The Impact of COVID-19 on the Timing of Rotator Cuff Repair and Method of Postoperative Follow-up / Impacto da COVID-19 no momento de reparo do manguito rotador e método de acompanhamento pós-operatório

Abstract Objective Rotator cuff repair (RCR) is one of the most common arthroscopic procedures. Our investigation aims to quantify the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on RCR, specifically on patients with acute, traumatic injuries. Methods Institutional records were queried to identify patients who underwent arthroscopic RCR between March 1st to October 31st of both 2019 and 2020. Patient demographic, preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative data were collected from electronic medical records. Inferential statistics were used to analyze data. Results Totals of 72 and of 60 patients were identified in 2019 and in 2020, respectively. Patients in 2019 experienced shorter lengths of time from MRI to surgery (62.7 ± 70.5 days versus 115.7 ± 151.0 days; p = 0.01). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans showed a smaller average degree of retraction in 2019 (2.1 ± 1.3 cm versus 2.6 ± 1.2 cm; p = 0.05) butnodifference in anterior toposterior tear size between years (1.6 ± 1.0 cm versus 1.8 ± 1.0 cm; p = 0.17). Less patients in 2019 had a tele-health postoperative consultation with their operating surgeon compared with 2020 (0.0% versus 10.0%; p = 0.009). No significant changes in complications (0.0% versus 0.0%; p > 0.999), readmission (0.0% versus 0.0%; p > 0.999), or revision rates (5.6% versus 0.0%; p = 0.13) were observed. Conclusion From 2019 to 2020, there were no significant differences in patient demographics or major comorbidities. Our data suggests that even though the time from MRI to surgery was delayed in 2020 and telemedicine appointments were necessary, RCR was still performed in a time in early complications. Level of Evidence III.

Resumo Objetivo Oreparodomanguitorotador (RMR) é um dos procedimentos artroscópi-cos maiscomuns. Nossapesquisavisaquantificar o impacto da pandemia de COVID-19 sobre o RMR, especificamente em pacientes com lesões agudas e traumáticas. Métodos Os prontuários institucionais foram consultados para identificação de pacientes submetidos ao RMR artroscópico entre 1° de março e 31 de outubro de 2019 e de 2020. Dados demográficos, pré-operatórios, perioperatórios e pós-operatórios dos pacientes foram coletados de prontuários eletrônicos. Os dados foram analisados por estatística inferencial. Resultados Totais de 72 ede60pacientes foramidentificados em 2019 e 2020, respectivamente. Os pacientes de 2019 apresentaram menor intervalo entre a ressonância magnética (RM) e a cirurgia (62,7 ± 70,5 dias versus 115,7 ± 151,0 dias; p = 0,01). Os exames de RM mostraram menor grau médio de retração em 2019 (2,1 ± 1,3 cm versus 2,6 ± 1,2 cm; p = 0,05), mas nenhuma diferença foi observada na extensão anteroposterior da laceração entre os anos (1,6 ± 1,0 cm versus 1,8 ± 1,0 cm; p = 0,17).Em 2019,o número de pacientes atendidos por seus cirurgiões em consultas pós-operatórias por telemedicina foi menor em comparação com 2020 (0,0% versus 10,0%; p = 0,009). Não foram observadas alterações significativas nas taxas de complicação (0,0% versus 0,0%; p > 0,999), de readmissão (0,0% versus 0,0%; p > 0,999) ou de revisão (5,6% versus 0,0%; p = 0,13). Conclusão Não houve diferenças significativas nos dados demográficos dos pacientes ou nas principais comorbidades entre 2019 e 2020. Nossos dados sugerem que, embora o intervalo entre a RM e a cirurgia tenha sido maior em 2020 e tenha havido necessidade de consultas por telemedicina, o RMR ainda foi realizado em tempo hábil e sem alterações significativas nas complicações precoces. Nível de Evidência III.

Effect of critical shoulder angle on deltoid muscle strength reduction in patients with rotator cuff tears / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the synergistic interaction between the deltoid muscle and the rotator cuff muscle group in patients with rotator cuff tears (RCT), as well as the impact of the critical shoulder angle (CSA) on deltoid muscle strength.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 42 RCT patients who met the selection criteria and were treated between March 2022 and March 2023. There were 13 males and 29 females, with an age range of 42-77 years (mean, 60.5 years). Preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 6.0±1.6. CSA measurements were obtained from standard anteroposterior X-ray films before operation, and patients were divided into two groups based on CSA measurements: CSA>35° group (group A) and CSA≤35° group (group B). Handheld dynamometry was used to measure the muscle strength of various muscle group in the shoulder (including the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and anterior, middle, and posterior bundles of the deltoid). The muscle strength of the unaffected side was compared to the affected side, and muscle imbalance indices were calculated. Muscle imbalance indices between male and female patients, dominant and non-dominant sides, and groups A and B were compared. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between muscle imbalance indices and CSA as well as VAS scores.@*RESULTS@#Muscle strength in all muscle groups on the affected side was significantly lower than on the unaffected side ( P<0.05). The muscle imbalance indices for the supraspinatus, subscapularis, infraspinatus, and anterior, middle, and posterior bundles of the deltoid were 14.8%±24.4%, 5.9%±9.7%, 7.2% (0, 9.1%), 17.2% (5.9%, 26.9%), 8.3%±21.3%, and 10.2% (2.8%, 15.4%), respectively. The muscle imbalance indices of the anterior bundle of the deltoid, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus were significantly lower in male patients compared to female patients ( P<0.05); however, there was no significant difference in muscle imbalance indices among other muscle groups between male and female patients or between the dominant and non-dominant sides ( P>0.05). There was a positive correlation between the muscle imbalance indices of infraspinatus and VAS score ( P<0.05), and a positive correlation between CSA and the muscle imbalance indices of middle bundle of deltoid ( P<0.05). There was no correlation between the muscle imbalance indices of other muscle groups and VAS score or CSA ( P>0.05). Preoperative CSA ranged from 17.6° to 39.4°, with a mean of 31.1°. There were 9 cases in group A and 33 cases in group B. The muscle imbalance indices of the anterior bundle of the deltoid was significantly lower in group A compared to group B ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in muscle imbalance indices among other muscle groups between group A and group B ( P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Patients with RCT have a phenomenon of deltoid muscle strength reduction, which is more pronounced in the population with a larger CSA.

