Blood Flow Restriction Training in Patients With Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Randomized, Assessor-Blinded, Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of low-load blood flow restriction (BFR) training on shoulder muscle thickness, rotator cuff (RC) strength, and shoulder symptoms in patients with RC tendinopathy. DESIGN: A randomized, assessor-blinded, controlled trial. SETTINGS: Physiotherapy clinic at a university. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-eight patients were randomized into an 8-week (2 times/week) shoulder rehabilitation, that is, BFR or non-BFR group. INTERVENTIONS: BFR training. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: (1) RC, deltoid, scapula retractor, and biceps muscle thicknesses and shoulder internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) strengths. (2) Shoulder pain/function. RESULTS: The BFR group had a greater increase in biceps muscle thickness ( P = 0.002) and shoulder IR strength at 60 degrees/s ( P = 0.040) than the non-BFR group. No differences between the 2 groups were observed in other measurements. Significant improvements in supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and scapula retractor muscle thicknesses and in shoulder ER and IR strengths were observed over time in both the groups (all P < 0 .05). Also, shoulder pain decreased and shoulder function increased over time in both the groups (all P < 0 .05). CONCLUSIONS: Low-load BFR training resulted in a greater increase in biceps thickness and shoulder IR strength compared with the non-BFR group in patients with RC tendinopathy. However, there was no superiority of either exercise training regarding the RC, scapula retractor, deltoid muscle thicknesses, or improvements in shoulder ER strength and shoulder pain/function. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME AND REGISTRATION NUMBER: The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov named Blood Flow Restriction Training in Patients with Shoulder Pain and the registration number is NCT04333784.

Cross-education effects on shoulder rotator muscle strength and function after shoulder stabilization surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

HYPOTHESIS: This study aimed to investigate the effects of cross education (CE) on rotator cuff (RC) muscle strength recovery and shoulder function in patients who underwent arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization surgery. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients who underwent shoulder stabilization surgery were included in the study (age, 25 ± 6 years; body mass index, 24.8 ± 3.6 kg/m2). The patients were randomly divided into either the CE group (n = 14) or the control group (n = 14). All patients received a standardized rehabilitation program until the end of the 12th postoperative week. The CE group also received isokinetic training of the nonoperative shoulder focusing on the RC muscles (twice a week, 3 sets of 10 repetitions). RC muscle strength was measured preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively using an isokinetic dynamometer at 60°/s and 180°/s angular velocities. Shoulder function was assessed with the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test and Y-Balance Test-Upper Quarter. Analyses of covariance were used for the statistical analyses. RESULTS: At 6 months postoperatively, at 60°/s angular velocity, there was higher internal rotator strength in the CE group (P = .02) and similar external rotator strength (P = .62) between the groups. At 180°/s angular velocity, both internal rotator strength (P = .04) and external rotator strength (P = .02) were higher in the CE group. The Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (P = .47), Y-Balance Test-Upper Quarter (P = .95), and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (P = .12) scores were similar between the groups at 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: CE in the early period of postoperative rehabilitation following stabilization surgery improves RC strength recovery. However, it has no effect on functional outcomes. Integrating a CE program into the postoperative rehabilitation protocol may help to improve dynamic shoulder stability but not functional capacity.

Glenoid Track Assessment at Imaging in Anterior Shoulder Instability: Rationale and Step-by-Step Guide.

Anterior shoulder dislocation is the most common form of joint instability in humans, usually resulting in soft-tissue injury to the glenohumeral capsuloligamentous and labral structures. Bipolar bone lesions in the form of fractures of the anterior glenoid rim and posterolateral humeral head are often associated with anterior shoulder dislocation and can be a cause or result of recurrent dislocations. Glenoid track assessment is an evolving concept that incorporates the pathomechanics of anterior shoulder instability into its management. Currently widely endorsed by orthopedic surgeons, this concept has ramifications for prognostication, treatment planning, and outcome assessment of anterior shoulder dislocation. The glenoid track is the contact zone between the humeral head and glenoid during shoulder motion from the neutral position to abduction and external rotation. Two key determinants of on-track or off-track status of a Hill-Sachs lesion (HSL) are the glenoid track width (GTW) and Hill-Sachs interval (HSI). If the GTW is less than the HSI, an HSL is off track. If the GTW is greater than the HSI, an HSL is on track. The authors focus on the rationale behind the glenoid track concept and explain stepwise assessment of the glenoid track at CT or MRI. Off-track to on-track conversion is a primary goal in stabilizing the shoulder with anterior instability. The key role that imaging plays in glenoid track assessment warrants radiologists' recognition of this concept along with its challenges and pitfalls and the production of relevant and actionable radiology reports for orthopedic surgeons-to the ultimate benefit of patients. ©RSNA, 2023 Online supplemental material is available for this article. Quiz questions for this article are available through the Online Learning Center.

