Acromioclavicular, Coracoclavicular and Medial Coracoclavicular Ligaments Assessment in Acromioclavicular Dislocation.

Objective To study the anatomy of the medial coracoclavicular ligament and assess the contribution of the acromioclavicular, coracoclavicular and medial coracoclavicular ligaments to the stability of the acromioclavicular joint. Methods Twenty-six shoulders from 16 fresh cadavers were dissected after placement in dorsal recumbency with a 15-cm cushion between the shoulder blades. An extended deltopectoral approach was performed proximally and medially, followed by plane dissection and ligament identification. The acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular distances were measured using points previously marked with a millimeter caliper. Six of these specimens were submitted to a biomechanical study. The acromioclavicular ligament, the coracoclavicular ligament and the medial coracoclavicular ligament were sectioned sequentially, and a cephalic force of 20 N was applied to the lateral clavicle. The acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular distances were measured in each of the ligament section stages. Results The right medial coracoclavicular ligament presented, on average, 48.9 mm in length and 18.3 mm in width. On the left side, its mean length was 48.65 mm, with a mean width of 17.3 mm. Acromioclavicular, coracoclavicular and medial coracoclavicular ligament section resulted in a statistically significant increase in the coracoclavicular distance and posterior scapular displacement. Conclusion The medial coracoclavicular ligament is a true ligamentous structure found in all dissected shoulders. Our results showed that the scapular protraction relaxed the medial coracoclavicular ligament, while scapular retraction tensioned it; in addition, our findings demonstrate that this ligament contributes to the vertical and horizontal stability of the acromioclavicular joint.

Treatment of proximal humeral fractures using anatomical locking plate: correlation of functional and radiographic results.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate the functional outcomes and radiographic indices of proximal humerus fractures treated using an anatomical locking plate for the proximal humerus. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with fractures of the proximal humerus who had been treated using an anatomical locking plate were assessed after a mean follow-up of 27 months. These patients were assessed using the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score and their range of motion was evaluated using the method of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons on the operated shoulder and comparative radiographs on both shoulders. The correlation between radiographic measurements and functional outcomes was established. RESULTS: We found that 64% of the results were good or excellent, according to the UCLA score, with the following means: elevation of 124°; lateral rotation of 44°; and medial rotation of thumb to T9. The type of fracture according to Neer's classification and the patient's age had significant correlations with the range of motion, such that the greater the number of parts in the fracture and the greater the patient's age were, the worse the results also were. Elevation and UCLA score were found to present associations with the anatomical neck-shaft angle in anteroposterior view; fractures fixed with varus deviations greater than 15° showed the worst results (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The variation in the neck-shaft angle measurements in anteroposterior view showed a significant correlation with the range of motion; varus deviations greater than 15° were not well tolerated. This parameter may be one of the predictors of functional results from proximal humerus fractures treated using a locking plate.

OBJETIVO: Correlacionar os resultados funcionais e os índices radiográficos das fraturas do úmero proximal tratadas com placa anatômica bloqueada para úmero proximal. MÉTODOS: Examinaram-se 39 pacientes com fraturas do úmero proximal tratados com placa anatômica bloqueada, com seguimento médio de 27 meses. Esses pacientes foram submetidos à análise do escore da Universidade da Califórnia de Los Angeles (UCLA) e à avaliação do arco de movimento pelo método da Academia Americana de Cirurgiões Ortopédicos no ombro operado e a exames radiográficos comparativos de ambos os ombros. Estabeleceu-se a correlação entre as medidas radiográficas e os resultados funcionais. RESULTADOS: Obtivemos 64% de bons e excelentes resultados conforme o escore da UCLA, com médias de 124° de elevação; 44° de rotação lateral; e polegar-T9 de rotação medial. O tipo de fratura, de acordo com a classificação de Neer, e a idade do paciente tiveram significativa correlação com o arco de movimentos; quanto maiores o número de partes das fraturas e a idade dos pacientes, piores os resultados. Encontrou-se associação entre a elevação e o escore da UCLA com o ângulo cervicodiafisário na incidência anteroposterior; as fraturas fixadas com desvios em varo maiores do que 15° apresentaram os piores resultados (p < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A variação da medida do ângulo cervicodiafisário na incidência anteroposterior mostrou significativa correlação com o arco de movimento; desvios em varo maiores do que 15° não foram bem tolerados. Esse parâmetro pode ser um dos preditores dos resultados funcionais nas fraturas do úmero proximal tratadas com placa anatômica bloqueada.

