The arthroscopic Latarjet procedure with a posterior guided system and suture-button fixation enables more precise bone block positioning in the axial plane versus anterior screws fixation.

PURPOSE: Adequate position of the bone block during arthroscopic Latarjet procedure is critical for an optimal functional outcome. However, this procedure is complex with a long learning curve. Our aim was to compare the bone block position between a dedicated glenoid posterior instrumentation and suture button fixation versus an anterior screw fixation, on a postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan. METHOD: Seventy-nine consecutive patients operated on for an anterior shoulder instability were included in this retrospective study. The same surgeon performed arthroscopically the Latarjet procedure either with an anterior drilling and screw fixation (Group A), or with a specific posterior glenoid guide pin, a posterior drilling, and a suture cortical button fixation (Group B). Evaluations were made by two independent observers. The position was evaluated by CT scan in the axial and sagittal planes. Learning curves with operative time, complications and clinical outcomes were assessed at a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were included in Group A and 44 in Group B. In Group A, 27 bone blocks were flush (87.1%) and 38 in Group B (92.7%) (p < 0.01). In Group A, 72% of the bone block height was below the equator and 76%, in Group B (ns). The mean operating time was 123 ± 32.5 min in Group A and 95 ± 34.1 min in Group B (p < 0.0001). At the final follow-up, the mean aggregate Rowe score was respectively 94.6 ± 10.4 and 93.1 ± 9.8 points in Groups A and B. The mean aggregate Walch-Duplay score was respectively 94.2 ± 11.6 and 93.4 ± 10.6 points in Groups A and B. There were 11 complications (31.4%) in Group A and five complications (11.3%) in Group B (ns). CONCLUSION: The arthroscopic Latarjet procedure with a posterior drilling guided system and suture-button fixation allows more precise positioning in the axial plane than with anterior drilling and screw fixation. This posterior-guided procedure could reduce intraoperative and short-term complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Scapular fractures osteosynthesis via Judet's posterior approach: clinical and radiographic results.

PURPOSE: Scapular fractures are uncommon and mainly treated nonoperatively. Judet's posterior approach allows access to the fracture site through the infraspinatus fossa and may be a technical option when ORIF is decided. The aims of this study were to determine clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients who underwent scapular body and/or glenoid fractures fixation via Judet's posterior approach. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective single-centre study, and all patients admitted for scapular fracture who underwent osteosynthesis via Judet's approach between January 2014 and September 2021 were included. At a minimum follow-up of one year, clinical outcomes were analyzed through subjective shoulder value (SSV) and Constant-Murley score (CMS). Strength in external rotation was measured in adduction and in 90° abduction and compared to healthy side. Radiographic analysis evaluated postoperative fracture reduction on CT scan and glenohumeral osteoarthritis according to Samilson's classification at last follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were included with a mean follow-up of 44.9 months. Mean SSV, CMS, and adjusted CMS were 73.8% ± 21.0, 65.8 points ± 19.5, and 72.8% ± 20.8, respectively. Strength in external rotation in adduction of the affected shoulder showed significant impairment when compared with the contralateral side (respectively 7.79 kg ± 4.29 and 12.0 kg ± 3.84, p = 0.02). All fractures healed uneventfully, but five patients (23.8%) required early revision surgery for intra-articular screws in three. Intra-articular gap measure decreased from 3.75 mm ± 1.93 in preoperative to 0.59 mm ± 0.97 after ORIF. The rate of arthritis was 15% at last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent scapular fracture osteosynthesis via Judet's posterior approach exhibited satisfactory but incomplete recovery of the affected shoulder as evidenced by functional scores and external rotation strength measurements at a mean follow-up of 44.9 months. Because of the risk of intra-articular screws, postoperative CT scan is mandatory.

