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Abstract Background Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a hereditary disease characterised by joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility and tissue fragility. Hypermobile EDS (hEDS is the more frequent subtype. Joint surgery may benefit certain patients after failure of medical treatments, but there is no consensus on the optimal surgical management of patients with hEDS. The aims of this retrospective study were to chart the surgical management of patients with hEDS, to determine the role of arthroscopy and to evaluate the functional results of joint surgery, including the reintervention rates. Results A total of 69 patients with non-vascular EDS were evaluated (60 female; 87%). Mean (SD) age at first surgery was 25.6 ± 11.1 years. Among the 69 patients, first surgeries were carried out on the knee (n = 50; 39.4%), ankle (n = 28; 22.0%), shoulder (n = 22; 17.3%), wrist (n = 18; 14.2%) and elbow (n = 9; 7.1%). One-fifth of all first operations (20.8%) were carried out by arthroscopy, most often on the knee (36% of knee surgery cases). At the time of primary surgery, the surgeon was alerted to the diagnosis or suspicion of hEDS in only 33.9% of patients. The rate of reoperations (2 to ≥ 5) was 35.7% (10/28) for the ankle, 40.9% (9/22) for the shoulder, 44.4% (4/9) for the elbow, 50% (9/18) for the wrist and 60% (30/50) for the knee. Local or regional anaesthesia was badly tolerated or ineffective in 27.8%, 36.4% and 66.6% of operations on the wrist, shoulder and elbow, respectively. Overall, the majority of patients (> 70%) were satisfied or very satisfied with their surgery, particularly on the non-dominant side. The lowest satisfaction rate was for shoulder surgery on the dominant side (58.3% dissatisfied). Conclusions Surgery for joint instability has a greater chance of success when it is carried out in patients with a known diagnosis of EDS before surgery. The majority of patients were satisfied with their surgery and, with the exception of the knee, there was a low rate of reoperations (≤ 50%). Arthroscopic procedures have an important role to play in these patients, particularly when surgery is performed on the knee.

Purpose: A variety of instabilities are grouped under multidirectional instability (MDI) of the shoulder. This makes understanding its diagnostic process, presentation and treatment difficult due to lack of evidence-based consensus. This review aims to propose a novel classification for subtypes of MDI. Methods: A systematic search was performed on PubMed Medline and Embase. A combination of the following 'MeSH' and 'non-MesH' search terms were used: (1) Glenohumeral joint[tiab] OR Glenohumeral[tiab] OR Shoulder[tiab] OR Shoulder joint[tiab] OR Shoulder[MeSH] OR Shoulder joint[MeSH], (2) Multidirectional[tiab], (3) Instability[tiab] OR Joint instability[MeSH]. Sixty-eight publications which met our criteria were included. Results: There was a high degree of heterogeneity in the definition of MDI. Thirty-one studies (46%) included a trauma etiology in the definition, while 23 studies (34%) did not. Twenty-five studies (37%) excluded patients with labral or bony injuries. Only 15 (22%) studies defined MDI as a global instability (instability in all directions), while 28 (41%) studies considered MDI to be instability in two directions, of which one had to include the inferior direction. Six (9%) studies included the presence of global ligamentous laxity as part of the definition. To improve scientific accuracy, the authors propose a novel AB classification which considers traumatic etiology and the presence of hyperlaxity when subdividing MDI. Conclusion: MDI is defined as symptomatic instability of the shoulder joint in two or more directions. A comprehensive classification system that considers predisposing trauma and the presence of hyperlaxity can provide a more precise assessment of the various existing subtypes of MDI. Level of Evidence: III

