Technical note: subscapularis-sparing approach to perform anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty using a multiplanar humeral osteotomy and angled glenoid instruments

Background Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty is typically performed through the deltopectoral approach followed by either a subscapularis tenotomy, tendon peel, or lesser tuberosity osteotomy to provide adequate exposure. These subscapularis-takedown methods have been associated with incomplete subscapularis healing, however, and as a result often lead to functional deficits and complications. Subscapularis-sparing approaches have been introduced to mitigate these complications, but thus far have either been limited to hemiarthroplasty or resulted in residual inferior humeral head osteophytes and humeral component size mismatch. The present technique demonstrates the possibility for surgeons to capitalize on the improved patient outcomes that are afforded by subscapularis-sparing approaches, while still utilizing the deltopectoral interval to perform a total glenohumeral joint arthroplasty. Methods This article describes in detail the placement of a stemless anatomic TSA with the use of angled glenoid instruments through a subscapularis-sparing deltopectoral approach. Postoperatively, patients are placed in a sling but are instructed to remove as tolerated, as early as the 1st postoperative week. Physical therapy is started at week 1 with a 4-phase progression. Conclusions This technique using a TSA system with a polyaxial glenoid reamer and angled pegs on the backside of the glenoid allows the potential for maintenance of the strong postoperative radiographic and patient-reported outcomes that are achieved using traditional TSA approaches, with the advantage of accelerated rehabilitation protocols and decreased risk of subscapularis insufficiency that result from the use of subscapularis-sparing approaches.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty, Deltopectoral Approach vs. Anterosuperior Approach: An Overview of the Literature

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has become an optimal treatment for numerous orthopedic entities, such as rotator cuff tear arthropathies, pseudoparalysis, fracture sequelae, acute fractures, failed arthroplasties, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, and is linked with relief of topical pain and regaining of functionality. Presently, RSA has been conducted through anterosuperior (AS) or deltopectoral (DP) approach. The aim of the study was to discuss both approaches and to examine broadly their features to render a comparison in terms of clinical effectiveness. An electronic search in PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases was performed, using combinations of the following keywords: RSA, DP approach, AS approach, notching, and cuff tear arthropathy. A total of 61 studies were found, and 16 relevant articles were eventually included. Currently published literature has not shown significant diversities in the clinical course due to approach preference; risk of instability seems to be greater in DP approach, while regarding scapular notching and fracture rates the findings were conflicted. In addition, the AS approach has been associated with decreased risk of acromial and scapular spine fractures. In conclusion, both surgical approaches have shown similar clinical outcomes and effectiveness concerning pain and restoring range of motion (ROM) in rotator cuff tear arthropathies. In the future, further investigations based on large-scale well-designed studies are required to address clinical gaps allowing in-depth comparison of both approaches.

Incidence of avascular necrosis following biceps tenodesis during proximal humerus open reduction and internal fixation

Avascular necrosis (AVN) may occur in up to 77% of proximal humeral fractures and can cause fixation failure. Risk factors include fracture position, calcar length and medial hinge integrity. We routinely perform intra-articular biceps tenotomy with tenodesis at the level of pectoralis major to facilitate fragment identification and potentially ameliorate post-operative pain relief. Concern exists that tenotomising the biceps damages the adjacent arcuate artery, potentially increasing the rate of AVN. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether biceps tenodesis is associated with an increased risk of radiographically evident humeral head AVN. 61 fractures surgically treated over a 52-month period were retrospectively reviewed and radiographically assessed in accordance with Neer’s classification, calcar-length and medial hinge integrity. 40, 20 and 1 were four-, three- and two-part fractures respectively. 37 had a calcar-length less than 8mm and 26 suffered loss of the medial hinge. The median radiographic follow-up was 23 months. There was radiographic evidence of humeral head AVN in only one case, comparing favourably to rates quoted in current literature. In our experience, intra-articular biceps tenotomy with the deltopectoral approach was thus not associated with a significantly increased risk of humeral head AVN, even in complex four-part fractures.

Anterior proximal humerus fracture dislocation with concomitant glenoid fracture: An operative challenge! A case report

Introduction Combined proximal humerus fracture dislocation and glenoid fracture is a rare combination of injuries which presents technical operative challenges. There is little evidence to guide surgical management. Case Report We report a case of a proximal humerus fracture with anterior dislocation and glenoid fracture treated in the same sitting with open reduction and internal fixation with angular stability locking plate and cannulated screw. The surgical technique involved standard deltopectoral approach with coracoid osteotomy. Conclusion By addressing both fractures operatively at the same time, we reported a satisfactory clinical and functional outcome with bony union of the fracture sites without instability at end of 1 year. Coracoid osteotomy may open an alternative pathway to treat complex proximal humerus injuries with ipsilateral glenoid fracture.

Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty With a Stemless Humeral Component

Background: This technique video reviews anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) with a stemless humeral component using a representative case example. Indications: Stemless TSA is indicated for patients with symptomatic glenohumeral arthritis typically younger than 65 years of age. Stemless TSA may be used for other glenohumeral degenerative conditions such as avascular necrosis or posttraumatic arthropathy, provided acceptable humeral bone quality is confirmed intraoperatively using a thumb-press test. Poor bone quality is the primary contraindication. Technique Description: Preoperatively, computed tomography is typically used for planning, and intraoperative navigation through magnetic resonance imaging is also useful. The procedure’s critical elements include beach chair positioning, standard deltopectoral approach with lesser tuberosity osteotomy (LTO), freehand proximal humeral osteotomy, perpendicular proximal humeral exposure and subsequent preparation over a central guidewire, stemless implant and humeral head sizing, perpendicular glenoid exposure and implant placement, and final humeral implantation with LTO repair/fixation. A phased rehabilitation protocol includes 6-week sling immobilization to protect the subscapularis/LTO repair and return to normal activities between 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Discussion/Conclusion: Stemless TSA shows promising early and mid-term outcomes with complication rates, including humeral loosening rates, similar to standard stemmed components. Potential complications include neurovascular injury, infection, glenoid or humeral component loosening, and rotator cuff failure.

Anatomical study of the teres major muscle: description of an additional distal muscle slip

Background Understanding muscle and tendon anatomy is of tremendous importance to achieve optimal surgical execution and results in tendon transfers around the shoulder. The aim of this study was to introduce and describe an additional distal muscle slip of the teres major (TM). Methods Sixteen fresh-frozen cadaver shoulders were dissected with the deltopectoral approach. The ventral latissimus dorsi (LD) tendon was harvested, and the shoulders were analyzed for the presence/absence of a distal teres major slip (dTMs) and its dimensions and relationship with the TM and LD tendons. Results The dTMs was identified in 12 shoulders (75%). It was always distal to the TM tendon and visible during the deltopectoral approach. There was a clear separation between the TM proximally and dTMs tendon distally. At the humeral insertion, both tendons had a common epimyseal sheet around the teres major and inserted continuously at the humerus. The mean width of the dTMs tendon at the insertion was 13 ± 4 mm (range, 7–22 mm). The total lengths of the dTMs tendon and LD tendon were 40 ± 7 mm (range, 25–57 mm) and 69 ± 7 mm (range, 57–79 mm), respectively (p < 0.001). The dTMs muscle showed direct adhesions in ten shoulders (83%) with the LD muscle. Conclusions This is the first macroscopic description of an additional distal slip of the teres major muscle. The dTMs has a separate (distal) but continuous (mediolateral) insertion at the humerus within a common epimyseal sheet around the TM. The dTMs tendon is visible during the deltopectoral approach and can therefore provide a lead structure, particularly in ventral LD transfers with the deltopectoral approach.

Pectoralis Major Tendon Reconstruction at the Myotendinous Junction With Semitendinosus Allograft: An Operative Technique

Background: Pectoralis major (PM) tendon tears are a relatively uncommon injury that typically occurs in a young, active population during weightlifting or recreational sports. Musculotendinous junction and chronic PM tears often require tendon reconstruction due to inadequate remnant tendon stump or inability to reduce the remnant tendon stump to humeral footprint. Indications: We favor operative repair or reconstruction of PM tears in all young and active patients medically appropriate for surgery as supported by the literature. We present a technique for PM tendon reconstruction with semitendinosus allograft. This technique is applicable to musculotendinous junction and chronic tears. Technique: A modified deltopectoral approach is used. The PM tear is identified at the musculotendinous junction and the retracted muscle belly is mobilized. The PM tendon is reconstructed with a semitendinosus allograft using a Pulvertaft weave technique. The humeral footprint is prepped and the reconstructed tendon is properly tensioned and reduced. Fixation is performed with fibertapes loaded on 3 unicortical buttons. Postoperatively, the patient follows a graduated rehabilitation protocol. Results: There is a paucity of literature regarding outcomes of PM tendon reconstructions for musculotendinous junction tears. One study reported outcomes on 6 patients who had musculotendinous junction tears and underwent semitendinosus allograft reconstruction with a technique similar to ours. They report good clinical outcomes with high patient satisfaction regarding cosmetic outcome, return of strength, and overall satisfaction postoperatively. Discussion: It is our experience that the described technique for reconstruction of the PM tendon with semitendinosus allograft provides a viable option with good clinical outcomes for patients with PM ruptures at the musculotendinous junction.

Assessment of the outcome of fracture proximal humerus transdeltoid versus deltopectoral approach with PHILOS

<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Fracture proximal humerus accounts for 4 percent of all fractures. Out of all the humerus fractures, proximal fractures accounts for 26%. According to the Neer’s classification, 2, 3- and 4-part fracture are difficult to achieve stable fixation. In this study, we want to assess whether the different surgical approach, deltopectoral and transdeltoid approach, used for the stabilization of the fracture proximal humerus effects on the outcome of the surgery.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A total of 30 patients with fracture proximal humerus 2, 3 and 4-part were included in this study and were divided into 2 groups. In group 1, 15 patients were taken and were operated by deltopectoral approach, while in group 2, 15 patients were taken and operated by transdeltoid approach. All the fixation was done by PHILOS.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>In group 1, out of 3 patients having 2-part fracture, 2 had excellent result and 1 had fair result. Out of 4 patients having 3-part fracture, 3 had good outcome and 1 had fair result. Out of 6 patients having 4-part fracture, 1 had good outcome. In group 2, out of the 3 patients having 2-part fracture, 1 had excellent outcome and 2 had good outcome. Out of the 4 patients having 3-part fracture, 1 had excellent outcome, 3 had good outcome. Out of the 6 patients having 4-part fracture, 3 had good result.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Deltopectoral approach is recommended for calcar reconstruction that provides better visibility of medial calcar reduction while transdeltoid approach is recommended for greater tuberosity reduction that provides better visibility of greater tuberosity.</p>