MRI is a Reliable Method for Measurement of Critical Shoulder Angle and Acromial Index / A ressonância magnética é um método confiável para medida do ângulo crítico do ombro e do índice acromial

Abstract Objective The objectives of this study are to compare absolute values of acromial index (AI) and critical shoulder angle (CSA) obtained in both radiographs and magnetic resonance image (MRI) of the shoulder; and to compare the interobserver and intra-observer agreement for AI and CSA values measured in these image modalities. Methods Patients who had medical indication of investigating shoulders conditions through radiographs and MRI were included. Images were taken to two fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons, which conducted measurements of AI and CSA in radiographs and in MRI. Twelve weeks after the first evaluation, a second evaluation was conducted. Inter- and intra-observer reliability was presented as an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and agreement was classified according to Landis & Koch criteria. The differences between two measurements were evaluated using Bland-Altman plots. Results 134 shoulders in 124 subjects were included. Mean intra-observer ICC for CSA in X-rays and in MRI were 0.936 and 0.940, respectively; for AI, 0.908 and 0.022. Mean inter-observer ICC for CSA were 0.892 and 0.752 in X-rays and MRI respectively; for AI, ICC values were 0.849 and 0.685. All individual analysis reached statistical power (p< 0.001). Mean difference for AI values measured in X-rays and in MRI was 0.01 and 0.03 for observers 1 and 2, respectively. Mean difference for CSA values obtained in X-rays and MRI was 0.16 and 0.58 for observers 1 and 2, respectively. Conclusion Both MRI and X-rays provided high intra- and interobserver agreement for measurement of AI and CSA. Absolute values found for AI and CSA were highly correlated in both image modalities. These findings suggest that MRI is a suitable method to measure AI and CSA. Level of Evidence II, Diagnostic Study.

Resumo Objetivo Os objetivos deste estudo foram comparar os valores absolutos do índice acromial (IA) e do ângulo crítico do ombro (ACO) obtidos em radiografias e ressonâncias magnéticas (RM) do ombro e comparar a concordância interobservador e intraobservador dos valores de IA e ACO medidos nessas modalidades de imagem. Métodos Pacientes com indicação médica de investigação de doenças dos ombros por meio de radiografias e RM foram incluídos no estudo. As imagens foram levadas para dois cirurgiões de ombro treinados que realizaram medidas de IA e ACO em radiografias e RM. Doze semanas após a primeira avaliação, uma segunda avaliação foi realizada. A confiabilidade inter e intraobservador foi apresentada como coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI) e a concordância foi classificada segundo os critérios de Landis e Koch. As diferenças entre duas medidas foram avaliadas por meio de gráficos de Bland-Altman. Resultados Cento e trinta e quatro ombros de 124 indivíduos foram incluídos no estudo. O CCI intraobservador médio para ACO em radiografias e RM foi 0,936 e 0,940, respectivamente; para IA, foi 0,908 e 0,022. O CCI interobservador médio para ACO foi 0,892 e 0,752 em radiografias e RM, respectivamente; para IA, os valores de CCI foram 0,849 e 0,685. Todas as análises individuais apresentaram poder estatístico (p < 0,001). A diferença média dos valores de IA em radiografias e RM foi 0,01 e 0,03 para os observadores 1 e 2, respectivamente. A diferença média dos valores de ACO em radiografias e RM foi 0,16 e 0,58 para os observadores 1 e 2, respectivamente. Conclusão Tanto a RM quanto as radiografias tiveram alta concordância intra e interobservador para medida de IA e ACO. Os valores absolutos de IA e ACO foram altamente correlacionados em ambas as modalidades de imagem. Esses achados sugerem que a RM é um método adequado para determinação de IA e ACO. Nível de Evidência II, Estudo Diagnóstico.

Value of contrast-enhanced percutaneous ultrasound in the diagnosis of rotator cuff tear subtype / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore characteristics of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) images features and diagnostic value of rotator cuff tear subtypes.@*METHODS@#From January 2019 to March 2022, percutaneous ultrasound-guided subacromial bursography (PUSB) with persutaneous ultrasound-guide tendon lesionography (PUTL) was performed on 114 patients with suspected rotator cuff injury were evaluated, including 54 males and 60 females ranged in age from 35 to 75 years old with an average of (58.8±8.7 ) years old;76 patients on the right side and 38 patients on the left side;the course of disease ranged from 0.13 to 111 months with an average of (10.2±9.8) months. GE LOGIQ E9 color doppler ultrasound diagnostic high frequency(6 to 12 MHz) was used to CEUS Using arthroscopy as gold standard, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate diagnostic efficacy of US, MRI and CEUS for rotator cuff injury, also sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were calculated.@*RESULTS@#The sensitivity of US in diagnosing full-thickness tears was 72.1%, specificity was 93.0%, and accuracy was 85.1%. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MRI diagnosis of full-thickness tear were 90.9%, 92.6% and 92.1% respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of CEUS in diagnosis of full-thickness tear were 100%. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of US in the diagnosis of partial tear were 85.7%, 77.2% and 79.8% respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MRI diagnosis of partial tear were 83.7%, 81.7% and 82.5% respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of CEUS in diagnosis of partial tear were 95.7%, 92.6% and 93.9% respectively. There were significant differences in diagnosis results of US, MRI and CEUS for rotator cuff bursa tear (P<0.001). Kapp test showed good consistency between CEUS and arthroscopy in diagnosing rotator cuff tear subtypes (full-thickness and partial tears).@*CONCLUSION@#Using PUSB/PUTL to observe distribution of contrast media in bursa, tendon and joint cavity to evaluate the type of rotator cuff tear, its diagnostic performance is significantly better than US and MRI. Therefore, percutaneous contrast-enhanced ultrasound can be a reliable method for diagnosing subtypes of rotator cuff tears.

