Impact of Remplissage on Global Shoulder Outcome: A Long-Term Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the global function of patients treated by arthroscopic shoulder stabilization with or without remplissage at a minimum of 10 years of follow-up. MATERIALS: The inclusion criteria were existence of a recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation, with or without a Hill-Sachs lesion. The exclusion criteria were prior shoulder stabilization surgery and patients with a glenoid lesion that had been stabilized using the Latarjet procedure. Included patients with a Hill-Sachs lesion underwent surgical remplissage, and the others had Bankart repair only. The main criterion for failure was recurrence of instability or apprehension. The Rowe score and the Walch-Duplay score were used to assess shoulder function before surgery and 10 years afterward, in clinical reviews or telephone interviews. RESULTS: Seventy-nine patients underwent surgical Bankart repair with or without remplissage between November 2004 and January 2008 and were followed up for a mean duration of 128 months (range, 120-150); 12 patients were lost to follow-up, and 39 patients had Bankart stabilization only: the mean Instability Severity Index Score was 2.3 (range, 0-6). Three patients had recurrence with new dislocation, and 8 patients had apprehension. The Rowe score progressed from 54.3 (range, 25-65) to 83.8 (range, 70-100; P < .01), and the Walch-Duplay score rose from 46.8 (range, 25-75) to 85.6 (range 70-100; P < .01). Twenty-eight patients had arthroscopic Bankart repair + remplissage; the mean Instability Severity Index Score was 1.8 (range, 1-4). There was no recurrence, and no patient had apprehension. The Rowe score progressed from 51.8 (range, 20-65) to 92.3 (range, 70-100; P < .01), and the Walch-Duplay score rose from 58.7 (range, 30-75) to 91.4 (range, 70-100; P < .01). Functional scores in the second group were statistically significant better than in the first one. CONCLUSIONS: Bankart repair combined with remplissage seems to be an effective method for restoring joint stability in patients with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation with an associated Hill-Sachs lesion at a minimum of 10 years of follow-up. This technique appears to deliver better functional results than Bankart repair only, showing better scores for mobility and stability in the remplissage group. Limitations (pain and restriction of motion) reported in literature at short-term follow-up for this technical procedure do not seem to be anymore an issue at long-term follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Arthroscopic Subacromial Spacer Implantation in Patients With Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Clinical and Radiographic Results of 39 Retrospectives Cases.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome of a biodegradable subacromial spacer in the treatment of massive irreparable rotator cuff tear. METHODS: Between January 2011 and December 2014, all shoulders with symptomatic massive irreparable rotator cuff tears treated at our institution with arthroscopic implantation of a biodegradable subacromial spacer followed for at least 1 year were included in our series. Patients with osteoarthritis ≥ grade 3 in the Hamada classification were excluded. Outcome measures included pre- and postoperative, range of motion, Constant score, acromiohumeral distance, and Hamada classification on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. RESULTS: Thirty-nine consecutive shoulders (37 patients) met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of patients was 69.8 (53-84) years. At the last follow-up (mean 32.8 ± 12.4 months), range of motion was significantly increased for all patients in anterior elevation (from 130° to 160°, P = .02), abduction (from 100° to 160°, P = .01), and external rotation (from 30° to 45°, P = .0001). The mean Constant score was also significantly (P < .001) improved from 44.8 (±15.2) preoperatively to 76.0 (±17.1) at the last follow-up. The mean acromiohumeral distance significantly (P = .002) decreased from 8.2 mm (±3.4) to 6.2 mm (±3.1) at the last follow-up. The Hamada score progressed of 1 radiographic stage in 4 shoulders (15%) and progressed of 3 stages in 2 (4%), whereas the other 32 shoulders remained stable. No intra- or postoperative complications were found except for 1 patient who required a revision for spacer migration. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic implantation of a subacromial spacer for irreparable rotator cuff tear leads to significant improvement in shoulder function at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series; treatment study.

Comparison of lateral and skyline fluoroscopic views for detection of prominent screws in distal radius fractures plating: results of an ultrasonographic study.

INTRODUCTION: Extensor tendon rupture is a recognized complication of volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures due to screws protruding past the dorsal cortex. The aim of this study was to compare the Skyline view with traditional lateral fluoroscopic views using ultrasonography as a reference standard in the postoperative assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A monocentric prospective study was conducted to identify screws penetrating the dorsal cortex after volar plating of distal radius fractures. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION: Intraoperative anteroposterior (AP) and lateral views were used for group A (28 patients). AP, lateral and skyline fluoroscopic views were used for Group B (40 patients). Prominent screws were changed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Ultrasound was done 6 months postoperatively to evaluate the number and length of prominent dorsal screws and any signs of extensor tenosynovitis. RESULTS: The number of prominent dorsal screws exceeding 1 mm was 14 in group A (14.9%), and 16 screws (11.8%) in group B (p = 0.487). Average length of prominent dorsal screw was 1.9 mm (range 1-2.1 mm) for group A and 2.4 mm (range 1.1-4.8 mm) for group B (p = 0.534). The number of patients with extensor tenosynovitis was 11 for group A and 12 for group B (p = 0.66). CONCLUSIONS: The Skyline view does not provide sensitive and reliable detection of the dorsal screw penetration. Intraoperative ultrasound might be a better tool to detect screw prominence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, case-control study.

