Elbow Surgeons Research Articles

Outcome of mini open anterolateral rotator cuff repair by suture anchor

Background: Rotator cuff tears are a prevalent cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction, necessitating effective surgical interventions to restore function and alleviate symptoms. The mini open anterolateral rotator cuff repair technique using suture anchors has emerged as a promising approach, combining the advantages of arthroscopic and open surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of mini open anterolateral rotator cuff repair with suture anchors, focusing on pain relief, range of motion, functional outcomes, complications, and radiographic assessments. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 30 patients who underwent mini open anterolateral rotator cuff repair. Patient demographics, surgical details, postoperative outcomes, complications, and radiographic findings were evaluated. Results: The average pain score significantly decreased from 7.8 (SD=1.2) preoperatively to 2.3 (SD=0.8) postoperatively (p<0.001). Range of motion improved with an average increase from 60 to 150 degrees of abduction and from 50 to 140 degrees of flexion (p<0.001). Functional outcomes, assessed by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, increased from 45 to 85 points (p<0.001). Complications, including joint stiffness, pain, and re-tears, were effectively managed. Radiographic assessments demonstrated satisfactory healing and alignment in the majority of patients. Conclusions: Mini open anterolateral rotator cuff repair with suture anchors is an effective and safe surgical approach for managing rotator cuff injuries, leading to improved clinical outcomes and favorable radiographic findings. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and optimize treatment strategies.

Combination of different local anesthetic adjunct for supraclavicular brachial plexus block after arthroscopic shoulder surgery: a prospective randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAcute pain is a major concern after arthroscopic shoulder surgery, supraclavicular brachial plexus blockade has shown favorable postoperative analgesic effects. However, its duration of analgesia does not meet clinical needs. We aimed to explore whether the combination of different local anesthetic adjunct can prolong the analgesic duration of supraclavicular brachial plexus block for arthroscopic shoulder surgery.MethodsIn this prospective randomized controlled trial, we allocated 80 patients into four groups: Group DMD (dexamethasone 10 mg + ropivacaine 100 mg + dexmedetomidine 50 µg + magnesium sulfate 250 mg), Group DM (ropivacaine 100 mg + dexmedetomidine 50 µg + magnesium sulfate 250 mg), Group M (ropivacaine 100 mg + magnesium sulfate 250 mg) and Group D (ropivacaine 100 mg + dexmedetomidine 50 µg). The primary outcome was the time to first request for analgesia. Secondary outcome measures included cumulative opioid consumption at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 48 h postoperatively, VAS scores at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 48 h postoperatively and so on.ResultsThe time to first request for analgesia in Group DMD was significantly longer than Group DM (P = 0.011) and Group M (P = 0.003). The cumulative opioid consumption at 18 h postoperatively in Group DMD was significantly lower than in Group DM (P = 0.002) and Group M (P = 0.007). The cumulative opioid consumption at 24 h postoperatively in Group DMD was significantly lower than in Group DM (P = 0.016). The VAS score at 6 h postoperatively in Group DMD was significantly lower than in Group DM and Group M. The VAS score at 12 h postoperatively in Group DMD was significantly lower than in Group M. For American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score, Group DMD had a better score than Group DM and Group D.ConclusionsThe analgesic efficacy of supraclavicular brachial plexus blockade combined with dexamethasone, magnesium sulfate, and dexmedetomidine is significantly superior to the combination of magnesium sulfate and dexmedetomidine, and significantly superior to the use of magnesium sulfate alone.Trial registrationThis trial was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. (ChiCTR2200061181, Date of registration: June 15, 2022, http://www.chictr.org.cn)

Platelet-Rich Plasma for Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A 3-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial.

