Functional and radiographic results of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty in the setting of subscapularis dysfunction: 5-year outcomes analysis.

BACKGROUND: Subscapularis management is a critical component to the success of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Failure to heal the subscapularis can result in pain, weakness, loss of function, and revision. However, not all patients have poor outcomes. The purpose of this study is to compare patients with normal and dysfunctional subscapularis function following TSA in regard to (1) patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs); (2) range of motion (ROM) and strength; (3) achievement of minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs); and (4) specific functional internal rotation tasks. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients treated with TSA for osteoarthritis with a minimum 2-year follow-up was performed to identify patients with subscapularis dysfunction. Subscapularis dysfunction was diagnosed when any degree of weakness in internal rotation was detected on physical examination (positive belly press sign). These patients were case controlled matched on a 1:3 ratio to patients with normal subscapularis function based on age and sex. PROMs, measured active motion, revision rates, patient satisfaction, and postoperative radiographic findings were compared. Population-specific institutional anchor-based MCID values were used to compare the improvement in PROM. RESULTS: Of the 668 patients included, 34 patients (5.1%) demonstrated evidence of subscapularis dysfunction. Mean follow-up for the normal subscapularis function cohort was 63.4 ± 29.7 and 58.7 ± 26.8 for the dysfunctional subscapularis cohort. Patients with subscapularis dysfunction demonstrated significantly worse postoperative Simple Shoulder Test, Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation, visual analog scale (VAS) function, VAS pain, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) scores with higher rates of unsatisfactory results when compared to patients with normal subscapularis function. Abduction, elevation, internal rotation ROM, along with supraspinatus and external rotation strength were also significantly worse in the dysfunctional group. Similarly, these patients were more likely to have decreased ability to perform functional internal rotation tasks, with only 47% of the patients being able to reach the small of their back compared to 85% with normal subscapularis function. Radiographically, the dysfunctional cohort demonstrated higher rates of anterior subluxation (56% vs. 7%; P < .001) and glenoid loosening (24% vs. 5%; P = .004). Similarly, revision rates were significantly higher for patients with subscapularis dysfunction (8 patients, 23.5%). Nonetheless, the dysfunctional subscapularis cohort demonstrated improvements in VAS pain (4.0 ± 3.7) and ASES (46.4 ± 35.9) scores that exceeded MCID thresholds. CONCLUSION: Patients who develop subscapularis dysfunction after TSA have significantly worse PROMs, ROM, functional tasks of internal rotation, and radiographic outcomes, as well as increased rates of revision. Although patients show worse outcomes and high revision rates compared with their normal-functioning counterparts, these patients maintained improvement above MCID thresholds for pain and function at a mean 5-year follow-up.

Predictors of dislocations after reverse shoulder arthroplasty: a study by the ASES complications of RSA multicenter research group.

BACKGROUND: Instability after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is one of the most frequent complications and remains a clinical challenge. Current evidence is limited by small sample size, single-center, or single-implant methodologies that limit generalizability. We sought to determine the incidence and patient-related risk factors for dislocation after RSA, using a large, multicenter cohort with varying implants. METHODS: A retrospective, multicenter study was performed involving 15 institutions and 24 American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons members across the United States. Inclusion criteria consisted of patients undergoing primary or revision RSA between January 2013 and June 2019 with minimum 3-month follow-up. All definitions, inclusion criteria, and collected variables were determined using the Delphi method, an iterative survey process involving all primary investigators requiring at least 75% consensus to be considered a final component of the methodology for each study element. Dislocations were defined as complete loss of articulation between the humeral component and the glenosphere and required radiographic confirmation. Binary logistic regression was performed to determine patient predictors of postoperative dislocation after RSA. RESULTS: We identified 6621 patients who met inclusion criteria with a mean follow-up of 19.4 months (range: 3-84 months). The study population was 40% male with an average age of 71.0 years (range: 23-101 years). The rate of dislocation was 2.1% (n = 138) for the whole cohort, 1.6% (n = 99) for primary RSAs, and 6.5% (n = 39) for revision RSAs (P < .001). Dislocations occurred at a median of 7.0 weeks (interquartile range: 3.0-36.0 weeks) after surgery with 23.0% (n = 32) after a trauma. Patients with a primary diagnosis of glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff had an overall lower rate of dislocation than patients with other diagnoses (0.8% vs. 2.5%; P < .001). Patient-related factors independently predictive of dislocation, in order of the magnitude of effect, were a history of postoperative subluxations before radiographically confirmed dislocation (odds ratio [OR]: 19.52, P < .001), primary diagnosis of fracture nonunion (OR: 6.53, P < .001), revision arthroplasty (OR: 5.61, P < .001), primary diagnosis of rotator cuff disease (OR: 2.64, P < .001), male sex (OR: 2.21, P < .001), and no subscapularis repair at surgery (OR: 1.95, P = .001). CONCLUSION: The strongest patient-related factors associated with dislocation were a history of postoperative subluxations and having a primary diagnosis of fracture nonunion. Notably, RSAs for osteoarthritis showed lower rates of dislocations than RSAs for rotator cuff disease. These data can be used to optimize patient counseling before RSA, particularly in male patients undergoing revision RSA.

