La rotación axial de la clavícula que plantea la maniobra de Mulligan ¿produce una reducción de la presión en el espacio subacromial? Un estudio ex vivo exploratorio / Does the axial rotation of the clavicle posed by the Mulligan maneuver produce a pressure reduction in the subacromial space? An exploratory ex vivo study

RESUMEN: El pinzamiento de hombro es la principal causa del hombro doloroso. Dentro de las estrategias terapéuticas propuestas se encuentra la terapia manual. En este contexto, la maniobra de Mulligan, implica una rotación axial en sentido anterior de la clavícula, emulando la acción del músculo subclavio, lo cual hipotéticamente aumentaría el espacio subacromial. Sin embargo, no existen antecedentes que proporcionen sustento experimental a dicha hipótesis. El objetivo del presente estudio fue explorar si la rotación axial de la clavícula, producida por la maniobra de Mulligan, tiene efecto sobre la presión registrada en el espacio subacromial, con el propósito disponer de antecedentes metodológicos que puedan contribuir al diseño de futuros estudios que aborde la problemática expuesta y consideren un mayor tamaño de muestra. Mediante un estudio exploratorio ex-vivo, se evaluaron dos preparados anatómicos que comprendían la escapula, la clavícula y los dos tercios proximales del humero, ambos con indemnidad de la articulación glenohumeral y acromioclavicular. En estos se registraron la presión en el espacio subacromial y la rotación axial de la clavícula, todo durante la realización de una maniobra de rotación axial clavicular en sentido anterior. Se analizaron las diferencias de presión entre una condición basal y durante la maniobra, como también la máxima rotación axial de clavícula. Dichas variables fueron registradas mediante un sensor de presión y un sistema de análisis de movimiento. La presión en el espacio subacromial durante la maniobra, disminuyó en todas las repeticiones en un rango comprendido entre el 21-51 % de la presión basal. La máxima rotación axial registrada estuvo entre los 3.9-10°. Los resultados de este estudio exploratorio, dan pie para hipotetizar que la maniobra de rotación axial anterior de la clavícula produce una disminución de la presión subacromial, en el área comprendida inmediatamente bajo el acromion.

SUMMARY: Shoulder impingement is the main cause of shoulder pain. Manual therapy is one of the proposed therapeutic strategies. In this context, the Mulligan maneuver implies anterior axial rotation of the clavicle, emulating the action of the subclavius muscle, which hypothetically would increase the subacromial space. However, there are no antecedents that provide experimental support for this hypothesis. The objective of the present study was to explore whether the axial rotation of the clavicle, produced by the Mulligan maneuver, has an effect on the pressure registered in the subacromial space, with the purpose of having methodological antecedents that can contribute to the design of future studies that address the problem exposed and consider a larger sample size. Through an ex-vivo exploratory study, two anatomical preparations comprising the scapula, clavicle, and proximal two-thirds of the humerus, both with glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joint sparing, were evaluated. In these, the pressure in the subacromial space and the axial rotation of the clavicle were recorded, all during the performance of an anterior clavicular axial rotation maneuver. Pressure differences between a basal condition and during the maneuver were analyzed, as well as the maximum axial rotation of the clavicle. These variables were recorded using a pressure sensor and a movement analysis system. The pressure in the subacromial space during the maneuver decreased in all repetitions in a range between 21-51% of the basal pressure. The maximum axial rotation recorded was between 3.9-10°. The results of this exploratory study give rise to the hypothesis that the anterior axial rotation maneuver of the clavicle produces a decrease in subacromial pressure, in the area immediately below the acromion.

Modified Spring Plate for Treatment of Unstable Distal Clavicle Fractures

PURPOSE: Unstable distal clavicle fractures should be treated surgically but may be difficult in firm fixation because of small distal fragment. Although a variety of fixation methods have been currently used, none of the methods seem to be firm fixation and little pain. We present a new technique using a spring plate which was modified from one third tubular plate and report the early results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Modified spring plate was made from one third tubular plate and the distal hole of the plate was cutting and sharpened by rasp. The sharp edge was bent just like an animal claw (C shape). Between May 2007 and June 2009, a total of six patients with distal clavicle fracture were treated using modified spring plate. A sling was applied in the immediate post operative period for six weeks and exercises were started immediately. RESULTS: Union was achieved in all cases with excellent results without complication (mean Constant score, 96). All patients had returned to ordinary daily activities but mild limitation of abduction (150 degrees ) by seven weeks after surgery. After six months, the plate was removed. CONCLUSION: The modified spring plate has provided stable fixation for unstable distal clavicle fixation without disturbance to the acromioclavicular joint, subacromial space, or rotator cuff.