Int Orthop. 2025 Jun 18. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06568-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of failed rotator cuff repair (RCR) on surgical outcomes after superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) using a fascia lata autograft.

METHODS: We included 79 patients with irreparable massive rotator cuff tears who underwent SCR using fascia lata autografts between 2018 and 2023, with a minimum follow-up of ≥ one year. Of them, 66 patients underwent primary SCR (primary SCR group) and 13 underwent SCR after structural failure of previous RCR (revision SCR group). Clinical outcomes, including American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and range of motion, were assessed. Radiological outcomes were evaluated using radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) values determined the clinical relevance of the difference in functional outcomes. Graft tears were recorded if graft discontinuity was found on MRI.

RESULTS: The revision SCR group showed worse VAS (2.1 vs. 1.1, P = 0.025), ASES (69.7 vs. 82.4, P = 0.008), Constant (57.1 vs. 64.3, P = 0.016) scores and higher graft tear rates (61.5% vs. 21.2%; P = 0.049) than the primary SCR group. The differences in VAS, ASES, and Constant scores exceeded the MCID threshold in the primary SCR group at a mean final follow-up of 2.1 ± 1.0 years. Conversely, in the revision SCR group, only the difference in Constant score exceeded the MCID threshold at a mean final follow-up of 2.2 ± 1.6 years, and patients with intact grafts showed significantly better VAS score and acromiohumeral distance (both P = 0.030) than those with torn grafts.

CONCLUSION: SCR using fascia lata autograft improved surgical outcomes for primary and revision SCRs. However, revision SCR showed worse outcomes and higher graft tear rates compared to primary SCR.

PMID:40531208 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06568-3

Int Orthop. 2025 Jun 16. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06580-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Lacertus syndrome (LS) involves median nerve compression by the lacertus fibrosus at the elbow. Often misdiagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), it presents primarily with hand weakness, fatigue, and forearm pain, with less common sensory symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: To review current knowledge on the clinical features, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for LS, highlighting the distinct characteristics that differentiate it from similar conditions.

METHODS: A comprehensive review synthesizing literature on anatomy, pathophysiology, prevalence, diagnostic approaches, and treatment outcomes.

RESULTS: Clinical diagnosis relies heavily on specific provocative tests, including the clinical triad (muscle weakness, localized pain, positive Scratch Collapse Test), Lacertus Antagonist Test (LAT), and visible Lacertus Notch Sign. Diagnostic ultrasound is increasingly preferred for real-time, dynamic assessment. Electrodiagnostic studies have limited diagnostic value due to the dynamic nature of the compression. Conservative treatments include activity modification, nerve gliding exercises, kinesiotaping, and injections (corticosteroids, botulinum toxin). Surgical intervention, typically via minimally invasive or percutaneous release under Wide-Awake Local Anaesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT), achieves immediate intraoperative strength improvement and high patient satisfaction rates (around 88%).

CONCLUSIONS: Improved clinical recognition of Lacertus syndrome through specific provocative tests and dynamic ultrasound enhances accurate diagnosis. Surgical decompression, especially using the WALANT approach, consistently yields excellent functional outcomes, emphasizing its role as the definitive treatment for resistant or severe cases.

PMID:40522492 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06580-7

Int Orthop. 2025 Jun 16. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06581-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Dynamic anterior stabilization (DAS) is a novel soft-tissue procedure for treating anterior shoulder instability in selected cases. The purpose of the present meta-analysis is to provide the up-to-date evidence on DAS's outcomes, safety and characterize study designs to improve future studies and accelerate technical advancements.

METHODS: A PRISMA guided meta-analysis was performed. Inclusion criteria were human studies, comparative or non-comparative in which DAS was performed as an indication for anterior shoulder instability. Four databases were searched PubMed (via MEDLINE), EMBASE, Web of Science, and Science Direct. ROBINS-I was employed for risk of bias analysis. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed using mean difference (MD) as effect size estimator. Heterogeneity was reported using the I2 statistic. Dichotomous variables were counted and reported as % out of total sample size for each study.

RESULTS: Five studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 137 patients were available for analysis with a mean age of 27.8 ± 9 years and 108 patients were males. Mean follow-up duration was 37 ± 11 months. Postoperative ASES score showed an improvement of MD = -15.09 (95% CI: -22.35 to -7.38), p < 0.01, compared to the preoperative period. The ROWE score showed a similar improvement, MD = -58.38 (95% CI: -69.88 to -46.89), p < 0.01. Postoperative range of motion (ROM) was not significantly influenced. Active anterior elevation had a MD = -6.07° (95% CI: -15.04 to 2.91), p = 0.19, active external rotation had a MD = 3.7° (95% CI: -7.71 to 15.11), p = 0.53, and active internal rotation, MD = 0.16° (95% CI: -1.4 to 1.73), p = 0.84. Return to play ranged from 80 to 100% while return to competitive sports, reported by a single study, was 33%. The overall complication rate was 8.6%. The overall risk of bias was "serious" or "critical" for all included studies.

CONCLUSION: DAS has been shown to improve postoperative PROMs, does not restrict ROM compared to the preoperative period and has an overall complication rate of 8.6%.

PMID:40522491 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06581-6

Int Orthop. 2025 Jun 14. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06577-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) is a predominantly minimally invasive surgical technique for addressing LDH. Nonetheless, recurrent lumbar disc herniation (rLDH) remains the predominant reason for reoperation following UBE. This retrospective study examined the risk factors and reoperation rates for rLDH following UBE. This study aimed to examine the risk factors associated with rLDH and the reoperation rate after single-level UBE.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 205 patients who underwent UBE for single-level LDH from 2019 to 2023 to determine reoperation causes and related risk variables. Reoperation was characterized as the postoperative radiological evidence of persistent symptomatic disc herniation at the same level, necessitating further surgical intervention. We gathered radiographic and demographic parameters preoperatively and postoperatively. Patients with recurrent LDH had additional evaluation during recurrence and revision operations.

RESULTS: Of the 205 patients, 21 (10.2%) required further rLDH revision surgery. The multivariate analysis indicated that obesity and elevated fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were independent risk variables with strong predictive value for reoperation after controlling for other potential risk factors. Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the cutoff points for UBE were body mass index (BMI) = 25.775 kg/m2 and FBG = 5.155 mmol/L.

CONCLUSION: This study identified obesity (BMI > 25.775 kg/m²) and elevated FBG levels (> 5.155 mmol/L) as independent risk factors for UBE reoperation. Hence, we recommend longer rehabilitation interventions, such as wearing a suitable brace and strengthening the paraspinal muscles, for patients with obesity and high FBG who undergo UBE.

PMID:40515760 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06577-2

Int Orthop. 2025 Jun 14. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06572-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This comparative cohort study evaluates the clinical efficacy of 3D-printed patient-specific cutting guides (PSCGs) versus conventional manual techniques in correcting rigid midfoot pes cavus deformities.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 40 patients (80 feet) undergoing Cole osteotomy between 2021 and 2023 was conducted. Patients were stratified into two matched cohorts: Group A (manual osteotomy, n = 20) and Group B (PSCG-assisted, n = 20). Radiographic parameters (Meary's angle, TMI, TCA, Djian-Annonier angle, Pitch angle) and functional outcomes (VAS, AOFAS, SF-36) were analyzed preoperatively and at mean 17-month follow-up. Surgical metrics including operative time, fluoroscopy frequency, and complication rates were systematically compared.

RESULTS: Radiographic analysis demonstrated superior angular correction in the PSCG-assisted cohort versus conventional osteotomy, with significantly improved bilateral Meary's angle (Right: 1.94°±0.62 vs. 6.04°±2.20, P < 0.05; Left: 1.62°±0.54 vs. 6.39°±2.04, P < 0.05) and TMI angle (Right: 4.32°±3.14 vs. 8.51°±8.12, P < 0.05; Left: 4.74°±2.44 vs. 8.53°±5.93, P < 0.05). The PSCG technique achieved equivalent correction in TCA, Djian-Annonier, and Pitch angles while demonstrating enhanced consistency (38-66% reduction in standard deviations). Functionally, PSCG-assisted procedures yielded superior AOFAS scores (97.71 ± 0.77 vs. 92.07 ± 2.25, Δ = 5.64 [95%CI 4.54-6.74], P < 0.05) and SF-36 outcomes, particularly in general health (Δ = 16.96, P < 0.05) and mental well-being (Δ = 7.92, P = 0.001). Operative metrics favored PSCG with 36% shorter procedure time (82.9 ± 13.9 vs. 129.0 ± 39.6 min, P < 0.05) and 77% reduced intraoperative fluoroscopy (4.65 ± 1.06 vs. 20.07 ± 2.92 exposures, P < 0.05). No surgical site infections occurred in the PSCG group versus one superficial SSI in controls CONCLUSION: 3D-printed PSCGs provide anatomically precise, efficient correction of complex midfoot deformities while minimizing intraoperative radiation exposure, establishing this technology as a safe and reproducible alternative to conventional techniques.

PMID:40515759 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06572-7

Int Orthop. 2025 Jun 14. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06573-6. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40514517 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06573-6

Int Orthop. 2025 Jun 11. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06576-3. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40498111 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06576-3

Int Orthop. 2025 Jun 11. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06578-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adequate postoperative analgesia is critical for elderly patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). The pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block relieves pain while preserving motor function, but its limited duration necessitates adjuncts. This study evaluates the efficacy of perineural dexamethasone in prolonging PENG block analgesia in geriatric THA patients.

METHODS: In this double-blinded, randomized controlled trial, 60 patients (≥ 65 years) undergoing THA under spinal anaesthesia were assigned to the PENG group - PENG block with 20 mL 0.2% ropivacaine and the PENG + DEX group - PENG block with 20 mL 0.2% ropivacaine + 4 mg perineural dexamethasone. The primary outcome was time to first rescue opioid administration. The secondary outcomes included total opioid consumption, pain scores (NRS), quadriceps strength, and adverse effects over 48 h.

RESULTS: Dexamethasone significantly prolonged analgesia (16.0 ± 1.3 vs. 9.0 ± 1.7 h, p < 0.0001) and reduced opioid use (0.9 ± 1.2 vs. 2.1 ± 1.4 mEQ, p = 0.0003). Pain scores were lower at six, 12, and 24 h (p < 0.05). Quadriceps strength remained intact in both groups. No nerve injuries were observed (p > 0.9999). Blood glucose levels at 12, 24, and 48 h showed no significant differences between groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Perineural dexamethasone effectively prolongs PENG block duration, reduces opioid consumption, and does not compromise motor function, nerve integrity, or glycaemic control. It is a promising strategy for optimizing pain control in elderly THA patients.

PMID:40498110 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06578-1

Int Orthop. 2025 Jun 11. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06574-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Bone deformities, such as cubitus varus, can lead to abnormal joint alignment and impaired function. Corrective osteotomy aims to restore anatomical alignment, and its precision may be enhanced using various guidance methods. Emerging mixed reality systems allow for the placement and manipulation of virtual objects and may offer effective surgical navigation. This study aimed to validate the accuracy and precision of holographic guidance compared with classic visual estimation and a printed triangle gauge in a controlled laboratory setting.

METHODS: Closed-wedge osteotomies at angles of 15° and 30° were performed on fresh-frozen porcine femora. Three techniques were evaluated: Group EB (eyeballing)-visual estimation; Group PW (printed wedge)-using 15° and 30° plastic templates; and Group HW (holographic wedge)-using a mixed reality system (RSQ HOLO, RSQ Technologies, Poznań, Poland, and HoloLens 2, Microsoft). In the HW group, a holographic wedge tool guided the osteotomy. The angle of the excised bone wedge and post-osteotomy alignment in the anteroposterior (AP) and lateral planes were measured physically (goniometer) and digitally (radiographs). Statistical analysis assessed accuracy (closeness to 15°/30°) and precision (standard deviation [SD], mean deviation, coefficient of variation [CV]).

RESULTS: At 15°, the PW and HW techniques demonstrated greater accuracy and lower error compared with EB (T = 3.60; p < 0.01), with HW yielding the lowest systematic error (SE = 0.12). Alignment in the AP plane was similar across groups (T < 2.11; p > 0.05), whereas lateral alignment showed significant differences (T > 2.11; p < 0.05). At 30°, HW achieved the best alignment in both AP (T = 2.48; p = 0.01) and lateral views (T = 2.35; p = 0.02). Lateral alignment was improved by more than 5° with holographic guidance compared to other techniques (p = 0.01). The HW group exhibited the highest precision for both 15° and 30° angles (lowest SD and CV; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Augmented reality provides accurate and precise intraoperative guidance, outperforming both visual estimation and printed wedge templates in deformity correction.

PMID:40498109 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06574-5