Arthroscopic repair of subscapularis tears: preliminary data from a prospective multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Until the introduction of arthroscopic-assisted surgery for rotator cuff repair, the frequency of subscapularis tears was underestimated. These tears remain challenging to treat even with arthroscopy. The absence of a specific classification system has hampered communication about the treatment and outcomes of the various types of subscapularis tears. The objective of this prospective multicentre study was to validate the relevance of arthroscopic subscapularis tendon repair based on an assessment of short-term outcomes according to the initial extent of the anatomic lesions. METHODS: A prospective multicentre study sponsored by the French Society for Arthroscopy was conducted from March 2010 to January 2011 in 208 patients with subscapularis lesions that were either isolated or associated with limited anterosuperior tears. The Constant and UCLA scores were used to assess clinical outcomes. Anatomic and prognostic results were evaluated based on the physical examination, preoperative and postoperative imaging study findings, and anatomic lesions. Clinical data were available for 103 patients after at least 1 year of follow-up and radiological data for 129 patients after at least 6 months. RESULTS: The preliminary clinical results in 103 patients with at least 1 year of follow-up showed overall statistically significant improvements in the Constant and UCLA scores, with resolution of the clinical manifestations. The degree of improvement seemed to increase over time. The clinical results varied significantly across patient groups based on a classification system distinguishing four lesion types. Postoperative imaging studies to assess the anatomic results in all patients with at least 6 months of follow-up (n=129) showed tendon healing in 92% of cases but also indicated muscle wasting of the upper subscapularis muscle in 18.6% of cases and increased fatty degeneration of the muscle belly. DISCUSSION: Our study confirms the good clinical and radiological results reported in the literature. Our classification system distinguishing four lesion patterns was applicable during the imaging workup. The main finding from this classification system was the difference in results between Type 2 and Type 3 lesions. The trend towards improvements over time requires confirmation by longer-term studies, which will also have to establish that the increased wasting of the upper subscapularis muscle and fatty degeneration of the muscle belly have no adverse effects.

Diagnosis of subscapularis tendon tears: are available diagnostic tests pertinent for a positive diagnosis?

HYPOTHESIS: Clinically, subscapularis tendon tears are suggested by the presence of increased passive external rotation compared to the opposite side, resisted internal rotation manoeuvres (Lift-Off test [LOT], Belly-Press test [BPT], Napoleon test and Bear-Hug test [BHT] and positive Internal Rotation Lag Sign and/or Belly-Off Signs). Associated bicipital involvement is frequent with subscapularis tendon tears, because it participates in the formation of the biceps pulley. The Palm-Up test (PUT) is used for the biceps, and the Jobe test for the supraspinatus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this multicenter study, we evaluated the positive diagnostic value of the clinical tests, LOT, BPT, BHT, PUT, and the Jobe test for subscapularis tears as well as their anatomical value. The relationships of the different parameters studied were compared statistically by analysis of variance (ANOVA). This prospective multicenter study was performed from January 2009 to February 2010 and included 208 cases of subscapularis tendon tears, isolated or associated with partial (Ellman 1, 2 or 3) or full thickness (SFA stage 1) supraspinatus tears. RESULTS: The severity of the subscapularis tear was quantified according to the SFA classification into four stages and according to the level of injury (the lower 1/3 and upper 2/3). The three tests LOT, BPT and BHT were correlated to the severity of observed tears (P<0.05). The more deficient the test results were, the more severe the anatomical damage. The LOT is the test that cannot be performed most often (18%) but when it is positive, it is predictive of very severe tears. The BHT is the most sensitive of all tests (82%). The frequency of biceps involvement was correlated to the severity of subscapularis damage. There was no significant correlation between biceps involvement and subscapularis tests, or between supraspinatus involvement and subscapularis tests. There was no correlation between the Palm-Up test and subscapularis tears with associated supraspinatus involvement however, it was significantly correlated to biceps involvement (P<0.05). The Jobe test was disappointing because it was often positive even for isolated subscapularis tears. CONCLUSION: Even though all three tests were performed (LOT, BPT, BHT), 24% of the subscapularis tears were only diagnosed during surgery. The role of the Internal Rotation Lag Sign and Belly-Off Sign in improving the diagnosis of tears was not studied in this work.

