Functional Internal Rotation is Associated with Subscapularis Tendon Healing and Increased Scapular Tilt after Grammont style BIO RSA with 155° humeral implant.

BACKGROUND: While forward flexion consistently improves after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), restoration of internal rotation behind the back (IR1) is much less predictable. This study aims to evaluate the role of the subscapularis tendon in restoration of IR and identify other factors that may influence IR such as anterior scapular tilt and postoperative passive internal rotation at 90° of abduction (IR2). The hypothesis was that IR1 is positively associated with both subscapularis healing, postoperative passive IR2, and anterior scapular tilt. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on a consecutive series of Grammont style BIO (bony increased offset) RSAs performed by a single surgeon between January 2014 and December 2015. Inclusion criteria were: (1) primary RSA for rotator cuff arthropathy, massive irreparable rotator cuff tear, or primary osteoarthritis with B2 glenoid morphology, (2) minimum of two years clinical follow-up, and (3) complete intraoperative repair of a repairable subscapularis tendon. The primary outcomes were postoperative return of IR1 compared to postoperative IR2, healing rate of subscapularis tendon, and scapular tilt. RESULTS: The cohort included 77 patients, aged 72.6±7.0 years at index surgery and comprising 32 men (42%) and 45 women (58%). At a mean follow-up of 3.3±1.0 years, ultrasound evaluation revealed a successful repair of the subscapularis in 41 patients (53%). Healed subscapularis repair was significantly associated with greater IR1 (85% vs. 53%, p=0.031). A multivariate logistic regression revealed functional postoperative IR1 was independently associated with subscapularis healing (OR, 4.3; 95%CI [1.1-20.2]; p=0.046) as well as greater anterior tilt (OR, 1.2; 95%CI [1.1-1.5]; p=0.008) and postoperative IR2 (OR, 1.09; 95%CI [1.05-1.14]; p<0.001) but lower postoperative passive abduction (OR, 0.96; 95%CI [0.92-1.00], p=0.045). The area under receiver operating characteristic curve obtained with the Youden index was 0.88 with a sensitivity of 81.8% and specificity of 90.6%. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that in a Grammont-type RSA, postoperative IR1 recovery is first associated with subscapularis tendon healing, followed by IR2 and finally the ability to tilt the scapula anteriorly. Better understanding of these factors preoperatively may provide greater insight on expected return of functional internal after RSA.

SLAP lesion type IX: case series and a review of literature.

PURPOSE: A type IX SLAP (superior labrum anterior to posterior) lesion involves 360° of the glenohumeral labrum. Only rare reports have been published analyzing the risk factors of this lesion and the success of its arthroscopic management. The aim of our study is to evaluate predisposing factors that lead to SLAP IX and to assess the clinical outcome after arthroscopic treatment. Our treatment algorithm is also presented. METHODS: We report on a series of six patients treated in our institution between January 2014 and January 2019 who underwent shoulder arthroscopy and were intraoperatively found to have a SLAP lesion type IX. Arthroscopic labral repair and biceps tenodesis were indicated in all patients. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Shoulder Score, Rowe Score and Constant Murley Shoulder Score (CS) were used for clinical evaluation. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at 12 weeks, 1 year and 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS: We analyzed six patients of which 83% were males (5/6 patients). The average age at the time of surgery was 37.16 (range 30-42 years). The dominant arm was affected in 50% of patients (3/6 patients). A significant postoperative improvement was seen in all six patients. 83% (5/6) of patients returned to their pre-injury activity level. Average values of all three measured scores show a significant increase comparing preoperative to postoperative period (P-value < 0.05). All patients were able to return to work. CONCLUSIONS: The final diagnosis was established intraoperatively as 83% (5/6) of radiology reports differed from subsequent arthroscopic findings. The mechanism of injury in all our cases was high energy trauma with traction, arm in abduction or anteflexion. We observed great success with arthroscopic treatment as high percentage of our patients returned back to work and sports.

Muscle Edema of Retraction and Pseudo-Fatty Infiltration After Traumatic Rotator Cuff Tears: An Experimental Model in Sheep.

