Study Design. Retrospective cohort study. Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of two-level cervical disc replacement (CDR) in the outpatient setting. Summary of Background Data. Despite growing interest in CDR, limited data exist evaluating the safety of two-level CDR in the outpatient setting. Methods. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried for all two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and CDR procedures between 2015 and 2018. Demographics, comorbidities, and 30-day postoperative complication rates of outpatient two-level CDR were compared to those of inpatient two-level CDR and outpatient two-level ACDF. Radiographic data are not available in the NSQIP. Results. A total of 403 outpatient CDRs were compared to 408 inpatient CDRs and 4134 outpatient ACDFs. Outpatient CDR patients were older and more likely to have pulmonary comorbidities compared to inpatient CDR (P < 0.03). Outpatient CDR patients were less likely to have an American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥2 and have hypertension compared to outpatient ACDF patients (P < 0.0001). Outpatient CDR had a lower 30-day readmission rate (0.5% vs. 2.5%, P = 0.02) and lower 30-day reoperation rate (0% vs. 1%, P = 0.047) compared to inpatient CDR. Outpatient CDR had a lower readmission rate (0.5% vs. 2.1%, P = 0.03) compared to outpatient ACDF, but there was no difference in reoperation rates between the two procedures (0% vs. 0.8%, P = 0.07). Outpatient CDR had an overall complication rate of 0.2%, inpatient CDR had a complication rate of 0.9%, and outpatient ACDF had a complication rate of 1.3%. These differences were not significant. Conclusion. To our knowledge, this is the largest multicenter study examining the safety of two-level outpatient CDR procedures. Outpatient two-level CDR was associated with similarly safe outcomes when compared to inpatient two-level CDR and outpatient two-level ACDF. This suggests that two-level CDR can be performed safely in the outpatient setting. Level of Evidence: 3
Treatment of the Wave Sign With Femoral Osteoplasty With and Without Chondrolabral Stabilization Using Suture Anchors
Purpose To discuss the surgical outcomes of patients identified to have the wave sign without an accompanying labral tear treated with and without stabilization of the chondrolabral junction in conjunction with femoral osteoplasty. Methods A retrospective study was performed in patients with cartilage delamination (wave sign) treated with femoral osteoplasty alone (FO group) or femoral osteoplasty with chondrolabral stabilization (CLS group). Patient‐reported outcomes including the modified Harris Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score (HOS)–Activities of Daily Living, and HOS–Sports‐Specific Subscale were obtained at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. Other outcomes included rates of revision hip arthroscopy and conversion to hip arthroplasty. Results The study consisted of 47 patients in the FO group and 38 in the CLS group. Both groups showed significant increases in all patient‐reported outcomes over the study period compared with preoperative values. The final modified Harris Hip Score was 72.8 ± 9.2 in the FO group and 79.9 ± 9.3 in the CLS group ( P < .001). The HOS–Activities of Daily Living in the FO and CLS groups was 81.4 ± 10.3 and 87.2 ± 7.5, respectively ( P < .001). There was no difference in the HOS–Sports‐Specific Subscale between the FO group (74.4 ± 10.3) and the CLS group (78.0 ± 14.6) at final follow‐up ( P = .198). Revision hip arthroscopy was required in 5 patients in the FO group (13%) and 3 in the CLS group (6.3%). No patient in either group required conversion to hip arthroplasty throughout the study period. Conclusions Chondrolabral stabilization in conjunction with femoral osteoplasty is an effective treatment in patients with the wave sign without labral tears. Level of Evidence Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Costs of open, arthroscopic and combined surgery for developmental dysplasia of the hip
Abstract A variety of options exist for management of patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Most studies to date have focused on clinical outcomes; however, there are currently no data on comparative cost of these techniques. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in-hospital costs between patients managed with periacetabular osteotomy, hip arthroscopy or a combination for DDH. One hundred and nine patients were included: 35 PAO + HA, 32 PAO and 42 HA. There were no significant differences in the demographic parameters. Operative times were significantly different between groups with a mean of 52 min for PAO, 100 min for HA and 155 min for PAO + HA, (P < 0.001). Total direct medical costs were calculated and adjusted to nationally representative unit costs in 2017 inflation-adjusted dollars. Total in-hospital costs were significantly different between each of the three treatment groups. PAO + HA was the most expensive with a median of $21 852, followed by PAO with a median of $15 124, followed by HA with a median of $11 582 (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference between outpatient median costs of $11 385 compared with $24 320 for inpatients (P < 0.001). Procedures with greater complexity were more expensive. However, a change from outpatient to inpatient status with HA moved that group from the least expensive to similar to PAO and PAO + HA. These data provide an important complement to clinical outcomes reports as surgeons and policymakers aim to provide optimal value.
