Modified Latarjet splitting subscapularis muscle under arthroscopy: an anatomical study based on axillary nerve, glenoid, and subscapularis muscle / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To testify the spatial relationship between the subscapularis muscle splitting window and the axillary nerve in modified arthroscopic Latarjet procedure, which could provide anatomical basis for the modification of the subscapularis muscle splitting.@*METHODS@#A total of 29 adult cadaveric shoulder specimens were dissected layer by layer, and the axillary nerve was finally confirmed to walk on the front surface of the subscapularis muscle. Keeping the shoulder joint in a neutral position, the Kirschner wire was passed through the subscapularis muscle from back to front at the 4 : 00 position of the right glenoid circle (7 : 00 position of the left glenoid circle), and the anterior exit point (point A, the point of splitting subscapularis muscle during Latarjet procedure) was recorded. The vertical and horizontal distances between point A and the axillary nerve were measured respectively.@*RESULTS@#In the neutral position of the shoulder joint, the distance between the point A and the axillary nerve was 27.37 (19.80, 34.55) mm in the horizontal plane and 16.67 (12.85, 20.35) mm in the vertical plane.@*CONCLUSION@#In the neutral position of the shoulder joint, the possibility of axillary nerve injury will be relatively reduced when radiofrequency is taken from the 4 : 00 position of the right glenoid (7 : 00 position of the left glenoid circle), passing through the subscapularis muscle posteriorly and anteriorly and splitting outward.

Trans-subscapularis approach for treatment of Ideberg type Ⅰa scapular glenoid fractures / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the trans-subscapularis approach in the treatment of Ideberg type Ⅰa scapular glenoid fractures.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted in the 16 patients with Ideberg type Ⅰa scapular glenoid fracture who had been treated via the trans-subscapularis approach at Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from December, 2012 to August 2019. X-ray follow-ups were conducted at 2 weeks, 6 to 8 weeks, 3 months and 12 months, and CT follow-ups at 6 to 8 weeks after operation. The Constant-Murley score and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used at the last follow- up to evaluate the postoperative shoulder function and pain in the patients.Results:The 16 patients were followed up for 9 to 101 months (average, 41.2 months). All fractures achieved bony union after 6 to 8 months (average, 6.8 weeks). The Constant-Murley scores at the last follow-up ranged from 85 to 100 points; the lateral internal rotation scores averaged 8.3 points (from 6 to 10 points), showing the level of the T12 spinous process could be palpated by the back of the hand; the VAS scores averaged 0. No patients reported internal fixation failure, postoperative infection or other complications.Conclusion:The trans-subscapularis approach can be used to treat Ideberg type Ⅰa scapular glenoid fractures due to its satisfactory clinical effects.

Early outcomes of arthroscopic repair of obsolete traumatic subscapularis tears / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To study the early effect of arthroscopy in the treatment of obsolete traumatic subscapularis tears.Methods:A retrospective case series study was used to analyze the clinical data of 28 patients with obsolete traumatic subscapularis tears admitted to Second People 's Hospital of Changzhou City from July 2017 to July 2020，including 16 males and 12 females，aged 47-72 years［（60.5±6.3）years］. According to Lafosse classification，the injury size was upper one third tear in 9 patients，upper half tear in 18 and complete tear in 1. According to Patte classification of the degree of retraction，4 patients were with no retraction，7 with retraction to the level of the lesser tuberosity，14 with retraction to the level of the humeral head，and 3 with retraction to the level of the glenoid. According to Goutallier classification，the level of fatty infiltration was at grade 0-1 in 17 patients，at grade 2 in 10 and at grade 3-4 in 1. All patients were repaired by arthroscopic surgery. The wound healing was observed at 2 weeks postoperatively. The visual analogue score（VAS），University of California at Los Angeles（UCLA）shoulder rating score，shoulder active forward elevation（AFE），active external rotation（AER），active internal rotation（AIR）were assessed before operation and at 3 months and 6 months postoperatively. Six months after operation，reexamination of the front and side view of the shoulder and MRI of the shoulder were performed to assess the recovery of the subscapular tendon. Results:All patients were followed up for 6-12 months［（8.7±1.3）months］. All wounds healed 2 weeks after operation，with no infection occurred. The VAS was（3.5±0.7）points and（2.6±0.5）points at 3 months and 6 months postoperatively，lower than（6.3±1.2）points before operation（ P<0.01）. The UCLA score was（20.4±2.5）points and（25.6±6.2）points at 3 months and 6 months postoperatively，higher than（9.5±1.7）points before operation（ P<0.01）. The preoperative range of motion of the affected shoulder in AFE，AER and AIR was（80.2±12.6）°，（52.5±7.6）°，（3.7±1.2）°，respectively. Three months after operation，the range of motion was（113.2±7.5）°，（60.1±6.3）°，（6.8±1.6）°，respectively. Six months after operation，the range of motion was（122.3±15.2）°，（65.6±10.5）°，（7.8±2.3）°，respectively. The range of motion of the affected shoulder at 3 months and 6 months postoperativley was better than that before operation（ P<0.01）. Six months after operation，MRI showed good recovery in 27 patients，while a small re-tear in 1 patient（Goutallier classification grade 3）. Conclusion:For patients with obsolete traumatic subscapularis tears，arthroscopic repair can significantly relieve the pain，and recover range of motion and function of the joint.

