The superolateral portal for arthroscopy of the shoulder

Limited Arthroscopic Deltoid Fasciectomy Increases Subacromial Visualization and Characterization of Rotator Cuff Tears

Adequate arthroscopic visualization in the subacromial space is a necessity to appropriately characterize rotator cuff tears and to subsequently develop a suture construct that best reduces the cuff tear with the least tissue tension possible for optimal healing. The purpose of this article and corresponding video is to demonstrate a technique for carrying out a limited deltoid fasciectomy, resulting in enhanced visualization of the rotator cuff through the lateral viewing portal.

Stop, Drop, and Roll! An Arthroscopic Technique for Anterior Glenoid Labrum Repair in the Lateral Decubitus Position

This article describes a simple and reproducible arthroscopic technique for passing sutures in the shoulder glenoid labrum in the lateral decubitus position for orthopaedic surgeons. Communicating and teaching surgeons how to perform certain maneuvers with precision can be challenging at times. This technique will simplify and more efficiently communicate the advanced arthroscopic motor skill of passing sutures in the shoulder. It will facilitate skill acquisition while teaching surgeons in training how to perform the procedure.

A 360° Labral Repair Using Two Portals and a Percutaneous Cannula

Pan-labral tears are relatively uncommon, but they present significant challenges to arthroscopists. The difficulty lies in the need to access the glenoid rim circumferentially for proper anchor placement. Traditionally, this requires that multiple portals and percutaneous access be established as needed. Additionally, proper preoperative planning is needed to accurately reduce the labrum. In this Technical Note, we demonstrate a technique that accomplishes circumferential access and a well-planned approach with 2 portals and a percutaneous cannula.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Osseous Instability of the Shoulder

BACKGROUND

Bony deficiency of the anteroinferior glenoid rim as a result of a dislocation can lead to recurrent glenohumeral instability. These lesions, traditionally treated by open techniques, are increasingly being treated arthroscopically as our understanding of the pathophysiology and anatomy of the glenohumeral joint becomes clearer. Different techniques for arthroscopic management have been described and continue to evolve. While the success of the repair is surgeon dependent, the recent advances in arthroscopic shoulder surgery have contributed to the growing acceptance of arthroscopic reconstruction of glenoid bone defects to restore stability.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

The purpose of this study was to describe arthroscopic surgical management options for patients with glenohumeral osseous lesions and instability.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane, and Medline was conducted to identify eligible studies. The reference lists of identified articles were then screened. Both technique articles and long-term outcome studies evaluating arthroscopic management of glenohumeral lesions were included.

RESULTS

Studies included for final analysis ranged from Level II to V evidence. Technique articles include suture anchor fixation of associated glenoid rim fractures, arthroscopic reduction and percutaneous fixation of greater tuberosity fractures, arthroscopic filling ("remplissage") of the humeral Hill-Sachs lesion, and an all-arthroscopic Latarjet procedure. The overall redislocation rate varied but was consistently <10% with a low complication rate.

CONCLUSION

Management of glenohumeral instability can be challenging but more recent advances in arthroscopic techniques have provided improved means of treating this diagnosis. This manuscript provides a comprehensive review of the arthroscopic treatment of osseous instability of the shoulder. It provides an in depth look at the various treatment options and describes techniques for each.

Circumferential rotator cuff repair with the n+4 portal, subclavian portal, and high posteromedial portal

Passing suture during a rotator cuff repair requires proper orientation and purchase of the rotator cuff tendon. Our technique uses a new portal to improve access to the supraspinatus and infraspinatus and uses additional portals for a circumferential repair of the tear, thereby restoring the footprint. Using a penetrating suture passer through the anterior, posterior, and superomedial portals allows 270° of coverage. The lateral anchors complete the circumferential repair. Sutures from the medial anchors are passed in a retrograde fashion using 3 small incisions with no cannula. A spinal needle is used to localize the orientation of each portal. The N+4 portal is the workhorse portal, allowing access to the supraspinatus and infraspinatus. The suture retriever enters the trapezius 5 cm from the medial border of the acromion and 1 cm anterior to the spine of the scapula. It enters the subacromial space on top of the supraspinatus. This provides protection to the suprascapular nerve in the supraspinatus fossa. The cuff is lifted with a grasper to allow perpendicular passage of suture. The suture is retrieved for tying. The tissue purchase and location of suture placement help restore the footprint of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus. Additional sutures are passed anteriorly through the subclavian portal and posteriorly through the high posteromedial portal. The repair is completed with lateral-row anchors as needed.

