[Incidence, Morphology and Clinical Significance of Hill-Sachs Lesions in Shoulder Instability - CT Scan Evaluation of the Group of Patients]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Shoulder instability is often times accompanied by associated injuries caused by the humeral head displacement. These are primarily bone lesions on the head and socket of the glenohumeral joint. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency, morphology and clinical significance of bone lesions in shoulder instabilities in a group of patients operated in our department for glenohumeral instability between 2012 and 2019. MATERIAL AND METHODS The ongoing evaluation included 373 patients with trauma and habitual instability who had undergone surgery in our department in the period from 2012 to 2019. All patients underwent a preoperative 3D CT scan of the shoulder joint. Subsequently, the morphology and clinical significance of individual bone lesions were evaluated based on the older Burkhart s concept of engaging/nonengaging lesions and the newer concept of glenoid track by Yamamoto and Di Giacomo of 2007, 2014 or 2020. RESULTS The frequency of Hill-Sachs lesion was 83.4% (311) in our group of patients. In nearly two thirds (211 cases) also a bone defect on glenoid was detected (59.3%). When comparing the basic types of instabilities, in the TUBS group the Hill-Sachs lesions were present up to twice as often as in the group with AMBRI instability. Clinically significant Hill-Sachs lesions according to the older concept of engaging/ nonengaging lesions of Burkhart were reported in 104 cases (34%). Clinically significant lesions according to the newer concept of Yamamoto and DiGiacomo (the so-called off-track lesions) were observed in 173 cases (55.6%). Classified as critical were the clinically insignificant lesions (the so-called on-track lesions), which by their location were near the glenoid track. These lesions were found in 80 patients. After adding up the significant (off-track) and critical on-track lesions, we arrived at 253 (81.4%) clinically significant lesions based on the updated Yamamoto concept. DISCUSSION The frequency of Hill-Sachs lesions and glenoid defects identified by us is close to the upper limit of the range described in literature (8 to 100%). Based on the recent study by Yamamoto, added to these defects were the so-called peripheral ontrack defects, the clinical significance of which is currently indisputable. The oldest classification into engaging/nonengaging lesions revealed only 34% of the significant lesions, but this concept does not evaluate the glenoid defect. The newer concept by Yamamoto/DiGiacomo resulted in detecting 55.6% of significant Hill-Sachs lesions. The latest modification of the glenoid track of 2020, which includes also the on-track lesions in the critical zone among the significant lesions, in our group of patients classified 81% of lesions as clinically significant. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirmed the very frequent occurrence of clinically significant Hill-Sachs lesions in shoulder instabilities. Therefore, for the sake of successful shoulder stabilisation surgery detailed preoperative planning with 3D CT of the shoulder joint and evaluation of the associated bone lesions are necessary. The highest detection of clinically significant lesions was achieved by the latest modification of the glenoid track concept. Future studies will have to prove the effect of this classification on the result of surgical treatment. Key words: shoulder instability, glenoid track; bone defects, Hill-Sachs lesion; bipolar lesions; 3D CT evaluation.

