Management of the First-time Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Dislocation

Evaluation of Preoperative Factors That Affect the Alpha Angle of Screw Insertion After the Open Latarjet Procedure

BACKGROUND

The open Latarjet procedure yields excellent results as a treatment for anterior shoulder instability. The position of the bony fragment and the insertion angle of the screw (the alpha angle) are critical factors for a successful procedure. The alpha angle is considered overangulated at >25°, which is associated with poor bone fixation and healing.

PURPOSE

To assess preoperative patient anatomic factors that affect the alpha angle in the Latarjet procedure for anterior shoulder instability.

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 76 patients who underwent the open Latarjet procedure between October 2009 and December 2023 were included. Postoperative computed tomography scans were reviewed for the alpha angle, and patients were classified into 2 groups: group 1 (alpha angle ≥25°) and group 2 (alpha angle <25°). Preoperative patient characteristics and radiological parameters obtained from preoperative computed tomography scans were analyzed and compared between groups 1 and 2. We developed a novel method to measure the depth of the chest and the angle between the deltopectoral interval and the plane of screw insertion. We also measured the thickness of the pectoralis major and subscapularis muscles.

RESULTS

Of the 76 patients in this study, 41 and 35 patients were included in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The mean alpha angles of groups 1 and 2 were 36° and 12°, respectively, and the body mass index was significantly higher in group 1 (P < .001). In addition, group 1 had a significantly longer distance from the anterior edge of the glenoid to the skin margin of the deltopectoral interval (P < .001). The angle between the deltopectoral interval and the plane of screw insertion (traction angle) was significantly larger in group 1 (P < .001), and the pectoralis major and subscapularis muscles were thicker in group 1 (P = .017 and P = .032, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The alpha angle after the Latarjet procedure was strongly related to the patient's weight, body mass index, depth of the chest, and the angle between the deltopectoral interval and the plane of screw insertion. To our knowledge, this is the first study in which the preoperative factors that facilitate proper screw fixation in the Latarjet procedure are reported.

Outcomes of primary arthroscopic shoulder stabilization in active patients over 40-results at a mean follow-up of 7 years

Background

The purpose of this study is to report clinical outcomes, return to activity, redislocation rate, and rate of conversion to arthroplasty for active patients over age 40 undergoing primary arthroscopic shoulder stabilization.

Methods

Patients over 40 years of age who underwent arthroscopic capsulolabral repair for shoulder instability between December 2005 and January 2018 with a minimum of 2-year postoperative follow-up were enrolled in this retrospective, monocentric study. Clinical outcome scores including the 12-Item Short-Form Survey, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, Single-Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and visual analog scale pain were collected. Additionally, it was determined which patients reached the minimal clinically important difference and the patient-acceptable symptom state for the ASES score. Bivariate analysis was utilized to determine if there was any association between baseline demographic and clinical factors with the outcome scores.

Results

Of a total of 814 patients assessed for eligibility, an aggregate of 40 patients were included and 33 patients (8 females) were available for follow-up. The average age was 49.4 ± 7.6 years. At an average follow-up of 7.0 ± 3.6 years, all the outcome scores significantly improved compared to baseline. These included ASES (69.9 ± 19 to 95.8 ± 7.6, P < .001); the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score (29.7 ± 17.7 to 3.9 ± 5.4, P < .002); Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score (53.5 ± 29.3 to 91.6 ± 14.3, P < .003); the 12-Item Short-Form Survey (45.6 ± 8.8 to 55.2 ± 5.7, P < .001); and the visual analog scale (2.1 ± 2.1 to 0.3 ± 1, P < .002). The minimal clinically important difference was reached by 72.7% of the patients and 81.8% reached the patient-acceptable symptom state threshold for the ASES score. Postoperative shoulder stability improved substantially and significantly. Median postoperative satisfaction was 10/10 (range 1-10). Ninety-five-point-six percent of the patients returned to sport, with 91.0% of the patients able to return to preinjury level. One patient (3%) underwent revision surgery for osteoarthritis, in the form of comprehensive arthroscopic management procedure. The presence of cartilage defects cartilage defects Outerbridge grade >2 (P = .020) and posterior labral lesions (P = .03) at index surgery were significantly associated with inferior outcomes in the ASES score.

