Ramp lesion repair via dual posteromedial arthroscopic portals: A cadaveric feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Ramp lesions are found in 16% to 40% of patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The repair technique traditionally involves using a suture hook through a posteromedial portal, with the arthroscope positioned in the intercondylar view via an antero-lateral portal. Ramp lesions may be difficult to visualize and repair, even with a 70° arthroscope. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of suturing ramp lesions via dual posteromedial portals for the arthroscope and instruments. HYPOTHESIS: Dual posteromedial arthroscopic portals allow good visualisation and high-quality suturing of ramp lesions, without inducing specific iatrogenic injuries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used 11 fresh cadaver knees. Two posteromedial portals were created under visualisation via an arthroscope introduced through an antero-lateral portal: one was the traditional instrumental portal and the other, located more proximally, was the optical portal. A 2-cm long ramp lesion was created. A suture hook was used to place one or two stitches of PDS n°0 suture. A probe was used to test the quality and stability of the suturing. The posteromedial plane was then dissected to evaluate the anatomical relationships of the portals. RESULTS: The dual posteromedial approach allowed the visualisation and hook suturing of the ramp lesions in all 11 cases. A single stitch was placed in 4 cases and two stitches in 7 cases. The suture was always of good quality and stable when tested with the probe. The dissection found no injuries to nerves, blood vessels, or tendons. CONCLUSION: Ramp lesions can be repaired through a dual posteromedial arthroscopic approach. This surgical technique provides good visibility of these lesions and allows high-quality suturing, with no specific iatrogenic injuries. It is an alternative to ramp lesion repair via a single posteromedial portal, which can be challenging. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, experimental study with no control group.

Internal impingement of the shoulder in overhead athletes: Retrospective multicentre study in 135 arthroscopically-treated patients.

BACKGROUND: Internal impingement of the shoulder (IIS) is the leading cause of chronic shoulder pain in overhead throwing athletes. No consensus exists about which techniques are optimal when surgery is in order. The available studies are limited by small sample sizes and short follow-ups. The primary objective of this study was to assess return-to-sports (RtS) outcomes after surgical treatment for IIS. A favourable RtS outcome (RtS+) was defined as returning to the previous sport at the same or a higher level. HYPOTHESIS: The main hypothesis was that surgical treatment resulted in an RtS+ outcome. The secondary hypothesis was that epidemiological factors, pre- and intra-operative anatomical factors, and specific surgical procedures were associated with higher RtS+ rates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective multicentre design was used. We included 135 patients with IIS managed arthroscopically using any of the following procedures: anterior capsulorrhaphy, posterior capsulotomy/capsulectomy, postero-superior labral debridement, posterior glenoidplasty, and rotator cuff tear debridement or repair. Follow-up was at least 1 year. The patients were divided into two groups based on whether they had an RtS+ outcome as defined above or an RtS- outcome defined as a return to the previous sport at a lower level, a switch to another sport, or an inability to engage in any sport. The Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) and Constant's score were used to evaluate subjective and objective shoulder function. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 7.9 years. Of the 135 patients, 120 (90%) returned to sports after surgery including 70 (52%) to the previous sport at the same level (RtS+ outcome). By univariate analysis, the following factors were associated with an RtS+ outcome: male sex, rotator cuff tear documented intra-operatively, absence of a greater tuberosity cyst on pre-operative imaging studies, and cuff tear debridement. Anterior capsulorrhaphy was associated with worse post-operative pain. DISCUSSION: The RtS+ rate in this study differed from previously reported values, due to differences in the sports practiced by the patients and to considerable variability in the surgical techniques used. The positive association between presence of a rotator cuff tear and an RtS+ outcome is at variance with most of the previously published data. Some of the apparent discrepancies between our results and those from other countries may be ascribable to differences in the most popular sports. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Internal impingement of the shoulder: An international survey of 261 orthopaedic surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Internal impingement of the shoulder (IIS) is a specific disorder of young overhead-throwing athletes that was first described in 1991. The many non-operative and surgical treatments suggested to date have produced mixed outcomes. The objective of this study was to compare the practices of surgeons in France versus other countries regarding the diagnosis and treatment of IIS. HYPOTHESIS: Diagnostic and therapeutic practices regarding IIS differ between surgeons in France and in other countries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 21-item questionnaire in French and English was emailed to the 1300 members of the French Arthroscopy Society and to surgeons from countries other than France. The questionnaire collected information on knowledge about IIS (2 items), the frequency of IIS in clinical practice (2 items), the diagnosis of IIS (6 items), the non-operative and surgical treatment of IIS (3 and 5 items, respectively), and return-to-sports rates after treatment for IIS (3 items). RESULTS: The completed questionnaire was sent back by 261 surgeons, 206 in France and 55 in other countries, including 42 in Japan. Among the respondents, 90% knew about IIS. Experience with IIS in terms of number of patients seen or surgical treatments performed was greater in the international group (45% vs. 19% in France, p<0.001). Posterior shoulder pain in the arm cocking position was the most widely recognised symptom (99% in France, 74% internationally, p<0.001), followed by excessive external rotation during arm abduction (55% vs. 65%, p=0.23). The most commonly sought lesions were those of the postero-superior labrum and articular surface of the rotator cuff. Rotator cuff debridement was among the surgical options according to most respondents (74% vs. 70%). In contrast, postero-superior glenoidplasty was cited almost only by surgeons in France (67% vs. 4%, p<0.001). The proportion of patients who are able to return to sports was estimated at 50% to 75% by most respondents. DISCUSSION: Most respondents had theoretical knowledge about IIS, but surgery was rarely performed in France. Only very few athletes in France play baseball, which is responsible for most sports injuries of the shoulder seen in Japan. This fact, combined with differences in the lesions or even the diagnoses, may have contributed to the differences in the responses to the survey items between the French and international groups.