[InternalBrace ACL Repair - First Experiences and Outcomes]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY In recent years attempts have been made again to repair anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in order to maintain native kinematics and knee joint proprioception. The method of choice is the arthroscopic suture of the ligament using the InternalBrace ligament augmentation. This study presents the first experience gained with this surgical technique and the clinical outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS In the period from November 2016 to December 2018, a total of 46 patients with acute ACL rupture underwent the ACL repair using the InternalBrace ligament augmentation. This study includes only the patients followed up for a minimum period of 12 months postoperatively. For the evaluation of patients, the well-established clinical scores were used - the Tegner Activity Level Scale, the IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) subjective scale and the Tegner Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale. The measurements were taken preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS The evaluations concerned 20 patients who had undergone surgery in the period from February 2017 to February 2018. In the aforementioned group of patients, there were 3 cases of reconstruction failure (15%), subsequently requiring the ACL reconstruction. The average preoperative Tegner Activity score was 8.2 (6-10; median 8.0). At six months postoperatively, the average value of this score was 7.35 (5-10; median 7), and at 12 months postoperatively it was 7.35 (4-10; median 7). The average preoperative Lysholm score was 66.4 (16-100; median 69). At six months postoperatively, the average value of this score improved to 90.70 (71-100; median 92) and at 12 months postoperatively to 91 (75-100; median 90). The average IKDC subjective score before the surgery was 49.8 (36-74; median 49). At six months postoperatively the average achieved score was 87.70 (71-99; median 90) and at 12 months postoperatively it was 88.9 (63-99; median 93). The differences between the preoperative values and the values at 6 months after the surgery were significant in all the followedup parameters. Conversely, the differences between the values at 6 and at 12 months were not significant. DISCUSSION The clinical outcomes of the patients after the ACL repair are valuable and comparable to the data published in literature. They were largely achieved within 6 months after the surgery. A fairly high percentage of failure of this method compared to literature (Jonkergouw 7.5%, McKay 1.5%) can partly be ascribed to the learning curve even though the surgeries were performed exclusively by experienced surgeons. A certain role could also be played by more challenging indication for this procedure or a faster return to postoperative load. CONCLUSIONS Anterior cruciate ligament suture with the InternalBrace ligament augmentation judging from the results achieved by our group of patients brings very good clinical outcomes already at 6 months postoperatively. This method allows the athletes to return to full load soon. It maintains the kinematics and knee joint proprioception, and thus can potentially contribute to the prevention of post-traumatic arthritis. Strict application of indication criteria is a precondition to success. A longer follow up and evaluation of a larger number of patients will, however, be necessary to definitely confirm the success of this surgical technique. Key words: arthroscopy, ACL rupture, ACL repair, InternalBrace, clinical evaluation.

[Short-Term Outcomes of Endoscopic Treatment of Inferior Calcar Calcanei in Patients with Plantar Fasciitis]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The prospective study evaluates the short-term outcomes of endoscopic treatment of calcar calcanei in patients who underwent unsuccessfully more than 6 months of conservative therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS Our study included 34 patients with refractory plantar fasciitis, in whom endoscopic treatment of inferior calcar calcanei with partial plantar fasciotomy was performed in the period from 01. 01. 2009 to 31. 07. 2015. The assessed parameters were the following: level of function, pain relief and patient satisfaction on the FAAM (Foot and Ankle Ability Measure) score and VAS (Visual Analog Scale) score with the minimum follow-up of 1 year. RESULTS A marked increase in the FAAM score from 39.2 preoperatively to 94.0 one year after the surgery and also a major pain relief on the VAS score from the initial 8 to the median 0 were observed. In total, 79.4% of patients were symptom-free one year after the surgery. The recurrence of calcar calcanei or ossification was seen on the radiograph taken one year after the surgery in 8 patients (23.5 %). DISCUSSION In our opinion, the most important outcome of our study is the considerable reduction in pain postoperatively (the median VAS score declined from 8 to 0 one year after the surgery) and concurrently a notable increase in the FAAM score (from 39.2 preoperatively to 94.0 one year after the surgery). Similar results of endoscopic partial fasciotomy were achieved also by some other authors. Therefore, this method can be considered validated. It has also been proven that the correlation between the calcar calcanei recurrence, or a higher BMI and recurrence of symptoms postoperatively is insignificant. CONCLUSIONS The endoscopic treatment of inferior calcar calcanei and plantar fasciotomy with denervation of fascial attachment is a fast, minimally invasive and safe method which brings very satisfactory results in the treatment of refractory plantar fasciitis. It is evidenced by subjective patient satisfaction, great function improvement, considerable pain relief after the surgery together with a minimum incidence of complications. Kew words:hindfoot, plantar heel pain, plantar fasciitis, arthroscopic treatment, short-term results.

[Arthroscopic Superior Capsule Reconstruction Using the DX Reinforcement Matrix in Patients with Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears - Pilot Data]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Irreparable rotator cuff tear continues to be a point of discussion. Several surgical techniques have been proposed so far. None of them, however, can be considered the method of choice. This study presents the first clinical results of superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) using the DX Reinforcement Matrix. MATERIAL AND METHODS The evaluation included patients with the minimum follow-up of 6 months. The follow-up period in these patients was 1 year (6-18 months) on average. The active (AROM) and passive (PROM) ranges of motion were assessed-anterior flexion, abduction, external rotation and external rotation at 90° abduction. The patients were assessed using clinical scores before and after the surgery-pain assessment scale (VAS), UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles) Shoulder Rating Scale and ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons) Shoulder Score. RESULTS In the period from October 2016 to October 2018, a total of 20 SCRs were performed. The mean age of patients was 61 years. Nine patients were clinically assessed, with the mean follow-up of 1 year. The mean UCLA Shoulder Score was 10 points preoperatively. Postoperatively, the values went up to 29 points on average. The reported ASES score was 23.8 points preoperatively. Postoperatively, the mean score was 73.2 points. The VAS subjective pain score ranged around 7 points before the surgery. After the surgery, the mean VAS score was 2 points. The mean active shoulder flexion was 74° preoperatively and 161° postoperatively. The mean active abduction was 74° preoperatively and 161° postoperatively. The mean active external rotation of the shoulder joint was 20° preoperatively and 56° postoperatively. The mean active external rotation at 90° abduction was 21° preoperatively and 82° postoperatively. The changes in all the followed-up mean parameters of UCLA, ASES, VAS, AROM and PROM reported by our group show a relatively high level of substantive significance. DISCUSSION Results of arthroscopic superior capsule reconstruction using the DX Reinforcement Matrix have not been published in literature so far. Compared to the results for fascia lata published in literature, our results are slightly worse. By contrast, our results are similar to those achieved by human dermal allograft. CONCLUSIONS Arthroscopic superior capsule reconstruction currently appears to be the method of choice in unreconstructed supraspinatus and infraspinatus tear. Our group of patients shows that early clinical outcomes of SCR using xenograft are very promising. A significant pain relief and a considerable improvement in the range of motion of the operated shoulder joint were observed. No complication specifically associated with the use of xenograft has been reported as yet. A longer follow-up period and assessment of a larger group of patients will be necessary to confirm the success of this surgical procedure. Key words: massive rotator cuff tears; irreparable rotator cuff tears; superior capsular reconstruction; xenograft; DX Reinforcement Matrix.

[Arthroscopic stabilisation of the shoulder. Risk factors for its failure]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Shoulder instability adversely affects the quality of life and restricts the functional capacity of the upper extremity involved. Today stabilisation surgery is almost always performed arthroscopically. The aim of this study was to present our experience with arthroscopic stabilisation of the shoulder and to identify risk factors responsible for its failure.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The group of 110 patients with recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder, who were treated between January 2007 and December 2010, consisted of 19 women and 91 men with an average age of 27 years (range, 14 to 56) at the time of surgery. Patients who had a concomitant tear of the rotator cuff or of the long head tendon of the biceps were excluded from the study. The minimum follow-up period was 2 years. The patients were evaluated for signs of clinical instability. Function was evaluated using WOSI, Constant-Murley and Rowe-Zarins. Statistical methods were used to assess factors leading to failed arthroscopic stabilisation.

RESULTS

At final follow-up, 17 patients (17 shoulders, 15.3%) had re-dislocation or subluxation of the joint treated. Age over 20 years reduced the probability of re-dislocation (odds ratio, OR=0.87; p=0.021) while the finding of an engaging Hill-Sachs lesion increased the risk of re-dislocation (OR=5.53; p=0.0028). The presence of a bony Bankart lesion had only a marginal effect on the probability of re-dislocation (p=0.0512). In stable shoulders the average pre-operative values improved to the final follow-up values as follows: WOSI index, 53.65 ± 5.6 to 94.8 ± 5.2 (p<0.0001); Constant-Murley score, 78.9 ± 6.1 to 95.6 ± 4.4 (p<0.0001); and Rowe-Zarins score, 53.3 ± 6.7 to 92.9 ± 7.8 (p<0.0001). No peri-operative complication was recorded.

