Treatment Of Cuff Tear Arthropathy Research Articles

Quantifying bone loss and lateralization with standardized baseplate versus augmented baseplates

IntroductionReverse shoulder arthroplasty continues to be utilized for the treatment of cuff tear arthropathy, glenohumeral degenerative joint disease, and irreparable rotator cuff tears. With advancement in component designs, glenoid retroversion and inclination are now correctable with augmented baseplates. However, quantifying bone loss and lateralization compared to standard baseplates has not been studied. The purpose of the current study is to determine the volume of bone reamed and net lateralization with a standardized baseplate vs augmented baseplate when glenoid inclination was corrected to neutral. Materials and MethodsA series of 21 CT scans of patients presenting for shoulder arthroplasty were chosen based on a range of increasing native positive inclination. CT scans were uploaded into a segmentation software and processed. Four fellowship trained shoulder surgeons were then blinded from each other and virtually placed a neutral baseplate and an augmented baseplate for each specimen. Baseplate position was standardized. Additionally, baseplate backside seating of a minimum of 80% was also standardized and glenosphere (non-lateralized) size was selected to eliminate variation in baseplate contact and position. Glenoid inclination was corrected to a minimal of neutral in each specimen as well as glenoid retroversion corrected to < 10o. Net lateralization from the center of the glenoid to the most lateral aspect of the baseplate was calculated in millimeters. ResultsThe mean glenoid retroversion was 8.1o and superior inclination was 10.6o for all specimens. Across all specimens and surgeons, use of a 10-degree augment resulted in similar baseplate backside seating area (219.2 mm3 vs 226.2 mm3, p > 0.05). There was substantially lower volume of bone reamed in the augmented baseplate patients (619mm3 vs 1102mm3, p < 0.001). Larger standard deviation seen in the augmented baseplate columns are attributed to differences in surgeon preference for percent backside seating, which was standardized at a minimum of 80%. Use of a 10-degree full wedge augment resulted in 2.4 mm additional glenoid lateralization than a neutral baseplate on average across all included scapulae. ConclusionThe current study demonstrates approximately 50% less bone removal and 2.4 mm of true lateralization with a 10-degree augmented baseplate when compared to standard baseplates.

Distalization and lateralization shoulder angles: do they have a role in predicting postoperative clinical outcomes?

BackgroundLateralization Shoulder Angle (LSA) and Distalization Shoulder Angle (DSA) have been proposed to estimate the appropriateness of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) positioning. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of DSA and LSA over clinical outcomes in a group of patients treated by the same surgeon with the same clinical and radiographic follow-up. MethodsA retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of RSAs performed between 2017 and 2021 was carried out. Inclusion criteria were primary RSA as a treatment for Cuff Tear Arthropathy, Massive Irreparable rotator cuff tear, Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid arthritis, a true anteroposterior radiograph of the affected shoulder in neutral rotation at final follow-up, a minimum follow-up of 12 months, radiograph used to measure the angles, and clinical evaluation with the same follow-up. Outcome measures were shoulder range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and Constant-Murley score (CS). ResultsA total of 83 patients were included in the study. Patients achieved on average, 130 ± 14.14° of flexion, 97.5 ± 17.67° of abduction, 62.5 ± 3.53° and 72.5 ± 10.60° of external rotation, respectively, at 0° and 90° of abduction, and 5.13° of internal rotation. The mean VAS and CS were, respectively, 2.5 ± 3.5 mm and 69 ± 2.82 points at last follow-up. The mean DSA and LSA were 45 ± 2.72 and 92.99 ± 9.17, respectively. Neither the linear nor the quadratic regression fit for DSA or LSA revealed relevant associations with any of individual ROM measures, except for the quadratic fit correlating LSA and forward flexion (beta = 0.029, P = .027). Linear fit showed a low reverse, but significant, association between DSA and VAS (beta = −0.56, P = .036) and an association of LSA with both CS (beta = −0.344, P = .009) and VAS (beta = 0.091, P = .01). Quadratic models showed higher R squared for all associations, but correlation was significant only between VAS and LSA (beta = 0.006, P = .011) ConclusionWe present the first evaluation of the predictive value of both DSA and LSA in a group of patients treated by the same surgeon with the same clinical and radiographic follow-up. DSA and LSA play only a marginal to no role in the prediction of RSA postoperative ROM and might have a role in predicting VAS and CS.

