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The extensor apparatus is a complex muscle-tendon system that requires integrity or optimal reconstruction to preserve hand function. Anatomical knowledge and the understanding of physiopathology of extensor tendons are essential for an accurate diagnosis of extensor tendon injuries (ETIs) of the hand and wrist, because these lesions are complex and commonly observed in clinical practice. A careful clinical history and assessment still remain the first step for the diagnosis, followed by US and MR to confirm the suspect of ETI or to investigate some doubtful conditions and rule out associate lesions. During last decades the evolution of surgical techniques and rehabilitative treatment protocol led to gradual improvement in clinical results of ETI treatment and surgical repair. Injury classification into anatomical zones and the evaluation of the characteristics of the lesions are considered key points to select the appropriate treatment for ETI. Both conservative and surgical management can be indicated in ETI, depending on the anatomical zone and on the characteristics of the injuries. As a general rule, an attempt of conservative treatment should be performed when the lesion is expected to have favorable result with nonoperative procedure. Many surgical techniques have been proposed over the time and with favorable results if the tendon injury is not underestimated and adequately treated. Despite recent research findings, a lack of evidence-based knowledge is still observed in surgical treatment and postoperative management of ETI. Further clinical and biomechanical investigations would be advisable to clarify this complex issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The snapping scapula, also called "washboard syndrome" is a controversial condition attributed to bony and soft tissue abnormalities. The syndrome was understimated for long time and often associated only with specific osseous abnormalities. The nodal point in the overview of the syndrome is that crepitus associated with symptomatic bursitis may be physiologic and is not uncommon a clinical presentation without any form of crepitus or craquement. In the current rewiew we analyzed the current concepts in the conservative and surgical management of snapping scapula syndrome, preceded by a description of scapular anatomy, pathophysiology of scapulothoracic articulation and clinical features of snapping scapula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pectoralis major (PM) muscle is the powerful dynamic stabiliser of the shoulder that acts as a flexor, adductor and internal rotator. The rupture of the PM tendon is a relatively rare injury that was firstly described in a French boy by Patissier in 1822 and later, in 1861, by Letenneur who reported another similiar case. To date, over 200 cases have been published. In this article we describe the clinical anatomy and the mechanism of injuries of PM and we review the surgical procedures for acute and chronic ruptures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which focuses on the repair of acute and chronic rupture of the pectoralis major (PM) tendon. The function of the PM muscle is outlined which acts as a flexor, adductor and internal rotator for the shoulders. According to the study, accute repair of the PM tendon must be performed within six weeks to achieve an optimum mobilization of the muscle.

In the last few decades, several researches have been conducted in the field of robotic rehabilitation to meet the intensive, repetitive and task-oriented training, with the goal to recover the motor function. Up to now, robotic rehabilitation studies of the upper extremity have generally focused on stroke survivors leaving less explored the field of orthopaedic shoulder rehabilitation. In this review we analyse the present status of robotic technologies, in order to understand which are the current indications and which may be the future perspective for their application in both neurological and orthopaedic shoulder rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correct functionality of the upper limbs is an essential condition for the autonomy of people with disabilities, especially for those in wheelchair. In this review we focused on the biomechanics of wheelchair propulsion and we described the instrumental analysis of techniques for the acquisition of wheelchair propulsion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intra-articular and peri-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) injections are widely used to treat several musculoskeletal pathologies. Although clinical outcomes are often positive for different conditions, an holistic consensus on this topic is still lacking. Our work is divided in two main sessions: in the first section we analyzed the preclinical bases for HA treatment in musculoskeletal pathologies, while in the second part we discussed the evidence on the use of HA injections in each district of musculoskeletal system. The aim of this work is to provide to the physician a feasible guideline rapidly to consult in the clinical practice. Level of evidence: Ia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the high level achieved in the field of shoulder surgery, a global consensus on rotator cuff tears management is lacking. This work is divided into two main sessions: in the first, we set questions about hot topics involved in the rotator cuff tears, from the etiopathogenesis to the surgical treatment. In the second, we answered these questions by mentioning Evidence Based Medicine. The aim of the present work is to provide easily accessible guidelines: they could be considered as recommendations for a good clinical practice developed through a process of systematic review of the literature and expert opinion, in order to improve the quality of care and rationalize the use of resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of shoulder arthroplasties has increased tremendously over the last twenty years, creating a proportional increase in complications rates and revision. Shoulder arthroplasty surgeon should have a clear understanding of the reasons for failure based on the specific index procedure that was performed. The main challenge includes the need for component removal and managing glenoid and humeral bone defects. This manuscript aims to outline the most common indications for revision surgery and treatment options based on a careful and detailed review of the available literature.  This paper should help the surgeon in patient evaluation and selection of the optimal procedure for an individual patient.