Impacted valgus fractures of the proximal humerus.

Impacted valgus fractures of the proximal humerus are considered to be a special type fracture, since impaction of the humeral head on the metaphysis with maintenance of the posteromedial periosteum improves the prognosis regarding occurrences of avascular necrosis. This characteristic can also facilitate the reduction maneuver and increase the consolidation rate of these fractures, even in more complex cases. The studies included were obtained by searching the Bireme, Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar databases for those published between 1991 and 2013. The objective of this study was to identify the most common definitions, classifications and treatment methods used for these fractures in the orthopedic medical literature.

A fratura impactada em valgo do úmero proximal é considerada um tipo especial de fratura, pois a impactação metafisária da cabeça umeral, com manutenção do periósteo póstero-medial, melhora seu prognóstico quanto à ocorrência de necrose avascular. Essa característica pode, ainda, facilitar a manobra de redução e aumentar o índice de consolidação dessas fraturas, mesmo nos casos mais complexos. Os estudos incluídos foram pesquisados nas bases de dados Bireme, Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Library e Google Scholar publicados de 1991 a 2013. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a definição, classificação e os métodos de tratamento dessas fraturas mais usados na literatura médica ortopédica.

Functional evaluation of arthroscopic treatment of SLAP lesions through the O'Brien portal.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional results from arthroscopic repair of SLAP lesions through the portal described by O'Brien. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was conducted on 19 shoulders in 18 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of SLAP lesions through the O'Brien portal between November 2007 and January 2012. RESULTS: Nineteen shoulders in 18 patients were evaluated: 16 male patients (84.2%) and three female patients (15.7%). The patients' ages ranged from 27 to 40 years (mean of 34.3 years). There were 12 patients (63.1%) with injuries on the right shoulder, six (31.5%) with injuries on the left shoulder and one (5.2%) with bilateral injury. In relation to dominance, 13 patients (68.4%) presented the injury on the dominant limb and five (26.3%) were affected on the non-dominant limb. We observed that nine cases (47.3%) had SLAP lesions alone and 10 cases (52.6%) were related to glenohumeral instability. There was one case (5.2%) of recurrence of glenohumeral dislocation, but this patient chose not to undergo a new surgical intervention. According to the UCLA and ASES scales translated and adapted to the Portuguese language, 96% of the results were good or excellent. CONCLUSION: The approach for treating SLAP lesions through the portal described by O'Brien et al. is easy to reproduce, with a high rate of good and excellent results and a low complication rate.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados funcionais do reparo artroscópico da lesão SLAP pelo portal descrito por O'Brien. MÉTODOS: Foi feita avaliação retrospectiva de 19 ombros de 18 pacientes submetidos ao reparo artroscópico da lesão SLAP pelo portal de O'Brien, de novembro de 2007 a janeiro de 2012. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 19 ombros de 18 pacientes, 16 (84,2%) do sexo masculino e três (15,7%) do feminino. A idade variou de 27 a 40 anos (média de 34,3). No estudo, 12 (63,1%) pacientes tiveram lesão no ombro direito, seis (31,5%) no ombro esquerdo e houve um (5,2%) caso de lesão bilateral. Em relação à dominância, 13 (68,4%) pacientes apresentaram a lesão no membro dominante e cinco (26,3%) tiveram o membro não dominante acometido. Observamos que nove (47,3%) casos tiveram lesão SLAP isolada, 10 (52,6%) casos foram relacionados a instabilidade glenoumeral e apenas um (5,2%) caso teve recidiva da luxação glenoumeral. Esse paciente optou por não fazer nova intervenção cirúrgica. De acordo com as escalas ULCA e ASES traduzida e adaptada para a língua portuguesa, obteve-se 96% de excelentes e bons resultados. CONCLUSÃO: A abordagem da lesão SLAP pelo portal descrito por O'Brien et al. é de fácil reprodutibilidade, com alto índice de excelentes e bons resultados e baixo índice de complicações.

