Stemless Shoulder Arthroplasty

Stemless humeral components for shoulder arthroplasty represent the fourth generation of modern prosthetic shoulder implants. Because of their metaphyseal fixation, the implantation technique is rather straightforward and preserves the humeral canal from violation. Substantial benefits have been highlighted with such a design, including less perioperative morbidity, independence from the proximal humeral anatomy, preservation of bone stock, ease of potential revision surgeries, and limited risk of complex periprosthetic fractures. Initially conceived to better re-create the center of rotation of the humeral head in anatomic arthroplasties, their use has been successfully extended to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Provided that contraindications are respected (eg, poor proximal humeral bone quality, proximal humerus fractures, patients who are elderly and/or overweight), short-term and midterm functional outcomes as well as postoperative complications appear to be similar to those of traditional stemmed implants, without increased risk of loosening of the humeral component.

Clinical and radiographic outcomes of a transosseous suture technique for displaced lateral clavicle fractures

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of a transosseous suture fixation technique for the treatment of unstable lateral clavicle fractures. The appropriate treatment for lateral clavicle fractures is controversial. Many authors have argued for nonsurgical treatment of these injuries; however, recent literature has shown a role for the surgical treatment of unstable fractures. The paucity of lateral clavicular bone and the unique anatomy of this area of the shoulder makes surgical treatment of these injuries challenging. This article reports a single-surgeon experience with a transosseous suture fixation technique for the treatment of unstable lateral clavicle fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients with unstable lateral clavicle fractures treated with a transosseous suture technique from 2015-2018 was performed. The indication for surgery was significant displacement between the main medial and lateral clavicle fragments. The surgical technique used was a modification of the technique as described by Levy. Patients were followed postoperatively with active and passive range of motion (ROM) measurements, strength testing, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form score, visual analog scale score, and standard radiographs. Patients were followed to radiographic union.

RESULTS

Twelve patients underwent surgical fixation of unstable lateral clavicle fractures from 2015-2018. All patients had excellent function, full ROM, minimal pain, and improved functional scores at final follow-up. Eleven patients achieved complete union of the fracture. One patient healed with a fibrous union; however, the fracture had maintained alignment and the patient was asymptomatic and satisfied with the result. No patient required a second surgery.

CONCLUSION

We found that the transosseous suture technique for fixation is an effective treatment for unstable lateral clavicle fracture. This technique is reproducible, cost effective, and limits the need for revision surgery often encountered with other techniques.

Humeral head circle-fit method greatly increases reliability and accuracy when measuring anterior-posterior radiographs of the proximal humerus

Measurements made on routine A-P radiographs can predict strength/quality of the proximal humerus, as shown in terms of two easy-to-measure parameters: Cortical index (CI) and mean-combined cortical thickness (MCCT). Because of high variability inherent when using established methods to measure these parameters, we describe a new orientation system. Using digitized radiographs of 33 adult proximal humeri, five observers measured anatomical reference locations in accordance with: (i) Tingart et al. (2003) method, (ii) Mather et al. (2013) method, and (iii) our new humeral head Circle-Fit method (CFM). The Tingart and Mather methods measure CI and MCCT with respect to upper and lower edges of 20 mm tall rectangles fit to a proximal diaphyseal location where endosteal (Tingart) or periosteal (Mather) cortical margins become parallel. But high intra- and inter-observer variability occurs when placing the rectangles because of uncertainty in identifying cortical parallelism. With the CFM an adjustable circle is fit to the humeral head articular surface, which reliably and easily establishes a proximal metaphyseal landmark (M1) at the surgical neck. Distal locations are then designated at successive 10 mm increments below M1, including a second metaphyseal landmark (M2) followed by diaphyseal (D) locations (D1, D2 ⋯D6). D1 corresponds most closely to the proximal edges of the rectangles used in the other methods. Results showed minimal inter-observer variations (mean error, 1.5 ± 1.1 mm) when the CFM is used to establish diaphyseal locations for making CI and MCCT measurements when compared to each of the other methods (mean error range, 10.7 ± 5.9 to 13.3 ± 6.7 mm) (p < 0.001). © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2313-2322, 2017.

