Knee and Shoulder Vascular Anatomy.

In the past decade, angiographic studies have demonstrated neovessels in or in the vicinity of affected joints in many musculoskeletal conditions that used to be considered wear and tear joint disease, such as knee osteoarthritis, frozen shoulder, and overuse injuries. The novelty of this finding is showing the presence of neovascularity at an angiographically detectable level, as compared to histologically evident neovessels that had been discovered years ago. These neovessels have now become the target of interventions in a growing field called muscoskeletal embolotherapy. An in-depth and all-encompassing understanding of the vascular anatomy that could specifically assist performing of these procedures is paramount. Such an understanding will help ensure success in clinical outcomes and avoid much dreaded complications. This review discusses the vascular anatomy relevant to the 2 most commonly performed musculoskeletal embolotherapies, genicular artery embolization and transarterial embolization for frozen shoulder.

Transarterial Embolization of Neovascularity for Refractory Nighttime Shoulder Pain: A Multicenter, Open-Label, Feasibility Trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of transarterial embolization (TAE) for recalcitrant nighttime shoulder pain in a multicentric study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, open-label, feasibility trial included 100 patients treated at 5 institutions. TAE was performed in 76 patients with adhesive capsulitis (AC) and 24 patients with symptomatic rotator cuff tears (sRCTs). The ipsilateral radial artery was punctured, and imipenem/cilastatin sodium was infused as an embolic agent. Adverse events, 10 point pain numerical rating scale (NRS), range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder joint, and quality of life (via the EuroQol-5D [EQ-5D]) were evaluated. RESULTS: All patients exhibited neovascularity on baseline angiography, and all TAE procedures were performed successfully. No patient experienced a major adverse event. The mean nighttime pain NRS scores at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after TAE were 6.4 ± 2.2, 3.4 ± 2.6, 2.3 ± 2.5, and 1.6 ± 2.2, respectively (for all, P < .001). The mean ROM of anterior elevation at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after TAE were 97° ± 29°, 119° ± 28°, 135° ± 27°, and 151° ± 17°, respectively (for all, P < .001). The mean EQ-5D scores at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after TAE were 0.63 ± 0.17, 0.73 ± 0.16, 0.80 ± 0.17, and 0.84 ± 0.17, respectively (for all, P < .001). There was no significant difference in the clinical success rate between the AC and sRCT groups. CONCLUSIONS: TAE for nighttime shoulder pain caused by AC and sRCTs was feasible with sufficient safety and efficacy.

