Degenerative Rotator Cuff Tears Research Articles

Factors associated with choice for surgery in newly symptomatic degenerative rotator cuff tears: a prospective cohort evaluation

The patient-related factors for the perceived need for surgery for degenerative rotator cuff tears are not known. The purpose of this study is to examine patient- and tear-specific factors leading to surgery in newly painful degenerative rotator cuff tears. Asymptomatic, degenerative rotator cuff tears were followed prospectively to identify the onset of pain and tear enlargement. Newly painful tears were continually monitored with a focus on identifying patient-specific (age, occupation, activity level) and tear-specific (tear type and size, tear progression, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, muscle degeneration) factors that are associated with surgical intervention. Forty-eight of 169 newly painful shoulders were eventually managed surgically. Factors associated with surgical treatment included younger age (P = .0004), pain development earlier in surveillance (P = .0002), a greater increase in pain (P = .0001), a decline in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (P < .0001), and a history of contralateral shoulder surgery (P = .0006). Eighty-five of the 169 tears (50%) enlarged either before or within 2 years of pain development. Neither tear type (P = .13), tear enlargement (P = .67) nor tear size (P = .51) was associated with surgery. Neitherthe severity of muscle degeneration, occupational status, hand dominance, Shoulder Activity Score, nor changes in RAND-12 mental or physical scales differed between groups. For newly painful rotator cuff tears, patient-specific factors such as younger age and prior surgery on the contralateral shoulder are more predictive of future surgery than tear-specific factors or changes in tear size over time.

MicroRNA Profiling Reveals Distinct Signatures in Degenerative Rotator Cuff Pathologies.

ABSTRACTMicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators orchestrating a wide range of inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. However, the role of miRNAs in degenerative shoulder joint disorders is poorly understood. The aim of this explorative case‐control study was to identify pathology‐related, circulating miRNAs in patients with chronic rotator cuff tendinopathy and degenerative rotator cuff tears (RCT). In 2017, 15 patients were prospectively enrolled and assigned to three groups based on the diagnosed pathology: (i) no shoulder pathology, (ii) chronic rotator cuff tendinopathy, and (iii) degenerative RCTs. In total, 14 patients were included. Venous blood samples (“liquid biopsies”) were collected from each patient and serum levels of 187 miRNAs were determined. Subsequently, the change in expression of nine candidate miRNAs was verified in tendon biopsy samples, collected from patients who underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery between 2015 and 2018. Overall, we identified several miRNAs to be progressively deregulated in sera from patients with either chronic rotator cuff tendinopathy or degenerative RCTs. Importantly, for the several of these miRNAs candidates repression was also evident in tendon biopsies harvested from patients who were treated for a supraspinatus tendon tear. As similar expression profiles were determined for tendon samples, the newly identified systemic miRNA signature has potential as novel diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for degenerative rotator cuff pathologies. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research ® published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society. Inc. J Orthop Res 38:202–211, 2020

Association of Superoxide-Induced Oxidative Stress With Rotator Cuff Tears in Human Patients.

Rotator cuff degeneration is one of the factors contributing to rotator cuff tears. Oxidative stress is involved in tendon degeneration, and superoxide-induced oxidative stress plays a pathological role in regulating the balance between oxidation and reduction. The role of oxidative stress in rotator cuff tears, however, is unclear. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate the contribution of superoxide-induced oxidative stress to rotator cuff tears. Seventy patients were recruited and divided into two groups: patients with (Ruptured group) and those without (Unruptured group) a rotator cuff tear. Specimens from both groups were collected during surgery. Degeneration morphology was classified according to the degeneration score. Superoxide-induced oxidative stress was assessed according to dihydroethidium (DHE) relative fluorescence intensity, capacity for antioxidation according to superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and the balance between oxidation and reduction based on the redox ratio. Data were compared between groups. Correlations between the degeneration score and the oxidative stress factors were calculated. Degeneration score and DHE relative fluorescence intensity were significantly higher in the Ruptured than the Unruptured group. The SOD activity was not significantly different between groups. Degeneration score was positively correlated with both DHE relative fluorescence intensity and SOD activity. Thus, superoxide-induced oxidative stress and tendon degeneration were greater in rotator cuff tear tissues than in those with no tear, suggesting that oxidative imbalance may be involved in degenerative rotator cuff tears. Clinical Relevance: Understanding the mechanisms of superoxide-induced oxidative stress may lead to targeted tissue therapy for degenerative rotator cuff tears. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:212-218, 2020.

