Ultrasound-Guided Hydrodissection of the Thoracodorsal Nerve and Axillary Nerve in a Gymnast With Shoulder Pain Associated With Superior Labral Anterior-Posterior Lesions: A Case Report.

A 20-year-old male national-level gymnast presented with left shoulder pain attributed to a superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesion. Physical examination revealed pain in the anterosuperior area at maximum shoulder elevation, with a positive combined abduction test and horizontal flexion test indicating a restriction in glenohumeral joint motion. Rather than directly addressing the SLAP lesion, ultrasound-guided hydrodissections of the thoracodorsal and axillary nerves were performed, leading to immediate alleviation of pain and mobility constraints. This innovative approach, emphasizing shoulder function, offers a novel therapeutic strategy for SLAP-associated shoulder pain in athletes.

Diagnosis and treatment approach of delayed presentation of anterior branch axillary nerve injury following shoulder dislocation: case report.

In this case report, a unique instance of delayed isolated anterior branch axillary nerve injury following shoulder dislocation is highlighted. The patient, a 55-year-old manual laborer, presented with severe deltoid wasting and reduced power 18 months postdislocation, necessitating a specialized treatment approach. The use of axillary nerve neurolysis and an innovative upper trapezius to anterior deltoid transfer via a subacromial path posterior to the clavicle, facilitated by an autologous semitendinosus graft, resulted in significant improvement with 160 degrees of abduction and Grade 4+ power Medical Research Council grading (MRC) at the 5-year follow-up.

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation of the Shoulder: A Technical Primer.

Scapulalgia or shoulder pain accounts for 16% of all musculoskeletal complaints in the healthy adult population and becomes more common as we age. When this pain exceeds 3 months in duration, it is deemed to be chronic, and typically treated in an escalating manner. Spanning a continuum of conservative and non-conservative measures, chronic shoulder pain treatments range from rest and physical therapy to surgery. Since each patient presents with a unique spectrum of symptoms a customized treatment plan is often required. Over the lifetime of many of these patients, a variety of treatment options are required. One of these treatment options, peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), is a minimally invasive procedure in which an electrical impulse is delivered through a percutaneously implanted, small caliber electrode to a peripheral nerve proximal to the lesion which interferes with the pain signals. Over the past several years, significant growth of PNS in the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain has been observed. However, the procedural techniques have not been well described. The foundation of long-term, minimally invasive percutaneous PNS in patients with chronic shoulder pain, and procedural techniques for stimulating the suprascapular and axillary nerves using fluoroscopy or ultrasonography will be described in this report.

Anatomy and Deficiency of the Deltoid Muscle: A Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The deltoid muscle is impacted by common injuries and clinical procedures. This study aims to summarize the anatomy, injuries, and clinical considerations involving the deltoid muscle. METHOD: A literature search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords that focused on the deltoid muscle in the shoulder. Primary research articles and appropriate summary articles were selected for review. RESULTS: Reduced deltoid muscle function can be caused by axillary nerve injury, rupture of the deltoid itself, or iatrogenic damage to the muscle. The deltoid muscle has an intimate relationship with the axillary nerve and neighboring rotator cuff muscles. Injury to these nearby structures may be masked by compensating deltoid strength. Examination maneuvers in clinic such as the Akimbo Test should be used to isolate the deltoid muscle to determine if the presenting weakness is from the deltoid itself or from other surrounding injury. Additionally, prior to performing clinical procedures, it is important to be cognitive of the injuries that can occur. For example, incisions that extend distally from the acromion should not extend beyond 5-7 cm as this is the common location of the axillary nerve and vaccine administration should take measures to avoid misplaced injections to avoid unnecessary trauma. CONCLUSION: Deficiency of the deltoid muscle can be debilitating to patients and it is best clinical practice be aware of the anatomy, various causes, tests, and avoidance measures to help diagnose, restore or preserve normal functioning.

