Full-thickness Tears Research Articles

Sub-Acromioclavicular Decompression Increases the Risk of Postoperative Shoulder Stiffness after Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair.

The sub-acromioclavicular (SAC) decompression is often performed during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. However, the impact of SAC decompression on patients with postoperative shoulder stiffness (POSS) are controversial and unclear. This study is aim to evaluate the impact of additional sub-acromioclavicular (SAC) decompression during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair on the postoperative shoulder stiffness (POSS) in patients. This retrospective study examined digital data from patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair at a local institution. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score, the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) score, and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. Restricted shoulder mobility occurring within 6 months postoperatively, lasting more than 12 weeks, characterized by a passive forward flexion angle of <120° or an external rotation angle of <30°, with or without associated shoulder pain was identified as POSS. Factors affecting POSS were analyzed by binary logistic regression analysis. The patient-reported outcomes scores were analyzed by generalized estimating equations to examine the impact of SAC decompression. A total of 155 patients met the set criteria and were included in the study. The analysis of binary logistic regression showed that diabetes (p = 0.001) and SAC decompression (p = 0.003) were independent factors for POSS. In the analysis of each follow-up point, only at the 3-month follow-up, the ASES scores (p = 0.003), UCLA scores (p = 0.045), and VAS scores (p = 0.005) showed significant differences between the SAC decompression group and the non-decompression group. For the intergroup comparison, the results showed a significant difference in the ASES scores (β = -4.971, p = 0.008), UCLA scores (β = -1.524, p = 0.019), and VAS scores (β = 0.654, p = 0.010) throughout the study duration between the SAC decompression group and the non-decompression group. The findings of this study suggested that SAC decompression during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair increase the risk of POSS compared with those without the decompression, which indicate surgeons do not perform SAC decompression unless necessary.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder in symptomatic professional rugby players: a retrospective analysis.

Shoulder injuries in rugby players are common due to frequent high-impact collisions and tackles. This study aimed to describe the spectrum and pattern of shoulder MRI findings in professional rugby players. Single-center retrospective study of shoulder MRI was carried out between 2012 and 2016 in symptomatic professional male rugby league and rugby union players. One hundred ten shoulder MRIs were scored for rotator cuff and long head of biceps tendons, labral, bursal, joint, and osseous abnormalities. MRI features were compared using the chi-square or Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables. There were a total of one hundred ten professional male rugby players (80 rugby league and 30 rugby union), with a mean age of 24.6 (range 17-38) and 23.7 (range 17-33) years old, respectively. Rotator cuff or long head biceps abnormality was found in 36 (33%) players, of which 22 (20%) were either partial or full-thickness tears. Glenoid labral tears were present in 63 (57%) players. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the frequency of tears of the superior (24%), anterior inferior (25%), posterior superior (25%), and posterior inferior (32%) labrum. Forty-seven percent of players presented with two or more abnormalities of the rotator cuff tendons and glenoid labrum. There were significantly more osseous abnormalities in backs compared to forwards (48% vs. 21%; p = 0.01). There is a wide spectrum of shoulder abnormalities on MRI in professional rugby players, and many have two or more abnormalities. In common with other contact sports, posterior labral injury was a common finding and may relate to sub-clinical trauma, without an association with instability.

Methodology and development of a machine learning probability calculator: Data heterogeneity limits ability to predict recurrence after arthroscopic Bankart repair.

The aim of this study was to develop and train a machine learning (ML) algorithm to create a clinical decision support tool (i.e., ML-driven probability calculator) to be used in clinical practice to estimate recurrence rates following an arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR). Data from 14 previously published studies were collected. Inclusion criteria were (1) patients treated with ABR without remplissage for traumatic anterior shoulder instability and (2) a minimum of 2 years follow-up. Risk factors associated with recurrence were identified using bivariate logistic regression analysis. Subsequently, four ML algorithms were developed and internally validated. The predictive performance was assessed using discrimination, calibration and the Brier score. In total, 5591 patients underwent ABR with a recurrence rate of 15.4% (n = 862). Age <35 years, participation in contact and collision sports, bony Bankart lesions and full-thickness rotator cuff tears increased the risk of recurrence (all p < 0.05). A single shoulder dislocation (compared to multiple dislocations) lowered the risk of recurrence (p < 0.05). Due to the unavailability of certain variables in some patients, a portion of the patient data had to be excluded before pooling the data set to create the algorithm. A total of 797 patients were included providing information on risk factors associated with recurrence. The discrimination (area under the receiver operating curve) ranged between 0.54 and 0.57 for prediction of recurrence. ML was not able to predict the recurrence following ABR with the current available predictors. Despite a global coordinated effort, the heterogeneity of clinical data limited the predictive capabilities of the algorithm, emphasizing the need for standardized data collection methods in future studies. Level IV, retrospective cohort study.

