[Injuries of the biceps-labrum complex : Principles, pathologies and treatment concepts]. / Verletzungen des Bizeps-Labrum-Komplexes : Grundlagen, Pathologien und Behandlungskonzepte.

BACKGROUND: The biceps-labrum complex is prone to acute lesions and degenerative changes due to its anatomical structure and the high load it has to endure. Pathological changes of these structures are common pain generators and can significantly impair shoulder function. Anatomically, the biceps-labrum complex can be divided into three zones: inside, junction and bicipital tunnel. DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE: Despite the focused physical examination and advancements in imaging techniques, the exact localization of pathologies remains challenging. Arthroscopy can be used to accurately diagnose inside and junctional pathologies but extra-articular changes in the region of the bicipital tunnel can only be partially visualized. TREATMENT: In cases of unsuccessful conservative treatment and correct indications, a high level of patient satisfaction can be surgically achieved. In young patients an anatomical reconstruction of inside lesions or tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon is performed; however, even tenotomy is a valuable option and can achieve equally satisfactory results. Unaddressed pathological changes of the bicipital tunnel can lead to persistence of pain. In clinical procedures performing tenodesis, both the different techniques and the implants used have been found to show similar results. This article describes the anatomical principles, pathological changes, the focused clinical instrumental diagnostics and discusses the different treatment philosophies as well as the outcome according to the recent literature.

[Structural damage after shoulder dislocation and development of surgical treatment from a historical perspective]. / Struktureller Schaden nach Schulterluxation und operative Therapieentwicklung aus historischer Sicht.

In the nineteenth century there was a high incidence of habitual shoulder instability caused by epileptic seizures and accompanied by therapeutic dilettantism, which led to socioeconomic problems in the working population. In the preradiography era the pathomechanism of shoulder dislocation was only known on the basis of cadaver studies and autopsy findings. The underlying structural disorders of habitual shoulder instability in the Bismarck era were published by Malgaigne, Broca and Hartmann. In1898 the first surgical reconstructive stabilization procedure for habitual shoulder dislocation was performed by Wilhelm Müller in Rostock. At the beginning of the twentieth century Perthes introduced the anatomical reconstruction of the capsulolabral complex, which was copied in the English speaking area by Bankart. Surgical wrong tracks through extra-anatomical procedures, capsulorrhaphy and tendon transfer, were followed by bone block procedures according to Eden-Hybinette and a modification of this procedure by Lange. In the French speaking area Latarjet introduced the transfer of the coracoid process in the middle of the 1950s, which brought the advantage of simultaneous dynamic stabilization to bony augmentation of the glenoidacetabulum .

[Diagnostics and treatment concepts for anteroinferior shoulder instability : Current trends]. / Diagnostik und Behandlungskonzept der anteroinferioren Schulterinstabilität : Aktuelle Trends.

Shoulder instability arises when static or dynamic stabilizers deviate from the natural equilibrium. The most common form of shoulder instability is in an anteroinferior direction, affects young athletes in contact sports and can lead to permanent impairment of shoulder function and early degeneration of the joint. Conservative as well as operative therapy options have been controversially discussed for years. This article describes the current state of diagnostics, current trends in therapy decisions and relevant therapy options for anterior shoulder instability.

[Results from the German shoulder- and elbow arthroplasty register (SEPR) : Anatomic or reverse shoulder arthroplasty in B2-glenoids?] / Ergebnisse des deutschen Schulter- und Ellenbogenprothesenregisters (SEPR) : Anatomische oder inverse Prothese bei B2-Glenoid?

BACKGROUND: Anatomic shoulder arthroplasty in osteoarthritis with biconcave glenoid wear results in decreased functional results and a higher rate of early glenoid loosening. AIM: The aim of the data analysis of the German shoulder arthroplasty register was to clarify whether reverse shoulder arthroplasty can provide better functional results and a lower complication rate than anatomic arthroplasty in osteoarthritis with biconcave glenoid wear. METHODS: The analysis included 1052 completely documented primary implanted arthroplasties with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. In 119 cases, a B2-type glenoid was present. Out of these cases, 86 were treated with an anatomic shoulder arthroplasty, and in 33 cases a reverse shoulder arthroplasty was implanted. The mean follow-up was 47.6 months. RESULTS: The Constant score with its subcategories, as well as the active range of movement improved significantly after anatomic and after reverse shoulder arthroplasty. DISCUSSION: We observed no difference in functional results between both types of arthroplasty; however, reverse arthroplasty showed a significant higher revision rate (21.2%) (3% glenoid loosening, 6% prosthetic instability) than anatomic shoulder arthroplasty (12.8%) (11.6% glenoid loosening, 1.2% prosthetic instability), whereas anatomic shoulder arthroplasty showed a higher rate of glenoid loosening. Functional and radiographic results of both types of arthroplasty are comparable with the results reported in the literature, although our analysis represents results from an implant registry (data pertaining to medical care quality).

