Arthroscopic congruent-arc shoulder bone-block for severe glenoid bone defect: Preliminary report.

INTRODUCTION: Glenoid bone defect remains a surgical challenge in managing anterior shoulder instability. The technique first described by Latarjet has become the gold standard, but may fail to restore fully normal anatomy in case of severe "inverted-pear" glenoid bone defect. Likewise, the naturally "banana-shaped" coracoid process fails to match this flat shoulder. The congruent-arc modified Latarjet technique, which consists in pivoting the coracoid process through 90°, optimizes the contact surface, adapting to the glenoid curvature radius and increasing the articular surface of the graft. HYPOTHESIS: The present study hypothesis was that the congruent-arc bone-block technique could be performed entirely under arthroscopy. The main study objective was to assess the postoperative increase in glenoid surface area. The secondary objective was to assess whether the technique provided anatomic glenoid reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five patients with inverted-pear glenoid were recruited in a preliminary prospective study. Immediate postoperative coracoid process length, width and thickness were measured on 2D CT scan and bone-block flushness was assessed using a straight-line and a circle. Glenoid surface area and coracoid graft area were also measured. RESULTS: Mean coracoid process length was 2.62cm (range, 2.17-3.05cm), width 1.52cm (range, 1.28-1.75cm) and thickness 1.16cm (range, 0.9-1.3cm). Mean preoperative glenoid area was 5.62 cm2 (range, 4.76-6.31cm2) and the articular area of the coracoid process was 2.78 cm2 (range, 2.43-3.27cm2). The coracoid graft thus increased glenoid area by a mean 49.2% (range, 41-53%). Axial CT slices systematically showed good bone-block positioning. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The congruent-arc technique can be performed entirely under arthroscopy, and provides anatomic glenoid reconstruction. It offers an option in case of severe inverted-pear glenoid bone defect. TYPE OF STUDY: Prospective. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, case-control.

All arthroscopic augmented Vargas procedure: An option after failed acromioclavicular joint dislocation reconstruction. A technical note.

UNLABELLED: Few salvage procedures have been described after a failed Weaver-Dunn procedure. We hypothesized that it was possible to perform an all-arthroscopic revision with a reflected vascularized conjoint tendon into the distal resected clavicle (Vargas procedure) augmented by an artificial coraco-clavicular ligament. Two patients were enrolled. A minimum of 3-cm proximal conjoint tendon was dissected under arthroscopic control. The half-longitudinal conjoint tendon split, leaving its proximal end attached to the coracoid process, was made and incised transversely near the muscles fibers. While being still vascularized with the tip of the coracoid process, the tendon was tubularized, reflected proximally and transferred into the distal part of the clavicle. An artificial coraco-clavicular ligament augmented the transfer. No complication was described. After a minimum of two-year follow-up, there was no recurrence of AC instability and there was normal ROM; two patients returned to sport. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-a, case series.

Influence of fixation point of latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for irreparable rotator cuff tear on glenohumeral external rotation: A cadaver study.

Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer is a surgical option for treating irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears, notably when attempting to reconstruct active external rotation. We hypothesized that the positioning of the transfer's point of fixation would differ depending on the desired elbow-to-body external rotation or external rotation with the elbow abducted. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven shoulders from four whole frozen cadavers were used. We created two systems to install the subject in a semi-seated position to allow external rotation elbow to body and the arm abducted 90°. Traction sutures were positioned on the latissimus dorsi muscle and a massive tear of the rotator cuff was created. We tested six different transfer positions. Muscle contraction of the latissimus dorsi was stimulated using 10-N and 20-N suspended weights. RESULTS: The point of fixation of the latissimus dorsi on the humeral head had an influence on the elbow-to-body external rotation and with 90° abduction (P<0.001). The fixation point for a maximum external rotation with the elbow to the body was the anterolateral position (P<0.016). The fixation point for a maximum external rotation at 90° abduction was the position centered on the infraspinatus footprint (P<0.078). CONCLUSION: The optimal point of fixation differs depending on whether external rotation is restored at 0° or 90° abduction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Fundamental study, anatomic study.

The keyhole technique for arthroscopic tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon. In vivo prospective study with a radio-opaque marker.

