Treatment of acromioclavicular joint separations in Japan: a survey.

BACKGROUND: Treatment options for acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) separations are highly dependent on severity, as well as the patient's background. Furthermore, some patients can be switched from conservative to surgical treatment. In this study, we conducted a mail-based questionnaire survey of members of the Japan Shoulder Society on the administration of treatments for ACJ separations. METHODS: A questionnaire survey with 5 categories was mailed to all 1655 members of the Japan Shoulder Society (including 59 councilors): initial treatment, whether surgery was performed, indications for surgery based on severity, switching from conservative to surgical treatment, and surgical methods. RESULTS: Altogether, 183 members, including 56 councilors, responded. Regarding the initial treatment, 17 respondents opted for treatment without immobilization or fixation and 166 opted for immobilization or fixation. Of the members, 11 opted for only conservative treatment whereas 172 chose surgery depending on the case; of the latter, 9 considered it for patients with a Rockwood classification of type 2 or higher; 120, for patients with type 3 or higher; and 172, for patients with types 4-6. Furthermore, 75 of 172 members had experience switching to surgical treatment during conservative treatment. For 64 of 172 members, the modified Cadenat method was the most common surgical method. CONCLUSIONS: Only 11 members opted for conservative treatment of ACJ separations, and approximately 95% of physicians chose surgery. Furthermore, >70% of physicians considered surgery for an injury classified as type 3 or higher, and 37% of members performed the modified Cadenat method. However, the popularization of arthroscopic surgery may affect the selection of surgical methods in the future.

Methods used to assess the severity of acromioclavicular joint separations in Japan: a survey.

BACKGROUND: In acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) separations, patient characteristics determine the indications for surgery. However, in Japan, classification methods used to assess the severity of ACJ separations differ between institutions, and even within a classification method, different interpretations can lead to different assessments of severity. Therefore, in this study, we conducted an email survey of Japan Shoulder Society (JSS) members regarding their assessment methods for ACJ separation severity. METHODS: A questionnaire about methods for assessing the severity of ACJ separations was emailed to JSS members (1655) including 59 JSS councilors. The survey focused on diagnostic imaging methods, classifications of severity assessments, and methods of assessing severity. RESULTS: In total, 183 responses were received. All respondents used an anteroposterior view of the ACJ. Severity assessments were classified by the Tossy classification (57 respondents), Rockwood classification (141 respondents), and other classifications (7 respondents) including duplication. Of the 141 respondents using the Rockwood classification, 119 diagnosed type III as ACJ dislocation when the inferior clavicle border translated above the superior acromial border, whereas 56 used the coracoclavicular distance. However, to diagnose type V, 118 respondents used the coracoclavicular distance whereas 38 used palpation. To diagnose type IV, 57 respondents considered all cases in which the clavicle translated posterior to the acromion, even when vertical ACJ dislocation occurred simultaneously. However, 88 respondents did so in the presence of posterior clavicle displacement and ACJ subluxation. CONCLUSION: The Rockwood classification is commonly used for severity assessments in Japan; however, there is some disagreement regarding the assessment for the diagnosis of type IV. Methods to diagnose both superior and posterior translation of the clavicle need further debate.

Outcomes and function of conoid ligament on the basis of postoperative radiographic findings of arthroscopic stabilization for the distal clavicle fractures.

PURPOSE: Distal clavicle fractures are divided into three types according to Neer's classification. These fractures are usually treated with a sling to immobilize the upper extremity, however, the treatment of type 2 fractures remain controversial. We focused on the anatomical basis of these fractures in which disruptions in the conoid ligament led to the distraction between the two bony fragments. In this study, we report an arthroscopic procedure for conoid ligament reconstruction and its therapeutic outcomes, and discuss the function of the reconstructed conoid ligament. HYPOTHESIS: Arthroscopic conoid ligament reconstruction alone is sufficient to retain the posteriorly displaced proximal fragment of the clavicle in its reduced position. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study were conducted on 18 patients with type 2 distal clavicle fractures. Arthroscopic techniques were performed with the patients in the beach chair position. Dacron artificial ligament® was used to reconstruct the conoid ligament, and the internal bone fixation materials included an EndoButton® on the coracoid process side and a screw with a spiked washer on the clavicle side. Preoperative assessment was performed via plain radiography or three-dimensional computed tomography to evaluate the displacement of the proximal fragment. Although the displacement was superoposterior in all the cases, the acromioclavicular joint was maintained. The mean duration of postoperative follow-up was 2 years and 5 months. RESULT: There were no injury-related complications during the surgery and bony union was achieved within 3 months after surgery. Evaluation using 3DCT also showed that the preoperative superoposterior displacement of the proximal fragment of the clavicle was immediately reduced postoperatively, and this reduced position was maintained until the final follow-up examination. CONCLUSIONS: We achieved good results by indirectly reducing fractures of the distal clavicle with conoid ligament damage using the minimally invasive surgical technique of arthroscopic conoid ligament reconstruction. Anatomical reconstruction of the conoid ligament might stabilize not only the superior displacement of the displaced proximal fragment of the clavicle but also its posterior displacement. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with no comparison study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4, retrospective cohort study.

