All Arthroscopic Suprapectoral Biceps Tenodesis

Background: Biceps tendinopathy can have significant clinical manifestations in active patients. Failure to achieve resolution of symptoms through nonsurgical modalities oftentimes results in surgical intervention. The 2 most common surgical treatment options for tendinopathy of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) are tenotomy and tenodesis. Both modalities have shown efficacy within the literature; however, tenodesis of the LHBT has many advantages to tenotomy. Indications: Subgroove tenodesis eliminates the potential pain generation within the bicipital groove. Despite recent proof of clinical equivalence in open versus arthroscopic tenodesis, there has been increasing interest in all-arthroscopic biceps tenodesis techniques in hopes of minimizing surgical exposure, decreasing the rate of potential neurovascular compromise, and decreasing the time to recovery. Technique: We present an all-arthroscopic technique for a subgroove biceps tenodesis using a unicortical tensionable button. The proximal biceps anchor is held in place at its insertion site with a spinal needle to prevent retraction. The lateral portal is redirected into the subdeltoid space. A novel suprapectoral biceps portal, called the Willingboro portal, is placed percutaneously 2 cm above the pectoralis tendon. Onlay fixation of the LHBT is performed proximal to the pectoralis major muscle insertion using a unicortical button. Postoperative protocol is similar to other fixation constructs. Results: Numerous arthroscopic biceps tenodesis techniques have been described with good success; however, an all-arthroscopic suprapectoral tenodesis is attractive to many reasons. The unicortical button construct shows similar load to failure strength as the bicortical button construct, both of which are greater than all other constructs described in the literature. Discussion/Conclusion: Arthroscopic subgroove biceps tenodesis using a unicortical button technique is a viable option that avoids the complications associated with an open axillary incision as well as persistent groove pain. Anchoring the biceps tendon prior to tenotomy allows for preservation of tendon length, limiting the complications associated with tendon retraction with anticipated improvement in patient-reported outcomes. The unicortical button is known to have a similar strength profile as the bicortical button technique, which is greater than other techniques described in the literature. Future studies should be aimed at assessing long-term patient-reported outcomes. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: 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

Wear Rates of Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene in Total Ankle Arthroplasty at Mean 7-Year Follow- up

Category: Ankle Arthritis; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Polyethylene (PE) wear particles have been shown to be a contributing factor of osteolysis and aseptic loosening. The use of highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) liners has been proven to reduce wear rates in hip and knee arthroplasty. To date, no clinical study has investigated the in vivo wear rates of HXLPE in total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). Therefore, the purpose of our study was to evaluate mid- and long-term outcomes and HXLPE wear rates in primary TAA. Methods: We retrospectively identified 49 patients who underwent primary TAA with HXLPE liners at a minimum of 5-year follow up. The average age was 65 years, 57.1% female, and average body mass index was 28.7 kg/m 2 . Polyethylene wear rates at final follow up were assessed using anteroposterior ankle radiographs and a validated computer assisted software. In addition, overall implant survivorship and complications were recorded. Results: The average polyethylene linear wear rate was 0.073 mm/year (SD, +/- 0.027) at mean 7.6 year (range, 5.1 to 12.2) follow up. Further analysis of patients with greater than 10 year follow up (n=8) demonstrated a linear wear rate of 0.06 mm/year (SD, +/- 0.02) at mean 11.1 year (range, 10.0 to 12.2). There were no instances of linear fracture or dissociation. Survivorship was 98.0% with 1 patient requiring removal of hardware and revision TAA secondary to failure of distal tibial osteotomy which was performed at index procedure. The rate of reoperation was 12.2% (n=6) with the most common indication being symptomatic ankle impingement treated with peri-implant cyst excision, exostectomy, and debridement (n=4). Conclusion: Highly crosslinked polyethylene liners in primary TAA demonstrated low in vivo wear rates and no cases of liner mechanical failures. In addition, our cohort demonstrated low complication and reoperation rates and exceptional survivorship at mid to long-term follow up. Therefore, the use of HXLPE liners is a viable option for surgeons performing TAA

Subscapularis tear classification implications regarding treatment and outcomes: consensus decision-making

Background: Several classifications have been proposed for subscapularis tendon tearing (SCTs); however, there remains a poor agreement between orthopedic surgeons regarding the diagnosis and management of these lesions. Distinguishing the various tear patterns and classifying them with some prognostic significance may aid the operating surgeon in planning appropriate treatment. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to outline the current literature regarding SCT classification and treatment and conduct a survey among shoulder and elbow surgeons to identify the approaches regarding surgical decision-making for these injuries. Methods: In this systematic review, we analyzed 12 articles regarding the subscapularis tendon tear classification and implications regarding treatment plans and outcomes. In addition, 4 international experts in subscapularis repair surgery participated in the development of a questionnaire form that was distributed to 1161 ASES members. One hundred sixty five surgeons participated and chose whether they agree, disagree, or abstain for each of the 32 statements in 4 parts including indications/contraindications, treatment plan, and the factors affecting outcomes in the survey. Results: Classification criteria were extremely variable with differing recommendations and descriptions of tear morphology; most were based on tear size, associated shoulder pathology, or lesser tuberosity footprint exposure. Considering the multiple classification systems and the overall poor agreement regarding SCT management, our study found that the most widely agreed upon (more than 80%) statements included early surgery is advised for traumatic SCT, chronic degenerative SCT (without fatty infiltration) associated with acute supraspinatus tear is a candidate for repair, and rotator cuff arthropathy is a contraindication for SCT repair. Conclusion: Our study was able to identify both patient and tear characteristics that are well agreed upon among surgeons in the treatment of these injuries. Lafosse classification is generally widely accepted; however, it needs to be improved by some additions. Continued collaboration among surgeons is needed to establish an acceptable and broadly applicable classification system for the management of these injuries