The longitudinal anatomy of the long head of the biceps tendon and implications on tenodesis.

PURPOSE: Regarding biceps tenodesis, there are no evidence-based recommendations for the ideal level at which to cut and stabilize the tendon. The purpose of this study is to provide information referencing the tendon for potential clinical applications during biceps tenodesis. METHODS: Forty-three embalmed shoulder specimens were dissected, and markers were placed at four points along each biceps tendon: (1) proximal border of the bicipital groove, (2) distal border of the bicipital groove, (3) proximal edge of the pectoralis major insertion, and (4) musculotendonous junction. Using the origin as the initial point of reference, measurements were made to the four subsequent sites. The humeral length was recorded by measuring the distance between the greater tuberosity and the lateral epicondyle. RESULTS: Measurements were recorded from the origin of the tendon on the supraglenoid tubercle to each established point along its length, and the mean, minimum, and maximum values (cm) were calculated as follows: origin to the proximal bicipital groove [2.8 (1.9, 4.3)], distal bicipital groove [5.2 (3.8, 7.0)], pectoralis major insertion [8.1 (6.3, 10.4)], and musculotendonous junction [13.8 (7.7, 20.3)], and overall humeral length [29.2 (25.2, 32.7)]. An analysis demonstrated a statistically significant overall increase in tendon length at each anatomic site as the overall humeral length increased (p < 0.05). Utilizing the constant and coefficient data from our regression analysis, a predictive formula was calculated based on humeral length. For example, distance from the origin to each anatomic point was determined by a formula [Tendon length at each anatomic landmark, cm = coefficient (humeral length, cm) + constant] for each respective anatomic landmark along the course of the tendon. CONCLUSION: This work will allow surgeons who prefer tenodesis to more accurately re-approximate the appropriate length-tension relationship of the biceps when tenodesing the tendon in a variety of locations. This benefit will potentially result in the most efficient biceps muscle-tendon function and improve the results of biceps surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Complications and re-operations after Bristow-Latarjet shoulder stabilization: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Various methods of bony stabilization, including modifications of Bristow and Latarjet procedures, are considered gold-standard treatment for recurrent anterior shoulder instability but are associated with unique complications and risk of reoperation. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of these complications. We hypothesized that the Bristow-Latarjet procedure would be a successful technique for treatment of shoulder instability but associated with a risk of recurrent postoperative instability, reoperation, and other complications. METHODS: A systematic review of multiple medical databases included studies reporting outcomes with complication and reoperation rates following original or modified versions of the Bristow or Latarjet shoulder stabilization surgeries. RESULTS: Forty-five studies were analyzed (1,904 shoulders) (all Level IV evidence). Most subjects were male (82%). The dominant shoulder was the operative shoulder in 64% of cases. Mean subject age was 25.8 years. Mean clinical follow-up was 6.8 years. Ninety percent of surgeries were done open; 9.3% were all-arthroscopic. Total complication rate was 30%. Recurrent anterior dislocation and subluxation rates were 2.9% and 5.8%, respectively. When reported, most dislocations occurred within the first year postoperatively (73%). Nearly 7% of patients required an unplanned reoperation following surgery. CONCLUSION: Osseous stabilization shoulder surgery using original or modified Bristow and Latarjet procedures has a 30% complication rate. Rates of recurrent dislocation and reoperation were 2.9% and 7%, respectively. Mild loss of external rotation is common. Reoperation rates were lower following all-arthroscopic techniques. There was a greater loss of postoperative external rotation with all-arthroscopic surgery.

Human growth hormone and the development of osteochondritis dissecans lesions.

No single etiology regarding the cause of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions is unanimously accepted. This report documents a novel case of multiple OCD lesions affecting the left knee and a solitary defect of the right elbow in a patient with acquired human growth hormone (hGH) deficiency and supplementation. hGH deficiency and hormone replacement may be related to the development of OCD lesions.

A late vascular complication due to component migration after revision total hip arthroplasty.

Although vascular injuries associated with primary and revision total hip arthroplasty are infrequent, these complications can have devastating effects that can lead to morbidity and even mortality. No previous reports have described embolic distal limb ischemia secondary to a failed and migrated acetabular implant in discontinuity with the pelvis. We present a novel case in which a screw from a failed and migrated acetabular cage construct led to injury of the superficial femoral artery. While awaiting the construction of a custom prosthesis, the patient developed thromboembolism leading to distal extremity ischemia. The patient was treated with thrombolytic therapy, anticoagulation, removal of the offending hardware, forefoot amputation, and later hip reconstruction. Recognition of the risks associated with failed and migrated components may prevent this complication in the future.