Impact of humeral stem length on calcar resorption in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Use of standard-length anatomic total shoulder (TSA) humeral stems has been associated with high rates of medial calcar bone loss. Calcar bone loss has been attributed to stress shielding, debris-induced osteolysis, and undiagnosed infection. Short stem and canal-sparing humeral components may provide more optimal stress distribution and thus lower rates of calcar bone loss related to stress shielding. The purpose of this study is to determine whether implant length will affect the rate and severity of medial calcar resorption. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on TSA patients treated with three different-length humeral implants (canal-sparing, short, and standard-length designs). Patients were matched 1:1:1 based on both gender and age (±4 years), resulting in 40 patients per cohort. Radiographic changes in medial calcar bone were evaluated and graded on a 4-point scale, from the initial postoperative radiographs to those at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. RESULTS: The presence of any degree of medial calcar resorption demonstrated an overall rate of 73.3% at one year. At 3 months, calcar resorption was observed in 20% of the canal-sparing cohort, while the short and standard designs demonstrated resorption in 55% and 52.5%, respectively (P = .002). At 12 months, calcar resorption was seen in 65% of the canal-sparing design, while both the short and standard designs had a 77.5% rate of resorption (P = .345). The severity of calcar resorption for the canal-sparing cohort was significantly lower at all time points when compared to the short stem (3 months, P = .004; 6 months, P = .003; 12 months, P = .004) and at 3 months when compared to the standard-length stem (P = .009). CONCLUSION: Patients treated with canal-sparing TSA humeral components have significantly lower rates of early calcar resorption with less severe bone loss when compared to patients treated using short and standard-length designs.

Indication matters: effect of indication on clinical outcome following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty-a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: As the utilization and success of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) have continued to grow, so have its surgical indications. Despite the adoption of RTSA for the treatment of glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA) with an intact rotator cuff and irreparable massive rotator cuff tears (MCTs) without arthritis, the literature remains sparse regarding the differential outcomes after RTSA among these varying indications. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the postoperative clinical outcomes of RTSA based on indication. METHODS: A retrospective review of 2 large institutional databases was performed to identify all patients who underwent RTSA between 2015 and 2019 with minimum 2-year follow-up. Patients were stratified by indication into 3 cohorts: GHOA, rotator cuff tear arthropathy (CTA), and MCT. Baseline demographic characteristics were collected to determine differences between the 3 cohorts. Clinical outcomes were measured preoperatively and postoperatively, including active range of motion, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score, and visual analog scale pain score. Multivariate linear regression was performed to determine the factors independently predictive of the postoperative ASES score. RESULTS: A total of 625 patients (383 with GHOA, 164 with CTA, and 78 with MCTs) with a mean follow-up period of 33.4 months were included in the analysis. Patients with GHOA had superior ASES scores (85.6 ± 15.7 vs. 76.6 ± 20.8 in CTA cohort [P < .001] and 75.9 ± 19.9 in MCT cohort [P < .001]), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores (86 ± 20.9 vs. 76.7 ± 24.1 in CTA cohort [P < .001] and 74.2 ± 25.3 in MCT cohort [P < .001]), and visual analog scale pain scores (median [interquartile range], 0.0 [0.0-1.0] vs. 0.0 [0.0-2.0] in CTA cohort [P < .001] and 0.0 [0.0-2.0] in MCT cohort [P < .001]) postoperatively. Postoperative active forward elevation (P < .001) and improvement in active external rotation (P < .001) were greatest in the GHOA cohort compared with other indications. Multivariate linear regression demonstrated that the factors independently associated with the postoperative ASES score included a diagnosis of GHOA (ß coefficient, 7.557 [P < .001]), preoperative ASES score (ß coefficient, 0.114 [P = .009]), female sex (ß coefficient, -4.476 [P = .002]), history of surgery (ß coefficient, -3.957 [P = .018]), and postoperative complication (ß coefficient, -13.550 [P < .001]). CONCLUSION: RTSA for the treatment of GHOA generally has superior patient-reported and functional outcomes when compared with CTA and MCTs without arthritis. Long-term follow-up is needed to identify the lasting implications of such outcome differences.

