Since its creation, labral repair has become the preferred method among surgeons for the arthroscopic treatment of acetabular labral tears resulting in pain and dysfunction for patients. Labral reconstruction is performed mainly in revision hip arthroscopy but can be used in the primary setting when the labrum cannot be repaired or is calcified. The purpose of this study was to compare the survival between primary labral repair and labral reconstruction with survival defined as no further surgery (revision or total hip replacement). Patients who underwent labral repair or reconstruction between January 2005 and December 2018 in the primary setting were included in the study. Patients were included if they had primary hip arthroscopy with the senior author for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), involving either labral reconstruction or labral repair, and were within the ages of 18 and 65 at the time of surgery. Exclusion criteria included confounding injuries (Leggs Calves Perthes, avascular necrosis, femoral head fracture, etc.), history of unilateral or bilateral hip surgeries, or Tönnis grades of 2 or 3 at the time of surgery. Labral repairs were performed when adequate tissue was available for repair and labral reconstruction was performed when tissue was absent, ossified or torn beyond repair. A total of 501 labral repairs and 114 labral reconstructions performed in the primary setting were included in the study. Labral reconstruction patients were older (37±10) compared to labral repair (34±11).(p=0.021). Second surgeries were required in 19/114 (17%) of labral reconstruction and 40/501(8%) [odds ratio: 2.3; 95% CI 1.3 to 4.2] (p=0.008). Revision hip arthroscopy were required in 6/114(5%) labral reconstructions and 33/501(6.5%) labral repair (p=0.496). Total hip replacement was required in 13/114 labral reconstructions and 7/501 labral repairs [odds ratio:9.1 95%CI 3.5 to 23] (p=< 0.01). The mean survival for the labral repair group was 10.2 years (95%CI:10 to 10.5) and 11.9 years (98%CI:10.9 to 12.8) in the labral reconstruction group. Conversion to total hip was required more often following primary labral reconstruction. Revision hip arthroscopy rates were similar between groups as was the mean survival, with both over 10 years. Similar survival was seen in labral repair and reconstruction when strict patient selection criteria are followed

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate postoperative improvement and high satisfaction rates after a surgical approach that includes arthroscopic labral repair only, in patients with borderline dysplasia, without instability. Methods. Between September 2009 and December 2011, patients less than 50 years old who underwent hip arthroscopy for symptomatic intra-articular hip disorders, with a lateral center-edge (CE) angle between 20 and 25, were included in this study. Patients with Tönnis grade 2 or greater, hip joint space narrowing, severe hip dysplasia (CE〈20), hip joint instability and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease were excluded. Patient-reported outcome scores, including the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis index (WOMAC), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain were obtained in all patients preoperatively and at 1, 2, and 3 years postoperatively. Results. A total of 36 patients met the criteria to be included in the study. Of these, 32 (88.8%) patients were available for follow-up. There was a significant improvement in mHHS from 67.19±7.66 to 82.69±6.95 (P<0.001), and WOMAC score from 58.90±5.77 to 77.90±6.38 (P<0.001). There was a significant improvement in VAS scores from 5.8 to 2.9 (P<0.001). There was a significant improvement in range of motion, flexion from 108.44±7.77 to 115.31±6.08 (P<0.001) and external rotation from 29.06±5.74 to 33.13±4.88 (P<0.001). Conclusions. The current study demonstrates favorable results in borderline dysplasia hip without instability at minimum 3-year follow-up for an arthroscopic approach that includes labral repair. Labrum is the main key-stone structure, which should be preserved in borderline dysplasia hip for functional and pain improvement. Also the prognosis of treatment is probably forecasted more by the nature of stability and the intra-articular pathology rather than simply the presence or absence of radiographic finding of borderline dysplasia

