Concomitant Rotator Cuff Tears Research Articles

All-Arthroscopic Long Head of the Biceps Transfer: An Optional Technique for Soft-Tissue Biceps Tenodesis

Proximal tendinopathy of the long head of the biceps (LHB) is a common shoulder problem that requires surgical intervention, especially in patients with concomitant rotator cuff tears. The comparative results of biceps tenotomy and biceps tenodesis are still doubtful; both techniques show good to excellent results in terms of postoperative pain and functional outcomes. The described technique—all-arthroscopic LHB transfer—is an optional biceps tenodesis technique using all-arthroscopic soft-tissue tenodesis and arthroscopic suturing of the LHB to the short head of the biceps and coracoacromial ligament combined with release of the LHB from the bicipital groove.

Calcific Tendonitis of the Shoulder: Protector or Predictor of Cuff Pathology? A Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Based Study

The purpose of this investigation is to assess the incidence of rotator cuff tears in cases of calcific tendonitis and evaluate for differences in the incidences of rotator cuff tears by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between calcific lesions of different morphology, size, or location. This single-center study involved a retrospective chart review searching for patients from January 2010 to April 2017 with a diagnosis of calcific tendonitis of the shoulder based on review of all MRI reads done on patients with shoulder pain. Anteroposterior radiographic and MRI studies were reviewed by a musculoskeletal radiologist to assess calcific tendonitis morphology, size, distance from cuff insertion, and any rotator cuff tear. An additional radiologist evaluated calcific tendonitis size, morphology, and location to evaluate the reliability of these variables. In the final cohort of 318 shoulders with calcific tendonitis, the incidence of concomitant rotator cuff tears was 56%. Of all 177 tears, 164 (93%) were partial-thickness and 13 (7%) were complete. Type III calcification morphology (cloudy with soft contour) was most frequently associated with rotator cuff tears and demonstrated an increased odds of tear by a factor of 1.8 (CI95% 1.1-2.9).There was no statistical difference regarding calcification size or location prognosticating rotator cuff tears or tear thickness. Intraclass correlation coefficients for calcification size, morphology, and location were 0.78, 0.30, and 0.50, respectively. The incidence of rotator cuff tears in cases of calcific tendonitis in this cohort of patients who underwent MRI is higher than previously reported. Cloudy-appearing calcified lesions showed a significant association with rotator cuff tears with an odds ratio of 1.8. Specific locations or sizes of calcified lesions do not appear to be reliable factors to predict concomitant rotator cuff tears. Interobserver agreement for these radiographic variables ranged from fair to substantial and prompt a cautious interpretation of these results. IV Retrospective Case Series.

Not All SLAPs Are Created Equal: A Comparison of Patients with Planned and Incidental SLAP Repair Procedures.

Background Epidemiological studies have shown a progressive increase in the rate of superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) repair surgery after the year 2000. However, it is not clear whether this is due to increased recognition of isolated SLAP tears or increased SLAP repair performed secondarily during arthroscopy for other purposes. Hypothesis/Purpose We hypothesized that both isolated SLAP repair and secondary SLAP repair increased with time and that patient age influenced the pathway to SLAP diagnosis and surgery—such that younger patients were more likely to have isolated SLAP repair surgery after being diagnosed in clinic. Study Design Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods Data were obtained from the MarketScan database from 2003 to 2013. CPT and ICD-9 codes were used to identify SLAP surgery patients and concomitant procedures. The timing of SLAP diagnosis relative to surgery was used to determine whether the injury was recognized preoperatively. Results 64,497 SLAP surgery patients were included. Preoperative SLAP diagnosis increased from 17.1% in 2003 to 44.6% in 2013. Patients diagnosed preoperatively were younger and had fewer concomitant procedures. Increasing age and concomitant rotator cuff tear (RCT) repair corresponded to lower odds of preoperative SLAP diagnosis. Discussion Younger patients were more likely to have their SLAP tear diagnosed prior to surgery. Those diagnosed before surgery had fewer simultaneous procedures during their operations, suggesting that SLAP repair was more likely the primary operation. From 2003 to 2013, SLAP tears were increasingly recognized in the preoperative setting.

