Most Orthopaedic Platelet-Rich Plasma Investigations Don't Report Protocols and Composition: An Updated Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To systematically review the literature to assess the heterogeneity of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparation and composition reporting for the treatment of musculoskeletal/orthopaedic pathologies.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase to identify Level I and Level II studies from 2016 to 2022 that evaluated the use of PRP therapy for musculoskeletal pathologies. The search phrase used was "platelet-rich plasma clinical studies." Studies were assessed based on their reporting of the PRP preparation methods and reporting of PRP composition.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-four studies (in 120 articles) met inclusion criteria for analysis. Of these studies, 15 (12.1%) provided comprehensive reporting, including a clear, well-described, and reproducible preparation protocol that future investigators can follow. Thirty-three studies (26.6%) quantitatively reported the final PRP product composition.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the studies using PRP for the treatment of musculoskeletal/orthopaedic pathologies, less than 20% provided a clear, well-described, and reproducible PRP preparation protocol, and only one-fourth of studies reported on the final PRP product composition.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

A diverse current reporting of PRP composition between studies provides a high heterogeneity of the term "PRP," which becomes a limitation for a comparison of studies using PRP.

Patient Perception of Social Media Use by Orthopaedic Surgeons: A Pilot Study

Background

Social media (SM) use by orthopaedic surgeons is becoming increasingly common; nonetheless, it needs to be clarified how patients perceive the content posted by physicians.

Purpose

To characterize SM content posted by orthopaedic surgeons while investigating patient perceptions of this content and how it may influence their health care decisions.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

Posts on SM outlets by orthopaedic surgeons were reviewed and categorized. A survey to assess patient perception of these categories was administered between December 2021 and February 2022 in the clinics of 3 orthopaedic surgeons. Survey results were analyzed for differences in patient SM use and perception of SM content types.

Results

There were 250 completed surveys. SM use was high among all age groups; however, the 18 to 24 years (87.1%) and 25 to 34 years (86.4%) age groups were more likely than older age groups to report daily use (P = .002). Overall, 17% of patients reported using SM to see information about their health care at least once per month, 21% reported reviewing the SM account of a physician at least once per month, 19% reported that they were likely or very likely to view the SM account of their physician, and 23% reported that SM content was likely or very likely to influence which physician they see. Patients held the most consistently positive view of posts that educated patients, discussed sports team coverage, and provided patient testimonials. Patients had consistently neutral views of posts educating colleagues, discussing presentations at national meetings, displaying aspects of surgeons' personal lives, and supporting marginalized groups. Several post categories elicited highly polarized responses-including those discussing research publications and showing surgical techniques or pictures/videos taken during surgery. Respondents had a consistently negative response to posts making political statements.

Conclusion

SM is likely a useful tool to help physicians interact with patients. Physicians who wish to interact with patients should consider posting content viewed most positively-including posts educating patients, discussing sports team coverage, and providing patient testimonials. Content that is viewed less favorably should be posted sparingly or with a sensitive tag.

Autograft Demonstrates Superior Outcomes for Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction When Compared With Allograft: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Multiple studies have compared outcomes among patients undergoing revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with autograft versus allograft, but these data are inconsistently reported and long-term outcomes depending on graft type are yet to be determined.

PURPOSE

To perform a systematic review of clinical outcomes after revision ACLR (rACLR) with autograft versus allograft.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase to identify studies that compared the outcomes of patients undergoing rACLR with autograft versus allograft. The search phrase used was autograft allograft revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Graft rerupture rates, return-to-sports rates, anteroposterior laxity, and patient-reported outcome scores (subjective International Knee Documentation Committee, Tegner, Lysholm, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Eleven studies met inclusion criteria, including 3011 patients undergoing rACLR with autograft (mean age, 28.9 years) and 1238 patients undergoing rACLR with allograft (mean age, 28.0 years). Mean follow-up was 57.3 months. The most common autograft and allograft types were bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts. Overall, 6.2% of patients undergoing rACLR experienced graft retear, including 4.7% in the autograft group and 10.2% in the allograft group (P < .0001). Among studies that reported return-to-sports rates, 66.2% of patients with an autograft returned to sports as opposed to 45.3% of patients with an allograft (P = .01). Two studies found significantly greater postoperative knee laxity in the allograft group as compared with the autograft group (P < .05). Among all patient-reported outcomes, 1 study found 1 significant difference between groups: patients with an autograft had a significantly higher postoperative Lysholm score when compared with patients with an allograft.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing revision ACLR with an autograft can be expected to experience lower rates of graft retear, higher rates of return to sports, and less postoperative anteroposterior knee laxity when compared with patients undergoing revision ACLR with an allograft.

Immobilization in External Rotation Versus Arthroscopic Stabilization After Primary Anterior Shoulder Dislocation: A Systematic Review of Level 1 and 2 Studies

BACKGROUND

Arthroscopic stabilization has been established as a superior treatment option for primary glenohumeral instability when compared with immobilization in internal rotation. However, immobilization in external rotation (ER) has recently gained interest as a viable nonoperative treatment option for patients with shoulder instability.

PURPOSE

To compare the rates of recurrent instability and subsequent surgery in patients undergoing treatment for primary anterior shoulder dislocation with arthroscopic stabilization versus immobilization in ER.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase to identify studies that'evaluated patients being treated for primary anterior glenohumeral dislocation with either arthroscopic stabilization or immobilization in ER. The search phrase used various combinations of the keywords/phrases "primary closed reduction,""anterior shoulder dislocation,""traumatic,""primary,""treatment,""management,""immobilization,""external rotation,""surgical,""operative,""nonoperative," and "conservative." Inclusion criteria included patients undergoing treatment for primary anterior glenohumeral joint dislocation with either immobilization in ER or arthroscopic stabilization. Rates of recurrent instability, subsequent stabilization surgery, return to sports, positive postintervention apprehension tests, and patient-reported outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

The 30 studies that met inclusion criteria included 760 patients undergoing arthroscopic stabilization (mean age, 23.1 years; mean follow-up time, 55.1 months) and 409 patients undergoing immobilization in ER (mean age, 29.8 years; mean follow-up time, 28.8 months). Overall, 8.8% of operative patients experienced recurrent instability at latest follow-up compared with 21.3% of patients who had undergone ER immobilization (P < .0001). Similarly, 5.7% of operative patients had undergone a subsequent stabilization procedure at latest follow-up compared with 11.3% of patients who had undergone ER immobilization (P = .0015). A higher rate of return to sports was found in the operative group (P < .05), but no other differences were found between groups.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing arthroscopic treatment for primary anterior glenohumeral dislocation with arthroscopic stabilization can be expected to experience significantly lower rates of recurrent instability and subsequent stabilization procedures compared with patients undergoing ER immobilization.

Anatomic glenohumeral arthroplasty: State of the art

Anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty in its modern form where it reproduces the normal shoulder has been utilized clinically for more than half a century. As the technology and the designs have changed to recreate the humeral and glenoid sides of the joint, the sophistication of design has resulted in the growing number of cases annually worldwide. This increase is due in part to the increasing number of indications that the prosthesis can treat with successful results. On the humeral side, there have been design changes to better reflect the proximal humeral anatomy, and humeral stems are increasingly placed safely without cement. Platform systems which allow conversion of a failed arthroplasty to a reverse configuration without stem extraction is another design change. Similarly, there has been increasing utilization of short stem and stemless humeral components. Extensive experience with shorter stem and stemless devices, however, has yet to demonstrate the purported advantages of these devices, as recent studies have demonstrated equivalent blood loss, fracture rates, operative times, and outcome scores. Easier revision with these shorter stems remains to be definitively established, with only one study comparing the ease of revision between stem types. On the glenoid side, hybrid cementless glenoids, inlay glenoids, cementless all-polyethylene glenoids, and augmented glenoids have all been investigated; however, the indications for these devices remain unclear. Lastly, innovative surgical approaches to implanting shoulder arthroplasty and the use of patient specific guides and computerized planning, while interesting concepts, still await validation before they are utilized on a widespread basis. While reverse shoulder arthroplasty has been increasingly used to reconstruct the arthritic shoulder, anatomic glenohumeral replacement maintains a significant role in the armamentarium of the shoulder surgeon.

Factors Associated With Humeral Avulsion of Glenohumeral Ligament Lesions in Patients With Anterior Shoulder Instability: An Analysis of the MOON Shoulder Instability Cohort

Background

Humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) lesions are an uncommon cause of anterior glenohumeral instability and may occur in isolation or combination with other pathologies. As HAGL lesions are difficult to detect via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy, they can remain unrecognized and result in continued glenohumeral instability.

Purpose

To compare patients with anterior shoulder instability from a large multicenter cohort with and without a diagnosis of a HAGL lesion and identify preoperative physical examination findings, patient-reported outcomes, imaging findings, and surgical management trends associated with HAGL lesions.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Patients with anterior glenohumeral instability who underwent surgical management between 2012 and 2020 at 11 orthopaedic centers were enrolled. Patients with HAGL lesions identified intraoperatively were compared with patients without HAGL lesions. Preoperative characteristics, physical examinations, imaging findings, intraoperative findings, and surgical procedures were collected. The Student t test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, Fisher exact test, and chi-square test were used to compare groups.

Results

A total of 21 HAGL lesions were identified in 915 (2.3%) patients; approximately one-third (28.6%) of all lesions were visualized intraoperatively but not identified on preoperative MRI. Baseline characteristics did not differ between study cohorts. Compared with non-HAGL patients, HAGL patients were less likely to have a Hill-Sachs lesion (54.7% vs 28.6%; P = .03) or an anterior labral tear (87.2% vs 66.7%; P = .01) on preoperative MRI and demonstrated increased external rotation when their affected arm was positioned at 90° of abduction (85° vs 90°; P = .03). Additionally, HAGL lesions were independently associated with an increased risk of undergoing an open stabilization surgery (odds ratio, 74.6 [95% CI, 25.2-221.1]; P < .001).

Conclusion

Approximately one-third of HAGL lesions were missed on preoperative MRI. HAGL patients were less likely to exhibit preoperative imaging findings associated with anterior shoulder instability, such as Hill-Sachs lesions or anterior labral pathology. These patients underwent open procedures more frequently than patients without HAGL lesions.

Development and Validation of a Short-Form Version of the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Scale (Short-WOSI)

BACKGROUND

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have transitioned from primarily being used as research instruments to becoming increasingly used in the clinical setting to assess recovery and inform shared decision-making. However, there is a need to develop validated short-form PROM instruments to decrease patient burden and ease incorporation into clinical practice.

PURPOSE

To assess the validity and responsiveness of a shortened version of the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (Short-WOSI) when compared with the full WOSI and other shoulder-related PROM instruments.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

This study was a secondary analysis of data collected as part of an institutional review board-approved, multicenter cohort of 1160 patients undergoing surgical stabilization for shoulder instability. The following PROMs were captured preoperatively and 2 years after surgery: WOSI, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and 36-Item Health Survey (RAND-36). The cohort was split into 2 data sets: a training set to be used in the development of the Short-WOSI (n = 580) and a test set to be used to assess the validity and responsiveness of the Short-WOSI relative to the full WOSI, ASES, SANE, and RAND-36.

