Outcomes of total elbow arthroplasty in the treatment of distal humeral fractures in the elderly: a retrospective cohort comparison between primary arthroplasty and arthroplasty secondary to failed internal fixation.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of total elbow arthroplasty as the index procedure in the treatment of traumatic distal humerus fractures with those of secondary total elbow arthroplasty after failed internal fixation. The secondary objective was to compare the complication rates and the radiographic results in the 2 groups. Our hypothesis was that the clinical results of total elbow arthroplasty performed after failed internal fixation were comparable to those of primary total elbow arthroplasty in the treatment of distal humerus fractures in the elderly population. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort comparison study, including 60 patients with a median age of 80 years (71-85 years), who either underwent a primary total elbow arthroplasty (group 1; 45 patients) or secondary total elbow arthroplasty after failed internal fixation (group 2; 15 patients) in the treatment of a post-traumatic supra and intercondylar fracture of the distal humerus, between January 2004 and January 2021. The clinical examination, including the Mayo Elbow Performance Score and triceps proficiency test, complication rates, and the need for reoperation were noted. The average clinical and radiographic follow-up was 40.8 months (24-120 months). RESULTS: The clinical results of the 2 groups were comparable when looking at the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (90.00 [85.00, 100.00], P = .486). With regard to complications, there were 2 surgical site infections in group 1 and 3 in group 2 (P = .099), 1 case of mechanical loosening of the humeral component in group 1 and 1 in group 2 (P = .448), and 1 patient with triceps insufficiency in group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary total elbow arthroplasty after failed internal fixation has shown good functional results and a complication rate comparable to that of index total elbow arthroplasty in the treatment of articular fractures of the distal humerus in the elderly.

High infection control rate after systematic one-stage procedure for shoulder arthroplasty chronic infection.

PURPOSE: The two stage revision procedure is the gold standard surgical technique in chronic shoulder periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Series of one stage revision have been published with similar outcomes but with preoperative selection of patients. The aim of this work was to report the outcomes (infection eradication, functional, and radiographic) after systematic one stage revision, without preoperative selection of patients, in chronic shoulder PJI. METHODS: This was a retrospective monocentric study including 40 patients (14 women and 26 men) with a diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection after a shoulder arthroplasty. A one stage shoulder prosthesis revision was performed in all patients, for a PJI evolving for more than three weeks, without preoperative patient selection. The primary endpoint was the absence of signs of persistent infection at a minimum follow-up of two years. Secondary endpoints were clinical and radiological outcomes. RESULTS: At the last follow-up, 36/40 patients had no recurrence of infection after the one stage revision, i.e., 90% of our series. In 45% (18/40) of the cases, the microbial organism was not known at the time of the one stage revision. Cutibacterium acnes was the most frequent pathogen, found in 67.5% (27/40) of the patients. The infection was polymicrobial in 40% (16/40) of the cases. At last follow-up, mean absolute Constant score was 48.4% (16-93) and weighted score was 65.5% (22-100), and satisfaction was evaluated by the patients as excellent or good in 75% (30/40). About 20% (8/40) of the patients had a postoperative complication. CONCLUSION: A one stage revision procedure, combined with appropriate antibiotic therapy, made it possible to eradicate the PJI in 90% of the shoulders in our series with satisfactory functional outcomes.

The distal fibular perforating axial flap for lateral malleolus coverage: an anatomical description and surgical technique.

PURPOSE: Skin closure disorders in ankle surgery are a recurrent problem not only in traumatology but also in elective surgery. The aim of the study was to describe the anatomical basis of the fasciocutaneous vascularization of the lateral malleolus region to develop a posterior cover flap for the region. METHODS: We dissected ten fresh frozen specimens after arterial injection of an Indian ink preparation and individualized the perforating arteries. Their positions and diameters were collated. Then, the surgical technique was clinically applied for two different cases by transferring the fasciocutaneous flap posterior to the lateral malleolus to cover a loss of skin substance. RESULTS: There were in average 5 fibular perforators over the last 100 mm of the fibula. The average diameter of the first two perforating arteries was 0.6 ± 0.12 mm and 0.9 ± 0.25 mm, respectively, and the consistency of the latter makes it possible to produce a skin flap with anterior translation. This is an axial flap. Two patients were operated on using this technique. There was no necrosis of the posterior fibular flap and healing was achieved by the third post-operative week. CONCLUSION: This study showed the presence of fibular perforating arteries with a high reproducibility of their dissection. This anatomical description served as the basis for the description of a new distal fibular perforating flap.

