Strength after the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure: Are shoulder internal rotation, elbow flexion & supination strength decreased?

Background: The Latarjet procedure is an effective shoulder stabilizing surgery, however, the procedure results in an alteration of anatomy that may result in shoulder and elbow weakness. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess post-operative shoulder and elbow strength after the Latarjet procedure. We hypothesized that shoulder and elbow strength are not affected after the procedure. Methods: The study group consisted of patients that had undergone the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to evaluate the strength of bilateral shoulder internal rotation, elbow flexion, forearm supination using peak torque (N/m), as well as grip strength (kilograms). Shoulder range of motion and the potential effects of hand dominance were further analysed. Results: Nineteen patients with a mean age of 29 years and an average follow up of 47 months were included. Shoulder internal rotation strength, elbow flexion and forearm supination strength and grip strength were not significantly different when compared to the non-operative side (p > 0.13). The range of shoulder external rotation was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) on the Latarjet side. Conclusion: The results from this study demonstrate no statistically significant differences in the strength of shoulder internal rotation, elbow flexion, forearm supination or grip strength despite the surgical alterations to the subscapularis and conjoint tendon.

The association between lower limb fractures and weight gain in adults: a prospective analysis of body mass index trends.

PURPOSE: Despite understanding the connection between obesity and fracture risk, there is limited research on the implications of lower limb fractures on subsequent changes in body mass index (BMI). Our study aimed to assess the impact of lower limb fractures on BMI alterations over an 18-month period. METHODS: A multi-center, prospective cohort study was conducted between January 2021 to June 2023, involving 494 adults with lower limb fractures. Participants were recruited within 2 weeks post-injury and were assessed for demographics, injury details, and weight at seven distinct time points. By 18 months, the primary outcome was the mean weight gain. RESULTS: The average age of the participants was 39 (± 12.7) with a baseline weight and BMI of 80.4 kg and 27.6, respectively. At the 18-month follow-up, 75% of patients experienced an average weight increase in 4 kg (± 5.39 kg), equating to a BMI rise of 1.39 (± 1.88). Most patients attributed weight changes to their injury, with nearly half expressing distress from their weight change. Only 37% believed that they had resumed their previous activity levels by the final follow-up. Approximately 31% of the patients sought some form of external weight management care in the form of nutritionist advice, training programs, medication and weight management procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Lower limb fractures significantly affect weight gain over an 18-month period, with substantial psychological and physical consequences. Healthcare providers should anticipate potential weight gain post-fracture and incorporate strategies addressing both physical and mental aspects of rehabilitation to enhance recovery outcomes. Early and even immediate weight bearing may play a pivotal role in mitigating weight changes and returning the patient to their previous level of activity. Further detailed studies focusing on different fractures and postoperative interventions are recommended.

Circumferential periosteal block versus hematoma block for the reduction of distal radius and ulna fractures: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the analgesic efficacy of the circumferential periosteal block (CPB) and compare it with the conventional fracture hematoma block (HB). METHODS: This study was a prospective single-center randomized controlled trial performed in a national orthopedic hospital. Fifty patients with displaced distal radius (with or without concomitant ulna) fractures requiring reduction were randomized to receive either CPB or HB prior to the reduction. Pain was sequentially measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS) across three stages; before administration of local anesthesia (baseline), during administration (injection) and during manipulation and immobilization (manipulation). Further, the effect of demographic factors on the severity of pain was analyzed in multivariate regression. Finally, complications and end outcomes were compared across both techniques. RESULTS: Patients receiving CPB experienced significantly less pain scores during manipulation (VAS = 0.64) compared with HB (VAS = 2.44) (p = < 0.0001). There were no significant differences between groups at baseline (P = 0.55) and injection (P = 0.40) stages. CONCLUSION: The CPB provides a superior analgesic effect over the conventional HB with no documented complications in either technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level II.