Risk factors of acromial and scapular spine stress fractures differ by indication: a study by the ASES Complications of Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Multicenter Research Group.

BACKGROUND: Both patient and implant related variables have been implicated in the incidence of acromial (ASF) and scapular spine fractures (SSF) following reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA); however, previous studies have not characterized nor differentiated risk profiles for varying indications including primary glenohumeral arthritis with intact rotator cuff (GHOA), rotator cuff arthropathy (CTA), and massive irreparable rotator cuff tear (MCT). The purpose of this study was to determine patient factors predictive of cumulative ASF/SSF risk for varying preoperative diagnosis and rotator cuff status. METHODS: Patients consecutively receiving RSA between January 2013 and June 2019 from 15 institutions comprising 24 members of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) with primary, preoperative diagnoses of GHOA, CTA and MCT were included for study. Inclusion criteria, definitions, and inclusion of patient factors in a multivariate model to predict cumulative risk of ASF/SSF were determined through an iterative Delphi process. The CTA and MCT groups were combined for analysis. Consensus was defined as greater than 75% agreement amongst contributors. Only ASF/SSF confirmed by clinical and radiographic correlation were included for analysis. RESULTS: Our study cohort included 4764 patients with preoperative diagnoses of GHOA, CTA, or MCT with minimum follow-up of 3 months (range: 3-84). The incidence of cumulative stress fracture was 4.1% (n = 196). The incidence of stress fracture in the GHOA cohort was 2.1% (n = 34/1637) compared to 5.2% (n = 162/3127) (P < .001) in the CTA/MCT cohort. Presence of inflammatory arthritis (odds ratio [OR] 2.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-7.78; P = .035) was the sole predictive factor of stress fractures in GHOA, compared with inflammatory arthritis (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.19-2.89; P = .016), female sex (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.20-2.72; P = .007), and osteoporosis (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.02-2.37; P = .003) in the CTA/MCT cohort. CONCLUSION: Preoperative diagnosis of GHOA has a different risk profile for developing stress fractures after RSA than patients with CTA/MCT. Though rotator cuff integrity is likely protective against ASF/SSF, approximately 1/46 patients receiving RSA with primary GHOA will have this complication, primarily influenced by a history of inflammatory arthritis. Understanding risk profiles of patients undergoing RSA by varying diagnosis is important in counseling, expectation management, and treatment by surgeons.

Anatomic and reverse shoulder arthroplasty for management of type B2 and B3 glenoids: a matched-cohort analysis.

