Overuse injuries of the upper extremity in baseball.

The shoulder and elbow are prone to many overuse injuries in baseball. Injury to the muscles or ligaments leads to pain and loss of effectiveness in competition. Although many of these disorders respond to conservative management, surgery is sometimes necessary to provide pain relief and restore function. Unfortunately, overuse injuries that require surgery still are career-threatening injuries. Correct diagnosis and treatment increase the probability of a throwing athlete returning to competition.

Mini-deltoid splitting rotator cuff repair: do results deteriorate with time?

To determine whether the results of arthroscopically assisted rotator cuff repair deteriorate with time, 60 shoulders were evaluated on 2 separate occasions. There were 7 small, 16 medium, 20 large, and 17 massive tears. Patients were evaluated with a detailed questionnaire that included the UCLA shoulder scale and physical examination. Average initial follow-up was at 21 months (range, 12 to 68 months), and the second follow-up was at an average of 62 months (range, 24 to 103 months); only 4 patients had a change of more than 3 points on the UCLA scoring scale. No statistically significant difference was found in pain, function, range of motion, strength score, satisfactory results (80% on both occasions), and UCLA score (30.8 v 31.4) at second follow-up. The results of our study indicate that there is no significant deterioration over time of results of rotator cuff repair using the mini-deltoid splitting technique.

Glenohumeral motion in patients with rotator cuff tears: a comparison of asymptomatic and symptomatic shoulders.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there was a relationship between altered scapular plane glenohumeral kinematics end shoulder pain. Subjects were divided into 3 groups: normal volunteers (n = 10), patients with symptomatic rotator cuff tears severe enough to warrant surgery (n = 10), and subjects with no symptoms who had tears documented on magnetic resonance imaging and normal examination (n = 10). Humeral kinematics were observed with a computer-enhanced modification of the Poppen and Walker technique. Scapular plane x-ray films were obtained at 0 degree, 30 degrees, 60 degrees, 90 degrees, 120 degrees, and 150 degrees of elevation. Measurements were made by 3 independent observers blinded to the diagnosis, and data interpretation was performed based on mean values for independent observers. Results showed a high degree of interobserver and intraobserver reliability (coefficients = 0.96 and 0.95, respectively). The symptomatic and asymptomatic groups showed progressive superior translation of the humeral head on the glenoid with increasing arm elevation. The normal group, in contrast, maintained a constant center of rotation along the geometric center of the glenoid. Symptomatic and asymptomatic rotator cuff tear groups showed superior head migration from 30 degrees to 150 degrees, which was significantly different from those seen in the normal group. No significant difference between the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups was demonstrated with the small numbers used in this study. The presence of a rotator cuff tear was associated in a disruption of normal glenohumeral kinematics in the scapular plane. Because significant superior migration of the humeral head was seen in both the asymptomatic and symptomatic rotator cuff groups, painless and normal shoulder motion is possible in the presence of abnormal glenohumeral kinematics. Abnormal glenohumeral kinematics alone was not an independent factor, which could explain the occurrence of symptoms.

The acute effects of radiofrequency energy in articular cartilage: an in vitro study.

SUMMARY: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the acute effect of radiofrequency (RF) energy on articular cartilage. Six fresh human articular cartilage specimens were obtained from patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty for unicompartmental osteoarthritis. A jig was used as the RF-energy was delivered to 2 designated treatment areas. These areas included a normal and a diseased area of articular cartilage tested at 3 voltage settings (kilohertz per voltage root mean square), 133 to 147 (setting 2), 161 to 179 (setting 4), and 190 to 210 (setting 6) for 3 seconds. The designated testing areas were marked with tissue dye and processed using standard histological techniques. A scalloped concave excavation with a smooth surface remains at each treatment site. The chondrocytes are viable at the RF-treated sites without alterations in nuclear cytoplasmic nor lacunae structure when compared with collateral untreated areas. In conclusion, chondrocytes remain viable, no collagen abnormalities are detected, and diseased areas are smoothed without further evidence of fibrillation. RF-energy appears to be safe for use on articular cartilage.

