Three-dimensional scapular kinematics during commonly used rehabilitation exercises in patients 12 weeks after Reversed Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Background: Reversed shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is often used to restore functionality in patients with joint arthropathy and dysfunctional rotator cuff. As rTSA changes the biomechanical properties of the shoulder, an altered movement pattern of arm and scapula is to be expected. Previous studies focused on changes of the scapulohumeral rhythm during functional elevation tasks.

The lesser tuberosity C-block osteotomy for anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty has no negative impact on the volumetric ratio of the transversal force couple.

Background: Mobilization of the subscapularis muscle (SSC) is crucial for optimal access to the glenohumeral joint during anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (ATSA). However, the ideal mobilization technique remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the impact of the lesser tuberosity C-block osteotomy, a modified lesser tuberosity osteotomy, on the postoperative subscapularis (SSC) volume following anatomical shoulder arthroplasty and compare it to the volume of the infraspinatus/teres minor.

Electromyographic analysis of selected shoulder muscles during shoulder rehabilitation exercises in patients after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Background: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) aims to restore function in patients with rotator cuff failure and joint arthropathy. After surgery, patients are routinely referred to a rehabilitation specialist to regain range of motion, strength, and function. A key element in these programs is active exercises.

Three-dimensional glenohumeral relationship in cuff tear arthropathy and its correlation with the type of cuff tear.

Objective: The main purpose of this study is to evaluate 1) the three-dimensional (3D) glenohumeral relationship in cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) and 2) the correlation between different types of rotator cuff tears (RCTs) and the 3D glenohumeral relationship.

Method: A total of 124 patients with CTA and 60 control patients were included in this study. 3D models of computed tomography images of the shoulder were reconstructed to evaluate the position of the humerus in relation to the scapula using a Cartesian coordinate system.

Serial 3D CT analysis of humeral head alignment in relation to glenoid correction and outcomes after total shoulder arthroplasty.

Background: Posterior humeral head (HH) subluxation after anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) is associated with worse outcomes, but it is unclear how corrective glenoid reaming correlates with HH alignment and whether HH alignment changes over time. Therefore, it was aimed to analyze the relationship between HH alignment and the scapula following aTSA to identify anatomic and surgical factors that contribute to realignment of the HH, glenoid loosening, and clinical outcomes.

Methods: Three-dimensional scapulohumeral alignment was assessed on three-dimensionally reconstructed computed tomography scans of 23 patients: preoperative (T0), 2 years post-aTSA (T1), and ≥5 years post-aTSA (T2).

Demographic heterogeneity in valgus angulation of the proximal ulnar canal in relation to the flexion-extension axis.

Background: The long-term outcome of total elbow arthroplasty remains unsatisfactory because of loosening and polyethylene wear, which could be caused by malpositioning of the ulnar component. When introducing an ulnar component, 2 different angles should be considered in the coronal plane: the valgus angulation of the proximal ulna in relation to the flexion-extension axis (FE-axis) and the intramedullary varus angulation in relation to the FE-axis. Currently, available TEA designs may not always be able to reconstruct the FE-axis because of the morphologic variability of the ulna.

Kinematic analysis of scapulothoracic movements in the shoulder girdle: a whole cadaver study.

Background: Existing kinematic studies of the shoulder girdle focus on humerothoracic movements. Isolated scapulothoracic movements are also performed during daily activities and rehabilitation but kinematic values are lacking.

Methods: A kinematic analysis was performed in 14 cadaveric shoulders during protraction, retraction, and shrug.

Hyaluronic acid as an alternative treatment option for degenerative rotator cuff tears.

Rotator cuff tears have a high prevalence in older people. This research examines the clinical outcome of the non-operative treatment of symptomatic degenerative rotator cuff tears with hyaluronic acid (HA) injections. 72 patients (43 females/29 males), with an average age of 66 years with symptomatic degenerative full- thickness rotator cuff tear, confirmed with arthro-CT, were treated with three intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections and followed on multiple observational moments during a 5-year follow-up using the SF- 36 (Short-Form Health Survey), DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand), CMS (Constant Murley Score), and OSS (Oxford Shoulder Scale.

Acromioclavicular reconstruction techniques after acromioclavicular joint injuries: A systematic review of biomechanical studies.

Background: Residual horizontal instability after surgical treatment for acromioclavicular joint injuries is seen as a potential cause of suboptimal clinical outcomes. Biomechanical studies have demonstrated that the acromioclavicular capsule/ligaments are the primary restraints for anteroposterior translation. However, limited studies have addressed the biomechanics of a reconstruction of the acromioclavicular capsule/ligaments.

Scapular morphology of great apes and humans: A three-dimensional computed tomography-based comparative study.

The primate scapula has been studied widely since its shape has been shown to correlate with how the forelimb is used in daily activities. In this study, we expand on the existing literature and use an image-based methodology that was originally developed for orthopaedic practice to quantify and compare the three-dimensional (3D) morphology of the scapula across humans and great apes. We expect that this image-based approach will allow us to identify differences between great apes and humans that can be related to differences in mobility and loading regime of the shoulder.

Radial head fractures: a quantitative analysis.

Several classification systems for radial head fractures discuss the number of fragments and their displacement, but not the exact location. This study aimed to evaluate the location of the radial head fracture fragments and the influence of the Mason type on the size of the fracture fragment. Forty-one radial head fractures (31 Mason type I and 10 type II) with an elliptical radial head were included in this retrospective study and 3D reconstructed.

Differences between Coracoclavicular, Acromioclavicular, or Combined Reconstruction Techniques on the Kinematics of the Shoulder Girdle.

Background: Although the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments are classically reconstructed after acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries, biomechanical studies over the past decade have indicated the importance of an additional reconstruction of the AC ligaments. To date, no kinematic study has investigated the kinematic differences between these reconstruction strategies.

