Objectives: Arthroscopy is being used more frequently as a treatment for intra-articular hip pathology due to femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Prior to surgery, intra-articular anesthetic injection is commonly performed as a diagnostic test to localize the source of pain. Currently, there is a paucity of data correlating post-injection pain relief and functional outcomes after hip arthroscopy for FAI. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the amount of pain relief after preoperative intra-articular anesthetic injection predicts clinical and functional outcomes following hip arthroscopy with minimum one year follow-up. We hypothesize that increased pain relief (>50%) will correlate with better outcomes after surgery. Methods: The records of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI at our institution between April 2007 and April 2012 were reviewed. We identified patients who underwent pre-operative intra-articular anesthetic injection and subsequent hip arthroscopy. Inclusion criteria were: ultrasound or fluoroscopic guided intra-articular anesthetic injection performed at our institution, documented pre- and post-injection Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores, no prior ipsilateral hip surgery, and minimum 1 year follow-up. Pre-operative radiographs were reviewed and degree of osteoarthritis was determined using the Tonnis classification system. Outcomes were assessed with Modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS) and Hip Outcome Score (HOS). Univariate and multivariate models were performed to assess whether percent pain relief correlated with outcome scores. Results: 57 hips in 55 patients met our inclusion criteria and included 37 females (67%) and 18 males (33%) with a mean age of 42.6 ± 14.7 (range 15-68) years. 8 patients had Tonnis grade 0, 35 had Tonnis grade 1, and 14 had Tonnis grade 2. Mean pain relief after intra-articular injection was 74.4 ± 31.9 (range 0-100) percent. 13 patients (23%) had ≤50% pain relief while 44 (77%) had >50% pain relief. Outcome scores were obtained at a mean 25.5 (range 12- 60) months. Mean MHHS, HOS-ADL, and HOS-Sport scores were 82.1 ± 17.4 (range 42.9-100), 85.0 ± 16.6 (range 39.7-100), and 71.8 ± 28.1 (range 11.1-100) respectively. There was no correlation between percent pain relief and MHHS, HOS-ADL, or HOS-Sport scores. There was no significant difference in outcome scores between those with ≤50% and >50% pain relief. When adjusting for Tonnis grade there was no correlation between percent relief and any of the outcome scores measured. Conclusion: In patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI, our data indicates that the amount of pain relief from intra-articular anesthetic injection does not correlate with minimum 1 year clinical and functional outcomes even when adjusting for Tonnis grade. Although pain relief did not predict outcomes in our study, we still believe it is a useful diagnostic tool to localize the source of pain in patients considering hip arthroscopy.
Results of Revision Anterior Shoulder Stabilization Surgery in Adolescent Athletes
Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine failure rates, functional outcomes, and risk factors for failure after revision anterior shoulder stabilization surgery in high‐risk adolescent athletes. Methods Adolescent athletes who underwent primary anterior shoulder stabilization were reviewed. Patients undergoing subsequent revision stabilization surgery were identified and analyzed. Failure rates after revision surgery were assessed by Kaplan‐Meier analysis. Failure was defined as recurrent instability requiring reoperation. Functional outcomes included the Marx activity score; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score; and University of California, Los Angeles score. The characteristics of patients who required reoperation for recurrent instability after revision surgery were compared with those of patients who required only a single revision to identify potential risk factors for failure. Results Of 90 patients who underwent primary anterior stabilization surgery, 15 (17%) had failure and underwent revision surgery (mean age, 16.6 years; age range, 14 to 18 years). The mean follow‐up period was 5.5 years (range, 2 to 12 years). Of the 15 revision patients, 5 (33%) had recurrent dislocations and required repeat revision stabilization surgery at a mean of 50 months (range, 22 to 102 months) after initial revision. No risk factors for failure were identified. The Kaplan‐Meier reoperation‐free estimates were 86% (95% confidence interval, 67% to 100%) at 24 months and 78% (95% confidence interval, 56% to 100%) at 48 months after revision surgery. The mean final Marx activity score was 14.8 (range, 5 to 20); American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, 82.1 (range, 33 to 100); and University of California, Los Angeles score, 30.8 (range, 16 to 35). Conclusions At 5.5 years' follow‐up, adolescent athletes had a high failure rate of revision stabilization surgery and modest functional outcomes. We were unable to convincingly identify specific risk factors for failure of revision surgery. Level of Evidence Level IV, retrospective therapeutic case series.
