Rotator Cuff Interval Research Articles

Diagnostic Value of Superb Microvascular Imaging of the Rotator Cuff Interval for the Early Diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder.

To explore the early diagnostic value of superb microvascular imaging (SMI) features within the rotator cuff gap for frozen shoulder. This prospective study enrolled patients with acute early-stage frozen shoulder seeking treatment at Zhabei Central Hospital in Jing'an District, Shanghai, between July 2021 and December 2022 were enrolled in this study. Healthy controls were collected in a 1:1 ratio from the same hospital's physical examination center. All participants underwent SMI and power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) of the rotator cuff gap. The study included 79 patients with frozen shoulder and 77 healthy controls. Compared with the healthy control group, the patient group had a higher proportion of hypoechoic rotator cuff gap (81.0% vs 48.1%, P<0.001), a thicker coracohumeral ligament (2.60±1.01 vs 2.03±0.97, P<0.001), a thicker glenohumeral joint capsule (3.10±0.99 vs 2.46±1.17, P<0.001), and elevated blood grading using SMI (P<0.001) and PDUS (P=0.014). The highest area under the curve (AUC) was observed for SMI blood flow grading (AUC=0.824, 95% CI: 0.755-0.880, P<0.001), resulting in 82% sensitivity and 77% specificity when using a cutoff of 1. SMI blood flow grading was associated with external rotation <30° (P=0.007) and abduction <30° (P=0.013) but not with internal rotation <30° (P=0.630) or flexion <30° (P=0.562). The grading of SMI blood flow may emerge as a valuable predictive indicator for the early stages of frozen shoulder. This simple ultrasound technique holds the potential to enhance the diagnostic process, enabling early initiation of treatment and potentially improving patient outcomes.

Ultrasound-guided injection through the rotator cuff interval: a clinical perspective of one institution's results and description of technique.

Fluoroscopic injection through the rotator cuff interval (RCI) is a common technique for diagnostic arthrography and therapeutic intervention. Ultrasound approaches through the RCI have been less commonly studied, but there is a growing body of literature. The purpose of this study was to present a standardized technique of ultrasound-guided injection into the glenohumeral joint utilizing the RCI in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) arthrography (MRA) and to report one medical group's experience with the technique. A retrospective chart review of all ultrasound-guided injections into the glenohumeral joint utilizing the RCI was performed from July 1, 2014 through June 1, 2021. Data were compiled for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and prior surgery on the shoulder. The primary endpoint was successful administration of intra-articular dilute gadolinium contrast adequate for radiologic interpretation. A total of 487 injections into the glenohumeral joint via the RCI were performed. One hundred and fifty-five patients had previous shoulder surgery, with the remainder naive to intervention. The success rate of injections into the glenohumeral joint was 99.4 %, with only three injections considered unsuccessful. The three unsuccessful injections did not succeed because of a lack of intra-articular contrast media present. This success rate is impressive and promising, particularly when considering that 155 of the patients had previous surgery, which could potentially cause complications, and because these injections were performed over a long period of 7 years. Accessing the RCI under ultrasound guidance is a very successful technique for injection within the glenohumeral joint.

Adhesive capsulitis after COVID-19 vaccine injection: a peculiar case treated with combined bursa distention and glenohumeral capsular hydrodilatation

Frozen shoulder is a common and self-limiting condition affecting the soft tissues of the shoulders, characterized by severe pain, impaired range of motion (ROM) and limitation of daily activities. Its prevalence is 5% and it occurs most commonly in the fifth and sixth decades of life; women are more affected [DePalma in Clin Orthop Relat Res 466:552–560, 2008]. It can be idiopathic or associated with other conditions such as metabolic disorders, diabetes, thyroid diseases, prolonged immobilization, trauma [DePalma in Clin Orthop Relat Res 466:552–560, 2008], or complications after vaccine administration known as SIRVA (Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration). SIRVA is not caused by the vaccine itself but by inappropriate vaccination techniques [Martín Arias et al. in Vaccine 35:4870–4876, 2017]. The natural history of the frozen shoulder is a progression through three stages based on clinical and arthroscopic presentations: freezing, frozen and thawing [DePalma in Clin Orthop Relat Res 466:552–560, 2008; Do et al. in Orthop J Sport Med 9:232596712110036, 2021]. The onset is characterized by disabling pain, that worsens at night; it is induced by inflammation and hypervascularity and lasts from 10 to 36 weeks [Do et al. in Orthop J Sport Med 9:232596712110036, 2021]. The second stage is predominated by stiffness and severe reduction of ROM. This phase typically lasts from 9 to 12 months [Do et al. in Orthop J Sport Med 9:232596712110036, 2021]. Eventually, a recovery phase occurs, with a gradual recovery of the ROM that can last between 12 and 42 months. Ultrasound is an emerging diagnostic tool that contributes to differential diagnosis and treatment [Zappia et al. in Insights Imaging 7:365–371, 2016; Ricci et al. in J Ultrasound Med 39:633–635, 2020]: signs of adhesive capsulitis consist of thickening of the inferior recess of the glenohumeral joint capsule, thickening of the coracohumeral ligament and soft tissue structures in the rotator cuff interval, with hypervascularity. An unspecific sign is increased fluid in the tendon sheath of the long head of the biceps [Martín Arias et al. in Vaccine 35:4870–4876, 2017; Tandon et al. in J Ultrasound 20:227–236, 2017].

