Stuart, Michael J.

AbstractFailed multiligament knee reconstruction is a challenging problem due to recurrent pathologic laxity that is often associated with limb malalignment, meniscus deficiency, articular cartilage insufficiency, decreased motion, compromised bone stock, and a paucity of graft sources. Revision surgical indications and techniques require a comprehensive evaluation of the patient, injury and treatment factors along with a focused physical examination and advanced imaging. A stepwise treatment approach can be effective in the evaluation of revision surgery and also in setting realistic patient goals.

Objectives: The Ice Hockey Summit III provided updated scientific evidence on concussions in hockey to inform these 5 objectives: (1) describe sport related concussion (SRC) epidemiology; (2) classify prevention strategies; (3) define objective, diagnostic tests; (4) identify treatment; and (5) integrate science and clinical care into prioritized action plans and policy. Methods: Our action plan evolved from 40 scientific presentations. The 155 attendees (physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, nurses, neuropsychologists, scientists, engineers, coaches, and officials) voted to prioritize these action items in the final Summit session. Results: To (1) establish a national and international hockey database for SRCs at all levels; (2) eliminate body checking in Bantam youth hockey games; (3) expand a behavior modification program (Fair Play) to all youth hockey levels; (4) enforce game ejection penalties for fighting in Junior A and professional hockey leagues; (5) establish objective tests to diagnose concussion at point of care; and (6) mandate baseline testing to improve concussion diagnosis for all age groups. Conclusions: Expedient implementation of the Summit III prioritized action items is necessary to reduce the risk, severity, and consequences of concussion in the sport of ice hockey.

Background: There are limited data comparing the outcomes of similarly matched patients with a medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) treated with nonoperative management, partial meniscectomy, or repair. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to compare treatment failure, clinical outcome scores, and radiographic findings for a matched cohort of patients who underwent either nonoperative management, partial meniscectomy, or transtibial pull-through repair for an MMPRT. We hypothesized that patients who underwent meniscus root repair will have lower rates of progression to arthroplasty than patients who were treated with nonoperative management or partial meniscectomy. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Patients who underwent transtibial medial meniscus posterior horn root repair were matched by meniscal laterality, age, sex, and Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grades to patients treated nonoperatively or with a partial meniscectomy. Progression to arthroplasty rates, International Knee Documentation Committee and Tegner scores, and radiographic outcomes were analyzed between groups. Results: Forty-five patients were included in this study (15 nonoperative, 15 partial meniscectomy, 15 root repair). Progression to arthroplasty demonstrated significant differences among treatment groups at a mean of 74 months (nonoperative, 4/15; partial meniscectomy, 9/15; meniscal repair, 0/15; P = .0003). The meniscus root repair group had significantly less arthritic progression, as measured by change in K-L grade from pre- to postoperatively (nonoperative, 1.0; partial meniscectomy, 1.1; meniscal repair, 0.1; P = .001). Conclusion: Meniscus root repair leads to significantly less arthritis progression and subsequent knee arthroplasty compared with nonoperative management and partial meniscectomy in a matched cohort based on patient characteristics.

Objective This study aims to (1) determine and validate living cartilage allograft transplantation as a novel source for viable osteochondral allograft (OCA) tissues and (2) perform histologic and viability comparisons of living donor cartilage tissues to currently available clinical-grade standard processed grafts. Design Using healthy cartilage from well-preserved contralateral compartments in 27 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and 10 clinical-grade OCA specimens obtained immediately following operative implantation, standard and living donor OCA quality was evaluated at the time of harvest and following up to 3 weeks of storage on the basis of macroscopic International Cartilage Repair Society grade, histology, and viability. Results Osteochondral samples demonstrated a consistent decrease in viability and histologic quality over the first 3 weeks of storage at 37°C, supporting the utility of an OCA paradigm shift toward early implantation, as was the clinical standard up until recent adoption of transplantation at 14 to 35 days following donor procurement. Samples from the 10 clinical-grade OCAs, implanted at an average of 23 days following graft harvest demonstrated a mean viable cell density of 45.6% at implantation, significantly lower ( P < 0.01) than the 93.6% viability observed in living donor allograft tissues. Conclusions Osteochondral tissue viability and histologic quality progressively decreases with ex vivo storage, even when kept at physiologic temperatures. Currently available clinical OCAs are stored for 2 to 5 weeks prior to implantation and demonstrate inferior viability to that of fresh osteochondral tissues that can be made available through the use of a living donor cartilage program.

