Hevesi, Mario

Abstract There are multiple underlying etiologies of patellar instability including both osseous and soft‐tissue factors. Obligate flexion dislocation consists of lateral dislocation of the patella, occurring each time the knee flexes. This generally results from a predominantly lateral contracture of the extensor mechanism and can be technically challenging to manage. Quadricepsplasty can be of particular clinical utility for obligate flexion dislocation and constitutes a realignment of the proximal soft‐tissue attachments of the patella. The described technique features isolation of the 4 muscles of the quadriceps and subsequent stepwise lengthening of the vastus lateralis, advancement of the vastus medialis obliquus, and Z‐lengthening of the rectus femoris and vastus intermedius. This technique can be used in isolation or in combination with other procedures, such as medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction, to surgically address patellofemoral maltracking. Technique Video video See video under supplementary data.

Background: While patients may report painful or prominent hardware after tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO), little is known about the frequency, associated factors, and outcomes after removal of symptomatic hardware. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to investigate the incidence of hardware removal after TTO due to pain or complications, factors associated with hardware removal, and postoperative outcomes after removal. It was hypothesized that clinical outcomes would be similar between patients who underwent TTO without hardware removal and those who underwent TTOs and subsequently hardware removal. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent TTO at a single institution from 2000 to 2023. Age at the time of the index surgery, sex, race, body mass index, number and size of screws, tibial tubercle–trochlear groove distance, and reason for hardware removal were collected retrospectively. Knee radiographs were reviewed for measurement of soft tissue–hardware distance. Patients were contacted via email to capture final patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). A univariate logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with hardware removal. Results: A total of 152 patients representing 171 knees were included. Of the overall cohort, 38 knees (22.2%) in 32 patients underwent TTO with subsequent hardware removal. The most common reason for hardware removal was anterior knee pain (79%). Compared with patients aged 11 to 20 years, patients aged 21 to 30 years demonstrated higher odds of undergoing hardware removal (OR, 3.67; 95% CI, 1.51-9.44; P = .009). Compared with a soft tissue–hardware distance of 0 to 4.9 mm, a distance of 10.0 to 14.9 mm demonstrated lower odds of hardware removal (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.07-0.84; P = .027). Visual analog scale scores (0-10 scale) improved by a mean of 3.6 points after hardware removal ( P = .003). In patients undergoing hardware removal for pain, no difference in final PROMs was found compared with patients who underwent TTO without hardware removal. Conclusion: Hardware removal in patients undergoing TTO was mainly attributed to hardware-related pain/irritation. On average, pain scores improved after hardware removal. There was no difference in final PROMs between patients who had their hardware removed due to pain (eg, without any clinically relevant concomitant pathology) and patients who did not require hardware removal. Size and number of screws were not associated with a subsequent hardware removal procedure. The thickness of the soft tissue envelope overlying implanted hardware was inconsistently associated with lower odds of hardware removal.

Abstract Hip arthroscopy is a technically demanding procedure that can require a substantial volume of irrigation fluid. Techniques should be explored to optimize fluid use while ensuring satisfactory surgical instrumentation and labral repair. In this technical note, we present a method for performing a dry arthroscopic labral repair. This technique can be used in the treatment of a variety of labral pathologies, including primary labral repair with knotless or hand‐tied anchors, revision labral repair, and labral reconstruction, without the need for irrigation fluid. Additionally, we discuss supplemental techniques that can be used during other portions of the arthroscopic hip procedure to limit irrigation fluid use. Technique Video video See video under supplementary data.

Abstract The standard of care for hip labral tears is arthroscopic repair, with labral reconstruction performed more commonly for irreparable tears in order to avoid isolated labral debridement. However, labral reconstruction can be technically demanding. We provide a concise step‐by‐step guide for performing labral reconstruction or augmentation using a modified retrograde pull‐through technique, including tips, tricks, and surgeon pearls, and pitfalls. Despite the procedure's technically challenging nature, we believe our technique highlights several important steps to improve the practicality and efficiency of the case and produce satisfactory patient outcomes. Technique Video video See video under supplementary data.

