Outcomes of Primary Biceps Subpectoral Tenodesis in an Active Population: A Prospective Evaluation of 101 Patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the surgical outcomes of a primary subpectoral biceps tenodesis for long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) pathology in a large cohort of prospectively, serially collected, patients in a young active population that has known high physical demands and requirements of their shoulder to perform their vocation. METHODS: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data from an active military personnel with a diagnosis of a Type II SLAP tear or biceps tenosynovitis was performed. Outcomes were evaluated at a minimum follow-up time of 18 months based on preoperative and postoperative assessments of the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Western Ontario Rotator Cuff index, biceps position, and return to active duty. Inclusion criteria were (1) SLAP tears on magnetic resonance arthrogram (classified into SLAP group), and (2) no SLAP tear but examination findings of biceps tendonitis (placed in the LHBT tendonitis group). Patients were excluded for full-thickness rotator cuff tears, high-grade partial thickness tears requiring repair, acromioclavicular joint pathology, and labral pathology outside of the SLAP lesion. Patients from both groups subsequently were treated with open, subpectoral tenodesis. RESULTS: Over a 6-year period at a mean follow-up of 2.75 years (range 1.5-5.7 years), 125 active-duty military personnel with mean age of 42.6 years (range 26.3-56.5) were enrolled. A total of 101 of 125 patients (81%) completed study requirements at a mean of 2.75 years (range 1.5-5.7 years). In total, 40 patients were diagnosed with type II SLAP tears (39.6%) and 61 with biceps tendonitis without SLAP tear (60.4%). Following open, subpectoral tenodesis, there was a significant improvement in patient outcomes (Western Ontario Rotator Cuff = 54% preoperative vs 89% postoperative, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation = 58 preoperative vs 89.5 postoperative, P < .01). In total, 82% of patients returned to full activity at a mean of 4.1 months. The biceps muscle measured relative to the antecubital fossa of operative (mean 3.20 cm) versus nonoperative (3.11 cm) was not clinically different (P = .57). There was an 8% complication rate, including 3 requiring revision, 2 superficial infections, and 3 transient neurapraxias. CONCLUSIONS: Primary subpectoral open biceps tenodesis for SLAP tears or pathology of the LHBT provides significant improvement in shoulder outcomes with a reliable return to activity level with low risk for complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV (Case series).

Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome Resolved With Running Gait Retraining: A Case Report.

A 34-year-old female athlete experienced pain, tightness, and sensation changes in her lower legs and feet when reaching approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) of her run. After a wick catheter test, an orthopaedic surgeon diagnosed her with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) and declared her eligible to undergo fasciotomy surgery. A forefoot gait is theorized to delay the symptom onset of CECS and decrease the amount of discomfort the runner experiences. The patient opted for a 6-week gait retraining program to try to alleviate her symptoms nonsurgically. The purpose of our report is to provide information about the contributing factors of CECS and to determine if gait retraining is an effective alternative to invasive surgery. After 6 weeks of gait retraining, the patient was able to run without experiencing any CECS symptoms. Also, her compartment pressures were reduced, leading the surgeon to no longer recommend fasciotomy.

Two-year outcomes of open shoulder anterior capsular reconstruction for instability from severe capsular deficiency.