Bicondylar tibial plateau fracture after posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

The authors present a report of a bicondylar tibial plateau fracture in an adolescent athlete after posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. The procedure was performed via arthroscopic transtibial PCL reconstruction with quadrupled semi-tendinosus and gracilis autograft. The patient recovered uneventfully postoperatively and was able to participate in high-level sports activity, such as baseball and track, with no limitations, no subjective complaints, and no episodes of instability. He continued to be asymptomatic up to 3.5 years postoperatively. Almost 4 years postoperatively, the patient reinjured the left knee during recreational noncontact football and was seen emergently. Plain radiographs, magnetic resonance image scan, and computed tomography scan at the time of injury showed a bicondylar tibial plateau fracture with intra-articular involvement. Operative intervention was undertaken for open reduction and internal fixation of the bicondylar tibial plateau fracture. A plate was placed along the medial aspect of the tibia with locking and nonlocking screws, and the joint line was restored appropriately. The patient recovered uneventfully and at the most recent follow-up had full active and passive range of motion, had no subjective or objective evidence of instability, and had returned to full activity with no restrictions. The patient had no history of multiple fractures or any medical or pharmacologic history that predisposed him to decreased bone density. This case shows a unique possible complication after transtibial PCL reconstruction in an adolescent patient.

Bone impaction grafting of the lateral femoral condyle in a pediatric patient.

Avascular necrosis of the femoral condyle is an uncommon but serious sequela in patients who have received chemotherapy or corticosteroid treatment. The optimal treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral condyles in pediatric patients is not well established. Nonoperative management has had limited long-term success, and many of the surgical procedures available for adults, including core decompression, osteotomy, and femur resurfacing, are undesirable in skeletally immature patients with open physes.This article describes a case of a 7-year-old girl with acute lymphocytic leukemia who developed avascular necrosis of the lateral femoral condyle that was treated with bone impaction grafting. The patient experienced right knee pain and swelling shortly after the initiation of chemotherapy. The radiological studies obtained showed subchondral collapse of the lateral femoral condyle. After a course of nonoperative management failed to improve symptoms, she underwent bone impaction allografting of the lateral femoral condyle using a physis-sparing approach. More than 5 years postoperatively, she has achieved excellent clinical results. Postoperative imaging of the knee has also confirmed good integration of the bone graft, an open physis, and preservation of the articular surface. This technique is a relatively less invasive surgical procedure for the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral condyle in a pediatric patient.

Adolescent Segond fracture with an intact anterior cruciate ligament.

Segond fractures, or avulsion fractures of the proximal lateral tibial plateau, have been well documented and studied since their original description in 1878. Segond fractures have a widely recognized pathognomonic association with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and often prompt orthopedic surgeons to consider reconstruction following radiographic and clinical evaluation. Adolescent patients are particularly vulnerable to these fractures due to the relative weakness of their physeal growth plates compared with the strength of their accompanying ligamentous structures. This article describes a case of a 13-year-old boy who sustained a Segond fracture that was not coupled with an ACL avulsion or tear. The patient sustained a twisting injury to his knee. He presented to the emergency room with an effusion and radiographic findings consistent with a Segond fracture. On follow-up examination 1 week after injury, the ACL was intact. The patient was followed for 5 months of conservative treatment. At final follow-up, the patient had reestablished his previous level of activity. This article describes the history, physical examination, and radiographic findings necessary to care for patients who present with a Segond fracture. Although considered pathognomonic for an associated ACL injury, this article describes a Segond fracture that occurred in isolation.

A complex injury of the distal ulnar physis: a case report and brief review of the literature.

Physeal fractures of the distal forearm are common injuries in children and adolescents. However, Salter-Harris type III and type IV fractures of the distal ulnar epiphysis are often high-energy injuries that require open reduction for restoration of anatomical alignment. These injuries are uncommon and there are few descriptions of them in the contemporary literature. Here we report the case of a 13-year-old boy with a type IV distal ulna fracture not diagnosed with standard radiography. After closed manipulation, an incompletely reduced physis was suspected on the basis of fluoroscopic imaging and comparison radiographs of the contralateral wrist. Computed tomography showed a large, displaced physeal fragment. The patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation. Thorough radiographic assessment should be conducted when there is a high suspicion for these fracture patterns. Appropriate diagnosis can lead to expedient reduction and expectant management of sequelae associated with these injuries.