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Background: Skiing and snowboarding have become increasingly popular since the inception of the winter X-Games in 1997. Purpose: To determine (1) rate of return to sport (RTS) to the winter X-Games following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and (2) performance upon RTS following ACL reconstruction. Hypotheses: There is a high rate of RTS to the winter X-Games in subjects undergoing ACL reconstruction. There is no difference in performance upon RTS following ACL reconstruction versus preinjury. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Skiers and snowboarders competing in the winter X-Games who tore their ACL and underwent ACL reconstruction between 1997 and 2012 were evaluated. Athlete data were extracted from winter X-Games media websites, ESPN, injury reports, player profiles/biographies, and press releases. All athlete, knee, and surgical demographic data were analyzed. RTS and performance as it related to the number of gold, silver, and bronze medals won both pre- and postoperatively in the X-Games were analyzed. Results: Fifteen skiers (19 knees) and 10 snowboarders (10 knees) were analyzed. There were 13 males and 12 females, with a mean subject age of 22.6 ± 4.45 years. The rate of RTS in the X-Games following ACL reconstruction was 80% overall (20/25 subjects). The rate of RTS in winter X-Games following ACL reconstruction in skiers was 87% (13/15 subjects) and in snowboarders was 70% (7/10 subjects). The rate of RTS in winter X-Games following ACL reconstruction in males and females was 85% (11/13 subjects) and 75% (9/12 subjects), respectively. The rate of revision ACL reconstruction due to ACL tear following primary ACL reconstruction was 4% (1/25 subjects). There were more left- than right-sided tears (18 vs 11). Skiers and snowboarders competed in the X-Games for 3.84 ± 2.73 and 3.40 ± 2.84 years prior to ACL reconstruction and 2.56 ± 2.06 and 7.29 ± 3.30 years after ACL reconstruction, respectively. Skiers earned 22 medals prior to ACL reconstruction (9 gold, 5 silver, 8 bronze) and 24 medals after ACL reconstruction (16 gold, 2 silver, 6 bronze). Snowboarders earned 7 medals prior to ACL reconstruction (4 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze) and 19 medals after ACL reconstruction (7 gold, 7 silver, 5 bronze). Conclusion: Winter X-Games skiers and snowboarders have a high rate of RTS after ACL reconstruction. Skiers earned a similar number of medals preinjury and postsurgery, while snowboarders earned more medals following surgery.

Background: An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a common knee injury, particularly among young and active individuals. Little is known, however, about the societal impacts of ACL tears, which could be large given the typical patient age and increased lifetime risk of knee osteoarthritis. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of ACL reconstruction compared with structured rehabilitation only. Methods: A cost-utility analysis of ACL reconstruction compared with structured rehabilitation only was conducted with use of a Markov decision model over two time horizons: the short to intermediate term (six years), on the basis of Level-I evidence derived from the KANON Study and the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) database; and the lifetime, on the basis of a comprehensive literature review. Utilities were assessed with use of the SF-6D. Costs (in 2012 U.S. dollars) were estimated from the societal perspective and included the effects of the ACL tear on work status, earnings, and disability. Effectiveness was expressed as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained. Results: In the short to intermediate term, ACL reconstruction was both less costly (a cost reduction of $4503) and more effective (a QALY gain of 0.18) compared with rehabilitation. In the long term, the mean lifetime cost to society for a typical patient undergoing ACL reconstruction was $38,121 compared with $88,538 for rehabilitation. ACL reconstruction resulted in a mean incremental cost savings of $50,417 while providing an incremental QALY gain of 0.72 compared with rehabilitation. Effectiveness gains were driven by the higher probability of an unstable knee and associated lower utility in the rehabilitation group. Results were most sensitive to the rate of knee instability after initial rehabilitation. Conclusions: ACL reconstruction is the preferred cost-effective treatment strategy for ACL tears and yields reduced societal costs relative to rehabilitation once indirect cost factors, such as work status and earnings, are considered. The cost of an ACL tear over the lifetime of a patient is substantial, and resources should be directed to developing innovations for injury prevention and for altering the natural history of an ACL injury.

Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is commonly performed with a bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) allograft. However, grafts may result from harvesting the central region of a whole graft (C-BTB), the medial 10 mm of a lateral hemi-BTB (L-BTB) graft, or the lateral 10 mm of a medial hemi-BTB (M-BTB) graft.To quantify potential differences in graft biomechanical properties when comparing whole versus hemi-BTB grafts.Controlled laboratory study.Ten pairs of human BTB allografts (irradiated with 1.0-1.2 Mrad) were randomized to preparation as whole grafts or hemigrafts. From these, 10-mm grafts were prepared from the center or the most central portion, respectively. After measurements of tendon thickness, width, and length, specimens underwent cyclic tensile testing, followed by load-to-failure analysis. Biomechanical outcomes included cyclic elongation and creep strain along with the following failure characteristics: maximum load, elongation at maximum load, maximum stress, strain at maximum stress, and linear stiffness.Regionally, the mean thickness of the C-BTB (5.18 ± 0.75 mm), M-BTB (5.08 ± 0.56 mm), and L-BTB (5.32 ± 0.62 mm) grafts were comparable (P.72). Similarly, the mean length of the C-BTB (47.4 ± 6.73 mm), M-BTB (47.0 ± 5.45 mm), and L-BTB (50.7 ± 6.42 mm) grafts were alike (P.43). While differences in cyclic elongation and strain were not significant, the M-BTB graft tended to elongate more (0.204 ± 0.13 mm; P = .075) and experience greater strain (0.56% ± 0.32%; P = .054) compared with the C-BTB graft (0.09 ± 0.03 mm and 0.23% ± 0.07%, respectively). Load-to-failure testing demonstrated a higher maximum load (2293 ± 531 N) and stiffness (356 ± 46 N/mm) of the C-BTB graft as compared with the M-BTB graft (1575 ± 325 N [P.007] and 275 ± 37 N/mm [P.008], respectively) and L-BTB graft (1585 ± 452 N [P.008] and 277 ± 65 N/mm [P.009], respectively). No differences were noted with respect to elongation or stress at maximum load among the grafts. Maximum stress in the C-BTB graft (45.4 ± 11.5 MPa) was greater than in the L-BTB graft (29.7 ± 10.6 MPa) (P.03) and tended to be greater than the M-BTB graft (34.1 ± 6.27 MPa) (P = .087).Biomechanical failure properties (maximum load, stress, and stiffness) of the central portion of a whole BTB graft are superior to those of the medial portion of a lateral hemi-BTB graft and the lateral portion of a medial hemi-BTB graft. However, cyclic loading characteristics did not differ between grafts.Although the true central-third BTB graft is biomechanically superior to hemi-BTB grafts, future studies are necessary to determine if the use of hemigrafts leads to an increased incidence of clinical failure.

