1. The supraspinatus group of lesions constitutes one of the two common causes of the painful shoulder. 2. Most, but not all, of these lesions resolve either spontaneously or after conservative treatment. 3. When conservative treatment fails symptoms can be relieved by excision of the acromion process, provided that sufficient bone is removed to relieve all pressure on the tendon throughout a full range of shoulder movement. 4. Excision of the acromion is contra-indicated if there is doubt as to the diagnosis or if there is true limitation of shoulder movement

Examination was made of 750 scapular dry bone specimens from museum collections and 80 cadaver shoulders. Hooking of the acromion was not found in subjects under the age of 30 years. The hooked configuration developed at later ages in an increasing proportion of subjects as a result of calcification of the acromial attachment of the coracoacromial ligament

We examined 200 scapular bones for signs of degenerative changes in the coraco-acromial arch. The slope and length of the acromion and the height of the arch were found to be most closely associated with degenerative change. These anatomical features are not significantly altered by current techniques of subacromial decompression

Lateral clavicular physeal injuries in adolescents are frequently misinterpreted as acromioclavicular dislocations. There are currently no clear guidelines for the management of these relatively rare injuries. Non-operative treatment can result in a cosmetic deformity, warranting resection of the non-remodelled original lateral clavicle. However, fixation with Kirschner (K)-wires may be associated with infection and/or prominent metalwork. We report our experience with a small series of such cases.

Between October 2008 and October 2011 five patients with lateral clavicular physeal fractures (types III, IV and V) presented to our unit. There were four boys and one girl with a mean age of 12.8 years (9 to 14). Four fractures were significantly displaced and treated operatively using a tension band suture technique. One grade III fracture was treated conservatively. The mean follow-up was 26 months (6 to 42).

All patients made an uncomplicated recovery. The mean time to discharge was three months. The QuickDASH score at follow-up was 0 for each patient. No patient developed subsequent growth disturbances.

We advocate the surgical treatment of significantly displaced Grade IV and V fractures to avoid cosmetic deformity. A tension band suture technique avoids the problems of retained metalwork and the need for a secondary procedure. Excellent clinical and radiological results were seen in all our patients.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:664–7.

In a prospective randomised study we compared the results of arthroscopic subacromial bursectomy alone with debridement of the subacromial bursa followed by acromioplasty. A total of 57 patients with a mean age of 47 years (31 to 60) suffering from primary subacromial impingement without a rupture of the rotator cuff who had failed previous conservative treatment were entered into the trial. The type of acromion was classified according to Bigliani. Patients were assessed at follow-up using the Constant score, the simple shoulder test and visual analogue scores for pain and functional impairment. One patient was lost to follow-up. At a mean follow-up of 2.5 years (1 to 5) both bursectomy and acromioplasty gave good clinical results. No statistically significant differences were found between the two treatments. The type of acromion and severity of symptoms had a greater influence on the clinical outcome than the type of treatment. As a result, we believe that primary subacromial impingement syndrome is largely an intrinsic degenerative condition rather than an extrinsic mechanical disorder

We examined cultured osteoblasts derived from paired samples from the greater tuberosity and acromion from eight patients with large chronic tears of the rotator cuff. We found that osteoblasts from the tuberosity had no apparent response to mechanical stimulation, whereas those derived from the acromion showed an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity and nitric oxide release which is normally a response of bone cells to mechanical strain. By contrast, we found that cells from both regions were able to respond to dexamethasone, a well-established promoter of osteoblastic differentiation, with the expected increase in alkaline phosphatase activity. Our findings indicate that the failure of repair of the rotator cuff may be due, at least in part, to a compromised capacity for mechanoadaptation within the greater tuberosity. It remains to be seen whether this apparent decrease in the sensitivity of bone cells to mechanical stimulation is the specific consequence of the reduced load-bearing history of the greater tuberosity in these patients

