Is augmentation with the long head of the biceps tendon helpful in arthroscopic treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears?

BACKGROUND: Although various surgical techniques have been used to treat irreparable rotator cuff tears (RCTs), debate remains regarding which treatment is most effective. The purpose of our study was to compare the outcomes of partial rotator cuff repair versus repair with augmentation of the tenotomized long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT). METHODS: This study included 76 patients with large to massive RCTs. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with LHBT augmentation was performed in 39 patients (group I), while partial repair was performed in 37 patients (group II). Clinical and functional outcomes were compared with a visual analog scale for pain and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Constant score, and Korean Shoulder Score. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 29.6 ± 7.8 months (range, 24-51 months). Significant improvements in pain and clinical scores were observed in both groups at the last follow-up. However, there were no significant differences in pain, clinical scores, or range of motion between the 2 groups at any time point. Retears were observed in 16 patients in group I (41.0%) and 14 in group II (37.8%, P = .78). Augmented LHBT pathology was observed in 10 patients (25.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Both partial repair and repair with LHBT augmentation were effective in improving clinical and radiologic outcomes. No significant differences in clinical outcomes or repaired cuff integrity were observed between the groups. The investment of operation time and effort in augmenting the LHBT in the treatment of irreparable RCTs is not recommended.

Anatomical study of the articular branch of the lateral pectoral nerve to the shoulder joint.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to document the distribution of the articular branch of the lateral pectoral nerve (LPN) to the shoulder and to identify a suitable point for its blockade. METHODS: This study involved the dissection of 43 shoulders of 22 unembalmed cadavers (6 male and 16 female) to identify the LPN and its articular branch to the shoulder. To identify the suitable anatomical point for blocking the articular branch of the LPN, several anatomical landmarks around the shoulder were measured. RESULTS: The articular branch of the LPN to the shoulder was present in 29 of 43 cases (67.4 %). The appropriate point to block the articular branch of the LPN was identified at a mean distance of 1.5 cm below the clavicle, on the line connecting the closest points between the clavicle and the coracoid process, and at a mean depth of 1.0 cm from the skin. CONCLUSION: The articular branch of the LPN to the shoulder, as well as the muscular and cutaneous branches of the LPN, covers a portion of the shoulder joint with suprascapular and axillary nerves. Surgeons might consider a peripheral block of the suprascapular, axillary, and LPNs to provide maximum block coverage after shoulder joint surgery.

Real-time sonoelastography in the diagnosis of rotator cuff tendinopathy.

BACKGROUND: Real-time sonoelastography can be used to assess tissue elasticity. The present study evaluated the relationship between tendon stiffness on sonoelastography and the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tendinosis grade in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy. METHODS: The study included 39 patients with chronic pain and no history of trauma or rotator cuff tear. The supraspinatus tendons were graded according to MRI findings (grade 0, normal; grade 1, mild tendinosis; grade 2, moderate tendinosis; grade 3, marked tendinosis), and the subcutaneous fat-to-tendon (Fat/T) and gel pad-to-tendon (Pad/T) strain ratios were assessed. We used the trend test to analyze the relationship of the MRI grade with the Fat/T strain ratio and the Pad/T strain ratio. RESULTS: Of the 39 patients, 9 had grade 0, 17 had grade 1, 12 had grade 2, and 1 had grade 3 tendinosis. The mean real-time elastography Fat/T and Pad/T strain ratios were 2.92 ± 2.13 and 20.77 ± 21.78 in patients with grade 0 tendinosis, 4.08 ± 4.09 and 21.78 ± 17.16 in patients with grade 1 tendinosis, 13.48 ± 10.19 and 83.00 ± 48.26 in patients with grade 2 tendinosis, and 12.3 ± 0.00 and 16.58 ± 0.00 in patients with grade 3 tendinosis, respectively. The Fat/T and Pad/T strain ratios were positively associated with the MRI grade (P <.001). CONCLUSION: The MRI tendinosis grade is associated with stiffness assessed using sonoelastography in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy. Therefore, sonoelastography might be a useful diagnostic tool for supraspinatus tendinopathy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III; Diagnostic Study.

Combined effect of change in humeral neck-shaft angle and retroversion on shoulder range of motion in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty - A simulation study.

