Achilleas Boutsiadis

Long Head of the Biceps Pathology Combined with Rotator Cuff Tears

The long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) is an anatomic structure commonly involved in painful shoulder conditions as a result of trauma, degeneration, or overuse. Recent studies have pointed out the close correlation between LHBT lesions and rotator cuff (RCT) tears. Clinicians need to take into account the importance of the LHBT in the presence of other shoulder pathologies. This paper provides an up-to-date overview of recent publications on anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, classification, and current treatment strategies.

Arthroscopic 4-Point Suture Fixation of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tibial Avulsion Fractures

Tibial eminence avulsion fractures are rare injuries occurring mainly in adolescents and young adults. When necessary, regardless of patient age, anatomic reduction and stable internal fixation are mandatory for fracture healing and accurate restoration of normal knee biomechanics. Various arthroscopically assisted fixation methods with sutures, anchors, wires, or screws have been described but can be technically demanding, thus elongating operative times. The purpose of this article is to present a technical variation of arthroscopic suture fixation of anterior cruciate ligament avulsion fractures. Using thoracic drain needles over 2.4-mm anterior cruciate ligament tibial guidewires, we recommend the safe and easy creation of four 2.9-mm tibial tunnels at different angles and at specific points. This technique uses thoracic drain needles as suture passage cannulas and offers 4-point fixation stability, avoiding potential complications of bony bridge fracture and tunnel connection.

Long Head of the Biceps as a Suitable Available Local Tissue Autograft for Superior Capsular Reconstruction: “The Chinese Way”

Massive irreparable rotator cuff tears remain a challenging condition during daily clinical practice. Irreversible fatty infiltration of muscles and excessive chronic retraction of tendons predispose to high failure rates of their surgical treatment. Superior capsular reconstruction with either fascia lata autograft or a dermal allograft patch is a newly described solution that could prevent superior humeral head migration and restore the anteroposterior shoulder muscle force couples. The purpose of this article is to propose a technical modification of superior capsular reconstruction using long head of the biceps tendon autograft. The tendons insertion into the glenoid is left intact, whereas laterally, it is tenotomized, transferred, and sutured with anchors onto the footprint of the supraspinatus tendon acting as a superior static stabilizer of the shoulder joint. Although this surgical modification has theoretical biological advantages, could be performed with the least technical demands, and simplifies the original demanding procedure, further prospective studies with large cohort populations and long-term follow-up are necessary to establish its effectiveness.

Suprascapular Nerve Pathology: A Review of the Literature

Background: Suprascapular nerve pathology is a rare diagnosis that is increasingly gaining popularity among the conditions that cause shoulder pain and dysfunction. The suprascapular nerve passes through several osseoligamentous structures and can be compressed in several locations. Methods: A thorough literature search was performed using online available databases in order to carefully define the pathophysiology and to guide diagnosis and treatment. Results: Suprascapular neuropathy diagnosis is based on a careful history and a thorough clinical and radiological examination. Although the incidence and prevalence of the condition remain unknown, it is highly diagnosed in specific groups (overhead athletes, patients with a massive rotator cuff tear) probably due to higher interest. The location and the etiology of the compression are those that define the treatment modality. Conclusion: Suprascapular neuropathy diagnosis is based on a careful history and a thorough clinical and radiological examination. The purpose of this article is to describe the anatomy of the suprascapular nerve, to define the pathophysiology of suprascapular neuropathy and to present methodically the current diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Can a Drill Guide Improve the Coracoid Graft Placement During the Latarjet Procedure? A Prospective Comparative Study With the Freehand Technique

Background: One of the factors that can affect the success of the Latarjet procedure is accurate coracoid graft (CG) placement. Hypothesis: The use of a guide can improve placement of the CG and screw positioning in the sagittal and axial planes as compared with the classic open (“freehand”) technique. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 49 patients who underwent a Latarjet procedure for the treatment of recurrent anterior shoulder instability were prospectively included; the procedure was performed with the freehand technique in 22 patients (group 1) and with use of a parallel drill guide during screw placement in 27 patients (group 2). All patients underwent a postoperative computed tomography scan with the same established protocol. The scans were used to evaluate and compare the position of the CG in the sagittal and axial planes, the direction of the screws (α angle), and overall contact of the graft with the anterior surface of the glenoid after the 2 surgical techniques. Results: The CG was placed >60% below the native glenoid equator in 23 patients (85.2%) in group 2, compared with 14 patients (63.6%) in group 1 (P = .004). In the axial plane, the position of the CG in group 2 patients was more accurate (85.2% and 88.9% flush) at the inferior and middle quartiles of the glenoid surface (P = .012 and .009), respectively. Moreover, with the freehand technique (group 1), the graft was in a more lateral position in the inferior and middle quartiles (P = .012 and .009, respectively). No differences were found between groups 1 and 2 regarding the mean α angle of the superior (9° ± 4.14° vs 11° ± 6.3°, P = .232) and inferior (9.5° ± 6° vs 10° ± 7.5°, P = .629) screws. However, the mean contact angle (angle between the posterior coracoid and the anterior glenoid surface) with the freehand technique (3.8° ± 6.8°) was better than that of the guide (8.55° ± 8°) (P = .05). Conclusion: Compared with the classic freehand operative technique, the parallel drill guide can ensure more accurate placement of the CG in the axial and sagittal planes, although with inferior bone contact.

