Optimising safe margins in shoulder surgeries: a cadaveric study on brachial plexus nerves with anthropometric and movement correlation.

PURPOSE: Shoulder surgeries, vital for diverse pathologies, pose a risk of iatrogenic nerve damage. Existing literature lacks diverse bone landmark-specific nerve position data. The purpose of this study is to address this gap by investigating such relationships. METHOD: This cadaveric study examines axillary, radial and suprascapular nerves' relation with acromion, coracoid and greater tuberosity of the humerus (GT). It also correlates this data with humeral lengths and explores nerve dynamics in relation to arm positions. RESULTS: The mean distance from the axillary nerve to (i) GT was 4.38 cm (range 3.32-5.44, SD 0.53), (ii) acromion was 6.42 cm (range 5.03-7.8, SD 0.694) and (iii) coracoid process was 4.3 cm (range 2.76-5.84, SD 0.769). Abduction brought the nerve closer by 0.36 cm, 0.35 cm and 0.53 cm, respectively. The mean distance from radial nerve to (i) GT was 5.46 cm (range 3.78-7.14, SD 0.839), (ii) acromion was 7.82 cm (range 5.4-10.24, SD 1.21) and (iii) tip of the coracoid process was 6.09 cm (range 4.07-8.11 cm, SD 1.01). The mean distance from the suprascapular nerve to the acromion was 4.2 cm (range 3.1-5.4, SD 0.575). The mean humeral length was noted to be 27.83 cm (range 25.3-30.7, SD 1.13). There was no significant correlation between these distances and humeral lengths. CONCLUSION: It is essential to exercise caution to avoid axillary nerve damage during the abduction manoeuvre, as its distance from the greater tuberosity and tip of the coracoid process has shown a significant reduction. The safe margins, in relation to the length of the humerus and consequently the patient's stature, exhibit no significant variation. In situations where the greater tuberosity (GT) and the border of the acromion are inaccessible due to reasons such as trauma, the tip of the coracoid process can serve as a dependable bone landmark for establishing a secure surgical margin.

Distribution and analysis of subacromial spurs and the relationship with acromial classification and angle in healthy individuals.

BACKGROUND: Subacromial spurs are considered the one of the pathology underlying shoulder impingement syndrome. Furthermore, few studies have focused on the morphology of the subacromial spurs in normal Chinese people. This study aimed to study the spur distribution and to illustrate the morphology of spurs, which may help guide the extent of acromioplasty. METHODS: A total of 93 normal individuals were enrolled, and both shoulders of all enrolled individuals were analyzed. The subjects were divided and classified into three different groups by ages: group I = 18-40 years, group II = 41-60 years, and group III ≥ 61 years. The osteophyte distribution, osteophyte area, subacromial surface area and osteophyte area/subacromial surface area ratio were measured and illustrated using Mimics and 3-matic software. The shape of the acromion was classified according to the Bigliani and Morrison classification system. The acromial angle was also classified. Then, the relationship between osteophytes, acromial classification and acromial angle was analyzed. RESULTS: Type II (curved shape) was the most common type of acromion, and the hooked shape was a rare form. A significant increase in the left subacromial surface area in males was observed in group III compared with group I (P < 0.001) and group II (P = 0.004). The total spur/subacromial area ratio was significantly higher in group II than I. An obvious increase in the right subacromial area was observed in group III compared with group I (P = 0.004). Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the right spur area (P = 0.021) and total spur/subacromial area ratio (P = 0.006) in females in group II compared with group I. Fewer spurs were observed on the left than on the right side (p = 0.0482). One spur was most common among type II acromions (29/36) (80.56%) on the left side and the right side (34/52, 65.38%). CONCLUSIONS: Spurs osteophytes are mainly distributed with an irregular shape and mostly run through the medial and lateral sides of the subacromial surface in normal subjects. The characteristics of subacromial spurs are so diverse that a surgeon must conduct subacromial decompression completely based on the morphology of individual spurs.

Does Morphology of the Shoulder Joint Play a Role in the Etiology of Rotator Cuff Tear?