Adjustable bone plate: from bench to operating room.

Background/aim: We have designed an adjustable bone plate (ABP) which allows bone shortening and lengthening after fixation, which is a property not present in any of the plate systems available today. The aim of the current study was to examine the new ABP's segmental bone transfer capability for the treatment of a segmental bone defect in an animal model. Materials and methods: Five sheep had ABPs attached to 10 of their tibias and bone defects of 15 mm in size were created. The pinion mechanism was moved with a manual screwdriver at a rate of 1mm/day for 15 days starting 3 days postoperatively. The animals were euthanized 3 months postoperatively, and the defect site and the transferred segment were evaluated by radiological and histological examination. Results: The radiological results revealed successful transfers of 14.6 ± 1.2 mm of bone segment on all tibia defects without any complications. The histological evaluation showed new bone formation in both the extension and the docking sites. No rupture or breakage was observed within the plates. Conclusion: We have presented the potential of a new generation ABP for use in segmental bone transfer in an animal model as well as for future clinical applications.

Tender point examination with palpation in different shoulder pathologies: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain is a common symptom for non-traumatic shoulder pathologies and affects 4.7-66.7% of entire population. Even with the latest technological advantages, palpation still is a cost and time efficient tool to evaluate the shoulder pathologies. Our aim was to investigate and compare palpation findings in different shoulder pathologies. METHOD: We used first assessments of impingement syndrome (IS) (n = 205), rotator cuff tear (RCT) (n = 185) and frozen shoulder (FS) (n = 210) patients who received treatment between 2010 and 2019 years. Two experienced physiotherapists palpated predefined points: long head of biceps brachii, pectoralis minor, lateral intermuscular septum, proximal tendons of extensor group. These points categorized into "proximal", "mid-proximal", "mid-distal", "distal", "irregular". We also grouped patients by their BMIs. RESULTS: We found RCT patients had higher BMI than IS and FS patients (p < 0.001, p = 0.001); more tender intermuscular septum points and night pain than IS patients (p = 0.001, p = 0.003) and more extensor group proximal tendon points than IS and FS patients (p < 0.001, p = 0.001). "No tenderness" group had lesser resting pain than distal group (p < 0.001) and lesser activity and night pain than middle-proximal, middle-distal, and distal groups (all ps < 0.002). Distal group had higher night pain than middle-proximal group (p = 0.003). Morbidly obese patients had higher night pain than normal and overweight patients (p = 0.003 and p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Tender point distribution varies depending on the pathology with biceps brachii being the most common. RCT patients had higher night pain related to more distal tender points. Patients with higher night pain had increased tenderness in septum intermuscular and extensor muscles' proximal tendons.

Cadaver versus simulator based arthroscopic training in shoulder surgery

Introduction: There are few studies that compare the cadaver dissections with the medical simulators in means of talent improvement. Therefore, the aim of this study is to find out if using cadaver dissections is still the golden standard for surgical training or using the medical simulators in surgery could replace cadaver dissections. Materials and methods: The study is conducted during the European Orthopaedics & Traumatology Education Platform accredited Shoulder Club International Cadaver Course including a number of 34 orthopedics trainees. The participants were randomly divided into two groups to be trained with the simulator (Group 1) and on cadavers (Group 2), followed by a test performed on shoulder arthroscopy simulator (Virtamed ArthroS, Switzerland). There was no conflict of interest before, during, or after the study. Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study. Results: Group 2 had statistically significant higher simulation overview procedure time values than Group 1 (p < 0.05), the meaning of which is participants trained with the simulator completed the given tasks in a shorter period of time. Group 2 had statistically significant higher scratching of humerus cartilage values than Group 1 (p < 0.05), which means that participants trained with simulation have less scratching done on the humerus cartilage than the participants trained on a cadaver. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first one to compare virtual reality (VR) simulators with cadavers for surgical education in an objective manner, while using qualitative and quantitative data. According to this study, it is possible to state that VR simulators are just as effective as cadavers in means of training subjects. As medical education will face a total change all around the world after the COVID-19 pandemic, this study has the potential to be an important guide during and after this period.

