Purpose: We report a new pathological entity involving the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT). In this entity, the hypertrophic LHBT becomes incarcerated in the joint during limb elevation, leading to shoulder pain and blockage.

Material and methods: Twenty-one patients were identified. These patients presented hypertrophy of the intra-articular portion of the LHBT with tendon incarceration at limb elevation. The diagnosis was confirmed during open surgery (n=14) or arthroscopy (n=7). All cases were diagnosed in patients with an associated cuff tear. Treatment consisted in resection of the intra-articular portion of the LHBT and appropriate treatment of the cuff.

Results: All patients had anterior shoulder pain and deficient anterior flexion because of the incarcerated tendon. An intra-operative dynamic test consisted in raising the arm with the elbow extended, providing objective proof of the tendon trapped in the articulation in all cases. The positive “hour glass” test produce a fold then incarceration of the tendon between the humeral head and the glenoid cavity. Tendon resection after tenodesis (n=19) or biopolar tenotomy (n=2) yielded immediate recovery of passive complete anterior flexion. The Constant score improved from 38 points preoperatively to 76 points at last follow-up.

Discussion: The “hour glass” long biceps tendon is caused by hypertrophy of the intra-articular portion of the tendon which becomes unable to glide in the bicipital groove during anterior arm flexion. 10°–20° defective motion, pain at the level of the bicipital groove, and images of a hypertrophic tendon are good diagnostic signs. The “hour glass” LGBT must not be confused with retractile capsulitis. The definitive diagnosis is obtained at surgery with the “hour glass” test which shows a fold and incarceration of the tendon during anterior flexion with an extended elbow. Simple tenotomy is insufficient to resolve the blockage. The intra-articular portion of the tendon must be resected after bipolar tenotomy or tenodesis.

Conclusion: Systematic search for “hour glass” LHBT should be undertaken in patients with persistent anterior shoulder pain of unexplained origin associated with deficient anterior arm flexion.

Purpose: We hypothesised that the rate of tendon healing after arthroscopic repair of full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus is equivalent to that obtained with open techniques reported in the literature.

Material and methods: We studied prospectively a cohort of 65 patients with arthroscopically repaired full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus. The patients were reviewed a mean 19 months (12–43) after repair. At arthroscopy, patients were aged 59.5 years on average (28–79). Bone-tendon sutures were performed with resorbable thread and self-locking anchors positioned on the lateral aspect of the humerus. Repair was protected with an abduction brace for six weeks. Forty-one patients (63%) accepted an arthroscan performed six months to two years after arthroscopy to assess tendon healing.

Results: Ninety-four percent of the patients were satisfied with the outcome. The mean Constant score was 51.6±10.6 points preoperatively and 80.2±13.2 at last follow-up (p< 0.001). The arthroscan showed that the rotator cuff had healed in 70% of the cases (29/41). The supra-spinatus had not healed on the trochiter in eight cases (25%) and was partially healed in two (5%). The size of the residual tendon defect was less than the initial tear in all cases except one. The rate of patient satisfaction and function was not significantly different if the tendon had healed (Constant score 81.3/100, satisfaction 93%) or if there was a residual tendon defect (Constant score 77.5/100, satisfaction 92%). Shoulder force in patients with a healed tendon (6±1.9 kg) was better than in those with a tendon defect (4.5±2.8 kg), but the difference was not significant. Factors affecting tendon healing were age > 65 years (43% healing, p< 0.02), and wide tears.

Conclusion: Arthroscopic repair of isolated supraspinatus tears enables tendon healing in 70% of cases as demonstrated by arthroscan. This rate was equivalent to those reported in historical series of open repair. Patients aged over 65 years had significantly less satisfactory healing. The absence of tendon healing does not compromise functional and subjective outcome despite reduced force.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the bone-patellar-tendon-bone (BPTB) and the four-strand hamstring grafts for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in patients aged less than 40 years and to evaluate the influence of meniscectomies performed before, during, or after the ACL reconstruction.

Material and methods: Between March 1997 and March 2000, 114 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction (58 BPTB then 56 hamstring) were included. Exclusion criteria were: peripheral ligament repair or associated bone procedures, surgical revision. The continuous series was analysed retrospectively by two surgeons different from the operator. The BTPB group included 58 patients (mean age 28 years) evaluated at a mean 44 months; meniscectomy was associated in eleven cases. The hamstring group included 56 patients (mean age 27.5 years) evaluated at a mean 28 months; there were 19 associated meniscectomies. The IKDC score and laxity (KT2000, Telos) as well as the radiological aspect (AP, lateral and 30° flexion views) were used to assess outcome.

Results: At last follow-up (89 patients, 78%) there were three failures in each group; 77% of patients were in IKDC classes A or B. Subjectively, 90% of the patients considered their knee was normal or nearly normal. For both types of grafts, the outcome was significantly better if the meniscus was preserved. For knees with preserved menisci, there was no difference between BTPB and hamstring reconstruction. Anterior pain was greater after BTPB and posterior thigh pain was greater after hamstring reconstruction. Mean deficit was 14% in extension force in the BTPB group and 25% in flexion force in the hamstring group.

Discussion: Meniscectomy before, during or after ACL reconstruction has a negative effect on the graft outcome for both techniques. If the meniscus is preserved, there is no difference between BTPB and hamstring reconstruction; the morbidities are different, but equivalent (anterior pain for BTPB and posterior for hamstring) and muscle deficit is different (extension for BTPB and flexion for hamstring).

Conclusion: More important than the type of transplant used to reconstruct the ACL, meniscal preservation is a major element affecting outcome.

Aims: The purpose of this study is to compare the radiographic results of two different glenoid component designs by analyzing the radiolucent lines (RLL).

Methods: Sixty-three shoulder arthroplasties with primary osteoarthritis were divided into two groups based on glenoid component type: thirty-five shoulders with flat back, and thirty-one shoulders with convex back, polyethylene glenoid implants. The radiolucenct lines were analyzed on fluoroscopically positioned, postoperative AP radiographs. The RLL Score (RLLS) was calculated using the technique of Molé. The RLLS was compared between the two groups.

Results: On the immediate postoperative radiographs the average of total RLL score was 1.67 in Group 1 and 0.98 in Group 2 (p< 0.0005). There was a statistically significant association between the type of implant and the incidence of radiolucency behind the faceplate as well (p< 0.0005). On the 2-year postoperative radiographs the average RLL score was 4.19 in the Group1 (2.86 under the tray, and 1.33 around the keel), and 3.23 in Group2 (p=0.02) (2.09 under the tray, and 1.14 around the keel). The radiolucency behind the face-plate (p< 0.0005) was significantly greater in the flat back group, but not around the keel (p=0.427). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the degree of RLL score progression.

Conclusions: The initial and mid-term RLLS is better with convex than fl at back glenoid component.

Aims: The purpose of this study is to compare the radiographic results of two glenoid preparation techniques by analyzing periglenoid radiolucencies. Methods: Seventy-two shoulder arthroplasties with primary osteoarthritis were divided into two groups based on glenoid preparation technique: thirtyseven shoulders with “curettage” of the keel slot, and thirty-five shoulders with cancellous bone compaction. The radiolucent lines were analyzed on fluoroscopically positioned, postoperative AP radiographs. The RLL Score (RLLS) was calculated using the technique of Molé. The RLLS was compared between the two groups. Results: On the immediate postoperative radiographs the average of the total RLL score was 2.39 in Group 1 and 1.67 in Group 2 (p=0.042). There was a statistically significant association between the glenoid preparation technique and the incidence of radiolucency around the keel as well (p=0.001). On the 2-year postoperative radiographs the average RLL score was 6.44 in the Group1, and 4.19 in Group 2 (p=0.0005). The radiolucency around the keel and behind the face-plate (p=0.0005) was significantly greater (p=0.001) in the “curettage” glenoid preparation population. A significantly higher degree of progression of the total RLL score (p=0.002) and of the radiolucency behind the face-plate (p=0.001) was observed in the “curettage” glenoid preparation group. Conclusions: Preparation of the keel slot with cancellous bone compaction is radiographically superior to the “curettage” technique.

Purpose: Failure of the glenoid component is the main complication of total shoulder prostheses. When surgical revision is necessary, the surgeon has the option of a new implantation or non-prosthetic plasty (glenoido-plasty). The purpose of the present work was to analyse results obtained with these two techniques in order to propose proper indications.

Material and methods: This retrospective study included 16 patients, mean age 62 years at revision surgery. Fialures included loosening of a cemented glenoid implant (n=9) and failure of non-cemented implants (3 defective anchors, 4 unclipped polyethylene inserts). Mean time to revision was 39 months (2–178) after primary implantation. A new glenoid implant was cemented in nine patients (group A). Seven patients (group 2) had glenoidoplasty with an iliac graft in four.

Results: A mean follow-up of 37 months (19–73), the Constant score had improved from 18 points before revision to 52 points (+34). Two patients experienced a complication requiring a second revision (infection, instability) and one patient underwent subsequent surgery for biceps tenodesis. For the group with glenoidoplasty with iliac graft, insertion of an inverted prosthesis was achieved during a second operative time. In group 1, the mean Constant score at last-follow-up was 63 points (+45) with the pain score of 11, movement score of 29. In group 2, the mean Constant score was 37 (+19) with pain at 6 and motion at 16. In this group, the mean score was 48 points with a glenoid graft and 21 points with simple implant replacement.

Discussion: Revision surgery for a failed glenoid implant remains a difficult procedure but can be effective for pain relief and improved motion score. The small number of patients in this series makes it difficult to perform statistical analysis but the results do point in favour of prosthetic reimplantation when the bone stock is sufficient. For other patients, a graft would be preferable to simple implant removal. This would allow secondary revision if possible.

Purpose: The purpose of our work was to report causes and results of treatment of anterior shoulder instability after implantation of a shoulder prosthesis.

Material and methods: This retrospective multicentric study included 51 patients with prosthetic anterior instability: 42 patients after first-intention shoulder prosthesis and nine after prosthesis revision. There were 39 women (79%) and 12 men, mean age 67 years, who underwent total shoulder arthroplasty (n=29, 57%) or hemiarthro-plasty (n=22, 43%). Thirty-eight patients (75%) had prosthetic dislocation and 13 (25%) subluxation associated with pain an loss of anterior elevation. The initial prosthesis was implanted for degenerative disease (n=29), rheumatoid arthritis (n=7), or fracture (n=15). Anterior prosthetic instability occurred early in 23 shoulders (first six weeks) and lat in 28 shoulders (7 after trauma, 21 without trauma). Conservative treatment by reduction-immobilisation was performed in 16 cases and prosthetic revision in 35. The patients were reviewed radiographically at mean 41 months follow-up (range 24–62).

Results: Subscapular tear or incompetence was the main cause of prosthetic anterior instability, observed in 87% of the cases. Technical errors concerning the prosthesis were also observed: oversized head, malrotation of the prosthesis. Associated complications were frequent: glenoid loosening (24%), polyethylene dissociation from the metal glenoid implant (10%), infection (10%), humeral fracture (4%). The final Constant score was 54 points and 55% of the patients were disappointed or dissatisfied. None of the shoulders were stable after consevative treatment. The prosthetic revision provided disappointing results with 51% recurrent anterior instability.

Discussion: Anterior instability of shoulder prostheses is a serious complication which responds poorly to treatment. Loosening of the subscapular suture is the main cause.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyse the epidemiology, management, and cure rate in 49 infected shoulder prostheses.

Material and methods: This retrospective multicentric study included 2396 shoulder prostheses with at least two years follow-up (mean 34 months): 2146 first intention prostheses and 250 revision prostheses. Results were analysed as a function of: — time to development of infection: 12 acute (less than 2 months after surgery), 6 subacute (2 to 12 months after surgery), and 29 chronic (more than one year after surgery); — cause leading to the first intention implantation; — therapeutic management of the infection.

Results: Two patients died and five were lost to follow-up. The results were thus evaluated in 42 patients. The rate of infection in this series was 1.8% for first intention prostheses and 4% for revision prostheses. Fracture, joint degeneration with massive rotator cuff tears and radiation-related necrosis were factors of high risk of infection (25% for radiation-related necrosis). Thirty patients achieved cure (71%). Three patients had a doubtful cure and nine patients remained infected (29%). The Constant score moved from 20 points before revision to 38 points. Active elevation was below the horizontal (74°). Eighty percent of the acute infections were cured but one-third of the cases required a new revision. Single-procedure replacements provided better functional results and better cure rates. There was a strong correlation between early surgical intervention, adapted antibiotic treatment, and rate of cure.

Discussion: The overall rate of infection in this series is comparable with data in the literature. The rate of certain cure of infection was disappointing (71%). For acute infections, the patients underwent surgery too late and treatment was too aggressive. If there is a doubt about possible infection, revision should be performed as early as possible to allow cure and preserved function. For chronic infections, time to diagnosis and management was too long. This led to anthroplastic resection in one-third of the patients. The choice of the antibiotics and duration of treatment, associated with rigorous surgical technique, should allow switching from arthroplastic to resection prosthetic replacement using one or two surgical times which, for these infected shoulder prostheses, appears to offer the best compromise between cure and function.

The management and outcome of treatment in 42 patients (49 shoulders) with an infected shoulder prosthesis was reviewed in a retrospective multicentre study of 2343 prostheses. The factors which were analysed included the primary diagnosis, the delay between the diagnosis of infection and treatment and the type of treatment. Treatment was considered to be successful in 30 patients (71%). Previous surgery and radiotherapy were identified as risk factors for the development of infection. All patients with an infected prosthesis had pain and limitation of movement and 88% showed radiological loosening. In 50% of the shoulders, the antibiotics chosen and the length of treatment were considered not to be optimal. The mean follow-up was 34 months. Antibiotics or debridement alone were ineffective. In acute infection, immediate revision with excision of all infected tissue and exchange of the prosthesis with appropriate antibiotic therapy gave the best results. Multidisciplinary collaboration is recommended.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyse outcome of shoulder prostheses after radiotherapy, to define a specific clinicoradiological entity, and evaluate incidence of complications.

Material and methods: Fourteen shoulder prostheses were implanted in 13 women who had been treated for breast cancer with complementary radiotherapy and one man treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The time from radiothearpy to implantation was 16 years, seven months. Two forms were identified on the preoperative x-rays: seven cases with typical avascular osteonecrosis according to the Arlet and Ficat classification, and seven cases with a radiographic presentation of arthritis or degenerative disease. Humeral prostheses were used in five cases and a total shoulder arthroplasty in nine.

Results: Four implants had to be removed, three for sepsis, and five patients required revision surgery. The mean postoperative Constant score for the ten prostheses still in place was 53.1 points with a mean elevation of 111° at three years seven months follow-up. The gain in pain score was 8.5 points with a mean result of 10.9 points. The results were different depending on the initial radiological form, with less favourable outcome observed in typical osteonecrosis.

Discussion: This study demonstrated a particular radio-clinical entity independent of classical osteonecrosis of the humeral head. The surgical procedure was more difficult and the outcome was less satisfactory than in the classical forms with a high rate of complications.

Purpose: The glenoid and humeral head curvature radii are mismatched in non-constrained total shoulder prostheses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of this mismatch on radiographic lucent lines and clinical outcome.

Material and methods: The study population included 319 total shoulder prostheses issuing from a multicentric European cohort. The patients underwent surgery for primary shoulder degeneration. Mean age at surgery was 67 years. Female sex predominated (75%). Partial supraspinatous tears were present in 7% of the shoulders with full-thickness tears also in 7%. A single type of prosthesis was used composed of a humeral pivot with a modular head (seven head sizes) and a cemented polyethylene flat-surface spiked glenoid (three sizes). Variable association of humeral heads and prosthetic glenoids defined the mismatch which varied from 0 to 10 mm (difference in the curvature radii between the head and glenoid). The patients were reviewed clinically and radiologically at a mean follow-up of 53.5 months (24–110 months). Clinical outcome was assessed with the Constant score for pain (15 points), daily activity (20 points), motion (40 points), and force (25 points). The glenoid lucent line was evaluated on the AP view using a 0 to 18 point scale (0=absence, 18=lucent line in 6 zones). Analysis of variance and linear regression were used to assess the effect of mismatch on the glenoid lucent line and clinical outcome.

Results: There was a statistically significant linear relationship between mismatch and glenoid lucent lines. The lucent line score was significantly lower when the mismatch was between 6 and 10mm. Mismatch had no influence on the overall Constant score or the individual scores (pain, motion, force, daily activities) nor on early or late postoperative complications.

Discussion: Based on the results of this study, the first in vivo assessment, the “ideal” gleno-humeral mismatch for total shoulder prostheses would be between 6 and 10 mm, i.e. much greater than is classically recommended (0–5 mm).

Purpose: Nonunion of the surgical neck of the humerus can occur after orthopaedic or poorly-adapted surgery after displaced subtuberosity or cephalotuberosity fracture. The purpose of this study was to report functional and radiographic outcome after treatment with shoulder prosthesis.

Material and methods: Twenty-two patients who had a non-constrained shoulder prosthesis were included in this retrospective multicentric study. Mean age was 70 years and mean follow-up was 45 months (range 2 – 9 years). The initial fracture had two fragments in six patients and was a three-fragment fracture involving the head and the tubercle in thirteen and a four-fragment fracture in three. Orthopaedic treatment was given in ten cases and surgical osteosynthesis was used in twelve. Time from fracture to implant insertion was 20 months. The deltopectoral approach was used for 21 humeral implants and one total shoulder arthroplasty (glenohumeral degeneration). The tuberosities were fixed to the cemented humeral stem and a crown of bone grafts were placed around the nonunion of the surgical neck. All patients were reviewed after a minimum of two years and assessed with the Constant score and x-rays.

Results: The absolute Constant score improved from 23 reoperatively to 39 postoperatively with an anterior elevation of 53° to 63°. Pain score (from 3 to 9, p = 0.001) and external rotation (from 13° to 28°, p = 0.01) were significantly improved. Forty-five percent of the patients were satisfied and 55% were dissatisfied. The type of initial treatment, type of initial fracture, and time before implantation of the prosthesis did no affect final outcome. The complication rate was 36% (eight patients), and led to five revision procedures. The radiographic work-up disclosed six cases of persistent nonunion of the greater tuberosity, two proximal migrations of the prosthesis, and one humeral loosening.

Conclusion: Outcome of shoulder prosthesis for sequela after fracture of the proximal humerus with nonunion of the surgical neck is poor. No improvement in anterior elevation, force, or motion was achieved. Shoulder prosthesis for sequelae of fracture of the proximal humerus with nonunion of the surgical neck should be considered as a “limited-objective” indication only providing beneficial pain relief.

Purpose: Evaluate outcome after isolated intra-articular ACL graft in patients aged 40 to 60 years using patellar bone-tendon and gracilis grafts.

Material and methods: This retrospective comparative study included 30 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery between September 1996 and September 1999 performed by the same operator: 14 patellar bone-tendon grafts and 16 gracilis grafts. The indication for surgery was knee instability in everyday or sports activities. Exclusion criteria were associated peripheral ligament plasty or bone procedures. The two populations were strictly identical except for gender and follow-up: patellar bone-tendon group: mean age 49 years, 12 men, follow-up 46 months, 6 associated menisectomies; gracilis series: mean age 48 years, 13 women, mean follow-up 30 months, 6 associated menisectomies. The IKDC score, laximetry (KT 2000), x-rays (AP, single stance lateral, 30° flexion) were used by two operators different from the operating surgeon to assess outcome.

Results: At last follow-up, there was a significant difference between functional and anatomic outcome in the two groups. 83% of the patients were classed IKDC A or B. Subjectively, 90% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied. The pivot test was negative in 24 (80%), doubtful in 5 and positive in 1. 86% of the patients had a differential laxity less than 3 mm. In the gracilis group, two patients developed chronic hamstring pain. In the patellar bone-tendon group, two patients developed persistent patellar pain. Two patients underwent a second procedure for meniscectomy. At last follow-up the x-rays demonstrated early signs of degeneration in 20% of the patients and signs of medial femorotibial degeneration in 10%.

Discussion: Gracilis and patellar bone-tendon grafts provide strictly identical results; residual pain is not more prevalent after patellar graft; control of laxity is not less satisfactory after hamstring graft. In our series, ACL graft in patients over 40 years of age provided functional, laximet-ric, and radiographic results comparable to those in patients undergoing ACL grafts before the age of 40 years.

Conclusion: 1) ACL graft can be indicated after the age of 40 years for patients with knee instability bothersome for everyday or sports activities. 2) Functional and anatomic results are identical with those obtained in younger subjects. 3) Irrespective of the graft used, patellar or hamstring, outcome is satisfactory and morbidity is not different.

Purpose: Collapse or necrosis of the head of the humerus after fracture of the proximal humerus can be an indication for shoulder arthroplasty. The poor results classically reported have led to a search for factors predictive of the anatomic and functional outcome after arthroplasty for fracture sequelae.

Material and methods: Among the 221 Aequalis prostheses implanted for the treatment of sequelae after fracture of the proximal humerus, 137 (62%) developed post-traumatic avascular osteonecrosis of the humeral head with a deformed callus of the tuberosity. Head tilt was in a valgus position in 83 shoulders and in a varus position in 54. Mean age was 61.49 years. The initial fractures were subtuberosity fractures in 20% of the cases, three-fragment fractures in 32%, and cephalobituberosity fractures with four fragments in 48% of the cases.Twenty-five percent of the patients had undergone initial osteosynthesis. The rotator cuff was repaired in 4.5%, and two osteotomies of the less tuberosity and four osteotomies of the greater tuberosity were performed at implantation. Pre- and postoperative clinical and functional outcomes were assessed with the Constant score and a function index composed of eleven usual movements.

Results: Mean follow-up was 44 months (24–104), with a mean 42° gain in anterior elevation and a 29° gain in external rotation. The gain in the Constant score was +32 points (mean score 61), and +43% with the weighted score. The four subscores (pain, motion, activity, force) improved two-fold. Analysis of the eleven usual movements demonstrated recovery in 88% of the patients. The subjective satisfaction index was 86%. The mean Constant score improved significantly more after total arthroplasty (67 points) than after humerus prosthesis (55 points). Complications (per- or postoperative mechanical problem, infection, neurological disorder) or the need for revision were unfavourable elements.

Discussion: Deformation and deviation of the tuberosities, especially the greater tuberosity, often leads to osteotomy during the implantation procedure. In this series, osteotomies were exceptional and functional outcomes showed that deviated tuberosities could be preserved without having an unfavourable effect on functional prognosis. Much on the contrary, the absence of a tuberosity osteotomy simplified the operative procedure and produced much better functional outcome than observed in earlier studies. The rate of complication for secondary prosthetic implantation is not negligible (15%) and a simplified procedure without osteotomy is a useful criterion. Furthermore, rehabilitation may be started earlier after implantation when it is not retarded by osteotomy bone healing, found to be an unfavourable factor.

Conclusion: Implantation of a shoulder prosthesis after collapse or necrosis of the head of the humerus after proximal fracture with varus or valgus impaction has provided good functional outcome without tuberosity osteotomy since the deformation of the tuberosity is generally well tolerated.

Purpose: Consolidation of the tuberosity is the key to success of shoulder arthroplasty for fracture. The purpose of this study was to assess the number and causes of tuberosity complications in order to find solutions for this problem.

Material and methods: This retrospective multicentric study included 334 shoulder prostheses implanted for fracture between 1991 and 2000. Two different prostheses were used: 300 standard Aequalis prostheses implanted between 1991 and 1997 (mean follow-up four years) and 31 Aequalis Fracture prosthesis between 1999 and 2000 (mean follow-up nine months). Radiological results were assessed on the postoperative and last follow-up x-rays. The Constant score was used for clinical assessment.

Results: For the 300 standard prostheses, the Constant score was 54 points with active anterior elevation = 104°. For the 31 fracture prostheses, the Constant score was 58 points with active anterior elevation = 114°. According to the operator’s assessment, 49% of the postoperative radiological results were fair or poor and objectively 35% of the tuberosities were poorly positioned with the standard prosthesis and 22% with the fracture prosthesis. Twenty-six percent of the good or poorly positioned tuberosities migrated secondarily with the standard prosthesis and 10% with the fracture prosthesis. Statistically significant prognostic factors limiting tuberosity complications were: satisfactory initial osteosynthesis with correct prosthesis height and retroversion facilitated by use of the fracture system, rehabilitation in a specialised centre, relative immobilisation during the first postoperative month limiting exercises to balancing movements which divided the number of secondary migrations by two compared with immediate moblisation (14% versus 27%).

Discussion: A precise analysis of the radiograms revealed a very high rate of tuberosity complications (50%). There has been little study of these complications which are underestimated in the literature. The Aequalis fracture prosthesis can reduce these tuberosity complications two-fold. Postoperative immobilisation also reduces two-fold tuberosity migrations. These observations are against the early passive motion advocated by Neer. Finally, the quality of tuberosity fixation is crucial for success. The surgeon must concentrate on this element, searching to achieve a perfectly positioned prosthesis on the peroperative x-ray.

Purpose: Neer modified the Bankart operation, adding a reinforcement crossing the capsule anteriorly on the humeral side. The purpose of this study was to report results after more than two years.

Material and methods: Between 1991 and 1998, 77 patients underwent surgery for traumatic anteroinferior instability. Clinical and radiological outcome was reviewed in 64 of this patients by an observer different from the operator at a mean follow-up of 45 months (24–120 months). Patients with a unique anterior reinforcement were excluded from the analysis. The patients were generally young (mean 27 years) with sports activities (89%). Recurrent dislocation was observed in 39 patients, subdislocation in seven and painful and unstable shoulders in seven. Ten patients had an associated hyperlaxity, defined by elbow-to-body external rotation greater than 85%, according to the SOFCOT criteria. Three patients had had a prior procedure for a coracoid bone block.

Results: According to the Duplay score: outcome was excellent in 27 cases, good in 22, fair in nine and poor in six. Mean delay to return to former occupational activity was four months; it was seven months for sports activity. The deficit in external rotation was 3.4° on the average. Ten patients had persistent apprehension. Recurrence was observed in seven patients (11%) a mean 25 months after the operation (seven days to six years) as dislocation in two and subdislocation in five and due to trauma in five cases. Young age, hyperlaxity, high-risk sports, an important humeral notch, major capsular distension, and a high number of dislocations or subdislocations were the factors associated with recurrence. According to the Samilson criteria, pre-osteoarthritic lesions of the gleno-humeral joint were present in two cases preoperatively (one grade I and one grade II) and in eight cases postoperatively (four grade I, three grade II, and one grade III).

Discussion, conclusion: The Bankart operation as modified by Neer does not produce a stiff joint as is thought by many, probably due to the upper-lower capsular retention rather than lateral-medial retention. Nevertheless, the stability results are less satisfactory than generally reported for coracoid stop procedures.

Purpose: Cyclope syndrome is described in the literature as a postoperative complication of arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafts, leading to permanent flexion. The discovery of this syndrome in ten patients before reconstruction of the ACL led us to revisit the pathophysiology.

Material and methods: Among 250 candidates for ACL grafts, ten presented a positive but dull Lachman-Trillat sign with permanent flexion greater than 10°. The rotation click was negative in two and dull in eight. KT 200 measured differential laxity greater than 4 mm in all. Nine patients were reviewed at consultation, one patient had recently undergone another operation. Clinical and radiographic findings recorded in the patient’s files and operation reports were reviewed by two observers different from the operator.

Results: Arthroscopy revealed a partial tear of the ACL in three cases, a scarred ACL nourished by the PCL in five and a full thickness tear of the ACL in two. There was a fibrous barbell nodule inserted on the tibia in all cases, a characteristic feature of cyclope syndrome. The nodule was interposed between the femur and tibia at extension and was resected in all cases. Pathology reported a ligamentoid structure undergoing fibrous organisation. At last follow-up, greater than two years for nine patients, the IKDC rating was A for six patients and B for three patients. None of the patients had a defective extension differential.

Discussion: Persistent flexion preoperatively in a patient with a torn anterior cruciate ligament suggests possible presence of a ligamento-fibrous nodule interposing between the femur and tibia at extension. This nodule can go unnoticed at arthroscopy but appears to be unmasked in the Cabott position after partial resection of the subpatellar fat. It is particularly important to look for this nodule when the stump of the torn ACL is not found and the patient has experienced a recent sprain. Since we started looking for this nodule in all cases with resection, we have no longer encountered postoperative cyclope syndrome.

Conclusion: This group of arguments strongly suggests that the conditions necessary for the constitution of cyclope syndrome are probably present before reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament.

Purpose: The advent of lapaoscopic disectomy has made it possible to cure discal herniation with minimal trauma and no limitations on indications. We have adopted the technique described by J. Destandau since June 1998. The purpose of this work was to report our early results.

Material and methods: Forty patients were included in a period from June 1998 to August 2000. There were 24 men and 16 women, mean age 43 years (24–78). Eleven patients had an associated stenosis of the spinal canal. Accelerated rehabilitation was employed. Sitting and driving were allowed early.

Results: Mean follow-up was 13 months (2–27 months). Mean operative time was 63 minutes (30–150 min). Mean hospital stay was 3.92 days (2–10). There were 29 patients without stenosis of the lumbar canal. In this subgroup, outcome was excellent in 69%, good in 21% (six patients), fair in 3% (one patient), and poor in 7% (two patients). For the PROLO score, three patients were who were retreated were not included in the analysis. Outcome was excellent in 73% (19 patients), good in 12% (three patients), fair in 12% (three patients, and poor in 4% (one patient). In patients with lumbar canal stenosis, (eleven patients), three were reoperated for wider decompression; there was no haematoma. One patient was reoperated for deep infection. For the other patients the WADDELL score was excellent in five and good; in two the PROLO score was excellent in six and poor in one.

Discussion: The technique favoured a narrow approach. Shorter exposure preserved the anatomy, but for the three patients with an associated stenosis, reoperation was necessary for decompression. For the cases without complications, we noticed that recovery was very rapid, a finding which is exceptional with the conventional technique.

Conclusion: Our early experience with this technique has demonstrated that laparoscopic discectomy is feasible and safe. An associated stenosis is a limitation; we recommend systematic decompression in association with the discectomy.

We have studied the three-dimensional geometry of the proximal humerus on human cadaver specimens using a digitised measuring device linked to a computer. Our findings demonstrated the variable shape of the proximal humerus as well as its variable dimensions. The articular surface, which is part of a sphere varies individually in its orientation as regards inclination and retroversion, and it has variable medial and posterior offsets.

These variations cannot be accommodated by the designs of most contemporary humeral components. Although good clinical results can be achieved with current modular and non-modular components their relatively fixed geometry prevents truly anatomical restoration in many cases.

To try to restore the original three-dimensional geometry of the proximal humerus, we have developed a new type of humeral component which is modular and adaptable to the individual anatomy. Such adaptability allows correct positioning of the prosthetic head in relation to an individual anatomical neck, after removal of the marginal osteophytes. The design of this third-generation prosthesis respects the four geometrical variations which have been demonstrated in the present study. These are inclination, retroversion, medial offset and posterior offset.