Evaluation of Surgical Approaches to Management of Traumatic Posteromedial Elbow Instability Syndrome: A Systematic Literature Review Protocol.

Posteromedial Instability Syndrome of the Elbow (PMIE) is a condition that arises from injuries to the stabilizing structures of the elbow joint, such as the coronoid process or ulnar lateral collateral ligament. Surgical treatment is commonly performed, but there is uncertainty regarding its results. This systematic review will synthesise the available evidence regarding the efficacy of surgical approaches to PMIE. Published and unpublished primary studies that regard outcomes of patients treated for PMIE, irrespective of approach, will be considered for inclusion. Iterative searches will be performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL repositories from their inception to May 2023. Grey literature repositories will also be searched. The Cochrane risk of bias tool will be used to assess the quality of eligible interventional studies, while the MINORS tool will be employed for observational studies. If possible, a meta-analysis based on the random-effects model will be conducted. Heterogeneity will be assessed using Cochrane's Q and I2 statistics, and explored through subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses. Relevant outcomes will include elbow joint functionality as assessed by validated scales, the proportion of patients returning to usual daily life activities, the development of recurrent joint instability in the postoperative period, quality of life and the development of postoperative arthritis. This protocol has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) at the University of York. Its registration number is CRD42023451516.

Nanoscopic Distal Biceps Repair With Cortical Button and Interference Screw.

Distal biceps pathology can be addressed using different techniques, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The current trend is to move toward minimally invasive procedures based on feasibility and known clinical benefits. Endoscopy for distal biceps pathology is a safe procedure. Through the NanoScope, this procedure is even more effective and safer.

Functional and radiologic results of the crimson duvet procedure in rotator cuff treatment: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff tears are one of the more frequent pathologies of the shoulder. Arthroscopic techniques and biologic augmentation have been developed to improve the rate and quality of healing. The crimson duvet procedure (CDP) theoretically provides mesenchymal stem cells through microfracture treatment of the footprint. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of CDP in patients who had undergone arthroscopic surgery for complete rotator cuff repair. METHODS: A prospective randomized clinical trial was performed in a total of 123 patients, consisting of 59 women and 64 men, with a mean age of 58 years. We included patients with a clinical and radiologic diagnosis of a complete rotator cuff tear. All patients were treated with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. In group 1, the surface of the footprint was débrided; in group 2, the footprint underwent microfracture. The primary outcome was the nonhealing rate, which was detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasonography, and the secondary outcome was the functional result. A Sugaya classification of I to III was considered to indicate healing. For clinical evaluation, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) and Constant scores were evaluated, along with the range of motion. The functional evaluation was performed preoperatively and at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. The radiologic (MRI or ultrasonography) evaluation was performed at 6 months. Neither the patients nor the radiologists and physical therapists who performed the postoperative evaluations were informed of the random selection. RESULTS: We observed a healing rate of 85.11% in the control group and 93.7% in the CDP group, which was not significant (P = .19). However, a significant improvement in function was observed in all patients. The ASES score improved from 68.9 (SD 13.8) preoperatively to 92.2 at 6 months and to 96.4 (SD 6.2) at 12 months (P < .05), but no difference was observed between the groups. A similar level of improvement was observed in the Constant score. CONCLUSION: The arthroscopic repair of complete rotator cuff tears presents good and excellent clinical results in most patients. Nevertheless, nonhealing occurs at a rate that depends mainly on the age of the patient and the size of the tear. The addition of CDP did not improve the functional results or the healing rate.

Arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi transfer for irreparable posterosuperior cuff tears: Clinical outcome of 15 patients.

OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the clinical and functional results of patients with irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears treated with arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi transfer and the clinical relevance of the addition of partial repair of the remaining cuff to the transfer. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study that included patients diagnosed with irreparable massive rotator cuff tears treated by arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi transfer between 2015 and 2018. Demographic characteristics, clinical and functional outcomes (Constant-Murley (CS) score and subjective shoulder value (SSV)), and the incidence of complications were evaluated. Clinical outcomes were compared between patients treated with transfer alone and transfer with partial cuff repair. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were included, with an average follow-up of 37 ± 16 months. The median duration of symptoms before surgery was 66 weeks (24-208). A significant increase in forward elevation of 52° (p < 0.003) and abduction of 48° (p < 0.001) was obtained. The CS score increased by 48 points (p < 0.001), and the SSV changed from 29% preoperatively to 70% postoperatively (p < 0.001), with a significant decrease in the visual analog pain score from 7 to 1 (p < 0.001). In 10 patients, partial repair of the rotator cuff was also performed. No statistically significant differences were found in these patients compared with patients treated with transfer alone. Two patients presented complications, including transient sensitive neuropraxia of the axillary nerve and seroma, which were managed conservatively and did not affect the outcomes. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi transfer is a safe technique that significantly improves clinical and functional outcomes in selected patients. Longer follow-up and comparison with other treatment options are needed to confirm these excellent results in this group of difficult-to-treat patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: Nil.