PURPOSE: To document outcomes after anterior capsulolabral reconstruction for recurrent shoulder instability in 15 patients (20 shoulders) who have had multiple failed stabilizations or collagen disorders. METHODS: Twenty shoulders with recurrent instability underwent revision stabilization with allograft reconstruction of anterior capsulolabral structures, which re-creates the labrum and capsular ligaments. The patients comprised 3 men and 12 women (mean age, 26 years [range, 18 to 38 years]) in whom multiple prior repairs failed and who had disability from continued pain and instability. Patients could choose to undergo either arthrodesis or salvage allograft reconstruction or to live with permanent disability. Of the patients, 5 had Ehlers-Danlos syndrome whereas 10 had hyperlaxity syndromes without genetic confirmation. Failure was defined as further instability surgery. Pain, shoulder function, instability (dislocations/subluxation), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores were documented. RESULTS: At follow-up, 9 of 20 shoulders (45%) remained stable. Recurrent instability was reported in 5 shoulders (25%), but the patients chose not to undergo further surgery. In the 14 shoulders without further stabilization (nonfailures), the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score increased 43 points at a mean of 3.8 years (range, 2 to 6 years) postoperatively (P < .05). Mean satisfaction with outcome in nonfailures was 7 of 10 points (range, 1 to 10). Six shoulders failed by progressing to instability surgery at a mean of 8.6 months (range, 2.8 to 24 months). In the 6 shoulders that failed, the mean number of prior surgeries was 8 (range, 3 to 15) compared with a mean of 4 prior surgeries (range, 1 to 16) for the 9 nonfailures. CONCLUSIONS: Treating patients in whom multiple stabilizations have failed remains challenging. In our series 9 shoulders (45%) remained completely stable at 3.8 years. Recurrent instability (3 reinjuries) requiring further stabilization occurred in 6 (30%). Subsequent treatment for non-instability reasons was performed in 3 (15%). Instability was reported but revision surgery was not performed in 5 (25%). In 8 nonfailures (64%), the patients were highly satisfied with their surgical outcomes. Our results support this salvage procedure as a viable alternative to arthrodesis in young patients with end-stage shoulder instability or collagen disorders. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Decreased femoral head-neck offset: a possible risk factor for ACL injury.

PURPOSE: Reduction in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in young, active individuals continues to be a major goal in sports medicine. The purpose of this study was to determine the head-neck offset, as measured by AP pelvis alpha angles, in patients presenting to a single surgeon with isolated ACL and non-ACL knee injuries. METHODS: In a group of 48 patients with complete, primary ACL rupture and 42 controls with non-ACL injury (i.e., meniscus tear, cartilage defect), a single surgeon, blinded to the diagnosis, took radiographic measures of the AP alpha angle of both hips and the weight-bearing line at both knees. All knee pathology was confirmed with knee arthroscopy. Inclusion criteria included no previous hip or knee surgery, and long-leg standing alignment radiographic series completed at index visit. RESULTS: There was no difference in gender distribution, height, BMI or age between groups. ACL-injured patients had a significantly higher alpha angle (mean = 84, SD = 14) on the injured side than the controls (mean = 59, SD = 7, p < 0.0001). Ninety-four percent of the ACL-injured group had alpha angles over 60°, while only 35% of the non-ACL-injured group had alpha angles over 60° (p = 0.001). Those patients with alpha angle over 60° were 27 times more likely (95% CI 6.4-131) to be in the ACL injury group than those patients with alpha angle 60° or less (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings establish an important preliminary correlation between ACL injury and diminished femoral head-neck offset, as characterized by abnormal, elevated alpha angles. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic study, Level III.

An analysis of shoulder outcomes scores in 275 consecutive patients: disease-specific correlation across multiple shoulder conditions.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the outcomes scores of military patients who initially present with a variety of shoulder conditions, identify which scores demonstrate the highest correlation per diagnosis, and determine if a difference exists for patients who went onto surgery. METHODS: Two-hundred and seventy five consecutive patients with mean age of 36.5 +/- 12.9 at presentation completed baseline outcomes assessments that included Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC), the Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Index (DASH). The patients were grouped by clinical, radiographic, and surgical findings into 10 diagnostic categories. OUTCOMES: The initial mean outcomes scores were SANE 48.8, ASES 50.1, WOSI 1279 (40% normal), WORC 1122.4 (47% normal), SST 6.7, and DASH 33.1. Patients with superior labrum anterior-posterior tears demonstrated the lowest mean scores, followed by instability and rotator cuff tear patients. For all conditions, scores were lower for patients who went onto surgery compared with those managed nonoperatively (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings may be utilized as a baseline to compare and track patient-derived disability across multiple shoulder conditions and serve to define mean diagnosis-specific shoulder patient preoperative scores.

Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome Resolved With Running Gait Retraining: A Case Report.

A 34-year-old female athlete experienced pain, tightness, and sensation changes to her lower legs and feet when reaching approximately one mile of her run. After a wick catheter test, an orthopedic surgeon diagnosed her with chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) and declared her eligible to receive a fasciotomy surgery. It is theorized that a forefoot gait can delay symptom onset of CECS and decrease the amount of discomfort the runner experiences. The patient opted to try a 6 week gait retraining program to try to alleviate symptoms nonsurgically. The purpose of this study is to provide education of the contributing factors of CECS and to determine if gait retraining is an effective alternative to invasive surgery. After six weeks of gait retraining, the patient was able to run without experiencing any CECS symptoms. She also had reduced compartment pressures leading the surgeon to no longer recommend her for a fasciotomy.

Anatomy, function, injuries, and treatment of the long head of the biceps brachii tendon.

Lesions of the long head biceps tendon (LHB) are frequent causes of shoulder pain and disability. Biceps tenotomy and tenodesis have gained widespread acceptance as effective procedures to manage both isolated LHB pathology and combined lesions of the rotator cuff and biceps-labral complex. The function of the LHB tendon and its role in glenohumeral kinematics presently remain only partially understood because of the difficulty of cadaveric and in vivo biomechanical studies. The purpose of this article is to offer an up-to-date review of the anatomy and biomechanical properties of the LHB and to provide an evidence-based approach to current treatment strategies for LHB disorders.

Technique: bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft ACL reconstruction in the young, active patient.

Successful treatment of the anterior cruciate ligament tear in the young, active population can be reliably achieved with an arthroscopic bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) autograft reconstruction. Although some contraindications exist, the BTB autograft has been proven to provide for a durable, stable, and highly functional knee. Complications associated with the use of BTB can occur, but measures can be taken to minimize these risks. In addition to appropriate graft selection, meticulous surgical technique is required. This article outlines the step-by-step surgical technique including graft harvest, tunnel placement, graft preparation and passage, and interference screw fixation. Potential complications and the surgical decision-making options incurred are also discussed in detail.

Glenohumeral joint preservation: current options for managing articular cartilage lesions in young, active patients.

This is a review of joint-preservation techniques for the shoulder. Whereas the management of diffuse articular cartilage loss in the glenohumeral joints of elderly and less active patients by total shoulder arthroplasty is well accepted, significant controversy persists in selecting and refining successful operative techniques to repair symptomatic glenohumeral cartilage lesions in the shoulders of young, active patients. The principal causes of focal and diffuse articular cartilage damage in the glenohumeral joint, including previous surgery, trauma, acute or recurrent dislocation, osteonecrosis, infection, chondrolysis, osteochondritis dissecans, inflammatory arthritides, rotator cuff arthropathy, and osteoarthritis, are discussed. Focal cartilage lesions of the glenohumeral joint are often difficult to diagnose and require a refined and focused physical examination as well as carefully selected imaging studies. This review offers a concise guide to surgical decision making and up-to-date summaries of the current techniques available to treat both focal chondral defects and more massive structural osteochondral defects. These techniques include microfracture, osteoarticular transplantation (OATS [Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System]; Arthrex, Naples, FL), autologous chondrocyte implantation, bulk allograft reconstruction, and biologic resurfacing. As new approaches to glenohumeral cartilage repair and shoulder joint preservation evolve, there continues to be a heightened need for collaborative research and well-designed outcomes analysis to facilitate successful patient care.

