Christophe Trojani

Epidemiology of proximal humerus fractures managed in a trauma center

Proximal humerus fractures (PHF) are osteoporotic fractures that affect women over 70 years of age. Like fractures of the femoral neck they have become a public health concern. As the population ages there is an increase in the number of people in poor general condition with an increased risk of falls on fragile bones. The incidence of these fractures has increased by 15% per year. All patients managed for PHF in our center in the past year were included in this prospective study (prospective cohort study; level 2). Three hundred and twenty-five patients were included with 329 fractures. There was a ratio of two women to one man. At the final follow-up 50 patients had died (15%) and 25 patients were lost to follow-up. The mean age was 70 years old. There were two types of risk factors. The first was fragile bones, and the second was patient specific risk of falls. The severity of the fracture increased with the age of the population. In the study by Charles S. Neer in 1970, 85% of PHF were not or were only slightly displaced, while this category percentage was only 42% in our study. Hospitalization was necessary in 43% of the cases in our study. Surgical management was necessary in 21%. This lack of relationship between the percentage of displaced fractures (58%) and the percentage of surgically treated fractures is a sign of the difficulties of managing this population, which is usually in poor general condition.

Arthroscopic Bristow-Latarjet Combined With Bankart Repair Restores Shoulder Stability in Patients With Glenoid Bone Loss

BackgroundArthroscopic Bankart repair alone cannot restore shoulder stability in patients with glenoid bone loss involving more than 20% of the glenoid surface. Coracoid transposition to prevent recurrent shoulder dislocation according to Bristow-Latarjet is an efficient but controversial procedure.Questions/purposesWe determined whether an arthroscopic Bristow-Latarjet procedure with concomitant Bankart repair (1) restored shoulder stability in this selected subgroup of patients, (2) without decreasing mobility, and (3) allowed patients to return to sports at preinjury level. We also evaluated (4) bone block positioning, healing, and arthritis and (5) risk factors for nonunion and coracoid screw pullout.MethodsBetween July 2007 and August 2010, 79 patients with recurrent anterior instability and bone loss of more than 20% of the glenoid underwent arthroscopic Bristow-Latarjet-Bankart repair; nine patients (11%) were either lost before 2-year followup or had incomplete data, leaving 70 patients available at a mean of 35 months. Postoperative radiographs and CT scans were evaluated for bone block positioning, healing, and arthritis. Any postoperative dislocation or any subjective complaint of occasional to frequent subluxation was considered a failure. Physical examination included ROM in both shoulders to enable comparison and instability signs (apprehension and relocation tests). Rowe and Walch-Duplay scores were obtained at each review. Patients were asked whether they were able to return to sports at the same level and practice forced overhead sports. Potential risk factors for nonhealing were assessed.ResultsAt latest followup, 69 of 70 (98%) patients had a stable shoulder, external rotation with arm at the side was 9° less than the nonoperated side, and 58 (83%) returned to sports at preinjury level. On latest radiographs, 64 (91%) had no osteoarthritis, and bone block positioning was accurate, with 63 (90%) being below the equator and 65 (93%) flush to the glenoid surface. The coracoid graft healed in 51 (73%), it failed to unite in 14 (20%), and graft osteolysis was seen in five (7%). Bone block nonunion/migration did not compromise shoulder stability but was associated with persistent apprehension and less return to sports. Use of screws that were too short or overangulated, smoking, and age higher than 35 years were risk factors for nonunion.ConclusionsThe arthroscopic Bristow-Latarjet procedure combined with Bankart repair for anterior instability with severe glenoid bone loss restored shoulder stability, maintained ROM, allowed return to sports at preinjury level, and had a low likelihood of arthritis. Adequate healing of the transferred coracoid process to the glenoid neck is an important factor for avoiding persistent anterior apprehension.Level of EvidenceLevel IV, therapeutic study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Coracoid bone block versus arthroscopic Bankart repair: A comparative paired study with 5-year follow-up

