Clinical outcomes following corticosteroid administration in patients with delayed diagnosis of spinal arteriovenous fistulas

Background and purposeThere have been several previously reported cases of acute progression of myelopathic symptoms in patients with spinal arteriovenous fistula (SAVF) treated with intravenous methylprednisolone. This usually occurs during or immediately following steroid administration. We examined a small case series of patients with SAVF treated with epidural, oral, or intravenous steroids to determine the association between steroid administration and clinical outcomes in these patients.MethodsFollowing Institutional Review Board approval, we conducted a retrospective review of patients with angiographically-confirmed SAVF who received intravenous, oral, or epidural corticosteroids for treatment of their symptoms. We studied patient-reported motor and sensory function following steroid administration using both the modified Rankin Scale and the Aminoff Motor Disability Scale.ResultsTwenty-one patients with SAVF were included in this study. Thirteen patients (61.9%) had intravenous methylprednisolone administered, four patients (19.0%) had epidural steroid injections, and six patients (28.6%) had oral prednisone. Among patients who received intravenous methylprednisolone, seven (53.8%) reported acute worsening of symptoms during or immediately following steroid administration. Among the patients receiving epidural steroids, none reported worsening and one patient reported short-term relief. Among the patients receiving oral steroids, one reported acute worsening of symptoms. Worsened deficits did not consistently resolve after steroid discontinuation.ConclusionsOur study suggests that intravenous methylprednisolone can cause immediate worsening of motor and sensory symptoms when administered to patients with SAVF. Steroid administration should be avoided in patients with a myelopathy secondary to an untreated SAVF because neurological worsening may not be fully reversible.

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Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes of the Salto Talaris Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/1071100720947030 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (12) ◽

pp. 1519-1528

Author(s):

Jonathan Day ◽

Jaeyoung Kim ◽

Martin J. O’Malley ◽

Constantine A. Demetracopoulos ◽

Jonathan Garfinkel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Case Series ◽

Total Ankle Arthroplasty ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Ankle Arthroplasty ◽

Patient Reported ◽

The Mean ◽

Component Revision

Background: The Salto Talaris is a fixed-bearing implant first approved in the US in 2006. While early surgical outcomes have been promising, mid- to long-term survivorship data are limited. The aim of this study was to present the survivorship and causes of failure of the Salto Talaris implant, with functional and radiographic outcomes. Methods: Eighty-seven prospectively followed patients who underwent total ankle arthroplasty with the Salto Talaris between 2007 and 2015 at our institution were retrospectively identified. Of these, 82 patients (85 ankles) had a minimum follow-up of 5 (mean, 7.1; range, 5-12) years. The mean age was 63.5 (range, 42-82) years and the mean body mass index was 28.1 (range, 17.9-41.2) kg/m2. Survivorship was determined by incidence of revision, defined as removal/exchange of a metal component. Preoperative, immediate, and minimum 5-year postoperative AP and lateral weightbearing radiographs were reviewed; tibiotalar alignment (TTA) and the medial distal tibial angle (MDTA) were measured to assess coronal talar and tibial alignment, respectively. The sagittal tibial angle (STA) was measured; the talar inclination angle (TIA) was measured to evaluate for radiographic subsidence of the implant, defined as a change in TIA of 5 degrees or more from the immediately to the latest postoperative lateral radiograph. The locations of periprosthetic cysts were documented. Preoperative and minimum 5-year postoperative Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) subscales were compared. Results: Survivorship was 97.6% with 2 revisions. One patient underwent tibial and talar component revision for varus malalignment of the ankle; another underwent talar component revision for aseptic loosening and subsidence. The rate of other reoperations was 21.2% ( n = 18), with the main reoperation being exostectomy with debridement for ankle impingement ( n = 12). At final follow-up, the average TTA improved 4.4 (± 3.8) degrees, the average MDTA improved 3.4 (± 2.6) degrees, and the average STA improved 5.3 (± 4.5) degrees. Periprosthetic cysts were observed in 18 patients, and there was no radiographic subsidence. All FAOS subscales demonstrated significant improvement at final follow-up. Conclusions: We found the Salto Talaris implant to be durable, consistent with previous studies of shorter follow-up lengths. We observed significant improvement in radiographic alignment as well as patient-reported clinical outcomes at a minimum 5-year follow-up. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