Lesión electromiográfica del nervio axilar en fracturas del extremo proximal del húmero. Estudio prospectivo, observacional, analizando el patrón de fractura / Electromyographic axillary nerve injury in fractures of the proximal humerus: Prospective, observational study, analysing the fracture pattern

Objetivo: Descripción y análisis de la relación entre las fracturas de húmero proximal y la lesión traumática del nervio axilar circunflejo. Material y método: Estudio prospectivo, observacional, de una serie de casos consecutivos de fracturas de extremo proximal de húmero. Se realizó valoración radiográfica, clasificando las fracturas según el sistema AO (Arbeitsgemeinshaft für Osteosynsthesefragen, Asociación de Grupo de Trabajo para el Estudio de la Fijación Interna de las Fracturas), y electromiografía (EMG) para la evaluación de la lesión del nervio axilar. Resultados: De 105 casos consecutivos de fracturas de húmero proximal, 31 pacientes cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Muestra: 86% mujeres y 14% hombres con edad media de 71,8 años (30-96 años). De los pacientes incluidos en el estudio, 58% presentó una EMG normal o leve axonotmesis, 23% presentó neuropatía del nervio axilar sin denervación muscular y 19%, lesión con denervación del nervio axilar. Los pacientes que sufrieron fracturas complejas de húmero proximal (AO11B y AO11C) tuvieron más riesgo de presentar lesiones tipo neuropatía axilar con denervación muscular en la EMG, siendo esta relación estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,001). Conclusiones: Los pacientes que sufren fracturas complejas de húmero proximal (AO11B y AO11C) tienen más riesgo de presentar lesiones tipo neuropatía axilar con denervación muscular en la EMG (p < 0,001).(AU)

Objective: Description and analysis of the relation between the proximal humerus fracture patterns and the traumatic injury of the axillary nerve. Material and method: Prospective, observational study of a consecutive case series that analyzed proximal humerus fractures. Radiographic evaluation was performed, and AO (Arbeitsgemeinshaft für Osteosynsthesefragen) system was used to classify the fractures. Electromyography was used to diagnose the axillary nerve injury. Results: Thirty-one patients on 105 who had a proximal humerus fracture met inclusion criteria. Eighty-six percent of the patients included were women and 14% men. The mean age was 71.8 years (30–96 years). Of the patients included in the study, 58% had normal or mild axonotmesis EMG, 23% had axillary nerve neuropathy without muscle denervation and 19% had injury with axillary nerve denervation. Patients who suffered complex fractures of the proximal humerus (AO11B and AO11C) had a higher risk of presenting axillary neuropathy type lesions with muscle denervation in the EMG, this relationship being statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: Patients who have more risk on presenting axillary nerve neuropathy with muscle denervation in electromyography are those who present complex proximal humerus fractures AO11B and AO11C (p<0.001).(AU)

[Translated article] Electromyographic axillary nerve injury in fractures of the proximal humerus: Prospective, observational study, analysing the fracture pattern / Lesión electromiográfica del nervio axilar en fracturas del extremo proximal del húmero. Estudio prospectivo, observacional, analizando el patrón de fractura

Objetivo: Descripción y análisis de la relación entre las fracturas de húmero proximal y la lesión traumática del nervio axilar circunflejo. Material y método: Estudio prospectivo, observacional, de una serie de casos consecutivos de fracturas de extremo proximal de húmero. Se realizó valoración radiográfica, clasificando las fracturas según el sistema AO (Arbeitsgemeinshaft für Osteosynsthesefragen, Asociación de Grupo de Trabajo para el Estudio de la Fijación Interna de las Fracturas), y electromiografía (EMG) para la evaluación de la lesión del nervio axilar. Resultados: De 105 casos consecutivos de fracturas de húmero proximal, 31 pacientes cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Muestra: 86% mujeres y 14% hombres con edad media de 71,8 años (30-96 años). De los pacientes incluidos en el estudio, 58% presentó una EMG normal o leve axonotmesis, 23% presentó neuropatía del nervio axilar sin denervación muscular y 19%, lesión con denervación del nervio axilar. Los pacientes que sufrieron fracturas complejas de húmero proximal (AO11B y AO11C) tuvieron más riesgo de presentar lesiones tipo neuropatía axilar con denervación muscular en la EMG, siendo esta relación estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,001). Conclusiones: Los pacientes que sufren fracturas complejas de húmero proximal (AO11B y AO11C) tienen más riesgo de presentar lesiones tipo neuropatía axilar con denervación muscular en la EMG (p < 0,001).(AU)

