Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty In Patients Research Articles

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for patients with cuff tear arthropathy: do clinical outcomes differ by inlay vs. onlay design?

The influence of position of the humeral tray (inlay or onlay) on clinical outcomes in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is a topic of debate. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients with cuff tear arthropathy treated with RSA systems with inlay or onlay humeral tray design, similar neck-shaft angles, and lateralized glenospheres. This was a retrospective study of prospectively obtained data from 1 tertiary care center. We identified all patients who underwent primary RSA between 2009 and 2017 (N=511). We included 102 patients with diagnosed cuff tear arthropathy treated with RSA prostheses with a lateralized glenosphere and 135° neck-shaft angle (with either an inlay or onlay humeral tray design) who had a minimum of 2 years of follow-up (mean, 44months; range, 24-125months). Sixty-three patients (62%) had an inlay humeral tray (inlay group) and 39 (38%) had an onlay tray (onlay group). All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative evaluations, including measures of patient-reported outcomes (PROs), shoulder range of motion (ROM) testing, and radiographic imaging. Clinical relevance of changes in PROs and ROM was evaluated using published values for minimal clinically important differences. The 2 groups did not differ by demographic characteristics except for a higher proportion of women in the inlay group (75%) than in the onlay group (56%) (P=.04). Preoperative PROs and ROM were not significantly different between groups. At final follow-up, PROs and ROM were not different between groups in terms of statistical significance or clinical relevance. We found no significant differences in the rate of baseplate loosening (inlay, 3.2% vs. onlay, 5.1%, P=.63), revision surgery (inlay, 0% vs. onlay 5.1%, P=.07), acromial stress fracture (inlay, 3.2% vs. onlay, 5.1%, P=.63), prosthesis dislocation (inlay, 0% vs. onlay, 2.6%, P=.20), or scapular notching (inlay, 21% vs. onlay, 7.7%, P=.08). At 2-year minimum follow-up, the position of the humeral tray in RSA prostheses (either inlay or onlay) for cuff tear arthropathy was not associated with PROs, shoulder ROM, or rates of complications, including baseplate loosening, acromial stress fracture, and scapular notching.

Better Constant Scores and Active Forward Elevation Using Deltopectoral Versus Anterosuperior Approach for Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: Matched Cohort Study.

To determine, from a sizable cohort of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), whether the deltopectoral (DP) or anterosuperior (AS) approach grant better outcomes at a minimum follow-up of 24 months. The authors reviewed 743 RSAs in patients with primary osteoarthritis (OA) with or without rotator cuff lesions and secondary OA due to rotator cuff tears. The DP approach was used in 540 and the AS approach in 203. Pre- and post-operative constant scores (CSs) and shoulder range of motion were recorded. Of the initial cohort of 743 shoulders, 193 (25.7%) were lost to follow-up, 16 (2.1%) died, and 33 (4.4%) were revised; 540 shoulders were operated using DP approach (73%), of which 22 were revised (4.1%), while 203 were operated using the AS approach (27%), of which 11 were revised (5.4%). Propensity score matching resulted in two groups: 172 shoulders operated by DP approach, and 88 shoulders operated by AS approach. Comparing outcomes of the matched groups at 2 or more years also revealed that, compared to the AS approach, the DP approach resulted in significantly better post-operative CSs (67.3 ± 14.0° vs 60.8 ± 18.3, P = 0.017), active forward elevation (137° ± 27.4° vs 129° ± 29.8; P = 0.031). At 2 or more years following RSA, the DP approach granted significantly better CS (by 6.5 points) and active forward elevation (by 8°) compared to the AS approach. The differences observed are clinically relevant and must be considered to manage patient expectations following RSA and for selecting surgical approach depending on their functional needs. III, comparative study.

Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty is cost-effective in patients over 67 years of age with glenohumeral osteoarthritis and an intact rotator cuff: a decision-analytic Markov model-based cost-utility analysis

BackgroundAnatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) has historically been considered the gold-standard surgical strategy for patients with end-stage glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA). However, reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is increasingly used for shoulders with GHOA with an intact rotator cuff due to concerns regarding late cuff failure, anatomic glenoid component loosening, and the impact of bone loss and severe soft-tissue balance in aTSA. With substantial differences in cost between aTSA and RSA, it remains unclear whether the increased risk of late rotator cuff dysfunction in older adults justifies the increased cost of RSA. Therefore, the objective of this study was to utilize a decision-analytic Markov model to 1) quantify the cost-effectiveness of aTSA vs. RSA in patients with GHOA and intact rotator cuff and 2) determine whether an age exists at which RSA is more cost-effective than aTSA. MethodsA Markov model was developed to determine accumulated costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) over a lifetime horizon for patients with end-stage GHOA and an intact rotator cuff who undergo either aTSA or RSA. Costs, health utility values, and transition probabilities were derived from the published literature. Sensitivity analyses were performed to identify age cutoffs at which one treatment option is more cost-effective than the other. ResultsFor the baseline case of a 72-year-old patient, aTSA resulted in 9.43 QALYs and $29,077 in accumulated costs, while RSA produced 9.44 QALYs at a total cost of $31,199 (incremental cost-utility ratio (ICER) comparing rTSA to aTSA: $188,222.94/QALY). Because the ICER for rTSA fell above the $50,000 willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold, aTSA was determined to be the most cost-effective strategy for patients of this age. Within the age-based sensitivity analysis, RSA was the most cost-effective option for those 67 years of age or younger, while aTSA was the dominant strategy at 77 years and older, resulting in both equal QALYs and lower costs for patients in this age group. ConclusionsBased on this analysis, aTSA is a cost-effective treatment strategy for GHOA with an intact rotator cuff in adults over 67 years of age. For patients between the ages of 67 and 77, RSA resulted in marginally higher QALYs, but this increase was not enough to offset the increased costs to be considered cost-effective. In this model, RSA was cost-effective for individuals 67 years of age or younger.

Arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction versus reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears: A comparative clinical study.

This study aimed to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty versus arthroscopic supe- rior capsular reconstruction in the treatment of patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears and Hamada grade 1-2 glenohumeral arthritis. It is a retrospective case-control study comparing the prospective results of 2 different treatment methods. This retrospective comparison of groups was conducted between May 2016 and May 2020. The study included 40 people with massive irreparable rotator cuff tear and Hamada grade 1-2 arthropathy who had arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction with tensor fascia latae autograft or reverse shoulder arthroplasty surgery. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to treatment. Clinical outcome measures included shoulder range of motion, pain, and functional scores (Constant-Murley, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons). The mean age was 61.85 ± 7.56 and 71.10 ± 6.42 years, respectively, for group I [superior capsular reconstruction (n=20)] and group II [superior capsular reconstruction (n=20)]. The mean follow-up was 22.30 ± 8.4 and 32.50 ± 8.11 months, respectively. In the postoperative data, flexion degrees and Constant scores were significantly higher in the superior capsular reconstruction group (P=.007, P = .043). No significant difference was found between the 2 groups in all parameters (P > .05) except abduction. The increase in abduction value in the reverse shoulder arthroplasty group was significantly higher than in the superior capsular reconstruction group (P = .003). In addition, postoperative data in all parameters in both groups showed significant changes compared to preoperatively. This study has shown that superior capsular reconstruction with tensor fascia latae autograft can provide clinical and func- tional improvement similar to the reverse shoulder arthroplasty procedure in treating massive irreparable rotator cuff tears with Hamada grade 1-2 arthropathy. Level III, Therapeutic Study.

