Arthroscopic Subscapularis Augmentation With Xenograft Glenoid Bone Block in Patients With Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiographic outcomes at 2 years for patients who underwent an arthroscopic xenograft bone block procedure plus ASA for recurrent anteroinferior gleno-humeral instability. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on patients affected by chronic anteroinferior shoulder instability. The inclusion criteria were as follows: patients must be aged 18 years or older; have recurrent anteroinferior shoulder instability, a glenoid defect >10%, assessment by the Pico area measurement system, anterior capsular insufficiency, and an engaging Hill-Sachs lesion. The exclusion criteria were as follows: multidirectional instability, glenoid bone defect <10%, arthritis, and minimum follow-up less than 24 months. Clinical outcomes were evaluated according to Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) and Rowe scale. Computed tomography (CT) results were evaluated to assess any signs of resorption or displacement of the xenograft at 24 months follow-up. Results: Twenty patients that met all the inclusion criteria underwent arthroscopic xenograft bone block procedure and ASA. The mean preoperative Rowe score was 38.3 points, and it significantly improved (P < .001), increasing to 95.5 points. ROWE level at follow-up was excellent for 18 patients (90%), fair for 1 patient (5%), and poor for another patient (5%). The mean preoperative WOSI score was 1242 points, and it improved significantly (P <.0001), with a mean score of 120 points at follow-up. In all patients, the comparative study between CT scans performed postoperatively and at final follow-up did not reveal a volume reduction of the xenografts (P > .05) and absence areas affected by signs of resorption and breakage with 34.4% of postprocedural increase of the glenoid surface, were seen. Conclusions: The combination of ASA and bone block procedure with a xenograft was effective in the glenoid reconstruction and restoration of shoulder stability. No radiographic evidence of graft resorption, graft displacement, or glenohumeral arthritis were observed at 24-month follow-up. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Proximal humerus fracture sequelae: are corrective osteotomies still a taboo? The role of three-dimensional preoperative planning and patient-specific surgical guides for proximal humerus corrective osteotomy in combination with reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Background: Symptomatic proximal humeral fracture sequelae (PHFS) represent a surgical challenge due to the altered bone and soft tissue morphology. The purpose of this study was to report the outcome of Multiplanar Corrective Humeral Osteotomies (MCHOs) in combination with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) performed following a three-dimensional (3D) preoperative planning and using a 3D-printed patient-specific surgical instrumentation (PSI) in type 1C, 1D, and 4 PHFS. Methods: In this prospective monocentric study, we enrolled patients affected by symptomatic PHFS type 1C, 1D, or 4 of Boileau's classification, treated between 2018 and 2019 with rTSA associated to MCHO and followed-up at 12 and 24 mo. The preoperative and postoperative Constant Score (CS), visual analog scale, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score were recorded. All patients underwent a preoperative computed tomography, then a dedicated software was used to run a segmentation algorithm on computed tomography images. Metaphyseal bone cuts were virtually performed before surgery in all patients, and a 3D-printed PSI was used to reproduce the planned osteotomies in vivo. Results: Twenty patients completed a 2-y follow-up. The mean (± standard deviation) CS, visual analog scale, and DASH values improve from 24.3 (± 8.8), 6.5 (± 1.3), 60.7 (± 9.6) preoperatively, to 67.7 (± 11.4), 1.6 (± 0.8), 24.1 (± 13.1) points after surgery, respectively. The minimally clinical important difference for CS and DASH score was achieved in 95% of patients. No major complication was observed. One patient showed an unexplained worsening of clinical scores between the 12 and the 24-mo follow-up, while in one patient bone resorption of the greater tuberosity was observed on radiographs at 2 y, with no clinical impact. Conclusion: The combination of preoperative 3D planning and intraoperative use of 3D-printed PSI to perform MCHO as concurrent procedure in the context of rTSA in the treatment of Boileau type 1C, 1D, and 4 PHFS may lead to a satisfactory clinical outcome at 2 y of follow-up.

Osteochondral allograft transplantation for complex distal humeral fractures assisted by 3D computer planning and printing technology: technical note.

