Intraoperative navigation system use increases accuracy of glenoid component inclination but not functional outcomes in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a prospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: While the use of computer-assisted navigation systems in prosthetic implantation is steadily increasing, its utility in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of an intraoperative navigation system in patients undergoing RSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing navigated or standard RSA at a single institution between September 2020 and December 2021 were prospectively enrolled. Exclusion criteria included noncompliance with study procedures or humeral fracture. Outcome measures included postoperative version and inclination, range of motion (ROM), complications, and patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs: American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score [ASES], Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score [DASH], Simple Shoulder Test [SST], and Visual Analog Scale [VAS]) at final follow-up. RESULTS: The final cohort contained 16 patients with navigation and 17 with standard RSA at a mean follow-up of 16 months (range 12-18 months). Average age was 72 years (range 66-80 years), 8 male (24%) and 25 female (76%). There were no differences in demographics between groups (p > 0.05). At baseline, the navigated group had a greater proportion of Walch B1 and B2 glenoids (p = 0.04). There were no differences between groups regarding baseplate type and native/planned/postoperative glenoid version and inclination. In both groups, planned and postoperative versions were not significantly different (p = 0.76). Patients who did not have navigation demonstrated significant differences between planned and postoperative inclination (p = 0.04), while those with navigation did not (p = 0.09). PROM scores did not differ between groups at final follow-up for SST (p = 0.64), DASH (p = 0.38), ASES (p = 0.77), or VAS (p = 0.1). No difference in final ROM was found between groups (p > 0.05). Over 50% of all screws in both groups were positioned outside the second cortex (p = 0.37), albeit with no complications. CONCLUSIONS: There were no statistically significant differences in ROM, PROMs, and satisfaction between patients receiving computer-navigated and standard RSA at a short-term follow-up. Despite more severe preoperative glenoid erosion in the navigated group, all patients were able to achieve an appropriate neutral axis postoperatively. The cost effectiveness and appropriate use of computer-navigated RSA warrant specific investigation in future studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, prospective cohort study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: 9/1/2020 to 12/31/2021.

Measurement technique for posterior tibial slope on radiographs can affect its relationship to the risk of anterior cruciate ligament rupture.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the most reliable radiographic measurement method to evaluate PTS as a risk factor for ACL reconstruction failure. METHODS: Patients who underwent ACL reconstruction or ACL revision reconstruction between January 2009 and December 2014 by a single surgeon were included. Fifty-two consecutive patients who underwent ACL revision reconstruction were compared to a random selection of 52 patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction and a control group of 52 patients without ACL injury. ACL reconstruction was performed using either ipsilateral (primary) or contralateral (revision) quadrupled hamstring autograft. Lateral knee radiographs were evaluated using three methods: (1) longitudinal axis, (2) anterior tibial cortex axis, and (3) posterior tibial cortex. RESULTS: A significant difference was found between subjects who underwent ACL reconstruction and control knees (6.79° vs. 5.31°, p = 0.046) using the posterior tibial cortex method. No other statistical significance was found between groups. A multiple linear regression analysis found that the PTS as measured by any method was not affected by the patient's age, sex, height, weight, and BMI. All methods of measurement for PTS demonstrated excellent (ICC > 0.90) intra-rater and inter-rater reliability, but only the posterior tibial cortex method maintained excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability (ICC > 0.90) when evaluating patients with ACL revision reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: The posterior tibial cortex measurement is the most reliable method for analyzing the PTS on lateral knee radiographs in patients undergoing ACL revision reconstruction.

Rupture of the Patellar Tendon After Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Rupture of the patellar tendon is becoming more and more frequent, even in sports activities overloading the extensor mechanism of the knee. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment has been recently introduced in treatment for several knee- and sport-related injuries including muscle strain cartilage defect and tendinopathies. The aim of this case report is to present a case of rupture of the patellar tendon occurred after injections of PRP. CASE REPORT: A case of a 40-year-old male soccer player sustaining a patellar tendon rupture after a series of 4 PRP injections. At surgery, a complete rupture in the middle of the patellar tendon was found, with severe degenerative changes of the tendon tissue. This case questions the actual efficacy and safety of PRP in severe degenerative tendinopathies.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is associated with greater tibial tunnel widening when using a bioabsorbable screw compared to an all-inside technique with suspensory fixation.

