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Background: Different joint-preserving techniques for treatment of preosteoarthritic, constitutional static (type C1) posterior shoulder instability (PSI) have been proposed, including posterior glenoid open wedge osteotomy and bone graft augmentation. However, the techniques are demanding, the reported complication and reoperation rates are high, and posterior decentering cannot reliably be reversed. Purpose: To assess the clinical and radiological longitudinal outcomes of patients with type C1 PSI after arthroscopic posterior articular coverage and shift (PACS) surgery. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospective database with longitudinal follow-up including 14 shoulders in 13 patients who underwent an arthroscopic PACS procedure for symptomatic preosteoarthritic constitutional static posterior instability (type C1) with previous failed nonoperative treatment. Patients were clinically evaluated before surgery and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively in terms of satisfaction and pain levels as well as standardized physical examination, Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) score, Constant score, and Rowe score. Preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained in all patients. A paired 2-sample t test was used to compare changes in continuous variable parameters over time. Correlation analyses were performed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: All outcome scores and the pain level improved significantly from preoperatively to postoperatively, and the improvement was sustained over the follow-up period of 2 years (pain level, 6.4 preoperatively vs 3.3 at 2 years, P < .001; SSV, 40 vs 70, P = .001; WOSI, 33 vs 56, P = .001; Constant, 70 vs 79, P = .049; Rowe, 52 vs 76, P < .001). The mean glenohumeral and scapulohumeral subluxation indices were significantly lower in the early postoperative period compared with preoperative measurements (glenohumeral, 52% ± 6% vs 58% ± 10%, P = .02; scapulohumeral, 70% ± 8%; vs 77% ± 9%, P = .002, respectively); however, they returned to baseline values at follow-up (57% ± 7% vs 58% ± 10%, P = .7; 75% ± 6% vs 77% ± 9%, P = .4, respectively). A high scapulohumeral subluxation index, excessive glenoid retroversion, and increased posterior positioning of the humeral head in relation to scapular blade axis and older age were correlated with worse clinical outcomes. Conclusion: Over the follow-up period of 2 years, the PACS procedure significantly improved outcome scores in patients who had preosteoarthritic constitutional static posterior shoulder instability, especially in younger patients with less severe glenoid retroversion and posterior decentering of the humeral head. However, similar to other techniques, the PACS procedure needs to be considered a symptomatic therapy that does not reverse the underlying cause or stop the progressive pathology.

Background: Pathological muscle activation patterns of the external rotators and periscapular muscles can result in posterior positional functional shoulder instability (PP-FSI). In several patients, physical therapy and surgical treatment are not successful. Purpose: The shoulder-pacemaker treatment concept was evaluated prospectively in patients with PP-FSI and previously failed conventional therapy attempt. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A negative selection of 24 consecutive cases of noncontrollable PP-FSI in 16 patients with previously failed conventional therapy were included in this prospective study. The shoulder-pacemaker treatment consisted of an electrical muscle stimulation–based therapy protocol with 9 to 18 one-hour treatment sessions. Two patients were excluded because of nonadherence to the training schedule, leaving a final study cohort of 21 cases in 14 patients. Follow-up included assessment of clinical function, impairment during daily activities and sports, satisfaction, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), Rowe score, and Subjective Shoulder Value at 0 weeks, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months after intervention. Results: WOSI, Subjective Shoulder Value, and Rowe score showed a highly significant improvement at all time points of follow-up ( P < .001). Young age ( P = .005), low weight ( P = .019), shoulder activity level ( P = .003), unilateral affliction ( P = .046), and higher baseline WOSI score ( P = .04) were associated with a better treatment effect. Cases with increased glenoid retroversion, posterior scapulohumeral decentering, and dysplastic bony glenoid shape showed a trend toward shorter treatment effect duration. No complications during the intervention or follow-up period were observed. Conclusion: The shoulder-pacemaker therapy concept is an effective treatment with rapid improvement and sustained outcome over the course of 2 years in patients with noncontrollable PP-FSI with previously failed conventional treatment. Young and more athletic patients with lower weight and unilateral pathology respond best to the treatment.

