[Fracture sequelae type 2 of the proximal humerus-clinical results after arthroplasty]. / Frakturfolge Typ 2 des proximalen Humerus ­ klinische Ergebnisse nach endoprothetischer Therapie.

Locked dislocations of the glenohumeral joint are rare but often painful and are associated with limited range of motion in the shoulder. In patients of advanced age, arthroplasty is increasingly indicated as a surgical treatment option. Preoperatively, the direction of dislocation, the presence and extent of a glenoid defect, and the soft tissue situation (rotator cuff status, joint capsule) should be analyzed in a differentiated manner. Based on the above factors, we recommend the subclassification of type 2 according to Boileau: posterior locked dislocation (2a), anterior locked dislocation without glenoid defect (2b), and anterior locked dislocation with glenoid defect (2c). In the case of dorsally locked dislocation, a good clinical result can be achieved by using an anatomical endoprosthesis. For ventrally locked dislocations, we recommend using an inverse total endoprosthesis with, if necessary, bony glenoid reconstruction and transfer of the pectoralis major muscle.Level of evidence: IV.

[Fracture analysis, indication for endoprosthesis and implant selection in proximal humeral fractures]. / Frakturanalyse, Indikation zur Endoprothese und Implantatwahl bei proximaler Humerusfraktur.

Proximal humeral fractures (PHF) are the third most common fracture in humans and the incidence is increasing. There are basically three treatment strategies: conservative, joint-preserving reconstructive or joint-replacing procedures. In addition to fracture morphology, patient-specific and surgeon-specific factors are particularly important when deciding on treatment. The experience and training of the surgeon also play a decisive role. In the case of joint-preserving treatment, the risk of osteosynthesis failure and of sequelae of the fracture must always be assessed. If conservative or reconstructive treatment methods are not promising, the joint-replacing procedure is the treatment of choice. The anatomical fracture prosthesis is only indicated, if at all, for young patients with a destroyed humeral head with a preserved rotator cuff and large fragments of the tuberosities. In advanced age, the implantation of a reverse endoprosthesis is increasingly used for dislocated, multifragmentary PHF. In both procedures, the anatomical healing of the tuberosities has a significant impact on the functional outcome.

[Latissimus dorsi transfer with a modified single-incision Herzberg technique and description of its arthroscopic advancement]. / Latissimus-dorsi-Transfer in modifizierter Single-incision-Technik nach Herzberg und Beschreibung einer arthroskopischen Erweiterung.

OBJECTIVE: Latissimus dorsi transfer aims to reduce pain and improve function for irreparable tears of the posterosuperior rotator cuff by restoring the transversal force couple to improve external rotation and delaying superior migration of the humeral head. INDICATIONS: Surgery is advocated in patients with unbearable shoulder pain and limited external rotation caused by an irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tear. Usually, a latissimus transfer is recommended in the presence of superior migration of the humeral head, higher grade fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff and a restriction of range of motion and strength for abduction and external rotation. Advantages of the arthroscopically assisted technique are the missing need of detaching the deltoid from its origin, smaller incisions and therapy of concomitant intraarticular lesions. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Little pain and sufficient shoulder function in massive posterosuperior rotator cuff tears do not necessitate latissimus transfer. In the presence of subscapularis tears, osteoarthritis and deltoid dysfunction as well as shoulder stiffness tendon transfer are associated with inferior clinical outcomes. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Surgery is performed in prone position. The incision is made about 5 cm caudal of the posterolateral corner of the acromion and extends over 6 cm at the inferior border of the deltoid muscle. After exploration and protection of the axillary and radial nerve the latissimus tendon is peeled off of the humerus. The medial part of the latissimus is then mobilized to gain length for the later transfer. Afterwards the footprint of the infraspinatus is visualized and debrided. Two or three suture anchors are placed into the posterosuperior aspect of the greater tuberosity. The sutures are stitched through the tendon in a horizontal mattress stitch configuration and the tendon tied onto the bone. In arthroscopic advancement, the patient is placed in an upright beach-chair position with the arm attached to an arm holder. After debridement of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus footprint, arthroscopic preparation at the anterior border of the subscapularis tendon is performed. The latissimus tendon is visualized and detached with electrocautery. Afterwards the interval between posterior rotator cuff and deltoid muscle is prepared to allow the transfer of the latissimus tendon to the posterosuperior footprint. This marks the transition to the open approach, in which the arm is placed in a flexed and internally rotated position. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Immobilization in a shoulder sling for 3 weeks. Early passive range of motion (ROM: flexion 30°, internal rotation 60°, abduction 0°, external rotation 0°) was immediately allowed. After 3 weeks, passive ROM was increased to 90° of flexion, 60° of abduction, whereas external rotation was still restricted. After 7 weeks, free passive ROM and after 8 weeks active ROM (assisted) were allowed. RESULTS: In all, 67 patients (mean age 63 years) were examined 54 months (±â€¯28) after open transfer of the latissimus dorsi tendon. Constant score improved from 24 (±â€¯6) points to 68 (±â€¯17) points. Active flexion increased from 83° (±â€¯47°) to 144° (±â€¯35°), abduction from 69° (±â€¯33°) to 134° (±â€¯42°) and external rotation from 24° (±â€¯18°) to 35° (±â€¯21°). The VAS score decreased from 6.3 (±â€¯1.1) to 1.8 (±â€¯2). However, osteoarthritis worsened over time and the Hamada-Fukuda stage increased from 1.4 to 2.1 and the acromihumeral distance decreased from 7.9 (±â€¯2.6) to 5.1 (±â€¯2.2) at final follow-up.

