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Background: The majority of distal biceps tendon injuries can be repaired in a single procedure. In contrast, complete chronic tears with severe tendon substance deficiency and retraction often require tendon graft augmentation. In cases with extensive partial tears of the distal biceps, a human dermal allograft may be used as an alternative to restore tendon thickness and biomechanical integrity., Hypothesis: Dermal graft augmentation will improve load to failure compared with nonaugmented repair in a tendon-deficient model., Study Design: Controlled laboratory study., Methods: Thirty-six matched specimens were organized into 1 of 4 groups: native tendon, native tendon with dermal graft augmentation, tendon with an attritional defect, and tendon with an attritional defect repaired with a graft. To mimic a chronic attritional biceps lesion, a defect was created by a complete tear, leaving 30% of the tendon's width intact. The repair technique in all groups consisted of cortical button and interference screw fixation. All specimens underwent cyclical loading for 3000 cycles and were then tested to failure; gap formation and peak load at failure were documented., Results: The mean (±SD) load to failure (320.9 ± 49.1 N vs 348.8 ± 77.6 N, respectively; P = .38) and gap formation (displacement) (1.8 ± 1.4 mm vs 1.6 ± 1.1 mm, respectively; P = .38) did not differ between the native tendon groups with and without graft augmentation. In the tendon-deficient model, the mean load to failure was significantly improved with graft augmentation compared with no graft augmentation (282.1 ± 83.8 N vs 199.7 ± 45.5 N, respectively; P = .04), while the mean gap formation was significantly reduced (1.2 ± 1.0 mm vs 2.7 ± 1.4 mm, respectively; P = .04). The mean load to failure of the deficient tendon with graft augmentation (282.1 N) compared with the native tendon (348.8 N) was not significantly different ( P = .12). This indicates that the native tendon did not perform differently from the grafted deficient tendon., Conclusion: In a tendon-deficient, complete distal biceps rupture model, acellular dermal allograft augmentation restored the native tendon's biomechanical properties at time zero. The grafted tissue-deficient model demonstrated no significant differences in the load to failure and gap formation compared with the native tendon. As expected, dermal augmentation of attritional tendon repair increased the load to failure and stiffness as well as decreased displacement compared with the ungrafted tissue-deficient model. Tendons with their native width showed no statistical difference or negative biomechanical consequences of dermal augmentation., Clinical Relevance: Dermal augmentation of the distal biceps is a biomechanically feasible option for patients with an attritionally thinned-out tendon.

