Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty For Fractures Research Articles

Low acromial insufficiency fracture rate in reverse shoulder arthroplasty with distal clavicle excision.

This study investigated the rate of acromial insufficiency fractures (AIF) in patients undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) with concomitant distal clavicle excision (DCE). Patients who underwent primary RSA with DCE by a single surgeon from 2010 to 2021 were identified. Exclusion criteria included revision RSA, RSA for fracture, or cases utilizing an augmented baseplate or bone graft. AIF was defined as a radiographically proven acromion or scapular spine fracture. Pain without an identifiable fracture on imaging was defined as an acromial insufficiency reaction. Patient demographics, implant information, and radiograph measurements were compared between patients with and without acromial pathology. One hundred and seventy-five patients were included. Mean age was 72.8 years, and 67% of patients were female. There were 3/174 acromial insufficiency fractures (1.7%). AIF occurred at a mean of 9.3 months after surgery. Twelve patients had insufficiency reactions (6.9%). Patients with acromial pathology were more likely to be female (p = .003) and have a diagnosis of osteoporosis (p = .047) and inflammatory arthritis (p = .049). There was no significant difference between groups in terms of other factors. The AIF rate in patients who underwent RSA with DCE was 1.7%. These findings suggest that DCE in the setting of RSA may have a protective role against AIF.

Acute versus delayed reverse total shoulder Arthroplasty for the management of Proximal Humerus Fractures

ObjectivesProximal humerus fractures (PHF) are common, yet their optimal management remains debated. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is an increasingly popular option, particularly for non-reconstructible or osteoporotic fractures. Despite this trend, current literature provides limited guidance with regards to surgical timing and patient selection for rTSA. A trial of non-operative management might be beneficial for many patients who are not clearly indicated for surgery, provided this does not have a major negative impact on results for those who ultimately require rTSA. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether delayed reverse shoulder arthroplasty for fracture (>28 days from injury) is associated with any difference in complication rates or functional outcomes relative to acute surgery. DesignRetrospective cohort study Patients/Participants114 consecutive patients who underwent rTSA as the primary management of a PHF at two Level 1 trauma centers and one academic community hospital between 2004 and 2016. InterventionrTSA as primary management of proximal humerus fracture Main Outcome MeasurementsComplications, range of motion, and patient-reported functional outcomes scores (DASH, PROMIS physical function, and EQ-5D) ResultsEighty-two of 114 patients (72%) underwent early surgery. Complex (4-part, head-split, dislocated) fractures were significantly more common in the acutely treated group. There was no significant difference in complications. Overall complication rate was 11.4%. There was a significant difference in DASH score favoring early surgery, with an average score of 22.4 in acutely treated patients versus 35.1 in delayed patients (p = 0.034). There was a non-statistically significant trend towards better PROMIS physical function scores and ROM in the acutely treated group. ConclusionDelay in performing primary rTSA for management of PHF does not lead to an increase in complication rates but it may come at the cost of worse functional outcomes in patients who ultimately require rTSA.

Biological sex impacts perioperative complications after reverse shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humeral fracture.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to determine the difference in complication rates between males and females undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures. We hypothesized that (1) females were more likely to undergo reverse shoulder arthroplasty for fracture, and (2) males were more likely to sustain a perioperative complication.MethodsThe National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried to identify patients who underwent reverse shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humerus fracture between 2011 and 2018. Patients were stratified based on biological sex. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and 30-day perioperative complication rates were collected. Univariate analyses and multiple variable logistic regression modeling were performed.ResultsAbout 905 patients were included in the analysis—175 (19.3%) were male and 730 (80.7%) were female. Males were more likely to sustain perioperative complications (26.3% vs. 14.1%; P < .001)—pneumonia (2.9% vs. 0.5%; P = .016), unplanned intubation (2.3% vs. 0.4%; P = .029), and unplanned reoperation (9.1% vs. 1.1%; P < .001). On multivariate analysis, males were at a 2.4-fold increase risk of developing any complication (OR = 2.38 [95% CI 1.55-3.65]; P < .001) and a 10-fold increase risk of returning to the operating room for an unplanned reoperation (OR = 10.59 [95% CI 4.23-27.49]; P < .001) compared with females.ConclusionFemales were more likely to undergo reverse shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humerus fracture, but males were at increased risk of sustaining short-term complications. This study provides useful information for clinicians to consider when counseling their patients during the perioperative period.