We assessed the predictive value of the macroscopic and detailed microscopic appearance of the coracoacromial ligament, subacromial bursa and rotator-cuff tendon in 20 patients undergoing subacromial decompression for impingement in the absence of full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff. Histologically, all specimens had features of degenerative change and oedema in the extracellular matrix. Inflammatory cells were seen, but there was no evidence of chronic inflammation. However, the outcome was not related to cell counts. At three months the mean Oxford shoulder score had improved from 29.2 (20 to 40) to 39.4 (28 to 48) (p < 0.0001) and at six months to 45.5 (36 to 48) (p < 0.0001). At six months, although all patients had improved, the seven patients with a hooked acromion had done so to a less extent than those with a flat or curved acromion judged by their mean Oxford shoulder scores of 43.5 and 46.5 respectively (p = 0.046). All five patients with partial-thickness tears were within this group and demonstrated less improvement than the patients with no tear (mean Oxford shoulder scores 43.2 and 46.4, respectively, p = 0.04). These findings imply that in the presence of a partial-thickness tear subacromial decompression may require additional specific treatment to the rotator cuff if the outcome is to be improved further

Aims. In patients with a rotator cuff tear, tear pattern and tendon involvement are known risk factors for the development of pseudoparalysis of the shoulder. It remains unclear, however, why similar tears often have very different functional consequences. The present study hypothesizes that individual shoulder anatomy, specifically the moment arms (MAs) of the rotator cuff (RC) and the deltoid muscle, as well as their relative recruitment during shoulder abduction, plays a central role in pseudoparalysis. Materials and Methods. Biomechanical and clinical analyses of the pseudoparalytic shoulder were conducted based on the ratio of the RC/deltoid MAs, which were used to define a novel anatomical descriptor called the Shoulder Abduction Moment (SAM) index. The SAM index is the ratio of the radii of two concentric spheres based on the centre of rotation of the joint. One sphere captures the humeral head (numerator) and the other the deltoid origin of the acromion (denominator). A computational rigid body simulation was used to establish the functional link between the SAM index and a potential predisposition for pseudoparalysis. A retrospective radiological validation study based on these measures was also undertaken using two cohorts with and without pseudoparalysis and massive RC tears. Results. Decreased RC activity and improved glenohumeral stability was predicted by simulations of SAM indices with larger diameters of the humeral head, being consequently beneficial for joint stability. Clinical investigation of the SAM index showed significant risk of pseudoparalysis in patients with massive tears and a SAM < 0.77 (odds ratio (OR) 11). Conclusion. The SAM index, which represents individual biomechanical characteristics of shoulder morphology, plays a determinant role in the presence or absence of pseudoparalysis in shoulders with massive RC tears

We studied the origin of the anterior deltoid from the lateral third of the clavicle and the leading anterior edge of the acromion in 18 cadaver shoulders by anatomical and histological methods. The main origin of the deltoid was from the superior surface of the anterior acromion, but muscle and tendinous attachments were also seen on the entire anterior surface of the acromion, its anteroinferior surface and on the whole width of the anterior surface of the clavicle. Mock arthroscopic acromioplasty was shown to detach deltoid fibres from the anterior surfaces, leaving the superior attachment in continuity. Potentially, arthroscopic subacromial and clavicular resection can detach deltoid fibres originating from the anterior and anteroinferior surfaces of the acromion and clavicle and thus weaken the anterior deltoid

Aims. To date, there is insufficient evidence available to compare the outcome of cemented and uncemented fixation of the humeral stem in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). . Methods. A systemic review comprising 41 clinical studies was performed to compare the functional outcome and rate of complications of cemented and uncemented stems in RSA. These included 1455 cemented and 329 uncemented shoulders. The clinical characteristics of the two groups were similar. Variables were compared using pooled frequency-weighted means and relative risk ratios (RR). Results. Uncemented stems had a significantly higher incidence of early humeral stem migration (p < 0.001, RR 18.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.0 to 65.2) and non-progressive radiolucent lines (p < 0.001, RR 2.4, 95% CI 1.7 to 3.4), but a significantly lower incidence of post-operative fractures of the acromion compared with cemented stems (p = 0.004, RR 14.3, 95% CI 0.9 to 232.8). There was no difference in the risk of stem loosening or revision between the groups. The cemented stems had a greater relative risk of infection (RR 3.3, 95% CI 0.8 to 13.7), nerve injury (RR 5.7, 95% CI 0.7 to 41.5) and thromboembolism (RR 3.9, 95% CI 0.2 to 66.6). The functional outcome and range of movement were equivalent in the two groups. . Discussion. RSA performed with an uncemented stem gives them equivalent functional outcome and a better complication profile than with a cemented stem. The natural history and clinical relevance of early stem migration and radiolucent lines found with uncemented stems requires further long-term study. Take home message: This study demonstrates that uncemented stems have at least equivalent clinical and radiographic outcomes compared with cemented stems when used for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:65–74

