Prolonged Physiotherapy after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Does Not Improve Muscular Strength and Function.

Background: After the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), surgery is proposed in the case of knee instability or for athletes who want to return to a pivotal and/or contact sport. The current trend is to extend physiotherapy sessions until a patient's return to sport. We aimed to assess the interest in prolonging the physiotherapy sessions up to 4 postoperative months to restore muscle knee strength and function. Methods: From a historical cohort, 470 patients (24.3 ± 8.7 years) were included; 312 (66%) were males. They all had undergone a primary ACL reconstruction with a hamstring procedure. The number of physiotherapy sessions was established at 4 postoperative months. The main study parameters to assess the benefit of prolonged physiotherapy were the isokinetic limb symmetry index (LSI) for the quadriceps and the hamstrings as well as the Lysholm score. Results: At 4 postoperative months, 148 patients (31.4%) still had physiotherapy sessions. This group had performed 49 ± 14 physiotherapy sessions at the time of evaluation compared to 33 ± 9 sessions performed by the group that stopped physiotherapy at 3 months post-ACL reconstruction. The isokinetic knee LSI and the Lysholm score were not different between the two groups. Continued physiotherapy sessions were associated with female gender, previous high sport level, meniscal repair, lateral tenodesis and outpatient rehabilitation at the beginning of the rehabilitation management, while knee pain complications were not associated. Conclusions: No significant correlation was found between the number of physiotherapy sessions and the knee strength LSI or the Lysholm score. Prolonging patient physiotherapy sessions after 3 months post-ACL reconstruction seems ineffective in improving knee strength recovery and function.

Enlightenment on Knee Flexors Strength Loss in Cases of Posterior Knee Pain After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

CONTEXT: The persistence and the recurrence of posterior medial knee pain (PKP) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using hamstring tendon graft are often overlooked during rehabilitation. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. METHODS: The study aimed (1) to evaluate the prevalence of these types of PKP before 4 months post-ACLR, (2) to measure their consequences on the knee flexors strength, and (3) to evaluate the role of the type of ACLR. From a cohort of patients operated on with hamstring tendon procedures, the persistent and the recurrent PKP were sought at 4 months post-ACLR. The evolution of isokinetic muscle strength recovery in PKP subjects was compared with those of nonpainful subjects. The functional deficit was measured at 6/7 months post-ACLR by a hop test. RESULTS: Three hundred seventeen subjects (25.8 [6.0] y) were included. At 4 months post-ACLR, 2 populations were identified based on the recurrent onset of PKP (PKP+, n = 40) or the absence of knee pain (PKP-, n = 277). The prevalence of PKP was 8.3%. At the fourth month post-ACLR, the PKP+ group had a higher flexor strength deficit compared with the PKP- group (limb symmetry index at 60°/s: 67.2% [12.4%] vs 84.3% [12.6%]; P < .05). At 6/7 months, the loss of strength persisted (limb symmetry index at 60°/s: 82.3% [13.4%] vs 87.7% [12.8%]; P < .05). The hop test deficit was comparable, and no difference was shown according to the type of graft. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent and recurrent PKP during the rehabilitation period were not uncommon and were associated with a worsening of flexors strength loss on the ACLR side.

Proximal toe wrap-around: a coverage technique for circumferential skin defects of the fingers.

Circumferential skin defects of the fingers are a technical challenge. Although rare, their management should respect tissue organization and functional abilities. We report two cases of circumferential skin defect. Management used individually tailored "wrap-around" flaps taken from the hallux. The sample concerned the proximal cutaneous sheath of the first toe and the neurovascular pedicle of the first inter-metatarsal space. Nail and toe pad were spared. Both cases had complex circumferential skin defect of the finger, involving the neuro-vascular pedicle. Postoperative results were favorable, without functional limitation. The wrap-around technique provided skin coverage and also neurovascular pedicle reconstruction. Donor site damage was limited, with no functional consequences. This technique is a valuable option for management of circumferential skin defect of the finger.

Nerve entrapment complicating neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome surgery: A 10-year retrospective study.