New endoscopic classification for subscapularis lesions.

BACKGROUND: The absence of a coherent classification system has hampered communication about the treatment and outcomes of the various types of subscapularis tendon lesions. In addition, a reliable classification system allows comparisons of epidemiological and therapeutic data. The classification systems used until now fail to incorporate the radiological and intraoperative abnormalities of the bicipital sling, and they do not consider the degree of subscapularis tendon cleavage. Here, we describe a new arthroscopy-based classification system intended for therapeutic and prognostic purposes. METHODS: A prospective multicentre study sponsored by the French Society for Arthroscopy was conducted from March 2010 to January 2011 in 150 isolated subscapularis lesions with or without limited anterosuperior involvement. The bicipital sling and insertion of the deep subscapularis layer were routinely investigated by arthroscopy with video recording. Each lesion was classified after a consensus was reached among four surgeons. RESULTS: We identified four lesion types based on the bicipital sling findings. Type I was defined as partial separation of the subscapularis tendon fibres from the lesser tuberosity with a normal bicipital sling. Type II consisted of a partial subscapularis tear at the lesser tuberosity attachment combined with partial injury to the anterior wall of the bicipital sling, without injury to the superior glenohumeral ligament. Type III was complete separation of the subscapularis fibres from the lesser tuberosity with extensive cleavage of the bicipital sling. Finally, in Type IV, all the subscapularis fibres were detached and, in some cases, conjunction of the subscapularis and supraspinatus fibres produced the comma sign. Nearly all the lesions identified intraoperatively during the study fit one of these four types. DISCUSSION: A reproducible classification system that allows different surgeons to establish comparable homogeneous patient groups is useful for both therapeutic and prognostic purposes. We defined four types of subscapularis lesions that are easy to identify as either isolated lesions or combined with anterosuperior rotator cuff tears. Long head of biceps tendon abnormalities and fatty degeneration of the shoulder muscles can be added to our classification system. Studies of intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility are needed to complete the process of validating the diagnostic and/or prognostic usefulness of this new classification scheme.

Comparison and critical evaluation of rehabilitation and home-based exercises for treating shoulder stiffness: prospective, multicenter study with 148 cases.

INTRODUCTION: The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of individual exercises performed as classic rehabilitation or a home program on the clinical progression of patients with shoulder stiffness. Based on this information, the secondary goal was to develop a new rehabilitation protocol. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective, comparative series included 148 cases of shoulder stiffness. There were three treatment groups: T1: classic rehabilitation performed below the pain threshold (58 cases); T2: home program with provocation above the pain threshold (59 cases); T3: home program supervised by a physical therapist (31 cases). The execution, pain level and time spent doing each exercise were compiled for each work session - every day for the first 6 weeks, then every week up to 3 months. Clinical (Constant score) and range of motion evaluations were performed at enrollment, week 6 and month 3.Changes were compared between groups; correlation tests were used to analyse the effectiveness of each exercise during each session. RESULTS: Other than physical therapy and balneotherapy, classic rehabilitation exercises had a negative effect on clinical progression during the first 3 to 5 weeks (P<0.05), but this did not hinder the occurrence of a slow, continuous clinical improvement (P<0.05). Home programs led to rapid functional progression with improvement directly related to the number of exercises actually performed (P<0.05), however, pain during the day increased and pain at night decreased. Supervision by a physical therapist helped to optimize the home program, with the same result at week 6, but a better result at month 3 (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study, a new treatment protocol for shoulder stiffness was proposed that combines an intensive patient home program with a well-informed physical therapist, who progressively adds classic rehabilitation techniques when they provide the best treatment value for each exercise. Patient education is the key to treatment success.

