Theodore S. Wolfson

10-Year Follow-Up Wear Analysis of First-Generation Highly Crosslinked Polyethylene in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

Our goal was to report a 10-year follow up of linear penetration rates for HCLPE, and to determine whether a difference exists between penetrations measured on pelvis or hip anterior-posterior radiographs. We reviewed 48 total hip arthroplasties where a first-generation HCLPE liner was used. Femoral head penetration was measured on both AP pelvis and hip radiographs. Total wear and wear rate at 10 years were 1.26 mm and 0.122 mm/y, respectively. The rate decreased significantly after the first 2-3 years, plateauing at a wear rate of 0.05 mm/y for the last 5 years. The AP hip total wear and wear rate were 1.38 mm and 0.133 mm/y respectively, while rates were 1.13 mm and 0.109 mm/y respectively for the pelvis radiographs (P<.05). We found a significant difference in measurements of linear penetration when comparing AP pelvis vs. hip radiographs with lower rates recorded using an AP pelvis.

Clinical Outcomes After Chronic Distal Biceps Reconstruction With Allografts

Background: Chronic ruptures of the distal biceps are often complicated by tendon retraction and fibrosis, precluding primary repair. Reconstruction with allograft augmentation has been proposed as an alternative for cases not amenable to primary repair. Purpose: To investigate the clinical outcomes of late distal biceps reconstruction using allograft tissue. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 20 patients who underwent distal biceps reconstruction with allograft tissue between May 2007 and May 2012 were identified. Charts were retrospectively reviewed for postoperative complications, gross flexion and supination strength, and range of motion. Subjective functional outcomes were assessed prospectively with the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Results: Eighteen patients with adequate follow-up were included in the study. All had undergone late distal biceps reconstruction with allografts (Achilles [n = 15], semitendinosus [n = 1], gracilis [n = 1], or anterior tibialis [n = 1]) for symptomatic chronic ruptures of the distal biceps. At a mean office follow-up of 9.3 months (range, 4-14 months), all patients had full range of motion and mean gross strength of 4.7 of 5 (range, 4-5) in flexion and supination. After a mean out-of-office follow-up at 21 months (range, 7-68.8 months), the mean DASH score was 7.5 ± 17.9, and the mean MEPS increased from 43.1 preoperatively to 94.2 postoperatively (P < .001). The only complication observed was transient posterior interosseous nerve palsy in 2 patients. Additionally, all but 1 patient reported a cosmetic deformity. However, all patients found it acceptable. Conclusion: Late reconstruction for chronic ruptures of the distal biceps using allograft tissue is a safe and effective solution for symptomatic patients with functional demands in forearm supination and elbow flexion. While there are several graft options, the literature supports good results with Achilles tendon allografts. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of other allograft options.

Long Head of the Biceps Tenodesis With Cortical Button Technique

There are several options for long head of the biceps (LHB) tenodesis and yet no standard of care. This technical note describes a cortical button technique for LHB tenodesis. We have taken the BicepsButton (Arthrex, Naples, FL) for distal biceps acute primary repair and applied it to the LHB. The biceps tenotomy is completed arthroscopically, and a standard subpectoral approach is used. The biceps is pulled out and whipstitched starting at the myotendinous junction and moving proximally. The humerus is drilled in a unicortical manner slightly larger than the tendon, and the button is passed through a small hole to the posterior cortex. A suture through the tendon provides additional fixation strength to the construct. This is an elegant and effective method of tenodesis that uses a smaller-diameter drill hole in the humerus. The goals of LHB tenodesis are to restore function, reduce pain, and improve cosmesis. This technique offers comparable function and cosmesis with the potential advantage of improving postoperative pain outcomes and lowering the rate of complications.

Outcomes of Total Hip Arthroplasty in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Patients

Today, patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) live long enough to develop chronic degenerative and HIV-associated joint disease. There is a growing population of patients infected with HIV who are candidates for total hip arthroplasty (THA). A total of 31 HIV-positive, non-hemophilic patients undergoing 41 THAs at our institution between 2000 and 2012 were identified. In-hospital medical complications were reported in 5 of 41 hips, all of which resolved prior to discharge. Deep infection developed in 1 of 41 hips and revision was required in 3 of 41 hips. These results suggest that low rates of complications and revision can be achieved in the HIV-positive, non-hemophilic population. We believe that with careful patient selection, THA may improve the quality of life in the HIV-positive population.

Arthroscopic Anatomic Humeral Head Reconstruction With Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation for Large Hill-Sachs Lesions

Anatomic reconstruction of the humeral head with osteochondral allograft has been reported as a solution for large Hill-Sachs lesions with or without glenoid bone loss. However, to date, varying techniques have been used. This technical note describes an arthroscopic reconstruction technique using fresh-frozen, side- and size-matched osteochondral humeral head allograft. Allograft plugs are press fit into the defect without internal fixation and seated flush with the surrounding articular surface. This technique restores the native articular contour of the humeral head without compromising shoulder range of motion. Potential benefits of this all-arthroscopic approach include minimal trauma to the soft tissue and articular surface without the need for hardware or staged reoperation.

Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Surgical Outcomes in Sports Medicine

Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects a significant proportion of the patients evaluated and treated by orthopedic surgeons who specialize in sports medicine. Sports-medicine-related conditions associated with DM include tendinopathy, adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, and articular cartilage disease. This article reviews the current literature adressing the effect of DM on surgical outcomes in sports medicine. In general, patients with DM undergo operations more frequently and experience inferior surgical outcomes compared with patients without DM. Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased rates of complications from sports medicine procedures, such as infection, delayed healing, and failure of the operation. However, additional research is needed to determine the full impact of DM on patient outcomes in sports medicine. Surgeons should be cognizant of special considerations in the population of patients with DM and aim to tailor the surgical management of this growing patient population.

Popliteal Cyst Excision Using Open Posterior Approach After Arthroscopic Partial Medial Meniscectomy

Popliteal cysts are known to be associated with intra-articular pathology, which must be addressed to prevent cyst recurrence. Indications for popliteal cyst excision include cases in which the popliteal cyst does not respond to conservative treatment or arthroscopic intervention or cases in which an underlying cause cannot be found. Several techniques have been described to excise these cysts. Traditionally, open techniques have been associated with cyst recurrence. More recently, arthroscopic cystectomy has been described. However, the risk of recurrence persists because arthroscopy may not afford complete surgical excision. This technical note presents an open posterior technique for popliteal cyst excision that allows for better visualization and complete removal of the cyst while minimizing the risk of neurovascular complications and soft-tissue damage. It is a safe, effective, and straightforward method to achieve symptomatic relief for refractory popliteal cysts.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Labral Tears and Concurrent Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head in Young Adults

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is a progressive disease affecting young adults that results in collapse of the femoral head and subsequent degenerative joint disease. Although precollapse stages of AVN can be successfully treated with core decompression, making the diagnosis is often difficult given alternative sources of hip pain in this age group. We propose that arthroscopic-assisted core decompression of the femoral head offers an effective method of addressing AVN of the femoral head as well as coexistent hip disorders in the same operation. This article describes in detail the technique used to perform an arthroscopic-assisted core decompression of the femoral head, and a companion video demonstrating the procedure is included. Our experience suggests that arthroscopic-assisted core decompression can be used as an alternative to open core decompression, while simultaneously addressing other sources of hip pain, with successful outcomes.

Performance outcomes after medial ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in Major League Baseball positional players

BACKGROUND We sought to determine whether professional baseball positional players who underwent medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) reconstruction demonstrate decreases in performance on return to competition compared with preoperative performance metrics and their control-matched peers. METHODS Data for 35 Major League Baseball positional players who underwent MUCL reconstruction during 31 seasons were obtained. Twenty-six players met inclusion criteria. Individual statistics for the 2 seasons immediately before injury and the 2 seasons after injury included wins above replacement (WAR), on-base plus slugging (OPS), and isolated power (ISO). Twenty-six controls matched by player position, age, plate appearances, and performance statistics were identified. RESULTS Of the 35 athletes who underwent surgery, 7 did not return to their preinjury level of competition (return to play rate of 80%). In comparing preinjury with postinjury statistics, players exhibited a significant decrease in plate appearances, at-bats, and WAR 2 seasons after injury but did not demonstrate declines in WAR 1 season after injury. Compared with matched controls, athletes who underwent MUCL reconstruction did not demonstrate significant decline in statistical performance, including OPS, WAR, and ISO, after return to play from surgery. Of all positional players, catchers undergoing surgery demonstrated lowest rates of return to play (56%) along with statistically significant decreases in home run rate, runs batted in, and ISO. CONCLUSION Major League Baseball positional players undergoing MUCL reconstruction can reasonably expect to return to their preinjury level of competition and performance after surgery compared with their peers. Positional players return to play at a rate comparable to that of pitchers; catchers may experience more difficultly in returning to preinjury levels of play.

Closed-Loop Double Endobutton Technique for Repair of Unstable Distal Clavicle Fractures

Background: Displaced fractures of the distal clavicle are inherently unstable and lead to nonunion in a high percentage of cases. The optimal surgical management remains controversial. Hypothesis: Indirect osteosynthesis with a closed-loop double endobutton construct would result in reliable fracture union and obviate the need for additional surgery. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Eight patients with an acute unstable Neer type IIB distal clavicle fracture were treated with a closed-loop double endobutton implant. Mean follow-up averaged 3.4 years (range, 1-9 years). Two patients were lost to follow-up. The remaining 6 patients underwent a detailed functional and radiologic evaluation. Results: Definitive fracture healing was achieved in all patients. There were no complications, and no patients required additional surgery related to the index procedure. The mean Constant score was 97 at final follow-up. Conclusion: The closed-loop double endobutton technique was reliable and effective in achieving fracture union in all patients with unstable Neer type IIB fractures of the distal clavicle. This technique obviates the need for late hardware removal that is often necessary when direct osteosynthesis is used and avoids potential complications associated with coracoclavicular cerclage constructs that require knot fixation.