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome results from compression of the brachial plexus. The symptoms are mainly pain, upper-limb weakness and paresthesia. Management always starts with a rehabilitation program, but failure of rehabilitation may necessitate surgery. In practice, we observed that several patients developed secondary distal nerve entrapment in the months following surgery, with no preoperative compression. We aimed to assess the occurrence of distal nerve entrapment after surgery for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome in a retrospective cohort study. Seventy-four patients were included; 82% females; mean age, 39.4 ± 9.4 years. There were 36.5% with high intensity and 63.5% with low to moderate intensity work. Eighteen (24.3%) developed secondary upper-limb entrapment at 10.6 ± 5.8 months after surgery. Sixteen had a single entrapment and 2 had two different entrapments. In 10 cases (50%) the ulnar nerve was involved at the elbow, in 7 (35.0%) the radial nerve at the radial tunnel, and in 3 (15.0%) the median nerve. No differences were found between patients with and without secondary nerve entrapment in gender (p = 0.51), mean age (p = 0.44), symptom duration (p = 0.92) or work intensity (p = 0.26). Further studies are needed to confirm these results and to shed light on the underlying mechanisms.

Difference of Knee Strength Recovery Between Revision and Primary ACL Reconstruction.

Different grafting procedures are available to restore knee stability after revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. We compared knee strength recovery between ACL revision surgery and primary reconstruction. One hundred and ten patients with ACL revision surgery were matched with 110 patients with primary reconstruction based on the graft procedure. The isokinetic knee strength had been assessed for the first 9 months post-surgery. Knee laxity, function, and activity score were also evaluated. Limb symmetry index for knee extensor and flexor strength was not different at 4-, 6- and 9-months post-surgery between revision surgery and primary reconstruction. These results depended on ipsilateral or contralateral graft choice. Ipsilateral hamstring tendon (HT) and contralateral bone-patellar-tendon-bone (BPTB) graft procedures were similar for a revision of a BPTB graft failure. Contralateral HT procedure was better than ipsilateral BPTB procedure for a revision of a HT graft failure. The early recovery of isokinetic knee strength after ACL revision surgery regardless of the HT or BPTB procedures, was similar to the recovery after primary ACL reconstruction with the same graft technique. These results apparently depended on a temporary quadriceps arthrogenic muscle inhibition and on a persistent donor site morbidity, concerning the new and the previous grafts, respectively.

Anatomic feasibility study of a sartorius myocutaneous flap with a distally based pedicle and proximal skin paddle.

INTRODUCTION: We conducted an anatomic feasibility study of a sartorius myocutaneous flap with a distally based pedicle and proximal skin paddle to cover soft tissue defects of the knee region. HYPOTHESIS: A recent anatomic study by Mojalla showed that the sartorius muscle had 2 distinct pedicles, making it possible to isolate this muscle on its distal pedicle and harvest it with a skin paddle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This anatomic study was conducted on 10 lower limbs. The 2 criteria assessed were (1) the viability of our proximal skin paddle and (2) the arc of rotation and coverage obtained with this myocutaneous flap. RESULTS: We identified 7 proximal skin paddles after the injection of India ink into the distal pedicle of the sartorius muscle. In all cases, the arc of rotation of the flap allowed coverage of the knee region. The mean distance between the inferior edge of the skin paddle and the proximal border of the patella (DBAP) was measured at 13cm, and the mean distance between the superior edge of the flap paddle and the anterior superior iliac spine (DASIS) at 16cm. The average skin paddle size was 14 by 7cm. DISCUSSION: Our anatomic study demonstrated the feasibility of our sartorius flap with a distally based pedicle and proximal skin paddle. This technique may be a viable alternative when using gastrocnemius flaps is not feasible, or the surgeon lacks the microsurgical skills to perform free flaps. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; descriptive anatomic study.

