Arthroscopic subacromial decompression: results and factors affecting outcome.

Arthroscopic subacromial decompression was performed on 114 patients with rotator cuff impingement who had not responded to nonoperative measures. None of the patients had a full-thickness cuff tear. Patients with associated instability, symptomatic acromioclavicular joint disease, or ruptures of the long head of biceps were not included. Results were determined by questioning patients about their satisfaction with the outcome of surgery and by functional assessment of the shoulder with the parameters of pain, ability to perform daily activities, and range of motion according to the Constant scoring system. When reviewed at a mean interval of 19 months after surgery, 85 patients (75%) were satisfied with the outcome. Pain scores improved by an average of 8.6 points; "activities of daily living" scores improved by an average of 5.8 points; range-of-motion scores improved by an average of 3.6 points. The improvements in all 3 parameters scored were significant (P < .05). The following variables were statistically analyzed to assess their influence on final outcome: age, sex, occupation, duration of symptoms before surgery, dominance of the affected shoulder, outcome of the impingement test, state of the cuff, and experience of the surgeon performing the operation. The duration of symptoms before surgery was the most significant predictor of outcome. Symptoms of prolonged duration were associated with an unsatisfactory subjective results (P < .01) and with smaller improvements in the parameters of the Constant score (P < .001). Recovery after arthroscopic subacromial decompression and eventual outcome were related to the extent of cuff damage. Patients with partial thickness tears or fraying of the cuff had a delayed return to work (P < .001) and were found to have smaller increases in the pain and range-of-motion scores (P < .05). A satisfactory subjective result was most often associated with a positive impingement test (P < .05). Unsatisfactory outcomes were associated with a questionable diagnosis and lack of clear evidence of impingement at arthroscopy, inadequate decompression of the subacromial space, or the presence of calcium deposits in the rotator cuff.

Arthroscopic partial resection of the scapula for snapping scapula: a new technique.

We describe a new method of arthroscopic bony surgery to the superomedial corner of the scapula in patients with painful snapping caused by bony impingement. Seven patients who had failed conservative treatment were monitored prospectively. In 5 patients we used 3-dimensional computed tomography as a diagnostic aid. The condition was successfully managed in 6 cases. One procedure was abandoned because of intraoperative swelling; there was 1 minor wound infection. In all cases the operation relieved symptoms. Two of the 5 patients scanned had narrowing of the superomedial interval. The advantages of this technique are in cosmesis and early rehabilitation, and the early results are good. Provided due care is taken in portal placement, complications should be minimal. Three-dimensional reconstruction computed tomography scanning may be useful in some patients to show narrowing between the superomedial corner and the chest wall, but we cannot at present recommend its routine use.

Three-dimensional gradient-echo MR imaging of the knee: comparison with arthroscopy in 100 patients.

To compare the findings on magnetic resonance (MR) images of the knee obtained with a three-dimensional gradient-echo (GRE) sequence with findings at arthroscopy, the menisci, cruciate ligaments, and hyaline cartilage were assessed in 100 patients. At MR imaging (performed by means of fast imaging with steady-state precession) and arthroscopy, the menisci (n = 200) and areas of hyaline cartilage (n = 500) were assigned grades of zero (normal) to three (greatest abnormality). The cruciate ligaments were considered intact, partially torn, or completely torn. The sensitivity of MR imaging in diagnosis of meniscal tears seen at arthroscopy was 97% and the specificity, 94%. For complete tears of the anterior cruciate ligament, the sensitivity was 92% and specificity, 96%. In the posterior cruciate ligament, both the sensitivity and specificity were 100%. Good correlation existed between findings at MR imaging and those at arthroscopy in assessment of focal thinning and full-thickness loss of hyaline cartilage, but arthroscopy enabled superior visualization of minor fissuring. Three-dimensional GRE MR imaging enables accurate assessment of the articular cartilage of the knee. The evaluation of meniscal tears and the cruciate ligaments has a high negative predictive value.

Fixation of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur. A randomised prospective comparison of the gamma nail and the dynamic hip screw.

We have prospectively compared the fixation of 100 intertrochanteric fractures of the proximal femur in elderly patients with random use of either a Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) or a new intramedullary device, the Gamma nail. We found no difference in operating time, blood loss, wound complications, stay in hospital, place of eventual discharge, or the patients' mobility at final review. There was no difference in failure of proximal fixation: cut-out occurred in three cases with the DHS, and twice with the Gamma nail. However, in four cases fracture of the femur occurred close to the Gamma nail, requiring further major surgery. In the absence of these complications, union was seen by six months in both groups.

Bone scan appearances after uncemented hip replacement.