Hand and Wrist Injuries in Men’s and Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association Basketball
Background: Hand and wrist injuries (HWIs) are common in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball players and can negatively affect performance. There is limited literature available on this topic. Purpose: To open a discussion on prevention strategies and encourage future research on HWIs in basketball athletes. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: HWIs sustained by male and female NCAA basketball players during the 2009-2010 through 2013-2014 academic years and reported to the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program (NCAA-ISP) database were utilized to characterize the epidemiology thereof. Rates and distributions of HWIs were identified within the context of mechanism of injury, injury recurrence, and time lost from sport. Results: Over the 5-year period, 81 HWIs in women and 171 HWIs in men were identified through the NCAA-ISP database. These were used to estimate 3515 HWIs nationally in women’s basketball athletes and 7574 HWIs nationally in men’s basketball athletes. The rate of HWIs in women was 4.20 per 10,000 athlete-exposures (AEs) and in men was 7.76 per 10,000 AEs, making men 1.85 times more likely to sustain HWIs compared with women. In men, HWIs were 3.31 times more likely to occur in competition compared with practice, while in women, HWIs were 2.40 times more likely to occur in competition than in practice. Based on position, guards, both men and women, were the most likely to suffer HWIs. Conclusion: HWIs were common in collegiate basketball players. Most injuries were new, and the majority of players were restricted from participation for less than 24 hours. Men were more likely to be injured compared with women, and injuries were most common in the setting of competition for both sexes. The majority of injuries was considered minor and did not extensively limit participation; however, prevention and detection remain important for optimal performance.
Hip Arthroscopy in the High-Level Athlete: Does Capsular Closure Make a Difference?
Background: Hip arthroscopy has been shown to be effective in athletes who have femoral acetabular impingement and labral tearing. The effect of complete capsular closure versus nonclosure on return to play is unknown. Hypothesis: Complete capsular closure after hip arthroscopy would lead to a higher rate and faster return to sports in high-level athletes. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A nonrandomized retrospective review was performed of high school, collegiate, and professional athletes undergoing hip arthroscopy by a single high-volume hip arthroscopic surgeon. Athletes were divided into those undergoing complete capsular closure (CC group) and non–capsular closure (NC group) after hip arthroscopy. Rate and time to return to play were determined between the 2 groups. Patient-reported outcomes including modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), and Hip Outcome Score Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS) were obtained at a minimum of 2 years. Results: A total of 111 athletes with a minimum 2-year follow-up were included in the study. There were 62 in the CC group and 49 in the NC group. A higher percentage of athletes in the CC group returned to play compared with that in the NC group (90.3% vs 75.5%, respectively; P = .03). The CC group returned to play at a mean ± SD of 4.7 ± 1.9 months compared with 5.8 ± 2.6 months in the NC group ( P < .001). Patients in the CC group met the minimal clinically important difference for the mHHS, HOS-ADL, and HOS-SSS patient-reported outcomes at higher percentages: mHHS, 98.3% vs 87.7% for CC vs NC, respectively ( P = .02); HOS-ADL, 98.3% vs 87.7% ( P = .02); and HOS-SSS, 96.7% vs 89.7% ( P = .13). The difference between groups was statistically significant for mHHS and HOS-ADL. Conclusion: Complete capsular closure after hip arthroscopy was associated with faster return to play and a higher rate of return compared with that of nonclosure of the capsule in this sample population of high-level athletes. At a minimum 2-year follow-up, complete capsular closure was associated with significantly higher patient-reported outcomes compared with those of nonclosure in athletes who underwent hip arthroscopy.
Abstract Isolated patellofemoral arthritis is a common debilitating condition in adults older than 40 years of age. Surgical options such as patellofemoral arthroplasty exist for those who failed to respond to nonoperative treatment. However, early patellofemoral arthroplasty techniques often resulted in poor outcomes due to mal‐tracking and malalignment of components. Robotic‐assisted surgery recently has been introduced as an alternative to classic patellofemoral arthroplasty, with the potential to improve the anatomical fit and reproducibility of implant positioning. We present the technique for minimally invasive robotic‐assisted patellofemoral arthroplasty system. Technique Video video See video under supplementary data.
Hip and Groin Injuries in National Collegiate Athletic Association Women’s Soccer Players
Background: Hip and groin injuries are common in competitive soccer players and have been shown to be significant sources of time loss. There are few studies describing the epidemiology of hip and groin injuries in female National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) soccer players. Purpose: To describe the epidemiology of hip and groin injuries in women’s collegiate soccer players. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: The NCAA Injury Surveillance System/Program (ISS/ISP) was analyzed from 2004 through 2014 for data related to hip and groin injuries in female collegiate soccer players. Injuries and athlete-exposures (AEs) were reported by athletic trainers. Data were stratified by time of season, event type, injury type, treatment outcome, time loss, and player field position. Results: Between 2004 and 2014, there were 439 recorded hip or groin injuries in female soccer players and an overall rate of injury of 0.57 per 1000 AEs. Injuries were 12.0 times more likely to occur during the preseason (4.41/1000 AEs) as opposed to during the regular season (0.37/1000 AEs) (injury rate ratio [IRR], 12.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 9.92-14.55) or postseason (0.38/1000 AEs) (IRR, 11.55; 95% CI, 7.06-18.91). Rates of injury were similar during the regular season and postseason (IRR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.59-1.58). Rates of injury were higher during competition (0.69/1000 AEs) than during practice (0.52/1000 AEs) (IRR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.08-1.63). Most injuries were new (87.5%; n = 384) and unlikely to recur (12.5%; n = 55). Conclusion: Hip and groin injuries in female NCAA soccer players are uncommon, and fortunately, most players return to play quickly without recurrence. Future prospective studies should evaluate the effectiveness of strength and conditioning programs in preventing these injuries.
