[Diagnosis and treatment of 11 patients with cevical spondylotic amyotrophy].

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical features, treatment methods and clinical effects of cervical spondylosis with proximal muscular atrophy. METHODS: Eleven patients with proximal-type cervical spondylotic amyotrophy were retrospectively studied from September 2016 to November 2020, including 7 males and 4 females, aged 38 to 68 years old. Clinical symptoms, MRI and neuroelectrophysiological manifestations were analyzed, and patients were treated with conservative treatment or anterior cervical decompression fusion surgery, respectively. The efficacy was evaluated by manual muscle test (MMT) before and after treatment, and patients' satisfaction was followed up at the same time. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 6 to 19 months. All 11 patients were unilateral, mainly manifested by atrophy of deltoid muscle, supraspinatus muscle and infraspinatus muscle, and may be accompanied by ipsilateral neck and shoulder pain at early stage. MRI showed lesions at C4,5, C5,6 segments were more common. Electrophysiological examination showed the affected muscle was denervated, and amplitude of compound muscle action potential (CMAP) of innervated nerve on the affected side was lower than that on the healthy side. All patients were obtained bone fusion. One patient who were underwent anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) occurred developed contralateral C5 nerve root paralysis after operation, which recovered completely after 10 weeks of symptomatic treatment. At 12 months after operation, the efficacy was evaluated according to MMT, 3 patients were treated conservatively, 2 patients excellent and 1 good;in 8 patients treated by operation, 3 patients were excellent, 4 good, and 1 moderate. CONCLUSION: The incidence of cervical spondylosis with proximal muscular atrophy is low, which is manifested as unilateral proximal muscle atrophy and may be accompanied by ipsilateral neck and shoulder pain in the early stage. Combined with MRI and neuroelectrophysiological examination, misdiagnosis could be reduced. In the early stage of disease, especially in the case of nucleus pulposus protrusion leading to nerve compression, conservative treatment could be taken. When the conservative treatment is ineffective or the pain cannot be tolerated, anterior decompression surgery is recommended, and the overall effect is satisfactory.

Cervical Spondylotic Amyotrophy Initially Misdiagnosed as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

A 63-year-old man diagnosed with mixed-type cervical spondylotic amyotrophy exhibited severe atrophy in the right biceps brachii, teres major, and intrinsic hand muscles, resulting in level 3 muscle weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging showed symmetrical high signal, also referred to as the snake eye sign. Previously, he was erroneously diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He had undergone anterior cervical surgery 7 years prior. At present, his right upper limb muscles display minimal atrophy compared with the left, with muscle strength nearing level 4, which is considered normal. We believe that prompt surgical intervention on diagnosis of cervical spondylotic amyotrophy, along with comprehensive postsurgery rehabilitation, can halt further deterioration of the condition and accelerate recovery.

Intact revision rotator cuff repair stabilizes muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration after minimum follow up of two years.

BACKGROUND: The extent of fatty infiltration and rotator cuff (RC) atrophy is crucial for the clinical results after rotator cuff repair (RCR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in fatty infiltration and RC atrophy after revision RCR and to correlate them with functional outcome parameters. METHODS: Patients who underwent arthroscopic revision RCR for symptomatic recurrent full-thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon between 2008 and 2014 and were retrospectively reviewed with a minimum follow up of 2 years. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed pre- and postoperatively to assess 1) tendon integrity after revision RCR according to Sugaya classification, (2) RC atrophy according to Thomazeau classification, and (3) fatty infiltration according to Fuchs MRI classification. Constant score (CS) and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon (ASES) score were used to correlate functional outcome, tendon integrity, and muscle degeneration. RESULTS: 19 patients (17 males and 2 females) with a mean age of 57.5 years (range, 34 to 72) were included into the study at a mean follow-up of 50.3 months (range, 24 - 101). At final evaluation, 9 patients (47%) presented with intact RCR and 10 patients (53%) suffered a re-tear after revision repair. No progress of fatty infiltration was observed postoperatively in the group with intact RC, atrophy progressed in only 1 out of 9 patient (11%). Fatty infiltration progressed in 5/10 patients (50%) and RC atrophy increased in 2/10 patients (20%) within the re-tear group. CS (42.7 ± 17.7 preop, 65.2 ± 20.1 postop) and ASES (47.7 ± 17.2 preop, 75.4 ± 23.7 postop) improved significantly from pre- to postoperatively (p < 0.001). A positive correlation between fatty infiltration and RC integrity was detected (r = 0.77, p < 0.01). No correlation between clinical outcome and tendon integrity or RC atrophy was observed. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic revision RCR leads to reliable functional outcomes even in case of a recurrent RC retear. An intact RCR maintains the preoperative state of fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy but does not lead to muscle regeneration. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV; Therapeutic study.