A prospective study of 100 patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy showed no correlation between subacromial bursitis and the efficacy of ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine whether the presence of subacromial bursitis in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy (RCT) was associated with a better outcome after ultrasound (US)-guided subacromial corticosteroid injection. METHODS: A single-center prospective study was performed including patients referred for subacromial injection to manage RCT. At baseline, all patients received an US-guided intra-bursal injection of betamethasone (1 ml). The primary endpoint was reduced pain 3 months (M3) after the procedure: a good responder was defined by a decrease in Visual Analogue Scale pain of more than 30%. Secondary endpoints included functional recovery assessed by the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) and clinical success at 6 weeks (W6). We also explored the association between good clinical response and other factors, such as US or X-ray features. RESULTS: One hundred patients were included and 49 presented with subacromial bursitis. At M3, 60% of patients (54/100) were considered good responders. The rate of good responders did not differ between the bursitis and non-bursitis groups (p = 0.6). During follow-up, OSS improved over time whether bursitis was present or not. We did not find any US or X-ray features significantly associated with a favorable clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: The presence of subacromial bursitis did not influence clinical outcomes at 3 months post-subacromial injection in patients suffering from RCT. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The presence of subacromial bursitis did not influence clinical outcomes at 3 months post-subacromial corticosteroid injection in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy. For patient management, looking for ultrasonographic signs of bursitis does not appear relevant for the indication of the injection. KEY POINTS: • Ultrasound-guided subacromial corticosteroid injections led to a significant improvement in 60% of patients suffering from rotator cuff tendinopathy. • The presence of subacromial bursitis was not associated with better improvement at 3 months post-injection. • Except for the Minnesota score referring to job satisfaction, we did not find any baseline clinical, X-ray, or ultrasound characteristics associated with a successful outcome.

Development of a new radiographic score for the follow-up of calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a new x-ray scoring system for calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff (CTRC). METHODS: This is a post-hoc analysis of the CALCECHO trial. All patients received an ultrasound-guided puncture and lavage of their calcification. Clinical data and x-rays from baseline and follow-up visits at 7 days (D7), 3 months (M3) and 12 months (M12) were used. The scoring system was based on the reduction in size and density of the calcification compared to the initial x-ray (0 = no change; 1 = decrease of less than 50%; 2 = decrease of between 50 and 90%; 3 = decrease of more than 90%; 4 = complete disappearance). Inter-observer and intra-observer reliability were established between 3 independent investigators (2 experts and one junior) using weighted Kappa calculation. Construct validity was assessed as well as predictive validity and sensitivity to change. RESULTS: Between the two experts, inter-reader reliability was at 0.677, 0.744 and 0.656 at D7, M3 and M12 respectively. Intra-reader reliability was between 0.577 and 0.836 for the two expert readers and between 0.519 and 0.697 for the junior reader. Our score was correlated with shoulder pain and function at M3 and M12 and the score at M3 was predictive of the clinical outcome at M12. Finally, sensitivity to change was 0.8. CONCLUSIONS: Our new score presented good psychometric properties and was correlated with clinical data. It could be useful in the follow-up of patients treated for CTRC.

Arthrofibrosis risk factors after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Introduction: Knee arthrofibrosis is a disabling complication after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLr). Different risk factors have been studied but are still controversial because of a diagnosis made only during reoperations for the treatment of the stiffness, which underestimates the occurrence rate. We aimed to confirm risk factors of arthrofibrosis after ACLr in case of clinically made diagnoses. Methods: Ninety-two athletes with clinically diagnosed arthrofibrosis, complicating a primary ACLr, were compared to 482 athletes with ACLr without any complications. Usually considered risk factors were studied: age under 18, female, Body Mass Index (BMI ≥ 25), high sport level, time from ACL injury to ACLr < 1 month, Bone-Patella-Tendon-Bone surgical procedure (BPTB), meniscal repair, and intensive rehabilitation. Binary logistic regression was carried out to confirm or refute these risk factors. Results: Female, time from ACL injury to ACLr < 1 month, BPTB procedure, meniscal repair, and BMI ≥ 25 were not confirmed as risk factors. Previous competitive sport level assessed by Tegner score was the only risk factor identified, OR: 3.56 (95%IC: 2.20-5.75; p = 0.0001). Age < 18, OR: 0.40 (95%IC: 0.19-0.84; p = 0.015) and inpatient rehabilitation program, OR: 0.28 (95%IC: 0.17-0.47; p = 0.0001), were protective factors. Discussion: Competitive athletes are at risk of arthrofibrosis after ACLr and should benefit from protective inpatient rehabilitation program.

