Arthroscopic rotator interval closure by purse string suture for symptomatic inferior shoulder instability

Arthroscopic Capsular Plication for Multidirectional Shoulder Instability in Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Patients

Patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome commonly present with painful shoulder disorders mostly represented by a multidirectional instability and with often painless episode of atraumatic shoulder dislocation and/or subluxation. Because of the generalized soft tissue fragility, most of the surgical treatments of shoulder instability, as the Bankart repair or the Latarjet procedure becomes not effective, exposing a risk of failure. Then, capsular plication has to be considered in order to reduce the articular joint volume and to diminish the mobility of the joint. Two main benefits of this surgical procedure are that it doesn't modify the anatomy or damage the labrum or cartilage that is healthy. The purpose of this Technical Note is to present the arthroscopic capsular plication for the treatment of patient with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which is associated with a multidirectional shoulder instability.

Postoperative Rehabilitation of Multidirectional Instability Surgery: A Systematic Review

Multidirectional instability (MDI) of the shoulder is managed with surgery when conservative rehabilitation fails. The optimal postsurgical management of MDI is not well understood. The purpose of this study is to create a systematic review evaluating postsurgical rehabilitation protocols treating MDI. Articles were included if a postsurgical rehabilitation protocol was described following surgical treatment for MDI. Identified articles underwent 2 phases of screening by blinded team members. Remaining articles had their level of evidence determined by a predefined grading system, ranging from levels I to V. Articles with evidence levels I to IV were included in analysis. Of the 163 articles identified in the literature, 9 were included in this study. Surgical techniques examined in these articles include capsular plication, rotator interval closure, and capsular shift. Rehabilitation protocols were evaluated for duration of treatment and physical therapy modalities. Article results were evaluated for subjective and objective measures of protocol success. Overall, there is a lack of evidence to indicate the optimal rehabilitation protocol post-MDI surgery. Further research is needed to compare rehabilitation protocols following specific surgical procedures to determine their effect on postsurgical patient outcomes.

Multidirectional Shoulder Instability With Bone Loss and Prior Failed Latarjet Procedure: Treatment With Fresh Distal Tibial Allograft and Modified T-Plasty Open Capsular Shift

Recurrent multidirectional shoulder instability (MDI) is a challenging clinical problem, particularly in the setting of connective tissue diseases, and there is a distinct lack of literature discussing strategies for operative management of this unique patient group. These patients frequently present with significant glenoid bone loss, patulous and abnormal capsulolabral structures, and a history of multiple failed arthroscopic or open instability procedures. Although the precise treatment algorithm requires tailoring to the individual patient, we have shown successful outcomes in correcting recurrent MDI in the setting of underlying connective tissue disorders by means of a modified T-plasty capsular shift and rotator interval closure in conjunction with distal tibial allograft bony augmentation. The purpose of this Technical Note was to describe a technique that combines a fresh distal tibial allograft for glenoid bony augmentation with a modified T-plasty capsular shift and rotator interval closure for the management of recurrent shoulder MDI in patients presenting with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or other connective tissue disorders after failed Latarjet stabilization.

Outcomes After Arthroscopic Rotator Interval Closure for Shoulder Instability: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

(1) To systematically assess the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic rotator interval closure (RIC) procedures for shoulder instability and (2) to report the different technical descriptions and surgical indications for this procedure.

METHODS

Two independent reviewers searched 4 databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane) from database inception until October 15, 2017. The inclusion criteria were studies that reported outcomes of shoulder stabilization using arthroscopic RIC as an isolated or adjunctive surgical procedure. The methodologic quality of studies was assessed with the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies tool and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system for randomized controlled trials.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies met our search criteria (524 patients). Of the studies, 12 were graded Level IV evidence; 2, Level III; and 1, Level II. Six different RIC technique descriptions were reported, with 2 studies not defining the details of the procedure. The most common method of RIC was arthroscopic plication of the superior glenohumeral ligament to the middle glenohumeral ligament (8 of 15 studies). The most commonly used patient-reported outcome measure was the Rowe score, with all studies reporting a minimum postoperative score of 80 points. The rate of return to preinjury level of sport ranged from 22% to 100%, and the postoperative redislocation rate ranged from 0% to 16%.

