A novel shoulder disability staging system for scapulothoracic arthrodesis in patients with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy

Selective Dorsal Scapular Nerve and Long Thoracic Nerve Blocks for Rescue Analgesia in Scapulothoracic Arthrodesis Surgery: A Case Report

Scapulothoracic arthrodesis (STA) surgery is performed to stabilize the scapula in patients with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD). Postoperative pain could be a major problem even while using erector spinae plane block (ESPB). We performed a preoperative ESPB with an intraoperative ESPB catheter, but rescue analgesia was needed for pain in the periscapular area in the postoperative period. The patient's pain score was reduced by applying an ultrasound-guided dorsal scapular nerve (DSN) and long thoracic nerve (LTN) block. Selective DSN and LTN blocks can be effective in enhancing postoperative analgesia in STA surgery.

Scapulothoracic Fusion Using Multiple Suture Tape Cerclage

ABSTRACT

Scapulothoracic arthrodesis has been proposed for the treatment of painful scapular winging in patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. It was introduced to improve shoulder function. Several methods of fixation have been proposed to obtain the union of the scapula to the ribs. These include plates, screws, cables, or wires with or without bone grafting. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the surgical technique of scapulothoracic arthrodesis using plate and cerclage suture tapes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, treatment study (case series).

Erector Spinae Plane Block for Scapulothoracic Arthrodesis for Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy Patients: A Case Series

Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) typically affects the periscapular muscles, resulting in scapular winging. Scapulothoracic arthrodesis (STA) stabilizes the scapula to provide better movement for these patients. Analgesia regimen for FSHD patients who received a single-shot erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and a catheter at the area were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Patients were asked to rate their pain postoperatively and only 5 of 10 patients needed rescue analgesic. No complications occurred. Our experience suggests that continuous ESPB may be helpful for providing analgesia in FSHD patients undergoing STA.

Management of scapular dysfunction in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: the biomechanics of winging, arthrodesis indications, techniques and outcomes

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a common hereditary disorder which typically results in scapular winging due to wasting of the periscapular muscles affected by this condition. Scapulothoracic arthrodesis (STA) is the current surgical treatment for FSHD patients with severe winging and preserved deltoid muscle. There are several different techniques in the literature such as multifilament cables alone and cable or cerclage wires combined with single or multiple plates. We prefer cables without plates as it provides independent strong fixation points and strongly recommend utilization of autograft. The functional results of studies report that regardless of the technique used, shoulder elevation and thus quality of life is improved, as shown with outcome scores. There are several complications associated with STA. Pulmonary complications are common and usually resolve spontaneously. Meticulous surgical technique and effective postoperative analgesia may reduce the incidence. Scapular complications which are associated with the fixation may be encountered in the early or late period, which are related to the learning curve of the surgeon. In conclusion, STA is a reliable solution to a major problem in FSHD patients that helps them maintain their activities of daily living until a cure for the disease is found. A successful result is strongly dependent on patient selection, and a multidisciplinary team of neurologists, geneticists and orthopaedic surgeons is required to achieve good results.

ScapuloThoracic Arthrodesis for Facio-Scapulo-Humeral Dystrophy: Outcomes at mean 7.3 years [3.5-13] follow-up. CT measurement of the fixation position of the arthrodesis and radioclinical correlations

INTRODUCTION

Scapulothoracic arthrodesis may be proposed to patients having facio-scapulohumeral dystrophy to achieve gains in shoulder motion and pain relief. This study aimed to assess shoulder motion, pain and functional scores at last follow-up and to present a method of computed tomography measurements of the position of the scapulothoracic arthrodesis and study their correlations with shoulder motion.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seven patients (11 arthrodesis) were included. Shoulder motion, pain, respiratory function and deltoid strength were compared with preoperative values and Constant, Brooke and Vignos scores were assessed at last follow-up. The elevation/depression and upward/downward position of the scapula were measured by performing postoperative 3D CT reconstruction. The protraction/retraction position was measured with 2D CT reconstructions on axial view. Correlations between these measurements and shoulder flexion and abduction were analysed. All complications were searched.

RESULTS

We found a significant improvement in mean VAS (from 3±2 to 1±1, p=0,008) shoulder flexion (64°± 11 to 113°±20, p=0,003) and abduction (from 63°±9 to 92°±13°, p=0,004). Postoperative external rotation wasn't significantly different (from 49°±19 to 43°±10, p=0,112) and on internal rotation, the hand reached on average the 9th thoracic vertebra (S1-T2). Scapulothoracic arthrodesis was mainly positioned in regard to the 1^st and the 6^th rib. The mean protraction/retraction position was 38,5°±8° and the mean scapular upward/downward rotation position was 92°±15°. No correlations were found between the scapular position and shoulder flexion and abduction.

CONCLUSIONS

Scapulothoracic arthrodesis for facioscapulohumeral dystrophy improved pain, shoulder flexion and abduction and provided good functional outcomes at 3,5 to 13 years of follow up. A method of CT assessment of the position of the arthrodesis is presented to analyse precisely the position of the scapula but no correlations with shoulder motions were found. Preoperative evaluation of deltoid function and scapular winging seemed to be the most important predictors of shoulder motions gains after this procedure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, Retrospective cohort study.