Paul B. Lewis

Biceps tenotomy versus tenodesis: a review of clinical outcomes and biomechanical results

HYPOTHESIS There are significant differences in incidence of cosmetic deformity and load to tendon failure between biceps tenotomy versus tenodesis for the treatment of long head of the biceps brachii (LHB) tendon lesions which are supported by the evidence-based strengths and weaknesses of each procedure in the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for eligible clinical and biomechanical articles relating to biceps tenotomy or tenodesis from 1966 to 2010. Keywords were biceps tenotomy, biceps tenodesis, long head of the biceps brachii, and Popeye sign. All relevant studies were included based on study objectives, and excluded studies consisted of abstracts, case reports, letters to the editor, and articles without outcome measures. RESULTS All articles reviewed were of level IV evidence. Combined results from reviewed papers on the differences between LHB tenotomy vs tenodesis demonstrated a higher incidence of cosmetic deformity in patients treated with biceps tenotomy. Complications were similar for each treatment, with a higher likelihood of bicipital pain associated with tenodesis. Lack of high levels of evidence from prospective randomized trials limits our ability to recommend one technique over another. DISCUSSION This review demonstrated a higher incidence of cosmetic deformity in patients treated with biceps tenotomy compared with tenodesis, with an associated lower load to tendon failure. However, there was no consensus in the literature regarding the use of tenotomy vs. tenodesis for LHB tendon lesions due to variable results and methodology of published studies. Individual patient factors and needs should guide surgeons on whether to use tenotomy or tenodesis. CONCLUSIONS There is a great need for future studies with high levels of evidence, control, randomization, and power, with well-defined study variables, to compare biceps tenotomy and tenodesis for the treatment of LHB tendon lesions.

Systematic Review of Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Outcomes A Baseline Assessment for Consideration of Double-Bundle Techniques

Background:There is increasing interest in comparing the efficacy of single-bundle versus double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Challenging this comparison, however, has been the lack of an established consensus on the success of single-bundle reconstruction.Hypothesis:The current outcomes of single-bundle reconstruction can be clarified from a large unbiased body of evidence for future comparisons with double-bundle reconstructions.Study Design:Systematic review.Methods:A systematic review of 11 randomized, controlled trials comparing patellar tendon and hamstring tendon grafting is reported. The respective outcomes of each group were combined to assist the orthopaedic surgeon in assessing the current success of single-bundle reconstruction. The primary factors assessed were tibial subluxation and side-to-side differences in laxity. Secondary outcomes included concomitant injuries and treatments, complications, graft failure, range of motion, and radiographic evidence of degenerative c...Background There is increasing interest in comparing the efficacy of single-bundle versus double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Challenging this comparison, however, has been the lack of an established consensus on the success of single-bundle reconstruction. Hypothesis The current outcomes of single-bundle reconstruction can be clarified from a large unbiased body of evidence for future comparisons with double-bundle reconstructions. Study Design Systematic review. Methods A systematic review of 11 randomized, controlled trials comparing patellar tendon and hamstring tendon grafting is reported. The respective outcomes of each group were combined to assist the orthopaedic surgeon in assessing the current success of single-bundle reconstruction. The primary factors assessed were tibial subluxation and side-to-side differences in laxity. Secondary outcomes included concomitant injuries and treatments, complications, graft failure, range of motion, and radiographic evidence of degenerative changes. Results In this review of 1024 single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions, 495 concomitant meniscal tears, 95 chondral injuries, and 2 posterior cruciate ligament tears were noted. The complication rate was 6%, and graft failure 4%. Reported pivot-shift test results were negative in 81 % of cases; reported Lachman tests were negative in 59% cases; and KT-1000 arthrometer side-to-side differences were ≤5 mm in 86% of cases. Flexion and extension deficits were reported in 9 of 11 studies through mean range of motion or deficit ranges. Radiographic changes of articular surface abnormalities were observed in 7% of the knees at follow-up investigation. Conclusion Systematic review of a significant body of unbiased outcome data on single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction demonstrates it to be a safe, consistent surgical procedure affording reliable results. Clinical Relevance These results may be used to assist orthopaedic surgeons in evaluating the benefit and practicality of pursuing new anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction techniques over standard single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Trochlear Contact Pressures After Anteromedialization of the Tibial Tubercle