BACKGROUND: The etiology of rotator cuff tears (RCTs) have been investigated for years and many underlying causes have been identified. Shoulder joint morphology is one of the extrinsic causes of RCTs. AIM: Morphometric measurements on MRI sections determined which parameters are an important indicator of RCT in patients with shoulder pain. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors in the etiology of RCTs by evaluating the shoulder joint morphology with the help of previously defined radiological parameters. METHOD: Between January 2019-December 2020, 408 patients (40-70 years old) who underwent shoulder MRI and met the criteria were included in the study. There were 202 patients in the RCT group and 206 patients in the control group. Acromion type, acromial index (AI), critical shoulder angle (CSA), acromiohumeral distance (AHD), lateral acromial angle (LAA), acromial angulation (AA), acromion-greater tuberosity impingement index (ATI), and glenoid version angle (GVA) were measured from the MRI images of the patients. RESULTS: AI (0.64 vs. 0.60, p = 0.003) CSA (35.3° vs. 32.4°, p = 0.004), ATI (0.91 vs. 0.83, P < 0.001), and AA (13.6° vs. 11.9°, p = 0.011) values were higher in the RCT group than in the control group and the difference was significant. AHD (8.1 mm vs. 9.9 mm, P < 0.001), LAA (77.2° vs. 80.9°, p = 0.004) and GVA (-3.9° vs. -2.5°, P < 0.001) values were lower in the RCT group than in the control group, and again the difference was significant. According to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the cutoff values were 0.623 for AI and 0.860 for ATI. CONCLUSION: Acromion type, AI, CSA, AHD, LAA, AA, ATI, and GVA are suitable radiological parameters to evaluate shoulder joint morphology. High AI, CSA, AA, ATI, GVA and low AHD and LAA are risk factors for RCT.

[Association of morphological variables of acromion type with rotator cuff lesions by nuclear magnetic resonance]. / Asociación de variables morfológicas de tipo de acromion con lesiones del manguito rotador por resonancia magnética nuclear.

INTRODUCTION: the acromion is a small portion of the scapula that extends towards the anterior region from the spine of the scapula. Traditionally, the acromion is classified by the shape of its inferior surface in a sagittal plane. Acromial morphology has been found to be related to rotator cuff injury. OBJECTIVE: to determine the association between the type of acromion with a higher incidence of rotator cuff rupture. Study population: patients who come to the Traumatology and Orthopedics Service of a third level hospital at Monterrey, Mexico, due to a painful shoulder and who have undergone a simple magnetic resonance of the shoulder. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a cross-sectional, retrospective and descriptive study was carried out, in which 273 magnetic resonance studies were reviewed in patients who met the inclusion criteria. The type of acromion was reported according to the morphological classification in type I to IV and the state of the rotator cuff: without rupture, partial rupture or complete rupture, making a comparison between right and left shoulder. RESULTS: in this study we found a value of p = 0.473 which concludes that there is no relation between the type of acromion and the injury of the rotator cuff. CONCLUSION: in the present study, unlike what has been published in the literature, it was found that type II acromion was the one that was associated in most cases with a rotator cuff tear.

INTRODUCCIÓN: el acromion es una pequeña porción de la escápula que se extiende hacia la región anterior desde la espina de la escápula. Tradicionalmente se clasifica al acromion por la forma de su superficie inferior en un plano sagital. Se ha encontrado que la morfología acromial está rela­cionada con la lesión del manguito rotador. OBJETIVO: determinar la asociación entre el tipo de acromion con una mayor incidencia de ruptura de manguito rotador. Población de estudio: pacientes que acudan al Servicio de Traumatología y Ortopedia de un hospital privado de tercer nivel en la ciudad de Monterrey por hombro doloroso y a los cuales se les haya realizado una resonancia magnética simple de hombro. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio de tipo transversal, retrospectivo y descriptivo, en el cual se revisaron 273 estudios de resonancia magnética en pacientes que cumplieran los criterios de inclusión. Se reportó el tipo de acromion según la clasificación morfológica en tipo I a IV y el estado del manguito rotador: sin ruptura, ruptura parcial o ruptura completa, haciendo una comparación entre hombro derecho e izquierdo. RESULTADOS: se obtuvo un valor de p = 0.473 por lo que se concluye que no existe una asociación entre el tipo de acromion y el estado del manguito rotador. CONCLUSIÓN: en el presente estudio, a diferencia de lo publicado en la literatura, se obtuvo que el acromion tipo II fue al que se asoció la mayoría de los casos con ruptura del manguito rotador.