Arthroscopic subscapularis bankart technique as a salvage procedure for failed anterior shoulder stabilization

BACKGROUND

Shoulder instability is a relatively common problem. Even with contemporary surgical techniques, instability can recur following both open and arthroscopic fixation. Surgical management of capsular insufficiency in anterior shoulder stabilization represents a significant challenge, particularly in young, active patients. There are a limited number of surgical treatment options. The Laterjet technique can present with a number of intraoperative challenges and postoperative complication.

DESCRIPTION OF TECHNIQUE

We report an arthroscopic subscapularis tenodesis technique as a salvage procedure for challenging glenohumeral instability cases. Sutures are passed through the subscapularis tendon and capsule before they are tied as one in the subdeltoid psace. The rotator interval is closed with superior and medial advancement of anterior and inferior tissue. This technical note carefully describes this procedure with useful technical tips, illustrations, and diagrams.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two clinical cases are described involving patients with recurrent instability following failed surgery who were successfully managed with this procedure.

RESULTS

Both cases described resulted in improved shoulder stability, range of motion, and function following management with this surgical technique. This arthroscopic subscapularis tenodesis procedure is proposed as a useful alternative repair technique for cases of recurrent instability after failed surgery with isolated capsular insufficiency.

CONCLUSION

It is believed that this arthroscopic subscapularis tenodesis technique can potentially provide similar outcomes to open bone block stabilization procedures, while reducing the risks associated with those procedures.

Arthroscopic capsular plication in the treatment of shoulder pain in competitive swimmers

Shoulder pain is a common and difficult problem in competitive swimmers due to cumulative loads from repetitive overhead motion. Capsular laxity has been implicated as a potential etiology for shoulder pain in competitive swimmers. No study has examined the role of capsular plication in addressing recurrent shoulder pain in competitive swimmers. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively describe our series of competitive swimmers treated with arthroscopic capsular plication with a primary outcome of return to competitive swimming. Eighteen shoulders in 15 patients underwent arthroscopic capsular plication from 2003 to 2007. Patients were contacted at an average follow-up of 29 months (range, 8-42) and a swimming history, American Shoulder and Elbow (ASES) scores, and L'Insalata scores were obtained. At time of surgery, all patients demonstrated laxity under examination under anesthesia. All patients had a positive drive-through sign. Eighty percent (12/15) of patients returned to competitive swimming although only 20% (3/15) were able to return to their pre-injury training regimen volume. All patients subjectively reported improved pain after surgery. The average ASES score was 78 ± 16 (average, standard deviation). The average L'Insalata score was 82 ± 11. Although our results demonstrate that arthroscopic capsular plication has utility in the treatment of shoulder pain in swimmers who have failed non-operative treatment, the inability of some athletes to return to pre-injury training volume illustrates the difficult nature of shoulder pain in swimmers.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective case series, Level IV.

Four-quadrant approach to capsulolabral repair: an arthroscopic road map to the glenoid

Advancing technology, improved instrumentation, and a desire to address intra-articular pathology with a minimally invasive approach have driven the expansion of arthroscopic shoulder surgery in the past 2 decades. Proponents cite greatly improved visualization, lack of the need to perform a capsulotomy, fewer subscapularis issues postoperatively, and improved access to the entire glenohumeral joint. Our understanding and recognition of glenohumeral joint pathology have improved, and our ability to appropriately treat it has also improved. Aside from the anteroinferior and superior capsulolabral injury, orthopaedic surgeons have encountered and are able to address combined lesions, posterior labral tears, 270 degrees to 360 degrees labral tears, capsular laxity, humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligaments, associated glenoid or humeral bone loss, and partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. To adequately address the extent of pathology encountered in a shoulder instability case, access to the inferior, posteroinferior, and posterior aspects is necessary. In this technical article we present a simplified approach using safe access points by dividing the glenohumeral joint into 4 quadrants that allows for ease of instrumentation and implant placement. This will provide a blueprint for the treatment of capsulolabral injuries. In addition to portal selection and location, we will discuss several instruments we believe are advantageous in tissue manipulation and suture management.

Arthroscopic transfer of the long head of the biceps tendon: functional outcome and clinical results

PURPOSE

We sought to evaluate clinical and functional outcome in a cohort of patients who underwent transfer of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT).

