Humeral Component Version Has No Effect on Outcomes Following Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Double-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists regarding the ideal humeral component version to optimize humeral rotation and patient outcomes in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). METHODS: Patients undergoing primary rTSA for rotator cuff tear arthropathy, a massive rotator cuff tear, or primary osteoarthritis with a rotator cuff tear were randomized to placement of the humeral component in neutral version or 30° of retroversion. Shoulder active range of motion and strength and visual analog scale (VAS) pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global 10 (PROMIS-10) scores were collected up to 2 years postoperatively. The goal of the study was to determine whether humeral external rotation and internal rotation are affected by humeral component version following rTSA at 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were included in the analysis. The median follow-up was 26 months for the neutral and 27 months for the 30° retroversion group. No differences between the groups were observed with respect to the primary diagnosis, sex, age, body mass index, or American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class. The 2 groups did not differ significantly in terms of improvement at 2 years in active shoulder abduction (p = 0.969), forward elevation (p = 1.000), internal rotation measured as the highest spinal level reached (p = 1.000), internal rotation with the arm abducted 90° (p = 0.451), external rotation (p = 0.362), or muscle strength in forward elevation (p = 1.000), abduction (p = 1.000), external rotation (p = 0.617), or internal rotation (p = 1.000). The 2 groups did not differ significantly in terms of improvement in postoperative ASES (p = 1.000), PROMIS-10 physical (p = 1.000), or VAS pain scores (p = 0.718) at the time of final follow-up. In the neutral version group, 1 patient underwent revision for instability and 1 for stiffness. One acromial stress fracture occurred in the 30° humeral retroversion group. Scapular notching was observed in 7 (21.2%) of the patients in neutral version group and 5 (15.2%) of the patients in the 30° retroversion group (p = 0.750). CONCLUSIONS: Securing the humeral component at neutral version or 30° of retroversion in rTSA resulted in similar active shoulder external rotation, internal rotation, forward elevation, abduction, and strength measurements, complication rates, and VAS pain, PROMIS-10 physical, and ASES scores at 2 years postoperatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Concomitant latissimus dorsi tendon transfer during reverse total shoulder arthroplasty does not improve active external rotation or clinical outcomes in patients with external rotation deficit.

BACKGROUND: To assess the role of latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDT) concomitant with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in patients with external rotation (ER) deficit secondary to severe rotator cuff deficiency with and without glenohumeral arthritis. METHODS: Patients with a positive external lag sign and <10° of active external rotation (aER) treated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty at a single institution with a minimum 12-month follow-up were retrospectively identified from a prospective database. Basic demographic information along with preoperative and postoperative range of motion (ROM) measures, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (ASES), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain, and Subjective Shoulder Value scores were obtained. Statistical analysis was performed to compare ROM and functional outcomes between patients who underwent concomitant LDT and those with no transfer (NT). RESULTS: The LDT (n = 31) and NT (n = 33) groups had similar age, sex distributions, and follow-up length average (24 vs. 30 months). No differences were found between groups at baseline, final follow-up, or magnitude of change for ASES, VAS pain, and Subjective Shoulder Value scores. Baseline ROM measures were similar, except for the LDT group having slightly less aER (-8° vs. 0°; P = .004). In addition, all postoperative ROM measures including aER were similar, except for a slight improvement in active internal rotation in the NT group. The majority of patients were satisfied with their outcome (LDT 84% (n = 26); NT 87% (n = 27); P = .72). CONCLUSION: Patients with ER deficit secondary to severe rotator cuff deficiency with and without glenohumeral arthritis undergoing reverse total shoulder arthroplasty do not have significantly improved ER or patient-reported outcome measures with LDT.

The Modified Shields Classification and 12 Families with Defined DSPP Mutations.