The April 2012 Shoulder & Elbow Roundup. 360 . looks at katakori in Japan, frozen shoulder, if shoulder impingement actually exists, shoulder arthroscopy and suprascapular nerve blocks, why shoulder replacements fail, the infected elbow replacement, the four-part fracture, the acromion index, and arm transplantation

If a modular convertible total shoulder system is used as a primary implant for an anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty, failure of the prosthesis or the rotator cuff can be addressed by converting it to a reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), with retention of the humeral stem and glenoid baseplate. This has the potential to reduce morbidity and improve the results. . In a retrospective study of 14 patients (15 shoulders) with a mean age of 70 years (47 to 83) we reviewed the clinical and radiological outcome of converting an anatomical shoulder arthroplasty (ASA) to a RSA using a convertible prosthetic system (SMR system, Lima, San Daniele, Italy). . The mean operating time was 64 minutes (45 to 75). All humeral stems and glenoid baseplates were found to be well-fixed and could be retained. There were no intra-operative or early post-operative complications and no post-operative infection. The mean follow-up was 43 months (21 to 83), by which time the mean visual analogue scale for pain had decreased from 8 pre-operatively to 1, the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score from 12 to 76, the mean Oxford shoulder score from 3 to 39, the mean Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder Score from 1618 to 418 and the mean Subjective shoulder value from 15 to 61. On radiological review, one patient had a lucency around the humeral stem, two had stress shielding. There were no fatigue fractures of the acromion but four cases of grade 1 scapular notching. . The use of a convertible prosthetic system to revise a failed ASA reduces morbidity and minimises the rate of complications. The mid-term clinical and radiological results of this technique are promising. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1662–7

Radiographs of the shoulders of 84 asymptomatic individuals aged between 40 and 83 years were evaluated to determine changes in 23 specific areas. Two fellowship-trained orthopaedic radiologists graded each area on a scale of 0 to II (normal 0, mild changes I, advanced changes II). Logistic regression analysis indicated age to be a significant predictor of change (p < 0.05) for sclerosis of the medial acromion and lateral clavicle, the presence of subchondral cysts in the acromion, formation of osteophytes at the inferior acromion and clavicle, and narrowing and degeneration of the acromioclavicular joint. Gender was not a significant predictor (p > 0.05) for radiological changes. Student’s t-test determined significance (p < 0.05) between age and the presence of medial acromial and lateral clavicular sclerosis, subchondral acromial cysts, inferior acromial and clavicular osteophytes, and degeneration of the acromioclavicular joint. Radiological analysis in conditions such as subacromial impingement, pathology of the rotator cuff, and acromioclavicular degeneration should be interpreted in the context of the symptoms and normal age-related changes

We hypothesised that a large acromial cover with an upwardly tilted glenoid fossa would be associated with degenerative rotator cuff tears (RCTs), and conversely, that a short acromion with an inferiorly inclined glenoid would be associated with glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA). This hypothesis was tested using a new radiological parameter, the critical shoulder angle (CSA), which combines the measurements of inclination of the glenoid and the lateral extension of the acromion (the acromion index). The CSA was measured on standardised radiographs of three groups: 1) a control group of 94 asymptomatic shoulders with normal rotator cuffs and no OA; 2) a group of 102 shoulders with MRI-documented full-thickness RCTs without OA; and 3) a group of 102 shoulders with primary OA and no RCTs noted during total shoulder replacement. The mean CSA was 33.1° (26.8° to 38.6°) in the control group, 38.0° (29.5° to 43.5°) in the RCT group and 28.1° (18.6° to 35.8°) in the OA group. Of patients with a CSA > 35°, 84% were in the RCT group and of those with a CSA < 30°, 93% were in the OA group. We therefore concluded that primary glenohumeral OA is associated with significantly smaller degenerative RCTs with significantly larger CSAs than asymptomatic shoulders without these pathologies. These findings suggest that individual quantitative anatomy may imply biomechanics that are likely to induce specific types of degenerative joint disorders. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:935–41

