PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to prospectively assess the efficacy of arthroscopic repair of isolated high-grade subscapularis (SSC) tendon lesions by means of clinical follow-up combined with magnetic resonance imaging investigations. METHODS Between January 2008 and September 2010, 11 patients (9 men and 2 women; mean age, 45 ± 10 years) with Lafosse type III or IV traumatic isolated SSC tendon lesions underwent arthroscopic repair including tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon. All patients were preoperatively assessed by clinical examination (Constant-Murley score [CMS]) and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance arthrography. At 1 year of follow-up, specific clinical SSC tests, the CMS, and the loss of external rotation were evaluated. A native magnetic resonance investigation was performed to assess the structural integrity of the repair. The SSC muscle was compared with its preoperative condition regarding fatty infiltration and size (cross-sectional area). Patient satisfaction was graded from 1 (poor) to 4 (excellent). RESULTS The mean time interval from trauma to surgery was 3.7 months. A concomitant lesion of the biceps tendon was observed in 10 patients (91%). The mean CMS improved from 44 to 89 points (P < .001). The functional tests showed a significant increase in strength (P < .05) (belly-press test, 4.8 v 2.9; lift-off test, 4.8 v 2.9). The mean loss of external rotation at 0°of abduction was 10°compared with the contralateral side (P < .05). Patient satisfaction was high. Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation showed complete structural integrity of the tendon repair in all studies. The SSC showed a significant decrease in fatty infiltration and increase in the cross-sectional area. CONCLUSIONS Arthroscopic repair of higher-grade isolated SSC lesions provides reliable tendon healing accompanied by excellent functional results 1 year after surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, prospective therapeutic case series.

PURPOSE To prospectively assess arthroscopic repair of massive cuff tears (MCT) in a highly selective patient group with large subscapularis (SSC) tendon tears by means of clinical results and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. METHODS Between April 2009 and December 2010, 26 patients with MCT were treated with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Only lesions involving a large tear of the SSC tendon (Lafosse III or IV) in combination with a complete tear of the supraspinatus (SSP) tendon and a tear of at least the anterior third of the infraspinatus (ISP) tendon were included. Minimum follow-up was 1 year. Pre-and postoperative assessment included a standardized clinical examination, subjective patient outcome, and MRI (structural integrity, fatty muscle infiltration, and muscular mass). RESULTS Mean follow-up was 17 months (range, 12 to 34 months). MRI was performed in 25 patients. In 21 (84%) the cuff repair was intact. A partial retear of the SSC was found in 2 patients (8%). In 2 patients (8%) a full-thickness retear of the posterosuperior cuff was observed (1 SSP, 1 SSP/ISP). A significant increase of the muscle mass and decrease of fatty infiltration was observed for the SSC and SSP but not for the ISP. The mean Constant-Murley score improved from 36 to 86 points (P < .001) with all its subscores as well (P < .001). Muscular strength improved for the SSC (4.9 v 3.0, P < .001), SSP (4.6 v 2.9, P < .001), and ISP (4.8 v 3.4, P < .001). Overall patient satisfaction was high (3.6 ± 0.8). CONCLUSIONS Arthroscopic repair of MCT involving the ISP, SSP, and large tears of the SSC provides a reliable tendon healing, in particular for the SSC tendon, combined with good functional results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Background:Subsidence of cementless femoral stems in hemiarthroplasty (HA) and increased fracture rates are ongoing concerns of orthopedic surgeons when treating fractures in very old patients. Additionally, bone cement implantation syndrome may result in perioperative cardiac or pulmonary complications, especially in older patients, leading to morbidity and mortality. This study was performed to analyze possible subsidence and intraoperative fractures in a cohort of very old patients treated with cementless stems.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed a consecutive cohort of patients aged ≥90 years with femoral neck fractures treated by uncemented HA and an anterior minimally invasive approach. Immediate full-weight bearing was allowed postoperatively. Pelvic radiographs were examined for subsidence immediately postoperatively and 6 weeks later.Results:We treated 109 patients (74% women; mean age, 93 years; range, 90-102 years) by HA from January 2010 to March 2016. The 30-day mortality rate was 16%, and the morbidity rate was 47%. There were 11 (12%) intraoperative fractures: 8 (Vancouver B2) had to be addressed immediately during the primary operation, while 3 (1 Vancouver B1 and 2 Vancouver AG) were treated conservatively. One periprosthetic femoral fracture (Vancouver B1) was documented during follow-up. In 17 patients, subsidence of >2.0 mm (median, 3.9 mm; range, 2.5-9.0 mm) was documented.Conclusion:Early subsidence was low in this very old cohort treated with an uncemented stem and not showing a periprosthetic fracture. The risk of intraoperative periprosthetic fractures was high. The use of uncemented implants in osteoporotic bone continues to be an intervention with high risk and should only be performed by experienced surgeons.Level of Evidence:Level III, Therapeutic study.