Mutations in Dentin Sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) are known to cause, in order of increasing severity, dentin dysplasia type-II (DD-II), dentinogenesis imperfecta type-II (DGI-II), and dentinogenesis imperfecta type-III (DGI-III). DSPP mutations fall into two groups: a 5'-group that affects protein targeting and a 3'-group that shifts translation into the −1 reading frame. Using whole-exome sequence (WES) analyses and Single Molecule Real-Time (SMRT) sequencing, we identified disease-causing DSPP mutations in 12 families. Three of the mutations are novel: c.53T>C/p.(Val18Ala); c.3461delG/p.(Ser1154Metfs*160); and c.3700delA/p.(Ser1234Alafs*80). We propose genetic analysis start with WES analysis of proband DNA to identify mutations in COL1A1 and COL1A2 causing dominant forms of osteogenesis imperfecta, 5'-DSPP mutations, and 3'-DSPP frameshifts near the margins of the DSPP repeat region, and SMRT sequencing when the disease-causing mutation is not identified. After reviewing the literature and incorporating new information showing distinct differences in the cell pathology observed between knockin mice with 5'-Dspp or 3'-Dspp mutations, we propose a modified Shields Classification based upon the causative mutation rather than phenotypic severity such that patients identified with 5'-DSPP defects be diagnosed as DGI-III, while those with 3'-DSPP defects be diagnosed as DGI-II.

Stemless Total Shoulder: A Review of Biomechanical Fixation and Recent Results.

Introduction: Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty is the replacement of the humeral head and glenoid surfaces with the goal of replicating normal anatomy. It is commonly utilized for patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteonecrosis, who have decreased range of motion (ROM), persistent pain, and loss of strength. Total shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA) is the third most common joint replacement in the United States. The incidence of TSA has been increasing, some data suggest that by the year 2025, TSA incidence may rise to 439,206 operations per year. In recent years, stemless total shoulder implants have become available. Results: These implants preserve bone stock while decreasing complications such as osteolysis, stress shielding and periprosthetic fracture. Stemless implants improve anatomic reconstruction and biomechanical function of the shoulder joint. Conclusion: Increasing amounts of data suggest stemless TSA to be a safe and effective technology that will become more common in the coming year.

Venous Thromboembolism After Shoulder Arthoplasty and Arthroscopy.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the orthopaedic literature largely focuses on lower extremity trauma and arthroplasty, with relatively few investigations of VTE after shoulder surgery. Because the rate of shoulder surgery, especially arthroplasty, continues to expand, it is important for practicing surgeons to understand the magnitude of risk, potential consequences, and prevention methods with regard to VTE. VTE after shoulder surgery has been a topic of increasing interest over the past decade, and the purpose of this review is to examine the recent literature on pathophysiology, risk factors, incidence, diagnosis, sequelae, prevention, treatment, and current recommendations regarding VTE after shoulder surgery.

Patient Outcomes After Revision of Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty to Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Rotator Cuff Failure or Component Loosening: A Matched Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: To compare outcomes after conversion of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) and a matched cohort. METHODS: Patients converted from aTSA to RTSA for rotator cuff failure or component loosening and a primary RTSA matched cohort were retrospectively identified from a prospective database. Demographics and preoperative and postoperative outcomes were obtained and compared. RESULTS: Age, sex, body mass index, follow-up length, and preoperative function were similar between revision (n = 35) and primary (n = 70) groups. At final follow-up, visual analog scale pain (2.4 ± 2.8 versus 1.7 ± 2.8; P = 0.24) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (68 ± 26 versus 76 ± 24; P = 0.14) scores were similar. The revision group had worse subjective shoulder value scores (63 ± 30 versus 79 ± 21; P = 0.002), satisfaction (74% versus 90%; P = 0.03), and more complications (31% versus 13%; P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Revision of aTSA to RTSA for component loosening or rotator cuff failure results in function comparable to primary RTSA; however, more complications, worse subjective shoulder value scores, and lower patient satisfaction should be expected. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative.

Previous Rotator Cuff Repair Is Associated With Inferior Clinical Outcomes After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Although recent evidence suggests that any prior shoulder surgery may cause inferior shoulder arthroplasty outcomes, there is no consensus on whether previous rotator cuff repair (RCR) is associated with inferior outcomes after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). PURPOSE: To retrospectively compare outcomes in patients who underwent RTSA with and without previous RCR. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Patients with prior RCR and those without previous shoulder surgery (control) who underwent RTSA for cuff tear arthropathy or irreparable cuff tear were retrospectively identified from a prospective database. Exclusion criteria included revision arthroplasty, fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, dislocations, infection, prior non-RCR procedures, less than 12 months of follow-up, and latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, ASES Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score, visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), and range of motion (ROM) were compared between groups. RESULTS: Patients with previous RCR (n = 83 shoulders) were younger (mean ± SD, 67 ± 10 vs 72 ± 8 years; P < .001) and more likely to be male (46% vs 32%, P = .033) than controls (n = 189 shoulders). No differences were found in follow-up duration (25 ± 13 vs 26 ± 13 months, P = .734), body mass index, or any preoperative outcome variable or ROM measure. At final follow-up, patients with previous RCR had significantly lower ASES (76.5 [95% CI, 71.2-81.7] vs 85.0 [82.6-87.5], P = .015), lower SSV (76 [72-81] vs 86 [83-88], P < .001), worse pain (2.0 [1.4-2.6] vs 0.9 [0.6-1.1], P < .001), and less improvement in the ASES, ASES ADL, VAS, SSV, and forward elevation measures than controls. Multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated that previous RCR was significantly associated with lower postoperative ASES score (B = -9.5, P < .001), lower ASES improvement (B = -7.9, P = .012), worse postoperative pain (B = 0.9, P = .001), worse improvement in pain (B = -1.0, P = .011), lower postoperative SSV (B = -9.2, P < .001), lower SSV improvement (B = -11.1, P = .003), and lower forward elevation ROM improvement (B = -12.7, P = .008). CONCLUSION: Patients with previous RCR attempts may experience fewer short-term gains in functional and subjective outcome scores after RTSA compared with patients with no history of shoulder surgery who undergo RTSA. However, the differences between groups were small and below the minimal clinically important differences for the outcome measures analyzed.

Management of the subscapularis tendon during total shoulder arthroplasty.

Use of total shoulder arthroplasty has significantly increased during the past decade. For anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty, controversy exists regarding the best technique for detachment and repair of the subscapularis tendon. Options include tendon tenotomy, peel, lesser tuberosity osteotomy, and even subscapularis-sparing techniques. Inadequate healing of the subscapularis tendon can lead to postoperative pain, weakness, and instability. This review discusses the subscapularis pathoanatomy, different techniques for releasing and repairing the tendon, and reports biomechanical and clinical outcomes for each technique after total shoulder arthroplasty.

A Review of a Workers' Compensation Database 2003 to 2013: Patient Factors Influencing Return to Work and Cumulative Financial Claims After Rotator Cuff Repair in Geriatric Workers' Compensation Cases.

BACKGROUND: Workers' compensation status is associated with poor outcomes after rotator cuff repair surgery. The purpose of this study was to analyze a database of geriatric workers' compensation patients after surgical repair of the rotator cuff and identify both medical and nonmedical patient factors that influence the time it takes for them to return to work at full duty, including a comparison of arthroscopic and open techniques. METHODS: An all workers' compensation database was queried for rotator cuff claims that were surgically managed using arthroscopic, open, or both approaches from 2003 to 2013 in patients aged ≥60. Primary outcomes were the number of days for return to full work (RTW) following surgery and the total reimbursement for health care. Multivariate analysis was performed, and data are presented as average ± standard deviation. RESULTS: The database yielded 1903 claims for surgically treated rotator cuff conditions (arthroscopic n = 935; open n = 926; both n = 42). In multivariate RTW analyses, we did not find a significant difference between groups (RTW in days was 153 ± 134 for arthroscopy [P = .81], 160 ± 160 for open [Ref], and 140 ± 82 days for both [P = .75]). However, multivariate analysis of reimbursement claims found arthroscopic surgery claims to be 13% higher compared to claims for open surgery only (US $29 986 ± 16 259 for arthroscopy vs US $26 495 ± 13 186 for open, P < .001). Patients aged ≥65 had more medical expenses than patients aged 60 to 64 (P = .03). Potentially modifiable variables that significantly prolonged RTW timing and higher health-care claims included need for vocational rehabilitation services and filing of a legal suit. CONCLUSIONS: Return to full-duty work in geriatric workers' compensation patients after rotator cuff repair takes about 5 months regardless of surgical approach and costs significantly more in patients aged ≥65. Arthroscopic repairs generated 13% more cumulative health-care costs than open surgery alone. More efficient vocational rehabilitation services and minimizing legal suits may help get patients back to work sooner and reduce overall costs.

Patient factors influencing return to work and cumulative financial claims after clavicle fractures in workers' compensation cases.

BACKGROUND: This study analyzed workers' compensation patients after surgical or nonoperative treatment of clavicle fractures to identify factors that influence the time for return to work and total health care reimbursement claims. We hypothesized that return to work for operative patients would be faster. METHODS: The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes and Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to retrospectively query the Workers' Compensation national database. The outcomes of interest were the number of days for return to full work after surgery and total reimbursement for health care-related claims. The primary independent variable was treatment modality. RESULTS: There were 169 claims for clavicle fractures within the database (surgical, n = 34; nonoperative, n = 135). The average health care claims reimbursed were $29,136 ± $26,998 for surgical management compared with $8366 ± $14,758 for nonoperative management (P < .001). We did not find a statistically significant difference between surgical (196 ± 287 days) and nonoperative (69 ± 94 days) treatment groups in their time to return to work (P = .06); however, there was high variability in both groups. Litigation was an independent predictor of prolonged return to work (P = .007) and higher health care costs (P = .003). CONCLUSION: Workers' compensation patients treated for clavicle fractures return to work at roughly the same time whether they are treated surgically or nonoperatively, with surgery being roughly 3 times more expensive. There was a substantial amount of variability in return to work timing by subjects in both groups. Litigation was a predictor of longer return to work timing and higher health care costs.

The impact of residual angulation on patient reported functional outcome scores after non-operative treatment for humeral shaft fractures.

PURPOSE: To determine if residual angular deformity following non-operative treatment of humeral diaphyseal fractures correlates with patient reported outcomes. METHODS: Skeletally mature patients treated by one of three orthopaedic trauma surgeons at a level 1 trauma centre with humeral shaft fractures treated without surgery were retrospectively identified over a 7 year period. After inclusion and exclusion criteria, 42 patients were eligible for the study. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH); Simple Shoulder Test (SST); General health questionnaire SF-12 physical component summary (SF-12 PCS) and mental component summary (SF-12 MCS) were obtained from study participants. Healed angular deformity was obtained from patient charts. RESULTS: Thirty two subjects were successfully recruited (32/42 or 76%). Average age was 45 ± 22 with average study follow up being 47 ± 29 months. Average outcome scores were DASH 12 ± 16, SST 10 ± 2.7, SF-12 PCS 50 ± 7.9, and SF-12 MCS 54 ± 8.8. Healed sagittal plane deformity averaged 8 ± 5.7° [range 0-18], and 15 ± 7.9° [range 2-27] in the coronal plane. There was no correlation between residual sagittal or coronal plane deformity and outcome scores (DASH and SST for both p>0.05). Patients with at least 20° (n=7; 22%) of healed coronal deformity had similar outcomes to those with <20° ([DASH (13.2 ± 18.7 vs 11.7 ± 16.1; p=0.83]; [SST (10.3 ± 2 vs 10.0 ± 2.9; p=0.81]). Higher SF-12 PCS and MCS scores correlated with better DASH and SST scores (p<0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Residual angular deformity ranging from 0 to 18° in the sagittal plane and from 2 to 27° in the coronal plane after non-operative treatment for humeral shaft fractures had no correlation with patient reported DASH scores, SST scores, or patient satisfaction. Instead, overall physical and mental health status as measured by the SF-12 significantly correlated with patient reported outcomes.

Cost Drivers After Surgical Management of Proximal Humerus Fractures in Medicare Patients.

OBJECTIVES: This comparative effectiveness study sought to determine the impact of complications, readmission, and procedure choice on in-hospital and total 90-day costs for surgical management of proximal humerus fractures. METHODS: Medicare claims data from the Upstate New York area (2008-2009) were evaluated. The study included all patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or hemiarthroplasty for proximal humerus fracture identified by ICD-9 codes. The primary end points included in-hospital costs and total health care costs within 90 days after the index operation. Multivariable generalized linear models with negative binomial distributions and log link function were used for cost analysis. RESULTS: ORIF was performed in 52 cases and hemiarthroplasty in 57 cases, total n = 109. On univariate analysis, readmission increased in-hospital cost by $54,345 and total 90-day costs by $63,104, whereas complications increased in-hospital cost by $23,300 and total 90-day costs by $30,237. On multivariable analysis, ORIF was associated with 29% lower in-hospital cost compared with hemiarthroplasty [Odds Ratio 0.71; 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 0.54-0.92; P = 0.01], and readmission was associated with a 5.68-fold in-hospital cost increase (Odds Ratio 5.68; CI, 3.57-9.03; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Complications and hospital readmission continue to drive cost upward underscoring the need for best practice. The acute inpatient period costs may be decreased with ORIF in appropriately selected patients with proximal humerus fractures in comparison with hemiarthroplasty. This study provides real world cost estimates with the cost implications of complications, readmissions, and procedure choice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Peroneal Tendon Instability in Intra-Articular Calcaneus Fractures: A Retrospective Comparative Study and a New Surgical Technique.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of peroneal tendon instability as determined by intraoperative evaluation versus preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans, and to identify specific risk factors that correlate with tendon instability. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study. SETTING: Level 1 trauma hospital. PATIENTS: Patients with operatively treated intra-articular calcaneus fractures managed between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2012 were reviewed for evidence of peroneal tendon instability. Of 254 fractures, 155 intra-articular calcaneus fractures met inclusion criteria and were available for final analysis. INTERVENTION: Operative notes were reviewed to confirm intraoperative testing for superior peroneal retinaculum (SPR) integrity and peroneal tendon stability. Preoperative CT scan and plain radiographs were evaluated for presence of peroneal tendon dislocation, fibular fracture or "fleck" sign, excessive lateral wall displacement, and/or calcaneal fracture-dislocation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Peroneal tendon stability was determined with intraoperative assessment of the intact SPR and its confluence with the peroneal tendon sheath. The incidence of peroneal tendon instability on intraoperative assessment was compared with preoperatively identified tendon dislocation on CT scan. Prevalence of peroneal tendon dislocation was determined using each diagnostic method. Risk factors for tendon instability were identified using a multivariate regression model. RESULTS: There was significantly higher prevalence of peroneal tendon instability as determined by preoperative imaging (30%; n = 47/155) compared with intraoperative retinaculum testing (11.6%; n = 18/155) (P < 0.001). Intraoperative tendon instability was significantly associated with increased fracture classification severity, fibular fracture/"fleck" sign, and fracture-dislocation. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative evaluation of the SPR should be used in conjunction with preoperative imaging for diagnosis of peroneal instability in the setting of operatively treated, intra-articular calcaneus fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Financial Implications of Hospital Readmission After Hip Fracture.

INTRODUCTION: Hip fracture is the leading orthopedic discharge diagnosis associated with 30-day readmission in terms of numbers. Because readmission to the hospital following a hip fracture is so common, it adds considerably to the costs on an already overburdened health care system. METHODS: Patients aged 65 and older admitted to a 261-bed university-affiliated level 3 trauma center between April 30, 2005, and September 30, 2010, with a unilateral, native, nonpathologic low-energy proximal femur fracture were identified from a fracture registry and included for analysis. Readmissions within 30 days of hospital discharge, costs, and outcomes were collected and studied. RESULTS: Of 1081 patients, 129 (11.9%) were readmitted within 30 days. The average hospital length of stay for readmissions was 8.7 ± 18.8 days, which was significantly longer than the initial stay (4.6 ± 2.3 days) (P = .03). Nineteen percent (24 patients ∼19%) died during readmission versus 2.8% during the index admission. These patients accumulated an average hospital charge of US$16 308 ± US$6400 during their initial hospitalization for compared with charges for their readmissions of US$14 191 ± US$25 035 (P = .36). DISCUSSION: Readmission was usually associated with serious medical or surgical complications of the original hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Readmission after hip fracture is costly and harmful. Charges were similar between the original fracture admission and the readmission. Patients were readmitted most frequently for medical diagnoses following their original hospital stay. Some of these readmissions may have been avoidable.

Scapular dyskinesis following displaced fractures of the middle clavicle.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the rate of scapular dyskinesis and resulting patient outcomes after treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. METHODS: Skeletally mature patients with isolated, displaced midshaft clavicle fractures treated with or without surgery over a 16-month period were recruited. The minimum length of follow-up at study examination was 12 months. Patient outcomes were documented using the SICK (scapular malposition, inferomedial border prominence, coracoid pain and malposition, and dyskinesis of scapular movement) Scapula Rating Scale, the Simple Shoulder Test, 3 visual analog scales (VAS) for pain, and shoulder range-of-motion and strength measurements. Of the 32 eligible patients, 24 (75%) were successfully recruited. RESULTS: The mean participant age was 46 ± 17 years, with a mean length of follow-up at study evaluation of 1.7 ± 1 years. Surgical fixation was performed in 12 patients (50%). Scapular dyskinesis was present in 37.5% of patients (n = 9). Patients with scapular dyskinesis had worse SICK scapula scores (5.8 ± 2.2 vs 3.1 ± 2.4, P = .01), worse Simple Shoulder Test scores (10.5 ± 1.6 vs 11.7 ± 0.8, P = .029), higher maximum VAS pain scores (4.1 ± 3.1 vs 0.97 ± 1.2, P = .002), and worse average VAS pain scores in the week before the examination (2.7 ± 2.5 vs 0.2 ± 0.4, P < .001) compared with patients without scapular dyskinesis. Range of motion and abduction strength were similar between the groups. Scapular dyskinesis developed in 1 patient treated with surgery (8% [1 of 12]) compared with 8 patients treated nonoperatively (67% [8 of 12]) (P = .009). CONCLUSIONS: Scapular dyskinesis is common after displaced middle-third clavicle fractures, and these patients have more pain and worse functional outcomes compared with patients without scapular dyskinesis. Surgical treatment may reduce a patient's risk of scapular dyskinesis developing and improve short-term outcomes.

An analysis of adult patient risk factors and complications within 30 days after arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

PURPOSE: To identify risk factors of adult patients predisposing them to the most common complications that occur within 30 days after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for arthroscopic shoulder procedures. Complications and their frequency were calculated. Multivariate analysis was used to identify risk factors of adult patients predisposing them to complications. Risk factors for reoperation and characteristics of patients undergoing repair procedures were also analyzed. RESULTS: Among 10,255 cases of shoulder arthroscopy, 119 complications were reported in 103 cases within 30 days of surgery. The rates of any, major, and minor complications were 1%, 0.57%, and 0.53%, respectively. Return to the operating room (29% of all complications) was the most frequent complication. With risk adjustment, the odds of complications developing were higher for patients older than 60 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 3.47; P = .03), patients with a surgical time greater than 1.5 hours (AOR, 1.93; P = .01), patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; AOR, 2.76; P = .03), patients with an inpatient status (AOR, 2.72; P < .01), patients with disseminated cancer (AOR, 21.9; P < .01), and current smokers (AOR, 1.94; P = .01). The presence of COPD (AOR, 4.67; P = .04) was a significant predictor for reoperation within 30 days. Repair procedures did not increase the risk of complications compared with non-repair. Male patients, patients aged younger than 30 years, nondiabetic patients, and nonsmokers were more likely to undergo repair procedures (P < .05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Shoulder arthroscopy has a 1.0% thirty-day complication rate, with the most common complication being return to the operating room (29% of all complications). Age older than 60 years, surgical time greater than 90 minutes, COPD, inpatient status, disseminated cancer, and current smoking all increased a patient's risk of complications. Patients undergoing repair procedures were not at increased risk. Pulmonary comorbidity increases the risk of reoperation within 30 days. Patients undergoing repair procedures tend to be younger and carry fewer risk factors for complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, prognostic case series.

Distal biceps brachii tendon repairs: a single-incision technique using a cortical button with interference screw versus a double-incision technique using suture fixation through bone tunnels.

BACKGROUND: Distal biceps brachii tendon repairs performed with a tension slide technique using a cortical button (CB) and interference screw are stronger than those based on suture fixation through bone tunnels (BTs) in biomechanical studies. However, clinical comparison of these 2 techniques is lacking in the literature. PURPOSE: To perform a clinical comparison of the single-incision CB and double-incision BT techniques. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Distal biceps tendon ruptures repaired through either the single-incision CB or double-incision BT technique were retrospectively identified at a single institution. Patients>1 year out from surgery were assessed for range of motion, strength, and complications, and they completed a DASH questionnaire (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand). RESULTS: Patients in the CB group (n=20) were older (52±9.5 vs 43.7±8.7 years; P=.008), had a shorter interval from surgery to evaluation (17.7±5 vs 30.8±16.5 months; P=.001), and were less likely to smoke (0% vs 28.5%; P=.02) compared with the BT patients (n=21). DASH scores were similar between groups (4.46±4.4 [CB] vs 5.7±7.5 [BT]; P=.65). Multivariate analysis revealed no differences in range of motion or strength between groups. More CB patients (30%; n=6) experienced a complication compared with those in the BT group (4.8%; n=1) (P=.04), and these complications were predominantly paresthesias of the superficial radial nerve that did not resolve. There were no reoperations or repair failures in either group. CONCLUSION: Both the single-incision CB and double-incision BT techniques provided excellent clinical results. Complications were more common in the single-incision CB group and most commonly involved paresthesias of the superficial radial nerve.

Factors predicting patient-reported functional outcome scores after humeral shaft fractures.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine patient variables that are independent predictors of validated functional outcome scores after humeral diaphyseal fractures. METHODS: Adult patients with humeral shaft fractures were retrospectively recruited from a level 1 trauma centre over an 8-year period. Basic demographic information was obtained along with Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Simple Shoulder Test (SST) and Short Form 12 (SF-12) physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS). Regression analysis was performed to identify patient factors associated with satisfactory outcomes, defined as DASH<21; SST≥10; PCS≥40; and MCS≥40. Of 95 eligible patients, 77 were recruited. Participants had an average age of 47±20 years. Forty-five patients were treated with surgery and 32 healed non-operatively. The average follow-up was 48±29 months. RESULTS: Satisfactory DASH scores decreased with increase in age (odds ratio (OR) 0.95; P=0.023). Satisfactory SST scores were more likely in patients without a history of psychiatric illness (OR 6.3; P=0.01). Satisfactory SF-12 PCS scores were more likely with no psychiatric history (OR 12; P=0.007) and in patients with private insurance (OR 11.4; P=0.03), but these scores decreased with rising Charlson comorbidity index (CCI; OR 0.50; P=0.023). Satisfactory SF-12 MCS scores increased in the absence of psychiatric history (OR 39; P=0.003), and decreased with rising CCI score (OR 0.54; P=0.035). Analysis of patients younger than 50 years of age (n=38) revealed that the absence of psychiatric history increased the odds of satisfactory DASH scores (OR 10.4; P=0.04). Patients aged ≥50 (n=39) had worse DASH scores with increasing age (OR 0.89; P=0.037), better SST scores with middle-third fractures compared to proximal (OR 7.8; P=0.039), better SF-12 PCS with no psychiatric history (OR 16.1; P=0.018) and worse scores with rising CCI (OR 0.50; P=0.036), while rising CCI decreased the odds of satisfactory SF-12 MCS scores (OR 0.47; P=0.046). Treatment modality, associated fractures and classification as "high energy" mechanism were not associated with outcome. CONCLUSION: Patient age, history of psychiatric illness, insurance type, fracture location and Charlson comorbidity index scores had a statistically significant effect on patient-reported functional outcomes following treatment of humeral shaft fractures, regardless of treatment modality, injury mechanism and associated fractures. The impact of these variables may be age dependent.

Revision rates and cumulative financial burden in patients treated with hemiarthroplasty compared to cannulated screws after femoral neck fractures.

INTRODUCTION: This study compares re-operation rates and financial burden following the treatment of femoral neck fractures treated with hemiarthroplasty compared to non-displaced femoral neck fractures treated with cannulated screws. METHODS: Data was retrospectively analyzed from a prospective database at a university hospital setting on patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty after femoral neck fractures and those with non-displaced femoral neck fractures treated with cannulated screws over a 7-year period. Re-operation rates were determined and financial data was analyzed. Charges refer to amounts billed by the hospital to insurance carriers, while costs refer to financial burden carried by the hospital during treatment. RESULTS: There were 491 femoral neck fractures (475 patients) that underwent hemiarthroplasty (HA) and 120 non-displaced fractures (119 patients) treated with cannulated screw (CannS) fixation. Both groups had similar age, sex, Charlson co-morbidity scores, pre-operative Parker mobility scores, and 12-month mortality. There were 29 (5.9 %) reoperations in the HA group and 16 (13.3 %) in the CannS group (P = 0.007). The majority of re-operations occurred within 12 months for both groups [21/29 (72 %) HA group; 15/16 (94 %) CannS group; P = 0.13]. Average hospital charges per patient for the index procedure were higher in the HA group ($17,880 ± 745) compared to the CannS group ($14,104 ± 5,047; P < 0.001). After accounting for additional procedures related to their initial surgical fixation, average hospital charges and costs remained higher in the HA group. CONCLUSION: Patients treated with hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures have lower re-operation rates than patients treated with cannulated screws for non-displaced femoral neck fractures, with 80 % of re-operations occurring in the first 12 months. Hospital charges and costs to the hospital for treating patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty were higher than patients treated with cannulated screws for the index procedure alone, and after accounting for re-operations.