Modified Judet Approach Research Articles

Superior approach to the glenoid for treating acromion fractures combined with ideberg type III scapular glenoid fractures: a technical note.

Scapular glenoid fractures, categorized based on the Ideberg classification, are commonly addressed surgically through approaches like the anterior deltoid-pectoral approach, posterior Judet approach, modified Judet approach, or posterior axillary approach. However, these methods present limitations in exposing the superior part of the glenoid. Therefore, we propose an approach for patients with concomitant acromion fractures, involving the anterior lateral flipping of the fractured acromion, allowing direct superior visualization of the superior and posterior superior parts of the glenoid. Retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of five patients with shoulder fractures combined with scapular Ideberg III fractures between June 2018 and May 2023. All patients were treated using the shoulder approach above the scapular spine. There were four males and one female, aged 23-54 years with an average age of 36.6 years. One case involved the left shoulder, and four cases involved the right shoulder. X-rays and CT were taken before and after surgery to assess the location of the fractures and the healing status. Clinical evaluation included the assessment of efficacy using the Constant-Murley scoring criteria and analysis of surgical complications. All five patients were followed up for a duration of 14-36 months. All fractures healed completely, with an average healing time of 4.3 months (range: 3-6 months). There were no complications such as suprascapular nerve injury, nonunion, wound infection, or shoulder joint instability observed postoperatively. At the final follow-up, the Constant-Murley shoulder joint function score ranged from 84 to 98 points, with an average of 91.4 points. Three patients achieved an excellent rating in shoulder joint function score, while two patients achieved a good rating. The shoulder approach above the scapular spine exhibits advantages such as easy exposure and reduction, minimal intraoperative trauma, and clear visualization.

Deltoid-Sparing Modified Judet Approach: Technique and Clinical Series

Posterior approaches provide the mainstay for treatment in most of the scapula body and neck fractures, even those associated with many intraarticular variants. Several posterior approach modifications for minimizing soft-tissue damage and limiting muscular detachment, have previously been described in the literature; however, little or no clinical evidence is available specifically applied to the various approaches.In this study, we describe complete sparing of the deltoid muscle origin during the "modified Judet" approach. The modified approach as previously described detaches the deltoid origin. Deltoid sparing allows for satisfactory visualization and fixation of extra-articular scapula fractures and even some intraarticular variants. The purpose of this article was to describe the deltoid-sparing modified Judet approach and report clinical outcomes for 23 patients after surgical treatment.

Open Reduction and Plating of Scapula and Acromion Fracture with Modified Judet Approach

Open Reduction and Plating of Scapula and Acromion Fracture with Modified Judet Approach

Neurovascular Anatomic Locations and Surgical Safe Zones When Approaching the Posterior Glenoid and Scapula: A Quantitative and Qualitative Cadaveric Anatomy Study

PurposeTo characterize the qualitative anatomy of posterior scapula structures encountered with the Judet approach and to perform a quantitative evaluation of these structures’ anatomic locations, including their relationships to osseus landmarks to identify safe zones.MethodsTwelve fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders (mean age, 55.2 years; range 41-64 years; 5 left, 7 right) were dissected. A coordinate measuring machine was used to collect the coordinates of anatomic landmarks, structures at risk during surgical approach to the posterior scapula, and the footprints of muscle attachments on the posterior scapula. These coordinates were analyzed for their relationships with clinically relevant anatomy.ResultsThe suprascapular nerve was a mean of 20.3 mm (18.9-21.7 mm) medial to the glenoid 9-o’clock position. The posterior circumflex artery and vein were a mean of 100.0 mm (92.2-107.7 mm) lateral to along the lateral border of the scapula from the inferior angle of the scapula and a mean of 41 mm (34.2-47.9 mm) medial along the lateral scapular border from the 6-o’clock position on the glenoid rim. The long head of the triceps covers a mean of 132 mm2, and it was found to be contiguous with the glenoid capsule at the 6-o’clock position.ConclusionsA safe zone exists 19 mm medially from the glenoid 9-o’clock position to the suprascapular nerve and a minimum of 34.2 mm medially along the lateral scapular border from the glenoid 6 o’clock to the posterior circumflex scapular artery.Clinical RelevanceThe modified Judet approach is a minimally invasive surgery that reduces surgical trauma but necessitates precise knowledge of scapular neurovascular anatomy. Surgeons should be aware of these intervals to help avoid these structures when working near the posterior shoulder. This study may allow us to define neurovascular safe zones when this approach is used.

Functional Outcome of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Displaced Extra-Articular Scapula Fractures

Scapular fractures are uncommon injuries of upper extremity resulting mostly from high-energy trauma. Extra-articular fractures form the majority of them. Un-displaced fractures can be managed conservatively with good results. But displaced fracture does not yield satisfactory results and needs surgical fixation. In this case series, we report our experience about such fractures. This was a retrospective study of 12 patients with displaced scapular body and neck fractures treated between 2015 and 2018. Scapular fractures were exposed by modified Judet approach and fixed with either 3.5mm T buttress or recon locking plate and screws. One case had associated clavicle fracture which was fixed along with scapula. Patients were put on structured rehabilitation and followed up regularly. Functional outcome and range of motion were analyzed. The patients included 10 males and two females. Mean age was 42years. Average follow-up was 33months. Average constant and Murley score was 80. Excellent results were seen in four patients, good results in seven patients and one patient has got fair result. The mean post-operative range of motion of the shoulder at the time of final follow-up was 140° of forward flexion, 136° of abduction, and 34° of external rotation. Displaced extra-articular scapular fractures managed by internal fixation using T buttress locking plates and reconstruction plates give good functional outcome.

Gleno-humeral Joint Functional Outcome in Displaced Scapular Body Fracture Treated with Anatomical Scapula Plate: 2 case series

Introduction:The gleno-humeral (GH) or shoulder joint complexity of its biomechanics had been subjected for a number of study for many years. The ability of the shoulder joint to have multiple degrees of motion is contributed by the interaction between the structures surrounding the joint which maintain its stability.Methods:We report 2 cases of displaced scapular body fracture in our trauma centre fixed using anatomical scapular plate. Both underwent surgery within 3 weeks after their accident, using modified Judet approach and used implant from the same provider. All patients were followed up at 6, 12 , 18 and 72 weeks. At 6 months post operation the motion of the gleno-humeral joint were assessed. The functional status and pain score were joint also assessed using QuickDASH score and Visual Analogue Scale respectively.Results:Active shoulder range of motion, QuickDASH and VAS score are shown in Table 1. Lower QuickDASH score have better functional outcome while lower VAS score indicate lesser pain experience.Table 1.(N: Normal)PatientAbduction (N: 0-180)Forward Flexion (N:0-180)International Rotation (N:0-60)External Rotation (N:0-90)QuickDASHVasA0-1500-1500-400-60503B0-1600-1600-500-70482Discussions:Scapulo-thoracic joint also important in gleno-humeral joint motion. Scapulothoracic motion allows shoulder movement beyond initial 120o provided by the glenohumeral joint1. This coordinated movement between the scapula-thoracic and glenohumeral joint is termed as scapula-thoracic rhythm2. Displaced scapula fracture will affect the function of the scapula-thoracic rhtym. Scapula bone has uneven bony mass distribution. Anatomical scapular plate is a pre-contoured implant which is specially designed to meet the morphology of the scapula bone. Restoration of the anatomy of the scapula is very important since it will restore the scapula-thoracic rhythm and thus gleno-humeral joint function.Conclusion:In our short follow up, displaced scapular body fracture shows good gleno-humeral joint functional outcome when treated with anatomical scapula plate. Scapula bone plays important role in maintaining the biomechanics of gleno-humeral joint.

