Lamba, Abhinav

Purpose To compile and analyze structural and clinical outcomes after meniscus root tear treatment as currently described in the literature. Methods A review was conducted to identify studies published since 2011 on efficacy of repair, meniscectomy, and nonoperative management in the treatment of meniscus root tears. Patient cohorts were grouped into treatment categories, with medial and lateral root tears analyzed separately; data were collected on patient demographics, structural outcomes including joint space width, degree of medial meniscal extrusion, progression to total knee arthroplasty, and patient‐reported outcome measures. Risk of bias was assessed using the MINORS (methodological index for non‐randomized studies) criteria. Heterogeneity was measured using the I‐statistic, and outcomes were summarized using forest plots without pooled means. Results The 56 included studies comprised a total of 3,191 patients. Mean age among the included studies ranged from 24.6 to 65.6 years, whereas mean follow‐up ranged from 12 to 125.9 months. Heterogeneity analysis identified significant differences between studies. Change in joint space width ranged from –2.4 to –0.6 mm (i.e., decreased space) after meniscectomy (n = 186) and –0.9 to –0.1 mm after root repair (n = 209); change in medial meniscal extrusion ranged from –0.6 to 6.5 mm after root repair (n = 521) and 0.2 to 4.2 mm after meniscectomy (n = 66); and event rate for total knee arthroplasty ranged from 0.00 to 0.22 after root repair (n = 205), 0.35 to 0.60 after meniscectomy (n = 53), and 0.27 to 0.35 after nonoperative treatment (n = 93). Root repair produced the greatest numerical increase in International Knee Documentation Committee and Lysholm scores of the 3 treatment arms. In addition, root repair improvements in Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Pain (range: 22‐32), Sports and Recreational Activities (range: 23‐36), Quality of Life (range: 22‐42), and Symptoms subscales (range: 10‐19), in studies with low risk of bias. Conclusions The literature reporting on the treatment of meniscus root tears is heterogenous and largely limited to Level III and IV studies. Current evidence suggests root repair may be the most effective treatment strategy in lessening joint space narrowing of the knee and producing improvements in patient‐reported outcomes. Level of Evidence Level IV, systematic review of Level II‐IV studies.

Background: Matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) is an established cell-based therapy for the treatment of chondral defects of the knee. As long-term outcomes are now being reported in the literature, it is important to systematically review available evidence to better inform clinical practice. Purpose: To report (1) subjective patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and (2) the rate of graft failure, reoperation, and progression to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) after undergoing MACI of the knee at a minimum 10-year follow-up. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A comprehensive search of Ovid MEDLINE and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations and Daily; Ovid Embase; Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; and Scopus from 2008 to September 15, 2022, was conducted in the English language. Study eligibility criteria included (1) full-text articles in the English language, (2) patients undergoing a MACI within the knee, (3) clinical outcomes reported, and (4) a minimum 10-year follow-up. Results: In total, 168 patients (99 male, 69 female; mean age, 37 years [range, 15-63 years]; mean body mass index, 26.2 [range, 18.6-39.4]) representing 188 treated chondral defects at a minimum 10-year follow-up after MACI were included in this review. Significant and durable long-term improvements were observed across multiple PRO measures. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), when performed, also demonstrated satisfactory defect fill and an intact graft in the majority of patients. The all-cause reoperation rate was 9.0%, with an overall 7.4% rate of progression to TKA at 10 to 17 years of follow-up. Conclusion: At a minimum 10-year follow-up, patients undergoing MACI for knee chondral defects demonstrated significant and durable improvements in PROs, satisfactory defect fill on MRI-based assessment, and low rates of reoperation and TKA. These data support the use of MACI as a long-term treatment of focal cartilage defects of the knee.

