Large Tears Research Articles

Poster 128: Association Between Postoperative Graft Integrity and Clinical Outcomes After Superior Capsule Reconstruction: A Multicenter Study

Objectives:Superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) was developed as a joint-preserving surgical option for patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Previous studies have postulated that graft thickness and graft healing may be important factors for optimizing the clinical outcomes of SCR. However, the correlation between postoperative graft integrity and clinical outcomes after SCR remains unclear. The objective of this study was to assess the correlation between postoperative graft integrity and clinical outcomes after SCR in patients with irreparable RCTs.Methods:This retrospective multicenter study enrolled 188 patients (86 women and 102 men; mean age, 69.2 years; range, 49–87 years) who underwent arthroscopic SCR using fascia lata autografts for irreparable RCTs from five different centers. Postoperative graft integrity was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging and was classified into five categories: type I, sufficient graft thickness with homogeneously low intensity; type II, sufficient graft thickness with partial high intensity; type III, insufficient graft thickness (4 mm or less) without discontinuity; type IV, presence of a minor discontinuity in less than four slices on both oblique coronal and sagittal images, suggesting a small graft tear; type V, presence of a major discontinuity in four or more slices on both oblique coronal and sagittal images, suggesting a large graft tear. We compared the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, active shoulder range of motion (ROM), muscle strength (assessed with manual muscle test), and acromiohumeral distance (AHD) among the five groups based on postoperative graft integrity. For the statistical analyses, Kruskal-Wallis test (nonparametric one-way analysis of variance) followed by pairwise group comparisons using the Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner procedure was used to compare the values among the five groups based on the postoperative graft integrity assessment. Paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the preoperative and postoperative clinical outcome measures and AHD. Statistical significance was defined as P <0.05.Results:VAS and ASES score significantly improved after SCR in all graft types (all P<.05) (Table 1). However, shoulders with type V grafts had significantly inferior postoperative VAS and ASES score compared to those with type I and II grafts (all P<.05). Shoulders with intact grafts (types I, II, and III) showed significant improvements in shoulder ROM (all P<.05) (Table 2) and muscle strength after SCR (all P<.05) (Table 3). In contrast, shoulders with graft tears (types IV and V) showed no significant improvement in the range of external and internal rotation and shoulder muscle strength in any direction. Postoperative AHD was significantly increased only in shoulders with sufficient graft thickness (types I and II) (both P<.0001) (Table 4).Conclusions:Arthroscopic SCR provided pain relief even in patients with graft tears. However, patients with large graft tears had significantly inferior postoperative clinical scores compared to those with intact graft of sufficient thickness. Shoulder ROM and muscle strength were increased after SCR in shoulders with intact grafts but not in those with large graft tears. Postoperative AHD was significantly increased only in shoulders with intact graft of sufficient thickness. These results suggest that postoperative graft integrity affect clinical outcomes after SCR. An intact graft of sufficient thickness restored glenohumeral stability and substantially improved clinical outcomes.Table 1.Change in Visual Analog Scale and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score after Superior Capsule ReconstructionTable 2.Change in Active Shoulder Ranges of Motion from Preoperative to Postoperative EvaluationTable 3.Change in Shoulder Muscle Strength after Superior Capsule ReconstructionTable 4.Change in Acromiohumeral distance after Superior Capsule Reconstruction

Poster 153: Dynamic Radiographic Evaluation of Scapulohumeral Rhythm in Patients with Massive vs Small Rotator Cuff Tears