Mid-term effectiveness of arthroscopic "mini incision" transtendon repair for partial articular-sided supraspinatus tendon avulsion lesion / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the mid-term effectiveness of arthroscopic "mini incision" transtendon repair for partial articular-sided supraspinatus tendon avulsion (PASTA) lesion.@*METHODS@#A clinical data of 39 patients with PASTA lesions, who underwent the arthroscopic "mini incision" transtendon repair and met the selected criteria between May 2017 and April 2021, was retrospectively analyzed. There were 13 males and 26 females, with an average age of 63.7 years (range, 43-76 years). Nine patients underwent trauma history, and no obvious inducement was found in the other 30 patients. The main clinical symptom was shoulder pain with positive hug resistance test. The interval from symptom onset to operation was 3-21 months (mean, 8.3 months). The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score, American Association of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and shoulder range of motion (ROM) of forward flexion, abduction, and external rotation were used to evaluate shoulder function. MRI was performed to assess the structural integrity and tension of reattached tendon. Patient satisfactions were calculated at last follow-up.@*RESULTS@#All incisions healed by first intention with no complications such as incision infection or nerve injury. All patients were followed up 24-71 months (mean, 46.9 months). The VAS, UCLA, and ASES scores significantly improved at 24 months after operation when compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05). The ROMs of forward flexion and external rotation of the shoulder joint significantly increased at 3 and 24 months, and further increased at 24 months compared to 3 months, with significant differences ( P<0.05). However, the ROM of abduction of the shoulder joint at 3 months did not significantly improve compared with that before operation ( P>0.05), and it was significantly greater at 24 months than before operation and at 3 months after operation ( P<0.05). At last follow-up, the patients were very satisfied with the effectiveness in 30 cases (76.9%), satisfied in 5 cases (12.8%), and dissatisfied in 4 cases (10.3%). At 6 months after operation, 31 patients underwent reviews of MRI scans, of which 28 patients possessed intact structural integrity, good tendon tension and tendon healing, and 3 patients underwent tendon re-tear.@*CONCLUSION@#Arthroscopic "mini incision" transtendon repair in treatment of PASTA lesion could obtain satisfying mid-term effectiveness with low risk of tendon re-tear.

Effectiveness analysis of "tail compression fixation+suture bridge" technology under shoulder arthroscopy for treating primary tear in medial enthesis of rotator cuff / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of "tail compression fixation+suture bridge" technology under shoulder arthroscopy for treating primary tear in medial enthesis of rotator cuff.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 11 patients with primary tear in medial enthesis of rotator cuff who met the selection criteria between October 2020 and October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 3 males and 8 females, aged 39-79 years, with an average of 61.0 years. Rotator cuff injury was caused by traumatic fall in 8 cases, and the time from injury to admission was 1-4 months, with an average of 2.0 months; the remaining 3 cases had no obvious inducement. The active range of motion of the affected shoulder was limited, with an active forward flexion range of motion of (64.1±10.9)°, abduction of (78.1±6.4)°, internal rotation of (48.2±6.6)°, and external rotation of (41.8±10.5)°; 5 cases had shoulder stiffness. The preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 7.8±0.8 and the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score was 23.9±6.4. The patients were treated with "tail compression fixation+suture bridge" technology under shoulder arthroscopy, and the pain and functional recovery were evaluated by VAS score, ASES score, and active range of motion of shoulder joint at last follow-up; MRI was performed after operation, and the integrity of rotator cuff was evaluated by Sugaya classification system.@*RESULTS@#All the 11 patients were followed up 2-22 months, with an average of 13.5 months. All incisions healed by first intention, and there was no complication such as infection, rotator cuff re-tear, and anchor falling off. At last follow-up, the VAS score was 0.8±0.7 and the ASES score was 93.5±4.2, which significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). All 11 patients had no significant swelling in the shoulders, and the active range of motion was (165.1±8.8)° in flexion, (75.3±8.4)° in abduction, (56.6±5.5)° in internal rotation, and (51.8±4.0)° in external rotation, which significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). Shoulder MRI showed adequate tendon thickness and good continuity in 9 cases, including 4 cases with partial high signal area; and 2 cases with inadequate tendon thickness but high continuity and partial high signal area. According to Sugaya classification system, there were 4 cases of type 1 (36.4%), 5 cases of type 2 (45.5%), and 2 cases of type 3 (18.1%).@*CONCLUSION@#For the patients with primary tear in medial enthesis of rotator cuff, the "tail compression fixation+suture bridge" technology under shoulder arthroscopy is simple and effective.