Rates and Risk Factors for Revision Open and Arthroscopic Proximal Biceps Tenodesis

Background:Biceps tenodesis may be performed for symptomatic tendinopathy or tearing of the long head of the biceps tendon. Biceps tenodesis is also commonly performed as an adjunctive procedure. However, the indications and prevalence of biceps tenodesis have expanded.Purpose:To establish the incidence and risk factors for revision biceps tenodesis.Study Design:Case-control study; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:The PearlDiver database of Humana patient data was queried for patients undergoing arthroscopic or open biceps tenodesis (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] 29828 and CPT 23430, respectively) from 2008 through the first quarter of 2017. Patients without a CPT laterality modifier were excluded from analysis. Revision biceps tenodesis was defined as patients who underwent subsequent ipsilateral open or arthroscopic biceps tenodesis. The financial impact of revision biceps tenodesis was also calculated. Multivariate binomial logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for revision biceps tenodesis, such as patient demographics as well as concomitant procedures and diagnoses. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were calculated, and all statistical comparisons with P < .05 were considered significant.Results:There were 15,257 patients who underwent biceps tenodesis. Of these, 9274 patients (60.8%) underwent arthroscopic biceps tenodesis, while 5983 (39.2%) underwent open biceps tenodesis. A total of 171 patients (1.8%) and 111 patients (1.9%) required revision biceps tenodesis after arthroscopic and open biceps tenodesis, respectively (P = .5). Male sex (OR, 1.38 [95% CI, 1.04-1.85]; P = .02) was the only independent risk factor for revision biceps tenodesis after the index open biceps tenodesis. After arthroscopic biceps tenodesis, age >45 years (OR, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.39-0.89]; P = .01) and concomitant rotator cuff tear (OR, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.47-0.71]; P < .001) were independent protective factors for revision biceps tenodesis. The total cost of revision biceps tenodesis after open and arthroscopic biceps tenodesis was US$3427.95 and US$2174.33 per patient, respectively.Conclusion:There was no significant difference in the revision rate between arthroscopic and open biceps tenodesis. Risk factors for revision surgery included male sex for open biceps tenodesis, while age >45 years and rotator cuff tears were protective factors for arthroscopic biceps tenodesis.

Bursal lipohematoma: a CT sign of full thickness rotator cuff tear in patients with proximal humerus fractures.

The main purpose of the study is to determine if the presence of a particular computed tomography (CT) imaging finding, a bursal lipohematoma, portends the presence of a concomitant rotator cuff tear (RCT) in patients with proximal humerus fractures by reviewing previous CTs. Three hundred eighty-six CT scans were retrospectively reviewed by two board-certified radiologists to determine the presence of a proximal humerus fracture and to assess for the presence of a subacromial/subdeltoid or subcoracoid bursal hematoma. The medical record including operative documentation was then examined in the patients with proximal humerus fractures, with or without a concomitant bursal lipohematoma. Of the surgically managed patients, four had an intraoperative diagnosis of RCT. The preoperative CT scans of all of these patients demonstrated a bursal lipohematoma. Additionally, a non-surgically managed patient with a subacromial/subdeltoid bursal lipohematoma on CT scan was found to have a RCT on subsequent MRI. Of note, a rotator cuff tear was not documented in operative reports of patients with CT scans that were not found to contain a bursal lipohematoma. Bursal lipohematoma is a potentially useful preoperative CT sign of full thickness rotator cuff tear in patients with proximal humerus fractures, providing the clinician with more information in the optimization of the management approach.

Arthroscopic repair of combined anterior and superior cuff tear

Purpose The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of arthroscopic repair of combined anterior and superior cuff tear. Patients and methods One-stage arthroscopic repair of concomitant supraspinatus and subscapularis tendon tear was performed in 25 patients. All patients were evaluated at a minimum 1-year follow-up with a visual analog scale score for pain; subjective shoulder value, which was used for subjective evaluation of the affected shoulder as a percentage of the normal one; range of motion; the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score; and University of California at Los Angeles scores for clinical assessment. Belly-Press test and lift-off test, in particular back-to-hand distance, were used to evaluate subscapularis function. Empty can test was used to evaluate the supraspinatus strength. Results The mean age at the time of surgery was 53.9±11.3 years. The rate of dominant arm involvement was 60% of the patients. At the final follow-up, the mean visual analog scale score improved significantly to 0.38±0.01 points postoperatively (P Conclusion The arthroscopic tackling of concomitant shoulder anterior and superior rotator cuff tears showed satisfactory results and fastened the return to normal activity at 1-year follow-up, as well as postoperative stiffness was avoided. Level of evidence: Level III, case–control study.

