Fatty liver index is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality and major cardiovascular events in type 1 diabetes: an 11-year observational study.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), identified by the Fatty Liver Index (FLI), is associated with increased mortality and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. Whether this also applies to type 1 diabetes (T1D) has not been yet reported. METHODS: We prospectively observed 774 subjects with type 1 diabetes (males 52%, 30.3 ± 11.1 years old, diabetes duration (DD) 18.5 ± 11.6 years, HbA1c 7.8 ± 1.2%) to assess the associations between FLI (based on BMI, waist circumference, gamma-glutamyl transferase and triglycerides) and all-cause death and first CV events. RESULTS: Over a median 11-year follow-up, 57 subjects died (7.4%) and 49 CV events (6.7%) occurred among 736 individuals with retrievable incidence data. At baseline, FLI was < 30 in 515 subjects (66.5%), 30-59 in 169 (21.8%), and ≥ 60 in 90 (11.6%). Mortality increased steeply with FLI: 3.9, 10.1, 22.2% (p < 0.0001). In unadjusted Cox analysis, compared to FLI < 30, risk of death increased in FLI 30-59 (HR 2.85, 95% CI 1.49-5.45, p = 0.002) and FLI ≥ 60 (6.07, 3.27-11.29, p < 0.0001). Adjusting for Steno Type 1 Risk Engine (ST1-RE; based on age, sex, DD, systolic BP, LDL cholesterol, HbA1c, albuminuria, eGFR, smoking and exercise), HR was 1.52 (0.78-2.97) for FLI 30-59 and 3.04 (1.59-5.82, p = 0.001) for FLI ≥ 60. Inclusion of prior CV events slightly modified HRs. FLI impact was confirmed upon adjustment for EURODIAB Risk Engine (EURO-RE; based on age, HbA1c, waist-to-hip ratio, albuminuria and HDL cholesterol): FLI 30-59: HR 1.24, 0.62-2.48; FLI ≥ 60: 2.54, 1.30-4.95, p = 0.007), even after inclusion of prior CVD. CV events incidence increased with FLI: 3.5, 10.5, 17.2% (p < 0.0001). In unadjusted Cox, HR was 3.24 (1.65-6.34, p = 0.001) for FLI 30-59 and 5.41 (2.70-10.83, p < 0.0001) for FLI ≥ 60. After adjustment for ST1-RE or EURO-RE, FLI ≥ 60 remained statistically associated with risk of incident CV events, with trivial modification with prior CVD inclusion. CONCLUSIONS: This observational prospective study shows that FLI is associated with higher all-cause mortality and increased risk of incident CV events in type 1 diabetes.

Implementation of an In Vitro Experimental Setup Simulating Pulmonary Dissolution Following the Inhalation of Radioactive Particulate Material.

ABSTRACT: Given the need for criteria to control the radiation doses due to radionuclide inhalation, in 1994 the International Commission on Radiological Protection presented a classification for radioactive compounds based on their pulmonary absorption rates. The Commission classified the compounds into fast, moderate, and slow categories and assigned to each material a default absorption class. Nevertheless, the proposed categories do not always resemble the actual behavior of the classified materials in the pulmonary environment. Therefore, the Commission itself suggested the assessment of the inhalation risk of a particulate substance referring to an in vivo study using the same material. Since it is not possible to trace in literature in vivo studies analyzing the physiological behavior of the totality of inhalable radioactive materials, the Commission suggested adopting in vitro systems simulating the pulmonary mechanism. For this reason, in the last 50 y, many simulating setups have been implemented, but none of these seemed to reproduce the lung dissolution dynamics effectively as the results were not comparable with the ones obtained using in vivo techniques. This paper aims to describe an innovative experimental apparatus implemented as an attempt to add another step toward the realization of a gold standard. In particular, the system was validated with BaSO 4 particulate, and the resulting error with respect to the physiological expected value figured as less than 4%. The system was then employed for the lung dissolution tests of radioactive graphite extracted from Politecnico di Milano's nuclear reactor to assess the radiobiological risk due to a slow lung absorption process that workers might run into during the reactor decommissioning.

