Coracoacromial Ligament Research Articles

Anatomic evaluation of radiographic landmarks for accurate straight antegrade intramedullary nail placement in the humerus

BackgroundNeurovascular insult, nonunion, and iatrogenic rotator cuff injury are concerns when using an intramedullary nail (IMN) for proximal humerus fracture. The purpose of this study was to identify a reproducible starting point and intraoperative imaging for nail insertion optimizing nail depth, tuberosity screw position, and protecting the axillary nerve and rotator cuff insertion. Our hypothesis was that a more medialized starting point would protect soft tissue structures and improve locking screw positioning.MethodsTen fresh-frozen cadavers underwent antegrade IMN with Grashey and modified lateral “precipice” view imaging. A guidewire was positioned medial to the coracoacromial ligament (CAL) in 5 cadavers and lateral to the CAL in 5. Distances from the nail entry point to anatomic landmarks were measured. Anatomic and histologic evaluations were performed, characterizing the nail perforation zone. Radiographs were compared between groups.ResultsThe medial CAL group had a greater distance of screw fixation to the axillary nerve, a shorter distance of greater tuberosity (GT) screw fixation at the rotator cuff insertion on the infraspinatus and teres minor tubercles, and greater screw spread with improved lesser tuberosity capture. Two laterally placed implants violated the rotator cuff tendon. Imaging demonstrated that the ideal starting pin position was medial to the articular margin at a distance equal to the width of the rotator cuff insertion footprint.ConclusionsMedial placement optimized fixation of the GT, avoided violation of the rotator cuff tendon and footprint, and was associated with an increased distance of proximal locking screw to the axillary nerve.

Anterior shoulder anatomy and subcoracoid impingement: An anatomical study

The aim of our study was to describe the anatomy of the anterior shoulder, specifically structures potentially involved in subscapularis tears pathophysiology and also to identify structures at risk during surgical approaches of this area. We designed an observational, experimental study based on cadaveric models. Dissection was performed and several structures of the anterior shoulder were characterized including the subscapularis, coracoid morphology, the coracoacromial ligament, coraco-humeral distance, and the axillary and musculocutaneous nerves. Our sample included 16 shoulders. The coracoacromial ligament presented two bands in 37.5%, and these variants were significantly wider and thinner, and were associated with inferior coraco-humeral distance in internal rotation. The subscapularis footprint was longer and the coracoid process was bigger in male specimens, and the median coracoid angle was 122°, corresponding to a Leite-Torres type I. The Subscapularis showed a median thickness of 0.7cm, while the coraco-humeral distance in our sample ranged from 0.30cm in internal rotation to 0.85cm in external rotation. Neurologic relevant structures were at least more than 2.55cm from the coracoid tip. This is the first paper to explore the eventual relationship between the presence of a double band coracoacromial ligament variant and subcoracoid impingement. Also, to our knowledge, this is the first cadaveric model study to postulate a possible anatomic base for subcoracoid impingement, as the SS myotendinous junction thickness was found to be greater than the coraco-humeral distance in neutral position and in IR.

Periprosthetic Fractures in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Current Concepts and Advances in Management.

Expanded indications for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) have raised awareness of associated complications, including periprosthetic fractures. The purpose of this article was to provide a comprehensive update on how, when, and why RSA-related periprosthetic fractures occur, as well as to describe the current treatment strategies. Periprosthetic acromial and scapular spine fractures occur in up to 4.3% of cases and periprosthetic humeral fractures occur in approximately 3.5% of RSA procedures. Fractures of the coracoid process and clavicle have also been reported. Current literature has identified several risk factors for intraoperative or postoperative fracture, including underlying osteoporosis, revision arthroplasty, use of a superiorly placed screw during metaglene fixation, and disruption of the scapular ring by transection of the coracoacromial ligament. Periprosthetic fracture associated with RSA is a clinically significant event that warrants prolonged postoperative vigilance, timely diagnosis, and shared patient decision-making regarding treatment. Further research is needed to identify optimal treatment strategies and characterize long-term clinical outcomes following RSA-related periprosthetic fracture.

