Citations 460

Nonoperative Management of Posterior Shoulder Instability: What Are the Long-Term Clinical Outcomes?

Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine | April 16, 2021 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 2 | Pages: e116-e120

10.1097/jsm.0000000000000907 | PMID 33852434

Objective: To report the injury characteristics, radiographic findings, and long-term outcomes of nonoperative management for posterior shoulder instability (PSI). Design: A retrospective review of 143 patients with PSI using a large geographic database. Setting: Single county between January 1994 and July 2012. Patients: A clinical history and diagnosis of PSI, one confirmatory imaging study to support the diagnosis, and a minimum of 5 years follow-up were required for inclusion. Patients with seizure disorders, anterior-only instability, multidirectional instability, and superior labrum from anterior to posterior diagnosis were excluded. Interventions: Patients with PSI were managed nonoperatively or operatively. Main Outcome Measures: Pain, recurrent instability, and progression into glenohumeral osteoarthritis at long-term follow-up. Results: One hundred fifteen patients were identified. Thirty-seven (32%) underwent nonoperative management. Twenty (54%) patients were diagnosed with posterior subluxation, 3 (8%) with a single dislocation, and 7 (19%) with multiple dislocations. Symptomatic progression of glenohumeral arthritis was observed in 8% (3) of patients. Pain improved in 46% (17) of patients and worsened in 19% (7). Recurrent instability and progression to osteoarthritis occurred in 15% (3/20) of patients with a traumatic instability event compared with 0% of atraumatic patients after nonoperative management ( P = 0.234). Pain at follow-up was more common in nonoperative than operative patients ( P = 0.017). Conclusions: Nonoperative management is a viable option for many patients with posterior shoulder instability; however, many may continue to have posterior shoulder pain.
Multiple Instability Events at Initial Presentation Are the Major Predictor of Failure of Nonoperative Treatment for Anterior Shoulder Instability

Arthroscopy | March 31, 2021 | Volume: 37 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 2432-2439

10.1016/j.arthro.2021.03.047 | PMID 33812027

Purpose To define the success rate of initial nonoperative treatment for traumatic anterior shoulder instability in a defined U.S. geographic population, describe factors that predict conversion to surgery after initial nonoperative management, and describe the long‐term outcomes of nonoperative treatment after the index traumatic anterior instability event. Methods The Rochester Epidemiology Project database was used to identify patients aged 14 to 39 years treated for anterior shoulder instability between 1994 and 2016. Patient demographic characteristics, comorbidities, injury characteristics, and imaging were evaluated. Patients treated nonoperatively for the first 6 months after the index instability event were analyzed to determine long‐term outcomes (recurrence rate, pain at last follow‐up, radiographic outcomes), the success rate of continued nonoperative treatment (no conversion to surgery), and factors associated with conversion to surgery (patient and injury characteristics). Survivorship free of surgery was reported with a Kaplan‐Meier survival curve, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate association of variables with conversion to surgery. Results A total of 379 patients met the study criteria, with an average follow‐up period of 10.2 years (range, 0.53‐25.00 years). The average age was 23.9 years, the mean body mass index was 26.2, and 100% of instability events were due to trauma. Of the shoulders, 79 (20.1%) ultimately failed initial nonoperative treatment and progressed to surgery. At final follow‐up, the rate of recurrent instability was 52.3% in the group treated definitively without surgery, and the recurrence rate decreased from 92.4% to 10.1% in patients who underwent conversion to surgical treatment. Factors associated with conversion to surgery included 2 or more subluxations prior to the first evaluation (hazard ratio [HR], 1.82; P = .002), 2 or more dislocations prior to the first evaluation (HR, 1.76; P = .006), and recurrent instability at follow‐up (HR, 4.21; P < .001). Conclusions Most patients younger than 40 years with shoulder instability who were initially treated nonoperatively for 6 months were definitively treated without surgery. Ultimately, 35% of these patients experienced recurrent dislocations after 6 months of conservative treatment and 20% underwent surgical treatment. In most patients who underwent conversion to surgical treatment, surgery was performed within 12.5 years of their first instability event. Patients who experienced multiple instability events before or after consultation were more likely to undergo conversion to surgery after initial nonoperative management. Level of Evidence Level III, retrospective database review.
Post‐arthroscopic Subchondral Insufficiency Fractures of the Knee Yield High Rate of Conversion to Arthroplasty

Arthroscopy | March 25, 2021 | Volume: 37 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 2545-2553