METHODS

Patients who were diagnosed with biceps pathology or instability underwent an arthroscopic assisted or all arthroscopic transfer LHBT as either an isolated procedure or part of another shoulder procedure by the senior author. The procedure was performed using a new arthroscopic subdeltoid technique. Forty shoulders in 39 patients were examined at a minimum of 2 years. Patients underwent complete shoulder evaluation and clinical outcomes were scored based on American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), and L'Insalata questionnaires. Ipsilateral and contralateral metrics were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Forty shoulders (13 female, 26 male, 1 bilateral; average age, 38.5 years) were evaluated with L'Insalata, UCLA, and ASES questionnaires, scoring 75.57, 27.32, and 78.72, respectively. In the 25 patients who had an isolated LHBT transfer, the L'Insalata, UCLA, and ASES scores were 85.2, 29.5, and 84.8, respectively. Three patients had early traumatic failure related to noncompliance with postoperative rehabilitation protocol. This included the only 2 patients who had a Popeye sign at follow-up during active elbow flexion. There was not a statistically significant side-to-side strength difference using a 10-pound weight. Eighty percent of patients were self-rated as good to excellent, and 20% of patients were self-graded as fair or poor, which includes the 3 failures mentioned above. All of the patients reported no arm pain at rest with regard to the biceps. Ninety-five percent of patients reported no biceps tenderness upon palpation of the bicipital groove. Five patients complained of fatigue discomfort (soreness) isolated to the biceps muscle following resisted elbow flexion.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic subdeltoid transfer of the LHBT is an appropriate and reliable intervention for active patients with chronic, refractory biceps pathology. There was no loss of strength for biceps curls. All patients reported no pain isolated to biceps muscle at rest. Ninety-five percent of patients had resolution of their preoperative biceps symptoms.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Anatomic risks of shoulder arthroscopy portals: anatomic cadaveric study of 12 portals

PURPOSE

The purpose of this anatomic cadaveric study was to determine with trocars in situ the relationships of 12 shoulder arthroscopic portals frequently used with the adjacent musculotendinous and neurovascular structures.

METHODS

Twelve shoulders of embalmed cadavers installed in a beach-chair position were dissected. Twelve different portals were established by using their authors' description: posterior "soft point," central posterior, anterior central, anterior inferior, anterior superior, 5 o'clock portal, Neviaser, superolateral, transrotator cuff approach, Port of Wilmington, anterolateral, and posterolateral. Six of these portals were placed on each shoulder so that each portal was studied 6 times. Dissections were conduced with trocars in situ to take into account their volume. The distance to the adjacent relevant neurovascular structures at risk (axillar and suprascapular nerves, axillar and suprascapular arteries, and cephalic vein) were measured, arm at side, by using a calliper. Musculotendinous structures crossed by portals were noticed.

RESULTS

The cephalic vein was injured twice by anterior portals. The 5 o'clock portal is at most risk of neurovascular injury. It is located at mean distances to the axillar artery and nerve of 13 and 15 mm, respectively. Other anterior, posterior, superior, and lateral portals are safe with mean distances higher than 20 mm. No musculotendinous rupture nor large injury occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study shows that the trocars placement of the studied portals did not create, except for the cephalic vein, any lesion of the neurovascular adjacent structures.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study suggests, except for the 5 o'clock portal, the safety of the shoulder arthroscopic portals tested regarding to the neurovascular adjacent structures.

The accessory posteromedial portal revisited: utility for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a technically challenging procedure. Accessory arthroscopic portals have been described that allow for optimal suture anchor placement, suture management, and knot tying. We describe here the usefulness of an accessory posteromedial portal that facilitates direct suture retrieval through the posterior aspect of a rotator cuff tear. This portal is created approximately 4 to 5 cm medial to the posterolateral corner of the acromion and 2 cm inferior to the scapular spine. The accessory posteromedial portal is especially useful when a retracted tear of the infraspinatus or teres minor is encountered. Because these tendons retract in a posterior and medial direction, the accessory posteromedial portal places the tendon-penetrating device in an ideal position for suture passage through the posterior portion of the rotator cuff tear. This portal also allows placement of margin convergence sutures for large U-shaped or L-shaped tears by permitting a direct "hand-off" of the suture to or from a second penetrating device that is placed through a standard anterior portal. If multiple suture anchors are required (as in the case of large or massive cuff tears, or when double-row fixation is employed), sutures can be pulled out through the accessory posteromedial portal to facilitate suture management.

Arthroscopic release of the long head of the biceps tendon: functional outcome and clinical results

BACKGROUND

Treatment of chronic, refractory biceps tendinitis remains controversial. The authors sought to evaluate clinical and functional outcomes of arthroscopic release of the long head of the biceps tendon.