Adjustable bone plate: state of art

Background/aim: The success of treatment of bone fracture and defects are based on a proper contact and compression between the bone fracture fragments. Intraoperative manipulations such as bone compression or distractions are generally done in order to achieve this. However, none of the bone plates currently in routine use allow these manipulations after fixation to the bone, requiring refixation and repeated drilling, and screwing operations. Based on this shortcoming, we designed a novel adjustable bone plate (ABP) system which allows bone shortening and lengthening even after fixation to the bone surface. The aim of the paper is to clarify the unique properties of the novel bone plate. Materials and methods: In this paper, the new generation adjustable bone plate applicability, design, indication, and new characteristics in addition to conventional bone plates with review of the literature were discussed and surgical technique was demonstrated in a saw bone model. Results: This novel design allows for compression and distraction at the fracture ends post fixation as well as bone segment transfers. Conclusions: The potential of the new generation ABP plate for use in bone compression, distraction, and the segmental bone transfer is a promising invention for clinical applications in the future.

A three-dimensional scapular motion analysis in patients with arthroscopic anterior capsulolabral repair of the shoulder: The effect of scapular stabilization taping.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the scapular kinematics during dynamic humeral movements in patients with arthroscopic anterior capsulolabral repair of the shoulder along with the potential biomechanical corrective effects of scapular stabilization taping. METHODS: Twenty patients with unilateral traumatic anterior shoulder instability and arthroscopic anterior capsulolabral repair participated in the study. Dynamic shoulder kinematics were assessed during the scapular plane shoulder elevation for both the operated and non operated shoulders and also under two conditions: no-taping and taping. Statistical analysis to compare sides and conditions was performed with analysis of variance models. RESULTS: The scapula was more internally rotated position in operated shoulders than in non operated shoulders. Furthermore, the scapula was less internally rotated and more downwardly rotated at 120° of elevation in the taping condition. CONCLUSIONS: Operated shoulders demonstrated kinematics alterations when compared to non operated shoulders underwent arthroscopic anterior capsulolabral repair. Additionally, changes in the scapular orientation with the taping was very small but followed a pattern, which would be suggested to be an orientation that potentially produce more scapular stability and to increase stress on the inferior glenohumeral ligament.

The current state of orthopaedic residency in 18 European countries.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare differences in current orthopaedic and trauma training programs across Europe. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to the FORTE (Federation of Orthopaedic Trainees in Europe) representatives of 25 different European countries, of which 18 responded. The questionnaire included demographic information and information concerning the structure of the training programs, including duration, selection, and mandatory training requirements. RESULTS: The number of trainees per specialist varied between countries from a ratio of 1:2 to 1:7. Residency was generally five to six years in all the countries. In more than half of the countries selection was interview-based. Nearly all countries utilized a logbook. About 80% of the participating countries had a final examination. When assessing the components of training it was found that only one country (the United Kingdom) had mandatory minimum requirements for (1) courses, (2) surgical procedures, (3) research and (4) leadership. Nearly 40% of the participating countries had only one or none of these four components as a mandatory training requirement. CONCLUSIONS: There are many similarities in training programs, but some important differences remain in overall requirements and final qualification. The main limitation of this study was that we were unable to get data from all the European countries. FORTE will continue to serve as a forum for sharing best practices with the ultimate goal of improving and harmonizing the level of orthopaedic training across Europe. Future studies should aim to include further details about training programs as well as to include data from more countries.

Surgical treatment of infected shoulder arthroplasty. A systematic review.

