Second-look arthroscopic findings and clinical outcomes after management of intra-articular lesions in acute ankle fractures with arthroscopy

BackgroundAnatomically surgical reduction of ankle fractures does not always result in a clinically favorable outcome. Arthroscopic examination combined with treatment of intra-articular lesion may related to clinical outcomesObjectivesThe purpose of the present study was to review initial and second look arthroscopic finding of acute ankle fracture and to evaluate clinical outcomes.ResultsLauge-Hansen classification system of ankle fractures included supination-external rotation type (n = 24), supination-adduction type (n = 3), pronation-external rotation type (n = 7), and pronation-abduction type (n = 6), total 40 ankles. Osteochondral lesions were found in 25 ankles (62%) with an initial arthroscopic finding of acute ankle fracture. Newly discovered chondral lesions in secondary arthroscopy were found in 17 cases. According to the Ferkel and Cheng staging at secondary arthroscopy, 4 of 25 ankles with osteochondral lesions of the talus were deteriorating (more than stage D). In terms of ICRS overall repair grades, 5 ankles (20%) were abnormal (grade III). Diffuse synovitis and arthrofibrosis were found in 12 and 7 ankles, respectively, in secondary arthroscopy, and correlations were found between AOFAS scores, VAS and intra-articular lesions.ConclusionSecond-look arthroscopic examination combined with treatment of intra-articular lesion such as arthrofibrosis and osteochondral lesion arising from ankle fracture surgery may consider to improve clinical outcomes.     

Arthroscopic treatment of synovial chondromatosis in the ankle joint

INTRODUCTION

Synovial chondromatosis is characterized by the presence of metaplastic cartilage nodules originating from the synovia, bursa and tendon sheaths. Although it is extremely rare in the ankle joint, malignant transformation is possible. The choice of treatment is usually open surgery for excision of loose bodies and synovectomy. Limited data is available concerning arthroscopic approaches.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 28-year-old male patient was evaluated for pain and swelling of the right ankle joint. Based on the findings of physical examination and radiographic investigations, arthroscopic surgery was performed due to ankle impingement syndrome. A diagnosis of synovial osteochondromatosis was made following the pathological survey.

DISCUSSION

Synovial chondromatosis is slowly progressive and is considered to be a self-limiting situation. Treatment strategies are decided on according to the patient''s complaints, age and disease stage. Open or arthroscopic surgery. can be performed. Some advantages of arthroscopic surgery are wide visualization areas, easy access to areas difficult to reach, lower morbidity, no necessity for casting and immobilization, early rehabilitation and quick recovery period.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, arthroscopic management can be successful in selected patients with synovial osteochondromatosis localized to the ankle joint.     

Intra-articular Lesions in Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability: Comparison of Arthroscopy with Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings

Background

Chronic lateral ankle instability often accompanies intra-articular lesions, and arthroscopy is often useful in diagnosis and treatment of intra-articular lesions.

Methods

Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations and arthroscopic findings were reviewed retrospectively and compared in 65 patients who underwent surgery for chronic lateral ankle instability from January 2006 to January 2010. MR images obtained were assessed by two radiologists, and the inter- and intra-observer reliability was calculated. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were evaluated.

Results

Abnormalities of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) were found in all 65 (100%) cases. In arthroscopy examinations, 33 (51%) cases had talar cartilage lesions, and 3 (5%) cases had ''tram-track'' cartilage lesion. Additionally, 39 (60%) cases of synovitis, 9 (14%) cases of anterior impingement syndrome caused by osteophyte, 14 (22%) cases of impingement syndrome caused by fibrotic band and tissue were found. Sensitivity of MRI examination for each abnormality was: ATFL, 60%; osteochondral lesion of talus (OLT), 46%; syndesmosis injury, 21%; synovitis, 21%; anterior impingement syndrome caused by osteophyte, 22%. Paired intra-observer reliability was measured by a kappa statistic of 0.787 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.641 to 0.864) for ATFL injury, 0.818 (95% CI, 0.743 to 0.908) for OLT, 0.713 (95% CI, 0.605 to 0.821) for synovitis, and 0.739 (95% CI, 0.642 to 0.817) for impingement. Paired inter-observer reliability was measured by a kappa statistic of 0.381 (95% CI, 0.241 to 0.463) for ATFL injury, 0.613 (95% CI, 0.541 to 0.721) for OLT, 0.324 (95% CI, 0.217 to 0.441) for synovitis, and 0.394 (95% CI, 0.249 to 0.471) for impingement. Mean AOFAS score increased from 64.5 to 87.92 (p < 0.001) when there was no intra-articular lesion, from 61.07 to 89.04 (p < 0.001) in patients who had one intra-articular lesion, and from 61.12 to 87.6 (p < 0.001) in patients who had more than two intra-articular lesions.