Anteroposterior and Lateral Coverage of the Acromion: Prediction of the Rotator Cuff Tear and Tear Size.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess whether the anteroposterior coverage of the acromion reflecting acromial morphology affects the rotator cuff tear (RCT) and tear size, in addition to the lateral coverage. Methods: Medical records of 356 patients with RCTs, concentric osteoarthritis, and calcific tendinitis identified using three-dimensional computed tomography between January 2016 and December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into group A (those with RCTs) and group B (those with concentric osteoarthritis or calcific tendinitis). Subsequently, group A was subdivided into three categories according to the size of RCTs: small-to-medium, large, and massive. The lateral coverage was measured through the lateral acromial angle (LAA) and critical shoulder angle (CSA), whereas the anteroposterior coverage was measured via the acromial tilt (AT), acromiohumeral interval (AHI) in the sagittal view, and anteroposterior coverage index (APCI) as a new radiologic parameter. Results: Between groups A and B, CSA (34.5° ± 3.4° and 30.8° ± 3.4°, respectively), APCI (0.83 ± 0.10 and 0.75 ± 0.08, respectively), and AHI (6.3 ± 2.0 mm and 7.8 ± 1.8 mm, respectively) were significantly different (all p < 0.001), whereas LAA and AT did not show a significant difference between the groups (p = 0.089 and p = 0.665, respectively). The independent predictive radiologic parameters of the RCT were the CSA, APCI, and AHI (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.043, respectively); among these, the APCI showed the highest regression coefficient (odds ratio = 2.82). The parameters associated with the size of RCTs were CSA (p = 0.022) and AHI, of which AHI, in particular, had the most significant effect on both small-to-medium and large tears (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: Large CSA, high APCI, and low AHI were predictors of RCTs, with the APCI showing the strongest correlation. In addition to the large CSA, low AHI also correlated with the size of RCTs and affected the entire size groups. We suggest that both the lateral coverage and anteroposterior coverage of the acromion should be considered essential factors for predicting the presence of RCTs and tear size.

Editorial Commentary: Classic Arthroscopic Anterolateral Acromioplasty Does Not Translate to Clinically Meaningful Differences in Lateral Acromial Overcoverage.

Despite its time-honored tradition, the classic Neer acromioplasty has come under increased scrutiny in the recent literature, particularly when performed in the absence of rotator cuff repair. The American Medical Association Current Procedural Terminology Committee has transitioned the acromioplasty procedure, and definition of the related Current Procedural Terminology code 29827, to a procedure that is "added-on" to shoulder arthroscopy. Several authors have sought to investigate the true value of arthroscopic subacromial decompression for extrinsic sources of impingement. Common indications for acromioplasty include bursal-sided tears, prominent type III hooked acromial morphology, calcified coracoacromial ligament, and severe rotator cuff tendinopathy. However, the classic arthroscopic acromioplasty may not meaningfully address lateral outlet impingement and acromial overcoverage, as measured by an elevated critical shoulder angle or acromial index, thereby leading to persistent abduction impingement and mechanical abrasion. In these cases, lateral acromial resection of up 5 to 10 mm may be preferentially considered to decrease the pathologic critical shoulder angle (>35°) and reduce the risk of primary or secondary rotator cuff tendon failure.

Volumetric evaluation of the subacromial space in shoulder impingement syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Shoulder impingement syndrome is evaluated radiologically with two-dimensional measurement parameters. None of these measurement parameters accurately reflect the three-dimensional geometry. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the volumetric status of the subacromial space in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome and to investigate its relationship with two-dimensional parameters. HYPOTHESIS: The primary hypothesis of this study is that subacromial volume is reduced in patients with impingement syndrome. The second hypothesis is that the sagittal plane morphology of the acromion reflects the subacromial volume better than the coronal plane morphology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study consisted of a total of 52 participants: 26 patients with impingement syndrome and 26 controls. Volumetric measurements were performed with using magnetic resonance imaging. The relationship between humerus and acromion was evaluated by acromiohumeral distance. The sagittal plane morphology of the acromion was evaluated with an objective acromial angle, while the coronal plane morphology was evaluated with a lateral acromial angle. The radiological parameters between groups were compared. RESULTS: The mean subacromial volume was significantly smaller in the impingement group compared to the control group (p=0.01). The subacromial volume had a negative correlation with the objective acromial angle (R=-0.46; p=0.01) The mean tendon volume was significantly higher in the impingement group (p<0.001). The mean acromiohumeral distance in the impingement group (6.8mm±1.0mm), was calculated to be significantly lower than the control group (10.1mm±1.5mm) (p<0.001). There was a positive moderate correlation between subacromial volume and acromiohumeral distance (R=0.61; p=0.01). DISCUSSION: This is the first study to demonstrate a reduction in subacromial volume in patients with impingement syndrome. The sagittal plane morphology of the acromion, rather than the coronal plane, appears to be more closely related to the subacromial volume. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; case-control study.

A 3D visualization layered anatomy for acromial arterial rete and flap design.