Although there has been some amount of research into the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, most studies have not fully demonstrated its benefits. In addition, PRP formulations containing different concentrations of leukocytes have not been directly compared for rotator cuff repair. The purpose of this article was to determine whether arthroscopic rotator cuff repair combined with PRP injection, either leukocyte-rich PRP (LR-PRP) or leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP), is superior to the control. The null hypothesis was that the addition of any PRP formulation would not result in outcomes superior to the control group. Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears who underwent arthroscopic repair were assessed for eligibility. The included patients were randomized to 3 treatment groups: the LR-PRP, LP-PRP, and standard-care control groups. After the rotator cuff suture was fixed firmly, different groups of liquid PRP preparations prepared by centrifugation were injected into the tendon-to-bone interface. The functional outcomes were assessed using the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score, the Constant score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the visual analog scale for pain during sleep and activity, and active range of motion at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. In addition, the visual analog scale score was obtained at weeks 2 and 6. Postoperative structural integrity was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging at 12 months using the Sugaya classification. Type III was considered partial retear, and types IV and V were considered complete retears. The safety of surgery was compared by the incidence of complications. The main analyses were performed in accordance with the intention-to-treat principle. Of 150 patients initially randomized, the functional outcomes in 142 (46 LR-PRP, 47 LP-PRP, 49 control) and the structural integrity in 133 (40 LR-PRP, 46 LP-PRP, 47 control) were analyzed. There was no significant difference in the primary outcome of the UCLA score among the 3 groups (P = .169). The trends in functional outcomes and range of motion were similar for the 3 groups, with no significant differences among the groups at 12 months. However, within 6 months after surgery, the ASES score was better in the LR-PRP group than in the control group (3 months: 85.8 ± 4.1 vs 81.6 ± 8.7; P = .011; 6 months: 90.0 ± 5.4 vs 86.2 ± 6.8; P = .003). At 12 months after surgery, the overall retear rate, including partial and complete retears, was 8%. There were no significant differences in the rates of overall retear (P = .755) or complete retear (P = .633) among the 3 groups. The only surgical complication was postoperative stiffness, which occurred in 3% of patients, and the incidence did not significantly differ among the groups (P = .790). The study did not reveal that shoulders treated with the LR-PRP or LP-PRP formulations had any superior functional or structural outcomes at 12 months compared with those of the control group. However, LR-PRP may offer better ASES scores than the control group up to 6 months after surgery, and its clinical benefit remains to be proven. ChiCTR2100045039 (Chinese Clinical Trial Register).

The radiographic and clinical outcomes of stemless reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a minimum 2-year follow-up study.

The purpose of this study was to examine the radiographic and clinical outcomes of stemless reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) after a minimum 2-year follow-up. Between July 2018 and March 2023, 50 patients underwent 50 stemless RTSA with the Lima component. Twenty-eight patients with a follow-up of more than 2 years were reviewed. The average age was 71.9 years (range, 61-85 years), and the average follow-up period was 2.2 years (range, 2.0-5.1). Bone marrow density of the proximal humerus was measured before RTSA. We evaluated preoperative and postoperative range of motion, clinical score, radiographic change, and postoperative complications. Significant increases were observed postoperatively in forward flexion (112.0º-162.5º, P<0.01) and internal rotation (from L3 to T12 level; P<0.05). No changes were observed in external rotation (from 43.0º to 45.2º; P=0.762). The clinical scores improved for Korean Shoulder Scoring system (from 64 to 93, P<0.01) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (from 17.5 to 27.3, P<0.01). Although radiolucent lines of less than 2 mm were observed in all cases, no osteolysis and loosening of the stemless humeral component was found. In one case, the stemless humeral component pulled out at the 1-week follow-up, and a revision was implemented to replace it with a stemmed humeral component. Scapular notching was observed in 18 cases. Stemless RTSA showed good radiographic and clinical results after a minimum 2-year follow-up. Level of evidence: IV.

Comparison of clinical efficacy between reconstruction of the superior acromioclavicular ligament with acellular dermal allografts and clavicular hook plate in acromioclavicular dislocations

Purposes: We aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of superior acromioclavicular ligament reconstruction (SALR) using acellular dermal allograft with that of clavicular hook plate fixation (HP) in patients with acromioclavicular (AC) dislocations. We hypothesized that the SALR could provide more stability than hook plate. Methods: Twenty-two cases of acute AC joint dislocation between November 2021 to December 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were divided into 2 groups based on the treatment with SALR (12 cases) or HP (10 cases). Patients were evaluated radiologically and clinically using coracoclavicular distance and ratio, pain visual analogue scale (PVAS), Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) at postoperative 3 months and 1 year. We evaluated whether patient achieve MCID of PVAS at the last visit, based on the minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) of PVAS. Results: The SALR group showed a lower rate of reduction loss (8.3 % vs. 40.0 %) and similar clinical outcomes compared to the hook plate group. Initial SANE score was statistically significantly lower in SALR group (SANE: SALR, 45.8 ± 20.7; HP, 68.0 ± 15.5, p = 0.009), but there were no significant differences in final clinical outcomes, including PVAS, ASES, and SANE scores. Conclusion: SALR with acellular dermal allograft demonstrates comparable clinical outcomes to hook plate fixation and may offer a viable alternative, especially in complicated cases. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Is the clavicla pro humero a reliable reconstruction for paediatric proximal humerus sarcomas?

