Glenohumeral Space Research Articles

Arthroscopic Removal of Extra-Articular Foreign Bodies From the Shoulder: Inside-Out Technique

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery can be performed for retrieval of bullets and retained metallic fragments in the glenohumeral and subacromial spaces. Previous case reports and case series have demonstrated the effectiveness of an arthroscopic approach over an open procedure, as it is less invasive, allows for improved inspection and documentation of the joint surfaces and periarticular structures, and potentially leads to a faster recovery. An arthroscopic approach for extracting foreign bodies from both the quadrilateral space and the posterior extra-articular space by first accessing the glenohumeral space has yet to be described. This inside-out technique may afford surgeons the potential for improved visualization and less morbidity compared with a traditional open posterior approach. We report a technique for an arthroscopic inside-out approach for removal of extra-articular foreign bodies retained in either the quadrilateral space or the posterior extra-articular space.

Advantages of the Use of Axial Traction Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Shoulder in Patients with Suspected Rota-Tor Cuff Tears: An Exploratory Pilot Study

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with axial traction is a tool for the assessment of musculoskeletal pathology. Previous reports have demonstrated a better distribution of intra-articular contrast material. No investigations were performed to evaluate glenohumeral joint axial traction MRI in patients with suspected rotator cuff tears. This study aims to assess the morphological changes and the potential advantage of glenohumeral joint axial traction MRI without intra-articular contrast administration in patients with suspected rotator cuff tears. Eleven patients with clinical suspicion of rotator cuff tears underwent a shoulder MRI scan with and without axial traction. PD weighted images with SPAIR fat saturation technique and T1 weighted images with TSE technique were acquired in the oblique coronal, oblique sagittal and axial planes. Axial traction allowed a significant widening of the subacromial space (11.1 ± 1.5 mm vs. 11.3 ± 1.8 mm; p = 0.001) and inferior glenohumeral space (8.6 ± 3.8 mm vs. 8.9 ± 2.8 mm; p = 0.029). With axial traction, there was a significant decrease in measurements of the acromial angle (8.3 ± 10.8° vs. 6.4 ± 9.8°; p < 0.001) and gleno-acromial angle (81 ± 12.8° vs. 80.7 ± 11.5°; p = 0.020). Our investigation demonstrates for the first time significant morphological changes in the shoulder of patients with suspected rotator cuff tears who underwent a glenohumeral joint axial traction MRI.

Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair and Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis in the Lateral Decubitus Position

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair can be performed with the patient in the beach-chair or lateral decubitus position. Patient positioning in shoulder arthroscopy is a critical step in surgical preparation and remains a debated topic. The lateral decubitus position is a reliable, safe, and effective position in which to perform nearly all types of shoulder arthroscopic procedures. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe our preferred technique for performing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with the patient in the lateral decubitus position, which portends several advantages, such as improved visualization of the glenohumeral space, ergonomic positioning, a low risk of cerebral hypoperfusion, and a shorter operating time.

Arthroscopic Outside-in Shoulder Release for Patients With an Inaccessible Glenohumeral Joint

Severe shoulder contracture, which usually results from severe frozen shoulder or traumatic arthrofibrosis, is clinically quite common. This condition requires surgical release resulting from severe functional impediment. However, most surgeons are reluctant to operate on such patients because the glenohumeral joint is always inaccessible because of contracture severity. Thus, we introduced an outside-in shoulder release technique starting from the posterior side of the glenohumeral joint. This procedure includes the fabrication of posterior and inferior posterior portals, locating the glenohumeral space out of the capsule, creating working space just posterior to the posterior capsule, releasing the posterior capsule, and thereafter releasing the inferior and superior capsules. Our clinical experience indicates that this procedure can be performed safely and effectively when certain guidelines are followed and can allow for subsequent access to the glenohumeral joint in most cases. We think the introduction of this technique will provide a special surgical option for patients with severe joint contracture.

Ariadne's Thread: An Easy Way to Find Your Way Back to the Glenohumeral Joint Through the Posterior Portal Once You Have Left

Finding the way back into the glenohumeral space after a time-consuming rotator cuff reconstruction is not always easy because of swelling of the surrounding soft tissues. We present a safe and quick technical tip on how to reintroduce the arthroscope by means of a transarticular suture. After primary work in the glenohumeral space is performed and before the arthroscope is withdrawn from the joint, a monofilament suture is channeled from the anterior working portal through the glenohumeral joint to exit from the posterior portal. Once the subacromial reconstruction of the posterosuperior cuff tear is finished and the surgeon wants to re-establish the posterior portal to the glenohumeral space to assess the reconstruction intra-articularly, the channeled suture limb can be used to re-enter the posterior portal and to find the way back into the glenohumeral joint without harming the reconstruction. This fast and easy tip might be helpful for any arthroscopic shoulder surgeon who wants to reassess the glenohumeral space at the end of a procedure on a regular basis without losing time or his or her nerve and who wants to prevent additional damage to the posterior soft tissues.