Abstract Purpose Stress shielding in short‐stem arthroplasty can cause critical metaphyseal bone loss. If the size and shape of the humeral shaft are important factors, it is unknown whether the shape of the polyethylene component in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) affects bone stress around or within the stem. We explored the impact of polyethylene shape on humeral and scapular stress distribution using a finite element model. Methods We developed a shoulder‐specific finite element model. A defined set of muscle forces was applied to simulate movements. An intact rotator cuff state and a superior deficient rotator cuff state were modelled. We used the FX V135 short stem in three conditions: total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), and RSA with symmetrical and asymmetrical polyethylene (145°/135°). We measured biomechanical markers related to bone stress for different implant sizes. Joint kinematics and the mechanical behaviour of the implant were compared. Results Rupture of the supraspinatus muscle produced a functionally limited shoulder. The placement of an anatomic TSA with an intact rotator cuff restored function similar to that of a healthy shoulder. RSA in the rotator cuff‐deficient shoulder restored function regardless of stem size and polyethylene shape. While stem size had an impact on the stress distribution in the bone and implant, it did not show significant potential for increasing or decreasing overall stress. For the same stem, stress distribution at the humerus is different between TSA and RSA. Polyethylene shape did not alter the transmission of stress to the bone in RSA. Asymmetric polyethylene produced a greater abduction range of motion. Conclusions In terms of bone stress distribution, smaller stems seemed more appropriate for TSA, while larger stems may be more appropriate for RSA. Polyethylene shape resulted in different ranges of motion but did not influence bone stress. Level of Evidence Diagnostic Tests or Criteria; Level IV.

Abstract Purpose Our purpose was to quantify stresses in the bone surrounding stemless implants in various configurations. Methods A detailed finite element model of the glenohumeral joint was used to simulate abduction kinematics before and after arthroplasty and to measure bone stresses around the implants. Two digital patients were simulated: one healthy and one with supraspinatus muscle impairment (deficiency). Two anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) configurations were placed in a 135° cutting plane. Two reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) configurations with cutting angles of 135° and 145° were simulated with asymmetrical and symmetrical polyethylene cups, respectively, to obtain humeral neck‐shaft angles of 145°. Results Compared with preoperative models, TSA preserved and RSA restored abduction kinematics. The bone mechanical stresses were located mainly around the central stud of the TSA and were more peripheral to the RSA humeral components. The RSA configuration with the 145° cutting angle and symmetrical cup generated the lowest maximal bone stress and bone volume involvement. Stresses in the scapular cortical bone were highest in the supraspinatus fossa for TSA and the crest of the acromion for RSA. Conclusion Early stability and glenohumeral bone stress change with implant configuration and should not be extrapolated from anatomic clinical data to reverse configurations. Level of Evidence Diagnostic tests or criteria; Level IV.

Purpose: To analyze the rate of return to play, changes in athletic level, and recurrence rate and to report subjective outcomes in a series of rugby players with anterior shoulder instability who underwent an arthroscopic Latarjet procedure. Methods: A multicenter retrospective study done in 2 centers on rugby players who were operated on between January 2011 and December 2020 was performed. Rugby players who underwent arthroscopic Latarjet procedure for anterior shoulder stabilization with a minimum follow-up period of 2 years were included. Rugby players were grouped according to their competitive level in their country (recreational, regional, national, and international). Data collected included return to sport after surgery, time to return to rugby, athletic level before and after surgery, patient satisfaction, and subjective scores. Recurrence and apprehension rates were also evaluated. Results: A total of 73 subjects were included. Mean age at time of surgery was 23 ± 5 years. Mean duration of follow-up was 5 ± 2.6 years. Eighty-four percent of rugby players returned to rugby within a mean period of 6.6 months. Initial athletic level was a significant factor (P = .012) for not returning to sport, with 67% of patients who initially played at a recreational level not returning to rugby and 33% of patients who initially played at a regional league level not returning. All national and international players returned to play. Of the 12 non-returning rugby players, only 30% did not return because of their shoulder. Mean Subjective Shoulder Value was 90 ± 9%. Recurrence rate was 7%. Conclusions: Arthroscopic Latarjet procedure proved its efficacy in managing recurrent anterior shoulder instability in rugby players. Return to play was achieved in almost all cases, with low recurrence rates. Despite high global return to the same level of sport, the higher the level of competition, the harder it is for rugby players to resume sport at the same level. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Background: Most of the current stemless implants are using a central neck fixation design. Easytech Stemless replacements (FX Solutions®, Viriat, France) were developed promoting the idea of peripheral fixation of the stemless implant. The aim of this study was to analyze clinical and radiological results of this stemless TSA implanted for osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: A retrospective study of patients who received TSA with the Easytech® Anatomical Shoulder System (FX Solutions®, Viriat, France) for OA was completed at five clinical sites. Preoperative and minimum 2 year follow-up Constant Scores and X-rays were evaluated. Two independent orthopedic surgeons analyzed X-rays to assess anatomy reconstruction and component migration. Revisions and serious adverse effects were reviewed. Results: 129 patients were analyzed with an average follow-up of 37.47 months (24-54). Seven patients had a revision surgery and one of these resulted in the removal of the Anchor Base. The postoperative Constant Scores showed significant improvement with a mean raw Constant Score of 73.78 (38.0-100.0, mean increase 40.96, P