Comparison of pain and extent of anesthesia in digital blocks for isolated finger lacerations: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Digital injuries are among the most common presentations to the emergency department. In order to sufficiently examine and manage these injuries, adequate, prompt, and predictable anesthesia is essential. In this trial, we aim to primarily compare the degree of pain and anesthesia onset time between the two-injection dorsal block technique (TD) and the single-injection volar subcutaneous block (SV) technique. Further, we describe the temporal and anatomical effects of both techniques for an accurate delineation of the anesthetized regions. METHODS: This is a single-center prospective randomized controlled trial involving patients presenting with isolated wounds to the fingers requiring primary repair under local anesthesia. Patients were randomized to either the SV or TD blocks. The primary outcome was procedure-related pain (Numerical Rating Scale). Further, we assessed the extent of anesthesia along with the anesthesia onset time. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were included in the final analysis, 50 on each arm of the study. The median pain score during injection was significantly higher in patients who received TD block than patients who received SV block (median [interquartile range] = 4 [2.25, 5.00] vs. 3.00 [2.00, 4.00], respectively, P = 0.006). However, anesthesia onset time was not statistically different among the groups (P = 0.39). The extent of anesthesia was more predictable in the dorsal block compared to the volar block. CONCLUSION: The single-injection volar subcutaneous blocks are less painful with a similar anesthesia onset time. Injuries presenting in the proximal dorsal region may benefit from the two-injection dorsal blocks, given the anatomical differences and timely anesthesia of the region.

Effectiveness of radiographs and computed tomography in evaluating primary elbow osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative radiographic assessment of osteophyte and loose body locations is critical in planning an arthroscopic débridement for primary elbow osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of radiographs and computed tomography (CT) in localizing osteophytes and loose bodies. METHODS: A consecutive series of 36 patients with primary elbow osteoarthritis was investigated with radiographs and multiaxial 2-dimensional CT prior to elbow arthroscopy. The location of osteophytes and loose bodies was assessed in 9 anatomic locations by 2 fellowship-trained upper extremity surgeons. The diagnostic effectiveness of both imaging modalities was evaluated by calculating the sensitivity and specificity and compared to the gold standard of elbow arthroscopy. Inter- and intrarater percentage agreement between the observations was calculated using Kappa score. RESULTS: The mean sensitivity for detecting osteophytes in the 9 different anatomic locations was 46% with radiographs and 98% with CT, whereas the mean specificity was 66% and 21% for radiographs and CT, respectively. The mean sensitivity and specificity for loose body detection with radiography were 49% and 89%, respectively, whereas CT had a mean sensitivity of 98% and specificity of 47%. The overall inter-rater percentage agreement between the surgeons in detecting osteophytes and loose bodies on radiographs was 80% and 85%, respectively, whereas on CT it was 95% for detecting osteophytes and 91% for loose bodies. CONCLUSION: CT has greater sensitivity than radiographs for the detection of osteophytes and loose bodies in primary elbow osteoarthritis. The lower specificity of CT may be due to this imaging modality's ability to detect small osteophytes and loose bodies that may not be readily identified during elbow arthroscopy. Radiographs have an inferior inter-rater percentage agreement compared with CT. CT is a valuable preoperative investigation to assist surgeons in identifying the location of osteophytes and loose bodies in patients undergoing surgery for primary elbow osteoarthritis.

Humeral head subluxation in Walch type B shoulders varies across imaging modalities.

BACKGROUND: The Walch type B pattern of glenohumeral osteoarthritis is characterized by posterior humeral head subluxation (PHHS). At present, it is unknown whether the percentage of subluxation measured on axillary radiographs is consistent with measurements on 2-dimensional (2D) axial or 3-dimensional (3D) volumetric computed tomography (CT). The purpose of this study was to evaluate PHHS across imaging modalities (radiographs, 2D CT, and 3D CT). METHODS: A cohort of 30 patients with Walch type B shoulders underwent radiography and standardized CT scans. The cohort comprised 10 type B1, 10 type B2, and 10 type B3 glenoids. PHHS was measured using the scapulohumeral subluxation method on axillary radiographs and 2D CT. On 3D CT, PHHS was measured volumetrically. PHHS was statistically compared between imaging modalities, with P ≤ .05 considered significant. RESULTS: The mean PHHS value for the entire group was 69% ± 24% on radiographs, 65% ± 23% with 2D CT, and 74% ± 24% with 3D volumetric CT. PHHS as measured on complete axillary radiographs was not significantly different than that measured on 2D CT (P = .941). Additionally, PHHS on 3D volumetric CT was 9.5% greater than that on 2D CT (P < .001). There were no significant differences in PHHS between the type B1, B2, and B3 groups with 2D or 3D CT measurement techniques (P > .102). CONCLUSION: Significant differences in PHHS were found between measurement techniques (P < .035). A 9.5% difference in PHHS between 2D and 3D CT can be mostly accounted for by the linear (2D) vs. volumetric (3D) measurement techniques (a linear 80% PHHS value is mathematically equivalent to a volumetric PHHS value of 89.6%). Surgeons should be aware that subluxation values and therefore thresholds vary across different imaging modalities and measurement techniques.

