Frank Martetschläger

Complications After Anatomic Fixation and Reconstruction of the Coracoclavicular Ligaments

Background: Reconstruction of the disrupted acromioclavicular (AC) joint has historically resulted in high complication rates. As a result, there has been a move toward anatomic coracoclavicular (CC) ligament fixation and reconstruction, owing to its numerous biomechanical advantages and perceived clinical advantages. Purpose: To report and analyze the unique complications associated with these anatomic CC ligament procedures using either cortical fixation buttons (CFBs) or tendon grafts (TGs) and to evaluate the effect that these complications have on patient outcomes. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: From January 2006 until May 2011, a total of 59 primary anatomic CC ligament procedures were performed using either CFBs or TGs. Demographic, surgical, subjective (including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES], quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [QuickDASH], Short Form–12 [SF-12], and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation [SANE] scores), and radiographic data along with surgical complications were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Construct survivorship, defined as the maintenance of reduction of the AC joint, was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method at 12- and 24-month intervals. Results: Surgical treatment for AC joint dislocations was performed in 3 women (4 shoulders) and 52 men (55 shoulders) with a mean age of 43.6 years (range, 18-71 years); 13 shoulders (22.0%) underwent fixation using the CFB technique, and 46 shoulders (78.0%) underwent reconstruction using the TG technique. The overall complication rate was 27.1% (16/59) in this study. There were 3 complications (23.1%) in the CFB group, including 1 coracoid fracture and 2 cases of hardware failure resulting in a loss of reduction. There were 13 complications (28.2%) in the TG group, including 4 graft ruptures, 2 clavicle fractures, 1 case of hardware failure, 1 hypertrophic distal clavicle, 2 cases of hardware pain, 1 suture granuloma, 1 case of adhesive capsulitis, and 1 case of axillary neuropathy. Twelve- and 24-month construct survivorship was calculated to be 86.2% and 83.2%, respectively. Of the 43 shoulders that did not have a complication, mean ASES scores significantly improved from 57.5 (range, 0-97) to 91 (range, 63-100) (P < .001), and mean SF-12 physical component summary scores significantly improved from 45 (range, 25-58) to 56 (range, 43-65.8) (P < .001) after a mean 2.4-year follow-up (range, 1.0-5.7 years). There were no significant differences in outcomes between those that did and did not experience a complication, with the exception that those with complications had significantly decreased median patient satisfaction compared with those without complications (3.5 vs 9, respectively; P = .049). Conclusion: Anatomic procedures to treat disrupted CC ligaments using either CFBs or TGs resulted in an overall complication rate of 27.1% (16/59). Construct survivorship was calculated to be 86.2% at 12 months and 83.2% at 24 months. Good to excellent outcomes could only be reported in those patients who did not have a complication.

Return to sports activity after tibial plateau fractures: 89 cases with minimum 24-month follow-up.

Background: Tibial plateau fractures requiring surgery are severe injuries. For professionals, amateurs, and recreational athletes, tibial plateau fractures might affect leisure and professional life. Hypothesis: Athletic patients will be affected in their sporting activity after a tibial plateau fracture. Despite a long rehabilitation time and program, physical activity will change to low-impact sports. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 89 consecutive patients (age range, 14-76 years) were included in the study and were surveyed by a questionnaire. Inclusion criteria were surgical treatment of tibial plateau fractures between 2003 and 2009 with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. The sporting activity was determined at the time of injury, 1 year postoperatively, and at the time of the survey at an average of 52.8 months postoperatively. The clinical evaluation included the Lysholm score, the Tegner activity scale, the activity rating scale (ARS), and a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain perception. Fractures were classified and analyzed using both the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) and the Schatzker classifications. Results: At the time of injury, 88.8% of all patients were engaged in sports compared with 62.9% 1 year postoperatively and 73.0% at the time of the survey. Of the professional or competitive athletes (n = 11 at the time of injury), only 2 returned to competition at the time of the survey. The number of different sporting activities declined from 4.9 at the time of injury to 3.6 at the time of the survey (P < .001). The sports frequency and the activity duration per week, being 2.8 sessions and 4.5 hours at the time of injury, respectively, declined to 2.4 sessions and 3.8 hours (P < .001 and P = .007, respectively) at the time of the survey, respectively. The Lysholm score (98.7 points before accident) and the VAS for pain perception (0.2 before accident) illustrated significant declines to 76.6 points for the Lysholm score and 2.6 for the VAS (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively) at the time of the survey. The high-energy traumas, Schatzker IV to VI, had significant worse results in the clinical scores compared with the low-energy traumas (Lysholm, P < .001; Tegner, P = .027). Conclusion: The majority of patients could not return to their previous level of activity, and for patients playing competitive sports, this injury can be a career ender. Overall, we noticed a postinjury shift toward activities with less impact. However, at the time of the survey, 73% of all patients were engaged in sports.

