Hip Osteoarthritis (HOA) is the most common joint disorder and a major cause of disability in the adult population, leading to total hip replacement (THR). Recently, evidence has mounted for a prominent etiologic role of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in the development of early OA in the non-dysplastic hip. FAI is a pathological mechanical process, caused by abnormalities of the acetabulum and/or femur leading to damage the soft tissue structures. FAI can determine chondro-labral damage and groin pain in young adults and can accelerate HOA progression in middle-aged adults. The aim of the study was to determine if the presence of calcium crystal in synovial fluid (SF) at the time of FAI surgery affects the clinical outcomes to be used as diagnostic and predictive biomarker. 49 patients with FAI undergoing arthroscopy were enrolled after providing informed consent; 37 SFs were collected by arthrocentesis at the time of surgery and 35 analyzed (66% males), median age 35 years with standard deviation (SD) 9.7 and body mass index (BMI) 23.4 kg/m. 2. ; e SD 3. At the time of surgery, chondral pathology using the Outerbridge score, labral pathology and macroscopic synovial pathology based on direct arthroscopic visualization were evaluated. Physical examination and clinical assessment using the Hip disability & Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) were performed at the time of surgery and at 6 months of follow up. As positive controls of OA signs, SF samples were also collected from cohort of 15 patients with HOA undergoing THR and 12 were analysed. 45% FAI patients showed CAM deformity; 88% presented labral lesion or instability and 68% radiographic labral calcification. 4 patients out of 35 showed moderate radiographic signs of OA (Kellegren-Lawrence score = 3). Pre-operative HOOS median value was 61.3% (68.10-40.03) with interquartile range (IQR) of 75-25% and post-operative HOOS median value 90% with IQR 93.8-80.60. In both FAI and OA patients the calcium crystal level in SFs negatively correlated with glycosaminoglycan (component of the extracellular matrix) released, which is a marker of cartilage damage (Spearman rho=-0.601, p<0.001). In FAI patients a worst articular function after surgery, measured with the HOOS questionnaire, was associated with both acetabular and femoral chondropathy and degenerative labral lesion. Moreover, radiographic labral calcification was also significantly associated with pain, worst articular function and labral lesion. Calcium crystal level in SFs was associated with labral lesions and OA signs. We concluded that the levels of calcium crystals in FAI patients are correlated with joint damage, OA signs and worst post-operative outcome. The presence of calcium crystals in SF of FAI patients might be a potential new biomarker that might help clinicians to make an early diagnosis, evaluate disease progression and monitor treatment response

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this work was to search for a relationship between the size of the femoral cam, the presence of cup retroversion, and the presence of labral or chondral lesions on the arthroscan in patients with an asymptomatic femoroacetabular impingement. Material and method: Fifty arthroscans were obtained to explore impingements. The patients complained of groin or trochanteric pain limiting their physical activities. Generally signs of an anterosuperior impingement were demonstrated with flexion-adduction-internal rotation. The localization, dimensions and depth of the cartilage lesions were measured on the arthroscan. The sagittal slice was used to describe the acetabular chondral lesions anteriorly to posteriorly in clockwise manner. Presence of an associated labral lesion was noted. A second operator measured the hip joint anomalies causing the impingement: Notzli’s alpha angle was measured to search for a cam effect and the femoral offset was noted. Results: The presence of a femoral cam or a decreased femoral offset were found in all cases. Mean alpha angle was 65°; mean offset was 0.09. Acetabular retroversion was identified in 24 patients (48%). Chondral lesions were a constant finding and were superficial (type 1& 2) in 32 patients (64%) and deep (type 3& 4) in 18 patients (36%). Labral lesions were found in 28 patients (56%). The depth of the chondral lesions, like the presence of a labral lesion, were correlated significantly with increased alpha angle and patient age. There was conversely no correlation with the presence of acetabular retroversion. Discussion: This study confirmed the close relationship between femoroacetabular impingement by a cam effect and the severity of labral lesions and acetabular cartilage lesions. These lesions can favour degeneration, explaining the early centred or posterinferior damage observed in young patients with satisfactory acetabular cover

