Morphometric anatomical and CT study of the human adult sacroiliac region.

PURPOSE: To identify and describe the morphometry and CT features of the articular and extra-articular portions of the sacroiliac region. The resulting knowledge might help to avoid complications in sacroiliac joint (SIJ) fusion. METHODS: We analyzed 102 dry hemi-sacra, 80 ilia, and 10 intact pelves and assessed the pelvic computerized tomography (CT) scans of 90 patients, who underwent the examination for conditions not involving the pelvis. We assessed both the posterior aspect of sacrum with regard to the depressions located externally to the lateral sacral crest at the level of the proximal three sacral vertebrae and the posteroinferior aspect of ilium. Coronal and axial CT scans of the SIJ of patients were obtained and the joint space was measured. RESULTS: On each side, the sacrum exhibits three bone depressions, not described in anatomic textbooks or studies, facing the medial aspect of the posteroinferior ilium, not yet described in detail. Both structures are extra-articular portions situated posteriorly to the SIJ. Coronal CT scans of patients showing the first three sacral foramens and the interval between sacrum and ilium as a continuous space display only the S1 and S3 portions of SIJ, the intermediate portion being extra-articular. The S2 portion is visible on the most anterior coronal scan. Axial scans show articular and extra-articular portions and features improperly described as anatomic variations. CONCLUSIONS: Extra-articular portions of the sacroiliac region, not yet described exhaustively, have often been confused with SIJ. Coronal CT scans through the middle part of sacrum, the most used to evaluate degenerative and inflammatory conditions of SIJ, show articular and extra-articular portions of the region.

Reverse shoulder prosthesis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: To obtain detailed information on the outcomes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) METHODS: A literature search was conducted for studies reporting on the use of RSA in RA patients from 1990 to 2014. The inclusion criteria were a report of sufficient information on pre-operative status and surgical outcome allowing evaluation of the therapeutic potential of RSA in RA. The literature search resulted in 586 hits, but only five studies that met the inclusion criteria were assessed. RESULTS: There were 100 shoulders that had been operated on, of which 87 were followed for a mean of 55.4 months, the longest follow-up being 11.9 years Most patients had glenohumeral erosive lesions of Larsen Grade III or IV. The Delta III prosthesis was implanted in most cases and in three studies bone graft was used for severe glenoid lesions. The main outcome measures employed were the Constant score (Cs) and ASES questionnaire. The mean increase in Cs and ASES score after surgery was 42.4 and 54 points, respectively. The mean post-operative forward elevation was 120.6°, the average increment being 51° and the mean increase of abduction was 58.5°. The mean prevalence of scapular notching was 35.4 %. The rate of adverse events was 31 %, but the vast majority were of minor severity. Eight prostheses underwent revision, due to infection in four. CONCLUSIONS: RSA implanted in RA patients would appear to give similar results to those obtained in massive cuff tears with or without arthropathy.

The association between arterial hypertension and rotator cuff tear: the influence on rotator cuff tear sizes.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to establish whether hypertension increases the risk of occurrence of rotator cuff tear and influences its size. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control design was used. We studied 408 consecutive patients (228 men, 180 women) who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Tear size was determined during surgery. The control group included 201 individuals. For the study purpose, participants were divided into 2 groups by presence or absence of hypertension. We applied a logistic regression model to investigate if hypertension affects the risk of cuff tear. A multinomial logistic regression model was applied to explore the association between hypertension and tear size. We used the analysis of covariance method to determine if the duration of hypertension influences the severity of the tear; finally, we compared mean duration of antihypertensive therapy in patients with small, large, and massive tears. All analyses were adjusted for age and sex. RESULTS: Hypertension was associated with a 2-fold higher risk of tear occurrence (odds ratio [OR], 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 41-2.98). No association was detected between hypertension and the probability of a small tear (OR, 0.63, 95% CI, 0.33-1.19). Hypertensive individuals were 2 times more likely to experience large tear (OR, 02.09; 95% CI, 1.39-3.16) and 4 times more likely to experience massive tear (OR, 04.30; 95% CI, 2.44-7.58) than normotensive individuals. Mean duration of antihypertensive therapy significantly increased from small tear (1.08 years) to large tear (3.20 years) to massive tear (6.34 years) patients (analysis of covariance: F((2,403)) = 16.357, P = 1.48 × 10(-7)). CONCLUSIONS: Our data provide evidence that hypertension is a significant risk factor for the occurrence and severity of rotator cuff tears.

