Arthroscopic Bennett Lesion Resection: A Novel Technique

Background: Bennett lesion is ossification of the posterior inferior glenohumeral ligament complex. Though often asymptomatic, these lesions can become painful and interfere with throwing ability. Indications: The Bennett lesion is relatively common among elite throwers, present in 22% to 25% of asymptomatic pitchers. Suggested causes of this lesion include traction on the posterior joint and posterior impingement in the late cocking phase. These lesions can become painful due to displacement and irritation of the joint capsule and axillary nerve. Therefore, efficient arthroscopic treatment of symptomatic lesions is essential. Technique Description: The patient is positioned in the lateral decubitus position, and the glenohumeral joint is accessed via posterior and anterior portals. Once the lesion is identified, it may be probed and debrided via the posterior portal. A posterior capsular release is performed, and 4.0 mm burr resection of the lesion is started, viewing from the anterior portal with a 70° arthroscope. Direct visualization through the posterior portal can be used to verify complete lesion resection. If there is a true tear of the posterior labrum, this can be repaired with a knotless suture anchor back to the glenoid, but usually there is delamination that can be left alone after addressing the Bennett lesion. Results: We have found good success treating Bennett lesions via the above technique. This is supported by previous literature as well, with return to preinjury levels ranging from 69% to 85% following arthroscopic resection. Discussion/Conclusion: Four diagnostic criteria have been described to ensure accurate diagnosis: detection of a bony spur at the posterior glenoid rim on plain x-ray films, best seen on Stryker notch and Bennett view; posterior shoulder pain while throwing; tenderness at the posteroinferior aspect of the glenohumeral joint; and improvement in pain following lidocaine injection. Magnetic resonance imaging is also an excellent diagnostic tool to detect early enthesopathic changes in the posterior glenoid or periosteum, as well as labral pathology. Following arthroscopic resection, 88% of patients were satisfied with their treatment when using these diagnostic criteria. Accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment of Bennett lesions are imperative in the throwing athlete, and when performed correctly, our technique provides significant and lasting improvement for patients.

Evaluation of variations of the glenoid attachment of the inferior glenohumeral ligament by magnetic resonance arthrography

Objective: To evaluate the anatomical variations of the attachment of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) to the anterior glenoid rim. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective review of 93 magnetic resonance arthrography examinations of the shoulder. Two radiologists, who were blinded to the patient data and were working independently, read the examinations. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement were evaluated. The pattern of IGHL glenoid attachment and its position on the anterior glenoid rim were recorded. Results: In 50 examinations (53.8%), the glenoid attachment was classified as type I (originating from the labrum), whereas it was classified as type II (originating from the glenoid neck) in 43 (46.2%). The IGHL emerged at the 4 o’clock position in 58 cases (62.4%), at the 3 o’clock position in 14 (15.0%), and at the 5 o’clock position in 21 (22.6%). The rates of interobserver and intraobserver agreement were excellent. Conclusion: Although type I IGHL glenoid attachment is more common, we found a high prevalence of the type II variation. The IGHL emerged between the 3 o’clock and 5 o’clock positions, most commonly at the 4 o’clock position.

Posterior shoulder labrocapsular structures in all aspects; 3D volumetric MR arthrography study

Pathologies of the posterior labrocapsular structures of the shoulder joint are far less common than anterior labrocapsuloligamentous lesions. Most of these pathologies have been associated with traumatic posterior dislocation. A smaller portion of the lesions include posterior extension of superior labral anteroposterior lesions, posterior superior internal impingement, and damage to the posterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament. Labrocapsular anatomic variations of the posterior shoulder joint can mimic labral pathology on conventional MR and occasionally on MR arthrographic images. Knowledge of this variant anatomy is key to interpreting MR images and studying MR arthrography of the posterior labrocapsular structure to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgical procedures. In this article, we review normal and variant anatomy of the posterior labrocapsular structure of the shoulder joint based on MR arthrography and discuss how to discriminate normal anatomic variants from labrocapsular damage.

Mapping of the Inferior Glenohumeral Ligament for Suture Pullout Strength: A Biomechanical Analysis

Background: Suture pullout during rehabilitation may result in loss of tension in the inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) and contribute to recurrent instability after capsular plication, performed with or without labral repair. To date, the suture pullout strength in the IGHL is not well-documented. This may contribute to recurrent instability. Purpose/Hypothesis: A cadaveric biomechanical study was designed to investigate the suture pullout strength of sutures in the IGHL. We hypothesized that there would be no significant variability of suture pullout strength between specimens and zones. Additionally, we sought to determine the impact of early mobilization on sutures in the IGHL at time zero. We hypothesized that capsular plication sutures would fail under low load. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Seven fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were dissected to isolate the IGHL complex, which was then divided into 18 zones. Sutures in these zones were attached to a linear actuator, and the resistance to suture pullout was recorded. A suture pullout strength map of the IGHL was constructed. These loads were used to calculate the load applied at the hand that would initiate suture pullout in the IGHL. Results: Mean suture pullout strength for all specimens was 61.6 ± 26.1 N. The maximum load found to cause suture pullout through tissue was found to be low, regardless of zone of the IGHL. Calculations suggest that an external rotation force applied to the hand of only 9.6 N may be sufficient to tear capsular sutures at time zero. Conclusion: This study did not provide clear evidence of desirable locations for fixation in the IGHL. However, given the low magnitude of failure loads, the results suggest the timetable for initiation of range-of-motion exercises should be reconsidered to prevent suture pullout through the IGHL. Clinical Relevance: From this biomechanical study, the magnitude of force required to cause suture pullout through the IGHL is met or surpassed by normal postoperative early range-of-motion protocols.