An Attempt to Assess the Indications for Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Based on Biomechanical Analysis

Background. Starting from the 1950s, shoulder arthroplasty has been developing, one consequence of which has been the concept of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). Initially, it was supposed to be used only in patients with irreversible rotator cuff damage, but it quickly gained more and more indications for use. The aim of the present study was to assess biomechanical, objective indications for RSA in patients with shoulder osteoarthritis (OA) based on an inertial measurement system with electromyography.Material and methods. 20 patients were qualified to this prospective study, 10 each in a control and experimental group. The study was conducted between August 2020 and October 2021. The experimental group consisted of 9 women and 1 man aged 55 to 85 years old, with osteoarthritis of the shoulder associated with rotator cuff damage. The study utilised the myoMotion inertial sensor system (Noraxon, USA) synchronized with the surface electromyography system Myotrace 400 (Noraxon, USA).Results. Movement phase diagrams were used to assess the movement patterns. To examine the movement pattern in the shoulder, three motor tests can be proposed: flexion-extension, flexion in the scapular plane and abduction-adduction. The observation of trends for the operated limb showed the highest absolute improvement in the group with the greatest impairment of the movement pattern in the initial test. However, on final evaluation, these results were still twice as low as those obtained in the group with the least impairment.Conclusions. 1. Early qualification of patients with shoulder OA for RSA could mean a greater likelihood of functional and quality-of-life improvement. 2. Movement patterns after RSA may improve, but will probably not return to physiological values.

Is malunion of the greater tuberosity after reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients with complex proximal humerus fracture associated with worse clinical outcomes? A prospective cohort study.

To assess patient outcomes following reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients with complex proximal humerus fracture and the clinical implications of greater tuberosity malunions. This prospective study included 56 patients who underwent RSA (DELTA XTEND™, DePuy Synthes, Warsaw, IN, USA) to treat proximal humerus fractures. We used a standardized suture technique to reattach the tuberosities. Demographic, comorbidity, and radiological parameters were collected. Assessments at 2-year follow-up (n = 49) are given as follows: range of motion (ROM), pain level, Constant Murley scores (CS), subjective shoulder value (SSV), and tuberosity healing. Anatomic tuberosity healing was achieved in 31 (55%) patients (group 1), 14 (25%) had a malunion (group 2), and complete migration occurred in 11 (20%) (group 3). No statistically significant differences between groups 1 and 2 were detected: CS (p = 0.53), SSV (p = 0.07), ROM (forward flexion (FF) p = 0.19, internal rotation (IR) p = 0.34, and external rotation (ER) p = 0.76). Group 3 had poorer outcomes (median [IQR]) than group 1: CS (59 [50-71]) vs. 72 [65-78]), FF (120 [100-150]) vs. 150 [125-160] and ER (-20 [-20 to 10] vs. 30 [20-45], respectively. Three complications (group 1) occurred: one-stage revision after low-grade infection, haematoma due to early rivaroxaban intake, and open reduction and internal fixation for acromion insufficiency fracture. No patients showed signs of stem or glenoid loosening after 2years. Cases with complete superior migration experienced poorer clinical outcomes than those with anatomic healing. Despite a relatively high malunion rate, the outcomes were not significantly worse in these patients compared to anatomically healed GT cases.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes Using Inlay Versus Onlay Humeral Trays in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Patients with Cuff Tear Arthropathy

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes Using Inlay Versus Onlay Humeral Trays in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Patients with Cuff Tear Arthropathy

Clinical outcomes after reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients 60 years old and younger; medium-term results

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has been well-described as a surgical solution to manage rotator cuff tear arthropathy in elderly, low demand paitents. As experience has increased along with improvements in technique and implant design, RTSA has become increasingly used to manage more varied pathologic conditions of the shoulder in younger, more active patients. This study evaluates outcomes in a consecutive series of patients aged 60 years old and younger after undergoing RTSA. There were 94 shoulders in 89 patients enrolled. Mean age of the cohort was 54.8 (range 18-60 years). Surgical indications included rotator cuff tear arthropathy, irreparable rotator cuff tear without arthritis, glenohumeral arthritis with erosive glenoid deformity, inflammatory arthropathy, proximal humerus fracture nonunion/malunion and failed prior shoulder arthroplasty. Sixty-one shoulders (70%) had undergone at least one prior surgery. Of these, 6 shoulders (6% of total cohort) had a prior failed arthroplasty. Clinical outcomes (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder index; visual analog scale pain), radiographic outcomes and complications were analyzed and assessed for correlation with patient demographic factors. The mean follow-up for this cohort was 4.9 years (range 2-12 years). Subjects experienced improvements in ASES score and pain (P<.001) and active forward elevation (88° preop to 135° postop, P<.001). Prior operation correlated with worse postoperative ASES and WOOS scores. Higher demand occupation correlated with less improvement in pain scores. The overall complication rate was 12%. Seven shoulders (7%) underwent an additional procedure. There was a 2% incidence of dislocation and a 4% incidence of acromial stress fracture. There was a 36% incidence of notching. With medium-term follow-up, RTSA is a reliable and predictable operation to manage various pathologic conditions in patients aged 60 years or less. Patients predictably experience significant improvements in pain and range of motion while assuming a modest complication risk. Long-term study is needed to understand potential for late complications or implant failure.

