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Background: Isokinetic torque in shoulder internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) can be considered as potential indicators for dynamic stability of the glenohumeral joint. Purpose: To assess the efficacy of 4-month isokinetic testing in predicting the 6-month return-to-sports (RTS) status after Latarjet surgery, explore its correlations with testing parameters, and identify optimal thresholds to ensure a safe RTS. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: The study assessed athletes who underwent the Latarjet stabilization procedure between January 2022 and June 2023. The primary outcome was RTS at 6 months after surgery. The primary examined predictors were isokinetic testing metrics at 4 months postoperatively. Secondary outcomes comprised the modified Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (mCKCUEST) and several patient-reported outcome measures, including the Walch-Duplay score, the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), and the Shoulder Instability–Return to Sports after Injury scale. To assess the predictors, patients were divided into those who returned to any level of sports compared with those who did not return to sports. The correlation between isokinetic testing results and other outcome scores was also analyzed. Results: A total of 71 patients (mean age, 27.43 ± 9.09 years) were included in the study. Of these, 23.61% did not return to sports, 38.89% returned at a lower level, and 37.50% returned to the same level. Significant rotational strength disparities were noted. Patients who did not return to sports at 6 months demonstrated inferior strength in concentric ER at 60 deg/s, concentric ER at 240 deg/s, concentric IR at 240 deg/s, and eccentric IR at 30 deg/s (P <.05). Similar trends appeared for all studied patient-reported outcome measures and the mCKCUEST (P <.05). Receiver operating characteristic analysis emphasized the significance of isokinetic testing in concentric ER at 240 deg/s (area under the curve = 0.759; P =.001; cutoff = 0.32 N·m/kg; sensitivity = 100.0%; specificity = 49.1%) and eccentric ER at 30 deg/s (area under the curve = 0.760; P =.001; cutoff = 0.51 N·m/kg; sensitivity = 94.1%; specificity = 49.1%) for RTS prediction. Additionally, ER strength moderately correlated with the Walch-Duplay score across all examined velocities (r = 0.26-0.34; P <.05). The modified WOSI score was weakly linked to ER strength at 240 deg/s and 30 deg/s (r = 0.24-0.25; P <.05) as well as moderately linked to the limb symmetry index in ER at 60 deg/s and 30 deg/s (r = 0.30-0.38; P <.05). Conclusion: Isokinetic testing can act as an independent predictor of successful RTS after Latarjet surgery, with concentric ER at 240 deg/s, concentric IR at 240 deg/s, eccentric ER at 30 deg/s, and eccentric IR at 30 deg/s showing the most accuracy. Strength recovery in ER was associated with better Walch-Duplay and modified WOSI scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of ramp lesions among patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and identify risk factors associated with these lesions. Methods: A retrospective, multicentre cohort study was conducted using data from the Francophone Arthroscopic Society's registry, including 5359 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction (ACLR) from June 2020 to June 2023. Potential risk factors for ramp lesion such as patient demographics, revision surgery, pivot shift, side‐to‐side anteroposterior laxity, medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury, lateral meniscal tear and the volume of ligament remnant were evaluated using multivariate regression analyses. BMI and delay to surgery were also assessed. Results: Ramp lesions were identified in 822 patients (15.3%). Univariate analysis identified male sex, younger age, revision surgery, lateral meniscal injury, percentage of ACL remnant (all p < 0.0001) and pivot shift (p = 0.0103) as significant risk factors. MCL injury was associated with a lower risk (p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, male sex, younger age, revision surgery, lateral meniscal injury and percentage of ACL remnants remained significant risk factors, while MCL injury remained a protective factor. The anteroposterior laxity wasn't a significant predictor in either analysis. In subgroup analysis, there were no differences concerning body mass index (n.s) and the delay to surgery (n.s). Conclusion: The study identified male sex, younger age, revision surgery, lateral meniscal injury and pourcentage of ACL remnant as significant risk factors for ramp lesions, with MCL injury acting as a protective factor. This will help regarding the suspicion and identification of ramp lesions. Level of Evidence: Level III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: No validated score is available for the prediction of return to sport (RTS) after proximal hamstring avulsion (PHA) surgery. Purpose: To validate a new assessment tool for patients after PHA surgery: the Parisian Hamstring Avulsion Score (PHAS). Study Design: Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All patients at our clinic who had surgery for PHA between January 2015 and March 2018 were included in this study. A suspected clinical diagnosis of PHA was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. PHA was repaired by surgical reinsertion with suture anchors. Minimum postoperative follow-up was 2 years, and the PHAS, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), score, and Tegner score were used. The PHAS is a patient-reported outcome measure, evaluating the effect of PHA injury with 9 items. It was validated by calculating its psychometric properties, and then correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the PHAS, UCLA score, and Tegner score. Cutoff values for the prediction of RTS were determined. Results: A prospective case series study was performed. A total of 156 patients were included. Median age (first quartile; third quartile) was 54.2 years (44.7 years; 61.3 years), and the mean ± SD time of the final follow-up was 69 ± 11.6 months. Two years after surgery, 66.7% (n = 104) of patients were able to RTS. A strong correlation was noted between all 3 scores at 1 year postoperatively. Overall internal consistency was high, with a Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.86. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.96, showing excellent reliability. The minimal detectable change was 12.9. No patients reached the maximum score at 2 years. Analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curves of the 3 scores at postoperative 9 months in relation to the RTS at 1 and 2 years showed area under the curve values of >0.7, indicating significant discriminant capacity for the RTS. A PHAS cutoff value of 86 at 9 months for the prediction of RTS at postoperative 1 year had a sensitivity of 65.6% (95% CI, 53.7%-77.5%) and a specificity of 81.4% (95% CI, 69.8%-93%). Conclusion: PHAS is a valid and reliable tool for follow-up after PHA surgery. It also offers a simple way to predict RTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Proximal hamstring complex injury (PHCI) is a common injury among professional athletes, particularly those participating in pivot contact sports. Previous studies have suggested that surgery can be effective in restoring function and allowing athletes to return to sport (RTS), but the factors influencing successful RTS have been less clear. Purpose: To assess RTS capabilities after surgical treatment of PHCI in professional athletes and to identify favorable predictors of RTS. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This study (2002-2022) was conducted on professional athletes who underwent surgical treatment for PHCI at a sports surgery center. The primary outcome of the study was the RTS capability, evaluated based on the rate of athletes' return to their preinjury level of competition, time delay to RTS, and quality of RTS as measured using their level of performance and progression of scores on activity scales such as the Tegner Activity Scale (TAS) and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), scale. "Maintained performance" was defined as athletes returning to the same preinjury activity level (per the TAS and UCLA scale) and perceiving themselves to have maintained their performance. Secondary outcomes covered the potential RTS predictors and complication rate. The study distinguished 2 types of PHCI: proximal hamstring tendon avulsion injury (proximal rupture with empty footprint, or having a "positive dropped ice cream sign") and complete proximal hamstring free tendon rupture (PHTR; proximal rupture without empty footprint, or having a "negative dropped ice cream sign"). Results: The study examined 64 professional athletes (mean age, 27.3 years; 82.8% male) undergoing surgery for PHCI. The RTS rate was 98.4%, with 78.1% of the athletes returning to their preinjury level of competition at 6.2 months (SD, 2.5 months). Twelve (19%) patients had returned to sport at an inferior level of competition, and 2 (3.1%) were unable to continue in their preinjury sport. Subgroup analysis revealed variation in RTS based on sport type, with the highest rate of return to preinjury performance found in athletes in handball and sports with splits (fencing, squash, and escalade; 100%) and soccer (95.2%). In the univariate analysis, male sex (hazard ratio [HR], 4.05; 95% CI, 1.45-11.3; P =.008), higher preinjury TAS score (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.06-1.52; P =.011), injury involving the semimembranosus (HR, 4.84; 95% CI, 2.31-10.2; P <.001) or conjoint tendon (HR, 3.12; 95% CI, 1.55-6.25; P =.001), and PHTR (HR, 7.77; 95% CI, 3.54-17.0; P <.001) were significantly associated with a better postoperative level of competition. Multivariate analysis identified 3 favorable predictors of RTS with HRs of 2.91 (95% CI, 1.01-8.35; P =.047) for male sex, 3.86 (95% CI, 1.78-8.37; P <.001) for isolated semimembranosus injury, and 5.18 (95% CI, 2.24-12.0; P <.001) for PHTR. The complication rate was 4.7%. Conclusion: Favorable predictors of early RTS were male sex, isolated semimembranosus injury, and PHTR injuries. Registration: NCT02906865 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the well-established role of lateral extra-articular procedures (LEAPs) in reducing failure rates after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) in the adult population, similar in-depth research for the adolescent and pediatric population remains lacking. Purpose: To examine the effect of the LEAP augmentation on the rerupture rate after ACLR in patients aged <18 years. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from October 2012 to June 2020, involving adolescents <18 years old undergoing primary ACLR with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Two groups, matched for age, sex, Tegner activity scale, and presence of meniscal injury, were established: ACLR alone and ACLR+LEAP augmentation. The primary outcome measure was the rate of rerupture after ACLR. The secondary outcome measures were the rate of non–graft rupture related reoperation after ACLR; rate of return to sport (RTS) rate, timing, and level compared with preinjury status; and functional scores including the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) (Pain, Symptoms, Activities of Daily Living, Sport and Recreation, and Quality of Life), Tegner activity scale score, ACL Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) score, and Lysholm score. Results: After accounting for follow-up losses, we analyzed 132 patients who underwent ACLR alone and 121 patients who underwent ACLR+LEAP from the initial 147 per group. The mean age of the patients in both groups was 16.1 years (SD, 1.1 and 1.0 years, respectively), with similar patient and injury characteristics across both groups (P >.05). Both groups also showed comparable preoperative functional scores. A significantly lower preoperative ACL-RSI score was observed in the ACLR-alone group compared with the ACLR+LEAP group (P =.0044). Graft rupture was significantly less common in the ACLR+LEAP group (2.5%) than in the ACLR-alone group (13.6%) (P =.002). The attributable risk reduction for ACLR+LEAP was 11.1%, and the calculated number needed to treat was 9. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significantly better rerupture-free survival at 5 years for the ACLR+LEAP group (P =.001). Cox regression confirmed a 6-fold increased rerupture risk in the ACLR-alone group (P =.004). At the final follow-up, despite similar IKDC, KOOS, Lysholm, and ACL-RSI values across both groups, the ACLR+LEAP group had a significantly higher Tegner score (7.2 vs 6.3; P =.0042). No significant differences were observed in RTS rates or sport level compared with preinjury states between the groups. Conclusion: ACLR+LEAP augmentation significantly reduced rerupture risk and facilitated higher postoperative activity levels in adolescents. Registration: NCT02511158 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The 12-item Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scale was developed to assess the psychological readiness of patients to return to sports after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). A short (6-item) English version was also developed, which has shown to have good reliability and validity. Purpose/Hypothesis: We aimed to develop and validate a French version of the short ACL-RSI scale. We hypothesized that the same questions would remain in the selection as the English version and that the French version of the scale would have the same psychometric properties. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The full 12-item French ACL-RSI scale was administered to 1000 patients who had undergone ACLR surgery. Reliability (Cronbach alpha) and factor analysis of the full scale were determined. Item selection and elimination process was conducted to develop a short (6-item) version. The same methodology was used to develop the English short ACL-RSI scale. A minimal (3-item) version was also developed and assessed. Results: Internal consistency of the full version of the French ACL-RSI was found to be high (Cronbach alpha =.95), suggesting item redundancy. The short (6-item) version was also found to have high internal consistency (Cronbach alpha =.92) and was strongly correlated with the full version (r = 0.98). The minimal (3-item) version was also found to have high internal consistency, as well as a strong correlation with the full version (r = 0.94). Conclusion: The French version of the short (6-item) ACL-RSI scale was valid, discriminant, consistent, and reproducible. The minimal (3-item) version was also found to be useful and more efficient to collect the information provided by the full ACL-RSI in a French-speaking population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Environmental sustainability in medicine is a growing concern. Determining the carbon footprint of medical procedures may aid in selecting a less impactful technique moving forward. The purpose of this study was to understand the environmental impact of different anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction techniques, for which there is no consensus in terms of optimal graft. Methods: A life cycle analysis of different anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction techniques