Luciano A. Rossi

Corticosteroid Injections Accelerate Pain Relief and Recovery of Function Compared With Oral NSAIDs in Patients With Adhesive Capsulitis A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Intra-articular corticosteroid injection is a common therapy for adhesive capsulitis, but there is a lack of prospective randomized controlled studies analyzing the efficacy of single injections applied blindly to accelerate improvement in pain and function. Hypothesis: In patients with adhesive capsulitis, a single intra-articular corticosteroid injection without image control applied before the beginning of a physical therapy program will accelerate pain relief and recovery of function compared with oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physical therapy. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A total of 74 patients with primary adhesive capsulitis in the freezing stage were randomized to receive either intra-articular injections with betamethasone or oral NSAIDs. Clinical outcome was documented at baseline and after 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks and comprised a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Shoulder Score, the abbreviated Constant-Murley score, and the abbreviated Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score for function. Passive range of motion was measured with a goniometer. Results: Patients treated with corticosteroid injections achieved faster pain relief compared with control patients during the first 8 weeks after treatment (P < .001). However, no significant difference in pain was observed among the groups at final follow-up. Likewise, shoulder function and motion improved significantly in both groups at all follow-up points. Shoulder function scores and most motion parameters improved faster in the injection group up to week 8 (P < .001). Again, no significant differences in function or motion were seen at final follow-up. Conclusion: In patients with adhesive capsulitis, a single corticosteroid injection applied without image control provides faster pain relief and earlier improvement of shoulder function and motion compared with oral NSAIDs.

Return to Sports After Plate Fixation of Displaced Midshaft Clavicular Fractures in Athletes

Background: Recent prospective randomized trials support primary plate fixation of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. However, the safety and efficacy of this practice have not been well documented in athletes, nor has the time to return-to-sport. Purpose: To analyze the time to return-to-sport, functional outcomes, and complications in a group of athletes with displaced midshaft clavicle fractures treated using precontoured locking plates. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 54 athletes with displaced midshaft clavicle fractures were treated with plate fixation between November 1, 2008, and December 31, 2012. The mean follow-up time was 22.4 months. Patients completed a questionnaire focused on the time to return-to-sport and treatment course. Functional outcomes were assessed with the Constant score and short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire. Pain was evaluated with the visual analog scale (VAS). Radiographs were reviewed to identify radiographic union time, malunion, and nonunion. Results: Of the 54 patients, 53 returned to sports after open reduction and internal fixation of their fracture; 94% returned to the same level. The mean time to return-to-sport was 68 days (range, 5-180 days). Nine (16.6%) of the cases returned to sports before 6 weeks after surgery, 40 (74%) returned between 6 and 12 weeks, and 5 patients (9.2%) returned 12 weeks after surgery. The mean Constant score was 94.1 ± 5.2 (range, 78-100), and the mean QuickDASH score was 0.4 ± 4.7 (range, 0-7.1). The mean VAS pain score during follow-up was 0.29 ± 1.0 (range, 0-5). Three major complications occurred: 1 extrinsic compression of the subclavian vein, 1 nonunion, and 1 hardware loosening. Hardware removal was necessary in 5 patients (9.3%). Conclusion: Plate fixation of displaced clavicle fractures in athletes is a safe procedure resulting in excellent functional outcomes, with an early return to the same level of sports in the majority of patients.

Arthroscopic Removal and Rotator Cuff Repair Without Acromioplasty for the Treatment of Symptomatic Calcifying Tendinitis of the Supraspinatus Tendon

Background: Calcified rotator cuff tendinitis is a common cause of chronic shoulder pain that leads to significant pain and functional limitations. Although most patients respond well to conservative treatment, some eventually require surgical treatment. Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcome with arthroscopic removal of calcific deposit and rotator cuff repair without acromioplasty for the treatment of calcific tendinitis of the supraspinatus tendon. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This study retrospectively evaluated 30 consecutive patients with a mean age of 49.2 years. The mean follow-up was 35 months (range, 24-88 months). Pre- and postoperative functional assessment was performed using the Constant score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score, and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH). Pain was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS). Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed to evaluate the recurrence of calcifications and the indemnity of the supraspinatus tendon repair. Results: Significant improvement was obtained for pain (mean VAS, 8.7 before surgery to 0.8 after; P < .001). The mean Constant score increased from 23.9 preoperatively to 85.3 postoperatively (P < .001), the mean Quick DASH score decreased from 47.3 preoperatively to 8.97 postoperatively (P < .001), and the UCLA score increased from 15.8 preoperatively to 32.2 postoperatively (P < .001). MRI examination at last follow-up (70% of patients) showed no tendon tears, and 96.2% of patients were satisfied with their results. Conclusion: Arthroscopic removal and rotator cuff repair without acromioplasty can lead to good results in patients with symptomatic calcifying tendonitis of the supraspinatus tendon.

