[Arthroscopic coracoid transfer : Indications, technique and initial results]. / Arthroskopischer Korakoidtransfer : Indikation, Technik und erste Ergebnisse.

Recurrent anterior shoulder instability is a frequent and severe problem for patients. The Bankart operation with reconstruction of the labrum, capsule and ligament is the established treatment method, which is usually performed arthroscopically. However, the results of the Bankart operation deteriorate if there is significant bone loss at the glenoid or humerus and also when there is structural damage to the anteroinferior glenohumeral ligament and labrum. In 1954 Latarjet described the technique of coracoid transfer to the anterior glenoid. This procedure has become popular for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability especially in France and is performed in an open technique.In this paper we describe the indications, operative technique and early results of coracoid transfer in a completely arthroscopic technique.

Hyper extension-internal rotation (HERI): A new test for anterior gleno-humeral instability.

BACKGROUND: Anterior shoulder dislocation causes injury to the inferior gleno-humeral ligament (IGHL) and capsule. Clinical manoeuvres currently used to evaluate the IGHL test for, and may induce, apprehension. We developed the hyper extension-internal rotation (HERI) test to assess the IGHL and inferior capsule without causing apprehension or inducing a risk of gleno-humeral dislocation. HYPOTHESIS: The HERI test is easy to perform and reproducible, induces no risk of gleno-humeral dislocation during the manoeuvre, and causes no apprehension in the patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 14 fresh cadaver shoulders. Each specimen was positioned supine with the lateral edge of the scapula on the table and the upper limb hanging down beside the table under the effect of gravity. This position produced hyperextension and internal rotation of the gleno-humeral joint. For each shoulder, the range of extension (°) was measured before and after isolated IGHL section. Then, we performed the HEIR test in 50 patients with chronic unilateral anterior gleno-humeral instability and we compared the range of extension between the normal and abnormal sides. RESULTS: In the cadaver study, isolated IGHL section increased the angle of extension by a mean of 14.5° (11°-18°) compared to the pre-injury values. In the clinical study, the mean difference in extension angles between the normal and abnormal sides was 14.5°. The patients reported no apprehension during the HERI test. CONCLUSION: The angle of extension increases after section or injury of the IGHL in cadaver specimens and patients, respectively. When the inferior capsule and IGHL are damaged, the angle of extension increases compared to the normal side. Lesions to these structures can be evaluated clinically by performing the HERI test. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Is anterior glenoid bone block position reliably assessed by standard radiography? A cadaver study.

BACKGROUND: Standard radiography with an antero-posterior view and Bernageau's glenoid profile view is the method most widely reported in the literature to assess coracoid bone block position and fusion. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this cadaver study was to determine whether the antero-posterior and Bernageau's radiographs provide a reliable and reproducible evaluation of the position of a coracoid bone block and its fixation screws. METHOD: An isolated scapula showing no evidence of osteoarthritis or other abnormalities was used. The coracoid process was transferred to the anterior glenoid rim. Fixation was with two slightly diverging malleolar screws, chosen of different sizes for ease of identification. Computed tomography (CT) was performed as the reference imaging technique. The standard radiographs were then obtained, using fluoroscopy to accurately position the scapula for the antero-posterior and Bernageau's views. This position was defined as 0°, and radiographs were taken at angles of 5°, 10°, and 15° in all three planes. All radiographs were taken during a single session to ensure that the distance separating the tube from the scapula remained unchanged. The images were exported to OsiriX for analysis. We measured the angles formed by the screws and the glenoid surface, as well as bone block position and overhang. Finally, we used 1-mm thick disks to evaluate bone-to-bone contact. RESULTS: No correlations were found between values by CT and by standard radiography (both views) for the screw angles or overhang. A space≤1mm between the neck of the scapula and the bone block was not visible on the standard radiographs in any of the positions. CONCLUSION: Standard radiography does not provide an accurate analysis of bone block position or bone-to-bone contact. CT is needed to assess bone block and screw position and bone-to-bone contact. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Functional outcomes after open versus arthroscopic Latarjet procedure: A prospective comparative study.