Insulin discovery: A pivotal point in medical history.

The discovery of insulin in 1921 - due to the efforts of the Canadian research team based in Toronto - has been a landmark achievement in the history of medicine. Lives of people with diabetes were changed forever, considering that in the pre-insulin era this was a deadly condition. Insulin, right after its discovery, became the first hormone to be purified for human use, the first to be unraveled in its amino acid sequence and to be synthetized by DNA-recombinant technique, the first to be modified in its amino acid sequence to modify its duration of action. As such the discovery of insulin represents a pivotal point in medical history. Since the early days of its production, insulin has been improved in its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties in the attempt to faithfully reproduce diurnal physiologic plasma insulin fluctuations. The evolution of insulin molecule has been paralleled by evolution in the way the hormone is administered. Once-weekly insulins will be available soon, and glucose-responsive "smart" insulins start showing their potential in early clinical studies. The first century of insulin as therapy was marked by relentless search for better formulations, a search that has not stopped yet. New technologies may have, indeed, the potential to provide further improvement of safety and efficacy of insulin therapy and, therefore, contribute to improvement of the quality of life of people with diabetes.

Glycaemic control during the lockdown for COVID-19 in adults with type 1 diabetes: A meta-analysis of observational studies.

AIMS: To assess the effects of lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic on glucose metrics, measured by glucose monitoring systems, in adult individuals with type 1 diabetes. METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature search for English language articles from MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science up to February 28, 2021, using "diabetes", "lockdown", and "glucose" as key search terms. Time in range (TIR) was the main outcome; other metrics were time above range (TAR), time below range (TBR), mean blood glucose (MBG) and its variability (%CV), estimated HbA1c (eA1c) or glucose management indicator (GMI). RESULTS: Seventeen studies for a total of 3,441 individuals with type 1 diabetes were included in the analysis. In the lockdown period, TIR 70-180 mg/dl increased by 3.05% (95% CI 1.67-4.43%; p < 0.0001) while TAR (>180 mg/dL and > 250 mg/dL) declined by 3.39% (-5.14 to -1.63%) and 1.96% (-2.51 to -1.42%), respectively (p < 0.0001 for both). Both TBR < 70 and <54 mg/dL remained unchanged. MBG slightly decreased by 5.40 mg/dL (-7.29 to -3.51 mg/dL; p < 0.0001) along with a reduction in %CV. Pooled eA1c and GMI decreased by 0.18% (-0.24 to -0.11%; p < 0.0001) and a similar reduction was observed when GMI alone was considered (0.15%, -0.23 to -0.07%; p < 0.0001). Sensor use was only slightly but not significantly reduced during lockdown. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis shows that well-controlled people with type 1 diabetes on both MDI and CSII with continuous or flash glucose monitoring did not experience a deterioration in glucose control throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, showing a modest, though statistically significant improvement in many glucose control parameters.

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on glucose control of elderly people with type 2 diabetes in Italy.

AIMS: to evaluate the effect of home confinement related to COVID-19 lockdown on metabolic control in subjects with T2DM in Italy. METHODS: we evaluated the metabolic profile of 304 individuals with T2DM (65% males; age 69 ± 9 years; diabetes duration 16 ± 10 years) attending our Diabetes Unit early at the end of lockdown period (June 8 to July 7, 2020) and compared it with the latest one recorded before lockdown. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in fasting plasma glucose (8.6 ± 2.1 vs 8.8 ± 2.5 mmol/L; P = 0.353) and HbA1c (7.1 ± 0.9 vs 7.1 ± 0.9%; P = 0.600) before and after lockdown. Worsening of glycaemic control (i.e., ΔHbA1c ≥ 0.5%) occurred more frequently in older patients (32.2% in > 80 years vs 21.3% in 61-80 years vs 9.3% in < 60 years; P = 0.05) and in insulin users (28.8 vs 16.5%; P = 0.012). On multivariable analysis, age > 80 years (OR 4.62; 95%CI: 1.22-16.07) and insulin therapy (OR 1.96; 95%CI: 1.10-3.50) remained independently associated to worsening in glycaemic control. CONCLUSIONS: Home confinement related to COVID-19 lockdown did not exert a negative effect on glycaemic control in patients with T2DM. However, age and insulin therapy can identify patients at greatest risk of deterioration of glycaemic control.

