Incidence Of Rotator Cuff Tears Research Articles

Dyslipidemia may impact initial recovery following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a retrospective study

BackgroundThe current literature shows that dyslipidemia can lead to a higher incidence of rotator cuff tears (RCTs) and an increased retear rate after repair. We aimed to evaluate the influence of preoperative dyslipidemia on postoperative pain, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), active range of motion (ROM), and structural integrity.MethodsA cohort of 111 patients who underwent arthroscopic RCT repair between January 2021 and July 2022, and whose complete preoperative serum lipid data were available within one week prior to surgery was retrospectively reviewed. Dyslipidemia was defined as the presence of an increase or decrease in at least one blood lipid profile (triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, or non-high-density lipoprotein). There were 43 patients in the dyslipidemia group and 68 in the ortholiposis group. Patient evaluations, including pain score, PROs, and ROMs, were conducted preoperatively; at 3 and 6 months postoperatively; and at the last follow-up. Structural integrity was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 6 months after surgery if possible, and Sugaya type 4 or 5 was considered a retear. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce bias.ResultsThe RCT size, surgical technique, preoperative pain status, PROs, and active ROM were comparable between patients with dyslipidemia and those with ortholiposis. Three months after surgery, patients in the dyslipidemia group had worse average PROs (Constant score: P = 0.001; ASES score: P = 0.012; UCLA score: P = 0.015), forward flexion (P = 0.012), and internal rotation (P = 0.001) than patients in the ortholiposis group did. The difference between the two groups persisted after PSM but disappeared at the sixth month after surgery. No significant differences in pain score, PROs, or active ROMs were detected between the dyslipidemia and ortholiposis groups after a mean follow-up of 24 months. Of the 72 patients who underwent MRI, 4 retears (5.6%) were found, and all were in the ortholiposis group. There was no difference in the rate of retears between the two groups (P = 0.291) or with (P = 0.495) PSM.ConclusionsIn conclusion, we found that perioperative dyslipidemia may impact initial recovery within the first 3 months following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair but may have no effect on pain, PROs, or active ROMs at a mean 2-year follow-up or rotator cuff integrity at 6 months postoperatively.Trail registration Retrospectively registered.

The Effect of Combining Hyaluronic Acid and Human Dermal Fibroblasts on Tendon Healing

Background: The incidence of rotator cuff tears is rapidly increasing, and operative techniques for rotator cuff repair have been developed. However, the rates of postoperative retear remain high. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to determine the effects of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) with hyaluronic acid (HA) on tendon-to-bone healing in a rabbit model of chronic rotator cuff tear injury. It was hypothesized that HA would enhance HDF proliferation and that a combination of HA and HDFs would produce a synergistic effect on the healing of repaired rotator cuff tendons of rabbits. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: For in vitro study, HDFs were plated on a 24-well plate. After 1 day, 2 wells were designated as the test group and treated with 0.75% HA in phenol red–free Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium (DMEM). An other 2 wells served as control groups and were treated with the same volume of phenol red–free DMEM without HA. Each group was duplicated, resulting in a total of 4 wells, with 2 wells in each group for replication purposes. The cells were incubated for 24 hours, followed by 72-hour cultivation. Absorbance ratios at 96 and 24 hours were compared to evaluate cell proliferation. For the in vivo study, a total of 24 rabbits were randomly allocated to groups A, B, and C (n = 8 each). Supraspinatus tendons were detached bilaterally and left for 6 weeks to establish a chronic rotator tear model. Torn tendons were subsequently repaired using the following injections: group A, 0.5 × 106 HDFs with HA; group B, HA only; and group C, saline only. At 12 weeks after repair, biomechanical tests and histological evaluation were performed. Results: In vitro study showed that HDF proliferation significantly increased with HA (HDFs with HA vs HDFs without HA; 3.96 ± 0.09 vs 2.53 ± 0.15; P < .01). In vivo, group A showed significantly higher load-to-failure values than the other groups (53.8 ± 6.9 N/kg for group A, 30.6 ± 6.4 N/kg for group B, and 24.3 ± 7.6 N/kg for group C; P < .001). Histological evaluation confirmed that group A showed higher collagen fiber density and better collagen fiber continuity, tendon-to-bone interface maturation, and nuclear shape than the other groups (all P < .05). Conclusion: This controlled laboratory study verified the potential of the combination of HDFs and HA in enhancing healing in a chronic rotator cuff tear rabbit model. Clinical Relevance: A potential synergistic effect on rotator cuff tendon healing may be expected from a combination of HDFs and HA.