INTRODUCTION: The Latarjet procedure provides effective stabilization of chronically unstable shoulders. Since this procedure is mainly performed in a young athletic population, the functional impact is significant. Published data does not shed light on the time needed to recover work-related or sports-related function. Performing this procedure arthroscopically may improve functional recovery. This led us to carry out a prospective, multicenter study to compare the functional recovery after arthroscopic versus open Latarjet procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between June and November 2014, 184 patients were included in a prospective multicenter study: 85 in the open group and 99 in the arthroscopy group. The patients were evaluated preoperatively with the WOSI score. The early postoperative pain was evaluated on D3, D7 and D30. The WOSI score was determined postoperatively at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: The functional scores of the shoulder in both cohorts were identical overall preoperatively. In the immediate postoperative period, the arthroscopy group had statistically lower pain levels on D3 and D7. The postoperative WOSI was improved in both groups at 3 months, then continued to improve until it reached a plateau at 1 year. The WOSI score was better in the arthroscopy group at 3 months, but better in the open group at 6 months. CONCLUSION: This study found that a Latarjet procedure performed arthroscopically generates less immediately postoperative pain than when it is performed as an open procedure. The Latarjet procedure (whether open or arthroscopic) improves shoulder function, with normal function returning after 1 year.

Preliminary clinical outcomes of Latarjet-Patte coracoid transfer by arthroscopy vs. open surgery: Prospective multicentre study of 390 cases.

BACKGROUND: The Latarjet-Patte procedure consisting in transfer and screw fixation of the coracoid process to the anterior glenoid is a treatment of reference for anterior shoulder instability. Over time, surgical innovations translated into a number of improvements and, in late 2003, an arthroscopically assisted variant of the procedure was described. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare clinical outcomes of the modified Latarjet-Patte procedure performed by open surgery, arthroscopy with screw fixation, or arthroscopy with endobutton fixation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 390 patients who underwent surgery to treat anterior shoulder instability between March 2013 and June 2014 were included and divided into three groups depending on whether they were managed using open surgery with screw fixation, arthroscopy with screw fixation, or arthroscopy with endobutton fixation. Clinical findings were recorded pre-operatively then 6 months post-operatively and at last follow-up (mean, 27.7 months). Range of motion and apprehension test (arm in external rotation at 0°, 90°, and 140° of abduction) were assessed and the Walch-Duplay and modified Rowe scores were determined. RESULTS: Motion range restriction was minimal with all three techniques, and motion range continued to improve throughout follow-up. Apprehension in external rotation was noted at 90° of abduction in 11% of cases and at 140° of abduction in 4% of cases. The mean total Walch-Duplay score improved from 46 pre-operatively to 90.6 and the mean total modified Rowe score from 46 pre-operatively to 91.1. By statistical analysis, external rotation at 90° of abduction and internal rotation at 0° of abduction were better after open surgery, but the differences were of limited clinical significance. Recurrence was noted in 3.3% of cases, nerve injury in 0.8%, and infection in 1.5%. CONCLUSION: In this study, the three techniques produced similar clinical outcomes, with a stable shoulder and no joint stiffness.

[Arthroscopic repair of full-thickness cuff tears: a multicentric retrospective study of 576 cases with anatomical assessment]. / Réparation arthroscopique des ruptures transfixiantes de la coiffe des rotateurs: étude rétrospective multicentrique de 576 cas avec contrôle de la cicatrisation.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Totally arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears is now common practice. The techniques used were evaluated by a retrospective multicentric analysis conducted by the French Society of Arthroscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The series was limited to arthroscopic repair of full thickness tears of the supraspinatus or infraspinatus evaluated using the Constant score and arthro-MRI or arthroscan performed with at least one year follow-up. Data were processed with SPSS 10. The series included 576 patients who underwent surgery between January 2001 and June 2003. Mean patient age was 57.7 years; 52% were men and 60% were manual laborers. The mean preoperative Constant score was 46.4 +/- 13.4/100. The tear was limited to the supraspinatus in 69% of shoulders, with extension to the upper third of the infraspinatus in 23.5% and the entire infraspinatus in 7.5%. The supraspinatus tear was distal in 41.7% of shoulders, intermediary in 44% and retracted in 14.3%. Fatty degeneration of the supraspinatus was noted grade 0 in 60%, 1 in 27%, 2 in 11% and 3 in 2%. Arthroscopic repair was performed in all cases, with locoregional anesthesia in 60.9%. Bioresorbable implants were used in 33% and metallic implants in 62.1%. Acromioplasty was performed in 92.7% and capsulotomy in 14.9%. RESULTS: On average, the subjective outcome was scored 8.89/10. The Constant score improved from 46.3 +/- 13.4 to 82.7 +/- 10.3 with 62% having a strictly pain free shoulder. Muscle force improved from 5.8 +/- 3.7 to 13.6 +/- 5.4. Outcome was excellent in 94% of shoulders at 18.5 months mean follow-up. The complication rate in this series was 6.2% with 3.1% prolonged stiffness, 2.7% reflex dystrophy, 0.2% infection, and 0.2% anchor migration. The cuff was considered normal in 55.7% of shoulders with an intratendon addition image in 19%, i.e. 74.7% of non-ruptured cuffs. Minimal loss of integrity was noted in 9.5% and was marked in 15.7%, i.e. 25.2% iterative tears.ANATOMOCLINICAL CORRELATIONS: The Constant score was strongly correlated with rotator cuff integrity (p<0001). This correlation was also found for force (p<0001), motion (0.01) and activity (0.04), but not for pain. The clinical outcome was correlated with extension, retraction, intrasubstance tear, and fatty degeneration of the lesion preoperatively. Anatomic results were statistically less favorable for tears which were older, extensive, retracted or associated with fatty degeneration. Age was correlated with extent of the initial tear and also with less favorable anatomic and clinical outcome. Occupational accidents were correlated with less favorable clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: Functional improvement after healing is a strong argument for repair. Arthroscopy has the advantage of combining a low complication rate with good clinical and anatomic results. Age is correlated with functional outcome and healing, but is not a contraindication.

