Rotator cuff pathology is the main cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction in older adults. When a rotator cuff tear involves the subscapularis tendon, the symptoms are usually more severe and the prognosis after surgery must be guarded. Isolated subscapularis tears represent 18% of all rotator cuff tears and arthroscopic repair is a good alternative primary treatment. However, when the tendon is deemed irreparable, tendon transfers are the only option for younger or high-functioning patients. The aim of this review is to describe the indications, biomechanical principles, and outcomes which have been reported for tendon transfers, which are available for the treatment of irreparable subscapularis tears. The best tendon to be transferred remains controversial. Pectoralis major transfer was described more than 30 years ago to treat patients with failed surgery for instability of the shoulder. It has subsequently been used extensively to manage irreparable subscapularis tendon tears in many clinical settings. Although pectoralis major reproduces the position and orientation of the subscapularis in the coronal plane, its position in the axial plane – anterior to the rib cage – is clearly different and does not allow it to function as an ideal transfer. Consistent relief of pain and moderate recovery of strength and function have been reported following the use of this transfer. In an attempt to improve on these results, latissimus dorsi tendon transfer was proposed as an alternative and the technique has evolved from an open to an arthroscopic procedure. Satisfactory relief of pain and improvements in functional shoulder scores have recently been reported following its use. Both pectoralis minor and
The outcomes following nonoperative management of minimally displaced greater tuberosity (GT) fractures, and the factors which influence patient experience, remain poorly defined. We assessed the early patient-derived outcomes following these injuries and examined the effect of a range of demographic- and injury-related variables on these outcomes. In total, 101 patients (53 female, 48 male) with a mean age of 50.9 years (19 to 76) with minimally displaced GT fractures were recruited to a prospective observational cohort study. During the first year after injury, patients underwent experiential assessment using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and assessment of associated injuries using MRI performed within two weeks of injury. The primary outcome was the one-year DASH score. Multivariate analysis was used to assess the effect of patient demographic factors, complications, and associated injuries, on outcome.Aims
Methods
Body exhaust suits or surgical helmet systems (colloquially, ‘space suits’) are frequently used in many forms of arthroplasty, with the aim of providing personal protection to surgeons and, perhaps, reducing periprosthetic joint infections, although this has not consistently been borne out in systematic reviews and registry studies. To date, no large-scale study has investigated whether this is applicable to shoulder arthroplasty. We used the New Zealand Joint Registry to assess whether the use of surgical helmet systems was associated with lower all-cause revision or revision for deep infection in primary shoulder arthroplasties. We analyzed 16,000 shoulder arthroplasties (hemiarthroplasties, anatomical, and reverse geometry prostheses) recorded on the New Zealand Joint Registry from its inception in 2000 to the present day. We assessed patient factors including age, BMI, sex, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, as well as whether or not the operation took place in a laminar flow operating theatre.Aims
Methods
Favourable short-term outcomes have been reported following latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for patients with an irreparable subscapularis (SSC) tendon tear. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term outcomes of this transfer in these patients. This was a retrospective study involving 30 patients with an irreparable SSC tear and those with a SSC tear combined with a reparable supraspinatus tear, who underwent a latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. Clinical scores and active range of motion (aROM), SSC-specific physical examination and the rate of return to work were assessed. Radiological assessment included recording the acromiohumeral distance (AHD), the Hamada grade of cuff tear arthropathy and the integrity of the transferred tendon. Statistical analysis compared preoperative, short-term (two years), and final follow-up at a mean of 8.7 years (7 to 10).Aims
Methods
Glenoid bone loss is a significant problem in the management of shoulder instability. The threshold at which the bone loss is considered “critical” requiring bony reconstruction has steadily dropped and is now approximately 15%. This necessitates accurate measurement in order that the correct operation is performed. CT scanning is the most commonly used modality and there are a number of techniques described to measure the bone loss however few have been validated. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of the most commonly used techniques for measuring glenoid bone loss on CT. Anatomically accurate models with known glenoid diameter and degree of bone loss were used to determine the mathematical and statistical accuracy of six of the most commonly described techniques (relative diameter, linear ipsilateral circle of best fit (COBF), linear contralateral COBF, Pico, Sugaya, and circle line methods). The models were prepared at 13.8%, 17.6%, and 22.9% bone loss. Sequential CT scans were taken and randomized. Blinded reviewers made repeated measurements using the different techniques with a threshold for theoretical bone grafting set at 15%.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study is to report the implant survival and factors associated with revision of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) using data from the Dutch national registry. All TEAs recorded in the Dutch national registry between 2014 and 2020 were included. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, and a logistic regression model was used to assess the factors associated with revision.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics and outcomes of L-shaped and reverse L-shaped rotator cuff tears. A total of 82 shoulders (81 patients) after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were retrospectively enrolled. The mean age of the patients was 62 years (SD 6), 33 shoulders (40.2%) were in male patients, and 57 shoulders (69.5%) were the right shoulder. Of these, 36 shoulders had an L-shaped tear (group L) and 46 had a reverse L-shaped tear (group RL). Both groups were compared regarding characteristics, pre- and postoperative pain, and functional outcomes. Muscle status was assessed by preoperative MRI, and re-tear rates by postoperative ultrasonography or MRI.Aims