A.R.A.R.A.I. Guía práctica para el manejo de la luxación glenohumeral en emergencia / A.R.A.R.A.I Practice guide for management of glenohumeral dislocation in emergency

El complejo articular del hombro está formado por cinco articulaciones. Tres de estas son verdaderas: glenohumeral (GH), acromioclavicular (AC) y esternoclavicular (EC); y dos, falsas: escapulotorácica (ET) y subacromial (Sa). Es la articulación con mayor rango de movimiento (ROM, por Range of Motion) del cuerpo y la más propensa a inestabilidades, ocupa el 45% de todas las luxaciones, y 95% de estas corresponden a luxación anteroinferior. Presentamos el acrónimo A.R.A.R.A.I., que nos detalla las iniciales del esquema ordenado a seguir en un traumatismo de hombro que exhiba luxación GH.A (Axilar valoración neurovascular): comprende la valoración neurológica y vascular, la más importante de todas, inclusive antes de la radiografía y la reducción. R (Radiografía): no se puede proceder a la reducción de una luxación glenohumeral sin antes tener una radiografía que descarte fractura, si se procediera a una reducción sin una radiografía y se presenta una fractura en el control posreducción, la maniobra de reducción sería la causa de la fractura por lo que, para evitar problemas legales, siempre se debe solicitar una radiografía antes de esta maniobra. A (Anestesia): todo paciente debe ser sometido a una reducción bajo anestesia, sobre todo si es atendido en un hospital donde se cuenta con servicio de anestesiología. R (Reducción): se utilizan diferentes métodos o técnicas, recomendamos que el médico realice la maniobra con la que tenga mayor afinidad. A (Axilar Rx Posreducción): una de las mayores complicaciones en una LGH es la fractura del borde anterior de la glena no diagnosticada, por lo que la radiografía axilar posreducción, sobre todo en primoluxaciones, nos permite diagnosticar una lesión de Bankart ósea (Bony Bankart) y tratarla desde el primer episodio para evitar la reabsorción del fragmento fracturado.I (Inmovilización en neutro):es importante el tiempo de inmovilización. Recomendamos veintiún días y posición neutra para disminuir el porcentaje de recidiva.La importancia de esta guía es la adecuada valoración clínica, neurovascular, radiológica y oportuno diagnóstico de patologías concomitantes

The shoulder joint complex is made up of five joints. Three of them are true: glenohumeral (GH), acromioclavicular (AC) and sternoclavicular (SC) and two are false: scapulothoracic (ST) and subacromial (SA). It is the joint with the highest Range of Motion (ROM) in the body and the most prone to instability, occupying 45% of all dislocations, 95% of which correspond to the anteroinferior dislocation. We present the acronym A.R.A.R.A.I., which details the initials of the scheme ordered to follow in a shoulder trauma with GH dislocation.A (Axillary nerve anesthesia): includes the neurological and vascular evaluation, the most important of all, even before radiography and reduction.R (Radiography): it is not possible to proceed to the reduction of a glenohumeral dislocation without first having an X-ray that rules out a fracture, if a reduction is carried out without an X-ray and a fracture occurs in the post-reduction control, the maneuver of reduction is the cause of the fracture so, to avoid legal problems, always request an X-ray before a reduction.A (Anesthesia): every patient must undergo a reduction under anesthesia, especially if the patient is cared for in a hospital where there is an anesthesiology service

Type 1 diabetes and COVID-19: The "lockdown effect".