Infraspinatus Tenotomy Improves Glenoid Visualization With the Modified Judet Approach.

To determine if the addition of an infraspinatus tenotomy to the modified Judet approach (MJA) improves glenoid visualization. We performed an MJA on 14 human cadaveric shoulders. After exposing the glenoid, the boundary of the visualized glenoid surface was marked with a 1.8- and 2.0-mm drill bit before and after performing an infraspinatus tenotomy, respectively. The humerus was disarticulated, and the pre- and post-tenotomy drill marks were verified. The area of the entire glenoid, and each of the 4 quadrants [anterior-superior (AS), anterior-inferior (AI), posterior-superior (PS), and posterior-inferior (PI)] were analyzed using a custom image-processing program. The amount of glenoid exposure and percentage of area visualized before and after the tenotomy were compared. Adding an infraspinatus tenotomy to the MJA significantly increased total glenoid area (cm) exposure by 33%, P < 0.0001. Three of 4 glenoid quadrants (PS, AS, and AI) had a significant increase in glenoid visualization, with the AS quadrant having the most substantial improvement after the tenotomy (+67%), P < 0.0001. The results provide the percentage of glenoid fossa that can be seen using an MJA and demonstrate that visualization significantly improves after adding an infraspinatus tenotomy.

Treatment strategy of traumatic posterior dislocation of shoulder joint with concomitant reverse Hill-Sachs lesion of the humeral head

Objective To explore the treatment strategy for traumatic posterior dislocation of shoulder joint with concomitant reverse Hill-Sachs lesion on the humeral head. Methods Data of 8 consecutive traumatic posterior shoulder dislocations with concomitant compression on anteromedial portion of the affected humeral heads (reverse Hill-Sachs lesion), which resulted from the collision between the posterior rim of the glenoid and anterior portion of the humeral head, who had undergone treatment in our department since July 2015 to June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Seven males and 1 female have been included in the case series, with the age between 30-70 years (mean 44.5±12.3 years), 6 on the right shoulder and 2 on the left. 7 were acute injuries and 1 chronic. One patient received closed reduction under brachial plexus block anesthesia, and the rest cases underwent open surgeries. Modified Judet approach was performed in one case due to the concomitant fracture on the postero-inferior glenoid. The other 6 patients received modified delto-pectoral approach. 4 concomitant rotator cuffswere found during the procedures, including1 full thickness tears 3 partial. One patient received McLaughlin surgery, allograft and anchor suture fixation. 2 underwent cannulated screw fixation. Allograft and PHILOS fixation was placed on 4 cases. All 8 patients were required maintaining in mild abduction and external rotation the affected arms, with the protection of the casts. All patients were followed up for 20.6±8.4 months (range, 9-36 months). Constant-Murley scores and visual analogue score (VAS) were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes at the latest follow-up. Results Infection occurred in 1 case, the humeral head has been resected subsequently and antibiotic cement spacer was inserted for further arthroplasty. Necrosis of the humeral head has been observed in one CT follow up 9 months after surgery, with no limitation of the range of motion of the shoulder. Stage 1 wound closure and bony union were witnessed on the rest 6 patients. No neuromuscular injures or re-dislocations on the affected shoulders was found. The range of motion of the affected shoulder has been recorded at the latest follow-up: 123.8°±30.1° (90°-180°) in flexion, 124.4°±34.2° (80°-180°) in abduction, 36.9°±20.9° (0°-70°) in external (neutral position), 58.8°±10.9° (50°-80°) in internal rotation (neutral position) and 83.5±12.1 (70-95) in Constant-Murley score. Among the 8 patients, 7 patients were at the rank of VAS 0-3, and 1 of 4-6. Conclusion Optimal treatment options should be chosen based on the humeral head defect status, in case of traumatic posterior shoulder dislocation with concomitant reverse Hill-Sachs lesion. Closed reduction can be tried on < 20% humeral head defect with the help of anesthesia, and surgical option is the optimal one for the defect between 20%-40%. Key words: Shoulder joint; Shoulder dislocation; Wounds and injuries

Functional Outcomes and Clinical Strength Assessment After Infraspinatus Sparing Surgical Approach to Scapular Fracture. Does it Really Make a Difference?