Conclusions

Although intra-articular lesion in patients with chronic lateral ankle instability is usually diagnosed with MRI, its sensitivity and inter-observer reliability are low. Therefore, arthroscopic examination is strongly recommended because it improved patients'' residual symptoms and significantly increased patient satisfaction.     

Intra-articular Patterns of Bucket Handle Meniscal Tears and Its Relation to Reducibility

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the intra-articular patterns in the rotational deformities of bucket handle meniscal tears (BHMTs) based on arthroscopic findings and their clinical relevance.

Methods

From 2004 to 2009, 42 patients with a BHMT diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging underwent arthroscopic surgery. The arthroscopic data (all procedures were recorded) were evaluated retrospectively, and BHMTs were classified according to the rotational directions of centrally displaced fragments. To assess the reliability of the agreement in this classification, 2 orthopedic surgeons re-classified BHMTs, 1 week after first trial. Intra- and interobserver reliabilities were assessed using kappa statistics. In addition, we address specific tear patterns, associated anterior cruciate ligament injury, medio-lateral difference, reducibility, chronicity, and reparability.

Results

Most of the tears could be categorized into one of 3 morphologic patterns. Of the tears, 4.8% could not be categorized. BHMTs were classified, based on the rotational directions of centrally displaced fragments, as follows; the upward rotation group (type 1), the downward rotation group (type 2) and the reverse group (type 3). The most common intra-articular pattern was type 1 (29 patients, 69%). The occurrence of the other patterns was: type 2 in 7 patients (16.7%), type 3 in 4 patients (9.5%); we were not able to make a classification of type in 2 patients (4.8%). Intra-observer reliability was 0.86 in terms of kappa statistics, which implies almost perfect agreement. Mean interobserver reliability (0.73) showed substantial agreement. Type 1 and 2 tears were easily reduced, whereas all type 3 tears (4/4) needed additional procedures to achieve reduction.

Conclusions

Based on arthroscopic findings, we describe a comprehensive BHMT classification scheme that encompasses 95.2% of all tears. Tear type was correlated with reducibility.     

Articular-sided rotator cuff tears: which is the best repair? A three-year prospective randomised controlled trial

Purpose

To compare two groups of patients who underwent two different arthroscopic procedures for repair of articular-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs).

Materials this is a comparative prospective study of two methods for repair of partial cuff tears

Thirty-two patients underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with a transtendon technique (group 1); 28 underwent arthroscopic full-thickness conversion and repair of the lesion (group 2). ROM measures, clinical findings, MRI features (tendon healing and re-tear), Constant–Murley and ASES scores were assessed pre- and postoperatively and compared. Patients were also asked about return to sport and level of activity.

Results

At the last appointment, patients of both the groups were significantly improved for clinical findings, ROM measures, imaging features, Constant–Murley and ASES scores than at baseline, without any significant inter-group difference. In group 1, 15 of 20 patients (75 %) who practiced recreational sport activities had returned to sport at the same level as before the onset of symptoms, without any discomfort. In group 2, 12 of 18 patients (67 %) had returned to the same level of sport activity they practiced before symptoms. At the last follow up, MRI showed rotator cuff healing in 31 patients of Group 1 and 27 patients of Group 2 (p = 0.83).

Conclusions

The two procedures are safe, effective, and comparable.     