Ultimate fracture load of cadaver proximal humeri correlates more strongly with mean combined cortical thickness than with areal cortical index, DEXA density, or canal-to-calcar ratio

Objectives

This investigation sought to advance the work published in our prior biomechanical study (Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 2016). We specifically sought to determine whether there are additional easy-to-measure parameters on plain radiographs of the proximal humerus that correlate more strongly with ultimate fracture load, and whether a parameter resembling the Dorr strength/quality characterisation of proximal femurs can be applied to humeri.

Materials and Methods

A total of 33 adult humeri were used from a previous study where we quantified bone mineral density of the proximal humerus using radiographs and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and regional mean cortical thickness and cortical index using radiographs. The bones were fractured in a simulated backwards fall with the humeral head loaded at 2 mm/second via a frustum angled at 30° from the long axis of the bone. Correlations were assessed with ultimate fracture load and these new parameters: cortical index expressed in areas (“areal cortical index”) of larger regions of the diaphysis; the canal-to-calcar ratio used analogous to its application in proximal femurs; and the recently described medial cortical ratio.

Results

The three new parameters showed the following correlations with ultimate fracture load: areal cortical index (r = 0.56, p < 0.001); canal-to-calcar ratio (r = 0.38, p = 0.03); and medial cortical ratio (r = 0.49, p < 0.005). These correlations were weaker when compared with those that we previously reported: mean cortical thickness of the proximal diaphysis versus ultimate fracture load (r = 0.71; p < 0.001); and mean density in the central humeral head versus ultimate fracture load (r = 0.70; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Simple-to-measure radiographic parameters of the proximal humerus reported previously are more useful in predicting ultimate fracture load than are areal cortical index, canal-to-calcar ratio, and medial cortical ratio.

Cite this article: J. G. Skedros, C. S. Mears, W. Z. Burkhead. Ultimate fracture load of cadaver proximal humeri correlates more strongly with mean combined cortical thickness than with areal cortical index, DEXA density, or canal-to-calcar ratio. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:1–7. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.61.BJR-2016-0145.R1

Biologic resurfacing arthroplasty with acellular human dermal allograft and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in young patients with glenohumeral arthritis-average of 60 months of at mid-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

The treatment of young patients with glenohumeral arthritis has been challenging. Alternative treatment options include activity modification, arthroscopic débridement, and arthroplasty. Addressing the glenoid during arthroplasty in this population of patients continues to be a significant challenge. In this study, we evaluated the midterm outcomes of hemiarthroplasty with biologic resurfacing of the glenoid with human dermal matrix allograft.

METHODS

Between 2004 and 2011, 55 patients underwent hemiarthroplasty and biologic resurfacing of the glenoid with human dermal matrix allograft. The average age was 50 ± 9 years. Subjective evaluation was performed with the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder Index, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, visual analog scale, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation. Patients returned to the clinic for clinical examination and radiographic evaluation. The average follow-up was 60 months.

RESULTS

The average postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 76 ± 22, and the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder Index score was 76% ± 22%. The visual analog scale score was 2.4 ± 2.6. The average preoperative Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score was 33% ± 22%, which significantly improved to 72% ± 22% postoperatively. Eighty-one percent of the patients were satisfied (10/47) or highly satisfied (28/47) with their result. With radiographic evaluation, the average joint space was 1 ± 1 mm preoperatively and 2 ± 1 mm postoperatively. A total of 5 cases (9.1%) were revised to anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty with implantation of a glenoid component.

DISCUSSION

Hemiarthroplasty with biologic resurfacing of the glenoid using human dermal matrix allograft can lead to successful midterm outcomes with satisfactory complication and revision rates. Both patient satisfaction and clinical outcome remain high regardless of radiographic outcome.