Diagnostic accuracy of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging for detecting subscapularis tendon tears: a diagnostic test study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for making the diagnosis of subscapularis tears presents wide variation in the literature and there are few prospective studies. OBJECTIVE: To compare the findings from MRI and arthroscopy for diagnosing subscapularis tears. DESIGN AND SETTING: Diagnostic test study performed in a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: We included patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and who had firstly undergone high magnetic field MRI without contrast. The images were independently evaluated by a shoulder surgeon and two musculoskeletal radiologists. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy and inter and intra-observer agreement were calculated. RESULTS: MRIs on 200 shoulders were evaluated. The incidence of subscapularis tears was 69.5% (41.5% partial and 28.0% full-thickness). The inter and intra-observer agreement was moderate for detection of subscapularis tears. The shoulder surgeon presented sensitivity of 51.1% to 59.0% and specificity of 91.7% to 94.4%. The radiologists showed sensitivity of 83.5% to 87.1% and specificity of 41% to 45.9%. Accuracy ranged from 60.5% to 73.0%. CONCLUSION: The 1.5-T MRIs without contrast showed mean sensitivity of 70.2% and mean specificity of 61.9% for detection of subscapularis tears. Sensitivity was higher for the musculoskeletal radiologists, while specificity was higher for the shoulder surgeon. The mean accuracy was 67.6%, i.e. lower than that of rotator cuff tears overall.

Estudio comparativo de la distancia coracohumeral en pacientes con patología degenerativa del subescapular y una población voluntaria asintomática / Comparative analysis of the coracohumeral distance between patients with degenerative subscapularis tendon pathology and a normal age-matched population

INTRODUCCIÓN: El pinzamiento subcoracoideo secundario a una distancia coracohumeral (DCH) disminuida, ha sido descrito como una posible etiología de las lesiones degenerativas del tendón del Subescapular (SSC), sin embargo, esa teoría aún es controversial. OBJETIVO: Evaluar si existe una diferencia significativa entre la DCH promedio de pacientes con patología degenerativa del SSC y un grupo control. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se diseñó un estudio de casos-controles y se estableció un tamaño muestral mínimo de 36 casos por grupo. De nuestra base de datos, y dentro de un periodo de 6 meses, se rescataron 46 Resonancias Magnéticas (RM) de hombro con patología degenerativa avanzada y/o roturas del SSC (grupo SSC). El grupo control fue conformado por 36 RM realizadas a voluntarios asintomáticos sin patología del mango rotador. Se incluyeron en ambos grupos solo pacientes entre 40 y 60 años. Se utilizó prueba de t para determinar las diferencias entre 2 grupos con un nivel de confianza del 95%. RESULTADOS: La edad promedio del grupo SSC fue 50,1 6,1 años y del grupo control 51,7 6,8 años, no existiendo diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre ambos (p » 0.43). La DCH promedio en el grupo SSC fue 8,58 mm [IC: 7,95­9,21 mm], y en el grupo control fue 11,04 mm [IC: 10,05­12,04 mm]. Al comparar la DCH, se encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre grupos (p » 0,00048). CONCLUSIÓN: Nuestros resultados respaldan la existencia de una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre una DCH disminuida y la presencia de patología degenerativa del SSC. NIVEL DE EVIDENCIA: III (Estudio de casos y controles).