was performed. These included quadrupled semitendinosus graft, bone‐patellar tendon‐bone graft, iliotibial band augmented with gracilis graft, doubled semitendinosus and doubled gracilis graft, and quadriceps tendon graft. All procedures were systematically paired with a lateral extra‐articular procedure. The study was conducted in a specialised centre using surgeon preference cards, with the help of a dedicated organisation for calculation according to the ISO 14044 standard. The primary outcome measure was the carbon footprint of each of the five techniques. Secondary outcomes included other environmental impact indicators, including human carcinogenic toxicity and mineral resource scarcity, among others, based on the ReCiPe 2016 midpoint guideline. The analysis had three scopes, each encompassing varying numbers of processes: graft implantation, full procedure, and entire environmental impact, from medical prescription to patient discharge. Results were reported as percentage increases compared to the graft technique with the lowest environmental impact. Results: It was demonstrated that the surgical procedure itself accounted for <40% of the life cycle, with arthroscopy being 88% of surgery's GHG emissions, and scrubbing and draping contributing 39% to the carbon footprint. The iliotibial band augmented with gracilis tendon technique had the lowest carbon footprint (0.199 Kg Co2 eq), and the least impact in most categories at all scopes of the life cycle analysis. Using this technique as a reference, in terms of graft implantation, it was determined that extensor mechanism grafts had the highest carbon footprint (300% higher than the reference). Greater scopes showed a similar trend, with percentage differences decreasing significantly, reaching 1–3% when considering the entire environmental impact for most categories. Nevertheless, among the aforementioned factors of the ReCiPe 2016 guidelines, the semitendinosus graft paried with a lateral extra‐articular procedure displayed greater difference in human carcinogenic toxicity and mineral resource scarcity (6% and 10% respectively) compared to the reference. The individual processes with the highest impact were also highlighted. Conclusions: In the institution where the study was conducted, the studied iliotibial band graft option was found to have the lowest environmental impact. Such analyses of standardised procedures can be replicated in individual institutions in order to determine their environmental impact. Identification of procedures with comparable results and differing environmental consequences may influence the future decision‐making process. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective cohort study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bone–patellar tendon–bone (BTB) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is one of the conventional techniques in the revision setting especially after a primary hamstring tendon graft. The use of the iliotibial band (ITB) augmented with allograft (AG) is an encouraging graft alternative for ACLR in terms of clinical and biomechanical data in the literature. Purpose: To compare the clinical outcomes of BTB graft with lateral extra-articular tenodesis, modified Lemaire (BTB-LET), and an ITB graft augmented with hamstring AG (ITB-AG) in the setting of revision ACLR. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Descriptive data and clinical outcomes were prospectively collected from patients who underwent revision ACLR with either the BTB-LET or ITB-AG technique between 2012 and 2020 and who had a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The clinical outcomes were assessed by the Lysholm, Tegner, Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Return to Sport after Injury, International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee evaluation form, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. Return to sports, complications, and revisions were also analyzed. Results: A total of 167 patients were included, with 106 patients in the BTB-LET group and 61 patients in the ITB-AG group. There were no significant group differences in sociodemographic characteristics; however, the mean follow-up was significantly longer in the BTB-LET compared with the ITB-AG group (52.0 vs 38.8 months, respectively; P =.0001). There were no significant differences in postoperative outcome scores; however, patients in the ITB-AG group had a higher rate of return to competitive pivoting sports (32.8% vs 17.9%; P =.0288) and a higher overall rate of return to preinjury sport (63.9% vs 47.2%; P =.0365). Complications, including revisions for meniscal or chondral lesions and retears (8 [8.3%] in the BTB-LET group and 2 [4.0%] in the ITB-AG group), were not significantly different. All retears were due to sports-related accidents. Conclusion: In this study, ITB-AG was not different from BTB-LET in terms of functional outcomes scores but allowed better return to sport rate. Performing ITB-AG reconstruction in the setting of revision ACLR appears to be safe, effective, and associated with a satisfying return-to-sports rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) are increasingly used for patient evaluation, as well as for scientific research. Few are used for practical purposes in the clinical setting, and few are reliable enough to allow proper feedback to physicians. Two of the most commonly used assessment tools in shoulder instability are the Walch–Duplay and the Rowe scores. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of self-administered versions of the Walch–Duplay and Rowe scores following shoulder stabilization procedure. Methods: Between the months of May and December 2021, all patients who were followed in one of six institutions for shoulder instability were included. Patients were required to anonymously fill a self-administered version of Walch–Duplay and Rowe score. The classic scores were measured by the surgeon. Correlations between self-assessment and physician-assessment were then recorded. Results: A total of 106 patients were evaluated during the study period. Using the Spearman coefficient for correlation, a strong correlation (r > 0.5) was found between the results of the self-administered questionnaire and the surgeon-measured score. The difference between surgeon- and patient-administered questionnaires was non-significant. Conclusion: The self-administered version of the Walch–Duplay and Rowe questionnaires can reliably be used in the clinical setting for post-operative follow-up of patients undergoing shoulder stabilization procedures. Level of evidence: Level II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The return-to-sport rate at 2 years after multiple-revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions has not been evaluated. Hypothesis: It was hypothesized that patients who undergo multiple-revision ACL reconstructions would have a lower return-to-sport rate at 2 years after surgery than those who undergo a single-revision reconstruction. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that the multiple-revision group would have lower functional scores. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A single-center cohort study in patients who underwent revision ACL reconstruction was begun in 2012. This study included 2 groups: Patients who underwent a single revision, and those who underwent multiple revisions. The main evaluation criterion was the return to sport at the 2-year follow-up. The secondary criteria were the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm, and ACL–Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) functional knee scores at the 1- and 2-year follow-ups. Results: A total of 322 patients (single-revision group: n = 302; multiple-revision group: n = 20) were included. A significant difference in the percentage of patients who stopped all sports activity was found between the 2 groups at 2 years (single-revision group: 19.4%; multiple-revision group: 50%). The return-to-sport rate at the same or lower level of performance was higher in the single-revision group as well (17% vs 14.3% for return at the same level; 45.6% vs 14.3% for return at a lower level; P =.03). At the 2-year follow-up, the functional scores of the single-revision group were significantly higher those than in the multiple-revision group: IKDC (77.7 ± 13.82 vs 64.79 ± 15.22; P <.001), KOOS (72.66 ± 17.63 vs 52.5 ± 15.64; P <.001), Lysholm (84.05 ± 11.88 vs 72.5 ± 13.49; P <.001), and ACL-RSI (52.34 ± 21.83 vs 46.43 ± 14.8; P =.0036). Conclusion: Only a small percentage of patients returned to the same level of sport after single- revision and multiple-revision ACL reconstruction, yet significantly more in the former. More patients who underwent multiple revisions gave up their sport. Functional scores were higher for single-revision than multiple-revision surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe, evaluate and validate the diagnostic performance of a new clinical sign, the sleeper's sign, for the diagnosis of a medial submeniscal flap tear (MSMFT).Methods: This retrospective single-center series included patients aged 18-55 years old who underwent arthroscopic treatment in 2013-2015 for a medial meniscal tear. This study was performed according to STARD (standards for reporting of diagnostic accuracy) guidelines, and the reference test was a peroperative diagnosis of a MSMFT. The preoperative consultation reports were all analyzed to search for the sleeper's sign, defined as night time medial tibiofemoral pain when the patient is in the fetal position with both knees in contact and no pain during daytime activities.Results: Three-hundred and ten patients responded to the study criteria, mean age 41.7 ± 9.7 years old. The sleeper's sign was identified in 39 (12.6%) patients and a MSMFT was confirmed during arthroscopy in 47 (15.2%) cases, with significant agreement between this sign, arthroscopy (kappa = 0.78, p = 10-4) and MR-imaging (kappa = 0.72, p < 0.0001). The performance parameters of the sleeper's sign were: sensitivity 74.5 ± 12.5%, specificity 98.5 ± 1.6%, Youden index 0.73 and accuracy 96.9%. MR imaging was found to be more sensitive (91.5 ± 8%). Multivariate analysis identified the sleeper's sign as a risk factor of MSMFT during arthroscopy: OR 131.9 CI 95% [26.9-646.2], p < 0.0001 and a bone edema next to the flap tear on MR-imaging: OR 13, CI 95% [1.9-7.1], p = 0.008.Conclusion: The "sleeper's sign" is a new, valid, highly specific clinical sign for the diagnosis of a medial submeniscal flap tear. MRI was found to be more sensitive than the sleeper's sign.Level Of Evidence: II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare return to sport and knee function 1 year after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using autografts with and without vancomycin presoaking. Methods: A case–control study based on a retrospective analysis of prospective data included athletes over the age of 16 operated from 2012 to 2018 for ACL reconstruction. There were two groups of patients due to a change in treatment protocols: Group 1 « without vancomycin » before November 2016 and Group 2 « with vancomycin» after this date. In Group 2, the graft was soaked in a vancomycin solution for 10 min and then fixed into the bone tunnels. The primary evaluation criterion was the return to sport 1 year after surgery. The secondary criteria were various knee scores. The number of patients needed to perform a non-inferiority study was calculated. Results: 1674 patients fulfilled the selection criteria, 1184 in Group 1 and 490 in Group 2. The series included 1112 men and 562 women, mean age 30 ± 9.7 years, 68 professional athletes, 674 competitive athletes and 932 recreational athletes. While seven patients presented with post-operative septic arthritis in Group 1, this complication was not found in Group 2. No significant difference was identified in the return to running between the two groups 1 year after surgery (75.9% vs. 76.1%, n.s.). Significantly more of the patients in Group 2 returned to their preinjury sport (p = 0.04). Knee function was comparable between the groups. Conclusion: Vancomycin-soaked grafts during ACL reconstruction reduce the risk of post-operative infection of the knee without affecting the return to sport or knee function. Level of evidence: III. Trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02511158 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe the clinical results of patients who underwent surgical treatment for a intra-osseous tibial tunnel cyst on a bioabsorbable interference screw following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL).Methods: This retrospective study included all patients who underwent surgery between 2004 and 2016 for an intra-osseous tibial tunnel cyst on bioabsorbable interference screw following ACL reconstruction. The diagnosis was suggested clinically by pretibial pain at the incision site, sometimes associated with a palpable subcutaneous nodule and then confirmed on MRI. The first stage of surgery included exploratory arthroscopy followed by open excision/curettage of the cyst and then the tunnel was filled. The main criterion for outcome was a clinically normal knee (no pain, 0-120 range of motion, stable, with no effusion) at 6 months of follow-up.Results: This series included 53 patients, mean age 35.3 ± 9.9 years old w ith a mean 4.6 ± 3.1 years (between 3.1 months and 19 years) of follow-up after ligament reconstruction. The tibial screw was completely absorbed in 9/53 (17%) of patients, and fragmented in 22/53 (41.5%). At the 6-month follow-up, 42/53 (79.2%) patients had a normal knee, 11/53 (20.8%) persistent pain in the cyst area, 52/53 (98.1%) normal range of motion and 53 (100%) a stable knee. A recurrent cyst developed at 2 years of follow-up in one patient.Conclusion: Complete absorption of a bioabsorbable interference screw is long, increasing the risk of developing intra-osseous tibial cysts during this period. The development of new materials with improved absorption properties is needed.Level Of Evidence: IV-Retrospective study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rate of septic arthritis in the knee after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction varies in the literature but is generally less than 1%. It has been reported to be higher in professional athletes (5.7%). Purpose: The primary goal was to evaluate the rate of septic arthritis after ACL reconstruction in professional athletes compared with other patients. The secondary goals were to analyze the risk factors; increased cost of infections; return to sport, satisfaction, and functional results at 1-year follow-up; and resolution rate of infections at final follow-up. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospective data included a continuous series of patients who underwent isolated ACL reconstruction between 2012 and 2016. The main outcome criterion was the development of intra-articular infections in the operated knee. An infection was suggested clinically (knee pain with fever and/or chills) and confirmed bacteriologically in deep tissue samples obtained during revision surgery. All infected patients underwent an emergency reoperation with lavage and debridement along with dual antibiotic therapy first by an intravenous route and then orally for 6 weeks. Results: A total of 1809 of 1859 patients included in the cohort during this period fulfilled inclusion criteria; there were 1632 (90.2%) who underwent primary reconstruction and 177 (9.8%) who underwent revision. The series included 1249 (69%) men and 560 (31%) women, with a mean age of 29.1 ± 9.8 years. Ninety-eight percent of the patients participated in a sport, including 90 (5.0%) at a professional level and 712 (39.4%) competitively. Septic arthritis of the knee developed after a mean 15.7 ± 5.5 days in 7 (0.38%) patients: 5 of 1632 (0.31%) who underwent primary reconstruction and 2 of 177 (1.13%) who underwent revision. Septic arthritis did not develop in any professional or competitive athletes; all affected patients were recreational athletes (P = .02). The risk factors identified for the development of septic arthritis on multivariate analysis were prior knee surgery (odds ratio [OR], 15; P = .002) and hemarthrosis during the immediate postoperative period (OR, 127.2; P = .002). There were no recurrent infections after a mean follow-up of 2.8 ± 1.2 years. Conclusion: None of the professional athletes in this cohort had septic arthritis after ACL reconstruction. There are no particular precautions to be taken in this population. The risk factors identified for the development of septic arthritis on multivariate analysis were prior knee surgery and hemarthrosis during the immediate postoperative period. Similar to all studies published on the subject, there were very few infected patients, which limits the identification of risk factors. Registration: NCT02511158 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The arthroscopic Latarjet procedure has provided reliable results in the treatment of anterior shoulder instability. However, this procedure remains technically challenging and is related to several complications. The morphology of the coracoid and the glenoid are inconsistent. Inadequate coracoid and glenoid preparing may lead to mismatching between their surfaces. Inadequate screws lengthening and orientation are a major concern. Too long screws can lead to suprascapular nerve injuries or hardware irritation, whereas too short screws can lead to nonunions, fibrous unions or migration of the bone block. The purpose of the study was to investigate the application of virtual surgical planning and digital technology in preoperative assessment and planning of the Latarjet procedure.Methods: Twelve patients planned for an arthroscopic Latarjet had a CT scan evaluation with multi-two-dimensional reconstruction performed before surgery. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability were evaluated. The shape of the anterior rim of the glenoid and the undersurface of the coracoid were classified. Coracoid height was measured, respectively, at 5 mm (C1) and 10 mm (C2) from the tip of the coracoid process, corresponding to the drilling zone. Measurements of the glenoid width were then taken in the axial view at 25 % (G1) and 50 % (G2) of the glenoid height with various α angles (5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°) 7 mm from the anterior glenoid rim. Shapes of the undersurface of the coracoid and the anterior rim of the glenoid were noted during the surgical procedure. Post-operative measurements included the α angle.Results: Concerning coracoid height measurements, there was an almost perfect to substantial intra- and inter-reliability, with values ranging from ICC = 0.75-0.97. For the shape of the coracoid, concordances were, respectively, perfect (ICC = 1) and almost perfect (0.87 [0.33; 1]) for the intra- and interobserver reliabilities. Concerning the glenoid, concordance was always almost perfect for 50 % height. Concordance was almost perfect for 25 % height 15° and 30° for inter- and intraobserver, for intraobserver at 0° and 25°. All the other values were still showing moderate concordance. Shape of the coracoid analysis reproducibility was perfect for both intra- and interobserver ICC = 1. There was a total agreement (ICC = 1) between the preoperative evaluation of the shape of the glenoid and the coracoid and the intraoperative assessment.Conclusion: The ideal and accurate preoperative planning of screwing of the coracoid graft in the arthroscopic Latarjet can be achieved in the real surgery assisted by the virtual planning. The clinical importance of this study lies in the observation that this new preoperative planning could offer a simple, effective and reproducible tool for surgeons helping them to prepare in the best possible way a technically challenging procedure usually associated with a high rate of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Latarjet procedure has shown its efficiency for the treatment of anterior shoulder dislocation. The success of this technique depends on the correct positioning and fusion of the bone block. The length of the screws that fix the bone block can be a problem. They can increase the risk of non-union if too short or be the cause of nerve lesion or soft tissue discomfort if too long. Suprascapular nerve injuries have been reported during shoulder stabilisation surgery up to 6 % of the case. Bone block non-union depending on the series is found around 20 % of the cases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of this CT preoperative planning to predict optimal screws length. The clinical importance of this study lies in the observation that it is the first study to evaluate the efficiency of CT planning to predict screw length.Methods: Inclusion criteria were patients with chronic anterior instability of the shoulder with an ISIS superior to 4. Exclusion criteria were patients with multidirectional instability or any previous surgery on this shoulder. Thirty patients were included prospectively, 11 of them went threw a CT planning, before their arthroscopic Latarjet. Optimal length of both screws was calculated, adding the size of the coracoid at 5 and 15 mm from the tip to the glenoid. Thirty-two-mm screws were used for patients without planning. On a post-operative CT scan with 3D reconstruction, the distance between the screw tip and the posterior cortex was measured. A one-sample Wilcoxon test was used to compare the distance from the tip of the screw to an acceptable positioning of ±2 mm from the posterior cortex.Results: In the group without planning, screw 1 tended to differ from the acceptable positioning: mean 3.44 mm ± 3.13, med 2.9 mm, q1; q3 [0.6; 4.75] p = 0.1118, and screw 2 differed significantly from the acceptable position: mean 4.83 mm ± 4.11, med 3.7 mm, q1; q3 [1.7; 5.45] p = 0.0045. In the group with planning, position of screw 1 or 2 showed no significant difference from the acceptable position: mean 2.45 mm ± 2.07 med 1.8 mm, q1; q3 [1; 3.3] p = 1; mean 2.75 mm ± 2.32 med 2.3 mm, q1; q3 [1.25; 3.8] p = 0.5631.Conclusion: Unplanned Latarjet can lead to inaccurate screw length especially in the lower screw and can increase the risk of non-union and nerve damage. The clinical relevance of this article is that CT planning of screw length before surgery showed good results on post-operative CT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The main goal of this study was to propose and validate a tool to quantify the psychological readiness of athletes to return to sport following traumatic shoulder instability and conservative or surgical management.Methods: «Knee» was replaced by the term «shoulder» in the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport after Injury scale. This pilot test of the Shoulder Instability-Return to Sport after Injury scale (SIRSI) was performed in a group of athletes who underwent surgery for post-traumatic chronic anterior shoulder instability. The final version was then validated according to the international COSMIN methodology. A retrospective study was performed including