Abstract Purpose The inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) is composed of three parts: the anterior branch or band (AB), the axillary pouch and the posterior band (PB). The latter has rarely been studied. We aim to describe the PB of the IGHL and its dynamic behaviour in different arm positions. Methods Twelve fresh cadaveric shoulders were used and the two bands (AB and PB) of the IGHL were dissected and isolated, taking away all muscle, ligaments and capsule. Characteristics of the bands were studied in five positions: maximum external rotation (ER1), abduction (ABD), internal rotation (IR), ABD external rotation (ER2) and anterior elevation–adduction–IR (Hawkins–Kennedy test position). Progressive and randomized sectioning of the bands and capsule with a scalpel was performed to study its impact on mobility and translation of the glenohumeral joint. Results The bands that tensioned first were in ER1, the AB at 97 ± 9° (80–110); in ER2, the AB at 81 ± 19° (30–100); in IR, the PB at 64 ± 9° (50–80); and in ABD, the PB at 87 ± 10° (70–105). Isolated sectioning of the AB had no effect on ABD, whilst isolated sectioning of the PB allowed greater ABD. In ER2, the AB limited anterior translation. After sectioning the AB, anterior translation remained limited by the PB, which wrapped around the humeral head and locked the joint by pressing the two joint surfaces tightly together. In Hawkins–Kennedy position anterior elevation–adduction–IR, the AB is the first constraint and the posterior translation was limited by the PB alone only in four cases. Conclusions When the IGHL is isolated, ligament limitation of glenohumeral ABD seems to be uniquely dependent on the PB. In the Hawkins and Kennedy position, the AB is the first constraint. In the case of an isolated lesion to the AB, the PB participates in anterior stabilization of the shoulder by wrapping around the humeral head that cannot dislocate. These findings confirm the role of the PB in glenohumeral joint stability. Level of Evidence Level IV.

