Intramedullary nailing of humeral shaft fractures: percutaneous nailing in the lateral position through the Neviaser approach is a reliable technique.

BACKGROUND: Displaced humeral shaft fractures are frequently treated by osteosynthesis in the active patient. We aimed to evaluate the results of intramedullary nailing (IMN) in the lateral position with the Neviaser approach and to compare them with those from IMN nailing in the standard position and conventional approach. METHODS: In the retrospectively evaluated, single-center study, we compared 20 cases of long IMN for fractures of the proximal or middle third of the humerus shaft (Multilock; Synthes Laboratory) in the lateral position with the percutaneous Neviaser approach with 52 cases of IMN in the standard position. The mean age of patients was 62 ± 21 years. Clinical outcomes were analyzed: Constant score, subjective shoulder evaluation score and range of motion. Radiographically, entry point at the proximal part of the humerus, the healing rate and the possible association between the critical shoulder angle (CSA) and the correct positioning of the nail were assessed. RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 26 ± 2 months, the healing rate was 89% (64/72) in the overall series, (eight patients in non-union), with no difference between the two groups. The overall mean active anterior elevation (AAE) was 125 ± 22°, mean external rotation (ER1) was 35 ± 17°, and mean internal rotation (IR) was at L3. The mean Constant score was 58 ± 23 and subjective shoulder evaluation score 73 ± 12%. ranges of motion were better in the lateral than standard position group (AAE 133 ± 17 vs. 122 ± 23, P = .03; ER1 47 ± 13 vs. 30 ± 16, P < .001; IR T12 vs. L5, P = .02). The nail was less often protruding in the lateral than standard position group (1/20 [5%] vs. 20/52 [38.5%], P = .002). The nail was better positioned from the anteroposterior view (nail centered: 16/20 [75%] vs. 26/52 [50%], P = .047) and lateral view (nail centered: 18/20 [90%] vs. 34/52 [65.4%], P = .02) in the lateral than standard position group. We found no association between nail position, type of approach and CSA. CONCLUSIONS: In the short-term follow-up, osteosynthesis of humeral shaft fractures by using long IMN in the lateral position with the Neviaser approach is a reliable technique. The positioning of the nail, in particular its entry point, and the clinical results were better with the lateral position and Neviaser approach than with the standard position and conventional approach. Further studies with a larger number of patients, assessment of the learning curve, and analysis of the impact of this technique on comorbidities (unchanged cerebral perfusion) are needed to fully validate this technique.

Standard views do not suffice in assessing distal scaphoid articular cannulated screw penetration.

BACKGROUND: Articular screw penetration is one of the most common hardware-related problems after scaphoid fracture fixation, occurring in up to two-thirds of patients, in particular into the scaphotrapezotrapezoidal (STT) joint. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this clinically important issue could be detected using standard anteroposterior (AP) and lateral, as well as additional nonstandard fluoroscopic views using direct open visualization with magnifying loupes as reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten fresh cadaver wrists were used for this imaging study. A 2.2 mm cannulated compression screws with a length of 24 mm was placed in the scaphoid and incrementally left to protrude at the STT joint up to 2 mm. Eight fluoroscopic views of the wrist were then obtained by rotating the forearm using goniometric measurements, keeping the image beam parallel to the floor: (1) anteroposterior with the wrist in neutral rotation, (2) anteroposterior with the wrist in ulnar deviation, (3) supinated oblique 60° from neutral (60° supinated oblique), (4) supinated oblique 45° from neutral (45° supinated oblique), (5) a true lateral, (6) a true lateral with the wrist in radial deviation, (7) pronated oblique 45° from neutral (45° pronated oblique), and (8) a pronated oblique 60° from neutral (60° pronated oblique). RESULTS: Standard anteroposterior and lateral fluoroscopy views (radiographically calibrated) of a percutaneous cannulated screw fixation of a scaphoid fracture were insufficient to detect distal articular penetration, missing half the amount of screw penetrations in the current study. The 45° pronated oblique view was found as the most sensitive in detecting STT penetration (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Standard anteroposterior and lateral fluoroscopy views of a percutaneous cannulated screw fixation of a scaphoid waist fracture are insufficient to detect STT screw penetration. According to the current study, standard views would have missed half the amount of screw penetrations, which seems to reflect the high incidence of this problem in current practice. The most sensitive view was the 45° pronated oblique view, which detected STT screw penetration in all cases. Level of Evidence Not applicable.