Deltoid ligament integrity in lateral malleolar fractures: a comparative analysis of arthroscopic and radiographic assessments

Foot and ankle surgeons often rely on the medial clear space to evaluate competency of the deep deltoid ligament when evaluating ankle fractures. This investigation assesses the integrity of the deep deltoid ligament after lateral malleolar fracture by using direct arthroscopic visualization and medial clear-space separation on plain film radiographs. The objectives of this study were to test the reliability of medial clear-space separation and the Lauge-Hansen classification scheme in predicting deep deltoid rupture in displaced lateral malleolar fractures. The medial clear space was measured on injury radiographs of 40 patients with an isolated displaced lateral malleolar fracture who underwent open reduction and internal fixation. Injury radiographs were classified according to the Lauge-Hansen scheme. Direct arthroscopic visualization was used to evaluate the deep deltoid ligament under manual stress before fracture reduction. The mean preoperative medial clear space in patients with a deep deltoid rupture (n = 13) was 6.6 +/- 2.4 mm (range, 4 to 12 mm), and in patients without a deep deltoid rupture (n = 26), it was 4.0 +/- 1.0 mm (range, 2.5 to 6 mm) (P =.002, 2-sample t test). At an injury medial clear space > or =3 mm, the false positive rate for deltoid rupture was 88.5% (P =.54, Fisher's exact test). At > or =4 mm, the false positive rate was 53.6% (P =.007). All fractures were rotational injuries according to the Lauge-Hansen system. Three fractures were not classifiable; another 3 fractures showed deltoid ligament integrity opposite the expected finding. The results indicate that, in isolated displaced fractures of the lateral malleolus, radiographic widening of the medial clear space is not a reliable indicator for deep deltoid rupture. Some fractures considered stable by the Lauge-Hansen classification may require careful scrutiny to rule out deep deltoid injury.     

Nitric oxide-associated chondrocyte apoptosis in trauma patients after high-energy lower extremity intra-articular fractures

Background

The primary goal of this study was to identify nitric oxide (NO)-induced apoptosis in traumatized chondrocytes in intra-articular lower extremity fractures and the secondary goal was to identify the timeline of NO-induced apoptosis after injury.

Materials and methods

This is a prospective collection of samples of human cartilage harvested at the time of surgery to measure apoptotic cell death and the presence of NO by immunohistochemistry. Three patients met the criteria for control subjects and eight patients sustained high-energy intra-articular fractures and were included in the study. Subjects who sustained intra-articular acetabular, tibial, calcaneal and talus fracture had articular cartilage harvested at the time of surgical intervention. All 8 patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation of the displaced intra-articular fractures. The main outcome measures were rate of apoptosis, degree of NO-induced apoptosis in chondrocytes, and the timeline of NO-induced apoptosis after high-energy trauma.

Results

The percentage of apoptotic chondrocytes was higher in impacted samples than in normal cartilage (56 vs 4 %), confirming the presence of apoptosis after intra-articular fracture. The percentage of cells with NO was greater in apoptotic cells than in normal cells (59 vs 20 %), implicating NO-induction of apoptosis. The correlation between chondrocyte apoptosis and increasing time from injury was found to be −0.615, indicating a decreasing rate of apoptosis post injury.

Conclusions

The data showed the involvement of NO-induced apoptosis of chondrocytes after high-energy trauma, which decreased with time from injury.     

The triceps�Cflexor carpi ulnaris (TRIFCU) approach to the elbow

INTRODUCTION

Intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus frequently require internal fixation. Several approaches have been described, with the posterior approaches being most common. We present a new approach to the distal humerus via the lateral border of the triceps muscle.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The senior author has used this technique for fixation of intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus in 12 patients.

RESULTS

The approach is equally useful for intra- and extra-articular fractures. No cases of postoperative ulna nerve neuropraxia have been encountered. There have been no postoperative wound complications. The exposure has allowed sufficient access to allow anatomically contoured plates to be easily applied to both sides of the distal humerus with confirmation of intra-articular fracture reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

The approach has the advantages of leaving the muscular bed of the ulna nerve undisturbed, whilst still providing excellent exposure of the distal humerus. The triceps mechanism is not divided or split allowing rapid recovery of extensor function. Additionally, because of the natural carrying angle of the elbow, repositioning of the reflected triceps aponeurosis is easy.     

Timing in hip arthroscopy: does surgical timing change clinical results?

Purpose

To our knowledge, there is no report in the orthopaedic literature that correlates the duration of hip pain with the results of hip arthroscopic surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) with patient satisfaction in a prospective study over a two year period.

Methods

We present a prospective single-surgeon series of 525 consecutive patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for a labral tear, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), or a chondral lesion. Modified HHS was recorded for all patients at the time of surgery and at six weeks, six months and one, two and three years after hip arthroscopy. At the time of surgery, patients were divided into three groups based on duration of preoperative symptoms: group A, under 6 months; group B, six months to three years; group C, over three years.