A Surgical Technique for Revision of Failed Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction

There is no “gold standard” technique for the surgical stabilization of acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) disruptions and each of the described techniques has a failure rate. The management of failed ACJ stabilizations is a difficult problem and salvage procedures may often be constrained by the original procedure and the resultant anatomy. Reliable anatomic and biomechanically robust revision procedures for failed ACJ stabilization are therefore required. We describe a technique for revision stabilization of the ACJ that utilizes a synthetic ligament in combination with augmentation from the coracoacromial ligament and biceps short head aponeurosis (“biceps flip” procedure).

Scapular Ring Preservation: Coracoacromial Ligament Transection Increases Scapular Spine Strains Following Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Scapular fractures following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) are devastating complications with substantial functional implications. The role of the coracoacromial ligament (CAL), which is often transected during surgical exposure for RSA, is not fully known. We hypothesized that the CAL contributes to the structural integrity of the "scapular ring" and that the transection of this ligament during RSA alters the scapular strain patterns. RSA was performed on 8 cadaveric specimens without evidence of a prior surgical procedure in the shoulder. Strain rosettes were fixed onto the acromial body (at the location of Levy type-II fractures) and the scapular spine (Levy type III). With use of a shoulder simulator, strains were recorded at 0°, 30°, and 60° glenohumeral abductions before and after CAL transection. The deltoid and glenohumeral joints were functionally loaded (middle deltoid = 150 N, posterior deltoid = 75 N, and joint compression = 300 N). Maximum principal strains were calculated from each rosette at each abduction angle. A repeated-measures analysis of variance with post hoc analysis was performed to compare the maximum principal strain at each abduction angle. With the CAL intact, there was no significant difference between strain experienced by the acromion and scapular spine at 0°, 30°, and 60° of glenohumeral abduction. CAL transection generated significantly increased strain in the scapular spine at all abduction angles compared with an intact CAL. The maximum scapular spine strain observed was increased 19.7% at 0° of abduction following CAL transection (1,216 ± 300.0 microstrain; p = 0.011). Following CAL transection, acromial strains paradoxically decreased at all abduction angles (p < 0.05 for all). The smallest strains were observed at 60° of glenohumeral abduction at the acromion following CAL transection (296 ± 121.3 microstrain; p = 0.048). The CAL is an important structure that completes the "scapular ring" and therefore serves to help distribute strain in a more normalized fashion. Transection of the CAL substantially alters strain patterns, resulting in increased strain at the scapular spine following RSA. CAL preservation is a modifiable risk factor that may reduce the risk of bone microdamage and thus the occurrence of fatigue/stress fractures in the scapular spine following RSA.

All-Arthroscopic Long Head of the Biceps Transfer: An Optional Technique for Soft-Tissue Biceps Tenodesis

Proximal tendinopathy of the long head of the biceps (LHB) is a common shoulder problem that requires surgical intervention, especially in patients with concomitant rotator cuff tears. The comparative results of biceps tenotomy and biceps tenodesis are still doubtful; both techniques show good to excellent results in terms of postoperative pain and functional outcomes. The described technique—all-arthroscopic LHB transfer—is an optional biceps tenodesis technique using all-arthroscopic soft-tissue tenodesis and arthroscopic suturing of the LHB to the short head of the biceps and coracoacromial ligament combined with release of the LHB from the bicipital groove.

Could superior capsule findings be used as a predictor for partial bursal-sided rotator cuff tears?

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the superior capsule tear patterns and synovitis with subacromial pathologies, such as bursal-sided rotator cuff tear and subacromial impingement syndrome. Fifty patients who underwent arthroscopic treatment for isolated bursal-sided tear were included in the study. Fifty more patients who underwent arthroscopic treatment for isolated Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior (SLAP) 2 lesion without pathology in the rotator cuff were included in the control group. Firstly, superior capsule tear and common synovitis on the rotator cable were assessed during glenohumeral joint examination. Coracoacromial Ligament (CAL) degeneration grading was performed according to the Royal Berkshire Hospital classification. Bursal-sided partial tear grading was done using Ellman classification. Whether or not there was a relationship between synovitis, classic capsule tear, plus reverse flap capsule tear, and partial bursal-sided tear existence. There were 21 patients with reverse flap capsule tear in the study group and 3 patients in the control group. In addition, there were 13 patients with synovitis in the study group and 4 in the control group. Compared to the control group, there was also a significant positive correlation in the presence of both synovitis and reverse flap capsule tear with the presence of bursal-sided tear in the study group (p = 0.000). There was, however, no significant difference between the presence of classical capsule tear and the presence of bursal-sided tear (p = 0.485). This study shows that the presence of reverse flap capsule tear and synovitis was associated with partial bursal-sided tears. Therefore, if the reverse flap capsule tear or synovitis is detected in the superior capsule, the rotator cuff should be evaluated in more detail during subacromial bursoscopy in order not to miss a bursal-sided partial cuff tear.

