American Journal of Sports Medicine最新文献

Background: Current knowledge on the microvascular anatomy of adult human menisci is based on cadaveric studies. However, considerable interindividual variation in meniscal microvascularization has been reported in recent studies with small sample sizes.

Purpose: To assess the association between patient characteristics and the depth of microvascularization of the meniscus.

Study design: Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods: Menisci from 174 patients who received total knee replacement between March 2021 and December 2023 were collected. A total of 174 lateral and 102 medial menisci were included. Three sections were made from each meniscus: the anterior horn, midbody, and posterior horn. Immunohistochemical staining (CD-31) was used to visualize the microvasculature. The 4 primary outcome measures were the correlation between the depth of microvascular penetration into the lateral meniscus (0%-100%) and (1) age, (2) smoking, (3) degree of osteoarthritis, and (4) history of cardiovascular disease. To account for repeated measurements within each patient, a linear mixed-effects model was estimated to study the association between microvascularization and the patient's characteristics previously introduced.

Results: The depth of vascular penetration ranged from 0% to 78% into the lateral menisci and from 0% to 67% into the medial menisci. No significant correlations were found between age, smoking, degree of osteoarthritis, or history of cardiovascular disease and the degree of vascular penetration into the lateral meniscus. The linear mixed-effects model analysis, adjusted for location within the meniscus (anterior horn, midbody, or posterior horn) and meniscal side (lateral or medial), showed no significant associations between the same patient characteristics and meniscal microvascularization.

Conclusion: The degree of microvascular penetration into the meniscus has a wide range among adults >50 years. However, the depth of microvascularization was not associated with age, smoking, degree of osteoarthritis, or history of cardiovascular disease.

Clinical relevance: Because no associations were found between depth of microvascular penetration into the meniscus and patient characteristics, the latter cannot be used to estimate the vascular status of a meniscal tear in clinical practice.

Background: Current research focused on clinical outcomes suggests that lateral extra-articular procedures (LEAPs) can reduce rotational instability and graft failure rates in primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions (ACLRs). Limited studies have investigated the functional outcomes after LEAPs, including patient-reported outcome measures, sports participation, and physical performance.

Purpose: To conduct a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to determine whether the addition of a LEAP to an ACLR results in superior functional and clinical outcomes as compared with an isolated ACLR.

Study design: Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods: Five databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials comparing clinical and functional outcomes after the addition of LEAPs to an isolated primary ACLR. Study selection was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses). Assessment of methodological quality for included studies was undertaken using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool for randomized controlled trials. Studies were eligible for meta-analysis if an outcome measure utilizing similar time points was present across ≥2 studies and reported in mean difference or standard deviation.

Results: Meta-analysis of 10 studies showed that the addition of LEAPs to an ACLR can reduce rates of rotatory instability (risk ratio, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.17-1.79]; P = .0006; I² = 0%) and graft rupture (risk ratio, 0.21 [95% CI, 0.08-0.55]; P < .001; I² = 0%). As supported by studies eligible for meta-analysis, this review showed that the addition of LEAPs to an ACLR can reduce rotatory instability. Short-term morbidity, including increased pain, joint stiffness, and muscle weakness, as compared with isolated ACLRs was resolved by 12 months after surgery.

Conclusion: ACLR in combination with a LEAP results in superior clinical outcomes when compared with an isolated ACLR. Despite early postoperative outcomes concerning pain and function favoring isolated ACLRs, any negative effects were not still observed 6 months after surgery. A conclusion around the correlation between LEAPs and accelerated knee osteoarthritis could not be drawn, owing to the lack of long-term prospective studies available.

Background: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the management of lateral epicondylitis (LE) have been characterized by substantial variability in reported outcomes. The source of this heterogeneity is uncertain.

Purpose: To determine the effect of estimated platelet concentration on the efficacy of PRP for the management of LE.

