Posterior Cuff Research Articles

Transcriptional Regulation of Connective Tissue Metabolism Genes in Women With Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

The aim of this study was to compare differences in expressions and relationships between key genes involved in extracellular matrix metabolism and tissue cellularity in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse (POP). A total of 80 biopsies (anterior cuff, posterior cuff, and/or leading edge) were obtained from 30 women: n = 10 premenopausal without POP (controls), n = 10 premenopausal with POP, and n = 10 postmenopausal with POP. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to assess gene expression of bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1), collagen types I (COL1) and III (COL3), relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1), matrix metallopeptidase 2, and TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitors 2 and 3. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to assess cellularity of the connective tissue layer. Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson correlation, or linear regression analyses were used, as appropriate. Bone morphogenetic protein 1 expression was significantly up-regulated in patients with POP compared with controls. Bone morphogenetic protein 1 expression was correlated with COL1 expression in all groups but only correlated with TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 3 expression in controls. Similarly, COL3 expression was correlated with RXFP1 expression in women with POP but not in controls. The degree of dependence (slope of the regression line) between COL1 and COL3 expressions was significantly elevated in premenopausal women with POP compared with the other 2 groups. The slopes between COL1-COL3, COL3-matrix metallopeptidase 2, COL1-RXFP1, and COL3-RXFP1 expressions were significantly lower in postmenopausal women compared with premenopausal women with POP. No differences were found in overall tissue cellularity. Bone morphogenetic protein 1 expression may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of POP. The finding that BMP1 expression was correlated with COL1 expression in all groups suggests a conserved association between BMP1 and collagen synthesis in the vaginal wall. The elevated slope between COL1 and COL3 expressions may be associated with early (premenopausal) development of POP. The expression of RXFP1 in postmenopausal women and its altered intergene regulation suggests a role for RXFP1 in connective tissue metabolism outside pregnancy.

Accuracy of Suture Passage During Arthroscopic Remplissage-What Anatomic Landmarks Can Improve It?: A Cadaveric Study.

Background:Recent data suggest that inaccurate suture passage during remplissage may contribute to a loss of external rotation, with the potential to cause posterior shoulder pain because of the proximity to the musculotendinous junction.Purpose:To evaluate the accuracy of suture passage during remplissage and identify surface landmarks to improve accuracy.Study Design:Descriptive laboratory study.Methods:Arthroscopic remplissage was performed on 6 cadaveric shoulder specimens. Two single-loaded suture anchors were used for each remplissage. After suture passage, position was recorded in reference to the posterolateral acromion (PLA), with entry perpendicular to the humeral surface. After these measurements, the location of posterior cuff penetration was identified by careful surgical dissection.Results:Twenty-four sutures were passed in 6 specimens: 6 sutures (25.0%) were correctly passed through the infraspinatus tendon, 12 (50%) were through the infraspinatus muscle or musculotendinous junction (MTJ), and 6 (25%) were through the teres minor. Suture passage through the infraspinatus were on average 25 ± 5.4 mm inferior to the PLA, while sutures passing through the teres minor were on average 35.8 ± 5.7 mm inferior to the PLA. There was an odds ratio of 25 (95% CI, 2.1-298.3; P < .001) that the suture would be through the infraspinatus if the passes were less than 3 cm inferior to the PLA. Sutures passing through muscle and the MTJ were significantly more medial than those passing through tendon, measuring on average 8.1 ± 5.1 mm lateral to the PLA compared with 14.5 ± 5.5 mm (P < .02). If suture passes were greater than 1 cm lateral to the PLA, it was significantly more likely to be in tendon (P = .013).Conclusion:We found remplissage suture passage was inaccurate, with only 25% of sutures penetrating the infraspinatus tendon. Passing sutures 1 cm lateral and within 3 cm inferior of the PLA improves the odds of successful infraspinatus tenodesis. We recommend this “safe zone” to improve the odds of infraspinatus tenodesis during remplissage. These results may help improve remplissage techniques and prevent previously reported complications, including external rotation loss and pain from myodesis.