Background: Traumatic rotator cuff tears can result in retraction of the tendon and may be associated with muscle edema, which may be confused with fatty infiltration as seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Purpose: To describe the characteristics of a type of edema associated with acute retraction of the rotator cuff tendon (termed "edema of retraction") and to highlight the risk of mistaking it with pseudo-fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff muscle. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: A total of 12 alpine sheep were used for analysis. On the right shoulder, osteotomy of the greater tuberosity was performed to release the infraspinatus tendon; the contralateral limb acted as the control. MRI was performed immediately after surgery (time zero) and at 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively. T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and Dixon pure-fat sequences were reviewed for hyperintense signals. Results: Edema of retraction resulted in hyperintense signals around or within the retracted rotator cuff muscle on both T1- and T2-weighted imaging, but there was an absence of hyperintense signals on Dixon pure-fat imaging. This represented pseudo-fatty infiltration. Edema of retraction created a characteristic "ground glass" appearance of the muscle on T1-weighted sequences and was often found in either the perimuscular or intramuscular location of the rotator cuff muscle. Compared to time zero values, a decrease in the percentage of fatty infiltration was observed at 4 weeks postoperatively (16.5% ± 4.0% vs 13.8% ± 2.9%, respectively; P < .005). Conclusion: The location of edema of retraction was often peri- or intramuscular. Edema of retraction presented as a characteristic "ground glass" appearance of the muscle on T1-weighted sequences and led to a decrease in the fat percentage because of a dilution effect. Clinical Relevance: Physicians should be aware that this edema can result in a form of pseudo-fatty infiltration, as it is associated with hyperintense signals on both T1- and T2-weighted sequences, and it can be mistaken for fatty infiltration.

Stemless reverse shoulder arthroplasty: clinical and radiologic outcomes with minimum 2 years' follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Recently, a stemless reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) design was developed to preserve bone stock. Clinical and radiologic studies of this design in larger cohorts with >100 patients are not frequent. The purpose of this study was to present the clinical and radiologic results of a newly developed stemless RSA implant. The hypothesis was that this design would provide similar clinical and radiologic results to other stemless implants, as well as stemmed implants. METHODS: Between September 2015 and December 2019, all patients who underwent primary RSA with a stemless Easytech prosthesis were considered eligible for inclusion in this prospective multicenter study. The minimum follow-up period was 2 years. Clinical outcomes consisted of the Constant score, adjusted Constant score, QuickDASH (short version of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire) score, Subjective Shoulder Value, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder score. Radiographic parameters included radiolucency, loosening, scapular notching, and specific geometric parameters. RESULTS: Stemless RSA was performed in 115 patients (61 women and 54 men) at 6 different clinical centers. The average age at the time of surgery was 68.7 years. The average Constant score was 32.5 preoperatively and showed significant improvement to 61.8 at latest follow-up (P < .001). The Subjective Shoulder Value also demonstrated significant improvement postoperatively (from 27.0 to 77.5, P < .001). Scapular notching was observed in 28 patients (24.3%); humeral loosening, 5 (4.3%); and glenoid loosening, 4 (3.5%). The total complication rate was 17.4%. Eight patients (4 women and 4 men) underwent implant revision. CONCLUSION: The clinical outcomes of the examined stemless RSA seem to be comparable to those of other humeral designs; however, the complication and revision rates are higher than those of historical controls. Surgeons should proceed with caution when using this implant until longer-term follow-up data are available.

Complications of Long Head of the Biceps Tenotomy in Association with Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Risk Factors and Influence on Outcomes.

Background: This study aims to report the rate of biceps-related complications after LHB tenotomy, investigating related risk factors and their influence on the outcome. The hypothesis is that these complications have a limited clinical influence. Methods: A single-center prospective observational study was performed between 2015 and 2017 on consecutive patients who underwent RCR associated with LHB tenotomy. Patients were clinically and radiologically evaluated preoperatively, at six months and one year, and screened for postoperative popeye deformity, cramps, and bicipital discomfort. Each complication was analyzed for the following risk factors: age, sex, body mass index (BMI), dominant arm, manual work, tear patterns, and tendon healing. Finally, the clinical outcome was compared between patients with and without complications. Results: 207 patients were analyzed. Cramps, popeye deformity, and discomfort, were respectively, present in 16 (7.7%), 38 (18.4%) and 52 (25.1%) cases at six months and 17 (8.2%), 18 (8.7%) and 24 (11.6%) cases at one year. Cramps were associated with lower age (p = 0.0005), higher BMI (p = 0.0251), single tendon tear (p = 0.0168), manual work (p = 0.0086) at six months and manual work (p = 0.0345) at one year. Popeye deformity was associated with male sex at six months (p < 0.0001). Discomfort was associated with lower age (p = 0.0065), manual work (p = 0.0099), popeye deformity (p = 0.0240) at six months and manual work (p = 0.0200), single tendon tear (p = 0.0370), popeye deformity (p = 0.0033) at one year. Patients without complications showed a significant higher Constant score, pain and subjective shoulder value (SSV) (75.3 vs. 70.4, p = 0.00252; 0.9 vs. 1.9, p < 0.00001; 80.2 vs. 76.4; p = 0.00124) at six months and pain and SSV (0.6 vs. 2.0; p = 0.00044; 91.1 vs. 77.8; p ≤ 0.00001) at one year. Conclusions: Younger age, male sex, higher BMI, manual work, and single tendon tears are risk factors associated with the development of biceps-related symptoms during the first year after tenotomy in association with rotator cuff repair. Nevertheless, the clinical influence of these symptoms on shoulder outcomes is limited.