Persistent increased uptake on a technetium bone scan after a cemented hip replacement usually indicates pathology, either loosening or infection. The natural history of scan appearances in uncemented replacements is different and can be predicted from a plain X-ray. The diagnostic value of a bone scan is therefore questionable when investigating pain after uncemented hip replacement.

Scoliosis in neurofibromatosis. The natural history with and without operation.

We reviewed 47 patients with neurofibromatosis and dystrophic spinal deformities; 32 of these patients had been untreated for an average of 3.6 years and in them the natural history was studied. The commonest pattern of deformity at the time of presentation was a short angular thoracic scoliosis, but with progression the angle of kyphosis also increased. Deterioration during childhood was usual but its rate was variable. Severe dystrophic changes in the apical vertebrae and in particular anterior scalloping have a poor prognosis for deterioration. The dystrophic spinal deformity of neurofibromatosis requires early surgical stabilisation which should be by combined anterior and posterior fusion if there is an abnormal angle of kyphosis or severely dystrophic apical vertebrae. Some carefully selected patients can be treated by posterior fusion and instrumentation alone.

The Chiari pelvic osteotomy. A review of the long-term results.

We report the clinical and radiographic results of the Chiari pelvic osteotomy in 49 hips (45 patients) at an average of 14 years after operation. Of these hips, over half had minimal or no pain, had good or excellent results as assessed by the Harris hip score, and could walk at least three miles; three-quarters, however, had a positive Trendelenburg sign. A younger age at operation and a painless hip with no radiographic evidence of degeneration before operation were associated with a higher hip score at review. The percentage of hips without degenerative changes fell from 68% before operation to 15% at final review. There were no major complications and it was found that a Chiari osteotomy need not interfere with normal childbirth.

Lambrinudi triple arthrodesis: a review with particular reference to the technique of operation.

The purpose of this article is to describe the technique of performing the Lambrinudi triple arthrodesis. The only change from the way the technique was first described by Lambrinudi in 1972 is the use of staples to hold the correction, once the appropriate sections of bone have been removed. Thirty-three feet in 28 patients have been reviewed. The etiology of their problems, their previous surgeries, and the outcome were reviewed, with an average follow-up of 3.6 years after the operation. All operations were done for pain, deformity, or both. The operative steps are illustrated, and three complications are described.

Arthrography of the shoulder after operative repair of the torn rotator cuff.

Double-contrast shoulder arthrograms were performed in 20 patients at an average of 30 months after operative repair of a torn rotator cuff. In 18 out of 20 shoulders the contrast medium leaked into the subacromial bursa indicating a defect in the rotator cuff. Despite this, 17 patients had complete relief of pain and 15 had a full range of shoulder elevation. The results suggest that a completely watertight closure is not essential for a good functional result, and that arthrography may not be helpful in the investigation of failure of repair.

Simple lateral release in treatment of tennis elbow.

The records of 340 patients with a clinical diagnosis of tennis elbow were surveyed and the results of conservative treatment assessed. Of 157 patients successfully treated by local steroid injections, 92% achieved their good result after one or two injections. Repeated injections were not helpful. Simple lateral release of the common extensor origin was carried out on 42 elbows in 37 patients. Thirty-seven elbows in 32 patients were personally reviewed. Satisfactory pain relief was achieved in 33 elbows (89%). There were no significant complications.

Chondrosarcoma of the thumb. A case report of treatment with preservation of function.

A case of chondrosarcoma of the thumb treated by excision and reconstruction with a free bone graft is reported. The patient regained excellent function. The indication for this method of conservative resection is discussed.

Effects of vascular occlusion on the femoral head in growing rabbits.

Temporary vascular occlusion of the femoral head in 6-week-old rabbits was produced by a closed means in a hip spica; the hips were maintained for 24 h in the position of flexion, abduction and internal rotation. All animals developed necrosis of the capital femoral epiphysis, best seen histologically at 2 weeks, and this subsequently recovered. Despite marked histological changes only one hip developed radiographic changes.

Operative treatment of chronic ruptures of the rotator cuff of the shoulder.

The results of 63 operative repairs of chronic tears of the rotator cuff in 61 patients are reviewed retrospectively; the mean follow-up was 32.7 months. Fifty-four patients presented with symptoms of persistent pain and seven patients with gross loss of movement. All the patients had failed to respond to conservative treatment. Results were assessed in terms of relief of pain, restoration of movement, the patients' ability to return to work and whether they were satisfied with the results. Overall, a good result in terms of relief of pain was achieved in 40 shoulders. In 31 shoulders (30 with pain and one without pain) the operation included particular measures to decompress the subacromial space; 26 of the patients achieved relief of pain which was significantly better than in those patients whose operation did not include a decompression. The complications and failures are discussed. It is suggested that operative repair of the chronically torn rotator cuff of the shoulder is a worthwhile operation and that the operation should include an adequate decompression of the subacromial space.