Analysis of patient characteristics and outcomes related to distance traveled to a tertiary center for primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

The reasons for referral and travel patterns are lacking for patients undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). The purpose of this study was to compare comorbidities, surgical time, cost and complications between local and distant primary RSA patients. Between 2007 and 2015, 1,666 primary RSAs were performed at our institution. Patients were divided into two cohorts, local patients (from within Olmstead county and surrounding counties, 492 RSAs) and those from a distance (1,174 RSAs). Local patients were older (74 vs 71years, p < .001), more likely to have RSA for fracture, had a higher Charlson comorbidity score (3.8 vs 3.2, p < .001) and longer hospital stays (2.0 vs 1.8days, p < 0.001) compared to referred patients. Referral patients required longer operative times (95 vs 88min, p = .002), had higher hospitalization costs ($19,101 vs $18,735, p < .001), and had a higher rate of prior surgery (32% vs 24%, p < .001). There were no differences between cohorts regarding complications or need for reoperation. Patients traveling from a distance to undergo primary RSA had longer operative times and were more likely to have had prior surgery than local patients. This may demonstrate the referral bias seen at large academic centers and should be considered when reviewing RSA outcomes, hospital performance, and calculating insurance reimbursement. Level IV.

Does healing of both greater and lesser tuberosities improve functional outcome after reverse shoulder arthroplasty for fracture? A retrospective study of twenty-eight cases with a computed tomography scan at a minimum of one-year follow-up.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is often indicated in elderly patients with displaced proximal humerus fractures (PHF). The rate of greater tuberosity (GT) healing varies from 37 to 90% in this population. The aim of this study was to assess greater and lesser tuberosity (LT) fixation and healing on CT scan after RSA for PHF. Our hypothesis was that both GT and LT healing leads to better functional results after RSA for fracture. Our retrospective cohort consisted of 28 patients treated with an RSA for a four-part PHF during the inclusion period. The mean age at surgery was 77 years. Clinical examination and CT scan were performed at a minimum one year follow-up to assess tuberosity position and healing. The GT healed in 22 patients (78.5%), the LT in 24 patients (87.5%) and both tuberosities were healed in 20 patients (71.5%). Constant score was significantly improved with GT, LT and both tuberosity healing (p = 0.05, p = 0.04 and p = 0.02 respectively). Motion in anterior elevation was improved with GT and both tuberosity healing (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04 respectively). Motion in external rotation was improved with GT and both tuberosity healing (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02 respectively). GT and LT healing was associated with better functional results and active motion. Anatomical reduction and consolidation of both tuberosities is beneficial with a cumulative effect for functional recovery.

Referencing the pectoralis major tendon for humeral stem height placement in reverse shoulder arthroplasty for fracture

BackgroundProximal humerus fractures remain a challenging problem, and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has demonstrated reliable outcomes in fracture applications. Despite this, guidelines for placement of the humeral component are lacking. MethodsTwelve cadaveric shoulders (6 cadaveric torsos) were utilized. An onlay RSA stem was placed with the lateral potion of the humeral cup positioned at the level of the greater tuberosity. Measurements were taken from the top of the pectoralis major tendon to the top of the humeral stem. A separate computer-aided analysis was conducted analyzing the height of an RSA humeral stem and an RSA humeral stem with a cup using values extrapolated from prior data. ResultsThe average distance from the top of the pectoralis to the top of the humeral stem was 4.0 cm (3.4 cm to 4.8 cm) with a standard deviation of 4.1. The humeral cup added an average of 9.1 mm. Computer-aided design data demonstrated the average height of the humeral stem was 3.9 cm above the superior aspect of the pectoralis tendon, and the average height with the humeral cup added was 4.8 cm. ConclusionBoth the cadaveric and computer-aided design data demonstrated a similar height for both the distances from the superior portion of the pectoralis to the superior aspect of an onlay RSA stem and the humeral cup. The measurement from the humeral cup may allow for translational use with inlay RSA humeral stems. This study demonstrates the superior border of the pectoralis major tendon to be a reliable landmark in RSA humeral stem placement. Level of evidenceLevel IV; Cadaveric Study