Representative survey of frozen shoulder questionnaire responses from the Japan Shoulder Society: What are the appropriate diagnostic terms for primary idiopathic frozen shoulder, stiff shoulder or frozen shoulder?

BACKGROUND: Primary frozen shoulder has unknown etiology and significant restriction of active and passive motion. The distinction between frozen shoulder and stiff shoulder has been unclear. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to perform a survey regarding definition and classification of frozen shoulder proposed by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) among the members of the Japan Shoulder Society (JSS) and to compare the results with those obtained among the members of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES). METHODS: The Scientific Research Project Committee of the JSS prepared the questionnaire for frozen shoulder and stiff shoulder. Surveys were sent by e-mail on Jan 14, 2016 to JSS registered members and the response dead-line was set on March 13, 2016. RESULTS: The number of respondents was 230, including all directors, councilors, and senior doctors. Agreement with the definition of primary frozen shoulder was 67%, the classification of primary or secondary frozen shoulder was 53%, and the 3 divisions of secondary frozen shoulder was 53%. Diagnostic terms for the cases of shoulder stiffness with unknown etiology were as follows: frozen shoulder (31%), stiff shoulder (22%), periarthritis scapulohumeralis (16%), so called "Gojukata" in Japan, which means shoulder problems in their fifties (16%), idiopathic frozen shoulder (6%), primary frozen shoulder (4%), adhesive capsulitis (3%), others (2%). CONCLUSION: The survey shows lower rates of agreement among the JSS members than the ASES members for the definition of primary frozen shoulder, the classification of primary and secondary frozen shoulder, and the divisions of secondary frozen shoulder. To avoid confusion between stiff shoulder and frozen shoulder, the committee agrees to the ISAKOS recommendation that the term "frozen shoulder" should be used exclusively for primary idiopathic stiff shoulder.

Isolated Tear of the Teres Major Muscle.

Rotator cuff tears are frequently treated in daily clinical practice. However, there have been few reports of tears around the shoulder involving the latissimus dorsi and teres major muscles. The author reports the rare case of an isolated tear of the teres major muscle with symptom onset during ordinary sports activities without a clear traumatic mechanism. The patient received conservative treatment, and satisfactory results were obtained. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(2):e276-e278.].

Changes in surgical procedures for acromioclavicular joint dislocation over the past 30 years.

Generally, surgical treatment is recommended for Rockwood type 5 traumatic acromioclavicular joint dislocations. Since 1980, the authors have performed the modified Dewar procedure, the modified Cadenat procedure, and anatomical reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligaments for this injury. The goal of this study was to determine the ideal surgical procedure for acromioclavicular joint dislocations by comparing these 3 procedures. The modified Dewar procedure was performed on 55 patients (Dewar group), the modified Cadenat procedure was performed on 73 patients (Cadenat group), and anatomical reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligaments was performed on 11 patients (reconstruction group). According to the UCLA scoring system, therapeutic results averaged 27.3 points in the Dewar group, 28.2 in the Cadenat group, and 28.4 in the reconstruction group. The incidence of residual subluxation or dislocation in the acromioclavicular joint was evaluated at final radiographic follow-up. Subluxation occurred in 21 patients in the Dewar group, 18 in the Cadenat group, and 3 in the reconstruction group. Dislocation occurred in 3 patients in the Dewar group. Osteoarthritic changes in the acromioclavicular joint occurred in 20 patients in the Dewar group, 9 in the Cadenat group, and 1 in the reconstruction group. The modified Cadenat procedure can provide satisfactory therapeutic results and avoid postoperative failure or loss of reduction compared with the modified Dewar procedure. However, the modified Cadenat procedure does not anatomically restore the coracoclavicular ligaments. Anatomic restoration of both coracoclavicular ligaments can best restore acromioclavicular joint function.

A case of acute dorsal radiocarpal dislocation with radial styloid fracture.

We describe a case report of dorsal radiocarpal dislocation with fracture of the radial styloid process. A 21-year-old right-handed male was injured in a fall while snowboarding. Plain radiographic findings revealed dorsal dislocation of radiocarpal joint with fracture of the radial styloid process; we performed CT studies to examine the radius fracture in greater detail. These findings revealed a radial styloid fracture with avulsion fracture of dorsal articular margin of the distal part of the radius. Surgical treatment was performed 4 days after the injury. However, it was impossible to reduce the dorsal dislocation of radiocarpal joint only after the fixation of the radial styloid process. The dorsal radiocarpal ligaments and articular capsule had ruptured transversely on the radiocarpal joint with avulsion fracture of dorsal articular margin of the distal part of the radius. To repair the torn ligaments and capsule, we inserted three mini suture anchors into the dorsal edge of the radius and fixed these tissues on the radius. At present, 1 year after surgery, he has no pain with activity or at rest, and satisfactory results have been obtained.