Modified Latarjet splitting subscapularis muscle under arthroscopy: an anatomical study based on axillary nerve, glenoid, and subscapularis muscle / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To testify the spatial relationship between the subscapularis muscle splitting window and the axillary nerve in modified arthroscopic Latarjet procedure, which could provide anatomical basis for the modification of the subscapularis muscle splitting.@*METHODS@#A total of 29 adult cadaveric shoulder specimens were dissected layer by layer, and the axillary nerve was finally confirmed to walk on the front surface of the subscapularis muscle. Keeping the shoulder joint in a neutral position, the Kirschner wire was passed through the subscapularis muscle from back to front at the 4 : 00 position of the right glenoid circle (7 : 00 position of the left glenoid circle), and the anterior exit point (point A, the point of splitting subscapularis muscle during Latarjet procedure) was recorded. The vertical and horizontal distances between point A and the axillary nerve were measured respectively.@*RESULTS@#In the neutral position of the shoulder joint, the distance between the point A and the axillary nerve was 27.37 (19.80, 34.55) mm in the horizontal plane and 16.67 (12.85, 20.35) mm in the vertical plane.@*CONCLUSION@#In the neutral position of the shoulder joint, the possibility of axillary nerve injury will be relatively reduced when radiofrequency is taken from the 4 : 00 position of the right glenoid (7 : 00 position of the left glenoid circle), passing through the subscapularis muscle posteriorly and anteriorly and splitting outward.

Clinical and radiologic outcomes after tendon insertion medialized repair of large-to-massive rotator cuff tears / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effectiveness of tendon insertion medialized repair in treatment of large-to-massive rotator cuff tears (L/MRCT).@*METHODS@#The clinical and imaging data of 46 L/MRCT patients who underwent arthroscopic insertion medialized repair between October 2015 and June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 26 males and 20 females with an average age of 57.7 years (range, 40-75 years). There were 20 cases of large rotator cuff tears and 26 cases of massive rotator cuff tears. Preoperative imaging evaluation included fatty infiltration (Goutallier grade), tendon retraction (modified Patte grade), supraspinatus tangent sign, acromiohumeral distance (AHD), and postoperative medializaiton length and tendon integrity. The clinical outcome was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score, American Society for Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (ASES) score, shoulder range of motion (including anteflexion and elevation, lateral external, and internal rotation) and anteflexion and elevation muscle strength before and after operation. The patients were divided into two groups (the intact tendon group and the re-teared group) according to the integrity of the tendon after operation. According to the medializaiton length, the patients were divided into group A (medialization length ≤10 mm) and group B (medialization length >10 mm). The clinical function and imaging indexes of the patients were compared.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up 24-56 months, with an average of 31.8 months. At 1 year after operation, MRI showed that the medializaiton length of supraspinatus tendon was 5-15 mm, with an average of 10.26 mm, 33 cases in group A and 13 cases in group B. Eleven cases (23.91%) had re-teared, including 5 cases (45.45%) of Sugaya type Ⅳ and 6 cases (54.55%) of Sugaya type Ⅴ. At last follow-up, the VAS score, ASES score, shoulder anteflexion and elevation range of motion, lateral external rotation range of motion, and anteflexion and elevation muscle strength significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05); there was no significant difference in internal rotation range of motion between pre- and post-operation ( P>0.05). The Goutallier grade and modified Patte grade of supraspinatus muscle in the re-teared group were significantly higher than those in the intact tendon group, and the AHD was significantly lower than that in the intact tendon group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in other baseline data between the two groups ( P>0.05). Except that the ASES score of the intact tendon group was significantly higher than that of the re-teared group ( P<0.05), there was no significant difference in the other postoperative clinical functional indicators between the two groups ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of re-tear, VAS score, ASES score, range of motion of shoulder joint, and anteflexion and elevation muscle strength between group A and group B ( P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Tendon insertion medialized repair may be useful in cases with L/MRCT, and shows good postoperative shoulder function. Neither tendon integrity nor medialization length shows apparent correlations with postoperative shoulder function.

Biceps tenotomy or tenodesis in association with rotator cuff repair: is there an influence on functional results? A retrospective cohort study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Instability or tears of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) may be present in more than 35% of rotator cuff repairs (RCR). OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical results from patients undergoing arthroscopic RCR, according to the procedure performed at the LHBT. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective cohort study designed at the shoulder and elbow clinic of Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Functional results among patients were compared using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) scales, according to the LHBT approach adopted: no procedure, tenotomy or tenodesis. RESULTS: We evaluated 306 shoulders (289 patients): 133 underwent no procedure at the LHBT, 77 tenotomy and 96 tenodesis. The ASES scale at 24 months showed no difference (P = 0.566) between the groups without LHBT procedure (median 90.0; interquartile range, IQR 29), tenotomy (median 90.0; IQR 32.1) or tenodesis (median 94.4; IQR 22.7); nor did the UCLA scale (median 33; IQR 7 versus median 31; IQR 8 versus median 33; IQR 5, respectively, P = 0.054). The groups differed in the preoperative functional assessment according to the ASES and UCLA scale, such that the tenodesis group started from higher values. However, there was no difference in pre and postoperative scores between the groups. CONCLUSION: Tenodesis or tenotomy of the LHBT, in the sample analyzed, did not influence the clinical results from RCR, as assessed using the ASES and UCLA scales.

