Analysis of parameters influencing intraarticular temperature during radiofrequency use in shoulder arthroscopy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of several factors on the temperature in the work chamber during shoulder arthroscopy procedures in order to identify danger zones when using radiofrequency. METHODS: Intraarticular temperature was measured intraoperatively using system with special probe that directly measured the temperature in 22 patients. Data collection was prospective. The main parameters studied were the measurement of the temperature depending on: localization of the procedure (glenohumeral or subacromial), the use of coagulation or ablation, the number of portals, the pressure of the arthropump, the time of use, the blood pressure and the temperature of the operating room. RESULTS: Ninety-three recordings were made. No complications were identified. Addition of a portal reduces the average elevation of 3.8 °C (p < 0.05). Ambient temperature above 19.15 °C with two portals leads to an average increase of 13.3 °C (p < 0.05). Increasing the pressure of the arthropump of 10 mmHg increases the temperature of 0.8 °C (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found on the change in blood pressure, location and mode of use. CONCLUSIONS: These results show the interest of controlling these factors when performing shoulder arthroscopy procedure. This study identifies situations of high joint risk when using radiofrequency and thus to prevent secondary complications such as burns and massive chondrolyses.

Pullout strength of all suture anchors in the repair of rotator cuff tears: a biomechanical study.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the biomechanical strength of two all suture anchors (ASA) of reduced diameter (1.4 mm) and compared them with the standard screw anchor (SA) with larger diameter (5.5 mm) used in rotator cuff tears. METHODS: We conducted 30 uniaxial vertical pullout tests using Material Testing System Instron 5566A until failure of the anchorage defined as rupture of the threads or anchor or detachment of the anchor. Anchor fixation was on tuberosities of fresh bovine humerus bone. ASAs were spaced four millimetres apart and were compared with a control SA implanted on the same greater tubercle at two centimetres. The tests were all performed at room temperature in a dry environment. Tensile loads (10 mm/min) were applied parallel to the axis of insertion. A preloading of 10 N was used to overcome loading artifacts of the test sample at the beginning of the test. RESULTS: Student's t test showed no statistically significant difference between anchors in terms of load to failure (ASA: force 265.06 ± 87.25 N versus SA : 325.35 ± 113.46 N; p = 0.09) and mean elongation at rupture (ASA : 23 ± 7 mm versus SA : 21 ± 6 mm; p = 0.46). CONCLUSIONS: In vitro, this experimental study showed no statistically significant difference in pullout strength and displacement between ASA and SA at a chosen level of significance (p < 0.05).

Pyrolytic carbon head shoulder arthroplasty: CT scan glenoid bone modeling assessment and clinical results at 3-year follow-up.

Background: The aim of this study is to report the radiological glenoid modifications and clinical outcomes at 3 years mean follow-up of hemi shoulder arthroplasty (HA) with pyrocarbon (PYC) humeral head. Our hypothesis was that the PYC implants would provide good outcomes without major glenoid erosion. Additionally, we hypothesized that HA-PYC allowed for remodeling of the bone. Methods: Patients underwent HA with PyC humeral head for treatment of primary or secondary osteoarthritis, excluding post-traumatic cases. All patients had a Constant Score assessed preoperatively and at the last follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography scans at the last follow-up were performed to achieve 3-dimensional reconstructions of the scapulae. Deformities of the glenoid surface were analyzed as a distance differential between postoperative and preoperative to investigate potential bone remodeling vs. glenoid erosion. The subluxation index (SLI) was measured. Results: We included 41 patients implanted with a HA-PYC. Average age at the time of implant was 63.8 (40 to 79 years). All patients were followed for ≥2 years with an average follow-up of 36.3 months (24 to 60 months). Constant Scores increased from 34 at baseline to 80 at the last follow-up points on average (P < .01). Return to work rate was 100% and 96% had resumed their physical activity. Ten (77%) of the 13 patients with posterior head subluxation had normalized their SLI. Furthermore, no significant differences were detected between the individuals having corrected their posterior subluxation and the others (preoperative SLI between 0.45 and 0.55). Glenoid wear is less than 0.6 mm at 3 years mean follow-up, ie, 5 times less than metallic implants. A tendency to recenter the head in the anteroposterior plane was found in type B glenoid, without increased erosion of the glenoid, with very good clinical results. We did not find any difference according to age or glenoid type for clinical and radiological results. Conclusion: HA-PYCs give, in the short term, excellent clinical results in terms of pain and function. The development of a precise and objective measurement method has made it possible to demonstrate that the glenoid surface is the site of modifications that may be part of bone remodeling or progression of the osteoarthritis disease.