Type III Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries: Conservative or Operative Treatment? A Systematic Review of Recent 10-year Studies

Introduction: Commonly found in daily practice, acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury mostly presents as minor sprains and occurs five times more frequently in men than in women, with the highest incidence in the 20 to 30 years old age group. The management depends on its grade and severity but the treatment of choice for type III AC joint injury remains unclear. Considering the absence of an algorithm for correctly diagnosing and treating type III injuries, this systematic review aims to compare the conservative and operative treatment for this pathology.Materials and Methods:This systematic review was conducted based on the PRISMA guideline. Literature research was primarily performed using Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library to search for studies on the management of type III acromioclavicular injuries up to July 23 rd, 2019. The inclusion criteria were type III acromioclavicular injuries type III, with the intervention of conservative as compared to operative management. Outcomes were measured radiologically and by functional assessment using subjective questions (Poigenfurst’s Criteria and the Oxford Shoulder Score). Studies with the pathologies other than type III acromioclavicular injuries were excluded from the analysis.Results:A list of inclusion and exclusion criteria previously agreed by the authors was utilized to screen the full text. This selection process yielded 5 final articles from 2011-2017 to be included in this systematic review, with 173 patients undergoing conservative (68) and operative treatment (105). One of the studies were of level II. The mean basic data ranges of the studies were as follows: patients’ age was 25-54 years old, and the follow-up time ranged from 3 – 10 years. Surgical techniques are done by modified Weaver and Dunn technique, tight rope system, K-wire fixation, and coracoacromial ligament suturing, double button technique, and hook plate fixation. Three of the study reported that conservative treatment was superior and one study reported that nonoperative was better in radiographic evaluation, but not significant. Two studies that only performed operative treatment reported that the patient can return to normal activity around a few months and one study told that after removing hook plat the Constant-Murley shoulder function scores is significantly raised. Calcification as the complication happened more than 70% of patients in operative treatment and 30% in conservative.Discussion: Acromioclavicular joint injuries present mostly minor sprains, with the highest incidence in the 20-30 year old age group. The difficulty lies in the different definitions of type III acromioclavicular injuries used in the current studies. There are multiple classifications for the description of AC injuries and the common classifications for AC injuries are using Rockwood et al. classifications. Treatment for type 1 and 2 is conservative and type 4–6 is mainly surgical, but there is no clear consensus on treatment of type 3 injuries. Four study reported conservative treatment was superior and had better radiographic results (poigenfurst’s criteria and the oxford shoulder score). Operative treatment was comparable, but was associated with more complications, such as calcifications.Conclusion:This systematic review reports successful outcome from 4 studies using conservative treatment. However, this review showed no conclusive evidence for the treatment. Therefore more study is expected in the future in order to assess the functional outcomes, using standard and validated measures, including patient assessed functional outcomes, as well as resource implications.

