Treatment Of Rotator Cuff Tears Research Articles

Early functional improvements using continuous passive motion therapy after angular-stable plate osteosynthesis of proximal humerus fractures – results of a prospective, randomized trial

BackgroundThe use of continuous passive motion therapy (CPM) has led to promising results in the early phase of rehabilitation after surgical treatment of rotator cuff tears and arthrolysis of the elbow. However, its use has not been proven in other pathologies of the upper extremity. Therefore, the aim of the underlying study was to evaluate the use of CPM therapy after plate osteosynthesis of proximal humeral fractures.Methods95 patients with isolated proximal humerus fractures were enrolled in a prospective, randomized study. Patients were assigned to a treatment group with (n = 48, CPM) or without CPM therapy (n = 47, CG). Four patients (2 of each cohort) violated the study protocol and were excluded. CPM therapy was used for 6 weeks after surgery 2–3 times daily. Functional (range of motion) and patient reported outcomes (PROM, Constant Score [CSS], QuickDASH, subjective shoulder value [SSV], pain on visual analogue scale [VAS]) were evaluated at 6 weeks, 3 and 12months. 60 patients completed the 1-year follow-up.ResultsThe average patient age was 65.3 years (min: 27, max: 88, SD: ± 14.7). Seventy-two patients were female (79%). There was no difference regarding injury severity (2/3/4 part-fracture: 6/32/7 vs. 9/26/11, p = 0.867) and sex (p = 0.08). However, patients in the CPM group were significantly younger (CPM: 67 [min: 34, max: 82], CG: 74 [min: 27, max: 88], p = 0.032). After 6 weeks we observed a better range of motion for forward flexion (CPM: 90° [min: 50°, max: 180°] vs. CG: 80° [min: 20°, max: 170°] p = 0.035) and abduction (CPM: 80° [min: 40°, max: 180°] vs. CG: 70° [min: 20°, max: 180°], p = 0.048) in the CPM group. There was no difference regarding the further planes of motion or the assessed PROMs at 6 weeks. At 3 and 12 months the results between the treatment groups equalized with no further significant differences.ConclusionThe treatment with CPM increases the range of motion after plate osteosynthesis of proximal humerus fractures in the first 6 weeks after surgery. This effect is not sustained after 3 and 12months. The evaluated PROMs are not being influenced by CPM therapy. Hence the results of this prospective randomized study suggest that CPM can be a beneficial asset in the early period of rehabilitation after proximal humerus plate osteosynthesis.Trial registrationThe study protocol was registered in the US National Institutes of Health’s database (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov) registry under NCT 05952622.

Percutaneous bone marrow concentrate and platelet products versus exercise therapy for the treatment of rotator cuff tears: a randomized controlled, crossover trial with 2-year follow-up

BackgroundSurgical repair is recommended for the treatment of high-grade partial and full thickness rotator cuff tears, although evidence shows surgery is not necessarily superior to non-surgical therapy. The purpose of this study was to compare percutaneous orthobiologic treatment to a home exercise therapy program for supraspinatus tears.MethodsIn this randomized-controlled, crossover design, participants with a torn supraspinatus tendon received either ‘BMC treatment’, consisting of a combination of autologous bone marrow concentrate (BMC) and platelet products, or underwent a home exercise therapy program. After three months, patients randomized to exercise therapy could crossover to receive BMC treatment if not satisfied with shoulder progression. Patient-reported outcomes of Numeric Pain Scale (NPS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, (DASH), and a modified Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) were collected at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Pre- and post-treatment MRI were assessed using the Snyder Classification system.ResultsFifty-one patients were enrolled and randomized to the BMC treatment group (n = 34) or the exercise therapy group (n = 17). Significantly greater improvement in median ΔDASH, ΔNPS, and SANE scores were reported by the BMC treatment group compared to the exercise therapy group (-11.7 vs -3.8, P = 0.01; -2.0 vs 0.5, P = 0.004; and 50.0 vs 0.0, P < 0.001; respectively) after three months. Patient-reported outcomes continued to progress through the study’s two-year follow-up period without a serious adverse event. Of patients with both pre- and post-treatment MRIs, a majority (73%) showed evidence of healing post-BMC treatment.ConclusionsPatients reported significantly greater changes in function, pain, and overall improvement following BMC treatment compared to exercise therapy for high grade partial and full thickness supraspinatus tears.Trial registrationThis protocol was registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01788683; 11/02/2013).