PURPOSE: To compare clinical outcomes and tunnel widening following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) performed with an all-inside technique (Group A) or with a bioabsorbable tibial screw and suspensory femoral fixation (Group B). METHODS: Tunnel widening was assessed using computed tomography (CT) and a previously validated analytical best fit cylinder technique at approximately 1-year following ACLR. Clinical follow-up comprised evaluation with IKDC, KSS, Tegner, Lysholm scores, and knee laxity assessment. RESULTS: The study population comprised 22 patients in each group with a median clinical follow-up of 24 months (range 21-27 months). The median duration between ACLR and CT was 13 months (range 12-14 months). There were no significant differences in clinical outcome measures between groups. There were no differences between groups with respect to femoral tunnel widening. However, there was a significantly larger increase in tibial tunnel widening, at the middle portion, in Group B (2.4 ± 1.5 mm) compared to Group A (0.8 ± 0.4 mm) (p = 0.027), and also at the articular portion in Group B (1.5 ± 0.8 mm) compared to Group A (0.8 ± 0.8 mm) (p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Tibial tunnel widening after ACLR using hamstring tendon autograft is significantly greater with suspensory femoral fixation and a bioabsorbable tibial interference screw when compared to an all-inside technique at a median follow-up of 2 years. The clinical relevance of this work lies in the rebuttal of concerns arising from biomechanical studies regarding the possibility of increased tunnel widening with an all-inside technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Latarjet procedure versus open capsuloplasty in traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation: long-term clinical and functional results.

PURPOSE: To compare the results of two different open surgical techniques (open capsuloplasty and Bristow-Latarjet procedure) at a mid- to long-term follow-up (6 years) in patients with recurrent traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations. METHODS: Seventy-three patients (73 shoulders, 48 males; 25 females) fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were classified as group A if operated on with a Bristow-Latarjet procedure (40 patients, 24 males; 16 females) or group B if operated on with an open capsuloplasty (33 patients, 24 males; 9 females). All patients were followed up with physical examination and functional evaluation scores (UCLA, ROWE and WOSI). RESULTS: In group A, no further episodes of dislocation or subluxation were reported; in group B, one patient (3.3%) reported a new episode of anterior dislocation as a result of a new trauma. No statistical difference in regard of new episodes of shoulder dislocation was found between the two groups (p > 0.05). At physical examination, two patients (5%) of group A and four patients of group B (13.3%) showed a positive apprehension test (p > 0.05); anterior drawer test was positive in six patients (15%) of group A and in nine patients (30%) of group B (p > 0.05). Statistical analysis showed better external rotation in group A (Latarjet group) than in group B. (p = 0.0176). No statistical differences were detected in regard to the scale scores (UCLA, WOSI, Rowe) (p > 0.05). Regarding the return to sport, 29 patients (72.5%) of group A and 18 patients (60%) of group B reported they resumed the same sports activity at the same pre-operative level (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Open capsuloplasty and Bristow-Latarjet procedure are both validated surgical techniques for the treatment of recurrent shoulder anterior instability. We found no statistical difference in terms of recurrent dislocation rates, clinical shoulder stability tests, and scoring scales. The rate of patients returning to sport was similar after both techniques. However, patients with open capsuloplasty reported a significantly lower recovery of external rotation than patients operated via the Latarjet procedure.