Glenoid baseplate screw fixation in reverse shoulder arthroplasty: does locking screw position and orientation matter?

BACKGROUND: The longevity of a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty prosthesis can be compromised by glenoid baseplate loosening. Circular baseplate designs can be secured with superoinferior (SI) locking screws and anteroposterior (AP) compression screws or vice versa (AP-locking and SI-compression screws). This biomechanical cadaveric study investigated screw position (locking screws SI vs. AP and compression screws AP and SI) and screw orientation (parallel vs. divergent) to determine quantitative differences in baseplate micromotion. METHODS: Ten paired fresh-frozen cadaveric scapulae (n = 20) were implanted with a standard circular baseplate (∅ = 29 mm). The specimens were randomized into SI-locking or AP-locking screw configurations with the screw orientation directed either parallel or angled divergently at 15°. This yielded a total of 4 groups for statistical comparison: SI-lockingparallel, SI-lockingdivergent, AP-lockingparallel, and AP-lockingdivergent, which were subjected to axial eccentric loading on the implanted baseplates, similar to the American Standard of Testing of Materials standard for shoulder joint arthroplasty. RESULTS: In both static and cyclic testing, there were no statistically significant differences (P = .6) in micromotion between SI-locking (2.9 ± 0.8 µm) and AP-locking (3.5 ± 1.5 µm) configurations. In addition, there were no statistically significant differences (P = .2) in the divergent screw orientation group (2.0 ± 0.7 µm) vs. the parallel group (4.0 ± 1.5 µm). CONCLUSION: All configurations of screw position and screw orientation tested in a circular reverse baseplate have similar time-zero fixation in an intact glenoid bone model. In addition, the resultant micromotions for all configurations tested fell far below the 150 µm threshold for bone ongrowth.

Volar Distal Radioulnar Joint Dislocation Associated with Acute Median Nerve Neuropathy and a Distal Radius Fracture.

Volar distal radioulnar (DRUJ) dislocations are uncommon and can easily be missed. We present a rare case of an irreducible volar DRUJ dislocation associated with a distal radius fracture and acute median nerve neuropathy at the wrist. An attempt to reduce the DRUJ dislocation in the emergency department had failed. The patient was then taken to the operating room requiring a carpal tunnel release, as well as an open reduction and internal fixation of the distal radius fracture and repair of the volar distal radioulnar ligament. We also review some of the volar DRUJ case reports in the literature.

Drill wobble - effect on femoral tunnel aperture during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: In anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction performed using cortical button fixation on the femur, we have observed a "wobble" effect that can occur when a cannulated femoral drill is used over a guide pin that is not securely fixed in bone. Our study assessed the effect of drill "wobble" on femoral tunnel aperture in sawbones. METHODS: Femoral tunnels were drilled in sawbones, which had been divided in two groups of 10 each, per drilling technique. The "wobble" technique group had the smaller cortical button drill passed before drilling the graft socket with the bigger diameter femoral drill. In contrast, in the "non-wobble" technique group, the smaller cortical button drill was passed after drilling the graft socket. The aperture dimensions: antero-posterior, proximo-distal and oblique, as well as the length of each tunnel, were measured. RESULTS: While the average dimensions of the tunnels were similar between the two techniques, there was significantly more variation in the antero-posterior measurements for the wobble technique as compared to the non-wobble technique (mean 7.3 mm, SD 0.28 mm, and mean 7.3 mm, SD 0.11 mm, respectively; Brown-Forsythe test, p 0.02). CONCLUSION: We conclude that using the "socket first" "non-wobble" technique is a single surgical technical step surgeons can employ to decrease variability in tunnel aperture and size.