Patrick J. Denard

Long-term results of the Latarjet procedure for anterior instability of the shoulder

BACKGROUND The Latarjet procedure is effective in managing anterior glenohumeral instability in the short term, but there is concern for postoperative arthritis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term functional outcome after the Latarjet procedure and to assess the prevalence of and risk factors for glenohumeral arthritis after this procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective review was conducted of 68 Latarjet procedures at a mean of 20 years postoperatively. The mean age at surgery was 29.4 years. Functional outcome was determined by the Rowe score, subjective shoulder value, and recurrence of instability. Preoperative arthritis and postoperative radiographs were reviewed to evaluate the development or progression of arthritis. RESULTS The mean Rowe score increased from 37.9 preoperatively to 89.6 at final follow-up (P < .001). The mean subjective shoulder value was 90.9% at final follow-up. The postoperative rate of recurrence was 5.9%. Of the 60 shoulders without arthritis preoperatively, 12 (20%) had developed arthritis at final follow-up. Among the 8 shoulders with preoperative arthritis (all stage 1), 4 (50%) demonstrated progression of arthritis at final follow-up. Overall, postoperative arthritis was stage 1 in 14.7%, stage 2 in 5.9%, and stage 3 in 8.8% of cases; no stage 4 arthritis was observed. Risk factors for postoperative arthritis were older age, high-demand sports activity, and lateral overhang of coracoid bone graft. CONCLUSION The Latarjet procedure provides excellent long-term outcomes in the treatment of recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability. Twenty years after the Latarjet procedure, arthritis may develop or progress in 23.5% of cases, but the majority of arthritis is mild.

Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Primary Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis in Patients with a Biconcave Glenoid

BACKGROUND The biconcave glenoid in patients with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis represents a surgical challenge because of the associated static posterior instability of the humeral head and secondary posterior glenoid erosion. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of primary osteoarthritis in patients with a biconcave glenoid without rotator cuff insufficiency. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of twenty-seven reverse shoulder arthroplasties that were performed from 1998 to 2009 for the treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis and biconcave glenoid. Eighty-one percent of the patients were female, and the mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 74.1 years (range, sixty-six to eighty-two years). All patients had a preoperative computed tomography arthrogram to allow for the measurement of glenoid retroversion and humeral head subluxation. The mean preoperative retroversion was 32°, and the mean subluxation of the humeral head with respect to the scapular axis was 87%. Seventeen patients had a reverse shoulder arthroplasty without bone graft, whereas ten had an associated bone graft to compensate for posterior glenoid erosion. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with the Constant score and shoulder range of motion. RESULTS The mean duration of follow-up was fifty-four months (range, twenty-four to 139 months). The mean Constant score increased from 31 points preoperatively to 76 points at the time of the latest follow-up (p < 0.0001). Active forward flexion, external rotation, and internal rotation also significantly increased (p < 0.0001). Complications occurred in four patients (15%) and included early loosening of the glenoid component (one patient) and neurologic complications (three patients). No radiolucent lines were observed around the central peg or screws of the glenoid component. Grade-1 or 2 scapular notching was present in ten shoulders (37%). No recurrence of posterior instability was observed. CONCLUSIONS Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis in patients with a biconcave glenoid without rotator cuff insufficiency can result in excellent clinical outcomes. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is a viable surgical option to solve both the problem of severe static posterior glenohumeral instability and severe glenoid erosion.

Long-Term Outcome of Arthroscopic Massive Rotator Cuff Repair: The Importance of Double-Row Fixation

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to (1) evaluate the long-term functional outcome of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair of massive rotator cuff tears (RCTs) and (2) compare double-row (DR) and single-row (SR) repairs. METHODS This was a retrospective review of massive RCTs treated with an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair over an 8-year period. Minimum 5-year follow-up was available for 126 repairs at a mean of 99 months. Among 107 complete repairs, there were 62 SR and 45 DR repairs. Functional outcome was determined by University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores. A multivariate analysis was performed to examine the role of a DR repair. RESULTS For all repairs combined, improvements were observed in forward flexion (132° v 168°), pain (6.3 v 1.3), UCLA score (15.7 v 30.7), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (41.7 v 85.7) (P < .001). A good or excellent outcome, obtained in 78% of cases, was associated with a complete repair (P = .035) and a DR repair (P = .008). When we excluded partial repairs, postoperative UCLA gain was greater after a DR repair (P = .007). Patients reported their shoulder as feeling closer to normal after a DR repair compared with an SR repair (93.5% v 84.4%, P = .006). A DR repair was 4.9 times more likely to lead to a good or excellent outcome (P = .021). CONCLUSIONS When a DR repair of a massive RCT is possible, on the basis of the ability to mobilize the tendons, a better long-term functional outcome can be expected compared with an SR repair. Given the known high risk of recurrence after repair of massive RCTs and the knowledge that functional outcome is related to recurrence, a DR repair of massive RCTs should be performed when there is sufficient tendon mobility.