Clinical Outcome of Partial Repair of Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears / Resultado clínico do reparo parcial nas roturas irreparáveis do manguito rotador

Abstract Objective To evaluate the functional outcome of patients who underwent partial arthroscopic repair of massive rotator cuff tears. Methods Retrospective case series evaluating patients with massive rotator cuff tears who underwent partial arthroscopic repair. The primary outcome was the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) at 24 months. The secondary outcomes were the Modified-University of California at Los Angeles Shoulder Rating Scale (UCLA), and the following subdomains: satisfaction, active forward flexion and strength of forward flexion subdomains. Results We evaluated 33 patients. The ASES scale evolved from 39.7 ± 19.6 to 77.6 ± 17.4 (p< 0.001). The UCLA scale evolved from 13.3 ± 5.5 to 27.9 ± 5.6 (p< 0.001). The satisfaction rate was 97%. The number of patients with active forward flexion > 150° increased from 12 (36.4%) to 25 (75.8%) (p= 0.002). The number of patients with normal or good strength of forward flexion increased from 9 (27.3%) to 22 (66.7%) (p = 0.015). Conclusion Partial repair of irreparable rotator cuff tears leads to significant improvement according to the ASES and UCLA scales.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o resultado funcional de pacientes submetidos ao reparo parcial por via artroscópica de roturas extensas do manguito rotador. Métodos Série de casos retrospectiva, avaliando pacientes com roturas extensas do manguito rotador submetidos ao reparo parcial por via artroscópica. O desfecho primário foi a escala American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES, na sigla em inglês) aos 24 meses. Foram desfechos secundários a escala Modified-University of California at Los Angeles Shoulder Rating Scale (UCLA, na sigla em inglês), e seus subdomínios satisfação, flexão anterior ativa e força de flexão anterior ativa. Resultados Avaliamos 33 pacientes. A escala da ASES evoluiu de 39,7 ± 19,6 para 77,6 ± 17,4 (p< 0,001). A escala da UCLA evoluiu de 13,3 ± 5,5 para 27,9 ± 5,6 (p< 0,001). A taxa de satisfação foi de 97%. O número de pacientes com flexão anterior ativa > 150° passou de 12 (36,4%) para 25 (75,8%) (p= 0,002). O número de pacientes com força de flexão anterior ativa normal ou boa passou de 9 (27,3%) para 22 (66,7%) (p= 0,015). Conclusão O reparo parcial nas roturas irreparáveis do manguito rotador leva a melhora significativa de acordo com as escalas da ASES e UCLA.

Surgical repair of the supraspinatus: pre- and postoperative architectural changes in the muscle

INTRODUCTION@#Shortening of the tendon and muscle is recognised as a strong predictor of surgical failure of supraspinatus tendon tears. Changes in muscle architecture following repair have not been thoroughly investigated. Hence, we aimed to compare the pre- and postoperative architecture of the supraspinatus.@*METHODS@#We recruited eight participants with full-thickness supraspinatus tears. Images of the supraspinatus were captured preoperatively (pre-op) and postoperatively at one month (post-op1), three months (post-op2) and six months (post-op3) in relaxed and contracted states (0º and 60º glenohumeral abduction). Fibre bundle length (FBL), pennation angle (PA) and muscle thickness were quantified. Self-reported function, and maximal isometric abduction and external rotation strengths were assessed.@*RESULTS@#The mean FBL increased from pre-op to post-op1 (p = 0.001) in the relaxed state and from pre-op to post-op2 (p = 0.002) in the contracted state. Decrease in FBL was observed from post-op2 to post-op3 in the relaxed state. The mean PA decreased from pre-op to post-op1 (p < 0.001) in the relaxed state, but increased from post-op2 to post-op3 in both relaxed (p = 0.006) and contracted (p = 0.004) states. At post-op3, external rotation (p = 0.009) and abduction (p = 0.005) strengths were greater than at post-op2. Overall function increased by 47.67% from pre-op to post-op3.@*CONCLUSION@#Lengthening of the supraspinatus occurs with surgery, altering the length-tension relationship of the muscle, which can compromise muscle function and lead to inferior surgical outcomes. These findings may guide clinicians to optimise loads, velocities and shoulder ranges for effective postoperative rehabilitation.

Presión y área de contacto en reparación de manguito rotador: una revisión sistemática / Pressure and contact area in rotator cuff repair: a systematic review

OBJETIVO Proporcionar una sinopsis exhaustiva y un análisis de los estudios biomecánicos sobre la magnitud y distribución de la presión en la interfase tendón-huella de las roturas del manguito rotador, informadas en la literatura en los últimos cinco años. MÉTODOS La investigación se realizó de acuerdo con los métodos descritos en el Manual Cochrane. Los resultados se informan de acuerdo con el consenso de Ítems Preferidos de Reporte en Revisiones Sistemáticas y Metaanálisis (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, PRISMA, en inglés). La búsqueda se realizó el 1er de junio de 2020. Se identificaron e incluyeron estudios ex vivo de ciencia básica y estudios biomecánicos publicados, que evaluaran la magnitud y distribución de la presión en la interfase tendón-huella de las roturas del manguito rotador reparadas entre enero de 2015 y junio de 2020. Se realizaron búsquedas sistemáticas en las bases de datos MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus y Google Scholar utilizando los términos y operadores booleanos: (Rotator Cuff OR Supraspinatus OR Infraspinatus OR Subscapularis OR Teres Minor) AND Pressure AND Footprint. En la base de datos Embase, respetando su sintaxis, se utilizó: Rotator Cuff AND Pressure AND Footprint. RESULTADOS Un total de 15 de los 87 artículos encontrados cumplieron con todos los criterios de elegibilidad y se incluyeron en el análisis. CONCLUSIÓN La presión y área de contacto sería optimizada biomecánicamente con una reparación transósea de doble fila equivalente, sin nudos en la hilera medial, y con el uso de cintas para su ejecución, conceptos de reparación específica para roturas delaminadas, y limitación de la abducción en el postoperatorio inmediato.