Arthroscopic labral reconstruction in the hip using iliotibial band autograft: technique and early outcomes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the indications for and outcomes of arthroscopic labral reconstruction in the hip by use of iliotibial band (ITB) autograft. METHODS: Between August 2005 and May 2008, the senior author (M.J.P.) performed 95 arthroscopic labral reconstructions using an ITB autograft in patients with advanced labral degeneration or deficiency. There were 47 patients who had undergone surgery at a minimum of 1 year previously and met the inclusion criteria. The modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS) and patient satisfaction were used to measure outcomes postoperatively. The labral autograft was harvested from the ITB through a separate incision. The graft was sutured to the intact labral remnant in the region of labral deficiency, re-establishing the suction seal of the hip joint. RESULTS: There were 32 men and 15 women. The mean age at the time of surgery was 37 years (range, 18 to 55 years). The mean time from the onset of symptoms to labral reconstruction was 36 months (range, 1 month to 12 years). Subsequent total hip arthroplasty was performed in 4 patients (9%). Follow-up was obtained in 37 of the remaining 43 patients. The mean time to follow-up was 18 months (range, 12 to 32 months). The mean MHHS improved from 62 (range, 35 to 92) preoperatively to 85 (range, 53 to 100) postoperatively (P = .001). Median patient satisfaction was 8 out of 10 (range, 1 to 10). Patients who were treated within 1 year of injury had higher MHHSs than patients who waited longer than 1 year (93 v 81, P = .03). The independent predictor of patient satisfaction with outcome after labral reconstruction was age. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that patients who have labral deficiency or advanced labral degeneration had good outcomes and high patient satisfaction after arthroscopic intervention with acetabular labral reconstruction. Lower satisfaction was associated with joint space narrowing and increased age. Patients who waited longer than 1 year from the time of injury to surgery had lower function at follow-up than those treated in the first year. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Treatment of osseous defects associated with anterior shoulder instability.

Bone loss of the glenoid and/or humerus is a common consequence of traumatic anterior shoulder instability and can be a cause of recurrent instability after a Bankart repair. Accurate characterization of the size and location of osseous defects associated with traumatic instability is important when planning treatment. Open or arthroscopic soft tissue repairs are usually sufficient when less than 25% of the width of the glenoid bone has been lost. Bone replacement techniques may be necessary when glenoid bone loss is greater than 25% of the glenoid width. Glenoid bone restoration techniques include the use of a tricortical iliac crest graft or the transfer of the coracoid process to the area of glenoid deficiency. Bone grafting becomes a strong consideration when soft tissue repairs have failed to restore stability. Treatment of these severe defects may be followed by osteoarthritis. The destabilizing effects of anterior glenoid bone defects are compounded by concurrent defects of the posterior-lateral humeral head, commonly known as Hill-Sachs lesions, which can engage the glenoid defect. Large humeral head defects can be treated by transhumeral bone grafting techniques or osteoarticular allograft reconstruction. Prosthetic replacement of the proximal humerus is considered for humeral head defects involving more than 40% of the articular surface. Understanding the importance of humeral and glenoid bone deficiencies may help guide the treatment of recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability.

Normal shoulder outcome score values in the young, active adult.

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to determine baseline, normative values for multiple shoulder outcome scores in a young, active population without shoulder symptoms. METHODS: One hundred ninety-two volunteers completed the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, modified American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability index, Simple Shoulder Test, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score. Their mean age was 28.8 years (range, 17-50 years). RESULTS: Of the participants, 59 (31%) scored no deficiencies on any of the outcome instruments, whereas 133 (69%) demonstrated some abnormal shoulder score. The mean scores were as follows: Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, 97.7 (SD, 5.2); modified American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, 98.9 (SD, 3.3); Western Ontario Shoulder Instability index, 82.7 of 2100 (SD, 153.5); Simple Shoulder Test, 11.79 (SD, 0.60); and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, 1.85 (SD, 5.99). CONCLUSION: Our results show that the best possible shoulder score in an asymptomatic population may not be equivalent to a perfect score on the outcome scale.

