Shoulder Surgeons Research Articles

Impact of size and fragmentation of the anteroinferior glenoid rim on clinical and functional outcomes of non-operatively treated Bony Bankart lesions in middle-aged population

IntroductionThe optimal treatment approach for Bony Bankart remains a subject of considerable debate among shoulder surgeons. Existing literature highlights low recurrence rates and high patient satisfaction with nonoperative treatment, particularly in the middle-aged population. This study aimed to evaluate the recurrence rate of dislocation, as well as the clinical and functional outcomes in middle-aged individuals treated nonoperatively following an acute bony Bankart fracture. Additionally, the impact of glenoid rim size and fragmentation on the treatment outcome was investigated.Material and methodsA prospective analysis was conducted on 20 patients aged over 50 with nonoperatively treated bony Bankart fractures, ensuring a minimum follow-up of 24 months. The study population was categorized based on fragment size (small and medium) according to Kim classification and glenoid rim fragmentation (type 1b and 1c) according to Scheibel classification. Data including UCLA score, Rowe score, recurrence rate, clinical instability, and range of motion (ROM) were collected and analyzed.ResultsThe average UCLA and Rowe scores were 32.15 ± 2.85 and 93.85 ± 2.19, respectively, with no instances of dislocation recurrence. The affected shoulder exhibited no significant reductions in ROM compared to the contralateral side, except for a loss of external rotation (ER) (13.08° ± 7.51; p = 0.005). No differences were observed based on fragment size, although patients with multifragmented glenoid rims showed a greater loss of ER compared to those with a solitary fragment, albeit not reaching statistical significance.ConclusionNonoperative treatment appears to be a viable and effective option for middle-aged individuals with bony Bankart fractures, resulting in favorable functional outcomes and a low risk of recurrence. Additionally, a notable loss of external rotation was observed in fractures with glenoid rim fragmentation.Level of evidenceIV.

Improved Acromiohumeral Distance Independently Predicts Better Outcomes After Arthroscopic Superior Capsular Reconstruction Graft Tears

PurposeTo identify independent factors responsible for the poor outcomes after a graft tear after arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (ASCR). MethodsPatients who underwent ASCR for massive rotator cuff tears between January 2013 and July 2021were reviewed. Based on the achievement of the minimal clinically important differences for clinical outcome measures at the final follow up, patients were divided into the good outcome (GO) and poor outcome (PO) groups. The minimal clinically important differences were calculated as the values equal to one‐half of the standard deviation of the changes in outcome scores between the preoperative baseline and the latest follow‐up. Pre- and final follow-up variables included demographics, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, range of motion, Preoperative and postoperative 1-year radiological variables were analyzed using MRIs, including anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) tear sizes, subscapularis tear, acromiohumeral distance (AHD), and degree of fatty degeneration. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the significant predictors of poor outcomes. ResultsA total of 33 patients who underwent ASCR presented with graft tears, which were confirmed by postoperative 1-year magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and had a minimum follow-up duration of 2 years after surgery were enrolled. The GO group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in functional outcomes compared with the PO group (ASES: 83.5 ± 11.8 vs. 64.0 ± 20.4, P = 0.004; Constant: 67.6 ± 5.7 vs. 57.1 ± 9.8, P <0.001; and VAS: 0.9 ± 1.2 vs. 2.4 ± 2.0, P = 0.026). The postoperative 1-year AHD showed significant improvement in the GO group (3.1 ± 1.2 vs. 6.1 ± 1.4, P <0.001) but no change in the PO group (3.4 ± 1.3 vs. 4.2 ± 0.9, P = 0.074) postoperatively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that a decreased postoperative 1-year AHD (OR, 0.145; P = 0.019) was associated with a poor outcome after a graft tear. ConclusionA narrow postoperative 1-year AHD was identified as the most importantindependent risk factor indicating poor clinical outcomes after a graft tear post-ASCR, which was related to a larger tear and loss of integrity between the grafts and infraspinatus at 1 year postoperatively. Level of evidenceLevel IV.