PURPOSE: To investigate the best surgical management of infected shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: A literature review from 1996 to 2016 identified 15 level IV studies that met inclusion criteria. Persistent infection (PI) was considered as treatment failure. Success was regarded as the absence of symptomatic PI without necessity for further treatment. Surgical outcomes were reported according to the mean weighted Constant and Murley score (CMS) for each treatment group. RESULTS: Overall, 287 patients (146 males/141 females) were identified at a mean follow-up of 50.4 (range 32-99.6) months. The PI in the whole population was 11.5%. The pooled mean CMS, available for 218 patients, was 39 ± 13. Twenty-seven patients (9.4%) were treated with debridement (PI 29.6%, CMS 41 ± 12), 52 patients (18.1%) with resection arthroplasty (PI 11.5%, CMS 29 ± 16), 33 patients (11.5%) with permanent spacers (PI 6.1%, CMS 31 ± 14), 98 patients (34.2%) with two-stage revisions (PI 14.3%, CMS 42 ± 12) and 77 patients (26.8%) with one-stage revisions (PI 3.9%, CMS 49 ± 11). Debridement showed the highest PI rate (29.6%) and one-stage revisions reported the lowest PI rate (3.9%). Resection arthroplasty and spacers showed the poorest CMS when compared to the other procedures (p ≤ 0.0001). The debridement PI rate was significantly higher than almost any other procedure. CMS was significantly higher in patients undergoing revision compared to non-revision procedures (45 ± 12 vs. 35 ± 14) (p < 0.0001). One-stage revisions achieved significantly better results in terms of the PI rate compared to two-stage revisions (p = 0.0223), but not in terms of CMS. CONCLUSION: Debridement showed the highest PI rate (29.6%) and should not be recommended for the management of infected shoulder arthroplasty. Revisions reported better functional outcomes compared to non-revision procedures. The presence of a significantly lower PI rate with comparablely high mean CMS values suggests that one-stage (where technically applicable) could be superior to two-stage revisions. Unfortunately, well-designed randomized controlled trials using validated patient-based outcomes are lacking in this field. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Systematic Review of level IV studies, Level IV.

An alternative endoscopic portal for suprascapular nerve approach: an anatomic study.

PURPOSE: Arthroscopic approaches have been less preferred than open techniques for treating suprascapular nerve entrapment, possibly because current arthroscopic portals are based on distances to reference points, resulting in discrepancies from differing shoulder sizes. This study reports a portal placement based on proportions rather than absolute length. METHODS: Open dissection (12 left shoulders) and arthroscopy (12 contralateral shoulders) of the suprascapular notch were performed. In left shoulders, the posterolateral prominence of the acromion, the T1 spinous process, and the suprascapular notch were marked (K-wires). Distances from the posterolateral prominence of the acromion to the suprascapular notch and to the T1 spinous process were measured, and the proportion of those distances (distance to the suprascapular notch/distance to the T1 spinous process) was calculated to indicate the portal's location. In right shoulders, arthroscopy anatomically assessed that proportion's reliability. RESULTS: Median distances from the posterolateral prominence of the acromion to the T1 spinous process and to the suprascapular notch were 175.7 mm (average 180.4, SD 11.8 mm) and 72.3 mm (average 73.9, SD 4.9), respectively. The medians of the proportions of the defined distances were 40.9 % (range 40-42 %) and 41 % (range 39.3-42.1 %), respectively. CONCLUSION: Locating the portal at the lateral, 41 % of the distance between the posterolateral prominence of the acromion and the T1 spinous process was accurate and reproducible for suprascapular notch visualization. Clinically, this portal seems to eliminate perioperative morbidity by reducing excessive soft-tissue dissection with a shorter arthroscopic route and avoiding the ligamentous damage.

Utilizing Scapula Retraction Exercises With or Without Glenohumeral Rotational Exercises With a Gradual Progression for Subacromial Pain Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Although exercise interventions are recommended in the management of subacromial pain syndrome (SPS), there is a lack of data regarding the exercises focusing on the principal biomechanical deficiencies that cause symptoms. HYPOTHESIS: Utilizing progressive scapula retraction exercises (SRE) and glenohumeral rotation exercises (GRE) in the scapula stabilization program may lead to more reduction in symptoms and greater acromiohumeral distance (AHD) values. STUDY DESIGN: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2. METHODS: A total of 33 patients were assigned randomly to either SRE or SRE+GRE. Both groups received a 12-week supervised rehabilitation program, including manual therapy and exercises (stretching and progressive scapula stabilization exercises). In addition, the SRE+GRE group performed GRE exercises at gradual elevation angles. From 12 to 24 weeks, patients performed exercise programs less frequently (3 times per week). Disability (shoulder pain and disability index [SPADI]), AHD (at 5 active abduction angles), pain intensity (visual analogue scale [VAS]), and patient satisfaction were recorded at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. A total of 16 healthy individuals were recruited as a control group to compare AHD values. Data were analyzed using mixed model analyses of variance. RESULTS: A statistically significant group-by-time interaction was found for AHD values (F4,92 = 6.38; P = 0.001), a significant group-by-time interaction for SPADI-disability (F1,33 = 5.148; P = 0.01), SPADI-total (F1,32 = 4.172; P = 0.03), and for pain during activity (F2,62 = 3.204; P = 0.05). However, no significant group-by-time interaction for SPADI-pain (F1,33 = 0.533; P = 0.48), for pain at rest (F1,31 < 0.001; P = 0.99), and at night (F1,32 = 2.166; P = 0.15). Yet, a significant time effect was observed. CONCLUSION: Progressive SRE and GRE in the scapula stabilization program lessens symptoms and improves AHD values in patients with SPS. Moreover, this program could preserve outcomes and further increase AHD when applied less frequently. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Utilizing SRE and GRE in the scapula stabilization program at gradual shoulder abduction angles provides better rehabilitation outcomes.