Better short-term outcomes of mini-open rotator cuff repair compared to full arthroscopic repair.

Rotator cuff tears commonly cause shoulder pain and functional impairment, prompting surgical intervention such as mini-open and arthroscopic methods, each with distinct benefits. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and complications of these two approaches. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 165 patients who underwent rotator cuff repair using either arthroscopic-assisted mini-open or full arthroscopic approaches. Patient demographics, tear characteristics, clinical outcomes, and complications were assessed, with statistical analyses conducted to discern differences between the groups. Among the patients, 74 (53.2%) received the mini-open approach, while 65 (46.8%) underwent arthroscopic repair, with a mean follow-up of 19.91 months. The mini-open group exhibited significantly higher postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores compared to the arthroscopic group (P=0.002). Additionally, the mini-open group demonstrated a more significant improvement in ASES scores from preoperative to postoperative assessments (P=0.001). However, the arthroscopic method had a significantly longer operative time (P<0.001). Complications, including anchor placement issues, frozen shoulder, infection, and re-rupture, occurred in 17.3% of patients overall. Re-rupture rates were 13.5% for mini-open and 6.2% for full arthroscopic repair, with no significant difference between the two methods (P=0.317). Both the mini-open and arthroscopic methods yielded favorable clinical outcomes for rotator cuff tear treatment, but the mini-open group exhibited superior results. Surgeons should consider patient characteristics, tear attributes, and surgical expertise when selecting the appropriate technique.

Double-pulley, V-shaped fixation technique for arthroscopic repair of ideberg type IA glenoid fracture.

Different techniques have been described for glenoid fractures, there is still a need for safe and effective agents to promote outcomes. From January 2016 to April 2021, the clinical data of 17 patients with pulley type IA fractures treated by the V-shaped fixation technique under shoulder arthroscopy were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative X-ray, CT, and MRI examinations were completed. The functional score of the shoulder joint, such as the visual analog scale (VAS), Constant score, and Modified Rowe score, was used to evaluate the preoperative and final follow-up clinical outcomes. The active shoulder range of motion (ROM) was also collected preoperatively and at the final postoperative follow-up. Accordingly, intraoperative and postoperative complications were also observed. The mean follow-up was 49.52 months (16-79months). The patients' follow-up exams showed that shoulder joint flexion, abduction, external rotation, internal rotation, and pain were not significantly different from those of the contralateral side (p > .05). The mean Constant score was 83.52 (58-98), and the average Modified Rowe score was 94.29 (70-100). X-ray and CT films of all cases showed good healing without articular depression or steps. Three patients had traumatic arthritis, with VAS <3 pain. No postoperative complications, such as infections, nerve or vessel damage, or suture anchor problems occurred during the follow-up period. Using the Double-pull, V-shaped fixation technique can stabilize the reduction of glenoid fractures while reducing the possibility of bone destruction. It is a good solution and provides an opportunity to treat rotator cuff tears associated with the procedure.

Platelet-rich plasma in the management of rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous blood-derived product that has gained significant attention in the treatment of tendinopathies as one of many treatment modalities in the field of regenerative medicine. Rotator cuff pathologies are the leading cause of shoulder pain. Despite the high success rate with conservative treatment and arthroscopic surgical repair, the search for a nonsurgical treatment has made PRP a trending topic recently. The purpose of this article is to review the recent literature data on the possible role of PRP in different rotator cuff pathologies. The limited data in the literature about isolated tendinopathies without a tear (tendonitis and tendinosis) suggests potential benefit from conservative treatment with PRP. Many studies exist for the treatment of rotator cuff tears solely using PRP or as an augmentation to arthroscopic repair. Despite the large number of randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses about the topic, there is no consensus in favor of routine application of PRP in this patient population. The existing reliable evidence of benefit seems to be restricted to its use in only inflammatory tendinopathies with preserved tendon integrity.

Clinical Outcomes and Repair Integrity After Double-Row Modified Mason-Allen Repair Technique With a Single Knot in Small to Medium Supraspinatus Tears.

