Arthroscopic Measurements Predict Knee Chondral Lesion Size More Accurately Than Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Mechanism of Injury Influences Ability of Either Technique to Predict Graft Size.

Purpose: To compare osteochondral defect size measurements and characteristics across magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy and at the time of osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation or autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI).

Methods: Patients who underwent ACI and OCA transplantation at a single institution between 2015 and 2019 were retrospectively identified. Patients were excluded if they had severe osteoarthritis, MRI scans were not available for review, surgical records did not include defect sizing necessary for analysis, or operative reports were not available.

Comparable Outcomes Between Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation and Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation in the Setting of Patellar Realignment.

Purpose: To determine clinical and functional outcomes in patients treated with autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) or osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation for chondral defects secondary to patellar instability with concomitant medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction and tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) for patellar realignment.

Methods: A retrospective review identified patients who underwent ACI or OCA transplantation with concomitant MPFL reconstruction and TTO. Patients were excluded if they did not have concomitant MPFL reconstruction and TTO, had the presence of other intra-articular pathologies, or failed to complete postoperative subjective outcome evaluations at a minimum of 2 years following surgery.

Lower Opioid Prescription Quantity Does Not Negatively Impact Pain Control or Patient Satisfaction After ACL Reconstruction: A Randomized, Prospective Trial.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different quantities of prescribed opioid tablets on patient opioid utilization, postoperative pain and function, and satisfaction after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Methods: This was a prospective, randomized trial enrolling patients undergoing primary ACLR. Patients were assigned to 1 of 3 prescription groups: 15, 25, or 35 tablets containing 5-mg oxycodone.

Outcomes of Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation: A Comparative Study of BioUni and Snowman Techniques for Ovoid Lesions.

Background: Treatment of large articular cartilage lesions of the knee includes surgical options one of which includes cartilage replacement therapies. Among these therapies include osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation, which can be performed utilizing a BioUni® (Arthrex BioUni® Instrumentation System; Arthrex, Naples, FL) replacement and a 'snowman' technique of repair.

Hypothesis/purpose: To compare clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients who have undergone multiplug OCA transplantations utilizing a BioUni® replacement and a 'snowman' technique of repair.

Blood Flow Restriction Training preserves knee flexion and extension torque following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review.

Background: There is inconsistency in the literature comparing the outcomes of Blood Flow Restriction Training versus Traditional Post-Operative Rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine if Blood Flow Restriction Training can limit the loss of knee extension and knee flexion muscle torque during early recovery from anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction better than Traditional Post-Operative Rehabilitation.

Methods: Three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Scopus) were searched for level 1 randomized controlled trials pertaining to Blood Flow Restriction Training after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

The shoulder function "tipping-point" for elective rotator cuff repair: demographic and longitudinal trends.

Background: A patient's decision to undergo an elective orthopedic procedure is largely based on their symptoms and functional limitations. This point where patients choose to undergo surgery is known as the "tipping point." The primary aim of this study is to determine the relationship between demographic parameters and the tipping point for elective rotator cuff repair.

Comparison of clinical outcomes following osteochondral allograft transplantation for osteochondral versus chondral defects in the knee.

Purpose: Osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation is a restorative technique for addressing articular cartilage defects by transferring mature viable chondrocytes with subchondral bone into size-matched lesions. The purpose of this study was to compare differences in clinical and functional outcomes in patients treated with OCA for osteochondral defects compared with isolated chondral pathology.

Methods: A retrospective review identified patients who underwent OCA transplantation and grouped them into osteochondral or isolated chondral pathology.

Differences in Clinical and Functional Outcomes Between Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation and Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation for the Treatment of Focal Articular Cartilage Defects.

Background: Articular cartilage pathology can result from a spectrum of origins, including trauma, osteochondritis dissecans, avascular necrosis, or degenerative joint disease.

Purpose: To compare the differences in clinical and patient-reported outcomes after autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) versus osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) in patients with focal articular cartilage defects without underlying bone loss.

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

Efficacy of transdermal 4% lidocaine patches for postoperative pain management after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a prospective trial.

Background: Postoperative pain management continues to be a challenging aspect of patient care. Lidocaine patches have shown efficacy in reducing pain in other surgical specialties and mixed results in orthopedic trials. We sought to determine the effectiveness of nonprescription lidocaine patches in reducing postoperative pain after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Combined MPFL reconstruction and tibial tubercle osteotomy for patellar instability: A retrospective review of 23 patients.

The primary objective of this retrospective study is to compare patient outcomes following a combined approach (MPFL reconstruction and TTT) to outcomes reported in the literature by patients who required either only an isolated TTT procedure to treat pathologic lateral patellar instability or isolated MPFL reconstruction to treat patellar dislocation due to MPFL insufficiency. Twenty-three patients (74%) were available for follow-up and are included in our analysis. MPFL reconstruction combined with TTT has a high rate of success for patients presenting with patellar instability and extensor mechanism mal-alignment.

Snapping Hamstring Tendons Case Report: Tenotomy and Tendon Transposition.

