Does the Interval Slide Procedure Reduce Supraspinatus Tendon Repair Tension?: A Biomechanical Cadaveric Study

Background: The benefits of the interval slide (IS) procedure in retracted rotator cuff tears remain controversial. Purpose: The purpose was to evaluate the effect of the IS procedure on repair tension (RT). It was hypothesized that the IS procedure (anterior IS [AIS], posterior IS [PIS], and intra-articular capsular release [CR]) would reduce the RT of a supraspinatus tendon. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 31 Thiel-embalmed human cadaveric shoulders (mean age, 74 years; range, 68-84 years) were tested. Full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears were created, and 1 cm of tendon was resected to simulate a retracted defect. Shoulders were randomized into intervention (n = 16) and control (n = 15) groups. In all shoulders, the load during tendon reduction to footprint was measured, an endpoint was defined as maximum tendon lateralization before 50 N was reached, and the RT (load during lateralization to endpoint) of the native tendon (t1) was evaluated. In the intervention group, AIS (t2), PIS (t3), and CR (t4) were performed in order, with RT measurement after each step. In the control group, RT was assessed at the same time points without the intervention. Results: A complete reduction of the tendon was not achieved in any of the shoulders. Mean maximum lateralization was 6.7 ± 1.30 mm, with no significant differences between groups. In the intervention group, the overall IS procedure reduced RT about 47.0% (t1 vs t4: 38.7 ± 3.9 vs 20.5 ± 12.3 N; P < .001). AIS reduced RT significantly (t1 vs t2: 38.7 ± 3.9 vs 27.4 ± 10.5 N; P < .001), whereas subsequent PIS (t2 vs t3: 27.4 ± 10.5 vs 23.2 ± 12.4 N; P = .27) and CR (t3 vs t4: 23.2 ± 12.4 vs 20.5 ± 12.3 N; P = .655) did not additionally reduce tension. Comparison between groups at t4 revealed a reduction of RT of about 47.8% (control vs intervention: 39.3 ± 4.0 vs 20.5 ± 12.3 N; P < .001). Conclusion: The IS procedure reduces RT of the supraspinatus tendon in human cadaveric shoulders. However, performing PIS and CR subsequent to AIS does not reduce tension additionally. Clinical Relevance: These findings provide surgeons with a biomechanical rationale regarding the efficacy of the IS procedure.

The Biomechanical Consequences of Arthroscopic Hip Capsulotomy and Repair in Positions at Risk for Dislocation

Background: The effect of interportal (IP) capsulotomy, short T-capsulotomy, and long T-capsulotomy, and their repairs, on resistance to anterior and posterior “at risk for dislocation” positions has not been quantified. Hypotheses: Our primary hypothesis was that an IP capsulotomy would have a minimal effect on hip resistive torque compared with both short and long T-capsulotomies in the at-risk dislocation positions. Our secondary hypothesis was that capsule repair would significantly increase hip resistive torque for all capsulotomies. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods: We mounted 10 cadaveric hips on a biaxial test frame in an anterior dislocation high-risk position (20° of hip extension and external rotation) and posterior dislocation high-risk position (90° of hip flexion and internal rotation). An axial force of 100 N was applied to the intact hip while the femur was internally or externally rotated at 15° per second to a torque of 5 N·m. The rotatory position at 5 N·m was recorded and set as a target for each subsequent condition. Hips were then sequentially tested with IP, short T-, and long T-capsulotomies and with corresponding repairs randomized within each condition. Peak resistive torques were compared using generalized estimating equation modeling and post hoc Bonferroni-adjusted tests. Results: For the anterior position, the IP and long T-capsulotomies demonstrated significantly lower resistive torques compared with intact. For the posterior position, both the short and long T-capsulotomies resulted in significantly lower resistive torques compared with intact. Repairs for all 3 capsulotomy types were not significantly different from the intact condition at anterior and posterior positions. Conclusion: An IP incision resulted in a decrease in capsular resistive torque in the anterior but not the posterior at-risk dislocation position, in which direction only T-capsulotomies led to a significant decrease. All capsulotomy repair conditions resulted in hip resistive torques that were similar to the intact hip in both dislocation positions. Clinical Relevance Our results suggest that it is biomechanically advantageous to repair IP, short T-, and long T-capsulotomies, particularly for at-risk anterior dislocation positions.