Incongruity of the scapulohumeral arch: an indirect sign of posterior subluxation of the humeral head in primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: In symptomatic glenohumeral osteoarthritis, arthroplasty is the gold standard to restore a mobile and painless shoulder. The kind of arthroplasty chosen is mainly based on the evaluation of the rotator cuff and the type of glenoid. The aim of this study was to analyze the scapulohumeral arch in primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis (PGHOA) with an uninjured cuff and to determine whether posterior humeral subluxation influences the Moloney line, which corresponds to an intact scapulohumeral arch. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2017 and 2020, 58 anatomic total shoulder arthroplasties were implanted in the same center. We included all patients with complete preoperative imaging (radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging or arthro-computed tomography scans) assessing an intact rotator cuff. A total of 55 shoulders that had undergone surgery with a total anatomic shoulder prosthesis were analyzed after determination of the type of glenoid in the frontal plane according to the Favard classification on an anteroposterior radiograph and in the axial plane according to the Walch classification on computed tomography scans. The grade of osteoarthritis was evaluated according to the Samilson classification. We analyzed whether there was a rupture of the Moloney line on the frontal radiograph and assessed the acromiohumeral distance. RESULTS: After preoperative analysis of 55 shoulders, 24 shoulders had type A glenoids and 31 had type B glenoids. Scapulohumeral arch rupture was observed in 22 shoulders, and posterior subluxation of the humeral head was found in 31 shoulders, of which 25 had type B1 glenoids and 6 had type B2 glenoids according to the Walch classification. Most glenoids were type E0 (n = 47.85%). Incongruity of the Moloney line was more frequent in shoulders with type B glenoids (20 of 31 [65%]) than those with type A glenoids (2 of 24 [8%], P < .001). No patient with a type A1 glenoid (0 of 15) had a rupture of the Moloney line, and only 2 patients with a type A2 glenoid (2 of 9) had incongruity of the scapulohumeral arch. CONCLUSION: In PGHOA, rupture of the scapulohumeral arch seen on anteroposterior radiographs, also known as the Moloney line, may be an indirect sign of posterior humeral subluxation, corresponding to a type B glenoid per the Walch classification. Incongruity of the Moloney line may indicate a rotator cuff injury or posterior glenohumeral subluxation with an intact cuff in PGHOA.

Validation of the shoulder range of motion software for measurement of shoulder ranges of motion in consultation: coupling a red/green/blue-depth video camera to artificial intelligence.

PURPOSE: Clinical evaluation of the shoulder range of motion (RoM) may vary significantly depending on the surgeon. We aim to validate an automatic shoulder RoM measurement system associating image acquisition by an RGB-D (red/green/blue-depth) video camera to an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm. METHODS: Thirty healthy volunteers were included. A 3D RGB-D sensor that simultaneously generated a colour image and a depth map was used. Then, an open-access convolutional neural network algorithm that was programmed for shoulder recognition provided a 3D motion measure. Each volunteer adopted a randomized position successively. For each position, two observers made a visual (EyeREF) and goniometric measurement (GonioREF), blind to the automated software which was implemented by an orthopaedic surgeon. We evaluated the inter-tester intra-class correlation (ICC) between observers and the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) between the three methods. RESULTS: For manual evaluations EyeREF and GonioREF, ICC remained constantly excellent for the widest motions in the vertical plane (i.e., abduction and flexion). It was very good for ER1 and IR2 and fairly good for adduction, extension, and ER2. Differences between the measurements' means of EyeREF and shoulder RoM was significant for all motions. Compared to GonioREF, shoulder RoM provided similar results for abduction, adduction, and flexion and EyeREF provided similar results for adduction, ER1, and ER2. The three methods showed an overall good to excellent CCC. The mean bias between the three methods remained under 10° and clinically acceptable. CONCLUSION: RGB-D/AI combination is reliable in measuring shoulder RoM in consultation, compared to classic goniometry and visual observation.