Objective: Description and analysis of the relation between the proximal humerus fracture patterns and the traumatic injury of the axillary nerve. Material and method: Prospective, observational study of a consecutive case series that analyzed proximal humerus fractures. Radiographic evaluation was performed, and AO (Arbeitsgemeinshaft für Osteosynsthesefragen) system was used to classify the fractures. Electromyography was used to diagnose the axillary nerve injury. Results: Thirty-one patients on 105 who had a proximal humerus fracture met inclusion criteria. Eighty-six percent of the patients included were women and 14% men. The mean age was 71.8 years (30–96 years). Of the patients included in the study, 58% had normal or mild axonotmesis EMG, 23% had axillary nerve neuropathy without muscle denervation and 19% had injury with axillary nerve denervation. Patients who suffered complex fractures of the proximal humerus (AO11B and AO11C) had a higher risk of presenting axillary neuropathy type lesions with muscle denervation in the EMG, this relationship being statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: Patients who have more risk on presenting axillary nerve neuropathy with muscle denervation in electromyography are those who present complex proximal humerus fractures AO11B and AO11C (p<0.001).(AU)

Neuropathy of the suprascapular and axillary nerves in rotator cuff arthropathy: a prospective electrodiagnostic study.

PURPOSE: Prevalence of axillary (AN) and/or suprascapular (SSN) neuropathy in rotator cuff tear arthropathy (RCTA) is unknown. We aimed to prospectively evaluate for preoperative neurodiagnostic abnormalities in order to determine their prevalence, location, and influence on reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) outcomes. METHODS: Patients who underwent RSA for RCTA were prospectively included. An electromyography and nerve conduction study were performed pre and post-surgery. Clinical situation: VAS, Relative Constant-Murley Score (rCMS) and ROM over a minimum of two years follow-up. RESULTS: Forty patients met the inclusion criteria; mean follow-up was 28.4 months (SD 4.4). Injuries in RCTA were present in 83.9% (77.4% in AN and 45.2% in SSN). There were no differences on preoperative VAS, ROM, and rCMS between patients with and without preoperative nerve injuries. Four acute postoperative neurological injuries were registered under chronic preoperative injuries. Six months after RSA, 69% of preoperative neuropathies had improved (82.14% chronic injuries and 77.7% disuse injuries). No differences in improvement between disuse and chronic injuries were found, but patients with preoperative neuropathy that had not improved at the postoperative electromyographic study at six months, scored worse on the VAS (1.44 vs 2.66; p .14) and rCMS (91.6 vs 89.04; p .27). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of axillary and suprascapular neuropathies in RCTA is much higher than expected. Most of these injuries improve after surgery, with almost complete neurophysiological recovery and little functional impact on RSA. However, those patients with preoperative neuropathies and absence of neurophysiological improvement six months after surgery have lower functional results.

Electromyographic axillary nerve injury in fractures of the proximal humerus: Prospective, observational study, analysing the fracture pattern. / Lesión electromiográfica del nervio axilar en fracturas del extremo proximal del húmero. Estudio prospectivo, observacional, analizando el patrón de fractura.

OBJECTIVE: Description and analysis of the relation between the proximal humerus fracture patterns and the traumatic injury of the axillary nerve. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Prospective, observational study of a consecutive case series that analyzed proximal humerus fractures. Radiographic evaluation was performed, and AO (Arbeitsgemeinshaft für Osteosynsthesefragen) system was used to classify the fractures. Electromyography was used to diagnose the axillary nerve injury. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients on 105 who had a proximal humerus fracture met inclusion criteria. Eighty-six percent of the patients included were women and 14% men. The mean age was 71.8 years (30-96 years). Of the patients included in the study, 58% had normal or mild axonotmesis EMG, 23% had axillary nerve neuropathy without muscle denervation and 19% had injury with axillary nerve denervation. Patients who suffered complex fractures of the proximal humerus (AO11B and AO11C) had a higher risk of presenting axillary neuropathy type lesions with muscle denervation in the EMG, this relationship being statistically significant (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients who have more risk on presenting axillary nerve neuropathy with muscle denervation in electromyography are those who present complex proximal humerus fractures AO11B and AO11C (p<0.001).