The anterior borders of the clavicle and the acromion are not always aligned in the intact acromioclavicular joint: a cadaveric study

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to find reliable anatomic landmarks of the normal acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) that could enable the precise evaluation of the horizontal displacement of the clavicle after dislocation. The hypothesis was that the anterior borders of the acromion and the clavicle are always aligned in intact ACJs. MATERIALS AND METHODS In 30 cadaveric specimens, the anterior and posterior borders of the ACJs articular facets and the most prominent anterior and posterior bony landmarks of the acromion and the clavicle were identified. The anterior and posterior overhang of the acromion and the clavicle was measured in relation to the borders of the articular facets. Therefore, the possible anterior and posterior alignment of the ACJ was evaluated. RESULTS Anteriorly, only 18 ACJs (60%) were aligned whereas 7 (24%) had major overhang of the acromion and 3 (10%) had major overhang of the clavicle. Similarly, 18 cases (60%) were posteriorly aligned, whereas 6 (20%) had major clavicular overhang and 4 (14%) had major overhang of the acromion. In 78% of these cases, the ACJ was aligned as well anteriorly as posteriorly (P < .001). Finally, the larger the width of the acromion (P = .032) or the clavicle (P = .049), the better the posterior joint alignment. CONCLUSION Our hypothesis was not verified. The acromion and clavicle are not perfectly aligned in a significant number of specimens with intact ACJs (40% of cases). The most reliable landmarks remain their articular facets.

Treatment of PVNS of the Knee

To the Editor: We are in the process of writing a manuscript about the long-term results of a large series of patients with localized pigmented villonodular synovitis (LPVNS) of the knee joint treated arthroscopically and with a miniopen technique. We were very pleased to read the work of Aurégan et al., “Treatment of Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of the Knee,” published in the October issue of Arthroscopy. Reviewing the literature ourselves we noticed that there are plenty of studies reporting the results of series with a limited number of patients. This is normal because PVNS is a rare disease and a review and meta-analysis of the existing literature is a validated method of drawing conclusions from larger number of patients. However, we noticed some inaccuracies regarding the reported numbers. According to Table 1, Dines et al. reviewed 26 patients, 12 of whom were treated arthroscopically and 14 with open synovectomy with a mean follow-up of 1.7 years. Reading the original article carefully, Dines et al. stated that only 10 patients were available for long-term follow-up, all of whom were treated arthroscopically and responded to the Lysholm knee scoring scale (average, 65.8 months postoperatively), but only 7 were evaluated with a clinical examination. Because the inclusion criteria were studies reporting the results, the study of Dines et al. should have been either excluded or part of it included in the review. Furthermore, according to Table 1, Schwartz et al. had 2 patients with arthroscopic synovectomy with no recurrence and 12 with open synovectomy and 2 recurrences. Again, reading the original article reveals that there were 12 instances of LPVNS in the knee, 3 of which were treated arthroscopically and the remaining 9 with excisional arthrotomy. There were indeed 2 patients with recurrent disease, but the authors do not mention how they were treated. As a result, it is not safe to include these 2 in the open synovectomy group. Finally, Perka et al. reported on 18 cases of knee LPVNS with a follow-up of 5.6 years. We were unable to find any details of the operative procedure in the manuscript apart from a phrase stating “all tumours were surgically excised.” According to Table 1, 2 were treated arthroscopically and 16 with an open technique with a follow-up of 6 years. However, reading the original article this division seems arbitrary and the follow-up inaccurate.

Pathology of Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator cuff injuries are common, especially above the age of 60 and have an effect not only on shoulder function but also on the overall health status and quality of life of the patients. Many theories have been proposed in order to explain the underlying pathology, and efforts have been made to define the predicting factors leading to rotator cuff tears. During the last decades the factors contributing to this complicated disease have been teamed into two major categories: the extrinsic and the intrinsic factors. Extrinsic factors actually involve anatomic and demographic variables that predispose to supraspinatus tears, while intrinsic factors include pathologic and degenerative changes into the substance of the tendon and the muscle itself. Nowadays, it is thought that in most cases both extrinsic and intrinsic factors play a significant role in rotator cuff pathology. Despite the progress of molecular biology, many issues concerning the pathogenesis of this disease remain unknown and have not been fully understood to date.