Background: To date, a limited number of studies report mid- to long-term outcomes of press-fit short stem shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to report and analyze mid- to long-term outcomes in a series of patients that received press-fit short stem reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). The hypothesis was that press-fit short stem RSA would be a safe and effective treatment with satisfactory mid- to long-term outcomes. Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of 60 patients that received RSA using press-fit uncemented short humeral stems by two surgeons between March 2014 and December 2015. The absolute Constant Score (CS), age-/sex-adjusted CS, and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively at a minimum follow-up of 6 years. The proportions of patients that achieved a satisfactory outcome after RSA were based on the substantial clinical benefit, as proposed for the absolute CS (net improvement ≥19.1). Results: Of the initial cohort of 60 patients, 9 (15%) died of causes unrelated to RSA, 5 (8%) were revised with partial implant removal, and 4 (7%) were lost to follow-up. This left a final cohort of 42 patients (70%) with complete postoperative CS (absolute and age-/sex-adjusted) and ASES scores at a mean follow-up of 6.7 ± 0.5 years (range, 6.1-7.8). Of the final cohort, 11 (18%) had complications, of which 9 (15%) were treated conservatively, and 2 (3%) required reoperations without implant removal. Net improvements in functional outcomes were 34.7 ± 21.2 for the absolute CS, 54% ± 32% for the age-/sex-adjusted CS, and postoperative ASES scores were 87.9 ± 13.7. Of the 29 patients who had complete records for absolute CS, 22 (76%) received a substantial clinical benefit (net improvement ≥19.1). Conclusions: Mean net improvements of absolute CS exceeded the substantial clinical benefit after press-fit short stem RSA at a follow-up of 6.1 to 8.6 years. While 5 patients (8%) experienced postoperative instability, none had fracture sequelae, which indicates that offset or angular adjustments may be required even in patients with normal bony anatomy. Press-fit short stem RSA is a safe and effective treatment with satisfactory mid- to long-term outcomes, with no stem revisions for aseptic reasons, which compares favorably to the literature that reports high rates of osteolysis and subsequent stem loosening.

Abstract Purpose To define the more stable knot tightening of a suture bridge when a single limb is preserved. Methods Five different sutures were tested: No. 2 Ethibond (Ethicon), Hi-Fi (ConMed Linvatec), Sutblue (SBM), SingleFlat (SBM), Hi-Fi Ribbon (ConMed Linvatec). A Surgeon’s Knot was tied around a 30-mm circumference device, 6 times for each experiment. A single limb was kept to analyze failure modes of the knot. First step was to analyze which of pulling or sliding suture of the construct must be kept preventing failure of the knot. The cutting distance from the knot was evaluated at 1 mm and 4 mm with the suture loops pre-tensioned to 10 N and fixed to a second row after a 50 N tension load. The more stable construct was found: a single-pull load to 100 N and cyclic load (to 50 N for 30 cycles) experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of cycling on knot loosening. Results The more stable construct was obtained when the non-post limb was tensioned, and the post limb was cut at 4 mm (p

Abstract With the emergence of disease modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOAD), imaging methods to quantitatively demonstrate their efficacy and to monitor osteoarthritis progression at the functional level are urgently needed. Our group showed that articular cartilage can be quantitatively assessed in nuclear medicine imaging by our radiotracer 99mTc-NTP 15-5 targeting cartilage proteoglycans. In this work, surgically induced DMM mice were treated with sprifermin or saline. We investigated cartilage remodelling in the mice knees by 99mTc-NTP 15-5 SPECT-CT imaging over 24 weeks after surgery, as wells as proteoglycan biochemical assays. OA alterations were scored by histology according to OARSI guidelines. A specific accumulation of 99mTc-NTP 15-5 in cartilage joints was evidenced in vivo by SPECT-CT imaging as early as 30 min post-iv injection. In DMM, 99mTc-NTP 15-5 accumulation in cartilage within the operated joints, relative to contralateral ones, was observed to initially increase then decrease as pathology progressed. Under sprifermin, 99mTc-NTP 15-5 uptake in pathological knees was significantly increased compared to controls, at 7-, 12- and 24-weeks, and consistent with proteoglycan increase measured 5 weeks post-surgery, as a sign of cartilage matrix remodelling. Our work highlights the potential of 99mTc-NTP 15-5 as an imaging-based companion to monitor cartilage remodelling in OA and DMOAD response.