Reconstruction of the Posterolateral Corner of the Knee With Achilles Tendon Allograft
Abstract Posterolateral corner injuries of the knee are relatively rare; however, they can result in significant long‐term disability without appropriate treatment. They often occur in the setting of multiligament knee injuries, and as a result, diagnosis and management can be challenging. Severe injuries often require reconstruction, and both anatomic and nonanatomic techniques exist. We describe our preferred operative technique to reconstruct the fibular collateral ligament and posterolateral corner using a single Achilles tendon allograft. Technique Video video See video under supplementary data.
Adverse Effect of Femoral Nerve Blockade on Quadriceps Strength and Function after ACL Reconstruction
AbstractPurposeCurrently, there is a paucity of literature regarding outcomes after isolated labral debridement. The purpose of this study was to (1) report the reoperation rate following isolated labral debridement, (2) report clinical and functional outcomes after labral debridement with a minimum 2‐year follow‐up and (3) identify risk factors for worse clinical and functional outcomes. It was hypothesized that inferior outcomes are associated with an increasing Tönnis grade and those with untreated femoral acetabular impingement (FAI).MethodsThe records of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy between 1998 and 2005 were reviewed. Patients with labral tears who underwent isolated arthroscopic labral debridement were identified. Kaplan–Meier estimate of failure (defined as subsequent surgery) was performed for all patients. Patients with minimum 2‐year follow‐up were assessed with Modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS) and Hip Outcome Score (HOS). Univariate analysis was then performed to assess which factors were associated with worse clinical and functional outcomes.ResultsFifty‐nine hips in 57 patients met our inclusion criteria (39 females, 18 males) with a mean age of 46 ± 14 years and mean follow‐up of 5 (range 2–14) years. Overall, 45 % of the hips failed for repeat surgery (20 %) or rating for hip function as abnormal or severely abnormal (25 %). Twelve hips (20 %) required subsequent surgical intervention at a mean 23 (range 6–60) months (7 total hip arthroplasties, 2 open revisions, 3 arthroscopic revisions). Of the remaining hips, mean MHHS was 83.4 ± 19.7, mean HOS ADL score was 83.8 ± 21.3 and mean HOS sport score was 70.6 ± 32.9, with 33 of 41 (75 %) reporting normal or nearly normal current level of function. Univariate analysis revealed that hips with untreated bony impingement (p = 0.01) or requiring concomitant chondroplasty (p = 0.03) had inferior clinical outcome scores.ConclusionsIsolated arthroscopic labral debridement for hip labral tears had 45 % combined poor results when strictly defining failure as repeat surgery or abnormal hip rating. Untreated FAI and concomitant chondroplasty were risk factors for inferior outcome. We recommend concomitant treatment for bony impingement lesions and preservation of the labrum whenever possible.Level of evidenceRetrospective case series, Level IV.
Limited therapeutic benefits of intra‐articular cortisone injection for patients with femoro‐acetabular impingement and labral tear
Abstract Purpose Intra‐articular (IA) hip cortisone injection is commonly performed as a therapeutic modality in patients with femoral acetabular impingement (FAI). To our knowledge, there is no published data evaluating the clinical benefit of these injections. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of therapeutic IA cortisone injection in these patients. Methods At our institution, patients with FAI and labral tear prospectively recorded their numerical rating scale (NRS) pain scores pre‐injection, during post‐injection anaesthetic phase, and at 14 days post‐injection. From this cohort, all patients treated with guided IA cortisone injection, no radiographic evidence of arthritis (Tönnis grade 0 or 1) and pain relief during the anaesthetic phase of the IA injection were included. An absolute change of two points on the NRS score was considered the minimal amount of clinically significant pain relief. Pain scores were compared between the different types of steroid injected. Results Fifty‐four patients (35 females, 19 males) with a mean age of 32 ± 12 years were included. Average median pre‐injection NRS score was 7.0 (range 2.5–10.0), post‐injection anaesthetic phase was 1.0 (range 0.0–5.0), and 14 day post‐injection was 5.0 (range 0.0–10.0). As a group, NRS scores significantly diminished from post‐injection anaesthetic phase to 14 days post‐injection ( p < 0.001). At 14 days post‐injection, only 20 patients (37 %) and at 6 weeks, only 3 patients (6 %) reported a clinically significant decrease in pain. Average duration of pain relief was 9.8 days. There was no difference in pain reduction between steroid preparations. Conclusion In patients with symptomatic FAI and labral tear, intra‐articular cortisone injection has limited clinical benefit as a therapeutic modality. However, anaesthetic‐only IA injections for patients who may be candidates for hip arthroscopy can be a useful diagnostic tool. Level of evidence Therapeutic case series, Level IV.