[Strategies in revision shoulder arthroplasty]. / Strategien beim Endoprothesenwechsel der Schulter.

The increasing number of primary shoulder arthroplasty operations is correlated to an increasing revision rate of up to 11.2% for anatomical shoulder arthroplasty and 13.4% for reverse shoulder arthroplasty. To reduce the risk of implant revision the surgeon has to take the possibility of late complications into account for the index operation and to choose a modular implant system. Indications for revision arthroplasty are secondary glenoid wear, aseptic loosening, infections, rotator cuff deficiency, instability, implant malpositioning, mechanical complications and periprosthetic fractures. Due to the high rate of humeral fractures during revision surgery of anatomical stemmed implants (12%) and reverse implants (30%) osteotomy of the humerus is of particular importance. Osteotomy of the humeral shaft with a distal window or transhumeral shaft osteotomy as described by Gohlke can be used. The most demanding step during implantation of the revision implant is the accurate reconstruction of the prosthetic height because the stability, strength of the deltoid muscle and in unfavourable situations the degree of stiffness in the glenohumeral joint all depend on the prosthetic height. The result of anatomical glenoid revision surgery totally depends on the bony defect. Revision glenoid components showed better results compared to glenoid reconstruction using a corticocancellous bone graft but resulted in a higher rate of secondary loosening of the glenoid implant. Cementless glenoid revision implants seem to achieve a higher stability of bony fixation than cemented implants. Due to a better form closure with the reverse humeral implant and a mechanically more favorable loading of the glenoid bone stock, the glenosphere should be implanted with an inferior tilt in revision surgery.

[Instability pattern of acromioclavicular joint dislocations type Rockwood III: relevance of horizontal instability]. / Instabilitätsmuster bei Akromioklavikulargelenkverletzungen vom Typ Rockwood III: Bedeutung der horizontalen Instabilität.

BACKGROUND: There is no evidence-based treatment algorithm established for acromioclavicular joint (AC joint) dislocation classified as type Rockwood III injury. Recent meta-analyses revealed no advantage of surgical treatment compared to the non-operative approach. Both surgical and non-surgical approaches have been reported with inconsistent results. Therefore, the hypothesis of the current study was that patients classified as having Rockwood grade III injury may have different degrees of horizontal AC joint instability. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 18 consecutive patients who had sustained a dislocation of the AC joint classified as Rockwood III were evaluated radiologically to quantify the horizontal instability of the AC joint. The specific radiological investigation included lateral stress x-rays (Alexander view) und axial stress x-rays with the affected arm in a horizontal adduction position. RESULTS: The dynamic horizontal instability of the AC joint was found to be independent of the vertical dislocation measured in the Rockwood classification. CONCLUSION: For further treatment studies Rockwood III injuries should be distinguished in patients presenting with or without a substantial horizontal AC joint instability.

[Humeral head replacement in acute proximal humerus fractures]. / Hemiprothese bei proximaler Humerusfraktur.

Complex proximal humerus fractures with an avascular head fragment and unreconstructable fracture types represent indications for humeral head replacement. Special prosthetic designs allow modular anatomical restoration of the centre of rotation and alignment and stable fixation of the tuberosities. These play a key role with respect to the functional outcome and are often prone to complete or partial osteolysis with secondary rotator cuff deficiency. Because the operational procedure is technically demanding, attention must be paid to correct implantation. The functional results which can be expected are reliable with a moderate Constant score of 50 to 60 points and a low pain level. In elderly patients with poor bone quality and an associated increased tuberosity-related complication rate, a primary inverse prosthetic design has to be considered as a reasonable alternative. The overall revision rate is approximately 11 %.