Prevalence of Propionibacterium acnes in the glenohumeral compared with the subacromial space in primary shoulder arthroscopies

We hypothesized that the prevalence of Propionibacterium acnes in patients undergoing primary shoulder arthroscopy is equal in the glenohumeral space compared with the subacromial space. Patients aged 18 years or older with shoulder arthroscopies were included. The exclusion criteria were prior shoulder operations, complete rotator cuff tears, systemic inflammatory diseases, tumors, shoulder injections within 6 months of surgery, and antibiotic therapy within 14 days preoperatively. After standardized skin disinfection with Kodan Tinktur Forte Gefärbt, a skin swab was taken at the posterior portal. Arthroscopy was performed without cannulas, prospectively randomized to start either in the glenohumeral space or in the subacromial space, with direct harvesting of a soft-tissue biopsy specimen. Sample cultivation was conducted according to standardized criteria for bone and joint aspirate samples and incubated for 14 days. Matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight spectrometry was used for specimen identification in positive culture results. The study prospectively included 115 consecutive patients with normal C-reactive protein levels prior to surgery (54.8% men; mean age, 47.2 ± 14.6 years). P acnes was detected on the skin after disinfection in 36.5% of patients, in the glenohumeral space in 18.9%, and in the subacromial space in 3.5% (P = .016). The prevalence of P acnes is significantly higher in the glenohumeral space compared with the subacromial space in primary shoulder arthroscopies. The results do not confirm the contamination theory but also cannot clarify whether P acnes is a commensal or enters the joint hematologically or even lymphatically or via an unknown pathway. Despite standardized surgical skin disinfection, P acnes can be detected in skin swab samples in more than one-third of patients.

Aquarium Portal Technique for PASTA Lesion Repair

The simultaneous arthroscopic exposure of the subacromial and intra-articular space of the shoulder is challenging in the presence of only partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. We present our experience and method of entering the joint through the opened rotator cuff interval from an anterosuperior portal between the coracoid process and anterior acromion. With moderate (approximately 30°) abduction and external rotation, the rotator interval opens readily, offering a view with the camera toward the anterior edge of the supraspinatus tendon. An anterior view on the anterior leading edge of the supraspinatus tendon is obtained, showing the subacromial space above and the glenohumeral space below the tendon, similar to the view in an aquarium. The rotator cuff can be elevated using a rod inserted intra-articularly from posterior, whereas anchors and other instruments may be inserted from lateral. This approach offers the advantages of full exposure of the posterior undersurface of the rotator cuff insertion; a convenient approximately 90° angle between the camera and instruments; and no need to change portals for anchor placement, tendon stitching, or suture handling. The objective of this Technical Note is to describe our arthroscopic repair approach (aquarium technique) to PASTA (partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion) lesions.

All-Arthroscopic Suprapectoral Long Head of Biceps Tendon Tenodesis With Interference Screw–Like Tendon Fixation After Modified Lasso-Loop Stitch Tendon Securing

Arthroscopic suprapectoral techniques for tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHB) are appropriate for the treatment of proximal biceps lesions. Several types of techniques and fixation devices have been described and evaluated in biomechanical studies regarding primary stability. In this technical note, we describe an all-arthroscopic suprapectoral technique using the 6.25-mm Bio-SwiveLock device (Arthrex, Naples, FL) for an interference screw–like bony fixation after having armed the tendon with a lasso-loop stitch. Both the interference screw fixation and securing of the lasso-loop tendon have been well described and approved in biomechanical tests concerning the primary stability. One advantage of this technique performed from the glenohumeral space, in addition to the strong and secure fixation with ingrowth of the tendon in a bony canal, is the avoidance of touching the soft tissue above the bicipital groove, which results in a smooth fitting of the tendon into its natural canal and therefore avoids mechanical irritation of the stump at the rotator interval. In conclusion, the all-arthroscopic suprapectoral LHB tenodesis performed from the glenohumeral space with the modified lasso-loop stitch for securing of the tendon and the 6.25-mm Bio-SwiveLock suture anchor for interference screw–like bony tendon fixation is an appropriate technique for the treatment of LHB-associated lesions.

Factors Influencing Intra-Articular Fluid Temperature Profiles with Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation devices are being used increasingly in arthroscopic surgery. However, there are concerns that excessive temperatures may damage the articular cartilage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the temperature profiles that occur within the glenohumeral space with the use of one commercially available radiofrequency ablation probe. Ten fresh-frozen human cadaver shoulder specimens were used. Intra-articular temperatures were measured at different time intervals over a two-minute period at a distance of 1, 3, 5, and 10 mm away from the probe. The radiofrequency probe was activated throughout the range of machine power settings, and irrigation fluid flow was varied (no flow, a flow at 60 mm Hg without suction, and a flow at 60 mm Hg with suction). Temperatures deleterious to articular cartilage chondrocytes (i.e., those in excess of 50 degrees C) were seen with an increased duration of application, a decreased distance between the thermometer and the probe, and a decreased irrigation fluid flow rate. The highest recorded irrigation fluid temperature reached >80 degrees C after two minutes in a no-flow setting. The flow rate was found to be the most significant predictor of intra-articular temperature profiles. The various machine power settings had no apparent influence on temperature, meaning that higher probe settings are not necessarily associated with higher temperature profiles. These results demonstrate the importance of the management of the irrigation fluid flow rate across the joint during arthroscopic procedures that involve radiofrequency ablation. Even short intervals of limited flow could lead to supraphysiological temperature profiles and potentially to cartilage damage.