RESULTS

The Short-WOSI demonstrated excellent internal consistency before surgery (Cronbach α = .83) and excellent internal consistency at the 2-year follow-up (Cronbach α = .93). The baseline, 2-year, and pre- to postoperative changes in Short-WOSI and WOSI were closely correlated (r > 0.90), with both demonstrating large effect sizes (Short-WOSI = 1.92, WOSI = 1.81). Neither the Short-WOSI nor the WOSI correlated well with the other PROM instruments before (r = 0.21-0.33) or after (r = 0.25-0.38) surgery. The Short-WOSI, WOSI, and SANE scores were more responsive than ASES and RAND-36 scores.

CONCLUSION

The 7-item Short-WOSI demonstrated excellent internal consistency and a lack of floor or ceiling effects. The Short-WOSI demonstrated excellent cross-sectional and longitudinal construct validity and was similarly responsive over time as the full WOSI. Neither the Short-WOSI nor WOSI correlated with more general shoulder PROMs, underscoring the advantage of using instability-specific instruments for this population.

Predictors of Return to Activity at 2 Years After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Among Patients With High Preinjury Marx Activity Scores: A MOON Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Predictors of return to activity after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) among patients with relatively high preinjury activity levels remain poorly understood.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of return to preinjury levels of activity after ACLR, defined as achieving a Marx activity score within 2 points of the preinjury value, among patients with Marx activity scores of 12 to 16 who had been prospectively enrolled in the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) cohort. We hypothesized that age, sex, preinjury activity level, meniscal injuries and/or procedures, and concurrent articular cartilage injuries would predict return to preinjury activity levels at 2 years after ACLR.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

All unilateral ACLR procedures from 2002 to 2008 performed in patients enrolled in the MOON, with preinjury Marx activity scores ranging from 12 to 16, were evaluated with a specific focus on return to preinjury activity levels at 2 years postoperatively. Return to activity was defined as a Marx activity score within 2 points of the preinjury value. The proportion of patients able to return to preinjury activity levels was calculated, and multivariable modeling was performed to identify risk factors for patients' inability to return to preinjury activity levels.

RESULTS

A total of 1188 patients were included in the final analysis. The median preinjury Marx activity score was 16 (interquartile range, 12-16). Overall, 466 patients (39.2%) were able to return to preinjury levels of activity, and 722 patients (60.8%) were not able to return to preinjury levels of activity. Female sex, smoking at the time of ACLR, fewer years of education, lower 36-Item Short Form Health Survey Mental Component Summary scores, and higher preinjury Marx activity scores were predictive of patients' inability to return to preinjury activity levels. Graft type, revision ACLR, the presence of medial and/or lateral meniscal injuries, a history of meniscal surgery, the presence of articular cartilage injuries, a history of articular cartilage treatment, and the presence of high-grade knee laxity were not predictive of a patient's ability to return to preinjury activity level.

CONCLUSION

At 2 years after ACLR, most patients with high preinjury Marx activity scores did not return to their preinjury level of activity. The higher the preinjury Marx activity score that a patient reported at the time of enrollment, the less likely he/she was able to return to preinjury activity level. Smoking and lower mental health at the time of ACLR were the only modifiable risk factors in this cohort that predicted an inability to return to preinjury activity levels. Continued effort and investigation are required to maximize functional recovery after ACLR in patients with high preinjury levels of activity.

Predictors of Bone Loss in Anterior Glenohumeral Instability

BACKGROUND

Anterior shoulder instability can result in bone loss of both the anterior glenoid and the posterior humerus. Bone loss has been shown to lead to increased failure postoperatively and may necessitate more complex surgical procedures, resulting in worse clinical outcomes and posttraumatic arthritis.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate predictors of glenoid and humeral head bone loss in patients undergoing surgery for anterior shoulder instability. It was hypothesized that male sex, contact sport participation, traumatic dislocation, and higher number of instability events would be associated with greater bone loss.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

A total of 892 patients with anterior shoulder instability were prospectively enrolled in the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) Shoulder Instability cohort. The presence and amount of anterior glenoid bone loss and accompanying Hill-Sachs lesions were quantified. Descriptive information and injury history were used to construct proportional odds models for the presence of any bone defect, for defects >10% of the anterior glenoid or humeral head, and for combined bony defects.

RESULTS

Anterior glenoid bone loss and Hill-Sachs lesions were present in 185 (20.7%) and 470 (52.7%) patients, respectively. Having an increased number of dislocations was associated with bone loss in all models. Increasing age, male sex, and non-White race were associated with anterior glenoid bone defects and Hill-Sachs lesions. Contact sport participation was associated with anterior glenoid bone loss, and Shoulder Actitvity Scale with glenoid bone loss >10%. A positive apprehension test was associated with Hill-Sachs lesions. Combined lesions were present in 19.4% of patients, and for every additional shoulder dislocation, the odds of having a combined lesion was 95% higher.

CONCLUSION

An increasing number of preoperative shoulder dislocations is the factor most strongly associated with glenoid bone loss, Hill-Sachs lesions, and combined lesions. Early surgical stabilization before recurrence of instability may be the most effective method for preventing progression to clinically significant bone loss. Patients should be made aware of the expected course of shoulder instability, especially in athletes at high risk for recurrence and osseous defects, which may complicate care and worsen outcomes.

REGISTRATION

NCT02075775 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis Who Receive Platelet-Rich Plasma or Bone-Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Injections Have Better Outcomes Than Patients Who Receive Hyaluronic Acid: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To systematically review the literature in order to compare the efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), and hyaluronic acid (HA) injections for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase to identify Level I studies that compared the clinical efficacy of at least 2 of the following 3 injection therapies: PRP, BMAC, and HA for knee OA. The search phrase used was knee AND osteoarthritis AND randomized AND ("platelet rich plasma" OR "bone marrow aspirate" OR "hyaluronic acid"). Patients were primarily assessed based on patient-reported outcome scores (PROs) including the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and Subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies (all Level I) met inclusion criteria, including 1,042 patients undergoing intra-articular injection(s) with PRP (mean age 57.7 years, mean follow-up 13.5 months), 226 patients with BMAC (mean age 57.0 years, mean follow-up 17.5 months), and 1,128 patients with HA (mean age 59.0 years, mean follow-up 14.4 months). Non-network meta-analyses demonstrated significantly better post-injection WOMAC (p < 0.001), VAS (p < 0.01), and Subjective IKDC scores (p < 0.001) in PRP patients when compared to HA patients. Similarly, network meta-analyses demonstrated significantly better post-injection WOMAC (p < 0.001), VAS (p = 0.03), and Subjective IKDC (p < 0.001) scores in BMAC patients when compared to HA patients. There were no significant differences in post-injection outcome scores when comparing PRP to BMAC.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing treatment for knee OA with PRP or BMAC can be expected to experience improved clinical outcomes when compared to HA patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

I, Meta-Analysis of Level I studies.

Effects of Running on the Development of Knee Osteoarthritis: An Updated Systematic Review at Short-Term Follow-up

Background

Some studies have suggested that running increases the risk of knee osteoarthritis (OA), while others believe it serves a protective function.

Purpose

To perform an updated systematic review of the literature to determine the effects of running on the development of knee OA.

Study Design

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

A systematic review was performed by searching the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases to identify studies evaluating the effect of cumulative running on the development of knee OA or chondral damage based on imaging and/or patient-reported outcomes (PROs). The search terms used were "knee AND osteoarthritis AND (run OR running OR runner)." Patients were evaluated based on plain radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and PROs (presence of knee pain, Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index, and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score).

Results

Seventeen studies (6 level 2 studies, 9 level 3 studies, and 2 level 4 studies), with 7194 runners and 6947 nonrunners, met the inclusion criteria. The mean follow-up time was 55.8 months in the runner group and 99.7 months in the nonrunner group. The mean age was 56.2 years in the runner group and 61.6 years in the nonrunner group. The overall percentage of men was 58.5%. There was a significantly higher prevalence of knee pain in the nonrunner group (P < .0001). Although 1 study found a significantly higher prevalence of osteophytes in the tibiofemoral (TF) and patellofemoral (PF) joints within the runner group, multiple studies found no significant differences in the prevalence of radiographic knee OA (based on TF/PF joint-space narrowing or Kellgren-Lawrence grade) or cartilage thickness on MRI between runners and nonrunners (P > .05). One study found a significantly higher risk of knee OA progressing to total knee replacement among nonrunners (4.6% vs 2.6%; P = .014).

Conclusion

In the short term, running is not associated with worsening PROs or radiological signs of knee OA and may be protective against generalized knee pain.

Meniscal and Articular Cartilage Predictors of Outcome After Revision ACL Reconstruction: A 6-Year Follow-up Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Meniscal and chondral damage is common in the patient undergoing revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

PURPOSE

To determine if meniscal and/or articular cartilage pathology at the time of revision ACL surgery significantly influences a patient's outcome at 6-year follow-up.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Patients undergoing revision ACL reconstruction were prospectively enrolled between 2006 and 2011. Data collection included baseline demographics, surgical technique, pathology, treatment, and scores from 4 validated patient-reported outcome instruments: International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Marx Activity Rating Scale. Patients were followed up at 6 years and asked to complete the identical set of outcome instruments. Regression analysis assessed the meniscal and articular cartilage pathology risk factors for clinical outcomes 6 years after revision ACL reconstruction.

RESULTS

An overall 1234 patients were enrolled (716 males, 58%; median age, 26 years). Surgeons reported the pathology at the time of revision surgery in the medial meniscus (45%), lateral meniscus (36%), medial femoral condyle (43%), lateral femoral condyle (29%), medial tibial plateau (11%), lateral tibial plateau (17%), patella (30%), and trochlea (21%). Six-year follow-up was obtained on 79% of the sample (980/1234). Meniscal pathology and articular cartilage pathology (medial femoral condyle, lateral femoral condyle, lateral tibial plateau, trochlea, and patella) were significant drivers of poorer patient-reported outcomes at 6 years (IKDC, KOOS, WOMAC, and Marx). The most consistent factors driving outcomes were having a medial meniscal excision (either before or at the time of revision surgery) and patellofemoral articular cartilage pathology. Six-year Marx activity levels were negatively affected by having either a repair/excision of the medial meniscus (odds ratio range, 1.45-1.72; P≤ .04) or grade 3-4 patellar chondrosis (odds ratio, 1.72; P = .04). Meniscal pathology occurring before the index revision surgery negatively affected scores on all KOOS subscales except for sports/recreation (P < .05). Articular cartilage pathology significantly impaired all KOOS subscale scores (P < .05). Lower baseline outcome scores, higher body mass index, being a smoker, and incurring subsequent surgery all significantly increased the odds of reporting poorer clinical outcomes at 6 years.