The proximal humeral reconstruction is challenging. This study aims to investigate the survival, function and complications of clavicla pro humero (CPH) for pediatric proximal humeral reconstruction. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on eight patients (4 males, and 4 females) who underwent clavicla pro humero reconstruction between January 2009 and December 2020 in our institution. The average age was 10.4 ± 2.7 years (range, 6 to 14 years). The functional outcomes were assessed by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS-93), the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and the range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder. The complications and overall survivorship of clavicla pro humero were recorded in the follow-up. The mean follow-up of all patients was 54.6 ± 23.9 months (range, 24 to 84 months) and 73.3 ± 8.5 months (range, 72 to 84 months) in all survivors. All patients had a bone union at an average of 3.8 months after the initial procedure. Only one patient had no complications in the follow-up. The most common complications were clavicle fracture (87.5%, 7/8), followed by pseudarthrosis (62.5%, 5/8), proximal clavicle osteolysis (37.5%, 3/8) and skin flap necrosis (12.5%, 1/8). The average MSTS-93 score was 79% (range, 73-86%), the average TESS was 82% (range, 76-86%) and the average ASES was 70% (68-73%), respectively. The clavicla pro humero procedure provides rapid bone union but has a high complication rate. Therefore, we do not recommend this technique as a routine surgical procedure for paediatric proximal humeral reconstruction when other methods are available. level IV therapeutic study.

Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer versus open complete repair for symptomatic massive rotator cuff tear

BackgroundSymptomatic massive rotator cuff tear (MRCT) treatment is challenging, and there is no clear treatment strategy. In our study, we aimed to compare latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT) and open complete repair (OCR) surgical techniques for the treatment of MRCT. MethodsCases of symptomatic MRCT treated surgically with LDTT and OCR techniques between 2014 and 2021 were included in the study. The study was conducted in two centers: 1) one surgeon performed LDTT in first center and 2) the other surgeon performed OCR in second center. This study included 18 cases of LDTT and 15 cases of OCR. The patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively in terms of demographic, radiological and functional scores. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant-Murley (CM) score, and visual analog scale (VAS) were used for functional evaluation. Symptom duration was defined as less than 6 months after onset, longer than 6 months and less than one year (<1Y)after onset, and longer than one year (>1Y) after onset. ResultsThe functional scores and range of motion improved significantly in both groups. No statistically significant differences were found between the symptom duration subgroups in the LDTT group. However, there was a significant difference in functional scores between <1Y and >1Y (P < 0.001) in the OCR group. Re-tear was seen in 5 (33.3 %) cases in the OCR group, and failure was seen in 3 (16.6 %) cases in the LDDT group. The failure rate was significantly higher in the OCR group than in the LDTT group (P < 0.05). ConclusionsLDTT technique is good option in the treatment of MRCT. However, in acute-subacute MRCT cases, open complete repair is a simpler, successful and safe technique. In chronic cases of >1Y, re-tear rates with OCR were high, and functional outcomes were low. We recommend that LDTT treatment for chronic cases (>1Y).

Arthroscopic reduction internal fixation for glenoid fractures: a systematic review of the outcomes and complications.

With the advanced arthroscopic technique, arthroscopic-assisted reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) is gaining popularity for Glenoid fractures with and without scapular involvement. ARIF offers a complete view of the articular surfaces and diagnoses and treats other associated injuries. ARIF provides less soft tissue trauma than open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). The aim of this systemic review is to look at the functional outcomes and complications of ARIF. A systematic review of the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases was performed. The search terms included "glenoid fracture" OR "scapula fracture" AND "arthroscopic fixation" OR "arthroscopy" OR "arthroscopic-assisted reduction and internal fixation". Studies were limited to English publications with reported functional outcome measures and complications. Patient demographic characteristics, clinical outcomes including range of motion, outcome performance scores including ROWE score, visual analogue scale and American shoulder and elbow surgeons score and complications were extracted. Five studies met the inclusion criteria. The participants ranged in age from 41 to 48, and the mean length of follow-up ranged from 12 to 41months postoperatively. The mean ROWE scores for the ARIF group were significantly better postoperatively. ARIF allows accurate diagnosis of the fracture pattern and associated injuries, in addition to representing a safe option to treat glenoid fractures with or without scapular fractures with fewer complications compared to ORIF. Level of Evidence: Level IV, Systematic review.

