A low carrying angle is measured in elite tennis players just before ball impact during the forehand, suggesting a dynamic varus instant accommodation moving towards full extension.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to use image analysis recordings to measure the carrying angle of elite male tennis players during the forehand stroke, with the hypothesis that elite tennis players overstress their elbow in valgus over the physiological degree in the frontal plane just before ball contact on forehand groundstrokes. METHODS: The carrying angle of male tennis players ranked in the top 25 positions in the ATP ranking was measured on selected video frames with the elbow as close as possible to full extension just before the ball-racket contact in forehands. These frames were extracted from 306 videos professionally recorded for training purposes by a high-profile video analyst. All measures were conducted by three independent observers. RESULTS: Sixteen frames were finally included. The mean carrying angle was 11.5° ± 4.7°. The intraclass correlation coefficient value was 0.703, showing good reliability of the measurement technique. The measured carrying angle was lower than what has been observed in historical cohorts using comparable measurement methodology, suggesting a possible instant varus accommodation mechanism before hitting the ball. CONCLUSIONS: The observed decrease in the carrying angle is a consequence of an increase in elbow flexion position dictated by the transition from a closed to open, semi-open stances. As the elbow flexes during the preparation phase, it is less constrained by the olecranon and its fossa, increasing the strain on the medial collateral ligament and capsule structures. Moving towards full extension before the ball-racket contact, the elbow is dynamically stabilised by a contraction of the flexor muscles. These observations could provide a new explanation for medial elbow injuries among elite tennis players and drive specific rehabilitation protocols. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

A high level of scientific evidence is available to guide treatment of primary shoulder stiffness: The SIAGASCOT consensus.

PURPOSE: Shoulder stiffness (SS) is a condition characterised by active and passive restricted glenohumeral range of motion, which can occur spontaneously in an idiopathic manner or be associated with a known underlying aetiology. Several treatment options are available and currently no consensus has been obtained on which treatment algorithm represents the best choice for the patient. Herein we present the results of a national consensus on the treatment of primary SS. METHODS: The project followed the modified Delphi consensus process, involving a steering, a rating and a peer-review group. Sixteen questions were generated and subsequently answered by the steering group after a thorough literature search. A rating group composed by professionals specialised in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder pathologies rated the question-answer sets according to the scientific evidence and their clinical experience. RESULTS: Recommendations were rated with an average of 8.4 points out of maximum 9 points. None of the 16 answers received a rating of less than 8 and all the answers were considered as appropriate. The majority of responses were assessed as Grade A, signifying a substantial availability of scientific evidence to guide treatment and support recommendations encompassing diagnostics, physiotherapy, electrophysical agents, oral and injective medical therapies, as well as surgical interventions for primary SS. CONCLUSIONS: A consensus regarding the conservative and surgical treatment of primary SS could be achieved at a national level. This consensus sets basis for evidence-based clinical practice in the management of primary SS and can serve as a model for similar initiatives and adaptable guidelines in other European countries and potentially on a global scale. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I.

The German version of the Nottingham Clavicle Score is a reliable and valid patient-reported outcome measure to evaluate patients with clavicle and acromioclavicular pathologies.

PURPOSE: The Nottingham Clavicle Score (NCS) is a patient-reported outcome measure developed to evaluate treatment results of clavicle, acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joint pathologies. Valid, reliable and user-friendly translations of outcome measure instruments are needed to allow comparisons of international results. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to translate and adapt the NCS into German and evaluate the psychometric properties of the German version. METHODS: The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the NCS were completed using a 'translation-back translation" method and the final version was administered to 105 German-speaking patients. The psychometric properties of this version (NCS-G) were evaluated in terms of feasibility, reliability, validity and sensitivity to change. RESULTS: No major differences occurred between the NCS translations into German and back into English, and no content- or linguistic-related difficulties were reported. The Cronbach's alpha for the NCS-G was 0.885, showing optimal internal consistency. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient for test-retest reliability was 0.907 (95% CI 0.844-0.945), with a standard error of measurement of 5.59 points and a minimal detectable change of 15.50 points. The NCS-G showed moderate to strong correlation with all other investigated scales (Spearman correlation coefficient: qDASH: ρ = - 0.751; OSS: ρ = 0.728; Imatani Score: ρ = 0.646; CMS: ρ = 0.621; VAS: ρ = - 0.709). Good sensitivity to change was confirmed by an effect size of 1.17 (95% CI 0.89-1.47) and a standardized response mean of 1.23 (95% CI 0.98-1.45). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that NCS-G is reliable, valid, reproducible and well accepted by patients, showing analogous psychometric properties to the original English version. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Poor midterm clinical outcomes and a high percentage of unsatisfying results are reported after seizure-related shoulder injuries, especially after posterior proximal humerus fracture-dislocations.