Arabic Version of the Short Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Return to Sport After Injury Scale: Translation, Cross-cultural Adaptation, and Validation

Background: The short version of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Return to Sport After Injury (ACL-RSI) scale is a self-reported questionnaire developed to assess the psychological readiness of patients to return to sports after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Purpose: To translate, cross-culturally adapt, and validate the short version of the ACL-RSI scale into the Arabic language (ACL-RSI-Ar). Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: The original short version of the ACL-RSI scale was forward and backward translated, cross-culturally adapted, and validated following international standardized guidelines. Sixty patients who participated in sports activities and underwent ACLR completed the ACL-RSI-Ar, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Evaluation Form, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) scales. To assess test-retest reliability, 34 participants completed the ACL-RSI-Ar scale twice. Statistical tests were conducted to test the internal consistency, reliability, and construct and discriminant validity of the ACL-RSI-Ar scale. Results: The ACL-RSI-Ar showed adequate internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.734) and excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.871). The ACL-RSI-Ar was strongly correlated with the IKDC (Spearman ρ = 0.515, P < .001) and weakly to strongly correlated with all KOOS subscales (Spearman ρ = 0.247-0.590, P < .05). Patients who returned to sports had significantly higher scores on the ACL-RSI-Ar scale when compared with those who did not return to sports ( P = .001). Conclusion: The short ACL-RSI-Ar scale, as translated, was internally consistent, reliable, and valid for evaluating psychological readiness to return to sports after ACLR in Arabic-speaking patients.

Relationship Between Isokinetic Knee Strength and Single-Leg Drop Jump Performance 9 Months After ACL Reconstruction

Background: Deficits in knee strength after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery are common. Deficits in the single-leg drop jump (SLDJ), a test of plyometric ability, are also found. Purpose: To examine the relationship between isokinetic knee strength, SLDJ performance, and self-reported knee function 9 months after ACLR. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Knee isokinetic peak torque, SLDJ jump height, contact time, and reactive strength index (RSI), as well as International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores were assessed in 116 male, field-sport athletes at 9.2 months after ACLR. SLDJ testing took place in a 3-dimensional biomechanics laboratory. Linear regression models were used to analyze the relationship between the variables. Results: A significant relationship was found between ACLR-limb isokinetic knee extensor strength and SLDJ jump height ( P < .001, r 2 = 0.29) and RSI ( P < .001, r 2 = 0.33), and between ACLR-limb isokinetic knee flexor strength and SLDJ jump height ( P < .001, r 2 = 0.12) and RSI ( P < .001, r 2 = 0.15). A significant positive relationship was also found between knee extensor asymmetry and SLDJ jump height asymmetry ( P < .001, r 2 = 0.27) and SLDJ reactive strength asymmetry ( P < .001, r 2 = 0.18). Combined ACLR-limb jump height and contact time best predicted IKDC scores ( P < .001, r 2 = 0.12). Conclusion: Isokinetic knee extension strength explained approximately 30% of SLDJ performance, with a much weaker relationship between knee flexion strength and SLDJ performance. Isokinetic strength and SLDJ performance were weak predictors of variation in IKDC scores.

Talus Visualization in Ankle Fractures: How Much Are We Really Seeing?

Background: Despite appropriate care, a subset of patients with ankle fractures has persistent pain. This condition may be associated with intra-articular pathology, which is present up to 65% of the time. Purpose: To quantify how much of the talus is visible through an open approach to a standard supination external rotation bimalleolar ankle fracture as a percentage of the entire weightbearing surface of the talus. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Standard ankle approaches to lateral and medial malleolar fractures were performed in 4 cadaveric ankles from 2 cadavers. Osteotomies were made to simulate a supination external rotation bimalleolar ankle fracture based on the Lauge-Hansen classification. The visible segments of talar cartilage were removed. The tali were then exhumed, and the entire weightbearing superior portion of the talus was assessed and compared with the amount of cartilage removed by an open approach. The mean of the data points as well as the 95% confidence interval were calculated. Results: Four ankle specimens from 2 cadavers were used for these measurements. The mean surface area of the talus was 14.0 cm2 (95% CI, 13.3-14.7 cm2), while the mean area visible via an open approach was 2.1 cm2 (95% CI, 0.5-3.6 cm2). The mean proportion of the talus visualized via an open approach was 14.8% (95% CI, 3.6-26.1%). Conclusion: These findings indicate that the true area of weightbearing talar surface visible during an open exposure may be less than what many surgeons postulate. Clinical Relevance: Only a small fracture of the talus is visible via an open approach to the talus during fracture fixation. This could warrant arthroscopic evaluation of these injuries to evaluate and treat osteocondral lesions resulting from ankle fractures.