What Are Practical Surgical Anatomic Landmarks and Distances from Relevant Neurologic Landmarks in Cadavers for the Posterior Approach in Shoulder Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Traditional total shoulder arthroplasty is performed through the deltopectoral approach and includes subscapularis release and repair. Subscapularis nonhealing or dysfunction may leave patients with persistent pain, impairment, and instability. Alternative approaches that spare the subscapularis include rotator interval and posterior shoulder approaches; however, to our knowledge, a cadaveric study describing pertinent surgical anatomy for a posterior shoulder approach regarding shoulder arthroplasty has not been performed. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) What are the distances from important neurologic structures of the shoulder for arthroplasty through a posterior approach? (2) What surgical landmarks can help identify the internervous interval between the infraspinatus and teres minor? METHODS: Twelve hemitorso cadaver specimens with intact rotator cuffs were dissected to study posterior shoulder anatomy regarding posterior shoulder arthroplasty. The median (range) age of the specimens was 79 years (55 to 92). Six of the 12 specimens were right-hand dominant, and 10 specimens were male. Cadaver height was a median 171 cm (155 to 191) and weight was a median of 68 kg (59 to 125). A posterior deltoid split and internervous approach between the infraspinatus and teres minor were used. A posterior T capsulotomy was performed. The distances to important neurologic structures were measured with an electronic caliper and provided in median (range) distances in millimeters. Although not as meaningful as distance ratios accounting for a specimen's body size, neurologic distances in millimeters are surgically practical and provide intraoperative usefulness. Surgical landmarks that can help identify the infraspinatus and teres minor plane were noted. Practical visual and tactile cues between the infraspinatus and teres minor were identified. Posterior rotator cuff tendon morphologies and widths were recorded. RESULTS: The closest important neurologic structure was the axillary nerve, measuring a median (range) 17 mm (9 to 19) from the inferior glenoid rim while the infraspinatus branch of the suprascapular nerve measured 21 mm (15 to 36) from the posterior glenoid rim. The axillary nerve measured 84 mm (70 to 97) from the posterior tip of the acromion in the deltoid split. Three surgical landmarks were helpful for identifying the plane between the infraspinatus and teres minor in all 12 specimens: (1) identifying the triangular teres minor tendon insertion, (2) medial palpation identifying the low point between the prominent muscle bellies of the infraspinatus and teres minor, and (3) identifying the distinct and prominent teres minor tubercle, which is well localized and palpable. CONCLUSION: A major benefit of the posterior approach for shoulder arthroplasty is subscapularis preservation. Multiple practical surgical cues are consistently present and can help identify the infraspinatus and teres minor interval. We did not find the presence of fat stripes to be helpful. The suprascapular nerve is in proximity to posterior surgical dissection and differs from the deltopectoral approach. This is an important distinction from an anterior approach and requires care with dissection. Future studies are necessary to assess iatrogenic risk to the posterior rotator cuff and external rotation strength. This may entail intraoperative nerve conduction studies of the posterior rotator cuff and clinical studies assessing external rotation strength. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Studying posterior shoulder anatomy is an initial first step to assessing the feasibility of the posterior approach for anatomic shoulder arthroplasty. Additional studies assessing the degree of glenohumeral exposure and possible iatrogenic posterior rotator cuff injury are necessary. Because of the proximity of neurologic structures, it is recommended that surgeons not perform this technique until sufficient evidence indicates that it is equivalent or superior to standard anterior approach total shoulder arthroplasty. After such evidence is available, proper training will be necessary to ensure safe use of the posterior shoulder approach.

A Rat Model of Frozen Shoulder Demonstrating the Effect of Transcatheter Arterial Embolization on Angiography, Histopathology, and Physical Activity.

PURPOSE: To assess the angiographic findings and the effects of transcatheter arterial embolization on physical activity and histopathology using a frozen shoulder rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, the angiographic and histopathologic findings of rats in which the shoulder was immobilized with molding plaster for 6 weeks (n = 4) were compared to control rats with normal non-immobilized shoulders (n = 4). Next, a total of 16 frozen shoulder rats were divided into 2 groups. In the transcatheter arterial embolization group (n = 8), imipenem/cilastatin was injected into the left thoracoacromial artery. The changes of physical activity before and after procedures were evaluated and compared with a saline-injected control group (n = 8). Histopathologic findings were also compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Angiography revealed abnormal shoulder staining in all of the rats with a frozen shoulder. On histopathology, the numbers of microvessels and mononuclear inflammatory cells in the synovial membrane of the joint capsule were significantly higher compared with the control rats (both P = .03). In the transcatheter arterial embolization group, the running distance and speed were improved (P = .03 and P = .01, respectively), whereas there were no significant differences in the control group. The number of microvessels and mononuclear inflammatory cells in the transcatheter arterial embolization group were significantly lower than the control group (P = .002 and P = .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The rat frozen shoulder model revealed the development of neovascularization. Transcatheter arterial embolization decreased the number of blood vessels and inflammatory changes in the frozen shoulder and increased the moving distance and speed of the rats.

