Krych, Aaron J.

Abstract Lateral meniscus tears are commonly encountered by orthopaedic surgeons. Despite efforts to repair and preserve the meniscus, meniscectomy is occasionally required to treat irreparable tears. The resulting lateral meniscus deficiency leads to increased tibiofemoral contact pressures and ultimately early osteoarthritic changes in the knee. Lateral meniscal allograft transplant (LMAT) has been proposed as a way to restore the lateral meniscus–deficient knee to its native form. Although several techniques for LMAT have been proposed, osseous fixation has demonstrated increased stability, improved outcomes, and improved long‐term survival. This article presents a technique for LMAT using bone plugs and standard arthroscopic portals. Technique Video video See video under supplementary data.

Objectives: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a disorder of subchondral bone that commonly affects the knee.The purpose of this study is to (1) evaluate the rate of arthritis and knee arthroplasty in a population-based cohort of patients with OCD lesions treated non-operatively and (2) evaluate factors that may predispose patients to knee osteoarthritis and arthroplasty. Methods: 86 patients (mean age 21.4 years) with OCD lesions treated nonoperatively were identified between 1976 and 2014. Information related to the diagnosis, laterality of lesion, details of treatment, and progression to arthritis was obtained from the medical record. Factors predictive of arthritis and arthroplasty (age, gender, body mass index, and lesion location) were examined. Results: At a mean follow-up of 12.6 (±9.8) years from diagnosis, 13 patients (15%) were diagnosed with arthritis corresponding to a cumulative incidence of 5.0% at 5 years, 10.0% at 10 years, 20.0% at 25 years, and 30.0% at 35 years. The cumulative incidence of arthroplasty was 1.0% at 5 years, 3.0% at 10 years, 8.0% at 25 years, and 8.0% at 35 years. BMI greater than 25 kg/m 2 (HR 15.4, 95% CI: 1.9, 124.5) and patellar OCD lesions (HR 15.0, 95% CI: 1.3, 345.3) were associated with arthritis. Conclusion: Arthritis following nonoperative treatment of OCD lesions is a challenging problem with an estimated 30% cumulative incidence at 35 years after diagnosis. In contrast, the long-term rate of arthroplasty is low. BMI greater than 25 kg/m 2 and patellar OCD lesions are predisposing factors for arthritis. Older age at diagnosis was associated with a greater risk of arthritis and knee arthroplasty.

Objectives: Medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) are recognized as a source of pain and dysfunction, but treatment options remain a clinical challenge. Currently, outcomes are unknown following partial meniscectomy for these lesions. To determine (1) the efficacy of partial meniscectomy to treat MMPRTs compared to a matched group of non-operatively treated MMPRTs, and (2) risk factors for worse clinical and radiographic outcome. Methods: This retrospective comparative study was performed to include 27 patients with MMPRTs that were treated with arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (PMM) and a minimum 2-year follow-up. These patients were then matched by age, gender, and BMI to a group of 27 patients with MMPRTs treated non-operatively (control group). Demographic data, radiographic findings, final Tegner and IKDC scores were obtained and compared between the two groups. Risk factors for worse clinical and radiographic outcome in the PMM group alone, including age, sex, BMI, initial K-L grade, subchondral edema, and insufficiency fracture on MRI were determined. Results: Overall, 54 patients were included in the study. 27 patients (10M: 17F) with a mean age of 55±9 and a mean BMI of 32.8±5.3 were treated with PMM and followed for a mean of 5.5±2 years (range 2.3-9.3 years). In the PMM group, final median Tegner score was 3, mean IKDC scores were 67.8±20, median KL grades on weight-bearing AP films demonstrated progressive arthritis (median grade 1 to 2, p=0.001) and more patients had grade II or higher arthritis at final follow-up than baseline (91.3% vs. 36% p<0.01. Overall, 14 of the 27 patients (52%) treated operatively progressed to total knee arthroplasty at a mean of 54.3 months. When comparing the PMM and control groups, there was no significant difference in final median Tegner scores, mean IKDC, median K-L grades, progression to arthroplasty, or overall failure rate. Following PMM, female patients had lower final IKDC scores (74.6±16.7 vs. 44.00±2.8, p=0.02) compared to males, as well as a higher rate of arthroplasty (70.6% vs, 20.0%, p=0.009). Higher BMI correlated with lower IKDC scores (r=-0.91, p=0.01) and meniscal extrusion was associated with higher rate of arthritis at final follow-up (100% vs. 57%, p=0.02). Conclusion: Partial meniscectomy for a MMRT provides no benefit in halting arthritic progression. Patients who undergo arthroscopic debridement for MMPRTs still progress to significant arthritis, poor clinical outcomes and a high arthroplasty rate (52%) at over 5-year follow-up. Compared to a non-operative control group, there was no benefit in any subjective or objective outcome measures from the arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Female patients, higher BMI, and presence of meniscus extrusion were associated with worse outcomes and a higher rate of subsequent knee arthroplasty.