A Comparison of Functional Outcomes in Rotator Cuff Repairs Using Adjunctive Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate vs. Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate With Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Regenerative medicine, specifically bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), has become a novel adjunct that orthopedic surgeons have started to use with surgical rotator cuff repairs (RCR). Thus, we are conducting this systematic review to determine if either RCRs with BMAC alone or with BMAC and PRP result in superior functional outcomes. We conducted a comprehensive search using five databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane. After duplicates were removed, 1205 studies were screened by title and abstract using Rayyan, resulting in three included studies (one BMAC with PRP and two BMAC only). Only studies that reported functional outcomes using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score and the University of California Los Angeles Shoulder Score were included. Changes in assessment scores from baseline to follow-up evaluation were quantified using the effect size and used in the meta-analysis for each group. Interpretation of treatment efficacy was represented using Cohen's d. The effect size of BMAC with PRP (Cohen's d = 2.19) was not significantly different (p = 0.76) from that of BMAC alone (Cohen's d = 2.35). Between-group differences in functional outcomes were Cohen's d = 0.16, which was not significant. Given the lack of superiority and the small sample size, more research is required before a conclusion can be drawn as to the benefits of combining PRP with BMAC for RCR. If functional outcomes are the same, using BMAC alone as an adjunct may be optimal to reduce resources used and cost. Future studies should be conducted with a larger pool as our primary limitation is that only three studies were included.

Structural bone grafting with reverse shoulder arthroplasty for osteoarthritis with severe glenoid bone loss: outcomes using a long post

Severe posterior glenoid bone loss with glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff can be managed with reverse shoulder arthroplasty but requires lateralization and version correction to avoid potential complications, such as instability, notching and implant failure. Angled bone grafting with humeral head autograft can provide durable glenoid bone stock, but results have been mixed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient-reported and objective outcomes as well as complication and failure rates for patients who underwent angled humeral head autografting for severe retroversion. All patients who underwent a primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty with angled humeral head autograft and Stryker Tornier long central postbaseplate for severe glenoid bone loss in the setting of glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff at our institution between November 2018 and February of 2022 were identified. Individuals with a primary diagnosis of osteoarthritis and preoperative glenoid retroversion of ≥30° were included. Patients undergoing revision procedures, planned 2-stage arthroplasty were excluded. Differences in pre- and postoperative range of motion, as well as patient-reported outcomes were assessed. Intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, and re-operation rates were analyzed. A total of 24 shoulders in 23 patients (61% male), with a mean age of 65.6years were included. Average preoperative retroversion was 37.4° (range: 30°-51°). Mean follow-up was 2.9years (range: 2-4.3years). Significant improvements were found in flexion, abduction, and external rotation. Patient-reported subjective outcomes were excellent, with average American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score of 93.6 and average Subjective Shoulder Value score of 93.8%. Sixteen (67%) shoulders received postoperative computed tomography scans and all were found to have incorporated. Complications included one shoulder hematoma requiring incision and drainage without revision, and a post-traumatic fracture of the inferior glenoid screw at 11months, requiring revision reverse shoulder arthroplasty with bone grafting. No atraumatic catastrophic failures occurred due to component loosening. This study suggests that using angled humeral head bone grafting is a good solution for version correction in extreme posterior glenoid bone loss. Significant improvements are reported in range of motion, pain, and subjective functional scores, with excellent graft incorporation rates and a low complication profile at early follow-up. Further work should focus on gathering higher levels of evidence, detailed radiographic analyses, and exploring humeral head bone grafting for other indications.

Sensory neurapraxia after distal biceps repair is not associated with patient-reported outcomes or satisfaction: a retrospective cohort study