Background: Wrestling is a physically demanding sport with young athletes prone to traumatic shoulder instability and a paucity of data evaluating the results of shoulder instability surgery (SIS). Purpose: To assess reoperation rates, patient-reported outcomes, and return to wrestling (RTW) after SIS in a cohort of competitive wrestlers. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All competitive wrestlers with a history of shoulder instability and subsequent surgery at a single institution between 1996 and 2020 were identified. All directions of shoulder instability (anterior shoulder instability [ASI], posterior shoulder instability [PSI], and traumatic multidirectional shoulder instability [TMDI]) were analyzed. Exclusions included revision SIS and <2 years of follow-up. Athletes were contacted for determination of complications, RTW, and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index scores. Results: Ultimately, 104 wrestlers were included with a mean age at initial instability of 16.9 years (range, 12.0-22.7 years), mean age at surgery of 18.9 years (range, 14.0-29.0 years), and a mean follow-up of 5.2 years (range, 2.0-22.0 years). A total of 58 (55.8%) wrestlers were evaluated after a single shoulder instability event, while 46 (44.2%) sustained multiple events before evaluation. ASI was the most common direction (n = 79; 76.0%), followed by PSI (n = 14; 13.5%) and TMDI (n = 11; 10.6%). Surgical treatment was most commonly an arthroscopic soft tissue stabilization (n = 88; 84.6%), with open soft tissue repair (n = 13; 12.5%) and open bony augmentation (n = 3; 2.9%) performed less frequently. RTW occurred in 57.3% of wrestlers at a mean of 9.8 months. Recurrent instability was the most common complication, occurring in 18 (17.3%) wrestlers. Revision SIS was performed in 15 (14.4%) wrestlers. Across the entire cohort, survivorship rates free from recurrent instability and revision surgery were 90.4% and 92.5% at 2 years, 71.9% and 70.7% at 5 years, and 71.9% and 66.5% at 10 years, respectively. Preoperative recurrent instability was an independent risk factor for postoperative recurrent instability (hazard ratio, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.33-11.03; P = .012). Conclusion: Competitive wrestlers with multiple dislocations before initial clinical evaluation were 3.8 times more likely to experience postoperative recurrent instability. Patients should be counseled that despite SIS, only 57.3% returned to wrestling after surgery.

Background: Medial-sided elbow injuries are becoming increasingly common among throwing athletes due to overuse and increased specialization at early ages. High valgus stress and repetitive elbow flexion/extension during throwing not only affects the ligaments and dynamic support of the elbow, but commonly affects the ulnar nerve. Indications: Management of cubital tunnel syndrome is initially rest, therapy, and functional training; however, if conservative measures do not appropriately address the ulnar neuropathy, surgical decompression with subcutaneous transposition is a reliable treatment option. Technique Description: An incision is created over the medial epicondyle. The medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve is identified and protected. The ulnar nerve is identified and tagged with a vessel loop to allow for appropriate handling of the nerve. Decompression of the ulnar nerve begins proximally by spreading the tissues superficial to the ulnar nerve and splitting the fascia overlying it. Then, dissection deep to the nerve is performed. A small strip of the medial intermuscular septum will be used as a sling to hold the nerve securely in the transposed position. This is released proximally and the distal attachment to the medial epicondyle is left in place. Decompression is then continued distally by releasing the superficial fascia over the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) and a portion of the deep FCU muscle belly and fascia. The nerve is decompressed circumferentially, while preserving penetrating branches to the FCU as able. Ultimately, the ulnar nerve is decompressed 10 cm proximal and 10 cm distal to the medial epicondyle. The intermuscular septum is then pulled over the nerve, checked for appropriate length, and sutured in place both posterior and anterior to the ulnar nerve. Results: Symptom improvement after decompression and transposition is high (>90%); however, performance outcomes in overhead and throwing athletes is variable, and return to previous or higher level of play ranges from 60% to 90%. Discussion/Conclusion: Ulnar nerve decompression and transposition can reliably address underlying symptoms, but results are mixed for return to sport outcomes in overhead and throwing athletes. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Background: The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the primary soft tissue restraint to lateral patellar translation and is often disrupted by lateral patellar dislocation. Surgical management for recurrent patellar instability focuses on restoring the MPFL function with repair or reconstruction techniques. Recent studies have favored reconstruction over repair; however, long-term comparative studies are limited. Purpose: To compare long-term clinical outcomes, complications, and recurrence rates of isolated MPFL reconstruction and MPFL repair for recurrent lateral patellar instability. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 55 patients (n = 58 knees) with recurrent lateral patellar instability were treated between 2005 and 2012 with either MPFL repair or MPFL reconstruction. The exclusion criteria were previous or concomitant tibial tubercle osteotomy or trochleoplasty and follow-up of <8 years. Pre- and postoperative descriptive, surgical, imaging, and clinical data were recorded for each patient. Results: MPFL repair was performed on 26 patients (n = 29 knees; 14 women, 15 men), with a mean age of 18.4 years. MPFL reconstruction was performed on 29 patients (n = 29 knees; 18 women, 11 men), with a mean age of 18.2 years. At a mean follow-up of 12 years (range, 8.3-18.9 years), the reconstruction group had a significantly lower rate of recurrent dislocation compared with the repair group (14% vs 41%; P = .019). There were no differences in the number of preoperative dislocations or tibial tubercle–trochlear groove distance. The reconstruction group had significantly more time from initial injury to surgery compared with the repair group (median, 1460 days vs 627 days; P = .007). There were no differences in postoperative Tegner, Lysholm, or Kujala scores at the final follow-up. In addition, no statistically significant differences were detected in return to sport (RTS) rates (repair [81%] vs reconstruction [75%]; P = .610) or reoperation rates for recurrent instability (repair [21%] vs reconstruction [7%]; P = .13). Conclusion: MPFL repair resulted in a nearly 3-fold higher rate of recurrent patellar dislocation (41% vs 14%) at the long-term follow-up compared with MPFL reconstruction. Given this disparate rate, the authors recommend MPFL reconstruction over repair because of the lower failure rate and similar, if not superior, clinical outcomes and RTS.