Shoulder mechanical impingement risk associated with manual wheelchair tasks in individuals with spinal cord injury

BackgroundMost individuals with spinal cord injury who use manual wheelchairs experience shoulder pain related to wheelchair use, potentially in part from mechanical impingement of soft tissue structures within the subacromial space. There is evidence suggesting that scapula and humerus motion during certain wheelchair tasks occurs in directions that may reduce the subacromial space, but it hasn't been thoroughly characterized in this context. MethodsShoulder motion was imaged and quantified during scapular plane elevation with/without handheld load, propulsion with/without added resistance, sideways lean, and weight-relief raise in ten manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury using biplane fluoroscopy and computed tomography. For each position, minimum distance between rotator cuff tendon insertions (infraspinatus, subscapularis, supraspinatus) and the coracoacromial arch was determined. Tendon thickness was measured with ultrasound, and impingement risk scores were defined for each task based on frequency and amount of tendon compression. FindingsPeriods of impingement were identified during scapular plane elevation and propulsion but not during pressure reliefs in most participants. There was a significant effect of activity on impingement risk scores (P < 0.0001), with greatest impingement risk during scapular plane elevation followed by propulsion. Impingement risk scores were not significantly different between scapular plane elevation loading conditions (P = 0.202) or propulsion resistances (P = 0.223). The infraspinatus and supraspinatus tendons were both susceptible to impingement during scapular plane elevation (by acromion), whereas the supraspinatus was most susceptible during propulsion (by acromion and coracoacromial ligament). InterpretationThe occurrence of mechanical impingement during certain manual wheelchair tasks, even without increased load/resistance, demonstrates the importance of kinematics inherent to a task as a determinant of impingement. Frequency of and technique used to complete daily tasks should be carefully considered to reduce impingement risk, which may help preserve shoulder health long-term.

Functional and Radiological Outcomes of the Surgical Treatment of Acute Acromioclavicular Dislocation with Anchors Associated with Clavicle and Scapula Fixation.

Objective To evaluate the clinical, radiological and functional results of the surgical treatment of acute acromioclavicular dislocation using a coracoclavicular fixation technique (syndesmopexy) with two metallic anchors, temporary clavicle and scapula fixation, and transfer of the coracoacromial ligament. Methods Longitudinal observational study of 30 patients with diagnoses of acute acromioclavicular dislocation, who were submitted to surgical treatment with a minimum follow-up of six months, and who were evaluated clinically, radiologically, and by the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and the Constant-Murley functional scores. Results The mean values of the scores were: UCLA = 32; DASH = 11.21; and Constant-Murley = 86.93, with satisfactory results higher than 80%. The unsatisfactory results were associated with acromioclavicular pain on palpation, positive subacromial impingement tests, and older age group, presenting statistical significance ( p < 0.05). Radiologically, higher values on account of the coracoclavicular distance ratio from the operated shoulder compared to the normal shoulder were related to worse outcomes, but with no statistically significant difference. No associations were found between the results of the functional scores and the variables degree of the injury, coracoacromial ligament transfer, clinical impression of loss of reduction and scapulothoracic dyskinesis. Conclusion The technique used provides an efficient fixation, with a high level of satisfaction according to the UCLA, Constant-Murley and DASH scores; moreover, it has a low complication rate, despite the high rate of residual radiological acromioclavicular subluxation.

Biomechanical evaluation of acromioclavicular joint reconstructions using a 3-dimensional model based on the finite element method

BackgroundThis study aims to evaluate the influence of stabilization of acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation through the modified Weaver-Dunn technique and coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments using the finite element method. The goal is to determine which surgical technique allows behavior that is most similar to the joint, guaranteeing the necessary stability without restricting joint movements for the considered conditions. MethodsThe analysis is based on the three-dimensional finite element models. The control group of this study is represented by a three-dimensional model of the whole structure based on finite element methods. FindingsThe finite element models showed the stress and displacement values found in the intact acromioclavicular joint and surgical procedures. It was concluded that transferring the coracoacromial ligament to stabilize the acromioclavicular joint did not have a positive impact on the outcome. InterpretationThe finite element analysis on the treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation presented here provides medical teams with new parameters for choosing a suitable surgical procedure in the occurrence of acromioclavicular dislocation. The development and validation of the finite element models allow the variation of the conditions and enables different surgical configurations to be simulated.