Increased glenohumeral translation and biceps load after SLAP lesions with potential influence on glenohumeral chondral lesions: a biomechanical study on human cadavers.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the stabilizing function of the long head of biceps tendon (LHB) and its tension, both without and with the presence of SLAP lesion to analyze a potentially occurring humeral chondral print of LHB with consecutive glenohumeral chondral lesions in SLAP lesions. METHODS: Testings were performed on 21 fresh frozen human cadaver shoulders with intact shoulder girdle by a 5 axis industrial robot with a force/moment sensor and 20 N joint compression, 50 N force in anterior, posterior, anterosuperior, and anteroinferior direction, and 0°, 30°, 60° of abduction. LHB was connected over a force measuring sensor with 5 N and 25 N preload. A type IIC SLAP lesion was created arthroscopically. RESULTS: A significant increase in anterior and anteroinferior translation was evaluated, whereas the LHB tension increased significantly in at most anterior and anterosuperior direction. The highest increase in translation and LHB tension after SLAP lesion was measured in anterior translation in at most 60° of abduction. The glenohumeral translation was significantly higher in SLAP lesions without LHB tenotomy than after isolated LHB tenotomy. CONCLUSIONS: SLAP lesions lead to increased glenohumeral translation and concurrently LHB tension and load in at most anterior direction. The increased anterior glenohumeral instability and the increased LHB load pressing on the humeral head might cause glenohumeral chondral lesions with a typical chondral print-like lesion on the humeral head underneath the LHB.

[Nerve compression syndrome of the shoulder : Arthroscopic decompression procedures]. / Nervenkompressionssyndrome der Schulter : Arthroskopische Dekompressionsverfahren.

Several nerve compression syndromes have been described in the literature involving compression of the axillary nerve in the quadrangular space and most importantly compression of the suprascapular nerve in the suprascapular as well as the spinoglenoid notch. This article describes the arthroscopic techniques of nerve decompression around the shoulder.

[Update on shoulder surgery 2010: current treatment strategies for traumatic lesions of the shoulder]. / Update Schulterchirurgie 2010 : Aktuelle Therapiestrategien bei Verletzungen des Schultergürtels.

The article summarizes the basic literature findings and innovations in the treatment of traumatic shoulder lesions published during the last 3 years. It covers trends in acromioclavicular joint dislocation, traumatic shoulder instability, rotator cuff tears as well as fractures of the humeral head. In particular prospective clinical studies with a high level of evidence are cited, which concern about the outcome of surgical and non-surgical treatment methods and the optimal point for treatment. The aim of this review is therefore to provide direct implications for the clinical treatment algorithm of such lesions.

[Open and arthroscopic procedures for posterior shoulder instability]. / Offene und arthroskopische Verfahren bei posterioren Schulterinstabilitäten.

Posterior instability is less common than anterior shoulder instability and diagnosis and treatment are more difficult and complex. This review article gives an overview on diagnostics, classification and the influence on therapy. Furthermore different arthroscopic and open procedures are presented and the surgical techniques are described in detail.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for type 1 sequelae of a fracture of the proximal humerus.

Aims: The aim of this study was to analyze the results of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in patients with type 1 sequelae of a fracture of the proximal humerus in association with rotator cuff deficiency or severe stiffness of the shoulder. Patients and Methods: A total of 38 patients were included: 28 women and ten men. Their mean age at the time of arthroplasty was 73 years (54 to 91). Before the RSA, 18 patients had been treated with open reduction and internal fixation following a fracture. A total of 22 patients had a rotator cuff tear and 11 had severe stiffness of the shoulder with < 0° of external rotation. The mean follow-up was 4.3 years (1.5 to 10). The Constant score and the range of movement of the shoulder were recorded preoperatively and at final follow-up. Preoperatively, radiographs in two planes were performed, as well as CT or arthro-CT scans; radiographs were also performed at final follow-up. Results: The mean Constant score improved from 25 points (5 to 47) preoperatively to 57 points (15 to 81) postoperatively. The mean forward elevation of the shoulder increased from 73° (10° to 130°) preoperatively to 117° (15° to 170°) postoperatively. Previous surgery did not influence the outcome. Patients with rotator cuff tears had lower Constant scores than patients without (p = 0.037). Those with preoperative stiffness of the shoulder had lower postoperative external rotation compared with patients without stiffness (p = 0.046). There was no radiographic evidence of loosening. Three complications occurred, leading to revision surgery in two patients. In all, 17 patients rated their result as very good (45%), another 17 as good (45%), two as satisfactory (5%), and two as unsatisfactory (5%). Discussion: RSA is an effective form of treatment for patients with type 1 sequelae of a fracture of the proximal humerus associated with rotator cuff deficiency or stiffness of the shoulder, with high rates of satisfaction. Rotator cuff tears and stiffness of the shoulder had an adverse effect on the clinical outcome. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:318-23.

