T. Sean Lynch

Hip Arthroscopic Surgery Patient Evaluation, Current Indications, and Outcomes

Arthroscopic surgery in the hip joint has historically lagged behind its counterparts in the shoulder and knee. However, the management of hip injuries in the athletic population has rapidly evolved over the past decade with our improved understanding of mechanical hip pathology as well as the marked improvement in imaging modalities and arthroscopic techniques. Current indications for hip arthroscopic surgery may include symptomatic labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), hip capsular laxity/instability, chondral lesions, disorders of the peritrochanteric or deep gluteal space, septic joint, loose bodies, and ligamentum teres injuries. Furthermore, hip arthroscopic surgery is developing an increasingly important role as an adjunct diagnostic and therapeutic tool in conjunction with open femoral and/or periacetabular osteotomy for complex hip deformities. Arthroscopic techniques have evolved to allow for effective and comprehensive treatment of various hip deformities. Techniques for extensile arthroscopic capsulotomies have allowed for improved central and peripheral compartment exposure and access for labral takedown, refixation, treatment of chondral injury, and osteochondroplasty of the femoral head-neck junction and acetabular rim. While favorable short-term and midterm clinical outcomes have been reported after arthroscopic treatment of prearthritic hip lesions, greater long-term follow-up is necessary to assess the efficacy of hip arthroscopic surgery in altering the natural history and progressive degenerative changes associated with FAI.

Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries in the National Football League Epidemiology and Management

Background: Previous studies investigating acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries in professional American football players have only been reported on quarterbacks during the 1980s and 1990s. These injuries have not been evaluated across all position players in the National Football League (NFL). Purpose: The purpose of this study was 4-fold: (1) to determine the incidence of AC joint injuries among all NFL position players; (2) to investigate whether player position, competition setting, type of play, and playing surface put an athlete at an increased risk for this type of injury; (3) to determine the incidence of operative and nonoperative management of these injuries; and (4) to compare the time missed for injuries treated nonoperatively to the time missed for injuries requiring surgical intervention. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiological study. Methods: All documented injuries of the AC joint were retrospectively analyzed using the NFL Injury Surveillance System (NFLISS) over a 12-season period from 2000 through 2011. The data were analyzed by the anatomic location, player position, field conditions, type of play, requirement of surgical management, days missed per injury, and injury incidence. Results: Over 12 NFL seasons, there were a total of 2486 shoulder injuries, with 727 (29.2%) of these injuries involving the AC joint. The overall rate of AC joint injuries in these athletes was 26.1 injuries per 10,000 athlete exposures, with the majority of these injuries occurring during game activity on natural grass surfaces (incidence density ratio, 0.79) and most often during passing plays. These injuries occurred most frequently in defensive backs, wide receivers, and special teams players; however, the incidence of these injuries was greatest in quarterbacks (20.9 injuries per 100 players), followed by special teams players (20.7/100) and wide receivers (16.5/100). Overall, these athletes lost a mean of 9.8 days per injury, with quarterbacks losing the most time to injury (mean, 17.3 days). The majority of these injuries were low-grade AC joint sprains that were treated with nonoperative measures; only 13 (1.7%) required surgical management. Players who underwent surgical management lost a mean of 56.2 days. Conclusion: Shoulder injuries, particularly those of the AC joint, occur frequently in the NFL. These injuries can result in time lost but rarely require operative management. Quarterbacks had the highest incidence of injury; however, this incidence is lower than in previous investigations that evaluated these injuries during the 1980s and 1990s.

Biologic and pharmacologic augmentation of rotator cuff repairs.

As rotator cuff repair techniques have improved, failure of the tendon to heal to the proximal humerus is less likely to occur from weak tendon-to-bone fixation. More likely causes of failure include biologic factors such as intrinsic tendon degeneration, fatty atrophy, fatty infiltration of muscle, and lack of vascularity of the tendons. High failure rates have led to the investigation of biologic augmentation to potentially enhance the healing response. Histologic studies have shown that restoration of the rotator cuff footprint during repair can help reestablish the enthesis. In animal models, growth factors and their delivery scaffolds as well as tissue engineering have shown promise in decreasing scar tissue while maintaining biomechanical strength. Platelet-rich plasma may be a safe adjuvant to rotator cuff repair, but it has not been shown to improve healing or function. Many of these strategies need to be further defined to permit understanding of, and to optimize, the biologic environment; in addition, techniques need to be refined for clinical use.