Outcome of Tendon Transfer for Monomelic Amyotrophy (Hirayama Disease).

Hirayama disease is a motor neuron disease predominantly affecting adolescent males. The identifying feature of Hirayama disease is unilateral forearm and intrinsic muscle weakness that spares the brachioradialis, termed "oblique atrophy." Hirayama disease progresses slowly over several years, followed by an abrupt arrest. The pathognomonic finding is the anterior displacement of the cervical spinal cord with the detachment of the posterior dura. Systematic clinical evaluation and appropriate diagnostic studies are crucial to rule out a variety of compressive, immune-mediated, and genetic disorders. We present a patient with Hirayama disease whose hand function was improved dramatically by a tendon transfer after nearly 3 years without a definitive diagnosis and call attention to the hand surgeon's role in identifying this rare disease to enable timely functional restoration.

Long-Term Aesthetic and Functional Evaluation of Intramuscular Augmentation Gluteoplasty with Implants.

BACKGROUND: The insertion of gluteal silicone implants by intramuscular technique leads patients to develop gluteus maximus muscle atrophy. The objective of the present study was to correlate the muscular atrophy of the gluteus maximus proportional to the volume of the silicone implants used. The secondary objectives were to assess volumetry of the gluteus maximus muscle in the late follow-up, to assess the positioning of the implants, and to verify the association between volumetric muscle recovery and practice of physical exercise. METHODS: This is a prospective study. The sample was composed of 22 patients who were operated and followed up on an outpatient basis and through gluteus computed tomography at three different moments: preoperatively, 12 months postoperatively, and late postoperatively (≥96 months). RESULTS: Computed tomographic three-dimensional reconstruction and volumetric analysis showed a median atrophy of 6.68% of the gluteus maximus muscle volume in 12 months and 7.47% in the late postoperative period. The correlation between relative volume of the implant and atrophy percentage of the gluteus maximus did not present statistically significant results. There was an association between the practice of physical exercise and volumetry recovery of the gluteus maximus. No patient presented gluteal implant rotation. CONCLUSIONS: There is no correlation between proportional volume of implants and atrophy percentage of gluteus maximus muscle, when using implants up to 400 cm 3 . The gluteus maximus muscle presents atrophy in the late follow-up of augmentation gluteoplasty with implants. There is recovery of muscle volumetry in the patients who practice physical activities. Intramuscular plane implants demonstrated stability in their long-term positioning. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Thoracic outlet decompression surgery for Gilliatt-Sumner hand as a presentation of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Chronic compression of the inferior trunk of the brachial plexus can result in severe pain and progressive atrophy and weakness of the musculature of the forearm and hand, known as Gilliatt-Sumner hand (GSH). The objective of treatment for these patients is to stop further atrophy and pain. Restoration of motor function has been thought to be seldom achieved. The aim of the present contemporary case series was to describe the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of surgery for GSH. METHODS: All patients referred between January 2017 and May 2021 with visible signs of a GSH were included. Visible GSH signs were defined as muscle atrophy of the abductor digiti minimi, abductor pollicis brevis, and/or interosseous musculature. All the patients had undergone additional electrodiagnostic (ED) assessments and high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) studies. All the patients with a diagnosis of GSH had undergone thoracic outlet decompression (TOD) surgery using a transaxillary or supraclavicular approach. The outcomes were measured using the thoracic outlet syndrome disability scale, cervical brachial symptom questionnaire, and disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand scale scores and patient-reported outcomes of motor function, measured using a numerical rating scale (NRS). The standardized elevated arm stress test (sEAST) was used to assess the patients' motor function before and after TOD surgery. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients had been referred to our center with visible signs of a GSH. The clinical examination showed atrophy of the abductor digiti minimi, abductor pollicis brevis, and interosseous musculature in all 20 patients. The ED assessments showed plexopathy of the lower brachial plexus in all the patients. HRUS showed an indented inferior trunk of the brachial plexus (so-called wedge-sickle sign) in 18 patients (90%). Of the 20 patients, 17 had undergone TOD surgery (15 transaxillary TOD and 2 supraclavicular TOD). Three patients had refrained from surgery. The median follow-up interval was 15.0 months (interquartile range, 14.0 months). The thoracic outlet syndrome disability scale score had improved significantly (preoperatively: mean, 6.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.49-7.13; postoperatively: mean, 4.25; 95% CI, 2.80-5.70; P = .026). The same improvement was seen for the cervical brachial symptom questionnaire scores (preoperatively: mean, 77.75; 95% CI, 66.63-88.87; postoperatively: mean, 42.65; 95% CI, 24.77-60.77; P = .001) and disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand scale scores (preoperatively: mean, 59.13; 95% CI, 51.49-66.77; postoperatively: mean, 40.96; 95% CI, 24.41-57.51; P = .032). The NRS score for muscle weakness and sEAST score showed no statistically significant differences before and after TOD for the whole group (mean preoperative NRS score for muscle weakness, 6.22; 95% CI, 4.31-8.14; mean postoperative NRS score for muscle weakness, 5.11; 95% CI, 3.25-6.97; P = .269). However, four patients (23.52%) had reported a ≥50% decrease in the NRS score for muscle weakness and a minimum increase of 20% in the total and average force using the sEAST. The NRS for numbness showed a statistically significant decrease for the whole group (preoperatively: mean, 5.67; 95% CI, 4.18-7.16; postoperatively: mean, 3.33; 95% CI, 1.37-5.29; P = .029). CONCLUSIONS: A combination of physical examination, ED assessments, and HRUS studies can differentiate GSH in the differential diagnosis. HRUS appears to have an advantage over ED studies in confirming GSH by visualization of compression of the brachial plexus. TOD surgery will stop the progressive muscle atrophy and significantly reduce neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome complaints, and, in some patients, motor function will recover.