Increased operative time has a negative impact on clinical outcome in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

BACKGROUND: Few data are available about the impact of operative time on outcome of rotator cuff repair. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of operative time on clinical outcome and tendon healing after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS: Patients operated on for distal supraspinatus tear in our institution between 2012 and 2018 were included retrospectively. Operative time, from skin incision until skin closure, was extracted from medical files. For statistical analysis, operative time was treated as a quantitative variable. Endpoints were clinical outcome (Constant score, range of motion), tendon healing (on CT or MRI) and complications at 1 year. The significance threshold was set at p = 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 219 Patients, with a mean age of 54.6 years (range 40-70 years), were included. Mean operative time 44.9 min (range 14-140 min). Significant correlations (p < 0.05) were found for Constant score and external rotation at 1 year: increasing operative time by 1 min led to a decrease in Constant score of 0.115 points, or 6.9 points for a 60-min increase (p = 0.0167) and a decrease in external rotation of 0.134°, or 8.04° for a 60-min increase (p = 0.0214). No significant correlations were found for anterior elevation at 1 year (p = 0.2577), tendon healing at 1 year (p = 0.295) or onset of complications during follow-up (p = 0.193). DISCUSSION: The minimal clinically important difference in Constant score in patients undergoing rotator cuff surgery is between 6 and 10 points. An increase of more than 60 min in operative time significantly impacted clinical outcome of arthroscopic distal supraspinatus repair, but not tendon healing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III: Retrospective Cohort Design. Therapeutic Study.

Is early mobilization a viable option after intramedullary nailing of 4-parts proximal humerus fractures?

INTRODUCTION: After centromedullary nailing (CMN) of 4-parts (4P) cephalo-tuberositary fractures of the proximal humerus (PH), shoulder immobilization for a few weeks is usual, although no scientific justification does support this attitude, nor the duration of immobilization. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of early mobilization after CMN of PH 4P fractures on clinical, radiological outcomes and complication rates. The hypothesis was that early mobilization would not lead to a deterioration in results or an increase in the complication rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients operated on for a 4P-PH fracture by CMN in our institution between 2010 and 2018 were included retrospectively. 2 groups were formed according to the duration of post-operative immobilization of the shoulder: 0-2 weeks (group A) and 3-6 weeks (group B). All patients had a clinical examination (Range of motion ROM and Constant score) and X-rays of the shoulder at least 24 months of follow-up. 58 patients (average age 66 years (39-89)) were included, with 25 in group A and 33 in group B. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 38.5 (24-73) months. The active ROM at the last follow-up was: active anterior elevation 149° (80°-180°) in group A versus 134 (60°-180°) in group B (p = 0.099); active external rotation 145° (15°-70°) in group A versus 42° (15-70°) in group B (p = 0.6). The Absolute Mean Constant score was 78.29 for Group A (45-100) versus 68.59 points (45-96) for Group B (p = 0.065). Regarding complications: in group A, we found 2 retractile capsulitis, 2 pseudarthrosis and 2 osteonecrosis of the humeral head. In group B, we found 5 retractile capsulitis, 1 infection of the surgical site, 3 osteonecrosis of the humeral head and 1 pseudarthrosis. CONCLUSION: Early mobilization after CMN of 4P-PH fractures did not lead to an increase in the complications rate and in particular secondary displacements or osteonecrosis. There was a trend toward improved clinical outcomes with early mobilization, although this trend was not statistically significant. EVIDENCE LEVEL: IV, retrospective study.

Musculocutaneous flap of the medial head of the triceps brachii: pedicled flap to cover the posterior cubital region.