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate postoperative improvement and high satisfaction rates after a surgical approach that includes arthroscopic labral repair only, in patients with borderline dysplasia, without instability. Methods. Between September 2009 and December 2011, patients less than 50 years old who underwent hip arthroscopy for symptomatic intra-articular hip disorders, with a lateral center-edge (CE) angle between 20 and 25, were included in this study. Patients with Tönnis grade 2 or greater, hip joint space narrowing, severe hip dysplasia, hip joint instability and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease were excluded. Patient-reported outcome scores, including the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis index (WOMAC), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain were obtained in all patients preoperatively and at 1, 2, and 3 years postoperatively. Results. A total of 36 patients met the criteria to be included in the study. Of these, 32 (88.8%) patients were available for follow-up. There was a significant improvement in mHHS from 67.19 ± 7.66 to 82.69 ± 6.95 (P<0.05), WOMAC score from 58.90 ± 5.77 to 77.90 ± 6.38 (P<0.05), and VAS scores from 5.8 ± 0.88 to 2.9 ± 0.62 (P<0.05). There was a also improvement in range of motion, flexion from 108.44 ± 7.77 to 115.31 ± 6.08 (P<0.05) and external rotation from 29.06 ± 5.74 to 33.13 ± 4.88 (P<0.05). Conclusions. The current study demonstrates favorable results in borderline dysplasia hip without instability at minimum 3-year follow-up for an arthroscopic approach that includes labral repair. Labrum is the main key-stone structure, which should be preserved in borderline dysplasia hip for functional and pain improvement

The purpose of this study was to validate a dry model for the assessment of performance of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) and labral repair (LR). We hypothesised that the combination of a checklist and a previously validated global rating scale (GRS) would be a valid and reliable means of assessing RCR and LR when performed by residents in a dry model. An arthroscopic RCR and LR was performed on a dry model by residents, fellows, and sports medicine staff. Any prior RCR and LR exposure was noted. Participants were given a detailed surgical manuscript and technique video before the study began. Evaluation of residents was performed by staff surgeons with task-specific checklists created using a modified Delphi procedure, and the Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET). The hand movements and arthroscopic view of the procedures were recorded. Both videos were scored by a fellow blinded to the year of training of each participant. A total of 35 residents, six fellows and five staff surgeons performed both arthroscopic RCR and LR on a dry model model (48 total). The internal reliability (Cronbach's Alpha) of the test using the total ASSET score was high (>0.8)). One-way analysis of variance for the total ASSET score and the total checklist score demonstrated a difference between participants based upon year of training (p<0.05). Post hoc analysis also demonstrated a significant difference in global ratings and checklist scores between junior residents (PGY1–3) and senior residents (PGY4&5), senior residents and fellows, and fellows and staff. A good correlation was seen between the total ASSET score and prior exposure to RCR and LR. The inter-rater reliability (ICC) between the examiner ratings and the blinded assessor ratings for the total ASSET score was good (0.8). The results of this study provide evidence that the performance of a RCR and LR in a dry model is a valid and reliable method of assessing a resident's ability to perform these procedures, prior to performance in the operating room

Concepts in glenoid tracking and treatment strategies of glenoid bone loss are well established. Initial observations in our practice in Singapore showed few patients with major bone loss requiring glenoid reconstructions. This led us to investigate the incidence of and the extent of bone loss in our patients with shoulder instability. Our study revealed bony Bankart lesions were seen in 46% of our patients but glenoid bone loss measured only 6–10% of the glenoid surface. In the same study we found that arthroscopic labral repair with capsular plication and Mason-Ellen suturing (Hybrid technique) was sufficient to stabilise patients with bipolar bone defects and minor glenoid bone loss. This led us to develop the concept of minor bone loss and a new algorithm. Our algorithm and strategies to deal with major bone loss will also be discussed, and techniques & outcomes of Arthroscopic Bony Bankart repair, Arthroscopic Glenoid Reconstruction and Arthroscopic Remplissage procedures will be shown

