Entrapment Neuropathies of the Shoulder.

Entrapment neuropathies of the shoulder most commonly involve the suprascapular or axillary nerves, and they primarily affect the younger, athletic patient population. The extremes of shoulder mobility required for competitive overhead athletes, particularly in the position of abduction and external rotation, place this cohort at particular risk. Anatomically, the suprascapular nerve is most prone to entrapment at the level of the suprascapular or spinoglenoid notch; the axillary nerve is most prone to entrapment as it traverses the confines of the quadrilateral space.

Predictive value of magnetic resonance imaging in outcomes of nonsurgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

Background: The diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis is typically made on the basis of clinical history and examination. However, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used to supplement evaluation of the patient with a painful elbow and can identify extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon tears. The objective of this study was to determine if ECRB tear size on MRI could be used as a prognostic indicator for patients with recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis and partial ECRB tears.

Higher Hospital Costs Do Not Result in Lower Readmission Rates Following Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Introduction: Hip and knee arthroplasty are high volume, clinically successful, but costly orthopedic surgical procedures. There is significant variation in volume, outcomes, and cost at various hospitals.

Methods: Using the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database to determine readmission rates and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDoH) hospital cost transparency database to obtain costs, we reviewed this data for hip and knee replacements to determine if there was a relationship between volume of procedures performed and cost or readmission rates.

Meniscal Root Tears Evaluation and Management.

The management of meniscal root injuries has changed as biomechanical studies have demonstrated the importance of meniscal integrity in load distribution across the knee joint. Meniscal injury causes altered joint mechanics, which is postulated to be related to the onset of arthrosis. Arthroscopic meniscal root repair has been shown to restore more normal joint mechanics and is considered a treatment option in the appropriately indicated patient.

Evaluation, Treatment, and Outcomes of Meniscal Root Tears: A Critical Analysis Review.

Meniscal root tears or avulsions compromise the biomechanical function of the menisci to a greater extent than simple meniscal tears do. As such, if left untreated, root injuries render the menisci incapable of properly distributing axial load and resisting rotation and translation. The clinical diagnosis of meniscal root abnormalities may be difficult as the signs and symptoms typically associated with meniscal body injuries, such as mechanical locking and catching, may not be present in patients with root injury and there may not be a history of an acute traumatic event.

Outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients older than 50 years of age.

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has traditionally been reserved for young patients with functional instability. As the aging population continues to grow and embrace a more active lifestyle, it is important to determine if favorable outcomes of ACLR can be achieved in older adults.

Methods: Patients greater than 50 years of age undergoing ACLR between January 2001 and September 2006 were identified.

Hospital-acquired conditions after orthopedic surgery do not affect patient satisfaction scores.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine whether development of a hospital-acquired condition (HAC) affected responses to Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey questions. HCAHPS is a national, standardized satisfaction survey. Patient responses form, in part, the basis for Medicare reimbursement to hospitals via the value-based purchasing system established by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010.

Functional outcomes and patient satisfaction after fasciotomy for chronic exertional compartment syndrome.

Background: Patients with chronic exertional compartment syndrome who have failed nonoperative treatment are evaluated with pre-exertion and postexertion compartment pressure testing and may be treated with fasciotomy. Failure rates of up to 20% have been reported and may be related to factors such as age, sex, postexertion compartment pressures, compartment(s) released, and duration of symptoms.

Hypothesis: Higher preoperative postexertion compartment pressures are correlated with higher success and patient satisfaction rates after fasciotomy.

Psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory arthropathy that affects approximately 6% to 48% of patients with psoriasis. Arthritis is not correlated with the extent of skin disease. Classic radiographic findings of the involved joint include erosion, ankylosis, and fluffy periostitis.

Irreducible anterior and posterior dislocation of the shoulder due to incarceration of the biceps tendon.

Mechanical obstacles may infrequently impede closed reduction of anterior shoulder dislocation. Imaging techniques such as arthrography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) complement conventional radiography by allowing identification of obstacles to reduction. We present a case of irreducible anterior glenohumeral dislocation resulting from an initial anterior dislocation, converted to a posterior dislocation with an attempt at reduction, then converted back to anterior dislocation with a second reduction attempt.

Meniscal allograft transplantation.

Purpose: Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) has become an accepted treatment option for patients undergoing meniscectomy with recalcitrant pain in the corresponding compartment. Whether MAT can oppose cartilage degeneration is unclear. Our purpose was to perform a systematic review of available literature to answer the following: (1) Does MAT prevent advancing chondrosis? (2) Who is the ideal candidate for MAT? (3) What is the survival time for allograft in a stable knee? (4) Can MAT be successful when performed with concomitant procedures? (5) Is there an outcome difference between medial and lateral meniscal allograft transplants? (6) What is the expected function of a knee that has undergone MAT?

Methods: Two authors performed a systematic review of the literature pertaining to MAT.