STIFF ELBOW TREATMENT BY INTERPOSING ARTHROPLASTY ASSOCIATED TO HINGED EXTERNAL FIXATOR

ABSTRACTObjective: Assess the results of the elbow/fascia lata interposing arthroplasty technique associated to the use of a hinged external fixator in the treatment of stiff elbow. Methods: Between 2001 and 2006, five cases of stiff elbow were operated and followed up by the Shoulder and Elbow Group of the Santa Casa Misericórdia de São Paulo Medical Sciences School, establishing the following as inclusion criteria: patients with below-functional elbow range of motion associated to degeneration on that joint, for whom total prosthesis had not been indicated. Patients' ages ranged from 21 to 55 years (mean: 38). Male gender was prevalent (four cases), and, in all cases, the dominant side was operated. Concerning etiology, two cases of infectious arthritis sequels, one post-trauma sequel, and two rheumatoid arthritis were found. Preoperative range of motion ranged from 20° to 30° of flexion-extension; in two cases, fixed contracture existed in flexion at 30° and 65°. The patients were assessed according to Bruce-modified AMA criteria. Results: The mean follow up time was 54 months. All patients showed improvement of the Bruce index, which, preoperatively, was 43.5, increasing to 88.2 postoperatively. We found two excellent cases, one good, one fair, and one poor. Conclusion: Fascia lata interposing arthroplasty associated to the use of a dynamic external fixator on stiff elbows is a feasible alternative for patients not indicated to total elbow arthroplasty

Avaliação dos resultados do tratamento artroscópico da capsulite adesiva do ombro

ResumoObjetivoAvaliar os resultados das liberações artroscópicas feitas em pacientes com capsulite adesiva refratária ao tratamento conservador.MétodosTrabalho retrospectivo feito entre 1996 e 2012, com 56 ombros (52 pacientes) submetidos a cirurgia; 38 eram do sexo feminino e 28 tinham o lado dominante acometido. A média de idade foi de 51 (29‐73) anos. O seguimento médio, de 65 (12‐168) meses e o tempo médio de pré‐operatório, de 8,9 (2‐24) meses. Pela classificação de Zukermann, 23 casos foram considerados primários e 33 secundários. Com o paciente em decúbito lateral, fizemos a liberação circunferencial da cápsula articular: desbridamento articular, abertura do intervalo rotador, liberação do ligamento coracoumeral, capsulotomia anterior, posterior, inferior e finalmente, anteroinferior. A tenotomia do subescapular foi feita quando necessária. Todos foram submetidos a fisioterapia intensa no pós‐operatório imediato. Em 33 ombros foi implantado o catéter interescalênico para infusão de anestésico. Os resultados funcionais foram avaliados pelos critérios do escore da University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA).ResultadosObtivemos melhoria do arco de movimento: aumento médio de 45° de elevação, 41° de rotação lateral e oito níveis vertebrais de rotação medial. Pelo escore da UCLA, tivemos 25 resultados excelentes (45%), 25 bons (45%), dois razoáveis (3%) e quatro ruins (7%). Os pacientes que fizeram capsulotomia inferior evoluíram melhor do que os que não fizeram. Apenas 8,8% dos pacientes que usaram cateter de infusão anestésico foram submetidos a manipulação no pós‐operatório. Sete pacientes apresentaram complicações.ConclusãoHouve melhoria da dor e do arco de movimento. A capsulotomia inferior leva a melhores resultados. O uso do catéter interescalênico de infusão anestésica diminui o número de reabordagens.AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the results of arthroscopic releases performed in patients with adhesive capsulitis refractory to conservative treatment.MethodsThis was a retrospective study, conducted between 1996 and 2012, which included 56 shoulders (52 patients) that underwent surgery; 38 were female, and 28 had the dominant side affected. The mean age was 51 (29‐73) years. The mean follow‐up was 65 (12‐168) months and the mean preoperative time was 8.9 (2‐24) months. According to Zukermann's classification, 23 cases were considered primary and 33 secondary. With the patient in the lateral decubitus position, circumferential release of the joint capsule was performed: joint debridement; rotator interval opening; coracohumeral ligament release; anterior, posterior, inferior, and finally antero‐inferior capsulotomy. A subscapularis tenotomy was performed when necessary. All patients underwent intense physical therapy in the immediate postoperative period. In 33 shoulders, an interscalene catheter was implanted for anesthetic infusion. Functional results were evaluated by the UCLA criteria.ResultsImproved range of motion was observed: mean increase of 45° of elevation, 41° of external rotation and eight vertebral levels of medial rotation. According to the UCLA score excellent results were obtained in 25 (45%) patients; good, in 24 (45%); fair, in two (3%); and poor, in four (7%). Patients who had undergone inferior capsulotomy achieved better results. Only 8.8% of patients who used the anesthetic infusion catheter underwent postoperative manipulation. Seven patients had complications.ConclusionThere was improvement in pain and range of motion. Inferior capsulotomy leads to better results. The use of the interscalene infusion catheter reduces the number of re‐approaches