Role of the Remaining Rotator Cuff Following Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Rotator cuff degeneration and cuff tear arthropathy result from chronic degeneration and wear, representing a significant clinical and financial burden in the elderly population. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has proven to be superior in restoring clinical and functional outcomes in patients not amendable to direct rotator cuff repair when compared with total shoulder arthroplasty. However, the design of the reverse shoulder prosthesis fails to restore external rotation in the setting of massive posterior rotator cuff tears with a dislocation rates as high as 9%. This necessitates a review of the role of the remaining posterior rotator cuff (infraspinatus and teres minor) and subscapularis on postoperative clinical and functional outcomes after RSA. On the basis of the available literature, the health of the posterior rotator cuff, reflected in the degree of fatty infiltration and tearing, is essential for maintenance and restoration of external rotation postoperatively, with the integrity of the teres minor being more critical. Proper tensioning of the posterior cuff using increased offset designs is necessary to achieve optimal outcomes. However, tendon transfers using the latissimus dorsi, with or without the teres major, make the contribution of the remaining posterior rotator cuff on postoperative outcomes negligible. Meanwhile, subscapularis repair and integrity are not critical to postoperative stability of the prosthesis or internal rotation. Further investigations are warranted to determine the amount of remaining rotator cuff and the extent of degeneration necessary to impact postoperative outcomes after RSA.

Do changes in hand grip strength correlate with shoulder rotator cuff function?

Shoulder pain as a result of rotator cuff pathology is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints presenting within primary care. Assessment of hand grip strength has been proposed as an indicator of rotator cuff function. This experimental study assessed the relationship between grip strength and shoulder lateral rotator muscle strength in a number of different shoulder positions, aiming to investigate whether such a relationship existed and whether grip strength could be used as a functional assessment tool for the posterior cuff. Twenty-seven healthy, physically active, volunteers (19 males, eight females) with no history of shoulder, upper limb or neck injury comprised the study group. The mean (SD) age was 19.8 (5.7) years (range 18 years to 23 years). Grip strength (measured with hand grip dynamometer) and lateral rotator strength (measured with a hand held dynamometer) was measured at neutral, 90° abduction, and 90° abduction with 90° external rotation. The correlation between grip strength and shoulder lateral rotation strength ranged between r = 0.91 (r (2 )= 0.84) and r = 0.72 (r (2 )= 0.52) across all positions. A strong correlation between grip strength and lateral rotator strength was shown at all positions for both left and right hands, suggesting that assessment of grip strength could be used as a rotator cuff monitor of recruitment function.

Open side-to-side repair for non-repairable tendon-to-bone rotator cuff tear. Clinical and anatomic outcome at a mean 5 years’ follow-up

IntroductionAnatomical tendon-to-bone repair of retracted rotator cuff tear is a difficult challenge given the high rate of recurrence. HypothesisThe study hypothesis was that side-to-side repair of U-shaped retracted tear allows tendon healing with satisfactory medium-term clinical results. Materials and methodsBetween 1999 and 2007, 35patients (mean age 53.5years) were operated on with this open technique. On the De Orio and Cofield classification, tendon lesions were medium in 5cases, large in 25 and massive in 5. Subacromial space was in all cases greater than 7mm. Fatty infiltration grade was less than or equal to 2 on Goutallier's classification in all cases except for 1 grade3 (supraspinatus only). At last follow-up, patients were assessed clinically (Constant score) and radiographically. Tendon healing was assessed by ultrasound (31 cases) or CT-arthrography (4cases). ResultsMean follow-up was 60months. Constant score improved significantly, from 64.7±10 preoperatively to 77.1±14 postoperatively (P<0.05). Recurrence rate was 17.1%. Subacromial space was<6mm postoperatively in 2cases. DiscussionSide-to-side repair, bringing the posterior cuff onto the anterior edge of the tear, allowed tension-free repair of retracted tear if the preoperative reparability criteria are met: subacromial space equal to or greater than 7mm, and absence of fatty infiltration significantly greater than grade 2 on the Goutallier classification. Under these conditions, clinical and anatomical results were satisfactory at a mean 5years’ follow-up. Level of evidenceIV, retrospective.