Development of a DNA damage-induced senescence model in osteoarthritic chondrocytes.

Senescent cells (SnCs) have been described to accumulate in osteoarthritis (OA) joint tissues in response to injury, thereby participating in OA development and progression. However, clinical therapeutic approaches targeting SnCs using senolysis, although promising in preclinical OA models, have not yet proven their efficacy in patients with knee OA. This pitfall may be due to the lack of understanding of the mechanisms underlying chondrocyte senescence. Therefore, our study aimed to generate models of chondrocyte senescence. This study used etoposide, to induce DNA damage-related senescence or chronic exposure to IL-1ß to entail inflammation-related senescence in human OA chondrocytes. Several hallmarks of cellular senescence, such as cell cycle arrest, expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, DNA damages, and senescence-associated secretory profile were evaluated. Chronic exposure to IL-1ß induces only partial expression of senescence markers and does not allow us to conclude on its ability to induce senescence in chondrocytes. On the other hand, etoposide treatment reliably induces DNA damage-related senescence in human articular chondrocytes evidenced by loss of proliferative capacity, DNA damage accumulation, and expression of some SASP components. Etoposide-induced senescence model may help investigate the initiation of cellular senescence in chondrocytes, and provide a useful model to develop therapeutic approaches to target senescence in OA.

Possible role of the botulinum toxin in the management of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is related to the compression and/or the traction of the upper-limb neurovascular bundle, responsible for a chronic painful impairment. Neurogenic TOS (NTOS) is the most common manifestation. It remains a challenging diagnosis and its treatment is also difficult. Botulinum toxin (BTX) has been described to help both the diagnosis and the symptoms improvement. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic literature research was performed using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Embase databases to collect studies reporting the use of BTX in NTOS management. We followed the PRISMA guidelines, and the included studies were evaluated using the GRADE approach. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: We included 10 original articles representing 555 patients. Various outcomes were considered, and results varied from a study to another. Symptoms relief varied from an absence of BTX effectiveness to 84.1% of improvement; relief duration was also reported from none to 88 days. BTX injections were debatable predictors of surgical procedure successes due to low evidence. There was a huge gap between the studies concerning side-effects of the BTX procedures, from none to 100% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence for considering BTX injection as a validated tool for the management of NTOS. There might be a slight effect on symptoms, but outcomes are very variable, which prevents further interpretations. The use of BTX should be evaluated in larger prospective cohorts with more standardized outcomes.

Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability Treated Using the Arthroscopic Bankart-Latarjet Technique: Experience of a Peripheral Hospital.

The arthroscopic Bankart-Latarjet procedure is used in the surgical management of anterior shoulder instability. This technique is mainly performed in referral centers due to its high technicity. This study aimed to evaluate surgical outcomes in a peripheral hospital center. This is a retrospective study of patients treated for recurrent anterior shoulder instability. The clinical scores (Walch-Duplay, Rowe, and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI)) were assessed preoperatively and at 12 months after surgery. The consolidation and the position of the bone block were evaluated at 6 months using a CT scan. Between 2016 and 2020, 40 patients had been operated on (mean age: 28.5 ± 7.9 years). During a mean follow-up of 29.5 ± 11.6 months, we noted only one complication, a case of fracture of the callus of a consolidated bone block. No recurrence of instability was recorded. The Walch-Duplay score increased from 17.8 to 94.6, the Rowe score from 24.9 to 96.8, and the WOSI score decreased from 52.1% to 6.9%. The bone block was consolidated in 35 patients (87.5%), and a flush position with the anterior edge of the glenoid was noted for all patients. At one year, 67.0% of the patients practicing sport had returned to sports. The arthroscopic Bankart-Latarjet technique was a reliable procedure in the hands of an experienced shoulder surgeon, even in a peripheral hospital center.