Results

Mean age was 39 years. There were significantly better outcomes for patients who underwent surgery within six months of symptom onset compared with those who waited longer. Patients who had symptoms for over 3 years by the time of surgery had a significantly poorer result than those with a shorter symptom duration and a higher chance of requiring revision surgery.

Conclusions

We recommend that patients with a diagnosis of labral tear, FAI or a chondral lesion should undergo hip arthroscopic surgery within six months of symptom onset. Patients with persistent symptoms for over three years should be made aware of the poorer outcome after hip arthroscopy.     

LAPAROSCOPIC ANTIREFLUX SURGERY IN PATIENTS WITH EXTRA ESOPHAGEAL SYMPTOMS RELATED TO ASTHMA

Background

Asthma, laryngitis and chronic cough are atypical symptoms of the gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Aim

To analyze the efficacy of laparoscopic surgery in the remission of extra-esophageal symptoms in patients with gastroesophageal reflux, related to asthma.

Methods

Were reviewed the medical records of 400 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease submitted to laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication from 1994 to 2006, and identified 30 patients with extra-esophageal symptoms related to asthma. The variables considered were: gender, age, gastroesophageal symptoms (heartburn, acid reflux and dysphagia), time of reflux disease, treatment with proton pump inhibitor, use of specific medications, treatment and evolution, number of attacks and degree of esophagitis. Data were subjected to statistical analysis, comparing the pre- and post-surgical findings.

Results

The comparative analysis before surgery (T1) and six months after surgery (T2) showed a significant reduction on heartburn and reflux symptoms. Apart from that, there was a significant difference between the patients with daily crises of asthma (T1 versus T2, 45.83% to 16.67%, p=0.0002) and continuous crises (T1, 41.67% versus T2, 8.33%, p=0.0002).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was effective in improving symptoms that are typical of reflux disease and clinical manifestations of asthma.     

Arthroscopic radial head excision in managing elbow trauma

Purpose

This study describes a case series of 15 patients with radial head fractures who underwent radial head excision using an arthroscopic technique.

Methods

Over a four year period, 15 patients (average age 49.6 years) who had sustained a radial head or radial neck fracture underwent an arthroscopic excision of the radial head. Four patients had an unreconstructable comminuted fracture (early group; EG) and 11 patients had pain and loss of motion with an associated non- or malunion (late group; LG).

Results

The mean time to surgery following injury was three weeks (one to five) for the EG and 27 weeks (eight–58) for the LG. The average visual analogue scale (VAS) was 1.7 (zero to four), and the average Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick-DASH) score was 24.7 (16–44). At final follow-up, average supination was 62.0° (range 45–75°) and pronation was 63.3° (range 45–75°). There were no complications.

Conclusion

This series demonstrates that arthroscopic excision of fractures of the radial head and neck is reliable, reproducible and safe, with similar results to open excision. There may also be additional benefits in the short term with regards to speed of healing and rehabilitation.     

Evaluation of the Sigmoid Notch Involvement in the Intra-Articular Distal Radius Fractures: The Efficacy of Computed Tomography Compared with Plain X-ray

Background

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of computed tomography (CT) scans compared with plain radiographs on detecting the involvement of the sigmoid notch.

Methods

This study involved 121 cases diagnosed as the intra-articular distal radius fracture and performed post-reduction CT scans. We determined the presence of the sigmoid notch involvement with both plain radiographs and CT scans and compared findings of plain radiographs with CT scans about the incidence and the pattern of injuries. And the differences of results between arbeitsgemeinschaft für osteosyntheses (AO) type C2 and C3 were compared.

Results

The incidences of sigmoid notch involvement detected in plain radiographs were 81 cases (66.9%), whereas CT scans were 99 cases (81.9%). The sensitivity of plain radiographs compared with CT scans was 74.7%, the specificity was 68.2%, the positive predictive value was 91.4%, the negative predictive value was 37.5%, the false negative value was 25.3%, and the false positive value was 31.8%. In comparison between AO type C2 and C3, the incidence of sigmoid notch involvement was not a significant difference, but the displacement of fracture fragment showed a significant difference.

Conclusions

The intra-articular distal radius fracture usually accompanies the sigmoid notch involvement. Considering that the evaluation of sigmoid notch involvement by plain radiography often results in misinterpretation or underestimation, performing CT scan in intra-articular distal radius fracture is thought to be beneficial.     