Excessive postoperative opioid prescribing is a significant contributor to the opioid crisis. Prescribing in orthopaedic surgery is often further complicated by high use of opioid-based preoperative analgesia. ‘Opioid PrEscRiptions and usage After Surgery’ (OPERAS) is an international multicentre prospective student- and trainee-led collaborative study which aims to quantify the amount of opioids prescribed at discharge after common orthopaedic surgeries against what is consumed by patients at 7-days, and assess the impact of opioids on patient-reported outcomes. Data is being collected over 6 14-day periods on consecutive adult patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty, rotator cuff repair, shoulder labral repair, anterior cruciate ligament repair, hip arthroplasty, and knee arthroplasty, with follow-up via telephone call at 7-days after discharge. The primary outcome is the proportion of oral morphine equivalents (OME) of prescribed opioids versus consumed opioids at 7-days post-discharge. This ongoing study is actively recruiting in over 20 countries. Globally, 65 centres are collecting orthopaedic, including 10 New Zealand centres and 17 Australian centres. To date, 284 orthopaedic patients have been prospectively enrolled with complete data (mean age 59.6 ± 16.7 years; 51.6% female). Overall, 77% and 89% of patients were prescribed opioids on discharge in New Zealand and Australia respectively. On average, 60% of prescribed opioids were consumed at 7-days post-discharge globally (150 OME (75-500) vs. 90 OME (15-200); p<0.01). In New Zealand and Australia, 42.1% (285 OME (150-584) vs. 120 OME (6-210); p<0.01) and 63.3% (150 OME (86-503) vs. 95 OME (28-221); p<0.01) of prescribed opioids were consumed at 7-days, respectively. OPERAS will provide the first high-quality global data on opioid prescription and consumption patterns with patient perspectives. These data can inform prescribing practice and inform guidelines. The growing interest in New Zealand and Australia in student- and trainee-led orthopaedic collaborative research, as evidenced by this study should be actively encouraged and fostered

Adequate visual clarity is paramount to performing arthroscopic shoulder surgery safely, efficiently, and effectively. The addition of epinephrine in irrigation fluid, and the intravenous or local administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) have independently been reported to decrease bleeding thereby improving the surgeon's visualization during arthroscopic shoulder procedures. No study has compared the effect of systemic administered TXA, epinephrine added in the irrigation fluid or the combination of both TXA and epinephrine on visual clarity during shoulder arthroscopy with a placebo group. The purpose of this study is to determine if intravenous TXA is a safe alternative to epinephrine delivered by a pressure-controlled pump in improving arthroscopic shoulder visualization during arthroscopic procedures and whether using both TXA and epinephrine together has an additive effect in improving visualization. The design of the study was a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial with four 1:1:1:1 parallel groups conducted at one center. Patients aged ≥18 years undergoing arthroscopic shoulder procedures including rotator cuff repair, arthroscopic biceps tenotomy/tenodesis, distal clavicle excision, subacromial decompression and labral repair by five fellowship-trained upper extremity surgeons were randomized into one of four arms: Pressure pump-controlled regular saline irrigation fluid (control), epinephrine (1ml of 1:1000) mixed in irrigation fluid (EPI), 1g intravenous TXA (TXA), and epinephrine and TXA (EPI/TXA). Visualization was rated on a 4-point Likert scale every 15 minutes with 0 indicating ‘poor’ quality and 3 indicating ‘excellent’ quality. The primary outcome measure was the unweighted mean of these ratings. Secondary outcomes included mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), surgery duration, surgery complexity, and adverse events within the first postoperative week. One hundred and twenty-eight participants with a mean age (± SD) of 56 (± 11) years were randomized. Mean visualization quality for the control, TXA, EPI, and EPI/TXA groups were 2.1 (±0.40), 2.1 (±0.52), 2.6 (±0.37), 2.6 (±0.35), respectively. In a regression model with visual quality as the dependent variable, the presence/absence of EPI was the most significant predictor of visualization quality (R=0.525; p < 0 .001). TXA presence/absence had no effect, and there was no interaction between TXA and EPI. The addition of MAP and surgery duration strengthened the model (R=0.529; p < 0 .001). Increased MAP and surgery duration were both associated with decreased visualization quality. When surgery duration was controlled, surgery complexity was not a significant predictor of visualization quality. No adverse events were recorded in any of the groups. Intravenous administration of TXA is not an effective alternative to epinephrine in the irrigation fluid to improve visualization during routine arthroscopic shoulder surgeries although its application is safe. There is no additional improvement in visualization when TXA is used in combination with epinephrine beyond the effect of epinephrine alone