Our aim was to determine the effect of the initial pattern of fracture and the displacement of fragments on the outcome of proximal humeral fractures treated conservatively. We followed 93 consecutive patients prospectively for one year. Final movement and strength were compared with those of the contralateral side. The final American Shoulder and Elbow Society score and the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand and Short-Form 36 questionnaires were compared with those provided by the patient on the day of the injury. Radiographs and CT scans with three-dimensional reconstruction were obtained in all patients. The pattern of the fracture and the displacement of individual fragments were analysed and correlated with the final outcome. There were two cases of nonunion and six of avascular necrosis. The majority of the fractures (84 patients; 90%) followed one of the following four patterns: posteromedial (varus) impaction in 50 patients (54%), lateral (valgus) impaction in 13 (14%), isolated greater tuberosity in 15 (16%), and anteromedial impaction fracture in six (6%). Head orientation, impaction of the surgical neck and displacement of the tuberosity correlated strongly with the outcome. In fractures with posteromedial impaction, a poor outcome was noted as the articular surface displaced inferiorly increasing its distance from the acromion. A poorer outcome was noted as a fractured greater tuberosity displaced medially overlapping with the posterior articular surface. Lateral impaction fractures had a worse outcome than other patterns of fracture

In 100 patients the fulcrum axis which is the line connecting the anterior tip of the coracoid and the posterolateral angle of the acromion, was used to position true anteroposterior radiographs of the shoulder. This method was then compared with the conventional radiological technique in a further 100 patients. Three orthopaedic surgeons counted the number of images without overlap between the humeral head and glenoid and calculated the amount of the glenoid surface visible in each radiograph. The analysis was repeated for intraobserver reliability. The learning curves of both techniques were studied. The amount of free visible glenoid space was significantly higher using the fulcrum-axis method (64 vs 31) and the comparable glenoid size increased significantly (8.56 vs 6.47). Thus the accuracy of the anteroposterior radiographs of the shoulder is impaired by using this technique. The intra and interobserver reliability showed a high consistency. No learning curve was observed for either technique

Aims

Steroid injections are used for subacromial pain syndrome and can be administered via the anterolateral or posterior approach to the subacromial space. It is not currently known which approach is superior in terms of improving clinical symptoms and function. This is the protocol for a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to compare the clinical effectiveness of a steroid injection given via the anterolateral or the posterior approach to the subacromial space.

Aims

The scapula is a rare site for a primary bone tumour. Only a small number of series have studied patient outcomes after treatment. Previous studies have shown a high rate of recurrence, with functional outcomes determined by the preservation of the glenohumeral joint and deltoid. The purpose of the current study was to report the outcome of patients who had undergone tumour resection that included the scapula.

Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) is a prolonged episode of shoulder dysfunction that commences within 24 to 48 hours of a vaccination. Symptoms include a combination of shoulder pain, stiffness, and weakness. There has been a recent rapid increase in reported cases of SIRVA within the literature, particularly in adults, and is likely related to the mass vaccination programmes associated with COVID-19 and influenza. The pathophysiology is not certain, but placement of the vaccination in the subdeltoid bursa or other pericapsular tissue has been suggested to result in an inflammatory capsular process. It has been hypothesized that this is associated with a vaccine injection site that is “too high” and predisposes to the development of SIRVA. Nerve conduction studies are routinely normal, but further imaging can reveal deep-deltoid collections, rotator cuff tendinopathy and tears, or subacromial subdeltoid bursitis. However, all of these are common findings within a general asymptomatic population. Medicolegal claims in the UK, based on an incorrect injection site, are unlikely to meet the legal threshold to determine liability.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(8):839–842.