The possible role of the transcription factor nuclear factor-κB on evolution of rotator cuff tear and on mechanisms of cuff tendon healing.

BACKGROUND: We verified if the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) was present on the margins of rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Because NF-κB regulates apoptosis and stimulates neoangiogenesis, we hypothesized that NF-κB has a role in the evolution of RCT and in possible mechanisms of RCT healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples from tear margins, subacromial bursa, and healthy subscapular tendons were excised during arthroscopic treatment of patients with posterosuperior RCT. Sections were cut and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for morphologic evaluation and used for immunohistochemical analysis with NF-κB p65 antibody. RESULTS: The presence of NF-κB in the RCT margins and subacromial bursa increases with increasing tear size. NF-κB is also present in the subscapularis tendon of patients with large and massive RCT. Analogously, we observed that neoangiogenesis grows with increasing RCT size and is always present in the subscapularis tendon independently from RCT size. Statistical analysis indicates that NF-κB and neoangiogenesis are correlated, regardless of the dimension of the RCT. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study that identifies the association between activated NF-κB and RCT. Activated NF-κB on the margins of RCT increases with increasing tear size. We hypothesized a series of possible causes responsible for NF-κB activation; however, we believe that activation is due to tissue hypoxia. Activated p65 directly stimulates neoangiogenesis, but the same factors that regulate NF-κB activation might also act as neoangiogenesis inductors.

Conversion of shoulder arthroplasty to reverse implants: clinical and radiological results using a modular system.

PURPOSE: Revision of a shoulder arthroplasty to a reverse arthroplasty is a highly demanding procedure. The aim of this study is to report the clinical results of hemi and total shoulder prosthesis revisions to reverse implants without removal of the humeral stem, using a modular shoulder replacement system (SMR Lima LTD). We retrospectively reviewed 26 patients who underwent an operation from 2004 to 2009. METHODS: The patients were divided into two groups: in Group I, 18 patients underwent a revision of hemiarthroplasty implanted for fracture; in Group II, eight patients underwent a revision of anatomical total prosthesis. All patients were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 32.3 (±12.7) months using the Constant score rating scale and by range of motion evaluation, EQ-VAS, X-ray and CT scan. RESULTS: The Constant score of each patient was 47.88 (±5.88) after the revision. The EQ-VAS improved from 40 (±20) to 70 (±10). All patients improved in terms of range of motion. The radiographs and CT scans obtained after revision showed good integration and no signs of loosening of the implant. The mean time of surgery was recorded as 62' (±8'), with a maximum blood loss of less than 300 ml in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that using a full modular system at the time of the first implant allows avoidance of the step to remove the humeral stem and metal back in cases of shoulder prosthesis revision to a reverse prosthesis, resulting in a short operative time, few intraoperative complications and a satisfactory clinical outcome at medium-term follow-up.

The impact of preoperative smoking habit on rotator cuff tear: cigarette smoking influences rotator cuff tear sizes.