Background: Recently, the posterior horn lateral meniscal oblique radial tear (LMORT) was identified in 12% of acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. However, patient-reported outcomes for repair of this relatively common tear have not been reported. Purpose: To determine the minimum 2-year functional outcomes after LMORT repair at the time of ACL reconstruction (ACLR) compared to a matched cohort of patients who underwent isolated ACLR (iACLR). Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Included were 100 patients (mean age at surgery, 21 years; range, 13-45 years) who underwent primary ACLR between 2010 and 2018. The mean follow-up period was 4.1 ± 2.0 years (range, 2.0-9.2 years). A total of 50 patients with surgically repaired LMORT type 3 or type 4 lesions, defined as partial or complete tears >10 mm from the root (LMORT group) were matched 1:1 based on age, date of surgery, and graft choice with 50 patients who underwent iACLR (iACLR group). The postoperative outcomes were compared between groups using the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score (sIKDC) and the Tegner activity scale. An updated medical history was obtained via the electronic medical record to determine any subsequent complications and reoperations. Results: There was 1 ACL graft failure in each group as well as 5 (10%) reoperations per group. None of the patients in the LMORT group necessitated a lateral meniscal revision repair or partial meniscectomy. The LMORT and iACLR groups reported comparable sIKDC scores (92.5 ± 6.8 vs 91.9 ± 8.2, respectively; P = .712) as well as Tegner scores (6.7 ± 1.8 vs 6.6 ± 1.8, respectively; P = .910) at final follow-up. No failures of the LMORT repairs were reported. Conclusion: The study findings demonstrated that reoperations, graft failure rates, patient-reported outcomes, and patient activity levels at ≥2 years after type 3 and 4 LMORT repairs at the time of ACLR compared favorably with those of a matched cohort of patients who underwent iACLR with intact meniscus.