Long-term survival analysis of 191 MAÏA® prostheses for trapeziometacarpal arthritis.

Surgery for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis after failure of medical treatment remains controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term results of the MAÏA® trapeziometacarpal prosthesis (Lépine, Genay, France). This was a retrospective clinical and radiographic study of 191 MAÏA® trapeziometacarpal prostheses implanted between 2001 and 2016 from a single centre. The survival rate of the implants at the final follow-up of 12 years (range 17 days to 140 months) was 88%. Median pain score was 1/10. The median Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score was 20. The rate of major complications was 9% (5% dislocations and 4% loosening) with all dislocations needing revision surgery. The risk of prosthetic dislocation was highest during the first 3 years, most often related to malposition of the trapezium implant. The MAÏA trapeziometacarpal prosthesis represents a long-term solution for surgical treatment of thumb rhizarthrosis. Level of evidence: IV.

Orthopaedic and trauma surgery in the time of COVID-19 in France: A nationwide survey.

INTRODUCTION: The year 2020 was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic. The entire French health system was mobilized. Surgical services were asked to reschedule all elective procedures. We wondered about the impact of this pandemic on French orthopaedic surgeons. The main objective of this survey was to assess the impact of COVID-19 on emergency and non-emergency orthopaedic surgical activities. The secondary objectives were: to report how orthopaedic surgeons had mobilized and reorganized, and to assess the physical and psychological consequences on their state of health. HYPOTHESIS: The COVID-19 epidemic has led to the suspension of all elective orthopaedic surgeries and has also led to changes in the management of urgent surgeries and traumatology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This descriptive epidemiological study was conducted in France. A 40-question survey was sent to all French orthopaedic surgeons (senior surgeons and residents) via the mailing lists of the French Society of Orthopaedic and Traumatological Surgery (SoFCOT), the French Society of Pediatric Orthopaedics (SoFOP) and the College of Young Orthopedists (CJO). RESULTS: Over a period of one month, 1098 surgeons; 852 senior surgeons and 246 residents, answered the questionnaire. The complete cessation of all elective interventions was effective in 80% of cases. Urgent and semi-urgent interventions were maintained. Three hundred and twenty-six surgeons (30%) modified their trauma management, among them 55% came from the regions most affected by the pandemic. Sixty percent of surgeons did not receive training to take care of COVID+ patients and 40% took care of these patients. Among the orthopaedic surgeons surveyed, 28% were redeployed to medical services. Teleconsultation was used by 41% of surgeons. Twenty-six (2%) surgeons tested positive for COVID-19 and 54% showed at least one sign of psychological suffering. CONCLUSION: French orthopaedic surgeons reorganized and changed their practices quickly and efficiently to deal with the pandemic. However, progress remains to be seen with training of orthopaedic surgeons in the care of COVID+patients, as well as to democratize the use of telemedicine. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Proximal row carpectomy generates better mid- to long-term outcomes than four-corner arthrodesis for post-traumatic wrist arthritis: A meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: In posttraumatic wrist arthritis of intermediate severity, two main palliative procedures are used to preserve some mobility in the wrist: proximal row carpectomy (PRC) and scaphoid excision followed by four corner arthrodesis (4CA). Despite satisfactory overall results, the debate continues about which one provides the best results and long-term outcomes, particularly prevention of arthritis progression. Recent comparative studies now provide us with information about mid- and long-term results. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical results, complications, conversion rate to total wrist arthrodesis and progression to osteoarthritis of PRC versus 4CA in the medium and long term. HYPOTHESIS: The null hypothesis was that there is no significant difference between PRC and 4CA in the clinical results, complications, conversion to total wrist arthrodesis and arthritis progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature review was carried out by following the PRISMA guidelines. Included were studies comparing 4CA and PRC for the treatment of post-traumatic wrist arthritis secondary to scapholunate dissociation (SLAC) and scaphoid nonunion (SNAC) with a mean follow-up of 5 years. A search was performed of the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases that identified 831 articles. After removing 230 duplicates and excluding 595 articles based on their title and/or abstract, and then adding 1 article manually, 7 articles were included in our analysis. Parameters analyzed were range of motion (ROM), pain, grip strength, functional scores, complications, conversion to total wrist arthrodesis, and arthritis progression. RESULTS: In the 7 articles, 1059 wrists - 582 PRC and 477 4CA - were analyzed with follow-up ranging from 5.2 to 18 years. PRC produced significantly better ROM in flexion (weighted mean difference [WMD]=10.0°; p<0.01) and in ulnar deviation (WMD=8.7°; p<0.01) along with significantly lower complication rates (OR=0.3; p<0.01) and reoperation rates (OR=0.1; p<0.01). There was no significant difference in the conversion rate, grip strength, extension, radial deviation, pain, DASH and PRWE scores. The progression of osteoarthritis could not be analyzed due to lack of data. DISCUSSION: This meta-analysis was the first to include recently published mid- and long-term studies comparing PRC and 4CA. The main finding is that PRC is superior overall with better ROM and a lower complication rate. Another important finding was the absence of differences in grip strength and the conversion rate to total wrist arthrodesis. Unfortunately, the lack of systematic studies on arthritis progression leaves this question unanswered. Our findings must be interpreted cautiously because it was impossible to stratify the cases by etiology and osteoarthritis stage. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; systematic review and meta-analysis.