Objectives:The management of rotator cuff tears varies based on patient age, function, tear size, and chronicity. Treatment of massive tears results in less favorable or predictable outcome, presenting a challenge in determining the optimal intervention. Classification of a tear as “massive” is often based on MRI and confirmed intraoperatively. However, the use of a functional measure of shoulder motion, such as the scapulohumeral rhythm (SHR), offers an alternate, clinically relevant method to help guide diagnosis and surgical management. Defined as the ratio of glenohumeral (GH) to scapulothoracic (ST) motion, SHR is known to be altered in patients with rotator cuff tears. While previously challenging to measure SHR in a clinical setting, a novel technique known as Dynamic Digital Radiography (DDR) provides a safe and cost-effective method to directly compare changes in motion between patients with rotator cuff tears and correlate these changes to tear severity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients with massive and small rotator cuff tears using DDR, assessing for differences in SHR and range of motion between the two groups.Methods:Shoulders were prospectively analyzed using DDR via obtaining a series of pulsed radiographs at up to 15 Hz of the joint in motion. Scapulothoracic motion and glenohumeral motion were quantified based on the DDR images (figure 1). Measurements were taken in humeral abduction at 0-30°, 30-60°, 60-90°, and full abduction using the Grashey view. SHR at different points was calculated by dividing the humeral arc of motion by the scapular arc of motion in each of those motion ranges. Pairwise t-tests were performed on the obtained data to compare differences between groups at an α level of 0.05.Results:42 patients with a primary diagnosis of rotator cuff tear matched for age and BMI were analyzed (table 1). Based on clinical presentation and MRI, 29 patients were classified as massive rotator cuff tear (MRCT) and 13 patients were classified as small rotator cuff tear (SRCT). The final angle calculations are displayed in table 2. SRCT patients had a significantly higher average overall SHR of 3.04 ± 1.16 compared to the MRCT SHR of 1.91 ± 0.51 (p=0.003). When analyzed across 30-degree intervals of humeral abduction, MRCT patients had a significantly lower SHR compared to SRCT patients at 30-60° (1.83 ± 0.97 vs 3.39 ± 1.62, p=0.005). MRCT also had a lower SHR between 0-30° (2.63 ± 2.08 vs 4.74 ± 3.83, p=0.08) and 60-90° (2.13± 0.80 vs 2.91 ± 1.41 , p=0.13) of humeral abduction compared to SRCT patients, but these differences were not statistically significant. SHR changes across these intervals of humeral abduction are plotted in figure 2. Scapular range of motion during humeral abduction was lower in SRCT compared to MRCT (29.71 ± 12.91 vs 41.57 ± 10.41, p=0.08). No statistically significant difference was found in humeral range of motion between MRCT (76.02 ± 22.66) and SRCT (80.93 ± 20.71).Conclusions:A dynamic measurement of motion demonstrates that scapulohumeral rhythm is significantly different between patients with small vs. massive rotator cuff tears. Based on DDR analysis, patients had a marked difference in the initiation of motion and through the first 60 degrees of humeral abduction, resulting in a nearly 2x lower SHR in MRCT compared to SRCT. Moreover, evaluation of glenohumeral and scapulothoracic motion during humeral abduction demonstrated that patients with larger tears had an increased reliance on scapular contributions to overall humeral elevation. Dynamic measurement of SHR represents a novel method for evaluating rotator cuff tears, with marked differences noted in the earlier phases of shoulder motion. Further study and validation of the dynamic assessment of SHR has the potential to augment the diagnostic algorithm for rotator cuff tears, and ultimately inform prognostic and functional expectations for both the patient and the physician.Table 1.Patient DemographicsTable 2.Relative contributions by glenohumeral (GH) and scapulotlioracic (ST) joint to shoulder girdle motionFigure 1.Reference lines used for calculation of the humeral and scapular abduction arcs. Measurements were taken in reference to a vertical line. Calculations were made in the neutral position, at initiation of abduction, 30°, 60°, 90° and full abduction.Figure 2.SHR measured at 30-degree intervals of humeral abduction. The * Indicates a statistically significant difference at α = 0.05 in SHR measured between massive rotator cuff tear and small rotator cuff tear patients. P-values from left to right are 0.08 (0-30 °), 0.005 (30-60 °), 0.13 (60-90 °), and 0.003 (total)

Rotator Cuff Repair With a Bioinductive Patch

Background: As a degenerative condition, symptomatic rotator cuff disease is frequently seen in the aging population, often requiring arthroscopic repair to eliminate pain and restore function. Repair integrity remains a concern in both short- and long-term postoperative periods due to high rates of primary repair failures, leading to increased interest in biologic patch augmentation to improve healing. Indications: Patch augmentation during rotator cuff repair is indicated in patients at high risk for repair failure or incomplete healing, including patients with poor quality, degenerative tendon tissue, those undergoing revision repair, and patients with large or massive rotator cuff tears. Technique Description: Standard arthroscopic portals are established and following diagnostic arthroscopy, the rotator cuff tear is identified, mobilized, and the humeral head gently debrided to a bleeding surface. Medial row suture anchors are placed, and following suture passage through the rotator cuff, the medial row sutures are tied. A bioinductive augmentation patch is introduced and provisionally secured medial to the enthesis utilizing spinal needles. Sutures are shuttled over the patch and incorporated into the lateral row repair utilizing 2 knotless suture anchors, effectively securing the patch over the bone-tendon interface. Results: Utilization of the described patch augmentation technique may improve repair healing by stimulating collagen formation and tissue vascularity, while providing structural support during the immediate postoperative period, effectively facilitating new tissue formation. Discussion/Conclusion: Incorporation of the bioinductive patch into the lateral row suture repair, directly over the tendon-bone interface, may assist in repair healing and decrease issues related to patch migration, while minimizing operative time and materials cost.

