Background:
Correction of high posterior tibial slope is an important treatment option for revision of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) failure as seen in clinical and biomechanical studies. In cases ...with moderate to severe medial compartment arthritis, an additional varus correction osteotomy may be added to improve alignment.
Purpose:
To investigate the influence of coronal and sagittal correction high tibial osteotomy in ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed knees on knee kinematics and ACL graft load.
Study Design:
Controlled laboratory study.
Methods:
Ten cadaveric knees were selected according to previous computed tomography measurements with increased native slope and slight varus tibial alignment (mean ± SD): slope, 9.9°± 1.4°; medial proximal tibia angle, 86.5°± 2.1°; age, 47.7 ± 5.8 years. A 10° anterior closing-wedge osteotomy, as well as an additional 5° of simulated varus correction osteotomy, were created and fixed using an external fixator. Four alignment conditions—native, varus correction, slope correction, and combined varus and slope correction—were randomly tested in 2 states: ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed. Compressive axial loads were applied to the tibia while mounted on a free-moving X-Y table and free-rotating tibia in a knee testing fixture. Three-dimensional motion tracking captured anterior tibial translation (ATT) and internal tibial rotation. Change of tensile forces on the reconstructed ACL graft were recorded.
Results:
In the ACL-deficient knee, an isolated varus correction led to a significant increase of ATT by 4.3 ± 4.0 mm (P = .04). Isolated slope reduction resulted in the greatest decrease of ATT by 6.2 ± 4.3 mm (P < .001). In the ACL-reconstructed knee, ATT showed comparable changes, while combined varus and slope correction led to lower ATT by 3.7 ± 2.6 mm (P = .01) than ATT in the native alignment. Internal tibial rotation was not significantly altered by varus correction but significantly increased after isolated slope correction by 4.0°± 4.1° (P < .01). Each isolated or combined osteotomy showed decreased forces on the graft as compared with the native state. The combined varus and slope osteotomy led to a mean decrease of ACL graft force by 33% at 200 N and by 58% at 400 N as compared with the native condition (P < .001).
Conclusion:
A combined varus and slope correction led to a relevant decrease of ATT in the ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed cadaveric knee. ACL graft forces were significantly decreased after combined varus and slope correction. Thus, our biomechanical findings support the treatment goal of a perpendicular-aligned tibial plateau for ACL insufficiencies, especially in cases of revision surgery.
Clinical Relevance:
This study shows the beneficial knee kinematics and reduced forces on the ACL graft after combined varus and slope correction.
Background:
The synergistic effect of the acromioclavicular (AC) capsule and coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments on AC joint stability has gained recent recognition for its importance. Biomechanical and ...clinical studies have shown the benefit of combined reconstruction with multiple variations of surgical techniques for AC capsule augmentation. The ideal configuration remains unknown for such capsular repair aimed at achieving optimal stability with anatomic reconstruction.
Hypothesis:
Primary AC joint stability can be restored by AC capsule augmentation, while position of the additional suture construct is critical. It was hypothesized that techniques that reconstruct the anterior capsular structures would restore native stability against rotations and translations.
Study Design:
Controlled laboratory study.
Methods:
Thirty fresh-frozen human cadaveric shoulders were used. Each sample was tested in the native state and served as its own control. After complete capsulotomy, 1 of 5 AC capsular repair configurations was performed: anterior, superior, posterior, O-frame, and X-frame. After testing of the AC capsular repair configurations, the tests were repeated after dissection of the CC ligaments and after CC ligament reconstruction with a suture button system. AC joint stability was immediately tested after each step under rotation and horizontal translation. To accomplish this, the AC joints were anatomically positioned on a custom fixture linked to a servohydraulic testing system. A 3-dimensional optical measuring system was used to evaluate the 3-dimensional joint motion. Clavicle posterior translation in relation to the acromion, rotation around the long axis of the clavicle, and displacement of the lateral clavicle in relation to the center of rotation were measured. The torques and forces required to rotate and translate the clavicle were recorded.
Results:
In terms of translational testing, after the complete capsulotomy, a significant reduction of resistance force was found across all groups, with a mean 13% to 20% remaining (P < .05). All AC suture augmentations were able to significantly increase the average resistance force as compared with the native (P = .01) against posterior translation. Subsequent cutting of the CC ligaments did not result in a significant change in any of the groups (P = .23). The synergistic effect of AC capsule augmentation and CC ligament reconstruction could be demonstrated without exception. In terms of rotational testing, the complete capsulotomy resulted in a significant reduction of resistance torque in all groups (P < .05), with a remaining torque ranging between 2% and 11% across the groups. However, all AC suture constructs significantly increased the resistance torque as compared with the capsulotomy (P = .01). The subsequent cutting of the CC ligaments resulted in a significant change in 2 of the 5 groups (O-frame, P = .01; X-frame, P = .02) and an overall remaining torque reduction ranging from 3% and 42%. The combined reconstruction of the AC capsule and CC ligaments achieved the highest percentage of regained resistance torque but remained significantly weaker than the native specimen (P = .01).
Conclusion:
Native translational stability could be restored by the addition of AC capsule augmentation, while partial rotational instability remained. The tested constructs revealed no significant individual differences.
Clinical Relevance:
Combined stabilization of the AC capsule and CC ligaments demonstrated the greatest capacity to restore the native stability against translational and rotational loads, with the specific configuration of the AC capsule repair to be chosen according to the personal preferences of the surgeon.
Background:
Previous biomechanical studies regarding deltoid function during glenohumeral abduction have primarily used static testing protocols.
Hypotheses:
(1) Deltoid forces required for scapular ...plane abduction increase as simulated rotator cuff tears become larger, and (2) maximal abduction decreases despite increased deltoid forces.
Study Design:
Controlled laboratory study.
Methods:
Twelve fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders with a mean age of 67 years (range, 64-74 years) were used. The supraspinatus and anterior, middle, and posterior deltoid tendons were attached to individual shoulder simulator actuators. Deltoid forces and maximum abduction were recorded for the following tear patterns: intact, isolated subscapularis (SSC), isolated supraspinatus (SSP), anterosuperior (SSP + SSC), posterosuperior (infraspinatus ISP + SSP), and massive (SSC + SSP + ISP). Optical triads tracked 3-dimensional motion during dynamic testing. Fluoroscopy and computed tomography were used to measure critical shoulder angle, acromial index, and superior humeral head migration with massive tears. Mean values for maximum glenohumeral abduction and deltoid forces were determined. Linear mixed-effects regression examined changes in motion and forces over time. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients (r) among deltoid forces, critical shoulder angles, and acromial indices were calculated.
Results:
Shoulders with an intact cuff required 193.8 N (95% CI, 125.5 to 262.1) total deltoid force to achieve 79.8° (95% CI, 66.4° to 93.2°) of maximum glenohumeral abduction. Compared with native shoulders, abduction decreased after simulated SSP (–27.2%; 95% CI, –43.3% to –11.1%, P = .04), anterosuperior (–51.5%; 95% CI, –70.2% to –32.8%, P < .01), and massive (–48.4%; 95% CI, –65.2% to –31.5%, P < .01) cuff tears. Increased total deltoid forces were required for simulated anterosuperior (+108.1%; 95% CI, 68.7% to 147.5%, P < .01) and massive (+57.2%; 95% CI, 19.6% to 94.7%, P = .05) cuff tears. Anterior deltoid forces were significantly greater in anterosuperior (P < .01) and massive (P = .03) tears. Middle deltoid forces were greater with anterosuperior tears (P = .03). Posterior deltoid forces were greater with anterosuperior (P = .02) and posterosuperior (P = .04) tears. Anterior deltoid force was negatively correlated (r = −0.89, P = .01) with critical shoulder angle (34.3°; 95% CI, 32.0° to 36.6°). Deltoid forces had no statistical correlation with acromial index (0.55; 95% CI, 0.48 to 0.61). Superior migration was 8.3 mm (95% CI, 5.5 to 11.1 mm) during testing of massive rotator cuff tears.
Conclusion:
Shoulders with rotator cuff tears require considerable compensatory deltoid function to prevent abduction motion loss. Anterosuperior tears resulted in the largest motion loss despite the greatest increase in deltoid force.
Clinical Relevance:
Rotator cuff tears place more strain on the deltoid to prevent abduction motion loss. Fatigue or injury to the deltoid may result in a precipitous decline in abduction, regardless of tear size.
Background:
The acromioclavicular (AC) capsule is an important stabilizer against horizontal translation and also contributes to the strut function of the clavicle, which guides rotation of the ...scapula. To best reproduce the biomechanical properties and the complex 3-dimensional (3D) guidance of the AC joint, detailed knowledge of the contribution of each of the distinctive capsular structures is needed.
Purpose/Hypothesis:
To perform a detailed biomechanical evaluation of the specific capsular structures of the AC joint and their contribution to translational and rotational stability. The hypothesis was that successive cutting of each quadrant of the AC capsule would result in increased instability and increased amplitude of the clavicle’s motion in relation to the acromion.
Study Design:
Controlled laboratory study.
Methods:
Thirty-two fresh-frozen human cadaveric shoulders were used. Each scapula was fixed to a swivel fixture of a servohydraulic materials testing system. The AC capsule was dissected in serial steps with immediate rotational and horizontal testing after each cut. A 3D optical measuring system was used to evaluate 3D movement. Posterior translation, rotation, and displacement of the lateral clavicle in relation to the center of rotation were measured. Torques and axial forces required to rotate and translate the clavicle were recorded.
Results:
When posterior translational force was applied, all specimens with a completely cut AC capsule demonstrated a significant loss of resistance force against the translational motion when compared with the native state (P < .05). The resistance force against posterior translation was reduced to less than 27% of the native state for all specimens. Sequential cutting of the AC capsule resulted in a significant reduction of resistance torque against anterior rotation for all specimens with less than 22% of resistance force compared with the native state. Cutting 50% of the capsule reduced the resistance torque for all segments and all testing modalities (posterior translation as well as anterior and posterior rotation) significantly compared with the native state (P < .05). Cutting the entire AC capsule resulted in a significant increase in motion within the joint as a sign of decentering of the AC joint when torque was applied. All groups demonstrated a significant increase of motion in all directions when the AC capsule was cut by 50%.
Conclusion:
Cutting the entire capsule (with intact coracoclavicular CC ligaments) reduced the resistance force to less than 25% compared with the native state during translational testing and less than 10% compared with the native state during rotational testing. However, the anterior segments of the capsule provided the greatest stability under rotational loading. Second, the amplitude of the joint’s motion significantly increased under rotational stress, indicating increased amplitude of the clavicle’s motion in relation to the acromion when the ligamentous structures of the AC capsule are dissected.
Clinical Relevance:
To best restore stability to the AC joint, the relevance and function of each section of the circumferential AC capsule need to be understood. Our findings support the synergistic contribution of the CC ligaments and AC capsular structures to AC joint stability. This synergy supports the need to address both structures to achieve anatomic reconstruction.
Purpose
Posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) of the elbow occurs from an insufficient lateral collateral ligament complex (LCLC). For subacute LCLC injuries, lateral ulnar collateral ligament ...(LUCL) internal bracing rather than reconstruction may be a viable option. The purpose of the study was to compare the stabilizing effects of LUCL internal bracing to triceps tendon graft reconstruction in simulated PLRI.
Methods
Sixteen cadaveric elbows were assigned for either LUCL internal bracing (
n
= 8) or reconstruction with triceps tendon graft (
n
= 8). Specimen were mounted and a valgus rotational torque was applied to the ulna to test posterolateral rotatory stability. Posterolateral rotation was measured at 0°, 30°, 60°, 90° and 120° of elbow flexion. Cyclic loading was performed for 1000 cycles at 90° of elbow flexion. Three conditions were compared in each specimen: intact elbow, LUCL and radial collateral ligament (RCL) transected, and then either LUCL internal bracing or reconstruction with triceps tendon graft.
Results
Transection of the LUCL and RCL significantly increased posterolateral rotation in all degrees of elbow flexion compared to the intact condition (
P
< 0.05). Both LUCL internal bracing and reconstruction restored posterolateral rotatory stability to the native state between 0° and 120° of elbow flexion, with no significant difference in improvement between groups. Similarly, LUCL internal bracing and reconstruction groups showed no significant difference in posterolateral rotation compared to the intact condition during cyclic loading.
Conclusions
At time zero, both LUCL internal bracing and reconstruction with triceps tendon graft restored posterolateral rotatory stability. As such, this study supports the use of internal bracing as an adjunct to primary ligament repair in subacute PLRI.
Background:
Persistent posterior instability of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint is a reported complication after isolated coracoclavicular (CC) reconstruction. Thus, multiple techniques have been ...proposed attempting to restore biomechanics of the AC ligament complex (ACLC).
Purpose/Hypothesis:
The purpose was to evaluate the posterior translational and rotational stability of an ACLC reconstruction with a dermal allograft (ACLC patch) as compared with 3 suture brace constructs. It was hypothesized that the ACLC patch would better restore AC joint posterior stability.
Study Design:
Controlled laboratory study.
Methods:
A total of 28 cadaveric shoulders (mean ± SD age, 57.6 ± 8.3 years) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 surgical techniques: ACLC patch, oblique brace, anterior brace, and x-frame brace. The force and torque to achieve 10 mm of posterior translation and 20° of posterior rotation of the AC joint were recorded in the following conditions: intact, transected ACLC, ACLC patch/brace repair, ACLC patch/brace repair with dissected CC ligaments, and ACLC patch/brace repair with CC ligament repair.
Results:
For posterior translation, transection of the ACLC reduced resistance to 16.7% of the native. With the native CC ligaments intact, the ACLC patch (59.1%), oblique brace (54.1%), and anterior brace (60.7%) provided significantly greater stability than the x-frame brace (33.2%; P < .001, P = .008, P < .001, respectively). ACLC patch, oblique brace, and anterior brace continued to have significantly higher posterior translational resistance than the x-frame (35.1%; P < .001, P = .003, P < .001) after transection and subsequent CC ligament repair. For posterior rotation, transection of the ACLC decreased the resistance to 5.4% of the intact state. With the CC ligaments intact, the ACLC patch (77.1%) better restored posterior rotational stability than the oblique (35.3%), anterior (48.5%), and x-frame (23.0%) brace repairs (P < .001, P = .002, P < .001). CC ligament transection and subsequent repair demonstrated the ACLC patch (41.0%) to have improved stability when compared with the oblique (16.0%), anterior (14.0%), and x-frame (12.7%) repairs (P = .006, P = .003, P = .002).
Conclusion:
ACLC reconstruction with a dermal allograft better restored native posterior rotational stability than other brace constructs, with translational stability similar to the oblique and anterior brace technique at the time of surgery.
Clinical Relevance:
Horizontal stability of the AC joint is primarily controlled by the ACLC. Inability to restore AC joint biomechanics can result in persistent posterior instability and lead to functional impairment.
Background:
In the past decade, superior capsular reconstruction has emerged as a potential surgical approach in young patients with irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears (RCT) and absence ...of severe degenerative changes. Recently, the use of locally available and biological viable autografts, such as the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) for SCR has emerged, with promising early results.
Purpose/Hypothesis:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of using the LHBT for reconstruction of the superior capsule on shoulder kinematics, along with different fixation constructs in a dynamic biomechanical model. The authors hypothesized that each of the 3 proposed fixation techniques would restore native joint kinematics, including glenohumeral superior translation (ghST), maximum abduction angle (MAA), maximum cumulative deltoid force (cDF), and subacromial peak contact pressure (sCP).
Study Design:
Controlled laboratory study.
Methods:
Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders (mean age, 53.4 ± 14.2 years) were tested using a dynamic shoulder simulator. Each specimen underwent the following 5 conditions: (1) intact, (2) irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tear (psRCT), (3) V-shaped LHBT reconstruction, (4) box-shaped LHBT reconstruction, and (5) single-stranded LHBT reconstruction. MAA, ghST, cDF and sCP were assessed in each tested condition.
Results:
Each of the 3 LHBT techniques for reconstruction of the superior capsule significantly increased MAA while significantly decreasing ghST and cDF compared with the psRCT (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). Additionally, the V-shaped and box-shaped techniques significantly decreased sCP (P = .009 and P = .016, respectively) compared with the psRCT. The V-shaped technique further showed a significantly increased MAA (P < .001, respectively) and decreased cDF (P = .042 and P = .039, respectively) when compared with the box-shaped and single-stranded techniques, as well as a significantly decreased ghST (P = .027) when compared with the box-shaped technique.
Conclusion:
In a dynamic biomechanical cadaveric model, using the LHBT for reconstruction of the superior capsule improved shoulder function by preventing superior humeral migration, decreasing deltoid forces and sCP. As such, the development of rotator cuff tear arthropathy in patients with irreparable psRCTs could potentially be delayed.
Clinical Relevance:
Using a biologically viable and locally available LHBT autograft is a cost-effective, potentially time-saving, and technically feasible alternative for reconstruction of the superior capsule, which may result in favorable outcomes in irreparable psRCTs. Moreover, each of the 3 techniques restored native shoulder biomechanics, which may help improve shoulder function by preventing superior humeral head migration and the development of rotator cuff tear arthropathy in young patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears.
Purpose
Posterior tibial slope (PTS) represents an important risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft failure, as seen in clinical studies. An anterior closing wedge osteotomy for slope ...reduction was performed to investigate the effect on ACL-graft forces and femoro-tibial kinematics in an ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed knee in a biomechanical setup.
Methods
Ten cadaveric knees with a relatively high native slope (mean ± SD): (slope 10° ± 1.4°, age 48.2 years ± 5.8) were selected based on prior CT measurements. A 10° anterior closing-wedge osteotomy was fixed with an external fixator in the ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed knee (quadruple Semi-T/Gracilis-allograft). Each condition was randomly tested with both the native tibial slope and the post-osteotomy reduced slope. Axial loads (200 N, 400 N), anterior tibial draw (134 N), and combined loads were applied to the tibia while mounted on a free moving and rotating X–Y table. Throughout testing, 3D motion tracking captured anterior tibial translation (ATT) and internal tibial rotation (ITR). Change of forces on the reconstructed ACL-graft (via an attached load-cell) were recorded, as well.
Results
ATT was significantly decreased after slope reduction in the ACL-deficient knee by 4.3 mm ± 3.6 (
p
< 0.001) at 200 N and 6.2 mm ± 4.3 (
p
< 0.001) at 400N of axial load. An increase of ITR of 2.3° ±2.8 (
p
< 0.001) at 200 N and by 4.0° ±4.1 (
p
< 0.001) at 400 N was observed after the osteotomy. In the ACL-reconstructed knee, ACL-graft forces decreased after slope reduction osteotomy by a mean of 14.7 N ± 9.8 (
p
< 0.001) at 200 N and 33.8 N ± 16.3 (
p
< 0.001) at 400N axial load, which equaled a relative decrease by a mean of 17.0% (SD ± 9.8%), and 33.1% (SD ± 18.1%), respectively. ATT and ITR were not significantly changed in the ACL-reconstructed knee. Testing of a tibial anterior drawing force in the ACL-deficient knee led to a significantly increased ATT by 2.7 mm ± 3.6 (
p
< 0.001) after the osteotomy. The ACL-reconstructed knee did not show a significant change (n.s.) in ATT after the osteotomy. However, ACL-graft forces detected a significant increase by 13.0 N ± 8.3 (
p
< 0.001) after the osteotomy with a tibial anterior drawer force, whereas the additional axial loading reduced this difference due to the osteotomy (5.3 N ± 12.6 (n.s.)).
Conclusions
Slope-reducing osteotomy decreased anterior tibial translation in the ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed knee under axial load, while internal rotation of the tibia increased in the ACL-deficient status after osteotomy. Especially in ACL revision surgery, the osteotomy protects the reconstructed ACL with significantly lower forces on the graft under axial load.
Background:
The concept of dynamic anterior shoulder stabilization (DAS) combines a Bankart repair with the additional sling effect of the long head of the biceps (LHB) tendon to treat anterior ...glenohumeral instability. This surgical technique was created to close the gap between the indications for isolated Bankart repair and those requiring bone transfer techniques.
Purpose:
To biomechanically investigate the stabilizing effects of the DAS technique in comparison with the standard Bankart repair in different defect models.
Study Design:
Controlled laboratory study.
Methods:
Twenty-four fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders (mean ± SD age, 60.1 ± 8.6 years) were mounted in a 6 degrees of freedom shoulder testing system. With cross-sectional area ratios, the rotator cuff muscles and LHB tendon were loaded with 40 N and 10 N, respectively. Anterior and inferior glenohumeral translation was tested in 60° of abduction and 60° of external rotation (ABER position) while forces of 20 N, 30 N, and 40 N were applied to the scapula in the posterior direction. Total translation and relative translation in relation to the native starting position were measured with a 3-dimensional digitizer. Maximal external rotation and internal rotation after application of 1.5-N·m torque to the humerus were measured. All specimens went through 4 conditions (intact, defect, isolated Bankart repair, DAS) and were randomized to 1 of 3 defect groups (isolated Bankart lesion, 10% anterior glenoid defect, 20% anterior glenoid defect). The DAS was performed by transferring the LHB tendon through a subscapularis split to the anterior glenoid margin, where it was fixed with an interference screw.
Results:
Both surgical techniques resulted in decreased anterior glenohumeral translation in comparison with the defect conditions in all defect groups. As compared with isolated Bankart repair, DAS showed significantly less relative anterior translation in 10% glenoid defects at translation forces of 20 N (0.3 ± 1.7 mm vs 2.2 ± 1.8 mm, P = .005) and 30 N (2.6 ± 3.4 mm vs 5.3 ± 4.2 mm, P = .044) and in 20% glenoid defects at all translation forces (20 N: –3.2 ± 4.7 mm vs 0.8 ± 4.1 mm, P = .024; 30 N: –0.9 ± 5.3 mm vs 4.0 ± 5.2 mm, P = .005; 40 N: 2.1 ± 6.6 mm vs 6.0 ± 5.7 mm, P = .035). However, in 20% defects, DAS led to a relevant posterior and inferior shift of the humeral head in the ABER position and to a relevant increase in inferior glenohumeral translation. Both surgical techniques did not limit the rotational range of motion.
Conclusion:
In the context of minor glenoid bone defects, the DAS technique demonstrates less relative anterior translation as compared with an isolated Bankart repair at time zero.
Clinical Relevance:
The new DAS technique seems capable of closing the gap between the indications for isolated Bankart repair and bone transfer techniques.
Background:
In young patients with irreparable subscapularis deficiency (SSC-D) and absence of severe osteoarthritis, anterior latissimus dorsi transfer (aLDT) has been proposed as a treatment option ...to restore the anteroposterior muscular force couple to regain sufficient shoulder function. However, evidence regarding the biomechanical effect of an aLDT on glenohumeral kinematics remains sparse.
Purpose/Hypothesis:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an aLDT on range of glenohumeral abduction motion, superior migration of the humeral head (SM), and cumulative deltoid force (cDF) in a simulated SSC-D model using a dynamic shoulder model. It was hypothesized that an aLDT would restore native shoulder kinematics by reestablishing the insufficient anteroposterior force couple.
Study Design:
Controlled laboratory study.
Methods:
Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were tested using a validated shoulder simulator. Glenohumeral abduction angle (gAA), SM, and cDF were compared across 3 conditions: (1) native, (2) SSC-D, and (3) aLDT. gAA and SM were measured using 3-dimensional motion tracking, while cDF was recorded in real time during dynamic abduction motion by load cells connected to actuators.
Results:
The SSC-D significantly decreased gAA (Δ–9.8°; 95% CI, –14.1° to −5.5°; P < .001) and showed a significant increase in SM (Δ2.0 mm; 95% CI, 0.9 to 3.1 mm; P = .003), while cDF was similar (Δ7.8 N; 95% CI, –9.2 to 24.7 N; P = .586) when compared with the native state. Performing an aLDT resulted in a significantly increased gAA (Δ3.8°; 95% CI, 1.8° to 5.7°; P < .001), while cDF (Δ–36.1 N; 95% CI, –48.7 to −23.7 N; P < .001) was significantly reduced compared with the SSC-D. For the aLDT, no anterior subluxation was observed. However, the aLDT was not able to restore native gAA (Δ–6.1°; 95% CI, –8.9° to −3.2°; P < .001).
Conclusion:
In this cadaveric study, performing an aLDT for an irreparable subscapularis insufficiency restored the anteroposterior force couple and prevented superior and anterior humeral head migration, thus improving glenohumeral kinematics. Furthermore, compensatory deltoid forces were reduced by performing an aLDT.
Clinical Relevance:
Given the favorable effect of the aLDT on shoulder kinematics in this dynamic shoulder model, performing an aLDT may be considered as a treatment option in patients with irreparable SSC-D.