INTRODUCTION: In some clinical situations such as when the Long Head of the Biceps (LHB) is unstable or with an "hourglass biceps", treatment is required. Tenodesis is an alternative to tenotomy to prevent the Popeye sign. Although sutures, anchors or interference screws may be used, they all have complications and drawbacks. Moreover, the number of failures is underestimated because it only considers the visible deformities of the arm. MRI provides more accurate assessment, but is more expensive. We hypothesized that Froimson's "keyhole technique" which has been described in open surgery could be performed arthroscopically with similar clinical outcomes to conventional techniques and without the complications or drawbacks. We also propose an objective and less expensive assessment of treatment failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This 12-month prospective study was performed by a single surgeon. All patients requiring LHB tenodesis underwent arthroscopic "keyhole technique" surgery performed at the upper edge of the Pectoralis major in the bicipital groove. The LHB was externalised, pulled back on itself and the intra-articular portion was resected. A metal marker was placed in the tendon. The latter was introduced into the keyhole and hangs spontaneously. The follow-up evaluation was performed during the third month with a clinical examination and a plain X-ray. Distal migration of the metal marker was the sign of the failure of tenodesis. RESULTS: Between January 1st and December 31st, 2013, 123 patients were included. There were 87 men (70.7%) and 36 women (29.3%) and mean age was 52.2 (27-71). Eighty-eight patients underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Twenty-three patients (18.5%) had tenodesis failure shown by distal migration of the metal marker on plain X-rays. There were 21 men and 2 women. Only 13 had a visible Popeye sign and 1 was severe. None of the patients felt any discomfort, fatigue or painful cramping. There was no difference in flexion and supination strength from the healthy side. No complications were noted. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: We confirm the hypothesis that this arthroscopic technique is feasible and reproducible with clinical outcomes similar to conventional techniques but without the complications. The metal marker implanted in the LHB confirms the exact number of failures, which is a significant element in this study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Does preoperative subscapularis fatty muscle infiltration really matter in anterosuperior rotator cuff tears repair outcomes? A prospective multicentric study.

INTRODUCTION: Anterosuperior (AS) rotator cuff tear describes a combined tear of the subscapularis and the supraspinatus tendons. We hypothesized that results after AS tendon repairs might be influenced by the size of the subscapularis rupture and the preoperative subscapularis muscle fatty infiltration. METHODS: A prospective multicentric study of 53 AS rotator cuff tears from five centers was performed (January 2008-January 2009). Subscapularis tendon retraction and fatty infiltration were assessed preoperatively. An ultrasonographic healing control was performed 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: Patients were on average 60 years (range, 43-75 years) and were operated on average 16 months (range, 2-72 months) after the beginning of their symptoms. The incidence of AS tears was found to be 18%. Average follow-up was 15 months (range, 12-24). The Constant-Murley (CM) score for the patients with AS ruptures improved significantly from 49 points (range, 35-51 points) preoperatively to 73 points postoperatively (range, 50-95 points)(P=0.0205). CM score gains were 26 for Lafosse group 1 ruptures and 29 for Lafosse group 2 & 3 with pre- and postoperative P values at P<0.0000001 and P<0.000001, respectively. The last follow-up CM score according to the subscapularis fatty infiltration was 70 (range, 48-95) for groups 0-1, 70 (range, 56-87) for group 2, and 56 (range, 53-88) for groups 3-4 with pre- and postoperative P values at P<0.001, P<0.001, and P<0.004, respectively. The global retear rate was 6%. DISCUSSION: Our study showed that the CM score after repairs of AS rotator cuff tears was lower in advanced subscapularis fatty infiltration. However, gains in CM scores were similar whatever the initial subscapularis fatty infiltration. The rate of tendon healing was correlated with subscapularis fatty infiltration. Subscapularis tendon rupture size was not significantly correlated with outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff: prospective study of tendon healing after 70 years of age in 145 patients.