Comparative efficacy of the different cutting guides in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: A systematic-review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several cutting guides including conventional, navigation, patient specific instrumentation (PSI) and robotic are currently used in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). A network meta-analysis was conducted to compare the most widely used cutting guides regarding the improvement of radiological, functional outcomes and the rate of complications. METHODS: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing UKA cutting guides were searched in electronic databases, major orthopaedics journals, and oral communications in major orthopaedics meetings, until May 1st, 2022. The primary outcomes were the rate of outliers for the tibial and femoral components in the frontal plane, KSS score and the complication rate. RESULTS: Eighteen RCTs involving 1562 patients with 1564 UKA were included Regarding the prosthetic components' positions, we found a significant increase of the outliers rate using PSI for the femoral component, compared to robotic surgery (risk ratio 0.00 [95% CI 0.00 to 0.55]) and navigated surgery (risk ratio 305.1 [95% CI 1.50 to 1,27e + 07]). We didn't emphasize any difference regarding the tibial component's position, the KSS value at 24 months postoperatively, and the complication rate. Regarding secondary outcomes, robotics provided a better precision in bone cuts in the sagittal plane for the tibial component and the lower limb alignment. No other differences were observed. CONCLUSION: In the light of these results, the robot seems to be the most precise cutting instrument to perform UKA. However, this did not demonstrate any difference in functional or clinical outcome. The cost of this technology can be a major economic brake, especially in surgical centers that do not have an exclusive prosthetic activity. Further outcome and survivorship data is needed to recommend one cutting instrument over the other.

Does the bone mineral density measured on a preoperative CT scan before total hip arthroplasty reflect the bone's mechanical properties?

INTRODUCTION: No method exists to quantify the bone quality and factors that will ensure osteointegration of total hip arthroplasty (THA) implants. A preoperative CT scan can be used to evaluate the bone mineral density (BMD) when planning a THA procedure. The aim of this study was to validate BMD measurement as a marker of bone quality based on a preoperative CT scan. HYPOTHESIS: BMD reflects the bone's mechanical properties for the purposes of preoperative THA planning. METHODS: Patients who underwent primary THA for hip osteoarthritis or dysplasia with cementless implants and 3D preoperative plan were enrolled prospectively. The cortical BMD was calculated on CT scans used in the preoperative planning process. During the surgical procedure, the femoral head and neck were collected. These bone samples were subsequently scanned with a calibrated micro-CT scanner. The BMD was derived from the micro-CT scan and used as input for a finite element model to determine the bone's mechanical properties. Correlations between BMD, apparent moduli of elasticity and porosity were calculated. RESULTS: The values of cortical BMD measured on the micro-CT and CT scan were significantly correlated (cc=0.52). The mean angular cortical BMD measured with the micro-CT scan was 1472.33mg/cm3 (SD: 357.53mg/cm3, 980.64-2830.6mg/cm3). There was no significant correlation between cortical BMD and the various apparent moduli of elasticity, except for Eyy and Gzy. Cortical BMD and porosity were inversely correlated with a Spearman coefficient of -0.41 (CI95: [-0.71; -0.02], p=0.03). There was also an inverse correlation between the apparent moduli of elasticity (independent of their orientation) and porosity (p<0.01). DISCUSSION: BMD provides information about porosity, which is a major factor when evaluating the bone's mechanical properties before THA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Unusual entrapment symptomatology treated in 115 cases by neurolysis of the common fibular nerve at the fibular head combined with neurolysis of the posterior tibial nerve at the tarsal tunnel.

INTRODUCTION: Entrapment of the common fibular nerve (CFN) at the head of the fibula and entrapment of the posterior tibial nerve (PTN) at the tarsal tunnel are the most common nerve entrapment syndromes in the lower limb. Our aim was to study the results of combined neurolysis of the CFN and PTN for chronic lower limb pain. We hypothesized that combined neurolysis allowed a reduction of this chronic pain. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This bi-centric retrospective study took place from January 2015 to November 2018, with a single senior surgeon. The inclusion criteria were all patients operated on for an idiopathic entrapment syndrome with neurolysis of the PTN at the tarsal tunnel, combined with neurolysis of the CFN at the head of the fibula. The primary endpoint was the pain evolution assessed on a numerical analogue scale (NAS) preoperatively and postoperatively on D+21, and at the last follow-up. The secondary endpoint was to determine the prognostic factors on the clinical outcome of neurolysis. RESULTS: One hundred and fifteen neurolysis were included, comprising 64 women and 38 men with a mean age of 57±17.6 years. The preoperative pain (NAS0) was evaluated at 6±2.4 points. At D+21 postoperatively, there was a significant reduction in pain (NASD+21: 3±2.6 points, p<0.01). Similarly, at the last follow-up (with a mean follow-up of 37±8.4 months), there was a significant reduction in pain (NASLFU: 2±2.5, p<0.01). A history of systemic inflammatory disease was the only factor associated with a less significant decrease in pain at D+21, according to a multivariate analysis (p<0.01). There were 14 complications (12%) not requiring revision surgery. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to demonstrate the efficacy of combined neurolysis of the CFN at the head of the fibula and the PTN at the tarsal tunnel, in the treatment of idiopathic nerve entrapment syndrome of the lower limb. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; Retrospective comparative study.