Source-Dependent Quality Variation in Shoulder Dislocation Videos on YouTube.

Purpose: To assess the quality of YouTube videos for patient education on shoulder dislocation. Methods: A standard YouTube search was performed in March 2023 using the terms "shoulder dislocation," "dislocated shoulder," and "glenohumeral joint dislocation" to identify eligible videos. Multiple scoring systems, including DISCERN (a validated tool for analyzing the quality of health information in consumer-targeted videos), Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Benchmark Criteria, and the Global Quality Score (GQS) were used to evaluate the videos. Video quality scores from various sources were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test for initial analysis, followed by Dunn's post-hoc test with Bonferroni correction, and the strength of relationship between variables was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Results: A total of 162 eligible videos were identified. The mean video duration was 11.38 ± 3.01 minutes, the median number of views was 653. Median number of days since upload was 1,972, the median view rate was 0.343, and median number of likes was 66.12. Based on the DISCERN classification, a substantial proportion of videos were classified as insufficient quality, with 19.4% as "very insufficient" and 42.1% as "insufficient"; 24.1% were classified as "average" quality, whereas only 13.1% were classified as "good" and 1.2% were "excellent." Videos from academic and professional sources showed a significant positive correlation with DISCERN scores (rho: +0.784, P < .001) and greater scores on all 4 scoring systems compared to health information websites. Conclusions: This study reveals that the majority of YouTube videos on shoulder dislocation lack sufficient quality for patient education, with content quality significantly influenced by the source. Clinical Relevance: Examining the accuracy of information that patients encounter on YouTube is essential for health care providers to direct individuals toward more reliable sources of information.

The Association of Tobacco Smoking and Level of Apoptosis in the Long Head of the Biceps Chronic Tendinopathy-An Immunohistochemical Study.

BACKGROUND: The substances present in cigarette smoke have a negative impact on cellular integrity and metabolism, can reduce blood flow to tissues, and can disrupt collagen synthesis. Ultimately this can lead to cell death, which clinically may result in impaired tendon healing and the onset of chronic tendinopathy. Within the shoulder, the exact association between the extent of apoptosis in the long head of the biceps (LHB) tendon and harmful factors like cigarette smoke remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the connection between smoking, the degree of apoptosis in LHB tendinopathy, and the long-term outcomes of surgical treatment. DESIGN: Observational, retrospective study. METHODS: This study included 22 consecutive patients who had undergone arthroscopic biceps tenodesis or tenotomy for symptomatic LHB tendinopathy with or without concomitant rotator cuff tears (RCT). The intra-articular LHB tendon remnants were histologically examined by measuring the level of expression of apoptotic cell markers such as BCL2, cleaved caspase 3, and p53. Pre- and postoperative clinical outcomes were analyzed by collecting patient report outcome measures such as the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain. RESULTS: The smokers group had a mean pack-year history of 13.12 (SD = 9.94), mean number of cigarettes per day of 14.77 (SD = 4.64), and a mean smoking duration of 16.38 (SD = 10.1) years. Among the smoking indexes, the number of cigarettes per day showed a positive correlation with Snyder classification (p = 0.0459, rho = 0.3682). Non-smokers and smokers did not show a statistically significant difference in the expression indexes of BCL2, cleaved caspase 3, or p53 (p = 0.4216, p = 0.5449, p = 0.5613, respectively). However, the cleaved caspase 3 expression index showed a negative correlation with the severity of rotator cuff lesions in the total population (p = 0.0193, rho = -0.4651). CONCLUSIONS: While apoptotic processes in the LHB tendon were observed, no significant association was found between tobacco smoking, the extent of apoptosis, and clinical outcomes. However, the expression of the apoptotic marker cleaved caspase 3 correlated with the severity of rotator cuff pathology. Furthermore, active smoker status was associated with worse clinical outcomes in terms of pain following LHB tenodesis or tenotomy.