Purpose To determine the optimal position and orientation of the coracoid bone graft for the Latarjet procedure for recurrent instability in patients with recurrent anterior instability and high degrees of glenoid bone loss. Methods A systematic review of the literature including the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed (1980-2012), and Medline (1980-2012) was conducted. The following search teams were used: glenoid bone graft, coracoid transfer, glenoid rim fracture, osseous glenoid defect, and Latarjet. Studies deemed appropriate for inclusion were then analyzed. Study data collected included level of evidence, patient demographic characteristics, preoperative variables, intraoperative findings, technique details, and postoperative recovery and complications where available. Results The original search provided a total of 344 studies. A total of 334 studies were subsequently excluded because they were on an irrelevant topic, used an arthroscopic technique, or were not published in English or because they were review articles, leaving 10 studies eligible for inclusion. Given the different methods used in each of the studies included in the review, descriptive analysis was performed. The duration of follow-up ranged from 6 months to 14.3 years postoperatively. With the exception of 2 studies, all authors reported on recurrent shoulder instability after Latarjet reconstruction; the rate of recurrent anterior shoulder instability ranged from 0% to 8%. Overall patient satisfaction was listed in 4 studies, each of which reported good to excellent satisfaction rates of more than 90% at final follow-up. Conclusions As noted in this review, the current literature on Latarjet outcomes consists mostly of retrospective Level IV case series. Although promising outcomes with regard to a low rate of recurrent instability have been seen with these reports, it should be noted that subtle variations in surgical technique, among other factors, may drastically impact the likelihood of glenohumeral degenerative changes arising in these patients. Level of Evidence Level IV, systematic review of Level IV studies.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is a significant injury in National Football League (NFL) quarterbacks. The purpose of this study was to determine (1) return-to-sport (RTS) rate in NFL quarterbacks following ACL reconstruction, (2) performance upon RTS, and (3) the difference in RTS and performance between players who underwent ACL reconstruction and controls. Thirteen quarterbacks (14 knees) who met inclusion criteria underwent ACL reconstruction while in the NFL. Matched controls were selected from the NFL during the same time span to compare and analyze age, body mass index (BMI), position, performance, and NFL experience. Student t tests were performed for analysis of within- and between-group variables. Bonferroni correction was used in the setting of multiple comparisons. Twelve quarterbacks (13 knees; 92%) were able to RTS in the NFL. Mean player age was 27.2±2.39 years. Mean career length in the NFL following ACL reconstruction was 4.85±2.7 years. Only 1 player needed revision ACL reconstruction. In both cases and controls, player performance was not significantly different from preinjury performance after ACL reconstruction (or index year in controls). There was also no significant performance difference between case and control quarterbacks following ACL reconstruction (or index year in controls). There is a high rate of RTS in the NFL following ACL reconstruction. In-game performance following ACL reconstruction was not significantly different from preinjury or from controls.

Objective guidelines permitting safe return to sport following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are infrequently used. The purpose of this study was to determine the published return to sport guidelines following ACL reconstruction in Level I randomized controlled trials. A systematic review was performed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Level I randomized controlled trials were included if they reported a minimum 2-year follow-up after ACL reconstruction and return to sport criteria. Outcomes analyzed were the timing of initiation of return to sport, follow-up duration, and use of quantitative/qualitative criteria to determine return to sport. Forty-nine studies were included (N=4178; 68% male; mean patient age, 27.5±3.2 years; mean follow-up, 3.0±1.9 years; mean time from injury to reconstruction, 379±321 days). Ninety-six percent of reconstructions used autograft and 87% were single-bundle reconstructions. Lysholm score, single-leg hop, isokinetic strength, and KT-1000 or KT-2000 arthrometer (MEDmetric, San Diego, California) testing were performed in 67%, 31%, 31%, and 82% of studies, respectively. Only 5 studies reported whether patients were able to successfully return to sport. Ninety percent and 65% of studies failed to use objective criteria or any criteria, respectively, to permit return to sport. Description of permission/allowance to return to sport was highly variable and poor. Twenty-four percent of studies failed to report when patients were allowed return to sport without restrictions. Overall, 39%, 45%, and 51% of studies permitted running at 3 months, return to cutting/pivoting sports at 6 months, and return to sport without restrictions at 6 months, respectively. Further research into validated return to sport guidelines is necessary to fill the existing void in contemporary literature and to guide clinical practice.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) revision reconstructions are likely to increase as the number of primary ACL reconstructions increases. Poor prior tunnel locations and tunnel expansion can complicate fixation of the graft in a revision setting, and thus the surgeon must be familiar with multiple different fixation methods, their advantages, disadvantages, and potential complications. This chapter reviews the various fixation types that can be used with soft tissue-to-bone or bone-to-bone fixation, the biomechanical properties of several common fixation devices, and offers technical advice for hardware removal and graft fixation in the setting of nearby prior tunnels or tunnel expansion.