PURPOSE: The surgical treatment of comminuted distal humeral articular fractures (DHF) is challenging and is jeopardized by the high rate of complications. The study aims to describe the application of osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation for the treatment of complex DHF assisted with a 3D printed specific instrumentation. METHODS: Retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were the presence of an articular multi-fragmented DHF treated with frozen OCA. Clinical, self-reported and radiographic outcomes were collected every 6 months. CT were performed at 2 years FU. RESULTS: Four patients were included. At a mean follow-up of 37.3 months (24-49) MEPS, DASH and VAS were 90 (80-100), 11.8 (0-25) and 1 (0-3) points, respectively. Not significant complication or reoperation was recorded. Graft healing was observed in 3 cases. In all cases, we observed arthritic progression after 2 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: OCA transplantation can be considered a reliable and safe procedure in patients affected by a complex DHF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V. Technical Notes.

Use of 3D Planning and Patient-specific Guides for Proximal Humerus Corrective Osteotomy Associated With Shoulder Prosthesis Implantation in Proximal Humeral Varus Malunion.

Humeral stem prosthesis implantation in case of proximal humerus varus malunion (type 1D fracture sequelae) is often complicated by greater tuberosity fracture and by posterosuperior rotator cuff iatrogenic damage. Moreover, the varus malunited humeral head could lead to scapular impingement and reduce the range of motion. To address this problem, we introduced a new surgical procedure consisting in a proximal humerus osteotomy, planned with three-dimensional (3D) preoperative virtual surgery, and performed with patient-specific surgical guides, to correct humerus deformity before the implantation of the prosthetic humeral stem. A 3D evaluation of the deformity, based on the comparison to the healthy contralateral side or to anatomical standard values, is firstly performed. The metaphyseal osteotomy is then planned and virtually performed. To faithfully reproduce the planned correction, 3D printed surgical guides are prepared. Before the surgery, it is advisable to perform a simulation of the planned osteotomies to verify their real feasibility and to find any critical issues. Preliminary outcomes of this surgical technique are encouraging, but formal studies are warranted to validate its clinical utility and longevity of results.

Arthroscopic Iliac Crest Bone Allograft Combined With Subscapularis Upper-Third Tenodesis Shows a Low Recurrence Rate in the Treatment of Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability Associated With Critical Bone Loss.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiologic outcomes of patients undergoing arthroscopic glenoid bone allograft combined with subscapularis upper-third tenodesis for anterior shoulder instability associated with clinically relevant bone loss and hyperlaxity. METHODS: Between January 2016 and December 2017, patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability associated with bone loss and hyperlaxity were selected and treated with arthroscopic iliac crest bone graft combined with subscapularis upper-third tenodesis. The selection criteria were as follows: more than 5 dislocations; positive apprehension, anterior drawer, and Coudane-Walch test results; glenoid bone defect between 15% and 30% and humeral bone defect with an engaging Hill-Sachs lesion; and no previous shoulder surgery. All patients were followed up with the Constant score, University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) rating, Rowe score, and visual analog scale evaluation. Assessments were performed with plain radiographs and a PICO computed tomography scan before surgery and at 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were included in the study, with a mean follow-up duration of 34.6 months (range, 24-48 months). In 17 patients (89%), excellent clinical results were recorded according to the Rowe score. The Constant score improved from 82.9 (standard deviation [SD], 5.2) to 88.9 (SD, 4.3) (P = .002); Rowe score, from 25.3 (SD, 5.3) to 89.1 (SD, 21.8) (P < .001); UCLA score, from 23.7 (SD, 3) to 31.5 (SD, 4.8) (P < .001); and visual analog scale score, from 3.2 to 1.3 (P < .001). Patients met the minimal clinically important difference 94.7%, 89.5%, and 47.3% of the time for the Rowe score, UCLA score, and Constant score, respectively. Bone graft resorption was observed in all patients: partial in 9 and complete in 10. We recorded 2 recurrent traumatic dislocations (11%), with no case of persistent anterior apprehension or other complication. CONCLUSIONS: An arthroscopic glenoid bone graft combined with subscapularis upper-third tenodesis may be a valid surgical option to treat recurrent anterior instability associated with both bone loss and hyperlaxity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Analysis of early and late clinical and radiologic complications of proximal humeral fractures using open reduction, internal fixation, and intramedullary titanium cage augmentation.