Background: Tuberosity healing correlates with clinical outcomes after hemiarthroplasty for 4-part proximal humeral fractures (4PHFs). We seek to examine variables that affect tuberosity healing., Methods: This was a retrospective comparative study. At 1 year postoperatively, patients who underwent hemiarthroplasty for 4PHFs were divided into 2 groups: those with anatomically healed tuberosities and those with tuberosity nonunion. The primary variables included time between injury and surgery, prosthesis fenestration, cement mantle classification, and both vertical and horizontal tuberosity reduction. Secondary demographic factors included age, gender, osteoporosis status, diabetes status, and smoking status., Results: There were 84 individuals who met the inclusion criteria: 37 (44%) had anatomically healed tuberosities, and 47 (56%) did not. Individuals with anatomic healing had cement near or under the tuberosities 32% of the time, whereas individuals with nonunion or resorption had cement near the tuberosities 66% of the time (P = .002). There was no association between tuberosity healing and fenestration of the humeral stem (P = .84). Anatomic reduction between tuberosities was associated with healing (P <.001), whereas greater tuberosity-to-head height was not (P = .25). There were no significant differences in age, osteoporosis status, smoking status, diabetes status, or time to surgery between groups. Male patients had nearly double the rate of healing (P = .03)., Discussion and Conclusion: The classification and effect of cement technique on tuberosity healing have not previously been described. We suggest limiting cementation to a minimum of 5 mm below the level of the tuberosity fracture. The ideal candidate for hemiarthroplasty for a 4PHF is a male patient with anatomic tuberosity reduction and limited use of cement., (Copyright © 2017 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum is a rare yet debilitating injury seen in young athletes. This is the first report in the literature describing fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation (FOCAT) to treat OCD of the capitellum., Methods: Nine male baseball players (mean age, 15.3; range, 14-18 years), with OCD of the capitellum were treated with FOCAT. There were 6 pitchers and 3 position players. A ligament-sparing, mini-open approach was used. A fresh femoral hemicondyle was used as a donor source. Of the 9 patients, 7 required 1 plug and 2 required 2 plugs. The average plug diameter was 11 mm (range, 8-18 mm). Five plugs were press fit, and 4 required additional fixation. Clinical outcomes were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 48.4 months (range, 11-90 months). Preoperative and postoperative outcome scores were calculated using the paired t test., Results: The Mayo Elbow Performance score improved from an average 57.8 to 98.9 (P < .01). The Oxford Elbow Score improved from 22.4 to 44.8 (P < .01). The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score improved from 35.2 to 5.4 (P < .01). The visual analog scale score improved from 7.8 to 0.5 (P < .01). The Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow score improved from 32.6 to 82.5 (P < .01). All patients returned to throwing and were still active in their sport or played at least 2 years of baseball before leaving the sport unrelated to the elbow., Conclusions: FOCAT for OCD of the capitellum in properly selected cases is a viable treatment with significant functional improvement and pain reduction in throwers., (Copyright © 2016 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The use of amniotic tissue in orthopedic surgery has increased in recent years. While more studies are needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential and define the appropriate applications of these tissues, basic science and clinical studies are available that indicate promising results. This review will highlight these studies as they relate to the musculoskeletal system.

The success of rotator cuff repair (RCR) surgery can be measured clinically (validated outcome scores, range of motion) as well as structurally (re-tear rates using imaging studies). Regardless of repair type or technique, most studies have shown that patients do well clinically. However, multiple studies have also shown that structurally, the failure rate can be very high. A variety of factors, including poor tendon quality, age over 63 years, smoking, advanced fatty infiltration into the muscle, and the inability of the tendon to heal to bone, have been implicated as the cause of the high re-tear rate in RCRs. The suture-tendon interface is felt to be the weakest link in the RCR construct, and suture pullout through the tendon is believed to be the most common method of failure. This review of the published literature seeks to determine if there is support for augmentation of RCR with acellular dermal matrices to strengthen the suture-tendon interface and reduce the re-tear rate.

Background: Hamstring autografts for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) have become popular in the past 2 decades; however, it is difficult to predict the diameter of the harvested tendons before surgery. Previous biomechanical studies have suggested that a smaller graft diameter leads to a lower load to failure, but clinical studies looking at various predictors for failure, including graft size, have been inconclusive., Purpose: To evaluate the relationship of hamstring graft diameter to ACL revision within a large cohort of patients, while controlling for sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and femoral and tibial fixation type., Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3., Methods: A case-control study using patients registered in an ACLR registry was conducted. Revision was used as a marker for graft failure. A case was defined as a patient who underwent primary ACLR with a hamstring autograft that was revised during the study period (April 2006 to September 2012). Three controls, defined as patients who underwent primary ACLR with a hamstring autograft that was not revised, were matched to each of the cases according to age, sex, BMI, and femoral and tibial fixation type. Descriptive characteristics were employed, and conditional logistic regression was conducted to produce estimates of odds ratios and 95% CIs., Results: A total of 124 cases and 367 controls were identified. There were no significant differences between cases and controls in the distribution of sex (52.4% male vs 52.9% male, respectively; P = .932), median age (17.6 years [interquartile range (IQR), 15.9-20.4] vs 17.6 years [IQR, 15.9-20.4], respectively; P = .999), median BMI (23.4 kg/m(2) [IQR, 21.5-26.4] vs 23.4 kg/m(2) [IQR, 21.6-25.8], respectively; P = .954), femoral fixation (P = .459), and tibial fixation (P = .766). The mean (±SD) graft diameter was 7.9 ± 0.75 mm in the cases and 8.1 ± 0.73 mm in the controls. The likelihood of a patient needing revision ACLR in the study cohort was 0.82 times lower (95% CI, 0.68-0.98) for every 0.5-mm increase in the graft diameter from 7.0 to 9.0 mm., Conclusion: In this study, within the range of 7.0 to 9.0 mm, there was a 0.82 times lower likelihood of being a revision case with every 0.5-mm incremental increase in graft diameter., (© 2016 The Author(s).)