Is posterosuperior contact a normal occurrence in the shoulder?

Posterosuperior (or internal) impingement at the shoulder is defined as contact between the underside of the supraspinatus or infraspinatus tendons with the posterosuperior labrum during extreme external rotation and abduction. In many cases, this contact damages the tendon and causes mirror posterosuperior labrum deterioration. The primary aim of this study was to define whether this contact occurs normally in patients who do not have a rotator cuff tear. METHODS: We evaluated 100 shoulders in 100 patients. All patients were operated on in the beach chair position. After introducing the scope through the posterior portal, contact between the articular side of the rotator cuff and the posterosuperior labrum was noted as being present or absent when the arm was cocked in 90° abduction and 90° external rotation (90/90) then the arm was cocked in 140° abduction and maximum external rotation (140/Max). RESULTS: Contact was observed in 69% of patients in the 90/90 cocked position and in 94% of patients in the 140/Max cocked position. We found a correlation between the presence of rotator cuff and/or labrum lesions and the patient regularly performing arm-cock movements (p=0.035). DISCUSSION: Contact between the underside of the supraspinatus tendon and the posterosuperior labrum occurs physiologically. Repetitive arm-cock movements may contribute to macroscopic lesions of the underside of the rotator cuff and posterosuperior labrum. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, basic science study.

MRI assessment of growth disturbances after ACL reconstruction in children with open growth plates-Prospective multicenter study of 100 patients.

INTRODUCTION: We were interested in the consequences of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction on the growth plates and the impact on growth in children with open growth plates. The primary objective was related to growth disturbances with the null hypothesis being that ACL reconstruction in open growth plates does not cause any. The secondary objective related to the presence of physis lesions on MRI, with the null hypothesis being that ACL reconstruction in open growth plates does not induce any. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the context of a 2017 SFA symposium on ACL reconstruction with open growth plates, we conducted a prospective multicenter study with 2 years' follow-up. The study enrolled 100 patients; 71 were available for analysis. Four reconstruction techniques were used: semitendinosus-gracilis (STG), short graft (SG), quadriceps tendon (QT) and fascia lata (FL). MRI was used to look for growth disturbances as evidenced by deviation of the Harris lines or modification of the physis and diaphysis angles. Physis lesions were determined on MRI based on the presence of physeal bone bridges (PBB). RESULTS: No growth disturbances were found. However, PBBs were found in 14 patients (20%). At the femur, the relative risk (RR) was higher when a STG graft was used (RR=2.1) and the tunnel diameter was≥9mm (RR=1.7). Epiphyseal fixation had a higher risk than transphyseal fixation (RR=1.6 vs. 1.2). At the tibia, the RR was higher when a QT graft was used (RR=3.6), when screw fixation was performed (RR=3.7) or when the graft did not fill the tunnel sufficiently (RR=1.5). DISCUSSION: The absence of growth disturbances after 2 years' follow-up validates the possibility of ACL reconstruction with open growth plates, including with transphyseal techniques. The presence of small growth plate lesions such as bone bridges means that precautions should be taken with respect to tunnel trajectory, tunnel diameter, graft and tunnel diameter matching and graft fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, prospective cohort study.

