The arthroscopic Bankart operation: a 10-year follow-up study.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic shoulder instability most frequently occurs in young people often during sports events. Currently, the arthroscopic Bankart repair is the therapy of choice in the absence of extensive glenoid bone loss and has proved to be a safe and effective procedure. Nevertheless, we see recurrence of instability-especially if new trauma happens-and further data are needed to guide the right decision-making for these often young patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term outcome 10 years after arthroscopic Bankart operation in terms of satisfaction of the patient, functional result, complications, recurrent instability, and development of osteoarthritis, and to look after possible risk factors for recurrence of instability and statistical proof of these. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine out of 49 patients underwent physical examination of both shoulders. We could perform a postoperative shoulder a-p X-ray in 28 patients. According to Samilson, [24] the extent of osteoarthritis was measured. The Constant score and the postoperative ROWE score were determined for both shoulders as well as the WOSI Score. In 25 cases, we calculated the ISIS Score. RESULTS: We could reach out to 89.6% of patients and 79.6% could be physically examined. The vast majority of 95.5% are either very satisfied or satisfied with the result at the time we ended the follow-up. The mean Constant score of 95.5 reflects this result. In contrast to this, we found at the same time in 15.3% ongoing clinical signs of instability of the concerning shoulder, even though 9.1% had to be re-operated for recurrent instability in between the follow-up timeline and we found in the X-rays (57.1% of all patients) in 35.7% at least moderate and in 10.7% severe signs of osteoarthritis. The Constant score but not the ROWE score differed significantly in patients with no or mild compared to those with moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis. CONCLUSIONS: The arthroscopic Bankart stabilization procedure showed after 10 years to be a very safe operation and to be able to produce a satisfying and functional very good long-term result-reflected by the Constant score. We assume that the extent of osteoarthritis seems to be the determining factor of the very good functional result, even though ongoing instability was present in 15.3% of the patients.

[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).

[Chronic lateral epicondylitis : The Nirschl procedure]. / Die chronische Epicondylopathia humeri radialis : Operation nach Nirschl.

PURPOSE: Reduction of burden insufficiency. INDICATION: Chronic lateral epicondylitis. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Acute infection in the surgical area. C6/7 nerve root and plexus irritation. Frohse Arcade syndrome. Posterolateral rotatory instability. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Incision slightly cranial to the radial epicondyle. Identification of the extensor carpi radial brevis tendon (ERCB) and longus (ECRL). Mobilisation of the ECRL tendon, identification of degenerative tendons of the ECRB. Excision of degenerative tissue. Drill holes in the area of the smoothed radial epicondyle, thermal denervation. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Arm plaster splint for 14 days. Unrestricted activity after 4-6 weeks. Maximum loading after 6 months. RESULTS: Of the 24 consecutively operated patients, 83.3 % were included. High patient satisfaction. Nirschl tennis and elbow score improved from 35 to 75 points postoperatively. Pain levels decreased from 6.8 to 1.4 points postoperatively.

Neuronal regeneration after application of radiofrequency energy to collagenous tissue is affected by limb immobilization: an in vivo animal study.

Despite widespread use of radiofrequency (RF)-shrinkage, there have been no studies on the influence of RF-energy on neural elements of collagenous tissue. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of RF-shrinkage on neural structures of capsuloligamentous tissue and the recovery of neural elements under different postoperative treatment protocols. One patellar tendon of 46 New-Zealand-White rabbits was shrunk. Six rabbits were sacrificed immediately postoperative. Twenty rabbits were not immobilized, 10 were immobilized for 3 and 10 were immobilized for 6 weeks. A monoclonal antibody, specific against a neurofilament protein, was used to detect nerves and neural structures. Staining pattern of nerve fibres was significantly altered immediately postoperative. After 3 weeks the number of nerve fibres and bundles decreased significantly in immobilized and non-immobilized limbs. The loss of nerve fibres was significantly less in immobilized limbs. At 6 weeks the number of neural elements in immobilized limbs increased to the level of untreated control tissue. In non-immobilized limbs we found no recovery of neural elements 9 weeks postoperatively. At this time the number of nerve fibres and bundles was still significantly less compared to the untreated control limbs. RF-shrinkage causes significant alteration of neural elements. Under immobilization nerve fibres and bundles reach the level of normal untreated tissue. Careful rehabilitation is important after RF-shrinkage. Not only for biomechanical reasons, but also to allow the neural elements to recover, thermally modified tissue should be protected from normal physiologic loads.

Immobilisation after radiofrequency-induced shrinkage of tendon. A histological study in rabbits.

Despite widespread use of radiofrequency (RF) shrinkage, there have been no animal studies on the effects of post-operative immobilisation on the histological properties of the shrunken tissue. We have therefore examined the role of post-operative immobilisation after RF shrinkage with special emphasis on the histological properties of collagenous tissue. One patellar tendon of 66 New Zealand White rabbits was shrunk. Six rabbits were killed immediately after the operation. Twenty rabbits were not immobilised, 20 were immobilised for three weeks and 20 for six weeks. Fibroblasts, collagen and vascular quality and density were evaluated on sections, stained by haematoxylin and eosin. Nine weeks after operation the histological properties were inferior to those of the contralateral control tendons. Shrunk tendons did not return to normal at any time after operation irrespective of whether the animals had been immobilised or not. All the parameters improved significantly between zero and three weeks after operation. Immobilised tendons tended to have a better and faster recovery. Careful rehabilitation is imperative after RF shrinkage. Immobilisation aids recovery of the histological properties. Our findings in this animal model support a period of immobilisation of more than three weeks.

Long-term results of the metal-cancellous cementless Lübeck total hip arthroplasty: a critical review at 12.8 years.

INTRODUCTION: The influence of a spongy metal surface total hip arthroplasty (THA) (S&G, ESKA, Lübeck, Germany) on the clinical, psychometric, and radiograhic long-term results were examined. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An amount of 137 THA with the cementless spongy metal Lübeck hip prosthesis were evaluated long-term, radiographically and clinically, with a mean follow-up time of 12.8 years (range 10.1-14.9 years). The MOS SF-36 was used to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQL). RESULTS: Cumulative survival rates were 90% (+/-8%) for the cups and 86% (+/-5%) for the stems at 14.9 years. Four stems fractured at the middle part (3%) without major trauma. In the remaining patients the clinical results expressed as Harris Hip Score (HHS) averaged 88 (range 34-100). Patients above 60 years undergoing THA had no significant difference in HRQL (MOS SF-36) in comparison to the age-matched healthy population (P>0.05). Patients younger than 60 years had scores lower than normal in the physical function domains (P<0.01), but were comparable in the mental health domains (P>0.05). Radiolucent lines and bone atrophy related to stress shielding by distal fixation were found in the periprosthetic Gruen Zone I (19.8, 16.8%) and VII (10.3, 27.1%) of the proximal femur. DISCUSSION: Whereas the rate of aseptic cup failures of the cementless spongy metal Lübeck hip prosthesis is among the best, the failure rate of the stems is attributable to osteolysis of the proximal femur. The fractures of the stem may be attributed to the combination of the lack of proximal support, the fully porous stem made of a cast cobalt-chrome-molybdenum alloy, and the narrow dimension of the stem core. The long-term results of the spongy metal cup are good, whereas the high loosening and fracture rate of fully coated stem are a source of concern especially with regard to the difficult revision scenario with frequent massive bone loss.

[Results of surgical therapy of mobility impaired elbow joints]. / Ergebnisse nach operativer Therapie bewegungseingeschränkter Ellenbogengelenke.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Analysis of results after operative treatment of elbow stiffness in a retrospective clinical study. METHODS: 36 patients were evaluated by an independent observer with a mean follow-up of 53 months (7-128). The mean age at operation was 32.9 years (4-64). Post-traumatic origins of elbow stiffness were differentiated from non-traumatic origins. The evaluation was done according to a modified Morrey-Score with 37 points of range of motion, 30 points of pain and 12 points of activity of daily living. The absolute and relative improvement of range of motion was calculated. The strength of elbow flexion and extension was measured with a isocinetic dynamometer in 23 patients. RESULTS: The mean score improved from 46.6 to 67.4 points postoperative (p < 0.001). Range of motion improved from 30.1 to 34.2, pain from 9.9 to 23.1 and ADL from 6.6 to 10.1 points. The mean relative improvement of range of motion for flexion-extension was 49%, for pronation-supination 25%. The strength of flexion was 78.5%, the strength of extension 77.4% of the unaffected contralateral side. The results were affected by grade, duration and origin of elbow stiffness. CONCLUSION: The operative therapy of post-traumatic and non-traumatic elbow stiffness is an effective option of treatment, when conservative therapy failed. The range of motion improved, and the patients were able to manage 80% of the activities of daily living.

[Final results after operative treatment of shoulder joint infections]. / Endergebnis nach operativer Behandlung von Schultergelenksinfekten.