Posterior dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint with the lateral end of the clavicle locked behind the acromion has only rarely been described. This paper present such a case diagnosed two weeks after the shoulder was injured in an accident. The clavicle was locked behind the articular surface of the acromion, restricting the movement of the shoulder and causing considerable pain. Anteroposterior radiographs showed a high-riding clavicle but no gap in the joint, but the axial view showed the dislocation. At operation the coracoclavicular ligaments were found overstretched but not ruptured. As reduction of the acromioclavicular joint was not possible, the lateral end of the clavicle was resected. Although the result was perfect, we consider the correct treatment should be early closed or open reduction of the acromioclavicular joint

The February 2023 Shoulder & Elbow Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Arthroscopic capsular release or manipulation under anaesthesia for frozen shoulder?; Distal biceps repair through a single incision?; Distal biceps tendon ruptures: diagnostic strategy through physical examination; Postoperative multimodal opioid-sparing protocol vs standard opioid prescribing after knee or shoulder arthroscopy: a randomized clinical trial; Graft healing is more important than graft technique in massive rotator cuff tear; Subscapularis tenotomy versus peel after anatomic shoulder arthroplasty; Previous rotator cuff repair increases the risk of revision surgery for periprosthetic joint infection after reverse shoulder arthroplasty; Conservative versus operative treatment of acromial and scapular spine fractures following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

A new technique of shoulder fusion is presented using a posterior approach. After removal of the articular cartilage, a Rush pin is introduced from the spine of the scapula, through the glenoid into the medullary canal of the humerus. This is supplemented by tension-band wiring from the acromion to the neck of the humerus and a muscle pedicle graft attached to the acromion. A shoulder spica is applied for four to six weeks. Four patients with injuries to the upper brachial plexus and 14 with paralysis of the upper arm due to anterior poliomyelitis have been followed for three years. One of the 18 patients developed nonunion; she had removed her own cast prematurely. This method of fixation provides high shear resistance and low axial stiffness without deforming plastically. It does not affect bone growth in young patients, is effective in patients with osteoporosis, and gives a high rate of union

Aims

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) can be used in complex cases when the glenoid requires reconstruction. In this study, a baseplate with composite bone autograft and a central trabecular titanium peg was implanted, and its migration was assessed for two years postoperatively using radiostereometric analysis (RSA).

Rotator cuff pathology is the main cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction in older adults. When a rotator cuff tear involves the subscapularis tendon, the symptoms are usually more severe and the prognosis after surgery must be guarded. Isolated subscapularis tears represent 18% of all rotator cuff tears and arthroscopic repair is a good alternative primary treatment. However, when the tendon is deemed irreparable, tendon transfers are the only option for younger or high-functioning patients. The aim of this review is to describe the indications, biomechanical principles, and outcomes which have been reported for tendon transfers, which are available for the treatment of irreparable subscapularis tears.

The best tendon to be transferred remains controversial. Pectoralis major transfer was described more than 30 years ago to treat patients with failed surgery for instability of the shoulder. It has subsequently been used extensively to manage irreparable subscapularis tendon tears in many clinical settings. Although pectoralis major reproduces the position and orientation of the subscapularis in the coronal plane, its position in the axial plane – anterior to the rib cage – is clearly different and does not allow it to function as an ideal transfer. Consistent relief of pain and moderate recovery of strength and function have been reported following the use of this transfer. In an attempt to improve on these results, latissimus dorsi tendon transfer was proposed as an alternative and the technique has evolved from an open to an arthroscopic procedure. Satisfactory relief of pain and improvements in functional shoulder scores have recently been reported following its use. Both pectoralis minor and upper trapezius transfers have also been used in these patients, but the outcomes that have been reported do not support their widespread use.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):970–977.

Aims

This study aimed to assess the impact of using the metal-augmented glenoid baseplate (AGB) on improving clinical and radiological outcomes, as well as reducing complications, in patients with superior glenoid wear undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA).