Effects of Temporary and Permanent Muscle Denervation on Fat Graft Retention in the Latissimus Dorsi Muscle: An Experimental Study in Rats.

BACKGROUND: In breast reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi flap, immediate fat grafting is useful for increasing flap volume. However, factors such as latissimus dorsi muscle atrophy and fat graft retention affect the volume of the reconstructed breast, and reports are inconsistent regarding treatment of the thoracodorsal nerve. This study examined how thoracodorsal nerve treatment affects the rates of latissimus dorsi flap preservation and fat graft retention using a rat model. METHODS: Fat harvested from the inguinal region was grafted to the latissimus dorsi muscle elevated as a pedicled muscle flap on the experimental side and to the intact LD muscle on the contralateral side (control). Rats were divided into intact thoracodorsal nerve (Ni), temporary denervation (Ntd), and permanent denervation (Npd) groups (n = 8 each). Fat retention and muscle preservation rates were determined, and histological changes were analyzed postoperatively. RESULTS: Fat retention rates did not significantly differ between the Ni and Ntd groups. Only the Npd group showed a significant decrease in fat retention rate relative to the control side (p < 0.01). The quality of the grafted fat as reflected by histological parameters was significantly lower, and the viable adipocyte area and muscle fiber preservation rate significantly decreased, in the Npd group compared to the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Permanent thoracodorsal nerve denervation resulted in severe muscle atrophy and a significantly decreased fat retention rate. Temporary denervation had no significant benefit, suggesting that preserving the thoracodorsal nerve may be desirable for achieving sufficient volume in latissimus dorsi flap breast reconstruction with immediate fat grafting. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Opponensplasty using the extensor indicis proprius tendon for severe carpal tunnel syndrome in 40 patients.

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical results after extensor indicis proprius opponensplasty in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and severe thenar muscle atrophy. Forty patients who underwent this procedure during open carpal tunnel releases. The mean follow-up period was 17 months (range 10 to 36). Kapandji scores significantly improved from 5.5 before surgery to 9.6 at final follow-up. Thumb pronation angle also significantly improved from 111° before surgery to 149°. Side and pulp pinch strength significantly improved postoperatively, as well as DASH scores at final follow-up. In conclusion, the extensor indicis proprius tendon transfer technique represents a reliable opponensplasty procedure to achieve consistent results in patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome.Level of evidence: IV.

Prevention of denervated muscle atrophy with accelerated nerve-regeneration by babysitter procedure in rat facial nerve paralysis model.

PURPOSE: The "babysitter" procedure is a reconstruction technique for facial nerve complete paralysis and uses the movement source from the healthy facial nerve with a cross-nerve graft. First, an end-to-side neurorrhaphy is performed between the affected facial nerve trunk and hypoglossal nerve for continuously delivering stimuli to the mimetic muscles for preventing the atrophy of mimetic muscles. Despite favorable clinical results, histological and physiological mechanisms remain unknown. This study attempted to establish a model for the "babysitter" procedure and find its efficacy in rats with facial nerve complete paralysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 16 Lewis rats were used and divided into 2 groups; cross nerve graft (n = 8) and babysitter groups (n = 8). The facial nerve trunk was transected in both groups. Babysitter group underwent a two-stage procedure. Cross nerve graft group underwent only the transfer of nerve graft from the healthy side to affected side. The animals were assessed physiologically by compound muscle action potential (CMAP), and the regenerated nerve tissues were evaluated histopathologically at 13 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Facial nucleus stained with retrograde tracers proved the re-innervation of affected facial muscle by the babysitter procedure. In CMAP, the amplitude of babysitter group was significantly higher than that of the cross-facial nerve graft group (p < .05). Histological examination found a significant difference in myelin g-ratio between two groups (p < .05). CONCLUSION: This study investigated the "babysitter" procedure for rat facial nerve palsy. Babysitter procedure shortened the denervation period without mimic muscle atrophy.

In vivo testing of an injectable matrix gel for the treatment of shoulder cuff muscle fatty degeneration.

INTRODUCTION: Extracellular matrix (ECM) gels have shown efficacy for the treatment of damaged tissues, most notably cardiac muscle. We hypothesized that the ECM gel prepared from skeletal muscle could be used as a treatment strategy for fatty shoulder cuff muscle degeneration. METHODS: We conducted experiments to (1) evaluate host biocompatibility to ECM gel injection using a rat model and (2) examine the effect of ECM gel injection on muscle recovery after delayed repair of a released supraspinatus (SSP) tendon using a rabbit model. RESULTS: The host biocompatibility to the ECM gel was characterized by a transient rise (first 2 weeks only) in several genes associated with macrophage infiltration, matrix deposition, and inflammatory cytokine production. By 8 weeks all genes had returned to baseline levels and no evidence of fibrosis or chronic inflammation was observed from histology. When gel injection was combined with SSP tendon repair, we observed a significant reduction (7%) in SSP muscle atrophy (24 + 3% reduction from uninjured) when compared with treatment with tendon repair only (31 + 7% reduction). Although fatty degeneration was elevated in both treatment groups, fat content trended lower (2%) in response to combined tendon repair and intramuscular ECM injection (4.1 + 2.1%) when compared with tendon repair only (6.1 + 2.9%). Transcriptome analysis revealed adipogenesis and osteoarthritis pathway activation in the repair only group. These key pathways were abrogated in response to treatment using combined repair plus gel. DISCUSSION: The findings suggest that ECM injection had a modest but positive effect on muscle mass, fatty degeneration, and key cellular signaling pathways.

Does change in occupancy ratio and fatty infiltration of the supraspinatus influence functional outcome after single-row rotator cuff repair? A magnetic resonance imaging-based study.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlation of occupancy ratio (OR) and fatty infiltration (FI) to functional outcome and retear rate following rotator cuff repair by single-row technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospectively, all the patients (n = 100) with rotator cuff tear were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with functional scores (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form [ASES], University of California-Los Angeles [UCLA] shoulder score, Constant score) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for OR and FI. Two observers studied the MRI data separately. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS (version 16), paired t test, Pearson correlation, and intraclass correlation coefficients. RESULTS: The mean (± standard deviation) follow-up was 16.24 ± 6.39 months, and the mean age was 56.18 ± 7.5 years. There was a significant increase in muscle atrophy (decreased OR) and FI (P < .01). The mean preoperative and postoperative ORs were 0.57 and 0.51, respectively. However, the mean functional scores improved significantly for ASES (55.78 to 82.09), UCLA (19.44 to 28.47), and Constant score (49.73 to 75.07) (P < .001). There was no significant difference in functional outcome among the different stages of FI (ASES P = .341, UCLA P = .839, Constant P = .376). Seven patients had asymptomatic retear during follow-up, of which 2 patients had grade 3, 4 patients had grade 2, and 1 patient had grade 1 FI, preoperatively. CONCLUSION: Muscle atrophy and FI are irreversible phenomena and continue even after successful repair; however, they do not have a significant influence on the functional outcome at short-term follow-up after cuff repair. Repairing cuff with higher grades of FI can be performed as they achieve significantly improved functional outcomes.