Various arthroscopic rotator cuff repair techniques are being used for the treatment of rotator cuff tears with the development of surgical instruments. However, retears after repair are not completely avoidable, and efforts to reduce retears remain a challenge. To introduce a new repair technique, the double-row modified Mason-Allen technique with a single knot, and to compare clinical outcomes and retear rates with the single-row modified Mason-Allen technique. It was hypothesized that this new technique would have a better clinical outcome and significantly lower retear rate than the single-row modified Mason-Allen technique. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. A total of 110 patients with small- to medium-sized (<1.5 cm) full-thickness supraspinatus tears were enrolled into 2 groups, with 65 patients receiving the single-row modified Mason-Allen technique (group A) and 45 patients receiving the double-row modified Mason-Allen technique with a single knot (group B). The clinical and functional outcomes were evaluated using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score; and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and satisfaction scores. All patients enrolled in this study were monitored for a minimum of 24 months. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to analyze the integrity of tendons and retear at 6 months after surgery. No statistically significant differences between the 2 groups were found regarding the VAS for pain, ASES, and DASH scores. However, retear was found in 9 patients (13.8%) in group A and 1 patient (2.2%) in group B. The difference in the retear rate was statistically significant between the 2 groups (P = .037). A significantly lower retear rate and comparable clinical outcomes were seen after the double-row modified Mason-Allen repair technique with a single knot when compared with the single-row modified Mason-Allen technique. Based on these findings, the double-row modified Mason-Allen repair technique with a single knot can be considered a surgical treatment option that can provide sufficient stability in small- to medium-sized supraspinatus tears.

When is a Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Indicated for a Rotator Cuff Tear?

Rotator cuff tears are the most frequent shoulder injury in patients over 50 years old. Treatment of rotator cuff tears is individualized based on the age, demands, and symptoms of the patient. Nonoperative treatment may often be effective, especially in lower-demand or elderly patients. Surgical repair is indicated after failure of nonoperative treatment or in patients whose high-demand lifestyle requires full strength and function of the shoulder. In older patients, larger tears are less likely to heal and rotator cuff repair may not reliable. In cases of failed previous rotator cuff repair, there may not be enough viable tissue for complete repair. If there is underlying arthritis, a rotator cuff repair is unlikely to resolve all symptoms, and treatment to care for the arthritis and rotator cuff tear is indicated. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty provides the surgical answer for these scenarios and is now being used for numerous indications of shoulder pathology.

In-situ gelation of fibrin gel encapsulating platelet-rich plasma-derived exosomes promotes rotator cuff healing

Although platelet-rich plasma-derived exosomes (PRP-Exos) hold significant repair potential, their efficacy in treating rotator cuff tear (RCT) remains unknown. In light of the potential for clinical translation of fibrin gel and PRP-Exos, we evaluated their combined impact on RCT healing and explored suitable gel implantation techniques. In vitro experiments demonstrated that PRP-Exos effectively enhanced key phenotypes changes in tendon stem/progenitor cells. Multi-modality imaging, including conventional ultrasound, shear wave elastography ultrasound, and micro-computed tomography, and histopathological assessments were performed to collectively evaluate the regenerative effects on RCT. The regenerated tendons exhibited a well-ordered structure, while bone and cartilage regeneration were significantly improved. PRP-Exos participated in the healing process of RCT. In-situ gelation of fibrin gel-encapsulated PRP-Exos at the bone-tendon interface during surgery proved to be a feasible gel implantation method that benefits the healing outcome. Comprehensive multi-modality postoperative evaluations were necessary, providing a reliable foundation for post-injury repair.

European Society for Surgery of the Shoulder and Elbow (SECEC) rotator cuff tear registry Delphi consensus

The purpose of this study was to establish consensus statements via a Delphi process on the factors that should be included in a registry for those patients undergoing rotator cuff tear treatment. A consensus process on the treatment of rotator cuff utilizing a modified Delphi technique was conducted. Fifty-seven surgeons completed these consensus statements and 9 surgeons declined. The participants were members of the European Society for Surgery of the Shoulder and Elbow committees representing 23 European countries. Thirteen questions were generated regarding the diagnosis and follow-up of rotator cuff tears were distributed, with 3 rounds of questionnaires and final voting occurring. Consensus was defined as achieving 80%-89% agreement, whereas strong consensus was defined as 90%-99% agreement, and unanimous consensus was defined by 100% agreement with a proposed statement. Of the 13 total questions and consensus statements on rotator cuff tears, 1 achieved unanimous consensus, 6 achieved strong consensus, 5 achieved consensus, and 1 did not achieve consensus. The statement that reached unanimous consensus was that the factors in the patient history that should be evaluated and recorded in the setting of suspected/known rotator cuff tear are age, gender, comorbidities, smoking, traumatic etiology, prior treatment including physical therapy/injections, pain, sleep disturbance, sports, occupation, workmen's compensation, hand dominance, and functional limitations. The statement that did not achieve consensus was related to the role of ultrasound in the initial diagnosis of patients with rotator cuff tears. Nearly all questions reached consensus among 57 European Society for Surgery of the Shoulder and Elbow members representing 23 different European countries. We encourage surgeons to use this minimum set of variables to establish rotator cuff registries and multicenter studies. By adapting and using compatible variables, data can more easily be compared and eventually merged across countries.

Dual Growth Factor Delivery Using Photo-Cross-Linkable Gelatin Hydrogels for Effectively Reinforced Regeneration of the Rotator Cuff Tendon.

Rotator cuff tears are currently treated with drugs (steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and surgery. However, the damaged rotator cuff requires a considerable amount of time to regenerate, and the regenerated tissue cannot restore the same level of function as that before the damage. Although growth factors can accelerate regeneration, they are difficult to be used alone because of the risk of degradation and the difficulties in ensuring their sustained release. Thus, hydrogels such as gelatin are used, together with growth factors. Gelatin is a biocompatible and biodegradable hydrogel derived from collagen; therefore, it closely resembles the components of native tissues and can retain water and release drugs continuously, while also showing easily tunable mechanical properties by simple modifications. Moreover, gelatin is a natural biopolymer that possesses the ability to form hydrogels of varying compositions, thereby facilitating effective cross-linking. Therefore, gelatin can be considered to be suitable for rotator-to-tendon healing. In this study, we designed photo-cross-linkable gelatin hydrogels to enhance spacing and adhesive effects for rotator cuff repair. We mixed a ruthenium complex (Ru(II)bpy32+) and sodium persulfate into gelatin-based hydrogels and exposed them to blue light to induce gelation. Basic fibroblast growth factor and bone morphogenetic protein-12 were encapsulated in the gelatin hydrogel for localized and sustained release into the wound, thereby enhancing the cell proliferation. The effects of these dual growth factor-loaded hydrogels on cell cytotoxicity and tendon regeneration in rotator cuff tear models were evaluated using mechanical and histological assessments. The findings confirmed that the gelatin hydrogel was biocompatible and that treatment with the dual growth factor-loaded hydrogels in in vivo rotator cuff tear models promoted regeneration and functional restoration in comparison with the findings in the nontreated group. Therefore, growth factor-loaded gelatin-based hydrogels may be suitable for the treatment of rotator cuff tears.

Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tear with Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine.

Rotator cuff tear is one of the common diseases among middle-aged and elderly people, which has a great impact on patients' physical and mental health and quality of life. The integrative medicine based on traditional Chinese medicine has certain characteristics and advantages in the diagnosis and treatment of Rotator cuff tear. Chinese medicine, which mainly focus on plant-based natural products, has a relatively stable and reliable curative effect. It is of great significance to formulate the combined diagnosis and treatment plan for Rotator cuff tear based on evidence-based medicine, which can help to make the clinical diagnosis and treatment techniques of Chinese and Western medicine more scientific and standardized, and achieve better therapeutic effects. This guideline standardizes the diagnosis and treatment process of Rotator cuff tear from the aspects of range, terminology and definition, diagnosis, TCM syndrome differentiation, treatment, functional exercise, prevention and care, etc. It can better provide clinicians with diagnosis and treatment strategies and suggestions. This guideline adapts well to clinical practice and is both safe and effective.

Supraspinatus extraction from MRI based on attention-dense spatial pyramid UNet network

BackgroundWith potential of deep learning in musculoskeletal image interpretation being explored, this paper focuses on the common site of rotator cuff tears, the supraspinatus. It aims to propose and validate a deep learning model to automatically extract the supraspinatus, verifying its superiority through comparison with several classical image segmentation models.MethodImaging data were retrospectively collected from 60 patients who underwent inpatient treatment for rotator cuff tears at a hospital between March 2021 and May 2023. A dataset of the supraspinatus from MRI was constructed after collecting, filtering, and manually annotating at the pixel level. This paper proposes a novel A-DAsppUnet network that can automatically extract the supraspinatus after training and optimization. The analysis of model performance is based on three evaluation metrics: precision, intersection over union, and Dice coefficient.ResultsThe experimental results demonstrate that the precision, intersection over union, and Dice coefficients of the proposed model are 99.20%, 83.38%, and 90.94%, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed model exhibited significant advantages over the compared models.ConclusionThe designed model in this paper accurately extracts the supraspinatus from MRI, and the extraction results are complete and continuous with clear boundaries. The feasibility of using deep learning methods for musculoskeletal extraction and assisting in clinical decision-making was verified. This research holds practical significance and application value in the field of utilizing artificial intelligence for assisting medical decision-making.

Rotator Cuff Tears to Shoulder Instability: The Relationship Between Acromial Morphology and Shoulder Pathology.

» The acromion is a well-studied region of the scapula that has demonstrated substantial relationships to various shoulder pathologies.» Abnormal acromial morphology is associated with rotator cuff pathology, and our understanding of this risk factor inspired acromioplasty as an adjunctive treatment for rotator cuff tears.» The acromion is linked closely to shoulder kinematics and biomechanics, as it serves as the origin for the deltoid muscle.» In degenerative shoulder disease, eccentric glenohumeral osteoarthritis has been associated with a higher, flatter acromial roof.» Increasing literature is emerging connecting morphology of the acromion with shoulder instability.

Efficacy of rotator cuff suture and arthroscopic 360° capsular release in patients with rotator cuff tear with limited shoulder movement

BackgroundTo determine the clinical efficacy of rotator cuff suture and arthroscopic 360° capsular release in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy to improve the Constant-Murley and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, and shoulder flexion.MethodsFifty-one patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears and limited shoulder movement who were admitted to our hospital from October 2017 to October 2020 were selected; all patients were treated with arthroscopic rotator cuff suture and 360° capsular release. The Constant-Murley score, VAS score, and shoulder flexion angle were used to evaluate shoulder joint function before and during follow-up. Rotator cuff healing was assessed by MRI with the Sugaya classification.ResultsAfter treatment, the Constant-Murley score (58.98 ± 9.84) was significantly improved compared with pre-treatment (29.33 ± 9.71), the VAS score (1.23 ± 0.87) was significantly lower than pre-treatment (7.54 ± 1.22), and the shoulder flexion angle (142.67 ± 8.59°) was significantly improved compared with pre-treatment (51.50 ± 2.10°); the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).ConclusionsArthroscopic rotator cuff suture and simultaneous 360° capsular release have a significant effect on the treatment of rotator cuff tear with limited shoulder movement.

Intra-articular site-specific distribution of advanced glycation end products in the shoulder of patients with diabetes mellitus having rotator cuff tears.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are compounds formed due to aging and diabetes mellitus (DM). They activate NADPH oxidase (NOX) by binding to their receptors, thereby increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the effects of AGEs on the tissues of the shoulder joint (such as rotator cuff synovium, and capsule) in patients with DM having rotator cuff tears. This study included eight patients with DM who underwent surgical treatment for rotator cuff tears with contracture. The rotator cuff, synovium, and joint capsule were harvested at the time of surgery and evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Furthermore, immunostaining was used for evaluating AGEs and receptor for AGEs (RAGE), cell activity, ROS, and apoptosis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was employed for the cellular evaluation of NOX, interleukins, RAGE, and collagen. The AGEs and RAGE staining as well as the ratio of ROS and apoptosis were in the following order: rotator cuff > joint capsule > synovium. In contrast, the cellular activity was significantly higher in the synovium than in the other regions. The type I collagen expression (as shown by qPCR) as well as the RAGE and NOX expressions were as follows: rotator cuff > joint capsule > synovium. Conversely, the expression of inflammatory cytokines (i.e., IL-6 and IL-1β) was higher in the synovium than in the other regions. Our study is among the first to evaluate the effects of AGEs on each tissue of the shoulder joint in patients with DM having rotator cuff tears and contractures. The accumulation of AGEs in each tissue of the shoulder joint could reveal the locations affected by DM, which can lead to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of DM-related shoulder diseases.

Réparation de la coiffe des rotateurs chez les patients âgés de 50 ans ou moins : étude comparative des résultats fonctionnels par rapport aux patients plus âgés

BackgroundFew studies have evaluated the clinical results of surgical treatment of rotator cuff tears in young patients and most of the publications are only case series and with a small number of evaluated individuals. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair according to age at the time of the procedure. HypothesisPatients with 50 years of age or younger undergoing surgical treatment of rotator cuff tear have similar clinical outcomes to older patients. Materials and methodsRetrospective cohort study comparing results obtained after surgical treatment of rotator cuff tears between patients aged 50 years or younger and the older patients by the ASES and UCLA functional scales. Patients undergoing arthroscopy full-thickness rotator cuff repair were included. ResultsWe evaluated 390 shoulders (377 patients), 94 aged 50 years or younger (median=46.5 years) and 296 aged over 50 years (median=60 years). Both groups significantly improved with the procedure after 24 months of follow-up, according to the ASES and UCLA scales (p<0.001). The groups did not differ in the scores obtained in the preoperative assessments and at 24 months of follow-up. The scores obtained on the ASES scale at 24 months of follow-up had a median of 87.2 (IQR=38) among patients aged 50 years or younger and 90 points (IQR=26.4) among older patients (p=0.253). The scores obtained by the UCLA scale were 31 points (IQR=9) and 33 points (IQR =7) respectively (p=0.156). DiscussionOur results showed that, after 24 months, the functional results of arthroscopic full-thickness rotator cuff repair did not differ between patients younger than 50 years and older patients. These results are similar to those found by others authors. Both groups of patients achieved significant improvement after the surgical procedure, achieving approximately 90 points on the ASES scale and 32 points on the UCLA scale. Level of evidenceIII Retrospective cohort study.

Single-row versus double-row arthroscopic repair in the treatment of rotator cuff tears. A systematic review.

The purpose of this study is to perform a systematic review of the scientific literature to compare single and double row techniques for rotator cuff tears in terms of functional, pain improvement and structural healing of the tendon. In order to carry out the research, a systematic selection of scientific articles has been made by consulting PubMed and The Cochrane Library databases. The articles included in the present study compare the single-row and double-row techniques, with publication date between 2016 and 2021. Diverse results are observed in the UCLA, SST, Constant and ASES assessment scales and in the range of mobility, therefore, the superiority of one technique in terms of functional results is not established. The double row technique may show superiority in the strength variable, although there is a methodological variability in its measurement. The double-row technique may be related to more intense postoperative pain, while the single-row technique to residual shoulder pain. However, the variables strength and pain show non-homogeneous or coincident data. The superiority of the double row repair in the structural healing of the tendon and a lower re-tear rate than the single row technique is established with statistically significant results, being the most homogeneous and coincident studies.

Subacromial Balloon Spacer for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment Shows Improved Pain and Strength at 5-Year Follow-Up

To report on minimum 5-year outcomes following subacromial balloon spacer implantation (SBSI), in terms of survivorship, pain reduction, functional outcomes, complications, and reoperations. Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed for consecutive patients undergoing SBSI between April 1, 2012, and June 30, 2016. Patients completed preoperative and postoperative follow-up for minimum 5 years on the following patient-reported outcomes (PROs): Constant-Murley Score (CMS), visual analog scale for pain (VAS), strength, and patient satisfaction. Reoperations and complications were recorded. Minimal detectable change (MDC) was calculated and the proportion of patients achieving MDC for CMS and VAS were calculated. During the study period, SBSI was performed in 36 patients. Three patients were deceased within 5 years. Of the remaining 33 patients, follow-up was available on 29 patients (80.6%). Mean age at the time of operation was 72.7 ± 4.5 years, and 69% of the patients were males. Mean follow-up time was 72.5 months. Significant improvements from preoperative to last follow-up were demonstrated in CMS (36.08 vs. 63.88; P < .001), VAS (6.72 vs. 1.68; P < .001), and strength (3.8 vs 5.87 kg; P < .001). These improvements were demonstrated at 3 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months, and 60 months. Mean patient satisfaction at last follow-up was 8.72. The MDC for both CMS and VAS was achieved by 75.9% (22/29) of patients. Four patients underwent conversion to a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). Complications included one patient with balloon dislocation and one patient with a secondary infection due to urinary tract infection. Pain reduction and functional improvements are sustained at minimum 5 years after SBSI in patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears. The 5-year conversion rate to an RTSA was 13.79%. Level IV, retrospective case-series.

