ObjectiveTo summarize the research progress of the greater tubercle fixation and the rotator cuff repair in humeral head replacement.MethodsThe literature about proximal humerus fracture and humeral head replacement in recent years was extensively consulted and analyzed.ResultsThe greater tubercle fixation and the attached rotator cuff repair have great influence on the function of shoulder joint after humeral head replacement. It is difficult to make an objective comparison because of lack of direct comparison between various methods, unified standards of grading, and limited number of cases.ConclusionIt is an important factor of reduction and fixation of greater tubercle to obtain better effectiveness in humeral head replacement. However, one-stage repair of rotator cuff is more important than greater tubercle fixation for functional recovery of shoulder joint.
ObjectiveTo provide anatomical basis for vascularized pisiform transfer in the treatment of advanced avascular necrosis of the lunate (Kienböck’s disease) by studying its morphology and blood supply pattern based on digital technique.MethodsTwelve adult fresh wrist joint specimens were selected and treated with gelatin-lead oxide solution from ulnar or radial artery. Then the three-dimensional (3D) images of the pisiform and lunate were reconstructed by micro-CT scanning and Mimics software. The morphologies of pisiform and lunate were observed and the longitudinal diameter, transverse diameter, and thickness of pisiform and lunate were measured. The main blood supply sources of pisiform were observed. The number, diameter, and distribution of nutrient foramina at proximal, distal, radial, and ulnar sides of pisiform were recorded. The anatomic parameters of the pedicles (branch of trunk of ulnar artery, carpal epithelial branch, descending branch of carpal epithelial branch, recurrent branch of deep palmar branch) were measured, including the outer diameter of pedicle initiation, distance of pedicle from pisiform, and distance of pedicle from lunate. ResultsThere were significant differences in the longitudinal and transverse diameters between pisiform and lunate (t=6.653, P=0.000; t=6.265, P=0.000), but there was no significant difference in thickness (t= 1.269, P=0.109). The distal, proximal, radial, and ulnar sides of pisiform had nutrient vessels. The nutrient foramina at proximal side were significantly more than that at distal side (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the diameter of nutrient foramina between different sides (P>0.05). The outer diameter of pedicle initiation of the recurrent branch of deep palmar branch was significantly smaller than the carpal epithelial branch and descending branch of carpal epithelial branch (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the distance of pedicle from pisiform/lunate between branch of trunk of ulnar artery and recurrent branch of deep palmar branch (P>0.05), and between carpal epithelial branch and descending branch of carpal epithelial branch (P>0.05). But the differences between the other vascular pedicles were significant (P<0.05). ConclusionThere are abundant nutrient vessels at the proximal and ulnar sides of pisiform, so excessive stripping of the proximal and ulnar soft tissues should be avoided during the vascularized pisiform transfer. It is feasible to treat advanced Kienböck’s disease by pisiform transfer with the carpal epithelial branch of ulnar artery and the descending branch.