[Translated article] Electromyographic axillary nerve injury in fractures of the proximal humerus: Prospective, observational study, analysing the fracture pattern.

OBJECTIVE: Description and analysis of the relation between the proximal humerus fracture patterns and the traumatic injury of the axillary nerve. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Prospective, observational study of a consecutive case series that analysed proximal humerus fractures. Radiographic evaluation was performed, and AO (Arbeitsgemeinshaft für Osteosynsthesefragen) system was used to classify the fractures. Electromyography was used to diagnose the axillary nerve injury. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients on 105 who had a proximal humerus fracture met inclusion criteria. Eighty-six percent of the patients included were women and 14% men. The mean age was 71.8 years (30-96 years). Of the patients included in the study, 58% had normal or mild axonotmesis EMG, 23% had axillary nerve neuropathy without muscle denervation and 19% had injury with axillary nerve denervation. Patients who suffered complex fractures of the proximal humerus (AO11B and AO11C) had a higher risk of presenting axillary neuropathy type lesions with muscle denervation in the EMG, this relationship being statistically significant (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients who have more risk on presenting axillary nerve neuropathy with muscle denervation in electromyography are those who present complex proximal humerus fractures AO11B and AO11C (p<0.001).

COVID-19 Vaccines and Axillary Nerve Dysfunction: A Case Report.

COVID-19 resulted in a worldwide pandemic and the rapid introduction of vaccines in an attempt to mitigate it. Neuritis and neuropathy after intramuscular injection had been previously seen with influenza vaccines and appear to be a side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine as well. In the following report, we present the case of a 43-year-old female who developed axillary nerve symptoms after administration of the COVID-19 vaccine and her subsequent recovery.

Arthroscopic Lower Trapezius Tendon Transfer for a Patient with Axillary Nerve Injury and Concomitant Rotator Cuff Tear: A Case Report and Technical Notes.

Introduction: Concomitant nerve injuries with musculoskeletal injuries present a challenging problem. The goals of nerve reconstruction for the shoulder include shoulder abduction and external rotation. When patients fail to achieve acceptable shoulder external rotation and shoulder abduction, tendon transfers such as trapezius transfer offer a reliable option in the subsequent stage. Case Presentation: A 32-year-old male presented with weak external rotation in his left shoulder, after previous axillary nerve reconstruction. He received the ipsilateral lower trapezius transfer with the aim of improving the external rotation. Discussion: The lower trapezius restores a better joint reaction force in both the compressive-distractive and anterior-posterior balancing and provides a centering force through the restoration of the anterior-posterior force couple. Conclusion: We believe that the ipsilateral lower trapezius transfer to the infraspinatus is a good outcome and is effective in improving overall shoulder stability and the shoulder external rotation moment arm or at least maintaining in neutral position with the arm fully adducted in patients with post axillary nerve injuries post unsatisfactory nerve reconstruction to increase the quality of life and activities of daily living.

Dissectional Orientation: Morphological Variations of Teres Minor Muscle and its Nerve Supply

SUMMARY: The teres minor is one of the rotator cuff muscles that comprise the superior margin of the quadrangular space. Quadrangular space syndrome (QSS) refers to the entrapment or compression of the axillary nerve and the posterior humeral circumflex artery in the quadrangular space, often caused by injuries, dislocation of the shoulder joint, etc. Patients who fail the primary conservative treatments and have persistent symptoms and no pain relief for at least six months would be considered for surgical interventions for QSS. This cadaveric study of 17 cadavers (males: 9 and females: 8) was conducted in the Gross Anatomy Laboratory at the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University. The cadavers were preserved in a 10 % formaldehyde solution and obtained ethical approval by the ethical commission of the Siriraj Institutional Review Board. The morphology of the teres minor muscle-tendon junction, the bifurcation type of the axillary nerve, and the length and number of the terminal branches of the nerve to the teres minor were documented. Specimens with quadrangular space contents and surrounding muscles that had been destroyed were excluded from the study. The results showed that 47.06 % of the specimens had type A bifurcation, 47.06 % had type B bifurcation, and the remaining 5.88 % had type C bifurcation. It was observed that 58.82 % had nonclassic muscle-tendon morphology, while 41.18 % were classic. The average length of the terminal branches of the nerve to the teres minor in males was 1.13 cm, with the majority having two branches. For females, many showed one terminal branch with an average length of 0.97 cm. Understanding the differences in anatomical variations can allow for a personalized treatment plan prior to quadrangular space syndrome surgical procedures and improve the recovery of postsurgical interventions for patients.