BACKGROUND: The acromial arterial rete (AAR) is the junction between the skin blood supply of the cervical side and that of the upper arm, and it is the only site crossed by the trans-regional blood supply of the cervico-humeral flap (CHF). The aim of this study was to explore the structures of AAR to optimizing flap design. METHODS: A body arteriography and spiral CT scan were performed on 33 whole adult corpses. The 3D reconstruction was used to perform continuous digital layered anatomy of the shoulder and upper chest; the acromion and acromioclavicular joint were used as the center to observe the source, route and distribution characteristics of a perforating branch and their anastomosis. RESULTS: The perforating branches were separated from an acromial branch of the transverse cervical artery (97%), posterior humeral circumflex artery (95%), a deltoid branch of the thoracoacromial artery (95%), and the acromial branch of the thoracoacromial artery (93%). The diameter of the acromial branch of the transverse cervical artery at its initial location was 1.18 ± 0.37 mm; the trunk length was 12.53 ± 3.83 cm, and it was anastomosed with other blood vessels in three forms. CONCLUSION: Deep fascia should be included in the flap design. Three kinds of pedicled transfer flaps can be designed with the acromial branch of transverse carotid artery as the vascular pedicle. Free flaps can be designed with the acromial branch of thoracoacromial artery as the vascular pedicle.

Acromioplasty reduces critical shoulder angle in patients with rotator cuff tear.

Critical shoulder angle (CSA) is the angle between the superior and inferior bone margins of the glenoid and the most lateral border of the acromion and is potentially affected during a rotator cuff tear (RCT). Acromioplasty is generally performed to rectify the anatomy of the acromion during RCT repair surgery. However, limited information is available regarding the changes in the CSA after anterolateral acromioplasty. We hypothesized that CSA can be decreased after anterolateral acromioplasty. Data were retrospectively collected from 712 patients with RCTs and underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between January 2012 and December 2018, of which 337 patients were included in the study. The presurgical and postsurgical CSA were then determined and compared using a paired samples t test. Because previous study mentioned CSA more than 38 degrees were at risk of rotator cuff re-tear, patients were segregated into two groups: CSA < 38° and CSA ≥ 38°; these groups were compared using an independent-samples t test. These 337 participants (160 male and 177 female) presented a CSA of 38.4° ± 6.0° before anterolateral acromioplasty, which significantly decreased to 35.8° ± 5.9° after surgery (P < .05). Before surgery, 172 patients were present in the CSA ≥ 38° group and 57 were preset in the CSA < 38° group after surgery. The CSA decreased significantly in the CSA ≥ 38° group rather than in the CSA < 38° group (P < .05). In conclusion, the CSA can be effectively decreased through anterolateral acromioplasty, and this reduction in the CSA is more significant among individuals with CSA ≥ 38° than among those with CSA < 38°, indicating that acromioplasty is recommended along with RCT repair especially among individuals with a wide presurgical CSA.

Morphological Characteristics of Acromion and Acromioclavicular Joint in Patients with Shoulder Impingement Syndrome and Related Recommendations: A Three-Dimensional Analysis Based on Multiplanar Reconstruction of Computed Tomography Scans.

To find out which structure is crucial for the formation of shoulder impingement syndrome with the purpose of directing surgical procedures of subacromial decompression and discussing whether it is necessary to manage acromioclavicular joint during operation and how to do it properly. METHODS: This was a retrospective study. Clinical data and preoperative computed tomography (CT) images were collected from patients who were diagnosed with rotator cuff tears between January 2017 and August 2019 (sample size: 46) and those who were diagnosed without rotator cuff tears between March 2018 and August 2019 (sample size: 44) in our institution, respectively. Three-dimensional models of shoulders were established by multiplanar reconstruction of CT scans and measurements were performed on these models. The parameters such as the acromial length and width, the axial tilt, and the distance from acromial margin to glenoid plane were measured in an adjusted axial plane, and the critical shoulder angle and the spatial volume under acromioclavicular joint were measured in an adjusted coronal plane. The demographic characteristics, the acromial morphology and the spatial volume under acromioclavicular joint were compared to find significant differences between the two groups. The association between the axial tilt and the distance from acromial margin to glenoid plane was evaluated by an ordinary least squares linear regression. RESULTS: The patients with rotator cuff tears consisted of 16 males and 30 females, among which 30 right shoulders and 16 left shoulders were included. The patients without rotator cuff tears consisted of 28 males and 16 females, among which 15 right shoulders and 29 left shoulders were involved. Significant differences between the groups were found in the acromial width (3.332 cm vs 3.111 cm), the axial tilt (33.765° vs 23.829°), the critical shoulder angle (32.630° vs 30.363°), the distance from anterior 3 cm of lateral acromial margin (range, 2.476 cm-3.302 cm vs 1.993 cm-3.089 cm), and anterior 0.9 cm of medial acromial margin (range, 0.967 cm-2.369 cm vs 0.668 cm-1.993 cm) to glenoid plane, and the spatial volume under acromioclavicular joint (1.089 cm vs 1.446 cm) in the two groups. No significant differences were found in the age (60.0 years vs 58.3 years) or the acromial length (4.187 cm vs 4.184 cm). Significant association was revealed by linear regression analysis between the axial tilt and the distance from anterior two-thirds of lateral acromial margin to glenoid plane, and similar association was also found in the anterior half of medial margin. CONCLUSION: Anterior two-thirds of lateral acromial margin, anterior half of medial acromial margin, and inferior aspect of acromioclavicular joint are crucial structures and need to be fully decompressed when treating patients with rotator cuff tears.

