The sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) is a pivotal articulation in the linked system of the upper limb girdle, providing load-bearing in compression while resisting displacement in tension or distraction at the manubrium sterni. The SCJ and acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) both have a small surface area of contact protected by an intra-articular fibrocartilaginous disc and are supported by strong extrinsic and intrinsic capsular ligaments. The function of load-sharing in the upper limb by bulky periscapular and thoracobrachial muscles is extremely important to the longevity of both joints. Ligamentous and capsular laxity changes with age, exposing both joints to greater strain, which may explain the rising incidence of arthritis in both with age. The incidence of arthritis in the SCJ is less than that in the ACJ, suggesting that the extrinsic ligaments of the SCJ provide greater stability than the coracoclavicular ligaments of the ACJ. Instability of the SCJ is rare and can be difficult to distinguish from medial clavicular physeal or metaphyseal fracture-separation: cross-sectional imaging is often required. The distinction is important because the treatment options and outcomes of treatment are dissimilar, whereas the treatment and outcomes of ACJ separation and fracture of the lateral clavicle can be similar. Proper recognition and treatment of traumatic instability is vital as these injuries may be life-threatening. Instability of the SCJ does not always require surgical intervention. An accurate diagnosis is required before surgery can be considered, and we recommend the use of the Stanmore instability triangle. Most poor outcomes result from a failure to recognise the underlying pathology. There is a natural reluctance for orthopaedic surgeons to operate in this area owing to unfamiliarity with, and the close proximity of, the related vascular structures, but the interposed sternohyoid and sternothyroid muscles are rarely injured and provide a clear boundary to the medial retroclavicular space, as well as an anatomical barrier to unsafe intervention. This review presents current concepts of instability of the SCJ, describes the relevant surgical anatomy, provides a framework for diagnosis and management, including physiotherapy, and discusses the technical challenges of operative intervention. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:721–31

Dislocation of the shoulder may occur during seizures in epileptics and other patients who have convulsions. Following the initial injury, recurrent instability is common owing to a tendency to develop large bony abnormalities of the humeral head and glenoid and a susceptibility to further seizures. Assessment is difficult and diagnosis may be missed, resulting in chronic locked dislocations with protracted morbidity. Many patients have medical comorbidities, and successful treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach addressing the underlying seizure disorder in addition to the shoulder pathology. The use of bony augmentation procedures may have improved the outcomes after surgical intervention, but currently there is no evidence-based consensus to guide treatment. This review outlines the epidemiology and pathoanatomy of seizure-related instability, summarising the currently-favoured options for treatment, and their results

There is no simple method available to identify patients who will develop recurrent instability after an arthroscopic Bankart procedure and who would be better served by an open operation. We carried out a prospective case-control study of 131 consecutive unselected patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability who underwent this procedure using suture anchors. At follow-up after a mean of 31.2 months (24 to 52) 19 (14.5%) had recurrent instability. The following risk factors were identified: patient age under 20 years at the time of surgery; involvement in competitive or contact sports or those involving forced overhead activity; shoulder hyperlaxity; a Hill-Sachs lesion present on an anteroposterior radiograph of the shoulder in external rotation and/or loss of the sclerotic inferior glenoid contour. These factors were integrated in a 10-point pre-operative instability severity index score and tested retrospectively on the same population. Patients with a score over 6 points had an unacceptable recurrence risk of 70% (p < 0.001). On this basis we believe that an arthroscopic Bankart repair is contraindicated in these patients, to whom we now suggest a Bristow-Latarjet procedure instead

We have investigated the outcome of arthroscopic revision surgery for recurrent instability of the shoulder after failed primary anterior stabilisation. We identified 40 patients with failed primary open or arthroscopic anterior stabilisation of the shoulder who had been treated by revision arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction and followed up for a mean of 36 months (12 to 87). There were 34 men and six women with a mean age of 33.1 years (15 to 48). Details of the patients, the technique of the primary procedure, the operative findings at revision and the clinical outcome were evaluated by reviewing the medical records, physical examination and the use of the Western Ontario shoulder instability index score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score and the health status questionnaire 12. Recurrent instability persisted in four patients after the revision arthroscopic procedure. At the final follow-up, the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 81.1 (17.5 to 99.5) and the mean Western Ontario shoulder instability index score was 68.2 (20 to 98.2). Quality-of-life scoring showed good to excellent results in most patients. Arthroscopic revision capsulolabral reconstruction can provide a satisfactory outcome in selected patients for recurrent instability of the shoulder provided that no large Hill-Sachs lesion is present