OBJETIVE To provide a comprehensive synopsis and analysis of biomechanical studies on the magnitude and distribution of pressure at the tendon-footprint interface of rotator cuff tears reported in the literature in the last five years. METHODS The research was performed according to the methods described in the Cochrane Manual. The results are reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) consensus. The search was performed on June 1st, 2020. We identified and included ex vivo basic science studies and published biomechanical studies that evaluated the magnitude and distribution of pressure at the tendon-footprint interface of rotator cuff tears repaired between January 2015 and June 2020. Systematic searches on the MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus and Google Scholar databases were performed using the terms and Boolean operators: (Rotator Cuff OR Supraspinatus OR Infraspinatus OR Subscapularis OR Teres Minor) AND Pressure AND Footprint. In the Embase database, respecting its syntax, the following was used: Rotator Cuff AND Pressure AND Footprint. RESULTS In total, 15 of the 87 articles found fulfilled all the eligibility criteria and were included in the analysis. CONCLUSION The pressure and contact area would be biomechanically optimized with an equivalent transosseous double-row repair, without knots in the medial row, and with the use of tapes for its execution, specific repair concepts for delaminated tears, and a limitation of abduction in the immediate postoperative period.

Mayor presión y área de contacto en reparación transósea cruzada de manguito rotador versus reparación simple / Increased pressure and contact area in rotator cuff crossed versus simple transosseous repair

OBJETIVO: Comparar la presión y el área de contacto en la interfase tendón-huella de una reparación realizada con suturas transóseas simples y cruzadas. MÉTODOS: Se utilizaron doce hombros de cordero para simular una rotura de manguito rotador. Se midió el área de contacto en la interfase tendón-huella con láminas sensibles a presión; luego, se midió la presión con un sensor digital. Se registró la presión basal durante la aplicación de carga cíclica y al final de la intervención. Se compararon 2 reparaciones: 2 túneles transóseos con nudos simples (TOS; n = 6) y 2 túneles transóseos con nudos cruzados (TOC; n = 6), utilizando FiberWire #2. Se realizaron 1.400 ciclos, con una frecuencia 2,5 Hz y una carga de 5 N. Se utilizó la prueba de Mann-Whitney, y ae consideraron significativos valores de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: La reparación TOS presentó un 50,9 ± 12,7% distribución de presiones en comparación con 72,2 ± 5,3% en la reparación TOC (p < 0,009). La presión promedio en la reparación TOS fue 0,7 ± 0,1 MPa en comparación con 1,1 ± 0,2 MPa en la reparación TOC (p < 0,007). La reparación TOS registró una presión basal de 5,3 ± 5,3 N, presión final de 3,8 ± 4,6 N, y una variación de 51,7 ± 38%. La reparación TOC registró una presión basal de 10,7 ± 1,8 N, presión final de 12,9 ± 8,7 N, y una variación de 114,9 ± 65,9% (p < 0,044; p < 0,022; y p < 0,017, respectivamente). CONCLUSIÓN: La reparación TOC presenta mayor presión a nivel de la interfase tendón-hueso, menor pérdida de fuerza de contacto ante cargas cíclicas, y una mejor distribución de fuerza en la huella al comparar con la reparación TOS, lo que se podría traducir en mejor cicatrización tendínea.

OBJETIVE: To compare the pressure and contact area at the tendon-footprint interface of a repair performed with simple and crossed transosseous sutures. METHODS: Twelve lamb shoulders were used to simulate a rotator cuff tear. The contact area at the tendon-footprint interface was measured with pressure-sensitive films; then, the pressure was measured with a digital sensor. The baseline pressure was recorded during the application of a cyclic load and at the end of the intervention. A total of 2 repairs were compared: 2 transosseous sutures with single knots (STO; n = 6) and 2 transosseous sutures with crossed knots (TOC; n = 6) using FiberWire #2. In total, 1,400 cycles were performed, with a frequency of 2.5 Hz and a load of 5 N. The Mann-Whitney test was used. Values of p < 0.05 were considered significant.RESULTS: The TOS repair presented 50.9 ± 12.7% of pressure distribution compared to 72.2 ± 5.3% in the TOC repair (p < 0.009). The mean pressure in the TOS repair was of 0.7 ± 0.1 MPa compared to 1.1 ± 0.2 MPa in the TOC repair (p < 0.007). The TOS repair registered a basal pressure of 5.3 ± 5.3 N, a final pressure of 3.8 ± 4.6 N, and a variation of 51.7 ± 38%. The TOC repair registered a basal pressure of 10.7 ± 1.8 N, a final pressure of 12.9 ± 8.7 N, and a variation of 114.9 ± 65.9% (p < 0.044; p < 0.022; and p < 0.017 respectively).CONCLUSION: The TOC repair presents higher pressure at the tendon-bone interface, less loss of contact force under cyclic loads, and a better distribution of force on the footprint when compared with the TOS repair, which could translate into better tendon healing.

Abrasión intraósea por sutura según el ángulo del túnel transóseo en huella del manguito rotador / Intraosseous suture abrasion according to the angle of the transosseous tunnel in rotator cuff footprint

OBJETIVO: Comparar el desgaste óseo generado por la abrasión de una carga cíclica entre túneles clásicos oblicuos y perpendiculares. Nuestra hipótesis es la de que el túnel oblicuo presenta un menor desgaste óseo por abrasión cíclica comparado con el túnel perpendicular. MÉTODOS: Ocho hombros congelados de cordero fueron usados para el estudio biomecánico. En cada húmero proximal, dos túneles (oblicuo y perpendicular) fueron generados en la tuberosidad mayor. Se utilizó un sistema de tracción cíclica para traccionar hacia atrás y adelante una sutura trenzada en tensión a través del túnel, midiendo la distancia entre la entrada y la salida de la sutura en el túnel antes y después del proceso de ciclado como medida de perdida de tensión de la sutura. El resultado principal es el cambio de la distancia entre la entrada y la salida de la sutura en el túnel después del ciclado para estimar el desgaste óseo dentro del túnel. Para el análisis estadístico, se utilizó la prueba U de Mann-Whitney. Se consideraron significativos valores de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Los túneles perpendiculares tuvieron un 23,24 7,44% de pérdida de longitud, y los túneles oblicuos, 7,76 4,32%. La diferencia de pérdida de longitud fue significativa (p » 0,0003). CONCLUSIÓN: La abrasión ósea generada por el movimiento cíclico de la sutura en el túnel transóseo está influenciada por la geometría del túnel. El desgaste óseo es menor en un túnel oblicuo comparado con un túnel perpendicular. NIVEL DE EVIDENCIA: Estudio de ciencia básica

