Guillaume Bacle

Omarthrose ecentrée: symposium

Cuff tear arthropathy is defined as the combination of a gleno-humeral arthritis and a massive rotators cuff tear. It is generally admitted that the cuff tear, or its deficiency jeopardises the results of anatomic prosthesis. Grammont imagined and grew the concept of the reverse prosthesis whose aim was to remedy the insufficiency of the rotator cuff and whose use has dramatically modified the therapeutic approach in these complicated situations. The aim of this symposium is to analyse the results of shoulder arthroplasty (anatomic prosthesis, bipolar or reverse) in cuff tear arthropathy, in massive and isolated cuff tears which justify the use of prosthetic surgery, and in centered osteoarthritis with deficient cuff also justifying this use. Massive cuff tears and cuff tear arthropathy have been considered as the stages of a same pathology by Hamada whose classification has been used for the purposes of this study. Out of the 738 initial prosthesis, 111 have been eliminated because of death, incomplete files or lost of sight, without any known complication. Out of the remaining 627 who were used as a basis for this symposium (representing 85% of initial cases), 570 who still had their prosthesis were reviewed and their functional results analysed after 2 years or more. The population was mainly female (72%) who were injured on the dominant side (75%) with a mean age of 72 years. The preoperative Constant score was in average 24 and 24% of the patients had already been operated on their shoulder. For those who had an acetabulization of the acromion, the strength in external rotation was significantly less satisfying and the lesion of the infraspinatus and the teres minor were more frequent. 48 hemiarthroplasties, 52 bipolar and 527 reverse prosthesis were studied. At revision, with an average follow up of 52 months, the revision rate was 23% for hemiarthroplasties, 14% for reversed prosthesis and only 8% for bipolar prosthesis. The prosthesis was removed in 21% of hemiarthroplasties, 5% of reverse and 2% of bipolar. No infection to report in the hemi group or the bipolar group, whereas there was an infection rate of 5% in the reverse group. Nevertheless, the Constant score was significantly better with reverse (62) than with bipolar (45) or hemi (44). The active elevation was also better with the reverse whereas the external rotation was not as good as with anatomic prosthesis. The analytic study of the results of the reverse prosthesis shows a negative influence of the lesion of the sub-scapularis and the teres minor. The results are disappointing with young patients and those who had surgical precedents. On X-ray, we can notice 0.5% of humeral loosening withouth any correlation to the fact that the implant is cemented or not, 3.6% of glenoid loosening and 68% of scapular notches without any significant change on the Constant score. Their occurrence is correlated to a preoperative rising of the humeral head and a superior glenoid lesion. It is observed more frequently with the supero-lateral approach compared to the delto-pectoral one. The frequency of these notches grows with the follow up and their occurrence is often associated to humeral radiolucent lines. On the long term, the survival rate of these prosthesis is 89% at 10 years. The Constant score deteriorates gradually after 7 years; this seems to be linked to the occurrence of x-ray modifications in the years that followed. The main complications observed with reverse prosthesis were the infections (5.1%), the glenoid problems (5.1%), the instabilities (3.6%), the acromion fractures (3.0%). Infections can be treated by a wash out and antibiotics in the first 3 months, then the removal of the prosthesis becomes necessary. The instabilities occur more often for males, with delto-pectoral approach and with 36mm diameter glenoids. The glenoid problems are frequent in the first years and often due to technical errors or material defects (unscrewing of the glenosphere). Acromion fractures have an important clinical impact when they concern the spine and there healing is difficult to obtain, whichever method is used. In conclusion, the use of a prosthesis for cuff tear arthropathies must be thought about, especially in massive cuff tear without osteoarthritis, in patients with previous surgery, and in patients younger than 70. If the active elevation is conserved and the patient is young, the use of an hemi or a bipolar prosthesis can be debated. In other cases, the indication of a reverse prosthesis is preferable given that the clinical results are better. In these cases, the surgical technique must be accurate, bearing in mind the advantages and disadvantages of the two possible approaches, the type of implant (36 vs 42), the position and orientation of the glenoid baseplate according to the pre-operative bone wear, the orientation of the humeral implant, the need for reinsertion of the subscapularis and, maybe, the possibility of an associated transfer