Objectives: Knee arthroscopy using isotonic irrigation fluids is performed safely in millions of ... more Objectives: Knee arthroscopy using isotonic irrigation fluids is performed safely in millions of patients each year. However, arthroscopic procedures can disrupt the native biology of the joint when hyperosmolar synovial fluid (400 mOsm/L) is replaced by isotonic irrigation fluid (270-300 mOsm/L). Potential ramifications include cell apoptosis and necrosis, alterations in gene expression, protein synthesis and calcium signaling, and extracellular matrix compositional changes with resultant material property perturbations. Recent in vitro studies suggest higher osmolarity irrigation fluids potentiate a chondroprotective environment and a clinical study using hyperosmolar saline for shoulder arthroscopy reported potential clinical advantages. To date, there are no studies examining the use of a hyperosmolar irrigation solution in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy to the authors’ knowledge. Therefore, this prospective randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial was designed to...
To present a synthesis of recent literature regarding the treatment of patellofemoral arthritis R... more To present a synthesis of recent literature regarding the treatment of patellofemoral arthritis RECENT FINDINGS: Risk factors of PFJ OA include patella malalignment or maltracking, injury to supportive structures including the MPFL, dysfunction of hamstring and quadriceps coordination, lower limb alignment, trochlear dysplasia, patellar trauma, or ACL surgery. Special physical exam maneuvers include patellar grind test, apprehension test, and lateral patellar tilt angle. Radiographs that should be obtained first-line include weight bearing bilateral AP, lateral, and Merchant views. CT and MRI are used to assess trochlear dysplasia, excessive patellar height, and TT-TG distance. Non-operative management options discussed include non-pharmacologic treatment (patient education, self-management, physical therapy, weight loss), ESWT, cold therapy, taping, bracing, and orthotics. Pharmacologic management options discussed include NSAIDs, acetaminophen, oral narcotics, and duloxetine. Injection therapies include glucocorticoids, hyaluronic acid, PRP, and other regenerative therapies (BMAC, adipose, or mesenchymal stem cells). Other treatment options include radiofrequency ablation and botulinum toxin. The algorithm for the surgical treatment of PFJ OA can begin with arthroscopic assessment of the PF articular cartilage to address mechanical symptoms and to evaluate/treat lateral soft tissue with or without overhanging lateral osteophytes. If patients fail to have symptomatic improvement, a TTO can be considered in those patients less than 50 years of age or active patients >50 years old. In patients with severe PFJ OA, refractory to the above treatments, PFA should be considered. While early PFA design and technique were less than encouraging, more recent implant design and surgical technique have demonstrated robust results in the literature. Patellofemoral osteoarthritis is a challenging orthopedic problem to treat, in that it can often affect younger patients, with otherwise well-functioning knees. It is a unique entity compared to TF OA with distinct epidemiology, biomechanics and risk factors and treatment options.
Objectives: Graft choice for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains controversia... more Objectives: Graft choice for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains controversial. Quadriceps autograft has emerged as an alternative graft choice. However, there remains a paucity of comparative outcomes. Our purpose is to compare subjective outcomes and complications of ACL reconstruction using either BTB or quadriceps autograft. Our hypothesis is that there will be no difference in subjective outcome or complications between groups. Methods: Following IRB approval, retrospective review of prospectively collected data identified consecutive cohorts of patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with either BTB or quadriceps autograft. Surgery was performed by a single sports fellowship trained surgeon between 2011-2019. Patients undergoing concomitant osteotomies, cartilage restoration, and other ligament reconstruction procedures were excluded. Pre- and post-surgical patient reported outcomes (PROs) including IKDC, KOOS, PROMIS, SANE, Tegner, and Marx were compared be...
Purpose of Review Anterior knee pain is a multifactorial, often chronic condition, which can lead... more Purpose of Review Anterior knee pain is a multifactorial, often chronic condition, which can lead to long-term pain and disability. The purpose of this review is to examine the latest research on patient education for anterior knee pain. We will focus on how we might use patient education to increase the adoption of other efficacious treatment modalities and offer some suggestions for content and form of effective patient education. Recent Findings New research suggests that patient education, alone, or in combination with targeted exercise therapy, can be effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with patellofemoral pain. Addressing non-physical or psychological factors may also be an important component of patient education in many patients with chronic pain. Incorporation of new technologies into patient education, such as those available online, or through phone-or tablet-based apps, is likely to be helpful in the future, as we move more towards connecting with patients virtually. Summary Patient education has been shown to be effective in decreasing pain and improving activity in patients with patellofemoral pain. Patient education should be individualized to the patient, focus on the latest effective treatments, and emphasize those treatments that can be self-managed by the patient. Emphasis should also be placed on patient understanding of risk factors and patterns of movement that may lead to, or exacerbate, anterior knee pain. Future research should continue to further characterize the elements of patient education that offer the most efficient treatment benefit.