CONCLUSION

Meniscal and chondral pathology at the time of revision ACL reconstruction has continued significant detrimental effects on patient-reported outcomes at 6 years after revision surgery.

Program and Faculty Reputation Are Valued Most by Applicants to Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowships

Purpose

To determine the top orthopaedic surgery sports medicine fellowship programs in the United States and the most important aspects of fellowship programs as perceived by applicants.

Methods

An anonymous survey was distributed via e-mail and text message to all current/former orthopaedic surgery residents who applied to one particular orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship program during the 2017-2018 through 2021-2022 application cycles. The survey asked applicants to rank what they considered to be the top-10 orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship programs in the United States before and after completion of their application cycle, based on operative and nonoperative experience, faculty, game coverage, research, and work-life balance. Final rank was calculated by awarding 10 points for a first-place vote, 9 points for a second-place vote, etc., with total number of points used to determine final ranking for each program. Secondary outcomes included rates of applying to perceived top-10 programs, relative importance of different fellowship program aspects, and preferred type of practice.

Results

Seven-hundred sixty-one surveys were distributed with 107 applicants responding (14% response rate). Applicants voted the top orthopaedic sports medicine fellowships programs to be: (1) Steadman Philippon Research Institute, (2) Rush University Medical Center, and (3) Hospital for Special Surgery, both before and following the application cycle. When ranking fellowship program aspects, faculty members and fellowship reputation were most likely to be ranked highest in importance.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that most orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship applicants highly valued program reputation and faculty members when choosing a fellowship program and that the application/interview process did not have a substantial effect on how individuals perceived the top programs.

Clinical Relevance

The findings of this study are important for residents applying to orthopaedic sports medicine fellowships and may have implications on fellowship programs and future application cycles.

Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation

Background:

Articular cartilage lesions are a significant cause of morbidity and impaired knee function, and attempts to surgically repair damaged cartilage have failed to reliably reproduce native cartilage. Thus, osteochondral allograft transplantation is an effective one-step procedure to repair large cartilage defects.

Indications:

Osteochondral allograft transplantation is indicated for young active patients with large focal defects, those with a history of previous cartilage repair, and those with cartilage-related degenerative disorders such as osteonecrosis, osteochondritis dissecans, and/or post-traumatic osteochondral defects.

Technique Description:

In short, after the focal chondral defect is identified, a socket is created with specific dimensions in depth and diameter. The donor cartilage is then secured in a graft station, and a sizing guide is placed through a bushing to confirm the allograft harvest location. Using stabilization from the graft station arm, a coring reamer is then advanced through the donor cartilage, and a saw is used to allow for easy removal of the graft from the donor condyle. The plug is then fashioned to fit the exact dimensions of the socket created earlier in the procedure. A cut on the donor plug is made to fashion the plug to the appropriate depth. A rongeur is used to make the plug more bullet shaped at the end to allow the plug to enter the socket more easily. Small holes are then drilled into the base of the socket to help promote incorporation of the plug into the socket during the healing process. After the socket is irrigated, the plug is then placed into the socket, and a tamp is used to gently tap the cartilage until it is flush with the surrounding surface.

Results:

After an appropriate rehabilitation protocol is followed for up to 10 months postoperatively, osteochondral allograft transplantation allows for near-to-complete restoration of patient functionality and strength, with return to full activity possible within 1 year.

Conclusion:

Acute repair of large focal chondral defects is effective in restoring knee strength and functionality and is associated with high patient satisfaction. The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Pectoralis Major Tendon Repair: Transosseous Suture Technique

Background:

Pectoralis major ruptures are rare injuries that occur in young men between 20 and 40 years of age, typically during resistance training in the eccentric phase of muscle contraction. As the incidence of these ruptures increases with increasing activity levels and use of anabolic steroids, it is important to understand effective repair techniques.

Indications:

Repair of the ruptured pectoralis major tendon is indicated for young, active patients seeking to regain full functionality of the affected upper extremity.

Technique Description:

In short, after the pectoralis major is identified, the insertion site is revealed just lateral to the biceps tendon. The site for the bone trough is then exposed through cauterization of superficial tissue, and a cortical bone trough is drilled vertically using a small round burr. The location of 3 pilot holes is identified just lateral to the cortical bone trough, and then the holes are drilled to allow for placement of the anchors later in the procedure. The tendon itself is then identified, and sutures are placed in the bulk of the muscle tendon in a Krackow fashion. After the tendon is properly sutured, it is placed under tension to test the structural integrity of the suture pattern and ensure proper load capacity. The sutures are then passed through the pilot holes, the tendon is pulled down into the trough, and the sutures are tied down to the bone.

Results:

After an appropriate rehabilitation protocol is followed for up to 6 months postoperatively, the transosseous suture technique in the context of pectoralis major tendon repairs allows for adequate tissue to bone healing and near-complete restoration of patient functionality and strength.

Conclusion:

Acute repair of pectoralis major tendon tears using a transosseous suture technique is effective in restoring upper extremity strength and functionality and is associated with high patient satisfaction. The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Repair

Background:

Latissimus dorsi tendon ruptures are rare injuries that can occur in overhead or throwing motions and are almost always sports related.

Indications:

Latissimus dorsi tendon ruptures are largely treated nonoperatively, although surgical repair is indicated for the young active patient looking to return to a high level of sport and for those with complete avulsion injuries or mid-substance tendon tears.

Technique Description:

Depending on the degree of tendon retraction, anteroinferior or posteroinferior axillary incision is made. After the tendon is mobilized, sutures are placed in a Krackow fashion through the bulk of the tendon, and the tendon footprint is prepared by gently decorticating the surface of the humerus, just anterior and inferior to the teres major insertion point. Two Arthrex Pec Buttons are then loaded into the superior and inferior limbs of the suture tape and 2 unicortical holes are drilled into the footprint of the insertion site. The superior button is placed first and then tensioned to allow the latissimus dorsi to be pulled to the bone. Next, the second button is placed, though this is not tensioned until later at the time of the biceps tenodesis. Finally, the procedure is visualized and well inspected to ensure appropriate location of the tendon and securing hardware.

Results:

After an appropriate rehabilitation protocol is followed for up to 6 months postoperatively, acute repair of a ruptured latissimus dorsi tendon allows for near to complete restoration of patient functionality and strength, with return to full activity possible within 6 to 8 months.

Conclusion:

Surgical repair of a ruptured latissimus dorsi tendon is effective in restoring upper extremity strength and functionality and is associated with high patient satisfaction. The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Predictors of Mid- to Long-Term Outcomes in Patients Experiencing a Knee Dislocation: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies

Knee dislocations (KDs) are devastating injuries for patients and present complex challenges for orthopaedic surgeons. Although short-term outcomes have been studied, there are few long-term outcomes of these injuries available in the literature. The purpose of this study is to determine factors that influence mid- to long-term clinical outcomes following surgical treatment of KD. A review of the current literature was performed by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase to identify clinical studies published from 2010 to 2019 with a minimum 2-year follow-up that reported outcomes following surgical treatment of KDs. Ten studies (6 level III, 4 level IV) were included. At mid- (2-10 y) to long-term (>10 y) follow-up, concomitant arterial, cartilage, and combined meniscus damage were predictive factors for inferior Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores when compared with patients without these associated injuries. Although concomitant neurological damage may influence short-term outcomes due to decreased mobility, at longer follow-up periods it does not appear to predict worse clinical outcomes when compared with patients without concomitant neurological injury. Frank and polytrauma KDs have been associated with worse mid- to long-term outcomes when compared with transient and isolated KDs. Patients who underwent surgery within 6 weeks of trauma experienced better long-term outcomes than those who underwent surgery longer than 6 weeks after the initial injury. However, the small sample size of this study makes it difficult to make valid recommendations. Lastly, female sex, patients older than 30 years at the time of injury and a body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 kg/m² are factors that have been associated with worse mid- to long-term Lysholm and IKDC scores. The results of this review suggest that female sex, age >30 years, BMI >35 kg/m², concomitant cartilage damage, combined medial and lateral meniscal damage, KDs that do not spontaneously relocate, and KDs associated with polytrauma may predict worse results at mid- to long-term follow-up.

Autograft and Nonirradiated Allograft for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Demonstrate Similar Clinical Outcomes and Graft Failure Rates: An Updated Systematic Review

Purpose

To perform an updated systematic review comparing the clinical outcomes of autograft versus nonirradiated allograft for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Methods

A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase to identify comparative studies directly comparing outcomes of primary ACLR with autograft versus nonirradiated allograft with a minimum 2-year follow-up. The search terms used were: “anterior cruciate ligament” AND autograft AND allograft AND (irradiation OR non-irradiated). Patients were evaluated based on graft failure rates, the Objective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, anteroposterior laxity, and patient-reported outcomes (Subjective IKDC score, the visual analog scale [VAS], the Cincinnati Knee Rating System, Lysholm, and Tegner scores). Risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I and Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool for non-randomized and randomized studies, respectively.

Results

Sixteen studies (3 Level I, 7 Level II, 6 Level III) met inclusion criteria, including a total of 15,502 patients undergoing ACLR with autograft and 1,577 with nonirradiated allograft. The average follow-up ranged from 24.0 to 132.0 months. Graft failure ranged from 0% to 9.4% of patients in the autograft group and 0% to 26.5% in the allograft group. Two studies showed greater failure rates among younger patients in the allograft group. There were no significant differences between the Objective IKDC score, anteroposterior laxity, or patient-reported outcomes between the groups within any of the included studies (P > .05).

Conclusions

Autograft and nonirradiated allograft for primary ACLR demonstrate similar patient-reported outcomes and graft failure rates.

Level of Evidence

III, systematic review of level I-III studies.

Descriptive Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With and Without Tunnel Bone Grafting

BACKGROUND

Lytic or malpositioned tunnels may require bone grafting during revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (rACLR) surgery. Patient characteristics and effects of grafting on outcomes after rACLR are not well described.