[Transarterial Periarticular Embolization (TAPE): Indications and Initial Experience in Germany]. / Transarterielle periartikuläre Embolisation (TAPE): klinischer Einsatz und erste Erfahrungen in Deutschland.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the potential indications, procedural technique and initial results of the transarterial periarticular embolization (TAPE). MATERIAL AND METHODS: TAPE was performed in three patients with chronic pain in different joints. In the first case the patient suffered from osteoarthritis of the shoulder, in the second case from epicondylitis humeri ulnaris ("golfer-elbow") and in the third case from patellar tendinitis ("jumpers-knee"). Clinical as well as pain assessment was performed pre and post-interventionally. RESULTS: TAPE was performed with technical success in all three patients. For vessel access, either a transradial or transfemoral access was chosen. The joint supplying vessels were catheterized superselectively with microcatheters and embolized with Imipenem/Cilastatin diluted in contrast medium. After embolization of the knee the patient demonstrated skin redness, which disappeared within one week. No further complications were noted. All patients reported significant pain relief within the first day after intervention. CONCLUSION: TAPE is a novel therapy for the treatment of persistent, chronic joint pain and tendinopathies, supported by publications from institutes outside of Europe. The initial experiences made in our institute are encouraging and suggest that TAPE may have the potential as an adjunct therapy option for patients with therapy-resistant chronic joint and tendinopathy-pain. KEY POINTS: · TAPE is a novel therapy for treatment of degenerative joint pain and tendinopathies. · TAPE is a technically challenging endovascular procedure and requires high interventional expertise. · TAPE may have the potential to develop to a minimally-invasive therapy option for patients with chronic joint pain. CITATION FORMAT: · Katoh M, Schott P, Freyhardt P et al. Transarterial Periarticular Embolization (TAPE): Indications and Initial Experience in Germany. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2020; 192: 1046 - 1052.

Coexistence of a rare case of a suprascapular artery with other vascular abnormalities: case report and potential surgical relevance.

PURPOSE: The suprascapular artery originates in the thyrocervical trunk; however, several variations regarding both the origin and the path have already been described. This article aims to describe a complex and rare variation of the suprascapular artery originating as a branch of the subscapular artery. We described, reviewed the literature, and highlighted the clinical relevance of such variations to the medical practice. METHODS: A routine dissection was performed on a male adult cadaver approximately 60-70 years old, embalmed in formalin 10%. In addition, the diameter of the axillary, subscapular and suprascapular arteries was measured. RESULTS: During the dissection, we identified the suprascapular artery emerging from the medial side of the subscapular artery with a long and tortuous pathway to the supraspinatus fossa, under the superior transverse scapular ligament. Associated with this, three other anatomical variations stand out: the posterior circumflex humeral artery emerging from the subscapular artery, the absence of the anterior circumflex humeral artery, and two pectoral branches emerging from the third part of the axillary artery and from the subscapular artery, respectively. CONCLUSION: Such variations are of great clinical relevance to orthopedists, mastologists, vascular surgeons and other specialties for both surgical approaches and suprascapular neuropathy.

Ultrasound Microflow Imaging Technology for Diagnosis of Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI; Canon Medical Systems, Otawara, Japan) at the subcoracoid triangle for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, to compare the diagnostic value of SMI with that of conventional ultrasound (US) and power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) findings, and to investigate the correlation between vascular flow on SMI with clinical features. METHODS: Our study included 39 patients with a diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis and 35 healthy patients as a control group. The echogenicity in the rotator interval and coracohumeral ligament thickness were assessed with conventional US. Vascular flow in the subcoracoid fat triangle was evaluated with SMI and PDUS (SMI and PDUS areas). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to evaluate diagnostic accuracy. The correlation between US findings and the range of motion, pain intensity, and duration of symptoms was also evaluated. RESULTS: The SMI area was higher in the adhesive capsulitis group than in the control group (2.95 versus 0 mm2 ; P < .01). The visualization of vascular flow at the subcoracoid fat triangle was superior with SMI compared with PDUS (P < .01). In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the SMI area showed higher diagnostic performance, with an area under the curve of 0.90 compared with other US findings. The area of SMI vascular flow was also negatively correlated with external rotation and forward flexion (P < .05) in the adhesive capsulitis group. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of vascular flow at the subcoracoid fat triangle using SMI facilitated the diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis. Superb Microvascular Imaging was superior to PDUS in diagnostic performance. Vascular flow was negatively correlated with the range of motion of external rotation and forward flexion.

A Detailed Analysis of the Blood Supply to the Subscapularis Muscle.