HYPOTHESIS: Smoking is an important risk factor for the development of rotator cuff tears. We hypothesized that smoking may also influence rotator cuff tear size. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 408 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of cuff tear. Cuff tears were classified during surgery. We analyzed the percentage of smokers and the association of the amount and duration of smoking exposure with the type of tear. The average number of daily cigarettes and the total number of cigarettes in life were studied using age and gender as covariates. RESULTS: Smokers comprised 131 of 408 patients (32.1%). A type I tear affected 95 patients (23.3%), type II affected 214 (52.5%), type III affected 74 (18.1%), and type IV affected 25 (6.1%). Smokers comprised 23.2% (22 patients) of patients with type I tear, 33.6% (72 patients) of patients with type II tears, 36.5% (27 patients) of patients with type III tears and 40% (10 patients) of patients with IV tears. The frequency of smokers with at least a type II tear was 34.8% and differed significantly from the 23.2% of the type I tear patients (P = 0.033). Total number of cigarettes was significantly higher in patients with an at least a type II tear (F(1,127) = 4.694, P = .032). DISCUSSION: Rotator cuff has a relatively hypovascular insertion into the greater tuberosity. Cigarette smoking negatively affects vascularity of tendons. CONCLUSIONS: There is a correlation between cigarette smoking habit, rotator cuff tear, and tear size. There was an increasing daily average number of cigarettes and a total number of cigarettes smoked in life across patients with increasing severity of tears.

Total shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of failed hemiarthroplasty in patients with fracture of the proximal humerus.

BACKGROUND: Little information is available for the outcomes of conversion to total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) of failed hemiarthroplasty (HA) implanted for fractures or fracture-dislocations of the proximal humerus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the clinical and radiographic results in 16 patients who underwent conversion of HA to TSA due to pain and shoulder disfunction. Patients were a mean age of 63 years at revision, which was occurred a mean of 3.3 years after the HA. The main prerequisites for conversion were forward flexion to at least 60°, no massive cuff tear, or severe resorption or nonunion of the tuberosities. In all cases, a modular prosthesis was used in the HA, uncemented in 14 and cemented in 2. The latest follow-up was a mean of 4.6 years after revision. RESULTS: The mean Constant score was 50.6 (range, 33-69), with an average increase of 11.9 points compared with the preoperative score (P = .001). In 75% of patients, the mean score was 54.6 (average increase, 15.1 points). The lowest scores occurred in patients with a cemented prosthesis that needed to be removed, and in 1 patient who had loosening of the implanted glenoid that was revised. CONCLUSIONS: Conversion of HA to TSA can improve the preoperative condition in most patients aged in their 50s or 60s in the absence of rotator cuff deficiency and severe bone loss of the proximal humerus.

Open debridement and radiocapitellar replacement in primary and post-traumatic arthritis of the elbow: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Postmortem and clinical studies have shown an early and prevalent involvement of the radiohumeral joint in primary and secondary arthritis of the elbow. The lateral resurfacing elbow (LRE) prosthesis has recently been developed for the treatment of lateral elbow arthritis. However, few data have been published on LRE results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective multicenter study was designed to assess LRE preliminary results. There were 20 patients (average age, 55 years). Preoperative diagnosis were primary osteoarthritis in 11 and post-traumatic osteoarthritis in 9. All patients underwent open debridement and LRE prosthesis. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), modified American Shoulder Elbow Surgeons (m-ASES) elbow assessment, and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick-DASH). Mean follow-up was 22.6 months. RESULTS: At the last follow-up, the mean improvement of MEPS and m-ASES was 35 (P = .001) and 34 (P = .001) respectively; the average Quick DASH decreased by 29 (P = .001). Average range of motion was improved by 35° (P = .001). MEPI results were excellent in 12 patients, good in 2, and fair and poor in 3 each. Mild overstuffing was observed in 5 patients, and an implant malpositioning in 3. The implant survival rate was 100%. CONCLUSION: LRE showed promising results in this prospective investigation. Most patients had an uneventful postoperative course and have shown a painless elbow joint, with satisfactory functional recovery at short-term follow-up. Further studies with longer follow-up are warranted.

Percutaneous pinning of three- or four-part fractures of the proximal humerus in elderly patients in poor general condition: MIROS® versus traditional pinning.