Emotional and cognitive empathy in patients with non-epileptic seizures.

OBJECTIVE: Evidence suggests that impairments in social cognition are associated with the occurrence of NES. Our aim was to investigate impairments in social cognition in the form of emotional and cognitive empathy in patients with NES compared to healthy controls. METHODS: For this purpose, we recruited 41 patients with video-EEG secured NES and compared them to 41 healthy controls matched by age, gender and educational level. Emotional and cognitive empathy were assessed using the Multifaceted Empathy Task (MET) and the Read the Mind in the Eye Test (RMET). Self-assessment questionnaires were used to record psychopathology in both groups. RESULTS: Patients with NES showed no differences in cognitive empathy compared to the healthy controls. Additionall, they seem to have less emotional empathy specifically towards positive emotions, compared to healthy controls. DISCUSSION: Our results are an indication of possible emotional empathy abnormalities in patients with NES. Those deviations, if replicated in large sample sizes, could implicate, that interventions for patients with NES should focus on improving empathy skills.

[Arthroscopic fracture treatment of the shoulder joint]. / Arthroskopische Frakturversorgung des Schultergelenks.

In recent years, the understanding of shoulder fractures has changed due to the progress of arthroscopy. In addition to the cosmetic result, the access morbidity, particularly the integrity of the subscapularis muscle in glenoid and scapular fractures, must be mentioned as an advantage of a minimally invasive approach. Furthermore, necessary secondary interventions, e. g. hook plate removal, can be prevented or minimized by modern implants and arthroscopic techniques.However, the available data and publications are almost exclusively limited to technical notes or small case series, so statements about faster recreation or potential reduction of infection risk cannot be made. Whether addressing concomitant injuries has an effect on the clinical and functional outcome is also unclear at the present time.

[Magnetic resonance imaging findings after shoulder surgery: What the radiologist needs to know]. / Besonderheiten der Magnetresonanztomographie nach operativer Schulterintervention.

Even primary diagnostic evaluation of the shoulder is a challenge for radiologists. Many imaging findings that definitely indicate abnormal findings in the untreated shoulder should be evaluated carefully in postoperative patients. Artifacts caused by implants or metal abrasion pose considerable problems in postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Classic approaches to minimizing artifacts caused by foreign bodies include using turbo spin echo sequences, increasing bandwidth, and reducing voxel size. In recent years, several vendors have developed dedicated pulse sequences for reducing metal artifacts. Different postoperative imaging findings will be encountered, depending on the kind of surgery done. This review article describes typical postoperative MRI findings, focusing on subacromial decompression, reconstruction of the rotator cuff, labrum procedures, and biceps tenodesis.

Fertility-related knowledge and reproductive goals in childhood cancer survivors: short communication.