Anterior Laxity at 2 Years After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Is Comparable When Using Adjustable-Loop Suspensory Fixation and Interference Screw Fixation:

Background: Adjustable-loop suspensory fixation (ALSF) devices are commonly used in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). However, concern exists regarding the potential for lengthening under cyclical loads. Purpose: To compare the residual anterior laxity of 2 methods of femoral fixation, ALSF versus interference screw fixation, in patients undergoing isolated ACLR in the absence of meniscal injuries. To determine the preoperative risk factors associated with residual postoperative anterior laxity. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed comparing 2 groups of patients that underwent primary ACLR using ALSF versus bioabsorbable interference screw fixation. Anterior knee laxity was assessed with Telos stress radiography, while functional outcomes were evaluated with the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Tegner activity level scale at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with residual postoperative laxity >3 mm. Results: Of the 1136 patients who underwent ACLR during the study period, 363 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 272 patients (75%) (mean age, 31.7 ± 10.7 years) with a mean follow-up of 25.7 ± 4.6 months (range, 24-36 months) consented to participate (screw group: n = 121; ALSF group: n = 151). The 2 groups were statistically comparable in terms of age, sex ratio, time from injury to surgery, graft diameter, preoperative laxity, preoperative objective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) grade, and preoperative Tegner score. The mean postoperative laxity as a continuous variable was significantly different comparing the ALSF and screw groups (1.49 ± 1.98 mm and 2.32 ± 1.97 mm, respectively; P < .001). In the screw group, 76 patients (62.8%) had normal (<3 mm), 40 (33.1%) had nearly normal (3-6 mm), and 5 (4.1%) had abnormal (≥6 mm) postoperative knee laxity according to the IKDC grade, while in the ALSF group, 112 patients (74.2%) had normal, 37 (24.5%) had nearly normal, and 2 (1.3%) had abnormal laxity (P = .0833). No significant difference was found in KOOS or Tegner scores comparing the 2 femoral fixation methods: KOOS, 90.6 ± 7.5 (ALSF group) and 90.6 ± 7.4 (screw group) (P = .7631), versus Tegner, 6.5 ± 1.3 (ALSF group) and 6.3 ± 1.4 (screw group) (P = .2992). A negative correlation was found between postoperative laxity and final Tegner (rs = −0.303, P < .001) and KOOS scores (rs = −0.168, P = .005). The initial univariate analysis showed differences between groups of patients with residual knee laxity ≥3 mm and <3 mm on preoperative pivot shift, preoperative laxity, age, fixation type, and preoperative objective IKDC grade. The multivariate analysis on these factors showed that the pivot shift remained the only significant predictor for residual laxity ≥3 mm for pivot shift grade 2 compared with grade 1 (odds ratio, 4.689 [95% CI, 2.465-9.286]) and for pivot shift grade 3 compared with grade 1 (odds ratio, 58.025 [95% CI, 12.757-557.741]) (P < .001). Conclusion: For primary ACLR, the use of an ALSF device for femoral fixation is associated with noninferior postoperative anterior knee laxity results compared with interference screw fixation at a minimum 2 years’ follow-up. The preoperative pivot shift is the only significant risk factor for postoperative residual anterior knee laxity >3 mm.

Do corticosteroid injections compromise rotator cuff tendon healing after arthroscopic repair

Background Rotator cuff tears are associated with capsular contraction and stiffness that should be restored before surgical repair. Corticosteroid injections (CSIs) are frequently used as conservative treatments before surgical repair. This study aimed to determine the influence of preoperative and postoperative CSIs on clinical and anatomic outcomes after rotator cuff repair. Methods The authors analyzed the records of 257 patients who had arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, of whom 212 were evaluated at 3.1 ± 1.0 years (median, 2.9 years; range, 1.4-7.1 years) by clinical (Constant score) and ultrasound (Sugaya classification) examinations. Univariable and multivariable regressions were performed to determine associations between outcomes and administration of preoperative and postoperative CSIs, patient characteristics, and tendon characteristics. Results The Constant scores improved from 56.4 ± 15.1 to 80.8 ± 12.5. Multivariable regression confirmed that postoperative scores were associated with postoperative CSIs (P < .001), preoperative scores (P < .001), gender (P < .001), and fatty infiltration (P < .005). Retears (Sugaya types IV-V) were observed in 27 shoulders (13%). Multivariable regression clarified that retear rates were associated only with postoperative CSIs (P = .007) and stage 3 fatty infiltration (P = .001). Adjusting for confounders, an additional postoperative CSI would decrease scores by 4.7 points and double retear risks. Discussion Preoperative CSIs had no influence on clinical scores and retear rates, whereas postoperative CSIs were associated with lower scores and more retears. Although we can infer that preoperative CSIs do not affect outcomes, we cannot determine whether postoperative CSIs compromised outcomes or were administered in patients who had already poor outcomes. Our findings may resolve controversies about the administration of preoperative CSIs.