Alternative Management of the Capsule in the Bristow-Latarjet Procedure

The Bristow-Latarjet procedure is considered the current gold standard for the management of anterior glenohumeral joint instability in which significant glenoid bone loss is present, and numerous techniques have been proposed for capsular management after the bony augmentation component of the procedure. These techniques for capsular management include excision of the capsule and labrum, 2-flap elevation, T-capsulotomy, or an L-shaped incision into the capsule. Capsular management during open shoulder procedures may vary among surgeons and may or may not include capsulolabral repair after the Bristow-Latarjet procedure. The purpose of this Technical Note was to illustrate an alternative approach to capsular management, focusing on the elevation of the capsulolabral complex as a sleeve along with augmentation using the coracoacromial ligament during the Bristow-Latarjet procedure in patients with anterior glenohumeral instability. The proposed technique provides the benefit of improvement in visualization to more reliably identify the ideal location for bone block placement and allows for the surgeon to perform a large inferior-to-superior capsular shift to prevent inferior subluxation or instability.

Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries: Evidence-based Treatment.

Injuries to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint are common in the athletic patient population. Most AC joint injuries occur in young males, typically from a direct fall onto the superior aspect of the shoulder when the arm is adducted. Numerous publications describing joint anatomy and biomechanics, surgical techniques for reconstruction, and rehabilitation protocols are available to guide treatment strategies for injuries to the AC joint. Treatment is typically nonsurgical for type I and II injuries and surgical for type IV and VI injuries. Controversy surrounds the indications for nonsurgical versus surgical treatment of type III and V injuries. Multiple surgical techniques have been described, including coracoclavicular (CC) screw fixation, coracoacromial ligament transfer, and numerous methods of CC ligament reconstruction. Anatomic CC ligament reconstruction can be performed either open or arthroscopically, with and without graft augmentation. This article will discuss clinically relevant anatomy and biomechanical properties of the AC joint and will review decision-making principles and treatment options for common AC joint injuries. An updated summary of clinical outcomes after AC joint treatment will also be presented.

Indications and techniques of arthroscopic anterior and lateral acromioplasty

Arthroscopic anterior acromioplasty (AAAP) for treatment of symptomatic subacromial spur. Arthroscopic lateral acromioplasty (ALAP) to reduce apathological critical shoulder angle (CSA) and prevent rotator cuff re-tear after reconstruction. AAAP is indicated for acromial impingement due to an anterolateral acromial spur with or without bursa-sided rotator cuff lesion. ALAP is indicated concomitant to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair if the CSA is pathologically increased. Irreparable rotator cuff tear with acetabularization of the acromion due to anterosuperior escape of the humeral head or symptomatic os acromiale can contraindicate for AAAP. Dehiscence of the origin of the deltoid muscle or symptomatic os acromiale can contraindicate for ALAP. To preform AAAP, arthroscopic subacromial decompression is followed by anterolateral resection of an acromion spur or ossification of the coracoacromial ligament. To perform ALAP, arthroscopic subacromial decompression and reconstruction of arotator cuff-tear is followed by reduction of apathologically increased CSA by resection of the lateral edge of the acromion. After isolated AAAP, physiotherapy can be performed without restriction. After AAAP or ALAP combined with rotator cuff repair, immobilization in abrace is recommended. The use of pain medication should be standardized and adapted to individual pain levels.

Latarjet Procedure for the Treatment of Anterior Glenohumeral Instability.

