Superior labral lesions: diagnosis and management.

OBJECTIVE: To review the pathoanatomy, classification, and etiologies of lesions of the superior labrum and biceps anchor (SLAP lesions) and to discuss the clinical presentation, with emphasis on physical examination findings and current treatment recommendations. DATA SOURCES: We searched MEDLINE for English-language articles published from 1985 to 1999 using the key words "superior labral lesion," "SLAP lesion," "labral tear," and "biceps tendon." Additional information was obtained from cross- referencing pertinent articles and personal communications with experts in the field of shoulder arthroscopy. DATA SYNTHESIS: The clinical presentation of superior labral lesions often includes a history of trauma or repetitive overuse in athletes associated with complaints of pain and clicking or popping in the shoulder. The diagnosis can be difficult, as clinical findings may overlap with those of acromioclavicular or rotator cuff problems and exist concomitantly with glenohumeral instability. CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS: Superior labral lesions are a relatively newly defined cause of shoulder pain and disability. Knowledge about these lesions and a high index of suspicion are essential to identifying this important cause of shoulder pain. Superior labral lesions are usually confirmed and successfully managed arthroscopically.

Role of hemiarthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures.

A thorough understanding of the injury and strict adherence to principles of management are essential to obtain optimal results for the patient with a complex fracture of the proximal humerus. Evolving literature continues to give us better insight into difficult treatment decisions. By applying the appropriate indications, surgical techniques, and modular capabilities, hemiarthroplasty of the proximal humerus has evolved as a valuable treatment option for these injuries.

Isolated nerve injuries about the shoulder.

Infraclavicular nerve injuries are rare and potentially disabling problems. A retrospective study of 24 patients with 28 nerve injuries is presented, including 18 axillary, 7 suprascapular, and 3 musculocutaneous nerve injuries. Vague shoulder pain and weakness of the involved muscle groups were the main symptoms of nerve injury in these patients. All patients had atrophy of the specific muscles involved. Diagnosis of these nerve lesions can often be difficult because of this vague presentation. Followup from date of injury averaged 60 months and included evaluation by questionnaire, repeat physical examinations, and serial electromyograms. There were 21 complete or satisfactory nerve recoveries, while 7 patients had unsatisfactory results. The etiology of the injury appeared to be an important factor with respect to outcome. Eight of 10 nerve injuries secondary to blunt trauma went on to complete recovery, and 4 of 6 nerve injuries secondary to shoulder dislocation recovered completely. None of the 7 nerves injured during surgery recovered completely. No patient with spontaneous onset of nerve dysfunction had an unsatisfactory result. Poor results were noted in patients with initial total denervation as shown by electromyogram and in patients with intraoperative nerve damage.

Repair of distal biceps tendon ruptures in athletes.

Ten athletes with distal biceps tendon ruptures that had been anatomically repaired with a double-incision techniques were reviewed to determine their functional recovery. All of the patients were men, with an average age of 40 years (range, 25 to 49). Eight of the 10 patients were weight lifters or body builders, and 7 had participated on a competitive level at some point in their athletic careers. Six injured their dominant extremity, and 4 their nondominant extremity. Isokinetic muscle testing of supination and flexion was performed in 8 patients and the results were compared to a control group. Followup averaged 50 months (range, 12 to 105). Patients uniformly graded their subjective results as excellent, with a group mean rating of 9.75 on a 10-point scale. All athletes returned to full, unlimited activity. The contour of the biceps muscle was restored in all cases. Isokinetic muscle testing demonstrated that in those patients with a repaired dominant extremity, supination strength and endurance was normal; in flexion, they had normal strength, but averaged 20% less endurance. Testing of the group that had the nondominant extremity repaired revealed a supination strength deficit of 25%, but normal endurance. Flexion strength and endurance were essentially normal in this group. Anatomic repair of a distal biceps tendon rupture gives consistently excellent subjective and good objective results in athletes, particularly for those sports with high strength demands such as weight lifting and body building. Rehabilitation of the operated arm, especially the repaired nondominant extremity, should be emphasized.

Anterior acromioplasty for subacromial impingement in patients younger than 40 years of age.

The indications and results of anterior acromioplasty in patients older than 40 years of age are well documented; however, little is reported concerning this procedure in younger patients because the majority are treated conservatively. Over the last seven years, 26 patients younger than 40 years of age were treated by anterior acromioplasty for subacromial impingement resistant to conservative therapy. The indication for surgery was failed conservative therapy in 17 patients. Six patients had impingement despite previous surgery, such as failed acromioplasty, biceps tenolysis, and biceps tenodesis. Two patients had impingement secondary to greater tuberosity malunion. The average duration of symptoms was 27 months and of conservative therapy, 17 months. All patients had a bursectomy and anterior acromioplasty. In addition, eight had a complete acromioclavicular arthroplasty for concurrent acromioclavicular arthritis, four had a modified acromioclavicular arthroplasty for impingement under the acromioclavicular joint, three had calcium excisions, and one had a rotator cuff repair. The greater tuberosity malunions were advanced in one patient and excised in one. The results were 81% (21) excellent and good, 15% (four) fair, and 4% (one) poor. The average follow-up period was 33 months. The majority of younger patients with subacromial impingement can be successfully treated conservatively. In those patients with persistent symptoms, open acromioplasty can reliably give good results with regard to pain and function.