Prevalence of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Rotator Cuff Tears in General Population Attending Health Care Camps at Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: With the aging society, musculoskeletal degenerative diseases are becoming a burden on Society, and rotator cuff disease is one of these degenerative diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of Rotator cuff tear is the most common shoulder disease in patients with shoulder problems, at tertiary care hospital. Material and methods: A total of 700 patients examined. Ultrasonography on bilateral shoulders was performed in all the participants. Results: 165 subjects out of 700 participants (23.5%) had full-thickness rotator cuff tears. The prevalence of rotator cuff tear in each decade was 0% in the 20s to 40s, 14.7% in the 50s, 21.5% in the 60s, 31.2% in the 70s, and 32.6% in the 80s. Symptomatic rotator cuff tears accounted for 32.2% of all tears and asymptomatic tears for 67.8%. The prevalence of asymptomatic rotator cuff tears was one-half of all tears in the 50s, whereas it accounted for two-thirds of those over the age of 60. The prevalence of tear was significantly greater in male than in female in the 50s and 60s, but not in the 70s and 80s. Conclusion: The prevalence of rotator cuff tear in the general population was 21%, which increased with age. Asymptomatic tear was twice as common as symptomatic tear.

Current Research on the Influence of Statin Treatment on Rotator Cuff Healing.

Rotator cuff tears are a condition characterized by damage to the muscles and tendons that connect the scapula and humerus, which are responsible for shoulder rotation and arm lifting. Metabolic factors such as diabetes, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, vitamin D deficiency, obesity, and smoking have been associated with an increased risk of rotator cuff tears. Interestingly, patients with hyperlipidemia, a condition characterized by high levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood, have been found to have a higher incidence of rotator cuff tears and breakdown of tendon matrix. As a result, statin therapy, which is commonly used to lower cholesterol levels in hyperlipidemia, has been explored as a potential treatment to improve clinical outcomes in rotator cuff tears. However, the results of preclinical and clinical studies on the effects of statins on tendon healing in rotator cuff tears are limited and not well-defined. Moreover, since hyperlipidemia and rotator cuff tears are more prevalent in older individuals, a literature review on the efficacy and safety of statin therapy in this population is needed.

Risk Factors and Corresponding Management for Suture Anchor Pullout during Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair.

Due to the aging of the population, the incidence of rotator cuff tears is growing. For rotator cuff repair, arthroscopic suture-anchor repair has gradually replaced open transosseous repair, so suture anchors are now considered increasingly important in rotator cuff tear reconstruction. There are some but limited studies of suture anchor pullout after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. However, there is no body of knowledge in this area, which makes it difficult for clinicians to predict the risk of anchor pullout comprehensively and manage it accordingly. The literature search included rotator cuff repair as well as anchor pullout strength. A review of the literature was performed including all articles published in PubMed until September 2021. Articles of all in vitro biomechanical and clinical trial levels in English were included. After assessing all abstracts (n = 275), the full text and the bibliographies of the relevant articles were analyzed for the questions posed (n = 80). Articles including outcomes without the area of interest were excluded (n = 22). The final literature research revealed 58 relevant articles. Narrative synthesis was undertaken to bring together the findings from studies included in this review. Based on the presented studies, the overall incidence of anchor pullout is not low, and the incidence of intraoperative anchor pullout is slightly higher than in the early postoperative period. The risk factors for anchor pullout are mainly related to bone quality, insertion depth, insertion angle, size of rotator cuff tear, preoperative corticosteroid injections, anchor design, the materials used to produce anchors, etc. In response to the above issues, we have introduced and evaluated management techniques. They include changing the implant site of anchors, cement augmentation for suture anchors, increasing the number of suture limbs, using all-suture anchors, using an arthroscopic transosseous knotless anchor, the Buddy anchor technique, Steinmann pin anchoring, and transosseous suture repair technology. However, not many of the management techniques have been widely used in clinical practice. Most of them come from in vitro biomechanical studies, so in vivo randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes are needed to see if they can help patients in the long run.

Rotator cuff repair in upper extremity ambulators: an assessment of longitudinal outcomes.