Correlation between the Long Head of the Biceps Microscopic Degeneration and Extent of Apoptotic Process.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between microscopic degeneration in the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) and the apoptotic process. Methods: This study included 26 consecutive patients who had undergone arthroscopic biceps tenodesis or tenotomy for symptomatic LHBT with or without concomitant rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Histological examination of the specimens under a light microscope was conducted after staining with hematoxylin, eosin, and the Alcian blue. Histopathological changes were assessed using the original Bonar score and the modified Bonar score and then correlated with the expression of the subsequent apoptosis markers: activated caspase-3 (casp3), tumor protein p53 (p53), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2). Results: The mean original Bonar score was 8.65 (range 5-11), while the modified Bonar score was 7.61. There was no correlation between the original Bonar score and the age of the patients, but a positive correlation was found between the modified Bonar score and the age of the patients (p = 0.0022). There was no correlation between the age of patients and the expression indexes of BCL-2 and casp3. However, the expression of the p53 index showed a positive correlation with patient aging (p = 0.0441). Furthermore, there was no correlation observed between the expression of apoptotic indexes and both the original and modified Bonar scale. Conclusions: In LHB tendinopathy, the expression of apoptosis does not seem to directly correlate with the extent of degeneration, particularly in the late stages of tendinopathy. However, the transformations observed in collagen and ground substance were significantly associated with age, as well as tendinous tissue degeneration quantified according to modified Bonar score. The age of patients was also linked with the expression of the p53 index, as an increased apoptosis in the studied population.

A novel repair method for the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture with minimally invasive approach using button implant: a biomechanical study.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive Q3 repair has been proposed for acute Achilles tendon rupture with low rate of complications. However there are still controversies about optimal technique. In this study we aimed to describe Endobutton-assisted modified Bunnell configuration as a new Achilles tendon repair technique and evaluate its biomechanical properties comparing with native tendon and Krackow technique. METHODS: 27 ovine Achilles tendons were obtained and randomly placed into 3 groups with 9 specimens ineach. The Achilles tendons were repaired with Endobutton-assisted modified Bunnell technique in group 1, Krackow suture technique in group 2 and group 3 was defined as the control group including native tendons. Unidirectional tensile loading to failure was performed at 25mm/min. Biomechanicalproperties such as peak force to failure (N), stress at peak (MPa), elongation at failure, and Young'smodulus (GPa) was measured for each group. All groups were compared with each other using one-wayANOVA followed by the Tukey HSD multiple comparison test (a=0.05). RESULTS: The average peak force (N) to failure of group 1 and group 2 and control group was 415.6±57.6, 268.1±65.2 and 704.5±85.8, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between native tendon and group 1 for the amount elongation at failure (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Regarding the results, we concluded that Endobutton-assisted modified Bunnell technique provides stronger fixation than conventional techniques. It may allow early range of motion and can be easily applied in minimally invasive and percutaneous methods particularly for cases with poor quality tendon at the distal part of rupture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, Biomechanical research study.

Arthroscopy-assisted reduction versus open reduction in the fixation of medial malleolar fractures.