Long-Term Results of Primary Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Massive, Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears Without Glenohumeral Arthritis with a Mean Follow up of 9.4 Years.

The aim of this single-center study was to analyze the long-term clinical results of reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears without glenohumeral arthritis. A retrospective cohort study of 105 patients (115 shoulders) was conducted. The mean age of the patient group was 76 years (range, 65 to 87 years). The mean clinical follow-up was 9.4 years (range, 5 to 17 years). Pain, range of motion, and complication rates were analyzed pre-operatively and at the last follow-up. The mean Constant-Murley score increased from 29 points (range, 21 to 34 points) preoperatively to 68.1 points (range, 57 to 81 points) postoperatively (p&lt;0.05). Scapular notching was present in 50 shoulders (43.5%) and it was grade 1 or 2 in 47 of 115 cases (40.9%) and grade 3 or 4 in 3 of 115 cases (2.6%). Complications occurred in 19 patients (17%). Seven patients (6%) underwent revision surgery. The mean satisfaction rate was 94%. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is a viable treatment for massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears without glenohumeral arthritis with satisfactory clinical outcomes and low complication and reoperation rates with a mean follow up of 9.4 years after surgery.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Patients with Massive Rotator Cuff Tears or Cuff Tear Arthropathies at a Minimum Follow-up of 7 Years.

To evaluate indications and factors that influence long-term clinical outcomes and revision rates for reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in shoulders with irreparable massive rotator cuff tears (mRCTs) or cuff tear arthropathies (CTAs). The authors retrospectively evaluated a consecutive series of shoulders with no fracture sequelae that underwent primary RSA between 2011 and 2013. Independent observers collected demographic data, surgical techniques, and implant types, as well as primary outcome measures such as American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) score and Constant score (CS). Case series, level IV. From the initial series of 123 patients that underwent RSA, 29 patients died (24%) for reasons unrelated to the shoulder arthroplasty, 11 were lost to follow-up (9%), and 4 required revision surgery (3%). The final cohort of 79 patients comprised 55 women (70%), and 24 men (30%), aged 72.7 ± 7.0. At a final follow-up of 8.9 ± 0.6 years (range: 7.4-10.3) the absolute CS was 59.0 ± 16.2, the age-/sex-adjusted CS was 76.6 ± 41.2, and ASES was 77.1 ± 20.3. Univariable analysis revealed no associations for absolute CS, but revealed that age-/sex-adjusted CS was significantly lower for patients with high blood pressure (β = -15.8, p = .025). At a minimum follow-up of 7.4 years, the absolute CS was 59.0 ± 16.2, the age-/sex-adjusted CS was 87.4 ± 24.1 and ASES was 77.1 ± 20.3. When stratifying the outcomes of RSA by indication, there were no significant differences in patients with mRCTs versus CTA in terms of absolute CS, age-/sex-adjusted CS, and ASES. Univariable analysis revealed no association with absolute and age-/sex-adjusted CS for type of indication or surgical approach.