This study aimed to provide a comprehensive description of the arterial supply to the subscapularis (SSC) muscle. This will provide critical information for various surgical procedures. Ten specimens of embalmed Korean cadavers were dissected and subjected to modified Sihler's method to reveal the branching pattern of the arteries surrounding the subscapularis, and its intramuscular blood supply. The SSC muscle was generally supplied by branches from the subclavian artery (suprascapular artery, supraSA; circumflex scapular artery, CxSA; and dorsal scapular artery, dSA) and the axillary artery (subscapular artery, subSA; lateral thoracic artery, LTA; posterior circumflex humeral artery, PCxHA; and a branch of the axillary artery, AAbr). The anterior aspect of the muscle was supplied by the subSA, LTA, CxSA, supraSA, and AAbr. The posterior aspect of the muscle was supplied by the supraSA, PCxHA, and subSA. The dSA was more scarcely distributed than the other arteries. In two cases, the dSA supplied the portion of the muscle near the medial border of the scapular. The anterior side of the muscle tendon was supplied by the CxSA, and its posterior side was supplied by the PCxHA. The subSA can be considered to be the main branch supplying the SSA based on its distribution area of arteries. It was mostly situated within the lower region of the SSC. After distributing to the anterior surface of the SSC, some branches of the subSA reached the posterior surface as perforating branches. Clin. Anat. 32:642-647, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Proximity of the Coracoid Process to the Neurovascular Structures in Various Patient and Shoulder Positions: A Cadaveric Study.

PURPOSE: To examine and compare the distances from the anteromedial aspects of the coracoid base and the coracoid tip to the neurovascular structures in various patient positions. METHODS: The experiment was conducted in 15 fresh-frozen cadavers. We dissected 15 right and 15 left shoulders to measure the distances from the anteromedial aspects of the coracoid base and the coracoid tip to the lateral border of the neurovascular structures in the horizontal, vertical, and closest planes. The measurements were performed with the cadavers in the supine, lateral decubitus, and beach-chair positions. With cadavers in the beach-chair position, we evaluated 5 arm postures (arm at side, 45° of abduction, 90° of abduction, 45° of forward flexion, and 90° of forward flexion). RESULTS: The shortest distance from the coracoid base to the neurovascular structures was found in the beach-chair position with arm at side in the horizontal plane (27.4 ± 4.9 mm) and 90° of abduction in the vertical (21.8 ± 4.2 mm) and closest (19.5 ± 4.2 mm) planes. The distances in each plane were statistically significant compared with the supine and lateral decubitus positions (P < .005). Between the coracoid tip and the neurovascular structures, the shortest distance was found in the beach-chair position with 90° of abduction, with 29.3 ± 7.7 mm, 20.8 ± 4.9 mm, and 18.5 ± 5.1 mm in the horizontal, vertical, and closest planes, respectively. The distances were statistically significant in all planes compared with the supine and lateral decubitus positions (P < .005). CONCLUSIONS: Shoulder surgery in the area of the coracoid process is safe, especially with the patient in the supine position. The distance from the coracoid process to the neurovascular structures was closest in the beach-chair position with 90° of arm abduction. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study determined the distances between the coracoid process and the neurovascular structures during surgery around the coracoid process.

Blood flow evaluation by dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of symptomatic rotator cuff tears and frozen shoulders.

BACKGROUND: This study compared imaging findings of blood flow changes between symptomatic rotator cuff tear (RCT) and frozen shoulder (FS) by using 3-dimensional dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the clinical characteristics of symptomatic RCT. METHODS: The 2 study groups comprised 31 symptomatic RCT patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and 30 patients with FS. We denoted abnormal blood flow detected around the glenohumeral joint as the burning sign (BS). We evaluated the characteristics of dynamic MRI and compared them between BS-positive and BS-negative patients in the RCT group. RESULTS: All members of the FS group showed the BS. Conversely, the incidence of the BS in RCT patients was 53% (16 of 31). The BS in RCT and FS patients was observed in the rotator interval in 16 shoulders, in the axillary pouch in 3 shoulders (P < .01), and in the intertubercular groove in 10 RCT and 12 FS patients. In the RCT group, 16 patients with BS had a statistically significantly higher Numeric Rating Score at rest (P = .0005) and in motion (P = .04) than the 15 patients without BS and exhibited a higher rate of small and medium tears and a higher rate of shoulder contracture. CONCLUSION: Dynamic MRI of symptomatic RCT (53.3%) highlighted abnormal vascularization around the glenohumeral joint, which may be associated with pain and contracture in RCT as in FS.

Histology, vascularity and innervation of the glenoid labrum.