10.1016/j.arthro.2021.03.029 | PMID 33774060

Purpose To evaluate both the potential causes and resultant outcomes in patients in whom subchondral insufficiency fracture of the knee (SIFK) develops after arthroscopy. Methods We performed a retrospective review of all patients with a magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis of SIFK after arthroscopic meniscectomy and chondroplasty over a 12‐year period. Results A total of 28 patients were included, with a mean age of 61 years and mean follow‐up period of 5.7 years. SIFK showed a predilection for the medial compartment (n = 25, 89%), specifically the medial femoral condyle (n = 21, 75%). In 7 patients (25%), SIFK developed in both the femoral condyle and tibial plateau in the ipsilateral compartment. Fifteen patients (54%) went on to conversion to arthroplasty at a mean of 0.72 years. The rate of survival free of conversion to arthroplasty was 57%, 45%, and 40% at 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years, respectively. Furthermore, 63% of patients with a meniscal tear and SIFK in the same compartment went on to arthroplasty ( P = .04). There was an increased risk of conversion to arthroplasty if SIFK was present in both the femur and tibia in the same compartment ( P = .04). A higher Kellgren‐Lawrence grade at the time of the SIFK diagnosis increased the likelihood of eventual arthroplasty ( P = .03). The presence of SIFK in both the femur and tibia in the ipsilateral compartment, an increased Kellgren‐Lawrence grade, and a meniscal tear or prior meniscectomy in the same compartment as SIFK were associated with an increased risk of eventual arthroplasty. Conclusions Post‐arthroscopic SIFK most commonly occurs in the medial compartment, particularly in patients who underwent a prior meniscectomy. The presence of meniscal root and radial tears in these patients is notable (75%). Ultimately, there is a high rate of progression of arthrosis (33%) and eventual conversion to arthroplasty. Level of Evidence Level IV, case series.
Favorable Reoperation Rate at 2 Years Following Repair of Horizontal Cleavage Tears Using an All Suture‐Based Technique: A Prospective, Multicenter Trial

Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation | March 14, 2021 | Volume: 3 | Issue: 3 | Pages: No page available

10.1016/j.asmr.2021.01.018 | PMID 34195644

Purpose This prospective, multicenter trial evaluates the clinical success (as measured by reoperation rates and improvements in patient‐reported outcome measures) of using circumferential compression stitches with all‐suture techniques for horizontal cleavage tears (HCTs) of the meniscus. Methods Investigators enrolled 30 patients (mean age, 38.2 years; standard deviation, 11.1 years) aged 18 to 60 years with HCTs in the symptomatic compartment at 8 centers in the United States who underwent HCT repair with all‐suture circumferential stitches using a self‐retrieving all‐inside suture passing device. Postoperative follow‐up visits were conducted at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Study outcomes included freedom from reoperation of the index meniscus repair site; knee pain and function, as measured by International Knee Documentation Committee Knee evaluation (IKDC), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Lysholm Knee Scale, and Tegner Activity Scale; and serious complications observed during the study. Minimal clinically important difference at 1 year was assessed for IKDC and Lysholm. Results Twenty‐three patients had 2‐year follow‐up data available. Freedom from reoperation was 96.0% at 6 months (26/27, 91.7% at 1 year [23/25], and 82.6% at 2 years [19/23]). Significant improvement was observed in over baseline at 2 years for IKDC (36.7‐82.5; P < .001), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (52.2‐89.3; P < .001), Lysholm (50.2‐87.4; P < .001), and Tegner scores (3.3‐5.3; P = .007). Minimal clinically important difference was met or exceeded for IKDC and Lysholm scores at 1 year 69.2% and 65.4% of patients, respectively. Four patients (6.7%) experienced serious complications, of which 2 were assessed as being related to the procedure. Conclusions Repair of HCTs using all‐suture circumferential stitches placed with a self‐retrieving all‐inside suture passing device leads to a favorable reoperation rate (17.4%), significant improvements in clinical outcomes, and an acceptable rate of serious complications (6.7%) at 2 years, supporting the viability of this treatment approach in this indication. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series.
Change in Posterior Tibial Slope in Skeletally Immature Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Case Series With a Mean 9 Years’ Follow-up

The American Journal of Sports Medicine | March 8, 2021 | Volume: 49 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 1244-1250