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS The hypothesis of this study was that the rate of recurrence of anterior instability of the shoulder after arthroscopic Bankart repair with suture anchors is higher than after coracoid bone block (Latarjet procedure). MATERIALS AND METHODS This continuous retrospective monocentric study included a cohort of patients who underwent surgery for post-traumatic recurrent antero-inferior instability (2004-2005): 51 patients who underwent an open Latarjet procedure were paired for age at surgery to 51 patients who underwent an arthroscopic Bankart repair. All patients were evaluated with a questionnaire and 50% were evaluated in a follow-up consultation with X-rays. Recurrent instability was defined by at least one episode of anterior dislocation or subluxation. RESULTS Demographic data, soft tissue and bone lesions were statistically similar between the groups. At 5 years follow-up, the recurrence rate was 24% in the Bankart group and 12% in the Latarjet group (P=012). In the Bankart group, age under 25 years old (P=0.01), competitive sports after surgery (P=0.01), and glenoid erosion (P=0.02) were independent risk factors of recurrence. In the Latarjet group, five technical errors were identified out of six cases of recurrence. Fifteen of the 18 cases of recurrence did not undergo revision surgery because patients remained satisfied with their results. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS At 5 years of follow-up, the rate of recurrent instability following arthroscopic Bankart repair was two times higher than that following the coracoid bone block procedure. Young patients who wish to practice a competitive sport or present with glenoid erosion are poor candidates for arthroscopic Bankart repair. The rate of recurrence is extremely high in unselected patients. The open Latarjet procedure results in a fairly high rate of recurrence due to technical errors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV (retrospective study).

A guided surgical approach and novel fixation method for arthroscopic Latarjet.

BACKGROUND Most of the complications of the Latarjet procedure are related to the bone block positioning and use of screws. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if an arthroscopic Latarjet guiding system improves accuracy of bone block positioning and if suture button fixation could be an alternative to screw fixation in allowing bone block healing and avoiding complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy-six patients (mean age, 27 years) underwent an arthroscopic Latarjet procedure with a guided surgical approach and suture button fixation. Bone graft union and positioning accuracy were assessed by postoperative computed tomography imaging. Clinical examinations were performed at each visit. RESULTS At a mean of 14 months (range, 6-24 months) postoperatively, 75 of 76 patients had a stable shoulder. No neurologic complications were observed; no patients have required further surgery. The coracoid graft was positioned strictly tangential to the glenoid surface in 96% of the cases and below the equator in 93%. The coracoid graft healed in 69 patients (91%). CONCLUSIONS A guided surgical approach optimizes graft positioning accuracy. Suture button fixation can be an alternative to screw fixation, obtaining an excellent rate of bone union. Neurologic and hardware complications, classically reported with screw fixation, have not been observed with this guided technique and novel fixation method.

Prognostic Factors and Limitations of Anatomic Shoulder Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Cephalic Collapse or Necrosis (Type-1 Proximal Humeral Fracture Sequelae)

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic factors and limitations of anatomic unconstrained shoulder arthroplasty, performed without tuberosity osteotomy, for the treatment of secondary glenohumeral arthritis following posttraumatic cephalic collapse or necrosis of the humeral head, defined as type-1 fracture sequelae. METHODS Fifty-five patients with type-1 fracture sequelae treated with anatomic shoulder arthroplasty were included in this retrospective single-center cohort study. All anatomic humeral prostheses were implanted without performing a greater tuberosity osteotomy. Glenoid resurfacing was performed in forty-four patients (80%). Clinical and radiographic analysis was performed at a mean of fifty-two months (range, twenty-four to 180 months) postoperatively. RESULTS Four reoperations (7%) were performed, including two revisions in patients who required glenoid resurfacing because of glenoid erosion after hemiarthroplasty. At the time of the latest follow-up, 93% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied, and the mean Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) was 81%. There were significant improvements in the mean Constant score (from 32 to 69 points), active anterior elevation (from 88° to 141°), external rotation (from 6° to 34°), and internal rotation (from the buttock to L3). Significantly poorer results were associated with proximal humeral deformity in varus and with fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff muscles. Patients with proximal humeral deformity, specifically varus or valgus malunion of the greater tuberosity, had a mean Constant score that was 10 points lower and active elevation that was almost 20° less than patients with no such deformity. The poorest results were observed in patients with varus malunion. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirmed that the outcomes of anatomic shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of type-1 fracture sequelae are good and predictable when deformation of the proximal humerus is acceptable(i.e., when no greater tuberosity osteotomy is necessary). The results were negatively affected by proximal humeral varus deformity and by fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff on imaging studies. In such cases, reverse shoulder arthroplasty may be more appropriate, especially in elderly patients.