Is the Anterior Injection Approach Without Ultrasound Guidance Superior to the Posterior Approach for Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder? A Sequential, Prospective Trial.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder injections for conditions such as adhesive capsulitis are commonly performed and can be administered through image-based or landmark-based injection approaches. Ultrasound-guided injections are widely used and accurate because ultrasound allows real-time visualization of the needle and injected contrast. Landmark-based injections would be advantageous, if they were accurate, because they would save the time and expense associated with ultrasound. However, few prospective studies have compared well-described landmark-based shoulder injection techniques without ultrasound. QUESTION/PURPOSE: Using anatomic landmarks, and without using ultrasound, is the accuracy of glenohumeral injection for adhesive capsulitis greater via the posterior approach or via a new anterior approach? METHODS: Between 2018 and 2020, we treated 108 patients potentially eligible for adhesive capsulitis treatment. These patients had clinical symptoms of aggravating shoulder pain with a duration of less than 4 months and passively impaired, painful glenohumeral ROM. Due to the exclusion of patients with other shoulder conditions (full-thickness rotator cuff ruptures and posttraumatic stiffness), 95 patients received an injection in this sequential, prospective, comparative study. Between 2018 and 2019, 41 patients (17 males and 24 females; mean age 52 ± 5 years; mean BMI 24 ± 3 kg/m2) were injected through the posterior approach, with the acromion as the anatomical landmark, during the first part of the study period. After that, between 2019 and 2020, 54 patients (20 males and 34 females; mean age 54 ± 4 years; mean BMI 23 ± 3 kg/m2) received an injection through a new anterior approach, with the acromioclavicular joint as the anatomic landmark, during the second part of the study period. Injections via both approaches were administered by two experienced shoulder specialists (both with more than 10 years of experience). Both specialists had experience with the posterior approach before this study, and neither had previous training with the new anterior approach. Injections contained a corticosteroid, local anaesthetic, and contrast medium. Radiographs were taken within 20 minutes after the injection, and a radiologist blinded to the technique determined accuracy. Accurate injections were defined as having contrast fluid limited to the glenohumeral joint, while inaccurate injections displayed leakage of contrast fluid into the soft tissue or subacromial space. All of the enrolled patients were analyzed. RESULTS: In the group with the posterior approach, the accuracy was 78% (32 of 41) in contrast to 94% (51 of 54, odds ratio 0.21 [95% CI 0.05 to 0.83]; p = 0.03) in patients with the new anterior approach. CONCLUSION: The new anterior approach without the use of ultrasound was more accurate than the posterior approach. In fact, it was nearly as accurate as previously published ultrasound-guided approaches. We recommend using the new anterior approach for intraarticular glenohumeral injections instead of ultrasound-guided injections because it will save time and costs associated with ultrasound. Still, the clinical effects (anxiety, pain, functional outcome, and adverse events) of the new anterior approach should be compared with ultrasound-guided injections in a randomized study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, therapeutic study.

Anatomy of the nerves to the teres minor and the long head of the triceps brachii for electromyography.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the branching pattern and topographic anatomy of the nerves to the teres minor (Tm) and the long head of the triceps brachii (LHT) in relation to reference lines extending between surface landmarks, to identify the innervation patterns of, and the optimal needle placement points within, the Tm and the LHT. METHODS: The anatomical courses of the nerves to the Tm and the LHT were investigated in 37 upper limbs of fresh-frozen cadavers. Distances from the acromion to nerve penetration points, and crossing points of reference lines with the Tm and LHT were measured in 27 cadaveric upper limbs. RESULTS: The Tm was innervated by the axillary nerve in all specimens in three patterns, and the LHT was innervated exclusively by the radial nerve. Our dissection and measurements indicate that the midpoint of the reference line from the acromion to the inferior angle of the scapula is the optimal needle insertion point for the Tm. The target point for the LHT appears to be the one-third point of the reference line from the acromion to the medial epicondyle, or the two-thirds point of the reference line from the acromion to the axillary fold. CONCLUSIONS: We investigated the branching pattern of the nerves to the Tm and the LHT and propose optimal needle placement points for electromyography of the Tm and LHT.

