Subscapularis tears and lesser tuberosity avulsion fractures in the pediatric patient

Traumatic avulsion of the subscapularis tendon in adolescents: Return to sport after surgical repair

INTRODUCTION

Traumatic complete rotator cuff tears are rare in the pediatric population. These injuries might be a result of shoulder dislocation or direct trauma experienced during contact sports (i.e., rugby, judo). The purpose of this study was to identify the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of these injuries and assess the medium- and long-term outcomes following surgery, with return to sport as the primary endpoint.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An electronic questionnaire was sent to all surgeons who were members of the French Shoulder and Elbow Society (SOFEC) and/or the French Society of Arthroscopy (SFA), asking if they ever had to surgically treat a traumatic complete tear of 1 or more rotator cuff tendons in a child or adolescent. Ninety (38.6%) of the 233 surgeons members of the SOFEC and/or the SFA responded to our questionnaire. We then contacted the 15 surgeons who answered affirmatively to collect the complete medical records of their patient(s).

RESULTS

We reviewed the records of 17 children and adolescents who underwent surgery for a traumatic complete rotator cuff tear. The mean age at surgery was 15.2 years (range, 12-17). Glenohumeral dislocation during contact sports (n=7/17) was a frequent mechanism of injury (41%). All of these cases involved at least the subscapularis muscle with an avulsed bony insertion. The injury involved other rotator cuff tendons in 29% of cases (5/17). The bone and tendon repair was either performed as open surgery (n=5/17) or arthroscopically (n=12/17). At a median follow-up of 24 months and a mean follow-up of 50 months, 82.4% of patients had returned to sport at their preinjury level. Three patients presented neurologic complications resulting from the traumatic event, but only 1 of them required nerve grafting with a favorable outcome. We also reported 3 cases of nonunion of the lesser tuberosity that required revision surgery with good outcomes. Only 1 patient out of all those with at least 1 episode of dislocation presented a recurrent anterior shoulder instability that required a bone block-type procedure 7 years after the initial surgery.

CONCLUSION

Traumatic complete rotator cuff tears are rare in children and adolescents. They often occur during contact sports. These types of injuries are diagnosed by clinical examination and confirmed by cross-sectional imaging, ideally magnetic resonance imaging. Tendon injuries mainly involve the subscapularis but can also affect other cuff tendons. Return to preinjury activity levels after surgical management was possible in more than 80% of cases.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Evaluation and Management of Pediatric Proximal Humerus Greater and Lesser Tuberosity Avulsion Fractures

Proximal humerus fractures account for 2% of fractures in skeletally immature patients. Avulsion fractures of the lesser and greater tuberosity are a rare subset of these injuries. Lack of awareness of these fracture types and subtle radiographic findings can result in delayed diagnosis and treatment. Case reports provide most of the current literature, and thus common injury mechanisms, clinical presentation, and ideal treatment time frame and modality are still undetermined. There are limited data directly comparing outcomes with nonsurgical or surgical management leading to unclear treatment guidelines. Presently, techniques for management of these injuries continue to evolve. Although these injuries represent a subset of pediatric proximal humerus injuries, they must be considered when evaluating a child with atraumatic and traumatic shoulder pain.

Bilateral Proximal Humerus Lesser Tuberosity Avulsions in an Adolescent Patient: A Case Report

CASE

Fourteen-year-old boy presented with bilateral proximal humerus lesser tuberosity avulsions after swinging between 2 desks. Injuries were not visualized on radiographs but identified on magnetic resonance imaging. He underwent bilateral open reduction and internal fixation of the bony avulsions. Following repair, he returned to full activities, including sports, without limitations.

CONCLUSION

Lesser tuberosity avulsions are rare injuries in the pediatric population that can be missed. Our case is a low energy noncontact mechanism resulting in bilateral injury, highlighting the importance of having a high index of suspicion for this diagnosis in adolescent patients with shoulder pain with normal radiographs.

Rotator cuff injury in the pediatric population: a systematic review of patient characteristics, treatment, and outcomes

