Danny P. Goel

Short-Term Complications of the Latarjet Procedure

BACKGROUND Although the results of the Latarjet procedure have been reported previously, there is little literature regarding the early complications of this procedure. The purpose of this study was to report our experience with the Latarjet procedure for glenohumeral instability and to highlight the initial complications that may occur following this procedure. METHODS Forty-seven patients (forty-eight shoulders) underwent the Latarjet procedure for anterior glenohumeral instability between January 2005 and January 2010. All shoulders had some osseous deficiency of the anterior glenoid rim or had undergone an unsuccessful prior soft-tissue Bankart repair. The minimum duration of patient follow-up was six months. RESULTS Forty-five shoulders were available for follow-up. The overall complication rate was 25% (twelve of the original forty-eight shoulders). Complications were divided into three groups: infection, recurrent glenohumeral instability, and neurologic injury. A superficial infection developed in three shoulders (6%); in all cases, the infection resolved following irrigation and debridement and administration of antibiotics for up to four weeks. Four shoulders (8%) developed recurrent glenohumeral instability; this occurred within eight months in two shoulders and at nineteen and forty-two months postoperatively in the other two. Five procedures (10%) resulted in a neurologic injury. Two of these involved the musculocutaneous nerve, one involved the radial nerve, and two involved the axillary nerve. The three musculocutaneous and radial nerve injuries involved sensory neurapraxia that resolved fully within two months. Both of the patients with axillary nerve dysfunction continued to have persistent sensory disturbances and one continued to have residual weakness that had not yet resolved fully at the time of the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The overall complication rate of 25% is higher than that reported in the literature. Although most of these complications resolved completely, two patients continued to have residual neurologic symptoms. Patients should be informed of the risk of complications associated with the Latarjet procedure, although most of the potential complications will resolve.

Biomechanical analysis of fixation of middle third fractures of the clavicle.

Objective: This biomechanical study compares four different techniques of fixation of middle third clavicular fractures. Methods: Twenty fresh-frozen clavicles were randomized into four groups. Each group used a different fixation device (3.5 Synthes reconstruction plate, 3.5 Synthes limited contact dynamic compression plate, 3.5 Synthes locking compression plate, and 4.5 DePuy Rockwood clavicular pin). All constructs were mechanically tested in bending and torque modes both with and without a simulated inferior cortical defect. Bending load to failure was also conducted. The four groups were compared using an analysis of variance test. Results: The plate constructs were stiffer than the pin during both pure bending and torque loads with or without an inferior cortical defect. Bending load to failure with an inferior cortical defect revealed that the reconstruction plate was weaker compared with the other three groups. The limited contact and locking plates were stiffer than the reconstruction plate but demonstrated statistical significance only with the cortical defect. Conclusions: As hypothesized, the 3.5 limited contact dynamic compression plate and 3.5 locking compression plate demonstrated the greatest resistance to bending and torque loads, especially in the presence of simulated comminution of a middle third clavicular fracture. The reconstruction plate demonstrated lower stiffness and strength values compared with the other plates, especially with a cortical defect, whereas the pin showed poor resistance to bending and torque loads in all modes of testing. This information may help surgeons to choose the most appropriate method of fixation when treating fractures of the middle third of the clavicle.

What is a Successful Outcome Following Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Background: With variations in joint destruction, patient expectations and health status, it can be difficult to interpret outcomes following arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between different outcome indicators in 44 patients followed for two years after a reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Methods: Prospectively collected outcomes included the Constant-Murley score, Simple Shoulder Test (SST), range of motion (ROM), strength, patient satisfaction with their care and independent clinician case-review to determine global clinical outcome. Continuous outcomes were divided in two subgroups according to definitions of functional outcomes. Cohen’s kappa was used to evaluate agreement between outcomes. Pearson correlations were used to quantify interrelationships. Results: Although 93% of patients were substantially satisfied, fewer had good results on the other outcomes: 68% on global clinical outcome, 46% on SST and 73% on Constant-Murley score. The SST demonstrated better than chance agreement with Constant-Murley score, ROM in flexion, abduction and external rotation, and strength in external rotation. No agreement between satisfaction and other outcomes were observed. Significant correlations were observed between Constant-Murley score and SST (r = 0.78). The Constant-Murley score and SST demonstrated variable correlation with ROM and strength in flexion, abduction, internal and external rotation (0.38 < r < 0.73); the highest correlations being observed with shoulder elevation ROM (r > 0.50). Conclusions: Results show that outcome varies according to patient perspective and assessment methods. Patient satisfaction with their care was related to neither self-reported nor physical impairment outcomes. Positive patient ratings of satisfaction may not necessarily be evidence of positive outcomes.

Postarthroscopic arthrofibrosis of the shoulder.

Arthrofibrosis after shoulder surgery may be challenging to treat. Certain factors, including diabetes and history of keloid formation, predispose patients to the development of postoperative arthrofibrosis. Etiologies include rotator cuff repair, labral repair, capsulorrhaphy, shoulder arthroplasty, and proximal humerus fracture fixation. Systematic evaluation with thorough history and physical examination is essential to determine the proper treatment and to counsel patients on expectations for recovery. Nonoperative treatment focused on physical therapy is the first step in management. Manipulation under anesthesia may be an effective treatment for failure of physical therapy regimens in idiopathic adhesive capsulitis, however it is less successful in cases of postsurgical adhesions. In cases of postoperative stiffness, treatment options include arthroscopic and open capsular releases. Adequate postoperative pain control and adherence to a rigorous physical therapy regimen are integral to the success of surgical release. Surgical treatment is effective in the majority of patients with postsurgical arthrofibrosis.