Large, focal articular cartilage defects of the knee (> 4 cm2) can be a source of significant ... more Large, focal articular cartilage defects of the knee (> 4 cm2) can be a source of significant morbidity and often require surgical intervention. Patient- and lesion-specific factors must be identified when evaluating a patient with an articular cartilage defect. In the management of large cartilage defects, the two classically utilized cartilage restoration procedures are osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation and cell therapy, or autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). Alternative techniques that are available or currently in clinical trials include a hyaluronan-based scaffold plus bone marrow aspirate concentrate, a third-generation autologous chondrocyte implant, and an aragonite-based scaffold. In this review, we will focus on OCA and ACI as the mainstay in management of large chondral and osteochondral defects of the knee. We will discuss the techniques and associated clinical outcomes for each, while including a brief mention of alternative treatments. Overall, ca...
Imaging of the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) is useful to evaluate for injury and to better understa... more Imaging of the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) is useful to evaluate for injury and to better understand the relationship between osseous and soft tissue structures. Interpretation of PFJ imaging findings should be used in the context of patient's history and physical examination. X-rays and advanced imaging technology can provide information to confirm diagnosis and to help customize individual treatment plans. This chapter reviews relevant imaging studies utilized in the work-up and treatment of patients with patellofemoral disorders.
Objectives: The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the primary soft-tissue restraint agains... more Objectives: The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the primary soft-tissue restraint against lateral patellar displacement. Surgery to address MPFL incompetence is the current gold standard for recurrent patellofemoral instability. The role of tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) as an adjunct to MPFL reconstruction remains controversial. Our purpose was to evaluate a cohort of patella instability patients undergoing surgical soft tissue stabilization with or without concomitant TTO. Our hypothesis was that there would be no difference between cohorts in baseline values, subjective outcome scores at final follow-up, or complication profile. Methods: Following IRB approval, retrospective review of prospectively collected data identified a consecutive cohort of patients undergoing soft tissue stabilization for recurrent patella instability, with or without concomitant TTO. Indications for TTO were at the surgeon’s discretion, including elevated TT-TG, Caton-Deschamps ratio, and/or un...
Isolated rupture of the distal biceps femoris insertion is rare. Current literature offers limite... more Isolated rupture of the distal biceps femoris insertion is rare. Current literature offers limited case reports and outcome measures after surgical management. We describe a knotless suture anchor fixation technique for this tear pattern. At surgery, the retracted biceps tendon and insertion site is debrided to healthy tissue, FiberTape suture (Arthrex) is passed in a Kracków fashion through the tendon, and the 2 ends of the suture are brought down to a SwiveLock anchor (Arthrex) at the anatomic insertion. FiberWire sutures (Arthrex) from the anchor are brought over the remnant stump, completing the repair.
Objectives The primary objective of this survey was to gauge the current global trends in anterio... more Objectives The primary objective of this survey was to gauge the current global trends in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) as reported by the members of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Study Group (SG). Methods A survey was created and distributed among the members of the ACL SG consisting of 87 questions and 16 categories related to ACLR, including member demographics, preoperative management, primary ACLR techniques and graft choice, use of concomitant procedures and biological augmentation, postoperative rehabilitation, and more. Results The survey was completed by the 140 members of the ACL SG. Fifty per cent of members are from Europe, 29% from the USA, 15% from the Asia-Pacific and the remaining 6% are from Latin America, the Middle East, New Zealand and Africa. Most (92%) do not believe there is a role for non-operative management of ACL tears in higher level athletes; conversely, most agree there is a role for non-operative management in lower impact athletes (92%). A single-bundle (90%) technique with hamstring autograft (53%) were most common for primary ACLR. Tunnel position varied among respondents. Sixty-one per cent do not use allograft for primary ACLR. Fifty per cent of respondents use cortical suspensory fixation on the femur, with variable responses on the tibia. Most (79%) do not use biologics in primary ACLR, while 83% think there is a selective role for extraarticular augmentation in primary ACLR. Fifty per cent prefer bone-tendon-bone autograft for revision ACLR and extra-articular augmentation is more commonly used (13% always, 26% often) than in primary ACLR (0% always, 15% often). A majority (53%) use a brace after primary ACLR. The most common responses for minimal time to return to play after primary ACLR were 6-8 months (44%) and 8-12 months (41%). Conclusion We presented the thoughts and preferences of the ACL SG on the management of ACL injuries. This survey will help to facilitate an ongoing discussion with regard to ACLR by providing global insights into the current surgical trends in ACLR. Level of evidence Level V, Expert Opinion.