Arthroscopic Partial Repair of Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears

Background: Arthroscopic partial repair is a treatment option in irreparable large-to-massive rotator cuff tears without arthritic changes. However, there are indications that arthroscopic partial repair does not yield satisfactory outcomes. Purpose: To report the clinical and radiographic results of arthroscopic partial repairs in patients with irreparable large-to-massive cuff tears. In addition, an analysis was performed regarding preoperative factors that may influence patient outcomes and patient-rated satisfaction over time. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: From 2005 to 2011, a total of 31 patients who underwent arthroscopic partial repair for irreparable large-to-massive cuff tears were retrospectively evaluated. Partial repair was defined as posterior cuff tissue repair with or without subscapularis tendon repair to restore the transverse force couple of the cuff. Pain visual analog scale (PVAS), questionnaire results (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] and Simple Shoulder Test [SST]), and radiographic changes (acromiohumeral distance and degenerative change) were assessed preoperatively, at first follow-up (roughly 1 year postoperatively), and at final follow-up (>2 years postoperatively). Patients rated their satisfaction level at each postoperative follow-up as well. Preoperative factors that might influence outcomes, such as patient demographics, tear size, and fatty infiltration, were investigated. Results: The preoperative, first follow-up, and final follow-up results for mean PVAS (5.13, 2.13, and 3.16, respectively) and questionnaires (ASES: 41.97, 76.37, and 73.78; SST: 3.61, 6.33, and 6.07, respectively) improved significantly (all P < .05). Radiographic evaluation showed no difference compared with preoperative status. Nevertheless, patient-rated satisfaction at final evaluation was inferior: 16 good responses (“very satisfied” and “satisfied”) and 15 poor responses (“rather the same” and “dissatisfied”). Despite initial improvements in both groups (P < .05), patients with poor satisfaction demonstrated statistically significant deterioration in mean PVAS (from 2.07 to 4.67), questionnaire scores (ASES: from 74.56 to 59.80; SST: from 5.11 to 3.81), and acromiohumeral distance (from 7.19 to 5.06 mm) between the first and final follow-up (all P < .05). Patients with good satisfaction showed no significant difference or they improved (P > .05) from the first to the final follow-up. Among preoperative factors, fatty infiltration of the teres minor was identified as the only statistically significant factor affecting patient-rated satisfaction (P = .007). Conclusion: This study showed that arthroscopic partial repair may produce initial improvement in selected outcomes at 2-year follow-up. However, about half of the patients in the study were not satisfied with their outcomes, which had deteriorated over time. Preoperative fatty infiltration of the teres minor was the only factor that correlated with worse final outcomes and poor satisfaction after arthroscopic partial repair.

Isolated subscapularis repair for massive rotator cuff tear.

The best surgical treatment for an irreparable rotator cuff tear is controversial. In such cases, partial rotator cuff repair, primarily involving the posterior cuff in most reports, has been shown to be beneficial. The authors retrospectively investigated 41 patients who underwent arthroscopic subscapularis-only repair and greater tuberoplasty between April 2003 and August 2009 for massive 3-tendon cuff tears with irreparable supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons after 3 months of conservative management was unsuccessful. Twenty-five patients (61%) underwent biceps tenotomy, and the remaining 39% had preexisting biceps tenotomy or rupture. The patients were assessed with American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scores. Of the 41 patients, 34 (83%) were available for a follow-up telephone questionnaire after a minimum of 12 months (mean, 35 months; range, 12-84 months). Mean ASES and SANE scores were 76% and 63%, respectively. Mean postoperative passive range of motion was 156° of forward flexion and 39° of external rotation. Of the patients queried, 74% (25 of 34) were able to actively raise their arms above shoulder level. For those with a positive belly-press test result preoperatively, 22 of 27 patients had a negative test result postoperatively. A total of 3 complications (7.3%) occurred. Workers' compensation claim was a strong predictor of lower shoulder scores. Arthroscopic subscapularis-only repair and greater tuberoplasty may offer a promising and safe method for treating massive rotator cuff tears when the supra-spinatus and infraspinatus tendons are irreparable. Workers' compensation claim may predict lower outcome scores.

Infraspinatus/Teres minor transfer biceps in situ tenodesis procedure: initial results of a technique for massive cuff tears.

Massive rotator cuff tears may not be primarily repairable with salvage options not necessarily providing acceptable results. Extrinsic tendon transfer is a significant undertaking with prolonged rehabilitation and variable outcome. A novel technique for the reconstruction of massive tears, not amenable to primary repair, by performing a transfer of the intrinsic posterior rotator cuff onto an intact, tenodesed long head of biceps tendon acting as a scaffold for the intrinsic transfer is described. The clinical results at short to medium term in 17 initial patients are presented. Encouraging results from this study suggest that this is a viable option for the management of massive rotator cuff tears with an intact posterior cuff with results equal or superior to other reconstructive techniques.