Cutaneous neurapraxia is the most common complication following distal biceps tendon repair (DBTR). Currently, no patient demographic factors have been implicated in its occurrence, course, or resolution. The purpose of this study is to explore various patient demographics and their association with postoperative neurapraxia. Further it investigates how mental health scores correlate with patient-reported outcomes, and whether occurrence of neurapraxia alters this association. This retrospective review evaluates a consecutive series of patients who underwent distal biceps repair with a single-incision cortical button technique. Patients with reported outcome data at a minimum of 1year (n=47) were included for analysis. Demographic data including age, sex, body mass index, diabetes, smoking status, and occurrence of neurapraxia were recorded. Patient-reported outcome measures include the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons-Elbow score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score, Visual Analog Scale for pain, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score, and Veterans RAND 12 (VR-12) Mental Component Score and Physical Component Score quality-of-life assessment. Postoperative neurapraxia of any duration occurred in 45% (21/47) of patients in this cohort following DBTR. Of these, 62% (13/21) reported resolution of symptoms by the latest follow-up. Mean time to resolution of neurapraxia was 148days. Patient age, body mass index, smoking history, time to surgery, tear thickness, and increasing surgeon experience across the study period were not significantly associated with the incidence or time to resolution of postoperative neurapraxia. Scores for patient satisfaction, Visual Analog Scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, VR-12 Mental Component Score, VR-12 Physical Component Score, and flexion ROM did not differ significantly between patients with and without postoperative neurapraxia. Patient satisfaction following DBTR was not significantly associated with postoperative neurapraxia. Patient and surgical characteristics did not influence the occurrence or time to resolution of neurapraxia. The occurrence of postoperative neurapraxia did not result in significant functional limitations.

The Relationship Between All-Suture and Solid Medial-Row Anchors and Patient-Reported Outcomes for Double-Row Suture Bridge Rotator Cuff Repair.

The use of all-suture anchors for rotator cuff repair is increasing. Potential benefits include decreased bone loss and decreased damage to the chondral surface. Minimal evidence exists comparing outcomes among medial-row anchor fixation methods in double-row suture bridge rotator cuff repair. To compare the clinical outcomes between all-suture and solid medial-row anchors in double-row suture bridge rotator cuff repair. Case series; Level of evidence, 4. A total of 352 patients (mean age at surgery, 60.3 years) underwent double-row suture bridge rotator cuff repair at our institution. Patients were separated into 2 groups based on whether they underwent all-suture (n = 280) or solid (n = 72) anchor fixation for the medial row. Outcomes data were collected via an ongoing longitudinal data repository or through telephone calls (minimum follow-up time, 2.0 years; mean follow-up time, 3.0 years). Outcomes were evaluated using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) standardized shoulder assessment form and the visual analog scale (VAS). The same rehabilitation protocol was administered to all patients. The proportions of patients meeting previously published Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) thresholds were calculated for the outcome measures, and outcome scores and the proportions of patients meeting PASS thresholds between groups were compared using linear and logistic regression, respectively. The groups did not differ in terms of age at surgery, sex distribution, rotator cuff tear size, or number of medial-row anchors used. The solid anchor group had a longer follow-up time compared with the all-suture anchor group (3.6 ± 0.7 vs 2.8 ± 0.8 years, respectively; P < .01). After controlling for follow-up time, the solid and all-suture anchor groups did not differ in ASES scores (89.6 ± 17.8 vs 88.8 ± 16.7, respectively; P = .44) or VAS scores (1.1 ± 2.1 vs 1.2 ± 2.1, respectively; P = .37). Similarly, after controlling for follow-up time, the solid and all-suture anchor groups did not differ in the proportions of patients meeting PASS cutoffs for the ASES (84.7% vs 80.7%, respectively; P = .44) or the VAS (80.6% vs 75.0%, respectively; P = .83). Double-row suture bridge rotator cuff repair using all-suture anchors for medial-row fixation demonstrated similar excellent clinical outcomes to rotator cuff repair using solid medial-row anchors.

Clinical Outcomes Affecting Return to Play Following Latarjet Procedure in Young Contact and Limited Contact Athletes.