Anterior glenohumeral instability is common, with 21.9 first-time dislocations per 100,000 individuals per year. Recurrent instability is more likely to occur in patients who are younger, of male sex, and have bone defects or ligament laxity. The open Latarjet procedure is effective for the treatment of recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability and is preferred over arthroscopic Bankart repair in the presence of glenoid bone loss. The Latarjet procedure involves transferring the coracoid to the anterior aspect of the glenoid in the following steps. Step 1: Preoperative planning includes an assessment of glenoid deformation and the integrity of the rotator cuff. The degree of bone loss is measured with use of the circle-line method. Step 2: The patient is in the beach-chair position with the arm in a pneumatic arm holder. A parallel drill guide system with 3.75-mm cannulated screws is utilized. Step 3: A 5-to-6-cm incision is made along the anterior axillary line. The deltopectoral interval is established, and the cephalic vein is mobilized laterally. The coracoacromial ligament is transected 15 mm lateral to the coracoid to allow later repair to the anterior capsule. The pectoralis minor is released subperiosteally off the medial coracoid. A 90° oscillating saw is used to transect the coracoid medially to laterally. The coracohumeral ligament is released. Step 4: Two 4.0-mm drill-holes are made 1 cm apart through the coracoid. The undersurface is decorticated. Step 5: The subscapularis is split at the junction of the upper two-thirds and lower one-third. A longitudinal capsulotomy is performed parallel to the glenoid. Step 6: Soft tissue, including the capsule and labrum, is removed from the anterior aspect of the glenoid. The bone is decorticated with an osteotome and a rasp. Step 7: The coracoid is positioned flush or 1 mm recessed relative to the glenoid. Two 1.6-mm guidewires are placed with use of a parallel drill guide followed by a cannulated reamer and two 3.75-mm cannulated screws. Step 8: The coracoacromial ligament is repaired to the capsule. Step 9: The subscapularis split is repaired laterally. The deltopectoral interval and skin are closed in a standard fashion. A standardized rehabilitation protocol is employed postoperatively. The Latarjet procedure results in significantly lower rates of recurrent glenohumeral instability and revision compared with the arthroscopic Bankart procedure (3% and 1% compared with 28.4% and 21%, respectively); however, complication rates as high as 30% have been reported, as well as a risk for nerve injury. The videos included in this article highlight the critical steps required to optimize outcomes and minimize complications when performing the Latarjet procedure.

Arthroscopic Coracoacromial Ligament Transfer Augmented With Suspensory V-Shaped Fixation System for Chronic Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation

Chronic acromioclavicular joint dislocations (ACJDs) develop when there is failure of conservative treatment, failed surgical treatment of acute ACJD, or simply missing the treatment in the acute healing phase. There is wide agreement that mechanical fixation alone in chronic ACJD is not sufficient and biological augmentation is necessary. Various arthroscopic techniques for reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligament have been described, but allografts are expensive, are not available in all centers, carry the risk of disease transmission, and are “dead tissue” with a poor capacity for healing. Autografts are associated with donor-site morbidity and avascular structures. Moreover, these grafts are associated with a high risk of clavicular or coracoid fractures owing to large tunnels. We present an arthroscopic technique to transfer the coracoacromial ligament to the inferior surface of the lateral part of the clavicle in chronic ACJD, augmented with 2 clavicular buttons and a single coracoid button in a V-shaped configuration. The technique has various advantages including better stabilization, anatomic reconstruction, and a minimal risk of fracture of the coracoid and clavicle with small tunnels, using a vascularized graft with arthroscopic control of reduction.

Predictors of safety margin for coracoid transfer: a cadaveric morphometric analysis

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the bone length available for coracoid transfer without coracoclavicular ligament injury and the distance from the coracoid tip to the attachments of the coracoacromial ligament or pectoralis minor. We hypothesized that cadaver height and the soft tissue attachments on the coracoid process were predictive factors for sufficient bone length for coracoid transfer.MethodsThis study included 28 shoulders from Japanese cadavers: 19 male and 9 female. The distance from the coracoid tip to the distal attachment of the coracoclavicular ligament and the anterior and posterior margins of the coracoacromial ligament or pectoralis minor on the coracoid process were measured.ResultsThe mean available length for coracoid transfer was 24.8 ± 3.4 mm. There was a significant difference in length between male and female subjects, being 26.0 ± 2.9 mm and 22.2 ± 3.0 mm, respectively (p = 0.004). High positive correlations were found between the length of the coracoid transfer and cadaver’s height (r = 0.48, p = 0.009) and the distance from the coracoid tip to the anterior coracoacromial ligament attachment (r = 0.63, p < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve area under the curve for cadaver height was 0.72 while that for distance from coracoid tip to anterior coracoacromial ligament was 0.88 when predicted for a sufficient length for coracoid transfer > 25 mm.ConclusionsOur findings will aid surgeons in preoperative planning and performing of osteotomy of the coracoid safely by predicting the available length of coracoid bone graft.