On-Field Tests for Patients After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Scoping Review

Background: After anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), a patient’s physical capacities, such as (repeated) sprint performance, agility performance, and intermittent endurance performance, are often reduced because of detraining effects. Monitoring the progression of these physical capacities is essential for specific training goals before patients return to complex team sports. Purpose: To map the existing literature regarding on-field tests for (repeated) sprint performance, agility performance, and intermittent endurance performance in patients after ACLR. Study Design: Scoping review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A search was performed in 4 electronic databases, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycInfo, following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines for scoping reviews. Results: There were 11 studies that met the inclusion criteria and described a total of 14 on-field tests for patients after ACLR. Overall, 2 tests were described for sprint performance, 11 tests were related to agility performance, and 1 test was performed for intermittent endurance performance. Conclusion: The results of this scoping review provide an overview of on-field tests to monitor sport-specific progression and to set performance-specific training goals for patients after ACLR before returning to complex team sports.

Restoration of Native Leg Length After Opening-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy: An Intraindividual Analysis

Background: Opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) has been shown to significantly increase leg length, especially in patients with large varus deformity. Thus, the current literature recommends closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy to correct malalignment in these patients to prevent postoperative leg length discrepancy. However, potential preoperative leg length discrepancy has not been considered yet. Hypothesis: It was hypothesized that patients have a decreased preoperative length of the involved leg compared with the contralateral side and that OWHTO would subsequently restore native leg length. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Included were 67 patients who underwent OWHTO for unilateral medial compartment knee osteoarthritis and who received full leg length assessment pre- and postoperatively. Patients with varus or valgus deformity (>3°) of the contralateral side were excluded. A musculoskeletal radiologist assessed imaging for the mechanical axis, full leg length, and tibial length of the involved and contralateral lower extremity. Statistical analysis determined the pre- and postoperative leg length discrepancy and the influence of the mechanical axis. Results: Most patients (62.7%) had a decreased length of the involved leg, with a mean preoperative mechanical axis of 5.0° ± 2.9°. Length discrepancy averaged –2.2 ± 5.8 mm, indicating a shortened involved extremity ( P = .003). OWHTO significantly increased the mean lengths of the tibia and lower limb by 3.6 ± 2.9 and 4.4 ± 4.7 mm ( P < .001), leading to a postoperative tibial and full leg length discrepancy of 2.8 ± 4.3 mm and 2.2 ± 7.3 mm ( P < .001 and P = .017, respectively). Preoperative leg length discrepancy was significantly correlated with the preoperative mechanical axis of the involved limb ( r = 0.292; P = .016), and the amount of correction was significantly associated with leg lengthening after OWHTO ( r = 0.319; P = .009). Patients with a varus deformity of ≥6.5° (n = 14) had a preoperative length discrepancy of –4.5 ± 1.6 mm ( P < .001) that was reduced to 1.8 ± 3.5 mm ( P = .08). Conclusion: Patients undergoing OWHTO have a preoperative leg length discrepancy that is directly associated with the varus deformity of the involved extremity. As OWHTO significantly increases leg length, restoration of native leg length can be achieved particularly in patients with large varus deformity.

Return to Play and Player Performance After Meniscal Tear Among Elite-Level European Soccer Players: A Matched Cohort Analysis of Injuries From 2006 to 2016