Snapping scapular syndrome secondary to rib intramedullary fixation device

Highlights • Intramedullary rib fixation has become popular.• Snapping scapula syndrome is a cause of persistent pain around the scapulothoracic joint.• We present a case of snapping scapula secondary to migration of a intramedullary rib splint into the scapulothoracic joint.

Modified Latarjet Without Capsulolabral Repair in Rugby Players With Recurrent Anterior Glenohumeral Instability and Significant Glenoid Bone Loss

Background: The optimal management of recurrent anterior shoulder instability with significant glenoid bone loss in high-demand collision athletes remains a challenge. Purpose: To analyze the time to return to sport, clinical outcomes, and recurrences following a modified Latarjet procedure without capsulolabral repair in rugby players with recurrent anterior shoulder instability and significant glenoid bone loss. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Between June 2008 and June 2015, 50 competitive rugby players (practice >2 times per week and competition during weekends) with recurrent anterior shoulder instability underwent operation with the modified congruent arc Latarjet procedure without capsulolabral repair in our institution. Cases included 18 primary repairs and 32 revisions. Return to sports, range of motion (ROM), the Rowe score, a visual analog scale for pain in sport activity (VAS), and the Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System (ASOSS) were used to assess functional outcomes. Recurrences were also evaluated. The postoperative bone block position and consolidation were assessed with computed tomography. The final analysis included 49 shoulders in 48 patients (31 revision cases). Results: The mean follow-up was 48 months (range, 24-108 months) and the mean age at the time of operation was 22.8 years (range, 17-35 years). Forty-five patients (93.7%) returned to playing rugby, all at their preinjury level of play. No significant difference in shoulder ROM was found between preoperative and postoperative results. The Rowe, VAS, and ASOSS scores showed statistically significant improvement after operation (P < .001). The Rowe score increased from a mean of 39.5 points preoperatively to 94 points postoperatively (P < .01). The VAS score decreased from 3.6 points preoperatively to 1.2 points postoperatively (P < .01). The ASOSS score improved significantly from a mean of 44 points preoperatively to 89.5 points postoperatively (P < .01). No recurrence of shoulder dislocation or subluxation was noted. The bone block healed in 43 shoulders (88%). Conclusion: In rugby players with recurrent anterior shoulder instability and significant glenoid bone loss, the modified Latarjet procedure without capsulolabral repair produced excellent functional outcomes, with most athletes returning to rugby at their preinjury level of play without recurrences.

Arthroscopic Stabilization After a First-Time Dislocation: Collision Versus Contact Athletes

Background: There is no universally accepted definition of “contact” or “collision” sports in the literature. The few available studies evaluating contact and collision sports consider them to be synonymous. However, athletes in collision sports purposely hit or collide with each other or with inanimate objects with greater force and frequency than in contact sports, which could jeopardize functional outcomes. Purpose: To compare the functional outcomes, return to sports, and recurrences in a series of contact and collision athletes with a first-time anterior shoulder dislocation treated using arthroscopic stabilization with suture anchors. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 56 athletes were enrolled in this study, including 22 contact athletes and 34 collision athletes. All athletes underwent arthroscopic shoulder stabilization using suture anchors. Range of motion, the Rowe score, a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and the Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System (ASOSS) were used to assess functional outcomes. Return to sports and recurrences were also evaluated. Results: The mean age at the time of surgery was 22.2 years, and the mean follow-up was 62.4 months (range, 36-94 months). No significant difference in shoulder motion was found between preoperative and postoperative results or between the contact and collision groups. The Rowe, VAS, and ASOSS scores showed statistical improvement in both groups after surgery (P = .001). Patients in the contact group returned to sports significantly faster than those in the collision group (5.2 vs 6.9 months, respectively; P = .01). In all, 43 athletes (76.8%) returned to near-preinjury sports activity levels (≥90% recovery) after surgery: 86.4% of patients in the contact group and 70.6% in the collision group (P = .04). The total recurrence rate was 8.9%. There were 5 recurrences (14.7%) in the collision group and no recurrences in the contact group (P < .01). Conclusion: Arthroscopic stabilization for anterior instability of the shoulder is a reliable procedure with respect to shoulder function, range of motion, and postoperative return to sports in contact and collision athletes. Compared with the contact group (0%), the collision group yielded a higher failure rate (14.7%). Moreover, patients in the contact group returned significantly faster (5.2 vs 6.9 months, respectively) and to and more returned to preinjury or near-preinjury activity levels (86.4% vs 70.6% of patients, respectively) than patients in the collision group.