Recall Bias in Retrospective Assessment of Preoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Scores After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Although reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has been shown to be effective for the treatment of cuff tear arthropathy (CTA), the patient's inability to accurately recall their preoperative shoulder condition could skew their perception of the effectiveness of the procedure. Identifying patients who are susceptible to notable recall bias before surgery can help surgeons counsel patients regarding expectations after surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether patients who undergo RTSA are susceptible to recall bias and, if so, which factors are associated with poor recollection. Patients who underwent RTSA for CTA by the senior author between September 2016 and September 2018 were identified. All patients completed the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES scores) Standardized Assessment Form at the time of preoperative assessment. Patients were contacted at a minimum of 24 months after surgery to retrospectively assess their preoperative condition. A total of 72 patients with a mean age of 72.2 ± 7.65 years completed a retrospective shoulder assessment at 28.3 ± 7.3 months postoperatively. Patient assessment of shoulder condition showed poor reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.453, confidence interval, 0.237-0.623). Greater preoperative shoulder ASES scores were associated with a greater difference between preoperative ASES scores and recall ASES scores (β = 0.275, P < 0.001). Patients who undergo RTSA for CTA are susceptible to clinically significant recall bias. Patients with better preoperative condition recall worse preoperative shoulder conditions compared with patients with worse preoperative conditions and are susceptible to a higher degree of recall bias. This patient population should be identified preoperatively and have notable counseling before and after surgery to help them better understand their disease burden and what to expect after surgical intervention. III, diagnostic cohort study.

Clinical outcomes of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for elective indications versus acute 3- and 4-part proximal humeral fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has continued to increase in clinical utility and popularity as an effective treatment for cuff tear arthropathy (CTA), irreparable rotator cuff tears (RCTs), osteoarthritis, and acute 3- and 4-part proximal humeral fractures. Performing RTSA for acute proximal humeral fractures presents the unique challenges of tuberosity management, bone loss, and instability compared with elective indications such as CTA or irreparable RCTs. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes, active range of motion (ROM), radiographic outcomes, and complications between patients undergoing elective RTSA (RTSA-E) and those undergoing RTSA for fracture (RTSA-F). A systematic review of the literature was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We queried 3 electronic databases (Embase, Cochrane, and PubMed) using the search term "reverse" AND "shoulder" AND "arthroplasty." Studies investigating the clinical outcomes of RTSA for traumatic and/or elective indications were included. Studies were excluded if they included RTSA performed for fracture sequelae, inflammatory arthritis, post-traumatic osteoarthritis, or avascular necrosis. Data collected included patient demographic characteristics, subjective outcome measurements, ROM, and complications. The pooled means and proportions along with their 95% confidence intervals were generated by a random-effects model that incorporated the between-study variations in weighting. A total of 134 studies (11,651 shoulders) investigating the clinical outcomes of RTSA-E patients and 66 studies (3117 shoulders) investigating RTSA-F patients were included in this systematic review. Analysis of patient-reported outcomes demonstrated that RTSA-F patients experienced significantly lower Constant scores than RTSA-E patients; however, relative Constant scores, Simple Shoulder Test scores, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, and visual analog scale pain scores were similar. RTSA-F patients also had significantly lower forward elevation, abduction, and external rotation. RTSA-F patients experienced tuberosity complications at a significantly higher rate than RTSA-E patients (25.9% vs. 4.1%). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of other complications such as heterotopic ossification, radiographic loosening, revision, nerve injury, postoperative stiffness, infection, dislocation, and component loosening. RTSA performed for acute 3- and 4-part proximal humeral fractures yields overall worse clinical outcomes and active ROM compared with RTSA performed for elective indications including CTA, massive irreparable RCTs, and osteoarthritis with deformity. Tuberosity healing may be a major contributing factor to the difference in clinical outcomes. In the setting of RTSA-F, patient and surgeon expectations may need to be tempered and appropriate measures undertaken to optimize tuberosity healing.

Treating cuff tear arthropathy by reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: do the inclination of the humeral component and the lateral offset of the glenosphere influence the clinical and the radiological outcome?