Tensioning device increases biomechanical stability of tuberosity fixation technique with cerclage sutures in reverse shoulder arthroplasty for fracture

Complex proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients are increasingly treated with primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Many surgeons use cerclage sutures for tuberosity fixation in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures. In this study, we hypothesized that sutures fixated with a tensioning device would achieve higher initial fixation stability of the tuberosities compared with manually knotted cerclage sutures in a biomechanical model. A 4-part fracture was created in 7-paired human cadaver proximal humeri. The tuberosities were reduced anatomically and fixed with 3 cerclage sutures in a standardized technique. Tightening was performed either manually (n = 7) or with a cerclage tensioning device with 50 Newton meter (N m) (n = 7). The humeri were placed in a custom-made test setup enabling internal and external rotation. Cyclic loading with gradually increasing load was applied with a material testing machine starting with 20 N m and increasing by 5 N m after each 100th cycle until failure (>15° rotation of the tuberosities). Motion of the tuberosities was measured with a 3-dimensional camera system. Overall, the knot group reached 1040 ± 152 cycles, and the device group reached 1820 ± 719 cycles (P = .035). Major fragment motion was detected in the humeral shaft axis and in the distal divergence of the tuberosities. After 900 cycles, the knot group showed increased rotation of both lesser and greater tuberosities in all 3 axes around the humeral shaft compared with the device group. Biomechanical stability of the reattached tuberosities is significantly increased, and rotational movement of the tuberosities is decreased after tightening of the applied cerclage sutures with a tensioning device compared with manual knotting. However, transferability of these promising biomechanical results and their clinical relevance have to be verified with clinical studies.

Should the supraspinatus tendon be excised in the case of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for fracture?

In the case of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) with tuberosity reconstruction, it is unclear whether the supraspinatus tendon continues to play a role. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of RSA for PHFs in a large cohort of elderly patients and compare the results in the case of supraspinatus excision or preservation. In this retrospective multicentre study, 150 patients (mean age 77years, 93% female) were reviewed and radiographed with a minimum follow-up of 24months. The same Grammont prosthetic design was used in all cases (inclination angle 155°, non-lateralised glenosphere). Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (n = 117) underwent supraspinatus excision and Group B supraspinatus preservation (n = 33). Complications were recorded, and shoulder function, active mobility and subjective results were assessed. At a mean follow-up of 59months, there was no statistical difference in the complication rate (6% vs. 6.8%, p = 1), mean Constant score (61 points vs. 59 points, p = 0.52), simple shoulder value (74% vs. 73.9%, p = 0.9), active anterior elevation (125° vs. 128°, p = 0.45) and internal rotation (4.9 points vs. 4.1 points, p = 0.2). However, mean active external rotation was better in Group A (22° vs. 13°, p = 0.01). The greater tuberosity healing rate in satisfactory position did not differ statistically between the groups (68% vs. 55%, p = 0.14). In the case of RSA with tuberosity reconstruction for acute PHFs, there is no clear evidence that supraspinatus preservation is advantageous.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for acute fractures in the elderly: is it worth reattaching the tuberosities?