Background: Meniscal injuries are extremely common in soccer athletes, and little is known about postrecovery performance. Purpose: To (1) identify characteristics associated with return to play (RTP) to the same league level and (2) evaluate long-term effects that injury and management approach may have on player performance. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Using publicly available records, we identified athletes who sustained meniscal tears across the 5 major European soccer leagues (English Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Ligue 1, and Serie A) between 2006 and 2016. Injured athletes were matched to controls 1:2 by demographics and performance. Investigations included rate of RTP to the same league level, reinjury, player characteristics associated with RTP within 2 seasons, long-term availability, field time, and performance metrics standardized to 90 minutes of play during the next 4 seasons. Results: A total of 250 players sustaining meniscal tears were included, of which 106 (42%) received surgical management. Median absence was 57.5 days (interquartile range [IQR], 35-92) or 7 games (IQR, 4-12). Rate of RTP was 70%, and the reinjury rate 5% if a player could RTP. Age greater than 30 years was a negative predictor for RTP (odds ratio [OR], 0.62; P = .002), whereas higher preinjury goals per game (OR, 2.80; P = .04) and surgical management (OR, 1.38; P = .002) were positive predictors for RTP. Surgical management was associated with higher long-term availability ( P < .01). As compared with the control, there were no significant differences in field time or performance metrics after RTP, either overall or by player position. As compared with nonoperative management, defenders undergoing surgery demonstrated decreased field time. Attackers and midfielders demonstrated similar field time and performance regardless of management. Conclusion: RTP of elite soccer athletes sustaining meniscal tear is contingent on age, preinjury performance, and management approach. Those who RTP to the same league level can be expected to demonstrate equivalent field time, performance, and long-term availability as noninjured athletes.

Surgical Results of Chronic Distal Biceps Ruptures: A Systematic Review

Background: Distal biceps tendon tears can cause weakness and fatigue with activities requiring elbow flexion and supination. Surgical management of chronic tears (>21 days) is not well described in the literature. Purpose: To determine the clinical outcomes of chronic distal biceps repairs and reconstructions. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: We performed a search of Medline (PubMed and Ovid), EMBASE, CINAHL physical therapy, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PubMed Central from inception until September 29, 2020, to identify articles on chronic distal biceps ruptures. The inclusion criteria were studies with at least 1 outcome measure and 10 patients with chronic distal biceps ruptures treated surgically. The quality of the included studies was assessed with the methodological index for nonrandomized studies (MINORS) score. Functional outcomes and complications were reviewed. Results: A total of 12 studies were included after systematic database screenings. The MINORS scores ranged from 5 to 19. There were a total of 1704 distal biceps ruptures, of which 1270 were acute and 434 were chronic. Average follow-up time was 12 months to 5.1 years. Single-incision (n = 3), 2-incision (n = 2), or both (n = 6) surgical techniques were used in these studies. Four studies described the use of autografts, and 4 articles used allografts in the chronic repair. Range of motion, function, and strength outcomes were similar when compared with the contralateral arm. Pain was reduced to minimal levels. Main postoperative complications were of paresthesia (specifically to the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve), which were temporary in 69.1% of cases. Conclusion: The results of this review indicate that surgical management of chronic distal biceps ruptures demonstrates improvement in outcomes including pain reduction and functional ability. Although there may be a slightly higher immediate complication rate, the functional outcomes remain comparable with those seen in the patient population with acute distal biceps.

Do Clinical Outcomes and Failure Rates Differ in Patients With Combined ACL and Grade 2 MCL Tears Versus Isolated ACL Tears?: A Prospective Study With 14-Year Follow-up

Background: A combined injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) is a common injury pattern encountered during clinical practice. Recent systematic reviews have found no consensus on the optimal method of managing this combined ligament injury pattern, and no long-term studies with modern techniques are available in the literature. Purpose: To compare 2 groups of patients who underwent isolated ACL reconstruction in terms of failures and clinical scores at long-term follow-up. In the first group were patients with isolated ACL tears (ACL group), while the second was composed of patients with combined ACL and MCL grade 2 tears (ACL + MCL group). Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 57 patients (37 in the ACL group and 20 in the ACL + MCL group) underwent isolated ACL reconstruction with a double-bundle technique between January and December 2005. Patients were contacted for scores on the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective form, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and Tegner activity scale as well as data regarding ipsilateral or contralateral revision ACL surgery. A 2-way analysis of variance for repeated measures was used to statistically assess the differences between the groups. Results: Overall, 49 patients (86%) completed the survey and were therefore included in the study. The minimum follow-up was 14.6 years (range, 14.1-15.2 years). There was a significant reduction in both groups of all the outcome scores between the intermediate and final-follow-up. The number of failures was 3 of 31 (9.7%) in the ACL group and 1 of 18 (5.5%) in the ACL + MCL group; this difference was not significant. Moreover, there were no clinical differences between the groups in terms of graft failures, contralateral lesions, and clinical scores. Conclusion: At 14-year follow-up, no clinical difference or increased failure rate was observed between the study groups, suggesting that isolated ACL reconstruction could represent an appropriate treatment for a combined ACL and MCL grade 2 lesion.