Three-dimensional glenoid deformity in patients with osteoarthritis: a radiographic analysis.

BACKGROUND: In osteoarthritis of the shoulder, the tilt of the glenoid surface undergoes an eccentric deformation not only in the anteroposterior but also in the superoinferior direction. The goals of this study were to analyze glenoid version in the coronal plane and to clarify the relationship between retroversion and inferior inclination of the glenoid. METHODS: Standardized radiographs of 100 consecutive patients with primary osteoarthritis of the shoulder and 100 otherwise healthy patients with shoulder pain (the control group) were included in this study and were analyzed by two independent observers. RESULTS: We defined four different types of inclination deformity of the glenoid. In a type-0 glenoid, a line at the base of the coracoid process and a line at the glenoid rim run parallel. Both lines intersect below the inferior glenoid rim in a type-1 glenoid. In a type-2 glenoid, the line at the base of the coracoid process and the glenoid line intersect between the inferior glenoid rim and the center of the glenoid. In a type-3 glenoid, the lines intersect above the base of the coracoid process. A significant difference (p < 0.0001) in the distribution of glenoid types between the two patient groups was observed. Forty-seven patients with osteoarthritis showed combined posterior and inferior glenoid wear. We found no correlation between the type of inclination and the type of glenoid morphology. The interobserver reliability of our observations was very high. CONCLUSIONS: In osteoarthritis, eccentric inferior glenoid wear is frequent and independent from retroversion deformity of the glenoid. Normalization of glenoid version in both transverse and coronal planes may reduce eccentric loading of the prosthetic glenoid, which has been associated with loosening.

[Magnetic resonance analysis of the subscapularis muscle after open anterior shoulder stabilization]. / Magnetresonanztomographische Untersuchung des Musculus subscapularis nach offener vorderer Schulterstabilisierung.

PURPOSE: Analysis of the magnetic resonance imaging of the subscapularis musculotendinous unit (SSC) after primary and revision open shoulder stabilization and their correlation with the clinical function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study, 13 patients (mean age of group A: 36.5 years) after primary and 12 (mean age of group B: 34.2 years) after revision open stabilization underwent postoperative MRI of the shoulder. The digital data was analyzed with respect to the vertical und transverse diameters (V[slashed circle], T[slashed circle]) in a defined image slice. A signal intensity analysis was performed (infraspinatus/subscapularis signal-to-noise ratio = ISP/SSC SNR). The clinical examination included the SSC tests and signs and the Constant and Rowe score. Twelve healthy volunteers (group C) served as the control. RESULTS: From group C to group B, the mean V[slashed circle] of the SSC decreased significantly (p < 0.05) as did the mean T[slashed circle] of the cranial part of the SSC muscle (= crSSC) (p < 0.05). The mean T[slashed circle] of the caudal part of the SSC muscle (= caSSC) did not differ significantly between all groups (p > 0.05). The ISP-SSC SNR was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the crSSC of groups A und B than in group C. In the caSSC, the SNR increased in groups A and B. In 53.8 % of group A and 92.3 % of group B, clinical signs of SSC insufficiency were found. There was no significant difference between the Constant and the Rowe score in both groups (p > 0.05). Complete tendon ruptures were not observed in any case. CONCLUSIONS: MRI enables semi-quantitative analysis of the postoperative changes of the subscapularis muscle. The decrease of the ISP/SSC SNR points to a fatty degeneration in the crSSC. The results provide indications of the causes of the clinical dysfunction of the subscapularis musculotendinous unit after open shoulder stabilization.

Transfer of the tendon of latissimus dorsi for the treatment of massive tears of the rotator cuff: a new single-incision technique.

We describe 14 patients who underwent transfer of latissimus dorsi using a new technique through a single-incision. Their mean age was 61 years (47 to 76) and the mean follow-up was 32 months (19 to 42). The mean Constant score improved from 46.5 to 74.6 points. The mean active flexion increased from 119 degrees to 170 degrees , mean abduction from 118 degrees to 169 degrees and mean external rotation from 19 degrees to 33 degrees . The Hornblower sign remained positive in three patients (23%) as did the external rotation lag sign also in three patients (23%). No patient had a positive drop-arm sign at follow-up. No significant difference was noted between the mean pre- and postoperative acromiohumeral distance as seen on radiographs. An increased grade of osteoarthritis was found in three patients (23%). Electromyographic analysis showed activity of the transferred muscle in all patients.