PURPOSE: Elderly subjects often have fractures of the proximal humerus, which may be difficult to manage in patients in poor general condition. The MIROS is a new percutaneous pinning device allowing correction of angular displacement and stable fixation of fracture fragments. We evaluated the results of percutaneous fixation of three- or four-part fractures of the proximal humerus of patients in the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status three or four treated either with MIROS or traditional percutaneous pinning (TPP). METHODS: A total of 31 patients treated with MIROS and 27 undergoing TPP were enrolled in the study. Pre-operatively anteroposterior and transthoracic or axillary radiographs were obtained in all cases and computed tomography scans in patients with the most complex fractures. Follow-up evaluations were carried out at three, six, 12 and 16 weeks, and six months, one year and two years postoperatively, using the Constant Score (CS) and subjective shoulder value (SSV) methods. RESULTS: Of the 58 patients, 52 could be evaluated at all follow-ups. In both three- or four-part fractures there were significantly higher CS and SSV scores in the MIROS compared to the TPP group at all the late follow-ups. Lower rates of deep infection, pin tract infection and pin mobilisation were found in the MIROS group (p < 0.001). In both groups there was a significant association between the final result (CS) and either the type of fracture or complications (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The MIROS resulted in better clinical results and less complications than TPP in elderly patients. This method, however, may not be indicated for younger patients in good general condition.

The safe zone for avoiding suprascapular nerve injury during shoulder arthroscopy: an anatomical study on 500 dry scapulae.

HYPOTHESIS/BACKGROUND: Suprascapular nerve injury may be a complication during shoulder arthroscopy. Our aim was to verify the reliability of the existing data, assess the differences between scapulae in the 2 genders and in the same subject, obtain a safe zone useful to avoid iatrogenic nerve lesions, and analyze the existing correlations between the scapular dimensions and the safe zone. METHODS: We examined 500 dried scapulae, measuring 6 distances for each one, referring to the scapular body, glenoid, and the course of the suprascapular nerve, also catalogued according to gender and side. Differences due to gender were assessed comparing mean ± sd of each distance in males and females; paired t test was used to compare distances deriving from each couple. Successively, we calculated our safe zone and Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: We found nonsignificant differences between the right and left distances deriving from each couple; differences due to gender were stated. We defined 3 kinds of safe zones referring to: 500 scapulae; males (139 scapulae) and females (147 scapulae). The correlation indexes calculated between the axis of the scapular body and glenoid, and the posterosuperior distance (referring to the suprascapular nerve) were 0.624, 0.694, 0.675, 0.638; while those with the posterior distance were 0.230, 0.294, 0.232, 0.284. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the safe zone, for avoiding suprascapular nerve injury, is important; gender and specific scapular dimensions should be evaluated, as they influence the dimensions of the safe zone. The linear predictors should be used to obtain specific values of the posterosuperior limit in each patient.

Complex fracture-dislocations of the proximal ulna and radius in adults: a comprehensive classification.

BACKGROUND: Complex fracture-dislocations of the proximal ulna and radius include multiple anatomic lesions, the management of which is known to be demanding. Although several classifications have been proposed, none appear to be exhaustive, and most of them have neither therapeutic nor prognostic value. The purpose of this study was to design a comprehensive classification that may provide a guide for the operative management of these injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The classification is aimed at identifying definite anatomic lesions, called the "main lesions," the presence of which can affect the prognosis and require peculiar treatments. The main lesions include (1) ulnar fracture (including its location with respect to the insertion of collateral ligaments and coronoid fracture), (2) radiohumeral dislocation, (3) proximal radioulnar dislocation, (4) radial fracture, (5) distal radioulnar joint and interosseous membrane lesion, and (6) humeral-ulnar dislocation. Intraobserver and interobserver reliability was assessed in 25 complex fracture-dislocations. Standard radiographs and computed tomography scans were analyzed by 3 independent observers. RESULTS: The main lesions were labeled by an alphanumeric system. Numbers 1 through 6 identified the type of ulnar fracture, and letters A through E indicated the dislocated joint or presence of a radial fracture. The direction of dislocation and the type of radial fracture were identified by Roman numerals, from I to III, placed after the letter. A κ value of 0.873 or greater resulted from intraobserver and interobserver evaluation. CONCLUSION: We created a comprehensive classification of complex fracture-dislocations of the elbow. The classification appeared to be reproducible and may represent a useful tool for the management of such difficult injuries.