El músculo redondo menor es uno de los músculos del manguito rotador que comprende el margen superior del espacio cuadrangular. El síndrome del espacio cuadrangular (QSS) se refiere al atrapamiento o compresión del nervio axilar y la arteria circunfleja humeral posterior en el espacio cuadrangular, a menudo causado por lesiones, dislocación de la articulación humeral, entre otros. En los pacientes en los que fracasan los tratamientos conservadores primarios y presentan síntomas persistentes y ningún alivio del dolor durante al menos seis meses se considerarían para intervenciones quirúrgicas para QSS. Este estudio cadavérico de 17 cadáveres (hombres: 9 y mujeres: 8) se llevó a cabo en el Laboratorio de Anatomía Macroscópica del Departamento de Anatomía de la Facultad de Medicina del Hospital Siriraj de la Universidad Mahidol. Los cadáveres se conservaron en una solución de formaldehído al 10 % y obtuvieron la aprobación ética de la comisión ética de la Junta de Revisión Institucional de Siriraj. Se documentó la morfología de la unión músculo-tendón del músculo redondo menor, el tipo de bifurcación del nervio axilar y la longitud y el número de las ramas terminales del nervio para el músculo redondo menor. Se excluyeron del estudio los especímenes con contenido de espacios cuadrangulares y músculos circundantes que habían sido destruidos. Los resultados mostraron que el 47,06 % de los especímenes presentó bifurcación tipo A, el 47,06 % una bifurcación tipo B y el 5,88 % restante una bifurcación tipo C. Se observó que el 58,82 % presentaba una morfología músculo-tendinosa no clásica, mientras que el 41,18 % era clásica. La longitud pmedia de los ramos terminales del nervio hasta el músculo redondo menor en los hombres era de 1,13 cm, y la mayoría tenía dos ramos. En el caso de las mujeres, mostraron un ramo terminal con una longitud promedio de 0,97 cm. Comprender las diferencias en las variaciones anatómicas puede permitir un plan de tratamiento personalizado antes de los procedimientos quirúrgicos del síndrome del espacio cuadrangular y mejorar la recupe- ración de las intervenciones posquirúrgicas de los pacientes.

Decompression of Paralabral Cyst near Axillary Nerve: A Case Report.

Introduction: Paralabral cyst is benign fluid-filled lesion that occurs adjacent to glenoid labrum. Origin of the cyst can be traumatic or atraumatic. This cystic lesion can compress nearby axillary nerve or suprascapular nerve, resulting in shoulder pain and numbness. In this case report, we will discuss about anteroinferior paralabral cyst with axillary neuropathy in atraumatic condition. Case Report: A 35-year-old male was admitted in our institute with complaining of numbness in the mid-part of the lateral arm and pain in the posterior aspect in the left shoulder for 2 weeks. The patient has on-and-off pain in the left shoulder on lifting weight. He had no history of trauma. X-ray was normal. On examination, tenderness presents over the dorsal aspect of shoulder and reduced sensations over deltoid muscle (regimen badge sign). Deltoid atrophy was noted. Range of motion was normal. On examination, cervical spine was normal, and reduced sensation over the lateral aspect of arm and deltoid atrophy was present. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows large multiloculated paralabral cyst caudal to inferior glenoid rim. The diagnosis was compressive axillary neuropathy which was confirmed by nerve condition study. Conclusion: According to this case report, accurate early clinical examination and MRI evaluation are crucial in patients with atraumatic shoulder pain associated with neurological symptoms. On identification, cyst can be successfully decompressed by shoulder arthroscopy which can prevent axillary nerve damage, muscle denervation, and also recurrence of cyst can be avoided.

Simultaneous Bilateral Anterior Shoulder Dislocation After Low-Energy Trauma: A Case Report.