Is routine gleno-humeral exploration a risk factor for adhesive capsulitis after arthroscopic removal of rotator cuff calcifications? A comparative retrospective study in 340 cases.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic surgery has earned its place as the reference standard treatment for rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy refractory to conservative medical treatment. Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder is the most common complication (12%). Standard practice involves routine gleno-humeral exploration before calcification removal. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for adhesive capsulitis. HYPOTHESIS: The development of adhesive capsulitis is associated with gleno-humeral exploration. METHODS: We conducted a multicentre, multi-surgeon, retrospective cohort study of 340 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic removal of rotator cuff calcifications between 1 January 2012 and 1 January 2018. We collected epidemiological data (age, sex, work-related physical activity), the history of previous treatments (local injections, needling), the type and location of the calcifications as assessed radiologically, the clinical findings (Constant score before and 6 months after surgery, diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis defined as shoulder pain with motion range limitation in all directions), and the surgical details (type of anaesthesia, gleno-humeral exploration). RESULTS: Of the 340 patients, 251 underwent routine gleno-humeral exploration and 89 did not. Adhesive capsulitis developed in 40 (12%) patients. By multivariate analysis, gleno-humeral exploration was an independent risk factor for adhesive capsulitis (p=0.022; odds ratio, 5.60). Of the 251 gleno-humeral explorations, 8% identified concomitant lesions and only 4% led to a curative procedure. CONCLUSION: Given our results and the data in the literature, we believe that routine gleno-humeral exploration during the arthroscopic treatment of rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy is inadvisable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; case-control study.

Arthroscopy-assisted fixation of fracture of the distal part of the clavicle by subcoracoid suture and clavicle button.

INTRODUCTION: Neer IIB displaced fracture of the distal part of the clavicle is often treated surgically. Arthroscopy-assisted surgery was recently developed. The aim of the present study was to present an original technique of subcoracoid suture under arthroscopy, with clinical and radiological results. HYPOTHESIS: Arthroscopy-assisted subcoracoid suture in Neer IIB clavicle fracture provides satisfactory results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fourteen patients, with a mean age of 34.6 years (range, 24-51 years) with Neer IIB displaced clavicle fracture treated by subcoracoid suture between January 2013 and January 2017 were included. Clinical assessment comprised demographic data, weighted Constant score and Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV). Radiologic assessment comprised AP shoulder view. RESULTS: Bone healing was systematic within 3 months, except in 1 case of delayed healing. Mean follow-up was 20 months (range, 6-55 months). At last follow-up, mean weighted Constant score was 91% (range, 85-95%) and mean SSV 95% (range, 85-100%). 4 patients reported clavicle button irritation, 2 of whom asked for hardware removal. DISCUSSION: Arthroscopy-assisted subcoracoid suture provided satisfactory clinical results. There were no cases of implant failure, probably because the technique caused no iatrogenic coracoid trauma. Clavicle button irritation sometimes required hardware removal. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

A bullet in the supraspinatus compartment successfully removed by arthroscopy: case report and review of the literature.

Arthroscopic removal of bullet from intra-articular compartment has been described for several joints. Only few reports dealing with this condition in the shoulder have been reported especially for the glenohumeral and the subacromial compartments. We report the story of a fifty-seven-year-old man presenting a bullet in the supraspinatus compartment of his left shoulder successfully removed by arthroscopy.