BACKGROUND: Severe glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA) with posterior glenoid erosion remains challenging to address for shoulder surgeons. Whereas anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) has historically been the treatment of choice, reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) offers an alternative option. Limited evidence exists directly comparing these 2 treatments in a similar patient population. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of patients with GHOA and Walch type B2 and B3 glenoid morphologies treated with TSA vs. RSA. METHODS: We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients with GHOA who were treated with primary shoulder arthroplasty and had a minimum follow-up period of 2 years. Preoperative computed tomography was used to determine type B2 and B3 glenoid morphology as described by the modified Walch classification. Three-dimensional perioperative planning software was used to characterize glenoid retroversion and humeral subluxation. Patients were categorized based on type of arthroplasty (TSA or RSA) and were matched 1:1 by sex, Walch classification, and age. Patient-reported outcome measures, active range of motion, presence and severity of glenoid loosening, and complications were compared. The percentage of patients who reached previously established clinically significant thresholds of the minimal clinically important difference and substantial clinical benefit for the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was also comparatively assessed. RESULTS: In total, 202 patients (101 per group) with GHOA and type B2 or B3 glenoids were included in the 1:1 matched analysis. The mean length of follow-up (± standard deviation) was 39 ± 18.7 months. The cohorts were well matched, with no differences in sex, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, body mass index, preoperative glenoid morphology (Walch classification), glenoid retroversion, or posterior subluxation (P > .05). RSA was associated with a lower postoperative visual analog scale pain score (0.5 in RSA group vs. 1.2 in TSA group, P = .036); however, no other no other significant differences in patient-reported significant differences in patient-reported outcome measures were found. Most patients in both groups (95.0% in TSA group vs. 98.0% in RSA group, P = .436) reached the minimal clinically important difference, and 82% of TSA patients and 90% of RSA patients reached the substantial clinical benefit value (P = .292). No significant differences in the overall complication rate (P = .781) and active range of motion were found, with the exception of internal rotation (scored on a numeric scale) being worse in the RSA group (2.7 preoperatively and 5.2 postoperatively in RSA group vs. 3.9 and 6.5, respectively, in TSA group; P < .001). Baseplate loosening occurred in 2 RSA cases, and 29 TSA cases had glenoid radiolucencies (P < .001), with 3 grossly loose glenoid components. CONCLUSION: Primary RSA results in short-term outcomes largely comparable to those of TSA in patients with Walch type B2 or B3 glenoid morphology. Both TSA and RSA provide substantial clinical benefit to patients with significant posterior glenoid wear.

Iron deficiency anemia is associated with increased medical and implant-related complications and length of stay for patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is associated with decreased bone mineral density and osteoporosis; however, studies investigating the effects of IDA in patients undergoing primary total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) have not been well studied. The purpose of this study is to utilize a nationwide administrative claims database to investigate whether patients with diagnosed IDA undergoing primary TSA have higher rates of 1) in-hospital length of stay (LOS); 2) medical complications; and 3) implant-related complications. METHODS: A retrospective review from 2005 to 2014 was conducted using the Medicare Standard Analytical Files. Patients with IDA undergoing primary TSA were identified and matched to controls without IDA, in a 1:5 ratio by age, sex, and medical comorbidities. Outcomes analyzed included in-hospital LOS and 90-day medical and implant-related complications. Mann-Whitney U tests compared in-hospital LOS, and multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) on the effects of IDA on postoperative complications after adjusting for age, sex, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index. RESULTS: A total of 17,689 patients with IDA and 88,445 without IDA participated in the matched-cohort analysis, with no differences in age, gender, and comorbidities (P = .99). IDA patients were found to have significantly longer in-hospital LOS (3-days vs. 2-days, P < .0001). IDA patients were also found to have significantly higher odds of 90-day implant-related complications (OR: 1.65, P < .0001), such as periprosthetic joint infections (OR: 1.80, P < .0001) and 90-day medical complications (OR: 2.87, P < .0001), including blood transfusions (OR: 10.37, P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Patients with IDA undergoing primary TSA have significantly longer in-hospital LOS, and medical and implant-related complications. Patients were 10 times more likely to undergo a blood transfusion and 2 times more likely to have a periprosthetic fracture.

Femoral Nerve Compression due to Adverse Local Tissue Reaction After Ceramic-on-ceramic Total Hip Arthroplasty.

The use of metal bearings in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been linked with adverse local tissue reactions (ALTRs). There is 1 reported case of ALTR from a ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearing and none that resulted in nerve compression. In this case, a 71-year-old man presented with an ALTR after a CoC THA that resulted in femoral nerve compression. An anterior approach was utilized to revise his THA, which resulted in nerve decompression and near-resolution of his preoperative symptoms. We conclude that CoC bearings may not be completely inert and can result in ALTRs and nerve compression.