Results of standardized treatment of elbow fracture dislocations as per their injury pattern: a retrospective cohort of 89 patients.

BACKGROUND: Elbow fracture dislocations represent difficult injuries to treat, with a high percentage of complications. Classically, they are divided into posterolateral, posteromedial and transulnar pattern. It is essential to distinguish them to guide intraoperative treatment to achieve an anatomic and stable reduction that allows early mobility. METHODS: A retrospective study of 89 adult patients diagnosed with elbow fracture dislocations who underwent a standardized surgery between 2013 and 2018 with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Demographic data, characteristics of the injury, and associated procedures were collected. Patients were evaluated with functional scores (Mayo elbow performance score/Broberg and Morrey score) and ranges of movement at the end of the follow-up. RESULTS: The mean age was 41 ± 12 years, mostly men (82%), with an average follow-up of 29 months. We present 42 patients with posterolateral fracture dislocation (47%), 21 posteromedial (24%) and 26 transulnar (29%). The average range of motion at the end of follow-up was -12 ± 11° extension, 124 ± 20° flexion, 76 ± 16° pronation, and 73 ± 20° supination, with a Mayo elbow performance score of 88.7 ± 12 points and 87.2 ± 12 points in the Broberg and Morrey scale. Reoperation rate was 23%, with no infection or heterotopic ossification cases. Transulnar fracture dislocations have significantly worse extension and supination. As per the functional result (Mayo elbow performance score/Broberg and Morrey scale), there are no significant differences between the different patterns. CONCLUSION: Proper injury pattern recognition and a standardized surgical management lead to a stable joint and good results in range of motion. Functional results are encouraging at least at short term, despite the high reoperations rate.

Arthroscopy-Assisted Latissimus Dorsi Transfer for Irreparable Subscapularis Tears.

Irreparable tears of the subscapularis (SS) tendon are difficult to manage and represent a challenge for the surgeon, especially in young and active patients. They are associated with a horizontal imbalance of the shoulder, causing pain and limitation of active internal rotation. Historically, the alternative for these patients has been transfer of the pectoralis major, with all its variations, total or partial, up or under the conjoint tendon. However, this transfer has mechanical disadvantages, especially related to the vector of traction, because it originates in the anterior region of the chest. In 2013, Elhassan and colleagues demonstrated in cadavers the technical feasibility and neurological safety of performing transfers of the latissimus dorsi (LD) to the lesser tuberosity to reconstruct irreparable lesions of the subscapularis. This option, compared with alternatives, has superior biomechanical advantages such as a similar vector of traction, originating from lower and posterior to the thorax, in addition to involving a synergistic muscle in action. In early 2016, Kany and colleagues first published a study of 5 patients undergoing arthroscopic assisted LD to SS transfer, with promising results. Our purpose is to present an arthroscopically assisted latissimus dorsi transfer technique in patients with irreparable subscapularis rupture.

Feasibility of lower trapezius transfer extended by the infraspinatus fascia for restoration of external rotation in irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears: an anatomical study.

PURPOSE: Lower trapezius (LT) transfer using Achilles tendon allograft or semitendinosus autograft is effective in restoring external rotation in massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears (RCT). The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the infraspinatus fascia (IF) could be used in LT transfer to extend the LT tendon. METHODS: Eight fresh-frozen whole-body cadavers were dissected using both shoulders, beach chair position. A 2.5-3 cm wide bundle of the IF was dissected, from the inferior angle of the scapula up to the insertion of the LT which was then detached subperiosteally in continuity with the fascia. The extended tendon was reinforced with sutures and brought to the center of the footprint of the supraspinatus on the humerus. We measured: (a) the distance between the insertion of the LT on the scapula and the inferior angle of the scapula, estimating the length of the IF that can be harvested, (b) the distance between the insertion of the LT on the scapula and the center of footprint of the infrastinatus on the humerus, estimating the distance needed to be covered by the graft (c) the length of the extended tendon between the center of footprint of the infrastinatus on the humerus (fixation point) and its free end, estimating the length available for fixation. RESULTS: The mean length of the fascia that can be harvested is 125.56 mm. The mean distance that needs to be covered by the graft is 100 mm. The extended tendon is long enough leaving 24.69 mm for fixation. CONCLUSIONS: The transfer of the LT extended with the IF on the footprint of the infraspinatus is feasible. It could be a viable alternative to the currently used grafts in LT transfer in irreparable posterosuperior RCT.