The Digitation Sign Facilitates Diagnosis of Shoulder Subscapularis Lesions on Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to investigate a radiographic sign found on coronal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences in subscapularis (SSC) pathology, reporting interobserver reliability data and sensitivity and specificity; and to correlate the preoperative assessment of SSC pathology with intraoperative assessment of the SSc during shoulder arthroscopy. Methods: A consecutive series of patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair from January 2020 to December 2020 were examined. The positive diagnosis of a subscapularis tendon tear was prospectively determined and confirmed by arthroscopy. The "digitation sign" was assessed by 3 independent shoulder-trained fellows when evaluating the SSC in the coronal plane on T2-weighted images. Results: Of the 132 patients included, 74 (56%) had SSC tendon tears confirmed during arthroscopy. Interobserver agreement for digitation sign was substantial (k= 0.640). Sensitivity for digitation sign only was 74.3%; for criteria of Adams et al. (Accuracy of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging in predicting a subscapularis tendon tear based on arthroscopy; Arthroscopy 2010;26:1427-1433) only, 83.8%; and for the combination of the 2 methods, 89.2%. Specificity was 84.5% for digitation sign only, 77.6% for Adams et al. criteria only, and 67.2% for the combination of the 2 methods. Sensitivity is statistically better when the digitation sign is added to the Adams et al. criteria for detection of SSC lesions. As expected, specificity is statistically lower. SSC tears are significantly associated with biceps lesions. Conclusion: Preoperative systematic MRI evaluation by shoulder surgeons can diagnose subscapularis lesions by using the digitation sign in the coronal plane along with Adams et al. criteria, leading to good sensitivity. This easy-to-apply sign can be helpful in the initial MRI evaluation in the coronal plane, with improved sensitivity when combined with a systematic approach. Level of Evidence: II, study of diagnostic test.

Arthroscopic Biceps Transfer to the Glenoid With Bankart Repair Grants Satisfactory 2-Year Results for Recurrent Anteroinferior Glenohumeral Instability in Subcritical Bone Loss.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the short-term outcomes of the arthroscopic dynamic anterior stabilization (DAS), which is a transfer of the intra-articular portion of the long head biceps through the subscapularis split and fixation on the anterior glenoid, combined with a Bankart repair. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was performed of DAS and a minimum of 2-year follow-up. Inclusion criteria were the presence of anteroinferior instability, a positive apprehension test at 90° of abduction and external rotation, and subcritical glenoid bone loss (less than 20%). Exclusion criteria were severe (≥20%) glenoid bone loss, presence of biceps lesions or rupture (spontaneous or biceps tenotomy), pre-existing glenohumeral osteoarthritis, multidirectional or voluntary instability, previous arthroscopic stabilization procedure, and epilepsy. Outcomes included the Rowe score, range of motion (ROM), and recurrence. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were treated with DAS and arthroscopic Bankart repair during the study period. One person was lost to follow-up, leaving 22 patients available at last follow-up. Those 22 patients had an average age of 31.9 ± 12.3 years (range, 18-68) and were evaluated at an average follow-up of 3.2 ± 0.7 years (range, 1.2-4.2). The Rowe score increased from 36.1 ± 16.2 (range, 10-70) preoperatively to 89.8 ± 20.1 (range, 30-100) postoperatively (P < .001) with almost all patients (90.9%) improving their score beyond the minimal clinically important difference of 9.7 points. Postoperatively, ROM was maintained. Three patients (13.6%) analyzed at final follow-up demonstrated recurrence, one was successfully treated conservatively, but two revised with a Latarjet. No postoperative Popeye deformity, biceps cramping, or other complication were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The DAS procedure may be an option for augmentation of a Bankart repair in patients with anterior shoulder instability and subcritical bone loss. ROM is maintained without evidence of postoperative Popeye deformity or biceps cramping. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective study.

Capsulolabral Reconstruction During the Open Latarjet Procedure.