INTRODUCTION: The medial head of the triceps brachii flap is already described as a local muscular or as a free flap. It allows coverage of defects of the posterior cubital region. The aim of this study was to describe the vascular anatomy of the musculocutaneous medial triceps brachii pedicled flap. METHODS: Eleven fresh-frozen upper limbs (6 come from women and 5 from men) were proximally injected with Indian ink agar solution. The medial head of the triceps brachii muscle was dissected and the superior ulnar collateral artery (SUCA) was isolated with its collaterals. The collateral arteries were dissected to determine whether there were septocutaneous or musculocutaneous arteries for vascularization of the skin in front of the medial head. Lengths of those collaterals arteries were measured. RESULTS: The average number of collaterals arteries from the SUCA supplying the medial head of the triceps brachii is 4.5 (from 3 to 6 arteries). Among these collaterals' arteries, there are one average 1.5 (0.6-4.5) septocutaneous arteries and 3 (1-4.8) musculocutaneous arteries. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: A musculocutaneous flap with the medial head of the triceps brachii muscle can be described with the muscle. The SUCA gives perforator arteries musculocutaneous and septocutaneous for the vascularization of the triceps brachii medial head. The use of local pedicled flap with similar tissue maximizes healing with a minimal morbidity of the donor site. This study demonstrated the feasibility of the medial head triceps brachii musculocutaneous flap to cover defect of the posterior aspect of the elbow.

Intermetatarsal ligament section assisted with sonography for the percutaneous surgery of Morton's disease: Cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of Morton's neuroma remains controversial. Several surgical techniques have been described including percutaneous transection of the deep metatarsal transverse ligament (DMTL). PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous release of the DMTL under ultrasound guidance for the treatment of Morton's syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: Percutaneous release of the DMTL was performed with ultrasound guidance in 48 intermetatarsal spaces of 16 cadaveric specimens. Specimens were then dissected to assess the completion of the release and the presence of any injuries of the neurovascular and tendinous adjacent structures. RESULTS: The DMTL was visualized with ultrasound in all cases. Complete release of the ligament was achieved in 87.5% (42/48) cases. One case of interdigital nerve injury was found. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous release of DMTL with ultrasound guidance for the treatment of Morton's disease has an acceptable rate of complications but care must be taken to ensure the complete release of the ligament.

Arthroscopic osteosynthesis of capitellum fractures: Feasibility study and clinical study on 2 cases.

BACKGROUND: The current management of displaced capitellum fractures is traditionally surgical. Most authors perform open reduction and internal fixation. The working hypothesis was that closed reduction and internal fixation of capitellum fractures is achievable by arthroscopy. METHODS: We carried out a cadaveric study on six fresh frozen elbows. We performed two Bryan and Morrey type I fractures of the capitellum, three type II and one type IV using a 15 mm osteotome. Fracture reduction was performed under arthroscopy using a probe hook and an aiming femoral instrument set. Fixation with a lag screw was performed under arthroscopy and radioscopic control. We reviewed, two patients who had been operated on for a type I and type II capitellum fracture and osteosynthesized under arthroscopy with a 7.5 years follow-up. RESULTS: In our cadaveric study, we obtained anatomical reduction and stable osteosynthesis in four cases. We had two failures (2 type II fractures) due to a fracture of the fragment during screwing. In our clinical study, range of motion was very satisfactory with only a 5° extension deficit. The x-rays did not reveal any signs of osteoarthritis or periarticular ossification. One patient had minimal signs of osteonecrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic osteosynthesis of capitellum fractures is feasible and reproducible. We recommend cannulated lag screws for Bryan and Morrey type I and IV fractures and adjustable lock pins for type II fractures. We have shown that this technique gives good results on two patients with a 7.5-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Results of radial head prostheses implanted during Essex-Lopresti syndrome in multicentric study.

AIMS: The aim was to evaluate the results of radial head prostheses (RHP) in Essex-Lopresti injury (ELI) and to compare results after RHP between acute and chronic ELI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients treated with RHP for ELI were selected from a multicenter retrospective series of 310 RHP, with follow-up greater than two years. Two groups were acute ELI group (n=19, average diagnosis = 5+/-9 days) and chronic ELI group (n=12, average diagnosis 8.4+/-7.1 months). RHP was associated in some cases with K-wires: during acute ELI to stabilize the distal radio-ulnar joint (n=4) or during chronic ELI with ulnar osteotomy or palliative surgery (n=4). Clinical and radiologic evaluation was performed including analysis of the complications and revisions rates, pain level, range of motion, and MEPS (Mayo Elbow Performance Score) and DASH score (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand). RESULTS: At last follow-up (71+/-38 months), survival of RHP in the acute ELI group was 84% (16/19) and 92% (11/12) in the chronic ELI group without statistically significant difference. Flexion (acute=131degrees+/-13.4 vs chronic=22+/-12.8, p=0.041) and supination (ELI=71+/-16.8 vs chronic=58+/-17.4; p=0.045) were better in acute ELI group. The DASH score was also better in the acute group (15+/-9.1 versus 24+/-15.2, p=0.048). There was more advanced stage of humero-radial osteoarthritis in the chronic ELI group (0.7+/-0.5 versus 1.4+/-0.6, p=0.041). CONCLUSION: RHP in acute ELIs provide better clinical results, although RHPs are part of the therapeutic arsenal to treat chronic ELI.