Background: Nonoperative and operative management techniques after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury are both appropriate treatment options for selected patients. However, the subsequent development of posttraumatic knee osteoarthritis (PTOA) remains an area of active study. Purpose: To compare the risk of PTOA between patients treated without surgery and with ACL reconstruction (ACLR) after primary ACL disruption using a machine learning causal inference model. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A geographic database identified patients undergoing ACLR between 1990 and 2016 with minimum 7.5-year follow-up. Variables collected include age, sex, body mass index, activity level, occupation, relevant comorbid diagnoses, radiographic findings, injury characteristics, and clinical course. Treatment effects of ACLR on the development of PTOA and progression to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were analyzed with machine learning models (MLMs) in a causal inference estimator (targeted maximum likelihood estimation, TMLE), while controlling for confounders. Results: The study included 1194 patients with a minimum follow-up of 7.5 years, among whom 974 underwent primary reconstruction and 220 underwent nonoperative treatment. A total of 215 (22%) patients developed symptomatic PTOA in the ACLR group compared with 140 (64%) in the nonoperative treatment group ( P < .001), whereas 25 (3%) patients underwent TKA in the ACLR group compared with 50 (23%) in the nonoperative treatment group ( P < .001). Patients in the ACLR group had delayed TKA compared with patients in the nonoperative treatment group (193.4 vs 166.0 months, respectively; P = .02). TMLE evaluation revealed that reconstruction decreased the risk of PTOA by 11% (95% CI, 8%-13%; P < .001) compared with nonoperative treatment but did not demonstrate a significant effect on the rate of progression to TKA. Survival analysis with random forest algorithm demonstrated significant delay to the onset of PTOA as well as time to progression of TKA in patients undergoing ACLR. Additional risk factors for the development of PTOA, irrespective of treatment, included older age at injury, greater body mass index, total number of arthroscopic knee surgeries, and residual laxity at follow-up. Conclusion: MLMs in a causal inference estimator found ACLR to exert a significant treatment effect in reducing the rate of development of PTOA by 11% compared with nonoperative treatment. ACLR also delayed the onset of PTOA and progression to TKA.

Background: Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction is frequently indicated for recurrent lateral patellar instability. The preoperative presence and severity of a J-sign have been associated with poorer postoperative outcomes. Purpose: To determine the underlying anatomic factors that contribute to the presence, severity, and jumping quality of the J-sign. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All patients undergoing evaluation for patellar instability at a single institution between 2013 and 2023 and healthy controls without patellar instability were included. Patients with a history of knee osteotomies were excluded. The presence of a jumping J-sign and its relationship to patellofemoral measures including the Caton-Deschamps Index (CDI), trochlear dysplasia (Dejour grade), tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, tibial tubercle lateralization, trochlear bump height, mechanical alignment, femoral anteversion, tibial torsion, trochlear medialization, patellar width, axial patellar/trochlear overlap, patellar height, trochlear height, and knee rotation angle (KRA) were measured using standardized 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Univariate pairwise and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with J-sign presence, severity, and quality. Results: Of the 130 knees with patellar instability, 89 (68.5%) demonstrated a J-sign on physical examination. In total, 44 (33.8%) patients demonstrated a 1-quadrant J-sign, 32 (24.6%) demonstrated a 2-quadrant smooth J-sign, and 13 (10.0%) demonstrated a jumping J-sign. A total of 22 control, noninstability cases were included. On multivariable analysis, increasing TT-TG distance (OR, 1.1 increase per millimeter; P = .04), external KRA (OR, 1.1 increase per degree; P = .02), and increasing CDI (OR, 1.3 increase per 0.1 increase in CDI; P = .02) were associated with J-sign presence. Increasing bump height (OR, 1.72 increase per millimeter; P = .007) and decreasing patellar width (OR, 0.89 decrease per millimeter; P = .076) were associated with a larger J-sign, when present. Increasing bump height (OR, 1.80 increase per millimeter; P = .018), increasing patellar width (OR, 1.33 increase per millimeter; P = .047), and decreasing CDI (OR, 0.009 decrease per 0.01 increase in ratio; P = .008) were associated with a jumping J-sign in comparison with a smooth 2-quadrant J-sign. A KRA of 10° (AUC, 0.70) and a cartilaginous bump height of 6.6 mm (AUC, 0.73) were thresholds associated with jumping J-sign presence. Conclusion: The presence of a J-sign is associated with MRI findings of relatively greater external tibiofemoral rotation, increased TT-TG distance, and increased patellar height, while J-sign severity and jumping quality are associated with the presence of additional underlying trochlear factors such as increased bump height. The anatomic drivers identified in this study should be further evaluated as possible factors associated with suboptimal outcomes after surgical management.