BACKGROUND: The incidence of subscapularis tears is increasing as diagnostic imaging and arthroscopic technology improves. Decreased coracohumeral distance (CHD) with associated Subcoracoid Impingement is thought to be one, potential etiology for these lesions. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify the association between reduced CHD and degenerative pathology of the subscapularis tendon. METHODS: A comparative case-control study was performed. The sample size required to determine significance was calculated to be 36 cases. In total, 46 patients with severe degenerative SSC tendinopathy or subscapularis tears on magnetic resonance imaging (MR) were collected consecutively from our database (SSC group). The control group consisted of 36 asymptomatic volunteers undergoing shoulder MR. Only patients between 40 and 60 years of age were included. An independent t-test was used to determine the statistical significance between the two groups (with a 95% level of confidence). RESULTS: No statistically relevant difference was found between the average age of the two groups (50.1 6.1 and 51.7 6.8; p » 0.43). In the control group, the mean CHD was found to be 11.04 mm [CI:10.05­12.04 mm] and was 8.58 mm [CI: 7.95­9.21 mm] in the subscapularis group. The statistical analysis, comparing the CHD showed a significant difference between groups (p » 0.00048). CONCLUSION: This study supports the conclusion that degenerative subscapularis pathology is associated with narrowed coracohumeral distance, when compared with an asymptomatic age-matched group. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III (case-control study).

Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in rotator cuff pathologies

Background: Stability to the shoulder joint which has great range of motility, is provided by the rotator cuff, the coraco-acromial arch and the glenoid labrum along with the capsule and glenohumeral ligaments. The common disorders involving the rotator cuff tendons include impingement, tendinopathies and tears. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has good spatial resolution for identifying tendon edema and tears in the rotator cuff. Aim and objectives: To describe the MRI characteristics of rotator cuff pathologies. To describe the rotator cuff pathologies in terms of age, gender, symptomatology and predisposing factors among the study population. Materials and methods: The study was performed in the Department of Radiodiagnosis, NRI General Hospital, Chinakakani, Guntur from September 2015 to August 2017 and comprises of 100 patients with suspected rotator cuff pathologies who were referred for MRI shoulder. Results: The age distribution of patients with rotator cuff abnormalities was in the range of 21 and 74 years. The most commonly affected was supraspinatus tendon followed by subscapularis and infraspinatus tendons. Among the rotator cuff abnormalities the frequently encountered finding was tendinosis followed by partial tears. Conclusion: Magnetic Resonance Imaging is very useful in depicting rotator cuff disease in patients with painful, weak or stiff shoulder for prompt and accurate diagnosis.

Rotating Arm Internally Can Change the Arthroscopic Diagnosis of a Partial-thickness Tear of the Subscapularis

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were (1) to examine the footprint of the subscapularis tendon using the traditional posterior portal and 30° arthroscope by simple internal rotation of the arm during surgery, and (2) to classify the pattern of a subscapularis partial-thickness tear. METHODS: This study analyzed a total of 231 patients with a partial-thickness subscapularis tear from 550 consecutive patients undergoing an arthroscopic operation who had a visualization of the subscapularis tendon footprint by internal rotation of the arm. First, the patients were classified into four categories according to the tear pattern: (1) stable lamination, (2) unstable lamination, (3) avulsion, and (4) laminated avulsion. Randomized arthroscopic videos were reviewed blindly by two independent orthopedic surgeons. The pattern of the tear of the subscapularis at the neutral position and after internal rotating the arm were assessed and compared with the treatment decision (level IV case series). RESULTS: Stable lamination, unstable lamination, avulsion, and laminated avulsion were observed in 9.1% (n=21), 20.8% (n=48), 41.1% (n=95), and 29.0% (n=67) of cases, respectively. In 145 out of 231 cases (62.8%), the decision was changed after inspecting the footprint after internal rotation of the arm, and the treatment method was changed in 116 (50.2%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: In a subscapularis tendon partial-thickness tear, inspecting the footprint of the subscapularis tendon is essential to diagnosing and deciding on the appropriate treatment. In addition, simply internal rotating the arm during surgery when using the traditional posterior portal and 30° arthroscope can be a valuable method.