The effect of drilling angle on posterior interosseous nerve safety during open and endoscopic anterior single-incision repair of the distal biceps tendon.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to define a safe trajectory with regard to iatrogenic posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) injury when drilling the bicipital tuberosity for EndoButton repair (Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, Andover, MA) of distal biceps tendon ruptures. METHODS: Ten cadaveric forearms were dissected. The bicipital tuberosity was exposed and the biceps tendon detached. The supinator and PIN were exposed dorsally. A K-wire was drilled perpendicular to the surface of the tuberosity. By use of digital calipers, the distance from the exit point of this wire to the PIN was measured. The length of the bone tunnel was also measured. This wire was removed, and a second was drilled from the same starting point but directed 30 degrees ulnarly. Measurements were repeated. A Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare the distances of the K-wire to the PIN and the tunnel lengths for both trajectories. RESULTS: With the perpendicular wire, the mean distance to the PIN was 11.1 mm. When directed 30 degrees ulnarly, the mean distance was 16.4 mm. The difference was significant (P < .001). The mean bone tunnel lengths for the 2 trajectories were 17.8 mm and 18.1 mm; this was not found to be significant (P = .508). CONCLUSIONS: When drilling the bicipital tuberosity, we advocate starting at a center-center position on the face of the tuberosity, holding the forearm in maximum supination, and aiming 30 degrees ulnarly to decrease the risk to the PIN. This trajectory does not decrease the bone tunnel length available for implants. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This cadaveric anatomic study establishes safety from iatrogenic PIN injury during drilling of the bicipital tuberosity for the purpose of open or endoscopic EndoButton repair of distal biceps tendon ruptures.

An analysis of the rotator interval in patients with anterior, posterior, and multidirectional shoulder instability.

PURPOSE: To describe anatomic measurements of the rotator interval (RI) on magnetic resonance arthrogram (MRA) images and to assess the relationship between increased dimensions of the RI and instability conditions of the shoulder. METHODS: Three groups of patients with clinical instability were treated arthroscopically (anterior [A = 19 patients], posterior [P = 14 patients], and multidirectional [M = 13 patients]), and a group of 10 control patients without clinical instability were also identified. The MRAs of all groups were randomized, and 5 blinded reviewers recorded RI anatomic measurements of: (1) sagittal measures of the distance between the subscapularis (SSc) and supraspinatus (SS) tendons at 3 anatomic landmarks across the RI, and (2) the sagittal position of the long head of the biceps (LHB) relative to the most anterior aspect of the SS. RESULTS: The rotator interval distance between the SS and SSc tendons was nearly identical for all groups of instability, and was also not different from control groups. On the sagittal oblique sequences, the distance from the LHB tendon to the anterior edge of the SS tendon was significantly increased in posterior (7.4 mm) instability versus both the control group (2.4 mm; P = .025) and those with anterior instability (4.5 mm; P = .041), with the LHB in a consistent anterior position. The remainder of the measures was not statistically different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The distance between the SS and SSc and the overall size of the RI was well preserved in all instability patterns and control conditions. The LHB tendon assumes a more anterior position relative to the supraspinatus tendon in patients with posterior instability versus those patients with anterior instability or those without clinical instability. Additional work is necessary to further define objective radiographic evidence of RI insufficiency in patients with shoulder instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prognostic case-control study.

Arthroscopic stabilization in patients with an inverted pear glenoid: results in patients with bone loss of the anterior glenoid.