Methods
Long-term outcomes following the use of human dermal allografts in the treatment of symptomatic irreparable rotator cuff tears are not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate these outcomes, and to investigate whether this would be a good form of treatment in young patients in whom a reverse shoulder arthroplasty should ideally be avoided. This prospective study included 47 shoulders in 45 patients who underwent an open reconstruction of the rotator cuff using an interposition GraftJacket allograft to bridge irreparable cuff tears, between January 2007 and November 2011. The Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), pain score, and range of motion (ROM) were recorded preoperatively and at one year and a mean of 9.1 years (7.0 to 12.5) postoperatively.Aims
Methods
This systematic review places a recently completed multicentre randomized controlled trial (RCT), UK FROST, in the context of existing randomized evidence for the management of primary frozen shoulder. UK FROST compared the effectiveness of pre-specified physiotherapy techniques with a steroid injection (PTSI), manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) with a steroid injection, and arthroscopic capsular release (ACR). This review updates a 2012 review focusing on the effectiveness of MUA, ACR, hydrodilatation, and PTSI. MEDLINE, Embase, PEDro, Science Citation Index, Clinicaltrials.gov, CENTRAL, and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry were searched up to December 2018. Reference lists of included studies were screened. No language restrictions applied. Eligible studies were RCTs comparing the effectiveness of MUA, ACR, PTSI, and hydrodilatation against each other, or supportive care or no treatment, for the management of primary frozen shoulder.Aims
Methods
Despite recent advances in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, re-tear rates remain high. New methods to improve healing rates following rotator cuff repair must be sought. Our primary objective was to determine if adjunctive bone marrow stimulation with channelling five to seven days prior to arthroscopic cuff repair would lead to higher Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) scores at 24 months postoperatively compared with no channelling. A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Patients were randomized to receive either a percutaneous bone channelling of the rotator cuff footprint or a sham procedure under ultrasound guidance five to seven days prior to index surgery. Outcome measures included the WORC, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and Constant scores, strength, ultrasound-determined healing rates, and adverse events.Aims
Methods
The Mathys Affinis Short is the most frequently used stemless total shoulder prosthesis in the UK. The purpose of this prospective cohort study is to report the survivorship, clinical, and radiological outcomes of the first independent series of the Affinis Short prosthesis. From January 2011 to January 2019, a total of 141 Affinis Short prostheses were implanted in 127 patients by a single surgeon. Mean age at time of surgery was 68 (44 to 89). Minimum one year and maximum eight year follow-up (mean 3.7 years) was analyzed using the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) at latest follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed with implant revision as the endpoint. Most recently performed radiographs were reviewed for component radiolucent lines (RLLs) and proximal humeral migration.Aims
Methods
Patient-specific instrumentation has been shown to increase a surgeon’s precision and accuracy in placing the glenoid component in shoulder arthroplasty. There is, however, little available information about the use of patient-specific planning (PSP) tools for this operation. It is not known how these tools alter the decision-making patterns of shoulder surgeons. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PSP, when compared with the use of plain radiographs or select static CT images, influences the understanding of glenoid pathology and surgical planning. A case-based survey presented surgeons with a patient’s history, physical examination, and, sequentially, radiographs, select static CT images, and PSP with a 3D imaging program. For each imaging modality, the surgeons were asked to identify the Walch classification of the glenoid and to propose the surgical treatment. The participating surgeons were grouped according to the annual volume of shoulder arthroplasties that they undertook, and responses were compared with the recommendations of two experts.Aims
Methods
Accurate measurement of the glenoid version is important in performing total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Our aim was to evaluate the Ellipse method, which involves formally defining the vertical mid-point of the glenoid prior to measuring the glenoid version and comparing it with the ‘classic’ Friedman method. This was a retrospective study which evaluated 100 CT scans for patients who underwent a primary TSA. The glenoid version was measured using the Friedman and Ellipse methods by two senior observers. Statistical analyses were performed using the paired Aims
Methods