Brachial plexus endoscopic dissection and correlation with open dissection.

Shoulder endoscopy is evolving and becoming extra-articular. More and more procedures are taking place in the area of the brachial plexus (BP). We carried out an anatomical study to describe the endoscopic anatomy of the BP and the technique used to dissect and expose the BP endoscopically. Thirteen fresh cadavers were dissected. We first performed an endoscopic dissection of the BP, using classical extra-articular shoulder arthroscopy portals. Through each portal, we dissected as many structures as possible and identified them. We then did an open dissection to corroborate the endoscopic findings and to look for damage to the neighboring structures. In the supraclavicular area, we were able to expose the C5, C6 and C7 roots, and the superior and middle trunks in 11 of 13 specimens through two transtrapezial portals by following the suprascapular nerve. The entire infraclavicular portion of the BP (except the medial cord and its branches) was exposed in 11 of 13 specimens. The approach to the infraclavicular portion of the BP led directly to the lateral and posterior cords, but the axillary artery hid the medial cord. The musculocutaneous nerve was the first nerve encountered when dissecting medially from the anterior aspect of the coracoid process. The axillary nerve was the first nerve encountered when following the anterior border of the subscapularis medially from the posterior aspect of the coracoid process. Knowledge of the endoscopic anatomy of the BP is mandatory to expose and protect this structure while performing advanced arthroscopic shoulder procedures.

[Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a multicentric retrospective study of 87 cases with anatomical assessment]. / Réparation endoscopique des ruptures de la coiffe des rotateurs. (et la Société Française dArthroscopie)

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomical and technical limits of endoscopic rotator cuff repair. Anatomical results were also compared with functional assessment of the shoulder. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A multicentric serie of 87 patients presenting a full thickness rotator cuff tear repaired endoscopically was retrospectively reviewed at 25.4 months (mean) post surgery. Limits of the surgical technique were studied in correlation with functional results and anatomic radiographic evaluation (arthroscans in 93 p. 100). RESULTS: Anatomical repair (normal thickness and no contrast in the subacromial space on arthroscan) was achieved in 83 p. 100 of the rotator cuffs with limited damage to the frontal part of the supra spinatus tendon. This percentage fell to 57.8 p. 100 in case of posterior extension of the tear to the supra spinatus tendon and further dropped to 40.8 p. 100 in case of retraction to the apex of the humeral head. Functional outcome evaluated with the Constant score was strongly related to the radiographic cuff condition (p <0.05). For distal and anterior tears of the supra spinatus tendon, the Constant score at revision was 89.8 points in cases with anatomic repair at revision. This score fell to 75 when the rotator cuff tear was evidenced radiographically (p <0.0001). For tears involving the entire supra spinatus tendon repaired by arthroscopy, the functional difference at revision was 8 points on the Constant scale. Objective and subjective analysis of the surgical procedure identified significant peroperative elements predictive of clinical and anatomical outcome (difficult reduction, p <0.05; subjective degree of solidity, p <0.0001; anatomical aspect of the repaired cuff, p <0.05). DISCUSSION: A comparison of our findings with data on equivalent lesions reported in the literature suggests that endoscopic surgery for rotator cuff tears offers both functional and anatomic results equivalent to those achieved with conventional open surgery. This assumes that the surgical procedure is carried out by surgeons experienced in shoulder arthroscopy who can precisely gauge the posterior/anterior extension of the tears and the limits of the surgical technique.

[Transfer of the coracoid process in recurrent anterior instability of the shoulder joint. The arthroscopic Latarjet procedure]. / Transfer des Processus coracoideus bei rezidivierender vorderer Instabilität am Schultergelenk. Die arthroskopische Latarjet-Technik.