Transferencia artroscópica del trapecio inferior en pacientes con rotura irreparable del manguito rotador posterosuperior. Resultados preliminares de ocho pacientes / Arthroscopically assisted lower trapezius transfer in patients with irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. Preliminary outcomes in eight patients

Introducción: El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar resultados clínicos y funcionales de pacientes con una rotura irreparable del manguito rotador posterosuperior, sometidos a una transferencia artroscópica del trapecio inferior. Materiales y métodos: estudio de una cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes con roturas irreparables del manguito rotador, en quienes se realizó una transferencia del trapecio inferior asistida por artroscopía. Se evaluó la evolución clínica mediante la ganancia del rango de movilidad del hombro y la disminución del dolor. Del mismo modo, se evaluó la evolución funcional usando el índice de Constant-Murley y la valoración subjetiva del hombro (SSV, por sus siglas en inglés). Resultados: se incluyeron ocho pacientes, con un seguimiento promedio de veintidós meses. Obtuvimos una ganancia estadísticamente significativa de rotación externa de 32°, disminución de 5 puntos en la escala del dolor, aumento de 31 puntos en el score de Constant y un aumento de 38% del SSV. Se registró un aumento de 12° de elevación, sin embargo, este no fue estadísticamente significativo. Dos pacientes presentaron un seroma en el sitio de la cosecha del trapecio, que se resolvió con manejo conservador. Conclusión: la transferencia del trapecio inferior con asistencia artroscópica, en pacientes con rotura irreparable del manguito rotador posterosuperior, es una técnica segura que mejora significativamente la rotación externa y los índices funcionales en este grupo de pacientes. Tipo de estudio: Serie de casos IV

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to compare clinical and functional outcomes of patients with irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears treated by arthroscopic assisted lower trapezius transfer. Materials and methods: retrospective cohort design of patients with irreparable rotator cuff tear, treated by arthroscopy-assisted lower trapezius transfer. The clinical evolution was evaluated according to the gain in the range of shoulder movement and the decrease of pain. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Constant-Murley score and the subjective shoulder value (SSV). Results: eight patients were included, with average follow-up of twenty-two months. We obtained a statistically significant gain in active external rotation of 32°, 5-point decrease in the pain scale (VAS), a 31-point increase in the Constant score, and a 38% increase in SSV. There was a 12° increase in active forward elevation, however this was not statistically significant. Two patients had a seroma at the trapezius harvest site, which resolved with conservative treatment. Conclusion: arthroscopically assisted lower trapezius transfer in patients with irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears were a safe technique that significantly improves external rotation and functional scores in patients. Type of study: Case series IV

Reparación del tendón del supraespinoso con técnica transósea equivalente en población sujeta a compensación laboral. ¿Cuál es el porcentaje de cicatrización? / Supraspinatus tendon repair using an equivalent transosseous technique to workers compensation. What is the percentage of cicatrization?

Introducción: El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar el porcentaje de cicatrización y los resultados funcionales de una cohorte de pacientes sometidos a reparación artroscópica del tendón del supraespinoso mediante una técnica de doble fila transósea equivalente. Materiales y métodos: durante el período de enero de 2015 a diciembre de 2017, se realizó una reparación artroscópica del supraespinoso a cuarenta y ocho pacientes utilizando una técnica transósea equivalente, todas por el mismo cirujano; al cuarto mes de evolución, se evaluó la tasa de cicatrización del tendón mediante ecografía. Los resultados funcionales se analizaron mediante la escala de Constant-Murley (CS), valoración subjetiva del hombro (SSV) y la escala visual análoga (EVA) para objetivar el dolor. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó t test para muestras pareadas. Población sometida a compensación laboral.Resultados: el seguimiento ecográfico objetivó una tasa de re-ruptura del 6%. El promedio de incremento en la escala de Constant-Murley fue de 55 puntos, del SSV de 55%, de flexión anterior 32° y de rotación externa de 13°. La escala visual análoga tuvo un descenso de 6 puntos. Todos estos cambios fueron estadísticamente significativos (p < 0.05). Conclusión: la reparación del tendón del supraespinoso, mediante una técnica transósea equivalente mejora los resultados clínicos y funcionales de los pacientes, objetivados con los índices de Constant-Murley y SSV. En nuestra serie obtuvimos una tasa de cicatrización en el 94% de los pacientes. Tipo de estudio: Serie de casos. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: the objective of this work was to evaluate the healing rate and functional results in a retrospective cohort of patients undergoing arthroscopic repair of the supraspinatus tendon, using a double row transosseous equivalent technique. Materials and methods: during the period from January 2015 to December 2017, an arthroscopic repair of the supraspinatus was performed on forty-eight patients, using a transosseous technique, by the same surgeon. We evaluated the healing rate by an ultrasound exam at the fourth month of evolution. Functional results were evaluated using the Constant-Murley scale (CS), subjective shoulder assessment (SSV) and the visual analog scale (VAS) to objectify the pain. For the statistical analysis, t-tests were used for paired samples. This cohort of patients is subject to workers compensation. Results: the ultrasound follow-up showed a 6% re-rupture rate. The average increase in the Constant scale was 55 points, the SSV had a mean increase of 55% and the VAS score decrease 6 points. All these changes were statistically significant (p < 0.05).Conclusions: the supraspinatus tendon repair, using an equivalent transosseous technique, improves the clinical and functional results of patients, objectified with the Constant-Murley and SSV scores. In our series we obtained a healing rate on 94% of the patients. Type study: Case Series. Level of Evidence: IV