BACKGROUND: Although the glenoid labrum has an important role in shoulder stability, little is known about its composition, vascularity and innervation. The aims of this study were therefore to evaluate the histology, vascularity and innervation of the glenoid labrum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten glenoid labrum specimens (three male, two female: mean age 81.2 years, range 76-90 years) were detached at the glenoid neck. Following decalcification, sections were cut through the whole thickness of each specimen perpendicular to the glenoid labrum at 12 radii corresponding to a clock face superimposed on the glenoid fossa. Then they were stained using haematoxylin and eosin, a silver nitrate protocol or subjected to immunohistochemistry using anti-protein gene protein 9.5 to demonstrate neuronal processes. RESULTS: The labrum was fibrocartilaginous, being more fibrous in its free margin. There was a variable distribution of blood vessels, being more vascular in its periphery, with many originating from the fibrous capsule and piercing the glenoid labrum. Immunohistochemistry revealed positive staining of nerve fibres within the glenoid labrum. CONCLUSION: The glenoid labrum is fibrocartilaginous, being more fibrous in its periphery, and is vascularized, with the anterosuperior aspect having a rich blood supply. Free sensory nerve fibres were also present; no encapsulated mechanoreceptors were observed. The presence of sensory nerve fibres in the glenoid labrum could explain why tears induce pain. It is postulated that these sensory fibres could play a role in glenohumeral joint proprioception.

The glenocapsular ligament and the posterosuperior part of the joint capsule of the shoulder are well vascularized.

PURPOSE: A detailed structural anatomy of the posterosuperior shoulder capsule and "glenocapsular ligament" is still rather unknown. The purpose of this study was meticulously to investigate and describe the structure and blood supply of the glenocapsular ligament on the posterosuperior shoulder joint capsule. METHOD: Sixteen fixed and twelve fresh cadaveric shoulder specimens with a mean age of 73.4 (±6.4) years were analysed. Dissection without arterial injection was performed on the 16 fixed specimens-using an alcohol-formalin-glycerol solution. Before dissection, the 12 fresh specimens received of arterial injection a 10% aqueous dispersion of latex solution. After the injection, these shoulders were also fixed in an alcohol-formalin-glycerol solution. RESULTS: The glenocapsular ligament was found in all 28 specimens. Single or double parallel-running bundles of connective tissue fibres were found to form a capsular-ligamentous structure on the posterosuperior part of the joint capsule. One part of the ligament was mediosuperior, another posterosuperior. The mediosuperior part varied in shape, and in 12 of 28 cases, it was absent. The glenocapsular ligament arose from the supraglenoid tubercle and posterior part of the collum scapulae and inserted into the semicircular humeral ligament. The posterior ascending branch of the circumflex scapular artery directly fed small branches laterally and medially to the joint capsule, supplying the glenocapsular ligament and the deep layer of the joint capsule. CONCLUSION: The glenocapsular ligament is a constant anatomical structure that consists of one or two different parts. The glenocapsular ligament and the posterosuperior part of the joint capsule appear well vascularized via the posterior ascending branch of the circumflex scapular artery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It is the hope of the authors that this anatomical study can help surgeons who perform open or arthroscopic surgery to the posterior part of the shoulder. Knowledge of the vascular anatomy presented in this study may be especially important when incisions are made to the posterior part of the shoulder, and should minimize the risk of complications.

Blood supply and vascularity of the glenoid labrum: Its clinical implications.

BACKGROUND: Tears of the glenoid labrum are common after dislocation of the glenohumeral joint. The outcome for healing or surgical reconstruction of the glenoid labrum relies on the extent of its vascularization. This study aims to evaluate the glenoid labrum blood supply and to determine its regional vascularity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 140 shoulders (30 male and 40 female cadavers) were examined: mean age 81.5 years, range 53-101 years. All blood vessels around the glenohumeral joint were dissected and recorded. Ten specimens with the glenoid labrum and fibrous capsule attached were randomly selected and detached at the glenoid neck and subjected to decalcification. Sections (10-20 µm) were cut through the whole thickness of each specimen from the centre of the glenoid fossa perpendicular to the glenoid labrum at 12 radii corresponding to a clock face superimposed on the glenoid. Sections were stained using haematoxylin and eosin and then examined. RESULTS: The blood supply to the glenoid labrum is by direct branches from the second part of the axillary artery, subscapular, circumflex scapular and anterior circumflex humeral and posterior circumflex humeral arteries, as well as branches of muscular arteries supplying the surrounding muscles. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the glenoid labrum has a rich blood supply suggesting that, regardless of the types of the glenoid labrum lesions or their management, an excellent outcome for glenoid labrum healing and joint stability is possible. The observations also suggest that the blood supply to the glenoid labrum is sufficient, enabling its reattachment.