Does Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty improve Emotional Status and Quality of Life in Patients with Rotator Cuff Insufficiency? Prospective Sequential Follow-up Study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate sequential changes of emotional status and quality of life after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for rotator cuff insufficiency and to determine the predictors that can affect postoperative clinical outcomes. This study was conducted to prove the hypothesis that RSA would improve emotional status and quality of life. Fifty patients undergoing RSA for rotator cuff insufficiency were prospectively included. Evaluation using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Abbreviated scale of World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) was performed before surgery and at 1.5, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Mean VAS pain score, HADS-depression, and HADS-anxiety scores showed a significant decrease from 6.6, 13.3 and 13.9 before surgery, to 1.5, 3.9 and 3.7 after 12 months after surgery (all P < .001). Mean ASES score, WHOQOL-BREF score, and SSV showed significant improvement from 28.5, 32.3, and 23.6% to 81.3, 79.1, and 78.4% (all P < .001). All outcome measurements showed significant improvement from 6 weeks after RSA. In multivariate analysis, age was an independent predictor of final ASES score and WHOQOL-BREF score (P = .037 and .004). This study showed sequential improvement of emotional status and quality of life as well as functional recovery with pain relief from 6 weeks after RSA in patients with rotator cuff insufficiency. Especially, younger patients had better postoperative functional ability and quality of life. These findings suggest that RSA for rotator cuff insufficiency provides rapid improvement of emotional status and quality of life.

Previous rotator cuff repair increases the risk of revision surgery for periprosthetic joint infection after reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Previous studies have indicated an increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in patients treated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) compared with patients treated with anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty. The reason for this is unclear but may be related to a high prevalence of previous rotator cuff repair in patients who are treated with RSA. The purpose of this study was to determine previous non-arthroplasty surgery as a risk factor for revision owing to PJI after RSA for cuff tear arthropathy, massive irreparable rotator cuff tears, or osteoarthritis. Data were retrieved from the Danish Shoulder Arthroplasty Registry and medical records. We included 2217 patients who underwent RSA for cuff tear arthropathy, massive irreparable rotator cuff tears, or osteoarthritis between 2006 and 2019. PJI was defined as ≥3 of 5 tissue samples positive for the same bacteria or as definite or probable PJI evaluated based on criteria from the International Consensus Meeting. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to illustrate the unadjusted 14-year cumulative rates of revision. A Cox regression model was used to report hazard for revision owing to PJI. Results were adjusted for previous non-arthroplasty surgery, sex, diagnosis, and age. Revision was performed in 88 shoulders (4.0%), of which 40 (1.8%) underwent revision owing to PJI. There were 272 patients (12.3%) who underwent previous rotator cuff repair, of whom 11 (4.0%) underwent revision owing to PJI. The 14-year cumulative rate of revision owing to PJI was 14.1% for patients with previous rotator cuff repair and 2.7% for patients without previous surgery. The adjusted hazard ratio for revision owing to PJI for patients with previous rotator cuff repair was 2.2 (95% confidence interval, 1.04-4.60) compared with patients without previous surgery. There is an increased risk of revision owing to PJI after RSA for patients with previous rotator cuff repair. We recommend that patients with previous rotator cuff repair be regarded as high-risk patients when considering RSA.

Teres Minor Muscle Atrophy: Anatomy, Patterns, and Clinical Manifestations.

Isolated teres minor atrophy has a reported incidence in the literature of 3% to 6.2%. There are 2 distinct muscular bundles of the teres minor that have varying degrees of atrophy. Fatty degeneration of the medial-dorsal component exceeds that of the lateral-ventral component in most cases. A healthy and intact teres minor muscle is of functional importance in the setting of a complete infraspinatus tear because it becomes the only external rotator of the shoulder joint. Clinical and functional outcomes after rotator cuff repair and reverse shoulder arthroplasty for patients with teres minor atrophy in the setting of a rotator cuff tear are still controversial.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients 85 years and older is safe, effective, and durable.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) was originally indicated for older adults, but outcomes in the oldest patients have not been studied. The purpose of this study was to report on patients aged ≥85 years undergoing RSA. We hypothesized that RSA would be safe, effective, and durable. Sixty-one RSAs were performed in 58 patients aged ≥85 years (16 patients aged ≥90 years); 40 RSAs were performed for arthritis with cuff deficiency, 14 were performed for proximal humeral fractures, and 7 were performed as revisions. Active range of motion and patient-reported outcomes, comprising the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Simple Shoulder Test score, and visual analog scale pain score, were obtained preoperatively and at final follow-up. Hospital length of stay, discharge disposition, and complications were recorded. Kaplan-Meier survivorship was computed with revision surgery or death as an endpoint. The mean age at RSA was 88.0 years. Mean forward elevation improved from 50.5° to 105.3°; abduction, from 48.7° to 96.1°; and external rotation, from 10.2° to 26.9° (P<.001 for all). Similarly, at a mean follow-up of 2.4 years, the visual analog scale pain score improved from 6.1 to 0.6; Simple Shoulder Test score, from 2.2 to 7.0; and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, from 33.6 to 78.2 (P<.001 for all). The mean length of stay was 3.6 days, and 15 patients were discharged home. Seven patients received a blood transfusion, and only 2 patients underwent a reoperation, neither of whom required explantation. Improvements in active range of motion and patient-reported outcomes in our patients were comparable to those observed in younger cohorts and exceeded published minimal clinically important differences for most patients undergoing RSA for cuff deficiency. Additionally, to date, the patients in our study who died had lived with their RSA for a mean of 3.4 years and living patients had lived with their RSA for a mean of 4.3 years. RSA in patients aged ≥85 years is safe, effective, and durable for their remaining life expectancy. This information may help counsel older patients who are considering RSA, electively or for fractures.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty in Osteoarthritis Evaluation of the Results.