BACKGROUND: Treating seizure-related shoulder injuries is challenging, and an evidence-based consensus to guide clinicians is lacking. The aim of this prospective single-center observational clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical results of a cohort of patients undergoing treatment of seizure-related shoulder injuries, to categorize them according to the lesion's characteristics, with special focus on patients with proximal humerus fracture-dislocations (PHFDs), and to define groups at risk of obtaining unsatisfactory results. We hypothesized that patients with a PHFD, considered the worst-case scenario among these injuries, would report worse clinical results in terms of the quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (qDASH) as compared to the other patients. METHODS: Patients referred to a tertiary epilepsy center who have seizure-related shoulder injuries and with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were included. A quality-of-life assessment instrument (EQ-5D-5L), a district-specific patient-reported outcome measure (qDASH), and a pain assessment tool (visual analog scale [VAS]) were used for the clinical outcome evaluation. Subjective satisfaction and fear of new shoulder injuries was also documented. Categorization and subgroup analysis according to the presence and features of selected specific lesions were performed. RESULTS: A total of 111 patients were deemed eligible and 83 were available for follow-up (median age 38 years, 30% females), accounting for a total of 107 injured shoulders. After a median follow-up of 3.9 (1.6-8.2) years, overall moderate clinical results were reported. In addition, 34.1% of the patients reported a VAS score ≥35 mm, indicating moderate to severe pain, and 34.1% a qDASH score ≥40 points, indicating severe disability of an upper limb. These percentages rose to, respectively, 45.5% and 48.5% in the subgroup of patients with PHFDs and to 68.8% and 68.8% in patients experiencing posterior PHFD. Overall, 46.9% of the patients considered themselves unsatisfied with the treatment and 62.5% reported a persistent fear of a new shoulder injury. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with seizure-related shoulder injuries reported only moderate clinical results at their midterm follow-up. Older age, male sex, and absence or discontinuation of antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment were identified as characterizing features of patients with posterior dislocation episodes. In patients with PHFD, a tendency to worse clinical results was observed, with posterior PHFD patients emerging as a definite subgroup at risk of reporting unsatisfying results after treatment.

Screw placement in arthroscopically assisted osteosynthesis of radial head fractures using a reference k-wire in the radiocapitellar joint: a cadaveric study.

PURPOSE: The optimal screw placement in arthroscopically assisted fixation of radial head fractures is still an issue and no guiding methods have been evaluated in the recent literature. The study hypothesis was that using a "reference k-wire" percutaneously inserted in and parallel to the radiocapitellar joint would enable to achieve a trajectory more parallel to the radial head articular surface as compared to a free-hand k-wire placement. METHODS: Arthroscopically assisted placement of a k-wire in the radial head was performed in seven fresh-frozen human cadaver specimens by three surgeons. Three different techniques were evaluated: freehand drilling (technique A), placement using a "reference" k-wire in the radiocapitellar joint as a reference without (technique B), and with the AO parallel k-wire guide (technique C). Radiographs from all procedures were obtained and the inclination angle "α" between the k-wire and the articular surface of the radial head was measured and compared among the techniques. RESULTS: Angles of 84 radiographs were obtained and showed a mean α angle of 30.1° ± 13° for technique A, 5.7° ± 4.5° for technique B, and 5.4° ± 3.7° for technique C. The angle α was significantly higher with technique A as compared to B (p < 0.0001) and C (p < 0.0001). There was no difference between methods B and C (n.s.). No difference was observed among the surgeons for all three methods (p = 0.66). CONCLUSION: With the use of an additional "reference" k-wire placed in the radiocapitellar joint, the guiding k-wire for screw drilling can be placed almost parallel to the radial head joint line with limited variability and a good reproducibility during arthroscopically assisted radial head fracture fixation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The here-presented method of an additional, percutaneous introduced "reference" k-wire is easily applicable and helpful to achieve parallel screw placement during arthroscopically assisted radial head fracture fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, biomechanical cadaver study.