Background Anteromedialization is recommended for cartilage restoration of patellofemoral defects, with the presumption that it decreases contact pressures across the trochlea. No study has evaluated pressures on the trochlear side of the patellofemoral joint after anteromedialization of the tibial tubercle. Hypothesis Anteromedialization of the tibial tubercle decreases contact pressure across the trochlea. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Ten cadaveric knees were tested by placing an electroresistive pressure sensor on the femoral side of the patellofemoral joint. A validated model of nonweightbearing resisted extension was simulated by loading the extensor mechanism at 89.1 N and 178.2 N. Knees were tested 3 times per load at 30°, 60°, 90°, and 105°. The center of force and pressure across the patellofemoral articulation were compared before and after a reproducible and consistent anteromedialization. Results The mean center of force shifted medially after anteromedialization at 89.1 N and 178.2 N. At 89.1 N, the mean total contact pressure decreased significantly (P <. 05) at all angles, and at 178.2 N, it decreased significantly at 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion. The mean lateral trochlear contact pressure decreased significantly (P <. 05) at all flexion angles at both 89.1 N and 178.2 N. The mean central trochlear contact pressure decreased significantly (P <. 05) at 30° with the 89.1-N and 178.2-N loads but increased significantly (P <. 05) at 90° with the 89.1-N load. The mean medial trochlear contact pressure increased significantly (P <. 05) at all flexion angles at 89.1 N and 178.2 N. Conclusion Anteromedialization shifts the contact force to the medial trochlea and decreases the mean total contact pressure. Clinical Relevance Anteromedialization decreases the mean total contact pressure while shifting contact pressure toward the medial trochlea. This study suggests that anteromedialization is appropriate for unloading the lateral trochlea. However, this procedure appears to have minimal benefit on central chondral defects, and it may actually increase the load in patients with medial defects.

Muscle soreness and delayed-onset muscle soreness.

Immediate and delayed-onset muscle soreness differ mainly in chronology of presentation. Both conditions share the same quality of pain, eliciting and relieving activities and a varying degree of functional deficits. There is no single mechanism for muscle soreness; instead, it is a culmination of 6 different mechanisms. The developing pathway of DOMS begins with microtrauma to muscles and then surrounding connective tissues. Microtrauma is then followed by an inflammatory process and subsequent shifts of fluid and electrolytes. Throughout the progression of these events, muscle spasms may be present, exacerbating the overall condition. There are a multitude of modalities to manage the associated symptoms of immediate soreness and DOMS. Outcomes of each modality seem to be as diverse as the modalities themselves. The judicious use of NSAIDs and continued exercise are suggested to be the most reliable methods and recommended. This review article and each study cited, however, represent just one part of the clinicians decisionmaking process. Careful affirmation of temporary deficits from muscle soreness is not to be taken lightly, nor is the advisement and medical management of muscle soreness prescribed by the clinician.

Biceps tendinitis in chronic rotator cuff tears : A histologic perspective

Patients with chronic rotator cuff tears frequently have anterior shoulder pain attributed to the long head of the biceps brachii (LHBB) tendon. In this study, tenodesis or tenotomy samples and cadaveric controls were assessed by use of immunohistochemical and histologic methods to quantify inflammation, vascularity, and neuronal plasticity. Patients had moderate pain and positive results on at least 1 clinical test of shoulder function. The number of axons in the distal LHBB was significantly less in patients with biceps tendinitis. Calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P immunostaining was predominantly within nerve roots and blood vessels. A moderate correlation (R = 0.5) was identified between LHBB vascularity and pain scores. On the basis of these results, we conclude that, in the context of rotator cuff disease, the etiology of anterior shoulder pain with macroscopic changes in the biceps tendon is related to the complex interaction of the tendon and surrounding soft tissues, rather than a single entity.

