Critical shoulder angle and failure of conservative treatment in patients with atraumatic full thickness rotator cuff tears.

BACKGROUND: Atraumatic full thickness rotator cuff tears (AFTRCT) are common lesions whose incidence increases with age. Physical therapy is an effective conservative treatment in these patients with a reported success rate near 85% within 12 weeks of treatment. The critical shoulder angle (CSA) is a radiographic metric that relates the glenoid inclination with the lateral extension of the acromion in the coronal plane. A larger CSA has been associated with higher incidence of AFTRCT and a higher re-tear rate after surgical treatment. However, no study has yet described an association between a larger CSA and failure of conservatory treatment in ARCT. The main objective of this study is to determine whether there is an association between CSA and failure of physical therapy in patients with AFTRCT. METHODS: We reviewed the imaging and clinical records of 48 patients (53 shoulders), 60% female, with a mean age of 63.2 years (95% CI ± 10.4 years); treated for AFTRCT who also underwent a true anteroposterior radiograph of the shoulder within a year of diagnosis of the tear. We recorded demographic (age, sex, type of work), clinical (comorbidities), and imaging data (CSA, size and location of the tear). We divided the patients into two groups according to success or failure of conservative treatment (indication for surgery), so 21 shoulders (39.6%) required surgery and were classified as failure of conservative treatment. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to detect predictors of failure of conservative treatment. RESULTS: The median CSA was 35.5º with no differences between those with failure (median 35.5º, range 29º to 48.2º) and success of conservative treatment (median 35.45º, range 30.2º to 40.3º), p = 0.978. The multivariate analysis showed a younger age in patients with failure of conservative treatment (56.14 ± 9.2 vs 67.8 ± 8.4, p < 0.001) and that male gender was also associated with failure of conservative treatment (57% of men required surgery vs 28% of women, p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: It is still unclear if CSA does predict failure of conservative treatment. A lower age and male gender both could predicted failure of conservative treatment in AFTRCT. Further research is needed to better address this subject.

Intra-articular treatment with corticosteroids increases apoptosis in human rotator cuff tears.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate in vivo the level of apoptosis in human rotator cuff tears and the relationship it might have with tendon degeneration. METHODS: Rotator cuff biopsies from 19 male and female patients, ages between 38 and 68 years, with and without previous corticosteroid infiltrations were collected via arthroscopy. Biopsies from seven patients with healthy rotator cuffs were used as a control group. An in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay was performed to detect the level of apoptosis, which was expressed as a percentage of apoptotic cells (PAC). RESULTS: PAC in patients with corticosteroid infiltrations was 76.97 ± 16.99 in all tendon rupture zones, in non-infiltrated patients was 35.89 ± 22.96, whereas in control patients was 14.48 ± 8.15. Likewise, the tendency of PAC reveals that apoptosis in control and non-infiltrated groups was different and dispersed in all tear zones; while in corticosteroid treated patients, the tendency was similar in all rupture sites. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation leads us to conclude that the administration of corticosteroid is associated with a higher amount of apoptosis at the insertion site of the rotator cuff (rupture edge).

[Effectiveness of a self-administered rehabilitation program for shoulder pain syndrome in primary health care]. / Efectividad de un programa de rehabilitación autoadministrado en el tratamiento del síndrome de hombro doloroso en atención primaria de salud: un estudio clínico aleatorizado, simple ciego.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain syndrome (SPS) is frequent and management in primary care is precarious, with a high rate of referral without adequate treatment, overloading rehabilitation and orthopedic services. AIM: To assess the effectiveness of a self-administered rehabilitation program in adults with shoulder pain syndrome in primary care. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized, single-blind clinical trial (evaluators) with an experimental group (self-administered rehabilitation) and a control group (standard physical therapy) was carried out in 271 adult patients aged 18 or older with unilateral shoulder pain lasting more than six weeks and less than three months. The primary outcome was the recovery perceived by the patient. Constant score for function, quality of life using SF-36, simple shoulder test (SST) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score were also calculated at six, 12 and 24 weeks of follow-up. RESULTS: The self-administered rehabilitation program showed an adjusted effectiveness of 51% at the end of treatment compared to 54% of the standard physical therapy (p > 0.05). No differences in the evolution of the other scores assessed were observed between groups. CONCLUSIONS: A self-administered rehabilitation program for painful shoulder was non-inferior than usual physical therapy.

