Traumatic Instability Research Articles

Subscapularis Muscle Radiographic Integrity and Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Anatomic Glenoid Reconstruction With Distal Tibial Allograft

Background: Shoulder stabilization surgery has evolved over time, and bony augmentation procedures on the glenoid side are being performed more often. The Latarjet procedure modifies subscapularis anatomy because the conjoined tendon divides the subscapularis muscle fibers through a split/takedown, which has structural and functional implications. Arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction (AAGR) re-creates anatomy. This technique uses the Halifax portal to deploy and fix a distal tibial allograft (DTA) through the rotator interval, thus preserving the subscapularis anatomy. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to analyze the radiographic properties of the subscapularis muscle after AAGR. It was hypothesized that the subscapularis muscle structure remains preserved postoperatively. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A retrospective review was performed comprising a consecutive series of patients treated with AAGR with DTA between November 2012 and April 2021 for traumatic anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss. Patients were excluded if they had posterior instability, glenoid fracture, missing pre- or postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans, or only CT arthrogram available. Radiographic variables measured on CT scans included estimates of subscapularis muscle volume, subscapularis/infraspinatus muscle ratio, and fatty infiltration according to the Goutallier classification. Pre- and postoperative Western Ontario Shoulder Instability index scores were collected as a secondary outcome of this study. Results: Ninety-three patients were included in the study with a clinical follow-up of 2.3 ± 1.5 years (mean ± SD). The subscapularis volume increased from 185.91 ± 45.85 mL preoperatively to 194.1 ± 49.0 mL postoperatively (P = .006). The subscapularis to infraspinatus muscle ratio showed a significant increase from 0.96 ± 0.27 to 1.05 ± 0.30 after surgery (P = .002). All patients had a Goutallier stage of 0 before and after surgery. The Western Ontario Shoulder Instability scores showed a significant improvement from 64.8 ± 15.5 preoperatively to 28.2 ± 24.0 postoperatively (P < .001). Conclusion: Patients who undergo AAGR with DTA for traumatic shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss have a preserved subscapularis muscle volume with no fatty infiltration, while showing a significant improvement in clinical outcomes.

Establishing Clinically Significant Improvement for Patients After Arthroscopic Surgery for Shoulder Instability With Large Labral Tears.

Patients with large labral tears represent a subset of traumatic shoulder instability cases. Outcomes after arthroscopic stabilization in these patients have been studied less compared with other tears. To establish minimal clinically important difference (MCID), Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS), and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) thresholds for patients after arthroscopic repair of labral tears ≥270°. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) included the Rowe instability score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. A total of 52 arthroscopic large labral repairs (52 patients, mean age 28.7 years) performed in male active-duty military patients with a mean follow-up of 79.2 months (range, 24-117 months) met inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. All included patients completed the Rowe, ASES, SANE, and VAS pain preoperatively and at final follow-up, and the MCID, PASS, and SCB were calculated for each PROM score. Factors associated with achieving clinically relevant improvement were also calculated. The MCID, PASS, and SCB, respectively, for each PROM were as follows: 10.4 points, 90, and 35 points for the Rowe; 9.7 points, 80, and 43 points for the ASES; 9.9 points, 87, and 65 points for the SANE; and 1.1 points, 3, and 6 points for VAS pain. More than 90% of patients improved according to the MCID for each PROM, while >75% achieved the PASS threshold for each score. The percentage of patients who improved according to the SCB ranged from 9.6% for the ASES to 75% for the SANE. Maintenance of active-duty status was associated with achieving the MCID for the ASES and SANE, while recurrent instability was associated with lower rates of Rowe MCID achievement and SANE PASS achievement. Higher preoperative scores were also associated with lower rates of achieving clinical improvement. Thresholds found for the MCID, PASS, and SCB in active-duty patients undergoing surgery for shoulder instability with labral tears ≥270° were similar to those for all-comers with anterior instability. Factors associated with achieving success or lack thereof on PROMs included maintenance of active-duty status and lower preoperative PROM scores.

Return to Play After Shoulder Stabilization –What If This Isn't Going Well?