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect the lockdown imposed during COVID-19 outbreak on the glycemic control of people with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) using Continuous (CGM) or Flash Glucose Monitoring (FGM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed glucose reading obtained by FGM or CGM in T1D subjects. Sensor data from 2 weeks before the lockdown (Period 0, P0), 2 weeks immediately after the lockdown (period 1, P1), in mid-lockdown (Period 2, P2) and immediately after end of lockdown (Period 3, P3) were analyzed. RESULTS: The study included 63 T1D patients, (FGM: 52, 82%; CGM:11, 18%). Sensor use (91%) were slightly reduced. Despite this reduction, Time in Range increased in P1 (62%), P2 (61%) and P3 (62%) as compared to P0 (58%, all p < 0.05 or less) with concomitant reduction in the Time Above Range (P0: 38%; P1: 34%, P2: 34%, P3: 32%, all p < 0.05 or less vs. P0). Average glucose and GMI improved achieving statistical difference in P3 (165 vs. 158 mg/dl, p = 0.040 and 7.2% (55 mmol/mol) vs. 7.0% (53 mmol/mol), p = 0.016) compared to P0. Time Below Range (TBR) and overall glucose variability remained unchanged. Bi-hourly analysis of glucose profile showed an improvement particularly in the early morning hours. CONCLUSIONS: In T1D subjects with good glycemic control on CGM or FGM, the lockdown had no negative impact. Rather a modest but significant improvement in glycemic control has been recorded, most likely reflecting more regular daily life activities and reduces work-related distress.

Microvascular complications burden (nephropathy, retinopathy and peripheral polyneuropathy) affects risk of major vascular events and all-cause mortality in type 1 diabetes: a 10-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Microvascular complications (MC) have been claimed to increase the risk for cardiovascular disease in diabetic subjects. However, the effect of MC burden on the risk of major vascular outcomes and all-cause mortality in type 1 diabetes is still poorly explored. We evaluated the relationship between microvascular complications burden and incidence of major cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in subjects with type 1 diabetes. METHODS: We recruited 774 participants with type 1 diabetes in a single-center observational study over a follow-up of 10.8 ± 2.5 years. Hazard ratios (HR) for cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause death associated with microvascular complications were determined by unadjusted and adjusted Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Out of 774 individuals, 54.9% had no-MC, 32.3% 1 MC, 9.7% 2 MC and 3.1% 3 MC. A total of 54 deaths (7.0%) occurred. Death rate increased from no-MC 2.1% (Ref) to 1 MC 7.2% (HR 3.54 [95% CI 1.59-7.87]), 2 MC 14.7% (HR 6.41 [95% CI 2.65-15.49]) and 3 MC 66.7% (HR 41.73 [95% CI 18.42-94.57], p < 0.0001). After adjustments, HRs were: 1 MC 2.05 (95% CI 0.88-4.76), 2 MC 1.98 (95% CI 0.75-5.21), 3 MC 7.02 (95% CI 2.44-20.20, p = 0.002). Forty-nine subjects (6.7%) had at least one cardiovascular event, and cumulative incidence went from no-MC 2.2% (Ref) to 1 MC 5.0%; (HR 2.27 [95% CI 0.96-5.38]), 2 MC 26.8% (HR 12.88 [95% CI 5.82-28.50]) and 3 MC 40.9% (HR 29.34 [95% CI 11.59-74.25], p < 0.0001). Upon adjustments, HRs were: 1 MC 1.59 (95% CI 0.65-3.88), 2 MC 4.33 (95% CI 1.75-10.74), 3 MC 9.31 (95% CI 3.18-27.25, p < 0.0001). Thirty-five individuals (4.8%) had at least one coronary event, which cumulative incidence increased with MC burden (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In type 1 diabetes, microvascular complications burden increases in an independent dose-dependent manner the risk of major cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause mortality. The presence and number of microvascular complications should be considered in stratifying overall cardiovascular risk in type 1 diabetes.