Radiographic and anatomic variations on postoperative acromion fractures after inlay and lateralized reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative fracture of the acromion is a complication uniquely more common after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) than other forms of shoulder arthroplasty. There is limited knowledge regarding the etiology of these fractures or the anatomic risk factors. The purpose of this study is to identify associations of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint and relative humeral and glenoid positioning on the occurrence of acromial fractures after RSA. METHODS: A retrospective case-controlled study was performed on primary RSA patients treated by a single surgeon from September 2009 to September 2019. Patients with a postoperative acromion fracture were matched in a 3:1 ratio based on gender, indication, and age to those without a fracture and with a 2-year minimum follow-up. Preoperative and the immediate postoperative radiographs were reviewed by 2 investigators to measure critical shoulder angle, acromion-humeral interval, global lateralization, delta angle, preoperative glenoid height, and the level of inlay or onlay of the humeral stem. The morphology, width, and stigmata of osteoarthritis in the AC joint were assessed using computed tomography scans taken preoperatively. RESULTS: Of a total of 920 RSAs performed, 47 (5.1%) patients suffered a postoperative acromion fracture. These patients were compared with a control group of 141 patients, with a mean age of 76.4 years and similar distributions of gender and surgical indication. Patients in both groups had similar preoperative glenoid height (P = .953) and postoperative degree of inset or offset of humeral implant relative to the anatomic neck (P = .413). There were no differences in critical shoulder angle, acromion-humeral interval, global lateralization, and delta angle both preoperatively and postoperatively between the fracture and nonfracture groups. Computed tomography analysis also showed no differences in AC joint morphology (P = .760), joint space (P = .124), and stigma of osteoarthritis (P = .161). CONCLUSION: There was no relation between the features of the AC joint and the anatomic parameters of the humerus relative to the glenoid and acromion on postoperative acromion fractures after RSA.

Comparison of reverse shoulder arthroplasty and total shoulder arthroplasty for patients with inflammatory arthritis.

BACKGROUND: End-stage glenohumeral joint arthritis is common in patients with inflammatory arthritis. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) and anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) are both indicated in this setting. RSA is often considered based on the impacts of long-standing inflammatory arthritis including glenoid and humeral bone erosion and rotator cuff insufficiency. However, acromial and scapular spine fractures following RSA have been reported more commonly in these patients, which can have a significant impact on outcomes. Currently, no study has directly compared the efficacy and complication rates of RSA vs. TSA in patients with inflammatory arthritis. This study aimed to investigate differences in clinical outcomes and complications in patients undergoing RSA vs. TSA with glenohumeral inflammatory arthritis. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 86 patients with inflammatory arthritis treated with primary RSA (n = 43) or TSA (n = 43) with a minimum of 2 years' follow-up. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, Simple Shoulder Test scores, visual analog scale scores for pain and function, active range of motion, and patient self-ratings of upper-extremity normality (Subjective Assessment of Normal Evaluation [SANE]) were collected preoperatively and at minimum 2-year follow-up. Radiographic classification of preoperative glenoid and humeral bone loss was performed, and postoperative complications were observed. Revision and complication details were compared. RESULTS: The study cohort had an average age of 72.1 years (range, 31-92 years) and average follow-up period of 51.6 months (range, 22-159 months). Both the RSA and TSA cohorts demonstrated improvements in patient-reported outcome measures and ranges of motion; however, patients treated with TSA showed a greater postoperative final Simple Shoulder Test score (P < .001), visual analog scale score for function (P = .0347), active elevation (P = .0331), active external rotation (P < .001), active internal rotation (P = .005), and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score (P = .0161). Analysis of complication rates demonstrated no statistically significant difference between cohorts. Four acromial fractures occurred in the RSA group. When RSA patients who sustained acromial fractures were removed from the analysis, there were minimal differences in outcomes between the RSA and TSA cohorts. CONCLUSION: TSA in patients with inflammatory arthritis leads to improved clinical outcomes but higher early revision rates when compared with RSA. RSA outcomes are negatively impacted by a high rate of postoperative acromial fractures.