Traumatic shoulder instability is prevalent among athletes, often leading to surgical intervention and challenging rehabilitation outcomes. This chapter explores the complexities surrounding return to play (RTP) following shoulder stabilization procedures, highlighting the significant variance in RTP rates and the common lag in returning to pre-injury performance levels, particularly in throwing athletes. Factors influencing successful outcomes include the nature of the instability, surgical approach, and individual athlete characteristics. A consensus on RTP criteria remains elusive, with a predominant reliance on time-based recovery, yet evidence suggests that other physical and psychological variables must be considered. Emphasizing a shared decision-making process and ongoing assessment of range of motion, strength, and proprioception, this chapter aims to identify key deficits and interventions that can enhance rehabilitation success for athletes struggling to return to play. Effective communication among the sports medicine team and the athlete is essential to optimize adherence to rehabilitation protocols and improve overall outcomes.

Clinical Outcomes and Return to Play in Dynamic Anterior Glenohumeral Capsular Ligament Tensioning Procedure for Overhead-throwing Athletes with Traumatic Shoulder Dislocation on the Throwing Side

BackgroundAlthough arthroscopic Bankart repair for shoulder instability after a traumatic shoulder dislocation is a standard procedure, return-to-play rates for overhead-throwing athletes with shoulder instability on the throwing side have been reported to be lower than those in non-overhead athletes or in non-throwing shoulders. A recent technical report showed that the dynamic anterior glenohumeral capsular ligament tensioning (DAGHT) procedure in abducted external rotation, which mimics the late cocking phase of the throwing motion during surgery, may provide optimal tensioning of the anterior glenohumeral ligament. This study compared clinical outcomes and return to play after arthroscopic Bankart repair between DAGHT and a conventional procedure for overhead-throwing athletes with traumatic dislocation on the throwing side. MethodsWe retrospectively examined patients with traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair. The inclusion criteria were being an overhead-throwing athlete, having the injury on the throwing side, evidence of anterior shoulder dislocation, and evidence of Bankart lesions on magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical scores were evaluated using Jobe’s postoperative grading system; the Kerlan–Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) Overhead Athletes Shoulder and Elbow Score; the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI); the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) sports module; return to play; and return to the same level. ResultsThirty-four patients (eight females and 26 males; mean age, 18.0±4.0 years) were divided into two groups: 16 with shoulder stabilization in the resting position (control group) and 18 with shoulder stabilization with DAGHT (DAGHT group). Jobe’s score was significantly greater in the DAGHT group than in the control group (88.9% and 18.8% in excellent rate, respectively; P<.001). External rotation at abduction and the KJOC, WOSI, and DASH scores were significantly greater in the DAGHT group than in the control group (94.5 vs. 85.0; 81.1 vs. 55.7; 83.8 vs. 58.4; 11.8 vs. 27.0; P=.008, <.001, <.001, and =.019, respectively). Although return-to-play rates were not significantly different between the control and DAGHT groups (93.8% vs. 100%; P=.47), return-to-the-same-level rates were significantly better in the DAGHT group than in the control group (77.8% vs. 37.5%; P=.035). ConclusionArthroscopic shoulder stabilization with the DAGHT procedure on the throwing side of overhead-throwing athletes resulted in lesser restriction of external rotation, better clinical outcomes, and higher return-to-the-same-level rate than arthroscopic shoulder stabilization with conventional tensioning. The DAGHT procedure in abduction and external rotation may represent a solution for a traumatic shoulder instability on the throwing side in overhead-throwing athletes. Level of EvidenceLevel III; Retrospective Cohort Comparison; Treatment Study

Paediatric Knee Injuries: A Narrative Review.

The prevalence of paediatric knee injuries is increasing due to higher participation in competitive sports, larger build and more use of imaging in diagnosis. A thorough history of injury (including mechanism and symptoms of pain and instability), together with a comprehensive examination (presence of an effusion, tender areas, range of movement and joint laxity) will dictate the need for radiological investigations. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is indicated in most paediatric patients with a history of injury and an acute knee effusion, which indicates damage to an intra-articular structure. Red flags requiring onward referral to a specialist include diagnosed fractures, traumatic knee effusion, instability, or persistent unexplained nocturnal pain or lump. Correct identification and management of injuries will help reduce long-term morbidity. The aim of this review is to provide the reader with an understanding of the management of paediatric knee injuries at primary presentation in the community setting or emergency department.

Are Psychological Variables and Time Since Surgery Related to Rotator Cuff Strength and Functional Performance in Cadets After Shoulder Stabilization Surgery?