Injectable decellularized Wharton's jelly hydrogel containing CD56+ umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes for meniscus tear healing and cartilage protection

Traditional meniscectomy or suture for meniscal tear usually leads to failed self-healing, cartilage degeneration and worse osteoarthritis. The strategies that facilitate the healing process of torn meniscus and safeguard knee cartilage against degeneration will be promising for clinical therapy. The CD56+ umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCSCs) (CD56+UCSCs) were sorted from Wharton's jelly using flow cytometer. Then, the modified decellularized Wharton's Jelly hydrogel (DWJH) was combined with isolated CD56+Exos from CD56+UCSCs to fabricate DWJH/CD56+Exos. The in vitro studies were performed to characterize the DWJ (decellularized Wharton's Jelly). The injectability and rheological properties were assessed by shear rate and frequency sweep analysis. The biocompatibility and chondrogenic differentiation inducibility of DWJH/CD56+Exos were performed on human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and RAW 264.7 cells. The release dynamics was evaluated in vitro and in vivo experiments. As for the in vivo experiments, the operated rats that subjected to a 2 mm full-thickness longitudinal tear in right medial anterior meniscus were injected a single dose of DWJH/CD56+Exos. At 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively, torn meniscus healing and articular cartilage degeneration were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), safranin O/fast green (SO&FG), and Sirius red staining. In in vitro experiments, the injectable DWJH/CD56+Exos demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, exosome releasing efficiency, injectable property and chondrogenic inducibility. The results of in vivo experiments revealed that DWJH/CD56+Exos degraded over time, promoted meniscal chondrogenesis, organized meniscal extracellular matrix remodeling, safeguard articular cartilage and inhibited secondary cartilage degeneration, which accelerated further facilitated torn meniscus healing. The novel injectable DWJH/CD56+Exos promoted meniscal tear healing by promoting meniscal chondrogenesis, safeguarding articular cartilage, and inhibiting secondary cartilage degeneration.

The Use of a Suture Bridge Technique for Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair in Patients Under 40 Years of Age Resulted in Successful Tendon Healing, Pain Relief, Improved Shoulder Function, and High Patient Satisfaction at a Minimum of 5-Year Follow-Up

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical and imaging outcomes after arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tear (RCT) using a suture bridge technique in patients under 40 years of age. MethodA consecutive series of patients who were treated arthroscopically for RCT by a single surgeon between 2016 and 2018 were retrospectively identified. Both full thickness tears and partial tears were included. Arthroscopic cuff repair employed a knotless double-row suture bridge technique, utilizing braided suture tapes. To assess clinical outcomes, we employed the Constant score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (ASES), a strength score, and a visual analog scale (VAS). Tendon healing was evaluated at 12 months using the Sugaya MRI classification. ResultsA total of 63 patients were included in the study. The mean age at the time of the surgery was 33.6 years (range, 21 to 40) and minimum follow up duration was 5 years. Thirty-nine patients reported occasional sports, eight were professional athletes, while sixteen reported no sportive activity prior to first symptoms. Mean follow-up duration was 66.8 months (range, 62.4 to 88.6 months). A significant improvement was observed in both the Constant score and ASES score. The mean Constant score increased significantly from 39.8 (range, 29 to 52) points to 88.9 (range, 34 to 100) points postoperatively (p < 0.001). Similarly, the ASES score improved significantly from 41.8 (range, 30 to 64) to 90.2 (range, 35 to 100, p < 0.001). Anterior flexion mean improved from 86° (range: 60° to 110°) to 137° (range, 90° to 180°, p < 0.001). Pain significantly decreased after the surgery, VAS descending from 6.3 (range, 3 to 10) to 1.3 (range, 0 to 9) postoperatively. The overall rate of return to previous activities in the cohort was 84% at an average of 10.1 months (range, 6 to 12 months) after surgery. Among the included patients, 85% engaging in occasional sports activities and 67% of elite athletes similarly returned to their pre-injury sports levels after 9.8 (range, 6 to 12) months and 10.7 months (range, 6 to 12) respectively. Two patients (3%) experienced cuff re-rupture, and tendon non-healing (Sugaya stage 3 and stage 4) was observed in five (7%) patients. At the final follow-up, 95% of patients were very satisfied or satisfied with their functional results. ConclusionThe use of a suture bridge technique in arthroscopic RCT repair for patients under 40 years of age resulted in excellent long-term outcomes, including successful tendon healing, pain relief, improved shoulder function, and high patient satisfaction.