[Value of conventional x-ray diagnosis and computerized tomography in the detection of Hill-Sachs defects and bony Bankart lesions in recurrent shoulder dislocations]. / Wertigkeit von konventioneller Röntgendiagnostik und Computertomographie im Nachweis von Hill-Sachs-Defekten und knöchernen Bankart-Läsionen bei rezidivierender Schultergelenkluxation.

Forty patients with anterior dislocation of the shoulder were examined in order to demonstrate Hill-Sachs defects and bony Bankart lesions. All patients had conventional radiographs of the shoulder in two planes, special views according to Hermodsson and Bernageau and CT. The examinations were evaluated by three observers. CT was regarded as the gold standard. Sensitivity for demonstrating Hill-Sachs defects for the standard views was 45% and for the Hermodsson views was 76%. For demonstrating Bankart lesions, standard views had a sensitivity of 37% and the Bernageau view 64%. Computed tomography was markedly superior to the standard and the special views, both for demonstrating the lesions and the agreement between various observers.

Osteochondral autologous transplantation for the treatment of full-thickness articular cartilage defects of the shoulder.

We performed eight osteochondral autologous transplantations from the knee joint to the shoulder. All patients (six men, two women; mean age 43.1 years) were documented prospectively. In each patient the stage of the osteochondral lesion was Outerbridge grade IV with a mean size of the affected area of 150 mm2. All patients were assessed by using the Constant score for the shoulder and the Lysholm score for the knee. Standard radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging and second-look arthroscopy were used to assess the presence of glenohumeral osteoarthritis and the integrity of the grafts. After a mean of 32.6 months (8 to 47), the mean Constant score increased significantly. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed good osseointegration of the osteochondral plugs and congruent articular cartilage at the transplantation site in all but one patient. Second-look arthroscopy performed in two cases revealed a macroscopically good integration of the autograft with an intact articular surface. Osteochondral autologous transplantation in the shoulder appears to offer good clinical results for treating full-thickness osteochondral lesions of the glenohumeral joint. However, our study suggests that the development of osteoarthritis and the progression of pre-existing osteoarthritic changes cannot be altered by this technique.

[Diagnosis and treatment of anterior and posterior shoulder dislocation. II. Treatment]. / Diagnostik und Therapie der vorderen und hinteren Schulterluxation. Teil II: Therapie.

In Part I the anatomy, biomechanics, different pathologic changes, and diagnostic tools for anterior and posterior instability were discussed. In this second part, treatment of an acute dislocation is introduced. Furthermore different surgical procedures and their indications are discussed. Algorithms for treatment of first-time dislocation, chronic anterior instability, and posterior instability are presented.

[Arthroscopic surgical measures in the shoulder joint]. / Arthroskopisch-chirurgische Massnahmen am Schultergelenk.

Arthroscopic and open surgery have to be combined for successful surgical therapy of the shoulder joint. A surgeon performing open surgery alone or just using arthroscopic measures cannot cover the full spectrum of modern shoulder surgery. Isolated diagnostic arthroscopy is rarely indicated. Far more common, diagnostic arthroscopy is combined with an operative procedure both to confirm preoperative assessment of pathology and to uncover associated lesions. The results of arthroscopic stabilization of chronic anterior post-traumatic dislocations fail to compare with the high success rates of open procedures. Better patient selection will probably be the key to improving results. In cases of acute traumatic first-time dislocation in young, highly athletic people, arthroscopic repair of the isolated Bankart-Perthes lesion offers the attractive advantage of anatomic reconstruction with minimal soft-tissue dissection. Further indications for arthroscopic measurements of pathologies of the glenohumeral joint are synovectomy in rheumatoid arthritis, capsulotomy in frozen shoulder and tenodesis for lesions of the long head of the biceps. Arthroscopic subacromial decompression according to Ellman is the procedure performed most often and most successfully in the shoulder joint and has overcome the classic Neer open acromioplasty. For smaller tears of the supraspinatus tendon, arthroscopic acromioplasty can be combined with an all arthroscopic suture repair or with mini-open repair. Larger tears of the rotator cuff are still the domain for open reconstructive procedures. In associated or isolated AC joint arthritis, an arthroscopic Mumford procedure can be performed. For chronic calcific tendinitis, isolated arthroscopic excision of the calcium deposit is of great value. Additionally, acromioplasty is needed for true mechanical obstruction of the subacromial space.