Background: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) with suture anchor–based fixation techniques has replaced former open and mini-open approaches. Nevertheless, long-term studies are scarce, and lack of knowledge exists about whether single-row (SR) or double-row (DR) methods are superior in clinical and anatomic results. Purpose: To analyze long-term results after arthroscopic RCR in patients with symptomatic rotator cuff tears and to compare functional and radiographic outcomes between SR and DR repair techniques at least 10 years after surgery. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Between 2005 and 2006, 40 patients with a symptomatic full-thickness rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus tendon tear with or without a tear of the infraspinatus tendon) underwent arthroscopic RCR with either an SR repair with a modified Mason-Allen suture–grasping technique (n = 20) or a DR repair with a suture bridge fixation technique (n = 20). All patients were enrolled in a long-term clinical evaluation, with the Constant score (CS) as the primary outcome measure. Furthermore, an ultrasound examination was performed to assess tendon integrity and conventional radiographs to evaluate secondary glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Results: A total of 27 patients, of whom 16 were treated with an SR repair and 11 with a DR repair, were followed up after a mean ± SD period of 12 ± 1 years (range, 11-14 years). Five patients underwent revision surgery on the affected shoulder during follow-up period, which led to 22 patients being included. The overall CS remained stable at final follow-up when compared with short-term follow-up (81 ± 8 vs 83 ± 19 points; P = .600). An increasing number of full-thickness retears were found: 6 of 22 (27%) at 2 years and 9 of 20 (45%) at 12 years after surgery. While repair failure negatively affected clinical results as shown by the CS ( P < .05), no significant difference was found between the fixation techniques ( P = .456). In general, progressive osteoarthritic changes were observed, with tendon integrity as a key determinant. Conclusion: Arthroscopic RCR with either an SR or a DR fixation technique provided good clinical long-term results. Repair failure was high, with negative effects on clinical results and the progression of secondary glenohumeral osteoarthritis. While DR repair slightly enhanced tendon integrity at long-term follow-up, no clinical superiority to SR repair was found.

Background:Bone loss at the anterior glenoid rim is a main reason for failure of soft-tissue based surgical stabilization procedures in patients with anterior shoulder instability.Purpose:To evaluate the capability of conventional glenoid bone loss measurement techniques to provide an adequate estimation of the actual biomechanical effect of glenoid defects.Study Design:Descriptive laboratory study.Methods:Thirty consecutive patients with unilateral anterior shoulder instability and varying degrees of glenoid defect were included. Patient-specific computer tomography–based 3-dimensional shoulder models of the affected and unaffected sides were created. The bony shoulder stability ratio (SR) was determined in various potential dislocation directions with finite element analysis. Values obtained from conventional glenoid defect size measurement techniques (Pico and Sugaya) were correlated with the finite element analysis results. Additionally, a mathematical model was developed to theoretically analyze the correlation between glenoid defect size measurements and the SR.Results:The authors found substantial interindividual differences of the SR of the unaffected shoulders in all directions of measurement. Bone loss at the anterior glenoid rim significantly reduced the SR in the 2-o’clock ( P = .011), 3-o’clock ( P < .001), and 4-o’clock ( P < .001) directions referring to a right shoulder. The correlation between the defect size measurements and the SR for the 2-o’clock (rho = −0.522 and −0.580), 3-o’clock (rho = −0.597 and −0.580), and 4-o’clock (rho = −0.527 and −0.522) directions was statistically significant. However, it showed only moderate strength and was nonlinear as well as dependent on the inherent shape of the concavity. As shown by the mathematical model, bone loss has the most considerable effect at the edge of the glenoid rim, and an increasingly concave-shaped glenoid leads to an increase in loss of SR provoked by the same extent of bone loss.Conclusion:Current glenoid bone loss measurements are unable to provide an adequate estimation on the actual biomechanical effect of glenoid defects because (1) the relation between the glenoid defect size and its biomechanical effect is nonlinear and (2) patients with shoulder instability have constitutional biomechanically relevant glenoid concavity shape differences.Clinical Relevance:These findings challenge the current concept of setting a general threshold for critical glenoid bone loss, which requires bony reconstruction surgery.