Anterior Glenoid Rim Fracture Following Use of Resorbable Devices for Glenohumeral Stabilization.

BACKGROUND: Resorbable anchors are widely used in arthroscopic stabilization of the shoulder as a means of soft tissue fixation to bone. Their function is to ensure repair stability until they are replaced by host tissue. Complications include inflammatory soft tissue reactions, cyst formation, screw fragmentation in the joint, osteolytic reactions, and enhanced glenoid rim susceptibility to fracture. PURPOSE: To evaluate resorption of biodegradable screws and determine whether they induce formation of areas with poor bone strength that may lead to glenoid rim fracture even with minor trauma. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: This study evaluated 12 patients with anterior shoulder instability who had undergone arthroscopic stabilization with the Bankart technique and various resorbable anchors and subsequently experienced redislocation. The maximum interval between arthroscopic stabilization and the new dislocation was 52 months (mean, 22.16 months; range, 12-52 months). The mean patient age was 31.6 years (range, 17-61 years). The persistence or resorption of anchor holes; the number, area, and volume of osteolytic lesions; and glenoid erosion/fracture were assessed using computed tomography scans taken after redislocation occurred. RESULTS: Complete screw resorption was never documented. Osteolytic lesions were found at all sites (mean diameter, 5.64 mm; mean depth, 8.09 mm; mean area, 0.342 cm(2); mean volume, 0.345 cm(3)), and all exceeded anchor size. Anterior glenoid rim fracture was seen in 9 patients, even without high-energy traumas (75% of all recurrences). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic stabilization with resorbable devices is a highly reliable procedure that is, however, not devoid of complications. In all 12 patients, none of the different implanted anchors had degraded completely, even in patients with longer follow-up, and all induced formation of osteolytic areas. Such reaction may lead to anterior glenoid rim fracture according to the literature and as found in 75% of the study patients with local osteolysis (9/12). Reducing anchor number and/or size may reduce the risk of osteolytic areas and anterior glenoid rim fracture.

Early anchor displacement after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

PURPOSE: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a success and became the mainstream method of reconstruction in recent years. Due to the technical development in shoulder surgery, novel suture anchors and high-strength sutures are widely used providing convincing fixation, however anchor pullout still remains a problem. The aim of our study was to observe early anchor movement on a large patient cohort, and identify clinical, biological and technical variables that can lead to this complication. METHODS: A total of 5,327 patients who had arthroscopic rotator cuff reconstruction for full thickness tear were included in the study. Radiographs taken immediately after surgery were observed and occurrent anchor displacement was recorded. Patient-specific, tendon-specific, bone-specific and implant-specific variables were studied. Any possible relationship between these factors and anchor displacement was investigated. RESULTS: Early anchor movement occurred in six cases (0.1%). The involvement of two or more tendons, retraction of the tendon by more than 2 cm and the use of four anchors was associated with higher incidence of anchor displacement, however the difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our study, anchor pullout occurring immediately after surgery is a relatively rare complication. Instead of timing the radiologic examination directly after the procedure, assessment of the anchors' position four to six weeks after surgery should be considered.

Outcomes of arthroscopic Hill-Sachs remplissage and anterior Bankart repair: a retrospective controlled study including ultrasound evaluation of posterior capsulotenodesis and infraspinatus strength assessment.

