Travis J. Menge

Safety of topical vancomycin for pediatric spinal deformity: nontoxic serum levels with supratherapeutic drain levels.

Study Design. Retrospective cohort analysis. Objective. To establish if drain levels exceed the minimum inhibitory concentrations for common pathogens (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, and Propionibacterium acnes—2 &mgr;g/mL; Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis—4 &mgr;g/mL). Evaluate the safety of topical vancomycin in pediatric patients undergoing spinal deformity surgery and determine if postoperative serum levels approach toxicity (25 &mgr;g/mL). Summary of Background Data. The application of topical vancomycin powder has decreased postoperative wound infections in retrospective analyses in the adult population with minimal local and systemic risks. The safety and efficacy of vancomycin powder has not been completely evaluated in the pediatric population after deformity surgery. Methods. Topical vancomycin powder (1 g) was applied during wound closure after instrumented posterior spinal fusion. All patients received intravenous perioperative antibiotics and a subfascial drain was used. Serum and drain vancomycin levels were collected immediately postoperatively and during the first 2 postoperative days (PODs). Complications were recorded. Results. The study population consisted of 25 patients with a mean age of 13.5 years (9.5–17.1 yr) and mean ± standard deviation body weight of 44.5 ± 18 kg. Underlying diagnoses included: adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (12), neuromuscular scoliosis (10), and kyphosis (3). Mean serum vancomycin levels trended downward from 2.5 &mgr;g/mL (POD 0) to 1.9 &mgr;g/mL (POD 1) to 1.1 &mgr;g/mL (POD 2). Mean drain levels also trended downward from 403 &mgr;g/mL (POD 0) to 251 &mgr;g/mL (POD 1) to 115 &mgr;g/mL (POD 2). No vancomycin toxicity or deep wound infections were observed. One patient with neuromuscular scoliosis developed a superficial wound dehiscence that was managed with dressing changes. Conclusion. Topical application of vancomycin powder in pediatric spinal deformity surgery produced local levels well above the minimum inhibitory concentration for common pathogens and serum levels below the toxicity threshold (25 &mgr;g/mL). There were no deep wound or antibiotic related complications. Level of Evidence: 3

Acute Kidney Injury After Placement of an Antibiotic-Impregnated Cement Spacer During Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 84 patients to determine the incidence and predictors of acute kidney injury after antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer (ACS) placement for infected total knee arthroplasties. Acute kidney injury was defined as a more than 50% rise in serum creatinine from a preoperative baseline to a level greater than 1.4 mg/dL within 90 days postoperatively. Total incidence was 17% (n = 14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 10%-26%), and acute kidney injury was significantly associated with ACS tobramycin dose as both a dichotomous variable (>4.8 g; odds ratio, 5.87; 95% CI, 1.43-24.19; P = .01) and linear variable (odds ratio, 1.24 for every 1-g increase; 95% CI, 1.00-1.52; P = .049). Routine monitoring of serum creatinine and measurement of serum aminoglycoside levels in response to a threshold creatinine rise may be warranted after the placement of an aminoglycoside-containing ACS.

Publication Rates of Podium Versus Poster Presentations at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine Meetings 2006-2010

Background: Presentations at scientific meetings are often used to influence clinical practice, yet many presentations are not ultimately published in peer-reviewed journals. Previously reported publication rates for orthopaedic specialties have varied from 34% to 52%. In addition, the publication rate of accepted abstracts is a strong indicator of meeting quality, and it has a potential effect on clinical practice. To date, no studies have investigated publication rates in the field of sports medicine, and specifically for abstracts presented at American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) meetings. Purpose: To determine the overall publication rate of abstracts presented at AOSSM annual meetings and whether there were differences in publication rates between poster and podium presentations. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar for all published manuscripts pertaining to abstracts presented at the 2006 to 2010 AOSSM annual meetings. Abstracts were classified according to presentation type (podium, poster) and subsequently were categorized into subspecialty area and study design. For published abstracts, the journal and publication date were recorded. Results: A total of 1665 abstracts were submitted to AOSSM annual meetings from 2006 to 2010, with 444 abstracts accepted (26.7% overall acceptance rate); there were 277 podium presentations and 167 posters. Of these 444 abstracts, 298 (67.1%) were published within 3 years in peer-reviewed journals. The overall publication rates for podium and poster presentations were 73.3% and 56.9%, respectively. For the combined years of 2006 to 2010, podium presentations were 2.08 (95% CI, 1.39-3.11) times more likely to be published compared with poster presentations. Conclusion: The overall publication rate of abstracts presented at AOSSM annual meetings (67.1%) was much higher than that reported for other orthopaedic meetings (34%-52%), highlighting the overall educational value and information quality of AOSSM meetings. In addition, there was a significant difference in the overall publication rates for podium and poster presentations. These data suggest that the quality and type of poster and podium presentations may not be equal, and these potential differences should be kept in mind when considering changes in clinical practice according to type of meeting presentation. Furthermore, AOSSM annual meeting program planners should consider these results when investigating ways to further improve the quality of research presented.

