Ryan M. Degen

Outcomes After Arthroscopic Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement for Patients With Borderline Hip Dysplasia

Background: The outcomes of hip arthroscopy in the treatment of dysplasia are variable. Historically, arthroscopic treatment of severe dysplasia (lateral center-edge angle [LCEA] <18°) resulted in poor outcomes and iatrogenic instability. However, in milder forms of dysplasia, favorable outcomes have been reported. Purpose: To compare outcomes after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in borderline dysplastic (BD) patients compared with a control group of nondysplastic patients. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3 Methods: Between March 2009 and July 2012, a BD group (LCEA, 18°-25°) of 46 patients (55 hips) was identified. An age- and sex-matched control group of 131 patients (152 hips) was also identified (LCEA, 25°-40°). Patient-reported outcome scores, including the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL) and Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33), were collected preoperatively and at 1 and 2 years postoperatively. Results: The mean LCEA was 22.4° ± 2.0° (range, 18.4°-24.9°) in the BD group and 31.0° ± 3.1° (range, 25.4°-38.7°) in the control group (P < .001). The mean preoperative alpha angle was 66.3° ± 9.9° in the BD group and 61.7° ± 13.0° in the control group (P = .151). Cam decompression was performed in 98.2% and 99.3% of cases in the BD and control groups, respectively; labral repair was performed in 69.1% and 75.3% of the BD and control groups, respectively, with 100% of patients having a complete capsular closure performed in both groups. At a mean follow-up of 31.3 ± 7.6 months (range, 23.1-67.3 months) in unrevised patients and 21.6 ± 13.3 months (range, 4.7-40.6 months) in revised patients, there was significant improvement (P < .001) in all patient-reported outcome scores in both groups. Multiple regression analysis did not identify any significant differences between groups. Importantly, female sex did not appear to be a predictor for inferior outcomes. Two patients (4.3%) in the BD group and 6 patients (4.6%) in the control group required revision arthroscopy during the study period. Conclusion: Favorable outcomes can be expected after the treatment of impingement in patients with borderline dysplasia when labral refixation and capsular closure are performed, with comparable outcomes to nondysplastic patients. Further follow-up in larger cohorts is necessary to prove the durability and safety of hip arthroscopy in this challenging group and to further explore potential sex-related differences in outcome.

Return-to-play rates following arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement in competitive baseball players.

ABSTRACT Objective: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) has been increasingly recognized in cutting sports including soccer, hockey and football. More recently, the prevalence among overhead athletes has also been recognized. The purpose of this study was to review impingement patterns, return-to-play rates and clinical outcome following arthroscopic treatment of FAI among high-level baseball players. Methods: Between 2010 and 2014, 70 competitive baseball players (86 hips; age 22.4 ± 4.5 years) were identified. Demographics and return-to-play rates were recorded. Patient-reported outcome scores, including the Modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the Hip Outcome Score-Activity of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), the Sport-specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33), were collected pre-operatively at 6 months and 1year (n = 34, 49% of cohort). Results: The cohort included professional (27.1%), college (57.1%), high-school (8.6%) and club-team athletes (7.1%). Infielder (37.5%), pitcher (22.9%) and catcher (16.7%) were the most common positions. Average follow-up was 16.8 months (range 12.1–34.2). There was no relationship between playing position and impingement pattern (p ≥ 0.459), or between symptom laterality and handedness, batting position or playing position (p ≥ 0.179). One patient required revision surgery (infection). Return to sport rate was 88%, at a mean of 8.6 ± 4.2 months, with 97.7% returning at/above their pre-injury level of play. There was significant improvement in all outcome measures: mHHS (60.1 ± 11.9 to 93 ± 9.5), HOS-ADL (71.3 ± 16.7 to 96.3 ± 3.6), HOS-SSS (51.3 ± 24.8 to 92.3 ± 8.2) and iHOT-33 (40.7 ± 19.9 to 85.9 ± 14) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Arthroscopic treatment of FAI in competitive baseball players resulted in high return-to-play rates at short-term follow-up, with significant improvements in clinical outcome scores.

Higher critical shoulder angle increases the risk of retear after rotator cuff repair.

