TECHNIQUES AND MATERIALS TO TREAT SHOULDER PATHOLOGIES BY ARTHROSCOPY: A SURVEY IN MEMBERS OF THE BRAZILIAN SOCIETY OF SHOULDER AND ELBOW SURGERY

TL;DR

This survey explores the treatment preferences of Brazilian shoulder and elbow surgeons for common shoulder conditions using arthroscopy and open surgery techniques.

Contribution

The study provides insights into current surgical practices and preferred materials among Brazilian specialists for treating shoulder pathologies.

Findings

Most surgeons prefer arthroscopic repair for rotator cuff injuries and use metallic anchors for fixation.

Bioabsorbable anchors are commonly used in arthroscopic Bankart repair for glenohumeral instability.

High-resistance wires are the preferred fixation method for acute acromioclavicular dislocations.

Abstract

To evaluate the preferences of shoulder and elbow surgeons from the Brazilian Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery to treat rotator cuff injuries, glenohumeral instability, and acromioclavicular dislocations considering a current and an ideal scenarios.

A nationwide survey included 314 specialists who answered a 20-question questionnaire on treating shoulder pathologies.

This study included 314 specialists. Most (96%) perform rotator cuff repair arthroscopically and 74% use metallic anchors as a fixation method. In open surgery, most specialists reported using anchors (75%) instead of transosseous sutures. In treating glenohumeral instability via arthroscopic Bankart repair, 86% used three or more fixation anchors and 87%, bioabsorbable anchors. In Latarjet cases, 57% used cannulated screws. In treating acute acromioclavicular dislocations, 88% used the open route. Regarding fixation, 70% chose high-resistance wires; 65%, anchors; and 61%, Kirschner wires.

The current Brazilian scenario has limited availability of ideal instruments and materials so specialists can treat shoulder pathologies. However, specialists’ preferences agree with the latest medical literature.
Level of evidence V, Expert opinion.