Conclusion

Active patients aged 40 years and older undergoing arthroscopic shoulder stabilization experienced favorable functional outcomes at a mean follow-up of 7 years, with low rates of revision surgery or of progression to clinically relevant osteoarthritis. However, the presence of high-grade cartilage lesions and the presence of a posterior labral tear were associated with inferior clinical outcomes.

Demographics and Outcomes of Glenohumeral Dislocations in Individuals With Elevated Body Mass Index

INTRODUCTION

No specific study has investigated the characteristics and outcomes of anterior shoulder dislocations in morbidly obese individuals. The purpose of this study was to describe shoulder dislocations in patients with body mass index (BMI) greater than 40.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted to identify patients aged 18 years and older with a BMI ≥40 who presented with a shoulder dislocation in a single institution from 2000 to 2020. Dislocation patterns, associated injuries, treatment modalities, and associated complications were recorded.

RESULTS

A significant increase was noted in the number of patients with BMI greater than 40 presenting per year (r2 = -0.831, P < 0.01) over the past 20 years. A significant increase was noted in the average BMI per year in this population (r2 = 0.504, P = 0.028). Fifteen patients (19.5%) experienced at least one recurrent dislocation episode. Ten patients had a Bankart lesion that was associated with an elevated BMI (P = 0.04). Nine patients (11.7%) sustained an associated neurologic injury (no association with BMI).

CONCLUSIONS

Over time, there has been an increase in shoulder dislocations in morbidly obese individuals in the United States, alongside an overall increase in the average BMI of patients who present with shoulder dislocations.

Long-term Effectiveness and Outcome-Determining Factors of Arthroscopic Bankart Repair for Recreational Sports Population: An Assessment of 100 Patients With a Mean Follow-up of 12.7 Years

BACKGROUND

A limited number of studies have reported the long-term effectiveness of and associated factors for recurrence of anterior shoulder instability after arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR).

PURPOSE

To report the long-term clinical outcomes after ABR in a recreational sports population and identify the associated factors that influence the final instability status.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed in patients treated with ABR between 2007 and 2013 by a single surgeon. Patient data, magnetic resonance imaging measurements of bone loss and glenoid track, and intra- and perioperative factors were analyzed. After a minimum follow-up of 10 years, patient-reported outcomes including the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index score, the Rowe score, the visual analog scale for pain and function, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and sports activity were assessed. The current instability status was classified into 3 groups: stable, apprehensive, and redislocated. These groups were statistically compared with respect to outcomes and associated factors.

RESULTS

A total of 100 patients with a mean age of 22.4 ± 5.5 years and a mean follow-up of 12.7 ± 2.1 years were included. At the final follow-up, 38 patients (38%) showed recurrent symptoms: 19 patients (19%) with subjective apprehension and 19 patients (19%) with redislocation, including 10 patients (10%) with revision surgery. At the final follow-up, the redislocated group showed the lowest patient-reported outcomes and return to sports (both P < .001). The apprehensive group also showed a lower Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index score (P = .011), Rowe score (P = .003), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (P = .027), and return to sports (P = .005) than the stable group. Participation in contact sports (P = .026), glenoid bone loss (P = .005), size of Hill-Sachs lesion (P = .009), and off-track lesions (P = .016) were all associated with recurrent symptoms, whereas age <20 years (P = .012), participation in contact sports (P = .003), and off-track lesions (P = .042) were associated with redislocation.