The aging structure of society results in a growing need for treatment of shoulder osteoarthritis. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has been developed to improve the motor function and strength of the shoulder joint without increasing the risk of dislocation. The aim of the study was to assess the change in quality of life and functional assessment of the shoulder joint after RSA in patients with osteoarthritis, based on the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) and an assessment of joint mobility parameters. A total of 10 patients were admitted to our centre for shoulder arthroplasty between August 2020 and October 2021. The assessment of the degenerative changes was based on the Walch classification and the Samelson &amp; Prieto classification. The OSS questionnaire was used to assess function of the affected shoulder joint and pain in each patient. The range of motion in the shoulder joint was assessed in the pre- and postoperative period. A follow-up examination was performed approximately 6 months after surgery. Analysis of the OSS scores revealed a mean value of 46 points preoperatively and 25 points postoperatively. The OSS scores six months after the procedure were an average of 20.5 points lower. A statistically significant improvement was noted in shoulder flexion (mean 37), abduction (42), external rotation (34), and internal rotation (5)(p&lt;0.05). Each patient reported reduced pain and demonstrated an increased range of motion in the affected shoulder joint and functional improvement.

Prior surgical fixation of proximal humerus fractures is associated with increased complications following subsequent reverse shoulder arthroplasty

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to compare complication rates between patients undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) after a prior open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for proximal humerus fracture (PHF) to those undergoing RSA as a primary treatment for PHFs, glenohumeral osteoarthritis, or rotator cuff tear arthropathy (CTA). MethodsPatients who underwent RSA between 2015 and 2020 were identified in the Mariner database. Patients were separated into 3 mutually exclusive groups: (1) RSA for osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear, or CTA (Control-RSA); (2) RSA as a primary treatment for PHF (PHF-RSA); and (3) RSA for patients with prior ORIF of PHFs (ORIF-RSA). Ninety-day medical and 2-year postoperative surgical complications were identified. In addition, patients in the PHF-RSA group were subdivided into those undergoing RSA for PHF within 3 months of the fracture (acute) vs. those treated greater than 3 months from diagnosis (delayed). Multivariate regression was performed to control for differences in comorbidities and demographics. ResultsA total of 30,824 patients underwent primary RSA for arthritis or CTA, 5389 patients underwent RSA as a primary treatment for a PHF, and 361 patients underwent RSA after ORIF of a PHF. ORIF before RSA was associated with an increased risk of overall revision (odds ratio [OR] 2.45, P = .002), infection (OR 2.40, P < .001), instability (OR 2.43, P < .001), fracture (OR 3.24, P = .001), minor medical complications (OR 1.59, P = .008), and readmission (OR 2.55, P = .001) compared with the Control-RSA cohort. RSA as a primary treatment for PHF was associated with an increased risk of 2-year revision (OR 1.60, P < .001), infection (OR 1.51, P < .001), instability (OR 2.84, P < .001), and fracture (OR 2.54, P < .001) in addition to major medical complications (OR 2.02, P < .001), minor medical complications (OR 1.92, P < .001), 90-day emergency department visits (OR 1.26, P < .001) and 90-day readmission (OR 2.03, P < .001) compared with the Control-RSA cohort. The ORIF-RSA group had an increased risk of periprosthetic infection (OR 1.94, P = .002) when compared with the PHF-RSA cohort. There were no differences in medical or surgical complications in the RSA-PHF cohort between patients treated in an acute or delayed fashion. ConclusionRSA following ORIF of a PHF is associated with increased complications compared with patients undergoing RSA for nonfracture indications. Prior ORIF of a PHF is also an independent risk factor for postoperative infection after RSA compared with patients who undergo RSA as a primary operation for fracture. The timing of RSA as a primary operation for PHF does not appear to impact the rates of postoperative medical and surgical complications.