A Randomized, Prospective, Double-Blind Study to Investigate the Effectiveness of Adding DepoMedrol to a Local Anesthetic Injection in Postmeniscectomy Patients With Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Background Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee are at risk for poorer outcomes after arthroscopic meniscectomy. Intra-articular corticosteroid injections have been shown to be efficacious both in patients with osteoarthritis and postarthroscopy patients. Hypothesis A postoperative, intra-articular methylprednisolone and lidocaine injection in patients with chondromalacia undergoing meniscectomy will improve patient-rated pain and function compared with control patients. Study Design Randomized, controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods A total of 58 patients (59 knees) were randomized in a double-blinded fashion to receive either saline plus lidocaine (saline) or methylprednisolone plus lidocaine (steroid) after arthroscopic meniscectomy in which chondromalacia (modified Outerbridge grade 2 or higher) was confirmed. Preoperatively and at follow-up—6 weeks and 6, 9, and 12 months—patients underwent an examination and completed a subjective functioning survey. Scores were calculated using several validated scoring systems including the Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Short Form–12 (SF-12). Results No statistically significant differences were observed between the saline (n = 30) and steroid (n = 29) groups in their demographics and preoperative scores. At 6 weeks, the steroid group had higher scores than the saline group on multiple scales, including the IKDC. No differences in outcome scores existed at later time points. At 12 months, 86% of the steroid and 69% of the saline group were completely or mostly satisfied with the procedure (P = .01). In the saline group, 4 patients required reinjection and 2 underwent joint replacements within 12 months, while the steroid group had 3 reinjections and 2 meniscus transplants. Conclusion The addition of a postoperative corticosteroid injection resulted in improved pain and function at an early time point; however, it provided no lasting difference compared with only local anesthetic injection.

Oral Corticosteroid Use for Loss of Flexion After Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

PURPOSE Postoperative loss of motion after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction can lead to suboptimal outcomes. Short-term low-dose oral corticosteroids are an option for nonsurgical management of this condition. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively review a series of patients treated with a single Medrol Dosepak (MDP) (Pfizer, New York, NY) in the early postoperative period for the treatment of loss of flexion, focusing on range of motion, objective instrumented stability measurements, and complications. METHODS From September 1, 2003, through January 1, 2007, 28 (11%) of 252 patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction were treated with an MDP at a mean of 6.1 weeks postoperatively (range, 4 to 12 weeks; SD, 1.4 weeks) for early postoperative loss of motion. Of these 28 patients, 4 were not included because of unavailable clinical records. One patient who underwent combined ACL and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with medial collateral ligament repair was excluded from the analysis. Range-of-motion and KT-1000 (MEDmetric, San Diego, CA) measurements were independently recorded by a single examiner preoperatively, at 6 weeks postoperatively, and again at final follow-up evaluation at a mean of 10.4 months (range, 4 to 24 months; SD, 4.3 months). RESULTS The mean flexion deficit compared with the normal, contralateral knee at the time of treatment with an MDP was 31.3 degrees (range, -2 degrees to 55 degrees ; SD, 14.8 degrees ). Patients treated with an MDP showed a significant improvement in flexion deficit (mean, 29.2 degrees; range, 0 degrees to 60 degrees ; SD, 17.1 degrees ) after MDP treatment (P < .001). KT-1000 side-to-side differences at final examination were 2 mm or less in 22 of 23 patients (mean, 1 mm; range, 0 to 4 mm; SD, 1 mm). Of the 23 patients treated with an MDP, 5 (22%) were considered failures because they required surgical intervention for persistent loss of motion, resulting in a reoperation rate for loss of motion after primary ACL reconstruction of 2.0% (5/252). There were no documented complications of MDP treatment. Specifically, no patients treated with an MDP had a postoperative infection develop. CONCLUSIONS The use of oral corticosteroids, in the form of an MDP, was associated with a successful return of normal range of motion in 78% of patients with early postsurgical loss of flexion and near-normal extension after primary ACL reconstruction without any associated complications or decrease in objective instrumented stability measurements. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Prospective Randomized Single-blinded Controlled Clinical Trial of Percutaneous Neuromodulation Pain Therapy Device Versus Sham for the Osteoarthritic Knee: A Pilot Study