Systematic review of quantitative imaging biomarkers for neck and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders.

BACKGROUND: This study systematically summarizes quantitative imaging biomarker research in non-traumatic neck and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). There were two research questions: 1) Are there quantitative imaging biomarkers associated with the presence of neck and shoulder MSDs?, 2) Are there quantitative imaging biomarkers associated with the severity of neck and shoulder MSDs? METHODS: PubMed and SCOPUS were used for the literature search. One hundred and twenty-five studies met primary inclusion criteria. Data were extracted from 49 sufficient quality studies. RESULTS: Most of the 125 studies were cross-sectional and utilized convenience samples of patients as both cases and controls. Only half controlled for potential confounders via exclusion or in the analysis. Approximately one-third reported response rates. In sufficient quality articles, 82% demonstrated at least one statistically significant association between the MSD(s) and biomarker(s) studied. The literature synthesis suggested that neck muscle size may be decreased in neck pain, and trapezius myalgia and neck/shoulder pain may be associated with reduced vascularity in the trapezius and reduced trapezius oxygen saturation at rest and in response to upper extremity tasks. Reduced vascularity in the supraspinatus tendon may also be a feature in rotator cuff tears. Five of eight studies showed an association between a quantitative imaging marker and MSD severity. CONCLUSIONS: Although research on quantitative imaging biomarkers is still in a nascent stage, some MSD biomarkers were identified. There are limitations in the articles examined, including possible selection bias and inattention to potentially confounding factors. Recommendations for future studies are provided.

Accessory subscapularis muscle - A forgotten variation?

The quadrangular space is a space in the axilla bounded by the inferior margin of the teres minor muscle, the superior margin of the teres major muscle, the lateral margin of the long head of the triceps brachii muscle and the surgical neck of the humerus, medially. The axillary nerve (C5-C6) and the posterior circumflex humeral artery and veins pass through this space in order to supply their territories. The subscapularis muscle is situated into the scapular fossa and inserts itself into the lesser tubercle of the humerus, thus helping stabilize the shoulder joint. A supernumerary muscle known as accessory subscapularis muscle originates from the anterior surface of the muscle and usually inserts itself into the shoulder joint. It is a rare variation with few reports of its existence and incidence. We present a case of the accessory subscapularis muscle in a male cadaver fixated with a 10% formalin solution. The muscle passed anteriorly to the axillary nerve, thus, predisposing an individual to quadrangular space compression syndrome. We perform a review of the literature and address its clinical, anthropological and anatomical significance.

Clinical Outcomes of Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Adhesive Capsulitis Resistant to Conservative Treatment.

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical outcomes of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for adhesive capsulitis resistant to conservative treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study comprised 25 patients (18 women and 7 men; mean age, 53.8 y; range, 39-68 y) with adhesive capsulitis resistant to conservative treatments. TAE was performed, and adverse events (AEs), pain visual analog scale (VAS) score changes, range of motion (ROM), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores were assessed. RESULTS: Abnormal vessels were identified in all patients. No major AEs were associated with TAE. One patient was lost to follow-up. The remaining 24 patients were available for final follow-up (mean, 36.1 months; range, 30-44 months). Of the 24 patients, 16 (67%) experienced quick improvement of nighttime pain (ie, VAS scores decreased > 50% from baseline) within 1 week, and 21 (87%) improved within 1 month. In terms of mean overall pain (ie, pain at its worst), VAS scores significantly decreased at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment (82 mm before treatment vs 52, 19, and 8 mm after treatment; P < .001). ASES scores significantly improved at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment (16.1 before treatment vs 41.4, 69.1, and 83.5 after treatment; P < .001). No symptom recurrence or late-onset AEs were observed. Shoulder ROM and function further improved during midterm follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: TAE is a possible treatment option for patients with adhesive capsulitis that has failed to improve with conservative treatments.

