Citations

Background: Deficient soft tissue following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can jeopardize outcome. The gastrocnemius flap is an important means of providing coverage of a knee with deficient soft tissue. There is a paucity of long-term studies on the use of the gastrocnemius flap in the setting of TKA. The purpose of this study was to review the outcomes after the use of pedicled gastrocnemius flaps for coverage of a soft-tissue defect at the time of TKA. Methods: Eighty-three patients in whom a gastrocnemius flap had been used to cover the site of a primary (n = 18) or revision (n = 65) TKA over a 25-year period were identified. There were 48 women (58%) and 35 men (42%) with a mean age and body mass index (BMI) of 65 years and 32.6 kg/m 2 . The mean wound size was 49 cm 2 , and the wound was most commonly located over the anterior aspect of the knee/patellar tendon (n = 33). Patients were followed to the time of implant or flap revision, amputation, or death or for a minimum of 2 years (mean, 8 years). Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Knee Society Score (KSS) for pain and the KSS for function. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess revision and amputation-free survival. Risk factors for amputation and revision were identified with Cox regression. Results: The 10-year revision and amputation-free survival rates following gastrocnemius flap coverage were 68% and 79%, respectively. The risk of implant failure was increased by morbid obesity (BMI of ≥40 kg/m 2 ) (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09 to 7.32, p = 0.03) and ≥5 prior surgical procedures on the knee (HR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.04 to 6.88, p = 0.04). The risk of amputation was increased in patients with ≥5 prior surgical procedures (HR = 10.76, 95% CI = 2.38 to 48.58, p = 0.002), an age of ≥65 years (HR = 4.94, 95% CI = 1.10 to 22.09, p = 0.03), and a wound size of ≥50 cm 2 (HR = 3.29, 95% CI = 1.14 to 9.53, p = 0.02). Preoperatively the mean KSSs for pain and function were 46 and 28, and these scores significantly (p < 0.05) improved to 78 and 43, respectively, at the time of follow-up. Conclusions: The gastrocnemius flap reliably provides coverage of components used in complex knee reconstruction. A history of multiple surgical procedures on the knee and larger soft-tissue defects increase the risk of revision TKA and of amputation. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Background: Massive irreparable rotator cuff tears in both the primary and the revision setting are challenging problems. There remains controversy over the ideal treatment methods for these patients. In the case of an irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tear, tendon transfers 1–12 have emerged as a reliable option, with a durable outcome. The most commonly used tendon transfer options are the latissimus dorsi (LD) 1–6 and the lower trapezius (LT) 12 . Description: The LD transfer is performed by first harvesting the LT tendon from the humeral shaft. It is critical to release the many adhesions to the muscle belly as well as to separate it from the teres major muscle. The tendon is then transferred intra-articularly, in an interval between the deltoid and the teres minor. The tendon is anchored arthroscopically after preparation of the anterolateral aspect of the tuberosity. The LT transfer is performed by harvesting the LT muscle and tendon off its insertion on the medial aspect of the scapular spine. It should be mobilized to maximize excursion by releasing adhesions. An Achilles tendon allograft is anchored into the anterior aspect of the greater tuberosity arthroscopically. The Achilles tendon is then secured to the LT tendon. Alternatives: In addition to tendon transfer, options include: Partial or complete attempted repair 13–17 . Augmentation or bridging with allografts 18–23 . Superior capsular reconstruction 24 . Subacromial balloon 25 . Rationale: There remains a paucity of literature comparing tendon transfers with alternatives. However, when considering a tendon transfer, certain principles are critical in order to achieve an optimal outcome: The recipient and transferred tendons must have similar musculotendinous excursion. The recipient and transferred tendons should have similar lines of pull. One tendon (the transferred) should be designed to replace 1 function (of the recipient). The function of the transferred tendon and muscle should be expendable without substantial donor site morbidity. The strength of the transferred muscle must be at least grade 4. When deciding between the LT and LD transfer, certain considerations should be taken into account. The LD transfer has a proven history of successfully treating massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears in studies with long-term follow-up 1–6 . Alternatively, although the LT transfer has only recently gained popularity, it has the advantage of “in-phase” muscle function, since the trapezius naturally contracts during shoulder external rotation. Furthermore, its line of pull almost completely mimics the infraspinatus.