THICKNESS OF THE CORACOHUMERAL LIGAMENT IN CASES OF RECURRENT SHOULDER DISLOCATION

Enhancement of the joint capsule, fibrovascular tissue, and synovial membrane in the rotator cuff interval using MRI can aid the identification of adhesive capsulitis following intravenous gadolinium injection. This study assesses the thickness of the coracohumeral ligament (CHL) in the cases of recurrent shoulder dislocation and identifies the status of the CHL in these cases. A 3T MRI machine was used to perform the imaging. Patients were included with a history of at least two episodes of shoulder dislocation at the radiology department of King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from January 2017 to May 2020. A total of 177 patients were diagnosed with recurrent shoulder dislocation through its associated symptoms, out of which 107 had a history of shoulder dislocation. A mean CHL thickness was reported in the control group as 1.6 (± 0.49) mm, while in patients with shoulder dislocation it was reported as 2.84 (± 0.91) mm. A statistically significant relationship was observed between CHL thickness and the presence of Hill-Sachs and Bankart lesions. The study concluded that increased CHL thickness is strongly correlated with shoulder dislocation: there is a good predictability of shoulder dislocation based on the presence of thickened CHL.

Ultrasound-Guided Hydrodilatation With Triamcinolone Acetonide for Adhesive Capsulitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Posterior Glenohumeral Recess and the Rotator Cuff Interval Approaches.

For patients with adhesive capsulitis, hydrodilatation is typically performed using corticosteroids with ultrasound guidance via the posterior glenohumeral recess. Recently, a new intervention technique via the rotator cuff interval has been described. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of hydrodilatation with triamcinolone acetonide via the posterior glenohumeral recess and the rotator cuff interval in patients with adhesive capsulitis. This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary care center with a follow-up period of 12 weeks. We enrolled 64 patients diagnosed with shoulder adhesive capsulitis. The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups that received hydrodilatation with corticosteroids either through the posterior glenohumeral recess or though the rotator cuff interval. The injection contained 4 ml of triamcinolone acetonide (40 mg) mixed with 4 ml of 2% lidocaine hydrochloride and 12 ml of normal saline. The shoulder pain and disability index, visual analog scale for pain, and range of motion were analyzed before and at 6 and 12 weeks after the treatment. Both groups experienced improvements in the visual analog scale scores, shoulder pain and disability index scores, and range of motion throughout the study period. A significant group-time interaction was observed in terms of the visual analog scale for pain during motion (p = 0.019), favoring hydrodilatation through the rotator cuff interval. Thus, hydrodilatation through the rotator cuff interval might be a better treatment option than that through the posterior glenohumeral recess for patients with adhesive capsulitis, considering its superior effect in alleviating pain during shoulder movement.

Prevalence and Grading of Rotator Cuff and Labral Injuries in Shoulder Pain and Instability using MRI: ACross-sectional Study