Effect of Tear Size and Location on Supraspinatus Tendon Strain During Activities of Daily Living and Physiotherapy.

The supraspinatus tendon plays a crucial role in shoulder abduction, making it one of the common structures affected by injury. Clinically, crescent-shaped tears are the most commonly seen tear shape. By developing six specimen-specific, three-dimensional, supraspinatus-infraspinatus finite element model with heterogeneous material properties, this study aimed to examine the changes in tissue deformation (maximum principal strain) of the supraspinatus tendon due to specimen-specific material properties and rotator cuff tear size. FE models with small- and medium-sized full-thickness crescent-shaped tears were subjected to loads seen during activities of daily living and physiotherapy. Six fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were dissected to mechanically test the supraspinatus tendon and develop and validate FE models that can be used to assess changes in strain due to small (< 1cm, equivalent to 20-30% of the tendon width) and medium-sized (1-3cm, equivalent to 40-50% of the tendon width) tears that are located in the middle and posterior regions of the supraspinatus tendon. FE predictions of maximum principal strain at the tear tips were examined to determine whether failure strain was reached during activities of daily living (drinking and brushing teeth) and physiotherapy exercises (prone abduction and external rotation at 90° abduction). No significant differences were observed between the middle and posterior tear failure loads for small- and medium-sized tears. For prone abduction, there was a potential risk for tear progression (exceeded failure strain) for medium-sized tears in the supraspinatus tendon's middle and posterior regions. For external rotation at 90° abduction, one model with a middle tear and two with posterior tears experienced failure. For all daily activity loads, the strain never exceeded the failure strain. Our three-dimensional supraspinatus-infraspinatus FE model shows that small tears appear unlikely to progress based on the regional strain response; however, medium-sized tears are at higher risk during more strenuous physiotherapy exercises. Furthermore, differences in patient-specific tendon material properties are important in determining whether the tear will progress. Therefore, patient-specific management plans based on tear size may be beneficial to improve clinical outcomes.

Factors associated with pseudoparalysis in patients with extensive chronic and atraumatic rotator cuff injury

BackgroundPatients with massive chronic atraumatic rotator cuff injuries can be asymptomatic or present severe shoulder dysfunction, a condition known as pseudoparalysis. Our hypothesis is that integrity of the subscapularis, hypertrophy of the Teres minor, and a complete tear of the long head of the biceps tendon are associated with improved active forward flexion range in such patients. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate factors associated with pseudoparalysis. MethodsThis was a single-center cross-sectional study that included patients with massive chronic atraumatic rotator cuff injuries. Range of motion of the affected shoulder, demographic data, specific tests for rotator cuff assessment, and imaging studies were collected. ResultsA total of 68 patients (71 shoulders) were included in the study. At initial evaluation, 41 patients exhibited active forward flexion of the shoulder greater than 90º (No Pseudoparalysis group). Patients with active forward flexion less than 90º (n = 29) underwent subacromial injection of local anesthetic and were then reevaluated. In 15 patients the pseudoparalysis was resolved (False Pseudoparalysis group) and 14 maintained active forward flexion of less than 90° (True Pseudoparalysis group). ConclusionWe concluded that the presence of shoulder shrug sign, Goutallier grade III and IV fatty infiltration and a full-thickness tear of the subscapularis were risk factors for the occurrence of pseudoparalysis. Tear extension, as described by Wieser et al, also demonstrated statistical difference between groups, with greater anterior tear extension (involvement of subscapularis tendon) and greater global tear extension observed in True Pseudoparalysis group. Level of evidenceLevel III; Cross Sectional Design; Epidemiology Study

