Rachel M. Frank

Trends in Meniscus Repair and Meniscectomy in the United States, 2005-2011

Background: Meniscus deficiency may lead to degenerative arthritis in the knee. There is a significant emphasis on meniscus preservation, particularly in the young patient, to reduce the risk of arthritis. Purpose: To report on the incidence of meniscus repair and meniscectomy, with and without concomitant anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, in the United States (US) over the past 7 years. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: Patients who underwent arthroscopic meniscectomy (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] codes 29880 and 29881), meniscus repair (CPT codes 29882 and 29883), and ACL reconstruction (CPT code 29888) for the years 2005 through 2011 were identified using the PearlDiver Patient Record Database. Age group and sex were collected for each patient. Patient groups included meniscectomy alone, meniscus repair alone, meniscus repair followed by meniscectomy, ACL reconstruction with concomitant meniscus repair, and ACL reconstruction with concomitant meniscus repair followed by meniscectomy. Linear regression and Student t tests were utilized for comparisons, with an α value of .05 set as significant. Results: The database represented approximately 9% of the US population under 65 years of age. There was no significant change in the number of patients in the covered population during the study time frame (P = .138). From 2005 to 2011, there were a total of 387,833 meniscectomies, 23,640 meniscus repairs, and 84,927 ACL reconstructions. There was a significant increase in the total number of isolated meniscus repairs performed (P = .001) and a doubling of the incidence of repairs from 2005 to 2011. There was no significant increase in the total number of meniscectomies performed (P = .712), while the incidence of meniscectomies increased only 14% from 2005 to 2011. There was no significant change in the number of meniscus repairs performed at the same time as ACL reconstruction during the study time frame. The total number and incidence of meniscectomies after repair with and without ACL reconstruction significantly decreased. Conclusion: There has been an increased number of isolated meniscus repairs being performed in the US over the past 7 years without a concomitant increase in meniscectomies over the same time frame. These data suggest that meniscus repairs are preferentially being performed over meniscectomies.

Does the Literature Confirm Superior Clinical Results in Radiographically Healed Rotator Cuffs After Rotator Cuff Repair

PURPOSE Because recurrent or persistent defects in the rotator cuff after repair are common, we sought to clarify the correlation between structural integrity of the rotator cuff and clinical outcomes through a systematic review of relevant studies. METHODS Medline, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for all literature published from January 1966 to December 2008 that used the key words shoulder, rotator cuff, rotator cuff tear, rotator cuff repair, arthroscopic, integrity, healed, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography arthrography (CTA), and ultrasound. The inclusion criteria were studies (Levels I to IV) that reported outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in healed and nonhealed repairs based on ultrasound, CTA, and/or MRI. Exclusionary criteria were studies that included open repair or subscapularis repair and studies that did not define outcomes based on healed versus nonhealed but rather used another variable (i.e., repair technique). Data were abstracted from the studies including patient demographics, tear characteristics, surgical procedure, rehabilitation, strength, range of motion, clinical scoring systems, and imaging studies. RESULTS Thirteen studies were included in the final analysis: 5 used ultrasound, 4 used MRI, 2 used CTA, and 2 used combined CTA/MRI for diagnosis of a recurrent tear. Statistical improvement in patients who had an intact cuff at follow-up was seen in Constant scores in 6 of 9 studies; in University of California, Los Angeles scores in 1 of 2 studies; in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores in 0 of 3 studies; and in Simple Shoulder Test scores in 0 of 2 studies. Increased range of motion in forward elevation was seen in 2 of 5 studies and increased strength in forward elevation in 5 of 8 studies. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that some important differences in clinical outcomes likely exist between patients with healed and nonhealed rotator cuff repairs. Further study is needed to conclusively define this difference and identify other important prognostic factors related to clinical outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, systematic review.

The Hill-Sachs lesion: diagnosis, classification, and management.

The Hill‐Sachs lesion is an osseous defect of the humeral head that is typically associated with anterior shoulder instability. The incidence of these lesions in the setting of glenohumeral instability is relatively high and approaches 100% in persons with recurrent anterior shoulder instability. Reverse Hill‐Sachs lesion has been described in patients with posterior shoulder instability. Glenoid bone loss is typically associated with the Hill‐Sachs lesion in patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability. The lesion is a bipolar injury, and identification of concomitant glenoid bone loss is essential to optimize clinical outcome. Other pathology (eg, Bankart tear, labral or capsular injuries) must be identified, as well. Treatment is dictated by subjective and objective findings of shoulder instability and radiographic findings. Nonsurgical management, including focused rehabilitation, is acceptable in cases of small bony defects and nonengaging lesions in which the glenohumeral joint remains stable during desired activities. Surgical options include arthroscopic and open techniques.