Introduction: Periacetabular rotational osteotomy is a joint preserving reconstructive surgery indicated in hip dysplasia. However hip dysplasia is frequently accompanied by intraarticular pathology like labral tears. This study was undertaken to ascertain whether:. concomitant hip arthroscopy during osteotomy could identify intra-articular pathology associated with hip dysplasia;. hip arthroscopy combined with our technique of acetabular osteotomy was effective in treatment of intraarticular pathology;. this technique was associated with a favorable outcome over a mid term followup period. Materials: Between July 2001 and February 2005, 43 dysplastic hips with 40 patients consecutive of periac-etabular rotational osteotomy using modified Ollier’s approach and concomitant hip arthroscopy could be followed up at average 52 months (range, 42–67 months). On arthroscopic examination labral lesion and cartilage condition was evaluated and torn labrum was treated. Two patients underwent simultaneous femoral procedures. Mean age at the time of surgery was 40 years (range, 20–67 years). Pre and postoperative hip function was compared using Harris hip score. Radiographic evaluation consisted of pre and postoperative measurement of CE angle, Sharp angle, acetabular head index, head lateralization index and medialization of femoral head. The degree of osteoarthritis was evaluated and compared by radiographic appearance using Tönnis classification. Results: Intraoperative arthroscopic examination revealed labral lesion in 38 hips. Twenty-eight (65%) out of 43 cases showed cartilage degeneration on arthros-copy. Mean HHS changed from 72.4 preoperatively to 94 postoperatively. On radiographic evaluation CE angle changed from 6.3o to 32.3o, Sharp angle changed from 47o to 39o, acetabular head index changed from 57% to 92% thus indicating the increase in contact area. Head lateralization index changed from 61.2 to 54.9. At the latest review, the severity of osteoarthritis improved in 12 (28%), remained unchanged in 29 (67.4%), and worsened in 2 cases (4.7%). Complications include intraarticular osteotomy, disruption of posterior column and deep vein thrombosis in 1 case each. No other complications like non-union, nerve injury, avascular necrosis, or infection were seen. No patients underwent a conversion THA indicating a 100% survival for the minimum followup period of 42 months and beyond. Conclusion: Periacetabular rotational osteotomy showed good results in midterm and in 88% of cases we observed and treated labral lesion through a concomitant hip arthroscopy. Thus we recommend that evaluation and treatment of labral lesion should be considered when the joint-preserving acetabular osteotomy is performing due to dysplastic hip

Introduction: Hip pain in young adults can be associated with radiographic finding of acetabular labral tears in magnetic resonance arthrography. Acetabular labral tears can occur in dysplastic hips and in arthrotic hips as well, but often no comobidity is found. Up to now there is no prospective study published following patients with magnetic resonance arthrography verified acetabular labral tears over time and re-evaluating them with MR years later. There is also no stage related therapy published according to labral damage. The aim of this study was to follow 100 MRI verified acetabular labral tears for four years. Material and methods: Study design was prospective, observers were blinded. At primary investigation 36 clinical and 30 radiological parameters were recorded. At follow up these factors were recorded again and additionally SF36 and Harris Hip score were recorded. Results: 100 patients with average age 42 were included. 91% of all patients could be followed for over 48 months. 55 operations were performed in 50 patients . 20 patients showed concomitant developmental dysplasia of the hip, 16 patients arthrosis, 40 patients both and 15 patients had a labral lesion alone. The last group of patients never required any operation. 28 patients had a labral lesion grade I, 29 grade II, 34 grade III. Patients with grade III lesions had a significantly lower HHS at the first examination. At follow up between all groups of patients no difference regarding any clinical parameter was found. Operations were only necessary if comorbidity (dysplasia or arthrosis) was found. No single radiologic or clinical parameter could predict operation. Nine of thirteen labral surgeries were revised (triple osteotomies or THR). No correlation between severity of labral lesion at first MRI and any parameter at follow up could be found. Conclusion: If no comorbidity was found an acetabular labral tear alone never needed operative treatment. Although there exist a series of different operative treatment opportunities in meniscal/glenoid labrum surgery , we could not find the need for surgical intervention if the acetabular labral tear occurs alone. We therefore recommend physiotherapy and non – operative treatment for these patients