Trainee performance at robotic console and benchmark operative times

It is an ongoing challenge to maintain surgical efficiency while integrating trainee participation. We hypothesize that a program of graduated surgical responsibility for trainees does not hinder operative efficiency. This was a retrospective cohort study of trainee performance times, collected prospectively in real time, for robotic cases performed at one university hospital between September 2008 and August 2011. The primary aim was to compare overall operative times between cases performed by trainees versus attendings. Secondary aims were to compare operative times for major portions of each operation by level of training and to establish benchmark operative times for trainees. During the study period, 98 cases had recorded trainee performance times. Total robot docked time was longer for trainees than for attendings (155 vs 132 min, p = 0.011), but mean performance times for hysterectomy (70 vs 59 min, p = 0.096) and sacrocolpopexy (76 vs 79 min, p = 0.545) were similar. Within the trainees, there was no correlation between surgical time and rank for each step of the procedures. Utilizing mean performance times for all trainees, benchmark operative times were established for each step of hysterectomy in minutes: right side (21), left side (21), bladder flap (10), colpotomy (15), and cuff closure (19); similarly, for sacrocolpopexy: sacral and peritoneal dissection (12), anterior cuff dissection (10), posterior cuff dissection (8), anterior mesh attachment (15), posterior mesh attachment (18), sacral mesh attachment (12), and peritoneal closure (9). In a program of graduated surgical responsibility, robotic operative efficiency was comparable when trainees were involved as console surgeons.

Avaliação dos resultados clínico-funcionais do reparo da lesão extensa do manguito rotador com inclusão do tendão da cabeça longa do bíceps

Objectives: To assess the outcomes of the arthroscopic margin convergence of the posterior cuff to the biceps tendon. Methods: From October 2003 to December 2007, 20 patients with massive rotator cuff tear which include the rotator interval were treated with arthroscopic margin convergence of the posterior cuff to biceps tendon. Sixteen patients were female and four were male. The mean age was 58.95 years old. The dominant side was affected in 16 cases (80%). The outcomes were analysed according to the UCLA Score with a minimum follow-up period of two years. Results: The UCLA score improved, on average, 14 points (p < 0.001). Six patients had excellent results; nine good; three fair and two poor results. The mean improvement of forward flexion was 33o (p < 0.001), 3o of external rotation (p < 0.396) and two vertebral levels for internal rotation (p < 0.025). Conclusion: The arthroscopic margin convergence of the posterior cuff to the biceps tendon leads to satisfactory results.

Evaluation of the Clinical-functional Results from Repairing Extensive Rotator Cuff Injury with Inclusion of the Tendon of the Long Head of the Biceps

ObjectivesTo assess the outcomes of the arthroscopic margin convergence of the posterior cuff to the biceps tendon MethodsFrom October 2003 to December 2007, 20 patients with massive rotator cuff tear which include the rotator interval were treated with arthroscopic margin convergence of the posterior cuff to biceps tendon. Sixteen patients were female and four were male. The mean age was 58.95 years old. The dominant side was affected in 16 cases (80%). The outcomes were analysed according to the UCLA Score with a minimum follow-up period of two years. ResultsThe UCLA score improved, on average, 14 points (p < 0.001). Six patients had excellent results; nine good; three fair and two poor results. The mean improvement of forward flexion was 33o (p < 0.001), 3o of external rotation (p < 0.396) and two vertebral levels for internal rotation (p < 0.025). ConclusionThe arthroscopic margin convergence of the posterior cuff to the biceps tendon leads to satisfactory results.