Traumatic shoulder instability is a common injury in the general population and the military. Surgical stabilization surgery reduces recurrence rates compared with nonsurgical management. Time since surgery is generally the primary measure of return to sport. There is a gap in knowledge on psychological variables and time since surgery and their relationship to rotator cuff strength and functional performance. It was hypothesized that, after shoulder stabilization surgery, psychological factors and time since surgery will be associated positively with objective physical performance tests, that physical performance will differ significantly between postsurgery cadets and healthy controls, and that surgical stabilization of the nondominant arm will demonstrate greater range of motion deficits than surgical intervention on the dominant arm. Case-control study. Level 4. The 52 participants (26 postsurgical [6-24 months after surgery] and 26 healthy controls) were all military cadets. Outcome measures were patient-reported outcomes, range of motion, isometric strength, and functional performance. No significant relationships existed between time since surgery and psychological factors to rotator cuff strength or functional performance. Significant differences were found between groups in self-reported outcomes, including the Shoulder Instability Return to Sport After Injury scale, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, quickDASH, flexion and external rotation (ER), and ER limb symmetry. Those who received dominant-sided shoulder surgery demonstrated a greater mean active range of motion deficit than those who received nondominant-sided surgery. Both groups demonstrated a significant loss in ER, but dominant-sided surgical participants also demonstrated significant flexion loss. Time since surgery and psychological variables did not demonstrate a relationship to rotator cuff strength and functional performance. Significant differences existed between the stabilization surgical participants and healthy controls in all patient-reported outcomes. Surgical participants with dominant-sided shoulder surgery demonstrated a greater mean motion deficit when compared with those who received nondominant-sided surgery.

Primary Stability of Kyphoplasty in Incomplete Vertebral Body Burst Fractures in Osteoporosis: A Biomechanical Investigation.

Background: The objective of our study was to biomechanically evaluate the use of kyphoplasty to stabilize post-traumatic segmental instability in incomplete burst fractures of the vertebrae. Methods: The study was performed on 14 osteoporotic spine postmortem samples (Th11-L3). First, acquisition of the native multisegmental kinematics in our robot-based spine tester with three-dimensional motion analysis was set as a baseline for each sample. Then, an incomplete burst fracture was generated in the vertebral body L1 with renewed kinematic testing. After subsequent kyphoplasty was performed on the fractured vertebral body, primary stability was examined again. Results: Initially, a significant increase in the range of motion after incomplete burst fracture generation in all three directions of motion (extension-flexion, lateral tilt, axial rotation) was detected as proof of post-traumatic instability. There were no significant changes to the native state in the adjacent segments. Radiologically, a significant loss of height in the fractured vertebral body was also shown. Traumatic instability was significantly reduced by kyphoplasty. However, native kinematics were not restored. Conclusions: Although post-traumatic segmental instability was significantly reduced by kyphoplasty in our in vitro model, native kinematics could not be reconstructed, and significant instability remained.

Clinical and Radiographic Results After Treatment of Traumatic Syndesmotic Instability Using a Novel Screw-Suture Syndesmotic Fixation Device.

The objective of this study was to report early outcomes of a novel screw-suture syndesmotic device compared with suture button fixation devices when treating traumatic syndesmotic instability. Retrospective chart review. Single academic Level 1 Trauma Center. All adult patients who had syndesmotic fixation with the novel device [novel syndesmotic repair implant (NSRI) group] compared with a suture button device (SB group) between January 2018 and December 2022. Medial clear space and tibiofibular overlap measurements were compared immediately postoperatively and at the final follow-up. Patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year or skeletal healing. Fifty-nine patients (25 female) with an average age of 47 years (range 19-78 years) were in the NSRI group compared with 52 patients (20 female) with an average age of 41 years (range 18-73 years) in the SB group. There were no significant differences when comparing body mass index, diabetes, or smoking status between groups (P > 0.05). There was no difference when comparing the postoperative and final medial clear space measurements in the NSRI group compared with the SB group (P = 0.86; 95% confidence interval, -0.32 to 0.27). There was no difference when comparing the postoperative and final tibiofibular overlap measurements in the NSRI group compared with the SB group (P = 0.79; 95% confidence interval, -0.072 to 0.09). There were 3 cases of implant removal in the NSRI group compared with 2 in the SB group (P = 0.77). There was 1 failure in the NSRI group and none in the SB group. The remaining patients were all fully ambulatory at the final follow-up (P = 0.35). A novel screw-suture syndesmotic implant provides the fixation of a screw, and the flexibility of a suture had similar radiographic outcomes compared with suture button fixation devices in treating ankle syndesmotic instability. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Ulnohumeral Cross-Pinning in the Management of Traumatic Elbow Instability