Epidemiology and specific features of shoulder injuries in patients affected by epileptic seizures.

PURPOSE: Epileptic seizures can cause multiple shoulder injuries, the most common of which are dislocations, recurrent instability, fractures, and isolated lesions of the rotator cuff. Currently, only limited literature exists which describes the frequency and types of lesions in cohorts of epileptic patients and the corresponding treatment outcome. This study aims to document the occurrence of shoulder lesions in patients affected by seizures and to provide detailed information on trauma dynamics, specific lesion characteristics and treatment complications. METHODS: All patients referring to a tertiary epilepsy center were screened for shoulder injuries and the clinical records of those sustaining them during a seizure were reviewed. Demographic information, lesions' characteristics and trauma dynamics were analysed, as wells as-when carried out-the type of surgical intervention and any postoperative complications. RESULTS: The average age at the time of injury of 106 included patients was 39.7 ± 17.5 years and a male predominance was recorded (65%). Bilateral injuries occurred in 29 patients, simultaneously in 17 cases. A younger age, bilateral shoulder injuries and shoulder dislocations were significantly associated with the occurrence of a shoulder injury solely by muscular activation (p = 0.0054, p = 0.011, p < 0.0001). The complication rate in 57 surgically treated patients with follow-up data was 38.7%, with recurring instability being the most frequently reported complication (62.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Uncontrolled muscle activation during a seizure is a distinctive but not exclusive dynamic of injury in epileptic patients, accounting for more than the half of all shoulder lesions, especially in the younger. This can lead both to anterior and posterior dislocations or fracture-dislocations and is frequently cause of bilateral lesions and of instability recurrence after surgery. The high complication rates after surgical treatment in this selected subgroup of patients require that appropriate preventative measures are taken to increase the probability of treatment success. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Cohort study, level III.

Anatomic reconstruction of lateral ankle ligaments: is there an optimal graft option?

PURPOSE: Different graft options are available for the reconstruction of lateral ankle ligaments to treat chronic ankle instability (CAI), which fall in two categories: allografts and autografts. This study aims to provide an updated comparison of the clinical outcomes after stabilisation procedures using allografts and autografts, to correctly advise the clinician during the choice of the best material to be used for the reconstruction of the lateral ligamentous complex of the ankle. METHODS: A systematic review was performed to analyse the use of autografts and allografts for anatomic reconstruction of the lateral ligamentous complex of the ankle in CAI patients. The presence of a postoperative assessment through outcome measures with proofs of validation in the CAI population or patient's subjective evaluation on the treatment were necessary for inclusion. The quality of the included studies was assessed through the modified Coleman Methodology Score (mCMS). Relevant clinical outcome data were pooled to provide a synthetic description of the results in different groups or after different procedures. RESULTS: Twenty-nine studies (autograft: 19; allograft: 9; both procedures: 1) accounting for 930 procedures (autograft: 616; allograft: 314) were included. The average mCMS was 55.9 ± 10.5 points. The Karlsson-Peterson scale was the most frequently reported outcome scale, showing a cumulative average post- to preoperative difference of 31.9 points in the autograft group (n = 379, 33.8 months follow-up) and of 35.7 points in the allograft group (n = 227, 25.8 months follow-up). Patient satisfaction was good or excellent in 92.8% of autograft (n = 333, 65.2 months follow-up) and in 92.3% of allograft procedures (n = 153, 25.0 months follow-up). Return to activity after surgery and recurrence of instability were variably reported across the studies with no clear differences between allograft and autograft highlighted by these outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The systematic analysis of validated CAI outcome measures and the patient's subjective satisfaction does not support a specific choice between autograft and allograft for the reconstruction of the ankle lateral ligamentous complex in CAI patients. Both types of grafts were associated to a postoperative Karlsson-Peterson score superior to 80 points and to a similar rate of patient's subjective satisfaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Italian version of the anterior cruciate ligament-return to sport after injury scale (IT ACL-RSI): translation, cross-cultural adaptation, validation and ability to predict the return to sport at medium-term follow-up in a population of sport patients.