Accuracy and technical limits of percutaneous pedicle screw placement in the thoracolumbar spine.

PURPOSE: The two-dimensional fluoroscopic method of percutaneous pedicle screw instrumentation has been clinically described as reliable method in the caudal thoracic and lumbosacral spine. Its accuracy has not been clearly reported in the cranial thoracic spine. The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate percutaneous pedicle screw placement accuracy according to pedicle dimensions and vertebral levels. METHODS: Six fresh-frozen human specimens were instrumented with 216 screws from T1 to S1. Pedicle isthmus widths, heights, transversal pedicles and screws were measured on computed tomography. Pedicle cortex violation ≥ 2 mm was defined as screw malposition. RESULTS: The narrowest pedicles were at T3-T5. A large variability between transversal pedicle axes and percutaneous pedicle screw was present, depending on the spinal level. Screw malposition rates were 36.1% in the cranial thoracic spine (T1-T6), 16.7% in the caudal thoracic spine (T7-T12), and 6.9% in the lumbosacral spine (L1-S1). The risk for screw malposition was significantly higher at cranial thoracic levels compared to caudal thoracic (p = 0.006) and lumbosacral (p < 0.0001) levels. Cortex violation ≥ 2 mm was constantly present if the pedicle width was < 4.8 mm. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous pedicle screw placement appears safe in the caudal thoracic and lumbosacral spine. The two-dimensional fluoroscopic method has a limited reliability above T7 because of smaller pedicle dimensions, difficulties in visualizing radiographic pedicle landmarks and kyphosis.

Surgical Support for Severe COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study in a French High-Density COVID-19 Cluster.

Background. The COVID-19 epidemic has resulted in a massive surge in the need for intensive care unit (ICU) care. To avoid being overwhelmed, hospitals had to adapt and support the ICU teams in structured ICU care including involving surgical teams. This work aims at describing the collaborative efforts between the ICU care team and the Surgical Task Force (STF) during a surge of ICU activity in a University Hospital in a French high-density COVID-19 cluster. Study Design. This retrospective single center study analyzed the STF workflow and the ICU population. The study included 55 patients hospitalized in our ICU, ICU-converted step-down units, and post-anesthesia care units. The primary measure was the global daily STF activity. The secondary measure was the daily activity for each of the 5 tasks accomplished by the STF. Results. The STF attempted 415 phone calls for 55 patients' families, 237 mobilizations of patients requiring prone positions, follow-up of 20 patients requiring medevac, and contribution to ethical discussion for 2 patients. The mean (SD) daily number of successful phones calls, ethical discussions, mobilizations of patients requiring prone positions and medevac follow-up were 18 (7), .1 (.4), 10 (7), and 2 (3), respectively. No actions for discharge summaries writing were required. The maximum number of daily mobilizations for patients requiring prone positions was 25. The maximum number of daily attempted phone calls and successful phone calls were 37 and 26, respectively. Conclusion. Surgeons' technical and nontechnical skills represented an effective support for ICU teams during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Long-term outcomes of latissimus dorsi transfer for irreparable rotator cuff tears.