HYPOTHESIS

In specific cases of refractory biceps tendinitis, site-specific release of the long head of the biceps tendon may yield relief of pain and symptoms.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Fifty-four patients diagnosed with biceps tendinitis underwent arthroscopic release of the long head of the biceps tendon as an isolated procedure or as part of a concomitant shoulder procedure over a 2-year period. Patients were not excluded for concomitant shoulder abnormality, including degenerative joint disease, rotator cuff tears, Bankart lesions, or instability. Nine of 40 patients had an isolated arthroscopic release of the biceps tendon. At a minimum of 2 years, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons; the University of California, Los Angeles; and the L'Insalata shoulder questionnaires as well as ipsilateral and contralateral metrics were used for evaluation.

RESULTS

The L'Insalata; University of California, Los Angeles; and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores were 77.6, 27.6, and 75.6, respectively. Seventy percent had a Popeye sign at rest or during active elbow flexion; 82.7% of men and 36.5% of women had a positive Popeye sign (P < .05); 68% were rated as good, very good, or excellent. No patient reported arm pain at rest distally or proximally; 38% of patients complained of fatigue discomfort (soreness) isolated to the biceps muscle after resisted elbow flexion.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic release of the long head of the biceps tendon is an appropriate and reliable intervention for patients with chronic, refractory biceps tendinitis. Cosmetic deformity presenting as a positive Popeye sign and fatigue discomfort were the primary complaints.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Although tenotomy is not the ideal intervention for patients of all ages with various shoulder abnormalities, data suggest that it may be an acceptable surgical intervention for a specifically selected cohort of individuals.

The new subclavian portal and modified Neviaser portal for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Shoulder arthroscopy and the introduction of suture anchors has provided the surgeon with the ability to repair rotator cuff tears through minimal incisions. Rotator cuff repair involves the use of several portals, such as the posterior portal, the anterior portal, the anterior superior portal, the anterior inferior portal, and the Neviaser portal. The authors have developed 2 additional portals, the new Subclavian portal and the modified Neviaser portal, to improve the safety and efficacy of rotator cuff repair and solve a number of problems associated with traditional repair techniques. The subclavian portal is located directly below the clavicle, 1 to 2 cm from the acromioclavicular joint, and instruments are aimed medial to lateral. The modified Neviaser portal changes the angle of insertion of the Neviaser portal. Instruments are aimed 20 degrees from the horizontal plane and 45 degrees anterior, directly at the suture anchor. Repair techniques using each portal were reviewed. Twenty cadaveric shoulders were dissected for each portal and the anatomy from each portal was documented. The cadaveric dissections showed that this portal passes greater than 6 cm from the brachial plexus, musculocutaneous nerve, and subclavian artery and vein, and 4.7 cm from the cephalic vein. The modified Neviaser portal was shown to be safer than the Neviaser portal because it passes on top of the supraspinatous muscle, thereby protecting the suprascapular nerve. These portals provide an optimal angle of approach to the rotator cuff tendon and suture anchor as well as improved safety and efficacy in the repair of rotator cuff tears.

Differential arthroscopic portal placement for rotator cuff repair

We report an effective technique of arthroscopic portal placement for rotator cuff repair of the shoulder. The differential portals are placed depending on the location of the tear. After the glenohumeral arthroscopic examination, the subacromial bursoscopy is performed through the same posterior skin portal. With the rotator cuff tear in view, a spinal needle is inserted to the center of the tear, 3 cm from the lateral margin of the acromion (middle working portal). Another spinal needle is then inserted into the posterior lip of the tear, 1 cm from the lateral margin of the acromion (rear viewing portal). The rear viewing portal provides a good downward en-face view of the tear, and the middle working portal allows better access to the anterior and posterior margins of the cuff tear than the usual posterior and lateral portals do. This differential portal placement with respect to the location of the rotator cuff tear ensures superior access for arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears.

The trans-rotator cuff approach to SLAP lesions: technical aspects for repair and a clinical follow-up of 31 patients at a minimum of 2 years

PURPOSE

To discuss a new technique for the surgical treatment of type II SLAP lesions as well as the evaluation of the technique's effectiveness with a minimum 2-year follow-up.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective clinical follow-up study.