Arthroscopic treatment of pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare disease, with multiple forms, anatomic sites, and treatment methods having been described. During a 10-year period, 14 patients, 7 male and 7 female, average age 35 years (range, 19 to 64 years) were treated for PVNS with arthroscopic partial or total synovectomy. Average follow-up was 42 months (range, 8 to 83 months). Twelve patients had diffuse and 2 had a localized form. Results were assessed subjectively, clinically, and radiographically, and were rated as excellent, good, fair, or poor. There were no complications and 10 patients (72%) were rated as excellent or good, 2 patients (14%) as fair, and 2 patients (14%) as poor. The recurrence rate was 14% and occurred in the group with diffuse PVNS. Radiographs did not show any bone erosion. The most widely accepted treatment for PVNS is synovectomy, and both open and arthroscopic synovectomy have been advocated as treatment. Advantages of arthroscopic treatment include accurate evaluation of the knee joint, treatment of other pathology, more rapid rehabilitation, decreased risk of joint stiffness, and less pain. In our experience, it appears that arthroscopic synovectomy is an effective method of treatment of this disorder.

Cystic hematoma formation following use of a biodegradable arrow for meniscal repair.

This is a case report of a cystic hematoma formation following the use of a biodegradable arrow for repair of a medial meniscus tear. A literature search found no previous report of this complication. Open hematoma debridement and arrow removal were effective in the treatment of this complication following all-inside meniscal repair with a biodegradable arrow.

Biomechanics of a less invasive procedure for reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow.

A reconstruction of the anterior bundle of the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow using bone anchors was compared regarding strain and valgus load strength with the intact ulnar collateral ligament and the reconstructed ulnar collateral ligament using bone tunnels. In both normal and reconstructed elbows, the anterior band and posterior band were tight during only a portion of the range of motion. Toward extension, the mean peak strain in the anterior band was tight for the normal and bone anchor groups, but lax in the bone tunnel group. Toward extension, the mean peak strain in the posterior band was lax in all elbows. Toward flexion, the strain in the anterior band was lax in the normal and bone anchor groups, but tight in the bone tunnel group. The mean of the peak strains for the posterior band toward flexion was tight for all elbows. Mean valgus load strength of normal elbows was 22.7 +/- 9.0 N.m. The bone tunnel and bone anchor mean strengths were 76.3% and 63.5%, respectively, of normal elbow strength. We concluded that the bone anchor reproduced the normal anatomy and mechanical function of the ulnar collateral ligament more closely than the bone tunnel, and that both reconstruction methods were significantly weaker than the normal ulnar collateral ligament. However, we found no significant difference in reconstruction strength between bone anchor and bone tunnel.

MR imaging of the rotator cuff: peritendinous and bone abnormalities in an asymptomatic population.

OBJECTIVE: MR imaging of the shoulder was performed in an asymptomatic population to determine the prevalence of MR-evident peritendinous and bone abnormalities. Findings were correlated with subject age and rotator cuff abnormalities. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Dual-echo T2-weighted oblique coronal MR images of the shoulder were evaluated for 100 asymptomatic volunteers who were 19-88 years old. Twenty symptomatic patients with arthroscopic correlation were included as controls. Images were assessed independently by two reviewers with no knowledge of subject history or symptomatology. Bursal, peribursal, and bone findings were correlated with subject age and the appearance of the rotator cuff tendon. RESULTS: Changes characteristic of acromioclavicular joint osteoarthrosis were present in three fourths of the shoulders. One third had subacromial spurs. Changes in the peribursal fat plane and the presence of fluid in the subacromial-subdeltoid bursa paralleled the degree of MR-evident rotator cuff abnormalities. Joint fluid was observed in nearly all subjects. CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal a high prevalence of MR-evident bone and peritendinous shoulder abnormalities among asymptomatic individuals. The prevalence of subacromial spurs and humeral head cysts correlated closely with the severity of MR-evident rotator cuff abnormalities, as did changes in the bursa and peribursal fat. Acromioclavicular joint osteoarthrosis is seen in many shoulders independently of rotator cuff disease; therefore, its presence alone does not appear to be a reliable indicator of pain or tendon disease.

Revision anterior cruciate ligament surgery: experience from Miami.