PURPOSE: The primary objective of this retrospective study was to validate electrophysiological results of latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT) to determine if this transfer is active for different daily living tasks, and the secondary objective was to correlate these clinical results. METHODS: With a mean follow-up of 4.7 years, 14 latissimus dorsi tendon transfers were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were clinically evaluated with the constant score and the SSV. Healing of the tendon on the greater tuberosity and atrophy of the LDTT muscle was determined by ultrasound and compared with the contralateral side. Electrical activity was analyzed by electromyography in active elevation, abduction, and external rotation. RESULTS: Twelve patients are satisfied (SSV). At the last follow-up, the EMG found a significant electrical activity in the abduction and external rotation and a lower activity in adduction and internal rotation. The mean constant score increased from 29 to 51, the mean forward elevation increased from 89° to 135°, the mean abduction from 92° to 105°, and the external rotation from 12° to 24°. The ultrasound found 12 healed tendons and two ruptures at the myotendinous junction. CONCLUSION: Electrical activity in abduction and external rotation testifies that the LDT transfer acts as an active muscle transfer and acts not only a muscle tenodesis that covers the humeral head.

Biomechanical model of distal articular humeral fractures-influence of bone density on the fracture threshold.

INTRODUCTION: Working hypothesis: The distal humeral bone density influences supracondylar fracture threshold. The aim of this study was first to develop a reproducible model of intra-articular distal humeral fractures and second to establish a relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and the fracture threshold of the humerus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An original model of the fracture was developed using ten sawbones. After obtaining a reproducible and clinically relevant fracture model, we tested 21 cadaveric distal humeri for which the BMD was known with a stainless-steel custom-made proximal ulna jig. Fractures were created using a servo hydraulic-testing machine in axial compression to simulate a fall onto an outstretched hand. Fracture lines, load to failure, and rigidity of the bone were recorded based on the stress-strain curves. RESULTS: The fracture generation was reliable, reproducible, and clinically relevant (type B2). A significant correlation between the BMD and the fracture threshold was found. Mean threshold was 901.86 N/m2. Mean distal humerus BMD was 0.9097 g/cm2 (r = 0.7321). CONCLUSIONS: We developed a reproducible articular fracture of the distal humerus model and found a correlation between the fracture threshold and bone mineral density.

Should the supraspinatus tendon be excised in the case of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for fracture?

PURPOSE: In the case of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) with tuberosity reconstruction, it is unclear whether the supraspinatus tendon continues to play a role. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of RSA for PHFs in a large cohort of elderly patients and compare the results in the case of supraspinatus excision or preservation. METHODS: In this retrospective multicentre study, 150 patients (mean age 77 years, 93% female) were reviewed and radiographed with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. The same Grammont prosthetic design was used in all cases (inclination angle 155°, non-lateralised glenosphere). Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (n = 117) underwent supraspinatus excision and Group B supraspinatus preservation (n = 33). Complications were recorded, and shoulder function, active mobility and subjective results were assessed. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 59 months, there was no statistical difference in the complication rate (6% vs. 6.8%, p = 1), mean Constant score (61 points vs. 59 points, p = 0.52), simple shoulder value (74% vs. 73.9%, p = 0.9), active anterior elevation (125° vs. 128°, p = 0.45) and internal rotation (4.9 points vs. 4.1 points, p = 0.2). However, mean active external rotation was better in Group A (22° vs. 13°, p = 0.01). The greater tuberosity healing rate in satisfactory position did not differ statistically between the groups (68% vs. 55%, p = 0.14). CONCLUSION: In the case of RSA with tuberosity reconstruction for acute PHFs, there is no clear evidence that supraspinatus preservation is advantageous.

Learning Curves in the Arthroscopic Latarjet Procedure: A Multicenter Analysis of the First 25 Cases of 5 International Surgeons.