Early surgical treatment of first-time anterior glenohumeral dislocation in a young, active population is superior to conservative management at long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: To compare the long-term effectiveness of non-operative treatment with immediate arthroscopic surgical stabilization in young, active patients after first-time anterior glenohumeral dislocation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients aged 15-25 years who suffered primary traumatic anterior glenohumeral dislocation were enrolled in this prospective, non-randomized investigation. In total, 160 patients were enrolled-64 opted for surgical stabilization (group A), while 96 opted for conservative treatment (group B). At final follow-up of over 6.5 years, 60 patients in group A (96.7% males, age 22.8 ± 3.2) and 70 patients in group B (90.0% males, age 20.8 ± 2.9) were evaluated with physical examination, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and radiological studies. Recurrence and return to sport (RTS) data were collected, and variables were compared between groups. RESULTS: Recurrence rate in group A was 13.3% at mean latency of 3.3 ± 1.9 years, compared to 71.4% at mean latency of 2.1 ± 1.5 years in group B (P < 0.001 for both recurrence rate and latency). In group A, 70.0% of patients RTS at the pre-injury level, versus 41.4% of patients in group B (P < 0.001). Patients in group A scored significantly higher on all PROMs (all P < 0.001) and had significantly less osteoarthritis (P = 0.004), when compared to group B. CONCLUSION: Acute surgical stabilization of first-time anterior shoulder dislocation in young, active patients is more effective than conservative treatment at long-term follow up, based on lower recurrence rate, better RTS, and higher patient-perceived improvement.

The role of diabetes mellitus and BMI in the surgical treatment of ankle fractures.

BACKGROUND: Open reduction and internal fixation is the standard treatment for displaced ankle fractures. However, the presence of comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus and body mass index (BMI) are associated with poor bone quality, and these factors may predict the development of postoperative complications. The study aim was to assess the role of diabetes mellitus and BMI in wound healing in patients younger than 65 years who were surgically treated for malleoli fractures. METHODS: Ninety patients, aged from 18 to 65 years old, with surgically treated ankle fracture, were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were classified in two groups: patient with diabetes and patients without diabetes (insulin-dependent and noninsulin dependent). All patients were assessed for wound complications, Visual Analogue Scale and Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) were assessed for all patients. Logistic regression was used to identify the risk of wound complications after surgery using the following factors as explanatory variables: age, gender, duration of surgery, BMI, hypercholesterolemia, smoking history, diabetes mellitus, and high blood pressure. RESULTS: In total, 38.9% of patients showed wound complications. Of them, 17.1% were nondiabetics and 82.9% were diabetics. We observed a significant association between DM and wound complications after surgery (P = .005). Logistic regression analysis revealed that DM (P < .001) and BMI (P = .03) were associated with wound complications. The odds of having a postoperative wound complication were increased 0.16 times in the presence of diabetes and 1.14 times for increasing BMI. CONCLUSION: This study showed that diabetes mellitus and higher BMI delay the wound healing and increase the complication rate in young adult patients with surgically treated bimalleolar fractures.

The Effect of Sequential Tearing of the Anterior Cruciate and Anterolateral Ligament on Anterior Translation and the Pivot-Shift Phenomenon: A Cadaveric Study Using Navigation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of progressive lesions of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and anterolateral ligament (ALL) on anterior tibial translation (ATT) as evaluated through the Lachman test and internal tibial rotation (ITR) during a dynamic pivot-shift test in a cadaveric model. METHODS: A total of 7 specimens were tested using a navigation system (2.2 OrthoPilot ACL navigation system). The anterior stability of the knee was measured through the Lachman test and dynamic rotational stability was measured through the pivot-shift test in 3 different conditions: intact knee; ACL-deficient knee; and finally, ACL- and ALL-deficient knee. The resulting measurements from the navigation system recorded the real-time changes in both translation and internal rotation during the Lachman and pivot-shift maneuvers. RESULTS: Mean ATT was 7.57 ± 0.53 mm in the intact knee, 14 ± 2.44 mm in the ACL-deficient knee, and 14 ± 2.44 mm in the ACL- and ALL-deficient knee. Mean ITR during the pivot-shift test was 10.14° ± 2.26° in the intact knee, 12.14° ± 2.19° in the ACL-deficient knee, and 18.86° ± 2.73° in the ACL- and ALL-deficient knee. There was a statistically significant difference in static ATT between the intact and ACL-deficient knees (P = .039) but no difference through the addition of an ALL lesion (P = .068). For dynamic rotational control testing, there was no significant difference in ATT between groups but a significant difference in ITR was found (F = 25.17, P = .00034). CONCLUSIONS: During the pivot-shift test, a combined lesion of the ACL and ALL has a significant effect on ITR whereas an isolated lesion of the ACL has no effect on either ATT or ITR. During the Lachman test, an isolated lesion of the ACL has a significant effect on ATT but an additional lesion of the ALL does not affect ATT. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dynamic rotational control as tested by the pivot-shift test is greatly influenced by a combined lesion of the ACL and ALL. In clinical cases of a pivot shift, addressing the anterolateral structures may be considered.

