Preoperative NSAIDs,non-acute onset and long-standing symptoms predict inferior outcome at long-term follow-up after rotator cuff repair

Purpose

To evaluate mid- to long-term results after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and to explore possible predictors of inferior outcome.

Methods

Patients treated for full-thickness supraspinatus and/or infraspinatus tears from 2004 to 2008, using a uniform single-row arthroscopic technique, were included in the study. Pre- and post-operative QuickDASH were used as the primary outcome measure, and VAS of pain, function and satisfaction were also collected. An additional questionnaire explored demographic and preoperative factors like onset and duration of symptoms, preoperative treatment and smoking habits.

Results

One hundred and forty-seven patients (82 %) were available at 6–9 years after surgery. All outcomes improved significantly from the preoperative values. A total of 8 % of patients had undergone additional surgery to the same shoulder during the follow-up period. Long-standing symptoms (>12 months) (P < 0.01), non-acute onset of symptoms (P < 0.01) and preoperative use of NSAIDs (P = 0.01) were correlated with inferior outcome at follow-up. No other factors investigated (i.e. gender, age, smoking and steroid injections) were found to affect the primary outcome (QuickDASH).

Conclusion

The current study is one of few reports of mid- to long-term outcomes after arthroscopic single-row repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Global improvement in symptoms and function was found between the preoperative and the 6–9 years evaluation, and the technique therefore seems like a viable approach for treating tears of the supra- and the infraspinatus tendon. Several predictors of inferior long-term outcome after rotator cuff repair were, however, identified: preoperative use of NSAIDs, long-standing symptoms before surgery and non-acute onset of shoulder symptoms. In light of the current findings, accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment seem important in optimizing outcomes after rotator cuff surgery.

Level of evidence

IV.

     

Concomitant coracoplasty during arthroscopic subscapularis repair does not yield better clinical outcomes and structural integrity

Purpose

Few studies have examined whether concomitant coracoplasty is necessary to improve clinical and radiological outcomes after arthroscopic subscapularis repair. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes and structural integrity after arthroscopic repair of isolated subscapularis full-thickness tear, either with or without concomitant coracoplasty.

Methods

This study included 62 patients who underwent arthroscopic subscapularis repair either with coracoplasty (Group A, 35 patients) or without coracoplasty (Group B, 27 patients). Preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale pain scores, subjective shoulder values, University of California at Los Angeles shoulder scores, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon scores, subscapularis strength, and shoulder active range of motion (ROM) were assessed. Postoperative magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) or computed tomographic arthrography (CTA) was performed 6 months postoperatively for structural integrity assessment.

Results

At 2-year follow-up, all functional scores and ROM improved significantly in both groups compared with preoperative values (p < 0.001). However, none of these values differed significantly between groups. On follow-up MRA or CTA images, although postoperative coracohumeral distance was significantly greater in Group A (8.4 mm ± 2.3 mm versus 7.0 mm ± 2.0 mm) (p = 0.018), the re-tear rates were not significantly different between groups (5/35 (14%) in Group A and 4/27 (15%) in Group B).

Conclusions

For isolated subscapularis full-thickness tears, concomitant coracoplasty with arthroscopic repair did not produce better clinical outcomes or structural integrity than repair without coracoplasty. This suggests that concomitant coracoplasty may not be imperative during arthroscopic repair of isolated subscapularis full-thickness tears.

Level of evidence

III.

     

Arthroscopic patellar release allows timely return to performance in professional and amateur athletes with chronic patellar tendinopathy

Purpose

Return to sports rates in amateur and professional athletes with chronic patellar tendinopathy following arthroscopic patellar release are unpredictable. The present study aims to analyse the effectiveness of arthroscopic patellar release in professional compared to amateur athletes.

Methods

A total of 34 amateur and 20 professional athletes with chronic patellar tendinopathy, refractory to conservative treatment, were studied prospectively and underwent arthroscopic tendon release at the inferior patellar pole. Impact of grouped sports on clinical and functional outcome, subjective patient satisfaction and return to sports rates were assessed. Additionally, preoperative MRI-scans of the knee were evaluated and correlated with clinical outcome.

Results

In 40 patients (74.1%) arthroscopic patellar release resulted in complete recovery and return to preinjury exercise levels. Full return to sports was achieved after a median of 3.0 (range 0.5–12.0) months. Functional outcome measures VISA-P (Victorian Institute of sport assessment for patella) and modified Blazina scores improved significantly from pre- to postoperatively (VISA-P: 48.8 vs. 94.0 pts., respectively, p?<?0.0001; Blazina: 4.47 vs. 0.5, respectively, p?<?0.0001).

