Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to L U Bigliani.
Rotator cuff deficiency with associated glenohumeral arthritis poses a formidable clinical challenge. Humeral head replacement with maintenance of the coracoacromial arch is the current treatment of choice. Properly performed arthroplasty can provide pain relief and modest gains in motion.
True aneurysms of the axillary artery and its branches are rarely identified. Our recent experience with successful repairs of symptomatic aneurysms of the axillary arteries at the origin of the circumflex humeral arteries in 2 major league baseball pitchers suggests a condition that may be more common than recognized previously. We report this unique experience with baseball pitchers to focus attention on a condition that should be considered in all athletes with hand pain, numbness, or signs of digital ischemia. In addition, a schedule of rehabilitation and the timing of an appropriate return to competition is presented.
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Results following surgical management of failed rotator cuff tears are clearly inferior to those obtained in the treatment of primary repairs. Conservative management may be the treatment of choice in selected patients with failed rotator cuff repairs. The primary goal for revision rotator cuff surgery should be relief of pain, not improvement in function. If the level of pain is manageable, and the patient is functioning with respect to activities of daily living, additional surgery may not be helpful. As there are multiple etiologies associated with failure of the initial repair, each patient should be carefully evaluated on an individual basis to determine if a subsequent procedure would be appropriate. Repeat repair is more likely to succeed in patients with an intact and functioning deltoid, an intact lateral portion of the acromion, and good quality of rotator cuff tissue. Conversely, patients who have had a lateral or radical acromionectomy, a detached or nonfunctioning deltoid, or poor quality of remaining rotator cuff tissue are less likely to have a successful result after repeat repair. It is evident that some of the factors associated with failure are avoidable. As the best chance for a successful result is at the time of the primary repair, the following points will briefly review these factors. The skin incision should be made in the flexion creases which are perpendicular to the deltoid fibers. The deltoid origin should be meticulously protected during the repair and lateral or radical acromionectomy should not be performed. Adequate anterior acromioplasty is essential for removal of the impingement lesion and to prevent subsequent wear on the repaired cuff tendon. The acromioclavicular joint should be evaluated preoperatively and treated as indicated at the time of the surgery. Adequate release of adhesions and mobilization of rotator cuff tissue should be performed using the coracohumeral ligament release and interval slide when necessary. The rotator cuff should be repaired to bone using tendon to bone sutures and/or secure suture anchors. In large and massive tears, there appears to be a role for the reattachment of the coracohumeral ligament. Early phase I range of motion should be initiated following rotator cuff repair and early resistance exercise with weights should be avoided.
Overhead athletes are susceptible to a number of shoulder problems due to the repetitive nature and force needed to perform at a competitive level. Frequently, the rotator cuff becomes injured due to primary or secondary impingement. In young athletes, subtle instability is often the cause of rotator cuff tendinitis, but will frequently respond to a coordinated rehabilitation program. Older athletes are more likely to have rotator cuff injuries due to anatomic changes in the coracoacromial arch. This article outlines the mechanism of injury to the rotator cuff and our approach in dealing with shoulder problems in the overhead athlete.
Symptomatic large and massive rotator cuff tears can be successfully managed with operative repair. Five factors that facilitate favorable results include: (1) performing an adequate subacromial decompression; (2) maintaining the integrity of the deltoid origin; (3) mobilizing the torn tendons, performing an interval slide when indicated; (4) repairing the tendons to bone; and (5) carefully staging and supervising the rehabilitation program.