10.1177/0363546521997097 | PMID 33683924

Background: Increased lateral posterior tibial slope (LPTS) is associated with increased rates of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and failure of ACL reconstruction. It is unknown if ACL deficiency influences the developing proximal tibial physis and slope in skeletally immature patients through anterior tibial subluxation and abnormal force transmission. Purpose: To assess the natural history of LPTS in skeletally immature patients with an ACL-injured knee. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 38 participants from a previous study on nonoperative management of ACL injury in skeletally immature patients were included. During the initial study, bilateral knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed within 1 year of enrollment and again at final follow-up. All patients were younger than 13 years at the time of enrollment, and final follow-up occurred a mean 10 years after the injury. MRI scans were retrospectively reviewed by 2 reviewers to determine bilateral LPTS for each patient and each time point. Linear mixed models were used to assess LPTS differences between knees, change over time, and association with operational status. Subgroup analyses were performed for patients who remained nonoperated throughout the study. Results: A total of 22 patients had ACL reconstruction before final follow-up and 16 remained nonoperated. In the entire study population, the mean LPTS was higher in the injured knee than in the contralateral knee at final follow-up by 2.0° ( P < .001; 95% CI, 1.3°–2.6°). The mean LPTS increased significantly in the injured knee by 0.9° ( P = .042; 95% CI, 0.03°–1.7°), while the mean LPTS decreased in the contralateral knee by 0.4° ( P = .363; 95% CI, –0.8° to 0.4°). A significant difference in LPTS was also observed in the nonoperated subgroup. No significant association was observed between LPTS and operational status. Conclusion: Lateral posterior tibial slope increased more in the ACL-injured knee than in the contralateral uninjured knee in a group of skeletally immature patients. Lateral posterior tibial slope at baseline was not associated with the need for surgical reconstruction over the study period.
Incidence of Hip Dysplasia Diagnosis in Young Patients With Hip Pain: A Geographic Population Cohort Analysis

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine | March 5, 2021 | Volume: 9 | Issue: 3 | Pages: No page available

10.1177/2325967121989087 | PMID 33748308

Background: Hip dysplasia is a common source of hip pain and a known cause of early osteoarthritis of the hip. Purpose: To (1) define the population-based incidence of hip dysplasia diagnosis in young patients presenting with hip pain in a large geographically defined cohort, (2) analyze trends regarding presentation and diagnosis of hip dysplasia, and (3) report the rate and type of surgical interventions used to treat this population. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A geographic epidemiological database was queried to identify patients aged 14 to 50 years with hip pain between the years 2000 and 2016. Patient medical records were analyzed, and demographic, imaging, clinical, and treatment history were recorded. Incidence trends were examined by use of linear regression with confidence intervals for age and calendar year. Results: Overall, 1893 patients were included. Of these, 156 patients (196 hips) had a diagnosis of hip dysplasia. The incidence of hip dysplasia diagnosis in patients who reported hip pain was 12.7 per 100,000 person-years. Patients with dysplasia had a mean age of 26.7 ± 9.8 years, while the highest age-adjusted incidence occurred at age 14 to 18 years in both male and female patients. Female patients had double the age-adjusted incidence of male patients (cases per 100,000 person-years: 16.8 [95% CI, 13.9-19.7] vs 8.7 [95% CI, 6.6-10.8]; P < .01). Of the patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging, 77% had imaging consistent with labral pathology. Patients were treated with physical therapy (67%), intra-articular steroid injection (29%), hip arthroscopy (10%), and periacetabular osteotomy (9%). The use of hip arthroscopy significantly increased over time ( P < .01), whereas the use of steroid injection and periacetabular osteotomy did not ( P < .28 and P < .08, respectively). Conclusion: The incidence of hip dysplasia diagnosis in patients presenting with hip pain was 12.7 per 100,000 person-years. Female patients had twice the age-adjusted incidence of male patients, and the highest age-adjusted incidence occurred in the age range of 14 to 18 years in both sexes. The use of hip arthroscopy to treat patients with hip dysplasia significantly increased over time.
Risk of Conversion to Arthroplasty After Hip Arthroscopy: Validation of a Published Risk Score Using an Independent, Prospectively Collected Database

The American Journal of Sports Medicine | February 26, 2021 | Volume: 49 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 1192-1198

