Lateral tibial plateau autograft in revision surgery for failed medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Revision surgery for failed unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) with bone loss is challenging. Several options are available including cement augmentation, metal augmentation, and bone grafting. The aim of the present study was to describe a surgical technique for lateral tibial plateau autografting and report mid-term outcomes. METHODS: Eleven consecutive patients (median age 69.5 years) affected by posteromedial tibial plateau collapse after medial UKA were enrolled in the present study. The delay between UKA and revision surgery was 21 months (range 15-36 months). All patients were revised with a cemented posterior-stabilized implant, with a tibial stem. Medial tibial plateau bone loss was treated with an autologous lateral tibial plateau bone graft secured with two absorbable screws. All patients were evaluated with the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), visual analogue scale for pain (VAS), and complete radiographic evaluation. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 60 months (range 36-84 months), the OKS improved from 21.5 (range 16-26) to 34.5 (range 30-40) (p < 0.01) and the median VAS score improved from 8.0 (range 5-9) to 5.5 (range 3-7) (p < 0.01). No intraoperative complications were recorded. Partial reabsorption of the graft was observed in two cases at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Lateral tibial plateau bone autograft is an alternative to metal wedge or cement augments in the treatment of medial plateau collapse after UKA. Primary fixation of the tibial plateau autograft can be achieved with absorbable screws and a tibial-stemmed implant. Further comparative studies with a larger series may be helpful to draw definitive conclusions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series, Level IV.

Scapular position after the open Latarjet procedure: results of a computed tomography scan study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate, through a computed tomography (CT) scan analysis, the effects of the Latarjet procedure on scapular position in an axial plane. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty healthy young male subjects (mean age, 22 years; range, 18-27 years) were enrolled as a control group. Twenty young male patients (mean age, 23 years; range, 17-30 years) with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation were enrolled as the study group. CT cuts at a proper level allowed the identification of an α angle, which defined the tilt of the scapula relative to the anterior-posterior axis. RESULTS: In the control population, the α angles on the right and left shoulders were 48° (44°-52°) and 48° (44°-54°), respectively. In the study group, the preoperative α angles at the affected and healthy shoulders were 49° (46°-52°) and 49° (44°-52°), respectively. At day 45, the corresponding angles were 45° (40°-50°) and 49° (46°-52°). At 6 months, the average α angle of the shoulder operated on was 52° (46°-58°). The α angle value was restored in 5 cases, increased in 9 cases (mean, 8°), and decreased in 6 cases (mean, 3°). CONCLUSION: A general symmetry of scapular position was observed during CT scan analysis. This balance was lost initially after the Latarjet procedure, with a decrease of the α angle and scapular protraction. Six months after surgery, a small trend toward scapular retraction was conversely observed; however, the data were not statistically significant.

The treatment of type III acromioclavicular dislocations with a modified Cadenat procedure: surgical technique and mid-term results.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of type III acromioclavicular injuries is controversial. Both conservative and surgical approaches have been successful. Aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the results of the modified Cadenat procedure in subjects with type III acromioclavicular joint injuries. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with acute type III acromioclavicular joint dislocations (mean age 31 years) were prospectively enrolled in the present study. The delay between the injury and the surgery varied between 4 and 19 days, with an average of 8.3 days. All patients were evaluated both preoperatively and postoperatively with radiographs and clinically with visual analog scale and Constant score. A modified Cadenat procedure was performed in all cases. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were evaluated at an average follow-up of 72 months. One patient had a re-dislocation 3 years after surgery. At the last follow-up, average visual analog scale score of was 0.96 (range 0-3), while mean constant score was 94.32 (range 90-99) and 92 % of patient were very happy or happy with their functional result. Radiographs showed complete reduction in 22 patients and loss of reduction in two cases. No major complications were recorded. INTERPRETATION: This is the first clinical report on a modified Cadenat procedure. This operation has a reduced morbidity if compared to other techniques involving autologous grafts. Moreover, it yielded good functional results, with complete pain relief, and full strength recovery at mid-term follow-up. No major loss of reduction or recurrence of instability was observed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4, Case series.