BACKGROUND No evaluation has been done on the relationship of the critical shoulder angle (CSA) with retear after rotator cuff repair. Our purpose was to evaluate whether a higher CSA is associated with retear after rotator cuff repair. METHODS This was a retrospective review of 76 patients who had undergone rotator cuff repair with postoperative ultrasound examination. Ultrasound findings were graded no retear (NT), partial-thickness (PT) retear, or full-thickness (FT) retear. Preoperative radiographs were used to measure CSA, glenoid inclination, lateral acromion angle, and acromion index. RESULTS Average age was 61.9 years (45.3-74.9 years). On ultrasound examination, 57 shoulders (74.0%) had NT, 11 (14.2%) had PT retears, and 8 (10.3%) had FT retears. There was no significant difference in retear rate by age, gender, or tension of repair. Average CSA was significantly lower for the NT group at 34.3° ± 2.9° than for the FT group at 38.6° ± 3.5° (P < .01). If CSA was >38°, the odds ratio of having an FT retear was 14.8 (P < .01). In addition, higher CSA inversely correlated with postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores (P < .03). Average glenoid inclination was significantly lower in the NT group at 12.3° ± 2.7° compared with 17.3° ± 2.6° in the FT group (P < .01). If glenoid inclination was >14, the odds ratio of having a FT retear was 15.0 (P < .01). CONCLUSION At short-term follow-up, higher CSA significantly increased the risk of an FT retear after rotator cuff repair. Also, increasing CSA correlated with worse postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores. This radiographic marker may help manage expectations for rotator cuff tear patients.

Trends in Bone-block Augmentation Among Recently Trained Orthopaedic Surgeons Treating Anterior Shoulder Instability

BACKGROUND Shoulder instability is a common entity requiring surgical stabilization. Although arthroscopic soft-tissue stabilization has been the most common surgical treatment, increased attention is now being paid to Latarjet coracoid transfers and bone-block augmentation, particularly with glenoid bone loss. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the current status of arthroscopic soft-tissue stabilization and bone-block augmentation stabilization techniques among newly trained orthopaedic surgeons in the United States. METHODS The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) database was utilized to identify shoulder instability cases submitted by ABOS Part-II Board Certification examination candidates. Cases were dichotomized into two groups: isolated soft-tissue stabilizations and bone-block augmentation procedures, including coracoid transfer. The two groups were then analyzed to determine trends in annual incidence, complication rates, types of complications, concomitant procedures, surgeon fellowship training, and geographic region of practice. RESULTS From 2004 to 2013, 6,854 surgeons submitted 7,587 shoulder instability surgical cases that met all inclusion criteria. Of these, 7,515 (99.1%) were isolated soft-tissue stabilizations, and 72 (0.95%) were bone-block glenoid augmentations. Surgeons with sports medicine fellowship training performed 61.85% of isolated soft-tissue stabilization procedures and 58.33% of bone-block stabilization procedures. The percentage of stabilization cases that utilized bone-block augmentation increased tenfold from 0.14% to 1.4% (p = 0.029) during the study period. The overall annual incidence of isolated soft-tissue stabilizations (p = 0.037) and bone-block procedures (p = 0.016) increased from 2004 to 2013. Although the complication rate of the bone-block procedures remained steady (mean rate, 20.8%; p = 0.932), the isolated soft-tissue stabilization complication rate rose from 4.9% to 9.0% (mean rate, 5.4%; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS A trend exists toward increased utilization of bone-block stabilization for the treatment of shoulder instability among recently trained orthopaedic surgeons. Complication rates remained relatively high (20.8%) for these procedures, but did not increase as was seen with the isolated soft-tissue stabilizations. Residency and fellowship programs should continue to focus on methods to optimize training for these procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Current Trends in Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Surgery Among Newly Trained Orthopaedic Surgeons

Introduction: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstructions are being performed with an increasing annual incidence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate trends in UCL surgery among recently trained orthopaedic surgeons. Methods: The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons (ABOS) database was used to identify all UCL reconstructions from 2004 to 2013. Procedures were identified by Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and verified by International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes. Data on surgeon fellowship, practice location, concomitant surgical procedures, and complications were collected. Results: One hundred sixty-four UCL reconstructions were performed by 133 ABOS Part II candidates. The annual incidence increased from 1.52 to 3.46 cases per 10,000 (P = 0.042). Reconstructions were most commonly performed by surgeons with fellowship training in sports medicine (65.9%), hand and upper extremity (18.9%), and shoulder and elbow (9.1%). Most reconstructions were performed in isolation (57.3%), or with ulnar nerve transposition (32.9%) or elbow arthroscopy (9.8%). Concomitant elbow arthroscopy rates decreased significantly (P = 0.022). Complications occurred in 9.8% of cases, although the rates did not significantly change (P = 0.466). Conclusions: UCL reconstructions are being performed with increasing frequency. Concomitant procedure rates remained the same, although arthroscopy was less commonly performed. Complication rates did not change considerably over the observed period. Further study of the surgical trends and associated long-term outcomes is warranted. Level of Evidence: Level IV