Sequential Release and Muscle Slide of Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears Results in Linear Gains in Tendon Mobility

The purposes of this study were to examine the technique of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscle slide for the treatment of rotator cuff tears and to quantify the amount of release and resultant tendon excursion at their insertion sites in cadavers. Twelve shoulders in 6 human cadavers were dissected. Their average age at time of death was 84 years. Though a large open posterior incision, artificial rotator cuff tears were created, if not already present. Standard arthroscopic release was completed. Muscle slide technique was then performed for the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles in quartiles, with tendon excursion measured at each interval. The average muscle length from its most medial border to the tendinous insertion was 130 mm and 145.8 mm for the supraspinatus and infraspinatus, respectively. Progressive release of the muscle origin from lateral to medial in 25% increments corresponded to a 6.47-mm lateral shift of the tendon to a maximum of 25.8 mm before complete release of the supraspinatus muscle was achieved. For the infraspinatus, it was an average of 5.38 mm at each 25% interval to a maximum of 21.5 mm. The only restraint to mobility were the motor branches attached to the undersurface of each muscle belly. An additional 25.8 mm (supraspinatus) and 21.5 mm (infraspinatus) of tendon excursion was produced when 100% of the muscle was released from its underlying fossa. At that juncture, tendon excursion was limited by tension placed on each muscle's respective neurovascular supply. Furthermore, sequential release of each muscle resulted in a predictable and consistent gain in tendon mobility, with an average of 6.47 mm and 5.38 mm for each quartile of muscle release in the supraspinatus and infraspinatus from lateral to medial. Tension at the repair site is a contributing factor to poor outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair of massive rotator cuff tears. This study quantifies the tendon mobility that may be gained following additional muscle slide techniques, and the addition of this technique may contribute to a tension-free repair.

High degree of consensus on diagnosis and management of rotator cuff tears: a Delphi approach.

To develop a consensus on diagnosis and treatment of rotator cuff tears. The study focused on selected areas: imaging, prognostic factors, treatment options, surgical techniques. Panel was composed of all members of the shoulder committee of the Italian Society of Arthroscopy, Knee, Upper arm, Sport, Cartilage and Orthopedic techniques (SIAGASCOT). Four rounds were performed. The first round consisted of gathering questions which were then divided into seven blocks referring to: imaging, patient-related prognostic factors, treatment options, surgical steps, reparative techniques, surgical predictive factors, advanced techniques. Subsequent rounds consisted of condensation by means of online questionnaire and debates. Consensus was defined as two-thirds agreement on one answer. Descriptive statistic was used to summarize the data. Forty-one shoulder experts were involved. Fifty-six statements were finally formulated. A consensus could be achieved on 51. Experts agreed that preoperative magnetic resonance imaging is strongly recommended because it allows a careful evaluation of tear characteristics, while the role of US remains debatable. Controversial patient-related factors such as age, comorbidities, smoking and stiffness do not contraindicate the repair. From a surgical standpoint, the experts highlighted that pseudo-paralysis is not a contraindication to rotator cuff repair. Consensus on specific surgical steps was also achieved: capsular release should be performed only in stiff shoulders; footprint preparation is mandatory, while debridement of tendon edges is not essential. If necessary, a rotator interval release could be performed without interrupting the continuity between subscapularis and supraspinatus tendon; posterior delamination should be always included in the repair. Advanced techniques such as tendon transfers should be selected based on the main clinical deficit, while the superior capsule reconstruction plays a role only in combination with a functional repair. A consensus was achieved almost on every topic of controversy explored. Particularly, MRI was deemed necessary to determine tear characteristics, while radiographs remain important for differential diagnosis; age should not be considered a contraindication to surgery; pseudo-paralysis does not represent a contraindication to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, but superior capsule reconstruction plays a role only in combination with a functional repair. Latissimus dorsi transfer plays a role when the main functional deficit is in elevation, while the lower trapezius transfer plays a role when the main functional deficit is the external-rotation. V.