Acromioclavicular joint separations

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations are common injuries of the shoulder girdle, especially in the young and active population. Typically the mechanism of this injury is a direct force against the lateral aspect of the adducted shoulder, the magnitude of which affects injury severity. While low-grade injuries are frequently managed successfully using non-surgical measures, high-grade injuries frequently warrant surgical intervention to minimize pain and maximize shoulder function. Factors such as duration of injury and activity level should also be taken into account in an effort to individualize each patient’s treatment. A number of surgical techniques have been introduced to manage symptomatic, high-grade injuries. The purpose of this article is to review the important anatomy, biomechanical background, and clinical management of this entity.

The “Bony Bankart Bridge” Technique for Restoration of Anterior Shoulder Stability

Background: Bony deficiency of the anteroinferior glenoid rim can cause recurrent glenohumeral instability. To address this problem, bony reconstruction is recommended in patients with glenoid bone loss more than 20% to 25%. Recent advances in shoulder surgery techniques allow for the arthroscopic reconstruction of glenoid bone defects to restore stability. Hypothesis: The all-arthroscopic “bony Bankart bridge” (BBB) technique for bony anterior glenohumeral instability can restore shoulder stability and provide good shoulder function as well as improve patient satisfaction for these difficult-to-treat cases. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A consecutive series of 15 patients with bony anterior shoulder instability were treated using the arthroscopic BBB technique. All patients were assessed with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand–short version (QuickDASH), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and Short Form-12 (SF-12) preoperatively and at final evaluation. In addition, a specific questionnaire evaluated patient satisfaction and possible complications. Results: Two women and 13 men were included in the study, with an average age of 44 years (range, 24-70 years). The average glenoid bone loss was 29% (range, 17%-49%). The mean duration of follow-up was 2.7 years (range, 2.0-4.4 years). At that time, the mean ASES score had improved from 81 (range, 50-98) to 98 (range, 88-100) (P = .133). Although this change was not statistically significant because of low patient numbers, the amount of improvement was almost 3 times the minimal clinically important difference of 6.4 points as reported in previous studies. The mean SF-12 (physical component) improved from 46.8 to 56.2 at final follow-up (P = .015). The mean QuickDASH score at final follow-up was 2.8 (range, 0-15.9), and the mean Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score was 99 (range, 95-100). There were 14 (93%) stable shoulders and 1 (7%) failure with redislocation from a fall. Median patient satisfaction at final follow-up was 10 (range, 7-10) out of 10. Conclusion: The arthroscopic BBB technique for anterior instability with glenoid rim fracture successfully restores shoulder stability with a high median patient satisfaction (10/10) and a very low complication rate.