Descriptive Study for Sonographic Morphology of the 1st Facet of Subscapularis Footprint / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to document the sonographic morphology of the subscapularis footprint, particularly the 1st facet, of the non-pathologic subscapularis tendon and footprint, and analyze the correlation between the size of the 1st facet and the demographic variables. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2015 and December 2017, retrospectively data analysis was performed for the ultrasound (US) scans of 115 consecutive shoulder (mean age 53.4 years, range 23–74 years) with non-pathologic subscapularis tendon and footprint. The sonographic findings of the 1st facet of the subscapularis footprint was a very unique, flat, broad, and plane angle in the upward direction, which were distinguished from the other facets. On US, the transverse (medio-lateral) and longitudinal (superior-inferior) length of the 1st facet on axis of the humerus shaft were recorded. The demographic variables, including age, site, body height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and arm length, were reviewed. RESULTS: On US, the mean transverse length of the 1st facet was 12.75 mm (range 10.54–14.50 mm, standard deviation [SD] 0.712) and the mean longitudinal length was 12.22 mm (range 9.20–13.30 mm, SD 0.888). The transverse and longitudinal length of the size of the 1st facet were significantly greater in males than in females (p<0.001, p=0.001). Of the demographic data (body height, weight, BMI, arm length) that showed a significant positive linear correlation, the correlation with body height (transverse r=0.749, p<0.001; longitudinal r=0.642, p<0.001) showed the strongest relationship, and the correlation with the BMI was weakly related. The relationships between the size of the 1st facet to site/age were not statistically significant or appeared to have no linear correlation. CONCLUSION: The structural and morphologic features of the 1st facet of the subscapularis footprint on the US were identified. This will provide anatomic knowledge of an US examination for subscapularis tendon pathology.

A Correlation Study of Clinical Outcomes by Quantification of Fatty Degeneration of the Subscapularis: Partial vs. Whole Cross-section

BACKGROUND: Fatty degeneration of rotator cuff is a well-known predictor of postoperative outcome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical features of rotator cuff tears involving subscapularis, and investigate whether fatty degeneration quantified from only the upper subscapularis correlates better with clinical outcomes than quantified from the whole subscapularis. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 315 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic repair for rotator cuff tears involving subscapularis with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Preoperative and postoperative visual analogue score for pain, range of motion and functional scores were assessed. Integrity of the repaired tendon was assessed at the 1-year follow-up with either magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasonography. RESULTS: The mean Goutallier grade of whole cross-section was significantly lower than that of upper cross-section (1.59 vs. 1.71, p<0.05), but significantly higher than that of lower cross-section (1.59 vs. 1.01, p<0.05). In analysis of 37 re-tears, the occupancy of severe fatty degeneration in upper cross-section was 86.5%, which was significantly higher than that seen in whole cross-section (56.8%, p<0.05). We calculated the cut-off tear size for prediction of re-tears as 19.0 mm for retraction and 11.0 mm for superior-inferior. The cut-off Goutallier grade was 2.5 for both whole and upper cross-sections, but area under the curve was greater in the upper cross-section than the whole (0.911 vs. 0.807). CONCLUSIONS: As fatty degeneration of upper subscapularis demonstrated a more distinct spectrum than whole subscapularis, we suggest that measuring fatty degeneration of upper subscapularis can be a more useful method to predict clinical prognosis.

Evaluation of the Subscapularis Tendon Tears on 3T Magnetic Resonance Arthrography: Comparison of Diagnostic Performance of T1-Weighted Spectral Presaturation with Inversion-Recovery and T2-Weighted Turbo Spin-Echo Sequences