Radiographic morphometry and densitometry predict strength of cadaveric proximal humeri more reliably than age and DXA scan density

Methods are needed for identifying poorer quality cadaver proximal humeri to ensure that they are not disproportionately segregated into experimental groups for fracture studies. We hypothesized that measurements made from radiographs of cadaveric proximal humeri are stronger predictors of fracture strength than chronological age or bone density values derived from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans. Thirty-three proximal humeri (range: 39-78 years) were analyzed for: (1) bone mineral density (BMD, g/cm(2)) using DXA, (2) bulk density (g/cm(3)) using DXA and volume displacement, (3) regional bone density in millimeters of aluminum (mmAl) using radiographs, and (4) regional mean (medial+lateral) cortical thickness and cortical index (CI) using radiographs. The bones were then fractured simulating a fall. Strongest correlations with ultimate fracture load (UFL) were: mean cortical thickness at two diaphyseal locations (r = 0.71; p < 0.001), and mean mmAl in the humeral head (r = 0.70; p < 0.001). Weaker correlations were found between UFL and DXA-BMD (r = 0.60), bulk density (r = 0.43), CI (r = 0.61), and age (r = -0.65) (p values <0.01). Analyses between UFL and the product of any two characteristics showed six combinations with r-values >0.80, but none included DXA-derived density, CI, or age. Radiographic morphometric and densitometric measurements from radiographs are therefore stronger predictors of UFL than age, CI, or DXA-derived density measurements.

Reusing cadaveric humeri for fracture testing after testing simulated rotator cuff tendon repairs

The financial cost of using human tissues in biomedical testing and surgical reconstruction is predicted to increase at a rate that is disproportionately greater than other materials used in biomechanical testing. Our first hypothesis is that cadaveric proximal humeri that had undergone monotonic failure testing of simulated rotator cuff repairs would not differ in ultimate fracture loads or in energy absorbed to fracture when compared to controls (i.e., bones without cuff repairs). Our second hypothesis is that there can be substantial cost savings if these cadaveric proximal humeri, with simulated cuff repairs, can be re-used for fracture testing. Results of fracture tests (conducted in a backwards fall configuration) and cost analysis support both hypotheses. Hence, the bones that had undergone monotonic failure tests of various rotator cuff repair techniques can be re-used in fracture tests because their load-carrying capacity is not significantly reduced.

General surgical principles of open rotator cuff repair in the management of failed arthroscopic cuff repairs

Open management of failed rotator cuff repair is currently rare because of the advancements in arthroscopic techniques in rotator cuff surgery. Minimally invasive arthroscopic treatment of rotator cuff injuries has eclipsed the traditional open approach at most institutions around the world. Many residents complete their training in orthopaedic surgery without exposure to traditional open rotator cuff repair. When open repair is chosen, an understanding of the necessary preoperative evaluation, surgical techniques, and postoperative care regimens will provide patients with the best possible outcomes.

Hemiarthroplasty for proximal humeral fracture: restoration of the Gothic arch

Proximal humerus fractures are the most common fractures of the shoulder girdle, and initial management of these injuries often determines final outcome. When arthroplasty is used to manage proximal humeral fractures, surgery remains technically demanding, and outcomes have been unpredictable. Recent advances in both technique and prosthetic implants have led to more successful and reproducible results. Key technical points include restoration of the Gothic arch, anatomic tuberosity reconstruction, and minimal soft tissue dissection.

Humeral hemiarthroplasty with biologic resurfacing of the glenoid for glenohumeral arthritis. Surgical technique

BACKGROUND

Biologic glenoid resurfacing was developed in 1988 as an alternative to total shoulder arthroplasty in selected (usually younger) patients with primary, posttraumatic, or postreconstructive glenohumeral arthritis. A variety of biologic surfaces, including anterior capsule, autogenous fascia lata, and Achilles tendon allograft, have been combined with a humeral hemiarthroplasty.

METHODS

From November 1988 to November 2003, thirty-four patients (thirty-six shoulders) who were managed with biologic glenoid resurfacing and humeral head replacement either with cement (ten shoulders) or without cement (twenty-six shoulders) were followed prospectively. The study group included thirty men and four women with an average age of fifty-one years. The diagnoses included primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis (eighteen shoulders), postreconstructive arthritis (twelve), posttraumatic arthritis (five), and osteonecrosis (one). Anterior capsule was used for seven shoulders, autogenous fascia lata for eleven, and Achilles tendon allograft for eighteen. All shoulders were assessed clinically and with serial radiographs.