Aims

The current evidence comparing the two most common approaches for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA), the deltopectoral and anterosuperior approach, is limited. This study aims to compare the rate of loosening, instability, and implant survival between the two approaches for rTSA using data from the Dutch National Arthroplasty Registry with a minimum follow-up of five years.

Aims

Despite new technologies for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), approximately 20% of patients are dissatisfied. A major reason for dissatisfaction and revision surgery after TKA is persistent pain. The radiological grade of osteoarthritis (OA) preoperatively has been investigated as a predictor of the outcome after TKA, with conflicting results. The aim of this study was to determine if there is a difference in the intensity of pain 12 months after TKA in relation to the preoperative radiological grade of OA alone, and the combination of the intensity of preoperative pain and radiological grade of OA.

Aims

The management of mid-shaft clavicle fractures (MSCFs) has evolved over the last three decades. Controversy exists over which specific fracture patterns to treat and when. This review aims to synthesize the literature in order to formulate an appropriate management algorithm for these injuries in both adolescents and adults.

Bone defects are frequently observed in anterior shoulder instability. Over the last decade, knowledge of the association of bone loss with increased failure rates of soft-tissue repair has shifted the surgical management of chronic shoulder instability. On the glenoid side, there is no controversy about the critical glenoid bone loss being 20%. However, poor outcomes have been described even with a subcritical glenoid bone defect as low as 13.5%. On the humeral side, the Hill-Sachs lesion should be evaluated concomitantly with the glenoid defect as the two sides of the same bipolar lesion which interact in the instability process, as described by the glenoid track concept. We advocate adding remplissage to every Bankart repair in patients with a Hill-Sachs lesion, regardless of the glenoid bone loss. When critical or subcritical glenoid bone loss occurs in active patients (> 15%) or bipolar off-track lesions, we should consider anterior glenoid bone reconstructions. The techniques have evolved significantly over the last two decades, moving from open procedures to arthroscopic, and from screw fixation to metal-free fixation. The new arthroscopic techniques of glenoid bone reconstruction procedures allow precise positioning of the graft, identification, and treatment of concomitant injuries with low morbidity and faster recovery. Given the problems associated with bone resorption and metal hardware protrusion, the new metal-free techniques for Latarjet or free bone block procedures seem a good solution to avoid these complications, although no long-term data are yet available.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(10):1100–1110.

Rotator cuff tears are common in middle-aged and elderly patients. Despite advances in the surgical repair of rotator cuff tears, the rates of recurrent tear remain high. This may be due to the complexity of the tendons of the rotator cuff, which contributes to an inherently hostile healing environment. During the past 20 years, there has been an increased interest in the use of biologics to complement the healing environment in the shoulder, in order to improve rotator cuff healing and reduce the rate of recurrent tears. The aim of this review is to provide a summary of the current evidence for the use of forms of biological augmentation when repairing rotator cuff tears.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(9):978–985.

Aims

Multiple secondary surgical procedures of the shoulder, such as soft-tissue releases, tendon transfers, and osteotomies, are described in brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) patients. The long-term functional outcomes of these procedures described in the literature are inconclusive. We aimed to analyze the literature looking for a consensus on treatment options.

Aims

The aim of this study was to report the incidence of implant-related complications, further operations, and their influence on the outcome in a series of patients who underwent primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA).

Aims

Long-term outcomes following the use of human dermal allografts in the treatment of symptomatic irreparable rotator cuff tears are not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate these outcomes, and to investigate whether this would be a good form of treatment in young patients in whom a reverse shoulder arthroplasty should ideally be avoided.

Aims

The aim of this study was to develop and internally validate a prognostic nomogram to predict the probability of gaining a functional range of motion (ROM ≥ 120°) after open arthrolysis of the elbow in patients with post-traumatic stiffness of the elbow.