Is There a Decrease in the Acromiohumeral Distance Among Recreational Overhead Athletes With Rotator Cuff-Related Shoulder Pain?

CONTEXT: Recreational overhead athletes are exposed to high overload, which increases the risk of shoulder injuries. Reduction of the acromiohumeral distance (AHD) is often associated with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP) among the general population. However, the AHD of symptomatic shoulders of recreational athletes has not yet been compared with their asymptomatic shoulders. OBJECTIVE: To compare the AHD of a symptomatic to asymptomatic shoulder at rest (0°) and 60° abduction. To establish the relationship between AHD, pain, and functional limitations of recreational athletes with RCRSP. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: University laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 45 recreational overhead athletes with RCRSP were examined. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The AHD was measured by ultrasonography at 0° and 60° abduction (angles). Shoulder pain was assessed using a numeric pain scale, whereas functional limitations were assessed using the The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire. Differences in the between-shoulders condition (symptomatic and asymptomatic) were determined using 2-way analysis of variance for repeated measures. A Pearson correlation established the relationship between AHD, pain, and functional limitations. RESULTS: No angles × shoulder condition interactions (P = .776) nor shoulder condition effects (P = .087) were detected, suggesting no significant differences (P > .05) between asymptomatic and symptomatic shoulders in the AHD at 0° or 60°. The AHD at 60° reduced significantly compared with 0° (3.05 [1.36] mm [2.77-3.33], angle effects: P < .001). The AHD at 0° and 60° was not correlated with pain or functional limitations (-.205 ≤ r ≤ .210, .167 ≤ P ≤ .585). CONCLUSIONS: The AHD of recreational athletes is not decreased in symptomatic shoulders compared with asymptomatic shoulders. Reduction of the AHD in symptomatic shoulders is not associated with an increase in pain or functional limitations of recreational athletes with RCRSP.

Evaluation of three-dimensional acromiohumeral distance in the standing position and comparison with its conventional measuring methods.

BACKGROUND: Narrowing of the acromiohumeral distance (AHD) implies a rotator cuff tear. However, conventional AHD measurements using two-dimensional (2D) imaging or with the patient in the supine position might differ from that while standing during daily activity. This study aimed to evaluate the three-dimensional (3D) actual distance between the acromion and humeral head in the standing position and compare the AHD values with those obtained using conventional measuring methods. METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) images of 166 shoulders from 83 healthy volunteers (31 male and 52 female; mean age 40.1 ± 5.8 years; age range, 30-49 years) were prospectively acquired in the supine and standing positions using conventional and upright CT scanners, respectively. The minimum distance between the acromion and humeral head on the 3D surface models was considered as the 3D AHD. We measured the 2D AHD on anteroposterior digitally reconstructed radiographs. The AHD values were compared between the supine and standing positions and between the 2D and 3D measurements. RESULTS: The mean values of 2D AHD were 8.8 ± 1.3 mm (range, 5.9-15.4 mm) in the standing position and 8.1 ± 1.2 mm (range, 5.3-14.3 mm) in the supine position. The mean values of 3D AHD were 7.3 ± 1.4 mm (range, 4.7-14.0 mm) in the standing position and 6.6 ± 1.2 mm (range, 4.4-13.7 mm) in the supine position. The values of 3D AHD were significantly lower than those of 2D AHDs in both the standing and supine positions (P < 0.001). The values of 2D and 3D AHDs were significantly lower in the supine position than in the standing position (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study evaluated the 3D AHD of normal shoulders in the standing position using an upright CT scanner. The present results indicated that assessments in the supine position can underestimate the value of the AHD compared with those made in the standing position and that assessments using 2D analysis can overestimate the value.