OBJECTIVE: Full arthroscopic treatment of severe anterior shoulder instability due to glenoid bone loss, Hill-Sachs lesion and irreparable ligament damage. INDICATIONS: Recurrent anterior dislocations or subluxations, previously failed Bankart repairs; patients with anterior glenoid bone loss, Hill-Sachs defect; patients with irreparable damage to soft tissues of labrum, capsule and ligaments; patients with chronic humeral avulsion of glenohumeral ligament (HAGL lesion); combinations of lesions above; young contact sport athletes, where Bankart repairs have high failure rates. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Presence of (arthroscopically confirmed) good preconditions for Bankart repair: good quality of labrum, capsule and ligament, labrum still present, no or minimal bone loss of glenoid, no engaging Hill-Sachs. Lack of requirements for complex arthroscopic procedure (e.g., special instruments and skills). SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Diagnostic arthroscopy. Removal of anterosuperior and superior capsule, middle glenohumeral ligament, anterior labrum. Preparation of glenoid neck, debridement. Opening of rotator interval. Preparation of coracoid process and conjoint tendons. Subdeltoid preparation of anterior coracoid with arthroscope moved to anterolateral portal. Tenotomy of pectoralis minor. Arthroscopic split of subscapularis tendon via deep anteromedial portal. Predrilling of 2 holes through coracoid, insertion of 2 special washers into predrilled holes ("top hats"). Arthroscopic osteotomy of coracoid at base. Mounting of coracoid to special coracoid cannula. Manipulation of coracoid/conjoint tendon through subscapularis to glenoid neck, prefixation with wires. Fixation of coracoid after drilling with cannulated special screws. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Immobilization in a sling on postoperative day 1; pain-controlled active range of motion without limit starting postoperative day 2. Sling during the night for 4 weeks. RESULTS: Between 2007 and June 2013, 210 operations were performed. No intraoperative conversion to open operative technique. Revision required in 10 patients with postoperative complications. No intraoperative or neurovascular complications.

[Arthroscopic nerve release and decompression of ganglion cysts around the shoulder joint]. / Arthroskopische Neurolyse und Therapie periglenoidaler Ganglien am Schultergelenk.

OBJECTIVE: Arthroscopic visualisation and release of nerves around the shoulder, decompression of ganglion cysts. INDICATIONS: Arthroscopic treatment of nerve entrapment syndromes around the shoulder (suprascapular nerve, axillary nerve). Arthroscopic visualisation and release of osseous or ligamentous structures causing nerve entrapment. Arthroscopic decompression and resection of periglenoid ganglion cysts. Arthroscopic release of concomitant lesions (labrum, rotator cuff, biceps). CONTRAINDICATIONS: No clinical or neurological evidence for nerve entrapment syndrome. Lack of conditions for a complex arthroscopic procedure (technique of visualisation, instrumentation, knowledge of specific neuroanatomy). SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Diagnostic arthroscopy, decompression/resection of ganglion cyst. Visualisation and decompression of nerve. Detection and fixation of concomitant pathologies. POSTOPERATIVE TREATMENT: Immobilisation in sling during the day after the operation. Actively assisted and active mobilisation of shoulder controlled by discomfort level. Manual lymph drainage starting on postoperative day 1. Sling and further rehabilitation according to treatment of concomitant lesions.

Management of the stiff shoulder. A prospective multicenter comparative study of the six main techniques in use: 235 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Stiffness in the shoulder is a frequent symptom associated with a number of clinical entities whose management remains inadequately defined. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study of 235 cases of stiffness in the shoulder compared six therapeutic techniques with a mean follow-up of 13 months (range, 3-28 months) (T1: 58 cases, conventional rehabilitation under the pain threshold, T2: 59 cases, self-rehabilitation over the pain threshold, T3: 31 cases, T2 + supervision, T4: 11 cases, T1 + capsular distension, T5: 31 cases, T1 + locoregional anesthesia, T6: 45 cases, T1 + T5 + capsulotomy). The therapeutic power of each technique and its impact on the result were assessed at each self-rehabilitation and rehabilitation session during the first 6 weeks and then at 3 months, 6 months, and at the final revision depending on subjective criteria (pain, discomfort, and morale) and objective criteria (Constant score, goniometric measurements). RESULTS: Conventional rehabilitation (T1) is less effective than self-rehabilitation over the pain threshold (T2 & T3) during the first 6 weeks (P<0.05). Self-rehabilitation stagnates between the 6th and 12th week except when it is supervised by a therapist (T3). Anesthesia (T4) and capsular distension (T5) do not lead to significantly different progression beyond 6 months. Capsulotomy does not demonstrate greater therapeutic power but its failure rate (persisting stiffness at 1 year) is 0% versus 14-17% for the other techniques (P<0.05). DISCUSSION: The techniques are complementary and therapeutic success stems from an algorithm adapted to the individual patient with, over the first 3 months, successive self-rehabilitation and conventional rehabilitation, possibly completed by capsular distension or anesthesia between the 3rd and 6th months. In case of failure at 6 months, endoscopic capsulotomy can be proposed. Therapeutic patient education and active participation are the key to treatment success or failure.

Arthroscopic repair of subscapularis tear: Surgical technique and results.

INTRODUCTION: Arthroscopic management of extensive subscapularis tendon lesions was reported more recently than for the supra- and infra-spinatus tendons. Extensive tears create technical problems requiring an extra-articular approach. The few results so far reported have been encouraging. STUDY DESIGN: Surgical techniques adapted to each type of tear according to our subscapularis lesion classification are described, with the preliminary results from our cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2006 and December 2008, 74 patients were operated on for extensive subscapularis tear. Twenty-three were assessed over a minimum 2 years' follow-up (mean, 32 months) on UCLA, ASES and Constant scores, comparative dynamometric Bear-Hug test, visual analog pain scale and self-assessed shoulder function. RESULTS: Postoperative clinical results for the 23 patients followed up showed an improvement in shoulder function from 58 to 86%, in UCLA score from 16.4 to 30.9 points and in weighted Constant score from 48.6 to 75.2%. DISCUSSION: In case of severe tear, we recommend visualizing the subscapularis tendon along its main axis from above, on a lateral approach allowing the intra- and extra-articular parts to be controlled, so as to check the reduction achieved by traction wire and anatomic fixation by anchors and sutures via an anterior access of varying height but systematically kept under tension. Biceps tenodesis is often required. Results show a clear improvement on all scores: pain, strength and function. The failure rate was 9% (two cases). There were no complications.

Can we improve the indication for Bankart arthroscopic repair? A preliminary clinical study using the ISIS score.

The objectives of this study on arthroscopic treatment of chronic anterior shoulder instability were the collection of the current practices for this indication, their development as reported in the literature, and the analysis of preliminary results on a multicenter prospective series of Bankart arthroscopic procedures undertaken using a common technique on patients selected based on the Instability Severity Index Score (ISIS). This procedure predominates in the English-speaking world, whereas the Latarjet protocol is preferred in France. The choice between the two seems to be cultural since neither technique could be demonstrated to be superior in an analysis of 171 responses to an Internet questionnaire in this study. The literature reports disappointing results in the Bankart arthroscopic procedure and recent articles have researched the predictive factors for its failure. Eleven centers prospectively included 125 patients from 1 December 2007 to 30 November 2008. The inclusion criteria were recurrence of anterior instability and an ISIS less than or equal to four points out of 10. All the selected patients underwent capsuloligamentous reinsertion with a common minimal technique of at least three anchors and four sutures with the same postoperative protocol. At a mean follow-up of 18 months, four patients (3.2%) had experienced recurrence. For the 84 patients reexamined at 1 year, the Walch-Duplay and Rowe scores were, respectively, 88.4 and 87.8 points out of 100. Subjectively, 88.1% of the patients declared they were satisfied and would undergo the intervention again. This study confirmed the use of the ISIS as a consultation tool. Only continuation of the study with a minimum follow-up of 3 years will allow us to validate the lower limit of the ISIS below which this technique could be proposed provided that it respects the technical prerequisite of at least four capsuloligamentous sutures.

Arthroscopic assessment of full-thickness rotator cuff tears.

SUMMARY: To evaluate the reliability of the arthroscopic assessment of full-thickness rotator cuff tears, 117 cases were prospectively investigated by imaging, arthroscopy, and open surgery. The confidence of the surgeon, his accuracy, and the surgeon-dependent character of arthroscopic assessment were evaluated in terms of the description of the main anatomic parameters. The surgeons were confident and accurate in diagnosing a full-thickness tear of the supraspinatus, but they underestimated its coronal and sagittal extent and its reducibility to the greater tuberosity. Conversely, the technique appeared very accurate in describing the rotator interval. Endoscopic assessment was particularly operator-dependent in the anteroposterior analysis of the tear. This study shows the limits of endoscopic assessment of full-thickness rotator cuff tears. It illustrates the need for an adequate arthroscopic technique with a thorough knowledge of normal and pathological anatomy of the rotator cuff.