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Clinical Outcomes and Complications Following Limited Open Achilles Repair Without an Instrumented Guide

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/1071100720962493 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 107110072096249

Author(s):

Craig C. Akoh ◽

Amanda Fletcher ◽

Akhil Sharma ◽

Selene G. Parekh

Keyword(s):

Achilles Tendon ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Tendon Repair ◽

Case Series ◽

Postoperative Outcome ◽

Foot And Ankle ◽

Achilles Tendon Repair ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Outcome Scores

Background: We report the clinical outcomes and complications following our limited open incision Achilles tendon repair technique without instrument guides. Methods: A total of 33 patients were included in this study. We recorded pre- and postoperative scores on the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI), visual analog scale (VAS), and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). Subgroup analyses were performed for acute (<2 weeks) and subacute (2-6 weeks) Achilles tendon repairs. A P value <.05 was considered significant for all statistical analyses. Results: The median time from injury to surgery was 10.0 days (range, 1-45 days). At a median follow-up of 3.7 years (range, 1.0-9.8 years), the average pre- and postoperative outcome scores improved significantly for the following: FADI index (49.1-98.4, P < .001), VAS (4.8-0.2, P < .001), FAOS Pain (54.8-99.2, P < .001), FAOS Symptoms (84.6-97.0, P < .001), FAOS activities of daily living (61.4-97.2, P < .001), FAOS Sports and Recreational Activity (39.5-98.5, P < .001), and FAOS quality of life (39.7-88.7, P < .001). There were no significant differences between pre- and postoperative outcome scores between the acute and subacute Achilles repair groups. There were no wound complication, reruptures, or reoperations in the entire cohort. Conclusion: Patients showed improvements in postoperative patient-reported outcome scores with minimal complications. There was no significant difference in outcomes for acute vs subacute repairs. Our limited open incision Achilles tendon repair, which required no additional targeting instrumentation, had favorable midterm results. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

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Achilles Tendon Rupture Repairs: A Case Series Reporting Clinical Outcomes of a Novel Technique

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011420s00492 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 2473011420S0049

Author(s):

Caroline Williams ◽

Christopher P. Miller ◽

John Y. Kwon

Keyword(s):

Achilles Tendon ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Tendon Rupture ◽

Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽

Case Series ◽

Patient Positioning ◽

Measurement Information ◽

Repair Technique ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Mini Open

Category: Trauma; Ankle; Sports Introduction/Purpose: Achilles tendon rupture repair has undergone several changes in the last ten years, aiming to minimize complications while maximizing clinical and functional outcomes. Selecting a less invasive approach instead of traditional open incision has shown through various studies to generate excellent results and significantly reduce post-operative infections. Choice of patient positioning during operative repair has also shown to be of great impact, with prone positioning being associated with elevated surgical times and anesthetic requirements, thus secondary affecting clinical outcomes. Other complications associated with prone positioning include neuropraxia and increased risk of iatrogenic ophthalmologic insults as compared to the supine position. This case report evaluates clinical outcomes of patients following treatment of Achilles rupture with a novel Medial Mini- Open Supine Achilles Repair Technique. Methods: Patients were selected for case series inclusion after undergoing novel Medial Mini-Open Supine Achilles Repair Technique for acute achilles rupture. Retrospective medical record review for demographic, perioperative and functional data was completed for each patient, with means, range and standard deviations calculated when appropriate. Patients were then followed postoperatively to monitor recovery. At a final follow up visit scheduled no sooner than six months post operatively, outcomes were assessed with three separate Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) surveys; Physical Function, Pain Interference and Depression. Two separate Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) assessments, ADLs and Sport, were also completed. Patients were also assessed for physical pain/discomfort using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Results: Eighteen patients were included in this study; fifteen male, three female. Mean age was 37.5 years (+-12, range= 20-68). Mean duration of surgery was 31.0 minutes (+- 7.0). Follow up duration averaged 11.8 months (range 6.0-13.5). All patients completed three Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) studies and two Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) surveys. Mean score for the PROMIS Physical Function survey was 52.3 (+-11.5), for Pain Interference, mean= 50.0 (+-7.30), and for Depression, mean=39.5 (+- 6.96). FAAM Sport survey showed a mean=71.3 (+-29.4), with ADLs form responses showing a mean of 90.7 (+-12.7). All patients reported 0/10 pain on Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and overall satisfaction with their outcomes. Conclusion: In reviewing data collected thus far, the Medial Mini-Open Supine Achilles Repair technique shows promise to serve as a viable option for achilles tendon rupture repair; ease of patient positioning preoperatively translates to decreased set up, operative, and sedation time, directly benefiting patients. No complications have been reported at this time; patients have demonstrated excellent outcomes in physical exam in postoperative clinic visits. All patients have expressed satisfaction with their results at final visit.