The traditional treatment for a primary anterior shoulder dislocation has been immobilisation in a sling with the arm in adduction and internal rotation. The recurrence rates after the initial traumatic event range from 20% to 94%. However, recent results have suggested that recurrent instability after primary shoulder dislocation may be reduced with immobilisation in external rotation. Since then, controversy exists regarding the position of immobilisation following these injuries. The objective of the present study was to compare immobilisation in internal and external rotation after a primary anterior shoulder dislocation. Fifty patients presenting to our fracture clinic with a primary traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder were randomly assigned to treatment with immobilisation in either internal rotation (IR; 25 patients) or external rotation (ER; 25 patients) for three weeks. In addition of a two-years clinical follow-up, patients underwent a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the shoulder with intra-articular contrast within four days following the traumatic event, and then at three months of follow-up. The primary outcome was a recurrent dislocation within 24 months of follow-up. The secondary outcome was the healing rate of the labral lesion seen on MRI (if present) within each immobilisation group. The follow-up rate after two years was 92% (23 of 25) in the IR group and 96% (24 of 25) in the ER group. The recurrence rate in the IR group (11 of 23; 47.8%) was higher than that in the ER group (7 of 24; 29.2%) but the difference did not reach statistical significance (p=0.188). However, in the subgroup of patients aged 20–40 years, the recurrence rate was significantly lower in the ER group (3 of 17; 6.4%) than that in the IR group (9 of 18; 50%, p<0,01). In the subgroup of patients with a labral lesion present on the initial MRI, the healing rate of the lesion was 46.2% (6 of 13) in the IR group and 60% (6 of 10) in the ER group (p=0.680). Overall, the recurrence rate among those who showed healing of the labrum (regardless of the immobilisation group) was 8.3% (1 of 12), but patients who did not healed their labrum had a recurrence rate of 45.5% (5 of 11; p=0.069). This study suggests that immobilisation in ER reduces the risk of recurrence after a primary anterior shoulder dislocation in patients aged between 20 and 40 years. At two years follow-up, the recurrence rate is lower in patients who demonstrated a healed labrum at three months, regardless of the position of immobilisation. Future studies are required in order to identify factors that can improve healing of the damaged labrum following a traumatic dislocation of the shoulder

Purpose of the study: The aim of this work was to report our experience with arthroscopy for the treatment of acetabular labral lesions and identify prognostic factors determining mid- and long-term outcome. Material and methods: Between August 1991 and December 1997, 12 patients (ten women, two men, mean age 39 years, age range 25–61 years) underwent arthroscopic treatment of an acetabular labrum lesion. All were reviewed at a mean 4 years follow-up (18 months-8 years). Half of the patients (n = 6) had a history of hip surgery: two femoral osteotomies and one acetabular bone block for congenital hip dislocation, two high-energy traumas and one traumatic dislocation. Clinical manifestations including pain (n = 12), a sensation of a snag (n = 10), or blockage (n = 8) had developed over a mean 15 months (2–24 months). Standard x-rays evidenced early signs of degenerative disease in four cases and acetabular dysplasia in four (5° < VCE < 18°), and were normal in four. Arthroscanography was performed in all cases and always evidenced a lesion of the anterior or anterosuperior part of the labrum, generally a fissuration (n = 7). The surgical procedure performed on an orthopedic table with traction on the limb lasted 45 to 75 min for regularization of the degenerated labrum in three patients, resection of the languette in six, the anse de seau in two or the labral notch in one. A short hospitalization (24 to 48 hours) was sufficient with immediate weight bearing with two canes. One patient developed sciatic paresia which regressed in 72 hours with vulvar edema due to excessive peroperative traction. Results: Besides the labral lesion, the exploration also identified an associated chondral lesion in seven cases (acetabulum in two, femoral head in three, both in two) which had been suspected in six cases from preoperative imaging (osteoarthrosis in four, dysplasia in two) and which affected the final outcome. Four of these patients (osteoarthritis in two and dysplasia in two) worsened clinically and radiographically to the point where a total hip arthroplasty was required in three. Among the three other patients, two had residual pain (osteoarthritis in one and initial x-ray normal in one) with no radiographic deterioration and only one (osteoarthrtis) was totally relieved without any radiographic deterioration at six years follow-up. Among the five patients with no chondral lesions, three (with normal x-rays initially) were pain free at four years follow-up while the two others (dysplasia) had residual pain at two years follow-up with no sign of osteoarthrtis on the latest x-rays. Discussion: Lesions of the acetabular labrum are uncommon but can be treated arthroscopically. Resection of the labral lesion is immediately effective but does not prevent long-term degradation of the joint if there is an associated chondral lesion

Background: Cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is becoming more recognized. Cartilage lesions of the acetabulum and labral tears are frequently encountered. The goal of this study was to accurately describe and communicate these injuries and thus providing a standard for reporting injury, management, and outcome. Methods: We evaluated acetabular cartilage lesions and labral tears found during hip arthroscopy in 52 patients with radiological signs of cam-type FAI. They were graded according to the morphology and extent of the lesion. The labral tears were described according to the classification by Lage. Results: Eleven patients (21.2%) had normal cartilage, 14 (26.9%) had a grade 1, 17 (32.7%) a grade 2, 6 (11.5%) a grade 3, and 4 (7.7%) a grade 4 lesion. Labral tears were found in 31 patients (59.6%). There was a high correlation between age and the presence and extent of acetabular cartilage and labral lesions (r=0.70; p< 0.0001 and r=0.45; p< 0.001 respectively). There was also a high correlation between the extent of the acetabular cartilage lesion and the presence of labral lesions (r=0.62; p< 0.0001). Conclusion: In our study there was a high prevalence of associated injuries (86.5%) in cam-type FAI. Despite the recognized consequences of associated lesions on treatment and outcome, no classification system includes this aspect of FAI. Based on our findings, we developed a system to grade acetabular cartilage lesions according to their morphology and extent. This should provide the surgeon with a standardized tool to better describe the full extent of the injury and treat it accordingly