Individuals who rely on wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches for ambulation have an increased incidence of rotator cuff tears due to altered shoulder biomechanics and increased force transmission across the shoulder joint. The purpose of our study is to review our longitudinal outcomes treating upper extremity ambulators to guide patient expectations and identify risk factors for rotator cuff repair failure. A total of fifteen patients were included after a cohort of thirty-nine patients were identified. The mean age was 54.9 years at the time of index rotator cuff repair, with each patient requiring either wheelchair, cane, walker, or crutches for ambulation. Clinical outcomes were measured (strength, range of motion, and pain scores), and patient-reported outcome scores (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Simple Shoulder Test, and University of California Los Angeles functional shoulder assessment tool) were obtained. No follow-up imaging was obtained unless indicated by a change in clinical status. Within our cohort, 14 of 15 (93%) presented with supraspinatus tears, 7 of 15 (47%) with infraspinatus tears, and only 3 of 15 (20%) with subscapularis pathology. Additionally, the rates of concurrent biceps pathology or acromioclavicular joint pathology were significant at 53% and 73%, respectively. Only one patient in our cohort experienced known failure of cuff repair, despite longitudinal follow-up at an average of 97 months following surgery, however, routine follow-up imaging was not obtained. There were statistically significant improvements in visual analog scale pain scores, forward flexion ROM and strength, and abduction ROM. Additionally, statistically significant improvements were noted in all patient-reported outcome scores measured. Despite the apparent risks associated in rotator cuff repair in upper extremity ambulators, these patients demonstrate clinically significant improvements following surgery. Appreciating additional pathology beyond the rotator cuff is important in formulating a treatment plan.

Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of the correlation between calcific tendinitis and rotator cuff injury

BackgroundThis study aims to evaluate the incidence of calcific tendinitis (CaT) in rotator cuff tears (RCTs) and to assess the correlation between CaT and RCTs with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsThe MRI of 108 patients with rotator cuff CaT admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Another retrospective analysis was made of 108 patients with similar age, gender, occupation, and shoulder injury side to those in the first group. The incidence of RCTs and their correlation with CaT were assessed based on an MRI of shoulder joints.ResultsThere was a statistical difference (p < 0.05) in the incidence of RCTs between the CaT group (23.4%) and the control group (37.2%). No significant difference was observed in the size of the RCTs between the two groups (P = 0.422). In the CaT group, 17.4% of patients had complete tears, compared with 26.3% in the control group. There was no significant correlation between the calcification site and RCTs in the CaT group, and only 3.7% of patients suffered calcification and a tear in the exact location of the same tendon (P > 0.05, r = 0.03).ConclusionsCompared with patients with shoulder pain without CaT, patients with rotator cuff CaT suffered no increased risk of RCTs on MRI, so CaT and RCTs may have different pathological causes, and there is no significant correlation between the two.

Osteoporosis increases the risk of rotator cuff tears: a population-based cohort study.

Osteoporosis has been demonstrated to be a risk factor for rotator cuff retears after surgery; however, no studies have directly investigated the association between osteoporosis and the development of rotator cuff tears. To investigate whether osteoporosis is associated with an increased risk of rotator cuff tears. We conducted a population-based, matched-cohort study with a 7-year follow-uTwo matched cohorts (n = 3511 with osteoporosis and 17,555 without osteoporosis) were recruited from Taiwan's Longitudinal Health Insurance Dataset. Person-year data and incidence rates were evaluated. A multivariable Cox model was used to derive an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) after controlling for age, sex, and various prespecified comorbidities. Age and sex were added in the model to test for interaction with osteoporosis. Women constituted 88.5% of the cohorts. During follow-up of 17,067 and 100,501 person-years for the osteoporosis and nonosteoporosis cohorts, 166 and 89 rotator cuff tears occurred, respectively. The cumulative incidence of rotator cuff tears was significantly higher in the osteoporosis cohort than in the nonosteoporosis cohort (p < 0.001, log-rank). The Cox model revealed a 1.79-fold increase in rotator cuff tears in the osteoporosis cohort, with an aHR of 1.79 (95% confidence interval, 1.55-2.05). Effect modification of sex and age on rotator cuff tears was not found in patients with osteoporosis. This population-based study supports the hypothesis that compared with individuals without osteoporosis, those with osteoporosis have a higher risk of developing rotator cuff tears.

