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The objective of this study was to describe the outcome of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) combined with modified L’Episcopo procedure at long-term follow-up (5 to 12 years). A retrospective review of 17 RSAs (mean age 67.2 years) with the modified L’Episcopo procedure conducted between 2006 and 2016 was performed. All patients had a combined loss of active elevation and external rotation with an irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tear. Clinical assessment was performed with a minimum follow-up of five years (mean 97.3 months). Outcome measures included range of motion, subjective shoulder value (SSV), visual analogue scale (VAS), and Constant-Murley scores. All patients (16) demonstrated a significant improvement in all clinical and functional parameters. VAS pain scores improved from 6 ± 2.6 to 1 ± 1; SSV improved from 35 ± 14 to 72 ± 10; active forward elevation increased from 66° ± 34 to 125° ± 29; and active external rotation arm at the body increased from −11° ± 22 to 21° ±11 and in 90° of abduction from −10° ± 17 to 37° ± 24. The mean Constant score improved from 25 ± 11 to 59 ± 8. Active internal rotation did not significantly change (p = 0.332). At long-term follow-up, RSA combined with modified L’Episcopo procedure resulted in significant improvements in pain, range of motion, and functional scores for patients with shoulder pseudoparalysis and a lack of active external rotation caused by a massive posterosuperior cuff tear with a teres minor deficiency.

Background: Nonunion and pseudoarthrosis formation following scapular spine fracture is a rare condition and is limited only to case reports. Some authors reported its association with rotator cuff impingement. Standard treatment is not defined well as the condition is rare. Case Report: Our patient was a 61-year-old man with painful nonunion in addition to cuff impingement. Surgical treatment by open reduction, internal fixation with reconstruction plate and tension band wiring, along with bone grafting led to fracture union, as well as complete resolution of the rotator cuff tendinopathy. Conclusion: Surgical fixation seems to be the best choice in treating scapular spine pseudoarthrosis. The first attempt should be the best, so we took an aggressive approach by the use of plating, tension band wiring, and bone grafting altogether.

Background: Although there are several surgical options for the treatment of acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation, there is no definite gold standard. Anatomical reconstruction techniques are becoming more popular due to the new understandings of the anatomy and biomechanics of the ACJ. Case Report: A 40-year-old male with left ACJ dislocation (Type 3 Rockwood classification) underwent anatomical reconstruction with a semitendinosus tendon graft harvested from the left knee. Conclusion: Anatomical reconstruction of ACJ by autograft is an effective treatment option.

Background: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a painful syndrome with signs such as swelling, restriction of motion, and discoloration of the skin and bone. CRPS is divided into two types based on neurological injuries. Type 1 CRPS (CRPS-I), which is more common, has no nerve damage. In this study, we used the Budapest Criteria to investigate the incidence of CRPS. We also evaluated the risk factors for the incidence of CRPS. Methods: This single-center case series study was performed at Shariati Hospital of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, during 2018-2019. We evaluated CRPS-I, two and six weeks after treatment based on Budapest Criteria. The inclusion criteria included distal radius fracture confirmed by clinical and radiographic investigations. The exclusion criteria were patients with fractures in another part of the body, associated nerve damage, vascular injury, and an open fracture. Results: Sixty-two patients with distal radius fracture who underwent casting or surgical treatment enrolled in the study. A total of 9 (14.5%) patients had CRPS-I after distal radius fracture. In 5 (8.1%) patients, CRPS-I occurred within two weeks after fracture. Also, 4 (6.5%) patients had CRPS-I after six weeks from fracture. There was no significant difference between the two sex groups in terms of CRPS (P = 0.345). This complication was significantly higher in the surgical group than in the casting group (P = 0.004). Conclusions: Given the significant incidence of CRPS and its impact on patient's quality of life, further studies are recommended to explore solutions to reduce this complication.

Purpose The purpose of the study was to evaluate the functional and radiographic outcomes of arthroscopic lunate decompression versus radial osteotomy in the treatment of Kienbock disease (KD). Methods In a prospective cohort design, we enrolled 82 patients with KD with Lichtman stages I to IIIb. Participants assigned themselves to groups by choosing either arthroscopic lunate core decompression and synovectomy (group A; n = 54) or radial osteotomy (group B; n = 28). For radial osteotomy, a distal radius volar approach was used and a shortening osteotomy (in negative and neutral ulnar variance) or lateral closing wedge osteotomy (in positive ulnar variance) was performed. Arthroscopic lunate core decompression was performed under direct visualization from the 3-4 portal using a shaver (through the 6R portal) and a cutting burr (through the trans-4 portal). The shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand ( Quick DASH) score, visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, wrist passive flexion/extension, grip strength, and radiographic assessments (Lichtman classification, radioscaphoid angle, carpal height ratio) were recorded before surgery and at the final follow-up. Results Sixty-four patients were included in the final analysis (44 in group A and 20 in group B). The mean ages of participants were 33 ± 11 years in group A and 31 ± 8 years in group B. The mean follow-up periods were 44 ± 20 months in group A and 37 ± 23 months in group B. The Quick DASH score , VAS score, and passive wrist movements significantly improved in both groups. Grip strength showed a significant increase in group A only. The postoperative functional analysis between the 2 groups showed no significant difference, except for the wrist passive extension, which was higher in group A. Lichtman staging remained the same in 79.5% and 73.6% of patients in groups A and B, respectively. Conclusions An arthroscopic lunate core decompression and wrist synovectomy has comparable midterm results to radial shortening osteotomy in the treatment of KD. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic II.