Background The purpose was to report mid-term to long-term clinical outcomes in a multicentre series of patients who received stemless total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The hypothesis was that stemless TSA would be a safe and effective treatment with satisfactory clinical outcomes. Methods Authors retrospectively reviewed records of 62 stemless TSAs implanted between March 2013 and December 2014. Six were excluded because they had fractures or muscular impairment, which left 56: primary osteoarthritis (n = 49), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 4), avascular necrosis (n = 1), or glenoid dysplasia (n = 2). Outcomes were absolute Constant Score (CS), age-/sex-adjusted CS, and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score. Proportions of patients that achieved substantial clinical benefits for absolute CS and ASES scores were determined. Results Of the 56 patients, 8 (14%) died (unrelated to TSA), 5 (9%) were lost to follow-up, and 2 (4%) refused participation. One patient was reoperated for infection with implant removal (excluded from analysis), and one for periprosthetic fracture without implant removal. At 7.6 ± 0.5 years (range 6.8-9.3), the remaining 40 patients, aged 71.0 ± 8.5 years, achieved net improvements of 40.7 ± 15.8 (CS), 62%±23% (age-/sex-adjusted CS), and 59.7 ± 16.4 (ASES). Of patients with complete absolute CS (n = 37) and ASES score (n = 28), respectively, 33 (89%) and 27 (96%) achieved substantial clinical benefits. Conclusions Stemless TSA yields improvements in functional outcomes at mid-term to long-term that exceed the substantial clinical benefits of the absolute CS and ASES score at a mean follow-up of 7.6 years. Although the findings of this study revealed low complications and revision rates, more studies are needed to confirm long-term benefits of stemless TSA. Level of evidence IV, case series.

Press fit fixation is becoming more popular in RSA to preserve, in theory, bone capital. Several studies report that bone resorption can be very high around humeral stems depending on their size, shape and mode of fixation. The aim of the current study is to mid-term follow-up clinical and radiological result of a press fit ovoid regular stem RSA in non acute trauma cases. Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective monocentric study of patients continuously implanted with the Humeris® stem RSA for degenerative change of the shoulder. Nineteen shoulders, in eighteen patients (74.6 y.o (from 69 to 81)), were available at minimum five years follow-up. Results The mean final adjusted Constant score was 111.9 (65 to 130), and the mean ASES score was 49.82 (10 to 60). Humeral resorption was observed in 21% of cases. We found a statistically significant ( p = .014) lower adjusted Constant score in patients presenting with resorption on post-operative X-rays compared to those without resorption (115.6 vs. 98.25). Half cases of patients presenting a resorption underwent L’Episcopo procedure during surgery. Humeral resorption occurs the first year after surgery and do not increase even 8 years after surgery. Analysis demonstrated no correlation between the value of filling ratios and bone resorption. Conclusion The current study confirms a low rate of stress shielding around the studied stem, with rare bony resorption and no osteopenia around the humeral stem. This study highlights the importance of choosing the appropriate proximal shape and length of the humeral stem for press fit fixation in RSA.

Background: Latarjet procedure is the gold standard surgery in cases of shoulder instability with substantial bone loss. Recurrence is scarce but its management may be challenging. Numerous revision techniques, based on soft tissue repairs with autograft or allograft augmentations, have been developed. Autografts are associated with potential donor-site morbidity while allografts may generate additional costs. We present here the use of the ipsilateral distal clavicular osteochondral autograft in the setting of failed Latarjet procedure. Indication: The indication is a failed coracoid bone block procedure with recurrent instability and preoperative imaging demonstrating intact acromioclavicular (AC) joint with preserved coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments. This technique should not be used if there was a previous lesion of the CC ligaments during coracoid harvest. Technique Description: A delto-pectoral approach is used and extended superiorly to access the distal clavicle end as well as the glenohumeral (GH) joint anterior aspect. A distal clavicular osteochondral autograft is harvested with an oscillating saw after identifying the AC joint with a needle to prevent any resection medial to the CC ligament insertions, which would compromise distal clavicle stability. The GH joint anterior aspect is exposed, similar to the Latarjet procedure, to first remove the coracoid graft remnants along with any scar tissues surrounding the joint anterior aspect. Distal clavicular autograft is predrilled and fixed to the scapula using 2 cortical screws. The clavicular articular surface may be used to replace the glenoid cartilage defect. In this case, the anatomy of the distal clavicle did not allow us to perform such articular replacement. Results: Return to daily activities was authorized after 3 weeks postoperatively. After 6 weeks, shoulder pain lowered and no clavicle instability or donor-site complication was reported. Return to sport is expected in 50% of cases, compared with other revision procedures. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed an adequate positioning of the bone block and its fusion at 3 months postoperatively. Conclusion: In the setting of a failed Latarjet procedure with recurrent shoulder instability, distal clavicular autograft appears to be a reliable option to reduce donor-site morbidity and avoid additional costs. A prospective clinical study is needed to evaluate this technique in the long term.