DISCUSSION

Our study confirmed the role of 3D CT examination before arthroscopic stabilisation of the shoulder joint. The exact identification of bone injury and its extent is of prognostic importance. At the same time special attention should be paid to surgical and post-operative tactics in patients operated on before their 20 years of age. On the other hand, no risks were found to be associated with gender, sports activities, the number of previous dislocations, types of anchors, suture material or knot tying.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic stabilisation of the shoulder significantly relieves pain and improves shoulder function in 85% of the patients with anterior shoulder dislocation. The risk that this stabilisation surgery will fail increases with lower age of the patient and the presence of an engaging Hill-Sachs lesion.

[Evolution of the technique of arthroscopic reinsertion of the rotator cuff. Our experience from the years 1998 to 2008]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

A rotator cuff tear is a relatively frequent cause of pain and restricted motion of the shoulder. Some orthopaedists believe that any attempt at rotator cuff reconstruction will fail. The aim of this paper is to present our experience with arthroscopic reconstruction of rotator cuff tears.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between January 1998 and December 2008, 319 patients with an early diagnosis of rotator cuff rupture were treated. The group included 67 women and 252 men, with an average age of 37 years (range, 24 to 71 years) at the time of surgery. The patients indicated for arthroscopic reconstruction had to show free motion of the shoulder, had a full thickness tear up to 3 cm in size in the sagittal plane and a Patte stage 2 tear in the frontal plane at the maximum. The outcome of surgery was evaluated at one year of follow-up and included the patient's self-assessment, modified UCLA score and incidence of complications. The probability of failure was calculated as an odds ratio of an implant failure to failure of the other implants and the probability of repeat surgery in a given implant was calculated as a relative risk in relation to the other implants.

RESULTS

The average operative time was 52 minutes (range, 25 to 85); the average UCLA score increased from 10 to 31 points (p<0.00001). An excellent or a good result was achieved in 80% of the patients. Rotator cuff reconstruction failed in 32 patients (11%), of whom 22 (7.6%) underwent revision surgery. The failure was due to migration of rotator cuff anchors or thread failure in 14 patients (14/32; 44%). The GII anchors showed the highest risk of failure, with the odds ratio of 5.55 (95 % CI, 2.22 to 13.84) for mechanical failure of the method and a relative risk of revision surgery of 7.62 (95% CI, 2.86 to 20.27). For comparison, the RC anchors had the odds ratio for mechanical failure equal to 0.55 (95 % CI, 0.25 to 1.24) and the relative risk of repeat surgery equal to 0.41 (95% CI, 0.12 to 1.43). In addition, 18 complications were recorded. The frequency of deep wound infection was 0.7% (2/319). Six patients (2.1%) required repeat surgery for symptomatic bursitis and adhesive capsulitis.

DISCUSSION

A recent meta-analysis has found no significant difference between the results of surgical rotator cuff reconstruction and its conservative treatment. We do not support this view but present here evidence that, when certain conditions are fulfilled, arthroscopic reconstruction can produce a very good clinical outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The arthroscopic reconstruction of a rotator cuff tears results in a marked relief of pain and improved joint function. An ideal candidate for this treatment should show passive free motion at the shoulder joint, no clinical signs of bursitis, and mobilisable tendon stumps of the torn rotator cuff. In addition, these patients should be highly motivated for post-operative rehabilitation. A suture device was most effective in rotator cuff repair. For good fixation into the bone it is recommended to use special implants that have a minimal risk of dislodgement or anchor thread failure.