Fibular registration using surface matching in navigation-guided osteotomies: a proof of concept study on 3D-printed models.

PURPOSE: Fibula free flap is currently used in mandibular reconstruction. The main difficulties involved in this surgery concern mandible shaping and therefore, osteotomy positioning on the fibula. The use of navigation could help in osteotomy positioning, but accurate registration is required. We assess a surface-matching method for fibula registration that relies on an iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm. Since the fibula shape is landmark free, a robust registration initialization approach is used to avoid non-optimal local minimums in the ICP. METHODS: Bone surface-matching registration was evaluated on a 3D printed fibula and compared to its virtual reference model. The registration initialization relied on 3 initialization points placed on the surgically exposed area, geometrically remote from the fibular distal extremity. The bone surface was digitized, and the obtained point clouds were registered to the virtual reference model. The position of 3 assessment points engraved on the 3D printed fibula was then compared to that of the equivalent points on the virtual model. RESULTS: The registration procedure was performed 24 times by an expert surgeon. Seventy-two target registration errors (TRE) were computed, corresponding to the distance between the paired assessment points. Most TRE (86.1%) were less than 1 mm, with a maximum of 1.552 mm. The overall mean value was 0.759 ± 0.302 mm. CONCLUSION: This study illustrates a surface-matching approach for fibula registration, with an initialization method based on points remote from the fibula distal extremity. This registration technique gave promising results and should be considered as a valid registration method for straight bones like the fibula. These findings indicate that navigation can be used for fibula flap shaping for mandibular reconstruction, with a noninvasive and accurate registration method.

Evaluation of peripheral nerve injury by magnetic resonance neurography: A systematic review.

