[Surgical approach to the shoulder. Lesser tuberosity osteotomy]. / Operativer Zugang zum Schultergelenk: Die Tuberculum-minus-Osteotomie.

Osteotomy of the lesser tuberosity for the surgical delto-pectoral approach to the glenohumeral joint results in good visualization and overview and sufficient anatomical refixation of the insertion of the subscapularis muscle. However, clinical and biomechanical studies have not shown clearly significantly better results for osteotomy concerning ultimate load to failure, displacement after cyclic loading and outcome in patients compared with tenotomy and tenodesis of the subscapularis tendon. One advantage of osteotomy, however, is the potential radiological evaluation of the refixation with healing of the bony fragment. In the context of refixation, securing of the sutures behind the stem during implantation can be beneficial because it prevents sutures cutting through the bone. This benefit is increased in cemented stems by means of better suture fixation. With respect to the choice of osteotomy or tenotomy, the bony substance and tendon quality of the insertion of the subscapularis muscle should be evaluated.

[Current treatment options for complete ruptures of the pectoralis major tendon]. / Die zeitgemäße Therapie der kompletten Ruptur des M. pectoralis major.

The rupture of the pectoralis major tendon is an uncommon pathological condition that is reported in literature to prevail among athletes, although also case reports and case series of nursing home residents or workers can be found, as well as traumatic lesions. Among athletes, pectoralis major tendon ruptures have shown a significant increase in incidence over the last years. This may be due to the higher number of individuals taking part in high-impact sports and weight-lifting. In the recent literature, there are only few recommendations to rely on conservative treatment alone. Especially in athletes, numerous case reports and series give the recommendation for an early surgical intervention. Comparing the results of the two treatment plans, there is some evidence for a superior outcome after surgical repair with better cosmesis, better functional results, better recovery of muscle power and return to sports compared to the conservative treatment. In summary, anatomic surgical repair is the treatment of choice for complete acute ruptures of the pectoralis major tendon or muscle in athletes. In all other cases, especially in the elderly, conservative treatment remains an important option.

Beta3-adrenergic stimulation in the human heart: signal transduction, functional implications and therapeutic perspectives.

Next to beta1- and beta2-adrenoceptors, a third beta-adrenoceptor population is expressed in the human heart, the beta3-adrenoceptor. In mammalian ventricular myocytes, beta3-adrenergic stimulation leads to a decrease in contractility via a release of nitric oxide (NO). Recently, different molecular mechanisms of beta3-adrenergic activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) have been uncovered in cardiac myocytes. In the non-failing and especially the failing heart, beta3-adrenergic stimulation may offer protection against excessive catecholaminergic beta1-adrenoceptor stimulation. In this context, the beta3-adrenoceptor is discussed as a novel target for the pharmacological therapy of heart failure.