Background: Historically, symptomatic hip labral lesions were treated with arthroscopic debridement. Hip labral repair has become the standard treatment for labral pathology; however, to date, there are limited long-term studies regarding the outcomes of isolated labral debridement. Purpose: To (1) evaluate the long-term patient-reported outcomes of isolated labral debridement, (2) report reoperation and arthroplasty rates, and (3) identify risk factors contributing to reoperation or poor clinical outcomes. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4 Methods: A retrospective review of a prospectively generated cohort of 59 hips in 57 patients from 1996 to 2010 who underwent hip arthroscopy with labral debridement was performed. Only patients with Tönnis grade <3 were included. Additionally, given the time period analyzed, resection of cam morphology was not performed, and the interportal capsulotomy was not repaired. The pre- and postoperative modified Harris Hip Score; Hip Outcome Score (HOS)-Activities of Daily Living and -Sports scores; and reoperation, conversion to total hip arthroplasty, and risk factors were analyzed. Results: In total, 48 hips in 47 patients (14 men, 33 women; mean age, 48.0 ± 12.9 years) met inclusion criteria and were followed for a mean of 17 ± 3 years (range, 13-27 years). The mean preoperative Tönnis grade was 1.3 ± 0.6 (range, 0-2), the mean chondral acetabular International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society (ICRS) grade was 1.7 ± 1.6 (range, 0-4), the mean chondral femoral ICRS grade was 0.9 ± 1.4, and the mean acetabular labral articular cartilage grade was 2.5 ± 1.2 (range, 0-4). At the final follow-up, mean the modified Harris Hip Score, HOS-Activities of Daily Living score, and HOS-Sports score were 82.2 ± 16.6, 81.9 ± 20.5, and 82.2 ± 20.5, respectively. Nineteen hips underwent subsequent reoperation at a mean of 5.5 ± 6.2 years (range, 0.5-21.2 years) postoperatively, including 16 hips (33% overall) being converted to total hip arthroplasty. Higher acetabular ICRS chondral grades at the time of surgery were observed in patients who went on to subsequent surgery compared with those who did not (2.3 ± 1.6 vs 1.1 ± 1.5; P = .02). In reoperation-free hips, Tönnis grade demonstrated a trend of increasing over time (1.4 preoperatively vs 1.7 at radiographic follow-up; P = .08). At the final follow-up, 19 hips (40%) had undergone reoperation, and 5 additional hips (10%) were rated as “abnormal” or “severely abnormal” in function, resulting in an overall clinical failure rate of 50%. Conclusion: Isolated labral debridement was found to result in high rates of failure and reoperation, with a third of patients being converted to arthroplasty and half of patients meeting criteria for reoperation or clinical failure. Of note, for patients remaining reoperation-free, satisfactory outcome scores were observed.

Purpose To describe the patient‐reported clinical outcomes following medial meniscus root repair with meniscus centralization and to identify common complications and detail provisional results. Methods Patients undergoing medial meniscus root repair with meniscus centralization from 2020 to 2022 were identified using an institutional database. Patients were followed prospectively using postoperative Tegner Activity Scale, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Joint Replacement, International Knee Documentation Committee score, and a Likert score for improvement, surgery satisfaction, and subsequent surgeries at minimum 1‐year follow‐up with mean 2‐year follow‐up. Demographics, injury characteristics, and surgical details were also collected. Results Twenty‐five patients (age: 50 ± 11 years; sex: 76% female; body mass index: 33 ± 8) were included in this study. Postoperative Tegner score was maintained at preoperative levels ( P = .233), and VAS at rest, VAS with use, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Joint Replacement, and International Knee Documentation Committee improved significantly postoperatively ( P = .003; P < .001, P < .001, P = .023, respectively). Eighty‐eight percent of patients reported subjective improvement in their knee at final follow‐up. Postoperative radiographs did not show any significant osteoarthritis progression, and no patients had undergone a revision meniscus surgery or total knee arthroplasty at the time of follow‐up. Conclusions At minimum 1‐year follow‐up and mean 2‐year follow‐up, patients undergoing medial meniscus root repair with meniscus centralization demonstrated significant postoperative improvements in pain, function, and quality of life and reported high rates of surgery satisfaction. There was no evidence of significant arthritic progression on postoperative imaging, and no patients underwent revision meniscus surgery or total knee arthroplasty. Level of Evidence Level IV, case series.