RESULTS

The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 39 points preoperatively and 91 points at the time of the most recent follow-up. According to Neer's criteria, the result was excellent for eighteen shoulders, satisfactory for thirteen, and unsatisfactory for five. Glenoid erosion averaged 7.2 mm and appeared to stabilize at five years. There were no revisions for humeral component loosening. Complications included infection (two patients), instability (three patients), brachial plexitis (one patient), and deep-vein thrombosis (one patient). Factors that appeared to be associated with unsatisfactory results were the use of capsular tissue as the resurfacing material and infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Biologic resurfacing of the glenoid can provide pain relief similar to total shoulder arthroplasty. It allows selected younger patients to maintain an active lifestyle, including weight-lifting and manual work, without the risk of polyethylene wear. On the basis of this and previous reviews, we currently recommend Achilles tendon allograft as the preferred resurfacing material when this option is chosen.

Four-part proximal humerus fractures: evaluation and treatment

Four-part proximal humerus fractures represent a difficult entity in the management of upper extremity trauma. Most of these fractures are not amenable to operative fixation; thus, surgical address is necessarily one of fracture arthroplasty. Timely reestablishment of the Gothic arch using a fracture-specific prosthesis leads reliably to anatomic tuberosity osteosynthesis. Hence, shoulder arthroplasty for fracture should be considered an augmented osteosynthesis, with precise prosthetic implantation supplementing anatomic tuberosity reconstruction. Further investigations are ongoing regarding the use of specific fracture implants and biologic substrates in an attempt to improve further the rate of tuberosity healing in the older patient population after this operation.

A novel double-row rotator cuff repair exceeds strengths of conventional repairs

Double-row rotator cuff repairs are becoming popular because of their ability to improve initial ultimate failure load for full-thickness rotator cuff tears, especially in middle-aged to elderly patients. We hypothesized a quasi-double-row repair using a combination of transosseous sutures, anchors, and double knots (TOAK technique) would exceed the clinically relevant 250-N load threshold and the initial mean ultimate failure loads of anchor-only and transosseous suture-only fixation. In simulated full-thickness supraspinatus tears in cadavers (mean age, 62 years; range, 50-77 years), failure loads of two repair techniques were compared with a TOAK repair using sutures and bioabsorbable anchors. Radiographic densitometry was conducted on all humeral heads. Testing was performed at 6 mm per minute in 18 bones in the following three groups (n = 6 per group): (1) transosseous suture-only with weave-type stitch and single-knot fixation; (2) anchor-only with horizontal mattress stitch and single-knot fixation; and (3) TOAK. The mean ultimate failure load was 238 N for the transosseous suture-only group and 215 N for the anchor-only group. Although the bones had lower density, TOAK specimens failed at 55% to 67% higher loads (mean, 404 N) than the other groups. These data support further evaluation of the TOAK technique for full-thickness supraspinatus tears in middle-aged to elderly patients.

Functional outcomes after total claviculectomy as a salvage procedure. A series of six cases

BACKGROUND

Total claviculectomy has been used for the treatment of tumor, infection, nonunion, and vascular compromise. Given its limited indications, few reports on the outcome after claviculectomy exist. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the function of the shoulder, with use of a modern scoring system, after total claviculectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the records of six patients who had undergone unilateral claviculectomy was performed after an average duration of follow-up of 5.7 years. The indication for surgery had been an infection at the site of a clavicular nonunion for three patients, nonunion with subclavian vein compression for two, and pain after a failed medial clavicular excision for one. The preoperative and postoperative evaluations included testing of the range of motion, strength, and stability as well as determination of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score on the basis of a functional questionnaire.

