labral repair was the most common, followed closely by partial meniscectomy. Nonorthopaedic procedures nonetheless accounted for a sizable portion of surgical volume. Familiarity with this injury and surgical spectrum is of utmost importance for the team physician treating these high-level contact athletes.

Relative individual workload changes may be a risk factor for rerupture of ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction

BACKGROUND With an increasing number of Major League Baseball (MLB) players undergoing ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, there remains limited literature on appropriate post-reconstruction workload management to limit the risk of reinjury. METHODS A total of 28 MLB pitchers who underwent primary UCL reconstruction surgery and subsequently required revision reconstruction were identified and compared with 137 MLB pitchers who underwent primary reconstruction but did not later require revision surgery. Games pitched, pitch counts, and innings pitched were evaluated and compared 3 years before and after primary reconstruction. Results were then compared between groups. RESULTS Pitchers who later required revision increased their games pitched by 14.1% after reconstruction whereas the no-revision group pitched 13.6% fewer games than before reconstruction (P < .01). Inning workload was reduced by 9.8% after surgery (89.8 innings after vs 99.6 innings before) for the revision group compared with the no-revision group, which threw 26% fewer innings after surgery (86.3 innings after vs 116.7 innings before) (P = .05). In addition, the revision group pitched 6.6% more pitches after reconstruction, 1138.9 pitches, compared with before reconstruction, 1068.6 pitches. Pitchers who did not require revision, in contrast, pitched 19.6% fewer pitches after reconstruction than before reconstruction (P = .08). CONCLUSIONS This studys findings suggest that MLB pitchers who require revision UCL reconstruction after returning to play following primary UCL reconstruction pitch at or above their pre-primary UCL reconstruction workload whereas control pitchers who do not require revision pitch significantly less, below their pre-primary UCL reconstruction workload.

Return to Golfing Activity After Joint Arthroplasty

Background: Many patients who are considering total joint arthroplasty, including hip, knee, and shoulder replacement, are concerned with their likelihood of returning to golf postoperatively as well as the effect that surgery will have on their game. Purpose: To review the existing literature on patients who have undergone major joint arthroplasty (hip, knee, and shoulder), to examine the effects of surgery on performance in golf, and to provide surgeon recommendations as related to participation in golf after surgery. A brief review of the history and biomechanics of the golf swing is also provided. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: We performed a systematic review of the literature in the online Medline database, evaluating articles that contained the terms “golf” and “arthroplasty.” Additionally, a web-based search evaluating clinical practice recommendations after joint arthroplasty was performed. The research was reviewed, and objective and anecdotal guidelines were formulated. Results: Total joint arthroplasty provided an improvement in pain during golfing activity, and most patients were able to return to sport with variable improvements in sport-specific outcomes. Conclusion: In counseling patients regarding the return to golf after joint arthroplasty, it is our opinion, on the basis of our experience and those reported from others in the literature, that golfers undergoing total hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty can safely return to sport.

A Review of Current Graft Options for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

In the United States, the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is approximately 125,000 cases annually1. ACL reconstruction is indicated to prevent knee laxity and functional instability during physical activities, particularly those that require cutting or pivoting motions. Reconstruction also aims to protect the knee by lowering the risk of subsequent meniscal injury and perhaps the development of degenerative joint disease in the meniscus-deficient knee2. Once the decision has been made to proceed with an ACL reconstruction, a substantial amount of time is invested into preoperative counseling of the patient, particularly with regard to graft selection. Because of the plethora of information available on the web regarding ACL surgery, patients often present with preconceived perceptions regarding particular graft choices. A surgeon must be knowledgeable about the benefits and disadvantages of each graft choice to effectively counsel the patient prior to surgery. Although no graft can restore the normal structure or biomechanical properties of the ACL, the graft that is selected for ACL reconstruction must possess minimal structural and mechanical properties to aptly substitute for the native ACL. These properties include the ability to rapidly integrate into host tissues, to minimize harvest-site morbidity, and to approximate the biomechanical properties of the native ACL3. Numerous factors, including patient age, occupation, activity level, …

Major League pitching workload after primary ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction and risk for revision surgery