Background: In cases of irreparable subscapularis (SSC) tendon tear in young and active patients, tendon transfers stand as the only surgical option. With a posterior-inferior-medial line of action and a synergistic action with the SSC muscle, the latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle appears to be the most adequate option. Indications: Indications include symptomatic and irreparable Lafosse type-IV or type-V SSC lesions in young and active patients with preserved glenohumeral joint. Technique Description: With the patient in the supine position under general anesthesia, a deltopectoral approach is used and extended distally so that the pectoralis major (PM) and long head of the biceps (LHB) tendons can be fully exposed and mobilized. The LD tendon is then exposed, freed from its humeral insertion to be prepared in a Krackow fashion, and extensively released from surrounding fasciomuscular adhesions to be freely mobilized proximally. The lesser tuberosity is prepared with a rongeur so that the LD tendon can be secured to cancellous bone on the former SSC insertion site with two rows of anchors. The rotator interval is then closed to prevent any extension of the existing tear to the superior aspect of the rotator cuff. Finally, the LHB is fixed to conjoint tendon in physiologic tension, and the surgical wound is closed. Results: With failure and revision rates ranging from 0% to 20%, this transfer seems as safe and reliable as other transfers. Unspecific complications were observed by different teams, but no cases of nerve compressions were reported. Conversely, significantly better functional outcomes are reported when using the LD muscle then when using the PM muscle as donor. Discussion/Conclusion: With a rather straightforward surgical technique, the open LD transfer seems to provide satisfactory short- to mid-term outcomes in cases of irreparable and symptomatic SSC tendon tear. Long-term results have yet to be determined, particularly regarding the prevention of glenohumeral osteoarthritis.

Abstract Background Intra-articular adipose tissues (IAATs) are involved in osteoarthritis (OA) pathophysiology. We hypothesize that mesenchymal cells residing in IAATs may account for the specific inflammatory and metabolic patterns in OA patients. Methods Adipocyte precursors (preadipocytes and dedifferentiated fat cells (DFATc)) from IAATs (infrapatellar and suprapatellar fat pads) and autologous subcutaneous adipose tissues (SCATs) were isolated from knee OA patients. The ability of these precursors to differentiate into adipocytes was assessed by oil red O staining after 14 days of culture in adipogenic medium. The gene expression of adipocyte-related transcription factors (C/EBP-α and PPAR-γ) and development-related factors (EN1 and SFRP2) were analyzed. The inflammatory pattern was assessed by RT-qPCR and ELISA (interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, Cox2, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)) after a 24-h stimulation by IL-1β (1 ng/mL) and by conditioned medium from OA synovium. Results IAAT preadipocytes displayed a significantly higher ability to differentiate into adipocytes and expressed significantly more C/EBP-α mRNA than SCAT preadipocytes. IAAT preadipocytes expressed significantly less EN-1 and SFRP2 mRNA than SCAT preadipocytes. Unstimulated IAAT preadipocytes displayed a less inflammatory pattern (IL-6, IL-8, and Cox2/PGE2) than SCAT preadipocytes. In contrast, the response of IAAT preadipocytes to an inflammatory stimulus (IL-1β and conditioned media of OA synovium) was exacerbated compared to that of SCAT preadipocytes. Similar results were obtained with DFATc. Conclusion IAAT adipocyte precursors from OA patients have a specific phenotype, which may account for the unique phenotype of OA IAATs. The exacerbated response of IAAT preadipocytes to inflammatory stimulation may contribute to OA pathophysiology.