Pectoralis major tendon tears: functional outcomes and return to sport in a consecutive series of 40 athletes

BACKGROUND There are limited data on the outcomes of surgically repaired pectoralis major tendon (PMT) tears. The purpose of this study was to report the functional outcomes, return to sport, and second surgery rates in a consecutive series of PMT tears. METHODS Forty patients with acutely repaired PMT tears were retrospectively identified. Follow-up was conducted with functional outcome scores and adduction strength testing at final follow-up. Return to sport and incidence of subsequent surgery were also recorded. RESULTS The average age of the patients was 34.4 years (range, 23-59 years). Average follow-up was 2.5 years (range, 2-7.0 years). Twenty-three injuries (58%) occurred in the nondominant extremity. Bench press (n = 26) and contact sport participation (n = 14) were the most common mechanisms. Postoperative Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores averaged 93.6 (range, 62-100), with patient satisfaction of 9.6 of 10 (range, 6-10). All athletes returned to preinjury level of function approximately 5.5 months postoperatively (range, 4.5-6.5 months); 23.1% and 2.6% described mild or moderate difficulties with sport participation. Isokinetic strength evaluation revealed an average decrease of 9.9% (range, -18% to 41%). Application of the Bak criteria revealed 37% excellent, 26% good, and 37% fair outcomes, with most in the fair group reporting cosmetic concerns. Removing cosmesis, 46% scored excellent, 37% good, and only 17% fair. Three athletes required a second surgical procedure (7.5%). CONCLUSIONS Surgical repair of PMT tears resulted in high patient satisfaction, with excellent restoration of function and adduction strength, early return to sport, and few reoperations, albeit with the potential for mild cosmetic concerns.

A biomechanical assessment of superior shoulder translation after reconstruction of anterior glenoid bone defects: The Latarjet procedure versus allograft reconstruction

Background: The coracoacromial ligament (CAL) is an important restraint to superior shoulder translation. The effect of CAL release on superior stability following the Latarjet is unknown; therefore, our purpose was to compare the effect of two Latarjet techniques and allograft reconstruction on superior instability. Materials and Methods: Eight cadaveric specimens were tested on a simulator. Superior translation was monitored following an axial force in various glenohumeral rotations (neutral, internal, and external) with and without muscle loading. Three intact CAL states were tested (intact specimen, 30% glenoid bone defect, and allograft reconstruction) and two CAL deficient states (classic Latarjet (classicLAT) and congruent-arc Latarjet (congruentLAT)). Results: In neutral without muscle loading, a significant increase in superior translation occurred with the classicLAT as compared to 30% defect (P = 0.046) and allograft conditions (P = 0.041). With muscle loading, the classicLAT (P = 0.005, 0.002) and the congruentLAT (P = 0.018, 0.021) had significantly greater superior translation compared to intact and allograft, respectively. In internal rotation, only loaded tests produced significant results; specifically, classicLAT increased translation compared to all intact CAL states (P < 0.05). In external rotation, only unloaded tests produced significant results with classicLAT and congruentLAT allowing greater translations than intact (P ≤ 0.028). For all simulations, the allograft was not significantly different than intact (P > 0.05) and no differences (P = 1.0) were found between classicLAT and congruentLAT. Discussion: In most simulations, CAL release with the Latarjet lead to increased superior humeral translation. Conclusion: The choice of technique for glenoid bone loss reconstruction has implications on the magnitude of superior humeral translation. This previously unknown effect requires further study to determine its clinical and kinematic outcomes.