Few risk factors for rotator cuff disease (RCD) and corresponding treatment have been firmly established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between numerous risk factors and the incidence of surgery for RCD in a large cohort. A population-based cohort of people aged between 40 and 69 years in the UK (the UK Biobank) was studied. People who underwent surgery for RCD were identified through a link with NHS inpatient records covering a mean of eight years after enrolment. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) as estimates of associations with surgery for RCD accounting for confounders. The risk factors which were considered included age, sex, race, education, Townsend deprivation index, body mass index (BMI), occupational demands, and exposure to smoking.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to examine the recent trend in delivery of arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) in Scotland and to determine if this varies by geographical location. Scottish Morbidity Records were reviewed retrospectively between March 2014 and April 2018 to identify records for every admission to each NHS hospital. The Office of Population Censuses and Surveys (OPCS-4) surgical codes were used to identify patients undergoing primary ASD. Patients who underwent acromioclavicular joint excision (ACJE) and rotator cuff repair (RCR) were identified and grouped separately. Procedure rates were age and sex standardized against the European standard population.Aims
Methods
Improvements in the evaluation of outcomes following peripheral nerve injury are needed. Recent studies have identified muscle fatigue as an inevitable consequence of muscle reinnervation. This study aimed to quantify and characterize muscle fatigue within a standardized surgical model of muscle reinnervation. This retrospective cohort study included 12 patients who underwent Oberlin nerve transfer in an attempt to restore flexion of the elbow following brachial plexus injury. There were ten men and two women with a mean age of 45.5 years (27 to 69). The mean follow-up was 58 months (28 to 100). Repeated and sustained isometric contractions of the elbow flexors were used to assess fatigability of reinnervated muscle. The strength of elbow flexion was measured using a static dynamometer (KgF) and surface electromyography (sEMG). Recordings were used to quantify and characterize fatigability of the reinnervated elbow flexor muscles compared with the uninjured contralateral side.Aims
Patients and Methods
Patients with recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder commonly have an anterior osseous defect of the glenoid. Once the defect reaches a critical size, stability may be restored by bone grafting. The critical size of this defect under non-physiological loading conditions has previously been identified as 20% of the length of the glenoid. As the stability of the shoulder is load-dependent, with higher joint forces leading to a loss of stability, the aim of this study was to determine the critical size of an osseous defect that leads to further anterior instability of the shoulder under physiological loading despite a Bankart repair. Two finite element (FE) models were used to determine the risk of dislocation of the shoulder during 30 activities of daily living (ADLs) for the intact glenoid and after creating anterior osseous defects of increasing magnitudes. A Bankart repair was simulated for each size of defect, and the shoulder was tested under loading conditions that replicate Aims
Patients and Methods
The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of surgical repair to conservative treatment and subacromial decompression for the treatment of chronic/degenerative tears of the rotator cuff. PubMed, Cochrane database, and Medline were searched for randomized controlled trials published until March 2018. Included studies were assessed for methodological quality, and data were extracted for statistical analysis. The systematic review was conducted following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines.Aims
Materials and Methods
Shoulder arthroplasty using short humeral components is becoming increasingly popular. Some such components have been associated with relatively high rates of adverse radiological findings. The aim of this retrospective review was to evaluate the radiological humeral bone changes and mechanical failure rates with implantation of a short cementless humeral component in anatomical (TSA) and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). A total of 100 shoulder arthroplasties (35 TSA and 65 RSA) were evaluated at a mean of 3.8 years (3 to 8.3). The mean age at the time of surgery was 68 years (31 to 90). The mean body mass index was 32.7 kg/m2 (17.3 to 66.4).Aims
Patients and Methods
Aims
Materials and Methods
The crucial role of the radial head in the stability of the elbow in terrible triad injury is acknowledged. This retrospective study aims to compare the results of resection of a severely comminuted radial head with or without prosthetic arthroplasty as part of the reconstruction for this injury. The outcome of radial head resection was compared with prosthetic arthroplasty in 29 and 15 patients with terrible triad injuries, respectively. There were ten female patients (34.5%) in the resection group and six female patients (40%) in the prosthesis group. The mean age was 40.7 years (Aims
Patients and Methods
Since long-term outcome of teres major tendon transfer surgery
for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff (RC) tears is largely
unknown, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term
outcome of the teres major transfer. We also aimed to report on
the results of a cohort of patients with a similar indication for
surgery that underwent a latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. In this prospective cohort study, we reported on the long-term
results of 20 consecutive patients with a teres major tendon transfer
for irreparable massive posterosuperior RC tears. Additionally,
we reported on the results of the latissimus dorsi tendon transfer
(n = 19). The mean age was 60 years (47 to 77). Outcomes included
the Constant score (CS), and pain at rest and during movement using
the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).Aims
Patients and Methods
Improvements in the evaluation of outcome after nerve transfers
are required. The assessment of force using the Medical Research
Council (MRC) grades (0 to 5) is not suitable for this purpose.
