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Biomedical subjects

D W Altchek

Publications and source records attributed to D W Altchek.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Arthroscopic treatment of rotator cuff disorders.

The past 2 decades have seen rapid advancement in the field of shoulder arthroscopy in general and of rotator cuff disorders in particular. Arthroscopy allows superior visualization of pathologic conditions with less soft-tissue trauma than open exposures. Arthroscopic surgical techniques also are being applied to the actual treatment of many forms of rotator cuff disorders with clinical results similar to more traditional, open procedures. Although these techniques and their indications continue to evolve, it remains clear that, in carefully selected patients, arthroscopy has become a highly useful and effective tool in the diagnosis, evaluation, and surgical management of common disorders of the rotator cuff.

Arthroscopy↗
PubMed1995

Arthroscopic fixation of superior labral lesions using a biodegradable implant: a preliminary report.

Twenty-two patients were treated for symptomatic lesions of the superior glenoid labrum in association with instability of the tendinous insertion of the long head of the biceps brachii. A biodegradable implant was used to fix the labrum to the bony glenoid using an arthroscopic technique. At 2-year average follow-up, satisfactory results were obtained in 86% of the patients. Two patients, both of whom had undergone concomitant subacromial decompression, continued to complain of pain after the procedure; 3 patients had restricted motion postoperatively, and 1 required manipulation under anesthesia. Twelve of 13 overhead athletes were able to return to full premorbid function. Arthroscopic fixation of unstable lesions of the superior labrum led to a resolution of symptoms in the majority of patients. There were no complications related to the use of the biodegradable implant.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Arthroscopy of the shoulder.

Arthroscopy of the shoulder has developed during the last decade to play a major role in diagnoses and treatment of a variety of shoulder disorders. In most incidences, arthroscopy is required at the time of shoulder surgery to refine the final diagnosis. In over 75% of the cases are arthroscopic methods used for surgical repair of the shoulder pathology. This article describes the indications for surgery as well as the techniques to treat rotator cuff disease label injuries, etc. with the arthroscope. The arthroscopic techniques dealing with subacromial decompression and instability is described.

Arthroscopy↗
PubMed1995

Lateral epicondylitis: correlation of MR imaging, surgical, and histopathologic findings.

PURPOSE: To determine the value of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the clinical management of chronic refractory lateral epicondylitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Coronal three-dimensional Fourier transform, multiplanar gradient-recalled-echo, and fat-suppressed sagittal images were obtained in 33 patients. Twenty of these patients underwent surgical débridement and/or primary tendon repair and were included in the correlative study. Surgical and pathologic reports were reviewed to determine the location and gross characteristics of the tissue. RESULTS: Findings at MR imaging correlated with the surgical findings of primary degeneration of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (n = 20). Histopathologic examination demonstrated neovascularization, disruption of collagen, and mucoid degeneration without inflammation. CONCLUSION: The use of MR imaging in patients with recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis assists in surgical planning. The definition of tendon degeneration and degree of tear, as depicted on MR images, correlate well with surgical and histologic findings.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Effect of lesions of the superior portion of the glenoid labrum on glenohumeral translation.

Lesions of the superior portion of the glenoid labrum were created in seven cadaveric shoulders. The shoulders were mounted on a special apparatus attached to a servocontrolled hydraulic materials-testing device. Sequential fifty-newton anterior, posterior, superior, and inferior forces and a twenty-two-newton joint compressive load were applied to the shoulders. In addition, a fifty-five-newton force was applied to the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii. The shoulders were tested in seven positions of glenohumeral elevation and rotation. An isolated lesion of the anterosuperior portion of the labrum, which did not involve the supraglenoid insertion of the biceps brachii, had no significant effect on anteroposterior or superoinferior glenohumeral translation, either with or without application of the fifty-five-newton force to the biceps brachii tendon. In contrast, a complete lesion of the superior portion of the labrum that destabilized the insertion of the biceps resulted in significant increases in anteroposterior and superoinferior glenohumeral translations. At 45 degrees of glenohumeral elevation, the complete lesion led to a 6.0-millimeter increase in anterior translation when the arm was in neutral rotation and to a 6.3-millimeter increase when the arm was in internal rotation; inferior translation also increased, by 1.9 to 2.5 millimeters. The increases in translation persisted despite application of a fifty-five-newton force to the long head of the biceps.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed1995

Elbow injuries.

Injuries about the elbow are common in racquet sports. Lateral epicondylitis is seen most often, but symptoms can arise from other sources including the medial elbow and the articular surfaces themselves. Medial elbow symptoms can result from medial epicondylitis, medial collateral ligament injury, ulnar nerve trauma, or any combination of these injuries. Careful evaluation of medial elbow pain is required to define the causes. Proper technique, conditioning, and equipment are also important in reducing the risk of injury to the elbow.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed1995

The surgical treatment of anterior shoulder instability.

Selective capsular repair for anterior instability allows the surgical technique to address the pathology encountered. Capsular tensioning may be performed on either the medial (glenoid) or lateral (humeral) side of the joint depending upon the presence of a Bankart lesion. An initial transverse capsular incision or an enlarged rotator interval defect allows visualization of the joint and flexibility in determining the site of the repair. The arm position is instrumental in determining the appropriate tension necessary to restore stability. Overtightening must be avoided to prevent loss of motion, secondary posterior instability, or glenohumeral arthritis. Examination of the joint following the repair should reveal the elimination of the pathologic anterior translation, reduction in the inferior translation, and the degree of external rotation desired to meet the specific goals of the patient.

Arm Injuries↗
PubMed1994

Arthroscopic anatomy of the lateral elbow: a comparison of three portals.

Ten fresh cadaveric elbows were used to evaluate the proximity of the radial nerve and its branches to three anterolateral portals. A proximal anterolateral portal used routinely at our institution and located 2 cm proximal and 1 cm anterior to the lateral epicondyle was compared with the distal anterolateral portal described by Andrews and with a mid-anterolateral portal. The three portals were initially established without joint distention while the elbows were flexed 90 degrees. Measurements were then obtained with and without joint distention at flexion angles of 0 degrees and 90 degrees. The radial nerve was found to be an average distance of 3.8 mm at extension and 7.2 mm at 90 degrees of flexion from the distal anterolateral portal, located 3 cm distal and 1 cm anterior to the lateral epicondyle. Conversely, the distance between the proximal anterolateral portal cannula and the nerve was statistically greater (p < 0.05), averaging 7.9 mm in extension and 13.7 mm in flexion. The remaining anterolateral portal, located 1 cm directly anterior to the lateral epicondyle, was found to be at a statistically greater average distance from the nerve than was the distal anterolateral portal but statistically closer than was the more proximal portal. The ability to visualize the joint arthroscopically was assessed using the three portals, and although the ulnohumeral joint could be adequately seen using all portals, radiohumeral joint visualization was most complete and technically easiest using the most proximal portal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1994

Symptomatic intraarticular ganglia of the cruciate ligaments of the knee.

This case report draws attention to the clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and recommended diagnostic modality and treatment of symptomatic ganglia of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments. One patient presented with a recurrent inability to fully extend the left knee. Another patient presented with pain and soreness over the lateral aspect of the knee, including the lateral joint line. The diagnosis of ganglia of the cruciate ligaments was made after clinical, radiographic, and magnetic resonance examination. Both patients were treated successfully with resection of their ganglia using arthroscopic techniques.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

The superolateral portal for arthroscopy of the shoulder.

With the advent of arthroscopic procedures for the treatment of a variety of clinical conditions affecting the shoulder has come the need for better techniques for visualization of structural pathology, and better techniques for visualization of intracapsular structures during operative procedures. We present a new portal for shoulder arthroscopy that is safe to insert, providing a panoramic view of the glenohumeral joint (especially anteriorly), and allowing unobstructed observation of large instruments passed through more traditional anterior portals nearby. The superolateral portal is particularly suited for use in anterior stabilization procedures of the shoulder, where it can be used for direct visualization of the anterior glenoid neck, thus permitting the surgeon to perform such tasks as debridement or mobilization of tissues, and placement of tacks or sutures.

Arthroscopes↗
PubMed1993

Instability of the shoulder after arthroplasty.

A replacement arthroplasty was performed in 236 shoulders at The Hospital for Special Surgery from 1984 through 1989. Ten patients (eight women and two men) from that group were identified as having instability of the shoulder at the time of follow-up, and the results for these patients were reviewed retrospectively. The ages of the patients ranged from fifty-six to seventy-nine years. The instability was anterior in seven of the patients and posterior in three. The anterior instability was caused by a rupture of the repaired subscapularis tendon. The operative treatment of the anterior instability consisted of mobilization and repair of the tendon, but three of the seven patients continued to have instability. A static stabilizer, consisting of an allograft of Achilles tendon, was inserted in these three patients, and the result was a success. The etiology of the posterior instability (three patients) was multifactorial. Treatment consisted of correction of any soft-tissue imbalance and revision of the prosthetic components as necessary. All ten patients were followed clinically and radiographically for at least two years. All of the patients had some loss of motion of the shoulder as compared with the motion before the dislocation. There were no neurovascular complications, problems related to the allografts, or any other complications. We concluded that proper balancing of the soft tissues and positioning of the prosthetic components are essential to a successful arthroplasty of the shoulder. The postoperative rehabilitation should include a physical therapy program in which the range of motion of the arm that was achieved in the operating room is not exceeded.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Achilles Tendon↗
PubMed1992

Intraarticular fibrous nodule as a cause of loss of extension following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Loss of motion is a well-known complication following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. We have found that loss of extension is more disabling than loss of flexion, and is a more common problem following arthroscopic assisted ACL reconstruction. We are reporting on a group of 21 patients who have developed restricted knee extension following ACL reconstruction utilizing either the central one-third of the patellar ligament or the hamstring tendons as an autogenous graft. The patients presented at an average of 4 months postoperatively with a clinical syndrome of loss of extension associated with pain at terminal extension, crepitus, and grinding with attempted extension beyond their limit. The consistent finding at arthroscopy was a fibrous nodule occupying the intercondylar notch, varying in size from 1 x 1 to 2 x 3 cm, and presenting a mechanical block to full extension. It appears that anterior placement of the graft, particularly on the tibia, results in injury to the graft and subsequent nodule formation. Removal of the nodule resulted in improvement of an average preoperative loss of extension of 11 degrees, to 3 degrees at surgery, and 0 degrees at 1 year follow-up. The average side-to-side difference in terminal extension at final examination, using the uninvolved limb for comparison, was 3 degrees. Histology was available for review on 19 of the 21 patients operated on. The consistent microscopic finding within the nodule was the presence of disorganized dense fibroconnective tissue that, with time, underwent modulation to fibrocartilage. It is postulated that this occurs in response to compressive loading of the nodule.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Modular hemiarthroplasty for fractures of the proximal part of the humerus.

A new biomodular prosthesis was used for the treatment of a displaced fracture of the proximal part of the humerus in twenty-two shoulders in twenty-two patients. The fractures were classified according to the Neer system; there were thirteen four-part, five three-part, and four head-splitting fractures. There were fifteen women and seven men, and the mean age was seventy years (range, forty-nine to eighty-seven years). The hemiarthroplasty was performed an average of eleven days (range, one to forty-five days) after the injury. The deltopectoral interval was used in all patients, and the prosthesis was implanted with cement in twenty of the shoulders. All of the patients participated in a supervised program of rehabilitation. The patients were followed for an average of thirty-six months (range, twenty-six to forty-nine months). Twenty of the twenty-two patients had a good or excellent result. The active forward elevation averaged 119 degrees; external rotation, 40 degrees; and internal rotation, to the twelfth thoracic vertebra. All of the patients except for the two who had a poor result had satisfactory relief of pain. The two patients who had a poor result had a successful revision with a modular prosthesis of the same design. The modular head could be removed, enabling the surgeon to gain access to the glenoid and to adjust the soft tissues. The over-all scores correlated inversely with the age of the patients and the interval from the injury to the operation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗
PubMed1991

T-plasty modification of the Bankart procedure for multidirectional instability of the anterior and inferior types.

Forty patients who had a diagnosis of multidirectional instability of forty-two shoulders had a modified Bankart operation in which a T-shaped incision was made in the anterior portion of the capsule, with advancement of the inferior flap superiorly and of the superior flap medially. All of the patients had been injured during athletic activities. Some degree of anterior labral injury was present in thirty-eight of the forty-two shoulders. Half of the patients had generalized ligamentous laxity. The patients were followed for an average of three years (range, two to seven years). Four patients had episodes of instability after the operation. Three had a single episode of posterior subluxation during throwing, one had recurrent posterior subluxation that subsequently was treated by posterior stabilization, and one had anterior subluxation while he was diving from a high board. The average loss of external rotation after the operation was 5 degrees with the arm at the side and 4 degrees with the arm abducted 90 degrees. Satisfaction of the patient was rated excellent for forty (95 per cent) of the shoulders, good for one shoulder, and fair for one shoulder. However, throwing athletes found that they were unable to throw a ball with as much speed as before the operation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Arthroscopic acromioplasty. Technique and results.

Of forty-four patients who were treated by arthroscopic acromioplasty from July 1984 through August 1986, forty were available for analysis. The average age was 43.2 years, and 86 per cent of them had participated regularly in sports but were disabled due to symptoms of impingement. All patients had had a minimum of six months of non-operative therapy. The final diagnoses, which were based on the findings at arthroscopy and on clinical examination, plain radiographs, and arthrograms, were Stage-II impingement in twenty-four patients, a partial-thickness tear of the rotator cuff in six, and a full-thickness tear of the rotator cuff in ten. The shoulders were scored before the operation and again at follow-up. Preoperatively, thirty-six shoulders were rated as poor and four, as fair. After a minimum follow-up of twelve months (average, seventeen months), the scores had increased in all but one patient. The result was rated good or excellent in twenty-nine (73 per cent) of the forty patients: twenty of the twenty-four who had Stage-II impingement, four of the six who had a partial-thickness tear, and six of the ten who had a full-thickness tear. The over-all average time to return to work was nine days, and the average time to return to sports was 2.4 months. Of the thirty-three patients who had participated in sports, twenty-five (76 per cent) had returned to sports activity at the time of the most recent follow-up. The average time until full recovery was 3.8 months. There were no complications, and, over-all, thirty-eight (92 per cent) of the forty patients were satisfied with the result. In four patients, the result was a failure, and three of the four had a reoperation that relieved the symptoms.

Acromioclavicular Joint↗
PubMed1989

Shoulder arthroscopy for shoulder instability.

The arthroscope is a valuable adjunct in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder instability. Throwing athletes with shoulder pain, and those with subluxation in particular, may require diagnostic arthroscopy to clarify the instability pattern. Labral debridement, if confined to the portion above the equator of the glenoid, can provide symptomatic relief. Arthroscopic stabilization of the shoulder is still in an evolutionary phase. No long-term data exist as to which technique or material provides the most secure fixation. All of these techniques are technically demanding and require a skilled arthroscopist.

Arthroscopy↗
PubMed1988

Shoulder arthroscopy with the patient in the beach-chair position.

We evaluated the use of the beach-chair, or sitting, position for arthroscopic shoulder surgery in 50 consecutive patients. Routine arthroscopy, arthroscopic subacromial decompression, and arthroscopic shoulder stabilizations were performed, with no complications. The advantages of this position include ease of setup, lack of brachial plexus strain because no traction is used, excellent intraarticular visualization for all types of arthroscopic shoulder procedures, and ease of conversion to the open approach if needed. The positioning technique is described.

Arthroscopy↗