Qualitative visual assessment of the J-sign demonstrates high inter-rater reliability.

Objectives: To assess the inter- and intra-rater reliability of the classification of the J-sign as "large" versus "small or none" as compared to another two-level system ("present" versus "absent") and a three-level system ("large," "small," or "none") and to identify anatomical and patient factors associated with the presence of a large J-sign.

Methods: Forty patients (40 knees) with recurrent patellar instability were prospectively enrolled and recorded on video actively extending their knee while seating. Four raters classified patellar tracking on two separate occasions using three systems: 1) two groups: J-sign versus no J-sign; 2) three groups: large J-sign, small J-sign, or no J-sign; and 3) two groups: large J-sign versus small or no J-sign.

Unplanned Emergency Visits and Admissions After Orthopaedic Ambulatory Surgery in the First 2 Years of Operation of a University Ambulatory Surgery Center.

Background: Ambulatory surgeries have increased in recent decades to help improve efficiency and cost; however, there is a potential need for unplanned postoperative admission, clinic visits, or evaluation in the emergency department (ED).

Purpose/hypothesis: The purpose was to determine the frequency, reasons, and factors influencing hospitalizations, return to clinic, and/or ED encounters within 24 hours of ambulatory surgery. The time frame for data collection was the first 2 years of operation of a university sports medicine ambulatory surgery center (ASC).

Technique for Biplanar Lateral Opening Wedge Distal Femoral Osteotomy in the Valgus Knee.

Valgus malalignment can be corrected with a biplanar lateral opening wedge distal femoral osteotomy (bLOWDFO) in patients with symptomatic lateral compartment disease. Advantages of a lateral opening wedge technique over the medial closing wedge technique include avoidance of vascular structures and theoretically better control of the amount of correction. The advantages of a bLOWDFO over a uniplanar osteotomy are that it creates a larger surface area for healing, and provides inherent stability to control the osteotomy intraoperatively.

Technique for Medial Closing-Wedge Proximal Tibia Osteotomy in the Valgus Knee.

Valgus malalignment can be corrected with a medial closing-wedge proximal tibia osteotomy in patients with symptomatic lateral compartment disease. Advantages of this technique include the inherent stability of the closing wedge with direct bone contact and reliable healing that enables early weight bearing and shorter recovery time. In addition, a tibial-based osteotomy alters joint contact forces in both flexion and extension versus femoral-based osteotomies.

Identifying Patients With Patella Alta and/or Severe Trochlear Dysplasia Through the Presence of Patellar Apprehension in Higher Degrees of Flexion.

Background: Recurrent patellar instability is frequently treated surgically with reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). Patients with significant patella alta, trochlear dysplasia, and/or an elevated tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance may benefit from a concurrent bony procedure such as tibial tubercle osteotomy or trochleoplasty. The indications to perform such procedures are traditionally based on imaging criteria but remain controversial.