Background: Hip arthroscopy continues to advance and become increasingly commonly performed. With the evolution of techniques and instrumentation, labral repair rather than debridement has emerged as the treatment of choice for labral pathology. There remains a lack of data on long-term outcomes after labral repair. Purpose: To (1) evaluate long-term patient-reported outcomes of primary hip arthroscopy with labral repair for femoroacetabular impingement, (2) report achievement rates of Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) and minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and (3) investigate rates of reoperation and progression to total hip arthroplasty (THA). Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Prospectively collected data were reviewed for patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy with labral repair between 2010 and 2013. Patients’ medical records were reviewed for demographic characteristics, intraoperative findings, reoperation, and progression to THA. Patients were assessed pre- and postoperatively using the following scales: visual analog scale (VAS) for pain; Tegner activity scale; modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS); 12-item International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12); Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL); HOS–Sport-Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS); and Non-Arthritic Hip Score. Patients were also surveyed for satisfaction, subjective improvement, and level of function. Results: A total of 32 patients (n = 24 women; n = 8 men) with a mean age of 27.7 years (range, 13.6-51 years) were evaluated for a mean of 9.4 years (range, 9-12.1 years). Patients achieved significant mean improvements in VAS pain at rest of 2 points, VAS pain with use of 1.9, mHHS of 19.9 points, iHOT-12 of 33.5 points, HOS-ADL of 17.4 points, and HOS-SSS of 29.5 points ( P≤ .015 for all). Eleven patients (34.4%) underwent reoperation and 4 (12.5%) progressed to THA during the study period. At the final follow-up, the MCID achievement rate was ≥68%, the PASS achievement rates ranged from 39% to 65%, and the mean patient satisfaction was 8.1 on a 1 to 10 scale, with 10 denoting most satisfied. Conclusion: Patients demonstrated significant postoperative improvements in pain, mHHS, iHOT-12, HOS-ADL, and HOS-SSS scores at 9 years postoperatively. The all-cause reoperation rate was 34.4%, and 12.5% of patients progressed to THA.

Background: Arthrofibrosis (AF) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) remains a challenge. There is a paucity of data on arthroscopic interventions for AF after ACLR. Purpose: To (1) describe the patient, injury, and surgical characteristics and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of those requiring an arthroscopic intervention for loss of motion after ACLR and (2) compare outcomes between patients undergoing an early intervention (within 3 months) versus those undergoing a late intervention (after 3 months). Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients with a history of ACLR and a subsequent operative procedure for postoperative AF at a single institution between 2000 and 2018 were retrospectively identified. Arthroscopic interventions included lysis of adhesions, capsular release with or without manipulation under anesthesia, and excision of cyclops lesions. Patients were excluded if they had a knee dislocation or multiple-ligament injury, a periarticular fracture, or less than 2-year follow-up from the arthroscopic intervention. PROs including the Tegner activity score, visual analog scale pain score, and International Knee Documentation Committee score as well as knee range of motion (ROM) were recorded. Results: A total of 40 patients were included with a mean age of 27.2 years (range, 11.0-63.8 years) at surgery and a mean follow-up of 10.0 years (range, 2.9-20.7 years). The mean preoperative flexion and extension were 102° (range, 40°-150°) and 8° (range, 0°-25°), respectively. The mean postoperative flexion and extension were 131° (range, 110° to 150°) and 0° (range, –10° to 5°), respectively. After the arthroscopic intervention, the mean ROM improved from 94° (range, 40°-140°) preoperatively to 131° (range, 107°-152°) at final follow-up ( P < .001), and the visual analog scale pain score improved from 3.0 preoperatively to 1.2 postoperatively ( P = .001). Overall, 13 patients (32.5%) underwent an intervention within 3 months and 27 (67.5%) after 3 months. The early intervention group had a higher postoperative International Knee Documentation Committee score compared with the late intervention group (86.8 vs 71.7, respectively; P = .035). Conclusion: An arthroscopic intervention for AF after ACLR successfully improved knee ROM and pain. Patients who underwent either early or late surgery obtained satisfactory motion and function, although improved PROs were observed when the intervention occurred within 3 months of the primary procedure.