Background:Individual constitutional differences in glenoid shape and bone remodeling require a patient-specific and longitudinal approach to evaluate the biomechanical effects of glenoid bone grafting in patients with anterior shoulder instability.Purpose:To quantify the longitudinal, in vivo, biomechanical effects of bone grafting, bone graft remodeling, and glenoid shape in patients with anterior shoulder instability by means of patient-specific finite element models.Study Design:Descriptive laboratory study.Methods:In total, 25 shoulders of 24 patients with anterior shoulder instability and anterior glenoid bone loss underwent an arthroscopic iliac crest bone graft transfer (ICBGT) procedure with either autologous or allogenic bone. Patient-specific finite element simulations based on preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up computed tomography scans were used to quantify the bone-mediated stability ratio (SR) and the distance to dislocation. Additionally, the relationship between glenoid morphological parameters and the SR was assessed.Results:The ICBGT procedure significantly increased the SR and distance to dislocation in the 2-, 3-, and 4-o’clock directions immediately after the surgical intervention ( P < .01) in both the autograft and the allograft groups. Although the SR and distance to dislocation decreased subsequently, autografts showed long-term effects on SR and dislocation distance in the 3-o’clock direction ( P < .01) and on SR in the 4-o’clock direction ( P < .01). Allografts showed no significant effect on SR and dislocation distance in long-term follow-up ( P > .05). Overall, glenoid retroversion as well as cavity depth predicted stability in all 4 dislocation directions, with glenoid cavity depth showing the highest correlation coefficients ( R = 0.71, 0.8, 0.73, and 0.7 for 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-o’clock, respectively).Conclusion:The autologous ICBGT procedure biomechanically improved anterior shoulder stability in long-term follow-up, whereas the use of allografts did not show any bone-mediated biomechanical effect at follow-up due to resorption. Furthermore, in addition to measurements of defect extent, the glenoid depth and version seem to be useful parameters to determine the biomechanical effect and need for glenoid bone grafting in patients with shoulder instability.Clinical Relevance:This study proposes the use of autologous bone grafts for a successful long-term stabilization effect. Additionally, this study proposes additional glenoid morphological measures to predict shoulder stability.

Background: The J-bone graft is presumably representative of iliac crest bone grafts in general and allows anatomic glenoid reconstruction in cases of bone defects due to recurrent traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations. As a side effect, these grafts have been observed to be covered by some soft, cartilage-like tissue when arthroscopy has been indicated after such procedures. Purpose: To evaluate the soft tissue covering of J-bone grafts by use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological analysis. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients underwent MRI at 1 year after the J-bone graft procedures. Radiological data were digitally processed and evaluated by segmentation of axial images. Independent from the MRI analysis, 2 biopsy specimens of J-bone grafts were harvested for descriptive histological analysis. Results: Segmentation of the images revealed that all grafts were covered by soft tissue. This layer had an average thickness of 0.87 mm compared with 1.96 mm at the adjacent native glenoid. Of the 2 biopsy specimens, one exhibited evident hyaline-like cartilage and the other presented patches of chondrocytes embedded in a glycosaminoglycan-rich extracellular matrix. Conclusion: J-bone grafts are covered by soft tissue that can differentiate into fibrous and potentially hyaline cartilage. This feature may prove beneficial for delaying the onset of dislocation arthropathy of the shoulder.

Background: The risk of re-engagement of bipolar bone defects in posterior shoulder instability has not yet been investigated. Hypothesis: Posterior glenoid defects can lead to the engagement of supposedly noncritical reverse Hill-Sachs lesions (RHSLs). Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: In a retrospective multicenter study, 102 cases of posterior shoulder dislocations and resulting RHSLs were collected. Of these cases, all patients with available computed tomography (CT) scans, with a reduced shoulder joint, and without bony posterior glenoid rim defects or concomitant dislocated fractures of the humeral head were included. The gamma angle (measure of the critical size and localization of RHSLs) and the delta angle (measure of the degree of internal rotation necessary for engagement to occur) of the RHSLs were determined on standardized CT scans. Virtual posterior glenoid defects were created, and the effect of increasing defect size on the delta angle was determined. Results: The mean gamma angle of the 19 patients included in this study was 94.5° (range, 69.7°-124.8°). After creation of the virtual posterior glenoid defects, a mean reduction of the delta angle by 2.3° ± 0.2° (range, 1.9°-2.9°) per millimeter defect was observed. The cumulative change in the delta angle showed a highly significant correlation with the absolute and relative size of the glenoid defect ( R = 0.982, P < .001 and R = 0.974, P < .001, respectively). Conclusion: Concomitant posterior glenoid defects might lead to the engagement of noncritical RHSLs. When measuring the gamma angle to identify critical RHSLs, posterior glenoid bone loss should be accounted for.

Background:Femoral torsion is a critical parameter in hip and knee disorders. The unproven assumption is that the femoral neck exclusively contributes to the overall torsion of the femur.Purpose/Hypothesis:The aim of this study was to measure femoral torsion at different levels in patients with abnormally high or low femoral torsion and to compare the results with healthy volunteers. Our hypothesis was that the pattern of torsion distribution among the different femoral levels varies between patients with abnormal torsion and healthy volunteers.Study Design:Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Magnetic resonance images of patients with a history of patellar instability and torsion of the femur ≥25° (11 patients, 16 femurs) and ≤0° (14 patients, 22 femurs) were analyzed. Our controls were 30 healthy volunteers (60 femurs). To assess femoral torsion, 4 lines were drawn: a first line through the center of the femoral head and neck, a second line through the center of the femur at the top of the lesser trochanter, a third line tangent to the posterior aspect of the distal femur just above the attachment of the gastrocnemius, and a fourth line tangent to the posterior condyles. Three investigators performed the measurements; 1 performed the measurements twice.Results:All femur segments showed significantly different torsion among the high-torsion, low-torsion, and control groups. Regarding the pattern of torsion distribution, on average, all levels contributed to the torsion. The ratio between the average neck and shaft torsion shifted toward a higher value in the high-torsion group, mostly because of a lack of external torsion in the shaft, and toward a lower value in the low-torsion group, owing to both a lack of internal torsion of the neck and increased external torsion in the shaft.Conclusion:We established a difference between neck, mid, and distal femoral torsion with reproducible measurements. Our data suggest that all 3 levels of the femur contribute to the total femoral torsion, with a different pattern among patients with high torsion and patellar instability.

Background: The implant-free, autologous, iliac crest bone graft procedure (J-bone graft) for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability shows low rates of recurrent dislocations and moderate progression of instability arthropathy in the midterm follow-up. Purpose: To analyze the clinical and radiological long-term results of the J-bone graft procedure. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 46 patients (47 shoulders) with anterior shoulder instability and a relevant bony glenoid defect who received a J-bone graft between 1993 and 2000 and who were previously subjected to a midterm follow-up (mean, 8 years) were included. In total, 34 patients and 35 shoulders (74%) were clinically and radiologically assessed after a mean follow-up of 18 years (range, 15-23 years). Patients were assessed in terms of pain, bilateral active range of motion, and strength; in addition, the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), the Rowe Score, and the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) were obtained. Both an apprehension test and a relocation test were performed. Radiological imaging included bilateral radiographs (true anteroposterior and axillary view) to determine the grade of instability arthropathy. Results: At final follow-up, a mean WOSI score of 295 (range, 0-1765), Rowe Score of 94 (range, 55-100), SSV of 90% (range, 20%-100%), and pain level of 0.5 (range, 0-4) were noted. Slight differences were detected in active range of motion between the affected and the contralateral side: flexion 178° vs 179° ( P = .325), abduction 177° vs 179° ( P = .225), external rotation 63° vs 67° ( P = .048), high external rotation 77° vs 82° ( P = .007), internal rotation 8.8 vs 9.4 points ( P = .017), and high internal rotation 70° vs 74° ( P = .026). No significant strength deficit of the affected side was noticed. In 1 patient, a traumatic redislocation with fracture of the bone graft was observed 6 weeks after index surgery. No further recurrences were found during the follow-up period. Negative apprehension and relocation tests were confirmed in 77% of the shoulders, while 23% were positive. At final follow-up, 9 shoulders showed no signs of instability arthropathy (26%), mild arthropathy was revealed in 22 shoulders (63%), moderate arthropathy was noted in 3 shoulders (9%), and signs of severe arthropathy were found in 1 shoulder (3%) (collective instability arthropathy score, 0.9). The collective instability arthropathy score on the contralateral side was 0.4 ± 0.8 with no instability arthropathy in 24 shoulders (69%), mild arthropathy in 8 shoulders (23%), moderate signs of arthropathy in 2 shoulders (6%), and severe arthropathy in 1 shoulder (3%) at the time of follow-up examination (collective instability arthropathy score, 0.4). The overall difference between affected shoulders and contralateral shoulders was significant ( P = .005). Conclusion: The J-bone graft procedure for the treatment of recurrent anterior shoulder instability shows excellent results regarding stability and function after a mean follow-up period of 18 years. However, the development of instability arthropathy of the affected shoulder is not prevented by this procedure.

Background: Reverse Hill-Sachs (RHS) lesions can cause recurrent posterior shoulder instability because of engagement with the posterior glenoid rim; however, the effect of defect size and localization have yet to be determined. Hypothesis: Both size and localization are critical for the engagement of an RHS defect with the posterior glenoid rim. Study design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Ten RHS defects with predefined extent and localization were created through an anterolateral rotator cuff sparing approach in 10 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulder specimens using a custom-made saw guide. Computed tomography scans of all specimens were completed, and standardized measurements were performed to determine the size (alpha angle) and localization (beta angle) of the defect as well as a combination of both parameters (gamma angle). Internal rotation motions were imposed on the shoulder joint in different arm positions and with varying amount of posterior translation by means of a robot-assisted shoulder simulator. The association between engagement of the defects and the defined parameters (alpha, beta, and gamma angles) was analyzed. Results: In 0° of abduction, a cutoff value between engaging and nonengaging defects of 37.5° for the alpha angle (100% sensitivity; 75% specificity; area under the curve [AUC], 0.875; P = .055) and 36.5° for the beta angle (100% sensitivity; 25% specificity; AUC, 0.708; P = .286) was determined. The gamma angle showed the highest discriminatory power (AUC, 0.938; P = .025) with a cutoff value of 85.5° rendering 100% sensitivity and 75% specificity in the prediction of engagement. An increase in the applied posterior translation force decreased the degrees of internal rotation necessary before engagement occurred. No engagement occurred during internal rotation with the arm in 60° of abduction or 60° of flexion. Conclusion: The size and localization of RHS defects are both critical factors for engagement. The combination of both parameters in terms of the gamma angle measurement might be a helpful tool to identify defects prone to engagement. Clinical Relevance: Not only the size but also the localization is decisive for engagement of RHS defects. The standardized measurement of the gamma angle combines both factors and might be a helpful tool to identify defects prone to engagement warranting surgical treatment.

Background: Little scientific evidence regarding reverse Hill-Sachs lesions (RHSLs) in posterior shoulder instability exists. Recently, standardized measurement methods of the size and localization were introduced, and the biomechanical effect of the extent and position of the defects on the risk of re-engagement was determined. Purpose: To analyze the characteristics and patterns of RHSLs in a large case series using standardized measurements and to interpret the results based on the newly available biomechanical findings. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: In this multicenter study, 102 cases of RHSLs in 99 patients were collected from 7 different shoulder centers between 2004 and 2013. Patient- as well as injury-specific information was gathered, and defect characteristics in terms of the size, localization, and depth index were determined on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans by means of standardized measurements. Additionally, the position (gamma angle) of the posterior defect margin as a predictor of re-engagement was analyzed. Results: Three types of an RHSL were distinguished based on the pathogenesis and chronicity of the lesion: dislocation (D), locked dislocation (LD), and chronic locked dislocation (CLD). While the localization of the defects did not vary significantly between the subgroups ( P = .072), their mean size differed signficantly (D: 32.6° ± 11.7°, LD: 49.4° ± 17.2°, CLD: 64.1° ± 20.7°; P < .001). The mean gamma angle as a predictor of re-engagement was similarly significantly different between groups (D: 83.8° ± 14.5°, LD: 96.5° ± 17.9°, CLD: 108.7° ± 18.4°; P < .001). The orientation of the posterior defect margin was consistently quite parallel to the humeral shaft axis, with a mean difference of 0.3° ± 8.1°. Conclusion: The distinction between the 3 different RHSL types based on the pathogenesis and chronicity of the defect helps identify defects prone to re-engagement. The gamma angle as a measurement of the position of the posterior defect margin and therefore a predictor of re-engagement varies significantly between the defect types.

Background: The J-bone graft technique has previously been reported for anatomic restoration of the bony glenoid surface in cases of posttraumatic recurrent anterior shoulder instability with significant glenoid bone loss. Purpose: To analyze the physiological remodeling process of the J-bone graft over time. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Thirty-one consecutive patients treated with anatomic glenoid restoration surgery using the J-bone graft for posttraumatic recurrent anterior shoulder instability with a significant bony glenoid defect were included in this study. Twenty patients received 3-dimensional computed tomography scans of the affected shoulder preoperatively, postoperatively, and at 1-year follow-up. On “en face” views of the glenoid, the change over time of the glenoid diameter, glenoid area, and glenoid defect size in relation to a best-fit circle indicating 100% was measured. Results: The average glenoid diameter increased from 81.0% preoperatively to 110.4% postoperatively ( P < .001). At 1-year follow-up, the diameter had decreased significantly to 100.6% ( P < .001), which is concordant to a theoretical perfect glenoid diameter of 100% ( P = .73). The average glenoid surface area increased from 80.8% preoperatively to 110.0% postoperatively ( P < .001). At 1-year follow-up, a decrease to 102.2% ( P < .005) was measured, which again is close to a theoretical perfect glenoid surface area of 100% ( P = .15). By applying the J-bone graft, the average missing surface area of the glenoid was reduced from 19.2% preoperatively to 3.9% postoperatively ( P < .001). At 1-year follow-up, an average of 3.6% was calculated, indicating no statistically significant change over time ( P = .90). Conclusion: Anatomic glenoid reconstructive surgery using the J-bone graft technique benefits from a physiological remodeling process, molding the bone graft closely into the original shape of an uninjured anterior glenoid rim. While parts of the graft lying inside the projected former surface area of the glenoid are preserved, the parts lying outside are resorbed over time, suggestive of strain-adapted graft remodeling.