Low-term results from non-conventional partial arthroplasty for treating rotator cuff arthroplasthy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the evolution of the functional results from CTA(®) hemiarthroplasty for surgically treating degenerative arthroplathy of the rotator cuff, with a mean follow-up of 5.4 years. METHODS: Eighteen patients who underwent CTA(®) partial arthroplasty to treat degenerative arthroplathy of the rotator cuff between April 2007 and June 2009 were reevaluated, with minimum and mean follow-ups of 4.6 years and 5.4 years, respectively. Pre and postoperative parameters for functionality and patient satisfaction were used (functional scale of the University of California in Los Angeles, UCLA). All the patients underwent prior conservative treatment for 6 months and underwent surgical treatment because of the absence of satisfactory results. Patients were excluded if they presented any of the following: previous shoulder surgery; pseudoparalysis; insufficiency of the coracoacromial arch (type 2 B in Seebauer's classification); neurological lesions; or insufficiency of the deltoid muscle and the subscapularis muscle. RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 5.4 years, 14 patients considered that they were satisfied with the surgery (78%); the mean range of joint motion for active elevation improved from 55.8° before the operation to 82.0° after the operation; the mean external rotation improved from 18.9° before the operation to 27.3° after the operation; and the mean medial rotation remained at the level of the third lumbar vertebra. The mean UCLA score after the mean follow-up of 5.4 years was 23.94 and this was an improvement in comparison with the preoperative mean and the mean 1 year after the operation. CONCLUSION: The functional results from CTA(®) hemiarthroplasty for treating rotator cuff arthroplasty in selected patients remained satisfactory after a mean follow-up of 5.4 years.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a evolução do resultado funcional da hemiartroplastia CTA® no tratamento cirúrgico da artropatia degenerativa do manguito rotador com um seguimento médio de 5,4 anos. MÉTODOS: Foram reavaliados 18 pacientes submetidos à artroplastia parcial CTA® para o tratamento da artropatia degenerativa do manguito rotador entre abril de 2007 e junho de 2009, com seguimento mínimo e médio de 4,6 anos e 5,4 anos, respectivamente. Foram usados parâmetros pré e pós-operatórios de funcionalidade e satisfação dos pacientes (escala funcional da Universidade da Califórnia em Los Angeles [UCLA]). Todos os pacientes fizeram tratamento conservador prévio por seis meses e foram submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico na ausência de resultado satisfatório. Foram excluídos pacientes com cirurgia prévia no ombro, pseudoparalisia, insuficiência do arco coracoacromial (tipo 2 B da classificação de Seebauer), lesão neurológica ou insuficiência do músculo deltoide e do músculo subescapular. RESULTADOS: Com um seguimento médio de 5,4 anos, 14 pacientes se consideravam satisfeitos com a cirurgia (78%). A amplitude de movimento articular melhorou na elevação ativa média e variou de 55,8° no pré-operatório para 82° no pós-operatório. A rotação externa média melhorou de em média 18,9° no pré-operatório para 27,3° no pós-operatório. A média da rotação medial manteve-se no nível da terceira vértebra lombar. O escore UCLA médio, após seguimento médio de 5,4 anos, foi de 23,94 e melhorou em comparação com as médias pré-operatória e do primeiro ano pós-operatório. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados funcionais da hemiartroplastia CTA® no tratamento da artroplastia do manguito rotador em pacientes selecionados mantiveram-se satisfatórios após um seguimento médio de 5,4 anos.

RESULTS OF SURGICAL TREATMENT OF DENERATIVE ARTHROPATHY OF THE ROTATOR CUFF USING HEMIARTHROPLASTY- CTA(®).

OBJECTIVE: To assess results of CTA(®) partial shoulder arthroplasty for treatment of degenerative arthropathy of the rotator cuff. METHODS: Between December 2006 and June 2009, 23 shoulders of 23 patients were submitted to CTA(®) type partial shoulder arthroplasty for treatment of arthropathy secondary to rotator cuff injury. Post-operative follow up time ranged from 6 to 35 months. Mean age was 74.1 years. Patients were predominantly female, representing 78.3% of cases. The right limb was affected in 18 patients. All patients had undergone at least 6 months of physiotherapy without improvement of the algetic picture, and being submitted to surgery by the same surgical team. None of the patients had history of surgery on the affected shoulder. The method elected for assessing patients during post-operative follow up was based on UCLA scoring criteria. RESULTS: Improvement in pain was observed in all patients after arthroplasty. Mean UCLA pain score was 9.22 (ranging from 10 to 8). Mean function was 6 (10 to 2). Active frontal flexion was 2.39 (highest score 4 and lowest 0). Mean frontal flexion force was 4.09, maximum was 5 and minimum 3. Mean score on the UCLA was 26.52. 95% were satisfied with the surgery. CONCLUSION: CTA(®) type partial shoulder arthroplasty produced satisfactory results in the treatment of degenerative arthropathy of the rotator cuff and had a low rate of complications.