Finger reconstruction using induced membrane technique and ulnar pedicled forearm flap: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Injuries referred to as "rollover hands" are associated with multiple and complex lesions of the dorsal aspect of the hand. We present a case of a multitissular reconstruction following a severe injury of the dorsum of the fingers in a 45-year-old woman. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bone loss reconstruction was performed in two stages using the Masquelet induced membrane technique. In the first stage, a cement spacer was inserted into the phalanx bone defects. For the second stage, the membrane induced by the foreign-body reaction was opened, the spacer was removed, and an autologous cancellous bone graft was inserted into the defects. The skin coverage was obtained using a reverse ulnar artery forearm pedicled flap. The digits were covered jointly. Three surgical procedures over the course of a 2-month period were required to desyndactylize the fingers and to defat the flap. RESULTS: At the 2-year follow-up examination, the patient exhibited good integration of their hand use in daily living. The esthetic result was deemed to be satisfactory. Definitive bone consolidation occurred 4 months after the second stage. CONCLUSIONS: Rollover hands are typically a challenge for both the patient and the hand surgeon. The risk of septic complications, as well as the need for several stages of surgical reconstruction, makes the Masquelet technique particularly attractive for the treatment of phalanx bone defects consecutive to rollover injuries.

Validity and Reliability of Intraoperative Radiographs to Assess Leg Length During Total Hip Arthroplasty: Correlation and Reproducibility of Anatomic Distances.

BACKGROUND: Leg length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty is a frequent complication. The aim of this study was to assess the validity (correlation) and reproducibility (inter-rater agreement) of various intraoperative hip radiographs measures to estimate leg length. METHODS: Patients were included if they were aged 15 years or older; were eligible for a total hip arthroplasty, and were operated in lateral recumbent. An intraoperative hip radiograph was performed with the definitive implants in place. At 6 weeks postoperatively, anteroposterior pelvis radiograph was taken. We used 3 measures to assess leg length: the height from the ischial tuberosity to the lesser trochanter (LTI), the height from the center of femoral head to the greater trochanter (GTC), and to the inferior teardrop (TC). RESULTS: The study group consisted of 71 hips with an average age of 69 years (range, 24-92 years). The correlation was 0.545 (95% CI: 0.35-0.69) for GTC, 0.75 (95% CI: 0.61-0.84) for TC, and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.56-0.80) for LTI. Intraoperative and postoperative measures were statistically different for GTC (<0.0001) and TC (<0.0001), and not significant for LTI (P = .06). Reproducibility of these measures were excellent with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.977, 0.814, and 0.983 for the GTC, TC, and LTI, respectively. CONCLUSION: None of the parameters used to assess leg-length based on an intraoperative radiograph showed good correlation with the postoperative radiograph.

Muscle elasticity in patients with neonatal brachial plexus palsy using shear-wave ultrasound elastography. Preliminary results.

Ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) is a noninvasive, reliable and reproducible method, used for the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of tissues. The aim of this study was to compare muscle elasticity between the healthy and the involved sides in children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) using the elastography tool and to assess whether the difference was correlated with the Mallet grading system. We repeatedly measured the shear modulus coefficient of several muscles around the shoulder in stretched or passively relaxed positions on 14 patients. We evaluated the abductor muscles (supraspinatus and deltoid), the infraspinatus, the pectoralis major and the latissimus dorsi. We found a mean shear modulus significantly higher in most studied muscles in the pathologic side (P < 0.001), especially in the stretched position (P < 0.001). Moreover, the shear modulus increases with the degradation of the Mallet score for the abduction and external rotation tasks. SWE seems to be a reliable and reproducible tool to assess muscle elasticity in NBPP.

Anatomy of the posterior branch of the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve: A cadaveric study.

PURPOSE: The posterior branch of the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve (MACN) is at risk to be damaged during cubital tunnel surgery. The purpose of this study was to identify the location of the posterior branch of the MACN (PBMACN) in relation to surgical landmarks pertinent in cubital tunnel surgery. METHODS: We performed an anatomical study on 20 limbs from 13 fresh cadavers. The nerve was dissected from 10cm proximal to 10cm distal of the medial epicondyle. We measured the distance between the nerve and the medial epicondyle, and also the distance separating the PBMACN from the ulnar nerve passage between the two heads of the flexor carpi ulnaris. Measurements were performed with the elbow at 45° and 90° of flexion, as well as in full pronation and supination. RESULTS: After its emergence from the main trunk of the MACN, the posterior branch ran anteriorly to the medial epicondyle, taking an oblique direction toward the ulnar shaft. The PBMACN was in average 2.53cm under the medial epicondyle when the elbow was flexed at 45°, and 2.96cm when the elbow was flexed at 90°. Average distance between the PBMACN and the penetrating point of the ulnar nerve within the flexor carpi ulnaris was 1.54cm when the elbow was flexed at 45°, and 1.62cm when the elbow was flexed at 90°. Pronation and supination positions of the forearm did not significantly modify our measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the position of MACN posterior branch during ulnar nerve release surgery at the elbow may help in preventing iatrogenic injury. According to our measurements, incision and superficial dissection anterior to the medial epicondyle or distal to the ulnar nerve penetrating point between the two heads of the flexor carpi ulnaris should be avoided or done with an elbow flexed at 90°.