Biomechanical Comparison of Intramedullary Cortical Button Fixation and Interference Screw Technique for Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to biomechanically evaluate a new technique of intramedullary cortical button fixation for subpectoral biceps tenodesis and to compare it with the interference screw technique. METHODS We compared intramedullary unicortical button fixation (BicepsButton; Arthrex, Naples, FL) with interference screw fixation (Bio-Tenodesis screw; Arthrex) for subpectoral biceps tenodesis using 10 pairs of human cadaveric shoulders and ovine superficial digital flexor tendons. After computed tomography analysis, the specimens were mounted in a testing machine. Cyclic loading was performed (preload, 5 N; 5 to 70 N at 1.5 Hz for 500 cycles), recording the displacement of the tendon. Load to failure and stiffness were subsequently evaluated with a load-to-failure test (1 mm/s). RESULTS Cyclic loading showed a displacement of 11.3 ± 2.8 mm for intramedullary cortical button fixation and 9 ± 1.7 mm for interference screw fixation (P = .112). All specimens within the cortical button group passed the cyclic loading test, whereas 3 of 10 specimens within the interference screw group failed by tendon slippage at the screw-tendon-bone interface after a mean of 252 cycles (P = .221). Load-to-failure testing showed a mean load to failure of 218.8 ± 40 N and stiffness of 27.2 ± 7.2 N/mm for the intramedullary cortical button technique. For the interference screw, the mean load to failure was 212.1 ± 28.3 N (P = .625) and stiffness was 40.4 ± 13 N/mm (P = .056). CONCLUSIONS We could not find any major differences in load to failure when comparing the tested techniques for subpectoral biceps tenodesis. Intramedullary cortical button fixation showed no failure during cyclic testing. However, we found a 30% failure rate (3 of 10) for the interference screw fixation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Intramedullary cortical button fixation provides an alternative technique for subpectoral biceps tenodesis with comparable and, during cyclic loading, even superior biomechanical properties to interference screw fixation.

Instability and degenerative arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint: a current concepts review.

Background: Injuries to the sternoclavicular (SC) joint typically occur with high-energy mechanisms such as those obtained in automobile accidents or contact sports. Many disorders of the SC joint can be treated nonoperatively. However, surgical treatment may be indicated for locked posterior dislocations; symptomatic, chronic instability; or persistent, painful osteoarthritis that fails nonoperative therapy. Purpose: To provide an updated review on the current diagnosis and management of instability and degenerative arthritis of the SC joint. Study Design: Current concepts review. Methods: A preliminary PubMed database search using the terms sternoclavicular instability, dislocation, arthritis, resection, and stabilization was performed in August 2012. All anatomic and biomechanical studies, review articles, case reports, case series, and technique papers that were relevant to the topic were included. Results: The search identified 929 articles, 321 of which, after screening of the titles and abstracts, were considered potentially relevant to this study. Of the 321 articles, 30 were anatomic or imaging studies, 2 were biomechanical studies, 69 were review papers, 189 were case series or reports, and 31 were technique papers. The majority of these studies were classified as evidence level 4, with a few scattered level 3 studies. Because the level of evidence obtained from this search was not adequate for systematic review (or meta-analysis), a current concepts review of the diagnosis and management of SC joint instability and degenerative arthritis is presented. Conclusion: Injuries to the SC joint are uncommon. Recognition and classification of these injuries are critical to proper management, thus minimizing potential long-term sequelae such as posttraumatic arthritis and recurrent instability. Although nonoperative therapy is the modality of choice in anterior dislocations, posterior dislocations require special attention because of the presence of vulnerable posterior hilar structures. Surgical management of chronic instability and degenerative arthritis of the SC joint includes resection arthroplasty of the medial clavicle with or without reconstruction of the sternoclavicular ligaments with graft material. Although resection is typically performed open, an arthroscopic technique is described that theoretically decreases operating and recovery times while also decreasing the risk of iatrogenic injury. Currently, when reconstruction is needed for stability, a figure-of-8 graft reconstruction is the recommended method based on biomechanical data and small clinical series.