Alcohol Abuse, Morbid Obesity, Depression, Congestive Heart Failure, and Chronic Pulmonary Disease are Risk Factors for 90-Day Readmission After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report the rate and causes of 90-day readmissions after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Methods: A retrospective query from January 2005 to March 2014 was performed using a nationwide administrative claims registry. Patients and complications were identified using International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) and were readmitted within 90 days after their index procedure were identified. Patients not readmitted represented controls. Patients readmitted were stratified into separate cohorts depending on the primary cause of readmission, which included cardiac, endocrine, hematological, infectious, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal (MSK), neoplastic, neurological or psychiatric, pulmonary, and renal. Risk factors assessed were comorbidities comprising the Elixhauser-Comorbidity Index (ECI). Primary outcomes analyzed and compared included cause for readmission, patient demographics, risk factors, in-hospital length of stay (LOS), and costs. Pearson's chi-square was used to compare patient demographics, and multivariate binomial logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) on patient-related risk factors for 90-day readmissions. Results: 10,425 readmitted patients and 301,625 control patients were identified, representing a 90-day readmission rate of 3.5%. The causes of readmissions were primarily related to infectious diseases (15%), MSK (15%), and cardiac (14%) complications. The most common MSK readmissions were osteoarthrosis of the leg or shoulder (24.8%) and spinal spondylosis (8.4%). Multivariate binomial logistic regression analyses demonstrated patients with alcohol abuse (OR, 1.42; P < .0001), morbid obesity (OR, 1.38; P < .0001), depression (OR, 1.35; P < .0001), congestive heart failure (OR, 1.34; P < 0.0001), and chronic pulmonary disease (OR, 1.28; P < .0001) were at the greatest risk of readmissions after RCR. Conclusions: Significant differences exist among patients readmitted, and those patients who do not require hospital readmission within 90 days following arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs. Readmissions are associated with significant patient comorbidities and were primarily related to medically based complications. Level of Evidence: Level III, prognostic, retrospective cohort study.

Coracoid Impingement and Morphology Is Associated with Fatty Infiltration and Rotator Cuff Tears.

This study describes measurements between the coracoid, glenoid, and humerus; characterizes coracoid shape, rotator cuff fatty infiltration, and quantitatively evaluates coracoid impingement and its association with anterosuperior rotator cuff tears (ASCT). 193 shoulder magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans demonstrating: rotator cuff tear; isolated tear of the supraspinatus; tear of supraspinatus and subscapularis, were included. MRI measurements included coracohumeral interval (CHI), coracoid overlap (CO), coracoid recess (CR), coracoglenoid angle (CGA), and coracoglenoid interval (CGI) on axial slices; acromiohumeral interval (AHI) on coronal slices; and coracohumeral interval (CHI) and coracoacromial ligament (CAL) thickness on sagittal slices. The coracoid shape was classified as flat, curved, or hooked. An Independent T-test was used to compare the MRI measurements and the different rotator cuff tear groups. In 79% of the patients with ASCT tears, the coracoid was curved. Axial CHI, CGA, sagittal CHI, and AHI were decreased in ASCT when compared to no tears and isolated supraspinatus tears (p < 0.05). CO was increased in ASCT compared to no tears and isolated supraspinatus tears (p < 0.05). Patients with an ASCT had a significantly increased subscapularis and supraspinatus Goutallier fatty infiltration score when compared to no tear and isolated supraspinatus tears (p < 0.05). These quantitative measurements may be useful in identifying patients at risk for ASCT. Level of Evidence III.

Functional internal rotation is similar between lesser tuberosity osteotomy and subscapularis peel in total shoulder arthroplasty: short-term follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Lesser tuberosity osteotomy (LTO) and subscapularis peel (Peel) are 2 common techniques used to mobilize the subscapularis tendon during anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The literature is inconclusive over which technique is optimal; thus, controversy exists over which technique should be performed. The purpose of this study was to compare specific functional internal rotation tasks and general outcome scores in TSA patients who received either an LTO or Peel. METHODS: A retrospective review of 563 patients treated with primary TSA using either an LTO (n = 358) or Peel (n = 205) with a minimum 2-year follow-up was performed. Subjective internal rotation, active internal rotation, and specific questions related to functional internal rotation isolated from the Simple Shoulder Test (SST) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons functional questionnaires were reviewed. Other outcome scores including visual analog scale pain and function, Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation, SST, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and revision rates were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The study found no difference in postoperative functional internal rotation and range of motion between LTO and Peel. Patients who received a Peel were shown to have a slightly greater improvement in the ability to perform toileting and a higher average change in SST score that did not reach clinical significance. There was no difference in the percentage of maximal improvement, revision rate, or need for revision between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: No difference was found between the LTO and Peel techniques in regard to functional tasks of internal rotation at short-term follow-up.

