Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Rotator Cuff Deficiency: A Concise Follow-up, at a Minimum of 10 Years, of Previous Reports.

We previously evaluated 94 patients (96 shoulders) who underwent reverse shoulder arthroplasty using a central compressive screw with 5.0-mm peripheral locking screws for baseplate fixation and a center of rotation lateral to the glenoid as treatment for end-stage rotator cuff deficiency. The purpose of this study was to report updated results at a minimum follow-up of 10 years. Forty patients (42 shoulders) were available for clinical follow-up. In the patients available for study, implant survivorship, with the end point being revision for any reason, was 90.7%. Since our 5-year report, 2 patients underwent revision surgery; 1 patient sustained a periprosthetic fracture 7 years postoperatively and 1 patient had a dislocation because of chronic shoulder instability at 8 years postoperatively. At a minimum follow-up of 10 years, the patients continued to maintain their improved outcome scores and range of motion, which were comparable with earlier follow-up evaluations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Partial rotator cuff repair and biceps tenotomy for the treatment of patients with massive cuff tears and retained overhead elevation: midterm outcomes with a minimum 5 years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: A subset of patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears present with retained overhead elevation and pain as their primary complaint. Our aim was to evaluate the outcomes of partial arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with biceps tenotomy and to report the failure rate of this procedure for patients with >5 years of follow-up. METHODS: Thirty-four patients underwent partial rotator cuff repair and biceps tenotomy for treatment of a massive rotator cuff tear. Patients had preoperative active forward elevation >120° and no radiographic evidence of glenohumeral arthritis. Patients were followed up clinically and radiographically, and 28 patients had a minimum of 5 years of follow-up. Failure was defined as an American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score of <70, loss of active elevation >90°, or revision to reverse shoulder arthroplasty during the study period. RESULTS: Patients demonstrated improvements in average preoperative to postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores (46.6 to 79.3 [P < .001]) and Simple Shoulder Test scores (5.7 to 9.1 [P < .001]) along with decrease in visual analog scale for pain scores (6.9 to 1.9 [P < .001]). No significant change in forward elevation (168° to 154° [P = .07]), external rotation (38° to 39° [P = 1.0]), or internal rotation (84% to 80% [P = 1.0]) was identified; 36% of patients had progression of the Hamada stage. The failure rate was 29%; 75% of patients were satisfied with their index procedure. CONCLUSION: Partial rotator cuff repair and biceps tenotomy for patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears with retained overhead elevation and pain as the primary complaint produced reasonable outcomes at midterm follow-up of at least 5 years.

Evaluation of Factors Affecting Acute Postoperative Pain Levels After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair.

PURPOSE: To evaluate multiple preoperative and operative factors that may be predictive of and correlate with acute postoperative pain levels after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS: One hundred eighty-one patients underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery along with subacromial decompression and met the inclusion criteria for this study. Postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores were obtained on postoperative days 1, 7, and 90. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to correlate postoperative VAS scores with multiple independent factors, including preoperative subjective pain tolerance, preoperative VAS score, preoperative narcotic use, sex, smoking status, number of suture anchors used, tear size, single- or double-row repair, and patient age. RESULTS: Preoperative subjective pain tolerance, notably those patients rating themselves as having an extremely high pain tolerance, was the most significant predictor of high VAS pain scores on both postoperative day 1 (P = .0001) and postoperative day 7 (P < .0001). Preoperative narcotic use was also significantly predictive (P = .010) of high pain scores on postoperative day 1 and day 7 (P = .019), along with nonsmokers (P = .008) and younger patients (P = .006) being predictive on day 7. There were no patient factors that were predictive of VAS scores 3 months postoperatively (P = .567). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative subjective pain tolerance, notably those patients rating themselves as having an extremely high pain tolerance, was the strongest factor predicting high acute pain levels after arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery. Preoperative narcotic use, smokers, and younger patients were also predictive of higher pain levels during the first postoperative week. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, prognostic case series.

Comparison of hemiarthroplasty and reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of complex three and four-part proximal humeral fractures with hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients has yielded mixed clinical results. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty has emerged as a treatment option for comminuted proximal humeral fractures for these patients. The purpose of the study was to perform a prospective evaluation of patient outcomes comparing hemiarthroplasty and reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of comminuted proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients. METHODS: Fifty-three consecutive elderly patients (average age, 74.4 years) underwent an arthroplasty for a complex proximal humeral fracture. Indications for arthroplasty were four-part fractures, three-part fractures with severe comminution of the greater tuberosity, and fractures that involved an articular split of the humeral head. Twenty-six patients underwent hemiarthroplasty (the HA group), followed by twenty-seven patients who underwent reverse shoulder arthroplasty (the RSA group). A total of forty-seven patients (twenty-three in the HA group and twenty-four in the RSA group) were available for follow-up at a minimum of two years. RESULTS: Final average outcome scores were lower in the HA group than in the RSA group (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] score of 62 versus 77 [p = 0.0001] and Simple Shoulder Test [SST] of 5.8 versus 7.4 [p = 0.0062]), and patient-reported satisfaction was lower in the HA group than in the RSA group (61% versus 91%; p = 0.038). Radiographic healing of the tuberosities occurred in 61% of the patients in the HA group compared with 83% of the patients in the RSA group (p = 0.17). Forward elevation of the arm was higher in the RSA group (139°) than in the HA group (100°) (p = 0.0002), but no significant differences were observed for shoulder external rotation or internal rotation. Complication rates in both groups were similar. Three patients (13%) in the HA group elected revision to reverse shoulder arthroplasty because of failed tuberosity healing and resultant shoulder pseudoparesis. CONCLUSIONS: In this series, reverse shoulder arthroplasty resulted in better clinical outcomes and a similar complication rate compared with hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of comminuted proximal humeral fractures in the elderly.

Prospective evaluation of postoperative compliance and outcomes after rotator cuff repair in patients with and without workers' compensation claims.

BACKGROUND: This study prospectively evaluated compliance and outcomes after rotator cuff repair in patients with and without Workers' Compensation claims. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2007 to January 2010, 42 consecutive patients with Workers' Compensation claims (Work Comp group), and 50 consecutive patients without a Workers' Compensation claim (non-Work Comp group) underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and were enrolled in this study. Compliance with a postoperative protocol of shoulder immobilization and physical therapy was documented. Patients were monitored clinically for a minimum of 12 months. RESULTS: Noncompliance with protocol was documented in 22 of 42 patients (52%) in the Work Comp group compared with 2 of 50 (4%) in the non-Work Comp group (P < .001). The Work Comp group had less improvement in preoperative to postoperative outcome scores for the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score (40.4 to 60.1), Simple Shoulder Test (SST) score (3.9 to 6.0) and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain (7.0 to 3.5) compared with the non-Work Comp group (ASES, 41.7 to 89.2; SST, 4.3 to 10.7; VAS, 6.2 to 0.35; P < .0001). The compliant Work Comp patients had more favorable results in final outcome scores (ASES, 73.1; SST, 7.9; VAS, 1.5) than noncompliant Work Comp patients (ASES, 48.4; SST, 4.3; VAS, 5.3; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Workers' Compensation claims demonstrated a high rate of postoperative noncompliance (52%) compared with patients without Workers' Compensation claims (4%) after rotator cuff repair. Those Workers' Compensation patients who had no evidence of noncompliance had significant improvements and more favorable outcomes than the noncompliant Workers' Compensation patients.

Prospective randomized study of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using an early versus delayed postoperative physical therapy protocol.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated patient outcomes and rotator cuff healing after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using a postoperative physical therapy protocol with early passive motion compared with a delayed protocol that limited early passive motion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study enrolled 68 patients (average age, 63.2 years) who met inclusion criteria. All patients had a full-thickness crescent-shaped tear of the supraspinatus that was repaired using a transosseous equivalent suture-bridge technique along with subacromial decompression. In the early group, 33 patients were randomized to passive elevation and rotation that began at postoperative day 2. In the delayed group, 35 patients began the same protocol at 6 weeks. Patients were monitored clinically for a minimum of 12 months, and rotator cuff healing was assessed using ultrasound imaging. RESULTS: Both groups had similar improvements in preoperative to postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores (early group: 43.9 to 91.9, P < .0001; delayed group: 41.0 to 92.8, P < .0001) and Simple Shoulder Test scores (early group: 5.5 to 11.1, P < .0001; delayed group: 5.1 to 11.1, P < .0001). There were no significant differences in patient satisfaction, rotator cuff healing, or range of motion between the early and delayed groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in the early group and delayed group both demonstrated very similar outcomes and range of motion at 1 year. There was a slightly higher rotator cuff healing rate in the delayed passive range of motion group compared with the early passive range of motion group (91% vs 85%).