Traumatic elbow instability (subluxation and dislocation) represents a challenging clinical entity that can be complicated by persistent intraoperative instability after attempted stabilization or recurrent postoperative instability. Both static and dynamic supplemental stabilization procedures have been described for cases where fracture fixation and ligament repair fail to restore stability. There is a paucity of prior studies involving ulnohumeral cross-pinning (UCP), which is a type of static supplemental stabilization. Our purpose was to assess complications and outcomes after UCP. We reviewed all surgical cases involving primary and revision UCP for traumatic elbow instability at a single center from 2017-2023. Baseline demographics were recorded. Outcomes including radiographs, range of motion, patient-reported outcome measures, and surgical complications were analyzed. Fourteen patients undergoing UCP were included with a mean follow-up of 27 months. Five cross-pinnings (36%) were performed during revision procedures. Mean visual analog scale (VAS) pain, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH), and the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scores were 2.4, 34, and 69, respectively. The mean flexion-extension and pronation-supination arcs were 114° and 140°, with 85% achieving at least a 100° arc for flexion and forearm rotation. Five patients (36%) had complications, all of which required reoperation. Two complications involved postoperative instability: one radial head subluxation and one radial head dislocation. Both occurred in revision UCP cases indicated for recurrent postoperative instability. Ulnohumeral cross-pinning for persistent and recurrent elbow instability results in maintained ulnohumeral joint alignment, functional arcs of elbow range of motion, and acceptable patient-reported outcome measures, particularly in the setting of a primary procedure indicated for persistent intraoperative instability. Ulnohumeral cross-pinning is a reasonable supplemental stabilization procedure for complex elbow instability. Therapeutic IV.

A comparison of conventional 3.0-Tesla nonenhanced magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopic findings of the anteroinferior capsulolabral complex in patients with traumatic anterior shoulder instability

This study aimed to evaluate the association between specific, reproducible findings of an anteroinferior capsulolabral complex obtained using conventional 3.0-Tesla nonenhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pathologic arthroscopic findings and to assess the confidence level of the findings. Of 125 cases of traumatic anterior instability surgery from January 2017 to November 2019, 66 patients (52 men, 14 women; 23.5±7.9 year old) who underwent conventional 3.0-Tesla MRI at our hospital were reviewed. The following anteroinferior capsulolabral complex features were observed on the T2-star axial image: size difference of the labrum (swelling, diminished), difference in marginal and internal signals (irregularity), and capsule edema image (capsular thickening). We also reviewed fraying, flattening, cracking, and capsular hypertrophy as pathologic arthroscopic findings of the capsulolabral complex. These findings allowed for the simultaneous description of the MRI and arthroscopic evaluations. Three orthopedic surgeons and one radiologist measured the interobserver reliability. We investigated the correlation between the MRI and arthroscopic findings. The interobserver reliability of MRI irregularities was low (κ=-0.16), whereas reliability was moderate (κ=0.554-0.595) for swelling in 22 cases (33%), diminished in 34 cases (52%), and capsular thickness in 40 cases (59%). Labral detachment was found in 26 patients (39%) and fluid collection in 24 patients (36%). The agreement of MRI findings with arthroscopic findings was κ=0.46 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.268-0.654) for swelling to fraying; κ=0.42 (95% CI: 0.202-0.638) for swelling to capsular hypertrophy; and 0.46 (95% CI: 0.268-0.654) for flattening to diminished. The swelling and diminished findings of the anteroinferior capsulolabral complex on conventional MRI were moderately related to pathologic arthroscopic findings in patients with traumatic anterior shoulder instability. These findings contribute to achieving an accurate clinical diagnosis.

CSP2023: 123 - Rehabilitation guidelines following arthroscopic stabilisation surgery for traumatic instability - A Delphi consensus

CSP2023: 123 - Rehabilitation guidelines following arthroscopic stabilisation surgery for traumatic instability - A Delphi consensus

Rehabilitation guidelines following arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation surgery for traumatic instability – a Delphi consensus