all rugby players who had reported an episode of instability between 2012 and 2013. The WOSI and the Walch-Duplay scales were used as reference questionnaires.Results: Sixty-two patients were included, mean age 26 ± 5.2 years old, 5 women/57 men. Patients were professional or competitive athletes (70.9%) and followed-up for 4.6 ± 1.6 years after the first episode of shoulder instability. Shoulder surgery was performed in 30/62 (48.4%) patients, a mean 1.6 ± 1.2 years after the first episode of instability. The SIRSI was strongly correlated with the reference questionnaires (r = 0.80, p < 10-5). The mean SIRSI score was significantly higher in patients who returned to play rugby (60.9 ± 26.6% vs 38.1 ± 25.6%, p = 0.001). The internal consistency of the scale was high (α = 0.96). Reproducibility of the test-retest was excellent (ρ = 0.93, 95% CI [0.89-0.96], p < 10-5). No ceiling/floor effects were found.Conclusion: The SIRSI is a valid, reproducible scale that identifies patients who are ready to return to the same sport after an episode of shoulder instability, whether they undergo surgery or not.Level Of Evidence: III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few studies have reported the return-to-sport rate at 1-year follow-up after primary and revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Purpose: To compare the return-to-sport rate 1 year after primary and revision ACL reconstruction in the same cohort according to 2 modalities: any kind of sport and the patient's usual sport at the same level as before the injury. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A single-center, prospective cohort study of patients undergoing ACL reconstruction (French prospective Acl STudy [FAST]) was begun in 2012. A comparative study was performed based on a retrospective analysis of data collected prospectively. Included were all athletes aged 18 to 50 years who underwent primary or revision isolated ACL reconstruction between 2012 and 2014. Two groups were formed: primary reconstruction and revision reconstruction. The main criterion was return to sport at 1-year follow-up (yes/no); secondary criteria were return to the usual sport at 1-year follow-up, knee function (International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC] and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS] scores), and psychological readiness (ACL-Return to Sports after Injury [ACL-RSI] score) at 6 months and 1 year. Results: A total of 552 patients (primary reconstruction group: n = 497, revision reconstruction group: n = 55) were included in the study. There were 373 men and 179 women (mean [±SD] age, 30.2 ± 8.4 years). No significant difference in the return-to-sport rate was found between the 2 groups at 1-year follow-up (primary reconstruction group: 90.9%, revision reconstruction group: 87.3%; P = .38), but patients in the primary reconstruction group resumed their usual sport significantly more often (primary reconstruction group: 63.6%, revision reconstruction group: 49.1%; P = .04). Eight (1.4%) retears occurred during a new sport-related injury within a mean 8.9 ± 2.9 months: 7 (1.4%) in the primary reconstruction group and 1 (1.8%) in the revision reconstruction group (P = .8). At 1-year follow-up, functional scores were significantly better in the primary reconstruction group for subjective IKDC (82.6 ± 13.3 vs 78.4 ± 16.6; P = .04); KOOS Symptoms/Stiffness (73.3 ± 15.2 vs 67.7 ± 19.6; P = .02), Activities of Daily Living (96.3 ± 6.4 vs 94.3 ± 9.1; P = .04), Sport (79.7 ± 19.1 vs 69.1 ± 24.8; P = .0004), and Quality of Life (69.6 6 22.7 vs 54.7 ± 24.8; P<.00001) subscales; and ACL-RSI (65 ± 23 vs 49.5 ± 24.8; P<.00001). On multivariate analysis, patients who were more likely to resume their usual sport at 1 year were high-level players (odds ratio [OR], 2.2) who underwent primary reconstruction (OR, 2.0) and had better KOOS Quality of Life (OR, 1.7) and subjective IKDC (OR, 2.1) scores at 6-month follow-up without complications or retears during the first postoperative year (OR, 2.6). Conclusion: At 1-year follow-up, there was no significant difference in the return-to-sport rate between primary and revision ACL reconstruction. Patients who underwent primary reconstruction returned to their usual sport significantly more often. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the most frequent demands from athletes after rotator cuff tear repair is to return to sport, if possible at the same level of play. Purpose: The main goal of this study was to determine the rate of return to sport after treatment of rotator cuff tears. Study Design: Meta-analysis and systematic review. Methods: The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed to perform this systematic review and meta-analysis of the results in the literature, as well as for the presentation of results. A search of the literature was performed on the electronic databases MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. The quality of the included studies was evaluated according to the MINORS (Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies) checklist. Inclusion criteria were studies in English evaluating return to sport after treatment of traumatic, degenerative, partial or full-thickness rotator cuff tears in patients practicing a sport regularly, whatever the level, all ages and sports included. The main judgment criterion was the number of patients who returned to a sports activity after treatment of a rotator cuff tear. The criterion was analyzed in 2 ways: return to sport (yes/no) and the level of play (identical or higher/lower level). Results: Twenty-five studies were reviewed, including 859 patients (683 athletes), all treated surgically after a mean follow-up of 3.4 years (range, 0.3-13.4 years). The level of sports was recorded in 23 studies or 635 (93%) athletes and included 286 competitive or professional athletes and 349 recreational athletes. The most commonly practiced sports were baseball (224 participants), tennis (104 participants), and golf (54 participants). The overall rate of return to sport was 84.7% (95% CI, 77.6%-89.8%), including 65.9% (95% CI, 54.9%-75.4%) at an equivalent level of play, after 4 to 17 months. Of the professional and competitive athletes, 49.9% (95% CI, 35.3-64.6%) returned to the same level of play. Conclusion: Most recreational athletes return to sports at the same level of play as before their injury, but only half of professional and competitive athletes return to an equivalent level of play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate return to sports after arthroscopic Bankart stabilization.Methods: This is a retrospective study including all athletes aged <50 years who underwent arthroscopic stabilization in 2010 and 2011 (m, 36; f, 10; mean age 28.9 ± 8.1 years; follow-up 24.4 ± 7.7 months). Sixteen patients were practicing competitive sports and 30 recreational sports. Level and delay of return to sports, sports classification according to Allain, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) score, patient satisfaction, apprehension level and avoidance behaviour were noted.Results: 95.7 % returned to the same level after an average of 9.8 ± 5.4 months. Sports level was unchanged or better in 82.6 %, lower in 8.7, and 4.5 % changed sport because of their shoulder. Patients with more than 10 dislocations returned to sports and to their preoperative level later than patients with <10. Male athletes returned to preoperative sports levels faster than female athletes (p < 0.001). The WOSI score and also its item "sports" were worse in those who had not returned (p = 0.0002 and 0.006, respectively). Satisfaction correlated with the WOSI score (p = 0.0004) while 93.3 % were satisfied/very satisfied. The decrease in the apprehension level was significant (p < 0.00001). 