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Clinical Outcomes of ProChondrix® Osteochondral Allograft in the Knee: A Case Series

10.21203/rs.3.rs-625313/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Michael S. Barnum ◽

Evan D. Boyd ◽

Annabelle P. Davey ◽

Andrew Slauterbeck ◽

James R. Slauterbeck

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcome ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Cartilage Defect ◽

Femoral Condyle ◽

Case Series ◽

Activity Level ◽

Osteochondral Allograft ◽

Cartilage Restoration ◽

Patient Reported

Abstract PurposeFocal articular cartilage injuries are common and may lead to progression of osteoarthritis. The complications associated with traditional treatment strategies have influenced the development of new biotechnologies, such as the ProChondrix® osteochondral allograft. Clinical evidence on the outcomes associated with ProChondrix® osteochondral allografts are limited. Thus, the primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes following treatment of an isolated cartilage defect with a ProChondrix® osteochondral allograft implant.MethodsRetrospective analysis of patients who underwent a cartilage restoration procedure using ProChondrix® osteochondral allograft has been performed. Patients completed patient-reported outcome surveys which included the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), consisting of the 5 subscales of Pain, Symptoms, Activities of Daily Living, Sports and Recreation, and Quality of Life, the Marx Activity Scale, and the visual analog pain scale.ResultsSix patients underwent a cartilage restoration procedure using ProChondrix® between January 2016 and December 2019. Three males and three females were included with a median age of 33.5 years (range 18–48 years). The median follow-up duration was 15 months (range 9–24 months). There were 4 patellar grafts, 1 medial femoral condyle graft, and 1 lateral femoral condyle graft, with a median defect size of 18.5mm (range 13-20mm). At the most recent clinical follow-up, all six patients were pain free and all patients had returned to pre-op activity level.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first study to report the clinical outcome, activity level, and patient orientated outcomes in a case series of patients following treatment of an isolated cartilage defect with a ProChondrix® osteochondral allograft implant. Our study demonstrates promising short-term results in patient reported clinical outcome scores.

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Outcomes of Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogel Implant of the Lesser Metatarsals

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/1071100720935034 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (9) ◽

pp. 1092-1098

Author(s):

Bopha Chrea ◽

Jonathan Day ◽

Stephanie K. Eble ◽

Andrew Elliott ◽

Martin J. O’Malley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Polyvinyl Alcohol ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Case Series ◽

Measurement Information ◽

Osteochondral Defects ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Joint Pathology ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Freiberg’S Infraction ◽