BackgroundThere is no consistent approach to rehabilitation following arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation surgery (ASSS) in the UK. The aim of this study was to agree a set of post-operative guidelines for clinical practice. MethodExpert stakeholders (surgeons, physiotherapists and patients) were identified via professional networks and patient involvement and engagements groups. A three-stage online Delphi study was undertaken. Consensus was defined by the OMERACT threshold of 70% agreement. Results11 surgeons, 22 physiotherapists and 4 patients participated. It was agreed patients should be routinely immobilised in a sling for up to 3 weeks but can discard earlier if able. During the immobilisation period, patients should move only within a defined “safe zone.” Permitted functional activities include using cutlery, lifting a drink, slicing bread, using kitchen utensils, wiping a table, light dusting, pulling up clothing, washing/drying dishes. Closing car doors or draining saucepans should be avoided. Through range movements can commence after 4 weeks, resisted movements at 6 weeks. Patients can resume light work as they feel able and return to manual work after 12 weeks.Return to non-contact sports when functional markers for return to play are met was agreed. Return to contact sport is based on function & confidence after a minimum of 12 weeks. Additional factors to consider when determining rehabilitation progression: functional/physical milestones, patient’s confidence and presence of kinesiophobia. The preferred outcome measure is the Oxford Instability Shoulder Score. ConclusionThis consensus provides expert recommendations for the development of rehabilitation guidelines following ASSS. Contribution of the paper•This paper is the first to provide expert recommendations for patients undergoing rehabilitation following arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation surgery.•This paper provides clinicians and patients with expert guidance on appropriate expectations regarding functional restriction and progression following arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation surgery.•In the absence of national clinical guidelines for this patient group, these recommendations will reduce variation and improve quality of care.•The knowledge acquired from this study will also lay the foundation for clinical guidelines to be developed.•The results of this study also demonstrate the need for further, empirical work to be carried out in this area.

Comparison of iCT-based navigation and fluoroscopic-guidance for atlantoaxial screw placement in 78 patients with traumatic cervical spine injuries

Background contextStudies have shown biomechanical superiority of cervical pedicle screw placement over other techniques. However, accurate placement is challenging due to the inherent risk of neurovascular complications. Navigation technology based on intraoperative 3D imaging allows highly accurate screw placement, yet studies specifically investigating screw placement in patients with traumatic atlantoaxial injuries are scarce. The aim of this study was to compare atlantoaxial screw placement as treatment of traumatic instabilities using iCT-based navigation or fluoroscopic-guidance with intraoperative 3D control scans.MethodsThis was a retrospective review of patients with traumatic atlantoaxial injuries treated operatively with dorsal stabilization of C1 and C2. Patients were either assigned to the intraoperative navigation or fluoroscopic-guidance group. Screw accuracy, procedure time, and revisions were compared.ResultsSeventy-eight patients were included in this study with 51 patients in the navigation group and 27 patients in the fluoroscopic-guidance group. In total, 312 screws were placed in C1 and C2. Screw accuracy was high in both groups; however, pedicle perforations > 1 mm occurred significantly more often in the fluoroscopic-guidance group (P = 0.02). Procedure time was on average 23 min shorter in the navigation group (P = 0.02).ConclusionsThis study contributes to the available data showing that navigated atlantoaxial screw placement proves to be feasible as well as highly accurate compared to the fluoroscopic-guidance technique without prolonging the time needed for surgery. When comparing these data with other studies, the application of different classification systems for assessment of screw accuracy should be considered.

Knowledge and Care Quality of Physiotherapy Technologists in the Management of Common Shoulder Disorders: Results from a Survey in the Province of Quebec, Canada

Purpose: In Québec, physiotherapy technologist (Phys.T.) scope of practice allows them to complete the evaluation and treat various musculoskeletal disorders, including shoulder disorders, after an initial assessment by a referring provider. They may need to re-evaluate and refer back to the providers if a patient does not progress in a satisfactory manner. Our purpose is to evaluate knowledge and care of practicing Phys.T. in identifying and managing overall care for common shoulder disorders. Method: A survey presented four clinical vignettes featuring common shoulder disorders. Survey participants provided information regarding diagnosis, imaging recommendations, specialist referrals, medical and rehabilitation care, and their confidence in managing these clinical cases. Responses were compared to recommendations from selected clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). Results: 43 Phys.T. completed the survey, with the majority accurately identifying common shoulder disorders across all vignettes (74%–94%). Compliance with CPGs was observed for rotator cuff tendinopathy (60%) and adhesive capsulitis (61%), with most Phys.T. refraining from initial imaging tests. However, a significant proportion recommended imaging for acute full-thickness rotator cuff tear (52%) and recurrent traumatic glenohumeral instability (80%), in line with CPGs. Education and exercises were prioritized in all vignettes as per CPGs, although a proportion favored passive physical modalities not endorsed by CPGs (13%–72%). Conclusion: Most Phys.T. demonstrated adequate identification and management of shoulder disorders, reflecting their collaborative role in patient care. However, discrepancies existed in adherence to evidence-based recommendations, suggesting the need for additional training to optimize care pathways and inter-professional collaborations for shoulder and musculoskeletal disorders.