Pilot Study-Estimated VO2max via Modified Harvard Step Test (MHST) in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Patients Undergoing Pre-Op Rehabilitation

Introduction: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury ranging from partial to full thickness tear causes much dysfunction physically and psychologically. It affects both daily &amp; sporting activities with potential of creating long term complications such as post-traumatic osteoarthritis of knee, functional limitations, increase in body mass index (BMI) and loss of cardiorespiratory fitness. Cardiorespiratory fitness is an important indicator for functional and fitness capacity and VO2max is used to measure cardiorespiratory fitness. VO2max is the maximum rate of oxygen consumption during a vigorous exercise. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is usually done on a treadmill with gaseous exchange system, a process that is time consuming, expensive and difficult to assess and not available in our public health setting. Modified Harvard step test is easy to do, cost friendly and allows mass testing to measure cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) however there are inadequate data on ACL injury and its influence on cardiorespiratory fitness using modified Harvard step test. Method: A prospective study was done using patients attending Sports Medicine Gym Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar 2023 and data from 20 patients who were undergoing pre-ACL reconstruction rehabilitation were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups according to post trauma duration; (&lt;6 months of injury and rehabilitation and &gt;6 months injury and rehabilitation). Patients were required to do modified Harvard step test and translated into VO2max scores. Anthropometric data were also taken from patients. Results: The mean age for our study is 21.9±4.3 years. The mean VO2max for the entire participant was 43.2ml/kg/min. Mean VO2max for groups &lt;6 months injury rehabilitation and &gt;6 months injury rehabilitation was at 35.4±1.8 ml/kg/min and 49.0± 5.8ml/kg/min respectively. We report difference in both groups VO2max Conclusion: Cardiorespiratory fitness is often reduced during earlier phase of injury due to inability to perform aerobic exercises. Progressive rehabilitation can improve cardiorespiratory fitness, aid in patients return to sports and reduces morbidity post operatively. Modified Harvard step test is a reliable and cost-effective method to test VO2max. It is also important to increase cardiorespiratory fitness to maintain healthy BMI.

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment promotes tendon-bone interface healing in a rabbit model of rotator cuff tears.

Due to the high-intensity pressure that the shoulder cuff endures, it is prone to traumas and tears. The main critical function of the shoulder cuff muscles is to effectively facilitate shoulder movement and securely maintain the humeral head in the precise center of the joint cavity to prevent superior migration during abduction processes. Shoulder cuff injuries typically involve the muscle-tendon-bone interface, but existing repair techniques do not always guarantee complete and secure healing, leading to retears. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, as an auxiliary treatment, can significantly promote the muscle-tendon-bone healing process. To explore the impact of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the bone-tendon interface healing process in a rabbit model specifically designed for shoulder cuff tears, an experiment was conducted on New Zealand white rabbits by performing a full-thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon in the left shoulder, followed by 2 hours per day of 100% oxygen treatment at 2 absolute atmospheres for 5 days. The results indicate that hyperbaric oxygen therapy significantly enhances vascularization at the interface between the shoulder cuff and tendon-bone, promotes collagen fiber regeneration in the tendon, improves the tensile strength of the tendon-bone complex, and does not have a significant effect on biomechanical stability. This suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy has a significant positive impact on the histological and biomechanical healing of shoulder cuff tears in rabbits, expediting the healing process of the tendon-bone interface.

A rare case report: Brucellosis as an extreme cause of shoulder subluxation and rotator cuff tendinopathy

