Augmented latissimus dorsi transfer: initial results in patients with massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears.

BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment of irreparable massive rotator cuff tears is challenging. The purpose of the present study was to report the initial outcomes after a modified latissimus dorsi transfer (LDT) augmented by acellular dermal allograft (ADA). METHODS: This retrospective study includes 24 patients managed with LDT using ADA augmentation as a bursal-sided onlay between March 2009 and December 2015. RESULTS: All patients were men with a mean age of 57 years (range 48 years to 70 years). Seven patients had a previously failed rotator cuff repair and ten patients presented with a deficient subscapularis tendon. At last follow-up (mean 27 months), there was a significant improvement in active forward flexion (mean increase 31°; p = 0.016), and abduction by 25° (p = 0.059). The acromiohumeral distance remained stable and the failure rate was low (4%). Neither a history of previous rotator cuff surgery, nor the presence of a subscapularis tear had a negative impact on functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort of patients, LDT augmented with ADA was a reasonable option for patients with previously failed rotator cuff repair, as well as in the subgroup of patients with a deficient subscapularis tendon. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV: Therapeutic study (case series).

Accurate Measurement of Greater Tuberosity Displacement Without Computed Tomography: Validation of a Method on Plain Radiography to Guide Surgical Treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Residual displacement of greater tuberosity (GT) fractures has been shown to negatively affect shoulder function. However, accurate measurement of GT displacement remains a problem with errors up to 13 mm on plain radiography (XR). A new GT ratio for measuring fracture displacement on XR is described, validated, and correlated with computed tomography (CT) and surgical decision making. METHODS: A retrospective review of shoulder radiographs was performed from 2007 to 2010 to identify all cases of isolated GT fractures with both XR and CT. The GT ratio was performed on all XR and correlated with superior GT displacement measured on CT. The GT ratio was then tested for accuracy of surgical decision using 5-mm superior displacement on CT as the cutoff. Finally, the inter- and intraobserver reliabilities of the GT ratio were calculated and compared with the Neer and Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classifications. RESULTS: Forty cases of acute GT fractures with XR and CT were identified. The GT ratio correlated very well with superior displacement on CT (Pearson correlation = 0.852, P < 0.01) and accurately classified GT fractures as "surgical" (n = 9, 23%) or "nonsurgical" (n = 31, 77%). GT ratios ≤0.00 were nonsurgical, ≥0.50 were surgical, and 0.00-0.50 warranted further imaging (P < 0.01). The GT ratio performed as well as or better than the AO and Neer classifications for inter- and intraobserver reliabilities. CONCLUSIONS: The GT ratio described in this study correlates very well with CT for superior GT fracture displacement. It involves significantly less radiation and accurately classifies GT fractures as nonsurgical (ratio < 0.00), surgical (ratio > 0.50), or as benefiting from further imaging (0.00-0.50). It performs as well or better than the Neer or AO classification. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Occlusion of the artery of Adamkiewicz after hip and knee arthroplasty.

The artery of Adamkiewicz is the most significant tributary of the anterior spinal artery in the midthoracic region; the occlusion of this artery results in a well-described phenomenon consisting of paraplegia with loss of the sensation of pain, temperature, and touch as well as loss of sphincter control. Proprioception and vibration sense are typically preserved. Although this phenomenon has been associated with several surgeries as well as preexisting aortic abnormalities, the literature thus far has not reported this as a complication of hip or knee arthroplasty. Two case histories are presented.