Three-Dimensional Quantification of Glenoid Bone Loss in Anterior Shoulder Instability: The Anatomic Concave Surface Area Method.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent shoulder instability may be associated with glenoid erosion and bone loss. Accurate quantification of bone loss significantly influences the contemplation of surgical procedure. In addition, assessment of bone loss is crucial for surgical planning and accurate graft placement during surgery. PURPOSE: To quantify the concave surface area of glenoid bone loss by using 3-dimensional (3D) segmented models of the scapula and to compare this method with the best-fit circle and glenoid height/width methods, which use the glenoid rim for bone loss estimations. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: A total of 36 consecutive preoperative bilateral computed tomography scans of patients eligible for a primary Latarjet procedure were selected from our institutional surgical database (mean patient age, 29 ± 9 years; 31 men and 5 women). The 3D models of both scapulae were generated using medical segmentation software and were used to map the anatomic concave surface area (ACSA) of the inferior glenoid using the diameter of the best-fit circle of the healthy glenoid. Bone loss was calculated as a ratio of the difference between surface areas of both glenoids (healthy and pathological) against the anatomic circular surface area of the healthy glenoid (the ACSA method). These results were compared with bone loss calculations using the best-fit circle and glenoid height/width methods. Inter- and intraobserver reliability were also calculated. RESULTS: The mean (± SD) bone loss calculated using the ACSA, the best-fit circle, and glenoid height/width methods was 9.4% ± 6.7%, 14.3% ± 6.8%, and 17.6% ± 7.3%, respectively. The ACSA method showed excellent interobserver reliability, with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.95 versus those for the best-fit circle (ICC, 0.71) and glenoid height/width (ICC, 0.79) methods. CONCLUSION: Quantification of instability-related glenoid bone loss is reliable using the 3D ACSA method.

Medium-term outcome of posterior surgery in the treatment of non-tuberculous bacterial spinal infection.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the outcome of posterior spinal stabilization surgery for the management of bacterial spinal infection. METHODS: 21 patients with bacterial infection were managed surgically with posterior stabilization. Outcome measures included neurological status. Follow-up data collected using Spine Tango COMI questionnaires and Euro Qol EQ-5D. RESULTS: The mean improvement in neurological deficits was 0.91 Frankel grade. Residual symptoms of pain had no or minor effect on the work or usual activities in 52% of subjects, with 88% reported having either no or mid problems with mobility. CONCLUSION: Posterior surgery can improve neurological outcome in approximately half of the patients.

(in vivo Gastrocnemius Muscle) Tendon Ratio in Patients with Cerebral Palsy.

BACKGROUND: The position of the gastrocnemius tendon in relation to the leg length may be different in children with cerebral palsy as compared to normal children. The palpation of muscle bellies or previous experience of the operating surgeon is employed to place the surgical incision for lengthening of the gastrocnemius aponeurosis. Inaccurate localisation may cause incorrect incisions and a risk of iatrogenic damage to the vital structures (i.e. sural nerve). OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study is to compare gastrocnemius length in-vivo between paretic and unaffected children and create a formula to localise the muscle-tendon junction accurately. METHODS: 10 children with di/hemiplegia (range 2-14y) were recruited. None of them had received any conventional medical treatment. An equal number of age/sex matched, typically developing children (range 4-14y) were recruited. Ultrasound scanning of the gastrocnemius muscle at rest was performed to measure the length of gastrocnemius bellies. We also measured the heights and leg lengths in all the children. RESULTS: The gastrocnemius medial muscles were shorter in Cerebral Palsy children when compared to similar aged normal children. In cerebral palsy children, the gastrocnemius muscle and leg ratio ranged between 35 to 50% (average ratio of 45%). CONCLUSION: Using these figures, we created an average percentage for gastrocnemius muscle length that may be used clinically to identify the tendon for open/endoscopic lengthening and also to make simple and accurate localisation of gastrocnemius muscle-tendon junction for surgical access. This decreases the length of the surgical incision and may reduce the risk of iatrogenic injuries.