Rotator cuff injuries (RCIs), traditionally thought to be an adult-type pathology, have been reported in the pediatric population, but there remains limited evidence regarding this injury pattern in pediatric patients. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature to characterize the epidemiology, injury patterns, treatment modalities, and outcomes for pediatric patients with RCIs. A systematic review was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, reviewing Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, and CINAHL databases. Studies reporting imaging confirmed RCIs, and treatment outcomes in patients less than 18 years of age were included. Patient demographics, mechanism, injury type, and injury location were recorded. Treatment type and patient outcomes were abstracted when available and summarized with descriptive statistics. Our search identified 28 studies published from 1994 to 2020, which included 215 total tendons injured in 185 patients. Twenty-six studies were classified as level IV evidence, whereas only two were level III. When described, the most injured tendon ( n = 184) was the supraspinatus, whereas the most described injury type ( n = 215) was a partial tear. Surgical intervention was pursued in 75.8% of injuries, with arthroscopy being more common than open repair (79.4% vs. 20.6%). Nonoperative treatment was primarily utilized for partial tears. Among the 24 studies reporting on return to sports, nonoperatively managed patients returned later than those treated operatively (mean: 10.7 vs. 7 months). Only eight studies included patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), and just five had pre- and posttreatment scores. Three complications were noted, all in operative patients. RCIs in pediatric patients have been reported in the literature with increasing frequency over the last decade, but the quality of evidence remains poor with inconsistent injury descriptions and outcome reporting. Excellent results were seen for all injury types and locations with both operative and nonoperative treatments. The literature for pediatric RCIs remains limited in guiding management decisions indicating a need for more high-quality studies to compare outcomes across injury and treatment type. Level of evidence: level III.

Lesser Tuberosity Avulsion Fracture in an 11-Year-Old Baseball Player due to Batting

Case

We report an 11-year-old male who sustained a lesser tuberosity avulsion fracture of the proximal humerus upon making contact with a baseball during an at-bat. This injury was neglected for 14 months and was eventually detected by an axillary radiograph and subsequent MRI. He successfully underwent an open surgical repair and regained full range of motion and level of activity at 1-year follow-up.

Conclusion

In pediatric baseball players, lesser tuberosity avulsion fractures may occur upon striking a baseball with a bat. Even after being neglected for several months, these injuries can be treated successfully with an open surgical repair.

What are the patient-reported outcomes, functional limitations, and complications after lesser tuberosity fractures? a systematic review of 172 patients

BACKGROUND

Lesser tuberosity fractures are relatively rare, with an incidence of 0.46 per 100,000 persons per year. This systematic review was performed to address patient-reported outcomes (PROMs), shoulder function, and complications after lesser tuberosity fractures in pediatric and adult patients, as well as patients with an associated posterior shoulder dislocation. Within these groups, identical outcomes were evaluated for nonoperative, surgical, acute and delayed treatment.

METHOD

A comprehensive search was carried out in multiple databases. Articles were included if patients sustained a lesser tuberosity fracture without a concomitant proximal humerus fracture. There were no restrictions on age, type of treatment, fragment displacement, time to presentation, or associated injuries.

RESULTS

One thousand six hundred forty-four records were screened for eligibility of which 71 studies were included (n = 172). Surgical treatment was provided to 50 of 62 (81%) pediatric patients, 49 of 66 (74%) adults, and 34 of 44 (77%) patients with an associated posterior shoulder dislocation. In the pediatric group, the mean of PROMs was 94 (range 70-100) and among adults 89 (range 85-100). In the posterior shoulder dislocation group, 89% did not regain full range of motion and the complication rate was 17%. In pediatric patients, surgery was associated with fewer complications (P = .021) compared to nonoperative treatment.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric patients have excellent outcomes after lesser tuberosity fractures and respond well to surgical treatment. Adults have acceptable outcomes but patients with an associated posterior shoulder dislocation have impaired range of shoulder movement and are more likely to develop complications.

Humeral lesser tuberosity avulsion fractures - magnetic resonance imaging characteristics in the pediatric population

BACKGROUND

Avulsion fractures of the humeral lesser tuberosity are rare injuries in skeletally immature patients and can pose a diagnostic challenge that often leads to delayed identification.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the demographics, mechanism of injury and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of lesser tuberosity avulsion fractures in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective search of children with lesser tuberosity avulsion fractures on MRI was done. Available radiographs were evaluated. Demographics, mechanism of injury, MRI characteristics and treatment were recorded.

RESULTS

Thirteen children, all male, were included (median age: 13.8 years, range: 12.5-16.8 years). The most common mechanism was blunt, overhead or hyperextension traumatic injury related to sports. All patients were skeletally immature and 10/13 demonstrated isolated avulsion fractures at the footprint. Only one patient had associated osteochondral injury to the humeral head and labral tear. Two children demonstrated medial dislocation/subluxation of the biceps tendon. The median size of the avulsed fragment was 15 mm (range: 5-29 mm), median anteroposterior displacement was 3 mm (range: 0-6 mm) and medial displacement was 1 mm (range: 0-20 mm). There was no correlation between age and the size of the avulsed fragment (P=0.29). Common injury patterns were complete avulsion of the subscapularis footprint (6/13) and partial avulsion of inferior footprint (6/13). Two-thirds of the radiographs were initially reported as normal, but retrospectively showed two missed fractures. One of the initial radiographs raised concern for bone tumor. The best view for identifying an avulsion fragment was the axillary view. Seven patients of the 13 patients underwent internal fixation.