Survivorship and Outcomes 10 Years Following Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement: Labral Debridement Compared with Labral Repair

Background: Studies have demonstrated hip arthroscopy to be an effective treatment for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) with associated labral tears. The purposes of this study were to report 10-year outcomes and hip survival following hip arthroscopy for FAI and to compare labral debridement with labral repair. Methods: Prospectively collected data on patients followed for a minimum of 10 years after hip arthroscopy for FAI with either labral debridement or labral repair performed by a single surgeon were retrospectively analyzed. The primary patient-reported outcome measure was the Hip Outcome Score (HOS) Activities of Daily Living (ADL) subscale. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare outcomes between groups, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare preoperative with postoperative scores. Survival analysis was performed using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. Results: Seventy-nine patients who underwent labral repair and 75 who underwent debridement were included in the study, and 94% (145) were followed for ≥10 years. Fifty patients (34%) underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) within 10 years following the arthroscopy. Older patients, hips with ⩽2 mm of joint space preoperatively, and patients requiring acetabular microfracture had significantly higher prevalences of THA. The multivariate Cox proportional hazards model showed that increased age (hazard ratio [HR] for 31 years to 51 years = 3.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.69 to 5.56, p < 0.001), a joint space of ⩽2 mm (HR = 4.26, 95% CI = 1.98 to 9.21, p < 0.001), and acetabular microfracture (HR = 2.86, 95% CI = 1.07 to 7.62, p = 0.036) were independently associated with an increased hazard rate for THA. When the analysis was adjusted for these factors, there was no significant difference in the HR between treatment groups (HR = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.59 to 2.05, p = 0.762). There was also no significant difference in postoperative outcome scores between groups. The debridement group demonstrated a significant increase, between the preoperative and postoperative evaluations, in the HOS-ADL score (from 71 to 96; p < 0.001), HOS-Sport score (from 42 to 89; p < 0.001), modified Harris hip score (mHHS) (from 62 to 90; p < 0.001), and Short Form-12 physical component summary (SF-12 PCS) score (from 43 to 56; p < 0.001). The repair group also demonstrated a significant increase in the HOS-ADL score (from 71 to 96; p < 0.001), HOS-Sport score (from 47 to 87; p < 0.001), mHHS score (from 65 to 85; p < 0.001), and SF-12 PCS score (from 41 to 56; p < 0.001). The median patient satisfaction score was 10 (very satisfied) in both groups. Conclusions: Hip arthroscopy for FAI with labral debridement or repair resulted in significant improvements in the patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction of patients who did not eventually require THA. Higher rates of conversion to THA were seen in older patients, patients treated with acetabular microfracture, and hips with ⩽2 mm of joint space preoperatively, regardless of labral treatment. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction Technique: An Anatomic-Based Approach

Restoration of anteroposterior laxity after an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has been predictable with traditional open and endoscopic techniques. However, anterolateral rotational stability has been difficult to achieve in a subset of patients, even with appropriate anatomic techniques. Therefore, differing techniques have attempted to address this rotational laxity by augmenting or reconstructing lateral-sided structures about the knee. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the anterolateral ligament as a potential contributor to residual anterolateral rotatory instability in anterior cruciate ligament-deficient patients. Numerous anatomic and biomechanical studies have been performed to further define the functional importance of the anterolateral ligament, highlighting the need for surgical techniques to address these injuries in the unstable knee. This article details our technique for an anatomic anterolateral ligament reconstruction using a semitendinosus tendon allograft.

Femoroacetabular Impingement in Professional Football Players: Return to Play and Predictors of Career Length After Hip Arthroscopy:

Background: Previous studies have shown hip arthroscopy to be a highly effective treatment for symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in a wide range of athletes; however, the rate of return to play and length of career after hip arthroscopy in professional football players are unknown. Purpose: To determine how many athletes returned to professional football and the number of seasons they played after surgery. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Fifty-one professional football players (60 hips) underwent hip arthroscopy for FAI between 2000 and 2014 by a single surgeon. Return to play was defined as competing in a preseason or regular season professional football game after surgery. Data were retrospectively obtained for each player from NFL.com, ESPN.com, individual team websites, and/or CFL.ca. Results: We found that 87% (52/60) of the arthroscopic procedures allowed professional football players to return to play in a preseason or regular season game. Athletes who returned played an average of 38 games during 3.2 seasons after arthroscopy, with an average total career length of 7.4 seasons. Ninety-two percent (48/52) of players who returned had a minimum total career length of 3 years. When participants were analyzed by position, linemen were less likely to return after hip arthroscopy compared with other players (odds ratio 5.6; 95% CI, 1.1-35; P = .04). All quarterbacks and tight ends returned to play after surgery. No significant difference in return to play rate was found between athletes who underwent microfracture and those who did not (25% vs 38%, P = .698). Conclusion: Hip arthroscopy for treatment of FAI and associated pathologic abnormalities in professional football players resulted in a high rate of return to play. The study’s findings demonstrate that 87% of the arthroscopic procedures allowed professional football players to return to play, linemen were less likely to return compared with other positions, and the presence of microfracture did not significantly affect the return to play rate. These findings support hip arthroscopy as an effective procedure to treat FAI and related pathologic abnormalities in the professional football player, and this information is important for proper counseling of athletes with FAI.