Adequate visual clarity is paramount to performing arthroscopic shoulder surgery safely, efficiently, and effectively. The addition of epinephrine in irrigation fluid, and the intravenous or local administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) have independently been reported to decrease bleeding thereby improving the surgeon's visualization during arthroscopic shoulder procedures. No study has compared the effect of systemic administered TXA, epinephrine added in the irrigation fluid or the combination of both TXA and epinephrine on visual clarity during shoulder arthroscopy with a placebo group. The purpose of this study is to determine if intravenous TXA is a safe alternative to epinephrine delivered by a pressure-controlled pump in improving arthroscopic shoulder visualization during arthroscopic procedures and whether using both TXA and epinephrine together has an additive effect in improving visualization. The design of the study was a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial with four 1:1:1:1 parallel groups conducted at one center. Patients aged ≥18 years undergoing arthroscopic shoulder procedures including rotator cuff repair, arthroscopic biceps tenotomy/tenodesis, distal clavicle excision, subacromial decompression and labral repair by five fellowship-trained upper extremity surgeons were randomized into one of four arms: Pressure pump-controlled regular saline irrigation fluid (control), epinephrine (1ml of 1:1000) mixed in irrigation fluid (EPI), 1g intravenous TXA (TXA), and epinephrine and TXA (EPI/TXA). Visualization was rated on a 4-point Likert scale every 15 minutes with 0 indicating ‘poor’ quality and 3 indicating ‘excellent’ quality. The primary outcome measure was the unweighted mean of these ratings. Secondary outcomes included mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), surgery duration, surgery complexity, and adverse events within the first postoperative week. One hundred and twenty-eight participants with a mean age (± SD) of 56 (± 11) years were randomized. Mean visualization quality for the control, TXA, EPI, and EPI/TXA groups were 2.1 (±0.40), 2.1 (±0.52), 2.6 (±0.37), 2.6 (±0.35), respectively. In a regression model with visual quality as the dependent variable, the presence/absence of EPI was the most significant predictor of visualization quality (R=0.525; p < 0 .001). TXA presence/absence had no effect, and there was no interaction between TXA and EPI. The addition of MAP and surgery duration strengthened the model (R=0.529; p < 0 .001). Increased MAP and surgery duration were both associated with decreased visualization quality. When surgery duration was controlled, surgery complexity was not a significant predictor of visualization quality. No adverse events were recorded in any of the groups. Intravenous administration of TXA is not an effective alternative to epinephrine in the irrigation fluid to improve visualization during routine arthroscopic shoulder surgeries although its application is safe. There is no additional improvement in visualization when TXA is used in combination with epinephrine beyond the effect of epinephrine alone

To evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes of patients treated arthroscopically with chitin-based scaffolding for acetabular chondral defects in conjunction with microfracture compared to microfracture alone. This study is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. A review of charts was performed (2014–2016) on all patients who underwent hip arthroscopy and had microfracture +/− scaffolding for acetabular chondral defects, intraoperative details (lesion size, grade, labral repair/reconstruction) and postoperative complications were recorded with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Clinical outcomes were assessed by analysing iHOT and HOS scores which were obtained pre-operatively, at six months, one year and two years post-surgery. Plain radiographs were assessed for hip osteoarthritis by Kellgren & Lawrence grading. A total of 60 patients (microfracture=25, scaffolding=35) were included. Patients had a mean age of 36.2 years at the time of the index operation. There were no major adverse events of deep vein 36.2 years at the time of the index operation. There were no major adverse events of deep vein thrombosis, blood vessel or nerve damage, hemarthrosis or device related adverse events in both groups. Two patients were readmitted due to pain as a result of an inflammatory reaction in the scaffolding group. Both treatments of microfracture and scaffolding showed significant improvement in outcome score (iHOT) (p < 0 .001) when compared postoperative to preoperative. Both the arthroscopic treatment of chondral acetabular defects with chitin based scaffolding and microfracture demonstrated significant improvement from their pre-operative outcomes

The management of shoulder instability has changed a great deal in the last five years due to a better understanding of the biomechanics of the shoulder and the use of arthroscopic surgery. It is essential to understand the anatomy of the labrum and bony structures of the shoulder joint, as well as the contribution of these structures as well as the Rotator Cuff to stability in the different positions of the arm. The history and examination still remains the most important diagnostic tool and a thorough history and examination cannot be over-emphasised. MR Arthrography is the investigation of choice in confirming the diagnosis of instability while a CT scan may be required if there is significant bony damage. The most controversial topic is that of the first time dislocator. If there is a significant labral tear then the options of an arthroscopic labral repair or external rotation brace need to be considered. In the absence of a labral tear then physiotherapy is the treatment of choice. For recurrent dislocators, the results of arthroscopic labral repairs with capsular plication techniques are approaching those of the gold standard open stabilisation. If, however, there is significant bony damage to the glenoid or humeral head then a bone block procedure may be the treatment of choice. Rotator Cuff tears need to be excluded in older patients with instability and often in such cases an arthroscopic procedure to deal with the Rotator Cuff and Labrum can be done simultaneously

Objective. To define the common pathology of the hips with irreducible posterior dislocation combined with femoral head fracture and the outcome of surgical treatment using surgical hip dislocation technique. Design: retrospective observational clinical study. Setting: Level III referral trauma center. Patients/Participants: from January 2011till February 2014 five patients with irreducible posterior hip dislocation and femoral head fracture who underwent operation were included and they followed for at least 18 months. Intervention. Open reduction and internal fixation of fractured femoral head and labral repair by suture anchors using surgical hip dislocation through trochanteric flip osteotomy approach. Main Outcome Measures: Clinical and radiographical findings of the irreducible posterior hip dislocation, intraoperative findings, clinical outcomes using Merle d'Aubigné & Postel and Thompson & Epstein scores, and radiological outcome. Results. All patients presented clinically with a shortened lower limb in neutral or external rotation of the hip (not in Internal rotation). All were Pipkin type II fracture of femoral head with the intact part of the head buttonholed on the posterior wall of the acetabulum through a capsule-labral flap. Postoperative computed tomography revealed perfect reduction except one case with severe comminution with good reduction. Only one patient with delayed operative management developed avascular necrosis and underwent total hip arthroplasty. Conclusion. Irreducible femoral head fracture-dislocation is rare injury with different clinical presentation that shows neutral or externally rotated limb and optimal surgical management is not clear. Surgical hip dislocation gives full access to the femoral head for reconstruction and opportunity to direct repair of the labral tears

There are a variety of potential causes of shoulder arthritis in young patients including osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and avascular necrosis. However, the primary etiology in my practice is related to complications of instability surgery or labral repair: thermal or anchor/suture related chondrolysis. The outcomes of arthroscopic debridement have been disappointing in patients with shoulder arthritis with worse results with increasing severity of articular cartilage changes. Among all joint arthroplasty procedures, patients who undergo shoulder arthroplasty have the youngest average age. Results of hemiarthroplasty (HA) have been approximately 75% to 80% compared to 90% with total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The largest series in the literature on shoulder arthroplasty in young patients is Schoch et al. They reviewed the results of 56 hemiarthroplasties and 19 TSA performed in patients less than 50 years old with a minimum 20-year follow-up or follow-up until reoperation. Both HA and TSA resulted in significant improvements in pain scores (p<0.001), abduction (p<0.01), and external rotation (p=0.02). Eighty-one percent of shoulders were rated much better or better than pre-operatively. Unsatisfactory ratings in HA were due to reoperations in 25 (glenoid arthrosis in 16) and limited motion, pain, or dissatisfaction in 11. Unsatisfactory ratings in TSA were due to reoperations in 6 (component loosening in 4) and limited motion in 5. Estimated 20-year survival was 75.6% (confidence interval, 65.9–86.5) for HAs and 83.2% (confidence interval, 70.5–97.8) for TSAs