OBJETIVE: To compare the bone wear generated by the abrasion of a cyclic load between classic oblique and perpendicular tunnels. Our hypothesis is that the oblique tunnel is submitted to less cyclic abrasion bone wear compared with the perpendicular tunnel. METHODS: Eight fresh-frozen lamb shoulders were used for biomechanical testing. In each proximal humerus, two tunnels (one oblique and one perpendicular) were drilled at the greater tuberosity. We used a cyclic traction system to pull back and forth a braided suture under tension through the tunnel, measuring the distance between the entry and exit points of the suture within the tunnel before and after the cyclic process to release the tension in the suture. The main outcome was the percentage of change in the distance between the entry and exit points of the suture within the tunnel before and after cyclic abrasion to estimate the degree of bone wear inside the tunnel. For the statistical analysis, the Mann-Whitney U test was used. Values of p < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: The perpendicular bone tunnels had 23.24 7.44% decrease in length, and the oblique bone tunnels, 7.76 4.32%. The difference in the decrease in length was significant (p » 0.0003). CONCLUSION: The bone abrasion caused by the cyclical movement of the suture in the bone tunnel was influenced by the shape of the tunnel. Bone wear was lower with an oblique tunnel compared with a perpendicular tunnel. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Basic Science Study

Methodological Quality Analysis of Systematic Review for the Treatment of Rotator Cuff Disease / Análise da qualidade metodológica de revisões sistemáticas para tratamento de disfunções do manguito rotador

Abstract Objective To evaluate the methodological quality of systematic reviews for the surgical and nonsurgical treatment of individuals with rotator cuff syndrome; to compare, through the Assessing the methodological quality of systematic reviews (AMSTAR) instrument, the quality of studies found in the Cochrane Library, PubMed (Publisher Medline), EMBASE andQinsightdatabases. Methods This is a descriptive and comparative cross-sectional study, in which two independent authors analyzed, through the AMSTAR instrument, the methodological quality of Cochrane and non-Cochrane systematic reviews on the treatment of individuals diagnosed with rotator cuff syndrome. Results A total of 76 systematic reviews were evaluated by the AMSTAR instrument. The overall mean score was 6.1 (±2.1) and the mean per database was 9.1 (±0.9) for the Cochrane reviews and 5.7 (±1.8) for the non-Cochrane reviews. The lowest-scoring item of AMSTAR was 11, related to the display of the conflict of interests of the publication. In a comparative analysis of the final variable score, there was a statistical difference between the Cochrane and non-Cochrane studies. Conclusion According to the present study, systematic reviews using the Cochrane methodology have a better methodological quality compared to non-Cochrane studies on the treatment of rotator cuff dysfunctions.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a qualidade metodológica das revisões sistemáticas para tratamento cirúrgico e não cirúrgico de indivíduos com síndrome do manguito rotador; comparar, através do instrumento Assessingthemethodologicalqualityofsystematic reviews(AMSTAR, na sigla em inglês), a qualidade dos estudos encontrados nas bases de dados Cochrane Library, PubMed (Publisher Medline), EMBASE e Qinsight. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal descritivo e comparativo, em que dois autores independentes analisaram, por meio do instrumento AMSTAR, a qualidade metodológica das revisões sistemáticas Cochrane e nãoCochrane sobre tratamento de indivíduos com diagnóstico de síndrome do manguito rotador. Resultados 76 revisões sistemáticas foram avaliadas pelo instrumento AMSTAR. O escore médio geral foi de 6,1(±2,1) e a média por base de dados foi 9,1(±0,9) para as revisões Cochrane e 5,7(±1,8) para as não Cochrane. O item de menor pontuação do AMSTAR foi 11, relacionada à exibição dos conflitos de interesse da publicação. Em uma análise comparativa do escore da variável final, houve uma diferença estatística entre os estudos Cochrane e nãoCochrane. Conclusão De acordo com o presenteestudo, revisões sistemáticas utilizando a metodologia Cochrane têm uma melhor qualidade metodológica em comparação com estudos nãoCochrane sobre o tratamento de disfunções do manguito rotador.

Reparación del tendón del supraespinoso con técnica transósea equivalente en población sujeta a compensación laboral. ¿Cuál es el porcentaje de cicatrización? / Supraspinatus tendon repair using an equivalent transosseous technique to workers compensation. What is the percentage of cicatrization?