Straight antegrade humeral nailing and risk of iatrogenic injury of supraspinatus tendon footprint: An MRI study.

Background: Straight antegrade humeral nailing (SAHN) is associated with excellent clinical results in proximal humerus fractures. The optimal entry point is the top of the humeral head. However, the anatomy is variable, and the entry point can affect supraspinatus tendon footprint (SSP-F) or fracture reduction. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the SSP-F and SAHN entry point by analyzing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the humerus. Methods: In total 58 MRI studies of entire humerus were reviewed. The mean age was 51.6 ± 12.4 years, with 40 female patients. The distance between the SSP-F and the SAHN insertion point (critical distance: CD), the width of the footprint, and the neck-shaft angle (NSA) were measured. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed. Results: The mean CD was 7.51 mm ± 2.81 (0-12.9 mm) with 51.7% of proximal humerus "critical type" (CD <8 mm). The CD was found to be lower in females, with no difference found with varying age (62.5% "critical type"). CD correlated with NSA (linear regression). "Critical type" correlated with female gender and NSA (logistic regression). Discussion: More than half of the humerus are "critical types" as to SAHN and may, therefore, be at risk for procedure-related complications.

The Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Angle in MRI: Impact of the Articular Cartilage in the Estimated Inclination of the Inferior Glenoid.

Purpose: To describe the reverse shoulder arthroplasty angle (RSA angle) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and compare the angle formed using bony landmarks (Bony RSA angle or B-RSA angle) with another angle formed using the cartilage margin as reference (Cartilage RSA angle or C-RSA angle). Methods: Adult patients with a shoulder MRI obtained in our hospital between July 2020 and July 2021 were included. The C-RSA angle and B-RSA angle were measured. All images were independently assessed by 4 evaluators. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was determined for the B-RSA and C-RSA to evaluate interobserver agreement. Results: A total of 61 patients were included with a median age of 59 years (17-77). C-RSA angle was significantly higher than B-RSA (25.4° ± 0.7 vs 19.5° ± 0.7, respectively) with a P-value <.001. The overall agreement was considered "good" for C-RSA (ICC = 0.74 [95% CI 0.61-0.83]) and "excellent" for B-RSA angle (ICC = 0.76 [95% CI 0.65-0.85]). Conclusions: C-RSA angle is significantly higher than B-RSA angle. In cases without significant glenoid wear neglecting to account for the remaining articular cartilage at the inferior glenoid margin may result in superior inclination of standard surgical guides.

Venous thromboembolism following surgical management of proximal humerus fractures: a systematic review.

Background: Currently, there is limited information on the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) after surgical treatment of proximal humerus fractures (PHFs). Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the incidence of VTE, DVT, and PE following surgery for PHFs. Methods: A comprehensive search of several databases was performed from inception to May 27, 2022. Studies were screened and evaluated by 2 reviewers independently utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Only original, English studies that evaluated the incidences of VTE following surgical management of PHFs were included. Surgical procedures consisted of shoulder arthroplasty (SA) including both hemiarthroplasty (Hemi) and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in addition to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). A pooled incidence for postoperative DVT, PE, and overall VTE was reported. Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, encompassing a total of 18,238 patients. The overall DVT, PE, and VTE rates were 0.14%, 0.59%, and 0.7%, respectively. VTE was more frequently reported after SA than ORIF, (1.27% vs. 0.53%, respectively). Among SA patients, a higher rate of DVT was seen with RSA (1.2%) with the lowest DVT rate was observed for ORIF with 0.03%. Conclusions: Symptomatic VTEs following surgical treatment of PHFs, are rare, yet still relevant as a worrisome postoperative complication. Among the various procedures, VTE was the most frequently reported after SA when compared to ORIF, with RSA having the highest VTE rate.

Establishing safe zones to avoid nerve injury in the posterior minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for humerus fractures: a magnetic resonance imaging study.