Management of the stiff shoulder. A prospective multicenter comparative study of the six main techniques in use: 235 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Stiffness in the shoulder is a frequent symptom associated with a number of clinical entities whose management remains inadequately defined. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study of 235 cases of stiffness in the shoulder compared six therapeutic techniques with a mean follow-up of 13 months (range, 3-28 months) (T1: 58 cases, conventional rehabilitation under the pain threshold, T2: 59 cases, self-rehabilitation over the pain threshold, T3: 31 cases, T2 + supervision, T4: 11 cases, T1 + capsular distension, T5: 31 cases, T1 + locoregional anesthesia, T6: 45 cases, T1 + T5 + capsulotomy). The therapeutic power of each technique and its impact on the result were assessed at each self-rehabilitation and rehabilitation session during the first 6 weeks and then at 3 months, 6 months, and at the final revision depending on subjective criteria (pain, discomfort, and morale) and objective criteria (Constant score, goniometric measurements). RESULTS: Conventional rehabilitation (T1) is less effective than self-rehabilitation over the pain threshold (T2 & T3) during the first 6 weeks (P<0.05). Self-rehabilitation stagnates between the 6th and 12th week except when it is supervised by a therapist (T3). Anesthesia (T4) and capsular distension (T5) do not lead to significantly different progression beyond 6 months. Capsulotomy does not demonstrate greater therapeutic power but its failure rate (persisting stiffness at 1 year) is 0% versus 14-17% for the other techniques (P<0.05). DISCUSSION: The techniques are complementary and therapeutic success stems from an algorithm adapted to the individual patient with, over the first 3 months, successive self-rehabilitation and conventional rehabilitation, possibly completed by capsular distension or anesthesia between the 3rd and 6th months. In case of failure at 6 months, endoscopic capsulotomy can be proposed. Therapeutic patient education and active participation are the key to treatment success or failure.

Can we improve the indication for Bankart arthroscopic repair? A preliminary clinical study using the ISIS score.

The objectives of this study on arthroscopic treatment of chronic anterior shoulder instability were the collection of the current practices for this indication, their development as reported in the literature, and the analysis of preliminary results on a multicenter prospective series of Bankart arthroscopic procedures undertaken using a common technique on patients selected based on the Instability Severity Index Score (ISIS). This procedure predominates in the English-speaking world, whereas the Latarjet protocol is preferred in France. The choice between the two seems to be cultural since neither technique could be demonstrated to be superior in an analysis of 171 responses to an Internet questionnaire in this study. The literature reports disappointing results in the Bankart arthroscopic procedure and recent articles have researched the predictive factors for its failure. Eleven centers prospectively included 125 patients from 1 December 2007 to 30 November 2008. The inclusion criteria were recurrence of anterior instability and an ISIS less than or equal to four points out of 10. All the selected patients underwent capsuloligamentous reinsertion with a common minimal technique of at least three anchors and four sutures with the same postoperative protocol. At a mean follow-up of 18 months, four patients (3.2%) had experienced recurrence. For the 84 patients reexamined at 1 year, the Walch-Duplay and Rowe scores were, respectively, 88.4 and 87.8 points out of 100. Subjectively, 88.1% of the patients declared they were satisfied and would undergo the intervention again. This study confirmed the use of the ISIS as a consultation tool. Only continuation of the study with a minimum follow-up of 3 years will allow us to validate the lower limit of the ISIS below which this technique could be proposed provided that it respects the technical prerequisite of at least four capsuloligamentous sutures.

Can we improve radiological analysis of osseous lesions in chronic anterior shoulder instability?

Osseous lesions of the glenoid cavity and humeral head are predictive of recurrence after Bankart arthroscopic procedures. The objective of this study was to analyze, for each glenoid and humeral defect plain x-ray criteria of the Instability Severity Index Score (ISIS), two aspects: inter- and intraobserver reliability of their qualitative and quantitative assessment and correlations between positive criteria and their quantitative measurement. Thirty-one medical files were retained for evaluation of the glenoid and 26 for humeral notch assessment. The yes or no response for the ISIS criterion was completed by its quantitative measurement using the Griffiths and Sugaya CT methods for the glenoid and the P/R index calculation on plain x-rays with internal rotation for the Hill-Sachs lesion. Three observers provided two consecutive readings for each criterion. The analysis of the glenoid radiological criterion of the ISIS seems sufficiently reproducible for daily practice. When the evaluation is positive, bone loss is greater than 15%, without a maximum value established. In this study, the analysis of the ISIS humeral notch criterion was not reproducible. It can be improved using the P/R index and should be completed by CT imaging.