Clinical and radiographic comparisons of two different radial head implant designs

BACKGROUND There is little comparative data to guide implant choice for radial head replacements. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results between patients who received a smooth-stemmed bipolar radial head implant and patients who received an in-growth monopolar prosthesis. METHODS Twenty-seven patients requiring a metallic radial head implant in the management of acute or chronic elbow trauma were evaluated. Fourteen patients received a smooth-stemmed bipolar prosthesis and 13 patients received a press-fit monopolar prosthesis. Patients returned for follow-up at an average of 33 months (range, 18-57). Outcome assessments included joint motion, elbow stability, grip strength, pain, the Mayo Elbow Performance Index, and the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire. Radiographs were reviewed for joint congruence, ectopic bone, periprosthetic osteolysis, degenerative arthritis, and capitellar wear, and selected patients were tested for inflammatory markers and metal ion levels. RESULTS The differences between patient groups for elbow flexion and forearm pronation averaged 10° or less. There were no other pertinent differences between groups for standardized patient and examiner-determined outcomes. There was a trend for ectopic bone to develop more commonly around the smooth-stemmed implants, while periprosthetic osteolysis was more pronounced in cases with the press-fit design. Inflammatory markers were normal, and metal ion levels did not exceed values reported for a well-functioning hip arthroplasty. CONCLUSION Outcomes at short- to mid-term follow-up were similar with either implant design. Loosening of a press-fit prosthesis may lead to extensive osteolysis, but of undetermined clinical consequence.

The anterior deltoid's importance in reverse shoulder arthroplasty: a cadaveric biomechanical study.

BACKGROUND Frequently, patients who are candidates for reverse shoulder arthroplasty have had prior surgery that may compromise the anterior deltoid muscle. There have been conflicting reports on the necessity of the anterior deltoid thus it is unclear whether a dysfunctional anterior deltoid muscle is a contraindication to reverse shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to determine the 3-dimensional (3D) moment arms for all 6 deltoid segments, and determine the biomechanical significance of the anterior deltoid before and after reverse shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS Eight cadaveric shoulders were evaluated with a 6-axis force/torque sensor to assess the direction of rotation and 3D moment arms for all 6 segments of the deltoid both before and after placement of a reverse shoulder prosthesis. The 2 segments of anterior deltoid were unloaded sequentially to determine their functional role. RESULTS The 3D moment arms of the deltoid were significantly altered by placement of the reverse shoulder prosthesis. The anterior and middle deltoid abduction moment arms significantly increased after placement of the reverse prosthesis (P < .05). Furthermore, the loss of the anterior deltoid resulted in a significant decrease in both abduction and flexion moments (P < .05). CONCLUSION The anterior deltoid is important biomechanically for balanced function after a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Losing 1 segment of the anterior deltoid may still allow abduction; however, losing both segments of the anterior deltoid may disrupt balanced abduction. Surgeons should be cautious about performing reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients who do not have a functioning anterior deltoid muscle.

Graft Selection in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery: Who gets What and Why?

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common and affect a young, active patient population. Despite much research, ACL reconstruction graft choice remains a topic of debate. Based on the best available evidence, autograft seems to be superior to allograft for ACL reconstruction in young, active patients. Future high-level studies are required in order to better define the role of allograft in ACL reconstruction. As graft choice is often influenced by surgeon preference, it is important that surgeons understand the current literature as well as the goals of their patients.

Common Shoulder Injuries in American Football Athletes.

American football is a collision sport played by athletes at high speeds. Despite the padding and conditioning in these athletes, the shoulder is a vulnerable joint, and injuries to the shoulder girdle are common at all levels of competitive football. Some of the most common injuries in these athletes include anterior and posterior glenohumeral instability, acromioclavicular pathology (including separation, osteolysis, and osteoarthritis), rotator cuff pathology (including contusions, partial thickness, and full thickness tears), and pectoralis major and minor tears. In this article, we will review the epidemiology and clinical and radiographic workup of these injuries. We also will evaluate the effectiveness of surgical and nonsurgical management specifically related to high school, collegiate, and professional football athletes.

Superior Labrum Anterior-Posterior Tears in the National Football League

Background: Shoulder disorders are common in football players, with up to 50% of National Football League (NFL) recruits reporting a history of shoulder injuries. Superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) tears are an entity with well-described detrimental effects on return to play in overhead-throwing athletes but with minimal data in contact athletes. Purpose: To identify the incidence, predisposing factors, and effect of SLAP tears in NFL athletes and prospects as well as the treatment patterns of NFL team physicians. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: This study was a comprehensive analysis of SLAP tears in elite football players using a dual approach: (1) SLAP injuries recorded in the NFL Injury Surveillance System from 2000 to 2014 were evaluated by player position, type of play, days/games lost, and surgical intervention; (2) NFL Scouting Combine athletes from 2003 to 2011 with prior SLAP repair were evaluated for draft success, and drafted athletes were compared with matched controls for career length and performance scores. Results: SLAP tears represented a small portion (3.1%) of shoulder injuries in NFL athletes from 2000 to 2014, occurring most commonly in offensive linemen (28%). Surgically treated SLAP tears (42%) resulted in more days missed than did nonoperatively managed tears (140.2 vs 21.5 days; P < .001) and more games missed (8.4 vs 2.6 games; P = .003). SLAP repairs were also rare in NFL Combine athletes (n = 25 of 2965 athletes), with most having been performed in offensive linemen (32%). As compared with control NFL Combine athletes without SLAP tears, those drafted into the NFL with prior SLAP repair played significantly fewer games (33.7 vs 48.3; P = .049) and had fewer game starts (19.6 vs 35.4; P = .036). Conclusion: In this comprehensive analysis of SLAP tears in elite football players, it is clear that these injuries have the potential to cause significant detriment to an athlete’s career.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predictors of Failure in the Nonoperative Management of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries in Professional Baseball Pitchers