Introduction: Shoulder joint is a highly mobile joint but is prone for rotator cuff injuries and dislocations. It is necessary to accurately diagnose rotator cuff and labral injuries so that appropriate plan of action for treatment can be taken. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can be used to diagnose and describe the extent of rotator cuff tendon and labral injuries and any secondary rotator cuff muscle abnormalities. Aim: To study the demographic profile of patients presenting with shoulder pain and instability, identify the various rotator cuff injuries causing shoulder pain, identify the rotator cuff interval lesions causing microinstability, identify the various labral and bony pathologies in instability, describe the MRI features of the rotator cuff, rotator cuff interval, labral and bony injuries. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study of patients with symptoms of either shoulder pain or instability who underwent MRI evaluation of the shoulder in the Department of Radiodiagnosis, Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, from July 2018 to December 2020. The study population consisted of 54 patients with either shoulder pain or instability who underwent MRI of shoulder. All the MRI scans of the shoulder in this study were performed using 1.5 Tesla Siemens Magnetom Avanto (Tim 76x18) MR machine using a flex coil. Results: The study population consisted of 54 patients comprising of 38 males and 16 females. The age of the patients ranged from 20-77 years. Majority of the patients were older than 50 years constituting about 33.33% of the total study population. Rotator cuff injury was the commonest cause of pain. Tendinosis was the commonest type of rotator cuff injury followed by partial-thickness and full-thickness tendon tears. The commonest grade of tendinosis was mild or grade 1. Supraspinatus tendon was the most commonly affected tendon followed by subscapularis and infraspinatus tendons. Teres minor tendon was normal in all the cases. Anterior instability was the commonest type of instability with equal prevalence of soft tissue Bankart, bony Bankart and Perthes lesions. Biceps pulley lesions resulted in long head of biceps tendon instability, microinstability and internal impingement. Conclusion: Rotator cuff injuries are the commonest cause of shoulder pain and are seen more frequently after the fifth decade. Shoulder instability is most commonly seen in young male adults. Tendinosis is the commonest type of rotator cuff injury. Supraspinatus tendon is the most commonly injured tendon. Anterior instability is the commonest type of shoulder instability. Biceps pulley lesions result in long head of biceps tendon instability, microinstability and internal impingement. MRI can diagnose interstitial or intrasubstance tendon tears which are not visualised on arthroscopy. MRI description of tendon and labral tears, tendon retraction and muscle atrophy can guide the orthopaedician during arthroscopy and in treatmentplanning.

Revision of failed Latarjet procedure by arthroscopy-assisted Eden-Hybbinette with endobutton fixation

Background:The literature reports recurrent instability after the Latarjet procedure in 1 to 5% of the cases. Therefore, the Eden-Hybbinette technique, which consists of harvesting bone from the iliac crest, has been proposed in case of revision surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of a series of patients treated by an all-arthroscopic Eden-Hybbinette technique with endobutton graft fixation.Methods:Seven patients (5 men, 2 women, mean age 30.7 years (17-47)), with recurrent anterior instability after Latarjet procedure, associated with glenoid bone defect of more than 15% were treated by arthroscopic Eden-Hybbinette technique. The bone graft fixed with an endobutton (Bone-LinkTM) was introduced through the rotator cuff interval. Specific guides and a dynamometer were used to fix the graft by compression on the anterior edge of the glenoid cavity. Previous broken screws were left in place in 3 cases. Patients were clinically followed and the position of the graft and its consolidation were evaluated by CT scan.Results:At mean follow-up of 21 months (12-39), 7/6 patients had a stable shoulder and were satisfied with the result. 5/7 resumed their sporting activity. The mean Constant score increased from 32 to 81 points and the Subjective Shoulder Value from 31 to 87% (p > 0.001). The mean Walch-Duplay and Rowe scores were 85.7 points (65-100) and 86.4 points (70-100) respectively. No neurological complications were reported, and no patients required a new procedure. On the CT scan analysis, the graft did not overhang and was sub-equatorial and healed in all cases.Conclusion:The recurrence of instability after a Latarjet graft can be successfully treated by the Eden-Hybbinette technique under arthroscopy. Endobutton fixation is reliable and optimizes the position and consolidation of the bone graft. In addition, this fixation method is an appropriate option in case of broken hardware left in place.

An evaluation of the effectiveness of teaching anatomy to rheumatologists through combined musculoskeletal sonoanatomy and human cadaveric dissection.

ObjectiveOur aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching anatomy through combined musculoskeletal sonoanatomy and human cadaveric dissection for rheumatologists practising musculoskeletal US.MethodsThe principal focus was on scanning and then dissecting relevant musculoskeletal structures. Outcomes measured included confidence levels and objective knowledge. A mixed-methods approach of evaluation and descriptive statistical data analysis was performed.ResultsThe change in confidence ratings by delegates after the teaching event as represented by the mean difference (s.d.) (s.e.m.) for identification of surface anatomy was 1.846 (1.281) (0.355), with Student’s paired t = 5.196 and P=0.000223. The mean difference (s.d.) (s.e.m) for performing IA injections was 1.538 (1.266) (0.351), with Student’s paired t = 4.382, P=0.001, and for recognizing sonoanatomical structures it was 1.769 (1.235) (0.343), with Student’s paired t = 5.165 and P= 0.000235. There was a significant increase in correct identification of anatomical and sonoanatomical knowledge in the pre- and post-course assessments. Rotator cuff interval region improved from 13 to 73%, P = 0.004; knee tendons insertion sites from 47 to 93%, P = 0.016; and muscles not adjacent to joints from 27 to 93%, P = 0.002.ConclusionDissection of joints enabled a three-dimensional relational mind map of the relevant regions of the human body, producing clarity in understanding regional relational topographic anatomy and sonoanatomy. The combination of US and cadaveric dissection improved learners’ satisfaction, confidence and knowledge in areas where soft tissue complaints are common, which is likely to lead to accurate early diagnosis and cost-conscious, better overall care.

Non-traumatic chronic shoulder pain is not associated with changes in rotator cuff interval tendon thickness

ObjectiveTo determine whether the thickness of the rotator interval tendons is different when comparing both symptomatic and non-symptomatic sides in people with chronic shoulder pain, and to those free of pain. Furthermore, to calculate the level of association between the rotator interval tendon thicknesses and perceived shoulder pain-function. DesignA cross-sectional, observational study. MethodThe supraspinatus, subscapularis and biceps brachii tendon thickness of sixty two patients with chronic shoulder pain were determined from standardized ultrasonography measures performed on both shoulders, whereas only the dominant arm was measured for the control subjects. FindingsSupraspinatus, subscapularis and biceps brachii tendon thickness was comparable between sides in the symptomatic group and was also comparable between the symptomatic and asymptomatic participants. In addition, the correlation between the tendon thickness and shoulder pain-function was non-significant. InterpretationsTendon thickness was unaltered in people with chronic shoulder pain. These findings do not rule out the possibility that other changes in the tendon are present such as changes in the elastic properties and cell population and this should be explored in future studies.

Three-dimensional Capsular Volume Measurements in Multidirectional Shoulder Instability.

BackgroundIn a previous study undertaken to quantify capsular volume in rotator cuff interval or axillary pouch, significant differences were found between controls and patients with instability. However, the results obtained were derived from two-dimensional cross sectional areas. In our study, we sought correlation between three-dimensional (3D) capsular volumes, as measured by magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA), and multidirectional instability (MDI) of the shoulder.MethodsThe MRAs of 21 patients with MDI of the shoulder and 16 control cases with no instability were retrospectively reviewed. Capsular areas determined by MRA were translated into 3D volumes using 3D software Mimics ver. 16 (Materilise, Leuven, Belgium), and glenoid surface area was measured in axial and coronal MRA views. Then, the ratio between capsular volume and glenoid surface area was calculated, and evaluated with control group.ResultsThe ratio between 3D capsular volume and glenoid surface area was significantly increased in the MDI group (3.59 ± 0.83 cm3/cm2) compared to the control group (2.53 ± 0.62 cm3/cm2) (p<0.01).ConclusionsFrom these results, we could support that capsular volume enlargement play an important role in MDI of the shoulder using volume measurement.

Paper #12 - Proximal Long Head Biceps Rupture: A Predictor of Rotator Cuff Pathology

Purpose To investigate whether acute rupture of the proximal long head biceps is a harbinger of disease of the nearby supraspinatus and subscapularis tendons. Methods A retrospective chart review from February 1, 2008, to August 31, 2016, was performed at our institution identifying patients who presented with an acute ( Results A total of 116 patients were included in this study (mean age: 61.9 ± 10.9 years). A significant proportion (n = 99; incidence: 85%) were found to have some degree of supraspinatus or subscapularis tendon tearing on MRI ( P P = .001). Full thickness rotator cuff tears were significantly more likely to involve the supraspinatus as opposed to the subscapularis (incidence: 44% and 21%; P = .002). Conclusions Despite the expected association of rotator cuff disease with increasing patient age, the results of this study also affirm the hypothesis that inflammation in the rotator cuff interval signaled by rupture of the long head of biceps is a harbinger of rotator cuff disease. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion regarding concomitant anterosuperior rotator cuff pathology in patients presenting with acute long head of biceps rupture. Early evaluation with advanced imaging should be strongly considered. Level of Evidence Level IV, case series.

Proximal Long Head Biceps Rupture: A Predictor of Rotator Cuff Pathology

To investigate whether acute rupture of the proximal long head biceps is a harbinger of disease of the nearby supraspinatus and subscapularis tendons. A retrospective chart review from February 1, 2008, to August 31, 2016, was performed at our institution identifying patients who presented with an acute (<12-week) history of "Popeye" deformity of the distal biceps and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the affected shoulder. MRI images were then reviewed in duplicate to determine supraspinatus and subscapularis tendon tear incidence, size, chronicity, and depth. The association between rotator cuff status and acute long head biceps rupture as well as patient age, sex, smoking status, hand dominance, and history of diabetes mellitus or trauma was then evaluated. A total of 116 patients were included in this study (mean age: 61.9 ± 10.9years). A significant proportion (n= 99; incidence: 85%) were found to have some degree of supraspinatus or subscapularis tendon tearing on MRI (P < .001). These patients were also found to be significantly older compared with those with an intact rotator cuff (mean age 63.3 ± 10.7 vs 54.2 ± 9.2; P= .001). Full thickness rotator cuff tears were significantly more likely to involve the supraspinatus as opposed to the subscapularis (incidence: 44% and 21%; P= .002). Despite the expected association of rotator cuff disease with increasing patient age, the results of this study also affirm the hypothesis that inflammation in the rotator cuff interval signaled by rupture of the long head of biceps is a harbinger of rotator cuff disease. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion regarding concomitant anterosuperior rotator cuff pathology in patients presenting with acute long head of biceps rupture. Early evaluation with advanced imaging should be strongly considered. Level IV, case series.

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.

Long-term efficacy of modified Bristow-Latarjet procedure in treatment of recurrent inferoanterior shoulder dislocation

Objective To investigate the long-term effects of modified Bristow-Latarjet operation for treatment of recurrent inferoanterior shoulder dislocation. Methods A retrospective case series study was done on 90 patients with recurrent inferoanterior shoulder dislocation treated by modified Bristow-Latarjet procedure from January 2001 to January 2016. There were 72 males and 18 females, with an average age of 36.8 years. There were 59 right shouders and 31 left shoulders, with dislocation for 4-32 times (mean, 13 times). Shoulder instability severity index score (ISIS) was 3-10 points (mean, 6.4 points). The duration of disease was 6-26 months (mean, 13 months). The operation methods were coracoid lateral incision with modification, rotator cuff interval approach, double hollow compression screw fixation, and bone congruent-arc technique in standing position. Clinical evaluation was done on postoperative recurrence of shoulder joint dislocation/subluxation, bone healing evaluated by X-ray and CT, Rowe score, simple shoulder function Test (SST) score, shoulder osteoarthritis score (Samilson-Prieto), body side shoulder external rotation angle and the subscapularis muscle strength. Results All patients were followed up for1-15 years (mean, 5.6 years). The rate of redislocation or subluxation during follow-up was zero. All transpositions of the coracoid got bone healing at postoperative 3-6 months. The Rowe score was increased significantly from (45.6±9.4)points preoperatively to (92.6±3.5)points postoperatively (P 0.05). With regards to subscapularis strength, the lift-off and belly-press in injured side were (4.9±0.9)kg and (4.4±1.0)kg, respectively (P>0.05). Lift-off and belly-off in normal side were (5.1±0.5)kg and (4.7±1.1)kg, respectively (P>0.05). Conclusion The modified Bristow-Latarjet operation is a reproducible and effective technique that can restore shoulder stability, with advantages of sound bone healing, free shoulder external rotation, low incidence of shoulder joint osteoarthritis, remaining of myodynamia under scapula and hence has long-term effects and is worth of clinical applicaiton. Key words: Shoulder joint; Shoulder dislocation; Bristow procedure

Do the Findings of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Arthrography, and Ultrasonography Reflect Clinical Impairment in Patients With Idiopathic Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder?

ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between arthrography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasonography (US) findings in patients with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis (IAC) of the shoulder and their clinical presentation as well as functional impairment. DesignCross-sectional observational study. SettingInstitutional practice. ParticipantsPatients (N=75) with a clinical diagnosis of unilateral IAC. InterventionsContrast-enhanced MRI, single-contrast arthrography, and US were performed in all patients. Main Outcome MeasuresThe thickness of the axillary recess, coracohumeral ligament (CHL), and enhanced portion in the rotator cuff interval was measured using MRI. Arthrography was used to calculate the total score of shoulder arthrographic criteria. US was used to measure the thickness of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) and CHL, and the IGHL ratio and CHL ratio were calculated by comparing those of the unaffected side. ResultsNone of the MRI parameters was correlated with clinical assessment scores. The total score of shoulder arthrographic criteria was negatively correlated with passive range of motion of the total shoulder motion (P<.05), shoulder forward flexion (P<.05), and abduction (P<.05). The total Constant-Murley score was well correlated with the total score of shoulder arthrographic criteria (P<.05). The total shoulder joint space capacity was positively correlated with passive range of motion of the total shoulder motion (P<.05) and shoulder forward flexion (P<.05). The IGHL thickness, IGHL ratio, CHL thickness, and CHL ratio were negatively correlated with shoulder external rotation (P<.05). ConclusionsThe findings of arthrography and US in patients with IAC of the shoulder were correlated with clinical assessment scores, whereas all measuring parameters on MRI were not. US is recommended as the preferred option for diagnosing IAC of the shoulder because it is noninvasive, reflects the clinical features of IAC, and provides anatomical accuracy.

Pulley lesions in rotator cuff tears: prevalence, etiology, and concomitant pathologies.

This study aimed to demonstrate the prevalence of lesions in the biceps pulley complex in a representative, consecutive series of rotator cuff tears and rotator cuff interval treatments. We also analyzed associated tear pattern of rotator cuff injuries and superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions. We evaluated the relationships of these lesions to traumatic genesis and the prevalence of pulley lesions in revision cases. This retrospective study analyzed all pre- and intra-operative documentation on arthroscopic rotator cuff reconstructions and isolated pulley lesion treatments performed by a single surgeon over 2 consecutive years. According to Habermeyer et al., we classified cases into four groups, based on the presence of additional or related complete or partial rotator cuff tears, SLAP lesions, trauma, and primary or revision surgery. Among 382 patients with rotator cuff tears, 345 (90.3%) had an injured pulley system; 151 (43.8%) had partial tears of the rotator cuff; out of these, 106 (30.6%) were articular-sided. All of these articular-sided partial tears showed extension into the pulley complex. In 154 cases (44.6%), history of shoulder trauma was associated with the beginning of symptoms. In addition, concomitant SLAP lesions occurred in 25-62% of pulley lesions, correlating with the severity of pulley lesions. Among the 345 cases, there have been 32 (9.3%) revision cases where a pulley lesion was intra-operatively identified and addressed. Pulley complex lesions are present in 90.3% of surgically treated rotator cuff lesions, particularly in articular-sided injuries. In addition, we found a significant relationship between the incidence of SLAP lesions and the severity of pulley lesions. It seems reasonable to assume an important role of pulley system injuries in the pathogenesis of rotator cuff lesions.

Posterior Decentering of the Humeral Head on Shoulder MR Arthrography: Significant Association With Posterior Synovial Proliferation.

The purpose of this study is to analyze MRI findings associated with posterior decentering of the humeral head on shoulder MR arthrogram. A total of 255 MR arthrograms were obtained during a 10-month period. MR arthrograms in patients with posterior decentering of the humeral head (n = 33) were reviewed and compared with those of randomly selected control group without posterior decentering (n = 66). MR arthrograms were retrospectively evaluated by two observers for posterior factors (posterior synovial proliferation, posterior capsular thickening, and posterior labral abnormality), rotator cuff factors related to fatty degeneration, glenoid version, and anterior factors (subcoracoid bursa effusion and rotator interval tear). The chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and linear-by-linear association were used for comparison of categoric data; the t test was used for comparison of the glenoid version; and multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed. At univariate analysis, posterior synovial proliferation (27.3% [9/33] in the posterior decentering group vs 6.1% [4/66] in the control group; p = 0.003); posterior capsule thickening (21.2% [7/33] vs 0.0% [0/66]; p < 0.001); fatty infiltration of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor (linear-by-linear association values, 7.944, 10.496, and 5.985, respectively; p = 0.005, 0.001, and 0.014, respectively); and rotator interval tear (51.5% [17/33] vs 30.3% [20/66]; p < 0.04) were more frequently found in the posterior decentering group, with a statistically significant difference. At multivariate analysis, only the posterior synovial proliferation was significantly associated with posterior decentering of the humeral head (odds ratio, 7.675; 95% CI, 2.159-27.288). Posterior decentering of the humeral head is most significantly associated with posterior synovial proliferation. In addition, rotator cuff interval abnormalities and rotator cuff atrophy are associated with posterior decentering of the humeral head to a lesser extent. Awareness of the association of the posterior decentering of the humeral head with the factors described here will facilitate the effective interpretation of routine MR arthrograms in daily practice.

