The Shoulder Trans-pectoralis Arthroscopic Portal Is a Safe Approach to the Arthroscopic Latarjet Procedure: A Cadaveric Analysis.

PURPOSE: To assess the proximity of neurovascular structures in a layered approach during medial portal placement and determine standardized measurements for establishing a portal medial to the coracoid used in arthroscopic Latarjet-type procedures. METHODS: Twelve shoulders (6 right and 6 left) in 6 fresh frozen cadaveric torsos were mounted in the modified beach-chair position. A standard posterior portal and 3 anterior portals-central, lateral, and medial-were used. A long spinal needle was placed along the path of the medial portal to the lateral tip of the coracoid, superficial to the conjoined tendon and pectoralis minor. A second long spinal needle was directed toward the medial base of the coracoid, penetrating the pectoralis minor. Superficial and deep plane dissections were performed, and distances to surrounding neurovascular structures were recorded. RESULTS: In the superficial plane, the cephalic vein and lateral pectoral nerve were located a mean distance (± standard deviation) of 4.6 ± 1.9 mm and 9.4 ± 2.6 mm from the spinal needle, respectively. In the deep plane, the axillary nerve was 24.9 ± 7.4 mm from the needle; the lateral cord of the brachial plexus, 25.5 ± 8.1 mm; the axillary artery, 34.1 ± 6.0 mm; and the musculocutaneous nerve, 42.2 ± 9.2 mm. The portal was consistently established 45.0 to 50.0 mm distal and 30.0 to 35.0 mm medial to the coracoid, which was a minimum distance of 10 mm to the lateral pectoral nerve. CONCLUSIONS: In a cadaveric model, the creation of a medial trans-pectoralis major portal used in the arthroscopic Bankart-Bristow-Latarjet procedure can avoid compromise of vital neurovascular structures, alleviating concerns of creating a portal medial to the coracoid. Portal placement 45.0 to 50.0 mm distal and 30.0 to 35.0 mm medial to the palpable tip of the coracoid process may be a safe approach to perform the arthroscopic Bankart-Bristow-Latarjet procedure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Creation of a portal medial to the level of the coracoid may pose a risk to neurovascular structures. This cadaveric study establishes a working zone for medial trans-pectoralis portal placement, which avoids vital neurovascular structures, and provides standardized measurements for establishing this portal for use in the arthroscopic Bankart-Bristow-Latarjet procedure.

Injury to the Popliteal Artery and Vein During Open Fibular Collateral Ligament Reconstruction: A Case Report.

CASE: We present a case involving a 26-year-old male who sustained an iatrogenic injury to the right popliteal artery and vein during open fibular collateral ligament reconstruction. The lesions were repaired immediately and required subsequent procedures on postoperative day 1. CONCLUSIONS: Iatrogenic vascular injuries during knee surgery can be devastating for patients and may lead to increased medical costs, unexpected hospital admissions, and additional surgical procedures. Surgeons should scrutinize preoperative imaging to identify the anatomic location of the popliteal artery and vein, which may be at risk during posterolateral knee reconstruction.

The anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee and unicompartmental arthritis.

Treatment of medial and lateral compartment arthritis in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient knee remains a topic of debate among orthopedic surgeons. This article discusses the treatment options for the ACL-deficient knee with unicompartmental arthritis and provides a rationale for clinical decision making in this difficult group of patients. Unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a viable option in a select group of patients to decrease pain and maintain an active lifestyle. When performing a UKA in an ACL-deficient knee, it is important to manage appropriate expectations for a successful outcome.

Unicondylar knee arthroplasty: intramedullary technique.

Unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a challenging surgical procedure for many orthopedic surgeons when compared with total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Given the proven similarities in knee biomechanics between UKA and the native knee and recent evidence showing excellent survivorship and functionality, UKA is an excellent alternative to TKA in the appropriate patient. This article discusses the use of intramedullary guides for preparation in partial knee replacement surgery. The concerns of complications arising from cannulating the medullary canal and excessive bleeding have not been seen. The intramedullary UKA yields high levels of success and long-term outcomes, with excellent alignment.