Purpose: The confirmation of clinical findings as well as the accurate preoperative evaluation of patients with shoulder instability and rupture of the glenoid labrum. Material-Method: 180 patients with shoulder instability or suspected labral lesions were examined with MR arthrography. Results: The MR arthrography findings were the following: lesions of the labrum, SLAP lesions, redundant articular capsule, lesions of the capsule, lesions of the glenohumeral ligaments. In particular, we present: a) The spectrum of labral ruptures: Bankart lesions, SLAP, HAGL, ALPSA, GLAD lesions), b) various lesions of the labrum: degenerative changes, discoid labrum. In a few cases with MDI the MR arthrography was negative. Fifty (50) patients of these were operated upon. We report the results and compare the MR arthrography findings with those of the operation. SLAP type II lesions are difficult to be distinguished from normal conditions. Conclusions: MR arthrography is a reliable method in the study of shoulder instability and offers significantly in the treatment of this group of patients

Introduction: In the treatment of polytraumatised patients acetabular fractures are challenging because of the necessity of perfect open reduction of the articular surface over an anatomy respecting approach. Luxation of the femoral head with accompanying Pikin fracture, interponated fragments and labral lesions are relevant additional injuries compromising a good result after correct operative treatment. The choice of the approach is a limiting factor for the visualization of the hip joint and is of capital importance for adequate internal fixation. A modified Kocher-Langenbeck- approach with osteotomy of the grater trochanter allows an anatomic reduction under perfect visualization with protection of the soft tissue. Patients and Methods: This prospective study was accomplished from 1995–2003 including 60 patients (16 female, 16–80years) with an actabulary fracture (posterior wall-, T-type-, and transverse fracture) treated over a modified Kocher-Langenbeck-appraoch with osteotomy of the grater tro-chanter. The included patients had a minimum follow-up of 2 years with clinical and radiological examination. The outcome was assessed with the Merle d’Aubigné-score and degenerative changes with the Tönnis classification. Results: Within 57 patients an anatomic reduction was achieved. In 3 patients the reduction was not anatomical but satisfactory (1–3mm). Arthrotic changes in the minimujm follow-up of 2 years were observed in 14 patients (8 Ps grade I, 3 Ps grade II, 3 Ps grade III). In 3 patients posttraumatic arthritis had to be treated with THR (1, 3, 8 years postoperatively). A avascular necrosis was not objected. Conclusion: The treatment of suitable acetabular fractures over a modified Kocher-Langenbeck-approach with a osteotomy of the greater trochanter and dislocation of the femoral head is a safe method for anatomic reduction and internal fixation

Aims. To describe the distribution and clinical presentation of SLAP tears in rugby players, and time taken for return to sport. Method. A retrospective review of 51 shoulder arthroscopies performed on professional rugby players over a 35 month period was carried out. All patients diagnosed with a SLAP lesion at arthroscopy were identified. Each patient's records were reviewed to record age, injury side, mechanism of injury, clinical diagnosis, investigations and results, management, and return to play. Results. The incidence of SLAP tears was 35%. All 18 patients were male with an average age of 27 yrs. There were 11 isolated SLAP tears (61%), 3 SLAP tears associated with a Bankart lesion (17%), 2 SLAP tears associated with a posterior labral lesion (11%) and 2 SLAP tears associated with an anterior and posterior labral injury (11%). Of the 18 SLAP tears, 14 (78%) were Type 2, 3 (17%) were Type 3 and 1 (5%) was Type 4. All patients recalled a specific heavy tackle with fall onto the lateral aspect of shoulder. No patient sustained a complete dislocation. None of the patients presented with symptoms of instability. MR Arthrograms were performed in 17 of the 18 patients. SLAP tears were detected in 13 patients (76%). All patients underwent arthroscopic reconstruction within 6 months post-injury. At Arthroscopy 7 patients (39%) were found to have associated injuries. Pre-operatively 11% of patients were satisfied with their shoulder. By 6 months post-surgery 89% of patients were satisfied and 95% were back to their previous activity level. Patients with isolated SLAP tears returned to sports at an average of 2.6 months post-surgery. Conclusion. SLAP tears are a common injury in rugby players with shoulder pain following injury. These can often be diagnosed with MR arthrography. Arthroscopic repair is associated with excellent results and early return to sports

