Selective Dorsal Scapular Nerve and Long Thoracic Nerve Blocks for Rescue Analgesia in Scapulothoracic Arthrodesis Surgery: A Case Report.

Scapulothoracic arthrodesis (STA) surgery is performed to stabilize the scapula in patients with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD). Postoperative pain could be a major problem even while using erector spinae plane block (ESPB). We performed a preoperative ESPB with an intraoperative ESPB catheter, but rescue analgesia was needed for pain in the periscapular area in the postoperative period. The patient's pain score was reduced by applying an ultrasound-guided dorsal scapular nerve (DSN) and long thoracic nerve (LTN) block. Selective DSN and LTN blocks can be effective in enhancing postoperative analgesia in STA surgery.

In silico analysis of rib force distribution in postscapulothoracic arthrodesis model.

Scapulothoracic arthrodesis (STA) is carried out by fixing the scapula to thoracic ribs which in turn allows the patient suffering from Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy to carry out shoulder-joint dependent activities of daily living. A biomechanical analysis of this procedure has not been conducted in the literature and, for the first time, this study investigates the finite element calculated glenohumeral-applied load distributions on ribs by creating a post-STA model. Three loading directions on the glenohumeral joint are designated: anterior-posterior, superior-inferior, and lateral-medial. Reaction forces on the ribs are calculated based on the glenoid force percent. Simulations are repeated by removing a singular rib contact to observe the change in force distributions in the case of missing levels or failed bonding as well as the impact of clavicle osteotomy. Total load distribution is observed highest at T2 followed by T3 and T6. In the T2 missing scenario, total loads on T3 and T4 increase. In the T4 missing case, the most affected level is T3. In the T6 missing scenario, total loads on T5 and T7 increase. In the clavicular osteotomy scenario, all levels' loads increase; the highest is recorded in T7 by 460%, followed by T5, T4, T2, T6, and T3. While all levels contribute to fixation strength, T2 is subjected to the highest loads, and, in the missing level scenarios, the loads are tolerated sufficiently by the remaining levels. Missing T4 scenario has the least effect on the system, which is interpreted as potentially the only skippable level of fixation. Clavicular osteotomy has the highest effect on the arthrodesis site.

Functional outcomes of pediatric true and equivalent Monteggia fractures - Review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to describe the functional outcome of true and equivalent Monteggia fracture-dislocations in the pediatric population. We also provided a review of the literature about the treatment options. METHODS: Five surgically and three conservatively treated patients were identified who were treated in 2009-2021. The study pop-ulation consisted of six female and two male patients. The mean age at the time of treatment was 7. The mean follow-up time was 55 months (range, 12-128). The Mayo Elbow Performance Score and the Oxford Elbow Score were used for outcome evaluation. Range of motion and grip strengths were also evaluated. RESULTS: There were two Bado type 1 and six Monteggia equivalent injuries. Closed reduction and casting were utilized for the two Bado type 1 injuries as the initial treatment. However, one had a radial head re-dislocation and had to be treated operatively. This patient had a radial head re-dislocation after the surgery and was followed up conservatively. Three Monteggia equivalent injuries were treated with closed reduction and casting, with no complications. One patient had a radial head anterior dislocation with plastic deformation of the ulna, and this patient was managed with CORA-based corrective ulnar osteotomy. For Monteggia injuries, the main treatment objective is to restore the ulnar length. Bilateral computed tomography imaging with 3D reconstruction can be utilized in preoperative planning of Monteggia fracture-dislocations to customize the treatment. Close observation is essential to detect radial head subluxation, which needs early intervention before irreversible changes occur. CONCLUSION: The true/equivalent Monteggia fractures' main treatment goal is to restore the ulnar length. Conservative treatment, with a close follow-up, is the first option if closed reduction can be achieved. If closed reduction is not possible, careful preop-erative planning and early rehabilitation are key to success for management of Monteggia fractures.

Erector Spinae Plane Block for Scapulothoracic Arthrodesis for Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy Patients: A Case Series.

Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) typically affects the periscapular muscles, resulting in scapular winging. Scapulothoracic arthrodesis (STA) stabilizes the scapula to provide better movement for these patients. Analgesia regimen for FSHD patients who received a single-shot erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and a catheter at the area were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Patients were asked to rate their pain postoperatively and only 5 of 10 patients needed rescue analgesic. No complications occurred. Our experience suggests that continuous ESPB may be helpful for providing analgesia in FSHD patients undergoing STA.