PURPOSE: To analyze the learning curves of 5 experienced, fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons and their respective 25 first arthroscopic Latarjet cases in regard to surgical time, graft placement, complication rates, and recurrent instability. METHODS: The first 25 arthroscopic Latarjet procedures of 5 surgeons were retrospectively analyzed in an international multicenter setting, and thus 125 patients were included in this study. The surgical time, intraoperative and postoperative events out of the ordinary, and graft positioning were examined. RESULTS: The 125 patients consisted of 16 women (12.8%) and 109 men (87.2%). In 81.6% (n = 102), surgery was undertaken as a first-line procedure, whereas 18.4% (n = 23) were revisions. Surgical time decreased significantly from an average of 123.8 minutes (range 70 to 210) to 92.6 minutes (range 50 to 160) from the first 5 cases to the last 5 cases of each surgeon within a period of <2 years. Overall, 22 events in 21 patients requiring additional treatment were reported (17.6%). Five (4%) were unlikely to affect final outcome and did not require revision surgery. Twelve (9.6%) required revision surgery that was not trauma related yet was prone to affect outcomes. Five events were trauma-related (4%), 4 requiring revision surgery and 1 treated conservatively. Overall, 6 patients (4.8%) had recurrent shoulder instability, 3 as a result of a traumatic event. Conventional radiology showed the bone-block in ideal positioning in 93 cases (74.4%), flush with the glenoid in a true anteroposterior view. In 3 cases (2.4%), it was considered too high, 15 too low (12%), 5 too lateral (4%), and 15 too medial (12%). Some patients had combinations of the above. CONCLUSION: This analysis shows that surgical time in arthroscopic Latarjet can be significantly reduced after only 20 cases. However, complication rates did not decrease over this time. The authors believe that the arthroscopic Latarjet is a challenging yet viable technique to treat anterior shoulder instability, achieving results equal to the open technique with advantages of the arthroscopic setting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective cohort study.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for acute fractures in the elderly: is it worth reattaching the tuberosities?

HYPOTHESIS: Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty (RSA) may be indicated in displaced proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients. We hypothesized that tuberosity fixation and healing around the prosthesis would result in better outcomes and patient satisfaction. METHODS: Thirty-eight acute displaced or dislocated 3- and 4-part fractures in elderly patients were treated with reattachment of the tuberosities around a RSA. The mean age at surgery was 80 ± 4 years (range, 70-88 years). A specific reverse fracture stem that incorporated a cancellous bone autograft (harvested from the fractured head) and a standardized suturing technique for tuberosity fixation were used in all operations. Patients were evaluated and radiographed with a minimum 2-year follow-up (mean 36 ± 8 months). RESULTS: The tuberosity union rate was 84% (32 of 38). There were 4 tuberosity resorptions and 2 tuberosity migrations with nonunion, which were associated with significantly lower subjective results (Subjective Shoulder Value of 65% vs. 83%, P = .029) and lower active mobility in forward elevation (115° ± 26° vs. 141° ± 25°, P = .023) and external rotation (11° ± 12° vs. 27° ± 12°, P = .010). Among the 5 disappointed patients, 3 presented with tuberosity resorption and 2 with tuberosity migration and nonunion. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the advanced age of the patients, tuberosity reattachment and use of bone graft results in a high rate of tuberosity healing. Tuberosity reconstruction and healing in reverse shoulder arthroplasty for fractures improves active forward elevation, external rotation, and patient satisfaction.

Displaced humeral surgical neck fractures: classification and results of third-generation percutaneous intramedullary nailing.

BACKGROUND: The high rates of complications and reoperations observed with the early designs of first-generation (unlocked) and second-generation (bent design) humeral intramedullary nail (IMNs) have discouraged their use by most surgeons. The purpose of this study was to report the results of a third-generation (straight, locking, low-profile, tuberosity-based fixation) IMN, inserted through a percutaneous approach, for the treatment of displaced 2-part surgical neck fractures. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 41 patients who underwent placement of a third-generation IMN to treat a displaced 2-part surgical neck fracture (AO/OTA type 11A3). The mean age at surgery was 57 years (range, 17-84 years). After percutaneous insertion through the humeral head, the IMN was used as a reduction tool. Static locking fixation was achieved after axial fracture compression ("back-slap" hammering technique). Patients were reviewed and underwent radiography with a minimum of 1 year of follow-up; the mean follow-up period was 26 months (range, 12-53 months). RESULTS: Preoperatively, 3 types of surgical neck fractures were observed: with valgus head deformity (Type A = 8 cases), shaft translation without head deformity (Type B = 19 cases), or with varus head deformity (Type C = 14 cases). At final follow-up, all fractures went on to union, and the mean humeral neck-shaft angle was 132° ± 5°. We observed 2 malunions and 1 case of partial humeral head avascular necrosis. No cases underwent screw migration or intra-articular penetration. At last review, mean active forward elevation was 146° (range, 90°-180°) and mean external rotation was 50° (range, 20°-80°). The mean Constant-Murley score and Subjective Shoulder Value were 71 (range, 43-95) and 80% (range, 50%-100%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Antegrade insertion of a third-generation IMN through a percutaneous approach provides a high rate of fracture healing, excellent clinical outcome scores, and a low rate of complications. No morbidity related to the passage of the nail through the supraspinatus muscle and the cartilage was observed. The proposed A, B, and C classification allows choosing the optimal entry point for intramedullary nailing.

