Two rotator cuff tear repair techniques for sovraspinatus tendon tear: transosseous sharc-ft vs single row repair

Background:

Despite rotator cuff repair techniques have developed significantly in last decade, pushed by the progress in technology and materials, the treatment of rotator cuff tears and re-tears is still a big challenge for shoulder surgeons. The aim of this study is to perform clinical and radiological evaluation (ultrasound and MRI) of patients treated with transosseous sharc-ft, and single row techniques for sovraspinatus rotator cuff tear at 6, 12 and 24 months follow up.

Methods:

Twenty-eight consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic repair for rotator cuff tear were enrolled in the study and divided in two different groups: group A (14 patients) underwent a single row technique repair; group B (14 patients) underwent a transosseous sharc-ft technique repair. All participants had MRI or ultrasound examination confirmed full-thickness tears of sovraspinatus tendon before surgery. All the patients underwent clinical evaluation at 45 days, 3 months, 6 months, 12 and 24 months post-operatively with VAS, Dash, Constant and ASES score. Diagnostic ultrasound examination was performed at 6 months follow up while the MRI examination at 1 and 2 year follow up.

Results:

The whole primary variables didn’t show any significant difference and the groups were homogenous (age, Goutallier fatty infiltration, VAS, DASH, Constant, ASES). Some statistically significant differences are visible at discrete variables in a specific time: Dash at 12 months and Constant at 24 months show a significant improvement versus single-row technique.

Conclusion:

The arthroscopic transosseous repair technique with sharc-ft showed excellent results with little significant statically difference between this technique and the single row for this kind of lesion after 1 year of follow-up. Clinical data from this study confirmed, with the help of ultrasound examination and MRI, the excellent clinical outcome obtained by the patients. Further studies are needed to find differences between these techniques in the repair of large and massive rotator cuff lesions. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Arthroscopic repair of glenoid rim fractures: a ligamentotaxis surgical technique

PURPOSE

Glenoid fractures occur as a result of direct impact of the humeral head against the glenoid rim following high-energy trauma. They frequently involve one-third of the glenoid surface with an oblique fracture rim from 2 to 6-7 o'clock, and they must not be confused with bony Bankart lesions. In medium-age patients, they are frequently associated with acute cuff tear while in older patients with chronic cuff tear: These conditions increase the instability of the shoulder if not treated. With this study, we reported the results of the arthroscopic ligamentotaxis technique treatment of acute antero-inferior glenoid fractures type IA of Ideberg with a cuff repair associated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eleven patients with IA Ideberg glenoid fracture were treated with ligamentotaxis technique. Mean age: 56 years (45-70); 80% dominant side; male/female: 1.2. Mean extension area of glenoid fracture: 25%. The fragment was fixated reinserting the labro-ligamentous complex with a single 2 o'clock anchor. In six patients (55%), a rotator cuff tear was present, repaired during the surgical intervention. Radiological assessment: X-rays and CT with PICO method to measure the glenoid area involved. Clinical assessment: VAS, constant score, Dash score and Rowe score.

RESULTS

After 30 months of follow-up (12-50), no differences in flexion, abduction, rotations and pain were reported compared to the contralateral side (p > 0.05). The mean normalized constant was 101 (60-123), and the mean Rowe was 93 (65-100). X-rays showed good healing without articular surface depressions or step in all cases. Two patients had a progression of gleno-humeral arthritis.

CONCLUSION

Acute antero-inferior glenoid rim fractures are uncommon but they are increasing in over 55 years population (frequently associated with cuff tear). Correct classification and treatment are necessary to achieve good results. The X-ray assessment includes the Neer's trauma series and the CT study with PICO measurement of glenoid fragment size. Wrong treatment can lead to chronic instability, degenerative joint disease and poor results. The arthroscopic repair with ligamentotaxis is a good solution and permits the treatment of the associated rotator cuff tear. Arthroscopic technique imposes a long learning curve. CT can be used to confirm the anatomic reduction and the healing of the fracture but since it uses X-rays it must be reserved to comminuted fractures.

Imaging of the Unstable Shoulder

Background:

Unstable shoulder can occur in different clinical scenarios with a broad spectrum of symptoms and presentations: first-time (or recurrent) traumatic acute shoulder anterior dislocation or chronic anterior instability after repeated dislocations.

Imaging in unstable shoulder is fundamental for choosing the right treatment preventing recurrence.

The goal of imaging depends on clinical scenario and patient characteristics.

Method:

Careful selection and evaluation of the imaging procedures is therefore essential to identify, characterize and quantify the lesions. Proper imaging in unstable shoulder cases is critical to the choice of treatment to prevent recurrence, and to plan surgical intervention.

Results:

In acute setting, radiographs have to roughly detect and characterize the bone defects present. At about 7 days, it is recommended to perform a MR to demonstrate lesions to labrum and/or ligaments and bone defects: in acute setting, the MRA is not necessary, because of effusion and hemarthrosis that behave as the contrast medium.