Corticosteroid eyedrops induced blepharoptosis and atrophy of levator muscle.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to analyze the incidence, manifestations, and treatment of blepharoptosis caused by long-term use of corticosteroid eyedrops. METHODS: Retrospective case series include 46 patients with a history of using corticosteroid eyedrops unilaterally for at least 2 months. The palpebral fissure, MRD1, and levator function were evaluated. RESULTS: Among 46 patients, the differences of mean MRD1 (p < 0.0005), palpebral fissure height (p < 0.0005), and levator function (p = 0.003) between eyes with and without corticosteroid eyedrops application were significant. Ptosis existed in 40 out of 46 eyes with corticosteroid; the differences of the mean MRD1 (p < 0.0005) and palpebral fissure height (p = 0.001) between eyes with and without ptosis were significant. Nine patients underwent levator aponeurosis repair surgeries. Pathological examinations revealed mainly vascular fibers and few muscle fibers, as well as apoptosis of levator palpebrae muscle and Muller muscle. CONCLUSION: Blepharoptosis is frequently observed after chronic corticosteroid eyedrops use in Chinese population.

Pectoralis major tendon transfer for subscapularis deficiency following multiple failed instability surgeries: A case report.

Here, we report a case of a 30-year-old man with a diagnosis of complex shoulder instability, who was treated successfully by pectoralis major transfer following a series of failed instability correction surgeries. The patient was admitted to our outpatient clinic with an approximately 6-year history of chronic shoulder instability following several failed operations, including open Bankart repair, open capsular plication and Bankart repair, open capsule repair, arthroscopic Bankart repair, and Bristow-¬Latarjet procedure. Physical examination revealed persistent shoulder pain, weakness, and a limited range of motion. Imaging studies demonstrated complete subscapularis muscle atrophy with Goutallier grade 4 fatty infiltration. The decision for revision surgery was made owing to his shoulder findings and clinical symptoms. The intra-operative assessment revealed the subscapularis muscle to be fully atrophic and irreparable. The pectoralis major muscle was transferred from the intertubercular groove of the humerus to the lesser tuberosity. Postoperatively, the patient had 4 weeks of shoulder immobilization. Physical examination demonstrated an improved shoulder range of motion without evidence of recurrent shoulder instability. The authors encountered no sign of dislocation for 2.5 years of follow-up after the surgery. In conclusion, subscapularis muscle atrophy or insufficiency should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with failed shoulder instability surgeries. Pectoralis major tendon transfer may be successfully performed for the surgical treatment of such patients.

Refining Indications for the Supercharge End-to-Side Anterior Interosseous to Ulnar Motor Nerve Transfer in Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.

The supercharge end-to-side anterior interosseous to ulnar motor nerve transfer has gained popularity over the past decade as a method of augmenting intrinsic muscle reinnervation in patients with acute neurotmetic ulnar nerve injuries. Controversy remains regarding its efficacy and appropriate clinical indications in cubital tunnel syndrome, where the timing of onset of axonal loss is less clear. The authors present guidelines for patient selection, surgical technique, and postoperative rehabilitation based on their clinical experience with the technique in this patient population. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Therapeutic, V.

Tratamento da flacidez músculo aponeurótica acentuada da parede abdominal, experiência de 26 anos / Treatment of marked abdominal wall musculoaponeurotic flaccidity: 26 years of experience

Realizamos uma análise de quais são os elementos responsáveis pelo sustento e formato abdominal, determinando assim, que é devido a uma excessiva flacidez musculoaponeurótica de origem primária, à qual promove uma incapacidade do suporte da parede abdominal e pode estar relacionada a fatores predisponentes. Para esses casos específicos, desenvolvemos um tratamento propondo a colocação da tela e apresentando nossa experiência. Apresentamos esta série de casos de experiência em 26 anos. Onde 15 pacientes foram tratados com abdominoplastia primária e secundária. O reforço da parede abdominal foi realizado através da colocação de tela de polipropileno no plano submuscular com pontos em U na fáscia transversalis, buscando-se fortalecer o músculo e a fáscia transversa. Os resultados foram satisfatórios a longo prazo. Obtendo resolução das protuberâncias abdominais e restaurando a harmonia dos músculos. Apenas duas complicações ocorreram, que foram a presença de dor crônica localizada no abdome tratada com infiltrações de esteroides e fístula umbilical precoce de resolução rápida espontânea, independente da proposta.