Conclusion

As rapid recovery and timely return to sports are crucial for professional athletes, arthroscopic patellar release should be considered after failed conservative treatment.

Level of evidence

IV.

     

Patellofemoral arthrodesis as pain relief in extreme patella alta

Purpose

There is no golden standard management for neglected, chronic patellar tendon rupture as they are fairly rare. Nevertheless, accompanying pain can be highly debilitating. By presenting a case of patellar tendon repair, the exceptional results of a patellofemoral arthrodesis are described.

Methods

A patient presented herself with a sustained patellar tendon rupture which was neglected for several years, causing a complete extensor mechanism dysfunction. Her most debilitating complaint was pain. As ligament reconstruction in this case was not possible, patellofemoral arthrodesis was aimed for. The pain resulting from micromotions was subsided by implementing a unique technique using a lock-key principle to obtain a patellofemoral arthrodesis.

Results

The procedure proceeded without complications. The patient followed a regular post-operative plan and is now successful in maximum weight bearing her knee without pain.

Conclusions

A patellofemoral arthrodesis can be regarded safe and also very effective in the relief of pain in extreme patella alta.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic studies, Level IV.

     

Randomized controlled trial of arthroscopic electrothermal capsulorrhaphy with Bankart repair and isolated arthroscopic Bankart repair

Purpose

Electrothermal arthroscopic capsulorrhaphy (ETAC) was introduced as an adjunct to shoulder stabilization surgery to address capsular laxity in the treatment of traumatic anterior dislocation. No previous RCT has compared arthroscopic Bankart repair with ETAC of the medial glenohumeral ligament and anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament versus undergoing arthroscopic Bankart repair alone. Our hypothesis was that there would be no difference in quality of life between these two groups. Complication/failure rates were also compared.

Methods

Eighty-eight patients were randomly assigned to receive arthroscopic Bankart repair with (n = 44) or without ETAC (n = 44). Post-operative visits occurred at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months with WOSI, ASES, and Constant scores completed, and rates of dislocation/subluxation were determined.

Results

Data on 74 patients were analysed, with the rest lost to follow-up. There were no differences between groups at any post-surgery time points for WOSI, ASES, or Constant scores (n.s.). Eight patients in the no-ETAC group and 7 in the ETAC group were considered failures (n.s.).

Conclusions

No benefits in patient-reported outcome or recurrence rates using ETAC were found. Mean WOSI scores 2 years post-surgery were virtually identical for the two groups. ETAC could not be shown to provide benefit or detriment when combined with arthroscopic labral repair for traumatic anterior instability of the shoulder.

Level of evidence

II.

     

Excellent healing rates and patient satisfaction after arthroscopic repair of medium to large rotator cuff tears with a single-row technique augmented with bone marrow vents

Purpose

This study evaluated the repair integrity and patient clinical outcomes following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair of medium to large rotator cuff tears using a single-row technique consisting of medially based, triple-loaded anchors augmented with bone marrow vents in the rotator cuff footprint lateral to the repair.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of 52 patients (53 shoulders) comprising 36 males and 16 females with a median age of 62 (range 44–82) with more than 24-month follow-up, tears between 2 and 4 cm in the anterior–posterior dimension and utilizing triple-loaded anchors. Mann–Whitney test compared Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) outcome scores between patients with healed and re-torn cuff repairs. Multivariate logistic regression analysed association of variables with healing status and WORC score. Cuff integrity was assessed on MRI, read by a musculoskeletal fellowship-trained radiologist.

Results

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated an intact repair in 48 of 53 shoulders (91%). The overall median WORC score was 95.7 (range 27.6–100.0). A significant difference in WORC scores were seen between patients with healed repairs 96.7 (range 56.7–100.0) compared with a re-tear 64.6 (27.6–73.8), p < 0.00056.

Conclusions

Arthroscopic repair of medium to large rotator cuff tears using a triple-loaded single-row repair augmented with bone marrow vents resulted in a 91% healing rate by MRI and excellent patient reported clinical outcomes comparable to similar reported results in the literature.

Level of evidence

IV.