ONE-STAGE SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR CONCOMITANT ROTATOR CUFF TEARS WITH SHOULDER STIFFNESS HAS COMPARABLE RESULTS WITH ISOLATED ROTATOR CUFF TEARS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background Addressing preoperative shoulder stiffness before rotator cuff repair (RCR) is advocated, but the effectiveness of this approach is debatable. We hypothesized that 1-stage treatment of concomitant rotator cuff tear (RCT) with shoulder stiffness has comparable results with isolated RCT. Methods Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, the databases including MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched using the keywords of “shoulder stiffness” OR “adhesive capsulitis” OR “frozen shoulder” AND “rotator cuff.” Studies that met all the criteria compared the 2 arms of isolated RCT vs. RCT with concomitant shoulder stiffness, received no physical therapy before surgery, and reported data of preoperative and postoperative range of motion (ROM) and functional outcomes after surgery. Results Four level III studies met the inclusion criteria. The non-stiff group (isolated RCT) included 460 patients who underwent RCR; the stiff group (RCT with concomitant shoulder stiffness) included 111 patients who underwent RCR and manipulation under anesthesia with or without capsular release. There were significant differences in preoperative ROM between stiff and non-stiff groups. At final follow-up, there were no statistical differences in all ROM between the 2 groups. There was no significant difference in comparing preoperative and postoperative outcome scores including visual analog scale for pain, Constant, modified American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and University of California–Los Angeles scores. Conclusions Concomitant surgical treatment of nonmassive RCT and moderate shoulder stiffness in 1 stage may have comparable results to the surgical treatment of RCT in patients without preoperative stiffness. Therefore, a physical therapy regimen before surgical intervention may not be necessary.

In Throwers With Posterior Instability, Rotator Cuff Tears Are Common but Do Not Affect Surgical Outcomes.

In a previous study, compared with throwing athletes with superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) tears, those with concomitant SLAP tears and rotator cuff tears (RCTs) had significantly poorer outcome scores and return to play. Posterior shoulder instability also occurs in throwing athletes, but no studies currently exist regarding outcomes of these patients with concomitant RCTs. The authors hypothesized that throwing athletes treated with arthroscopic capsulolabral repair for posterior shoulder instability with coexistent rotator cuff pathology would have poorer outcome scores and return to play. Fifty-six consecutive throwing athletes with unidirectional posterior shoulder instability underwent arthroscopic capsulolabral repair. Preoperative and postoperative patient-centered outcomes of pain, stability, function, range of motion, strength, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder (ASES) scores, as well as return to play, were evaluated. Patients with and without rotator cuff pathology were compared. Forty-three percent (24/56) of throwing athletes had rotator cuff pathology in addition to posterior capsulolabral pathology. All RCTs were débrided. At a mean of 3 years, there were no differences in preoperative and postoperative patient-centered outcomes between those with and without RCTs. Return-to-play rates showed no between-group differences; 92% (22/24) of athletes with concomitant RCTs returned to sport (P = .414), and 67% (16/24) returned to the same level (P = .430). Arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction is successful in throwing athletes with RCTs treated with arthroscopic débridement. Unlike the previous study evaluating throwers outcomes after surgical treatment for concomitant SLAP tears and RCTs, the authors found no difference in patient-reported outcome measures or return to play for throwing athletes with concomitant posterior shoulder instability and RCTs. In throwing athletes with concomitant posterior instability and RCTs, arthroscopic posterior capsulolabral repair with rotator cuff débridement is successful.

Clinical and sonographic evaluation of subpectoral biceps tenodesis with a dual suture anchor technique demonstrates improved outcomes and a low failure rate at a minimum 2-year follow-up.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and integrity of an open subpectoral biceps tenodesis using a dual suture anchor construct. Patients with at least 2years of follow-up were retrospectively evaluated for simple shoulder test (SST), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and visual analog scales (VAS) for pain, function and satisfaction. A physical exam assessed shoulder range of motion and elbow strength. Ultrasonography visualized construct integrity. Of 43 eligible patients, 36 completed questionnaire evaluation and 22 completed an additional physical examination. Indications included superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions (4), partial thickness tears (6), instability (6), and tenosynovitis of the biceps tendon (20). Eighteen patients (50%) had an associated rotator cuff tear. Patient-reported outcomes improved pre- vs postoperatively: ASES score (45.4 vs 78.6, P<0.001), SST (5.1 vs 9.6, P<0.001), pain-VAS (4.8 vs 2.0, P<0.001), and function-VAS (4.9 vs 2.3, P<0.001). Satisfaction-VAS was 8.3 postoperatively. Patient-reported outcomes did not differ for patients with an associated rotator cuff tear compared to those without (P≥0.427). None of the physical exam measures were lower on the operative side compared to the healthy side (P≥0.516). Sonographic evaluation revealed preserved integrity of the tenodesis construct in all cases. No complications were noted. Subpectoral biceps tenodesis utilizing a dual suture anchor technique is a treatment option for SLAP lesions, partial thickness tears, subluxation, and tenosynovitis of the long head of the biceps with high rates of postoperative patient satisfaction, a low failure rate, and improved outcome scores. The presence of a concomitant rotator cuff tear did not influence clinical outcomes.

Concomitant Rotator Cuff Tears in Throwing Athletes with Posterior Instability Are Common but Do Not Effect Surgical Outcomes

One previous study found that throwing athletes with SLAP and concomitant rotator cuff tears had significantly poorer outcome scores and return to play compared with those with SLAP tears only. Posterior shoulder instability is also common in throwing athletes, however, no studies exist reporting outcomes of these patients with concomitant rotator cuff tears. We hypothesize that throwers treated with arthroscopic capsulolabral repair for posterior shoulder instability with coexistent rotator cuff pathology will have poorer outcome scores and return to play. Fifty-six male over-head throwing athletes with unidirectional posterior shoulder instability who were reviewed. Pre- and post-operative patient centered outcomes of pain, stability, function, ROM, strength, and ASES scores as well as return-to-play were evaluated. Patients with and without rotator cuff pathology were compared. All athletes with rotator cuff pathology were treated with arthroscopic debridement. Twenty-four throwers of 56 were found to have rotator cuff pathology in addition to posterior capsulolabral pathology at average 3-year follow-up. There were no differences between those with and without rotator cuff tears in regards to pre- and post-operative patient centered outcomes including pain, stability, function, ROM, strength, and ASES scores. Return to play rates were no different, and 92% with concomitant rotator cuff tears returned to sport while 67% returned to the same level. Unlike a previous study evaluating throwing athletes’ outcomes after a SLAP tear with rotator cuff tears, throwers with posterior shoulder instability and concomitant rotator cuff tears showed no difference with respect to patient-reported outcome measures or return to play. This suggests arthroscopic posterior capsulolabral repair with rotator cuff debridement is a successful technique to manage posterior shoulder instability with concomitant rotator cuff tears.

The effect of concomitant glenohumeral joint capsule release during rotator cuff repair—a comparative study

There is debate as to whether to operate or to defer surgery on patients with concomitant rotator cuff tear and shoulder stiffness. The purpose of this study was therefore to compare the outcomes in those patients who had both their rotator cuff tear and shoulder stiffness treated with the outcomes of patients who had a rotator cuff repair but no stiffness. Twenty-five patients formed the stiffness group (receiving a concomitant rotator cuff repair and manipulation under anesthesia ± arthroscopic capsular release for preoperative ipsilateral stiffness), and a chronologically matched group of 170 rotator cuff repair-only patients formed the nonstiffness group. Patients ranked their pain and function scores preoperatively and at 1 week, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 2 years postoperatively; examiners recorded range of motion, strength, and presence of impingement signs. Repair integrity was determined using ultrasound. Patients from both groups had significantly improved clinical outcomes at the 2-year follow-up compared with preoperative values. Range of motion was similar between groups at 2 years for forward flexion, abduction, and external rotation, whereas the nonstiffness group had a superior range of internal rotation (P = .014). Stiffness patients had 0 of 25 (0%) retears at 2 years compared with 34 of 170 (20%) in the nonstiffness group (P = .009). The good outcomes of rotator cuff repair with glenohumeral capsular release disproved our hypothesis and suggest that there is no advantage in delaying repair of a rotator cuff tear to allow stiffness to resolve and that stiffness confers an advantage in terms of repair integrity. Level III; Retrospective Cohort Design; Treatment Study.

The Effect Of Concomitant Glenohumeral Joint Capsule Release During Rotator Cuff Repair - A Comparative Study Of 195 Patients

Objectives:Background: There is debate as to whether to operate or defer surgery on patients with concomitant rotator cuff tear and shoulder stiffness. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to compare the outcomes in those patients who had both their rotator cuff tear and shoulder stiffness treated with patients who had a rotator cuff repair but no stiffness.Methods:Methods: 1232 primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs were performed during the study period, including 44 patients who received a concomitant glenohumeral joint capsule release for ipsilateral shoulder stiffness, forming the stiffness group. A chronologically matched group of four rotator cuff repair-only patients before and after each stiffness patient were chosen from the consecutive list of rotator cuff repairs. Twenty-five patients from the stiffness group and 170 patients from the non-stiffness group met the inclusion criteria, leaving a total cohort of 195 patients. Patients completed modified L’Insalata Questionnaires for patient-ranked pain and function scores pre-operatively, intra-operatively, and at one week, six weeks, 12 weeks, six months and two-years post-operatively, while examiners recorded range of motion, strength, and presence of impingement signs.Results:Results: Patients from both groups had significantly improved clinical outcomes at the two-year follow-up as compared to pre-operative values. Stiffness patients had 0/25 (0%) re-tears at two years, significantly less (p = 0.009) than the non-stiffness patients (34/170 [20%]). Range of motion was similar between groups at two-years for forward flexion, abduction and external rotation, while the non-stiffness group had a superior range of internal rotation (p < 0.02).Conclusion:Discussion: The good outcomes of rotator cuff repair with glenohumeral joint capsule release suggest that there is no advantage in delaying surgical repair of a rotator cuff tear to allow for stiffness to resolve. In contradistinction, the data presented in this paper suggests that shoulder stiffness with glenohumeral joint capsule release, confers an advantage in terms of repair integrity.

The effect of concomitant glenohumeral joint capsule release during rotator cuff repair – A comparative study of 195 patients

Background: There is debate as to whether to operate or defer surgery on patients with concomitant rotator cuff tear and shoulder stiffness. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to compare the outcomes in those patients who had both their rotator cuff tear and shoulder stiffness treated with patients who had a rotator cuff repair but no stiffness.

Prevalence of rotator cuff tears in operative proximal humerus fractures.

Proximal humerus fractures and rotator cuff tears have been shown to have increasing rates with advancing age, theoretically leading to significant overlap in the 2 pathologies. The goal of this study was to examine the prevalence, associated factors, and effect on treatment of rotator cuff tears in surgically treated proximal humerus fractures. A retrospective review was performed of all patients who had surgery for a proximal humerus fracture from January 2007 to June 2012 in the shoulder department of a large academic institution. Patient demographics, the presence and management of rotator cuff tears, and surgical factors were recorded. Regression analysis was performed to determine which factors were associated with rotator cuff tears. This study reviewed 349 fractures in 345 patients. Of these, 30 (8.6%) had concomitant rotator cuff tears. Those with a rotator cuff tear were older (average age, 68.7 vs 63.1 years), were more likely to have had a dislocation (40% vs 12.5%), and were more likely to have undergone subsequent arthroscopic repair or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty than those without a rotator cuff tear. Most (22 of 30) were treated with suture repair at the time of surgery, but 5 patients underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty based primarily on the intraoperative finding of a significant rotator cuff tear. A concomitant rotator cuff tear in association with a proximal humerus fracture is relatively common. Rotator cuff tears are associated with older patients and those with a fracture-dislocation. In rare cases, these cases may require the availability of a reverse shoulder prosthesis.

Prevalence of rotator cuff tears in adults with traumatic brachial plexus injuries.