Hypoplastic glenoid with hyperplastic labrum: A case report

Glenoid hypoplasia is a reportedly rare and frequently overlooked congenital abnormality of the scapula that can have a variety of presentations. In 1931, Valentine initially described hypoplastic glenoid, also known as glenoid dysplasia and dentated glenoid, as a rare congenital anomaly. 1 Borenstein Z.C. Mink J. Oppenheim W. Rimoin D.L. Lachman R.S. Case report 665: Congenital glenoid dysplasia. Skeletal Radiol. 1991; 20: 134-136 PubMed Google Scholar , 7 Valentine B. Die kongenitale schulterluxation. Orthop Chir. 1931; 55: 229 Google Scholar It is a bony glenoid deficiency that presents in a variety of patterns, including shoulder pain, instability, stiffness, or completely asymptomatic. 3 Edelson J.G. Localized glenoid hypoplasia an anatomic variation of possible clinical significance. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1995; 321: 189-195 PubMed Google Scholar , 5 Sperling J.W. Cofield R.H. Steinman S.P. Shoulder arthroplasty for osteoarthritis secondary to glenoid dysplasia. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2002; 84: 541-546 PubMed Google Scholar , 7 Valentine B. Die kongenitale schulterluxation. Orthop Chir. 1931; 55: 229 Google Scholar Associated findings may include dysplasia of the humeral head, glenoid neck, or coracoid, hooking of the lateral part of the clavicle, irregular or notched glenoid surface, widening of the glenohumeral space from thickened articular cartilage, glenoid retroversion, deficiency of the posteroinferior glenoid, osteoarthrosis, enlargement of the acromion, and labral changes. As these patients are sometimes asymptomatic, or their shoulder symptoms are attributed to other causes, its true incidence is not accurately reported. Edelson, in 1995, found 9 of 12 patients seen for multidirectional instability had evidence of glenoid hypoplasia. 3 Edelson J.G. Localized glenoid hypoplasia an anatomic variation of possible clinical significance. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1995; 321: 189-195 PubMed Google Scholar He also examined 1150 scapulae from museum collections. A localized hypoplasia of the posteroinferior glenoid was found in 20-35% of the populations studied.

Étude du vieillissement naturel de l’épaule: Étude clinique et radiographique d’une population de personnes âgées

Purpose of the study Classically, the shoulder joint is thought to age more by its tendons than by its cartilages, the incidence of rotator cuff tears being considered to increase with age. The purpose of this work was to assess the natural history of the shoulder joint based on a clinical and radiological study of 200 patients aged 70 to 101 years. Material and methods The cohort was composed of 48 men (34%) and 152 women (76%), aged 84.25 ± 6.7 years. All patients underwent a physical examination and the Constant score was established. The radiographic examination included an AP view in neutral rotation of both shoulders. The Hamada classification was used to stage full thickness cuff tears. The glenohumeral compartment was analyzed to search for osteophyte formation and joint narrowing. Results The subacromial height was greater than 6 mm, mean 9.89 ± 2 mm, in 349 shoulders (87.25%), corresponding to stage I in the Hamada classification; it measured less than 6 mm, mean 3.08 ± 1.7 mm in 51 shoulders (12.75%) in 38 subjects (19% of the total cohort). The Hamada classification for the other shoulders was stage II (n = 21 shoulders, 5.25%), and stage III (n = 16 shoulders, 4%), stage IV (n = 5, 1.25%) and stage V (n = 5, 1.25%). The Hamada stage could not be determined for four shoulders. There was a strong statistical correlation between the Constant score and Hamada stage. The glenohumeral space was normal in 288 shoulders (72%). Ninety-three shoulders (23.25%) in 62 patients (31%) presented humeral and/or inferior glenoid osteophytes without glenohumeral impingement and 19 shoulders (4.75% in 14 patients (7%) presented complete glenohumeral impingement. There was a significant correlation between the Constant score and severity of the glenohumeral degradation. The proportion of subacromial impincement increased significantly and regularly with degradation of the glenohumeral space (p < 10 4). For half of the shoulders, glenohumeral impingement was associated with subacromial impingement (eccentric osteoarthritis). Discussion The results of this study confirm that the frequency of rotator cuff tears increases with age. One out of five patients aged 70-90 years presented subacromial impingement versus one out of three among patients aged over 90 years. Clinical tolerance of subacromial impingement or subacromial osteoarthritis is good. Glenohumeral impingement, associated or not with subacromial impingement, is poorly tolerated, the patients presenting shoulder pain and marked stiffness. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that the natural history of the shoulder does not exhibit a regular linear relationship with the Hamada radiological classification.