BACKGROUND: We studied combined effect of change in humeral neck shaft angle and retroversion on shoulder ROM in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty using 3-dimensional simulations. METHODS: Using a 3D model construct based on the CT scans of 3 males and a 3-dimensional analysis program, a humeral component of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty was implanted in 0°, 10°, 20°, 30°,40° retroversion and 135°, 145°, and 155° neck shaft angle. Total horizontal range of motion (sum of horizontal adduction and abduction) at 30° and 60° scaption, adduction in the scapular plane and IR behind the back were measured for various combinations of neck shaft angle and retroversion. FINDINGS: Change in retroversion didn't show any effect on total horizontal range of motion. Total horizontal range of motion at both 30° and 60° scaption, showed maximum values at 135° neck shaft angle and minimum values at 155° neck shaft angle. With any combination of retroversion angles, adduction deficit was maximum at 155° neck shaft angle and no adduction deficit at 135° neck shaft angle. Every 10° decrease in neck shaft angle resulted in an average 10.4° increase in adduction. For every 10° increase in retroversion, there was loss of internal rotation behind the back up to at least one vertebral level. INTERPRETATION: 135° neck shaft angle resulted in maximum total horizontal range of motion both at 30° and 60° scaption regardless of retroversion angles. 135° neck shaft angle also reduced the chances of scapular impingement. Decrease in retroversion angle resulted in more amount of internal rotation behind the back.

Fractalkine receptor chemokine (CX3CR1) influences on cervical and lumbar disc herniation.

BACKGROUND: Herniation of nuclear or disc material along with, inflammatory chemokines such as prostaglandin E2, interleukin-6, matrix metalloproteinase and nitric oxide has definite correlation, possibly they are over produced. CX3CL1 and its receptor (CX3CR1) are part of chemokine system involved in leukocyte recruitment and adhesion in chronic inflammatory disease, but its role in spinal herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) is unknown. We evaluated the expression of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 in patients with disc herniation to clarify the role of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 in the disc degeneration and to compare between cervical and lumbar HNP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mRNA concentrations of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 chemokine were analyzed in the surgically obtained disc specimens from C-HNP (n = 13) and L-HNP (n = 13) by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The localization of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 chemokine in the disc of C-HNP and L-HNP patients was determined using immunohistochemical study. Blood samples from patients with C-HNP and L-HNP patients were stained for CX3CR1 with flow cytometric analysis. RESULTS: The CX3CL1 positive cell ratio in the discs was observed in both groups by immunohistochemical study. CX3CR1 was strongly expressed on endothelial cells in C-spine disc, but sparely expressed in L-spine disc. There was greater CX3CR1 mRNA expression in C-HNP patients than in L-HNP patients as quantified by reversal transcription-PCR (P = 0.010). CX3CR1 positive cell frequencies and CX3CR1 expression levels were increased in CD4 (+) T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells from patients with C-HNP (P = 0.210 and P = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified that increases in CX3CL1 and CX3CR1-expressing cells are significantly related to pathomechanism of HNP for the first time. Especially, CD4 (+) T-cells and NK cells expressing CX3CR1 may play an important role in developing C-HNP.

Extra-Articular Ganglion Cysts around the Knee Joint.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report clinical results of open excision of extra-articular ganglion cysts around the knee joint combined with arthroscopic management of intra-articular pathologies if present. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the total 107 cases of cystic lesions around the knee, 23 cases of extra-articular ganglion cysts were reviewed between January 2006 and July 2011. There were 13 males and 10 females with a mean age of 48 years (range, 30 to 73 years). The mean follow-up duration was 40 months (range, 30 to 60 months). Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan was done in all cases. Open surgical excision of the cyst was performed after arthroscopic management of intra-articular pathologies in all but 1 case. At the last follow-up, Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores were evaluated and MRI was conducted to detect recurrence. RESULTS: The mean Lysholm and IKDC scores showed significant improvement (p=0.005 and 0.013, respectively).The location of the cysts was anterior in 9, lateral in 7, medial in 6, and posterosuperior in 1. Intra-articular pathologies were found in 16/23 cases (69.6%). In 10/23 cases (43%), the cyst was connected to the knee joint. Three months postoperative MRI did not show any recurrence of ganglion cysts except for 1 case. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of extra-articular ganglion cysts, MRI can be useful for detecting intra-articular lesions and connecting orifices, and arthroscopic management of intra-articular pathologies with open excision of the cyst should be considered as a viable treatment option.