Pathology and clinical outcomes after arthroscopic stabilization in shoulders with traumatic anterior instability older than 40 years: Comparison between shoulders with the first dislocation before or after 40 years (241)

Objectives:Traumatic anterior shoulder instability is common in young population but sometimes seen in middle-aged and elderly patients. The higher incidence of rotator cuff tears has been reported in middle-aged and elderly patients with anterior shoulder instability than young population. We, however, had an impression through clinical experiences that the pathology, including the incidence of rotator cuff tears, might be different by age at the first dislocation. There have been few articles that reported the pathology of shoulders with anterior shoulder instability in older population. The purpose of this study was to investigate pathology and clinical outcomes in patients who underwent arthroscopic stabilization at 40 years or older and to compare them between shoulders with the first dislocation before or after 40 years.Methods:The inclusion criteria of this study were as follows: 1) shoulders that underwent arthroscopic stabilization between October 2005 and September 2017, 2) traumatic anterior shoulder instability, and 3) 40 year old or older. The exclusion criterion was < 2-year follow-up. Glenoid morphology was evaluated with preoperative 3-dimensional computed tomography, and the size of glenoid bone defect was measured. Intraoperative findings, including rotator cuff tear, Bankart lesion, and humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) lesion, and surgical procedures were investigated with surgical records. Range of motion was assessed preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Postoperative re-dislocation was also investigated. The subjects were divided into two groups according to the age at the first dislocation: Group 1, < 40 years; Group 2, 40 years or older. The findings and outcomes were compared between the two groups. The unpaired t-test was used to compare continuous data between the groups, and the paired t-test was used for pre- and postoperative comparison of continuous data. The chi-square test was used for categorical variables. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.Results:Between October 2005 and September 2017, 198 shoulders (198 patients) underwent arthroscopic shoulder stabilization for traumatic anterior shoulder instability at 40 years or older. Fifty-six shoulders were excluded due to < 2-year follow-up, and 142 shoulders (142 patients) were included in this study. They consisted of 69 males and 73 females with a mean age of 51 (range, 40-78) years. The mean follow-up was 4 (range, 2-12) years. Group 1 included 105 shoulders (52 males and 53 females] with a mean age of 48 (range, 40-77) years. Group 2 included 37 shoulders (17 male and 20 females) with a mean age of 59 (range, 40-78) years. Group 1 had a longer time from the first dislocation to surgery (P<.001) and larger number of dislocation (P<.001) than Group 2 (Table 1). Bony Bankart lesion was more frequently seen in Group 2 than Group 1 (P=.02), and bone defect was greater in Group 1 than Group 2 (P=.02). The incidence of Bankart lesion or HAGL lesion was not significantly different between the groups. There were 2 full-thickness (1 small and 1 medium) and 16 joint-side partial-thickness rotator cuff tears in Group 1, while 16 full-thickness (4 small, 4 medium, 5 large, and 3 massive) and 8 joint-side partial-thickness tears were found in Group 2. The difference in the incidence of rotator cuff tears was significant between the groups (P<.001).Arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) with or without augmentation was performed in 103 shoulders (98 %) in Group 1 and in 35 shoulders (95%) in Group 2 (Table 2). There were 2 isolated HAGL repairs (2 %) in Group 1 and 2 isolated rotator cuff repairs (6 %) in Group 2. Two shoulders (6%) in Group 2 experienced re-dislocation. Forward flexion showed significant improvement from 159 (range, 100-180) to 170 (range, 140-180) degrees in Group 1 and from 148 (range, 40-180) to 163 (range, 70-180) degrees in Group 2 (P<.001 for each). Postoperative forward flexion showed no significant difference between the groups. External rotation showed no postoperative changes in both groups, while Group 1 had significantly better pre- and postoperative external rotation than Group 2.Conclusions:This study demonstrated that the incidence of rotator cuff tears was much higher in shoulders with the first dislocation after 40 years compared to shoulders with the first dislocation before 40 years. Shoulders with the first dislocation before 40 years had larger glenoid bone loss, while 51% of shoulders with the first dislocation after 40 years retained bony fragments. The longer time from the initial injury to surgery might be associated with the larger glenoid bone loss and absorption of bone fragments. Both groups showed satisfactory outcomes with the low rate of complications.