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty (RSA) may be indicated in displaced proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients. We hypothesized that tuberosity fixation and healing around the prosthesis would result in better outcomes and patient satisfaction. Thirty-eight acute displaced or dislocated 3- and 4-part fractures in elderly patients were treated with reattachment of the tuberosities around a RSA. The mean age at surgery was 80 ± 4 years (range, 70-88 years). A specific reverse fracture stem that incorporated a cancellous bone autograft (harvested from the fractured head) and a standardized suturing technique for tuberosity fixation were used in all operations. Patients were evaluated and radiographed with a minimum 2-year follow-up (mean 36 ± 8 months). The tuberosity union rate was 84% (32 of 38). There were 4 tuberosity resorptions and 2 tuberosity migrations with nonunion, which were associated with significantly lower subjective results (Subjective Shoulder Value of 65% vs. 83%, P = .029) and lower active mobility in forward elevation (115° ± 26° vs. 141° ± 25°, P = .023) and external rotation (11° ± 12° vs. 27° ± 12°, P = .010). Among the 5 disappointed patients, 3 presented with tuberosity resorption and 2 with tuberosity migration and nonunion. Despite the advanced age of the patients, tuberosity reattachment and use of bone graft results in a high rate of tuberosity healing. Tuberosity reconstruction and healing in reverse shoulder arthroplasty for fractures improves active forward elevation, external rotation, and patient satisfaction.

Difficulty in decision making in the treatment of displaced proximal humerus fractures: the effect of uncertainty on surgical outcomes

Decision making in the management of proximal humerus fractures can be difficult in situations in which the surgeon is uncertain of the ideal treatment. Two shoulder surgeons operatively treated 476 proximal humerus fractures from 1998-2014 with open reduction-internal fixation (ORIF), hemiarthroplasty, or reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Operative treatment was stratified by year to determine the evolution of technological influences on treatment over time. To evaluate the effect of uncertainty, 274 clinical vignettes were created for all patients with 1 year of follow-up or more and reviewed by 3 fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons to determine the type of treatment for each case. To evaluate the effect of certainty, range of motion for each patient with unanimous agreement on treatment was analyzed. ORIF treatment increased from 40% to 62% after release of the proximal humerus locking plate. Introduction of the fracture stem in 2011 increased reverse shoulder arthroplasty for fractures from 8.8% to 44.3%. Unanimous agreement on either operative or nonoperative treatment occurred 70.5% of the time. Only 63.5% of patients received the actual treatment selected (P = .001). Patients for whom unanimous agreement matched actual treatment in the ORIF treatment group showed improvement of forward elevation (144° vs 123°, P = .005) and abduction (129° vs 103°, P = .002). Successful management of displaced proximal humerus fractures requires both technical and decision-making abilities. The difficulty in making these decisions is reflected by the agreement of experienced shoulder surgeons only 63.5% of the time regarding the treatment performed. When uncertainty occurs, patients may have reduced outcomes as seen in the ORIF treatment group.

Tuberosity healing after reverse shoulder arthroplasty for acute proximal humerus fractures: the “black and tan” technique