[Magnetic resonance imaging of medial meniscus tears with displaced fragment in the meniscal recesses]. / Diagnostic IRM des lambeaux méniscaux médiaux déplacés le long du ligament tibial collatéral.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Displaced meniscus tears generally result from bucket handle tears with subsequent migration of the meniscal fragment into the intercondylar notch. More rarely, the fragment may move into the meniscal recesses. In this situation, the displaced fragment may be difficult to individualize arthroscopically, so preoperative imaging is crucial. Several studies have demonstrated the reliability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of meniscus injury with fragment displacement in the intercondylar notch. There have been few studies devoted to fragment displacement into the collateral capsuloligamentary structures. The purpose of this study was to describe MRI findings of medial meniscus tears with displaced fragment in the meniscal recesses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted over a 22-month period (May 2003 - February 2005). During this period, we selected 39 patients whose knee MRI displayed a meniscal fragment within the medial collateral recesses. These 39 patients accounted for 15% of knees with MRI-diagnosed meniscal tears (n=272) and 2% of the knee MRI examinations performed during the study period (n=2239). One the MRI series, we studied fragment migration and morphological anomalies of the injured meniscus. For 16 knees, MRI findings could be compared with arthroscopy findings. RESULTS: For 25 knees (65%), the meniscal fragment had migrated downward along the medial tibial plateau and generally (64%) medially to the collateral tibial ligament. For 14 knees (35%) the meniscal fragment had migrated upward, along the medial femoral condyle in 93%, anteriorly to the medial collateral tibial ligament. For 95%, the MRI demonstrated rupture along the free border of the posterior segment and/or the mid segment of the medial meniscus or a decreased height of the posterior segment of the medial meniscus. For 14 of 16 cases, arthroscopy confirmed the meniscal tear and the localization of the displaced fragment. For two knees, arthroscopy confirmed the presence of the meniscal tear but could not identify the displaced meniscal fragment. DISCUSSION: Meniscal tears with fragment displacement into the meniscal recesses has been associated with displacement of a horizontal fissuration which flap tears described arthroscopically by DJ Dandy. Other authors consider these tear flaps as oblique fissurations. In our study, it was sometimes difficult to determine the exact site and orientation of the initial meniscal tear so it is quite likely that meniscal tears with a displaced fragment in the meniscal recesses could correspond to complex predominantly horizontal or oblique meniscal fissurations. The common feature is the presence of an unstable meniscal flap susceptible to migrate. Our findings are in agreement with the literature. Regarding the two cases where the MRI findings could not be confirmed arthroscopically, the MRI visualized a characteristic image of a meniscal fragment displaced downwardly, lying between the medial tibial plateau and the collateral tibial ligament. Arthroscopy visualized the meniscal tear but failed to visualize the displaced fragment. This might be because mobile meniscal fragments return into the joint interspace when the meniscus is manipulated arthroscopically. Small meniscal fragments might also be inaccessible arthroscopically.