Objectives: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a disorder of subchondral bone that causes adverse effects on the overlying cartilage and commonly affects the knee. The purpose of this study is to (1) evaluate the rate of arthritis and knee arthroplasty in a population-based cohort of patients with OCD lesions treated operatively and (2) evaluate factors that may predispose patients to knee osteoarthritis and arthroplasty. Methods: 221 patients (mean age 26.1 ± 13.6 years) with OCD lesions treated operatively were identified between 1976 and 2014 and followed for a mean of 16.3 (±11.4) years from diagnosis. Information related to the diagnosis, laterality of lesion, details of treatment, and progression to arthritis was obtained from the medical record. Surgical treatment was classified as palliative (fragment excision) or restorative (lesion drilling, fragment fixation, osteochondral allograft or autograft). Factors predictive of arthritis and arthroplasty were examined. Results: In the palliative group, the cumulative incidence of arthritis was 12.0% at 5 years, 17.0% at 10 years, 26.0% at 15 years, 39.0% at 20 years, and 70% at 30 years. The cumulative incidence of arthroplasty was 2.0% at 5 years, 4.0% at 10 years, 4.0% at 15 years, 10.0% at 20 years, and 32.0% at 30 years. In the restorative group, the cumulative incidence of arthritis was 3.0% at 5 years, 7.0% at 10 years, 16.0% at 15 years, 25.0% at 20 years, and 51% at 30 years. The cumulative incidence of arthroplasty was 0.0% at 5 years, 0.0% at 10 years, 3.0% at 15 years, 6.0% at 20 years, and 11.0% at 30 years. BMI greater than 25 kg/m 2 (HR 3.3, 95% CI: 1.6, 7.0), older age at diagnosis (HR 4.9, 95% CI: 1.8, 17.3) and fragment excision (HR 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2, 4.6) were predictive of arthritis. Conclusion: OCD patients treated with fragment excision have a high rate of arthritis and knee arthroplasty at long-term follow-up. In contrast, patients treated with fragment repair or osteochondral restoration have lower rates of arthritis and arthroplasty. BMI greater than 25 kg/m 2 , older age at diagnosis, and fragment excision were predictive of arthritis.

Objectives: Patellar dislocation can occur in isolation or be associated with chronicinstability. The goals of this study are to describe the rate and factors associated with additional patellar instability events (ipsilateral recurrence and contralateral dislocation), as well as the incidence of patellofemoral arthritis among skeletally immature patients following patellar dislocation. Methods: The study included a population-based cohort of 232 skeletally immature patients who experienced a first-time lateral patellar dislocation between 1990 and 2010. A chart review was performed to collect information related to the initial injury, treatment, and outcomes. Subjects were followed for a mean of 12.1 years to determine the rate of subsequent patellar dislocation (ipsilateral recurrence or contralateral dislocation) as well as clinically significant patellofemoral arthritis. Results: 104 patients had ipsilateral recurrent patellar dislocation. The cumulative incidence of recurrent dislocation was 11% at 1 year, 21.1% at 2 years, 37.0% at 5 years, 45.1% at 10 years, 54.0 % at 15 years, and 54.0% at 20 years. Patella alta (HR: 10.6, 95% CI: 3.6, 36.1), increased TT-TG distance (HR 18.7, 95% CI: 1.7, 228.2), and trochlear dysplasia (HR 23.7, 95% CI: 1.0, 105.2) were associated with recurrence. Similarly, 18 patients (7.8%) had contralateral patellar dislocation. The cumulative incidence of patellofemoral arthritis was 0% at 2 years, 1.0% at 5 years,2.0% at 10 years, 10.1% at 15 years, 17%% at 20 years, and 39.0% at 25 years. Osteochondral injury was associated with arthritis (HR 25.7, 95% CI: 6.2, 143.8). Conclusion: Skeletally immature patients have a high rate of recurrent patellarinstability that is associated with structural abnormalities such as patella alta and trochlear dysplasia. In contrast, the rate of subsequent contralateral dislocation is low. Osteochondral injury is associated with arthritis after patellar dislocation, but the overall incidence of symptomatic arthritis with advanced radiographic changes in pediatric patients is low at 12-year follow-up.