STUDY QUESTION: Do young adult survivors of childhood cancer know their fertility status, in the context of their parenthood goals and screening for gonadal functioning? SUMMARY ANSWER: While 80% of survivors (who were without children) wanted children in the future, most did not know their fertility status, and screening for gonadal functioning was underutilized. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Survivors of childhood cancer are at risk for infertility, but fertility counseling and assessment are underutilized. Separate studies indicated that survivors' fertility-related knowledge is poor and that they often wanted to have children. Yet, studies have not investigated the intersection of both issues, as well as potential distress if parenthood goals are not met. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Young adult male and female survivors of childhood cancer (N = 149) completed cross-sectional surveys, and data for those without children (n = 105, 70.5%) are presented here. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Participants were 20-40 years old (M = 26.5), diagnosed 5-33 years prior to study participation, and completed questionnaires online. Knowledge of fertility status, parenthood goals, and potential distress if survivors were unable to have children were assessed. Medical records were reviewed for hormone levels as indicators of screening for gonadal functioning. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Most survivors (n = 81; 77.1%) did not know their fertility status, while over 80% (n = 89) wanted children (neither aspect varied by socio-demographic/cancer-specific factors). Two-thirds of survivors indicated they would be distressed if parenthood goals remained unfulfilled; especially female (versus male, t = 2.64; P = 0.01) or partnered (versus single, t = -3.45; P < 0.001) survivors. Forty survivors (38.1%) had documented assessments of gonadal functioning, of which 33 (82.5%) reported not knowing their fertility status. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Relevant risk factors may have not been identified owing to limited sample size and missing treatment information. The underutilization of screening for gonadal functioning needs further exploration in other pediatric centers. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Most adult childhood cancer survivors want to become parents, but do not know their fertility status, which could cause significant psychological distress. Healthcare providers should continuously address fertility among survivors, but more research is needed on how to implement routine fertility counseling and/or testing. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This study was funded by the Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital (V.L.) and Dutch Cancer Society (RUG2009-4442, M.A.T.). All authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

[Simultaneous surgical treatment of the long head of the biceps tendon during operative treatment of proximal humeral fractures]. / Simultane Versorgung der langen Bizepssehne im Rahmen der operativen Therapie proximaler Humerusfrakturen.

BACKGROUND: Pathologic conditions of the long biceps tendon can be found within treatment of proximal humeral fractures or as a source of pain after surgery. However, simultaneous surgical treatment at the index surgical intervention is so far not well established. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of a simultaneous biceps treatment during plate osteosynthesis of proximal humeral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients were included into this study. In 14 patients (high cosmetic and functional shoulder demand) a biceps tenodesis (LHB-TD) was carried out (7 women, 7 men; ø57 years). In 13 patients (12 women, 1 man; ø72 years) a biceps tenotomy (LHB-TT) was performed. In addition to the range of motion (ROM), the Constant score and the LHB score were evaluated. RESULTS: All 27 patients were investigated after a mean follow-up of 25 months (range: 18-32 months). The ROM did not reveal any significant differences in either group. The Constant score was significantly decreased compared to the non-affected side (CS) without differences between the groups (LBS-TT 77 ± 9 vs. LBS-TD 77 ± 14; LBS-TT (CS) 82 ± 4 vs. LBS-TD (CS) 87 ± 4). The LHB score showed excellent results for both groups without significant differences (LBS-TT 98 ± 3 vs. LBS-TD 93 ± 10). In one patient of each group, an examiner-dependent upper arm deformity was detected. No patient complained of a subjective cosmetic deformity. CONCLUSION: The simultaneous surgical treatment of the LHB during plate osteosynthesis of proximal humeral fractures shows good clinical and cosmetic results. In a preselected patient population (cosmetic and functional demand) the kind of treatment (LHB tenotomy or LHB tenodesis) is indifferent.

[Distal biceps tendon rupture : Overview and own procedure]. / Distale Bizepssehnenruptur : Überblick und eigenes Vorgehen.

Mainly males in their 40s and 50s suffer from distal biceps tendon rupture. The diagnosis is made by clinical evaluation and is usually confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. Different approaches and reconstruction techniques have been described in the past, and the clinical results are mostly good and excellent. Thereby the decision regarding which technique to use lies with the surgeon. However, specific complications have been described and should be considered.

Measuring genetic knowledge: a brief survey instrument for adolescents and adults.