[Arthro-C-scan analysis of rotator cuff tears healing after arthroscopic repair: analysis of predictive factors in a consecutive series of 167 arthroscopic repairs]. / Etude par arthroscanner de la cicatrisation tendineuse après réparation arthroscopique de la coiffe des rotateurs: analyse des facteurs predictifs à propos d'une série consécutive de 167 réparations.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears is a well described technique with good clinical results. The purpose of this work was to use the arthro-CT-scan to evaluate tendon healing after arthroscopic repair and search for epidemiological, anatomic and technical factors predictive of tendon healing. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This prospective consecutive series included 167 non-randomized shoulders. All patients underwent a preoperative assessment using the crude Constant score and a standard x-ray protocol to evaluate cuff status. Cuff repairs were all performed arthroscopically. The crude Constant score was used to follow patients. A control arthroscan was obtained in 148 patients. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 59 years, 46% men and 77% dominant side. Mean duration of symptoms before repair was nine months. The tears resulted from trauma in 28%, including 9% occupational accidents. The preoperative mean crude Constant score was 52.4 (range 15-77). An isolated tear of the supraspinatus was observed in 68%. Frontal retraction of the supraspinatus was distal in 74%. In 29 cases, reduction was difficult. The quality of the tendon was considered normal in 56 cases and non-anatomic repair was necessary in six. At last follow-up (19 months on average) the mean crude Constant score was 80 (range 49-95). Arthro-CT-scan was performed to control healing in 148 patients and revealed anatomic healing in 69, defective healing in 27, and repeated tears in 52 shoulders. Factors predictive of healing were: tear less than six months old, sedentary occupational activity, non-dominant side, young patient, female gender, isolated small non-retracted tear of the supraspinatus, normal appearance of an easily reduced tendon, and good bone quality. DISCUSSION: Time from tear to repair was long in this series. Tendon and muscle changes occurring after the injury could explain in part the healing failures. CONCLUSION: But this study confirmed good functional and anatomic results given by arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears.

Accuracy of CT arthrography in the assessment of tears of the rotator cuff.

CT arthrography and arthroscopy were used to assess tears of the rotator cuff in 259 shoulders. Tear size was determined in the frontal and sagittal planes according to the classification of the French Arthroscopy Society. CT arthrography had a sensitivity of 99% and a specificity of 100% for the diagnosis of tears of supraspinatus. For infraspinatus these figures were 97.44% and 99.52%, respectively and, for subscapularis, 64.71% and 98.17%. For lesions of the long head of the biceps, the sensitivity was 45.76% and the specificity was 99.57%. Our study showed an excellent correlation between CT arthrography and arthroscopy when assessing the extent of a rotator cuff tear. CT arthrography should, therefore, be an indispensable part of pre-operative assessment. It allows determination of whether a tear is reparable (retraction of the tendon and fatty degeneration of the corresponding muscle) and whether this is possible by arthroscopy (degree of tendon retraction and extension to subscapularis).

[Primary bone lymphoma. Retrospective immunohistochemical study of 22 cases]. / Les lymphomes osseux primitifs. Etude rétrospective sur 22 cas avec étude immuno-histochimique récente et homogène.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The clinical, biological, radiological, MRI, and histological features of 22 primary bone lymphomas were reviewed retrospectively. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The standard pathology slides were reexamined with an immunohistochemistry study. Results of two treatments, chemotherapy alone versus chemotherapy then radiotherapy, were compared in terms of local control and patient survival. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 53 years; male gender predominated (M/F=2/1). The most frequent clinical sign was pain and 32% of the patients had a pathological fracture. The long bones were generally involved. The typical radiographic image was a permeable bone defect. MRI demonstrated heterogeneous signals on the T2 images. Technetium scintigraphy (performed in all patients) was very sensitive. Histology generally described diffuse large centroblastic lymphoid cells, all with B phenotype. Twelve patients were treated with chemotherapy alone and eight with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. One patient was only given palliative treatment with corticosteroids due to major immunodepression. The last patient, a 79-year-old woman, developed a tumor of the femoral neck; at surgery section of the neck removed the entire tumor, but radiotherapy (30 Gy) centered on the femur was nevertheless performed. Only patients with fractures were operated. Mean follow-up in this series was 48 months (range 4-120). Mean 5-year Kaplan-Meier survival was 74.41% for the overall series, 83.33% for the chemotherapy group and 82.50% for the chemotherapy-radiotherapy group. DISCUSSION: We were unable to demonstrate any significant difference in survival between the two types of treatment. None of the patients experience local relapse. Our observations suggest that technetium scintigraphy is more sensitive than MRI and more specific for diagnosis. Radiography, together with clinical examination and is indicated to monitor these patients during and after treatment. Based on this series, patients with primary bone lymphoma should be given chemotherapy, either alone or combined with radiotherapy, rather than radiotherapy alone. Surgery is not indicated except to obtain a biopsy and to treat mechanical complications.