PURPOSE

To describe preoperative characteristics, intraoperative findings, and 2-year outcomes for patients with rACLR undergoing bone grafting procedures compared with patients with rACLR without grafting.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

A total of 1234 patients who underwent rACLR were prospectively enrolled between 2006 and 2011. Baseline revision and 2-year characteristics, surgical technique, pathology, treatment, and patient-reported outcome instruments (International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC], Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS], Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and Marx Activity Rating Scale [Marx]) were collected, as well as subsequent surgery information, if applicable. The chi-square and analysis of variance tests were used to compare group characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 159 patients (13%) underwent tunnel grafting-64 (5%) patients underwent 1-stage and 95 (8%) underwent 2-stage grafting. Grafting was isolated to the femur in 31 (2.5%) patients, the tibia in 40 (3%) patients, and combined in 88 patients (7%). Baseline KOOS Quality of Life (QoL) and Marx activity scores were significantly lower in the 2-stage group compared with the no bone grafting group (P≤ .001). Patients who required 2-stage grafting had more previous ACLRs (P < .001) and were less likely to have received a bone-patellar tendon-bone or a soft tissue autograft at primary ACLR procedure (P≤ .021) compared with the no bone grafting group. For current rACLR, patients undergoing either 1-stage or 2-stage bone grafting were more likely to receive a bone-patellar tendon-bone allograft (P≤ .008) and less likely to receive a soft tissue autograft (P≤ .003) compared with the no bone grafting group. At 2-year follow-up of 1052 (85%) patients, we found inferior outcomes in the 2-stage bone grafting group (IKDC score = 68; KOOS QoL score = 44; KOOS Sport/Recreation score = 65; and Marx activity score = 3) compared with the no bone grafting group (IKDC score = 77; KOOS QoL score = 63; KOOS Sport/Recreation score = 75; and Marx activity score = 7) (P≤ .01). The 1-stage bone graft group did not significantly differ compared with the no bone grafting group.

CONCLUSION

Tunnel bone grafting was performed in 13% of our rACLR cohort, with 8% undergoing 2-stage surgery. Patients treated with 2-stage grafting had inferior baseline and 2-year patient-reported outcomes and activity levels compared with patients not undergoing bone grafting. Patients treated with 1-stage grafting had similar baseline and 2-year patient-reported outcomes and activity levels compared with patients not undergoing bone grafting.

Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) has emerged as a therapeutic option for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA).

PURPOSE

To systematically review the literature to evaluate the efficacy of isolated BMAC injection in the treatment of OA of the knee joint.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed by searching the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to July 2020 to identify human studies that assessed the clinical outcomes of isolated BMAC injection for the treatment of knee OA. The electronic search strategy used was "bone marrow aspirate concentrate knee osteoarthritis."

RESULTS

Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, including a total of 299 knees with a mean follow-up of 12.9 months (range, 6-30 months). Of all patient-reported outcomes assessed across studies, 34 of 36 (94.4%) demonstrated significant improvement from baseline to latest follow-up (P < .05). Five studies evaluating numerical pain scores (visual analog scale and Numeric Rating Scale) reported significant improvements in pain level at final follow-up (P < .01). However, 3 comparative studies evaluating BMAC in relation to other therapeutic injections failed to demonstrate the clinical superiority of BMAC.

CONCLUSION

The BMAC injection is effective in improving pain and patient-reported outcomes in patients with knee OA at short- to midterm follow-up. Nevertheless, BMAC has not demonstrated clinical superiority in relation to other biologic therapies commonly used in the treatment of OA, including platelet-rich plasma and microfragmented adipose tissue, or in relation to placebo. The high cost of the BMAC injection in comparison with other biologic and nonoperative treatment modalities may limit its utility despite demonstrable clinical benefit.

Returning to Activity After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Revision Surgery: An Analysis of the Multicenter Anterior Cruciate Ligament Revision Study (MARS) Cohort at 2 Years Postoperative

BACKGROUND

Patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) revision report lower outcome scores on validated knee questionnaires postoperatively compared to cohorts with primary ACL reconstruction. In a previously active population, it is unclear if patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are associated with a return to activity (RTA) or vary by sports participation level (higher level vs. recreational athletes).

HYPOTHESES

Individual RTA would be associated with improved outcomes (ie, decreased knee symptoms, pain, function) as measured using validated PROs. Recreational participants would report lower PROs compared with higher level athletes and be less likely to RTA.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

There were 862 patients who underwent a revision ACL reconstruction (rACLR) and self-reported physical activity at any level preoperatively. Those who did not RTA reported no activity 2 years after revision. Baseline data included patient characteristics, surgical history and characteristics, and PROs: International Knee Documentation Committee questionnaire, Marx Activity Rating Scale, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. A binary indicator was used to identify patients with same/better PROs versus worse outcomes compared with baseline, quantifying the magnitude of change in each direction, respectively. Multivariable regression models were used to evaluate risk factors for not returning to activity, the association of 2-year PROs after rACLR surgery by RTA status, and whether each PRO and RTA status differed by participation level.

RESULTS

At 2 years postoperatively, approximately 15% did not RTA, with current smokers (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.3; P = .001), female patients (aOR = 2.9; P < .001), recreational participants (aOR = 2.0; P = .016), and those with a previous medial meniscal excision (aOR = 1.9; P = .013) having higher odds of not returning. In multivariate models, not returning to activity was significantly associated with having worse PROs at 2 years; however, no clinically meaningful differences in PROs at 2 years were seen between participation levels.

CONCLUSION

Recreational-level participants were twice as likely to not RTA compared with those participating at higher levels. Within a previously active cohort, no RTA was a significant predictor of lower PROs after rACLR. However, among patients who did RTA after rACLR, approximately 20% reported lower outcome scores. Most patients with rACLR who were active at baseline improved over time; however, patients who reported worse outcomes at 2 years had a clinically meaningful decline across all PROs.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Hyaluronic Acid for Hip Osteoarthritis Yields Similarly Beneficial Short-Term Clinical Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Level I and II Randomized Controlled Trials

PURPOSE

To systematically review the literature to compare the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) injections for the treatment of hip osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase to identify randomized controlled trials that compared the clinical efficacy of PRP and HA injections for hip OA. The search phrase used was hip, osteoarthritis, platelet-rich plasma, hyaluronic acid, randomized. Patients were assessed based on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and the Harris Hip Score (HHS). Subanalyses were performed for any outcome score in which ≥3 studies reported results.

RESULTS

Six studies (5 level I, 1 level II) met inclusion criteria, including 211 patients undergoing intra-articular injection with PRP (mean age 60.0 years, mean follow-up 12.2 months) and 197 patients with HA (mean age 62.3 years, mean follow-up 11.9 months). No significant differences were found in the weighted improvement of any outcome score (WOMAC, VAS, or HHS) from preinjection to postinjection between groups. When excluding a study with the highest risk of bias to eliminate heterogeneity, pooled subanalysis demonstrated no significant differences in WOMAC subscores between PRP and HA groups. Similarly, in a pooled subanalysis that isolated patients treated with leukocyte-poor PRP, no significant differences in WOMAC subscores were found between PRP and HA groups.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing treatment for hip OA with either PRP or HA injections can expect to experience similarly beneficial short-term clinical outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II, systematic review of level I and II studies.

Factors Associated With Shoulder Activity Level at Time of Surgery and at 2-Year Follow-up in Patients Undergoing Shoulder Stabilization Surgery

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing shoulder stabilization surgery have been shown to have elevated activity levels. Factors associated with shoulder activity in this patient population at baseline and after surgery are unknown.

HYPOTHESIS

Patient-specific variables are associated with shoulder activity level at baseline and at 2-year follow-up in a cohort of patients undergoing shoulder stabilization surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

Patients undergoing shoulder stabilization surgery were prospectively enrolled. As part of the data collection process, patients completed a previously validated Shoulder Activity Scale. A regression analysis was performed to assess the association of patient characteristics with baseline and 2-year follow-up shoulder activity levels.

RESULTS

A total of 764 (n = 612 men, n = 152 women) out of 957 patients (80%) undergoing shoulder stabilization surgery with a median age of 25 years had baseline and 2-year follow-up data and were included in the current analysis. The baseline shoulder activity level was associated with race ( P < .0001) and preoperative duration of instability (P < .0001). At 2 years, 52% of the cohort had returned to the same or higher activity level after surgery. Predictors of higher shoulder activity level at 2-year follow-up included higher baseline activity level (P < .0001), male sex (P < .0001), younger age (P = .004), higher body mass index (BMI) (P = .03), more dislocations (P = .03), nonsmokers (P = .04), and race (P = .04).

CONCLUSION

A longer duration of preoperative symptoms was associated with a lower baseline activity in this cohort. High baseline preoperative shoulder activity, younger age, male sex, higher BMI, number of dislocations, and nonsmoking status predicted higher shoulder activity 2 years after shoulder stabilization surgery.

REGISTRATION

NCT02075775 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Obesity and sex influence fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff: the Rotator Cuff Outcomes Workgroup (ROW) and Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) cohorts

BACKGROUND

Fatty infiltration (FI) is one of the most important prognostic factors for outcomes after rotator cuff surgery. Established risk factors include advancing age, larger tear size, and increased tear chronicity. A growing body of evidence suggests that sex and obesity are associated with FI; however, data are limited.

METHODS

We recruited 2 well-characterized multicenter cohorts of patients with rotator cuff tears (Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network [MOON] cohort [n = 80] and Rotator Cuff Outcomes Workgroup [ROW] cohort [n = 158]). We used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the presence of FI while adjusting for the participant's age at magnetic resonance imaging, sex, and duration of shoulder symptoms, as well as the cross-sectional area of the tear. We analyzed the 2 cohorts separately and performed a meta-analysis to combine estimates.

RESULTS

A total of 27 patients (33.8%) in the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) cohort and 57 patients (36.1%) in the Rotator Cuff Outcomes Workgroup (ROW) cohort had FI. When BMI < 25 kg/m2 was used as the reference category, being overweight was associated with a 2.37-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77-7.29) increased odds of FI and being obese was associated with a 3.28-fold (95% CI, 1.16-9.25) increased odds of FI. Women were 4.9 times (95% CI, 2.06-11.69) as likely to have FI as men.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with rotator cuff tears, obese patients had a substantially higher likelihood of FI. Further research is needed to assess whether modifying BMI can alter FI in patients with rotator cuff tears. This may have significant clinical implications for presurgical surgical management of rotator cuff tears. Sex was also significantly associated with FI, with women having higher odds of FI than men. Higher odds of FI in female patients may also explain previously reported early suboptimal outcomes of rotator cuff surgery and higher pain levels in female patients as compared with male patients.

Knotted Transosseous-Equivalent Technique for Rotator Cuff Repair Shows Superior Biomechanical Properties Compared With a Knotless Technique: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To compare the biomechanical properties of the knotted versus knotless transosseous-equivalent (TOE) techniques for rotator cuff repair (RCR).

METHODS

A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library to identify studies that compared the biomechanical properties of knotted and knotless TOE RCR techniques. The search phrase used was as follows: (Double Row) AND (rotator cuff) AND (repair) AND (biomechanical). Evaluated properties included ultimate load to failure, cyclic displacement, stiffness, footprint characteristics, and failure mode.