of the latissimus dorsi.Cuff tear arthropathy is defined as the combination of a gleno-humeral arthritis and a massive rotators cuff tear. It is generally admitted that the cuff tear, or its deficiency jeopardises the results of anatomic prosthesis. Grammont imagined and grew the concept of the reverse prosthesis whose aim was to remedy the insufficiency of the rotator cuff and whose use has dramatically modified the therapeutic approach in these complicated situations. The aim of this symposium is to analyse the results of shoulder arthroplasty (anatomic prosthesis, bipolar or reverse) in cuff tear arthropathy, in massive and isolated cuff tears which justify the use of prosthetic surgery, and in centered osteoarthritis with deficient cuff also justifying this use. Massive cuff tears and cuff tear arthropathy have been considered as the stages of a same pathology by Hamada whose classification has been used for the purposes of this study. Out of the 738 initial prosthesis, 111 have been eliminated because of death, incomplete files or lost of sight, without any known complication. Out of the remaining 627 who were used as a basis for this symposium (representing 85% of initial cases), 570 who still had their prosthesis were reviewed and their functional results analysed after 2 years or more. The population was mainly female (72%) who were injured on the dominant side (75%) with a mean age of 72 years. The preoperative Constant score was in average 24 and 24% of the patients had already been operated on their shoulder. For those who had an acetabulization of the acromion, the strength in external rotation was significantly less satisfying and the lesion of the infraspinatus and the teres minor were more frequent. 48 hemiarthroplasties, 52 bipolar and 527 reverse prosthesis were studied. At revision, with an average follow up of 52 months, the revision rate was 23% for hemiarthroplasties, 14% for reversed prosthesis and only 8% for bipolar prosthesis. The prosthesis was removed in 21% of hemiarthroplasties, 5% of reverse and 2% of bipolar. No infection to report in the hemi group or the bipolar group, whereas there was an infection rate of 5% in the reverse group. Nevertheless, the Constant score was significantly better with reverse (62) than with bipolar (45) or hemi (44). The active elevation was also better with the reverse whereas the external rotation was not as good as with anatomic prosthesis. The analytic study of the results of the reverse prosthesis shows a negative influence of the lesion of the sub-scapularis and the teres minor. The results are disappointing with young patients and those who had surgical precedents. On X-ray, we can notice 0.5% of humeral loosening withouth any correlation to the fact that the implant is cemented or not, 3.6% of glenoid loosening and 68% of scapular notches without any significant change on the Constant score. Their occurrence is correlated to a preoperative rising of the humeral head and a superior glenoid lesion. It is observed more frequently with the supero-lateral approach compared to the delto-pectoral one. The frequency of these notches grows with the follow up and their occurrence is often associated to humeral radiolucent lines. On the long term, the survival rate of these prosthesis is 89% at 10 years. The Constant score deteriorates gradually after 7 years; this seems to be linked to the occurrence of x-ray modifications in the years that followed. The main complications observed with reverse prosthesis were the infections (5.1%), the glenoid problems (5.1%), the instabilities (3.6%), the acromion fractures (3.0%). Infections can be treated by a wash out and antibiotics in the first 3 months, then the removal of the prosthesis becomes necessary. The instabilities occur more often for males, with delto-pectoral approach and with 36mm diameter glenoids. The glenoid problems are frequent in the first years and often due to technical errors or material defects (unscrewing of the glenosphere). Acromion fractures have an important clinical impact when they concern the spine and there healing is difficult to obtain, whichever method is used. In conclusion, the use of a prosthesis for cuff tear arthropathies must be thought about, especially in massive cuff tear without osteoarthritis, in patients with previous surgery, and in patients younger than 70. If the active elevation is conserved and the patient is young, the use of an hemi or a bipolar prosthesis can be debated. In other cases, the indication of a reverse prosthesis is preferable given that the clinical results are better. In these cases, the surgical technique must be accurate, bearing in mind the advantages and disadvantages of the two possible approaches, the type of implant (36 vs 42), the position and orientation of the glenoid baseplate according to the pre-operative bone wear, the orientation of the humeral implant, the need for reinsertion of the subscapularis and, maybe, the possibility of an associated transfer of the latissimus dorsi.