Surgical treatment of anterior glenohumeral joint instability can be challenging and carries the inherent risk of recurrent instability, dislocation arthropathy, and postoperative loss of external rotation. In the current manuscript, a technique for combined reconstruction of anterior labrum and capsule, with concomitant reduction of the humeral head during anterior capsule reconstruction in open Latarjet procedure, is presented. Analogous to other techniques, the coracoid graft is fixed on the anteroinferior part of the glenoid between 3 and 5 o'clock. However, for this technique, reattachment of the labrum is performed between the native glenoid and the bone graft. Additionally, during the reconstruction of the anterior capsule on the coracoacromial ligament, while the operated arm is held in external rotation to avoid the postoperative rotational deficit, the humeral head is reduced posteriorly in the center of the glenoid during adduction, slight anterior forward flexion, and a posterior lever push. By doing so, the inherent theoretical risks of persistent instability and dislocation arthropathy are believed to be decreased. Further studies are needed to clarify the long-term consequences of this surgical technique in the clinical setting.

Mechanical complications and fractures after reverse shoulder arthroplasty related to different design types and their rates: part I.

The initial reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), designed by Paul Grammont, was intended to treat rotator cuff tear arthropathy in elderly patients. In the early experience, high complication rates (up to 24%) and revision rates (up to 50%) were reported.The most common complications reported were scapular notching, whereas clinically more relevant complications such as instability and acromial fractures were less commonly described.Zumstein et al defined a 'complication' following RSA as any intraoperative or postoperative event that was likely to have a negative influence on the patient's final outcome.High rates of complications related to the Grammont RSA design led to development of non-Grammont designs, with 135 or 145 degrees of humeral inclination, multiple options for glenosphere size and eccentricity, improved baseplate fixation which facilitated glenoid-sided lateralization, and the option of humeral-sided lateralization.Improved implant characteristics combined with surgeon experience led to a dramatic fall in the majority of complications. However, we still lack a suitable solution for several complications, such as acromial stress fracture. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:1097-1108. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.210039.

Radiological changes, infections and neurological complications after reverse shoulder arthroplasty related to different design types and their rates: Part II.

Early reported complication rates with the Grammont-type reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) were very high, up to 24%.A 'problem' is defined as an intraoperative or postoperative event that is not likely to affect the patient's final outcome, such as intraoperative cement extravasation and radiographic changes. A 'complication' is defined as an intraoperative or postoperative event that is likely to affect the patient's final outcome, including infection, neurologic injury and intrathoracic central glenoid screw placement.Radiographic changes around the glenoid or humeral components of the RSA are very frequently observed and described in the literature.High complication rates related to the Grammont RSA design led to development of non-Grammont designs which led to a dramatic fall in the majority of complications.The percentage of radiological changes after RSA is not negligible and remains unsolved, despite a decrease in its occurrence in the last decade. However, such changes should be now considered as simple problems because they rarely have a negative influence on the patient's final outcome, and their prevalence has dramatically decreased.With further changes in indications and designs for RSA, it is crucial to accurately track the rates and types of complications to justify its new designs and increased indications. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:1109-1121. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.210040.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty with Bony and Metallic versus Standard Bony Reconstruction for Severe Glenoid Bone Loss. A Retrospective Comparative Cohort Study.

There are different techniques to address severe glenoid erosion during reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). This study assessed the clinical and radiological outcomes of RSA with combined bony and metallic augment (BMA) glenoid reconstruction compared to bony augmentation (BA) alone. A review of patients who underwent RSA with severe glenoid bone loss requiring reconstruction from January 2017 to January 2019 was performed. Patients were divided into two groups: BMA versus BA alone. Clinical outcome measurements included two years postoperative ROM, Constant score, subjective shoulder value (SSV), and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder (ASES) score. Radiological outcomes included radiographic evidence of scapular complications and graft incorporation. The BMA group had significantly different glenoid morphology (p < 0.001) and greater bone loss thickness than the BA group (16.3 ± 3.8 mm vs. 12.0 ± 0.0 mm, p = 0.020). Both groups had significantly improved ROM (anterior forward flexion and external rotation) and clinical scores (Constant, SSV and ASES scores) at 2 years. Greater improvement was observed in the BMA group in terms of anterior forward flexion (86.3° ± 27.9° vs. 43.8° ± 25.6°, p = 0.013) and Constant score (56.6 ± 10.1 vs. 38.3 ± 16.7, p = 0.021). The BA group demonstrated greater functional and clinical improvements with higher postoperative active external rotation and ASES results (active external rotation, 49.4° ± 17.0° vs. 29.4° ± 14.7°, p = 0.017; ASES, 89.1 ± 11.3 vs. 76.8 ± 11.0, p = 0.045). The combination use of bone graft and metallic augments in severe glenoid bone loss during RSA is safe and effective and can be considered in cases of severe glenoid bone loss where bone graft alone may be insufficient.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: Is healing enough?