Several studies have examined return to play (RTP) and outcomes following the Latarjet procedure in contact athletes. To investigate clinical outcomes affecting RTP following the Latarjet procedure in contact athletes. Case series; Level of evidence, 4. A total of 67 contact athletes (72 shoulders) ≤35 years old who underwent Latarjet procedure for recurrent shoulder instability between January 1, 2018, and March 31, 2022, were retrospectively identified. Demographic information, medical history, surgical history, number of dislocations before surgery, and postoperative complications up to 6 months after surgery were reviewed. Outcomes evaluated included RTP, competition level, satisfaction, and patient-reported outcomes including visual analog scale for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores. There were a total of 67 patients (72 shoulders) included in the study with a mean age at surgery of 19.7 years for all shoulders. Of the total cohort, 46 patients (50 shoulders; [69.4%]) were available for follow-up by phone. Of the 46 patients contacted by phone, 22/46 were football players; 30/50 [60.0% of all shoulders]) were contact athletes and 19/46 [41.3%] limited contact athletes) were interviewed with a mean follow-up of 25.5 months (range, 10-49 months). Of 72 patients, 22 (30.6% of shoulders and 32.8% of patients) patients had prior shoulder surgery, most commonly arthroscopic stabilization. Only 1 patient experienced hardware failure, but this did not require reoperation. Sixteen of 46 (35%) athletes competed at the collegiate level, and 24/46 (52%) were high school athletes at the time of surgery; 34 of 46 patients (74%) returned to play, of which 30 of the 34 (88%) returned to playing at the same competition level; 15 of 22 (68%) football players returned to play. Only 4 of 51 (8%) reported subjective recurrent instability. Postoperative mean ASES score was 92.2, DASH score was 5.6, and visual analog scale for pain score was 4 (range, 0-50). A total of 43 of 46 (93%) patients reported improvement in quality of life after undergoing the Latarjet procedure for shoulder instability. Eight of 72 (11.1%) shoulders had unresolved pain or stiffness 6 months postoperatively, and 2 of 72 (2.8%) required revisions. Patient RTP, outcomes, and satisfaction were high following the Latarjet procedure in young contact athletes.

Outcomes following arthroscopic treatment of off-track Hill-Sachs lesions using fresh osteochondral allograft plugs: a case series

BackgroundOsteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation is a well-described technique for the treatment of large, engaging Hill-Sachs lesions (HSLs). Traditionally, OCAs are size-matched to the defect, which can be expensive and time-consuming, and the majority of described techniques require an open approach. Recently, an all-arthroscopic approach to Hill-Sachs OCA transplantation using premade plugs was described, eliminating the need for size-matching and graft harvest. Hypothesis/PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate postoperative outcomes of patients who have undergone arthroscopic treatment of HSLs using premade OCA plugs. We hypothesized that these patients would have improved pain and function without recurrent instability. MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed using operative reports for a single surgeon with search terms “Hill-Sachs” and “allograft.” Patients were excluded if an open approach was used or if graft harvest was performed. Postoperative imaging was reviewed to assess for graft incorporation and reconstitution of the HSL. Recurrent instability and reoperation were recorded. Patients completed surveys including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI). ResultsFive patients were identified through chart review and met inclusion criteria. All patients underwent concurrent labral repair and two patients underwent a concurrent open Latarjet procedure. Postoperative radiographs showed reconstitution of the HSLs in all patients. There were no complications in the postoperative period with no recurrent instability or reoperations in any patient. The average ASES score was 87% (higher score indicating better outcome) with standard deviation 9.7, and the average WOSI score was 27% (lower score indicating better outcome) with standard deviation 8.3. ConclusionFavorable outcomes can be expected after arthroscopic treatment of Hill-Sachs lesions using premade OCA plugs. Further research is needed to assess larger patient cohorts and compare outcomes to size-matched approaches.

Comparison of short- and midterm outcomes in patients following ream-and-run and anatomic total shoulder arthroplasties

Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) may not be an ideal treatment option for young and active patients because of potential activity restriction and concerns about glenoid loosening. The ream-and-run procedure (RnR) allows for the continuance of high-level activity without concerns of a glenoid component failure. Initial RnR publications are promising, although more outcomes studies are needed. Therefore, our primary purpose was to compare outcomes at multiple time points between matched aTSA and RnR cohorts. Second, we sought to examine relationships between patient-reported outcomes and preoperative glenoid pathoanatomy in our RnR cohort Last, we examined postoperative radiographs to determine if the RnR successfully corrected glenoid pathoanatomy and humeral head decentering. We performed a retrospective matched-cohort study comparing patients who underwent an RnR vs. patients who underwent the aTSA procedure between 2017 and 2019. All patients had primary diagnoses of shoulder osteoarthritis and a minimum of 2-year follow-up. Simple Shoulder Test, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), and daily and worst pain outcomes were compared between groups at 3 and 6 months, and 1 and 2 years postarthroplasty. Pre- and postoperative glenoid anatomy and humeral decentering were measured radiographically, and correlation analyses were conducted to explore relationships between these factors and 2-year pain and function scores. Forty-six shoulders (23 RnR and 23aTSA) belonging to 43 male patients with an average age of 56.2±8.3 years were included. Eighteen matched pairs were available at 3 and 6 months, 21 matched pairs at 1 year, and all 23 matched pairs at the 2-year time point. RnR patients reported significantly higher daily pain ratings (P=.047) and lower ASES scores (P=.031) compared with the aTSA group 3 months after arthroplasty but reported similar outcomes at 6 months and beyond. Preoperative pathoanatomy outcomes were not directly related to final reported pain or function in the RnR group. Additionally, the RnR was able to correct posterior humeral head decentering in our cohort. Young male patients undergoing RnR can likely expect similar short-term results as young male patients who undergo aTSA. Additionally, the RnR outcomes were not affected by preoperative glenoid wear or humeral head decentering. Our findings support the RnR as a viable surgical alternative for young, active patients with shoulder arthritis.