Psoas tunnel perforation—an unreported complication of hip arthroscopy

The utilization of hip arthroscopy is rapidly increasing due to improved arthroscopic techniques and training, better recognition of pathology responsible for non-arthritic hip pain and an increasing desire for minimally invasive procedures. With increasing rates of arthroscopy, associated complications are also being recognized. We present a series of six patients who experienced psoas tunnel perforation during anchor insertion from the distal anterolateral portal during labral repair. All patients underwent prior hip arthroscopy and labral repair and presented with persistent symptoms at least partly attributable to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-documented psoas tunnel perforation. Their clinical records, operative notes and intra-operative photographs were reviewed. All patients presented with persistent pain, both with an anterior impingement test and resisted hip flexion. MRI imaging demonstrated medial cortical perforation with anchors visualized in the psoas tunnel, adjacent to the iliopsoas muscle. Four patients have undergone revision hip arthroscopy, whereas two have undergone periacetabular osteotomies. All patients had prominent anchors in the psoas tunnel removed at the time of surgery, with varying degrees of concomitant pathology appropriately treated during the revision procedure. Care must be utilized during medial anchor placement to avoid psoas tunnel perforation. Although this complication alone was not the sole cause for revision in each case, it may have contributed to their poor outcome and should be avoided in future cases. This can be accomplished by using a smaller anchor, inserting the anchor from the mid-anterior portal and checking the drill hole with a nitinol wire prior to anchor insertion.

Hip arthroscopy utilization and associated complications: a population-based analysis.

Abstract The purpose of this study is to review the trends in hip arthroscopy using data from a statewide database, focusing on utilization rates, patient demographics and complication rates. The Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database for New York State was queried for cases of hip arthroscopy from 1998 to 2012. Patient demographics and procedural details were collected. Patients were subsequently reviewed for complications and readmissions within 30 and 90 days. In total, 12 194 hip arthroscopy procedures were performed by 295 surgeons in 137 centers between 1998 and 2012. There was a 95-fold increase in the annual frequency of hip arthroscopy procedures between 1998 (n = 24) and 2012 (n = 2296). Thirty-day complication rates were 0.2% (n = 19), whereas the 90-day complication rate was 0.3% (n = 30). The all-cause 30-day readmission rate was 0.5% (n = 66), whereas the 90-day rate was 1.6% (n = 200). The number of surgeons performing hip arthroscopy increased 7-fold over the observation period. However, only 14.9% (n = 44) of surgeons performed more than 30 procedures annually. Lower volume surgeons (<102 cases/year) demonstrated significantly higher 90-day readmission rates, compared with higher volume surgeons (>163 cases/year, P < 0.0060); however, complication rates and readmission rates did not differ based on surgeon volume. Our findings confirm our hypothesis, demonstrating a significant increase in utilization of hip arthroscopy in the State of New York. We did not identify an associated increase in annual complication rates as hypothesized with increasing utilization, although there was an association of higher readmission rates among lower volume surgeons. Further study is needed to define rates of failure requiring revision hip arthroscopy or conversion to arthroplasty, and to clarify the relationship between complication rates and surgeon volume and case complexity. Level of Evidence: III, retrospective cohort series.

Three or more preoperative injections is the most significant risk factor for revision surgery after operative treatment of lateral epicondylitis: an analysis of 3863 patients

BACKGROUND This study was conducted to identify the rate of failure of operative treatment of lateral epicondylitis, defined as progression to ipsilateral revision surgery, and associated patient-specific risk factors for failure. METHODS A national database was used to identify patients undergoing surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis from 2005 to 2012. Patients undergoing concomitant procedures were excluded. Patients who then required subsequent ipsilateral extensor carpi radialis brevis débridement or release within 2 years were identified using similar methods. A multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate patient-related risk factors for revision surgery. In addition, the number of preoperative injections (1, 2, or ≥3) in the ipsilateral elbow was identified and included in the regression analysis. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each risk factor. RESULTS Of 3863 patients who underwent operative treatment of lateral epicondylitis, 58 (1.5%) required ipsilateral revision surgery. Risk factors for revision surgery included age <65 years (OR, 2.95; P = .003), male gender (OR, 1.53; P = .017), morbid obesity (OR, 2.13; P = .002), tobacco use (OR, 1.87; P < .001), and inflammatory arthritis (OR, 1.79; P = .009). Having ≥3 ipsilateral preoperative injections was the most significant risk factor (OR, 3.55; P < .001), whereas having 2 (OR, 1.44; P = .135) or 1 (OR, 1.15; P = .495) was not significant. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of failure requiring revision surgery for lateral epicondylitis in the studied population is low (1.5%). Risk factors for revision surgery include younger age, male gender, morbid obesity, tobacco use, and inflammatory arthritis. The most significant risk factor for revision surgery is having ≥3 ipsilateral preoperative injections.