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is one of the most common orthopaedic procedures and one of the most well studied. Despite extensive research dedicated to ACLR, there is limited understanding of how chronic inflammatory systemic diseases (CIDs) such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus affect outcomes. Purpose: To compare the outcomes of ACLR in cohorts of patients with and without CID. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective query of a regional data set was conducted for all patients who underwent ACLR from 1990 to 2021 for traumatic ACL rupture. All patients with CID were identified and propensity matched to non-CID controls. Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes were identified through retrospective chart review, and patients were contacted for subjective outcomes. Results: A total of 30 patients with ACLR and a diagnosis of CID were identified. These patients were propensity matched to 120 non-CID controls. Baseline demographic and surgical characteristics demonstrated no statistical differences. Follow-up duration was similar between the CID and non-CID groups (mean, 14.6 vs 14.2 years; P = .868). The CID cohort had a higher arthrofibrosis rate (16.7% vs 4.3%; P = .031), higher osteoarthritis rate (33.3% vs 16.7%; P = .041), higher total knee arthroplasty (TKA) rate (16.7% vs 3.3%; P = .016), and earlier time to TKA (14.7 vs 23.5 years; P = .032). Knee range of motion, infection rate, retear rate, time to retear, and time to osteoarthritis were not statistically different between the cohorts. The CID cohort had higher visual analog scale pain scores (mean, 2.00 vs 1.20; P = .043) but slightly higher satisfaction (mean, 3.92 vs 3.39; P = .043). There were no differences in preinjury Tegner, postoperative Tegner, change in Tegner, or IKDC score. In a univariate Cox regression model, the CID cohort had a retear hazard ratio of 1.43 (95% CI, 0.46-4.51; P = .537). Kaplan-Meier survival revealed no significant differences in retear-free survival between the CID and non-CID cohorts at 25 years (85.7% vs 87.3%; P = .53). The CID cohort had a TKA hazard ratio of 3.94 (95% CI, 1.05-14.8; P = .042). Kaplan-Meier survival demonstrated significantly decreased TKA-free survival at 25 years in the CID cohort (64.9% vs 91.2%; P = .029). Conclusion: CID increases the incidence of arthrofibrosis, osteoarthritis, and TKA in those undergoing ACLR. Patients with CID also undergo TKA significantly sooner than non-CID counterparts. Notably, the majority of patient-reported outcome measures are no worse in patients who have a CID diagnosis. Thus, ACLR constructs themselves may not necessarily fare worse in patients with CID. Nonetheless, these patients need to be cautiously counseled on the clinical outlook after their ACLR.

ABSTRACTPurposeDouble‐level osteotomies (DLOs) have shown promising results for knee joint preservation, however, most ultimately progress in terms of degenerative disease resulting in conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the time to TKA conversion, long‐term clinical outcomes and revision rates of patients who have undergone TKA after prior ipsilateral DLO.MethodsPatients who underwent simultaneous or staged DLO and subsequently underwent conversion to TKA at a single academic institution from 1997 to 2022 were evaluated. The type of osteotomy performed (opening‐ vs. closing‐wedge), osteotomy hardware fixation, when and if osteotomy hardware was removed, implanted TKA components and revision rates were recorded. Postoperative outcomes, including Forgotten Joint Score‐12 (FJS‐12), Tegner Activity Scale score and subjective knee preference were also obtained.ResultsA total of 22 patients (24 knees) underwent TKA following DLO and were followed for an average of 26.1 ± 7.7 years. The average time from DLO to TKA conversion was 14.1 ± 6.5 years, with 70.8% of knees converting to TKA more than 10 years after DLO. The mean follow‐up after conversion to TKA was 12.0 ± 7.7 years. Only 12.5% of patients received a varus‐valgus or hinged‐constrained TKA. At the final follow‐up, the mean FJS‐12 was 75.8 ± 23.1, while the mean Tegner Activity Scale score was 2.5 ± 1.1. Seventy‐seven percent of patients had no subjective knee preference or preferred their DLO‐TKA knee. Only two knees (7.4%) underwent subsequent revision after index arthroplasty at a mean of 9.3 years postoperatively.ConclusionsA majority of DLOs (70.8%) converted to TKA after more than a decade. Subsequent TKA function was favorable as most patients had either no subjective knee preference or preferred their DLO‐TKA knee. This study demonstrates both long‐term joint preservation and uncompromised TKA function after prior DLO.Level of EvidenceLevel IV.