Arthroscopic stabilization for Neer type 2 fracture of the distal clavicle fracture.

The distal clavicle fractures are divided into three types according to Neer's classification. Types 1 and 3 fractures are treated with a sling to immobilize the upper extremity. However, the treatment of type 2 fractures is controversial. We paid attention to the anatomic basis of type 2 fractures that the disruptions of the conoid ligament lead to the distraction between the two bony fragments. In this study, we describe the arthroscopic procedure to reconstruct the disrupted ligament and stabilize the fracture as a minimally invasive method. The subjects were seven patients with the distal clavicle fractures. According to Neer's or Rockwood's classification on plain radiographs, all seven patients were evaluated as type 2 or 2B, respectively. Our surgical procedure was performed with the patient in the beach chair position. We have used the artificial ligament with an EndoButton (Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, Andover, MA) as the substitute ligament to reconstruct the disrupted conoid ligament. The mean duration of postoperative follow-up was 2 years and 5 months. The bony union was achieved in all patients at a final follow-up. When concerning the range of motion at final examinations, mean forward flexion was 171°, mean abduction was 165°, mean internal rotation was Th11, and mean horizontal adduction was 132°. It is possible to treat the distal clavicle fractures by a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure without opening the fracture site of clavicle.

Osteoid osteoma of the great toe.

Osteoid osteoma is a relatively common osteoblastic lesion of benign skeletal neoplasms and occurs most commonly in the cortex of long bones, especially the femur and the tibia. Radiological characteristics are a nidus that appears as a small, relatively radiolucent zone within an area of extensive reactive sclerosis. Clinically, the lesion presents with increasing pain, is worse at night, and is relived by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Osteoid osteomas involving the phalanges of the toes are uncommon, and its accurate preoperative diagnosis is difficult due to the unique clinical and radiological features. The features in the phalanx of the toe are soft tissue swelling and a nidus frequently located in the cancellous without osteosclerosis. This article presents a case of a 22-year-old man with osteoid osteoma in his distal phalanx of the hallux. A needle biopsy of his great toe revealed a small number of bacteria, so he was initially treated for osteomyelitis but with unsatisfactory results. The particular characteristics of clinical and imaging findings supported a diagnosis of osteoid osteoma in the distal phalanx of the hallux. After surgical removal of the tumor, his symptoms resolved. The pathological examination confirmed the suspected diagnosis. In a patient with chronic foot pain that changes to become nocturnal and disappears with NSAID administration, it is important to include osteoid osteoma as a differential diagnosis. A detailed assessment of both clinical and radiological features can lead to the correct diagnosis, which must be confirmed with histopathological examination to ensure adequate excision.

Irreducible dislocation of the radial head with undisplaced olecranon fracture in a child: a case report.

Irreducible isolated dislocation of the radial head is a rare injury. In this study, we describe a patient with irreducible dislocation of the radial head associated with an undisplaced fracture of the olecranon. A 6-year-old girl fell down while walking and suffered injury to the posterior aspect of the proximal ulnar shaft with the right elbow in a slightly flexed position. Plain radiographs of the elbow revealed an anterior-medial dislocation of the radial head and an undisplaced fracture of the olecranon. However, the attempted closed reduction was not successful. An open reduction was then performed through a lateral approach. The radial head was found to be protruding through a buttonhole tear of the anterior joint capsule, causing the joint to become interposed between the articular surfaces of the joint, precluding closed reduction. Once the interposed capsule was extricated from the joint, the radial head could be easily reduced. At this point, no tear of the annular ligament was observed. Six months after the surgery, the patient was able to use her elbow fully and without pain. The range of motion was 0-140° for both extension and flexion and 90° for pronation and supination. Plain radiographs revealed a united bone of the olecranon and good reduction of the radial head. The radial head pushed through the tear of the anterior joint capsule. This buttonhole effect on the radial head prevented closed reduction of the radial head.

The coracoclavicular ligaments: an anatomic study.