Long-term Outcomes of Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Follow-up of a Previous Study.

Background: Despite the increasing numbers of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) procedures, the long-term results have been rarely reported. We previously reported early outcomes of a cohort of patients treated with a Grammont-style RTSA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes after a minimum of 10 years, and to document prosthetic survival and complications. Methods: Clinical outcome assessment was based on the absolute and relative Constant scores and the active range of motion. Radiographic evaluations of scapular notching, tuberosity osteolysis, and periprosthetic radiolucent lines were done as well. Complications and revisions were compiled, and a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed. Results: The original report included the outcomes for 186 patients (191 RTSAs) who had been followed for a mean of 40 months. In the present study, in which the mean duration of follow-up was 150 months, follow-up clinical evaluations were available for 84 patients (87 prostheses) and radiographic assessments were available for 64 patients (67 prostheses). Seventy-seven patients (79 prostheses) had died before the 10-year follow-up, and 17 patients (17 prostheses) had been lost to follow-up. The mean absolute and relative Constant scores (and standard deviations) were 55 ± 16 points and 86 ± 26 points, respectively, with both having decreased significantly compared with the scores at the medium-term follow-up evaluation (at a minimum of 2 years) (p < 0.001 and p = 0.025, respectively). Forty-nine shoulders (73%) exhibited scapular notching. Forty-seven complications (29%) were recorded, with 10 cases (10%) occurring after 2 years. Sixteen (12%) of the original patients underwent revision surgery. The 10-year overall prosthetic survival rate using revision as the end point was 93%. Conclusions: Despite a high arthroplasty survival rate and good long-term clinical results, RTSA outcomes showed deterioration when compared with medium-term results. The cause of this decrease is probably related to patient aging coupled with bone erosion and/or deltoid impairment over time. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The arthritic wrist. I - The degenerative wrist: Surgical treatment approaches

UNLABELLED The primary goal in treating a degenerative wrist is to provide pain relief, while maintaining strength and mobility if possible. After failure of the recommended conservative treatment, the choice of approaches can be made from a large collection of techniques, some which are well validated. Partial wrist fusion, particularly the Watson procedure, results in a pain-free wrist in 80% of cases, with 50% of the mobility preserved, good grasping strength and stable results for at least 10 years. Proximal row carpectomy provides similar results if the cartilage on the head of the capitate is preserved and the patient is not involved in heavy manual labour. Complete denervation provides pain relief in almost 80% of cases while preserving motion and strength. This is a safe and effective option, with no age limit, that still allows other procedures to be performed in the future. Total wrist fusion also has its place in revision, and even as first-line treatment, because of the reliable outcome in terms of pain and strength, high satisfaction rates, little to no repercussions linked to the loss of mobility and fewer complications. Other techniques are now available. The partial or complete resection of a carpal bone and placement of an implant is back in vogue because of the availability of pyrocarbon. Such implants are an option in the future for localized osteoarthritis or even diffuse affections, and a useful alternative to more invasive procedures. The use of a rib cartilage graft to partially or completely replace a carpal bone or resurface the radius has promising results in terms of pain reduction and fusion. The role of total joint replacement must be defined relative to the classic, reliable techniques that have long-term outcome data. LEVEL OF PROOF IV.

Deltopectoral approach for shoulder arthroplasty: anatomic basis

PurposeThe deltopectoral approach is a common surgical procedure for shoulder arthroplasty. Many surgeons are familiar with this procedure, but certain steps are still controversial. This is the case for the management of subscapularis, where surgeons must choose between tenotomy and the lesser tuberosity osteotomy.MethodsThis article is conceived as a toolkit for the inexperienced surgeons, describing our tips and tricks to facilitate final exposure of the glenoid. For experienced surgeons, we analysed the tricky portions of the deltopectoral approach, comparing them with what is classically reported in the literature.ResultsWe describe an original technic for subscapularis reattachment after lesser tuberosity osteotomy in order to improve its stability. The medial part of the fragment is secondarily sculpted to obtain a step shape, which will be applied against the base of the prosthetic cup in a sort of “corner buttress”.ConclusionsOur work, based on our personal experience, confirms that there is no preferred single deltopectoral approach but, rather, multiple options. When embarking on this “shoulder highway”, we encourage surgeons to respect the successive anatomic planes, which we believe is the only way to ensure easy and atraumatic dissection.Key points- The safe plane for going around the humeral head and positioning retractors is the plane of the subacromial deltoid bursa.- Always stay close to the bone during capsule release, whether on the humeral or glenoid side.- Never go medially to the conjoint tendon or its deep face.