BACKGROUND: Hill-Sachs lesions are compression fractures that result from shoulder dislocation. They involve "engaging" the humeral head on the anterior glenoid rim when the arm is abducted and externally rotated. The defect grows as the number of dislocations increases. HYPOTHESIS: Arthroscopic remplissage and anterior Bankart repair do not significantly affect infraspinatus strength while ensuring healing of the capsulotenodesis. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Sixty-one patients with traumatic anterior shoulder instability treated by arthroscopic Bankart repair and Hill-Sachs remplissage at least 24 months previously were compared with a control group of 40 healthy participants. Preoperative imaging included magnetic resonance imaging for Bankart lesion identification and computed tomography to quantify the humeral head defect. Active range of motion and clinical scores (Walch-Duplay, Constant-Murley, and Rowe) were assessed. External rotation (ER) and internal rotation (IR) were measured with arm at the side (ER1 and IR1) and abducted at 90° (ER2 and IR2). Infraspinatus strength was assessed with the scapula free (infraspinatus strength test [IST]) and retracted (infraspinatus scapula retraction test [ISRT]). Infraspinatus tenodesis and posterior capsulodesis healing were evaluated by ultrasound (US). RESULTS: The follow-up median was 39.5 months (range, 24-56 months). One patient experienced a recurrence of instability at 34 months. In the remplissage patients, ER1 was significantly lower in the affected compared with the unaffected shoulder (P < .001). Mean IST and ISRT strength values did not show differences between sides. The mean Constant-Murley score rose from 62.9 ± 7.1 to 90 ± 5.2 (P < .0001). The Walch-Duplay and Rowe scores were excellent in 23 (78.6%), good in 6 (17.8%), and poor in 1 patient (both scores). The remplissage group had significantly lower ER1 (P < .001), ER2 (P < .001), and IR2 (P < .01) values compared with the control group. Differences in IST and ISRT between the groups were not significant. Capsulotenodesis healing and filling of the Hill-Sachs defect were confirmed by dynamic US in all subjects. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic remplissage is a reliable approach to Hill-Sachs lesions. The ER and IR restriction does not significantly affect quality of life. Infraspinatus strength recovery is satisfactory even compared with healthy subjects. Ultrasound examination allows accurate evaluation of capsulotenodesis healing.

Ossifying tendinitis of the rotator cuff after arthroscopic excision of calcium deposits: report of two cases and literature review.

Ossifying tendinitis (OT) is a type of heterotopic ossification, characterized by deposition of hydroxyapatite crystals in a histologic pattern of mature lamellar bone. It is usually associated with surgical intervention or trauma and is more commonly seen in Achilles or distal biceps tendons, and also in the gluteus maximus tendon. To our knowledge, there is no description of OT as a complication of calcifying tendinitis of the rotator cuff. In this report, we describe two cases in which the patients developed an OT of the supraspinatus after arthroscopic removal of calcium deposits. The related literature is reviewed.