Principles of glenoid component design and strategies for managing glenoid bone loss in revision shoulder arthroplasty in the absence of infection and rotator cuff tear

The number of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) cases continues to grow each year. With the increasing number of procedures being performed, there, in turn, will exist a greater need for revision procedures. Failure of a shoulder arthroplasty can result from soft-tissue problems, bony deficiencies, infection, and component wear or loosening. Component loosening and osseous deficiencies may occur on the humeral and/or glenoid side. Multiple studies have identified glenoid component loosening as one of the more common causes necessitating revision after TSA. Glenohumeral joint instability in the setting of rotator cuff deficiency is also a common cause of glenoid loosening. Eccentric loading of the glenoid from proximal humeral migration leads to increased stress at the bonecement or bone-implant interface, commonly referred to as the ‘‘rocking horse phenomenon.’’ Eccentric loading, instability, and glenoid loosening may also result from incomplete glenoid seating, glenoid or humeral component malpositioning, or tuberosity malunion. The importance of glenoid implantation becomes evident when one considers

Scapulothoracic fusion: outcomes and complications

BACKGROUND Scapulothoracic fusion (STF) may be an option to alleviate pain and restore function. The purpose of this study is to report the clinical outcome of patients who underwent STF for the treatment of painful scapular winging. MATERIALS AND METHODS From 1999 through 2008, 10 patients (12 shoulders) underwent an STF for painful winging of the scapula. The mean follow-up period was 41 months (range, 8-72 months). Indications for STF included winging in association with excessive medial and/or lateral clavicular resection and facioscapulohumeral dystrophy, as well as scapular winging related to combined long thoracic and spinal accessory nerve palsy. A retrospective review was performed to evaluate the subjective shoulder value, visual analog scale score, range of motion, unions, and complications. RESULTS There was a statistically significant improvement in the subjective shoulder value, visual analog scale score, range of motion, and satisfaction postoperatively. The overall complication rate was 50% (6 of 12). There were 2 persistent nonunions (2 of 12, 17%), and 50% (6 of 12) of all fusions required subsequent hardware removal because of discomfort. Complications included pleural effusion (3 of 12, 25%), hemopneumothorax (1 of 12, 8%) pulmonary embolus (1 of 12, 8%), and infection (1 of 12, 8%). With the exception of the revision nonunion, all complications resolved with no negative sequelae. CONCLUSION STF results in improved function and pain relief. STF is associated with a high short-term complication rate with limited long-term sequelae.

Metaversion can reliably predict humeral head version: A computed tomography-based validation study

HYPOTHESIS Circumstances occur when the determination of anatomic humeral head version is difficult. In the setting of irreparable proximal humeral fracture, there are few reliable intraoperative landmarks to determine anatomic humeral head version. This study tested our hypothesis that the metaphyseal version (metaversion) is a landmark that can assist with correct head version and used computed tomography (CT) to evaluate its reliability as a predictor of anatomic version. MATERIALS AND METHODS CT scans from 50 consecutive patients (20 women, 30 men) were examined using commercial software. Patients were a mean age of 46 years (range, 17-85 years). Exclusion criteria included previous fracture, arthritis, or humeral deformity. The metaversion and humeral head version were measured. Measurements were conducted independently by 2 surgeons blinded to the results of the other. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability was calculated using intraclass correlation. RESULTS The mean difference between the metaversion and the humeral head version was 2.5° (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9°-3.9°). The mean difference between metaversion and humeral head version was 1.8° (95% CI, 0.0°-3.6°) in women, 2.9° (95% CI, 0.6°-5.1°) in men, 2.4° (95% CI: 0.6°-4.1°) in right shoulders, and 2.5° (95% CI, -0.1° to 5.1°) in left shoulders. Interrater and intrarater reliability was excellent, 0.97 and 0.98, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Proximal humeral metaphyseal version (metaversion) is an accurate predictor of ipsilateral humeral head version.

Managing Glenoid Bone Loss in Primary Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Treatment of shoulder osteoarthritis with primary anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty may be challenging in the setting of posterior glenoid bone loss. This paper describes considerations and techniques in the management of significant glenoid wear. The senior authors’ preferred surgical technique is presented.

Periarticular neurofibroma of the shoulder: a case report.

Shoulder pain is a common presenting symptom and may be secondary to a variety of underlying causes. We report a case of shoulder pain caused by a periarticular neurofibroma. Although neurofibromatosis has many classic musculoskeletal manifestations1, to our knowledge it has not been reported within the shoulder girdle. The patient was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and she consented. A thirty-eight-year-old woman presented with a two-year history of atraumatic pain in the left shoulder. The pain was insidious in onset, diffuse and dull, nonradiating, and nonprogressive. The patient reported that she did not have pain at rest but experienced pain with any activity and at night, particularly when lying on her left side. She otherwise felt well. Constitutional symptoms were absent, as were proximal pain or neurological symptoms. She had anteromedial elbow pain but no symptoms in any other joint. The patient was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis-1 at eight months of age. Neurofibromatosis is one of the most common autosomal dominant inherited diseases. Although it classically affects neural tissue, because of its ubiquitous nature it can manifest within bone and soft tissue. This patient initially presented with a congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, which ultimately required surgery. She took no medications, had no allergies, was a nonsmoker, and worked as a cashier at a grocery store. The patients mother and maternal aunt, a male sibling, and two of the patients four children had neurofibromatosis-1. Clinical examination revealed a healthy-appearing woman. Her height and weight were within the normal range. Examination of the integument revealed multiple cutaneous neurofibromas and axillary freckling. Atrophy of the left supraspinatus and infraspinatus was noted, while the deltoid contour was well preserved bilaterally. No palpable mass or tenderness was noted around the proximal part of the humerus, with the …