Background: Current surgical procedures restoring a dislocated acromioclavicular joint aim to perform an anatomically correct and biomechanically stable reconstruction. However, the coracoidal insertions for the coracoclavicular ligaments have not yet been defined.
Purpose: The objective was to evaluate dimension and orientation of the coracoclavicular footprints with respect to bony landmarks for use in anatomic reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligament complex.
Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study.
Methods: Twenty-three (17 female, 6 male) fresh-frozen cadaveric human shoulders were dissected, and the coracoclavicular ligaments including the coracoid and the lateral clavicle were exposed. After measurement of bony coracoidal dimensions, the ligaments were dissected and the insertion sites as well as the footprint centers were identified and marked. Each coracoclavicular insertion dimension and its distance to the bony landmarks was recorded. Sex-related differences were calculated.
Results: The mean total coracoidal length was 43.1 ± 2.2 mm. The distance from the tip of the coracoid to the precipice, the point at which the undersurface of the coracoid changes from a horizontal to a vertical direction, measured 20.3 ± 2.6 mm. The mean distance from the conoidal center to the medial coracoidal boarder and to the precipice was 1.7 ± 0.7 mm and 16.4 ± 2.4 mm, respectively. The mean distance from the trapezoidal center to the medial border and to the precipice was 8.7 ± 3 mm and 10.9 ± 2.4 mm, respectively. The mean distance between the footprint centers was 10.1 ± 4.2 mm.
Conclusion: Reproducible dimensions and orientation of the coracoclavicular footprints are given.
Clinical Relevance: Coracoidal anatomic landmarks can be used intraoperatively for an anatomic reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligaments.
Background: Bone-to-tendon healing in the shoulder can be unpredictable. Biologic augmentation, through the implementation of adult mesenchymal stem cells, may improve this healing process.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to (1) arthroscopically obtain bone marrow aspirates from the proximal humerus during rotator cuff repair, (2) purify and concentrate the connective tissue progenitor cells (CTPs) in the operating room efficiently, and (3)confirm these are stem cells through their ability to differentiate into bone cells. We hypothesize that CTPs can be quickly and efficiently isolated from bone marrow during arthroscopic surgery and that these cells are capable of osteogenesis.
Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3; and Descriptive laboratory study.
Methods: Bone marrow aspirates were harvested through the anchor tunnel of the humeral head during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in 23 patients. Twenty-three matched controls were selected from a clinical registry to evaluate for increased incidence of complication. Connective tissue progenitor cells were isolated using 2 accepted methods and compared with a novel, rapid method designed for use in the operating room. Osteogenic potential was assessed by cytochemical and molecular analysis.
Results: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis and cellular staining confirmed the osteogenic potential of these CTPs. There was no statistical significant difference in the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score (aspirate, 86.3 ± 10.5; control, 83.6 ± 15.1; P = .54), range of motion measures (postoperative external rotation: aspirate, 65.0° ± 20.4°; control, 62.5° ± 17.1°; P = .67; postoperative forward elevation: aspirate, 163.0° ± 30.6°; control, 145.7° ± 41.4°; P = .12), or postoperative strength measures between groups (median, 5; range, 4-5 in the aspirate group compared with median, 5; range, 4-5 in the control group; P > .05).
Conclusion: Connective tissue progenitor cells can be safely and efficiently aspirated from the proximal humerus using the anchor tunnel created during arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery. These cells may play an important role in cell-based therapies involving rotator cuff repair.
Clinical Relevance: We have established a reliable, reproducible protocol for isolating CTPs in the operating room. These cells may have the potential to enhance the healing process after rotator cuff repair.