Effect of Rotator Cuff Deficiencies on Muscle Forces and Glenohumeral Contact Force After Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Using Musculoskeletal Multibody Dynamics Simulation.

Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (ATSA) is widely used to treat the diseases of the glenohumeral (GH) joint. However, the incidence of rotator cuff tears after ATSA increases during follow-up. The effects of rotator cuff deficiencies after ATSA on the biomechanics of the GH joint are to be investigated. In this study, a musculoskeletal multibody dynamics model of ATSA was established using a force-dependent kinematics (FDK) method. The biomechanical effects were predicted during arm abduction under different rotator cuff deficiencies. The deltoid forces were increased under the rotator cuff deficiencies, the maximum deltoid forces were increased by 36% under the subscapularis deficiency and by 53% under the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor deficiencies. The maximum GH contact forces were decreased by 11.3% under supraspinatus and infraspinatus deficiencies but increased by 24.8% under subscapularis deficiency. The maximum subscapularis force was decreased by 17% under only infraspinatus tear during arm abduction. The results suggested that the changes in the biomechanics of the GH joint induced by rotator cuff deficiencies after ATSA increase the deltoid muscle energy expenditure and joint instability, which result in postoperative less satisfactory clinical outcomes. The changes in rotator cuff muscle forces deserve more attention for understanding the evolution of rotator cuff tear after ATSA.

Comparing the Predictors of Functional Outcomes After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Modified Frailty Index, Clinical Frailty Scale, and Charlson Comorbidity Index

Background:The incidence of rotator cuff tears increases with age, and operative management is usually required in patients with persistent symptoms. Although several studies have analyzed the effect of age and comorbidities on outcomes after rotator cuff repair, no study has specifically examined the consequence of frailty.Purpose:To determine the best frailty/comorbidity index for predicting functional outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of 340 consecutive patients who underwent unilateral arthroscopic rotator cuff repair at a tertiary hospital between April 2016 and April 2018. All patients had undergone arthroscopic double-row rotator cuff repair with subacromial decompression by a single fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon. Patient frailty was measured using the Modified Frailty Index (MFI), Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), calculated through retrospective chart review based on case notes made just before surgery; patient age and sex were also noted preoperatively. Functional outcomes using the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), Constant Shoulder Score (CSS), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Score, and visual analog scale for pain were measured preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively.Results:The MFI was a consistent significant predictor in all functional outcome scores up to 24 months postoperatively (P < .05), unlike the CFS and CCI. Sex was also a significant predictor of postoperative OSS, CSS, and UCLA Shoulder Score, with male sex being associated with better functional outcomes. Patients with higher MFI scores had slower functional improvement postoperatively, but they eventually attained functional outcome scores comparable with those of their counterparts with lower MFI scores at 24 months postoperatively.Conclusion:The MFI was found to be a better tool for predicting postoperative function than was the CFS or CCI in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The study findings suggest that a multidimensional assessment of frailty (including both functional status and comorbidities) is important in determining functional outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Mechanical properties of the different rotator cuff tendons in the rat are similarly and adversely affected by age

Rotator cuff tendon tears and tendinopathies are common injuries affecting a large portion of the population and can result in pain and joint dysfunction. Incidence of rotator cuff tears significantly increases with advancing age, and up to 90% of these tears involve the supraspinatus. Previous literature has shown that aging can lead to inferior mechanics, altered composition, and changes in structural properties of the supraspinatus. However, there is little known about changes in supraspinatus mechanical properties in context of other rotator cuff tendons. Alterations in tendon mechanical properties may indicate damage and an increased risk of rupture, and thus, the purpose of this study was to use a rat model to define age-related alterations in rotator cuff tendon mechanics to determine why the supraspinatus is more susceptible to tears due to aging than the infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor. Fatigue, viscoelastic, and quasi-static properties were evaluated in juvenile, adult, aged, and geriatric rats. Aging ubiquitously and adversely affected all rotator cuff tendons tested, particularly leading to increased stiffness, decreased stress relaxation, and decreased fatigue secant and tangent moduli in geriatric animals, suggesting a common intrinsic mechanism due to aging in all rotator cuff tendons. This study demonstrates that aging has a significant effect on rotator cuff tendon mechanical properties, though the supraspinatus was not preferentially affected. Thus, we are unable to attribute the aging-associated increase in supraspinatus tears to its mechanical response alone.