Arthroscopic-assisted hook plate fixation for acromioclavicular joint dislocation

Purpose

We present a new technique of arthroscopic-assisted AC-hook plate fixation for acromioclavicular joint dislocation with all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery and the possibility to treat concomitant pathologies.

Methods

Initially a glenohumeral arthroscopy is performed to address concomitant intra-articular injuries. Under subacromial visualisation the drill hole for the hook of the plate can be exactly positioned in the acromion. The hook plate is put in place under visual control.

Results

The initial results (n = 3) are promising with good to excellent results in the Constant score [90.5 (range 82–100)] in all cases studied. The cross-body test was slightly positive in one case. The median follow-up time after the index procedure was seven months (range five to ten).

Conclusions

In conclusion, arthroscopic-assisted reconstruction of acromioclavicular joint separation is feasible and may provide patients with all the benefits of AC-hook fixation with decreased risks related to open surgery. The described technique is recommended for all surgeons familiar with arthroscopic surgery.     

Acute compartment syndrome secondary to disruption of the perforating branch of the peroneal artery following an acute inversion injury to the ankle

INTRODUCTION

Although ankle sprain by inversion is common in daily practice, acute compartment syndrome following ankle inversion injury is unusual. Only a few cases of this uncommon entity have been reported.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

This report describes a case of acute compartment syndrome following severe inversion of an ankle injury secondary to disruption of the perforating branch of the peroneal artery 3 h after the trauma. Although emergent fasciotomy was performed, residual weakness of ankle dorsiflexion still presented six months after surgery.

DISCUSSION

To the best of our knowledge, this case is the third in literature on an acute compartment syndrome following severe inversion ankle injury secondary to disruption of the perforating branch of the peroneal artery.

CONCLUSION

This report underscores the importance of considering compartment syndrome when individual has an inversion ankle injury, even when no fracture exists.     

EVALUATION OF P53, E-CADHERIN,COX-2, AND EGFR PROTEIN IMUNNOEXPRESSION ON PROGNOSTIC OF RESECTED GALLBLADDER CARCINOMA

Background

Gallbladder carcinoma presents a dismal prognosis. Choice treatment is surgical resection that is associated a high levels of both morbidity and mortality. Best knowledgement of prognostic factors may result a better selection of patients either for surgical or multimodal treatment.

Aim

To evaluate tecidual immunoexpression of P53, E-cadherin, Cox-2, and EGFR proteins and to correlate these findings with resected gallbladder adenocarcinoma survival.

Methods

Clinical, laboratorial, surgical, and anatomopathological reports of a series of gallbladder adenocarcinoma patients were collected by individualized questionary. Total sample was 42 patients. Median of age was 72 years (35-87). There were seven men and 35 women. Lesion distribuition in according TNM state was the following: T1 (n=2), T2 (n=5), T3 (n=31), T4 (n=4). Twenty-three patients underwent radical resection (R0), while 19 palliative surgery (R1-R2). A block of tissue microarray with neoplasic tissue of each patient was confected. It was performed evaluation of P53, E-Caderine, COX-2, and EGFR proteins imunoexpression. These findings were correlated with overall survival.

Results

Five-year survival was 28%. The median of global survival was eight months. Only immunoexpression of EGFR protein was considered independent variable at multivariated analysis.

Conclusion

Final prognosis was influenced by over-expression of EGFR protein in tumoral tissue.     

False negative rate of syndesmotic injury in pronation-external rotation stage IV ankle fractures

Background:

To investigate false negative rate in the diagnosis of diastasis on initial static anteroposterior radiograph and reliability of intraoperative external rotational stress test for detection of concealed disruption of syndesmosis in pronation external rotation (PER) stage IV (Lauge-Hansen) ankle fractures.

Materials and Methods:

We prospectively studied 34 PER stage IV ankle fractures between September 2001 and September 2008. Twenty (59%) patients show syndesmotic injury on initial anteroposterior radiographs. We performed an intraoperative external rotation stress test in other 14 patients with suspicious PER stage IV ankle fractures, which showed no defined syndesmotic injury on anteroposterior radiographs inspite of a medial malleolar fracture, an oblique fibular fracture above the syndesmosis and fracture of the posterior tubercle of the tibia.

