Complications Associated With Arthroscopic Labral Repair Implants: A Case Series.

Arthroscopic labral repair in the shoulder has become commonplace in recent years. A variety of implants have evolved in parallel with arthroscopic techniques. Any orthopedic implant that is placed in close proximity to the joint has the potential to cause subsequent damage to the articular surface if it is left prominent or dislodges secondary to improper surgical technique. This article focuses on a series of implant-related complications of labral surgery and their subsequent management. Additionally, correct patient selection and surgical technique are discussed.

Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a flexible guide pin with a rigid reamer.

Successful anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction depends heavily on accurate placement of the graft within the anatomical insertion of the native anterior cruciate ligament. Inaccurate placement can lead to graft failure and recurrent instability. Flexible guide pins and reamers have been developed to overcome some of the limitations of using transtibial and anteromedial portals to drill femoral tunnels. Early in our experience with flexible instruments, reamer breakage caused complications. We therefore developed a technique that uses a flexible guide pin with a rigid reamer to place the femoral tunnel in an anatomical position. This technique allows placement of longer anatomical tunnels through an anteromedial portal, reduces time spent with the knee in hyperflexion, provides better viewing, poses less risk of damage to the articular cartilage and neurovascular structures, and at a lower cost with less risk of reamer breakage.

Pseudoaneurysm after arthroscopic subacromial decompression and distal clavicle excision.

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is considered a safe and effective method of treating a variety of shoulder pathologies and is associated with a low complication rate. The type and rate of complications can vary, depending on the procedure, positioning, surgical time, and anesthesia. Fortunately, neurovascular injuries occur infrequently. Numerous studies have described the proximity of neurovascular structures to portals placed in shoulder arthroscopy, in both the beach chair and the lateral decubitus positions. Accurate portal placement is important to avoid damage to adjacent neurovascular structures. Inaccurate placement of portals can lead to inadvertent damage to these structures and create more difficulty with visualization and angle of instrumentation, possibly compromising the success of the procedure. This article describes a 50-year-old man who underwent arthroscopic subacromial decompression and distal clavicle excision for persistent subacromial impingement and acromioclavicular arthritis. During postoperative follow-up, the patient had a small, bulging area located near the anterior portal site. Examination showed a well-healed anterior portal site with a small (approximately 2×2 cm), nontender, immobile mass located within the deep soft tissues just below the anterior portal incision. Ultrasound evaluation showed a pseudoaneurysm of a branch off the axillary artery. The patient underwent successful embolization of the pseudoaneurysm, with complete resolution of symptoms.