     

The hypermobile lateral meniscus: a retrospective review of presentation,imaging, treatment,and results

Purpose

Hypermobility of the posterior portion of the lateral meniscus has been reported in several recent case reports and small case series. Pathophysiology and optimal treatment have not been fully elucidated. Our purpose was to evaluate results following arthroscopic stabilization.

Methods

Over a 10-year period, 13 knees were diagnosed at the time of arthroscopy as having hypermobility of the posterior portion of the lateral meniscus in the absence of a discrete tear or discoid morphology. Clinical presentation, pre-operative MRI findings, arthroscopic findings, and repair technique were retrospectively reviewed. Most recent outcomes data were gathered via a telephone interview utilizing the IKDC-9 questionnaire.

Results

Eleven of 12 patients presented primarily with mechanical symptoms. Duration of symptoms ranged from 7 months to over 10 years. Eight of 12 patients did not recall any history of trauma. Twelve of 13 pre-operative MRIs did not identify a meniscal tear. Stabilization was obtained by fixation of the meniscus to the posterior capsule by various techniques. Average follow-up was 4 years (range 6 months to 10.7 years). Subjective current knee function averaged 8.0 (range 3.5–10) on a scale of 0–10. Knee pain severity averaged 2.2 (range 0–4) on a scale of 0–10. Pain frequency averaged 3.3 (range 0–9) on a scale of 0–10. Better results were seen in younger patients.

Conclusion

Hypermobility of the posterior portion of the lateral meniscus can successfully be treated with arthroscopic repair to the posterior capsule.

Level of evidence

IV.

     

Relationship between subscapularis tears and injuries to the biceps pulley

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to analyse the relationship between long head of the biceps brachii (LHBT) lesions and subscapularis tears. The hypothesis was that a bicipital pulley might remain intact, even in the case of a subscapularis tear.

Methods

Between 2010 and 2011, all patients who had a primary arthroscopic repair of a subscapularis tear were potentially included in this prospective study. The outcome of interest was the prevalence and type of arthroscopic lesions of the LHBT and bicipital pulley. Furthermore, the supposed pathomechanics of injury and the treatment proposed (conservative, pulley repair, tenodesis, tenotomy, etc.) was recorded. The following baseline characteristics were assessed: age, sex, shoulder side, and limb dominance.

Results

Of the 218 patients, the superior glenohumeral ligament/coracohumeral ligament (SGHL/CHL) complex was normal in 54 patients (25%), stretched in 84 patients (39%), and absent in 77 patients (35%). Below the SGHL/CHL complex in the bicipital groove, the medial wall of the LHBT sheath was normal in 25%, partially torn in 39%, and completely torn in 35%. In 25 of the 218 patients (11%), a pathologic LHBT with an intact SGHL/CHL complex was observed. In these cases, the medial wall of the bicipital sheath was torn in 92%.

Conclusions

The biceps pulley system, including the SGHL/CHL complex and subscapularis tendon, merits recognition as an important anatomical structure, and its lesions contribute to shoulder pathology. The subscapularis tendon is very important for the stability of the LHBT and should be included in the pulley system. In cases of a tear associated with a lesion of the SGHL/CHL complex, the LHBT is nearly always unstable and pathologic.

Level of evidence

II.

     

The popliteus tendon provides a safe and reliable location for all-inside meniscal repair device placement

Purpose

Repairs of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus can be technically challenging. In contrast to medial meniscus repairs, the capsule around the posterior segment attachment of the lateral meniscus is quite thin. This study evaluates the clinical results of an arthroscopic all-inside repair technique for unstable, vertical, lateral meniscus tears, using a suture repair placed directly into the popliteus tendon.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the SANTI database was performed. All patients who had undergone combined ACL reconstruction with lateral meniscus all-inside repair, using sutures placed in the popliteus tendon, between 2011 and 2015, were included. Patients were reviewed clinically at 1 and 2 years’ follow-up. At final follow-up, all patients were contacted to identify if they underwent further surgery or had knee pain, locking or effusion. Symptomatic patients were recalled for clinical evaluation by a physician and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the knee. Operative notes for those undergoing further surgery were reviewed and rates and type of re-operation, including for failed lateral meniscal repair were recorded.