Restoration of shoulder function is a primary goal when treating patients with traumatic brachial plexus injury. A concomitant rotator cuff tear may alter the treatment approach and prognosis for these individuals. The purpose of this study was to define the prevalence of rotator cuff tears in patients with traumatic brachial plexus injuries. This is a retrospective review of 280 adult patients with traumatic brachial plexus injury treated at a single institution over a twelve-year period. An upper-extremity magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan was acquired for all patients as part of the initial evaluation for posttraumatic brachial plexus injury. The radiographic and clinical data on these patients were reviewed to document partial or full-thickness rotator cuff tears, mechanism and location of the brachial plexus injury, and age. Twenty-three patients (8.2%) had a full-thickness rotator cuff tear: one patient had tears involving three tendons, eight patients had tears involving two tendons, twelve patients had a single-tendon tear, one patient had a single-tendon tear in each shoulder, and one patient had a single-tendon tear in one shoulder and a two-tendon tear in the other. Twenty-one tears involved the supraspinatus, eight involved the infraspinatus, and seven involved the subscapularis. Thirteen patients underwent surgical repair of the rotator cuff. The average age of the patients in this cohort was 33.4 years, and older age was associated with an increased risk of full-thickness rotator cuff tears (odds ratio [OR], 1.06 per year). Patients with infraclavicular brachial plexus injury had a significantly higher rate of full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Concomitant rotator cuff tears are present in approximately one in ten patients with traumatic brachial plexus injury. These injuries may contribute to shoulder dysfunction; therefore, evaluation of the rotator cuff with imaging studies is appropriate when formulating treatment strategies. Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Surgical Treatment of Symptomatic Superior Labrum Anterior-Posterior Tears in Patients Older Than 40 Years

Background: Successful arthroscopic repair of symptomatic superior labral tears in young athletes has been well documented. Superior labral repair in patients older than 40 years is controversial, with concerns for residual postoperative pain, stiffness, and higher rates of revision surgery. Purpose: To analyze the published data on the surgical treatment of superior labral injuries in patients aged ≥40 years, including those with concomitant injuries to the rotator cuff. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The MEDLINE database via PubMed and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched for articles related to superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) tears. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: the study contained at least 1 group of patients who had undergone arthroscopic repair of a type II or IV SLAP lesion with a minimum 2-year follow-up, objective and/or functional scoring systems were used to evaluate postoperative outcomes, and the mean patient age was ≥40 years for at least 1 treatment arm or subgroup analysis. Studies were excluded if the article was a review or if the article included data for SLAP type I, III, or V to X tears or Bankart lesions. Results: While several authors reported equivalent outcomes of SLAP repair in patients both older than 40 years and younger than 40 years, others demonstrated significantly higher failure rates in the older cohort. Decreased patient satisfaction and increasing complications, including postoperative stiffness and reoperations, occur at higher rates as the patient age increases. The literature demonstrates that biceps tenotomy and tenodesis are reliable alternatives to SLAP repair and that biceps tenotomy is a viable revision procedure for failed SLAP repair. With concomitant rotator cuff tears, the evidence favors debridement or biceps tenotomy over SLAP repair. Conclusion: While studies show that good outcomes can be obtained with SLAP repair in an older cohort of patients, age older than 40 years and workers’ compensation status are independent risk factors for increased surgical complications. The cumulative evidence supports labral debridement or biceps tenotomy over labral repair when an associated rotator cuff injury is present.

Outcome of distal clavicle resection in patients with acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis and full-thickness rotator cuff tear.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of distal clavicle resection (DCR) on subjective and objective outcome measures in patients with acromioclavicular (AC) joint osteoarthritis (OA) and rotator cuff tear. Prospectively collected data of consecutive patients with arthroscopic evidence of OA of the ACJ with complete data at 2 years were used for the data analysis. Patients with moderate-to-severe OA of the AC joint underwent a DCR in conjunction with rotator cuff repair, while patients with mild OA of the ACJ underwent surgery related to concomitant rotator cuff tear without a DCR. Data of 184 (72 females, 112 males, mean age: 62) patients with rotator cuff tear and varying degrees of OA of the AC joint were used for the analysis. Of 184 patients, 144 (78 %) had a resection of distal clavicle (resection group) and 40 (22 %) did not have a resection (no-resection group). Both groups showed a statistically significant (p < 0.0001) improvement in the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores, Constant Murley score, and strength. Multivariable analysis showed that lower pre-operative ASES scores (higher disability), having a larger tear, an active compensation claim, and not having a DCR, had a negative impact on post-operative ASES scores. When untreated surgically, even mild arthroscopic findings of AC joint OA may lead to a poorer outcome after rotator cuff repair. Further characterisation of patients in whom mild arthroscopic findings of OA of AC joint are clinically significant and warrant resection is needed. Retrospective outcome study, Level II.