Rationale: Shoulder subluxation and rotator cuff tendinopathy is commonly associated with degeneration or trauma, and brucellosis has been reported to be correlated with shoulder subacromial bursitis, arthritis. However, brucellosis as a cause of shoulder subluxation and rotator cuff tendinopathy has never been reported in the English medical literature. Patient concerns: A 46-year-old man complained of left shoulder weakness and limited movement ongoing for 1 month. He was primarily diagnosed with shoulder subluxation and rotator cuff tear based on magnetic resonance imaging, and was advised to undergo arthroscopic rotator cuff surgical repair. Diagnoses: Although rotator cuff tear was diagnosed in another hospital, some doubts remained. First, a tendon profile with a relative high signal in T2-weighted magnetic resonance images in the supraspinatus tear area still existed. The findings were clearly different from the usual full-thickness rotator cuff tear, and no tendon profile could be found in the tear area. Second, degenerative rotator cuff tear mainly occurs in the aged population and this patient was relatively young, without a history of trauma. His left shoulder was painless but the weakness and the limited movement were extreme and all of these factors did not support the diagnosis of rotator cuff tear. Some infectious disease was suspected to be the cause and relevant laboratory tests were conducted. This patient was eventually diagnosed as having brucellosis-associated shoulder subluxation and rotator cuff tendinopathy based on positive serum standard tube agglutination test and buffer plate agglutination test for brucellosis. Interventions: Oral drug therapy with rifampicin and doxycycline was used for 8 weeks. Outcomes: A complete response with normal shoulder strength and movement was achieved at 8 weeks. At the one-year follow-up no signs of recurrence were detected. Lessons: Brucellosis-associated shoulder subluxation and rotator cuff tendinopathy may be misdiagnosed as a rotator cuff tear in magnetic resonance imaging and be further managed with indeterminate arthroscopic repair. A comprehensive understanding of the patient’s previous medical history, imaging and laboratory data and a careful physical examination are of great clinic value for the accurate diagnosis of the condition and the subsequent prognosis of the patient.

Return to Play After Arthroscopic Management of Rotator Cuff Tears in Professional Athletes of Contact Sports.

Rotator cuff tears are rare injuries in professional athletes who participate in contact sports, and limited data exist to guide players and team physicians regarding outcomes after surgical management. To report the outcomes and return-to-play rates of professional contact sport athletes who underwent arthroscopic management of rotator cuff tears. Case series; Level of evidence, 4. All professional athletes of contact sports who underwent arthroscopic management of a rotator cuff tear between 2002 and 2019 at the institution were identified. Patient information collected were age, sport, position, date of injury, date of surgery, and time to return to play; surgical data included tear size, acuity, pattern, and procedure performed. The primary outcome measure was the ability to return to play and the number of games played after surgery. Overall, 10 rotator cuff tears in 9 professional athletes (8 tears in football players and 2 tears in hockey players) were identified; 9 of the tears were full-thickness tears that underwent arthroscopic single-row repair, while 1 was a partial tear that was debrided. Of the 9 athletes, 8 were able to return to play at the same level, at a mean time of 9.5 ± 4.3 months. The mean playing time after surgery was 32 ± 25 games (2.7 ± 2 seasons) for the football players and 22 games (1 season) for the hockey player who returned. Postoperative imaging was available in 8 of the 10 tears, and 7 of 8 (88%) demonstrated a healed repair. One football player and 1 hockey player with large (>3 cm) full-thickness tears did not return to play. The mean age of these players was 34.5 years and both had >10 years of professional playing experience.≥. The study findings demonstrated that the majority (80%; n = 8) of the professional athletes in contact sports in this series were able to return to play at the same level after arthroscopic management of a symptomatic rotator cuff tear.

Predictive Factors for the Healing of Rotator Cuff Repairs.

Rotator cuff tears (RCTs) are a significant cause of shoulder pain. Rotator cuff repair is common, but healing failure is frequent and the reasons for the retear are still unclear. This study aimed to determine if specific preoperative factors related to patients and tears affect the structural outcome after rotator cuff repair. This is a multivariate prognostic model study, based on prospectively collected data from a retrospective cohort. We included individuals who received arthroscopic RCT repair from January 2013 to April 2022. Evaluations were performed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 12 months postoperatively, and clinical outcomes were measured using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scale. Statistical analysis was conducted using multivariate logistic regression. The sample included 176 patients, with a retear rate of 35.2%. Male (p=0.029), smoking (p=0.026), full-thickness infraspinatus tears (p=0.007), and instability of the long head of the biceps (p=0.046) were identified as predictive factors for non-healing. Traumatic lesions (p=0.017) favored healing. All patients showed significant clinical improvement. At 24 months, patients with healed tendons had better clinical outcomes. Male sex, smoking, full-thickness infraspinatus tears, and instability of the long head of the biceps are predictive factors for retear after rotator cuff repair. Traumatic lesions favor tendon healing.

Diagnostic Accuracy of USG and MRI for the Detection of Rotator Cuff Injury.

Rotator cuff disease frequently causes shoulder pain and is diagnosed using various radiological methods alongside history and physical examination. Arthrography has traditionally been employed for this purpose, but newer non-invasive techniques such as ultrasonography (USG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are increasingly used. However, no single method is universally agreed upon as the best diagnostic tool, each having its own limitations. To evaluate how effectively ultrasound and MRIcan diagnose rotator cuff tears. Seventy patients suspected of having a rotator cuff tear underwent investigations at the Radiology Department of Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad. USG and MRI examinations were done on the same day, along with a detailed history. USG was conducted using a GE LOGIQ P9 machine with a high-frequency 3-12 MHz transducer. MRI was conducted using a 1.5T SiemensMagnetom Avanto scanner. Pain and stiffness are the most common complaints in rotator cuff tears. The predisposing factors include male predominance, increasing age, dominant hand use, and trauma history. The supraspinatus tendon is the most frequently injured, with partial tears, especially articular surface tears, being more common than full-thickness tears. Clinical examinations, USG, and MRI are valuable in diagnosing rotator cuff tears. Our findings indicate that USGmay not be as reliable in detecting rotator cuff tears as once believed. A positive ultrasound result is more trustworthy than a negative one. In contrast, MRIdemonstrates greater sensitivity and overall diagnostic accuracy compared to both ultrasonography and clinical assessment for detecting rotator cuff tears.

Characteristics of Traumatic Versus Atraumatic Rotator Cuff Tears in Patients Under 50 Years of Age.

The prevalence of rotator cuff tears (RCTs) is known to be lower in younger patients compared to older patients. Recent studies in patients less than 50 years of age who sustain an RCT have focused on etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical outcomes following treatment. There are fewer studies that have focused on the demographics and clinical characteristics that may predispose this patient population to develop a tear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the difference in risk factors for degenerative tears compared to traumatic tears in patients under 50 years of age. This single-center retrospective study utilized an internal registry of patients who had RCT injuries identified by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 code M75.1x and confirmed by MRI between 2018 and 2023. Patients 50 years of age or younger were included and then classified into traumatic versus atraumatic RCT etiology groups. Demographics, tear characteristics, and clinical comorbidities were compared between the cohorts. Statistical analyses included a two-sided student's t-test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test. A total of 177 patients under 50 years of age were identified. There was a higher prevalence of traumatic tears(59.9% vs. 40.1%; p = 0.008), the majority of whom identified as male (75.5% vs. 49.3%, p<0.001) when compared to the atraumatic cohort. Full-thickness tears were more likely to be traumatic (p = 0.04) and seen in patients insured by workers' compensation (p = 0.05). There was no significant difference in the age or preoperative comorbidities between the two groups. Our study reveals a higher incidence of traumatic RCTs in a younger patient group. Sex, severity of tear, and workers' compensation were found to differ between traumatic and atraumatic cohorts. Further research is required to understand the interplay of these factors in younger patients' tear risk.

Skeletal Stem Cell–Derived Exosomes Promote Meniscal Tear Healing and Ameliorate Secondary Osteoarthritis

Background: The self-repair ability after meniscal tears is poor, leading to the development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Promoting the repair of meniscal injuries remains a great challenge, especially in the avascular region. Hypothesis: Local delivery of skeletal stem cell (SSC)–derived exosomes (SSC-Exos) would promote meniscal healing and prevent secondary osteoarthritis progression. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: SSCs were isolated from bone marrow and exosomes were extracted via ultracentrifugation. The cell migration capabilities after incubation with exosomes were validated through in vitro cell culture. Full-thickness longitudinal medial meniscal tears were performed in the avascular region of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats and 20 male New Zealand White rabbits, which were randomly divided into 2 groups: group treated with phosphate-buffered saline (GCON) and group treated with exosomes (GExosome). The effects of these treatments on meniscal healing and secondary osteoarthritis were evaluated by gross inspection, biomechanical testing, and histological assessment. RNA sequencing of in vitro cell cultures was performed to explore the underlying mechanisms. Results: Exosomes were successfully extracted and identified. These exosomes significantly promoted cell migration capabilities in vitro (P < .01). The GExosome exhibited greater cell proliferation and tissue regeneration with type 2 collagen secretion, and a significantly higher meniscal repair score than that of the GCON at 8 weeks postoperatively (P < .05). In contrast to the degenerative changes in both the meniscus and articular cartilage of the GCON, meniscal tissue in the GExosome exhibited restoration of normal morphology with a smooth and glossy white surface and better mechanical strength at 8 weeks after meniscal repair. Both degeneration scores and synovitis scores were significantly higher in the GCON than in the GExosome (P < .05). Compared with the GCON, the expression of key genes related to cell migration, such as the chemokine family, was enhanced by exosome injection, leading to an upregulation of extracellular matrix expression while downregulating the expression of inflammation-related genes such as CD68 and the matrix metalloproteinase family. Conclusion: The administration of SSC-Exos effectively promoted meniscal healing in the avascular region and ameliorated secondary osteoarthritis. The effect might be attributed to inflammation modulation, promotion of cell migration, and secretion of extracellular matrix components. Clinical Relevance: Injection of SSC-Exos represents a promising therapeutic option for promoting meniscal healing in the avascular region.

Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Utilizing a 3-Strand Palmaris Tendon Autograft With a Hybrid Linear Construct

The integrity of the medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow is vital for the throwing athlete. Although newer techniques exist, reconstruction remains the gold standard for full-thickness UCL tears. An increase in throwing velocity, inadequate recovery, and early sports specialization have contributed to increased rates of UCL injury. As increasing numbers of athletes undergo UCL reconstruction, we continue to search for the optimal technique to return athletes to the same level of competition. We present a UCL reconstruction utilizing a 3-stranded palmaris longus tendon autograft with an inlay linear construct.

The relationship between the duration and the retraction and atrophy grades in traumatic isolated full-thickness supraspinatus tears in young patients

BackgroundThe study aimed to determine the grade of retraction and atrophy according to the time elapsed in traumatic isolated full-thickness supraspinatus (SS) tears in young patients.MethodsOne thousand twenty-six patients, who underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery, were retrospectively reviewed. Pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 69 patients aged 18 to 40 years with isolated traumatic full-thickness SS lesions remaining after exclusion criteria were evaluated for tendon retraction and atrophy grades. SS retraction was determined from a T2-weighted oblique coronal MRI slice, and the atrophy grade was determined from the T1-weighted oblique sagittal MRI slice. The patients were divided into four groups 0–1 month, 1–3 months, 3–6 months, and 6–12 months according to the time between trauma and MRI. The relationship of tendon retraction and muscle atrophy with elapsed time was evaluated, in addition, comparisons between groups were made.ResultsThirty-one (45%) of the patients were female and their mean age was 30 ± 7.3 (18–40) years. The mean age of men was 30.5 ± 6.9 (18–39) years (p = 0.880). The time between rupture and MRI was moderately correlated with retraction and strongly correlated with atrophy grades (r = 0.599, 0.751, respectively). It was observed that there was a statistically significant difference between the 1st (0–1 month) and 2nd (1–3 months) groups (p = 0.003, 0.001, respectively), and between the 2nd and 3rd (3–6 months) groups (p = 0.032, 0.002, respectively), but there was no significant difference between the 3rd and 4th (6–12 months) groups (p = 0.118, 0.057, respectively). In addition, there was a moderate correlation between tendon retraction and atrophy grades (r = 0.668). Power (1- b) in post hoc analysis was calculated as 0.826.ConclusionsThe current study, supported by arthroscopy, showed that there is a moderate and strong positive correlation between the time elapsed after trauma and the level of retraction and degree of atrophy in traumatic full-thickness SS tears, and demonstrated the importance of early surgical intervention in young patients.

A visual marker for early atrophy of the supraspinatus muscle on conventional MRI: introduction of the blackbird sign.

The aim of this study was to introduce the blackbird sign as a fast, qualitative measure of early supraspinatus (SSP) muscle atrophy and to correlate the sign with quantitatively assessed muscle volume and intramuscular fat fraction (FF) in patients with full-thickness SSP tears. The blackbird sign describes the asymmetric pattern of early SSP atrophy: on sagittal MR images, the supero-posterior contour of the muscle becomes concave, resembling the shape of a blackbird. MRIs of patients with full-thickness SSP tears were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of the blackbird and tangent signs. Patients were then divided into group 1: negative tangent sign and negative blackbird sign (n = 67), group 2: negative tangent sign and positive blackbird sign (n = 31), and group 3: positive tangent sign (n = 32). A 2-point Dixon sequence was acquired in all patients from which quantitative FF and muscle volumes were calculated. In total 130 patients (mean age 67 ± 11 years) were included. Mean SSP volume was significantly smaller in group 3 (15.8 ± 8.1 cm3) compared to group 2 (23.9 ± 7.0 cm3, p = 0.01) and group 1 (29.7 ± 9.1 cm3, p < 0.01). Significantly lower muscle volumes were also found in group 2 compared to group 1 (p = 0.02), confirming that the blackbird sign is able to identify early SSP atrophy. Mean FF in the SSP was significantly higher in group 3 (18.5 ± 4.4%) compared to group 2 (10.9 ± 4.7%, p < 0.01) and group 1 (6.1 ± 2.6%, p < 0.01). Visual assessment of early muscle atrophy of the SSP is feasible and reproducible using the blackbird sign, allowing the diagnosis of early SSP atrophy. In routine clinical practice, the blackbird sign may be a useful tool for assessing early muscle degeneration before the risk of postoperative rotator cuff re-tears increases with progressive muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration. Quantitative measurements of rotator cuff injuries require time, limiting clinical practicality. The proposed blackbird sign is able to identify early SSP atrophy. Reader agreement for the blackbird sign was substantial, demonstrating reproducibility and ease of implementation in the clinical routine.

Differences in Risk Factors for Rotator Cuff Tears in Young Versus Old Individuals.

Background The etiology of rotator cuff tears is thought to be multifactorial with current literature that varies with regard to identifiable risk factors. The purpose of this retrospective review was to identify risk factors for full-thickness rotator cuff tears and determine whether they differ in young versus older individuals. Methods To determine the presence or absence of a rotator cuff tear, 1,561 patients with a shoulder MRI were reviewed.If a tear was present, it was further classified into a partial or full-thickness tear. Demographic variables and clinical data were collected and analyzed with a two-sided Student's t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables and a Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. Age and BMI were dichotomized using receiver operator curves. Results Charlson Comorbidity Index, age, BMI, sex, race, and work status were all factors that variably affected a patient's risk of experiencing arotator cuff tear, with different factors carrying more influence on outcomes within those who are older versus those who are younger. Gender and race were found to differ as risk factors between young and older individuals. Conclusion We were able to identify risk factors overall associated with increased odds of sustaining a full-thickness rotator cuff tear. Our analyses also showed differences in the effect of gender and race as risk factors between young and older patients with rotator cuff tears. This finding may aid clinicians in counseling patients on more specific risks for their given age.

The Predictors of Surgery for Symptomatic, Atraumatic Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears Change Over Time: Ten-Year Outcomes of the MOON Shoulder Prospective Cohort.

A prospective cohort study was conducted to assess the predictors of failure of nonoperative treatment, defined as the patient undergoing surgery for symptomatic, atraumatic full-thickness rotator cuff tears. We present the 10-year follow-up data of this population to determine if predictors for surgery change over time, and secondarily we report the outcomes of the cohort. At the time of enrollment, demographic, symptom, rotator cuff anatomy, and patient-reported outcome data were collected in patients with symptomatic, atraumatic full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Patients underwent a standard physical therapy protocol for 6 to 12 weeks. Patient data were then collected at 1, 2, 5, 7, and 10 years. Failure of nonoperative treatment was defined as the patient electing to undergo surgery. Of the 452 patients in the original cohort, 20 patients (5%) withdrew from the study, 37 (9%) died before 10 years, and 40 (9%) were otherwise lost to follow-up. A total of 115 patients (27.0%) underwent a surgical procedure at some point during the 10-year follow-up period. Of these patients, 56.5% underwent surgery within 6 months of enrollment and 43.5%, between 6 months and 10 years. Low patient expectations regarding the efficacy of physical therapy were found to be a predictor of early surgery. Workers' Compensation status and activity level were more important predictors of later surgery. Patient-reported outcome measures all improved following physical therapy. For patients who did not undergo a surgical procedure, patient-reported outcome measures did not decline over the 10-year follow-up period. Low patient expectations regarding the efficacy of physical therapy were found to be a predictor of early surgery, whereas Workers' Compensation status and activity level were predictors of later surgery. Physical therapy was successful in >70% of patients with symptomatic, atraumatic full-thickness rotator cuff tears at 10 years. Outcome measures improved with physical therapy and did not decline over the 10-year follow-up period. Prognostic Level I . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.