Study design: Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods: All RCTs evaluating the efficacy of PRP in managing LE were identified. RCTs were classified according to whether the study documented a platelet concentration factor of PRP representing a greater than 3-fold increase over whole blood or a supraphysiological platelet dose (high-dose vs low-dose PRP). The primary outcome was the mean difference (MD) in the visual analog scale (VAS) score at latest follow-up. Random-effects and mixed-effects meta-analyses were performed, and meta-regression was used to evaluate whether differences in outcomes after treatment with PRP could be explained by differences in the concentration of PRP used.

Results: Overall, 13 RCTs with a total of 791 patients were included in this analysis, with 5 that utilized low-dose PRP and 8 that used high-dose PRP. Meta-analysis of VAS scores reported by studies that used high-dose PRP resulted in an MD of -1.31 (95% CI, -1.87 to -0.75) in favor of PRP over all alternative treatment strategies (P < .001). Meta-analysis of VAS scores reported by studies that used low-dose PRP resulted in an MD of 0.08 (95% CI, -0.51 to 0.68), suggesting no difference in the effect between PRP and all alternative treatment strategies (P = .79). The platelet concentration factor of PRP used in each RCT was found to be strongly predictive of the VAS score at final follow-up in meta-regression (P < .001), with 58.5% of the heterogeneity in the outcomes of PRP between studies explained by the platelet concentration factor alone.

Conclusion: The platelet concentration of PRP may play a significant role in the outcomes of patients with LE. A direct linear relationship was observed between the platelet concentration factor of PRP used and the magnitude of patient-reported symptom relief after the management of LE with PRP. Clinicians should ensure a supraphysiological platelet concentration when preparing PRP for the management of LE.

Background: Intraoperative hip capsule management is increasingly recognized as an important component of hip arthroscopy for the prevention of capsular-related instability. The periportal capsulotomy, relative to the interportal capsulotomy, has been proposed as a minimally invasive technique for decreasing postarthroscopy hip instability; however, the biomechanical effects of this technique are not well established.

Purpose/hypothesis: This study aimed to provide a biomechanical characterization of interportal and periportal capsulotomies, helping inform surgeon choice of capsulotomy type and repair, potentially guiding clinical practice in hip arthroscopy. The authors hypothesized that the periportal capsulotomy would demonstrate greater resistance to axial distraction in all capsular states.

Study design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods: Patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy by a single surgeon underwent intraoperative axial distraction testing at 25-, 50-, 75-, and 100-pound force intervals, with each axial distraction distance measured by standardized fluoroscopic evaluation. Propensity matching was conducted between the periportal group and the interportal group using native state distraction, lateral center-edge angle, and sex as covariates to achieve balance between groups. Between-group comparisons of distraction distances were then conducted using the Student t test and Fisher exact test.

Results: In total, 74 interportal capsulotomies and 124 periportal capsulotomies were identified. Propensity matching yielded 74 hips in each group. Demographic and radiographic characteristics were similar between matched cohorts (P > .05). An unrepaired interportal capsulotomy led to an increase in hip distraction of 2.74 mm at 100 lbf (P < .001) compared with the native state, whereas unrepaired periportal capsulotomy led to an increase of 2.43 mm at 100 lbf (P < .001). Distraction distances were similar between the interportal and periportal groups in both the capsulotomy and repair states (P > .05), while the periportal capsulotomy repair demonstrated decreased hip distraction distance when compared with the native state by 1.37 mm at 75 lbf and 1.45 mm at 100 lbf (P < .001).

Conclusion: In a propensity-matched cohort analysis, an unrepaired periportal capsulotomy and interportal capsulotomy have similar effects on increasing hip axial distraction distance intraoperatively. Performing a capsular repair restores intraoperative resistance to axial distraction in both procedures. Despite the minimal disruption of the capsule with periportal techniques, repair is required for restoration of native biomechanics.

Background: To achieve successful anatomic rotator cuff repair with minimal tension, both the tear pattern and tear size should be considered. However, little information is available concerning the frequency of tear patterns and their effects on tendon healing.

Purpose: To evaluate the distribution of tear patterns in full-thickness rotator cuff tears and whether these patterns affect tendon healing after arthroscopic repair.