Arthroscopic Femoral Neck Osteoplasty in the Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement
Abstract Femoral neck osteoplasty is an integral component for successful treatment of femoroacetabular impingement. Current techniques allow this to be performed arthroscopically, and results are equivalent to those of open procedures when typical anterior and anterosuperior lesions are considered. The arthroscopic procedure is dependent on obtaining adequate visualization through capsular management and proper leg positioning, and it requires fluoroscopy to guide and verify an adequate resection. We present our preferred technique for arthroscopic femoral neck osteoplasty. Technique Video video See video under supplementary data.
Utility of multimodal analgesia with fascia iliaca blockade for acute pain management following hip arthroscopy
AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of multimodal analgesia with fascia iliaca blockade and for acute pain control in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy.MethodsThirty consecutive patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy were prospectively studied. All patients were treated preoperatively with ultrasound‐guided single injection fascia iliaca blockade and multimodal analgesia. Data collected included post‐operative nausea, numeric rating scale (NRS) pain scores during rest and activity, opioid consumption during the first five days (recorded as tablets of 5 mg hydrocodone/500 mg acetaminophen) and overall patient satisfaction with analgesia.ResultsThis study included 23 female and 7 male patients with a median age of 35 years (range 14–58). No patient required medication for post‐operative nausea. The overall NRS scores were an average of 3.9 on day 0, 3.6 on day 1, 3.4 on day 2, 2.9 on day 3, 3.0 on day 4 and 2.7 on day 5. The average tablets of opioid taken were 1.5 on day 0, 1.2 on day 1, 1.3 on day 2, 1.0 on day 3, 1.1 on day 4 and 0.9 on day 5. Overall, 20 patients rated their post‐operative pain control as very satisfied (67 %), and 10 patients as satisfied (33 %). There were no complications or side effects from the fascia iliaca blockade.ConclusionIn this prospective study, multimodal analgesia with fascia iliaca blockade following hip arthroscopy was safe and effective. The quality of early post‐operative analgesia provided by the fascia iliaca blockade was excellent and resulted in low opioid consumption, high quality of pain relief and high overall patient satisfaction.Level of evidenceProspective case series, Level II.