CONCLUSIONS

The indications for RIC were poorly reported, and the surgical techniques were inconsistent. Although most studies reported positive clinical results, the heterogeneity of outcome measures limited our ability to make definitive statements about which types of rotator interval capsular closure are warranted for select subgroups undergoing arthroscopic shoulder stabilization.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level II through IV studies.

Achilles and tail tendons of perlecan exon 3 null heparan sulphate deficient mice display surprising improvement in tendon tensile properties and altered collagen fibril organisation compared to C57BL/6 wild type mice

The aim of this study was to determine the role of the perlecan (Hspg2) heparan sulphate (HS) side chains on cell and matrix homeostasis in tail and Achilles tendons in 3 and 12 week old Hspg2 exon 3 null HS deficient (Hspg2^{Δ3 − ∕Δ3 −}) and C57 BL/6 Wild Type (WT) mice. Perlecan has important cell regulatory and matrix organizational properties through HS mediated interactions with a range of growth factors and morphogens and with structural extracellular matrix glycoproteins which define tissue function and allow the resident cells to regulate tissue homeostasis. It was expected that ablation of the HS chains on perlecan would severely disrupt normal tendon organization and functional properties and it was envisaged that this study would better define the role of HS in normal tendon function and in tendon repair processes. Tail and Achilles tendons from each genotype were biomechanically tested (ultimate tensile stress (UTS), tensile modulus (TM)) and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen (hydroxyproline) compositional analyses were undertaken. Tenocytes were isolated from tail tendons from each mouse genotype and grown in monolayer culture. These cultures were undertaken in the presence of FGF-2 to assess the cell signaling properties of each genotype. Total RNA was isolated from 3–12 week old tail and Achilles tendons and qRT-PCR was undertaken to assess the expression of the following genes Vcan, Bgn, Dcn, Lum, Hspg2, Ltbp1, Ltbp2, Eln and Fbn1. Type VI collagen and perlecan were immunolocalised in tail tendon and collagen fibrils were imaged using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FGF-2 stimulated tenocyte monolayers displayed elevated Adamts4, Mmp2, 3, 13 mRNA levels compared to WT mice. Non-stimulated tendon Col1A1, Vcan, Bgn, Dcn, Lum, Hspg2, Ltbp1, Ltbp2, Eln and Fbn1 mRNA levels showed no major differences between the two genotypes other than a decline with ageing while LTBP2 expression increased. Eln expression also declined to a greater extent in the perlecan exon 3 null mice (P < 0.05). Type VI collagen and perlecan were immunolocalised in tail tendon and collagen fibrils imaged using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This indicated a more compact form of collagen localization in the perlecan exon 3 null mice. Collagen fibrils were also smaller by TEM, which may facilitate a more condensed fibril packing accounting for the superior UTS displayed by the perlecan exon 3 null mice. The amplified catabolic phenotype of Hspg2^{Δ3 − ∕Δ3 −} mice may account for the age-dependent decline in GAG observed in tail tendon over 3 to 12 weeks. After Achilles tenotomy Hspg2^{Δ3 − ∕Δ3 −} and WT mice had similar rates of recovery of UTS and TM over 12 weeks post operatively indicating that a deficiency of HS was not detrimental to tendon repair.

The "Purse-string" Technique for Shoulder Stabilization, Description of the Technique, Long term Results and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Over the last 2 decades arthroscopic stabilization and Bankart repair has gained popularity due to the advances in materials and surgical techniques. Results of arthroscopic stabilization have been similar to open without the risks of it. The number of anchors used has been suggested to be very important in "spot-weld" arthroscopic stabilization however the "purse-string" technique (PST) can achieve similar results using only one anchor. We describe technique and long term results from using the PST and search the literature for other papers regarding PST.

METHODS

Between 2003 and 2013 a total of 193 patients were operated. Patients included those with anterior instability. Using PubMed relevant studies reporting results of PST were identified.