We investigated the causative factors of abdominal support and shape and found that excessive musculoskeletal flaccidity of primary origin causes an inability to support the abdominal wall and may be associated with the predisposing factors. For such cases, we developed a treatment consisting of the placement of a subcutaneous mesh. Here, we present our experience with this treatment. We present a case series of 15 patients in our 26 years of experience who were treated with primary and secondary abdominoplasties. The abdominal wall was reinforced by placing a polypropylene mesh in the submuscular plane with U-stitches in the transversalis fascia, aiming at strengthening the muscle and transverse fascia. The results were satisfactory in the long term. Abdominal bulges were repaired, and muscle harmony was restored. Only two complications occurred: chronic pain localized in the abdomen, which was treated with steroid infiltrations, and an early umbilical fistula with spontaneous and rapid resolution, regardless of the proposal.

Suprascapular nerve decompression for treatment of neuropathy in a bucking bull.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 3-year-old 639-kg (1,406-lb) American bucking bull was examined because of a 4-day history of right forelimb lameness that began after the bull sustained an injury to the right shoulder region while exiting the chute during a rodeo. CLINICAL FINDINGS: A 10 × 10-cm soft tissue swelling was present over the right shoulder region. Ultrasonographically, the contour of the scapular spine, bicipital bursa, bicipital tendon, and greater tubercle of the humerus appeared unremarkable; the swelling appeared to be a hematoma overlying the distal aspect of the scapula. No external wounds, palpable joint effusion, or swellings were noted on examination of the distal portions of the limbs. The bull developed atrophy of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles with lateral abduction of the shoulder joint when walking. Electromyography revealed decreased innervation to the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles consistent with suprascapular neuropathy. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The suprascapular nerve was surgically decompressed by removing the entrapping hematoma and periosteum and performing a notch resection of the scapula; dexamethasone (40 mg) was administered prior to closure. The bull was discharged 5 days after surgery; no lameness was evident at the time of discharge. The owner was instructed to restrict the bull to a stall or small pen for 6 weeks. Four months after surgery, the muscle atrophy had substantially improved, and the bull returned to bucking. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggested that suprascapular neuropathy can develop in bulls secondary to injury and that suprascapular nerve decompression may improve nerve function, muscle atrophy, and gait.

Surgical outcomes for distal-type cervical spondylotic amyotrophy: a multicenter retrospective analysis of 43 cases.

PURPOSE: Distal-type cervical spondylotic amyotrophy (CSA) is a rare form of cervical spondylosis that causes muscle weakness of upper extremities. The pathophysiology and appropriate surgical method for the treatment of CSA are still controversial. We investigated clinical outcomes in surgically treated distal-type CSA. METHODS: The authors executed an analysis of the outcomes of 43 consecutive spinal surgeries performed in distal-type CSA patients. The duration of symptoms, perioperative manual muscle test (MMT) results, radiological findings, and perioperative complications were reviewed. We compared surgical outcomes between different approaches and examined the factors related to poor outcomes (MMT improvement ≤ 0) after surgery. RESULTS: The pathophysiology of CSA was mostly caused by a combination of multiple lesions in the anterior horn and/or nerve root. Nineteen of 29 patients (65.5%) who received anterior approach methods were included in the good outcome group (MMT improvement ≥ 1), whereas 7 of 14 patients (50.0%) in the posterior group were classified as good. In the anterior group, the mean MMT grade significantly improved from 2.6 to 3.4 (p = 0.0035) despite the higher rate of complications. The duration of symptoms was substantially associated with poor outcomes. The MMT grade significantly improved from 2.2 to 3.2 (p = 0.0118) in the < 6 months group. Cervical alignments and preoperative MMT grade were not statistically associated with poor outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with poor outcomes had symptoms for a longer duration. We found tolerable clinical outcomes within 6 months from onset. The anterior approaches might be recommended because this procedure significantly improved MMT levels in the hands. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Imaging finding and arthroscopic treatment of isolated contracture of the rectus femoris muscle: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Isolated rectus femoris (RF) contracture is encountered very rarely in orthopaedic practices. There are few reports on its imaging manifestations and no cases reported to be treated with arthroscopy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 11-year-old girl with a more than 7 years history of restricted left knee flexion was presented. The clinical assessment and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were detailed here. A strip-like induration was palpated in the left thigh, which tends to be more obvious with knee flexion. MRI demonstrated a hypointensity band connected the anterior inferior iliac spine with the patella, and marked atrophy of the left RF muscle. Fibrosis contracture band was confirmed with arthroscope, then divided by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) under arthroscopic observation. Followed by debridement of the fibrillar connective tissue and hemostasis around the broken ends. The movement of left knee joint significantly improved after the operation, and the patient recovered nearly full range of motion of this joint after 6 months. CONCLUSION: The specific MRI findings could assist in confirming clinical early diagnosis of isolated RF contracture. Arthroscopic RFA treatment is an effective technique to treat this disorder with minimally incision.