CONCLUSION

After long-term follow-up in a recreational sports population, ABR demonstrated a 19% rate of subjective apprehension and 19% rate of redislocation, with a gradual decline in clinical outcomes and sports activity over time. Therefore, candidates for ABR should be selected based on consideration of risk factors such as off-track lesions, age <20 years, and participation in contact sports.

No difference in biomechanical properties of simple, horizontal mattress, and double row repair in Bankart repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis of biomechanical studies

BACKGROUND

Arthroscopic Bankart repair is the most common procedure in patients with anterior shoulder instability. Various repair techniques using suture anchors have been used to improve the strength of fixation and surgical outcomes in arthroscopic Bankart surgery. However, evidence regarding which method is superior is lacking. This systematic review and meta-analysis study was designed to compare the biomechanical results of simple versus horizontal mattress versus double-row mattress for Bankart repair.

METHODS

A systematic search of the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed to identify comparative biomechanical studies comparing the simple, horizontal mattress, and double-row techniques commonly used in Bankart repair for anterior shoulder instability. Biomechanical results included the ultimate load to failure, stiffness, cyclic displacement, and mode of failure after the ultimate load. The methodological quality was assessed based on the Quality Appraisal for Cadaveric Studies (QUACS) scale for biomechanical studies.

RESULTS

Six biomechanical studies comprising 125 human cadavers were included in this systematic review. In biomechanical studies comparing simple and horizontal mattress repair and biomechanical studies comparing simple and double-row repair, there were no significant differences in the ultimate load to failure, stiffness, or cyclic displacement between the repair methods. The median QUACS scale was 11.5 with a range from 10 to 12, indicating a low risk of bias.

CONCLUSION

There was no biomechanically significant difference between the simple, horizontal mattress, and double-row methods in Bankart repair. Clinical evidence such as prospective randomized controlled trials should be conducted to evaluate clinical outcomes according to the various repair methods.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic review, Therapeutic level IV.

Type IX Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior Lesion in a Professional Football Player: A Rare Pattern of Shoulder Instability in a Non-throwing Athlete

Anterior shoulder instability is the most frequent type of glenohumeral instability, especially among young athletes. Superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) injuries involve the superior glenoid labrum where the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) inserts. There is still some debate regarding the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and treatment of these lesions. We report a clinical case of an 18-year-old male professional football player with a rare type IX SLAP lesion. Given the recurrence of instability after prior nonoperative management, surgical treatment was seen as the best option, and a pan-labral arthroscopic repair suture anchor fixation was performed. Three months after undergoing a personalized postoperative rehabilitation program, he was able to return to full sport with the same competitive level, and no recurrent instability or other symptoms were reported throughout the 18-month follow-up period.

Knot-Tying versus Knotless Suture Anchors for Arthroscopic Bankart Repair: A Comparative Study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare the results of using knotless and knot-tying suture anchors in arthroscopic Bankart repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The patients who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair between 2011 and 2017 using knot-tying and knotless suture anchors were retrospectively reviewed. We collected demographic data, clinical scores (pain visual analogue scale), functional visual analogue scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Society scores, and Rowe score), and range of motion (ROM). Re-dislocation and subjective anterior apprehension test rates between the two techniques were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 154 patients who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair, 115 patients (knot-tying group: n=61 and knotless group: n=54) were included in this study. Of the 115 patients, 102 were male and 13 were female. The mean patient age was 27 years (range: 17-60), and the mean follow-up period was 43 months (range: 24-99). There were no significant differences in the final clinical scores and ROM between the two groups. Re-dislocation was observed in 6 (9.8%) and 4 (7.3%) patients in the knot-tying and knotless groups, respectively. Apprehension was observed in 11 (18.0%) and 12 (22.2%) patients in the knot-tying and knotless groups, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups in regards to re-dislocation and anterior apprehension.

CONCLUSION

Re-dislocation rates and clinical scores were similar with the use of knotless and knot-tying suture anchors in arthroscopic Bankart repair after a minimal 2 year follow-up.