A ceiling effect is encountered within MRC grade 4/5 rendering this
tool insensitive. Our aim was to show how the strength of flexion
of the elbow could be assessed in patients who have undergone a
re-innervation procedure using a continuous measurement scale. A total of 26 patients, 23 men and three women, with a mean age
of 37.3 years (16 to 66), at the time of presentation, attended
for review from a cohort of 52 patients who had undergone surgery
to restore flexion of the elbow after a brachial plexus injury and
were included in this retrospective study. The mean follow-up after
nerve transfer was 56 months (28 to 101, standard deviation (Aims
Methods
Our aim was to investigate the outcomes of patients with a displaced
fracture of the glenoid fossa who are treated conservatively. There
is little information in the literature about the treatment of these
rare injuries non-operatively. We reviewed 24 patients with a mean age of 52 years (19 to 81)
at a mean of 5.6 years (11 months to 18 years) after the injury.Aims
Patients and Methods
Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of A total of 46 patients undergoing either an arthroscopic capsular
release or stabilisation had biopsies taken from the subcutaneous
fat and capsule of the shoulder at the time of surgery. These samples
were sent for culture in enrichment, and also for Nucleic Acid Amplification
testing. The prevalence of Aims
Patients and Methods
Cubitus varus is the most common late complication of a supracondylar
fracture of the humerus in children. Correction can be performed
using one of a number of techniques of osteotomy but each has disadvantages.
We describe a new technique for correcting post-traumatic cubitus
varus using a lateral closing wedge isosceles triangular osteotomy. A lateral closing wedge isosceles triangular osteotomy was performed
in 25 patients (15 male and ten female with a mean age of 9.5 years
(6 to 12)) between May 2010 and April 2013. All patients had cubitus
varus secondary to malunion of a supracondylar fracture, with good
function of the elbow and a full range of movement. The osteotomy
lines were marked on the bone with an isosceles triangular template
made before surgery, after which the osteotomy was performed leaving
the medial cortex intact. Fixation was performed using two lateral
2 mm Kirschner (K)-wires and patients were immobilised in an above-elbow
plaster. By six to eight weeks callus was present and the wires
and cast were removed. Patients were reviewed at four and six weeks,
three, six and 12 months and then every two years until skeletal
maturity. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were categorised as excellent,
good or poor.Aims
Patients and Methods
We assessed the long-term (more than ten-year) outcomes of the
Kudo type-5 elbow prosthesis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
(RA). We reviewed 41 elbows (Larsen Grade IV, n = 21; Grade V, n =
20) in 31 patients with RA who had undergone a Kudo type-5 total
elbow arthroplasty (TEA) between 1994 and 2003, and had been followed
up for more than ten years. The humeral component was cementless
and the all-polyethylene ulnar component cemented in every patient. Clinical
outcome was assessed using the Mayo elbow performance score. We
calculated the revision rate and evaluated potential risk factors
for revision. The duration of follow-up was a mean 141 months (120
to 203).Aims
Materials and Methods
A variety of operative techniques have been described as under
the term ‘Bristow-Latarjet’ procedure. This review aims to define
the original procedure, and compare the variation in techniques
described in the literature, assessing any effect on clinical outcomes. A systematic review of 24 studies was performed to compare specific
steps of the technique (coracoid osteotomy site, subscapularis approach,
orientation and position of coracoid graft fixation and fixation
method, additional labral and capsular repair) and detect any effect
this variability had on outcomes.Objectives
Materials and Methods
The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of altered viewing
perspectives on the measurement of the glenopolar angle (GPA) and
the differences between these measurements made on 3D CT reconstructions
and anteroposterior (AP) scapular view radiographs. The influence of the viewing perspective on the GPA was assessed,
as were the differences in the measurements of the GPA between 3D
CT reconstructions and AP scapular view radiographs in 68 cadaveric
scapulae.Aims
Materials and Methods
A trial-based comparison of the use of resources, costs and quality
of life outcomes of arthroscopic and open surgical management for
rotator cuff tears in the United Kingdom NHS was performed using
data from the United Kingdom Rotator Cuff Study (UKUFF) randomised
controlled trial. Using data from 273 patients, healthcare-related use of resources,
costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were estimated at
12 months and 24 months after surgery on an intention-to-treat basis
with adjustment for covariates. Uncertainty about the incremental
cost-effectiveness ratio for arthroscopic Aims
Patients and Methods
Revision total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is often challenging.
