Arthroscopic Posterior Bone Block Stabilization Using a Tricortical Autograft of the Ipsilateral Scapular Spine.

Posterior bone grafting represents an emerging therapeutic approach for addressing recurrent instability in the posterior shoulder, particularly when coupled with substantial glenoid bone loss. Although not as prevalent as anterior instability, recent years have witnessed the development of numerous open and arthroscopic bony reconstruction methods. A technical gold standard for posterior bone grafting remains undefined, leading to ongoing advancements in bone grafting techniques. In response to past challenges associated with screw fixation, metal-free arthroscopic fixation procedures have been introduced to the realm of bone grafting. These metal-free methods often entail intricate transglenoid drilling, which poses potential surgical complexities and risks to both posterior and anterior soft tissues, as well as neurovascular structures. Therefore, we introduce an arthroscopic approach to posterior bone grafting using PEEK (polyether ether ketone) anchors with interconnected sutures and a scapular spine autograft. This method overcomes previous hurdles by facilitating the restoration of the posterior glenoid bone stock with precise positioning and secure fixation of the tricortical scapular spine bone autograft.

Early functional improvements using continuous passive motion therapy after angular-stable plate osteosynthesis of proximal humerus fractures - results of a prospective, randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The use of continuous passive motion therapy (CPM) has led to promising results in the early phase of rehabilitation after surgical treatment of rotator cuff tears and arthrolysis of the elbow. However, its use has not been proven in other pathologies of the upper extremity. Therefore, the aim of the underlying study was to evaluate the use of CPM therapy after plate osteosynthesis of proximal humeral fractures. METHODS: 95 patients with isolated proximal humerus fractures were enrolled in a prospective, randomized study. Patients were assigned to a treatment group with (n = 48, CPM) or without CPM therapy (n = 47, CG). Four patients (2 of each cohort) violated the study protocol and were excluded. CPM therapy was used for 6 weeks after surgery 2-3 times daily. Functional (range of motion) and patient reported outcomes (PROM, Constant Score [CSS], QuickDASH, subjective shoulder value [SSV], pain on visual analogue scale [VAS]) were evaluated at 6 weeks, 3 and 12months. 60 patients completed the 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: The average patient age was 65.3 years (min: 27, max: 88, SD: ± 14.7). Seventy-two patients were female (79%). There was no difference regarding injury severity (2/3/4 part-fracture: 6/32/7 vs. 9/26/11, p = 0.867) and sex (p = 0.08). However, patients in the CPM group were significantly younger (CPM: 67 [min: 34, max: 82], CG: 74 [min: 27, max: 88], p = 0.032). After 6 weeks we observed a better range of motion for forward flexion (CPM: 90° [min: 50°, max: 180°] vs. CG: 80° [min: 20°, max: 170°] p = 0.035) and abduction (CPM: 80° [min: 40°, max: 180°] vs. CG: 70° [min: 20°, max: 180°], p = 0.048) in the CPM group. There was no difference regarding the further planes of motion or the assessed PROMs at 6 weeks. At 3 and 12 months the results between the treatment groups equalized with no further significant differences. CONCLUSION: The treatment with CPM increases the range of motion after plate osteosynthesis of proximal humerus fractures in the first 6 weeks after surgery. This effect is not sustained after 3 and 12months. The evaluated PROMs are not being influenced by CPM therapy. Hence the results of this prospective randomized study suggest that CPM can be a beneficial asset in the early period of rehabilitation after proximal humerus plate osteosynthesis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol was registered in the US National Institutes of Health's database ( http://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov ) registry under NCT05952622.

Biomechanical and clinical evaluation of minimal invasive plate osteosynthesis for two-part clavicle shaft fractures.

BACKGROUND: Many surgical treatment methods exist for clavicle shaft fractures. A locking compression plate (LCP) fixation with three screws per fracture side is commonly used. For certain fractures a stabilization with 2 screws per side is potentially suitable, offering the advantage of reduced soft tissue approach, while avoiding the disadvantages of minimally-invasive nailing at the same time. This hypothesis was evaluated biomechanically and clinically. METHODS: Four treatment procedures were investigated biomechanically using composite human clavicle specimens. A load-to-failure test was performed using a three-point cantilever test. In group 1, a simple shaft fracture was simulated and stabilized with 2 screws per fracture side (5-hole LCP). In the second group 3 screws per side (7-hole LCP) were used. In group 3, a non-reduced fracture zone was simulated and treated with 3 screws per side (7-hole LCP). In group 4, an anatomically reduced fracture zone was simulated and treated with 3 screws per side (7-hole LCP). Furthermore 27 patients treated with a short plate and 2 screws per side (similar to group 1) were assessed after a minimum follow-up of 12 months (Constant and DASH Score). RESULTS: The maximum load-to-failure of group 1 was 367N. We observed the highest load-to-failure in group 2 with 497N and the lowest in group 3 with 90N. In group 4 a maximum load-to-failure of 298N could be evaluated. There was no significant difference in load-to-failure between the treatment of a simple clavicle fracture using 5- or 7-hole LCP (p = 0.121). However, we found a significant difference of load-to-failure between the simple and anatomically reduced fracture using a 7-hole plate (p = 0.014). The mean constant score of the surgically treated patients was 95 and the DASH score 3.0. Fracture consolidation was observed in 96.3%. CONCLUSIONS: For certain non-fragmented and well interlocking 2-part fractures, a plate osteosynthesis fixed with only 2 screws per fracture side might offer sufficient biomechanical stability, better soft tissue preservation and comparable fusion rates compared to the operative treatment with 3 screws per side. However, the maximum load-to-failure of the 7-hole LCP was higher than of the 5-hole LCP, but this difference was not statistically significant. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Approval from the ethics committee of the Technical University of Dresden was retrospectively obtained (EK 588122019).