RESULTS

Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, including a total of 67 specimens in each group. Of 6 studies reporting on ultimate load to failure, 4 found tendons repaired with the knotted TOE technique to experience significantly higher ultimate load to failure compared with knotless TOE repairs (knotted range, 323.5-549.0 N; knotless range, 166.0-416.8 N; P < .05). Of 6 studies reporting on failure stiffness, 2 found knotted TOE repairs to have significantly higher failure stiffness compared with knotless TOE repairs (knotted range, 30.0-241.8 N/mm; knotless range, 28.0-182.5 N/mm; P < .05), whereas 1 study found significantly higher failure stiffness in knotless TOE repairs compared with knotted TOE repairs (P = .039). Cyclic gap formation favored the knotted TOE group in 2 of 3 studies (knotted range, 0.6-5.2 mm; knotless range, 0.4-9.1 mm; P < .05). The most common mode of failure in both groups was suture tendon tear.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of the included cadaveric studies, rotator cuff tendons repaired via the knotted TOE technique display superior time-zero biomechanical properties, including greater ultimate load to failure, compared with rotator cuffs repaired via the knotless TOE technique. Suture tearing through the tendon remains a common failure method for both techniques.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The results of this systematic review provide helpful insight into the biomechanical differences between 2 popular techniques for RCR. Although these results should be carefully considered by surgeons who are using either of these techniques in the operating room, they should not be mistaken for direct clinical applicability because cadaveric studies may not directly correlate to clinical outcomes.

Shoulder Surgery as an Effective Treatment for Shoulder-Related Sleep Disturbance: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the current literature in an effort to investigate sleep quality and disturbances and the association with clinical outcomes of patients undergoing shoulder surgery.

METHODS

A systematic review of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. All English-language literature reporting clinical outcomes and sleep quality and disturbance after shoulder surgery was reviewed by 2 independent reviewers. Outcomes assessed included patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and sleep quality. Specific PROs included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, Simple Shoulder Test (SST), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Rating Scale, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score (ASES). Study methodology was assessed using the Modified Coleman Methodology Score. Descriptive statistics are presented.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies (11 level IV, 2 level III, 3 level II) with a total of 2748 shoulders were included (age, 12-91 years; follow-up, 0.25-132 months). In total, 2198 shoulders underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR), 131 shoulders underwent arthroscopic capsular release, 372 shoulders underwent total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), 18 shoulders underwent comprehensive arthroscopic management, and 29 shoulders underwent sternoclavicular joint procedures. All shoulder surgeries improved self-reported sleep and PROs from before to after surgery. In RCR patients, PSQI scores were significantly associated with VAS scores, SST scores (r = 0.453, r = -0.490, P < .05, respectively), but not significantly associated with UCLA Shoulder rating scale or the ASES scores (r = 0.04, r = 0.001, P > .05, respectively). In TSA patients, PSQI scores were significantly associated with ASES scores (r = -0.08, P < .05). All 4 RCR studies and 1 TSA study using PSQI found significant improvements in mean PSQI scores within 6 to 24 months (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical intervention for rotator cuff tear and glenohumeral osteoarthritis significantly improves self-reported sleep in patients with shoulder pain. However, there remains a dearth of available studies assessing the effects of surgical intervention for adhesive capsulitis, sternoclavicular joint instability, and sternoclavicular osteoarthritis on sleep. Future studies should use sleep-specific PROs and quantitative measures of sleep to further elucidate the relationship between sleep and the effect of shoulder surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level II-IV studies.

Shoulder Stabilization Versus Immobilization for First-Time Anterior Shoulder Dislocation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Level 1 Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Multiple studies have compared redislocation rates after stabilization and immobilization for patients experiencing a traumatic, first-time anterior shoulder dislocation (ASD).

PURPOSE

To systematically review the literature to compare rates of recurrent instability and subsequent instability surgery in patients undergoing treatment for a first-time ASD with surgical stabilization versus shoulder immobilization.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 1.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase to identify level 1 randomized studies that compared outcomes of surgical stabilization versus immobilization for treatment of primary ASD. The following search phrase was used: (glenohumeral OR anterior shoulder) AND (conservative OR nonoperative OR nonsurgical OR physiotherapy) AND (Bankart OR repair OR stabilization OR surgical OR surgery OR arthroscopic OR arthroscopy) AND (instability OR dislocation). Patients with soft tissue disruption alone as well as those with additional minor bony lesions (Hill-Sachs, Bankart) were included. Recurrent instability and subsequent instability surgery rates, the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), and range of motion were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 5 studies met inclusion criteria, including 126 patients undergoing surgical stabilization (mean age, 23.6 years; range, 15.0-39.0 years) and 133 patients undergoing treatment with sling immobilization only (mean age, 23.1 years; range, 15.0-31.0 years). Mean follow-up was 59.7 months. Overall, 6.3% of operative patients experienced recurrent instability at latest follow-up compared with 46.6% of nonoperative patients (P < .00001). Similarly, 4.0% of operative patients underwent a subsequent instability surgery compared with 30.8% of nonoperative patients (P < .00001). These same trends were demonstrated when data were isolated to nonoperative patients immobilized in internal rotation. When comparing the operative and nonoperative groups at latest follow-up, 1 study found significantly improved WOSI scores among operative patients (P = .035) and 1 study found significantly improved abducted external rotation in nonoperative patients (P = .02).

CONCLUSION

Patients, particularly active men in their 20s and 30s, undergoing treatment for a first-time ASD with a surgical stabilization procedure can be expected to experience significantly lower rates of recurrent instability and a significantly decreased need for a future stabilization procedure when compared with patients treated nonoperatively.

Biomechanical Testing of Suture Anchor Versus Transosseous Tunnel Technique for Quadriceps Tendon Repair Yields Similar Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Purpose

To systematically review the literature to evaluate the biomechanical properties of the suture anchor (SA) versus transosseous tunnel (TO) techniques for quadriceps tendon (QT) repair.

Methods

A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase using PRISMA guidelines to identify studies that evaluated the biomechanical properties of SA and TO techniques for repair of a ruptured QT. The search phrase used was “quadriceps tendon repair biomechanics”. Evaluated properties included ultimate load to failure (N), displacement (mm), stiffness (N/mm), and mode of failure.

Results

Five studies met inclusion criteria, including a total of 72 specimens undergoing QT repair via the SA technique and 42 via the TO technique. Three of 4 studies found QTs repaired with SA to have significantly less elongation upon initial cyclic loading when compared to QTs repaired with the TO technique (P < .05). Three of 5 studies found QTs repaired with SA to have significantly less elongation upon final cyclic loading when compared to QTs repaired with the TO technique (P < .05). The pooled analysis from 4 studies reporting on initial displacement showed a statistically significant difference in favor of the SA group compared to the TO group (P = .03). The pooled analysis from studies reporting on secondary displacement and ultimate load to failure showed no significant difference between the SA and TO groups (P > .05). The most common mode of failure in both groups was suture slippage.

Conclusion

On the basis of the included cadaveric studies, QTs repaired via the SA technique have less initial displacement upon cyclic testing when compared to QTs repaired via the TO technique. However, final displacement and ultimate load to failure outcomes did not reveal differences between the two fixation strategies. Knot slippage remains a common failure method for both strategies.

Fascia Iliaca Block for Postoperative Pain Control After Hip Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Various analgesic modalities have been used to improve postoperative pain in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy.

PURPOSE

To systematically review the literature to compare the efficacy of the fascia iliaca block (FIB) with that of other analgesic modalities after hip arthroscopy in terms of postoperative pain scores and analgesic consumption.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase up to April 2020 to identify randomized controlled trials that compared postoperative pain and analgesic consumption in patients after hip arthroscopy with FIB versus other pain control modalities. The search phrase used was "hip arthroscopy fascia iliaca randomized." Patients were evaluated based on postoperative pain scores and total postoperative analgesic consumption.

RESULTS

Five studies (3 level 1, 2 level 2) were identified that met inclusion criteria, including 157 patients undergoing hip arthroscopy with FIB (mean age, 38.3 years; 44.6% men) and 159 patients among the following comparison groups: lumbar plexus block (LPB), intra-articular ropivacaine (IAR), local anesthetic infiltration (LAI), saline placebo, and a no-block control group (overall mean age, 36.2 years; 36.5% men). No significant differences in pain scores were reported in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) between the FIB and LPB (3.4 vs 2.9; P = .054), IAR (7.7 vs 7.9; P = .72), control group (no FIB: 4.1 vs 3.8; P = .76); or saline placebo (difference, -0.2 [95% CI, -1.1 to 0.7]). One study reported significantly higher pain scores at 1 hour postoperation in the FIB group compared with the LAI group (5.5 vs 3.4; P = .02). Another study reported significantly greater total analgesic consumption (in morphine equivalent dosing) in the PACU among the FIB group compared with the LPB group (20.8 vs 17.0; P = .02). No significant differences were observed in total PACU analgesic consumption between FIB and other analgesic modalities.

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing hip arthroscopy, the FIB does not appear to demonstrate superiority to other forms of analgesics in the immediate postoperative period. Therefore, it is not recommended as a routine form of pain control for these procedures.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Concomitant Meniscal Repair: Is Graft Choice Predictive of Meniscal Repair Success?

Background

When meniscal repair is performed during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR), the effect of ACL graft type on meniscal repair outcomes is unclear.

Hypothesis

The authors hypothesized that meniscal repairs would fail at the lowest rate when concomitant ACLR was performed with bone--patellar tendon--bone (BTB) autograft.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Patients who underwent meniscal repair at primary ACLR were identified from a longitudinal, prospective cohort. Meniscal repair failures, defined as any subsequent surgical procedure addressing the meniscus, were identified. A logistic regression model was built to assess the association of graft type, patient-specific factors, baseline Marx activity rating score, and meniscal repair location (medial or lateral) with repair failure at 6-year follow-up.

Results

A total of 646 patients were included. Grafts used included BTB autograft (55.7%), soft tissue autograft (33.9%), and various allografts (10.4%). We identified 101 patients (15.6%) with a documented meniscal repair failure. Failure occurred in 74 of 420 (17.6%) isolated medial meniscal repairs, 15 of 187 (8%) isolated lateral meniscal repairs, and 12 of 39 (30.7%) of combined medial and lateral meniscal repairs. Meniscal repair failure occurred in 13.9% of patients with BTB autografts, 17.4% of patients with soft tissue autografts, and 19.4% of patients with allografts. The odds of failure within 6 years of index surgery were increased more than 2-fold with allograft versus BTB autograft (odds ratio = 2.34 [95% confidence interval, 1.12-4.92]; P = .02). There was a trend toward increased meniscal repair failures with soft tissue versus BTB autografts (odds ratio = 1.41 [95% confidence interval, 0.87-2.30]; P = .17). The odds of failure were 68% higher with medial versus lateral repairs (P < .001). There was a significant relationship between baseline Marx activity level and the risk of subsequent meniscal repair failure; patients with either very low (0-1 points) or very high (15-16 points) baseline activity levels were at the highest risk (P = .004).

Conclusion

Meniscal repair location (medial vs lateral) and baseline activity level were the main drivers of meniscal repair outcomes. Graft type was ranked third, demonstrating that meniscal repairs performed with allograft were 2.3 times more likely to fail compared with BTB autograft. There was no significant difference in failure rates between BTB versus soft tissue autografts.