The aim of this study was to report on the clinical and radiological
results of revision arthroplasty of the elbow with the Latitude
TEA. Between 2006 and 2010 we used the Latitude TEA for revision in
18 consecutive elbows (17 patients); mean age 53 years (28 to 80);
14 women. A Kudo TEA was revised in 15 elbows and a Souter-Strathclyde
TEA in three. Stability, range of movement (ROM), visual analogue score (VAS)
for pain and functional scores, Elbow Functional Assessment Scale
(EFAS), the Functional Rating Index of Broberg and Morrey (FRIBM)
and the Modified Andrews’ Elbow Scoring System (MAESS) were assessed
pre-operatively and at each post-operative follow-up visit (six,
12 months and biennially thereafter). Radiographs were analysed
for loosening, fractures and dislocation. The mean follow-up was
59 months (26 to 89).Aims
Patients and Methods
Currently, there is little information about the need for peri-operative
blood transfusion in patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to identify the rate of transfusion
and its predisposing factors, and to establish a blood conservation
strategy. We identified all patients who had undergone shoulder arthroplasty
at our hospital between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2013. The
rate of transfusion was determined from the patient’s records. While
there were exceptions, patients typically underwent transfusion
if they had a level of haemoglobin of <
7.5 g/dl if asymptomatic,
<
9.0 g/dl if they had a significant cardiac history or symptoms
of dizziness or light headedness. Multivariable regression analysis was undertaken to identify
predictors of transfusion. High- and low-risk cohorts for transfusion
were identified from a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Aims
Methods
Dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint is
a relatively common injury and a number of surgical interventions
have been described for its treatment. Recently, a synthetic ligament
device has become available and been successfully used, however,
like other non-native solutions, a compromise must be reached when
choosing non-anatomical locations for their placement. This cadaveric
study aimed to assess the effect of different clavicular anchorage points
for the Lockdown device on the reduction of acromioclavicular joint
dislocations, and suggest an optimal location. We also assessed
whether further stability is provided using a coracoacromial ligament
transfer (a modified Neviaser technique). The acromioclavicular
joint was exposed on seven fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders. The
joint was reconstructed using the Lockdown implant using four different
clavicular anchorage points and reduction was measured. The coracoacromial
ligament was then transferred to the lateral end of the clavicle,
and the joint re-assessed. If the Lockdown ligament was secured
at the level of the conoid tubercle, the acromioclavicular joint
could be reduced anatomically in all cases. If placed medial or
2 cm lateral, the joint was irreducible. If the Lockdown was placed
1 cm lateral to the conoid tubercle, the joint could be reduced
with difficulty in four cases. Correct placement of the Lockdown
device is crucial to allow anatomical joint reduction. Even when the
Lockdown was placed over the conoid tubercle, anterior clavicle
displacement remained but this could be controlled using a coracoacromial
ligament transfer. Cite this article:
Between 2002 and 2011, 81 patients with a traumatic total brachial
plexus injury underwent reconstruction by double free muscle transfer
(DFMT, 47 cases), single muscle transfer (SMT, 16 cases) or nerve
transfers (NT, 18 cases). They were evaluated for functional outcome and quality of life
(QoL) using the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire,
both pre- and post-operatively. The three groups were compared and
followed-up for at least 24 months.Aims
Methods
Determining and accurately restoring the flexion-extension
axis of the elbow is essential for functional recovery after total
elbow arthroplasty (TEA). We evaluated the effect of morphological
features of the elbow on variations of alignment of the components
at TEA. Morphological and positioning variables were compared by
systematic CT scans of 22 elbows in 21 patients after TEA. There were five men and 16 women, and the mean age was 63 years
(38 to 80). The mean follow-up was 22 months (11 to 44). The anterior offset and version of the humeral components were
significantly affected by the anterior angulation of the humerus
(p = 0.052 and p = 0.004, respectively). The anterior offset and
version of the ulnar components were strongly significantly affected
by the anterior angulation of the ulna (p <
0.001 and p <
0.001). The closer the anterior angulation of the ulna was to the joint,
