CT-scan Evaluation of Osteointegration and Osteolysis in Different Graft Types and Surgical Techniques for the Treatment of Shoulder Instability.

Background: Bone graft is often needed in treating anterior shoulder instability in glenoid bone loss and graft integration is crucial in achieving good results. This study aimed to evaluate bone graft remodeling in different techniques for shoulder anterior-inferior instability. Methods: Graft osteointegration and osteolysis were retrospectively evaluated with CT-scan imaging performed 6 to 12 months after surgery to compare the outcome of three procedures: Latarjet, bone block with allograft, and bone block with xenograft. Screw fixation and double endobuttons fixation were also compared. Results: CT scans of 130 patients were analyzed. Of these, 30 (23%) were performed after the bone block procedure with xenograft and endobuttons fixation, 55 (42%) after the bone block procedure with allograft and endobuttons fixation, 13 (10%) Latarjet with screw fixation and 32 (25%) Latarjet with endobuttons fixation. The prevalence of osteolysis was significantly inferior (P<.01) in the bone block procedure compared to the Latarjet procedure (11.7 % vs. 28.8 %). Bone integration was higher in bone block procedures (90.5%) than in Latarjet (84.4%), but the difference was not statistically significant. Among the Latarjet procedures, endobuttons fixation resulted in a higher integration rate (87.5% vs. 73.6%) and lower osteolysis rate than screw fixation (24.6% vs. 38.5%), despite these differences did not reach a statistical significance. Among the bone block procedures, using a xenograft resulted in a lower osteolysis rate (6.7%) than an allograft (14.5%), but the result was not statistically significant. Conclusion: This study shows a significantly lower rate of graft osteolysis after bone block procedures compared to Latarjet procedure between 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Moreover, our findings suggest good results in osteolysis and graft integration with xenograft compared to allograft and double endobuttons fixation compared to screw fixation, despite these differences being not-significant. Further studies on this topic are needed to confirm our results at a longer follow-up and thoroughly investigate the clinical relevance of these findings.

Risk factors for instability after reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to identify risk factors related to postoperative instability after reverse shoulder arthroplasty and evaluate the modalities and results of treatments in a large series of patients, with medium to long-term follow-up. METHODS: Retrospective multicenter series of 1035 consecutive Grammont type reverse shoulder arthroplasties implanted between 1992 and 2010. 19.9% had a reverse shoulder arthroplasty with bony lateralization on the glenoid side. Patients were reviewed and radiographed with minimum five years' follow-up. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of eight years, the overall rate of postoperative instability was 3.0%. Instability was more frequent in case of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for revision surgery, in younger patients, in case of scapular notching, and tuberosity resorption. Lateralized reverse shoulder arthroplasties were associated with a lower instability rate. A reoperation to restore stability was needed in 70% of cases. The improvement in Constant Score was lower in patients with unstable reverse shoulder arthroplasties when compared to stable reverse shoulder arthroplasties. CONCLUSIONS: Younger patients are at higher risk for instability after Grammont type reverse shoulder arthroplasty implantation. Conversely, lateralized reverse shoulder arthroplasties resulted protective. When conservative treatment had failed, shoulder stability can be obtained with reoperation or prosthetic revision (needed in 70% of the cases), but to the price of lower functional results.

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Tenotomy of the Long Head of Biceps Tendon in Patients with Symptomatic Complete Rotator Cuff Tear: In Vivo Non-contRolled Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: We prospectively tested technical feasibility and clinical outcome of percutaneous ultrasound-guided tenotomy of long head of biceps tendon (LHBT). METHODS: We included 11 patients (6 women; age: 73 ± 8.6 years) with symptomatic full-thickness rotator cuff tear and intact LHBT, in whom surgical repair was not possible/refused. After ultrasound-guided injection of local anesthetic, the LHBT was cut with a scalpel under continuous ultrasound monitoring until it became no longer visible. Pain was recorded before and at least six months after procedure. An eight-item questionnaire was administered to patients at follow-up. RESULTS: A median of 4 tendon cuts were needed to ensure complete tenotomy. Mean procedure duration was 65 ± 5.7 s. Mean length of skin incision was 5.8 ± 0.6 mm. Pre-tenotomy VAS score was 8.2 ± 0.7, post-tenotomy VAS was 2.8 ± 0.6 (p < 0.001). At follow-up, 5/11 patients were very satisfied, 5/11 satisfied and 1/11 neutral. One patient experienced cramping and very minimal pain in the biceps. Six patients had still moderate shoulder pain, 1/11 minimal pain, 2/11 very minimal pain, while 2/11 had no pain. No patients had weakness in elbow flexion nor limits of daily activities due to LHBT. One patient showed Popeye deformity. All patients would undergo ultrasound-guided tenotomy again. CONCLUSION: ultrasound-guided percutaneous LHBT tenotomy is technically feasible and effective.