Long-term, Prospective, Multicenter Study of Isolated Bankart Repair for a Patient Selection Method Based on the Instability Severity Index Score.

BACKGROUND: An isolated arthroscopic Bankart repair carries a high mid- and long-term risk of recurring instability. Preoperative patient selection based on the Instability Severity Index Score should improve outcomes. PURPOSE: To report the overall long-term recurrence rate for isolated Bankart repair, investigate the predictive factors for recurrence, analyze time to recurrence, and determine a quantitative cutoff point for recurrence in terms of Instability Severity Index Score. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: This was a prospective multicenter study. Inclusion criteria were recurring anterior instability and an Instability Severity Index Score of 4 or less. Of the 125 patients included, 20 patients had a score of 0, 31 patients scored 1, 29 patients scored 2, 34 patients scored 3, and 11 patients scored 4. All centers used the same arthroscopic technique and rehabilitation protocol. Follow-up data were collected at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months and 3 and 9 years. The primary endpoint was recurrence of instability (total or partial dislocation). The statistical analysis was performed by use of the software package SAS 9.4. RESULTS: We initially identified 328 patients, of whom 125 patients were prospectively included. The main reason for excluding the 202 patients was the presence of bony lesions, which carry 2 points each in the Instability Severity Index Score (humeral head notch and/or glenoid lesion visible on standard radiographs). Of the 125 eligible patients, 73% were athletes and 22.5% competitors; 16% were lost at the last follow-up. At the endpoint, 23% had experienced a recurrence after a mean interval of 35 months (range, 5.5-103 months). No statistical differences were found between patients with and without bony lesions in the overall group of 125 patients or in the subgroup with an Instability Severity Index Score of 3 or 4 points ( P = .4). According to univariate analysis, the only predictive factor for recurrence was age less than 20 years at the time of surgery, with a 42% rate of recurrence in this group ( P = .03). Multivariate analysis showed that the Instability Severity Index Score was the only predictive factor with a quantitative cutoff point (namely, a score of ≤2 points) that was statistically associated with a decreased long term recurrence rate ( P = .02). The recurrence rate was 10% for a preoperative Instability Severity Index Score of 2 or less compared with 35.6% for a score of 3 or 4. The survival curves demonstrated no new dislocations after year 4 for patients with an Instability Severity Index Score of up to 2 points. CONCLUSION: In a preselected population, mainly without bony lesions, the Instability Severity Index Score cutoff value that provides an acceptable recurrence rate at 9 years after isolated Bankart repair is 2 out of 10.

Shoulder and elbow kinematics during the Mallet score in obstetrical brachial plexus palsy.

BACKGROUND: The physical signs of obstetrical brachial plexus palsy range from temporary upper-limb dysfunction to a lifelong impairment and deformity in one arm. The aim of this study was to analyze the kinematics of the upper limb and to evaluate the contribution of glenohumeral and scapulothoracic joints of obstetrical brachial plexus palsy children. METHODS: Six children participated in this study: 2 males and 4 females with a mean age of 11.7years. Three patients had a C5, C6 lesion and 3 had a C5, C6, C7 lesion. They were asked to perform five tasks based on the Mallet scale and the kinematic data were collected using the Fastrak electromagnetic tracking device. FINDINGS: The scapulothoracic protraction and posterior tilt were significantly increased in the involved limb during the hand to mouth task (p=0.006 and p=0.015 respectively). The scapulothoracic Protraction/glenohumeral Elevation ratio was significantly increased in the involved limb during the hand to neck task (p=0.041) and the elevation task (p=0.015). The ratios of scapulothoracic Tilt on the three glenohumeral excursion angles were significantly increased during the hand to mouth task (p≤0.041). The scapulothoracic Mediolateral/glenohumeral Elevation ratio was significantly increased in the involved limb during the elevation task (p=0.038). The glenohumeral elevation excursion was significantly decreased in the involved limb during the hand to neck task (p<0.001) and the elevation task (p=0.0003). INTERPRETATION: This study gives us information about the greater contribution of the scapulothoracic joint to shoulder motion for affected arm of obstetrical brachial plexus palsy patients compared to their unaffected arm. Kinematic analysis could be useful in shoulder motion evaluation during the Mallet score and to evaluate outcomes after surgery.