Most orthopaedic surgeons have faced the challenge of managing patients who have marked limitation of motion of the knee. Others have managed patients who have a disability because of sympathetically maintained pain—that is, reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Both of these conditions can be difficult to treat. When sympathetically maintained pain and severe contractures occur together in the knee, the problems of diagnosis and treatment are magnified. Sympathetically maintained pain can be disproportionately severe and associated with periarticular swelling as well as with muscle inhibition23,47, which may lead to a slow and painful course in physical therapy. The relative lack of progress in rehabilitation of the knee, as well as the sympathetically maintained pain itself, frequently produce anxiety and depression in these patients, which can lead to poor compliance and worsening stiffness. Increasing stiffness in the knee often limits the ability of a patient to walk, kneel, climb, sit, work, or participate in sports activities and leads to additional emotional stress and upset. As the depression worsens, a vicious cycle results. Unless early and appropriate measures are taken to break the cycle, both the patient and the treating physician will be faced with anger, frustration, and ultimately, an unsatisfactory outcome. Although hand surgeons have long dealt with sympathetically maintained pain the upper extremity14, the syndrome has not been as well recognized or treated as frequently in the lower extremity9,15,33,40. However, recent reports2,5,10,11,20,23,25 have helped to delineate sympathetically maintained pain in the lower extremity, and we now have a better understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of the condition. The keystone of treatment for this type of stiff and painful knee is early recognition27. …

Endoscopic (single-incision) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with bone patellar tendon bone can usually be secured with interference screws on the femur and tibia. Infrequently, patella alta, which results in a longer tendinous component of the graft construct, can result in construct mismatch, resulting in a large portion of the tibial bone plug extruding from the tibial tunnel, requiring graft fixation with staples or a suture/screw and post technique. This study investigated the hypothesis that initial graft fixation could be enhanced if the bone plug was removed and press fit into the tibial tunnel and then secured with an interference screw in the scenario of graft construct mismatch. Initial biomechanical fixation strengths of bovine patellar tendon were compared using a screw and post suture fixation compared with a free bone plug, which was removed from the graft and sandwiched along with the soft tissue with an interference screw. Twenty-eight bovine knees were randomly divided into two groups. Graft fixation was performed with a free bone plug excised from the tibial tubercle portion of the bone tendon bone construct. Fixation was achieved with a cannulated 9-mm x 20-mm interference screw. Fixation was performed in group 2 patients with a Krackow suture of no. 5 Ticron secured over a screw and post. An Instron materials testing system was used and loading rates at 1 mm/sec until failure was performed. Statistically significant differences were noted for load to failure and stiffness (P < .001). Group 1 specimens' mean maximum load to failure was 669 N (range, 511 to 819 N), whereas the load to failure for group 2 patients was 374 N (range, 266 to 491 N). Group 1 stiffness was 90 N/mm (range, 50 to 122 N/m) compared with a mean stiffness of 24 N/m (range, 16 to 33 N/m) for group 2 knees. In our bovine model, free bone block interference fixation was stronger and stiffer than fixation using sutures tied over a post. This fixation method of securing a soft tissue graft with an interference screw warrants further clinical investigation and may offer an improvement to the alternative of suture/post fixation.

Two matched groups of patients who underwent endoscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the middle one third of the patellar tendon were retrospectively reviewed to compare hospitalization charges. Group 1 had the procedure performed in the outpatient surgical center owned by our hospital, and group 2 underwent the surgical procedure in the main operating suite of Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center. The charges of the surgical procedure and their relation to postoperative hospitalization were reviewed. An average charge difference of $7,390 (range, $3,679 to $12,202) was obtained in the outpatient surgical center. A number of surgical and anesthetic techniques are discussed that allow major reductions in charges for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and allow outpatient surgery to be performed routinely.

Despite numerous advances in graft fixation with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, few studies have compared the fixation strength of interference screws placed "outside-in" and from "inside-out" techniques. To compare techniques, a bovine model was designed to fail at the femoral tunnel bone-screw interface. Twenty-four fresh bovine knees were stripped of all soft tissues except the ACL. The native ACL was loaded the failure at a strain rate of 50 cm/min with the knee flexed 45 degrees. One standardized femoral tunnel was created on all specimens. A 3/32-inch guide pin was drilled into the center of the ACL femoral origin and overreamed with an 11-mm reamer from inside-out until the lateral cortex was reamed. Consistently sized patellar bone blocks were created (8 x 5 x 25 mm) with an 8-mm tendon width. The bone blocks were randomized to an "inside-out" (group 1) and "outside-in" (group 2) technique. Bone blocks were secured with a 7 x 25 interference screw. Specimens were mounted with the femoral tunnel and bone block aligned parallel to the tensile force and strained to failure at 50 cm/min. Failure of the native bovine ACL occurred at a mean of 2,304 N (SD +/- 472 N; n = 24). The mode of failure for group 1 was 9 of 13 at the bone-screw interface and 4 of 13 interligamentous failures. The mode of failure for group 2 was 7 of 11 at the bone-screw interface, 3 of 11 interligamentous, and 1 bone block failure. The mean load to failure for group 1 was 1,151 N (SD +/- 320 N, n = 13) including the four ligamentous failures and 1,143 N (SD +/- 306 N, n = 9) excluding the ligamentous failures. The mean load to failure for group 2 was 1,017 N (SD +/- 262 N, n = 11), including all specimens and 843 N (SD +/- 262 N, n = 7) excluding the interligamentous and bone block failure specimens. The "inside-out" technique averaged 100 N greater fixation strength than the "outside-in" technique. Statistical analysis using two-sample Student's t-test showed no statistically significant differences between group 1 and group 2. Both techniques demonstrate comparable maximum load to failure in a bovine model tested at 50 cm/min.

Interference screws are commonly used for graft fixation in bone-tendon-bone patellar tendon anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The clinical significance of graft screw divergence has not been well studied. This report retrospectively reviews our initial experience in 73 consecutive endoscopic (single-incision) ACL reconstructions using interference screw fixation. Femoral divergence occurred more frequently in the lateral plane (29%) than the anteroposterior (AP) plane (15%). No early graft failures were noted clinically or by KT-1000 arthrometer testing. If properly tested at the time of operation, it does not appear that divergence of femoral screws30 degrees leads to early clinical failure in endoscopic ACL reconstruction. We propose that stresses on the graft-screw-tunnel construct will concentrate distally when placed in a divergent fashion, resulting in a wedge effect. No changes in early range of motion protocols or rehabilitation are recommended if screw divergence is noted and provided intraoperative stability is noted.

Distal biceps brachii tendon ruptures occur much less frequently than do their proximal counterparts. Distal tendon ruptures usually are associated with considerable function deficits and may require surgical treatment. Repair of chronic distal biceps brachii ruptures are extremely unusual. A free autogenous semitendinosus tendon graft was used to reconstruct the distal biceps tendon by reattaching the graft to the radial tuberosity via a 2-incision technique in a patient with symptoms and a chronic injury.