The results of split pectoralis major tendon transfer (sternal head) for symptomatic scapular winging because of palsy of the serratus anterior muscle were reviewed. Eleven consecutive patients, whose average age was 34 years, had a duration of preoperative symptoms ranging from 12 to 60 months. Ten patients had electromyograms documenting a long thoracic nerve injury. Using an inferior axillary incision, the tendon of the sternal head of the pectoralis major is mobilized and transferred to the inferior angle of the scapula. The tendon transfer is reinforced with autogenous fascia lata. After surgery, a scapulothoracic orthosis is worn for 6 weeks, and restriction of vigorous activities is recommended for 6 months. At an average followup of 41 months, 10 of 11 (91%) patients had satisfactory results with significant improvement in function and reduction of pain. Each of these 10 patients had improved scapular tracking with no scapular winging or mild, dynamic winging at latest followup. One patient had an unsatisfactory result with a full recurrence of scapular winging secondary to noncompliance with the postoperative physical therapy regimen. The split pectoralis major tendon transfer provides a reasonable substitute for a paralyzed serratus anterior muscle in scapular stabilization. Strict adherence to technical principles and postoperative rehabilitation reliably leads to satisfactory clinical results.
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The objective of this study on the glenohumeral joint was to assess the (1) accuracy of clinical diagnosis of osteoarthritis compared with arthroscopic diagnosis, and (2) the ability of biochemical markers in synovial fluid to detect osteoarthritis. Patients (96) were examined clinically and the preoperative diagnosis of osteoarthritis was recorded. At surgery (arthroscopy or arthroplasty), the glenohumeral joint was inspected for signs of osteoarthritis, and the joint osteoarthritis grade (I-IV) was recorded. At surgery, synovial fluid lavage was obtained from the joint, and later analyzed to determine levels of aggrecan components: total sulfated glycosaminoglycan and keratan sulfate epitope, link protein and the chondroitin sulfate epitope recognized by antibody 3B3 (3B3(-)). Compared with arthroscopic diagnosis of osteoarthritis, the results showed that the clinical diagnosis did not wrongly identify joints without osteoarthritis, and was always able to identify joints with advanced (Grade IV) osteoarthritis. Grade II osteoarthritis was rarely identified (10% of the time), and Grade III osteoarthritis was identified 50% of the time. Biochemical assessment of the synovial fluid showed that the catabolic markers (sulfated glycosaminoglycan, keratan sulfate and link protein) were elevated in fluids from joints with moderate (Grade III) and advanced osteoarthritis (Grade IV), and the 3B3(-) epitope was elevated in Grades II, III, and IV. These results show that arthroscopic diagnosis for osteoarthritis, of the glenohumeral joint is particularly useful for early and moderate osteoarthritis, where clinical (nonarthroscopic) diagnosis is poor, and that biochemical analysis of the synovial fluids corresponds well to arthroscopic diagnosis of shoulder osteoarthritis.
Twenty-two patients who had paralysis of the trapezius muscle secondary to injury of the spinal accessory nerve had transfer of the levator scapulae and rhomboid major and minor muscles. In each patient, function of the trapezius had failed to improve with either physical therapy or an operative attempt at neurolysis or reconstruction of the spinal accessory nerve. The etiology of the injury was biopsy of a cervical node in thirteen patients, trauma in seven, and radical dissection in the neck in two. All patients had pain, visible deformity, and dysfunction of the shoulder girdle. Physical examination revealed asymmetry of the neckline, drooping of the shoulder girdle with lateral displacement of the scapula, and weakness of active elevation. Fourteen patients had had an incorrect clinical diagnosis, and twelve patients had had an inaccurate or incomplete electromyographic examination. A long thoracic nerve palsy developed in three patients. At an average of seven and a half years (range, two to fourteen years), the result of the operative procedure, as determined with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Evaluation Form, was excellent for thirteen patients, satisfactory for six, and unsatisfactory for three. All but three patients had adequate relief of pain and demonstrable functional improvement.