We describe a technique of soft-tissue reconstruction which is effective for the treatment of chronic lunotriquetral instability. Part of extensor carpi ulnaris is harvested with its distal attachment preserved. It is passed through two drill holes in the triquetrum and sutured to itself. This stabilises the ulnar side of the wrist. We have reviewed 46 patients who underwent this procedure for post-traumatic lunotriquetral instability with clinical signs suggestive of ulnar-sided carpal instability. Standard radiographs were normal. All patients had pre-operative arthroscopy of the wrist at which dynamic lunotriquetral instability was demonstrated. A clinical rating system for the wrist by the Mayo clinic was used to measure the outcome. In 19 patients the result was excellent, in ten good, in 11 satisfactory and in six poor. On questioning, 40 (87%) patients said that surgery had substantially improved the condition and that they would recommend the operation. However, six (13%) were unhappy with the outcome and would not undergo the procedure again for a similar problem. There were six complications, five of which related to pisotriquetral problems. The mean follow-up was 39.1 months (6 to 100). We believe that tenodesis of extensor carpi ulnaris is a very satisfactory procedure for isolated, chronic post-traumatic lunotriquetral instability in selected patients. In those with associated pathology, the symptoms were improved, but the results were less predictable

We describe the intermediate results of lateral ligamentous repair or reconstruction for posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow. Between 1986 and 1999, we performed 12 direct repairs and 33 ligament reconstructions with a tendon autograft. One patient was lost to follow-up and 44 were retrospectively studied at a mean of six years (2 to 15). Surgery restored stability in all except five patients. In two the elbow became stable after a second procedure. The mean post-operative Mayo elbow performance score was 85 points (60 to 100). The result was classified as excellent in 19, good in 13, fair in seven and poor in five patients. Thirty-eight patients (86%) were subjectively satisfied with the outcome of the operation. Better results were obtained in patients with a post-traumatic aetiology (p = 0.03), those with subjective symptoms of instability at presentation (p = 0.006) and those who had an augmented reconstruction using a tendon graft (p = 0.04). Reconstruction using a tendon graft seems to provide better results than ligament repair and the results do not seem to deteriorate with time. The outcome of this procedure is less predictable in patients with no subjective instability

We describe a new method of stabilising a painful unstable sternoclavicular joint using the sternocleidomastoid tendon and passing it through the medial clavicle and onto the manubrium sternum. This method is simple, reproducible and avoids the potential risks of reefing the joint to the first rib. The technique was used in seven cases of sternoclavicular joint instability in six patients who were reviewed at a mean of 39.7 months (15 to 63). Instability was markedly reduced or eliminated in all cases, but in one there was occasional persistant subluxation. There were minor scar complications after two procedures and one patient had transient ulnar neuritis. This procedure provides satisfactory results in the medium term

We present three cases of recurrent instability of the elbow in association with the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. The pattern of instability has not previously been reported. We describe our procedure for achieving stability using a bone graft to the olecranon fossa which gave a functional range of movement

This study describes the surgical technique used for reconstruction and reinforcement of the lateral collateral ligament complex in patients with posterolateral instability of the elbow and the results. A triceps tendon graft from the ipsilateral elbow which was inserted through bone tunnels and fixed with bone anchors augmented the reconstruction. The operation was performed on 18 consecutive patients with instability after an acute traumatic dislocation. The mean follow-up was 44 months (14 to 88). There were no recurrent dislocations. The elbow was stable in 14 patients; three had some minor limitation of movement. Thirteen had no or only occasional slight pain, 15 returned to their normal level of activity and 17 were satisfied with the outcome. There was only one failure

We diagnosed 50 patients (58 shoulders) with a mean age at presentation of 17.3 years, as having involuntary positional instability of the shoulder. They were managed by a programme consisting of a careful explanation, analysis of abnormal muscle couples and then muscle retraining carried out by a specialist physiotherapist. The mean follow-up was two years. Six shoulders had a poor result, but 52 were graded as good to excellent. Nine patients (12 shoulders) relapsed and required further episodes of retraining. In our experience, involuntary positional instability of the shoulder causes symptoms which interfere with normal activities; these can be controlled by a treatment plan of retraining of the muscle pattern with functional benefit. Only 19 of the patients were referred with a diagnosis of positional instability. There should be more awareness of this rather uncommon condition. Surgery is not indicated in these patients