Revision Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Using an Augmented Glenoid Baseplate: A Review of Current Glenoid Baseplate Options and a Case Report

Introduction: Total and hemi-shoulder arthroplasty have proved to be a safe and effective option for patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis. In some cases, glenoid implant failures or erosion can lead to acquired glenoid bone loss, complicating potential revision surgery. This paper presents a review of glenoid implant options for total shoulder arthroplasty and a case study which discusses a new augmented reverse baseplate for the revision of a failed hemi-shoulder arthroplasty. The patient was fully informed and gave written consent to submit the details of this case for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Case Description: An 80-year-old retired professor with a prior history of right shoulder hemiarthroplasty presented with worsening right shoulder pain. She failed conservative care and wanted a conversion to a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The erosion on the patient's glenoid was severe enough for the surgeon to elect for the use of a metal augmented baseplate to fill the acquired defect and correct version and inclination. After an uneventful postoperative and recovery progression, at her one-year follow-up visit, she was pain-free and active, with significant improvements in her visual analogue scale (VAS) score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and active range of motion (ROM). Discussion: The advent of metal augmentation with advanced glenoid preparation instruments allows shoulder specialists the ability to address implant-associated acquired glenoid bone loss and soft tissue deficiencies with ease and confidence and reduce additional clinical challenges.

Inferior Glenoid HyperOSTosis (GHOST) Lesion Development Following Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

BackgroundPatients undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) have been noted on postoperative radiographs to have a curved bony overgrowth on the inferior glenoid neck. This study aims to investigate potential risk factors for and postoperative effects of these ossifications, here called glenoid hyperostosis (GHOST) lesions due to their location. MethodsA retrospective review of patients undergoing reverse total shoulder arthroplasty between 2007 and 2020 at a single institution was performed. Predictors including gender, age, implant sizing, and preoperative diagnosis were examined using logistic regression analysis. Outcomes including readmission rate, revision rate, preoperative and postoperative range of motion, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) functional outcome scores were also analyzed using two-sample t-tests. ResultsPreoperative and postoperative radiographs of 170 primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty patients were assessed. 25.9% of RTSAs were identified to have a GHOST lesion. When adjusting for race, age, BMI, preoperative diagnosis, male patients were still associated with 2.28 odds of developing a GHOST lesion compared to female patients (95% CI: 1.08 – 4.86). Other elements such as age, race, BMI, laterality, preoperative diagnosis, implant manufacturer, and implant sizing demonstrated no statistically significant association to GHOST lesion presence. Postoperatively, GHOST lesion development was not associated with range of motion or ASES score. However, presence of GHOST lesions on radiographs was associated with increased pain scores for patients at 2 months (p = 0.034) and 12 months (p = 0.029) postoperatively. DiscussionInferior glenoid hyperostosis (GHOST) lesions is a common and potentially benign finding following reverse shoulder arthroplasty, with unclear etiology. Risk factors for GHOST lesions included male gender, while patient demographics, implant type or size, shoulder lateralization and distalization were not associated with lesion formation. Clinically, greater short-term VAS scores were seen in patients with GHOST lesions. However, there were no differences observed between the two groups in ASES scores or postoperative range of motion at later time points. Further research is needed to identify risk factors and assess the clinical implications of GHOST lesions.

Changes in shoulder function and muscle strength following rehabilitation exercise program in male patients with forward shoulder posture undergoing rotator cuff repair

BackgroundAbnormal posture is known to affect the efficacy of exercise therapy for musculoskeletal diseases. However, no studies to date have examined the effect of exercise programs should take into account the posture of the upper body in patients with rotator cuff disease. This study aimed to assess how rotator cuff and corrective exercises impact shoulder function and muscle strength post-arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery, providing tailored rehabilitation programs for patients with forward posture.MethodsNinety male patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair participated in this study. The patients were randomly divided into three groups corrective exercise group (CEG, n = 29), rotator cuff exercise group (REG, n = 27), and control group (CG, n = 28). Each group was instructed to apply different exercise programs to correct posture and enhance rotator cuff strength. All patients were checked by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant score and muscle strength, and range of motion preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 months and 1 year.ResultsASES shoulder function scores showed significant difference between the three groups (p = 0.002, F = 7.03), indicating that the corrective exercise program was more beneficial than rotator cuff exercises (p = 0.009, F = 3.78). A significant intergroup difference in mean Constant score was also noted (p = 0.025, F = 3.86), while a statistically significant interaction between time and group was observed (p = 0.032, F = 2.96).ConclusionsThese results suggested that a corrective exercise program can improve shoulder muscle strength and function after rotator cuff repair in male patients with a forward shoulder posture.