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is widely used for the treatment of cuff tear arthropathy. Standard implants consist of a humeral component with an inclination angle of 155° and a glenosphere without lateral offset. Recently, lower inclination angles of the humeral component as well as lateralized glenospheres are implanted to provide better rotation of the arm and to decrease the rate of scapular notching. This study investigates the clinical and radiological results of a standard reverse total shoulder in comparison with an implant with an inclination angle of 135° in combination with a 4mm lateralized glenosphere in context of cuff tear arthropathy. For this retrospective comparative analysis 42 patients treated by reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for cuff tear arthropathy were included. Twenty-one patients (m = 11, f = 10; mean age 76years; mean follow-up 42months) were treated with a standard 155° humeral component and a standard glenosphere with caudal eccentricity (group A), while twenty-one patients (m = 5, f = 16; mean age 72years; mean follow-up 34months) were treated with a 135° humeral component and 4mm lateral offset of the glenosphere (group B). At follow-up patients of both groups were assessed with plain X-rays (a.p. and axial view), Constant Score, adjusted Constant Score, the subjective shoulder value and the range of motion. The clinical results were similar in both groups concerning the Constant Score (group A = 56.3 vs. group B = 56.1; p = 0.733), the adjusted CS (group A = 70.4% vs. group B = 68.3%; p = 0.589) and the SSV (group A = 72.0% vs. group B = 75.2%; p = 0.947). The range of motion of the operated shoulders did not differ significantly between group A and group B: Abduction = 98° versus 97.9°, p = 0.655; external rotation with the arm at side = 17.9° versus 18.7°, p = 0.703; external rotation with the arm positioned in 90° of abduction = 22.3° versus 24.7°, p = 0.524; forward flexion = 116.1° versus 116.7°, p = 0.760. The rate of scapular notching was higher (p = 0.013) in group A (overall: 66%, grade 1: 29%, grade 2: 29%, grade 3: 10%, grade 4: 0%) in comparison to group B (overall: 33%, grade 1: 33%, grade 2: 0%, grade 3: 0%, grade 4: 0%). Radiolucency around the humeral component was detected in two patients of group B. Stress shielding at the proximal humerus was observed in six patients of Group A (29%; cortical thinning and osteopenia in zone M1 and L1) and two patients of group B (10%; cortical thinning and osteopenia in zone M1 and L1). Calcifications of the triceps origin were observed in both groups (group A = 48% vs. group B = 38%). Theoretically, a lower inclination angle of the humeral component and an increased lateral offset of the glenosphere lead to improved impingement-free range of motion and a decreased rate of scapular notching, when compared to a standard reverse total shoulder implant. This study compared two different designs of numerous options concerning the humeral component and the glenosphere. In comparison to a standard-fashioned implant with a humeral inclination of 155° and a standard glenosphere, implants with a humeral inclination angle of 135° and a 4mm lateralized glenosphere lead to comparable clinical results and rotatory function, while the rate of scapular notching is decreased by almost 50%. While the different implant designs did not affect the clinical outcome, our results indicate that a combination of a lower inclination angle of the humeral component and lateralized glenosphere should be favored to reduce scapular notching. Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Early Experience of Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in a Public Hospital in Malaysia.

Introduction:Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty provides a surgical alternative to standard total shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of cuff tear arthropathy, arthritis and fracture sequelae. This study aimed to assess the short-term outcomes following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for patients in a large public hospital in Malaysia.Materials and Methods:We identified and performed five primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasties between 1 May 2019 and 1 June 2020. All patients were contactable and available for analysis. Assessment of functional outcomes was performed using the Constant-Murley score, the patient satisfaction score (PSS), and imaging studies. The mean follow-up from operation to the time of reporting was 9.6 months (range, 3 to 14 months)Results:The median age for our patients was 58 years (±11.91). The most common indication for surgery was post-traumatic arthritis, followed by rotator cuff arthropathy and osteoarthritis. The mean Constant score improved from 9.0 pre-operatively to 52.3 post-operatively at a mean of 9.6 months. The majority of the patients were satisfied with the surgery as the post-operative range of motion, especially anterior elevation and abduction, improved in four of our patients and there were no short-term complications, for example, of infection or revisions, reported at the last follow-up.Conclusion:This study has shown that reverse total shoulder arthroplasty can yield good short-term outcomes for the treatment of complex shoulder problems in addition to cuff tear arthropathy. It should be considered a treatment for rotator cuff tears, severe arthritis and ≥ 3 parts proximal humeral fractures.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Massive Rotator Cuff Tears

The purpose of this review is to explore, the role of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in substituting cuff dysfunction, indications, reported outcomes in the literature and surgical technique for treating patients with massive cuff tear (MCT) without gleno-humeral arthritis. Undoubtedly, the RSA is a well-accepted treatment for cuff tear arthropathy, but is there a place for a prosthesis to treat a tendinous disease? Moreover, if there is no debate to implant an RSA in an elderly, low-demand patient with a massive, retracted, irreparable cuff tear, what is the place of RSA in a young, active patient with an acceptable preoperative function when there is no other treatment? Young age and good preop function are debatable indications for RSA despite good and sustainable results at ten years of follow up. So, treatment of MCT must be adapted to each situation. RSA is not for everybody and there is a place for other treatments. When the indication is well selected and the technique precise, RSA provides, in a large majority of patients, a pain-free, improved shoulder with durable results.

Long-term results of the Delta Xtend reverse shoulder prosthesis

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty has become the standard treatment for cuff tear arthropathy and complex fractures of the proximal humerus. The Delta Xtend prosthesis (DePuy Synthes, Warsaw, IN, USA) was launched in 2006 and has shown good short-term results. Longer-term results are not yet available. There were 126 primary Delta Xtend prostheses implanted in our center by 1 surgeon from October 2006 until December 2009. Of these, 38 patients died, 12 were lost to follow-up, and 2 needed early revision of the prosthesis. Follow-up of at least 8 years was available for 74 patients. At preoperative and postoperative visits, shoulder function and pain were evaluated using the age- and sex-adjusted Constant-Murley score (aCS). The satisfaction rate was evaluated on a visual analog scale (VAS). The mean follow-up in our population was 113.1 months. The mean aCS was 44.6% (standard deviation [SD], 19.2) preoperatively. It increased significantly (P < .001) after surgery to 75.8% (SD, 12.5) at 3 months and 91.1% (SD, 11.8) at 5 years. At the latest follow-up, the mean aCS was only 79.9% (SD, 17.7), which was significantly lower (P = .002) than the aCS at 5 years postoperatively. An overall survival rate of more than 97% was seen at 8 years of follow-up. This study confirms that the promising short-term results of the Delta Xtend prosthesis can be extended in the longer-term. However, further follow-up will be necessary to check whether the statistically significant decrease in the Constant-Murley score at latest follow-up, which was driven by a decrease in range of motion and power, continues or not.

Massive Rotator Cuff Tear: When to Consider Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty.

The purpose of this review is to discuss the indications for reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in the treatment of massive rotator cuff tear (MCT), review the reported outcomes in the literature, and outline our approach and surgical technique for treating these patients. While RSA remains a successful and well-accepted treatment for cuff tear arthropathy (CTA), management of MCT in the absence of arthritis is controversial. In this particular setting, patients best suited for RSA are elderly, lower-demand individuals with chronic, irreparable MCT, and pseudoparalysis. Age < 60, better pre-operative function and upper extremity neurologic dysfunction are potential risk factors for poor outcome with RSA in this population. Long-term follow-up studies of RSA for CTA and MCT show good functional outcomes and implant survival > 90% at 10years. Treatment of MCT must be individualized for each patient. When patient selection is optimized, RSA is a reliable means of relieving pain and improving function with excellent success. Further investigation is necessary to better define its indications and assess the role of alternative, joint-salvaging procedures.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty: Current trend in elective surgery

While reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is not generally accepted as a successful procedure until recent years, the concept of RSA has long been proposed. Several RSA designs were originally developed for treatment of cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) in the 1970’s, which all underwent in failure. From 1987 to 1995, Paul Grammont and his team proposed successful modern reverse designs of total shoulder arthroplasty for CTA. Medializing and distalizing the center of rotation are the most distinguished principles of Grammont’s RSA. The use of RSA has been increased dramatically over the past decades. The indications for RSA have expanded to massive irrepairable rotator cuff tears, proximal humerus fractures, fracture sequelae, inflammatory arthropathy, osteoarthritis with abnormal glenoid morphology, revision cases following failed shoulder arthroplasty, and tumor reconstruction, in addition to CTA. Contraindications to RSA includes infection, complete axillary nerve palsy, neuroarthropathy, and substantial glenoid bone erosion or defects. The number of complications and reoperations of RSA has been increased significantly with the wide application of RSA. RSA complications can be classified into non-specific complications, specific complications associated with RSA and brand-related specific problems. Glenoid bone loss is not uncommon in patients undergoing RSA, which is a challenging problem. Current methods for addressing glenoid bone loss during RSA include asymmetric reaming, use of a lateralized implant, bone grafting, and use of an augmented baseplate. Three-dimensional imaging preoperative planning software and patient-specific instruments have become commercially available for guidance in the insertion of the glenoid component in RSA in recent years. Surgeons performing RSA should select proper patients, be familiar with new surgical techniques and pay attention to technical details, so that the currently high complication rate of RSA can be reduced.