Background: Glenohumeral arthrodesis is associated with a high rate of complications. Although patients experience reasonable pain relief and shoulder stability, they experience marked limitations in their upper-extremity function. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical outcomes of glenohumeral arthrodesis. Methods: Twenty-nine patients with 29 affected shoulders underwent primary glenohumeral arthrodesis between 1992 and 2009. Surgical indications included rotator cuff arthropathy and pseudoparalysis (n = 7), neurologic injuries (n = 12), chronic infection (n = 3), recurrent dislocations (n = 3), and proximal humeral or shoulder girdle tumors (n = 4). Surgical fixation techniques included plates and screws in 18 patients and screws only in 11 patients. Results: All patients were examined, with a mean follow-up of 12 years (range, 2 to 22 years). Twelve patients (41%) had postoperative complications, including 6 periprosthetic fractures, 7 nonunions, and 3 infections. Eleven patients (38%) required additional surgical procedures after arthrodesis, including revision internal fixation to achieve glenohumeral fusion after nonunions (n = 7), irrigation and debridement with antibiotic treatment for deep infections (n = 2), open reduction and internal fixation to treat fracture (n = 2), and implant removal to treat symptomatic patients (n = 3). Patients experienced reasonable overall pain relief. The mean postoperative scores were 35 points for the Subjective Shoulder Value, 58 points for the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and 54 points for the Short Form-36. Eighty-seven percent of patients reported postoperative limitations. Patients with neurologic injuries had worse functional outcomes, and an arthrodesis position of ≥25° yielded better functional outcomes. Conclusions: Glenohumeral arthrodesis is associated with a high rate of patients with complications (41%). Although patients experience reasonable pain relief and shoulder stability, they experience marked limitations in their upper-extremity function. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

We retrospectively reviewed and compared the outcomes and complications associated with 81 single digit and 168 multi-digit proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasties performed from 1998 to 2012 in 136 patients. Clinical outcomes were assessed with an average follow-up of 5.3 years for single digit and 5.9 years for multi-digit proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty. Comparing single versus multi-digit proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty, the reoperation-free survival was 67% and 68% at 5 years and 56% and 67% at 10 years, respectively. Furthermore, in comparison of single versus multi-digit proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty, the revision-free survival was 80% and 86% at 5 years and 80% and 85% at 10 years, respectively. Given the similar, or even slightly improved, rates of complications, reoperation, and revision surgery, proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty performed on multi-digits results in no worse outcomes compared with single digit proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty. Level of evidence: IV

Purpose: A biomechanical functional assessment was performed on a newly designed wrist hemiarthroplasty implant with aimed to identifying differences between the native wrist and wrist following the hemiarthroplasty procedure with [Formula: see text] and without a proximal row carpectomy (Hemi). Methods: Six cadaveric wrists were mounted on a custom testing fixture and underwent a series of functional tests to investigate differences in range of motion, muscles moment arms, and axis of rotation between the intact and post-operative wrists. The tested movements included manually-driven flexion-extension, radial-ulnar deviation, dart throwers motion, and circumduction. Results: The only significant change in range of motion was a decrease in flexion between the intact [Formula: see text] and both the Hemi [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] conditions. Minor differences in the mean position and variability of the axis of rotation’s piercing point were identified. A statistically significant decrease in the flexion moment arm of the flexor carpi radialis was identified between the intact ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm) and [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm) conditions. Statistically significant decreases were also identified in the radial deviation moment arms of the extensor carpi radialis brevis’ between the intact ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm) and [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm) conditions and the flexor carpi radialis’ between the intact ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm) and Hemi ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm) conditions as well as in the ulnar deviation moment arm of the extensor carpi ulnaris between the intact ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm) and Hemi ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm) conditions. Conclusions: While some statistically significant functional changes were identified between the native and hemiarthroplasty wrist, the findings suggest that post-operative function is equally acceptable in hemiarthroplasty with and without resection of the proximal carpal row.

Background: This study reviews long-term outcomes of partial wrist denervation focusing on need for and time to revision procedure. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted of all patients undergoing partial wrist denervation between 1994 and 2014. At average latest follow-up of 6.75 years (range, 1-21 years), clinical and radiographic data and need for revision surgery were recorded. Results: There were 100 wrists in 89 patients (61 male, 28 female) with average age at surgery of 54 years (range, 26-80). Principal diagnoses were arthritis (58%), inflammatory (19%), and posttraumatic arthritis (7%). Average flexion-extension arc was 83% and grip strength 75% of unaffected extremity. Average Mayo Wrist Scores improved from 48 preoperatively to 77 postoperatively. Sixty-nine percent of patients did not undergo other procedures during the time interval studied. Thirty-one percent underwent revision at an average of 26 months following denervation (range, 2-165). Conclusions: Partial wrist denervation is a motion-preserving procedure for patients with refractory wrist pain with 69% in this series requiring no further procedures. The remaining 31% experienced average symptom relief for 2 years prior to ultimately undergoing revision operation.