Degenerative rotator cuff tears are associated with a low Omega-3 Index

BackgroundThe etiology of degenerative rotator cuff tears is multifactorial but chronic inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis. Some polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) can modulate inflammation and marine n-3 (Omega-3) PUFA have anti-inflammatory effects. We hypothesized that the Omega-3 Index is lower in patients with degenerative rotator cuff tears when compared to controls without rotator cuff tendinopathy. MethodsFrom 684 consecutive patients with full thickness rotator cuff tears 655 were excluded because of possible bias. In the remaining 29 patients (22 m, 7 f; 53,9 y) with degenerative full thickness rotator-cuff tears, erythrocyte fatty acids were analyzed using the HS-Omega-3 Index® methodology. 15 healthy volunteers (10 m, 5 f; 52.5y) served as a control. ResultsThe Omega-3 Index (% EPA + DHA) was 5.01% (95% CI: 3.81–4.66) in patients and 6.01% (95% CI: 4.48–5.72) in controls (p = 0.028) ConclusionsPatients with full thickness degenerative rotator cuff tears had a significantly lower Omega-3 Index than controls without rotator cuff tendinopathy. Whether a lower Omega-3 Index represents an independent risk factor for degenerative rotator cuff tears should be further investigated, e.g. in a longitudinal study.

Unsupported in a changing landscape: Learning Technologies in Complementary Medicine Education Provision: Results of an International Survey of Faculty

Rotator cuff tears are among the most common disorders of the shoulder girdle requiring surgical intervention, and it is no surprise that orthopaedic surgeons have searched far and wide for means to improve on rotator cuff repair outcomes. Radiological parameters such as the critical shoulder angle have recently emerged and have been associated with the presence of degenerative rotator cuff tears. However, their true impact on postoperative outcomes are still unclear. Although radiological parameters, because of their objectivity, will always remain a critical part of a surgeon's preoperative assessment, we must remember that ultimately we are treating patients and not radiographs.

No healing improvement after rotator cuff reconstruction augmented with an autologous periosteal flap.

To show descriptive clinical and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging results after an additional periosteal flap augmentation in mini-open rotator cuff reconstruction and to evaluate potential healing improvement at long-term follow-up. Twenty-three patients with degenerative rotator cuff tears were followed after receiving a mini-open single-row repair with a subtendinous periosteal flap augmentation. Data were collected preoperatively, after 12months and after 11years. Clinical examination, simple shoulder test (SST), Constant-Murley Score (CS), ultrasonography examination and 3T MR imaging were performed. Out of 23 patients, 20 were available for short-term and 19 for final follow-up at a median of 11.5years (range 10.4-13.0). Questions answered with "yes" in SST improved from baseline 5.0 (range 1.0-8.0) to short 10.5 (range 8.0-12.0) and final follow-up 12.0 (range 7.0-12.0). CS improved from 53.5 (range 25.0-66.0) to 80.8 (range 75.9-89.3) and finally to 79.8 points (range 42.3-95.4). Improvement was highly significant (p < 0.05). Severe retears were found in 9/19 patients. Ossifications along the refixed tendon were noticed in 8/19 cases. Ossifications did not correlate with clinical outcome. At final follow-up, patients with retears seemed likely to have lower strength values in CS (mean ± SD) than patients without retears (7.3 ± 4.1 vs. 12.8 ± 5.3; p < 0.05). No positive effect on improving healing response in rotator cuff refixation with a periosteal flap augmentation could be found. Retear rate is comparable to that of conventional rotator cuff refixation in the published literature. Ossifications along the tendon, without negatively affecting the clinical outcome, were seen. This invasive technique cannot be advised and should not be used anymore. IV.

Degenerative Rotator Cuff Tears: Refining Surgical Indications Based on Natural History Data.