In recurrence, it is fundamental not only to detect lesions but characterize them for planning the treatment. The first study to do is the MRI (with a magnetic field of at least 1.5 Tesla), and if possible MRA, above all in younger patients. Then, on the basis of the pathologic findings as bipolar lesion or severity of bone defects, CT can be performed. PICO method on 2D or 3D CT is helpful if you need to study a glenoid bone loss, with the “en face view” of glenoid, while a 3D CT reconstruction with the humeral head “en face view” is the gold standard to assess an Hill-Sachs lesion.

Conclusion:

The clinical diagnoses of anterior shoulder instability can be different and acknowledgement of imaging findings is essential to guide the treatment choice.

Imaging features are quite different in chronic than in acute scenario. This requires appropriate indications of many different imaging techniques.

Humeral shaft non-union after intramedullary nailing

BACKGROUND

The humerus shaft is one of the sites with the largest probability of developing pseudoarthrosis after fracture. We present the results of nine patients with atrophic pseudoarthrosis of humeral shaft treated with angular stability plate associated with allograft and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), after a first treatment with intramedullary nail to correct the fracture.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From January 2012 to December 2014, nine patients were treated for atrophic pseudoarthrosis (PSA) of humeral shaft treated previously using intramedullary nail; seven humeral diaphysis fractures were located in the middle-proximal third and two in the middle third. In one case, a reverse shoulder prosthesis implant was associated to treat a co-existent rotator cuff massive lesion. The mean time between injury and treatment of non-union was 32 weeks (min 16-max 180); all patients were evaluated with Constant, DASH and UCLA score.

RESULTS

At the final follow-up (23.7 months), the mean Dash score was 22.25 pt, the Constant score was 64 pt, and the UCLA score value was 27 pt. The average pain value was 2 for the arm interested and 0 into PSA focus. Radiographic healing was obtained at 7 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The humeral shaft non-union is an invalidating problem which affects the daily living. Our treatment with plate, cortical bone graft, and PRP can build a high-stability structure that can help healing and graft integration.

Complex proximal humerus fractures: Hertel's criteria reliability to predict head necrosis

BACKGROUND

The risk of post-traumatic humeral head avascular necrosis (AVN), regardless of the treatment, has a high reported incidence. In 2004, Hertel et al. stated that the most relevant predictors of ischemia after intracapsular fracture treated with osteosynthesis are the calcar length, medial hinge integrity and some specific fracture types. Based on Hertel's model, the purpose of this study is to evaluate both its reliability and weaknesses in our series of 267 fractures, assessing how the anatomical configuration of fracture, the quality of reduction and its maintenance were predictive of osteonecrosis development, and so to suggest a treatment choice algorithm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study, level of evidence IV, was conducted to duly assess the radiographic features of 267 fractures treated from 2004 to 2010 following Hertel's criteria treated with open reduction and internal fixation by angular stability plates and screws. The average age was 65.2 years. The average follow-up was 28.3 ± 17.0 months. The percentage of AVN, the quality and maintenance of reduction obtained during surgery were evaluated.

RESULTS

The AVN incidence was 3.7 %. No significant correlation with gender, age and fracture type was found. At the last follow-up X-ray, only 30 % presented all Hertel's good predictors in the AVN group, 4.7 % in the non-AVN group (p < 0.05). About quality of reduction in the AVN group, it was poor in 50 %; while in the non-AVN group, it was poor in 3.4 % (p < 0.05). Four patients with AVN were symptomatic, and three needed a second surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Hertel's criteria are important in the surgical planning, but they are not sufficient: an accurate evaluation of the calcar area fracture in three planes is required. All fractures involving calcar area should be studied with CT.

Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Tear Transosseous Repair System: The Sharc-FT Using the Taylor Stitcher

Transosseous rotator cuff tear repair was first described in 1944. Over the years, it has represented the gold standard for such lesions. Through open and mini-open approaches, as well as the arthroscopic approach, the transosseous repair system represents one of the most reliable surgical techniques from a biological and mechanical perspective. Nevertheless, further improvements are required. This article describes an arthroscopic rotator cuff tear transosseous repair system, developed in collaboration with NCS Lab (Carpi, Italy): the Sharc-FT using the Taylor Stitcher. Our first experience in the clinical application of the arthroscopic technique using the transosseous suture system has shown encouraging clinical outcomes, confirming its efficacy. The patient satisfaction rate was high, and no patient expressed concern about the implant. The complication rate was very low. By improving the suture technique in the treatment of rotator cuff tears, a remarkable increase in the success rate in the treatment of this pathology could be reached; nevertheless, complications such as retears of the rotator cuff still occur.