The increasing medicolegal cost in the care of high-level athletes

BackgroundMedical malpractice represents a significant economic cost in healthcare. Increasingly large damage claims by professional athletes against physicians have raised concerns about the medicolegal challenges in caring for high-level athletes. MethodsAn online proprietary legal research database was queried for lawsuits related to malpractice in the care of professional and amateur athletes from 1992-2023. Demographics of plaintiffs and defendants, details of lawsuit filings and damages claimed were recorded for all cases, settlements, and jury verdicts. Descriptive statistics, linear regression, as well as univariate analysis of demographic factors and damage claims in inflation-adjusted 2023 dollars was performed. ResultsEighty-eight lawsuits were recorded from 1992-2023. The sum of indemnities exceeded 186 million in 2023 inflation-adjusted United States Dollars. Football players were the most commonly represented athletes (n=26) and represented 49% of total financial awards. Fourteen cases (16%) involved treatment of the upper extremity. Professional and collegiate level of play was associated with higher damages in favor of plaintiffs when compared to other levels of play. No other demographic was associated with higher financial awards. Linear regression showed a significant positive trend with an increasing inflation-adjusted compensation for plaintiff verdicts in the last 30 years. ConclusionsThere is an increasing medicolegal financial risk associated with the care of athletes. This is higher in collegiate and professional levels of play. As physicians, insurers and institutions adjust to these financial risks, care must be taken to avoid ramifications on the availability and quality of care provided to athletes. Shoulder and elbow surgeons may consider additional preoperative counseling, legal waiver forms regarding malpractice claims and advocacy for medical malpractice reforms in the care of athletes with high earning potential to mitigate these increasing financial risks.

Predictive Factors for the Healing of Rotator Cuff Repairs.

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

Arthroscopic suture anchor fixation results in similar clinical outcomes, less range of motion limitation, but poorer quality of reduction compared to open screw fixation for acute large anterior glenoid rim fractures

BackgroundThe purpose of the present study was to retrospectively compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic suture anchor fixation and open screw fixation for acute large anterior glenoid rim fractures. MethodsThis study enrolled patients with acute large anterior glenoid rim fractures treated with arthroscopic suture anchor fixation (group A) or open screw fixation (group O) from January 2013 to June 2020 with a minimum follow-up of＞2 years. The Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Rowe score, Constant score, range of motion (ROM), recurrent instability rate, and complications were recorded as clinical results. The quality of the postoperative reduction, reconstructed glenoid sizes, rate of fracture healing, and progression of osteoarthritis (OA) were evaluated as radiological outcomes. ResultsThis retrospective study included 66 patients, including 37 in Group A and 29 in Group O with a mean follow-up of 46.9 (range, 24.3-94.2) months and a mean patient age of 46.8 (range, 21-69) years. No significant differences were found in the clinical outcomes between the two groups. A significant ROM limitation in all planes was found in both groups and group O showed more limitations in external rotation at the side (ERs) (18° vs. 10°, P = 0.002). The reduction quality was better in group O (P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of reconstructed glenoid size (101.6% ± 4.6% vs. 100.6% ± 7.1%, P = 0.460) and the rate of OA progression (26.9% vs. 20%, P = 0.525). ConclusionArthroscopic suture anchor fixation and open screw fixation achieved similar clinical outcomes, reconstructed glenoid sizes, and OA progression in patients with acute large anterior glenoid rim fractures. Arthroscopic suture fixation showed a poorer quality of reduction but less ERs limitations.