Clinical and Functional Outcomes after Multiligament Knee Injury with Associated Peroneal Nerve Palsy
Objectives: Peroneal nerve injuries are not uncommon with multiligament (ML) knee dislocations. However, there remains little information on outcome of these injuries. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to (1) report the clinical and functional outcomes after ML knee injury with concomitant peroneal nerve palsy, (2) compare recovery and outcome with partial versus complete peroneal nerve injury, (3) compare outcomes to a matched cohort of ML knee injuries without concomitant peroneal nerve palsy. Methods: Patients that underwent surgical reconstruction of a ML knee injury from 1993 to 2010 were reviewed and concomitant nerve injuries were identified, forming the peroneal nerve injury group (PI). Patient demographics, injury mechanism, modified Schenck classification, and peroneal nerve function, treatment, and recovery were documented. Patients were divided into two sub-groups: complete peroneal nerve palsy (CNP) and partial peroneal nerve palsy (PNP). A second group of patients with ML knee injury without peroneal nerve injury were identified, forming the no nerve injury group (NI). The PI and NI groups were matched based on Modified Schenck Classification, age, and gender. Peroneal nerve motor grade was assessed at last clinical follow-up and outcome scores were obtained using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm forms at a minimum of 2 years post-op. Data was analyzed using univariate and multivariate models to assess for predictive factors between the groups. Results: 27 patients (24 males, 3 females) met inclusion criteria for the PI group (9 CNP and 18 PNP). Treatment for CNP included an AFO for all patients, non-operative (1), neurolysis (2), tendon transfer (3), nerve transfer (1), and combined nerve/tendon transfer (1). One patient in the CNP group required additional surgery, undergoing below knee amputation. Treatment for PNP included non-op (12), neurolysis (4), nerve transfer (1), and combined nerve/tendon transfer (1). 2 patients with incomplete nerve palsy required additional surgery, undergoing an arthrodesis and a total knee arthroplasty. 3 CNP (37.5%) and 15 PNP (83.3%) regained 3/5 or greater tibialis anterior (TA) strength. PNP was associated with increased recovery of 3/5 extensor hallucis longus (EHL) strength (p=0.0093). Outcome scores were obtained for 17 of the remaining patients at a mean 6.6 (range 2-18) years. Univariate analysis revealed no difference between the CNP and PNP groups. Final motor grade of 3/5 did not predict improved outcomes. Not undergoing a tendon transfer procedure predicted better outcomes on the IKDC score (70.5 vs 45.0; p=0.027). All other peroneal nerve interventions were not associated with improved motor or functional outcome. 20 patients formed the NI group. The PI and NI groups were matched on gender (18 M, 2 F), age (mean 30.8 vs 29.5 years), and Modified Schenck Classification (2 KD-I, 10 KD-IIIL, 5 KD-IV, 3 KD-V vs 2, 7, 8, and 3 respectively). In univariate analysis, the PI group had inferior outcomes on both the IKDC (64.5 vs 77.3; p=0.036) and Lysholm (67.1 vs 83.0; p=0.023) scores. Conclusion: Patients with partial peroneal nerve palsy are more likely to regain antigravity EHL strength, but not antigravity TA strength. There is no significant difference in outcomes between partial and complete peroneal nerve palsy. In ML knee injuries, patients with peroneal nerve injury have significantly worse outcomes than similar patients without peroneal nerve injury.
Postfixed Brachial Plexus Radiculopathy Due to Thoracic Disc Herniation in a Collegiate Wrestler: A Case Report
Objective: To present the unique case of a collegiate wrestler with C7 neurologic symptoms due to T1–T2 disc herniation. Background: A 23-year-old male collegiate wrestler injured his neck in a wrestling tournament match and experienced pain, weakness, and numbness in his left upper extremity. He completed that match and 1 additional match that day with mild symptoms. Evaluation by a certified athletic trainer 6 days postinjury showed radiculopathy in the C7 distribution of his left upper extremity. He was evaluated further by the team physician, a primary care physician, and a neurosurgeon. Differential Diagnosis: Cervical spine injury, stinger/burner, peripheral nerve injury, spinal cord injury, thoracic outlet syndrome, brachial plexus radiculopathy. Treatment: The patient initially underwent nonoperative management with ice, heat, massage, electrical stimulation, shortwave diathermy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs without symptom resolution. Cervical spine radiographs were negative for bony pathologic conditions. Magnetic resonance imaging showed evidence of T1–T2 disc herniation. The patient underwent surgery to resolve the symptoms and enable him to participate for the remainder of the wrestling season. Uniqueness: Whereas brachial plexus radiculopathy commonly is seen in collision sports, a postfixed brachial plexus in which the T2 nerve root has substantial contribution to the innervation of the upper extremity is a rare anatomic variation with which many health care providers are unfamiliar. Conclusions: The injury sustained by the wrestler appeared to be C7 radiculopathy due to a brachial plexus traction injury. However, it ultimately was diagnosed as radiculopathy due to a T1–T2 thoracic intervertebral disc herniation causing impingement of a postfixed brachial plexus and required surgical intervention. Athletic trainers and physicians need to be aware of the anatomic variations of the brachial plexus when evaluating and caring for patients with suspected brachial plexus radiculopathies.