Petar Golijanin

The Efficacy of Biceps Tenodesis in the Treatment of Failed Superior Labral Anterior Posterior Repairs

Background: The incidence and arthroscopic treatment of superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) tears have increased over the past decade. Recent evidence has identified factors associated with poor outcomes, including age, overhead activity, and concomitant rotator cuff tears. Biceps tenodesis has also been suggested as an alternative treatment to repair. Moreover, there are no studies demonstrating effective treatment strategies for failed type II SLAP repairs. Purpose: To prospectively evaluate the surgical outcomes of biceps tenodesis for patients who undergo elected revision surgery after an arthroscopically repaired type II SLAP tear. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: After institutional review board approval, 46 patients who met failure criteria for an arthroscopically repaired type II SLAP tear elected to undergo open subpectoral tenodesis by 2 fellowship-trained surgeons from 2006 to 2010 at a tertiary care military treatment facility. Objective outcomes were preoperative and postoperative assessments with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) scores and an independent physical examination. Statistical analysis was performed via analysis of variance. Results: Of the 46 patients, 42 completed the study (91% follow-up rate). The mean age of the patients was 39.2 years, 85% were male, and the mean follow-up period was 3.5 years (range, 2.0-6.0 years). The rate of return to active duty and sports was 81%. There was a clinically and statistically significant improvement across all outcome assessments after revision surgery (preoperative mean scores: ASES = 68, SANE = 64, WOSI = 65; postoperative mean scores: ASES = 89, SANE = 84, WOSI = 81) (P < .0001) and shoulder range of motion (preoperative mean values: forward flexion = 135°, abduction = 125°; postoperative mean values: forward flexion = 155°, abduction = 155°) (P < .0001). There was 1 case of transient musculocutaneous nerve neurapraxia. Conclusion: Biceps tenodesis is a predictable, safe, and effective treatment for failed arthroscopic SLAP tears at a minimum 2-year follow-up. The majority of patients obtained good to excellent outcomes using validated measures with a significant improvement in range of motion.

Biceps tenodesis for long head of the biceps after auto-rupture or failed surgical tenotomy: results in an active population.

BACKGROUND Long head of the biceps (LHB) deformity after surgical tenotomy or auto-rupture may result from attrition or injury. The purpose of this study was to describe the surgical outcomes of biceps tenodesis after failed surgical tenotomy or auto-rupture of the LHB tendon in a population of active patients. METHODS During a 5-year period, 11 patients with a mean age of 43.3 years (range, 33-56 years) presented with symptoms of biceps cramping with activity (100%), deformity (100%), or pain (36%) at a mean of 8 months (range, 0.5-22 months) from a tenotomy (6 of 11) or an auto-rupture (5 of 11). All patients underwent a mini-open subpectoral biceps tenodesis with interference screw fixation. Patients were independently evaluated by patient-reported outcome measures (Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation [SANE] and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index [WORC]) and a biceps position examination. RESULTS Of the 11 patients, 10 (91%) completed the study requirements at a mean of 2.6 years (range, 1.6-4.2 years). A total of 9 of the 10 patients (90%) returned to full activity. The mean preoperative SANE score was 61.1 (standard deviation [SD], 8.8), and the mean preoperative WORC score was 53.2 (SD, 9.2), which improved postoperatively to a SANE score of 84.2 (SD, 7.1) and a WORC score of 86 (SD, 8.2). There were no differences in LHB muscle position relative to the antecubital fossa (3.17 cm preoperatively to 3.25 cm postoperatively; P = .35). Deformity was resolved in all patients; 9 of 10 patients reported full resolution of cramping, and pain was resolved in 8 of 10. CONCLUSIONS LHB tenodesis after auto-rupture or surgical tenotomy improved symptoms and allowed predictable return to activity and patient satisfaction. Additional work is necessary to determine the optimal treatment of primary biceps lesions.

Shoulder instability in the military.

Shoulder instability is common in military populations, and this demographic represents individuals at high risk for recurrence. Surgical management is often indicated, especially in high-demand young individuals, and provides a predictable return to military duties. Accurate recognition of glenoid bone loss and other associated anatomic lesions is of importance for appropriate selection between arthroscopic capsulolabral repair and bony reconstruction procedures. A thorough understanding of underlying pathology, diagnostic testing, and available treatment options provides for optimal care of the unstable shoulder.