OverviewIntroductionWe describe the surgical technique for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of proximal humeral fractures with a locking plate.Step 1: Preoperative PlanningTo choose the right candidate, obtain a full understanding of the patient’s fracture pattern, activity level and demands, and bone quality; be aware of predictors of complications and poor outcomes.Step 2: Patient PositioningPlace the patient in the beach-chair position with the arm draped free or in a hydraulic device with good access for the image intensifier.Step 3: ApproachThe deltopectoral approach is generally preferred because of the exposure obtained, the possibility of distal extension, and the minimal risk of nerve injury.Step 4: Reduction and Fixation of the Tuberosities: the Key to Obtaining Marionette-Like ControlThe control, reduction, and fixation of the tuberosities are crucial to restore the anterior-posterior force couple of the shoulder and must therefore be done properly no matter what the fracture pattern looks like.Step 5: Fracture ReductionAfter carrying out Steps 1 through 4, perform the reduction techniques for the specific fracture type as described below for types that we think suitable for ORIF with a locking plate.Step 6: Fixation: Implant-Specific ConsiderationsPlate length and positioning, humeral head screw placement, distal locking, confirming the screw tip position with the image intensifier, and securing the tuberosities.Step 7: Tenotomy or Tenodesis of the Long Biceps TendonPerform a biceps tenotomy if the biceps is displaced out of the groove by the fracture pattern or if you have to open the rotator interval.Step 8: Wound ClosureDo not close the deltopectoral interval.Step 9: RehabilitationAs the failure rate of ORIF of proximal humeral fractures is high, do not force an active rehabilitation protocol.ResultsIn our analysis of 269 fractures followed for twelve months, we found that the Constant-Murley score (CMS) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) score improved continuously during the first six months postoperatively.IndicationsContraindicationsPitfalls & Challenges

Background: Primary shoulder hemiarthroplasty is an established treatment modality for complex fractures of the proximal humerus. Long-term functional outcome is often disappointing. However, little is known about social implications particularly in the elderly. Methods: A single-institution case series of consecutive geriatric patients (age > 70 years) treated with shoulder hemiarthroplasty for complex fractures of the proximal humerus between 1994 and 1997 was analysed. Postoperative morbidity, long-term function, radiological outcome and social implications were evaluated. Results: Seventy-seven patients fulfilled the study criteria. Median age at the time of operation was 80 years (range 70-93 years). Systemic and local postoperative complications were observed in 8% including 2 patients (3%) with revision surgery. Postoperative mortality was 1%. Forty-eight patients (62%) were available for follow-up (median 49 months, range 25-80 months), 22 (29%) died from causes unrelated to hemiarthroplasty before follow-up and 7 patients (9%) did not attend follow-up examination. Median Constant-Murley score was 41 points (range 17-77 points). Long-term results concerning pain were satisfying. The Oxford shoulder score ranged from 14 to 40 (median 30). Forty-one patients (85%) still lived in their original environment and managed their daily life independently despite poor shoulder function. Four patients (8%) lived in a retirement home and 3 (6%) in a nursery home. Eighty percent of our patients were still able to use public transportation, do the daily shopping and wash their whole body by themselves. Conclusion: Most patients managed their daily life independently despite poor shoulder function.