PURPOSE: Purpose of this case-control study was to evaluate the feasibility and advantages of arthroscopically assisted reduction and internal fixation of isolated medial malleolar fractures and compare the outcomes with conventional open reduction and internal fixation. METHODS: Forty-seven patients with medial malleolar fractures were grouped into two: arthroscopy-assisted group, and conventional open reduction and internal fixation group. Arthroscopic treatment group consisted of 21 patients. The mean age was 34 years (range: 22-49 years). Conventional open reduction and internal fixation group included 26 patients. The mean age was 42 years (range: 22-58 years). According to Herscovici system, 6 fractures in the arthroscopy group were classified as type-B, 13 fractures as type-C, and 2 fractures were classified as type-D. In both groups, fractures were classified according to Herscovici system. Radiological and clinical outcomes were evaluated according to van Dijk classification and Olerud-Molander scoring system, respectively. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 26 months (18-52 months) for arthroscopically assisted group and 38 months (24-58 months) for the conventional group. According to van Dijk classification, there was only one patient with Grade 1 osteoarthritic changes in arthroscopically assisted group compared with the conventional group where two patients had Grade 2 and one patient had Grade 1 osteoarthritic changes. Median Olerud Scores were 92.3 (75-100) and 86.3 (70-100) for the arthroscopically assisted group and for the conventional group, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: With the use of arthroscopically assisted techniques in fixation of isolated medial malleolar fractures, surgeon can evaluate intra-articular surface and reduction that may be of value in the improvement in clinical outcomes over conventional surgical treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case-control study, Level III.

Failure of a Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty with a Broken Humeral Stem Tray: A Case Report.

Introduction: The evolution of prosthesis design has increased the frequency of RTSA procedures across various indications. This rise in surgeries has also led to a growing number of associated complications. This case report highlights an unusual occurrence: a mechanical failure of a RTSA at the humeral stem tray. Case Report: A 55-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital with a sharp pain after 2 years of his initial reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) surgery. A broken humeral stem of the RTSA was diagnosed on the plain radiography and the patient underwent a one-stage revision. Further complications have not arisen during his follow-up to date and the patient has a nearly full range of motion. Conclusion: Although a humeral stem tray failure is a rarely seen complication for shoulder arthroplasty, surgeons who have used this model prosthesis should be aware that they may encounter such a complication.

Axillary Artery Transection and Brachial Plexus Injury After Open Inferior Glenohumeral Dislocation: A Case Report.

CASE: A judo athlete presented with an open inferior shoulder dislocation that occurred during competition. Examination revealed a transection of the axillary artery and neuropraxia of the posterior cord. Neuropraxia was resolved within 2 weeks. The axillary artery was repaired with a femoral vein graft. He regained full strength, range of motion, and function at 8 months. CONCLUSION: Inferior glenohumeral dislocations are rare, and their management can be complicated by vascular and neurological injuries. We emphasize the importance of examination, diagnosis, and treatment of neurovascular pathologies to avoid catastrophic outcomes.

Comparison of surgical treatment options in periprosthetic shoulder infections: a systematic review from 2016 to 2022.

Background: Periprosthetic shoulder infection (PSI) management proves to be challenging because of patient morbidity, poor outcomes and need for reoperations. Different surgical treatment methods have been defined; however, a prominent method could not be determined. This systematic review investigated the most recent articles about various treatment modalities used in the surgical treatment of PSI to find the most effective method in terms of infection clearance and function. Methods: The keywords were searched using PubMed (MEDLINE), ScienceDirect (Elsevier), and Google Scholar databases on September 30, 2022. Studies which report on operative treatment and have longer than 2-year follow-up were included in this review. Of the 555 studies in total, 16 were reviewed. The absence of symptomatic persistent infection (PI) during follow-up was regarded as a satisfactory outcome. Functional outcomes were analyzed according to the reported mean pooled Constant and Murley Score (CMS) and shoulder forward elevation degree (FE) for each treatment group. Results: A total of 339 patients (139 female, 197 male) with 342 shoulders from sixteen studies were included. The mean age of the patients was 67.5±3.8 years, mean follow-up duration was 53.3±19.5 months. In total, 217 shoulders were treated with two-stage revision, 59 were treated with one-stage revision, 37 were treated with definitive spacer, 23 were treated with debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR), and 6 were treated with resection arthroplasty. The PI rate in whole treatment groups was 9.9%. The PI rate was significantly highest in the DAIR group (30.4%, P=0.001), while there was no significant difference between other treatment groups (P=0.23). CMS and FE were available for 156 and 190 shoulders, respectively. CMS was highest in the one-stage revision group (63.4±5.9, P=0.001), and FE was highest in the DAIR group (119.3°±28.5°, P=0.001). Conclusions: The revision surgeries (one-stage and two-stage revision) were more effective than the non-revision surgeries in functional outcomes. In terms of infection clearance, revision procedures were more successful. Surgeons should prefer revision methods over non-revision procedures when feasible.