Early effectiveness of arthroscopic superior fulcrum reconstruction in treatment of irreparable massive rotator cuff tear / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate early effectiveness of arthroscopic superior fulcrum reconstruction in the treatment of irreparable massive rotator cuff tear (IMRCT).@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 24 patients with IMRCT who met the inclusion criteria between January 2020 and April 2022. Among them, there were 11 males and 13 females with an average age of 56.2 years (range, 42-68 years). There were 12 cases of falling injuries, 3 cases of traction injuries, and the other 9 cases had no obvious causes. The disease duration ranged from 1 to 25 months (median, 6 months). The rotator cuff tears were classified as Hamada grade 2 in 18 cases and grade 3 in 6 cases, and Goutallier grade 1 in 3 cases, grade 2 in 20 cases, and grade 3 in 1 case. All patients were treated with arthroscopic superior fulcrum reconstruction. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Constant-Murley score, the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score, and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score were recorded before operation and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after operation.@*RESULTS@#The operations were all successfully completed. The incisions healed by first intention and no related complications occurred. All patients were followed up 12-33 months (mean, 24.6 months). The VAS, Constant-Murley, UCLA, and ASES scores at different time points after operation were superior to those before operation ( P<0.05). All of the above indicators further improved with time. Except for no significant difference in VAS and Constant-Murley scores between 6 and 12 months ( P>0.05), the differences between the other time points were significant ( P<0.05). At 12 months after operation, according to UCLA scoring standard, shoulder joint function was rated as excellent in 4 cases, good in 19 cases, and poor in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 96.0%. MRI showed that there was no graft re-tear and the transplanted tendon and bone tunnel healed.@*CONCLUSION@#The arthroscopic superior fulcrum reconstruction for IMRCT can effectively relieve the pain, improve the shoulder range of motion, and restore good shoulder function.

Application of Tranexamic Acid in Shoulder Arthroscopic Surgery: A Randomised Controlled Trial / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

Objective To explore the optimal administration route of tranexamic acid (TXA) in shoulder arthroscopic surgery. Methods Patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were randomly divided into four groups: control group (without TXA treatment), intravenous group (TXA was intravenously administered 10 minutes before surgery), irrigation group (TXA was added to the irrigation fluid during subacromial decompression and acromioplasty), and intravenous plus irrigation group (TXA was applied both intravenously and via intra-articular irrigation). The primary outcome was visual clarity assessed with visual analog scale (VAS) score, and the secondary outcomes included irrigation fluid consumption and time to subacromial decompression and acromioplasty procedure. Results There were 134 patients enrolled in the study, including 33 in the control group, 35 in the intravenous group, 32 in the irrigation group, and 34 in the intravenous plus irrigation group. The median and interquartile range of VAS scores for the intravenous, irrigation, and intravenous plus irrigation groups were 2.70 (2.50, 2.86) (Z = -3.677, P = 0.002), 2.67 (2.50, 2.77) (Z = -3.058, P < 0.001), and 2.91 (2.75, 3.00) (Z = -6.634, P < 0.001), respectively, significantly higher than that of the control group [2.44 (2.37, 2.53)]. Moreover, the control group consumed more irrigation fluid than the intravenous group, irrigation group, and intravenous plus irrigation group (all P < 0.05). The intravenous plus irrigation group consumed less irrigation fluid than either the intravenous group or the irrigation group (both P < 0.001). There was no difference in subacromial decompression and acromioplasty operative time among the four groups. Conclusion TXA applied both topically and systematically can improve intraoperative visual clarity, and the combined application is more effective.