Background: Adductor longus tendinopathy is a well-known etiology of chronic groin pain in elite athletes. Surgery is indicated for those who fail conservative treatment. No studies to date have evaluated the feasibility of an ultrasound-guided release of the proximal adductor longus tendon. Purpose/Hypothesis: The primary aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of an ultrasound-guided selective adductor longus release with a cutting wire. A secondary aim was to determine safety by avoiding injury to adjacent structures. We hypothesized that the proximal adductor longus tendon can be released under ultrasound guidance with a cutting wire without injury to adjacent neurovascular or genitourinary structures. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Ten adductor longus tendons (5 cadaveric specimens) from 4 males and 1 female between 76 and 89 years of age with a mean body mass index of 21.9 kg/m 2 (range, 16.8-29.6 kg/m 2 ) were used during this study. A single experienced physician sonographer performed ultrasound-guided proximal adductor longus tendon releases on all cadaveric specimens using a cutting wire. Dissection was performed by a second physician to determine the completeness of the tendon transections and to detect injury to adjacent neurovascular or genitourinary structures. Results: All 10 adductor longus tendons were transected. Eight of 10 transections were complete, whereas in 2 transections, >99% of the tendon was transected. There were no injuries to adjacent genitourinary or neurovascular structures. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided adductor tendon release is feasible and safe in a cadaveric model. Further translational research should be performed to determine whether these results can be replicated in the clinical setting. Clinical Relevance: Adductor longus tendinopathy frequently requires surgical intervention and prolonged time away from sport. The present study suggests that a selective adductor longus tendon release can be performed with ultrasound guidance. This procedure warrants further translational research to explore its use in clinical practice.

AbstractPatellar sleeve fractures primarily occur in the adolescent population from a rapid contraction of the quadriceps with the knee in a flexed position. Several small case reports describe operative reduction and fixation for displaced fractures. However, there is sparse literature on nonoperative management of these injuries. Retrospective review and prospective follow-up of all patients diagnosed with patellar sleeve fracture between 1991 and 2014 at a single institution. Patients with superior pole avulsion fractures, history of prior knee surgery, and fractures managed operatively were excluded. Patients with a clinical diagnosis without support of advanced imaging were also excluded. Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were reviewed for initial fracture displacement, time until fracture union, and the presence of patellar tendon ossification. Outcome was assessed using the Tegner's activity scale, Kujala's Score and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee evaluation score at final follow-up. Eighteen nonoperatively treated distal patellar pole sleeve fractures were identified, while five patients had advanced imaging to support their diagnosis. All were males with a mean age of 15.1 (range: 12–18). Traumatic and sport-related injuries were noted in the majority of patients. Only one patient had any appreciable displacement, but still < 2 mm. Final radiographic evaluation revealed fracture healing without patellar tendon ossification in all patients. All five patients had full terminal knee extension and symmetric range of motion. Mean IKDC score was 96.4 (range: 82–100) mean Tegner's activity score was 60 (range: 5–8), and mean Kujala's score was 89.7 (range: 63–100) at final follow-up. Of the five cases, three patients presented in a delayed fashion, and all went on to have surgical treatment. Two required arthroscopic loose body removal, while the other had an open patellar debridement and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection. Minimally displaced patellar sleeve fractures can be successfully managed nonoperatively with excellent clinical outcomes. However, delayed in presentation may be associated with worse outcome. This study of case series reflects level of evidence IV.