Does the cement mantle thickness influence the glenoid loosening in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty? An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Glenoid component loosening is the most frequent failure mode. Few data are available on the effect of thickness of cement on glenoid loosening. The purpose of this study is to determine if the cement mantle thickness influences the mode and localization of loosening. Our hypotheses are: 1) failure is caused by traction stresses generated within the cement mantle and 2) a thicker cement mantle amplifies the rocking horse effect. METHODS: Using bone substitute, an experimental protocol was designed to compare loosening of a keeled glenoid prosthesis in axial traction and off-centered-load, to recreate the rocking-horse effect (1.000.000 cycles). Different standardized mantle of cement between the back of the glenoid and the foam were tested (0-1 - 2-3 mm). The displacement of the polyethylene was assessed with an LVDT (Linear Variable Differential Transformer) gauge when the prosthetic humeral head loaded the opposite part of the implant. RESULTS: The loosening took place within the keel of the implant, and at the polyethylene-cement interface in traction if there was cement at the back of the polyethylene. For cycling loading, we observed a loosening at this interface, with associated fracture of the cement, only for cement 2 and 3 mm thick. CONCLUSION: This experimental study suggests that the cement mantle should be as thin as possible between the back of the implant and the sub-chondral bone but should be optimized around the keel of the implant. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Basic Science Study.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for instability arthropathy.

PURPOSE: Osteoarthritis may be observed after surgery for instability and in the natural history of pathology. The primary objective was to analyze the late clinical and radiographic results of reverse shoulder arthroplasties (RSA) for patients who had instability arthropathy. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort of 25 patients with a mean follow-up of 6.6 years. Patients had a history of instability surgery (80%) or multiple closed reductions. All were clinically evaluated with the constant score (CS), and radiologically (true AP view and Y view). RESULTS: No significant differences in pre- and post-operative function, radiologic status, and complication rate between the patients treated with a prior bone block procedure for the anterior instability and those treated by a capsular plication or non-operatively. A 36-mm sphere was implanted in 67%. Bone grafting of the glenoid was needed in 71%. No intra-operative complication has been reported. Clinically, the active anterior elevation increased from 70° to 140° (p < 0.01) and external rotation from 9° to 21° (p = 0.02). The adjusted CS increased from 38 to 98 (p < 0.01). Two early post-operative complications were collected: one spine fracture and one superficial infection. No early or late dislocation or neurologic complication was observed. At the latest follow-up, there were 38.10% of glenoid spurs, and 55% of scapular notch. CONCLUSIONS: The overall complication rate in this specific group is relatively low. Patients' satisfaction rate is high and clearly higher than those reported with anatomic TSA for this indication. Clinical results are comparable to other studies describing results of RSA.

Validation of the inter-individual variability of the lateral offset of the acromion.

INTRODUCTION: Anatomical variations of the lateral offset of the acromion (LOA) are supposed to be a factor favoring of the development of rotator cuff tears. The primary objective of this study is to quantify the inter-individual variations of the lateral offset of the acromion. METHODS: The morphology of 103 dried scapula was studied. Scapula with an os-acromiale, fractures and osteoarthritic changes of the glenoid cavity were excluded. We measured the distance between the medial edge of the spine and the supra-glenoidal tubercle of the glenoid fossa (L0), as well as the distance between this medial point and the most lateral point of the acromion (Lmax). Then, the acromial offset = (Lmax - L0), in absolute value (mm) and in relative value (% of Lmax) were calculated. RESULTS: The absolute average offset is 3.2 cm (SD = 0.4040 cm), the relative average offset is 23.07% (SD = 2.195%). We observed a non-Gaussian distribution of the LOA, with two peaks of distribution of which average and the median offset measurements are situated between these two distributions. CONCLUSION: This study shows that there are two different morphologies for the scapula, characterized by the lateral offset of their acromion: small or large lateral offset. Clinical implications in shoulder pathology seem important because the resultant of the constraints applied by the deltoid to the joint would favor either rotator cuff tears, or scapulohumeral arthrosis.