PURPOSE: In a consecutive case series the results of operative treatment of patients with shoulder joint infections following rotator cuff surgery, endoscopic subacromial decompression or subacromial injection were studied. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1990 and 2001 26 patients developed a postoperative infection. 24 patients were available for a mean follow-up of 4.3 (1-12) years. The mean age of the study group was 59.8 (28-84) years. Patients were divided into three groups. Group I consisted of 9 patients with infection after rotator cuff repair, group II consisted of 4 patients with infection after endoscopic subacromial decompression and there were 11 patients in group III with an infection that developed following subacromial injection. Patient evaluation was done according to the Constant and ASES Scores, the SF-36 and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for postoperative pain and satisfaction. RESULTS: The mean postoperative Constant Score was 68.6 pts (SD 25.1) in group I, 84.6 pts (SD 10.4) in group II and 75.6 pts (SD 25.1) in group III. The mean ASES-Score was 65.6 pts (SD 30.0) in group I, 69.8 pts (23.6) in group II and 78.5 pts (SD 25.7) in group III. The SF-36 showed for the summarized physical scale 37.3 pts (SD 12.6) in the first, 39.8 pts (SD 5.8) in the second and 37.7 pts (SD 12.4) in the third group and for the summarized psychometric scale 40.4 pts (SD 2.7) in the first, 44.3 pts. (SD 10.8) in the second and 45.7 pts. (SD 10.1) in the third group. For the VAS for pain, group I had 4.3, group II 4.0 and group III 2.5 pts Patient satisfaction showed similar results with 6.4 pts in the first, 6.5 pts in the second and 6.8 pts in the third group. CONCLUSION: Considering the functional results of operative revision, infection of the shoulder joint following rotator cuff surgery, endoscopic subacromial decompression or subacromial injection is a rare but severe complication.

[Long-term results of quality of life in patients with idiopathic scoliosis after Harrington instrumentation and their relevance for expert evidence]. / Langzeitergebnisse der Lebensqualität nach Harrington Distraktionsspondylodese bei idiopathischen Thorakalskoliosen und deren gutachterliche Relevanz.

AIM: The expert evidence of operated patients with idiopathic scoliosis is determined by functional and pulmonary restriction. The degree of deformity and the extent of fusion is crucial for grading disability. In a retrospective study on the quality of life (SF-36) and low back pain (Roland-Morris Score) of 82 patients (22 - 40 years) with idiopathic scoliosis treated with Harrington instrumentation the grading was registered. METHOD: An average of 16.7 years after the surgery, these data were correlated with the type and size of curve and to the extension of fusion. RESULTS: Compared to the age-matched healthy population, there was no significant difference in the physical SF-36 scale (P = 0.98). Surgically treated patients showed significantly lower scores than at baseline in the psychological SF-36 scale (P = 0.005). Sixty-five (79.3 %) of the eighty-two patients reported no or occasional back pain in the Roland Index. Five patients (6.1 %) complained of chronic back pain. 33 patients (40 %) were legally defined in their rate of disability as severely handicapped patients. The grading disability was associated with the physical SF-36 scale (P < 0.001) and the low back pain (P = 0.02). A significant correlation between the grading disability and the extent of fusion (P = 0.53) or the size of curve (p = 0.4) could not be proven. CONCLUSION: Despite good long-term outcomes, 40 % of operated treated patients with idiopathic scoliosis were legally defined as severely handicapped persons. The additional measurements of quality of life and low-back pain can improve legal assessment in orthopaedics.

[Comparison of the results of the surgical repair of full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff with and without resection of the lateral clavicle]. / Vergleichende Untersuchung der Ergebnisse nach der offenen Naht kompletter Rotatorenmanschettendefekte mit und ohne Resektion der lateralen Klavikula.

PURPOSE: Aim of this study was to compare the results of the surgical repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears with and without resection of the lateral clavicle. METHODS: 102 patients were retrospectively observed by an independent observer for a mean follow-up of 21 months (12 - 42). 93 patients had medium to large sized tears (1 - 5 cm) and 9 had massive tears (> 5 cm). Additional resection of the lateral end of the clavicle was performed in 20 patients. The mean age of the 68 men and 34 woman was 57.3 years (28 - 80). For the evaluation the Constant score, the ASES score and the visual analogue scales for postoperative satisfaction, function, strength, pain and ADL were used. RESULTS: The subjective results were good to excellent in 79 patients (76 %), fair in 14 patients (13.7 %) and poor in 9 patients (8.9 %), too. After surgery the Constant score was 87 % of the contralateral side for all patients, 89 % for group I and 84 % for group II and the mean ASES score was 86 %, 87 % and 82 % of the contralateral side. Comparing the pre- and post-operative values on the visual analogue scale pain and disability in ADL were decreased highly significantly in all patients (p < 0.001). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We conclude that in patients with a full-thickness rotator cuff tear the patient's satisfaction and function will improve after acromioplasty and rotator cuff repair. The results are not significantly influenced by an additional resection of the lateral clavicle.