Abstract The arthroscopic Latarjet procedure is challenging because it can be difficult to place 2 screws parallel to the glenoid surface and a medial portal (dangerous for the brachial plexus) is mandatory. In addition, precise positioning of the coracoid bone block flush with the joint line and in a subequatorial position as recommended is troublesome without the use of a guiding system because of the arthroscopic lens distortion. To improve the reproducibility of the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure and to minimize the risk of nerve complications, we developed a guiding system to optimize the positioning of the coracoid bone block and 2 cortical buttons to facilitate its fixation. Four portals are used: a posterior standard portal and 3 anterior portals, all lateral to the conjoint tendon. The anterior rim of the glenoid and the coracoid process are prepared. Two holes are drilled in the glenoid and in the coracoid process with 2 specific guides. The subscapularis is then split, and 2 cortical buttons are passed from posterior to anterior through the tunnels with a shuttle relay. The coracoid process undergoes osteotomy and is guided through the split in the subscapularis to the anteroinferior rim of the glenoid by pulling on the cortical buttons. Technique Video video See video under supplementary data.

Background: Allograft-prosthetic composite (APC) reconstruction of the humerus represents an appealing surgical technique when implantation of a reverse prosthesis is considered in the setting of substantial proximal humeral bone loss 1–4 . Humeral APCs have been successfully performed in the past with a non-reverse shoulder prosthesis 4,5 . Reconstruction of the proximal part of the humerus with an allograft provides adequate support and fixation for the humeral component, allows restoration of length and lateral offset, and provides an opportunity for soft-tissue reattachment when needed. On the basis of the available peer-reviewed data, healing at the allograft-host junction is reliable, and complication rates, including instability, are relatively low 3,6 . Description: Once the glenoid reverse component has been implanted, a proximal humeral allograft is prepared to receive the humeral component of a reverse arthroplasty. The allograft is procured by our institutional bone and tissue bank, purchased from a number of vendors. The graft is selected after review of the description and radiographs provided by the vendor. The priority is to obtain a graft with sufficient length and soft tissues attached. If possible, the graft selected should have a diameter close to the diameter of the humerus of the recipient. The desired allograft length is selected on the basis of preoperative planning and intraoperative measurements, and the distal portion of the allograft is resected accordingly. Depending on the length of the defect, host bone quality, and surgeon preferences, the humeral component may or may not bypass the host-graft junction. The stem bypasses the host-graft junction for shorter APCs, as well as when the bone quality of the native humerus is compromised. Cemented fixation into the graft is universally used. Compression plating is used for graft-to-host fixation, supplemented by implantation of the stem across the junction in selected cases. Care is taken during the freehand cut to obtain optimal contact and compression. Once the ideal humeral bearing thickness has been selected, the polyethylene bearing is implanted and the joint relocated. If the posterior cuff can be repaired to cuff allograft, sutures are placed prior to relocation and are tied after relocation. Other musculotendinous units, such as the deltoid or pectoralis major, are repaired to the allograft if needed. Alternatives: Implantation of a reverse prosthesis with a proximal humeral metal body (a so-called tumor prosthesis) is the main alternative to proximal humeral APC reconstruction. In patients with shorter defects, adequate soft-tissue tension may be obtained by implanting a glenosphere with a large inferior eccentricity and cementing the humeral component in a more proximal position than is usually performed. Alternatively, when implantation of the glenoid component of a reverse prosthesis is not possible, a hemiarthroplasty-APC construct may be performed 1,4,5,7–10 , adding a synthetic sleeve such as an aortic Dacron graft to enhance soft-tissue stability if needed. Rationale: When reverse arthroplasty is performed in the setting of substantial humeral bone loss, the humeral component may be poorly supported and at risk for loosening. In addition, the absence of proximal humeral bone stock may lead to shortening and/or loss of lateral offset. Finally, the posterosuperior cuff, subscapularis, deltoid, and pectoralis tendons may remain detached. The potential consequences of humeral bone loss in the setting of reverse arthroplasty include humeral loosening, dislocation, and poor active motion (particularly poor active elevation). Allograft reconstruction of the proximal part of the humerus provides an opportunity for better support of the component, restoration of humeral length and lateral offset, and attachment sites for the musculotendinous structures around the shoulder, if needed.