Distal radius articular fractures: a comparison between ORIF with angular stability plate and percutaneous Kirschner wires

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To analize and compare vantages and disadvantages in long-term of two different  techniques to treat distal radius articular fractures: ORIF with plate versus percutaneous pinning with K-wires.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed 77 distal radial articular fractures treated surgically from 2005 to 2009. Fractures were divided in two homogeneous groups according to patient age, gender, fracture-type and follow-up. The first group was treated with ORIF using angular stability volar plate, while the second one with closed reduction, K-wires percutaneous pinning and ante-brachial plaster casting. Functional outcomes were assessed with MAYO and DASH score, wrist range-of-movement and handgrip. Radiographic parameters were calculated in the post-operative and long-term x-rays.

RESULTS

ORIF group showed better mean DASH and MAYO score, range of movement and handgrip strength compare to K-wires group. Expecially in type C fractures and in younger patients (&lt;65 years). Minor differences were observed in type B fractures. About complications: two cases of surgically-treated medial nerve compression in ORIF group and one in K-wire group, one case of algodystrophy in K-wire group. Referring to radiographic parameters, long term values show data positive for ORIF.

CONCLUSIONS

Though several studies about these techniques has been performed, but no scientific evidence proves the superiority of one surgical treatment. C-type need to be treated with plate in young patients or in elderly patients with high functional demand. Elderly patients with low functional demand can achieve satisfactory results also with percutaneous pinning, especially in Btype fractures.

The rotator cuff tear repair with a new arthroscopic transosseous system: the Sharc-FT(®)

PURPOSE

Today, in rotator cuff tear repair, the transosseous sutures are considered superior from a biological and biomechanical point of view. Our purpose is to present the early clinical and biomechanical data of a new arthroscopic rotator cuff tear transosseous repair system: the Sharc-FT®.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 34 patients with rotator cuff tear affecting supraspinatus and infraspinatus, 1 to 3 cm wide, were treated and evaluated from 2010 to 2013. The average age was 63.2 years. Mean follow-up was 18.6 months. All patients were assessed through Constant score in the preoperative step and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up, performing an MRI 6 months after surgery.

RESULTS

The patients have shown a mean preoperative Constant score of 24.5 pt that constantly increases after surgery, until a mean value of 86.9 at 12 months. Regarding complications two cases of adhesive capsulitis were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

This device permits to obtain transosseous sutures with cortical fixation; to greatly reduce the problems of lack of bone resistance; to decrease motion at tendon-footprint interface improving fatigue resistance; to make the stress-load distribution homogeneous at the footprint, thus optimizing biological healing. A later evaluation will be necessary, especially for the incidence of retears.

Assessment of bone defects in anterior shoulder instability

Glenohumeral bone defects are a common finding in shoulder instability and they are strongly correlated with recurrence of dislocation and failure following arthroscopic Bankart repair. Most authors agree that open surgery should be considered in the presence of certain conditions: glenoid bone loss > 25%, a lesion involving > 30% of the humeral head, an engaging Hill-Sachs lesion, bipolar bone lesions even without engagement. A careful imaging evaluation must therefore be performed in order to identify, quantify and characterize the bone defects. Even though magnetic resonance has important additional value in the assessment of the glenoid labrum and rotator cuff, computed tomography scan is the examination of choice for studying bone defects. Several methods have been proposed to quantify the extent of the glenoid bone defect; the most accurate ones utilize two-dimensional computed tomography images with multiplanar reconstructions (PICO method) or more sophisticated three-dimensional reconstruction software. Conversely, the literature lacks studies that accurately quantify humeral bone defects and, above all, that demonstrate definitively the clinical and prognostic significance of the lesion location and size.

Displaced mid-shaft clavicular fractures: surgical treatment with a pre-contoured angular stability plate

The treatment for displaced mid-shaft clavicle fracture is highly controversial. In the last years, several biomechanical studies showed better functional results after surgical treatment. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of pre-contoured angular stability plate in this type of fracture. From June 2005 to July 2009, we have surgically treated 89 patients with displaced clavicle fracture. We have reevaluated 68 patients for a total of 70 interventions. Outcomes were assessed with Constant score, Dash questionnaire and X-rays. The mean follow-up period was 2 years. Excellent and good results were achieved for all the patients revaluated. The mean Constant score was 94.1 pt, and DASH score was 4.1. We had two cases of nonunion (2.9 %), while there was no case of infection and vascular or nervous lesions. A review of the international literature indicates that there is not a largely accepted gold standard for the treatment for displaced mid-shaft clavicle fractures. In the last 10 years, biomechanical and clinical studies have shown that nonoperative treatment for this type of fractures, with marked shortening or diastasis of the clavicle superior to 2 cm, may result in lower functional outcomes or higher percentage of nonunion. Nowadays, a lot of surgical options are available for the treatment for displaced mid-shaft clavicle fractures. Our experience with pre-contoured angular stability plates has shown excellent clinical outcome. On the basis of our study, we support the use of pre-contoured angular stability plate.