A comprehensive approach to glenohumeral arthritis.

Abstract Arthritis of the glenohumeral joint is a common cause of debilitating shoulder pain, affecting up to one-third of patients older than 60 years. It is progressive in nature and characterized by irreversible destruction of the humeral head and glenoid articular surfaces. Inflammation of the surrounding soft tissues is often present and further contributes to the pain caused by the disease process. A number of primary (degenerative) and secondary pathological processes may result in this condition. Patients often present with a long history of shoulder pain, stiffness, and/or loss of function, or may have acute exacerbations of this chronic condition. Initial conservative management is aimed at improving pain and restoring function. Surgical treatment is indicated in severe or refractory cases when nonoperative management has failed. Shoulder replacement now accounts for the third most common joint replacement surgery after the hip and knee. This article reviews the basic science and clinical management of osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint.

Acromioclavicular osteoarthritis: a common cause of shoulder pain.

Abstract Osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular joint is a frequent cause of shoulder pain and can result in significant debilitation. It is the most common disorder of the acromioclavicular joint and may arise from a number of pathologic processes, including primary (degenerative), posttraumatic, inflammatory, and septic arthritis. Patients often present with nonspecific complaints of pain located in the neck, shoulder, and/or arm, further complicating the clinical picture. A thorough understanding of the pertinent anatomy, disease process, patient history, and physical examination is crucial to making the correct diagnosis and formulating a treatment plan. Initial nonoperative management is aimed at relieving pain and restoring function. Typical treatments include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and injections. Patients who continue to exhibit symptoms after appropriate nonsurgical treatment may be candidates for operative resection of the distal clavicle through either open or arthroscopic techniques.

Survivorship and Patient-Reported Outcomes After Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management of Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis Minimum 5-Year Follow-up

Background: There are little data on midterm outcomes after the arthroscopic management of glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA) in young active patients. Purpose: To report outcomes and survivorship for the comprehensive arthroscopic management (CAM) procedure for the treatment of GHOA at a minimum of 5 years postoperatively. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The CAM procedure was performed on a consecutive series of 46 patients (49 shoulders) with advanced GHOA who met criteria for shoulder arthroplasty but instead opted for a joint-preserving, arthroscopic surgical option. The procedure included glenohumeral chondroplasty, capsular release, synovectomy, humeral osteoplasty, axillary nerve neurolysis, subacromial decompression, loose body removal, microfracture, and biceps tenodesis. Outcome measures included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), Short Form–12 (SF-12) Physical Component Summary (PCS), visual analog scale for pain, and satisfaction scores. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed with failure defined as progression to total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Results: Forty-six consecutive patients (49 shoulders) who underwent a CAM procedure at a minimum of 5 years from surgery were included. Two patients were excluded for refusing to participate before study initiation. The mean age at surgery was 52 years (range, 27-68 years) in 15 women and 29 men. All patients were recreational athletes with 7 former collegiate or professional athletes. Twelve shoulders (26%) progressed to TSA at a mean of 2.6 years (range, 0.5-8.2 years). For survivorship analysis, the status of the shoulder (preservation of the native joint or progression to TSA) at a minimum of 5 years was known for 45 of 47 (96%) shoulders. Survivorship was 95.6% at 1 year, 86.7% at 3 years, and 76.9% at 5 years. For surviving shoulders, minimum 5-year subjective outcome data were available for 28 of 32 (87.5%) shoulders at a mean of 5.7 years (range, 5-8 years). The mean (±SD) ASES score was 84.5 ± 17, the mean SANE score was 82 ± 18, the mean QuickDASH score was 15 ± 13, the mean SF-12 PCS score was 51.0 ± 9.1, and median patient satisfaction was 9 of a possible 10 points. Conclusion: This study demonstrates significant improvements in midterm clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction after the arthroscopic CAM procedure for GHOA, with a 76.9% survivorship rate at a minimum of 5 years postoperatively. For patients looking for an alternative to TSA, the CAM procedure can provide reasonable outcomes and should be considered an effective procedure in appropriately selected, young active patients. Further studies are warranted to evaluate long-term outcomes and durability after this procedure.

Posterior Wall Blowout in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction A Review of Anatomic and Surgical Considerations

Violation of the posterior femoral cortex, commonly referred to as posterior wall blowout, can be a devastating intraoperative complication in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and lead to loss of graft fixation or early graft failure. If cortical blowout occurs despite careful planning and adherence to proper surgical technique, a thorough knowledge of the anatomy and alternative fixation techniques is imperative to ensure optimal patient outcomes. This article highlights anatomic considerations for femoral tunnel placement in ACL reconstruction and techniques for avoidance and salvage of a posterior wall blowout.