36.9 % still experienced avoidance behaviour.Conclusions: Most athletes resumed their main sport often at the same level, but the threshold of 10 dislocations should be considered a risk factor for longer return to sports at any level. The WOSI score is a valuable outcome score after Bankart stabilization. Postoperative avoidance should be distinguished from apprehension.Level Of Evidence: IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this review was to present a synthesis of the current literature in order to provide a useful tool to clinician in radiologic analysis of the meniscus. All anatomical descriptions were clearly illustrated by MRI, arthroscopy, and/or drawings. The value of standard radiography is extremely limited for the assessment of meniscal injuries but may be indicated to obtain a differential diagnosis such as osteoarthritis. Ultrasound is rarely used as a diagnostic tool for meniscal pathologies and its accuracy is operator-dependent. CT arthrography with multiplanar reconstructions can detect meniscus tears that are not visible on MRI. This technique is also useful in case of MRI contraindications, in postoperative assessment of meniscal sutures and the condition of cartilage covering the articular surfaces. MRI is the most accurate and less invasive method for diagnosing meniscal lesions. MRI allows confirming and characterizing the meniscal lesion, the type, the extension, its association with a cyst, the meniscal extrusion, and assessing cartilage and subchondral bone. New 3D-MRI in three dimensions with isotropic resolution allows the creation of multiplanar reformatted images to obtain from an acquisition in one sectional plane reconstructions in other spatial planes. 3D MRI should further improve the diagnosis of meniscal tears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The arthroscopic Latarjet procedure is recently becoming an increasingly popular technique. Nevertheless, position and fusion of the autograft had not been well studied yet. The purpose of this study was to assess the positioning of the coracoid graft and the fusion rate on CT scan in the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure.Methods: The study design was a prospective series of 19 consecutive patients who received arthroscopic Latarjet procedure. Radiological assessment on CT scan performed 3 months post-operatively included an analysis of the fusion and the position of the coracoid bone graft using a validated method. 02:30-04:20 was considered an ideal positioning in the sagittal view. In the axial view, the positioning was considered as flush, congruent, medial, too medial, or lateral.Results: The median age of patients was 27.6 (±6.9). Mean operative time was of 161 min ±34.8. The fusion rate was of 78 %. Coracoid grafts were positioned 01:52 h (56° ± 14°) to 4:04 h (122° ± 12.5°). In the axial view, 32 % of the grafts positioning were considered as flush, 38 % as congruent, 30 % as medial, and 6 % too medial. No lateral position was noted. Two complications occurred, one graft fracture during screwing requiring opening conversion and an early case of osteolysis in a medial-positioned graft.Conclusion: The arthroscopic Latarjet procedure is a technically challenging technique that provides satisfactory fusion rate and graft positioning with a low complication rate. The clinical importance of this study lies in the observation that it is the first study to evaluate the position of the coracoid bone graft in arthroscopic Latarjet according to a detailed and validated method.Level Of Evidence: IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear and a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury is rare in athletes, and to our knowledge it has never been described in a professional rugby player. We report the case of a 27-year-old international professional rugby player who presented with an ACL tear associated with chronic posterior laxity on a former PCL tear. The procedure associated arthroscopic ACL and PCL reconstruction in a one-stage operation with two autografts, bone-patellar tendon-bone and hamstring tendon, respectively. At 7 months postoperatively, the patient had returned to playing rugby at the same level of play. The therapeutic strategy successfully met the established goals of returning to sports at the same level of play with excellent functional results after 2 years of follow-up. A literature review was performed via PubMed. The inclusion criteria were the studies in English language, assessing the return-to-sport after bicruciate ligament reconstruction in athletes. Eight studies were included in analysis. Only one study has focused on the return-to-sport in 24 competitive athletes and two other studies have included 1 professional athlete each. The overall rate of the return-to-sport after bicruciate reconstruction varied between 100% and 50%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Postoperative spondylodiscitis is a primary infection of the nucleus pulposus with secondary involvement of the cartilaginous endplate and vertebral bone. Although uncommon, postoperative spondylodiscitis causes major morbidity and may be associated with serious long-term sequelae. Several risk factors had been identified, including immunosuppression, obesity, alcohol, smoking, diabetes and malnutrition.Materials and Methods: A review of the literature was done to analyse the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of postoperative spondylodiscitis.Results: We found that the principles of conservative treatment are to establish an accurate microbiological diagnosis, treat with appropriate antibiotics, immobilise the spine, and closely monitor for spinal instability and neurological deterioration. The purpose of surgical treatment is to obtain multiple cultures of bone and soft tissue, perform a thorough debridement of infected tissue, decompress neural structures, and reconstruct the unstable spinal column with bone graft with or without concomitant instrumentation.Conclusions: Appropriate management requires aggressive medical treatment and, at times, surgical intervention. If recognised early and treated appropriately, a full recovery can often be expected. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of the clinical presentation of such infections to improve patient outcome. A review of the literature was done to advance our understanding of the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and outcome of these infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical-site infection (SSI) in the spine is a serious postoperative complication. Factors such as posterior surgical approach, arthrodesis, use of spinal instrumentation, age, obesity, diabetes, tobacco use, operating-room environment and estimated blood loss are well established in the literature to affect the risk of infection. Infection after spine surgery with instrumentation is becoming a common pathology. The reported infection rates range from 0.7% to 11.9%, depending on the diagnosis and complexity of the procedure. Besides operative factors, patient characteristics could also account for increased infection rates. These infections after instrumented spinal fusion are particularly difficult to manage due to the implanted, and possibly infected, instrumentation. Because the medical, economic and social costs of SSI after spinal instrumentation are enormous, any significant reduction in risks will pay dividends. The goal of this literature review was to analyse risk factors, causative organisms, diagnostic elements (both clinical and biological), different treatment options and their efficiency and consequences and