HEALING PATTERN OF INTERLOCKED INTRAMEDULLARY NAILED HUMERAL SHAFT FRACTURE

Design: Study on the cases of the united interlocked intramedullary (IM) nailed humeral shaft fractures. Objective: To assess the healing pattern of nailed humeral shaft fracture and to compare it with the results of the other previous authors’ nail-treated large bone fractures. Background data: Based on the relevant previous studies related with healing patterns of the interlocked IM nail-managed humeral shaft fractures, the current age-matched study on the participating callus for union was conceived. The comparative study on the healing patterns between the fractures of non-weight-bearing long bone — the humerus — and other large weight-bearing long bones have never been carried out previously. Materials and methods: Eighty-nine cases of the humeral shaft fractures, fixated with antegrade interlocked IM standard Kuentscher nail were subjected to the study. The patients’ ages ranged from the late teens to 9th decade of life. For the antegrade nailing, two entry points were chosen; conventional entry point in the early series, and rotator cuff interval in the late series. Results: External callus was very rarely formed [12 cases (13.4%)]. It was formed at post-fixation 6.5 weeks on average in cases with unreduced displaced fragment, and proximal interlocking. Radiographic union occurred at post-fixation 17.6 weeks on an average by primary osteonal callus. Conclusion: It was concluded that in most cases union was obtained primarily by the contact or gap healing irrespective of the patients’ ages, and that periosteal participation was very rare or negligible. Use of smaller diameter nail or new development of less rigid IM nail without external nail shape change is thought desirable to induce periosteal callus in early healing stage.

Fat distribution in the rotator cuff interval determining the coracohumeral ligament visualization: Magnetic resonance imaging findings

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze how fat distribution in the rotator cuff interval (RCI) in normal volunteer shoulders determines the coracohumeral ligament (CHL) visualization, including the CHL visualization rate, type, and thickness, using routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and Methods: This study prospectively analyzed 120 shoulder joints in 60 normal volunteer individuals (30 males and 30 females) using MRI to identify the fat distribution type in the RCI as well as the CHL visualization rate, type, and thickness. Results: The fat in the RCI was visualized in 110 of 120 shoulders (91.7%) while the fat in the RCI was not identifiable in 8.3% of normal volunteer shoulders. The fat distribution in the RCI was classified into five types: Type A (52.5%), Type B (26.7%), Type C (5.8%), Type D (6.7%), and Type E (8.3%). The CHL types included the horizontal type (73.3%), upsloping type (12.5%), downsloping type (5.9%), and unseen type (8.3%) (The CHL was not identifiable in 8.3% of normal volunteer shoulders). No significant difference existed for the fat distribution types in the RCI or the CHL visualization rate, types, or thickness in either different lateral shoulders or different gender shoulders, using a Chi-square test (P &gt; 0.05). In addition, no significant correlation emerged between body mass index (23.4 ± 2.5, n = 110) and the CHL thickness (3.1 ± 1.3 mm) in normal volunteer shoulders, using the Pearson correlation test (n = 110) (r = −0.095, P&gt; 0.05). Conclusion: MRI is a satisfactory method for determining the fat distribution in the RCI and CHL depiction in normal volunteer shoulders. The fat distribution in the RCI determines the CHL visualization, including the CHL visualization rate, type, and thickness.

Three Cases of Rare Anatomic Variations of the Long Head of Biceps Brachii

In general, the long head of the biceps brachii originates from the superior glenoid labrum and the supraglenoid tubercle, crosses the rotator cuff interval, and extends into the bicipital groove. However, rare anatomic variations of the origins of the long head have been reported in the past. In this report, we review the clinical history, radiologic findings, and arthroscopic identifications of 3 anatomic variants of the biceps tendon long head. As the detection of long head of biceps tendon pathology during preoperative radiologic assessment can be difficult without prior knowledge, surgeons should be aware of such possible anatomic variations.