Observational Study of Incidence of Rotator Cuff Tear in Patients with Shoulder Pain and Stiffness

Observational Study of Incidence of Rotator Cuff Tear in Patients with Shoulder Pain and Stiffness

Clinical outcomes of upper extremity ambulators post-reverse total shoulder arthroplasty

BackgroundPatients requiring upper extremity assist devices such as canes, walkers, and wheelchairs have shown an increased incidence of rotator cuff tears (RCTs), distal clavicle osteolysis, and osteoarthritis. The frequent combination of glenohumeral arthritis and rotator cuff arthropathy makes reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) an attractive option in treating the shoulder pathology in these patients. The objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of the rTSA procedure for treatment of shoulder pathology in the upper extremity ambulator population, and what role preoperative functional status plays on outcomes. MethodsThe study involved a retrospective analysis of 30 upper extremity ambulator patients (ages 48-88, average = 72.54 years) who underwent a rTSA procedure performed by the senior author (S.G.) in Milwaukee, WI, USA. Of these 30, 5 patients received bilateral rTSAs, for a total of 35 procedures. Average follow-up for these patients was 32 months, (range 24-84 months). The following preoperative and postoperative characteristics were recorded for each patient: range of motion, Visual Analog Scale scores, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, Constant Murley scores, and Simple Shoulder Test scores. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA analysis. ResultsAverage Visual Analog Scale scores improved from 6.40 to 2.08 (gain = 4.362; P< .0001). Average forward flexion improved from 70.32° to 127.74° (gain = 57.42°; P < .0001), while average abduction improved from 41.79° to 110.18° (gain = 68.69°; P = .0002). Average Murley scores improved from 25.68 to 63.32 (gain = 37.64; P = .030). American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Simple Shoulder Test scores were not shown to be statistically significant, though patients showed a trend toward gains in these metrics. A patient's preoperative status was highly correlated with their expected gain in function postoperatively, with lower baseline preoperative function correlating to larger gains postoperatively. Patients showed statistically significant gains in the metrics listed above, regardless of preoperative diabetic status, opioid use, or the type of ambulatory assistive device used. ConclusionThis study shows that rTSA reliably leads to significant postoperative improvements in range of motion, function, and pain relief in the upper extremity ambulator population. Patients with lower preoperative scores showed overall higher gains in both pain and function postoperatively, ultimately leading to similar postoperative outcomes to those who started at a high baseline function. These gains were irrespective of a patient's other preoperative characteristics, including diagnosis of diabetes, preoperative opioid use, and the type of upper extremity assist device used. Level of evidenceLevel III.

Lateral acromioplasty for correction of the critical shoulder angle

AbstractThe critical shoulder angle (CSA) was introduced as a radiological parameter associated with a higher incidence of rotator cuff tears. As a logical consequence, correcting the CSA together with rotator cuff repair should prevent re-tear and provide reliable and good clinical results. We present an all-arthroscopic technique resecting the lateral edge of the acromion (lateral acromioplasty) in order to reduce and correct the CSA after preoperative planning. Preliminary results from 20 patients with an average age of 62 years after rotator cuff repair are reported showing good clinical outcome with a Constant score of 88 points and no re-tear after an average follow-up of 16 months. The CSA was reduced from 39.7° to 32.1°. Previous concerns regarding weakening of the deltoid origin were not confirmed and there were no complications linked to lateral acromioplasty.

Role of shoulder gradient in the pathogenesis of rotator cuff tears.

Shoulder gradient has been associated with shoulder pathologies such as shoulder impingement syndrome. To investigate if there is an association between shoulder gradient and incidence of rotator cuff tear (RCT). A total of 61 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of RCT were included in this retrospective study. The anteroposterior radiograph of the shoulder was used to measure shoulder gradient in adduction and neutral rotation positions. The pain level was assessed with the visual analog scale for pain. The mean age of the patients was 55.7 ± 12.3 years. The mean visual analog scale of the patients was 4.1 ± 1.2. The mean shoulder gradient was 14.11º ± 2.65º for the affected shoulder and 15.8º ± 2.2º for the unaffected shoulders. This difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.41). A difference of 1.15º ± 1.82º was found between the injured and non-injured shoulder. No significant association was found between the gradient difference of the shoulder and demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients. Shoulder gradient is not associated with the pathology of RCT. Yet, future studies with more standardization and a larger sample size are needed to investigate the role of shoulder gradient in RCT pathogenesis further.