Background: Safety zones to avoid nerve injury at proximal incision of posterior minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for humerus fracture have been scarcely studied. The purpose of this study was to describe the location of axillary and radial nerves (RN) in magnetic resonance imaging to establish safety zones. Methods: Fifty-two magnetic resonance imaging studies of the entire humerus were reviewed. The mean age was 50.6 ± 12.1 years, with 37 female patients. The distance of the axillary nerve (AN; distal portion, humeral midpoint) and RN (medial border, midpoint, and lateral border of the humerus) was measured in relation to the posterolateral acromion angle, acromioclavicular axis, and transepicondylar axis. Univariate analysis (Student's t test) and a multivariate analysis (linear regression) were performed. P values < .05 were considered significant. Results: The AN location at the humerus was 54.9 ± 6.4 mm (20.1% humeral length [HL]) in relation to posterolateral acromion angle and 63.2 ± 6.1 mm (23.2% HL) in relation to acromioclavicular axis. The RN location was 100.2 ± 17.1 mm (36.6% HL) at the humerus medial border, 118.0 ± 21.5 mm (43.1% HL) at the humerus midpoint, and 146.0 ± 24.4 mm (53.6% HL) at the humerus lateral border. In relation to transepicondylar axis, it was 175.4 ± 15.6 mm (64.3% HL), 156.0 ± 19.0 mm (57.2% HL), and 127.4 ± 21.2 mm (46.7% HL), respectively. Nerves location was related to HL, independent of gender. Conclusion: The main finding of our study is that the location of the AN and RN in relation to the humerus is related to the HL and can be used to predictably define the safe zones to avoid nerve injury in the proximal incision of posterior minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for humerus fractures.

Distal clavicle fractures with "superior intact cortical bone": minimally invasive surgery.

Introduction: Distal clavicle fractures represent 12%-26% of all clavicle fractures. For unstable cases, surgical fixation is the preferred method of treatment. To date, there is still controversy regarding the best fixation method with a high reoperation and complication rate reported. The purpose of this article is to describe a minimally invasive method for reduction and stabilization of displaced distal clavicle fractures, using cortical buttons. Surgical technique: After standard preoperative preparation, a 3-cm incision is made at the coracoclavicular area. Using both coracoid and clavicle tunnels, fracture reduction and fixation is obtained using a cortical fixation button. Standard postoperative care is given. Results: A total of 21 patients (19 men) with a mean age of 34.7 years were treated using this technique. The follow-up was between 6 and 41 months, with an average of 23.4 months. The mean simple shoulder test score was 79.4 (range 66-91.7), and the QuickDASH score was 11 (range 6.8-15.9). Consolidation of the fracture was confirmed at the 12-week follow-up radiography, with no cases of nonunion or malunion identified. No patients presented infection or complications at the surgical site. Implant removal was not needed in this series. All the patients returned to work. Conclusion: Minimally invasive button fixation of unstable distal clavicle fractures is a safe and reliable alternative treatment. The initial outcome report is promising with excellent clinical and radiological results and no complications or implant removals.

Treatment of olecranon fractures using an intramedullary cancellous screw and suture tension band: minimum 2-year follow-up.

Background: Tension band wiring and plates are the most widely used treatments for transverse displaced fractures of olecranon despite high rates of hardware complications, subsequent implant removal, and associated costs. The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of displaced transverse olecranon fractures treated with intramedullary screw and suture tension band. Methods: We performed an observational, retrospective, consecutive, monocentric, continuous multioperator study. We reviewed 31 Mayo type IIA displaced olecranon fractures treated in our institution with intramedullary 6.5 mm AO cancellous screw and high-strength suture tension band (No. 2 FiberWire®) from 2016 to 2018. Inclusion was limited to functionally independent patients with Mayo type IIA fractures and minimum 24-month follow-up for implant removal. We assessed clinical outcomes including range of motion; QuickDASH score; and Mayo Elbow Performance Score. Categorical data were analyzed with Fisher's exact test when appropriate. Continuous data were analyzed with the Student t-test or Mann-Whitney U test after assessment for normality. Statistical analysis was performed with STATA 16 software. Results: Twenty-seven patients with a mean follow-up period of 38.4 ± 6.2 months (range, 24.1-50 months) were included in the study. The average flexion was 134.5° ± 14.8° (range, 70°-140°) and the mean extension was -5.9° ± 7.0° (range, -20°-0°). Mean pronation and supination were 85.8° ± 11.9° (range, 45°-90°) and 86.9° ± 14.3° (range, 20°-90°), respectively. The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 90.8 ± 9.6 (range, 70-100) with 92.3% good and excellent results. The mean QuickDASH score was 17.1 ± 16 (range, 0-54.5). There were 3 hardware-related removals (11.1%). The overall removal rate was 18.5%. Univariate analysis of the factors associated with implant removal were pain in relation to the implant (60% vs. 11%, P = 0.0482), proximal screw migration (3.7 mm vs. 1.7 mm, P = 0.05), articular angle (22.5° vs. 27.7°, P = 0.0353), and olecranon width (22.2 mm vs. 24.4 mm, P = 0.0166). In total, 26.1% of the cases presented some degree of proximal migration of the implant (2.7 ± 1.8 mm of migration; range, 1.5-6.2 mm). Univariate analysis of the factors associated with implant proximal migration were proximal ulnar dorsal angulation (1.7° vs. 6.4°, P = 0.0179), anteroposterior endomedullary canal (7.3 mm vs. 6.0 mm, P = 0.0369), and lateral endomedullary canal (7.2 mm vs. 5.0 mm, P = 0.0219). Conclusion: The functional outcomes of simple transverse olecranon fractures treated with an intramedullary cancellous screw and a suture tension band are excellent, associated with a low rate of complications and material removal.