This pilot study presents the initial results for a percutaneous neuromodulation pain therapy device (Deepwave) that is associated with no morbidity, good pain relief, and increased function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Cervical Syrinx as a Cause of Shoulder Pain in 2 Athletes

nose a neurologic, endocrine, oncologic, gynecologic, or infectious disease because of the musculoskeletal symptoms associated with nonorthopaedic conditions. In this respect, the orthopaedic clinician must maintain a high index of suspicion for remarkable disease processes outside the orthopaedic differential diagnosis. Many neurologic conditions are first seen with musculoskeletal symptoms. The intimate relationship between the neurologic and musculoskeletal systems must be appreciated by the practicing clinician. One such disorder that may have simultaneously presenting neurologic and musculoskeletal symptoms is syringomyelia. Syringomyelia is a condition characterized by the existence of fluid-filled cavities in the spinal cord. The syringomyelic cavity, or syrinx, is formed by a disturbance in the normal cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) flow. Although classically associated with pes cavus and scoliosis, a syrinx can have variable presentations. This report describes 2 cases of syrinx presenting with localized symptoms in a single extremity. The consequences of missing the diagnosis of syringomyelia can be devastating because of the possible progression to neuropathic arthropathy. Despite its importance and likelihood of being seen by an orthopaedic surgeon, there is no recent review of the diagnosis in orthopaedic literature. The purpose of this communication is to describe the presentation of a syrinx in an athlete and review the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of syringomyelia for the practicing orthopaedic clinician. A discussion of the pathophysiology behind syrinx development is complex and well debated and, therefore, beyond the scope of this article. The interested reader is referred to a recent review by Greitz.

Flexion Posteroanterior Radiographs Affect Both Enrollment for and Outcomes After Injection Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: Knee injection therapy is less effective for severe osteoarthritis (OA), specifically Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade 4. Patient selection for knee injection trials has historically been based on extension anteroposterior (AP) radiographic evaluation; however, emerging evidence suggests that KL grading using a flexion posteroanterior (PA) radiograph more accurately and reproducibly predicts disease severity. The impact of radiographic view on patient selection and outcome after knee injection therapy remains unknown. Hypothesis: A 45° flexion PA radiograph will reveal more advanced knee OA in certain patients. These patients will report worse pre- and postinjection outcomes. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Four raters independently graded extension AP and flexion PA radiographs from 91 patients previously enrolled in a knee injection trial. Patients determined to have KL grade 4 OA by any rater on extension AP radiographs were excluded. Among included patients, those upgraded to KL grade 4 on flexion PA radiographs by at least 2 raters constituted group 2, while all remaining patients constituted group 1. Demographic data and patient-reported outcome scores before injection and at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postinjection were compared between groups. Results: Overall, 64 patients met the inclusion criteria, of which 19 patients (30%) constituted group 2. Compared with group 1, patients in group 2 were older (58.7 vs 52.3 years, P = .02), had worse visual analog scale pain scores before (6.6 vs 5.3, P = .03) and 6 months after injection (5.3 vs 3.5, P = .01), had less improvement in both Lysholm (8.5 vs 20.5, P = .02) and Short Form–12 physical component (–2.2 vs 1.7, P = .03) scores from preinjection to 6 months postinjection, and had less improvement in both Lysholm (1.6 vs 13.1, P = .03) and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score sport subscale (–2.1 vs 16, P = .01) scores from preinjection to 12 months postinjection. Conclusion: One in 3 patients considered to have mild to moderate knee OA on extension AP radiography is upgraded to severe knee OA (KL grade 4) on flexion PA radiography. These patients report worse preinjection outcomes, worse pain scores at short-term follow-up, and decreased improvement in knee function scores between 6 months and 1 year postinjection.