Improved Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery in Patients Undergoing T-Capsulotomy With Complete Repair Versus Partial Repair for Femoroacetabular Impingement A Comparative Matched-Pair Analysis

Background: Hip capsular management after hip arthroscopic surgery for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is controversial. Purpose/Hypothesis: To compare the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI with T-capsulotomy with partial capsular repair (PR; closed vertical incision, open interportal incision) versus complete capsular repair (CR; full closure of both incisions). The hypothesis was that there would be improved clinical outcomes in patients undergoing CR compared with those undergoing PR. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI by a single fellowship-trained surgeon from January 2011 to January 2012 were prospectively collected and analyzed. Inclusion criteria included all patients between ages 16 and 65 years with physical examination and radiographic findings consistent with symptomatic FAI, with a minimum 2-year follow-up. For analysis, patients were matched according to sex and age ±2 years. Primary clinical outcomes were measured via the Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL) and Sport-Specific (HOS-SS) subscales, the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), patient satisfaction (measured on a visual analog scale), and clinical improvement at baseline, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Statistical analysis was performed utilizing Student paired and unpaired t tests, with P < .05 considered significant. Results: A total of 64 patients were included in the study, with 32 patients (12 male, 20 female) in each group. The average follow-up was 29.9 ± 2.6 months. There were no significant demographic differences between the groups. The CR group demonstrated significantly superior outcomes in the HOS-SS at 6 months (PR: 63.8 ± 31.1 vs CR: 72.2 ± 16.1; P = .039), 1 year (PR: 72.7 ± 14.7 vs CR: 82.5 ± 10.7; P = .006), and 2.5 years (PR: 83.6 ± 9.6 vs CR: 87.3 ± 8.3; P < .0001) after surgery. Patient satisfaction at final follow-up was significantly better in the CR group (PR: 8.4 ± 1.0 vs CR: 8.6 ± 1.1; P = .025). Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in the HOS-ADL (PR: 64.6 ± 17.0 to 90.7 ± 8.4 [P < .0001]; CR: 66.1 ± 15.7 to 92.1 ± 7.9 [P < .0001]) and HOS-SS (PR: 39.4 ± 23.9 to 83.6 ± 9.6 [P < .0001]; CR: 39.1 ± 24.2 to 87.3 ± 8.3 [P < .0001]) at final follow-up. There were no significant differences between the groups in the HOS-ADL at any time point. There were no significant differences in the mHHS between the groups at final follow-up (PR: 82.5 ± 5.0 vs CR: 83.0 ± 4.4; P = .364). The overall revision rate was 6.25%; all patients (n = 4) who required revision arthroscopic surgery were in the PR group (13% of 32 patients), while no patients in the CR group required revision surgery. Conclusion: While significant improvements were seen at 6 months, 1 year, and 2.5 years of follow-up regardless of the closure technique, patients who underwent CR of the hip capsule demonstrated superior sport-specific outcomes compared with those undergoing PR. There was a 13% revision rate in the PR group, but no patients in the CR group required revision surgery. While longer term outcome studies are needed to determine if these results are maintained over time, these data suggest improved outcomes after CR compared with PR at 2.5 years after hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI.

Trends in the Surgical Treatment of Articular Cartilage Lesions in the United States: An Analysis of a Large Private-Payer Database Over a Period of 8 Years