Failed anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction as defined by recurrent patholaxity is increasingly commonplace. This report presents the findings of 54 patients who had unsuccessful intraarticular anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction to correct persistent instability and who subsequently underwent revision anterior cruciate ligament surgery. Before revision, patients were evaluated by clinical examination, KT-1000 arthrometer, radiographs, Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity scale, and subjective questionnaire. The results were compared at a mean of 32 months following revision surgery. There was an average of 16 months from index procedure to the time of revision. Autogenous patellar tendon grafts were used in 61% of the cases with 30% of these harvested from the contralateral knee. Fresh frozen patellar tendon was used in 35% and autogenous hamstring tendons in 4%. Revision was successful in objectively improving stability in all patients with an average KT-000 of 2.8 mm. Autogenous tissue grafts provided greater objective stability when compared with allograft tissue with average KT-1000 of 2.2 and 3.3, respectively. Functionally, however, there was no significant difference in outcome between the 2 groups. Harvesting of the contralateral patellar tendon was found to have no adverse long term effect. Subjectively, the results were significantly worse depending on the degree of articular cartilage degeneration. Only 54% of patients returned to their preanterior cruciate ligament injury activity level. Competence in various anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction techniques will facilitate revision surgery especially in avoiding preexisting tunnels and hardware. Correct graft placement and addressing the secondary restraints are critical to successful revision surgery.

Chondromalacia of the trochlear notch in athletes who throw.

Six athletes who throw and one shot-putter who underwent elbow arthroscopy were found to have an area of chondromalacia involving the posterolateral aspect of the olecranon. Preoperative symptoms were pain and tenderness to palpation over the lateral edge of the olecranon. On physical examination, range of motion was full or only slightly decreased (< 5 degrees) in five patients; coexistent loose bodies were also noted in two patients having a 20 degrees loss of extension. None of the patients exhibited ligamentous laxity to valgus stress testing of the elbow. During arthroscopy, the involved area was distinct from the bare area of the olecranon. This area was found as an isolated lesion in only one of seven patients; localized synovitis was noted in five patients, olecranon osteophytes in three, and loose bodies in two. A reciprocal lesion on the articular surface of the humerus was not identified in any patient. During arthroscopy, the lesion was debrided to a stable margin, and all associated pathologic conditions were addressed. Six of the seven athletes were able to return to their sport at premorbidity levels with this approach. This area of trochlear chondromalacia has not been previously described and, in our study, occurred in individuals whose elbows were subjected to repetitive valgus stress with lateral compression.

Surgical treatment of chronic patellar tendinitis in a collegiate football player.

In the competitive athlete, there are many causes of anterior knee pain, one of which is patellar tendinitis. Repetition of explosive movements can cause microtrauma to the tendon and its insertion, resulting in patellar tendinitis and occasional tearing, either partial or total. Due to its refractory nature, the treatment of this disorder can be quite frustrating to all involved. A 20-year-old collegiate football player with patellar tendinitis was treated conservatively for more than 2 years. Despite aggressive training regimens, including quadriceps stretching, eccentric strengthening, and therapeutic modalities, the athlete was unable to participate at his preinjury level. Physical examination of his knee revealed inflammation and crepitation. Radiographs demonstrated an avulsion fragment from the inferior pole of the patella and magnetic resonance imaging showed cystic degeneration of the tendon. These findings confirmed the diagnosis of chronic patellar tendinitis. The patient underwent surgical debridement of the patellar tendon without complications. His postoperative rehabilitation was divided into three phases: passive range of motion, active strengthening, and sport-specific activities. At 14 weeks post-surgery, the athlete was able to return to his previous level of activity without pain. Follow-up 30 weeks postoperatively revealed no return of symptoms. At 40 weeks postsurgery, the athlete was participating at his preinjury level. This case report demonstrates the successful outcome of the surgical treatment of chronic patellar tendinitis, which was unresponsive to conservative treatment, in a competitive collegiate football player.

Abnormal findings on magnetic resonance images of asymptomatic shoulders.

