Arthroscopic repair with transosseous sling-suture technique for acute and chronic bony Bankart lesions.

Background: Failure to fix the fractured fragment can result in bony fragment resorption and consequent glenoid bone loss. Current arthroscopic repair techniques might lead to insecure fixation and refracture. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the transosseous sling-suture technique for bony Bankart lesions, and to compare the clinical outcomes for acute and chronic bony Bankart lesions treated with this technique. Methods: A retrospective case series consisting of 46 patients with bony fracture of the glenoid rim following traumatic injury was identified from May 2015 to August 2020. The patients were divided into the acute lesion group and the chronic lesion group according to the time from first injury to surgery. The size of bone fragment was used to group the patients into the small and the medium sized fragment groups. All the patients underwent arthroscopic repairs using the transosseous sling-suture technique. Preoperative and postoperative evaluations including Rowe score, West Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain scores, ROMs and number of dislocations were recorded. No significant differences were found in the comparisons of postoperative ROMs ang functional outcomes regarding between the small and the medium sized fragment groups. Results: No dislocations occurred for both groups postoperatively. At the last follow-up, all the ROMs (including anterior flexion, abduction, external rotation and internal rotation at the side), the Rowe score, the WOSI score and the VAS score for pain in the both groups were significantly improved compared to the preoperative evaluations (all Ps < 0.001). In the comparisons between the acute and the chronic lesion groups, significantly greater anterior flexion (158.9 ± 8.9° vs. 153.0 ± 6.4°, P = 0.037), abduction (167.7 ± 10.1° vs. 161.0 ± 7.0°, P = 0.035) and external rotation at the side (88.3 ± 6.4° vs. 83.5 ± 5.5°, P = 0.024) were found in the acute lesion group. The comparisons of the Rowe score (86.0 ± 7.5 vs. 87.5 ± 10.6, P = 0.319), the WOSI score (223.5 ± 56.3 vs. 185.0 ± 79.9, P = 0.062), the VAS score for pain (0.4 ± 0.2 vs. 0.3 ± 0.2, P = 0.324) and the internal rotation at the side (74.6 ± 13.2° vs. 80.5 ± 11.1°, P = 0.116) between these two groups did not demonstrate significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion: This arthroscopic transosseous sling-suture repair technique for shoulder anterior instability with acute and chronic bony Bankart lesion can restore joint stability, improve clinical outcomes and range of motion postoperatively. The acute bony Bankart lesion using the current technique can produce better range of motion compared to the chronic lesion. Study design: Retrospective case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Arthroscopic reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament in skeletally immature patients using the modified sling procedure: a novel technique for MPFL reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Patellar dislocation is common in young people. Although isolated anatomic double-bundle reconstruction of the MPFL is a common and effective surgical treatment for patellofemoral instability, concerns about the risk of injury to the epiphysis remain. METHODS: A total of 21 children and adolescents (9 males, 12 females; mean age: 10.7 years; range: 8 to 13 years) with recurrent patella dislocation or symptomatic instability following a primary dislocation were enrolled in the study. In all patients, double-bundle medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction and femoral sling procedure were performed under arthroscopy, using an anterior half peroneus longus tendon (AHPLT) autograft. Functional outcomes were evaluated preoperatively and during follow-ups based on Kujala and Lysholm scores. Radiological examinations including radiographs, 3D-CT, and MRI were performed pre- and post-operatively. RESULTS: Among two-year postoperative follow-up (range: 24-42 months) showed significant improvement in functional scores (p < 0.01). The Lysholm score increased from 68 (44.5) to 100 (0) and the Kujala score increased from 26 (34.5) to 100 (2) The patellar tilt angel improved significantly (p < 0.01) from 24.3° ± 10.4 preoperatively to 11.9° ± 7.0 postoperatively. MRIs performed 6- and 12-months post operation did not show any signs of dysfunction of the reconstructed MPFL or cartilage degeneration. STUDY DESIGN: Case Series; Level of evidence, 4. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic reconstruction of the MPFL using the modified sling procedure is an effective procedure for the treatment of patellar instability in skeletally immature patients.

Arthroscopic Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis Tenotomy and Debridement Versus Debridement Alone for Refractory Lateral Epicondylitis: Clinical and MRI Evaluation.

Background: Arthroscopic debridement of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon is a widely accepted procedure used in refractory lateral epicondylitis. However, residual pain occurs in some patients. Purpose: To investigate the clinical effectiveness of arthroscopic extended debridement (ECRB tenotomy and debridement) in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Patients with refractory lateral epicondylitis were consecutively recruited for this study. They underwent traditional ECRB debridement (control group) or extended ECRB debridement (ED group) under arthroscopy. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) were used to compare elbow function between the groups at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was also performed to evaluate pathology at 12 months. Results: A total of 69 patients participated in the study (33 patients in the ED group and 36 in the control group). After surgery, all patients showed improvement on all 3 outcome scores. Compared with the control group, the ED group had significantly better postoperative MEPS and VAS scores at 3 months (P ≤ .001 for both) and 6 months (P ≤ .03 for both) but similar values at 12 months. DASH scores between groups were similar at all time periods. At the 12-month follow-up, no patients in the ED group reported pain with strenuous work. Return-to-work (RTW) times were also shorter in the ED group compared with the controls (8 ± 4 vs 18 ± 8 weeks; P < .001). Postoperative MRI assessments revealed no high signal intensities on the lateral epicondyle in the ED group, while there was an increased internal signal intensity on the lateral epicondyle in 83% of the controls. Conclusion: Collectively, the extended ECRB debridement technique resulted in enhanced pain relief in the early postoperative period as well as providing faster RTW times compared with the traditional debridement technique. At 1 year follow-up, there were no differences in outcome measures between groups, but residual abnormal MRI findings were more common in the traditional debridement group.