POSTEROSUPERIOR SURGICAL ACCESS ROUTE FOR TREATMENT OF ACROMIOCLAVICULAR DISLOCATIONS: RESULTS FROM 84 SURGICAL CASES.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results from surgical treatment of 84 cases of acute acromioclavicular dislocation, using a posterosuperior access route. METHODS: Eighty-four cases of acute acromioclavicular dislocation (grade III in the Allman-Tossy classification) operated between November 2002 and May 2010 were evaluated. The patients' mean age was 34 years. The diagnoses were made using clinical and radiographic evaluations. The patients were operated by the same surgical team, within three weeks of the date of the trauma, using a posterosuperior approach to the shoulder to access the top of the base of the coracoid process for placement of two anchors, which were used in reducing the dislocation. The minimum follow-up was 12 months. The postoperative clinical-radiographic evaluation was done using the modified Karlsson criteria and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score. RESULTS: 92.8% of the 84 patients treated presented good or excellent results, and 7.2% presented fair or poor results, using the UCLA assessment score. According to the modified Karlsson criteria, 76.2% were assessed as grade A, 17.9% as grade B and 5.9% as grade C. CONCLUSION: The posterosuperior access route to the shoulder is a new option for accessing the coracoid process and treating acromioclavicular dislocation, with clinical and radiographic results equivalent to those in the literature.

COMPARATIVE ANATOMICAL STUDY BETWEEN THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDES OF THE AXILLARY NERVE IN RELATION TO DELTOPECTORAL APPROACH AND ACROMION.

OBJECTIVE: To establish anatomical parameters for the axillary nerve by measuring the distances to the acromion and the deltopectoral access, and to ascertain whether there are any differences in comparative measurements between the left and right sides. METHOD: An anatomical study on the path of the axillary nerve was conducted by dissecting 30 shoulders of 20 fresh adult cadavers. For comparative study, bilateral dissection was performed on 10 cadavers. Digital caliper gauges, accurate to the nearest 0.05 cm, were used to measure the distances between the lateral extremity of the acromion and the anterior and posterior branches of the axillary nerve, and between the deltopectoral space and the anterior branch of the axillary nerve. RESULTS: The shortest distance between the acromion and the axillary nerve was 5.47 cm, and the greatest distance was 7.06 cm. The shortest distance between the deltopectoral groove and the axillary nerve was 3.94 cm. A statistically significant difference was found using Wilcoxon's test in comparative measurements between the left and right sides for the distances between the posterior branch of the axillary nerve and the midpoint of the lateral border of the acromion (A-E), and between the anterior branch of the axillary nerve and the anterior extremity of the acromion (B-C), both of which were larger on the right side. CONCLUSIONS: The axillary nerve was situated between 5.47 and 7.06 cm distally to the acromion, and 3.94 cm laterally to the deltopectoral space. There was a statistically significant difference in the comparison between the left and right sides, and both measurements were larger on the right side.

Estudo anatômico comparativo entre os lados direito e esquerdo do nervo axilar em relação à via deltopeitoral e ao acrômio / Comparative anatomical study between the right and left sides of the axillary nerve in relation to deltopectoral approach and acromion

OBJETIVOS: Estabelecer parâmetros anatômicos para o nervo axilar pelas medidas das distâncias ao acrômio e à via de acesso deltopeitoral, e verificar se há diferenças nas medidas comparativas entre os lados direito e esquerdo. MÉTODO: Realizou-se o estudo anatômico do trajeto do nervo axilar pela dissecção de 30 ombros em 20 cadáveres adultos frescos. Em 10 cadáveres foi realizada dissecção bilateral para estudo comparativo. Utilizou-se paquímetro digital com precisão de 0,05cm, mediram-se as distâncias entre a extremidade lateral do acrômio e os ramos anterior e posterior do nervo axilar e a distância entre o espaço deltopeitoral e o ramo anterior do nervo axilar. RESULTADOS: A menor distância entre o acrômio e o nervo axilar foi de 5,47cm e a maior, de 7,06cm. A menor distância entre o sulco deltopeitoral e o nervo axilar foi de 3,94cm. Houve diferença com significância estatística pelo teste de Wilcoxon nas medidas comparativas entre os lados direito e esquerdo, para as distâncias entre o ramo posterior do nervo axilar e o ponto médio da borda lateral do acrômio (A-E) e entre o ramo anterior do nervo axilar e a extremidade anterior do acrômio (B-C), ambas maiores no lado direito. CONCLUSÕES: O nervo axilar está situado entre 5,47 e 7,06cm distal ao acrômio e 3,94cm lateral ao espaço deltopeitoral. Houve diferença com significância estatística no estudo comparativo entre os lados direito e esquerdo, ambas maiores no lado direito.