Degenerative rotator cuff tears are the most common cause of shoulder pain and have a strong association with advanced aging. Considerable variation exists in surgeons' perceptions on the recommended treatment of patients with painful rotator cuff tears. Natural history studies have better outlined the risks of tear enlargement, progression of muscle degeneration, and decline in the function over time. This information combined with the known factors potentially influencing the rate of successful tendon healing such as age, tear size, and severity of muscle degenerative changes can be used to better refine appropriate surgical indications. Although conservative treatment can be successful in the management of many of these tears, risks to nonsurgical treatment also exist. The application of natural history data can stratify atraumatic degenerative tears according to the risk of nonsurgical treatment and better identify tears where early surgical intervention should be considered.

Differential mRNA Expression of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;COX&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;-2 and Proinflammatory Mediators in Patients with Rotator Cuff Tears and Osteoarthritis of the Hip

Purpose: Bursal inflammation is thought to be a major cause of pain in degenerative rotator cuff tears (RCTs). While the expression of proinflammatory mediators, such as COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, is crucial for the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis (OA), their role in degenerative RCTs remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of COX-2 and proinflammatory mediators in the development of RCT-induced pain by comparing their levels in patients with hip OA or RCTs. Methods: We included samples obtained from 31 shoulders of 31 patients with RCTs and samples from 30 hips of 27 patients with hip OA. The mRNA levels of COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were determined using RT-PCR, and were compared between the subacromial bursa and hip joints. We also analyzed IL-1β-induced COX-2 expression in the subacromial bursa and synovial blast of the hip. Results: COX-2, IL-1β, and IL-6 expression levels were significantly lower in the subacromial bursa of RCTs than in hip OA samples, while no significant difference was observed for TNF-α. No significant difference in the fold increase was observed between subacromial bursa and hip OA samples, even though IL-1β-induced COX-2 expression increased in both samples. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the main mechanism underlying pain development differs between patients with RCTs and those with hip OA.

Acromion morphology and prevalence of rotator cuff tear: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The causes of degenerative rotator cuff (RTC) tears are unclear but certain acromion morphology may contribute. This study's objective was to determine using a systematic review and meta-analysis the association of acromion type and acromial index with the prevalence of RTC tears. Six databases were searched electronically. Seventeen relevant studies between 1993 and 2017 were included in the meta-analyses determining the association of RTC tears with acromion type (n = 11) or acromial index (n = 10). Effect sizes were calculated as an odds ratio (OR) for the studies reporting acromion type and as raw mean difference (RMD) for the studies reporting acromial index. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. There was a significant small-to-medium effect found in the meta-analysis for acromion type (overall OR = 2.82, P = 0.000003), indicating an almost three times greater odds for a RTC tear in individuals with a type-III acromion as compared with those with a type-I or -II. A significant effect was also found for acromial index (RMD = 0.071, P < 0.0000001), indicating that a larger acromial index is associated with a greater likelihood of a RTC tear. Because of substantial heterogeneity in RMD for acromial index (Q-df = 92, P < 0.00001; I2 = 89%), subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were performed. Interestingly, the continent where the study was conducted (i.e., Europe vs. Asia) was the only moderator variable that could explain some of the acromial index heterogeneity. Overall, the findings from our analyses indicate that individuals with either a type-III acromion and/or a larger acromial index have a greater likelihood for non-traumatic RTC tears. Clin. Anat. 32:122-130, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The risk of developing post-arthroscopic shoulder stiffness is increased by the presence of gastroesophageal disorders

Aim The aim of this study was to document the incidence of post-arthroscopic shoulder stiffness (SS) and evaluate the role of certain or supposed risk factors in the development of this pathology. Background Postoperative SS is a complication of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, which incidence has been reported variably in literature. Numerous risk factors have been described but gastroesophageal diseases have not yet been mentioned among them. Methods Two hundred and fourteen consecutive patients aged between 18 and 75 years with symptomatic degenerative posterosuperior rotator cuff tears that had failed conservative therapy and underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were included. The incidence of post-operative SS and the presence of potential risk factors were documented prospectively. The presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease was specifically investigated with the GERDq questionnaire. Results The incidence of post-arthroscopic SS in the included patients was 7.9%. All but two patients were women, and sex was significantly associated to the development of the pathology (P = 0.0007). Both the presence of a subjective digestive discomfort (P = 0.0042) and the diagnosis gastroesophageal reflux disease (P = 0.0004) were found to be significantly associated with the development of post-arthroscopic SS. A present or past smoking habit were significantly associated with the absence of post-arthroscopic SS (P = 0.0443). Conclusions A significant association between the occurrence of post-arthroscopic SS and the presence of gastroesophageal diseases was identified. This finding deserves investigations with further studies. The incidence of post-arthroscopic SS encountered in this study falls among previously reported ranges, with females being significantly more affected than men.

Acromial roof in patients with concentric osteoarthritis and massive rotator cuff tears: multiplanar analysis of 115 computed tomography scans

There is evidence for differences of scapular shape between shoulders with rotator cuff tears (RCT) and osteoarthritic shoulders (OA). This study analyzed orientation and shape of the acromion in patients with massive RCT and concentric OA (COA) in a multiplanar computed tomography (CT) analysis. CT scans of 70 shoulders with degenerative RCT and 45 shoulders with COA undergoing primary shoulder arthroplasty were analyzed. The 2 groups were compared in relation of (1) shape of the acromion, (2) its orientation in space, and (3) the anteroposterior glenoid coverage in relation to the scapular plane. Lateral acromial roof extension was an average of 4.6 mm wider and the acromial area was an average of 156 mm2 larger in RCT than in COA (P < .001). Significant differences of the lateral extension of the acromion margin were limited to the anterior two-thirds. Acromial roof orientation in RCT was average of 10.8° more "externally rotated" (axial plane: P < .001) and an average of 7.8° more tilted downward (coronal plane: P < .001) than in COA. The glenoid in RCT was an average of 5.5° (P < .001) more covered posteriorly compared with COA. A more externally rotated (axial plane), more downward tilted (coronal plane), and wider posterior covering acromion was more frequent in patients with massive RCT than COA.

The greater tuberosity angle: a new predictor for rotator cuff tear

The implication of scapular morphology in rotator cuff tears has been extensively studied. However, the role of the greater tuberosity (GT) should be of equal importance. The aim of this study was to propose a new radiographic marker, the GT angle (GTA), which measures the position of the GT in relation to the center of rotation of the humeral head. The hypothesis was that a higher angle value would be associated with a higher likelihood in detecting a rotator cuff tear. During 1 year, patients were prospectively recruited from a single institution specialized shoulder clinic in 2 different groups. The patient group consisted of individuals with a degenerative rotator cuff tear involving at least the supraspinatus. The control group consisted of individuals with no rotator cuff pathology. Individuals in both groups with congenital, post-traumatic, or degenerative alterations of the proximal humerus were excluded. The GTA was measured on an anteroposterior shoulder x-ray image with the arm in neutral rotation by 3 observers at 2 different times. The study recruited 71 patients (33 patients, 38 controls). Mean GTA value was 72.5° (range, 67.6°-79.2°) in patients and 65.2° (range, 55.8°-70.5°) for controls (P <.001). A value above 70° resulted in 93-fold higher odds of detecting a rotator cuff tear (P <.001). Interobserver and intraobserver reliability were high. GT morphology is implicated in rotator cuff tears. The GTA is a reliable radiographic marker, with more than 70° being highly predictive in detecting such lesions.

Assessment of functional outcome of mini-open rotator cuff repair: a hospital based prospective study

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; The mini-open repair is considered to be the gold standard for rotator cuff repair. This study was aimed to assess functional outcome of mini-open rotator cuff repair of shoulder joint in adult patients&lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; This was a one year hospital based prospective study conducted from January 2016 to December 2016. A total of 20 patients diagnosed to have rotator cuff tear of shoulder joint undergoing rotator cuff repair in the department of Orthopaedics, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, and KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Charitable Hospital, Belagavi were studied.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Majority of the patients (85%) of the patients was male and male to female ratio was 5.6:1. Most of the patients were aged between 31 to 40 years (30%). The mean age was 41.90±13.98 years. Most of patients had degenerative rotator cuff tear (45%) and (70%) presented with features of swelling. At enrollment all the patients (100%) had poor constant score (&amp;gt;30) and fair/poor UCLA score (&amp;lt;27) suggestive of severe pain functional restriction. There were gradual but steady increase in scores from enrollment to each follow up till six month follow up with respect to mean flexion (6.25±5.35 to 163.50±7.63),abduction (5.50±5.10 to 112.0±5.94),external rotation (3.00±4.7 to 82.50±2.56 ),internal rotation (2.50±4.44 to 67.25±3.43 ) and UCLA score (5.35±1.63 to 29.60±0.82 ) (p&amp;lt;0.001) also there was gradual but steady decrease in mean VAS score from enrolment (7.70±0.47 ) to six months follow up (0.00±0.00) and constant score ( from 85.70±1.98 to 7.85±1.46 respectively) (p&amp;lt;0.001). The constant score and UCLA score at six month follow up revealed excellent functional outcome&lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; The mini-open rotator cuff repair of shoulder joint results in excellent functional outcome among adult patients with rotator cuff tear of shoulder joint especially after six month with no complications and complete pain relief&lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Évolution naturelle des ruptures de coiffe

In patients over 50 years old, the clinical expression of a degenerative rotator cuff tear has lot of variability from no symptoms to heavy pain associated with disability. For most patients, the evolution on the short term is good under medical treatment but this has to be balanced with the potential risk of lesions enlargement with time. Therefore, therapeutic management of rotator cuff tear in these circumstances is not well determined as its evolution remains uncertain. Several parameters could influence the latter including size of tear, fatty muscular degeneration and muscular atrophy. They are predictive factors of poor outcome after surgery as well. Because of the remaining difficulties to predict structural progression of rotator cuff tears as well as their clinical expression over time, there is still a strong need for further studies to improve our knowledge of these events with the aim of better identifying a potential window of opportunity for surgical treatment.

Natural History of Degenerative Rotator Cuff Tears.

In the past several years, there have been significant advances in our understanding of the natural history of rotator cuff disease. Studies have continued to provide valuable insight into the clinical, radiographic, and anatomic features of these atraumatic tears. Our purpose is to summarize the findings and contributions from these recent high-quality studies. Current research has continued to describe and provide understanding into the natural history of atraumatic rotator cuff disease, including symptom progression, tear enlargement, and the development of arthritis. This knowledge has allowed identification of tears with higher risk of disease progression. Additionally, studies have investigated, with long-term healing data, whether the natural history of degenerative rotator cuff tears can be altered with surgical intervention. Recent studies have shown encouraging mid to long-term healing data and clinical outcome scores for smaller tears in younger patients with minimal fatty infiltration. Future research should focus on obtaining long-term healing data, functional outcome data, and refining surgical indications for rotator cuff repair. Identifying patients with specific tear characteristics amendable to healing will allow us to provide a long-term, durable repair, thus interrupting the natural history of degenerative rotator cuff disease.

Location of Rotator Cuff Tear Initiation: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of 191 Shoulders

Background: Degenerative rotator cuff tears (RCTs) are generally thought to originate at the anterior margin of the supraspinatus tendon. However, a recent ultrasonography study suggested that they might originate more posteriorly than originally thought, perhaps even from the isolated infraspinatus (ISP) tendon, and propagate toward the anterior supraspinatus. Hypothesis/Purpose: It was hypothesized that this finding could be reproduced with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose was to determine the most common location of degenerative RCTs by using 3-dimensional multiplanar MRI reconstruction. It was assumed that the location of the partial-thickness tears would identify the area of the initiation of full-thickness tears. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted including 245 patients who had RCTs (nearly full- or partial-thickness tears) at the outpatient department between January 2011 and December 2013. RCTs were measured on 3-dimensional multiplanar reconstruction MRI with OsiriX software. The width and distance from the biceps tendon to the anterior margin of the tear were measured on T2-weighted sagittal images. In a spreadsheet, columns of consecutive numbers represented the size of each tear (anteroposterior width) and their locations with respect to the biceps brachii tendon. Data were pooled to graphically represent the width and location of all tears. Frequency histograms of the columns were made to visualize the distribution of tears. The tears were divided into 2 groups based on width (group A, <10 mm; group B, <20 and ≥10 mm) and analyzed for any differences in location related to size. Results: The mean width of all RCTs was 11.9 ± 4.1 mm, and the mean length was 11.1 ± 5.0 mm. Histograms showed the most common location of origin to be 9 to 10 mm posterior to the biceps tendon. The histograms of groups A and B showed similar tear location distributions, indicating that the region approximately 10 mm posterior to the biceps tendon is the most common site of tear initiation. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that degenerative RCTs most commonly originate from approximately 9 to 10 mm posterior to the biceps tendon.