Background: Capsular management is having an increasingly important place during the open Latarjet procedure especially in preventing postoperative glenohumeral arthritis. The open capsular shift-Latarjet procedure consists of the classic Latarjet procedure associated with a glenoid T-based capsular shift to treat patients with high risk of recurrent anterior shoulder instability. Indications: Patients presenting with humeral and/or glenoid bone loss, patients practicing professional activities or sports at risk of recurrence and without any previous capsular surgery, or major capsular deficiency. Technique Description: After a classic deltopectoral approach and the osteotomy of the coracoid process, a horizontal split of the subscapularis is performed. Then a glenoid T-based capsulotomy is performed, and 2 passing wire suture threads are passed through the inferior flap of the capsule to prepare the capsular shift. A first, soft, all-sutured anchor is inserted at the inferior part of the glenoid medially to the articular surface. The coracoid graft is then positioned with a first inferior cancellous screw to be flush with the articular surface and fixed using a second cancellous screw. A second anchor is placed laterally and superiorly to the coracoid at the anterior scapular neck. The capsular shift is performed using a passing wire technique to suture the capsular flap to both anchors and to ensure the extraarticular positioning of the coracoid. Results: Bouju et al found a low rate of recurrence with no revision surgeries and a significative lower incidence of osteoarthritis (8.6%) at 10-year follow-up compared with the current literature when suturing the capsule to the coracoid process. Itoigawa et al concluded that suturing the capsule on the coracoid may increase the risk of osteoarthritis due to a direct contact between the humeral head and the transferred coracoid, thus we suggest attaching the capsule over the glenoid. Discussion/Conclusion: With appropriate patient selection, this technique is safe and reliable to treat patients with anterior instability without any specific risk related to the surgery. The association of the capsular repair is an appropriate solution to better restore the anatomy and to prevent the long-term risk of glenohumeral arthritis.

Among the many different procedures available in the treatment of shoulder instability, the Trillat procedure remains indicated in case of recurrent shoulder instability in elderly patient with an irreparable cuff tear or in case of hyperlaxity. Despite the constantly increasing number of arthroscopic assisted techniques, the open procedure remains a simple, reliable and fast surgical procedure with a shorter learning curve than the arthroscopic techniques. It consists in a partial osteotomy of the anterior cortical of the coracoid process which is then tilted and fixed with a screw into the anterior part of the scapula downwards and medially to obtain a re-centering effect due to the conjoint tendon on the humeral head when rotational movement are applied. This article aims to present a stepwise approach for the open surgical technique.

Considering shoulder arthroscopy, lateral decubitus and beach chair are the 2 main employed positionings of the patient. Each include advantages and disadvantages. In our center, we perform all shoulder arthroscopy with the patient in supine position. The aim of this work is to present a stepwise approach of the accomplishment of a rotator cuff repair in supine position. Some specific technical notes are given to provide as much information as possible to help orthopaedic surgeons wishing to perform shoulder cuff repair in this position.

Pathology of the long head of the biceps can contribute to substantial shoulder pain. After nonoperative treatment has failed, either open or arthroscopic tenotomy or tenodesis can be recommended depending on age, occupation, function, and cosmetic preference. While classic tenodesis techniques rely on tendon-to-bone fixation, multiple studies have shown superior healing results for fixation between similar types of tissue, such as tendon-to-tendon. In this technique, we present the “sandwich technique,” performed entirely arthroscopically. A single 4-strand anchor with bioabsorbable screw is used to provide 2 types of fixation. Two strands are first used to lasso-loop the long head of the biceps to the bicipital groove, providing bone-to-tendon fixation. The other strands are then used to anchor rotator interval tissue to the tendon, providing a similar tissue or tendon-to-tendon patch augmentation.