Background Surgical treatment of scapular fractures with posterior approach is frequently associated with postoperative infraspinatus hypotrophy and weakness. The aim of this retrospective study is to compare infraspinatus strength and functional outcomes in patients treated with the classic Judet versus modified Judet approach for scapular fracture.

Functional outcomes and clinical strength assessment after infraspinatus-sparing surgical approach to scapular fracture: Does it really make a difference?

BackgroundSurgical treatment of scapular fractures with posterior approach is frequently associated with postoperative infraspinatus hypotrophy and weakness. The aim of this retrospective study is to compare infraspinatus strength and functional outcomes in patients treated with the classic Judet versus modified Judet approach for scapular fracture.Patients and methods20 cases with scapular neck and body fracture treated with posterior approach for lateral border plate fixation were reviewed. In 11 of 20 cases, we used the modified Judet approach (MJ group), and in 9 cases we used the classic Judet approach (CJ group). All fractures were classified according to the AO classification system. At follow-up examinations, patients had X-ray assessment with acromiohumeral distance (AHD) measurement, clinical evaluation, active range of motion (ROM) examination, Constant Shoulder Score, and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Score. Infraspinatus strength assessment was measured using a dynamometer during infraspinatus strength test (IST) and infraspinatus scapular retraction test (ISRT).ResultsDemographic data did not significantly differ between the CJ group and MJ group, except for mean follow-up, which was 4.15 years in the CJ group and 2.33 in the MJ group (p < 0.001). All X-ray examinations showed fracture healing. AHD was significantly decreased in the CJ group (p = 0.006). We did not find significant differences in active ROM between the MJ and CJ groups in the injured arm (p < 0.05). The Constant Score was 75.83 (±14.03) in the CJ group and 82.75 (±10.72) in the MJ group (p = 0.31); DASH Score was 10.16 in the CJ group and 6.25 in the MJ group (p = 0.49). IST showed mean strength of 8.38 kg (±1.75) in the MJ group and 4.61 kg (±1.98) in the CJ group (p = 0.002), ISRT test was 8.7 (±1.64) in the MJ group and 4.95 (±2.1) in the CJ group (p = 0.002). Infraspinatus hypotrophy was detected during inspection in six patients (five in the CJ group and one in the MJ group); it was related to infraspinatus strength weakness in IST and ISRT (p < 0.001).ConclusionsInfraspinatus-sparing surgical approach for scapular fracture avoids infraspinatus hypotrophy and external-rotation strength weakness. We suggest use of the modified Judet approach for scapular fracture and to restrict the classic Judet approach to only when the surgeon believes that the fracture is not easily reducible with a narrower exposure.Level of evidenceLevel IV.

Scapular fractures

Scapular fractures are common in polytraumatized patients and should alert treating providers to investigate for additional severe, often life-threatening injuries. While many fractures can be treated nonoperatively, surgical intervention is required if fractures are widely displaced or involve significant portions of the glenoid articular surface. The osseous anatomy of the scapula is complicated and thin, which dictates fixation options. Many classifications exist for scapular fractures and, while the AO/OTA recently contributed the New International Classification for Scapular Fractures, surgical indications remain loosely defined. Advanced imaging, such as three-dimensional CT scans, help in the diagnosis and surgical planning. The glenoid and scapular neck can be approached anterior, via the deltopectoral interval, while the posterior scapula is accessed through the modified Judet approach.

Subscapular Abscess in a Nine-Year-Old Female Patient: A Case Report.