Pva Hydrogel

Background: Lesser toe metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint pathology presents a challenge for surgical treatment. At our institution, arthroplasty using a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel implant has been utilized in the second and third MTP joints for advanced arthritis, failed management of Freiberg’s infraction, and osteochondral defects. We present a case series describing the clinical outcomes of 13 patients following PVA implantation of the second or third MTP. Methods: We retrospectively identified 13 patients (14 joints) who underwent PVA hydrogel implantation of the second ( n = 12) or third ( n = 2) metatarsal between 2017 and 2019. The average age was 49 (range, 20-67) years, with 100% females. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores were collected preoperatively and at an average of 21.1 (range, 8.3-29.2) months postoperatively. Clinical outcomes were also evaluated. The average time to clinical follow-up was 24.7 (range, 7-35.8) months. Results: On average, patients demonstrated pre- to postoperative improvement in all PROMIS domains, with significant improvements in Pain Intensity ( P = .01) and Pain Interference ( P = .01). Five postoperative complications were observed: 1 case of persistent avascular necrosis, 1 revision with implant removal and bone grafting, 1 periprosthetic fracture, and 2 recurrences of pain requiring ultrasound-guided injection. Conclusion: This study represents the largest case series to date evaluating the use of PVA implant in the surgical correction of lesser toe MTP joint pathology. While the PVA implant presents a viable option in the setting of advanced arthritis, Freiberg’s infraction, and certain osteochondral defects, it is not without complications. The specific indications for use of the PVA implant should be carefully considered. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

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Defining Minimal Clinically Important Difference and Patient Acceptable Symptom State After Isolated Endoscopic Gluteus Medius Repair

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546519877179 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 47 (13) ◽

pp. 3141-3147 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Kelechi R. Okoroha ◽

Edward C. Beck ◽

Benedict U. Nwachukwu ◽

Kyle N. Kunze ◽

Shane J. Nho

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Minimal Clinically Important Difference ◽

Case Series ◽

Gluteus Medius ◽

Patient Characteristics ◽

Harris Hip Score ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Common Procedure ◽

Clinically Important Difference ◽

Patient Reported

Background: Endoscopic surgical repair has become a common procedure for treating patients with gluteus medius tears. However, meaningful clinical outcomes after the procedure have not been defined. Purpose: To (1) define the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) in patients undergoing endoscopic gluteus medius repair and (2) determine correlations between preoperative patient characteristics and achievement of MCID/PASS. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of prospectively collected data from all patients undergoing primary endoscopic repair of gluteus medius tears between January 2012 and February 2017 with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Patient data collected included patient characteristics, radiographic parameters, preoperative clinical function scores, and postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Paired t tests were used to compare the differences in 2-year PROs. The MCID and PASS for each PRO were calculated and Spearman coefficient analysis was used to identify correlations between MCID, PASS, and preoperative variables. Results: A total of 60 patients were included in the study. A majority of patients were female (91.7%), with an average age and body mass index of 57.9 ± 9.91 years and 27.6 ± 6.1, respectively. The MCIDs of the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Sport-Specific (SS) subscales of the Hip Outcome Score (HOS) and the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) were calculated to be 15.02, 14.53, and 14.13, respectively. The PASS scores of HOS-ADL, HOS-SS, and mHHS were calculated to be 81.32, 67.71, and 77.5, respectively. In addition, 76.7% of patients achieved either MCID or PASS postoperatively, with 77.8% and 69.0% reaching at least 1 threshold score for achieving MCID and PASS, respectively, and 48.3% achieving both MCID and PASS. Smoking had a negative and weak association with achieving PASS ( r = −0.271; P = .039). No other patient characteristic variables were found to correlate with achieving MCID or PASS. Conclusion: In patients undergoing endoscopic gluteus medius repair, our study defined MCID and PASS for HOS-ADL, HOS-SS, and mHHS outcome scores. A large percentage of patients (76.7%) achieved meaningful clinical outcomes at 2 years after surgery.