Relationship between massive chronic rotator cuff tear pattern and loss of active shoulder range of motion.

BACKGROUND Management of massive chronic rotator cuff tears remains controversial, with no clearly defined clinical presentation as yet. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of tear size and location on active motion in patients with chronic and massive rotator cuff tears with severe muscle degeneration. METHODS One hundred patients with massive rotator cuff tears accompanied by muscle fatty infiltration beyond Goutallier stage 3 were prospectively included in this study. All patients were divided into 5 groups on the basis of tear pattern (supraspinatus, superior subscapularis, inferior subscapularis, infraspinatus, and teres minor). Active range of shoulder motion was assessed in each group and differences were analyzed. RESULTS Active elevation was significantly decreased in patients with 3 tear patterns involved. Pseudoparalysis was found in 80% of the cases with supraspinatus and complete subscapularis tears and in 45% of the cases with tears involving the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and superior subscapularis. Loss of active external rotation was related to tears involving the infraspinatus and teres minor; loss of active internal rotation was related to tears of the subscapularis. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that dysfunction of the entire subscapularis and supraspinatus or 3 rotator cuff muscles is a risk factor for pseudoparalysis. For function to be preserved in patients with massive chronic rotator cuff tears, it may be important to avoid fatty infiltration with anterior extension into the lower subscapularis or involvement of more than 2 rotator cuff muscles.

Injury of the Suprascapular Nerve During Latarjet Procedure: An Anatomic Study

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation between the specific exit point of the screws securing the coracoid graft and the suprascapular nerve during the Latarjet procedure. METHODS Ten fresh-frozen shoulder specimens were dissected after having undergone an open Latarjet procedure. RESULTS The mean distance from the posterior exit site of the superior screw to the suprascapular nerve at the base of the scapular spine was only 4 mm. Two of the superior screws were directly in contact with the major branch of the suprascapular nerve, and 2 screws were also in contact with minor branches of the suprascapular nerve. As for the inferior screw, there was contact with the major branch in 1 case and with minor branches of the suprascapular nerve in 6 cases. In the axial plane, the screws were not in contact with the suprascapular nerve if the angle relative to the glenoid was less than or equal to 10°. CONCLUSIONS The proximity of the suprascapular nerve to the posterior glenoid rim puts this nerve at risk during insertion of the screws used for the Latarjet procedure. Placement of screws within 10° of the face of the glenoid in the axial plane is safe and will avoid the potential for suprascapular nerve injury. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study quantifies the relative risk of injury to the suprascapular nerve during the Latarjet procedure.

Current concepts in the surgical management of primary glenohumeral arthritis with a biconcave glenoid

Glenoid morphology has an important impact on outcomes and complication rates after shoulder arthroplasty for primary glenohumeral arthritis. The B2 glenoid, or a biconcave glenoid with posterior humeral head subluxation, in particular has been associated with a poorer outcome with shoulder arthroplasty compared with other glenoid types. A variety of techniques may be used to address the bone deficiency and instability seen with this glenoid type. Studies suggest that total shoulder arthroplasty may have a reasonable result in the short term but be associated with a high complication rate in the mid term because of recurrence of instability and early glenoid loosening when neoglenoid retroversion is greater than 27° or posterior humeral head subluxation is greater than 80%. Particularly in older patients with a substantial B2 deformity, primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty may be a more predictable means of addressing bone deficiency and restoring stability.

Anatomy of the Biceps Tendon: Implications for Restoring Physiological Length-Tension Relation During Biceps Tenodesis With Interference Screw Fixation

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to characterize the normal length and diameter of the long head of the biceps tendon (BT) to provide guidelines for interference screw tenodesis. METHODS Twenty-one cadaveric shoulders were dissected. The BT length was measured from its origin to the humeral head articular margin (AM), lower subscapularis, upper pectoralis major, musculotendinous junction of the biceps (MTJ), and lower pectoralis major (LPM). Tendon diameter was measured at levels corresponding to tenodesis: (1) at the AM, (2) suprapectorally, and (3) subpectorally. RESULTS The mean tendon length was 24.9 mm from the origin to the AM, 56.1 mm to the lower subscapularis, 73.8 mm to the upper pectoralis major, 98.5 mm to the MTJ, and 118.4 mm to the LPM. The mean tendon diameter was 6.6 mm for tenodesis at the AM, 5.1 mm for suprapectoral tenodesis, and 5.3 mm for subpectoral tenodesis. During biceps tenodesis with interference screw fixation, restoring the normal length-tension relation of the BT depends on the site of tenodesis and the depth of the bone socket. At the AM, a 25-mm bone socket on average will maintain the length-tension relation. For tenodesis more distally, the length of tendon resection varies with bone socket length. Because the MTJ is above the LPM, subpectoral tenodesis should be performed proximal to the LPM. CONCLUSIONS This study provides guidelines for restoring the normal length-tension relation during biceps tenodesis with interference screw fixation. The simplest way to restore this relation is with tenodesis adjacent to the humeral head AM and a bone socket of 25 mm in depth. For tenodesis at more distal locations, both the length of the BT and the depth of the bone socket must be considered. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Information about the normal BT may be useful in preserving the physiological length-tension relation during biceps tenodesis.