Systematic alignments yield balanced knees without additional releases in only 11% of knee arthroplasties: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: The literature suggests that "forgotten" knees are the most stable knees postoperatively. The main objective of our study was to determine whether a systematic alignment (mechanical, anatomical or kinematic) makes it possible to stabilise the operated joint in extension and in flexion. METHODS: This monocentric prospective cohort study was conducted between May 1st, 2021 and October 31st, 2021. A total of 132 consecutive patients undergoing primary navigated total knee arthroplasty were included, with a mean age of 72.4 years (7.9; 48.8-91.2 years), a mean body mass index (BMI) of 28.6 kg/m2 (4.6; 17.6-41.6) and 71.2% (94/132) women. Mechanical, anatomical and kinematic knee alignments were simulated using Kick software for each patient. The primary outcome was the targeted rate of balanced knees for each type of alignment, based on a three-point score, aiming for a 3/3 score for each knee. Our secondary outcome was to characterise the specific implantation finally achieved by the surgeon. RESULTS: The targeted balance was reached in 10.6% (14/132), 10.6% (14/132) and 12.9% (17/132) of knees with mechanical, anatomical and kinematic alignment simulations, respectively. None of these simulations provided a superior number of balanced knees (p = 0.87). When simulating a patient-specific implantation, the highest score was reached in 89.1% (115/132) of cases. CONCLUSION: Systematic alignment simulations achieved knee balance in only 11% of cases. Patient-specific implantation, favouring knee balancing over alignment, allowed an 89% perfect score rate without having to perform any collateral release. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series. Level 4.

Assessment of several postoperative protocols after rotator cuff repair: A network meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: There are presently 3 postoperative protocols after rotator cuff repair: strict immobilization, passive motion and early active motion. There is no consensus as to which is to be preferred. The aim of the present study was to conduct a network meta-analysis to determine whether one particular protocol shows advantages in terms of healing, motion, clinical scores and complications. METHODS: A search of the PubMed, Embase and Central databases extracted all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing at least 2 protocols. Eighteen RCTs were thus included, for a total 1704 patients (mean age, 58.1 years) and 1726 shoulders. RESULTS: Strict immobilization was associated with lower flexion at 1 year than passive motion (mean difference, 2.66 [95% CI, 0.42-6.20]) and active motion (mean difference, 3.76 [95% CI, 0.17-7.80]). There were no differences between protocols for external rotation, healing at 1 year or Constant, ASES and STT scores in the short and medium terms. There was no difference in complications rate. CONCLUSION: Early motion, whether passive or active, leads to greater flexion than does strict immobilization. No other differences were found between the protocols. Taking certain prognostic factors (lesion size, patient age, activity level, etc.) into account could guide specific rehabilitation according to type of lesion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I, network meta-analysis.