Unilateral shoulder dislocation is known to be one of the most common joint dislocations. However, simultaneous bilateral shoulder dislocations are rare, especially anterior dislocations. We report a case of an 84-year-old woman who presented to the urgency room with symmetrical bilateral anterior shoulder dislocation 12 hours after falling on a treadmill. She presented with bilateral pain, functional impairment, prominent acromion, flattened shoulder, and, in the right upper limb, paresthesias on the dorsum of the hand and extension deficit of the fingers. Closed reduction of both shoulders was performed under sedation, and she was immobilized bilaterally with an arm sling in internal rotation. A full recovery was achieved six months after the injury.

The surgical anatomy of the axillary approach for nerve transfer procedures targeting the axillary nerve.

PURPOSE: The exact relational anatomy for the anterior axillary approach, targeting the axillary nerve for nerve transfers/grafts, has not been fully investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to dissect and document the gross anatomy surrounding this approach, specifically regarding the axillary nerve and its branches. METHODS: Fifty-one formalin-fixed cadavers (98 axilla) were bilaterally dissected simulating the axillary approach. Measurements were taken to quantify distances between identifiable anatomical landmarks and relevant neurovascular structures encountered during this approach. The musculo-arterial triangle, described by Bertelli et al., to aid in identification on localization of the axillary nerve, was also assessed. RESULTS: From the origin of the axillary nerve till (1) latissimus dorsi was 62.3 ± 10.7 mm and till (2) its division into anterior and posterior branches was 38.8 ± 9.6 mm. The origin of the teres minor branch along the posterior division of the axillary nerve was recorded as 6.4 ± 2.9 mm in females and 7.4 ± 2.8 mm in males. The musculo-arterial triangle reliably identified the axillary nerve in only 60.2% of the sample. CONCLUSION: The results clearly demonstrate that the axillary nerve and its divisions can be easily identified with this approach. The proximal axillary nerve, however, was situated deep and therefore challenging to expose. The musculo-arterial triangle was relatively successful in localising the axillary nerve, however, more consistent landmarks such as the latissimus dorsi, subscapularis, and quadrangular space have been suggested. The axillary approach may serve as a reliable and safe method to reach the axillary nerve and its divisions, allowing for adequate exposure when considering a nerve transfer or graft.

[Modified Latarjet splitting subscapularis muscle under arthroscopy: an anatomical study based on axillary nerve, glenoid, and subscapularis muscle].

Objective: To testify the spatial relationship between the subscapularis muscle splitting window and the axillary nerve in modified arthroscopic Latarjet procedure, which could provide anatomical basis for the modification of the subscapularis muscle splitting. Methods: A total of 29 adult cadaveric shoulder specimens were dissected layer by layer, and the axillary nerve was finally confirmed to walk on the front surface of the subscapularis muscle. Keeping the shoulder joint in a neutral position, the Kirschner wire was passed through the subscapularis muscle from back to front at the 4 : 00 position of the right glenoid circle (7 : 00 position of the left glenoid circle), and the anterior exit point (point A, the point of splitting subscapularis muscle during Latarjet procedure) was recorded. The vertical and horizontal distances between point A and the axillary nerve were measured respectively. Results: In the neutral position of the shoulder joint, the distance between the point A and the axillary nerve was 27.37 (19.80, 34.55) mm in the horizontal plane and 16.67 (12.85, 20.35) mm in the vertical plane. Conclusion: In the neutral position of the shoulder joint, the possibility of axillary nerve injury will be relatively reduced when radiofrequency is taken from the 4 : 00 position of the right glenoid (7 : 00 position of the left glenoid circle), passing through the subscapularis muscle posteriorly and anteriorly and splitting outward.