Bilateral Hip Arthroscopy in High-Level Athletes: Results of a Shorter Interval Between Staged Bilateral Hip Arthroscopies
Background: Hip arthroscopy is a safe and effective mechanism for treating femoroacetabular impingement symptoms in high level athletes. Bilateral symptoms occur in a subset of this population. Purpose: To discuss outcomes of bilateral hip arthroscopy in high-level athletes and compare a standard staged timeline for bilateral hip arthroscopic surgery versus an accelerated timeline. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective review of all staged bilateral hip arthroscopies was performed on high-level athletes over a 3-year period. Patients were categorized into cohorts based upon when the second procedure was performed (4-6 weeks after the index procedure or >6 weeks after the index procedure). Exclusion criteria included any prior hip surgery, advanced arthritis, previous pelvic or femoral fracture, or inflammatory arthropathy. Demographics, radiographic measurements, operative reports of procedures performed, and patient-reported outcomes (Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living, Hip Outcome Score–Sport Specific Subscale, modified Harris Hip Score, return to sports, return to same level of play) were compared between groups at 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year intervals, with the Student t test used for continuous data and a chi-square test used for categorical data. Results: 50 patients were identified: 22 in the accelerated surgery (AS) group and 28 in the standard surgery (SS) group. Age and number of collegiate participants were greater in the AS group, whereas the number of high school participants and the time away from sports were higher in the SS group. Preoperative alpha angles were significantly larger among the AS group, but no differences were found in postoperative alpha angles, center edge angles, or Tönnis grades. No significant difference was seen in patient-reported outcomes between the 2 groups at 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up. Conclusion: Bilateral hip arthroscopy performed 4 to 6 weeks apart is a safe and effective treatment option for athletes with bilateral femoroacetabular impingement and labral tears; the procedures entail a high rate of return to sports, return to the same level of sports, and decreased time lost from sports. This information could be useful for an athlete deciding on whether to proceed with bilateral hip arthroscopy and deciding on the timing for the procedures.
Arthroscopic Technique for Bone Augmentation With Suture Button Fixation for Anterior Shoulder Instability
Abstract Glenoid bone loss remains a significant risk factor for recurrent instability after shoulder dislocation. Several options exist for glenoid bone graft augmentation, including autograft and allograft options. Strengths and weaknesses exist for each. Graft fixation with screws remains a key concern for technical viability requiring a medial portal as well as the risk of graft osteolysis. Suture button suspensory fixation is a new technique recently described for arthroscopic iliac crest bone graft; however, no description exists concerning osteochondral graft fixation. We describe an arthroscopic technique for distal tibial allograft glenoid augmentation with suspensory suture button fixation. The rationale and technical aspects of this procedure are discussed. Technique Video video See video under supplementary data.
The Pull Test: A Dynamic Test to Confirm Hip Microinstability
Purpose To define a distraction distance (pull length) cut‐off that would differentiate those patients with hip microinstability and those without the disorder, called the Pull‐Out Test. Methods In total, 100 consecutive patients undergoing hip arthroscopy were included in the study. Patients were separated into a hip microinstability group (HMI) and non‐hip microinstability group (NHI) based on the results of Beighton's score, the abduction–extension–external rotation test, hip extension–external rotation examination, and the prone instability test. Inclusion criteria were patients with an magnetic resonance imaging‐proven labral tear who did not respond to conservative treatment and underwent hip arthroscopy. Exclusion criteria included those patients undergoing revision hip arthroscopy, had a previous surgery on the ipsilateral hip, or had severe arthritis in the hip. The Pull‐Out Test was performed before surgery with the hip in 30° of abduction and the foot in 30° of external rotation. A blinded examiner places gross axial traction on the leg until a firm end point is reached. The distraction distance between the femoral head and acetabulum is the pull length. Results In total, 32 patients made up the HMI group whereas 68 patients were in the NHI group. The average pull length for the NHI group was 0.9 ± 0.1 cm and 1.7 ± 0.4 cm for the HMI group ( P < .001). Subtracting the standard deviation from the HMI group average, when defined a cut off for hip microinstability as 1.3 cm. Using this value, we found the Pull‐Out Test to have a sensitivity of 0.91 and specificity of 0.96. The positive predictive value for the Pull Test was 0.91 and the negative predictive value 0.97. Conclusions The Pull‐Out Test is a useful test in identifying and confirming the presence of hip microinstability in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy. A pull‐length of 1.3 cm or greater is consistent with the presence of microinstability with a specificity of 94% and a sensitivity of 96%. Level of Evidence Level IV, diagnostic, case‐control study.