CONCLUSION

Avulsion fractures of the lesser tuberosity are rare, challenging to diagnose and often radiographically occult. MRI can identify the injury at the subscapularis tendon footprint with variable size and displacement. The long head of the biceps tendon is usually normal in location. Although this entity is rare, radiologists should be aware of it to allow for correct and prompt diagnosis and prevent unnecessary biopsy or contrast administration.

Knotless Arthroscopic Repair of Subscapularis Avulsion Fracture Using a Single Anterior Portal

Proximal humerus lesser tuberosity avulsions are uncommon injuries; however, when present, they can be debilitating for patients. As such, they pose a unique clinical challenge. These fractures were traditionally treated through an open approach to the proximal humerus; however, arthroscopic techniques continue to evolve and are increasingly used for these types of injuries. We describe our minimally invasive arthroscopic technique to repair lesser tuberosity avulsions using standard arthroscopic equipment. This method is safe, efficient, and applies basic shoulder arthroscopic techniques.

A Narrative Review on Avulsion Fractures of the Upper and Lower Limbs

Avulsion fractures compromise function and movement at the affected joint. If left untreated, it can lead to deformity, nonunion, malunion, pain, and disability. The purpose of this review was to identify and describe the epidemiology and available treatment options for common avulsion fractures of the upper and lower extremities. Current evidence suggests that optimal treatment is dependent on the severity of the fracture. Conservative efforts generally include casting or splinting with a period of immobilization. Surgery is typically indicated for more severe cases or if nonoperative treatments fail; patient demographics or preferences and surgeon experience may also play a role in decision making. Some avulsion fractures can be surgically managed with any one of various techniques, each with their own pros and cons, and often there is no clear consensus on choosing one technique over another; however, there is some research suggesting that screw fixation, when possible, may offer the best stability and compression at the fracture site and earlier mobilization and return to function. Physicians should be mindful of the potential complications associated with each intervention.

Chronic lesser tuberosity avulsion in an adolescent with an associated biceps pulley injury

We report a case of a 15-year-old boy with chronic intermittent left shoulder pain due to an undiagnosed lesser tuberosity avulsion fracture, an associated biceps pulley injury and intra-articular dislocation of the long head of the biceps tendon. Lesser tuberosity avulsion fractures are rare injuries that are difficult to detect on clinical exam and radiographically, which may lead to delayed diagnosis and chronic shoulder instability. Few reports describe dislocations or subluxations of the biceps tendon in association with lesser tuberosity avulsions in children. We utilize this case to emphasize the importance of MR not only in detecting lesser tuberosity avulsions, but also in evaluating biceps pulley injuries, which are a rarely reported, but clinically important, association.

Arthroscopic Repair of an Isolated Subscapularis Tendon Rupture in an Adolescent Patient

Arthroscopic repair of an isolated subscapularis tendon rupture has been previously described in the adult population; however, the technique has yet to be described in a pediatric patient. In this Technical Note, we describe an arthroscopic repair of an isolated subscapularis tendon rupture with concomitant mini-open suprapectoral biceps tenodesis in an adolescent patient. Standard anterior and posterior portals are established with an accessory portal in the anterosuperior angle of the acromion. A 0-PDS suture is used to pass strands of suture tape through the inferolateral and superolateral aspects of the subscapularis tendon. Suture tape is passed through a suture anchor and the accessory portal and is fixated at the junction of the inferior one-third and superior two-thirds of the subscapularis tendon footprint and at the junction of the superior one-third and inferior two-thirds of the subscapularis tendon footprint. Following subscapularis tendon fixation, biceps tenodesis is performed through either a mini-open subpectoral or arthroscopic suprapectoral approach. This described technique allows for full visualization of the subscapularis tendon and lesser tuberosity. Additionally, this technique allows for accurate placement of suture anchors to maximize footprint coverage and appropriate graft tensioning.

Shoulder Injuries in the Overhead-Throwing Athlete: Epidemiology, Mechanisms of Injury, and Imaging Findings

The unparalleled velocity achieved by overhead throwers subjects the shoulder to extreme forces, resulting in both adaptive changes and pathologic findings that can be detected at imaging. A key biomechanical principle of throwing is achieving maximum external rotation, which initially leads to adaptive changes that may result in a pathologic cascade of injuries. In addition to the well-established concepts of glenohumeral internal rotation deficit and internal impingement, osseous and soft-tissue injuries of the shoulder unique to overhead athletes are illustrated. The epidemiology and biomechanics of throwing injuries are reviewed, and examples from the authors' institutional experience with competitive, collegiate, and professional baseball players are provided to demonstrate the constellation of unique imaging findings seen in overhead throwing athletes. Given the widespread popularity of baseball, and other sports relying on overhead throwing motions at all playing levels from recreational to professional, it is important for radiologists in various practice settings to be familiar with the special mechanisms, locations, and types of shoulder injuries seen in the overhead throwing population. ^© RSNA, 2018.