Joint capsule innervation does not explain the difference in symptoms between scaphotrapezial and trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: Peritrapezial osteoarthritis (OA) includes scaphotrapezial and trapeziometacarpal OA. In clinical practice, scaphotrapezial OA seems better tolerated than trapeziometacarpal OA, with fewer complaints and better tolerance. The difference in pain could be linked to a difference in joint capsule innervation, perhaps with fewer nerve fibers in the scaphotrapezial than the trapeziometacarpal joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a histologic evaluation of these two joints to compare their respective innervation in 17 cadaveric specimens with peritrapezial OA. Radiographic scoring confirmed the presence of peritrapezial OA. Mean Kellgren-Lawrence score was 2.2 ± 1.1 in the trapeziometacarpal joint and 1.5 ± 0.7 in the scaphotrapezial joint (p = 0.08). RESULTS: There was no difference between scaphotrapezial and trapeziometacarpal joints in number of neurofilaments: 5.2 ± 3.9 and 4.4 ± 4.5, respectively (p = 0.20). A significant difference was found in S100 staining (myelinated structures), with a higher rate in the scaphotrapezial joint: 11.8 ± 7.5 vs 6.6 ± 5.2 (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that lower tolerance of trapeziometacarpal OA is not due to a difference in joint capsule innervation. On the contrary, we found a higher rate of myelinated tissues in the scaphotrapezial joint. These results suggested other pain pathways to explain clinical observations.

Artistic Swimming Injuries in Young Elite Athletes: An 11-year Follow-Up.

OBJECTIVE: Artistic swimming is a highly challenging discipline, requiring physical skills and creativity. There are almost no published data on trauma. We aimed to assess the incidence and the nature of injuries in artistic swimmers. DESIGN: An 11-year retrospective single-center cohort study. SETTING: Department of Sport Medicine of a University Hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred and twenty-four elite female artistic swimmers aged 12.9 ± 1.6 years. INTERVENTIONS: The cohort was divided into 3 groups according to the competition categories (from 9 to 12 years old called "future", 12-15 years old called "youth", 15-19 years old called "junior"). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Injury rate per season and per athlete was assessed. RESULTS: The injury rate was 0.95 injuries/season/athlete and 1.05 injuries/1000 hours of practice. The most frequent injuries were rotator cuff tendinopathy (13.6%), acute low back pain (13.6%), and patellofemoral syndrome (11.9%). Swimmers in the youth and junior categories had significantly more injuries than those in the future category (P = 0.009), possibly because of more training hours (P < 0.001). Twelve major injuries occurred, all in the same group of youth swimmers. CONCLUSION: This is the first study investigating trauma during artistic swimming practice. A better knowledge of the main injuries is necessary for the physician to provide optimal care for athletes and to develop prevention. Attention should be particularly paid to the swimmers' shoulders and knees.

Consequences of anterior knee pain after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A 2015-2020 cohort study.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using hamstring tendon (HT) graft aims to stabilise the knee, but it may bring some complications like anterior knee (AKP) pain that can have consequences on the functional aspect of this surgery. The aim of this study was to compare isokinetic knee strength and functional outcomes between patients with and without AKP following an ACLR using HT graft during the first-year post-surgery. Three hundred and thirty subjects operated by ACLR using hamstring tendon graft were included in our retrospective cohort and divided into two groups: a group with AKP (AKP+ group) and one without AKP (AKP-group). In our population, 14.8% of the patients had AKP. At 4 post-operative months, subjects with pain had lower isokinetic strength limb symmetry index (LSI) for knee flexors and extensors, and a lower Lysholm score than subjects without pain (p < 0.0001). These differences did not persist at 7 post-operative months, and there was no difference in the one-leg hop test. After multivariate analysis, we highlighted the impact of time on the evolution of these parameters. Yet, the exact definition of AKP after ACLR remains to be clearly defined since an imprecise diagnosis may lead to inappropriate management. Pre-operative information about this type of complication, which evolves favourably with time, could be useful for patients. Indeed, AKP can occur after ACLR, even if a HT graft has been used, compared to other surgical procedures using the knee extensor apparatus as patellar tendon graft (AKP is associated with the donor site morbidity). In case of AKP after ACLR, monitoring the muscle inhibition by isokinetic tests may enable clinicians to adapt the retraining and the return to sport.