BACKGROUND: An intramedullary augmentation technique using a titanium cage with different types of hardware can be considered a new option in the management of proximal humeral fractures. This study aimed to report the perioperative, early, and late complications of proximal humeral fractures using the intramedullary augmentation technique. METHODS: From 2005 to 2017, 142 displaced proximal humeral fractures were treated in the same unit by the aforementioned technique. Perioperative, early, and late complications were evaluated in all patients. Clinical evaluation was performed according to the Constant and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores. Only 115 patient records could be considered to have long-term follow-up (7-12 years). RESULTS: Extra-articular migrations of K-wires, plate cutout, and screw penetration were not observed. A transitory axillary nerve palsy with inferior humeral head subluxation was observed in 41 patients (29.8%). Of the 142 patients, 2 (1.4%) manifested early signs of infection, and 1 underwent a reoperation after 30 days. Complete bone healing was obtained at a mean of 3.5 months in 140 of 142 shoulders (98.6%). We achieved long-term follow-up on only 115 patients because 14 had died, 6 lived abroad, and 7 could not participate due to illness. The results were good or excellent in 99 patients (86%), fair in 12 (10.4%), and poor in 4 (3.4%). K-wires were removed in 15 of 79 patients (11.5%). Nonunion or malunion occurred in 1 patient (0.8%). Asymptomatic avascular necrosis developed in 8 patients (6.9%) after 5 years, and secondary glenohumeral osteoarthritis occurred in 6 (5.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative and postoperative analyses with short-, medium-, and long-term outcomes show that the intramedullary augmentation technique improves fracture treatment with significantly good anatomic reconstruction in complex and unstable cases. The bone healing rate is significantly high, and the technique is associated with a significantly low percentage of complications.

Triangular block bridge method for surgical treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures: theoretical concept, surgical technique and clinical results.

INTRODUCTION: Criteria for classification, indication and choice of a surgical device to treat proximal humeral fractures are still controversial. We report an original technique based on a mechanical concept with a structural principle of a triangle as a rigid body applied to the humeral head fractures in association with other devices. This retrospective study aims to describe in detail the surgical technique and results at long time follow up. METHODS AND MATERIAL: We analysed two series of 101 patients with proximal humeral fractures (mean age, 52.9 y; range 19-78 y) treated between 2001 and 2012 reporting the clinical and radiological results. In the first series of 23 cases (mean age 51.4 y, range 35-74 y) we used as support a bone piece taken from allograft or autologous tricortical iliac crest and shaped as a triangular pyramid during the operation; while in the second series of 78 cases (mean age 53.6 years, range 29-78 years, SD 13.5 years) a triangular titanium cage was used in 69 patients while in 9 allograft or bone substitute was used as augmentation. An analytical retrospective study was done to understand the mechanical function of medial augmentation composed by a solid body in association with different types of synthesis to stabilize properly a proximal humeral fracture. RESULTS: We obtained excellent and good results in 83,2% of patients, fair in 12,8% and bad in 4% in terms of active anterior elevation, external and internal rotation, pain and strength according to Constant and DASH score. CONCLUSION: A medial solid body, especially in titanium material and shaped as trapezoidal/pyramidal form used to fill the secondary bone loss in complex instable proximal humeral fracture, allows an anatomic reduction and stable fixation in association with simple and more complex tools and it provides a better biomechanical environment for union and maintenance of alignment.

Bilateral reverse total shoulder arthroplasty-functional outcome and activities of daily living.