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to quantify the current trends in knee cartilage surgical techniques performed in the United States from 2004 through 2011 using a large private-payer database. A secondary objective was to identify salient demographic factors associated with these procedures. METHODS We performed a retrospective database review using a large private-payer medical record database within the PearlDiver database. The PearlDiver database is a publicly available, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant national database compiled from a collection of private insurer records. A search was performed for surgical techniques in cartilage palliation (chondroplasty), repair (microfracture/drilling), and restoration (arthroscopic osteochondral autograft, arthroscopic osteochondral allograft, autologous chondrocyte implantation, open osteochondral allograft, and open osteochondral autograft). The incidence, growth, and demographic factors associated with the surgical procedures were assessed. RESULTS From 2004 through 2011, 198,876,000 patients were analyzed. A surgical procedure addressing a cartilage defect was performed in 1,959,007 patients, for a mean annual incidence of 90 surgeries per 10,000 patients. Across all cartilage procedures, there was a 5.0% annual incidence growth (palliative, 3.7%; repair, 0%; and restorative, 3.1%) (P = .027). Palliative techniques (chondroplasty) were more common (>2:1 ratio for repair [marrow-stimulation techniques] and 50:1 ratio for restoration [autologous chondrocyte implantation and osteochondral autograft and allograft]). Palliative surgical approaches were the most common technique, regardless of age, sex, or region. CONCLUSIONS Articular cartilage surgical procedures in the knee are common in the United States, with an annual incidence growth of 5%. Surgical techniques aimed at palliation are more common than cartilage repair and restoration techniques regardless of age, sex, or region. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, retrospective database analysis.

Posterior Instability of the Shoulder Diagnosis and Management

Recurrent posterior instability of the shoulder can be difficult to diagnose and technically challenging to treat. Although not as common as anterior instability, recurrent posterior shoulder instability is prevalent among certain demographic and sporting groups, and may be overlooked if one is not aware of the typical examination and radiographic findings. The diagnosis itself can be difficult as patients typically present with vague or confusing symptoms, and treatment has evolved from open to arthroscopic surgical techniques. This article is intended to review the anatomy and biomechanics associated with posterior shoulder instability, to discuss the pathogenesis and presentation of posterior instability, and to describe the variety of treatment options and clinical results.

The outcomes and surgical techniques of the latarjet procedure.

PURPOSE To determine the optimal position and orientation of the coracoid bone graft for the Latarjet procedure for recurrent instability in patients with recurrent anterior instability and high degrees of glenoid bone loss. METHODS A systematic review of the literature including the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed (1980-2012), and Medline (1980-2012) was conducted. The following search teams were used: glenoid bone graft, coracoid transfer, glenoid rim fracture, osseous glenoid defect, and Latarjet. Studies deemed appropriate for inclusion were then analyzed. Study data collected included level of evidence, patient demographic characteristics, preoperative variables, intraoperative findings, technique details, and postoperative recovery and complications where available. RESULTS The original search provided a total of 344 studies. A total of 334 studies were subsequently excluded because they were on an irrelevant topic, used an arthroscopic technique, or were not published in English or because they were review articles, leaving 10 studies eligible for inclusion. Given the different methods used in each of the studies included in the review, descriptive analysis was performed. The duration of follow-up ranged from 6 months to 14.3 years postoperatively. With the exception of 2 studies, all authors reported on recurrent shoulder instability after Latarjet reconstruction; the rate of recurrent anterior shoulder instability ranged from 0% to 8%. Overall patient satisfaction was listed in 4 studies, each of which reported good to excellent satisfaction rates of more than 90% at final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS As noted in this review, the current literature on Latarjet outcomes consists mostly of retrospective Level IV case series. Although promising outcomes with regard to a low rate of recurrent instability have been seen with these reports, it should be noted that subtle variations in surgical technique, among other factors, may drastically impact the likelihood of glenohumeral degenerative changes arising in these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, systematic review of Level IV studies.

Retrospective analysis of arthroscopic management of glenohumeral degenerative disease.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the results of arthroscopic debridement for isolated degenerative joint disease of the shoulder. METHODS We retrospectively identified 81 patients who had arthroscopic debridement to treat glenohumeral arthritis. Of these patients, 71 (88%) were available for follow-up. The preoperative Simple Shoulder Test score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Short Form 12 score, visual analog scale score for pain, and range of motion were recorded. These were compared against postoperative scores by use of the statistical paired t test. In addition, patients completed postoperative University of California, Los Angeles; Constant; and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores. Forty-six preoperative radiographs were blindly evaluated and classified. Finally, the need for subsequent shoulder arthroplasty was recorded. RESULTS The mean follow-up for the 55 patients who did not progress to arthroplasty was 27 months. The mean preoperative and postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Simple Shoulder Test, and pain visual analog scale scores all significantly improved (P < .05). Furthermore, range of motion significantly improved (P < .05) in flexion, abduction, and external rotation. Additional postoperative scores were as follows: University of California, Los Angeles, 28.3; Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, 71.1; Constant score for affected shoulder, 72.0; and Constant score for unaffected shoulder, 78.5. Of the patients, 16 (22%) underwent arthroplasty at a mean of 10.1 months after debridement. Radiographic review showed that 13 shoulders with a mean joint space of 1.5 mm and grade 2.4 arthrosis went on to have shoulder arthroplasty. In contrast, 33 shoulders with a mean joint space of 2.6 mm and grade 1.9 arthrosis did not go on to have shoulder arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS Patients with residual joint space and an absence of large osteophytes can avoid arthroplasty and have increased function with decreased pain after arthroscopic debridement for degenerative joint disease. Significant risk factors for failure include the presence of grade 4 bipolar disease, joint space of less than 2 mm, and large osteophytes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, case series.