In view of the limitations of current methods for assessing peripheral nerve injury, there is a need for technical innovations to improve diagnosis, surgical approach and postoperative monitoring. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to analyze the applicability of magnetic resonance neurography in peripheral nerve injuries. The present systematic review focused on the use of magnetic resonance neurography. The literature was searched in the PUBMED, Cochrane Library and Virtual Health Library databases using the PICO method. One hundred sixty-two articles were retrieved with the terms "magnetic resonance imaging" and "peripheral nerve injury", with a filter for the last 10 years (2010-2020). Nineteen were eligible for the review. Most were reviews, with few systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials. Although not included in the recommended protocol, MRI is increasingly used due to its numerous advantages: it is non-invasive, providing objective visualization of neural and perineural tissues, fascicular representation as a result of high resolution, and objective visualization of serial interval images of successful treatment. This is one of the first systematic reviews of the literature regarding the use of magnetic resonance imaging neurography to assess peripheral nerve injury, highlighting the need to implement new imaging techniques in this field of medical practice.

Simulation in shoulder arthroplasty education using three-dimensional planning software: the role of guidelines and predicted range of motion.

AIM: To demonstrate how reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) planning software could be used to improve how the trainees position glenoid and humeral implants and obtain optimal simulated range of motion (ROM). METHODS: We selected four groups of five various level participants: medical student (MS), junior resident (JR), senior resident (SR), and shoulder expert (SE). Thereafter, the 20 participants planned five cases of arthritic shoulders for a RSA on a validated planning software following three phases: (1) no guidelines and no ROM feedback, (2) guidelines but no ROM feedback, and (3) guidelines and ROM feedback. We evaluated the final simulated impingement-free ROM, the choice of the implant (baseplate size, graft, glenosphere), and the glenoid implant positioning. RESULTS: MS planning were significantly improved by the ROM feedback only. JR took the best advantage of both guidelines and ROM in final results. SR planning were less performant than SE into phase 1 regarding flexion, external rotation, and adduction (respectively - 10°, p = 0.03; - 11°, p = 0.003; and - 3°, p = 0,03), but reached similar results into phase 3 (respectively - 2°, p = 0.329; - 4°, p = 0.44; - 2°, p = 0.319). For MS, JR, and SR, we observed a systematic improvement in the agreement over the study course. The glenoid diameter remained highly variable even for SE. Comparing glenoid implant position to SE, the distance error decreased with advancing phases. CONCLUSION: Planning software can be used as a simulation training tool to improve implant positioning in shoulder arthroplasty procedures.

Acetabular retroversion after triple pelvic osteotomy for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and its impact on the femoroacetabular impingement: a case/control study at 15 years of follow-up.

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) on acetabular version in a group of patients who developed a femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and a control group without FAI. Patients who received a TPO for unilateral LCPD were retrospectively included. Patients with bilateral LCPDs, requiring TPO with femoral procedures, or with incomplete imaging were excluded. Seven patients with FAI (FAI+) and eight patients without FAI (FAI-) were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 14.8 years. The two groups were comparable in demographic data, age at diagnosis, Herring score, and BMI. We measured anatomical acetabular version on computed tomography scans, the difference (delta) of acetabular version between the operated hip and the healthy hip, the McKibbin (femoral version + acetabular version), Stulberg, and Tönnis scoring system. The two groups were not statistically different on the Stulberg and Tönnis scores. All operated hip acetabula were retroverted, FAI+: -8.41° (range, -44 to 10.5), FAI-: -3.38° (range, -37.3 to 11.5) (P = 0.61). The average delta was FAI+: 23.79° (range, 1.5-59.5), FAI-: 20.14° (range, 5-45.3) (P = 0.68). All seven patients of the FAI+ group have pathologic McKibbin index (<30°) versus only four of the FAI- group (P = 0.03). TPO induces acetabular retroversion in patients with LCPD. This retroversion, assessed in a static benchmark (anterior pelvic plane), does not in itself explain the FAI.

Synthesis of PLA-poly(ether urethane)-PLA copolymers and design of biodegradable anti-adhesive membranes for orthopaedic applications.