Outcome of Scapulothoracic Arthroscopy for Painful Snapping Scapula.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with scapulothoracic syndrome present with pain in the scapulothoracic area aggravated by overhead and repetitive shoulder movements. The aim of our study was to assess the outcome of scapulothoracic arthroscopic treatment in patients with painful snapping scapula in our institution. METHODS: Fourteen patients underwent scapulothoracic arthroscopic treatment for painful snapping scapula. Pre-operatively, all these patients had a trial of conservative treatment modalities for at least 6 months. Two portals along the medial border of scapula were used for arthroscopy and instrumentation. In three cases a superior portal was also used. The arm was placed in the "chicken wing" position so that the scapula lifted up from the chest wall. Outcome was assessed using pre and postoperative pain visual analogue score and Oxford Shoulder Score. RESULTS: Of the fourteen patients included in our study, ten were female and four were male patients. Mean age at the time of surgery was 27.6 years. Mean follow up was 35.7 months. Pain visual analogue score improved significantly from a mean of 8.8 preoperatively to 2.5 postoperatively (P value 0.00002). There was also a significant improvement in Oxford Shoulder Score from a mean of 10.8 to 40.9 (P= 0.00001). Mean crepitus score significantly decreased from 2.6 to 0.21 (p < 0.00001). Crepitus completely resolved in eleven patients. In three there was residual palpable crepitus but they had good pain relief. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic scapulothoracic treatment provides significant pain relief and functional improvement for painful snapping scapula symptoms not responding to non-surgical treatment modalities.

Managing Bony Defects of the Shoulder Joint that Occur in Association with Dislocation.

BACKGROUND: Defects to the articular surface of the humeral head have been known to be associated with shoulder dislocation since the 19th century. It wasn't until 1934 that the first description of the ubiquitous compression fracture of the posterolateral humeral head that occurs with traumatic anterior instability appeared. From 1940, this defect became referred to as a Hill-Sachs lesion after the investigators who reported the condition. The significance of, and therefore treatment of, these and other such bony defects around the shoulder joint has been hotly debated. METHODS: We reviewed the available current literature to determine and report on the most up to date concepts and treatment techniques being used to manage bony defects of the shoulder. RESULTS: Numerous surgical options have been proposed to manage bony defects of the shoulder, including a variety of defect-filling procedures, with good outcomes. However, the small numbers and diversity of case mix makes for difficult comparisons. CONCLUSION: We are currently developing a greater appreciation of how both the humeral and glenoid defects interact and therefore should be assessed and addressed simultaneously in order to improve patient outcomes. More research and collaboration is needed to determine the optimal method of assessing and managing these patients.

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

BACKGROUND: Scoliosis refers to deviation of spine greater than 10 degrees in the coronal plane. Idiopathic Scoliosis is the most common spinal deformity that develops in otherwise healthy children. The sub types of scoliosis are based on the age of the child at presentation. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) by definition occurs in children over the age of 10 years until skeletal maturity. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to outline the features of AIS to allow the physician to recognise this condition and commence early treatment, thereby optimizing patient outcome. METHOD: A thorough literature search was performed using available databases, including Pubmed and Embase, to cover important research published covering AIS. CONCLUSION: AIS results in higher incidence of back pain and discontent with body image. Curves greater than 50 degrees in thoracic region and greater than 30 degrees in lumbar region progress at a rate of 0.5 to 1 degree per year into adulthood. Curves greater than 60 degrees can lead to pulmonary functional deficit. Therefore once the disease is recognized, effective treatment should be instituted to address the deformity and prevention of its long-term sequelae.

Small bowel obstruction secondary to gastric adenocarcinoma.

A 77-year-old man presented with small bowel obstruction secondary to a solitary metastasis 7 years following resection of gastric carcinoma. At laparotomy, there was no evidence of local recurrence of gastric carcinoma and the liver was also noted to be grossly normal. Further exploration revealed the presence of a small bowel tumour in the ileum causing obstruction. A small bowel resection with side-to-side anastomosis was performed. On microscopy, the appearance of the resected small bowel tumour was consistent with a metastasis from the previously resected gastric carcinoma. The patient made an uneventful recovery following surgery and was later referred for further oncology management.