the means of SSI prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Our aim was to revise the different strategies for treating an infected disc arthroplasty.Methods: Despite recognition that disc replacement may reduce the incidence of adjacent-segment disease, the risk of potential complications associated with primary and revision total disc arthroplasty has diminished surgeon enthusiasm for the procedure. We performed a literature review of the different revision strategies for an infected disc arthroplasty.Results: The need for revision of lumbar total disc arthroplasty has been reported in a number of prospective, randomised trials (level I or II evidence). Suboptimal patient selection and/or surgical technique accounted for the majority of failed disc arthroplasties. Revision procedures include posterior stabilisation or anterior extraction and conversion to arthrodesis. The risk of injury to the great vessels and retroperitoneal structures is greater during revision than primary procedures. The use of a distant lateral, or transpsoas, approach to the anterior column may reduce these adverse events. Also, the use of adhesion barriers has been shown to reduce adhesions in abdominal and pelvic surgery and may be of benefit in revision disc arthroplasty.Conclusion: This review article provides an update on the various treatments for infected lumbar disc prosthesis and the different surgical approaches used in these difficult cases. It also describes potential options to avoid complications associated with the revision surgical approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Our aim was to revise the different strategies for treating an infected disc arthroplasty. Methods: Despite recognition that disc replacement may reduce the incidence of adjacent-segment disease, the risk of potential complications associated with primary and revision total disc arthroplasty has diminished surgeon enthusiasm for the procedure. We performed a literature review of the different revision strategies for an infected disc arthroplasty. Results: The need for revision of lumbar total disc arthroplasty has been reported in a number of prospective, randomised trials (level I or II evidence). Suboptimal patient selection and/or surgical technique accounted for the majority of failed disc arthroplasties. Revision procedures include posterior stabilisation or anterior extraction and conversion to arthrodesis. The risk of injury to the great vessels and retroperitoneal structures is greater during revision than primary procedures. The use of a distant lateral, or transpsoas, approach to the anterior column may reduce these adverse events. Also, the use of adhesion barriers has been shown to reduce adhesions in abdominal and pelvic surgery and may be of benefit in revision disc arthroplasty. Conclusion: This review article provides an update on the various treatments for infected lumbar disc prosthesis and the different surgical approaches used in these difficult cases. It also describes potential options to avoid complications associated with the revision surgical approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Postoperative spondylodiscitis is a primary infection of the nucleus pulposus with secondary involvement of the cartilaginous endplate and vertebral bone. Although uncommon, postoperative spondylodiscitis causes major morbidity and may be associated with serious long-term sequelae. Several risk factors had been identified, including immunosuppression, obesity, alcohol, smoking, diabetes and malnutrition. Materials and methods: A review of the literature was done to analyse the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of postoperative spondylodiscitis. Results: We found that the principles of conservative treatment are to establish an accurate microbiological diagnosis, treat with appropriate antibiotics, immobilise the spine, and closely monitor for spinal instability and neurological deterioration. The purpose of surgical treatment is to obtain multiple cultures of bone and soft tissue, perform a thorough debridement of infected tissue, decompress neural structures, and reconstruct the unstable spinal column with bone graft with or without concomitant instrumentation. Conclusions: Appropriate management requires aggressive medical treatment and, at times, surgical intervention. If recognised early and treated appropriately, a full recovery can often be expected. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of the clinical presentation of such infections to improve patient outcome. A review of the literature was done to advance our understanding of the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and outcome of these infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical-site infection (SSI ) in the spine is a serious postoperative complication. Factors such as posterior surgical approach, arthrodesis, use of spinal instrumentation, age, obesity, diabetes, tobacco use, operating-room environment and estimated blood loss are well established in the literature to affect the risk of infection. Infection after spine surgery with instrumentation is becoming a common pathology. The reported infection rates range from 0.7% to 11.9%, depending on the diagnosis and complexity of the procedure. Besides operative factors, patient characteristics could also account for increased infection rates. These infections after instrumented spinal fusion are particularly difficult to manage due to the implanted, and possibly infected, instrumentation. Because the medical, economic and social costs of SSI after spinal instrumentation are enormous, any significant reduction in risks will pay dividends. The goal of this literature review was to analyse risk factors, causative organisms, diagnostic elements (both clinical and biological), different treatment options and their efficiency and consequences and the means of SSI prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The entrapment of the suprascapular nerve (SSN) is commonly considered at the level of the suprascapular notch and more rarely in the spinoglenoid notch. Recent per-operative findings showed a compression of the SSN along its course in the supraspinatus fossa. The removal of a fascia for releasing the nerve between the suprascapular notch and spinoglenoid notch led us to purchase an anatomical study. 30 cadaver shoulders have been dissected. The morphological features about the suprascapular notch, the supraspinatus fascia, and the spinoglenoid notch have been observed. Histological studies of the fascia and the spinoglenoid ligament have been performed. Morphometric parameters such as shape of the suprascapular notch, diameters of the SSN before and after the suprascapular notch, distance between the two notches, length of the course of the SSN into the supraspinatus fossa, diameters of the spinoglenoid notch have been measured. The shape of the suprascapular notch could be seen as “U”- or “V” as previously reported. The fascia was quite constant (completely identified in 29 shoulders) and was the lateral extension of the supraspinatus fascia. The SSN coursed between the bone and the fascia and was surrounded by fat tissue. This fascia was thickened at the level of the spinoglenoid notch and joined the infraspinatus fascia. The spinoglenoid ligament was seen in 28 shoulders. In pathologic and post-trauma conditions, the fascia can be retracted or thickened and the SSN may be entrapped along its course in the supraspinatus fossa, between the suprascapular notch and the spinoglenoid notch and without any compression in any notch. These anatomical data lead us to consider that a tunnel syndrome may concern the SSN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]