The shoulder is characterized foremost by its mobility and large range of motion. The glenohumeral joint is notable for its relative lack of bony constraint, relying heavily on the congruent articulating surfaces and surrounding soft tissue envelope for static and dynamic stability. Effective function in the articulation is achieved by a complex interaction between the various articular and soft tissue restraints. The rotator cuff muscles center the humeral head in the congruent glenoid fossa through the midrange of motion, when the capsuloligamentous structures are lax. However, incongruent joints, especially in positions of loading asymmetry (in external rotation), have larger translations that occur at the extremes of motion. Excessive translations are then effectively restricted by the mechanical properties of the inferior glenohumeral ligament. When the capsule is tightened anteriorly it results in an anterior tether and causes an associated posterior shift in contact on the glenoid. The posterior migration of the humeral head center and glenohumeral contact are again more pronounced in shoulders with reduced congruence. Additional studies of normal motion in different planes, the effects of rotator cuff pathology and dysfunction on the kinematics of the joint, proprioception of the capsule, and biomechanical tests of the inferior glenohumeral ligament and other components of the joint capsule at strain rates associated with injury, need to be conducted to understand the specifics of normal shoulder function and the pathophysiologic processes that occur during shoulder degeneration.
Thirty-five shoulders in thirty-four patients were treated with a superior shift of the posteroinferior aspect of the capsule because of recurrent posterior glenohumeral subluxation and dislocation. The physical examination revealed three types of posterior instability in these patients preoperatively: unidirectional (six shoulders), bidirectional (posterior and inferior) (seven shoulders), and multidirectional (posterior and inferior dislocation with anterior subluxation) (twenty-two shoulders). Eleven shoulders had had previous operative procedures. At the time of the index operation, the most common abnormal findings in these shoulders were capsular redundancy and excessive volume of the glenohumeral joint. Complete detachment of the posterior aspect of the labrum was found in only four shoulders. There was no excessive glenoid retroversion in these patients. All thirty-four patients were available for follow-up at an average of five years (range, two to twelve and a half years) postoperatively. Over-all, the result for seventeen of the thirty-five shoulders was rated as excellent; eleven, as good; one, as fair; and six, as poor. Four shoulders became unstable again. Six of the seven unsatisfactory results were in shoulders that had had previous attempts at stabilization. A successful result was achieved in twenty-three of the twenty-four shoulders in which the superior shift of the posteroinferior aspect of the capsule was the initial repair.
Revision instability is a complex clinical problem. A successful outcome is dependent on several factors, including an accurate diagnosis clearly delineating the different pathologic conditions contributing to the failure. Also, from a technical aspect, an attempt should be made to restore the normal anatomic relationships while achieving glenohumeral stability in a functional range of motion. The purpose of this article is to assist the clinician in the evaluation and treatment of failed instability surgery by combining the authors' personal experience with an extensive review of the literature.
Shoulder pain is a common complaint amongst tennis players. The anatomy of the shoulder girdle is complex and defining the exact pathology that accounts for shoulder pain in tennis players can be difficult. Impingement syndrome and glenohumeral instability are the 2 most common causes of shoulder pain in tennis players. Tennis players with impingement syndrome typically present with pain, especially during overhead strokes and serves. The impingement test helps to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment focuses on restoring any motion and strength deficits and anterior acromioplasty with repair of rotator cuff tears for patients who do not respond to nonoperative care. Tennis players with instability present with pain and a sensation of shoulder 'slipping'. Treatment emphasises rotator cuff and scapular muscle strengthening and surgical stabilisation of the capsulo-labral complex for patients who fail a rehabilitation programme. Prevention of injury in tennis players depends on maintaining flexibility, strength and synchrony among the glenohumeral and scapular muscles.
Successful treatment of acute fractures of the proximal humerus with prosthetic replacement is a therapeutic challenge to the orthopaedic surgeon, and requires proper elevation of the patient, proper surgical technique, and meticulous rehabilitation. Fractures that require prosthetic replacement as the definitive treatment include 4-part fractures and fracture dislocations, head-split fractures with > 40% articular surface involvement, and selected 3-part fractures. The trauma series of radiographs (including true anteroposterior and lateral views in the scapular plane, and axillary view) is essential for accurate fracture evaluation. Factors important for a successful outcome include gentle soft tissue technique, secure placement of the prosthesis with proper version and height, secure tuberosity reconstruction, meticulous rotator cuff repair, and a motivated patient who is able to understand and perform the rigorous postoperative rehabilitation. Postoperative rehabilitation must be individualized in each case, and the treatment plans should be carefully outlined by the operating surgeon at the completion of the surgical reconstruction. Of 70 cases treated with prosthetic replacement, results were excellent in 31, satisfactory in 22, and unsatisfactory in 17. Unsatisfactory results were associated with tuberosity detachment, prosthetic loosening, inadequate or noncompliant rehabilitation, preoperative nerve injury, humeral malposition, dislocation, deep infection, and ectopic bone formation.