Results

Two hundred patients (mean age 28.6?±?10.2 years) with a mean follow-up of 45.5?±?12.8 months (range 24.7–75.2) were included. The mean Subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) at final follow-up was 85.0?±?11.3. The post-operative mean side-to-side laxity measured at 1 year was 0.6?±?1.0 mm. Twenty-six patients underwent re-operation (13%) at a mean follow-up of 14.8?±?7.8 months. The ACL graft rupture rate was 5.0%. Other causes for re-operation included medial meniscus tear (2.5%), cyclops lesion (1.5%) and septic arthritis (0.5%). The lateral meniscus repair failure rate was 3.5%. No specific complications relating to placement of sutures in the popliteus tendon were identified.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic all-inside repair of unstable, vertical, lateral meniscus tears using a suture placed in the popliteus tendon is a safe technique. It is associated with a very low failure rate with no specific complications.

Level of evidence

Level IV.

     

More histologic and ultrastructural degenerative signs in the subscapularis tendon and the joint capsule in male patients with shoulder impingement

Purpose

The purpose of the present study was to analyze biopsy samples from the subscapularis tendon and from the joint capsule from male patients with shoulder impingement syndrome (SAIS) and compare them with samples from male patients with post-traumatic recurrent shoulder instability. The hypothesis of the study was that patients with SAIS would have more histologic and ultrastructural degenerative changes in their subscapularis tendon and joint capsule than patients with post-traumatic recurrent shoulder instability.

Methods

Male patients scheduled for surgery, with either subacromial decompression or Bankart reconstruction, were included. Four biopsies from each patient were obtained from the capsule and four from the subscapularis tendon during arthroscopic surgery. The histologic characteristics and the presence of glycosaminoglycans were assessed using the light microscope, and the ultrastructure was assessed using a transmission electron microscope.

Results

Eight patients, median age 53 (45–74) years (p?<?0.0001), were included in the impingement group, and 12 patients, median age 27 (22–48) years, were included in the instability group. The histologic assessment revealed significantly higher cellularity and total degeneration score in the capsule (p?=?0.016 and p?=?0.014 respectively) in patients with subacromial impingement compared with the instability patients. The corresponding finding was not made for the subscapularis tendon. The ultrastructural evaluation revealed that the instability patients had more fibrils with a large diameter (indicating less degeneration) in both the subscapularis tendon and the capsule compared with the impingement patients (p?<?0.0001).

Conclusion

Male patients with subacromial impingement have more histologic and ultrastructural degenerative changes in their shoulder compared with patients with post-traumatic recurrent shoulder instability.

Clinical relevance

It appears that in patients with subacromial impingement, the whole shoulder joint is affected and not only the subacromial space. It is the opinion of the authors that intra-articular therapeutic injections could be tried more often in these patients.

Level of evidence

III.

     

Long-term results of arthroscopic Bankart repair: Minimum 10 years of follow-up

Purpose

This study investigated the long-term results of arthroscopic Bankart repair in terms of rates and timelines of recurrence of instability, with special interest in young adult patients aged ≤20 years.

Methods

Between 2000 and 2005, 186 shoulders [182 patients, 50 women, median age 26 (range 15–58) years] were operated on at a university hospital using arthroscopic Bankart repair because of instability after traumatic anteroinferior shoulder dislocation. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed and patients were assessed using postal questionnaires or telephone interview after a minimum of 10 years of follow-up [median 12.2 (range 10–16) years]. The primary outcome measure was recurrence of instability (assessed from 167 shoulders), other outcome measures included Oxford instability score (OIS), subjective shoulder value (SSV), and Western Ontario instability index (WOSI) (assessed from 157 shoulders).

Results

At the end of follow-up, 50/167 shoulders (30%) had recurrence of instability and 30/167 (18%) were subjected to reoperation due to instability symptoms. Twenty-six (52%) failures occurred within ≤2 years, 11 (22%) within 2–5 years, and 13 (26%) >5 years after surgery. Failure rate was 19/35 (54%) for patients aged ≤20 years and 31/132 (24%) for patients aged >20 years; reoperation rates were 11/35 (31%) and 19/132 (14%), respectively. Mean OIS was 20 (SD 9, range 12–50), SSV 83% (SD 21, range 10–100), and WOSI score 80 (SD 22, range 33–100).

Conclusions

Nearly one-third of patients had recurrence of instability after arthroscopic Bankart repair after a minimum of 10-year follow-up. Patients aged ≤20 years did poorly with more than half of the patients having recurrence; alternative stabilization techniques should probably be considered for these patients.

Level of evidence

IV.