Location and size of the reverse Hill-Sachs lesion in patients with traumatic posterior shoulder instability

BackgroundIn patients with traumatic posterior shoulder instability, little is known about the precise location and size of the reverse Hill-Sachs lesion. MethodsForty-nine shoulders of 47 patients with traumatic posterior instability were included in this study based on the following inclusion criteria: 1) a primary or recurrent traumatic posterior shoulder dislocation, and 2) the initial event was caused by trauma. Patients were excluded if they had: 1) no history of trauma, 2) prior shoulder surgery, 3) no CT examination, or 4) seizure cases. Three-dimensional images of the humerus reconstructed from CT images were reviewed using an image analysis software. The location and size of the reverse Hill-Sachs lesion were measured and described on a clock face on the humeral head. ResultsThe reverse Hill-Sachs lesion was observed in 25 of 49 shoulders (51%). The reverse Hill-Sachs lesions were located between 1:37 and 2:48. The depth of the reverse Hill-Sachs lesion (mean ± SD) was 5.8 ± 2.2 mm. The extent of the reverse Hill-Sachs lesion was 35° ± 12°. The average orientation of the reverse Hill-Sachs lesion, represented by an angle measured from the 12 o'clock position, was 64° ± 12° and pointing towards 2:09 on a clock face. Length and width of reverse Hill-Sachs lesions were 9.7 ± 4.7 mm, 11.1 ± 3.6 mm, respectively. ConclusionThe reverse Hill-Sachs lesion was a semicircular compression fracture located on the anteromedial aspect of the humeral head. Compared with shoulders with anterior shoulder instability, the humeral defect was smaller and located more inferiorly in shoulders with posterior instability.

Standalone Anterior Reconstruction Approach in Traumatic Cervical Spine Instability Lesions

Standalone Anterior Reconstruction Approach in Traumatic Cervical Spine Instability Lesions

Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization in High School Football Players.

Destabilizing shoulder injuries are common in high school American football players; however, the rate of recurrent glenohumeral instability and return to play after arthroscopic labral stabilization surgery remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of recurrent instability on return to competitive high school football after arthroscopic shoulder labral stabilization and capsulorrhaphy procedures. It was hypothesized that the instability rate would be greater in players with more years of eligibility remaining (YER) to play at the high school level. Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Consecutive male high school football players with at least 1 YER who sustained at least 1 anterior traumatic inseason shoulder instability episode and underwent arthroscopic stabilization between 2012 and 2017 were identified. Patients and/or families were contacted by phone to discuss (1) recurrent instability episodes and (2) return to competitive sport and/or recreational athletic activity. Statistical analysis was conducted using chi-square tests to compare recurrent shoulder instability with return to play and YER. A total of 45 football players aged 14 to 17 years were included, with a mean follow-up of 4.1 years. Most patients (60%) chose not to return to competitive football, due mainly to fear of recurrent injury. Overall, the recurrent instability rate was 15.6% (7/45). The instability rate in players who returned to football was 16.7%, with 66.7% requiring revision surgery. The instability rate in patients who did not return to football was 14.8%, with no revision procedures required. In players who returned to football, the instability rate in YER group 4 was significantly higher than that in YER groups 1 to 3 (42% vs 10.5%, respectively, P = .03), with each year of play conferring an additional 10% risk of reinjury. There was a significant difference in the type of recurrent instability in players who returned to any sport versus those who did not (P = .029). High school football players who returned to competitive play after arthroscopic shoulder stabilization surgery experienced a higher rate of recurrent instability that was dependent on their YER. Over half of the players chose not to return to football, with fear of reinjury being the most common reason.