Peritendinous adhesions cause chronic pain and disability. Leading causes are trauma to tendons and surrounding tissues and immobilization after surgery. Adhesions occur between 24 hours to 6 weeks after surgery. Anti-adhesion barriers are currently the best option available to prevent peritendinous adhesions, but are ineffective and difficult to use. We developed an anti-adhesive membrane that can be easily applied during tendon surgery and effectively prevent adhesions. The membrane is based on a new triblock copolymer, is non-toxic, can be bio-eliminated, and has a degradation rate of more than 6 weeks for optimal anti-adhesion effect. We synthesized and characterized poly(ether urethane) (PEU) from poly(ethylene glycol). Triblock copolymers poly(lactic acid)-PEU-poly(lactic acid) (PLA-PEU-PLA) were then synthesized from PEU with PLA blocks of different lengths, and characterized. The membranes were shaped by hot molding and their mechanical properties, contact angle, water uptake, the kinetics of in vitro degradation and cytotoxicity were studied. Mechanical properties were developed according to the needs of orthopaedic surgeons. Results showed that membranes maintained their filmogenic integrity, have a degradation rate for optimal adhesion prevention, can be bioeliminated and biocompatible suggesting that they could be safely and effectively used as anti-adhesion orthopaedic devices. These results support the use of PLA-PEU-PLA membranes as a medical device, however, the effectiveness of the membranes in vivo needs to be further evaluated. A future study using an in vivo rat model of postoperative peritendinous adhesions is currently being developed.

Modification of matched distal ulnar resection for distal radio-ulnar joint arthropathy: Analysis of distal instability and radio-ulnar convergence.

BACKGROUND: In palliative surgery on the distal radio-ulnar joint (DRUJ), ulnar head resection and the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure are often followed by instability and radio-ulnar convergence. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of the DRUJ after modified matched distal ulnar resection performed alone or with partial or complete wrist arthrodesis. HYPOTHESIS: A modification of matched distal ulnar resection, consisting in reconstruction of the sixth compartment and dorsalisation of the extensor carpi ulnaris, minimises these complications, regardless of the cause and associated procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A single-centre retrospective study was conducted in 46 patients (50 wrists) who underwent modified matched distal ulnar resection. The 50 wrists fell into three groups: total wrist arthrodesis according to Millender, n=21 (TWA group); radius to proximal row arthrodesis, n=17 (RPRA group); and isolated matched distal ulnar resection, n=12 (IMDUR group). Seventy per cent of patients had rheumatoid arthritis. Each patient underwent a clinical and radiographic assessment, with an analysis of radio-ulnar convergence, DRUJ stability, and ulno-carpal impingement, as well as of ulnar translation of the carpus in the IMDUR group. RESULTS: After the mean follow-up of 8.2±5.4 years, 62% of patients were pain-free, with a mean VAS pain score of 1.3±2.1, and 90% of patients said they would have the procedure again. Clinical and radiographic instability due to excessively proximal resection was noted in 2 (4%) wrists, of which 1 required repeat surgery. Ulno-carpal impingement due to excessively distal resection occurred in 2 (4%) wrists. No significant ulnar translation of the carpus was noted in the IMDUR group (DiBenedetto: 0.011±1.9). Range of motion was similar in the three groups (mean pronation=77±17°; and mean supination=79±8°) (p>0.05). Mean grip strength was 85±35% compared to the other side. DISCUSSION: Our modification of matched distal ulnar resection minimises the complications specific of other ulnar head resection techniques or of the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure, namely, radio-ulnar convergence and DRUJ instability. LEVEL OF PROOF: IV; retrospective comparative study.

Comparison of clinical outcomes of three-corner arthrodesis and bicolumnar arthrodesis for advanced wrist osteoarthritis.