Study design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods: Between 2014 and 2021, patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery for symptomatic full-thickness rotator cuff tears with a minimum 2-year follow-up with postoperative magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound were retrospectively reviewed. After the debridement of degenerative tendon tissue during arthroscopic surgery, the tear pattern was classified as crescent, U, or anterior or posterior L shaped. Intergroup differences in clinical and radiological characteristics were analyzed. In the subgroup analysis, patients were divided into 2 subgroups: small-to-medium or large-to-massive tears.

Results: Among the 1037 patients with a full-thickness rotator cuff tear, the most common tear pattern was crescent shaped (39.6%), followed by posterior L, U, and anterior L shaped (26.0%, 21.4%, and 12.9%, respectively). In the subgroup analysis, 713 patients (68.8%) had small-to-medium tears, while 324 (31.2%) had large-to-massive tears. The proportion of large-to-massive tears was significantly higher for the anterior L-shaped tear pattern than for the other tear patterns (24.8%, 28.8%, 52.2%, and 32.6% for crescent, U, and anterior and posterior L shaped, respectively; P < .001). The anterior L-shaped tear pattern had a significantly higher retear rate than the other tear patterns in small-to-medium tears (7.8%, 13.0%, 28.0%, and 10.6% for crescent, U, and anterior and posterior L shaped, respectively; P < .001). The rate of revision surgery because of a symptomatic retear within 2 years after primary surgery was significantly higher for the anterior L-shaped tear pattern than for the other tear patterns (3.8%, 7.5%, 21.6%, and 0.0% for crescent, U, and anterior and posterior L shaped, respectively; P = .002).

Conclusion: The prevalence of tear patterns varied depending on the tear size. In small-to-medium tears, the anterior L-shaped tear pattern had the lowest incidence among the tear patterns; however, it had a significantly higher retear rate. Furthermore, the anterior L-shaped tear pattern had a higher incidence of retears requiring early revision surgery than the other tear patterns.

Background: Trochlear dysplasia is a consistent risk factor for recurrent patellofemoral instability (PFI), but there is limited understanding of how the trochlea develops during growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies performed in skeletally immature patients with and without PFI to characterize changes in trochlear anatomy over time.

Hypothesis: PFI leads to progressive worsening of trochlear dysplasia over time.

Study design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted on pediatric patients (<18 years of age) with and without a diagnosis of PFI who had multiple ipsilateral MRI studies of the knee at least 6 months apart. Inclusion criteria were patients with open distal femoral physes at the initial MRI study and no intervening surgery between MRI studies. All patients with PFI were included, and 30 patients without PFI were identified for comparison. MRI scans were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate trochlear morphology using the Dejour and Oswestry-Bristol classifications and to measure the sulcus angle, trochlear depth index, medial condylar trochlear offset, and lateral trochlear inclination (LTI). Univariate and bivariate statistics were performed to evaluate differences in morphology between MRI studies and between groups.

Results: A total of 128 patients were identified (98 in the PFI group, 30 in the non-PFI group) with a mean age of 12.3 ± 2.4 years and mean time between MRI studies of 2.3 ± 1.5 years (range, 0.5-6.5 years). Among patients with PFI, rates of moderate to severe (Dejour grades B-D and Oswestry-Bristol classification flat or convex) trochlear dysplasia increased from the initial to most recent imaging study (67% vs 89%; P < .001), and statistically significantly more dysplastic LTI and sulcus angle were observed on follow-up (P < .05). Among the non-PFI group, the percentage of patients with normal trochlear morphology increased from 53% to 87% (P < .001), and less dysplastic measures of trochlear depth index, LTI, and sulcus angle were seen on follow-up imaging (P < .05). When comparing rates of change, trochlear metrics changed toward a more shallow and dysplastic direction in the PFI cohort and toward a deeper and less dysplastic direction in the non-PFI group.

Conclusion: Skeletally immature patients with untreated PFI have trochlear dysplasia that progressively worsens over time. Conversely, those without PFI have trochlear characteristics that appear to normalize with growth.

Background: There has been an increased interest in meniscus preservation over the last decade. Several risk factors for the failure of meniscal repair have been identified. However, the timing of meniscal repair has not been extensively assessed in the literature, and there is currently no high-quality evidence on the optimal timing of performing meniscal repair after an injury with regard to outcomes.