Basic knowledge of genetics is essential for understanding genetic testing and counseling. The lack of a written, English language, validated, published measure has limited our ability to evaluate genetic knowledge of patients and families. Here, we begin the psychometric analysis of a true/false genetic knowledge measure. The 18-item measure was completed by parents of children with congenital heart defects (CHD) (n = 465) and adolescents and young adults with CHD (age: 15-25, n = 196) with a mean total correct score of 12.6 [standard deviation (SD) = 3.5, range: 0-18]. Utilizing exploratory factor analysis, we determined that one to three correlated factors, or abilities, were captured by our measure. Through confirmatory factor analysis, we determined that the two factor model was the best fit. Although it was necessary to remove two items, the remaining items exhibited adequate psychometric properties in a multidimensional item response theory analysis. Scores for each factor were computed, and a sum-score conversion table was derived. We conclude that this genetic knowledge measure discriminates best at low knowledge levels and is therefore well suited to determine a minimum adequate amount of genetic knowledge. However, further reliability testing and validation in diverse research and clinical settings is needed.

Using the LHB score for assessment of LHB pathologies and LHB surgery: a prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: The long head of biceps tendon (LHB) score was designed to clinically assess LHB pathologies. Purpose of this study was to prospectively assess patients with LHB pathologies preoperatively and after LHB surgery using the LHB score. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-seven patients (29 f/28 m, Ø age 61.0 years), showing clinical signs of LHB pathologies, were prospectively included into this study. In 43 patients LHB pathologies could be confirmed intraoperatively. Among these, in 26 patients a biceps tenodesis (group I; 8 f/18 m, Ø age 61.2 years), and in 17 patients a biceps tenotomy was performed (group II; 12 f/5 m, Ø age 64.2 years). In 14 patients no intraoperative correlate concerning the biceps symptoms could be found (group III; 9 f/5m, Ø age 56.8 years). In these patients no further LHB treatment was carried out. The clinical evaluation contained the Constant score (CS) as well as the LHB score preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS: The CS improved significantly in all the three groups [group I: 41.7 (20-70) to 81.3 (62-100); group II: 42.2 (18-66) to 75.3 (41-84); group III: 45.7 (22-77) to 72.9 (48-85)] (p < 0.05). Also the LHB score increased significantly in all three groups [group I: 74.3 (41-97) to 94.2 (80-100); group II: 73.4 (57-97) to 84.2 (49-100); group III: 71.1 (58-80) to 90.8 (70-100)] (p < 0.05). Compared to group II, group I showed significant better results in the total LHB score and in the cosmetic result (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that patients with LHB pathologies are evaluated using the LHB score, since it provides LHB related information and is a proper tool to assess the clinical outcome after surgery. However, the score is not appropriate to detect LHB pathologies preoperatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

[The gymnastics shoulder]. / Die Turnerschulter.

BACKGROUND: Adult gymnasts show a high prevalence of various shoulder pathologies. Due to the specific equipment used in gymnastics and the high training schedule with weekly training times up to 32 h, the shoulders of gymnasts are mostly subjected to symmetrical bilateral weight bearing. This is in contrast to overhead throwing, racket and martial arts sport forms in which the load is mainly located on the dominant side. CAUSES OF INJURY: Structural lesions of the shoulder and shoulder girdle in male gymnasts can arise due to high repetitive support and swing forces during exercises on the six specific types of apparatus and particularly the rings. INJURY PATTERNS: These lesions particularly affect the biceps tendon anchor, the long head of the biceps tendon and the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle. Because possible pathologies can increasingly occur even in younger gymnasts, awareness of the treating physician and also the trainer should be increased. THERAPY: Early initiation of intensive conservative treatment and arthroscopic interventions in cases of failure of non-operative management are relevant for satisfying results. Modern arthroscopic reconstructive techniques are available for treating structural lesions. CONCLUSION: Nevertheless, in almost 30 % of the patients the occurrence of shoulder pain or the necessity for surgical interventions will prevent them from achieving the national or international level of competition. This underlines the necessity for development of prevention programs.

[Conservative therapy of acute locked posterior shoulder dislocation: clinical and radiological long-term results]. / Konservative Therapie der akuten verhakten posterioren Schultergelenkluxation: Klinische und radiologische Langzeitergebnisse.