We retrospectively compared results of 27 wrists with bicolumnar arthrodesis with mean follow-up of 67 months to 28 wrists with three-corner arthrodesis adding triquetral excision with mean follow-up of 74 months in 54 patients (55 wrists). Minimal follow-up was 2 years for all patients. Capitolunate nonunion occurred in three wrists with bicolumnar arthrodesis and six wrists with three-corner arthrodesis, and radiolunate arthritis developed in four wrists with three-corner arthrodesis. Among patients with bicolumnar arthrodesis, hamatolunate arthritis occurred in seven wrists, all with a Viegas type II lunate; and pisotriquetral arthritis occurred in three wrists. At mean 5 years after surgery, 45 wrists had not needed revision surgery, and both groups had similar revision rates. The wrists with three-corner arthrodesis and bicolumnar arthrodesis had similar functional outcomes, and range of wrist motion was not significantly different between the two groups. We concluded that bicolumnar arthrodesis results in greater longevity than three-corner arthrodesis for a type I lunate. We do not recommend bicolumnar arthrodesis for type II lunate. We also concluded that three-corner arthrodesis has a greater incidence of radiolunate arthritis and capitolunate nonunion.Level of evidence: III.

Comparison of spinal accessory nerve transfer to supra-scapular nerve vs. shoulder arthrodesis in adults with brachial plexus injury.

BACKGROUND: Restoring shoulder mobility, stability, and strength is a key goal in patients with brachial plexus injuries. Shoulder arthrodesis is chiefly used as an adjunct to, or after failure of, initial direct nerve surgery. The objective of this study was to compare clinical and functional shoulder outcomes after direct nerve transfer vs. shoulder arthrodesis in adults with supra-clavicular brachial plexus injuries. HYPOTHESIS: Shoulder arthrodesis, currently used as a salvage procedure in brachial palsy injuries, deserves to be viewed to a valid alternative to direct nerve transfer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in 58 patients with a follow-up of at least 2 years. Among them, 20 were managed by transfer of a spinal accessory nerve fascicle to the supra-scapular nerve and 38 by shoulder arthrodesis. Outcome measures were shoulder range-of-motion, isometric shoulder strength, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score. RESULTS: Mean age at surgery was 24 years and mean follow-up was 46 months (range, 24-156 months). Motion ranges of the shoulder were not significantly different between the two treatment groups. Data variance was significantly greater in the nerve transfer group than in the shoulder arthrodesis group for scapular antepulsion (p=0.0011), abduction (p<0.001), and external rotation (p=0.0066). Strength was significantly greater in the arthrodesis group in all directions of motion. The DASH scores showed no significant between-group differences. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study conflict with the widely help opinion that nerve transfer to the supra-scapularis nerve produces better clinical outcomes compared to shoulder arthrodesis. Nerve transfer was not better than shoulder arthrodesis in our patients. The data variance heterogeneity suggests poor predictability and reliability of nerve transfer, in contrast to the modest but predictable and uniform results of shoulder arthrodesis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective observational comparative study.

Tubular expression of heat-shock protein 27 inhibits fibrogenesis in obstructive nephropathy.

Morphological changes that occur during kidney injury involve actin skeleton remodeling. Here we tested whether heat-shock protein 27 (HSP27), a small stress response protein involved in cytoskeletal remodeling, protects the kidney from tubulointerstitial fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy. Tubular cell HSP27 immunostaining was significantly increased in human kidneys with ureteropelvic junction obstruction, supporting the clinical relevance of our studies. To develop an animal model for mechanistic studies, we generated transgenic mice that specifically overexpress human HSP27 in renal tubules, under the kidney androgen-regulated protein promoter, and determined the effects of HSP27 overexpression on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and tubulointerstitial fibrosis following unilateral ureteral obstruction. This was associated with decreased fibrogenesis as evidenced by significant declines in phosphorylated p38MAPK, collagen III, α-smooth muscle actin, 4-hydroxynonenal, and reduced trichrome staining following obstruction. Notably, E-cadherin and ß-catenin remained at the cell membrane of tubular cells in transgenic mice with an obstructed ureter. Monocyte/macrophage infiltration, however, was not significantly affected in these transgenic mice. Thus, tubular HSP27 inhibits fibrogenesis in obstructive nephropathy. Further studies are needed to determine pathways regulating the interactions between HSP27 and the E-cadherin-ß-catenin complex.