Robotic Colpotomy and Cuff Closure

This video presents a method for robotic colpotomy and cuff closure that minimizes postoperative complications including dehiscence, cuff separation, apical prolapse, and dysperinuea. The technique involves performing the colpotomy utilizing a combined approach of monopolar scissors on the posterior cuff and the robotic Beaver blade for the anterior cuff. Colpotomy is first started on the posterior cuff with the monopolar scissors utilizing the cutting current of the Intuitive SI Machine. Anterior colpotomy is then commenced using the robotic Beaver blade. The lack of cautery ensures an excellent blood supply to the anterior cuff thereby promoting wound healing and reducing cuff dehiscence. The use of the Beaver blade is technically more challenging on the posterior cuff and therefore monopolar scissors are used. For cuff closure a modified Richardon stitch is placed which incorporates the vaginal angle and a portion of the utero-scaral ligament thus enhancing the apical support.

Restoration of Shoulder Biomechanics According to Degree of Repair Completion in a Cadaveric Model of Massive Rotator Cuff Tear

Background: Complete repair in massive rotator cuff tear may not be possible, allowing for only partial repair. However, the effect of partial repair on glenohumeral biomechanics has not been evaluated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the rotational range of motion (ROM), glenohumeral kinematics, and gap formation at the repaired tendon edge following massive cuff tear and repair according to the degree of repair completion. Hypothesis: Posterior fixation will restore the altered biomechanics of massive rotator cuff tear. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Eight cadaveric shoulders were tested at 0°, 30°, and 60° of abduction in the scapular plane. Muscle loading was applied based on physiological muscle cross-sectional area ratios. Maximum internal (MaxIR) and external rotations (MaxER) were measured. Humeral head apex (HHA) position and gap formation at the repaired tendon edge were measured using a MicroScribe from MaxIR to MaxER in 30° increments. Testing was performed for intact, massive cuff tear, complete repair, and 4 types of partial repair. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to determine significant differences. Results: Massive tear significantly increased ROM and shifted HHA superiorly in MaxIR at all abduction angles (P < .05). The complete repair restored ROM to intact (P < .05), while all partial repairs did not. Abnormal HHA elevation due to massive tear was restored by all repairs (P < .05). Release of the anterior single row alone and release of the marginal convergence significantly increased gap formation at the anterior tendon edge (P < .05). Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of anterior fixation in massive cuff tear to restore rotational range of motion and decrease gap formation at the repaired tendon edge and of posterior fixation to restore abnormal glenohumeral kinematics due to massive cuff tear. Clinical Relevance: If complete repair of massive cuff tear is not possible, posterior cuff (infraspinatus) repair is necessary to restore abnormal glenohumeral kinematics, and margin convergence anteriorly is recommended to decrease gap formation of the repaired tendon edge, which may provide a better biomechanical environment for healing.

Effect of deltoid tension and humeral version in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a biomechanical study

No clear recommendations exist regarding optimal humeral component version and deltoid tension in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). A biomechanical shoulder simulator tested humeral versions (0°, 10°, 20° retroversion) and implant thicknesses (-3, 0, +3 mm from baseline) after reverse TSA in human cadavers. Abduction and external rotation ranges of motion as well as abduction and dislocation forces were quantified for native arms and arms implanted with 9 combinations of humeral version and implant thickness. Resting abduction angles increased significantly (up to 30°) after reverse TSA compared with native shoulders. With constant posterior cuff loads, native arms externally rotated 20°, whereas no external rotation occurred in implanted arms (20° net internal rotation). Humeral version did not affect rotational range of motion but did alter resting abduction. Abduction forces decreased 30% vs native shoulders but did not change when version or implant thickness was altered. Humeral center of rotation was shifted 17 mm medially and 12 mm inferiorly after implantation. The force required for lateral dislocation was 60% less than anterior and was not affected by implant thickness or version. Reverse TSA reduced abduction forces compared with native shoulders and resulted in limited external rotation and abduction ranges of motion. Because abduction force was reduced for all implants, the choice of humeral version and implant thickness should focus on range of motion. Lateral dislocation forces were less than anterior forces; thus, levering and inferior/posterior impingement may be a more probable basis for dislocation (laterally) than anteriorly directed forces.

