Abstract Ischiofemoral impingement is a newly recognized cause of extra‐articular hip pain, and is caused by contact between the lesser trochanter and ischium. Surgical intervention has been proven successful for patients with persistent pain and disability after failure of nonoperative management. This technique article provides a reliable method for endoscopic lesser trochanter osteoplasty using an anterior approach. Technique Video video See video under supplementary data.
Femoral Derotation Osteotomy Technique for Excessive Femoral Anteversion
Abstract Excessive femoral anteversion may lead to increasing stress placed on the anterior acetabulum and soft tissues, which can predispose to intra‐articular hip pathology. By addressing the excessive femoral anteversion in combination with intra‐articular hip pathology, the results will be durable over time. This technique details how to perform a femoral derotation osteotomy for excessive femoral anteversion after addressing intra‐articular pathology with hip arthroscopy in one surgical intervention. This allows the surgeon to address both the underlying pathoanatomy and the resultant intra‐articular sequelae. Technique Video video See video under supplementary data.
Arthroscopic Iliopsoas Release at the Level of the Lesser Trochanter Following Total Hip Arthroplasty
Abstract Iliopsoas impingement is an uncommon cause of pain after total hip arthroplasty. If pain persists after a trial of conservative treatment, surgical intervention can alleviate the patient's symptoms. Multiple advantages exist to release the iliopsoas tendon at the level of the lesser trochanter. The purpose of this Technical Note is to demonstrate a technique for arthroscopic release of the iliopsoas tendon at the lesser trochanter after total hip arthroplasty. Technique Video video See video under supplementary data.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tunnel Placement Using the Pathfinder Guide
Abstract Reconstruction techniques for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) have evolved considerably over the past 3 decades. The femoral tunnel is most commonly made via a transtibial or separate anteromedial portal approach. Benefits and drawbacks for each of these techniques exist. Improper tunnel placement is the cause of failure for ACL reconstruction 70% of the time. We present a hybrid technique for femoral tunnel placement using the Pathfinder ACL guide, which attempts to give the surgeon many of the benefits of both the transtibial and anteromedial portal techniques without the drawbacks. Technique Video video See video under supplementary data.
Outcomes of Hip Arthroscopy in Competitive Athletes
Purpose To evaluate the minimum 2‐year postoperative clinical outcomes and the rate of return to sports in athletes who underwent capsular plication for the treatment of ligamentous laxity and/or borderline dysplasia during hip arthroscopy for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement and labral pathology. Methods Since 2008, data were prospectively collected on patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement and/or labral tears. Inclusion criteria were as follows: athlete at the high school, collegiate, or professional levels preoperatively, underwent capsular plication, and preoperatively recorded patient‐reported outcome scores including modified Harris hip score (mHHS), nonarthritic athletic hip score (NAHS), hip outcome score—sports‐specific subscale (HOS‐SSS), and visual analog scale (VAS). Exclusion criteria were as follows: <16 years old, preoperative Tönnis grade >1, and previous hip conditions. Sports activity and competitive levels were collected at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. Results Fifty‐one hips (49 patients) met the inclusion criteria, and 41 hips (39 patients) had minimum 2‐year follow‐up (80.4% follow‐up). Mean mHHS increased from 67.1 preoperatively to 83.5 ( P < .0001). Mean NAHS increased from 66.8 to 88.8 ( P < .0001). Mean HOS‐SSS improved from 46.8 to 80.1 ( P < .0001). Mean VAS decreased from 5.1 to 1.7 ( P < .0001). Thirty‐five (85.4%) hip arthroscopies allowed the patients to return to sports at follow‐up. Thirty‐four (82.9%) hip arthroscopies allowed the patients to maintain their competitive physical abilities at follow‐up. Conclusions Patient‐reported outcomes and VAS in athletes significantly improved at a minimum of 2 years after capsular plication as a part of hip arthroscopy addressing varying pathologies. In addition, most patients returned to sports at similar or higher competitive levels. These results suggest that capsular plication is a favorable treatment option in athletes with ligamentous laxity and/or borderline dysplasia. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series.
Snapping biceps femoris tendon (BFT) over the fibular head is an uncommon cause of lateral knee pain. This study reports a case of nontraumatic painful snapping of the BFT due to a prominent fibular head that was persistent intraoperatively after fibular head resection. We describe a novel surgical technique of release of the anterior arm of the biceps tendon followed by soft tissue tenodesis to the popliteofibular ligament, as opposed to the remaining fibular head, to prevent iatrogenic fracture.
Identification of the Anterolateral Ligament on Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Abstract Studies continue to demonstrate the importance of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) as a secondary restraint in rotational stability of the knee. No clinical exam exists to reliably test the ALL. Advanced imaging allows the surgeon to reliably identify the ALL as an independent structure of the lateral knee. This technique paper provides a reproducible method for identification of the ALL on 3T magnetic resonance imaging based on previously conducted cadaveric dissections of the ligament. Technique Video video See video under supplementary data.
Visibility of Anterolateral Ligament Tears in Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Deficient Knees With Standard 1.5‐Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Purpose To attempt to visualize the ligament with standard 1.5‐tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)–torn knee, and if it is visible, attempt to characterize it as torn or intact at its femoral, meniscal, and tibial attachment sites. Methods This was a retrospective MRI study based on arthroscopic findings of a known ACL tear in 72 patients between the years 2006 and 2010. Patients all had hamstring ACL reconstructions, no concomitant lateral collateral ligament, or posterolateral corner injury based on imaging and physical examination, and had a preoperative 1.5‐tesla MRI scan with standard sequences performed within 3 weeks of the injury. Two fellowship‐trained musculoskeletal radiologists retrospectively reviewed the preoperative MRI for visualization of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) for concomitant tears. Inter‐ and intraobserver reliability was calculated. Learning effect was analyzed to determine if radiologists' agreement improved as reads progressed. Results Both radiologists were able to visualize the ALL in 100% of the scans. Overall, ALL tears were noted in 26% by radiologist 1 and in 62% by radiologist 2. The agreement between the ligament being torn or not had a kappa of 0.54 between radiologists. The agreements in torn or not torn between radiologists in the femoral, meniscal, and tibial sites were 0.14, 0.15, and 0.31. The intraobserver reliability by radiologist 1 for femoral, meniscal, and tibial tears was 0.04, 0.57, and 0.54 respectively. For radiologist 2, they were 0.75, 0.61, and 0.55. There was no learning effect noted. Conclusions ALL tears are currently unable to be reliably identified as torn or intact on standard 1.5‐tesla MRI sequences. Proper imaging sequences are of crucial importance to reliably follow these tears to determine their clinical significance. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series study.
Abstract Tibial plateau fractures present a difficult range of fractures to treat. Arthroscopy allows for a less invasive option when compared with arthrotomy. Furthermore, visualization of the articular surface arthroscopically can allow for a precise reduction and assessment of any concomitant injuries to the articular cartilage and meniscus. By use of arthroscopy, unicondylar lateral plateaus were traditionally approached through a laterally based metaphyseal window. However, in carefully selected patients and fracture patterns, a medially based, arthroscopic‐assisted approach can create long bony tunnels for subchondral support and allow for greater ease in fracture reduction. We present our technique using a medial approach for arthroscopic‐assisted fixation of lateral tibial plateau fractures. Technique Video video See video under supplementary data.