Utility of Modern Arthroscopic Simulator Training Models

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to review the published literature on modern arthroscopic simulator training models to (1) determine the ability to transfer skills learned on the model to the operating room and (2) determine the learning curve required to translate such skills. METHODS A systematic review of all studies using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines was performed. Two independent reviewers then analyzed studies deemed appropriate for inclusion. Study data collected included participant demographic characteristics, simulator model, type and number of tasks, method of analysis, and results of training, when available. Given the different methods used in each study, descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria (9 shoulder, 9 knee, and 1 hip). A total of 465 participants with a mean age of 30 years were evaluated. Twelve studies (63%) compared task performance among participants of different experience levels, with 100% reporting a positive correlation between experience level and simulator performance. Eight studies (42%) evaluated task performance before and after simulator training, with 6 studies showing improvement after training; 1 study noted no difference in performance after 1 hour of training. One study commented on improved operating room performance after simulator training. No studies commented on the number of training sessions needed to translate skills learned on the models to the operating room. CONCLUSIONS This review suggests that practice on arthroscopic simulators improves performance on arthroscopic simulators. We cannot, however, definitively comment on whether simulator training correlates to an improved skill set in the operating room. Further work is needed to determine the type and number of training sessions needed to translate arthroscopic skills learned on the models to the operating room. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, systematic review of studies with Level I through IV evidence.

Survival and Reoperation Rates After Meniscal Allograft Transplantation: Analysis of Failures for 172 Consecutive Transplants at a Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

Background: Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) is a treatment option for knee pain in young patients with meniscal deficiency in the setting of intact articular surfaces, ligamentous stability, and normal alignment. It is being performed with increasing frequency, and the need for reoperations is not uncommon. A mean survival rate of allografts and indications for reoperations would be helpful information when counseling patients regarding the procedure. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to quantify survival for MAT and report findings at reoperation. The hypothesis was that the reoperation rate would be frequent and that the most common secondary surgery would be arthroscopic debridement. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of patients who underwent MAT from 2003 to 2011 was conducted; all surgeries were performed by a single surgeon. The reoperation rate, timing of reoperation, procedure performed at reoperation, and findings at surgery, including the status of the meniscal and articular cartilage, were reviewed. Survival was defined as a lack of revision MAT or knee arthroplasty. Descriptive statistics, log-rank testing, cross-tabulation, and χ2 testing were analyzed, with an α value of .05 set as significant. Results: Of 200 patients who underwent MAT during the study period, 172 patients (86%; mean age, 34.3 ± 10.3 years) were evaluated at a mean of 59 months (range, 24-118 months) with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Forty-one percent of MATs were isolated, while 60% were performed with concomitant procedures. Sixty-four patients (32%) returned to the operating room after their index procedure. Arthroscopic debridement was performed in 59% (38/64) of these patients. The mean time to subsequent surgery was 21 months (range, 2-107 months), with 73% occurring within 2 years. Eight of 172 patients (4.7%) went on to require revision MAT or total knee replacement. Patients requiring secondary surgery within 2 years had an odds ratio of 8.4 (95% CI, 1.6-43.4) for future arthroplasty or MAT revision (P = .007). Conclusion: In this series, there was a 32% reoperation rate for MAT, with simple arthroscopic debridement being the most common surgical treatment (59%), and a 95% allograft survival rate at a mean of 5 years. Those requiring additional surgery still benefited, having an 88% allograft survival rate, but were at an increased risk of failure. Patients requiring secondary surgery within 2 years had an odds ratio of 8.4 for future arthroplasty or MAT revision.