Introduction Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the most problematic complications after shoulder arthroplasty. Many diagnostic tools have been identified to find infection, such as hystopatologic examination of tissue sections or cultures of intraoperative tissue. Implant sonication fluid culture showed good results in order to enhance diagnostic accuracy, but literature results are still controversial. Aim of our study is to compare the results of sonication with intraoperative tissue sample cultures. Patients and Methods From February 2016 to January 2018 we performed 102 revisions of Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA) for suspected PJI.  Sixty - five patients respected the criteria for admission to the study. In each case periprostethic specimens were collected and explanted prosthesis were put inside sterile fluid, sonicated and then placed under culture. Results Among the sixty-five patients, 36 were considered as possible, probable or certain infection. Tissue cultures were positive for infection in thirty - four cases (52,3%) and in nineteen cases was found the positivity for Cutibacterium acnes. Sonication fluid cultures were positive in forty cases (61,5%), with a positivity for Cutibacterium acnes in twenty - seven cases. The sensitivities of sonication and tissue cultures for the diagnosis of shoulder PJI were 83.3% and 88,9% (P = 0,08); the specificities were 65.5%  and 93,1% (P < 0.01) respectively. Conclusion Our results suggest that sonication technique had not shown a clear advantage in postoperative shoulder PJI diagnosis, but it's a real aid to detect Cutibacterium acnes. In any case, sensitivity and mostly specificity were higher with  tissue cultures.

Objectives: To obtain outcomes data on anatomical and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty by analysis of clinical scores and standard radiographs., Subject Selection and Enrollment: 400 consecutive series of patients replaced with anatomical and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (minimum 3 years follow-up)., Study Design: retrospective monocenter., Preoperative Assessment: Demographics, clinical scores (Constant-Murley) as available, shoulder X-ray (AP, outlet and axillary views) ., Last Follow-Up: Postoperative radiographhs and clinical scores. Adverse events and complications to be reported as occurred since implantation., Statistical Analysis: Data collected will be summarized and analyzed for statistical significance.

Despite the high level achieved in the field of shoulder surgery, a global consensus on rotator cuff tears management is lacking. This work is divided into two main sessions: in the first, we set questions about hot topics involved in the rotator cuff tears, from the etiopathogenesis to the surgical treatment. In the second, we answered these questions by mentioning Evidence Based Medicine. The aim of the present work is to provide easily accessible guidelines: they could be considered as recommendations for a good clinical practice developed through a process of systematic review of the literature and expert opinion, in order to improve the quality of care and rationalize the use of resources.