Magnetic resonance images of the shoulders of ninety-six asymptomatic individuals were evaluated to determine the prevalence of findings consistent with a tear of the rotator cuff. The scans were reviewed independently by two diagnostic radiologists who are experienced in the interpretation of magnetic resonance images of the shoulder. The over-all prevalence of tears of the rotator cuff in all age-groups was 34 per cent (thirty-three). There were fourteen full-thickness tears (15 per cent) and nineteen partial-thickness tears (20 per cent). The frequency of full-thickness and partial-thickness tears increased significantly with age (p < 0.001 and 0.05, respectively). Twenty-five (54 per cent) of the forty-six individuals who were more than sixty years old had a tear of the rotator cuff: thirteen (28 per cent) had a full-thickness tear and twelve (26 per cent) had a partial-thickness tear. Of the twenty-five individuals who were forty to sixty years old, one (4 per cent) had a full-thickness tear and six (24 per cent) had a partial-thickness tear. Of the twenty-five individuals who were nineteen to thirty-nine years old, none had a full-thickness tear and one (4 per cent) had a partial-thickness tear. Magnetic resonance imaging identified a high prevalence of tears of the rotator cuff in asymptomatic individuals. These tears were increasingly frequent with advancing age and were compatible with normal, painless, functional activity. The results of the present study emphasize the potential hazards of the use of magnetic resonance imaging scans alone as a basis for the determination of operative intervention in the absence of associated clinical findings.

Combined arthroscopic management of impingement syndrome and acromioclavicular joint arthritis.

Impingement syndrome and osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular joint often coexist. Failure to address acromioclavicular joint disease can be a common cause of failure in the surgical treatment of impingement syndrome. Arthroscopic treatment of each of these disorders independently yields more favorable results than open procedures. In a patient with both disorders, combined arthroscopic subacromial decompression and resection of the distal end of the clavicle can be accomplished in one procedure. We evaluated the results of combined arthroscopic subacromial decompression and distal clavicle resection in 18 patients who were available for a minimum of 2 years' follow-up (average 32 months). Evaluations both before and after surgery were done using the UCLA Shoulder Rating Scale. Results were good or excellent in 89% of the patients and poor in 11%. The average UCLA pain score improved postoperatively for 16 of the 18 patients, while the scores for function, strength, and flexion improved for all patients.

Arthroscopically assisted repair of acute Bankart lesion.

Acute traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations are associated with high recurrence rates in young athletic individuals. Arthroscopically assisted stabilization of acute initial traumatic anterior dislocation was carried out in 11 young athletes. The average age was 20 years, with nine males and two females. The anterior acute Bankart lesion was surgically repaired using the technique described by Caspari/Morgan. There were no surgical complications. All patients were able to return to their sport without restriction. One patient had a transient episode of instability 8 months postoperatively associated with trauma, but no further sequelae. Using the Rowe scale there were nine excellent and two good results. Using repair of a Bankart lesion provides a stable shoulder with minimal loss of function and low recurrence rate. Early intervention should be considered in young, highly competitive athletes.

Evaluation of arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using magnetic resonance imaging.

Thirty-two patients who had arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft underwent subsequent magnetic resonance imaging of the knee. A total of 32 magnetic resonance imaging examinations were performed from 10 days to 39 months postoperatively. The anatomic plane of the autograft was determined by obtaining a coronal pilot scan of the graft fixation screws or screw and staple. T1-weighted, T2-weighted, proton density, and gradient-echo imaging sequences were then obtained in the anatomic plane, as well as T1-weighted coronal images. The autograft was defined on the basis of visualization of fiber continuity on T2-weighted images as follows: 1) intact; 2) having a partial tear; or 3) having a complete tear. These results were then correlated with clinical examination and, in 10 cases, subsequent arthroscopy. Magnetic resonance imaging correlated with clinical findings in 31 of 32 patients. In addition, of the 10 patients who underwent subsequent arthroscopy, magnetic resonance scanning correlated in all cases with arthroscopic findings. T2-weighted and, in some cases, proton density images were most useful in visualizing the autograft. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the anatomic plane of the anterior cruciate ligament autograft can be a useful diagnostic tool in the evaluation of patients with patellar tendon anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions when graft integrity is in question.

Iliotibial band friction syndrome: MR imaging findings.