BACKGROUND: Long-term results of conservative treatment of acute locked posterior shoulder dislocation with a reverse Hill-Sachs defect (Malgaigne lesion) <25% are rare. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of patients after conservative treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study 8 patients (8 male, average age 58.4 years) after non-operative treatment consisting of closed reduction and immobilization in 15° of external rotation were retrospectively clinically and radiologically examined (true anteroposterior, axillary and y view) The Constant score (CS), Rowe score (RS), Western Ontario shoulder instability index (WOSI) and the subjective shoulder value (SSV) were evaluated. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 5.4 years (range 5-7 years) no patient reported a redislocation or resubluxation or a persistent feeling of instability. None of the patients stated that they had to avoid certain movements or were limited in their everyday life. The clinical tests for posterior instability (jerk test/Kim test) were negative in all patients. The mean CS was 87.4 (range 42-98) points, the RS 96.4 (range 55-100) points, the WOSI 89.1% (range 41-100%) and the SSV 89.1% (range 50-98%). The radiological evaluation of the affected shoulder in true anteroposterior, axillary and y views showed signs of osteoarthritis (grade II according to Samilson and Prieto) in two cases. The humeral head was centered in all eight cases. CONCLUSIONS: Non-operative treatment of acute locked posterior shoulder dislocation demonstrated good to excellent clinical and radiological long-term results in this study. It represents the treatment of choice in patients with a reverse Hill-Sachs defect (Malgaigne lesion) < 25% and a duration of dislocation < 3 weeks.

[Abduction/external rotation immobilization after primary traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation: which ortheses are suitable?]. / Abduktions-/Außenrotationsimmobilisation nach primärtraumatischer anteriorer Schulterluxation: Welche Orthesen sind geeignet?

BACKGROUND: Immobilization of the shoulder in 60 ° external rotation and 30 ° abduction after primary anterior shoulder dislocation has been shown to allow anatomical reduction and potential healing of the capsule-labrum complex. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate commercially available shoulder braces concerning functionality and comfort as well as for potential problems. METHODS: In this study ten healthy subjects (6 female, 4 male and average age 23 years) tested four braces: 1. Omo Immobil (Ottobock), 2. Quadrat (DJO Global), 3. MP Airplane Axilla (Horst Rattenhuber GmbH) and 4. ARC XR (Bledsoe Brace Systems) with respect to functionality and comfort. Each subject completed simulated activities of daily living (ADLs) and a the end of each ADL the subject evaluated comfort, difficulty of the activities and potential pain on a points scale. The position or the change of the position were controlled by digital photographs. Additionally it was checked whether the subjects could actively change the position of the brace contrary to the desired position. RESULTS: Braces 3 and 4 were rated significantly more comfortable (p < 0.05). Even the difficulty of the activities was rated lower and in particular putting on and taking off the braces was assessed to be significantly easier in comparison to braces 1 and 2. In addition, differences of potential pain were statistically significant and pain was experienced only with braces 1 and 2. The measuring of the position showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). For braces 1 and 2 the active change of the position by subjects was significantly higher and the arm could be rotated more against the favored position (p < 0.05). Between braces 3 and 4, there were no statistical differences during the whole evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Ortheses where the main joint is positioned in and not in front of the axilla or which can ensure a jointless stabilization of the shoulder or which allow an improved position by an additional sling on the opposite shoulder, are most qualified for immobilization of the shoulder in an external rotation/abduction position with respect to functionality and comfort.

Fludarabine and exposure-targeted busulfan compares favorably with busulfan/cyclophosphamide-based regimens in pediatric hematopoietic cell transplantation: maintaining efficacy with less toxicity.