BACKGROUND Literature has attempted to correlate pitching workload with risk of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury; however, limited data are available in evaluating workload and its relationship with the need for revision reconstruction in Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers. METHODS We identified 29 MLB pitchers who underwent primary UCL reconstruction surgery and subsequently required revision reconstruction and compared them with 121 MLB pitchers who underwent primary reconstruction but did not later require revision surgery. Games pitched, pitch counts, and innings pitched were evaluated and compared for the seasons after returning from primary reconstruction and for the last season pitched before undergoing revision surgery. RESULTS The difference in workload between pitchers who did and did not require revision reconstruction was not statistically significant in games pitched, innings pitched, and MLB-only pitch counts. The one significant difference in workload was in total pitch counts (combined MLB and minor league), with the pitchers who required revision surgery pitching less than those who did not (primary: 1413.6 pitches vs. revision: 959.0 pitches, P = .04). In addition, pitchers who required revision surgery underwent primary reconstruction at an early age (22.9 years vs. 27.3 years, P < .001) and had less MLB experience (1.5 years vs. 5.0 years, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS There is no specific number of pitches, innings, or games that place a pitcher at an increase risk for injury after primary UCL reconstruction. However, correlations of risk may be younger age and less MLB experience at the time of the primary reconstruction.

Athletic Performance at the National Basketball Association Combine After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are significant injuries in elite-level basketball players. In-game statistical performance after ACL reconstruction has been demonstrated; however, few studies have reviewed functional performance in National Basketball Association (NBA)–caliber athletes after ACL reconstruction. Purpose: To compare NBA Combine performance of athletes after ACL reconstruction with an age-, size-, and position-matched control group of players with no previous reported knee injury requiring surgery. We hypothesized that there is no difference between the 2 groups in functional performance. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 1092 NBA-caliber players who participated in the NBA Combine between 2000 and 2015 were reviewed. Twenty-one athletes were identified as having primary ACL reconstruction prior to participation in the combine. This study group was compared with an age-, size-, and position-matched control group in objective functional performance testing, including the shuttle run test, lane agility test, three-quarter court sprint, vertical jump (no step), and maximum vertical jump (running start). Results: With regard to quickness and agility, both ACL-reconstructed athletes and controls scored an average of 11.5 seconds in the lane agility test and 3.1 seconds in the shuttle run test (P = .745 and .346, respectively). Speed and acceleration was measured by the three-quarter court sprint, in which both the study group and the control group averaged 3.3 seconds (P = .516). In the maximum vertical jump, which demonstrates an athlete’s jumping ability with a running start, the ACL reconstruction group had an average height of 33.6 inches while the controls averaged 33.9 inches (P = .548). In the standing vertical jump, the ACL reconstruction group averaged 28.2 inches while the control group averaged 29.2 inches (P = .067). Conclusion: In athletes who are able to return to sport and compete at a high level such as the NBA Combine, there is no significant difference in any combine performance test between players who have had primary ACL reconstruction compared with an age-, size-, and position-matched control group. Clinical Relevance: Athletes with previous ACL reconstruction who are able to return to high-level professional basketball have equivalent performance measures with regard to speed, quickness, and jumping ability as those athletes who have not undergone knee surgery.

The Development and Validation of a Functional Assessment Tool for the Hip in the Athletic Population.

Background: No validated functional assessments are available that are designed specifically to evaluate the performance and function of the athletic hip. Subsections of some validated outcome assessments address recreation, but a full assessment dedicated to athletic hip function does not exist. Current hip scoring systems may not be sensitive to subtle changes in performance and function in an athletic, younger population. Hypothesis: The patient-athlete subjective scoring system developed in this study will be validated, reliable, and responsive in the evaluation of hip function in the athlete. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Based on the results of a pilot questionnaire administered to 18 athletic individuals, a final 10-item questionnaire was developed. Two hundred fifty competitive athletes from multiple sports completed the final questionnaire and 3 previously validated hip outcome assessments. Each athlete was self-assigned to 1 of 3 injury categories: (1) playing without hip/groin trouble; (2) playing, but with hip/groin trouble; and (3) not playing due to hip/groin trouble. The injury categories contained 196, 40, and 14 athletes, respectively. Correlations between the assessment scores and injury categories were measured. Responsiveness testing was performed in an additional group of 24 injured athletes, and their scores before and after intervention were compared. Results: The Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) Athletic Hip Score showed high correlation with the modified Harris Hip Score, the Nonarthritic Hip Score, and the International Hip Outcome Tool. The new score stratified athletes by injury category, demonstrated responsiveness and accuracy, and varied appropriately with improvements in injury category after treatment of injuries. Conclusion: The new KJOC Athletic Hip Score is valid, reliable, and responsive for evaluation of the hip in an athletic population. The results support its use for the functional assessment of the hip in future studies.