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Clinical Presentation and Outcomes Associated With Fabellectomy in the Setting of Fabella Syndrome

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120903722 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 232596712090372 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Travis J. Dekker ◽

Matthew D. Crawford ◽

Nicholas N. DePhillipo ◽

Mitchell I. Kennedy ◽

W. Jeffrey Grantham ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcome ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Case Reports ◽

Case Series ◽

High Rate ◽

Patient Satisfaction Score ◽

Presenting Symptoms ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Outcome Scores

Background: Clinical outcomes pertaining to isolated lateral fabellectomy in the setting of fabella syndrome are limited to small case reports at this time. Purpose: To assess the most common presenting symptoms, clinical outcomes, and satisfaction after fabella excision in the setting of fabella syndrome. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Consecutive patients with a minimum of 21-month follow-up after isolated fabellectomy for fabella syndrome were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical outcome scores of the following domains were collected: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score and Lysholm knee survey, along with a simple numeric patient satisfaction score (range, 1-10; 10 = “very satisfied”). Statistical analysis was performed using paired t tests for all clinical outcome data. Results: A total of 11 isolated fabella excisions were included in 10 patients with isolated lateral-sided knee pain in the setting of fabella syndrome (8 males, 2 females), with a mean age of 36.9 years (range, 23-58 years) and a mean follow-up of 2.4 years (range, 21-47 months). A total of 8 patients (80%) were able to return to full desired activities, including sports. Only 5 of 11 (45%) excisions had concomitant lateral femoral condyle cartilage pathology. There were significant improvements across multiple WOMAC domains, and the WOMAC total score improved from 28.5 ± 17.6 preoperatively to 11.6 ± 10.2 postoperatively ( P < .05). Lysholm scores significantly improved from 66.6 ± 23.1 preoperatively to 80.2 ± 13.9 postoperatively ( P = .044). Overall patient-reported satisfaction was 8.8 ± 1.6. Conclusion: Fabella excision in the setting of fabella syndrome demonstrated improvements in clinical outcome scores, high rate of returning to preinjury level of activities, and low risk of complications or need for additional surgical procedures.

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Clinical Outcomes and Complications of Midfoot Charcot Reconstruction With Intramedullary Beaming

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/1071100718799966 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 40 (1) ◽

pp. 18-23 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Samuel E. Ford ◽

Bruce E. Cohen ◽

W. Hodges Davis ◽

Carroll P. Jones

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Corrective Osteotomy ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Case Series ◽

Deep Infection ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Patient Reported

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical outcomes and complications of patients with midfoot Charcot managed with midfoot osteotomy, realignment arthrodesis, and stabilization using intramedullary beams. Methods: Consecutive patients with midfoot Charcot treated at a tertiary-care foot and ankle center from January 2013 to July 2016 who underwent corrective osteotomy with internal beam fixation were identified; 25 patients were included in the final analysis. Patients with a minimum 1-year follow-up were evaluated with physical examination, weightbearing radiographs, and patient-reported outcome measures. The primary outcome measure was defined as restoration of a stable, plantigrade, ulcer-free foot. Median age was 58 years, median BMI was 32, and 80% were diabetic (75% insulin-dependent). Results: An ulcer-free, stable, plantigrade foot was obtained in 84% of patients. The radiographic lateral and anteroposterior Meary angle medians improved 9° and 15°, respectively, from preoperative to final postoperative weightbearing measurements ( P < .001 and P = .02). Overall, 46% of midfoot osteotomies were united on final radiographs at a median 18-month radiographic follow-up. Deep infection developed in 6 (24%) patients. The presence of a preoperative ulcer was found to be predictive of postoperative infection (P = .04); all 6 deep infections occurred in patients with preoperative ulceration. Four (16%) patients progressed to amputation at a mean 15 postoperative months, all for deep infection. Conclusion: Midfoot Charcot reconstruction with intramedullary beaming allowed for restoration of an ulcer-free, plantigrade foot in most patients, but the complication rates were high, especially in patients with preoperative ulceration. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

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Relative motion flexion splinting for the rehabilitation of flexor tendon repairs: A systematic review

Hand Therapy ◽

10.1177/17589983211017584 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 175899832110175

Author(s):

Lisa Newington ◽

Rachel Ross ◽

Julianne W Howell

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Relative Motion ◽

Flexor Tendon ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Case Series ◽

Range Of Movement ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Patient Reported