Shoulder and elbow tendon injuries are some of the most challenging problems to treat surgically. Tendon repairs in the upper extremity can be complicated by poor tendon quality and, often times, poor healing. Extracellular matrices, such as human dermal allografts, have been used to augment tendon repairs in shoulder and elbow surgery. The indications and surgical techniques regarding the use of human dermal allograft continue to evolve. This article reviews the basic science, rationale for use, and surgical applications of human dermal allograft in shoulder and elbow tendon injuries., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Optimal treatment for the unstable acromioclavicular (AC) joint remains a highly debated topic in the field of orthopaedic medicine. In particular, no consensus exists regarding treatment of grade III injuries, which are classified according to the Rockwood classification by disruption of both the coracoclavicular and AC ligaments. The ISAKOS Upper Extremity Committee has provided a more specific classification of shoulder pathologies to enhance the knowledge on and clinical approach to these injuries. We suggest the addition of grade IIIA and grade IIIB injuries to a modified Rockwood classification. Grade IIIA injuries would be defined by a stable AC joint without overriding of the clavicle on the cross-body adduction view and without significant scapular dysfunction. The unstable grade IIIB injury would be further defined by therapy-resistant scapular dysfunction and an overriding clavicle on the cross-body adduction view., (Copyright © 2014 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of 3.0-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to accurately assess knee articular cartilage lesions. Sixteen patients who had knee 3.0-T MRI and underwent knee arthroscopy for partial meniscectomy were included. Three fellowship-trained sports medicine orthopedic surgeons reviewed all images. Articular lesions on MRI were graded from I to IV and compared with arthroscopic grading using the Outerbridge and the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) classifications. The articular surface was divided into 6 regions. Based on MRI findings, of the 288 articular surface evaluations, 113 (39%) surface evaluations were classified as disease-positive (grade 2 to 4). Kappa interrater reliability scores for MRI evaluation, Outerbridge classification, and ICRS classification were 0.13, 0.54, and 0.41, respectively. Using the Outerbridge classification as a reference standard, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 57%, 71%, and 63%, respectively. Using the ICRS classification, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 59%, 71%, and 69%, respectively. When isolating the articular grading to the senior author on MRI evaluation vs Outerbridge classification, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 54%, 92%, and 75%, respectively. Based on the current findings, 3.0-T MRI is as an invaluable noninvasive tool with good diagnostic value for assessing articular cartilage lesions of the knee, although it may not be as sensitive and accurate as previously reported., (Copyright 2013, SLACK Incorporated.)

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction of the elbow has been shown to restore function in overhead athletes with valgus instability. Since the initial description of using bone tunnels for reconstruction, many modifications to the surgical technique have been introduced, including the modified Jobe technique, the docking technique, fixation with interference screws, and button fixation. The authors introduce a technique that uses a button on each of the humeral and ulnar sides for fixation. This method allows proper tensioning of the graft and provides immediate secure fixation that relies on metal implants as opposed to sutures over bone bridges alone., (Copyright 2012, SLACK Incorporated.)

