Mohammad Jomaa

Background: Bony, muscular, and fibrous abnormalities in the thoracic outlet are implicated in the pathogenesis of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (nTOS). Compression of the brachial plexus by the dorsal scapular artery (DSA) is rarely reported and is often diagnosed incidentally during cadaveric dissection or surgical decompression. Case presentation: We present the case of a 51-year-old Middle Eastern female who presented with chronic left cervicobrachialgia associated with left-hand paresthesia and weakness. Physical examination supported the diagnosis of nTOS. Imaging revealed an elongated C7 transverse process and aberrant and accessory muscular slips of the anterior scalene muscle. During ultrasound-guided anterior scalene bupivacaine injection, a large blood vessel was observed to dynamically impinge over the C7 nerve root, and hydrodissection using 10 ml of normal saline was added to the intervention. On subsequent computed tomography angiogram and retrospective review of magnetic resonance imaging, this artery was identified as the DSA unusually arising from the first part of the subclavian artery. The patient experienced a dramatic 80% symptom relief 1 week after the intervention. A further 10% relief was experienced following subsequent pectoralis minor bupivacaine injection. nTOS-directed physiotherapy was initiated. Persistence of improvement was observed 3 months after the injections. Recurrence of symptoms occurred starting from the eighth month post-intervention. Conclusions: This case highlights the possible contribution of the DSA to nTOS, the diagnostic value of a dynamic imaging modality, and the incorporation of hydrodissection in the decision-making process. Diagnostic muscle injections using Bupivacaine and neurovascular hydrodissection using normal saline lead in this case to 8 months of symptom relief and allowed us to locate the culprit structures.

Background/Objectives: Dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) is a common injury for which numerous operative fixation and reconstructive techniques have been described. This technique combines a coracoclavicular ligament (CC) repair with an acromioclavicular ligament (AC) and CC reconstruction with an additional ACJ internal brace to address both horizontal and vertical instability. Methods: The surgery is performed through a superior approach in the following sequence: (1) CC ligaments are repaired using a TightRope construct, (2) CC reconstruction is performed using a peroneus longus tendon allograft, (3) AC ligaments are repaired using an internal brace, and (4) AC reconstruction is performed with a second peroneus longus tendon allograft. The results of consecutive patients with grade IIIB, IV, and V AC joint dislocations were included. Results: Six patients with acute and six patients with chronic injuries were eligible for inclusion. The Constant–Murley Score improved significantly from 27.6 (8.0–56.5) to 61.5 (42.0–92.0) (p = 0.006 paired t-test) at 12 months of follow-up. There was one complication (frozen shoulder) from which the patient recovered spontaneously; no other complications were observed with this technique. The coracoclavicular distance (CCD) was reduced from 18.7 mm (13.0–24.0) to 10.0 mm (6.0–16.0, p < 0.001) and 10.5 mm (8.0–14.0, p = 0.002) at 12 weeks and 12 months, respectively. Conclusions: This study describes a new technique to treat acute and chronic Rockwood stage IIIB–V ACJ dislocations with promising short-term clinical and radiological results. The results suggest that the combined repair and reconstruction of the AC and CC ligaments is a safe procedure with low complication risk in experienced hands. Addressing the vertical and horizontal stability in ACJ dislocation is key to achieving optimal long-term results. Further, follow-up is required to investigate the long-term outcomes.