A comparison of patient same-day discharge selection after shoulder arthroplasty before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Early discharge has been a target of cost control efforts, given the growing demand for joint replacement surgery. Select patients are given the choice for same-day discharge (SDD) or overnight stay after shoulder arthroplasty. The COVID-19 pandemic changed patient perspectives regarding hospital visitation and admission. The purpose of this study was to determine if the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the utilization of SDD after shoulder arthroplasty. We hypothesize that patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic will have higher rates of SDD. Methods: A retrospective continuous review was performed on 370 patients who underwent a primary anatomic (total shoulder arthroplasty) or reverse shoulder arthroplasty between August 2019 and December 2020 by a single surgeon. This group of patients represent the 185 arthroplasty cases completed before the COVID-19 pandemic and the first 185 patients after the start of the pandemic. April 1, 2020, was chosen as the cutoff for pre-COVID patients, as this represents the date a statewide ban on elective surgery was declared. All patients were counseled preoperatively regarding SDD and given the choice to stay overnight, unless medically contraindicated. Demographics, medical history, length of stay, 30- and 90-day readmissions, and 90-day emergency room (ER) and urgent care visits were obtained from medical records and compared. Two-tailed student t-tests, chi-square tests, and Fischer's exact were performed where appropriate. Results: The 2 groups were similar in age, body mass index, gender distribution, and Outpatient Arthroplasty Risk Assessment score. During the collection period, there were more anatomic shoulder arthroplasties performed after (54%) than before (44%) the COVID-19 pandemic (P = .029). Patients treated after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic were almost 3 times more likely to have an SDD (P < .001), with 85.4% (158/185) of patients being discharged the same day after COVID-19, compared with 34.6% (64/185) before COVID-19. Discharge disposition (location of discharge) was significantly different, as 99% (183/185) of patients undergoing surgery after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic were discharged home, compared with 94% (174/185) of patients before COVID-19. There was no difference in 30-day readmissions, 90-day readmissions, and 90-day (ER) and urgent care visits between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted patient choices for SDD within a single surgeon's practice, with nearly 3 times as many patients electing for SDD. Readmissions and ER visits were similar, indicating that SDD remains a safe alternative for patients after total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Level of evidence: Level III; Retrospective Comparative Study.

Nonoperative treatment of acromial fractures following reverse shoulder arthroplasty: clinical and radiographic outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Acromion/scapular spine fractures (ASFs) remain a challenging complication following reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). Historically, nonoperative management has been the treatment of choice, with variable results. The purpose of this study is to report on both clinical and radiographic outcomes of nonoperative treatment. A new subclassification of Levy type II acromion fractures will be proposed, and outcomes will be evaluated in relation to the modified Levy classification. METHODS: Forty-four patients diagnosed with ASF following RSA were matched 1:3 to a control group based on gender, age, and preoperative function. All ASF patients were treated nonoperatively. Patient-reported outcome measures, consisting of American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form, Simple Shoulder Test, Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation, visual analog scale pain and function scores, satisfaction, and active range of motion were gathered preoperatively and at the most recent follow-up. Outcomes were stratified based on fracture type. Radiographic findings including fracture union, scapular rotation, progressive notching, and osteolysis were reviewed from latest follow-up and compared with initial postoperative films. RESULTS: ASFs were identified at a median of 2 months following RSA (8 type I; 22 type II; 14 type III), followed for a median of 37 months and compared to 108 matched controls. Patients with ASF had inferior clinical outcomes with a higher rate of dissatisfaction (27.8%) when compared to controls. Lateral fracture subtypes (I and IIA) were similar to controls and had little impact on outcomes. However, medial fracture subtypes (type IIB, IIC, and III) demonstrated inferior outcomes when compared to controls, with type III fracture patients demonstrating no improvement from baseline. The overall nonunion rate was 61.4%, with high rates of scapular rotation and osteolysis in medial fracture subtypes. Nonunion was associated with a higher incidence of secondary radiographic findings, including scapular rotation, progressive notching, and osteolysis. CONCLUSION: Results of nonoperative treatment of ASF following RSA differs based on fracture location. Fractures that occur at or medial to the glenoid face (IIB, IIC, III) demonstrate high rates of unsatisfactory results and worse clinical outcomes. Concerning radiographic findings of scapular tilt, progressive scapular notching and osteolysis were seen at a higher rate with medial fracture types and fracture nonunions.