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Autologous chondrocyte implantation is a viable treatment option for chondral defects of the patellofemoral joint. Combined autologous chondrocyte implantation with anteromedialization improves outcomes more than autologous chondrocyte implantation alone. Patients with failed prior cartilage procedures can also expect sustained and clinically meaningful improvement.

There is significant inter- and intraobserver variability observed among experienced shoulder surgeons using the Goutallier classification for assessing fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff muscles after chronic rotator cuff tears. Respondents were more likely to agree with themselves than with other respondents. A simplification of the MRI classification system is proposed that takes into consideration the variability determined by this study.

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Hypothesis Patients with type II superior labrum, anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions will have improved function and decrease pain at a minimum two years after arthroscopic SLAP repair using bioabsorbable suture anchor fixation. Materials and Methods The study population consisted of 48 patients who underwent arthroscopic SLAP repair. Subjective shoulder scores, range of motion, and strength (post-operative only) were assessed pre-operatively and at a minimum of two years post-operatively. Results At an average of 3.4 years following surgery, statistically significant improvement was seen in ASES, UCLA, SST, CADL, VAS, and SF-12 physical outcome scores. Improvements were made in forward flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation. Subgroup analysis of non-athletes, non-overhead athletes, recreational overhead athletes, and collegiate overhead athletes showed pre- to post-operative improvements in subjective outcomes scores. Overhead laborers and non-laborers subgroups also showed pre- to post-operative improvements in subjective shoulder scores. Discussion On the basis of this data, arthroscopic SLAP repair of type II lesions with bioabsorbable suture anchors provides a significant improvement in functional capacity and pain relief. No differences were seen between the outcomes of non-athletes, non-overhead athletes, recreational overhead athletes, and collegiate overhead athletes, suggesting that SLAP type II repair is successful independent of the patient’s vocation or sport. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series, Treatment Study