Background: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears have become common, and UCL reconstruction (UCLR) is currently the preferred surgical treatment method for treating UCL tears. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to review the literature surrounding UCL repair and determine the viability of new repair techniques for treatment of UCL tears. We hypothesized that UCL repair techniques will provide comparable results to UCLR for treatment of UCL tears. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A systematic review was registered with PROSPERO and performed with PRISMA guidelines using 3 publicly available free databases. Biomechanical and clinical outcome investigations reporting on UCL repair with levels of evidence 1 through 4 were eligible for inclusion. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each study and parameter/variable analyzed. Results: Of the 46 studies eligible, 4 studies (3 clinical and 1 biomechanical) were included. There were 92 patients (n = 92 elbows; 61 males [62.3%]; mean age, 21.9 ± 4.7 years) included in the clinical studies, with a mean follow-up of 49 ± 14.4 months. Eighty-six percent of repairs performed were on the dominant elbow, and 38% were in college athletes. Most UCL repairs (66.3%) were performed via suture anchors. After UCL repair, 87.0% of patients were able to return to sport. Overall, 94.9% of patients scored excellent/good on the Andrews-Carson score. Patients who were able to return to sport after UCL repair did so within 6 months after surgery. Biomechanically, when UCL repair was compared with the modified Jobe technique, the repair group showed significantly less gap formation than the reconstruction group. Conclusion: In patients for whom repair is properly indicated, UCL repair provides similar return-to-sport rates and clinical outcomes with shorter return-to-sport timing after repair compared with UCL reconstruction. Future outcome studies evaluating UCL repair with internal bracing are necessary before recommending this technique.

In this study, we used 3-dimensional analysis to comprehensively map the osseous morphology of the acetabulum. Human cadaveric specimens were dissected to the joint capsule for computer navigation analysis. Data points outlining acetabular anatomy-determined using optical sensors-were translated into graphical environments. A clock face template was laid over the transverse plane to determine the projections of acetabular arcs onto the transverse plane. A custom-written software program was used to compute the resulting surface area and was applied to the acetabular articular surface and the fossa. Two independent observers performed all measurements. Sixteen hips were included. Lateral center edge angle was 36.2° and femoral neck shaft angle was 131°. Mean arc lengths of the acetabular fossa from 3 o'clock (anterior) to 9 o'clock (posterior) were 26, 28, 28, 30, 29, 28, and 27 mm at 3, 2, 1, 12, 11, 10, and 9 o'clock, respectively. The smallest aspect of the acetabulum is the anterior aspect, and the largest is the superior (12 o'clock); the size increases progressively from anterior to superior. In most cases, the superior arc length, or sourcil, corresponds to the 2 o'clock position, and thus the lateral center edge angle may not necessarily correspond to the lateral aspect of the acetabulum.

Background: Recent data suggest that anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with irradiated allograft tissue may lead to increased failure rates. Hypothesis: Low-dose (1.0-1.2 Mrad) gamma irradiation does not significantly alter the preimplantation biomechanical properties of bone–patellar tendon–bone (BTB) allografts. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Cyclic and failure mechanical properties were evaluated for 20 paired central-third human BTB allografts, with and without 1.0 to 1.2 Mrad of gamma irradiation. Testing included cyclic loading at 0.5 Hz for 100 cycles from 50 to 200 N and failure testing at a strain rate of 10% per second. Results: Cyclic elongation did not change significantly ( P = .151) with irradiation, increasing from a mean ± SD of 9.4 ± 2.1 mm to 11.3 ± 3.4 mm. Cyclic creep strain approached a significant increase with irradiation (1.3% ± 0.8% to 2.6% ± 1.5%; P = .076). Failure testing was not affected with irradiation with regard to maximum load (1680 ± 417 mm to 1494 ± 435 mm), maximum stress (40.8 ± 10.6 MPa to 37.5 ± 15.7 MPa), elongation (7.85 ± 1.35 mm to 8.67 ± 2.05 mm), or strain at maximum stress (0.158 ± 0.03 to 0.175 ± 0.03). Graft stiffness significantly decreased by 20% with irradiation (278 ± 67 N/mm to 221 ± 50 N/mm; P = .035). Conclusion: Low-dose (1.0-1.2 Mrad) gamma irradiation decreases BTB graft stiffness by 20%, but it does not affect other failure or cyclic parameters. Clinical Relevance: Aside from graft stiffness during load to failure testing, low-dose (1.0-1.2 Mrad) gamma irradiation of central-third human BTB allografts is not deleterious to preimplantation biomechanical properties.

Very little is known regarding regional biomechanical properties of patellar tendon allografts. Ten human bone–tendon–bone (BTB) patellar grafts were separated into equal thirds and underwent cyclic and failure testing. Grafts were non-irradiated and processed using proprietary sterilization methods. The central third was the thickest region (4.9 ± 0.4 mm) compared to the medial and lateral (p

The purpose of this study is to identify the incidence of capsular defects in patients undergoing revision hip arthroscopy. A radiographic and anatomical analysis of MR arthrograms of patients undergoing revision arthroscopy was performed to assess for the presence of capsular defect. Intra-operative images and findings were reviewed. Patients with persistent cam and pincer lesions were excluded. From October 2011 to October 2012, 25 patients underwent revision hip arthroscopy surgery, and 9 patients met our inclusion criteria. Within this series, all patients had post-surgical capsular irregularities and seven patients (78 %) had radiographic evidence of capsule and iliofemoral defects on MR arthrogram. Gross capsular defects were confirmed at revision surgery in two patients. The findings of this study demonstrate post-surgical radiographic and anatomical evidence of capsular defects in a select group of patients following hip arthroscopy. IV.