Mayor presión y área de contacto en reparación transósea cruzada de manguito rotador versus reparación simple / Increased pressure and contact area in rotator cuff crossed versus simple transosseous repair

OBJETIVO: Comparar la presión y el área de contacto en la interfase tendón-huella de una reparación realizada con suturas transóseas simples y cruzadas. MÉTODOS: Se utilizaron doce hombros de cordero para simular una rotura de manguito rotador. Se midió el área de contacto en la interfase tendón-huella con láminas sensibles a presión; luego, se midió la presión con un sensor digital. Se registró la presión basal durante la aplicación de carga cíclica y al final de la intervención. Se compararon 2 reparaciones: 2 túneles transóseos con nudos simples (TOS; n = 6) y 2 túneles transóseos con nudos cruzados (TOC; n = 6), utilizando FiberWire #2. Se realizaron 1.400 ciclos, con una frecuencia 2,5 Hz y una carga de 5 N. Se utilizó la prueba de Mann-Whitney, y ae consideraron significativos valores de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: La reparación TOS presentó un 50,9 ± 12,7% distribución de presiones en comparación con 72,2 ± 5,3% en la reparación TOC (p < 0,009). La presión promedio en la reparación TOS fue 0,7 ± 0,1 MPa en comparación con 1,1 ± 0,2 MPa en la reparación TOC (p < 0,007). La reparación TOS registró una presión basal de 5,3 ± 5,3 N, presión final de 3,8 ± 4,6 N, y una variación de 51,7 ± 38%. La reparación TOC registró una presión basal de 10,7 ± 1,8 N, presión final de 12,9 ± 8,7 N, y una variación de 114,9 ± 65,9% (p < 0,044; p < 0,022; y p < 0,017, respectivamente). CONCLUSIÓN: La reparación TOC presenta mayor presión a nivel de la interfase tendón-hueso, menor pérdida de fuerza de contacto ante cargas cíclicas, y una mejor distribución de fuerza en la huella al comparar con la reparación TOS, lo que se podría traducir en mejor cicatrización tendínea.

OBJETIVE: To compare the pressure and contact area at the tendon-footprint interface of a repair performed with simple and crossed transosseous sutures. METHODS: Twelve lamb shoulders were used to simulate a rotator cuff tear. The contact area at the tendon-footprint interface was measured with pressure-sensitive films; then, the pressure was measured with a digital sensor. The baseline pressure was recorded during the application of a cyclic load and at the end of the intervention. A total of 2 repairs were compared: 2 transosseous sutures with single knots (STO; n = 6) and 2 transosseous sutures with crossed knots (TOC; n = 6) using FiberWire #2. In total, 1,400 cycles were performed, with a frequency of 2.5 Hz and a load of 5 N. The Mann-Whitney test was used. Values of p < 0.05 were considered significant.RESULTS: The TOS repair presented 50.9 ± 12.7% of pressure distribution compared to 72.2 ± 5.3% in the TOC repair (p < 0.009). The mean pressure in the TOS repair was of 0.7 ± 0.1 MPa compared to 1.1 ± 0.2 MPa in the TOC repair (p < 0.007). The TOS repair registered a basal pressure of 5.3 ± 5.3 N, a final pressure of 3.8 ± 4.6 N, and a variation of 51.7 ± 38%. The TOC repair registered a basal pressure of 10.7 ± 1.8 N, a final pressure of 12.9 ± 8.7 N, and a variation of 114.9 ± 65.9% (p < 0.044; p < 0.022; and p < 0.017 respectively).CONCLUSION: The TOC repair presents higher pressure at the tendon-bone interface, less loss of contact force under cyclic loads, and a better distribution of force on the footprint when compared with the TOS repair, which could translate into better tendon healing.