PURPOSE: The timing of psychological and physical recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction represents an open issue in current orthopedic practice. Several tools have been developed to evaluate these factors, with the most recent being represented by the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) return to sport injury scale (ACL-RSI). The aims of this study were to provide a validated Italian translation of the ACL-RSI in a population of sport patients, and to identify a possible correlation of the ACL-RSI score with the return to sport (RTS) time and the level of sport participation in comparison to the pre-injury one. METHODS: The Italian translation and cultural adaptation of the scale were completed using a using the "translation-back translation" method. A total of 130 patients were enrolled and completed the study questionnaires 6 months after ACL reconstruction. Randomly, 65 of them were re-tested for the ACL-RSI within 2 weeks. The internal consistency, reliability, feasibility, and construct validity of the Italian version of ACL-RSI were assessed and compared to Italian version of the KOOS, the Lysholm Score, the AKPS and the IKDC subjective score. Responsiveness was tested comparing patients returning to sport at 6 and 12 months. The Tegner activity scale was collected at baseline, 6 and 12 months to identify the level of activity after return to sport, in relation to the ACL-RSI score. RESULTS: The Italian adaptation of the ACL-RSI demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.953), reliability (test-retest ICC = 0.916) and feasibility, with no ceiling or floor effect. Construct validity was confirmed by the moderate to strong correlation with all the other scales (p < 0.0001). Slight and non-significant higher ACL-RSI score was shown by patients returned to sport at 6 or 12 months after surgery. Nevertheless, the ACL-RSI score at 6 months was significantly different between patients who returned and those who did not returned to the same level of sport activity 12 months after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the Italian ACL-RSI is a reliable tool for evaluating the psychological readiness for return to sports of athletes who underwent ACL reconstruction, especially when collected at the end of the rehabilitation process. Since the IT ACL-RSI used in this study is a faithful translation of the original English version, this finding can be generalized to other cultural contexts and languages too. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Treatment of partial rotator cuff lesions is associated with a higher frequency of post-operative shoulder stiffness. A prospective investigation on the role of surgery-related risk factors for this complication.

PURPOSE: Post-operative shoulder stiffness (SS) is a common complication after arthroscopic rotator cuff (RC) repair. The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the role of surgical risk factors in the development of this complication, with special focus on the characteristics of the RC tears. METHODS: Two-hundred and twenty patients who underwent arthroscopic RC repair for degenerative posterosuperior RC tears were included. Surgery-related risk factors for development of post-operative SS belonging to the following five categories were documented and analyzed: previous surgery, RC tear characteristics, hardware and repair type, concomitant procedures, time and duration of surgery. The incidence of post-operative SS was evaluated according to the criteria described by Brislin and colleagues. RESULTS: The incidence of post-operative SS was 8.64%. The treatment of partial lesions by tear completion and repair technique was significantly associated with development of post-operative SS (p = 0.0083, pc = 0.04). A multivariate analysis revealed that treatment of partial lesions in patients younger than 60 years was associated to a higher risk of developing post-operative SS (p = 0.007). Previously known pre-operative risk factors such as female sex and younger age were confirmed. No other significant associations were documented. CONCLUSION: The treatment of partial lesions of the RC may lead to a higher risk of post-operative SS than the treatment of complete lesions, in particular in patients younger than 60 years. Possible explanations of this finding are the increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines caused by the additional surgical trauma needed to complete the lesion and the different pain perception of the subgroup of patients who require surgical treatment already for partial tears. EVIDENCE: A higher risk of post-operative SS should be expected after tear completion and repair of partial lesions, especially in young patients. Appropriate pre-operative counseling and post-operative rehabilitation should be considered when approaching this subgroup of RC tears. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic study, level II.

Anatomic relations of the median nerve to the ulnar insertion of the brachialis muscle: safety issues and implications for medial approaches to the elbow joint.