Restoration of anterior–posterior rotator cuff force balance improves shoulder function in a rat model of chronic massive tears

The rotator cuff musculature imparts dynamic stability to the glenohumeral joint. In particular, the balance between the subscapularis anteriorly and the infraspinatus posteriorly, often referred to as the rotator cuff "force couple," is critical for concavity compression and concentric rotation of the humeral head. Restoration of this anterior-posterior force balance after chronic, massive rotator cuff tears may allow for deltoid compensation, but no in vivo studies have quantitatively demonstrated an improvement in shoulder function. Our goal was to determine if restoring this balance of forces improves shoulder function after two-tendon rotator cuff tears in a rat model. Forty-eight rats underwent detachment of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus. After four weeks, rats were randomly assigned to three groups: no repair, infraspinatus repair, and two-tendon repair. Quantitative ambulatory measures including medial/lateral forces, braking, propulsion, and step width were significantly different between the infraspinatus and no repair group and similar between the infraspinatus and two-tendon repair groups at almost all time points. These results suggest that repairing the infraspinatus back to its insertion site without repair of the supraspinatus can improve shoulder function to a level similar to repairing both the infraspinatus and supraspinatus tendons. Clinically, a partial repair of the posterior cuff after a two-tendon tear may be sufficient to restore adequate function. An in vivo model system for two-tendon repair of massive rotator cuff tears is presented.

Partial repair of irreparable supraspinatus tendon tears: clinical and radiographic evaluations at long-term follow-up

Irreparable rotator cuff tears are a common source of pain and disability even in middle-aged patients. Although most rotator cuff tears can be completely repaired to bone, a significant proportion of these cannot be sutured by traditional methods. In these cases it is possible to perform a functional repair of the cuff to help restore the force couple of the cuff on the humeral head and to increase the acromion-humeral distance (AHD). This technique provides peripheral repair of the cuff tear without complete closure of the cuff defect. Our hypothesis was that arthroscopic partial suture of the cuff leads to pain relief and functional improvement for the patients while restoring the AHD. All patients (67 cases) were arthroscopically treated with functional repair of the posterior cuff. The follow-up was at least 5 years. All the patients had clinical and radiographic evaluations and assessment with the Simple Shoulder Test and Constant score. The mean Constant score increased from 44 points to a mean of 73 points, the mean Simple Shoulder Test score increased from 4.6 to 9.0, and the mean AHD increased from 6.1 mm to 9.1 mm. Functional repair of the infraspinatus, leaving the greater tuberosity uncovered, in patients with irreparable cuff tears gives good results in terms of patient satisfaction and in restoring the AHD even at long-term follow-up. Complications were rare and in line with the usual sequelae of a rotator cuff repair.

A novel technique of rotator cuff repair using spinal needle and suture loop

BackgroundWe present a simple technique of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using a spinal needle and suture loop.MethodsWith the arthroscope laterally, a spinal needle looped with PDS is inserted percutaneously into the shoulder posteriorly and penetrated through the healthy posterior cuff tear margin. Anteriorly, another spinal needle loaded with PDS is inserted percutaneously to engage the healthy tissue at the anterior tear margin. The suture in the anterior needle is then delivered into the suture loop of the posterior needle using a suture retriever. The posterior needle and loop are then pulled out carrying the anterior suture with it. The two limbs of this suture are then retrieved through a cannula for knotting. The same procedure is then repeated for additional suturing. Suture anchors placed over the greater tuberosity are used to complete the repair.ConclusionThis is an easy method of rotator cuff repair using simple instruments and lesser time, hence can be employed at centers with less equipment and at reduced cost to the patient.