Arthroscopy serves as a useful adjunct to manipulation under anesthesia in the treatment of resistant frozen shoulder. In this technique the shoulder is manipulated under interscalene brachial plexus block anesthesia, followed by arthroscopic examination and debridement of the glenohumeral joint and the subacromial space. The addition of arthroscopy allows the identification and treatment of associated pathology, such as impingement lesions and secondary subacromial space inflammation, calcific deposits, and acromioclavicular arthritis. Range of motion can also be increased by arthroscopically guided sectioning of the coracohumeral ligament. This treatment regimen has yielded overall satisfactory results in 25 (83%) of 30 shoulders in this series. The subgroup with diabetes mellitus fared less well than the other groups, with only 64% satisfactory results. While most patients with frozen shoulder will respond to nonoperative treatment, the technique of manipulation under anesthesia followed by arthroscopy offers a safe and reliable treatment for the resistant frozen shoulder.
Analytic stereophotogrammetry and an interactive computer graphics program were used to obtain first order assessments of joint contact patterns in patellofemoral and glenohumeral joints, simulating normal and abnormal articulations. Precise (90 microns accuracy) computer graphic representations of the humeral head, glenoid, patella, and femoral articular surfaces were obtained from cadaver knees and shoulders. These surface representations were then manipulated into an articulated position, and joint contact areas computed by a proximity criterion. Pathologic states were then simulated, and contact recomputed. Simulated glenohumeral subluxations dramatically reduced contact area, and focused it eccentrically on the glenoid rim. Simulated size mismatch of humeral heads to glenoids reduced contact area, producing a pattern of peripheral contact on the glenoid if the humeral head had a larger radius of curvature, and central contact on the glenoid if the humeral head had a smaller radius of curvature. At 30 degrees knee flexion, the patellofemoral joint demonstrated a broad distribution of contact along the distal aspect of the patella and proximal aspect of the trochlea. Simulated lateral tilt (5 degrees) and translation (5 mm) of the patella resulted in shift of the predominant contact area laterally, along with a drastic decrease in the contact area. These results have implications for prosthetic sizing and biomechanical modeling of the glenohumeral and patellofemoral joints, and in selecting models for more rigorous empiric studies of joint contact. Furthermore, this technique allows a first order assessment of the effects of specific surgical reconstructions on articular mechanics.
Infraclavicular nerve injuries are rare and potentially disabling problems. A retrospective study of 24 patients with 28 nerve injuries is presented, including 18 axillary, 7 suprascapular, and 3 musculocutaneous nerve injuries. Vague shoulder pain and weakness of the involved muscle groups were the main symptoms of nerve injury in these patients. All patients had atrophy of the specific muscles involved. Diagnosis of these nerve lesions can often be difficult because of this vague presentation. Followup from date of injury averaged 60 months and included evaluation by questionnaire, repeat physical examinations, and serial electromyograms. There were 21 complete or satisfactory nerve recoveries, while 7 patients had unsatisfactory results. The etiology of the injury appeared to be an important factor with respect to outcome. Eight of 10 nerve injuries secondary to blunt trauma went on to complete recovery, and 4 of 6 nerve injuries secondary to shoulder dislocation recovered completely. None of the 7 nerves injured during surgery recovered completely. No patient with spontaneous onset of nerve dysfunction had an unsatisfactory result. Poor results were noted in patients with initial total denervation as shown by electromyogram and in patients with intraoperative nerve damage.