OBJECTIVE: To establish anatomical parameters for the axillary nerve by measuring the distances to the acromion and the deltopectoral access, and to ascertain whether there are any differences in comparative measurements between the left and right sides. METHOD: An anatomical study on the path of the axillary nerve was conducted by dissecting 30 shoulders of 20 fresh adult cadavers. For comparative study, bilateral dissection was performed on 10 cadavers. Digital caliper gauges, accurate to the nearest 0.05 cm, were used to measure the distances between the lateral extremity of the acromion and the anterior and posterior branches of the axillary nerve, and between the deltopectoral space and the anterior branch of the axillary nerve. RESULTS: The shortest distance between the acromion and the axillary nerve was 5.47 cm, and the greatest distance was 7.06 cm. The shortest distance between the deltopectoral groove and the axillary nerve was 3.94 cm. A statistically significant difference was found using Wilcoxon's test in comparative measurements between the left and right sides for the distances between the posterior branch of the axillary nerve and the midpoint of the lateral border of the acromion (A-E), and between the anterior branch of the axillary nerve and the anterior extremity of the acromion (B-C), both of which were larger on the right side. CONCLUSIONS: The axillary nerve was situated between 5.47 and 7.06 cm distally to the acromion, and 3.94 cm laterally to the deltopectoral space. There was a statistically significant difference in the comparison between the left and right sides, and both measurements were larger on the right side.

EVALUATION OF SURGICAL TREATMENT OF FRACTURES IN TWO OR THREE PARTS OF THE PROXIMAL HUMERUS WITH THE "PARACHUTE TECHNIQUE".

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the surgical technique called the "parachute technique, as applied to adult patients who suffered displaced and unstable two or three-part fractures of the proximal humerus, through the clinical outcomes. METHODS: Between January 1995 and June 2006, 59 adult patients with displaced and unstable two or three-part fractures underwent operations performed by the Shoulder and Elbow Group of the Orthopedics and Traumatology Service of Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo using the "parachute technique. This method consists of an intramedullary tension band and extramedullary fixation in a figure-of-eight to join the fragments of the fracture, using a 6.5-millimeter spongy screw with partial threading, a washer and two non-absorbable wires, thereby producing stable synthesis with minimal aggression to the surrounding soft tissue and not requiring any subsequent removal of material. The final shape of this synthesis is reminiscent of the shape of an open parachute. The patients had a minimum postoperative follow-up of six months. For the diagnosis, trauma series radiographic views of the shoulder were produced. The fractures were classified in accordance with the system proposed by Neer. We used the scale of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), to evaluate the results. RESULTS: The "parachute technique" produced good results in 47% and excellent results in 26% of the cases, according to the UCLA scores. CONCLUSION: The "parachute technique" is a safe and effective treatment for displaced and unstable two or three-part fractures of the proximal humerus.

ANATOMICAL STUDY OF THE MUSCULOCUTANEOUS NERVE IN RELATION TO THE CORACOID PROCESS.

OBJECTIVE: The authors performed an anatomical study on the path of the musculocutaneous nerve by dissecting 20 shoulders from 10 fresh adult cadavers. METHOD: The distance from the lower edge of the coracoid process to the point of penetration of the most proximal branch of the musculocutaneous nerve in the coracobrachialis muscle was measured and named the base. Starting from the inferomedial edge of the coracoid process, a second measurement was made to the point at which the lateral fascicle of the brachial plexus crossed the subclavius muscle, and was named the height. The third measurement was of the triangular area formed by the two first measurements, and was named the area. RESULTS: The mean base length was 3.42 cm, ranging from 2.38 cm to 4.40 cm. The mean height measurement was 2.74 cm, ranging from 1.03 cm to 3.80 cm. The mean area was 4.92 cm(2), ranging from 1.22 cm(2) to 7.99 cm2. CONCLUSION: These measurements are very important because of the risk of injury to the musculocutaneous nerve in surgical approaches to the shoulder.