Shoulder Instability impacts on the ability of military personnel to fulfil their operational role and maintain sporting competence. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Arthrogram (MRA) are increasingly available as diagnostic adjuncts. We analysed MR reports from personnel undergoing stabilisation, correlating clinical diagnosis with operative findings and reviewed the literature in order to recommend improvements. We report a retrospective, consecutive case note analysis of 106 personnel undergoing open anterior capsulolabral reconstruction (ACLR) by a single surgeon. Seventy patients had MR (48 MRA, 22 MRI). Commonly reported pathology included Hill Sachs Lesions (41%), Soft tissue (59%) and bony Bankart lesions (16%), capsular laxity (20 %), supraspinatus lesion (20%), ACJ disease (13%) and SLAP tear (12%). The sensitivity of MR for identification of labral lesions was 82% with a specificity of 86%. For bony glenoid lesions, sensitivity was 63% and specificity 94%. Disparity between report and operative findings occurred mainly in standard MRI. Patients with lesions unrelated to instability achieved a pain free functioning shoulder following stabilisation. 100% of patients referred for ACLR with clinical evidence of instability without MR had positive pre-operative and operative correlation with instability. In 5 cases, the original equivocal MRI was repeated by MRA due to clinical suspicion of instability. In all cases the repeat MRA correlated with pre-operative and operative findings of instability. In 5 cases with equivocal clinical findings, MRA provided confirmation of instability. Delay in referral due to scanning and follow up ranged from 0 – 15 weeks. The diagnosis of those instigating referral is accurate. Reporting of MR is open to variation and has cost implications. MRA performed by a radiologist with a musculoskeletal specialist interest is recommended on an individual basis only and routine use of non-arthrographic studies should be discontinued. This will improve the efficiency of the fast track pathway

The cause of unremitting hip joint pain often remains undiagnosed. In the knee, MRI often accurately detects soft tissue pathology, but there is a less than 5% chance that MRI will show an abnormality such as a labral tear. Because conventional surgery can lead to such complications as avascular necrosis, muscle weakness, trochanteric nonunion, heterotopic bone formation, neurovascular injuries and DVT, diagnostic open arthrotomy is seldom performed. Further, prolonged hospitalisation is costly and commits the patient to an extended rehabilitation program. Arthroscopic hip surgery, a relatively new but well-established procedure, permits the identification of previously unrecognised disorders and in some pathologies offers definitive treatment. In young selected patients with OA it serves as a temporary palliative procedure. This presentation is based on the first 50 hip arthroscopies performed by the author. Indications for operation were chronic hip pain without radiologically-discernible cause, the presence of loose bodies following trauma, chondrocalcinosis, labral lesions, chondral injuries, ruptured ligamentum teres, avascular necrosis, early OA, biopsy for suspected RA, and non-specific synovial disease. All patients were in hospital for only a day. Mobilisation was encouraged from day one. Dramatic improvement in previous symptoms was noted postoperatively. In three patients with degenerative changes, pain returned after a mean of 6 months and THR was subsequently performed. Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment technique, especially in young patients presenting with hip pain

Aim: To determine whether isolated lesions of the glenoid labrum or capsulolabral lesios influence anterior and inferior shoulder stability in a cadaver model that leaves all other glenohumeral structures, including the capsule, intact. Methods: Sequential arthroscopic resection of the labrum was performed with a motorized shaver in seventeen fresh cadaver shoulders. A capsulolabral dehiscence was created arthroscopically in another eleven fresh cadaver shoulders. The capsulolabral complex was divided into five zones: from superior to posterior. Inferior and anterior stability were tested before and after each cutting step. Results: The hyper-abduction test showed progressive increase in abduction with each step, with a maximum of 120° reached after removal of the labrum in all four zones or after detachment of all zones. Resection of the superior to inferior labrum maximally resulted in subluxation, but not in dislocation of the shoulder. Capsulolabral dehiscence of all but the posterior zones resulted in a locked (6/11) or a metastable (4/11) dislocation. In the other specimens the posterior zone needed to be detached as well for a metastable dislocation. Conclusion: Purely labral lesions and limited capsulolabral detachments do not seem to be sufficient to allow the humeral head to dislocate. Labral tears can therefore be debrided without consequences for shoulder stability. In the present study, a capsulolabral detachment in the antero-inferior zone (the typical Bankart lesion) does not allow the humeral head to dislocate. This leads us to suggest that associated lesions must exist in chronic instability