Surgical Release of the Pectoralis Minor Tendon for Scapular Dyskinesia and Shoulder Pain

Background: Pectoralis minor (PM) tightness has been linked to pain and dysfunction of the shoulder joint secondary to anterior tilt and internal rotation of the scapula, thus causing secondary impingement of the subacromial space. Purpose: To describe outcomes pertaining to nonoperative and operative treatment via surgical release of the PM tendon for pathologic PM tightness in an active population. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Over a 3-year period, a total of 46 patients were enrolled (mean age, 25.5 years; range, 18-33 years). Inclusion criteria consisted of symptomatic shoulder pain, limited range of overhead motion, inability to participate in overhead lifting activities, and examination findings consistent with scapular dysfunction secondary to a tight PM with tenderness to palpation of the PM tendon. All patients underwent a lengthy physical therapy and stretching program (mean, 11.4 months; range, 3-23 months), which was followed by serial examinations for resolution of symptoms and scapular tilt. Of the 46 patients, 6 (13%) were unable to adequately stretch the PM and underwent isolated mini-open PM release. Outcomes were assessed with scapula protraction measurements and pain scales as well as American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. Results: Forty of the 46 patients (87%) resolved the tight PM and scapular-mediated symptoms with a dedicated therapy program (pre- and posttreatment mean outcome scores: 58 and 91 [ASES], 50 and 90 [SANE], 4.9 and 0.8 [VAS]; P < .01 for all), but 6 patients were considered nonresponders (mean score, 48 [ASES], 40 [SANE], 5.9 [VAS]) and elected to have surgical PM release, with improved scores in all domains (mean score, 89 [ASES], 90.4 [SANE], 0.9 [VAS]; P < .01) at final follow-up of 26 months (range, 25-30 months). Additionally, protraction of the scapula improved from 1.2 to 0.3 cm in a mean midline measurement from the chest wall preoperatively to postoperatively (P < .01), similar to results in nonoperative responders. No surgical complications were reported, and all patients returned to full activities. Conclusion: In most patients, PM tightness can be successfully treated with a nonoperative focused PM stretching program. However, in refractory and pathologically tight PM cases, this series demonstrates predictable return to function with notable improvement in shoulder symptoms after surgical release of the PM. Additional research is necessary to evaluate the long-term efficacy of isolated PM treatment.

Isolated Iliotibial Band Rupture After Corticosteroid Injection as a Cause of Subjective Instability and Knee Pain in a Military Special Warfare Trainee

Iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS) of the knee is a common overuse injury in athletes, especially in runners. The syndrome occurs when the ITB, a lateral thickening of the fascia lata of the thigh moves repetitively over the lateral femoral condyle. A variety of nonoperative measures are used for ITBFS treatment, including stretching, core strengthening, and therapeutic injection. Isolated distal ITB rupture is a rare entity and has never yet to be reported in the orthopedic literature. We present a case of isolated ITB rupture as a cause of varus instability and knee pain in a Naval Special Warfare candidate diagnosed with ITBFS and previously treated with several local corticosteroid injections before ITB rupture. Because of continued knee pain and a sense of instability, along with an inability to return to his military special warfare duties, the ITB was surgically repaired. This case highlights the presentation and management of isolated distal ITB rupture and discusses some of the potential risk factors for rupture, including prior local corticosteroid injection.

Prospective Evaluation of Surgical Treatment of Humeral Avulsions of the Glenohumeral Ligament.

Background: Humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) is an infrequent but significant contributor to shoulder dysfunction, instability, and functional loss. Purpose: To prospectively identify patients with HAGL lesions and then conduct retrospective evaluation of the clinical history, examination findings, and surgical outcomes of these patients. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Over a 6-year period (2006-2011), patients with shoulder dysfunction and a HAGL lesion that was confirmed via magnetic resonance arthrogram (MRA) were prospectively evaluated with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Patient demographics, presentation, examination, and surgical findings were documented. Outcomes of return to activity as well as Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scores were recorded at final follow-up. Anterior HAGL (aHAGL) lesions were repaired with a partial subscapularis tenotomy approach, while reverse (rHAGL) lesions were repaired arthroscopically. Results: Of 28 patients, 27 (96%) completed the study requirements at a mean of 36.2 months (range, 24-68 months). The sample contained 12 females (44%) and 15 males (56%), who had a mean age of 24.9 years (range, 18-34 years). The chief complaint reported was pain in 23 patients (85%), while only 4 (15%) patients complained primarily of recurrent instability symptoms. Fourteen patients (52%) had aHAGL lesions, 10 patients (37%) had rHAGL lesions, and 3 patients (11%) had combined aHAGL and rHAGL lesions. Ten patients (37%) had concomitant HAGL lesions and labral tears, whereas 17 patients (63%) had isolated HAGL lesion without labral tear. The 17 patients (63%) with aHAGL lesions or combined lesions underwent a partial subscapularis tenotomy approach, while the remaining 10 patients (37%) with rHAGL lesions underwent arthroscopic surgical repair. After surgery, WOSI outcomes improved from 54% to 88% and SANE outcomes improved from 50% to 91% (P < .01 for both), with no reports in recurrence of instability symptoms at final follow-up. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that patients with symptomatic HAGL lesions predominantly report shoulder pain and dysfunction, with few chief complaints of recurrent instability complaints. After surgery, patients showed predictable return to full activity, improvement in objective and patient-reported outcomes, and satisfaction with treatment outcome.