Mental health status, not resilience, influences functional recovery after arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs

Recent literature has shown the importance of patient psychosocial status in overcoming stressful events, such as surgery. Resilience, the ability to "bounce back" from adversity, has been recently correlated to outcomes following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR). Overall mental well-being has also been shown to be important because patients with clinical depression and anxiety may have worse outcomes. Substantial clinical benefit (SCB) is the threshold of outcome improvement that a patient perceives as considerable. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of preoperative resilience, mental health status, and rotator cuff tear size on patient outcome recovery measured by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score. Patients undergoing arthroscopic RCR performed from 2016 through 2019 at a single tertiary institution by fellowship-trained sports surgeons with a high-volume shoulder practice were included. The Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) score and Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) Mental Component Score (MCS) were collected preoperatively. ASES scores were obtained preoperatively, as well as 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the SCB threshold of 87 for the ASES score based on validated, established literature. Rotator cuff tear size was classified as small (≤3 cm) or large (>3 cm). VR-12 MCS, BRS, and ASES scores were compared at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year using separate mixed-model analyses of variance between the tear size and SCB groups. For ASES score comparison, the VR-12 MCS was used as a covariate to account for differences in baseline mental status. RCR was performed in 119 patients, with an average age of 61 years (standard deviation, 10 years). There were 71 male and 48 female patients. At 6 months, 43% of patients met the SCB threshold. The VR-12 MCS was significantly different between RCR patients who met the SCB threshold for the ASES score and those who did not at 6 and 12 months for large rotator cuff tears (P=.001) but not small tears (P=.07). The BRS score was not different between the tear size and SCB groups at any time point (P=.12). Our results show that patients who met the SCB threshold at 6 months postoperatively after arthroscopic RCR demonstrated higher preoperative VR-12 MCS values; however, higher preoperative BRS scores were not seen in those meeting the SCB threshold. In fact, when baseline VR-12 MCS values were accounted for in patients with large rotator cuff tears, the differences in ASES scores normalized. This finding suggests that baseline mental health status, as measured by the VR-12 MCS, significantly influenced patients' functional recovery following RCR. Future research should focus on preoperative psychosocial well-being to optimize postoperative outcomes.

Risk Factors for Conversion in Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal Inguinal Hernioplasty.

Conversion is a surgical concern because the surgical technique can change during surgery. Surprisingly, there is no study in the literature on the causes and risk factors leading to conversion in laparoscopic total extraperitoneal inguinal repair (TEP). There is also no consensus on the prevention and causes of this condition in TEP. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors underlying the development of conversion during TEP. We recruited 962 consecutive patients who underwent TEP between May 2016 and May 2021. All data were collected retrospectively. The outcomes of patients who converted to open surgery were compared with those without conversion. Multivariate analysis identified independent risk factors for conversion. The overall incidence of conversion was 4.05% (n=39). The median age was 42 years (18 to 83) and body mass index was 25.2 kg/m2 (15.67 to 32.9). Significant clinical factors associated with conversion included old age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, large peritoneal tear (PT), Charlson comorbidity index, previous surgery, large hernial defects, presence of scrotal hernia, and the defect size of inguinal hernia. Multivariate analysis identified independent risk factors for conversion: large hernial defect, large PT, previous lower abdominal surgery, previous hernia surgery, and scrotal hernia. Conversion is a minor complication seen during TEP and its incidence varies depending on many factors. Previous lower abdominal surgery and a large PT carries a 6-fold increased risk for conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery during TEP.

Surgical Outcomes After Bucket-Handle Meniscal Repairs: Analysis of a Large Contained Cohort

