Combined Arthroscopic Bankart Repair and Coracoid Process Transfer to Anterior Glenoid for Shoulder Dislocation in Rugby Players: Evaluation Based on Ability to Perform Sport-Specific Movements Effectively.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of a combination of an arthroscopic Bankart repair and an open Bristow procedure in relation to the subjective quality of performance in movements that are typical in rugby. METHODS: Forty shoulders in 38 players who underwent surgery for traumatic anterior instability of the shoulder were reviewed. In all cases, arthroscopic Bankart repair was followed by a Bristow procedure, with preservation of the repaired capsular ligaments, during the same operation. The mean age at the time of surgery was 21 years. Patients were asked to describe common rugby maneuvers (tackle, hand-off, jackal, and saving) preoperatively and postoperatively as "no problem," "insufficient," or "impossible." RESULTS: There were no recurrent dislocations at a mean follow-up of 30.5 months. The mean Rowe score improved significantly from 65.0 (range, 55 to 75) to 97.5 (range, 95 to 100) (P < .001) after surgery. Preoperatively, regarding the tackling motion, none of the patients reported having no problem, whereas the ability was described as insufficient for 23 shoulders and impossible for 17 shoulders. Postoperatively, no problem with tackling was reported for 36 shoulders, whereas insufficiency was reported for 4. The results for the hand-off, jackal, and saving maneuvers were similar (P < .001). No patient rated any of the motions as impossible postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: This combined surgical procedure clearly is effective in preventing recurrent dislocation in rugby players; however, some players complained of insufficiency in the quality of their play when they were tackling or performing other rugby-specific movements. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Quantitative and qualitative analyses of subacromial impingement by kinematic open MRI.

PURPOSE: Quantitative and qualitative kinematic analyses of subacromial impingement by 1.2T open MRI were performed to determine the location of impingement and the involvement of the acromioclavicular joint. METHODS: In 20 healthy shoulders, 10 sequential images in the scapular plane were taken in a 10-s pause at equal intervals from 30° to maximum abduction in neutral and internal rotation. The distances between the rotator cuff (RC) and the acromion and the acromioclavicular joint were measured. To comprehend the positional relationships, cadaveric specimens were also observed. RESULTS: Although asymptomatic, the RC came into contact with the acromion and the acromioclavicular joint in six and five cases, respectively. The superior RC acted as a depressor for the humeral head against the acromion as the shoulder elevated. The mean elevation angle and distance at the closest position between the RC and the acromion in neutral rotation were 93.5° and 1.6 mm, respectively, while those between the RC and the acromioclavicular joint were 86.7° and 2.0 mm. When comparing this distance and angle, there was no significant difference between the RC to the acromion and to the acromioclavicular joint. The minimum distance between the RC and the acromion was significantly shorter than that between the greater tuberosity and the acromion. The location of RC closest to the acromion and the acromioclavicular joint differed significantly. CONCLUSION: Although asymptomatic, contact was found between the RC and the acromion and the acromioclavicular joint. The important role of the RC to prevent impingement was observed, and hence, dysfunction of the RC could lead to impingement that could result in a RC lesion. The RC lesions may differ when they are caused by impingement from either the acromion or the acromioclavicular joint.

Penetrating injury to the cauda equina: a case report and review of the literature.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVE: To report a rare case of a penetrating injury to the cauda equina, secondary to a stab wound. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Penetrating injuries affecting the cauda equina by stab wounds, not by gunshot wounds, are of extremely rare occurrence compared with penetrating spinal cord injuries and have been previously reported only in 2 studies since 1969. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 43-year-old man was presented with a stab wound to the right lumbar region, with immediate paralysis of the left lower extremity accompanied by loss of perineal sensation. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested rupture of the cauda equina nerves at the L3 to L4 level. The patient was taken immediately for surgery for irrigation and debridement. We identified several cut ends of the cauda equina nerves and attempted to repair them, but had to determine that accurate matching of the severed ends would be problematic. At 2 years follow-up, there were no significant improvements in the neurological status. The patient was ambulatory with an ankle-foot orthosis, and had already returned back to work. CONCLUSIONS: We could not repair the cauda equina rootlets. However, similar to other central nervous system penetrating injuries, the priorities of treatment included an emphasis on infection control and sealing of the duro-cutaneous fistula, and we could easily manage both by the emergency surgery. Although there were no improvements in the neurological function, there were no complications and the patient returned to a reasonably good function.

Therapeutic effects of percutaneous vertebroplasty for vertebral metastases.

PURPOSE: We have performed percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) using polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) for patients with vertebral metastases since 2002. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of PV on vertebral metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective (2002-2008) review was conducted for 69 consecutive patients with 141 metastatic vertebrae treated with PV using PMMA. The clinical background of the patients, visual analog scale (VAS), improvement rate, outcomes, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean preoperative VAS score was 7.3 and significantly improved to 1.9 postoperatively (at discharge), with a mean improvement rate of 73.3%. With regard to complications, no new fractures of adjacent vertebral bodies were encountered, but cement leakage was seen in 49% of the patients. Most patients were asymptomatic during the postoperative course, although two patients (3%) experienced dyspnea that was suspected to be adult respiratory distress syndrome or a pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSION: PV can offer pain relief to patients with painful vertebral metastases and short life expectancy whose general condition makes surgery difficult.