Purpose: To evaluate the restoration of shoulder motion after an AC injury using a CC ligament, an AC ligament, or a combined reconstruction technique.

Biomechanical Evaluation of a Tubular Braided Construct for Primary Deep Flexor Tendon Surgery.

Purpose: Immediate postoperative mobilization has been shown to avoid adhesion formation and improve range of motion after flexor tendon repair. A tubular braided construct was designed to allow for these rehabilitation protocols.

Methods: In this ex vivo study, 92 ovine flexor tendons were divided randomly into 2 equal groups.

Limited value of current shoulder arthroplasty registries in evidence-based shoulder surgery: a review of 7 national registries.

National shoulder arthroplasty registries are currently used to assess incidence, indication, type of prosthesis and revision, but they seem to lack sufficient information to lead to evidence based decision-making in shoulder surgery. There appears to be a large difference in registered parameters and outcome measurement per country. First we investigated whether existing registries have sufficient common datasets to enable pooling of data.

Fracture patterns in midshaft clavicle fractures.

Current classifications of midshaft clavicle fractures are based on radiography. The aim of the study was to evaluate the fracture pattern of clavicle fractures using 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT). A retrospective analysis was performed on CT scans of 65 acute clavicle fractures.

Kinematic Alterations in the Shoulder Complex in Rockwood V Acromioclavicular Injuries During Humerothoracic and Scapulothoracic Movements: A Whole-Cadaver Study.

Background: Previous cadaveric kinematic studies on acromioclavicular injuries described mainly rotational differences during humerothoracic movements. Although isolated scapulothoracic movements are also often performed during activities of daily life and can be painful after acromioclavicular injuries, they have not been extensively studied. Further, the analysis of joint translations in kinematic studies has received little attention compared with biomechanical studies.

Flexor tendon repair using a reinforced tubular, medicated electrospun construct.

A reinforced tubular, medicated electrospun construct was developed for deep flexor tendon repair. This construct combines mechanical strength with the release of anti-inflammatory and anti-adhesion drugs. In this study, the reinforced construct was evaluated using a rabbit model.

A demographic study of acute injuries in basketball players.

Studies that analyse the epidemiology of acute injuries in basketball players in European countries are limited. The purpose is to present an overview of the incidence of injuries and injury patterns in Flanders and to correlate them to possible intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors. All acute injuries that occurred in Flanders during 2009-2013, collected by the insurance, were analysed.

Biological activity and antimicrobial property of Cu/a-C:H nanocomposites and nanolayered coatings on titanium substrates.

Infection associated with titanium based implants remains the most serious problem in implant surgery hence it is important to find optimal strategies to prevent infections. In the present study, we investigated the surface properties, antibacterial activity and biocompatibility of nanocomposite coatings based on an amorphous hydrocarbon (a-C:H) film containing copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) deposited on Ti discs via a gas aggregation cluster source. Three different Cu/a-C:H coatings with approximately the same amount of embedded CuNPs with and without barrier a-C:H layer were fabricated.

Design and development of a reinforced tubular electrospun construct for the repair of ruptures of deep flexor tendons.

This research aims at developing a more potent solution for deep flexor tendon repair by combining a mechanical and biological approach. A reinforced, multi-layered electrospun tubular construct is developed, composed of three layers: an inner electrospun layer containing an anti-inflammatory component (Naproxen), a middle layer of braided monofilament as reinforcement and an outer electrospun layer containing an anti-adhesion component (hyaluronic acid, HA). In a first step, a novel acrylate endcapped urethane-based precursor (AUP) is developed and characterized by measuring molar mass, acrylate content and thermo-stability.

Three-dimensional evaluation of scapular morphology in primary glenohumeral arthritis, rotator cuff arthropathy, and asymptomatic shoulders.

Background: Recently, the 3-dimensional (3D) morphology of the coracoacromial complex in nonpathologic shoulders has been described. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the coracoacromial complex in pathologic shoulders (glenohumeral osteoarthritis [GHOA] and cuff tear arthropathy [CTA]) and nonpathologic shoulders.

Methods: A 3D computed tomography reconstruction of 205 scapulae was performed (49 with GHOA, 48 with CTA, and 108 in normal shoulders [NL]).

Is bone grafting always necessary in revision reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with uncontained glenoid bone defects?

Background: Patients with an uncontained glenoid bone defect can still successfully undergo a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). Currently, there is a tendency toward reconstruction of the premorbid glenoid plane with bone grafts, which is technically demanding. We investigated whether central peg positioning in the spine pillar (CPPSP) is a more feasible alternative to the use of bone grafts.

Positioning of longest axis of the radial head in neutral forearm rotation.

Introduction: The radial head has an ellipsoid shape so that a longest and a shortest axis can be defined. The aim of this study is to evaluate the position of the longest axis of the radial head (LARH) in relation to proximal radioulnar joint (PRUJ) and to the forearm in neutral position using 3D computed tomography (CT).

Materials And Methods: 3D CT reconstructions of the distal humerus, the radius and the ulna of 27 healthy volunteers (average age 27.

Fabrication of Microporous Coatings on Titanium Implants with Improved Mechanical, Antibacterial, and Cell-Interactive Properties.

The success of an orthopedic implant therapy depends on successful bone integration and the prevention of microbial infections. In this work, plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) was performed to deposit TiO coatings enriched with Ca, P, and Ag on titanium to improve its surface properties and antibacterial efficacy while maintaining normal biological functions and thus to enhance the performance of orthopedic implants. After PEO treatment, the surface of Ti was converted to anatase and rutile TiO, hydroxyapatite, and calcium titanate phases.