Background: Acetabular labral tears are increasingly recognised as a cause of hip pain in young adults and middle aged patients. Degenerative acetabular conditions and sporting activities can cause labral injury. Recent interest has focussed on anterior femoroacetabular impingement as a cause of labral injury, progressive articular cartilage damage and secondary osteoarthritis. Labral tears are difficult to diagnose clinically or with conventional radiographic techniques. Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of MR arthrography in locating labral tears and articular cartilage defects compared with hip arthroscopy. Materials and Methods: 200 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of acetabular labral tear underwent hip arthroscopy. All of them had a preoperative Magnetic Resonance Arthrogram done by a single musculoskeletal radiologist using a standard protocol. The labrum was assessed for abnormalities of morphology and signal intensity. Acetabular articular cartilage defects were expressed as a reduction in joint space. All hip arthroscopies were done by a single surgeon after a trial period of conservative therapy consisting of activity modification, physiotherapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. All procedures were recorded digitally and documented in an operative report. Labral tears and acetabular cartilage abnormalities were described by location and appearance. Results: Comparison of MRA and hip arthroscopy findings demonstrate MRA to have a sensitivity of 100%, positive predictive value of 99%, negative predictive value of 100% and accuracy of 99% in predicting labral tears. MRA correctly identified the location of labral tears in 90% of cases. Acetabular cartilage abnormalities were under recognised by MRA (43 hips on MRA vs 54 hips on arthroscopy). MRA was not sensitive enough to pick up early delamination of cartilage adjacent to labral tear in 6 hips. Conclusion: Hip MRA with radial reformatting has high accuracy rates in diagnosing and localising hip labral lesions

Shoulder Instability impacts on the ability of military personnel to fulfil their operational role and maintain sporting competence. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Arthrogram (MRA) are increasingly available as diagnostic adjuncts. We analysed MR reports from personnel undergoing stabilisation, correlating clinical diagnosis with operative findings and reviewed the literature in order to recommend improvements. This was a retrospective, consecutive case note analysis of 106 personnel undergoing open anterior capsulolabral reconstruction (ACLR) by a single surgeon. 70 patients had MR (48 MRA, 22 MRI). Commonly reported pathology included Hill Sachs Lesions (41%), Soft tissue (59%) and bony Bankart lesions (16%), capsular laxity (20 %), supraspinatus lesion (20%), ACJ disease (13%) and SLAP tear (12%). The sensitivity of MR for identification of labral lesions was 82% with a specificity of 86%. For bony glenoid lesions, sensitivity was 63% and specificity 94%. Disparity between report and operative findings occurred mainly in standard MRI. Patients with lesions unrelated to instability achieved a pain free functioning shoulder following stabilisation. 100% of patients referred for ACLR with clinical evidence of instability without MR had positive pre-operative and operative correlation with instability. In 5 cases, the original equivocal MRI was repeated by MRA due to clinical suspicion of instability. In all cases the repeat MRA correlated with pre-operative and operative findings of instability. In 5 cases with equivocal clinical findings, MRA provided confirmation of instability. Delay in referral due to scanning and follow up ranged from 0–15 weeks. The diagnosis of those instigating referral is accurate. Reporting of MR is open to variation and has cost implications. MRA performed by a radiologist with a musculoskeletal specialist interest is recommended on an individual basis only and routine use of non-arthrographic studies should be discontinued. This will improve the efficiency of the fast track pathway

The spectrum of pathoanatomy in collision athletes with shoulder instability is wide, with a high incidence of extended labral lesions and associated intra-articular injuries. The ‘collision shoulder’ describes an injury sustained by direct impact to the shoulder without dislocation, but with extensive labral damage and a high incidence of other intra-articular pathology and neurological symptoms. One hundred and eighty-three collision athletes (rugby and rugby league) were treated for labral injuries related to their sport in three different centres. Details of the mechanism of injury and findings at surgery were recorded. Only 60% of athletes in the series presented following a documented dislocation or subluxation episode of the shoulder. An additional pattern of injury was recognised in the remaining athletes involving a direct impact injury to the shoulder. In these athletes the clinical symptoms and signs were less specific but there was a high incidence of ‘dead arm’ at the time of injury (72%). The spectrum of pathology in this series was wide with a high incidence of associated intra-articular lesions. In those athletes with an impact type of injury without dislocation there was more extensive labral pathology with a high incidence of posterior labral tears (50%). The incidence of associated chondral lesions was similarly very high but significant bony pathology was less common than in the dislocation group (11 % versus 26%). Elite athletes had less frank dislocations but were more likely to sustain neurological injury, posterior labral tears, SLAP lesions and cartilaginous and capsular injuries. The incidence of all lesions in this series of collision athletes is higher than those previously published. These lesions often occurred in the absence of a frank dislocation (the ‘collision shoulder). It is important to anticipate additional pathology when planning definitive management in these patients, with surgery tailored to the specific lesions found. The athlete with an impact type of injury without dislocation can do well following surgery, with a high rate of return to contact sport, either at the same or a higher level

