Luiz Henrique Oliveira Almeida

Correlation of coracoid thickness and glenoid width: an anatomic morphometric analysis.

Background: The coracoid has been widely used as a graft to reconstruct anterior glenoid bone defects, as described by the Latarjet and Bristow procedures, with successful results. Nevertheless, at the present, there are no studies correlating the size of the coracoid graft and its relation to the glenoid. Purpose: To assess the mediolateral (M-L) and anteroposterior (A-P) thickness of the coracoid process as well as the widest anterior-to-posterior glenoid distance (glenoid width) and to analyze the correlation between these measurements, while comparing these with the A-P coracoid process thickness. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Sixty-one unpaired, adult human cadaveric scapulae were evaluated. Three examiners performed 3 independent measurements of the largest M-L thickness of the coracoid process and also the widest anterior-to-posterior distance of the glenoid. The A-P coracoid process thickness was also measured to compare for correlations with M-L coracoid thickness. Results: The glenoid width was 26.38 ± 2.69 mm (range, 20.03-32.35 mm), and the M-L coracoid thickness was 14.51 ± 1.90 mm (range, 9.60-19.31 mm). Calculating the ratio between the M-L thickness of the coracoid and glenoid width, we observed that the coracoid represented 43% to 70% of the glenoid width (54% on average). The A-P coracoid process thickness was 8.37 ± 0.93 mm (range, 6.61-9.76 mm), representing 31% of the glenoid width on average. Conclusion: A strong positive and statistically significant relationship between the coracoid process M-L thickness and the anterior-to-posterior glenoid width exists; the coracoid represents, on average, 54% of the glenoid width. Clinical Relevance: Most cases of glenoid bone loss in recurrent shoulder dislocation can be reconstructed with the coracoid process to re-establish its anatomy.

Does the presence of proximal humerus growth plate changes in young baseball pitchers happen only in symptomatic athletes? An x ray evaluation of 21 young baseball pitchers

Objective To evaluate the presence of x ray changes in the proximal humerus growth plate of 21 young pitchers. Design Case series. Setting This study was conducted at the Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department of the ABC College of Medicine, Santo Andre, São Paulo, Brazil, tertiary institution. Patients 21 male adolescent baseball pitchers, with a mean age of 14.5 years and selected from the Brazilian National Team, were studied. Interventions The patients underwent x ray examinations of the shoulders. Main outcome measurements The x rays of the pitchers’ shoulders were studied to determine any changes in the proximal humeral growth plate and correlate them with clinical findings. Results Fourteen athletes (66%) had radiographic changes in the humerus growth plate but only 5 (36%) had pain complaints. Nine of these 14 cases (64%) whom the observers found radiographic changes did not complain of pain. It was also observed that there was a correlation in only 11 cases between clinical and radiographic evaluations. Conclusion Radiographic changes in the proximal humerus growth plate were found in 66% of the cases, but 64% were asymptomatic. These changes indicate possible evolution, in the future, to a greater degree of retroversion in pitchers’ dominant shoulders.

Resultados da cirurgia de latarjet no tratamento da instabilidade anterior traumática do ombro associada à erosão óssea da cavidade glenoidal - seguimento mínimo de um ano

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the results from the Latarjet procedure in patients with anterior recurrent dislocation of the shoulder who present bone loss of the glenoid cavity greater than 25%. METHODS: Twenty six male patients underwent the Latarjet procedure, The bone loss was evaluated by means of radiography using the Bernageau view and by means of CAT scan. The patients were evaluated with regard to range of motion, using the Rowe and UCLA scales, before and after the operation, and by radiographs to assess the presence of arthrosis, position and consolidation of the graft and positioning of the screws. Statistical analysis was used to assess whether there was any relationship between the number of episodes of dislocation and the presence of arthrosis, , and any relationship between arthrosis and limitations on lateral rotation. Differences in range of motion between the operated and unaffected sides and in the UCLA and Rowe scale. RESULTS: The means for elevation and lateral rotation were statistically poorer on the operated side. The UCLA and Rowe scale showed that there was a statistically significant improvement in the clinical-functional results (P < 0.001 for both). There was a relationship between the number of episodes of dislocation and the presence of arthrosis, We also did not observe any correlation between limitations on lateral rotation and arthrosis. CONCLUSION: The Latarjet procedure is an efficient method for cases of severe erosion of the glenoid margin.

Estudo comparativo, prospectivo e randomizado entre dois métodos de anestesia para cirurgia do ombro

aBstRaCt Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of suprascapular nerve block in combination with the infusion of anesthetic into the sub-acromial space compared to an interscalene block. Methods: Forty-five patients with small or medium isolated supraspinatus tendon lesions who underwent arthroscopic repair were pro-spectively evaluated and randomly assigned to three groups of 15, each with a different combination of anesthetic methods. The efficacy of post-surgical analgesia was measured using the visual analogue scale for pain, and analgesic, anti-inflam-matory, and opioid drug consumption. Inhalation anesthetic consumption during surgery was compared among the groups. Results: Statistical analysis found no significant differences among the groups regarding anesthetic consumption during surgery or postoperative analgesic efficacy during the first 48 hours. Conclusion: Suprascapular nerve block with infusion anesthetic into the subacromial space is an excellent alternative to interscalene block, particularly in hospitals where a nerve stimulator device is unavailable.