Objectives: Little is known about the natural history and long-term outcome of a surgically treated symptomatic lateral discoid meniscus. The goals of this study were to describe the rate and factors associated with recurrent lateral meniscus tears and progression to symptomatic lateral compartment osteoarthritis (OA) in patients surgically treated for a symptomatic lateral discoid meniscus. Patients with surgically treated lateral discoid meniscus have a high incidence of meniscus re-tear and progression to lateral compartment OA. Methods: A large, geographic database was reviewed to identify and confirm patients presenting with symptomatic lateral discoid meniscus between 1998 and 2015. Charts were reviewed to document treatment and outcomes at a minimum clinical follow-up of two years. Results: 70 discoid meniscus patients (30 F, 40 M) with a mean age of 27 years (Range: 2.0-66.0) were followed for an average of 5.8 years (Range 2.0-23.7). Sixty patients underwent surgical management: 49 (82%) patients underwent partial lateral meniscectomy and 11 (18%) underwent meniscus repair (including saucerization). Tear-free survival following surgery was 93% at 2 years, 69% at 5 years, and 40% at 8 years. Overall progression to symptomatic lateral compartment OA in the surgical group was 10% at 2 years, 23% at 5 years, and 48% at 8 years. Of those patients who developed lateral compartment OA, 55% (11/20) had a Kellgren-Lawrence score 2 or greater at last radiographic follow-up. Young age and open growth plates were associated with increased incidence of postoperative re-tear (HR: 0.96, CI: 0.93-0.99, p = 0.01). Increased age at diagnosis and BMI ≥ 30 were associated with increased risk of progression to lateral compartment OA on final radiographs. Conclusion: Patients with a surgically treated lateral discoid meniscus tear had a high rate of recurrent meniscus tear at long-term follow-up (60% at 8 years) that was associated with young age. Approximately 48% of surgically treated patients developed symptomatic lateral compartment OA at eight years from initial presentation. The risk of progression to OA increased with older age at diagnosis and BMI ≥ 30.

Objectives: Meniscus repair is desirable over resection to prevent post-meniscectomy arthritis, especially in young and active patients. However, long-term data is currently lacking following isolated meniscus repair, particularly in the pediatric population. The purpose of this study was to report long-term follow-up of isolated meniscus tears treated by meniscus repair in a pediatric population, and to compare those results to previous mid-term follow-up data reported. We hypothesized that these patients would have satisfactory function and reoperation rates at long-term follow-up. Methods: Patients less than 18 undergoing repair of an isolated (without concomitant ACL injury) meniscus tear performed between 1990 and 2005 were included. At the time of final followup, recurrent tear, reoperations, and IKDC and Tegner scores were determined. With logistic regression, the overall failure between different tear types was calculated. Wilcoxon signed ranks tests were performed to calculate the differences in clinical outcome for different time-points, and Spearman coefficients were calculated for Tegner and IKDC with different variables. Results: At an average followup of 17.6 years (13.1 - 26.0 years), 32 patients with 33 isolated meniscus repairs (29 M: 3F) with an average age of 16.1 (9.9 - 18.7) were included in this study. At early follow-up, complex tears (80%) had a higher overall failure rate compared to simple tears (18.2%). However, no further failures occurred since mid-term follow-up with any tear type. At final follow-up, the average IKDC score was 92.3, which was significantly increased when compared to both preoperative 65.3 (p< 0.0001) and mid-term scores, 90.2 (p= 0.01). However, the average Tegner score (6.5) was significantly lower than both pre-operative 8.3 (p< 0.0001) and mid-term 8.4 (p< 0.0001) scores. There was no correlation for Tegner or IKDC values with any risk factors. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study demonstrates overall good to excellent long-term clinical outcomes following isolated meniscus repair in a pediatric population. Early failure and reoperation rates were variable depending on tear type, with complex multiplanar tears having more failures at short-term follow-up. However, at long-term follow-up, IKDC and Tegner scores were not significantly different for those with complex tears compared to other tear types.