INTRODUCTION: The level of activity of patients older than 70 years is tending to increase, as are their expectations in terms of joint function recuperation. It has not been proven that rotator cuff repair healing is satisfactory in the elderly. The main hypothesis of this study was: repair of supraspinous lesions in patients older than 70 years is reliable in terms of both clinical results and healing. The secondary hypothesis was: tendon healing is significantly correlated with the Constant, ASES, and SST scores as well as with age, tendon retraction, and fatty infiltration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Multicenter prospective study on 145 patients older than 70 years, with 135 patients reviewed at 1 year (93%). The mean age was 73.9 years. Full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus extended at most to the upper third of the infraspinatus and retraction limited to Patte stages 1 and 2 were included. Clinical assessment was carried out in accordance with the Constant, ASES, and SST scores. Healing was evaluated with ultrasound. RESULTS: A significant improvement was noted in the Constant (44/76)+31.5 (P<0.0001), ASES (35/90)+54.4 (P<0.0001), and SST (3.5/10)+6.6 (P>0.0001) scores at 1 year of follow-up. The healing rate was 89% with 15 re-tears, nine of which were stage 1 and six stage 2. The clinical result was not correlated with patient age (Constant, P=0.24; ASES, P=0.38; SST, P=0.83) nor with the retraction stage (Constant, P=0.71; ASES, P=0.35; SST, P=0.69) or the stage of fatty infiltration (P>0.7). Healing was correlated with the quality of the clinical result (Constant, P=0.02; ASES, P=0.03) and age (P=0.01) but was not correlated with retraction or the fatty infiltration stage (P>0.3). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic repair significantly improves the clinical results, even in patients older than 70 years. The clinical results are not correlated with age (but deterioration of the result was not noted after 75 years) or frontal retraction (but the study only included retractions limited to stages 1 and 2). The healing rate is satisfactory, but this study is limited to small ruptures of the supraspinatus, and the postoperative ultrasound analysis probably inferior to CT imaging with contrast agent injection, often used as the reference. Healing proves to be correlated with the quality of the clinical result and patient age.

Rotator cuff tear imaging in patients over 70 years: specific MRI findings?

BACKGROUND: During the symposium held by the French Arthroscopy Society on rotator cuff tears in patients over 70 years of age, the absence of studies into potential specific pathological features in this age group was pointed out. Here, our main objective was to describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in this patient population. HYPOTHESIS: Tendons and muscles are smaller, lamellar dissection more prominent, and dystrophic changes more marked in patients over 70 years of age. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We retrospectively studied 50 patients with isolated supraspinatus tears, including 25 younger than 50 and 25 older than 70 years of age. Tear size and retraction were evaluated according to Patte; tendon thickness, lamellar dissection, and fatty infiltration according to Goutallier; muscle size according to Thomazeau; and the tangent sign according to Zanetti. RESULTS: In contradiction to our study hypothesis, lateral tendon thickness was similar in the two age groups. Medial thickness of the tendon-muscle junction, however, was greater in the younger group. Lamellar dissection was more marked and fatty infiltration more severe in the older group. As expected, marked muscle wasting and a positive tangent sign were noted in over two-thirds of patients in the older group. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study in a small number of patients identified specific MRI features of supraspinatus tears in patients older than 70 years compared to younger patients. A larger study would be useful to confirm these findings.

New design of a cementless glenoid component in unconstrained shoulder arthroplasty: a prospective medium-term analysis of 143 cases.

The uncemented glenoid implants in total anatomical shoulder arthroplasty are likely to be accused of problems like dissociations, secondary rotator cuff tear, and wear of polyethylene (PE). This work is a clinical and radiological prospective review of 143 cases of anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty using a new metal back uncemented glenoid implant (MB) in order to see if this new implant induces those complications. A total of 143 cases were operated between 2003 and 2011. In a first part, the whole series of 143 cases was radiologically studied in order to quantify the lateralisation induced by the MB implant. In a second study, 37 cases had a mean follow-up of 38 months (24-75, mean 32) and served for the clinical and radiological final study. Pre- and postoperative clinical evaluation was done using the Constant-Murley score and the simple shoulder test from Matsen. The final X-rays served to detect an eventual secondary narrowing of the joint space and to analyse the frequency of radio lucent lines (RLL) and loosenings. Despite a small radiological lateralisation in comparison with the normal contralateral side (0.36 cm, p = 0.02), the clinical results after 2 years were similar to the published cemented glenoid implants series but without any RLL, glenoid loosening or joint narrowing. Some dissociations occured in the beginning and definitely eliminated by a design modification of the PE tray. The discussion tried to show that, despite a still short follow-up, this series is encouraging to continue to use this new MB implant. Different applications of the concept of universality and conversion are discussed, this tray been also the support of a glenosphere in reverse arthroplasty.