Heterotopic ossification after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Heterotopic ossification (HO) occurs after arthroplasty, especially total hip arthroplasty. In this study we describe the incidence, evolution, morphology and clinical consequences of HO following reverse shoulder arthroplasty. This is a single-centre retrospective study of 132 consecutive patients who received a Delta III or Delta Xtend reverse total shoulder arthroplasty between 2006 and 2013 for the treatment of cuff tear arthropathy. There were 96 women and 36 men. Their mean age at the time of surgery was 69 years (49 to 89) and the mean follow-up was 36 months (12 to 84). The incidence, evolution, morphology and clinical consequences of HO using the Constant-Murley score (CS) were analysed. A modified Brooker classification of HO of the hip was used. HO was seen in 39 patients (29.5%). A total of 31 of these patients (81.6%) began to develop HO by three months post-operatively. According to the Hamada classification, 11 patients had grade 1a, eight had grade 1b, six had grade 1c and 14 had grade 2 HO. The HO evolved over a mean of 8.3 months (3 to 21). Patients with HO had a lower mean CS at three (p=0.017), six (p < 0.001) and 12 months (p < 0.001) post-operatively. HO was not associated with notching (p = 0.675). HO after reverse shoulder arthroplasty is a non-progressive condition without long-term clinical consequences. Only grade 2 HO is clinically relevant with a negative effect on the function of the shoulder during its development. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1215-21.

What Factors are Associated With Clinically Important Improvement After Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty for Cuff Tear Arthropathy?

In selected patients with a desire to maintain activity levels greater than those recommended after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty remains an option for treatment of cuff tear arthropathy (CTA). However, given the relatively small case series that have been reported to date, little is known regarding which patients will show functional improvement after this surgery. We asked: What factors are associated with achieving the minimum clinically important difference in the simple shoulder test (SST) after hemiarthroplasty for cuff tear arthropathy? Between 1991 and 2007, two surgeons at one academic center performed 48 shoulder hemiarthroplasties for CTA. No patients were known to have died before data collection, and of those not known to have died, 42 (88%) were available for followup at a mean of 48months (range, 24-132months). During that time, the general indications for this approach were glenohumeral arthritis with superior decentering of the humeral head. The majority of the patients with CTA were treated nonoperatively with patient-directed physical therapy and other modalities. A total of 42 patients (42 shoulders; 24 males and 18 females) with CTA were treated with hemiarthroplasty and followed for a mean of 48months (range, 24-132months). This is a retrospective study that made use of a longitudinally maintained database, which included physical examination of ROM, the SST, VAS, and standardized radiographs. At latest followup, 33 of 42 patients achieved a clinically important percentage of maximum possible improvement (%MPI) in SST score, defined as an improvement of 30% of the total possible improvement on the 12-point scale (with higher scores representing better results). Intraoperative findings of a rotator cuff tear limited to the supraspinatus and infraspinatus (odds ratio [OR], ∞; 95% CI, 2.01 to ∞; p=0.020) and limited preoperative external rotation (15° [range, -40° to 45°] vs 35° [range, 20°-45°], OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.38-0.90; p<0.001) were associated with achieving the defined minimum functional improvement (30% of MPI) on multivariate analysis. Preoperative active elevation (p=0.679) and use of a CTA-specific implant (p=0.707) were not significantly associated with achievement of 30% of MPI. Patients with intact teres minor and subscapularis tendons and patients with lower preoperative external rotation had a better prognosis for achieving a clinically important percentage of MPI at short-term followup. Although some patients were followed for more than 10years, the majority were followed for fewer than 5years; future studies will need to determine whether these early functional results are maintained for longer periods. Level III, therapeutic study.

Influence of Glenosphere Design on Outcomes and Complications of Reverse Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review.

BackgroundDifferent implant designs are utilized in reverse shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the results of reverse shoulder arthroplasty using a traditional (Grammont) prosthesis and a lateralized prosthesis for the treatment of cuff tear arthropathy and massive irreparable rotator cuff tears.MethodsA systematic review of the literature was performed via a search of two electronic databases. Two reviewers evaluated the quality of methodology and retrieved data from each included study. In cases where the outcomes data were similar between studies, the data were pooled using frequency-weighted mean values to generate summary outcomes.ResultsThirteen studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographics were similar between treatment groups. The frequency-weighted mean active external rotation was 24° in the traditional group and 46° in the lateralized group (p = 0.0001). Scapular notching was noted in 44.9% of patients in the traditional group compared to 5.4% of patients in the lateralized group (p = 0.0001). The rate of clinically significant glenoid loosening was 1.8% in the traditional group and 8.8% in the lateralized group (p = 0.003).ConclusionsBoth the traditional Grammont and the lateralized offset reverse arthroplasty designs can improve pain and function in patients with diagnoses of cuff tear arthropathy and irreparable rotator cuff tear. While a lateralized design can result in increased active external rotation and decreased rates of scapular notching, there may be a higher rate of glenoid baseplate loosening.

Diagnosis and treatment of cuff tear arthropathy.

Rotator cuff tears account for a significant majority of shoulder pain presentations. Without diagnosis and management, advanced cuff tears may progress to cuff tear arthropathy, a degenerative arthritis condition of the shoulder. This article discusses the causes and management of cuff tear arthropathy, including definitive treatment with reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Clinical performance of lateralized versus non-lateralized reverse shoulder arthroplasty: a prospective randomized study

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is an established therapeutic option in the treatment of cuff tear arthropathy (CTA). Recent studies have described a positive effect of lateralization of the center of rotation, especially on postoperative rotational function. The goal of this study is to compare the outcome of non-lateralized versus lateralized RSA with particular regard to rotational function in patients with CTA. Thirty-four patients underwent implantation of RSA either with lateralization (n=17) or without lateralization (n=17) by use of a 1-cm autologous bone graft ("bony increased offset") of the humeral head for CTA. Clinical outcomes were measured with the Constant score; the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score; and the Activities of Daily Living RequiringExternal Rotation score, as well as measurement of external rotation and determination of the external rotation lag sign with the arm at the side and at 90° of abduction, at 1 year postoperatively and at final follow-up. Computed tomography scan evaluation was performed in all patients preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively to assess preoperative fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff and bony integration of the graft postoperatively. At final follow-up, all patients showed significantly increased functional results. There were no significant differences in the evaluated parameters. If patients with degenerative changes of the teres minor were excluded, the lateralized group showed significantly increased external rotation. Bony integration of the graft could be verified on postoperative computed tomography scans in all patients. RSA with bony lateralization shows a trend toward improved external rotation in lateralized RSA, with a statistically significant improvement in external rotation in patients with an intact teres minor.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Proximal Humeral Fractures.

Proximal humeral fractures account for approximately 5% of fractures that are seen in the emergency department and can present difficult challenges to the treating physician1. These fractures are most commonly classified according to the system proposed by Neer2. Complex proximal humeral fractures that require operative treatment can be treated with osteosynthesis, hemiarthroplasty, total shoulder arthroplasty, or, more recently, reverse shoulder arthroplasty3. While locked plating may result in improved fixation in osteopenic bone compared with traditional unlocked plating, the outcomes may still be limited by the risk of complications, including stiffness, osteonecrosis, implant failure, and loss of reduction4,5. Hemiarthroplasty traditionally has been performed for the treatment of three or four-part fractures, particularly in patients with osteopenic bone, and can yield good results for low-demand patients6,7. The outcomes of hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of proximal humeral fracture are satisfactory for long-term pain relief but are less predictable in terms of shoulder motion8. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty can be used for the treatment of cuff tear arthropathy and recently has gained popularity for the treatment of severe proximal humeral fractures. The present review of the current literature on the use of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures focuses on indications, preoperative planning, surgical techniques, …

Humeral resurfacing arthroplasty in combination with latissimus dorsi tendon transfer in patients with rotator cuff tear arthropathy and preserved subscapularis muscle function: preliminary report and short-term results

Humeral resurfacing arthroplasty represents an alternative option to hemiarthroplasty for treatment of cuff tear arthropathy (CTA), with the advantages as follows: suitability for relatively young and high-demand patients because of preservation of bone stock and no loss of length, less invasive surgery, shorter operation time, no risk of periprosthetic stem fractures, and revision surgery can be undertaken easily. In the current study, resurfacing arthroplasty in combination with latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for CTA was performed. Three hypotheses: first, humeral resurfacing arthroplasty in combination with latissimus dorsi tendon transfer would improve the overall functional outcome in patients with CTA. Second, this combination would improve humeral external rotation. Third, this combination would improve abduction and shoulder elevation. Study was conducted as an observational case series. Fourteen patients (nine ♀ and five ♂) having CTA were included. Follow-up was carried out at the end of the 28th month for all patients. Constant Score was used for follow-up evaluation. Dorso-axillary approach was used for latissimus dorsi tendon transfer and ventral deltopectoral approach for Copeland resurfacing. Tendons were fixed to the greater tuberosity with two anchors. The absolute Constant Score significantly improved from 34 preoperatively to 69 postoperatively, relative Constant Score from 42 to 91%, elevation from 95° to 138°, abduction from 88° to 147°, and external rotation from 16° to 22° (not significant). Humeral resurfacing arthroplasty in combination with latissimus dorsi tendon transfer in patients having CTA with preserved subscapularis function has satisfactory short-term functional clinical outcome. IV.

Comparison of Functional Outcomes of Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty with Those of Hemiarthroplasty in the Treatment of Cuff-Tear Arthropathy

Rotator cuff-tear arthropathy has traditionally represented a challenge to the shoulder arthroplasty surgeon. The poor results of conventional total shoulder arthroplasty in rotator-cuff-deficient shoulders due to glenoid component loosening have led to hemiarthroplasty being the traditional preferred surgical option. Recently, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty has gained increasing popularity because of a clinical perception of an improved functional outcome, despite the lack of comparative data. The aim of this study was to compare the early functional results of hemiarthroplasty with those of reverse shoulder arthroplasty in the management of cuff-tear arthropathy. The results of 102 primary hemiarthroplasties for rotator cuff-tear arthropathy were compared with those of 102 reverse shoulder arthroplasties performed for the same diagnosis. Patients were identified from the New Zealand Joint Registry and matched for age, sex, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores. Oxford Shoulder Scores (OSS) collected at six months postoperatively as well as mortality and revision rates were compared between the two groups. There were fifty-one men and fifty-one women in each group, with a mean age of 71.6 years in the hemiarthroplasty group and 72.6 years in the reverse shoulder arthroplasty group. The mean OSS at six months was 31.1 in the hemiarthroplasty group and 37.5 in the reverse shoulder arthroplasty group. At the time of follow-up, there were nine revisions in the hemiarthroplasty group and five in the reverse shoulder arthroplasty group. No difference in mortality rate was seen between the two groups. In this unselected population with rotator cuff-tear arthropathy, controlled for age, sex, and ASA score, reverse shoulder arthroplasty resulted in a functional outcome that was superior to that of hemiarthroplasty. Longer-term follow-up is needed to confirm these findings.

Rotator Cuff Deficient Arthritis of the Glenohumeral Joint

Rotator cuff deficient arthritis of the glenohumeral joint, especially cuff tear arthropathy, has proved a challenging clinical entity for orthopaedic surgeons ever since Charles Neer originally detailed the problem in 1983. Understanding has improved regarding the pathophysiology and pathomechanics underlying cuff tear arthropathy. Surgical reconstruction options can lead to excellent outcomes for patients afflicted with these painful and functionally limited shoulders. Humeral hemiarthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty have jumped to the forefront in the treatment of cuff tear arthropathy. As studies continue to look at the results of these procedures in cuff tear arthropathy, existing indications and treatment algorithms will be further refined. In this article the history and pathophysiology of cuff tear arthropathy are reviewed. Additionally, the clinical findings and results of surgical reconstruction are discussed.

Acromion Fracture after Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is one of the methods of surgical treatment for cuff tear arthropathy. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is increasingly being performed, but various complications have been reported. We experienced a case of acromion fracture after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, which is quite a rare complication. So we report on this case along with reviewing the relevant literature.