10.1177/0363546521993829 | PMID 33635085

Background: Hip arthroscopy is rapidly advancing and increasingly commonly performed. The most common surgery after arthroscopy is total hip arthroplasty (THA), which unfortunately occurs within 2 years of arthroscopy in up to 10% of patients. Predictive models for conversion to THA, such as that proposed by Redmond et al, have potentially substantial value in perioperative counseling and decreasing early arthroscopy failures; however, these models need to be externally validated to demonstrate broad applicability. Purpose: To utilize an independent, prospectively collected database to externally validate a previously published risk calculator by determining its accuracy in predicting conversion of hip arthroscopy to THA at a minimum 2-year follow-up. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Hip arthroscopies performed at a single center between November 2015 and March 2017 were reviewed. Patients were assessed pre- and intraoperatively for components of the THA risk score studied—namely, age, modified Harris Hip Score, lateral center-edge angle, revision procedure, femoral version, and femoral and acetabular Outerbridge scores—and followed for a minimum of 2 years. Conversion to THA was determined along with the risk score’s receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Brier score calibration characteristics. Results: A total of 187 patients (43 men, 144 women, mean age, 36.0 ± 12.4 years) underwent hip arthroscopy and were followed for a mean of 2.9 ± 0.85 years (range, 2.0-5.5 years), with 13 patients (7%) converting to THA at a mean of 1.6 ± 0.9 years. Patients who converted to THA had a mean predicted arthroplasty risk of 22.6% ± 12.0%, compared with patients who remained arthroplasty-free with a predicted risk of 4.6% ± 5.3% ( P < .01). The Brier score for the calculator was 0.04 ( P = .53), which was not statistically different from ideal calibration, and the calculator demonstrated a satisfactory area under the curve of 0.894 ( P < .001). Conclusion: This external validation study supported our hypothesis in that the THA risk score described by Redmond et al was found to accurately predict which patients undergoing hip arthroscopy were at risk for converting to subsequent arthroplasty, with satisfactory discriminatory, ROC curve, and Brier score calibration characteristics. These findings are important in that they provide surgeons with validated tools to identify the patients at greatest risk for failure after hip arthroscopy and assist in perioperative counseling and decision making.
Surgical Treatment of Isolated Meniscal Tears in Competitive Male Wrestlers: Reoperations, Outcomes, and Return to Sport

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine | January 20, 2021 | Volume: 9 | Issue: 1 | Pages: No page available

10.1177/2325967120969220 | PMID 33786330

Background: Wrestlers are highly active, young athletes prone to meniscal injuries that often require surgery. However, there is a lack of data evaluating the results of meniscal repair or partial meniscectomy in this cohort. Purpose: To describe the outcomes (subjective function, return to play, complications, reoperation rates, and progression of osteoarthritis) for treatment (meniscectomy or repair) of meniscal injuries in a cohort of competitive wrestlers. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: All competitive wrestlers (high school, collegiate, or professional leagues) with a history of a meniscal injury and isolated meniscal surgery at a single institution between 2001 and 2017 were retrospectively identified. Failure was defined as a reinjury of the operative meniscus by clinical or advanced imaging examination, reoperation, or any additional surgical treatment of the meniscus after the index procedure. All patients were contacted for determination of reinjury rates, current sport status, and International Knee Documentation Committee and Tegner activity scores. Results: Of 85 male wrestlers with isolated meniscal tears, 34% underwent a meniscal repair, and 66% received a partial meniscectomy. Index surgery failed for 9.4% of the cohort. Among wrestlers treated with initial meniscal repair, 21% required a subsequent partial meniscectomy at a mean 2.2 years, and of those treated with partial meniscectomy, 3% underwent a second operation ( P < .001). All secondary operations were revision partial meniscectomies occurring at a mean 3.2 years (95% CI, 0.01-6.4 years) after the index procedure. At final follow-up, 89% of patients were able to return to sport, with 65% returning to wrestling competition. There was significant improvement in the Tegner score from a mean 6.5 (95% CI, 5.9-7.2) preoperatively to 8.3 (95% CI 8.0-8.6) postoperatively ( P < .001). Conclusion: The reoperation rate after meniscal surgery in wrestlers was quite low, but only 65% returned to competitive wrestling. Meniscal repair and partial meniscectomy improved patient-reported outcomes and activity levels at short-term follow-up. However, 21% of wrestlers treated with initial meniscal repair required a subsequent partial meniscectomy at a mean 2.2 years.
Outcomes of Open and Endoscopic Repairs of Chronic Partial- and Full-Thickness Proximal Hamstring Tendon Tears: A Multicenter Study With Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

The American Journal of Sports Medicine | January 15, 2021 | Volume: 49 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 721-728