Abrasión intraósea por sutura según el ángulo del túnel transóseo en huella del manguito rotador / Intraosseous suture abrasion according to the angle of the transosseous tunnel in rotator cuff footprint

OBJETIVO: Comparar el desgaste óseo generado por la abrasión de una carga cíclica entre túneles clásicos oblicuos y perpendiculares. Nuestra hipótesis es la de que el túnel oblicuo presenta un menor desgaste óseo por abrasión cíclica comparado con el túnel perpendicular. MÉTODOS: Ocho hombros congelados de cordero fueron usados para el estudio biomecánico. En cada húmero proximal, dos túneles (oblicuo y perpendicular) fueron generados en la tuberosidad mayor. Se utilizó un sistema de tracción cíclica para traccionar hacia atrás y adelante una sutura trenzada en tensión a través del túnel, midiendo la distancia entre la entrada y la salida de la sutura en el túnel antes y después del proceso de ciclado como medida de perdida de tensión de la sutura. El resultado principal es el cambio de la distancia entre la entrada y la salida de la sutura en el túnel después del ciclado para estimar el desgaste óseo dentro del túnel. Para el análisis estadístico, se utilizó la prueba U de Mann-Whitney. Se consideraron significativos valores de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Los túneles perpendiculares tuvieron un 23,24 7,44% de pérdida de longitud, y los túneles oblicuos, 7,76 4,32%. La diferencia de pérdida de longitud fue significativa (p » 0,0003). CONCLUSIÓN: La abrasión ósea generada por el movimiento cíclico de la sutura en el túnel transóseo está influenciada por la geometría del túnel. El desgaste óseo es menor en un túnel oblicuo comparado con un túnel perpendicular. NIVEL DE EVIDENCIA: Estudio de ciencia básica

OBJETIVE: To compare the bone wear generated by the abrasion of a cyclic load between classic oblique and perpendicular tunnels. Our hypothesis is that the oblique tunnel is submitted to less cyclic abrasion bone wear compared with the perpendicular tunnel. METHODS: Eight fresh-frozen lamb shoulders were used for biomechanical testing. In each proximal humerus, two tunnels (one oblique and one perpendicular) were drilled at the greater tuberosity. We used a cyclic traction system to pull back and forth a braided suture under tension through the tunnel, measuring the distance between the entry and exit points of the suture within the tunnel before and after the cyclic process to release the tension in the suture. The main outcome was the percentage of change in the distance between the entry and exit points of the suture within the tunnel before and after cyclic abrasion to estimate the degree of bone wear inside the tunnel. For the statistical analysis, the Mann-Whitney U test was used. Values of p < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: The perpendicular bone tunnels had 23.24 7.44% decrease in length, and the oblique bone tunnels, 7.76 4.32%. The difference in the decrease in length was significant (p » 0.0003). CONCLUSION: The bone abrasion caused by the cyclical movement of the suture in the bone tunnel was influenced by the shape of the tunnel. Bone wear was lower with an oblique tunnel compared with a perpendicular tunnel. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Basic Science Study

Glenoid size and orientation in the Chilean population / Tamaño y orientación glenoidea en la población chilena

Glenoid morphology is a key factor in determining the success of shoulder surgery. The purpose of this experimental study was to precisely determine the anatomical size and orientation of the glenoid in the Chilean population. 122 CT scans from asymptomatic Chilean patients were obtained. The mean age was 43.8 years (SD 12.3; range, 17-53 years) with 63 female and 59 male patients. For each of the scapulae, were obtained the glenoid version and inclination, maximum glenoid width and height, superior glenoid width, glenoid surface area, glenoid vault depth, and maximum scapular width. The glenoid size showed an average width of 26 ± 2.7 mm, a height of 40.3 ± 3.5 mm and a vault depth of 26.5 ± 3.7 mm. There were significant differences between men and women. The glenoid orientation showed an average of -13.9 ± 4.8° of retroversion and a superior inclination of 11.1 ± 4.7°. Significant differences between men and women were seen only for version. We conclude, that in this Chilean sample the morphological parameters of the glenoid correspond to the published literature, however, some characteristics in this cohort must be further confirmed using other methods.