Comparison of arthroscopically assisted transfer of the latissimus dorsi with or without partial cuff repair for irreparable postero-superior rotator cuff tear.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of an additional partial repair in combination with an arthroscopically assisted transfer of the latissimus dorsi (LDT) in massive postero-superior irreparable cuff tear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients (mean age 59.2 years) scheduled for arthroscopically assisted LDT either isolated or in combination with a partial cuff repair for a massive posterior-superior cuff tear were prospectively included between January 2011 and December 2013 at our institution. Seventeen had an isolated transfer (Group A) and 14 had a transfer combined with a partial cuff repair (Group B). Outcome measures included visual analogue scale (VAS), range of motion, strength, constant score, and subjective shoulder value (SSV). Potential predictive factors were analyzed. RESULTS: At the last follow-up (mean 22 months), patients in Group B had a significantly higher constant score (64 ± 8 versus 58 ± 4 in Group A), range of motion (33 ± 5 versus 29 ± 5 points in Group A), and strength at 90° of abduction (2.5 kg ± 1 in Group B versus 1.9 kg ± 0.9 in Group A). No significant differences were found between both groups regarding pain scores, SSV, and active external rotation. Thirty-seven variables were analyzed and the only factor which was found to be predictive of a bad result was a preoperative SSV < 40 pts. (RR 0.5). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopically assisted LDT gives better results when combined with a partial repair of the cuff than when it is performed isolated in the treatment of massive irreparable postero-superior rotator cuff tear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Treatment study, Level II.

Effect of scapular external rotation on the axillary nerve during the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure: an anatomical investigation.

PURPOSE: The first purpose of this study is to measure the distance between the axillary nerve and the exit point of K-wires placed retrograde through the glenoid in the setting of an arthroscopic Latarjet procedure. The second objective is to evaluate whether manual external rotation of the scapula alters that distance. METHODS: In seven fresh-frozen specimens, two 2.0-mm K-wires were drilled through the glenoid using an arthroscopic Latarjet retrograde glenoid guide. These were drilled into the glenoid at the 7- and 8-o'clock positions (right shoulders) and at the 4- and 5-o'clock positions (left). K-wires were oriented parallel to the glenoid articular surface and perpendicular to the long superoinferior axis of the glenoid, 7 mm medial to the joint surface. Two independent evaluators measured the distances between the axillary nerve and the exit point of the K-wires in the horizontal plane (AKHS for the superior K-wire and AKHI for the inferior K-wire) and in the vertical plane (AKV). Measurements were taken with the scapula left free and were repeated with the scapula placed at 15° and 30° of external rotation. RESULTS: With the scapula left free, scapular external rotation was 34° ± 2.3°. In this position, the AKHS was 2.5 ± 1.6, 6.3 ± 1.2 mm at 15° of external rotation (ER) and 11.4 ± 1.4 mm at 30° ER. The AKHI distance was 0.37 ± 1.6, 3.4 ± 1.4 and 10.6 ± 2.1 mm, respectively, for the scapula left free, at 15° ER and 30° of ER. The AKV distances were, respectively, 0.12 ± 0.2, 4.9 ± 1.6 and 9.9 ± 1.7 mm. The increase in all distances was statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Increasing scapular external rotation significantly increases the distance between the axillary nerve and the exit point of the K-wires, increasing the margin of safety during this procedure. Therefore, increased external rotation of the scapula could be an effective tool to decrease the risk of iatrogenic axillary nerve injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Cadaveric study, Level V.