Treatment for Failed Type II SLAP Repairs: A Prospective Outcome Analysis at Minimum Two-Year Follow-up

Treatment for Failed Type II SLAP Repairs: A Prospective Outcome Analysis at Minimum Two-Year Follow-up

The Efficacy of Biceps Tenodesis in the Treatment of Failed Superior Labral Anterior Posterior Repairs

Background: The incidence and arthroscopic treatment of superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) tears have increased over the past decade. Recent evidence has identified factors associated with poor outcomes, including age, overhead activity, and concomitant rotator cuff tears. Biceps tenodesis has also been suggested as an alternative treatment to repair. Moreover, there are no studies demonstrating effective treatment strategies for failed type II SLAP repairs. Purpose: To prospectively evaluate the surgical outcomes of biceps tenodesis for patients who undergo elected revision surgery after an arthroscopically repaired type II SLAP tear. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: After institutional review board approval, 46 patients who met failure criteria for an arthroscopically repaired type II SLAP tear elected to undergo open subpectoral tenodesis by 2 fellowship-trained surgeons from 2006 to 2010 at a tertiary care military treatment facility. Objective outcomes were preoperative and postoperative assessments with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) scores and an independent physical examination. Statistical analysis was performed via analysis of variance. Results: Of the 46 patients, 42 completed the study (91% follow-up rate). The mean age of the patients was 39.2 years, 85% were male, and the mean follow-up period was 3.5 years (range, 2.0-6.0 years). The rate of return to active duty and sports was 81%. There was a clinically and statistically significant improvement across all outcome assessments after revision surgery (preoperative mean scores: ASES = 68, SANE = 64, WOSI = 65; postoperative mean scores: ASES = 89, SANE = 84, WOSI = 81) (P < .0001) and shoulder range of motion (preoperative mean values: forward flexion = 135°, abduction = 125°; postoperative mean values: forward flexion = 155°, abduction = 155°) (P < .0001). There was 1 case of transient musculocutaneous nerve neurapraxia. Conclusion: Biceps tenodesis is a predictable, safe, and effective treatment for failed arthroscopic SLAP tears at a minimum 2-year follow-up. The majority of patients obtained good to excellent outcomes using validated measures with a significant improvement in range of motion.

Rotator Cuff Tear and Glenohumeral Instability

The rotator cuff plays a significant role in the static and dynamic stability of the glenohumeral joint. Rotator cuff tears may occur after shoulder dislocations, whether in younger athletes or older patients with age-related tendon degeneration. Untreated tears may cause persistent pain, dysfunction, instability, and degenerative changes. A thorough understanding of when to look for rotator cuff tears after shoulder dislocations and how best to manage them may decrease patients' pain and improve function. We systematically reviewed the available literature to better understand (1) when a rotator cuff tear should be suspected after a dislocation, (2) whether surgical or nonsurgical approaches result in better scores for pain and satisfaction in patients with rotator cuff tears resulting from shoulder dislocations, and (3) whether intraarticular lesions, rotator cuff tears, or both should be addressed when surgery is performed. We systematically searched MEDLINE(®), CINAHL, and EMBASE for studies published from 1950 to 2012. We included studies reporting outcomes after treatment in patients with rotator cuff tears and shoulder dislocations. We excluded case reports, studies without any treatment, and studies about patients treated with arthroplasty. Five Level III and six Level IV studies were ultimately selected for review. Patients with persistent pain or dysfunction after a shoulder dislocation often had a concomitant rotator cuff tear. Surgical repair resulted in improved pain relief and patient satisfaction compared to nonoperative management. Repair of the rotator cuff, along with concomitant capsulolabral lesions, helped restore shoulder stability. While these findings are based on Level III and IV evidence, better long-term studies with larger cohorts are needed to strengthen evidence-based recommendations. Persistent pain and dysfunction after a shoulder dislocation should prompt evaluation of the rotator cuff, especially in contact or overhead athletes, patients older than 40 years, or those with nerve injury. Surgery should be considered in the appropriately active patient with a rotator cuff tear after dislocation. While the current literature suggests improved stability and function after surgical repair of the rotator cuff, higher-quality prospective studies are necessary to make definitive conclusions.