Turkish version of the patient-based Constant-Murley Score: Its cross-cultural adaptation, validity, reliability and comparison with the clinician-based version.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to translate, cross-culturally adapt the patient-based Constant-Murley Score (p-CMS), assess its validity, reliability, and compare it with the clinician-based CMS (c-CMS). Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study included a total of 51 shoulders of 46 patients (22 males, 24 females; mean age: 49±10 years; range, 29 to 70 years) with shoulder pain between December 2015 and July 2016. After translation of p-CMS, each participant was asked to complete the final Turkish version of the p-CMS. The c-CMS was assessed by a physiatrist who was blinded to the p-CMS. Retest of the p-CMS was performed in patients (n=15) who did not receive any treatment between two visits (Days 3 to 5). Results: A total of 51 shoulders (n=5 bilateral shoulder pain) were tested. Strength, subjective, objective, and total scores were significantly different between the p-CMS and c-CMS (p<0.001). Pain scores of the c-CMS and p-CMS revealed similar results with 95% limits of agreement of -3.81 and 4.81. Weighted kappa statistics demonstrated that the levels of agreement ranged between 0.343 and 0.698 in subjective and between 0.379 and 0.515 in objective components. For test-retest reliability of the p-CMS, intraclass correlation coefficient values ranged between 0.838 and 0.995. Conclusion: The Turkish version of the p-CMS has internal consistency and test-retest reliability to evaluate shoulder function in Turkish patients with shoulder pathologies. Considering the differences in test protocols and scoring methods of c-CMS and p-CMS, their interchangeable use is not supported.

Management of scapular dysfunction in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: the biomechanics of winging, arthrodesis indications, techniques and outcomes.

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a common hereditary disorder which typically results in scapular winging due to wasting of the periscapular muscles affected by this condition. Scapulothoracic arthrodesis (STA) is the current surgical treatment for FSHD patients with severe winging and preserved deltoid muscle. There are several different techniques in the literature such as multifilament cables alone and cable or cerclage wires combined with single or multiple plates. We prefer cables without plates as it provides independent strong fixation points and strongly recommend utilization of autograft. The functional results of studies report that regardless of the technique used, shoulder elevation and thus quality of life is improved, as shown with outcome scores. There are several complications associated with STA. Pulmonary complications are common and usually resolve spontaneously. Meticulous surgical technique and effective postoperative analgesia may reduce the incidence. Scapular complications which are associated with the fixation may be encountered in the early or late period, which are related to the learning curve of the surgeon. In conclusion, STA is a reliable solution to a major problem in FSHD patients that helps them maintain their activities of daily living until a cure for the disease is found. A successful result is strongly dependent on patient selection, and a multidisciplinary team of neurologists, geneticists and orthopaedic surgeons is required to achieve good results.

Intraosseous calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff yields similar outcomes to those of intratendinous lesions despite worse preoperative scores.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the surgical outcomes of arthroscopic removal of intraosseous deposits in patients with intraosseous calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff. METHODS: This study involved a retrospective review of 96 patients operated on from 2004 to 2019. Patients were divided into two groups according to the location of calcific deposits. Group I had pure tendinous involvement (n = 71), and Group II had tendinous and intraosseous involvement (n = 25). The mean follow-up time was 6.4 ± 3.9 years. There were 71 patients (46 women, 25 men) in Group I, and the mean age was 49.3 ± 8.2 years (range 30-65 years). In group II, there were 25 patients (18 women, 7 men); the mean age was 47.3 ± 11.2 years (range 28-70 years). RESULTS: The mean preoperative VAS pain score was 8.8 ± 1.4 in Group I compared to 9.5 ± 0.5 in group II (p = 0.017). The median preoperative Constant and Oxford scores were 42 (20-65) and 22 (8-34) in Group I and 25.5 (22-46) and 10 (8-16) in group II, respectively (p < 0.001). There was no difference in postoperative pain scores (Group I: 0.7 ± 1.6 and group II: 0.5 ± 0.6, p = 0.926), Constant scores [Group I: 100 (80-100) and group II: 100 (90-100), (n.s).] and Oxford scores [Group I: 48 (28-48) and group II: 46.5 (4-48), (n.s.)] between the two groups. The number of preoperative injections was higher in Group II (p = 0.05). There was no correlation between the size of the soft tissue calcific deposit and the preoperative pain, Constant, and Oxford scores (n.s.). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic debridement of calcific tendinitis with intraosseous involvement is a safe and effective treatment method similar to that of pure tendinous involvement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Patients without re-dislocation in the short term after arthroscopic knotless Bankart repair for anterior shoulder instability may show residual apprehension and recurrence in the long term after 5 years.

HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to report the long-term results, residual instability, and recurrence rate of arthroscopic Bankart repair surgery without a re-dislocation event in the first 5 years. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of Bankart repairs performed in a single center, by a single surgeon, with a minimum of 5 years' follow-up. Patients without a re-dislocation in the first 5 years of surgery were included. Patients who underwent open repair, those who underwent revision surgery, and those with critical glenoid bone loss were excluded. A total of 68 shoulders in 66 patients (51 male and 15 female patients) were included. Patients were analyzed in 2 domains: (1) failures defined as re-dislocation and (2) failures defined as apprehension and re-dislocation combined (residual instability). Clinical outcomes were assessed using shoulder range of motion, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) score. Pain, residual apprehension, re-dislocations, and additional surgical procedures were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 31.16 (range, 16-60 years), and the mean follow-up duration was 8.42 ± 2.1 years. The median number of dislocations was 3 (range, 1-20), and the median time from first dislocation to surgery was 16 months (interquartile range, 3-100.5 months). Five patients reported re-dislocations (7.4%) with a mean period of 6.54 ± 2.5 years (range, 5-10.8 years). Seven patients without re-dislocations and 2 patients with re-dislocations reported residual apprehension. Mean shoulder elevation and mean external rotation were 161.3° ± 12.4° and 39.2° ± 11°, respectively. The mean visual analog scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and WOSI scores were 0.5 ± 1.4, 91 ± 11.9, and 88 ± 12.1, respectively. Age was similar in patients with stable shoulders and those with shoulders with re-dislocation or residual instability. The WOSI score was lower in patients with re-dislocation and residual instability (P = .030 and P = .049, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic Bankart repair is a successful surgical option for anterior shoulder instability. The 7.4% re-dislocation rate after 5 years indicates there may be a deterioration of capsulolabral repair in certain patients. The long-term failure pattern may be underestimated in short- to mid-term projections.

Long-term outcomes after arthroscopic transosseous-equivalent repair: clinical and magnetic resonance imaging results of rotator cuff tears at a minimum follow-up of 10 years.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term functional outcomes and structural integrity of medium to massive rotator cuff tears at 10-12 years of follow-up after arthroscopic transosseous-equivalent (TOE) repair. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of a consecutive series of patients who underwent primary arthroscopic TOE repair of medium- to massive-sized degenerative rotator cuff tears performed by a single surgeon between January 2007 and August 2009. Patients were examined at a minimum follow-up of 10 years, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to assess tendon integrity. The Constant score (CS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and pain level documented using a visual analog scale were compared between intact repairs and recurrent defects. Univariate analysis was performed to identify factors related to recurrent defects. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients met the inclusion criteria, and 79 shoulders in 76 patients (74.5% of eligible patients) with a mean age at surgery of 55 ± 8 years (range, 40-72 years) were available for clinical evaluation at a mean follow-up time of 10.9 years (range, 10-12 years). The mean anteroposterior tear size was 3.1 ± 1.1 cm, and there were 41 medium (52%), 26 large (33%), and 12 massive (15%) tears. MRI was performed in 72 shoulders in 69 patients (91% of available shoulders) and revealed that 13 shoulders had recurrent defects (Sugaya stages 4 and 5). During the follow-up period, 3 patients underwent revision surgery, and the overall recurrent defect rate was 21.3%. A clinically meaningful improvement was observed in all outcome measures at the final follow-up regardless of tendon integrity. Patients with intact repairs showed superior outcomes compared with those with recurrent defects; however, only the overall CS met the threshold for clinical relevance. A significant linear correlation was observed between the Sugaya classification and all outcome scores except the CS pain subscale; however, the strength of correlation was weak. The presence of diabetes (odds ratio [OR], 8.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.25-33.2; P = .002), tear size (OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.16-3.46; P = .012), and tear retraction (OR, 4.07; 95% CI, 1.11-14.83; P = .033) were associated with recurrent defects in the univariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic TOE repair of rotator cuff tears provided improved clinical outcomes with a recurrent defect rate of 21.3% at 10-12 years after surgery. Future research focusing on tendon healing is needed as repair integrity on MRI correlates with clinical outcomes.