Do subacromial ultrasonography findings predict efficacy of intra-bursal injection? Prospective study in 39 patients.

BACKGROUND Ultrasonography has become an investigation of choice in the management of shoulder pain. The objective of this study was to determine whether the efficacy of subacromial-subdeltoid bursa injection correlated with the ultrasound findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS We prospectively recruited patients who were seen between November 2012 and November 2013 for subacromial pain and whose rotator cuff was either intact or showed a full-thickness tear less than 1cm in length. A standardised physical examination of the shoulder was followed immediately by static and dynamic ultrasonography, intra-bursal injection of lidocaine, and a repetition of the same physical examination. Recorded ultrasonography features were the appearance of the bursa, shape of the coraco-acromial ligament, and bursal deformation induced by passage under the coraco-acromial ligament during dynamic imaging. A response to the injection was defined as greater than 75% improvements in at least three of the physical examination parameters. RESULTS We included 39 patients with a mean age of 56.7 years. Ultrasonography showed abnormalities of the bursa in 30 patients, including 1 with an intra-bursal effusion, 10 with thickening, and 19 with both. Deformation of the bursa under the coraco-acromial ligament was noted in 26 patients. The proportions of patients with bursal effusion and with bursal thickening were similar in the 20 responders and 19 non-responders. Neither were any significant differences found for coraco-acromial ligament shape or bursal deformation under the ligament. CONCLUSIONS No correlation was found between ultrasonography findings and the efficacy of a local anaesthetic injection into the subacromial bursa. These findings suggest that ultrasound abnormalities may constitute mere physiological changes, in keeping with earlier studies in asymptomatic individuals. Thus, subacromial impingement may be currently overdiagnosed.

Surgical treatment of mucous cysts by subcutaneous excision and osteophyte resection: Results in 68 cases at a mean 6.63 years' follow-up.

The goal of this study was to assess the results of treatment of mucous cysts by subcutaneous excision and osteophyte resection without an associated skin procedure. From 1993 to 2013, 81 mucous cysts were operated on. In 27 cases, a nail deformity was present. Obvious osteoarthritis was present in 84% of cases. Among them, 67 patients (68 cysts) were subsequently assessed through a phone questionnaire after a mean follow-up of 6.6 years. Patients who reported a recurrence or suspected one were reassessed in consultation. Among the 68 evaluated cases, two developed an infection and one had delayed skin healing; these complications occurred on cysts with a previous fistula. In one case (1.5%), a recurrence was observed four months after excision of a subungual cyst. All nail deformities had resolved; 53 patients felt no discomfort and 65 were very satisfied or satisfied with the procedure and would undergo surgery again. The recurrence rate of 1.5% is consistent with that of other studies where the same procedure was used, without cutaneous grafting, ranging from 0 to 2%. This result is better than in studies where a graft or a flap was performed without systematic joint debridement. Our procedure is sufficient to effectively treat mucous cysts with less morbidity. Complications are rare and occur only in cysts associated with a fistula, justifying their early surgical treatment.

Are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Regional Degenerative Osteoarthritis Linked? Results of a Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND Causality has not been formally demonstrated between carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis of the wrist or at the base of the thumb. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between carpal tunnel syndrome and concomitant degenerative osteoarthritis of the wrist or basal thumb joint. We hypothesised that wrist osteoarthritis by reducing the free volume of the carpal tunnel would be associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, while basal thumb osteoarthritis would show no direct correlation with carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS A case-control study including 95 cases and 99 control subjects, has been carried out. Sixty-eight per group were matched for age and sex. Posterior-anterior and lateral plain wrist radiographs for the two matched groups were analysed. RESULTS Except for scaphotrapeziotrapezoid location, degenerative osteoarthritis of the wrist was significantly linked with carpal tunnel syndrome, whereas there was no significant difference between case and control groups for prevalence of basal osteoarthritis of the thumb. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that basal osteoarthritis of the thumb is not a causal factor in carpal tunnel syndrome. In contrast, degenerative osteoarthritis of the wrist was strongly associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, suggesting a causal relation.