RESULTS

Range of motion was improved slightly or unchanged following claviculectomy. The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 18 (range, 5 to 35) preoperatively to 88 (range, 75 to 95) postoperatively. The mean pain level (with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating the worst pain) decreased from 9.5 preoperatively to 1.5 postoperatively. Postoperatively, strength testing showed improvement from grade 4- (of 5) to 5 in all planes tested except extension (in which it remained at grade 4). Patient satisfaction was high, with a mean of 9.0 on a 10-point scale. There were five complications, including one subclavian vein laceration requiring vascular repair, two deep infections, and two superficial infections.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a high complication rate, the functional outcomes following claviculectomy were good in this group of six patients. Total claviculectomy may be a useful salvage procedure for clinical situations in which the restoration of normal clavicular osseous anatomy is impossible. Patients can expect acceptable pain relief and few or no deficits in activities of daily living.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV.

Biologic resurfacing of the arthritic glenohumeral joint: Historical review and current applications

In recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in the use of biologic resurfacing of the glenoid for the treatment of glenohumeral arthritis in younger patients. We review the history as well as the current applications of this procedure.

Humeral hemiarthroplasty with biologic resurfacing of the glenoid for glenohumeral arthritis. Two to fifteen-year outcomes

BACKGROUND

Biologic glenoid resurfacing was developed in 1988 as an alternative to total shoulder arthroplasty in selected (usually younger) patients with primary, posttraumatic, or postreconstructive glenohumeral arthritis. A variety of biologic surfaces, including anterior capsule, autogenous fascia lata, and Achilles tendon allograft, have been combined with a humeral hemiarthroplasty.

METHODS

From November 1988 to November 2003, thirty-four patients (thirty-six shoulders) who were managed with biologic glenoid resurfacing and humeral head replacement either with cement (ten shoulders) or without cement (twenty-six shoulders) were followed prospectively. The study group included thirty men and four women with an average age of fifty-one years. The diagnoses included primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis (eighteen shoulders), postreconstructive arthritis (twelve), posttraumatic arthritis (five), and osteonecrosis (one). Anterior capsule was used for seven shoulders, autogenous fascia lata for eleven, and Achilles tendon allograft for eighteen. All shoulders were assessed clinically and with serial radiographs.

RESULTS

The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 39 points preoperatively and 91 points at the time of the most recent follow-up. According to Neer's criteria, the result was excellent for eighteen shoulders, satisfactory for thirteen, and unsatisfactory for five. Glenoid erosion averaged 7.2 mm and appeared to stabilize at five years. There were no revisions for humeral component loosening. Complications included infection (two patients), instability (three patients), brachial plexitis (one patient), and deep-vein thrombosis (one patient). Factors that appeared to be associated with unsatisfactory results were the use of capsular tissue as the resurfacing material and infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Biologic resurfacing of the glenoid can provide pain relief similar to total shoulder arthroplasty. It allows selected younger patients to maintain an active lifestyle, including weight-lifting and manual work, without the risk of polyethylene wear. On the basis of this and previous reviews, we currently recommend Achilles tendon allograft as the preferred resurfacing material when this option is chosen.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Arthroscopic ulnohumeral arthroplasty for degenerative arthritis of the elbow in patients under fifty years of age

Degenerative arthritis of the elbow in patients aged under 50 years can cause disabling pain, severely restricted range of motion (ROM), and functional limitations. Open ulnohumeral arthroplasty has been demonstrated to produce satisfactory pain relief and ROM gains. We report the results of an all-arthroscopic ulnohumeral arthroplasty for degenerative arthritis of the elbow in younger patients. Eleven consecutive patients aged under 50 years with radiographically documented degenerative elbow arthritis underwent an all-arthroscopic ulnohumeral arthroplasty as described by Savoie et al. Indications for surgery were pain and limited ROM refractory to 12 months of conservative treatment. The mean age at the time of surgery was 36 years (range, 23-47 years). The minimum postoperative follow-up was 24 months, with a mean of 26 months (range, 24-29 months). Preoperatively, mean flexion was 100 degrees (range, 70 degrees-140 degrees) and mean extension (short of neutral) was 40 degrees (range, 10 degrees-60 degrees). Postoperatively, mean flexion was 140 degrees (range, 130 degrees-150 degrees; P < .01) and mean extension was 7 degrees (range, 0 degrees-20 degrees; P < .01). The total arc of motion averaged 60 degrees preoperatively and 133 degrees postoperatively (improvement of 73 degrees, P < .01). The mean subjective pain level improved from 9.2 to 1.7 (where 10 indicates worst pain and 0 indicates no pain). Mean subjective patient satisfaction improved from 1.8 to 9.0 (where 0 indicates unsatisfied and 10 indicates completely satisfied). All-arthroscopic ulnohumeral arthroplasty provides significant short-term pain relief, as well as restoration of elbow ROM and function, in patients aged under 50 years with degenerative arthritis of the elbow. The long-term durability of this procedure with regard to preservation of ROM and radiographic progression of arthritis remains unknown.