Ultrasound-Guided Intralesional Methylene Blue Injection for the Arthroscopic Decompression of Spinoglenoid Notch Cyst Causing Suprascapular Neuropathy.

Symptomatic spinoglenoid ganglion cyst is a rare cause of shoulder pain and disability. Surgical treatment, which may be considered after failed nonoperative treatment, includes open or arthroscopic cyst debridement. Arthroscopic treatment is less invasive and has the advantage of addressing intraarticular pathologies; however, exposure of the cyst may be deemed difficult. Furthermore, the suprascapular nerve is susceptible to iatrogenic injury owing to its close proximity to the posterior glenoid rim. The purpose of this article is to present our technique for arthroscopic spinoglenoid cyst decompression after preoperative ultrasound-guided methylene blue injection.

How the Covid-19 pandemic affected shoulder and elbow practice in Turkey?

BACKGROUND: The Covid-19 pandemic drastically affected the health care delivery worldwide. Elective surgical interventions were cancelled or postponed to avoid disease transmission and excessive consumption of critical hospital resources. The main objective for composing this survey was to document the preventive attitude and its variations against the Covid-19 pandemic in a specific group: shoulder and elbow surgeons. The secondary objective was to evaluate their perception of emergency and to envisage the "new normal" with the altered order of priority in the upcoming post-coronavirus era. METHODS: An anonymous survey composed of 25 questions was sent to all the members of the Turkish Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in April 22-29, 2020, while governmental preventive measures were maximal. A secure web-based application (SurveyMonkey Inc., San Mateo, CA, USA) was used for the composition of the survey and the analysis of the responses. RESULTS: Eighty-eight responses were collected from 129 members of the Turkish Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (68%), with a mean 13.9 years of practice in shoulder and elbow surgery. A more than 75% decrease in surgical and outpatient clinical activity was documented. Half of respondents used telemedicine, and the rate of obtaining informed consent remained low. The preventive attitude showed significant variation. DISCUSSION: The perception of emergency and the protective measures showed a wide discrepancy among our respondents. Almost 80% of our respondents indicated the necessity of task forces for composing protocols to maintain subspecialty practice under adequate protective measures, and the subspecialty societies as the most eligible institutions to compose these criteria.

The clinical efficacy of kinesio taping in shoulder disorders: a systematic review and meta analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of kinesio taping on shoulder disorders, as a single treatment modality or as conjunction to other treatments. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database), The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase and OpenGrey databases were searched for trials published before 5 February 2020. METHODS: This study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guideline statement. Randomized controlled trials published in English or Turkish were included. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. For analysis of continuous data, mean differences (MDs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used. The I2 statistics was used to measure the heterogeneity. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included with 680 participants. Kinesio taping did not produce better results on pain compared to sham (MD by -0.77 (95% CI = -1.77, 0.22), P = 0.13), exercises (MD by -0.51 (95% CI = -1.41, 0.39), P = 0.27), or passive treatments (MD by -0.29 (95% CI = -0.77, 0.19), P = 0.24). Similarly, kinesio taping did not found superior to sham kinesio taping (SMD by -0.01 (95% CI = -0.31, 0.29), P = 0.94), exercises (SMD by 0.41 (95% CI = -0.25, 1.07), P = 0.22), or passive treatments on function (SMD by -0.02 (95% CI = -0.19, 0.15), P = 0.82). There was no significant SMD on range of motion (ROM) by -0.07 (95% CI = -0.47, 0.33, P = 0.74) compared to sham kinesio taping and -0.06 (95% CI = -0.20, 0.09, P = 0.46) compared to passive treatment. Overall, effect size was found small to moderate. CONCLUSION: Despite reported positive effects in some studies, there is no firm evidence of any benefit of kinesio taping on shoulder disorders.

A novel shoulder disability staging system for scapulothoracic arthrodesis in patients with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy.