Results of surgical treatment of De Quervain's tenosynovitis: 80 cases with a mean follow-up of 9.5 years

INTRODUCTION Surgery is indicated in De Quervains tenosynovitis only after failure of medical treatment, often due to individual anatomical variants. We use Le Viets technique, to avoid tendon instability. The aim of the present study was to evaluate long-term results, with the hypothesis that this surgical technique is reliable, providing lasting results. PATIENTS AND METHODS All patients operated on between 1993 and 2015 were included, and results were assessed by telephone questionnaire at a minimum 1-years follow-up. Surgical technique was systematically as described by Le Viet, with subcutaneous fixation of the retinaculum flap. Any anatomical variants were specified. In 26 cases, a concomitant pathology was treated in the same step. In addition to demographic data, the study looked for: pain on VAS, functional impairment, tendon dislocation, and satisfaction. RESULTS There were no intra- or immediate postoperative complications. Of the 89 patients, 74 (80 wrists) were successfully recontacted: 68 women and 6 men, with a mean age of 48.5 years (range, 19-71 years). The 15 patients lost to follow-up showed initial progression comparable to the rest of the population. A supernumerary septum was found in 50 cases, and an abductor pollicis longus tendon with multiple slips in 35 cases. There were no recurrences. Functional impairment was absent in 68 wrists, moderate in 8 and significant in 4, including 3 with associated diseases. Mean VAS was 0.76 (range, 0-10). No patients reported tendon dislocation or neuroma. Patients were very satisfied in 72 cases, satisfied in 6 and dissatisfied in 2 cases with associated diseases. DISCUSSION Results in the present series, with a mean follow-up of 9.5 years, were favorable, with total regression of functional impairment in 85% of cases and a satisfaction rate of 97.5%. There were no cases of tendon dislocation, neuroma, or recurrence. Residual problems were all related to associated diseases, whether pre-existing or with subsequent onset. CONCLUSION Le Viets technique gives reliable, lasting results without complications or recurrence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV, retrospective study.

Radiocarpal dislocations and fracture-dislocations: Injury types and long-term outcomes

INTRODUCTION Radiocarpal dislocation (RCD) and fracture-dislocations (RCFD) are severe but rare injuries for which the treatment and outcomes are not well defined. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the prevalence of the various injury types and their long-term outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between 1992 and 2014, 41 patients with RCFD were seen at our institution. According to the Dumontier classification, there were 4 cases of type 1 and 37 cases of type 2. Thirteen patients were reviewed again after a mean follow-up of 168 months (20-260). RESULTS Among these 41 patients, 6 required secondary wrist fusion. At the latest follow-up evaluation, flexion-extension amplitude was 100° (25°-152°), grip strength was 86% of the contralateral side (10kgf-112kgf), the mean VAS for pain was 1.3 (0-5), the mean QuickDASH was 23 (0-59) and the mean PWRE was 27 (0-75). Six patients developed osteoarthritis in the radiocarpal and midcarpal joints. DISCUSSION For cases of RCD, when reduction and stabilization have been confirmed by a dorsal approach, there is no reason to perform volar capsule and ligament suturing. For cases of RCFD, after anatomical reduction, radiostyloid pinning can be performed and an open surgical approach is not always required. Radiolunate fusion is a good solution for treating secondary instability. CONCLUSION The good functional outcomes and absence of osteoarthritis can be attributed to the effective reduction and radiocarpal stabilization, along with the absence of radial and intracarpal marginal fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV, retrospective.

Fixation of the Fractured Lunate in Kienböck Disease

PURPOSE To describe an uncommon subset of fractured lunates in Kienböck disease that is salvageable by internal fixation. METHODS We performed a retrospective review for patients with Kienböck disease treated by internal fixation. Demographic data, objective and radiographic measurements, patient-reported outcome measures (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation) and pain (visual analog scale) scores were collected. RESULTS Of the 7 patients treated, 5 were available for review. At an average follow-up of 7.1 years (range, 1.5-15 years), all patients had activity-related wrist pain but were pain-free at rest. Radiographic assessment showed union in all lunates and a normal radioscaphoid angle and Stahl index. The modified carpal height ratio was reduced in 4 patients and normal in one. There was no observed narrowing or irregularity of the radiocarpal or midcarpal joints. Patient-reported outcome measures in 2 patients were unsatisfactory. CONCLUSIONS Computed tomography of the lunate in Kienböck disease is an important investigative tool. A coronal split fracture of these lunates can be salvageable by internal fixation. Revascularization of the lunate can be performed when the fragment is of sufficient size. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic V.