Arthroscopic double bone block augmentation is a salvage procedure for anterior and posterior shoulder instability secondary to glenoid bone loss.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe a one-step arthroscopic anterior and posterior bone block augmentation technique for bidirectional shoulder instability and to present preliminary results. METHODS: Seven consecutive patients who underwent a concomitant anterior and posterior bone block procedure between 2007 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical scores, return to sport rate, and complications were assessed. Radiological outcome, with CT scan at 6 months and plain radiographs at final follow-up were reviewed. Patient reported functional outcomes were also assessed via phone or email interview. RESULTS: Seven consecutive patients were included in the study with a median age at surgery of 27 years. Median clinical and radiological follow-up was 7 months (4-72 months). Walch-Duplay score and Rowe scores were improved. Four patients were able to return to sport. One patient experienced recurrent dislocation, and one subjective instability/subluxation without confirmed recurrence. CT scan showed union in all cases, with one case of anterior bone block osteolysis and one case of partial posterior bone block osteolysis. Radiographs showed no detectable progression of osteoarthritis using the Samilson and Prieto classification. At final follow-up the median WOSI score was 187 (100-1140). CONCLUSIONS: An all-arthroscopic technique for the treatment of combined anterior and posterior glenoid bone loss as a cause of shoulder instability can provide fair to good clinical outcomes, with a low incidence of intra-operative complications. The rate of failure in our series remains higher than that seen in primary stabilization procedures. As such we consider this largely as a salvage procedure for cases in which alternative treatments have failed or are unlikely to succeed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Torsional Appearance of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Explaining "Ribbon" and Double-Bundle Concepts: A Cadaver-based Study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) torsion in 90° knee flexion on the morphological appearance of the ACL. METHODS: Sixty knees from fresh frozen anatomical specimens were dissected. Eighteen knees were excluded according to selection criteria (torn ACL, mucoid degeneration of the ACL, arthritic lesions of the notch, or knees harboring synovial inflammatory pathologies). After the removal of the synovial membrane, the morphology of the ligamentous fibers of the ACL and the twist were analyzed. Twisting of the ACL was measured using a goniometer in 90° knee flexion and defined by the angle of external rotation of the femur on the axis of the tibia required to visualize a flat ACL. The orientation of tibial and femoral footprint was described in a coronal plane for the tibia and a sagittal plane for the femur. RESULTS: In the 42 knees that were finally included, the ACL was always displayed as a single ribbon-like structure. The torsion of the fibers was on average 83.6° (± 9.4°) in 90° knee flexion. The twisting could be explained by the different orientations of the femoral (vertical in a sagittal plane) and tibial (horizontal in a coronal plane) footprints. An intraligamentous proximal cleavage area was encountered in 11 cases (i.e., 26%). CONCLUSIONS: The ACL is a twisted structure with 83.6° of external torsion of fibers in 90° knee flexion. It is the torsion in the fibers, due to the relative position of bone insertions, which gives the ACL the appearance of being double bundle. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The concept of the torsional flat structure of the native ACL may be of importance during ACL reconstruction, both in terms of graft choice (flat rather than cylindrical) and of technical positioning (torsion).

Acromial J-bone graft on the acromion for surgical treatment of glenohumeral instability: an anatomical study.