Background: A medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury of the elbow is an increasingly common injury in professional baseball pitchers. Predictors of success and failure are not well defined for the nonoperative management of these injuries. Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of objective measures to predict failure of the nonoperative management of UCL injuries. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Thirty-two professional pitchers (82%) met inclusion criteria and underwent an initial trial of nonoperative treatment for UCL tears based on clinical and radiological findings. Age, preseason physical examination results, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics, and performance metrics were analyzed for these pitchers. Successful nonoperative management was defined as a return to the same level of play or higher for >1 year. Failure was defined as recurrent pain or weakness requiring a surgical intervention after a minimum of 3 months’ rest when attempting a return to a throwing rehabilitation program. Results: Thirty-two pitchers (mean age, 22.3 years) who underwent initial nonoperative treatment of UCL injuries were evaluated. Thirty-four percent (11/32) failed and required subsequent ligament reconstruction. Sixty-six percent (21/32) successfully returned to the same level of play for 1 year without a surgical intervention. There was no significant difference seen in physical examination findings or performance metrics between these patients. When comparing MRI findings between the groups, 82% (9/11) (P < .001) who failed nonoperative management had distal tears, and 81% (17/21) who did not fail had proximal tears (P < .001). When adjusting for age, location, and evidence of chronic changes on MRI, the likelihood of failing nonoperative management was 12.40 times greater (P = .020) with a distal tear. No other variable alone or in combination reached significance. When combining the parameters of a high-grade tear and distal location, 88% (7/8) failed nonoperative management. Conclusion: In professional pitchers, distal UCL tears showed significantly higher odds of failure with nonoperative management compared with proximal tears. Thus, tear location should be considered when deciding between operative and nonoperative management.

Pre-existing Lumbar Spine Diagnosis as a Predictor of Outcomes in National Football League Athletes

Background: It is currently unknown how pre-existing lumbar spine conditions may affect the medical evaluation, draft status, and subsequent career performance of National Football League (NFL) players. Purpose: To determine if a pre-existing lumbar diagnosis affects a player’s draft status or his performance and longevity in the NFL. Study Design: Cohort study; Level 3. Methods: The investigators evaluated the written medical evaluations and imaging reports of prospective NFL players from a single franchise during the NFL Scouting Combine from 2003 to 2011. Players with a reported lumbar spine diagnosis and with appropriate imaging were included in this study. Athletes were then matched to control draftees without a lumbar spine diagnosis by age, position, year, and round drafted. Career statistics and performance scores were calculated. Results: Of a total of 2965 athletes evaluated, 414 were identified as having a pre-existing lumbar spine diagnosis. Players without a lumbar spine diagnosis were more likely to be drafted than were those with a diagnosis (80.2% vs 61.1%, respectively, P < .001). Drafted athletes with pre-existing lumbar spine injuries had a decrease in the number of years played compared with the matched control group (4.0 vs 4.3 years, respectively, P = .001), games played (46.5 vs 50.8, respectively, P = .0001), and games started (28.1 vs 30.6, respectively, P = .02) but not performance score (1.4 vs 1.8, respectively, P = .13). Compared with controls, players were less likely to be drafted if they had been diagnosed with spondylosis (62.37% vs 78.55%), a lumbar herniated disc (60.27% vs 78.43%), or spondylolysis with or without spondylolisthesis (64.44% vs 78.15%) (P < .001 for all), but there was no appreciable effect on career performance; however, the diagnosis of spondylolysis was associated with a decrease in career longevity (P < .05). Notably, 2 athletes who had undergone posterior lateral lumbar fusion were drafted. One played in 125 games, and the other is still active and has played in 108 games. Conclusion: The data in this study suggest that athletes with pre-existing lumbar spine conditions were less likely to be drafted and that the diagnosis is associated with a decrease in career longevity but not performance. Players with lumbar fusion have achieved successful careers in the NFL.