The Clinical Utility of the Seated Wall Angel as a Test with Scoring.

The seated wall angel (SWA) is an intervention to improve upper quarter mobility but has not been described as a clinical test with scoring. To explore the clinical utility of the SWA as a test with scoring. The authors hypothesized that SWA test scores would be lower on the injured than uninjured side, improve over time, and show stronger association with patient-reported shoulder function than shoulder mobility tests. Prospective cohort. Patients diagnosed with anterior shoulder instability and referred to physical therapy participated. Testing occurred after physical therapy examination (initial) and six weeks later (follow-up). Rehabilitation was not controlled. Testing included clinical tests (SWA, passive shoulder external rotation range of motion, total arc of motion) and patient-reported outcomes including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form, (ASES) and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI). The SWA test was scored 0 to 3 points bilaterally based on number of body contacts with the wall (i.e., elbows and fingertips, posterior fingers, posterior forearm). Passive range of motion was measured with a standard goniometer. SWA scores were compared between sides at initial testing and compared between testing timepoints on the injured side. Associations among injured side clinical test values and patient-reported outcome scores were examined. Mean (SD) SWA score on the injured side was significantly lower than the uninjured side at initial testing [1.6 (1.0) vs 2.2 (1.1), p = 0.045] and significantly increased at follow-up testing [2.4 (1.0), p = 0.041]. Only SWA test score was significantly correlated with ASES (r=0.597) and WOSI (r=-0.648) scores at initial testing, and SWA test score was significantly correlated with WOSI score at follow-up testing (r=-0.611). The clinical utility of the SWA test is supported by distinguishing the injured and uninjured sides and having stronger associations with patient-reported shoulder function than shoulder mobility tests.

Long head of biceps tendon augmentation in rotator cuff repair enhances tendon healing, shoulder function and patient-reported outcomes one-year post-surgery.

The aim is to determine the effect on healing and functionality of patients after 1 year of biceps augmentation of a rotator cuff repair (RCR) compared to RCR plus long head of the biceps (LHB) tenotomy. In addition, to analyse the main factors involved in the recovery after the surgery. A prospective, comparative, non-randomized study (Level of Evidence III) was conducted. Patients with repairable rotator cuff tears were allocated to either the control group, with a double row transosseous equivalent RCR with LHB tenotomy, or the RCR+augmentation with LHB group. Patients were evaluated for radiological (MRI), clinical (cuff size, Patte and Goutallier scales) and functional variables (Constant and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] scales) before the intervention. At 1-year follow-up cuff healing was confirmed through MRI and functional evaluation with Constant, ASES, simple shoulder test [SST] and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scales. Seventy-seven patients underwent control or RCR+augmentation with LHB, there were no preoperative differences between the groups. After 1 year of the surgery, re-rupture occurred in 38.5% and 16% of the patients in control and RCR+augmentation with LHB groups, respectively (p = .026). Total functionality was higher (p < .05) in RCR+augmentation with LHB than in the control group: Constant, SST and ASES scales. Among the explored factors involved in healing, re-rupture occurred in 100% of the cases with high fatty degeneration. Besides, higher initial functionality (Constant scale) and RCR+augmentation with LHB increased the odds of healing (odds ratio [OR] = 1.12 [1.04-1.21]; OR = 5 [1, 61], respectively), while higher cuff length had a detrimental effect (OR = 0.92 [0.85-0.99]). RCR+augmentation with LHB achieves a higher healing percentage and a better functional evolution than RCR+LHB tenotomy, 1 year after cuff repair. Fatty degeneration, cuff length and initial functionality are the main factors involved in cuff healing. Level III randomized controlled trial.

Patient-Reported Outcomes After Arthroscopic Superior Capsule Reconstruction With an Acellular Porcine Dermal Xenograft for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears

Background: Currently, there is no consensus on the adequate management of irreparable rotator cuff tears. Arthroscopic superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) seems to be an alternative treatment option. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient-reported outcomes up to 2 years after the treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears with SCR using an acellular porcine dermal xenograft. It was hypothesized that SCR treatment with an acellular porcine dermal xenograft would not result in a significant clinical improvement or pain relief in patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears if the xenograft fails. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 26 consecutive patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears were enrolled in the study between 2015 and 2019. All patients underwent SCR with acellular porcine dermal xenograft. Patient-reported outcome measures including visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the Veterans RAND 12- Item Health Survey (VR-12), and the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) were followed up for 2 years. For statistical analysis, the 1-way analysis of variance was used to compare means for VAS, ASES, VR-12, and SANE results between pre- and posttreatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) records were obtained at 1 year postoperatively to evaluate graft integrity. Results: In total, 22 patients were included in the patient-reported outcomes with 4 being lost at final follow-up. The mean VAS score decreased from 4.2 ± 2.5 to 1.0 ± 1.4 ( P &lt; .001) from pretreatment to 2 years postoperatively. The mean ASES – index score improved significantly from 47.7 ± 15.3 to 86.4 ± 12.9 ( P &lt; .001) and the SANE score improved from 34.0 ± 20.4 to 77.3 ± 20.2 ( P &lt; .001). In addition, a clinically important difference in the patients’ quality of life was achieved, as shown by the mean changes in the VR-12 physical (+4.3) and mental scores (+9.3). Based on postoperative MRI, the dermal graft on the humeral side was intact in 15 (68.2%) patients after surgery. Conclusion: Our arthroscopic SCR with an acellular porcine dermal matrix showed significant and continuous improvement in pain and clinical scores up to a 2-year follow-up in patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears, even with structural graft failure. However, further studies and evaluation of larger patient groups are needed to evaluate the long-term effect of this procedure.

The Suprascapular Artery as a Reference for the Evaluation of Supraspinatus Fatty Infiltration on Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Fatty infiltration (FI) of the supraspinatus is commonly seen in chronic large-to-massive rotator cuff tears. Evaluating FI in patients with severe muscle atrophy can be confusing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anatomic relationship between the suprascapular artery and supraspinatus muscle on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to provide a method for defining the border of the supraspinatus muscle on Y-view MRI. It was hypothesized that the branches of the suprascapular artery would encircle the supraspinatus muscle on Y-view and adjacent MRI slices and could be used for defining the supraspinatus outline on oblique sagittal images. Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. A total of 172 shoulders that had undergone arthroscopic repair for large-to-massive rotator cuff tears were retrospectively included. Two methods, one based on the supraspinous fossa and trapezius (SF method) and the other based on the region bounded by the branches of the suprascapular artery (SA method), were used for defining the supraspinatus outline on Y-view MRI for the assessment of FI. Preoperative supraspinatus FI grade and tangent sign and postoperative tendon integrity were evaluated. Shoulder function was assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and active range of motion. The branches of the suprascapular artery encircled the supraspinatus in all shoulders, with the diameter of the branches ranging from 0.5 to 3 mm. The agreement in supraspinatus FI grading between the SF and SA methods was 65.12%. When limited to the 61 shoulders with a positive tangent sign, the agreement dropped to 22.95% (κ = 0.032). The group (FI grade 2 by SA method and ≥3 by SF method) showed no significant difference in postoperative outcomes compared with the 2-vs-2 group but had significantly better postoperative ASES scores (P = .001) and active range of motion in forward elevation (P = .020) compared with the ≥3-vs-≥3 group. The tangent sign was positive in 92.16% of the 2-vs-≥3 group. The suprascapular artery is a reliable reference for the evaluation of supraspinatus FI. When a positive tangent sign presents, supraspinatus FI is likely to be overestimated if the hyperintensity outside the region bounded by the branches of the suprascapular artery is mistaken as FI.

Cemented vs Cementless Stems for Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Proximal Humerus Fractures: A Registry Analysis with Patient-Reported Outcomes from a Level 1 Trauma Centre

BackgroundReverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is being increasingly used in the treatment of comminuted or unreconstructible proximal humerus fractures. It is currently unclear if cementless rTSA have equivocal revision rates, mortality and functional outcomes compared to cemented or cementless rTSA. MethodsTwo data sources were used for this study. All rTSA performed for proximal humerus fractures between 1 January 2010 and 1 January 2020 recorded on the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR) were used to determine revision rate and mortality between cemented and cementless rTSA. Patient-reported outcome measurements (PROM) including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) and Single Assessment Numerical Value (SANE) were obtained via telephone from Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) patients between 01 January 2010 and 10 February 2021. ResultsThe study included 83 patients who underwent rTSA for proximal humerus fractures at Royal Perth Hospital. There were 4,335 rTSA procedures identified at other hospitals nationally. Of these, 54% of rTSA used cementless humeral stems. There was no significant difference in revision rate or mortality between cemented and cementless humeral stems adjusted for age and gender. For the RPH cohort, PROM scores included ASES score of 65.9 (CI: 60.6 - 71.2), OSS of 34.6 (CI: 31.9 - 37.2) and SANE value of 68.8 (CI: 61.8 - 75.8). ConclusionRevision rates and mortality are similar between cemented and cementless humeral stems used for rTSA for proximal humerus fractures. For appropriate patients, cementless humeral stems may be an acceptable first line treatment for proximal humerus fractures.

Preoperative patient-reported outcome measures predict minimal clinically important difference and patient-acceptable symptomatic state following arthroscopic Bankart repair.

The aims of this study were to validate the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) thresholds for Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), Rowe score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores following arthroscopic Bankart repair, and to identify preoperative threshold values of these scores that could predict the achievement of MCID and PASS. A retrospective review was conducted on 131 consecutive patients with anterior shoulder instability who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair between January 2020 and January 2023. Inclusion criteria required at least one episode of shoulder instability and a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. Preoperative and one-year postoperative scores were assessed. MCID and PASS were estimated using distribution-based and anchor-based methods, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis determined preoperative patient-reported outcome measure thresholds predictive of achieving MCID and PASS. MCID thresholds were determined as 169.6, 6.8, 7.2, and 1.1 for WOSI, Rowe, ASES, and VAS, respectively. PASS thresholds were calculated as ≤ 480, ≥ 80, ≥ 87, and ≤ 1 for WOSI, Rowe, ASES, and VAS, respectively. Preoperative thresholds of ≥ 760 (WOSI) and ≤ 50 (Rowe) predicted achieving MCID for WOSI score (p < 0.001). Preoperative thresholds of ≤ 60 (ASES) and ≥ 2 (VAS) predicted achieving MCID for VAS score (p < 0.001). A preoperative threshold of ≥ 40 (Rowe) predicted achieving PASS for Rowe score (p = 0.005). Preoperative thresholds of ≥ 50 (ASES; p = 0.002) and ≤ 2 (VAS; p < 0.001) predicted achieving PASS for the ASES score. Preoperative thresholds of ≥ 43 (ASES; p = 0.046) and ≤ 4 (VAS; p = 0.024) predicted achieving PASS for the VAS. This study defined MCID and PASS values for WOSI, Rowe, ASES, and VAS scores in patients undergoing arthroscopic Bankart repair. Higher preoperative functional scores may reduce the likelihood of achieving MCID but increase the likelihood of achieving the PASS. These findings provide valuable guidance for surgeons to counsel patients realistically regarding their expectations.

Predictive factors of intraoperative conversion to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in patients with anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty

BackgroundMany factors play a role in decision-making for arthroplasty type in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate preoperative and intraoperative factors that might predict the need for Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (rTSA) versus Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (aTSA) for patients with primary GHOA. Secondarily, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) were compared. MethodsPatients with primary GHOA indicated for aTSA versus rTSA were identified. Preoperative records were reviewed for demographics, range of motion, rotator cuff strength, and glenoid morphology. Operative reports were assessed to identify intraoperatively rotator cuff pathology and glenoid deficiency. ASES scores at 2-years postoperative were collected. Results111 patients were included from 2018-2021. 94 patients underwent aTSA, while 17 were intraoperatively converted to rTSA. There were no significant differences in age, BMI, or preoperative Walch classification between cohorts. rTSA patients had significantly decreased preoperative external rotation (p=0.006). External rotation ≤30 degrees was the only preoperative predictive factor for performing rTSA versus aTSA (p=0.0004). The most common reason for intraoperative transition to rTSA was rotator cuff deficiency. At 2-year follow-up, median ASES scores were 94.2 (IQR 85-96.7) and 88.3 (IQR 73.3-94.5) for aTSA and rTSA, respectively (p=0.097). ConclusionMany patients with primary GHOA are well-served with aTSA. However, there are patients with primary GHOA in which rTSA may be ideal given rotator cuff deficiency or glenoid defects felt to limit aTSA glenoid component placement. This study highlights the need for preoperative external rotation and intraoperative evaluation of rotator cuff integrity and glenoid bone stock.

Patients With Graft Tears Leaving the Tuberosity Covered Have Similar Functional Outcomes to Those With an Intact Graft After Superior Capsular Reconstruction.

Studies to date of superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) comparing outcomes of healed grafts versus torn grafts do not separate graft tears based on location of the tear, rather they combine and report all tears as a single group. The purpose of this study was to correlate functional outcome with graft integrity and graft tear location after SCR with a dermal allograft. It was hypothesized that the functional outcomes of patients with an intact graft would be equivalent to those with graft tears leaving the tuberosity covered. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Patients who underwent SCR with an acellular dermal allograft at a single institution were included. Pre- and postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Oxford Shoulder Score, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and postoperative Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scores were recorded. A magnetic resonance imaging scan was performed postoperatively to assess graft integrity. A total of 39 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age of patients was 60.4 ± 8.7 years; mean follow-up was 53.3 ± 25 months (range, 14-98 months). Magnetic resonance imaging performed at a mean of 17.5 months (range, 6-66 months) demonstrated an intact graft in 14 (36%); tear from the glenoid in 11 (28%), from midsubstance in 4 (10%), and from the tuberosity in 8 (21%); and complete graft absence in 2 (5%). Patients were divided into group 1 (intact graft), group 2 (tuberosity covered: tears from glenoid and midsubstance tears), and group 3 (tuberosity bare: tears from the tuberosity and dissolved or absent grafts). In group 1, there was significant improvement in ASES (37.9 to 88.5; P < .001), Oxford (25.2 to 46.2; P < .001), and VAS (6.8 to 0.9; P < .001). In group 2, there was significant improvement in ASES (32.2 to 86.1; P < .001), Oxford (23.4 to 44.2; P < .001), and VAS (7.3 to 1.3; P < .001). In group 3, there was no significant improvement in ASES (40.3 to 45.8; P = .50) or Oxford (33.5 to 31.4; P = .81), but there was a significant reduction in VAS (7.1 to 5.4; P = .03). There was no significant difference between group 1 and 2 in postoperative ASES (88.5 vs 86.1; P = .59), Oxford (46.2 vs 44.2; P = .07), VAS (0.9 vs 1.3, P = .42) and SANE (85.4 vs 83.2; P = .92) scores. However, group 3 had significantly lower ASES (45.8; P < .001), lower Oxford (31.4; P < .001), lower SANE (45.4; P < .001), and higher VAS (5.4; P < .001) scores than groups 1 and 2. There were no differences in outcomes based on sex (P = .72), previous surgery (P = .06), preoperative acromiohumeral distance (P = .57), and preoperative Goutallier stage of the supraspinatus (P = .16). Patients who underwent SCR with a dermal allograft and developed a graft tear leaving the tuberosity covered had equivalent functional outcomes to those with an intact graft.

Increased Postoperative Deltoid Signal seen after Suprapectoral Biceps Tenodesis: Potential Risk to the Anterior Branch of the Axillary Nerve

BackgroundArthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis is a common procedure for lesions of the long head of the biceps in the setting of anterior shoulder pain. However, the distal portal poses a theoretical risk to the terminal branches of the axillary nerve as the nerve travels from posterior to anterior to innervate the anterior deltoid. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to assess for axillary nerve branch injury, identified by deltoid signal change in postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients who underwent an arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis. MethodsPatients who underwent rotator cuff repair with a concomitant arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis, had a postoperative MRI, and at least 1 year of follow-up were included. The incidence of increased deltoid signal consistent with injury to an anterior branch of the axillary nerve on proton density fat saturated sequences was collected. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score (ASES) score, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) pain, physical function (PF), and upper extremity (UE) scores, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score were compared in patients with and without increased deltoid signal on postoperative MRI. P<0.05 was used for significance. ResultsTwenty-four patients were eligible for inclusion (9 female, average age 59.0±10.1, BMI 27.6±6.7). Edema-like signal within the anterior deltoid musculature was observed in 9 patients on postoperative MRI. Two patients had a second follow-up MRI performed which demonstrated resolution of signal, and one patient required a second surgery for release of adhesions. Patients with increased deltoid signal had higher BMI (p=0.03). There was no difference in any other demographic or postoperative PROM between patients with increased signal and those without at any follow-up time point. No patient demonstrated persistent weakness or numbness in the axillary nerve distribution at final follow-up. DiscussionOver one third of patients in our cohort had MRI evidence of axillary nerve branch injury as seen on proton density fat saturated MRI sequences postoperatively. The distal arthroscopic portal for a suprapectoral biceps tenodesis may place anterior terminal branches of the axillary nerve at risk for injury. Additional investigation and strategies for avoidance of nerve injury in this area should be pursued.