Avaliação funcional do reparo artroscópico da lesão do manguito rotador em pacientes com pseudoparalisia

ResumoObjetivoavaliar o resultado funcional do reparo artroscópico das lesões do manguito rotador em pacientes com pseudoparalisia, definida como incapacidade de elevação ativa do braço acima de 90°, com elevação passiva completa.Métodosreavaliamos 38 pacientes com média de seguimento de 51 meses (mínimo de 24). Analisamos a taxa de reversão da pseudoparalisia e o resultado funcional obtido.Resultadospelos critérios de avaliação da Universidade da Califórnia em Los Angeles (Ucla), 31 (82%) pacientes tiveram bons e excelentes resultados; dois (5%) resultados regulares e cinco (13%) ruins. A média da elevação ativa passou de 39° no pré‐operatório para 139° no pós‐operatório (p < 0,05), a média da rotação lateral ativa passou de 30° para 48° (p < 0,05) e a média da rotação medial ativa passou do nível L3 para o T12 (p < 0,05).Conclusãoo reparo artroscópico das lesões do manguito rotador proporcionou bons e excelentes resultados em 82% dos casos e uma melhoria, estatisticamente significativa, da amplitude de movimento (ADM) ativa, com reversão da pseudoparalisia em 97,4% dos casos. É, portanto, uma boa opção de tratamento.AbstractObjectiveto evaluate the functional result from arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff injuries in patients with pseudoparalysis, defined as incapacity to actively raise the arm above 90°, while complete passive elevation was possible.Methodswe reevaluated 38 patients with a mean follow‐up of 51 months (minimum of 24). We analyzed the pseudoparalysis reversion rate and the functional result obtained.Resultsaccording to the assessment criteria of the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA), 31 (82%) patients had good and excellent results, two (5%) had fair results and five (13%) had poor results. The mean active elevation went from 39° before the operation to 139° after the operation (p < 0.05); the mean active lateral rotation went from 30° to 48° (p < 0.05) and the mean active medial rotation went from level L3 to T12 (p < 0.05).Conclusionarthroscopic repair of rotator cuff injuries produced good and excellent results in 82% of the cases and a statistically significant improvement of active range of motion, with reversion of the pseudoparalysis in 97.4% of the cases. It is therefore a good treatment option

Omecamtiv mecarbil in chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, GALACTIC‐HF: baseline characteristics and comparison with contemporary clinical trials

Aims: The safety and efficacy of the novel selective cardiac myosin activator, omecamtiv mecarbil, in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is tested in the Global Approach to Lowering Adverse Cardiac outcomes Through Improving Contractility in Heart Failure (GALACTIC‐HF) trial. Here we describe the baseline characteristics of participants in GALACTIC‐HF and how these compare with other contemporary trials. Methods and Results: Adults with established HFrEF, New York Heart Association functional class (NYHA) ≥ II, EF ≤35%, elevated natriuretic peptides and either current hospitalization for HF or history of hospitalization/ emergency department visit for HF within a year were randomized to either placebo or omecamtiv mecarbil (pharmacokinetic‐guided dosing: 25, 37.5 or 50 mg bid). 8256 patients [male (79%), non‐white (22%), mean age 65 years] were enrolled with a mean EF 27%, ischemic etiology in 54%, NYHA II 53% and III/IV 47%, and median NT‐proBNP 1971 pg/mL. HF therapies at baseline were among the most effectively employed in contemporary HF trials. GALACTIC‐HF randomized patients representative of recent HF registries and trials with substantial numbers of patients also having characteristics understudied in previous trials including more from North America (n = 1386), enrolled as inpatients (n = 2084), systolic blood pressure &lt; 100 mmHg (n = 1127), estimated glomerular filtration rate &lt; 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 528), and treated with sacubitril‐valsartan at baseline (n = 1594). Conclusions: GALACTIC‐HF enrolled a well‐treated, high‐risk population from both inpatient and outpatient settings, which will provide a definitive evaluation of the efficacy and safety of this novel therapy, as well as informing its potential future implementation

Traumatic anterior instability of the shoulder

ABSTRACT The shoulder is the most unstable joint in the human body. Traumatic anterior instability of the shoulder is a common condition, which, especially in young patients, is associated with high recurrence rates. The effectiveness of non-surgical treatments when compared to surgical ones is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to review the literature for current concepts and updates regarding the treatment of this condition

Obstetric paralysis: anterior arthroscopic release of the shoulder and transfer of the latissimus dorsi using a homologous graft