     

The percutaneous pie-crusting medial release during arthroscopic procedures of the medial meniscus does neither affect valgus laxity nor clinical outcome

Purpose

To analyze the effect of percutaneous pie-crusting medial release on valgus laxity before and after surgery and on clinical outcomes.

Methods

Eight-hundred fourteen consecutive patients who underwent an arthroscopic procedure for the medial compartment of the knee were evaluated retrospectively. Sex, age, type of operation (meniscectomy, meniscal repair, and posterior root repair), type of accompanying surgery (none, cartilage procedure, ligament procedure and osteotomy) were documented. Sixty-four patients who underwent percutaneous pie-crusting medial release (release group) and 64 who did not undergo medial release (non-release group) were matched using the propensity score method. Each patient was evaluated for the following variables: degree of valgus laxity on stress radiographs, Lysholm knee score, visual analog scale score, and International Knee Documentation Committee knee score and grade.

Results

At the 24-month follow-up, no significant increase in side-to-side differences in the valgus gap was observed in comparison to the preoperative value in the release group [preoperative, ??0.1?±?1.3 mm; follow-up, ??0.1?±?1.4 mm; (n.s.)]. The follow-up Lysholm score, visual analog scale score and International Knee Documentation Committee knee score and grade were similar between the two groups.

Conclusions

Percutaneous pie-crusting medial release is an additional procedure that can be performed during arthroscopic surgery for patients with a narrow medial joint space of the knee. Percutaneous pie-crusting medial release reduces iatrogenic injury to the cartilage and does not produce any residual valgus laxity of the knee.

Level of evidence

IV.

     

Comparison of the recurrence risk of parameniscal cysts between patients treated with arthroscopic excision and arthroscopic decompression techniques

Purpose

To compare the recurrence risk of parameniscal cysts between arthroscopic meniscectomy with open cystectomy (arthroscopic excision) and entirely arthroscopic techniques with intra-articular cyst decompression (arthroscopic decompression).

Methods

A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted at a medical centre in Taiwan between 2002 and 2012. Patients with symptomatic parameniscal cysts undergoing either arthroscopic excision or arthroscopic decompression were included. Parameniscal cyst recurrence was evaluated every 3 months after surgery. The recurrence risk associated with treatment group, cyst volume, and meniscal tear circumference was investigated.

Results

This study included 241 young to middle-aged men and women. Of these, 112 underwent arthroscopic excision and 129 underwent arthroscopic decompression. During an average 26-month follow-up period, the arthroscopic decompression group had a sixfold higher recurrence risk [prevalence: 4 and 21 %, respectively; hazard ratio, HR 6.0 (95 % confidence interval, CI 2.3–15.6); p < 0.001] than the arthroscopic excision group. Furthermore, meniscal tears >12 mm in circumference and a cyst volume >2.4 cm³ conferred a fivefold higher recurrence risk than both lesions of smaller dimensions, both in the overall population and in the arthroscopic decompression group [HRs 5.3 (95 % CI 2.3–12.2) and 5.35 (95 % CI 2.2–13.3), respectively; p values <0.001 for both].

Conclusions

The suggestion of our study is that the recurrence of parameniscal cysts may be strongly related to large cystic lesions and large meniscal tears. Arthroscopic excision is preferable for treating parameniscal cysts, which are large cystic lesions with large meniscal tears, to reduce the recurrence risk.

Level of evidence

III.

     

Preoperative and post-operative sleep quality evaluation in rotator cuff tear patients

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the potential relationship between subjective sleep quality and degree of pain in patients with rotator cuff repair.

Methods

Thirty-one patients who underwent rotator cuff repair prospectively completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index, and the Constant and Murley shoulder scores before surgery and at 6 months after surgery. Preoperative demographic, clinical, and radiologic parameters were also evaluated.

Results

The study analysed 31 patients with a median age of 61 years. There was a significant difference preoperatively versus post-operatively in terms of all PSQI global scores and subdivisions (p < 0.001). A statistically significant improvement was determined by the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Scale and the Constant and Murley shoulder scores (p ? 0.001).

Conclusion

Sleep disorders are commonly seen in patients with rotator cuff tear, and after repair, there is an increase in the quality of sleep with a parallel improvement in shoulder functions. However, no statistically significant correlation was determined between arthroscopic procedures and the size of the tear and sleep quality. It is suggested that rotator cuff tear repair improves the quality of sleep and the quality of life.

Level of evidence

IV.