Background:Arthroscopically assisted single-bundle (SB) or double-bundle coracoclavicular (CC) ligament reconstruction using autologous tendon grafts has been reported to provide acromioclavicular (AC) joint (ACJ) stability in chronic instability cases. Recently, additional AC ligament reconstruction to provide triple-bundle (TB) stabilization has been introduced but lacks a comparison of clinical and radiological outcomes.Hypothesis:Arthroscopically assisted anatomic TB CC and AC reconstruction yields superior clinical and radiological results when compared with nonanatomic SB CC reconstruction.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:Twenty-six patients (mean [±SD] age, 46.9 ± 12.8 years) suffering from chronic high-grade ACJ instability underwent ACJ stabilization using autologous hamstring grafts. Twelve patients underwent combined anatomic TB CC and AC reconstruction using a semitendinosus tendon with clavicular interference screw fixation (TB group), and 14 underwent isolated SB CC reconstruction using the AC GraftRope system with a gracilis tendon (SB group). After a minimum follow-up of 2 years (mean, 29.0 ± 7.4 months), patients were evaluated radiologically and clinically using the Constant, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Taft, and Acromioclavicular Joint Instability Score (ACJI) outcome measures.Results:The mean Constant score increased significantly in both groups, from 71.6 preoperatively to 88.8 postoperatively in the TB group and from 67.8 to 82.6 in the SB group ( P ≤ .009). No intergroup difference was found regarding the final Constant or ASES scores. Regarding the ACJ-specific scores, the final outcomes were significantly different: 10.9 (TB group) versus 9.0 (SB group) for the mean Taft score ( P = .018) and 84.7 versus 58.4, respectively, for the mean ACJI score ( P = .0001). No significant radiological difference was found regarding the mean CC distance (10.7 mm [TB group] vs 13.1 mm [SB group]). The TB group showed superior horizontal ACJ stability ( P = .011), which was associated with a better clinical outcome according to the ACJI and Taft scores. In the SB group, the rate of ACJ instability recurrence was higher (21% vs 8% [TB group]).Conclusion:Combined arthroscopically assisted anatomic TB CC and AC ligament reconstruction using an autologous semitendinosus tendon graft provides superior clinical and radiological results compared with isolated nonanatomic SB CC ligament reconstruction using the AC GraftRope system. In particular, the TB technique can better restore horizontal ACJ stability, which is associated with superior ACJ-specific outcome scores.

Background: Snowkiting is becoming an increasingly popular extreme sport; however, its injury rates and patterns are unknown to date. Purpose: The authors surveyed the injuries in a group of snowkiters over 1 season. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: The study was conducted over the course of 1 winter season ranging from November 2009 until March 2010; 80 snowkiters were surveyed prospectively. All participants were recruited through contacts with snowkite schools, snowkiting-related web portals, or Internet-based social networks. Results: During 3929 hours of snowkiting recorded, 33 injuries occurred, of which 60.6% were mild; 21.2%, moderate; and 18.2%, severe. The calculated injury rate was 8.4 injuries per 1000 hours of exposure. Most frequently injured body sites were the back (30.3%), knee (24.2%), shoulder (21.2%), and head (21.2%). Upper extremity injuries included 2 shoulder dislocations, a clavicle fracture, and a dislocation fracture of the radial head. Injuries to the lower extremity included 3 knee sprains and 1 anterior cruciate ligament rupture. The most common injury causes were riding errors (75.8%), wind gusts (36.4%), and poor snow conditions (27.3%). When compared with experts (5.1 injuries per 1000 hours of exposure), beginners (20.8 injuries per 1000 hours of exposure) had a significantly increased risk of getting injured (odds ratio [OR] 4.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.34-12.64; P = .008). Athletes who used snowboards for snowkiting purposes were injured almost 3 times more frequently than their colleagues using skis (11.7 vs 4.1 injuries per 1000 hours of exposure; OR 2.85; 95% CI, 1.23-6.57; P = .010). The quick-release system (97.5%), helmet (92.5%), kite leash (83.8%), spine protector (51.3%), and shoulder protectors (20.0%) were the most commonly used protective/safety equipment. Conclusion: Snowkiting can be considered a sport carrying a high risk of injury. More caution in assessing local snow conditions and wind gust occurrences is recommended as well as considering using the help and advice of a professional instructor when beginning this action-packed sport. Injury prevention strategies should also include the further improvement of currently available safety equipment.