Classical treatments of shoulder instability are associated with recurrence. To determine whether the modification of the capsule properties may be an alternative procedure, the effect of crosslinking treatment on the structure and mechanical properties of diseased human shoulder capsules was investigated. Joint capsules harvested from patients during shoulder surgery (n = 5) were treated or not with UV and/or riboflavin (0.1%, 1.0% and 2.5%). The structure and the mechanical properties of the capsules were determined by atomic force microscopy. The effect of treatments on cell death was investigated. Collagen fibrils were well-aligned and adjacent to each other with a D-periodicity of 66.9 ± 3.2 nm and a diameter of 71.8 ± 15.4 nm in control untreated capsules. No effect of treatments was observed on the organization of the collagen fibrils nor on their intrinsic characteristics, including D-periodicity or their mean diameter. The treatments also did not induce cell death. In contrast, UV + 2.5% riboflavin induced capsule stiffness, as revealed by the increased Young’s modulus values (p < 0.0001 for each patient). Our results showed that the crosslinking procedure changed the biomechanics of diseased capsules, while keeping their structural organisation unchanged at the single fibril level. The UV/riboflavin crosslinking procedure may be a promising way to preserve the functions of collagen-based tissues and tune their elasticity for clinically relevant treatments.

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint arthropathy remains one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. In the case of AC joint arthropathy resistant to conservative treatment, most authors have recognized distal clavicle resection as the gold-standard treatment. However, some challenges remain to be solved. One is the difficulty in visualization of the superior and posterior part of the distal clavicle from the midlateral portal, causing an incomplete resection of the distal clavicle. This could potentially lead to unresolved pain and therefore surgical failure. We propose a technique for arthroscopic resection of the distal clavicle and the medial portion of the acromion, without any added portal: bipolar AC joint resection. The term “bipolar” is used because both the acromion and the clavicle are resected, without injuring the superior capsule.

Posterosuperior repair of the rotator cuff is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in the shoulder. Its aim is to fix the tendon back to the bone to restore anatomy, improve shoulder function, and prevent progression of cuff tear arthropathy and attendant muscle degeneration. Despite technical advances in this procedure, in some cases, the tendon cannot be fixed back to the footprint without excessive tension on the repair. In young patients or in patients with low-grade muscle atrophy and fatty degeneration (Goutallier grade 1 or 2), it is mandatory to attempt fixation of the tendon to restore functional anatomy and prevent further muscle degeneration. In such cases, an arthroscopic medialized reinsertion of the supraspinatus may be considered. We describe an arthroscopic humeral medializing repair of the supraspinatus tendon that allows for a tension-free repair of the supraspinatus using common portals and instruments. The goal of this technique is to obtain tendon healing, restore functional anatomy, and prevent atrophy and fatty degeneration of the muscles of the rotator cuff.

BACKGROUND: The enthesis, which attaches the tendon to the bone, naturally disappears with aging, thus limiting joint mobility. Surgery is frequently needed but the clinical outcome is often poor due to the decreased natural healing capacity of the elderly. This study explored the benefits of a treatment based on injecting chondrocyte and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in a new rat model of degenerative enthesis repair. METHODOLOGY: The Achilles' tendon was cut and the enthesis destroyed. The damage was repaired by classical surgery without cell injection (group G1, n = 52) and with chondrocyte (group G2, n = 51) or MSC injection (group G3, n = 39). The healing rate was determined macroscopically 15, 30 and 45 days later. The production and organization of a new enthesis was assessed by histological scoring of collagen II immunostaining, glycoaminoglycan production and the presence of columnar chondrocytes. The biomechanical load required to rupture the bone-tendon junction was determined. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The spontaneous healing rate in the G1 control group was 40%, close to those observed in humans. Cell injection significantly improved healing (69%, p = 0.0028 for G2 and p = 0.006 for G3) and the load-to-failure after 45 days (p