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty has seen increased use for management of complex proximal humeral fractures in the elderly. Recent evidence has shown that tuberosity healing leads to improved active range of motion and functional outcomes. The purpose of this study was to report on the radiographic and clinical outcomes of a consecutive series of patients having undergone reverse shoulder arthroplasty for fracture utilizing the "black and tan" method--a hybrid cementation-impaction grafting technique that uses autogenous cancellous bone graft to create an interface between the proximal cement mantle and the area of tuberosity repair. Twenty-five patients (average age, 77 years; range, 63-88 years) were included in the analysis with a mean follow-up of 17 months. All patients underwent reverse shoulder arthroplasty for a complex proximal humerus fracture using the black and tan technique. The tuberosity healing rate was 88%. At final follow-up, mean active elevation was 117° ± 23°, mean abduction was 86° ± 16°, and mean external rotation was 29° ± 18°. External rotation strength averaged 4.9 ± 0.2. The Simple Shoulder Test and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores averaged 7 and 76, respectively. The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons total score was 71; visual analog scale score for pain, 2; and visual analog scale score for function, 7. Of the 25 patients, 21 (84%) rated their satisfaction with the surgery as excellent or good. The black and tan technique together with standard suture repair and an implant with features that support tuberosity repair results in a high tuberosity healing rate with restoration of external rotation after reverse shoulder arthroplasty for fracture.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty in acute fractures provides better results than in revision procedures for fracture sequelae.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate functional outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in patients with acute fracture and sequelae of the proximal humeral fractures. Thirty-seven patients were treated with RSA for acute fracture and sequelae of a proximal humeral fracture. The average age was 73years (range 50-87 years). Twenty-one patients had had no previous surgery, seven patients had acute fractures and 14 patients had chronic fractures. Sixteen patients had had previous surgery. Active range of motion and Constant score were evaluated at a minimum follow-up of twoyears. Active elevation was 102°, external rotation 24°, and internal rotation was up to L4 in all patients. In the group of patients without previous surgery treated with RSA, elevation was 116°, external rotation 24°, and internal rotation up to L3. In the group of patients with previous surgery treated with RSA, elevation was 84°, external rotation 19°, and internal rotation up to L4. In the group of patients with acute fracture treated with RSA, elevation was 124°, external rotation 28°, and internal rotation up to L4. In the group of patients with chronic or sequel of the fractures treated with RSA elevation was 114° , external rotation 28°, and internal rotation up to L3. Constant score in all patients was 54. Constant score in patients without previous surgery treated with RSA was 68 and with previous surgery it was 42. Patients without previous surgery treated with RSA for fractures had better functional results than patients who had undergone previous surgery.

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures: patterns of use among newly trained orthopedic surgeons

This study compared the use of reverse and hemishoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures among orthopedic surgeons taking part II of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery board examination. We hypothesized that the use of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for fractures in the elderly is increasing amongst newly trained orthopedic surgeons. We queried the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery database for the cases of proximal humeral fractures treated with arthroplasty submitted between 2005 and 2012. We evaluated the prosthesis used, patient-specific factors, complications, and the difference in use by shoulder fellowship-trained surgeons. From 2005 to 2012, 5395 board-eligible orthopedic surgeons submitted cases to the database. Of these, 435 (mean, 54 per year) were proximal humeral fractures treated with arthroplasty. The overall incidence of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for fracture increased from 2% to 4% during 2005 to 2007 to 38% in 2012. Shoulder surgeons treated 5 times more proximal humeral fractures with shoulder arthroplasty and were also more than 20 times more likely to use a reverse implant (P<.0001). The difference in complication rates between reverse and hemishoulder arthroplasty was not significant (P=.49). Patients who received a hemiarthroplasty tended to be younger (mean age, 70.8 vs 75.7years; P=.0015). Overall, the use of a hemiarthroplasty for fracture is still more common (62% in 2012), although the relative proportion of reverse implants is rising. Among shoulder surgeons, more than 50% of the arthroplasties performed for fractures during the past 3years (2010-2012) have been reverse arthroplasties.

Enlarged transacromial superior approach with reverse shoulder arthroplasty for fractures

The authors describe a step-by-step technique for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty using arthrotomy via the enlarged transacromial superior approach. This technique seems ideal for reinsertion of the tuberosities and to ensure adequate postoperative tensional balance of the infraspinatus and the subscapularis, which is critical for the rotator cuffs to function properly and to achieve optimal arthroplasty stability. Reviewing these different steps helps understanding each rotator cuff individual component's contribution to achieve optimal arthroplasty stability and external rotation with a reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Enlarged transacromial superior approach with reverse shoulder arthroplasty for fractures

The authors describe a step-by-step technique for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty using arthrotomy via the enlarged transacromial superior approach. This technique seems ideal for reinsertion of the tuberosities and to ensure adequate postoperative tensional balance of the infraspinatus and the subscapularis, which is critical for the rotator cuffs to function properly and to achieve optimal arthroplasty stability. Reviewing these different steps helps understanding each rotator cuff individual component's contribution to achieve optimal arthroplasty stability and external rotation with a reverse shoulder arthroplasty.