10.1177/0363546520981767 | PMID 33449797

Background: The preponderance of literature on the repair of proximal hamstring tendon tears focuses on the acute phase (<4 weeks). As such, there is a paucity of data reporting on the outcomes of chronic proximal hamstring tears. Purpose: To report minimum 2-year postoperative patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and patient satisfaction from patients who underwent open or endoscopic repair of partial- and full-thickness chronic proximal hamstring tendon tears. Study Design: Case series study; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Between April 2002 and May 2017, prospectively collected data from 3 tertiary care institutions were retrospectively reviewed for patients who underwent open and endoscopic repair of partial- and full-thickness chronic proximal hamstring tendon tears. Patients were included only if they had a chronic proximal hamstring tear (defined as ≥4 weeks from symptom onset to surgery). Patients were excluded if they had a tear treated <4 weeks after injury, underwent hamstring reconstruction, or claimed workers’ compensation. Patients who reported minimum 2-year follow-up for VAS, patient satisfaction, and the following PROs had their outcomes analyzed: the modified Hip Harris Score, Non-arthritic Hip Score, iHOT-12 (International Hip Outcome Tool), and Hip Outcome Score–Sports Specific Subscale. Results: Fifty patients (34 females and 16 males) were included in this study. There were 19 endoscopic repairs and 31 open repairs. Within the cohort, 52.0% had a full-thickness tendon tear on magnetic resonance imaging, and 48.0% had a partial tear. Average follow-up time was 58.07 ± 37.27 months (mean ± SD; range, 24-220 months). The mean age and body mass index of the group were 46.13 ± 13 years and 25.43 ± 5.14. The average time from injury to surgery was 66.73 weeks (range, 5.14-215.14 weeks). Average postoperative PROs were as follows: modified Hip Harris Score, 91.94 ± 9.96; Non-arthritic Hip Score, 91.33 ± 9.99; iHOT-12, 87.17 ± 17.54; Hip Outcome Score–Sports Specific Subscale, 87.15 ± 18.10; and VAS, 1.16 ± 1.92. Patient satisfaction was 8.22 ± 1.20. Conclusion: Patients who underwent open and endoscopic repairs for chronic partial- and full-thickness proximal hamstring tendon tears reported high PROs and satisfaction at a minimum 2-year follow-up with low rates of complications.
Although Surgical Techniques Differ, Similar Outcomes Can Be Obtained When Operating After Single Versus Multiple Anterior Shoulder Dislocations

Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation | December 26, 2020 | Volume: 3 | Issue: 1 | Pages: No page available

10.1016/j.asmr.2020.09.006 | PMID 33615260

Purpose To compare the differences in preoperative pathology, surgical technique, and overall outcomes between patients treated surgically after a single anterior glenohumeral joint dislocation and those undergoing surgery after multiple dislocations. Methods An epidemiologic database was used to identify all patients younger than 40 years undergoing surgery for anterior shoulder instability between January 1, 1994, and July 31, 2016, in a defined geographic area. Patient medical records were reviewed to obtain demographic information, patient history, physical examination findings, imaging findings, clinical progression, surgical details, and outcomes. Comparative analysis was performed between patients who underwent surgery after a single dislocation and those who underwent surgery after multiple preoperative dislocations. Results The study population consisted of 187 patients who had a single anterior shoulder dislocation (n = 55) or multiple anterior shoulder dislocations (n = 132) prior to surgery. The mean follow‐up period was 103.3 months (range, 0.3‐328.4 months). Demographic characteristics were not significantly different between groups. Although the presence of Hill‐Sachs lesions on radiographs was more common in the multiple‐dislocation group (42.1%) than in the single‐dislocation group (18.8%, P = .005), there were no other significant differences in concomitant pathology between groups. Latarjet procedures were more commonly performed in the multiple‐dislocation group (12.5% vs 2.1% in the single‐dislocation group, P = .04). There were no other significant differences in surgical techniques and characteristics between groups. Rates of survival free from recurrent instability ( P = .790), revision surgery ( P = .726), and progression to symptomatic osteoarthritis ( P = .588) were not significantly different between groups. Conclusions Although patients with multiple dislocations prior to surgery were more likely to show radiographic evidence of Hill‐Sachs lesions and undergo the Latarjet procedure than those who received surgery after a single dislocation, no significant differences in outcomes with respect to recurrent instability, revision surgery, or progression to symptomatic osteoarthritis were found between these 2 groups at long‐term follow‐up. Level of Evidence Level III, retrospective comparative study.