Brachial plexopathy following shoulder arthroplasty

BackgroundAnatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) are being performed with increasing frequency. While rare, postoperative brachial plexopathy can occur, and its incidence and natural history remain poorly defined. The purpose of this study is to report the epidemiology, patient characteristics, and clinical course of postoperative brachial plexopathies following shoulder arthroplasty. MethodsAll patients undergoing TSA or RSA at a single institution from April 2017 to May 2019 were included. Patients with postoperative brachial plexus sensorimotor deficits were identified based on postoperative physical examination, imaging, and/or electrodiagnostic data. Patient data including age, body mass index (BMI), medical comorbidities, surgery performed, surgical indications, sensorimotor deficits, and date of onset and resolution of sensorimotor deficits were recorded. ResultsTwelve of 881 patients (1.4%; 8 female, 4 male) who underwent shoulder arthroplasty during the study period were identified with postoperative brachial plexopathy. The median age was 65 years, and median BMI was 24.4 kg/m2. The index procedure included 8 anatomic TSA and 4 RSA in patients with brachial plexopathy. Surgical indications included glenohumeral arthritis (8 patients), rotator cuff arthropathy (2 patients), avascular necrosis (1 patient), and proximal humerus fracture (1 patient). Nine of 12 patients recovered fully at a mean of 8.2 months, 2 patients had incomplete recovery with persistent sensory symptoms at a mean 12.4-month follow-up, and 1 patient was lost to follow-up at 1.3 months and, thus, recovery status is unknown. Patients who received a combination of general anesthesia and brachial plexus block experienced a higher rate of brachial plexopathy than those who received general anesthesia or brachial plexus block alone. ConclusionsThis institutional registry study provides a descriptive analysis of the patient demographics and course of recovery for patients with postoperative brachial plexopathy following shoulder arthroplasty. For this institutional cohort, patients with brachial plexus deficits had a significantly lower BMI and higher rate of receiving a combination of brachial plexus block and general anesthesia than the institutional registry cohort as a whole.

Outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients under 55 years old: Results from the New Zealand joint registry.

The appropriate age at which to perform reverse shoulder arthroplasty is controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty between younger and older patients. Patients who underwent primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty between January 2000 and December 2019 were identified from New Zealand Joint Registry records. Patients were stratified into two cohorts according to age at the time of surgery: < 55 years and ≥ 55 years. These two groups were then compared with regard to baseline characteristics, indications for surgery, revision rates, and patient-reported outcomes using the Oxford Shoulder Score and American Shoulder and Elbow Score (ASES). A total of 5518 primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty cases were identified, with 75 patients < 55 years at the time of surgery (range: 34-54 years). The mean duration of follow-up was 2.36 years (range: 0.11-13.37 years) in the younger cohort and 3.10 years (range: 0.01-16.22 years) in the older patient cohort. Indications for surgery differed significantly between the two groups, with younger patients having higher rates of inflammatory arthritis (p < 0.001), posttraumatic arthritis (p < 0.001), and avascular necrosis (p = 0.049). The younger cohort had an inferior 6-month postoperative Oxford Shoulder Score compared to the older cohort (mean: 28.5 [younger cohort] vs. 35.7 [older cohort]; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in revision rate between the younger and older patient cohorts during the study period (1.56 [<55 years] vs. 0.74 [≥55 years] revisions per 100 component-years; p = 0.332). Our early results suggest that younger patients undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty demonstrate high implant retention rates, comparable to older patients. Longer-term patient-reported outcomes in younger patients are required to guide appropriate patient selection for reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Level III, retrospective case-control study.