We have reviewed 12 fractures of the coracoid process. In two of these patients the fracture extended into the body of the scapula and resulted in displacement of the glenoid. In some cases, there were associated acromioclavicular and glenohumeral dislocations or fractures of the clavicle and the acromion. Two patients required internal fixation to restore congruence of the glenoid; the others were treated conservatively with success. We present a new classification of coracoid fractures which helps in their management

We examined 270 scapular bones and found an incidence of os acromiale of 8.2%. In most cases, the free fragment was approximately one-third of the overall length of the acromion, and included the acromioclavicular facet and the principal areas of attachment of the coracoacromial ligament. Two-thirds of the specimens showed a distinctive pattern of osteophytic lipping. Based on this study, we devised operative procedures for symptomatic patients, and operated upon seven, with good results in six

Thirty-three patients with impingement syndrome of the rotator cuff were studied before and at operation. It was shown that the rotator cuff lengthens and twists during elevation of the arm. Elevation is achieved by early glenohumeral abduction and continuous flexion and external rotation. The range of free rotation at the glenohumeral joint diminishes progressively during elevation. Rotator cuff impingement occurs towards the end of the early glenohumeral abduction. Excision arthroplasty of the acromioclavicular joint and anterior acromioplasty is highly effective for impingement under the acromion, but only moderately effective where impingement is under the acromioclavicular joint

Aims

Open reduction and plate fixation (ORPF) for displaced proximal humerus fractures can achieve reliably good long-term outcomes. However, a minority of patients have persistent pain and stiffness after surgery and may benefit from open arthrolysis, subacromial decompression, and removal of metalwork (ADROM). The long-term results of ADROM remain unknown; we aimed to assess outcomes of patients undergoing this procedure for stiffness following ORPF, and assess predictors of poor outcome.

1. The results of operation in sixty-three patients with rupture of the rotator cuff of the shoulder have been reviewed. 2. In seventeen patients the classical delto-pectoral route was found to give poor access and mediocre results. 3. In forty-six patients a superior approach along the supraspinatus fossa and through the divided acromion process was found to give excellent access and to permit lateral advancement of the supraspinatus muscle in order to enable wide gaps to be closed. With this improved surgical access the proportion of good results has been doubled. 4. It is suggested that when a case of rupture of the cuff, confirmed by arthrography, fails to respond to physiotherapy, operative repair should be undertaken

We studied the position and rotational changes associated with elevation of the glenohumeral joint, using a three-dimensional magnetic-field tracking system on nine fresh cadaveric shoulders. The plane of maximal arm elevation was shown to occur 23 degrees anterior to the plane of the scapula. Elevation in any plane anterior to the scapula required external humeral rotation, and maximal elevation was associated with approximately 35 degrees of external humeral rotation. Conversely, internal rotation was necessary for increased elevation posterior to the plane of the scapula. The observed effects of this rotation were to clear the humeral tuberosity from abutting beneath the acromion and to relax the inferior capsular ligamentous constraints. Measurement of the obligatory humeral rotation required for maximal elevation helps to explain the relationship of the limited elevation seen in adhesive capsulitis and after operations which limit external rotation

1. Six cases of posterior dislocation of the shoulder are described. 2. In four cases the diagnosis was made on clinical grounds. 3. The important clinical signs are the adducted and medially rotated position of the arm, a hard mass posteriorly below the acromion representing the displaced humeral head, and limitation of movement, especially abduction and lateral rotation. 4. In two cases the dislocation was not recognised at the first examination. This confirms the statement of previous authors that posterior dislocation is easily missed. 5. The value of the vertical projection in the radiography of suspected posterior dislocation is emphasised. 6. Reduction was accomplished without difficulty in five cases and the subsequent progress of these was uneventful. In the remaining case reduction was difficult and unstable, and the final recovery incomplete. It is considered that this patient would have been better treated by early open reduction

Os acromiale is a rare anatomical abnormality and treatment is controversial. Our retrospective study analyses the outcome of excision, acromioplasty and bony fusion of the os acromiale when it is associated with a tear of the rotator cuff. After a mean follow-up of 41 months, 33 patients were radiologically and clinically assessed using the Constant score. The surgical procedure was to repair the rotator cuff together with excision of the os acromiale in six patients, acromioplasty in five, and fusion in 22. Of the 22 attempted fusions seven failed radiologically. The Constant scores were 82%, 81%, 81% and 84% for patients who had excision, acromioplasty, successful fusion and unsuccessful fusion respectively. There were no statistically significant differences. We conclude that a small mobile os acromiale can be resected, a large stable os acromiale treated by acromioplasty and a large unstable os acromiale by fusion to the acromion. Even without radiological fusion the clinical outcome can be good