Effects of tilt and glenosphere eccentricity on baseplate/bone interface forces in a computational model, validated by a mechanical model, of reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

HYPOTHESIS/BACKGROUND: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is being used with greater frequency for patients with severe rotator cuff deficiency. There are several commercially available reverse shoulder devices, each with different glenosphere options. The purpose of this study was to determine: (1) forces at the baseplate-bone interface in glenospheres with centers of rotation located concentrically and eccentrically to the center of the baseplate; and (2) if baseplate-bone forces can be optimized by altering tilt of the baseplate. METHODS: A validated computer model was used to compare concentric glenospheres with neutral offset to eccentrically offset glenospheres (6 mm inferior or 6 mm lateral) in 3 baseplate tilts: 15° inferior, neutral, or 15° superior. A baseplate, simulated bone, screws, and humeral component were modeled, and forces underneath the baseplate were calculated as the arm was abducted through 90° of glenohumeral motion. RESULTS: For lateral and concentric glenospheres, inferior tilt provides the most even distribution of forces (mean difference in force between superior and inferior portions of baseplate: 11.3 N and 24.7 N, respectively) and superior tilt provides the most uneven distribution of forces (109.3 N and 78.7 N, respectively). For inferior eccentric glenospheres, inferior tilt provides the most uneven distribution of forces (58.7 N) and neutral tilt provides the most even distribution of forces (27.7 N). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to investigate force distribution under the baseplate in inferior eccentric glenospheres. Although inferior tilting of the baseplate is recommended for concentric and laterally offset glenospheres, this same recommendation may be detrimental to inferiorly offset glenospheres and warrants further investigation.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to describe the pathoanatomy of patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and rotator cuff deficiency and report their outcomes following reverse shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: Twenty-one shoulders were evaluated prospectively. Nine had no prior surgery, 9 had a failed rotator cuff repair, and 3 had a failed arthroplasty. Patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years (average, 36 months). All patients had preoperative radiographs and 19 shoulders had an MRI or CT available for evaluation of muscular and bony deficiency. Radiographs at most recent follow-up were evaluated for loosening and scapular notching. RESULTS: All outcome measures improved significantly: ASES scores improved from 28 preoperatively to 82 postoperatively (P < .0001); SST scores improved from 1 to 7 (P < .0001); VAS pain scores improved from 7 to 1 (P < .0001); VAS function scores improved from 3 to 6 (P=.0058); elevation improved from 52° to 126° (P < .0001); abduction improved from 55° to 116° (P=.0002); external rotation improved from 19° to 33° (P=.02); and internal rotation improved from S1 to L4 (P=.02). Twelve patients rated their outcome as excellent, 6 as good, 2 as satisfactory, and 1 as unsatisfactory. Severe glenoid erosion was seen in 10 of the shoulders and 5 of the defects required structural grafting. Three patients (14%) sustained a complication that required reoperation: 2 for infection and 1 for periprosthetic fracture. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with rheumatoid arthritis and rotator cuff deficiency, reverse shoulder arthroplasty can provide improvement in function and decreased pain.

Revision reverse shoulder arthroplasty for glenoid baseplate failure after primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to document a single surgeon's experience performing revision reverse shoulder arthroplasty after baseplate failure. METHODS: Revision reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for mechanical failure of the glenoid baseplate after RSA was performed in 14 patients. Clinical and radiographic data were collected preoperatively, prior to baseplate failure, after baseplate failure, and at latest follow-up after revision (average, 33 months). RESULTS: When comparing the pre-operative values to post-revision, ASES, forward elevation, and abduction were significantly improved. There was no significant difference in any of the outcome measures when comparing the prefailure data to the post-revision data. The post-revision prosthesis-scapular neck angle (PSNA) showed a significant increase in inferior tilt of the baseplate when compared to pre-failure PSNA (P < .001). Two patients (14%) required a second revision RSA for glenoid baseplate failure (1) and dislocation (1); 1 additional patient developed a postoperative hematoma which resolved without surgery. CONCLUSION: Revision RSA for the treatment of glenoid baseplate mechanical failure can restore pain relief and function to the levels gained after the index RSA.

Range of impingement-free abduction and adduction deficit after reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Hierarchy of surgical and implant-design-related factors.

BACKGROUND: Evaluations of functional outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty have revealed variable improvements in the range of motion and high rates of scapular notching. The purpose of this study was to systematically examine the impact of surgical factors (location of the glenosphere on the glenoid and tilt angle of the glenosphere on the glenoid) and implant-related factors (implant size, center-of-rotation offset, and humeral neck-shaft angle) on impingement-free abduction motion. METHODS: A computer model was developed to virtually simulate abduction/adduction motion and its dependence on five surgical and implant-related factors. Three conditions were tested for each factor, resulting in a total of 243 simulated combinations. The overall motion was determined from 0 degrees of abduction until maximum abduction, which would be limited by impingement of the humerosocket on the scapula. In those combinations in which 0 degrees of abduction could not be achieved, the adduction deficit was recorded. RESULTS: The largest average increase in the range of impingement-free abduction motion resulted from a more lateral center-of-rotation offset: the average increase was 31.9 degrees with a change in the center-of-rotation offset from 0 to 10 mm, and this change resulted in an increase in abduction motion in eighty of the eighty-one combinations. The position of the glenosphere on the glenoid was associated with the second largest average increase in abduction motion (28.1 degrees when the glenosphere position was changed from superior to inferior, with the change resulting in an increase in seventy-one of the eighty-one combinations). These factors were followed by glenosphere tilt, humeral neck-shaft angle, and prosthetic size in terms of their effects on abduction motion. The largest effect in terms of avoiding an adduction deficit was provided by a humeral neck-shaft angle of 130 degrees (the deficit was avoided in forty-nine of the eighty-one combinations in which this angle was used), followed by an inferior glenosphere position on the glenoid (deficit avoided in forty-one combinations), a 10-mm lateral offset of the center of rotation, inferior tilt of the glenosphere, and a 42-mm-diameter prosthetic size. CONCLUSIONS: An understanding of a hierarchy of prosthetic design and implantation factors may be important to maximize impingement-free abduction motion as well as to avoid inferior impingement.

In vitro and finite element analysis of glenoid bone/baseplate interaction in the reverse shoulder design.

We developed biomechanical and finite element models, using high-strength polyurethane foam blocks, to represent the glenoid bone/baseplate junction to determine if increasing the distance between the glenoid bone and the center of rotation of the glenosphere increases baseplate motion during static loading in the reverse shoulder design. Although there was a general trend toward increased baseplate motion with increasing distance from the glenoid to the center of rotation, in vitro mechanical testing revealed no significant difference between the 7 glenosphere types tested, with average baseplate motion during 1000 load cycles ranging from 90 mum to 120 mum. Results from the finite element analysis strongly correlated with the in vitro mechanical testing. The magnitude of baseplate motion occurring in a modeled representation of bone under simulated physiologic loading conditions was similar for the 7 reverse shoulder glenoid components tested in this study.

Evaluation of abduction range of motion and avoidance of inferior scapular impingement in a reverse shoulder model.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of prosthetic design and surgical technique of reverse shoulder implants on total abduction range of motion and impingement on the inferior scapular neck. Custom implants in three glenosphere diameters (30, 36, and 42 mm), with 3 different centers of rotation offsets (0, +5, and +10 mm), were placed into a Sawbones scapula (Pacific Research Laboratories, Vashon, WA) in 3 different positions: superior, center, and inferior glenoid. Humeral sockets were manufactured with a 130 degrees , 150 degrees , and 170 degrees neck-shaft angle. Four independent factors (glenosphere diameter, center of rotation offset, glenosphere position on the glenoid, and humeral neck-shaft angle) were compared with the 2 dependent factors of range of motion and inferior scapular impingement. Center of rotation offset had the largest effect on range of motion, followed by glenosphere position. Neck-shaft angle had the largest effect on inferior scapular impingement, followed by glenosphere position. This information may be useful to the surgeon when deciding on the appropriate reverse implant.

Young patients with shoulder chondrolysis following arthroscopic shoulder surgery treated with total shoulder arthroplasty.

Chondrolysis following shoulder arthroscopy is a devastating complication, often seen in young patients. After nonoperative measures have been exhausted, there are few treatment options available that reliably improve pain and function. The purpose of this study is to examine the intra-operative findings, radiographic features, and clinical outcomes of a series of patients with chondrolysis following arthroscopic surgery managed with a total shoulder arthroplasty. A retrospective review was performed on 11 patients (average age 39) with shoulder chondrolysis following arthroscopy. Attention was focused on review of the index arthroscopy, radiographs, and functional outcome scores prior to total shoulder arthroplasty, as well as intra-operative cultures, histology, radiographs, and functional outcomes from most recent follow-up. All patients were treated with total shoulder arthroplasty at an average of 26 months after the index arthroscopy. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were reviewed, and outcomes were compared using validated measurements. Statistically significant improvements in shoulder abduction (89 degrees -123 degrees , P = .027), external rotation (26 degrees -48 degrees , P = .037), total ASES scores (30-77.5, P = .0039), and SST scores (3-8, P = .0078) were noted. Ten patients subjectively rated their outcomes as good or excellent, with 1 as satisfactory. Chondrolysis after shoulder arthroscopy has a rapid clinical progression and is likely multifactorial in etiology. Early results of total shoulder arthroplasty show an opportunity for improvements in pain and function; however, progressive glenoid radiolucencies may develop in these patients.