BACKGROUND: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) has gained popularity in recent years, providing good shoulder elevation, yet less predictable rotations. Good rotations are crucial for performance of activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal hygiene. Concerns remain regarding bilateral rTSA over lack of rotations bilaterally and resultant difficulties with ADLs. This study examined the outcome of patients with bilateral rTSA in restoration of function and ADLs. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected for 19 patients (15 women, 4 men; 38 shoulders), with a mean age of 74.5 years, who underwent staged bilateral rTSA between 2007 and 2013. Mean follow-up was 48.4 months (range, 24-75 months). Patients were evaluated clinically using the Constant score, patient's satisfaction, Subjective Shoulder Value, and the Activities of Daily Living External and Internal Rotations (ADLEIR) score. Video clips were also recorded for documentation at all visits. RESULTS: Mean duration between staged operations was 18.2 months (range, 3-46 months). The Constant score improved from 18.7 to 65.1 points (age- and sex-adjusted, 100.2). Elevation improved from 57.5° to 143°, internal rotation (IR) from 9° to 81° (30 shoulders could reach above the sacroiliac joint), and external rotation (ER) from 20° to 32° (35 shoulders had >20° ER in adduction, 31 shoulders had full ER in elevation). The Subjective Shoulder Value improved from 2.1 of 10 to 9.2 of 10. Mean ADLEIR score was 33 of 36 (P < .001 for all). Most patients resumed their leisure and sport activities (gardening, golf, swimming, bowling). CONCLUSION: Bilateral rTSA results in marked and predictable improvement in all movements, pain relief, and functional outcomes, with high patient satisfaction and high ADLEIR score. All patients were able to perform perineal hygiene after their rTSA. Most patients had no limitation in ADLs and their leisure activities.

Reconstruction techniques in comparison for reverse shoulder trauma prosthesis in the elderly: a follow-up between 2 and 4 years.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of a bone graft technique called bCAT (bone Collar And Tie), in which the fractured humeral head is modelled into a collar shape versus puzzle piece reconstruction (PPR) in elderly patients with complex proximal humeral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2005 and 2011, we have performed 46 reverse shoulder prosthesis in patients with a mean age of 73.8 years (range 69-95) affected by shoulder complex fracture. A Delta CTA Depuy prosthesis was used in two patients, and a Lima SMR modular shoulder system in 44. To obtain a homogeneous group we compared the cases in which was used the same prosthesis with a similar follow-up. In a series of patients, we reconstructed tuberosities with the PPR technique (group A), while in another series we used the bCAT technique (group B). RESULTS: The results were evaluated in 20 of group A and 20 of group B patients (mean clinical and radiological follow-up: 45.8 months). Average range of motion in group A was 111° anterior elevation, 90° abduction, 16° extrarotation and intrarotation till the sacral bone. The corresponding values in group B were 150°, 110°, 44° and L4. The mean absolute and age-adjusted Constant-Murley score were 55 and 67.85 %, respectively, in group A and 70.8 and 83.85 % in group B. Tuberosity resorption occurred in 40 % of group A versus 15 % in group B. CONCLUSION: The PPR and the bCAT techniques promoted the healing and correct positioning of the tuberosities thereby resulting in good functioning of the residual cuff. The bCAT technique resulted in better clinical function particularly in abduction and extrarotation and in terms of radiological outcome of reverse prosthesis surgery.

The classification of complex 4-part humeral fractures revisited: the missing fifth fragment and indications for surgery.

We describe a new classification of complex 4-part proximal humeral fractures (PHF). Its novelty lies in the involvement of fractures of the calcar area (i.e., the missing fifth fragment) in relation to fragments of the head, tuberosities and shaft. The classification consists of 6 groups (divided into 15 subgroups) of calcar fracture patterns. We hypothesized that this classification could aid surgical decision making in terms of osteosynthesis versus prothesis. To test this hypothesis, two shoulder surgeons, trained in the classification, re-examined the X-rays and CT scans of 100 cases of 4-part PHF to codify each calcar fracture pattern. CT scans proved to be essential for this process. We then theoretically assigned the most appropriate treatment to each subgroup. Subsequent verification of clinical records confirmed our hypothesis that this classification could help the surgeon to decide the best approach to complex 4-part PHF.