INTRODUCTION: Preventing nerve injury is critical in elbow surgery. Distal extension of medial approaches, required for coronoid fracture fixation and graft-replacement, may endanger the median nerve. This study aims to describe an easily identifiable and reproducible anatomical landmark to localize the median nerve distal to the joint line and to delineate how its relative position changes with elbow flexion and forearm rotation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The median nerve and the ulnar insertion of the brachialis muscle were identified in eleven fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens after dissection over an extended medial approach. The elbow was brought first in full extension and then in 90° flexion, and the shortest distance between the two structures was measured while rotating the forearm in full pronation, neutral position and full supination. RESULTS: The distance between the median nerve and the brachialis insertion was highest with the elbow flexed and the forearm in neutral position. All distances measured in flexion were larger than those in extension, and all distances measured from the most proximal point of the brachialis insertion were larger than those from the most distal point. Distances in pronation and in supination were smaller than to those in neutral forearm position. CONCLUSIONS: The ulnar insertion of the brachialis is a reliable landmark to localize and protect the median nerve at the level of the coronoid base. Elbow flexion and neutral forearm position increase significantly the safety margins between the two structures; this information suggests some modifications to the previously described medial elbow approaches. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Basic Science Study.

Ultrasound evaluation shows increase in laxity after partial common extensor origin detachment but not after additional lesion of the radial band of the lateral collateral ligament.

PURPOSE: The lateral elbow musculature conveys a dynamic valgus moment to the elbow, increasing joint stability. Muscular or tendinous lesions to the anterior half of the common extensor origin (CEO) may provoke a deficiency in the elbow dynamic stabilizers, regardless of their traumatic, degenerative, or iatrogenic aetiology. Furthermore, a role for the radial band of the lateral collateral ligament (R-LCL) has been postulated in the aetiology of lateral elbow pain. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sequential lateral releases with dynamic ultrasound, evaluating its capability to detect lesions of the CEO and of the R-LCL. METHODS: Ultrasound investigation of the lateral compartment of the elbow was performed on nine cadaveric specimens with a 10 MHz linear probe in basal conditions, after the release of the anterior half of the CEO and after complete R-LCL release. The lateral joint line widening (λ) was the primary outcome parameter, measured as the linear distance between the humeral and radial articular surfaces. RESULTS: The release of the anterior half of the CEO significantly increased λ by 200% compared to the starting position (p = 0.0008) and the previously loaded position (p = 0.0015). Conversely, further release of the R-LCL caused only a marginal, non-significant increase in λ. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound evaluation can detect changes related to tendon tears or muscular avulsions of the CEO and can depict lateral elbow compartmental patholaxity by assessing articular space widening while scanning under dynamic stress. However, it cannot reliably define if the R-LCL is injured. Iatrogenic damage to the CEO should be carefully avoided, since it causes a massive increase in compartmental laxity.

The presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease increases the risk of developing postoperative shoulder stiffness after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative shoulder stiffness (SS) after arthroscopic rotator cuff (RC) repair has been reported with a variable incidence, and numerous preoperative risk factors have been described. This prospective study aimed to document the incidence of postoperative SS and to evaluate the role of preoperative risk factors in the development of this complication, with a special focus on the role of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). METHODS: Preoperative risk factors for SS were prospectively evaluated in 237 consecutive patients undergoing arthroscopic single-row RC repair. The presence of GERD was evaluated with the GerdQ diagnostic tool. Postoperative SS was diagnosed according to the criteria described by Brislin et al in 2007. RESULTS: The incidence of postoperative SS was 8.02%. The presence of GERD was significantly associated with the development of postoperative SS (odds ratio [OR], 5.265; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.657-1.731; P = .005). Older age (OR, 0.896; 95% CI, 0.847-0.949; P < .001), male sex (OR, 0.126; 95% CI, 0.0252-0.632; P = .012), and number of pregnancies (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.228-0.967; P = .040) emerged as protective factors. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of GERD significantly influences the development of postoperative SS after arthroscopic single-row RC repair. An underlying aspecific proinflammatory condition, characterized by increased expression of tumor necrosis factor α and transforming growth factor ß, and disorders in retinoid metabolism are hypotheses that could explain this previously unknown association. The documented incidence of postoperative SS falls within previously reported ranges, with women being significantly more affected than men.

A Prospective Assessment of Periprosthetic Bone Mineral Density and Osteoimmunological Biomarkers Variations After Total Knee Replacement Surgery.