Rupture of the long head biceps tendon treated with tenodesis to the coracoid process. Results at more than 30 years.

We evaluated patients at very long term with rupture of the long head biceps tendon (LHBT) in whom the tendon stump had been sutured to the coracoid tip (Gilcreest technique). Our aim was to determine the natural history of shoulders deprived of the LHBT and to assess the validity of the surgical technique. Between 1969 and 1981, 30 patients with rupture of the LHBT and no evidence of cuff tear underwent the Gilcreest operation. The mean age of the patients was 32 years (range, 20-49). Six of them were professional gymnasts. The 28 patients that could be traced were evaluated a mean of 31 years after operation. The mean Constant score (CS) was 74 in the entire group, and 86 in 22. The latter patients complained occasionally of mild shoulder pain. The remaining six patients had a mean CS of 56 (range, 40-81). Of the six, four (aged 66-71 years) had clinical and MR evidence of rotator cuff tear. The other two had undergone arthroscopic cuff repair (CS, 75-81). After operation, all professional gymnasts had returned to sport activity and all the other patients had resumed their jobs. After 30 years, the majority of the patients who had undergone the Gilcreest operation had good functional and cosmetic outcomes. Only a few patients had a cuff tear. The role of the LHBT as depressor of the humeral head is probably less important than generally believed.

Comparison between two classifications of humeral head fractures: Neer and AO-ASIF.

Our purpose was to verify if the Neer and AO-ASIF classifications for fractures of the proximal humerus satisfy the requisites of simplicity and reproducibility and if the parameters that they consider to establish the severity of the fracture are similar. Two of the authors classified the proximal humeral fractures of 227 patients based on plain radiographs, and they repeated the classification five years later. The reliability, reproducibility and coherence of the classifications were investigated. Inter-observer reliability was K = 0.77 (Neer) and K = 0.65 (AO-ASIF) while intra-observer reproducibility was K = 0.68 (examiner I) and K = 0.63 (examiner II). In 1/5 of the cases, disagreement led to a different classification of the same fracture. Furthermore, neither classification establishes a linear scale of gravity able to provide an indication for treatment. The Neer and AO-ASIF classifications have a low reproducibility and reliability when fractures, especially those with 3 or 4 parts, are assessed by means of plain radiographs. Therefore, patients with complex fractures should be submitted to CT to have a correct pre-operative diagnosis.

Long-term results of conservative management of midshaft clavicle fracture.

A series of 91 patients (59 males, 32 females, mean age 41 years) with middle-shaft clavicle fracture were assessed at a mean of 8.7 years after injury. Based on Allman's classification, fractures were placed in group Ia, Ib and Ic. The majority (66%) were allocated to groups Ib or Ic. Clinical evaluation was made using the Constant score and simple shoulder test. On post-injury radiographs, we measured the amount of overlapping of the fracture fragments (OV) both in centimetres and as percentage of the length of the clavicle and the mean distance between cranio-caudally displaced fragments (DS). The mean Constant scores were 87.1% and 85.6% in groups Ib and Ic, respectively. In patients with a Constant score > or =90%, the mean OV was 7.7% and the average DS was 1.59 cm. In those with a Constant score of 81-89% the average OV and DS were 12% and 1.6 cm, respectively, with the greatest OV being 12.9. In the nine patients whose Constant score was > or =80% the mean OV was 13.2 and the average DS was 1.7; however, the majority of patients had an OV > 15% and DS > or = 2 cm. In these nine patients the mean Constant score was significantly lower than that in the group with a score of > or =90%. The simple shoulder test showed that 20% of patients were dissatisfied with the outcome; a low score was associated with a severe degree of OV or DS. Fracture nonunion occurred in five cases (5.5%). We conclude that there is a clear-cut indication for surgery in patients with OV > or = 15% or DS > or = 2.3 cm as well as in those with an OV > or = 13% associated with a DS > or = 2 cm. This holds particularly for young and middle-aged patients.