Partial ACL reconstruction with preservation of the posterolateral bundle

INTRODUCTION Over the past decade, our understanding of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has evolved considerably. Based on this knowledge, ACL reconstruction techniques have changed and selective reconstruction procedures have been developed for partial tears. Our hypothesis was that stability and function can be restored to the knee with selective bundle reconstruction of partial ACL tears and preservation of the residual fibers. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a multicenter retrospective study of 168 partial reconstructions of the anteromedial (AM) bundle of the ACL with preservation of the posterolateral (PL) bundle. All patients underwent a clinical evaluation based on the objective and subjective IKDC scores and the Lysholm score after a mean follow-up of 26 months (12-59 months). Preoperative and postoperative instrumental measurement of knee laxity was performed by arthrometer and/or by (Telos(®)) stress radiography. Statistical analysis and comparison was performed between pre- and postoperative results. RESULTS The preoperative and postoperative subjective IKDC scores were 63.7 and 90.5 at the final follow-up respectively (P<0.001). The preoperative and postoperative Lysholm scores were 80 and 95.5 respectively (P<0.001). Preoperatively, most patients were classified C on the objective IKDC score. At the final follow-up 92% of the patients were classified A or B (P<0.001). Differential preoperative laxity was 5.5mm (range: 0-14 mm) and 1.1mm (range: 0-4mm) at the final follow-up (P<0.00001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our study confirms that selective reconstruction of the AM bundle of the ACL with preservation of the PL bundle restores stability and function to the knee. Special attention should be paid to the size of the graft used to avoid excess tissue in the intercondylar notch.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction combined with valgus high tibial osteotomy allows return to sports

INTRODUCTION This study reports a series of patients operated on by anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction combined with valgus high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for chronic anterior knee instability associated with medial tibiofemoral osteoarthritis. It was hypothesized that the combined surgery would enable return to sport, stabilize the knee and relieve medial pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective study enrolled a continuous series of 29 patients (20 males, nine females; mean age, 43 years (range, 25-56 yrs), at a mean 14 years (range, 2-29 yrs) after the initial injury. ACL autograft used a bone-patellar tendon-bone transplant in 12 patients and hamstring tendon transplant in 17. Medial opening wedge HTO used an asymmetric wedge plate. Results were assessed on subjective and objective IKDC scores, monopodal weight-bearing and full-leg radiographs, telemetry and Merchant view at a mean 6 years follow-up (range, 25 months to 12 years). RESULTS At follow-up, 23 patients had resumed sports activities, with 45% in competitive sports; 28 were free of instability and 21 free of pain. Mean subjective IKDC score was 77 (34-97) and 70% had A or B global objective IKDC scores. The knee axis was in 2.5° valgus. DISCUSSION Combined ACL graft and valgus HTO relieved pain in 70% of cases, and restored knee stability enabling return to sport in 80%. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV. Retrospective therapeutic study.

Erratum to: Patient demographics and surgical characteristics in ACL revision: a comparison of French, Norwegian, and North American cohorts

Purpose The goal of this paper is to compare patient factors, intra-operative findings, and surgical techniques between patients followed in large cohorts in France, Norway, and North America.

Ectopic insertion of the pectoralis minor: implication in the arthroscopic treatment of shoulder stiffness.

Although ectopic insertion of the pectoralis minor has been previously described in the literature, the role of such anatomical variations in producing shoulder symptoms (i.e., pain and/or stiffness) remains controversial. We describe here a case of shoulder stiffness in which an ectopic insertion of the pectoralis minor over the supraspinatus tendon was found to be the main reason for severe contracture in external rotation and anterior thoracic pain. During arthroscopy, external rotation could not be restored despite anterior and inferior capsulotomy and release of the capsule of the rotator interval. Complete restoration of the passive external rotation was obtained only after complete release of the pectoralis minor from the supraspinatus. This observation underlines the importance of recognising such an anatomical variation when performing an arthroscopic arthrolysis in a stiff shoulder.

Coracoid bone block fixation with cortical buttons: An alternative to screw fixation?

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to evaluate suture button fixation in a bone block (Bristow and Latarjet) procedure. We hypothesize that (1) cortical button fixation will allow predictable and reproducible bone union and (2) minimize the complications reported with screw fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy patients (mean age, 27 years) underwent an arthroscopic bone block procedure with a guided surgical approach and suture button fixation for recurrent anterior shoulder instability. There were two groups of patients: 35 Bristow procedures (group A) and 35 Latarjet procedures (group B). Bone graft union and positioning accuracy were assessed by postoperative computed tomography imaging at 2 weeks and 6 months, respectively. RESULTS The coracoid graft was positioned below the equator in 93% and strictly tangential to the glenoid surface in 94% of the cases. Bone healing was observed in 83% of the cases (58/70) with 74% bone union in group A and 91% in group B. Neurologic and hardware complications, classically reported with screw fixation, were not observed with this novel fixation method. CONCLUSIONS (1) Suture button fixation can be an alternative to screw fixation, obtaining bone block union, (2) in the lying position (Latarjet) bone healing was better than in the standing position (Bristow), and (3) complications classically reported with screw fixation were not observed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV.