Faculty Bibliography

Mechanical obstacles may infrequently impede closed reduction of anterior shoulder dislocation. Imaging techniques such as arthrography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) complement conventional radiography by allowing identification of obstacles to reduction. We present a case of irreducible anterior glenohumeral dislocation resulting from an initial anterior dislocation, converted to a posterior dislocation with an attempt at reduction, then converted back to anterior dislocation with a second reduction attempt. Soft tissue obstacles to shoulder reduction should be suspected when plain films do not identify a bony fragment as the culprit. CT and MRI are useful for identifying the cause of irreducibility and for operative planning

Anterior glenohumeral instability complicated by bone loss is a challenging problem and, when severe, may require surgical treatment with bone grafting. We review our institution's experience with humeral head and glenoid bone grafting for large Hill-Sachs lesions and glenoid defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent intra-articular bone reconstruction for Hill-Sachs and large glenoid defects for anterior instability at our institution during 2002-2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Those who had undergone concomitant humeral head replacement were excluded. Six patients were identified as having undergone allograft or autograft iliac crest bone graft reconstruction of the glenoid, with four available for full follow-up (average 39 months; range, 7 to 63). Five patients were identified as having undergone humeral head allograft reconstruction and four were available for full follow-up (average 28 months; range, 11 to 40). The remaining three patients were available for telephone follow-up. American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) and University of California, Los Angles (UCLA) scores were recorded and radiographs obtained. RESULTS: Average postoperative ASES and UCLA scores for glenoid bone graft patients were 91 and 33, respectively. Average postoperative ASES and UCLA scores for humeral bone graft patients were 85.3 and 28.4, respectively. Glenoid bone graft shoulders, when compared to the opposite normal side, lost an average of 3 degrees of forward flexion, 10 degrees of external rotation, and two levels of internal rotation. Humeral head bone-grafted shoulders, lost an average of 23 degrees of forward flexion, 8 degrees of external rotation, and two levels of internal rotation. No episodes of recurrent subluxation or dislocations were reported. Radiographs showed no evidence of graft resorption or hardware prominence. CONCLUSIONS: Bone grafting procedures around the shoulder for the treatment of instability provided relief from recurrent instability and good functional results

Platelet-rich plasma is defined as autologous blood with a concentration of platelets above baseline values. Platelet-rich plasma has been used in maxillofacial and plastic surgery since the 1990s; its use in sports medicine is growing given its potential to enhance muscle and tendon healing. In vitro studies suggest that growth factors released by platelets recruit reparative cells and may augment soft-tissue repair. Although minimal clinical evidence is currently available, the use of platelet-rich plasma has increased, given its safety as well as the availability of new devices for outpatient preparation and delivery. Its use in surgery to augment rotator cuff and Achilles tendon repair has also been reported. As the marketing of platelet-rich plasma increases, orthopaedic surgeons must be informed regarding the available preparation devices and their differences. Many controlled clinical trials are under way, but clinical use should be approached cautiously until high-level clinical evidence supporting platelet-rich plasma efficacy is available

Proximal humeral fractures treated at level I trauma centers are typically displaced, unstable, high-energy injuries associated with injuries to other extremities and closed head injuries. One method that can be used to treat 2-part proximal humeral fractures, if the patient meets certain criteria, is closed reduction and percutaneous cannulated screw fixation. We conducted a retrospective review of 20 consecutive patients treated with this technique, and complete follow-up data were available for 14. Thirteen achieved union and functional range of motion at a mean of 10.5 weeks. Three experienced complications: failure of fixation, infection, and heterotopic ossification. The technique of closed reduction and percutaneous cannulated screw fixation is safe and effective for proximal humeral fractures in carefully selected patients