Arthroscopic Latarjet Procedure: A Technique Using Double Round ENDOBUTTONs and Specific Glenoid and Coracoid Guides.

The Latarjet procedure is a method used for the treatment of shoulder instability in the presence of bone loss. A decade after the first description of the fully arthroscopic Latarjet procedure, modifications to the technique were reported to decrease the risk of complications and improve the position of the bone block. A recent trend toward the use of buttons to fix the coracoid has been reported. The technique described here is an arthroscopic Latarjet procedure that uses 2 pairs of round buttons as an alternative to screw fixation or the use of a single button, and the technique aims to combine the original procedure with safe and stable fixation.

A new mini-open technique of arthroscopically assisted Latarjet.

BACKGROUND: The aim is to describe a new arthroscopically assisted Latarjet technique. METHODS: We evaluated the clinical and radiological findings of 60 patients with chronic recurrent anterior gleno-humeral instability who underwent, between September 2013 and November 2014, an arthroscopically-assisted Latarjet procedure with double round endobutton fixation. Inclusion criteria were: chronic anterior recurrent instability, Instability Severity Index Score (ISIS) greater than three points, a glenoid bone defect > 15% or a Hill Sachs lesion with concomitant glenoid bone defect > 10%. During surgery the joint capsule and the anterior glenoid labrum were detached. Two drill tunnels perpendicular to the neck of the glenoid were made through a guide. An accessible pilot hole through the glenoid was created to allows the passage of guidewires for coracoid guidance and final fixation onto the anterior glenoid. Through a restricted deltopectoral access a coracoid osteotomy was made. Finally, the graft was prepared, inserted and secured using half-stitches. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 32.5 months (range 24-32 months). At a mean follow-up, 56 of the 60 subjects claimed a stable shoulder without postoperative complaints, two (3.3%) had an anterior dislocation after new traumatic injury, and two (3.3%) complained of subjective instability. At the latest follow-up, four subjects complained of painful recurrent anterior instability during abduction-external rotation with apprehension. At 1 year, the graft had migrated in one patient (1.7%) and judged not healed and high positioned in another patient (1.7%). Moreover, a glenoid bony gain of 26.3% was recorded. At the latest follow-up, three patients had grade 1 according to Samilson and Prieto classification asymptomatic degenerative changes. Nerve injuries and infections were not detected. None of the 60 patients underwent revision surgery. Healing rate of the graft was 96.7%. CONCLUSIONS: This technique of arthroscopically assisted Latarjet combines mini-open and arthroscopic approach for improving the precision of the bony tunnels in the glenoid and coracoid placement, minimizing any potential risk of neurologic complications. It can be an option in subjects with anterior gleno-humeral instability and glenoid bone defect. Further studies should be performed to confirm our preliminary results. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration number 61/int/2017 Name of registry: ORS Date of registration 11.5.2017 Date of enrolment of the first participant to the trial: September 2013 'retrospectively registered' LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

An arthroscopic bone block procedure is effective in restoring stability, allowing return to sports in cases of glenohumeral instability with glenoid bone deficiency.

PURPOSE: A group of patients affected by bone loss in the context of recurrent anterior shoulder instability were treated arthroscopically with a modified Eden-Hybinette technique since 2005. The last modification was made in 2013, consisting of fixation using a pair of specifically designed double round Endobuttons, which secure the bone graft to the glenoid rim placed through a guide. This report describes patients operated on after this last modification. No reports have described the results of this technique, and the purpose of this study was to assess early clinical and radiological results of an arthroscopic bone block procedure with double round Endobutton fixation. We hypothesized that this technique would restore shoulder stability in patients with anteroinferior glenohumeral instability with glenoid bone deficit, with excellent clinical and radiological results. METHODS: The clinical and radiological efficacy of this procedure was retrospectively evaluated in 26 patients with an average follow-up of 29.6 months (range 24-33 months). RESULTS: At minimum 2-year follow-up, we had no recurrent anterior dislocations, excellent clinical results [average Walch-Duplay score 93.2, (SD 7.8); average Rowe score, 96.4 (SD 6.5); average SSV, 87.4 (SD 12.1); satisfaction rate, 88.5%; average loss of external rotation, 4.4° (SD 8.7°)] optimal graft positioning, and a healing rate of 92.3% on computed tomography scan. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic bone block grafting combined with a standard Bankart repair restored shoulder stability in patients with anteroinferior glenohumeral instability with glenoid bone deficit, with excellent clinical and radiological results. This procedure did not substantially limit external rotation, allowing a high rate of return to sports even among competitive, overhead, and "at risk" athletes.