     

Clinical outcome of exercise therapy and early post-operative rehabilitation for treatment of neglected Achilles tendon rupture: a randomized study

Purpose

Treatment of neglected Achilles tendon rupture is very challenging. This randomized study aimed to compare the clinical outcome of early post-operative rehabilitation (EPR) with post-operative cast immobilization (PCI).

Methods

Fifty-seven patients with neglected Achilles tendon rupture were randomized to receive EPR (n = 26) or PCI (n = 31) management following surgery. Clinical outcome was monitored by follow-up at weeks 8, 12, 18 and 26 and year 2. The significance of intergroup differences from the Leppilahti scoring system (LSS), ultrasonography, multislice spiral computerized tomography (MSCT) and electromyography was assessed.

Results

Ultrasonography and MSCT revealed no occurrence of tendon elongation or adhesion. Four patients could perform sustained single-leg heel-raise exercise for 60 s at post-operative day 40. The PCI group also showed increased post-operative LSS score, but recovery was slower. Post-operative complications, such as ankle joint ankylosis and osteoporosis, only occurred in the PCI group.

Conclusions

Compared with cast immobilization, early post-operative rehabilitation results in better clinical outcome and faster overall tendon regeneration of neglected Achilles tendon rupture.

Level of evidence

II.

     

Clinical outcome of arthroscopic SLAP repair: conventional vertical knot versus knotless horizontal mattress sutures

Purpose

Arthroscopic repair of type II superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) tears yields variable results. In this study, the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic knotless horizontal mattress repair were compared to those of conventional vertical knot repair.

Methods

Forty-six patients treated arthroscopically for isolated SLAP lesions were assessed. Forty-one of those patients underwent follow-up evaluations for a minimum of 2 years: 21 received vertical knot (group 1), while 20 received horizontal mattress (group 2). In group 1, an anchor was inserted at the superior glenoid. After relaying the sutures, knotting over the labral tissue was performed. In group 2, two strands were passed through the labrum and fixed into the glenoid with a bioabsorbable knotless anchor. Functional scores were evaluated preoperatively and at the final follow-up assessment. A visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and range of motion (ROM) were assessed preoperatively, 2 months postoperatively and at the last follow-up visit.

Results

There were no significant differences in functional scores between groups (n.s.). However, external rotation at the side, internal rotation at abduction and total ROM were better in group 2 at the last follow-up visit. At 2 months postoperatively, the VAS for pain and ROM of internal rotation at abduction were better in group 2.

Conclusion

At the final assessment, there were no significant differences in functional scores between the two groups. However, external rotation at the side, internal rotation at abduction and total ROM were better in group 2.

Level of evidence

Case–control study, Level III.

     

Degree of tendon degeneration and stage of rotator cuff disease

Purpose

While tendon degeneration has been known to be an important cause of rotator cuff disease, few studies have objectively proven the association of tendon degeneration and rotator cuff disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes of tendon degeneration with respect to the stage of rotator cuff disease.

Methods

A total of 48 patients were included in the study: 12 with tendinopathy, 12 with a partial-thickness tear (pRCT), 12 with a full-thickness tear (fRCT), and 12 as the control. A full-thickness supraspinatus tendon sample was harvested en bloc from the middle portion between the lateral edge and the musculotendinous junction of the tendon using a biopsy punch with a diameter of 3 mm. Harvested samples were evaluated using a semi-quantitative grading scale with 7 parameters after haematoxylin and eosin staining.

Results

There was no significant difference in age, gender, symptom duration, and Kellgren-Lawrence grade between the groups except for the global fatty degeneration index. All of the seven parameters were significantly different between the groups and could be categorized as follows: early responders (fibre structure and arrangement), gradual responder (rounding of the nuclei), after-tear responders (cellularity, vascularity, and stainability), and late responder (hyalinization). The total degeneration scores were not significantly different between the control (6.08 ± 1.16) and tendinopathy (6.67 ± 1.83) (n.s.). However, the score of pRCT group (10.42 ± 1.31) was greater than that of tendinopathy (P < 0.001), and so was the score of fRCT (12.33 ± 1.15) than that of pRCT (p = 0.009).

Conclusion

This study showed that the degeneration of supraspinatus tendon increases as the stage of rotator cuff disease progresses from tendinopathy to pRCT, and then to fRCT. The degree of degeneration of tendinopathy was not different from that of normal but aged tendons, and significant tendon degeneration began from the stage of pRCT. The clinical relevance of the study is that strategies and goals of the treatment for rotator cuff disease should be specific to its stage, in order to prevent disease progression for tendinopathy and pRCT, as well to restore the structural integrity for fRCT.