Arthroscopically assisted shoulder arthrodesis: is it an effective technique?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes of open and mini-open arthroscopic arthrodesis. METHODS: Twelve patients underwent arthroscopically assisted glenohumeral arthrodesis over a 5-year period; none were lost to follow-up. Surgery was performed with the patient in the lateral decubitus position, with the arm positioned in 30° each of flexion, internal rotation, and abduction. The articular cartilage was arthroscopically removed from the humerus and glenoid, creating flat opposing surfaces. One to 2 Kirschner wires were inserted percutaneously through the deltoid and across the glenohumeral joint in the center of the articulation; screws were then inserted arthroscopically. The glenohumeral joint was accessed through a mini-open posterior approach beneath the deltoid and was then reassessed before cannulated screws were tightened completely to compress the joint. Two dynamic compression plates were applied to the posterior glenohumeral joint to neutralize rotatory forces. Each patient was immobilized for 6 weeks. Follow-up radiographic imaging was performed at 2, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. These patients were then compared with a similar group who underwent a classic open approach. Success of arthrodesis was determined by bone growth across the glenohumeral joint as visualized on axillary radiographs. RESULTS: At 2-year follow-up, complete fusion was achieved in 12 (100%) arthroscopically treated patients, with 2 patients (17%) having early bone grafting (within 6 weeks) through a percutaneous approach. Four patients in the classic open approach group ("open group") required additional grafting. Two patients in the group undergoing arthroscopic surgery ("arthroscopic group") had solid fusion but persisting infection from previously failed operations. Comparison of the 2 groups showed no difference in patient satisfaction or infection rates (2 in each group, all of whom had active infection at the time of the index surgery). One patient in the open group sustained a humeral shaft fracture 5 years after arthrodesis, which required additional surgery. No patient who underwent an arthroscopic procedure required additional surgery other than the 2 early bone grafts. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopically assisted mini-open glenohumeral arthrodesis provides results that are at least equal to those of open arthrodesis, with a much less invasive approach. Success and complication rates are the same as for the completely open procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Surgical treatment of chronic acromioclavicular dislocation with biologic graft vs synthetic ligament: a prospective randomized comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Acromioclavicular (AC) dislocation involves complete loss of articular contact; it is defined as chronic when it follows conservative management or unsuccessful surgical treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study compared the clinical and radiographic outcomes of AC joint stabilization performed in 40 patients with chronic dislocation using a biological allograft (group A) or a synthetic ligament (group B). Demographic data included: M/F: 25/15; mean age: 35 ± 3.2 years; previous surgery in 11 patients, including Weaver-Dunn (3), coracoacromial ligament repair (4), stabilization with K-wires (4). Dislocation was type III in 14 (35 %) and type IV in 26 (65 %) patients. Clinical assessment was with the Constant-Murley score (pre- and postoperative) and with the modified UCLA score. Enrollment started in January 2004 and was completed in March 2008. Patients were evaluated at 1 and 4 years. Postoperative X-rays were examined to assess joint stability in the coronal and axial planes, coracoclavicular ossification, and signs of AC joint osteoarthritis and distal clavicular osteolysis. RESULTS: The "biological" group achieved significantly better clinical scores than the "synthetic" group at both 1 and 4 years. Poor subjective satisfaction and lower clinical scores were found in the 3 patients (1 from group A and 2 from group B) who experienced complete postoperative dislocation. No significant correlations were found with other radiographic parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The biological graft afforded better clinical and radiographic outcomes than the synthetic ligament in patients with chronic AC joint instability. Fixation to the clavicle constitutes the main weakness of both approaches and needs improving.

Pectoralis minor tendon transfer for irreparable anterosuperior cuff tears.

BACKGROUND: Tears of the subscapularis tendon are a frequent cause of shoulder dysfunction. Tendon transfer techniques have been devised to treat irreparable tears. The objectives of this study were to explore the anatomic feasibility of using the pectoralis minor tendon as a graft for subscapularis tendon tears, the safety of the procedure, and the scope of this approach in improving shoulder function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed open pectoralis minor transfer in 27 patients (22 men; mean age, 60 years) with irreparable tears of the upper two-thirds of the subscapularis tendon, grade III fatty degeneration, and irreparable supraspinatus tears. Constant and Simple Shoulder Test scores and functional outcomes were evaluated at 3, 12, and 24 months. All patients were available for follow-up. RESULTS: The pectoralis minor tendon easily reached the subscapularis footprint. There were no cases of musculocutaneous nerve or brachial plexus injury or graft failure. Active forward flexion improved from 127° to 177°; external rotation with the arm at the side declined by 11°. The Simple Shoulder Test score improved by 5 points and the Constant score by 41 points, although the strength subscore did not rise significantly. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that it is anatomically feasible to use the pectoralis minor tendon as a graft to treat upper subscapularis lesions; the procedure is safe in terms of brachial plexus and musculocutaneous nerve injury; and pectoralis minor transfer can improve shoulder function and provide pain relief in patients with Lafosse grade III subscapularis tears, likely through a tenodesis effect, even in the presence of irreparable supraspinatus tears.

Arthroscopic treatment of early glenohumeral arthritis.