[Arthroscopic anterior capsular release in medial contracture of the shoulder secondary to brachial plexus birth palsy. Preliminary results]. / Arthrolyse antérieure de l'épaule sous arthroscopie dans les séquelles de paralysie obstétricale du plexus brachial. Résultats préliminaires.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Retraction of the shoulder in internal rotation is observed in 25% of children with brachial plexus birth palsy (C5, C6 +/- C7). Early bone and joint deformities affecting the glenohumeral joint are the consequences. The stiff internal rotation requires surgical release which can involve the capsule and ligaments, muscles, or both. Internal release can be combined with muscle transfer to improve active external rotation. We report the results obtained with arthroscopic anterior capsular release combined with latissimus dorsi transfer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 1999 through 2006, fourteen children with a stiff shoulder in internal rotation secondary to brachial plexus birth palsy were managed in our unit. All had recovered biceps function six months after surgery. The glenohumeral dysplasia was analyzed on the preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Pre- and postoperative passive external rotation (RE) were measured with the arm along the body and at 90 degrees elbow flexion. Internal rotation was measured using the Mallet score (hand-back test). Combined active abduction antepulsion was measured when the child was playing. Mean age at surgery was three years six months. Arthroscopic internal release was performed for eight children. All had an associated latissimus dorsi transfer. RESULTS: Among the 14 children managed in the unit, arthrolysis was not be performed in six, either because of the lack of an adequate electrode (two patients) or because the child presented posterior glenohumeral dislocation making it impossible to introduce the optic channel (four patients). Arthroscopic anterior release was performed for the eight other patients. These eight patients were reviewed at a mean three-year follow-up. Passive external rotation was improved, with a mean gain of 60 degrees with no recovery of passive internal rotation. The abduction antepulsion movement was also improved, mean gain 90 degrees . DISCUSSION: A stiff shoulder in internal rotation can develop during the first two years of life. Several techniques have been proposed for internal release. The origin of the progressive limitation of passive external rotation remains a subject of debate. Is it due to retraction of the internal rotators, or to capsule-ligament retraction, or both? In 1992, Harryman et al. demonstrated the role of the capsule and the coracohumeral ligament in limiting external rotation. Consequently, we have opted for early release (less than two years of age) using an arthroscopic method limited to the capsule and ligaments. Our results for passive external rotation are comparable to those reported by others. However, this technique enables preserved mobility for internal rotation. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic anterior release limited to the capsule and the ligaments is an effective, minimally invasive technique. Leaving the internal rotator muscles intact preserves internal rotation of the shoulder and reduces the risk of anterior instability.

[Reconstruction of long bone defects with a vascularized fibular graft after tumor resection in children and adolescents: thirteen cases with 50-month follow-up]. / Reconstruction osseuse des os longs après exérèse carcinologique par l'utilisation de greffons fibulaires vascularisés chez l'enfant et l'adolescent.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The vascularized fibular graft is a widely used technique for the reconstruction of long bone defects after tumor resection. Complications are not uncommon despite the presence of a good vascular supply. We report our experience with long bone reconstructions in children and adolescents after resection of primary malignant bone tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis included thirteen patients aged 4-17 years (mean age 12 years). Preoperatively, the pathological diagnosis was Ewing tumor (n=7), osteogenic sarcoma (n=5), neuroepithelioma (n=1). All patients except one were given chemotherapy preoperatively and postoperatively and four received adjuvant radiotherapy. Tumor resection created a gap (n=8) or involved resection-arthrodesis (n=5, three knees, one ankle, one elbow). All reconstructions used a vascularized fibular flap with a complementary corticocancellous autograft for seven. RESULTS: Complete carcinological resection was achieved in all cases. Mean follow-up was 50 months (range 12-144 months). There were no cases of local recurrence. Three patients presented lung metastasis; two patients died. Eleven of the twelve patients who underwent tumor resection involving the lower limb were able to walk with full weight bearing at 13.9 months (range 841 months), half of them without any supportive device. The MSTS score was 21/30 (range 7-29). Both ends healed for eleven of thirteen grafts. Outcome was good in four cases at 7.7 months (range 6-11), fair in seven (with 1-5 complementary procedures) at 14.8 months (range 10-45) and poor in two (nonunion at last follow-up). Among the fibular grafts which healed, primary healing of the distal end was noted in all cases, but not for the proximal end. Significant transplant hypertrophy was noted in 62% of patients, measured at mean 77.1% (range 25-128%). Complications were: skin necrosis (n=2), nonunion (n=4, three aseptic and one septic), disassembly (n=3 with two transplant fractures), and spontaneous fracture which healed (n=5, all but one treated orthopedically). There were four donor site complications: retraction of the hallux flexor (n=3), regressive paresia of the common fibular nerve (n=1). DISCUSSION: The rate of healing in this series was similar to earlier reports. Healing was always achieved for the distal focus but not for the proximal focus which receives its blood supply from a branch of the anterior tibial artery which is not harvested. The defective blood supply can thus hinder bone healing. It is necessary to spare the proximal quarter of the fibula or harvest a bipediculated graft. The rate of graft hypertrophy was also similar, as was the rate of complications. The MSTS score was lower due to the poor results obtained with resection-arthrodesis of the knee joint. Graft fractures and aseptic nonunion are the most common complications but septic complications are more serious and can threaten graft survival. Complications at the donor site are exceptional. CONCLUSION: Long bone reconstruction using an autologous vascularized fibular graft is a reliable technique providing satisfactory functional results. Complications can be prevented by making solid fixation and using a corticocancellous graft creating a favorable osteoinducing environment. A massive allograft is another solution providing good immediate mechanical stability.

Obstetrical brachial plexus palsy. Prediction of outcome in upper root injuries.

Thirty obstetrical brachial plexus palsies involving the upper roots were retrospectively reviewed. There were 20 C5-C6 palsies and ten C5-C6-C7 palsies in which recovery of C7 occurred by the end of the first month. Recovery of elbow flexion at 3 months, C7 involvement and high birthweight were the best early predictors of outcome, but all were unreliable when used separately. In combination, recovery of elbow flexion and birthweight predicted the final outcome reasonably satisfactorily, particularly when elbow flexion at 9 months, and not 3 months was considered (risk of error = 13%). Brachial plexus reconstruction may therefore be justified when there was initial C7 involvement associated with increased birthweight and poor elbow flexion at 6-9 months.

Kienböck's disease and multiple hereditary osteochondromata: a case report.

A case of bilateral forearm localization of multiple hereditary osteochondromata and unilateral Kienböck's disease is reported. Ulnar minus variance is frequent in both diseases. Carpal slip is often found in multiple hereditary osteochondromata. In this case, the extremity having both multiple hereditary osteochondromata and Kienböck's disease had no carpal slip. This might have produced an excess load on the lunate, which might have provoked Kienböck's disease.

Imaging evaluation of subluxation in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: magnetic resonance imaging compared with the plain radiograph.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the advantages of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in determining subluxation in Legg-Calvé-Perthes (LCPD) disease. Twenty-six patients with unilateral LCPD received 33 MRI and plain radiographs. For each patient, acetabulum head index (AHI) was measured on both hips (affected and unaffected) in a blinded fashion. Measurements were made from the cortical bone margin on the plain radiograph and from the cartilaginous surfaces on MRI. On the unaffected side AHI was 92.8% on the plain radiograph and 85% on MRI. On the affected side, AHI was 87% on the plain radiograph and 77% on MRI. These differences were statistically significant. With regard to the unaffected side, the femoral head should be considered subluxated if AHI is less than 86% on the plain radiograph and less than 77% on MRI. On the affected side, in 14 cases the femoral head was well-contained on both the plain radiograph and MRI. In 11 patients the femoral head was subluxated both on the plain radiograph and on MRI. In 8 patients the femoral head was well-contained on the plain radiograph but subluxated on MRI. This was due to thickening of the cartilaginous portion of the femoral head, which was clearly seen on MRI. MRI appeared to be more sensitive in determining the subluxation of the femoral head during the active phase of LCPD.

Anatomic study of the tendinous rotator cuff of the shoulder.

The aim of this study was a better understanding of the role of the vascular supply as a pathogenic factor in rotator cuff disease. Twenty-five shoulders from unembalmed cadavers were studied after injection of the upper limb aa. with barium sulfate. The predominant arteries were the vessels of the subscapularis m. These branches originated from the axillary a. the anterior circumflex humeral a., and the posterior circumflex humeral a. The supraspinatus m. was supplied by the suprascapular a. but the acromial branch of the thoracoacromial a. supplied the tendon of the supraspinatus. The infraspinatus and teres minor tendons were vascularised by the ascending branches of the posterior circumflex humeral a. The tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii m. was supplied by a branch termed the "arcuate artery" and by a branch we describe derived from the brachial a. at the level of the latissimus dorsi tendon and travelling in a true mesotendon. There is a very real critical zone, with a lesser blood-flow, 1.5 cm from greater tubercle, situated mainly at the supraspinatus tendon. This is a convergence zone of the anterior and posterior circumflex humeral aa., the suprahumeral a. and the thoracoacromial a. The histologic studies confirmed the poor vascularity of this critical zone.