Six patients with clinical histories and physical examination results consistent with iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS) were examined with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Ill-defined decreased signal intensity on T1-weighted images and increased signal intensity on T2-weighted images was present deep to the iliotibial band, adjacent to the lateral femoral epicondyle. Axial fast imaging with steady-state precession (FISP) gradient-echo sequences were essential in differentiating the ill-defined signal intensity abnormality associated with ITBFS from fluid in the lateral knee joint. None of these patients were found to have lateral meniscal tears, and all responded to conservative measures directed at treating ITBFS. The authors conclude that MR imaging may be useful in confirming or establishing the diagnosis of ITBFS in patients with the appropriate clinical history and distal lateral thigh or lateral knee pain.

Bone signal abnormalities in the posterolateral tibia and lateral femoral condyle in complete tears of the anterior cruciate ligament: a specific sign?

Thirty-two patients with acute, complete tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) proved at surgery underwent examination with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Bone impaction sites were present in the posterolateral tibial plateau in 30 patients (94%) and in the lateral femoral condyle (LFC) in 29 patients (91%). The bone abnormalities had low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and high signal intensity on T2-weighted images when compared with the signal intensity of normal marrow. It is assumed that the bone changes occur during injury when the LFC impacts into the posterior tibia, either during the initial rotary subluxation or as the LFC recoils to return to anatomic alignment. Only one of six partial ACL tears had a bone signal change. In patients with acute knee injury, bone impaction sites in the posterolateral tibia and the LFC suggest that a complete ACL tear is present.

Arthroscopic assisted rotator cuff repair: preliminary results.

Arthroscopic assisted rotator cuff repair is a method of performing an arthroscopic subacromial decompression with repair of the rotator cuff through a limited deltoid splitting approach. We evaluated 25 patients with a minimum of 1 year follow-up. Based on the UCLA shoulder rating, 80% of the patients were rated as excellent or good. There was significant improvement in pain, function, motion, and strength. Ninety-six percent of the patients were satisfied with the procedure. Of the patients with small or moderate size tears, 100% received a satisfactory rating. Arthroscopic assisted rotator cuff repair is presented as an attractive alternative in treating symptomatic patients with complete tears of the rotator cuff.

Arthroscopic evaluation of acute initial anterior shoulder dislocations.

Arthroscopic evaluation of patients with an acute anterior shoulder dislocation was done to identify and classify the intraarticular lesions that might predict recurrent dislocations. Forty-five shoulders fit the following criteria for inclusion in our study: initial dislocation with no prior history of shoulder problems; confirmation of the dislocation radiographically or reduction by a physician; and arthroscopy within 10 days. The 42 men and 3 women had an average age of 21.2 years (range, 14 to 28 years). Mechanism of injury was a twisting of the arm into forced abduction and external rotation, a fall on the outstretched arm, or a direct blow to the shoulder. Based on this preliminary study of 45 shoulders, we present a classification of the lesions found in the acute shoulder dislocation. Group 1 (six shoulders) had capsular tears with no labral lesions: these shoulders were stable under anesthesia and had no or minimal hemarthrosis. Group 2 (11 shoulders) had capsular tears and partial labral detachments: these shoulders were mildly unstable and had mild to moderate hemarthrosis. Group 3 (28 shoulders) had capsular tears with labral detachments: these shoulders were grossly unstable and had large hemarthrosis. They had complete capsular/labral detachments. In the past, redislocation rates have been primarily related to age at the time of initial dislocation and, to a lesser degree, the period of immobilization. We have identified the intraarticular lesions in 45 patients with an initial anterior glenohumeral dislocation and classified these shoulders into three groups based on the lesions found. By doing so, we can develop a more accurate method of determining which shoulders are prone to recurrent dislocation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Comminuted intraarticular fractures of the distal humeral condyles. Surgical vs. nonsurgical treatment.

Forty-two comminuted intraarticular fractures of the humeral condyles treated between 1975 and 1981 were analyzed in order to compare the results of operative versus nonoperative management. Twenty-nine patients were treated by open reduction and internal fixation; the remainder were treated by nonoperative techniques. Functional results were evaluated by the method of Bickel and Perry. Of the patients treated by open reduction and internal fixation, 76% had an excellent or good result. Of the nonsurgically-treated patients, only eight percent had a satisfactory result. Anatomic restoration by open reduction and rigid internal fixation in conjunction with early motion was associated with satisfactory results. The preferred surgical exposure was a posterior "U" incision with extraarticular olecranon osteotomy. This provided good visualization and facilitated anatomic restoration in these complex fractures.