Shoulder arthritis in the young adult: arthroscopy to arthroplasty

Young adult patients with shoulder arthritis present challenging treatment decisions for the orthopaedic surgeon. Patients treated with shoulder arthroplasty have the youngest average age of all patients who undergo joint arthroplasty. However, in the young, active patient or in those without advanced disease, joint arthroplasty may not be appropriate. Arthroscopic treatment or interposition arthroplasty may provide symptomatic relief without radically compromising future procedures.

Technique for repair of the subscapularis tendon

Patients with sudden loss of active motion after an external rotation or hyperextension injury should be viewed with a high index of suspicion for a subscapularis tear. Exaggerated external rotation and the presence of a positive lift off or belly press test on physical examination combined with appropriate imaging studies will lead to an early diagnosis. Careful surgical repair combined with a thoughtful rehabilitation program will lessen both the length and degree of disability from this clinical entity.

Results of decompression and rotator cuff repair in patients 65 years old and older: 6- to 14-year follow-up

At an average of 9.2 years after surgery, 47 patients with 51 shoulders who had undergone rotator cuff repair and subacromial decompression through an open Rockwood 2-stage acromioplasty-type approach were reviewed. All patients were 65 years or older at the time of their initial index procedure. Results were rated by patient satisfaction, the Constant's score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Evaluation, and Neer rating. Subjectively, the patients were highly satisfied, with a 94.1 overall satisfaction rate. Objectively, the average Constant's score was 82 when normalized to the opposite shoulder and age. According to the Neer rating scale, there were 20 (39%) excellent, 26 (51%) satisfactory, and 5 (10%) unsatisfactory results. When assessing the ASES Evaluation, the patients who had undergone an extensile deltotrapezial takedown had increased strength in their lateral deltoid as compared with a cohort of individuals who had undergone the VY exposure. There was no statistically significant difference in subjective or objective results. For the most part, open rotator cuff repair and subacromial decompression in older patients has a high level of success with respect to pain relief, independent living, and when desired, reasonable sports participation.

Revision surgery after failed subacromial decompression

The purpose of this study was to assess the results of revision subacromial decompression and identify clinical and psychological factors that influence its outcome. Thirty-five patients with intact rotator cuffs who underwent surgery for recurrent stage II impingement were studied at a mean follow-up time of 43 months post-surgery. Twenty-seven patients were satisfied with their surgery. The UCLA Scoring System rated 18 of 35 with good/excellent results and 17 of 35 poor/fair results, 22 patients had worker's compensation injuries, which correlated with poor outcome (P=0.0067). Patients with concomitant brachial plexopathy and/or compressive neuropathies were associated with unsatisfactory results (P=0.02).

Tendon ruptures about the shoulder

Although degeneration and strain of musculotendinous structures are frequent causes of shoulder pain, sudden violent injuries in young individuals can lead to complete musculotendinous ruptures. Some of these conditions lend themselves well to nonoperative treatment. This article will enable the physician to determine the clinical diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan for each patient as an individual. Some patients may be satisfied with an accurate diagnosis only, while others demand more aggressive operative care.

Nonoperative treatment of rotator cuff tears

Rotator cuff tears and subacromial impingement are second only to acromioclavicular joint disorders as the most common causes of shoulder pain. Although most orthopedic surgeons are willing to initially treat shoulder impingement syndrome conservatively, they are reluctant to manage rotator cuff tears-especially full-thickness tears-nonoperatively. The purpose of this article is to explain the biomechanical rationale of nonoperative treatment, review the literature pertaining to nonoperative treatment of full-thickness rotator cuff tears, and describe a nonoperative treatment program.