BACKGROUND: Scapulothoracic arthrodesis (STA) is a well-established surgical technique to provide scapular stabilisation in patients with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD). There is no staging or scoring systems available to guide surgical decision. The aim of this study was to develop a staging system to evaluate the shoulder disability in patients with FSHD to guide surgical decision-making and assess its reliability among surgeons. METHODS: Fifty-seven shoulders of 29 patients (15 male, 14 female) with an average age of 34.5 years (13-73) were included. Six stages of the disease were defined to create a system consisting of shoulder elevation, deltoid function and scapular winging. Patients were assessed by two independent orthopaedic surgeons who were blind to each other. Statistical analyses included mean and standard deviation for descriptive variables, Pearson's correlation and Cohen's Kappa for inter- and intraobserver agreement. RESULTS: Measurement of elevation showed excellent correlation in both inter- and intraobserver assessment. There was substantial agreement on deltoid function and moderate agreement on scapular winging. Decisions on stage showed excellent agreement on interobserver and substantial agreement on intraobserver assessment. Surgical decision using the stage showed excellent agreement on both inter- and intraobserver assessment. CONCLUSION: This novel staging system has an excellent inter observer agreement on FSHD patients' shoulder disability. This would provide surgeons a beneficial tool to define patient groups that would have negatively or positively affected from STA.

Spinal fusion in facioscapulohumeral dystrophy for hyperlordosis: A case report.

RATIONALE: Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is the third most common muscular dystrophy, which is associated with facial, shoulder girdle, and paraspinal muscle atrophy. Most of the patients develop hypokyphosis and hyperlordosis in the course of the disease, to preserve standing posture. Corrective fusion is contraindicated in these patients as the surgery results with loss of compensatory hyperlordosis and leads to loss of trunk balance while standing. Although spinal fusion in neuromuscular scoliosis is a known treatment option, there are no studies in the literature on the spinal fusion of this specific patient group. PATIENT CONCERNS: In this case report we have presented a 66-year-old woman, who was admitted with back and abdominal pain, inability to sit straight, abdominal discomfort, and numbness in the lower extremities after prolonged sitting. DIAGNOSES: The patient developed severe hyperlordosis causing intra-abdominal disorders, radicular symptoms, and sitting discomfort due to FSHD. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent T2-S1 fusion and successful fusion was achieved. OUTCOMES: Individualized Neuromuscular Quality of Life Questionnaire (INQoL) was used to assess preoperative and 3 years postoperative functional outcomes. All domains and total score improved at the end of the follow-up period and successful fusion was verified radiologically. LESSONS: This case suggests that spinal fusion may provide functional improvement in carefully selected patient groups. Patient stratification considering spinal disability is required for further studies in this specific indication.

A Clinical Comparison of Home-Based and Hospital-Based Exercise Programs Following Arthroscopic Capsulolabral Repair for Anterior Shoulder Instability.

CONTEXT: Ideal rehabilitation method following arthroscopic capsulolabral repair surgery for anterior shoulder instability has not been proven yet. Although rapid or slow protocols were compared previously, home- or hospital-based protocols were not questioned before. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective unrandomized controlled clinical trial is to compare the clinical outcomes of home-based and hospital-based rehabilitation programs following arthroscopic Bankart repair. DESIGN: Nonrandomized controlled trial. SETTING: Orthopedics and physical therapy units of a single institution. PATIENTS: Fifty-four patients (49 males and 5 females) with an average age of 30.5 (9.1) years, who underwent arthroscopic capsulolabral repair and met the inclusion criteria, with at least 1-year follow-up were allocated into 2 groups: home-based (n = 33) and hospital-based (n = 21) groups. INTERVENTIONS: Both groups received identical rehabilitation programs. Patients in the home-based group were called for follow-up every 3 weeks. Patients in the hospital-based group admitted for therapy every other day for a total of 6 to 8 weeks. Both groups were followed identically after the eighth week and the rehabilitation program continued for 6 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical outcomes were assessed using Disabilities of Arm Shoulder Hand, Constant, and Rowe scores. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the results in both groups. Wilcoxon test was used for determining the progress in each group. RESULTS: Groups were age and gender matched (P = .61, P = .69). Average number of treatment sessions was 13.8 (7.3) for patients in the hospital-based group. Preoperative Disabilities of Arm Shoulder Hand (27.46 [11.81] vs 32.53 [16.42], P = .22), Constant (58.23 [14.23] vs 54.17 [10.46], P = .13), and Rowe (51.72 [15.36] vs 43.81 [19.16], P = .12) scores were similar between groups. Postoperative scores at sixth month were significantly improved in each group (P = .001, P = .001, and P = .001). No significant difference was observed between 2 groups regarding clinical scores in any time point. CONCLUSIONS: We have, therefore, concluded that a controlled home-based exercise program is as effective as hospital-based rehabilitation following arthroscopic capsulolabral repair for anterior shoulder instability.