Infected forearm nonunion is challenging to treat. We have used a vascularized pedicled bone graft from the distal ulna based on the posterior interosseous artery to treat forearm nonunion with current or previous signs of infection in six patients. Bone union was achieved after a mean of 3.8 months. After a mean follow-up of 25.7 months, no signs of persistent or reactivation of infection were seen in any patient. The mean Quick DASH score significantly improved from 77.4 to 17.6. In addition, the active range of motion of the wrist improved significantly after surgery. In our patients, a vascularized posterior interosseous pedicled bone from the distal ulna is a reliable vascularized bone graft for managing infected forearm nonunion. The Level of evidence of this study is 4.

Purpose To describe the use of 2 suture anchors as the fixation devices in the management of 11 patients with scaphoid proximal pole nonunions with small proximal fragments. Methods In a prospective study, 11 patients with proximal pole scaphoid nonunions (10 with small proximal fragments and 1 with an oblique nonunion line) were evaluated before surgery by standard wrist x-rays and functional wrist scores including a visual analog scale (VAS), Mayo wrist score, and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH). The nonunion site was fixed with 2 suture anchors supplemented with autologous cancellous bone graft. Postoperative evaluations consisting of functional wrist scores and evaluation of radiological union were performed 9 months after surgery. Results At the end of the study, we observed union in 10 of the 11 patients. The QuickDASH and VAS scores showed significant improvement, and 10 patients had satisfactory Mayo scores. Conclusions We propose the technique of suture anchor fixation for cases of proximal scaphoid nonunion in which secure internal fixation with common techniques is challenging because of the small size of the proximal fragment and the obliquity of the nonunion site. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.

Background: Old unreduced elbow dislocation and fracture-dislocation, although rare, are one of the challenges in orthopedic surgery. The application of the hinged elbow external fixator can confer early range of motion after open reduction and reconstruction in spite of severe soft tissue and bony injury. Objectives: This study presents our results of open reduction and reconstruction in old simple elbow dislocation and old elbow fracturedislocation. Patients and Methods: In 12 patients with old elbow dislocation, open reduction and bone and soft tissue reconstruction was done and early postoperative range of motion was begun with the aid of hinged elbow external fixators. Results: The mean elbow range of motion at the final follow-up was 98 degrees (SD = 10). According to the Mayo Elbow Performance Index score, 6 patients achieved excellent results and 2 other had good results with a mean value of 92 (SD = 8). Conclusions: We recommend hinged elbow external fixation in old elbow dislocation for early range of motion and maintenance of concentric reduction with acceptable results.

Objectives: In this study, an arthroscopically assisted minimally invasive technique of debridement without grafting of the lunate IOG was presented. Patients and Methods: In a prospective study, eight patients with symptomatic lunate intraosseous ganglions were treated with an arthroscopically assisted curettage technique without bone grafting in seven of them. At the preoperative examination and the last followup, wrist flexion/extension range of motion, the Mayo Wrist Performance Score, the Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick-DASH) score and the visual analog scale (VAS) were calculated. At final follow-up recurrence, patients’ general satisfaction, return to work and complications were assessed. Results: The mean age of patients was 37 ± 8 years. The mean duration of symptoms and follow-up were 12 ± 4 and 28 ± 17 months, respectively. The mean pretreatment wrist flexion-extension arc of motion was 151 ± 46, and 174 ± 9 at the last follow-up, which was not significantly different (P = 0.23). All patients had statistically significant improvements in the Mayo functional wrist score (P < 0.01), QuickDASH score (P < 0.01) and VAS score (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Arthroscopic debridement of intraosseous ganglions of the Lunate bone without bone grafting could improve wrist functional outcomes with fewer complications.

Background Proximal radioulnar synostosis is a complication after elbow injuries. Various treatment methods have been reported and are associated with unpredictable outcomes. In a prospective study, we evaluated the medium-term effects of proximal radial resection on wrist and elbow function and forearm rotation in 15 cases. Methods We treated 15 patients with posttraumatic proximal radioulnar synostosis by resection of 1 cm of the proximal radial diaphysis. On the preoperative examination and last follow-up, the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, grip force, visual analog scale for elbow and wrist score, radiographic ulnar variance changes, and elbow range of motion were measured. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score and the general satisfaction of the patients were assessed at the final follow-up. Results The mean duration of follow-up was 31 ± 13 months. The mean active postoperative supination/pronation arc was 101° ± 45°. The mean increase measured in the ulnar variance at the final follow-up was 3.3 ± 1.5 mm ( P = .02). The mean final QuickDASH score was 13.3 ± 12.1. The preoperative and final Mayo scores were 57 ± 10 and 91 ± 7, respectively ( P = .01). The general satisfaction with the results of the operation was 86.6%. Conclusions We suggest that proximal radial resection for the treatment of posttraumatic proximal radioulnar synostosis shows acceptable results in adults regarding the recovery of range of motion and patient satisfaction. This technique might be considered as a salvage procedure, particularly in cases with previous failed heterotopic resection at the proximal radioulnar joint, resulting in disturbed anatomy.

To examine whether spinal cord decompression improves functional recovery and decreases lesion volumes in paraplegic (not paraparetic) rats and, if so, at what postoperative time it is most efficacious. The spinal cords of 63 female rats were compressed at T9 with Yasargil clips. Rats were assigned randomly to five different treatment groups of 3 s, 1 hr, 6 hr, 3 weeks, and 10 weeks. Locomotor behavior scoring was based on the Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) Locomotor Rating Scale (Ohio State University, Columbus, OH) motor scores. Comparing five groups, the mean BBB was statistically higher in the 3-s group (P0.05). Comparison of progressive changes in BBB in each group revealed statistically meaningful improvement in the 3-s group, too. Spared surface area of spinal cord was 81.5 +/- 4.9% in 3-s group and 10.8 +/- 1.4% in the delayed groups of decompression (P = 0.039). Rats undergoing immediate decompression showed significantly better functional recovery and smaller lesion volumes.