Ultrasound guided injection of platelet-rich plasma for intratendinous rotator cuff tear: clinical and radiological outcomes / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of ultrasound guided injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of intratendinous rotator cuff tear.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 43 patients (46 shoulders) who had been treated for intratendinous partial-thickness rotator cuff tear by ultrasound guided injection of PRP consecutively from July 2021 to March 2022 at Department of Sports Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital. There were 23 males and 20 females, with an age of (47.8±13.5) years and a course of disease of 6 (4, 18) months, involving 22 left shoulders and 24 right shoulders. The visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) rating scale, and the shoulder index of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) were determined before injection and at the last follow-up. The changes in tear size were also evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before PRP injection and 3 to 5 months after PRP injection.Results:The 43 patients were followed up for 15 (12, 17) months after treatment. Of this cohort, 7 shoulders (15.2%, 7/46) were recovered to complete normal and very satisfied with the injection effects while 19 shoulders(41.3%, 19/46) satisfied with the effects after injection, yielding an overall satisfaction rate of 56.5% (26/46). At the last follow-up, the VAS score [3.0 (2.0, 4.0) points], ASES score [80.0 (65.0, 88.8) points], and UCLA score [29.0 (20.0, 32.0) points] were significantly improved compared with those before injection [5.5 (4.0, 8.0) points, 55.0 (39.2, 65.0) points, and 16.0 (12.0, 20.3) points] ( P < 0.05). MRI evaluation showed the tear volume was significantly reduced after PRP injection [46.1 (20.9, 77.5) mm 3 before injection versus 28.2 (12.5, 63.6) mm 3 after injection] ( P<0.05), and a >50% tear volume diminution was observed in 13 shoulders (34.2%,13/38). There were no complications during or after injection. Conclusion:As the ultrasound guided injection of PRP into intratendinous lesions is effective and safe for patients with intratendinous partial-thickness rotator cuff tear, it can be an alternative treatment for the patients or professional athletes who are unwilling to undergo surgery.

Risk factors for infections after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore risk factors for infections after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, and improve the under standing for reducing infection.@*METHODS@#Clinical data of 2 591 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair from January 2019 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 1 265 males and 1 326 females, aged from 25 to 82 years old with an average age of (51.5±15.6) years old. They were divided into infection group(n=18) and uninfected group(n=2 573) according to whether or not patients had postoperative infection. Gender, age, smoking, diabetes, body mass index, local closure within 1 month before operation, operation time, preventive use of antibiotics, and internal fixation implantation between two groups were recorded. Univariate Logistic regression analysis screened factors associated with infections after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Theresultswere entered into the multivariate logistic regression analysis, screening the high risk factors for infections after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.@*RESULTS@#In 2 591 patients, 18 patients were infected after operation, infection rate was 0.69%. Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that gender, age, operation time, antibiotic prophylaxis, internal fixation implantation were risk factors for infections after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed male(OR=14.227), age≥65 years(OR=34.313), operation time≥2 h (OR=15.616), without antibiotic prophylaxis(OR=4.891), and internal fixation implantation(OR=5.103) were major risk factors for infection after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair(P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Male, age≥65 years, operation time≥2 h, without antibiotic prophylaxis and internal fixation implantation were independent risk factors for infection after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Early diagnosis and timely treatment should be carried out to reduce the incidence of infection.

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.

Long-term effectiveness of arthroscopic partial repair for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the long-term effectiveness of arthroscopic partial repair in treatment of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears from both the radiological and clinical perspectives.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 24 patients (25 sides) with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears who met the inclusion criteria between May 2006 and September 2014. Among them, there were 17 males (18 sides) and 7 females (7 sides) with an age range of 43-67 years (mean, 55.0 years). There were 23 cases of unilateral injury and 1 case of bilateral injuries. All patients were treated with the arthroscopic partial repair. The active range of motion of forward elevation and abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation, as well as the muscle strength for forward flexion and external rotation, were recorded before operation, at the first postoperative follow-up, and at last follow-up. The American Association of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder scoring, and Constant score were used to evaluate shoulder joint function. And the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate shoulder joint pain. MRI examination was performed. The signal-to-noise quotient (SNQ) was measured above the anchor point near the footprint area (m area) and above the glenoid (g area) in the oblique coronal T2 fat suppression sequence. The atrophy of the supraspinatus muscle was evaluated using the tangent sign. The global fatty degeneration index (GFDI) was measured to assess fat infiltration in the supraspinatus muscle, infraspinatus muscle, teres minor muscle, upper and lower parts of the subscapularis muscle. The mean GFDI (GFDI-5) of 5 muscles was calculated.@*RESULTS@#The incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up with the first follow-up time of 1.0-1.7 years (mean, 1.3 years) and the last follow-up time of 7-11 years (mean, 8.4 years). At last follow-up, the range of motion and muscle strength of forward elevation and abduction, ASES score, Constant score, UCLA score, and VAS score of the patients significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). Compared with the first follow-up, except for a significant increase in ASES score ( P<0.05), there was no significant difference in the other indicators ( P>0.05). Compared with those before operation, the degree of supraspinatus muscle infiltration worsened at last follow-up ( P<0.05), GFDI-5 increased significantly ( P<0.05), and there was significant difference in the tangent sign ( P<0.05); while there was no significant difference in the infiltration degree of infraspinatus muscle, teres minor muscle, and subscapularis muscle, upper and lower parts of the subscapularis muscle ( P>0.05). Compared with the first follow-up, the SNQm and SNQg decreased significantly at last follow-up ( P<0.05). At the first and last follow-up, there was no correlation between the SNQm and SNQg and the ASES score, Constant score, UCLA score, and VAS score of the shoulder ( P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Arthroscopic partial repair is effective in treating massive irreparable rotator cuff tear and significantly improves long-term shoulder joint function. For patients with severe preoperative fat infiltration involving a large number of tendons and poor quality of repairable tendons, it is suggested to consider other treatment methods.

Resultados a mediano plazo de la prótesis invertida en la artropatía de manguito / Results in the medium long term of the reverse shoulder prosthesis in the cuff arthropathy

Resumen: Introducción: El estadio final de la artropatía de manguito (AM) genera dolor e invalidez, el tratamiento mediante artroplastía invertida (AI) muestra buenos índices de reducción de dolor y mejoras en movilidad. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo fue evaluar de manera retrospectiva los resultados a mediano plazo de la artroplastía invertida de hombro en nuestro centro. Material y método: Retrospectivamente analizamos 21 pacientes (23 prótesis) sometidos a AI con el diagnóstico de AM. La edad media fue de 75.21 años. El seguimiento mínimo fue de 60 meses. Analizamos las escalas ASES, DASH y CONSTANT preoperatorias y en la última visita de seguimiento. Se analizó la escala VAS preoperatoria y postoperatoria y rango de movilidad preoperatoria y postoperatoria. Resultados: Mejoraron todas las escalas funcionales y dolor (p < 0.001). ASES en 38.91 puntos (IC 95% 30.97-46.84); CONSTANT en 40.89 puntos (IC 95% 34.57-47.21); DASH en 52.65 puntos (IC 95% 46.31-59.0) p < 0.001; y 5.41 puntos (IC 95% 4.31-6.50) en VAS. Mejoraron con significación estadística la flexión (66.52o a 113.91o); y la abducción (63.69o a 105.85o). No obtuvimos significación estadística en rotación externa ni en rotación interna. Aparecieron complicaciones en 14 pacientes; 11 notching glenoideo, una infección crónica, una infección tardía y una fractura intraoperatoria de glenoides. Conclusiones: La AI de hombro representa una alternativa eficaz para el tratamiento de la AM. Puede esperarse alivio del dolor y una mejoría en la flexión y abducción del hombro; la ganancia en rotaciones es poco predecible.

Abstract: Introduction: The final stage of rotator cuff tear arthropathy generates pain and disability, treatment with reverse shoulder arthroplasty shows in different published studies good rates of pain reduction and improvements in mobility. the objective of our study was to retrospectively evaluate the medium-term results of inverted shoulder replacement at our center. Material and methods: Retrospectively, we analyzed 21 patients (23 prosthetics) undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty with the diagnosis of rotator cuff tear arthropathy. The average age of patients was 75.21 years The minimum follow-up was 60 months. We analyzed in all preoperative ASES, DASH and CONSTANT patients, and a new functional assessment was made using these same scales at the last follow-up visit. We analyzed pre and postoperative VAS as well as pre and postoperative mobility range. Results: We achieved a statistically significant improvement in all functional scale and pain values (p < 0.001). The ASES scale showed an improvement of 38.91 points (95% CI 30.97-46.84); the 40.89-point CONSTANT scale (95% 34.57-47.21) and the 52.65-point DASH scale (95% 46.31-59.0) p < 0.001. We found an improvement of 5.41 points (95% CI 4.31-6.50) on the VAS scale. We also achieved a statistically significant improvement in flexion values 66.52o to 113.91o degrees; abduction 63.69o to 105.85o degrees at the end of the follow-up. We did not get statistical significance in terms of external rotation but with a tendency to improve in the obtained values; instead in internal rotation we obtained results that showed a tendency to worsen. Complications occurred during follow-up in 14 patients; 11 in relation to notching glenoid, one patient with a chronic infection, one patient with a late infection and one intraoperative fracture of glenoid. Conclusions: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is an effective treatment of rotator cuff arthropathy. Pain relief and improvement in shoulder flexion and abduction can be expected especially; the gain in rotations is unpredictable.

Postoperative management of spontaneous pneumothorax in arthroscopic shoulder superior capsular reconstruction: A case report and review of literature / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction is an innovative technique for the irreparable rotator cuff tears, but spontaneous pneumothorax after surgery is very rare. The present case was a 66-year-old female with irreparable rotator cuff tears of the right shoulder, treated with the arthroscopic shoulder superior capsular reconstruction. The general anesthesia and operation went smoothly, but the patient experienced stuffiness in the chest and shortness of breath after recovery from anesthesia. Thoracic CT scans showed spontaneous pneumothorax in the right side, which was successfully treated by the conservative treatments (oxygen therapy) according to multidisciplinary team. Prompt and accurate early-stage diagnosis is necessary in controlling postoperative complications and standardized treatment is the key to relieve the suffering. Spontaneous pneumothorax after arthroscopic shoulder surgery has been rarely reported in previous literatures.

Acromion Morphology of Patients with Rotator Cuff Disease in Standard AP Shoulder Radiograph in Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah and Hospital Kuala Lumpur

@#Introduction: Rotator cuff pathology is commonly attributed to acromion morphology that is demonstrable in standard AP shoulder radiographs by measuring the critical shoulder angle (CSA), the lateral acromial angle (LAA), and the acromial index (AI). However, these parameters vary among races and countries. Therefore, our study aimed to get the local data on acromion morphology in patients with rotator cuff disease. Materials and methods: MRI shoulder reports between January 2012 and June 2018 were reviewed. The study group consisted of 47 patients with rotator cuff injury with a partial or complete tear, and a control group of 37 patients with tendinitis or osteoarthritis and intact rotator cuffs. The CSA, LAA, and AI of both groups were measured on the anteroposterior shoulder radiograph. The risk factors for both groups and the acromion morphology were recorded. Results: The CSA for the rotator cuff tear and the control group was 39.08° and 38.28°, LAA was 72.57 ° and 73.51°, and AI was 0.79 and 0.75. The acromion morphology differed in terms of gender, and only LAA was different among the different ethnic groups. There was a negative correlation between age and CSA, age and AI, LAA and CSA, LAA and AI, but a positive correlation between AI and CSA. Conclusion: The CSA for rotator cuff tear patients in our population was 39.08°, LAA was 72.57°, and AI was 0.79. The acromion morphology was significantly influenced by age and gender.

Comparison of pressing tendon suture with a lateral anchor and knotted suture in treatment of severe rotator cuff tear under shoulder arthroscopy / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy between the pressing tendon suture with a lateral anchor and the knotted suture with a lateral anchor in the treatment of severe rotator cuff tear under shoulder arthroscopy.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted of the 42 patients who had been treated at Department of Orthopedic Sports Medicine, Affiliated Hospital to Qingdao University from December 2018 to December 2019 for severe rotator cuff tear. They were 13 males and 29 females, with an age of (58.3±10.1) years (from 32 to 74 years). The injury was on the right side in 26 cases and on the left side in 16 cases. Of them, 22 received pressing tendon suture with a lateral anchor under shoulder arthroscopy and 20 knotted suture with a lateral anchor under shoulder arthroscopy. The flexion, abduction and external rotation of the shoulder, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score, University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) score, Constant-Murley shoulder score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and imaging MRI Sugaya grading were compared between the 2 groups 12 months after operation.Results:There was no significant difference in the preoperative general data between the 2 groups, showing comparability between them ( P>0.05). At 12 months after operation, the pressing tendon suture group had better abduction and flexion of the shoulder, a lower VAS pain score and a higher ASES score than the knotted suture group, but the differences were insignificant ( P>0.05). At 12 months after operation, the pressing tendon suture group achieved significantly better external rotation (39.2°±11.7°) and significantly higher UCLA score (28.1±4.7) and Constant-Murley shoulder score (77.0±9.3) than the knotted suture group (29.8°±14.6°, 22.1±5.7 and 66.4±11.0) ( P<0.05). At 12 months after operation, the imaging MRI Sugaya grading was significantly lower for the pressing tendon suture group than that for the knotted suture group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:In the treatment of patients with severe rotator cuff tear under shoulder arthroscopy, the pressing tendon suture with a lateral anchor may lead to better clinical prognosis than the knotted suture with a lateral anchor.

Comparison of modified load-sharing rip-stop technique with suture bridge for repair of massive rotator cuff tears / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To compare modified load-sharing rip-stop (mLSRS) technique with suture bridge (SB) for repair of massive rotator cuff tears.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted of the 68 patients who had been treated for massive rotator cuff tears from January 2017 to June 2019 at Department of Orthopedics, Dongyang People's Hospital. They were 26 males and 42 females, aged (63.4±1.0) years (from 45 to 84 years), with 56 right and 12 left sides affected. Of them, 32 were treated by mLSRS and 36 by double-line SB. The 2 groups were compared in terms of visual analog scale (VAS), Constant-Murley scoring, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) scoring and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scoring at the final follow-ups, and Sugaya ultrasonic evaluation of the repair integrity at postoperative 12 months.Results:There was no statistically significant difference in preoperative general data between the 2 groups, showing they were comparable ( P>0.05). Operations were successful in all patients who were followed up for 13 to 44 months (average, 19.7 months). No patient suffered from such complications as joint infection or anchor withdrawal. At the final follow-up, the mLSRS group scored respectively 0.9±0.6, 85.3±4.8, 33.1±1.0 and 86.4±5.0 in VAS, Constant-Murley, UCLA and ASES scores, significantly improved than their preoperative values (7.2±0.8, 47.0±3.1, 15.8±3.0 and 48.5±4.5) ( P<0.05); the SB group scored respectively 1.1±0.6, 86.6±3.4, 33.2±1.1 and 86.9±4.6 in the above indicators, also significantly improved than their preoperative values (7.3±0.7, 46.5±4.7, 14.4±2.7 and 48.8±4.3) ( P<0.05); there were no significant differences between the 2 groups in preoperative or postoperative values ( P> 0.05). The Sugaya ultrasonic evaluation showed no significant difference in rotator cuff healing between the 2 groups at postoperative 12 months ( P>0.05); according to the positions of re-tears, the SB group had significantly more type Ⅱ re-tears (20%, 2/10) than the mLSRS group (0, 0/4) ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Although both mLSRS and SB techniques can achieve satisfactory and comparable clinical outcomes in arthroscopic repair of massive rotator cuff tears, mLSRS may lead to fewer postoperative type Ⅱ re-tears than SB.