PURPOSE: The treatment for the acromioclavicular joint dislocations has focused on anatomic restoration of the coracoclavicular ligaments. We reviewed the detailed anatomy of trapezoid ligaments and conoid ligaments using cadavers. METHODS: The subjects were 40 shoulders of the 20 cadavers. We investigated the distributed direction and attachment sites of both trapezoid and conoid ligaments. RESULTS: The trapezoid ligaments began at about 2 cm away the central point of the distal coracoid process and directed toward the undersurface of the clavicle. The attachments extended from 13 to 26 mm in sagittal dimension and from 13 to 15 mm in coronal dimension. The conoid ligaments began at the medial posterior margin of the coracoid process and directed toward to the conoid tubercle in the clavicle. The attachments extended from 15 to 30 mm in sagittal dimension and from 3 to 6 mm in coronal dimension. CONCLUSION: The findings are important indices for the accurate reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligaments in acromioclavicular joint dislocations.

Dupuytren's contracture limited to the distal interphalangeal joint: a case report.

Dupuytren contracture is not a rare disorder. However, the contracture limited to the DIP joint is rare conditions. In this study, we describe a case of Dupuytren contracture limited to the DIP joint occurred in the ring finger.

Risk of motion loss with combined Bankart and SLAP repairs.

We have performed arthroscopic Bankart procedures using absorbable or metallic suture anchors for traumatic anterior shoulder instability for over a decade. This article describes the frequency, pathology, and therapeutic results of patients treated for superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) lesions concomitant with Bankart lesions. Twenty patients (Group A) had a mean age of 33.8 years at the time of surgery. On arthroscopic findings, SLAP lesions were classified type 2 in 15 patients and type 4 in 5, based on Snyder's criteria. In addition, intra-articular free bodies were present in 2 SLAP lesions, and a capsular tear was present in 1. We performed debridement (Group A1) or reattachment (Group A2) to the superior glenoid edge of these lesions, considering whether they communicated to Bankart lesions. The therapeutic results were evaluated according to the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and Japan Shoulder Society (JSS) shoulder instability score. Mean JOA and JSS shoulder instability scores were 95.1 and 90.8 points, respectively. All Group A patients remained pain free, and no instability recurred in any patient. Meanwhile, mean JSS shoulder instability function and range of motion scores were 18.9 and 15.1 points, respectively, in Group A1, and 17.5 and 10.1 points, respectively, in Group A2. A significant correlation in range of motion was observed in Groups A1 and A2 (P=.04). Regarding postoperative limitation in external rotation with the arm at the side, the difference in range from that on the healthy side was 9.8 degrees in Group A (7.0 degrees in Group A1 and 12.6 degrees in Group A2). When SLAP lesions communicated to Bankart lesions, we had satisfactory results without SLAP repair; therefore, unnecessary repairs for the concomitant pathology should be avoided, and different postoperative care should be performed for patients with Bankart repair with reattachment of a SLAP lesion.

Triple joint injuries of the same digit.

This article presents a rare case of simultaneous triple joint injuries in the same digit. A 54-year-old, right-handed man sustained simultaneous triple joint injuries in a digit, composed of a fracture of the dorsal base of the distal phalanx involving one-third of the phalanx, dorsal dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint with a volar plate fracture, and ulnal dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal joint. Surgery was performed on the patient. Two years postoperatively, active range of motion of the distal interphalangeal joint improved from 0 degrees to 40 degrees, of the proximal interphalangeal joint improved from -20 degrees to 100 degrees, and of the metacarpophalangeal joint improved from 5 degrees to 90 degrees. Grip strength was 32 kg compared to 35 kg on the nonaffected side. No ligamentous laxity was demonstrated in the finger joints. A fracture involving one-third of the phalanx may be caused by forced hyperextension of that joint. This hyperextension may result in a tear of the volar plate of the proximal interphalangeal joint, leading to a dislocation at that joint. This continuous force directs the metacarpophalangeal joint in a slight ulnal shift, and may result in rupture of the medial collateral ligament in the metacarpophalangeal joint. To our knowledge, this injury has not been reported in the literature.

Dorsal transscaphoid transtriquetral perilunate dislocation with pseudoarthrosis of the scaphoidy.

All perilunate fracture-dislocations combine ligament ruptures, bone avulsions, and fractures in a variety of clinical forms. Two mechanisms of the injury may result in a carpal dislocation: direct and indirect. Most dorsal perilunate dislocations are the result of an indirect mechanism of injury, usually consisting of an extreme extension of the wrist joint, associated with variable degree ulnar deviation and radiocarpal or midcarpal supination. Many factors may explain the occurrence of one or another type of injury: age, differences in direction and magnitude of the deforming forces, and differences in position of the wrist joint at the time of impact.

A combined fracture of the greater and lesser tuberosity with head shaft continuity in the proximal humerus.

We treated a combined fracture of the greater and lesser tuberosity with head shaft continuity in the proximal humerus. This case is impossible to classify in three of the classifications, the Neer classification, AO Müller classification, or Jakob classification. However, this case has been described as fracture types in two different categories in the Codman classification. Based on our experience with this case, we concluded that both the plain radiographs and the CT scans were necessary to make a correct diagnosis and classify the fractures of the proximal humerus.