Outcomes of Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release With Ring Finger Flexor Digitorum Superficialis Opponensplasty in Severe Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of endoscopic CTR with ring finger flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) opponensplasty for the treatment of patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: We prospectively studied 52 patients who were graded as having severe CTS by physical examination and electrodiagnostic studies and who underwent endoscopic CTR-ring finger FDS opponensplasty. Preoperative and postoperative data were collected for active perpendicular thumb abduction; Kapandji score for thumb opposition; grip, key, and tip pinch strength; Medical Research Council score on sensory and motor recovery; Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing; thenar muscle bulk recovery; and work status. RESULTS: Follow-up was 17.5 months on average (range, 7-34 months). Thumb abduction improved significantly from 13.2° (±4.6°) before surgery to 61.7° (±6.4°) afterward. Mean thumb opposition (as measured by Kapandji score) improved significantly from grade 1.5 to 8.7. Tip pinch strength significantly improved from 38.9% to 72.9% of the contralateral side. Medical Research Council scores improved to S3+ and S4 in 85% of patients and to M4 and M5 in 96% of patients. Sensory threshold recovery to 3.61 and 4.31 monofilament occurred in 85% of patients. We observed thenar muscle bulk recovery in 51.9% of patients. Time to return to work was 5 weeks after surgery, on average. Two patients reported scar pain, 2 reported pillar pain, and we found ring finger proximal interphalangeal joint contracture in 3. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic CTR with FDS opponensplasty provides satisfactory outcomes of improved thumb abduction and opposition, sensory and motor recovery, and early return to work in patients with severe CTS. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Surgical injury and repair of hip external rotators in THA via posterior approach: a three-dimensional MRI-evident quantitative prospective study.

BACKGROUND: As one of the classical total hip arthroplasty (THA) approaches, the posterior approach is widely used. However, there is a lack of in-depth quantitative researches on the surgical-related injury to the hip external rotators. The purpose of this study is to quantificationally analyse the surgical injury of hip external rotators after posterior THA and explore the effect of the muscle repair on the muscle recovery using the MRI three-dimensional reconstruction technique combined with the clinical assessment. METHODS: Sixty five patients were eligible to receive a unilateral cementless THA via the posterior approach. During operation, the piriformis tendon was reattached but it was not applicable for the internal obturator muscle. We performed three-dimensional MRI reconstruction of bilateral piriformis and internal obturator muscle along with clinical assessment preoperatively, 6, 12 and 52 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: Bilateral piriformis and internal obturator muscle were homogeneous preoperatively. Compared with the contralateral side, the volume atrophy and fat-muscle ratio of the piriformis on the operated side increased inconspicuously by 1.64%, 0.26% (p = 0.062, p = 0.071) at 6 weeks and 1.33%, 0.20% (p = 0.057, p = 0.058) at 12 weeks, while 7.28%, 2.09% and 15.71%, 5.14% for the internal obturator muscle (p < 0.01). Up to 52 weeks, the pirformis also showed significant muscle atrophy as well as fatty infiltration (increased by 7.79%, 4.21%; p < 0.01), and 24.18%, 11.91% for the internal obturator muscle (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The THA via posterior approach significantly harms the hip external rotators and the early hip external rotation function. The effective repair could be conducive to the early postoperative recovery of the hip external rotators. TRAIL REGISTRATION: The study has been registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) before the clical trial started, the Clinical Trial Registry Number is ChiCTR-IOR-17013007 . Registered 17 October 2017. The Trial registration is prospective registration.