Jeff A. Fox

Articular Cartilage Thickness of the Humeral Head: An Anatomic Study

This study determined the thickness of normal humeral head articular cartilage by anatomic cross section using computer-aided image analysis software. Sixteen adult cadaveric humeral heads were analyzed. Our findings reveal that the thickness of humeral articular cartilage is substantially thinner than articular cartilage found in the knee. The cartilage is thickest in the central portion of the head and becomes progressively thinner towards the periphery. Surgical techniques used to treat pathology in the glenohumeral joint, specifically thermal energy or mechanical debridement, may have deleterious effects on the relatively thin humeral articular cartilage.

Update on Articular Cartilage Restoration

Articular cartilage does not heal when injured. There are many procedures that can be used to treat symptomatic articular cartilage defects. This article describes each surgical technique, the rehabilitation necessary after the procedure, and the recent clinical results.

PECTORALIS MAJOR TRANSFER FOR SCAPULAR WINGING

Scapular winging secondary to serratus anterior dysfunction is often initially misdiagnosed. When it is refractory to conservative treatment, tendon transfers are commonly prescribed. The principal goal of surgical treatment is to re-establish dynamic scapular stability to reduce pain and dysfunction. Multiple surgical reconstruction techniques have been described. Transfer of the sternal head of the pectoralis major muscle is the most commonly utilized technique. In this paper, we describe a minimally invasive technique using a hamstring allograft to augment the tendon to bone fixation of the sternal head of the pectoralis major tendon.