The outcomes of hip arthroscopy in the treatment of dysplasia are variable. Historically, arthroscopic treatment of severe dysplasia (lateral center-edge angle [LCEA] < 18°) resulted in poor outcomes and iatrogenic instability. However, in milder forms of dysplasia, favorable outcomes have been reported. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes following hip arthroscopy for femorocetabular impingement (FAI) in borderline dysplastic (BD) patients compared with a control group of non-dysplastic patients. Between March 2009 and July 2012, a BD group (LCEA 18°–25°) of 46 patients (55 hips) was identified. An age and sex-matched control group of 131 patients (152 hips) was also identified (LCEA 25°–40°). Patient-reported outcome scores, including the Modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the Hip Outcome Score-Activity of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), the Sport-specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33), were collected pre-operatively, at 1, and 2 years. The mean LCEA was 22.4 ± 2.0° (range, 18.4°–24.9°) in the BD group and 31.0 ± 3.1° (range, 25.4°–38.7°) in the control group (p<0.001). The mean preoperative alpha angle was 66.3 ± 9.9° in the BD group and 61.7 ± 13.0° in the control group (p=0.151). Cam decompression was performed in 98.2% and 99.3% of cases in the BD and control groups. Labral repair was performed in 69.1% and 75.3% of the BD and control groups respectively, with 100% of patients having a complete capsular closure performed in both groups. At a mean follow-up of 31.3 ± 7.6 months (range, 23.1–67.3) in unrevised patients and 21.6 ± 13.3 months (range 4.7–40.6) in revised patients, there was significant improvement (p<0.001) in all patient reported outcome scores in both groups. Multiple regression analysis did not identify any significant differences between groups. Importantly, female sex did not appear to be a predictor for inferior outcomes. Two patients (4.3%) in the BD group and six patients (4.6%) in the control group required revision arthroscopy during the study period. Favorable outcomes can be expected following the treatment of impingement in borderline dysplastics when labral refixation and capsular closure are performed, with comparable outcomes to non-dysplastic patients. Further follow-up in larger cohorts is necessary to prove the durability and safety of hip arthroscopy in this challenging group and to further explore potential gender-related differences in outcome

This study presents the results of 60 consecutive hip arthroscopic procedures for the treatment of Acetabulo-Femoral Impingement. The procedures were performed by a single surgeon over a period of 36 months. The learning curve and the evolution of the current technique along with the clinical outcomes are discussed Additionally two new clinical signs of AFI are described, along with the correlation of radiological and arthroscopic findings. Sixty patients underwent hip arthroscopies. The procedures included labral debridement, labral repair, femoral and/or acetabular osteectomies. All patients underwent MRI examination and three-dimensional CT imaging to identify the impingement lesion. Follow up CT scanning was performed to assess the accuracy of the bony resection. Patients were reviewed at three months and subsequently at twelve monthly intervals. All patients participated in completing questionnaires. Post-operatively Modified Harris Hip score improved from 54 to 70, Non-Arthritic hip score improved from 58 to 75, SF12 score improved from 35 to 40. Three patients required a second procedure for further bony resection. One patient underwent a THR within 12 months. Two female patients suffered minor vaginal abrasions. Hip arthroscopy is a demanding procedure. Good clinical results are achieved only when the cause of impingement has been identified and treated