Background The abnormal kinematics, contact pressures, and repeated episodes of instability observed in chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency suggest that these patients may be predisposed to early degenerative changes and associated pathologies such as meniscal tears and chondral injury. Injury to the cartilage and associated structures at the time of ACL rupture, in combination with the inflammatory mediators released at the time of injury, may create irreversible damage to the knee despite restoration of normal knee kinematics with an ACL reconstruction. Hypothesis Patients undergoing acute ACL reconstruction have a higher incidence of lateral meniscal tears and less severe chondral changes when compared with patients undergoing late ACL reconstruction. Older patients likely have a higher incidence of chondral and meniscal pathology compared with younger patients. Methods A retrospective chart review of a single surgeon's ACL practice over 20 years was performed. A surgical data packet was used to record patient demographics, location, grade, and number of chondral injuries as well as location and pattern of meniscal injuries at the time of ACL reconstruction. Patients (N = 709) were divided into three subgroups according to their time from injury to surgery; acute (less than 4 weeks, N = 121), subacute (4 to 8 weeks, N = 146), and chronic (8 weeks or more, N = 442). Results Older patients had a higher incidence of more severe chondral grade and number of chondral injuries at the time of ACL reconstruction. Patients undergoing surgery more than 8 weeks after injury had a statistically significant more severe chondral grade in the medial compartment when compared with those that had surgery less than 8 weeks after injury. A similar observation was not found in the lateral compartment. With regard to meniscal pathology, full-thickness medial meniscal tears were likely to be bucket-type tears regardless of the chronicity of the injury. Similarly, full-thickness lateral meniscal tears were more often flap-type tears independent of the time interval between injury and surgery. Partial-thickness tears were common both medially and laterally. Conclusions Patient's age and chronicity of ACL tear greater than 8 weeks are both significant factors in medial compartment chondral pathology. Patients with delayed reconstruction may have greater associated pathology.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions can progress to loose body formation for which treatment is controversial and may involve excision or fixation. There is a paucity of published data regarding long-term outcomes following OCD loose body fixation. This case report presents an interval follow-up of a patient from a previous small case series of individuals who underwent open reduction internal fixation of large, lateral OCD loose bodies. At 21-year follow-up the patient has full, pain-free range of motion, and has not required subsequent surgery. This case, to our knowledge, is the first to report over 20-year follow-up from fixation of an OCD loose body and demonstrates a good long-term outcome. Clinicians should consider replacement and fixation of an OCD loose body when possible, as this may provide the best chance of long-term function.

A recently developed murine model of tendinopathy, induced by TGF-β1 injection, has been used to examine the reparative capacity of tendinopathic Achilles in Adamts5(-/-) mice. After TGF-β1 injection and 2 weeks of treadmill exercise, the Achilles from Adamts5(-/-) mice exhibited a reduction in maximum tensile stress of approximately 60%. However, in contrast to wild type mice previously characterized by this model, Adamts5(-/-) mice subjected to further treadmill exercise were unable to reverse this biomechanical deficit. This nonreparative phenotype was accompanied by a major deficiency, relative to wild-type, in expression of Col1a1 and Col3a1 and an abnormally elevated expression of a wide range of integrins. In addition, the tendinopathic Adamts5(-/-) mice showed a persistent accumulation of chondrogenic cells in the tendon body and an aggrecan-rich fibrocartilaginous matrix within disorganized collagen fiber bundles. Moreover, consistent with the compromised biomechanical properties of the Achilles in the Adamts5(-/-) mice, in vivo gait analysis revealed a strong trend (p = 0.07) towards increased swing time of the injected limb in Adamts5(-/-) relative to wild-type mice. These findings demonstrate that a deficiency in ADAMTS5 promotes a chondrogenic response to TGF-β1 injection that is not reversed by treadmill exercise. Hence, repair of biomechanically compromised tendons exhibiting midsubstance chondroid accumulation requires ADAMTS5.

The consequences of a knee dislocation can be devastating. The significant associated risks of severe arterial, venous, or neurologic compromise make this a limb-threatening injury. Therefore, it's...

Background:Long-term studies of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction suggest that normal stability is not restored in the majority of patients. The Achilles tendon allograft is frequently utilized, although recently, the quadriceps tendon has been introduced as an alternative option due to its size and high patellar bone density.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical strength of PCL reconstructions using a quadriceps versus an Achilles allograft. The hypothesis was that quadriceps bone block allograft has comparable mechanical properties to those of Achilles bone block allograft.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:Twenty-nine fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: (1) intact PCL, (2) PCL reconstruction with Achilles tendon allograft, or (3) PCL reconstruction with quadriceps tendon allograft. After reconstruction, all supporting capsular and ligamentous tissues were removed. Posterior tibial translation was measured at neutral and 20° external rotation. Each specimen underwent a preload, 2 cyclic loading protocols of 500 cycles, then load to failure.Results:Construct creep deformation was significantly lower in the intact group compared with both Achilles and quadriceps allograft ( P = .008). The intact specimens reached the greatest ultimate load compared with both reconstructions (1974 ± 752 N, P = .0001). The difference in ultimate load for quadriceps versus Achilles allograft was significant ( P = .048), with the quadriceps group having greater maximum force during failure testing. No significant differences were noted between quadriceps versus Achilles allograft for differences in crosshead excursion during cyclic testing (peak-valley [P-V] extension stretch), creep deformation, or stiffness. Construct stiffness measured during the failure test was greatest in the intact group (117 ± 9 N/mm, P = .0001) compared with the Achilles (43 ± 11 N/mm) and quadriceps (43 ± 7 N/mm) groups.Conclusion:While the quadriceps trended to be a stronger construct with a greater maximum load and stiffness required during load to failure, only maximum force in comparison with the Achilles reached statistical significance. Quadriceps and Achilles tendon allografts had similar other biomechanical characteristics when used for a PCL reconstruction, but both were inferior to the native PCL.Clinical Relevance:The quadriceps tendon is a viable graft option in PCL reconstruction as it exhibits a greater maximum force and is otherwise comparable to the Achilles allograft. These findings expand allograft availability in PCL reconstruction.

Sixty-two patients who underwent arthroscopically as sisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with the middle-third patellar tendon autograft without extraar ticular augmentation were retrospectively reviewed at a minimum 2-year (mean, 37-month) followup. A postop erative KT-1000 arthrometric evaluation revealed a mean maximum manual difference of 0.3 mm (range, -6 to +16). Ninety percent of the patients had a mean maximum difference of ≤3 mm. Three patients had a ≥5 mm mean maximum difference; positive pivot shifts were noted in two of these patients. Despite an early range of motion, early weightbearing protocol without an extraarticular backup, the pivot shift (92% negative) was reliably eliminated at postoperative followup. Ar thrometric parameters were statistically reduced (P < 0.0001) from preoperative status and were consistent with the diagnostic criteria established for normal knees. There was no relationship established in the "tighter" knees (those with negative side-to-side arthrometric dif ferences) and the incidence of knee flexion contractures, patellar pain symptoms, Cybex extension deficit (>20%), functional indices, or postoperative rating scales.