Evaluation of the clinical-functional results from repairing extensive rotator cuff injury with inclusion of the tendon of the long head of the biceps

Objectives To assess the outcomes of the arthroscopic margin convergence of the posterior cuff to the biceps tendon Methods From October 2003 to December 2007, 20 patients with massive rotator cuff tear which include the rotator interval were treated with arthroscopic margin convergence of the posterior cuff to biceps tendon. Sixteen patients were female and four were male. The mean age was 58.95 years old. The dominant side was affected in 16 cases (80%). The outcomes were analysed according to the UCLA Score with a minimum follow-up period of two years. Results The UCLA score improved, on average, 14 points (p < 0.001). Six patients had excellent results; nine good; three fair and two poor results. The mean improvement of forward flexion was 33o (p < 0.001), 3o of external rotation (p < 0.396) and two vertebral levels for internal rotation (p < 0.025). Conclusion The arthroscopic margin convergence of the posterior cuff to the biceps tendon leads to satisfactory results.

AXILLARY NERVE POSITION IN THE ANTEROSUPERIOR APPROACH OF THE SHOULDER: A CADAVERIC STUDY

Objective: To determine the distance between the axillary nerve and the antero-lateral (AL) edge of the acromion, its anatomical variability and relationship to humeral length and body height. Methods: Twenty-two shoulders were dissected. The anterosuperior (AS) approach was used; the deltoid was detached from the acromion and the distance between the AL portion and the axillary nerve was measured and submitted to statistical analysis. Results: The distance varied from 4.3 to 6.4 cm (average 5.32 ± 0.60 cm). The axillary nerve distance increased as the humeral size (p<0.05) and the height of each cadaver increased. However, the correlation with the specimens height was not significant (p=0.24). Conclusions: The distance between the acromion and the axillary nerve on the AS approach was 5.32 ± 0.60 cm in both shoulders, and increasing the humeral length there is also an increase in the axillary nerve distance. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series - Anatomic Study.

Prospective randomized study comparing two anesthetic methods for shoulder surgery

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of suprascapular nerve block in combination with infusion of anesthetic into the subacromial space, compared with interscalene block. METHODS Forty-five patients with small or medium-sized isolated supraspinatus tendon lesions who underwent arthroscopic repair were prospectively and comparatively evaluated through random assignation to three groups of 15, each with a different combination of anesthetic methods. The efficacy of postoperative analgesia was measured using the visual analogue scale for pain and the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and opioid drug consumption. Inhalation anesthetic consumption during surgery was also compared between the groups. RESULTS The statistical analysis did not find any statistically significant differences among the groups regarding anesthetic consumption during surgery or postoperative analgesic efficacy during the first 48 hours. CONCLUSION Suprascapular nerve block with infusion of anesthetic into the subacromial space is an excellent alternative to interscalene block, particularly in hospitals in which an electrical nerve stimulating device is unavailable.

EVALUATION OF SURGICAL TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH SHOULDER INSTABILITY

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the results of arthroscopic surgery in patients with traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 76 patients with a mean age of 28 and mean postoperative follow-up period of 62 months. Evaluation consisted of physical examination, and X-rays; results were classified according to the UCLA and Rowe scales. Results: Patients showed decrease of range of motion in all planes, except elevation and lateral rotation with 90º abduction. According to the Rowe score, significant postoperative improvement was found compared with preoperative evaluations, with 89.4% of satisfactory results. According to the UCLA score, good or excellent results were observed in 97.4% of the cases. We found a 6.5% rate of recurrence. Conclusion: Arthroscopic treatment for traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation is effective, as long as indications are used. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

EVALUATION OF THE EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX OF INJURED SUPRASPINATUS IN RATS

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the evolution of injuries of the supraspinatus muscle by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and anatomopathological analysis in animal model (Wistar rats). Methods: Twenty-five Wistar rats were submitted to complete injury of the supraspinatus tendon, then subsequently sacrificed in groups of five animals at the following periods: immediately after the injury, 24h after the injury, 48h after, 30 days after and three months after the injury. All groups underwent histological and IHC analysis. Results: Regarding vascular proliferation and inflammatory infiltrate, we found a statistically significant difference between groups 1(control group) and 2 (24h after injury). IHC analysis showed that expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) showed a statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 2, and collagen type 1 (Col-1) evaluation presented a statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 4. Conclusion: We observed changes in the extracellular matrix components compatible with remodeling and healing. Remodeling is more intense 24h after injury. However, VEGF and Col-1 are substantially increased at 24h and 30 days after the injury, respectively. Level of Evidence I, Experimental Study.

Results from latarjet surgery for treating traumatic anterior shoulder instability associated with bone erosion in the glenoid cavity, after minimum follow-up of one year

Objective: Evaluate the results from the Latarjet procedure in patients with anterior recurrent dislocation of the shoulder who present bone loss of the glenoid cavity greater than 25%. Methods: Twenty six male patients underwent the Latarjet procedure, The bone loss was evaluated by means of radiography using the Bernageau view and by means of CAT scan. The patients were evaluated with regard to range of motion, using the Rowe and UCLA scales, before and after the operation, and by radiographs to assess the presence of arthrosis, position and consolidation of the graft and positioning of the screws. Statistical analysis was used to assess whether there was any relationship between the number of episodes of dislocation and the presence of arthrosis, , and any relationship between arthrosis and limitations on lateral rotation. Differences in range of motion between the operated and unaffected sides and in the UCLA and Rowe scale. Results: The means for elevation and lateral rotation were statistically poorer on the operated side. The UCLA and Rowe scale showed that there was a statistically significant improvement in the clinical-functional results (P < 0.001 for both). There was a relationship between the number of episodes of dislocation and the presence of arthrosis, We also did not observe any correlation between limitations on lateral rotation and arthrosis. Conclusion: The Latarjet procedure is an efficient method for cases of severe erosion of the glenoid margin.