Aseptic loosening is a major cause of premature failure of total knee replacement (TKR). Variations in periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoimmunological biomarkers levels could help to quantify prosthesis osteointegration and predict early aseptic loosening. The gene expression of 5 selected osteoimmunological biomarkers was evaluated in tibial plateau bone biopsies by real-time polymerase chain reaction and changes in their serum levels after TKR were prospectively evaluated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for 1 yr after surgery. These variations were correlated to changes in periprosthetic BMD. Sixteen patients were evaluated. A statistically significant decrease in serum levels of Sclerostin (p = 0.0135) was observed immediately after surgery. A specular pattern was observed between dickkopf-related protein 1 and osteoprotegerin expression. No statistically significant changes were detectable in the other study biomarkers. Periprosthetic BMD did not change significantly across the duration of the follow-up. Prosthetic knee surgery has an impact on bone remodeling, in particular on sclerostin expression. Although not showing statistically significant changes, in the patterns of dickkopf-related protein 1, osteoprotegerin, and the ligand of the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B symmetries and correspondences related to the biological activities of these proteins could be identified. Variation in osteoimmunological biomarkers after TKR surgery can help in quantifying prosthesis osteointegration.

Outcome evaluation of new calcium titanate schanz-screws for external fixators. First clinical results and cadaver studies.

OBJECTIVE: External fixators are important for correcting length discrepancies and axis deformities in pediatric or trauma orthopedic surgery. Pin loosening is a common pitfall during therapy that can lead to pain, infection, and necessary revisions. This study aims to present clinical data using calcium titanate (CaTiO3) Schanz screws and to measure the fixation strength. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 22 titanate screws were used for external fixators in 4 pediatric patients. Therapy was initiated to lengthen or correct axial deformities after congenital abnormalities. The maximum tightening torque was measured during implantation, and the loosening torque was measured during explantation. In addition, screws of the same type were used in a cadaver study and compared with stainless steel and hydroxyapatite-coated screws. 12 screws of each type were inserted in four tibias, and the loosening and tightening torque was documented. RESULTS: The fixation index in the in vivo measurement showed a significant increase between screw insertion and extraction in three of the four patients. The pins were in situ for 91 to 150 days, and the torque increased significantly (P = 0.0004) from insertion to extraction. The cadaveric study showed lower extraction torques than insertion torques, as expected in this setting. The calculated fixation index was significantly higher in the CaTiO3 group than in the other groups (P = 0.0208 vs. HA and P < 0.0001 vs. steel) and in the HA group vs. plain steel group (P = 0.0448). CONCLUSION: The calcium titanate screws showed favorable fixation strength compared to HA and stainless steel screws and should be considered in long-term therapy of external fixation.

No neurovascular damage after creation of an accessory anteromedial portal for arthroscopic reduction and fixation of coronoid fractures.

PURPOSE: Arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation for coronoid process fractures has been proposed to overcome limitations of open approaches. Currently, arthroscopy is most frequently used to assist insertion of a retrograde guide wire for a retrograde cannulated screw. The present anatomical study presents an innovative arthroscopic technique to introduce an antegrade guide wire from an accessory anteromedial portal and evaluates its safety and reproducibility. METHODS: Six fresh-frozen cadaver specimens were obtained and prepared to mimic an arthroscopic setting. The coronoid process was localized and a 0.9 mm Kirschner wire was introduced from an accessory anteromedial portal, located 2 cm proximal to the standard anteromedial portal. At the end of the procedure, a lateral radiograph was taken to verify the Kirschner wire position and open dissection was conducted to evaluate possible damage to neurovascular structures. RESULTS: The Kirschner wire was drilled without complications in the coronoid process of all six specimens. Damage of the brachial artery, the median nerve, and the ulnar nerve did not occur in any specimen. A corridor between the brachialis muscle, the median intermuscular septum, and the pronator teres could be identified as suitable for the wire passage. CONCLUSION: This study presents a safe and reproducible technique combining the possibility to introduce a guide wire from the anteromedial part of the coronoid, under direct visual control, with a completely arthroscopic approach. This wire can guide the introduction of a retrograde cannulated screw from the dorsolateral ulna to the tip of the coronoid. This new arthroscopic approach permits to obtain improved visual control over coronoid process fixation, without endangering neurovascular structures.

Modified anteromedial and anterolateral elbow arthroscopy portals show superiority to standard portals in guiding arthroscopic radial head screw fixation.