Projections of Primary and Revision Shoulder Arthroplasty until 2040: Facing a Massive Rise in Fracture-Related Procedures

Although the demand for shoulder arthroplasties has reached its highest number worldwide, there remains a lack of epidemiologic data regarding recent and future trends. In this study, data for all shoulder arthroplasties (hemiarthroplasty, reverse/anatomic shoulder arthroplasty) from the nationwide inpatient statistics of Germany (2010–2019) and population forecasts until 2040 were gathered. A Poisson and a negative binomial approach using monotone B-splines were modeled for all types of prostheses to project the annual number and incidence of primary and revision arthroplasty. Additionally, trends in main indicators were also gathered and expected changes were calculated. Overall, the number of primary shoulder replacements is set to increase significantly by 2040, reaching at least 37,000 (95% CI 32,000–44,000) procedures per year. This trend is mainly attributable to an about 10-fold increased use of fracture-related reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients over 80 years of age, although the number of procedures in younger patients will also rise substantially. In contrast, hemiarthroplasties will significantly decrease. The number of revision procedures is projected to increase subsequently, although the revision burden is forecast to decline. Using these country-specific projection approaches, a massive increase of primary and revision shoulder arthroplasties is expected by 2040, mainly due to a rising number of fracture-related procedures. These growth rates are substantially higher than those from hip or knee arthroplasty. As these trends are similar in most Western countries, this draws attention to the international issue, of: if healthcare systems will be able to allocate human and financial resources adequately, and if future research and fracture-prevention programs may help to temper this rising burden in the upcoming decades.

Clinical and patient-reported outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients receiving Social Security Disability Insurance or workers’ compensation

BackgroundEvidence suggests that reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) patients receiving workers’ compensation (WC) have worse patient-reported outcomes (PROs) than those not receiving WC. It is unknown whether Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients also have worse outcomes of RSA. Our goals were to (1) compare PROs and range of motion (ROM) after RSA according to whether patients were receiving SSDI, WC, or neither form of assistance, and (2) identify factors associated with poor PROs. MethodsFrom a US institutional database of 454 patients who underwent RSA from January 2009 through December 2016, we identified 19 SSDI recipients and 25 WC recipients. From the same database, we created a control group of 81 patients not receiving SSDI or WC, matched by demographic variables. Between groups, we compared age, sex, operative arm dominance, preoperative diagnosis, number of previous shoulder surgeries, primary or revision arthroplasty, and Charlson Comorbidity Index value. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively by physical examination, including range of motion, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, L'Insalata score, Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder (WOOS) score. Significance was set at P< .05. Clinical relevance of improvements in forward flexion and abduction, VAS for pain, ASES, and SST were evaluated using established minimal clinically important difference (MCID) values. ResultsBoth the SSDI and WC groups experienced statistically significant improvements from preoperatively to postoperatively; these improvements exceeded MCID thresholds for forward flexion and abduction, VAS for pain, ASES (except in WC group), and SST score (all, P< .05). These outcomes were not significantly different between the SSDI and WC groups. Compared with the control group, both the SSDI and WC groups had statistically significantly worse outcomes for these same measures. The only factor associated with poor clinical outcomes was having undergone ≥2 previous surgical procedures on the same shoulder for which RSA was performed in both SSDI (odds ratio = 2.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.0-5.4) and WC (odds ratio = 1.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.1-4.5) groups. ConclusionAmong RSA patients, SSDI recipients did not have worse clinical outcomes than WC recipients. Having undergone ≥2 previous procedures on the same shoulder was associated with poor outcomes in both groups. These findings should be considered when determining the appropriateness of RSA for SSDI and WC recipients. Level of evidenceLevel III; Retrospective Cohort Comparison; Treatment Study