the lower the ulnar anterior offset (p = 0.030) and version of the
ulnar component (p = 0.010). The distance from the joint to the
varus angulation also affected the lateral offset of the ulnar component
(p = 0.046). Anatomical variations at the distal humerus and proximal ulna
affect the alignment of the components at TEA. This is explained
by abutment of the stems of the components and is particularly severe
when there are substantial deformities or the deformities are close
to the joint. Cite this article:
We examined the outcomes and levels of patient
satisfaction in 202 consecutive cases of ultrasound-guided supraclavicular
brachial plexus block (SBPB) in upper limb surgery performed between
September 2007 and March 2010. All blocks were performed by orthopaedic surgeons using ultrasound
visualisation with a high-frequency linear probe. The probe was
placed in the coronal–oblique plane in the supraclavicular fossa,
and the puncture was ‘in-plane’ from lateral to medial. Most of
the blocks were performed with 0.75% ropivacaine/1% lidocaine (1:1),
with or without adrenaline in 1:200 000 dilution. In 201 patients
(99.5%) the brachial plexus block permitted surgery without conversion
to general anaesthesia. The mean procedure time for block was 3.9
min (2 to 12), the mean waiting time for surgery was 34.1 min (10
to 64), the mean surgical time was 75.2 min (6 to 232), and the
mean duration of post-anaesthetic analgesia was 437 min (171 to
992). A total of 20 patients (10%) developed a transient Horner’s syndrome.
No nerve injury, pneumothorax, arterial puncture or systemic anaesthetic
toxicity were recorded. Most patients (96.7%) were satisfied with
ultrasound-guided SBPB. This study demonstrates the efficacy and
safety of ultrasound-guided SBPB for orthopaedic surgery on the
upper limb. Cite this article:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
expression of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) in the capsule and synovial
fluid of patients with frozen shoulder. Capsular tissue and synovial
fluid were obtained from 18 patients with idiopathic frozen shoulder
(FS group) and 18 patients with instability of the shoulder (control
group). The expressions of ASIC1, ASIC2, and ASIC3 in the capsule
were determined using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain
reaction, immunoblot analysis, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The
concentrations in synovial fluid were evaluated using an enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay. The mRNA expression of ASIC1, ASIC2 and ASIC3 in the capsule
were significantly increased in the FS group compared with the control
group. The protein levels of these three ASICs were also increased.
The increased expressions were confirmed by IHC. Of the ASICs, ASIC3
showed the greatest increase in both mRNA and levels of expression
compared with the control group. The levels of ASIC1 and ASIC3 in
synovial fluid were significantly increased in the FS group. This study suggests that ASICs may play a role as mediators of
inflammatory pain and be involved in the pathogenesis of frozen
shoulder. Cite this article:
We determined the short-term clinical outcome
and migration within the bone of the humeral cementless component
of the Instrumented Bone Preserving (IBP) total elbow replacement
in a series of 16 patients. There were four men and 12 women with
a mean age at operation of 63 years (40 to 81). Migration was calculated
using radiostereometric analysis. There were no intra-operative
complications and no revisions. At two-year follow-up, all patients
showed a significant reduction in pain and functional improvement
of the elbow (both p <
0.001). Although ten components (63%)
showed movement or micromovement during the first six weeks, 14
(88%) were stable at one year post-operatively. Translation was
primarily found in the proximal direction (median 0.3 mm (interquartile range
(IQR) -0.09 to 0.8); the major rotational movement was an anterior
tilt (median 0.7° (IQR 0.4° to 1.6°)). One malaligned component
continued to migrate during the second year, and one component could
not be followed beyond three months because migration had caused
the markers to break off the prosthesis. This study shows promising early results for the cementless humeral
component of the IBP total elbow replacement. All patients had a
good clinical outcome, and most components stabilised within six
months of the operation. Cite this article:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
natural history of rheumatoid disease of the shoulder over an eight-year
period. Our hypothesis was that progression of the disease is associated
with a decrease in function with time. A total of 22 patients (44 shoulders; 17 women, 5 men, (mean
age 63)) with rheumatoid arthritis were followed for eight years.