The accuracy of plain radiographs in diagnosing degenerate rotator cuff disease.

A number of radiographic signs have been previously demonstrated to be associated with degenerative rotator cuff tears. An ability to predict the presence of a tear by radiography would permit the early commencement of appropriate treatment and the avoidance of unnecessary invasive investigations. The aim of the present study was to determine the accuracy of using radiographic signs to predict the presence of a cuff tear on arthroscopy. Fifty consecutive patients who had undergone shoulder arthroscopy and had pre-operative plain radiographs were included. Pre-operative radiographs were reviewed by a consultant shoulder surgeon, a consultant radiologist and a senior clinical fellow for the following signs: acromial spur; subjective reduction of subacromial space; sourcil sign; acromial acetabularization; os acromiale; greater tuberosity cortical irregularity; greater tuberosity sclerosis; humeral head rounding; cyst; and reduction in acromiohumeral head distance. The presence of tuberosity sclerosis (p < 0.0001), tuberosity irregularities (p < 0.0001), tuberosity cyst (p = 0.004) and sourcil sign (p = 0.019) was associated with the presence of a rotator cuff tear. The combined sensitivity of prediction of tear by the observers following radiographic review was 91.7%, with a combined negative predictive value of 80%. The assessment of radiographs by senior clinicians is a useful tool for confirming the absence of a rotator cuff tear.

Individual Shoulder Anatomy and Degenerative Rotator Cuff Tear (Rct): Comparison of Radiographic Parameters of 800 Patients with Rct and 800 Non-Affected

Statistically significant higher Acromion Index and higher Critical Shoulder Angle were found in patients affected by degenerative rotator cuff tears undergoing arthroscopic repair, compared to controls. Other parameters were not strongly related to rotator cuff disease, with no statistically significant difference between mean values measured in affected patients and healthy subjects. Specific anatomic variants of the glenoid were associated with degenerative rotator cuff tears (RCTs). In particular, an increased rate of RCTs was found in relation to a decreased lateral acromion angle and a flatter acromial slope. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the predictive power of commonly used radiologic parameters of glenoid morphology to discriminate between patients with intact rotator cuff tendons and those with torn rotator cuff tendons. One thousand six hundred patients extrapolated from a single surgeon’s database were included in the study: 800 consecutive patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for degenerative RCT were compared with 800 non-affected subjects with healthy rotator cuff undergoing shoulder arthroscopy for other pathologies. Acromion Index (AI = glenoid–acromion distance/gleno–humeral distance, GA/GH), Lateral Acromion Angle (LAA), Critical Shoulder Angle (CSA), Humeral-Acromion Index (HAI), Acromial slope (AS) and Cervico-Diaphyseal angle (CDA) were assessed on standard antero-posterior radiographs of all patients. Moreover, the acromial type, based on Bigliani classification, was determined on true outlet views. Three independent examiners performed all measurements and intra-observer and inter-observer reliability was calculated with intraclass correlation coefficients. Student’s t-test was used to compare all these parameters and mean age of both groups. Intra-observer and inter-observer intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ranged between 0.74 and 0.87 for all assessed parameters. Patients affected by RCTs were statistically significant older than patients without tears (65 versus 59, p = 0.009). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in mean value of Acromion Index 0.83±0.15 vs. 0.76±0.10 (p < 0.001) and Critical Shoulder Angle 39.64°±7.41° vs. 36.34°±9.27° (p = 0.002). No significant difference were found as regards Lateral Acromion Angle 72.03°±9.80° vs. 72.58°±9.86° (p = 0.379), Humeral-Acromion Interval 10.61mm±2.68mm vs. 10.52mm±2.14mm (p = 0.421) and Cervico-Diaphyseal angle 91.35°±6.21° vs. 90.83°±7.64° (p = 0.214). Statistically significant higher Acromion Index and higher Critical Shoulder Angle were found in patients affected by degenerative rotator cuff tears undergoing arthroscopic repair, compared to controls. Other parameters were not strongly related to rotator cuff disease, with no statistically significant difference between mean values measured in affected patients and healthy subject. All parameters measured obtained an excellent reliability.