OBJECTIVE: To compare the T1-weighted spectral presaturation with inversion-recovery sequences (T1 SPIR) with T2-weighted turbo spin-echo sequences (T2 TSE) on 3T magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) in the evaluation of the subscapularis (SSC) tendon tear with arthroscopic findings as the reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 120 consecutive patients who had undergone MRA within 3 months between April and December 2015. Two musculoskeletal radiologists blinded to the arthroscopic results evaluated T1 SPIR and T2 TSE images in separate sessions for the integrity of the SSC tendon, examining normal/articular-surface partial-thickness tear (PTTa)/full-thickness tear (FTT). Diagnostic performance of T1 SPIR and T2 TSE was calculated with arthroscopic results as the reference standard, and sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were compared using the McNemar test. Interobserver agreement was measured with kappa (κ) statistics. RESULTS: There were 74 SSC tendon tears (36 PTTa and 38 FTT) confirmed by arthroscopy. Significant differences were found in the sensitivity and accuracy between T1 SPIR and T2 TSE using the McNemar test, with respective rates of 95.9–94.6% vs. 71.6–75.7% and 90.8–91.7% vs. 79.2–83.3% for detecting tear; 55.3% vs. 31.6–34.2% and 85.8% vs. 78.3–79.2%, respectively, for FTT; and 91.7–97.2% vs. 58.3–61.1% and 89% vs. 78–79.3%, respectively, for PTTa. Interobserver agreement for T1 SPIR was almost perfect for T1 SPIR (κ = 0.839) and substantial for T2 TSE (κ = 0.769). CONCLUSION: T1-weighted spectral presaturation with inversion-recovery sequences is more sensitive and accurate compared to T2 TSE in detecting SSC tendon tear on 3T MRA.

Comparison of Two Arthroscopic Coracoplasty Approaches in Subscapularis Tears

BACKGROUND: Few studies have reported the results of arthroscopic coracoplasty concomitantly conducted with subscapularis tear. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine and compare the outcomes of arthroscopic subscapularis repair after arthroscopic coracoplasty using either the subacromial approach or rotator interval approach. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 51 patients who underwent coracoplasty with subscapularis repair. The patients were grouped according to whether the subacromial approach group (24 patients) or rotator interval approach group (27 patients) was used during coracoplasty. Preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale scores, American shoulder and elbow surgeons scores, Korean shoulder scores, and range of motion (ROM) were assessed. Assessment of repaired rotator cuff tendon integrity was performed at 1 year after surgery using either magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasonography. RESULTS: At final follow-up, overall functional scores and ROM improved significantly in both groups when compared with preoperative values (p>0.05). The re-tear rates were not significantly different between groups; however, the rotator interval approach group showed a significant increase in ROM compared with that in the subacromial approach group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic coracoplasty conducted concomitantly with subscapularis repair can provide a satisfactory outcome. There were no significant differences between the two approach groups regarding final functional scores and re-tear rates. However, the rotator interval approach group showed a greater increase in ROM at final follow-up, especially in external rotation.

Comparison of Two Arthroscopic Coracoplasty Approaches in Subscapularis Tears

BACKGROUND: Few studies have reported the results of arthroscopic coracoplasty concomitantly conducted with subscapularis tear. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine and compare the outcomes of arthroscopic subscapularis repair after arthroscopic coracoplasty using either the subacromial approach or rotator interval approach. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 51 patients who underwent coracoplasty with subscapularis repair. The patients were grouped according to whether the subacromial approach group (24 patients) or rotator interval approach group (27 patients) was used during coracoplasty. Preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale scores, American shoulder and elbow surgeons scores, Korean shoulder scores, and range of motion (ROM) were assessed. Assessment of repaired rotator cuff tendon integrity was performed at 1 year after surgery using either magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasonography. RESULTS: At final follow-up, overall functional scores and ROM improved significantly in both groups when compared with preoperative values (p>0.05). The re-tear rates were not significantly different between groups; however, the rotator interval approach group showed a significant increase in ROM compared with that in the subacromial approach group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic coracoplasty conducted concomitantly with subscapularis repair can provide a satisfactory outcome. There were no significant differences between the two approach groups regarding final functional scores and re-tear rates. However, the rotator interval approach group showed a greater increase in ROM at final follow-up, especially in external rotation.