Outcomes of Total Shoulder Arthroplasty With and Without Prior Rotator Cuff Repair: A Systematic Review.

The effect of prior rotator cuff repair (RCR) on clinical outcomes after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is unclear. To systematically review the literature to compare the outcomes of TSA in patients with and without prior RCR. Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. A systematic review was performed using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines by searching the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases to identify studies comparing outcomes of TSA with and without prior RCR. The inclusion criteria were full-text studies that directly compared outcomes between patients undergoing anatomic or reverse TSA with and without prior RCR. A quality assessment was performed using the Modified Coleman Methodology Score (MCMS), and risk of bias assessment was performed using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies-of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. A total of 1542 articles were identified for review based on initial database queries. Weighted means of quantifiable demographics and patient-reported outcomes were calculated for all included studies and compiled, in addition to the MCMS and ROBINS-I tool. Twelve studies (10 level 3, 2 level 4) met inclusion criteria, including a total of 885 patients who underwent RCR before TSA (mean age, 68.2 years) and 2275 patients with no prior RCR (mean age, 70.0 years). Of all outcomes evaluated, patients with reverse TSA showed superior results in the no prior RCR group. Three reverse TSA studies found the no prior RCR group to have significantly higher postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores when compared with the prior RCR group (P < .05). Multiple reverse TSA studies found the no prior RCR group to have significantly higher postoperative Simple Shoulder Test scores (P < .05) and significantly improved forward elevation (P < .05) when compared with the prior RCR group. Of all outcomes in anatomic TSA studies, only complication rate was different between groups, with 1 study finding a significantly lower complication rate in the no prior RCR group (P = .01). Patients undergoing reverse TSA without prior RCR can be expected to experience statistically better outcomes when compared with patients with prior RCR, while patients undergoing anatomic TSA can be expected to have similar outcomes regardless of prior RCR status.

Long-term patient-reported outcomes of open subpectoral biceps tenodesis with cortical button fixation.

Open subpectoral biceps tenodesis (OSBT) with cortical button fixation has been shown to deliver acceptable results in the short and intermediate term for long head of the biceps (LHB) pathology with the benefit of smaller bone tunnel diameter and a reduced risk of postoperative humeral shaft fracture. The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether OSBT with cortical button fixation results in significant improvements in patient reported outcomes (PROs) from pre-operative to long-term final follow-up. A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent OSBT with cortical button fixation at a single institution between the years of 2012 and 2014 was conducted and PROs were collected in the intermediate (> 2years follow-up) and long term (> 9years follow-up). PROs were measured pre-operatively, at intermediate follow-up, and at long-term follow-up using three validated questionnaires: American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, and Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS). Patients were additionally asked at final follow-up if they would undergo the same procedure again if they needed it. Twenty-nine (29) patients with a mean age of 51.16 ± 9.06years at the time of surgery were included in the study at final follow-up. Mean final follow-up time was 10.2 ± 0.5years (range: 9.2-11.1years). All PROs (ASES, OSS, and DASH) demonstrated statistically significant improvements from pre-operative to final follow-up with p < 0.01 for each. The proportions of patients exceeding established values for minimum clinically important difference (MCID) were 96.55%, 93.10%, and 75.86% for ASES, OSS, and DASH respectively. Only one patient had required re-operation as of final follow-up. None experienced humeral fractures post-operatively. A significant majority (89.66%; p < 0.01) of patients reported that they would undergo the same procedure again if they needed it. Fifty-three (53) patients were included in the study at intermediate follow-up with a mean follow-up time of 3.5 ± 1.4years (range: 2-5.3years). There were no statistically significant differences in any of the PRO measures from intermediate to long-term follow-up. This study reported a minimum 9-year follow-up of patients undergoing OSBT with cortical button fixation for the management of LHBT pathology in the setting of concomitant shoulder procedures. All patients had significantly improved functional outcomes assessed with ASES, OSS, and DASH and no obvious differences in median group scores were found between patients assessed at intermediate (mean 3.5years) and final (mean 10.2years) follow-up. No infections, fractures, or fixation failures were reported.