Background: Representing approximately 10% of all meniscal tears, bucket-handle meniscal tears (BHMTs) are large longitudinal vertical tears that have an attached fragment flipped into the intercondylar notch. Meniscectomy often results in significant meniscal loss and increased joint loading. Alternatively, meniscal repair attempts to restore the function of the meniscus and aims to preserve joint mechanics. Purpose: To evaluate the long-term risk of subsequent ipsilateral knee surgery in patients who underwent a bucket-handle meniscal repair (BHMR), and to assess risk factors associated with subsequent knee surgical intervention. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: We performed an electronic health record search for all patients aged 12 to 65 years who underwent arthroscopic knee meniscal repairs for BHMT (2011-2018). We excluded patients who had a previous BHMR, did not have magnetic resonance imaging of the knee within 60 days before BHMR, lacked active membership in Kaiser insurance in the year before and after BHMR, or underwent meniscectomy before BHMR. All patients were followed until December 31, 2019, with censoring at death or membership disenrollment. Primary outcomes included ipsilateral knee procedures overall and by type (ie, repeat meniscal repair and meniscectomy); secondary outcomes included other surgical interventions of the same knee, any contralateral knee surgery, deep surgical-site infection, and deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Results: The final cohort included 1359 patients with a median age of 24 years (interquartile range [IQR], 17-34) who underwent BHMR for a BHMT. During the follow-up period (median, 50.2 months [IQR, 32.3-60.6]), 495 subsequent ipsilateral procedures were performed in 274 (20.2%) patients, and the median time to the first procedure was 10.6 months (IQR, 4.1-23.5). An overall 59 (4.3%) patients underwent repeat meniscal repair, and 165 (12.1%) had a subsequent meniscectomy of the same knee. Significant risk factors for subsequent ipsilateral procedures included younger age, 12 to 18 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.77 [95% CI, 1.84-18.08]) and 19 to 30 years (aOR, 3.65 [95% CI, 1.17-11.36]), as well as normal and overweight body mass index (aOR, 2.84 [95% CI, 1.29-6.23] and 2.34 [95% CI, 1.06-5.17], respectively). Patients undergoing concomitant anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) at the initial BHMR had a lower risk of undergoing subsequent surgery (aOR, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.49-0.87]) than those without concomitant ACLR. Conclusion: This is the largest reported study on outcomes after BHMR in a contained cohort. One-fifth of patients underwent subsequent ipsilateral surgery during follow-up, with 4.3% receiving a repeat meniscal repair and 12.1% experiencing a meniscectomy. Risk factors for subsequent surgery of the same knee included younger age and normal or overweight body mass index. Concomitant ACLR at time of BHMR reduced the risk of subsequent reoperation.

Arthroscopic Repair of Isolated Subscapularis Tears Show Clinical and Structural Outcome Better for Small Tears Than Larger Tears

PurposeTo retrospectively investigate the mid-term outcomes after arthroscopic repair of isolated subscapularis tears with a relatively large number of patients and to compare them by tear size.MethodsMedical records were reviewed for patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between 2010 and 2017 at our institute. The inclusion criterion was isolated subscapularis tears that underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The exclusion criteria were (1) previous rotator cuff surgery, (2) lack of imaging studies or clinical evaluation data, (3) neuromuscular diseases, and (4) <2-year follow-up. Range of motion, American Shoulder and Elbow Society score, and bear-hug or belly-press test were assessed pre- and postoperatively. Repair integrity was evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging at postoperative1 year. The clinical and imaging study outcomes were compared between smaller (Lafosse types 1-3) and larger (types 4 and 5) tears.ResultsThe subjects included 38 males and 8 females with a mean age of 59 years (range, 25-77 years). The mean follow-up was 36 months (range, 24-96 months). There were 13 type 1, 10 type 2, 12 type 3, 6 type 4, and 5 type 5 shoulders. Postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Society scores were significantly better in smaller tears than larger tears: 93 ± 8 and 75 ± 14, respectively (P = .003). Smaller tears showed better postoperative internal rotation than larger tears (P = .004). Significant decrease of positive bear-hug or belly-press test was observed in smaller tears (preoperative, 25; postoperative, 11; P < .001), but there was no significant improvement in larger tears (preoperative, 11; postoperative, 9). The retear rate was significantly greater in larger tears (64%) than smaller tears (6%, P < .001).ConclusionsThe clinical and structural outcomes after arthroscopic repair of isolated subscapularis tears were better in smaller tears than larger tears with a mid-term follow-up. Larger tears showed high retear rates with poorer improvement in active range of internal rotation and subscapularis strength.Level of EvidenceLevel III, retrospective, comparative study.

A Propensity Score–Matched Comparison Between Knotless Layer-by-Layer and En Masse Suture Bridge Techniques for Delaminated Rotator Cuff Tears

Background: Because the articular layer is more prone to retraction than the bursal layer of the supraspinatus tendon, it is important to restore each layer anatomically while repairing delaminated rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Purpose: To compare clinical outcomes and tendon integrity between knotless layer–by–layer and conventional en masse repair techniques for delaminated RCTs. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from 174 consecutive patients with delaminated RCTs treated by arthroscopic suture bridge repair. Only 115 patients with medium to large supraspinatus tears with delamination were included. The 33 patients treated using the knotless layer–by–layer technique (group 2) were matched 1:1 with patients treated using en masse repair with the suture bridge technique (group 1) based on propensity scores. Tendon thickness was measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Signal changes in the bursal, articular, and intratendinous layers were assessed using T2-weighted MRI. Results: Postoperatively, statistically significant improvements were seen in both groups compared with preoperatively functional scores. At the final follow–up, there was a statistically significant difference in the Constant score, which was higher in group 2 than in group 1 (91.4 ± 6.0 and 84.3 ± 16.4, respectively; P = .005). There was 1 case of a retear in each group, representing a 3% retear rate. Group 2 had thicker tendons than group 1 (6.9 ± 1.1 and 6.0 ± 1.2 mm, respectively; P = .017). On T2-weighted MRI, a low signal intensity in the articular layer was more common in group 2 (P = .046). Conclusion: En masse repair using the suture bridge technique and the knotless layer–by–layer technique were both effective. Regarding tendon healing, no significant differences were seen in retear rates. However, superior results in terms of the Constant score, tendon thickness, and signal intensity in the articular layer were observed using the knotless layer–by–layer technique.