High-Resolution Ultrasound Imaging of Axillary Nerve and Relevant Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of axillary nerve (AN) visualization in healthy volunteers and the diagnostic value of AN injury via high-resolution ultrasonography (HRUS). METHODS: AN was examined by HRUS on both sides of 48 healthy volunteers and oriented the transducer according to three anatomical landmarks: quadrilateral space, anterior to subscapular muscle, and posterior to axillary artery. The maximum short-axis diameter (SD) and cross-sectional area (CSA) of AN were measured at different levels, and AN visibility was graded by using a five-point scale. The patients suspected of having AN injury were assessed by HRUS, and the HRUS features of AN injury were observed. RESULTS: AN can be visualized on both sides in all volunteers. There was no significant difference in SD and CSA of AN at the three levels between the left and right sides or in SD between males and females. However, the CSA of males at different levels was slightly larger than those of females (P < .05). In most volunteers, AN visibility at different levels was excellent or good, and AN was best displayed anterior to subscapular muscle. Rank correlation analysis revealed that the degree of AN visibility had correlation with height, weight, and BMI. A total of 15 patients diagnosed with AN injury, 12 patients showed diffuse swelling or focal thickening in AN, and 3 patients showed AN discontinuity. CONCLUSION: HRUS is able to reliably visualize AN, and it could be considered as the first choice for diagnosing AN injury.

Comprehensive arthroscopic management without axillary nerve release or subacromial decompression achieves satisfactory and durable results in young patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis.

PURPOSE: The comprehensive arthroscopic management (CAM) procedure is a useful joint-preserving option for young or active patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA). Our objective was to evaluate the results and prognostic factors of the CAM procedure without direct axillary nerve release or subacromial decompression. METHODS: A retrospective observational study among patients with GHOA who underwent the CAM procedure was conducted. Neither axillary nerve neurolysis nor subacromial decompression was performed. Both primary and secondary GHOA were considered; the latter was defined as a history of shoulder pathology (mainly instability or proximal humerus fracture). The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scale, Simple Shoulder Test, Visual Analogue Scale, activity level, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, EuroQol 5 Dimensions 3 Levels, Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index, and active range of motion (aROM) were analysed. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients who underwent the CAM procedure met the inclusion criteria. After a mean follow-up of 42.4 ± 22.9 months, we found improvement (p < 0.001) in all postoperative values of the different scales. The procedure increased aROM overall. Patients with arthropathy due to instability showed worse results. The rate of CAM failures, defined as conversion to shoulder arthroplasty, was 12%. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the CAM procedure without direct axillary nerve neurolysis or subacromial decompression might be a valid alternative in active patients with advanced GHOA to improve shoulder function (aROM and scores), decrease pain, and delay arthroplasty. This technique showed good subjective functional scores, high patient satisfaction, and a low rate of complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Safety-driven master's technique of the Latarjet-Walch procedure and its short-term complications: experience in a study of 150 consecutive patients.

Background: Although the classic open Latarjet has a low recurrence rate in unstable shoulders, this advantage may be offset by the higher number of complications. We aimed to report the safety-driven nuanced steps and the resulting short-term complications of the Latarjet-Walch technique. Methods: Between 2016 and 2022, 150 patients who underwent the Latarjet procedure following the key safety-driven technical steps were retrospectively evaluated for intraoperative and short-term (3 months) complications. The complications were divided into 3 types: Any adverse event that did not need a change in the treatment protocol was a type 1 complication. An event that resulted in a prolongation of rehabilitation protocol or an additional medical line of treatment was classified as type 2, and an event that resulted in readmission, a resurgery, or one that affected the outcome was classified as a type 3 complication. Results: There were 12 (8%) short-term complications in 9 patients. Neurological complications were noted in 3 (2%) patients (1 axillary nerve injury, 1 suprascapular nerve injury, and 1 musculocutaneous nerve injury). Type 1 complications were noted in 2 patients: 2 patients had hematoma that was detected as superficial swelling, but no surgical drainage was needed, and both resolved at their 1-month follow-up. Type 2 complications were noted in 4 patients. One patient had surgical site infection and a second patient had superficial wound dehiscence in the lower part of the wound. The third patient had suprascapular nerve paresis and the fourth had musculocutaneous nerve paresis and shoulder stiffness. Both nerve injuries recovered completely after 6 months of rehabilitation. Type 3 complications were noted in 3 patients. One patient had axillary nerve paresis and shoulder stiffness. The axillary nerve palsy had recovered partially by 8 months. One patient had an intraoperative graft fracture and postoperative shoulder stiffness, and the third patient had shoulder stiffness. Conclusion: Following the safety-driven nuanced steps in the Latarjet-Walch procedure, the short-term complication rate was 8%, and the neurological complication was 2% (n = 3). The musculocutaneous and suprascapular nerves completely recovered, and the axillary nerve had partially recovered.