Introducción: El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar el porcentaje de cicatrización y los resultados funcionales de una cohorte de pacientes sometidos a reparación artroscópica del tendón del supraespinoso mediante una técnica de doble fila transósea equivalente. Materiales y métodos: durante el período de enero de 2015 a diciembre de 2017, se realizó una reparación artroscópica del supraespinoso a cuarenta y ocho pacientes utilizando una técnica transósea equivalente, todas por el mismo cirujano; al cuarto mes de evolución, se evaluó la tasa de cicatrización del tendón mediante ecografía. Los resultados funcionales se analizaron mediante la escala de Constant-Murley (CS), valoración subjetiva del hombro (SSV) y la escala visual análoga (EVA) para objetivar el dolor. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó t test para muestras pareadas. Población sometida a compensación laboral.Resultados: el seguimiento ecográfico objetivó una tasa de re-ruptura del 6%. El promedio de incremento en la escala de Constant-Murley fue de 55 puntos, del SSV de 55%, de flexión anterior 32° y de rotación externa de 13°. La escala visual análoga tuvo un descenso de 6 puntos. Todos estos cambios fueron estadísticamente significativos (p < 0.05). Conclusión: la reparación del tendón del supraespinoso, mediante una técnica transósea equivalente mejora los resultados clínicos y funcionales de los pacientes, objetivados con los índices de Constant-Murley y SSV. En nuestra serie obtuvimos una tasa de cicatrización en el 94% de los pacientes. Tipo de estudio: Serie de casos. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: the objective of this work was to evaluate the healing rate and functional results in a retrospective cohort of patients undergoing arthroscopic repair of the supraspinatus tendon, using a double row transosseous equivalent technique. Materials and methods: during the period from January 2015 to December 2017, an arthroscopic repair of the supraspinatus was performed on forty-eight patients, using a transosseous technique, by the same surgeon. We evaluated the healing rate by an ultrasound exam at the fourth month of evolution. Functional results were evaluated using the Constant-Murley scale (CS), subjective shoulder assessment (SSV) and the visual analog scale (VAS) to objectify the pain. For the statistical analysis, t-tests were used for paired samples. This cohort of patients is subject to workers compensation. Results: the ultrasound follow-up showed a 6% re-rupture rate. The average increase in the Constant scale was 55 points, the SSV had a mean increase of 55% and the VAS score decrease 6 points. All these changes were statistically significant (p < 0.05).Conclusions: the supraspinatus tendon repair, using an equivalent transosseous technique, improves the clinical and functional results of patients, objectified with the Constant-Murley and SSV scores. In our series we obtained a healing rate on 94% of the patients. Type study: Case Series. Level of Evidence: IV

Suture technique for rotator cuff tears' repair under arthroscopic / 中国骨伤

Shoulder arthroscopic as a conventional method usually is applied to repair rotator cuff tears. In clinical, plenty single-row, double-row and transosseous tunnels suture technique are performed, but the ideal suture technique for rotator cuff repair is not found. Compared with single-row, double-row has better strength in biomechanics property. As the two best suture technique among the single-row, massive cuff stitch and modified Mason-Allen suture have the strongest biomechanics property. Clinical trials indicate that double-row could improve healing rates, but there are no significant difference in clinical outcome functional scores. Transosseous tunnel techniques possess a better bio-mechanic property, which could improve regional micro-environment and induce tendon-bone healing. Transosseous tunnel techniques are better for small to media size rotator cuff tears and osteoporosis patient. The author suggest that optimal rotator cuff repair technique should performed according to skill of performer and individual of patient by analysing bio-mechanic properties, clinical outcome, operative complexity and patient situation. The technique should follow simple opertaion, rapid, less trauma, stable fixation and utility to perform.

Comparison of clinical outcomes between arthroscopic modified Mason-Allen repair and suture-bridge repair for medium-size rotator cuff tears / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To observe and compare the clinical outcomes between arthroscopic modified Mason-Allen repair and suture-bridge repair for medium-size rotator cuff tears.@*METHODS@#From January 2017 to January 2018, 22 patients with medium-size rotator cuff tears underwent arthroscopic modified Mason-Allen repair. There were 9 males and 13 females with an average age of (57.14±10.26) years. From February 2018 to January 2019, 20 patients with medium-size rotator cuff tears underwent arthroscopic suture-bridge repair. There were 6 males and 14 females with an average age of (57.75±7.57) years. The preoperative and postoperative clinical function was assessed by American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Constant score system. The healing status of repaired rotator cuff was assessed using MRI.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 24 to 33 months, with a mean of (26.38±2.29) months. In modified Mason-Allen group, AS###ES score and Constant score increased from (45.22±7.58) and (58.72±9.26) preoperatively to (96.89±3.49) and (93.18± 3.20) postoperatively. In suture-bridge group, ASES score and Constant score increased from(47.33±7.50) and (60.05±11.76) scores to (97.58±3.43) and (93.85±3.15). There were no significant differences in ASES score and Constant score between the two groups before and after operation. There were no significant differences in rotator cuff healing between the two groups.@*CONCLUSION@#Both arthroscopic modified Mason-Allen and suture-bridge repair for treatment of medium-size rotator cuff tears could obtain good clinical outcomes, and there were no significant differences in clinical outcomes between the two techniques.

Diagnostic accuracy of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging for detecting subscapularis tendon tears: a diagnostic test study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for making the diagnosis of subscapularis tears presents wide variation in the literature and there are few prospective studies. OBJECTIVE: To compare the findings from MRI and arthroscopy for diagnosing subscapularis tears. DESIGN AND SETTING: Diagnostic test study performed in a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: We included patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and who had firstly undergone high magnetic field MRI without contrast. The images were independently evaluated by a shoulder surgeon and two musculoskeletal radiologists. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy and inter and intra-observer agreement were calculated. RESULTS: MRIs on 200 shoulders were evaluated. The incidence of subscapularis tears was 69.5% (41.5% partial and 28.0% full-thickness). The inter and intra-observer agreement was moderate for detection of subscapularis tears. The shoulder surgeon presented sensitivity of 51.1% to 59.0% and specificity of 91.7% to 94.4%. The radiologists showed sensitivity of 83.5% to 87.1% and specificity of 41% to 45.9%. Accuracy ranged from 60.5% to 73.0%. CONCLUSION: The 1.5-T MRIs without contrast showed mean sensitivity of 70.2% and mean specificity of 61.9% for detection of subscapularis tears. Sensitivity was higher for the musculoskeletal radiologists, while specificity was higher for the shoulder surgeon. The mean accuracy was 67.6%, i.e. lower than that of rotator cuff tears overall.