The rotator cuff-deficient arthritic shoulder: diagnosis and surgical management

The symptomatic rotator cuff-deficient, arthritic glenohumeral joint poses a complex problem for the orthopaedic surgeon. Surgical management can be facilitated by classifying the disorder in one of three diagnostic categories: (1) rotator cuff-tear arthropathy, (2) rheumatoid arthritic shoulder with cuff deficiency, or (3) degenerative arthritic (osteoarthritic) shoulder with cuff deficiency. If it is not possible to repair the cuff defect, surgical management may include prosthetic arthroplasty, with the recognition that only limited goals are attainable, particularly with respect to strength and active motion. Glenohumeral arthrodesis is a salvage procedure when other surgical measures have failed. Arthrodesis is also indicated in patients with deltoid muscle deficiency. Humeral hemiarthroplasty avoids the complications of glenoid loosening and is an attractive alternative to arthrodesis, resection arthroplasty, and total shoulder arthroplasty. The functionally intact coracoacromial arch should be preserved to reduce the risk of anterosuperior subluxation. Care should be taken not to "overstuff" the gleno-humeral joint with a prosthetic component. In cases of significant internal rotation contracture, subscapularis lengthening is necessary to restore anterior and posterior rotator cuff balance. If the less stringent criteria of Neer's "limited goals" rehabilitation are followed, approximately 80% to 90% of patients treated with humeral hemiarthroplasty can have satisfactory results.

Biologic resurfacing of the glenoid with hemiarthroplasty of the shoulder

A porous-coated humeral head replacement with biologic resurfacing of the glenoid was performed in 14 patients between 1989 and 1992. Six of the 14 patients had greater than 2 years of follow-up and form the basis of this report. The patients ranged in age from 33 to 54 years. Diagnoses were osteoarthritis in one, postreconstruction arthritis in four, and posttraumatic arthritis in one. The biologic resurfacing was done with either autogenous fascia lata or anterior shoulder capsule. All patients were relieved of pain. Average postoperative positions were elevation 138 degrees, external rotation 50 degrees, and internal rotation to the T12 spinous process. These results represent average increases of 57 degrees, 45 degrees, and six spinal segments, respectively. No donor site complications occurred. With Neer's rating scale there were five excellent results and one satisfactory result. We conclude that biologic resurfacing of the glenoid appears to improve the results of hemiarthroplasty and may well be the procedure of choice for young patients with end-stage glenohumeral arthritis.

Débridement of degenerative, irreparable lesions of the rotator cuff

A modified Neer acromioplasty, subacromial decompression, and débridement of massive, irreparable lesions of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons was performed in fifty-seven patients. Fifty patients (fifty-three shoulders) were followed for an average of six and one-half years. The average age of the patients was sixty years (range, thirty-eight to seventy-four years). The results, as rated on the basis of pain, function, range of motion, strength, and satisfaction of the patient, were satisfactory in forty-four shoulders (83 per cent) and unsatisfactory in nine (17 per cent). A favorable outcome was observed in shoulders in which both the anterior portion of the deltoid muscle and the long head of the biceps tendon were intact and in which a previous acromioplasties or operations on the rotator cuff had been performed. An unsatisfactory outcome was observed in shoulders in which the anterior part of the deltoid muscle was weak or absent or in which a previous acromioplasty and attempted repair of the rotator cuff had been performed. The active forward flexion of the shoulder improved from an average of 105 degrees preoperatively to an average of 140 degrees postoperatively. The results of the present study suggest that, with proper rehabilitation, adequate decompression of the subacromial space, anterior acromioplasty, and débridement of massive tears of the rotator cuff can lead to the relief of pain and the restoration of shoulder function.