Background: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a disorder of subchondral bone that commonly affects the knee. Purpose: To (1) evaluate the rate of arthritis and knee arthroplasty in a population-based cohort of patients with OCD lesions treated nonoperatively and (2) evaluate factors that may predispose patients to knee osteoarthritis and arthroplasty. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Eighty-six patients (mean age, 21.4 years) with OCD lesions treated nonoperatively were identified between 1976 and 2014. Information related to the diagnosis, laterality of lesion, details of treatment, and progression to arthritis was obtained from the medical record. Factors predictive of arthritis and arthroplasty (age, sex, body mass index [BMI], and lesion location) were examined. Results: At a mean ± SD follow-up of 12.6 ± 9.8 years from diagnosis, 13 patients (15%) were diagnosed with arthritis, corresponding to a cumulative incidence of 5.0% at 5 years, 10.0% at 10 years, 20.0% at 25 years, and 30.0% at 35 years. The cumulative incidence of arthroplasty was 1.0% at 5 years, 3.0% at 10 years, 8.0% at 25 years, and 8.0% at 35 years. BMI at diagnosis greater than 25 kg/m 2 (hazard ratio [HR], 15.4; 95% CI, 1.9-124.5), patellar OCD lesions (HR, 15.0; 95% CI, 1.3-345.3), and diagnosis as an adult (HR, 21.7; 95% CI, 2.7-176.3) were factors associated with an increased risk of arthritis. Conclusion: Arthritis after nonoperative treatment of OCD lesions is a challenging problem, with an estimated 30% cumulative incidence at 35 years after diagnosis. In contrast, the long-term rate of arthroplasty is low. BMI at diagnosis greater than 25 kg/m 2 and patellar OCD lesions are predisposing factors for arthritis. Diagnosis of OCD as an adult was associated with a greater risk of arthritis.

➤ The medial and lateral menisci have an important role in load-bearing and shock absorption and contribute to knee stability, with meniscectomy resulting in increased anterior translation of the femoral condyle on the tibia. ➤ Meniscal repair provides improved long-term outcomes, better clinical outcome scores, and less severe degenerative changes seen radiographically compared with partial meniscectomy. ➤ Given the potential long-term sequelae of meniscal pathology, patients with symptomatic meniscal tears warrant a thorough assessment with surgical consultation to determine the optimal treatment strategy. ➤ Advancements in surgical techniques and biologic augmentation have expanded the indications for meniscal repair to include tear patterns previously considered irreparable.

Background: Muscle bellies of the hamstring muscles are intimately associated with the sciatic nerve, putting the sciatic nerve at risk of injury associated with proximal hamstring avulsion. There are few data informing the magnitude of this risk, identifying risk factors for neurologic injury, or determining neurologic outcomes in patients with distal sciatic symptoms after surgery. Purpose: To characterize the frequency and nature of sciatic nerve injury and distal sciatic nerve–related symptoms after proximal hamstring avulsion and to characterize the influence of surgery on these symptoms. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients with proximal partial or complete hamstring avulsion. The outcome of interest was neurologic symptoms referable to the sciatic nerve distribution below the knee. Neurologic symptoms in operative patients were compared pre- and postoperatively. Results: The cohort consisted of 162 patients: 67 (41.4%) operative and 95 (58.6%) nonoperative. Sciatic nerve–related symptoms were present in 22 operative and 23 nonoperative patients, for a total of 45 (27.8%) patients (8 [4.9%] motor deficits, 11 [6.8%] sensory deficits, and 36 [22.2%] with neuropathic pain). Among the operative cohort, 3 of 3 (100.0%) patients showed improvement in their motor deficit postoperatively, 3 of 4 (75.0%) patients’ sensory symptoms improved, and 17 of 19 (89.5%) patients had improvement in pain. A new or worsening deficit occurred in 5 (7.5%) patients postoperatively (2 [3.1%] motor deficits, 1 [1.5%] sensory deficit, and 3 [4.5%] with new pain). Predictors of operative intervention included lower age (odds ratio [OR], 0.952; 95% CI, 0.921-0.982; P = .001) and complete avulsion (OR, 10.292; 95% CI, 2.526-72.232; P < .001). Presence of neurologic deficit was not predictive. Conclusion: Sciatic nerve–related symptoms after proximal hamstring avulsion are underrecognized. Currently, neurologic symptoms are not considered when determining whether to pursue operative intervention. Given the high likelihood of improvement with surgical treatment, neurologic symptoms should be considered when making a decision regarding operative treatment.