Results:

All 14 fractures showed different degrees of tibiofibular clear space (TFCS) and tibiofibular overlapping (TFO) on the external rotation stress test radiograph compared to the initial plain anteroposterior radiograph. It is important to understand the fracture pattern characterstic of PER stage IV ankle fractures even though it appears normal on anteroposterior radiographs, it is to be confirmed for the concealed syndesmotic injury through a routine intraoperative external rotational stress radiograph.     

Establishing the radiation risk from fluoroscopic-assisted arthroscopic surgery of the hip

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to quantify patient exposure to ionising radiation during fluoroscopic-assisted arthroscopic surgery of the hip, establish a risk profile of this exposure, and reassure patients of radiation safety during the procedure.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed the dose area products for 50 consecutive patients undergoing arthroscopic hip surgery by an experienced hip arthroscopic surgeon. The effective dose and organ dose were derived using a Monte Carlo program.

Results

The mean total fluoroscopy time was 1.10 minutes and the mean dose area product value was 297.2 cGycm². We calculated the entrance skin dose to be 52 mGy to the area where the beam was targeted (81 cm²). The mean effective dose for intra-operative fluoroscopy was 0.33 mSv, with a SD of 0.90 Sv.

Conclusion

This study confirms that fluoroscopic-assisted arthroscopic surgery of the hip is safe with a low maximum radiation dose and supports its continued use in preference to alternative imaging modalities.     

Hip Capsule Dimensions in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Pilot Study

Background

Joint-preserving hip surgery, either arthroscopic or open, increasingly is used for the treatment of symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). As a consequence of surgery, thickening of the joint capsule and intraarticular adhesions between the labrum and joint capsule and between the femoral neck and the joint capsule have been observed. These alterations are believed to cause persistent pain and reduced range of motion. Because the diagnosis is made with MR arthrography, knowledge of the normal capsular anatomy and thickness on MRI in patients is important. To date there is no such information available.

Questions/Purposes

The purpose of this study was to establish thickness, length of the hip capsule, and the size of the perilabral recess in patients with FAI.

Methods

We reviewed the preoperative MR arthrography of 30 patients (15 men) with clinical symptoms of FAI. We measured capsular thickness and made observations on the perilabral recess.

Results

The joint capsule was thickest (6 mm) anterosuperiorly between 1 and 2 o’clock. The average length from the femoral head-neck junction to the femoral insertion of the capsule ranged from 19 to 33 mm. A perilabral recess was present circumferentially, even across the acetabular notch, where the labrum is supported by the transverse acetabular ligament. The shortest recess occurred superiorly.

Conclusions

Knowledge of the capsular anatomy in patients with FAI before surgery is important to judge the postoperative changes and to plan potential further therapy including arthroscopic treatment of intraarticular adhesions.     

Effectiveness of Subacromial Anti-Adhesive Agent Injection after Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Prospective Randomized Comparison Study

Background

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair generally has a good clinical outcome but shoulder stiffness after surgery due to subacromial adhesion is one of the most common and clinically important complications. Sodium hyaluronate (HA) has been reported to be an anti-adhesive agent in a range of surgical procedures. However, there are few reports of the outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair of the shoulder. This study examined whether a subacromial injection of HA/carboxymethylated cellulose (CMC) affected the postoperative shoulder stiffness and healing of rotator cuff repair, as well as the safety of an injection.

Methods

Between January 2008 and May 2008, 80 consecutive patients with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were enrolled. The patients were assigned randomly to the HA/CMC injection group (n = 40) or control group (n = 40). All patients were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, passive range of motion at 2, 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12 months after surgery, and the functional scores at 6, 12 months postoperatively. Cuff healing was also evaluated using CT arthrography or ultrasonography at 6 or 12 months after surgery.

Results

The HA/CMC injection group showed faster recovery of forward flexion at 2 weeks postoperatively than the control group but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.09). There were no significant difference in pain VAS, internal rotation, external rotation and functional scores between two groups at each follow-up period. The functional scores improved 6 months after surgery in both groups but there were no differences between the two groups. The incidence of unhealed rotator cuff was similar in the two groups. There were no complications related to an injection of anti-adhesive agents including wound problems or infections.

Conclusions

A subacromial injection of an anti-adhesive agent after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair tended to produce faster recovery in forward flexion with no adverse effects on cuff healing. However, its anti-adhesive effects after rotator cuff repair should be considered carefully with further studies.