Registration

NCT00463099 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Articular Cartilage and Meniscus Predictors of Patient-Reported Outcomes 10 Years After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Multicenter Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Articular cartilage and meniscal damage are commonly encountered and often treated at the time of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Our understanding of how these injuries and their treatment relate to outcomes of ACLR is still evolving.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess whether articular cartilage and meniscal variables are predictive of 10-year outcomes after ACLR. We hypothesized that articular cartilage lesions and meniscal tears and treatment would be predictors of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) (all 5 subscales), and Marx activity level outcomes at 10-year follow-up after ACLR.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 1.

METHODS

Between 2002 and 2008, individuals with ACLR were prospectively enrolled and followed longitudinally using the IKDC, KOOS, and Marx activity score completed at entry, 2, 6, and 10 years. A proportional odds logistic regression model was built incorporating variables from patient characteristics, surgical technique, articular cartilage injuries, and meniscal tears and treatment to determine the predictors (risk factors) of IKDC, KOOS, and Marx outcomes at 10 years.

RESULTS

A total of 3273 patients were enrolled (56% male; median age, 23 years at time of enrollment). Ten-year follow-up was obtained on 79% (2575/3273) of the cohort. Incidence of concomitant pathology at the time of surgery consisted of the following: articular cartilage (medial femoral condyle [MFC], 22%; lateral femoral condyle [LFC], 15%; medial tibial plateau [MTP], 4%; lateral tibial plateau [LTP], 11%; patella, 18%; trochlea, 8%) and meniscal pathology (medial, 37%; lateral, 46%). Variables that were predictive of poorer 10-year outcomes included articular cartilage damage in the patellofemoral (P < .01) and medial (P < .05) compartments and previous medial meniscal surgery (7% of knees; P < .04). Compared with no meniscal tear, a meniscal injury was not associated with 10-year outcomes. Medial meniscal repair at the time of ACLR was associated with worse 10-year outcomes for 2 of 5 KOOS subscales, while a medial meniscal repair in knees with grade 2 MFC chondrosis was associated with better outcomes on 2 KOOS subscales.

CONCLUSION

Articular cartilage injury in the patellofemoral and medial compartments at the time of ACLR and a history of medial meniscal surgery before ACLR were associated with poorer 10-year ACLR patient-reported outcomes, but meniscal injury present at the time of ACLR was not. There was limited and conflicting association of medial meniscal repair with these outcomes.

Risk of Infection in Knee Arthroscopy Patients Undergoing Corticosteroid Injections in the Perioperative Period

Background:

Recent evidence suggests that there may be an increased risk of infection for patients undergoing a corticosteroid injection before, during, or after knee arthroscopy.

Purpose:

To systematically review the literature to evaluate the risk of postoperative infection in patients undergoing intra-articular corticosteroid injections (CSI) before, during, or after knee arthroscopy.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed by searching the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases to identify studies that evaluated the rate of postoperative infection in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy who received an intra-articular CSI during the perioperative period. The search phrase used was “knee AND arthroscopy AND injection AND (infection OR revision).” A subanalysis was also performed to analyze infection rates based on the timing of the corticosteroid injection in relation to arthroscopy.

Results:

Four studies met the inclusion criteria, representing 11,925 patients undergoing knee arthroscopy with an intra-articular CSI administered during the perioperative period (mean follow-up, 5.3 months) and 247,329 patients without a corticosteroid injection during the perioperative period (mean follow-up, 5.9 months). Patients who received an injection experienced a statistically significantly higher rate of postoperative infection (2.2%) when compared with patients who did not receive an injection (1.1%; P < .001). When analyzed by the timing of the injection, patients receiving an injection preoperatively or intraoperatively experienced a statistically significantly higher rate of postoperative infection (3% and 2.6%, respectively) when compared with patients receiving an injection postoperatively (1.4%; P = .001 for both).

Conclusion:

Patients undergoing knee arthroscopy who receive an intra-articular CSI during the perioperative period can be expected to experience significantly higher postoperative infection rates when compared with patients not receiving an injection. Furthermore, patients receiving a corticosteroid injection pre- or intraoperatively may experience significantly higher rates of postoperative infection when compared with patients receiving an injection postoperatively.

Bilateral total shoulder arthroplasty: A systematic review of clinical outcomes

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical outcomes following bilateral total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA).

METHODS

A systematic search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases following PRISMA guidelines was performed. English-language literature published from 2010 to 2018 analyzing bilateral TSA (anatomic and/or reverse) with a minimum one-year follow-up was reviewed by two independent reviewers. Study quality was evaluated with the Modified Coleman Methodology Score and the methodological index for non-randomized studies score.

RESULTS

Eleven studies (1 Level II, 3 Level III, 7 Level IV) with 292 patients were included. Two studies reported on bilateral anatomic TSA (n = 54), six reported on bilateral reverse TSA (RTSA; n = 168), two reported on anatomic TSA with contralateral RTSA (TSA/RTSA; n = 31), and one compared bilateral anatomic TSA (n = 26) and bilateral RTSA (n = 13). Among studies, mean revision rate ranged from 0% to 10.53% and mean complication rate ranged from 4.9% to 31.3%. At final follow-up, patients experienced significant overall improvements in range of motion and patient-reported outcome score measurements. However, bilateral anatomic TSA resulted in greater improvements in external rotation compared to bilateral RTSA. Overall patient satisfaction was 91.0%.

CONCLUSION

The available data indicate that bilateral TSA allows for functional and pain improvements and result in high patient satisfaction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Association Between Graft Choice and 6-Year Outcomes of Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in the MARS Cohort

BACKGROUND

Although graft choice may be limited in the revision setting based on previously used grafts, most surgeons believe that graft choice for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is an important factor related to outcome.

HYPOTHESIS

In the ACL revision setting, there would be no difference between autograft and allograft in rerupture rate and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) at 6-year follow-up.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

Patients who had revision surgery were identified and prospectively enrolled in this cohort study by 83 surgeons over 52 sites. Data collected included baseline characteristics, surgical technique and pathology, and a series of validated PRO measures. Patients were followed up at 6 years and asked to complete the identical set of PRO instruments. Incidence of additional surgery and reoperation because of graft failure were also recorded. Multivariable regression models were used to determine the predictors (risk factors) of PROs, graft rerupture, and reoperation at 6 years after revision surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 1234 patients including 716 (58%) men were enrolled. A total of 325 (26%) underwent revision using a bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) autograft; 251 (20%), soft tissue autograft; 289 (23%), BTB allograft; 302 (25%), soft tissue allograft; and 67 (5%), other graft. Questionnaires and telephone follow-up for subsequent surgery information were obtained for 809 (66%) patients, while telephone follow-up was only obtained for an additional 128 patients for the total follow-up on 949 (77%) patients. Graft choice was a significant predictor of 6-year Marx Activity Rating Scale scores (P = .024). Specifically, patients who received a BTB autograft for revision reconstruction had higher activity levels than did patients who received a BTB allograft (odds ratio [OR], 1.92; 95% CI, 1.25-2.94). Graft rerupture was reported in 5.8% (55/949) of patients by their 6-year follow-up: 3.5% (16/455) of patients with autografts and 8.4% (37/441) of patients with allografts. Use of a BTB autograft for revision resulted in patients being 4.2 times less likely to sustain a subsequent graft rupture than if a BTB allograft were utilized (P = .011; 95% CI, 1.56-11.27). No significant differences were found in graft rerupture rates between BTB autograft and soft tissue autografts (P = .87) or between BTB autografts and soft tissue allografts (P = .36). Use of an autograft was found to be a significant predictor of having fewer reoperations within 6 years compared with using an allograft (P = .010; OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.36-0.87).

CONCLUSION

BTB and soft tissue autografts had a decreased risk in graft rerupture compared with BTB allografts. BTB autografts were associated with higher activity level than were BTB allografts at 6 years after revision reconstruction. Surgeons and patients should consider this information when choosing a graft for revision ACL reconstruction.

Beach Chair Versus Lateral Decubitus Position: Differences in Suture Anchor Position and Number During Arthroscopic Anterior Shoulder Stabilization

BACKGROUND

Arthroscopic shoulder capsulolabral repair using glenoid-based suture anchor fixation provides consistently favorable outcomes for patients with anterior glenohumeral instability. To optimize outcomes, inferior anchor position, especially at the 6-o'clock position, has been emphasized. Proponents of both the beach-chair (BC) and lateral decubitus (LD) positions advocate that this anchor location can be consistently achieved in both positions.

HYPOTHESIS

Patient positioning would be associated with the surgeon-reported labral tear length, total number of anchors used, number of anchors in the inferior glenoid, and placement of an anchor at the 6-o'clock position.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

This study was a cross-sectional analysis of a prospective multicenter cohort of patients undergoing primary arthroscopic anterior capsulolabral repair. Patient positioning in the BC versus LD position was determined by the operating surgeon and was not randomized. At the time of operative intervention, surgeon-reported labral tear length, total anchor number, anchor number in the inferior glenoid, and anchor placement at the 6-o'clock position were evaluated between BC and LD cohorts. Descriptive statistics and between-group differences (continuous: t test [normal distributions], Wilcoxon rank sum test [nonnormal distributions], and chi-square test [categorical]) were assessed.

RESULTS

In total, 714 patients underwent arthroscopic anterior capsulolabral repair (BC vs LD, 406 [56.9%] vs 308 [43.1%]). The surgeon-reported labral tear length was greater for patients having surgery in the LD position (BC vs LD [mean ± SD], 123.5°± 49° vs 132.3°± 44°; P = .012). The LD position was associated with more anchors placed in the inferior glenoid and more frequent placement of anchors at the 6-o'clock (BC vs LD, 22.4% vs 51.6%; P < .001). The LD position was more frequently associated with utilization of ≥4 total anchors (BC vs LD, 33.5% vs 46.1%; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Surgeons utilizing the LD position for arthroscopic capsulolabral repair in patients with anterior shoulder instability more frequently placed anchors in the inferior glenoid and at the 6-o'clock position. Additionally, surgeon-reported labral tear length was longer when utilizing the LD position. These results suggest that patient positioning may influence the total number of anchors used, the number of anchors used in the inferior glenoid, and the frequency of anchor placement at the 6 o'clock position during arthroscopic capsulolabral repair for anterior shoulder instability. How these findings affect clinical outcomes warrants further study.

REGISTRATION

NCT02075775 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

A Systematic Review of Basic Science and Animal Studies on the Use of Doxycycline to Reduce the Risk of Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture/Transection

BACKGROUND

Posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) after injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is common.

PURPOSE

To perform a systematic review of basic science and animal studies to determine the effect of doxycycline treatment on the prevention of PTOA after ACL rupture/transection.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed by searching the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases to identify basic science and animal studies evaluating the effect of doxycycline treatment on the prevention of PTOA of the knee joint after ACL/cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury. The search phrase used was "doxycycline cruciate ligament." Inclusion criteria were basic science and animal studies evaluating the effect of oral administration of doxycycline in ACL/CCL-deficient animals with or without a control group.