Arthroscopic Evaluation of Subluxation of the Long Head of the Biceps Tendon and Its Relationship with Subscapularis Tears

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the angle between the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) and the glenoid during arthroscopic surgery and its correlation with biceps subluxation on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Furthermore, we evaluated the relationship of this angle with subscapularis tears and biceps pathologies. METHODS: MRI and arthroscopic images of 270 consecutive patients who had undergone arthroscopic surgery were retrospectively evaluated. On MRI, 60 shoulders with biceps subluxation and 210 shoulders without subluxation were identified. On the arthroscopic view from the posterior portal, the angle between the LHBT and the glenoid (biceps-glenoid angle) was measured. The biceps-glenoid angle, tears of the LHBT, degenerative superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions, and presence of a subscapularis tear were compared according to the presence of biceps subluxation on MRI. RESULTS: In the subluxation group, 51 (85%) had a subscapularis tendon tear and all shoulders showed biceps tendon pathologies. In the non-subluxation group, 116 (55.2%) had a subscapularis tendon tear, 125 (60%) had tears in the biceps tendon, and 191 (91%) had degenerative SLAP lesions. The incidences of subscapularis tears (p < 0.001) and biceps pathologies (p < 0.001) showed significant differences. The mean biceps-glenoid angle was 87.0° (standard deviation [SD], 11.4°) in the subluxation group and 90.0° (SD, 9.6°) in the non-subluxation group, showing a statistically significant difference (p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Shoulders with subluxation of the biceps tendon on the preoperative MRI revealed more pathologies in the subscapularis tendon and biceps tendon during arthroscopy. However, the arthroscopically measured biceps-glenoid angle did not have clinical relevance to the determination of subluxation of the LHBT from the bicipital groove.

Clinical and Structural Outcomes of Arthroscopic Intraarticular Knotless Fixation for Upper Subscapularis Tendon Tears: A Preliminary Report

BACKGROUND: A novel technique for the repair of tears of the upper subscapularis tendon—intraarticular knotless fixation—has been introduced recently. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and structural outcomes of arthroscopic intraarticular knotless fixation for the treatment of upper subscapularis tendon tears. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and radiological outcomes of 27 patients who underwent arthroscopic intraarticular knotless fixation for upper subscapularis tendon tears. Finally, a total of 10 patients who could participate in at least a 6 month follow-up of magnetic resonance imaging evaluation and in a least 1-year follow-up on an outpatient basis were enrolled in our study. The mean age at the time of operation was 60.7 years, and the mean duration of follow-up was 14.7 months. Two patients had concomitant tears of the supraspinatus tendon and 8 patients had concomitant tears of the supraspinatus and the infraspinatus tendons. RESULTS: The clinical and radiological outcomes improved after the patients had undertaken arthroscopic intraarticular knotless fixation. The mean visual analogue scale score for pain during motion improved from 6.7 preoperatively to 1.4 at the final follow-up (p<0.001). The mean Constant score improved from 59.3 preoperatively to 79.6 at the final follow-up, and the mean the University of California at Los Angeles score, from 21.7 to 30.2, respectively (p<0.001 and p<0.001). The upper subscapularis tendon tear was healed in every patient except one (90%), for the patient had suffered from a postoperative trauma that resulted in a retear. CONCLUSIONS: We found that arthroscopic intraarticular knotless fixation gives good clinical and structural outcomes for the repair of upper subscapularis tendon tears. Arthroscopic intraarticular knotless fixation provided such a reliable and efficient restoration of the subscapularis tendon footprint that we anticipate it will become a widely-used procedure for upper subscapularis tendon tears.

Clinical and Structural Outcomes of Arthroscopic Intraarticular Knotless Fixation for Upper Subscapularis Tendon Tears: A Preliminary Report