BACKGROUND: The articular cartilage of the shoulder is not endowed with intrinsic repair abilities, so the detection of chondral lesions during arthroscopy may indicate that additional articular procedures are needed. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the benefits of arthroscopy in patients with early shoulder arthritis, and to assess which clinical and radiological features are correlated with better arthroscopic outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Out of a total of 2,707 shoulders, 61 arthroscopies were performed on patients aged 30-55 years suffering from a painful early arthritic shoulder. We performed a retrospective study of 47 of those 61 patients with osteoarthritis at Samilson-Prieto stage I or II. SST and Constant score were used as outcome measures. Arthroscopic circumferential capsulotomy was performed to release the soft tissues and increase the joint space. Glenoid chondral lesions were caregorized according to location (anterior, posterior, centered) and size (small, large, total) and treated with microfractures; in the last 11 patients, we placed a engineered hyaluronic acid membrane, Hyalograft(®) C, on the surface of the glenoid. Postoperative care included mobilization the day after surgery, with the arm protected in a sling for two weeks. Follow-up examinations were performed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. The clinical and radiographic data collected were compared with those obtained at the last examination. RESULTS: The mean Constant score increased from 43.8 points to 79.1, and the mean SST score increased from 4.9 points to 9.4 points. Clinical outcomes improved significantly in 44 patients (93.6 %). The three patients (6.4 %) with the lowest scores showed progression of arthritis. Age, gender, glenohumeral distance, and presence of engineered hyaluronic acid membrane were not related to clinical scores. Recovery of range of motion as well as small and centered cartilage lesions were statistically associated with improved outcome. CONCLUSION: The main finding was that soft tissue procedures (including capsulotomy and synovectomy) associated with glenoid microfractures are only suitable for patients with early arthritis and preserved humeral head shape, particularly in cases with small and centered glenoid cartilage lesions.

Instability and rotator cuff tear.

Prevalence of rotator cuff tears after traumatic dislocation increases with advancing age, as a consequence of the age-associated deterioration of structures and mechanical properties of the tendons of the rotator cuff. These act as effective stabilizers of the joint, compressing the humeral head in the three-dimensional concavity of the glenoid. It is impossible to establish whether a lesion of the capsulo-labrum complex or of the rotator cuff causes or follows a dislocation, regardless of whether it is anterior or posterior. A peripheral nerve or a brachial plexus injury can be associated with tendon lesion and instability, developing the 'terrible triad' of the shoulder. Both conservative and surgical management are possible, and surgeons must choose the most appropriate management modality according to the biologic age of the patients, functional demands, and type of lesion.

Long-term subscapularis strength assessment after Bristow-Latarjet procedure: isometric study.

BACKGROUND: The subscapularis is the strongest rotator cuff muscle. Bristow-Latarjet procedure may impair subscapularis function. The aim of the study is to describe the difference in isometric subscapularis (SSC) strength after L-shape tenotomy versus muscle split in patients who underwent to Bristow-Latarjet procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2000 to 2006, we enrolled 376 patients for Bristow-Latarjet procedures. We identified 2 groups according to the subscapularis approach. Group A included 264 subjects with subscapularis L shape tenotomy; group B included 112 subjects with subscapularis muscle split. The subscapularis function was assessed with lift-off and belly-press tests. Isometric strength of rotator cuff muscle was assessed at an average follow-up of 45 months in group A and 42 months in group B, recording the maximum isometric peak torque (PT) (N), maximum isometric couple (Nm), relative strength index (N/Kg), strength, couple and external/internal rotator ratio. Constant and Rowe were used as scores. RESULTS: Subscapularis assessment in the overall population showed 33 cases (8.8%) with a positive Lift-off test and 30 cases (8%) with a positive belly-press test. Rowe and Constant scores increased in both groups (P < .01). The mean PT in group A was lower of 24,8 Nw than group B (P < .01); similarly, the max PT values of group A were lower of 26.1 Nw than group B (P < .01). CONCLUSION: L-shaped tenotomy in Bristow-Latarjet procedure has a weakening effect on the subscapularis and for these reasons we strongly recommend the muscle split approach for an optimal subscapularis function recovery.