Objectives: Knee arthroscopy using isotonic irrigation fluids is performed safely in millions of ... more Objectives: Knee arthroscopy using isotonic irrigation fluids is performed safely in millions of patients each year. However, arthroscopic procedures can disrupt the native biology of the joint when hyperosmolar synovial fluid (400 mOsm/L) is replaced by isotonic irrigation fluid (270-300 mOsm/L). Potential ramifications include cell apoptosis and necrosis, alterations in gene expression, protein synthesis and calcium signaling, and extracellular matrix compositional changes with resultant material property perturbations. Recent in vitro studies suggest higher osmolarity irrigation fluids potentiate a chondroprotective environment and a clinical study using hyperosmolar saline for shoulder arthroscopy reported potential clinical advantages. To date, there are no studies examining the use of a hyperosmolar irrigation solution in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy to the authors’ knowledge. Therefore, this prospective randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial was designed to...
To present a synthesis of recent literature regarding the treatment of patellofemoral arthritis R... more To present a synthesis of recent literature regarding the treatment of patellofemoral arthritis RECENT FINDINGS: Risk factors of PFJ OA include patella malalignment or maltracking, injury to supportive structures including the MPFL, dysfunction of hamstring and quadriceps coordination, lower limb alignment, trochlear dysplasia, patellar trauma, or ACL surgery. Special physical exam maneuvers include patellar grind test, apprehension test, and lateral patellar tilt angle. Radiographs that should be obtained first-line include weight bearing bilateral AP, lateral, and Merchant views. CT and MRI are used to assess trochlear dysplasia, excessive patellar height, and TT-TG distance. Non-operative management options discussed include non-pharmacologic treatment (patient education, self-management, physical therapy, weight loss), ESWT, cold therapy, taping, bracing, and orthotics. Pharmacologic management options discussed include NSAIDs, acetaminophen, oral narcotics, and duloxetine. Injection therapies include glucocorticoids, hyaluronic acid, PRP, and other regenerative therapies (BMAC, adipose, or mesenchymal stem cells). Other treatment options include radiofrequency ablation and botulinum toxin. The algorithm for the surgical treatment of PFJ OA can begin with arthroscopic assessment of the PF articular cartilage to address mechanical symptoms and to evaluate/treat lateral soft tissue with or without overhanging lateral osteophytes. If patients fail to have symptomatic improvement, a TTO can be considered in those patients less than 50 years of age or active patients >50 years old. In patients with severe PFJ OA, refractory to the above treatments, PFA should be considered. While early PFA design and technique were less than encouraging, more recent implant design and surgical technique have demonstrated robust results in the literature. Patellofemoral osteoarthritis is a challenging orthopedic problem to treat, in that it can often affect younger patients, with otherwise well-functioning knees. It is a unique entity compared to TF OA with distinct epidemiology, biomechanics and risk factors and treatment options.
Objectives: Graft choice for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains controversia... more Objectives: Graft choice for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains controversial. Quadriceps autograft has emerged as an alternative graft choice. However, there remains a paucity of comparative outcomes. Our purpose is to compare subjective outcomes and complications of ACL reconstruction using either BTB or quadriceps autograft. Our hypothesis is that there will be no difference in subjective outcome or complications between groups. Methods: Following IRB approval, retrospective review of prospectively collected data identified consecutive cohorts of patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with either BTB or quadriceps autograft. Surgery was performed by a single sports fellowship trained surgeon between 2011-2019. Patients undergoing concomitant osteotomies, cartilage restoration, and other ligament reconstruction procedures were excluded. Pre- and post-surgical patient reported outcomes (PROs) including IKDC, KOOS, PROMIS, SANE, Tegner, and Marx were compared be...
Purpose of Review Anterior knee pain is a multifactorial, often chronic condition, which can lead... more Purpose of Review Anterior knee pain is a multifactorial, often chronic condition, which can lead to long-term pain and disability. The purpose of this review is to examine the latest research on patient education for anterior knee pain. We will focus on how we might use patient education to increase the adoption of other efficacious treatment modalities and offer some suggestions for content and form of effective patient education. Recent Findings New research suggests that patient education, alone, or in combination with targeted exercise therapy, can be effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with patellofemoral pain. Addressing non-physical or psychological factors may also be an important component of patient education in many patients with chronic pain. Incorporation of new technologies into patient education, such as those available online, or through phone-or tablet-based apps, is likely to be helpful in the future, as we move more towards connecting with patients virtually. Summary Patient education has been shown to be effective in decreasing pain and improving activity in patients with patellofemoral pain. Patient education should be individualized to the patient, focus on the latest effective treatments, and emphasize those treatments that can be self-managed by the patient. Emphasis should also be placed on patient understanding of risk factors and patterns of movement that may lead to, or exacerbate, anterior knee pain. Future research should continue to further characterize the elements of patient education that offer the most efficient treatment benefit.