Open reduction and internal fixation combined with hinged elbow fixator in capitellum and trochlea fractures.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The current surgical treatment for displaced fracture of the capitellum and trochlea is open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), but the results are often unsatisfactory, particularly with complex fractures. Furthermore, the surgical approach, the kind of osteosynthesis, and postoperative management are controversial. We evaluated the results of internal fixation combined with hinged external fixation. METHODS: We analyzed 15 patients with a mean age of 47 (18-65) years. Based on the Bryan-Morrey-McKee classification, the fractures were identified as type I in 6 cases and type IV in 9. Active and passive motion was started and activities of daily living were permitted on the second postoperative day. The mean follow-up time was 29 (12-49) months. RESULTS: In 13 cases, functional range of motion was obtained within 6 weeks of surgery. At final follow-up, 14 patients had a stable, pain-free elbow with a mean active range of motion of 13 degrees to 140 degrees . The average score on the Mayo elbow performance score was 98. INTERPRETATION: The use of the hinged fixator allows early motion of the elbow while preserving joint stability. It may have additional value in complex articular fractures when stable internal fixation cannot be obtained with ORIF, and in the presence of severe ligamentous injuries.

The relationship between chronic type III acromioclavicular joint dislocation and cervical spine pain.

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed at evaluating whether or not patients with chronic type III acromioclavicular dislocation develop cervical spine pain and degenerative changes more frequently than normal subjects. METHODS: The cervical spine of 34 patients with chronic type III AC dislocation was radiographically evaluated. Osteophytosis presence was registered and the narrowing of the intervertebral disc and cervical lordosis were evaluated. Subjective cervical symptoms were investigated using the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ). One-hundred healthy volunteers were recruited as a control group. RESULTS: The rate and distribution of osteophytosis and narrowed intervertebral disc were similar in both of the groups. Patients with chronic AC dislocation had a lower value of cervical lordosis. NPQ score was 17.3% in patients with AC separation (100% = the worst result) and 2.2% in the control group (p < 0.05). An inverse significant nonparametric correlation was found between the NPQ value and the lordosis degree in the AC dislocation group (p = 0.001) wheras results were not correlated (p = 0.27) in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that chronic type III AC dislocation does not interfere with osteophytes formation or intervertebral disc narrowing, but that it may predispose cervical hypolordosis. The higher average NPQ values were observed in patients with chronic AC dislocation, especially in those that developed cervical hypolordosis.

Scapular dyskinesis and SICK scapula syndrome in patients with chronic type III acromioclavicular dislocation.

PURPOSE: This study was aimed at evaluating whether scapular dyskinesis and, eventually, SICK (Scapular malposition, Inferior medial border prominence, Coracoid pain and malposition, and dysKinesis of scapular movement) scapula syndrome develop in patients with chronic type III acromioclavicular (AC) dislocation. METHODS: Scapulothoracic motion was studied in 34 patients with chronic AC dislocation by use of the protocol described by Kibler et al. and Burkhart et al. An anteroposterior radiograph of the scapulae with the arms abducted was also obtained. The SICK Scapula Rating Scale was applied to patients with SICK scapula syndrome. Shoulder function was assessed with the Constant score and Simple Shoulder Test (SST). RESULTS: Of the 34 patients, 24 (70.6%) had scapular dyskinesis with the arms at rest, and 14 of these (58.3%) had SICK scapula syndrome. The mean SICK Scapula Rating Scale score was 6.9 points (out of a possible 20 points). Clinical and radiographic evaluations with the arms abducted at 90 degrees confirmed scapular dyskinesis in 61.7% and 64.7% of patients, respectively (P > .05). The Constant score was 83 points for the pathologic side and 91 points for the contralateral side. The Constant score value was 75 and 88, respectively, in patients with dyskinesis and those without dyskinesis (P < .05); the mean value for the SST was 8 of 12 and 10 of 12, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic type III AC dislocation causes scapular dyskinesis in 70.6% of patients. Of the latter, 58.3% have SICK scapula syndrome develop. Dyskinesis might be due to loss of the stable fulcrum of the shoulder girdle represented by the AC joint and due to the superior shoulder pain caused by the dislocation. The values for the Constant score and SST were lower in patients with dyskinesis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, prognostic case series.