The subscapular space is a clinically concealed anatomic space where soft-tissue abscesses can form. To our knowledge, five cases of a subscapular abscess have been reported in the past thirty-four years, so there is little evidence available to guide treatment. We present a unique case of a spontaneous, subscapular abscess due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a pediatric host, and we describe a surgical approach for adequate debridement. The effective treatment of a subscapular abscess depends on an accurate, rapid diagnosis and effective surgical debridement. A modified Judet approach provides adequate access to the subscapular space for debridement.

Classification and surgical treatment of scapular neck fractures

Objective To explore the classification and surgical treatment of scapular neck frac-tures. Methods A retrospective analysis was done based on the clinical data of 18 patients (including 12 males and 6 females) who accepted operation in Tianjin Hospital from January 2000 to December 2007. The average age of the patients was 41 years (17-62 years). All patients accepted CT examina-tion. According to Hardegger classification, there were 10 patients with anatomical neck fractures and eight with surgical neck fractures. According to Miller system, there were five patients with type II A fractures, six with type II B fractures, six with type II C fractures and one with type II B + IIC fracture. Of all, 15 patients had associated injury. The operative approach included posterolateral approach in nine patients, modified Judet approach in six and anteroposterior conjoint approach in three. Reconstruction plates and lag screws were applied to fix the fractures. Results All patients were followed up consecu-tively with an average period of 25. 5 months (6-70 months). The mean Constant-Murley score was 73 points (35-95 points, meadian 75.5 points) after treatment. There were two patients with malreduction,one with shoulder instability and three with traumatic arthritis postoperatively. Conclusions The indi-cations for early operation include: (1) angular deformity in horizontal or coronal planes of fractures, ie,glenopolar angle (GPA) <20°(2) fracture displacement =10 mm;(3) associated with floating shoul-der injury or superior suspensory shoulder complex injury. The major factors influencing prognosis are as-sociated injuries, quality of fractures reduction, fixation stability, injury of rotator cuff and postoperative rehabilitation. Key words: Scapula; Fractures; Fracture fixation; internal

Modified Judet Approach and Minifragment Fixation of Scapular Body and Glenoid Neck Fractures

To describe the technique and to determine the outcome of operatively treated displaced scapular body or glenoid neck fractures using minifragment fixation through a modified Judet approach. Retrospective review of scapular or glenoid fractures. Level 1 teaching trauma center. All treated scapular or glenoid fractures over 7 years (1999-2005) were determined. Of a total of 227 scapular or glenoid fractures, 37 were treated with open reduction internal fixation and formed the basis of study. All patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year until healing or discharge from care. All operatively treated scapular fractures were performed in the lateral position on a radiolucent table. A modified Judet approach was used in all patients. The posterior deltoid was incised off the scapular spine cephalad reaching the lateral scapular border. The interval between the teres minor and infraspinatus was paramount for fracture reduction and implant insertion. The 2.7-mm minifragment plates were applied along the lateral border of the scapula. Radiographic assessment of fracture healing and clinical assessment of shoulder function. The majority of patients were males (31 males, 6 females) who sustained blunt trauma. All scapular fractures maintained fixation and reduction. No wound or muscle dehiscence problems were noted. Average range of motion was 158 degrees (range 90-180 degrees). There were no fixation failures or instances of implant loosening. The modified Judet approach allows for excellent scapular and glenoid fracture visualization and reduction while preserving rotator cuff function. Minifragment fixation along the lateral scapular border provides excellent plate position, screw length, and fracture stability.

A Modified Judet Approach to the Scapula

Operative treatment of scapula fractures is uncommon, but is indicated for significantly displaced fractures or intra-articular fractures. This modified Judet approach for exposure of scapula fractures combines several important goals: 1) exposure of all bony elements of the scapula which have adequate bone stock for internal fixation; 2) minimal trauma to the rotator cuff musculature; and 3) protection of the major neurologic structures (suprascapular nerve superiorly and axillary nerve laterally). The main advantage of the exposure is limiting muscular dissection, which can potentially improve rehabilitation and limit morbidity of the operation.