Arthroscopic Lesser Trochanter Osteoplasty, Quadratus Femoris Debridement, and Sciatic Neurolysis via Posterior Approach for Ischiofemoral Impingement.

Ischiofemoral impingement (IFI) syndrome is considered the narrowing of the ischiofemoral space (IFS), leading to pathological changes in the quadratus femoris and sciatic nerve, causing posterior hip and sciatica-like pain. Open or arthroscopic resection of the lesser trochanter to enlarge the IFS is the main surgical procedure. However, there is a lack of research on isolated IFI, and currently known surgical procedures are at risk of weakening the flexion strength of the hip joint. In this study, four patients, who were diagnosed with isolated IFI and had undergone arthroscopic treatment with partial resection of the lesser trochanter, debridement of the quadratus femoris, and decompression of the sciatic nerve, were reviewed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to describe the management of IFI using a series of surgical procedures via a posterior approach as an effective treatment option. The outcomes of this study broadened the strategies for IFI management.

Early Efficacy Assessment of Arthroscopic Lower Trapezius Transfer With Tendon Autograft in the Management of Massive Irreparable Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears.

Objectives: To explore the indications and surgical techniques for arthroscopic lower trapezius transfer (LTT) with tendon autograft in managing massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears (PSRCTs); to validate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of this technique. Methods: This study retrospectively enrolled 23 patients with massive irreparable PSRCTs, admitted to and followed up by the Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang province between July 2020 and April 2021, and treated with ipsilateral LTT and ipsilateral hamstring tendon autograft. The control group consisted of 23 patients with massive RCTs receiving conventional repair procedures within the same frame. Follow-up data at the preoperative visit, and postoperative month 3 were collected to assess the active range of motion, Constant-Murley Score (CMS),American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)shoulder score, visual analog scale (VAS)and the post-operative MRI results, all of which could provide a comprehensive postoperative early efficacy assessment. Results: Three months follow-up visits were completed for all patients, revealing improvements in all aspects compared to the preoperative state, with no complications, such as postoperative infection of surgical sites and nerve injuries of infection and nerve injury. The distribution of active shoulder range of motion of patients and function scores with two types of operation was as follow: angles of flexion and lifting (130.00° ± 31.55° vs. 90.78° ± 19.85°), abduction (123.26° ± 30.47°vs. 85.87° ± 18.74°), external rotation at side (101.74° ± 14.74° vs. 91.74° ± 11.92°), external rotation at 90° abduction (41.52° ± 21.97° vs. 24.57° ±12.60°), VAS (0.74± 0.81 vs. 1.87 ±0.87), CMS(56.3 ± 13.01 vs. 48.30 ± 8.38), UCLA shoulder score (24.04 ± 2.88 vs.20.96 ± 3.47), ASES (72.91 ± 9.99 vs.60.74 ± 8.84). Significantly better improvements were found in the study group on month 3.19 of 23 patients in the study group and 17 of 23 patients in the control group underwent MRI on the 3 months follow up. Retear was found in only one patient who had grade 4 subscapularis tendon injury, However, revision was not performed due to postoperative pain relief and functional improvement. Conclusion: Compared to conventional repair procedures, in the early postoperative period, LTT with tendon autograft could achieve better pain relief, more rapid motor functional recovery, and higher functional scores for massive irreparable PSRCTs.

Rotator Cuff Repair Improves Clinical Function and Stability in Patients Older Than 50 Years With Anterior Shoulder Dislocations and Massive Rotator Cuff Tears.

BACKGROUND: Older patients with shoulder instability have a higher prevalence of rotator cuff tears and anterior capsular lesions. Simultaneous rotator cuff repair and labral repair are commonly performed to improve shoulder stability and function. PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for older patients with shoulder dislocations combined with massive rotator cuff tears and intact labral tissue. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A cohort consisting of 11 patients older than 50 years with shoulder dislocations and massive rotator cuff tears undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair was identified between December 2015 and January 2018. Rotator cuff repair was performed after Bankart, superior labral anterior-posterior, and humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament lesions were excluded during arthroscopic surgery. Preoperative and 12-month postoperative outcomes including modified University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), and visual analog scale for pain scores as well as range of motion (ROM) were recorded. RESULTS: The supraspinatus tendon was torn in all patients. Also, 36.4% of the patients had 3 rotator cuff tendons torn. For shoulder function, the preoperative UCLA score (12.1 ± 2.5 [range, 9-16]) and ASES score (35.4 ± 12.7 [range, 24-44]) significantly improved to 29.4 ± 4.3 (range, 24-35; P < .001) and 79.4 ± 16.0 (range, 45-95; P < .001), respectively, at 12 months postoperatively. None of the patients experienced shoulder redislocations at 12 months after surgery. For shoulder stability, the postoperative WOSI score (156.8 ± 121.0 [range, 45-365]) was significantly better than was the preoperative score (713.0 ± 238.6 [range, 395-1090]) (P < .001). For comparisons between preoperative and postoperative ROM, forward flexion, abduction, and external and internal rotation at the side significantly improved. CONCLUSION: For patients older than 50 years with shoulder dislocations combined with massive rotator cuff tears and an intact labrum, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair alone achieved satisfactory functional outcomes and ROM without the recurrence of dislocations.