Corrective osteotomy for malunion of proximal humerus using a custom-made surgical guide based on three-dimensional computer planning: case report

Malunion after a proximal humerus fracture is a potential complication independent of the selected treatment. This situation is commonly well tolerated in the elderly and low-demand populations; however, young, active patients may develop persistent dysfunction and pain. Surgical intervention may improve the quality of life in these patients. In complex malunion patterns, multiplanar osteotomy is a highly demanding procedure that requires detailed preoperative planning. Computer-assisted planning and patientspecific instrumentation (PSI) for corrective osteotomies have gained popularity in orthopedic surgery, becoming a useful tool for analysis of the deformity and preoperative planning. We report the clinical and radiographic results of a proximal humerus malunion treated with a multiplanar osteotomy using PSI based on preoperative 3-dimensional (3D) planning. We describe in detail the preoperative planning and surgical procedure.

Modified Latarjet Procedure Without Capsulolabral Repair for Failed Previous Operative Stabilizations

The optimal management of recurrent anterior shoulder instability with significant glenoid bone loss continues to be a challenge. The high recurrence rates seen in arthroscopic Bankart repair in the presence of significant glenoid bone loss have led many surgeons to choose bony reconstructions to manage these injuries. The Latarjet procedure acts through the combination of 3 different mechanisms: the coracoid bone graft restores and extends the glenoid articular arc, the conjoint tendon acts as a dynamic sling on the inferior subscapularis and anteroinferior capsule when the arm is abducted and externally rotated, and the effect of repairing the capsule to the stump of the coracoacromial ligament. However, in patients with multiple recurrences and previous surgeries, the anteroinferior labrum and capsule are often very deficient or practically destroyed. This Technical Note provides a detailed description of the modified Latarjet procedure without capsulolabral repair for patients with failed previous operative stabilizations.

Resultados a corto plazo de la prótesis inversa de hombro según la patología. [Short-term results of the shoulder reversal prosthesis according to pathology.]

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyze the short term functional results and complications of the reverse shoulder prosthesis according to different etiologies. Methods Between 2009 and 2013 we performed 85 reverse shoulder arthroplasties. Surgical indications included: Rotator cuff tear artropathy, glenohumeral osteoarthritis, proximal humeral fractures and revision arthroplasty. The patients were clinically and radiologically evaluated and analyzed in different groups. Results The mean follow-up was 42 months (26-60) and the mean age 74.5 years (56-90). The Constant improved from 16.7 to 62.1 on average (P <.001) and the ASES, from 12.7 to 68.8 on average (P <.001). The elevation increased from 80.5 ° to 111.5 ° (P <.001). There was no significant improvement in internal and external rotation. Sixty patients (78.9%) reported being very satisfied / satisfied. In 22 patients (27.8%) they were found notches in the inferior rim of the glenoid. The complication rate was 20%, being more frequent in the group of fractures and revision arthroplasties. Conclusion The reverse shoulder arthroplasty significantly improved functional scores, anterior flexion and abduction, regardless of surgical indication. It has limitations with respect to the external and internal rotation postoperatively. It is valid alternative in multiple shoulder pathologies, however has a high rate of complications, so the indication should be accurate, especially in patients treated for fractures or revision surgeries.

Return to Sports and Recurrences After Arthroscopic Anterior Shoulder Stabilization in Martial Arts Athletes

Background: The high demands to the glenohumeral joint and the violent shoulder blows experienced during martial arts (MA) could compromise return to sports and increase the recurrence rate after arthroscopic stabilization for anterior shoulder instability in these athletes. Purpose: To report the functional outcomes, return to sports, and recurrences in a series of MA athletes with anterior shoulder instability treated with arthroscopic stabilization with suture anchors. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 20 consecutive MA athletes were treated for anterior shoulder instability at a single institution between January 2008 and December 2013. Range of motion (ROM), the Rowe score, a visual analog scale (VAS), and the Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System (ASOSS) were used to assess functional outcomes. Return-to-sport and recurrence rates were also evaluated. Results: The mean age at the time of surgery was 25.4 years (range, 18-35 years), and the mean follow-up was 71 months (range, 36-96 months). No significant difference in preoperative and postoperative shoulder ROM was found. The Rowe, VAS, and ASOSS scores showed statistical improvement after surgery (P < .001). In all, 19 athletes (95%) returned to sports. However, only 60% achieved ≥90% recovery after surgery. The recurrence rate was 20%. Conclusion: In this retrospective study of a consecutive cohort of MA athletes, arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization significantly improved functional scores. However, only 60% of the athletes achieved the same level of competition, and there was a 20% recurrence rate.