BACKGROUND: Recent literature has demonstrated that the success rates of arthroscopic stabilization of glenohumeral instability deteriorate in patients with an anteroinferior glenoid bone deficiency, also known as the "inverted pear" glenoid. PURPOSE: This study was conducted to assess the outcomes of arthroscopic stabilization for recurrent anterior shoulder instability in patients with a mean anteroinferior glenoid bone deficiency of 25% (range, 20%-30%). STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Twenty-one of 23 patients (91% follow-up) undergoing arthroscopic stabilization surgery and noted to have a bony deficiency of the anteroinferior glenoid of 20% to 30% were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 34 months (range, 26-47). The mean age was 25 years (range, 20-34); 2 patients were female and 19 were male. All patients were treated with a primary anterior arthroscopic stabilization using a mean of 3.2 suture anchors (range, 3-4). Eleven patients had a bony Bankart that was incorporated into the repair; 10 had no bone fragment and were considered attritional bone loss. Outcomes were assessed using the Rowe score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability (WOSI) Index. Findings of recurrent instability and dislocation events were documented. RESULTS: Two patients (9.5%) experienced symptoms of recurrent subluxation, and 1 (4.8%) sustained a recurrent dislocation that required revision open surgery. The mean postoperative outcomes scores were as follows: SANE = 88.1 (range, 65-100; standard deviation [SD] 9.0); Rowe = 85.2 (range, 55-100; SD 14.1); ASES Score = 93.1 (range, 78-100; SD 5.3); and WOSI Index = 398 (82% of normal; range, 30-1175; SD 264). No patient with a bony fragment experienced a recurrent subluxation or dislocation, and mean outcomes scores for patients with a bony fragment were better than those with no bony fragment (P = .08). No patient required medical discharge from the military for his or her shoulder condition. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic stabilization for recurrent instability, even in the presence of a significant bony defect of the glenoid, can yield a stable shoulder; however, outcomes are not as predictable especially in attritional bone loss cases. Longer-term follow-up is needed to see if these results hold up over time.

Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement in a Military Population.

BACKGROUND: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) can lead to hip pain and early joint degeneration. There have been few reports to date on the outcomes of hip arthroscopy for the treatment of FAI in the military population. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to compare patient demographics with postoperative outcomes after hip arthroscopy for symptomatic FAI and to identify preoperative risk factors for poor outcomes. The hypothesis was that certain preoperative patient characteristics will be predictive of poorer outcomes and that lower outcomes scores will be associated with a higher likelihood of medical separation from the military. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of active-duty and dependent patients older than 18 years who underwent hip arthroscopy for symptomatic FAI from 2009 to 2014 at a single institution. RESULTS: A total of 469 (309 males and 160 females) surgeries were performed on 456 active-duty personnel and 13 dependent civilians, with a mean 2.5-year follow-up. Overall, 39% (n = 179) were able to return to duty (RTD), 18% (n = 82) were medically cleared to return to normal daily activities but did not remain on active duty, and 43% (n = 195) required referral to the Disability Evaluation System (DES). Increasing rank and male sex were positive predictors and Axis 1 psychiatric diagnosis, revision surgery, concomitant psoas tenotomy, multiple medical comorbidities, and complaints of generalized pelvic pain were negative predictors for returning to duty. US Marine Infantry and Special Forces showed improved RTD rates (50%-86%) compared with administrative, more sedentary, occupations (22%). On average, Single Alpha Numeric Evaluation (SANE) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores improved after surgery, with SANE scores improving 37 ± 28 points and VAS scores improving 2.6 ± 2.5 points. The mean postoperative SANE and VAS scores differed significantly between the RTD group and those not returning to duty; 87 and 1.2 points compared with 69 and 3.6 points, respectively ( P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Hip arthroscopy for the treatment of symptomatic FAI effectively improves pain symptoms and self-reported overall function but shows a much lower than expected return to full, unrestricted active duty in the general active-duty military population. Underlying psychiatric diagnoses, female sex, and more sedentary occupations are associated with lower RTD rates. Furthermore, lower postoperative SANE and VAS scores are associated with lower RTD rates. Only the more active and elite components of the military study population showed RTD rates consistent with previously reported outcomes of return to competitive sports after hip arthroscopy for FAI.

Prospective Evaluation of Surgical Treatment of Humeral Avulsions of the Glenohumeral Ligament.