Case: A 14-year-old girl with a hypermobility syndrome presented with bilateral snapping semimembranosus (SM) and semitendinosus (ST) tendons. After failure of conservative treatment, she was treated with tenotomy of SM and later tendon transposition of her ST to her gracilis.

Conclusions: Surgical treatment of snapping hamstring tendons has historically consisted of the release of the tendon insertions (tenotomy) or tendon harvest.

Rehabilitation and Return-to-Play Criteria After Fresh Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation: A Systematic Review.

Background: Fresh osteochondral allograft (OCA) is a treatment option that allows for the transfer of size-matched allograft cartilage and subchondral bone into articular defects of the knee. Although long-term studies show good functional improvement with OCA, there continues to be wide variability and a lack of consensus in terms of postoperative rehabilitation protocols and return to sport.

Purpose: To systematically review the literature and evaluate the reported rehabilitation protocols after OCA of the knee, including weightbearing and range of motion (ROM) restrictions as well as return-to-play criteria.

Do Relaxation Exercises Decrease Pain After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair? A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Pain after rotator cuff repair is commonly managed with opioid medications; however, these medications are associated with serious adverse effects. Relaxation exercises represent a potential nonpharmacologic method of pain management that can be easily implemented without substantial adverse effects; however, the effects of relaxation exercises have not been studied in a practical, reproducible protocol after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Questions/purposes: (1) Does performing relaxation exercises after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) decrease pain compared with standard pain management medication? (2) Does performing relaxation exercises after ARCR decrease opioid consumption? (3) What proportion of patients who used the relaxation techniques believed they decreased their pain level, and what proportion continued using these techniques at 2 weeks? (4) Does performing relaxation exercises after ARCR affect shoulder function?

Methods: During the study period, 563 patients were eligible for inclusion; however, only 146 were enrolled, randomized, and postoperatively followed (relaxation group: 74, control group: 72); 68% (384 of 563) of patients were not contacted due to patient and research staff availability.

The efficacy of docusate sodium and senna glycoside for the treatment of constipation after rotator cuff repair: A randomized controlled study.

Background: Although stool softeners and laxatives are commonly prescribed for postoperative constipation, it is unclear if they are effective during the postoperative period. The data gained from this study will be beneficial for advanced practitioners when examining for postoperative constipation concerns.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of docusate sodium and senna glycoside in the prevention and treatment of constipation following rotator cuff repair (RCR).

The Importance of Staging Arthroscopy for Chondral Defects of the Knee.

This study aims to evaluate the role of staging arthroscopy in the diagnosis of knee chondral defects and subsequent surgical planning prior to autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA), and meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT). All patients who underwent staging arthroscopy prior to ACI, OCA, or MAT at our institution from 2005 to 2015 were identified. Medical records were reviewed to document the diagnosis and treatment plan based on symptoms, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and previous operative records.

Clinical Efficacy of Intra-articular Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blinded Prospective Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background: Currently, there are limited nonoperative treatment options available for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Cell-based therapies have emerged as promising treatments for knee OA. Autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF) has been identified as an efficient medium for intra-articular administration of progenitor cells and mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue.

Are Patient and Surgeon Expectations after ACL Reconstruction Realistic?

Background: Patient expectations may affect their satisfaction and functional outcomes after treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Although there is evidence that patient expectations of ACL reconstruction (ACLR) are inflated, there is limited knowledge about the relationship between physician and patient expectations and patient outcomes after they completely recover from ACLR. Furthermore, it is unclear if specific patient factors influence these expectations.

A Prospective Study of Patient Factors and Decision-making for Surgical Repair of Symptomatic Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears.

Factors motivating patients to undergo rotator cuff repair (RCR) have not been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate patient and surgeon decision-making factors for RCR, as well as the use of conservative treatment, and their relationship with shoulder function. A total of 144 adult patients undergoing arthroscopic RCR completed a 13-item questionnaire assessing the importance of surgical decision-making factors.

Prevalence of Clinical Depression Among Patients After Shoulder Stabilization: A Prospective Study.

Background: Depression is a potential risk factor for poor postoperative outcomes. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of clinical depression symptoms before and after shoulder stabilization, as well as the relationship between depression and functional outcomes.

Methods: Patients undergoing arthroscopic primary glenohumeral stabilization for recurrent instability were eligible for enrollment.

Distal Mononeuropathy Before and After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective Investigation.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to characterize the occurrence of distal mononeuropathy (DMN) in patients before and after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) as well as resolution of the symptoms.

Methods: One hundred one patients over the age of 18 undergoing arthroscopic RCR +/- concurrent procedures completed a questionnaire regarding the presence of a symptomatic DMN. Patients with history of diabetic neuropathy, cervical radiculopathy, brachial plexopathy, or Spurling sign were excluded.

Contact Versus Noncontact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: Is Mechanism of Injury Predictive of Concomitant Knee Pathology?

Purpose: To determine if mechanism of injury is predictive of concomitant knee pathology found at the time of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Methods: All patients aged 16 to 35 who underwent ACL reconstruction at our institution between January 2009 and December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Mechanism of injury was determined from patient history.