RESULTS

Seven studies met inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. Five studies were performed in dogs, 1 in rabbits, and 1 in mice. Overall, the effects of doxycycline treatment on the prevention of PTOA after ACL/CCL rupture/transection were mixed. In dogs, no significant effects of doxycycline treatment were found in terms of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, while a mouse study found significantly lower MMP-13 expression on the tibia in doxycycline-treated animals, suggesting that doxycycline may protect against proteoglycan loss and decrease osteoarthritis progression. Cartilage nitric oxide concentrations were lower in doxycycline-treated dogs compared with untreated dogs, suggesting decreased cartilage degradation among doxycycline-treated dogs, although there were no significant effects on cartilage stromelysin levels with no significant effects in terms of physiological remodeling or catabolism of cartilage. Bone formation or resorption was not found to be affected by doxycycline treatment. One study demonstrated a substantial beneficial effect of doxycycline on gross morphology of the medial femoral condyle. Doxycycline was found to conserve bone strain energy density and appeared to limit subchondral bone loss in 1 study.

CONCLUSION

Based on the limited available animal studies, doxycycline appears to demonstrate some benefits in the prevention of PTOA after ACL/CCL rupture/transection. Additional studies are needed to further characterize the potential benefits, side effects, dosage, and duration of this treatment after ACL injury in human patients.

Primary Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation of the Knee Versus Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation After Failed Marrow Stimulation: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Marrow stimulation (MST) surgery, which includes microfracture, subchondral drilling, and abrasion arthroplasty, and autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) are 2 surgical options to treat articular cartilage lesions in the knee joint. Recent studies have suggested worse outcomes when ACI is used after failed MST.

PURPOSE

To investigate the failure rates and clinical outcomes of primary knee ACI versus ACI after failed MST surgery (secondary ACI).

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed by searching the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases to identify studies evaluating clinical outcomes of patients undergoing primary versus secondary ACI of the knee joint. The search terms used were as follows: "knee" AND ("autologous chondrocyte implantation" OR "osteochondral allograft") AND (microfracture OR "marrow stimulation"). Patients undergoing primary ACI (group A) were compared with those undergoing secondary ACI (group B) based on treatment failure rates and patient-reported outcomes (PROs).

RESULTS

Seven studies (2 level 2 studies, 5 level 3 studies) were identified and met inclusion criteria, including a total of 1335 patients (group A: n = 838; group B: n = 497). The average patient age in all studies was 34.2 years, and the average lesion size was 5.43 cm². Treatment failure occurred in 14.0% of patients in group A and 27.6% of patients in group B (P < .00001). Four studies reported PROs. One study found significantly better Subjective International Knee Documentation Committee scores (P = .011), visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores (P = .028), and VAS function scores (P = .005) in group A. Another study found significantly better Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) Pain scores (P = .034), KOOS Activities of Daily Living scores (P = .024), VAS pain scores (P = .014), and VAS function scores (P = .032) in group A. Two studies found no significant difference in PROs between groups A and B (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Patient-reported improvement can be expected in patients undergoing primary or secondary ACI of the knee joint. Patients undergoing secondary ACI have a significantly higher risk of treatment failure and may have worse subjective outcomes compared with patients undergoing primary ACI.

Male Sex, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index Score, and Sport as Predictors of Large Labral Tears of the Shoulder: A Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) Shoulder Instability Cohort Study

PURPOSE

To identify factors predictive of a large labral tear at the time of shoulder instability surgery.

METHODS

As part of the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) Shoulder Instability cohort, patients undergoing open or arthroscopic shoulder instability surgery for a labral tear were evaluated. Patients with >270° tears were defined as having large labral tears. To build a predictive logistic regression model for large tears, the Feasible Solutions Algorithm was used to add significant interaction effects.

RESULTS

After applying exclusion criteria, 1235 patients were available for analysis. There were 222 females (18.0%) and 1013 males (82.0%) in the cohort, with an average age of 24.7 years (range 12 to 66). The prevalence of large tears was 4.6% (n = 57), with the average tear size being 141.9°. Males accounted for significantly more of the large tears seen in the cohort (94.7%, P = .01). Racquet sports (P = .01), swimming (P = .02), softball (P = .05), skiing (P = .04), and golf (P = .04) were all associated with large labral tears, as was a higher Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI; P = .01). Age, race, history of dislocation, and injury during sport were not associated with having a larger tear. Using our predictive logistic regression model for large tears, patients with a larger body mass index (BMI) who played contact sports were also more likely to have large tears (P = .007).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple factors were identified as being associated with large labral tears at the time of surgery, including male sex, preoperative WOSI score, and participation in certain sports including racquet sports, softball, skiing, swimming, and golf.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

I, prognostic study.

Subpectoral versus suprapectoral biceps tenodesis yields similar clinical outcomes: a systematic review

IMPORTANCE

Arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis (ABT) and open subpectoral biceps tenodesis (OBT) are two surgical treatment options for relief of long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) pathology and superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) tears. There is insufficient knowledge regarding the clinical superiority of one technique over the other.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the literature in order to compare the clinical outcomes and safety of ABT and OBT for treatment of LHBT or SLAP pathology.

EVIDENCE REVIEW

A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Embase to identify studies that compared the clinical efficacy of ABT versus OBT. The search phrase used was: (bicep OR biceps OR biceps brachii OR long head of biceps brachii OR biceps tendinopathy) AND (tenodesis). Patients were assessed based on the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score, the visual analogue scale, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Constant-Murley Score, clinical failure, range of motion, bicipital groove pain and strength. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed, and both the Cochrane Collaboration's and Risk of Bias in Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) risk of bias tools were used to evaluate risk of bias.

FINDINGS

Eight studies (one level I, seven level III) met inclusion criteria, including 326 patients undergoing ABT and 381 patients undergoing OBT. No differences were found in treatment failure rates or patient-reported outcome scores between groups in any study. One study found OBT patients to experience significantly increased range of shoulder forward flexion when compared with ABT patients (p=0.049). Two studies found ABT patients to experience significantly more postoperative stiffness when compared with OBT patients (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing ABT and OBT can be expected to experience similar improvements in clinical outcomes at latest follow-up without differences treatment failure or functional performance. ABT patients may experience an increased incidence of stiffness in the early postoperative period.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

The Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee: An Updated Systematic Review of Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Clinical Outcomes

PURPOSE

To perform an updated systematic review of the anatomy, biomechanics, function of the anterolateral ligament (ALL), and the clinical outcomes of anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) when performed in conjunction with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

METHODS

A systematic search of the literature was performed by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase with the search phrase anterolateral ligament for articles published from February 2017 to May 2020. Inclusion criteria included studies that evaluated the anatomy, function, or biomechanics of the ALL; surgical technique articles on ALLR; clinical articles reporting outcomes of ALLR; studies published in English; and full-text articles. Exclusion criteria included studies published before February 2017. A subjective synthesis was performed, in which ranges were reported, and individual study data were presented in forest plots.

RESULTS

Overall, 40 articles were included in this systematic review, with 11 articles describing ALL anatomy, 14 articles analyzing ALL function and biomechanics, 7 articles discussing the surgical technique of combined ACLR and ALLR (ACLR/ALLR), and 8 articles describing the clinical outcomes of ACLR/ALLR. The addition of ALLR in combination with ACLR (ACLR+) results in lower graft failure rates for ACLR/ALLR (0.0%-15.7%) when compared with isolated ACLR (I-ACLR) patients (7.4%-21.7%). Three of 5 studies using the Subjective International Knee Documentation Committee score, 2 of 5 studies using the Lysholm score, and 1 of 2 studies using the Tegner score reported significantly better scores at latest follow-up among ACLR+ patients compared with I-ACLR (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The ALL acts as a secondary stabilizer to the anterior cruciate ligament and helps resist internal knee rotation and anterior tibial translation. Based on the current literature, combined ACLR with ALLR may result in lower graft failure rates and improved patient-reported outcomes when compared with I-ACLR in patients with specific indications, although several studies have shown equivalent outcomes between these 2 cohorts.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The contents of this review provide great insight for orthopaedic surgeons who are performing ACLR and considering additional procedures to increase overall knee stability and decrease likeliness for re-rupture. The postoperative functional and clinical outcomes shown in patients undergoing ACLR+ compared with I-ACLR should be given proper consideration when evaluating available treatment courses.

Clinical Outcomes Associated With Preoperative Opioid Use in Various Shoulder Surgical Procedures: A Systematic Review

Background:

The impact of preoperative opioid use on outcomes after shoulder surgery is unknown.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

To examine the role of preoperative opioid use on outcomes in patients after shoulder surgery. We hypothesized that preoperative opioid use in shoulder surgery will result in increased postoperative pain and functional deficits when compared with nonuse.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Included were all English-language studies comparing clinical outcomes of shoulder surgery in patients who used opioids preoperatively (opioid group) as well as patients who did not (nonopioid group) with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Outcomes included range of motion, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Constant-Murley score, and visual analog scale for pain. Study quality was evaluated with the Modified Coleman Methodology Score and the MINORS score (Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies).

Results:

Included were 5 studies (level 2, n = 1; level 3, n = 4): Two studies were on total shoulder arthroplasty, 2 on reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, 1 on both, and 1 on arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. There were 827 patients overall: 290 in the opioid group (age, 63.2 ± 4.0 years [mean ± SD]; follow-up, 38.9 ± 7.5 months) and 537 in the nonopioid group (age, 66.0 ± 4.7 years; follow-up, 39.5 ± 8.1 months). The opioid group demonstrated significantly worse pre- and postoperative visual analog scale and Constant-Murley score pain scores as compared with the nonopioid group. Mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores were significantly lower in the opioid group at pre- and postoperative time points as compared with the nonopioid group (P < .05 for all). However, both groups experienced similar improvement in outcomes pre- to postoperatively. One study showed that the opioid group consumed significantly more opioids postoperatively than the nonopioid group and for a longer duration (P < .05). The overall mean Modified Coleman Methodology Score and MINORS score were 64.2 ± 14 and 15.8 ± 1.0, respectively.

Conclusion:

Opioid use prior to various shoulder surgical procedures negatively affected postoperative pain and functionality. Although the opioid group showed significantly worse scores postoperatively, the groups experienced similar improvements.

Tranexamic Acid Use in Knee and Shoulder Arthroscopy Leads to Improved Outcomes and Fewer Hemarthrosis-Related Complications: A Systematic Review of Level I and II Studies

PURPOSE

To systematically review the literature to compare the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) as a means to minimize hemarthrosis-related complications after arthroscopic procedures of the knee, hip, and shoulder.

METHODS

A systematic review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was performed by searching PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases to locate randomized controlled trials comparing the clinical outcomes and postoperative complications of patients undergoing arthroscopy with and without TXA. Search terms used were "tranexamic acid," "arthroscopy," "knee," "hip," and "shoulder." Patients were evaluated based on early (<6 weeks) postoperative signs of hemarthrosis using the Coupens and Yates classification, postoperative complications (myocardial infarction, stroke, venous thromboembolism events), range of motion (ROM), and patient-reported outcome scores (Visual analog scale, Subjective International Knee Documentation Committee, Lysholm, and Tegner activity scores).