Introduction Relative motion splinting has been used successfully in the treatment of extensor tendon repairs and has recently been applied in flexor tendon rehabilitation. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify articles reporting use of relative motion flexion (RMF) splinting following flexor tendon repair and to examine indications for use and clinical outcomes. Methods Seven medical databases, four trials registries and three grey literature sources were systematically searched and screened against pre-specified eligibility criteria. Screening, data extraction and quality appraisal were independently performed by two reviewers. Results A total of 12 studies were identified, of which three met the review eligibility criteria: one retrospective case series; one cadaveric proof of concept study; and one ongoing prospective case series. The type of splint (including metacarpophalangeal joint position and available movement), exercise programme, and zone of tendon injury varied between studies. Both case series presented acceptable range of movement and grip strength outcomes. The prospective series reported one tendon rupture and two tenolysis procedures; the retrospective series reported no tendon ruptures or secondary surgeries. Discussion We found limited evidence supporting the use of RMF splinting in the rehabilitation of zones I-III flexor tendon repairs. Further prospective research with larger patient cohorts is required to assess the clinical outcomes, patient reported outcomes and safety of RMF splinting in comparison to other regimes. Application of the relative motion principles to flexor tendon splinting varied across the included studies, and we suggest an operational definition of relative motion in this context.

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LUCL reconstruction of the elbow: clinical midterm results based on the underlying pathogenesis

Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery ◽

10.1007/s00402-021-03759-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Stephanie Geyer ◽

Caroline Heine ◽

Philipp W. Winkler ◽

Patricia M. Lutz ◽

Andreas Lenich ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Patient Reported Outcomes ◽

Case Series ◽

Dash Score ◽

Patient Reported ◽

The Impact ◽

Triceps Tendon ◽

Tendon Autograft ◽

Underlying Pathogenesis

Abstract Purpose Traumatic and atraumatic insufficiency of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) can cause posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) of the elbow. The influence of the underlying pathogenesis on functional outcomes remains unknown so far. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of the initial pathogenesis of PLRI on clinical outcomes after LUCL reconstruction using an ipsilateral triceps tendon autograft. Methods Thirty-six patients were reviewed in this retrospective study. Depending on the pathogenesis patients were assigned to either group EPI (atraumatic, secondary LUCL insufficiency due to chronic epicondylopathia) or group TRAUMA (traumatic LUCL lesion). Range-of-motion (ROM) and posterolateral joint stability were evaluated preoperatively and at follow-up survey. For clinical assessment, the Mayo elbow performance (MEPS) score was used. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) consisting of visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, disability of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score, patient-rated elbow evaluation (PREE) score and subjective elbow evaluation (SEV) as well as complications were analyzed. Results Thirty-one patients (group EPI, n = 17; group TRAUMA, n = 14), 13 men and 18 women with a mean age of 42.9 ± 11.0 were available for follow-up evaluation (57.7 ± 17.5 months). In 93.5%, posterolateral elbow stability was restored (n = 2 with re-instability, both group TRAUMA). No differences were seen between groups in relation to ROM. Even though group EPI (98.9 ± 3.7 points) showed better results than group TRAUMA (91.1 ± 12.6 points) (p = 0.034) according to MEPS, no differences were found for evaluated PROs (group A: VAS 1 ± 1.8, PREE 9.3 ± 15.7, DASH 7.7 ± 11.9, SEV 92.9 ± 8.3 vs. group B: VAS 1.9 ± 3.2, PREE 22.4 ± 26.1, DASH 16.0 ± 19.4, SEV 87.9 ± 15.4. 12.9% of patients required revision surgery. Conclusion LUCL reconstruction using a triceps tendon autograft for the treatment of PLRI provides good to excellent clinical outcomes regardless of the underlying pathogenesis (traumatic vs. atraumatic). However, in the present case series, posterolateral re-instability tends to be higher for traumatic PLRI and patient-reported outcomes showed inferior results. Level of evidence Therapeutic study, LEVEL III.

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