Patch augmentation does not provide better clinical outcomes than arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for large to massive rotator cuff tears.

Patch augmentation for large and massive rotator cuff tears (LMRCTs) has been suggested as a repair strategy that can mechanically reinforce tendons and biologically enhance healing potential. The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients who underwent patch augmentation would have lower rates of retears and superior functional outcomes. Patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) with patch augmentation (group A) were matched by age, sex, degree of retraction, and supraspinatus muscle occupation ratio to those treated with ARCR without using a patch (group B) with a minimum follow-up of 24months. The retear (Sugaya IV or V) rates were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging at 3 and 12months post-surgery. The Constant- Murley Score (CMS), Korean Shoulder Score (KSS), and University of California-Los Angeles Shoulder Rating Scale (UCLA) score were retrospectively analyzed. This study included 34 patients (group A, n = 17; group B, n = 17). The mean follow-up period was 46.5 ± 17.4months. At postoperative 1-year follow-up, group B (6 patients, 35.3%) showed higher rates of retears than group A (1 patient, 5.9%), which was statistically significant (P = 0.034). However, the postoperative CMS, KSS, and UCLA scores did not differ between the two groups at 3months, 12months, and the final follow-up. Additionally, the clinical outcomes of patients with retear were not significantly different from those of the healed patients in both groups. The use of an allodermal patch for LMRCT is effective in preventing retears without complications. However, the clinical outcomes of ARCR using allodermal patch augmentation were not superior to those of only ARCR. III.

Relevance between Proximal Humeral Migration and Rotator Cuff Tears.

BackgroundProximal humeral migration is common in patients with rotator cuff tears. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relevance between proximal humeral migration and some rotator cuff tear-related factors.MethodsA total of 75 patients with unilateral rotator cuff tears were retrospectively included from August 2016 to January 2018 who underwent magnetic resonance imaging and X-ray examinations before enrollment. We introduced the upward migration index (UMI) to stratify the patients into three groups, Group A: 1 < UMI ≤ 1.3; Group B: 1.3 < UMI ≤ 1.4; and Group C: UMI > 1.4. Pearson correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the relationship between UMI and age, sex, body mass index, pain, fatty degeneration grade, tear size, and thickness of ruptured tendon. Then, the χ2 test and receiver operator characteristic curve were applied to measure the diagnostic value of UMI.ResultsThe average UMI was 1.34 ± 0.07, ranging from 1.16 to 1.48. For the Pearson correlation analysis, there was a negative correlation between UMI and tear size (R = −0.68, p < 0.01), and also, there was a negative correlation between UMI and the visual analogue scale score (R = 0.342, p < 0.01). What is more, there was a negative correlation between UMI and the fatty degeneration grade (R = −0.373, p < 0.01). Ordinal multinomial logistic regression analysis indicated that tear size (β = −1.825, p < 0.001) was the independent predictor of UMI, which was a risk factor for humeral upward migration. The cutoff points of UMI were 1.38 and 1.3 to determine tears and distinguish large tears from small ones.ConclusionsUMI is a good predictor for humeral upward migration, which is related to the tear size of posterosuperior cuff tears. When the UMI is <1.3, a large tear should be alerted. Combining physical examination and X-ray is helpful for evaluating rotator cuff tears.

Rotator cuff tears

Rotator cuff tears are most commonly the result of age-related degenerative pathology, although they can result from trauma at any age. Patients with rotator cuff tears (RCT) often present with pain, loss of strength and decreased range of motion, which significantly affects their function and quality of life. Some uncertainty persists about optimal treatment strategies and the timing of repairs for some RCTs. The incidence of rotator cuff repairs has rapidly increased in recent years, and studies show that the vast majority of patients go on to experience significant improvements in pain and function, although re-tear is a recognized complication. Novel strategies using grafts to augment repairs are being employed in the hope of reducing these re-tear rates. Augments are expensive and currently not fully supported by high-quality evidence demonstrating their efficacy. The management of larger, potentially irreparable cuff tears is challenging. It remains unclear whether surgery offers effective long-term results for most patients with large and massive cuff tears, as rotator cuff repairs for this cohort are associated with high failure rates.