PURPOSE: Arthroscopic fixation of radial head radial head fractures is an appealing alternative to open reduction and internal fixation, which presents the advantage of minimal surgical trauma. The aim of this study was to evaluate if modifications to the standard anteromedial (AM) and anterolateral (AL) portals could allow screw placement for radial head fracture osteosynthesis closer to the plane of the radial head articular surface. METHODS: Eight fresh-frozen specimens were prepared to mimic arthroscopic setting. Standard AL (ALst) and AM (AMst) and distal AL (ALdi) and AM (AMdi) portals were established. Eleven independent examiners were asked to indicate the optimal trajectory, when aiming to place a cannulated screw parallel to the radial head surface for radial head osteosynthesis. A three-dimensional digital protractor was used to measure the angle between the indicated position and a Kirschner wire placed parallel to the radial head articular surface (α). The Shapiro-Wilk normality test was used to evaluate the normal distribution of the samples. Means, standard deviations, and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated for each portal. A coefficient of variation (CoV) was calculated to determine agreement among observers and intra-observer variability. RESULTS: Mean α angles were 25.1 ± 11.5° for AMst, 13.8 ± 4.8° for AMdi, 17.1 ± 13.4° for ALst, -2.6 ± 9.2° for ALdi. No overlapping in the 95% CI of ipsilateral standard and distal portals was observed, indicating that the difference between these means was statistically significant. The distal portals showed smaller inter-observer CoV as compared to the standard ones (AMst: 10.0%; AMdi: 4.6%; ALst: 12.5%; ALdi: 10.6%). Intra-observer CoV was similar for all portals (AMst: 5.5%; AMdi: 6.1%; ALst: 7.7%; ALdi: 7.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The use of distal AM and AL portals permits to obtain α angles closer to the radial head articular surface than standard AM and AL portals. This is expected to allow screw placement in a flatter trajectory, which should correlate with a superior biomechanical performance of fixation. Good reproducibility of Kirschner wire placement from distal portals was observer among different examiners. Modifications to the standard AM and AL elbow arthroscopy portals allow to place screws for radial head fracture osteosynthesis in a position which should guarantee superior biomechanical performance of fixation.

A combination of an anteromedial, anterolateral and midlateral portals is sufficient for 360° exposure of the radial head for arthroscopic fracture fixation.

PURPOSE: Arthroscopic fixation of radial head fractures is an alternative to open reduction and internal fixation; the latter, however, presents the advantage of minimal soft-tissue damage. The exposure of the radial head for adequate screw placement can be technically challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inter-observer agreement on the effective contact arc in the axial plane of the radial head of three different elbow arthroscopy portals. METHODS: A fresh-frozen cadaver specimen was obtained and prepared in an arthroscopic setting. Standard anterolateral (AL), anteromedial (AM), and midlateral (ML) portals were established and a circular reference system was marked on the radial head. Ten orthopaedic surgeons were then asked to move the forearm from maximal supination to maximal pronation and indicate with a Kirschner wire from each portal the extension in which they would feel confident in placing a cannulated screw passing through the centre of the articular plane of the radial head (axial contact arc). The Shapiro-Wilk normality test was used to evaluate the normal distribution of the sample. A coefficient of variation (CoV) was calculated to determine agreement among observers. RESULTS: The average arc of axial contact arc that could be contacted from the AM portal measured 150 ± 14.1°, or 41.7% of the radial head circumference; the one from the AL portal measured 257 ± 29.5°, or 71.4% of the radial head circumference; that from the ML portal measured 212.5 ± 32.6°, or 59.0% of the radial head circumference. Considering all three portals, the whole radial head circumference could be contacted. The AM portal showed the smallest CoV (9.4%) as compared to the AL (11.5%), and the ML (15.3%) portals. CONCLUSIONS: With an appropriate use of the standard AL, AM, and ML portals, the whole radial head circumference can be effectively exposed for adequate fixation of radial head fractures. The contact arc of the AM portal presents the smallest variability among different observers and the AL portal shows a superiority in axial contact arc. This information is important for pre-operative planning, and helps to define the limits of arthroscopic radial head fracture fixation.

Locating the ulnar nerve during elbow arthroscopy using palpation is only accurate proximal to the medial epicondyle.