HYPOTHESIS/BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair most commonly results in good clinical outcomes, however understanding of predictive factors influencing the final clinical outcome is limited. AIM: The purpose of our study was to evaluate clinical outcomes of patients with healed supraspinatus tendon after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and to identify its pre- and peri-operative predictive factors of good clinical results. METHODS: A multi-center prospective study followed up 188 patients, who had a healed tendon after an arthroscopic repair of isolated supraspinatus tear. Inclusion criteria were: age under 70 years old, isolated supraspinatus tear, stage 0 or I of fatty infiltration, healed supraspinatus tendon at one year postoperatively and the same arthroscopic double row rotator cuff repair used in all patients. Clinical assessment used Constant Murley Score (CMS) and Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) preoperatively and at one year postoperatively. Ultrasound (US) control checked tendon repair quality based on Sugaya classification. Types I-II-III were considered as healed. RESULTS: The average age of our cohort was 57.57 (range; 41 to 70) years and the female to male ratio was 1.14 (range; 100 to 87). The average preoperative CMS was 53.75±13.50 (mean±SD; range; 16 to 83). At final follow up, the average postoperative CMS was 79.95±12.05 (mean±SD; range; 28 to 100). 12.22% (23/188) of patients, who had a CMS score below 70, had a clinically significant difference compared to the average CMS, due to the fact that the minimal clinically significant difference (MCID) in CMS is 10. A statistical analysis has shown that in patients with lower scores there was only a significant dominance of females (p-value=0.001). No difference was found in regards to age, preoperative CMS, fatty degeneration and other factors. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that despite all patients had a healed repair of supraspinatus, not all of them experienced a good final clinical outcome. The only factor negatively influencing the final clinical outcome was a female gender. No other structural factors seemed to influence the final clinical results. Futures studies should focus more on analyzing which personality traits and other psychosocial factors play an important role in determining the final outcome after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; retrospective cohort study.

Can Lateralization of Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Improve Active External Rotation in Patients with Preoperative Fatty Infiltration of the Infraspinatus and Teres Minor?

(1) Background: Postoperative recovery of external rotation after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has been reported despite nonfunctional external rotator muscles. Thus, this study aimed to clinically determine the ideal prosthetic design allowing external rotation recovery in such a cohort. (2) Methods: A monocentric comparative study was retrospectively performed on patients who had primary RSA between June 2013 and February 2018 with a significant preoperative fatty infiltration of the infraspinatus and teres minor. Two groups were formed with patients with a lateral humerus/lateral glenoid 145° onlay RSA-the onlay group (OG), and a medial humerus/lateral glenoid 155° inlay RSA-the inlay group (IG). Patients were matched 1:1 by age, gender, indication, preoperative range of motion (ROM), and Constant score. The ROM and Constant scores were assessed preoperatively and at a minimum follow-up of two years. (3) Results: Forty-seven patients have been included (23 in OG and 24 in IG). Postoperative external rotation increased significantly in the OG only (p = 0.049), and its postoperative value was significantly greater than that of the IG by 11.1° (p = 0.028). (4) Conclusion: The use of a lateralized humeral stem with a low neck-shaft angle resulted in significantly improved external rotation compared to a medialized humeral 155° stem, even in cases of severe fatty infiltration of the infraspinatus and teres minor. Humeral lateralization and a low neck-shaft angle should be favored when planning an RSA in a patient without a functional posterior rotator cuff.

Reconstruction of the Sternoclavicular Joint After Excessive Medial Clavicle Resection.

Medial clavicle excision is a rarely indicated procedure and may be performed in different pathologies affecting the medial clavicle. Excessive medial clavicle resection with an injury to the costoclavicular ligament often leads to poor postoperative results. The exact surgical treatment used in this kind of pathology when conservative treatment is unsuccessful remains unclear. The aim of this Technical Note is to describe our preferred surgical technique to treat this condition.

Results of the Induced Membrane Technique in the Management of Traumatic Bone Loss in the Lower Limb: A Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To present our technique and early results using the Masquelet technique. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Thirteen patients with 14 open fractures of the femur and tibia were included between November 2013 and December 2014. INTERVENTION: A Masquelet technique was used to manage the open fractures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Infection and union rate. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 17 months. The mean bone defect was 56.6 mm. Eight fractures (57.1%) progressed to union at an average of 42.1 weeks. Infection developed in 3 fractures (21.4%). Overall, the induced membrane technique was abandoned in 5 (35.7%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: The induced membrane technique showed a substantial rate of failure in the acute trauma setting in the lower limb. In the absence of sound published evidence, the authors now use the technique in selected cases only. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.