In brief Corticosteroid injections are sometimes used to treat Achilles tendinitis after conservative measures such as anti-inflammatory medications, rest, ice massage, and immobilization have failed. Some research suggests that corticosteroid injections can lead to tendon rupture, though other investigations have not shown a correlation. A case report detailing partial Achilles tendon rupture after corticosteroid injection renews concern about the risks of this treatment.

The Bankart lesion is considered the critical lesion in anterior shoulder instability, in which the anteroinferior glenoid labrum separates from the glenoid rim. Technical advances in arthroscopy have ushered in a shift from open to arthroscopic Bankart repair. When one is performing an arthroscopic Bankart repair, proper portal placement is critical for success in labral preparation and anchor placement. Frequently, standard anterior portals are insufficient for inferior glenoid anchor placement and suture shuttling. The posterolateral portal-located 4 cm lateral to the posterolateral corner of the acromion-simplifies and improves anchor placement, trajectory, and anatomic capsulolabral repair of the inferior glenoid. We present our preferred technique for capsulolabral repair of the inferior glenoid.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of complications and reoperations during and after hip arthroscopy. Methods: A systematic review of multiple medical databases was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and checklist. All clinical outcome studies that reported the presence or absence of complications and/or reoperations were eligible for inclusion. Length of follow-up was not an exclusion criterion. Complication and reoperation rates were extracted from each study. Duplicate patient populations within separate distinct publications were analyzed and reported only once. Results: Ninety-two studies (6,134 participants) were included. Most were Level IV evidence studies (88%) with short-term follow-up (mean 2.0 years). Labral tears and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) were the 2 most common diagnoses treated, and labral treatment and acetabuloplasty/femoral osteochondroplasty were the 2 most common surgical techniques reported. Overall, major and minor complication rates were 0.58% and 7.5%, respectively. Iatrogenic chondrolabral injury and temporary neuropraxia were the 2 most common minor complications. The overall reoperation rate was 6.3%, occurring at a mean of 16 months. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) was the most common reoperation. The conversion rate to THA was 2.9%. Conclusions: The rate of major complications was 0.58% after hip arthroscopy. The reoperation rate was 6.3%, and the most common reason for reoperation was conversion to THA. Minor complications and the reoperation rate are directly related to the learning curve of hip arthroscopy. As surgical indications evolve, patient selection should limit the number of cases that would have been converted to THA. Similarly, the number of minor complications is directly related to technical aspects of the procedure and therefore will decrease with surgeon experience and improvement in instrumentation. Level of Evidence: Level IV, a systematic review of Level I to IV studies.

Several factors have played a prominent role in the successful transition from inpatient to outpatient ACL reconstruction over the past 25 years, including (1) advances in surgical technique (two-incision arthroscopic to single-incision endoscopic); (2) improved understanding of perioperative complications such as pain and nausea; (3) decreased or similar rates of postoperative arthrofibrosis, hemarthrosis, and deep venous thrombosis; (4) increased patient satisfaction; and (5) significant cost savings. Today, outpatient ACL surgery is a routine, safe, and cost-effective experience.

Failure to correctly tension grafts may overconstrain or underconstrain the knee, potentially predisposing the patient to deteriorating clinical and/or radiographic results over time. Knee ligament reconstruction requires a fundamental understanding of native anatomy, ligament biomechanics, and principles of graft tensioning. A successful strategy for graft tensioning takes into account the specific biomechanics of the ligament or ligaments in question, the mechanical properties of the graft selected, the chosen fixation method, the selected tensioning method (ie, manual or mechanical), and the overall goal of the reconstruction (ie, isometry versus anisometry).

Context: Lateral meniscus tears are a common entity seen in sports medicine. Although lateral-side knee pain is often the result of a meniscus injury, several extra-articular pathologies share signs and symptoms with a meniscus tear. It is critical for the clinician to be able to identify and understand extra-articular pathologies that can present similar to a lateral meniscus tear. Evidence Acquisition: Data were collected through a thorough review of the literature conducted through a MEDLINE search for all relevant articles between 1980 and February 2010. Study Type: Clinical review. Results: Common extra-articular pathologies that can mimic lateral meniscal tears include iliotibial band syndrome, proximal tibiofibular joint instability, snapping biceps femoris or popliteus tendons, and peroneal nerve compression syndrome or neuritis. The patient history, physical examination features, and radiographic findings can be used to separate these entities from the more common intra-articular knee pathologies. Conclusions: In treating patients who present with lateral-sided knee pain, clinicians should be able to recognize and treat extra-articular pathologies that can present in a similar fashion as lateral meniscus tears.

The overhead throwing motion is a coordinated effort of muscle units from the entire body, culminating with explosive motion of the upper extremity. The throwing motion occurs at a rapid pace, making analysis difficult in real time. Electromyographic studies and high-speed video recordings have provided invaluable details regarding the involved musculature, the sequence of muscle involvement, and associated kinematic variables. The goal of the present article is to provide an overview of the kinetic chain—that is, a detailed description of the muscular coordination during each phase of pitching—and to describe specific types of pitches. An enhanced understanding of the components of the kinetic chain and the phases of the throwing motion can provide important information for rehabilitation, performance enhancement, and injury prevention.

The purpose of this study was to determine the most common causes of failed anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using modern reconstructive techniques at a single, high-volume institution. In addition, the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing revision ACLR will be reported. The surgical logs of four senior knee surgeons were retrospectively reviewed for all patients who had undergone ACLR between 2002 and 2009. Patients were excluded if they did not have both the primary and revision surgery on the same knee with the same surgeon. Out of 1944 ACL reconstructions, 28 patients (56 reconstructions) were included in the study. Radiographic studies, operative reports, KT-1000 scores, and chart notes were used to identify all potential factors that may have led to failure. All patients were invited to return for a follow-up examination and survey. Of the 28 patients, the mean age at the index and revision procedure was 22 +/- 11 (range, 12 to 50) and 24 +/- 11 (range, 14 to 57), respectively. In 20 cases, the cause of failure was determined to be acute trauma (sports, work, or accident); in 1 case, the cause was biologic failure; while in 7 cases, the cause was technical error. During the study period the surgeons performed a combined total of 1944 procedures, for an overall failure rate of 1.8%. Twenty patients (71%) were available for follow-up at a mean 30.2 +/- 17.7 months. The overall postrevision outcomes were good to excellent for a majority of patients, with an average Lysholm score of 84 +/- 15.5 and International Knee Documentation Committee score of 77.2 +/- 13.8. The pre- and postoperative KT-1000 scores were 12.1 +/- 2.8 and 6.7 +/- 2.8, respectively. The results from this study suggest that traumatic re-injury, and not surgical/surgeon error, is the most common cause of ACLR failure using anatomic reconstructive principles and strong fixation. In addition, good to excellent outcomes following revision ACLR can be expected in the majority of patients.