Anatomic feasibility study of osteocutaneous free flap from the proximal ulna.

OBJECTIVE: The present anatomic study aimed to assess the feasibility of an osteocutaneous free flap harvested from the proximal ulna for reconstruction after complex hand trauma. METHOD: Nineteen upper limb specimens free of scarring in the elbow region were injected in the brachial artery. After S-shaped incision centered on the medial epicondyle, a systematic approach to the epitrochlear-olecranal groove exposed the superior ulnar collateral artery and ulnar nerve. Bone and skin perforators were screened for during dissection and their emergence with respect to the medial epicondyle was assessed. Pedicle length was also assessed. The skin paddle was harvested in the distal part of the S incision and the operative site was closed by local skin plasticity. RESULTS: Bone and skin perforators from the superior ulnar collateral artery were found in all 19 specimens. Mean pedicle length from the artery was greater than 9cm in all cases. The skin perforator emerged at a mean 19mm distally from the medial epicondyle, and the bone perforator at a mean 40mm. DISCUSSION: An osteocutaneous free flap can be harvested from the proximal ulna and medial side of the elbow. As bone and skin perforators were found in all 19 cases, this flap can be used routinely. Harvesting, however, systematically involves ulnar nerve release and anterior transposition. This osteocutaneous free flap harvested from the proximal ulna offers an alternative for osteocutaneous defects in the hand, with harvesting from the same limb. CONCLUSION: In this anatomic series, an osteocutaneous free flap could in all cases be harvested from the posterior ulnar recurrent artery via a medial elbow approach. Safety and efficacy remain to be demonstrated in in vivo reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Knee Strength Assessment and Clinical Evaluation Could Predict Return to Running after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Patellar Tendon Procedure.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Muscle knee strength is a major parameter that allows return to running. Isokinetic strength parameters may predict return to running 4 months after ACLR using the bone-patellar-tendon-bone procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The isokinetic knee strength of 216 patients (24.5 ± 5 years) was measured 4 months after surgery, and progressive return to running was allowed. The effectiveness of return to running was reported at 6 months. Return to running prediction was established using multivariate logistic regression. Predictive parameters were presented with a ROC curve area to define the best cut-off, with sensibility (Se) and specificity (Sp). RESULTS: A model was established, including the limb symmetry index (LSI), and 103 patients (47.6%) were able to run between the fourth and the sixth month after surgery. These patients presented significantly fewer knee complications, a better Lysholm score, a better Quadriceps and Hamstring LSI and better quadriceps strength reported for body weight on the operated limb. The best model was established including the Quadriceps and Hamstring LSI at 60°/s and the Lysholm score. The cut-off for Quadriceps LSI was 60% (ROC curve area: 0.847; Se: 77.5%; Sp: 77%), for Hamstring LSI 90% (ROC curve area: 0.716; Se: 65.7%; Sp: 60.2%) and for Lyshom score 97 points (ROC curve area: 0.691; Se: 65%; Sp: 66%). CONCLUSION: Four months after ACLR using a bone-patellar-tendon-bone procedure, the Quadriceps and Hamstring LSI associated to the Lysholm score could help make the decision to allow return to running.

Use of hand hydraulic dynamometers as an overall evaluation of the upper-limb weakness in patients with thoracic outlet syndrome.