Functional Outcome After Arthroscopic Repair of Massive Rotator Cuff Tears in Individuals With Pseudoparalysis

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional results after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) for patients with preoperative pseudoparalysis. METHODS This retrospective review examined massive rotator cuff tears treated with an ARCR over a 10-year period. Pseudoparalysis was defined as active forward flexion (FF) less than or equal to 90° with full passive FF. Primary ARCRs (group I) and revision ARCRs (group II) were included. Postoperative reversal of pseudoparalysis, functional outcome, and complications were self-assessed at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS In group I 39 patients with a mean age of 62 years at the time of surgery were available for follow-up at a mean of 75 months. Active FF improved from 49° preoperatively to 155° postoperatively (P < .001), and pseudoparalysis was reversed in 90% of patients. In group II 14 patients with a mean age of 63 years at the time of surgery were available for follow-up at a mean of 72 months. Active FF improved from 43° to 109° (P < .001), and pseudoparalysis was reversed in 43% of patients. The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved in both group I (P < .001) and group II (P = .033). Recovery of FF greater than 90° in group I was associated with a shorter interval before repair (P = .021) and a complete repair (P = .026). CONCLUSIONS ARCR of massive rotator cuff tears with advanced mobilization techniques can lead to reversal of preoperative pseudoparalysis in 90% of patients who have not had previous surgery. In these patients functional improvement can be obtained with a low rate of complications. However, in the setting of a revision ARCR and pseudoparalysis, only 43% of patients regained FF above 90°. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Long-Term Outcome of a Consecutive Series of Subscapularis Tendon Tears Repaired Arthroscopically

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of arthroscopic repair of subscapularis tendon tears. METHODS A retrospective review was performed of subscapularis tendon tears treated with an arthroscopic technique from 1999 to 2003. Revision repairs and open repairs were excluded. The minimum follow-up was 7 years. Postoperative functional outcome was determined by University of California, Los Angeles and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores. RESULTS Seventy-nine patients with a mean age of 60.8 years at the time of surgery were available for follow-up at a mean of 104.7 months. Mean University of California, Los Angeles scores improved from 16.5 preoperatively to 30.1 postoperatively (P < .001), and mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores improved from 40.8 preoperatively to 88.5 postoperatively (P < .001). Results were rated as good or excellent in 83.3% of cases, 92.4% of patients returned to normal activities, and 92.4% of patients were satisfied. CONCLUSIONS Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair that includes repair of the subscapularis tendon can lead to good or excellent results in most cases. This study shows that improvement in functional outcome after arthroscopic repair of a subscapularis tendon tear is maintained long-term. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Operative stabilization of flail chest injuries: review of literature and fixation options

BackgroundFlail chest injuries cause significant morbidity, especially in multiply injured patients. Standard treatment is typically focused on the underlying lung injury and involves pain control and positive pressure ventilation. Several studies suggest improved short- and long-term outcomes following operative stabilization of the flail segments. Despite these studies, flail chest fixation remains a largely underutilized procedure.MethodsThis article reviews the relevant literature concerning flail chest fixation and describes the different implants and techniques available for fixation. Additionally, an illustrative case example is provided for description of the surgical approach.ResultsTwo prospective randomized studies, five comparative studies, and a number of case series documented benefits of operative treatment of flail chest injuries, including a decreased in ventilation duration, ICU stay, rates of pneumonia, mortality, residual chest wall deformity, and total cost of care. Historically, rib fractures have been stabilized with external plates or intramedullary implants. The use of contemporary, anatomically contoured rib plates reduced the need for intraoperative plate bending. Intramedullary rib splints allowed less-invasive fixation of posterior fractures where access for plating was limited.ConclusionOperative treatment can provide substantial benefits to patients with flail chest injuries and respiratory compromise requiring mechanical ventilation. The use of anatomically contoured rib plates and intramedullary splints greatly simplifies the procedure of flail chest fixation.