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

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

Depression increases the risk of rotator cuff tear and rotator cuff repair surgery: A nationwide population-based study.

BackgroundChronic inflammation is known to be associated with both rotator cuff tears (RCTs) and depression. However, no epidemiological studies with a longitudinal follow-up have been performed to prove this association. We aimed to investigate whether depressed patients had an elevated risk of RCT and subsequent repair surgery compared with those without depression.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study comprised of patients diagnosed with depression between 2000 and 2010 (depression cohort) and patients without depression (non-depression cohort, 1:2 age and sex matched). The risk of RCT and rotator cuff repair surgery were determined during a 13-year follow-up (2000–2013) between these two cohorts.ResultsThis study included 26,868 patients with depression and 53,736 patients without depression. The incidence of RCT was 648 and 438 per 100,000 person-years in the depression and non-depression cohorts, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) was 1.46 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36–1.57) for depressed patients. The incidence of rotator cuff repair surgery was 28 and 18 per 100,000 person-years in the depression and non-depression cohorts, respectively. Depressed patients also had a significantly increased risk of subsequent rotator cuff repair surgery (adjusted HR = 1.46; 95% CI, 1.04–2.06).ConclusionThe present study showed that depression was associated with an increased risk of rotator cuff tear and rotator cuff repair surgery.

Prevalence and Site of Rotator Cuff Lesions in Shoulders With Recurrent Anterior Instability in a Young Population.

Background:Partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion (PASTA) lesions are often seen in shoulders of throwing athletes. PASTA lesions in anterior instability are also found in recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability.Purpose:To investigate the prevalence and location of rotator cuff tears (RCTs), including PASTA lesions, in shoulders with recurrent anterior instability.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:A total of 842 shoulders in 801 patients with recurrent anterior instability (647 men, 154 women; mean age, 24 years; age range, 13-40 years) who underwent arthroscopic surgery at the age of 40 years or younger were enrolled. During surgery, the thickness and the sites of RCTs as well as patient factors associated with RCTs were examined.Results:RCTs were found in 57 shoulders (7%) in 56 patients. There were 4 shoulders with full-thickness RCTs and 54 shoulders with PASTA lesions. All lesions but 1 involved the anterior border of the supraspinatus (SSP). Participation in high-level athletics and older age at injury were associated with RCTs.Conclusion:The incidence of RCTs was 7% in shoulders with recurrent anterior instability at age 40 years or younger. Most RCTs were PASTA lesions that involved the anterior border of the SSP.

Arthroscopic repair of large to massive rotator cuff tears in patients younger than 60 years

BackgroundThe incidence of rotator cuff tears in young patients has increased recently with the increase in sports and recreation activities, however, few studies have reported clinical outcomes after arthroscopic repair of large to massive rotator cuff tears in young patients. This study aimed to evaluate preoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes after arthroscopic repair of large to massive rotator cuff tears in patients younger than 60 years, and to compare these results with those of tear size-matched patients older than 60 years. MethodsForty-eight patients who underwent arthroscopic repair for large to massive rotator cuff tears were included. Group I (n = 24) consisted of patients younger than 60 years, while tear size-matched patients older than 60 years were assigned to group II (n = 24). Clinical outcomes were evaluated preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and at the final visit. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) preoperatively and at 3 and 12 months postoperatively to evaluate repair integrity. ResultsThe mean patient age was 53.4 ± 4.2 years in group I and 67.4 ± 4.5 in group II (P = 0.001). At the last visit, there were no significant differences in postoperative clinical scores or passive range of motion between two groups. However, young patients complained of shoulder pain less frequently than elderly patients (visual analog scale for pain at last visit: 0.8 ± 0.3 in group I, 2.4 ± 1.9 in group II, P = 0.04). Elderly patients showed more advanced fatty infiltration preoperatively than young patients and advanced fatty infiltration was correlated with postoperative repair integrity (r = 0.83, P = 0.001). Postoperative re-tear rate was 12.5% in group I, and 33.3% in group II (P = 0.08). ConclusionMore satisfactory clinical and structural outcomes followed by less advanced preoperative fatty infiltration can be expected in younger patients compared with patients older than 60 years, based on large to massive rotator cuff tear treatment outcomes.