Acromial fracture: A complication of arthroscopic subacromial decompression

For many surgeons arthroscopic subacromial decompression has replaced open surgery for the treatment of refractory impingement syndrome. A newly recognized complication of this procedure is fracture of the acromion process. Six patients presented with reports of increasing postoperative shoulder pain, commonly with a history of sudden onset during physical therapy. Diagnosis was frequently delayed; three of the six fractures were identifiable only on axillary radiographs. Disability varied from mild pain to severe functional impairment, depending on fracture size and location. Treatment modalities ranged from total acromionecfomy to conservative measures; most results were poor. These cases suggest that: (1) risk factors for experiencing an acromial fracture include osteopenia and overzealous bone resection; (2) surgical correction of the fracture may not satisfactorily resolve associated pain and loss of range of motion; and (3) emphasis on appropriate preoperative planning and meticulous surgical technique to minimize bony resection may decrease the risk of this compficafion and its resultant disability.

Treatment of instability of the shoulder with an exercise program

One hundred and forty shoulders in 115 patients that had a diagnosis of traumatic or atraumatic recurrent anterior, posterior, or multidirectional subluxation were treated with a specific set of muscle-strengthening exercises. Only twelve (16 per cent) of the seventy-four shoulders (sixty-eight patients) that had traumatic subluxation had a good or excellent result from the exercises, compared with fifty-three (80 per cent) of the sixty-six shoulders that had atraumatic subluxation. For this reason, each patient who has instability of the shoulder should be thoroughly evaluated if a successful result from conservative treatment is to be expected. Every effort must be made to identify the etiology of the instability through careful history-taking, physical examination, and radiographic evaluation.

Surgical anatomy of the axillary nerve

Any surgical approach that splits the deltoid puts the axillary nerve at risk secondary to extension from traction or sharp dissection. Standard texts an anatomy and chapters on surgical approaches frequently state the axillary nerve comes to lie approximately 2 inches from the acromion. However, a large series of cadavers of varying sex and size on which these measurements had been obtained could not be found in an extensive literature search. Fifty-one embalmed cadaveric specimens representing 102 shoulders were dissected in the static portion of this study. In nearly 20% of cadavers the nerve at some point along its course around the humerus in the deltoid muscle was less than 5 cm from the palpable edge of the acromion. This was especially true of female cadavers with short arm spans; in one cadaver the nerve was 3.1 cm from the acromial edge. Abducting the shoulder to 9cr decreases the distance from the nerve to the palpable edge of the acromion nearly 30%. Five centimeters does not describe an absolute safe zone for the axillary nerve. Furthermore, abduction of the arm brings the nerve even closer to commonly used bony landmarks.

The orthotic treatment of stable ankle fractures

Fifteen limbs with stable lateral malleolar fractures treated with an adjustable, functional orthosis were compared to 12 limbs managed with short leg walking casts. The limbs managed with the adjustable orthosis were clinically healed at an average of 3.3 weeks with no fracture tenderness and with the ability to bear full weight without pain. Range of motion in the orthotic group at the end of treatment was significantly better than the casted group. Patient compliance was excellent. The advantages of the orthotic treatment include a more physiologic gait pattern due to the rocker bottom sole, ease of application, lighter weight, removability for range of motion exercises and bathing, and adjustability to maintain a good fit as posttraumatic swelling resolves.

Occult cervical spine injuries in fatal traffic accidents

Post-mortem radiographs as well as careful inspection at autopsy of 100 consecutive traffic accident victims revealed an incidence of cervical spine injury of 24%. All but four of the 24 fractures and/or dislocations were localized to the level between the occiput and the axis. One half of the cases were not clinically suspected of having spine injuries before the detailed postmortem search. Seventeen of the 24 cervical spines were resected en bloc and the pathologic anatomy of the injuries was determined. The high incidence of cervical spine injuries and the anatomic findings at dissection have clinical implications for physicians who manage multiply traumatized patients. The need for immobilization and early radiographic evaluation of patients with cervical spine injuries is emphasized.

The pathological anatomy of fatal atlanto-occipital dislocations

Nine atlanto-occipital dislocations were found in postmortem examinations of 112 victims of multiple trauma. Axial traction facilitated roentgenographic identification of the injury. A hyperextension mechanism of injury was suggested by the associated injuries, including submental lacerations and mandibular fractures. Atlanto-occipital dislocations were more frequent in children than in adults. A pure dislocation injury without fracture was identified.