We studied the stability of cemented all-polyethylene keeled glenoid components by radiostereometric analysis (RSA) in 16 shoulders which had received a total shoulder replacement. There were 14 women (one bilateral) and one man with a mean age of 64 years. The diagnosis was osteoarthritis in eight and rheumatoid arthritis in seven. Two of the shoulders were excluded from the RSA study because of loosening of the tantalum markers. Three tantalum markers were inserted in the glenoid socket, two in the coracoid process and two in the acromion. The polyethylene keeled glenoid component was marked with three to five tantalum markers. Conventional radiological and RSA examinations were carried out at five to seven days, at four months and at one and two years after operation. Radiolucent lines were found in all except three shoulders. Migration was most pronounced in the distal direction and exceeded 1 mm in four shoulders. In ten shoulders rotation exceeded 2° in one or more axes with retroversion/anteversion being most common. No correlation was found between migration and the presence of radiolucencies on conventional radiographs

Aims

The purpose of this study was to identify the changes in untreated long head of the biceps brachii tendon (LHBT) after a rotator cuff tear and to evaluate the factors related to the changes.

Spinal accessory nerve palsy leads to painful disability of the shoulder, carrying an uncertain prognosis. We reviewed the long-term outcome in 16 patients who were treated for pain, weakness of active elevation and asymmetry of the shoulder and the neck due to chronic paralysis of the trapezius muscle, as a result of nerve palsy. Of four patients who were treated conservatively, none regained satisfactory function, although two became pain-free. The other 12 patients were treated operatively with transfer of the levator scapulae to the acromion and the rhomboid muscles to the infraspinatus fossa (the Eden-Lange procedure). At a mean follow-up of 32 years, the clinical outcome of the operatively treated patients was excellent in nine, fair in two, and poor in one patient, as determined by the Constant score. Pain was adequately relieved in 11 and overhead function was restored in nine patients. Pre-operative electromyography had been carried out in four patients. In two, who eventually had a poor outcome, a concomitant long thoracic and dorsal scapular nerve lesion had been present. The Eden-Lange procedure gives very satisfactory long-term results for the treatment of isolated paralysis of trapezius. In the presence of an additional serratus anterior palsy or weak rhomboid muscles, the procedure is less successful in restoring shoulder function

Aims

Ultrasound (US)-guided injections are widely used in patients with conditions of the shoulder in order to improve their accuracy. However, the clinical efficacy of US-guided injections compared with blind injections remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy and efficacy of US-guided compared with blind corticosteroid injections into the glenohumeral joint in patients with primary frozen shoulder (FS).

Most brachial plexus palsies are due to trauma, often resulting from motorcycle accidents. When nerve repair and physiotherapy are unsuccessful, muscle transfer may be considered. Paralysis of the deltoid and supraspinatus muscles can be addressed by transfer of the trapezius. Between March 1994 and June 1997 we treated 38 patients with brachial plexus palsy by trapezius transfer and reviewed 31 of these (7 women, 24 men) after a mean follow-up of 23.8 months (12 to 39), reporting the clinical and radiological results and subjective assessment. The mean age of the patients was 29 years (18 to 46). The operations had been performed according to the method of Saha described in 1967, involving transfer of the acromion with the insertion of the trapezius to the proximal humerus, and immobilisation in an abduction support for six weeks. Rehabilitation started on the first postoperative day with active exercises for the elbow, hand and fingers, and electrical stimulation of the transferred trapezius. All 31 patients had improved function with a decrease in multidirectional instability of the shoulder. The average increase in active abduction was from 7.3° (0 to 45) to 39° (25 to 80) at the latest review. The mean forward flexion increased from 20° (0 to 85) to 44° (20 to 90). Twenty-nine of the 31 were satisfied with the improvement in stability and function. Trapezius transfer for brachial plexus palsy involving the shoulder improves function and stability with clear subjective benefits