Purpose: numerous experimental and clinical studies in osteoarthritis (OA) have demonstrated that intra-articular (IA) administration of hyaluronic acid can improve the altered rheological properties of the synovial fluid and exert protective and reparative effects on the joint structure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and performance of HYADD®4-G (Hymovis®) in patients with glenohumeral joint OA., Methods: forty-one patients with shoulder pain and limited shoulder function resulting from concentric glenohumeral joint OA were enrolled in a multicenter clinical trial. Patients received two HYADD®4-G injections administered one week apart. The main outcome measure was improvement in shoulder pain on movement at six months as assessed through a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS), range of motion (ROM) values, and Constant-Murley Shoulder Outcome Score (CS)., Results: two IA injections of HYADD®4-G (Hymovis®) significantly decreased pain and improved shoulder function for up to six months from the first injection. The VAS score decreased (from 66.1 mm to 37.7 mm at six months) and improvements were recorded in the total CS and in the ROM values ( rotation decreased from a mean value of 54.2° at baseline to 63.2° at six months and internal rotation from a mean value of 44.0° at baseline to 45.7° at 26 weeks). No serious adverse events occurred., Conclusions: the study results demonstrated that two IA injections of HYADD®4-G (Hymovis®) may be a safe and effective treatment option for shoulder pain associated with glenohumeral OA and that the effects of the injections are still present for up to six months after the treatment., Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Background: treatment of symptomatic irreparable rotator cuff tears is extremely challenging because, at present, there are no ideal solutions to this problem. Many patients respond favorably to nonsurgical treatment. However, when conservative measures fail to improve the patient's pain and disability, surgery should be considered., Methods: different surgical techniques are available and the choice of the most appropriate procedure depends on the presenting symptoms, age of the patient, functional demand, medical comorbidities, joint stability and presence of arthritic changes. The transposition of the surrounding muscles to replace the rotator cuff function represents a viable option in the treatment of younger patients without glenohumeral osteoarthritis and with severe functional limitation., Purpose: aim of this study is to give an overview of the currently available evidence regarding tendon transfer procedures for irreparable rotator cuff tears.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes of open and mini-open arthroscopic arthrodesis., Methods: Twelve patients underwent arthroscopically assisted glenohumeral arthrodesis over a 5-year period; none were lost to follow-up. Surgery was performed with the patient in the lateral decubitus position, with the arm positioned in 30° each of flexion, internal rotation, and abduction. The articular cartilage was arthroscopically removed from the humerus and glenoid, creating flat opposing surfaces. One to 2 Kirschner wires were inserted percutaneously through the deltoid and across the glenohumeral joint in the center of the articulation; screws were then inserted arthroscopically. The glenohumeral joint was accessed through a mini-open posterior approach beneath the deltoid and was then reassessed before cannulated screws were tightened completely to compress the joint. Two dynamic compression plates were applied to the posterior glenohumeral joint to neutralize rotatory forces. Each patient was immobilized for 6 weeks. Follow-up radiographic imaging was performed at 2, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. These patients were then compared with a similar group who underwent a classic open approach. Success of arthrodesis was determined by bone growth across the glenohumeral joint as visualized on axillary radiographs., Results: At 2-year follow-up, complete fusion was achieved in 12 (100%) arthroscopically treated patients, with 2 patients (17%) having early bone grafting (within 6 weeks) through a percutaneous approach. Four patients in the classic open approach group ("open group") required additional grafting. Two patients in the group undergoing arthroscopic surgery ("arthroscopic group") had solid fusion but persisting infection from previously failed operations. Comparison of the 2 groups showed no difference in patient satisfaction or infection rates (2 in each group, all of whom had active infection at the time of the index surgery). One patient in the open group sustained a humeral shaft fracture 5 years after arthrodesis, which required additional surgery. No patient who underwent an arthroscopic procedure required additional surgery other than the 2 early bone grafts., Conclusions: Arthroscopically assisted mini-open glenohumeral arthrodesis provides results that are at least equal to those of open arthrodesis, with a much less invasive approach. Success and complication rates are the same as for the completely open procedure., Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series., (Copyright © 2014 Arthroscopy Association of North America. All rights reserved.)

Principal Investigator and Promoter: Giovanni Merolla Co-investigator: Giuseppe Porcellini Investigation performed at Biomechanics Laboratory "Marco Simoncelli", D. Cervesi Hospital, Cattolica - Italy PLAN OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION (PCI): Version 1.0 of December 10, 2012 Approved by AV/IRST Ethical Committee (Comitato Etico Area Vasta Romagna) Reg. Sperimentazioni 914 Prot. N°: 1785/2013/I.5/46.

Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of pain and shoulder dysfunction. The prevalence of the rotator cuff tears increases with the age reaching the 80% in patients aged more than 80 year. Symptomatic shoulders usually are initially treated conservatively and then, in case of poor outcomes, with surgery. Different parameters are still used to decide between the conservative or surgical treatment in patients with rotator cuff tears. Aim of the current study is to characterize the various features used in decision making and to validate a "Prediction Score" that let us know which patients could have a good and stable outcome with non operative treatment. We enrolled 60 patients (mean age 52 years) with symptomatic rotator cuff tears who were assigned to conservative treatment and were evaluated at 6,9 and 12 months follow-up. We developed a score based on 18 clinical and radiographic parameters. 27 patients ("non conservative") (45%) with a mean prediction score of 16.1 ± 1.7 interrupted the conservative treatment, while 33 patients ("conservative") (55%) with an average prediction score of 11.3 ± 1.8 remained conservatively treated at last follow-up. The conservative patients were 14 years older than non conservative patients. According to the results of this study we identified a value of 13 points as a "cut-off" score to predict good results by conservative management of rotator cuff tear. These outcomes support the assumption that a predictive prognostic score may guarantee a rational approach in the management of subjects with RC tears, especially in elderly who continue to have the higher rate of recurrence and therefore could be well treated with standard conservative therapies.