Clavicular tunnel widening after coracoclavicular stabilization surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to (1) estimate the prevalence of clavicular tunnel widening (TW) after coracoclavicular stabilization surgery and its risk factors and (2) assess whether TW is correlated with clavicle fracture or loss of reduction of the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ). METHODS: In January 2023, 3 electronic databases were searched to collect data on postoperative clavicular TW, its prevalence, magnitude, and correlation with fracture and ACJ loss of reduction. Studies were classified according to the time of surgical intervention, and the clavicular tunnels were categorized by their anatomic location. Mean differences were calculated using a DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model, while binomial outcomes were pooled using the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation. Univariate and multivariate meta-regression analyses were performed to determine the effect of several variables on the proportion of cases with TW. RESULTS: Fifteen studies (418 shoulders) were included. At the final follow-up, evidence of clavicular TW was found in 70% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 70%-87%; I2 = 89%) of 221 shoulders. Surgeries in acute cases had a lower prevalence of TW (52%) compared to chronic cases (71%) (P < .001). Significant TW was found in the central tunnel (3.2 mm; 95% CI: 1.8-4.6 mm; P < .001; I2 = 72%) for acute injuries and in the medial (1.2 mm; 95% CI: 0.7-1.7 mm; P < .001; I2 = 77%) and lateral (1.5 mm; 95% CI: 0.7-2.3 mm; P < .001; I2 = 77%) tunnels for chronic cases. Single central-tunnel techniques were positively associated with the prevalence of TW (P = .046), while biotenodesis screw fixation was associated with a lower prevalence (P = .004) in chronic cases. Reconstruction of the ACJ ligament complex with tendon grafts or sutures was associated with a higher prevalence of TW (P < .001). Drill sizes between 2.5 and 5 mm were significantly associated with a lower prevalence of TW, regardless of injury chronicity (P = .012). No correlation was found between TW and the loss of ACJ reduction or clavicle fractures. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis explored TW occurrence following coracoclavicular stabilization surgery. TW was observed in 70% of patients at final follow-up, with a higher prevalence in chronic than in acute cases. Modifiable surgical variables, such as single-tunnel tendon graft constructs for acute or chronic injuries and knotted graft procedures for chronic injuries, were significantly associated with TW. Furthermore, the prevalence of TW increased with concomitant surgical treatment of the ACJ ligament complex, and decreased with drill sizes between 2.5 and 5 mm, regardless of lesion chronicity. These surgical variables should be considered when establishing transosseous tunnels for coracoclavicular stabilization. Clavicle fractures and TW mechanisms require further investigation.

Role of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint, and rotator cuff (RC) pathologies are one of the main causes. The RC undergoes various tendinopathic and avascular changes during the aging process. Other degenerative changes affecting its healing potential make it an appealing target for biological agents. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has demonstrated the potential to deliver a high concentration of several growth factors and anti-inflammatory mediators, and its clinical use is mainly supported by experiments that demonstrated its positive effect on muscle, ligaments, and tendinous cells. This review aimed to specify the role of PRP and its future applications in RC tendinopathies based on the current clinical evidence. Due to the different characteristics and conflicting outcomes, clinicians should use PRP with moderate expectations until more consistent evidence is available. However, it is reasonable to consider PRP in patients with contraindications to corticosteroid injections or those with risk factors for inadequate healing. Its autologous origin makes it a safe treatment, and its characteristics make it a promising option for treating RC tendinopathy, but the efficacy has yet to be established.

Arthroscopic Parachute Technique for Split-type Greater Tuberosity Fractures.

Over the past years, several arthroscopic fixation procedures have been adopted for fractures of the greater tuberosity. Although they offer advantages over open approaches, especially for avulsion-type fixation, split-type fractures are usually treated with open reduction and internal fixation. However, suture constructs can result in a more reliable fixation system for multifragment or osteoporotic split-type fractures. Currently, the use of arthroscopic techniques in these more complex fractures is questionable due to inherent limitations of anatomic reduction and stability concerns. The authors report a technically simple and reproducible arthroscopic procedure based on anatomic, morphologic, and biomechanical concepts, which offers advantages over traditional open approaches or double-row arthroscopic techniques in the treatment of most split-type greater tuberosity fractures.

The Trillat Procedure for Anterior Glenohumeral Instability.

¼: Anterior glenohumeral instability (AGI) is a challenging condition that requires close attention to osseous and soft-tissue abnormalities. The morphometric variance of the periarticular scapular anatomy may be involved in the pathogenesis of recurrent traumatic anterior instability. ¼: The Trillat procedure repositions the coracoid medially and downward by a partial wedge osteotomy, mimicking the sling effect of the Latarjet procedure by moving the conjoint tendon closer to the joint line in throwing position. The Trillat procedure decreases the coracohumeral distance without affecting the integrity of the subscapularis muscle and tendon. ¼: Joint preservation methods, such as the Trillat procedure, may be explored in older patients to treat AGI with simultaneous irreparable rotator cuff tears (RCTs) with a static centered head and a functional subscapularis. ¼: Shoulder hyperlaxity and instability can be challenging to treat with isolated soft-tissue procedures. In cases without glenoid bone loss, free bone block techniques are ineffective because of the subsequent potential graft resorption, apprehension, or recurrence. The Trillat surgery, in conjunction with an anteroinferior capsuloplasty, seems to be helpful in preventing recurrent instability and in reducing shoulder apprehension. ¼: Recently, several variations of the original technique have been described. In the future, anatomical, biomechanical, and clinical studies need to be conducted to further evaluate the morphometric characterization of the procedure, enhance the technical features, improve indications, and avoid coracoid impingement and other potential complications with the Trillat procedure.