Influence of implant design and parasagittal acromial morphology on acromial and scapular spine strain after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a cadaveric and computer-based biomechanical analysis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose was to analyze the influence of deltoid lengthening due to different implant designs and anatomic variations of the acromion and scapular spine (SS) in the parasagittal plane on strain patterns after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). METHODS: Ten cadaveric shoulders with strain rosettes placed on the surface of the acromial body (Levy II) and SS (Levy III) were tested using a shoulder simulator. RSA using humeral onlay (+3, +5, +8, +10, +13 mm) and glenosphere lateralization (0, +6 mm) was performed. Arm lengthening and magnitude of strain on acromion/SS were measured. The length of deltoid was assessed using validated computer modeling. Anatomic variance of the SS angle and position of acromion in relation to the scapular plane was examined. For comparison of strain as a function of deltoid lengthening, 25 mm was used as a threshold value for comparison based on previous literature demonstrating a decrease in Constant score and active anterior elevation in patients with arm lengthening >25 mm. RESULTS: At maximal deltoid lengthening (30.8 mm), average strains were 1112 µÎµ (acromion) and 1165 µÎµ (SS) (P < .01). There was an 82.6% increase in acromial strain at maximum lengthening compared with 25 mm (P = .02) and a strain increase of 79 µÎµ/mm deltoid lengthening above a threshold of 25 mm. The strain results delineated 2 anatomic groups: 5 of 10 specimens (group A) showed higher strain on SS (1445 µÎµ) vs. acromion (862 µÎµ, P = .02). Group A had a more posteriorly oriented acromion, whereas group B was anteriorly oriented (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Deltoid lengthening above 25 mm produced large strains on the acromion/SS. Anatomic variation may indicate that as the acromion is more posteriorly oriented, the SS takes more strain from the deltoid vs. the acromion. Our study's data may help surgeons identify a high-risk population for increased strain patterns after RSA.

The Law of Use and Disuse: Critical Shoulder Angle and Rotator Cuff Tears-Association Does Not Imply Causation.

The critical shoulder angle has been associated with the development of rotator cuff lesions. Over time, this association has been interpreted as a cause-effect relation without scientific evidence. Beyond the controversies that exist on the reliability and relevance of this radiographic parameter, the critical shoulder angle per se may not be responsible for rotator cuff tears because patient activities throughout several decades could induce not only cuff lesions but also bone remodeling at the acromial level.

Where and what damage occurs at the acromial undersurface in patients with rotator cuff tears?

BACKGROUND: The gross pathology of the acromial undersurface in shoulders with rotator cuff tears with subacromial impingement is not completely understood. Many researchers have focused on damage to the anterior one-third area of the acromial undersurface, but few have studied the middle and posterior one-third areas. The purpose of this study was to clarify where and what damage occurs at the acromial undersurface in patients with rotator cuff tears. METHODS: We performed arthroscopic shoulder (n = 182, all with rotator cuff tears; mean age, 64.9 ± 8.4 years) and cadaveric shoulder (n = 23, 14 intact cuffs and 9 rotator cuff tears; mean age, 74.8 years) evaluations to observe the extent and degree of damage to the acromial undersurface. We statistically analyzed the association between the severity of the damage to the acromial undersurface (assessed using the Copeland-Levy classification as A0, normal; A1, minor scuffing; A2, major damage; or A3, visualization of bare bone area) and rotator cuff tear size (assessed using the classification of DeOrio and Cofield as partial; small, <1 cm; medium, 1-3 cm; or large or massive, >3 cm). RESULTS: The anterior, middle, and posterior one-thirds of the acromial undersurface were somewhat damaged (class A1-A3) in 92.6%, 90.1%, and 78.6% of shoulders with rotator cuff tears, respectively, according to arthroscopic evaluation. Increasing cuff tear size was significantly associated with worsening degree of damage to the acromial undersurface (P < .001). In the 9 cadaveric shoulders with rotator cuff tears, class A1-A3 damage was identified in the anterior one-third area in 100%, in the middle one-third area in 88.9%, and in the posterior one-third area in 33.3%. In the 14 cadaveric shoulders with a normal rotator cuff, class A1-A3 damage was identified in the anterior one-third area in 35.7%, in the middle one-third area in 14.3%, and in the posterior one-third area in 0.71%. CONCLUSION: Damage to the acromial undersurface in patients with rotator cuff tears occurred at the middle, posterior, and anterior one-third areas, and the degree of damage was related to cuff tear size. Surgeons should evaluate the entire acromial undersurface to check for subacromial impingement damage at the middle and posterior one-third areas as well as the anterior one-third area of the acromial undersurface; this might aid in the treatment of patients with rotator cuff disease or subacromial impingement syndrome.

The relationship of the acromion to the distal clavicle in normal and symptomatic degenerated acromioclavicular joints.