Clinical effect of arthroscopic long head of biceps transfer and tenodesis on irreparable rotator cuff tear

ObjectiveTo explore the clinical effect of arthroscopic long head of biceps transfer and tenodesis for on irreparable rotator cuff tear.MethodsA total of 18 patients with irreparable rotator cuff tear who were treated in the Dongfang Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine from April 2018 to March 2020 were included in this study. They all underwent arthroscopic long head of biceps transfer and tenodesis. Shoulder joint motions (forward flexion, abduction, and external rotation angle) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed. Moreover, visual analogue scale (VAS) and university of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score were conducted during follow-up.ResultsPreoperative symptoms lasted from 3 to 16 months, with an average duration of 10 months. All patients healed in the first stage without obvious complications were included. All patients were followed up for 4 to 14 months after the surgery, with an average duration of 11.1 months. The range of shoulder joint motions, including forward flexion (80.52° ± 31.19° vs. 149.47° ± 28.36°), abduction (65.13° ± 37.59° vs. 152.46° ± 28.64°) and lateral rotation (30.17° ± 15.15° vs. 71.49° ± 11.42°) was significantly improved after operation (P < 0.05). The VAS score was notably decreased after operation (8.46 ± 0.80 vs. 1.55 ± 0.70), but the UCLA score was markedly increased (15.27 ± 2.89 vs. 31.17 ± 2.36). MRI imaging showed that 15 patients had good tissue healing, with a healing rate of 83.3% (15/18).ConclusionArthroscopy of the biceps long head tendon transposition can significantly relieve pain in patients with large rotator cuff tears, improve joint mobility, and restore joint function.

Agreement in rotator cuff muscles measurement between ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging

Background/objectiveIt is important to assess the atrophy of the rotator cuff to better understand shoulder function and pain. Previously, magnetic resonance imaging has been used for the evaluation of atrophy of rotator cuff muscles, which is time consuming. Therefore, a measurement tool requiring little time and easy accessibility is clinically desirable to be used frequently in rehabilitation. Recently, rotator cuff muscles have been evaluated using ultrasonography. However, little is known about the agreement of evaluation in rotator cuff muscles between magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the agreement between the muscle thickness measurements of supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor muscles by ultrasonography and the cross-sectional area measured by magnetic resonance imaging in the patient with rotator cuff tears. MethodsA total of 47 patients with rotator cuff tears were enrolled. There were the 37 small tears, four medium tears, and six large tears, and the involved rotator cuff muscles were the supraspinatus in 37 shoulders, and the supraspinatus and infraspinatus in 10 shoulders. The measuring variables were muscle thickness and cross-sectional area of supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor muscles by using magnetic resonance imaging. Further, the muscle thickness of the rotator cuff were assessed using ultrasonography. A single regression model was used for demonstrating the agreement between the cross-sectional area measurement by magnetic resonance imaging and the muscle thickness measured using ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging of rotator cuff muscles. Additionally, the Bland-Altman plots between magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography was analyzed. ResultsThe cross-sectional area were correlated with the muscle thickness measurement of rotator cuff muscles by magnetic resonance imaging, significantly (supraspinatus: r = 0.84, infraspinatus: ρ = 0.63, teres minor: ρ = 0.61, all p < 0.001). There were significant agreements between the cross-sectional area measured by magnetic resonance imaging and muscle thickness measured by ultrasonography (supraspinatus: r = 0.80, infraspinatus: ρ = 0.78, teres minor: ρ = 0.74, all p < 0.001). Bland-Altman plots revealed significant correlations between the average and the difference of the two measurements in supraspinatus (r = 0.36, p = 0.012), infraspinatus (r = 0.38, p < 0.001), and teres minor (r = 0.42, p < 0.001). These results clarified the proportional bias between MRI and US. ConclusionThis study showed that, similar to magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography is a useful tool for assessing muscle atrophy of supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor muscles.

Utility of Preoperative Shear-Wave Elastography of the Supraspinatus Muscle for Predicting Successful Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective Observational Study With MRI Correlation.

BACKGROUND. After rotator cuff tear, properties of the torn muscle predict failed surgical repair. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to explore the utility of preoperative shear-wave elastography (SWE) measurements of the supraspinatus muscle to predict successful rotator cuff repair, including comparison with MRI-based measures. METHODS. This prospective study included 74 patients (37 men, 37 women; mean age, 63.9 ± 10.0 [SD] years) who underwent rotator cuff repair between May 2019 and January 2021. Patients underwent preoperative clinical shoulder MRI and investigational shoulder ultrasound including SWE using shear modulus. The mean elasticity values of the supraspinatus and trapezius muscles were measured, and the elasticity ratio (i.e., ratio of mean elasticity of supraspinatus muscle to mean elasticity of trapezius muscle) was calculated. The muscular fatty infiltration score (1-3 scale) was recorded on gray-scale ultrasound. On MRI, muscular fatty infiltration was assessed by Goutallier grade (0-4 scale), and muscular atrophy was assessed by the occupation ratio (ratio of cross-sectional areas of supraspinatus muscle and supraspinatus fossa) and by the muscle atrophy grade (0-3 scale). After rotator cuff repair, the surgeon classified procedures as achieving sufficient (n = 60) or insufficient (n = 14) repair. RESULTS. Patients with insufficient repair, versus those with sufficient repair, more commonly exhibited a large (3-5 cm) tear (100.0% vs 50.0%). Patients with insufficient, versus sufficient, repair exhibited higher mean Goutallier grade (3.8 ± 0.4 vs 1.9 ± 1.1), mean muscle atrophy grade (2.0 ± 0.8 vs 0.5 ± 0.7), mean supraspinatus elasticity (44.15 ± 8.06 vs 30.84 ± 7.89 kPa), mean elasticity ratio (3.66 ± 0.66 vs 1.83 ± 0.58), and mean gray-scale fatty infiltration grade (2.86 ± 0.36 vs 1.63 ± 0.66) and showed lower mean occupation ratio (0.3 ± 0.1 vs 0.6 ± 0.1) (all, p < .001). AUC for predicting insufficient repair was 0.945 for Goutallier grade, 0.961 for occupation ratio, 0.900 for muscle atrophy grade, 0.874 for mean elasticity, 0.971 for elasticity ratio, and 0.912 for gray-scale fatty infiltration grade. Elasticity ratio (cutoff ≥ 2.51) achieved sensitivity of 100.0% and specificity of 90.0% for insufficient repair. At multivariable analysis including tear size, the three MRI measures, elasticity ratio, and gray-scale fatty infiltration grade, the only independent predictors of insufficient repair were muscle atrophy grade of 2-3 (odds ratio [OR] = 9.3) and elasticity ratio (OR = 15.7). CONCLUSION. SWE-derived elasticity is higher in patients with insufficient rotator cuff repair; the elasticity ratio predicts insufficient repair independent of tear size and muscle characteristics. CLINICAL IMPACT. Preoperative SWE may serve as a prognostic marker in patients with rotator cuff tear.

Total Retinal Detachment Following Traditional Couching

A 65-year-old patient with no notable history, from low socioeconomic status, presented to the ophthalmology clinic for visual impairment of the left eye three months after a traditional couching. Visual acuity was limited to light perception. Slit-lamp examination showed cells and flare in the anterior segment and the vitreous. Fundus examination showed a complete retinal detachment including the fovea with proliferative vitreoretinopathy stage B and two large peripheric retinal tears inferiorly contiguous to the crystalline lens. Surgical treatment was based on pars plana vitrectomy with phacofragmentation of the crystalline lens, pneumatic retinopexy and endophotocoagulation of the retinal tears. Clinical evolution was marked by the improvement of the visual acuity to 20/200 two months after surgery.

Анализ результатов пневморетинопексии при хирургическом лечении регматогенной отслойки сетчатки

Introduction. Pneumoretinopexy is low-traumatic and minimally invasive technique for treatment retinal detachment. Purpose. Analysis clinical efficacy of pneumoretinopexy in treatment rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Material and methods. 9 patients (9 eyes) aged 35 to 67 years (all women) were selected. Selection criteria: rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, the presence of one or two horseshoe retinal tear in the superior meridians. Results. On 3–5th days, all 9 patients had blockage of retinal tear, in 4 eyes the height of the retinal detached significantly decreased, in 5 patients had complete reattachment of the retina. Barrier laser retinal photocoagulation of the areas of retinal tears was performed, a barrier of coagulates was formed around the blocked tears. Patients were discharged on the 7 th day. Recurrent retinal detachment occurred in 2 patients (2 eyes). At the end of the follow-up period, after complete gas resorption in the vitreous chamber, visual acuity in all patients increased above 0.1, on average – 0.3. Conclusion. Pneumoretinopexy is effective in recent cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with follow-up periods of up to 1 month. Pneumoretinopexy should be used with caution in eyes with pseudophakia; on the eyes with large retinal tears in the meridian below 1–11 o'clock meridians. Keywords: pneumoretinopexy, retinal detachment, recurrent retinal detachment, surgical treatment of retinal detachment.

Posterior decentering of the humeral head in patients with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

BackgroundIn some patients with rotator cuff tear (RCT), the axial view of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows subtle posterior decentering (PD) of the humeral head from the glenoid fossa. This is considered to result from a loss of centralization that is typically produced by rotator cuff function. There are few reports on PD in RCT despite the common occurrence of posterior subluxation in degenerative joint disease. In this study, we investigated the effect of PD in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of consecutive patients who underwent ARCR at our institute and were followed-up for at least 1 year. PD was identified as a 2-mm posterior shift of the humeral head relative to the glenoid fossa in the axial MRI view preoperatively. The tear size and fatty degeneration (FD, Goutallier classification) were also evaluated using preoperative MRI. Retears were evaluated through MRI at 1 year postoperatively.ResultsWe included 135 shoulders in this study. Ten instances of PD (including seven retears) were observed preoperatively. Fifteen retears (three and 12 retears in the small/medium and large/massive tear groups, respectively) were observed postoperatively. PD was significantly correlated with tear size, FD, and retear occurrence (p<0.01 each). The odds ratio for PD in retears was 34.1, which was greater than that for tear size ≥3 cm and FD grade ≥3.ConclusionsWe concluded that large tear size and FD contribute to the occurrence of PD. Furthermore, PD could be a predictor of retear after ARCR.

A Simple Technique to Restore Tension of a Loose Suture Bridge During Rotator Cuff Repair: Save the Repair

The transosseous equivalent suture bridge technique has been widely used for rotator cuff repair, especially for large tears. During the fixation of the second lateral anchor, the first group of sutures may become loose due to anchor malposition or manual overtensioning of the second group of sutures. To restore the suture’s tension, a spare suture from the second lateral anchor may be passed beneath the loose suture to tighten it with a simple knot. This technique has been shown to be easy and fast to perform and does not require extra material.

Arthroscopic Repair of Large and Massive Tears in Rotator Cuff and its Consequences: a Longitudinal Retrospective Analysis Conducted in a Retrospective Manner

Aim: Assessment of the consequences of arthroscopic repair of large and massive rotator cuffs. Study design: Retrospective analysis Place and duration: This study was conducted at Shaheed Zulifqar Ali Bhutto Medical University/PIMS Islamabad Pakistan from August 2020 to August 2021. Methodology: In the current study, 50 patients were included out of which 37 patients had large tears and 13 had massive tears which were repaired arthroscopically. Average follow up was of 32 months. Modified UCLA shoulder rating scale was used to evaluate the function, strength, range of motion and the pain before and after surgery. Results: Among the included 50 patients, 21 patients were female, and 29 were male. The range of their ages was between 41 and 76 years. The dominant extremity was affected in majority of patients. The average preoperative time of patients was 10 months. According to UCLA, 98% patients experienced satisfactory results, and only 1 patient had to undergo second surgery for the repair. Conclusion: The study concluded that arthroscopic repair of tears in rotator cuffs is the best technique which can be used for repairing large and massive tears in rotator cuff. Keywords: tears, outcome, arthroscopy, rotator cuff

The extended-view totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) approach for incisional abdominal wall hernias: results from a single center.

The extended-view totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) approach is a promising technique for abdominal wall hernias and has increased in popularity among hernia surgeons in recent years. This study aims to present the results of applying the laparoscopic eTEP approach for incisional abdominal wall hernias (IAWHs). This study is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected dataset of 30 patients who underwent laparoscopic eTEP for IAWHs between October 2018 and March 2021 (median follow-up of 15months). Thirty patients (8 male, 22 female) with a mean age, mean body mass index, and median ASA score of 53.5, 30.8, and 2, respectively, underwent the eTEP procedure for incisional abdominal wall hernias. In total, 11 (36.7%) patients had a recurrent IAWH. Seventeen (56.7%) patients were treated with eTEP RivesStoppa (eTEP-RS), whereas 10 (33.3%) patients needed the eTEP transversus abdominis release (eTEP-TAR) procedure. In three patients, conversions to other procedures (laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh-plus (IPOM-Plus) and open RivesStoppa) were needed due to intraoperative complications: iatrogenic perforation to the intestine and large peritoneal tear causing loss of the working space. The mean operative time and mean length of stay (LOS) were 203.5min and 1.5days for eTEP-RS and 291.5min and 1.6days for eTEP-TAR, respectively. Two patients developed asymptomatic seromas, and one patient developed an asymptomatic hematoma; all were treated conservatively. Only one recurrence was observed over the course of the follow-up period. The eTEP approach is a safe and feasible option for IAWH repair and a valuable addition to the armamentarium of hernia surgeons.