EFFECT OF PRP INJECTION IN CASES OF PARTIAL THICKNESS ROTATOR CUFF TEAR IN KING FAHD ARMED FORCES HOSPITAL: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Objective:To evaluate the clinical outcomes of PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections in treating partial thickness rotator cuff tears at King Fahd Armed Forces Hospital. Methods:This retrospective study reviewed patients treated with PRP injections for partial thickness rotator cuff tears between April 2021 and December 2023. Patient demographics, tear characteristics, treatment protocols, and follow-up data were analyzed. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score. Results:A total of 60 patients (35 males, 25 females mean age 48.3 years) were included. The mean follow-up period was 12 months. VAS pain scores significantly decreased from a mean of 7.2 pre-treatment to 2.9 post-treatment. ASES scores improved from a mean of 55.4 pre-treatment to 85.7 post-treatment. No significant complications were reported. Conclusion:PRP injections appear to be an effective treatment for partial thickness rotator cuff tears, resulting in significant pain reduction and functional improvement. Further randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these findings.

The impact of mental health on shoulder arthroplasty and rotator cuff repair: a meta-analysis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of mental health attributes, such as the presence of psychiatric comorbidities or psychological comorbidities (low resilience), on outcomes after rotator cuff repair (RCR) and total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar (results pages 1-20) were searched up to November 2023. Mental health problems of interest included the presence of psychiatric comorbidities (depression, anxiety) or indicators of poor psychological functioning, such as low resilience or the presence of distress. Patients were assigned to poor or good mental health groups in this study based on their grouping in the original study. Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Patients with good mental health had greater improvements in postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Simple Shoulder Test scores in the TSA cohort (P=0.003 and P=0.01), RCR cohort (P<0.001), and the combined TSA and RCR cohort (P<0.001). No difference was found in visual analog scale score, satisfaction, external rotation, or flexion between the two mental health groups. Patients with poor mental health undergoing RCR experienced higher rates of adverse events and transfusions (P<0.001). Patients with poor mental health also had greater rates of revision and emergency department visits in the TSA cohort (P<0.001), RCR cohort (P=0.05 and P=0.03), and combined cohort (P<0.001). Patients with poor mental health undergoing TSA had a higher rate of re-admission (P<0.001). Patients with poor preoperative mental health showed inferior patient-reported outcome scores and increased rates of adverse events, revisions, and re-admissions. Level of evidence: III.

Does preoperative forward elevation weakness affect clinical outcomes in anatomic or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis and intact rotator cuff?

This study sought to determine if preoperative forward elevation (FE) weakness affects outcomes of anatomic (aTSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) for patients with rotator cuff-intact glenohumeral osteoarthritis (RCI-GHOA). A retrospective review of a single institution's prospectively collected shoulder arthroplasty database was performed between 2007 and 2020, including 333 aTSAs and 155 rTSAs for primary RCI-GHOA with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Defining preoperative weakness as FE strength ≤4.9 lb (2.2 kg), three cohorts were matched 1:1:1 by age, sex, and follow-up: weak (n=82) to normal aTSAs, weak (n=44) to normal rTSAs, and weak aTSAs (n=61) to weak rTSAs. Compared outcomes included range of motion, outcome scores, and complication and revision rates at latest follow-up. Weak aTSAs and weak rTSAs achieved similar postoperative outcome measures to normal aTSAs and normal rTSAs, respectively (P>0.05). Compared to weak rTSAs, weak aTSAs achieved superior postoperative passive (P=0.006) and active external rotation (ER) (P=0.014) but less favorable postoperative Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (P=0.032), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (P=0.024), and University of California, Los Angeles scores (P=0.008). Weak aTSAs achieved the minimal clinically important difference and substantial clinical benefit at a lower rate for abduction (P=0.045 and P=0.003) and FE (P=0.011 and P=0.001). Weak aTSAs had a higher revision rate (P=0.025) but a similar complication rate (P=0.291) compared to weak rTSAs. Patients with RCI-GHOA and preoperative FE weakness obtain postoperative outcomes similar to patients with normal preoperative strength after either aTSA or rTSA. Preoperatively, weak aTSAs achieved greater ER but lower rates of clinically relevant improvement in overhead motion compared to weak rTSAs. Level of evidence: III.