[Experiences and first outcome of posterior ankle arthroscopy]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Many hind foot problems can be treated by endoscopic procedures. It is essential to identify the best candidates for this treatment and also to assess the risk associated with these surgeries. Here we present our first experience with posterior ankle arthroscopy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between September 2007 and September 2009, we performed 21 arthroscopic procedures on the posterior ankle (one-stage combined anterior and posterior surgery, 11x; posterior procedure, 7x; two-stage anterior and posterior surgery, 3x). The group included 21 patients, 18 men and three women, with an average age of 36 years (20 to 64) at the time of surgery. The average follow-up was 27 months (16 to 38). Both posterolateral and posteromedial approaches were used, with major landmarks being the processus posterior tali, posterior talofibular ligament and long flexor tendon of the big toe. Surgery was performed by experienced specialists. Outcome evaluation was based on the AOFAS and Kitaoka clinical rating scales and the complication rate.

RESULTS

In our group, the diagnoses treated by arthroscopic surgery were as follows: arthrofibrosis (16x; 76 %), hypertrophic processus posterior tali (13x; 62 %), and loose intra-articular bodies (8x; 38 %). All patients reported improvement in clinical condition after surgery. The differences between the mean pre- and post-operative values were 24 points for the AOFAS score (58 versus 82; p<0.00015) and 23 points for the Kitaoka score (58 versus 81; p < 0.00015). The most effective outcomes were achieved in the patients operated on for loose bodies or hypertrophic processus posterior tali. The worst result was found in the patient with advanced arthritis of the ankle that had to undergo arthrodesis 13 months following arthroscopic treatment. There were eight complications in five patients (24 %), including excessive bleeding in five cases, temporary loss of sensation in two, and a damaged tendon of the long flexor of the big toe.

DISCUSSION

Arthroscopic surgery has recently been advocated by many authors. The majority of them have reported good results and an acceptable risk of complications. Almost all use either the posteromedial or the lateral approach, which are anatomically safe procedures. Surgery is followed by a thorough rehabilitation programme that allows most patients to resume their normal daily activities in 8 weeks. Our results were not so good because we mostly treated post-traumatic conditions, with advanced ankle arthritis in several patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopy is an effective method for treating both intra- and extra-articular pathologies in the posterior ankle. The best effect of treatment was recorded in posterior tibiotalar impingement syndrome or after extraction of loose intra-articular bodies. In advanced ankle arthritis, on the other hand, the use of arthroscopic treatment should be carefully considered. The risk of complications is high and the procedure requires good knowledge of anatomy and high surgical skills.

[The role of capsulolabral complex in Bankart lesion repair using Mitek anchors]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The reconstructions of Bankart lesions, carried out according to the procedure recommended by the Mitek company, showed a high rate of recurrent dislocation. Therefore, based on operative experience, anatomical studies and reconstructive surgery on cadaver shoulders, we developed a new surgical technique that provided good shoulder stability and better operative outcomes. The results are reported here.

MATERIAL

Between 1997 and 2005, arthroscopic Bankart repair with use of Mitek anchors was performed on 368 shoulders at the Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Palacky University in Olomouc. The average age of the patients was 22 years (range, 16 to 56 years). The patients were allocated to two groups according to the surgical technique used. Group 1, which comprised 100 shoulders, was treated by the Bankart repair procedure recommended by the Mitek Company. Group 2, which included 268 shoulders, underwent Bankart reconstruction by the technique developed at our department.

METHODS

In group 1, anchors were inserted in the anterior glenoid rim, as recommended by the Mitek company. In group 2, implants were inserted into the superior region, with surface reduced to spongious bone, of the anterior glenoid rim. This allowed for creation of a more robust capsulolabral complex preventing the humeral head from dislocation. The results were assessed by the UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles) shoulder score system and statistical evaluation was performed at the Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Palacky University in Olomouc.

RESULTS

In group 1 (Mitek procedure), the UCLA shoulder score evaluation was as follows: 22 (22 %) excellent, 28 (28 %) good, 22 (22 %) satisfactory, and 28 (28 %) poor outcomes. In group 2 (our technique), the results included 199 (74 %) excellent, 66 (24.6 %) good, two (0.8 %) satisfactory and one (0.6 %) poor outcomes. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (Chi-square, p 0.0001).

DISCUSSION

The method of Bankart lesion repair has been a much discussed issue for a long time. At our department Mitek implants have been used. Although the operative procedures were faultlessly done, the results of the first 100 operations were not satisfactory. In some patients, the labrum reinserted by Mitek anchors failed to heal; it either remained loose or was attached to the scapular neck distally and thus did not provide sufficient stability that would prevent recurrent dislocation of the shoulder. In view of this, we conducted reconstructive operations on cadaver limbs, after a thorough topographic and anatomic study of the glenohumeral joint, and developed a modified method; after the labrum and capsule were freed, implants were inserted into the superior part of the anterior glenoid rim. This created a sufficient capsulolabral complex that prevented recurrent dislocation.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic Bankart lesion repair, with the insertion of anchors by our method, markedly improved surgical outcomes and provided good shoulder stability. We believe that, in the future, this method will be more widely used in arthroscopic treatment of Bankart lesions.

[Varus supracondylar osteotomy of the femur -- long-term results]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Varus supracondylar osteotomy of the femur is the surgical procedure indicated in young patients with symptomatic unicompartmental gonarthrosis associated with a valgus knee deformity. The aim of the study was to evaluate long-term results and to draw attention to the most frequent mistakes in the indication and surgical technique.

MATERIAL

In the period from 1985 to 1995, 35 knees in 33 patients were treated by varus supracondylar osteotomy of the femur in the Department of Orthopedics, Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Palacký University in Olomouc. The technique of medial closing wedge osteotomy of the distal femur held with a 90 degrees plate was used. For post-operative immobilization, a brace was applied in most of the patients.

METHODS

The information recorded was as follows: age, type of arthritis, follow-up period, preoperative tibio-femoral angle, postoperative tibio-femoral angle, range of motion before and after surgery, post-operative Knee Society scores, complications, number of osteotomies converted to total knee arthroplasty, and time between osteotomy and knee prosthesis implantation. The survival of osteotomy was evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier analysis for censored data. The change in parameters obtained before and after surgery was assessed by the one-sample t-test and non-parametric Wilcoxon test.

RESULTS

All 35 knees were evaluated. The average Knee Society score at follow-up was 77 points (range, 61-95), the average functional knee score was 78 points (range, 61-95). The average range of motion increased from the pre-operative 112 degrees (range, 75-130 degrees ) to post-operative 115 degrees (range, 90-135). This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.032; t-test for paired samples; Wilcoxon test). The average follow-up was 14.7 years (range, 10-20 years). The most frequent complications were progression of medial compartment arthritis (8 knees), loss of correction (6 knees) and arthrofibrosis (5 knees). Osteosynthesis failed in two knees and, in two, superficial wound infection was recorded. Due to failure of osteotomy, six patients (17 %) subsequently underwent total knee replacement. The osteotomy survival rate was 95% at 18 years (CI, 16-19 years).

DISCUSSION

The results of this study are based on long-term observation and can be compared with the studies by Mironneau et al. or Finkelstein et al. These and other authors have achieved better results in terms of score values, which can be explained by the following five factors: the follow-up in their studies was significantly shorter than in our study. At our department knee arthroplasty became a routine surgical technique as late as the early 1990s, and even after that some tendency continued to indicate bi- and tri-compartmental osteoarthritis for osteotomy. Also we operated on patients who were overweight and on those who were older than recommended for this procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The prerequisite for successful varus supracondylar osteotomy of the femur in unicompartmental gonarthrosis is that the patient is active, younger than 62 years and is not overweight. Early diagnosis followed by osteotomy, which prevents further progression of the disease, is also important. The detailed pre-operative planning and exact performance of the procedure are fundamental conditions. In the post-operative period it is necessary to observe the relevant regimen including rehabilitation therapy. When these conditions are fulfilled, osteotomy can markedly postpone the necessity of total knee arthroplasty.

A contribution to the anomalies of the arm flexors

The authors described a unique occurrence of the third head of the biceps brachii, pointing out the possibility of attachment of its muscle bundles after partial rupture. This situation could occur, especially when this anomaly was found only unilaterally.