Acetabularization as a Protective Factor in Rotator Cuff Arthropathy / A acetabularização como fator protetor na artropatia do manguito rotador

Abstract Objective To check if shoulders with acetabularization have better functional results in cases of rotator cuff arthropathy. Methods A clinical and radiological cross-sectional evaluation of 65 shoulders with rotator cuff arthropathy by measuring the range of motion (RoM) of the shoulder, the Constant-Murley score, and the radiological classifications of Hamada and Seebauer. The clinical findings were compared with the radiographic findings. Results According to the classification of Seebauer, we observed better results regarding the RoM in type-A shoulders. There was a statistically significant difference regarding anterior elevation and medial rotation between types A and B (p< 0.05). Lateral rotation did not show a statistically significant difference between types A and B. The Constant-Murley score presented better results in type A, and there was a statistically significant difference between groups A and B (p< 0.05). According to the classification of Hamada, we observed that the RoM had better results in types 3, 2 and 1, and there was a statistically significant difference regarding anterior elevation and medial rotation (p< 0.05) compared with groups 4A, 4B and 5. There was no statistically significant difference between the Hamada groups regarding lateral rotation. According to Hamada, the Constant-Murley score showed better results in types 3, 1 and 2, and there was a statistically significant difference between groups 3 and 5. Conclusion The RoM and shoulder function were better in patients with acetabularization (Seebauer 1A and Hamada 3), and worse in those with glenohumeral arthrosis (Seebauer 1B, 2B and Hamada 4A, 4B and 5).

Resumo Objetivo Verificar se os ombros com acetabularização têm melhores resultados funcionais nos casos de artropatia do manguito rotador. Métodos Avaliação transversal clínica e radiológica de 65 ombros com artropatia do manguito rotador por meio da mensuração da amplitude de movimento (ADM) do ombro, do escore de Constant-Murley, e das classificações radiológicas de Hamada e Seebauer. Os achados clínicos foram comparados com os radiográficos. Resultados Segundo a classificação de Seebauer, com relação à ADM, observamos melhores resultados nos tipos A. Houve diferença estatística significativa na elevação anterior, e rotação medial entre os tipos A e B (p< 0.05). A rotação lateral não demonstrou diferença estatística significativa entre os tipos A e B. O escore de Constant-Murley apresentou melhores resultados nos tipos A, e houve diferença estatística significativa entre os grupos A e B (p< 0,05). Segundo a classificação de Hamada, observamos que a ADM teve melhores resultados nos tipos 3, 2 e 1, e houve diferença estatística significativa para a elevação anterior e a rotação medial (p< 0,05) quando comparadas com os grupos 4A, 4B e 5. Não houve diferença estatística significativa entre os grupos de Hamada em relação à rotação lateral. Ainda segundo Hamada, o escore de Constant-Murley apresentou melhores resultados nos tipos 3, 1 e 2, e houve diferença estatística significativa entre os grupos 3 e 5. Conclusão A ADM e a função do ombro apresentavam-se melhores nos pacientes com acetabularização (Seebauer 1A e Hamada 3), e piores naqueles com artrose glenoumeral (Seebauer 1B, 2B e Hamada 4A, 4B e 5).

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty: Functional results in rotator cuff arthropathy / Artroplastia reversa de ombro: Resultados funcionais na artropatia do manguito

Abstract Objective To evaluate the functional results of patients submitted to reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of rotator cuff arthropathy refractory to conservative treatment. Methods A retrospective study of 20 patients (21 shoulders), 17 women (81%) and 3 men (19%), underwent a reverse shoulder arthroplasty between October 2012 and September 2017, for a rotator cuff arthropathy treatment, operated by a single surgeon in a single center. The patients were assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, the Short-Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36), the visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain rating, and the University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) score. The mean age at surgery was of 66 years old (range: 55 to 83 years old). The duration of symptoms before surgery was of ∼ 2.5 years (range: 12 months to 6 years). The mean follow-up was of 42.4 months (range: 19 to 56.7 months). Results The mean postoperative scores were 18.2 points in DASH; 2 points in EVA, of which 16 (77%) corresponded to mild pain, 4 (18%) to moderate pain, and 1 (5%) to severe pain; 29 points in UCLA, of which 6 patients presented a regular result (28%), 10 patients a good result (48%), and 5 patients an excellent result (24%); and 63 points in the SF-36. The complications were four cases of notching, one case of acromial fracture due to stress, and one case of postoperative infection. Conclusions Reverse arthroplasty of the shoulder presents good functional results in the evaluated scores, providing a significant improvement in the quality of life of the patients.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar os resultados funcionais dos pacientes submetidos a artroplastia reversa de ombro, para tratamento da artropatia do manguito refratária a tratamento conservador. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo de 20 pacientes (21 ombros), 17 mulheres (81%) e 3 homens (19%), submetidos a artroplastia reversa de ombro no período de outubro de 2012 a setembro de 2017, para tratamento de artropatia de manguito rotador, operados por um único cirurgião em um único centro. Os pacientes foram avaliados pelo escore de disfunções do braço, ombro e mão (DASH, na sigla em inglês), pelo questionário genérico de avaliação de qualidade de vida SF-36 (SF-36), pela escala visual analógica de dor (EVA) e pelo escore da Universidade de Los Angeles - Califórnia (UCLA, na sigla em inglês). A média de idade na cirurgia foi de 66 anos (variação de 55 a 83 anos). O tempo de sintomas antes da realização da cirurgia foi de ∼ 2,5 anos (variação de 12 meses a 6 anos). O seguimento médio foi de 42,4 meses (variação de 19 a 56,7 meses). Resultados A média dos escores pós-operatórios foi de 18,2 pontos no DASH; de 2 pontos na EVA, sendo 16 (77%) de dores leves, 4 (18%) de dores moderadas e 1 (5%) de dor intensa; de 29 pontos no UCLA, sendo 6 pacientes com resultado regular (28%), 10 pacientes com resultado bom (48%), e 5 pacientes com resultado excelente (24%); e de 63 pontos no SF-36. Tivemos como complicações quatro casos de notching, um caso de fratura de acrômio por estresse, e um caso de infecção pós-operatória. Conclusões A artroplastia reversa do ombro apresenta bons resultados funcionais nos escores avaliados, propiciando melhora significativa na qualidade de vida dos pacientes.

Influences of Unidirectional Stretching Process on Mechanical Properties of Absorbable Patch for Rotator Cuff Repair / 医用生物力学

Objective To investigate the effect of unidirectional stretching on mechanical properties of different absorbable patches and evaluate its potential as a patch for rotator cuff repair. Methods The unidirectional stretching process was used to prepare absorbable patches with different polylactide based materials. Different unidirectional stretching temperatures (50-80 ℃) and stretching ratios (0.5-4.3) were set. The effects of different parameters on mechanical properties of the absorbable patches with different materials were studied. Their thermal properties, crystallization and surface morphology were characterized. Results The unidirectional stretching temperature and stretching ratio could adjust the tensile strength and strain, thermal property, crystalization and surface morphology of the absorbable patch. At directional stretching temperatures of 60, 70, 70 ℃ and stretching ratios of 3, 3, 4.3, respectively, the absorbable patches made of poly-L-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA), poly-L-co-D, L-lactide (PLDLLA) and poly-L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone (PLC) had the maximum tensile strength (74±7)，(97±6), (107±8) MPa, which were larger than the tensile strength for infraspinatus tendon of canine (40 MPa). However, only the strain of PLDLLA patch conformed to the flexibility of natural rotator cuff. Conclusions The unidirectional stretching process can improve mechanical properties of the absorbable patch. The absorbable patch made of PLDLLA has the potential to reinforce the rotator cuff tear.

Effect of microfracture combined with biomimetic hydrogel scaffold on rotator cuff tendon-to-bone healing in rabbits / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To assess the effect of microfracture and biomimetic hydrogel scaffold on tendon-to-bone healing in a rabbit rotator cuff tear model. Methods: Gelatin and methacrylic anhydride were used to synthesize gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA). Then the GelMA were treated with ultraviolet rays and vacuum freeze-drying method to obtain a biomimetic hydrogel scaffold. The morphology of the scaffold was observed by gross observation and scanning electron microscope. Degradation of the scaffold was determined at different time points. Twenty-four adult New Zealand rabbits, weighting 2.8-3.5 kg and male or female, were surgically created the bilateral acute rotator cuff tear models. One shoulder was treated with microfractures on the footprint and transosseous suture (control group, n=24). The other shoulder was treated with the same way, except for putting the scaffold on the footprint before transosseous suture (experimental group, n=24). The general conditions of rabbits were observed postoperatively. Tendon-to-bone healing was evaluated by gross observation, Micro-CT, HE staining, and bio-mechanical testing at 4 and 8 weeks after operation. Results: The scaffold was white and has a porous structure with pore size of 31.7-89.9 μm, which degraded slowly in PBS solution. The degradation rate was about 95% at 18 days. All the rabbits survived to the completion of the experiment. Micro-CT showed that there was no obvious defect and re-tear at the tendon-to-bone interface in both groups. No difference was found in bone mineral density (BMD), tissue mineral density (TMD), and bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) between the two groups at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively ( P>0.05). HE staining showed that the fibrous scar tissue was the main component at the tendon-to-bone interface in the control group at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively; the disorderly arranged mineralized cartilage and fibrocartilage formation were observed at the tendon-to-bone interface in the experimental group at 4 weeks, and the orderly arranged cartilage formation was observed at 8 weeks. Besides, the tendon maturation scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group at 4 and 8 weeks ( P0.05); the ultimate load to failure at 8 weeks was significantly higher in the experiment group than in the control group ( t=4.162, P=0.009), and no significant difference was found in stiffness between the two groups at 8 weeks ( t=2.286, P=0.071). Conclusion: Compared with microfracture alone, microfracture combined with biomimetic hydrogel scaffold can enhance tendon-to-bone healing and improve the ultimate load to failure in rabbits.

Bioinformatics analysis of gene expression profile and key pathways related to fatty infiltration after rotator cuff injury / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Fat infiltration is a key factor in the failure of rotator cuff repair. However, the pathological mechanism of fatty infiltration after rotator cuff injury is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To explore the differences in the expression of key genes after rotator cuff injury, to determine their functions and mechanism pathways, and to provide a theoretical basis for the pathological mechanism of fatty infiltration after rotator cuff injury. METHODS: GSE93661 was obtained through GEO database to screen differentially expressed genes. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were used to analyze the underlying mechanism of fatty infiltration. The protein-protein interaction network was constructed to obtain the pivot genes and analyze the potential pathogenic targets. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A total of 471 differentially expressed genes were identified. GO and KEGG analysis showed that neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions and cell adhesion molecular pathways were potential mechanisms of fat infiltration in rotator cuff tears. Leukotriene B4 receptor, as a pivot gene in the protein-protein interaction network, may be a key target for fat infiltration in rotator cuff tears. We have discovered potential key genes and pathways in the pathological development of fatty infiltration, providing a reference direction for future treatment.

Selection and discussion of the best treatment strategy for different types of rotator cuff injury / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: At present, the treatment of rotator cuff injury is still an emphasis and hotspot in orthopedics clinical research. Although the therapies of rotator cuff injury are constantly innovating and improving, there is still a lack of unified standards and understanding, and each treatment has different strengths, weaknesses and indications. OBJECTIVE: To provide more ideas for orthopedic clinicians to treat rotator cuff injury by summarizing the indications of different therapies of rotator cuff injury. METHODS: A computer-based online research of PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library and ClinicalKey databases was performed for relevant articles published from 1990 to 2019 with the keywords of “rotator cuff tear, rotator cuff injury, therapeutic, treatment and therapies”. The unrepresentative and over-dated articles and studies that did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded, and finally 77 eligible articles were included for analysis and summary. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The treatments of rotator cuff injury can be divided into conservative treatments and surgical treatments, in which surgical treatments mainly include rotator cuff debridement, superior articular capsule reconstruction, reverse shoulder arthroplasty, and subacromial balloon spacer. In the choice of these treatments, different types of rotator cuff injury have different indications. (2) It is worth noting that massive rotator cuff injury is still a challenge in clinical treatment due to the high surgical failure rate and postoperative retear rate. However, with the rapid development of material science and tissue engineering, the new adjuvant therapy technologies have been gradually applied in clinical practice, and have become the focus in the field of rotator cuff injury.

Research progress of biomaterials for repair of rotator cuff tear / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff injury is the main cause of shoulder dysfunction in adults. The rate of retear is very high in patients with rotator cuff tear treated with simple surgical suture. Biological materials can optimize the biomechanical property after rotator cuff injury. OBJECTIVE: To review the latest research and clinical application of biomaterials in the repair of rotator cuff injury. METHODS: PubMed and Web of science databases were retrieved for the latest researches on the biomaterials for repair of rotator cuff. The search terms were “rotator cuff injuries; biological materials; autograft; extracellular matrix materials; synthetic materials; biological scaffold; biological patch; augmentation”. Fifty-seven articles were classified and compared to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various repair biomaterials. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Currently, the biomaterials for repair of rotator cuff injury can be divided into three categories: untreated human tissue transplantation materials, extracellular matrix materials and synthetic materials. The latest clinical reports show that untreated human tissue transplantation materials often have different clinical effects. The results of extracellular matrix materials derived from human allogenic dermal materials are still acceptable. Most scholars do not recommend the use of small intestinal submucosal grafts from pigs. The latest three-dimensional collagen scaffolds and synthetic absorbable materials have good application prospects due to their good porosity and the ability to induce the healing of tendon and bone tissues. However, most of them are still in the stage of animal experiments, and more clinical trials are needed to confirm their safety and effectiveness. There is no safe and effective biomaterial to treat rotator cuff tear. With the development of tissue engineering technology and materials science, it is expected to find a satisfactory material in the future by combining the macroscopic properties of biological scaffolds or synthetic materials with the microscopic properties of stem cells or cytokines.