Shoulder instability and impingement are common in tennis players. During tennis, several impingements could occur: subcoracoid and anterosuperior impingements at the follow-through phase of forehand and the backhand preparation phase; subacromial and postero-superior impingements at the cocking phase of serve. The precise causes for these impingements remain unclear, but it is believed that repetitive contact, glenohumeral instability may play a role. Impingement and glenohumeral instability at critical tennis positions have never been dynamically evaluated in-vivo. The purpose of this study was to develop a patient-specific measurement technique based on motion capture and MRI to accurately determine glenohumeral kinematics (rotations and translations). The second objective was to evaluate impingements and stability in tennis. Shoulder MR arthrography and motion capture were performed in 10 tennis players. Motion data were recorded during tennis movements. Glenohumeral kinematics was computed from the markers trajectories using a global optimisation algorithm with loose constraints on joint translations (accuracy: translational error ≈3mm, rotational error <4°). The translations patterns computed with the model were in good agreement with previous works. The resulting computed motions were applied to the subject's shoulder 3D bony models reconstructed from MRI data. While simulating the shoulder joint, minimum humero-acromial, humero-coracoid and humero-glenoid distances were measured at critical tennis positions. Given the thickness of the potential impinged tissues, impingement was considered when the computed distance was <5 mm (<6 mm for the humero-acromial distance). During serve, glenohumeral stability was assessed at the cocking, deceleration and finish phases. Glenohumeral translation was defined as the anterior-posterior and superior-inferior motion of the humeral head centre relative to a glenoid coordinate system. Subluxation was defined as the ratio (in %) between the humeral head centre translation and the radius of the width (antero-posterior subluxation) or height (supero-inferior subluxation) of the glenoid surface. Instability was thus considered when the subluxation was >50%, corresponding to a loss of congruence superior to half the radius of the width (or height) of the glenoid. No subcoracoid impingement was detected. Antero-superior impingements were observed in two subjects (29%) during forehand. Anterior and lateral subacromial impingements occurred during the cocking phase of serve in three (29%) and four subjects (42%), respectively. Postero-superior impingements during the cocking phase of serve were the most frequent (7 subjects, 75%). In this position, glenohumeral translation was anterior (mean: 34%) and superior (mean: 13%). During the deceleration phase, anterior and superior translation varied between 8–57% and between 5–34%, respectively. During the finish phase, anterior translation was slightly more intense (mean: 44%), while superior translation remained low (mean: 1%). MRI revealed eleven rotator cuff lesions in five subjects, and six labral lesions in five subjects. Postero-superior impingement was frequent when serving. No instability could be noted. Tennis players presented frequent radiographic signs of structural lesions which seem to be mainly related to postero-superior impingement due to repetitive abnormal motion contacts. Our findings are consistent with this hypothesis. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating that a dynamic and precise motion analysis of the shoulder is feasible using an external measurement system, such as motion capture