La morfología glenoidea es un factor clave para determinar el éxito de la cirugía de hombro. El propósito de este estudio experimental fue determinar con precisión el tamaño anatómico y la orientación de la glenoides en la población chilena. Se obtuvieron 122 tomografías computarizadas de pacientes chilenos asintomáticos. La edad media fue de 43,8 años (DE 12,3; rango, 17-53 años) con 63 pacientes femeninos y 59 masculinos. Para cada una de las escápulas, se obtuvieron la versión glenoidea y la inclinación, el ancho y la altura glenoidea máxima, el ancho glenoideo superior, el área de superficie glenoidea, la profundidad de la bóveda glenoidea y el ancho escapular máximo. El tamaño glenoideo mostró un ancho promedio de 26 ± 2,7 mm, una altura de 40,3 ± 3,5 mm y una profundidad de bóveda de 26,5 ± 3,7 mm. Hubo diferencias significativas entre hombres y mujeres. La orientación glenoidea mostró un promedio de -13,9 ± 4,8 ° de retroversión y una inclinación superior de 11,1 ± 4,7 °. Se observaron diferencias significativas entre hombres y mujeres solo para la versión. Concluimos que en esta muestra chilena los parámetros morfológicos de la glenoides corresponden a la literatura publicada, sin embargo, algunas características de esta cohorte deben confirmarse aún más utilizando otros métodos.

Vasos subclavios: ¿Qué tan cerca se encuentran de la clavícula? / Subclavian vessels: how close are they to the clavicle?

INTRODUCCIÓN: la lesión de los vasos subclavios durante la cirugía de clavícula es una situación rara, de suceder podría resultar incluso mortal; conocer su ubicación es indispensable para minimizar ese riesgo.OBJETIVO: determinar la ubicación y la distancia de la AS y VS respecto a la clavícula. Secundariamente, identificar las características particulares que influencien la ubicación y la distancia. MATERIALES Y MÉTODO: estudio retrospectivo, AngioTAC de tórax y cuello entre 2012 y 2017; se midió la longitud de la clavícula, distancia y dirección de los vasos subclavios en cada tercio de la clavícula, como también la angulación entre una horizontal y el centro de los vasos subclavios. Resultados: 39 AngioTC, 78 hombros. Distancia AS/clavícula tercio proximal, medio y distal 32,8mm (20,3-46,3), 15,4mm (6,8-28,0) y 62,7mm (37,0-115,4) respectivamente. La distancia VS/clavícula tercio proximal, medio y distal fue: 7,4mm (1,0-19,2), 16,2mm (6,7-34,7) y 67,1mm (29,7-117,0) respectivamente. La ubicación de AS y VS con respecto a la clavícula es posterosuperior en el tercio proximal, posteroinferior en el tercio medio e inferior en el tercio distal. CONCLUSIÓN: En el tercio proximal la vena puede estar solo a 1mm de la clavícula y la arteria a 6mm en dirección antero-posterior, resultando esa zona la más peligrosa. En el tercio medio la distancia es mayor, pudiendo estar arteria y vena a solo 6mm, la dirección de brocado más peligrosa es antero-inferior con una inclinación promedio de 45° caudal. El tercio distal es el más seguro, los vasos están al menos a 30mm de distancia hacia caudal. Nivel de evidencia III.

BACKGROUND: injury to the subclavian vessels during clavicle surgery is a rare situation, if it happens it could even be fatal; knowing their location is essential to minimize that risk. OBJECTIVE: determine location and distance of the AS and VS with respect to the clavicle. Secondarily identify particular characteristics that influence location and distance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: retrospective study, AngioTAC of thorax and neck between 2012 and 2017; it was measured the length of the clavicle, distance and direction of the subclavian vessels in each third of the clavicle and angulation between a horizontal and the center of the subclavian vessels were measured. Results: 39 AngioTC, 78 shoulders. AS / clavicle third proximal, middle and distal distance 32.8mm (20.3-46.3), 15.4mm (6.8-28.0) and 62.7mm (37.0-115.4) respectively. Distance VS / clavicle third proximal, middle and distal was: 7.4mm (1.0-19.2), 16.2mm (6.7-34.7) and 67.1mm (29.7-117.0) respectively. The location of AS and VS with respect to the clavicle is posterosuperior in the proximal third, posteroinferior in the middle third and inferior in the distal third. CONCLUSION: In the proximal third the vein can be only 1mm from the clavicle and the artery to 6mm in the anterior-posterior direction, this zone is the most dangerous. In the middle third the distance is greater, artery and vein can be only to 6mm, the most dangerous drilling direction is antero-inferior with an average inclination of 45° caudal. The distal third is the safest, the vessels are at least 30mm away from the vessels. Level of evidence III.