INTRODUCTION: Although degenerative osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular joint is a common finding on technical investigations, not every patient experiences pain or function loss. The difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients is currently not elucidated. Therefore, we want to investigate the acromioclavicular relationship in normal, asymptomatic, and symptomatic degenerated ACJ. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 84 normal ACJ, 39 asymptomatic degenerated ACJ, and 30 symptomatic degenerated ACJ were 3D reconstructed. The morphological dimensions and the relationship of the acromion and distal clavicle were measured using computational software. The reproducibility of this technique was evaluated using inter- and intra-observer reliability. RESULTS: The mean anteroposterior and superoinferior distance of both the clavicle and acromion was significantly larger in asymptomatic and symptomatic degenerative ACJ compared to the normal ACJ (p < 0.001). In symptomatic osteoarthritic ACJ, both the anterior and posterior borders of the acromion were significantly more anterior to the borders of the clavicle than in the normal group and asymptomatic group (p < 0.001). Subsequent ROC curve analysis resulted in a sensitivity of 86.7% and a specificity of 88.6% for anterior subluxation of the ACJ. This technique showed an excellent inter- and intra-observer reliability. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with degenerative ACJ, both the distal clavicle and acromion are enlarged. In asymptomatic patients, the AC relationship is the same as in normal patients, in contrast, in patients with symptomatic degenerative ACJ, the acromion is subluxated anteriorly compared to the clavicle.

Biomechanical analysis of the humeral head coverage, glenoid inclination and acromio-glenoidal height as isolated components of the critical shoulder angle in a dynamic cadaveric shoulder model.

BACKGROUND: The Critical Shoulder Angle was introduced as a combined radiographic surrogate parameter reflecting the influence of the morphological characteristics of the scapula on the development of degenerative shoulder disease such as rotator cuff tears and osteoarthritis. Although, glenoid inclination and lateral extension of the acromion were studied in biomechanical models separately, no investigation included all three individual parameters that determine the Critical Shoulder Angle: glenoid inclination, acromial coverage and acromial height in one cadaveric study protocol. METHODS: Three proximal humerus cadavers were attached to a robotic shoulder simulator which allowed for independent change of either lateral acromial coverage, glenoid inclination or acromial height. Combined dynamic scapula-thoracic and glenohumeral abduction up to 60° with different Critical Shoulder Angle configurations was performed and muscle forces as well as joint reaction forces were recorded. FINDINGS: All three components had an effect on either muscle forces and or joint reaction forces. While glenoid inclination showed the highest impact on joint stability with increasing upward-tilting causing cranial subluxation, changing of the lateral acromial coverage or acromial height had less influence on stability but showed significant alteration of joint reaction forces. INTERPRETATION: All three components of the Critical Shoulder Angle, glenoid inclination, lateral acromial extension and acromial height showed independent biomechanical effects when changed isolated. However, glenoid inclination seems to have the largest impact regarding joint stability.

Angle of approach to the superior rotator cuff of arthroscopic instruments depends on the acromial morphology: an experimental study in 3D printed human shoulders.

BACKGROUND: Portal placement is a key factor for the success of arthroscopic procedures, particularly in rotator cuff repair. We hypothesize that the acromial anatomy may strongly determine the position of the shoulder bony landmarks and limit the surgeon's freedom to position the arthroscopic approaches in direction towards the acromion. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relation between different acromial shapes and the freedom of movement of arthroscopic instruments relative to the rotator cuff from standardized arthroscopic portals in a laboratory study on 3D shoulder models. METHODS: 3D models of shoulders with a broad range of different acromial shapes were printed using CT and MRI scans. Angles from the portals to defined points on the rotator cuff and the supraglenoid tubercle were measured. In conventional radiographs, the critical shoulder angle, the scapular body acromial angle, and the glenoid acromial angle were measured and compared with the measured angles to the rotator cuff. RESULTS: There was a large variation of angles of approach of instruments to the rotator cuff between the seven shoulders for each portal. From the joint line portal and the posterior edge portal, the biggest angles were measured to the posterior cuff. From the intermediate portal, the angles were largest to the intermediate rotator cuff and from the anterior portals to the anterior cuff. To the supraglenoid tubercle, best access was from anterior. For all portals, there was a big correlation between the glenoid acromial angle and the scapular body acromial angle with the angles of approach to the tendon and especially to the supraglenoid tubercle. CONCLUSION: The access to the rotator cuff from almost every portal is influenced by the acromial shape. As hypothesized, a small (small GAA) and flat (big SBAA) acromion provide an easier approach to the rotator cuff from almost every portal. Therefore, it may severely influence the instruments maneuverability.