Purpose: To assess the role of the timing of meniscal repair on outcomes in the literature.

Study design: Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: The databases of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched in October 2023 for studies comparing the outcomes of early versus delayed meniscal repair. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported outcomes within and after a time threshold (eg, within and after 3 weeks). Random-effects models were used.

Results: A total of 35 studies with 3556 patients and 3767 menisci were included (mean age, 27.5 years; 66% male; mean follow-up, 4.5 years). Most studies were level 3 or 4 evidence, and the overall quality was low. The failure rates of meniscal repair were 11.3% versus 24.1% within versus after 2 weeks, respectively (7 studies, 511 patients; odds ratio [OR], 0.50 [95% CI, 0.22-1.16]; P = .11); 7.2% versus 15.3% within versus after 3 weeks, respectively (5 studies, 556 patients; OR, 0.28 [95% CI, 0.10-0.79]; P = .02); 15.7% versus 21.3% within versus after 6 weeks, respectively (7 studies, 746 patients; OR, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.33-1.18]; P = .15); and 10.2% versus 18.7% within versus after 8 weeks, respectively (7 studies, 652 patients; OR, 0.47 [95% CI, 0.26-0.87]; P = .02); these were significant for 3 and 8 weeks. No differences were seen for within versus after 3 months (7 studies, 1305 patients; 22.4% vs 18.5%, respectively; OR, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.47-2.33]; P = .92).

Conclusion: The timing of meniscal surgery was correlated with the likelihood of success, and meniscal repair should preferably be performed within 8 weeks of the injury, with the earliest benefit at 3 weeks. Clinicians should take this into consideration when recommending operative treatment or initial nonoperative treatment.

Background: The anterior oblique bundle of the medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) inserts on the anteroinferior aspect of the humeral medial epicondyle, while the flexor pronator mass (FPM) originates superficial and proximal to the UCL. With valgus stress, these distinct footprints may produce injury patterns that affect only focal areas of the medial epicondyle.

Hypothesis: The proximal UCL can act on the medial epicondyle either in isolation or in conjunction with the FPM to form partial avulsion fracture patterns within the pediatric medial epicondyle, and the predominant pattern involves only the proximal UCL footprint.

Study design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed of medial epicondyle injuries from a single tertiary care institution documented from 2012 to 2022. Inclusion criteria consisted of (1) patients <18 years of age with a diagnosis of medial epicondyle fracture, (2) availability of radiographs within 3 weeks of injury date, and (3) no history of acute medial epicondyle fracture. Data collection included demographics, imaging, mechanisms of injury, associated injuries, and procedural details if operative notes were available.

Results: Of the 1951 patients screened, 709 were diagnosed with any form of medial epicondyle fracture. Of these patients, 15.9% (n = 113; mean ± SD age, 11.15 ± 2.56 years; 70% male; 40% throwing mechanism) had radiographic evidence of fragmentation of the inferior aspect of the medial epicondyle, suggesting a partial avulsion fracture/injury. Seventy-eight patients (69%) were noted to have a small, well-corticated fragment off the inferior pole of the medial epicondyle on radiographs, defined as a "proximal UCL avulsion fracture." Magnetic resonance imaging in 24 patients in this group confirmed attachment of the UCL to the avulsed fragment. This configuration was also confirmed by 2 operative reports. Thirty-five patients had a well-defined cortical shell or an indistinct radio-opaque body off the inferomedial aspect of the medial epicondyle on radiographs, defined as a "cortical sleeve avulsion." Magnetic resonance imaging in 8 patients in this group demonstrated the UCL in addition to the FPM origin still attached to the avulsed cortical sleeve. This was confirmed by 2 operative reports.

Conclusion: The 2 injury patterns seen in this study-proximal UCL avulsion fracture and cortical sleeve avulsion-represented 15.9% of the patients with a medial epicondyle fracture. The proximal UCL avulsion fracture pattern was the more common of the 2 injury patterns. Accurate identification of these injury patterns and their underlying pathology is likely to be important in ultimately understanding the natural history of these injuries and the outcomes of different treatment strategies.