PURPOSE: Knowledge of ulnar nerve position is of utmost importance to avoid iatrogenic injury in elbow arthroscopy. The aim of this study was to determine how accurate surgeons are in locating the ulnar nerve after fluid extravasation has already occurred, and basing their localization solely on palpation of anatomical landmarks. METHODS: Seven cadaveric elbows were used and seven experienced surgeons in elbow arthroscopy participated. An arthroscopic setting was simulated and fluids were pumped into the joint from the posterior compartment for 15 min. For each cadaveric elbow, one surgeon was asked to locate the ulnar nerve solely by palpation of the anatomical landmarks, and subsequently pin the ulnar nerve at two positions: within 5 cm proximal and another within 5 cm distal of a line connecting the medial epicondyle and the tip of the olecranon. Subsequently, the elbows were dissected using a standard medial elbow approach and the distances between the pins and ulnar nerve were measured. RESULTS: The median distance between the ulnar nerve and the proximal pins was 0 mm (range 0-0 mm), and between the ulnar nerve and the distal pins was 2 mm (range 0-10 mm), showing a statistically significant difference (p = 0.009). All seven proximally placed pins (100%) transfixed the ulnar nerve versus two out of seven distally placed pins (29%) (p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: In a setting simulating an already initiated arthroscopic procedure, the sole palpation of the anatomical landmarks allows experienced elbow surgeons to accurately locate the ulnar nerve only in its course proximal to the medial epicondyle (7/7, 100%), whereas a significantly reduced accuracy is documented when the same surgeons attempt to locate the nerve distal to the medial epicondyle (2/7, 29%; p = 0.021). Current findings support the establishment of a proximal anteromedial portal over a distal anteromedial portal to access the anterior compartment after tissue extravasation has occurred with regard to ulnar nerve safety.

The posterior interosseous nerve crosses the radial head midline and increases its distance from bony structures with supination of the forearm.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated whether forearm movements change the relative position of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) with respect to the midline of the radial head (Rh) under direct arthroscopic observation. METHODS: The PIN was identified in 10 fresh frozen cadaveric specimens dissected under arthroscopy. The forearm was moved first in full pronation and then in full supination, and the displacement of the PIN from medial to lateral with respect to the midline of the Rh was recorded. The shortest linear distance between the nerve and the most anterior part of the Rh was measured with a graduated calliper inserted via the midlateral portal with the forearm in neutral position, full pronation, and full supination. RESULTS: The PIN was identifiable in all specimens. In all cases the PIN crossed the Rh midline with forearm movements, moving from medial in full pronation to lateral in full supination. The distance between the PIN and Rh is significantly greater in supination than in the neutral position and pronation (P = .0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that the PIN movement described in open surgery (medialization with pronation) also occurs during arthroscopy. The role of pronation in protecting the PIN in extra-articularprocedures is therefore confirmed. Supination, however, increases the linear distance between the PIN and Rh and should therefore be considered to increase the safe working volume whenever intra-articular procedures are performed on the anterolateral aspect of the elbow.

Patient-Specific Instrumentation Does Not Affect Rotational Alignment of the Femoral Component and Perioperative Blood Loss in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Proposed aims of patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are to improve accuracy of component alignment, while reducing blood loss and surgical time. The primary goal of this prospective, randomized, controlled, clinical trial is to verify whether PSI improves the rotational alignment of the femoral component in comparison to conventionally implanted TKA. METHODS: One-hundred thirty-three consecutive patients were assessed for eligibility. Block randomization was performed to allocated patients in the treatment (PSI) or control group. During hospital stay, surgical times were recorded, and total blood volume loss and estimated red blood cell were calculated. Two months after surgery, a computed tomography of the knee was obtained to measure femoral component rotation to the transepicondylar axis and tibial component slope. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients were enrolled. PSI did neither result in a significant improvement in femoral component rotation nor result in a reduction of outliers, as compared with conventional instrumentation. No significant improvement in terms of tibial slope, blood loss, total surgical time, and ischemia time could be identified. The number of tibial recuts required in the PSI group was significantly higher than in the control group (P = .0003). CONCLUSION: PSI does not improve the accuracy of femoral component rotation in TKA in comparison to conventional instrumentation. Moreover, PSI did not appear to influence any of the other variables investigated as secondary goals by this study. The results of this study do not support its routine use during standard TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, randomized, controlled trial.