METHODS

We present a clinical follow-up of 31 patients who were treated arthroscopically for type II SLAP lesions using a trans-rotator cuff portal at an average follow-up time of 3.7 years. Patients were screened for concomitant procedures including rotator cuff repairs, shoulder stabilizations, thermal capsullographies, and previous surgeries. These patients were subsequently excluded from the study. Patients were given a standard physical examination of the upper extremity at our institution and they completed both the L'Isalata and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons questionnaires.

RESULTS

All 31 patients identified were available for follow-up at an average time of 3.7 years postoperatively (range, 2.0 to 7.4 years). The average L'Insalata score was 87.0 points (range, 46.1-100 points); the average ASES score was 87.2 points (range, 46.7-100 points). The average pain score was 1.5 (range, 0-5) and only 4 of the 31 patients complained of moderate pain with activity. Sixteen of the 31 patients returned to their preinjury level of sports; 11 of the 31 patients returned to limited activity and 2 patients were inactive at the time of follow-up. Overall satisfaction with the procedure averaged 3.79 points (range, 0-5 points): 22 patients rated overall satisfaction as good or excellent, 6 patients reported a fair outcome, and only 3 patients were unsatisfied with the results of the surgery. One patient who was unsatisfied with the procedure had reinjured his superior labrum and required a second operation. None of the 31 patients had symptoms suggestive of rotator cuff pathology. Of the 30 patients found to have a positive Active Compression test preoperatively, 26 of these patients now had a negative sign.

CONCLUSIONS

The trans-rotator cuff approach allows for a more optimal placement of a biodegradable fixation device and/or suture anchors into the superior labrum. Furthermore, we believe that this approach does not compromise the function of the rotator cuff. The trans-rotator cuff technique is an effective and safe modality to address superior labral pathology.

The posterolateral portal: A new approach for shoulder arthroscopy

Since the beginning of shoulder arthroscopy, many different approaches were described for Bankart repair to allow visualization and treatment. The anterior portals do not allow access to the posterior and inferior part of the glenoid. We present a new instrumental portal for shoulder arthroscopy. This approach is perfectly safe, without any anatomic risk. It is particularly helpful in the correct treatment of an anterior Bankart lesion, in repairing posterior and inferior extensions of a Bankart lesion, and in performing a plication in multidirectional hyperlaxity.

The accessory posterior portal for shoulder arthroscopy: Description of technique and cadaveric study

As the indications for shoulder arthroscopy continue to expand, so too does the need for complete access to the glenohumeral joint. Specific regions of the joint, including the axillary recess, are often times difficult to access using traditionally described posterior and anterior portals. In this article, we describe a technique for the placement of an accessory posterior portal into the inferior hemisphere of the glenohumeral joint, effectively in the 8 o'clock or 4 o'clock position. To demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of this portal, 6 cadaveric specimens were dissected after the placement of a standard and accessory posterior portal. The proximity of the posterior portals to the axillary and suprascapular nerves was analyzed. Measurements were made in simulated beach-chair and lateral decubitus positions. The authors show that the accessory posterior portal is safe to use and may prove useful to the surgeon who wishes to gain access to the inferior recesses of the glenohumeral joint.

Arthroscopic Bankart repair using a degradable tack. A followup study using optimized indications

Arthroscopic Bankart repair using degradable polymers is a relatively new procedure. Initial reports describing results among the first patients treated for instability of the shoulder using degradable tacks found rates of recurrent instability significantly higher than those for open repair procedures. A 21% postoperative recurrence rate was reported in the initial group of 62 patients studied. Modifications of the operative procedure and, more importantly, the indications for the procedure have led to substantially improved results. Using the following indications, a 2-year followup group of patients was found to have a 10% recurrence of instability rate: (1) traumatic instability, which primarily was anterior, unidirectional; (2) presence of a Bankart lesion; (3) presence of a robust inferior glenohumeral ligament; and (4) minimal to mild amount of bony erosions present at the glenoid. It is concluded that with more precise patient selection, arthroscopic stabilization using a degradable polymeric tack can provide high levels of patient satisfaction with low rates of recurrence.

Arthroscopy of the shoulder

Arthroscopy of the shoulder has developed during the last decade to play a major role in diagnoses and treatment of a variety of shoulder disorders. In most incidences, arthroscopy is required at the time of shoulder surgery to refine the final diagnosis. In over 75% of the cases are arthroscopic methods used for surgical repair of the shoulder pathology. This article describes the indications for surgery as well as the techniques to treat rotator cuff disease label injuries, etc. with the arthroscope. The arthroscopic techniques dealing with subacromial decompression and instability is described.