Arthroscopically-assisted Latarjet: an easy and reproducible technique for improving the accuracy of graft and screw placement.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of the Latarjet largely depends on accurate graft placement, as well as on proper position and direction of the screws. We present our technique for an arthroscopically-assisted Latarjet comparing radiological results with the open technique. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the postoperative computed tomography scans of 38 patients who underwent a Latarjet procedure. For 16 patients, the procedure was performed with the open technique and, for 22 patients, it was performed using an arthroscopically-assisted technique. An independent radiologist evaluated graft and hardware position, as well as graft integration or resorption. Postoperative complications were also documented. RESULTS: The graft was correctly placed in only 18.8% of cases in the open group and 72.7% of cases in the arthroscopically-assisted group. There were no postoperative complications in the arthroscopically-assisted group, whereas one patient had a recurrence and two required hardware removal in the open group. CONCLUSIONS: The Latarjet procedure is a challenging procedure for which a key point is the correct placement of the coracoid graft onto the glenoid neck and correct position of the screws. The present study substantiates a clear benefit for the use of a guide with an arthroscopically-assisted technique in terms of graft and hardware placement. At short-term follow-up, there appears to be a benefit for graft integration and avoidance of resorption.

Long-term humeral complications after Grammont-style reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Recent experiences with Grammont reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) have revealed some problems related to the biomechanical changes of the shoulder and humeral stem complications. We analyzed humeral complications in a long-term follow-up of a large series of RSAs, searching for correlations between these and the initial etiology, the follow-up duration, and the clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiologic assessments of 1035 RSAs with a minimum 5-year follow-up (implanted in 7 specialized shoulder centers between 1993 and 2010) were retrospectively collected. Postoperative humeral complications, managed conservatively or surgically, were radiographically documented. RESULTS: Overall, a 3.3% rate of postoperative humeral complications was found in our database. We identified 17 cases (1.6%) with postoperative humeral fractures, 15 cases (1.4%) with aseptic humeral loosening, and 3 cases (0.3%) with humeral stem disassembly. The humeral complications were more frequent in RSAs implanted for tumors, fracture sequelae, and revision for failed arthroplasty. DISCUSSION: Humeral complications after RSA are not rare, increase with longer follow-up, and have a negative impact on functional outcomes. Postoperative humeral fractures are more frequent in elderly patients, operated on through a superior approach, and after cemented stem implantation. In the absence of associated humeral loosening, conservative treatment should be preferred. Proximal humeral bone loss (due to revisions and tumors) is the most significant risk factor for humeral loosening. Implant unscrewing was initially related to a technological problem, which has been solved, and this complication has disappeared.

Arthroscopic Reduction with Endobutton Fixation for Glenoid Fracture.

Glenoid rim fractures, accompanied by acute glenohumeral dislocation or subluxation usually results in persistent instability. Traditionally open reduction and internal fixation has been recommended in displaced intra-articular glenoid fractures. However, open reduction is difficult, and it may not be possible to address the associated intra-articular soft-tissue injuries. A few reports of arthroscopic-assisted fixation of these fractures have been recently published. The most anatomic method for addressing an acute glenoid rim lesion is a reduction (either open or arthroscopic) and internal fixation. We are reporting a case of arthroscopic reduction and fixation of a glenoid fracture utilizing Endobuttons with clinical and radiological results at 18 months follow-up.

Treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus with autologous collagen-induced chondrogenesis: clinical and magnetic resonance evaluation at one-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: the aim of this study is to report the clinical and imaging results recorded by a series of patients in whom osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) were repaired using the autologous collagen-induced chondrogenesis (ACIC) technique with a completely arthroscopic approach. METHODS: nine patients (mean age 37.4±10 years) affected by OLTs (lesion size 2.1±0.9 cm(2)) were treated with the ACIC technique. The patients were evaluated clinically both preoperatively and at 12 months after surgery using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (AOFAS) and a visual analog scale (VAS). For morphological evaluation, the magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) score was used. RESULTS: the AOFAS score improved from 51.4±11.6 preoperatively to 71.8±20.6 postoperatively, while the VAS value decreased from 6.9±1.8 to 3.2±1.9. The mean MOCART score was 51.7±16.6 at 12 months of follow-up; these scores did not directly correlate with the clinical results. CONCLUSION: use of the ACIC technique for arthroscopic repair of OLTs allowed satisfactory clinical results to be obtained in most of the patients as soon as one year after surgery, with no major complications or delayed revision surgery. ACIC is a valid and low-invasive surgical technique for the treatment of chondral and osteochondral defects of the talus. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: therapeutic case series, level IV.