Arthroscopic capsular shift from inferior to superior has an exceptional safety profile and short-term outcomes

ObjectivesArthroscopic Bankart for anterior shoulder instability has a good safety profile but with a relatively high recurrence index. Open surgery has been used to decrease recurrence rates but with a higher complication rate. Arthroscopic capsular shift from inferior to superior (ACSIS) was designed to decrease the recurrence rates without the added morbidity of open surgery. MethodsAn observational retrospective study was conducted to analyze perioperative complications and patient reported outcomes of patients treated with ACSIS to determine the safety profile of the procedure. The patients with anterior traumatic shoulder instability treated with ACSIS between January 2015 and December 2021 were included for the study. The analysis was conducted using SPSS (Version 27). The pre vs. postoperative Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index scores were compared using a paired sample t-test or Wilcoxon signed ranks test depending on the results of the normality test and Levene's test. The significance level was 0.05 in all analyses. Thirty-six patients were included in this study, the mean age of the population is 30.8 ​± ​11.4 years, with a male dominance of 86.1% (N ​= ​31), and a mean clinical follow-up of 2.7 ​± ​1.2 years. ResultsNo intraoperative complications, including bleeding or neurovascular injury, were noted. Additionally, no early postoperative complications, including infection or hospital readmission, were noted. During the follow-up, one patient (3%) had persistent apprehension. The mean Western Ontario Shoulder Instability index decreased from 66.6 ​± ​13.10% to 27.9 ​± ​22% postoperatively (P ​< ​0.001). ConclusionsACSIS procedure is safe and has good short-term outcomes with a low recurrence rate at 1-year minimum follow-up. Level of Evidence3 (Observational study).

Patellofemoral Instability in Pediatric and Adolescent Athletes: A Review of Risk Factors and Treatments.

Pediatric patellar instability can impair function and restrict activity participation. If left untreated, it can lead to a degenerative knee. The incidence of patellar dislocations is highest in adolescents between 10 and 17 years of age; more than half of all first-time patellar dislocations occur during sports. This article reviews the evidence of risk factors for traumatic patellar instability, surgical interventions, and return-to-sport (RTS) considerations for pediatric and adolescent athletes. Anatomic risk factors for patellar instability in pediatric and adolescent patients include trochlear dysplasia, elevated tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, patella alta, genu valgum, femoral anteversion and tibial torsion, and hyperlaxity.

Outcomes of Shoulder Instability Surgery in Competitive Wrestlers: Outcomes, Reoperations, and Return to Play at 5 Years’ Mean Follow-up

Background: Wrestling is a physically demanding sport with young athletes prone to traumatic shoulder instability and a paucity of data evaluating the results of shoulder instability surgery (SIS). Purpose: To assess reoperation rates, patient-reported outcomes, and return to wrestling (RTW) after SIS in a cohort of competitive wrestlers. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All competitive wrestlers with a history of shoulder instability and subsequent surgery at a single institution between 1996 and 2020 were identified. All directions of shoulder instability (anterior shoulder instability [ASI], posterior shoulder instability [PSI], and traumatic multidirectional shoulder instability [TMDI]) were analyzed. Exclusions included revision SIS and <2 years of follow-up. Athletes were contacted for determination of complications, RTW, and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index scores. Results: Ultimately, 104 wrestlers were included with a mean age at initial instability of 16.9 years (range, 12.0-22.7 years), mean age at surgery of 18.9 years (range, 14.0-29.0 years), and a mean follow-up of 5.2 years (range, 2.0-22.0 years). A total of 58 (55.8%) wrestlers were evaluated after a single shoulder instability event, while 46 (44.2%) sustained multiple events before evaluation. ASI was the most common direction (n = 79; 76.0%), followed by PSI (n = 14; 13.5%) and TMDI (n = 11; 10.6%). Surgical treatment was most commonly an arthroscopic soft tissue stabilization (n = 88; 84.6%), with open soft tissue repair (n = 13; 12.5%) and open bony augmentation (n = 3; 2.9%) performed less frequently. RTW occurred in 57.3% of wrestlers at a mean of 9.8 months. Recurrent instability was the most common complication, occurring in 18 (17.3%) wrestlers. Revision SIS was performed in 15 (14.4%) wrestlers. Across the entire cohort, survivorship rates free from recurrent instability and revision surgery were 90.4% and 92.5% at 2 years, 71.9% and 70.7% at 5 years, and 71.9% and 66.5% at 10 years, respectively. Preoperative recurrent instability was an independent risk factor for postoperative recurrent instability (hazard ratio, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.33-11.03; P = .012). Conclusion: Competitive wrestlers with multiple dislocations before initial clinical evaluation were 3.8 times more likely to experience postoperative recurrent instability. Patients should be counseled that despite SIS, only 57.3% returned to wrestling after surgery.