Prevalence and Classification of Injuries of Anterolateral Complex in Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears.

PURPOSE: To report on the prevalence of injuries of the lateral compartment occurring in cases of apparently isolated acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and to present a classification system of anterolateral complex injuries based on the data obtained. METHODS: Sixty patients operated on for an acute apparently isolated ACL tear, revealed by clinical examination and confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging, were prospectively selected. The lateral compartment was exposed and injuries were detected. Based on the data obtained, lesions of the anterolateral complex were classified as follows: Type I: multilevel rupture with individual layers torn at different levels with macroscopic hemorrhage involving the area of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) and extended to the anterolateral capsule. Type II: multilevel rupture with individual layers torn at different levels with macroscopic hemorrhage extended from the area of the ALL and capsule to the posterolateral capsule. Type III: complete transverse tear involving the area of the ALL near its insertion to the lateral tibial plateau, distal to the lateral meniscus. Type IV: bony avulsion (Segond fracture). The pivot-shift test was repeated intraoperatively after repair of lateral tears before the ACL reconstruction. RESULTS: Although magnetic resonance imaging was able to detect only bony injuries (Segond fracture), macroscopic tears of the lateral capsule were clearly identified at surgery in 54 of 60 patients and classified as follows: Type I: 19/60 Type II: 16/60 Type III: 13/60 Type IV: 6/60 In all cases, repair resulted in a marked reduction or apparent disappearance of the pivot-shift phenomenon. Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation between lesions of the lateral compartment, regardless of the type described, and a pivot shift graded 2 or 3. CONCLUSIONS: Because injuries of secondary restraints often occur in cases of acute ACL tears, recognition and repair of such lesions could be considered to help ACL reconstruction to better control rotational stability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Can the outside-in half-tunnel technique reduce femoral tunnel widening in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction? A CT study.

BACKGROUND: There are different techniques for drilling the femoral tunnel in the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), but their influence in the bone tunnel enlargement in unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare two different surgical techniques for evaluating femoral tunnel enlargement in ACLR. The hypothesis was that tunnel placement using the outside-in technique leads to less tunnel enlargement compared to the transtibial technique. METHODS: Forty-four patients treated for ACLR between March 2013 and March 2014 were prospectively enrolled in this study. According to the surgical technique, subjects were assigned to Group A (Out-in) or Group B (Transtibial). All patients underwent CT examination in order to evaluate the femoral tunnel enlargement at four different levels. Moreover, all patients were evaluated with the Lachman test and pivot shift test, and the KT1000 arthrometer was used to measure the anterior laxity of the knee. A subjective evaluation was performed using the 2000 International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee score, Lysholm knee score and Tegner activity scale. All patients were assessed after 24 months of follow-up. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, there were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in femoral tunnel enlargement between the two groups at all four femoral levels in favor of the out-in group. No statistical significant differences were found in the objective and subjective clinical outcomes between the two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In ACLR with a suspension system, the outside-in technique leads to less enlargement of the femoral tunnel lower than the transtibial technique.

Can platelet-rich plasma have a role in Achilles tendon surgical repair?

PURPOSE: Our hypothesis was that the Achilles tendon healing process after surgical treatment would be promoted by PRP with a faster return to sports activities. METHODS: Thirty patients with Achilles tendon rupture and surgically treated with a combined mini-open and percutaneous technique were prospectively enroled in the study. Patients were alternately case-by-case assigned to Group A (control group; 15 patients) or Group B (study group; 15 patients). In Group B, PRP was locally infiltrated both during surgery and 14 days after surgery. Patients in both groups were followed up at 1, 3, 6 and 24 months post-operatively via physical examination, VAS, FAOS and VISA-A scales; ultrasonography (US) and MRI were also conducted at one and 6 months; at the 6-month follow-up, isokinetic and jumping capacity tests were also performed. RESULTS: The VAS, FAOS and VISA-A scale showed no difference between the two groups at 1, 3, 6 and 24 months post-operatively. Isokinetic evaluation showed no differences at both angular speeds. Jumping evaluation showed no difference at 6 months. Also US evaluation showed no differences. MRI data analysis before administration of gadolinium did not reveal significant differences between the two groups. Moreover, after intravenous injection of gadolinium, patients in Group B showed signal enhancement in 30 % of patients compared to 80 % in Group A at 6 months, as indirect evidence of better tendon remodelling (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A substantial equivalence in structural and functional results in Achilles tendon ruptures surgically treated with and without addition of PRP is shown by present study. Clinical results, morphological features and jumping capability were similar in both groups. The addition of PRP to the surgical treatment of Achilles tendon rupture does not appear to offer superior clinical and functional results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Platelet-rich plasma: does it help reduce tunnel widening after ACL reconstruction?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in reducing femoral and tibial tunnel enlargement in patients operated on for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstrings. METHODS: Forty male patients, in which both femoral and tibial 9-mm tunnels were performed because of the graft size, were enrolled in this prospective study. They were randomly assigned to group A (20 patients, PRP group) and group B (20 patients, control group). All patients were followed up at a median of 14.7 months (range 10-16 months), with a physical examination, the Tegner, Lysholm and objective IKDC scoring scales, and with the KT-1000 arthrometer. Moreover, they underwent a CT evaluation in order to assess the amount of tunnel enlargement. RESULTS: Femoral tunnel diameter increased from 9.0 ± 0.1 mm to 9.8 ± 0.3 mm in group A (p = 0.032) and from 9.0 ± 0.1 mm to 9.4 ± 0.5 mm in group B (p = 0.043). Tibial tunnel diameter increased from 9.0 ± 0.2 mm to 10.9 ± 0.2 mm in group A (p = 0.029) and from 9.1 ± 0.1 mm to 10.1 ± 0.4 mm in group B (p = 0.028). Physical examination as well as the evaluation scales used showed no differences between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of PRP does not seem to be effective in preventing tunnel enlargement.

An extra-articular procedure improves the clinical outcome in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstrings in female athletes.

PURPOSE: A positive glide is a common finding after ACL reconstructions, especially in women. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the role of Cocker-Arnold's extra-articular procedure in reducing the incidence of a residual postoperative rotational knee laxity. METHODS: Sixty patients affected by an ACL injury with a +2 (clunk) or +3 (gross shift) pivot-shift test entered this prospective study; they were randomly assigned to group A (control group, hamstrings) or group B (study group, hamstrings plus Cocker-Arnold). Thirty-two patients entered group A and 28 group B. At follow-up, patients underwent clinical evaluation, KT-1000 arthrometer and Lysholm, Tegner, VAS and subjective and objective IKDC form. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 44.6 months, the same expert surgeon reviewed 55 patients (28 group A and 27 group B). The comparison of the results of the evaluation scales used and of the KT-1000 arthrometer did not show statistically significant differences (p>0.05). Lachman test was negative (S/S) in all the patients of both groups (100 %). A residual positive pivot-shift (glide) was found in 16 patients (57.1 %) of group A and in five patients (18.6 %) of group B (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The extra-articular MacIntosh procedure modified by Cocker-Arnold in combination with ACL reconstruction significantly reduces the rotational instability of the knee.

A Modified Technique for Two-Stage Revision in Knee PJI Treatment.

Knee PJIs represent one of the most important complications after joint replacement surgery. If the prerequisites for implant retention do not subsist, the surgical treatment of these conditions is performed using one-stage and two-stage revision techniques. In this study, an implemented two-stage revision technique was performed, adopting antibiotic calcium sulfate beads and tumor-like debridement guided by methylene blue, such as described for the DAPRI technique. The aim of the present study is to compare the implemented two-stage revision technique with the standard technique in order to assess its effectiveness. METHODS: Twenty patients affected by knee PJIs were prospectively enrolled in the study and underwent an implemented two-stage revision technique (Group A). Data collected and clinical results were compared with a matched control group treated with a standard two-stage technique (Group B). For each patient, the time of the reimplantation and length of antibiotic systemic therapy were recorded. Each patient underwent routine laboratory tests, including inflammatory markers. RESULTS: In Group A and in Group B, inflammatory markers normalized at 6.5 ± 1.1. weeks and 11.1 ± 2.3 weeks, respectively (p < 0.05). Also, the difference in length of antibiotic therapy and time to reimplantation were significantly shorter in Group A (p < 0.05). No recurrence of infection was found in Group A at the last follow-up. DISCUSSION: The implemented two-stage revision technique demonstrated a faster normalization of inflammatory markers, as well as a decrease in reimplantation time and duration of antibiotic therapy, compared to the traditional technique. The use of calcium sulfate antibiotic beads and tumor-like debridement seems to improve the results and reduce the time of healing. CONCLUSION: The implemented two-stage revision technique seems to improve the results and reduce the time of healing. This leads to a more rapid and less stressful course for the patient, as well as a reduction in health care costs.

Reparable rotator cuff tears with concomitant long-head biceps lesions: tenotomy or tenotomy/tenodesis?

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to determine clinical, functional, and radiological results of two groups of patients affected by rotator cuff tear with concomitant degeneration of the long head of the biceps tendon treated with tenotomy/tenodesis or tenotomy. METHODS: Sixty-five patients were randomly assigned to group A (35 patients, tenotomy/tenodesis) and group B (30 patients, tenotomy). All patients underwent physical examination and simple shoulder test and Constant score scales. Moreover, they underwent dynamometric tests and power Doppler ultrasonography in order to evaluate the exact location of the long-head biceps and the vascularization of the repaired rotator cuff and of the long-head biceps. RESULTS: Physical examination and clinical evaluation scales showed satisfactory results in both groups, with no significant differences (n.s.). Popeye sign was detected in 5 patients (17%) of group B and in no one patient of group A. Ultrasound examination showed the LHB within the bicipital groove in 80% of group A and group B. Power Doppler ultrasonography showed signs of vascularization of the LHB in 20% of patients of group A and in 40% of group B and signs of vascularization of the repaired rotator cuff in 28% of group A and 40% of group B. CONCLUSIONS: Long head of the biceps tenotomy combined with tenodesis does not provide any significant clinical or functional improvement than isolated tenotomy. However, the incidence of the Popeye sign is significantly higher, even though not associated with any functional disfunction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level II.

The failure mode of two reabsorbable fixation systems: Swivelock with Fibertape versus Bio-Corkscrew with Fiberwire in bovine rotator cuff.

BACKGROUND: Despite technical advances in rotator cuff surgery, recurrent or persistent defects in the repaired tendon continue to occur. The improved strength of sutures and suture anchors has shown that the most common site of failure is the suture-tendon interface. The purpose of this study was to compare two different types of repair under both cyclic and load-to-failure conditions. The hypothesis is that the use of a fixation system with knotless anchor and taped suture results in better biomechanical performance, under both cyclic and load-to-failure conditions. METHODS: Thirty bovine shoulder specimens were randomly assigned to two group tests: the Swivelock 5-mm anchor with Fibertape (Group A) and the Bio-Corkscrew 5 mm with Fiberwire (Group B). We simulated the reconstruction of a rotator cuff tear with a single-row technique, performing a tenodesis with types A and B fixation. Each specimen underwent cyclic testing from 5 to 30 N for 30 cycles, followed by load-to-failure testing, in order to calculate the ultimate failure load (UFL). RESULTS: Load-to-failure tests revealed a significantly higher UFL in Group A than in Group B. Wire fixing failed at the anchor loop whereas tape fixing failed at the sutures, suture-tendon interface, and anchors. Cyclic testing revealed no significantly greater slippage between the two groups. Stiffness values were not statistically significantly different. In all cases, tendons remained intact until the end of the cyclic testing. CONCLUSIONS: The tape structure is biomechanically stronger than the wire structure.

Shoulder adhesive capsulitis: manipulation and arthroscopic arthrolysis or intra-articular steroid injections?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare shoulder manipulation and arthroscopic arthrolysis with glenohumeral steroid injections in patients affected by idiopathic adhesive shoulder capsulitis. METHODS: In this prospective study we randomly assigned patients to enter group A (23 patients, shoulder manipulation and arthroscopic arthrolysis) and group B (21 patients, glenohumeral steroid injections). Patients were followed-up at three, six and 12 weeks, and at six and 12 months with the Constant and Murley, ASES, UCLA and SST evaluation scales. Moreover, passive forward flexion, abduction, and internal and external rotations were recorded. RESULTS: Range of motion showed satisfactory results in both groups at final follow-up: in group A the mean ABD increased from 60° to 154°, ER from 20° to 40°, and FF from 75° to 174°; in group B, ABD raised from 76° to 145°, ER from 20° to 35°, and FF from 115° to 164°. All the evaluation scales performed increased significantly at final follow-up in both groups. However, while patients of group A had already reached significant improvement at the six-week follow-up (p <0.03), in group B this happened only at the 12 week follow-up (p <0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Both types of treatment were effective in improving final range of motion; however, while patients of group A accomplished their goal by the six-week follow-up, in group B the same result was obtained at the 12-week follow-up.

Anterior cruciate ligament injury in elite football players: video analysis of 128 cases.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate with video analysis the circumstances and the mechanism leading to ACL injury in a high-level population of athletes participating in the main European football championships. METHODS: Video analysis of 128 competitive matches with ACL injury events was performed through Wyscout.com® from August 2009 to January 2020. Details regarding situation, events and injured players were obtained. The type of trauma was assessed on the basis of the game phase, player's action, traumatic mechanism, type of maneuver, contact type, speed of the action and the position of the center of gravity. RESULTS: Of the injuries, 67.2% occurred without direct contact (39.1% non-contact and 28.1% indirect contact) and more than 50% occurred in the first 30 minutes of the match; 31.2% of injuries occurred during ball recovery and 63% in the offensive half; 62.5% of the trauma occurred in a valgus-external rotation maneuver and 35.1% during a deceleration phase with an eccentric contraction of the quadriceps. The referee whistled a foul in 20.6% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Video-analysis may be helpful either to better understand the situations leading to ACL injury or to set up preventive strategies in order to reduce ACL injury in football. Most of the injuries occur during the first thirty minutes after entering the field. It therefore seems unlikely that fatigue will play an important role. Valgus external rotation, eccentric muscular contraction, loss of the center of gravity, attempting to recover the ball are the most frequent scenario.

Anterior Capsulolabral Reconstruction with Semitendinosus Autograft after Latarjet Failure: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of chronic shoulder instability, associated with poor tissue quality, remains challenging in the setting of anterior capsular deficiency. There are a few viable alternatives in the end-stage shoulder instability when multiple surgical attempts to correct the pathology have failed. The purpose of the present paper is to demonstrate the efficacy of anterior capsular reconstruction with semitendinosus autograft for the management of capsulolabral deficiency without associated bone loss. CASE REPORT: A 39-year-old female admitted in our institution with a history of recurrent atraumatic anterior dislocation of the left shoulder after three unsuccessful surgical attempts: Arthroscopic and open capsulorrhaphy and a Latarjet coracoid transfer. CT scan images showed adequate placement (flush) of the coracoid transfer without any sign of reabsorption. Reconstruction of anterior capsulolabral structure was performed using a Semitendinosus autograft. The middle and inferior glenohumeral ligaments, the more crucial ligaments for anterior-inferior shoulder stability, were effectively recreated. The patient did not suffer any recurrent dislocation or subjective symptoms of instability at the time of the final follow-up, 2 years after surgery, and the ASES score increased from 36 preoperatively to 86. CONCLUSION: This technique, described for the first time as a salvage procedure after Latarjet failure, could represent a safe and viable treatment option in the context of multiple ineffective surgeries.