BACKGROUND: Humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) is an infrequent but significant contributor to shoulder dysfunction, instability, and functional loss. PURPOSE: To prospectively identify patients with HAGL lesions and then conduct retrospective evaluation of the clinical history, examination findings, and surgical outcomes of these patients. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Over a 6-year period (2006-2011), patients with shoulder dysfunction and a HAGL lesion that was confirmed via magnetic resonance arthrogram (MRA) were prospectively evaluated with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Patient demographics, presentation, examination, and surgical findings were documented. Outcomes of return to activity as well as Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scores were recorded at final follow-up. Anterior HAGL (aHAGL) lesions were repaired with a partial subscapularis tenotomy approach, while reverse (rHAGL) lesions were repaired arthroscopically. RESULTS: Of 28 patients, 27 (96%) completed the study requirements at a mean of 36.2 months (range, 24-68 months). The sample contained 12 females (44%) and 15 males (56%), who had a mean age of 24.9 years (range, 18-34 years). The chief complaint reported was pain in 23 patients (85%), while only 4 (15%) patients complained primarily of recurrent instability symptoms. Fourteen patients (52%) had aHAGL lesions, 10 patients (37%) had rHAGL lesions, and 3 patients (11%) had combined aHAGL and rHAGL lesions. Ten patients (37%) had concomitant HAGL lesions and labral tears, whereas 17 patients (63%) had isolated HAGL lesion without labral tear. The 17 patients (63%) with aHAGL lesions or combined lesions underwent a partial subscapularis tenotomy approach, while the remaining 10 patients (37%) with rHAGL lesions underwent arthroscopic surgical repair. After surgery, WOSI outcomes improved from 54% to 88% and SANE outcomes improved from 50% to 91% ( P < .01 for both), with no reports in recurrence of instability symptoms at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that patients with symptomatic HAGL lesions predominantly report shoulder pain and dysfunction, with few chief complaints of recurrent instability complaints. After surgery, patients showed predictable return to full activity, improvement in objective and patient-reported outcomes, and satisfaction with treatment outcome.

Classification and Analysis of Attritional Glenoid Bone Loss in Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability.

BACKGROUND: Recognition and proper treatment of glenoid bone loss (GBL) are important for successful management of anterior shoulder instability. Although GBL has been described as the amount of bony loss from the front of the glenoid, there is also a fragment of bone that is usually displaced and often undergoes attrition. Thus, due to attritional bone loss (ABL) of the fragment, insufficient bone is left to fully reconstruct the glenoid. PURPOSE: To (1) evaluate ABL of the glenoid fragment in recurrent anterior shoulder instability and (2) correlate ABL with clinical history, fragment size, and radiographic findings. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: GBL was evaluated on 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) en-face view and was measured as percentage loss. The bone fragment size was measured, and attrition of the fragment was determined by evaluation of the amount remaining relative to the initial defect; patients were stratified into minimal (<34%), moderate (34% to <67%), and severe (≥67%) attritional loss groups. Clinical history and demographics were correlated to ABL, and GBL and ABL were compared. RESULTS: The overall median percentage GBL was 15.3% (interquartile range [IQR], 9.9%-20.0%), with a mean (±SD) percentage GBL of 16.5% ± 9.0%. Study participants had a corresponding median percentage ABL of 75.8% (IQR, 53.8%-95.7%) and a mean percentage ABL of 72.0% ± 24.4%. A total of 61.2% of patients (n = 85) exhibited severe ABL, while 30.2% had moderate ABL and 8.6% had minimal ABL. The total time of instability was significantly associated with percentage of attritional bone loss ( P < .05). In addition, the time of instability was greatest in patients in the third tertile of ABL (≥87.5%; P = .08). A significant difference was found in total time of instability among patients in the highest tertile of ABL (38.6 months) versus both the middle (26.7 months) and lowest (32.8 months) tertiles ( P < .05). CONCLUSION: The study results indicate that in the majority of patients with recurrent anterior instability, GBL presents with extensive attrition of the bone fragment independent of initial glenoid bone loss; therefore, surgeons should be cognizant that the remaining bone fragment is unable to reconstitute glenoid bone stock. In addition, the results showed more attritional bone loss in patients with a longer duration of instability symptoms, indicating a role for incorporating symptom duration in determining proper management.