BACKGROUND: A novel technique for the repair of tears of the upper subscapularis tendon—intraarticular knotless fixation—has been introduced recently. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and structural outcomes of arthroscopic intraarticular knotless fixation for the treatment of upper subscapularis tendon tears. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and radiological outcomes of 27 patients who underwent arthroscopic intraarticular knotless fixation for upper subscapularis tendon tears. Finally, a total of 10 patients who could participate in at least a 6 month follow-up of magnetic resonance imaging evaluation and in a least 1-year follow-up on an outpatient basis were enrolled in our study. The mean age at the time of operation was 60.7 years, and the mean duration of follow-up was 14.7 months. Two patients had concomitant tears of the supraspinatus tendon and 8 patients had concomitant tears of the supraspinatus and the infraspinatus tendons. RESULTS: The clinical and radiological outcomes improved after the patients had undertaken arthroscopic intraarticular knotless fixation. The mean visual analogue scale score for pain during motion improved from 6.7 preoperatively to 1.4 at the final follow-up (p<0.001). The mean Constant score improved from 59.3 preoperatively to 79.6 at the final follow-up, and the mean the University of California at Los Angeles score, from 21.7 to 30.2, respectively (p<0.001 and p<0.001). The upper subscapularis tendon tear was healed in every patient except one (90%), for the patient had suffered from a postoperative trauma that resulted in a retear. CONCLUSIONS: We found that arthroscopic intraarticular knotless fixation gives good clinical and structural outcomes for the repair of upper subscapularis tendon tears. Arthroscopic intraarticular knotless fixation provided such a reliable and efficient restoration of the subscapularis tendon footprint that we anticipate it will become a widely-used procedure for upper subscapularis tendon tears.

Estimation of role of ultrasound and MRI in the examination of shoulder joint.

Background: To recognize different pathologies affecting the shoulder joint with the help ultrasound and MRI scans and to evaluate the features, pattern and extension of the different pathologies affecting the shoulder joint with help of ultrasound and MRI scans so as to help the clinician for further management. Aim: To estimate role of ultrasound and MRI in examination of shoulder joint. Material and methods: Study comprised of an observational hospital based study. Out of 65patients, 20 underwent only ultrasound investigation, 25 underwent only MRI scans whereas 20 patients were evaluated by ultrasound and MRI. These were performed by 3-5 MHZ curvilinear probe and 8-10 MHZ linear probe on HD 7 and HD 9 Philips ultrasound machines and 1.5 T Philips MRI machine. MR arthrography was performed as a follow up in some of the patients in outside centre. Results: USG study also showed that the most commonly occurring rotator cuff tears were supraspinatus tears whereas alone infrspinatus and subscapularis tears were very rare. MRI study showed supraspinatus tears Were the most frequently occurring in the rotator cuff whereas subscapularis and infraspinatus tears were the most commonly occurring rotator cuff tears were supraspinatus tears whereas alone infraspinatus and subscapularis tears were very rare. MRI study showed supraspinatus tears were the most frequently occurring in the rotator cuff whereas subscapularies and infraspinatus tears were rare. MRI is 100% confirmative in almost all cases of Rotator cuff tears but may sometimes need extra imaging by MR arthrography in partial bursal tears. Conclusion: Rotator cuff tears are the most common pathologies affecting the shoulder joint according to this study. It was proved that, there is no evident difference in the accuracy of ultrasound and MRI in detecting this pathology, even though MRI has proved to be more accurate in evaluating almost all other pathologies as compared to ultrasound.

Sonographic Evaluation of Subscapularis Tendon Tears with Surgical Correlation.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of ultrasound in detecting subscapularis tendon pathology with operative correlation. Methodology: A retrospective study was conducted on 86 patients who had shoulder ultrasound prior to surgical repair from January 2006 to August 2008. All sonographic examinations and surgical reports were reviewed. Sonographic evaluation of subscapularis tendon, including normal, tendinosis, partial thickness tear, full thickness tear, and complete tear were correlated to operative reports. Results: Of the 86 patients, 19 patients had surgically proven abnormal subscapularis tendons. There was 100% ultrasound concordance in tendinosis (n = 1), 100 % ultrasound concordance in partial thickness tears (n =3), 88 % ultrasound concordance in full thickness tears (n = 8), 57 % ultrasound concordance in complete tears (n = 7). Overall, there was 79% ultrasound concordance in diagnosing subscapularis tendon pathology when surgery is used as a gold standard. Conclusion: Ultrasound is useful in the evaluation of the subscapularis tendon. The sonographic findings of tendinosis and partial thickness tears correlate best with surgery. However, ultrasound may underestimate complete tears.

