Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery
-
J Shoulder Elbow Surg · Apr 2013
Rotator cuff healing after continuous subacromial bupivacaine infusion: an in vivo rabbit study.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of continuous subacromial bupivacaine infusion on supraspinatus muscle and rotator cuff tendon healing using gross, biomechanical, and histologic analyses. ⋯ The healing supraspinatus tendons exposed to bupivacaine infusion showed similar histologic and biomechanical characteristics compared with untreated and saline-infused RCR groups. Muscle histology showed fiber damage at 2 weeks for the saline and bupivacaine-treated groups, with no apparent disruption at 8 weeks, suggesting a recovery process. Therefore, subacromial bupivacaine infusion in this rabbit rotator cuff model does not appear to impair muscle or tendon after acute injury and repair.
-
J Shoulder Elbow Surg · Apr 2013
Suprascapular nerve anatomy during shoulder motion: a cadaveric proof of concept study with implications for neurogenic shoulder pain.
The suprascapular nerve (SSN) carries sensory fibers which may contribute to shoulder pain. Prior anatomic study demonstrated that alteration in SSN course with simulated rotator cuff tendon (RCT) tears cause tethering and potential traction injury to the nerve at the suprascapular notch. Because the SSN has been implicated as a major source of pain with RCT tearing, it is critical to understand nerve anatomy during shoulder motion. We hypothesized that we could evaluate the SSN course with a novel technique to evaluate effects of simulated RCT tears, repair, and/or release of the nerve. ⋯ This pilot study demonstrated that the dynamic SSN course can be evaluated and may be altered by a RCT tear. Preliminary results suggest release of the transverse scapular ligament allowed the SSN to move upward out of the notch. This provides a biomechanical proof of concept that SSN traction neuropathy may occur with RCT tears and that release of the transverse scapular ligament may alleviate this by altering the course of the nerve.
-
J Shoulder Elbow Surg · Apr 2013
The AO Foundation and Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) scapula fracture classification system: focus on glenoid fossa involvement.
Fractures of the glenoid frequently require surgical treatment. A comprehensive and reliable scapula classification system involving the glenoid fracture patterns is needed to describe the underlying pathology. The AO Scapula Classification Group introduces an appropriate novel system that is presented along with its inter-rater reliability and accuracy. ⋯ This new system for scapular glenoid fractures has proved to be sufficiently reliable and accurate when applied by experienced shoulder surgeons. Further validation of the most detailed system, as well as involvement of surgeons with different levels of training in the framework of clinical routine and research, however, should be considered.
-
J Shoulder Elbow Surg · Mar 2013
Meta Analysis Comparative StudyPlate versus intramedullary nail fixation in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures: an updated meta-analysis.
Regarding the treatment of humeral shaft fractures, the choice of plating or intramedullary nailing remains controversial. Previous randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses failed to draw a unanimous conclusion. To guide clinical decision making, we conducted an updated meta-analysis on the optimal treatment of humeral shaft fractures. ⋯ Level II, Meta-analysis of prospective comparative trials.
-
J Shoulder Elbow Surg · Mar 2013
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyDiaphragm function after interscalene brachial plexus block: a double-blind, randomized comparison of 0.25% and 0.125% bupivacaine.
Interscalene brachial plexus block (ISBPB) provides excellent analgesia after rotator cuff surgery but is associated with diaphragm dysfunction. In this study, ISBPB with 20 mL of 0.125% or 0.25% bupivacaine were compared to assess the effect on diaphragm function, oxygen saturation, pain control, opioid requirements, and patient satisfaction. ⋯ In this randomized, double-blind comparison of ISBPB performed with 20 mL of 0.125% or 0.25% bupivacaine, diaphragm function and oxygen saturation were superior in patients treated with more dilute bupivacaine. Furthermore, there were no clinically significant differences in pain scores, and no statistically significant differences in opioid requirements and patient satisfaction.