RESULTS

Five studies (2 level I and 3 level II) met inclusion criteria, including a total of 299 patients undergoing arthroscopy with TXA and 299 patients without TXA. The average follow-up duration for all patients was 43.9 days. Procedures performed were partial meniscectomy, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and rotator cuff repair. No studies evaluating TXA use in hip arthroscopy were identified. Coupens-Yates hemarthrosis grades significantly improved in the TXA groups across all studies. Three studies found TXA patients to experience significantly less postoperative pain at latest follow-up, 1 study found TXA patients to have significantly better postoperative Lysholm scores, and 1 study found TXA patients to have significantly more ROM at latest follow-up compared with non-TXA patients (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing arthroscopy, particularly arthroscopic meniscectomy, arthroscopic-assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, with TXA can be expected to experience improved outcomes and less hemarthrosis-related complications in the early postoperative period compared with non-TXA patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II, systematic review of level I and II studies.

Return to Golf After Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The number of golfers aged ≥65 years has increased in recent years, and shoulder arthritis is prevalent in this age group. Guidelines for return to golf (RTG) after shoulder arthroplasty have not been fully established.

PURPOSE

To review the data available in the current literature on RTG after shoulder arthroplasty.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

A systematic review based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines was performed. Two independent reviewers searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library using the terms "shoulder,""arthroplasty,""replacement," and "golf." The authors sought to include all studies investigating RTG after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), shoulder hemiarthroplasty (HA), and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). Outcomes of interest included indications for shoulder arthroplasty, surgical technique, rehabilitation protocol, amount of time between surgery and resumption of golf activity, and patient-reported outcome measures.

RESULTS

A total of 10 studies were included, 2 of which reported on golf performance after shoulder arthroplasty. The other 8 studies described return to sports after shoulder arthroplasty with golf-specific data for our analysis. Three studies that included patients who underwent TSA reported RTG rates ranging from 89% to 100% after mean follow-up periods of 5.1 to 8.4 months. Two studies included patients who underwent TSA and HA and reported RTG rates of 77% and 100% after mean intervals of 5.8 and 4.5 months, respectively. Two studies included patients who underwent RSA, with RTG rates of 50% and 79% after mean postoperative intervals of 5.3 and 6 months, respectively. One study included only patients undergoing HA, with an RTG rate of 54% and a mean RTG time of 6.5 months. Varying surgical procedures and baseline patient characteristics precluded our ability to draw conclusions regarding surgical technique, rehabilitation protocol, or patient-reported outcome measures among studies reporting these data.

CONCLUSION

Most patients who undergo a shoulder arthroplasty procedure can expect to resume playing golf approximately 6 months after the index procedure. The rate of return may be lower after RSA and HA as compared with anatomic TSA. The data presented in our review can help physicians counsel patients who wish to continue golf participation after a shoulder arthroplasty procedure.

Characteristics of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship Directors

Background:

No study in the orthopaedic literature has analyzed the demographic characteristics or surgical training of sports medicine fellowship directors (FDs). Objective determinations as to what makes a physician qualified for this leadership position remain unclear; thus, it is important to identify these qualities as future physicians look to fill these roles.

Purpose:

To illustrate characteristics common among sports medicine FDs.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

The 2020 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Fellowship Directory was used to identify the FDs for all orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship programs in the United States. The characteristics and educational background data for FDs were gathered by 2 independent reviewers from up-to-date curricula vitarum, Web of Science, and institutional biographies and consolidated into 1 database. Data points gathered included age, sex, residency/fellowship training location and graduation year, name of current institution, length of time at current institution, time since training completion until being appointed FD, length of time in current FD role, and personal research H-index.

Results:

We identified 90 current orthopaedic sports medicine FDs. The mean Scopus H-index was 24.1 (median, 17). The mean age of FDs was 55.4 years; 87 of 90 (96.7%) were male and 3 (3.3%) were female; and 79/90 (87.8%) were White and 3/90 (3.3%) were African-American. The mean time to complete residency was 5.1 years (range, 5.0-6.0 years), and the most attended residency programs were the Hospital for Special Surgery (n = 9), the Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program (n = 5), and Duke University Medical Center (n = 4). The mean time required to complete a fellowship was 1.1 years (range, 1.0-2.0 years), and the fellowship programs that produced the most future FDs were the American Sports Medicine Institute (n = 11), the Steadman Hawkins Clinic (Vail) (n = 8), the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (n = 7), and the Hospital for Special Surgery (n = 7). The mean time from completion of fellowship to appointment as a FD was 12.8 years (range, 1-39 years).

Conclusion:

Women and minority groups are largely underrepresented among leadership positions in the field of orthopaedic sports medicine.

Rate of infection following revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and associated patient- and surgeon-dependent risk factors: Retrospective results from MOON and MARS data collected from 2002 to 2011

Infection is a rare occurrence after revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (rACLR). Because of the low rates of infection, it has been difficult to identify risk factors for infection in this patient population. The purpose of this study was to report the rate of infection following rACLR and assess whether infection is associated with patient- and surgeon-dependent risk factors. We reviewed two large prospective cohorts to identify patients with postoperative infections following rACLR. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, history of diabetes, and graft choice were recorded for each patient. The association of these factors with postoperative infection following rACLR was assessed. There were 1423 rACLR cases in the combined cohort, with 9 (0.6%) reporting postoperative infections. Allografts had a higher risk of infection than autografts (odds ratio, 6.8; 95% CI, 0.9-54.5; p = .045). Diabetes (odds ratio, 28.6; 95% CI, 5.5-149.9; p = .004) was a risk factor for infection. Patient age, sex, BMI, and smoking status were not associated with risk of infection after rACLR.

Managing the Return to Football During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey of the Head Team Physicians of the Football Bowl Subdivision Programs

Background:

COVID-19 is a severe respiratory virus that spreads via person-to-person contact through respiratory droplets. Since being declared a pandemic in early March 2020, the World Health Organization had yet to release guidelines regarding the return of college or professional sports for the 2020-2021 season.

Purpose:

To survey the head orthopedic surgeons and primary care team physicians for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) football teams so as to gauge the management of common COVID-19 issues for the fall 2020 college football season.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

The head team orthopaedic surgeons and primary care physicians for all 130 FBS football teams were surveyed regarding their opinions on the management of college football during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 30 questions regarding testing, return-to-play protocol, isolating athletes, and other management issues were posed via email survey sent on June 5, 2020.

Results:

Of the 210 team physicians surveyed, 103 (49%) completed the questionnaire. Overall, 36.9% of respondents felt that it was unsafe for college athletes to return to playing football during fall 2020. While the majority of football programs (96.1%) were testing athletes for COVID-19 as they returned to campus, only 78.6% of programs required athletes to undergo a mandatory quarantine period before resuming involvement in athletic department activities. Of the programs that were quarantining their players upon return to campus, 20% did so for 1 week, 20% for 2 weeks, and 32.9% quarantined their athletes until they had a negative COVID-19 test.

Conclusion:

While US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines evolve and geographic regions experience a range of COVID-19 infections, determining a universal strategy for return to socialization and participation in sports remains a challenge. The current study highlighted areas of consensus and strong agreement, but the results also demonstrated a need for clarity and consistency in operations, leadership, and guidance for medical professionals in multiple areas as they attempt to safely mitigate risk for college football players amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Return to Driving After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

Background

Guidelines for return to driving after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) have not been established.

Purpose

To review the literature pertaining to driving after ACLR and provide evidence-based guidelines to aid clinicians in counseling patients about driving after ACLR.

Study Design

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Two independent reviewers searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library using the terms anterior cruciate ligament, ACL, drive, and driving. Studies reporting on functional recovery after ACLR were included when data regarding return to driving were reported.

Results

Five studies were included. Two studies included patients who underwent right-sided ACLR. Of these, 1 study evaluated bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft and reported that brake response time (BRT) returned to normal approximately 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively. The other study found that BRT returned to normal 3 weeks after allograft ACLR, but 6 weeks elapsed after autograft ACLR before values were not significantly different than controls. One study reported that patients who underwent left-sided hamstring tendon autograft ACLR demonstrated BRTs similar to controls within 2 weeks, while those with right-sided ACLR had significantly slower BRTs until 6 weeks postoperatively. Another study including patients who underwent either right- or left-sided ACLR and employed a manual transmission simulator found that 4 to 6 weeks should elapse after ACLR with hamstring tendon autograft. Survey data from 1 study demonstrated that the mean time for patients to resume driving was 13 and 10 days after right- and left-sided ACLR, respectively.

Conclusion

BRT returned to normal values approximately 4 to 6 weeks after right-sided ACLR and approximately 2 to 3 weeks after left-sided ACLR. According to 1 study in this review, ACLR laterality should be disregarded for patients who drive manual transmission automobiles, as a 4- to 6-week time period was required for driving ability to reach the level of healthy controls. Future studies should aim to elucidate the influence of graft choice and transmission type on return to driving after ACLR.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Hyaluronic Acid for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) are 2 nonoperative treatment options for knee osteoarthritis (OA) that are supposed to provide symptomatic relief and help delay surgical intervention.

PURPOSE

To systematically review the literature to compare the efficacy and safety of PRP and HA injections for the treatment of knee OA.

STUDY DESIGN

Meta-analysis of level 1 studies.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase to identify level 1 studies that compared the clinical efficacy of PRP and HA injections for knee OA. The search phrase used was platelet-rich plasma hyaluronic acid knee osteoarthritis randomized. Patients were assessed via the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and Subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scale. A subanalysis was also performed to isolate results from patients who received leukocyte-poor and leukocyte-rich PRP.

RESULTS

A total of 18 studies (all level 1) met inclusion criteria, including 811 patients undergoing intra-articular injection with PRP (mean age, 57.6 years) and 797 patients with HA (mean age, 59.3 years). The mean follow-up was 11.1 months for both groups. Mean improvement was significantly higher in the PRP group (44.7%) than the HA group (12.6%) for WOMAC total scores (P < .01). Of 11 studies based on the VAS, 6 reported PRP patients to have significantly less pain at latest follow-up when compared with HA patients (P < .05). Of 6 studies based on the Subjective IKDC outcome score, 3 reported PRP patients to have significantly better scores at latest follow-up when compared with HA patients (P < .05). Finally, leukocyte-poor PRP was associated with significantly better Subjective IKDC scores versus leukocyte-rich PRP (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing treatment for knee OA with PRP can be expected to experience improved clinical outcomes when compared with HA. Additionally, leukocyte-poor PRP may be a superior line of treatment for knee OA over leukocyte-rich PRP, although further studies are needed that directly compare leukocyte content in PRP injections for treatment of knee OA.