Progressive Loss of Acromioclavicular Joint Reduction Correlated with Progressive Clavicular Tunnel Widening after Coracoclavicular Stabilization in Acute High-Grade Acromioclavicular Joint Injury.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare 24-month radiographic follow-ups of clavicular tunnel widenings (CTWs) and coracoclavicular distances (CCDs) and examine correlations between these measurements in patients following combined coracoclavicular stabilization and acromioclavicular capsule repair in treatment of acute high-grade acromioclavicular joint injury. Methods: This retrospective study reviewed the records of patients with acute Rockwood type V acromioclavicular joint injury who underwent surgery within 3 weeks after their injury. All patients had follow-ups at 3 and 6 months and 1 and 2 years. The CTWs were measured on anteroposterior radiographs between the medial and lateral borders at the superior, middle and inferior levels of the tunnels. On anteroposterior radiographs of both clavicles, the CCDs were measured at the shortest distance between the upper border of the coracoid process and the inferior border of the clavicle and reported as the CCD ratio, which was defined as the ratio of the affected and unaffected clavicles. At the final follow-ups, clinical outcomes were assessed using American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores. Results: This study included seventeen men and six women with a mean age of 47.26 ± 10.68 years. At the final follow-ups, the mean ASES score of all patients was 95.28 ± 3.62. We found a significant correlation between the increase in the CTWs and the increase in the CCD ratios (Spearman's rho correlation coefficient range 0.578-0.647, all p-values < 0.001). Conclusions: We found long-term postoperative widening of the clavicular tunnels, which correlated positively with a gradual postoperative decline in the acromioclavicular joint alignment reductions.

Defining the tipping point for revision reverse shoulder arthroplasty

Background This study sought to characterize the tipping point values (the functional scores that patients deem dysfunctional enough to warrant surgery) for patients undergoing first revision reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). Methods This study was a retrospective review of a prospectively collected single-institution database of patients undergoing first revision rTSA between August 2015 and December 2019. Tipping point evaluation utilized preoperative scores including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), raw and normalized Constant, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) scores, and active range of motion including abduction, forward elevation (FE), external rotation (ER), and internal rotation score (IR) prior to elective revision rTSA. Results We included 125 revision rTSAs. Tipping points were 37.6 ASES score, 30.5 raw Constant score, 35.5 normalized Constant score, 68.1 SPADI, 3.7 SST, 13.2 UCLA score, 64° abduction, 69° FE, 23° ER, and 3.1 IR. Higher SST was found for older patients and patients with a lower body mass index. Lower abduction and FE tipping points were reported in patients undergoing revision rTSA for rotator cuff failure, unexplained pain, and implant wear. Discussion These tipping points can help surgeons counsel patients regarding when to undergo revision rTSA. Level of evidence Level III; retrospective cohort study; treatment study.

Comparative efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection versus PRP combined with vitamin C injection for partial-thickness rotator cuff tears: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe optimal approach for managing partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCT) remains controversial. Recent studies related to PTRCTs have shown that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection might be an effective treatment option. Despite the role of vitamin C in collagen synthesis and its antioxidant properties, the effects of combined PRP and vitamin C treatment on rotator cuff repair are not well understood. This study investigated the effect of combined treatment of PRP and vitamin C treatment on PTRCTs.MethodsOne hundred-ten patients with PTRCTs were randomly allocated to two groups and underwent subacromial injections of either (A) normal saline and platelet-rich plasma or (B) vitamin C and platelet-rich plasma. The Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and visual analog scale were used to evaluate the outcomes before, 1 month after, and 3 months after injection.ResultsAt the 3-month follow-up, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of ASES and Constant scores. Although a slight difference favoring group B was noted in functional scores and pain reduction, this difference was not statistically significant. However, both groups demonstrated significant pain reduction over time (p-value < 0.001). Additionally, the enhancement of ASES and Constant scores in both groups was statistically significant (p-value < 0.001).ConclusionsIn conclusion, both PRP injection alone and PRP combined with vitamin C led to significant reductions in pain and enhancements in function scores over time (p < 0.001), suggesting the effectiveness of PRP as a non-surgical treatment for PTRCTs within 3 months. While PRP alone showed significant benefits, further research is required to ascertain if the combination therapy offers statistically significant advantages over PRP alone.Trial registrationClinical trial registration code: IRCT20230821059205N1.