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: Description of a new surgical technique for treating the shoulders of patients with sequelae of obstetric paralysis. Preliminary analysis on the results obtained from this technique. METHODS: Five consecutive patients underwent the proposed surgical procedure, consisting of arthroscopic anterior joint release followed by transfer of the latissimus dorsi tendon (elongated and reinforced with a homologous tendon graft) to the posterosuperior portion of the greater tubercle, using a single deltopectoral approach. All the patients were reevaluated after a minimum postoperative period of twelve months. The functional assessment was based on the range of motion and the modified Mallet classification system. Statistical analyses were not possible because of the small sample. RESULTS: Overall, passive and active lateral rotations increased, while medial rotation decreased. The other movements (elevation, capacity to place a hand in the mouth and capacity to place a hand behind the neck) had less consistent evolution. The mean modified Mallet score improved by 4.2 points (from 11.4 to 15.6). CONCLUSION: The latissimus dorsi tendon can be transferred to the posterosuperior portion of the greater tubercle through a single deltopectoral approach when elongated and reinforced with a homologous tendinous graft

Brachial artery injury due to closed posterior elbow dislocation: case report☆

An association between closed posterior elbow dislocation and traumatic brachial artery injury is rare. Absence of radial pulse on palpation is an important warning sign and arteriography is the gold-standard diagnostic test. Early diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment to be provided. This consists of joint reduction and immobilization, along with urgent surgical restoration of arterial flow. Here, a case (novel to the Brazilian literature) of an association between these injuries (and the treatment implemented) in a 27-year-old male patient is reported. These injuries were sustained through physical assault

Tratamento do cotovelo rígido com artroplastia de interposição associada ao fixador externo articulado

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados da técnica de artroplastia de interposição do cotovelo com fascia lata associada ao uso de fixador externo articulado no tratamento do cotovelo rígido. MÉTODOS: Entre 2001 e 2006 foram operados e acompanhados cinco casos de cotovelo rígido pelo Grupo de Ombro e Cotovelo da Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa Misericórdia de São Paulo, tendo como critérios de inclusão: pacientes com arco de movimento do cotovelo menor que o funcional associado a degeneração dessa articulação que não tiveram indicação de prótese total. A idade dos pacientes variou entre 21 e 55 anos (média de 38). Houve predomínio do sexo masculino (quatro casos) e, em todos, o membro dominante foi o operado. Quanto à etiologia, houve dois casos de sequela de artrite infecciosa, um de sequela pós-traumática e dois de artrite reumatoide. O arco de movimento no período pré-operatório variou em torno de 20 a 30º de flexoextensão; em dois casos existia contratura fixa em flexão em 30º e 65º. Os pacientes foram avaliados segundo os critérios da AMA modificados por Bruce. RESULTADOS: O seguimento médio foi de 54 meses. Todos os pacientes obtiveram melhora no índice de Bruce, que no pré-operatório era de 43,5 e foi para 88,2 no pós-operatório. Houve dois casos excelentes, um bom, um regular e um ruim. CONCLUSÃO: A artroplastia de interposição com fascia lata associada ao uso de fixador externo dinâmico no cotovelo rígido é uma alternativa viável para pacientes que não têm indicação de artroplastia total de cotovelo

Evaluation of the results from arthroscopic surgical treatment of rotator cuff injuries in patients aged 65 years and over

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the results from arthroscopic surgical treatment of rotator cuff injuries in patients aged 65 years and over.METHODS: Between 1998 and 2009, 168 patients underwent operations. Five cases were excluded. The remaining 163 patients were stratified according to their age group: 65-69 years (49.1%), 70-74 (26.4%) and 75 years and over (24.5%). Their mean age was 71 years (range: 65-83). There were 63 male patients (38.7%). The mean length of time with pain, from the onset of symptoms to the surgery, was 23 months (range: 2 days to 240 months). Sixty-two patients (38%) reported histories of trauma and 26 (16%) reported that their pain worsened through exertion.RESULTS: From the UCLA criteria, 80.4% of the results were excellent, 16% good, 1.8% fair and 1.8% poor. Complications occurred in 11%. The final clinical result did not show any correlation with age progression, injury size or tendons affected. However, there was a significant association (p < 0.001) between the presence of trauma and larger injuries. The length of time between the onset of symptoms and the surgical procedure had a significant relationship (p < 0.027) with the postoperative results: the longer this time was, the worse the results were.CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic treatment of rotator cuff injuries in patients aged 65 years and over presented excellent and good results in 96.4% of the cases, according to the UCLA assessment, with a low complication rate. Advanced age did not show any influence on the postoperative clinical evolution, but the earlier the surgical treatment was instituted, the better the results were