Objectives: Following ACL reconstruction, objective measurements of functional testing are often incorporated into the decision-making process with regard to clearance for return to sport (RTS), in order to reduce the risk of second ACL injury. However, there is limited data to assess the predictive value of functional testing to risk of second ACL injury. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether performance on functional testing following primary ACL reconstruction can predict second ACL injuries. Methods: Patient records were retrospectively analyzed for individuals who presented with an ACL injury at a single institution from 1990-2010. A total of 335 patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction, had functional testing at the six month ± one month time point postoperatively, and had a minimum of two year post-operative follow-up were included in this study. Functional testing included vertical jump, single leg hop, and triple leg hop. Functional testing is represented as a measure of limb symmetry and was calculated as the involved limb divided by the uninvolved limb providing a percentage relative to the uninvolved limb. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the significance of functional test limb symmetries between those with and without a secondary tear by sex, then by age. Unpaired T-tests with an alpha level less than 0.05 was performed with JMP 13 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Group distributions as well as effect sizes were calculated. Results: 335 patients with a mean age of 25 (SD 9.76) at an average time of 9.05 years (SD 3.54) of follow-up after ACL reconstruction met inclusion criteria and underwent statistical analysis (females= 150, male= 185). Of the cohort, 53 patients (18%) experienced second tears (female= 26, male= 27) at an average time of 44.19 months (6.03- 168.4) following ACL reconstruction with 34 occurring on the contralateral side and 19 on the ipsilateral side. Results at six month post ACL reconstruction indicate a significant difference between those who experienced a second ACL injury and those who didn’t with respect to single hop limb symmetry (95% ±7% vs.90% ± 12%, P<0.01). Triple hop limb symmetry was also significantly different between those who suffered a second ACL tear and those who did not (94% ± 6% vs. 90% ±11%, P<0.01). No significant differences were found in limb symmetry of vertical jump. When data was analyzed by sex, significant differences were found in females in the single hop limb symmetry (96% ± 8%, vs. 89% ± 14%, P<0.05) as well as triple hop limb symmetry (95% ± 5% vs. 90% ± 12%, P< 0.05). No significant differences were found in vertical jump for neither females nor males. No significant differences were found when data was categorized by age or sex and age. Conclusion: Overall, at an average of 9.05 years follow-up, 18% of a young and active population of primary ACL reconstructions had a second ACL injury. Contralateral ACL injuries were observed at an increased frequency relative to subsequent ipsilateral ACL tears. Patients with greater limb symmetry on single hop or triple hop functional testing at 6 months are at an increased risk for second ACL tears. When functional testing is used for return-to-sport decisions, physicians should caution patients about the risk of subsequent ACL injury for high performing patients.

Background: Little is known about the natural history of a surgically treated symptomatic lateral discoid meniscus. The goals of this study were to describe the rate and factors associated with recurrent lateral meniscal tears and progression to symptomatic lateral compartment osteoarthritis (OA) in patients surgically treated for a symptomatic lateral discoid meniscus. Hypothesis: Patients with surgically treated lateral discoid meniscus have a high incidence of meniscal retear and progression to lateral compartment OA. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A large geographic database was reviewed to identify and confirm patients presenting with symptomatic lateral discoid meniscus between 1998 and 2015. Charts were reviewed to document treatment and outcomes at a minimum clinical follow-up of 2 years. Results: A total of 59 patients (27 females, 32 males) with a mean age of 25.7 years (range, 4.0-66.0 years) underwent surgical management of a discoid lateral meniscus and were evaluated for a mean of 5.6 years (range, 2.0-23.7 years). Of these, 48 (82%) patients underwent partial lateral meniscectomy, with 24 patients undergoing concurrent saucerization. Eleven (18%) underwent meniscal repair. Tear-free survival following surgery was 41% at 8 years. Progression to symptomatic lateral compartment OA was 50% at 8 years. Young age (hazard ratio, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93-0.99; P = .01) and open growth plates (hazard ratio, 3.19; 95% CI, 1.15-8.88; P = .03) were associated with increased incidence of postoperative retear. Older age at diagnosis and body mass index ≥30 kg/m 2 were associated with increased risk of progression to lateral compartment OA on final radiographs. Conclusion: Patients with a surgically treated lateral discoid meniscal tear had a high rate of recurrent meniscal tear (59% at 8 years). Approximately 50% of surgically treated patients developed symptomatic lateral compartment OA at 8 years from diagnosis.