Background: Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) is an excellent surgical option for patients with recurrent patellar instability. This technique has demonstrated significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes, high rates of return to sport, and low rates of failure. However, there is debate regarding the use of isolated MPFLR in the setting of concomitant pathoanatomic features such as patella alta, trochlear dysplasia, or a lateralized tibial tubercle. Purpose: To estimate the overall relative effect sizes as well as strength of evidence supporting described risk factors for recurrent instability after isolated MPFLR. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Ovid/MEDLINE databases were queried. Clinical studies for outcomes of isolated MPFLR reporting recurrent instability and associated risk factors were included. Data for each risk factor analyzed by at least 2 studies were extracted, and the heterogeneity of studies was determined by I 2 value. For variables evaluated in studies determined to have fair homogeneity, defined as I 2 <25%, DerSimonian-Laird random-effects models were generated and effect sizes were represented as mean differences or odds ratios. Results: Nine studies examining risk for recurrent instability after isolated MPFLR were identified, with 5 overlapping risk factors with low heterogeneity between studies: age, sex, tibial tubercle to trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, Caton-Deschamps Index (CDI), and trochlear dysplasia. There was strong evidence to support the risk of recurrent instability associated with CDI >1.3 (OR, 2.72; P = .02) and dysplasia with a trochlear bump (DeJour type B or D; OR, 3.28; P <.001). Age, sex, and TT-TG distance did not cause an increased risk of recurrent instability with currently available aggregate data. Conclusion: There are signs of increased risk of failure of isolated MPFLR in the setting of DeJour type B and D trochlear dysplasia and patella alta (CDI, >1.3). Currently available data suggest that age, sex, and TT-TG distance do not cause a higher risk of recurrence for patients undergoing isolated MPFLR.

Background: Mismatch between osteochondral allograft (OCA) donor and recipient sex has been shown to negatively affect outcomes. This study accounts for additional donor variables and clinically relevant outcomes. Purpose: To evaluate whether donor sex, age, donor-recipient sex mismatch, and duration of graft storage affect clinical outcomes and failure rates after knee OCA transplantation. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Patients undergoing knee OCA transplantation between 2003 and 2018 were prospectively followed. Inclusion criteria consisted of primary OCA transplantation and minimum 2-year follow-up. Patient descriptive data and allograft donor sex, age, and graft storage time before implantation were collected. Patients were evaluated for reoperation, failure, and achievement of clinically significant outcomes for International Knee Documentation Committee scores. Reoperation was defined as subsequent surgical intervention of the transplanted allograft, including second-look arthroscopy for graft evaluation, debridement, and loose body removal. Failure was defined as revision of the primary OCA transplantation or conversion to arthroplasty. A Kaplan-Meier curve determined cumulative survivability of OCA transplantations, and log-rank testing was used to compare survivorship between groups. Stepwise regression analysis was utilized to evaluate associations between donor variables and achievement of clinically significant outcomes, reoperation, and failure. Results: A total of 372 patients undergoing OCA transplantation were included and followed for a mean 5.4 years (SD, 2.7; range, 2.0-16.3). Isolated OCA transplantation was performed in 45% of cases (169/372). A mismatch in donor and recipient sex was present for more female patients (90%) than male patients (10%; P < .001). Those who had a sex-mismatched graft more frequently underwent concomitant tibial tubercle osteotomy ( P = .034). When controlling for patient sex, no other differences were seen between groups matched and mismatched by sex. Univariable and multivariable analysis found no significant difference in survival free from reoperation or failure on the basis of donor-recipient sex mismatch, donor age, or graft storage time before implantation. Conclusion: In contrast to previous historical data, no donor variables were associated with inferior clinical outcomes in patients who underwent OCA transplantation. These data can help inform graft selection, expedient recipient selection, and outcome optimization after OCA transplantation.