RESULTS

Mean follow up was 2 (range 0.5 to 3) years. 9 (4.7%) patients experienced recurrent instability. Almost all patients (97%) returned to their sporting and leisure activities and all professional athletes went back to the same sport. One more UK centre reported 6.1% recurrence in 114 patients at 4 years follow up. These results are similar to the published 11% recurrence of instability after "spot-weld" arthroscopic techniques at 11 years clinical follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that PST is safe and effective alternative method for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability. In this technique with one anchor simultaneous repair of labrum, creation of an anterior bumper and capsular shift can be achieved. It has the advantage of being cheaper, faster yet efficient with good long term results and leaves space for revision anchors in case of recurrence.

Arthroscopic plication for multidirectional instability: 50 patients with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up

BACKGROUND

Treatment of patients who have not improved after physiotherapy for multidirectional instability (MDI) remains challenging, with no agreed best practice. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether arthroscopic plication is safe and effective for these patients.

METHODS

Fifty consecutive patients who had not improved after at least 6 months of specialized shoulder physiotherapy for symptomatic MDI and no labral lesion at arthroscopy underwent arthroscopic plication between 2006 and 2013. Outcome measures were preoperative and postoperative Oxford Instability Scores (OIS), recurrence of instability, return to work and sport, surgical complications, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

The study comprised 32 male and 18 female patients, with a mean age of 26 years (range, 16-46 years). Complete OISs were available in 43 of 50 patients, and 41 patients had good or excellent postoperative OIS. The mean OIS was 16.2 preoperatively compared with 42.5 postoperatively (P < .001). There was no difference in OIS improvement between male and female patients (P = .962) or in those aged younger than 25 years vs. older than 25 years (P = .789). Patients with Beighton scores of 4 to 9 showed smaller OIS improvement (P = .030) and were less likely to achieve excellent postoperative OISs (P = .010). There were 2 patients with recurrent instability. All patients successfully returned to work, and 45 of 50 patients returned to the same level of sport. Surgical complications were shoulder stiffness in 1 patient that resolved with physiotherapy and 1 superficial wound infection that was successfully treated with flucloxacillin. Forty-seven of 50 patients were satisfied.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic plication is a safe and effective treatment for MDI in patients without labral lesions who have not improved after 6 months of specialized shoulder physiotherapy.

Biomechanical effects of rotator interval closure in shoulder arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Subscapularis dysfunction remains a significant problem after shoulder arthroplasty. Published techniques have variable recommendations for placing a rotator interval closing suture in attempts to off-load the subscapularis repair site, the implications of which have yet to be examined in the literature. The goals of this study were to investigate the biomechanical benefit of the rotator interval closing suture on the subscapularis repair strength and to analyze the effect on shoulder range of motion.

METHODS

Sixteen matched cadaveric shoulders underwent a subscapularis tenotomy and shoulder arthroplasty. The subscapularis tenotomy was repaired, and motion at physiologic torsional force was recorded. One of each matched pair was randomly assigned to receive an additional rotator interval closure suture. Each specimen then underwent a standardized cyclic loading with measurement of gap formation and load to failure.

RESULTS

The rotator interval closing suture significantly increased the ultimate load to failure of the subscapularis repair (452 N vs. 219 N; P = .002) and decreased gap formation at the subscapularis repair site. Measurement of the shoulder motion showed no significant difference between shoulders with and without the rotator interval closing suture.

DISCUSSION

We report the additional biomechanical benefit that the rotator interval closing suture provides to the subscapularis repair site after shoulder arthroplasty. This suture acts to improve the load to failure of the subscapularis repair and to decrease gap formation under cyclic load. Furthermore, it does not detrimentally affect shoulder external rotation or overall arc of rotation. Our findings support the application of this off-loading technique after subscapularis repair during shoulder arthroplasty.

Biomechanical effects of anterior capsular plication and rotator interval closure in simulated anterior shoulder instability

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a stepwise arthroscopic anterior plication and arthroscopic-equivalent rotator interval (RI) closure on glenohumeral range of motion, kinematics, and translation in the setting of anterior instability.

METHODS

Six cadaveric shoulders were stretched to 10 % beyond maximum external rotation (ER) to create an anterior shoulder instability model. Range of motion, kinematics, and glenohumeral translations were recorded for the following conditions: (1) intact, (2) stretched, (3) after anterior capsular plication, and (4) after RI closure.