Background: The incidence of undetected radiographically iatrogenic longitudinal splitting in the anterior cortex during intramedullary nailing of the femur has not been well documented., Methods: Cadaveric study using nine pairs of fresh-frozen femora from adult cadavers. The nine pairs of femora underwent a standardized antegrade intramedullary nailing and the detection of iatrogenic lesions, if any, was performed macroscopically and by radiographic control., Results: Longitudinal splitting in the anterior cortex was revealed in 5 of 18 cadaver femora macroscopically. Anterior splitting was not detectable in radiographic control., Conclusion: Longitudinal splitting in the anterior cortex during intramedullary nailing of the femur cannot be detected radiographically.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of combined osteochondral and ligamentous injuries by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 24 patients with an acute radial head fracture (Mason type II and III) without documented dislocation or tenderness at the distal radioulnar joint. Elbow radiographs (anteroposterior and lateral views) were obtained on all patients as well as magnetic resonance images in the sagittal, coronal, axial, axial oblique, and coronal oblique planes with the injured elbow in a splint. The incidence of associated injuries revealed by MRI was medial collateral ligament not intact in 13 of 24 (54.16%), lateral ulnar collateral ligament not intact in 18 of 24 (80.1%), both collateral ligaments not intact in 12 of 24 (50%), capitellar osteochondral defects in 7 of 24 (29.1%), capitellar bone bruises in 23 of 24 (95.83%), and loose bodies in 22 of 24 (91.67%). A high level of suspicion should be used when one is treating displaced or comminuted radial head fractures, because concurrent osteochondral injuries and/or ligamentous injuries may be present.

High-pressure paint gun injuries have been well described in the literature, and the use of antibiotics is recommended as part of their management. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the use of antibiotics. In addition, the type of paint injected (water- versus oil-based) has never been investigated to determine the extent of morbidity resulting from these injuries. This study examines the organisms cultured in wounds resulting from these injuries and whether the type of paint injected had an influence on amputation rates. Charts of 35 patients with high-pressure paint gun injuries to their hands were reviewed. The amputation rate was 50% with oil-based paints and 0% with water-based paints. Forty-seven percent of wound cultures were positive, with gram-negative bacteria found in 58% of isolates. Our findings support the use of antibiotics, which should cover both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.

Seven adult males with rigid, severe equinovarus deformities underwent single-stage corrective surgery. The procedure included extensive soft tissue release, talectomy and tibiocalcaneal, calcaneocuboid, and tibionavicular fusion. All seven patients fused successfully at an average of 3.5 months with a plantigrade foot. All feet were stiff and had an average of 3.5 cm limb length discrepancy. All of the patients were satisfied with the surgery and would choose to have the procedure again. This small series represents one method of achieving a plantigrade foot in patients with severe, rigid equinovarus deformities.

We report skewfoot deformities in two patients who have osteogenesis imperfecta. A discussion will follow proposing etiologies of skewfoot, speculating that the ligamentous laxity often present in children who have osteogenesis imperfecta may predispose the development of skewfoot.

Background: Deep infection of the shoulder following rotator cuff repair is uncommon. There are few reports in the literature regarding the management of such infections., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of thirteen patients and recorded the demographic data, clinical and laboratory findings, risk factors, bacteriological findings, and results of surgical management., Results: The average age of the patients was 63.7 years. The interval between the rotator cuff repair and the referral because of infection averaged 9.7 months. An average of 2.4 procedures were performed prior to referral because of infection, and an average of 2.1 procedures were performed at our institution. All patients had pain on presentation, and most had a restricted range of motion. Most patients were afebrile and did not have an elevated white blood-cell count but did have an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The most common organisms were Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Propionibacterium species. At an average of 3.1 years, all patients were free of infection. Using the Simple Shoulder Test, eight patients stated that the shoulder was comfortable with the arm at rest by the side, they could sleep comfortably, and they were able to perform activities below shoulder level. However, most patients had poor overhead function., Conclusions: Extensive soft-tissue loss or destruction is associated with a worse prognosis. Extensive débridement, often combined with a muscle transfer, and administration of the appropriate antibiotics controlled the infection, although most patients were left with a substantial deficit in overhead function of the shoulder.