Validation of varus stress radiographs for anterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral corner knee injuries: A biomechanical study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insufficiency on the radiographic varus stress test, and to provide reference data for the increase in lateral compartment opening under varus stress for a combined ACL and PLC injury. METHODS: Ten cadaveric lower extremities were fixed to a jig in 20° of knee flexion. Twelve Newton-meter (Nm) and clinician-applied varus loads were tested, first with intact knee ligaments, followed by sequential sectioning of the ACL, fibular collateral ligament (FCL), popliteus tendon and the popliteofibular ligament (PFL). Lateral compartment opening was measured after each sequential sectioning. RESULTS: Maximum increase in lateral compartment opening for an isolated ACL deficient knee was 1.06mm with mean increase of 0.52mm (p=0.021) for the clinician-applied load. Mean increase in lateral compartment opening in an ACL and FCL deficient knee compared to the intact knee was 1.48mm (p<0.005) and 1.99mm (p<0.005) for the 12-Nm and clinician-applied loads, respectively, increasing to 1.94mm (p<0.005) and 2.68mm (p<0.005) with sectioning of the ACL and all PLC structures. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior cruciate ligament deficiency contributes to lateral compartment opening on varus stress radiographs though not sufficiently to confound previously established standards for lateral ligament knee injuries. We did not demonstrate the same magnitude of lateral compartment opening with sectioning of the PLC structures as previously reported, questioning the reproducibility of varus stress radiographic testing among institutions. Clinicians are cautioned against making surgical decisions based solely on current standards for radiographic stress examinations.

The efficacy of biceps tenodesis in the treatment of failed superior labral anterior posterior repairs.

BACKGROUND: The incidence and arthroscopic treatment of superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) tears have increased over the past decade. Recent evidence has identified factors associated with poor outcomes, including age, overhead activity, and concomitant rotator cuff tears. Biceps tenodesis has also been suggested as an alternative treatment to repair. Moreover, there are no studies demonstrating effective treatment strategies for failed type II SLAP repairs. PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the surgical outcomes of biceps tenodesis for patients who undergo elected revision surgery after an arthroscopically repaired type II SLAP tear. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: After institutional review board approval, 46 patients who met failure criteria for an arthroscopically repaired type II SLAP tear elected to undergo open subpectoral tenodesis by 2 fellowship-trained surgeons from 2006 to 2010 at a tertiary care military treatment facility. Objective outcomes were preoperative and postoperative assessments with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) scores and an independent physical examination. Statistical analysis was performed via analysis of variance. RESULTS: Of the 46 patients, 42 completed the study (91% follow-up rate). The mean age of the patients was 39.2 years, 85% were male, and the mean follow-up period was 3.5 years (range, 2.0-6.0 years). The rate of return to active duty and sports was 81%. There was a clinically and statistically significant improvement across all outcome assessments after revision surgery (preoperative mean scores: ASES = 68, SANE = 64, WOSI = 65; postoperative mean scores: ASES = 89, SANE = 84, WOSI = 81) (P < .0001) and shoulder range of motion (preoperative mean values: forward flexion = 135°, abduction = 125°; postoperative mean values: forward flexion = 155°, abduction = 155°) (P < .0001). There was 1 case of transient musculocutaneous nerve neurapraxia. CONCLUSION: Biceps tenodesis is a predictable, safe, and effective treatment for failed arthroscopic SLAP tears at a minimum 2-year follow-up. The majority of patients obtained good to excellent outcomes using validated measures with a significant improvement in range of motion.