RESULTS

The total range of motion after capsular stretching increased significantly in the 60° abduction position (p = 0.037). Average ER and total rotation were significantly decreased from the intact and stretched conditions by both repair conditions at 60° and 0° of glenohumeral abduction (p < 0.05), with no significant difference between plication and additional RI closure. At 0° abduction and 0° ER, glenohumeral translation decreased significantly from the stretched condition after RI closure with 10 and 15 N anterior and 10 N posterior loads (p < 0.05). At 30° ER, translation after RI closure was significantly less than both the intact and stretched conditions with 10 N anterior loads (p = 0.009; p = 0.004). These changes in translational stability were not seen with plication alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Anterior capsular plication reduced glenohumeral range of motion back to the intact state, and often tighter. RI closure did not contribute significantly to the reduction in the range of motion, but had implications regarding glenohumeral translation. Caution should be taken when performing anterior plication and combined repairs to avoid overtightening. Intraoperative translations could be useful when debating RI closure in patients with unidirectional anterior glenohumeral instability.

Multidirectional instability of the shoulder: biomechanics, clinical presentation, and treatment strategies

Multidirectional instability (MDI) of the shoulder is a condition where the dislocation occurs in more than one direction with minimal or no causative trauma. Its pathoanatomy is complex and characterized by a redundant capsule, resulting in increased glenohumeral joint volume. The fact that several further factors may contribute to symptom onset complicates the diagnosis and hampers the identification of a therapeutic approach suitable for all cases. There is general agreement that the initial treatment should be conservative and that surgery should be reserved for patients who have not responded to an ad hoc rehabilitation program. We review the biomechanics, clinical presentation, and treatment strategies of shoulder MDI.

Does surgery followed by physiotherapy improve short and long term outcome for patients with atraumatic shoulder instability compared with physiotherapy alone? - protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial

Background

Shoulder instability is a common problem affecting young adults. Stabilization surgery followed by physiotherapy rehabilitation has been shown to reduce the chance of further episodes of shoulder dislocation and to improve quality of life in patients who sustain a shoulder dislocation as a result of a high collision trauma, but it is unclear if surgical intervention is beneficial for patients with atraumatic shoulder instability who have structural damage at the shoulder. The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial is to determine if the addition of surgical intervention to physiotherapy rehabilitation improves outcomes for patients with atraumatic shoulder instability who have sustained soft tissue damage at their joint.

Methods/Design

140 participants will be recruited. Patients with feelings of insecurity (apprehension) at their shoulder joint, which is not the result of a collision injury, with physical signs of shoulder joint instability will be invited to participate. Consenting participants will undergo arthroscopic investigation of the shoulder joint. Patients with capsulolabral damage will be randomly allocated using a concealed allocation procedure to either stabilization surgery immediately following the arthroscopic examination or no additional surgical procedure. All participants will then receive the same postoperative physiotherapy protocol for up to 6 months. Outcomes (pain, functional impairment and number of shoulder dislocations sustained) will be evaluated prior to surgery and, together with participant-reported improvement, again at 6, 12 and 24 months after randomization. The primary endpoint will be pain and functional impairment at 2 years. Participants, clinical staff (but not surgeons) and assessors will be blind to whether stabilization surgery was performed. Data analysis will be conducted on an intention-to-treat basis with the focus on estimation of the effect.

Discussion

This trial will have a direct and immediate impact on clinical decision making by establishing if patients presenting with soft tissue shoulder damage associated with atraumatic shoulder instability should be referred for stabilization surgery before commencing physiotherapy rehabilitation in order to ensure optimal outcome. This in turn will ensure effective, efficient use of scarce health resources to manage this common often disabling musculoskeletal condition.

Trial registration

Study was registered with National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials Protocol Registration System in December 2012.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01751490.

Magnetic resonance imaging in glenohumeral instability

The glenohumeral joint enables tremendous range of motion at the expense of stability. Functional stability is maintained by the synchronous coordination of complex static and dynamic structures. Symptomatic glenohumeral instability most often results from injury to the inferior labral-ligamentous complex, the primary passive stabilizer of the shoulder. This article reviews the structures important in glenohumeral stabilization and illustrates their normal appearances and the abnormalities associated with anterior, posterior, and multidirectional instability. These lesions are discussed in the context of therapeutic decision making.