Tendinopathy is a widespread and disabling condition characterized by collagen fiber disruption and accumulation of a glycosaminoglycan-rich chondroid matrix. Recent clinical reports have illustrated the potential of mechanical loading (exercise) therapies to successfully treat chronic tendinopathies. We have developed a new murine tendinopathy model which requires a single injection of TGF-β1 into the Achilles tendon midsubstance followed by normal cage activity for 2 weeks. At this time, tendon maximum stress showed a dramatic (66%) reduction relative to that of normal controls and this persisted at four weeks. Loss of material properties was accompanied by abundant chondroid cells within the tendon (closely resembling the changes observed in human samples obtained intra-operatively) and increased expression of Acan, Col1a1, Col2a1, Col3a1, Fn1 and Mmp3. Mice subjected to two weeks of daily treadmill exercise following TGF-β1 injection showed a similar reduction in tendon material properties as the caged group. However, in mice subjected to 4 weeks of treadmill exercise, tendon maximum stress values were similar to those of naive controls. Tendons from the mice exercised for 4 weeks showed essentially no chondroid cells and the expression of Acan, Col1a1, Col2a1, Col3a1, and Mmp3 was significantly reduced relative to the 4-week cage group. This technically simple murine tendinopathy model is highly amenable to detailed mechanistic and translational studies of the biomechanical and cell biological pathways, that could be targeted to enhance healing of tendinopathy.

Background: There is little information regarding the incremental changes in the postoperative laxity of patellar tendon (PT) autografts versus allografts in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Hypotheses: (1) There would be no significant increase in laxity between 6 weeks and 1 year postoperatively with PT autografts or allografts, (2) there would be no significant difference in laxity between PT autografts and allografts, (3) there would not be a significant difference in laxity between nonirradiated and low dose–irradiated PT allograft tissues, and (4) the physical examination findings would correlate with the instrumented laxity outcomes. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective review of 238 ACL-deficient patients who underwent single-incision endoscopic ACL reconstruction with a PT autograft (n = 132) or allograft (n = 106; 58 irradiated and 48 nonirradiated) from a single surgeon was made looking at data from preoperatively and from 6 weeks to 1 year postoperatively. The objective measurements of ligament integrity included range of motion, Lachman test, pivot-shift test, and KT-1000 arthrometer instrumented laxity examination. Failure was defined as arthrometric side-to-side differences (maximum manual difference) ≥3 mm or a positive pivot shift. Statistical significance was defined as P < .05. Results: There were no differences in postoperative examination findings or instrumented laxity between PT autografts and allografts (irradiated or nonirradiated) in either subgroup. The postoperative improvement based on the Lachman examination, pivot-shift test, and arthrometric data in all study groups was significant ( P < .001) in 98% (autograft: n = 130; allograft: n = 104) of patients, and arthrometric failure correlated with failure by physical examination. There was no significant change in graft laxity, as measured by KT-1000 arthrometer, from 6 weeks to 1 year postoperatively for 98% of patients. Finally, there was no statistical correlation in instrumented laxity results for either the autograft or allograft group with reference to age, gender, concurrent meniscectomy, meniscal repairs, interval to surgery, postoperative patellar pain, time to surgery, or irradiated versus nonirradiated allograft. Conclusion: Laxity is not increased after the initial 6 weeks for either PT allograft or autograft constructs during the first postoperative year. There was no correlation between age, gender, concomitant injury, interval to surgery, or radiation of the graft with instrumented laxity results. Furthermore, our arthrometric data paralleled our clinical findings of stability at follow-up.

Purpose The objectives of this study were to conduct a systematic review of clinical outcomes after cartilage restorative and reparative procedures in the glenohumeral joint, to identify prognostic factors that predict clinical outcomes, to provide treatment recommendations based on the best available evidence, and to highlight literature gaps that require future research. Methods We searched Medline (1948 to week 1 of February 2012) and Embase (1980 to week 5 of 2012) for studies evaluating the results of arthroscopic debridement, microfracture, osteochondral autograft or allograft transplants, and autologous chondrocyte implantation for glenohumeral chondral lesions. Other inclusion criteria included minimum 8 months' follow-up. The Oxford Level of Evidence Guidelines and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) recommendations were used to rate the quality of evidence and to make treatment recommendations. Results Twelve articles met our inclusion criteria, which resulted in a total of 315 patients. Six articles pertained to arthroscopic debridement (n = 249), 3 to microfracture (n = 47), 2 to osteochondral autograft transplantation (n = 15), and 1 to autologous chondrocyte implantation (n = 5). Whereas most studies reported favorable results, sample heterogeneity and differences in the use of functional and radiographic outcomes precluded a meta-analysis. Several positive and negative prognostic factors were identified. All of the eligible studies were observational, retrospective case series without control groups; the quality of evidence available for the use of the aforementioned procedures is considered "very low" and "any estimate of effect is very uncertain." Conclusions More research is necessary to determine which treatment for chondral pathology in the shoulder provides the best long-term outcomes. We encourage centers to establish the necessary alliances to conduct blinded, randomized clinical trials and prospective, comparative cohort studies necessary to rigorously determine which treatments result in the most optimal outcomes. At this time, high-quality evidence is lacking to make strong recommendations, and decision making in this patient population is performed on a case-by-case basis. Level of Evidence Level IV, systematic review of Level IV studies.

Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SPONK) and osteo necrosis in the postoperative knee (ONPK) are two clinical entities that have the potential to cause significant morbidity in affected patients. In addition to the knowledge of the patient population at risk and the classic presentation and imaging characteristics of SPONK and ONPK, the treating orthopaedic surgeon needs to maintain a high index of suspicion for these disorders since early diagnosis and treatment may allow for an improved clinical outcome. The following review presents the current knowledge regarding these two pathological processes of the knee.