Background. Labral tears are now recognised as a common pathology especially in young adults. With advancement of arthroscopic techniques, most recent published literature is focused on short- or mid-term results of labral repair or re-fixation. There is limited data regarding long-term results of labral debridement and effect of co-existing pathology on outcomes. We investigated long-term results after arthroscopic labral debridement, the predictors of outcomes and correlation with any co-existing hip pathology. Materials and Methods. Between 1996 and 2003, 50 patients who underwent hip arthroscopy and labral debridement with mean follow-up of 8.4±1.7 years (range 7-13.6 years) were included in our study. Patients' pre-operative Harris Hip Score and co-existing pathologies such as FAI, dysplasia or arthritis were recorded as variables. Further, patients' post-operative HHS and satisfaction at the time of follow-up were recorded as outcomes. Spearman's rho correlation coefficient and regression analysis were calculated between these variables and outcomes. Results. Good or excellent results were noted in 80% of patients. The mean pre-operative HHS was 79.3±8.2 (range 58-86) which was improved to 92.2±12.1 (range 46-100) post-operatively. Patients without co-existing pathology had significantly higher satisfaction and HSS. Arthritis had a significantly negative correlation with post-op HHS (rho= -0.27, P<0.05) and satisfaction (rho= -0.32, P<0.05). Eighty-four percent of patients were satisfied and 16% were dissatisfied. All dissatisfied patients (eight cases) had arthritis; two patients also had FAI that did not have decompression of the lesion since it was not recognised at the time. In regression analysis, arthritis was the strongest independent predictors of post-op HHS and satisfaction. Conclusion. Arthroscopic labral debridement of symptomatic tears without co-existing pathology can result in favorable long-term results. Arthritis is the strongest independent predictors of outcomes

Purpose. The introduction of alternate care provider roles is at the forefront of many new health human resource strategies and is one of the key approaches in reducing orthopaedic wait times in Canada. The present study was part of a formal evaluation of an expanded role for physiotherapists which included referral triage, comprehensive assessment and development of a management plan and post-surgical follow-ups. Specifically, we examined the efficacy and role of an Advanced Practice Physiotherapist (APP) with respect to reduction in wait times to care for patients with shoulder complaints referred to an orthopaedic surgeon with subspecialty in shoulder reconstruction. Method. We used data of 100 consecutive patients seen by an APP in 2010 to examine the following: 1) type of diagnosis, 2) number of new investigations ordered, percentage of patients who needed a consultation with the surgeon, 3) and indication for surgery. Patients who were sent for a second surgical opinion, had a failed surgery in the affected side, had a motor vehicle accident or were a surgical candidate for stabilization or superior labral repairs were not included in the study and were directly booked for the orthopaedic surgeon. To compare change in waiting times, a random sample of 100 charts of patients seen in 2008 by an orthopaedic surgeon with a subspecialty in shoulder reconstruction were reviewed. The following time frames were compared between the surgeon and APP: T1: time from date of referral to date of consultation, T2: time from date of consultation to date of final diagnostic test, T3: time from date of consultation to confirmed diagnosis. Parametric and non-parametric analyses were performed as indicated by the distribution of data. Results. The highest pathologies managed by the APP were rotator cuff pathology, osteoarthritis, impingement syndrome, and adhesive capsulitis. The number of investigations ordered was 9%, 12%, and 85% for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Ultrasound, and plain x-rays respectively. Forty four patients (44%) were referred to the surgeon of which, 10 had a subacromial injection, 17 required surgery and 13 required the surgeons opinion/input. There was a statistically significant difference between the surgeon and APP in all three time points (T1: p=0.02, T2: p=0.02, T3: p=0.007). The APP had shorter wait times despite the fact that patients seen by the APP were actually chosen from the surgeons long waiting list. Conclusion. The extended role is a viable strategy for reducing waiting times and freeing surgeons time by providing care to patients who do not require surgery or those who have an uncomplicated post-surgical recovery