Involvement of synovial matrix degradation and angiogenesis in oxidative stress–exposed degenerative rotator cuff tears with osteoarthritis

Shoulder osteoarthritis is a gradual wearing of the articular cartilage concomitant with degenerative rotator cuff tears (RCTs). This pathologic disorder is related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis. Degenerative alterations may prompt production of cytokines and angiogenesis-related proteins, evoking rotator cuff diseases. This study tested the hypothesis that oxidative stress-responsive mediators can influence joint inflammation of patients with RCT. Twelve healthy RCT patients not suffering shoulder osteoarthritis were categorized as the control group, and 24 patients were allocated to 2 RCT groups (RCTP1 and RCTP2), according to severity of RCT and glenohumeral arthritis. Cytokines, growth factors, and angiogenic biomarkers in synovial fluids, blood, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and tendon tissues were analyzed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunoblotting, and collagen zymography. Induction of interleukin 8, tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin 1β was considerably elevated in synovial fluids of RCTP groups (P = .0398, P = .0428, P = .0828, respectively). The joint inflammation highly enhanced insulin-like growth factor 1 and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in the synovial fluids and serum. Angiogenesis-related angiopoietin (Ang) 1 and 2, Tie-2, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α were upregulated in reactive oxygen species-exposed RCTP synovium (P < .05). The production of matrix metalloproteinase 1 markedly increased in synovial fluids of the RCTP group (P = .043), whereas tissue collagen type I expression diminished with reduction of connective tissue growth factor expression (P = .032). Although the secretion of platelet-derived growth factor AB and vascular endothelial growth factor was marginal in the circulation (P = .714, P = .335), platelet-derived growth factor AB, TGF-β1, Ang-1, and matrix metalloproteinase 1 were enriched in PRP of the RCTP group (P < .001, P = .002, P = .0389, respectively). Synovial matrix degradation and oxidative stress-triggered angiogenesis may be involved in inducing RCT with joint inflammation. TGF-β1, Ang-1, and Ang-2 are the major components to repair RCT and to alleviate joint inflammation in PRP therapy.

Novel Tenascin-C Haplotype Modifies the Risk for a Failure to Heal After Rotator Cuff Repair

Background: Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TNC gene have recently been found to be associated with degenerative rotator cuff tears. Hypothesis: Exonic SNPs in the TNC gene are related to the risk for a failure to heal after rotator cuff repair. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 302 patients from the Vienna area and European Caucasian ancestry underwent mini-open rotator cuff repair for a full-thickness superior or posterosuperior tear and were assessed for the integrity of the repair 1 year postoperatively with a real-time 7.5- to 10-MHz ultrasound linear array transducer. Outcomes were classified as intact (complete footprint coverage), small (<200 mm2), or large (≥200 mm2) recurrent defect. Patients were genotyped for 15 previously identified risk SNPs within a 49-kbp segment of the TNC gene with the KASP genotyping technology or the Ion-Torrent Personal Genome Machine System. Results: All recurrent defects were atraumatic failures, and the overall failure rate was 39.7%. Of the traditional risk factors, only the initial tear size was significantly associated with a failure to heal. In a multinomial logistic regression model, the T allele at rs1138545 [C>T] was protective for a large recurrent defect (odds ratio = 0.16; 95% CI, 0.09-0.31). The role of rs1138545 was further backed by haplotype analysis, which showed that the combination of the C allele at rs1138545 [C>T], the A allele at rs2104772 [A>T], and the G allele at rs10759752 [A>G] formed the risk-related haplotype [CAG]. The CAG haplotype was associated with large recurrent defects (P < .0001; haplotype frequency, 0.394; haplotype score, 4.518). Exonic marker rs1138545 transcribed into all isoforms of the TNC protein, whereas exonic marker rs2104772, which has been associated with Achilles tendinopathy before, transcribed only into large isoforms of the TNC protein. Conclusion: Recurrent defects after rotator cuff repairs are clinically relevant, and a heritable component of the disorder is plausible on the basis of a genetic association with 8 TNC variants. Characterization of TNC sequences that favor tendon healing will help engineer new products in regenerative medicine.