Large, focal articular cartilage defects of the knee (> 4 cm2) can be a source of significant ... more Large, focal articular cartilage defects of the knee (> 4 cm2) can be a source of significant morbidity and often require surgical intervention. Patient- and lesion-specific factors must be identified when evaluating a patient with an articular cartilage defect. In the management of large cartilage defects, the two classically utilized cartilage restoration procedures are osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation and cell therapy, or autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). Alternative techniques that are available or currently in clinical trials include a hyaluronan-based scaffold plus bone marrow aspirate concentrate, a third-generation autologous chondrocyte implant, and an aragonite-based scaffold. In this review, we will focus on OCA and ACI as the mainstay in management of large chondral and osteochondral defects of the knee. We will discuss the techniques and associated clinical outcomes for each, while including a brief mention of alternative treatments. Overall, ca...
Imaging of the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) is useful to evaluate for injury and to better understa... more Imaging of the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) is useful to evaluate for injury and to better understand the relationship between osseous and soft tissue structures. Interpretation of PFJ imaging findings should be used in the context of patient's history and physical examination. X-rays and advanced imaging technology can provide information to confirm diagnosis and to help customize individual treatment plans. This chapter reviews relevant imaging studies utilized in the work-up and treatment of patients with patellofemoral disorders.
Objectives: The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the primary soft-tissue restraint agains... more Objectives: The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the primary soft-tissue restraint against lateral patellar displacement. Surgery to address MPFL incompetence is the current gold standard for recurrent patellofemoral instability. The role of tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) as an adjunct to MPFL reconstruction remains controversial. Our purpose was to evaluate a cohort of patella instability patients undergoing surgical soft tissue stabilization with or without concomitant TTO. Our hypothesis was that there would be no difference between cohorts in baseline values, subjective outcome scores at final follow-up, or complication profile. Methods: Following IRB approval, retrospective review of prospectively collected data identified a consecutive cohort of patients undergoing soft tissue stabilization for recurrent patella instability, with or without concomitant TTO. Indications for TTO were at the surgeon’s discretion, including elevated TT-TG, Caton-Deschamps ratio, and/or un...
Isolated rupture of the distal biceps femoris insertion is rare. Current literature offers limite... more Isolated rupture of the distal biceps femoris insertion is rare. Current literature offers limited case reports and outcome measures after surgical management. We describe a knotless suture anchor fixation technique for this tear pattern. At surgery, the retracted biceps tendon and insertion site is debrided to healthy tissue, FiberTape suture (Arthrex) is passed in a Kracków fashion through the tendon, and the 2 ends of the suture are brought down to a SwiveLock anchor (Arthrex) at the anatomic insertion. FiberWire sutures (Arthrex) from the anchor are brought over the remnant stump, completing the repair.
Objectives The primary objective of this survey was to gauge the current global trends in anterio... more Objectives The primary objective of this survey was to gauge the current global trends in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) as reported by the members of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Study Group (SG). Methods A survey was created and distributed among the members of the ACL SG consisting of 87 questions and 16 categories related to ACLR, including member demographics, preoperative management, primary ACLR techniques and graft choice, use of concomitant procedures and biological augmentation, postoperative rehabilitation, and more. Results The survey was completed by the 140 members of the ACL SG. Fifty per cent of members are from Europe, 29% from the USA, 15% from the Asia-Pacific and the remaining 6% are from Latin America, the Middle East, New Zealand and Africa. Most (92%) do not believe there is a role for non-operative management of ACL tears in higher level athletes; conversely, most agree there is a role for non-operative management in lower impact athletes (92%). A single-bundle (90%) technique with hamstring autograft (53%) were most common for primary ACLR. Tunnel position varied among respondents. Sixty-one per cent do not use allograft for primary ACLR. Fifty per cent of respondents use cortical suspensory fixation on the femur, with variable responses on the tibia. Most (79%) do not use biologics in primary ACLR, while 83% think there is a selective role for extraarticular augmentation in primary ACLR. Fifty per cent prefer bone-tendon-bone autograft for revision ACLR and extra-articular augmentation is more commonly used (13% always, 26% often) than in primary ACLR (0% always, 15% often). A majority (53%) use a brace after primary ACLR. The most common responses for minimal time to return to play after primary ACLR were 6-8 months (44%) and 8-12 months (41%). Conclusion We presented the thoughts and preferences of the ACL SG on the management of ACL injuries. This survey will help to facilitate an ongoing discussion with regard to ACLR by providing global insights into the current surgical trends in ACLR. Level of evidence Level V, Expert Opinion.
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