We have treated 16 patients with recurrent complex elbow instability using a hinged external fixator. All patients had instability, dislocation or subluxation of the ulnohumeral joint. The injuries were open in eight patients and were associated with 20 other fractures and five peripheral nerve injuries. Two patients had received initial treatment from us; 14 had previously had a mean of 2.1 unsuccessful surgical procedures (1 to 6). The fixator was applied at a mean of 4.8 weeks (0 to 9) after the injury and remained on the elbow for a mean of 8.5 weeks (6 to 11). After treatment we found the mean range of flexion-extension to be 105° (65 to 140). At a final follow-up of 23 months (14 to 40), the mean Morrey score was 84 (49 to 96): this translated into one poor, three fair, ten good and two excellent results. Complications included one fractured humeral pin, one temporary palsy of the radial nerve, one recurrent instability, one wound infection, one severe pin-track infection and one patient with reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Although technically demanding, the use of the fixator is an important advance in the management of recurrent complex elbow instability after failure of conventional treatment

The type II Monteggia (posterior) lesion is a rare injury which is sometimes associated with ulnohumeral instability. We have reviewed 23 of 28 patients with this injury. A clinical and radiographic assessment was undertaken at follow-up. Functional outcome scores, including the Broberg and Morrey Index and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder or Hand (DASH), were used. The results from the six patients with associated posterior ulnohumeral dislocation were compared with 17 without ulnohumeral injury. Those with dislocation had reduced movement of the elbow and had outcome scores indicative of greater disability compared to those without associated dislocation

We studied retrospectively a consecutive series of 547 shoulders in 529 patients undergoing operation for instability. In 41, the cause of instability was considered to be lateral avulsion of the capsule, including the inferior glenohumeral ligament, from the neck of the humerus, the HAGL lesion. In 35, the lesion was found at first exploration, whereas in six it was noted at revision of a previous failed procedure. In both groups, the patients were older on average than those with instability from other causes. Of the primary cases, in 33 (94.3%) the cause of the first dislocation was a violent injury; six (17.4%) had evidence of damage to the rotator cuff and/or the subscapularis. Only four (11.4%) had a Bankart lesion. In patients undergoing a primary operation in whom the cause of the first dislocation was a violent injury, who did not have a Bankart lesion and had no suggestion of multidirectional laxity, the incidence of HAGL was 39%

In 28 patients with a solitary diagnosis of instability of the trapeziometacarpal joint because of a rupture of the anterior oblique ligament, reconstruction was carried out using a slip of the tendon of flexor carpi radialis. We were able to review 26 patients. The results after a follow-up of four years seven months showed that most (87%) had significant relief from pain and symptoms. Seventeen were graded as good to excellent. The mean grip strength recovered to 86% of the contralateral side. Most patients (81%) felt that they had subjective improvement and would have undergone the operation again. A lesser functional result was seen in those who developed a flexion deformity because of overtightening of the reconstruction. Increased awareness of this lesion can lead to an early and clear diagnosis so that the patient may be advised adequately. We describe a specific, diagnostic, clinical test which we have used consistently and successfully

We compared the long-term function of subscapularis after the Latarjet procedure using two surgical approaches. We treated 102 patients (106 shoulders) with a mean age of 26.8 years (15 to 51) with involuntary unidirectional recurrent instability. The operation was carried out through an L-shaped incision with trans-section of the upper two-thirds of the muscle in 69 cases and with a subscapularis split in 37. All clinical results were assessed by the Rowe and the Duplay scores and the function of subscapularis by evaluating the distance and strength at the lift-off position. Bilateral CT was performed in 77 patients for assessment of fatty degeneration. The mean follow-up was 7.5 years (2 to 15) and 18% of cases were lost to follow-up. The mean Duplay score was 82 of 100 for the L-shaped incision group and 90 of 100 for those with a subscapularis split (p = 0.02). The mean fatty degeneration score was 1.18 after an L-shaped incision compared with 0.12 after subscapularis split (p = 0.001). The subscapularis split approach is therefore recommended

From 1984 to 1995, 68 ankylosed elbows and 11 which were unstable after trauma were replaced in India by Baksi sloppy hinge prostheses. The mean age of the patients was 28.6 years (17 to 70) and the mean follow-up 9.6 years (2 to 13.5).

Of the 68 ankylosed elbows, 59 (87%) regained a mean arc of painless movement of 88.5° (27 to 115). The mean improvement of supination was 24° and of pronation 16.5°. There were 54 good results (80%), eight fair and three poor. There were two complete failures due to infection, and one due to a broken humeral stem.

Of the 11 unstable elbows, the nine with good results had a mean arc of 125° (15 to 140) of painless stable movement, with a mean improvement in supination of 26° and of pronation of 19.5°. There was one fair result and one failure due to loosening with subsequent late infection.

There were significant complications in 14 cases with infection in seven and aseptic loosening in four. Patients with loosening or late removal of the prosthesis often retained reasonably stable elbow movement because periprosthetic fibrosis had connected the approximated bone ends, and muscle balance had been restored.