Introduction. Acetabular labral pathology is now recognized as a more common injury than previously thought. With cost constraints of MRI and invasiveness of MRI arthrogram, physical examination remains essential for diagnosis. Most tests for labral pathology are currently done in the supine position. We have developed the “twist test,” which is done with the patient standing and can evaluate the patient in functional, weight bearing position. The purpose of this study is to describe the twist test and compare its reliability to MRI arthrogram. Material and methods. Between June 2009 and August 2010, the twist test was performed on all patients presenting to our clinic with complaint of hip pain. 371 patients had the twist test performed. Of these, 247 had an MRI arthrogram (MRA) of the affected hip. The twist test results were compared with MRA findings. A labral tear, degeneration, fraying and paralabral cyst were considered as a positive MRA. The twist test is done with the patient facing the examiner, toes pointing forward. The patient bends their knees to 30 degrees and performs a windshield wiper like action with maximal excursion to the left and right. If the patient tolerates this, then the patient first gets on the unaffected leg, again with the knee bent at 30 degrees, and “does the twist” one-legged, with the examiner holding their hands gently for balance. The test is then repeated on the affected hip. A positive test is groin pain on the affected hip, apprehension with performing the test on the affected hip, or gross range of motion deficits on the affected hip compared with the unaffected side. Results. Among 160 patients with positive twist test, 154 patients had positive MRA and 6 had negative MRA. Among 87 patients with negative twist test, 72 had positive MRA and 15 had negative MRA. In comparison with MRA, the sensitivity and specificity of twist test for labral injury were 68.14% and 71.5% respectively. Positive predictive value (precision) of twist test for diagnosis of labral lesion was 96.25% and the accuracy was 68.4%. Conclusions. Physical examination tests for hip pathology are an important screening tool. Current tests include the McCarthy test and the impingement test. We introduce a new test for hip labral pathology, which is done standing. In our study, the twist test had a high positive predictive value (96.25%), so this test can be beneficial for ruling out labral pathology. An added benefit is that this test is quick to perform, so it could be incorporated into a general sports physical screening examination

Aims To describe the distribution, clinical presentation of SLAP tears in rugby players, and time taken for return to sport. Method A retrospective review of 51 shoulder arthroscopies performed on professional rugby players over a 35 month period was carried out. All patients diagnosed with a SLAP lesion at arthroscopy were identified. Each patient’s records were reviewed to record age, injury side, mechanism of injury, clinical diagnosis, investigations and results, management, and return to play. Results The incidence of SLAP tears was 35%. All 18 patients were male with an average age of 27yrs. There were 11 isolated SLAP tears (61%), 3 SLAP tears associated with a Bankart lesion (17%), 2 SLAP tears associated with a posterior labral lesion (11%) and 2 SLAP tears associated with an anterior and posterior labral injury (11%). Of the 18 SLAP tears, 14 (78%) were Type 2, 3(17%) were Type 3 and 1(5%) was Type 4. All patients recalled a specific heavy tackle with fall onto the lateral aspect of shoulder. No patient sustained a complete dislocation. None of the patients presented with symptoms of instability. MR Arthrograms were performed in 17 of the 18 patients. SLAP tears were detected in 13 patients (76%). All patients underwent arthroscopic reconstruction within 6 months post injury. At Arthroscopy 7 patients (39%) were found to have associated injuries. Preoperatively 11% of patients were satisfied with their shoulder. By 6 months post surgery 89% of patients were satisfied and 95% were back to their previous activity level. Patients with isolated SLAP tears returned to sports at an average of 2.6 months post surgery. Conclusion SLAP tears are a common injury in rugby players with shoulder pain following injury. These can often be diagnosed with MR arthrography. Arthroscopic repair is associated with excellent results and early return to sports

Introduction. Posterior superior glenoid impingement as a cause of partial rotator cuff lesions and posterior superior labral tears in overhead athletes was first described in the early 90’s by Walch and Jobe. Material and methods. From January 1994 to January 2002, 71 patients were treated (48 men and 23 women). The majority were overhead athletes: handball (39), ketcher sports (12), volleyball (8), others (12). Indications for surgery were shoulder pain with athletic activity and a failed trial of conservative treatment. Mean age was 26 (range, 17–41) years. Mean duration of symptoms was 31 (range, 7–120) months. Following diagnostic arthroscopy–excluding anterior inferior ligament lesions and other significant intaarticular pathology–the partial rotator cuff lesions and posterior superior labral tears were debrided arthroscopically. During postoperative rehabilitation emphasis was placed on strengthening rotator cuff muscles, restoring normal scapulohumeral rhythm and avoiding stretching of the anterior static glenohumeral stabilizers. Results. In 97% of cases a partial rotator cuff were found, and 90% had significant posterior–superior labral lesions. There were also 6 SLAP type II lesions that were repaired. Sixty four out of 71 patients were available for a follow up of minimum 2 years: 61% were able to return to preinjury activity level without any shoulder symptoms and 22% were not able to return to their desired sport. Overall satisfaction rate was 84%. The average time for return to sports participation was 9 (range, 4–12) months. Thirty six out of 46 patients had a telephone interview in a second minimum 5 years follow up. Fifty two percent (52%) were still active overhead athletes and 48% had stopped athletic activity (half of them because of shoulder problems). Six patients had secondary operations: 4 a capsular shift procedure and 2 a subacromial decompression. Conclusion. In patients with symptomatic posterior superior impingement arthroscopic debridement followed by careful rehabilitation is an acceptable treatment. There is some tendency for the symptoms to recur over time