BACKGROUND: Anterior glenohumeral instability is frequently associated with anteroinferior glenoid bone defects. One original technique has been described in the literature that incorporates a J-shaped graft from the iliac crest into the anterior glenoid rim. The main goal of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of harvesting a J-shaped graft from the acromion that corresponds to previously described dimensions. The secondary goal was to determine the ideal harvesting site. METHODS: Forty shoulders from 20 cadavers were included. Twenty grafts were harvested from the posterior acromion and 20 from the lateral acromion. The length, width and thickness of the grafts were measured. The incision was then enlarged to confirm the absence of an acromial fracture by fluoroscopic control. RESULTS: Harvesting a graft whose size was similar to a J-graft was successfully performed in all cases (100%) with a mean (SD) incision of 4.2 (0.3) cm. Mean (SD) harvesting time was 4.5 (0.5) minutes. Two acromial fractures were identified during lateral harvesting (10%) and none during posterior harvesting (p = 0.49). CONCLUSIONS: It is always possible to harvest a J-graft on the acromion. The posterior side of the acromion is the best site to harvest a graft that has the necessary size to treat glenoid bone defects.

Three-dimensional volume measurement of coracoid graft osteolysis after arthroscopic Latarjet procedure.

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: The Latarjet procedure has been shown to be a reliable method to prevent recurrent anterior shoulder instability. Coracoid bone graft osteolysis is a potential catastrophic complication and can lead to recurrent instability. The purpose of our study is to present a novel quantitative method to measure the amount of coracoid bone osteolysis using 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) scan imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective study with 15 patients (16 shoulders) who underwent an arthroscopic Latarjet procedure. Three-dimensional CT scans were obtained at 6 weeks and 6 months. Using volumetric analysis, we quantified the amount of bone loss using our described method. Interobserver reliability and intraobserver reliability were calculated. RESULTS: On the basis of our new volumetric analysis of the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure using 3D CT scans, we found that the superior half of the coracoid bone graft undergoes a significant amount of osteolysis at 6 months postoperatively. The interobserver reliability and intraobserver reliability were excellent. DISCUSSION: This study presents a reproducible method to quantify and compare coracoid bone graft osteolysis after an arthroscopic Latarjet procedure. We also developed a description system that may be used for comparison studies. To our knowledge, this is the first method that quantifies the amount of coracoid bone graft osteolysis using more accurate 3D CT scanning. CONCLUSION: The 3D analysis we propose is a valid method to measure the amount of coracoid bone graft osteolysis after an arthroscopic Latarjet procedure. Our description system may guide the surgeon regarding possible revision surgery when faced with significant osteolysis of the coracoid bone graft.

How can surgeonfish help pediatric surgeons? A pilot study investigating the antinociceptive effect of fish aquariums in adult volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Multiple distraction strategies have been proposed to reduce the incidence of anxiety and pain in children. Animal-assisted therapy is acknowledged and used in children as an adjunctive treatment with cognitive, physical, psychosocial and spiritual benefits. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of fish aquarium animal-assisted therapy (FA-AAT) on pain perception in a cohort of healthy volunteers. METHODS: Sixty-nine healthy subjects (mean age 27.3 years) were exposed to >20 different species of soft or hard corals and >25 fish in a 1000 L saltwater aquarium. Pain perception was assessed using an electrical stimulation device, the Pain Matcher (Cefar Medical AB, Sweden), after 5 min, 10 min, 20 min and 30 min of continuous aquarium viewing. The measurements were repeated 10 min after stopping aquarium viewing. RESULTS: A statistically significant pain perception threshold augmentation was observed after a 5 min aquarium viewing. This threshold augmentation was also increased after 10 min, 20 min and 30 min of FA-AAT. A remnant effect was noted up to 10 min after exposure. This short post-viewing time period could be useful in clinical practice to perform certain painful procedures in children, such as those involving needles, under improved conditions immediately after aquarium exposure. CONCLUSIONS: In the authors' department, FA-AAT is now used as a nonpharmacological antinociceptive technique in association with a protocol of inhalated oxygen/nitrous oxide mixtures for needle-related procedures. Children and parents are invited to watch the aquarium during the 10 min to 20 min before venous punctures.