We present the long-term outcome, at a median of 18 years (12.8 to 23.5) of open posterior bone block stabilisation for recurrent posterior instability of the shoulder in a heterogenous group of 11 patients previously reported on in 2001 at a median follow-up of six years. We found that five (45%) would not have chosen the operation again, and that four (36%) had further posterior dislocation. Clinical outcome was significantly worse after 18 years than after six years of follow-up (median Rowe score of 60 versus 90 (p = 0.027)). The median Western Ontario Shoulder Index was 60% (37% to 100%) at 18 years’ follow-up, which is a moderate score. At the time of surgery four (36%) had glenohumeral radiological osteoarthritis, which was present in all after 18 years. This study showed poor long-term results of the posterior bone block procedure for posterior instability and a high rate of glenohumeral osteoarthritis although three patients with post-traumatic instability were pleased with the result of their operations

Instability after arthroplasty of the shoulder is difficult to correct surgically. Soft-tissue procedures and revision surgery using unconstrained anatomical components are associated with a high rate of failure. The purpose of this study was to determine the results of revision of an unstable anatomical shoulder arthroplasty to a reverse design prosthesis. Between 2004 and 2007, 33 unstable anatomical shoulder arthroplasties were revised to a reverse design. The mean age of the patients was 71 years (53 to 86) and their mean follow-up was 42 months (25 to 71). The mean time to revision was 26 months (4 to 164). Pain scores improved significantly (pre-operative visual analogue scale (VAS) of 7.2 (. sd. 1.6); most recent VAS 2.2 (. sd. 1.9); p = 0.001). There was a statistically significant increase in mean active forward elevation from 40.2° (. sd. 27.3) to 97.0° (. sd. 36.2) (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in internal (p = 0.93) or external rotation (p = 0.40). Radiological findings included notching in five shoulders (15%) and heterotopic ossification of the inferior capsular region in three (9%). At the last follow-up 31 shoulders (94%) were stable. The remaining two shoulders dislocated at 2.5 weeks and three months post-operatively, respectively. According to the Neer rating system, there were 13 excellent (40%), ten satisfactory (30%) and ten unsatisfactory results (30%). Revision of hemiarthroplasty or anatomical total shoulder replacement for instability using a reverse design prosthesis gives good short-term results. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:668–72

The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological outcomes of dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis for the treatment of static scapholunate instability at a minimum follow-up of four years. A total of 59 patients who underwent capsulodesis for this condition were included in a retrospective analysis after a mean of 8.25 years (4.3 to 12). A total of eight patients underwent a salvage procedure at a mean of 2.33 years (0.67 to 7.6) and were excluded. The mean range of extension/flexion was 88° (15° to 135°) and of ulnar/radial deviation was 38° (0° to 75°) at final follow-up. The mean Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and Mayo wrist scores were 28 (0 to 85) and 61 (0 to 90), respectively. After significant improvement immediately post-operatively (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively), the mean scapholunate and radiolunate angles deteriorated to 70° (40° to 90°) and 8° (-15° to 25°), respectively, at final follow-up, which were not significantly different from their pre-operative values (p = 0.6 and p = 0.4, respectively). The mean carpal height index decreased significantly from 1.53 (1.38 to 1.65) to 1.48 (1.29 to 1.65) indicating progressive carpal collapse (p < 0.001); 40 patients (78%) had radiological evidence of degenerative arthritis. Capsulodesis did not maintain carpal reduction over time. Although the consequent ongoing scapholunate instability resulted in early arthritic degeneration, most patients had acceptable long-term function of the wrist

Excision is not a suitable treatment for all comminuted fractures of the radial head. In elbows where instability can be predicted, a replacement arthroplasty of the radial head is more effective. The aim of this paper was to present the medium-term results of the Judet floating radial head prosthesis. This operation was performed on 14 patients between 1992 and 2003, of whom 12 were reviewed at a mean follow-up of five years and three months (1 to 12 years). The outcome was assessed using the Mayo elbow performance score and a modified Disability of Arm Shoulder Hand (DASH) questionnaire. There were six excellent results, four good, one fair and one poor, as graded by the Mayo score. The mean DASH score was 23.9/100 (0 to 65.8/100). The only significant complication occurred in one patient who developed a severe complex regional pain syndrome. There were no patients with secondary instability of the elbow, implant loosening, cubitus valgus, osteoporosis of the capitellum, or pain in the forearm and wrist. Our experience, combined with that of other authors using this device, has encouraged us to continue using the Judet prosthesis in comminuted fractures of the elbow where instability is a potential problem