Is the osteosynthesis of lateral malleolar fractures by pin/cerclage effective? A retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Lateral malleolar fractures are present in about 90% of ankle fractures. The standard treatment is plate osteosynthesis. Although the plates are thin, the risk of cicatricial complications is not insignificant and can lead to cutaneous or even infectious complications and the latter can cause functional repercussions. We therefore aimed to evaluate a technique consisting of osteosynthesis of the lateral malleolus using two cerclages and two intramedullary pins. HYPOTHESIS: Our hypothesis is that the use of osteosynthesis by pin/cerclage of the lateral malleolus makes it possible to have objective reduction criteria, similar to the reference treatment. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients who had an interligamentous spiral fracture of the lateral malleolus. One group of patients had internal fixation of the lateral malleolus fracture by pins, and the other by plate. Our primary outcome was to compare the reduction of the fracture of the lateral malleolus between the two techniques using the "Dime sign", the measurement of the talocrural angle and respect for Shenton's line. RESULTS: A total of 118 lateral malleolar fractures were included: 56 patients (47.5%) in the "pin" group and 62 patients (52.5%) in the "plate" group. The mean age of the patients was 46.6 years (17.4) with an average body mass index of 25.2kg/m2 (4.8) and 55.1% of the patients were women. We found a difference in the reduction criteria between the two groups by looking at Shenton's line: 73.2% (41/56) of postoperative X-rays in the "pin" group respected Shenton's line, compared to 90.3% (56/62) in the "plate" group (p=0.02). We did not find any difference regarding the "Dime sign" and the talocrural angle. CONCLUSION: Our study shows the superiority of plate osteosynthesis for lateral malleolar fractures compared to pin/cerclage osteosynthesis, regarding one of the three radiological criteria for reduction. No significant difference was found in the one-year rates of complications and of hardware removal, between the two groups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

Ankle CT scan allows better management of posterior malleolus fractures than X-rays.

PURPOSE: Undiagnosed and undertreated posterior malleolus fractures lead to early ankle instability and arthritis. A preoperative CT scan could improve the management of those fractures. This study assessed the benefits of a systematic ankle CT scanner to diagnose and manage posterior malleolus fracture. METHODS: A monocentric retrospective cohort study was conducted. Sixty consecutive patients with bimalleolar fractures were operated and underwent a preoperative CT scan. The mean age was 50.0 years old (18.6 years old) with a mean body mass index of 20.3 (kg/m2) (11.4 kg/m2) and 71.7% (43/60) of women. The primary outcome was the rate of posterior malleolus fragment diagnosed on X-rays and on CT scan. Secondly, interobserver and interobserver's agreement were compared between conventional X-rays and CT scan. RESULTS: Thirty-five (58.3%) posterior fragment fractures were observed on X-rays and 53 (88.3%) on the preoperative CT scan (p < 0.01). The intraobserver reproducibility for X-rays was low (0.02 [- 0.23; 0.27]) and moderate for CT scan (0.45 [0.0; 0.84]). The interobserver reproducibility for X-rays was moderate (0.39 [0.15; 0.60]) and excellent for CT scan (0.78 [0.0; 1.0]). CONCLUSION: A wide proportion of bimalleolar fractures are associated with posterior malleolus fractures and undiagnosed with standard X-rays. We advocate a systematic preoperative CT scan in the management of bimalleolar fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective cohort study. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: 2218999v0, date of registration: 11/08/2020 (retrospectively registered).

Pre-operative bone mineral density is a predictive factor for excellent early patient-reported outcome measures in cementless total hip arthroplasty using a proximally fixed anatomic stem. A prospective study at two year minimum follow-up.

PURPOSE: The goal of the study was to analyze the impact of the pre-operative bone mineral density on the patients' reported outcomes at two year minimum follow-up of cementless THA using a proximally fixed anatomic stem. METHODS: A prospective study included all patients who underwent a cementless THA using a specific proximally fixed anatomic stem and a 3D preoperative CT scan-based planning. The bone mineral density (BMD) of the metaphyseal cancellous bone was computed in a volume (of 1 mm thick and of 1 cm2 surface) at the level of the calcar 10 mm above the top of the lesser trochanter. Patients were assessed at two year follow-up using self-administered auto-questionnaires corresponding to the modified Harris (mHHS), the Oxford (OHS), and the Forgotten Hip (FHS) scores. A multiple linear regression statistical analysis was performed to assess the link between the mHHS, the age, body mass index (BMI), BMD, gender, and ASA grade. RESULTS: Fifty patients were included (29 men, 21 women), with an average age of 62 ± 12 years and an average BMI of 27 ± 5 kg/m2. At two year follow-up, on multivariate analysis, excellent mHHS (≥ 90%) was significantly associated with only two parameters: a BMI ≤ 25 kg /m2 with an odd ratio OR = 10 (CI95% [2.1-48.3], p = 0.004) and a BMD ≥ 72 mg/cm3 with an odd ratio OR = 4.87 (CI95% [1.2-18.6], p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The short-term PROMs after cementless THA are impacted by pre-operative cancellous bone density. However, the BMI remains the most influential parameter on the clinical outcomes.