Diagnostic value of MRI symptoms of bursa hydrops in the subscapularis recess for shoulder adhesive capsulitis / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic values of MRI symptoms of bursa hydrops in the subscapularis recess in patients with shoulder adhesive capsulitis. Methods The MRI image of 157 cases recieved from September 2012 to March 2014 were retrospectively ana-lyzed. The 62 cases who were diagnosed as adhesive capsulitis in the freezing phase were regarded as the adhesive capsulitis group; the 31 cases of partial tear of rotator cuff were regarded as the rotator cuff tear group;and the other 64 cases who were undiagnosed were regareded as the control group. The presence of fluid distension of the bursa in the subscapularis recess were evaluated on the T2-weightedfat-saturated images. Results Symptoms of bursa hydrops in the subscapularis recess were found in 55 patients (55/62) with shoulder adhesive capsuli-tis, 4 patients (4/31) with superior cuff tear, and 5 patients (5/64) in the control group. The mean diagnostic values were:veracity 0. 90;sensibility 0. 89;specificity 0. 91;positive predictive value 0. 86; negative predictive value 0. 92. Symptoms of bursa hydrops in the sub-scapularis recess have a good consistency with arthroscopic or pathological results (P<0. 001). Conclusion The MRI symptoms of bursa hydrops in the subscapularis recess has an important diagnostic value for the confirmation of shoulder adhesive capsulitis.

Arthroscopic Changes of the Biceps Pulley in Rotator Cuff Tear and Its Clinical Significance in Relation to Treatment

BACKGROUND: In the case of rotator cuff tears, the biceps pulley can be stressed by the unstable biceps tendon, and this can subsequently affect the stability of the subscapularis tendon. Therefore, it is important to distinguish between normal variations and lesions of the biceps pulley that affect anterosuperior lesions in cases of rotator cuff tears. METHODS: From January 2002 through November 2010, we observed biceps pulley and associated anterosuperior lesions in 589 of 634 cases (93%) of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, including 72 cases (12.2%) of small tears, 219 cases (37.2%) of medium tears, 134 cases (22.8%) of large tears, and 164 cases (27.8%) of massive tears. We classified normal stretched biceps pulleys as type I, stretched biceps pulleys with mild changes as type II, those with a partial tear as type III, and torn pulleys as type IV. RESULTS: We were able to classify 589 cases of biceps pulleys as type I, II, III, or IV associated lesions in rotator cuff tears. Type I was seen in 91 cases (15.4%), type II in 216 cases (36.7%), type III in 157 cases (26.7%), and type IV in 101 cases (17.1%); unidentified cases numbered 24 (4.1%). Nearly three-quarters, 73.3%, of the cases (432/589) had associated anterosuperior lesions, and combined treatment for the associated lesions was administered in 29.2% (172/589) of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Biceps pulley lesions with more than partial tears were identified in 48% of rotator cuff tear cases. The incidence and severity of pulley lesions were related to the rotator cuff tear size, the status of the long head of the biceps tendon and subscapularis tendon lesion, and the treatment methods.

Arthroscopic Percutaneous Repair of Anterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tear Including Biceps Long Head: A 2-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND: To report the results of an arthroscopic percutaneous repair technique for partial-thickness tears of the anterosuperior cuff combined with a biceps lesion. METHODS: The inclusion criteria were evidence of the upper subscapularis tendon tear and an articular side partial-thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon, degeneration of the biceps long head or degenerative superior labrum anterior-posterior, above lesions treated by arthroscopic percutaneous repair, and follow-up duration > 24 months after the operation. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, constant score, the pain level on a visual analogue scale, ranges of motion and strength were assessed. RESULTS: The mean (+/- standard deviation) age of the 20 enrolled patients was 56.0 +/- 7.7 years. The forward flexion strength increased from 26.3 +/- 6.7 Nm preoperatively to 38.9 +/- 5.1 Nm at final follow-up. External and internal rotation strength was also significantly increased (14.2 +/- 1.7 to 19.1 +/- 3.03 Nm, 12.3 +/- 3.2 to 18.1 +/- 2.8 Nm, respectively). Significant improvement was observed in ASES and constant scores at 3 months, 1 year and the time of final follow-up when compared with preoperative scores (p < 0.001). The mean subjective shoulder value was 86% (range, 78% to 97%). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of complete rotator cuff repair with concomitant tenodesis of the biceps long head using arthroscopic percutaneous repair achieved full recovery of normal rotator cuff function, maximum therapeutic efficacy, and patient satisfaction.