Purpose To determine the rate of return of young amateur athletes to sport after hip arthroscopy, their clinical outcomes, and pathologic risk factors for worse outcomes 2 years after surgery. Methods This study included all patients between age 13 and 23 who participated in a sport prior to surgery with intent to return who underwent hip arthroscopy after failure of comprehensive nonoperative management for whom 2‐year outcome scores were available. Outcomes collected retrospectively included modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and the Hip Outcome Scores (HOS) subscales for activities of daily living (ADL) and sport (HOS Sport). In addition, sport played, return to sport rates, and Tegner Scores were measured preinjury and postoperatively. Descriptive statistics were used to present demographic data. A priori analysis was used to determine the sample size needed to show minimal clinically important differences for mHHS, HOS ADL, and HOS Sport. Results The study population included 50 patients with a mean age of 17.8 years. Athletes returned to sport at a rate of 92% (46/50). At a mean follow‐up of 34 months, the mean mHHS, HOS ADL, and HOS Sport outcome scores were 85, 91, and 80 for the entire study group; 87, 92, and 84 for the group that returned to sport; and 67, 82, and 41 for the group that did not return to sport, respectively. Median preinjury and postoperative Tegner levels were 8 and 7, respectively. Labral takedown and reattachment was associated with lower HOS ADL ( P = .01) and HOS Sport scores ( P = .02). Conclusions Athletes returned to sport at a high rate (92%; 46/50) after hip arthroscopy and perform activities at near preinjury levels. In this group of athletes, arthroscopic labral repair with chondrolabral preservation, which reflected less severe chondrolabral pathology, performed better than labral repair with takedown and reattachment. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Background: Previous studies have reported variable rates of recurrent lateral patellar instability mainly because of limited cohort sizes. In addition, there is currently a lack of information on contralateral patellar instability. Purpose: To evaluate the rate of recurrent ipsilateral patellar dislocations and contralateral patellar dislocations after a first-time lateral patellar dislocation. Additionally, risk factors associated with recurrent dislocations (ipsilateral or contralateral) and time to recurrence were investigated. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This population-based study included 584 patients with a first-time lateral patellar dislocation occurring between 1990 and 2010. A retrospective review was conducted to gather information about the injury, subsequent dislocations (ipsilateral or contralateral), and structural characteristics including trochlear dysplasia, patella alta, and tibial tubercle to trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance. Risk factors were assessed to delineate associations with subsequent dislocations and time to recurrence. Results: At a mean follow-up of 12.4 years, 173 patients had ipsilateral recurrence, and 25 patients had a subsequent contralateral dislocation. At 20 years, the cumulative incidence of ipsilateral recurrence was 36.0%, while the cumulative incidence of contralateral dislocations was 5.4%. Trochlear dysplasia (odds ratio [OR], 18.1), patella alta (OR, 10.4), age <18 years at the time of the first dislocation (OR, 2.4), elevated TT-TG distance (OR, 2.1), and female sex (OR, 1.5) were associated with recurrent ipsilateral dislocations. Time to recurrence was significantly decreased in patients with trochlear dysplasia (23.0 months earlier time to recurrence; P < .001), elevated TT-TG distance (18.5 months; P < .001), patella alta (16.4 months; P = .001), and age <18 years at the time of the first dislocation (15.4 months; P < .001). Risk factors for subsequent contralateral dislocations included patella alta and trochlear dysplasia. Conclusion: At 20 years after a first-time lateral patellar dislocation, the cumulative incidence of recurrent ipsilateral patellar dislocations was 36.0%, compared with 5.4% for contralateral dislocations. Trochlear dysplasia, elevated TT-TG distance, patella alta, age <18 years at the time of the first dislocation, and female sex were associated with ipsilateral recurrence. Trochlear dysplasia, elevated TT-TG distance, patella alta, and age <18 years at the time of the first dislocation were predictive of a statistically significant decrease in time to recurrence.