Modified arthroscopic McLaughlin procedure for treatment of posterior instability of the shoulder with an associated reverse Hill-Sachs lesion

AbstractTraumatic posterior shoulder dislocations are often accompanied by an impression fracture on the anterior surface of the humeral head known as a “reverse Hill-Sachs lesion”. This bony defect can engage on the posterior glenoid rim and subsequently lead to recurrent instability and progressive joint destruction. We describe a new modified arthroscopic McLaughlin procedure, which allows for filling of the bony defect with the subscapularis tendon and subsequently prevents recurrence of posterior instability. This technique creates a double-mattress suture providing a large footprint for the subscapularis and a broader surface area to allow for effective tendon to bone healing. Furthermore, it obviates the need for detaching the subscapularis tendon and avoids the morbidity potentially associated with open procedures. Level of evidence V.

Management of clavicle nonunion and malunion

BACKGROUND Clavicle fractures are common injuries of the shoulder girdle and occasionally result in nonunion or symptomatic malunion. When present, these chronic injuries can result in considerable shoulder dysfunction. A number of surgical techniques have been described for the management of these injuries. Current literature suggests that supplemental bone grafting may not be necessary in all cases but should be considered in the setting of atrophic nonunion. However, optimal treatment is controversial, as discussed in the literature. This article highlights the current treatment options based on the existing literature and describes our preferred techniques. METHODS We carried out a comprehensive review of the PubMed and Medline databases using multiple keywords (eg, clavicle fracture, clavicle nonunion, and clavicle malunion) to identify the relevant literature regarding this topic. Reference lists of the relevant articles were reviewed for additional important articles. CONCLUSION Nonunion and malunion of the clavicle remain challenging problems. Reliable bony union and improved shoulder function can be expected with thoughtful surgical planning, appropriate implant choice, and meticulous surgical technique.

Coracoid impingement: current concepts

For many years, coracoid impingement has been a well-recognized cause of anterior shoulder pain. However, a precise diagnosis of coracoid impingement remains difficult in some cases due to the presence of multifactorial pathologies and a paucity of supporting evidence in the literature. This review provides an update on the current anatomical and biomechanical knowledge regarding this pathology, describes the diagnostic process, and discusses the possible treatment options, based on a systematic review of the literature. Level of evidence V.

Biomechanical in vitro validation of intramedullary cortical button fixation for distal biceps tendon repair: a new technique.

Background Extramedullary cortical button–based fixation for distal biceps tendon ruptures exhibits maximum load to failure in vitro but cannot restore the anatomic footprint and has the potential risk for injury to the posterior interosseous nerve. Hypothesis Double intramedullary cortical button fixation repair provides superior fixation strength to the bone when compared with single extramedullary cortical button–based repair. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods The technique of intramedullary cortical button fixation with 1 or 2 buttons was compared with single extramedullary cortical button–based repair using 12 paired human cadaveric elbows. All specimens underwent computed tomography analysis to determine intramedullary dimensions of the radial tuberosity as well as the thickness of the anterior and posterior cortices before biomechanical testing. Maximum load to failure and failure modes were recorded. For baseline measurements, the native tendon was tested for maximum load to failure. Results The intramedullary area of the radial tuberosity provides sufficient space for single or double intramedullary cortical button implantation. The mean thickness of the anterior cortex was 1.13 ± 0.15 mm, and for the posterior cortex it was 1.97 ± 0.48 mm (P < .001). We found the highest loads to failure for double intramedullary cortical button fixation with a mean load to failure of 455 ± 103 N, versus 275 ± 44 N for single intramedullary cortical button fixation (P < .001) and 305 ± 27 N for single extramedullary cortical button–based technique (P = .003). There were no statistically significant differences between single intramedullary and single extramedullary button fixation repair (P = .081). The mean load to failure for the native tendon was 379 ± 87 N. Conclusion Double intramedullary cortical button fixation provides the highest load to failure in the specimens tested. Clinical Relevance Double intramedullary cortical button fixation provides reliable fixation strength to the bone for distal biceps tendon repair and potentially minimizes the risk of posterior interosseous nerve injury. Further, based on a 2-point-fixation, this method may offer a wider, more anatomic restoration of the distal biceps tendon to its anatomic footprint.