A new test of resistance in the diagnosis of postero-superior rotator cuff tears.

The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of a new clinical test for the diagnosis of subacromial impingement and full thickness postero-superior rotator cuff tears. One hundred and twenty patients who underwent arthroscopic treatment for acromioplasty or cuff repair were previously submitted to a new test of resistance. The test is performed in the standing position with the involved arm in 90 degrees abduction, 20 degrees -30 degrees anteposition and in external rotation (as for full-can test). Thus, the patient was invited to follow the way of a spiral drawn on a drawing sheet for 20 turns; 1 turn = from the centre to the end of the spiral and vice versa (spiral width = 20 cm). The test was considered positive when the patient was not able to conclude it due to strength decrease or to shoulder pain. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values as well as diagnostic accuracy were calculated for our test of resistance. The test resulted scarcely reliable as detector of subacromial impingement and not very reliable as detector of small tear. When the test is positive there is a high probability that a subacromial disease exists; instead, when it is negative there is a high probability that the patient has not a large or massive cuff tear. The resistance test (Gum-Turn test) adds to our armamentarium of physical examination signs in patients with painful shoulder and furnishes further information on possible dimensions of tendinous tear.

Subacromial space in adult patients with thoracic hyperkyphosis and in healthy volunteers.

The assumption that subacromial space decreases in patients with thoracic hyperkyphosis arises from sporadic and personal observations. The purpose of this study was to compare width of subacromial space calculated on radiographs and CT scans of a high number of patients with thoracic hyperkyphosis that registered on exams of healthy volunteers. We measured the subacromial space, using Petersson's method, on radiographs of 47 patients with idiopathic or acquired thoracic hyperkyphosis and of 175 healthy shoulder volunteers. Both groups were further distinguished considering gender and age. Females with hyperkyphosis were also divided in two subgroups: those with a kyphotic curve of less (24 patients) or more (19 patients) than 50 degrees , respectively. Subacromial space of all patients and of 21 volunteers was also evaluated using CT. Acromio-humeral space was less wide in patients with hyperkyphosis with respect to coeval volunteers of the same gender; in females and in subjects older than 60. Subacromial width of females with hyperkyphosis whose curve was more than 50 degrees was significantly narrower (p<0.05) than that measured on radiograms or CT scans of females with a less severe spinal deformity. Decrease of subacromial space may be attributed to less posterior tilting of the scapula and to dyskinesis of the scapular movement. Scapular malposition causes an anomalous orientation of the acromion that may contribute to subacromial impingement. Patients with thoracic hyperkyphosis greater than 50 degrees had a subacromial space narrower than that measured in patients with a less severe kyphosis. This suggests that subacromial width is directly related to severity of thoracic kyphosis. Because hyperkyphosis of patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures may worsen over the time, subacromial decompression could give only temporary shoulder pain relief.

Ossification of the Interosseous Membrane of the Leg in a Football Player: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Introduction. We report a case of ossification of the interosseous membrane (OIM) of the leg in a football player who had no history of severe local traumas. A review of the literature of the OIM of the leg in athletes was also carried out. Case Report. A 38-year-old Caucasian male patient complained of pain on lateral aspect of the leg when playing football. Pain progressively worsened until he had to stop the sporting activity. Radiographs, and then CT and MRI, showed OIM in the middle third of the left leg. MRI showed inflammation of tibia periosteum and bone adjacent to the ossification, which was then excised. Two months after surgery the patient returned to play football. Conclusion. A thorough analysis of the literature revealed three types of OIM of the leg in athletes. Type I usually occurs after a syndesmosis ankle sprain, Type II appears to result from a tibia fracture, and Type III, of which only one fully recorded case has been published, is probably caused, as in our patient, by repetitive minor traumas to the leg. Awareness of the existence of Type III OIM can avoid erroneous diagnoses leading to useless investigations and treatments.