Kinematics of the Rotator Cuff

The bony anatomy of the shoulder girdle functions to provide the foundation for the kinematics of the rotator cuff. The complexity of the scapula provides the shoulder girdle muscle origins to direct in-line vectors to maximize pull in physiologic directions with their insertion on the humerus. The orientation and shallow depth of the glenoid, with the corresponding large articular surface area of the humerus, allow a range of motion that is unlike any other joint or joint complex.

Impact of Sagittal Rotation on Axial Glenoid Width Measurement in the Setting of Glenoid Bone Loss

Standard 2-dimensional (2-D) computed tomography (CT) scans of the shoulder are often aligned to the plane of the body as opposed to the plane of the scapula, which may challenge the ability to accurately measure glenoid width and glenoid bone loss (GBL). The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of sagittal rotation of the glenoid on axial anterior-posterior (AP) glenoid width measurements in the setting of anterior GBL. Forty-three CT scans from consecutive patients with anterior GBL (minimum 10%) were reformatted utilizing open-source DICOM software (OsiriX MD). Patients were grouped according to extent of GBL: I, 10% to 14.9% (N = 12); II, 15% to 19.9% (N = 16); and III, >20% (N = 15). The uncorrected (UNCORR) and corrected (CORR) images were assessed in the axial plane at 5 standardized cuts and measured for AP glenoid width. For groups I and III, UNCORR scans underestimated axial AP width (and thus overestimated anterior GBL) in cuts 1 and 2, while in cuts 3 to 5, the axial AP width was overestimated (GBL was underestimated). In Group II, axial AP width was underestimated (GBL was overestimated), while in cuts 2 to 5, the axial AP width was overestimated (GBL was underestimated). Overall, AP glenoid width was consistently underestimated in cut 1, the most caudal cut; while AP glenoid width was consistently overestimated in cuts 3 to 5, the more cephalad cuts. Uncorrected 2-D CT scans inaccurately estimated glenoid width and the degree of anterior GBL. This data suggests that corrected 2D CT scans or a 3-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction can help in accurately defining the anterior GBL in patients with shoulder instability.

Bicep Tenodesis Techniques With Rotator Cuff Tears: Fork, Rope, and Open

The long head of the bicep (LHB) brachii tendon is a wellknown pain generator in the shoulder. However, it can be difficult to identify the LHB as the cause of the pain as it commonly is combined with other shoulder conditions. Initial treatment of LHB tendon pathologies is usually nonoperative treatment; however, if this fails the surgical options include tenotomy versus tenodesis. Tenotomies can be done quickly and commonly relieve pain associated with the pathology and requires less postoperative restrictions and rehabilitation compared with tenodesis. Despite these advantages, a tenodesis is recommended in patients less than 40 years of age with high physical activity demands, people who have a concern for cosmetics, and patients involved in workers compensation claims. When looking at the different methods of bicep tenodesis, the literature is lacking with regard to which technique is superior. There are multiple different techniques for LHB tenodesis including arthroscopically or an open manner, either above the bicipital groove or through a subpectoral approach. Future studies should be aimed at which position (proximal or distal) and type of fixation is superior when performing a LHB tenodesis.

Rotator Interval and Stiffness

The rotator interval is a triangular space located between the subscapularis and supraspinatus tendons in the anterosuperior region of the shoulder. Within its borders lie the superior glenohumeral and coracohumeral ligaments, the long head of biceps tendon, and capsule. From a biomechanical standpoint, the rotator interval contributes to shoulder stability and maintains normal glenohumeral translation, and helps maintain stability of the long head of the biceps. Multiple studies have described various surgical closure techniques and the associated outcomes on overall function; still the optimal surgical technique is a source of debate. The primary objectives of this chapter are to review the anatomy and biomechanics of the rotator interval, its components and their function, and surgical treatment of the rotator interval as related to stiffness.