Patients with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome report pain and upper-limb weakness. They complain about weakness occurring on the entire upper-limb, especially at the hand and the shoulder levels. Hydraulic dynamometers can reliably assess the strength of the hand, and isokinetic shoulder testing can provide accurate and reliable evaluations of the rotators strength. Yet, isokinetic proximal assessment needs expensive tools, whereas hydraulic hand dynamometers are cheap and easy to use. We aimed to assess the correlation between the isokinetic shoulder strength and the hand grip and the key pinch strength. The grip strength was evaluated with a hydraulic hand dynamometer and the key pinch with a pinch gauge. Isokinetic rotators strength tests were performed using a Humac Norm® dynamometer at 60 and 180°/s. One-hundred and thirty patients had been included, 72% of women, mean age of 39.8 ± 9.5. Symptomatic hands presented a strength deficit of 12.2% on the grip (p < 0.0001) and 10% on the key pinch (p = 0.01). Isokinetic strength was lower on the symptomatic shoulders at 60 and 180°/s concerning medial rotators [-10.3 and -8.8%, respectively (p = 0.02)] and lateral rotators [-10.8 and -10%, respectively (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03)]. There was a moderate correlation between the grip strength of the symptomatic upper-limbs and the isokinetic rotators strength (p < 0.001). The key pinch strength was moderately correlated to the isokinetic medial and lateral rotators strength at 60°/s (p < 0.001). Hand dynamometers could prove useful during medical consultations or in outpatient management to assess upper-limb overall weakness, but isokinetic measurement remains the gold standard for a precise evaluation.

Use of Electroneuromyography in the Diagnosis of Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) is a disabling condition. Its diagnosis remains challenging and is mainly guided by examination. Yet, electrophysiological evaluations are the gold standard for diagnosis of entrapment syndromes. We aimed to assess the interest of electrophysiological evaluation to diagnose NTOS. A systematic literature research was performed using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, Cochrane and Google Scholar databases to collect studies reporting results of electrophysiological assessment of patients with NTOS. Then, a meta-analysis was conducted. Nine studies were eligible and concerned two hundred and thirteen patients. Results were heterogenous among studies and the quality of evidence was very low to moderate. Data could not evaluate sensitivity or specificity of electrophysiological evaluations for NTOS. The meta-analysis found significantly decreased amplitudes of medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve SNAP (sensory nerve action potential), ulnar SNAP, median CMAP (compound motor action potential) and ulnar CMAP. Needle examination found abnormalities for the abductor pollicis brevis, first dorsal interosseous and adductor digiti minimi. Unlike most upper-limb entrapment syndromes, nerve conduction assessment only provided clues in favour of NTOS. Decreased amplitude for ulnar SNAP, medial antebrachial cutaneous SNAP, median CMAP and ulnar CMAP should be assessed, as well as needle examination. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of electrophysiology in NTOS diagnosis.

Functional and Survival Outcomes of Patients following the Harrington Procedure for Complex Acetabular Metastatic Lesions.

BACKGROUND: The Harrington surgical technique makes it possible to manage complex, extensive bone lesions using pins and cement to consolidate bone for acetabular cup positioning. However, it may be associated with a high reoperation rate, and the functional results of this surgery are not precisely described in the literature. METHODS: In a monocentric retrospective study including all patients operated on using the Harrington procedure associated with THA between 2005 and 2020, we aimed to assess preoperative and postoperative function, reoperation-free survival, and overall survival. RESULTS: Functional improvement was significant for Parker scores (preoperative: 3.6 ± 2.0; 6-month follow-up: 6.6 ± 3.2; 12-month follow-up: 7.6 ± 2.1) and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scores (preoperative: 31.1 ± 16.2%; 6-month follow-up: 67.7 ± 30.6%; 12-month follow-up: 82.4 ± 24.0%). Of the 21 patients included, the reoperation-free survival rate was 76.1% [CI 95%: 58.1-99.7] at six and twelve months, with the main complications being pin migration (50.0%) and infection (25%). The patient overall survival rate was 76.2% [95% CI: 59.9-96.7] at six months and 61.9% [95% CI: 59.9-96.7] at 12 months. DISCUSSION: These results underlined significant functional improvements following a conventional Harrington procedure, with acceptable reoperation rates.