Biomechanical comparison of conventional double-row repair versus double row repair with the parachute configuration / Comparación biomecánica de la reparación convencional de doble fila frente a la reparación de doble fila con la configuración del paracaídas

Abstract: Introduction: The rotator cuff tears are a very frequent condition. The rotator cuff repair is a procedure often perform by the orthopedic surgeon. There are multiple techniques and suture configurations for this type of repairs. The double row configuration is one of the most used and consider very effective for mid-size and large size rotator cuff tears. The parachute configuration for this repair is a novel technique that may be useful for mid-size and large size tears, for this repair two medial double row anchors are used and one knotless lateral anchor. Our porpoise was to compare biomechanical performance and footprint coverage of a conventional suture-bridge double-row rotator cuff repair configuration versus a double-row-parachute. Methods: This paper shows the biomechanical behavior on a cadaver model of the parachute configuration, and also compares this conformation with a double row in a suture-bridge fashion. Our hipothesis was that the Parachute configuration's biomechanical performance is equivalent to the suture-bridging double-row technique. Results: The parachute configuration advantages show the advantage of using less anchors, which will decrease the surgical time and also the risks of using multiple hardware in the humeral head.

Resumen: Introducción: La lesión del manguito rotador es una patología común cuya reparación es un procedimiento realizado por los cirujanos ortopedistas. Existen muchas técnicas de reparación, así como múltiples configuraciones de anclas y suturas para realizar estos procedimientos. La técnica de doble fila es una de las más usadas para rupturas de tamaño mediano y grande con buenos resultados. La configuración en «paracaídas¼ para la reparación del manguito rotador puede llegar a ser útil para éstas, en este tipo de configuración se utilizan dos anclas mediales y un ancla sin nudos lateral. Nuestro objetivo fue la comparación de la eficiencia biomecánica y cobertura de la huella de una configuración convencional de doble fila «suture bridge¼ frente a una configuración en «paracaídas¼. Métodos: Este trabajo revisó el comportamiento biomecánico, en piezas cadavéricas, de la configuración de paracaídas y se comparó con la configuración de doble fila tipo «suture-bridge¼. Nuestra hipótesis era que el rendimiento biomecánico de la configuración de Parachute es equivalente a la técnica de doble fila «suture bridge¼. Resultados: Las posibles ventajas de la configuración de paracaídas son el uso de menos anclas, disminuyendo el tiempo quirúrgico y los riesgos de tener múltiples implantes en la cabeza humeral.

Reconstrucción de la cápsula superior en ruptura masiva e irreparable del manguito rotador / Superior capsule reconstruction in massive and irreparable rupture of the rotator cuff

Resumen: Introducción: La lesión masiva e irreparable del manguito rotador es un problema clínico que genera la pérdida de la función biomecánica del hombro. Esta lesión amerita una intervención oportuna, de modo tal que, previo a la artrosis, ayude a preservar la función articular durante el mayor tiempo posible. La opción de reparación de la cápsula superior con autoinjerto de fascia lata en la ruptura masiva e irreparable del manguito rotador es una técnica propuesta por Mihata, la cual ha demostrado obtener constantes mejorías de la función a corto y mediano plazo. Reporte de caso: Se trata de una mujer de 51 años con lesión irreparable del supraespinoso e infraespinoso y fallo en el tratamiento conservador. Clínicamente, se presentó con dolor de hombro intolerable y disfunción subjetiva; sin datos de artropatía moderada a severa, defectos óseos, rigidez o disfunción del deltoides, del dorsal ancho y del pectoral mayor. Se realizó reconstrucción de la cápsula superior con autoinjerto de fascia lata en Agosto de 2018 y seguimiento en las primeras 12 semanas. El resultado de este procedimiento mostró mejoría de las escalas SST de 58.33 y QD de 20.45 puntos con respecto a la valoración prequirúrgica (SST de 33.3 y QD de 27.7 puntos) y una movilización activa completa en abducción, flexión, extensión y rotación interna; el único arco de movilidad que no presentó mejoría fue la rotación externa del hombro, la cual se mantuvo en las mismas condiciones previas al procedimiento quirúrgico.

Abstract: Introduction: Massive and irreparable rotator cuff injury is a clinical problem that results in loss of shoulder function and merits timely intervention that helps preserve it as long as possible before arthropathy. The option of repair of the superior capsule with autograft of Fascia Lata in the massive and irreparable rupture of the rotator cuff, is a technique proposed by Mihata, which has demonstrated an improvement of function in the short and medium term. Case report: Female of 51 years old with irreparable tear of supraspinatus and infraspinatus, failure in conservative treatment, clinically with intolerable shoulder pain, subjective dysfunction without signs of moderate to severe arthropathy, no bone defects, stiffness or dysfunction of Deltoid, Latissimus Dorsi and Pectoralis Major. Superior capsule reconstruction was performed with autograft of fascia Lata in August 2018, with follow-up for the first 12 weeks. The result of this procedure showed improvement of the SST 58.33 and QD 20.45 scales compared to pre-surgical evaluation (SST 33.3 and QD 27.7). Full active mobilization in abduction, flexion, extension and internal rotation. The external rotation of the shoulder has no functional improvement.