Hyper extension-internal rotation (HERI): A new test for anterior gleno-humeral instability.

BACKGROUND: Anterior shoulder dislocation causes injury to the inferior gleno-humeral ligament (IGHL) and capsule. Clinical manoeuvres currently used to evaluate the IGHL test for, and may induce, apprehension. We developed the hyper extension-internal rotation (HERI) test to assess the IGHL and inferior capsule without causing apprehension or inducing a risk of gleno-humeral dislocation. HYPOTHESIS: The HERI test is easy to perform and reproducible, induces no risk of gleno-humeral dislocation during the manoeuvre, and causes no apprehension in the patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 14 fresh cadaver shoulders. Each specimen was positioned supine with the lateral edge of the scapula on the table and the upper limb hanging down beside the table under the effect of gravity. This position produced hyperextension and internal rotation of the gleno-humeral joint. For each shoulder, the range of extension (°) was measured before and after isolated IGHL section. Then, we performed the HEIR test in 50 patients with chronic unilateral anterior gleno-humeral instability and we compared the range of extension between the normal and abnormal sides. RESULTS: In the cadaver study, isolated IGHL section increased the angle of extension by a mean of 14.5° (11°-18°) compared to the pre-injury values. In the clinical study, the mean difference in extension angles between the normal and abnormal sides was 14.5°. The patients reported no apprehension during the HERI test. CONCLUSION: The angle of extension increases after section or injury of the IGHL in cadaver specimens and patients, respectively. When the inferior capsule and IGHL are damaged, the angle of extension increases compared to the normal side. Lesions to these structures can be evaluated clinically by performing the HERI test. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Techniques and results of direct-access minimally invasive mitral valve surgery: a paradigm for the future.

OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to determine whether direct-access minimally invasive mitral valve surgery can improve recovery and cost while maintaining the efficacy of conventional surgery. METHODS: Minimally invasive mitral valve operations were performed on 106 patients, 58% male, average age 58.1 years, with good ventricular function. Ninety underwent repair of a regurgitant, myxomatous valve, and 16 underwent mitral valvuloplasty for prematurely calcified mitral stenosis. The valve was approached with standard instruments through a 5- to 8-cm right parasternal incision. Eighty-five had open femoral artery-femoral vein cannulation, but this technique has recently been replaced by direct cannulation of the aorta and percutaneous cannulation of the femoral vein for most patients. RESULTS: There were no operative deaths. The mean mitral regurgitation score (0-4) decreased from 3.7 to 0.7 after the operation. Although ischemic and bypass times were increased, postoperative recovery was accelerated. Ventilatory support time, intensive care unit stay, hospital stay, need for rehabilitation, and return to "normal activities" all improved. Hospital charges, pain medications, and blood transfusions were also reduced. New atrial fibrillation contributed significantly to increased length of stay and charges. There were no deep wound infections. Other complications included re-exploration for bleeding (n = 1), transient ischemic attacks (n = 2), stroke (n = 1), femoral artery injury (n = 5), pseudoaneurysm (n = 2), and antegrade dissection of the ascending aorta (n = 1). Two patients died and 1 required reoperation during a mean follow-up of 8.8 months. CONCLUSIONS: Direct-access minimally invasive mitral valve surgery can accelerate recovery, decrease charges, and decrease pain, while maintaining overall surgical efficacy. It has become our standard approach for isolated primary mitral valve operations.