Deformation of coracoacromial ligament during overhead movement as an early indicator of subacromial impingement in elite adolescent badminton players

ABSTRACTObjectives: Deformation of the coracoacromial ligament during overhead movement has been linked to shoulder pathologies such as impingement and rotator cuff tear. We, therefore, explored this relationship in a group of elite adolescent badminton players.Method: We performed bilateral shoulder physical and ultrasonographic examination in 35 adolescent asymptomatic badminton players, 13 players with unilateral shoulder pain, and 15 non-athletes of similar age. Coracoacromial ligament deformation, defined as the maximal vertical distance between the ligament apex to a line connecting the acromion and coracoid process, was measured during shoulder abduction and internal rotation and compared within and between groups. Other ultrasonographic measurements and the incidence of shoulder pathologies were also evaluated.Result: Among badminton athletes who reported dominant shoulder pain, coracoacromial ligament deformation was significantly larger in their dominant shoulder than in their non-dominant shoulder (3.5 and 2.0 mm, respectively; p = 0.013); this difference was not present in other groups. Regardless of the presence or absence of pain, athletes displayed more coracoacromial ligament deformation and increased supraspinatus tendon thickness in their dominant shoulder than did the control group. Abnormal ultrasound findings were noted in all groups; however, the incidence was not significantly different.Conclusion: Increased coracoacromial ligament deformation during overhead movement is associated with shoulder pain in elite adolescent badminton players. Our findings may help clinicians identify athletes at risk of subacromial impingement syndrome.

Treatment of Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tear with Arthroscopic Subacromial Bursectomy, Biceps tenotomy, and Tuberoplasty.

The alternative surgery for massive and irreparable shoulder rotator cuff tears in older patients is the debridement of subacromial bursa, biceps tenotomy, and tuberoplasty (reverse acromioplasty). This study aimed to report the effectiveness of such a treatment performed arthroscopically in a small group of patients for a short period of time. This prospective study was conducted on 12 patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tear during 2014-2017. Participants with the mean age of 65 were subjected to arthroscopic debridement of subacromial bursa, necrotic rotator cuff tendon remnants, and tuberoplasty without coracoacromial ligament excision. The sign and symptoms of patients before and after the surgery were evaluated based on Modified-University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Score. With the mean follow-up of 18 months (12-24 months), the mean of the modified UCLA score improved from 9.2 to 27.5. The obtained results of the study revealed that the pain and range of motion improved to near normal in the participants. The functional outcome was good although there were a decrease of acromiohumeral distance from 5 to 4 mm and a slight increase in degenerative changes. This simple arthroscopic procedure is recommended for massive irreparable rotator cuff tear, especially in elderly patients. IV.

‘Superior biceps aponeurosis’—Morphological characteristics of the origin of the short head of the biceps brachii muscle

PurposeOur aim was to characterize the morphology of the proximal attachment of the biceps brachii short head. We hypothesize that it has an aponeurotic component that may affect shoulder joint biomechanics. MethodsThe coracoacromial region and the biceps brachii muscle were dissected in 30 cadaveric shoulders. The course and dimensions of the tendon and aponeurosis were evaluated. The cross-sectional area of the belly of the short head and the length of the whole muscle were measured. Correlations between the aponeurosis and dimensions of the muscle were tested with the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. ResultsAponeurosis was present in all specimens, although in 10 cases it was vestigial. The aponeurotic part of the muscle (mean length 90.7 ± 16.3 mm, mean width 12.5 ± 2.9 mm) branched off laterally and traveled to the acromion, blending with the coracoacromial ligament creating the aponeurotic membrane. We named this structure the “superior biceps aponeurosis”. The mean length of the biceps brachii was 31.3 ± 2.1 cm and the mean cross-sectional area of the short head was 210.7 ± 54.3 mm2. The dimensions of the “superior biceps aponeurosis” correlated positively with the cross-sectional area of the muscle (R2 from 0.37 to 0.52, p from 0.014 to 0.001). ConclusionThe origin of the short head of the biceps brachii muscle has a varied aponeurotic component combining the aponeurotic part of the muscle and the aponeurotic membrane. Together, they create the “superior biceps aponeurosis”. Clinical relevanceThe morphology of the origin of the biceps brachii short head is relevant in Bristow/Latarjet procedures. This aponeurotic component may affect the shoulder joint biomechanics after the coracoid process transfer.