Background: An elevated posterior fat pad visible on a lateral radiograph of a child's elbow following trauma is generally considered to be suggestive of an intracapsular fracture about the elbow. However, in previous studies, the prevalence of fracture in elbows with an elevated posterior fat pad and no other radiographic evidence of fracture has ranged from only 6 percent (two of thirty-one) to 29 percent (nine of thirty-one). We are not aware of any prospective studies, limited to children, on the value of an elevated posterior fat pad as an indicator of an occult fracture about the elbow. While it is common practice to manage children who have radiographic evidence of an elevated posterior fat pad as if they have a fracture, scientific evidence for this approach is lacking., Methods: Forty-five consecutive children who had an average age of four and a half years, a history of trauma to the elbow, and an elevated posterior fat pad without other radiographic evidence of a fracture were enrolled in the study. At an average of three weeks after the injury, anteroposterior, lateral, and two oblique radiographs were made and evaluated for evidence of fracture-healing. If there was evidence of new-bone formation on any of these four radiographs, it was considered to indicate a fracture of the elbow., Results: Thirty-four (76 percent) of the forty-five patients had evidence of a fracture. Eighteen (53 percent) of the thirty-four had a supracondylar fracture of the humerus; nine (26 percent), a fracture of the proximal part of the ulna; four (12 percent), a fracture of the lateral condyle; and three (9 percent), a fracture of the radial neck., Conclusions: This prospective study demonstrated that the posterior fat pad sign was predictive of an occult fracture of the elbow following trauma in thirty-four (76 percent) of forty-five children who had no other evidence of fracture on anteroposterior, lateral, and oblique radiographs after the injury. This finding is in contrast to those of previous studies, in which the highest prevalence of fracture in elbows with an elevated posterior fat pad and no other radiographic evidence of fracture was 29 percent (nine of thirty-one elbows). Our results support the practice of managing children who have a history of trauma to the elbow, an elevated posterior fat pad, and no other radiographic evidence of fracture as if they have a nondisplaced fracture about the elbow.

High-pressure injection injuries of the hand can lead to devastating outcomes. Amputation rates as high as 48% have been reported. The authors review the history of high-pressure injection injuries, with attention to the materials injected, the clinical presentation of these injuries, emergency room and subsequent definitive surgical management of these injuries, the bacteriology and recommendations for antibiotic use in these injuries, and postoperative management.

Cocaine-induced thrombosis has been reported in the literature; however, its mechanism is not fully understood. Most cases are of small caliber vessels, such as the coronaries and cerebral vasculature. We report a case of a 36-year-old man with signs and symptoms of acute arterial insufficiency in his right lower extremity. At angiography, the right common iliac artery and the popliteal artery were occluded. The patient was successfully treated with thrombolytic therapy. Cocaine-induced thrombosis should be suspected in a patient with history of cocaine abuse who presents with acute arterial insufficiency in an extremity, without an identifiable source.

Recent surgical advancements in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions have led to better results in the treatment of knee injuries. Functional knee braces have been prescribed in greater number, leading to an increased production of commercially available braces. The effectiveness of braces remains controversial because of inconsistency in investigations of functional knee braces. This article reviews the historical background, biomechanics, and static and dynamic testing of knee braces and compares custom and off-the-shelf functional knee braces. Factors such as hinge design and soft tissue compliance, which may affect functional knee bracing, are discussed.

Ganglion cysts on the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) should be suspected in any patient having pain and clicking sensation during terminal knee extension. Previous investigators have reported incidental findings of ganglion cysts on the ACL. However, we report a symptomatic case of a ganglion cyst on the ACL that was treated successfully with arthroscopic debridement.

We present a case of soft tissue impingement in the posteromedial ankle, which has not been previously reported. When a patient presents with chronic posteromedial ankle pain and swelling, clinicians should be suspicious of soft tissue impingement in the posteromedial ankle. Pertinent history and physical examinations are most helpful in the diagnosis of this lesion. Arthroscopic debridement of the hypertrophic soft tissue is successful in returning the patient to his or her previous activities.