Inferior Glenohumeral Ligament (IGHL) Injuries: A Case Series of Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging Findings and Arthroscopic Correlation

The inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) complex is commonly assessed by both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance (MR) arthrogram. Our study aimed to compare the accuracy of MR arthrogram compared to MRI using arthroscopic correlation as the gold standard. A retrospective review of cases reporting an IGHL injury was performed. 77 cases met inclusion criteria, while 5 had arthroscopic reports that directly confirmed or refuted the presence of IGHL injury. Two arthroscopic reports confirmed concordant IGHL injuries, while 3 arthroscopic reports mentioned discordant findings compared to MR. Interestingly, all three discordant cases involved MR arthrogram. Findings included soft tissue edema, fraying of the axillary pouch fibers, and cortical irregularity of the humeral neck. Of the two concordant cases, one was diagnosed by MRI, revealing an avulsion of the anterior band, while the second was diagnosed by MR arthrogram showing ill-defined anterior band fibers. Many cases involved rotator cuff or labral tears, which may have been the focus of care for providers, given their importance for shoulder stability. Additionally, a lack of diagnostic confidence in MR reports may have influenced surgeons in the degree to which they assessed the IGHL complex during arthroscopy. In conclusion, radiologists seemed more likely to make note of IGHL injuries when MR arthrograms were performed; meanwhile, all three discordant cases involved MR arthrogram reads. Therefore, additional larger studies are needed with arthroscopic correlation to better elucidate MR findings that confidently suggest injury to the IGHL complex, in order to avoid false positive radiology reports.

High Prevalence of Superior Labral Anterior-Posterior Tears Associated With Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Separation of All Injury Grades

Background: Despite the relatively high number of cases of acromioclavicular joint (AC) separation in the athletic population, optimal clinical outcomes are not achieved in every case. Limited data exist regarding the prevalence of intra-articular glenohumeral pathologies (IAPs) associated with acute AC separation of all injury grades. Purpose: To determine the prevalence of IAPs associated with AC separation, regardless of severity. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 62 patients (mean age, 37.6 years) with acute AC separation were included in this study; 41 were nonoverhead recreational athletes. All patients underwent magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) to evaluate for IAPs. Arthroscopic data from patients undergoing surgical treatment were correlated with MRA results. Results: Patients sustained acute AC separation of Rockwood grade 1 (16.1%), grade 2 (46.8%), grade 3 (25.8%), and grade 4 (11.3%). A concomitant IAP was present in 48 of 62 (77.4%) patients and included superior labral anterior-posterior tears (72.6%), anterior labral tears (24.2%), posterior labral tears (4.8%), supraspinatus tears (3.2%), and inferior glenohumeral ligament ruptures (1.6%). There were 18 (29.0%) patients who had a concomitant pathology in >1 intra-articular structure (combined IAPs). Additionally, 71.8% of patients with grade 1 and 2 AC separation had associated IAPs, and 23.1% had combined IAPs. Furthermore, in patients younger than 40 years, 64.0% of those with grade 1 to 3 AC separation demonstrated associated labral pathologies. There was no difference when comparing age or severity of AC separation and the prevalence of concomitant labral tears ( P = .36 and .22, respectively). Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of IAPs among patients undergoing MRA after AC separation. While an IAP has been described in association with high-grade AC separation previously, the high prevalence of IAPs in low-grade separation in our study was unexpected and suggests that a thorough evaluation and clinical follow-up for patients with all grades of AC separation may be beneficial.

Effects of arthroscopic capsular and inferior glenohumeral ligament release on function and stability for patients with frozen shoulder

Background The inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) plays an important role in maintaining shoulder joint stability. However, no systematic studies on shoulder stability and function of patients with FS after IGHL release exist. This study assessed the functional and clinical outcomes of IGHL release for FS.Methods Forty-seven patients underwent arthroscopic capsule and IGHL release with the same postoperative rehabilitation procedure. Five functional parameters were measured postoperatively at 4, 8, 12 and 28 weeks: the apprehension test result, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score (ASES), Constant score, visual analog scale (VAS) score and active range of motion (ROM).Results All patients improved in the aforementioned evaluations. At 28 weeks, the ASES, Constant score and VAS score improved from 31.30±6.41 to 92.43±3.89, 30.15±6.85 to 90.71±4.27 and 6.73±0.72 to 0.60±0.74, respectively (p<0.05). Forward flexion (FF) and abduction (ABD) improved from 73.85±14.94 to 166.70±7.23 and from 69.65±12.74 to 165.03±6.36, respectively (p<0.05). External rotation (ER) and internal rotation (IR) also significantly improved. In total, 95% of the patients were able to perform full elevation, and 97.5% of the patients could place the dorsum of their hands between their shoulder blades. All patients had negative apprehension tests, and no dislocations occurred. No other serious postoperative complications were observed.Conclusions Arthroscopic capsule and IGHL release was effective and could improve the active ROM and relieve pain in patients with FS. This surgical procedure did not cause instability or dislocations in the shoulder joint.