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SummaryThis randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared the effect of perineural with intravenous dexamethasone, both administered concomitantly with interscalene brachial plexus block for shoulder surgery. Patients received 8 mg dexamethasone mixed with ropivacaine in the block injection (n = 42), 8 mg dexamethasone intravenously at the time of the block (n = 37), or intravenous saline (n = 41) at the time of the block. Perineural and intravenous dexamethasone resulted in prolonged mean (SD) duration of block to 16.9 (5.2) h and 18.2 (6.4) h, respectively, compared with 13.8 (3.8) h for saline (p = 0.001). Mean (SD) opioid consumption (morphine equivalents) during the first 24 h after postanaesthesia recovery arrival was 12.2 (9.3) mg in the perineural dexamethasone, 17.1 (15.9) mg in the intravenous dexamethasone and 24.1 (14.3) mg in the saline groups (p = 0.001). Dexamethasone via either route reduced anti-emetic use (p = 0.046). There was no effect on patient satisfaction. These results suggest that both perineural and intravenous dexamethasone are useful adjuncts to ropivacaine interscalene block, with the intravenous route preferred as this avoids the possibility of neural toxicity of dexamethasone.

Fractures of the acromion or scapular spine are recognized complications of reverse arthroplasty. This study reviewed the outcome of reverse arthroplasties with such fractures and compared the results to arthroplasties without the fractures. A consecutive series of 125 reverse arthroplasties were reviewed for the development of a postoperative acromial or scapular spine fracture. Nine cases were identified, all treated nonoperatively. Five fractures occurred from falls, and the remainder were fatigue fractures. These results were compared to 67 patients with similar diagnoses in the series without such fractures. No significant differences existed between the 2 groups in terms of age, sex, side of surgery, or diagnosis. Preoperatively, both groups had substantial pain, limitation of motion, and poor American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) outcome scores. No significant differences existed between the 2 groups. At minimum 1-year follow-up, results in the shoulders with fractures were improved. Mean visual analog score (VAS) was 4.0, flexion was 89.3 degrees, ASES score was 47.9, and SST score was 5.6. Nevertheless, these results were inferior to those in shoulders without a fracture, whose mean VAS was 0.7, flexion was 152.1 degrees, ASES score was 87.7, and SST score was 10.2. Nonoperative management was chosen in these cases due to a concern that stable fixation would not be obtained with surgery. Although the final outcome was diminished, these patients improved their preoperative state. A decision for surgical treatment will need to weigh the challenges of internal fixation with the incremental improvement that may occur with improved fracture healing.

Rupture of the Achilles tendon is a relatively infrequent injury that is often missed by the initial treating physician. The diagnosis can be established on the basis of the physical examination with weakness of plantarflexion, a palpable gap in the tendon, and a positive squeeze test. Special diagnostic studies are rarely necessary. In the majority of cases, the etiologic basis for the rupture appears to be a combination of intratendon degeneration and mechanical stress. Conservative treatment of an acute rupture by immobilization with a cast provides satisfactory results. For the younger, more athletic patient, surgical repair should be considered.