All shoulders were assessed using the Constant score, anteroposterior
radiographs (Larsen score, Upward-Migration-Index (UMI)) and ultrasound
(US). At final follow-up, the Short Form-36, disabilities of the
arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) Score, erythrocyte sedimentation rate
and use of anti-rheumatic medication were determined. The mean Constant score was 72 points (50 to 88) at baseline
and 69 points (25 to 100) at final follow-up. Radiological evaluation
showed progressive destruction of the peri-articular structures
with time. This progression of joint and rotator cuff destruction
was significantly associated with the Constant score. However, at
baseline only the extent of rotator cuff disease and the UMI could
predict the Constant score at final follow-up. A plain anteroposterior radiograph of the shoulder is sufficient
to assess any progression of rheumatoid disease and to predict functional
outcome in the long term by using the UMI as an indicator of rotator
cuff degeneration. Cite this article:
Medium-term results of the Discovery elbow replacement
are presented. We reviewed 51 consecutive primary Discovery total
elbow replacements (TERs) implanted in 48 patients. The mean age
of the patients was 69.2 years (49 to 92), there were 19 males and
32 females (37%:63%) The mean follow-up was 40.6 months (24 to 69).
A total of six patients were lost to follow-up. Statistically significant
improvements in range movement and Oxford Elbow Score were found
(p <
0.001). Radiolucent lines were much more common in, and
aseptic loosening was exclusive to, the humeral component. Kaplan–Meier
survivorship at five years was 92.2% (95% CI 74.5% to 96.4%) for
aseptic loosening. In four TERs, periprosthetic infection occurred
resulting in failure. A statistically significant association between
infection and increased BMI was found (p = 0.0268). Triceps failure
was more frequent after the Mayo surgical approach and TER performed
after previous trauma surgery. No failures of the implant were noted. Our comparison shows that the Discovery has early clinical results
that are similar to other semi-constrained TERs. We found continued
radiological surveillance with particular focus on humeral lucency
is warranted and has not previously been reported. Despite advances
in the design of total elbow replacement prostheses, rates of complication
remain high. Cite this article:
The glenopolar angle assesses the rotational
alignment of the glenoid and may provide prognostic information
and aid the management of scapula fractures. We have analysed the
effect of the anteroposterior (AP) shoulder radiograph rotational
offset on the glenopolar angle in a laboratory setting and used
this to assess the accuracy of shoulder imaging employed in routine
clinical practice. Fluoroscopic imaging was performed on 25 non-paired scapulae
tagged with 2 mm steel spheres to determine the orientation of true
AP views. The glenopolar angle was measured on all the bony specimens
rotated at 10° increments. The mean glenopolar angle measured on
the bone specimens in rotations between 0° and 20° and thereafter
was found to be significantly different (p <
0.001). We also obtained
the AP radiographs of the uninjured shoulder of 30 patients treated
for fractures at our centre and found that none fitted the criteria
of a true AP shoulder radiograph. The mean angular offset from the
true AP view was 38° (10° to 65°) for this cohort. Radiological
AP shoulder views may not fully project the normal anatomy of the scapular
body and the measured glenopolar angle. The absence of a true AP
view may compromise the clinical management of a scapular fracture. Cite this article:
Lateral epicondylitis, or ’tennis elbow’, is
a common condition that usually affects patients between 35 and
55 years of age. It is generally self-limiting, but in some patients
it may continue to cause persistent symptoms, which can be refractory
to treatment. This review discusses the mechanism of disease, symptoms
and signs, investigations, current management protocols and potential
new treatments. Cite this article:
