Surgical anatomical landmarks for arthroscopic repair of subscapularis tendon tears.

Background: Subscapularis repair has recently garnered significant interest. A thorough understanding of the tendon's anatomy is essential for precise and safe repair. Our objectives were to describe the anatomy of the subscapularis insertion, define its landmarks, and analyze nearby structures to guide arthroscopic repair. Methods: We conducted an anatomical study, dissecting 12 shoulders. We evaluated the distance from the footprint to the axillary nerve, the dimensions, and shape of the footprint, and its relationship with the humeral cartilage. Results: The distance to the axillary nerve was 32 mm (standard deviation [SD], 3.7 mm). The craniocaudal length of the footprint was 37.3 mm (SD, 4.6 mm). Its largest mediolateral thickness was 16 mm (SD, 2.2 mm), wider at the top and narrower distally. The distance between the footprint and the cartilage varied, being 3.2 mm (SD, 1.2 mm) in the upper part, 5.4 mm (SD, 1.8 mm) in the medium, and 15.9 mm (SD, 2.9 mm) in the lower part. Conclusions: When performing a repair of the subscapularis tendon, the distance to the cartilage should be carefully evaluated as it varies proximally to distally, and the shape of the footprint (wider proximally, tapered distally) should be considered for implant positioning. The distance to the axillary nerve is approximately 30 mm. Anterior visualization guarantees direct control of all landmarks and allows accurate implant positioning with safe tendon release.

Staphylococcus lugdunensis, a Not So Infrequent Pathogen in Orthopedic Surgery.

Abstract Background: Staphylococcus lugdunensis is a coagulase-negative staphylococci that is considered normal skin microbiota. It has been described as a cause of soft tissue infections but is not a common micro-organism as the cause of orthopedic surgery-related infections. This study describes the characteristics, treatment, and results of musculoskeletal infection by Staphylococcus lugdunensis treated in our institution. Methods: We performed a descriptive, retrospective observational study. Clinical records of all musculoskeletal infections treated in our department between 2012 and 2020 were reviewed. We selected those patients with a positive monomicrobial culture for Staphylococcus lugdunensis. Risk factors for infection, patient's medical records, previous surgery performed, time from surgery to infection, culture antibiogram, antibiotic and surgical treatment for the infection, and recovery rate were registered for the analysis. Results: Of the 1,482 patients with musculoskeletal infections diagnosed in our institution, 22 had a monomicrobial positive culture of Staphylococcus lugdunensis after an orthopedic surgery representing 1.5% of all orthopedic infections. Ten patients underwent arthroplasty, six underwent fractures synthesis, three had foot surgeries, two had anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions, and one had spine surgery. All patients needed surgery and antibiotic treatment with a mean of two surgeries. The most used antibiotic scheme was levofloxacin-rifampicin. The mean follow-up was 36 months. Ninety-six percent of the patients achieved a complete clinical and analytical recovery. Conclusions: Although musculoskeletal infections caused by Staphylococcus lugdunensis are not common, we have observed a statistically significant incidence increase of Staphylococcus lugdunensis in recent years. If managed with appropriately aggressive surgical treatment and correct antibiotic therapy, good results can be obtained.

Allowing Standing and Assisted Steps in a Patient With Renshaw Type IV Sacral Agenesis: A Case Report of a Novel Surgical Approach.

CASE: A 6-year-old boy with a Renshaw type 4 sacral agenesis presented paraplegia and rigid, "Buddha-like" lower-limb contractures, including severe knee pterygia, which made crawling and sitting difficult. Staged surgical treatment involved bilateral knee disarticulation, soft tissue surgery, and bifocal femoral osteotomies for lower-limb reorientation. At 18 months postoperatively and after prosthetic fitting, the patient can stand and take steps with assistance. CONCLUSION: This effective surgical strategy achieves standing in a troublesome orthopaedic congenital condition. The intervention should be tailored to specific orthopaedic disorders and the wishes of patients and families, aiming to improve function.