Busulfan (Bu) is used as a myeloablative agent in conditioning regimens before allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). In line with strategies explored in adults, patient outcomes may be optimized by replacing cyclophosphamide (Cy) with or without melphalan (Mel) with fludarabine (Flu). We compared outcomes in 2 consecutive cohorts of HCT recipients with a nonmalignant HCT indication, a myeloid malignancy, or a lymphoid malignancy with a contraindication for total body irradiation (TBI). Between 2009 and 2012, 64 children received Flu + Bu at a target dose of 80-95 mg·h/L, and between 2005 and 2008, 50 children received Bu targeted to 74-80 mg·h/L + Cy. In the latter group, Mel was added for patients with myeloid malignancy (n = 12). Possible confounding effects of calendar time were studied in 69 patients receiving a myeloablative dose of TBI between 2005 and 2012. Estimated 2-year survival and event-free survival were 82% and 78%, respectively, in the FluBu arm and 78% and 72%, respectively, in the BuCy (Mel) arm (P = not significant). Compared with the BuCy (Mel) arm, less toxicity was noted in the FluBu arm, with lower rates of acute (noninfectious) lung injury (16% versus 36%; P = .007), veno-occlusive disease (3% versus 28%; P = .003), chronic graft-versus-host disease (9% versus 26%; P = .047), adenovirus infection (3% versus 32%; P = .001), and human herpesvirus 6 infection reactivation (21% versus 44%; P = .005). Furthermore, the median duration of neutropenia was shorter in the FluBu arm (11 days versus 22 days; P < .001), and the patients in this arm required fewer transfusions. Our data indicate that Flu (160 mg/m(2)) with targeted myeloablative Bu (90 mg·h/L) is less toxic than and equally effective as BuCy (Mel) in patients with similar indications for allo-HCT.

Predictors of invasive fungal infection in pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic SCT recipients.

This study was aimed at finding predictors of invasive fungal infection (IFI) after pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic SCT (HSCT). All children who received allogeneic HSCT in the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital Utrecht between 2004 and 2012 were included. HSCT data were prospectively collected. Patients were retrospectively classified into high- or low-risk groups for developing IFI using criteria based on available literature. Predictors for the occurrence of IFI were analyzed using Cox regression models. We used logistic regression models to analyze the association between other HSCT-related complications and IFI. Secondary outcomes were overall survival and treatment-related mortality (TRM). Two-hundred nine patients were included in the analysis; median age was 6.6 years. The cumulative incidence of IFI was 12%. In patients classified as 'low risk' (n=75), only 5.3% developed IFI (odds ratio (OR): 0.325; P=0.047). In multivariate analysis, a predictor for the occurrence of IFI was an a priori determined HSCT TRM risk >20% (based on EBMT-risk score). Post-HSCT, the administration of high-dose steroids was associated with IFI (OR: 4.458; P=0.010). Patients who developed IFI showed an increased risk of TRM (OR: 3.773; P=0.004). These results confirm that risk group stratification should guide intensity of monitoring for IFI and use of antifungal prophylaxis.

[Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for fracture sequelae]. / Inverse Schulterendoprothetik bei Frakturfolgezuständen.

Posttraumatic fracture sequelae of the proximal humerus represent an extremely heterogeneous pathology. In severe cases they are often associated with marked soft tissue scarring, osseous defects and insufficiency of the rotator cuff, resulting in a static instability of the humeral head. The aim of this article is to demonstrate the possibilities and early results of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the operative management of this complex injury pattern.

[Arthroscopically assisted stabilization of acute injury to the acromioclavicular joint with the double TightRope™ technique: one-year results]. / Arthroskopisch assistierte Stabilisierung akuter Schultereckgelenkverletzungen in Doppel-TightRope™-Technik : Einjahresergebnisse.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of 37 consecutive patients (Ø age 37.9; 4♀, 33♂) following arthroscopically assisted and image intensifier-controlled AC joint reconstruction using the double TightRope™ technique for acute AC joint separations grade V according to Rockwood. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After 12 months 30 patients with a mean age of 38.8 years (range 18.6-65.8 years) could be included. The postoperative assessment included the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), Constant Score (CS), and Taft Score (TF) as well as radiological evaluation using bilateral stress views and bilateral Alexander views for determining vertical and horizontal AC joint instability. RESULTS: The clinical scores reached 91.4±9.8% for SSV, 87.8±5.2 for CS, and 10.1±2.1 points for TF. The initial coracoclavicular distance (CCD) was 22.1±5.6 mm and could be reduced to 8.6±2.8 mm postoperatively (p<0.05). The CCD increased at final follow-up to 12.8±2.4 mm. The difference of the CCD compared to the contralateral side was initially 13.7±4.8 mm; postoperatively it was 0.3±3.0 mm with an increase at final follow-up to 3.6±3.5 mm. A posterior instability on the Alexander view occurred in 53.3% of patients. A correlation between inferior clinical results and horizontal instability could be detected. Only one patient was slightly tender to palpation at the AC joint. CONCLUSION: Following arthroscopic AC joint stabilization using the double TightRope™ technique, despite partial recurrent instability, favorable clinical results can be expected.