The American journal of sports medicine
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Clinical Outcomes of Unipolar Versus Bipolar Patellofemoral Fresh Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation

Mar 25, 2026

The authors aimed to compare the clinical outcomes, including graft failure rates, reoperation rates, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs), between unipolar and bipolar patellofemoral osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation after a minimum follow-up of two years. Their findings indicated that while bipolar lesions were associated with a higher risk of graft failure, both unipolar and bipolar transplantations resulted in similar improvements in PROs and comparable reoperation rates, suggesting that both techniques are effective for patients in this cohort.

Tibiofemoral Load Sharing and Lateral Meniscal Function Are Restored in Tibia- and Capsular-Based Repair of Type 3 Lateral Meniscal Oblique Radial Tears

Mar 25, 2026

The authors investigate how type 3 lateral meniscal oblique radial tears (LMORTs) affect tibiofemoral contact mechanics and meniscal function, and whether different repair techniques can restore these metrics to their native levels. They found that both tibia-based suture anchor and capsular-based side-to-side repairs effectively restored joint mechanics and meniscal function, while debridement yielded poorer outcomes. This study supports the biomechanical rationale for repairing type 3 LMORTs during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Deltoid Osteomuscular Transfer Suppresses Humeral Head Translation Caused by Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: A Cadaveric Biomechanical Study

Mar 25, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the biomechanical effectiveness of a modified deltoid flap transfer, termed deltoid osteomuscular transfer (DOT), in managing massive irreparable rotator cuff tears (MRCTs) using a cadaveric model. Their findings demonstrated that the anterior harvest DOT significantly reduced humeral head translation compared to MRCT under various conditions and improved functional abduction force, suggesting it may provide effective stabilization for patients with irreparable MRCTs.

Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis Restores Knee Rotational and Translational Stability Regardless of Fixation Type: A Matched-Pair Cadaveric Study

Mar 25, 2026

The authors aimed to compare the biomechanical stability of the knee using three different fixation methods for lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Their findings indicated that all fixation methods—suture anchors, interference screws, and metallic staples—restored knee rotational stability effectively, even after cyclic loading, although suture anchors showed greater vulnerability to cyclic stress compared to the other methods. Ultimately, all three fixation techniques are considered viable options for LET, with no significant differences in overall stability observed between them in a controlled laboratory setting.

Failure Rates of SLAP Repair Compared With Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis for Young Military Patients With Type 2 SLAP at 10-Year Follow-up

Mar 21, 2026

This study aims to compare the long-term outcomes of arthroscopic SLAP repair versus mini-open subpectoral biceps tenodesis for type 2 SLAP tears in active-duty military patients under 35 years old. The findings reveal that 40% of SLAP repairs failed and required revision to tenodesis, while no patients who underwent tenodesis needed revision. Additionally, patient-reported outcomes were significantly better in the tenodesis group, indicating its superiority over SLAP repair for this demographic.

Arthroscopic Findings After Osteochondral Allografts of the Knee: Proposed Classification Scheme and Associations With Graft Failure

Mar 19, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the gross appearance of osteochondral allografts (OCAs) and the adjacent cartilage during second-look arthroscopy to define structural and clinical failure of the grafts. They found that 32.6% of grafts exhibited structural failure, primarily due to degeneration and chondral delamination, with significant adjacent cartilage damage present in a notable proportion of both failing and nonfailing grafts. The study suggests that understanding the macroscopic morphology of grafts could aid in better defining outcomes and guiding future interventions.

Combined Root and Body Lateral Meniscus Tears in the Adolescent Population: An Underrecognized and Underreported Tear Pattern

Mar 18, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the incidence and associations of combined root and body (CRAB) tears of the lateral meniscus in adolescent patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. They found that CRAB tears were present in 10.1% of all ACL surgeries and were often underdiagnosed, with a significant correlation to nonclassic bone bruising and higher body mass index. The study highlights the importance of thorough evaluation for posterior root tears when a radial tear of the meniscal body is identified.

Risk of Revision and Reoperation After ACL Reconstruction: Comparison of Quadriceps Tendon, Patellar Tendon, and Hamstring Autografts Stratified by Patient Sex and Age: A Cohort Study of 27,715 Patients From 2012 to 2023

Mar 18, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the risk of revision and reoperation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) based on the type of autograft used, while considering patient sex and age. Their findings indicate that young females have a significantly higher revision risk with hamstring tendon grafts compared to quadriceps and patellar tendon grafts, while the risk of reoperation varies by age and sex, highlighting the importance of graft selection in surgical decision-making.

A Novel Ultrasound-Guided Injection Strategy for Rapid Functional Recovery in Frozen Shoulder: A Multicenter Randomized Trial

Mar 18, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel ultrasound-guided tendon surface (UGTS) injection compared to manipulation under local anesthesia (MULA) and blind tender point (BTP) injection, all in conjunction with intra-articular injection and home exercise for treating frozen shoulder. The study found that UGTS led to significantly faster functional recovery and higher rates of complete remission within the first month, without adverse effects on articular cartilage or rotator cuff injuries. This suggests that UGTS may serve as an effective noninvasive first-line treatment for rapid relief in frozen shoulder.

Can a Clinician Accurately Diagnose Iliopsoas Tendinitis on a Physical Examination?

Mar 13, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of physical examination techniques for iliopsoas tendinitis in patients with anterior hip pain, using ultrasound-guided anesthetic injections as a reference standard. They found that specific physical examination findings, such as weakness and tenderness associated with seated hip flexion, demonstrated high sensitivity and predictive value for diagnosing iliopsoas tendinitis, while MRI showed limited sensitivity. The study suggests that a focused physical examination can facilitate a rapid and accurate diagnosis of this condition.