Characteristics of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of idiopathic severe frozen shoulder.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of current techniques for dynamic 3-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of idiopathic severe frozen shoulder (FS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects consisted of 5 healthy volunteers and 16 patients with idiopathic severe FS. We defined severe idiopathic FS as follows: range of motion ≤100° in forward flexion, ≤10° in external rotation, and ≤L5 in internal rotation. All patients suffered from continued global range of motion loss for at least 6 months. We evaluated the diagnostic characteristics of 3-dimensional dynamic MRI in FS patients compared with those in healthy volunteers. RESULTS: MRI of all FS patients displayed an abnormal intake of blood flow from the acromial arterial network and the branches of circumflex humeral arteries into the axillary pouch and the rotator interval. We named this finding "burning sign." The burning sign was present at all phases of the condition. In the FS group, the patients with enhanced deposition of contrast medium in the axillary pouch in the delayed phase (n = 11) had a statistically significant score for pain during exercise, higher than that of patients with reduced deposition of contrast medium at the same site (n = 5; P = .027). CONCLUSION: Burning sign is an abnormal finding that appears in dynamic MRI of severe FS. Hence, the burning sign may be associated with pain and inflammation in idiopathic FS.

Blood supply of the subacromial bursa and rotator cuff tendons on the bursal side.

PURPOSE: Vascularity of the subacromial bursa and rotator cuff tendons is key factors in the pathogenesis of subacromial bursitis and impingement syndrome, rotator cuff tendinitis, and rotator cuff tears. The purpose of this study was to investigate and describe blood supply to the cranial and caudal parts of the subacromial bursa and the vascularity of the rotator cuff tendons on the bursal side. METHODS: Fourteen fresh cadaveric shoulders from six females and eight males with a mean age of 71.7 (±10.8) years were studied. Before dissection, an arterial injection of 10% aqueous dispersion of latex was administered. Post-injection, the shoulders were fixed in an alcohol-formalin-glycerol solution. RESULTS: The cranial and caudal bursa of all specimens was mainly supplied by the thoracoacromial, suprascapular, and anterior and posterior circumflex humeral arteries. The cranial part of the bursa was supplied anteriorly by the thoracoacromial artery, and posteriorly and medially by the posterior circumflex humeral artery as far as the medial third. The caudal part received arterial blood anteriorly from the anterior circumflex humeral artery, and posteriorly and medially by the posterior circumflex humeral artery as far as the medial third of the caudal bursa. In addition, the suprascapular artery branched at the upper surface of the coracohumeral ligament, and the subcoracoid artery branched at the under surface of the same ligament. CONCLUSION: The subacromial bursa appears well vascularized. The results of the present investigation showed that blood supply to the subacromial bursa at the caudal part and rotator cuff tendons on the bursal side was linked to the same arteries. The subcoracoid artery supplied interval rotator structures close to the caudal bursa. It is the wish of the authors that this meticulous anatomical work will help surgeons in their day-to-day clinical work, e.g. to minimize the risk of complications such as perioperative bleeding.

Blood flow changes of the anterior humeral circumflex artery decrease with the scapula in internal rotation.

PURPOSE: Poor posture is strongly related to scapular kinematics and shoulder diseases. The purpose of this study was to clarify the blood flow changes of the anterior and posterior humeral circumflex arteries in reference to the scapular position and to clarify anatomical features related to the changes in blood flow. METHODS: Cadaveric shoulders were dissected to elucidate the anatomical difference between the two arteries. The blood flow of these arteries in healthy volunteers (22-48 years, 113 shoulders) was evaluated by MRI with changing the position of the scapula (internal and external rotation). RESULTS: The anterior humeral circumflex artery was attached to the subscapularis tendon and located beneath the subdeltoid bursa. The posterior humeral circumflex artery was located between the deltoid muscle and the bursa, which allowed free movement during scapular motion. There were no direct extraosseous anastomoses between the two arteries. Compared with the posterior humeral circumflex artery, the anterior humeral circumflex artery decreased blood flow with the scapula in internal rotation. CONCLUSIONS: No direct extraosseous anastomoses between the two arteries were observed. Internal rotation of the scapula decreased blood flow of the anterior humeral circumflex artery, which might be related to various pathologies of the shoulder. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic studies, Level III.