Level of evidence

Diagnostic, Level I.

     

Reconstruction of the medial patellotibial ligament results in favorable clinical outcomes: a systematic review

Purpose

The medial patellotibial ligament (MPTL), the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), and the medial patellomeniscal ligament (MPML) support the stability of the patellofemoral joint. The purpose of this systematic review was to report the surgical techniques and clinical outcomes of the repair or reconstruction of the MPTL in isolation or concomitant with the MPFL and/or other procedures.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was conducted. Inclusion criteria were articles in the English language that reported clinical outcomes of the reconstruction of the MPTL in isolation or in combination with the MPFL and/or other procedures. Included articles were then cross-referenced to find additional journal articles not found in the initial search. The methodological quality of the articles was determined using the Coleman Methodology Score.

Results

Nineteen articles were included detailing the clinical outcomes of 403 knees. The surgical procedures described included hamstrings tenodesis with or without other major procedures, medial transfer of the medial patellar tendon with or without other major procedures and the reconstruction of the MPTL in association with the MPFL. Overall, good and excellent outcomes were achieved in >?75% of cohorts in most studies and redislocations were <?10%, with or without the association of the MPFL. An exception was one study that reported a high failure rate of 82%. Results were consistent across different techniques. The median CMS for the articles was 66 out of 100 (range 30–85).

Conclusion

Across different techniques, the outcomes are good with low rates of recurrence, with one article reporting a high rate of recurrence. Quality of the articles is variable, from low to high. Randomized control trials are needed for a better understanding of the indications, surgical techniques, and clinical outcomes. This systematic review suggests that the reconstruction of the MPTL leads to favorable clinical outcomes and supports the role of the procedure as a valid surgical patellar stabilization procedure.

Level of evidence

IV: systematic review of level I–IV studies.

     

Systematik der Verletzungen von Rotatorenmanschette und Bizepssehne

Performance

Injuries of the rotator cuff and the biceps tendon demonstrate different patterns, which can be recognized clinically and radiologically.

Achievements

These patterns are impingement syndrome with additional trauma, isolated trauma of the rotator cuff and shoulder dislocation causing rotator cuff tears. Furthermore, it is clinically crucial to evaluate the extent of a rotator cuff injury.

Practical recommendation

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice to differentiate these patterns.

     

Effects of arthroscopy-guided suprascapular nerve block combined with ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a randomized controlled trial

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the pain relieving effect of ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) combined with arthroscopy-guided suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) with that of ultrasound-guided ISB alone within the first 48 h after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Methods

Forty-eight patients with rotator cuff tears who had undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were enrolled. The 24 patients in group 1 received ultrasound-guided ISB and arthroscopy-guided SSNB; the remaining 24 patients in group 2 underwent ultrasound-guided ISB alone. Visual analogue scale pain score and patient satisfaction score were checked at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 48 h post-operatively.

Results

Group 1 had a lower visual analogue scale pain score at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 48 h post-operatively (1.7 < 2.6, 1.6 < 4.0, 3.5 < 5.8, 3.6 < 5.2, 3.2 < 4.2, 1.3 < 2.0), and a higher patient satisfaction score at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 h post-operatively than group 2 (7.8 > 6.0, 6.2 > 4.3, 6.4 > 5.1, 6.9 > 5.9, 7.9 > 7.1). Six patients in group 1 developed rebound pain twice, and the others in group 1 developed it once. All of the patients in group 2 had one rebound phenomenon each (p = 0.010). The mean timing of rebound pain in group 1 was later than that in group 2 (15.5 > 9.3 h, p < 0.001), and the mean size of rebound pain was smaller in group 1 than that in group 2 (2.5 > 4.0, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Arthroscopy-guided SSNB combined with ultrasound-guided ISB resulted in lower visual analogue scale pain scores at 3–24 and 48 h post-operatively, and higher patient satisfaction scores at 6–36 h post-operatively with the attenuated rebound pain compared to scores in patients who received ultrasound-guided ISB alone after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The combined blocks may relieve post-operative pain more effectively than the single block within 48 h after arthroscopic cuff repair.

Level of evidence

Randomized controlled trial, Level I.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02424630.