Efectividad de un programa de rehabilitación autoadministrado en el tratamiento del síndrome de hombro doloroso en atención primaria de salud: un estudio clínico aleatorizado, simple ciego / Effectiveness of a self-administered rehabilitation program for shoulder pain syndrome in primary health care

Background: Shoulder pain syndrome (SPS) is frequent and management in primary care is precarious, with a high rate of referral without adequate treatment, overloading rehabilitation and orthopedic services. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of a self-administered rehabilitation program in adults with shoulder pain syndrome in primary care. Patients and Methods: A randomized, single-blind clinical trial (evaluators) with an experimental group (self-administered rehabilitation) and a control group (standard physical therapy) was carried out in 271 adult patients aged 18 or older with unilateral shoulder pain lasting more than six weeks and less than three months. The primary outcome was the recovery perceived by the patient. Constant score for function, quality of life using SF-36, simple shoulder test (SST) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score were also calculated at six, 12 and 24 weeks of follow-up. Results: The self-administered rehabilitation program showed an adjusted effectiveness of 51% at the end of treatment compared to 54% of the standard physical therapy (p > 0.05). No differences in the evolution of the other scores assessed were observed between groups. Conclusions: A self-administered rehabilitation program for painful shoulder was non-inferior than usual physical therapy.

Fractura de clavícula distal con cortical superior indemne: cirugía mínimamente invasiva / Distal clavicle fracture with intact upper cortex: minimally invasive surgery

INTRODUCCIÓN Las fracturas de clavícula distal desplazadas son manejadas generalmente de manera quirúrgica dada la alta probabilidad de no-unión con el tratamiento ortopédico. El propósito de este trabajo es evaluar el uso del sistema de fijación con doble botón cortical para la reducción y estabilización de la fractura de clavícula distal que presenten indemnidad de la cortical superior. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo observacional clínico-imagenológico de pacientes con fractura desplazada de clavícula distal operados con técnica mínimamente invasiva mediante reducción con sistema de fijación con doble botón cortical. Se describe como criterio radiológico de "Cortical Superior Indemne (CSI)" la presencia del rasgo de fractura a 1cm o más, hacia distal desde el tubérculo conoide, identificándose ese criterio como característica necesaria para la indicación del tratamiento propuesto. Se describen las complicaciones post-operatorias, progresión radiológica y resultados funcionales. RESULTADOS: 21 pacientes fueron tratados con esa técnica con un seguimiento promedio de 23,4 meses. No hubo casos de no unión, infección o herida dehiscente y ningún paciente requirió el retiro del dispositivo. Se encontró un Simple Shoulder Test (SST) promedio de 79,4 (66 - 91,7) y QuickDASH de 11 (6,8 - 15,9). El 87,5% de las fracturas desplazadas de clavícula distal tenían indemnidad de la cortical superior. CONCLUSIÓN: La técnica mínimamente invasiva para la reducción y fijación de la fractura de clavícula distal desplazada con botones corticales es una alternativa simple, reproducible, con pocas complicaciones y excelentes resultados funcionales.

BACKGROUND: Displaced distal clavicle fractures are commonly managed through surgery due to a high probability of nonunion with conservative treatments. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of Flip-buttons as a minimally invasive method for fixing and stabilizing displaced distal clavicle fractures when the upper cortical it́s intact. METHODS: A retrospective observational study of radiological and clinical results of patients with displaced distal clavicle fracture that were treated with the Flip-button technique. The indication for using this surgical method was based on the radiological criteria of "Intact Upper Cortical (IUC)" described by the authors as the presence of the fracture 1cm or more, distally to de conoid tubercle. Post-operative complications, radiologic and functional progress were recorded. RESULTS: 21 patients were treated with this technique, all with complete bony union. No patients presented infection or wound dehiscence and implant removal was not necessary in any case. The mean follow-up was of 23,4 months. The mean score in Simple Shoulder Test (SST) was 79,4 (66 - 91,7) and a mean QuickDASH of 11 (6,8 - 15,9). 87,5% of all the displaced distal clavicle fractures had IUC. CONCLUSION: The minimally invasive technique for the reduction and fixation of the displaced distal clavicle fracture with cortical buttons is a simple and reproducible alternative, with few complications and excellent functional results.