Shoulder Pain- Weightlifter

TITLE: Winged scapula in a recreational weight-lifter after inguinal hernia repair. HISTORY: A 34 yo male R handed recreational weight-lifter presents with 5 months of R shoulder and upper extremity pain. He notes that his scapula "pops out". There is no history of injury or trauma to the R shoulder. Five months prior, the patient underwent an uncomplicated laparoscopic bilateral inguinal hernia repair. 1 1/2 days after the hernia repair, he noted the onset of severe pain in his right shoulder. He reports deep shoulder pain with radiation to elbow and forearm. He went to an ER. EKG, cardiac enzymes and abdominal CT were all normal. He then went to an orthopedist who performed a corticosteroid injection for a presumptive diagnosis of posterior cuff tendonitis; this gave him no relief. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: The patient is a well developed, male in NAD. Height 5-ft. 9 ½", and weight 188 lbs. Cervical spine exam reveals normal lordosis and full ROM without pain. No tenderness or atrophy of the cervical musculature. Decrease in active ROM of the R shoulder: forward elevation is restricted to 80°, abduction 80°, external rotation 45°. Passive ROM is not restricted. No pain elicited with palpation of the AC joint or cross-over test. No tenderness present in the subacromial space. Yergason's, drop arm, impingement and lift-off testing negative. Supraspinatus test of the R shoulder reveals significant pain and weakness, as did resisted external rotation. The right scapula reveals prominent winging. Neuro exam shows 5/5 strength throughout except for the right supraspinatus which was 4/5. Sensation and DTRs unremarkable. Pulses 2+. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: 1. Brachial neuritis (Parsonage-Turner Syndrome) 2. Posterior cuff tendonitis secondary to weight lifting 3. Intra-operative complication with referred pain from irritation of the diaphragm 4. Brachial plexopathy TESTS AND RESULTS: X-ray of right shoulder was unremarkable. Patient refused EMG/NCV testing. FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Long thoracic nerve palsy (Parsonage-Turner Syndrome) with the hernia repair as the inciting event. Suprascapular nerve palsy involvement suspected as well. TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES: Analgesia Avoidance of weight-lifting in acute phase Referral to PT Three year F/U reveals persistent winging - this athlete switched to running/cycling exercise.

Location and Initiation of Degenerative Rotator Cuff Tears

It has been theorized that degenerative rotator cuff tears most commonly involve the supraspinatus tendon, initiating at the anterior portion of the supraspinatus insertion and propagating posteriorly. The purposes of this study were to determine the most common location of degenerative rotator cuff tears and to examine tear location patterns associated with various tear sizes. Ultrasonograms of 360 shoulders with either a full-thickness rotator cuff tear (272) or a partial-thickness rotator cuff tear (eighty-eight) were obtained to measure the width and length of the tear and the distance from the biceps tendon to the anterior margin of the tear. Tears were grouped on the basis of their size (anteroposterior width) and extent (partial or full-thickness). Each tear was represented numerically as a column of consecutive numbers representing the tear width and distance posterior to the biceps tendon. All tears were pooled to graphically represent the width and location of the tears within groups. Frequency histograms of the pooled data were generated, and the mode was determined for each histogram representing various tear groups. The mean age (and standard deviation) of the 233 subjects (360 shoulders) was 64.7 +/- 10.2 years. The mean width and length of the tears were 16.3 +/- 12.1 mm and 17.0 +/- 13.0 mm, respectively. The mean distance from the biceps tendon to the anterior tear margin was 7.8 +/- 5.7 mm (range, 0 to 26 mm). Histograms of the various tear groups invariably showed the location of 15 to 16 mm posterior to the biceps tendon to be the most commonly torn location within the posterior cuff tendons. The histograms of small tears (a width of <10 mm) and partial-thickness tears showed similar distributions of tear locations, indicating that the region approximately 15 mm posterior to the biceps tendon may be where rotator cuff tears most commonly initiate. Degenerative rotator cuff tears most commonly involve a posterior location, near the junction of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus. The patterns of tear location across multiple tear sizes suggest that degenerative cuff tears may initiate in a region 13 to 17 mm posterior to the biceps tendon.

Musculotendinous transfer as a treatment option for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears: Teres major or latissimus dorsi?

Irreparable posterior cuff tears can cause pain and lack of shoulder function. Surgical treatment includes musculotendinous transfers of either latissimus dorsi (LD) or teres major (TM). This study aimed to give a detailed description of the morphology of these two muscles with particular regard to their suitability for use in transfers. Sixty-two shoulders in 31 cadaveric specimens (mean age 50 years) were dissected. The mean length of the TM was 13.7 cm at its superior edge while the distance from the muscle origin to the greater tuberosity (GT) was 19.2 cm. The tendon of the TM had a length of 1.5 cm, a width of 3.4 cm, and a thickness of 1.3 mm. The mean length of the LD was 26.0 cm and the distance from its origin to the GT was 32.9 cm. The mean length of the LD tendon was 5.2 cm, its width 2.9 cm, and its thickness 1.0 mm. The increased length required to achieve transfer was 47% (of the original length) for TM and 33% for LD. Both TM and LD could reach the GT with ease, according to the potential muscle excursions. Tension of the neurovascular bundle is more probable with LD because it enters the muscle relatively closer to the tendon. Problems with regard to reattachment may be more likely to occur in a transfer of the TM because of its short tendon.