This study determines the biomechanical advantage and the optimal configuration of a high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and meniscus transplantation performed concurrently. Six cadaver knees were placed in a spatial frame, and an HTO was completed. Loading points between a mechanical 6 degrees of varus and 8 degrees ofvalgus were loaded to 800 N for medial meniscal intact, meniscectomized, and transplanted states. Posterior slope was also increased by 3 degrees in these specimens. Contact data was recorded. Peak pressures significantly increased in the meniscectomized state in every degree of varus/valgus (p < 0.05). For both peak and total medial compartment pressures, there was a significant drop (p < 0.001) between neutral and 3 degrees of valgus. Lateral compartment pressures linearly increased from varus to valgus orientation. There was no significant change in the pressure profile of the knee with a 3-degree increase in posterior slope. This biomechanical study confirms the hypothesis that an HTO improves the peak pressures in the medial compartment at all degrees of varus/valgus alignment in the setting of meniscal transplantation. Furthermore, the largest decrease in medial pressures was between neutral and 3 degrees of valgus, suggesting that perhaps neutral aligned knees could benefit from an HTO.

Background: Recent reports have suggested that a traditional transtibial technique cannot practically accomplish an anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Hypothesis: The degree to which a transtibial technique can anatomically position both tibial and femoral tunnels is highly dependent on tibial tunnel starting position. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Eight fresh-frozen adult knee specimens were fixed at 90° of flexion and then dissected to expose the femoral and tibial ACL footprints. After the central third patellar tendon length was measured for each specimen, computer-assisted navigation was used to identify 2 idealized tibial tunnel starting points, optimizing alignment with the native ligament in the coronal plane but distal enough on the tibia to provide manageable bone-tendon-bone autograft–tibial tunnel mismatch (point A = 10-mm mismatch; point B = 0-mm mismatch). Tibial tunnels were then reamed to the center of the tibial insertion using point A in half of the knees and point B in the other half. Guide pin positioning on the femoral side was then assessed before and after tibial tunnel reaming, after beveling the posterolateral tibial tunnel rim, and after performing a standard notchplasty. After the femoral tunnel was reamed, the digitized contours of the native insertions were compared with those of both tibial and femoral tunnels to calculate percentage overlap. Results: Starting points A and B occurred 15.9 ± 4.5 mm and 33.0 ± 3.3 mm distal to the joint line, respectively, and 9.8 ± 2.4 mm and 8.3 ± 4.0 mm from the medial edge of the tibial tubercle, respectively. The anterior and posterior aspects of both tibial tunnels’ intra-articular exits were within a few millimeters of the native insertion’s respective boundaries. After the tibial tunnel was reamed from the more proximal point A, a transtibial guide pin was positioned within 2.1 ± 1.6 mm of the femoral insertion’s center (vs 9.3 ± 1.9 mm for point B; P = .02). After beveling a mean 2.6 mm from the back of the point A tibial tunnels, positioning improved to within 0.3 ± 0.7 mm from the center of the femoral insertion (vs 4.2 ± 1.1 mm for the point B tibial tunnels; P = .008). Compared with the more distal starting point, use of point A provided significantly greater insertional overlap (tibial: 97.9% ± 1.4% vs 71.1% ± 15.1%, P = .03; femoral: 87.9% ± 9.2% overlap vs 59.6% ± 8.5%, P = .008). No significant posterior femoral or tibial plateau breakthrough occurred in any specimen. Conclusion: Tibial and femoral tunnels can be positioned in a highly anatomic manner using a transtibial technique but require careful choice of a proximal tibial starting position and a resulting tibial tunnel that is at the limits of practical. Traditional tibial tunnel starting points will likely result in less anatomic femoral tunnels. Clinical Relevance: A transtibial single-bundle technique can accomplish a highly anatomic reconstruction but does require meticulous positioning of the tibial tunnel with little margin for error and some degree of graft-tunnel mismatch.

The indications for posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) surgery are not well established. PCL injuries occur much less frequently than anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Conflicting data suggest on one hand that PCL-deficient patients may function well despite their clinical laxity, yet a time-related correlation between injury interval and extent of articular cartilage injury also has been reported. A myriad of factors, including graft selection, placement, fixation, position of the knee at the time of fixation, position of immobilization, rehabilitation, and the surgeon's inexperience, contribute to the less predictable results of PCL surgery. Graft selection issues are discussed in this article, and a survey of leading ligament surgeons regarding the PCL is presented.

Summary: The ideal outpatient anesthetic provides analgesia, is readily reversible, has minimal complications, and allows for a prompt hospital discharge. Iatrogenic side effects, such as nausea/vomiting and pain, however, may hamper patient recovery and delay discharge. The influence of anesthesia [general (G) versus epidural (E)] was assessed in 260 patients (G = 181, E = 79) undergoing ambulatory knee arthroscopic surgery. Patients were studied before discharge and on follow-up (24 h) to evaluate the effect of the anesthetic technique. Discharge times were shorter in the E group (159 +-- 6 min SEM E, compared with 208 +-- 8 rain SEM G), as was the incidence of pain (24.1% versus 49.7%), and nausea/vomiting (8.9% versus 32%) before discharge. Patient satisfaction was equal in the two groups. Our study shows that in select patients, epidural anesthesia is a viable alternative to general anesthesia for knee arthroscopy, offering the advantages of fewer side effects and earlier discharge times. Key Words: General anesthesia--Epid ural anesthesiaOutpatient surgery--Side effects--Discharge times.

In brief Chronic pain at the acromioclavicular (AC) joint can suggest several diagnoses. When evaluating a patient's pain and range-of-motion deficits, remember that an AC joint can be the sole source of discomfort. The physical exam can help rule out impingement syndrome, rotator cuff tear, scapular winging, and systemic disorders; radiographs can help exclude other pathologies. Most patients respond to conservative treatment: anti-inflammatory medications, ice massage, and activity modification. However, pain that persists 6 months or longer may warrant surgery.

Symptomatic snapping of tendons about the knee is an unusual phenomenon. We describe a patient with lateral knee pain caused by subluxation of the long head of the biceps femoris over a prominent fibular head. A partial fibular head resection led to resolution of the patient's symptoms and his ability to return to sporting activities.